Evil United - "Evil United" CD

Texan metal maniacs Evil United summon the ghosts of classic thrash with their self-titled debut. "Dawn Of Armageddon" reminds of Iron Maiden or Megadeth, as vocalist Jason McMaster's fearsome falsetto is pure NWOBHM. All the while, the band lay out a rumbling assault that isn't so much innovative or brutal as it is disciplined and unflinchingly adept at classic metal affectations. I get some Slayer in there somewhere, too, which isn't a bad thing, necessarily. "Speak" is another standout, bringing out some more atonal assaults ala Pantera or Treponem Pal. Well-defined and reverent, Evil United have the chops and the sound. (MVD Audio)

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Patrick O'Hearn - "Transitions" CD

With an impressive resume behind him (he was in Frank Zappa's band, among others), O'Hearn has quietly crafted a gorgeously subtle album of quietly introspective songs that skirt the lines between ambient and new age. "Transitions" consists of 9 mostly electronic instrumentals, based around emotive melodies and simple motifs. Don't expect any sort of bombast or cinematic drama here, as tracks like "Patterns" are brilliantly low-key, playing with sub-melodies and fragile minimalist structures. If you find Brian Eno too cold and detached, O'Hearn's "Transitions" would make an ample replacement, with plenty of mesmerizing, lilting atmospheres. Brilliant! (Patrick O'Hearn Music)