German death metal band Eisregen is chiefly notable for singing in their native language rather than English and for being "indexed" by Die Bundesprüfstelle für Jugendgefährdende Medien (i.e., the Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons). For example, the band's album Krebskolonie (1998) is prohibited from being played in public for audience members under the age of 18, a fate known as verbreitungsverbot, on account of its lyrics, which were deemed "grausamen, menschenverachtenden, frauenfeindlichen und verrohenden" (i.e., cruel, human-despising, misogynistic, and brutalizing). Other Eisregen albums, including Farbenfinsternis (2001) and Wundwasser (2004), were indexed as well -- actions that severely limited the band's commercial ability while at the same time engendering infamy. In fact, it was in the wake of Wundwasser's indexing that the band enjoyed its best chart debut to date, as Blutbahnen (2007) entered the German album chart at number 32.
Today in 2011 Dragonland released the album Under the Grey Banner
Gothenburg, Sweden Symphonic Power Metal
Status:Active
Years active: 1999-present
First off, the name -- could a band called Dragonland play anything other than Euro power metal? Of course not. Europe (specifically, in this case, Sweden) surely has no shortage of power metal bands, each one seemingly more accomplished than the next, and such is the case with Dragonland. Reviewed here is Astronomy, their 2006 album and fourth since forming in 1999. This is a classic example of a melodic, epic, grandiose power metal album -- neither the super-happy Germanic style, nor the overly symphonic style a la Rhapsody Of Fire, but somewhere in between. The vocals are typically clear and melodic, the production crisp and clean, the arrangements neat and tidy, as it seems is always the case with these kind of bands. On the plus side, there is a bit of variance between songs -- it's all power metal, to be sure, but at least every song doesn't sound like the next, with more traditional metal influences and even the occasional rough edge (harsh guest vocals on "Antimatter", for example). As is the case with many similar bands, Dragonland isn't going to win over non-believers, but their fan base is set and these guys know what to do to satisfy those fans. On that level, Astronomy delivers.
AFM Records
Jesse Lindskog Guitars
Jonas Heidgert Vocals
Olof Mörck Guitars (lead), Violin
Elias Holmlid Keyboards
Anders Hammer Bass
Morten Løwe Sørensen Drums
Guest/Session
Anna Mariann Lundberg Vocals (additional)
Olof Mörck Keyboards (additional) (tracks 2, 7)
Fred Johanson Vocals (additional)
Jake E Vocals (additional)
Elize Ryd Vocals (additional)
Andreas Solveström Vocals (additional)
1. Ilmarion 03:18 instrumental
2. Shadow of the Mithril Mountains 05:44
3. The Tempest 04:13
4. A Thousand Towers White 04:07
5. Fire and Brimstone 04:31
6. The Black Mare 06:13
7. Lady of Goldenwood 04:16
8. Dûrnir's Forge 04:58
9. The Trials of Mount Farnor 05:26
10. Throne of Bones 01:47 Instrumental
11. Under the Grey Banner 08:04
12. Ivory Shores 03:18 Instrumental
55:55
The third and final part of the trilogy "Dragonland Chronicles".
Cast:
Jonas Heidgert as: Ilmarion the Islander
Anna Mariann Lundberg as: Duviel the Elf Queen
Fred Johansson as: The King of Westmar
Elize Ryd as: Sariel the Elf Princess
Andy Solveström as: Gargoth the Orcish Lord
Elias Holmlid as: Grimmdane Skullcleaver and Dwarven Council
Recording information:
Recorded from September 2009 to August 2011 at The Mithril Mountain Studios, Skullcleaver Studios and Hansen Studios, Ribe, Denmark.
Today in 2011 Coronatus released the album Terra Incognita
Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg,Germany Gothic Metal
Status:Active
Years active: 1999-present
Coronatus is a German Symphonic metal band, formed in Ludwigsburg, Germany in 1999.
Coronatus is a German Symphonic metal band, formed in Ludwigsburg, Germany in 1999.
Fronted by two female singers with contrasting voices and styles, the band has released seven studio album since 2007.
Originally founded in 1999 by vocalist Georgios Grigoriadis and drummer Mats Kurth, Coronatus released its debut single Von Engeln nur in 2002. In 2004, Grigoriadis left, and was replaced by not one but two singers, Carmen R. Schäfer and Viola Schuch. The permanent line-up was expanded in 2006 with the addition of guitarist Stefan Häfele, bassist Wolle Nillies and keyboardist Fabian Merkt.
2007 saw the departure of Viola Schuch, who was replaced by Ada Flechtner.
Chriz diAnno (bass) has played with the band in 2003, 2005–2006, and then again since 2007. Ada Flechtner left the band to devote full attention to her studies, but joined the German symphonic metal band Voices of Destiny in 2013, after their lead vocalist Maike Holzmann departed. Mid 2010, Natalia Kempin joined the band on the vocals and Dirk Baur joined the Band on Bass Guitar. On February 2, 2011, Natalia Kempin announced at her Facebook, that she leaves the band, due to different opinions about the band's music.
Massacre Records
Psalm Keyboards
Mats Kurth Drums
Ada Flechtner Vocals (female), Choirs
Aria Keramati Noori Guitars
Dirk Baur Bass, Vocals (backing), Choirs
Mareike Makosch Vocals (female), Choirs
Guest/Session
Ally Storch-Hukriede Fiddle
Gaby Koss Vocals (soprano), Choirs
Petra Straussova Vocals, Choirs
Albrecht Lutz Tenor, Bass, Choirs
Teddy Möhrke Tenor, Choirs
1. Saint Slayer 04:12
2. Fernes Land 03:39
3. A Dead Man's Tale 04:45
4. Sie stehen am Weg 03:21
5. Vor der Schlacht 04:51
6. Hateful Affection 03:31
7. Part I - Der Kleriker 05:13
8. Part II - Das zweite Gesicht 04:24
9. Part III - In Signo Crucis 06:17
10. Der letzte Freund 05:24
11. Traumzeit 04:18
12. Terra Incognita 04:32
54:27
A video has been made for "Fernes Land".
Tracks 7-9 are the parts of In Signo Crucis Trilogy.
“Mein Herz” engineered and mixed by Dirk Baur and Selin Schönbeck
Bonus track on Japanese edition:
14. Kristallklares Wasser (Live)
Recording information:
Recorded and mixed at Klangschmeide Studio E, Mellrichstadt.
Today in 2009 Dark Funeral released the album Angelus Exuro pro Eternus
Stockholm,Sweden Black Metal Status:Active Years active: 1993 (as Ahriman), 1993-present Dark Funeral would be your classic old-school Norwegian black metal band, except for the fact that they happen to come from Sweden. All the trademarks of the genre are here -- they play the style quite well, but really aren't very distinguishable from the crowd. Regain Records Micke "Lord Ahriman" Svanberg – guitar Magnus "Emperor Magus Caligula" Broberg – vocals Bo "Chaq Mol" Karlsson – guitar Nils "Dominator" Fjellström – drums B-Force – bass guitar 1. The End of Human Race (4:39) 2. The Birth of the Vampiir (4:42) 3. Stigmata (5:07) 4. My Funeral (5:33) 5. Angelus exuro pro eternus (5:00) 6. Demons of Five (4:46) 7. Declaration of Hate (5:22) 8. In My Dreams (6:27) 9. My Latex Queen (5:21) Total Time: 46:57 Release dates: Europe - November 18, 2009 Brazil - December 22, 2009 (by Paranoid Records) North America - January 26, 2010 Recorded and mixed at Abyss Studio, Sweden, during July-August, 2009. Mastered at Black Lodge Studios. Artwork and graphics by Morbid (Daniel Valeriani) / hordeoftheeclipse@hotmail.com. Photos by Standard Film Team and Carlos Aguilar. Bonus DVD (limited edition only): Official music video for "My Funeral" Live at Peace & Love Festival on June 28, 2008 in Borlänge, Sweden: 01. Intro 02. King Antichrist 03. Diabolis Interium 04. The Secrets of The Black Arts 05. The Arrival of Satan's Empire 06. Goddess of Sodomy 07. 666 Voices Inside 08. Vobiscum Satanas 09. Hail Murder 10. Atrum Regina 11. An Apprentice of Satan Credits: Film Production by Year Zero. Professionally filmed with 6 cameras. Sound engineering by Henrik Wenngren. Sound Recording by Erik Sjölander. Mixed by Erik Sjölander at Studio Wasteland, Uppsala, Sweden. Pyro by Unique Pyrotechnic, AB. "My Funeral" video by Standard Film Team, Umeå, Sweden. The music video for "My Funeral" was shot in and outside an old and closed mental hospital. Uncensored and censored versions of the video exist. Brazilian release includes the "My Funeral" video. Angelus Exuro pro Eternus (roughly translated to "Burning Angels for Eternity") is the fifth studio album by Swedish black metal band Dark Funeral.The album was officially released on November 18, 2009 via Regain Records. It was recorded at Abyss Studio in Grangärde, Sweden with engineer and producer Peter Tägtgren, who also produced Dark Funeral's earlier studio albums (with the exception of Attera Totus Sanctus). The record was then mastered by Jonas Kjellgren at the Black Lodge Studios. Musically, it has been described as the band's most technical and varied album to date, with considerably more progression and innovation while remaining "true to its roots".[citation needed] The cover artwork for Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus was created by Daniel "Morbid" Valeriani
Today in 2008 Sammy Hagar released the album Cosmic Universal Fashion
Salinas, California, Hard rock, heavy metal
Years active : 1976-Present
After spending several years as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the mid-'70s hard rock band Montrose, Sammy Hagar began a solo career that produced several hits and made him an album rock favorite. Hagar became a true star once he joined Van Halen in 1985, but he'd been a popular hard rocker ever since his first album with Montrose.
After giving up a boxing career, Hagar began singing in the late '60s, performing with various California bands including Skinny, the Fabulous Catillas, Justice Brothers, and Dust Cloud. During this time, he built up a solid reputation in the California hard rock scene. Former Edgar Winter guitarist Ronnie Montrose asked Hagar to join his band, Montrose, in 1973. Hagar recorded two albums with Montrose before going solo in 1976, taking the group's bassist, Bill Church, with him. Montrose's drummer Denny Carmassi later joined Hagar's band, along with keyboardist Geoff Workman.
Standing HamptonHagar's self-titled "red album" was his first chart entry; it eventually went gold. In 1979, he created a new supporting band featuring Workman, Church, guitarist Gary Pihl, and drummer Chuck Ruff. This lineup played on Hagar's most popular solo album, 1981's platinum Standing Hampton, plus 1982's gold Three Lock Box with only one member missing -- drummer Ruff was replaced by David Lauser. After Three Lock Box and its number 13 hit single "Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy," Hagar played several shows with guitarist Neal Schon, bassist Kenny Aaronson, and drummer Mike Shrieve; the group recorded a live album under the name Hagar Schon Aaronson Shrieve (HSAS), as well as a studio version of Procol Harum's "A Whiter Shade of Pale." His 1984 album VOA contained the hit single "I Can't Drive 55," which peaked at number 26.
Roadrunner
Sammy Hagar - lead vocals, guitar
Michael Anthony - bass guitar, vocals on tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10
Billy Gibbons - vocals on track 6
Billy Duffy - guitars on track 4
Matt Sorum - drums, percussion on track 4
Bootsy Collins - backing vocals on track 8
Deen Castronovo - drums on tracks 2, 3
Neal Schon - guitars on tracks 2, 3
David Lauser - drums on tracks 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Vic Johnson - guitar, vocals on tracks 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
1. "Cosmic Universal Fashion" Sammy Hagar, Steven Lost, David Kahne 3:33
2. "Psycho Vertigo" Hagar, Neal Schon 5:03
3. "Peephole" Hagar, Schon 4:20
4. "LOUD" John Eddie 3:55
5. "Fight for Your Right to Party" Rick Rubin, Adam Yauch, Adam Horovitz 3:48
6. "Switch on the Light" Hagar 3:17
7. "When the Sun Don't Shine" Hagar 4:15
8. "24365" Hagar 3:58
9. "I'm on a Roll" Hagar, Niki Oosterbeen 2:40
10. "Dreams/Cabo" Michael Anthony/Hagar/Alex Van Halen/Eddie Van Halen 8:50
Cosmic Universal Fashion is a solo album by Sammy Hagar, released in 2008. It is his eleventh solo studio album. Shortly after its release, Hagar formed the supergroup Chickenfoot with his former Van Halen band mate Michael Anthony.
Cosmic Universal Fashion debuted at number 95 on the Billboard 200
The title track was previously released in a different version by Baghdad Heavy Metal in an album called Baghdad Heavy Metal in 2007.
"LOUD" features Michael Anthony, The Cult's Billy Duffy with Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver's Matt Sorum.
Hagar's version of "Fight for Your Right to Party" includes a guest lead vocal by his tour manager, Paul Binder, who is introduced as the character "Bling". Hagar has performed the song live with Bling for years, often infusing "Summertime Blues". In the album's liner notes, Hagar explains that the Beastie Boys would not let him change the lyrics. That being the case, Hagar then says, "Then the teacher was right." (In reference to the Beastie Boys lyric "but your teacher preaches class like you're some kind of jerk".)
"Psycho Vertigo" and "Peephole" feature the Journey guitarist Neal Schon and drummer Deen Castronovo with the former Van Halen bass guitarist Michael Anthony. Hagar, Schon and Anthony were originally planning to form a new side project called Planet Us after finishing these two tracks but Hagar and Anthony rejoined Van Halen in 2004.
"Switch On The Light" features ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons.
"24365" features the Funkadelic bass guitarist Bootsy Collins on backup vocals.
Today in 2008 Mudvayne released the album A New Game
Peoria, Illinois Alternative metal, heavy metal, nu metal, progressive metal, groove metal
Status:On Hold
Years Active: 1996-2011
Mudvayne appeared on the worldwide scene in 2000 with one of the most visually striking images in metal and a solid major label debut album in L.D. 50. They were clearly in the heavier end of the nu-metal spectrum, with vocals alternating between hardcore and melodic and forceful downtuned guitars, as well as some subtle but impressive basswork. Two years later they switched pseudonyms and image (going for a sci-fi alien visual, again quite striking) for their next release The End Of All Things To Come. They later dropped the visuals and ended up releasing five albums over the course of their career, ending with the self-titled Mudvayne in 2009.
Mudvayne released a self-titled album, Mudvayne on December 21st 2009.
Epic
Chad Gray − vocals
Greg Tribbett − guitars, backing vocals
Ryan Martinie − bass
Matthew McDonough − drums
1. "Fish Out of Water" 3:30
2. "Do What You Do" 3:36
3. "A New Game" 5:03
4. "Have It Your Way" 3:45
5. "A Cinderella Story" 4:40
6. "The Hate in Me" 3:22
7. "Scarlet Letters" 3:56
8. "Dull Boy" 4:14
9. "Same Ol'" 4:49
10. "Never Enough" 3:39
11. "We the People" 3:07
Total length:
43:41
Deluxe edition tracks
1. "King of Pain" (The Police cover) 4:36
2. "Happy?" (Demo) 3:43
3. "Forget to Remember" (Acoustic) 3:38
4. "Dig" (Live) 4:27
5. "Not Falling" (Demo) 4:02
6. "Fall Into Sleep" (Demo) 3:40
7. "On the Move" (Demo) 3:55
8. "World So Cold" (Live) 6:20
9. "Goodbye" (Demo) 6:41
10. "Death Blooms" (Demo) 4:24
The New Game is the fourth studio album by the American heavy metal band Mudvayne. It was released on November 18, 2008 by Epic Records, and its first single, "Do What You Do," began receiving airplay on September 23, 2008. The album debuted and peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard 200, selling 48,000 copies in its first week, and more than 215,000 copies in the United States as of August 2009
Today in 2008 Enforcer released there debut album Into the Night
Arvika (early), Stockholm (later), Sweden Heavy/Speed Metal
Status:Active
Years active 2004-present
Enforcer is one of many bands borrowing heavily from the heyday of speed/thrash metal. On Into The Night, their 2008 debut, the style is a mix of mid-eighties speed metal, a bit of Kill 'Em All-era Metallica, and a healthy dose of early Iron Maiden ("Black Angel" is the best example of the latter), plenty of harmonized leads, clear higher-pitched vocals, and general thrashing about, bolstered by a clear, modern production that still allows the songs to breathe. Although they tend to stick to their influences just a bit too much, there's some potential here, as the band is energetic, tight, and clearly loving what they do.
Heavy Artillery Records
Olof Wikstrand Vocals
Jonas Wikstrand Drums
Joseph Tholl Bass
Adam Zaars Guitars
1. Black Angel 03:34
2. Mistress from Hell 03:16
3. Into the Night 03:14
4. Speed Queen 03:22
5. On the Loose 04:24
6. City Lights 05:53 instrumental
7. Scream of the Savage 03:39
8. Curse the Light 04:08
9. Evil Attacker 03:36
35:06
All music, lyrics and arrangements by Enforcer, except "On the Loose" by Enforcer and Jakob Ljungberg.
Recording information:
Recorded and produced in Hvergelmer Studios by Enforcer, 2007/2008.
