Imperial Crystalline Entombment - Apocalyptic End in White

Frozen spirits of ancient ancestry
Arise in union incestuously
Brother ocean, sister air
Chaotic upheaval I declare!














Artist: Imperial Crystalline Entombment
Album: Apocalyptic End in White (2004)
Genre: Black Metal
Official Site: http://www.imperialice.com/

Imperial Crystalline Entombment is the first Black Metal band to be posted on this blog! Surprisingly, they're American, proving that we in the States can still make Black Metal without having to be Norwegian. The group's lyrics are themed on frigid death and winter, and mention of Råvaskeith is mentioned, supposedly a fictional diety being promoted by the band. With band members going by monikers such as Blisserred, Bleak, Icesickkill, and Mammoth, expect a frozen fury of hatred from I.C.E. Great vocals, great overall instrumentality - everything you'd expect from a good Black Metal band. Sadly, I.C.E had to part ways with their recording company, so they are currently unsigned. This is their only album so far, Apocalyptic End in White.

Tracklist:
1. Cryopgenic Communion - (1:00)
2. Astral Frost Invocation - (3:33)
3. Hypothermic Possession - (2:43)
4. Onward Banshee Legions - (5:12)
5. Apocalyptic Blizzard Regime - (4:16)
6. Upheaving the Ancient Thirst - (3:55)
7. Cascade Caverns Catharsis - (4:00)
8. Convulsing Frigid Death - (3:28)
9. Glacial Lyckanthropic Horde - (3:55)
10. Behold the Frozen Arctic Kingdom - (3:45)
11. Råvaskeith's Revenge - (2:48)

Download

Alamaailman Vasarat - Maahan

Artist: Alamaailman Vasarat
Album: Maahan (2007)
Genre: Kosher Kebab Jazz
Official Site: http://www.vasarat.com/

Alamaailman Vasarat is a sextet instrumental band that uses such instruments as the cello, contrabass, sousaphone, and various other classical instruments to create a very unique sound. You'll find no vocals (aside from their collab with Toumari Nurmio). There's already a post about them on this blog, so I'm just updating with their latest album from 2007, Maahan. I will also update the old post with this album.

Tracklist:
1. Maahan - (0:57)
2. Kyyhylly - (3:40)
3. Helmi Otsalla - (3:36)
4. Luiden Valossa, Naapurin Talossa - (3:40)
5. Huikeuden Lieriö - (3:53)
6. Eläimet Huutaa - (5:56)
7. Lumeen Nuukuneet - (5:29)
8. Katkorapu - (4:24)
9. Käärme Toi Ruton Kaupunkiin - (3:24)
10. Rooman Ruumiit - (3:41)
11. Elukka - (1:11)

Download

Elvenking - The Scythe

Seven moons painted the skies
Before I reached for the chosen one
A travel through the starlit horizons
Through the magic's way
On the path that leads us to knowledge,
A light fall of rites














Artist: Elvenking
Album: The Scythe (2007)
Genre: Power Folk Metal
Official Site: www.elvenking.net

Elvenking is not new to the metal community - almost every fan of Power or Folk Metal has heard of Damnagoras's vocals combined with the folky guitar tracks and violins. This brand of Folk-influenced Power Metal is incredible, and with the arrival of this latest album, the group continues on its conquest of the genre. The Scythe is a must-have for any Elvenking fan. Notable tracks include Romance and Wrath, The Scythe, and Death and the Suffering (a play off of the Wintersun song Death and the Healing).

Tracklist:
1. The Scythe - (5:37)
2. Lost Hill of Memories - (4:58)
3. Infection - (5:24)
4. Poison Tears - (4:31)
5. A Riddle of Stars - (5:22)
6. Romance and Wrath - (8:14)
7. The Divided Heart - (4:39)
8. Totentanz - (2:28)
9. Death and the Suffering - (5:11)
10. Dominhate - (8:57)

Download

Power Quest - Magic Never Dies

Where will I find my heaven?
Can it really be here on Earth?
How can I know what's waiting?
How will I know what's meant for me?














Artist: Power Quest
Album: Magic Never Dies (2005)
Genre: Power Metal
Official Site: http://www.power-quest.co.uk/

Power Quest was formed in 2001 after a few members of the band DragonHeart (later known as the ever-famous Dragonforce) quit DragonHeart and started another band. Sam Totman provided guitars for a little while, but the band members soon found permanence in their roster with Alessio Garavello on vocals and rhythm guitar (who, in my opinion, is much better than ZP Theart). The band provides a more melodic turn than their fellow Brits, with more emphasis on keyboards. Overall, the band may not provide as much energy with solos as Dragonforce, but the overall sound is much better without any ridiculous wankery. For a more refined Dragonforce, Power Quest is your band. This is the band's 3rd release, Magic Never Dies. Notable tracks include Find My Heaven, Galaxies Unknown, and Another World.

Tracklist:
1. Ascension (Intro) - (2:04)
2. Find My Heaven - (4:13)
3. Galaxies Unknown - (5:03)
4. Hold On To Love - (5:02)
5. Diamond Sky - (3:57)
6. The Message - (6:15)
7. Soulfire - (5:05)
8. Children of the Dream - (6:09)
9. Strike Force - (6:22)
10. Another World - (7:44)
11. Magic Never Dies - (6:15)
12. The Longest Night - (5:25)

Download

Masterplan - Masterplan

I'll never give up, never give in
Won't stop believing 'cause I'm gonna win
Sing with my soul before I get old
'Cause there may be no tomorrow














Artist: Masterplan
Album: Masterplan
Genre: Power Metal
Official Site: http://www.master-plan.net/

Masterplan is a German Power Metal band that was formed in 2002 by ex-Helloween members Roland Grapow and Uli Kusch. Although vocalist Jørn Lande is no longer with the band (he departed from the group after their second album), his vocals ring true on this album, bringing a powerful voice to the music. The guitarwork is also great, with impressive melodic keyboards in the background. This is Masterplan's first album, Masterplan, released in 2003. Notable tracks include Spirit Never Die and When Loves Comes Close.

Tracklist:
1. Spirit Never Die - (5:26)
2. Enlighten Me - (4:37)
3. Kind Hearted Light - (4:25)
4. Crystal Night - (5:15)
5. Soulburn - (6:16)
6. Heroes - (3:31)
7. Sail On - (4:36)
8. Into the Light - (4:10)
9. Crawling from Hell - (4:11)
10. Bleeding Eyes - (5:38)
11. When Love Comes Close - (4:08)

Download

Queensryche

Beware of night for we all know he's loose again
Behind him lies the eyes of mercy and despair
Forever living out his nightmare comes to life
From Hell this spell will find it's way to you... tonight!














Artist: Queensryche
Albums: Queensryche, The Warning, Rage for Order, Operation Mindcrime, Empire, Promised Land, Hear in the Now Frontier, Operation Mindcrime II
Genre: Progressive Metal
Official Site: http://www.queensryche.com/home.html

Queensryche are the founders and pioneers of the Progressive Metal genre. Formed originally as The Mob in 1981, the group changed the band name to Queensryche, named after their song Queen of the Reich from their debut EP. Goeff Tate's piercing high vocals are some of the best around, and the guitarwork is absolutely fantastic, with guitarists Michael Wilton and Chris DeGarmo busting out incredible solos and riffs that grab your attention. The group has survived throughout the ages with hardly a scratch on them, maintaining the original line-up through most of their discography (founder Chris DeGarmo left the band shortly after their Hear in the Now Frontier album.) Queensryche still rocks out today, and with the release Operation Mindcrime II, the group is seeing a lot of publicity thanks to the answers supplied by the album to the questions left unanswered by Operation Mindcrime. The band has a cover album, Take Cover, set for release November 13th, 2007.

Album: Queensryche (1983)
Click for tracklist:

Tracklist:
1. Queen of the Reich - (4:24)
2. Nightrider - (3:47)
3. Blinded - (3:06)
4. The Lady Wore Black- (6:15)
5. Nightrider [Live] - (4:32)
6. Prophecy [Live] - (3:59)
7. Deliverance [Live] - (3:40)
8. Child of Fire [Live] - (4:36)
9. En Force [Live] - (5:47)
10. Blinded [Live] - (3:26)
11. The Lady Wore Black [Live] - (7:01)
12. Warning [Live] - (4:56)
13. Take Hold of the Flame [Live] - (5:12)
14. Queen of the Reich [Live] - (5:21)

Album: The Warning (1984)
Click for tracklist:

Tracklist:
1. Warning - (4:46)
2. En Force - (5:16)
3. Deliverance - (3:21)
4. No Sanctuary - (6:05)
5. NM 156 - (4:38)
6. Take Hold of the Flame - (4:57)
7. Before the Storm - (5:13)
8. Child of Fire - (4:34)
9. Roads to Madness - (9:40)
10. Prophecy - (4:00)
11. The Lady Wore Black [Live] - (5:23)
12. Take Hold of the Flame [Live] - (5:06)

Album: Rage for Order (1986)
Click for tracklist:

Tracklist:
1. Walk in the Shadows - (3:34)
2. I Dream in Infrared - (4:18)
3. The Whisper - (3:36)
4. Gonna Get Close to You - (4:37)
5. The Killing Words - (3:56)
6. Surgical Strike - (3:23)
7. Neue Regel - (4:55)
8. Chemical Youth (We Are Rebellion) - (4:15)
9. London - (5:06)
10. Screaming in Digital - (3:37)
11. I Will Remember - (4:25)
12. The Killing Words [Live] - (4:10)
13. Walk in the Shadows [Live] - (3:41)

Album: Operation Mindcrime (1988)
Click for tracklist:

Tracklist:
1. I Remember Now - (1:18)
2. Anarchy-X - (1:28)
3. Revolution Calling - (4:40)
4. Operation Mindcrime - (4:45)
5. Speak - (3:43)
6. Spreading the Disease - (4:07)
7. The Mission - (5:48)
8. Suite Sister Mary - (10:40)
9. The Needle Lies - (3:09)
10. Electric Requiem - (1:23)
11. Breaking the Silence - (4:34)
12. I Don't Believe in Love - (4:24)
13. Waiting for 22 - (1:06)
14. My Empty Room - (1:32)
15. Eyes of a Stranger - (6:54)
16. The Mission [Live] - (6:12)
17. My Empty Room [Live] - (2:43)

Album: Empire (1990)
Click for tracklist:

Tracklist:
1. Best I Can - (5:34)
2. The Thin Line - (5:43)
3. Jet City Woman - (5:22)
4. Della Brown - (7:05)
5. Another Rainy Night (Without You) - (4:29)
6. Empire - (5:24)
7. Resistance - (4:51)
8. Silent Lucidity - (5:48)
9. Hand on Heart - (5:33)
10. One and Only - (5:54)
11. Anybody Listening - (7:59)
12. Last Time in Paris (Ford Fairlane Soundtrack) - (3:57)
13. Scarborough Fair (CD Single Only) - (3:50)
14. Dirty Lil' Secret (CD Single Only) - (4:09)

Album: Promised Land (1994)
Click for tracklist:

Tracklist:
1. 9:28 AM - (1:44)
2. I Am I - (3:57)
3. Damaged - (3:58)
4. Out of Mind - (4:36)
5. Bridge - (3:30)
6. Promised Land - (7:58)
7. Disconnected - (4:45)
8. Lady Jane - (4:15)
9. My Global Mind - (4:22)
10. One More Time - (4:19)
11. Someone Else - (5:01)
12. Damaged [Live] - (4:04)
13. Real World [Live] - (3:43)

Album: Hear in the Now Frontier (1997)
Click for tracklist:

Tracklist:
1. Sign of the Times - (3:34)
2. Cuckoo's Nest - (4:01)
3. Get A Life - (3:40)
4. The Voice Inside - (3:53)
5. Some People Fly - (5:18)
6. Saved - (4:12)
7. You - (3:56)
8. Hero - (5:26)
9. Miles Away - (4:35)
10. Reach - (3:33)
11. All I Want - (4:07)
12. Hit the Black - (3:40)
13. Anytime Anywhere - (2:57)
14. Spool - (5:09)

Album: Operation Mindcrime II (2006)
Click for tracklist:

Tracklist:
1. Freiheit Ouvertüre - (1:35)
2. Convict - (0:08)
3. I'm American - (2:53)
4. One Foot In Hell - (4:12)
5. Hostage - (4:29)
6. The Hands - (4:36)
7. Speed of Light - (3:12)
8. Signs Say Go - (3:16)
9. Re-Arrange You - (3:11)
10. The Chase - (3:09)
11. Murderer? - (4:33)
12. Circles - (2:58)
13. If I Could Change It All - (4:27)
14. An Intentional Confrontation - (2:32)
15. A Junkie's Blues - (3:41)
16. Fear City Slide - (4:58)
17. All the Promises - (5:10)

Witchcraft - The Alchemist

No angel or demon will have me on my knees
No God or no Satan will help me if I please
But I won't ask forgiveness 'cause I've done nothing wrong
They say I'm a sinner, please help me be strong













Artist: Witchcraft
Album: The Alchemist
Genre: Traditional Doom Metal
Official Site: http://www.witchcrafthome.com/

There is already a previous post for Witchcraft on this blog, so I'll just go ahead and say that this is Witchcraft's third album, The Alchemist. Released this year, 2007, the title track is a whopping 14 minutes long, which is a good progression for the band. The Alchemist is just as good as their older material, and is a must for any Witchcraft fan.

I've also updated the other post in this blog with this album.

Tracklist:
1. Walk Between the Lines (3:24)
2. If Crimson Was Your Colour (3:47)
3. Leva (4:34)
4. Hey Doctor (5:13)
5. Samaritan Burden (6:27)
6. Remembered (5:15)
7. The Alchemist (Part 1, 2, & 3) (14:37)

Download

Noekk - The Water Sprite

You heard of honest Socrates
The man who never lied:
They weren't so grateful as you'd think
Instead the rulers fixed to have him tried.














Artist: Noekk
Album: The Water Sprite
Genre: Progressive Metal
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/112535276

Noekk is a very good Progressive Metal band with a depressive sound to their music. The band is comprised of Marcus Stock and Thomas Helm, both members of Empyrium. The two work together to create this beautiful album, The Water Sprite, released in 2005. Notable tracks include T.B.'s Notion, How Fortunate The Man With None, and The Riddle Seeker.

If anyone can find their 2006 release, The Grimalkin, please notify me.

Tracklist:
1. The Watersprite (6:33)
2. T.B.'s Notion (5:05)
3. Strange Mountain (7:01)
4. How Fortunate The Man With None (7:50)
5. The Fiery Flower (5:00)
6. Moonface is Dead (4:28)
7. The Riddle Seeker (10:23)

Download

Church of Misery - Master of Brutality, and The Second Coming

Plainfield, horrors dwelling
Name of slaughterhouse
Lonely old blood farmer
Resides in deserted house


Artist: Church of Misery
Albums: Master of Brutality, and The Second Coming
Genre: Doom Metal
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/churchofserialkiller

Church of Misery is a really good Doom Metal band from the land of the Rising Sun, Japan. The group was founded in 1996 by bassist Tatsu Mikami. All of the members are Japanese, excluding the one random-ass white guy, Tom Satan, on guitars. The group's lyrical content focuses almost obsessively on serial killers. Church of Misery has recorded numerous splits with other bands, as well as a fair collection of EPs and LPs, but has only recorded these two full-length albums. These guys are a requirement for fans or Boris, Sigh, and Reverend Bizarre.













Album: Master of Brutality (2001)
Click for tracklist:

Tracklist:
1. Killfornia (8:23)
2. Ripping Into Pieces (7:46)
3. Megalomania (5:26)
4. Green River (4:30)
5. Cities on Flame (4:00)
6. Master of Brutality (11:16)

Album: The Second Coming (2004)
Click for tracklist:

Tracklist:
1. I, Motherfucker (6:04)
2. Soul Discharge (4:09)
3. Red Ripper Blues (6:59)
4. Filth Bitch Boogie (4:46)
5. One Way... or Another (5:20)
6. Candy Man (7:33)
7. El Topo (Instrumental) (5:46)

Symphony X - V: The New Mythology Suite, The Divine Wings of Tragedy, The Odyssey and Paradise Lost

Here we are, children of Sun and Star
The first to know and to understand...

Artist: Symphony X
Albums: V: The New Mythology Suite, The Divine Wings of Tragedy, The Odyssey, and Paradise Lost
Genre: Progressive Metal
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/officialsymphonyx

Symphony X is a Progressive Metal group, founded in 1994 in New Jersey (of all places...) by guitarist Michael Romeo. The group has enjoyed a very successful career and following as one of the best Progressive Metal groups around. Michael Romeo's guitar playing is highly technical, enough to impress any Petrucci fan, and Sir Russell Allen's vocals are second to none. The group has about 8 albums (including their live album, Live on the Edge of Forever,) and is a must-listen for any metal fan. Can't wait to see these guys in concert! Here are some of their best albums.

Album: V: The New Mythology Suite (2000)
Click for tracklist:

Tracklist:
1. Prelude (1:07)
2. Evolution (The Grand Design) (5:20)
3. Fallen (5:51)
4. Transcendence (0:38)
5. Communion and the Oracle (7:45)
6. The Bird-Serpent War/Cataclysm (4:02)
7. On the Breath of Poseidon (Segue) (3:01)
8. Egypt (7:04)
9. The Death of Balance/Lacrymosa (3:42)
10. Absence of Light (4:58)
11. A Fool's Paradise (5:48)
12. Rediscovery (Segue) (1:24)
13. Rediscovery (Part II) (12:01)

Album: The Divine Wings of Tragedy (1997)
Click for tracklist:

Tracklist:
1. Of Sins and Shadows (4:58)
2. Sea of Lies (4:18)
3. Out of the Ashes (3:39)
4. The Accolade (9:51)
5. Pharaoh (5:30)
6. The Eyes of Medusa (5:27)
7. The Witching Hour (4:15)
8. The Divine Wings of Tragedy (20:41)
9. Candlelight Fantasia (6:45)

Album: The Odyssey (2002)
Click for tracklist:

Tracklist:
1. Inferno (Unleash the Fire) (5:32)
2. Wicked (5:30)
3. Incantations of the Apprentice (4:19)
4. Accolade II (7:04)
5. King of Terrors (6:16)
6. The Turning (4:12)
7. Awakenings (8:18)
8. The Odyssey (24:09)

Album: Paradise Lost (2007)
Click for tracklist:

Tracklist:
1. Oculus ex Inferni (2:34)
2. Set the World on Fire (The Lie of Lies) (5:55)
3. Domination (6:29)
4. Serpent's Kiss (5:03)
5. Paradise Lost (6:32)
6. Eve of Seduction (5:04)
7. The Walls of Babylon (8:16)
8. Seven (7:01)
9. The Sacrifice (4:49)
10. Revelation (Divus Pennae ex Tragoedia) (9:17)

Adgar - Más allá del Sol

Artist: Adgar
Album: Más allá del Sol
Genre: Power Metal
Official Site: http://adgar.iespana.es/

Adgar is a very good Spanish Power Metal band. Yes, Spanish - not only are they from Spain, but they also sing entirely in Espanol. They kind of remind me of Dragon Lord, only better, and without the shitty concept album. Good for those Power Metal fans who want a little something different. Anyways, this is Adgar's first album, released in 2004, Más allá del Sol.

Tracklist:
1. Obertura Nórdica (2:11)
2. El Angel Negro (4:35)
3. Acero y Sangre (5:54)
4. Deprisa (5:47)
5. En la Noche (4:58)
6. Cómo Una Estrella (4:17)
7. Más allá del Sol (5:00)
8. El Dios del Metal (4:10)
9. Vive Un Sueño (3:18)
10. Ultimo Atardecer (0:55)

Download Adgar - Más allá del Sol (2004)

Reverend Bizarre - III: So Long Suckers

This is Reverend Bizarre's long awaited latest and final album.

Reverend Bizarre - III: So Long Suckers - (2007)

I've also updated the old Reverend Bizarre post with this album, as well as the 2004 EP, Return to the Rectory.

Devin Townsend - Terria

Devin Townsend is the lead singer and guitarist for Strapping Young Lad. While SYL is Townsend's heavy, angry side, his solo work portrays a much more soft, thoughtful side, showcasing some of the best progressive metal around. Townsend's vocal abilities have been showcased by many, including Steve Vai. This is his fourth (and, in my opinion, best) solo album, Terria. Notable tracks include Earth Day, Canada, and Tiny Tears.

Devin Townsend - Terria (2001)

Freedom Call - Stairway to Fairyland

Freedom Call is a Symphonic Power Metal band from Germany. The group formed during an off-period for drummer Dan Zimmermann's main band, Gamma Ray. The group recorded their first album, Stairway to Fairyland, in 1999, and made their official debut in France as a support band for the touring Edguy and Angra. Overall, Freedom Call is Symphonic Power Metal at some of its best - the synth is an integral part, but the lack of a high soprano keeps them seperate from Visions of Atlantis or Nightwish and puts them in the ranks with some of Power Metal's greatest. This is their first album, Stairway to Fairyland.

Freedom Call - Stairway to Fairyland (1999)

Request - Helloween

Walls of Jericho - (1985)
Keeper of the Seven Keys Part 1 - (1987)
Keeper of the Seven Keys Part 2 - (1988)
Chameleon - (1993)
Master of the Rings - (1994)
The Time of the Oath - (1996)
Better Than Raw - (1998)
The Dark Ride - (2000)