Funeral Rain Press Corps

Genres: Doom, Sludge
Label: Independent

These Louisville boys sure know how to rock. They take traditional doom and add a bit of hardcore, with a touch of classic heavy metal for flavoring, and bake at 420 degrees for a half hour. What results is a disc of awesome metal that is still melting my speakers.
The closest band I can think of off the top of my head for comparison is Five Will Die from Ireland. If you like them, check out Stonecutters. If you like Black Sabbath, check out Stonecutters. Hell, if you like Down, Crowbar, and Melvins, check out Stonecutters.
7.5 out of 10.

Genre: Power Metal
Label: AFM Records

Nostradameus are a new band for me. I’d never even heard OF them before hearing this album, and for that I’m a little miffed. I love power metal, and I love angry music (obviously to anyone who’s been reading more than three posts here). And Nostradameus mix the two nicely.
In fact, this is the angriest power metal I’ve ever heard. They’ve still got the big, epic sound of power metal with a bit more of an 80′s thrash edge to it.
Damn good, and I’ll be making lots of repeat visits to the Illusion’s Parade.
7.5 out of 10.

Genre: Dark Ambient
Label: Hypnotic Dirge Records

Three tracks inspired by Edgar Allen Poe, this EP is pretty damn sweet.
Like Haunted Memories, the songs are shorter and have more of a point to them. The keyboards are haunting, the bass is rumbling and deep, anchoring the listener down, especially in “Spirits of the Dead”.
I love it.
8 out of 10.

Genre: Dark Ambient
Label: Hypnotic Dirge Records

Starting up with a cold wind and a creaking door, Immundus brings us an album full of bassy, creepy dark ambient. It reminds me of something from an 80′s horror film.
It would also seem a Danny Elfman influence is here as well; some parts are reminding me of the Edward Scissorhands opening theme.
My favorite thing about this album is that it’s not one long droning track. It’s ten songs that are almost radio friendly lengths. Favorites of mine are “Whispering Walls”, “Dining Beside an Old Corpse” (which also has an amazing violin and wins the Coolest Song Title of the Album Award), and “Dementia”.
7.5 out of 10.

Belphegor, the Austrian blackened death metal band, is currently looking for a talented live guitarist. If you meet the following requirements, you can email their management with photos, MP3s, and videos depicting your playing abilities.

Requirements:
* Must be European, with the ability to travel;
* You are a prof. musician – stage / tour experience preferred;
* You are tight with rhythm and can play leads as well;
* You are 100% into rehearsing, practising, touring, festivals, shows;
* You are generally interested in Metal musick and can fit with bands appearance.

If you meet these requirements, email belphegor@aon.net with your credentials.
Belphegor on MySpace.