Tooms - Disgraceland

Tooms - Disgraceland (song review) |Industrial Strength Records, Disgraceland, 2013| 5/5

"Disgraceland" - the brand new single by Tooms is an in-your-face answer to the current mainstream metal music promoted through high budget advertising campaigns. This composition breaks through these unoriginal metal songs, which are represented by initially aggressive riffs that fall into soft, tendentious melodies. Instead, Tooms have made their composition angry, for a reason.

When it comes to audio values, "Disgraceland" carries fervid sonic madness brought by punching drum beats, memorable enhanced guitar riffs and censorious, fighting vocals. Passionate throughout, the track is rowdy but remains solid Hardcore. The vibe continuously probes into listener's ears.

Tooms musicians, Karl Pryor (drums, programming and production), Idene Roozbayani (vocals, programming and production), Phil Van D (guitars) and Eddy Liddle (vocals) have been well known for mixing a variety of dynamic music genres such as Crossover, Hardcore, Drum'n'Bass and Metal. Therefore, not only does "Disgraceland" sound innovative but remains as belligerent as a guitar driven metal song should.

This track is supported by a self-made but professional quality video. It fits the song motif very well with a rollercoaster styled montage and visuals that are kept in black, blue and orange color tones.
When you visit either the Tooms or Industrial Strength Records YouTube channels, you'll spot the "Disgraceland" video single featuring a heavy-toothed green monster that searches across a city and brings a night-scare. The video also includes riot-ready men wearing skull-like masks. Don't get me wrong, the musicians that make up Tooms are young and angry tattooed activists just like the 70's/80's British punk frontmen. However, Tooms make it clear that they could take the fight to the front line and that you should say 'No!' instead of nodding submissively.

Beyond their imagery, Tooms’ lyrics are also used to illustrate current issues and the failure of institutions which according to this British band, have been causing harm and motivating people to leave their homes to fight back through violent street protests: "Heading on out into a dark age, Rampage is how we trade, Broken Britain it never existed Caused by the hated institution inflicted".
Not only is ACTA/SOPA Internet censorship mentioned but so is the worldwide economy crisis, impoverished poor and middle classes, corruption and rigged elections, enormous education fees and many other manipulative systems being revealed every minute in every corner of the world.

Undoubtedly, "Disgraceland" is a direct call for action. At some point, we're all dependent on other people’s decisions. We must not allow others to lead us towards any imposed alternatives. The rebellious and rousing message behind the song may be summed up by the lyrics: "We've had enough of this nightmare, Took it out on the streets of England, We think that’s fair, Locked up frustrations left to rot inside, We won’t rest tonight".

The Disgraceland EP also includes four remixes made by the biggest names in Hardcore Techno and extreme Electronic Dance music. Artists include GRR, Lenny Dee, Lowroller and Dirty Fingers Licked. Furthermore, the EP had received support from the legendary US Hardcore label, Industrial Strength Records based in New York and it will be released via digital download on 02/15/2013.

(Katarzyna 'NINa' Górnisiewicz, Fabryka Music Magazine, January 28th, 2013. Proofreading: SanDeE)


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Reviewed by Fabryka Music Magazine

Surety- random songs review

Surety - random songs review |self-released, 2012| 4/5

1. Tempered, 2. Ransom, 3. I Am The Influence, 4. Few and Far Between, 5. Desecrated

Surety is a heavy metal band located in Florida that was founded in 2012, however the musicians - Joe Page (vocals), John Page (lead guitar) and John Jones (drums) are by no means novices to the metal music scene. Their previous band which was formed in 2004 was called Metal Reign. They self-released a full length album entitled 8 Fingers of Whiskey and played a lot of shows in South Florida during that time.

A random selection of five Surety tracks were recorded during their recent live shows. You may notice great, predatory vocals which are underlined by high energy and a mean atmosphere amongst the songs. These aspects are spiced up with matching guitar, bass and drum arrangements that are not only characteristic for metal, but also hardcore sub-genres. Musical similarities may point to bands such as Pantera, Testament, Crowbar or Madball as well as representatives from the New York hardcore scene that are best known for their heavy and powerful sound.

The song entitled "Tempered" is filled with rebellious moods. You'll discover thrash metal riffs, but also fiery screams. Vocals and instrumental parts match together very well, however there's also elements of high tension and restless dynamics rolling on throughout the entire composition.

When it comes to "Ransom", this track sounds somewhat dangerous and brings an atmosphere of hunting for something. You may first think of a leopard sneaking around, then running at full speed with conviction towards a chosen victim. You may also visualize street fighters or gangsters who are solving 'this little problem' with guns and machetes. The drums and bass play a main role in this composition, but edgy vocals and guitars are not hidden either. The track sounds memorable and has hit potential as well.

Tough, heavy guitar riffs open "I Am The Influence". This in-your-face composition brings solid arrangements with amazing vocals, chunky guitars and smooth soloing which tightly fill in the track. These aspects equally match the technical styles of Pantera, although Surety left no room for wonder, just motivation and the joy of being carried away due to the overall pugnacious vibe.

"Few and Far Between" begins quite innocently, but later becomes as brooding and raw as the music of Drown which is notable and remains heavy until the very end. This song doesn't lack metal hostility. John Page's guitar soloing brings well known hard rock staples into the mix which compliments an interesting echo effect that was utilized on a few of the vocal parts.

The last composition, "Desecrated" showcases the brilliant cooperation between all the musicians of Surety. The track sounds passionate, although undiluted fury maintains control as much as a raging boxer delivers spot-on blows. Leveled guitars are accompanied and strengthened by the drums which create a connection that sounds indestructible. "Desecrated" seems to be the kind of a song that major metal labels should become interested in if they still wish to deliver high quality angry music instead of promoting wannabe-metal bands.

All of the above tracks are available for free download at the bands official website. It should be noted that Surety has decided to avoid releasing any albums. Alternatively, the musicians will provide their fans with a few new songs released every several months and presented on their official website. Since they are not dependent on the resolutions of any record label and prefer DIY, they don't have to work under the pressure of time constraints or deadlines. Surety would love it if new listeners checked them out on their official website, communicated with them via social profiles as well as watched a comedy channel known as OMG!Beer which is dedicated to alcohol.

(Katarzyna 'NINa' Górnisiewicz, Fabryka Music Magazine, January 15th, 2013)
This review on Fabryka Magazine http://industrialrock.net/php-files_en/articles.php?article_id=464

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Reviewed by Fabryka Music Magazine

Closure - Closure EP

Closure - Closure EP |self-released, 2012| 4/5

01. Assertion, 02. Tonight, 03. Untitled I, 04. Untitled II, 05. Aspect Deletion - Per Year (Closure RMX)

What is it that describes natural beauty the best? There are many features you would list, but undoubtedly it's an intriguing balance with simplicity hidden behind the appeal and grace of a first impression. This description is exactly the feeling you may experience while listening to the debut EP by a one man German post-rock project named Closure that was founded by Carl Albrecht in 2010.

The most important thing about an average human brain is that it likes simple, repetitive tunes. Although, if they're too simple, the ears get bored. Therefore, a musician's ability to create unique atmospheres means a lot. These aspects will influence the way a listener perceives a selection of tunes as well as the harmonic or dis-harmonic melodies it's made from. Closure ventured towards composing hallucinatory music which will interact with your natural brainwaves very well. The debut EP was released in 2012. It includes four instrumental songs recorded, programed and arranged by Carl as well as a remix he did for the band Aspect Deletion. Although Carl is the sole recording artist on the EP, he plans to include a live bassist and drummer to perform the music of Closure in concert.

The opening song, "Assertion" initially brings challenging, yet soothing moods. After a while, it gains more passion due to repetitive arrangements based on dirty guitars, drums and bass. The overall atmosphere which advances with a bit of a tension may put a listener into an unexpected, addictive trance.

"Tonight" reflects the composer's view on a type of night many of us are familiar with: dreamy, harmonious, peaceful and sensual. It's usually like that unless you deal with a sleep disorder, tooth ache or generally speaking, got sick. The track doesn't miss dense accents though, many of which were expressed by rhythmic, grungy guitar riffs similar to those from "Assertion", but definitely heavier.

When it comes to "Untitled I" which is the third track on the album, the main vibe behind the meaning of the song is repetition. Carl gains much of his influence from bands like Godflesh as well as their post-rock project, Jesu, who base the foundation of their music on the repetition of hook driven rhythms as well as the characterization of arrangements that rely on the raw power of an intelligently used drum machine. Your joy depends on how long you can forbear the same repetitive guitar arrangements including those in the higher octave ranges. Having 3:41 minutes to utilize within a composition could have led to an achievement of a more outstanding delivery of effects. However, the sound of "Untitled I" does become addictive at some point and includes nice contrasts between pitched and low guitar riffs that are layered along the track.

The following song called "Untitled II" begins with languorous guitars supported by matching, slow drum beats. You'll also hear a bit of light synths accompanying the two. The song sounds relaxing. It may be a good idea to listen to it when you feel the need to dream or meditate.

"Aspect Deletion - Per Year (Closure RMX)" finishes the Closure EP. Its repetitions and overall "nowhere to rush" atmosphere make it a neat non-rock track that is a good match to pubs and clubs where patrons chill out while having regular meetings with friends.

Some bands create original songs when they reach their artistic limit in structure and complexity throughout their compositions, but only if the arrangements are thought out and performed very well. Others, like Closure prefer to focus on building their instrumental songs through simplified songwriting with enchanting moods. All of the songs on this EP bring simple, repetitive schemes, however the sound is extremely captivating. That's the natural beauty as I mentioned above and the track "Assertion" illustrates it the best.

(Katarzyna 'NINa' Górnisiewicz, Fabryka Music Magazine, January 18th, 2013. Proofreading: Scott M. Owens)

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Reviewed by Fabryka Music Magazine

Kimmo Savilampi - Unending Hearts EP

Kimmo Savilampi - Unending Hearts EP |self-released, 2012| 5/5

1. Ghost, 2. Mardness, 3. Plead My Guilt, 4. Red Wine Sleepless

Kimmo Savilampi, a producer, guitar player, singer and DJ who's also a musician in the Swedish band Harlequin Park came out with a mighty solo EP in 2012. Not only did he compose the songs based on both traditional and modern metal arrangements, but he also made a lot of his authentic ideas come to fruition by putting them in the music.

Unending Hearts contains a track-list that includes 4 brand new, high-energy and professionally composed songs featuring "Ghost" as the opening of the EP. The first thing you may notice when listening to the track is how rhythmic and compelling it sounds. You may find segments somewhat reminiscent of Megadeth, Testament as well as Ministry in the substance of "Ghost" thanks to low, edgy, looped guitar riffs that are mixed with slightly more contrast due to being created by very passionate and skilled guitar player. You can enjoy both metal and rock vibrations spliced with heavier, partially screaming and sometimes growling vocals. The dynamics of the choruses truly bring the image of a machine gun rotating on a rack and sending bullets all around its axis.

On the other hand, the tempo of "Mardness" is slower so the song sounds heavier. Wisely thought out arrangements and repetitions create a lively composition based on low tuned rhythmic guitars and additional drum beats. What's most important, professional growls mixed with a regular voice in the vocal tracks create a powerful connection. You can also hear graded, virtuoso guitar arrangements which are characteristic for both the progressive and heavy metal genres. Kimmo toys with moods by bringing out these heavier melodies once aggression strikes.

Graded guitar riffs along with non-intrusive, although solid rhythmic sections make "Plead My Guilt" a particularly good candidate to have hit potential. It brings with it the most heavy metal virtuoso soloing, but also a spiral of constantly spinning dynamics. "Plead My Guilt", even with a bit of growling vocals is probably the most hooky song on the entire Unending Hearts EP.

The final, shortest track called "Red Wine Sleepless" is an instrumental song, however it is very complex and potent. Diversified soloing which is tightly stitched to rhythmic guitars and drum beats move along the track. Later, the composition broadens to create more space, but also the rhythm slightly slows down. Still, you can enjoy hard rock soloing when the heaviness begins to dominate and come through. The ending segment of the song is a tasty dish for anybody who appreciates solid and vivid guitar playing.

Swedish metal musicians have been world famous for their intense music and intelligent song writing. These usually include arrangements which are required to be utilized in terms of rock or metal genres, but often contain their own genuine additions too. These ideas allow for the bands to be pleasing for listeners who are oriented towards new talent as well as fans who prefer to hear a more classical approach in music. Kimmo Savilampi's Unending Hearts solo EP will definitely satisfy a wide circle of audiophiles.

(Katarzyna 'NINa' Górnisiewicz, Fabryka Music Magazine, January 12th, 2013)

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Reviewed by Fabryka Music Magazine