Skip to main content

ALBUM OF THE WEEK- RUBICON- DEMONSTAR

 


Heavy Metal band Rubicon recently released their sophomore album Demonstar via Rock City Music Label on July 16th. The band, hailing from Krasnoyarsk, Russia was formed in the 2000s by vocalist Ivan Bulankov. Following much personnel changes, Rubicon has steadfastly built a fanbase throughout Russia, including a lucrative spot opening for Catharsis. 

Demonstar features 11 tracks of progressive dark power metal, recorded and mixed at KIV Records in Moscow by Dmitri Korolev and bassist Dmitri "Belf" Safronov.

The self-titled track "Demonstar" opens with a thunderous rollercoaster of speedy guitars, pounding drums and soaring melodies ala Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden. Each song gathers influences from Sci-Fi and Fantasy films, as well as mythical tales. "Neon Gladiators" is one such song based on the Tron franchise. A truly turbocharged effort with fist-pumping riffs and hair-raising solos that will leave your head in a spin. The album continues to evolve with a real feel of an old school 80's metal. Bassist Safranov does an exemplary job with string arrangments and getting the best out of Rubicon's individual skills.

An example is the dark and punishing "Speed Of The Night". An acoustic intro builds into another punishing onslaught of muscular riffs and dazzling keys from Katerina Pobedinskaya adding a fragile tone to Bulankov's towering melodies, and at times, menacing vocals. "Snake King" is full of devious dissonant chords and an aggressive sound that acts as a preemptive strike.

Other highlights include the desolate melodies of "Robot God", the ominous "I, Immortal" and finally, Pobedinskaya shows her versatility as a keyboard player with the anthemic "Line of Dreams"

Words by Anselm Anderson

TRACKLISTING

1. Demonstar
2. Neon Gladiators
3. Last Floor Of Hell
4. Down The Darkness
5. Speed Of Night
6. Snake King
7. If It Bleeds
8. The Darkness Maсhine
9. Robot God
10. I, Immortal
11. Line Of Dreams

𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐮𝐩 :
Ivan "Ian" Bulankov – Vocals
Dmitry "Belf" Safronov – Bass, arrangements
Katerina Pobedinskaya – Keys
Bob Saliba – Lead & Acoustic Guitars

𝐅𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 :
Session musicians & guests :

Dmitry "KIV" Korolev – rhythm guitars, solo in "Line Of Dreams"
Richard Fisher - main guitar solo on 1.
Vladislava Sahanevich - additional vocals in "Snake King"
Xenia Vaulina - epigraph voice in "If It Bleeds"
Humanoid Lambothrondth – drums

SOCIAL MEDIA




"Demonstar"

"Last Floor Of Hell"










Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Single Review: Allan James- Our dreams

Words were written by Anselm Anderson for Rambling Man's Reviews Allan James  is a much-accomplished singer-songwriter, based in Northern Virginia, USA James is a self-taught musician, who began playing guitar and singing songs aged 8 and by the time he reached his early teens, James had started to record and perform his original music for school, dances, and charities. James returned to the US following a successful stint as host of his own guitar TV show in Iceland, whilst living over there. Allan James achieved critical acclaim following the release of his debut single on local radio stations, as well as releasing  6 albums to date. James has always been at the forefront of utilizing technologies and using the internet to build a fanbase.  He now returns with " Our Dreams", the latest single off his forthcoming new album. A beautifully structured track that captures the soul with its succinct guitar play and poetic lyrics. The track conjures feelings of serenity...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: Stereophobia- Choke on This

Photo Credit: Eclipse Records   Words written by Anselm Anderson Last week, Stereophobia released their highly anticipated sophomore album, Choke on This , through Eclipse Records. This album follows their 2023 debut, No One Cares, and features a straightforward blend of alt-rock and grunge influences. Stereophobia is a power trio based in Lisbon, Portugal, consisting of guitarist and vocalist Mike Rocha, drummer Daniel Antunes, and bassist Bruno Santos. Produced by Miguel Camillo and mixed, mastered and recorded alongside Stereophobia at MC Studios. Choke on This consists of thirteen tracks filled with musically unsettling tones, angst-driven lyrics, and sonically enriching riffs that cut deep. Photo Credit: Rodrigo Vargas The album opens with an unsettling monologue that transitions into the intense cries of 'Maggots', which combines frenetic riffs and frenzied harsh vocals, propelling this album into a dramatic surge of grunge. The album maintains a grunge essence, echoing ...
Post a Comment
Read more

EP Review: Virtue in Vain-Nothing is All I Am

  CoverArtwork Courtesy of San Pr Words Written by Anselm Anderson Today marks the final chapter of an emphatic trilogy by British Metalcore Heavyweights , Virtue in Vain . Nothing is All I Am ' is the third instalment exploring human emotions and psyche.  The trio began their journey in 2015 with their debut EP,  For All You Know is the Mask I Wore ,  focusing on the loss of identity, before 2019's   Dusk//Dawn looking at the consequences of a terrible night out, whilst 'Nothing is All I Am ' focuses on rebuilding a fractured mind. The trio of lead vocalist Hywel Thomas, guitarist Mason Williams, and drummer Daniel Bryant hail from South Wales deliver another dose of metalcore that hits like a sledgehammer to the head. The band replicates what many other British bands of the genre do, but they bring a story behind their music. Their emotional cries blend with powerful riffs and down-tuned instrumentals that resonate long after the music has stopped. Their...
Post a Comment
Read more