Author: Crix

Max Navarro- Somewhere South Of Heaven

The Italo-Canadian Max Navarro has released his 4th album “Somewhere South Of Heaven” last March via AW Recordings.
This is the first work after the changes in the line up and with the new label, produced by Nick Mayer and Max Navarro it’s recorded and mixed by Nico Odorico at Angel’s Wings Studios.
The album has a typical american rock sound with a lot of catchy melodies, the voice is particular, a bit hoarse and fits perfectly with the sounds of guitars.
The first single released is “Nine Flares”; a scream introduces a catchy sound, the guitar solo is really good and the refrain stays on head. The Italo-Canadian rocker said about it:”We were undecided between “Nine Flares” and “Sick Sentimental Plans” as opening single, it was a tough choice. At the end we opted for the first, but not to throw good moral messages. Now all teach to live, I’m not going to put me in line to be another who wants to do the usual priest that preaches against the use of drugs. The only interest is in telling the true story of a boy, one of many who don’t have it done. ”
“Sick Sentimental Plans” is the second single and from it has been released also a video-clip.
With only 1:35 of duration “Saturday Night” is an easy listening song in which the guitar becomes virtuous.
Ready for bang your head at the rhythm of “Stay”? With ridden rhythm and catchy melody this track takes your soul into the rock.
A ballad ends the album, “Bad Day” gets inside you to the bones and the passional guitar solo makes it a perfect song.
If I have to image me driving a car during the summer, “Somewhere South Of heaven” is the perfect soundtrack, with its harmonies, rhythms and clear sounds nothing could be better.

Stam1na- Elokuutio

Stam1na is one of the most successful band in Finland, in 20 years of carrer they have achieved almost everything a rock band can achieve in this country. Each of their seven albums have sold gold and the band has played hundreds of mostly sold out shows all over the country.
Their last album named “Elokuutio” has been released on March 18th via Sakara Records, the frontman Antti “Hyrde” Hyyrynen describes the album’s theme as the “digital hell of the unreligious”, It was produced by Janne Joutsenniemi and mixed by Jens Bogren (Opeth, Katatonia, Soilwork, , Moonspell, Kreator, Devin Townsend, Dark Tranquillity, Paradise Lost, Amon Amarth, Symphony X and Sepultura).
Elokuutio stands for eloquence but can also be translated as living cube.
The track that opens the album is “Ikoneklasmia”, which means ‘iconoclasm’, its sound is pretty progressive and the whole song is particular.
A perfect mix between the first and present Stam1na’s style is the song from which the album is named “Elokuutio”, very good studied and elaborate.
“Pienet vihreät miehet” is a typical Stam1na’s song, the sound is an explosion of pure energy, the guitar solo is wonderful.
The first single released is “Kuudet raamit”,which means ‘Six Frames’,from which it was produced a 360 music video directed by Tuomas Petsalo. A speed track with rhythmic changes used impeccably, the refain is pretty chatcy but still badass.
The last song of the album is “Valhe” which begins with an instrumental “triumphant” intro ,the voice is more clean and soft, the instruments are used more virtuously and the keyboards are superbe.
Stam1na did a great work with this album, the band is going on its way in the change experimenting sonority and techniques and album by album their music becomes more solid.
“Elokuutio” is an excellent product, if you still don’t know Stam1na, it’s the time to check out their music starting from this album.