ALBUM REVIEW: RAY ALDER

Review Score: 8.5

Reviewed by: Billy Klare

The second solo album from Ray Alder titled “II” will be released June 9th, 2023 via InsideOutMusic. Ray is best known for his vocal duties in Fates Warning dating back to the “No Exit” album released in 1988. More recently, Ray released his first solo album titled “What The Water Wants” in 2019 receiving critical acclaim.

Ray Alder is one of Metal’s best and most versatile vocalists in my opinion. His earlier Fates Warning performances proved he could hit all the soaring high notes and stand his ground with the best singers in the Heavy Metal genre. On more recent releases, Ray’s vocals are more refined, rich and beautifully expressive which definitely applies to “II”. Ray continues to work with the same supporting musicians on his second solo record including Mike Abdow & Tony Hernando on guitars (including Bass) and Craig Anderson on drums. Similar to the first solo release, Mike and Tony co-wrote with Ray.

The album instantly clicked with me thanks to the memorable song writing keeping me on the edge of my seat with all the interesting twists and turns. All the song choruses are incredibly melodic and addictive, perfect for Ray’s current vocal approach. Guitar players Mike and Tony are equally comfortable shredding in the prog-inspired instrumental sections as they are with more subdued melodic soloing in line with Ray’s emotional vocal delivery. Craig’s drumming is both interesting and intricate helping to keep the listener fully engaged.

There’s no weak tracks on the album but certain songs are particularly appealing to me including “My Oblivion”, “Hands Of Time”, “Silence The Enemy” and the brilliant album closer “Changes”. These songs are generally longer with varied pacing allowing Mike, Tony and Craig the opportunity to shine from an instrumental perspective. The contrast between the melodic vocals, crunching guitars and prog-like instrumental solo performances is incredibly memorable.

From a production standpoint, the album sounds fantastic. Ray’s vocals, guitars and drums are all placed perfectly in the mix. Although this is Ray Alder’s solo album, he doesn’t dominate the mix. Its clear the production decisions were based on what’s best for each song, not about egos. I can’t wait to get my hands on a vinyl copy and enjoy on my home system.

Bottom line, “II” is an outstanding mature progressive heavy metal album with stellar musicianship and smart song writing. The songs continue to reveal themselves with each additional listen. Ray Alder & current Fates Warning fans will surely enjoy this album but the music would also appeal to a broader audience including prog-rock and hard rock fans. Highly recommended and deserving of an 8.5 / 10 rating.

Track Listing

This Hollow Shell
My Oblivion
Hands of Time
Waiting For Some Sun
Silence The Enemy
Keep Wandering
Those Words I Bled
Passengers
Changes

Lineup:

Ray Alder – Vocals

Mike Abdow – Guitar / Bass

Tony Hernando – Guitar / Bass

Craig Anderson – Drums

Album Review: AVATAR

Dance Devil Dance

Review Score: 10

Reviewed by: Georgina Strilakos

Avatar’s ninth studio album, “Dance Devil Dance,” is finally here and it does not disappoint! This album is an exciting mix of different genres, with 11 new songs that showcase the band’s versatility. From melodic death to power metal, metal-core, groove, country, and even nu-metal shades, Avatar explores all possible avenues to create a truly captivating sound. Each member of the band brings their unique skill set to the table, allowing their musicianship to shine through in every song. They are not afraid to take risks and try new things, which is what sets them apart from other bands in the genre. Their open-minded attitude and willingness to experiment have allowed them to create a sound that is truly their own on “Dance Devil Dance.”

The album is very vivid, with a sound that is in sync with the visual aesthetics of the group. The songs are intense and crazy, yet there are also moments of introspection and calmness. Avatar has managed to overcome many of the clichés of the heavy music scene by creating an album that’s unapologetically diverse. Many consider “Dance Devil Dance” an excellent new work and one of the band’s best records in recent years. It is undoubtedly a great follow-up to their 2020 release “Hunter Gatherer,” which also received great feedback. Overall, this highly anticipated studio work offers a very kaleidoscopic and unexpected sound that is truly captivating. This album clearly depicts Avatar as a group of talented musicians who have a deep appreciation for metal in all its shapes, and are constantly pushing themselves to new heights. Watch out for their 2023 US Tour and be sure not to miss them live!

https://avatarmetal.com/

https://www.facebook.com/avatarmetal

https://www.instagram.com/avatarmetal/

https://twitter.com/avatarmetal

Album Review: THE 69 EYES

Death of Darkness

Review Score: 8.5

Reviewed by: Georgina Strilakos

Helsinki legends The 69 Eyes, is a band with a truly distinctive vision. The group has finally released its highly anticipated new album, “Death of Darkness.”

Renowned for their ability to blend classic rock with the darker tones of alternative metal and goth, the group’s latest album offers ten thrilling tracks that capture the pure essence of Goth’N’Roll in a way that no other band can. Despite being on the scene for over 30 years, The 69 Eyes continue to impress with a record that draws inspiration from a variety of musical influences. From gothic glam to post-punk, there are no limits to the group’s creativity. While the album boasts some unforgettable riffs, the music is surprisingly upbeat and groovy, adding a sunny touch to the otherwise gothic vibe.

The 69 Eyes also pay tribute to the local Finnish music scene with a cover of “Gotta Rock” by Boycott – a classic that is sure to delight fans of Finnish rock music. With this album, The 69 Eyes once again prove that they are masters of their genre. Each song is a rollercoaster ride of emotions that only gets better with every listen. Fans and critics alike consider this the best album from the band in years, and it is easy to see why! The production of the album has a very modern flair to it. Still, there is room for many retro-inspired tones, including chorused guitars and crooned vocals with an old-school vibe.

http://69eyes.com/

https://www.facebook.com/the69eyes/

https://www.instagram.com/the69eyesofficial/

Album Review: ROSS THE BOSS

Legacy of Blood, Fire and Steel

Review Score: 8.0

Reviewed by Tom Elke

You know what? I’m really not sure how one is to Review a Compilation album. After all, every song on a Compilation Album is supposed to be good right from the start, right? So, what do you say?

Well, I do have some things to say. So let’s start from the beginning.

Ross The Boss has a new album – “Legacy of Blood, Fire & Steel,” with a Release Date of April 28^th, 2023. It is indeed a Compilation Album. It’s 12 total Tracks, and features 3 Songs from each of the Ross The Boss Albums, 2008’s “New Metal Leader,” 2010’s “Hailstorm,” “By Blood Sworn” from 2018 and “Born of Fire,” which came out in 2020. I love that there are Tracks from those first 2 albums. It gives the people who aren’t overly familiar with them, a taste of what they’re about… and they’re real good songs!

There’s a good flow in the sequence of the Songs, with mid tempo to up tempo Selections. And the Musicianship is top notch all the way through. It’s a very strong, straight-up Metal Album, with Tracks like “Blood Of Knives,” Kingdom Arise,” This Is Vengeance,” and “Maiden Of Shadows.”

It’s always interesting to see what Songs are selected to be part of a Compilation Album, or a Best Of/Greatest Hits Album. Many times there’s acrimony & questioning of the reasoning. With “Legacy of Blood, Fire & Steel,” that is not the case. Each Track is worthy to be included.

If you can come away from a Compilation Album thinking –“I’m ok with the Track Listing,” then it is all good. And I am ok with the Track Listing. Job well done!

Track Listing:

1 – Blood Of Knives
2 – I Got The Right
3 – We Will Kill
4 – Kingdom Arise
5 – Hailstorm
6 – Great Gods Glorious
7 – By Blood Sworn
8 – This Is Vengeance
9 – We Are The Night
10 – Maiden Of Shadows
11 – Born Of Fire
12 – Denied By The Cross

But I’ll forge ahead…

An interesting challenge to…

If you can come away from listening to Compilation Album thinking, I’m ok with the Track Listing, then all is ok… and I’m ok with the Track Listing. Well done.

ENSLAVED, INSOMNIUM, BLACK ANVIL

April 8th, 2023

Toronto, ON @ The Opera House

Photos By: Kim Baarda

Words By: Jason Deaville

BLACK ANVIL

What better way to start a night of extreme metal in Toronto than with some dirty, raunchy, New York City-styled black metal! Hitting the stage with corpsepaint, the guys pummeled the audience with a set of songs torn from the pages of the blackened thrash bible. After experiencing this set, I can see why the hype around Black Anvil is as strong as ever!

INSOMNIUM

The melodic death metal stylings of Finland’s Insomnium could not have been a better fit for this particular night of extreme metal in Toronto. The beautiful, morose intro of the song ‘1696’ reverberated like faraway thunder… exploding into a double-bass assault as the storm of Finnish death metal rained on fans like a torrent of blood.

The guys delivered an incredibly evocative performance that was comprised mostly of songs from their latest album, Anno 1696. That said, they did bust out a collection of songs from previous masterpieces such as Heart Like A Grave, Shadows Of The Dying Sun, and Above The Weeping World.

The organizers of the tour couldn’t have picked a better band to co-headline this tour. A masterful performance from one of the best melodic death metal bands to ever have existed.

ENSLAVED

Fittingly, a chill permeated the crisp Toronto night just as the gods of Nordic progressive black metal took to the stage. As the lights dimmed, the disturbing sounds of the Clockwork Orange theme music filled the venue, creating an eerie-yet-appropriate vibe as we waited excitedly. Then, with a rumble from the halls of Valhalla, the opening riff of ‘Jettegryta’ hit like the weight of an iron-cast sword to the head.

Immediately, it was telling that the band was short one member. It was later learned that founding guitarist, Ivar Bjornson, was unable to make the tour to do a personal issue back home in Norway. As the night progressed, Ivar’s absence was only discernible from a visual perspective. Sonically, you would never know Ivar was missing. The songs sounded as full and functional as they do on record. Of course, Ivar’s presence would have been very much welcomed, but the guys did their best to give fans the authentic Enslaved experience. Newest drummer, Iver Sandøy, did an incredible job filling out the lineup with an energized and magnetic performance behind the kit, as well as delivering a passionate vocal performance, particularly on the song ‘Homebound’.

Enslaved are one band that needs to be experienced live to truly appreciate their incredible sonic soundscape. Having seen Enslaved previously, it goes without saying that tonight’s venue, The Opera House, was an absolutely perfect home for the band. The sound and lighting were both top-notch, projecting the journey of the Enslaved sound throughout the venue’s century-old interior. In fact, this was the very first venue that I photographed at, and remains one of my favorites to this day.