Huntress - Static

So at times I've struggled with Huntress - a part of me can't get over the silliness of commercials featuring Jill Janus motorboating busty women - it's strangely endearing but also kind of meta. But when I decided to listen to their new record Static free from that context I found myself enjoying the record far more than I had ever expected. At times reminiscent of King Diamond and at others Motorhead, Huntress have found a rather distinct sound that is poignant, powerful and far too much fun.

The blazing guitars found throughout this record reflect the eternal power that rock and roll will always have. The searing solos and fun melodic lines provide a background to Jill Janus's trademark roar. That being said, as strong as her vocals might be I feel that the lyrics are occasionally lacking and leave me wanting more. A part of me longs for tracks like Eight Of Swords which emphasized the occult elements of the band rather than this faux-Motorhead vibe that the band occasionally tries to channel. Remember though, Huntress are still a fairly young band though and this can be excused, and furthermore they're still doing good things for the scene.

While I may not be a total convert and instead retreat to my usual diet of doom metal I have to say that I have a much deeper understanding of Huntress after listening to Static. These guys are channeling the power of heavy metal in the modern world and keeping things fun. They get the power of chunky riffs and anthemic choruses and that's going to serve them well in the years to come. While this may not be the record that gets Huntress massive underground acceptance it certainly proves that these guys aren't fucking around, and deserve your respect.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/HuntressKills?fref=ts

Writing Off Tomorrow

Yeah, yeah, I've got to catch a train in a few minutes - but fuck it, there's still time to write, especially if I get to cover a band as exciting as Writing Off Tomorrow. Firmly in the sort of modernized metal mainstream that a lot of these major magazines seem to love Writing Off Tomorrow prove with their new EP Flirting With Death that they aren't just a part of a homogenized movement. Sure the sounds of this band are highly polished and they use a lot of hooks, but there is a lot more depth to be had here. The way that the bands dynamic frontwoman allows her voice to ring out triumphantly giving a wonderful sense of depth to these productions is charming. She has a profound understanding of self and it gives the music flavor. Furthermore the guitar riffs - while rarely violent or overtly brutal are easy to get in too showing off a contemporary hard rock sensibility. What I'm trying to say is that despite what my tastes might suggest Writing Off Tomorrow are a joy to listen too and are clearly talented musicians with the potential to go far.

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/WritingoffTomorrow?fref=ts

Planethard - Now

Now, now that has a nice sense of  immediacy and power to it. It in fact much reflects the fun, hard hitting and easily accessible nature of Planethards music. Music with all sorts of epic modern metal tendencies these songs,while not groundbreaking are certainly a pleasure to listen too, especially for fans of bands like Avenged Sevenfold. Simple and with few frills, Planethard manages to take tried and true formulas in order to show their dominance over the genre with their wonderfully tasty new record, Now.

When Planethard belt out their wonderful grooves underneath powerful vocals, they start to capture the imagination. Their attack is powerful and relies on old tropes that resonate with metalheads across the globe. It's exciting to hear, in 2014, a band who still managed to get to the spirits of a decent majority of metallers. As the scene gets increasingly fragmented it's reassuring to hear bands that take it back to the basics and put out music that will capture the imagination without going over the edge. Sure, Planethard aren't going to shift anyone's paradigms, but that's not the point, the point is to have a damn good time.

As we wind down, I just want to leave you with this thought, maybe mainstream modern metal which is meant to communicate with the masses is one of the best things that could be happening right now. Sure we have our favorite kvlt acts, but there's something slightly reassuring about a band like Planethard who can craft something that will help the masses get a sense for the power and the glory we are turned on to. Immaculately produced and fun to listen too, Now is one of the best mainstream metal releases of 2014.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/planethard

Chasing Dragons-Checkmate

Now, I don't like a lot of modern metal, and that's because I find a lot of it generic and tasteless. I also don't like a lot of female fronted metal because its over sexualized and often just an excuse to make bad music. Yet when you combine the two into something exciting and new, you find something that speaks to the masses in a way that few other bands do. Chasing Dragons are bringing forth new ideas with a wonderful understanding of what metal should be about. Highly polished and a lot of fun to listen to, their new EP Checkmate is most triumphant.

What makes it so good though? What makes Checkmate the kind of album that restores my faith in mainstream metal? Well on one level its simply the high quality of the songwriting. Chasing Dragons understand what it is to put out some top notch material and really engage their listeners. Be it in anthemic choruses or pumping guitar riffs, this is a band who understand heavy metal as an art form and have a sufficiently friendly sound that they could bring it to a much broader audience. On top of that, the bands frontwoman can really belt it, she has a roaring set of pipes, perhaps the best example being the huge wails on tracks like The Last Defence.

So I am left with little more to say, other than that Chasing Dragons understand the raw and beautiful spirit of metal and seek to harness it in an exciting new way. How many other modern bands can claim to really do that and do that well? They combine some tried and true ideas into something fresh, giving us a tasty little 22 minute EP to keep fans into the band. These guys have a clear passion for their art, knowing what they want to do and how to do, what more can you ask for? Come on in, feel the groove, Chasing Dragons bring the party, and they bring it hard!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/musicchasingdragons

Inner Reflections-Reset

I first got to check out Inner Reflections a little more than a week ago on a bill with some other local French bands. At their show I got lucky enough to be given a copy of their debut album Reset, this record is more than just your average French heavy metal album. There is a lot of cool stuff and unique ideas going on here that give a wonderful taste to the music. This is modern metal at tis finest, unafraid of brutality, yet finely polished and refined, showcasing the might of this genre. Wholly enjoyable, the ten songs of Reset show a way forward in an uncertain era for metal.

The appeal of Reset lies in the sheer polish, this is heavy metal that is easy to latch on to. The sheen of Inner Reflections creates a sort of Judas Priest vibe, even though the band sounds nothing like the Priest. What I mean is that Inner Reflections seems to be made up of metal machines, roaring across the land on a wave of blast beats and guitar solos. This is the kind of tight metal madness that will soar for years on after the band is gone. While their song writing and some of their ideas could be further developed the germ of an idea is strong. While this is clearly only an initial effort these guys are clearly talented musicians and I think they could rapidly develop into metal gods.

Inner Reflections is not a band to be taken lightly, they have a fresh approach that nevertheless grows from its predecessors in a poignant, natural, way. Reset establishes the basis of what will be the Inner Reflections sound. So sure, its not always as exciting as the new record from Killswitch or Threat Signal, but the seed is their, with both of those bands the first record was not the one that drove them to the top. This is Inner Reflections Hell Awaits their coming out, and by god, prepare yourselves, because this band is a force that will never be stopped!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/InnerReflectionsOfficial

Reapers Riddle-Game Over

Reapers Riddle make the kind of modern metal that a pretentious anarchist metal critic like me might normally listen too, sneer at and then never touch again. Yet, Reapers Riddle do something a little different with their music, getting a result that is a lot less bland than most modern metal and instead engaging and after a fashion kind of beautiful. While I am certainly not a gamer, there are certain tropes used here that are not lost on me and the flavor and passion behind this EP is easy to identify with making Reapers Riddle one of the few modern metal bands I can actually claim to enjoy.

See, Reapers Riddle seem to be self aware about how silly choosing video games as a centerpiece for an EP can be. So while the music is often quite serious, it certainly does not pain Reapers Riddle as one of those modern metal bands who claim to be 'bringing metal back'. This creates a refreshing facade for many standard modern metal tropes to play out across. The production here is stellar and the songwriting tight, and as opposed to many of Reapers Riddle's peers, this time it actually comes across as tasty and interesting. The end result of this is a release that acknowledges all of the strictures that the mainstream metal audience loves while pushing at the edges to get something a bit more exciting.

Game Over is maybe not the kind of EP that I personally will be spinning many times, but I certainly see the appeal, and some of these songs have a certain charm that few bands can touch on. Reapers Riddle get the magical and slightly whimsical heart of heavy metal in a way that few non power metal bands do. Be it in the ominous "Tick tock" of The Clock (Part 1) or the fun countdown in Game Over Reapers Riddle provide a lot of engaging listening and I think that as they develop and further break the rules of mainstream metal they will be able to do some very cool things.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/reapersriddle?fref=ts

Breakthrough Even

A tight mainstream metal band from Georgia, Breakthrough Even is the kind of hard rock group that has a solid grasp of songwriting and the potential to have some powerful performances. Their debut release The Step that Lies Ahead is a fairly strong five song EP. Yet it is clearly the bands first. There ideas still need to be developed and some of the hooks could be polished more. Yet the core concepts seem pretty valid and Breakthrough Even could definitely get somewhere special with a few more months of work. They have an understanding of what it is to create distinctly modern metal. The clean vocals are wonderfully executed however they occasionally leave the sound a bit thin. A bigger bottom end would give Breakthrough Even a much more impressive punch. Though they only rarely use growls, this guy can really rip it, I'd like to hear more screams in their future work, I think there is a lot of potential to be had there. As a whole though, Breakthrough Even is clearly very talented and I could see them doing a lot of good things in the future. Get headbanging kids, its time to rock!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/BreakthroughEven/app_204974879526524

BRDigung-In Goldenen Ketten

Teutonic hard rock lords, BRDigung are back with a new and exciting new record entitled In Goldenen Ketten. Anthemic and powerful, this is the kind of hard rock that the world could only do with more of. Filled with triumphant 'heys' loud as well as fun and passionate vocals and a bit of everything else BRDigung have once again proved that they are at the forefront of the magic of German heavy music. With incredibly well written and catchy pieces listening to In Goldenen Ketten will be a proud moment for any Rhineland metal patriot.

One thing I really dig about this record is the melodic guitar lines. They are high powered and lots of fun. They add flavor to songs like Sommerlied and the flashy solos give everything a very rock and roll atmosphere. The huge choruses are the other main highlight for me, perhaps more even than the guitar lines. They get even non German speakers like me singing along. These songs are simply so fun that there is no escape from the devastating rock and roll madness of BRDigung. It is a testament to how well the pieces are composed, that they can overcome the language barrier and prove themselves to be among the greatest hard rock songs composed in the last few years.

Explosive and powerful, they don't make hard rock like this anymore. BRDigung understand what it is to rock and they just want to bring this message of madness to the people. Not a lot of groups have the same groove and power of BRDigung and for good reason, it takes years to achieve, these guys have been together for eleven so far. THIS is rock and roll and by god is it fun. If you want an album that will make you feel good and restore your faith in a bloated and boring hard rock scene this is the album for you. When all is said and done In Goldenen Ketten may very well be the best hard rock record of the year.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/BRDigung?

Seven Deadly-Obliviation

From the opening chords of Seven Deadly's debut release Obliviation I knew I was in for something either very good, or very, very bad. The fact of the matter is this kind of modern mainstream metal is very hit and miss for those who delve deeply into more extreme genres. Yet with the twelve tracks that make up Obliviation Seven Deadly prove themselves to be capable and charismatic musicians who are fighting for the spirit of metal in its modern context. And for that, Seven Deadly have won a special place in my heart, it's only upwards from here fella's.

One of the greatest triumphs of Obliviation is the truly top notch cleans. They are nicely balanced with the growls and don't come across as obnoxious and whiny but rather as powerful and destructive. Much like with bands like Slipknot, the passion is such that they don't need to have growls all the time. Their melodic content and destructive approach to heavy metal is nicely fused, creating something that is both very listenable and very heavy. The end result of all this is a record that puts a bit of the fun back into heavy metal, sure there are serious lyrical messages and well written minor key passages. But Seven Deadly get the magic of metal and want to spread it to the masses.

Seven Deadly's star is only going to keep rising, their is nothing really keeping them from success is a top notch record label. But even then, I get the sense these dudes will be snapped up by someone like Roadrunner in no time. A modern metal band who are a cut above the likes of Five Finger Death Punch and Asking Alexandria, Seven Deadly capture the spirit of metal and encourage you to join in the madness. All I can say now is that if you don't dig this record, then clearly, nothing in mainstream metal will have appeal for you. Well polished and refined Obliviation is one for the ages.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/sevendeadly1

Jizzy Pearl-Crucified

A rock and roll band whose art looks like it could belong to a grindcore band, dear god, these guys may very well be the next Guns and Roses. Their fun and hard hitting sound is a blast to listen too, filled with shrieks, moans, and everything in between. Love/Hate show a bright future for the UK hard rock scene and Crucified is their first step forward to achieving rock and roll domination over that lonely isle. Now that they have deals with Sony, EMI, Spitfire and Shrapnel you get the sense that these guys are going to be going places in the near future.

The six songs on this mini-album (EP? I don't even know anymore) have all been written by the mysterious Jizzy Pearl, who claims to be the bands sole survivor. His voice roars over top of everything else and sets up  the magic of the band. I especially dig his roaring vocals on songs like Love is All, it is tightly polished but with appropriate touches of rock and roll grit. The end result of all of this is a sound that is very listenable and could be enjoyed by fans of classic metalheads or fans of modern rock music. The passion and riffs remain great and showcase the songwriting skill of Mr. Jizzy Pearl. It shows off not only his skill as a musician, but his gift as a pure and simple rock and roller.

Crucified is a rock and roll record for the ages, filled with elements from across generations and put into place by the bluesy guitar playing, Love/Hate is simply fun to listen too, blasting off and taking the entire sound to 11. This record represent six songs made glorious by triumphant choruses, roaring vocals and guitar parts that are often to die for. Their is an aura of magic around this release that suggests it will be going places fast. These Los Angeles rockers have found their own sound and seem to know it will take them to the top, so hold on to your hats and prepare for the ride!

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/LoveHatetheband 

Kill or Cure

Kill or Cure is a very tight group who are clearly on the forefront of mainstream metal. Their tightly polished sound and dramatic delivery is a blast to listen to and will take you away on the wings of a falcon. These guys are bringing forth a brand of metal that is unique and powerful in its heavy metal magic, yet accessible enough that even non-long hairs could enjoy it. The riffs are punchy and tight, on songs like Bullet to the Brain they help to drive things to a whole new level. The vocals are fantastic, the only band that they at all remind me of is Slipknot or maybe Trivium. There is a mix of cleans and growls, but Kill or Cure definitely pull it off with aplomb. This bands lead singer really knows how to rip it, be it with clean vocalled mastery or harsh growled metal madness. The choruses are to die for and just soar beyond all expectations. I see Kill or Cure really exploding in the next few years. They've been together since 2009 and big things are starting to happen for these guys. Here's to hoping that they put out more material, and fast!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/killorcure.uk/app_2405167945

Mustasch-Thank You for the Demon

Swedish hard rock that is polished and glorious, a better version of Avenged Sevenfold, a rock and roll extravaganza. These are all ways that one could describe the magic that is Mustasch's trademark sound. This is a band who understand what it is to make hard hitting and powerful rock and roll and now they are back with a vengeance. Their new record Thank You for the Demon is nine tracks of rock and roll madness. This is what good old fashioned heavy metal should sound like, Mustasch know their sound and audience and profit because of it. 

The important thing to note about this record is that it is very accessible with simple poppy song structures and hook filled riffs. Make no mistake though, these songs are extremely well written. Toss in a monster of a lead singer and you have yourself something that fans of heavy music across the generations can enjoy. These songs are simply fun to listen too, that is the long and short of it, they are easy to understand and a blast to headbang along with. This is heavy metal for the masses, metal that reaches out and touches the common man, these guys know what it is to create immaculate songs that capture the heart and their solid and joyful soundscapes are a pleasure to get lost in. With Thank You for the Demon Mustasch simply build on their trademark sound and show that they are constantly improving as a band.

In conclusion, Mustasch's seventh record might very well be their best. These guys understand their music in a way that few other musicians can claim to do. They create sounds and ideas that most of their contemporaries can barely even touch on. It is for this that Mustasch will wax triumphant, achieving new levels of heavy metal madness. I for one am very excited for the future of this band, they are really starting to get some forward momentum and the magic of Thank You for the Demon might very well be what they need to get the respect that they so desperately deserve.

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/Mustaschofficial

Avelion-Liquid Breathing

Oh my, here is a band who seem to overcome genre boundaries with their new EP Liquid Breathing a record that represents all of the cool stuff happening in modern progressive metal. Yet, these guys are not strictly progressive metal, there are bits of melodeath and mainstream metal in here too. Again, Avelion is one of those bands who apparently live outside of a genre box, unwilling to be confined by norms that many feel are seriously impacting the metal scene these days. In that way Liquid Breathing is a refreshing blast, showing the potential that metal has to move forward.

One of the things I really like about this album is the power of the vocal delivery, while there are a few growls the majority of the singing is clean, and this guy can really belt it. The way he crushes the vocal lines on songs like Liquid Breath is very impressive. He does a great job of finding the pocket rhythms in tracks like the djenty Ain't no Down with his words falling in just the right moments. Personally, I would like to see more of the djent side of the band as thats the bit that really gets me going. Yet as is Avelions unique blend of genres (Admittedly with a djent base) is really cool to listen to and makes certain that Liquid Breathing is filled with musical twists and turns.

In conclusion, my one big complaint about Liquid Breathing is that its only 12 minutes long. I genuinely believe that a lot of these ideas need more development and any full length from Avelion should be impressive indeed. The whole of this album is very polished and pure, reflecting a group of young djentlemen who are searching to create something more, a new brand of prog that is not held back by the common limitations of the djent genre. Maybe this is the future of Meshuggah's music, maybe this will push the scene to a new level, I for one certainly hope so.

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/AvelionMusic.Official

Venrez-American Illusion

Now here is a cool hard rock record from a band who have the honor to open up for Buckcherry and Hardcore Superstar this fall in Europe. American Illusion is a fun and often intelligent modern hard rock record that shows Venrez pulling all the stops to create a powerful debut record that simply reeks of rock and roll majesty. Yet these guys aren't just pulling all the same tricks as their contemporaries, there are cool new edges to be found on American Illusion that show that Venrez have the creativity and originiality to go far.

One of the things I really like about this record is the strange vaguely electronic delivery of the vocals on songs like The Beat Goes On it captures the sheer magic that this record often has. Their is a sort of Cynic vibe provided by these strange and ethereal vocals. Toss in some intelligent lyrics about the nature of America and you know you're already off to a great start. Another great thing about this album are the wonderful riffs which are often very memorable and unafraid to reach out and touch the soul. With American Illusion Venrez not only put out some cool tunes, they make a statement, one that needs to be heard in this era of government shutdowns and NSA.

In conclusion, American Illusion is a very cool debut from a band with a sound that is definitely different than most of the other stuff that is dominating rock radio these days. Yet at the same time there is enough to latch on too hear that many a modern hard rock fan will have no difficulty getting really into this record. For me the highlights are the innovative vocal delivery and the powerful lyrics, they are the things that give the album meaning for me. Yet don't discount the power of some of the riffs and the excellence of the songwriting. If you want a cool new rock and roll record for 2013, then American Illusion is the album for you!

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/venrez

Ashfall

Tightly polished modern metal, this should be good. I for one actually really like Ashfalls unique brand of modern metal. Their sound is very polished and powerful, and while there are lots of big hooks and melodic sections it does not come across as cheesy or boring. This is perhaps because the singer can *gasp* actually sing and the layered compositions don't really take on a pop element. Furthermore their lyrics are powerful and surprisingly intelligent. In other words, most of the things metal purists like me complain about in modern metal bands are not present, and those things we do love are emphasized. How great is that? Pretty darn great if you ask me, few enough modern metal groups really can execute on the level of Ashfall, these guys are a rare treat. So yes, Ashfall is a mainstream metal band that I genuinely enjoy, polished sound and tight riffs galore. In conclusion, if you want a modern metal group who are a cut above the rest and don't need to right out copy people *Cough* Avenged Sevenfold *Cough* then this is the band for you!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/ASHFALLMUSIC

Laid in Stone-Echoes Left Behind

Y'know, lately I've really been getting into these modern metal bands. Call me silly, but there is something magic about the music of groups like Killswitch Engage and Machine Head. Laid in Stone continue in this proud tradition and their debut record Echoes Left Behind is thrilling and fun, capturing all of the magic that mainstream metal has in 2013. Sure this stuff isn't kvlt or indeed especially pvre but it is indeed very listenable and definitely something that even a hoary old death metal fan like me can get behind, for now, and for all time.

One of the things that makes this record so darn appealing is the good combination of cleans and growls without any of that silly metalcore crap. (Not that there aren't good metalcore records, there are some I very much enjoy) Instead, they have a dead ahead metal attack that is accentuated by their dedication to metal magic. Their is no poser filth here, instead only a band who wish to build upon the music of bands like Lamb of God and Pantera. (I probably should mention, there are tons of groove here) Meanwhile, the well polished nature of the tracks reminds me distinctly of Trivium or even Killswitch Engage, obviously a very, very, good thing.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a powerful and very melodic new metal band who infuse their music with a passion that is to be admired Laid in Stone are bringing some new blood to metal. Their In Flames inspired sound is very cool and can appeal to a variety of metal fans (And even some non metal fans) This band is tight and polished and their future is almost certainly bright. Echoes Left Behind is one of the greatest debuts I've reviewed in a while and I'm excited to see where they bring their sound next. One thing is sure, Dark Harvest have done good in signing this Detroit quintet.

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/laidinstone?fref=ts

Dirty Window-Time of Truth

A lot of metal that fuses cleans and growls frankly sucks. This is for a variety of reasons, either because the band is mediocre metalcore or simply that the clean vocals just suck. This is why we have Dirty Window, a band who prove that this kind of music is not doomed but can in fact be interesting and engaging. With lots of powerful riffs and some very tight songwriting their new album Time of Truth is a strong debut showing a band who are bringing something fresh and exciting to metal, a band who understand the spirit of innovation and metal magic.

The thing is, this record really has a bit of everything that is metal, a fact that is compounded by the groups singer actually being able to handle the clean parts. (Even if it could do with the occasional polishing) The guitar tracks are very well done and the riffs are precisely executed, they encompass a variety of styles of metal but seem to fall pretty regularly with modern Voivod style thrash, not to heavy, but definitely enough to get the heads banging. In other words, this is definitely an album that your average death metaller will enjoy (Especially the intelligent and thought out lyrics) but it is often more than that, this is a record with a much more mainstream metal, Revolver style appeal.

In conclusion, Time of Truth is a passionate and powerful record from a great up and coming French band. Their music is clearly the product of the soul, and even though their is a mainstream metal edge, the more pvre will also find this record enjoyable. Dirty Window know what they want to do and execute with aplomb, this is a band who have found a way to push metal forward, mixing cleans and growls without any of that silly metalcore invading their sound. If you want a record that is exciting and fresh that brings somethign a little new to metal then check this record out!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dirty-Window/204444069677847?fref=ts

Broken & Burnt-Let the Burning Begin

Modern metal is a very hard genre to get right, either you're not heavy enough and you're a poser, or you're to heavy and become brutal death (not that there's anything wrong with that). But there are few bands who can make an appealing sound that is powerful and appealing to all sorts of metalheads. Toss in intelligent lyrics from a band who are not afraid to point out inherent problems in our modern society and you have yourself something special, a band who have all of the potential to be huge but a fundamental connection to the underground. With Let the Burning Begin Broken & Burnt show the Brazilan scene still flies strong and explores their potential packed line up.

What makes this record special for me is the way the harsh sounds are couched in tight and interesting riffs that are still fairly appealing. They could be compared to a band like Lamb of God, only, less polished. (Of course, this is only the debut from this Brazilian metal force) The crushing might of their riffs is in fact very impressive and their changes in tempo add a lot of flavor to their music. While they could stand to be a bit more aggressive at time as a whole Let the Burning Begin shows a good combination of attacks and allows for lots of rhythmic interest. The vocal delivery is also pretty distinct, not quite a death growl, not quite a thrash shout, but something in the middle, it gives Broken & Burnt their very own flavor.

In short, if you're looking for a rapidly developing metal band from a rapidly developing country then Broken & Burnt is the band for you. Unafraid to bust skulls and start a circle pit these guys have a powerful sound that should not be ignored. Veritable heirs to Sepultura I would like to see these guys carry on the brilliant tradition of Brazilian metal. With pulsing riffs and vibrant songs these guys show a lot of potential. While some of the tracks could be touched up the promise of Let the Burning Begin is that Broken & Burnt is the band who will carry the flag for the next generation of Brazilian metal, if you want a band who could pretty easily be the next big thing in modern metal then Broken & Burnt is something you must check out!

Find out more on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/BrokenandBurnt?fref=ts

Until Dawn

Until Dawn is a nifty metal band who are distinctly reminiscent of groups like Trivium or even Avenged Sevenfold. Their burnished modern metal sound is a lot of fun to listen too and brooks no posers. This is mainstream metal at its finest, accessible yet still brutal with a minimum of good cop bad cop vocals. The transitions between cleans and growls is actually very well handled and I think it will call up many a comparison to Trivium. Their songwriting is very tight and reflects the general precision of the rest of the band. The riffs on songs like Table and the Plastic are not easily executed and get a lot of power just from their technical and tasty attack. The production is also excellent and really lets the band show themselves at their best, given Until Dawn's sound stellar production is pretty much required. So if you're looking for a powerful new contributor to the mainstream metal scene who shouldn't get any flak from the metal press then Until Dawn is the band for you!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Until-Dawn/116659511682711?id=116659511682711&sk=app_178091127385

Breakin' Out

Breakin' Out is a great hard rock band from Italy who use some fun riffs and a pumped up attack to get a wonderful overall sound that will appeal to many a fan of heavy rock and metal. One of the greatest aspects of this band is the lead singers voice which gives the band a great vibe. He can really belt it and he allows the music to go on to a whole new level. Meanwhile the squealing guitar solos add touches of classic 80s heavy metal. The solo on Law of The Jungle is particularly reminiscent of that period in metals history. Yet, it should also be noted that their are a lot of tasty riffs which seem to be very much in the modern metal and hard rock vein. In particular the riff on Blood shows a great understanding of modern mainstream metal playing. The end result is a delicious track that pays its dues to the progenitors of the genre while simultaneously embracing the best aspects of the modern scene. To finish, fans of mainstream metal and hard rock be sure to go and listen to Breakin' Out, you won't be disappointed!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/breakinoutrock/app_2405167945