Sinister Realm - World Of Evil (Shadow Kingdom, 2013)

Track Listing:

1. Dark Angel Of Fate (4.24)
2. Bell Strikes Fear (4.13)
3. World Of Evil (6.21)
4. The Ghosts Of Nevermore (6.52)
5. Prophets Of War (5.10)
6. Cyber Villain (6.17)
7. The Forest Of Souls (1.33)
8. Four Black Witches (8.43)

Synopsis: Sinister Realm return for album number three, sporting one of the best covers you are likely to see this year, and thankfully, when it comes down to it, the music is equally impressive. This is just pure heavy metal, with a subtle injection of doom, not retro by any means but also not overtly modern either. There is also a good balance between slower tracks and more up tempo numbers such as standout "Prophets Of War" all of which are memorable and potent. Overall "World Of Evil" is exactly what you would want from a band in this style, classic metal performed with power and conviction resulting in one of the highlights of the year to date.

www.sinisterrealm.net

Flotsam & Jetsam - Ugly Noise (Metal Blade, 2013)

Track Listing:

1. Ugly Noise (4.10)
2. Gitty Up (3.09)
3. Run And Hide (5.28)
4. Carry On (4.18)
5. Rabbits Foot (4.16)
6. Play Your Part (5.28)
7. Rage (3.24)
8. Cross The Sky (4.44)
9. Motherfuckery (3.07)
10. I Believe (2.53)
11. To Be Free (3.08)
12. Machine Gun (3.17)

Synopsis: I must confess, Flotsam & Jetsam took me by surprise with their previous release "The Cold" and it gave the impression that they had rediscovered their touch after a run of less than impressive releases. Having listened to "Ugly Noise" it would appear that this was not the case as their latest effort lacks the heaviness and aggression that made its predecessor so enjoyable. Instead Flotsam & Jetsam have reverted back to listless, uninspired groove metal and most of the songs lack any fire at all, even a song titled "Rage" is anything but vehement. It isn't like I was expecting a return to their thrash heyday, that wouldn't be at all realistic or necessary, but it is unfortunate that "Ugly Noise" is just what it purports to be and not in a good way!

Paradise Lost - Tragic Idol (Century Media, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Solitary One (4.08)

2. Crucify (4.07)

3. Fear Of Impending Hell (5.24)

4. Honesty In Death (4.07)

5. Theories From Another World (5.02)

6. In This We Dwell (3.54)

7. To The Darkness (5.09)

8. Tragic Idol (4.34)

9. Worth Fighting For (4.11)

10. The Glorious End (5.23)

Synopsis: Following Paradise Lost over the years has been an interesting ride yet "Tragic Idol" sees this venerable institution rediscovering their classic sound without regressing or plagiarising themselves. There is no doubt that "Tragic Idol" is regularly reminiscent of "Icon" or "Draconian Times", particularly in the trademark guitar harmonies and solos, but that isn't to say that there isn't anything new to offer. It's great to hear some of the morose doom that really made Paradise Lost so important to metal in the nineties and there is also a subtle injection of atmosphere as well. After such a long, and at times varied, career it is reassuring to hear that Paradise Lost are still capable of producing great heavy music.

http://www.paradiselost.co.uk/