Helloween-Gambling With the Devil
(Steamhammer/SPV, 2007)

While I am a fan of Helloween Im far from an expert on the bands back catalog. That said, the albums I have heard I have been a big fan of and Gambling With the Devil is no different. The band continues with their trademark high octane and incredibly melodic form of metal even managing to throw a few surprises in for good measure.

What really surprises me about this album is just how much it sounds like Helloween yet doesnt at the same time. The band has gone for a slightly beefier approach that while still very melodic has a heavy edge that seems new to the band. Dont worry though, there is no shortage of melodic choruses and these are some of the best the band has ever written. The band has added some almost progressive passages to the songs and the songs themselves are like mini-epics in how they are put together and just how much prowess is on display in each song. There is something almost orchestral about the songs and the band isn't afraid to pile on the layers and make the album sound as massive as possible.

Vocally the album is surprisingly diverse. Of course the vocal patterns stick like glue but there are a lot of dynamics on display vocally. A softer approach is used at times and you might even be surprised to hear that the band uses screaming during one song. It certainly fits and came as quite the shock. If the vocals are what draws you to this band, you'll be happy to know that this is one of the best albums that band has ever released vocally.

While the album doesn't quite reinvent the Helloween sound, it certainly shows that the band hasnt become lazy and still writes some amazing metal music. This is an interesting and ridiculously catchy album that shows that when it comes to melodic metal few bands can do it as well as Helloween.

Inexacta-Previous Trick Us
(Independent, 2006)

I'm not the world's biggest fan of rhythmic based metal bands. I liked some of the later Max era Sepultura albums as well as a few Fear Factory albums but I always liked my metal to be faster instead of groove oriented. So it surprises me that I like this album from Inexacta as much as I do. There is no getting around the fact that the band does indeed wear their influences proudly. If you mixed Sepultura, Fear Factory and Metallica youd basically have Inexacta.

The riffing is slightly repetitive and very rhythmic. The album tends to stay around the same tempo for the duration of the album and a bit of speed would have been nice. Not to say that this is a slow album, but I definitely could have seen the thrash drum beat being used more often. There are riffs that almost scream for it but the drummer uses a slower beat instead. I think one of the few problems I have with the album is that the drumming could have been a bit more exciting. There are a few stumbles throughout the album and the overall approach could have been spiced up a little bit.

While the band certainly isnt bringing anything new to metal, they have written an album filled with catchy riffs, a heavy approach and roaring vocals. If you like your metal heavy but not to the point of being considered death metal, this is definitely a band you should be able to get into.

End of Level Boss-Inside the Difference Engine
(Exile on Mainstream Records, 2007)

Not only does this band have one of the coolest names ever, they are also pretty damn good musically as well. With a charging yet rhythmic approach filled with dissonance and slightly bluesy riffage, the band could almost be seen as the bastard child of Voivod and Kyuss.

What really makes the album work is the fact that the band can be noisy on one hand yet the songs are incredibly infectious without being obvious. Whether it is a catchy vocal pattern or an odd riff that catches your ear, the album is filled with moments that will have you banging your head in approval yet paying attention to all of the fine details as well. The band puts a lot of effort into the songwriting and while this isn't what you would consider to be complicated, they certainly are a tight and more than competent band.

Armed with a natural sounding production, the band manages to create a live sounding album which packs just the right amount of punch. The guitar tone is clear and meaty allowing all of the riffs to be heard and slap you across the face in the way the band had originally intended. The bass guitar is easily audible and gives quite the performance with little fills and solos to break away from the guitar riffs.

This is one of those bands that people tend to either love or hate. Personally I think they are an original band with driving riffs, excellent dynamics and even some mammoth drones thrown in for good measure. If you like Voivod or Kyuss this is a no brainer.