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Author Paul Maddison

I grew up in the North East at the tail end of NWOBHM and US Power Metal scene and more noticably during the glam vs. thrash conflict. I then upped sticks to spend a good few years in the West Midlands during the late 90's.

Over the years I have become a fanatical collector of records, T shirts and CD's and in this current internet age, mp3's are not what i consider to be called part a record collection for the "record"!

I decided to start writing reviews as I thought that it would be a good way to give back some positive support for artists and a music phenomenon that has given me great pleasure over the years. I prefer to listen to bands that can really play their instruments and have a talent for melody and good arrangements. I try to be constructive with everything I endeavour within music. When on or off "duty" you will more than likely see me enjoying rather a few pints of the good stuff at the bar in the London area and maybe at some various other watering holes around the country...i don't bite, i just stumble a bit...

Long live metal with all its triumphs and tribulations, metal fans are a community, it's a lifestyle, it is everything to man and beast!

The Big Teutonic Four (Nuclear Blast)

The big four of thrash may well be criminally considered to be American, but when it comes to European thrash and in particular German thrash, then the big four are surly and most unquestionably Sodom, Destruction, Kreator and Tankard. This… Continue Reading →

Complete Failure – The Art Gospel of Aggravated Assault (Season of Mist)

This is an American Grindcore release with a slight twist. Eclectic influences rear themselves from time to time and it’s rare, if not for bands like “JaKa (Japanische Kampfhörspiele)”, for grindcore bands to have anything different up their sleeve than… Continue Reading →

Deep Machine – Whispers in the Black (High Roller Records)

This re-activated NWOBHM East End band’s music is full of all the trademarks you would expect in their genre and their recent live shows around the UK capital have generated a positive reaction with me in particular.  ‘Whispers in the… Continue Reading →

Sacred Steel – The Bloodshed Summoning (Cruz Del Sur Music)

The last time I had any involvement or listened to any of Sacred Steel’s albums was way back in 1998 with their ‘Wargods of Metal’ release. Move forward a few years and these German’s are still doing what they were… Continue Reading →

Witchgrave – ST (High Roller Records)

‘The Devil’s Night’ EP was very much the first impression that anyone ever needed of this Swedish groups musical influences. The 2011 performance at London’s Live Evil festival was a mix of technical difficulties and sheer delight. This debut album… Continue Reading →

Screamer – Phoenix (High Roller Records)

For some reason this Swedish band’s debut album did not connect with me at the time of the review cycle, since its release I’ve learnt to live with it, but ‘Phoenix’, their second full length album is an absolute metal… Continue Reading →

Hydro – Bright Phoenix (Casket Music)

This is an Italian power/symphonic metal band with a few traditional elements to their musical scores. Originally I have a preconception that this would be everything that was around over ten years ago in this age of regurgitation. However, I… Continue Reading →

Enforcer – Death By Fire (Nuclear Blast Records)

Enforcer really hit the limelight with their last release ‘Diamonds’ and this was a little change from their debut release ‘Into the Night’. Whilst I enjoyed ‘Diamonds’ I felt a little cheated as the speed that made ‘Into the Night’… Continue Reading →

Disarm Goliath – Born to Rule (Pure Steel Records)

I have followed this band from their debut release and thus have been genuinely pleased with the level of development of this West Midlands based band. Reading some of the PR material that pin points the opener ‘Embrace the Night’… Continue Reading →

Züül – To The Frontlines (High Roller Records)

Since their great 2010 debut album, these American’s have been steadily developing their sound and love for old metal. Old metal may be harsh, but is a style I grew up with so its old/classic to me! In particular on… Continue Reading →

Vanderbuyst – Flying Dutchmen (Van Records)

I caught this band live in London a while back, and I have to say what they produce on record no way matches the adrenaline rush you get form their live set, especially the raw guitar sound. I was in… Continue Reading →

Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats – Blood Lust (Rise Above)

This is quite an elusive band…little is known of them…and the stigma and buzz around them at the moment and in recent months has been spectacular if not close to hero worship. I for one am usually sceptical when so… Continue Reading →

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