The Formation of Damnation Review by Gary Hill This CD represents Alex Skolnick’s studio return to the world of Testament. What they have produced is an album that takes no prisoners.
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DVD Reviews
Testament - Live In London DVD Review by Josh Turner It's the classic line-up in a trouble-free DVD. Drenched in blood red and decorated with gold trim, this simple gatefold booklet contains nothing more than a single disc.
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Joe Deninzon - Adventures in the Stratospheerius Review by Gary Hill Released under the name of Joe Deninzon, this album is by the same group who also record under the band name Stratospheerius. That group is composed of Deninzon, Scott Chasolen, Grisha Alexiev, Rufus Philpot, DJ Big Wiz, and guitarist Alex Skolnick (Attention Deficit, Testament).
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Lamb of God - Ashes of the Wake Review by Mike Korn The last few years have seen the rise of a new generation of American metal bands. The new blood has included Shadows Fall, God Forbid and without a doubt the most vicious of the bunch, Lamb of God.
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Attention Deficit - Attention Deficit Review by Gary Hill Described as "mad scientist rock", this album contains very intriguing instrumental music. With strong leanings toward modern King Crimson, the album covers progressive territory in a dark, gritty and somewhat chaotic manner.
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Dublin Death Patrol - DDP 4 Life Review by Mike Korn Ah, the joys of small town living - a relaxed pace, the comfort of knowing all your friends and neighbors, a closeness to the land...and raging thrash metal? Well, if you happened to live in Dublin, California (not to be confused with the rather more notorious Dublin, Ireland...though you will find pictures of shamrocks and leprechauns in this album) back in the 80's, heavy metal was definitely part of the town's fabric.
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Various Artists - Drum Nation Vol. 2 Review by Gary Hill The concept is simple but unique: put together a number of tracks from various artists showcasing influential and potent drummers. This was the concept for Magna Carta's first drum nation CD, and they continue it here - why mess up a good thing?
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Alex Skolnick Trio - Last Day in Paradise Review by Gary Hill This new album by Alex Skolnick Trio is more than just a continuation. Sure there's a lot of great jazz trio music with elements of rock – the reason I put this under prog.
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Whenever I see one of these sets – they have the Wacken Festival every year and always release it for video later – I am amazed at the range of sounds presented.
Various Artists - Magna Carta Guitar Greats – Volume I Review by Grant Hill These Magna Carta sampler discs serve as a great way for people to sample a number of their releases without having to shell out the cash for each and every one of them. I'd have to say that as these things go, this is one of the better ones – and they are all quite good.
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Vapourspace - Sonic Residue from Vapourspace Review by Steve Alspach Here's an interesting concept - take songs from various releases from a progressive rock record label and let the music be transformed by a techno mix until it's nearly unrecognizable from the original source.
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Various Artists - Subdivisions - A Tribute To Rush Review by Gary Hill Subdivisions is a new Tribute album devoted to the music of Rush from Magna Carta Records. Those paying close attention and with a good memory, may be saying now; "didn't they do one before?"
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Attention Deficit - The Idiot King Review by Gary Hill Attention Deficit's second album, this one continues their trend of fusion oriented instrumental music. The album should appeal to fans of bands like King Crimson, Djam Karet and Frank Zappa.
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Nevermore - This Godless Endeavour Review by Mike Korn The American heavy metal scene is healthier than ever, with bands such as Mastodon, Shadows Fall and High On Fire each making a mark in their own unique style.
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Alex Skolnick Trio - Transformation Review by Gary Hill Alex Skolnick is a true artist, not content to sit still in one musical genre. Certainly he is probably best known as the guitarist for the metal band Testament, his first professional gig.
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