Iced Earth - Plagues Of Babylon

Finally after two years the new Iced Earth album Plagues of Babylon with new singer Stu Block has been released
The New album has made Iced Earth one of the leading bands of the US traditional metal scene again.
Finally they were able to do worldwide touring, bringing this top notch material to the crowds.

The New album will have you banging your head from beginning to end, lyrically and musically as strong as Iron,
from a hard working band under the guidance of riff master Jon Shaffer.
For the first time in Iced Earths history, an album was not recorded in the US, but in Germany,
Since the band was nearby playing of the Summer festivals.

The First six songs of Plagues of Babylon continue the " Something Wicked " Story.
Plagues Of Babylon starts off with the strong 7 minute long title track.
They cut loose with vigirous classic heavy metal and with juicy rendered vocal lines of Block.
Fethching choruses and melodious solos from Troy Steele are prominently present as well in the
sturdy Democide and the tightly played neck breaker Among The Living Dead, Dramatic tinged vocals in the
Culling, Resistance just invites you to sing along.

The second part of the album slows down and mellows out a bit starting with the very beautiful track
If I could See You Now which is dedicated to Schaffers grandpa, continuing with the H.P. Lovecraft inspired Cthulhu that puts the whip on it
again half way.
I'm not going to say much more about this album you will have to listen to it yourself
or I will spoil the rest for you, on a side note Hansi Kursch ( Blind Guardian ) contributed to five songs on this album.
It's been a long 2 year wait but it's definitely been worth it, and giving my respect to Stu Block the new singer, he's done a fantastic job
on this new album and does Iced Earth Justice.

Rock on and Keep the Music Alive.
Seraphim aka Nicholas Brandenburg
Rock / Metal Reviewer for BloodCross

Review of Van Canto Dawn of the Brave

Van Canto Dawn of the Brave
Who said that power metal can not be original? Come on haters, let’s hear you now! With their fifth album so far,
Van Canto is proving that power metal can be different, and if by some miracle you haven’t heard about them, you need to know that the band uses no guitars
or bass or keyboards, creating so called Power A Cappella.
Yes, these instruments are replaced by people singing in unique “Rakkatakka” way, making Van Canto extremely unique experience.

Of course, this approach to music is not for everyone, and so for each fan Van Canto makes, they also make at least one hater (in lack of better word)
Although the guitars are essential part of metal, and Van Canto isn’t using them,
it’s still silly to bash them, especially with such a cool replacement. It’s a matter of taste, I guess.

Out of the 13 songs 4 are covers, which is to be expected with Van Canto, Europe’s Final Countdown, Bonnie Tyler anthem 'Holding Out For A Hero,
Black Sabbath's Paranoid,plus an interesting rendition of the Annie Lennox 'Lord Of The Rings' contribution 'Into The West'.

These all work and are a delight to listen to.
Amongst their own compositions, 'Fight For Your Life', 'Steel Breaker' and 'My Utopia' stand out as worthy victors,
although to be fair to 'Dawn Of The Brave' the whole album was an instant joy.

'Unholy' bounces along and get the toes tapping before settling in calmer waters and then the pace is raised once more.
The chorus is uplifting which is an element this band does so effectively throughout 'Dawn Of The Brave'.

Echoing a previous album ('Hero' – 2008) regarding their fascination with courage and individuals who rise above their brethren,
this album has a visual theme which centres on super heroes.
They have Stefan Heilemann to thank for the visual interpretation and the excellent cover artwork.

I guess the argument could be made that due to the lack of any guitar that you cannot truly call this rock music,
or that it contains its fair amount of cheesy moments.
My response is to give it a spin and give it a chance if you're not already familiar with this German combo.
On the other hand if you fell in love with their cover version of Metallica's 'Battery' that appeared on their debut 'A Storm To Come' from 2006,
then you'll not only know what to expect but you'll also enjoy this album a lot.
It's been 3 years since the release of " Break the Silence " but, the wait has been worth it, yet again Van Canto stands strong with " Dawn of the Brave "


Remember to rock on and Keep the Music Alive
Seraphim aka Nicholas Brandenburg
Rock / Metal Review for BloodCross