Stormbringer Webzine

DEMO TAPES/CD's


Daemon -SHADE EMPIRE

I. DAEMON
II. …JA PIMEYS LASKEUTUI
III. CAPTURED INSIDE A BLACK DREAM


Well, well what do we have here?

A tasty 3 track disc that is actually very very good. Not being one to enjoy black metal that much, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this. I’d never heard of Shade Empire before, but from now on I think I shall be looking out for more from this lot.

There’s an almost immediate impact in the way it’s played. It’s full-on, in your face, relentless and at times breath taking. Never pausing for moment. The musicianship is flawless, the drums pounding away at break neck speed and perfectly timed, the guitars are perfectly played, the keyboard blends in beautifully with the other instruments, add to this a not too over the top black metal growl and you have near on perfection.

These guys maybe gunning for the crowns of black metal held by the likes of Satyricon, Dimmu Borgir and Cradle Of Filth, and believe me, I think they could actually get there.

All in all ‘Daemon’ is an excellent piece of work, albeit a tad short. And I can’t wait until I can get my hands on more of their work.

www.shadeempire.cjb.net

~Review by Chris Wheeler

Demo - Serpentene

This 4 track demo CD comes from a local band called Serpentene. Considering this is a demo CD the quality is extremely good. The four tracks features influences such as Tool, Silverchair, Nirvana, Soundgarden and Alice In Chains.

I thought the 4 tracks are all excellent and show that this band can write good songs as well as showing that they are capable musicians, with a bit of luck, Serpentene could go a long way.

Check out their website for info and some of their sounds

http://www.serpentene.com

 

Deride -Deride

 

Deride are:

Frediablo - vocals
Ole Walunet - Guitars/Bass
Kjetil Greve - Drums

Tracks:

1. Another Day
2. Though It All
3. Godfed

Here we have another 3 -track promo from Deride, the first track entitled 'Another Day' is quite a heavy one, but still has a nice melodic quality to it. The vocals are a mixture of Phil Anselmo (Pantera) style and a more melodic approach. Towards the middle there's a nice change in direction where the vocals are spoken and the music becomes more atmospheric, but it's not long before it's back to the heavy guitars and all.

The second track is 'Through It all', and once again quite a heavy track with the vocal style being similar to the first track

The last track entitled 'Godfed' is more powerful with the vocals being more extreme too. Sometimes the vocals become more of what you would expect from a black metal track.

Overall, if you like your metal to be metal, then this might be worth you taking a listen too. Recommended!!!
did I go wrong - RITUAL


The tracks are :
1. Did I Go Wrong
2. Into The Heat
3. Sadly Unspoken
4. Breathing (demo 1997)


The first track, which is also the title track is 'Did I Go Wrong' and is a very catchy number. The music is mellow and has a strong melodic quality about it. In a way this track reminds me a little of Radiohead, Porcupine Tree and The Beatles.

The next track 'Into The Heat' is equally as impressive. Once again, this track has a melodic quality about it, but at the same time this differs in that it also has a superb atmospheric quality too. There is also some superb guitar work.

The third track 'Sadly Unspoken' is a lively acoustic guitar track. After listening to this track several times the vocal delivery at times reminded me a little of Marc Bolan and T.Rex.

The final track, which is actually a special bonus track entitled 'Breathing' (demo 1997) is more blues orientated and contains some fine guitar work although once again there are some similarities to Radiohead.

Website : http://come.to/ritual

Previously Unreleased - Book Of Hours


Book of Hours are:
Stefan Zell on Vocals
Mattias Reinholdson on Bass
Per Broddesson on Guitar, Recorder and Keyboards
Henrik Johansson on Drums, Pumporgan and Recorder

The tracks are :
1. Infertile Ground (8:10)
2. Tender Contempt (6:00)
3. Animating Misery
(Prologue to Mental Discharge) (4:10)
4. (Endearment (6:30)

The story of the Swedish band Book of Hours begins in a rather peculiar way. In the late fall of 1996 drummer Henrik Johansson was planning to put a band together alongside with bass player Mattias Reinholdsson who he had just met on a Bruce Dickinson concert in 1994. Their situations were very similar, a lot of musical ideas but nobody to execute them together with.

Henrik had been playing together with Stefan Zell in a project called Pornographical Harmony and they had a bunch of songs that was to be used in this bands repertoire. Mattias knew Per Broddesson from an earlier band effort called Oberon and Per was interested in trying out, since he had heard Henrik's material. A band was born.

After rehearsing for only a weekend as a complete band with Ulf Nygaä temporarily on keyboards, they decided to record a demo but this one was thrown into the dustbin because the 8-track recorder was very unreliable in pitch. They had a gig the same week, billed as Pornographical Harmony, but were still very uncertain what to call the band.

Then after some more rehearsals they decided to have another try on recording some material. This recording session took place in late August this year and resulted in the demo 'Previously Unreleased', which features four songs of very different character. When the demo was finished they decided to print the name Book of Hours on the cover.

Book of Hours blend atmospheric keyboards, fine melodies, immense hooks and a very hard edged guitar sound to create an overall sound best described a somewhere between early Genesis and Black Sabbath with some excellent guitar work that should appeal to rock fans right across the spectrum.

'Infertile Ground' gets the whole thing going and if any of you out there are still under the impression that this is just another tape of twiddly twaddle's, bullshit, because 'Infertile Ground' is simply bursting with heavy guitars and a real rock steady rhythm, it is also very obvious that Book Of Hours are fine musicians and proof of that statement is there for all to see in the following number 'Tender Contempt', a fine instrumental with a great rhythm that will have fans of Dream Theater and Rush simply thinking this is sheer delight. While 'Animating Misery' has a somewhat sinister feel to it made possible by some heavy guitar work and a fine vocal delivery.

Unfortunately I cannot tell you what the last track is like, as the tape gave up on me,but if it's like the rest of the tape, then I'm sure you will be in for a treat.
Book Of Hours are once again living proof, that you don't need a big budget and fancy PR to make good music. Having real talent is just as good. Why not check them out for yourselves.

For more information write to : Henrik Johansson, Höknäs 6, 780 68 Transtrand.
Website : http://www.delta.se/~henke/ph/mainpage.html
E-mail : henrij@hotmail.com

The Message - POSITION


Position take the classic metal sound of the 80's and add a very distinctive US flavour to the proceeding on this 6 track sampler tape. The tape simply flows from track to track with such ease at times it's sickening. Out of the songs on The Message, the two ballads did it for me, 'Angel (of The Morning)' features one of those chorus's that you'll find yourself humming like a demented fool for weeks on end and the more acoustic based 'Steal Yor Heart' will simply melt the heart off every metal fan regardless of how old they may be. But let's not forget that Position can rock like a bastard as well with the opening and title track 'The Message' being the best of the bunch, featuring some excellent guitar work and vocals.

Since receiving this tape I believe that Position have now released 'The Message' on CD with 13 tracks.
For more details visit Positions Website : http://members.aol.com/POSITIONNJ
E-mail : POSITIONNJ@aol.com

Incubation Demo 12/97 - PASSADO


Passado is :
Dave Callaghan on Drums
Paul Brollman on Bass
Troy Kinoshta on Vocals
Jay Jesseth on Guitars

The Tracks are :
1. Strong
2. Step Down
3. Gather
4. Elite's Disease

This is a blend of metal/crossover that will instantly appeal to lovers of such bands as Tool and Korn and show that this Canadian four piece possess enough flair and imagination to go all the way, unfortunately, the tape got chewed up in my tape player after only two plays, so I am unable to go into too much detail, but the one thing that did impress me about all of the songs was the tremendous high quality of musicianship and the vocal style of Dave Callaghan, who is living proof you don't have to sound like some ones kicking you in the bollocks to get your point across.

Contact Passado : http://members.tripod.com/~loot1/passado.htm

The Awesome Machine - THE AWESOME MACHINE


The Awesome Machine is :
Christian : Guitar
Stefan : Bass
Lasse : Vocals
Tobbe : Drums

The tracks are :
1. Ompa Bompa
2. God Damn Evil
3. Sun Don't Shine On me
4. Diggin

The Awesome Machine self titled 4 track tape is simply a must for all you lovers of that classic metal sound of the 70's. The Awesome Machine is simply full of monster riffs and classic heavy grooves, and with this style of music enjoying a new lease of life, thanks to bands such as Cathedral, Orange Goblin and Terra Firma, The Awesome Machine could indeed go all the way.

Out of the four tracks on offer, well the first two 'Ompa Bompa' and 'God Damn Evil' were recorded in February last year and featuring Peter Thorne on drums, both are full on rockers of the old school, with great rhythms. Monster mouth vocals and both numbers are full of wonderful fuzzed groove guitar.

But to be frank it was the last two tracks 'Sun Don't Shine On Me' and 'Diggin', which were both recorded during August 1998 and this time featuring Tobbe Bövik on drums that caught my eye. 'Sun Don't Shine On Me' is so laid back at times it's unreal and with some excellent vocals that gradually build in power towards the end, this reminds me of Soundgarden.

'Diggin' is simply bursting out with all the things that make this style of metal so timeless, great guitar work, real solid rhythms and a bass line that simply blows your speakers to pieces, great stuff, in fact you could say awesome by name, awesome by nature.

Website : http://come.to/awesome
E-mail : awesomemachine@hotmail.com

Hardball/Staying Power - Thane

Hardball Tracks :
1. Little Wars (3:42)
2. Atlas (3:58)
3. Sample The Masses (3:15)
4. The Search (2:40)

The first track 'Little Wars' hits in like a thunderbolt, hard, heavy, fast metal riffs, great vocals from Brian, who seems to have multiple personalities on this track. There's a superb guitar solo, the drums have a good solid sound to them. This track is in a way similar to Pantera. WARNING!!, this track is a very heavy metal track.

The next track is 'Atlas', another heavy track, but this one has a slower rhythm than the previous track. Again great vocals from Brian, powerful, gritty, and understandable. There's some nice changes in direction, mood and tempo and a stunning guitar solo.

The third track 'Sample The Masses' starts with a hard hitting' riff, and for the first minute or so is constantly changing. Again great vocals from Brian. Brian showing that he has a very powerful voice. The guitar riff that is playing when Brian is singing is quite a bit slower until near the end when you get fast riffs and Brian's gritty vocals over the top. This track finishes abruptly.

'The Search' is a totally different track. I would say that this is more progressive rock influenced, there's some classically inspired guitar and Brian shows just how versatile he is, adapting easily. Brian on this track is a lot more mellow and laid back.

Staying Power tracks :
1. Defence For The Youth
2. Anthem Of The Purged
3. Manunkind
4. Lion And The Lamb

The first track is 'Defence For The Youth', a heavy metal gritty fast riff, hard hitting track. Good solid drum sound. Great vocals from Brian, similar to Pantera's Phil Anselmo. Brian's vocals are gritty, slightly throaty, but you can understand every word.

The next track is 'Anthem Of The Purged', this is a slower track, a stop/start heavy riff. Again great vocals. Mid-track speed up slightly or at least the riff does. Powerful vocals.

The third track 'Manunkind', has a fast heavy riff and great vocals.

'Lion And The Lamb', starts with some acoustic guitar that sounds quite haunting, in comes a very heavy riff over the top. There's a mixture of deep throaty vocals and normal vocals on this track.

http://www.gigmasters.com/thane/

Trying To Escape - BRAIN DEAD


Brain Dead are :
Phil on Bass
Moss on Guitars and Vocals
Najda on Drums

The tracks are :
1. Trying To Escape (4:39)
2. Human Rights (4:25)
3. Deceased (5:14)

Brain Dead are an Australian band and the 3 members are all only 17 years old. They play in a style of hard-edged metal that would put many more established bands to shame, now I know it's hard to judge a bands full potential over just three songs, but the underlying feeling you get when listening to Brain Dead's brutal grinding riff's. Thunderous drums and a vocal style that in places is so menacing, so evil, it wouldn't be out of place on a death metal album. With the right people behind them Brain Dead could be one of the few Aussie bands to make it onto the world stage.

Out of the three songs on offer 'Trying To Escape' has a nice stop/start feel to it made possible by some fine guitar work and good rhythm. 'Human Rights' has the same powerful vocal delivery that puts you in mind of Sepultura, while the final track 'Deceased' is the most menacing of the three with everything turned down as low as it can go and beyond. Trying To Escape is tough music with heart and if you're turned on by bands such as Machine Head and Fear Factory, you'd be daft to miss this one.

Contact Brain Dead at :
P.O. Box 5249. Nth Geelong. VIC, Australia 3215
FAX : (+61) 3 5277 1858
Website : http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Frontrow/8343
E-mail : braindead_98@hotmail.com

In Absentia - IF INERTIA


If Inertia are :
Joseph Pierson on Guitars and Vocals
Benjamin S. Sage Young on Bass
J. Salvatore Giancarelli on Drums

The tracks are :
1. unearthed
2. paradigm shift
3. my voice

If Inertia has very little to say about themselves that the very music cannot. Words will continue to describe, but it is only the music itself that can properly illustrate. Our hope is that we may at least do some justice to what eludes even us as If Inertia.

If Inertia emerged in the autumn of 1995. Since then, it has evolved into a form of artistic expression as innovative as it is creative. Application of a classical intelligence to modern guitar, bass, and drums and the continual exploration of loud and heavy music is what yields to this intense and passionate form of contemporary rock. It is a dynamic orchestration, an ensemble of ideas-- that within, each instrument must possess a strong and intelligible personal identity and still maintain the comprehensive unity of the song. If Inertia strives to combine strong lyrics, melodies, and concepts that work for each other and their imagery within the framework of each song. This is the musical foundation of If Inertia. The music is further unified by its dark and mood driven nature, as a depiction of experience rendered exquisite by art.

If Inertia believes that imagination is the key to personal growth and social change, and therefore tries to incorporate this concept into their music as well as express it through their music. If Inertia further expresses the idea that the individual must exert and aspire in order to evoke change. This is the conceptual foundation of If Inertia. The music is persuasive, and encourages strength in its listeners by empathizing with their personal experiences. It is necessarily merciless in the sense of what it professes. If Inertia asserts that only by overcoming personal misery can one begin the spiritual progression toward equinox . With this concept and the powerful medium of music, If Inertia hopes to encourage the course of conscious evolution . If Inertia is based in Northampton, Massachusetts and is currently gaining momentum in Southern New England.

In Absentia is a 3 track demo CD.
In my opinion, If Inertia's influences seem to be Alive In Chains, Nirvana, and Korn.

'Unearthed', opens the CD coming straight in with heavily distorted guitars and bass. For me there's quite a bit of Alice In Chains/Nirvana influence, but this is an excellent track. Good vocals, and I like the way the music has been arranged, everything falls in to place perfectly. There's some nice changes in direction, mood and tempo and some excellent guitar work.

'Paradigm shift', another track with heavily distorted guitars, starting with the the sound just coming out of the left speaker first then after around 40 sec's switching to both. There's some haunting sounds being played in the background. The drumming is excellent and some nice atmospheric vocals. The tempo of this track is a lot slower than the first track and again there are some nice changes in direction, mood and tempo. Some parts of this track show a slight Korn influence.

And the last track is 'my voice', starting off a lot quieter with some nice mellow guitar and vocals and then gradually builds up from when the bass comes in. Then suddenly the band comes in, heavy distorted guitars and some of the vocal deliveries are similar to one Jonathan Davies (Korn).

An excellent 3 track demo CD, lasting just over 16 minutes.
To be honest, I don't care if bands are influenced by other bands as long as the music they produce at the end of it is good and If Inertia have done just that.
Highly Recommended!!
Website :http://www.ifenertia.com

Unborn Son - WILD CAT SLEAZY


Wild Cat Sleazy are :
Fredrik Hanson on Lead, Backing Vocals and Rhythm Guitar
Oscar Razl Hagberg on Drums and Backing Vocals
Jonas Holst on Lead & Rhythm Guitar and Backing Vocals
Niklas Lindberg on Bass Guitar
The tracks are :
1. Unborn Son (3:18)
2. Warrior (5.11)
3. On Clouds (4:54)

Unborn Son is a three track demo CD lasting just under 13 and a half minutes.
The first track 'Unborn Son' is a straight metal track with good vocals from Fredrik, it has a catchy tune and chorus. And there's an excellent guitar solo.

The next track 'Warrior' another pure metal track with a great riff and some excellent lead guitar. Nice vocals from Fredrik and again, this track has quite a catchy chorus. There's some nice changes in direction, mood and tempo and some nice lead breaks.

The final track is 'On Clouds', a ballad, vocals are a lot softer and more emotional. There's some nice acoustic guitar and some nice lead too.

A great demo, showing the bands versatility with excellent musicianship.
E-mail : wildcatsleezy@hotmail.com

Demo No.3 - WOLVERINE


The tracks are :
1. Left Undone
2. A Fairytale
3. Birds Of Fall
4. (untitled)

The first track 'Left Undone' starts with some nice acoustic/electric guitar, the music is quite haunting, nice vocals. The music then changes direction with the music becoming a lot faster. The vocals are now a mix between normal and growling death metal. Stunning guitar work.

The next track is 'A Fairytale', this track starts with some nice acoustic guitar and great electric guitar over the top. The music then gradually gets heavier. This track once the vocals start takes on more of a medieval feel to it. There's still a mixture of normal vocals and growling vocals, but it seems to work quite nicely. On this track there's some nice flute too and more stunning guitar work.

Track 3 is 'Birds Of Fall', an excellent track with some great drums coming in first. Then the guitars are added, after a while this changes to acoustic guitar with some superb lead over the top. Superb guitar work throughout this track. Again there's a mixture of growling death metal vocals and normal vocals.

The final track which has no title is a beautiful short acoustic piece with nice vocals.

Overall, a great demo tape from Wolverine. Wolverine mix progressive metal with death metal and do it well. Yet another band who should have a recording contract!!

Website : http://www.come.to/wolverine
E-mail : szell@hotmail.com

Demo '98 - BANGTOY 69


Bangtoy 69 is :
Marcus Fraunce on Vocals
Rey Rey on Bass and Backings
T.J. Storm on Drums and Backings
Traci Lynne on Guitars and Backings

The tracks are :
1. Monkeyshine
2. Trailer Park Queen
3. You're Outta Luck
 Bangtoy 69 play hard rock, pure and simple. The lyrics are according to the demo inlay "Sexplicit".

'Monkeyshine', is a simple rock song with an excellent riff. The vocals in the chorus sound similar to Axl Rose's on 'Welcome To The Jungle' (Gun's n Rose's).
'Trailer Park Queen' and 'You're Outta Luck' follow the same pattern with no great musical departures. 'Trailer Park Queen' has a neat guitar solo and uses backing vocals in the chorus and 'You're Outta Luck' has a talk over part describing foreplay.

If you like hard rock and are not offended by constant references to sex then this is excellent.
Contact Bangtoy 69 at P.O.Box 22-0033, Hollywood, Florida.33022
Tel: (954) 989 8966
Website : http://members.aol.com/tracibt69/toyz1.html
E-mail : bangtoy69@aol.com

Greyhaven Demo tape '97 - GREYHAVEN


Greyhaven are : Ethan Matthews on guitars and keyboards
Nate Howard on guitars
Nick Cipriano on drums

The tracks are :
1. Vessel (21:10)
2. Downfall (6:21)
The first track 'Vessel' is split into four parts I) Prologue, ii) Morin Downs, iii) Delismorder (Midnight), and iv) Solaris. The track starts, there are some thumping noises, sounding like someone hitting a large wooden door, I am probably wrong, but that's what it sounds like anyway.

Then in comes some nice keyboards, melodic and quite mellow, nice drums and then incomes some superb guitar. I just love the way the guitar comes in, it's kinda Pink Floydish in a way. Within this track, as you would expect, there are many changes in direction , mood and tempo. There's a nice combination/interaction between keyboards and guitar and then some heavier guitar comes in. This part reminds me quite a bit of the Ozric Tentacles.

Change in direction and the drums sound more tribal, keyboards and guitar are more space-rock orientated starting with a slow rhythm and then gradually building in speed. In comes a heavy guitar riff followed by more spacey-type guitar, comes back to the heavy riff, followed by some excellent guitar work.

The music then fades and there's some spacey type keyboards, sounds influenced by Tangerine Dream, Gong, Pink Floyd and Ozric Tentacles. There's some nice guitar work, spacey keyboard work then in comes a heavy guitar riff, nice combination/interaction between guitar and keyboards, more excellent guitar work. The track then slows down to just a piano playing and then slows down and fades. An excellent track!!!

'Downfall' starts with some excellent intricate guitar work, nice keyboards, there's some heavier guitar work coming in over the top throughout the track. Many changes in direction, mood and tempo. The guitar work is just stunning.

Greyhaven are a Progressive Rock band from Eugene, Oregon USA and show a lot of originality in the music. They are creative, the music is atmospheric, ambient, powerful, catchy and I would fully recommend that you try to get hold of a copy of this tape if you can.

Since releasing this tape Greyhaven are now working on a full length album and have now also found a vocalist.
Can't wait for the album!!
Website : http://members.aol.com/greyhavn/index.html

Outshined Demo Tape - OUTSHINED


The tracks are :
1. Machine
2. Dream Of Angels
3. Haunt
4. Dead Tomorrow
5. Victims
 Portsmouth (UK) based band Outshined deliver a five track demo with a very hard-core crossover feel, but with enough variation to appeal to all music lovers everywhere. Out of the five songs on offer the aggressive opener 'Machine' with it's ultra heavy riff is about as good as it gets, while my favourite 'Dream Of Angels 'has a lovely haunting feel to it.

But, in truth, they are all top class songs that deserve your undivided attention. You can order this masterpiece from : Outshined. P.O.Box 193. Southsea. PO5 2TD.

Self Destruction - HEAVE


Heave are :
Per Richard on Lead and Harmony Vocals
Pasi J Lappi in Acoustic Guitar, Synth and Vocal
Patrik Stoor on Guitar and Vocal
Patrik Nikolic on Drums and Vocal

The tracks are :
1. Never Fall
2. Insanity
3. Why
4. Die 4 Your Sins
5. Never Fall (laid-back version)

Heave are a metal band from Sweden. Self Destruction is a 5 track demo CD lasting around 17 minutes. The first track 'Never Fall' starts with a heavy riff, some great bass before the vocals come in. Per has quite a melodic voice, and although the music is very heavy, it just fits in perfectly. This track has a strong melody and is one you just want to keep playing again and again. There drums have a good solid sound to them and there's some excellent guitar work.

The next track is 'Insanity', this track starts with manic drums and guitars, followed by some great bass. Again the vocals are superb from Per. There are some nice changes in direction, mood and tempo. This track has a hard driving rhythm and once again there's a superb solo.

The third track is 'Why', in comes the heavy riff, driving rhythms, and once again superb vocals.

The next track is 'Die 4 Your Sins', starting with some intricate guitar work, this is followed by a hard driving riff as soon as the vocals start. Nice changes in direction, mood and tempo.

The final track 'Never Fall' (laid-back version) is an acoustic version of the first track. There's some atmospheric keyboards that have been added into the background and these add depth to the track.

Heave's influences I would have to say are Black Sabbath, Fight, Megadeth and Metallica, but still seem to have come up with their own style. This is one group who should have a recording contract!!!

Website : http://hem1.passagen.se/heave/
E-mail : heave@sundbyberg.mail.telia.com

Silence - MADRIGAL


Track listing :
1. (No More ) Face To Face (5:27)
2. Covered Sun (4:52)
3. Turn Back The Time (4:46)
4. Silence (4:46)
Silence is a 4-track demo CD recorded in 1997.

The 4 tracks on offer are of the highest quality, great lyrics, catchy tunes, with the vocals being just superb from Sandra.

The musicianship on the 4 tracks is quite outstanding and a special mention must be made to Lars the guitarist who is simply stunning with powerful rhythms, and outstanding solo's.

What I can't understand is
WHY Madrigal have not been given a recording contract yet!!!!!

Website :http://www.phil.uni-sb.de/Musik/ProgTeam/Madrigal
E-mail : :egorissen@online-club.de

Diesel Machine - DIESEL MACHINE


Diesel Machine are:
A.J. Cavalier - vocals
Patrick Lachman - guitars
Shane Gaalaas - drums
Rich Gonzales - bass

Track listing :
1. Bones And All
2. State Of Panic
3. Self Destruct
 The three tracks on this demo tape are fire in yer face, no holds barred hard-core/Crossover at it's best.

This is a fine example of this genre with powerful vocals.

The music is well executed and played with the opening track Bones And All, just about pipping the other two tracks to the winning post for me.

Well worth checking out.
You can check out the website at http://www.sickheavymusic.com

DEMO 1998 - BARFLY CELEBRITY


Barfly Celebrity are :
Wetzel Robertson - vocals and rhythm guitar
Aaron Shadis - rhythm and lead guitar
Chris Boron - bass
Chris Beall - drums

Tracklisting :
1. Corpse's Ashes
2. Job Incognito
3. Bigstar Baby/ Funky Little Cowgirl
4. Dark Lover

Barfly Celebrity play straightforward rock music with a two guitars, drums, bass and vocals set up. The music is competently played leaving room for some quite impressive lead breaks.

The demo's opening song 'Corpse's Ashes' is a simple catchy rock song.
'Job Incognito' is the best song on the demo. It builds up from a quiet start into swinging riff with a great hook line. This song demonstrates Barfly Celebrity's reliance on quality song writing over intricate playing and a lush production.

'Big Star Baby/ Funky Little Cowgirl' are essentially different songs although they are credited as one. 'Big Star Baby' is in a similar vein to the previous tracks and includes a guitar solo that leads to 'Funky Little Cowgirl'. 'Funky Little Cowgirl' is also no great departure from the previous tracks, it's one difference being the increased time spent on guitar solos.

The final song 'Dark Lover' is a vocals only track. Here the vocals sound better than on the other tracks. The previous tracks have required the vocalist to shout and this is where the vocals sounded weakest. 'Dark Lover' does not require the vocalist to shout and the vocals sound better for this.

This demo is worth hearing because the song writing and playing is good which makes the best of a very minimal production.

Contact Barfly Celebrity on (410) 602-9493
E-mail : borgon@hotmail.com or at AnnieEidolon@prodigy.net
Website : http://www.baltimorebands.com/bfc

Crushed - CORRUPTION

Corruption are :
Marc Grabowski on Vocals and Bass
Mark Obermeyer on Guitars
Nick Studen on Drums

The tracks are :
1. Lies (5:26)
2. Only One (3:26)
3. Above That (7:12)

Aggro rock/Heavy Metal as it should be!!!
Simple, loud and powerful.
The three tracks on this CD are all that.
But if you listen carefully past the raw aggression, you will hear quite complex musical ideas being put to work and merging with the harsh sounds to create a quite overpowering ride through heaven and hell.
Best track on his CD is 'Above That', a song that almost anyone can relate too.
Contact Corruption: 2656 West 134th Circle, Broomfield, Colorado. 80020. USA
Website : http://members.aol.com/corruptjam/corruption
E-mail : CorrupJam@aol.com

Second Calling - BREAKING SILENCE


Breaking Silence is Tolis Vasiliadis on Drums, Michael Georgiadis on Guitars, George Baharidas on Vocals, Tasos Vogiatsis on Guitars and Petros Christodoulidis on Bass.


Second Calling is a four track demo CD from a Greek band called Breaking Silence. The first track is 'My Way' and could easily be mistaken for Queensryche as the vocalist George has a very similar voice to Goeff Tate, and on this track the music is in a similar vein. Although the music is not original, nevertheless it is still an excellent track. 'My Way', does has a very nice melody and has some stunning guitar work.


Track two 'No Return' is another excellent track, with great vocals from George . The drums and bass are excellent, and there's more stunning guitar work. The track has a good strong melody with some nice changes in direction, mood and tempo. There's also a superb guitar solo.


Track three is 'Shadowed', a fine metal track with superb guitars, drums have a good solid sound to them and another superb guitar solo.
And the last track is 'Calling', an excellent track with a superb riff, another great guitar solo and superb vocals.
Well, on the strength of this demo, I think Breaking Silence won't be waiting long before someone snaps them up for a record deal.


For More info contact Breaking Silence at : Pontou. 101, 55132, Thessaloniki, Greece
Website : http://users.spark.net.gr:8080/~bsilence/
E-mail : bsilence@spark.net.gr

Under The Sun - UNDER THE SUN


Under The Sun Is Chris Shryack on Guitars, Paul Shkut on Drums, Kurt Barabas on Bass and Matt Evidon on Keyboards.

Under The Sun is a 3 track demo tape, tracks are 'Gardens Of Autumn', 'This Golden Voyage' and 'From Henceforth Now And Forever'.

The first track 'Gardens of Autumn' is an excellent track with some great vocals from Chris. The song has a good strong melody with good solid bass and drums. There's some nice keyboards and some excellent guitar. This is what I would call a great rock track!!

The next track is 'This Golden Voyage', this track is more of a progressive rock track and starts with some great acoustic guitar, again great vocals from Chris. There are some nice changes in direction, mood and tempo. Later on in the track there's some great heavy guitar and keyboards. And an excellent guitar solo.

The last track is 'From Henceforth Now And Forever', which starts with some great keyboards followed by solid drums, intricate guitar and piano. Good vocals and some stunning soaring guitar. Well, I don't think it will be long before this band have a recording contract, as they deserve it on the quality of this tape.

Website : http://www.evenatnight.com
E-mail : jmsteele@evenatnight.com

Shadowbox - Waiting For Dawn


Waiting For Dawn is Ben Wozak on Lead Vocals and Guitars, Jordan Cohen on Drums, Tom Johnston on Bass and Lew Snyder on Guitar.

Shadowbox is a 2-track demo, tracks are 'Shadowbox' and 'This Day'

The first track 'Shadowbox' is a fairly slow paced metal track reminiscent of early Black Sabbath. There's a good heavy guitar riff. The drums and bass have a good solid sound to them. Ben vocals are good and fit in well with the music. Towards the end of the track the whole thing gather's pace and there's an excellent guitar solo.

The second track is 'This Day', starting with a good heavy riff, good vocals from Ben. There's nice changes in direction and tempo, with some great guitar work and another excellent guitar solo.

After listening to these two tracks, all I can say is I wanted more....

Website : http://www.nconnect,net/~tom
E-mail : tomj@nconnect.net

Sinipoli - SINIPOLI


Sinipoli are a Hard Rock band from New Jersey.

Sinipoli are : Joey Sinipoli on Lead Vocals and Guitar, Nicky Sinipoli on Bass and Backing Vocals, Bobby Abranowicz on Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar and Backing Vocals and Kevin Meyers on Drums.

Joey and Nicky Sinipoli formed the band in 1988. Joined by the flamboyant Bobby "Doll" Abranowicz and many replaced drummers, Sinipoli rocked up and down the Garden State.

They released two EP's 'Rock To The Top', and 'Sinipoli II', both which sold over 5,000 copies combined.
After waiting for the right deal that never came, the boys packed it in.

So why are Sinipoli coming back ?.

All over the Internet, there are websites dedicated to the same style of melodic hard rock that they played for many years. Joey had his hand in writing a song for the latest Jack Ponti produced Baton Rouge CD, which has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from hard rock fans worldwide.

He has also CO-penned with Ponti several songs being considered for a rock legend's next release (hint: the artist has a pet snake). A three song demo that was produced by Eddie Kramer is getting some serious industry notice. And more deals are in the works.

The tracks are : 'When I get Home', 'Girl You Got me Going', 'Let's Get The Party Started', 'fornication', 'Tell It To me Baby', 'Moonage Daydream', 'American Dream', 'It's Too Late', 'Be My Lover', 'No more', 'Eyes', 'I Like it', 'Don't Mess With My Girlfriend'.

If you were ever to talk about underrated or unheard of bands to anyone, then this tape from Sinipoli is one that you would definitely want to bring up.
The music on this tape is easily accessible, no matter where your tastes lie. The song's range from hard rock to sorrowful love ballads, but all are excellent.
I seriously recommend that all lovers of good music to get hold of a copy of this tape.
A modern masterpiece.!!!!
E-mail : Struceng@aol.com

Seclusion : ALL ABOUT FEAR


All About Fear are a Progressive Metal/Hard Rock band from West Haven, Connecticut. USA.
All About Fear is : Todd J. Paskin on Guitars, Roger Bush on Keyboards and Brian Hopkins on Drums.
Special Guests : Terri Lane - All Vocals and Dennis Nardella on Bass.
Seclusion is a 3 track demo tape and last about 17 mins.
The tracks are : Follow My Lead (Final Chapter), No Need To Explain and The Scavenger Cried.

The first track is 'Follow My Lead (Final Chapter)', which is an excellent track. I think All About Fear are very lucky to have a friend called Terri who has done the vocals on this demo tape. Terri has a great voice and Personally I think it compliments their music superbly. There are some nice changes in direction, mood and tempo. Great guitar and keyboards.
'No Need To Explain', another excellent track. Once again superb vocals from Terri, on this track Terri's voice carries a lot of emotion and puts a lot of feeling into this track. There are nice changes in mood, direction and tempo.
And the last track is 'The Scavenger Cried', which starts with some superb guitar and keyboards. Terri's vocals are once again superb showing that she has a lot of power in her voice. Once again nice changes in tempo, direction and mood.
A superb demo tape from All About Fear.
On the strength of this tape All About Fear should have a very good career in front of them.
Website : http://www.erols.com/tjpas
E-mail : tjpas@erols.com

Deride : DERIDE


Deride are Borre H. Michelson on Vocals, Ole Walaunet on Guitar, Johan Alme on Bass and Kjetil Greve on Drums.


The Demo CD contains 4 Tracks : 'Never Again', 'Wardust', 'Self Deceive' and 'Holocaust'


For those who like their Metal Loud,Heavy and Aggressive then this Demo CD entirely fits the bill.
The music is thick and heavy. Deride sound roots are in death metal, with some influences coming from Hard-core, black and thrash.
Lovers of Machine Head, Pantera and such like-minded bands this fits the bill very well indeed. I loved it, I'm sure you will too.
Website : http://www.fi.uib.no/~alme
E-mail :johan.alme@fi.uib.no

Welcome To Suffer Age : GOOSEFLESH


Gooseflesh are : Kristian Lampila on lead Vocals and Guitars, Tommy Scalisi Svensson on Guitars and Vocals, Robert Halemo on Bass and Vocals and Lars Berger on Fibes.


Welcome To Suffer Age is a 5 track demo tape.


The tracks are :
'Killing Stone', excellent track with some great heavy guitar, nice changes in tempo and Kristians deep vocals.
'Blinded', This is a great track, some nice changes in tempo and there's an excellent guitar solo.
'Seeds Of Terror', great track with nice changes in tempo, again another excellent guitar solo.
'Suffer Age', excellent track, deep vocals, nice changes in direction and tempo, great guitar.
'Fine Tuned War Machine' is an excellent track with some great heavy metal guitar. Nice changes in direction and another excellent guitar solo. The tracks are Heavy Metal guitar with dark, deep vocals from Kristian. The tracks are all excellent reminding me at times of Black Sabbath and old Slayer. There are some nice changes in direction within the tracks and some excellent guitar solo's.
I don't know why this band have not been given a record deal by now on the content of this demo tape.

If you are interested in getting a tape: contact:
Phantom Management. P.O.Box 84. SE-660 10 DALS LANGED/Sweden. Tel: +46 (0) 531 407 47
e-mail:phantom@swipnet.se
Booking: RoadKill A.D. magasinsgatan 15, SE-461 30 TROLLHATTON/Sweden Tel: +46 (0) 520 122 24
Fax: +46 (0) 520 399 28
E-mail:timebomb@algonet.se
Gooseflesh website : http://hem2.passagen.se/gooseflesh/

Missile Ride : IO


IO are : Sebu on vocals and Keyboards, Sam on Guitars and vocals, Narek on Bass and Vocals and Vigen on drums and Vocals.


Missile Ride is a 5 track demo tape. Most of the tracks are what I would class as soft rock. All of the tracks have a nice fresh feel to them and there's quite a bit of originality.


The tracks have good strong melodies. There are some excellent vocal harmonies and some very good guitar solo's.


For a copy of the tape or info :
E-mail :io1@earthlink.net
or write to :
Io
P.O. Box 9585
Glendale, CA 91226
IO info line (818) 553 1533
Io Website : http://home.earthlink.net/~io1
Website for L.A. Bands www.labands.com