Saturday 30 August 2014

INTERVIEW WITH JOHNNY KETLO FROM OMEGA CROM


This is the interview with Omega Crom vocalist Johnny Ketlo, via Metal Revelation.

You can find the complete review of the album Beyond Control here


Hello guys and thanks in advance for taking the time.

Why did you choose Omega Crom for the band's name?
Hello everyone. That name was chosen because there was about 6 other bands called Crom (lol). After being threatened with a lawsuit from one of the Croms we decided to have a competition in which the winner is awarded a case of beer if they come up with a name that we all like. After many submissions of everything from FleshStorm to Ragnarok we were still undecided, nothing was clicking. Finally, it was a girl named Shawnee who said why don’t you just call the band Omega Crom. Omega being the ‘Final and Eternal’ and Crom being the ‘Slayer of Giants’. When she put it like that there really was no other choice.


The style of the band mixes heavy power metal and thrash, and even death metal; which genre do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy thrash metal the most but these preferences are always changing in the moment. If you go on tour and listen to nothing but metal for weeks sometimes you just want to kick back to a little country or classical music. For me music isn’t about genres it is about how it makes you feel in the moment. Power Metal is so epic and thrash so tough, death is so hard hitting, it is easy to take steps toward incorporating all of these elements and more. Combining them seamlessly and so they compliment each other is a challenge.


The vocal parts are excellent, mixing the clean high pitched operistic technique and the genuine sharp harsh style of the thrash and death metal,
how easy is for you to change that kinds of vocal techniques live on stage?
Thank you. At the beginning it was much more difficult but as the experience roles in and the technique is practiced over and over it becomes smoother. One actually gives you a break from the other. Of course a person should be careful not to step on the vocal chords too hard while doing these things and let the mic do the work for you. Studio and live are definitely two different animals but I don’t even notice the live transition anymore. It is more about how you feel in your heart when you do it. It is exciting to get to that thrashy death vocal part and you get to step into the different shoes. When I was a child I would pretend to be max Cavelera or go to bed and listen to Queen or Halford and pretend that it was me singing. So again it comes back to being in the moment, knowing what you feel and being able to make the audience feel that too.


Your first album was released under Reversed Records but this album is made independently, 
Even though the production sounds good, How do you value the process of recording the album?

Actually both albums were made independently, we only went with that label on the first one because we were told it would be in our best interests. Later on shit got sour with that so it was time to get away from the bullshit, as we are literally beyond control of bullshit haha. Anyway yes, we value the process greatly, almost reverently. Like anything the vibes must be good in the jam space, in the studio, in the production room. We had to do some major house cleaning to get back to that place where it is all about making music and memories with your friends and fans and we did that. It was a grat feeling. I would listen to Dio everyday on the way to the studio to get into state. When Dio sings about something that shit is real for you, you believe it, when he says ‘shame on the night’ it’s like, fuck yeah shame on the night man, I don’t know what that means but I am living it. In the studio there was laughter, there was creation, and sharing and helping, it was a beautiful experience with Stu McKillop and Curtis Buckoll. They helped make the album that I had in my mind, like passing a mental kidney stone, and they helped us enjoy the process immensly. Syl on bass and Colin on drums and Celine on guest vox was so amazing, solid and supportive professional people all around. Friends would come in and hang with us which was not allowed on the previous record so straight up the vibes were amazing and it all contributed to the overall tone of the album.


How long did it take to finish Beyond Control?
I had been writing the songs for years, kicking around in my head. It was frustrating because it was like telling people hey man I have a cool song idea but you can’t show them what is in your mind. The music was tracked over a period of five weeks. Somethings were done the night before like the intro solo to Land of Never Was I wrote the night before I tracked. Somethings were done on the spot like the vocals to the chorus of Power Soul I came up with on the spot when previously nothing else had worked. After the tracking it took a while to coordinate artwork and such things but the tracking was an amazing experience, The art was done by a friend named Warren who made miniature models and then photographed them, so what you see is actually a 3d photo of some miniature models. Warren is good and works as a tattoo artist out of Kelowna BC. He has done work on movies such as Underworld making real life looking werewolves for epic creature effects  in which they had to chop the things face in half and stuff like that. He makes it look so gross and real. Celine is also a great graphic designer and put in a lot of time making the layout work. Having Syl and Colin by my side as the rock steady rhythm section was also a major contribution. These guys are seasoned pros from the same school of rock and metal as myself. They cool in all situations and totally pro. Overall it took a couple of years to create, maybe more, maybe less depending on how you look at it. For me it has been a long time in the coming.


What did you enjoy the most when recording the album?

Playing a Gibson Les Paul custom through an Eddie Van Halen 5150 rig. The tone was stellar.

The main theme of the band is about Conan the Barbarian, is there a possibility that the theme could change in the future?
Hmm, that is half true. That is definitely the theme in some trax in others not so much so yea I would say that that could change or become even more the case depending on which way the wind blows that day. For instance, When I was a kid I read a lot of  Savage Sword of Conan comics and was right into Robert E Howard Conan novels. In one comic Conan is running from a group of soldiers and to escape them he must cross a border into a haunted land where they would not follow. While running through the mists and the night he encounters a pack of werewolves lead by a majestic she wolf who is taken by his primal nature and he becomes a wolf and runs with her in the night. At the end of the story he has to make a choice between staying with the pack or going back to the land of men. I believe the title of the story was Blood Red Moon. After all these years though I am not sure but I told myself at that time I was going to write a song one day with that title. 

Land of Never Was definitely, is a great metaphor for insanity and wrestling with the ups and down of the roller coaster ride which is life. So many people come and gone through the years, you love em all in their own special way and sometimes the drama is a bit much to have to handle.

Chaos Theory to me a philosophical piece. Also dealing with some deep metaphorical issues and ideas that everyone has to experience and can most likely relate to easily. All in a poetic form so it is better in a way to leave the meaning general and open. So that it means something more deep and personal to each individual that hears it and can identify with in some way. I wouldn’t dare say too much or espouse on what it means to me too deeply as to not ruin it for others who may take it differently, so that it is more personal to them in the end.

Power Soul, the name says it all. I was toying with ideas of what to call the song. I was standing in line at the movies to go see a flick called Avatar and the name just came to me. Later as I watched the movie I realised it was kind of about an essence of life a kin to the soul of the earth which as we all know is far beyond any control, and that’s the way it should be.

So at the end of the day we could go more Conan or less depending 



Which bands are the main influences of the band?
AC/DC, old Metallica, Megadeth, Pantera, Sepultura, Slayer, Priest, Maiden, Bach, Beethoven, Augustin Barrios, Ozzy, G,n,R, Edguy, Blind Guardian, Skid Row, Dio, Cacaphony, Vinnie Moore, Impelliterri, Jason Becker, and more recently Manowar.


Is Omega Crom preparing a national tour?

We are however money is a huge factor and it is hard for us to get overseas because of that, right now we are focusing on getting the music out through the web.

How is the international heavy metal scene reacting to your new album so far?
So far there has been nothing but positive feedback. For which we are very happy and thankful


Canada is bringing lots of true metal bands, how do you feel when bands like Skull Fist or Striker are becoming big names
in the international heavy metal scene?
I am stoked. Canada has a lot of amazing bands and it is great to see.


Are you preparing an upcoming video clip of any of the tracks in the new album?
We have some plans in the works. As I said money is an obstacle for us but we are stubborn and we will make it happen sooner or later come hell or high water


Celine made a great job on the vocals in Beyond Control, how do you value this collaboration?
 
I value this very highly. She was my roommate and taught me so much about singing. I was going through a terrible phase in my life and when I moved in with her, I would wake up every morning to her doing the dishes and singing Priest or Blind Guardian, and that healed my heart. We would always sing to each other and she was a natural with an amazing ear and would always coach me through the rough patches. When we were tracking she was hanging out and I was like get in the booth and do this and she would and it made it sooo awesome. I was always blown away by female male metal vox like Phantom Opera Ghost off of Iced Earths Horror Show and such things so it was a beautiful opportunity to have something like that of our own, especially with such a great friend and musician as Celine is.


Any European Tour in the future? which bands would you like to play with on your tour?
Europe Tour is a lifelong dream for us and we take steps toward that all the time. What bands are on my wish list. I’d say see the previous list about our influences. However, there are some local friends bands from Canada that we absolutely love to tour with and I will name the two I hold in super high regard. The Order of Chaos and West of Hell. But yes of course we would love to tour with Some huge kick ass bands of our heroes as well haha.



Which is your favourite country for a concert?
So far I can only imagine, us being the poor ass country boys that we are we are living in a small fishbowl and have only toured on this continent. I would like to tour Europe, Mexico, Brazil, Japan. No favourites really because I just don’t know yet. 


How was the last tour of the band? Tell me how do you remember your favourite concert?
The last tour was awesome, so many friends , fans and great memories.

 My favourite concert had to be Pantera reinventing the steel tour. There was so much energy and when they played I’ll cast a Shadow the entire floor of Pacific Coliseum became a mosh pit. It was incredible.



Special moments over this twelve years of Omega crom?
Opening for Stratovarius in Vancouver. Playing with ZimmersHole when we first started out in 2002 as young punks. Having the privilege of sharing the stage with Stu Block and being a small part of that story. That guy sacrificed so much and worked his ass off for everything he has achieved. When we were starting out we had tix to Iced Earth and the show got cancelled. Now he is in Iced Earth. Small world. My true blue friends like Colin, Syl, and Celine. Everyone that has come through the OC camp. Very thankful for all of these things. And much, much more to come in the future. 


The sound of this new album is much better than your previews jobs, after four years of your first full length, do you think
this is the right moment to start releasing material more often, like every one or two years per album?
Yes I think that would be great. It has always been the goal. Keeping this band moving forward has been very hard and it is getting easier now after 12 years of slugging it out in the trenches, broken bruised and bloody, but we always rise again and make progress happen kicking and screaming.

The feeling is really epic and even more with themes about Conan the Barbarian, what feelings do you like your fans
to feel when they listen to this album?

The same feeling you had when you saw your first drum or guitar solo. The same feeling you got when you first heard Master of Puppets or Metal Militia. Highs and lows. Epic and humble. A rollercoaster ride where you get to stand on the brink and feel in your heart what the composer felt in that moment when it was created.


To finalise, could you send a message to your fans?
Sure. Hey fans, you guys fucking rock and we love each and everyone of you whether the hot groupie or totally insane headbanger. Thanks for the support and we will see you out there someday as we break free from these chains and keep on flying together into the metal dream


Thank you so much again for your time and also thanks to Metal Revelation for making possible this interview!
You are welcome and thank you very much. Cheers!




Wednesday 27 August 2014

INTERVIEW WITH JET JAGUAR

Hello, its always a pleasure to interview you, thank you guys for making it possible.

First of all, tell me some of the band's history, Why did you choose Jet Jaguar as the band's name?
We were struggling a little at that time to decide the name of the band, we had some options such as "Exiler" and also "Roller Blade" but then, Diego came up with the Jet Jaguar idea from a video game he used to play when he was a kid haha.

Jet Jaguar life is really in the first steps, but the sound quality is great, how long did it take to create your first EP?
Well, actually it's a demo. It took us from January, to the moment we started recording it (March).

How do you value the relation between the band members?
I think it's pretty good. We often try to do some stuff outside the band, you know, like playing soccer, some video games or just hanging out.

Sometimes band members like different styles, one can like classic heavy metal and another could like thrash metal mainly, Are your influences similar?
The influences of every member are very different. Sometimes this is a problem when composing, but it is also an advantage, because everyone comes up with different ideas, and this helps to give variety to our music.


Which band is the most influential for the band?
Because of the fact that our influences are different, every member has their favourite band which influences our music. But if we had to mention a few bands, we would say Skull Fist, Cacophony, Riot and Racer X.

Most of the NWOTHM bands evolve from the EP or demo to the first or second album in a way that they can slightly stand with more power metal style or even thrash metal structure, Jet Jaguar is genuine heavy speed metal with drippings of power,  how satisfied are you with the band sound?
We are really satisfied with the band's sound, but of course we are aiming to improve our sound with time and effort. Also, we are adding some power and hard rock stuff to the new songs.

Would you change anything in the near future?
We already have set in our minds the direction of where we want to take the band in the future. 


How is the metal scene in your country?
Excellent, the support is great and the union of the metal fans is strong, but there is a lack of recording labels and promotion. It's a little hard to get recognised internationally.

Do you find it easy to promote your music on the concerts ?

Not exactly in concerts, but a lot people has already bought a copy of our demo by contacting us.


How is the international heavy metal scene responding after the release of your first demo?
Is doing great! We have even received more messages from people from outside our country than from Mexico. This is really important, so maybe, eventually, we'll be able to play in other countries around the world.


Have you had any record label or Promotion company offers ?
Yes, we are looking forward to work with a label called Metal Ways Records, they will release our first LP, and we have already received some offers for promotion.


NWOTHM bands record videoclips at very early times (even in the first EP) like Leather Heart or Night, is Jet Jaguar preparing a videoclip?
Not yet, we want to wait for the first album.



How is the tour going?
We haven't tour yet, since we are writing new material.


What are the plans for an international tour?
That would be amazing; we hope to tour, first, in our country to achieve national recognition, and then, we may a have chance, with the release of the LP, to tour in other countries.

Any chance to come to Europe?
Well, if you want to take us there... haha it would be fucking awesome to play in Europe at some point in the future.


The heavy speed metal scene in Europe is also growing, do you know bands like Ruthless steel, Air raid or Leather Heart? Would you like to share stage with this kind of bands in the future?
That's exactly the kind of bands we'd like to share stage with. Bands like Steelwing, Monument, etc...


To finish, Could you send a message to your fans?
For the people who has heard our music around the world via Internet, we really hope to see you soon and play live for you, thanks for the support!

Thank you so much for your time and keep it true guys!

Also you can find the complete review of Jet Jaguar HERE

Links
Facebook
Youtube


Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB



Friday 22 August 2014

REVIEW OF THE ALBUM TO HELL BY COBRA




Cobra is a traditional heavy speed metal band from Peru, formed in 2005, had two demos ready by 2007, playing many gigs nationally and being well known in the national heavy metal scene, the release of their split album with Skull allowed them to gig in more south american countries in 2010.
Then, after working hard on the studio the first full length Lethal Strike came to light in 2011 via Austral Holocaust Records having good feedback from the media and also getting better known in Peru and abroad.

Finally To Hell was released last February 2014, after a year of hard work, and got distributed nationally and also in Europe thanks to Van Records.
Cobra style combines the aggressive side of Judas priest, timing it in the Defenders of the faith composition style, with the pulse and riffs from Motorhead and Venom melted in one; the vocalist is styled with high pitched, powerful techniques with sharp melodic moments, sounding like a mix of Judas priest, Exciter and Griffin.
The album starts with Beyond the curse, beginning like an epic in crescendo introduction that leads to the headbanging action in one of the top tracks of the band, from the awesome bass touch to start to the galloping drumbeats and the potent voice, this song is what true metal music sounds like, you will find yourself screaming with a fist in the air, (dudes that is a really powerful ending), outstanding bomb linked with Fallen soldier, kicking in with a fast tempo speed heavy metal style, accelerated Motorhead reminiscences and drippings of Enforcer, remarkable addictive chorus and memories of early Iron Maiden riffs, but keeping the band's sign.

Danger zone slows the drum pounding shots to a mid tempo hard rocker track, excellent interpretation on the vocals, changing from the mid range to the high pitched scream instantaneously. Rough riders takes the strong pulse of the previous song but its transformed in a genuine heavy metal attack.
Beware my wrath accelerates the speed taking you to the mosh pit, excellent harmony in the guitar duet, that is what i call a team work perfectly executed! Vocals are perfect, bringing the fury to the stage, great combo of lows and highs in a  sharp aggressive style.

When i walk the street keep the glory in the voice in another hard rocker- early heavy metal preference with powerful drumbeats, with a rhythm seen on bands like Airbourne or even Krokus or Saxon.
The tittle track To hell, blast the scene with one of the best performed songs of the album, fast paced speed metal that leaves you breathless and will make you bang your heads till the end! Awesome how they link the verses with the guitar shredding and the chords.

The last track, Inner demon, heralds their most sophisticated drums of the album, also being one of the best compositions and the most epic track up to date, forceful voice that goes in crescendo until the ultra high pitched vocals at the end, everything here is outstanding and it demonstrate the style of the band and defines their attitude very well.

Cobra released a true metal masterpiece that will be considered  a gem of the genre, without a doubt these guys are ready to the heavy metal attack nationally and internationally, with a genuine speed heavy metal that will call the attention of true metalheads around the globe, be aware of the deadly COBRA attack!


9 / 10





Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB



Tuesday 19 August 2014

REVIEW OF THE FIRST DEMO BY EVIL KILLER


Evil Killer is a traditional Heavy Speed metal band from Spain formed in 2012 and just releasing this demo in January 2013, the band is comprised by Ivan Vera on the lead guitars, Sergio on the drums, Ray on the bass and Mikel on the rhythm guitar and the vocals. The style of this band comes from the combination of the speed faction of NWOBHM bands like Jaguar, Savage or Virtue and the early German Power metal (Helloween on the early times, Walls of Jericho), and obviously Agent Steel or Judas Priest and Iron Maiden are three roots that are followed by the band with high pitched vocals, sharp guitars sounds with abundant shredding between chords and pure speed heavy metal drumbeats in general.

The demo starts with On guard as an instrumental track that bring you back to the essence of the classic heavy metal to attack forcefully with Fight, one of the top tracks in terms of composition, being an authentic speed metal with strong straight chorus and reminiscences of Victim of fate by Helloween at the changes of rhythm.

Adventures Mind mid tempo galloping start lose fuel in comparison with the rest of the material but, however, it improves slightly as it is getting to the mid final part, great changes of pulse and epic feeling in the last minute but the sudden end makes you feel like it is something missing or even incomplete; but it's a demo and it still sound awesome!

Return of my nightmare is another genuine heavy speed metal, a missile of headbanging pulse and powerful chorus, bringing memories from Stand to fight by Virtue, that will take you to the mosh pit, awesome composition also experimenting different changes of rhythm. Tracks like this and Fight defines the band's sound very well.

To finish we have the band's name track, Evil killer, as another fast tempo speed metal but this time more influenced on the power metal side, riveting from start to finish, great composition and better harmony in the sound.

Excellent point of entry of this spanish band, Evil Killer brings the true metal, very well learnt, becoming one more in the club of the new wave of traditional heavy metal. The production is clearly in the first steps and needs to be improved and I'm sure with a better production and keeping doing the compositions like this, this band will have a lot to say not only in Spain but in the European true metal scene; so Fight!

7,5 / 10

Sunday 17 August 2014

REVIEW OF THE ALBUM BEYOND CONTROL BY OMEGA CROM


Omega Crom is a ripping power metal band from Vancouver, Canada formed in 2002 and releasing their first full length in 2010, Blood, fire and steel via Reversed Records and now just released their new album Beyond Control independently.

Omega Crom style is defined by a progressive power metal combined with drippings of thrash metal mainly and death metal at some moments, the vocals are clean high pitched styled on the power metal parts  mixed with harsh and growling techniques well defined in the thrash metal sections; also have to remark the vocal appearance of Celine Derval in this album giving the record an epic melodic style, the themes are based on Robert E. Howard's Conan the Barbarian.

Beyond  control starts with Sundering blades, sharp guitar riffs with similarities of Judas priest to start but purely a great mix of thrash and epic power metal, adding progressive shredding, outstanding epic chorus and vocal quality, linked with Power Soul, power metal mid pulsed song with really catchy parts on the verses, the high pitched vocals are astonishing, clean and high like the Sad wings of destiny album by the Metal Gods, attacking with forceful instrumental at the end, being  one of the best creations of the band.

Unwanted hell soft entry contains a modern power thrash metal structure mixing fast and mid pulse, introducing clean vocals in the thrash metal parts, not very convinced at the beginning but i have to admit that was a great idea; following with Chaos theory that plays with slow and mid tempo pure power epic metal, counting with the collaboration of Celine giving very effective results; awesome guitar riffs in great harmony with the rest of the band.
Infiltate the system heralds The best progressive thrash metal part of the album, also mixing power metal with awesome guitar parts like usual in the band style.

Blood red moon is another top track comprising pure heavy metal headbanging pulse melted with the best guitar sophisticated techniques of the album followed by Shattered illusions of reality, mid fast pounding drumbeats of progressive power metal with a  remarkably catchy long chorus.
Of past and present mix growling and potent clean vocals in a doom metal instrumental bringing back memories of Candlemass  attacking with a thrash and death metal styled in-crescendo ending.


Brains all over the floor takes you to the mosh pit violently with a powerful death metal twisted with thrash metal moments, well linked with the last track of the album, Land of never was, as another top hits of progressive power metal with the two vocals working perfectly, excellent job on the guitars emphasizing in the right moments creating a really epic atmosphere.

Beyond control by Omega Crom will be a must have and a reference for progressive power metal fans, some highlights of the album are Sundering Blades,  Power Soul, Blood Red Moon and Shattered illusions of reality, the rest is still good but not in the same quality.
The compositions are outstanding at some parts and the vocals are powerful, high and clean; and demonstrating a growling style that is really admirable. Guitars are awesome and sophisticated, dancing correctly with the drums and bass. Omega Crom have to be proud of this album, mixing successfully the progressive power metal with thrash and death metal worlds.

Friday 15 August 2014

REVIEW OF CITY OF GOLD BY STRIKER


Striker is a speed power metal band from Canada formed in 2007 being one of the first bands to revive the sound of the 80s true metal in the well known New wave of traditional heavy metal, releasing their first demo in 2008, EP in 2009 and first full length Eyes in the night, in 2010 being one of the best speed metal releases of the year and also a good influence for new young metalheads hungry for true metal action; Armed to the teeth was released two years later, 2012, increasing the quality of their sound to a new level and after two years of hard work, their new album City of Gold is ready to be released the next 29th of August via Napalm Records.

Striker new album City of Gold is forged with forceful power speed metal riffs containing some modern heavy metal moments and old school thrash metal drippings, not only being influenced by the power of Crimson Glory, the dangerous sharp wild steel of Judas Priest or the melodic technique of Dio, now the thrash metal force of Exodus come into scene at some parts.

The album starts strong with the pure heavy speed metal Underground, denoting some modern melodies but keeping the roots of the classic metal flame burning bright; continued by the tittle track City of Gold as a headbanging mid tempo anthem that heralds a fist in the air feeling on the chorus,  well combined with the high pitched vocals on the verses, remarkable job on the guitars, being impulsive and wild. Start again continues the mid fast pulse with drippings of 90s thrash metal melted with powerful vocal parts between Dio and Bruce Dickinson style.

The 80s revival from this band doesn't finish on the aggressive heavy speed metal, they are over the top of the melodic hard rock with Bad decisions, bringing memories from Love ain't no stranger by Whitesnake but improved with the wild sign of the band, one of the surprises of the album that improves in every track.
Crossroads bring you to the mosh pit accelerating the pounding drumbeats in a speed power metal blast with a very straight  aggressive style on the vocals, also used on the following track All for one, this time more melodic on the vocals creating a genuine power metal base and chorus.

 Mind control heralds a mid tempo thrash metal sound with strong pulse with excellent changes of rhythm, very well connected with the most thrash metal influenced song of the album, Second Attack, bringing back memories of Exodus style that will make you wreck your neck fist in the air.
Leaving the best for the end, I find the three last tracks so interesting because contains the most virtuous vocals in the album combined with an excellent compositions, bringing the melodic parts to a pure heavy metal anthem in All I want, with a style between Dio and Dokken, followed by Rise up developing a forceful speed thrash metal containing a style seen on bands like Enforcer and Evil Invaders on the instrumental but with the unique striker style on the lead vocals.


Its the turn for the last masterpiece of the album, Taken by Time, sounds like a combination of all styles the band have experimented along this record, thrash metal base that changes pulses to an authentic heavy metal melody reviving the sound of albums like holy diver by Dio with drippings of power metal, encapsulating the band sound.

Striker demonstrated not only they are capable to create an excellent speed power metal compositions, they went further experimenting with thrash metal and melodic hard rock, resulting in a very rich creation, eleven solid forged, brilliantly produced metal tracks that keep the true metal alive making the listener to play them again and again.

9 / 10


STRIKER 
Chris Segger on Guitars
Dan Cleary on Vocals
Adam Brown on Drums
Timothy Brown on Guitars
Wild Bill on Bass

Promotion by NAPALM RECORDS

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Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

Monday 11 August 2014

REVIEW CALL OF THE FIGHT DEMO BY JET JAGUAR



Jet Jaguar are a traditional heavy speed metal from Mexico formed in 2014 and just released their first demo. Jet jaguar first work consist in four genuine traditional heavy speed metal shots influenced on the roots by Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Tokyo Blade firstly and an added progressive and power metal drippings that will delight the ears of Skull Fist and Enforcer fans (the style have also similarities with Strikelight).

The demo starts with Hunter, with the drumbeats playing unveiling a speed metal riff that encapsulates the band style, awesome bass sound all over, this fast pulse will definitely make you bang your heads from the beginning and the chorus is the best, if skull fist had heavier than metal, jet jaguar have Hunter.

Call of the fight heralds another speed metal rhythm with strong pounding drum pulse, epic chorus on the mid pitched vocals, making a good contrast with the high pitched parts. Remarkable job by the guitars, technically perfect.

Rock shots belongs to the classic 80s heavy metal, what an anthem! Give me memories of hot shots by Maniac in an accelerating rhythm of speed metal and wild attitude chorus, forceful headbanging ending.
To complete the work we have their new single called Battle of the gods, high pitched vocals well executed in a mid fast tempo heavy speed metal, with an excellent power metal forged chorus; remarkable the production in this track,  resulting in a fresher and cleaner sound.


 The style is still defined by their influences mainly and the band own sound is in an early step; the voice is excellent but could be better at some points, where more vocal strength is needed, but the result is outstanding, the composition is exceptional, riveting from start to finish, remarkable axe mastering, from the virtuous guitar solos  to the well executed chords and palm mutes, the harmony is great within all members of the band. Definitely a true metal gem from a promising band, Jet Jaguar attacks!

8 / 10



Links
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Jet Jaguar are:

Sergio Quintero: Guitars/Backing Vocals
Diego Aragón: Guitars/Backing Vocals
Jorge Ramírez: Bass/Lead Vocals
Jimmy Lozano: Drums


Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

Sunday 10 August 2014

REVIEW OF LET THE THUNDER ROAR BY BLACK TRACK



Black Track is a traditional heavy/speed metal from Mexico, formed in 2010 and releasing two demos in 2011 and 2012 to finally release an EP  the 12th of April 2014, called Let the thunder Roar via Metal Ways Records and it's inclusive of their second demo as bonus tracks. The band is comprised by Adrian on the bass, Lyon on the drums, Spider as the lead guitars and Rayo on the vocals and rhythm axe. their style heralds a speed heavy metal influenced by bands like Agent Steel and Iron Maiden on the roots and also from New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal bands (like Enforcer or Striker) with a very straight and strong compositions.

Let the Thunder Roar starts with the tittle track, with the rain and thunder unveiling an authentic speed metal headbanging anthem, remarkable instrumental all over, the harmony is perfect with the vocals and the rest of the band with a mid-high pitched vocals combining clean and sharp styles; with no lull The Wolf bites tonight start with a forceful riff in another excellent act with some Judas Priest memories on the changes of rhythm twisted with the Iron Maiden style by Adrian and Lyon; exceptional track continued by the instrumental Black Dragon (In Tokyo), well done melodies and headbanging action by axe masters and bassist.

Speed Force attack without warning, one of the fastest speed metal tracks with remarkable job by Rayo where we can find some high pitched screams mixed with impulsive combat vocal shots, outstanding changes of pulse and guitar solos noticing the influence of the Masters of Metal (Agent Steel) here and also on Cosmic Metal/ Into the darkness, being one of the best songs in the EP, wrecking necks from the beginning, mixed high pitched vocal parts with growling techniques are remarkable, but mid ranged parts have to be controlled better though.

After this headbanging EP the rest of the material belongs to the second demo, included here as a bonus tracks. Warrior's Attack  is the first in line of the bonus tracks and combines an excellent chorus and instrumental with a power feeling, however the vocals still needed to be improved on the melodic sections. Demon is another strong speed metal bomb, impulsive on the vocals (better performed here).


The werewolf bring some thrash metal influence, good headbanging song finishing with Revenge is Mine (Heavy Metal Command), with an accelerating riff on the Iron Maiden influence side, vocals are used better here keeping the mid-high range mixing with short hasty sharp style; the guitars and drums work together really good on the galloping pulse that shades to the silence.

Black Track forged really good material, the roots of heavy speed metal that influenced the band made them pass successfully this point of entry, bounding to develop a heavy speed metal with a large range on the vocals and a forceful instrumental; As a first EP this is an exceptional job, the vocals have improved since their demo section as you can see how better is the EP compared with the bonus tracks that follows,still need of improvement but good job! keep a close eye on them because they really have what it takes to keep it true.

7.5 / 10


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Posted by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

Thursday 7 August 2014

REVIEW OF THE FIRST ALBUM BY NIGHT


Night are a classic heavy metal band from Sweden formed in 2011 and released two singles in 2012 and 2013 followed by the full length Night, released in November 2013 via Gaphals records, receiving numerous great feedback from the media! Their style can be timed back to the mid late 70s with influences from Judas Priest and early NWOBHM bands like Angel Witch or Samson developing both hard rock and authentic heavy metal melted at perfection. 


The album explodes with one of their heaviest anthems, Fire and Steel, taking the genuine sound of the Judas priest British steel era mixed with sharp angry high pitched vocals leading to a headbanging chorus to scream on the gigs; linking this bomb, the main hard rocker-early heavy metal riff of Gunpowder Treason start to sound in crescendo with a forceful mid tempo pulse, one of their best tracks of this album, awesome bridge and really effective chorus!
Following the same headbanging rhythm, Out of the ashes, comes to light created to be a heavy metal hymn; the vocals keep standing in the same high pitched level but this time the sharp style leads to a cleaner vocal techniques, reminiscences of early Judas priest on the instrumental, memories of Cheater from rocka rolla album, that's great!



Running in the night main riff reveals a mid fast tempo headbanging pulse always in harmony with the high pitched vocals, remarkable touch on the drums and the chorus, this track is well linked with Taking you Down where they use the same combo but adding a really intense chorus and an exceptional instrumental with an in-crescendo structure.

Hang 'Em High hard rocker start is amazing as it twists the style bringing you the heavy metal glory on the bridge and chorus in this mid tempo anthem, taking you to the final tracks of the album where the hard rock goes a little behind  with Stand Your Ground being again a mid tempo track but with a instrumental gone wilder than before specially at the second half of the song where the vocalist make an outstanding interpretation with sharp high pitched forceful verses.

But don't breath yet, Play it Loud explode like a bomb with the faster tempo hard pounding drumbeats, the composition is awesome as the bridge takes you up to the chorus leaving you banging your head as you shout it Play it loud! And now its the turn of Into the Night, probably the heaviest track together with Fire and Steel, the drums take a rhythm seen before on tracks like Rapid Fire by Judas Priest,  now every member of the band is in harmony, the composition is something extraordinary, astonishing the guitars how evolve from bridge to chorus, encapsulating the band's style.

The last track of the album, Keep the Fire Burning, heralds a mid tempo galloping pulse really well forged leaving the sensation of being a solid composition in harmony with the rest of the album but losing some fuel after the last two metal missiles.

Overall Night created an awesome album, where hits like Gunpowder Treason, Fire and Steel or Into the night will be recognised masterpieces, the instrumental is perfect and influenced by the roots of heavy metal, drinking from the same chalice of 70s and specially 1980 British Steel Judas Priest or Dio and having reminiscences of Oliver Magnum. The production is great also, being their first full length is outstanding the sound they have managed, the level of inspiration in this band is truly high and it will be the key of leading the torch of the new wave of classic heavy metal.

8,5 / 10



Tuesday 5 August 2014

REVIEW FIRST EP BY TOLEDO STEEL


Toledo Steel are a classic heavy metal band from Southampton, UK, formed in 2011 and releasing their first demo in december 2012, Toledo Steel have been touring around the country and finally after adding the second guitarist to the band the first EP came out in August 2013, consisting in three missiles of pure heavy metal encapsulating the essence of NWOBHM.
The band comprises Rich Rutter on the vocals, Kyle House and Tom Potter on the guitars, David Lovell with the bass and Matt Dobson on drums.


The ep starts with Alcatraz with a classic heavy speed metal riff, headbanging moshpiting pulse developing a strong straight high pitched vocals, awesome sharp sound all over the song by Rich and axe masters Kyle and Tom, the chorus is also exceptional, made to be singed along in every gig, fists in the air; as we continue with Black widow, taking reminiscences from Iron Maiden and memories of heavier than metal by Skull Fist on the main riff, forging a powerful melodies on the vocals where the lows and high pitched styles are amazingly well combined; well done on the drums creating Judas priest late 70s techniques combined with drippings of power metal styled structure.

Flames arise take us back to the mid 80s with a truly headbanging authentic heavy speed metal with drippings of epic melodies, reminiscences of bands like Virtue, the mid tempo changing rhythm is outstanding, true metal in every chord! The instrumental parts are in an excellent harmony leaving you breathless til the end!


Overall this first EP by Toledo Steel  is riveting from start to finish with a crystal clear production, awesome job by every single member of the band,for sure Toledo Steel not only are here to stay, this band will probably be one of the leading bands of the new wave of traditional heavy metal.

8,5 / 10


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Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

Friday 1 August 2014

REVIEW OF THE FIRST DEMO BY BLIZZEN



Blizzen is a Traditional Heavy metal band from Germany, formed in January 2014 and just released their first demo. The band comprises Gereon Nikolay on drums, Marvin Kiefer and Andi Heindl on the guitars and Daniel Stecki on the vocals and the bass.

The style of the band is genuine heavy speed metal influenced by big bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden but also following the steps from bands like Virtue and Tokyo Blade, developing also a similar touch like Skull Fist or Enforcer. This first demo consist in three killer tracks starting with the catchy Gone Wild as a fast tempo speed metal bomb with a great job by Gereon on the pedal and also introducing high pitched vocals that evolves from clean high tones to mid sharp techniques, riveting from start to finish, this powerful track is continued by Peace is for the weak, as a mid tempo song, excellent on the guitars with reminiscences of Between the hammer and the anvil on the riffs,the long chorus is amazingly epic and improved with a crescendo ending.

Strike the hammer is the last track of this demo as it starts straight with a riff on the style of Iron Maiden to evolve to a mid fast tempo authentic heavy speed metal, forging an outstanding galloping pulse and melodic vocals on the bridge, the chorus is surprisingly strong, definitely you will raise your fists singing along and headbanging till the end.


Blizzen got what it takes to become a top band on this new wave of traditional heavy metal, the attitude is energetic as it should be, the sound need to be improved in the studio as well as the consistency on the vocals, but being their first demo is just excellent! Keep an eye on this guys because they start strong and ready to strike the hammer!

8 / 10



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Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB