Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Stalker
Title
Zero Zone
Type
LP/EP
Company
Independent
YOR
2003
Style
Power
1/30/2004 - Review by: Anthony Burke
Stalker Zero Zone 2003 Independent Demo Release - Reviewed by IcedMojo

Track Listing
1. My Mission
2. Zero Zone
3. Higher Price
4. I Will Fight Again
I was recently introduced to a demo by a group from Rio named Stalker. Unsure of what I was getting into, I gave “Zero Zone” a listen. Damn, this is just a demo? Other than the obvious production limitations of a self produced album, it is hard to believe these guys haven’t been together long.

In order to fully grasp the album, (as the entire demo has a common theme through out) I have to explain what the zero zone is. Actually, I think Vasconcellos Davis (Guitar) can better explain it: “Ok, about zero zone, its where, in the space, stays a new planet. A planet that represent hope for mankind, where we could start everything from the beginning but doing it right...”

While this is their first attempt with the current line up, Andres Andrade-Drums, Vasconcellos Davis-Guitar, James Galvão-Vocals, Thiago Mourão-Bass, Zero Zone marks Stalker’s third release. (Years of Death in 1996 and Lost Kingdom in 1997 are the first two).

The entire sound is one that reminds me of Steel Prophet, around the time of their start (Dark Hallucinations). Zero Zone is as unique a sound as I heard in a long time. Starting with the space theme, “My Mission” begins the journey of space and glorious guitar work. Continuing with the theme, this song really focuses on their keyboardist. But wait, they do not have one. That fact did not stop these guys from using samples and doing it great. What else can I say about Stalker, pure driven melodic power from start to end. Steel Prophet’s exploding sound and vocal workings wrapped in a different package. By the time the fourth song came on, which really blows you away with a pure adrenaline rush and well rounded melodies. My only thought was, damn, is this it?

Recently I was told all “power metal” was sounding the same. Stalker puts that cliché to bed. With a calculated powerful sound (ALA Steel Prophet) and melodies that send you to Zero Zone, they bring a style of their own. Watch out for these guys, they will blow you away too, and make a huge splash on the metal scene soon. Just on the songwriting and musicianship (not production, as I said, it is a demo), I would rate the album as a 9/10. They have all the talent needed but I feel as if they can take it a step further. A small detail is missing and oddly enough, I can’t put my finger on it.

--IcedMojo 01.30.04
  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    N/A :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: STALKER
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
Zero Zone
2003
Independent
Anthony Burke1/30/2004
-

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: STALKER
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE
André AndradeAnthony Burke2/6/2004


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