Genre: Pop Rock
Label: Independent

It’s not something that I usually seek out, this kind of pop rock music. But I know Stephanie, kind of, and I told her I’d do up a review. I also mentioned that I’d be brutally honest.
And honestly, I really like this. It’s in the vein of Tegan and Sara, but Stephanie has a more melancholic voice, something like Natalie Imbruglia’s and Fiona Apple’s put together into a Canadian girl. The thing I love about her voice the most is that she’s not perfect. She sometimes goes out of tune a little.
Stephanie keeps the listener on their toes, on the edge of their seat, on a rollercoaster of emotion. And I love it. It’s great to hear real, honest, immediate pop rock again, especially in this age of pre-built, canned, robotic stars. I’ll be making repeat Departures for sure.
9 out of 10.

Stephanie Bosch on MySpace.

Tweet This Delicious Digg This Post Facebook Reddit Stumble This Post

Genres: Ambient, Metal, Rock, Shoegaze
Label: Independent

A CD that was unexpected in my mailbox, Auternus was not unwelcome. Their soundscapes are very much reminding me of a cross between A Perfect Circle, whom they cite as an influence, and My Bloody Valentine, with some Isis for flavor.
According to their promo package, they’re playing a lot of shows, getting distributed, and just all-around trying to get their music out there. These guys are working their asses off, and I’m sure that if I didn’t review this CD, you’d still hear about them in time.
If you’re into ambient that’s not boring, or metal-edged rock that makes you think a little, check out Auternus.
7 out of 10.

Auternus on MySpace.

Tweet This Delicious Digg This Post Facebook Reddit Stumble This Post

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.

Tweet This Delicious Digg This Post Facebook Reddit Stumble This Post

Genre: Blackened Death Metal
Label: Independent

I was supposed to do this review forever ago. I thought I had. But no, obviously I had not.
Either way, Advent of Bedlam provide a wonderful listen of blackened death, a take-no-prisoners approach to slaughtering the listener’s ideas of the genre. Blast beats and gorgeous solos abound, with a voice that carries power and demands your attention.
It’s a short review here, because it’s straight forward: Behold the Chaos kicks major ass. Order a copy.
8.5 out of 10.

Advent of Bedlam on MySpace.

Tweet This Delicious Digg This Post Facebook Reddit Stumble This Post

Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Label: Independent

The Netherlands are a hotbed of metal activity that for whatever reason seems to escape the view of a lot of people. Thankfully, some bands are proactive in getting their names out there, and Posthuman are one of those bands. They emailed me asking if I wanted to do up a review of their new, independently released album.
And this album is awesome. It reminds me a lot of Swedish melodeath, but at the same time has a different flavor. It’s nice and original, a fast moving concept about the end of humanity, the destruction of the world at our own hands, and the rebuilding just to go back to our old ways.
I’m definitely liking what I hear, and if you’re into melodic death you’ll probably like these guys too.
7.5 out of 10.

Posthuman on MySpace.

Tweet This Delicious Digg This Post Facebook Reddit Stumble This Post