Tag Archives: Reviews

New Zealand Heavy Rock Titans DEVILSKIN Unleash Riveting Cover of HEART’s Classic Hit “Barracuda”

April 25, 2024 ColetteJosef Leave a comment

AHEAD OF NEW SIX-TRACK EP, SURFACING, DUE OUT 3rd MAY, the Multi-platinum NZ rockers wear their hearts on their sleeve and offer up a devilishly masterful performance of one of classic rocks most beloved tunes!

Prepare to be swept away by a tidal wave of raw power and adrenaline as multi-Platinum-selling New Zealand rock icons DEVILSKIN unleash their latest musical masterpiece: a heart-pounding cover of HEART’s timeless classic, “Barracuda.” With their unmistakable blend of ferocious energy and unparalleled musicianship, DEVILSKIN pays homage to the legendary rock anthem while injecting it with their own signature intensity and passion.

Originally released by HEART in 1977, on their third studio album Little Queen, “Barracuda” has long been hailed as one of the most iconic tracks in rock history. Known for its infectious guitar riff, soaring vocals, and unforgettable chorus, “Barracuda” continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. DEVILSKIN’s cover of “Barracuda” pays homage to the original while infusing it with their own unique style and energy, resulting in a rendition that is both timeless and fresh.

Lead vocalist JENNIE SKULANDER’s powerhouse vocals ascend over the epochal chugging riff, harmonics, and shimmering, layered guitars courtesy of NAIL VINCENT, and thunderous fusion of father and son rhythm section PAUL (bass) and NIC MARTIN (drums), capturing the essence of the original while adding a modern edge that is distinctly DEVILSKIN. From the opening notes to the explosive climax, DEVILSKIN’s cover of “Barracuda” is a masterclass in rock reinvention, showcasing the band’s unparalleled talent and passion for their craft.

“This is one of those songs that so many people have tucked away in their favourites and for good reason too – the song is a masterpiece! We hadn’t played it live for a few years, but we all still felt a sweet connection with it. So we thought we’d have some fun, and record it as a bonus for our faithful, and of course, to honour our musical heroes. Releasing ‘Barracuda’ for us, is like a gift back to our audience and the really amazing people we’ve had the good fortune to meet over the years. It’s a thank you, from the heart.” – PAUL MARTIN

Buy / Stream “Barracuda” Online

Devilskin formed in June 2010 in Hamilton New Zealand and features the spectacular Jennie Skulander on lead vocals. Her powerful and compelling voice and alluring stage presence sets her apart from any vocalist New Zealand has put up so far. With an unerring gift for melody, Jennie’s incredible voice sweeps from whisper to roar, rips with power, drips with melody and captivates with sincerity.

Jennie previously fronted Rotorua band Slipping Tongue garnering a swathe of fans with their videos, EPs and album. Slipping Tongue also impressed many when they opened for Coheed & Cambria in 2008.

On lead guitar is Nail from the popular Waikato band Chuganaut who won the NZ Battle of the Bands and the World Battle Of The Bands in 2004. Played BDO in 2005 and opened for Iron Maiden at Mt Smart stadium in 2009. Chuganaut has played numerous national tours and released several singles, EP’s, videos and an album. Nail’s searing guitar work and high energy performance bring real intensity to the live show.

Paul Martin is the founder of the popular radio show, the Axe Attack. Lead guitarist and vocalist for World War Four, Paul’s previous bands include Knightshade and Blackjack. He has opened for Black Label Society (2006), Heaven & Hell (2007) and Motorhead twice (2008), and played BDO (2009). Paul’s powerful and aggressive bass style is a propulsive force in the Devilskin sound.

Nic Martin joined Devilskin as drummer in August 2011 at the age of 15. Paul’s son, Nic is the youngest artist to ever play the BDO when he performed with World War Four in 2009 at the age of 13. Nic adds to the show with a real display of power and passion on the drums. With a fierce style all his own and the inexhaustible energy of youth, Nic’s truculent style and showmanship are fast becoming a talking point on the NZ live music scene. Not to mention making Devilskin one of the few bands featuring a father and son in their line-up.

Together, Devilskin have the ability to write songs that have depth and passion. They create a compelling and irresistible sound and perform a stunning, explosive, live show. The art of song-writing is back.

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SCAREFIELD Unleashes “Ancient Evil” – A Thrash Metal Epic with a Lovecraftian Twist

December 27, 2023 ColetteJosef Leave a comment

New EP, NIGHTMARE TALES, Out NOW!

SCAREFIELD, the electrifying, horror infused force in the world of thrash metal, SIMONE MANULI and MARKUS KRISTOFFERSSON, is set to shake the foundations of the music scene with their latest single and accompanying animated music video, “Ancient Evil.” This track is part of their highly anticipated EP, NIGHTMARE TALES, an H.P. Lovecraft inspired masterpiece that promises to plunge fans into a sonic realm of darkness and chaos.

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Reviews

Review: Theosophy – Eastland Tales pt 2

October 21, 2017 dragonhead972 Leave a comment

In autumn 2007 THEOSOPHY has recorded 5 songs for the debut demo. Musicians of famous local bands took part in that record session.

In 2008, russian label MUSICA Production has released these songs on the first Split-CD in label\’s history. THEOSOPHY and BIZARREKULT became participants of this release. The CD received good feedback and distribution in all parts of the world, from Brazil to Japan.

The first THEOSOPHY live show was planned in December of 2008 at the legendary festival \”Iron March”, organized and head-lined by thrash legends Korrozia Metalla, but the concert was canceled. As a result the band first hit the scene in 2009 at \”Only Metal Fest\” and draw attention of public. On the next show the band was one of headliners.

Continue reading Review: Theosophy – Eastland Tales pt 2 →

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Finland’s OMNIUM GATHERUM – release lyric video for new single “Blade Reflections”!

October 13, 2017 darkartconspiracy Leave a comment

MNIUM GATHERUM have just released their brand new single “Blade Reflections”. It is now available on all streaming and download platforms and will also be featured on a limited Edition Omnium Gatherum / Skalmöld split 7inch, which will be available on the upcoming “Arctic Circle Alliance” European Tour (see below for all dates).

You can also watch a lyric video for “Blade Reflections” here:

Continue reading Finland’s OMNIUM GATHERUM – release lyric video for new single “Blade Reflections”! →

Reviews

REVIEW: SEPTICFLESH – CODEX OMEGA

September 8, 2017 dragonhead972 Leave a comment

Septicflesh – Codex Omega review by Ekaterina K.

Well, Septicflesh return again with another monumental and epic mix of death metal and wicked orchestrations. Always being on the edge of metal and symphony, these Greeks put a lot of sense and concept in their albums. “Codex Omega” isn’t an exception from this point. All lyrics of Sotiris Vayenas are always full of symbols and often refers to mythology, occult or biblical themes and moves their music into a new depth, where pompous monster is born.

From the first sight, you can definitely say that this is Septicflesh – album cover says it directly. Seth Siro Anton’s style is unrepeatable. Though I found cover of the album “The Great Mass” (2011) more interesting than this one.

Opening track “Dante’s Inferno” catches attention with it’s softer intro and then crushes mix of splendous orchestra and death metal riffs upon listener’s head. Since “The Great Mass” and “Titan” it was still this orchestra+death metal formula, and on this album Sepriflesh didn’t invent anything new, this formula is brilliantly shaped and re-shaped by them in order to have an ideal Symphonic death metal. “Codex Omega” shows that they succeeded and no one can create more powerful music in this subgenre, than Septicflesh themselves.

In the “Third Testament” there com a bit different colors. With the biblical lyrics, this song has more brutal riffs and drum line, especially it concerns main riff, and even darker and lower orchestra lines, perfectly matching with Seth’s deep growl. Soundtrack of reversed Testaments and broken religious beliefs.

“Portrait of the Headless Man” begins with pressuring and sinister intros crosses with duduk sound, associated with spirits and secrets of the East. Gives a bit dramatism in the clue moments during the song and have its own thin, but unique line on the enraged symphonic death metal canvas. Sotiris’ clean vocals and choirs on the background bring diversity to the Seth’s powerful, but a bit monotonous vocal line.

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REVIEW: Sorrow Plagues – Homecoming

May 30, 2017 darkartconspiracy Leave a comment

Sorrow Plagues is the brainchild of British musician David Lovejoy, who typically delivers atmospheric black metal. This new album ‘Homecoming’ marks Lovejoy’s second album and this time he dares to explore and venture into unexpected territory, expanding his elaborate black metal, this time throwing in elements of post-rock and more mainstream sounds.

The first song to kick things off is new single ‘Departure’ which opens on a resonant upbeat and impressive guitar intro. It immediately possesses a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere, aided through the textured instrumentation. The buoyant sounding instruments give it a more mainstream vibe, but Lovejoy’s dark distant shouts lurk in the backdrop to balance the light and the dark. The instruments remain at the forefront and make for a very compelling and impactful start. The song is about self-actualization and leaving behind the things that are holding you back in life, so it takes you on a great reflective path and the tones match this. Coming in at over seven minutes long, it is a rather epic introduction and scene setter for the album.

‘Disillusioned’ flows on nicely from the opener and again has that all consuming far-reaching sound, in what is the longest song featured on the album. It has a grand feel to it, with an air of optimism as before, which is very refreshing to see in this black metal rooted album. It is questionable if this can even be categorised as this at times, at is so serene and beautiful throughout, but maintains a dark essence through the bleak vocals.

‘Isolated’ has some of the most memorable and catchy riffs going, keeping up the light very positive sound, whilst ‘Irreversible’ packs a harder punch with a large almost symphonic sound. It is extremely tuneful, with great rhythms which further highlight Lovejoy’s technical skills. First single ‘Relinquish’ soars from the off and dances around in epic glorious tones with menacing anguished screams to accompany, something there is no shortage off throughout, but it works wonderfully.

To close this insightful and cathartic journey is the title track ‘Homecoming’ which opens on an atmospheric quiet intro before later throwing in a curveball in the form of unexpected saxophones – definitely not something you expect to find on a metal album. This certainly stands out, and is both very pleasing and confusing. It ends on some of the most depthful and layered instrumentation seen on the album, making for the perfect closer.

This is not your typical black metal act, this is something new and exciting and should certainly be praised for this interesting exploration of sounds. It is very meaningful and layered through the instrumentation and lyrics, which looks at many aspects of the human experience, including death, loneliness and regret. The focus of the album is about finding strength and resolution through these difficult situations. This takes you on an unforeseen path and is a pleasure to listen to, whilst contemplating life and letting the resonant tones wash over you and take you away into a dream state. Lovejoy should be proud of what he has accomplished here.

SCORE: 4/5

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