Angry Metal Guy

Within Temptation // The Unforgiving
Rating: 4.5/5.0 — A new beginning?
Label: Roadrunner | Columbia (SE)
Websites: within-temptation.com | myspace.com/withintemptation
Release Dates: EU: 2011.03.25 | US: 03.29.2011

As one of the elevated culprits who took guilty pleasure in bringing the so-called ‘female fronted’ symphonic metal genre to fame, Within Temptation has often been right next to the  milestone names of Tristania, Theatre of Tragedy, Nightwish, After Forever and the like from this infamous subgenre [Also known as "Chick Metal" by this member of The Patriarchy - AMG]. This is often accompanied by blunt comparisons, senseless ‘expert’ statements and, of course, rabid hate from people who just can’t appreciate chicks in metal [Example: my earlier comment. - AMG]. But hey, life goes on and so does the music industry. Whatever the case, unlike their colleagues who have gone through hard time line-up changes that have proven catastrophic at times, Within Temptation has continued to add new chapters to their own story. Through times of war between legions of Tarja and Anette die-hards, crazy Vibeke rumors in the air, Floor & Sander drama break-ups, the flame of Within Temptation continued to burn ever brighter, offering fascinating music with each release. Continue reading

Battlelore // Doombound
Rating: 2.0/5.0 — Read as: Battlebore – Snoozebound
Label: Napalm Records
Websites: battlelore.net | myspace.com/battleloremusic
Release Dates: EU: 28.01.2011 | US: 02.08.2011

“What’s the catch of the day today?”

“Well sir, we have some Tolkien themed, gothic-tinged, epic fantasy metal by the Finnish group Battelore.”

“Is it fresh?”

“Yes, it’s their brand new album Doombound and it just came out.”

“How is it prepared?”

“With heaping helpings of beauty and the beast vocals (or should I say elf and orc), lots of keyboards, heavy orchestration and a big, crystal clear production by renowned Swedish chef Dan Swanö.”

“Sounds interesting, but is it good?”

“Well sir, just between you and me, it’s rather bland, tasteless, overly tame and safe.”

“Oh gee, that sucks, it was sounding really good there for a minute. I guess I’ll go with the Belphegor blackened catfish with a side of Stratovarius fruit salad.”

“Very good choice sir.” Continue reading

Edenbridge // Solitaire
Rating: 3.0/5.0 — As metal as Enya, maybe less.
Label: Napalm Records
Websites: edenbridge.org | myspace.com/edenbridge
Release Dates: EU: 02.07.2010 | US: 07.13.2010

First things first. Edenbridge is a long running, very professional and entertaining female fronted, epic/symphonic band from Austria. Now, as we prepare for the release of Solitaire, their seventh album, it’s time to face some inconvenient truths. As good as these guys (and girl) are at what they do, this is not metal and it strains sense and sensibility to be reviewing this on a website called Angry Metal Guy since there is nothing here the least bit angry, or metal. This is not an attack on Edenbridge and I mean no negativity since I actually like Edenbridge quite a bit, from their debut up to and including Solitaire. It’s just time to cast them out of the metal universe and into the world of mainstream music. Continue reading