This Month In Metal: August 2008

First off, this is an anniversary of some sort. It's not precisely, but more or less a year since the first installment of This Month In Metal. I hope you've had fun reading it, found some new bands and had a good time. I sure have, here's to another year!

Dragonforce – Ultra Beatdown

Release date: August 28
Genres: Extreme Power Metal
Label: Roadrunner

Few bands divide metal fans into "lovers" and "haters" so well like Dragonforce. It seems everyone has an opinion on them, their music, their liveshow, how their bassplayer can rip so much on guitar or their drinking. So, what's "Ultra Beatdown" like? Color me surprised, they're sticking to their guns this time around as well. Completely ridiculous lyrics about freedom, fire, flames and heroes? Check. Over-the-top vocals about aforementioned topics? Check. Double bass drumming, crazy nintendo tricks on guitar, more shred than at the butcher shop? Check.

"Ultra Beatdown" brings precious new to the table. DF have their formula, their own sound and the label are most certainly pleased with that. But on an artistic, creative level, releasing rehashed music like this is plain and simple suicide. Dragonforce have always come off as a fun band, best taken with a truckload of salt and in small doses... eerily similar to Manowar in that regard. Sure, they're entertaining in parts, the guitar chops of Sam and Herman are quite jawdropping at times and the whole thing is well produced. But it also lacks recognizable riffs and melodies capable to carry and define a song. Add to that 8 songs coming off as same-y clocking in at an average of over 7 minutes, and you most definitely do not have a winner. Maybe a beer coaster, if you still insist on purcashing it.

· UG Review
· Rating: 5.5

Into Eternity – The Incurable Tragedy

Release date: August 25
Genres: Melodic/Progressive/Extreme Metal
Label: Century Media

Into Eternity have managed to craft themselves a nice little sound that in theory should appeal to a lot of people, without for that matter being something you could or should dismiss as commercial. A good dose of classic/traditional metal with thrash, progressive and a touch of modern screaming/growling makes for an interesting melting pot of styles. There's of course a good dose of guitar acrobatics involved, but also softer and more gentle moments, such as "The Incurable Tragedy I" that for some reason sounds eerily similar to another household name for progressive fans; Shadow Gallery. As is the case with the albums of the aforementioned band, there's a story of some sort going on here, but due to the short time I have to get familiar with this release, I'll have to pass on doing a deeper analysis of the lyrics and storyline.

So, is it any good? Why yes of course, it's definitely worth giving a few spins. The vocals are perhaps a bit of an aquired taste, but musically it's very solid. Well-crafted melodies, some catchy riffing and several unexpected twists and turns coupled with a solid, albeit uneventful production. 38 minutes split onto 12 tracks also helps the case, as "The Incurable Tragedy" hardly outstays its welcome and makes for a refreshing change compared to the 'fill-it-up'-mentality that most bands tend to abide by these days.

"The Incurable Tragedy" gets a lot of things right and doesn't necessarily make any huge mistakes, but it also struggles to reach any real heights. It's a good, solid modern progmetal album. Nothing more, nothing less and well worth checking out if that's your thing.

· Rating: 6.5

Slipknot – All Hope Is Gone

Release date: August 26
Genres: Modern Metal
Label: Roadrunner

One of the more anticipated releases of the year (which apparently hit #1 after a recount. Is Billboard located in Florida?) has dropped, and as expected the ball is rolling quite well for this outfit.

What can be said about "All Hope Is Gone?" Well, it's nothing new under the sun. The production is perhaps a bit slicker than on previous releases, but Corey Taylor's trademark snarl and catchy lyrics are still present. Slipknot have their sound, or perhaps I should say had, because either there are more bands sounding like them, or they are starting to conform and turn into a more pedestrian act. There're certainly catchy tunes at hand -- the title track, 'Gematria' and a handful more tunes showcase the 'knots ability to pen tracks that'll get kids into the pit. But then again, how many bands out there can't thump their chests and say 'we can do that too'? While having a bunch of tracks that can rock the sport-bra off the girl next to you in the pit, the album also has some tracks that are decidedly uneventful, a few ballad-y numbers that would be better off on a Stone Sour album and it all adds up to a padded release clocking in at almost an hour.

I don't care what Rolling Stone's writers say about 'Slipknot the metal phenomenon' -- there have always been metal bands capable doing what Slipknot are putting out. Bottom line is that "All Hope Is Gone" is just another metal album by just another metal band that happens to have been in the right place at the right time. Average and harmless.

· UG Review
· Rating: 5.5

News And Tidbits From The Past Month

Four members of now-defunct Swedish death/thrashers The Crown have once again joined forces in a new project entitled Dobermann. Andreas Bergh of Deathstars will handle vocal duties on an as of yet untitled release.

Drummer Dariusz "Daray" Brzozowski and guitarist Maurycy "Mauser" Stefanowicz have left the legendary Polish death metal band Vader. Daray will join Dimmu Borgir, while Mauser will focus on his own project, Unsun. Official details regarding replacements are as of now not available.

Yngwie Malmsteen's new album "Perpetual Flame" will be released on October 14.

"Get Thrashed: The Story Of Thrash Metal" be will be released on DVD in the US and Japan on September 16, 2008, in the UK on October 20 and in the rest of Europe on September 26.

Sweden's Katatonia have begun working on new material.

Both Killswitch Engage and Lamb Of God will enter studios in October to work on new releases. Both albums are scheduled for Q1 2009 releases.

Napalm Death have set "Time Waits For No Slave" as the title for their new album, tentatively due before the end of the year.

Behemoth will release their first live album, "At The Arena Ov Aion – Live Apostasy", in October.

Drummer Jeff Singer has left UK doomsters Paradise Lost and decided to hang up his sticks.

Agalloch has recently released 'The Demonstration Archive', a retrospective full-length album documenting their unsigned years, plus some bonus tracks.

Comments

[flxz]

"Both Killswitch Engage and Lamb Of God will enter studios in October to work on new releases. Both albums are scheduled for Q1 2009 releases."

Hooray \o/

[jibran]

Hmmm...Perpetual Flame?
Or is it really 'Perpetual Burn?'

[Wookieslayer]

noooo vaderrrr! damn i knew i shoulda went to see them this summer at the summer slaughter tour

[power_gamer_6]

Wtf, I read the UG Team reviews for both Ultra Beatdown and All Hope Is Gone and they loved them...
Meh. I still like Ultra Beatdown.

Also The Incurable Tragedy is a good album but I think The Scattering of Ashes-- no, Buried in Oblivion was better.

[2mins2midnite]

Can't wait for malmsteen and Get thrashed!
and into eternity are superior than slipknot
dragonforce are pretty good

[sambargun]

I agree with reviewer on Slipknot. Fast, aggressive but not fresh. Something like Korn with Issues.
On the other hand Napalm Death is coming out with a new album, thats good news. Thats also fast aggressive and derivative, but the speed and aggression levels are beyond human comprehension.....

[ytse Jammer]

Dragonforces album is better than a 5.5 they have changed quite a bit. You just gotta give it more listens. Totally agree with the Slipknot one though, that album really has been a let down.

[Mahoru]

^ For me it's the opposite. Dragonforce's album is less than a 5.5 for doing the same crap for the 3rd consecutive time, and I completely disagree with Slipknot. It's their only album I can say I really like (I've never been much into nu metal). And now that they've dropped that tag, I start to like them.

[lethaldosage45]

Dragon force has not changed. I listened to the first track and all i could hear was Through the Fire and the flames part 2... so f that. Slipknot, well it just sounds like sourknot. I'm hoping the new into eternity doesnt dissapoint cos metal has been sucking lately.

[Knotism]

What's up with not using the real All Hope Is Gone cover?

[captainoid]

Wtf, I read the UG Team reviews for both Ultra Beatdown and All Hope Is Gone and they loved them...
Meh. I still like Ultra Beatdown.

Also The Incurable Tragedy is a good album but I think The Scattering of Ashes-- no, Buried in Oblivion was better.

The UG team tends to like everything. Didn't they give the SPider a good review on here or something?

[LegsOnEarth]

The artwork and title of the new Dragonforce is just... how do they get away with it all?

[AidanTDR]

aw man, that means Hellhammer has left Dimmu Borgir. thats a shame, but while i don't really know my drummers, im sure Daray will be a competant replacemet.

[Thyrfing]

Umm...Hellhammer leaving Demon Burger is a good thing.

power_gamer_6 wrote:

Wtf, I read the UG Team reviews for both Ultra Beatdown and All Hope Is Gone and they loved them...

Note that the guy that writes these articles, Pete, isn't going to be writing all the main reviews as well.

Good article (especially about Katatonia!), and checked while I'm at it.

[66something]

jibran wrote:

Hmmm...Perpetual Flame?
Or is it really 'Perpetual Burn?'

oh dont bring that here as well...

[Shabalaba]

I extremely liked All Hope is Gone, i thought they put out a awesome album

[Donkey_Balls]

Hell yeah! 2009 is gonna be big with kse and log releasing their new albums by then!!!

[efferus]

I'd have to also disagree with the reviewer and say AHIG is a great album.

[AdemaOnYourHead]

Whoever wrote this review obviously didn't actually listen to Ultra Beatdown.

[isabiggles]

Slipknot aren't a metal band.

[Goose183]

BBBBBUUUUURRRRRNNNNN on Slipknot

[icarus551]

They gave Ultra Beatdown a lower score than The Incurable Tragedy, what an incurable tragedy.

I can hope the new malmsteen will have something new but it probably won't.

[nikhil101]

yes, I can always do with more Agalloch!

[Dimebag Dave]

Someone decided to copy Becker.

[Dakkstar]

isabiggles wrote:

Slipknot aren't a metal band.

yeah they are slow jazz!

[Cacophonic]

One, Ultra Beatdown is just like every other Dragonfail album.

Two, Slipknot is just trying to be Stone Sour and Stone Sour is trying to be Slipknot.

Three,

Dimebag Dave wrote:

Someone decided to copy Becker.

Pretty much. Malmsteen must have gotten jealous of Becker's performance of his song, when he was 16.

I always knew the Swedes were actually Jewish.

[which ones pink]

Yngwie Malmsteen's new album "Perpetual Flame" will be released on October 14.

More proof that YJM is the biggest dick on the planet. To rip off Jason Becker...damn.

[almostdvs222]

I need to get my into eternity.

[cliffemall123]

Why is their a review for Slipknot on this? They aren't even allowed in the metal forum here and aren't metal.

[Capri]

Interesting reviews on Slipknots new album. Definite improvement on the production. Also, the solos are just ripping. I find it amazing when people ignore the progressions bands make while still remaining true to their "sound." It seems like no matter what, you can't please most fans - either it sounds too much the same (Megadeth) or they have gone too far and need to get back to their roots (Metallica). Slipknot has found a way to be frighteningly heavy without playing any faster than their first album. I think Korn has done the same thing - this is the reason they still make records. Just wait for dragonforce to fall off the face of the earth like Limp Bizkit.

[cliffemall123]

new_age_reject wrote:

isabiggles wrote:

Slipknot aren't a metal band.
cliffemall123 wrote:

Why is their a review for Slipknot on this? They aren't even allowed in the metal forum here and aren't metal.

You two really are dicks.
I thought it was a fairly... fair review for Slipknot there, whilst they are trying to move with the times they are denying their heavier roots (although the second track 'Gemetria' is quite a return to form) and turning into just another standard nu-metal group.

How am I a dick? I'm just saying Slipknot isn't metal. It just doesn't make sense to review them on The Month In Metal when they aren't even allowed in the metal forum here.

[Ambience23]

You forgot The Human Abstracts new cd.

[Goldenfire88]

slipknot is a ****ing metal band...any band that is filtered into the many sub genres of metal IS A METAL BAND am i right or not? please attempt to correct me if im not

[guitaristx11]

yay Dragonforce!

yeah.....not really.....lol

[liam1107]

bands may be able to put out something like slipknots new album but how many have made it work as good as them, very few...

cliffemall123 wrote:

new_age_reject wrote:

isabiggles wrote:

Slipknot aren't a metal band.
cliffemall123 wrote:

Why is their a review for Slipknot on this? They aren't even allowed in the metal forum here and aren't metal.

You two really are dicks.
I thought it was a fairly... fair review for Slipknot there, whilst they are trying to move with the times they are denying their heavier roots (although the second track 'Gemetria' is quite a return to form) and turning into just another standard nu-metal group.
How am I a dick? I'm just saying Slipknot isn't metal. It just doesn't make sense to review them on The Month In Metal when they aren't even allowed in the metal forum here.

They're not in the metal forum due to traffic issues, not because they aren't metal.

Checked.

[UncleCthulhu]

*Ignores 80% of article*

Wow, It's great to see lots of great news. Anyone any idea on the release date of the Katatonia album?

[XibanezedgeX]

UncleCthulhu wrote:

*Ignores 80% of article*

Wow, It's great to see lots of great news. Anyone any idea on the release date of the Katatonia album?

I think they just went into the studio so it won't be out anytime this year. Perhaps next summer?

But I'm defintally looking foward to it.

[deathnotes]

SeatleHomegrown wrote:

and a handful more tunes showcase the 'knots ability to pen tracks that'll get kids into the pit. But then again, how many bands out there can't thump their chests and say 'we can do that too'?



.....BLACK DAHLIA MURDER YOU FOOL!!! SLIPKNOT CAN NEVER PRODUCE AS GOOD OF A SHOW AS THEM. SLIPKNOT CAN SUCK A DICK
and no they are not metal, i put them in the same section as britney spears.

You do realize he said "how many bands out there CAN'T (as in can not) Thump their chests and say that". Don't get all pissy over nothing. And whether people like it or not, slipknot is metal. I'm not a huge fan either, but just because they're not your favorite kind of metal doesn't mean they're not metal. It's a pretty wide genre.

[seekmetal]

This article is bollox because they say All hope is gone is shit. Its gonna be up with there with blooddrunk and death magnetic for album of the year!

[condork]

All Hope is Gone is awsome, should be at least an 8.5 I think

[Mr Jimmy]

Man I cant believe mauser and Daray leaving vader =[ , mauser has been in it for over 10 years and Daray was an awesome drumemr for them. Now he is going to Dimmu Borgir?? WTF Vader are in such a different league to Dimmu, I can't believe it. Lucky I saw vader in Camden early this year with that classic line up for like one of he last times!!! shit man, thats ruined my day

[PedophilePriest]

Nailed the Dragonforce review... banality x 10.

[guitarkid879419]

except nu-metal isn't really metal[/quote]

well then why is it a sub genre of metal...i mean listen to their stuff and tell me theyre not close to metal bands like slayer among others

[BrokenBricks]

The new Dragonforce album is shit, they are a novelty and this surely proves it. Slipknot can't decide what they want to be, mainly because of Taylor. Slipknot used to be a tolerable band for me, but so much of that Stone Sour shit is bleeding into it, I have lost what little respect I had for them.

Can't believe Hellhammer is leaving Dimmu. They need to re-hire Nick Barker imo, he was amazing.

[Masonpwiley]

Could you really not find anything better to review?

[KsE909]

Listen people, Slipknot has the right to slow down or change the way they play. Diversity in your music is great, it shows they're not close minded like most bands. If they want to throw in some acoustic songs, more power to them. As for Dragonforce, I'm tired of this so called chops they have. Show me some chord structure, then I'll listen. So far, they've put out nothing but crap. Learn some new licks for gods sake!

Checked

[Cannibalhell666]

Yes!!! Behemoth live album sweet and the Agalloch album to sweet

Seriously guys, stop arguing over what is "real metal" and not. And lighten up on the bashing.

[AllhailMegadeth]

wow, tough crowd. DF gets slammed FOR NOT changing there style and Slipknot get slammed FOR changing there style. I really dropped the ball, i didn't even hear about Into Eternity's new album befor this. There seriously under rated

[markojuo]

vinne666 wrote:

isnt that a lil harsh on slipknot i mean that album kicks ass whoever wrote this reveiw is a total bitch =/

No i think its a pretty well justified opinion. The man writes a couple paragraphs as to why exactly he does not like the new slipknot album. However, all YOU have stated is an opinion, with no backing it up, no evidence, no justifications, just another childish attempt to make yourself heard. In that respect, I completely agree with the reviewer

[Mahoru]

AllhailMegadeth wrote:

wow, tough crowd. DF gets slammed FOR NOT changing there style and Slipknot get slammed FOR changing there style. I really dropped the ball, i didn't even hear about Into Eternity's new album befor this. There seriously under rated

Yes, that shows how consequent are people here with their words. They criticise Dragonforce for doing the same shit again (CORRECT) and Slipknot for maturing and doing something different at last. Just remember most metal fans are in fact very close minded and don't like big change, even if it's in a good direction.

[Perpetual Burn]

jibran wrote:

Hmmm...Perpetual Flame?
Or is it really 'Perpetual Burn?'

I think he finally found out about Jason Becker.

[markojuo]

Mahoru wrote:

AllhailMegadeth wrote:

wow, tough crowd. DF gets slammed FOR NOT changing there style and Slipknot get slammed FOR changing there style. I really dropped the ball, i didn't even hear about Into Eternity's new album befor this. There seriously under rated

Yes, that shows how consequent are people here with their words. They criticise Dragonforce for doing the same shit again (CORRECT) and Slipknot for maturing and doing something different at last. Just remember most metal fans are in fact very close minded and don't like big change, even if it's in a good direction.

the dragonforce part is understandable pretty much without an explanation, every song is the exact same song, period. The thing with Slipknot changing is that they change BADLY. change is good, but if it sounds worse than before, its B to the A to the D BAD

[cbuggzie]

SeatleHomegrown wrote:

and a handful more tunes showcase the 'knots ability to pen tracks that'll get kids into the pit. But then again, how many bands out there can't thump their chests and say 'we can do that too'?



.....BLACK DAHLIA MURDER YOU FOOL!!! SLIPKNOT CAN NEVER PRODUCE AS GOOD OF A SHOW AS THEM. SLIPKNOT CAN SUCK A DICK
and no they are not metal, i put them in the same section as britney spears.

I think that slipknot's new album is amazing...they've matured so much since they started...I can listen to it from beginning to end without skipping songs or anything...it would be a complete waste of talent on their part if they kept putting out the same album...but that would be playin it safe, and if they did that then they would never have room to grow as musicians. My personal favorite on the album is in fact the acoustic track "snuff"...it's a great song, and the arrangement is aweome...it isn't one of those shitty generic acoustic songs that bands usually put out either. they put their own spin on it and just like with "vermilion pt.2" the final product is beautiful...and metal isn't all about blazingly fast solos and pointless lyrics...it's about breaking bounderies and dishing out the unexpected. it's an attitude. and if anyone has attitude it's the guys in slipknot...without that, metal would not exist....so ha!!! put that in ur pipe and smoke it!!! (plus, who want's to be in a band who's frontman looks like Michael Bolton anyway...lol)

[Mahoru]

markojuo wrote:

Mahoru wrote:

AllhailMegadeth wrote:

wow, tough crowd. DF gets slammed FOR NOT changing there style and Slipknot get slammed FOR changing there style. I really dropped the ball, i didn't even hear about Into Eternity's new album befor this. There seriously under rated

Yes, that shows how consequent are people here with their words. They criticise Dragonforce for doing the same shit again (CORRECT) and Slipknot for maturing and doing something different at last. Just remember most metal fans are in fact very close minded and don't like big change, even if it's in a good direction.

the dragonforce part is understandable pretty much without an explanation, every song is the exact same song, period. The thing with Slipknot changing is that they change BADLY. change is good, but if it sounds worse than before, its B to the A to the D BAD

Well, I think that doing a different album with a more developed musical background and more varied songs is a good change. I didn't like their previous works except for a few songs, but liked the whole All Hope is Gone. That means something.

[Bob.Loblaw]

Dakkstar :
isabiggles wrote:

Slipknot aren't a metal band.

yeah they are slow jazz!

Now that's funny!

[revengedspite]

Slipknot aren't metal hey....Go listen to the massively wide genre that is metal then listen to AHIG and rethink this - all of you - They fit into the metal category. Go ahead and rip off the band anyway just don't use that reason. At least they can play their parts live

[skindred]

good to hear killswitch and LoG are gonna go into the studios, im just waiting for machinehead,

I NEED MORE MACHINEHEAD!!

[TheRisingColor]

katatonia and behemoth ftw!

[seanbabs]

What about Unearth's new cd that is getting released here soon. I preordered mine and they will ship it October 9th!!! The new song "My Will be Done" sounds awesome!

[Reviewer Pete]

Masonpwiley wrote:

Could you really not find anything better to review?

In the month of August - nope. The Human Abstract released an album, but I didn't get much time with it. Sounded pretty good though, 7-ish out of 10. September will be filled to the brim with big releases though, and some of them are bloody good.
--
"Why is their a review for Slipknot on this? They aren't even allowed in the metal forum here and aren't metal."
My article, my rules, my definitions.
--
"Whoever wrote this review obviously didn't actually listen to Ultra Beatdown."
My last.fm says otherwise.

[\m/ Björn \m/]

Nu metal was created by korn, and the vocalist himself said : Nu metal is the new rock.

[ppiekoszewski]

Good article I thought. Though I may not agree with the rating on Slipknot, I can definitely see the points made.
And as for Daray joining DB, we can only hope it'll make them better.

[ferretman]

love your reviews pete. you've got me into plenty of new bands.

and people need to stop with the whole 'nu-metal aint true metal'. its a big genre. don't be such close-minded dingle buries

[ferretman]

ferretman wrote:

love your reviews pete. you've got me into plenty of new bands.

and people need to stop with the whole 'nu-metal aint true metal'. its a big genre. don't be such close-minded dingle buries

*berries

[Reesh]

I love This Month In Metal. one of my favorite articles to browse. lots of good information all in one place. good job UG or whoever writes this.

[GnikNus]

Mahoru wrote:

^ For me it's the opposite. Dragonforce's album is less than a 5.5 for doing the same crap for the 3rd consecutive time, and I completely disagree with Slipknot. It's their only album I can say I really like (I've never been much into nu metal). And now that they've dropped that tag, I start to like them.

agreed

[kaizerkhan13]

66something wrote:

jibran wrote:

Hmmm...Perpetual Flame?
Or is it really 'Perpetual Burn?'
oh dont bring that here as well...

+1

[iamhamsterboy]

Ah now here's where you bash the reviewers... Anyone who said they didn't like Dragonforce, have you actually listened to them? Or did you put hear a song while focusing very hardly on something? If you did the second, no wonder they all sound the same. After a listen or two of more than one song by them, you can really realize they are different. Focus on the song, not something else. Not saying you have to do that each time to apprectiate them, but the first two times or so, yeah, it really helps. And see them live. That really helps. Their live sound nowdays, if they aren't drunk XP is actually pretty good.
For anyone who thinks Heroes of Our Time sounds like Through the Fire and Flames, that was on purpose. Herman said it himself. It was made to sound like it, but in a major key not a minor.

[BrainScan]

love Into Eternity \M/

[cbuggzie]

through the fire and flames is an awful excuse for a song....complete rubbish....sure their guitarists are impressive, but jesus, can't they think of some better lyrics...sheesh.... >

[southern_stylin]

isabiggles :
Slipknot aren't a metal band.

OK, so while you're at it, why not give us a solid definition of 'metal'. You know, just so that we all know what we are allowed to listen to without offending you. I've already told my mates to return their new Slipknot CD's because they're not 'metal'. Man, imagine if they got caught listening to it in public! It's a good thing you posted that or who knows what could have happened? They might have accidentally enjoyed an album that they weren't supposed to listen to in the first place. Oh, and would you mind posting a list of the bands you like so that we can all shit on them? Keep up the good work buddy!

[dark_echidna]

iamhamsterboy :
Ah now here's where you bash the reviewers... Anyone who said they didn't like Dragonforce, have you actually listened to them? Or did you put hear a song while focusing very hardly on something? If you did the second, no wonder they all sound the same. After a listen or two of more than one song by them, you can really realize they are different. Focus on the song, not something else. Not saying you have to do that each time to apprectiate them, but the first two times or so, yeah, it really helps. And see them live. That really helps. Their live sound nowdays, if they aren't drunk XP is actually pretty good.
For anyone who thinks Heroes of Our Time sounds like Through the Fire and Flames, that was on purpose. Herman said it himself. It was made to sound like it, but in a major key not a minor.

Agree'd 100%

UB is their most musically pleasing album yet in my opinion. Instead of almost all of the songs being a surge of sound (not that I didn't like that, that's pretty much what got me hooked), the songs often break for lighter parts, taking the epic feeling to the next level, plus adding much more depth to the music.

I've been a huge DF fan since Sonic Firestorm, and I must say, this album blows all of their others out of the water. Only complaint I have would be that they are on the verge of completely changing their sound, which may work well, but also may ruin them. They've gone to a much more technology-esque sound.

[arnob_oblique]

Goldenfire88 wrote:

slipknot is a ****ing metal band...any band that is filtered into the many sub genres of metal IS A METAL BAND am i right or not? please attempt to correct me if im not

i support u !

[Into_Eternity23]

Well, The Icurable Tragedy is a concept album, revolved around the topic of cancer, because two of Tim's (guitar player) friends and his dad died of cancer, and they are making this album dedicated to them. And for the vocals, wtf dude??? Stu Block is one of the best singers in this era!!!! Dude Into Eternity deserves at least an 8!! And yeah I think The Scattering Of Ashes was better

[CBofJAWBREAK]

jibran wrote:

Hmmm...Perpetual Flame?
Or is it really 'Perpetual Burn?'

i c wut u did thar

[xXChimairaXx]

efferus wrote:

I'd have to also disagree with the reviewer and say AHIG is a great album.

same here. it didn't hit me at fist, but now i really like it. think it gets better the more you LISTEN TO IT (7th time) and listen to all the components.

but couldn't agree more with the Dragonforce review. if all their songs didn't sound the same...

[joeybones]

They said that slipknot's new album is nothing different and they are wrong. I've found that their new album is more metal-based due to pinch-harmonics and the way that it sounds. All of their other albums sound like very hard rock and aren't very much like their new one.

[KyuNaynne]

í think All Hope Is Gone deserves more than 5.5

Checked.

[TheDave1552]

I personally enjoy listening to Dragonforce from time to time, but I honestly can't listen to two of their songs in a row.
I'm not really into Slipknot and haven't really listened to the album so I can't really comment on that, and I'm currently trying some stuff from Into Eternity.
Anyways, next month is gonna be awesome with releases from Trivium and All That Remains, which will both be epic. I also can't wait for a new album from Killswitch Engage...they're my favorite band by far.
As Daylight Dies was actually a masterpiece IMO.

[stumaster18]

KyuNaynne wrote:

í think All Hope Is Gone deserves more than 5.5

agreed. It may be repetitive and dry, but it's still a solid album. I'd give it a 7.

[Reviewer Pete]

Into_Eternity23And for the vocals, wtf dude??? Stu Block is one of the best singers in this era!!!!

You know what an aquired taste is, don't you? I like Stu Block, I think he's great, but his style certainly can take some time to fully appreciate, and plenty of people have been put off because of him.

[jacob911363]

why did they say slipknot's album was 5.5 if it is #1 that doesnt make sense.

[SlipknotZ]

Ugh Dragonforce... Absolutely garish band, but All Hope is Gone was amazing, theres nothing wrong with a metal band doing ballads, it shows diversity

[grind]

i think that mr. pete here is brilliant

[Nathan_393]

jacob911363 wrote:

why did they say slipknot's album was 5.5 if it is #1 that doesnt make sense.

just to warn you, people are going to disagree. and i'll warn you that number 1 albums mean little in terms of quality sometimes. look at St. Anger even, for example (although that record had its moments).

on the other hand, i enjoy Slipknot's new album (i guess that makes me a poser now right? Well, whatever. Suck it UG!)

[GunSlinger_a7x]

i dont know what theyre saying about all hope is gone. i thought it was top-goddam-notch! The solos have evolved from annoying widdly widdlies, to amazinlgy annoying coordinated solos. and there is nothing wrong with snuff. i actually like that song

[trendkill-]

wow 1. way to bring to groups that hate each other togher in one forum and 2. u seam to dislike everyband u reviewed. why bother reviewing then?

trendkill- wrote:

wow 1. way to bring to groups that hate each other togher in one forum and 2. u seam to dislike everyband u reviewed. why bother reviewing then?

Because reviewing isn't just about what you like. It's about what's out there, whether you like it or not.

[trendkill-]

trendkill- wrote:

wow 1. way to bring to groups that hate each other togher in one forum and 2. u seam to dislike everyband u reviewed. why bother reviewing then?

Deliriumbassist m :
Because reviewing isn't just about what you like. It's about what's out there, whether you like it or not.

i ment that it seams he hates everything so its not realy a fair review

[RATM_11]

I've never been a fan of DF, but I haven't heard UB so I'm gonna leave it be for now...

as for slipknot i'm torn a bit. i like the sound but i do hear the stone sour-ness to it. While being more diverse with tracks such as snuff can be okay for some bands, slipknot has so many songs with the same feel in the past that changing their style is rather out of the question. if they wanted to experiment they should have started throwing in different songs a WHILE ago. It's a lot like metallica, they wrote albums like AJFA and RTL and that was their one and only sound..personally i don't like anything that came out after and justice for all... not only is some of it borderline crap (St. Anger) but its not the real metallica sound.

now while i feel the album all hope is gone deserves a little higher than 5.5 (6-6.5) slipknot deserves the poor review for writing a non-pure slipknot album. but hey what do they care they hit #1 on the chart!!

Oh and whoever brought up blooddrunk is totally right. that album is solid COB awesome-ness all the way.

[Reviewer Pete]

trendkill- wrote:

i ment that it seams he hates everything so its not realy a fair review

Nonsense, I love tea and crackers.

[Reviewer Pete]

trendkill- wrote:

wow 1. way to bring to groups that hate each other togher in one forum and 2. u seam to dislike everyband u reviewed. why bother reviewing then?

Because the article SUMS UP SOME OF THE RELEASES OF THE PAST MONTH AND THEY WERE RELEASED SO I REVIEWED THEM.

Checkt.

[ss311]

To be honest, I write for the UG Team. I have written negative reviews about big bands and readers just bitch, so give us a break.

[PoP N FresH]

damn right those reviews were spot on. those albums deserve nothing, they sucked. mm lamb of god....thats about all really the rest of teh news here is boring.

[DaMechaMachine]

Perpetual Flame Tentative Track List:

1. Hights
2. Perpetual Flame
3. Mable's Fatal Table
4. Aire
5. Temple of the Crazy
6. Twelve Red Persians
7. Helen Keller in the Celler
8. Hocus Pocus

[Reviewer Pete]

^^Brilliant.

[Killbait06]

Wow , a 5.5 on all hope is gone, i love that cd, but after reading this and listening again, they are right, its not totally fresh and only half of it is the hardcore slipknot we really enjoyed, UG knows wat theyr doing so dont deny their ratings

[Jackolas]

Good reviews, much better than usual.

Good going. I completely agree with the slipknot review.

[travd92]

Behemoth will release their first live album, "At The Arena Ov Aion – Live Apostasy", in October.

hell to the yes.

[ogre152]

aww man i was gonna go see dragonforce and slipknot, disturbed and mastodon at the mayhen festival in boston but then i didnt for some strange reason
all albums are great though

[DP_SF_DTX_RATM]

lethaldosage45 wrote:

Dragon force has not changed. I listened to the first track and all i could hear was Through the Fire and the flames part 2... so f that. Slipknot, well it just sounds like sourknot. I'm hoping the new into eternity doesnt dissapoint cos metal has been sucking lately.

indeed....

[Cacophonic]

DaMechaMachine wrote:

Perpetual Flame Tentative Track List:

1. Hights
2. Perpetual Flame
3. Mable's Fatal Table
4. Aire
5. Temple of the Crazy
6. Twelve Red Persians
7. Helen Keller in the Celler
8. Hocus Pocus

I swear, if that happens.
The world will end.

I'll go into my closet and just go emo on myself.

[KolosoK]

I enjoyed Slipknot's new album. However, I've only been a fan since 2005.

[vIsIbleNoIsE]

don't forget the new amon amarth september 30th for US!

[Connah]

man, ultra beatdown was cool! reasons to live is amazin

[Deth is iminent]

Reviewer Pete wrote:

Masonpwiley wrote:

Could you really not find anything better to review?


In the month of August - nope. The Human Abstract released an album, but I didn't get much time with it. Sounded pretty good though, 7-ish out of 10. September will be filled to the brim with big releases though, and some of them are bloody good.
--
"Why is their a review for Slipknot on this? They aren't even allowed in the metal forum here and aren't metal."
My article, my rules, my definitions.
--
"Whoever wrote this review obviously didn't actually listen to Ultra Beatdown."
My last.fm says otherwise.

September man, dont forget Amon Amarth
you cant leave out the greatest band in existance

[rocker_01]

DaMechaMachine wrote:

Perpetual Flame Tentative Track List:

1. Hights
2. Perpetual Flame
3. Mable's Fatal Table
4. Aire
5. Temple of the Crazy
6. Twelve Red Persians
7. Helen Keller in the Celler
8. Hocus Pocus

Haha - that's our YJM in a nutshell!

[Deth is iminent]

vIsIbleNoIsE wrote:

don't forget the new amon amarth september 30th for US!

TWILIGHT OF THE THUNDERGOD

[Ibanez796]

I haven't listened to the new DragonForce cd, but I'm sure I'll hear it soon.
As for Slipknot's new cd. I absolutly love it..
There really isn't a song on it that I couldn't listen to.

[KsE909]

Finally people are starting to realize that DF sucks. Listen to every song, try to determine which is which without checking. Hard ain't it?

[GoWithTheFlow]

i havent heard the new DF cd but ive heard two or three of their songs so i figured ive already heard it. and how can that guy just quit the drums.. hard to believe

[colster6000]

ferretman wrote:

ferretman wrote:

love your reviews pete. you've got me into plenty of new bands.

and people need to stop with the whole 'nu-metal aint true metal'. its a big genre. don't be such close-minded dingle buries
*berries

lol I kinda liked the way you said it the first time :P

[AvernusAblaze]

it dries while getting wet?

[Wampa_One]

Damn, I'm glad i got to see Vader on the summer slaughter tour.

[Unchained_BG]

Dakkstar wrote:

isabiggles wrote:

Slipknot aren't a metal band.
yeah they are slow jazz!

You're LOL.
BTW i can't say that they are a metal group too, its just dum-dum-dum,grr-grr,bla-bla and the song end.

[Capri]

Did the slipknot album get knocked because it was "One of the more anticipated releases of the year?" Sometimes I think that people decide how an album should sound before they hear it - and when it doesn't sound like that it gets reviewed negatively. This is why Metallica released small samples of Death Magnetic. Pretty smart I think, given the anticipation for St. Anger (back to our roots - these songs are long!) and the resulting shitfest on that album.