Eminor's Blog

You're coming under RAPID FIRE

Eminor — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 23:25:00 GMT

If you haven't already, you'll soon start seeing some shorter reviews in a feature we're calling "Rapid Fire." Relax, the idea isn't to take short cuts on the reviews we're doing. Instead, we're trying to offer MORE content to you, even if it means that the review process is abbreviated for some albums. That means both shorter reviews as well as fewer spins before putting pen to paper. Truth is, we're receiving infinitely more albums than we can cover, and we hate to leave so many albums un-reviewed, especially as we regularly get emails from bands and labels asking for updates on their reviews. This way, we'll be offering all the great content we already do, plus another handful of quick takes that will give you the skinny on bands, and whether you should pursue them on your own. Hope you like this new content. As always, don't be afraid to tell us what you like, and what you don't. But more, of what you like, if you please...

New Metal Review and Metal Blade Records Contest!

Eminor — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:13:00 GMT

We're excited to announce another great contest! Metal Review and Metal Blade have teamed up to offer a bunch of brand new Metal Blade titles! ONE winner will receive the entire set of the following:

Amon Amarth - Once Sent From the Golden Hall (2 Disc Reissue)

Razor of Occam - Homage to the Martyrs

Into the Moat - The Campaign

Believer - Gabriel

PLUS an autogprahed tour poster from THE OCEAN.

The SECOND PLACE winner will receive the Amon Amarth and Razor of Occam albums, along with the poster.

To enter, you need to have a minimum of 1000 forum points, and simply post in this thread. If you're low on points, don't worry, you'll have time to rack some up by the time of the drawing. We're excited to be able to offer our readers such a fantastic contest and thank Metal Blade for the prizes. Now get posting, and best of luck!

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The winners have been drawn.

Congratulations to Stoned to Death (first prize) and TunedtotheDevil (second prize)! Well done, fellas. Send me your addresses and good stuff will land on your front porches. Thanks to Metal Blade for sponsoring this great contest, and to the rest of you for entering, and for helping make Metal Review the best metal source on the net.

New Metal Review and Vendlus Records Contest!

Eminor — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:06:00 GMT

Metal Review and Vendlus Records have teamed up to offer this killer set of Vendlus titles! Each of FIVE winners will receive a set of the following albums:

Grayceon - This Grand Show

Klabautamann - Our Journey Through the Woods

Execration - Syndicate of Lethargy

Valborg - Glorification of Pain

Additionally, each winner will receive a Vendlus Records sampler.

Check the reviews, folks, and you'll see that the first three albums have been reviewed and are highly regarded. You won't find a review for Valborg, because the damn thing won't even see the light of day until February of 2009. Hear it here first!

To enter, you need to have a minimum of 1000 forum points, and simply post in this thread. If you're low on points, don't worry, you'll have time to rack some up by the time of the drawing. We're excited to be able to offer our readers such a fantastic contest and thank Vendlus records for the prizes. Now get posting, and best of luck!

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12/12/08

Congratulations to the winners!

Wharwulf

The Metal Mallet

Paecht

Rocco

Zach

Please send me a PM or email with your address.

Better luck next time to the rest of you. Thanks for being a part of the Metal Review community, and don't worry, there will be more great contests to come. We'd also like to thank Vendlus for their generous sponsorship of this contest.

Write for Metal Review

Eminor — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 22:17:00 GMT

Love metal? Want to write for the best metal site on the net? Metal Review is always interested in finding more talented, creative, passionate and dedicated writers. There is no shortage of metalheads that want to write reviews (just check Metal-Archives), but there IS a real shortage of people who CAN write (again, check Metal-Archives, or any other site with fan reviews). Prior experience is nice, but in no way a prerequisite. And although Metal Review is only interested in the best of the best, we recognize that all reviewers grow and improve with experience.

Here’s what we need:

People with a history with metal. While there’s no magic number for years spent as a listener to underground metal, fans only a year or two in don’t yet have the history, perspective, and context to give the critical reviews for which Metal Review is known.

People with broad tastes. We expect writers to have a strong knowledge of multiple genres, and have at least one or two in which they can specialize. Not knowing/liking a genre or two is just fine. Just don’t sign up for those albums and all parties will be happy.

Students of metal. We’re very, very wary of anyone who tries to pass themselves off as an "expert." Metal contains so many genres, bands, and albums–both well known and otherwise–that no one knows all there is to know. A strong admiration and respect for the depth, breadth, and history of metal is essential. A broadband connection and a large hard drive does not a metal expert make. We want writers who acknowledge that there’s always more to learn and love.

Commitment. Writers are required to meet minimum monthly quotas. The current expectation is a minimum of FOUR reviews a month. We also want people willing to make a long term commitment. One year would be an absolute minimum. Life busy? Got school, marriage, job stuff on the horizon? Maybe now’s not the time for you. Metal Review requires several hours each and every week. And to clarify, these are volunteer positions. What you DO get is the chance to hear some great music (and a lot of not so great music, too), an opportunity to express your ideas and creativity, a chance to make friends, and have a hell of a lot of fun.

What we don’t need:

Elitists. Wanting to turn others on to great music is one thing--looking down your nose at everyone whose cd collection doesn’t mirror yours is something else. We want guys that will give everyone involved their due–other writers, readers, bands, and labels.

Agendas. Similar to above–we’re not looking for people wanting a platform to finally expose the world to the merits of Bulgarian forest metal, or to rid the world of (insert today’s trendy metal here).

Laziness. If you won’t work shoulder to shoulder with us to continue to improve Metal Review, then we’re not interested.

Still interested? Here’s how to apply:

Compose three sample reviews of any albums of your choosing. The reviews should be a similar length to the average Metal Review review (between two-thirds of a page and a page and a half), and use our scoring system. It works best if you show us some variety. Don’t review three albums in the same genre or that you love/hate. Show us how you handle an album you like versus one you don’t. The team will review your work and if we’re interested, we’ll contact you to learn a little more about you and your tastes.

Send your reviews and/or questions to mattm(removethis)@metalreview.com with the following subject line: "METAL REVIEW APPLICATION". Without that subject line your email will not be read.

Most of us started as regular readers just like you. We’re no different than you are--don’t be intimidated to throw your hat in the ring. We look forward to hearing from you, and as always, thank you for your support of Metal Review.