CD Review: Shadows Fall “Fire From the Sky”

Shadows Fall
“Fire From the Sky”
Razor & Tie
Producer: Adam Dutkiewicz
Tracks: 10

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Fire From the Sky” is the 7th release from Massachusetts metalers Shadows Falls. The album is the follow up to the bands 2009 release titled “Retribution”. “Fire From the Sky” is being released via Razor & Tie and features 10 new tracks that were produced by Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz.

Having followed Shadows Falls since the late 90’s it was great to hear that the band would be putting out a new album as the bands last release was in 2009. It goes without saying that I was quite anxious to dive in to the new material. The songs feature some really great playing and a heightened intensity however I really couldn’t find anything else that really grabbed me. In my opinion the song structures were very similar to those hear on the bands last 3. Producer Adam D. did a great job getting the most out of the songs and the albums intensity proves that. I really felt that a majority of the riffs on this album were a bit stock. There were a few tracks that did rise above the other on the album. “Divide and Conquer” was just a sheer metal track while the album’s title track “Fire From the Sky” had a brutal slugging feel to it which made you want bang your head and pump your fist

Long time Shadows Fall fans expecting something new and fresh with this release may not find what they are looking for. However if you can appreciate the album solely based on intensity and skill then you will surely want to pick up a copy of this album.

Track Listing:
1.) The Unknown
2.) Divide and Conquer
3.) Weight of the World
4.) Nothing Remains
5.) Fire From the Sky
6.) Save Your Soul
7.) Blind Faith
8.) Lost Within
9.) Walk the Edge
10.) The Wasteland

DVD Review “Fire on Conscience”

Directed by: Dante Lam
Starring: Leon Lai, Richie Jen, Wang Baoqiang, Vivian Hsu, Liu Kai-chi, Michelle Ye, Wilfred Lau
Distributed by: Vivendi Entertainment
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 105 minutes

Overall Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

This is packed with some really great no-holds barred action. I love me a good action film and director Dante Lam really delivers a good one. The fighting scenes in this film is very explosive…literally. Leon Lai known best for his film “Bodyguards and Assassins” really kick ass and takes names. The story was strong with only a small dip in the middle and a wicked strong ending. If you are a fan of John Woo-like action, this is a must for you.

The story follows Captain Manfred (Leon Lai) who is a crossroads in his life when he is assigned to the case of a lethal car accident and the death of a prostitute. He is assigned to work with Inspector Lee, in which they are complete opposites. They have to work together to get to the bottom of this case as they get swept up into the world of crime. The unlikely team finds that they have themselves dug very deep in it and need to find a way out…alive.

The special features include five great behind the scenes featurettes, which take us into the making of the action packed film. They are very interesting and totally worth watching, especially if you like the behind the scenes for an action film. There is also an international trailer included. What I like most about Vivendi Entertainment’s films is that they really support the QR scanning codes and they provide additional mobile features by scanning the code. It is really a neat feature that a lot of people are not doing yet.

“Fire of Conscience” DVD Giveaway [ENDED]

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To celebrate release of “Fire of Conscience”, Media Mikes would like to giveaway 5 copies of film on DVD. If you would like to win one of these great prizes, please leave us a comment below or send us an email and favorite foreign action movie. This giveaway will be open until Monday October 31th at Noon, Eastern Time and is only open to residents of the United States. Only one entry per person, per household; all other entries will be considered invalid. Once the giveaway ends, Movie Mikes will randomly pick out winners and alert the winners via email.

From Indomina Releasing and Hong Kong’s premiere action-adventure director, Dante Lam (The Beast Stalker, Beast Cops), comes the non-stop thrill ride Fire Of Conscience.  Making its world premiere at the 2011 Hong Kong film festival, the film has been widely praised by critics and fans alike for its elaborate and heart-racing action sequences, distinct character development and stunning visual imagery.  The DVD, distributed by Vivendi Entertainment, will be available on October 25, 2011, at an SRP of $19.97

SYNOPSIS

In the tradition of Hard Boiled, Infernal Affairs and Reservoir Dogs comes this hard-hitting action-thriller from director Dante Lam.  Esteemed investigator Captain Manfred (Leon Lai, Bodyguards and Assassins) is at a crossroads in life when he’s assigned to the case of a lethal car accident and the death of a prostitute.  Working with him is aggressive Inspector Kee, who is determined to rise in the fast-paced world of Hong Kong law enforcement.  Opposites in every way, Manfred finds himself in the unexpected position of defending his partner when he’s linked to the crimes, and he’s soon swept up into a shadowy world of dirty politics, graphic murders and dangerous secrets.  Co-starring Vivian Hsu and Michelle Ye, it’s a daring and explosive entry into the “Asia noirs” genre with a no-holds-barred fight to the finish that will take your breath away.

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES

*               Five Original Featurettes

*               International Trailer

*               Aspect ratio: 16×9 2.35 Widescreen Version

*               Sound: Cantonese 5.1 Dolby Digital

*               Subtitles: English

CD Review: Girl on Fire “Revenge EP”

Girl on Fire
“Revenge EP”
Hollywood Waste
Producer: WiL Francis
Tracks: 5

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Girl on Fire are a 4 piece Alt/Rock band hailing from the Seattle, WA area. The band consisting of Austin Held- Vocal, Mick McMahan- Guitar, Josh Mouser- Bass and Harry MacDonald- Drums bring a fresh new approach to the Alt/Rock scene with the release of the bands debut EP titled “Revenge”. “Revenge” is a blend of rock infused punk which is very reminiscent of early Linkin Park albums.

Though not really familiar with Girl on Fire prior to my listening of the “Revenge EP” I was pleasantly surprised and became a fan instantly. Tracks such as “Revenge” and “Tragic Ending” have a perfect blend of rock meets pop punk. Every song on the “Revenge EP” seemed to have a hook that instantly made your head bob along to the beat. Austin Held’s vocals are a breath of fresh air and compliment the songs perfectly.

Girl on Fire’s “Revenge EP” is pure listening goodness! My only complaint was that I wanted to hear more songs! With such a catchy and melodic approach I can’t wait to hear what Girl on Fire has in store next for its listeners.

Track Listing:
1.)    Revenge
2.)    Tragic Ending
3.)    Medicate
4.)    Secret Lies
5.)    Close Your Eyes

“The Hunger Games” Sequel, “Catching Fire”, Gets Release Date

WORLD TO CATCH FIRE NOVEMBER 22, 2013

CATCHING FIRE – FILM BASED ON SECOND BOOK IN THE HUNGER GAMES SERIES TO UNSPOOL WORLDWIDE

Santa Monica, CA, August 08, 2011– LIONSGATE® (NYSE: LGF), a leading global entertainment company, announced today that it will release CATCHING FIRE, the film adaptation of the second book in Suzanne Collins’ runaway bestselling HUNGER GAMES trilogy, on November 22, 2013. The announcement was made by Joe Drake, co-COO of Lionsgate and President of its Motion Picture Group. No further details about CATCHING FIRE have been confirmed at this stage.

Said Drake of the date, “The magical thing about the Hunger Games trilogy is that the books have such a vastly broad appeal. The stories truly offer something for everyone, and the period around the Thanksgiving weekend is such an opportunity for families and friends to make an event of going to the movies.”

THE HUNGER GAMES is currently in production and will be released on March 23, 2012. THE HUNGER GAMES is directed by Gary Ross, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. Alli Shearmur, President of Development and Production at Lionsgate, is overseeing the production on behalf of the studio. Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novel, which has over 3 million copies in print in the United States alone, is the first in a trilogy of novels which have developed a global following.