Circus Maximus-Isolate
(Sensory, 2007)

Amazing doesn't even begin to describe this sophomore release from Circus Maximus. Armed with a ridiculously agile guitar performance, soaring vocals and boundless energy, the band has a progressive yet slightly dark take on progressive metal. If you are expecting happy melodies and polka beats you will be very disappointed.

If you basically took Symphony X, Nevermore and Rush and combined them you would have the framework for the Circus Maximus sound. The band has a varied approach and runs the gamut from blistering fret board manipulation to serene keyboard segues. The band knows when to show their chops and when to sit back and ride a memorable riff to get the most out of it. The choruses of course as ridiculously catchy but unlike some bands in this style they arent the only memorable part of the songs. Each song is littered with memorable moments that help the songs rise above just being technical exercises.

While I would say the guitar solos are slightly typical of the progressive metal genre, they are impressive none the less. The notes come at you fast and steady with the guitar players slicing through the strings like butter. Is it a bit excessive? Sure, but if you are a progressive metal fan you'll love every second of it.

With a memorable approach, heavier than usual riffs and world-class musicianship, Circus Maximus have crafted a sophomore album sure to make them a name that will not soon be forgotten within the progressive metal world.

Rise to Addiction-A New Shade of Black for the Soul
(Mausoleum Records, 2007)

With all of the subgenres of metal these days it's rare when an album comes along that could be summed up as hard rock. But that is the easiest way to describe the Rise to Addiction sound. With a chunky yet melodic guitar approach, a driving rhythm section and a dynamic vocal approach, the band is an impressive combination of heavy groove riffs and incredibly melodic choruses.

While this might be the debut album from the band, one listen will prove that this isn't a band of rookies. Members of this band were involved have played with Blaze Bailey and the experience certainly shows. The songwriting is first class and for a band of this style the guitar solos are fierce and much more involved than you might expect. Sweep picking is used to great lengths and it makes a nice contrast between the rhythmic riffs used underneath. At the end of the day no one can say that this isnt a talented band whose songwriting chops are just as good as their playing ability.

If you enjoy the harsher side of metal this one definitely isnt for you. But if you enjoy rhythmic and melodic metal with killer guitar solos and catchy choruses this one is definitely for you. The band has an accessible and familiar sound without cloning any band in particular.

Spetalsk-Self-titled
(Unexploded Records, 2007)

With a harsh and fast approach, Spetalsk brings to mind the blackened death metal of some of the bands that once called Necropolis Records. A whirlwind of dark riffs and blasting drums gives way to harsh vocal yells. The riffs are indeed black metal based but the fury and speed brings to mind vintage thrash metal at times. This doesnt have the usual hypnotic feel of fast black metal; it is much more in your face and has a completely different dynamic because of it.

While I do enjoy lo-fi black metal, I usually find myself gravitating more towards the bands that throw in a thrash elements and have more to offer than just an endless blast beat. This band manages to keep things interesting and explores slower tempos from time to time giving obvious nods to early Mayhem at times with a midtempo majestic feel to some of the riffs. The vast majority of the album is bulldozingly fast but it is nice that the band has a knack for writing slower parts that keep the same feel as the fast moments.

Embodying a sound that brings to mind Marduk mixed with vintage Mayhem and the likes of Satanic Slaughter or Death Witch, Spetalsk have a sound that is true to the genre yet still manages to be interesting. At face value it might seem like a typical black metal album, but if you dig a bit deeper there are some memorable riffs and an impressive amount of energy on display.

Hot Buttered Anal-Please Kill Me
(Self-Released, 2007)

While at first you might expect this to be another joke grind band in reality the band really isnt grindcore based at all. The band has a fast and raucous feel that draws from thrash metal, crossover and even old school punk rock. The riffs run the gamut from fast power chord riffs to slower more rock based assaults. Of course this isn't the type of band that takes themselves completely seriously so the vocals range from a mocking singing style voice to a more serious style that brings to mind old school hardcore. If I had to choose between the funnier songs and the faster and heavier songs Id definitely go with the later. I do enjoy the comedic elements but the band does indeed have some good riffs to dig through here. I mean how seriously can you take a song called Suck My Balls? It will certainly have you chuckling. If you took Gwar and The Vandals but filtered it through crossover and old school hardcore youd have Hot Buttered Anal. Throw in some ridiculous acoustic songs and you have one of the funniest albums since Speak English or Die.

Vader-Lead Us!!!
(Regain Records, 2007)

For a very long time now Vader has been one of my favorite death metal bands, and this latest MCD from the band is only available from the band during their current tour. Will this change once the tour is over? I cant say, but what we have here is 4 audio tracks and three videos. The audio tracks are taken from The Art of War and Impressions in Blood with two of the tracks previously only being available on the Japanese version of those two albums. The two songs previously unavailable are quite good with one being a killer cover of the Slayer classic Raining Blood. The songs fits the Vader style perfectly and the band rips through a pretty much perfect cover that in many ways is much tighter than the original recorded version from Slayer. The three video clips are actually of surprising quality. The video for Helleluyah!!!(God is Dead) is a somewhat typical metal video but it is shot well and manages to be dark without being cheesy. The other two videos, This is the War and Sword of the Witcher, both use computer graphics to great lengths. This is the War is completely animated and has a look that is somewhere in between The Terminator and Unreal Tournament. Sword of the Witcher is a cool combination of animation and live performances. The video has a medieval feel to it and if fits the song perfectly. If you are a fan of the band and you want to complete your Vader collection definitely pick this up if you happen to see the band on their current tour. Im hoping that it becomes a regular release though as the videos as well as the Raining Blood cover make this a nice treat for fans of the band.

Endstille-Endstilles Reich
(Regain Records, 2007)

When a black metal album comes across my ear drums two adjectives that make me happy are blistering and unrelenting. Endstille are a band that fully embrace those two adjectives and have a style that is fast, cold and on par with the best of what the genre has to offer.

With razor sharp riffs, cacophonous vocals and a reckless drumming approach, the band manages to be dark yet still tight enough that is never sounds messy. They certainly are playing fast but they keep things together while still retaining that chaotic edge that gives this genre the dangerous feel devoid from most other subgenres of metal. The band almost has a marching feel to the music at times which fits in nicely with the overall military feel of the artwork and the lyrics.

The production is a bit harsh but it matches the musical assault of the band perfectly. The guitars have a lot of bite and while it isnt as trebly as some black metal, it certainly does have a harsher feel to it. The drums are natural sounding but just a bit quiet in the mix I think. Granted this is a somewhat noisy production and I know that it sacrifices a bit of clarity, but I wouldn't change anything about the sound of the album. It matches the harsh and violent attack of the band perfectly creating the perfect atmosphere for the album to make an impact on your eardrums.

Fans of Marduk's most blistering moments should easily be able to enjoy the ridiculously fast paced Endstille. If you enjoy fast black metal with a melodic yet harsh riffing style and chaotic drum blasts this one is definitely for you.