Füneral Rain Press Cörps

Genres: Death Metal, Thrash
Label: Independent

This CD arrived in my mailbox rather unexpected, but I was somewhat excited to check it out. Mexican death metal is usually pretty good, and when mixed with thrash, it’s even better. Hellsing prove this theory, and have become my second favorite band from Mexico.
The overall sound is a very clean thrash, in the vein of newer Trivium, Avenged Sevenfold, or Bullet For My Valentine, but don’t let that discourage you. I know some metalheads would cringe at those comparisons, but when faced with the excellent growls of Jose Luis your idea should change. These guys are the real deal, holding up a ‘true’ metal (whatever that means) flag for the world to unite under.
Opening track “The Rival” opens up with a simple, thrashy intro but quickly turns into a very fistpumping death metal track that strongly reminds me of Canadian thrashers Titans Eve and Trivium, with a bit of 3 Inches of Blood and Cannibal Corpse. Some really awesome solos are in this song, so get your air guitar ready.
The second track, the title track to the EP, is a short song, not even a full minute long. It’s a nice quiet instrumental that leads you into “The Dark Side of the Moon”, a NWOBHM/thrash riff infested slow piece. Iron Maiden meets Entombed? Something like that. Again, solos. These guys know how to do them right; little mini songs that help the main song out. Great stuff.
Bonus track “Razor” is a faster, more evil-sounding vocal track with a fucking killer solo section at 1:28 that doesn’t let up until 2:48, where it goes into the main riff. This thing gallops along like Maiden but just slays with it’s shredding thrashtastic guitar work. Definitely my favorite song on the EP.
The second bonus track, and last song, “The Final Hour” starts off HUGE, reminding me of thrash infected gothic metal. Don’t let that trick you though, as Jose comes in and throws down a vocal that turns this song into a totally melodic Swedeath homage to bands like Dark Tranquillity, In Flames, and Soilwork. Second favorite track on the EP for sure.
If you’re into deaththrash, check out Hellsing MX. These guys are really good at what they are doing, and deserve at least a look at.
7.5 out of 10.

Hellsing MX on Facebook.

Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Label: Nightmare Records

Taking a large amount of elements from Sweden’s melodic death metal scene and making it their own, Cypherseer seem to be poised to take the American market by storm.
Think In Flames, Soilwork, and Dark Tranquillity, mixed with American death metal ideas and have Frederik Nordstrom produce it. It’s nothing all that original, but it is pretty good.
7 out of 10.

Cypherseer‘s much anticipated follow-up to the critically acclaimed debut Awakening Day, is stronger, heavier, faster and an overall outstanding sophomore effort for this young band. Equipped with an arsenal of new members, Cypherseer‘s Origins features fierce guitar work and vocals that highlight the powerful rhythmic ensemble. Origins can best be described as a cross between In Flames’ Clayman and Evergrey’s Recreation Day, with added spice of Scar Symmetry, Mercenary, Soilwork and others – It’s fast, technical, and extremely melodic. Origins was edited and mixed by well known talent Fredrik Nordstrom (In Flames, Dark Tranquility, Dream Evil).

Cypherseer hails from New Jersey/New York area of the States. Whether recording or during live shows, Cypherseer always pushes the envelope in order to keep the experience fresh and their fans engaged. The history of Cypherseer has included a lot of big names in the metal industry such as James Rivera (Helstar, Vicious Rumors) and Mike LePond (Symphony X). However, the most notable name is producer extraordinaire Fredrik Nordstrom (In Flames, Soilwork, Dark Tranquillity, At The Gates, Etc). Nordstrom’s magic can be heard on Awakening Day, Cypherseer‘s debut album.

During the winter of 2008, the rebuilding of the band process began with the search for a new vocalist. The spot was quickly filled by Zeno Rodrigo, a powerful singer whose voice would redefine the sound of Cypherseer. With the focal point of the band accounted for, auditions continued for the remainder of the rhythm section. In the end, drummer Lee Corrado and bassist Kristian Lolo were the two musicians selected to fill the roster, and Cypherseer was reborn, stronger than ever.

Now, armed with an improved line-up, Cypherseer returns with the recording of their much anticipated sophomore album, Origins. With Fredrik Nordstrom once again behind the mixing board, the new album brings a more powerful, technical and ambitious sound in comparison to the debut album.

Origins Tracklisting:
1. Bloodline
2. The Curse
3. Dying Force
4. Faith Renounced
5. Aftermass
6. From the Womb
7. Soul Sacrifice
8. Red Rain
9. Infinite Trance
10. Lost, Plagued and Redefined
11. As I Embrace the End

The vision, sound, and drive are completely in sync, as a new era begins…

Genres: Doom, Melodic Death Metal
Label: Candlelight Records

What would happen if My Dying Bride fathered a bastard son with Dark Tranquillity? What if this bastard son was later adopted by Paradise Lost? Insomnium would be his name.
Gorgeous singing is coupled with sorrow inducing death vocals on Across the Dark, tied with wonderful leads held together with a rock solid rhythm section. It really is perfect for the fans of the above mentioned bands, and I think some fans of gothic metal like Edenbridge and Elis may find something inside of Insomnium.
My favorite track is “The Harrowing Years”, with “Down With The Sun” right behind it and the fast as hell In Flames/Dark Tranquillity sounding “Against the Stream” rounding my top 3.
7 out of 10.

Insomnium on MySpace.

Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Label: Independent

German melodeath? Sweet! I was totally stoked when I got this CD in my mailbox, and now I’ve finally gotten the chance to actually LISTEN to it. And I’m really liking it.
Creeping Maid aren’t 100% original in their delivery, but when it comes to the odd keyboard work, they’re at least 80% original. The keys really stand out for me because they are somewhat symphonic while the guitars, bass, drums, and vocals are death. Really cool mix.
I’m also really happy with the definite lack of anything that ends in ‘core with this album. It’s pretty much just straight up melodic death reminiscent of Dark Tranquillity, In Flames, and maybe a bit of Opeth’s old material, all with a much gruffer voice courtesy of Christian Hardies, who also plays guitar. They cite Obituary, Dismember, and Bold Thrower as influences.
In all, Creeping Maid have put out a great listen that I’d recommend to fans of Swedish and German melodeath. You can get it through the band, just message them on MySpace.
6.5 out of 10.

Creeping Maid on MySpace.