SURVIVE | Immortal Warriors

The latest album from Japan's own metal stalwarts Survive is entitled Immortal Warriors and it's a work that fuses new metals and old metal. The violent, fast, delicate melodies have been pushed right to the front creating a tough and sturdy album that is interwoven with melodies that are unique to Japan. Tokyo's Survive are one of the longest standing metal acts in Japan. They have played many big festivals (Loud Park, Beast Fest, Multiplex-motorbike event, Korean Live Rock, Formoz Festival, Asia Metal Festival, Dongducheon Rock Festival, Trendkill Extreme Feast, etc) and toured all over the world with acts such as Behemoth, United, Killswitch Engage, Dope, Pulling Teeth, Testament, Outrage, Anthrax, Hatebleed, Napalm Death, Amon Amarth, Venom Inc, At The Gates, to name just a few. Immortal Warriors is the groups 7th full length studio album, one of their very best and as an added plus contains a bonus track featuring a cover version of the Metallica classic Master Of Puppets ... Survive style! Recorded at Rebel Sound Lab. Recorded/Mixed by Gaku. Produced by the A-Team (Nemo & Gaku). Mastered by Galaxy Blast Mastering. Artwork by Dedy Badic Art. Art direction & design by Outro. Track By Track Run Down Degenerate The album opener instantly sets the tone for pretty much the remainder of Survive’s latest musical endevour: it’s dark as f*ck. Surprisingly, this album sounds as Scandinavian as it gets… Think of bands like Dissection, Bathory or Dark Funeral for instance. If you believe that damnation is upon us, you’d better pick Degenerate as the soundtrack of your choosing. Wrath While it certainly delivers what the title anticipates, what stands out the most about “Wrath” has got to be the contrast between the canonical death metal rhythm section as well as the main guitar riff - which is groovalicious, to say the least. You can sure as hell tell that the band leader NEMO has a penchant for Dimebag Darrell’s guitar work, with a tasty guitar solo to boot. Immortal Warriors It’s rather interesting how, despite the overall stylistic coherency Survive are able to maintain throughout the entirety of the record, each track has its own personality. With that being said, Immortal Warriors is likely cut out to be a single, and is the most melodic track thus far. The chorus is surprisingly catchy and "singalongesque" but don’t let this deceive you ...by the time you reach the mid-section, it’s thrash metal galore! Tears Of The Victims Having the listener jump on the table and chant the chorus of Immortal Warriors (quite possibly holding one of many pints of his favourite ale in his hand) was fun and all but let’s be real, we all knew that wouldn’t last long. Tears Of The Victims proves that Survive don’t mess about and deliver their deadly brew of bone-crushing metal in spades. Not for the faint-hearted. Killing Field At this point, judging from the unsettling dissonance of the lead guitar parts coupled with Goro’s relentless blast beats, it’s safe to say that chaos is securely restored. Killing Field is 3.18 minutes of pure evil. Noteworthy orchestral arrangements, too! Obey Your Own Army Corps The chug is strong with this one! The laser-sharp accuracy and tightness of the riffs would make bands like Testament wan to give the guys in Survive a warm, brotherly hug. The twin-lead harmony guitar melodies of the chorus sit really nicely on top of GORO’s devastating layer of double-bass drum mayhem. Programmed Slaves Programmed Slaves is one of those songs that gets straight to the point without beating much about the bush. It’s almost as if the listener were instantly sucked into a black hole of destruction. A track reminiscent of At The Gates’s finest work. Wither My Dying Blood Once again, GORO’s drum work is straight up impressive here. I wouldn’t be surprised if they named the four-armed Mortal Kombat monster after him. The song outro is also a highlight, with its dramatic, soul-hibernating string chords. Control The Darkness One of the album’s heaviest tracks. The crystal-clear production definitely allows NEMO and GAKU’s rhythm guitars to shine through, while SINIJILOW happily pounds away with his chubby bass lines. The menacing choirs allow for further drama to ensue, adding a nice atmospheric dimension to the track. Blood And Sacrifice Blood And Sacrifice is a real stand out and masterfully mixes metal with symphonic music, encapsulating that sort of sound only bands like Dimmu Borgir or Behemoth are capable of. Arrangements, musicianship and creativity all wonderfully entwine, making the song a rightful closing number, as well as the album’s piece de resistance. Master of Puppets There's not much to be said about this track, as it's a pretty flawless and faithful rendition of the original. In fact, I could barely tell the difference! Other than the fact that the production is of course 33 years younger. Nonetheless, always a pleasure to listen to! Immortal Warriors | Released September 24th 2019 via Sliptrick Records Track Listing: 01. Degenerate | 02. Wrath | 03. Immortal Warriors | 04. Tears Of The Victims | 05. Killing Field | 06. Obey Your Own Army Corps | 07. Programmed Slaves | 08. Wither My Dying Blood | 09. Control The Darkness | 10. Blood And Sacrifice | 11. Master Of Puppets (Bonus Track) Survive are: Nemo – Vocal/Guitar | Gaku – Guitar | Sinjilow – Bass Band links: Official Website | Facebook | Youtube | Instagram | On Sliptrick https://youtu.be/mfqaxzeQpLQ https://youtu.be/59jfifiBZCY

SYR DARIA | Tears Of A Clown

Tears Of A Clown is the third self-produced album from French heavy thrash group Syr Daria . The album was created with an additional member on the bass, Mr Pascal Husser, who joined Syr Daria as the official bass player in 2018. Tears Of A Clown is probably the most powerful and mature album from the band with the mix of heavy “traditional” sounds with groovy thrash sequences. Two years were necessary to composed the tracks and the mixing and mastering process was done at KR Noyz Studio (East of France). The themes are just like the band, varied and limitless; exploring the complexities of human psychology, analyzing particular daily lapses of time and even contemporary sci-fi literature. Tears Of A Clown is a truly powerful album, a wonderful mix of traditional metal while leaning towards modern musical styles. Syr Daria have given the best of themselves with their new album. The production was especially coordinated to bring power and clarity to Tears Of A Clown . The album is certainly more percussive and direct without losing the melodic touch of the group that can be found throughout the 10 tracks of this excellent new album. Tears Of A Clown | Released on November 12th, 2019 on Sliptrick Records Track Listing: 01. In The End | 02. Virus | 03. Elm Street | 04. Tears Of A Clown | 05. Brother | 06. Mr Gray | 07. When The Roses Fade | 08. Losers’ Club | 09. Red Silence | 10. Randall Flagg Syr Daria are: Guillaume Hesse – Vocals | Christophe Brunner – Drums | Pascal Husser – Bass | Michel Erhart – Guitars | Thomas Haessy – Guitars Band links: Official Website | Facebook | Youtube | On Sliptrick https://youtu.be/v31r_kx3QBc

THE LESS FORTUNATE | The Less Fortunate

The Less Fortunate’s self titled debut album highlights a combination of melodic clean singing along with and heavy, in your face vocals, that assure you will take a ride in the hearts and minds of not only the band, but hopefully reaching into your own thoughts and feelings. This dual fronted 6 piece metal band from Southwest Missouri, are primarily influenced by late 90’s nu-metal and mid 00’s metal-core acts such as Killswitch Engage, The Devil Wears Prada and A Day To Remember to name a few. Balanced by the twin vocal of their front-woman Blanca and front-man Cory, The Less Fortunate have captured a sound that gives you a touch of harmony with rage. The aggressive high energy from tracks like Levels and Utilities is equally matched by the catchy melodies of the tracks Vice Versa and Black Butterfly . The Less Fortunate is an album of deep emotion, heart and a message that needs to be heard. The name The Less Fortunate is based on the idea that we are all “the less fortunate”. Everyday, people fighting struggles within themselves whether that be depression, anxiety, financial struggles or anything else that brings you down. The Less Fortunate are trying to spread a message of hope through their music and lyrics to help everyone to overcome such adversities. Give the album a listen and be redeemed! Track listing: 01. This Is Who We Are | 02. Vice Versa | 03. Levels | 04. Alive | 05. Don’t kill Me Bill | 06. Black Butterfly | 07. Utilities | 08. Inside The Mastermind All Recording, Mixing and Mastering was done by Kyle Simpson of Simpson Studios in Tulsa Oklahoma. The Less Fortunate | Released September 17th 2019 via Sliptrick Records The Less Fortunate are: Cory Taunton – Vocals | Blanca Molinero – Vocals | Dalton Golden – Guitar | Nolan Smith – Guitar | Bill Cottrill – Bass Guitar | Logan Kelley – Percussion Band links: Facebook | Youtube | Instagram | Twitter | On Sliptrick https://youtu.be/HL4Dk6lxJ_k https://youtu.be/9uLvNaeDmjg

TOY CALLED GOD | #Socialvangelism

Following their 2017 summer tour, Toy Called God returned to California to begin writing its fourth full length album. Little did they know where that path would take them. After a few weeks taking a new approach toward how the band’s songs were written, it was determined that the band was just spinning their wheels, and the new material being produced just wasn’t living up to the standards previously set with its earlier albums. It was then that the band decided to go back to its original method of songwriting. Soon after, a collection of songs emerged that gives the listener a stark look at the the world of social media, as witnessed through the many online social channels. Appropriately named #Socialvangelism , the album’s concept deals with the many types of social media posts and interactions that have become an integral part of life for many, as well as the pathological need for some to use their own social channels like pulpits for their personal or financial agendas. Compiling a tour de force that encompasses more sonic diversity than previous recordings, #Socialvangelism features ten original tracks that touch on topics such as corporate control of the American political divide, relationship drama played out online, attacking one’s own life problems, rampant sociological narcissism, and more. In addition, the album also features the bands first ever recorded cover song, it’s an updated take on the classic 1966 Beatles song, Eleanor Rigby . #Socialvangelism | Released September 18th, 2018 on Sliptrick Records Track Listing: 01. United Corporations Of America | 02. Just You and Me | 03. Punch Life In The Face | 04. Nothing But A Lie | 05. Stain Of Mind | 06. She | 07. Pretend | 08. Miss Me | 09. Take A Bullet Not A Selfie | 10. Eleanor Rigby (The Beatles) | 11. #Socialvangelism Guest vocal on “Just You And Me” courtesy of Melissa Mari. Produced and engineered by Tim Narducci at Sonic Room in Livermore, CA. Executive Producer Patrick Donovan. All songs written by Toy Called God, except Eleanor Rigby. Eleanor Rigby by Lennon, McCartney. Used by permission. All arrangements by Toy Called God and Tim Narducci. Artwork design and painting by Sean Walusko. Toy Called God are: Marcus D. Lance – Vocals | Patrick Donovan – Guitars | Damian Lewin – Bass | Jacob Baptista – Drums Band links: Official Website | Facebook | Youtube | Instagram | Twitter | On Sliptrick https://youtu.be/DVbI5xGBxSY

UNDER ATTACK | Under Attack

Italian classic metal project Under Attack release their self-titled EP in digital format via Sliptrick Records on October 25th. The themes on the EP include the self destruction of humanity, the wars, dystopia and the alienation. The lyrical concept was inspired by three albums: Operation Mindcrime (Queensryche), Cyberpunk (Billy Idol) and Rust in peace (Megadeth). The songs on Under Attack are catchy and edgy at the same time and are influenced primarily by hard rock and 80’s classic metal. The Under Attack sound is guitar oriented with fills and long and melodic solos typical of the 80’s. The production was entrusted to Nando Bonini, a session man who collaborated with numerous major Italian pop rock artists. The artwork is designed by Remedy Art Design, the same artist who drew the cover for the album Atlantic by Evergrey. The EP is Produced by Daniele Sciacca and Nando Bonini for Mister Metal Production, recorded and arranged by Nando Bonini and mixed by Dario Digy Galbusera. Fabio Rossi is the guest soloist on the track The Rules . Under Attack | Released on October 25th, 2019 on Sliptrick Records Track Listing: 01. Soldier | 02. Beyond The Sea | 03. The Rules Under Attack are: Daniele Sciacca – Vocals | Fabio Rossi – Guest Guitar Band links: Facebook | Instagram | On Sliptrick https://youtu.be/xLfu8Wi4cBA

WARHAMMER | At The Threshold Of Eternity

Greek Extreme Melodic Thrash Metal group Warhammer started purely as a thrash metal band but soon they decided to expand and incorporate more styles of metal music to their sound which has had a direct influence on the bands second opus At The Threshold Of Eternity which is about to be released via Sliptrick Records. For At The Threshold Of Eternity , Warhammer gave everything they had to create the best album they had in them matched with a great sound. This is an album they hope will satisfy all their friends, fans and families who have supported them on their journey. The group are rightly proud of their achievements and certainly, At The Threshold Of Eternity should be seen as their pinnacle so far. Warhammer wish to send our personal thanks to all those involved in the creation of At The Threshold Of Eternity including Aggapi Aggelopoulou and her team for her beautiful photos, Billy and Nicole, who made the artwork and finally David Prudent, the producer of the album, for his patience. Finally Warhammer would like to give special thanks to their friends Alexandros Moraitis and Mat Kliszka for helping the band on live shows abroad. With lots of respect …Warhammer! At The Threshold Of Eternity | Released November 2nd, 2017 on Sliptrick Records Track Listing: 01. The Nightmare Started…… | 02. Throughout The Realm | 03. Collision | 04. Pandemonium | 05. Stone Dead Warrior | 06. At The Threshold Of Eternity | 07. Resurrection From The Ashes At The Threshold Of Eternity was produced by David Prudent and was recorded, mixed and mastered at Made in Hell studios. Warhammer are: Hercules Giotis – Vocals/Guitar | Dimitris Peppas – Guitar | George Tsavdaridis – Drums | Jim Kalaskanis – Bass Band links: Facebook | Youtube | Instagram

WHEN THE DEADBOLT BREAKS | Angels Are Weeping… God Has Abandoned

For more than a decade, When the Deadbolt Breaks have carved a niche for themselves within the interplay of extreme genres. They are no less at home in grind than they are in pummeling sludge or ambient soundscaping, casting forth triumphant riffs or proffering murder-dirge nods at a volume level that can only be considered violent. Led by guitarist/vocalist Aaron Lewis, their four to-date full-lengths read as a chronicle of threat that even unto the Connecticut-based outfit’s moniker tells of some lurking danger in the dark. Whether spanning a massive sprawl on 2016’s 2CD, Drifting Towards the Edge of the Earth, or casting a grim psychedelia on album number four, Angels are Weeping… God Has Abandoned… , When the Deadbolt Breaks are immediately recognizable in style and malice, and they continue to push forward into a filth and emotional disaffection of their own making. Joined on Angels are Weeping… God Has Abandoned… by bassist/backing vocalist Mike Parkyn and drummer Randall Dumas, Lewis brings the three-piece through a cacophony of wretched cinematography. In the dug-in growls of “Sky Will Fall” or the victorious push of Bloodborn , Deadbolt make their home in a bleak, murky space that is as much atmosphere as it is impact. In the stretches of “Floyd’s Machine” or the deranged epilogue of closer Color the Sun , they expand on the scope set out at the beginning of the record on Centering Through Isolation , and the question isn’t so much how are you going to listen, but whether or not your turntable is going to survive the vibrating low end when you do. As the latest installment of When the Deadbolt Breaks ’ ongoing narrative, Angels are Weeping… God Has Abandoned… takes them to new depths and new heights, but by no means does it sound like they’re finished or relying on past laurels. Instead, expect them to keep growing and changing, because like that threat somewhere out in the woods at night, their shape is only ever what serves to terrify most at the moment. by JJ Koczan Track listing: 01. Centering Through Isolation | 02. Bloodborn | 03. Sky Will Fall | 04. Floyd’s Machine | 05. Color The Sun Angels Are Weeping… God Has Abandoned… | Released November 2nd, 2018 on Sliptrick Records When The Deadbolt Breaks are: Aaron Lewis – Guitars/Vocals | Mike Parkyn – Bass/Backing vocals | Randall Dumas – Drums Band links: Official Website | Facebook | Youtube | On Sliptrick https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FqVX1CKDAE