Reviews

Scardust

Souls

(Frontiers Records)

Let’s face it; amid the countless variations of the classic Heavy Metal format, Symphonic Progressive Metal has remained a constant, d-ominant force since originating–arguably, at least–via the ‘avant-garde’ Celtic Frost proto-classics To Mega Therion (1985) and Into The Pandemonium (1987). Ultimately becoming personified via the once-unthinkable incorporation of cellos, violins and, to a lesser extent, backing choirs, it grew in popularity throughout Europe as groups from Finland (Nightwish), Netherlands (Epica) and Sweden (Therion) solidified their increasingly intricate tonalities. Among the most underrated of such artists is Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel-based (!) masterminds Scardust. Emerging via their debut EP Shadow (2015) and the M-Theory Audio-issued Strangers (2020), they soon earned a reputation as a creative force not to be ignored. Accordingly, with the release of their Frontiers Records debut Souls now officially upon us, the gr-oup finally appears destined to harness the worldwide recognitions (critical, commercial, and otherwise) they have so rightfully earned.

Interviews

Firehouse

(Bill Leverty)

When Dangerous Toys unleashed their self-titled debut in 1989, the future of the Austin, Texas-born group appeared impossibly bright. Led by the oft-charismatic Watch Tower frontman Jason McMaster, they were initially fueled by the singles “Teas’n, Pleas’n”, “Scared” a-nd “Sport’n A Woody”. The release of the Roy Thomas Baker-Produced Hellacious Acres in 1991 (a take on the Bad Company classic “F–eel Like Makin’ Love” remains a highlight) only further entrenched them within the public consciousness. Boldly forging ahead with add-itional ‘projects’ (i.e., Broken Teeth, Gahdzilla Motor Company and Ignitor, to name only a few) in the post-MTV/Headbanger’s Ball eras, only further solidifies his already iron-clad reputation. Recently, the ever-charismatic McMaster, always a man of many words and inter-esting stories, was kind enough to speak with us regarding, among other things, the group’s latest, and quite possibly greatest, Classic Metal ‘accomplishment’ Horns And Hammers (2024). It’s the proverbial trip down memory lane that’s fun, funny and doesn’t disappoint.

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