ALBUM REVIEW: Eulogy - Memento Mori

EULOGY (Wales)
"Memento Mori"
(One Eyed Toad Records)
Release date: February 21st 2020
Genre: Hard rock, heavy rock

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Heavy rock is probably not the first thing that comes to mind whenever Wales is mentioned, unless you're a die hard Budgie fan, of course. Cardiff based EULOGY is a power trio formed in early 2017, and released their three track debut EP "Back to Life" already in December the same year. After their debut, EULOGY have been streamed no less than 200.000 times on Spotify, which itself should be an indication of success, and they spent 2018 on stages within and beyond the Welsh borders. A new track, "Blood Red Skies" was released in November 2019 as a teaser from their then upcoming sophomore EP "Memento Mori", which has now been out for almost a month on One Eyed Toad Records.

After their success with "Back to Life", the lads in EULOGY wanted to explore a darker and heavier sound on their next release. Whereas the debut had a melodic, energetic and feelgood vibe, the four tracks on "Memento Mori" sure are darker around the edges. Mike Williams' guitars are heavier and more fierce, have quite an amount of low-end, and with Neil Thomas providing the even deeper frequencies with his bass he creates an almost impenetrable wall of powerchord oriented riffs.

The opening track "Cross to Bare" introduces the darker side of EULOGY. In terms of composition it is a fairly straight forward tune, but the genre in which this Welsh power trio operates there has never been focus on anything else but energy and power, something this track suffers no shortage from. Thomas' vocals have a raw Blackie Lawness-ish feel that to this listener fits really well.

"You'll Die Alone" is another track that was released as a single, and with its emphasis on melody and vast quantities of catchy hooks it is what many would probably call a perfect choice for a single. The lyrical theme on "Corvid" is based around the final moments before death, just before the soul's departure of the soul. Tempowise it is faster and balances on the edge between heavy rock and metal.

"Blood Red Skies" was mentioned further up in the article, and also contains the ingredients that make up a natural choice for a single. The riffs are once again more melodic than on the non-single tracks, and the song sounds overall a bit 80's inspired.

EULOGY have been set for touring throughout 2020 to support their most recent release, so if you get the chance to catch them somewhere along their trek across Great Britain, be sure to pay them a visit.

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Tracklist:
1. Cross To Bare*
2. You'll Die Alone
3. Corvid
4. Blood Red Skies*

*Added to the Subterranean Noise - 2020 playlist on Spotify.

LINE UP:
Neil Thomas - bass and vocals
Mike Williams - guitars
Darran Goodwin - drums

SINGLE REVIEW: JP2 - Hope

JP2 (USA)
"Hope"
(Indian River Music Company)
Release date: February 21st 2020
Genre: Modern heavy metal, progressive metal, melodic hard rock

Links:
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BandCamp
Instagram
YouTube
Spotify

JP2, or Javier Perez as is his real name, has been mentioned on this blog page earlier, after the release of his debut single "Walk Alone" in June last year. The track received a lot of promising feedback, including a whopping 8/10 star rating by yours truly. The track stood out as one of the absolute most memorable moments from 2019, and naturally this writer did indeed sense a slight anticipation whilst clicking on the "play" button.

From the very top of the track, "Hope" appears to be an indication that Perez himself has moved in a heavier direction from where he stood on his first single. The riffs are thicker and form a rock solid foundation underneath glimmering electronics and lead guitars that appear to be one of the things that have become typical to JP2's expression.

The chorus has a somewhat similar feel as that on "Walk Alone", although without any further comparison. Perez has evolved his ability to write functional and efficient melodies and riffs, and his voice sounds stronger and more confident on his latest single.

In many ways a very different endeavour from JP2 this time. But still, the ever so slight change of scenery only confirms the musical versatility that Javier Perez possesses, because on his most recent single he seems to feel right at home.

★★★★★★★★★☆

Tracklist:
1. Hope*

*Added to the "Subterranean Noise - 2020" playlist on Spotify

LINE UP:
Javier Perez - all instrumentation, vocals

SINGLE REVIEW: First Revival - Twisted Mind

FIRST REVIVAL (Sweden)
"Twisted Mind"
(Independent)
Release date: June 2nd 2018
Genre: Heavy rock, heavy metal
Links:
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From Luleå in the north of Sweden comes a four-piece band that has endured several line-up transformations during its short existence. Initially a quintet, the band that was later to become FIRST REVIVAL was formed in the spring of 2016 with another name and a different line-up, and released an EP that had a more modern sound than what they have today.

FIRST REVIVAL's first release with the current line-up was the single we're having a closer look at today, "Twisted Mind". It shows a band that is clearly inspired by 70's heavy rock, but chooses to honor it in a more modern sounding manner.



A quick description of the track could be that it is like listening to Motörhead playing an Anvil track with Tom G. Warrior (Hellhammer/Celtic Frost/Triptykon) on vocals. Never really a demanding track to lend the ears to, but the riffs are sharp and to the point, and the song as a whole is well arranged and has a catchy drive.

The band is currently recording their first full-length album, set for release some time in the spring of 2020, and if FIRST REVIVAL maintains the sound and quality that their debut single has, then I dare to predict they're heading for success.

★★★★★★★★★☆

Tracklist (*added to the "Subterranean Noise" playlist on Spotify):
1. Twisted Mind*

LINE UP:
Hasse - vocals and bass
Simone - guitar
Kristoffer- guitar
Johan - drums

SINGLE REVIEW: Egonaut - Omens

EGONAUT (Sweden)
"Omens"
(Bastard Sounds Records)
Release date: May 24th 2019
Genre: Melodic hard rock, stoner rock
Links:
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EGONAUT are a powerful ensemble in quintet form from Borås, Sweden. Initially a punk oriented band, but over the years they have evolved from punk to stoner and hard rock, into what they themselves call a "supersonic doom n' roll institution". They released their first album "Electric" in 2011, "Mount Egonaut" in 2013, and after their third album "Deluminati" came out in 2015, they realized there was a line up change needed. Emil Kyrk entered the band in 2016, and his first album with EGONAUT was 2017's "The Omega", a conceptual album where they tell the story about a seeker, who is trying to find his place in the modern world. Curious as I am I had a brief listen on one of the major streaming platforms, and it was quite a pleasurable discovery.

The band have built up quite a reputation as a live act as well, and have been on tour and doing gigs all over Europe. Sadly, as far as my research goes, they have not visited their closest neighbor in the west yet, but hopefully this can become a reality eventually.

However, EGONAUT have been writing material since "The Omega" too, and their most recent addition to their discography is "Omens", released on Bastard Sounds Records.

After the first couple of listens, this is not quite as hard hitting as what I heard on "The Omega", but it is still a deliciously powerful and massive display of Swedish hard rock. The stoner influence is absolutely present, but I feel the structure is more direct and rooted in the hard rock genre. The opening riff is capturing with a catchy drive, and when the organ comes in and adds that sexy, tasty, dirty 70's vibe to it all, it is apparent that these Swedes had my doctor's order delivered exactly as I needed it.

Kyrk has a powerful voice that fits perfect to EGONAUT's music. In some places he reminds me of Jorn Lande, especially when he reaches the high vibrato. At the same time he has the fierceness of Tom Gabriel Warrior, and when it's placed in a warm and lush mix with all the other components in EGONAUT, be sure you get a fine Swedish blend.

★★★★★★★★☆☆

EGONAUT is:
Emil Kyrk - vocals
Fredrik Jordanius - guitars
Dennis Zielinski - keyboards
Mikael Bielinski - bass
Markus Johansson - drums

ALBUM REVIEW: Projekt Gemineye - A Brand New Day

PROJEKT GEMINEYE (Canada)

"A Brand New Day" (Digital album, CD, vinyl)

(Reficul Records)

Release date: December 1st 2017

Genre: Progressive rock, heavy rock, space rock

Links:

BandCamp

Facebook

Website

Not even nine months after the release of his debut album "An Ordinary Day", Mark Anthony K (real name Mark Kopernicky) followed up his first solo effort with the release of "A Brand New Day". These two albums could initially have been released as a double album, but Kopernicky decided to release them separately. 

As with the debut, the album that is the subject for this review is also part of a biographical story about serious injury and the events that followed. Pain, treatment and rehabilitation has both physical and psychological aspects, and even though neither the songs on this album present the story in its chronological order, they too leave no doubt that this was an ordeal that had a huge impact on the man behind PROJEKT GEMINEYE. 

Overall, "A Brand New Day" is slightly heavier than the debut, which becomes clear already in the first bars of the opening track "A New Day", which was also the first of two singles to be released about a month before the album was available. The verse is more downbeat, but with a clean 12-string guitar to bring more sparkle to the mix. As we approach the pre-chorus the gnarly guitars are coming back in, before Mark revisits the intro riff in a catchy chorus with his trademark harmonic vocals. 

"Clear Your Mind" is the second single from the album, and does nothing to weaken the standard that was set with the opening track. This is more uptempo, and with even more harmonic guitars, almost to the point of being symphonic. Again we are given the treat of another catchy and highly efficient chorus, and the song that is seven minutes long doesn't seem longer than the average three and a half minute single. 

"The Long Ride" is the third track, and the album's instrumental ballad. As opposed to "Ride On" from the debut album, this is piano based and more laidback, and a nice cut that allows you to actually do just that; sit back, and just enjoy the ride. The lead guitars are what bring the emotion, and serves as another meaningful chapter in the story, without even saying a word. 

"Space And Time" is a three part composition, and is the longest track on "A Brand New Day", clocking in at around eight and a half minutes. Structurally, this reminds me a lot of how Kopernicky's fellow Canadians in Rush built up their "2112" epic, with individual sections gluing the song together without sounding like a bunch of ideas thrown together. 

"The Incident" opens with harmony leads that could just as easily have been signed by Tipton and Downing, or Murray and Smith, for that matter. Come to think of it, a lot of Mark Kopernicky's melodies could have been written by these gentlemen, as there are a lot of eighties vibes in them. The wonderful irony of this track is that it being about the very moment of an excrutiating leg fracture, it has some delicious double bass drum work. 

"Sell Your Soul" is a fast and very energetic conclusion to  PROJEKT GEMINEYE's sophomore album, and I notice the vocals are more powerful and strong on here. Yet again, Kopernicky's voice is of the cleaner kind, but he has more confidence in his voice on the six tracks he is presenting to us on his second disc. 

On a personal note, I feel this is a slightly stronger album than its predecessor, in terms of performance, composition and production. 

As with all albums the front cover gives an absolute first impression. Once again the visual arts were provided by James McCarthy. As Yes had (and still have) their Roger Dean, so has PROJEKT GEMINEYE James McCarthy. And it's just the way it has to be, if you ask me. 

★★★★★★★★★☆

Tracklist:

1. A New Day

2. Clear Your Mind

3. The Long Ride 

4. Space And Time (Parts I - III)

5. The Incident

6. Sell Your Soul

PROJEKT GEMINEYE:

Mark Anthony K - composition, all performances, production

ALBUM REVIEW: Projekt Gemineye - An Ordinary Day

PROJEKT GEMINEYE (Canada)
"An Ordinary Day" (Digital album, CD, vinyl)
(Reficul Records)
Release date: March 7th 2017
Genre: Progressive rock, heavy rock, space rock
Links:
BandCamp
Facebook
Website

Mark Anthony K is a musician located in Brampton, Ontario in Canada, and he has been an active musician for twentyfive years. He formed Reckon With One in the nineties, initially a thrash metal group, but they developed a more progressive style further into their career. After the group disbanded he joined the thrashers in Exalted Piledriver for a period in 2007.

I made Mark Anthony K's aquaintance back in 2017, just after he had released his solo debut with his PROJEKT GEMINEYE, entitled "An Ordinary Day". Both of us being huge fans of the progressive rock pioneers in Yes, we quickly connected, and since we are both solo musicians with our own projects, we then checked each other's music out, and have been supporters of each other's music ever since. So, with that being said, am I really able to write an objective review of this guy's music?

The obvious first impression you get is the front cover image, created by James McCarthy. It serves as a great visual aid along with the music, and I find myself discovering new details all the time, both in the visual as well as the audible artistry that make up the total experience of this Canadian's debut effort.

"An Ordinary Day" and it's successor "A Brand New Day" are both two parts in a biographical storyline about bodily injuries and hospitalization. The songs are not chronological in terms of the events, but regardless, they do tell the story well. You can read my review about "A Brand New Day" somewhere else on this blog.

So how does it sound? The title track fades in with mysterious keyboards, chimes and woodblocks, before the massive rhythm section builds a solid foundation underneath a simple, but effective fanfare. After a majestic opening section we get a ton of double harmony guitars, soaring keyboards and even some tasty sounding moog. It is apparent that he has been both inspired and influenced by his fellow countrymen in Rush, but the basis of PROJEKT GEMINEYE is more heavy oriented, I am tempted to say. The vocals are not of the very energetic kind, but along with the before mentioned double harmony guitars, they are what I would call the "trademark" in PROJEKT GEMINEYE's music.

"The Future" is the second track, and initially a somewhat mellower tune, until the chorus comes in with heavy guitars and a nice synth melody in the center channel; a fine accompagnement to the harmonic vocals that already established themselves as part of this Canadian's signature sound.

"Funny Feeling" is another example that serves as evidence that the man behind it all has found his niche. Heavy, melodic riffs, and more of the intriguing 70's keyboards. Thus far, this is maybe not what you would call a typical progressive album, as the basic structures and riffs are often built up in a "traditional" way, but Mark Anthony K still manages to create great musical sceneries when he adds layers of atmospheric keyboards that really are the fine icing on the cake.

"The Journey" is the nine minute epic on the album, and it is probably the darkest track when it comes to the storyline. A three minute intro is just perfect for a prog lover, and while listening to the bass line during the opening seconds, I hear the undeniable Chris Squire/Geddy Lee influence.

"Fate Unknown" is the fastest one among the six tracks we have presented on the album, and here we are dealing with the more angry side of the music. The riffs and chord changes are more aggressive, almost dangerous. Quite possibly my favorite track on the album, though the title track is very close to my heart too.

"Ride On" is the instrumental closing track, and it is a very strong track with a lot of great guitar work. A perfect and worthy conclusion to an album that is a fine first statement from a man whose story is a personal one, and when it's being told the way it is on "An Ordinary Day", I am more than willing to sit down and listen to what he has to say.

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Tracklist:
1. An Ordinary Day
2. The Future
3. Funny Feeling
4. The Journey
5. Fate Unknown
6. Ride On

PROJEKT GEMINEYE:
Mark Anthony K - production, all performances

SINGLE REVIEW: JP2 - Walk Alone

JP2 (USA)
"Walk Alone"
(Indian River Music Company)
Release date: June 7th 2019
Genre: Alternative metal, progressive metal
Links:
BandCamp
Facebook
ReverbNation
Spotify

Javier Perez is a fine guitarist born and raised in Puerto Rico, but relocated to Orlando, Florida in 2001 to find musicians with whom he could bring life to his music. According to the information in the promo I received, Javier was a founding member of Runnin' Blind, Over The Radar and took part in an early adaptation of Alphæus. All names are unbeknownst to me, but they are of course all significant when it comes to the development of Perez's music.

JP2 is the moniker under which Mr. Perez has released his debut single, which is his first ever solo effort after over 20 years as a musician. "Walk Alone" is a fitting title on what the artist himself describes as "testament to his extensive musical journey".

The track starts of with a dirty riff, seemingly inspired by Rammstein and their "Mein Teil" song, with no further comparison. The verse has a calm feel to it, and Perez has a nice, clean voice that helps put emotion and even more of his personality into the song. Alice In Chains is the immediate reference that comes to mind, and the feeling gets stronger when the vocal harmonies come in.

In my ears at least, the chorus sends my thoughts in the more progressive direction that The Neal Morse Band, Spock's Beard and maybe even Threshold are in. There's an orchestra added to the mix, and even a sitar, just to give it that little extra spike. Brilliant.

"Walk Alone" was written, composed, performed and recorded in its entirety by Perez himself, and it is a very interesting first effort from an equally interesting new aquaintance. Looking forward to hear more!

★★★★★★★★☆☆

JP2:
Javier Perez - all instrumentation, vocals, programming

INTERVIEW: Veritas

Last week I received an email from a band named Veritas, a Swedish four-piece band who during the course of the last year have released three singles from their yet to be released debut album. I lent an ear to these tracks, following a talk to the band's singer Rasmus Harnesk Wiklund. 

SN:

Could you first of all tell me a little about your band? When did you form the band? What are your inspirations and influences that made you the band you are today? 

WIKLUND:

Thank you for making an interview with us! The band Veritas was formed around late 2017, from the ashes of a former band called Coming Of Age. The band started as a studio project, by me (Rasmus Harnesk Wiklund, The singer) and our guitarist Jens Tjarnstrom. When we had a falling out within Coming Of Age, we felt that it was the right time to move forward with Veritas, full time. So me, Jens and our bass player from Coming Of Age, departed from the band Coming Of Age and formed Veritas, with Per Karlsson on drums, (Blackwater, April Divine). 

I always think that it´s a really hard question to answer, about inspirations and influences, since we have so many different kinds of influences within the band. We have really wide range of influences and inspiration, everything from more mellow rock/hardrock, to harder metal/progressive metal. 

SN:

How would you describe your music? What are your ideologies with the music you make? 

WIKLUND:

Once again haha, to describe our own music is quite hard. It´s interesting to hear what others reflect on when they hear us. But I would describe it as Melodic Metal/Progressive metal with heavy influences of Melodic hard rock. We try to tell a story with our music, a story that may be different to the individual listener. To one person, one of our song might mean one thing and to another person it might mean something else and to myself, something complete different.  

SN:

What is the meaning behind the VERITAS name? What made you choose that particular name for your project?

WIKLUND:

Well, I first heard the word Veritas in a Doctor Who episode. With some more reading into what the word meant, I found out that it meant “Truth” in Latin. In this episode, persons who reads this book, dies, because they can´t handle the truth, that’s written in the book. So, I thought it was this fitting name, regarding how the world looks today. I think the one person couldn’t possible process the full truth, of the terrible things that happening in the world. So, if you could read this “Veritas”, this book, that contains “the truth”, you would surely lose your mind. A kinda deep mindwalk that made me choose the name, haha. 

Rasmus Harnesk Wiklund - vocals in Veritas

SN:

How do you write material? Can you describe the typical creative process in VERITAS? 

WIKLUND:

Well, thanks to the internet, we write a lot of the material, from different locations in Sweden. Often Jens, our guitarist, or Daniel, our bass player, write the instrumental part first, then sends it to me and I write the lyrics and all the vocal parts. Then we talk about, what can we do better in the song, what do we like, what do we not like. When we are satisfied with it, we later record it in the studio all together, for the upcoming record.  

SN:

You have an album coming out this year. Could you tell us more about what to expect? Will there be any drastic changes from the singles you have out already? 

WIKLUND:

No drastic changes, if you compare with the singles we have released. All the singles released, will be on the album. What you can expect is and heavy, melodic and modern metal album. It won´t be boring. If you like more melodic hard rock, it´s something for you. Are you into heavier stuff, it´s something for you. A lot of different influences but with a red line. 

SN:

Are you signed to any label? 

WIKLUND:

No, not yet. We release everything by ourselves. 

SN:

Have you been active when it comes to playing live? 

WIKLUND:

Yes, we have had some different gigs, not many though, since we have focused on the recording our album. But the few gigs we have had have been really great. We supported Smash Into Pieces, Dead By April, Lillasyster, Corroded and such, so though they have been few, they have been really fun gigs. 

SN:

Apart from the before mentioned album release,  what are your future plans? 

WIKLUND:

Well, we are going to have a release party for the album. Then we are going focus to get out and play a lot of live shows, to get our music out there and grow our fanbase. Then we hope to get involved with an management and then later on a record label. 

Give yourself a treat and check this band out if you're into melodic metal/rock with an 8 string! Follow the link below to check out the band's singles on Spotify, and follow their Facebook page to get news and updates! 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6eUFXjfZIQxh1yA0nJUBNS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeritasSwe/

ALBUM REVIEW: Jugular - As Birth Becomes Life Becomes Death

JUGULAR (Canada)
"As Birth Becomes Life Becomes Death" (Digital album)
(Independent)
Release date: December 25th 2018
Links:
BandCamp
Facebook
Spotify
YouTube

JUGULAR is a four-piece band from Barrie, a city in Ontario, and were formed back in 2006, until they went on hiatus in 2011. During this period they recorded and released several demos, and in 2010 their song "Heavy Metal Law" won the award for BEST SONG in the metal category at the Barrie New Music Awards, and this was the band's first song ever to be properly mixed and mastered. Way to go, guys!

In late 2017, the band secretly started working on what was to become their first official release, and the subject of this very review; the EP "As Birth Becomes Life Becomes Death". The title itself could perhaps indicate that this is a black/death metal album with a concept of grand and cosmic proportions, but it's actually quite more "easy-listening" than that.

The EP contains six tracks, and "Revolution Around The Sun" is a great and memorable opener, with its metal hymn like intro, followed by thrashy and grinding riffs that takes me back to any old Metallica album. Jordan Grimbly has a great voice that complements the band well, especially on the really heavy tracks, like on the before mentioned opeing track, as well as the very last one, "Dying To Be Alive".

"Angel Of Darkness" is a mid-tempo song introducing some nice clean guitars, and is not as heavy as the opener, and alongside "The Passenger" it is more hard rock oriented than the rest of the tracks. "And Into Dust" is a catchy little tune; the perfect choice for a single. "There's A Body For The Soul (Unshackled Me)" is even more downtempo than "Angel Of Darkness", and it starts off with a sexy, thick bass that develops into a song that shows the darker side of the band, without straying too far off the path they are on.

JUGULAR has a way of writing short and effective songs. The six tracks that make up their debut EP sound clean and are well produced, and prove that the band are quite comfortable playing melodic hard rock as well as thrash metal.

I want more, guys!

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Tracklist:
1. Revolution Around The Sun
2. Angel Of Darkness
3. And Into Dust
4. There's A Body For The Soul (Unshackled Me)
5. The Passenger
6. Dying To Be Alive

JUGULAR:
- Jordan Grimbly, guitars and vocals
- Bren Pearce, drums
- James Stewart, guitars
- Ben Fuchs, bass