PiercingMetal is giving away some tickets to the “Conquerors Of The World” tour which is stopping by the Gramercy Theatre in the coming days. The giveaway comes care of our friends at Live Nation and is being held on our Official Facebook Page. Click the embedded image below to participate.
Continue reading Win To See The “Conquerors Of The World Tour” @ Gramercy Theatre
These album overviews were originally written for Metal Edge Magazine when I was a contributor to their “Hear Us Out” CD reviews section back in 2006-2007. 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 would also be able to showcase just how different writing for a major publication was when it all came down to it. Since “Hear Us Out” notations were usually “100” words in length, 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 are the reviews, so “Hear Us Out”.
Madina Lake: ”From Them, Through Us, To You” (Roadunner Records)
Madina Lake is quite the Rock band as they work the angles of melody with clever abandon and throw down tasty riffs to bring out some memorable tracks on their major label debut. They present emotion without an Emo stain and rock as hard as the big boys on tracks like “House Of Cards”. Catchy hooks and detailed lyrical storylines bring listeners one classy piece of music that was thought out for a change and should appeal to a wide audience. Big things await the listener in the region of fictional town Madina Lake, lets let the guys take us on a tour into their world.
Marion Raven: “Heads Will Roll” (Eleven Seven Music)
The way I see it, Marion Raven stands ready to capture the hearts of music fans everywhere. This Norwegian siren was part of the Pop sensation M2M long ago, who shares the song writing today with rockers such as Nikki Sixx. The title track proves that Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Her strong vocals and stunning look makes me confident that good things are waiting for her as she sings of strength and empowerment. Raven appears with Meat Loaf on the single “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” and with this on her resume I am sure she is paving a solid path to success. Are you ready for the next big thing?
Continue reading Revisiting “Metal Edge” Magazine: The CD Reviews – Part 7
Well it’s that time of the year again and that means it’s time to share with you all what I felt were my very favorites from all of the stuff that was reviewed here on PiercingMetal for the musical year of 2007. I will keep this introduction short and instead let these highlights shine a little brighter. Here we go.
Best CD’s of 2007:
Let’s just consider this a sampling of some of the music that we found ourselves listening to on more than one occasion be it on the stereo loud enough to wake the neighbors or on our music players. We review hundreds of discs each year and this batch are among the best and most enjoyed by our editorial offices.
Epica “The Divine Conspiracy” (Nuclear Blast Records) – So the singer you have heard on some Kamelot stuff and her band have delivered their third release, a magnum opus that is meatier than beef stew when it comes to satisfying content.
Kamelot “Ghost Opera” (SPV Records) – If you wondered how the guys could top “The Black Halo”, then pick up a copy of this one.
After Forever “After Forever” (Nuclear Blast Records) – You’ve heard her in Ayreon stuff for years now the larger populace can enjoy
Daath “The Hinderers” (Roadrunner Records) – Crushing, thunderous, topical. Interesting lyrical premise as well.
Nightwish “Dark Passion Play” (Roadrunner Records) – Tarja who? The band is back and on fire with new singer Annette Olzon, “Bye Bye Beautiful” indeed, “Hello Beautiful” as well…..
Dream Theater “Systematic Chaos” (Roadrunner Records) – New DT was quite satisfying. I’ve been a fan for years and this album reminded me of why that is the case.
Opeth “The Roundhouse Tapes” – An Opeth live concert recording that finds them on tour supporting their newest album and yet making time to fit in their classics. Stunning.
Within Temptation “The Heart Of Everything” (Roadrunner Records) – a long awaited US debut from Dutch Gothic Metal superstars is loaded with catchy numbers and sure to make them more of a household name.
Continue reading PiercingMetal’s “Best Of” 2007: Music, Video and Concerts
Artist: Melechesh
Label: The End Records
Interviewed By: Ken Pierce, Editor In Chief
Date: 11/18/2006
Melechesh: The Masters Of Sumerian Thrashing Black Metal – The music Melechesh delivers is bone crushing Black Metal, but instead of Symphonic or Theatrical adventures the band reaches deep into the mystical nature of the Mesopotamian region. Their focus employs both Middle Eastern riffs and textures which give the listener a Metal experience that they are not soon to forget. It is thunderous and yet very intelligent and most certainly will intrigue those who seek something “more” than the usual in terms of Metal music. On assignment for Metal Edge magazine, I met with the band when they came to New York City for the very first time to do press for their latest release “Emissaries”. It was great to meet Ashmedi (guitarist, founder, vocalist and band mastermind) and Moloch to discuss the band, the new album and their views on many things Metal. Based on print considerations the interview was edited down for use in Metal Edge and can be seen in their March 2007 issue. Since you have been able to enjoy that article we are now able to present to you readers the complete and unedited interview that we did. Read on.
PiercingMetal: So gentlemen, how would you say that you are enjoying the visit so far?
Ashmedi: I like it, but I like coming to the States in general because it feels good here and I get along with the people. Its been very productive for us these last few days as there has been a lot of media interest in the USA which is a good thing because already in Europe the album is exploding. The media attention is just great. We are glad to be doing this in the States as well.
Moloch: Yeah it is pretty much the same feeling from me, and it’s great to be meeting the people from our label in the States and getting to know the people more and to discuss our future plans.
PiercingMetal: Let’s talk a little about personal origins; what did you both find inspirational as musicians when you started playing music in the first place
Ashmedi: Well with Melechesh…….
PiercingMetal: Let’s discuss before Melechesh.
Ashmedi: I had actually been playing in other bands before that for years and I have been a Metal fan for a long time, since I was at a very young age and not that I am that old now, I did start out at a young age. At the time, I was very influenced by general Heavy Metal and Thrash Metal. Now I tend to be very broad based in what I listen to. So if the music is done with a lot of conviction and feeling then I am attracted to it perhaps. When I started Melechesh it was around the time I was very interested in Bathory’s album “The Return” but I still was consciously wanting to do something with Middle Eastern patterns so there you have it, Melechesh is raw Black Metal with Middle Eastern touches you know.
Continue reading PiercingMetal Talks To Ashmedi & Moloch of Melechesh (11/18/2006)
Artist: Melechesh
Title: “Emissaries”
Label: The End Records
Release Date: 1/23/2007
Genre: Middle Eastern Black Metal
Rating: 4/5
The year was 1993 and the City was Jerusalem where the formation of Melechesh: Sumerian Thrashing Black Metal first came to life. The project was envisioned by singer/guitarist/mystic Ashmedi who found the subject matter both compelling and interesting and something that must be brought to life in the Metal community. Rooted firmly in Black Metal, Melechesh also offered something else and that was the elements of Middle Eastern time signatures and musical vibe. The end result would become the self-titled brand of music called Mesopotamian Metal and for those that were also interested in this brand it would be Melechesh who would lead the charge. Their new release “Emissaries” gives the listener some intense Sumerian Black Metal Thrash with incredibly powerful drumming and guitar work. The two work closely together and sound more like partners that rhythm and lead sections of the music. This feel comes from the fact that Ashmedi also writes the drumming that he wants to accompany his riffs. When you add in his shrieking vocal growls you are taken to a different world of Metal and it’s a very quick introduction that you will find when the album delivers “Rebirth Of The Nemesis”. Drummer Xul is almost super human on the kit and will surely impress all fans of the blast beats on the piece. Yet, this is not all that his playing involves. Ashmedi is an inspired writer on this recording and this will most probably exceed the expectations of the bands fans who claim how their release “Sphinx” was the signature recording. Despite its style it’s not as over the top with the ethnic feels as to isolate listeners and there is enough traditional Black Metal vibe with a twist of mysticism to make the curious take to this and enjoy it. Rounding out the band is guitarist Moloch and bassist Al Hazred. Hazred also provides keyboard work as needed.
Continue reading “Emissaries” by Melechesh
