This band stands as the landmark of Heavy Metal in Cyprus. DIPHTHERIA - whose name and existence I do identify since their early days, somewhere in the mid-90s - remind me a lot of what the ’80s Heavy Metal bands’ case in my homeland, Greece. Five members, two guitars, no keyboards and music straight from the not-only-MAIDEN classic Metal heroes of our youth. And, most of all: Metal from the heart with endless spirit and endless metallic faith.

This is the sixth album that comes after the very good "When Times Turn Red" CD that has been on the stores since late 2005. The band became known from their METALLICA-like sound, having as a spearhead the voice of Matthias Zimmer who sounds pretty much like Hetfield. If you are not familiar to the band then you should not be mistaken by the METALLICA influences because I can assure you that it is not a copycat situation. In fact they have worked their way (and still they do) in every album to create a more personal sound.

Greek Heavy Metal bands are here and that is a fact. Bands like SEPTIC FLESH, ROTTING CHRIST, BATTLEROAR etc are making their way through the dark Metal paths with mainly European success. AIRGED L’AMH are kickin’ asses since the early 90’s with reliable Celtic Epic Thrash Metal mentality, from their first demo "Vertigo Edda Arised" (later became "One Eye God", with two bonus tracks) to "Silver Arm", which came out in 2004 and made AIRGED L’AMH one of the heaviest Greek bands while they were building their name with a European tour with BATTLEROAR.

This can as well be the finest of the latest Cruz Del Sur spring 2008 releases. American traditional Heavy Metal warriors PHARAOH have - I think - surpassed their previous effort "The Longest Night"’s quality, by delivering a fine blend of pure heavymetallic storm by the name of "Be Gone". If you cry out you do not listen to neat Metal nowadays, you have no excuse towards this CD. Act fast and preserve your 80s metal-inspired ideals; you’ve been warned.

This interview is one of the reasons that I became an editor for Metal Temple. You get the chance to meet people who are part of the Heavy Metal history and I think you agree with me that Chuck Billy is definitely a whole chapter with TESTAMENT. Before I leave to read the interview let me tell you this; Chuck was calm and nice to talk to and had nothing to do with the beast he turns into when he is on-stage!

Just a few days before Dimitris K reviewed the new TIAMAT album "Amanethes" and I had the opportunity to talk with the main man behind the band Johan Edlund and had a nice conversation about the band, internet and football. You can read the most essential parts of that talk right bellow. See you on tour Johan.

Lineup: MEGADETH / IN FLAMES / CHILDREN OF BODOM / JOB FOR A COWBOY / HIGH ON FIRE

Lineup: PAIN / IN UTERO CANNIBALISM