Review 027: Dying Muses- Dying Muses

Country of origin: Italy
Genre: Heavy Metal
Year: 2014
Label: Unknown

Hello guys, I’m Daltor from F.U.M Blog. I’m back with a new amazing heavy metal band from a little town, Cisterna di Latina, Italy. 
I have to say something about the story of how I knew this band, called Dying Muses. 
One of my other hobbies is playing guitar (guess what xD), and 2 weeks ago I was studying with my teacher, when a guy came there.This guy was the guitarist of this band. When I listened him playing his stuff, I was surprised.Then I wanted to write a review for his band.After this little story, let’s talk about Dying Muses. 
The sound that the band proposes is a mix of heavy/traditional metal with a good dose of melody. The EP I’m going to review is called like the band.The first song is called “Zombie”, that is characterized by good riffs and good chorus. The drumming is also good, but the best thing is the “hard rock” style guitar solo. By the way, all the song is pretty good.“Like a gleam” is powerful, reminds me of some Heavy Metal bands from the ’80; all the song is made of high solos, to harmonize the rhythmic parts. Voice is pretty good.
“Titan’s Revenge” sounds like a classical power metal song to me cause the lyrics talks about battles and epic themes.All the EP is good, but a little bit monotonous in my opinion. 
I hope this band will get better and better. 
Hail to Dying Muses, who composed and produced a very good EP.

Vote: 80/100

Review 026: Dragonharp- Dragonharp

Country of origin: Italy
Genre: Classic/Melodic Power Metal
Year: 2013
Label: Unknown

Hi guys, I’m Daltor from F.U.M Blog. This time I’m going to review an Italian Power Metal Band called DragonHarp.This band was formed in 2011, from Rossana Monico(harp) and from Paolo Albergoni(guitar).
The band identifies its music as Classic Power Metal with various influences (Helloween, Stratovarius and Rhapsody of Fire).Well, let’s listen their EP called “DragonHarp”.
You can guess that the band opened their EP with an instrumental song (Stormborn), because it’s like a must now! I think all Power Metal Bands should open their album with instrumental songs, because it’s so cool.
Ok, the first song leads to “Queen of Dragon”. A Classic Power Metal Song, where you can see and listen what the band think about metal. The song is powerful and also melodic. Another peculiarity of this band is that they sing in Italian (like Rhapsody).The lead parts are so wonderful in this song.Let’s go on to the third song called “Seven”, a song that reminds me of Hammerfall or Gamma Ray. Here we find classic guitar sounds, and amazing harp parts.The next song is “To Live”. A power ballad, where the band shows all their melodic sound and wonderful solos… By the way, “El Cid” is the last song. The end of a trip through Lands and Enchanted Kingdoms.It is a good song, but not their best one. 
I must say this band has a lot of ideas, and amazing technique, very good concept. 
It’s a shame that the EP hasn’t a good quality. I hope this band should remix this Ep, or make an album.
Go on, mighty DragonHarp. 
That’s all from Daltor.
Stay Metal \\m//.

Vote: 90/100
   

Review 025 : M.A.I.M.- Hostëria

Country of origin: Italy

Genre: Folk/Power Metal
Year: 2014
Label: Crowns Studio

Hi guys I’m Daltor! This time I’m going to review a folk metal band with some power metal influences from Italy, called M.A.I.M.

I was impressed a lot by the good taste in musical arrangements of this EP, called “Hostëria”.

The first song is “Casera Death Trip”. The song talks about spending time listening metal with some good friends. Chorus are very good and easy to remember. There are also breakdowns played with folk instruments like Violins or Fiddles.

Next song, called “Quest for perfection”, is a classic power metal song, where the perfection means the “best pub” all over Italy. It is a mighty quest: everyone should try to find the best pub, where all can drink the best beer (you know, folk metal things). The band is devoted to instrumental parts, where we can find epic narrations.

“Polenta & Dragon” is the third song (Polenta is a typical Italian food). I think about a power metal parody, but the song talks about a quest to kill a mighty Dragon. We can see all the talent of this band on instrumental parts and the vocals are really good. Guitars play only rhythmic parts or melodic riffs.

The last song is “Blood Stained Walls”, an impressive work that go on for 9 minutes.

By the way, this one isn’t the best song of the EP. This song is monotonous, but the scream/growls vocals near the end are interesting

That’s all from Daltor. I must say, this band has a lot of skills, they made an high quality EP (remember, that’s the second EP).

I am giving a high vote, again.

Bye guys, stay metal! 

Vote: 87/100

Review 024: Anaestesia- Jaimy

Country of origin: Italy
Genre: Heavy/Melodic/ Thrash Metal
Year: 2013
Label: 04011 RECORDS

Hello Guys, I’m Daltor. This time I’m going to review a metal band from Italy, called Anaestesia. First thing to know, the band was born in 2008 as tribute band to Metallica and after some line up changes, Anaestesia were ready to make original songs. This EP I’m going to review was produced at 04011 Records by Andrea Palumbo(Hideout).

Let’s listen the opener track, called “Jaimy”. Jaimy is also the mascotte of this band that you can see on the front image of the EP. It represent the death.

The opener track begin with a bass solo which reminds me of Metallica. Then there is a guitar solo that lead to the first riff. It is so powerful. The verse is good and guitars are very strong. Chorus are catchy, and are important the backing vocals. There is a break, a majestic solo and another chorus. Yeah guys, I really like this track.

Next song is “Operation Anthropoid”, which sound more thrash than the first song. The song has a good chorus and the clean section is interesting.

“Kamikaze”, the third song, is just a summary of the thrash played in the years by a lot of other bands.

The next one is “My Friend John”. This song is more melodic than the others and it’s the best song of the EP in my opinion, because it is a mix of thrash and melodic guitar riffs. The chorus is very catchy and guitar solos are amazing.

“Jaimy (EXTENDED)” is the same thing of the opener track, but there is a longer guitar solos section.

Ok, this was the last song. See you soon!

Vote: 85/100

Review 022: Fear Theories - So it begins

Country of origin: Norway
Genre: Heavy/Power/Speed Metal
Year: 2013
Label: Self-released

Hello guys, I’m Daltor. This time I’m going to review an EP by a Heavy Metal band from Norway called Fear Theories. I only know that this band was founded in 2010 and now they released this EP, “So it begins”. This let me think about something like a trilogy, or well, a story.  Let’s listen this work, which sounds great only by reading the name. “So it begins” is the opener track. That song is very strong, it’s heavy metal at his wild form, it’s an instrumental! What the fuck guys… Next song is called “The treasure of Haunted Pirate”, and is very amazing: it’s composed over powerful riffs, and has a catchy chorus also. There is a good guitar solo, which reminds me of other bands, like Hammerfall or Helloween; by the way, it is fucking good. The next track is “Blank”. This song is particularly “heavy”, this reminds me of thrash/groove ’90 bands.  I think it’s a bad song cause is very monotonous, but there are good vocals and I can feel the power, so it’s a good job. After some breaks, there is a neo-classical style guitar solo, with hard rock feelings.

“Overlord” it the next track, that begins with a heavy classic sound. Vocals in the chorus reminds me of Hetfield’s, I don’t know why.  There is a good solo, a break part and chorus again. It’s a very good song, I think I’m going to give a high vote.

“Heroes of the past” is the final song. It begins with a melodic metal riff, which lead to the verse.

There is a funny chorus, and the first riff once again. This song is very powerful, like the others, but this is very strong. There is a Hard Rock style guitar solo, composed over tapping technique, and pentatonic scales, so I mean is a very good solo. Next part is another verse, that lead to the last chorus and then there is another solo until the end of this great track.

So, guys, it was an amazing EP!

Fear Theories can do big things, I think it’s a very good band.

If we think positive, and we support them, this band can make a very good album. It’s all, see you next time.

Vote:85/100

Review 021: Noterminus- Haselupker’s Ink

Country of origin: Uk
Genre: prog/alternative/symphonic metal
Year: 2013
Label: Self-released

Hello people! I am Daltor and I am going to review an emblematic album: “Haselupker’s Ink”. This album is from a symphonic rock duo (they are still looking for a drummer  for a guitarist). This band has some interesting skills and good ideas. Let's listen to the album.

“Tarnished Halo” is the opener song. I am into strange melodies and powerful chord, there are some good vocals. That song is very good, the refrain is epic. The solo is melodic, but monotonous. By the way, the next step is “Hilary”. There are some metal riffs, and background effects. Drumming is good, the song is powerful. There are some scream parts, mixed with clean vocals to harmonize all the sound, but... it Is so monotonous… I think this band does not have inventiveness. The next song is “Muted Creatures”, opened by some arpeggios, and lead solos… Throughout the song, there are power chords and riffs, to create a metal atmosphere. Lead vocals are anguishing and only the guitar is the power of this song, with a pretty good drumming. “Fast one” is an explosion of riffs and powerful chords, throughout there are arpeggios and good bass lines. Good vocals and background riffs lead me in an epic chorus. There are good breakdowns, but not so powerful like the riffs. Let me listen the fifth track called “Moon and Sun”. The intro is good, reminds me of doom metal, some good palm mute all over the phrases and there are arpeggios in background.

I am amazed of how two people can make this kind of music. It is the result of hard work and study, I think. “Hell no” is what I can call a melodic ballad; lead vocal is amazing in this track. The force of this song are the arpeggios through the verses. Now there is a good solo, lead guitarist used lot of sweep picking and tapping. In addition, another Verse appear; another guitar solo. This track is powerful, but is fuckin' monotonous. I cannot go on, with this track… There are classical influences, by the way. Good breakdowns and licks all over the song… However, it is so monotonous too. Let’s go on, the next track is “Crawling Seasons”, a mid- tempo song. I am amazed, there is a good chorus. It is so good, now. Best song of the album, to me. Finally, it comes last song, the title track“Haselupker’s Ink”. Is long 10:40 minutes, and I am going into a prog-rock experience. That is the best song of the album, generally. Riffs are good, and chorus are catching. Good drumming all over the song. No one can say, however, how is monotonous this song. There is a long break, and a melodic solo, in the style of this original band but very anguishing.

Vote:75/100

Review 020: Warhead-Warhead

Country of origin:  UK

Genre: Thrash/Groove Metal

Year: 2013

Label: Self-released

Warhead is a thrash/groove band from West Lothian ,UK. I’m going to review their first EP, composed of four songs. There are different things to know about, but it is sure I’m going to headbang a lot! Let’s see the opener track, “Sick of it all”. It’s composed over a powerful riff mixed with an amazing drum track. I am not sure about the growl parts, but the lead singer(clean parts) has skills, so I think it’s good all in all. The solo harmonizes the main theme of the song. The next song, “Surrender”, is a mix of violence and pure energy! I’m amazed by that groovy sound. Growl vocals are pretty good in this track. Let’s going on… “Who the fuck” is a classic groove song: we have a huge sound and some good parts, like the solo. This song is really good for headbanging!. But now, let me introduce to you “Your meltdown”… the amount of breaks is insane, there are thrash arpeggios, good scream vocals, and a good drumming.This is the best song of the whole EP in my opinion. The tour around the EP is over, so let me say something about the production: the quality is not very good. It’s a mess, I think this band has ideas and good technique, but it’s all about breaks and powerful riffs! Good work, however.

Vote: 70/100

Review 019: Demoterion - Prometheus

Country of origin: Italy
Genre: Melodic Death/ Pagan Metal
Year: 2013
Label: Self-Released


 Today i will talk you of Demoterion, a melodic death/pagan metal band from Abruzzo, an Italian  region that folk metal lovers know as the homeland of Draugr.
What suprise me of this band is that, also if they have been playing togheter only from March 2013 they have already composed an impressive ep such this ''Prometheus".
The Ep is made of 5 songs where the band shows his melodic death     affected by band like Amon Amarth, but also Ensiferum and Varg.
The album is homogeneous and every song is quite good, also if maybe a little bit too little original and some songs are too little elaborated.
The best songs of the ep are Plague From The North, with his chorus that maybe remind me of the chorus from Glorious March by Nordheim, the titlerack Prometheus and God's Servant.
Also the opener Throught The Runes, maybe the worst song in the ep, is not a bad song.
The part these guys have to improve are the lyrics, that are sometimes banal.

Rating: 69/100

Review 018: Lost Ape of Killa - Lost Ape of Killa

Country of origin: Italy

Genre: Nu/Alternative Metal

Year: 2011

Label: Self-Released

These are the things who make me proud to be Italian! Today I'm reviewing a really great ep  from an Italian band: I'm talking about Lost Ape of Killa, a split-up Italian Nu metal band from Sicily in and their first cd titled like the band's name “Lost Ape of Killa”. It is composed by 7 tracks.

The opener track is “We still got a voice to scream”. This song is my favourite one of the whole ep. It says that in spite of everything, we aren't resigned  and we still have a voice to scream and strenght to fight.

“Lost Ape of Killa” continues with “Self-Forgiver”, a great song with political lyrics. It is a complaint of the contemporary political situation. I found this song's riff really awesome.

The third track is “Bloodsheed”, a song against the war.

The fourth song, “Toys”, is the most melodic track of the ep. It speaks about the child labour explotation.

“Insert coin” is an instrumental track that precedes “Distracted”. This song's lyrics are against the system and anyone who follows its orders without asking himself the reason of his behaviour.

“Unmasked secrets” closes this really well done ep.

I really liked this CD and i think this is one of the best Nu metal works i've ever listened to. I hope  Lost ape of Killa can return together  have all the success they deserve.

Rating: 79/100

Review 017: Beckon - Beckon

Genre: Groove Metal
Country Of Origin: U.K
Year: 2013
Label: Self-Released

Beckon is the self-titled  debut ep by the Scottish Groove Metal Band Beckon.

These guys play a good mix of genres,  inspired by Musshuggah, Lamb of God, Amon Amarth, Nuclear Assault, Morbid Saints and other Thrash, Groove and Death metal major bands.

The tracks are an explosive tribute to the best groove, thrash and melodic death metal that we can find around the Metal scene. Explosive, brutal but even melodic.

Good riffs, inspired (as I told before) by the best musicians and bands in these musical genres; good vibrate and growling voices, performing these heavy tracks very good.

In particular I liked very much the “dirty ape” ’s solo that  reminded me Dark tranquility and Amon Amarth’s solos…I love that heavy but also melodic power solo. Very good job indeed to this band.

If you have listened this demo Let's wait for their first full-lenght, if you haven't do it yet, i suggest you to listen to it.

Rate: 80/100

(the e.p is available here https://soundcloud.com/beckonmetal-1)