Sodom - Agent Orange (20th Anniversary Edition)

Agent Orange was originally released in 1989 by famed Teutonic thrash metal band Sodom. The band's previous releases, with the exception of 'Persecution Mania', mainly focused on horror and satanic themes, which then took a more political pursuit with the release of 'Agent Orange'.

The album depicted the harsh reality of the Vietnam war through the imagination of Tom Angelripper, Frank Blackfire and recently deceased Chris Witchunter, which has now been resurrected on this 20th anniversary reissue. Unlike some metal bands who glorify war, Sodom depicts the Vietnam war, and war in general in a much more realistic and political fashion.

For those who are unfamiliar, "Agent Orange" (a carcinogenic herbicide) was used by the US military in an operation called "Ranch Hand" which lasted several years to deprive the Viet Cong of vegetation and food which effected thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese civilians and American troops. This inevitably lead to many direct violations of the Geneva Conventions.

It's hard to believe its been almost 20 years since the release of the 'Agent Orange' album. I remember first hearing about Sodom thanks to my late nights in front of the idiot box watching Rage on ABC TV.

The band's most "commercial" (I use the term commercial very loosely) single 'Ausgebombt' was played at some god awful hour of a Saturday morning and I was instantly hooked. Strangely enough, the song 'Ausgebombt' is more about the bombing of Germany in WWII than the Vietnam war.

The album hasn't changed at all since its original release. Don't be expecting a reworked version of the album, much like what Sodom did with the release of 'The Final Sign of Evil'. This is purely a remastered version of the original recordings. The generic slight increase in volume is there, but its essentially the same as the original.

In addition to the revamped digital mastering and the newly added German version of 'Ausgebombt', we are treated to a selection of bonus live tracks on a second CD. I was expecting the live tracks to be of some significant rarity, but sadly the live tracks are taken from the band's 2003 live album, 'One Night in Bangkok'.

Agent Orange isn't your typical thrash metal album. There are some slight American thrash metal elements like Megadeth and Slayer with a mishmash of European and British heavy metal elements ranging from Accept, Tank and even Motorhead. Many consider 'Agent Orange' to be Sodom's "classic album"; and I agree.

It's a great piece of thrash metal history and is well worth the purchase if you don't own it already. 9/10

Tracklisting:
1. Agent Orange <- Reviewer's Choice
2. Tired and Red <- Reviewer's Choice
3. Incest
4. Remember the Fallen <- Reviewer's Choice
5. Magic Dragon <- Reviewer's Choice
6. Exhibition Bout
7. Ausgebombt <- Reviewer's Choice
8. Baptism of Fire
9. Don't Walk Away <- Reviewer's Choice

Bonus Disc
1. Incest (Live)
2. Agent Orange (Live)
3. Tired and Red (Live)
4. Remember the Fallen (Live)
5. Ausgebombt (Live)
6. Ausgebombt (German version) <- Reviewer's choice

Band: Sodom
Album: Agent Orange
Year: 2010
Genre: Thrash Metal
Label: SPV/Riot! Entertainment
Origin: Germany
www.myspace.com/sodom

Disturbed - The Sickness (10th Anniversary Limited Edition)

While many metal bands were pumping out the same commercial material Disturbed were somewhat a breath of fresh air in an otherwise over saturated music industry full of nu-metal hysteria back in the early 2000's.

Mixing elements from those previous before, but incorporating a new characteristic with vocalist, David Draimen. His somewhat rapid fire bark of vocal assaults gave the band a new characteristic edge over many and inevitability saw the release of the band's highly successful debut album, 'The Sickness'.

The album has virtually been untouched since its original release, aside from your typical digital tweaking and the addition of two bonus tracks, 'God of the Mind' and 'A Welcome Burden'. These new additions on the reissue will surely keep die-hard fans enthused and deem it a worthwhile purchase.

To put it simply, if you already own the original album there is no need to purchase this reissue, unless your a die hard fan. The original is identical to that of the reissued version. Having only been remastered slightly, the comparison between both the new and old version is not something I'd run out and buy straight away, more so with only two dismal bonus tracks.

To be honest, I find it hard to justify paying upwards of $25 for an album which is no more than 10 years old with only two bonus tracks as its selling point. The reissue of 'The Sickness' is essentially an album to tied fans over until the release of the band's fifth studio album. Which is set for a summer release later this year.

If you are one of the many who don't own this album, this is a better time than any to purchase it. It's a fantastic album which still holds up against many releases today and is a prime example of the nu-metal movement which was so dominate in the early part of the millennium. But again, being the bias person I am with certain reissues, I find it pointless to buy an album if you already own it. Not unless there is a major incentive involved. Sadly there wasn't much incentive for me with the reissue of 'The Sickness'. 6.5/10

Band: Disturbed
Album: The Sickness
Year: 2010
Genre: Nu-metal
Label: Warner Bros
Origin: Chicago, USA
www.disturbed1.com
www.myspace.com/disturbed
www.facebook.com/Disturbed

Tracklisting:

1. Voices <-Reviewer's Choice
2. The Game
3. Stupify <- Reviewer's Choice
4. Down with the Sickness <- Reviewer's Choice
5. Violence Fetish
6. Fear
7. Numb
8. Want
9. Conflict
10. Shout 2000 (Tears for Fears cover) <- Reviewer's Choice
11. Droppin' Plates
12. Meaning of Life
13. God of the Mind (Bonus Track)
14. A Welcome Burden (Bonus Track)

Review: RATT - Infestation

Many popular bands from the heyday of glam and hair metal break up then suddenly reform soon after, yet sadly end up sounding like nothing more than a shallow reinvention of their former selves. Thankfully, this isn’t the case with RATT.

As one of the pioneers of the Hollywood glam rock scene, RATT started a tradition which eventually blossomed and took over most of LA’s metal scene in the early 80’s.

After a dismal effort with their 1999 release ‘RATT’ (not to be confused with their original EP of the same name), the band took an 11-year hiatus from studio recording. The new album ‘Infestation’ is not only a return to form for RATT, bringing back a lot of their glam metal roots, but also sees the introduction of new guitarist Carlos Cavazo, formerly of Quiet Riot.

The album is a fly kick to the face, offering a solid array of glam and blues-infused rock anthems which set the mood for any hard driven hedonist. Straight off the mark the album ignites and emits a perpetual flame, bursting with energy and attitude. This is one of the best sounding and enjoyable glam metal releases I’ve heard in recent years. RATT have essentially stayed with their signature formula, but infused a slight modern day twist to keep both new and old fans very happy.

The album kicks off with ‘Eat Me Up Alive’, a typical glam rock anthem combined with Stephen Pearcy’s unique vocals, which sometimes borders on the harshness of Alice Cooper, the whinyness of Dave Mustaine (Megadeth) and the sleaze of Vince Neil (Mötley Crüe).

Next up is ‘Best of Me’, which is also the first single off the new album. It’s Van Halen esque intro along with its catchy chorus and slight pop driven tempo is a great party anthem. ‘A Little Too Much’ is another great addition to the album which even borders on a sound close to the hilarity and sophistication that is Steel Panther. ‘Last Call’ and ‘Look Out Below’ changes the tempo a little, offering a variation of southern and blues elements. Both Warren DeMartini and Carlos Cavazo have generated a similar sound and style to that of Slash (Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver) and Mick Mars (Mötley Crüe), sans the attitude.

It’s not all sexually driven and hedonist glam. There is a slight change of delivery near the end of the album. The track ‘Take Me Home’ is a more stripped back and melodic number which also includes and nice hint of orchestral elements. I can honestly say this album is like a step back in time. All the great glam elements are there and the album is just great from start to finish.

For the many RATT fans who were disappointed with the previous album’s southern and blues overtones, you’ll easily find solitude on ‘Infestation’ as its diverted back to an old school theme and is saturated from head to toe in glam rock and blues goodness, creatively tending to the needs of new and old RATT fans alike. I have the highest respect for this new RATT release and will surely be in my top 10 for 2010. 9/10

Band: RATT
Album: Infestation
Year: 2010
Genre: Glam rock/Hard rock
Origin: USA
Label: Roadrunner Records

www.therattpack.com
www.myspace.com/therattpack

Tracklisting:

1. Eat Me Up Alive <- Reviewer’s Choice
2. Best Of Me <- Reviewer’s Choice
3. A Little Too Much <- Reviewer’s Choice
4. Look Out Below
5. Last Call <- Reviewer’s Choice
6. Lost Weekend
7. As Good As It Gets
8. Garden Of Eden
9. Take A Big Bite
10. Take Me Home <- Reviewer’s Choice
11. Don’t Let Go

Review: Mutiny Within - Mutiny Within

Mutiny Within are a relatively new 6 piece metal outfit from the United States. They recently joined forces with Roadrunner Records to release their debut self titled album.

The album has a surprisingly odd combination of progressive, melodic and power metal elements which have been merged with a metalcore twist to create a nice little hybrid which separates Mutiny Within from many of the other melodic metalcore bands coming out from the woodwork.

This random assortment of elements play well and offer a great variety for musical tastes. The introduction of the album is fast and hard hitting. The tracks “Awake” and “Images” give off a contemporary new age metal feel with a mixture of Nevemore and Trivium moments as guitarist Brandon Jacobs offers up some tasty riffage.

“Falling Forever” shows off vocalist Chris Clancy’s high end scream. It’s not something that would shatter the walls of Jericho *hint hint*, but quite impressive none the less. “Year Of Affliction” is a prime example of the band using Within Temptation esque keyboard undertones, which appear quite often throughout the album, along with modern day hardcore and melodic elements. The atmospheric keyboards add a bit more depth to the album.

There are some minor moments of repetition, but thankfully the album does enough to sustain the listener with its various prog, melodic, hardcore and power metal elements. The added benefit of keyboards with a distinct Nightwish and Within Temptation tempo, along with unconventional power metal elements adds great variety. It’s a good album, but its essentially clean cut and radio friendly melodic metal for the Twitter and Facebook generation. 5.5/10

Band: Mutiny Within
Album: Mutiny Within
Year: 2010
Genre: Power/Melodic/Hardcore/Heavy Metal
Origin: United States of America
Label:Roadrunner Records
www.myspace.com/mutinywithin

Tracklisting:

1. Awake
2. Images
3. Falling Forever
4. Year of Affliction <- Reviewer’s Choice
5. Forsaken
6. Lethean
7. Oblivion
8. Undone
9. Hours
10. Suffocate
11.Reflections

Review: Gamma Ray - To The Metal

Having been a Gamma Ray fan for sometime now, I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new album, 'To The Metal'. As much as I'm a Gamma Ray fan, I still wasn't entirely impressed with the quality of the previous album 'Land of the Free Pt. II'. Gamma Ray's genuine drive was all there, but production wise it seemed to lack that hard hitting assault which 'Majesty' did so well beforehand.

I'm guessing the lack of production was partly due to the recent debacle and dismemberment of SPV records. Since then many have questioned Gamma Ray, saying that the previous release was nothing more than a blatant rip off or recycled effort of bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden.

Clearly these people who made that judgment don't know the historay of Gamma Ray. The band have been implementing their musical heroes and inspirations into their music since their first release 'Heading For Tomorrow', so to question it so far into their career would seem a bit ridiculous at this point. I for one did notice many of these similarities in the previous release, but as an avid fan of the band I saw it as a homage rather than a blatant rip off.

Since the release of "Land of the Free Pt. II", the band have learned a thing or two. They are back in full swing and offer not only their genuine uplifting heavy metal sound, but also offer a new level variety and flair which has not been heard since 'Power Planet' and 'Land of the Free'. Many may see this a step forward for the band. The new album still covers all the basics of a solid Gamma Ray release. Catchy melodies with hard hitting music and lyrics which come directly from the soul.

The opening track 'Empathy' is a fantastic introduction to the album. Fast, emotional and just oozes with power. The album seems to emit a consistent wall of sound. There is never a dull moment. Everything is in its place and sounds the way it should be. 'All You Need To Know' is a powerful melodic ballad with the legendary Micheal Kiske. His voice fits perfectly and is a great addition to the song. He still sounds amazing after all these years.

'Time to Live', 'Shine Forever' and 'Rise are your typical upbeat and positive Gamma Ray songs. They are consistent, fast and upbeat, and all have a distinct sound from one another. 'Time to Live' is very melodic and simplistic, but does a great job to get its positive message across. 'Rise' starts off slow with it's Iron Maiden esque intro and drives into a double bass which keeps its momentum throughout the song. Finally, 'Shine Forever' is a mixture of both fast and melodic. Kai adds more character to the song with his reminiscent vocals to that of Rob Halford, with the added backing of a Queen epic.

Every Gamma Ray release always has one or two metal anthems to get the blood pumping, 'To The Metal' is no exception as it plays homage to the band's previous 'true metal' classic, 'Heavy Metal Universe'. The song has so much appeal. It's atmospheric Manowar inspired wall of sound makes it a definitive song on the album . The final track 'No Need To Cry' infuses old school late 80's rock and metal ballad tempos. Kai even delivers the lyrics in the same tradition as Axel Rose did on the song 'Cry No More' of Guns N' Roses fame.

The new album is simply amazing. I find it more uplifting and happier in a sense then some of the band's previous releases. They haven't tried to reinvent the wheel or listened to anyone else. They have stuck to a common formula which works!

This is Gamma Ray at its finest. It's strong diverse sound does well to bring the band into the modern age, but its essentially a classic Gamma Ray release through and through. I have nothing but high praise for this album I hope many of their fans, and power metal fans in general feel the same way. 9.5/10

On a side note...There are 4 versions of this album. The standard jewel case edition. A limited edition version which contains a bonus in-depth making of DVD of the entire album, a red vinyl in gatefold packaging and a collector's edition which includes 2 bonus songs 'Wannabees' and 'One Life' and all were hand signed by the band . Sadly, the collector's edition is no more as only 3000 copies were made. I was lucky enough to pick up the collector's edition. The bonus DVD is both very assuming and in-depth, as it shows you a lot about how the band work, both in the studio and in their personal lives.

Band: Gamma Ray
Album: To The Metal
Year: 2010
Genre: Melodic Power Metal
Label: EarMusic
Origin: Hamburg, Germany
www.gammaray.org

Tracklisting:

1. Empathy <- Reviewer's Choice
2. All You Need to Know <- Reviewer's Choice
3. Time To Live
4. To The Metal <- Reviewer's Choice
5. Rise
6. Mother Angel
7. Shine Forever
8. Deadlands
9. Chasing Shadows
10. No Need To Cry <- Reviewer's Choice.

Interview: Hatebreed - Jamey Jasta

Hatebreed are one of very few successful hardcore bands that have lasted the last 15 years in the industry. With 5 studio albums, a recent covers album and various live compilations they have made a firm footprint in the heavy metal scene. Metal Obsession recently got the chance to speak with Jamey Jasta about the band’s new self titled album and of course their upcoming Australian tour with Machine Head, Bleeding Through and Emmure.

MO: Hatebreed recently finished a massive tour of Europe with Machine Head. How was that tour received?

JJ: It was amazing. It was really interesting there. We played a lot of great shows with Machine Head and we sold out a lot of venues and played some arena shows as well. It’s been really incredible!

MO: The new self titled album has been out for a little under 6 months now. What’s been the reaction from fans towards the new album?

JJ: I think this one has been received the best compared to our previous albums. As far as absorption of songs, lyrics and whatever. There has been some great crowd reactions towards the new album, so we’re really pleased.

MO: Do you think this is Hatebreed’s best album so far?

JJ: I would like to think so, yes. I’ve listened to it the most out of any record we’ve done and I’m pretty happy with it.

***Click here to read the full interview***

Alestorm hit Australian shores this June

Pirates rejoice! Scottish pirate metal outfit Alestorm will be making a special trip to Australia this June for their creatively titled 'Plunder Downunder' tour.



June 17 - Amplifier Bar - Perth, Australia
June 18 - The Corner - Melbourne, Australia
June 19 - The Factory - Sydney, Australia
June 20 - Rosies - Brisbane, Australia

For more information go to: www.myspace.com/alestorm