MUSIC REVIEWS 
ABSCESS “Seminal Vampires and Maggot Men” CD ‘96 (Relapse) This band is pretty psycho sounding. Musically it is some what an array of Grind, Sludge, Noise, death, and something in between. Music isn’t mundane or monotone. Quite diverse throughout each song. To put it plainly - “It’s blistering, fuck-face-slamming, non-analretentive, cum splattering fun-o-rama.” Enough said. 18 tracks in all. The only thing I can’t stand is the whinny guitar solos that show up from time to time. 
ACID BATH “Paegan Terrorism Tactics” CD ‘96 (Rotten) here’s another great release from these freaks out of Louisiana. Even though they maintained a psychotic edge in their music, in some parts of this CD I feel they’ve changed a bit. Mainly to a more rhythmical, emotional sound, but I don’t think it’s bad, I think it gives more texture in the over all sound ACID BATH produces. Dax’s voice still has that beautiful hypnotic sound but his yells turn brutal and psychotic at times, with the help of Sammy and Audie. Cover art work done interestingly enough by Dr. Jack Kevorkian! Now, if the art work and the music are strange to you...you must be normal! 12 tracks with faves being “Pegan Love Song," “Grave Flower," “Locust Spawning," & “New Corpse.” 
ADRAMELECH “Psychostasia” CD ‘96 (Repulse) One thing that caught my eye from this band was the lyrics. An exceptional array of lyrics dealing with Egyptianology, Shamanism, Aztecs, Greek, and Nordic Mythologies, plus others. Good to see a mind expanding a multitude of avenues. The music here is somewhat fast Death Metal with a melodic, moodiness to it. Somewhat diverse but yet not original in sense. Overall this is good. IRON MAIDEN “Virus” Sampler CD ‘96 (Castle) Killer man, here in my hands is a sampler release of three different versions of the “Best of the Beast” CD. The first is a deluxe, limited edition, two CD set w/ 27 songs and a 60 pg book. Second is a limited edition quadruple vinyl set with 34 songs and a 48 pg book. And the third is a single disc with 16 songs and a 20 pg booklet. This nine song sampler I have here (which all songs are on one of the three releases features “Iron Maiden” & “Strange World” which were previously released on 7” single in ‘79, plus “Afraid to Shoot Strangers”, the first live song recorded with Blaze Bayley. If you love this band, you need to get your hands on these releases, except for the “Virus” sampler, I don’t think they are selling this one!!!!!! 
ALBERT HILL “Albert Hill” CD ‘96 (Discovery) Now, the name of the band is pretty stupid considering no one in the band is named Albert Hill! Anyway, music is in the Alternative-Rock style, like with such bands as HO-HUM, THE NIXONS, SPARKLER, and MAN WILL SURRENDER. Quite poppy and melodic with a slight edge to it. Not much originality in this genre of music but spirited and a strong effort. But considering I hardly get into this , I’d say they put out a good five song release for you to consider.  

ANTHROPHOBIA “Framework” EP- CD ‘96 (Mausoleum) For some reason, this sounds too cheesy. I’m trying to pinpoint it at the moment. I think it’s the vocals in the first song that threw it for me and the slow, boring music on “Resist & Charge.” Well, basically out of these six songs I only liked one. The music here is a cross between boring Hardcore and a more Metal style that I never really liked. The vocals throughout are boring and not highly energetic. Yeah, at times they are, but the music brings it down also. (Review on new CD on Oxygen Rec. in next issue..I give better credit on that on.) 
ANTHROPHOBIA “Pulse” CD ‘97 (Oxygen) Ok, I gave this band a pretty bad review on thier last album in the last issue of VOT. Well, I decided not to go back to that release to compare, since I didn’t seem to care for it, to give this one a fair review. The music on “Pulse” is somewhat Alternative, but yet with an edge to it. Their not metal, only glimpses of that are in the aggressive vocals that pop up every now and then and the crunchy guitar work thrown about. This really doesn’t have much flare in the over all music. In parts there is a slight array of old style rock from the 80’s and earlier. Not really my style but yet it gives the band another approach to the music. I really can’t knock it as hard as I did before, but I can’t really appreciate it as much as other music I get in. 12 tracks here for you to decide on for yourself. 
ASGAROTH “The Quest For Eldenhor” mini-CD ‘96 (Repulse) Five great tracks of atmospheric Black Metal. Very melodic and enchanting on one level but truely dark, bleak, and horrid on another. Without the keyboards I believe this would be just another Black Metal band, with the keys the music is elaborated to a higher standard. It gives it an epic, grandiose nature. The piano work on “Soul Scream” is excellent. 
ATMAN “Like Pure Unawaited Magic” CD ‘96 (Repulse) Ok, on one part this is fast Black Metal, from the drumming to the vocals; then on another part it’s atmospheric and somewhat melodic. But what makes this band stand out is the female soprano vocals fitting in between the screaching vocals. Quite unusual but original in part. The lyric writing, read apart from the music, you’d think the music would be Doom or Gothic. That’s where the melodic feel fits in. Other then that, this is diverse and should be checked out. 
AVULSED “Carnivoracity” mini CD ‘96 (Repulse) Eleven tracks here with three being from their 7” release of the same name. The other eight tracks are live tracks recorded last year with three of those songs being covers from PENTAGRAM, DEMIGOD, and BRUJERIA. In the music, if you’ve never heard of AVULSED, then you're missing out on an extreme and brutal Spanish Death band. The vocals this guy has are extremely low and guttering. Music is catchy and heavy. Nonetheless, this needs to be checked out! 
AVULSED “Eminence In Putrescence” CD ‘96 (Repulse) After five years of releasing demos, splits, and other recording projects, AVULSED has release a ten song full length. Music here is heavy Death with ultra deep vocals. Music is heavy and brutal while maintaining melody through the guitars and giving quite memorable rhythm throughout. This is one of the better bands out in the scene these days, giving brutal original music. 
BAMBOO CRISIS “51 Pegasi” CD ‘96 (Tone Tone) I feel this band (and all others on Tone Zone) have what it takes to survive in this bland world of music. BAMBOO CRISIS’ music is full of Industrial texture, a full Dance effect on some tracks, and an overt and changing style from one song to another. At times I can be in a trance state, in others a bit of a slam comes around, at other times more of a moving, dancing feel comes around. 13 tracks to put your mind in a frenzy. I feel they should put more beats into the drum programming and give it more edge, but yet that’s how all bands are these days. faves are “Aftermath”, “Killing Machine”, “Shapeshifter”, “Look”, “Alien Mind Control”, “Things to Come”, and “Isolation.” 
BROKEN HOPE “Loathing” CD ‘97 (Metal Blade) This new BROKEN HOPE gives way to more complexity and more twists and turns then previous releases. Yes, the brutality and grindingly fast parts are still there but you can definately sense the growth this band has on this release. Music isn’t 100% fast and brutal like on previous stuff. There are bits here that are some what toned down, not that they cheesed out or anything, but it gives the band more structure and definition. The production and sound on this is great, the double bass is brutal as fuck. Lyrical content is in the same vein, with interesting topics of simese twins, anorexia, necrophobic incest, AIDS, Jesus being raped (good and funny concept), and others. Muaic structure is tight and well formed. Brutality is still there but now with more complexity.  

  Compilation CD ‘97 (Uniao Lisboa) Ok, here’s a complilation of five bands with two songs each. The first bands starts off this CD quite well. Music is Thrash metal with a bit of Progressiveness to it. Not that bad at all. The rest of the bands after this....well....SUCK! What the hell were these people thinking! All the rest of the bands are chessy off the ass. I’m not even going to mention there names. Just rember the first band, RAMP. at least they sounded normal.  

CRUSHED "Crushed" CD '97 (911)
Pretty powerful sounding Thrash type metal here until the vocals come in. Well, not all the vocals are chessy but it gives a QUEENSPYCHE feel to the music that really doesn't fit.. There's a twist of melodicness throughout this which gives this band an edge in remaining constant throughout, but there are parts that like I've heard this a hundred times. Overall this is quite good if your into that power Metal type of band that has a QUEENSRYCHE, or some other band like that, feel around it. I don't know, at the moment I rather listen to something heavy, but if I was in the mood for something light, I'd put this on.  

DEEDS OF FLESH “Trading Pieces” CD ‘96 (Repulse) Now this is intense fucking brutal Death!!!! Not only is this fast and heavy all the way through, the guitars are low and add intensity to the whole brutality of this release. Vocals are low, guttering growls. If you like PYREXIA, BROKEN HOPE, INTERNAL BLEEDING, this is a band to add to that collection. 10 tracks to feast upon. 
DEMLICH “Nespithe” CD ‘96 (Repulse) Man, can these song titles be anymore longer then they are? Anyway, the music here is heavy Death Metal, mainly in the vocals, which are ultra low, sounds pretty unhuman and without using effects. Musically it’s not that fast or brutal, basically it has slow, twisted parts and fast, rhythmical parts. Over all this is good but not great. Fave tracks are “Inherited Rowl Levitation-Reduced Without Any Effort," “The Putrefying Road In The Nineteenth Extremity (...Somewhere Inside The Bowels Of Endlessness...)”, plus other long named ones. 11 tracks plus four demo track. 
DERANGED “Rated-X” CD ‘95 (Repulse) Exquisitely brutal! Music leaves you pulverized. fast, furious, and done extremely well. Production sounds great. Very rhythmical and harmonizing. Not totally original in style, but done quite well enough to over look that. Drumming is ravaging and brutal, guitar work is everywhere, and vocals are harsh and extreme. Just fucking get this OK!!!!!! 
DRILL TEAM “Hope And Dream Explosion” CD ‘97 (Reprise) Ok, I still don’t like the name of this band....all it does is conjure up images of an ESPN show of high schools competing over who can throw who the farthest, yell the loudest, and can have the females flashing the cameras everytime they are tossed in the air (which isn’t a bad thing though). Besides the crappy name the music here is quit enjoyable. ////////////// 
ESCALATION ANGER /SCHNAUZER Split CD ‘96 (Egg-Scab) ESCALATION ANGER plays a fast, brutal, slam-a-thon of Death with hints of Grind thrown about. Nine songs of rhythmical frustration being vented out upon the masses. SCHNAUZER plays a funky groovy style of Death, Noise, Grind, with hints of psychotic epileptic seizures and post-homicidal malevolence. The vocals sound placid, funny at times, annoying in others, but music is quite enjoyable. Altogether it’s funky and groovy. I really enjoyed this band. 
EVERREADY “El Vato Loco!” CD ‘96 (Cool Guy) Doesn’t it suck hearing a band that has already been around for a long time and having had numerous releases, then finally hearing them and enjoying their music and wishing you started hearing them since they began? It’s like “Where the fuck have I been?” That’s pretty much how I feel about EVERREADY. They play a slap happy, skanking good style of Punk/HC. I really can’t say exactly how they should or who they sound like ‘cus I don’t get much from HC/Punk bands and labels, which suck!!! Music is energetic, slamming, and basically in your face. If I saw this band I’d hope to see a nice slam-pit churning about to the music, just so I could throw my happy ass into the mix. 
EXIT 13 “Smoking Songs” CD ‘96 (Relapse) Exactly what the title says, these are all songs about good ole weed. But don’t expect to hear the same blistering Grind from this band, all these tracks were originally done back in the 1920’s, 30’s, and 40’s by Blues and Jazz bands. And EXIT-13 recreated that feel here. This is a great array of music to toke to (that’s if I toked) or just sway to and listen to the lyrics. With songs like “Stoney Monday," “When I get Low, I get High," “Hempcake," and “Sweet Marijuana Brown” you couldn’t go wrong. This is a record to have if you're into EXIT-13, Blues, Jazz, weed, or whatever!! 
EXPIRATION “Deviated” 3” mini-CD ‘96 (Repulse) Now this band has been together since April ‘96 and have put together a five song mini CD of heavy and brutal Death. Most of the music is crunchy and a bit slow, but there are parts that are quite fast and grinding. The music is good but nothing overly original. Some parts have some rhythm. Sound on this isn’t quite up to par, some of the vocals sound too loud and up front at times. But none the less this is a young band with their first release. I also enjoyed the 3” CD ....it’s soooo small!!!!!! 
GOLGOTHA “Melancholy” CD ‘96 (Repulse) Now this is what I like. A band that incorporates styles of Death, Gothic, and Doom, all with emotional vocals and melodic guitars and keyboard works. I wouldn’t compare this to TIAMAT, but closer to CELESTIAL SEASON, except the vocals, and other bands like ANATHEMA 7 MY DYING BRIDE. This release opens up emotions, almost at a loss but somewhat in an aggressive, angry mood. The instrumental “Lost” brings visions of despair, sorrow, torment, but all on an extreme emotional level, one that brings tears through pain, pain through tears, very well done. The other instrumental, “Caves of Mind” kind of have the effect of solidness and hollowness, all mixed together, nicely done and nicely named. 
GRIP INC. “Nemesis” CD ‘97 (Metal Blade) Now this is a band that holds promise!! GRIP INC’s music is ever changing and ever so damaging. Music is diverse as diverse can be! Everflowing rhythms and heart pounding aggression flows through this release. Lombardo’s drumming has hit an all time high, sounding better them the last release with GRIP INC. and 100% better then he did with SLAYER. His talent shines through here. Sorychta’s and Viebrooks’ finger works are amazing. Nothing dull in what they produce. Chambers’ vocals are strong and in your face, with emotional outburst throughout. GRIP INC. is one of those bands that will have a strong following in time. Their time is now, but it’s up to the listener to decide. There’s also something about this release that gives it the feel of being a memorable release; something like SLAYER’s “Reign in Blood”, METALLICA’s “Ride the Lightning”, and IRON MAIDEN’s “Number of the Beast”, all of which are classics in their own right, and I believe this GRIP INC. one should fit along side them some day! 
GTR CD ‘97 (King Biscuit Flower Hour) Ok, those wacky guys at K.B.F.H. have sent me something that I have no Earthly idea what it’s about. I do know that King Biscuit had a show late night on a local radio station many years ago that I listen to and recorded a MOTLEY CRUE concert from that. Other then that, I know the majority of the live shows are Adult/Contemporary type of bands. This band, GTR, is something else. They sound Christian! They give off that STRYPER, PETRA feel in their music I’m not really sure of the music but I do know that this was recorded over ten years ago! Didn’t know them then, don’t know them now. Over all, 14 tracks to get inspired by!?!? 
GWAR “Carnival of Chaos” CD ‘97 (Metal Blade) WHAT THE FUCK IS UP WITH THIS BAND!? WHO THE FUCK DO THEY THINK THEY ARE BEING ANTI-PENGUIN! THOSE FURRY BLACK AND WHITE CUDDLY THINGS ARE MY FRIENDS! THIS BAND MUST DIE!!!!! NOT ONLY IS THERE SOMETHING AGAINST PENGUINS THEY HAVE THIS ATTITUDE OF BLAMING SOME LIGHTMAN! EVERYONE KNOWS IT WASN’T HIS FUCKING FAULT. AND THESE GUYS ARE SICK THINKING ABOUT SOME PRE-SCHOOL (OH MY FAULT, IT’S SPELLED ‘SKOOL’) PROSTITUTE. THESE ARE SICK, COW FUCKING, ANAL LICKING, CHILD MOLESTING BASTARDS! AND THESE GUYS ARE STILL SUCKING ON THERE THUMBS. LITTLE PISS ASS, WHINNY COCK SUCKERS! BUT ALAS, WE CAN’T BLAME THOSE THAT ARE NOT OF THIS PLANET AND WHO WISH TO TAKE OVER THIS DISEASE RIDDEN PLANET. THEY HAVE THEIR OWN LITTLE WAY OF DOING THINGS AND I CAN’T STOP ANOTHER FROM THEIR DREAMS. BUT PLEASE, PLEASE, LEAVE THE PENGUINS ALONE!!!! Oh, besides that, the music is...um....IT’S FUCKING GWAR YOU TWIT....WHAT DO YOU EXPECT. 
HELLOWEEN “High Live” Double CD ‘96 (Castle) This double live CD was recorded in Italy and Spain during the Summer of ‘96 and was released in Oct.!! Man that’s quick! 15 songs that span their fourteen years of being together. Production and sound seem pretty decent. I’m glad to hear a live recording that doesn’t fade in and out the crowd. Not really a bootleg sound and not an overly produced one. At times listening to this gets a bit mundane, but that;s my fault. I hardly listened to HELLOWEEN, but this is a good release. I especially liked that this is pretty much their whole set here, over and hour and a half of music. Cool. 
HOLLY McNARLAND “Sour Pie” CD ‘96 (Universal) When I first saw this CD I thought I was in for some sort of heavy Rrriot girl feel, or something like MANHOLE, BABES IN TOYLAND, or NO DOUBT. But when I slipped on the disk it sounded soothing and suddle, like MAX SHARAM or SARAH McLACHLAN. Not really anything popish but yet it’s docile and relaxing. Almost sad in a sense, like a lost emotion being captured in her music. I really like this a lot. 
HUMAN REMAINS “Using Sickness As a Hero” CD ‘96 (Relapse) Here is the last release from HUMAN REMAINS. Three members of the band are now on a new project called THE SKY IS DENIED. This seven track release shows the extreme, brutal, but yet crazy, psycho, tripped out, and played quite uniquely. Let’s see if this new band will create a feeling this band created - fast, psychotic, and great to listen to. 
IMPRECATION “Theurgia Goetia Summa” CD ‘96 (Repulse) Very brutal and dark Death/Black metal. At times the guitars are slow and crunchy, giving an eerie, dark, rhythm going. Mostly it is fast and pounding throughout, but with a suddle brutalness in the foreground. Mainly & thoroughly on a dark path but the music kills! 
INHUMAN demo ‘96 On their bio they describe their music as ‘death & grindcore with a kicking groove.’ Well, yes they have elements of Death but hardly anything resembling Grindcore in this, and the Death style they play isn’t even fast. Don’t get me wrong, I do like this demo; the music is slow and crunchy, deep and churning. A few parts through this pick up but it’s mainly close to a Sludge type death sound. And yes there is groove within this. Even though it’s slow and heavy there is rhythm and texture that makes it groovy and enjoyable. Five tracks in all. INHUMAN, 229 B SE 121, Warrensburg, MO., 64093, USA. 
INTESTINE BAALISM “An Anatomy Of The Beast” CD ‘97 (Repulse) Now this is brutal Grinding Death out of Japan. Not only is it heavy and fast but it has rhythm! First off is the production, I don’t know I usually listen for the drums and these here sound great, especially the double bass. Vocals are gutteringly low and deep. Music structure surrounds the vocals with quick and changing parts at every turn. Guitar rhythm make the over all sound more enchanting and with more emotions, probably why I like this even more then other Death Metal out there now. I say this one’s a keeper! Definitely one to check out. silently...among the ferns and the lillys.....a lonely child lays. Weeping is she.....red, tear stained eyes with the trail of sorrow running down her cheeks. As I walk up to her she lifts her fragile little head and gazes up to meet my eys. No sound comes from her mouth...but as I look within her eyes, I travel back to a time when I was lost in the world. I didn’t have a place to call home nor a place to fill my mouth with delicious foods. So much termoil I was in that I too was alone in a field similar to the one this little girl was in. 
JUDECCA “Awakened By The Stench Of The Dead” mini CD ‘96 (Wild Rags) Pretty decent and brutal band here, not much overly seen but this is quite good, especially “The Black Blood of Christ.” Nice acoustic guitars, eerie vocals reciting verses of the Bible, and growling vocals singing the rest. It’s heavy and brutal in parts but soothing and dark in others. The other two tracks here are quite heave and have some noted rhythm in them. Guitar riffs aren’t stagnant and drumming keeps the heavy mood of the band, except for that high-hat on the last song. 
KILLING CULTURE “Killing Culture” CD ‘97 (Edel America) Muisc is basic Thrash style of music with a few catchy parts thrown in. This is good but at the moment I can’t really get into them. The music is good and all...but I guess..I’m not into them at the moment. You decide damn it...I’m not feeling good at the moment. 
KILLING SPREE “Terror From Beyond Space” CD ‘97 (Naplam) Hey, this shit sounds pretty killer. Music is a hint of crunchy Thrash with a high imphases on Industrial music. This band stays pretty fast and speedy throughout the whole CD. But does throw in cool rhythms here and there. Nothing mundane about this at all! There’s a bit of a ‘tripping’ feel through some of these songs, almost an outer space feel to it. Pretty much goes with the title of this release. This band is not to be over looked. A wide range of people in the underground sounds like this, not overly brutal, and not overly Industrial. A little of this, a little of that, and voila! a danm good release in your hands. 
LESS THAN JAKE “Losing Streak” CD ‘96 (Capitol) Now this is some good, home-grown, ska-punk, with a post-humous pop thrown into the mix. All I can see in my mind is a bunch of freaks, punks, hardcorers, etc. dancing around in a joyous affair of skanking fun. Music has a fresh array of funky rhythms and motivating styles all thrown together. The horn section isn’t that strong, in the sense of over powering the rest of the music, but enough spunk to give it a nice sound to play any time and any where. The rest of the music is pretty fast pace, slamming style of Punk and Hardcore. Vocals aren’t harsh in that deep Hardcore or Punk vein, but out and almost an in our face style. The music has a very happy feel around it. I thing anyone could get into this. Seventeen tracks in all with the majority been faves, but real standouts are “9th At Pine,” “Johnny Quest Thinks We’re Sellouts,” “Just Like Frank,” “Jen Doesn’t Like Me Anymore,” & “Rock-n-Roll Pizzeria.” 
LOS TERRIBLES “Los Terribles” CD ‘97 (Napalm) The production on this CD isn’t that good and does this band no justice. Besides the somewhat shitty production the music here is pretty raging. Music throughout is fast pace and keeping you in that slamming spirited mood. Their Hardcore style is strong and deep but hindered by the recording. I’m thinking they remind me of DOWNSET but I haven’t time to pull out DOWNSET to check, so don’t take my word. But this band is good musically, and I feel their live shows produce a lot of busted lips, bruised faces, and sweaty people having a good ole time. Nine tracks in all. 
MARS NEEDS WOMEN “Sparking Ray Gun” CD ‘96 (Discovery) Now this is quite enjoyable if you're into the post Punk-Alternative-Grunge sound. Not really harsh and fast but interestingly enough to be poppy and with an edge. Music is quite catchy and memorable and diverse enough to sound god. At times reminds me of THE NIXONS but closer to KLOVER. I know I’d probably here this on the radio in Houston, but yet, I’d say it’s good enough for mass airplay. 
MOLESTED “Stormvold” mini-CD ‘96 (Repulse/Effigy) This five song release is a taste of what’s to come on their second full length CD out later this year. The music here is Death metal with a bit of atmospheric, rhythmical music overlaying it, but not much. Music is heavy and brutal. This isn’t original but the texture the band gives, gives the over all music energy and style. Nothings really slow on this, mainly fast throughout. Quite good over all, I advise a look into them since they’re not what’s basically out there in the scene, yet keeping the feel of Death. 
MORCHEEBA “Who Can You Trust?” CD ‘96 (Discovery) There’s something about this release that is soothing and comforting. Almost on an astral level at times. On one level it’s a psychedelic sound feeding the back of your head, others, it’s almost an Ambient sound and feel that surrounds and encloses you. I almost feel that this is music to zone on, a door to escape reality and travel a subconscious road or fly unlimited areas of the worlds. Hell, I could listen to this while frying on acid! Skye’s voice is soothing and relaxing. Nothing harsh or heavy, just a suddle translucent sound. At times it feels she is singing straight into your ear, your head, your body, while the music carries you across thresholds of solitude, serenity, and a down home peace of mind. I definitely recommend this to anyone, no matter what style of music you are in to!!!!! 
MORTICIAN “Hacked Up For Barbecue” CD ‘96 (Relapse) Woah! Now this is a gigantic display of brutality assembled! 24 tracks of seven years of mayhem. Six of these tracks are re-recordings of some classics while the other eighteen are new, unreleased material. Music is brutally deep and rumbling. Gut wrenching vocals around mega fast guitars and drums. If you’ve heard this band in the past and liked them, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t spew up some cash and get this. Production is great, the music is just what you want - fast, noisy, grinding, heavy, and full of gore and horror. 
MOTORHEAD “The Ultimate Reissue Series Sampler” CD ‘96 (Castle/Dojo) Now, I’m not much and never really was, into this band, but I have to admire them for kicking out tunes for so long. here we have 12 tracks spanning six releases, including songs like “Overkill," “Ace of Spades," “Iron Fist," and more. There are rare bonus tracks and outtakes, some never releases. If this band is on your good list, this is just another release to add to your collection. 
MURDER CORPORATION “Blood Revolution 2050” mini-CD ‘96 (Repulse/Qabalah) Now this is enjoyable. Music is fast, and full of catchy rhythms. Makes you wanna jump into the pit. Music gives that old school Death feel like in MASTER & REPULSION while the grinding guitars and mainly the whole music throughout is of DERANGED since the majority of this band are also in DERANGED. Music isn’t mundane, giving something new with each song. Quite good here, not really original, but great sound, great music with rhythm and brutalness giving this band an edge. 
MULTIPLEX “Multiplex” MCD ‘96 (HG Fact) First I must say thanks to Chris of CORONERS REPORT zine for sending this. This is total grindage from Japan. Music is intense, fast, and could put you in the hospital if you get lost in its velocity. It’s mainly fast and speedy throughout, but there are groovy parts thrown in from time to time making the over all release more enjoyable then it already is. There is also a superb heavy Techno remix that is totally different then the previous music, but it is done well. hopefully I can get more info on the band in later time. 
 MXPX “Life in General” CD ‘96 (Tooth & Nail) Now this is quite a spirited array of that Punk thing, a Hardcore-style, somewhat Poppy and raging. Music is fast in parts, giving me that feeling of jumping off a stage and slamming my way through a pit! Music is rhythmical and pounding while the vocals are calm and easy to understand, nothing harsh and not so much of an in your face style. But the over all feel and energy this band gives off is really good. They don’t stay fast throughout, moving the range between slow and fast throughout. Nothing is boring or leaving you bored out of your mind. This is quite a good band to look into. 17 tracks in all, giving you enough music to overdose on. 
NEW WORLD SPIRIT “Fortune Cookie” CD ‘96 Wow, I got a fortune in this CD, just like a fortune cookie. Unfortunately that’s the only fortune you’ll find in here. Music isn’t much exciting. Quite Popish and Alternative, but yet not strong enough to involve thought or an emotional response. It’s close to ‘happy’ music but not cheerful enough for me. 
NIGHTSTICK “Blotter” CD ‘96 (Relapse) Ok, you know, I’m always one for a good tripping on some white blotter or some other kind of acid, and I love listening to music that gives me that extra special feeling. Here, NIGHTSTICK seems to capture that feeling, but not what I usually go for. Most of this is like over exposed solos and whinny parts that can be more annoying then they can be for a good trip. I don’t know, maybe if I was frying at the moment I could get into it, some parts do have that ‘spacy’ feel to them and others have a ‘lost, I don’t know where the fuck I am’ type feel. Ummm....yeah...I guess. Ok, maybe I do like it...but only when...um....I guess....wait...what I’m I doing!? Oh, ok, ok, here we are. I guess. Just depends. Maybe/maybe not. I’ll give it one thumb up just because I lost it there for a second. 
OBITUARY “BAck From The Dead” CD ‘97 (Roadrunner) OK, this is OBITUARY. If you haven’t heard these guys and you don’t recognize their style then this won’t help at all. Music is still the same, still brutal and heavy. John’s voice is still brutal and extreme. I really don’t have much to say except get this CD. There is also somethings for all you computer hounds out there. Two full length videos (End Complete and I Don’t Care) plus a few extra .mov files. There are also around 40 pics, bios, and such. Best CD I’ve seen out withCD-ROM Capabilities. Over all there are 11 tracks and all that cool computer stuff. 
OPPRESSOR “Agony” CD ‘96 Now this created some major cerebral hemorrhaging when I heard this. OPPRESSOR blew me away with an excellent release here. Production wise, very clean and smooth, just like a baby’s butt! No really, the sound and music created here are top notch. I can’t believe more people haven’t heard of this band. They don’t go totally ballistic as in the Death Metal sound, but their nothing close to Speed or Thrash in a sense, only in the technicality. The first three people that heard this while I was reviewing it were hooked, another four friends liked it when they first heard it, hell, even a five year old thought it was “fast and neat” when he heard it! There’s no reason why you shouldn’t like this; great production, drumming is furious, guitar work is exceptional, and the vocals are heavy but not overly brutal. be sure to check them out in a later issue of VOID OF TOLERANCE!!!!! 
PEACE SANCTUARY “defy the System” CD ‘96 (MIA) Ok, I’ve seen this band two times already and I still feel the same about them after hearing them on CD. And how I feel is not too good. First I have to comment on the singer...WHAT THE FUCK IS UP WITH THE SCHIZOPHRENIC, EPILEPTIC SIEZERS TYPE MOVES YOU DO!!?? You look pretty goofy doing it! Ok, now that I got that off my chest I’d like to bash the band now.....The music that died out in the 80’s is reborn through this band. Why? Because this band has nothing else better to do. The vocals are quite annoying for some reason, I think its because every time I hear this guy sings I picture him twitching and rolling his eye back as if he was some how possessed by some stupid entity or spirit. Yes, this band sounfds better on CD but live....I’m sorry...they suck. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t like the CD, I’m just giving credit to these guys for having enough balls to play something that can bore the FUCKING SHIT out of me! 
STEVE ROACH & VIDNA OBMANA “Cavern of Sirens” CD ‘97 (Projekt) I’m not sure if the name of the band sould have been C.O.S. or just the name of the CD. Actually, I’m not sure of the name is that. I just know it’s under Projekt #73, so I’m not sure if it’s exactly thast...a project band! Anyway. The music here is Ambient, Spiritually translucent, and uplifting, to say the least. Music puts you in a trance, letting your mind show the ways of the songs, letting the other realms become the reality of the here and now. I’ve only listen to this a few times and I feel I can use this in working with my ‘dreams’ (or what one might call dreamscaping, astral projecting, etc) The whole feeling aroung this gives an acent Native American feel, as if you were sitting there while a shaman works with you on diffent aspects of realities, or something like that! I just know that this CD is great! A lot of strong libes come off this, I know I can use this in my works. If your into Shamanism, Wiccan, PAganism, or are just working on dreaming, or other things, check this CD out and use it on your work. This is really good. 
ROOT “The Shed” Single CD ‘96 (LPS) Ok, first off this isn’t the ROOT out of Isreal that plays brutal Black/ Death Metal. This ROOT is a good old Texas Rock n Roll band. I guess that’s the best way to describe them. Music isn’t heavy in that Metal way nor does it have that Alternative feel in it. Basic good old Rock, basically, Texas style. Music is quite rocking with good rhythm and upbeat tempos. Not really mono-tone, mainly keeping with fresh sounds and changing styles. Not really boring but, yet, this isn’t really my style of music. I’ll give them credit for putting out a good three song Single-CD with good music that is sure to get someones attention. Thanks to Caroline and NEW ROCK REVIEW for sending this to me. 
SISTER HAZEL “Somewhere More Familiar” CD ‘97 (Universal) First off, if any band that names their band after some religious woman must be a boring, happy-go-lucky type of band. In the bio it states “She’s a great woman, always doing good things. ...we thought it was a name that would represent what we were all about.” Yeah, leading a clean, boring life devoted to a false sense of religious belifs that have been distorted throughout the ages!!! Ok, since I got that off my chest let us go to the music.......um....read the above statement please! 
 SLUSH “North Hollywood” CD ‘96 (Discovery) The music here is quite Poppy and a bit heavy in that Grunge type style. Mainly giving that Seattle sound but not as heavy and outspoken. There are times this CD puts out some heavy, groovy sounds but most of it is some what melodic and Alternative sounding. This is pretty good to kick back to a have played in the back ground, but it’s nothing more than that. It isn’t heavy enough to slam to basically. I’d probably here this on that Alternative Rock station in Houston. If I did here it on the radio I’d probably turn the channel, depending on what song it was. 12 tracks in all, some are boring, some are good, you decide. 
SPACE “Spiders” CD ‘96 (Gut/Universal) The only thing I like about these guys is their lyrics. The majority of them are witty and humorous. The music, on the other hand, is pretty borring and a waste of time to me. They have a sound that is happy and sweet, but the way they play it, it doesn’t do anything to me escept annoy me. I think it’s mainly the vocals that annoy me the most, followed then by the music. The only track I like is the Caribbean sounding track of “Female of the Species”, theres a nice feel around it that reminds me of the songs of the 50’s, but the rest of the music is an alternative type that gets me no where. I can say that this band does hold a wide range of styles and sounds with in their music. Along with that Caribean sound, there is some sort of industrial feel in one track and in others a wide range of Alternative. It’s ok for some peple but not for me. 
TANELORN “The Other Side” EP CD ‘96 (Dominion) Power Metal, Power Metal! Nothing really overpowering about it though! I really can’t compare this to any other band since I’d be doing those other bands no justice. There is a melodic texture that shows this bands good side, but the over all mundane heaviness and annoying guitar solos make this quite boring. This is the type of band I wouldn’t care to see live because it has an overriding sense of being dull. basically no over all flare through this. Five tracks to waste money on. 
THE ART OF NOISE “The Ambient Collection” CD ‘97 (1st released in ‘90) (China/Discovery) Yeah this is an old release, but they sent it and I wanna review it! This is a different style of Ambient music I’m use to. Well, not quite, it’s different in a sensethat this incorporate voices, in parts, to add a different effect to the whole ‘trip’ (if you may). The music lets you escape, gives you a door way to a serene and tranquil. Not all the trackes give you (or mainly just me) the flow to feel an escape, where there are no bounds. In some of the tracks the music just gives you the sounds of peace and unharming thoughts. I’d rather be traveling to the sounds of emotions, of feelings, of elements, then hearing the sounds of music that’s loud and absorbant of those other sounds. Parts of this is good while other parts hinder the solitude and emotional aftermath I enjoy. 
THE ART OF NOISE “The Fon Mixes” CD ‘97 (1st released in ‘91) (China/Discovery) Yeah, another old one, so what! Theyt send um, I review um! Here is 14 tracks spaning the four albums THE ART OF NOISe have put out, all with Dance/Techno remixes. I really don’t know much about the Dance/Techno/Rave/ and all that House music type stuff, but the music and sounds produced here have a nice array of beats and moves to it. If it can get my clubbing friends on the dance floor then it’s good. 
THE ART OF NOISE “The Best of The Art of Noise” CD ‘97 (1st released in ‘92) (China/Discovery) This is a strange and nice array of musical styles ranging from the monotone, repeats of “Opus” to a vase mixture of sounds and voices on “Instruments of Darkness” to the timeless “Peter Gunn” and “Dragnet” themes. There’s also some Dance/Electronic/Industrial feeling songs and beats here and there. The only thing I don’t like nor care about is the “Kiss” track with Tom Jones singing like a 80 year old Prince (or who ever the fuck he is called) with balls. 
THE ART OF NOISE “Drum & Bass Collection” CD ‘97 (1st released in ‘96) China/Discovery) Yes, another AoN review. This one is another remix of their old songs. By this time, after listening to three CD’s of this band, the majority of this one sounds the same, except for the over use of Bass and Drums! (Duhh!) 
THE EGG “Albumen” CD ‘97 (China/Discovery) The music here is an array of sounds ranging from jazz, psychedlica, ambient and others in that field. The music is mainly just that...music, not hardly any spoken parts. The music in times is hypnotic and lucid, almost giving you that ‘tripped-out’ feeling. This give you the feel of traveling distant cosmic paths to unknown universes and strange landscapes in other dominions. Their bio says that they incorporate live video footage in their shows. Something like NEUROSIS but not as absorbed and fierce; possibly close to a PINK FLOYD experience. AVERNUS “...of the fallen” CD ‘97 (MIA) Music is strong and emotional. Ethereal and uplifting. I would possibly go as far as putting this band up with the likes of TIAMAT, MY DYING BRIDE, ANATHEMA, CELESTIAL SEASON, THE GATHERING, and others. This doesn’t have the heavy, deep Death feel as like some of the other bands, but this does have a Metal feel around it, almost an IRON MAIDEN or QUEENSRYCHE feel to it, not too heavy but played just right to give it a Celtic/Goth feel, played as if tell ing an epic story. Vocals are done by male with backup throughout by a female. Both done exceptionally well and adding a more isolated forlornness. I have to say that this is a band to check out, only if your into the types of bands above and in music that holds a Celtic sound around it. 
THE MIST “Gottverlassen” CD ‘96 (Repulse) You know how *SEPULTURA had it big a few years back and how good of a fan base they got? I believe that should happen with this band also! THE MIST, which features ex-SEPULTURA guitarist Jairo Guedz are also from Brazil and have that Brizilian sound that is also found in SEPULTURA, R.D.P., OVER-DOSE, and others. There’s not really the whole traditional sounds of Brazil but an over all texture that Brazilian bands have. Here, the music is structured into slow and fast parts, groovy and suddle parts, and heavy and melodic parts. Quite diverse throughout, nothing is stagnant and in the norm. This keeps you on top of the music heap pounding down all others that follow. THE MIST has a sound and feel that should lead them to the top, in the Underground and outside, with some of the mainstreamers. I say this is one of the next big things. Music is fresh and keeps you in interest throughout. Definately a major band to check out. 
TRiBHANGA “Soul Freak” CD ‘97 (Global Underground) At first I really liked this music, but the more I listen to it the more mundane it gets. At tfirst I would describe this as a slower, less agressive style of CRISIS, mainly in the vocals. Not as screechy and brutal as Karyn’s but somewhere around that ballpark of freakiness. Music is quit good with a mixture of psychodelic rhythms and and overall moodiness to the music. But after awhile this gets boring, probably it’s the last half of the CD, I don’t know. It’s ok, but I guess I was expecting some Techno or Industrial, or Psychedelic mind funk type of music. DRILL TEAM “Hope And Dream Explosion” CD ‘97 (Reprise) Here’s that damn band with that stupid name, shit reminds me of a pep rally or something stupid like that. Anyway, the music....................................................................... 
UNDERTOW “Alone in the Crowd” CD ‘96 (Dominion) I really can’t get into this much. Music reminds me of the 80’s, of bands I knew of, listened to, but didn’t give a damn about. Not that those bands and this band are bad, it’s just they don’t have the spark to catch my attention, but yet they don’t make me vomit repeatedly! Musically, it’s part Heavy Metal, part Alternative, mainly the guitars give it that crunchy Metal feel. I think they fit better in the 80’s when “Heavy Metal” was around (I consider “Heavy Metal” a thing of the past, but look up to it for bringing in newer, fresher sounds of Death, Grind, Noise, Industrial, Speed, Thrash, Grunge, etc.). Oh, this band I’d have to pass on. To boring and monotone. 
VICIOUS CIRCLE “Live Long and Suffer” CD ‘96 (Self-financed) This four song CD shows a lot of good aspects from this band. Heavy and fast parts mixed in with slow moving parts. Nothing mundane about their music. In the fast parts, the music rips. Guitars and drumming are everywhere, giving in to the heavy Death side of the music while the slower parts are still in the Death range, but with more of a Thrash feel to it. A lot of tempo and rhythm changes making this quite enjoyable to listen to. (Address) 
VIOLENT BLUE “Violent Blue” CD ‘96 (Tone Zone) It’s so hard to describe a band that captures your emotions, your lucidness, and the spirit of yourself. For me, VIOLENT BLUE gives me the energy of being elated, but yet despondent in different songs. Bridgid’s voice is whimsical, somber, but elated. her voice draws you in and captures your emotions. Music is down home but ecstatic in an emotional setting. It’s hard to explain since, to me, this is original. So soft and vibrant. Six songs with a different feel in each. If you like the melodic array of soothing vocals and ethereal music this is for you. Faves are “Heaven," “Tremolo," and “Balladier.” 
W.A.S.P. “Still Not Black Enough CD ‘96 (Castle) No fucking way! This band is still around! Fucking cool. I use to listen to this band when they first came out with “Animal (Fuck Like A Beast)” and “W.A.S.P.” I didn’t get much into their later stuff but on this release I have to say it brings back good ole days. This isn’t as intense and heavy as I remember from them, but the element is here. Music is nothing but rockin’! (trying not to use that word so cheesy!) Harmonic, moving, and close to electrifying. 
XHARATHORN “Immemorial Atlantic Veneration” CD ‘96 (Repulse) Basic black Metal, this time out of Spain. Nothing really impressive. Music is in the Nordic vain and gives a feel like bands like ENTHRONED, DARK THRONE, EMPEROR, and DISSECTION but not as intense all around. There are intense parts here and there but it doesn’t strike a chord I me. You decide.
 

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