Blind Illusion – Wrath of The Gods (Hammerheart Records)

 

Blind Illusion was one of the most unique bands from the Bay Area.  They always had this cool rock element in their music, and their take on metal always stood apart from the rest.  This new album fully supports the above-mentioned claims.

Wrath of The Gods is a very heavy record, well written, with plenty of catchy hooks.  The music takes you on a journey here.  It’s a mix of heavy metal with rock mysticism, incredibly original approach.  After the repeated listens the album continues to surprise with its textures and arrangements.  Each song is crafted with a lot of thought and understanding of music in general.  If Blind Illusion appealed to you back in 1988, then that appeal should be even stronger now.

Guitarist/vocalist, Mark Biedermann, is the only returning member from the line-up that produced The Sane Asylum back in 1988.  Joining him are Doug Piercy on guitar, Andy Galeon on drums, and Tom Gears on bass.  This is a very solid line up, made of veterans of the San Francisco scene.  The performances are very strong, and Piercy’s lead work is truly impeccable.  Biedermann’s guitar and vocals still define Blind Illusion's sound, and his presence is very strong, but it’s great to feel the positive influence of the other band members.  This is a very tight unit of talented players.

The album has a great feel, at times sounds very mysterious, but with definite clarity.  The songs beam with strength and heaviness, and the record is a great listen all the way through.  Wrath of The Gods proves that Blind Illusion was always the engine that powered the great Bay Area metal scene.

Mark Kadzielawa

Munition – Visions (self-release)

 

Munition is a brand-new heavy metal band from Chicago, and Visions is their debut release.  It’s an excellent record, and feels more like 2nd or 3rd record.  There is a strong a sense of experience here, even though these players are relatively young.  Well, they are definitely on the right path.  The goods are delivered!

Visions is a well written and produced album.  It charges with electricity from beginning to the end.  The songs are catchy, and flowing.  Instrumentally, these guys are just absolutely perfect in every way possible.  Very tight rhythm section consisting of Dal Dash and Jorey Guillermo.  Those two players lay the ground for Casey Tremont and George Sizos to perform their riff and lead magic.  Vocalist, Syl Smith, is an absolutely brilliant singer, he takes Munition to another level.  It’s a great team effort here, every player on this album appears to be in the right place and essential to the overall magic.

Munition has a great traditional heavy metal sound with tasty dynamics, and bursting melody lines.  One may wonder how kids so young understand this genre so well, but they do, so let’s just enjoy the music.  The songs Visions come out at the listener with sheer force, and as soon as the record is done, you want to press play again!  The more you listen to this album the more hooks jump out at you. The lead work is also very impressive.  There is a lot of emotion and feel coming from both guitar players.

Visions concludes with Judas Priest cover of Dreamer/Deceiver, which is a very challenging song musically and vocally.  Munition delivers true gold here, and shows they are capable of great things.  Syl Smith's soaring vocal delivery in incredible.  He will shine for many years to come.

Visions is a great starting point for Munition.  The album is very solid, and displays a lot of potential for even greater things to come.  Chicago can certainly be proud!!!

Mark Kadzielawa