Just when you think the Death metal genre has been exhausted, Sweden' Scar Symmetry prove all wrong with the release of Pitch Black Progress.14 tracks of striking and intricate melodic death.Standout tracks "Calculate the Apocalypse", Mind Machine, Retaliator, and "Slower to the Subliminal" proves the Death metal scene is alive and well in Sweden.CCC

Formed in 1993,ANATA are considered gods amongst bands like BOLT THROWER, GODFLESH and PITCHSHIFTER.They create a unique blend of doom laden metal, with an industrial twist.Along with other newer "forward thinking" metal outfits like NILE,DISSECTION,BESEECH and BIO-MECHANICAL, ANATA are setting the new standard."Better Grieved Than Fooled,"Complete Demise", The Great Juggler, and "I Would Dream of Blood",are instant classics.CCCC

When first released as a demo in 1991,this was a favorite among tape traders.Now considered a doom classic,Leafhound has wisely re-issued this gem,which has recieved stellar reviews worldwide.The 14 minute opener "Behind the Brown Door"is quite simply punishing.Dave Depraved is without doubt amongst the elite of doom riff meisters.Veil of Blood and DeathMaster are classics right up there with anything by ST. Vitus or Trouble,repectfully.Eli Brown's vocals are a perfect match for the Depraved ones onslaught of doomage.Re-mastered at Electric Lady Studios,you would never know this was recorded more than 10 years ago.Features a crushing live track from the bands final performance.The re-mastering by Mr. Brown himself, is outstanding.Standout track;Veil of Blood.Must have. CCCCC

Another fine re-issue from Shock USA.Good old fashioned hard rock,with a hint of old school metal and punk thrown in for good measure.A few songs like "Lost more than I ever had",Simmer on a Slow Grind","Gallows Greetings" and "Insane" have riffs to die for,(nice guitar work by Brian Cardwell),and very well written songs.Raspy,growled vocals hinder at times,but fit the music perfectly.Features the Halloween/Punk anthem "Im in Love with a Vampire Girl" as a bonus track.  CCC

Another mighty gift from Sweden,The Duskfall has gone through numerous lineup changes since their formation in 1999.Once again,perserverance pays off with "Lifetime Supply Of Guilt".A mix of old school thrash,with modern sensibilities.Features "Sympathy Has Decreased, and "Going Down Screaming".CCC

They were at the forefront of the NYHC movement in the mid-eighties,and more than twenty years later,remain the undisputed leaders of the genre they helped create.Not enough can be said to truly capture the essence of an AF show at CBs,unless you were there.If you werent,you missed out big time.This is as close to the real thing as you can get.Splendid.CCCCC

Along with Einsturzende Neubauten,Cabaret Voltaire,Skinny Puppy,Whitehouse,Foetus and Coil,Laibach were pioneers of the industrial revolution.Although more song-orientated,Laibach' Kapital ranks up there with Skinny Puppy' Too Dark Park and NIN Downward Spiral.Shunned by hardcore fans as being "gasp" radio friendly,there is no denying this masterwork.Originally released in 1992,its one of the first recorded with a new process at the time known as "digital".Every track is a standout track,most notably Hymn to the Black Sun,Kinderreich,Sponsored by Mars and "gasp" the radio hit Steel Trust(Germania).Essential must have.  CCCCC

This Eno-produced CD is a return to Graceland era vintage Paul Simon.The songwriting and performances are possibly the best of Simon' carreer.Eno' innovative soundscapes are all over this recording,which include guests Steve Gadd,Herbie Hancock and Bill Frisell.Features the Oscar-nominated "Father and Daughter".Must have.CCCCC

NY Punk rock duo THE CYCLONES,Dave Wasted-Guitars and Vin Cyclone-Drums released this classic under the moniker USA Wasted in 2001.Kick ass tracks like"Flames and Fire,"Burn Manhattan,"Punk Rock Medic",and "Pig",are simply balls out NY punk rawkin at its best.A highly-spirited,sometimes hilarious attitude shines brightly here.Rumour has it this will be re-mastered and re-released soon with a couple of bonus tracks???.CYCLONEsational  CCCC

Originally released in 2000,this classic recording more than deserves a mention.SEA MONSTER have been mainstays on the NY scene for over a decade,carving themselves into folklore status along the way.Cuts like "Standing on the Edge of the Line",Gimme a Beer"Shake",Big Daddy"and Sunday Morning Coming Down",capture the party blast attitude that is SEA MONSTER.Hopefully,a new album is coming soon. CCCC

The TREMORS are high octane rockabilly bop ala THE CRAMPS.A little horror themed action is always cool.Based in Greensboro,North Carolina,Jimmy Tremor-guitar,vocals,Slim perkins-bass,and Stretch Armstrong-drums deliver super catchy tunes like "Danny Blade",Pill Popper",Call to my Reward",and Real Short Fuse".According to their press release,the band are forced to play 1950s rockabilly until this album goes gold,and then their alcohol soaked bodies can be laid to rest.Gotta love it. CCCC

MIMI FEROCIOUS' debut "250 Times Sweeter Than Sugar" is world-class pop-rock of the tallest order.Instantly enjoyable songs like "Sister Barbara",Cab Driver",Tupperwhere Sky",Jonathan",and the stellar "Chariot",bring to mind the classic songwriting of early Bangles/Blondie/Go Go's and even Eurogliders,(remember them?).Vocalist/Songwriter Stephanie St. John charters into pop music territory that hasnt been tapped into for years.Her dreamy,powerful vocals are a pure delight.Guitarist Michael Preston,bassist David Wilson and drummer David Ross back St.John with excellent musicianship,and gorgeous performances.Top it all off with a crystal clear production,and you have yourself a masterwork. CCCCC