by Mark E. Waterbury

Voivod - Voivod
Chophouse Records

Veteran metal band Voivod have welcomed former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted and original vocalist Snake into the mix with perennial members Away on the drums and Piggy on guitar. The additions strengthen what has always been a strong band, and their self-titled thirteenth album is brimming with the Voivod signatures of straight ahead heavy rock flavored with tastes of psychedelia, progressive and punk. Blazing hot songs include the gutsy edge on "Gasmask Revival ", the incendiary drive of "Facing Up" and the thrashy "Rebel Robot." Snake, Piggy, Away and Jasonic (as Newsted is now known) are all veterans of producing musical power, and they bring it together here like a meeting of squall lines: you just know it is going to result in something extreme. The power IS extreme on this album, and it is still the same no-BS, in-your-face metal that Voivod is known for. And if having an ex-Metallica player in the band can help bring them to the forefront, then so be it; for this is a hardworking, hard-rocking talented band that deserves further recognition. URL: www.voivod.com

Cathedral - The VIIth Coming
Spitfire Records - SPT 13144-2

One of the reasons that Cathedral is one of the survivors of the mid-90's doom metal scene is because they put more into their music than just noise and power. There is plenty of noise and power on "The VIIth Coming", but the intricacies of progressive rock are found even in brutally hard songs like "Phoenix Rising" and "Aphrodite's Winter." Lee Dorian's vocal cords continue to loosen their growl more evident on earlier recordings. But this is a plus because he has always had a powerful voice, and his versatility adds a further edge to the songs. Granted, the lyrics tend to be fairly morose and there is a ton of molten guitar power here, but Cathedral has proven that they have a firm grip on the leash of this rabid form of metal they have perfected over the years. URL: www.spitfirerecords.com

7 Rivers - Path of Fire
7R7088

New Hampshire rock trio 7 Rivers gives a big sound to their music, which takes roots prog rock in the vein of Moody Blues or King Crimson and marries it with styles you would think would not work in that direction. The vocals do sound a lot like Justin Hayward, but on the lead track they are matched with guitar work more tilted towards Dickie Betts. "Aeroplane" has a psychedelic Beatles flavor while "Halloween" has a heartland feel to its chorus. The vocals are ambiently intense and the instrumentation is stellar, keeping the music both intelligent and edgy. URL: www.7-rivers.com E-mail: mikegroov@yahoo.com

William Topley - Feasting with Panthers
Lost Highway - 088 170 241-2

William Topley comes from the British Isles, but has a good grip on musical styles on the other side of the big pond. His unique vocals which sound like Joe Cocker on Gregg Allman and are the focal point of this, his fourth album. The instrumental vehicles for his voice are quite good, from the heartfelt rock of "Back to Believing" to the bayou blues of "Magnolia" and the reggae-tinged "Excuses." In spite of the varied music styles, William's potent voice holds it together with a gruff emotive quality and intelligent but unpretentious lyrics that prove this is a man of deep talent and fervor. URL: www.williamtopley.com E-mail: rey.roldan@umusic.com

Bill Wright Band - BWB 3
BWBCD03

Yes, this is the third album by Denver's Bill Wright Band, and it smacks of a veteran rock and roll band. Music that feels rooted in the heartland, with little touches of funk, blues and country make for good, solid rock and roll that still has a fresh perspective. Dirty sax blowing enhances the burbling rock of "How Long I've Begged" while "Tommy's Goin Bowlin'" has a guitar powered funk vibe. "Lover Girl" has a kind of retro road rock feel. Gutsy vocals, driving rhythms and wicked guitar licks help give the music a serious energy, allowing you to just rock out and enjoy the well-crafted tunes. URL: www.billwrightband.com E-mail: carl@billwrightband.com

Head of Lies - Clay and Needles

Portland, Oregon's Head of Lies takes root grunge, alt rock and groove metal, and weaves it into a creation that has fierce power but an ambient pop feel. Listen to the balance of guitar explosions, rap-like vocals and melodic chorus on lead track "This Crown" and you get a good grip on what's happening. Hearing influences ranging from Hed(pe) to Tad and Fuel, Head of Lies uses those seeds to grow a unique musical machine that can reach a range of people from college kids to hard-boiled metal lovers. Very strong songs with an obvious approach at unique songwriting. URL: www.mp3.com/headoflies E-mail: headoflies@hotmail.com

Otep - Sevas Tra
Capitol Records - 7087 6 16925 2 5

It may be tough to reach further in the dark corners of your soul then Otep does with her first full length album. This lady's twisted preaching explodes at you with a tornadic force, driven by grinding metal of the Pantera/early Sepultura vein. Otep's vocals are powerful and quite legible, even on the rapid fire venom spitting "Battle Ready," although the tracks are augmented both with growling vocal ejaculations and tortured emotive pleadings. Women in rock tend to wear their emotions on their sleeves. Otep rips it from her chest and rams it down your throat in a fashion that metal heads are going to go nuts over. URL: www.otep.com E-mail: Bobbie.Gale@capitolrecords.com

Ingram Hill - Until Now
Traveler Records - TR1269-2

Memphis' Ingram Hill takes a crossroads approach with their edgy fat-hooked rock that has a singer/songwriter backdrop and inflections of R&B and blues. This could be what the Black Crowes would sound like if they went a bit more alt rock. The crunchy lead track "Will I Ever Make it Home" showcases the mournful emotive vocals of Justin Moore, who along with Phil Bogard provides the power guitar jolt. Bassist Shea Sowell and drummer Matt Chamless kick in solid rhythms. Songs like ÔThe Day Your Luck Runs Out" and "Your Smiling Face" are real gems. URL: www.ingramhillmusic.com E-mail: info@hooplapr.com

The Temps - Soon We'll Be Gone
Wild Warthaug Records - 620122-2

The lead track "How Do You Love" off the debut from this SoCal outfit is a bit Stones, a bit Stooges, with a gritty vocal edge and surprising background harmonies jolted by a power guitar drive. This helps to set the overall vibe for the rest of the CD that toes a nice midground of punk and straight ahead rock. Songs like the rollicking "Gofer Dreams", the hooky sax laced "Lil' Devil" and the blues punk "Raw Sugar" show that these guys respect their roots, but have the talent and passion to twist them in unique and enjoyable ways. URL: www.CDBaby.com E-mail: thetempsarehere@yahoo.com

Bulleon - The Look
BCD2-12002

England's Bulleon has a feel for some of the roots of American country, folk and rock, giving the music a nice dimension with subtleties of Celtic and Irish flavors. The lively opening track "Long Long Way" with its sweet vocal melodies and pop country lilt are followed by the bluesy "Cheatin' Man" and the emotive ballad "You Were the One." Pam Hampton and Lesley Bullen's stellar vocal work to the nod of early Tanya Tucker adds spice to the honky-tonk fueled instrumental work of the two ladies as well as Steve Hampton and Pete Smith, providing music that rivals many of their peers in the States. URL: www.bulleon.co.uk E-mail: bulleon@bulleon.co.uk