Immolation have always been a band to buck death metal conventions. Rather than resorting to all out blasts to convey a sense of brutality, Immolation rely upon totally unconventional song structures; that is, within what is usually classified as brutal death metal, to give their music a feeling of spiraling, uncontrolled chaos. Immolation have adopted this unique approach to death metal, and have honed their craft to near perfection on Majesty and Decay.

First off, the musicianship from Immolation is absolutely stellar, with precise riffing delivered by guitarist, and band co-founder, Rob Vigna and veteran second guitarist Bill Taylor, who has now been with the band for nearly ten years. Adding further to the quality of the musicianship is the unconventional drumming of Steve Shalaty, a percussionist whose precision greatly enhances the feeling of spiraling chaos.

Read the complete Immolation - Majesty and Decay Review

(CD cover courtesy Nuclear Blast Records)

The latest release from Finntroll is Nifelvind, their fifth full-length and first since signing to Century Media Records. The Finnish folksters will be supporting the CD with a U.S. tour in April, and are currently on the road in Europe. I'm not sure if the bus fumes got to him, if the questions were answered after a long night of partying, or if he's just an aspiring comedian, but guitarist Skrymer's responses are definitely interesting, very creative and sometimes downright bizarre.

Chad Bowar: How has the band's sound evolved from Ur Jordens Djup to Nifelvind?
Skrymer: Obviously we´ve joined a flying circus somewhere in time, whilst wearing pointy ears. Otherwise, we've gone more (screwed) up. More everything, and then some, you see. We, as an organism tend to spread and evolve.

Was your songwriting or recording process any different than usual?
Apart from the usual fighting, fast food and craploads of video games, it didn´t change at all. No one could remember his parts at the studio, mixing was done with beer cans and the spirit of Tom Waits was omnipresent. Also, John Balance spoke to us via a broken transistor radio every now and then. Groovy!

Read the complete Finntroll Interview
Finntroll - Nifelvind Review

(photo courtesy Century Media Records)

1994 was a really good year for heavy metal. It saw the rise of Norwegian black metal along with the continued success of American groups like Pantera and Megadeth. The Norwegians have a strong presence on this year's list, including the top three spots. CDs that just missed making the list include Cradle Of Filth, Enslaved and Slayer. Here's my choice for the best heavy metal releases of 1994. What do you think were the best metal CDs of 1994? Post your comments below.

Best Heavy Metal Albums Of 1994

Here are my other lists of the Best Heavy Metal CDs of the 1990s:

• Best Heavy Metal Albums Of 1990
• Best Heavy Metal Albums Of 1991
• Best Heavy Metal Albums Of 1992
• Best Heavy Metal Albums Of 1993
• Best Heavy Metal Albums Of 1995
• Best Heavy Metal Albums Of 1996
• Best Heavy Metal Albums Of 1997
• Best Heavy Metal Albums Of 1998
• Best Heavy Metal Albums Of 1999

The British power metal band Dragonforce is searching for a new lead singer after the departure of vocalist ZP Theart. The band issued the following statement:

"It is with great regret that Dragonforce announce a parting of the ways with singer ZP Theart. This is due to insurmountable differences of musical opinion, but the rest of the band sincerely wishes ZP great success with his future projects."

While the band members have begun writing their fifth album, they have also started a worldwide search for a new vocalist. "We are looking for a powerful, melodic singer to write a new chapter of Dragonforce with us." said guitarist Herman Li.

If you'd like to try out to be Dragonforce's next singer, application instructions can be found at the band's official web site.

(photo courtesy Roadrunner Records)