Dali's Dilemma - Manifesto For Futurism Review by Gary Hill Dali`s Dilemma is a new prog metal band on the Magna Carta label. The major influences to this reviewer are Queensryche and Dream Theater, but there are other leanings as well.
More
Danger Danger - The Return of The Gildersleeves Review by Brian Angotti The second installment of the Where Are They Now Files comes from Danger Danger. This band has released three albums with new vocalist Paul Laine. The Return of The Gildersleeves is a brilliant piece of work from a very underrated band. More
Danzig - 6:66 Satan's Child Review by Steve Colombo Danzig's new album, 6:66 Satan's Child, is excellent. Danzig just keeps on getting better and better with each successive album. More
The Deadlights - The Deadlights Review by Gary Hill This album certainly fits into the hard rock/metal vein. However, it is not limited by a single style or format. Indeed many of the songs come from varying schools of metal and one cut in particular really doesn't fit as metal at all. More
The New Wave of British Heavy Metal that exploded in the late 70s and early 80s boasted a long list of bands that had the potential to be huge but never grabbed that elusive brass ring.
When it comes to heavy metal guitar duos, you won’t find many names more respected than Hank Shermann and Michael Denner: Tipton and Downing, Smith and Murray…that’s about it.
I first heard of Diamond Head years ago when they were listed as a big influence on Metallica. I don't think I've ever actually heard them before, though.
Bruce Dickinson - Tyranny of Souls Review by Gary Hill This is the sixth solo album from Iron Maiden's lead singer Bruce Dickinson. While it's not perfect, it is one of the stronger discs from his solo repertoire.
More
Diecast - Day of Reckoning Review by Arnold Hablewitz As a whole this disc takes what is so good about the recent New England thrash/death/hardcore scene (Shadows Fall, God Forbid, etc.) and kicks up the heaviness factor by ten, with double-bass reminiscent of Slipknot and hardcore groove and lyrics reminiscent of Hatebreed, Buried Alive, Earth Crisis, and (insert Victory Records band here). More
Digital Ruin - Dwelling In The Out Review by Gary Hill With many CD's the question comes up, is this prog or prog metal. Some are really easy to define, others not so simple. This one falls into that second category. More
Definitely keeping in the spooky spirit of this issue of MSJ, I turn my evil eye now to Norway's Dimmu Borgir. Along with England's Cradle of Filth and fellow Norwegians Emperor, these guys are the reigning kings of modern black metal, unleashing twisted, torturous tracks full of blazing speed, harsh vocals and eerie symphonic touches.
Few musicians have had a longer or more storied career than Ronnie James Dio. The pixieish vocal powerhouse has lent his immense lungpower to bands like Elf, Rainbow and, of course, Black Sabbath.
The Last In Line has always felt like “Son of Holy Diver” to me. It’s a great album from start to finish, and even a filler here or there does not distract from the overall record.
I have to say that I was never a big fan of Dio's solo work when he was huge in the 1980s. I realize now that was a mistake, and have been playing catch up.
Dismember - Where Ironcrosses Grow Review by Mike Korn The metal scene is constantly splitting and fracturing into a multitude of genres and subgenres. In the last few years, we've seen the rise of metalcore, melodic death metal, stoner metal and Gothic metal.
More
Divine Regale - Ocean Mind Review by Gary Hill Combining elements of general progressive rock (influenced by bands like Yes), Queensryche (the vocals being the largest Queensryche influence present) and even Iron Maiden, this is a very well conceived, and mature performance. More
Dog Fashion Disco - Committed to a Bright Future Review by Mike Korn What kind of a band calls itself Dog Fashion Disco? And what kind of band features an open toilet and a grinning wash basin on its front cover?
More
Doro - Calling the Wild Review by Gary Hill In the 1980’s Doro Pesch fronted the German metal band Warlock. That band is no more, but Doro has kept her career and love of metal alive through the years. This new disc is her first release in the US in many years, but she has continued releasing albums in Europe the entire time. More
When I reviewed a previous set from this act, I landed it under heavy metal, but said that with the amount of punk in the mix, it could almost have fit under non-prog.
Double Drive - 1000 Yard Stare Review by Gary Hill With the over abundance of rock bands these days it is good to hear something fresh. Doubledrive's debut album is a diverse rock explosion, aggressive and yet still melodic.
More
