Year : 2015
Style : Power Metal , Heavy Metal
Country : United States
Audio : 320 kbps + scans + Video
Size : 151 mb
Info:
Axemaster was formed in 1985 by lead guitarist Joe Sims and Drummer Brian Henderson. The project and music has stood the test of time and remains strong after over 25 years.With the band's original lineup (also including vocalist/bassist Christopher Michael) they recorded their first 4 releases: "Slave to the Blade" (demo EP cassette), "Blessing in the Skies" (full length album), "The Vision" (shaped pictured disc single), and "Crusades" (shaped picture disc single), the last 3 being released by Azra International Records. They were also featured on Azra Record's compilation shaped picture record "Metalgon" and in the comedy/horror movie "Killer Nerd".Several lineup changes followed as the band recorded their next 2 releases: "Death Before Dishonor" (full length cassette, European-only release) and "5 Demons (Imperative is their Demise)" (self-released EP cassette). Joe Sims was the only original member to remain and play on every release. After this the band altered their musical direction and changed the name to The Awakening. That group did 1 CD before breaking up in 1995.Four years later, Unisound Records {Greece} re-issued selected songs from 4 of the band’s releases (as well as 3 songs by The Awakening) on a 15 track CD titled "Axemaster & The Awakening, 1985-1995". In 2002 Unisound re-released "Death Before Dishonor" (as well as some unreleased material) on CD. The success of these discs proved that Axemaster's music was still in demand years after their breakup.In 2006 the band's original lineup re-united and in 2007 re-released "Blessing in the Skies" on disc through Burning Star Records {Greece}. It includes the album in its entirety as well as 3 bonus tracks and a video for the song "Slave to the Blade". The reunion was short-lived however, as Christopher Michael did not remain with the band. The remaining members moved on to do a CD project with a different singer under the name Inner Terror.In 2010, Sims and Henderson decided to re-start the Axemaster project and produce a new full length CD. While Sims finished writing the material and began recording demos, they added vocalist (and future rhythm guitarist) Geoff McGraw and bassist Jim Curtis to complete the lineup. Afterwhich, recording and production of the new disc became top priority. The new songs have a thrashy edge along with a dark, doom metal feel; somewhat similar to the style of the band's last 2 releases of new material, but also with an original sound. The new material certainly stands alone!The first official release of material that featured the newly formed lineup was an appearance on a compilation CD which was produced by the German magazine "That's Metal". The band temporarily interrupted work on the album in order to quickly record a song especially for the compilation, a track Joe Sims had originally written in the 80's. Released in April 2013, the CD and song have proven to be valuable in spreading Axemaster's name in advance of the new album being finished and released.In the summer of 2014, the band, along with new drummer Denny Archer, signed a worldwide record & publishing deal with Pure Steel Records from Germany and increased their work level on the album (which Joe Sims produced and mastered). The production is now complete and the masters sent to the label along with excellent cover artwork. The album should be released in the spring of 2015.
Album:
The banner AXEMASTER still might be familiar to many genre-lovers. In 1987 (“Blessing In The Skies”, Azra Records!) and 1990 (“Death Before Dishonor”), the Power Metal group from Ohio have released two very underrated, cult albums.After 25 years, the guys are back with “Overture To Madness”; released through Pure Steel Records. Old trademarks, known from the band for decades, also will be presented. Nevertheless, the band has arrived in the brave new world, but they still deliver their old passion without any compromises. On all twelve tracks partly aggressive, classical Metal is joining forces with a modern, bright, but also authentic production. Some Thrash influences and the rough, deeper vocals of the new, talented front man Geoff McGraw also fit perfect to the whole concept.AXEMASTER are lords of the American underground; and “Overture To Madness” shows it up perfectly!
Line-Up:
Joe Sims Guitars (1985-1995, 2006-2009, 2011-present) - See also: Dream or Nightmare, ex-Inner Terror, ex-Reign, ex-The Awakening, ex-Latem
Jim Curtis Bass (2011-present) - See also: ex-Inner Terror
Geoff McGraw Vocals (2013-present)
Denny Archer Drums (2014-present) - See also: ex-Reign
Tracklist:
1. Entering Madness
2. Sanity's Requiem
3. Forsaken
4. Dream or Nightmare
5. Thirty Pieces of Silver
6. Crimson Haze
7. Peeling Skin
8. Sinister
9. Statute of Liberty
10. Ashes
11. Chylde
12. Dark Souls
13. Epic
+ Video 'Sanity's Requiem' (Official Video)
Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/
