(review) El Mapache – Stay At Home e.p.

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El Mapache are melodic punk/pop punk band from Fredrikstad, Norway and this is their new e.p. containing five songs. When I think of Norway I usually first think of black metal, but Norway also has great hardcore and punk scene with Anti-Lam Front, Agenda and many others coming to mind right away. I am so happy that I listened to another awesome band from Norway. The music of El Mapache can be described as melodic punk rock, mid tempo and energetic with some pop punk influences in the song structures. Vocals are really nice, epic melodies and superb backing vocal harmonies. But, to me these guys sound a lot like Misfits. Not lyrically, but musically. Opening and closing guitar of the title song reminded me of Astro Zombies by Misfits. Also Tiny Blue reminded me a lot of newer Jerry Only fronted Misfits, especially in vocals department. To be clear, this is not a bad thing, this is good thing. I really don´t mean that El Mapache copied someone, quite the contrary, songs are strong and well written and I love this release, I am really looking forward to the full length in the future. My personal favorite that I listened to over and over again is Don´t Quit Your Dayjob with such nice lyrics and melody, that made me smile with joy. Passion is the song that picks just that, passion and punk rock energy, love, scene and fantastic songwriting. Madness closes the release in nice way, this song also reminds me of Misfits, but hey maybe that is only me and my weird brain. Anyway, great record, go listen and support!

(review) Down By Law – LONELY TOWN

Down By Law are back with their brand new studio full length album. I remember when I first heard of these guys as a teenage kid growing up in the nineties. I read the review of their record and their interview in one Italian fanzine which was done by a guy from Croatia who lived in Rome back then, zine was called Zips N Chains. Dave Smalley is a living legend of hardcore punk scene with all his bands he made music with. On this record we get 13 songs like we are used to from DBL, being melodic, heartfelt punk rock done from the hardcore hearts of this punk veterans. Hard to believe, but Dave´s voice is even better now than ever. I love the songs, reminding me of the bands I have listened to a lot when I was younger, and still do. Songs like Lonely Town, Steal The Night and Heroes And Zeroes are personal favorites of mine, but the record as a whole is one feelgood punk record that brings back smile on your face in these still no gigs and festivals uncertain times for our scene. Much respect to Dave and rest of the guys, another memorable fantastic record.

(review) WARRIOR PATH – The Mad King (Symmetric Records)

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Hah it has been a long time since I listened to some quality epic metal, which makes me pump my fist in the air and fills my old warrior´s heart with pride and valor reminding me why I love this kind of metal so much. Warrior Path are epic/power metal band from Greece led by guitarist Andreas Sinanoglou and featuring mighty Bob Katsionis of Firewind fame and Daniel Heiman of Lost Horizon on vocals. This album contains ten songs with It Has Begun being instrumental intro. What to say? I am awed by this album, being perfect example how quality warrior epic metal is made. Daniel´s vocals are better than ever and songwriting is fantastic with fantastic choruses just made for singing along live and pumping your horns and fists in the air. Guitar work is impeccable with so many great solos, melodies, hooks and riffs. Atmospheric parts in the songs only add to the drama and tell this fantasy story of war, betrayal, madness, loyalty and vengeance. My personal favorites are the title song, Avenger and Neverending Path. This is a superb record for all of you who love your metal melodic, energetic and epic!

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