Top 10 Metal Releases of 2009

10.HYPOCRISYA Taste Of Extreme Divinity
09.KREATORHordes Of Chaos
08.COALESCEOx
07.DESPISED ICON Day Of Mourning
06.NILEThose Whom The Gods Detest
05.SLAYER World Painted Blood
04.REVOCATION Existence Is Futile
03.BEHEMOTH Evangelion
02.MASTADON Crack The Skye
01. GOGOROTH Quantos Possunt Ad Satanitatem Trahunt

*** Honorable Mentions !!!!
God Forbid - Earthsblood
Goatwhore - Carving Out The Eyes Of God
Marduk - Wormwood
Cannibal Corpse - Evisceration Plague

**** WARNING ****These picks are based on the sole opinion of the site's creator Caroline Restiaux. If you disagree, great ! No shit off my back, you are entitled to your own opinion. These are the top 10 metal cds based on what I thought where great releases for the year !

\m/ Caroline \m/

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ZOMBI - Spirit Animal CD Review

                ARTIST: Zombi     TITLE: Spirit Animal     YEAR: 2009     LABEL:  Relapse Records     RATING:      REVIEWED BY: "Dirty" Drew Harris     REVIEW: In another one of my reviews I said that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover...unless it's really obvious. You find a band called "Zombi" and you take a listen, what do you expect to hear? Driving, death metal? Brutal hardcore that's worse for you than asbestos and ball gags combined? Thrash so heavy that your head falls clean off your shoulders from the sheer weight of being? Something so dark that you could spread it on your toast? Yeah, you probably would expect something like that. What you wouldn't expect to find is a CD of 5 tracks, the shortest of which is around 7 minutes, the longest of which is closer to 17!!!! The, completely instrumental, album seems conflicted in a way. The music stylings seem almost minimalist at times, but there's just so much of it that you could never, with a straight face, refer to it as anything like that at all. The thing I like about this album is the same thing I dislike it for. Seems strange, right? Well, I'm a complex guy. Large chunks of tracks, especially "Cosmic Powers" feel like they've been ripped directly from the sound track of a particularly good game on the Amiga or, in some cases, the Sega Megadrive (On a side note, I would love it if a band opened their CD the way Sega's used to boot up. Not the logo, that'd be a bit tough for an aural medium, but just that haunting voice, casually singing "Seeeeeeega".) I guess that can't be a wholly bad thing, but I don't think I ever played the games for as long as some of these songs go on for. Even if I did, the music would normally change from level to level. So for me, a lot of this album just feels like I'm stuck on the same level, like I'm some sort of cack-handed degenerate who can't destroy Dr. Robotniks latest invention. *Rage* DAMN YOU DR. ROBOTNIK YOU FAT SON OF A BITCH!!!! ...Gimme back mah rabbits and birds and other assorted animals! ...or feel my blue, spiky wrath! Do you remember playing games when you were a kid and you got stuck? And you'd just wish that you could find a way to beat it so the game could start being fun again? Well that's probably an accurate description of this album. There were little bits that made me smile like there was a hooker under my desk, but the majority of it felt like a bargaining process where I eventually gave up on the whole idea so I could go feed ducks or chase a ball around with a stick. The problem is that you can't just have an album that consists completely of the things that make you smile. If most people did that then albums would only be a minute or so long. Granted, my job would be a hell of a lot easier, but I don't think it'd be a satisfying way to do things. Zombi have the talent, they have the artistic temperament, they have...Synth for some reason. This isn't Terminator, guys! And in places this album is very pleasant. It just goes on for way too long! You know how long this review took me to write? 2 Zombi songs, and I used the first one to go make myself some tea.      TRACKLISTING:    01. Spirit Animal02. Spirit Warrior03. Earthly Powers04. Cosmic Powers05. Through Time    LINKS:    

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ENSIFERUM Interview w/ Sami Hinkka

  ENSIFERUM Date: December 1st, 2009Band Member Interviewed: Sami Hinkka - BassInterviewed By: Jacob LaginskiXM: First off, is there any question you guys get asked that is annoying to have to answer over and over again?Sammi: Well...No. Not annoyed, but. There are questions that I don't have an answer for. In many interviews they ask why there are so many metal bands from Finland. *Laughs* XM: Yeah, you're not Finland Sammi: Yeah, well. Not really. XM: You guys just released your latest record "From Afar". How did the recording process of this go?Sammi: Just the recording or composing?XM: All of it.Sammi: Well, very very slow writing stuff. Well, not slow but...Well yeah, slow, but. *Laughs* Very precise, very perfect. We want to try every melody and every chord and stuff like that. There was stuff that was already composed before Victory Songs, riffs and melodies. But, after the release of Victory Songs we went on tour, we did almost 200 gigs. So, we composed also on tours and especially end of last year we did tour with Amon Amarth here in North America. Because we were a support band we had almost 23 hours day time. So we brought these little guitars and we were sitting in the back lounge writing stuff, recording on cell phones, stuff like that. At the beginning of this year every body quit their day jobs and we went to rehearsal every day. Every morning for at least like eight hours, write stuff. Then in February we did demo versions, then in April we hit the studio. The studio went pretty smoothly, we used, for a change, we used two recorders/producers and that was a very good idea. It was Janne Joutsenniemi who was the producer of Victory Songs and also  Tero Kinnunen who has been working with Nightwish and Amorphis. So that was a very good idea. We recorded stuff mostly in Petrack* studio, that is in the country side of Finland. Middle of nowhere, you open the curtains and there is tractors going and horses running. That was a very good choice because we could record whenever we wanted. And downstairs guys could record guitar, then upstairs we could record keyboards. This was very relaxed and....YeahXM: What kind of day jobs did you guys have that you quit?Sammi: Well Markus was still working. He was the last one, he quit in January. He was still working in his record store, and before that he used to be in Spinefarm. XM: So back to the recording, how would you compare From Afar to lets say your first demo album back in 97?Sammi: Oh, I wasent back in the band then. XM: Oh, right. Apologies. Sammi: But...I guess things have changed allot. *Chuckles* Obviously, because in 97', guys were pretty young. Obviously the recording of first demo is always a big thing. And the recording of fourth album is totally different. You have to be more professional and pay attention to arrangements and such...you know writing music is a path, you're never ready. Or at least that's how we see it. You have to challenge yourself all the time and come up with new idea's.XM: And you already released the "From Afar" Music video. Could you tell us a bit more about what is going on in the video?Sammi: We almost did the video for "Twilight Tavern" First, but. That's kind of a more traditional Ensiferum song. And with this new album we have a new bombastic, more orchestral sound. The video song also represents the sound of the album. So, we contacted a few companies who do music videos and sent them the lyrics. They sent us back the synopsis of what is called....XM: Plot?Sammi: Yeah, the plot. And, the one we chose was pretty close to the idea's we had. Well, we dont have so much so big roll in the video, we are just standing in the middle of forest. *Laughs* Well actually, I dont like making music videos. Its fucking boring. *Laughs*XM: And you guys are presently doing the "From Afar" tour. How has it been treating you so far?Sammi: Ah well we did four weeks in Europe first, actually, five weeks in Europe. Then three days at home, then we came straight to North America. But we had a bunch of problems at the beginning of North America tour. Obviously with Hypocrisy, they had their visa issues, and they were forced to cancel the tour. Major bummer. Then, a lot of technical stuff that's normal on tour. But, it has been getting better and better all the time. And the good thing is that even though there has been lots of problems, gigs have been very great since the first gig. XM: What have some of the memorable highlights of the tour so far?Sammi: Highlights...That's a good question...Well, every gig has been the highlight of each day. *Laughs* I guess there's so much going on and you know, we had to take time already to arrange summer festivals and we're going to Australia. That's right after New Years Eve. So there's allot of things to take care of, but when you get on stage, *clap*. Well, the gigs are why we do this anyway.XM: How have people been receiving you live? Do they like the songs?Sammi: The new ones?XM: YeahSammi: Yeah so far very good. Im surprised at how many people know the lyrics allready. They sing along...That's good.XM: Who creates your on stage outfits? or do you think them up yourselves?Sammi: Sorry, I dont get it.XM: Like, when you go on stage, you dont wear what you're wearing now. You got the kilts and...Sammi:Yeah! yeah.XM: So did someone create that for you?Sammi: No. It's very convenient, originally...*Laughs* The kilts, we used to wear traditional metal wear. We used to have leather pants and army boots but you know, its so fucking hot on stage. So a few years ago I said to the others, that's it. I'm not putting this on anymore. I threw it, my leather pants too, into the garbage. I bought kilt, and I never went back. After like, I think it was one tour like that. After every gig everyone else is sweating to death, and I am just. You know. Ah. Pretty cool. So the ventilation works much better.XM: And being beer drinkers who travel the roads, how do you guys like to deal with the hangovers?Sammi: Well personally I try to minimize amount of hangovers on tour. So far, I've had like, two. *Laughs* But, I try to personally. If we have like day off, next day, then its a good night to drink. But I don't really drink heavily the day before we have a gig. Because that will obviously affect it, especially voice. So. But you know... I don't know. I don't understand, some of those guys, they don't even have hangovers. *Laughs* I turned 30, last year, so my hangovers have been getting worse year by year. When I was 20, I could drink a bottle of whiskey. Psh.XM: So when you guys get a day off, besides drinking, what do you do to pass the time?Sammi: Hmm. Well everyone has their own thing. Some of us like to watch movies, if there is something to see, if we are in the city for example. Then we go see city and personally I like to read, enjoy to silence time to time.XM: What type of beer is your favorite?Sammi: Well, personally I'd say Vodka. Vodka with orange juice. That's definitely my poison. XM: And if you had to describe Ensiferum's music in three words they would be..Sammi: Well this is something Markus has said, I don't know, since the first album. Heroic Folk Metal, I still think that's the best three words to describe it. Some bands, they are trying to get away from the label of Folk Metal. But, Ensiferum is one of the oldest folk metal bands, so we have no need to get away from the label. XM: If you could have been involved in the writing, recording, or production of any album ever wich would it be and why?Sammi: *laughs* Good question. Good question... Iron Maiden's Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. That's great album. Well, any Iron Maiden album is great but. You know, I could just play triangle there or something. That'd be awesome. *Laughs* XM: Even just the littlest bit.Sammi: Yeah, have my name in the credits. *Laughs*XM: What are three things you guys allways put on your rider?Sammi: Beer, Vodka, and Orange juice. *laughs*XM: What have Ensiferum been listning to latley?Sammi: Wow. Well, in tour bus, we have listen to new Slayer album. And, Steel Panther, I don't know if you'd know it but.XM: Yeah, actually. I got a free Steel Panther condom at a show a while back.Sammi: That's hillarious. And...Well yeah. We get a bunch of CD's from Century Media. I don't know why, because, we are Spinefarm band, but.XM: Don't complainSammi: *Laughs* Yeah, plastic bag full of 'em. And...Shiiit...Well, if we have like day off tomorrow, we usually have a party in the front lounge and just plug in someone's iPod. Listen to whatever. Yngwie Malmsteen, King Diamond has been playing also on this tour. *Laughs* And, also weird Finnish stuff. That usually grandparents listen to.XM: Old people's music?Sammi: Yeah! yeah. XM: So what do you think of the new Slayer tunes?Sammi: How do I put it...The sound is good. I really like organic sound. But, I've only listened to it once so I don't want to say too much. There is at least one good song, I think it was track four or five. Something like thatXM: Thanks very much for the interview! Any final words?Sammi: Oh? Well. Enjoy the new album, and, I hope we can get back here soon.  Links: Official Site - www.ensiferum.comMySpace Page - www.myspace.com/officialensiferum

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SCAR SYMMETRY Interview w/ Henrik Ohlsson

  SCAR SYMMETRY Date: November 30th, 2009Band Member Interviewed: Henrik Ohlsson - DrumsInterviewed By: Caroline RestiauxXM: I understand you guys are currently nearing the end of  Neckbreakers Ball Tour 2009, how has that tour been treating you so far and how did you get on the tour?Henrik: Yeah, now we’re actually back home again and the tour was a blast. More people than ever on the shows and generally a positive vibe gave us one cool experience to remember. We were offered to join the Neckbreakers Ball-tour by Rock the Nation who organizes the whole thing. XM: You have just released your 4th album “Dark Matter Dimensions” what was the recording process like?Henrik: It was the smoothest, most peaceful Scar Symmetry-recording ever. It was such a pleasure recording because the vibe in the band is so good now, we felt really inspired and hungry during the whole process. We recorded for about two months, starting in late April. The drums were recorded at the Abyss studio and the rest was recorded at the Black Lounge studio as usual. Jonas Kjellgren (guitar, Scar Symmetry) produced the album with a lot of help from Per Nilsson (guitar, Scar Symmetry). XM: I read that the title for this cd refers to the appreciation and acknowledgement of the unseen worlds and dimensions. How did this whole concept come about?Henrik: I stumbled upon the discoveries around dark matter and dark energy and the fact that we can’t see more than 90% of the universe. And despite the fact that we can’t see most of what’s around us we act like we know everything and dismiss things just because they don’t fit into our current model of the universe, we deny stuff because it doesn’t play along with our cynical and limited sense of logic. So that’s why I wanted to honor the unseen worlds and dimensions, because without those worlds and dimensions unseen forces we wouldn’t be able to exist in the first place!XM: The cd also has a pretty interesting cover, who came up with the design? Did you guys have it mind and then asked someone to make it or did someone else just use their creative juices?Henrik: Nuclear Blast hired a guy whose name I’ve forgotten...check the booklet of the album, ha ha. Anyway, he did the cover after having read our concept for the album and it came out nice as hell.XM: Do you feel that having one of your own members producing the album lengthens the process or shortens it?Henrik: It lengthens it since we don’t have the same kind of pressure as we would have of we recorded with someone else. But we’ve become better at not lengthening it too much, Jonas used to go bankrupt on the old recordings. Now we’re more efficient and we don’t put so much time on bullshit. It’s awesome to have a member of the band as a producer because he is truly passionate about the outcome and Jonas really does his best to make every album as good as possible. Not that other producers wouldn’t care about the outcome but...you know what I mean.XM: You have already released a video for the album “Nouemon and Phenomenon” in which everyone gets a pretty equal amount of time in it, lol at Robert’s facial expressions, who came up with the idea behind the video?Henrik: Ha ha, yeah...the video for "Noumenon and Phenomenon" was a bit stressed together and it’s OK for what it is. We’re actually about to release another video in the beginning of December that will kick more ass than that first video. The idea was put together by Maurice Swinkels (LowLife media) but he had a severe deadline to keep in mind and he couldn’t do everything that was planned for that video. But with that in mind, it is OK if you ask me.XM: Lots of bands are coming out with DVD’s any plans on releasing one yourselves?Henrik: No specific plans right now, we’ve been pretty busy ever since the new album came out but there will probably be a DVD some day.XM: With the departure of Christian Alvestam and the addition of two new singers/growlers, what would you say has been the biggest obstacle? Do you feel that it has changed the dynamics of the band, if so how?Henrik: There hasn’t really been any obstacles with the new lineup except for the fact that some people doubted us and counted us out when we released the news about Christian’s departure on the internet. So we were frustrated at that point and we wanted to record a new album that would convince everyone that we are still an awesome band. So that’s what we did and now the majority of the fans have been convinced. The dynamics has changed with two singers but it’s all for the better. We’ve learnt how to move on stage in order to make things more interesting to watch than ever, I think that we are better entertainers than ever and a big part of the credit for that goes to Roberth and Lars.XM: You guys will be performing for this years Dreamhack Convention, something that is very new to me, how did you guys get involved with that?Henrik: Yes, we played at Dreamhack last week actually. Four days after our European tour ended. We were offered to play at Dreamhack by the organizers, lately they’ve had bands playing at their conventions. Sonic Syndicate played there last year for example.XM: What are your opinions on the current metal scene? Do you think it’s healthy?Henrik: I think it’s very healthy, there are lots of bands and genres and they’re all doing good in their own way. Metal is such a wide genre of music now and you can find a metal band to appreciate no matter what kind of musical elements you prefer. What other style of music can offer that? XM: Is there any noticeable differences between fans at European shows and fans at North American shows?Henrik: The fans are pretty much the same; they’re passionate about the music and very supportive. I think the main differences between playing in the States and in Europe are the cultural aspects, but that has more to do with the daily adventures on the road than the actual shows.XM: I ask all bands that interview the following question: “If you could have been involved in the writing, recording or production of any album which would it be and why?”Henrik: I would have wanted to be present in the recordings of King Diamond’s albums after "The Eye" because I feel that something was lost in his work after that album. If I could, I would try to keep the original King Diamond-sound intact, he he.XM: What’s your take on music downloading? Do you have a preference among digital, cd, or maybe even vinyl? Henrik: Downloading sucks because it takes a lot of money out of the business. But everyone’s doing it, myself included, so I guess it can’t be stopped. It’s like drinking alcohol- you know it’s bad but it’s too fun to neglect... I like all formats of music. Digital because it’s handy, CD because it’s the dominating format of our age and vinyl because the artwork really comes out well on those. XM: Aside from your own cd released this year, what would you say are your top 5 picks for best albums this year?Henrik: Hmm, what albums came out this year...I’ll try. FKU- Where moshers dwell, KISS- Sonic Boom, Hypocrisy- A taste of extreme divinity, Behemoth- Evangelion, Yngwie Malmsteen- Perpetual Flame.XM: What is your favorite lyric of all time?Henrik: Probably the lyrics off Cynic’s "Focus" or Sabbaths "Dreamweaver".XM: Thanks for the interview, any last words….. Henrik: Keep an eye out for the new video and thanks to all the Scar Symmetry-fans, your support is appreciated because without you we are nothing!  Links: Official Site - www.scarsymmetry.com MySpace Page - www.myspace.com/scarsymmetry

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GORGOROTH interview w/Boddel

  GORGOROTH Date: November 13th, 2009Band Member Interviewed: Boddel (Frank Watkins) - BassInterviewed By: Jacob Laginski XM: How did you come about meeting with the legion of Gorgoroth?Well I knew Infernus for a long time, we'd met a festivals and whatnot, being in two kind of bands that are in the same genre almost. Obituary took a break in the late 90's early 2000's and just sporadically out of nowhere I emailed Infernus just to see what was up and how things were going with his band, I heard hehad this crazy controversial thing go on in Poland, but we just kind of kept in touch a little bit closer. Then when Obituary started doing shows again he'd come to a couple of the shows we played. We just got alot tighter than we'd ever been. Then when all the stuff happened with his ex-members he contacted meimmediately and was like "Hey, I need a bass player" And I was just like "I'm in". We didn't get to play for a couple years after that but it was solidified pretty quickly.XM: Also, playing in old school death metal band Obituary, what are some of the main differences you notice from playing Death Metal and Black Metal bands?Well I really don't see too many differences...The riffs are totally different. Infernus has his own style, and Trevor has his own style, from Obituary. But the aggression and power I feel from both bands are pretty much prevalent. There's lots of real heavy doomy shit that Gorgoroth does and allot a super fast kinda shit. And Obituary has the same thing. We got Heavy doomy shit and we got some really fast stuff. But I kinda just vibe it off of what I feel when I'm playing with them live. With Gorgoroth and Obituary, have this power that kinda comes out of us.XM: Do you think you've brought a bit of a death metal influence onto Gorgoroth's newest record?Well I didn't write any of the music, but I'd say maybe my playing style, cause' I play really heavy aggressive style, I play with a pick, and when there's really heavy fast parts I kinda play along with the guitar. So yeah, I think I brought a little bit of the death metal power to Gorgoroth. Definitely in our live shows, I can tell that its really heavy and powerful with me playing bass behind it.XM: Who are some of your other favorite black metal bands?Darkthrone, Mayhem. Pretty much the classics that have been around. I mean, I really kinda started with Bathory, was the first thing I heard that was really evil, satanic kinda shit. I really started getting into that at an early age, but Darkthrone and Mayhem are definitely some of my favorites.XM: And Gorgoroths religious views have allways been more of a controversial topic. What are your views on them? Do you agree with them?I really have no Indifference with religion or anything like that. I look into my own self and what I do in life. Everything is pretty much based on me, and my family. That's the most important thing to me. I grew up like a Catholic, when I was really young. I went to Catholic school and all this kinda stuff, but It never really stuck to me. And I have my own views on how I make myself perform and be a good person and whatnot. Religion doesn't really have anything to do with it.XM: You just released Gorgoroth's lastest album Quantos Possunt Ad Satanitatem Trahunt. How has the reaction been so far?It's been really good. I'm really excited. When I first heard some of the riffs from the record, I knew it was going to be classic Gorgoroth style. I just really couldn't wait for people to hear it. When it came out, the reviews have been off the hook. I've rarely seen any bad reviews at all of the album. So I'm really happy. But what we really look at is what WE thought of the record when it was finished. We all kinda sat down and knew it was a great album. That's really the most important thing, is that the band feels that way.XM: How did the recording of this record go?It was fast, for me. I flew in to Norway and rehearsed with Infernus and the other guitar player. We just kinda learned alot of the stuff there, then me and Infernus and Pest, the singer, drove out to Stockholm. We laid down the bass tracks and the vocals in probably like a week. We had a good time, we went out there, we played in Thomas, our drummers, studio. They recorded the Dissection EP there, really cool atmosphere kind of place. Evil. But it was fast. To me, it was too fast. But we have a long distance between us and for me to be there for the mix and stuff it was insane, almost impossible. But what we did was perfect. We had plenty of time to put down what we had, we had a bunch of studio reports going on and all that. So, it was pretty quick.XM: And you recently played Hole in the Sky festival and back in Norway. These have been some of your first tours with the new line-up, correct?Yeah that was our first show ever with this line up. XM: How would you describe the energy when you play live?It was massive, man. It was unbelievable. When we were rehearsing a week before, a couple of times I was amazed at how heavy we sounded. And I've seen Gorgoroth in the past, and I couldn't understand what they were playing. But when we got together we payed close attention to detail, every little riff, every little part. We wanted to make sure it was perfectly played well by everyone in the band. The rehearsals were amazing. So when we did the show it was just off the top. I mean, we did allot that day to prepare but when we went on around midnight but it was all worth it.XM: And if you had to describe Gorgoroth's music in three words they would be...Evil fucking death.XM: So, do you know if everyone's alright to get into other countries? We think so...We got a little bit more work to do with our guitarist, but we're working on stuff like that. I mean, some countries are crazy about stuff like that, entering and exiting and all that. I'm trying to get into Brazil right now with Obituary, and it's a lot of paper work. It took Obituary forever to get into Canada, I remember that. We got turned away a couple years ago going into Toronto, which was a total bummer. They turned both our guitar players away for charges they had when they were teenagers. We're working on alot of stuff with Gorgoroth, we're focusing on the market that we have allot of impact on. Like Europe, the UK, Scandinavia. We definitely want to go to America but its just going to take us a little bit of timeXM: So, you do suspect a North American tour or European tour in the works for the new album?Oh yeah we'll definitely be in North America for sure. Canada for sure, Canada is going to be really good for Gorgoroth.XM: Excellent! So, How did you go about designing your Corpse Paint for Gorgoroth? Or did you already have a design in mind from the past?To me, it was explained to me as a tradition that you prepare before you go on stage, and you kinda get everything ready and put on your battle gear and whatnot. And I just took it as what comes out of me in that moment, what I feel. So that night I kinda standardized myself with black eyes and white face. I had Infernus help me touch it up a little bit but It kinda just came out of me. That was it. Then I did it again, we played another show in Norway. But it was the same vibe, I didn't picture anything in particular. I just wanted it to be messy, old school, bloody, and I just kinda smacked it on and it was right.XM: What would you say are some of the differences between hanging out with the guys from Obituary and Gorgoroth? Well its like almost the same. We get along really well, me and the Obituary guys, and me and the guys from Gorgoroth have a good time. We laugh, we party...Alot. Actually, Infernus would hang out with Obituary alot on certain tours or we'd hang out at Festivals or whatever. He'd fit right in with us. Its pretty much the same family it feels. Sometimes there is language barriers, but Infernus speaks excellent English. my Norwegian is nothing, so sometimes theres that language barrier. But I mean overall, I get along with these guys just as good as my brothers.XM: Thanks very much for the interview! Any last words?Yeah, definitely pick up our new album. We need the support, then hopefully we'll be in Canada by the end of next year.  Links: Official SiteGorgoroth on MySpace

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