Frantic Bleep has quite an accomplished musicianship for such a young band (most members are only in their early 20's). Their music can be described as dark progressive metal with just a slight hint of industrial metal. The experimentalism in this album may appeal to the gray area music genre fans alike, but an open mind may make this band's music well accepted unconditionally by any music genre fans. Fans of experimental metal will love this however. If you loved bands that have been released on Elitist Records (an Earache Records division which is operated by Lee Barret, former owner of the dominating Candlelight Records) you will love Frantic Bleep. Elitist Records is actually the band's European label so go figure. Arcturus, Type O Negative, and Amorphis fans should definitely take note.

I have been following this band ever since they were just starting out. This is a very powerful female-fronted melodic metal band. Their use of electronic drums and synths could appeal to industrial and gothic fans as well. The vocal is very Evanescence-like and the music as well only it is faster and heavier and more metal than just hard rock. The double-bass drum attacks reminded me of prime Manowar without the cheese. Guitarist Nazareth Sando was a former member of Fallen Empire. The members of Of Infinity are quite an accomplished individuals. Most have had musical experience in the past and most have music-industry interests and or are getting an education for it. The singing talent of Alessandra Zinicola sure will get this band noticed by the major labels if not a bigger indie record company. Of Infinity will go to the top as soon as they are handled by the right people. I can't wait to hear more!

Todesbonden is a trio based in Maryland and consists of a female singer named Laurie Ann Haus. Prior to the formation of this band, the members of Todesbonden had been in various music projects and bands, most notably the now defunct Rain Fell Within. Laurie Ann Haus can also be heard singing in bands such as Ephemeral Sun and Autumn Tears. Todesbonden's music can be described as celtic-influenced doom metal. A slight gothic and folk music influences in some parts of the songs as well. With only 4 songs in this EP, this release has the most interesting sounds I've heard in years. The singing is very emotional and at times reminded me of Enya's earlier works. The music has an Enigma feel to it except it is doomy metal. Todesbonden is full of gifted musicians and an amazing singer. The band is pure talent no wonder they just got picked up by Germany's Prophecy Productions. "Stormbringer" is going to sell quick so be sure to pick up a copy now while it's still available.

This U.S. duo's third and latest CD, Illuminate, is a very strong EBM/darkwave release that is also firmly rooted in Euro-dance. Most of the tracks are hard-hitting anthems with female vocals attractively and subtly woven in. The title track, "Illuminate," stands out the most. The last number is an interesting "medley" remix by cyberDJ of "Conflict," from Azoic's eponymous 2003 release on Nilaihah Records (the original mix is included on this disc as well, for some reason). "Ever" makes for a timely change-up midway through the CD. Its sinuous, sexy drum pattern is a welcome respite from the relentless club tempo of the first five tracks. It's my favorite moment on the disc--you can imagine stepping into a strip club for one song, before returning to the dance club.... For you '80s throwbacks, track number 8 is a nicely done cover of "Obsession" by Animotion, and as far as the overall flow is concerned it is an excellent choice.

Singer Kristy Venrick never strays beyond the bounds of good sense in her delivery, and at times makes tasteful use of the vocorder. Her lyrics display many personal themes--desire, obsession, devotion, loss of love and many emotions in between. Musically, Steve Laskarides's programming is fiercely competent, and the production is appropriately tight and professional.

Illuminate is full of good, solid, no-nonsense dance grooves that would mix well in any club setting (and no doubt already has, by this time). I'd say that if The Azoic can one day transcend the genres that this new CD pays homage to, they could be unstoppable. The otherwise excellent CD insert design could have used a little proofreading in the liner notes and lyric sheet.... Nonetheless, it amounts to a terrific dancefloor wallop to the ears, and is a must-have if you are already a fan. And your iTunes will love it, too.

REFLECTIONS OF RAGE is the The Last Dance return after the unfortunate death of drummer Ivan Dominguez, which happened on their tour in Belgium in 2002. The new album of The Last Dance includes three new tracks plus old remixed tracks, mainly from the "Whispers in rage" album. These tracks are remixed by artists like L'Ame Immortelle, Corvus Corax , Manuscript ,CyrusRex (Skinny Puppy) and many more. The versions included in this album are more danceable than usual, they're great fun and they show the good quality of the band's music after many years of activity, also. The Corvus Corax remix is fantastic and the other tracks are more than good. Only L'ame Immortelle mix is a bit undertone. The cd includes multimedia content and it also links to a web site with additional remixes...