It was quiet about Messiah for a long time. In the beginning of the first heyday of Swiss Extreme Metal, with bands like Celtic Frost and Cornoner, Messiah started to record a first demo, followed by a debut album in 1986. Unfortunately, the first era of Messiah lasted not longer than 10 years. In the... Continue Reading →
CD review KANSAS ‘The Absence of Presence’
Kansas and 'The Absence of Presence', that is sophisticated rock, rooted in the '70s merged with a modern sound and a lively dynamic, ensured by a modern production. This album is definitely a recommendation for anyone who calls himself a rock fan.
CD review SAINTS OF DEATH ‘Ascend to the Throne’
Saints Of Death are from Vancouver, Canada and are musically focused on a mixture of Thrash and Death Metal. In combination with an electric groove, especially fans of bands like Arch Enemy and Pantera should keep on reading. Not that Saints Of Death could already compete with these bands, but they work on similar musical... Continue Reading →
CD review MASSIVE WAGONS ‘House of Noise’
After having listened to the album several times I can recommend to push the door to the 'House of Noise' wide open. The organic and warm rock'n'roll spirit that welcomes you right away ist just something you shouldn't miss. And once you're in the 'House of Noise' you want to stay.
CD review MARYANN COTTON ‘Hallelujah’
The label info sheet talks about songs for convertible car cruises and they are right on the money. 'Hallelujah' is a musical accompaniment to a cabriolet ride into the Las Vegas sunset, music that doesn't leave any cliche untouched. Not more but also not less.
CD review ENSIFERUM ‘Thalassic’
If you visit Markus' Heavy Music Blog more frequently, you know that Folk/Viking Metal is not my particular area of expertise. But there are exceptions and among them are certainly Ensiferum from Finland. Since 1995 the quintet has been one of the protagonists of a style that combines Death Metal, Folk Metal and Viking Metal... Continue Reading →
CD review U.D.O. ‘We Are One’
It's not the first time that German metal pioneer Udo Dirkscheider cooperates with the official Concert Band of the German Armed Forces, but it is the first time that things end up on an album that includes new songs. 'We Are One' is the title of a collaboration that shows its fruitful result in 15... Continue Reading →
CD review POLTERGEIST ‘Feather of Truth’
Although Swiss metal veterans Poltergeist premiered in 1989 with ‘Depression’, the count of longplayers isn’t further than on four to date. This has less to do with a lack of musical quality or zeal. It’s mainly due to the fact that Poltergeist was ‘offline’ for 20 years. After having published ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’, nomen et... Continue Reading →
CD review POWERWOLF ‘Best of the Blessed’
One of the bands that was growing the fastest over the last years is certainly Powerwolf from Saarbrücken, Germany. Referred to as being the high priests of Heavy Metal, the band can show impressive achievements, which were maybe a dream scenario back in 2005, when the guys unveiled their debut album. But sometimes dreams become... Continue Reading →
CD review BURY TOMORROW ‘Cannibal’
The basic mood on 'Cannibal' is certainly in strong contrast to the current summertime. It's not light and color which are the main focus and spirit. Darkness and uncompromising emotional honesty is what makes this longplayer to an emotional contrast to what the eye sees these days. If you've got enough sun and want to spend some time on (self-) reflection, you've found your soundtrack with 'Cannibal'.
CD review ENUFF Z’NUFF ‘Brainwashed Generation’
With premiering in 1989 with 'Enuff'Z'Nuff', the rockers from Blue Island, Illinois were just a couple of years late, since they started when the rising curve of Glam Rock and Hard Rock began to flatten, givingg space to e.g. Grunge. However, Chip Z'nuff and guys have stamina. While other bands disappeared from the spotlight it's... Continue Reading →
CD review PROTEST THE HERO ‘Palimpsest’
Protest The Hero's new offer is a complex album. Complexity in itself isn't something bad but the portion that's offered by the four Canadians demands an effort from the listener. 'Modern', 'Metal', 'Alternative' and 'Progressive' are the key terms that describe the album best. When I listened to the album the first time a got... Continue Reading →
CD review FALCONER ‘From a Dying Ember’
Falconer originated from Mithotyn, a band that disbanded in 1999 and it was Stefan Weinerhall who founded Falconer with songs that were originally intended to be for used in a solo project. Falconer released a self-titled debut in 2001 and after numerous other records the ninth album will follow this summer. 'From a Dying Ember',... Continue Reading →
CD review THE DIRTY DENIMS ‘Ready, Steady, Go’
'Ready, Steady Go' is a tight rock'n'roll album that is a blast from start to finish. It's not that The Dirty Denims is turning the rock world upside down. It's rather the passion for a good riff and an easy groove that drives the album and makes the music a great summer soundtrack. Open a beer, lean back, press 'Start' and have a good time, life's not more complicated than that.
CD review LONG DISTANCE CALLING ‘How Do We Want to Live?’
'How Do We Want to Live?' is both, conceptually and musically, a masterpiece that fits perfectly into the current times. Long Distance Calling extend their own sound with electronic elements, making the album even tighter and more intense without sacrificing the typical Long Distance Calling trademarks. The four guys build on 'How Do We Want to Live?', a world of sound that fascinates and inspires you to ask yourself the basic question of this album - how do you want to live?. One thing is certain. The way I want to live is for sure with this album.









