Upon listening to the initial riffs of “Road to the Ground”, you might think that My Eyes Inside are just playing more of that aggro-thrash metal that is in vogue these days, but then comes a quieter and atmospheric section that adds a post-metal element to the proceedings, making them sound like a bastard offspring between someone like Lamb of God and Isis. I confess I was a bit confused by their diverse and ambitious sonority, not entirely sure of which style or genre would My Eyes Inside fit in the most.
The entire album from this Portuguese act is characterised by this continuous shift between violent/calm sections, which is the modus operandi of numerous of artsy post-metal bands influenced by Neurosis and Isis, so that’s a way of looking at them. However, there are a couple of nuances spread throughout “Anatomy of Ties” that prevents them from being labelled as another NeurIsis act. There’s a strong progressive element entrenched in their sound with a series of complex riffs and clean guitar bits that reminds me of Opeth on some occasions. The dynamic vocalizations divided between growls and clean vocals also reflect an influence from the Swedes, but don’t always work in their favour. I’m not sure who does the cookie monster growls, but they sound terribly forced and uncharacteristic, however the clean voice of Andre Cordeiro shows some promise and could easily develop into one of the greatest aspects of My Eyes Inside if he could imbue more strength and confidence into his performance.
There aren't any songs on here that particularly stand out, but there are several moments that make me think this band is onto something. I believe there’s promise in My Eyes Inside, they just need to gain more maturity and finesse in the arrangements. (5.5/10)

David Alexandre

Band info: www.myspace.com/myeyesinside

I’ve first seen this interview from 1989 with David Vincent from Morbid Angel done by a Swiss fellow on an Invisible Oranges post a while back, and man that was simply hilarious and I almost laughed myself to death with such stupid questions. Who in their right mind would have ever thought of asking Morbid Angel’s frontman their thoughts on lemon pies, microwaves ovens and the Goo Goo Dolls? Admirably, Vincent never looses his composure and answers every question politely when others would have simply laugh at that journalist’s face and ask him if he’s serious or just taking the piss.
I was curious to find out if other moments like that ever happened to other bands, so I’ve questioned a few of them on what was the dumbest question they ever been asked in an interview.

“I guess there's at least one dumb question in every interview haha! Yes one time I had to answer to an e-mail interview. I think the guy didn't know Mumakil at all, or he never listened to our music…
One of his questions was “I really like the atmospheres and ambience in your music, can you explain us how you can deliver such emotion through it?”
I mean... Maaaaan come on, what is this question??!! haha!!”

Sebastien Schacher/Mumakil

“You have used Greek language in your last album...Are you nationalist????????
Yes I have heard this!”

Sakis Tolis/Rotting Christ

“Would be quite a cliché to answer "this one", wouldn't it? Heh ... well, I don't know about "dumbest", but I've indeed got many amusing questions due to bad language skills. Sometimes you wonder if they simply run it through some free online translation tool. It's quite common you get a "statement" rather than a "question" which makes you quite uncertain on what to say...”

Patrik Lingren/Thyrfing

“I don't actually recall any especially dumb questions. My answers are usually dumber, haha. One question got me bit offended though, but I think there might have been some language- issues there too, how they were putting out the question. Anyway, question was about fans and how we kind of "select and approve" ours. I mean wtf? If you get your kicks out of Ghost Brigade, that's everything and enough to me. At that particular second I was that offended that I politely refused to answer, haha.”

Tommi/Ghost Brigade

“I have probably been asked a lot of stupid questions during interviews, but I tend to forget them afterwards. I don’t want to spend energy on remembering negative things, especially such un-important things a weird question. I’m pretty sure that no harm is meant by asking a question, even if it might be slightly stupid, so I feel there is no reason for getting angry about it.”

Jørgen Munkeby/Shining (NOR)

"Are you djent?" A new fashion term that means nothing for me and seems to represent a certain style of music.”

Franck Quintin/Eryn Non Dae

Demonica is an intercontinental all-star group formed by Mercyful Fate guitarist Hank Shermann along with his close friend vocalist and long-time journalist Klaus Hyr, and featuring Mark Hernandez (drums) and Craig Locicero (guitar), both from Forbidden and former Corruption bassist Marc Grabowski.
With such impressive casting we should know what to expect: some blistering and brilliantly executed thrash metal. Across ten tracks, Demonica creates a powerful thrash assault that blends the old-school vibe of the Bay Area scene with a more modern approach. While so many thrash metal bands nowadays want to produce albums that come across like a lazy rehash of an old-school sound, it’s refreshing to witness that Demonica don’t adhere to that retro trend, and please note that these guys wouldn’t have to try too hard to sound like that ‘cause they’re old-school, since “Demonstrous” doesn’t sound dated or passé and could rival with any modern day production within the thrash metal camp.
It also remains true to most of the thrash metal traditions with plenty of fast and damn scorching guitar riffs. Opening track “Demon Class” starts off in full power with a memorable and intense riff and some impressive drumming.
Almost every song features a great guitar hook that will embed itself deep into your brain with the force of a jackhammer. Experienced guitarists like Hank Shermann and Craig Locicero certainly understand the importance of a good hook, and they reveal an exceptional skill to counter-balance all the aggression and intensity of their riffs with an irresistible catchiness.
Although vocalist Klaus has the feeblest curriculum vitae from all the five musicians comprising Demonica, he’s definitely one of the greatest assets of the band with a strong and dynamic voice that ranges from a shrieked and shouted style not too far removed from Tom Araya to a more laid-back and groovy performance.
All in all, “Demonstrous” is a good album but not a great one since there is a couple of stagnant tracks that hinders its impact and prevents the record from being a truly essential purchase, yet it’s definitely recommended for fans of the genre and way better than Shermann’s previous project Virus7. (7.2/10)

David Alexandre

Band info: www.demonica.net
Label info: www.massacre-records.com