Founder & main editor: Matt the Pirate

Editor & web designer: Gorgar...the Romanian Pirate

  SUMMARY

• NEWS

• ALBUM OF THE YEAR 2000 / TOP 20 SONGS

• EASY RIDER - Interview with the Spanish metal sensations

• REVIEWS IN THIS ISSUE

   SKYLARK - Divine Gates Part 1: Gate Of Hell ***Album Of The Year***
   CRYSTAL EYES - In Silence They March
   HAMMERFALL - Renegade
   FRETERNIA - Warchants And Fairytales
   TIMESTORM - Shades Of Unconsciousness
   ETERNIA - Guardians Of The Treasure (ep)
   SKYLARK - Divine Gates Pt.2: Gate Of Heaven
   OPETH - Still Life
   AGENT STEEL - Omega Conspiracy
   IVORY - Prophecy Of A Dream (4 Track Promo)
   WOTAN - Under The Sign Of Odin's Crows (demo)

NEWS

ICED EARTH - Horror Show

The band are nearing the completion of writing new material for their next studio album, titled Horror Show, which will most likely be released in May 2001. They will be mixing the album later this month. Two new members now join the band. One is new drummer Richard Christy who did live shows with Demons & Wizards but is more known as the backbone for Death and Control Denied. The other new member is none other than bassist Steve DiGiorgio (Sadus, Death, Testament, Control Denied)! Horror Show will be a concept album based on many infamous monsters. (from : www.centurymedia.com)

BAL-SAGOTH - ATLANTIS ASCENDANT (Release Date 02/04/01)

1) The Epsilon Exordium
2) Atlantis Ascendant
3) Draconis Albionensis
4) Star-Maps Of The Ancient Cosmographers
5) The Ghosts Of Angkor Wat
6) The Splendour Of A Thousand Swords Gleaming Beneath The Blazon Of the Hyperborean Empire (Part: III)
7) The Dreamer In The Catacombs Of Ur
8) In Search Of The Lost Cities Of Antarctica
9) The Chronicle Of Shadows
10) Six Keys To The Onyx Pyramid

  ALBUM OF THE YEAR 2000  /  TOP 20 METAL SONGS OF 2000

2000 was a spectacular year in metal. Better than 1999 and maybe even equal to 1998. Without a Blind Guardian release it is hard to say that 2000 was the greatest year in recent metal history but maybe 2001 will  bring the new release and many more great releases from all the new metal bands that have come along in places like Italy, Sweden, Spain, and Finland.For best songs of the year it is really tough so I limited it to no more than one song per artist. Of course, like anybody else, I did not hear every song or album came out in 2000. Still, if your faves are missing from my list, be sure to send hate mail to this address: mcoombs@twcsd.com For now though, let's take a look at one Pirate's summary of the BEST OF 2000

Here is an e-mail interview that was done with Eugenio Garaneda, vocalist for Easy Rider through the help of Locomotive Records.

M The P:
1. Your band has been around for ten years now, what is the Spanish metal scene like now and how has it changed over the last several years?

Eugenio:
What has changed lately quite a lot in Spain, is that bands are supported more by independent record labels like Locomotive Music and many bands are able to have their albums on the market.

M the P:
2. What would you describe as the main differences between your first English release "Lord Of The Storm" and your new release "Evilution".

Eugenio:
´Evilution´, in my opinion is an aggressive album, it's fresh, it wasn´t premeditated a lot, and the sound is very close to the live sound. We worked lots more for ´Lord of the Storm´; which might be more melodic album, and somehow it has less energy.

M the P:
3. Your new album Evilution has quite a range of different songs on it. Some songs are short and to the point, some songs are longer, more intricate pieces, there are some instrumental tracks and toward the end of the album you even have a song that stands out as being far heavier than the other songs on the album. Did you intentionally try to mix it up a bit on this album or did it just come out that way?

Eugenio:
As musicians we are very open-minded and I think that Heavy Metal could be defined as pure energy. It depends on our moods what kind of songs we write. I don't think it's any premeditated, but we don't like that songs sound similar to other ones. 

M the P:
4. Lead vocals on Evilution have evolved quite a bit from Lord Of The Storm. How would you describe the differences?

Eugenio:
It is more aggressive and the vocal register is wider: Also, Eugenio has developed a lot as a singer and interpreter.

M the P:
5. Outside of your own band, can you pick one other band on the Spanish scene that is putting out great music?

Eugenio:
We like a lot a Spanish band called Hamlet; their latest albums were produced by Colin Richardson (Machine Head).

SYNOPSIS:

If you are a fan of Melodic Speed Metal, especially the "Happy" kind that born of Keeper era Helloween, you can do no wrong with the fantastic new Crystal Eyes release. The band seems to have gone all out and ended up with a ton of material probably due to all the delays in recording this album. Production has been improved but the band still sounds very much the same as they did on World Of Black And Silver. Crystal Eyes is just plain fun because choruses are catchy and positive sounding and the melodies are endless. With this album you get mostly melodic speed songs but there is also a Black Sabbath (Headless Cross Era) sounding song called Witch Hunter that really stands out and a classy ballad/mid tempo song finishing things off and called "Winternight". The first listen of this album I did not notice the improved production but it becomes apparent as you hear the album more and more.  This is polished, but not too polished, first rate melodic metal. Outstanding job from the boys and a great cover done by Kristian Wahlin.

GENRE: Melodic Speed Metal
COMPARABLE TO: The Keeper Of The 7 Keys Part 2
ORIGINALITY: 3 of 5
PERFORMANCE: 4 of 5
SONGWRITING: 4 of 5

BOTTOM LINE:
92 of 100 (Buy Or Die!)

OTHER HOT SPOTS:
Cursed And Damned
Sons Of Odin
Witch Hunter
In Silence They March
Adrian Blackwood
The Grim Reapers Fate

SYNOPSIS:

The third effort from Hammerfall seems to confirm all the slander they have received since their inception. While Legacy Of Kings was at least in some areas an improvement, Renegade falls squarely into the "rehashed  and stale" classification. The problem really though, is that it seems like the verses in these songs are very generic and just go through the motions while they wait for a big chorus to bail them out. Luckily, there are some pretty catchy choruses. Overall though, I don't see much lastability here at all. I can even see getting sick of this album in a day or two if you played it much. Decent pop metal, that's all. Both the production and the song writing are about as exciting as paying your phone bill.

GENRE: True Metal
COMPARABLE TO: Hammerfall - Legacy Of Kings
ORIGINALITY: 1 of 5
PERFORMANCE: 3 of 5
SONGWRITING: 2 of 5

BOTTOM LINE:
68 of 100 (Decent, but that's all)

OTHER HOT SPOTS:
The Champion
Templars Of Steel
Keep The Flame Burning

SYNOPSIS:

WOW! This is the real thing. Swedish Power/Speed Metal played with lots of aggressiveness and fantastic soaring melodies. If you like Walls Of Jerico but want better production and a tighter sound you are in for a treat. It's not as original as Walls Of Jerico of course but the performance is excellent. The vocalist kicks ass too. Not your typical high pitched singer but more of a mid range guy with lots of power while still staying melodic and in tune. Fast, Powerful and Melodic. Some of the lyrics are a bit generic but others are pretty good. The performance is really what puts these guys over the top though. Go get it NOW!

As a side note, the Swedish metal label "Loud N' Proud Record s" has gone out of business despite having great bands such as Freternia, Persuader, Morifade etc. Hopefully these great bands will have no trouble whatsoever finding a new label that will help with their future success. Freternia has already had a few offers but have not decided who to go with or signed a deal. Loot & Plunder would like to wish all the former Loud & Proud bands the best of luck and much success with their search for new labels.

GENRE: True/Speed Metal
COMPARABLE TO: Running Wild -Black Hand Inn, Helloween - Walls Of Jerico
ORIGINALITY: 3.5 of 5
PERFORMANCE: 4.5 of 5
SONGWRITING: 4 of 5

BOTTOM LINE:
92 of 100 (Buy Or Die!)

BEST SONG:
War Of The Crown

OTHER HOT SPOTS:
Worst Of Enemies
Ride The Wind
Mistress Of The Deep Black Sea
Guardians Of The Night
Friends In Enemyland

SYNOPSIS:

Here is an Italian Progressive Speed Metal band playingfast melodic Helloween/ Dream Theater influenced music that is faster than either. The vocalist in this case has a high pitched and thin voice that is pretty standard for the genre but he puts in a really strong performance that is aggressive and hits just the right melodies. While the music is actually using a lot of Progressive riffs, I think this will appeal to melodic speed metal fans the most. Songs usually are about 6 minutes but never feel like they drag on too long. There are a few filler tracks but mostly outstanding tracks.

BEST SONG:
Shades Of Unconsciousness

OTHER HOT SPOTS:
Lost In The Net
Catharsis
Labyrinth Of Dreams
In The Shadows

SYNOPSIS:

This is a 5 song EP from the Swedish band Eternia. If you read my Hammerfall - Renegade review then you should know that the same problems apply here. The band goes through the motion and hopes a chorus will bail them out. Choruses are decent but nothing special. If you really like the genre "true metal" that was spawned by Hammerfall then you will like this band because it's not bad music, it's just overdone and lacking the spark to put them in the big leagues.

BOTTOM LINE:
65 of 100 (Decent, but that's all)

BEST SONG:
Guardians Of The Treasure

SYNOPSIS:

The second part of the Divine Gates story. If you read the early part of this issue than you know that Part 1: Gate Of Hell was my album of the year for 2000. Basically, this album is more of the same. It's classy melodic speed metal with symphonic keys and a centering around a concept of White Warrior (Good) vs. Belzebu (Evil). Overall, this album is a little more melodic than the first but it is still epic speed metal most of the time. The album starts off with my song of the year 2000 "Among The Clouds" which is an ultra melodic speed track. The next song "Who Is God" is similar and then the long player "Lady Of The Sky" which has guest singer Folco Orlandini from Mesmerize slows things down a bit but still stays in the mid tempo range most of the time. An instrumental short track "Monday 13th October" is followed by the heaviest track on the album "Insanity Is The Truth" and the ultra melodic speed track "The Guardian Angel". The seventh track is really the centerpiece of this album though. It is the 12 minute epic masterpiece "The Heaven Church" that may well go down as one of the best long tracks of all time. The last song "Last Christmas In Hell" has a slightly different vibe to it and is the only song not written by keyboardist Eddy Antonini. It is written by bassist "Brodo". It is a good song and the only track where the devil vocals that appeared on part one's "Belzebu" re-appear, as the devil vows he is not beaten yet.

One thing I want to bring up is the musicianship of this band. First of all, the compositions of Antonini are unbelievable not to mention his excellent keyboard playing. Guitars are handled very nicely by Nico Tordini and a few guest guitarists, namely Vic Mazzoni from Projecto. Fabio Dozzo on vocals is very expressive and has a lot of feeling. While technically he is not the greatest singer, he has improved a lot since Skylark's inception and has become one of the biggest strengths of the band. What's next for mastermind Eddy Antonini and his gang?

GENRE: Symphonic Speed Metal
COMPARABLE TO: Rhapsody - Symphony Of Enchanted Lands, Vision Divine S/T
ORIGINALITY: 5 of 5
PERFORMANCE: 5 of 5
SONGWRITING: 5 of 5

BOTTOM LINE:
94 of 100 (Buy Or Die!)

BEST SONG:
Among The Clouds

OTHER HOT SPOTS:
The Heaven Church
Who Is God?
The Guardian Angel
Insanity Is The Truth

SYNOPSIS:

I could review this album with just two words:Buy it! But I bet you would like more information. This is the fourth cd of Opeth. The band plays a dark heavy metal with many fitting acoustic parts and growling /calm vocals. I can't really describe it very well. Try to get a song from Napster, an mp3 site from ANYWHERE. 62 min of music in seven songs(one 5 minute acoustic song included). Oh yes, and at last well written lyrics. Try to buy it now ,it has been reprinted.

BOTTOM LINE
94 of 100 (Buy Or Die) At least check it out.

WHO ARE GOING TO LIKE THIS
Everyone?

WHO AREN'T GOING TO LIKE IT
Fans who want a really heavy guitar

  AGENT STEEL - Omega Conspiracy
  Reviewed by Matt the Pirate

SYNOPSIS:

I did not hear the first two Agent Steel albums but the band has reformed and with a new vocalist. They are playing old school thrash metal with good production, great vocals for the genre and a sci-fi concept. Omega Conspiracy is fast and furious starting from the first track "Destroy The Hush" and doesn't let up until toward the end of the album where some variety begins to creep in. All songs are well done and of a similar quality. One of my favorite all time album covers rounds out this high quality package. Of course, being thrash metal with an American power metal tendency, this is not going to appeal to everyone but if you consider yourself "Old School" at all, be sure to uncover Omega Conspiracy A.S.A.P.

GENRE: Thrash Metal
COMPARABLE TO: Testament - Practice What You Preach, Pantera - Power Metal, Megadeth - Killing...
ORIGINALITY: 3.5 of 5
PERFORMANCE: 4 of 5
SONGWRITING: 4 of 5

BOTTOM LINE:
87 of 100 (Highly Recommended, This Is Quality Metal!)

BEST SONG:
Destroy The Hush

OTHER HOT SPOTS:
Awaken The Swarm
Illuminati Is Machine
Infinity
New Godz
Bleed Forever

Tracks:
Ride Of Victory (Intro)
Golden Knight
Arabian Dream
Beneficium

SYNOPSIS:

Ivory is an Italian band playing melodic power progressive metal. They use atmospheric and progressive keys and songs are generally epic in nature which makes them mostly a power metal band. I received a promo from the band recently and it really shows a lot of promise. It contains the intro and three songs from their upcoming release "Prophecy Of A Dream". All three songs are of a very high quality with the Arabian Dream being the best. Songs are generally medium tempo which is becoming very rare in power metal. Songwriting is top notch so I hope that the full release has more songs like these three. The band had trouble finding a vocalist for this debut album and could not find one good enough so they called on the services of talented Projecto singer Robert Bruccoleri who does a great job for them. Luckily, after recording Prophecy Of A Dream, Ivory has found a singer they are very proud of in Maurizio "For" Faure. He will handle them live singing as well as future recordings.

SYNOPSIS:

Wotan are an Italian band that started many years ago in the underground. This is their 4 track demo album and it displays nothing but "No Frills" heavy metal born of early ManOwaR. All tracks are well written and worth listening to. Production is very good for a demo and the band is obviously able to get it done without much tricks of any kind. There are no keyboards or much production but don't get the idea that this is a no talent thrash band. These guys play basic metal but with high quality performance and an ear for good compositions. I personally really like the singer. He seems to turn a phrase just right and kind of sings "quick" and unique. If you are an old ManOwaR fan or just like good old fashioned "No Frills" metal than you should definitely keep an eye our for these guys. I hope a full release will be out soon.

End Of LOOT & PLUNDER #15 (HAPPY PLUNDERING!)