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Reviews, Videos

Revisiting “Metal Edge” Magazine: The DVD Reviews – Part 2

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These video overviews were originally written for Metal Edge Magazine when I was a contributor to their DVD reviews section back in 2006. With the magazine wrapping up publication a few months ago, I decided to add them to the context of our PiercingMetal presentation. I felt that by doing this I would not only be raising the horns in remembrance of the magazine but to also showcase just how different writing for a major publication was when it all came down to it. These posts will feature several reviews each until we run out of them. The freelance writing tenure at Metal Edge Magazine was discussed on THIS LINK so please check that out when done. Here we go with another group of DVD Reviews.

Coheed & Cambria: “”The Last Supper: Live At Hammerstein Ballroom”” (Columbia Records)

Coheed & Cambria’s new DVD is a great way to catch up on what you might have been missing from this band for they seem to be growing in popularity rapidly, and are reaching fans of all ages with their interesting blend of Melodic and slightly Progressive Hard Rock. In May of 2006, the group performed to a sold-out Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City and now, only five months later, deliver a DVD of this show which allows those that missed out to enjoy it while those who attended are able to relive it once again. This modern Rock group led by Claudio Sanchez (vocals/guitar) is sometimes compared to bands like Rush and Dream Theater based on their being more technically proficient than many of the current mainstream bands that are heaped upon us. Claudio’s voice is high in register and this leads to the Geddy Lee reference I suppose. Personally, I disagree with the two comparisons but one can definitely see where they come from when watching this DVD. One also can see that the band truly can play as while Claudio does his thing both drummer Josh Eppard and lead guitarist Travis Steever are ripping it up as Michael Todd holds it all together. This makes them much more interesting and is clearly something that is a refreshing change for the younger fan base who must deal with the levels of sludge tossed at them by some of the music providers of today. It’s inspiring to see bands focusing on more musicianship and creativity than their peers for it allows them to remain relevant in a time where too many bands are forgettable. In addition to the rich selection of their career highlights the DVD also lets you enjoy the bands stellar light show – there are some great camera angles and dramatics to enjoy as the show plays out but most of this is viewed from a front row vantage point. As someone who never really paid attention to the band, I was finding myself jotting down numbers that appealed to me most so I might dig deeper into their recorded catalog. Standout tracks like “The Suffering” and “Ten Speed” are bound to impress anyone. There are also bonus videos to enjoy as well as fan interviews and band member commentary. Most of their music is based on Science Fiction themes which makes this intriguing to check out.

Crowbar: “Live With Full Force” (Candlelight Records)

The new DVD by Crowbar “Live: With Full Force” is a great way to get a very candid look into a band with some very regular guys who are just doing what they do best on the stage as well as giving the viewer an inside look at the life one leads in the music business. Filmed during the popular German Festival that bears the same name – the guys perform a set from their back catalog and music from their 2005 release “Lifesblood For The Downtrodden”. The Festival stage footage is great as numbers like “The Planets Collide” and “Burn Your World” crunch your ears with Doom and Stoner Metal as delivered by masters of the genre. The film is also home to a segment that I feel the viewers will enjoy most which is the Rockumentary that is blended between the concert numbers. This footage is primarily focused on band leader Kirk Windstein and from him you get the real deal scoop on life as a working musician. Based on his words it is clearly not what many think it is and he lays most of the blame on the “Behind The Music” specials with Motley Crue and Poison for creating the false image of what life is like on the road. Windstein stresses it is not all money, girls and fun yet more work than most would choose to do in their life. The DVD also gives you the bands videos to date and since this is footage you would probably find nowhere else, it becomes worthy bonus features to enjoy. Of the six videos we also get the previously unavailable “Slave No More”. The release itself is very straightforward and candid but always manages to remain interesting and it is just perfect for those who enjoy Doom Core. If you find that music that is heavy, sludgy and loaded with groove the Crowbar is the band for you. They are a band that have had members of Pantera, Black Label Society and Down among their roster with Windstein always being the consistent. The band has held a devout following that includes Jaime Jasta and Phil Anselmo among their numbers, and are still part of the underground of Metal despite an almost two decade career. With this DVD you can tune down low and play it slow and after watching you can see why so many bands love them so much.
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Features, PiercingMetal Says

PiercingMetal’s “Best Of 2006”: The Music

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Another exciting year in Metal music has gone by and as a member of the music press, I’m tasked with not only doing reviews here on the website but also in lining out what releases that I felt were the years very best. Initially, this post was going to feature the whole gamut of the years in terms of the music, the videos and the concerts but when my album list went on and on and on I decided to give it a post of its own to go easier on you. Let’s go.

The Best Albums Of 2006

Mercenary “The Hours That Remain” (Century Media Records): A great follow up to “11 Dreams”, this band shows that they are taking chances in Metal.

Mastodon “Blood Mountain” (Warner Brothers): Jazz Fusion Metal? I dunno, but the new Mastodon sure kicks your ass around the block.

Amorphis “Eclipse” (Nuclear Blast Records): Finnish boys return and do more good. Lots of feels on this one.

Scar Symmetry “Pitch Black Effects” (Nuclear Blast Records): Raging guitar solos, soaring clean vocals, brutal death metal growls-brilliant!

Lamb of God “Sacrament” (Epic Records): Their best yet. Future legends. The first four songs are instant classics and if you don’t find your fist in the air for this release you don’t have one. Go watch American Idol

Iron Maiden “A Matter of Life and Death” (EMI Music): Up the Irons, pure and simple. Some bad press from some people who don’t see the return to form. They are idiots.

I “Between Two Worlds” (Nuclear Blast Records): Great project from members of Immortal, Enslaved, and Gorgoroth.

Enslaved “RUUN” (Candlelight Records): The Black Metal titans get even more progressive and this is an incredible listen from start to finish

Satyricon “Now, Diabolical” (Century Media Records): More Metal needs to be like this. A resounding effort that lays waste to that which tries to come close.

Vanden Plas “Christ O” (InsideOut Music): Stunning operatic progressive metal. Their best yet! Especially the bonus track
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Music, Reviews

“Reinkaos” by Dissection

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Artist: Dissection
Title: “Reinkaos”
Label: The End Records
Release Date: 5/16/2006
Genre: Melodic Black Metal
Rating: 4/5

Dissection would return with more of their Black Metal, or self-named “Anti Cosmic Metal Of Death” after an 11 year absence from the music world. The long absence was due to singer/guitarist Jon Nodtveidt having been sent to prison for murder and all the while his fans waited anxiously for his return. The time away from the scene as a whole seemed to change the song-writing style of the musician, for while his subject matter would still deal with the same premise the overall music style would hold a drastic change. The results found on “Reinkaos” are intense but not in a blistering riff blaze of speed but instead heavy, driving riffs that work well alongside bands like Soilwork and At The Gates. While there might be skeptics to this change of direction, I had to admit that I found myself immersed in songs like “Black Dragon” and “Beyond The Horizon” and think many others will be able to do the same. Yes the songs have a lot more melodic content than they ever had before, but on top of this the talent of Nodtveidt is very visible. “Starless Aeon” is also a favorite as the track is borderline Power Metal and I admire his ability to take this brand of genre and mix it so well with ones own established ideas. Nodtveidt shows his allegiance to the Dark Gods with “God Of Forbidden Light” and even delivers a tasty instrumental piece in the title track “Rainkaos”. It’s a song that shows how technical a guitar player Jon was and I think will make the non-believer realize how much a better musician he actually was. The closing track is not bad, but perhaps a little too commercial for a band like Dissection to have released, and that track is “Maha Kali”. This is a must have release as its excellent, and if you are not stuck in the bands past and can allow them to move forward then you will enjoy their new styles and interpretations very much.
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Reviews, Videos

“Rebirth Of Dissection” by Dissection

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Artist: Dissection
Title: “Rebirth Of Dissection”
Label: Escapi Music
Release Date: 8/1/2006
Genre: Black Metal
Rating: 4/5

Swedens Dissection was on the road to a resurgence of life in the eyes of their fans as singer Jon Nodtveidt would leave prison after a murder conviction and quickly form the band once more to continue the assault on Metal ears worldwide. The 2004 performance at a sold-out Arenan, Stockholm show would also be captured on video for those on every continent to enjoy as well. Nodtviedt preferred to call Dissection’s brand of Metal as “Anti-Cosmic Metal Of Death” rather than merely settling on Black Metal for he felt his description better captured the Satanism and concepts of Death that he held very personal in his life. While these principles are not for everyone, it made for some interesting Metal under Jon’s control. The concert performance is a great collection of Dissection staples such as “Storm Of The Lights Bane” and “Soulreaper” and for those unschooled on the group like I was; you will find them a little more musical and technical than you often find in the genre. This has changed in recent times but since this stuff goes back a few years it’s nice to see that Dissection was among the first to raise the bar of creativity in this area. There is a great ballad-esque number with “Where Dead Angels Life” as well as a cover of the band Tormentor with “Elizabeth Bathory”. The band is lined out by Set Teitan on guitars and Tomas Asklund (Dark Funeral) on drums, with Brice LeClerque (Nightrage) on bass. Visually this film brings you up close to the stage and the angles are shot in such a manner than sometimes you feel as if you are pressed up against the barriers with hundreds of Metal maniacs behind you. The stage décor is on the solemn side and the band is garbed in simple black, it is more about the music than the themes with Dissection.
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