HOUSE MASTER – I PARONI DE CASA
Half the time it is not easy trying to figure out whether Venice, Italy’s House Master is serious or not. Aside from the band’s name – which sounds like something was lost in the translation, although the band insists the initials are HM and therefore justified – song titles like Der Governator or I Paroni De Casa (Venetian for I Patroni De Casa or, er, House Master) do not offer much assurance.
That being said, the band’s music is no joke. Evil Eyes kick off the disc with some ‘80s metal high screams that rule, but the song quickly establishes the five at purveyors of rough and ready thrash metal. The band’s raw delivery harkens back to old Sepultura or early Flotsam And Jetsam, but with added brutality and updated intensity. A touch of hardcore is also present as a function of the primal ferocity of this band, although plenty of complex riffing is also present. Get scribbling to oxeo@libero.it or visit www.housemasterband.it. - Anna Tergel

DEATHBRINGER – HOMO DIVISUS
Living and breathing acrid underground air Belarus band Deathbringer is true to its domain and literally so. The band’s style is as close to Death as any other band out there. As much as Death, in its later years, determines and influences Deathbringer’s sound and movements this demo shows how capably the Eastern Europeans do their thing. The songs are accomplished and professional. The rhythms as technical and tight as anything Chuck could manage. The leads are very smooth and the riffs really interesting. The vocals of Mitry Molochnikoff impressive in their own rights. With three songs lasting over 27 minutes one knows that the quintet is no slouch. In fact, were it not for the creeping Death influences this demo would be among the most incredible independent releases this year or last. Perhaps knowing this the third song on the CD, Black Pilgrim, takes a detour through Tool and Coal Chamber territory before coming back into metal territory. Oddly enough, portions of the song bear some similarity to the dominant music of the film Eyes Wide Shut. Find the band through www.myspace.com/deathbringerband or e-mail deathbringer@tut.by. - Anna Tergel

BLEED – MISS ALCOHOL
After the risqué album cover and racy image the CD’s first song Better Than You leaves one a little cold. The song is not bad, but is not as hard or crazy as anyone looking at the cover would have expected. At least, the New Jersey band has set itself up for merchandising its own line of lingerie and whiskey for the future. Better Than You with its gentle nod to White Zombie and Danzig is not the best song on the disc however. Miss Alcohol, Suffocated and Bleed are better tunes that rock harder and even include a couple of screechy guitar whams. That is more like it. The bassist sure knows how to pump his instrument as well. My fave dude in the band is the guitarist though. Look at that hair. Visit the band at myspace.com/bleed – Sheila Wes Det

LONDON AFTER MIDNIGHT – VIOLENT ACT OF BEAUTY
Not sure why we are reviewing this because this is not metal. The Metallian has sent it to me so I am at least delighted to say that our solo band/man Sean Brennan has lush long dyed hair that rocks. So does the concept. The very Marxist-Leninist artwork and lyrics take a swipe or two at America and the government taking on the system not only with a one-page manifesto, but also with song titles like Feeling Fascist?, America’s A Fucking Disease and Nothing’s Sacred. Musically, this is electronic music that only occasionally speeds up into dance or techno territory. The programmed music is focused on slower layering and digital slow-mo effect. Some added effects like real drums and flutes spice it all up on occasion. LAM is an American band but I swear Brennan sounds awfully like Rob Halford’s quieter moments especially on his industrial project or solo albums. Can you hear it?
Overall, not heavy or metal, but deep and brave. An interesting guy who can be reached via info@londonaftermidnight.com. - Sheila Wes Det