FORGED IN FLAME - EP - 2008

Forged In Flame aren't re-inventing the wheel here, just maybe doing a few modifications. Granted, 4 songs only gives you a taste of a band, but from what I've sampled, here's a few things I've learned. They are a very solid and tight band, it's hard to believe they're just getting started, they sound like a band with years of chemistry. Next, the production was awesome, the Ante Up Studios and whoever else was involved deserve some credit. Now, as I mentioned eariler, this isn't ground-breaking, but as far as the heavy end of the Stoner Rock genre goes, they aren't afraid to implement some things like a more "Thrash" guitar sound and a cleaner guitar tone. If you want some comparisons, Black Label Society, Down and Corrosion Of Conformity come to mind. Overall, I think they have a strong future at least within the Metal Genre, with the ever-changing landscape of mainstream music it's hard to say if they'll achieve that type of success, but then again, I don't think thats what these guys are after.
THE GUESTZ - 'Not For Money, Just For Glory" - EP

Italy's "The Guestz" probably say it best with the title of this EP, "Not For Money, Just For Glory". They're playing a fun party-rock style of rock that reminds one of the 80's glory days. In other words, they don't seem to give a shit about the current rock trends and the serious nature of most of today's mainstream bands. There is some hope for them with the current success of Australia's "Airbourne" however. They have obvious AC/DC influences and they're young and energetic so who knows! Frontman Mimmo God has a definate Bon Scott style. He does sings with a noticably strong accent that will mostly likely dissapear a bit with time. Overall the band is quite good, they know how to rock and have some fun. They need to work on the choruses a bit more as they're the type of band that will live and die by big hooks. I feel they are really onto something here, this is a very promising start.