Brian Hoffman
Always one of the lesser Tampa genre bands Deicide had a stable line-up for the majority of its career, yet said stability never translated into consistent quality. The second Deicide album “Legion”, (a loosely conceptual record about the decimation of Christianity by the titular demonic force), is the band’s
A&M Records
“Harmonium” was supposed to be Vanessa Carlton’s big breakthrough in the mainstream, but the record failed to chart to projections and Carlton was deemed a one-hit wonder. While virtually identical to its predecessor in the most important ways, its tonal difference with “Be Not Nobody” is jarring. No longer
Brodequin
In the decade that the band was originally active, from 1998 to 2008, Brodequin released three albums, of which “Festival Of Death” was the second. On “Festival Of Death” Brodequin narrowed down its chosen subject matter to a very specific concept. Aided by a reasonably functional production, and slightly improved
black metal
After the unexpected success of the “Bestial Devastation” EP Brazilian proto-metallers Sepultura were offered an extension of their recording contract. Invigorated by this early victory the quartet set out to craft its full lenght debut, aptly branded “Morbid Visions”. As a unabashed tribute to its American – and European inspirations, it
Andrea Meyer
Formed in 1991 by brothers Paul and Benjamin Ryan along with vocalist Dani Davey in Suffolk, England as a third-tier death metal act Cradle Of Filth is one of the greatest success stories since Iron Maiden. No other band tends to be as polarizing or as cross-marketable as these Brits.
Benjamin Marlin
The last album of Disgorge’s original run “Parallels Of Infinite Torture” heralded the end of an era. By the time it saw release in 2005 the style of death metal that Disgorge specialized in had ran its natural course. Once again fronted by a different vocalist it is the
Alberto Gaggiotti
“Sacro Culto” is the second of three Opera IX records with Cadaveria in the vocal slot. Of the three it is the most ethnic, pagan and Mediterreanean sounding. High on atmosphere and ethnic instrumentation it is a refinement of what “The Call Of the Wood” did four years earlier. Much
Amon
Deicide is one of the original Tampa death metal bands. Their career is one filled with exciting highs and depressing lows. In the first part of its career Deicide seemed destined for superstardom thanks to its solid line-up and two promising early albums. “Deicide”, the band’s debut from 1990,
A&M Records
In the early 2000s Vanessa Carlton was considered one of the most promising young female songwriters along with Michelle Branch, Alanis Morissette and Nelly Furtado. Born in Milford, Pennsylvania Vanessa Carlton graduated from the American School Of Ballet, but pursued her interest in music instead. She demoed, and was signed
Caedere
On its second album Dutch death metal band Caedere started to develop more of its own identity. Still heavily indebted to Severe Torture “Clones Of Industry” has Caedere slowly letting loose of its direct influence towards something more individual sounding. More of a refinement than a reinvention “Clones Of Industry”
Ancient Rites
On “Laguz” enduring Belgian underground pillar Ancient Rites makes its long awaited return after a near decade of uncertainty, lineup instability and general malaise. The much-anticipated follow-up to 2006’s “Rubicon” is the first for its new label home Massacre Records, and sees the band trimmed down to a quartet.
Alan Collado
“The Seeds Of Abysmal Torment” saw Chicago bruisers Fleshgrind move into slightly more technical and challenging territory. In the decade-plus that they were active, from 1993 to 2005, they released three albums, of which “The Seeds Of Abysmal Torment” was the second. Moving away from the trite gore – and horror