From a glimmer to a scream…. Ill Nino has returned in 2003 with the solid follow-up opus “Confession” [Roadrunner Records], a powerful work of Tribal/Melodic Aggro Metal magnificence. There is a stronger use of melody, but without sacrificing aggression. Ill Nino is intense and beautiful—smashing a unique, irresistible Latino influence into the Aggro Metal dynamic. …
In the continuing procession of Pop Punk bands, a new one that will please fans of the genre is Watashi Wa. Their 2003 opus, “The Love Of Life” [Tooth & Nail Records], has an aesthetic quality that is unique yet appealing. Fusing Melodic Pop Punk, some light Industrial, and a little Hardcore rumble, Watashi Wa …
From the abyss depths of epic Darkness rises the monumental band Salem. This Israeli act’s 2003 opus, “Collective Demise” [The End/System Shock Records], is an epic of Black/Doomdeath Metal genius. And it easily smashes and slashes its to the top of the cadaverous heap, making it one of the BEST RELEASES of 2003. Salem fusing …
When it comes to sheer awe, few bands can demolish it like Today Is The Day. On their excellent, 2000 CD “Live Till You Die” [Relapse Records] they shred, level, burn, and obliterate any notion of conventional musical theory. Pushing the very limits of extremity, they fuse elements of Industrial, harsh Punk, Death, and acoustic …
Amazing, horrific, and killer: these words quite aptly describe the gruesome glory of the 2003 opus by the Impaled. The gory collection of psychotic beauty, titled “Medical Waste” (Mini-CD/EP) [Deathvomit/Necropolis Records], consists of 2 undead (live) songs, 2 phenomenal covers, and surgical remnants from the “Mondo Medicale” sessions. Ironically, it is their greatest release yet. …
In the exploding Metalcore scene, a few exemplary names standout amongst the hellish maelstrom for extreme excellence. One of those hallowed names is Stretch Arm Strong. Their 2003 opus, “Engage” [Solid State Records], is their finest effort yet. It’s a shrapnel burst of pure, violent intensity. Stretch Arm Strong creates a visceral brand of Metalcore …
The best new Melodic Hardcore band to come around in ages has to be Element Eighty. Their 2003 self-titled opus, out on Universal Records, is an incredible fusion of smashing Moodcore massiveness and Hardcore dynamics. Element Eighty holds nothing back—they’re full-on and ferocious. This Texas outfit mixes stomp-and-kick blast-beat power with melodious caterwaul. Clean, melodic …
Rising from the abyss, one of the finest, fiercest new bands I have ever heard is The Agony Scene. Their self-titled 2003 debut, released on Solid State Records, is sheer, perfect aggression. There are many elements at work in The Agony Scene sound, and they execute them all brilliantly. This Oklahoma band shows no vulnerability. …
Even greatness evolves. The 2003 opus by 40 Below Summer, entitled “The Mourning After” [Universal/Razor & Tie Records], is their next level of progression. 40 Below Summer masterfully plays a unique, powerful brand of Melodic Aggro Metal that is both aggressive and beautiful. Dark, melodic passages are juxtaposed against fiery intensity. Clean, woeful vocals combine …
The virtue of darkness is endlessness. The band Misteltein has an endless, tenebrous fury. Their 2002 release, “Divine.Desecrate.Complete” [World War III Records], is Black Metal at its most harsh and unforgiving glory. The Misteltein technique is a very raw, primal form of Black Thrash Metal with a slight, melodic underbelly. The psychotic, shrieking vocals drill …