Justin Hulford

I'm a music writer, editor and reviewer. Come in and see what I have done - and feel free to ask me to contribute to your own project, or to offer an item for review. And if you want to subscribe then the link below (orange button) should help you do that! Or just follow me on Tumblr Subscribe in a reader My work can also be found at The Rocktologist, Through The Wire Music and Antichrist Magazine (all online) and Powerplay Magazine and The Trip (print magazines)

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Artist: Windom Edge Album: Perspective Views Label: Freia Music Genre: Progressive Rock Apparently this is only available on vinyl so a digitally received copy for review seems a bit of a tricky fit. But perhaps indicative of the limited niche market for the album. I'm sure that's a really cool idea, but limits this too much. Further reading suggests it will emerge next year on CD. It starts with "The Dream", an eleven minute piece. Soft atmospheres emerge before a near spoken vocal comes in, feeling like the start of a rock opera. Guitars emerge, then a choral backing vocal, and then the prog starts. They keep it restrained and it's just a burst, classic style neo-prog vibes all the way. That opener is the type of prog that is actually quite predictable, and there really are no surprises as it ticks off plenty of genre cliches. It's nice but not spectacular, too much space seemingly given over to the story in the lyrics. I think my main issue is that it seems to have so much pent up energy that never really gets delivered. The vocal is full of strength but is endlessly pedestrian in style, and it feels like no-one is ever going to dare to cut loose. Yes it's sophisticated but it's frustrating too. I want to like this more as I can sense the raw skill and a certain energy. But it just doesn't package that up in a way I want. 13/20

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Artist: Alberto Rigoni Album: Odd Times Label: Sliptrick Records Genre: Progressive Rock The opening title track starts off simply but the various ideas soon get added in. The sound is a little stark, the parts very individual. It feels like a mildly controlled jam and craves a vocal to take it somewhere, anywhere. Instead the parts get their moments to mildly shine. It threatens to be interesting but falls short, too much funky noodling jostling with other strong individuals, rather than coming together as a composite piece. And it's way too long for such a meander. As this five track continues there is no disputing the skill of individuals, but it's the overall arrangement and how it all comes together that falls short. At times the parts are irksome and too proggy, and there is not enough sense of actual composition. I like the darker moods that kick off "Countdown" but they linger without going anywhere before yielding to keys. "Crazy Horse" then lives up to its name and loses control too often, but then has a killer solo section, before disappearing up its own idea. And that's how it plays out, moments and passages of excellent ideas that don't develop or else outstay their welcome. The end result is too indistinct and sprawling. 11/20

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Artist: Paralydium Album: World's Beyond Label: Frontiers Genre: Progressive Metal The opener is an intro and has occasional layers to some deliciously pompous symphonic metal parts, but is also quite close to being a TV intro. Real opener "Within The Sphere" then arrives, a driven piece that has it all going on. The vocal is strong but feels like it has even more to give. I'm also not sure it's fully committed to being progressive, given the repeated structure. There is a great musical diversion to set up the solo, but otherwise it's more like a powerful take on melodic metal. The styles are varied as this continues with a cleaner, safer sound on tracks like "Synergy", before it then gets into a wilder groove, through to the bonkers mix that makes up a track such as "Finding The Paragon". This is all very assured, regardless of any specifics. The music really bounds along with lots of lilting parts floating away in the background to enhance the layers. The vocal is confident and full of interest, and the end result risks being truly excellent. 19/20

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Artist: House Of Lords Album: New World New Eyes Label: Frontiers Genre: Melodic Rock There's a clean, honest swagger to the polished rock from the start of the opener and title track. It's a good song, and sets the tone. But it's not especially exciting. A few Zeppelin styled licks don't really help this sound that original. This is the sort of stuff you expect as a safe opener for the likes of Whitesnake. It would have the fans nodding their heads as they deliver it all in an accomplished way. But for me it's all just a little forgettable. And, as well as not sticking in my head, it's really a bit samey. The second, once a tortuous keyboard start is out of the way, just sounds like the first too much. Occasionally, especially in the intros, they throw in more, and there are one or two proper rockers, but overall there is no mistaking which band and album is playing. Assured, polished and confident, this is fill really. I doubt much would even make an extra track for a bigger name and whilst I had a few smiles as I listened, I wouldn't go back for more. 14/20

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Artist: Joost Maglev Album: Unleaded Blood Plus Label: Independent Genre: Metal Apparently this is all old material that never got released. I think a remix has been thrown in but otherwise it's written from an older perspective. Given the opener is immediately quirk laden, that's not really an issue. It reminds me, in its odd approach, of elements of Serj Tankien's solo material. Opener "Artemis" is certainly "out there", if a little lengthy. There's a truly funked up attitude to the whole thing, the tracks bouncy, the vocal a little alternative, and the arrangements allowed to do as they please. But in terms of delivery this does have a lot going for it. The parts are crisp and well managed, coming together very well. I do think a few ideas linger just a tad too long, but overall the songs are varied, individually interesting pieces. Track after track certainly provided food for thought and I think it will take multiple listens to truly unravel the whole thing. If you like your rock sporadically heavy and a little alternative, then this is worth exploring. 18/20

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Artist: Magnus Karlsson's Free Fall Album: We Are The Night Label: Frontiers Genre: Melodic Power Metal Keys twinkle in the distance like some sort of odd fairground carousel, before bold symphonic sounds of an orchestra get fully rocked. The riffs are heavy and pounding as they slowly punctuate, before the track launches. "Hold Your Fire", unlike its name, doesn't really hold back at all. The song is a little lighter and slower than I was then expecting, but it's a full on affair none the less. The rhythms do pound, the vocal has a few layers of gravel. I would just prefer to hear the guitars a lot more. It's like they were in the next door room at times. It's a strong opener but somehow misses being excellent. That's a lot to say just one track in. As the album progresses they push a few big hair boundaries. There are flirtations with full power but a hand of restraint. There's something electric about the arrangements as tonnes of atmosphere is built then delivered. Quite simply this is epic without being stupidly over the top. They hold back at sensible moments and then truly nail it when needed. That excellence accumulates as the whole thing develops. So expect all that Swedish power gives you but then add in some proper control. That's the melodic metal aspect coming in and the end result is a resounding success. 19/20

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Artist: Dreamspy Album: My Halo Of Obsession Label: Inverse Records Genre: Dark Atmospheric Rock A gentle fade in is followed by a mildly distorted guitar as the ensemble then comes to life. There's a nicely upbeat vibe to it all but it lacks too much of the dark atmosphere the notes suggest. Instead it's very mature adult rock, full of mood if no more. As this continues it sounds like the percussion is a mix of real and machine. I don't understand why and the sound feels very false at times, and a little empty. Again, little evidence of any atmosphere and it just doesn't make sense. Thankfully there is maturity in the vocal that more or less carries the whole thing. The music is at times decent, at others empty and wanting. There's too much soft synthing going on and the drum issues are a problem for my ears. So it's a bit of a mixed bag. There are elements that are excellent, and the arrangements are often very strong, reminiscent of some electronica rock leading lights. But at the same time it often feels false and that really is a shame. A full band with some strutting atitude, and this could be excellent. 14/20

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Artist: 5th Machine Album: Back In Time Label: Lions Pride Music Genre: Melodic Rock A title track kicks things off with an old style train whistle and then the sound of a train chuntering away. The riffs are quite rough and edgy, before they slip into a chunking train styled sound. The vocal is decent but the arrangement is a bit safe. You can see the keyboard and guitar solos approaching from a mile away. This settles into a very cautious groove. The songs are all fine but they are a little too predictable, even if they do manage occasional variety between each other. I really do feel like I'm back in time and this all risks being too much of an homage and less of its own thing. There's nothing that really excites and it becomes melodic rock by numbers all too fast. This is a very crowded genre and this doesn't stand out in anyway. The songs are all okay but lack any sort of bite to make me go back for more and, frankly, I've heard this all before, and often better. 8/20

[justinhulford]

Artist: Peculiar Three Album: Leap Of Faith Label: Independent Genre: Progressive Metal Opener "Perpetual" is a funky affair, but the sound is very rough. That doesn't assist the vocal that really needs all the help it can get. The drums sound tinny, the whole a bit flabby and disjointed. And the backing vocals sound irksome. For a genre that requires polish this is very messy indeed. It totally detracts from what actually might be quite decent. Although I'm not convinced that the first song is that great or especially progressive. As it continues it is just stuffed with flaws. Vocal parts are missed, guitars are oddly muffled and the percussion seems to get out of sync with itself, let alone the rest of the band. There is little to recommend. One track, "Inkblot", has an occasionally interesting vocal structure but is then weighed down by a simple musical arrangement. And that's the highlight. 4/20

[justinhulford]

Artist: Cryosphere Album: Constellations Label: Sliptrick Records Genre: Melodic Alternative Metal Opener "Into Decay" feels like we've arrived mid song, but there are some nice layers to the sound as a mildly eerie female vocal floats over the heavy riffage. They throw pretty much everything at it, with lead and rhythm guitars, a pounding rhythm section, aggressive countering growls and some haunting keys. And yet it never really goes anywhere, and stays as a song with potential. The next starts a little screamo, and is as shallow as you would fear. The female voice thankfully comes in quickly but her delivery isn't a patch on the opener. It's a messy affair and indicative of this being a smattering of ideas with little substance. They bounce amongst a few styles, in the intros at least, and instead of pleasant variety it all feels like it's a tad haphazard. Are they trying too hard? This all lacks individual identity, probably not helped by a few doing so much. Individual musicians would probably resist some of the over fussy elements and give tracks some proper shape. Unfortunately this all sprawls without ever really getting anywhere. 10/20

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Artist: Room Experience Album: Another Time And Place Label: Art Of Melody Music Genre: Melodic Metal Some bold lead breaks kick this off and it's very upbeat. Seconds in the vocal arrives and it feels a bit at odds with the music, as if it was all caught by surprise. Fortunately it does seem to settle into its groove. The opener is a little mixed though. Eurovision pop rock vibes pervade things but the constant lead guitar parts have some edge. It really isn't helped by a load of repetition in the lyrics, capped off by an irksome fade. Just end the song! The next sees keys start it off, before vaguely launching into something very predictable. The mild excitement of the better parts of the opener have gone, and this is safe AOR territory. As this continues I can't help feel it is just a bit cosy. They flirt with some edgier ideas but it ends up half-hearted time and again. I'd rather they actually went for it a few more times. It just ends up being okay, and little more. 12/20

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Artist: Zwaremachine Album: Be A Light Label: Sliptrick Records Genre: Industrial Metal Distorted electronics start off the overlong intro, the sounds all very synthetic and generally irritating. The real first track is a pedestrian affair, vocals barely more than spoken. The distorted sounds remain and it is a dull piece. It feels like an idea with no substance. A few songs in some mid pace finally appears but it still doesn't deliver much. Drums are the machine type, the electronics are just on repeat, and the vocals never clean. For all I know there is something decent in here but if there is, it's incredibly well hidden. And I don't really want to look. It's like a few other artists but with all the passion and joy removed. Voiceovers are over used and the music is just too simple. 2/20

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Artist: Kristoffer Gildenlow Album: Homebound Label: New Joke Music Genre: Acoustic Rock Shallow breaths of air and mournful strings signal the intro, before a drift into real opener "Holy Ground". Acoustic guitar mixes with swirling sounds and a mellow if haunting vocal. Then it builds, threatening something heavy, before returning to the softer style. It's clever at times but a bit too long in the one style. As this plays out it is full of plenty of yearning introspection. It's clever, sophisticated, stylish and, sadly, a little samey. There is no denying the individual strength of the tracks but as a whole it too quickly feels like a parade. Whilst the songs have a lot of individual appeal, when listened to as a whole there are holes, the ensemble lacking bite. All the parts are good, often very, but for me never quite tip over to excellence. On one track that is fine and the end result very good. When stacked up as a group, it unravels. The repeated chorus of "I Cried Today" sums up how I feel. This is too stripped back and needs some dazzle. The false crescendo of the opener is the highlight, the rest peters out. 13/20

[justinhulford]

Artist: Paradise Lost Album: Obsidian Label: Nuclear Blast Genre: Gothic Metal Opener "Darker Thoughts" is a swirling gothic death doom affair, the guitars super cool and the atmospheres layered aplenty. Vocals swing from complex clean parts to menacing growls, and it's stuffed with mood. The miserable vocal tone continues superbly into the next, a hint of indie synth pop amidst all the heaviness. It's an intriguing and challenging starting pair. As the album continues I am reminded of Sisters Of Mercy, The Mission and the darker corners of Depeche Mode, all underpinned by more bite with darker guitars and loads of grim mood. After an opening three track salvo of high quality the songs are a little varied after that. There are some great moments, some tracks stark and cold feeling, others swirling with epic gothic tones. "Ending Days" shines, a building surge of solos dominating matters. Laced with miserable mood this is a yearning yet energised album, full of highs. 18/20

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Artist: Astral Sleep Album: Astral Doom Musick Label: Saarni Records Genre: Doom Metal It's an album and it's just four tracks. Opener "Vril" is a moody affair, the first riffs fairly cool if a little predictable for the darker end of doom. A whining lead gives way to full riffage and after more than four minutes slow dark growls come in, leaving me wishing they'd just left it as instrumental. The song feels stretched, every part seeming too long rather than there being any sense of progression. The next does much the same, if just a little more upbeat. The formula of very long intro continues although thankfully the vocal is cleaner and genuinely yearning. But again it feels like all the ideas are played and this is long just because it can be. There are very few ideas on show. Rather each track has a premise on repeat and that's only okay up to a point. The riffs just go on and on, the music ending up like a wall of similarity. Any moods or actual ideas are truly obscured. About half way thorugh this album I really was quite bored and disturbed at the prospect of a second play. It's like super sticky treacle, and is bloated full of itself. 6/20

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Artist: Witchcraft Album: Black Metal Label: Nuclear Blast Genre: Acoustic Doom Metal Opener "Elegantly Expressed Depression" is as melancholic as you might imagine from the title. It's a little dark and generally mournful, the plucks slightly distorted and the vocal yearning. There isn't much else, if anything at all. At five and a half minutes it's long for acoustic, especially when the mood is a tad low. They then remove what little pace there was on the next, a miserable affair that has all the same rawness without any pleasure whatsoever. The opener suddenly begins to shine as this continues, the tone depressing, the tempo incredibly slow and the end result a bit empty. Yes, this is deep and meaningful, but I don't know if I want to know the meaning. It's just a little too self-indulgent, supported by the almost live feel. In the end it's just a little too torturous to be enjoyed. The style is all too similar, the opener aside, and the approach feels very samey. Once you've heard one, you've pretty much nailed it. 11/20

[justinhulford]

Artist: Lesoir Album: Mosaic Label: Glassville Records Genre: Alt Rock The opening title track is quite a way from anything alt, with a mellow sound and a chirpy female vocal. It's quite nice but lacks any sort of grit until about two thirds of the way through when it goes a bit harder. It's a messy conjunction. The next is a quirky affair but comes over as a succession of poorly thought out ideas. There's no flow to the song and it lurches from place to place. Sadly that rapidly becomes a theme with mini passages of a whole host of ideas, styles and flourishes coming together and not really amounting to much. The inonsistency is irritating and you never quite know where you're going to be next - and not in a good way. It's entirely possibly this is actually genius and I'm missing something. But I don't think so. The thoughts are disparate and it's just a bit too messy to ever settle on one good idea. 10/20