Marduk -- Frontschwein review

I must say I'm not too familiar overall with Marduk’s discography I have heard a few songs here and there I have listened to Dark Endless in its entirety. So really this is my first major exposure to the black metal Marduk. I know they are a pretty influential band so I was excited to here this new album. I wasn't disappointed this is a great black metal album definitely one to make a lot of peoples list this year. So let’s go to the front!

The first song starts off being the title track hooked me into listening to this album. It really lays down the standard for this album. That being fast, heavy, and some melodic (riffing) black metal. They go full speed on the first song and slow it down on “The Blond beast”. “Afrika” is probably my favorite a lot of great riffing and the vocalist does a great job on this song.“Rope of Regret” is another stand out track with a lot of memorable riffing throughout the song. “Nebelwerfer” is a slower punishing song. It’s filled with a lot of anger in the vocals. This is probably my second favorite song on the album.

The drummer does a pretty good job in all of these songs. One thing I like is that the drums are obvious ally not buried in the mix but all the elements are equally represented. I've heard some black metal albums where the drums are louder than the other elements. This is not the case in the slightest. The guitars have a great sound as well. I’m a fan of his bands Death wolf and Devils whorehouse. The vocalist really lets loose on this album. This is a really good black metal album. I haven’t listened to one in a while so it’s good to hear something really good. Probably will have to check out more albums they have released.

Something I really like about this album is that there is a lot of song differentiation. It doesn't seem like I’m listening to one long song. I can tell the differences between the songs. So that’s something I really like about this album. Also, the WWII theme is something I really like a lot. Anything about WWII I’m pretty much interested in. I know Marduk had an album about WWII called Panzer Division: Marduk I can’t compare them since I haven’t heard that album. However, this album is great. Any fans of black metal should check this out you will not be disappointed.

https://www.facebook.com/Mardukofficial

http://marduk.nu/

http://www.centurymedia.com/

8.5/10

Night Demon -- Curse of the damned album review

Night Demon is a band from Ventura, California and when I saw them play live they absolutely blew me away. Now, there is a lot of bands who have have this old school style of metal. Night Demon however is different they don't sound like a copy they have their own sound and really stand out from the rest of the pack.

This album rips and goes straight for the throat with the first song "Screams In The Night" and already gets you head banging and fist banging. Some great riffing throughout this song.
The second song "Curse Of the Damned" is so freaking catchy. The bass work is amazing. Brett's solo on this song is one of my favorites on the album. The drummer Dustin does a great job on this one."Full Speed Ahead" sounds like a pumped up Thin Lizzy song. Really liking the bass and guitar in this song.

"The Howling Man" is in one word EPIC! I can't get enough of this song. Jarvis really showcases some great bass work. My second favorite solo by Brett is on this song. Dustin's drumming is absolutely spot on as well! This song may be 6 minutes but it goes by very quick and it has become one of my favorite Night Demon songs for sure.

"Heavy Metal Heat" sounds like hard rocking heavy metal song from the 70's. "Run For Your Life" has some really good hooks. The last song "Save Me Now" I really like. It starts with an intro that reminds of something from the 80's and then once the song kicks in its filled with a hooky bass lines and guitar riffs. A great way to end the album.

Now the production sounds absolutely great. It's clear and all the instruments can be heard. However, it still has the raw metal element we all know and love. The musicianship is top notch, all the band members obviously know what they are doing. Jarvis sounds fantastic on vocals definitely reminds me of Sean Harris from Diamond Head. I can't wait to hear these songs being played live, I think they will sound amazing.

Pick this up and you will not be disappointed and for all the vinyl collectors there will be a cover of Riot's " Road Racing" exclusive just to the vinyl. Make sure to catch the band on their current U.S tour with Skull Fist and Elm Street. They will be playing two headlining shows in California.

10/10  Every song is great all KILLER no filler! Up the Demon!


Night Demon links:
http://www.nightdemon.net/
https://www.facebook.com/nightdemonband