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What’s Cookin’ In The Inbox: 17 May 2013
We normally try to space these out, but our inbox is bursting at the seams with new stuff recently released or about to be released. Here is a chance to catch a glimpse of what’s out there. Again, I hope to bring you an eclectic mix of various styles of anything related to metal. As always, it’s up to you to decide whether you like it or not, instead of me throwing my two cents at you. The object here is to spread the gospel of metal. There is some interesting stuff brewing out there and I hope it finds you well. Without further delay, here are several bands cooking up our inbox. As always, enjoy!
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Game Review: Tomb Raider (2013)
I was skeptical when I learned of a Tomb Raider reboot set for release in 2013. Up to this point, I had all but given up on the franchise after Tomb Raider III in 1998 on the original Playstation. The first version was largely responsible for bringing me back into gaming from along with other popular hits such as Resident Evil, Ace Combat (formerly Air Combat), and Baseball. Tomb Raider was so simple and easy to learn, yet so full of depth, story, and it was also a fairly long game for its time. The gamer definitely got bang for the buck. After my disappointing stint with Tomb Raider III, my only other attempt was Tomb Raider: Anniversary, which was almost a mirror image of the first game in style and concept. I didn’t know that going into it, but I appreciated the nostalgic experience to the game; albeit a little boring. I passed on Tomb Raider: Underworld and after hearing positive reviews of Tomb Raider (2013) the reboot I decided to give it a try. And I am so glad I did.
What’s Cookin’ In The Inbox: 14 May 2013
It’s time for another issue of What’s Cookin’ in the Inbox. This time, I will be bringing you more bands; probably two separate posts this week that boast eclectic mixes of anything related to metal. The object here is to spread the gospel of metal and let you decide what you are going to do with this information. There is some interesting stuff brewing out there and I hope it finds you well. Without further delay, here are several bands cooking up our inbox. As always, enjoy!
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Video of the Week – Horrorscope
Mik has been posting her favorite intros lately. In case you missed it, they are pretty cool posts. One of them, a few weeks ago, was from Overkill…one of my all-time favorite bands. It was nice to see them make her list…you know, for a Thrash metal band. 
I have since been paying more attention to intros and remember this classic from Overkill which will surely rate high on my list if I decide to make one. This song is from their classic self-titled album released in 1991. If you have never indulged in Overkill, I highly recommend this album. Enjoy the nice ominous intro and the rest of the song.
Mini Review: Mortal Form; Grimmortal; Dark Moor; Bakken; Circle of Unexisted
The Reckoning is the forthcoming album from Dutch quintet Mortal Form. The thrash/death inspired band brewed a concoction of brutal riffs, killer double-bass, and vicious vocals. Reminiscent of Death, Kreator, and In Flames; Mortal Form can carry a headbanging harmony, incorporate melodic solos, and also be completely and utterly evil. The Reckoning is about 40 minutes of ferocity with a great deal of appeal to fans of Thrash and Death metal. The entire album is an uncompromising blitz of 10 songs surely to encourage sore necks and broken furniture. It’s nice to see something come out of The Netherlands that isn’t coated with symphonic keyboards and female vocals…not that those bands are a bad thing at all.
Album Review: Kobra and the Lotus – Kobra and the Lotus
Named in part after lead singer Kobra Paige, Kobra and the Lotus create a classic style of metal in the vein of Dio and Iron Maiden with a slight touch of power metal thrown into the mix. I also hear influences from other Canadian bands such as Into Eternity and Annihilator. Her unique vocal style is powerful and after having seen them at Download 2012, she definitely has the chops both in the recording booth and on stage. After their short lead-off performance that year on the second stage I was anxious to pick the album up, but it did not surface on iTunes until now. And sorry to say, I was just too lazy to actually find a place that sells CDs that would probably carry Kobra and the Lotus. Oh shit, there’s this thing called the Internet. I have no excuse! So, without further delay, here are my thoughts on their self-titled sophomore effort…finally.
Mini Reviews: Sinocence; Code of Silence; Godyva; Forlorn Path
Since I started doing reviews, I have come to know Northern Ireland as a nation that spawns quality hardcore acts. Sinocence, however, is more your straightforward Thrash metal band. Their five track album, No Gods, No Masters Vol 1, is a refreshing set of Metallica and Machine Head influenced melodies. On their softer side, throw in a bit of Disturbed and Staind influences and you have a well-balanced album of both hard-hitting and harmonious tempos. Even for just five songs, the album is just under 35 minutes and its strength relies on heavy riffing, artistic guitar solos, and inspired song composition. Overall, No Gods, No Masters Vol 1 kept my attention from beginning to end with Occams Razors being my favorite; also the longest song at over 8 minutes. It’s a strong sophomore album for the Belfast band surely to garner attention on other islands and continents.
Album Review: Godsized – Time
For fans of ZZ Top, Down, Clutch, and Led Zeppelin-styled bands, Godsized should be right up your alley. They employ catchy hooks, clean vocals, and a distinct Southern groove that was instantly likable on their previous EP, Brothers in Arms. It’s a little ironic since they not even from the Southern US; but based out of London, England. After that pivotal release, they have been relentlessly touring; carving out a niche of their own, and growing a following of die-hard fans. Fast-forward a few years (to now) and their long-awaited debut full-length album, Time, is out worldwide. Did they improve upon what they already accomplished? Here are my thoughts on the new album and the band’s progression.
