REVIEWS DECEMBER 2023
«November | Index | January 2024»PANZERCHRIST: All Witches Shall Burn
Emanzipation Productions on Jan. 5, 2024 - Digital EP
Danish death/black metal band PANZERCHRIST released their latest album, "Last Of A Kind", in late July 2023. But that doesn't stop them from releasing a new EP about a half year later.
Fact is that these 4 songs was recorded at the same time as the album. It's not just leftovers though, as it completes and closes the concept of "Last Of A Kind".
Let's just say that if you liked the album, then you will like this EP too. Because it's the same kind of fast and brutal death/black metal as they gave us on the album. So it sounds just as sweet as "Last Of A Kind" did.
orcd.co/panz-witch | emanzipation.dk | facebook.com/panzerchristofficial
SWIM OR DROWN: Trapped
WTF Records - 7" EP, Digital EP
SWIM OR DROWN is a Dutch metallic hardcore band, formed in 2008. On this new EP we get 2 tracks filled with adrenaline and anger. Yet they're said to be the heaviest numbers that the band has ever produced.
This sounds just like it should, there's no doubt about that. So if you want your hardcore a little heavier, then I think that you should really check this out.
facebook.com/SWIMorDROWN | wtfrecords.eu
SWARF DAMAGE: Swarf Damage
Swarf Damage - CD, Digital
SWARF DAMAGE are not happy about the world of today, and transform their inner anger into music. It's a crossover of hardcore/punk and thrash metal from the 80s, and it's delivered with an electrifying energy that should be perfect for the mosh pit.
The band hailing from Isle Of Man, UK, and this is their debut album. And it's a strong debut that we get, so you should absolutely check them out.
Not much else to add there..
swarfdamage.bandcamp.com
SCARELIGHT: Scream Out Loud
Scarelight - Digital Single
If you like good old HELLOWEEN, like they sounded back in the 80s, then this Greek band should be of interest for you. Because this song is something similar to that brilliance. In other words a power metal anthem that everybody should like.
Yes, this song have all the right ingredients, and I look forward to hear what else they can do, because this was very interesting to hear. But it seems like this is an old song by EMERALD SUN, so I would like to hear their own material next time.
music.youtube.com/watch?.... | scarelight.net
BLUE ÖYSTER CULT: 50th Anniversary Live in NYC - First Night
Frontiers Music Srl - 3LP Box Set, 2CD/DVD, Blu-ray
I wonder how many albums there is with these American veterans that doesn't include their classics "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" and "Godzilla"? There was many live albums released with this band a few years ago, and the same classics appeared on almost all of them. I have nothing against those songs, as they are brilliant and great, But when you hear them over and over again on several records, you get a little tired of them.
BLUE ÖYSTER CULT celebrated their 50th Anniversary with a very special set of 3 sold-out shows in a row in September 2022 at Sony Hall in New York City. Each show featured the band playing in its entirety 1 of their first 3 albums ("Blue Oyster Cult", "Tyranny And Mutation" and "Secret Treaties"), followed by a set of deep cuts and classics from their other albums. Founding member Albert Bouchard was a special guest on all 3 nights. And this set is the first night (the other 2 nights will be released later), where they performed the first album and some other stuff - 2 hours of music.
Well, there's mainly good songs here. You can not complain about that. So if you're looking for some good old hard rock/proto-metal/classic rock (whatever you want to call it), then this is worth checking out. But o.k., I have heard better versions of some of these songs, and every track is not a classic according to me. But nothing is terrible anyway.
orcd.co/boc50thfirstnight | frontiers.it | facebook.com/blueoystercult
URBAIN: A Soul Purged
Hypnotic Dirge Records - LP, CD, Digital
This is the debut album from these black metallers, and it was released in the end of July 2023. It's said to be more than a black metal album though, as "it's a cathartic scream into the void, a sonic portrait of a world spiraling into the depths of indifference and ignorance". Inspiration comes from the fallout of the pandemic, and the music is of course brutal, but can also be dramatic and atmospheric. So it's a powerful album with many different layers that they have here.
I guess that this can be something for black metallers who want something more ambitious, and not just full speed all the time.
urbain.bandcamp.com | hypnoticdirgerecords.bandcamp.com
SLIFT: Nimh
Sub Pop - Digital Single
This song is as long as 9:39 minutes. It's the second single from this French band's upcoming album, "Ilion", which will be released on January 19. It will be their third album.
The music is psychedelic rock. And this song have both heavy and progressive elements. It's almost doom metal actually, even though there's also some silent moments too. Simply a song with a little bit of everything you could say.
The release of the new album will be followed by a UK/European tour between February to April 2024.
sliftrock.com/en
BEYOND THIS EARTH: Portraits Of The Absurd
Beyond This Earth - CD, Digital
"Portraits Of The Absurd" is the second full-length album from this Greek heavy rock/metal band. The band was formed in 2013, and released their first EP, "Tales From Beyond This Earth", 2014, and the first full-length, "Universal Fury", in 2016. After 7 years they are now back with their most mature and complex release so far (their own words, but I'm willing to believe them).
Their sound is built on heavy riffing, bluesy leads and some rock n roll and psychedelic paths. Some songs reminds me of groove metal actually, while others are more like heavier hard rock/metal. They have some really good songs here, like "A Nutcell", to name just one. Everything might not be top class though, but nothing is really bad anyway.
beyondthisearth.bandcamp.com
COBRA 1981: Vanha Kuoma
Inverse Records - Digital Single
Finnish heavy metal band COBRA 1981 was formed over 40 years ago, in 1981. But they have never released anything (not officially anyway), so this is actually their first single. Better late than never at all I guess?
They have obviously had lots of time to work on their songs, and this sounds very promising. It's of course the good old heavy metal that we get from this band, and they sing in Finnish. Worth checking out.
The band's debut album will be released in spring 2024. Some of the songs are almost 40 years old and some more recent compositions.
push.fm/fl/cobra1981-vanhakuoma | instagram.com/cobra_1981 | inverse.fi
BORGERLIG BEGRAVNING: Parasit
Wild Kingdom - Digtal Single
BORGERLIG BEGRAVNING have in just a few years gone from being one of Sweden's youngest punk bands to having become one of the country's most appreciated live bands within the scene. Now it's time for full-length album number 2, "Parasit", which is out now. But instead of sending me the whole album for review, the distributor sent me the title track as a single from the album.
Well, it sounds good anyway. No doubt about that. This is a raw but melodic punk song, which is delivered with a youthful energy, which can sometimes be missing from older bands in the same genre. Definitely worth checking out.
It would be really nice to hear the whole album though..
wildkingdom.se | instagram.com/borgerligbegravning
ARCHED FIRE: Wings Of Chrome
Wormholedeath Records - Digital Single
ARCHED FIRE is a Finnish heavy metal band. This track is taken from their second album, "Trust Betrayal", which was released earlier this year. They are most of all influenced by the NWOBHM bands, so if you like that then you should check out this song, which also have a touch of thrash metal according to me (in the chorus).
Good stuff for intelligent people with good taste.
youtu.be/R4nQQv_YsUM?si=qxeigAwwANuCcMiW | archedfire.com | wormholedeath.com
DUSK: Dissolve Into Ash
Dark Symphonies/The Crypt Vinyl/Dread Records - CD, LP, Cassette
Wisconsin, USA based doom/death metallers DUSK released their debut album, "...Majestic Thou in Ruin", in 1995. 28 years later they return with their second album, "Dissolve Into Ash". And what we get is an almost apocalyptic atmosphere, where they explore the deepest depressive depths of the soul. So if you want something happy, try something else, because this is dark and heavy stuff. There's both raw and brutal elements, as well as some more melodic and atmospheric moments.
They seems to be good at what they are doing, but I find it hard to believe that I will listen to this album again.
SYLVANIA: Purgatorium
Art Gates Records on Dec. 22 - CD
Melodic power metal band SYLVANIA was formed in 2007 in Valencia, Spain. They have previously released 3 albums between 2011-2019, and all of them have been ambitious concept albums. All their songs are in Spanish, and this 4th album is of course another ambitious concept album. The material is epic, with symphonic elements and big choruses. It's of course well done, which comes as no surprise, as these gentlemen are already veterans. So this could absolutely be worth checking out.
artgatesrecords.com/artists/sylvania
PALACE OF THE KING: A Run For Your Money
Reckless Records - Digital Single
This is the last single from Australian hard rockers PALACE OF THE KING's new album, "Friends In Low Places", which is out now. And if you're a fan of high energy bluesy hard rock, then I guess that this could be worth a try for you. They blend classic and modern influences, and I think it sounds really good, so I look forward to hear the new album (which is waiting for a review, but it might take a while).
palaceofthekingmusic.com
OXIDIZE: To My Daughter
Oxidize - Digital Single
Swedish melodic metal band OXIDIZE has released a new single. It starts slow and easy, and you think it's going to be a ballad, but then they start to rock and everything is like it should be. So what we get is a heavy and powerful song, yet melodic. They might have made better songs, but it sure ain't bad. Fans of melodic metal should give these guys a try.
youtu.be/rtA-wZSTk3Y | linktr.ee/oxidize.sweden
HELLMAN: The 4th Power
Black Lodge Records - Digital Single
This is almost like releasing a long intro as a single. Because it takes over a minute before the atmospheric beginning end and we finally get some guitars. After that it takes almost another minute before they actually start to rock though. They should have cut the beginning away from the single version of this song.
But otherwise it kicks ass. It's like a punky kind of death n roll mixed with thrash. Very catchy and energetic. You should really check out this band.
A new album, "Born, Suffering, Death", will be released on January 26, 2024. And that's where this song comes from.
blacklodge.se/artists/hellman
FUNERAL VOMIT: Monumental Putrescence
Xtreem Music on Dec. 19 - CD, LP, Cassette, Digital
Colombian death metallers FUNERAL VOMIT deliver their raw songs with influences of underground black metal. Their sound is rotten, old school and very South American. It's both fast and heavy, and the growling is deep.
FUNERAL VOMIT formed in 2020, and has previously released various demos and splits, plus a self titled EP. "Monumental Putrescence" is their first full-length album.
This might not be the best that I have heard, but it's far away from the worst. So an o.k. album I guess, but not much else.
funeralvomit.bandcamp.com | xtreemmusic.com
ONE HELL OF A CHRISTMAS: One Hell Of A Christmas
One Hell Of A Christmas - Digital Single
The fake story about this little band is that a group of elves took some time after hours, made their own musical instruments in Santa's workshop, and began jamming on some of their favorite (and least favorite) Christmas carols heavy metal style. After being banned from the North Pole and relocating to the South pole, they have now succeeded to make their own original song, which is titled after themselves.
Who these people really are is unknown to me. But it seems like none of them can sing, because there's no vocals. Just a instrumental and boring heavy metal song without any meaning. This is actually supposed to be funny, but I can't see or hear anything funny at all with this. It's just stupid and not much of a Christmas song.
onehellofachristmas.bandcamp.com
HEART LINE: Original Seeds
Pride & Joy Music - MCD, Digital EP
This sounds really great! Fans of something like BON JOVI and EUROPE in the 80s should absolutley give this band a try, because I'm very sure that you will like this just as much as me. We get 5 songs here, and they're all fantastic. I hope they will release some more songs soon, because I want more.
HEART LINE is a French melodic rock band, and these 5 songs are all covers. But it's not the standard hits that we get here, but rather songs by less known 80s bands like AVIATOR, ALIEN, TOBRUK, VIRGINIA WOLF and DAKOTA. It's simply a tribute to the melodic rock and AOR bands of the 80s, and to founder Yvan Guillevic's influences.
The band have previously released 2 albums: "Back In The Game" and "Rock 'n' Roll Queen".
The CD version of this EP is limited to 500 copies only, and will only be available via shop.prideandjoy.de and heartline-official.com (for French customers), as well as at the band's coming live gigs while stock will last.
shop.prideandjoy.de | heartline-official.com
PRISONER: One + Two (2in1 re-issue)
Pride & Joy Music Classixx - 2CD
PRISONER is another melodic rock band from Sweden, and this double CD contains their 2 albums "Blind" (2000) and "II" (2001). It's another album where producer Tommy Denander is among the musicians.
22 tracks is much at once, but this sounds just like it should, so there's really nothing to complain about. So if you like it melodic and with good choruses, then this is something that you should give a try. And there's not much else to add there..
This package is exclusively available from Pride & Joy's web shop in a very limited edition of 500 copies.
shop.prideandjoy.de
SAY IT: One And Again (2in1 re-issue)
Pride & Joy Music Classixx - 2CD
This double album consist of the 2 albums "Sayit" (1999) and "Again" (2001) by Swedish AOR artist SAY IT (originally Sayit). The band is named after guitarist Sayit Dölen (VOICES OF ROCK, LEGENDS OF ROCK), who has toured with artists such as Jimi Jamison and Bobby Kimball. The albums was produced by Tommy Denander, who also play on these albums together with several other artists, like Kee Marcello (ex-EUROPE, EASY ACTION) on the second album.
Well, this man can be really proud of these 2 albums, because it's the finest kind of melodic rock/AOR that we get here. So fans of that should absolutely check this out as soon as possible. I can guarantee that you won't be dissapointed. You will probably find a new favorite band. Yes, that's how strong these songs are.
This package is exclusively available from Pride & Joy's web shop in a very limited edition of 500 copies.
shop.prideandjoy.de
ELVENKING: Prime Evil
AFM Records - Digital Single
ELVENKING has recorded a cover of VENOM's "Prime Evil", and invited both Tony Dolan (VENOM INC., ex-VENOM) and Snowy Shaw (ex-MERCYFUL FATE, KING DIAMOND, DREAM EVIL, SABATON etc etc) to the party.
This veteran band is known for mixing heavy metal, pagan, folk and melodic death metal. This cover sounds most of all like heavy metal though, possibly with a touch of thrash metal. A pretty o.k. version (not that I can remember if I have heard the original version though).
The band is currently in the studio, working on a new album to be released in the hopefully not so distant future. Furthermore, ELVENKING just recently announced an extensive U.S. and Canadian tour as special guests for ALESTORM. So check out their website if that sounds interesting.
youtu.be/hlYmVo1iFIk?si=NGeN2rpA2-9a-_O3 | elvenking.net | afm-records.de
J.B.O.: Rockin' In The Free World
AFM Records - Digital Single
Well, this song is a classic, so I don't think I have to say that much about it. It was originally done by Neil Young, and German hard rockers J.B.O. recorded their version at Wacken Open Air last summer. So this is a raw live version, but still very good and not too different from the original version. You should absolutely check it out if you have any interest at all in classic rock. And that's all I have to say about that.
J.B.O. will be on tour in Germany from December 13-30, 2023. And if you're nice they might play this song for you.
youtu.be/OD3O_lbYc_A?si=j-S8sCSXa4sffxaj jbo.de | afm-records.de
Këkht Aräkh: Wanderer
Sacred Bones - Digital Single
Këkht Aräkh is a Ukrainian living in Berlin, who play ambient black metal. Inspiration comes from the second wave of black metal, as well as neo-folk, hip hop and nu metal. And this was honestly not the most useful piece of music that I have heard. It's more or less some kind of melancholic and atmospheric music with a touch of black metal that you get. So it's actually not that raw and brutal, as I want my black metal to be. More ambient than black metal you could say..
youtube.com/watch?v=3XpGBhg_9nE | kekhtarakh.bandcamp.com
SOLEDRIVER: Return Me To Light
Frontiers Music Srl - LP, CD, Digital
This is a new collaboration between Michael Sweet (STRYPER, BOSTON, ICONIC, Sweet & Lynch) and Alessandro Del Vecchio (EDGE OF FOREVER, HARDLINE, JORN). And on this debut album they deliver melodic rock, but on steroids they say. The influences of JOURNEY and FOREIGNER is there, but this is a little more powerful and heavy. So I would like to call this melodic hard rock actually. It's at least somewhere there on the border between rock and hard rock.
This is not bad at all. They have simply made a very strong album, so you should really give it a try.
orcd.co/soledriver | frontiers.it | facebook.com/TheMichaelSweet | facebook.com/aledelvecchio
DGM: Life
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, 2LP, Digital
This Italian progressive metal band have been working with this album for 2 years. It was a very creative period, with a desire to push the band beyond any previous boundaries. They say that they have focused more on the songs rather than the usual prog metal technical aspects. But don't be afraid, because all the trademark elements of their sound is still there.
This album goes from the heaviest progressive metal to a more classic hard rock sound. Sometimes it's bombastic, sometimes technical, and sometimes it's more up-tempo as well. In other words an album full of different ingredients, like it use to be when progressive people do the music.
orcd.co/dgmlife | frontiers.it | facebook.com/dgmprog
CARE OF NIGHT: Reconnected
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
CARE OF NIGHT is a Swedish AOR/melodic rock band, and "Reconnected" is their third album. Like so many other artists in this genre, they aim for a 80s sound, but with a modern touch. Strong hooks, big arrangements and a lot of feeling is the main ingredients.
Since the last album, they have been through some line-up changes, and now they feel tighter and stronger than ever. And this is a really strong album, with lots of really good songs. So no fan of melodic rock and AOR from the 80s should be dissapointed when they hear this. Check out at once'
orcd.co/cofreconnected | frontiers.it | facebook.com/careofnight
IMPERIALIST: Quantum
Transcending Obscurity Records on Dec. 15 - MCD, Cassette, Digital EP
IMPERIALIST gives us a 5-track EP of Sci-Fi themed black metal. It's said that they re-analyze their sound here, but have made it sharper and tighter, which makes it their most aggressive material yet. They have not lost the touch for the melodic aspect of their sound though. So even though it's raw and brutal, there's a melody as well.
The first track is just a useless intro, so there's just 4 real songs here. But there's absolutley nothing wrong with those songs. Everything seems to be done the right way, so you should definitely give this band a try.
imperialistus.bandcamp.com/album/quantum | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com
CROSSFIRE: Switch To Reset
Wormholedeath Records on Dec. 15 - Digital Album
The shortest song here is 5:26 minutes, while the longest is 10:44 minutes. The rest is between 6 to 8 minutes long. And I guess that if you like the 3 first albums with METALLICA, then this could be of interest for you, even though CROSSFIRE blend in some other influences as well (mainly all the classic thrash bands). It sounds really good anyway, no doubt about that. And they are really good musicians as well.
CROSSFIRE hailing from Dublin, Ireland. They pay homage to the golden age of thrash (the 80s), and write lyrics about Sci-Fi and horror. Even though you didn't know it, this is the kind of thrash album that you need.
orcd.co/switchtoresetpresave | linktr.ee/crossfirethrash | facebook.com/WormHoleDeath
ARCHITECTS: Seeing Red
Epitaph Records - Digital Single
ARCHITECTS end the year with a bang, in form of this new single, which is a powerful package of metalcore. It's crushingly heavy, but with melodic vocals and screaming, and there's even a girl choir - A brilliant contrast. On top of that they have succeeded to make a big chorus that is both catchy and melodic. Not bad at all for being metalcore.
ARCHTECTS are going on a European tour between January 24 to February 7. And will be back in the summer as support act for METALLICA and some festival apperances.
youtu.be/1YxNiEl_Fic | epitaph.com
TWISTED TOWER DIRE: The Isle Of Hydra (re-issue)
Nameless Grave Records - CD and Digital out now, LP later
This is the American heavy metal band TWISTED TOWER DIRE's second album, which was originally released in 2001. What we get here is an alternative mix, which comes from an earlier session than the one that was released in 2001. And there's also some recordings from the rehearsal room as a bonus on the CD version.
Now I had totally missed this band, and had therfor not heard this album before. So I'm not the one who can compare this new version with the old version. But they say that the powerful bass playing is much more prominent here, and that it gives a much larger nod to the epic leanings of the band's formative years.
Well, one thing is for sure though, this is a excellent album! Why have nobody told me abouth this album before? Wrong friends with bad taste? I don't really know, but I'm glad that I got this album for review. And if you have not heard this album before, then I can really recomend you to get it at once.
twistedtowerdire.bandcamp.com | namelessgraverecords.com
TORTUGA: Iterations
Napalm Records - CD, LP, Digital
This Polish band make a modern brew of heavy stoner and psychedelic doom metal. Their self titled debut was released in 2017, and they have now come to their third album. This time they also add some progressive and experimental elements to thier brew.
TORTUGA put much effort into storytelling when they write their songs. So the story is just as impotant for them as the music. And this time they have been really ambitious and made a concept album about the whole history of the universe (from beginning to the end).
The music is heavy, but with the help of the melodic vocals it's not extremely heavy. I think that this can fit many different people. But fans of heavy music probably like most of the genres I think of, so I don't think that I have to mention any more genres than those I mentioned in the beginning. Because if you like any of them or heavy rock in general, then you should give this band a try.
facebook.com/tortugapl | napalmrecords.com
REACH: Eviga Natt
Icons Creating Evil Art - Digital Single
This might not be total crap, but no, this Swedish Christmas ballad isn't really my thing. Your mother who doesn't like rock might like this though. Because this is not rock, but more like something for stupid people who listen to the radio or some pre-made shit list on Spotify (or however modern people listen to music nowadays?).
This song is a soft, dark and melancholy tale about the Scandinavian winter and darkness, and to just escape from it all. It's almost like a darker lullaby.
A new album, titled "Prophecy", will be released in March next year. That will probably rock some more than this. Check out the previous single, "Mama Mama", for a taste of that.
icea.se | facebook.com/reachofficialsweden
KORGONTHURUS: Jumalhaaska - CD, 2LP
Woodcut Records - CD, 2LP, Cassette, Digital
Finnish black metallers KORGONTHURUS combine longer melancholic compositions with fast and brutal pieces, as well as melodic and atmospheric elements. These 4 songs are between 11:45 to 16:41 minutes long, so as you might have figured out, anything can happen in these songs. That means that all of the mentioned ingredients may appear in the same song.
When it's as best, it's an intense discharge. But the quiet moments actually also have their function here, as it gives the material greater variety.
LIES!: Mind Pollution
Lies!/Coretex Records/Diorama Records - CD, Digital
This is the second album from this Dutch metallic hardcore band, but they have also released a few EPs. They formed in 2011, but in 2014 they decided to take a break. In 2022 they were back again.
"Mind Pollution" gives us 9 tracks of explosive and heavy hardcore mixed with crossover metal. Influences comes from bands like HATEBREED, ALL OUT WAR, TERROR and MERAUDER, as well as 90s SEPULTURA and SIMULAKRA. It's very powerful and strong, just like it shall be. This is absolutely worth checking out.
lieshardcore.com | coretexrecords.com | dioramarecords.bandcamp.com
ELUKAS: Loomad Koos
Wormholedeath Records - Digital EP
ELUKAS sounds very old school, like a demo from some British punk band in the late 70s. And I like that. The differance is that they sing in their own language, which sounds like Finnish. These guys are from Estonia though, so it's not really the same language. It's melodic and not so fast, but yet raw and hardly polished. I think you should give these guys a try, because this is really good punk rock.
The band took their first steps in the fall of 2021, and did their first show on March 25, 2022. In May the same year they entered the studio to record 3 singles, which was released during the fall. In late February 2023 they began to record the 5 songs that became this debut EP, titled "Loomad Koos".
elukas.band | facebook.com/WormHoleDeath
METAL CROSS & MERIDIAN: Merry Bloody Christmas
From The Vaults on Dec. 8 - Digital Single
The 2 Danish heavy metal bands METAL CROSS and MERIDIAN have teamed up for a Christmas song. And what they gives us is a real headbanger, that might make you want to bang around the Christmas tree (but I guess that depends on how much you have been drinking). Yes, it's an original song and not a stupid cover of a traditional Christmas song. This is pure heavy metal, just the way we want it. So if you hate all those classics, try this instead.
fromthevaults.dk
UGLY PUNCH: Bad Boy
Secret Entertainment - Digital Single
Finnish punk n roll band UGLY PUNCH has released their first single. And well, this was definitely something different and not really what I expected to hear. Instead of some cool punk rock, I get something that I would like to describe as psycho garage rock. It sounds alternative and experimental. It wouldn't surprise me if they have been listening to The CRAMPS, and then try to do their own thing. Both vocals and rythm reminds me of them anyway.
These guys will release a self titled EP in 2024.
youtu.be/xIA4CN6cNoc | secretentertainment.fi | uglypunchband.bandcamp.com
TEARS: Broken Love
Wild Kingdom Records - Digital Single
This might actually be one of Sweden's oldest rock bands. They have been around for 55 years, and with all the original members.
This song sounds familiar somehow, as it sounds a lot like a song from the 60s or 70s (can't remember with what artist though). But they say that it's a new self-written song. Why they have choosen a ballad as a single in 2023 is a little bit of a mystery to me though. But if that's how they want to present themselves.. It's a o.k. song anyway, but not much else. They have probably done better songs in the past, as they use to play glam rock.
wildkingdom.se
The RODS: Shockwave
Massacre Records - Digital Single
"Shockwave" is the second single from the upcoming album, "Rattle The Cage", which will be in stores on January 12, 2024. It might not be as great as the first single, the title track, but it sure ain't bad. Good old school heavy metal by veterans.
It can be interesting to hear that new album in January. Because I'm pretty sure that they have some more great song there.
youtu.be/HMfjkr5HOzE?si=vTLYJOcBD0_jGOSN | therods.bfan.link/rattlethecage | therods.com
PIRATES OF METAL: Walk The Plank
Pirates Of Metal - Digital Single
I reviewed a EP, "Cuts From The Deep", with this British band last year. It was a very good EP, with highlights like "Give Me Grog (Or Give Me Death)" and the bonus track "Battle On The High Seas".
PIRATES OF METAL celebrated their 20th anniversary in London on November 24, and play traditional heavy metal with a pirate theme. Now they have released a new single, which is the first taste of an upcoming record, that will be released in 2024.
This song sounds very good and promising. True heavy metal without a doubt. You should really check it out.
youtu.be/V_g_RG_PHMI?si=rKVPRlfKC94-CMf9 | piratesofmetal.bandcamp.com
METALITE: Aurora
AFM Records - Digital Single
Swedish melodic power metal band METALITE has released yet another single from their upcoming album, "Expedition One", which will be released on January 19, 2024. And as usual it sounds more like modern melodic metal than power metal to me, and they're still on the border to pop. But I would not say that this song is bad though. This time they have succeeded to make a better song, and that's always something positive.
metalite.bfan.link/aurora | bfan.link/expedition-one | instagram.com/metalitesweden | shop.afm-records.de
INNER AXIS: Burn With Me
Fastball Music - Digital Single
INNER AXIS is a German heavy metal band, and this song is taken from their forthcoming album, "Midnight Forces".
The band was formed in 2008 in Kiel, and among their influences are classic acts like JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN and MANOWAR. They have released 2 full-length albums so far, and the third will be released next year.
Well, this sounds just like it should. In other words a very traditional kind of heavy metal in the faster league. So if you like that, then you should give these guys a try.
youtu.be/QrHoW6-59d4 | inneraxis.net | fastball-music.bandcamp.com
GUN: All Fired Up
Cooking Vinyl - Digital Single
Scottish rock band GUN has signed to Cooking Vinyl, and will release a new album, "Hombres", in April 2024. The new single, "All Fired Up", is a taste of the album. And I guess that this sounds o.k. It reminds me a little of Billy Idol somehow, even though there's at least 1 more ingredient in this song, so it's not a copy of Billy. It's rocking anyway, and even though it's melodic it's also catchy.
Give them a try.
youtube.com/watch?v=BEPziwSb-YA | gunofficial.co.uk
GRAVE DIGGER: The Forgotten Years
Vic Records on Dec. 8 - CD
These German veterans existed as GRAVE DIGGER between 1980-86, and became DIGGER in 1986-87, only to change the name to HAWAII (of all names) 1988-91, before they went back to the original name again in 1991. This compilation contains these transformation years: the "Bottles and Four Coconuts" demo by HAWAII, and the return of GRAVE DIGGER with the "Return of the Reaper" demo from 1991 and the "For Promotion Only!!" EP 1992". 19 tracks in total.
But just because they seemed to be confused and changed the name of the band a few times, it doesn't mean that the music changed that much. Because what we get here is still heavy metal. It might not be the best that they have done, but I'm not the right man to tell that. Some tracks are simply better than others, but nothing is horrible anyway. So if you're a big fan of GRAVE DIGGER, then you need this.
And yes, the band is still alive today, and will release a new single, "The Grave Is Yours", on January 12, 2024.
vicrecords.com | facebook.com/gravediggerofficial
NIGHTHAWK: Live!
Mighty Music on Dec. 8 - Digital EP
This 4-track live EP can be seen as a bridge between their latest album, "Prowler" (May 2023) and their next album (which is already recorded). The tracks here are taken from a show in Stockholm, Sweden on December 2, 2022. And these Swedish hard rockers really show how good they really are. All songs are good! This is a must, and not just for the fans, as it's a perfect introduction to the band for new fans.
NIGHTHAWK was started as a side project by Robert Majd (METALITE, CAPTAIN BLACK BEARD) on guitar and Björn Strid (SOILWORK, The NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA) on vocals, among others.
bfan.link/live-7 | mightymusic.dk
STARCHILD: Magic Well
Metalapolis Records on Dec. 8 - CD
STARCHILD is a German power metal band, founded in 2014. When it comes to their new album (which is their 4th), you can expect 12 tracks of "melodic singing, virtuoso guitars, grooving rhythm and perfectly used keyboards", as the info says. Most of these songs are really strong material, so they can be really proud of this album. This is something that you must check out if you have any interest at all in European power metal.
Michael Ehré (PRIMAL FEAR, The UNITY, Rock Meets Classic) play drums on the album (he also played on STARCHILD's self titled debut album). But since then the band has recruited Andreas "Schüttie" Schütte as their new drummer.
facebook.com/starchildmetal | metalapolis.eu
SONS OF ETERNITY: End Of Silence
Massacre Records on Dec. 8 - CD, LP, Digital
This is the debut album from this German power/heavy metal band. The members comes from various musical and stylistic backgrounds, and combine their influences. The result is a collection of strong, diverse and catchy songs. It's classic and modern at the same time, and very melodic (often on the border to hard rock actually, but with heavier guitars). They have simply made an album that they can be really proud of.
So yes, this is something that you definitely should give a try.
massacre-records.com | sonsofeternity.de
EKTOMORF: Vivid Black
AFM Records on Dec. 8 - CD, LP
This could be something for fans of something like SLIPKNOT and similar bands. It's not always the same thing as them though, as EKTOMORF sometimes sounds very punk as well. Just sometimes though, because they are definitely a metal band and nothing else, even though they blend in some hardcore and punk as well. Neo-thrash/hardcore is the genre that they put them in anyway.
EKTOMORF was founded back in 1994 already, and comes from Hungary. Their debut album, "Hangok", was released in 1996. But the breakthrough came with the second, self titled, album in 1998. And they seems to have had a succeesful career since then. Between 2004-2006 they were signed to Nuclear Blast Records, who released 3 albums with the band. But since 2009 they are signed to AFM Records.
Well, this is a hard and heavy, yet energetic, metal album, with both harsh and clean vocals. Absolutely not bad at all if you ask me (which you probably do as you read this). I think you should give this a try.
ektomorf.com | shop.afm-records.de
DWELLING BELOW: Dwelling Below
Transcending Obscurity Records on Dec. 8 - CD, Digital
Long pieces here. 4 songs between 8 to 10:48 minutes, and this is actually not so good according to me.
DWELLING BELOW are said to play a darker, filthier and uglier kind of death/doom metal. It's slow and really heavy, hypnotic and almost monotonous. Hardly something for happy people (not that I'm that happy, but I don't like this anyway). But if you are a bitter and hateful person, who just happens to like it heavy and brutal as well, then I guess this could be something for you.
tometal.com | dwellingbelow.bandcamp.com/album/self-titled
CRYPTOSIS: The Silent Call
Century Media Records - Digital EP
Dutch progressive death/thrash metal outfit CRYPTOSIS released their debut album, "Bionic Swarm", in 2021. Now they have just released a new 4-track EP, which features the brand new title track and the previously unreleased song "Master Of Life" (from the album sessions in 2021), as well as 2 songs from the album recorded live in Athens, Greece in November 2022.
This is the kind of band that includes all kinds of elements in their music. It's fast, melodic, symphonic and challenging, just to mention a few of all the ingredients. It might be a little too progressive for me, but I would not say that they are bad. Fans of progressive metal of the hard kind will probably like this more than fans of classic death/thrash metal though.
A new album is in the works, and they plan to release it next year. You can see this EP as a warm-up for that.
youtu.be/jauYCmgauKw | cryptosis.net | centurymedia.com
CORRODED: Plague
Despotz Records - CD, LP, Digital
CORRODED is a metal band from Ånge in Sweden. Their "break" came in 2009 with the song "Time And Again" and the album "Eleven Shades Of Black". Since then they has released 4 more albums and toured around Europe. They have also had the theme song for Swedish TV show "Expedition Robinson", as well as music in the popular game "Battlefield".
Their 6th album, "Plague", is a dark and heavy rifforama in 12 acts. It was made during the pandemic, and was born out of anxiety and boredom. So there's no wonder why it sounds like it does. But it sounds good, so there's no reason to complain.
If you want a modern but heavy and dark metal album, then this could be something for you.
despotz.bigcartel.com/artist/corroded | facebook.com/corrodedsweden | despotz.se
CARR JAM - 21: I've Had Enough (Into The Fire)
Wild Kingdom Records - Digital Single
"I've Had Enough (Into The Fire)" is the opening track on the KISS album "Animalize" from 1984. Now this "all-star" band, called CARR JAM - 21, has recorded their version of the song. And this sounds really good, and not much different from the original version. It's not exactly the same though. You should really check it out.
CARR JAM - 21 is a tribute and fundraising project for Eric Carr and KISS, and consists of mainly Swedish members, but also some international names. Some of these names are Dregen (BACKYARD BABIES, The HELLACOPTERS), Jesper Binzer (D-A-D), Ryan Roxie (Alice Cooper), Jepser Lindgren (VELVET INSANE), Martin Ekelund (BONAFIDE), Jolle Atlagic (ELECTRIC BOYS, BONAFIDE), Åge Sten Nilsen (WIG WAM) etc. This song also features Mats Levén (VANDENBERG, PRINS SVART, ex-CANDLEMASS, Yngwie Malmsteen) and Martin Sweet (CRASHDÏET).
youtu.be/8l38y3kO9-g?si=mynixuMIL9jYIWZI | wildkingdom.se/artists/carr-jam-21
RAVAGE: Manmade Ice Age
Ravage - Digital Single
RAVAGE is a traditional heavy metal band from Boston, Massachusetts, and they have been around since the mid-90s.
This song is taken from their forthcoming full-length album, "Spider On The World", to be released in 2024. It sounds very powerful, yet melodic. This is something that I think most fans of true heavy metal will like, because they have a very familiar sound. That new album can be interesting, that's for sure.
The band is currently weighing label offers for the release of the new album.
youtu.be/-0pNalgYv8c?si=nXV9LUKuKsW-mopM | ravagetheearth.com
Cookin' Jubileum 25 År
Concert at Orangeriet in Borås, Sweden on Dec. 2, 2023
Who would think that I would end up at a concert with 1 progressive rock band and several blues rock bands? Well, it's all thanks to a so called "friend", who obviously didn't give a shit about my opinion. I had told him that I wasn't intrested, and yet he buy me a ticket as a early birthday gift, just because he didn't want to go there alone. I have told him how stupid that was, but when we finally was there and had a couple of beers inside, it wasn't so bad after all.
So, the local blues rock club Cookin' celebrated their 25-year anniversary with as much as 6 bands, and it was sold out. We missed the first band, BARRELHOUSE, and arrived when STRANGE BREW played their last songs. And I don't have that much to say about them. It looked like some pensioners playing blues. But why stop rocking just because you get old? I can't say that there was much action on stage though.
Then it was time for one of the bands that my "friend" was there for, EXIT STAGE LEFT - Borås own RUSH you could say, even though there's also some GENESIS, YES and other similar progressive rock among their influences. They were actually really good, and very skilled musicians as well. This is a band that you really should check out if you like progressive rock. They has released 1 album so far, but are working on their second.
Next band was TOO DÄÄ, and I don't have that much to say about them, as I can't really remember them. So I guess they didn't impress after a damn good show with EXIT STAGE LEFT. It was like people needed a break after that, to load up for the next interesting band, which was the blues rockers SLAP BACK JOE. Another band that my "friend" wanted to see. But we had heard 1 song with them, which was really good, so I was also interested. And they really delivered! It was hard and heavy, on the border to early hard rock actually, so I liked it a lot. This is another band that you really should check out. They has released a few albums already as far as I can understand.
Last out was BACKLASH, who played blues rock with some funk and soul. Pretty good, but now we were both tired after 2 really good bands, so we left the building after something like half their show.
For info about upcoming concerts, go to: cookin-boras.se
TEMPLE BALLS: Avalanche
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, LP, Digital
Finnish hard rockers TEMPLE BALLS is something for fans of Swedish bands like CRASHDÏET, HARDCORE SUPERSTAR and CRAZY LIXX. They have now come to their 4th full-length, and this album is full of great songs for your next party. Because that's what I feel that this is perfect for, as the songs are energetic and catchy. And this album is full of anthems to sing along to as well. Just try something like the opening track, "All Night Long", for example, without getting in a party mood.
TEMPLE BALLS might actually have made their best album, and then the previous albums was not so bad either.
orcd.co/tbavalanche | frontiers.it | templeballsrocks.com
SECRET SPHERE: Blackened Heartbeat
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, LP, Digital
This is the 10th studio album from these Italian power metallers. "Blackened Heartbeat" is said to show the darker and heavier side of the band, with a concept story about a psychologist named Dr. Julius B. At the same time, it's also said to be their fastest album. Well, it's not dog shit anyway.
This band add some orchestral elements and choirs to their songs, which makes it a little epic. But most of all it's a damn good power metal album. They definitely seems to know how to do this after all these years, so this is absolutely worth checking out.
orcd.co/blackenedheartbeat | frontiers.it | facebook.com/secretsphere
IGNESCENT: Fight In Me
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
Here's another debut album. This time with a modern hard rock band from Chicago. It's very melodic and almost on the border to pop (like so many other new bands nowadays). But the guitars are heavy, and that's what save them from being called a pop band by me. They have a very good singer, and especially the opening track, "Monster You Made", is really strong. And there's a few more songs that are good here, like "Under Attack" for example, so it's far away from hopeless.
orcd.co/fightinme | frontiers.it | facebook.com/ignescentmusic
HUGO'S VOYAGE: Inception
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
HUGO'S VOYAGE is a AOR band from New York and Boston. "Inception" is their debut album.
The band was formed in 2005 as a JOURNEY tribute band, so now that they has started to write their own material, it sounds a lot like them. And even though they try to put their own identity on it, I guess it's the fans of JOURNEY that will be extra happy to hear this album. But it sounds good, so who can judge them for that?
In other words, worth checking out.
orcd.co/hugosvoyage | frontiers.it | facebook.com/voyagehugo
SCUMFUCKS: Scumfucks
Sliptrick Records on Dec. 5 - CD, Digital
SCUMFUCKS is like a early MOTÖRHEAD in their most punky mood. It's old school, dirty and it's rocking hard. They might not have any future classics here, and are not really on the same level as their heroes, but this is something that you really should check out if you're a fan of MOTÖRHEAD.
SCUMFUCKS was formed as a trio in Thessaloniki, Greece in 2016. But since 2018 they are a quartet. This self titled record is their debut album, where we can find tribute songs to the classic amphetamine trio: Lemmy Kilmister, "Fast"Eddie Clarke and Phil "Philty Animal" Taylor (aka the classic line-up of MOTÖRHEAD).
facebook.com/scumfacks | sliptrickrecords.com
HELMS DEEP: Treacherous Ways
Nameless Grave Records - CD, LP, Digital
HELMS DEEP was formed by singer/songwriter/guitarist Alex Sciortino to channel his love of classic heavy metal, and is rounded out by bass player/backup vocalist John Gallagher (RAVEN) and drummer/songwriter Mike Heller (RAVEN, MALIGNANCY). "Treacherous Ways" is their debut album, where they deliver 11 tracks of old school heavy and power metal. It's said to fit fans of bands such as ATTACKER, LIEGE LORD and NASTY SAVAGE, if that tells you anything.
You can't complain about poor craftsmanship anyway. Because these gentlemen know how to deliver their metal. As I'm middle-aged, I like the fact that it sounds old school and not modern and over-produced. But there's also several great songs to discover here, so you should really give them a try.
helmsdeep666.bandcamp.com | namelessgraverecords.com
Post address: Jimmy Blom, Vintergatan 21A, 504 60 Borås, Sweden | E-mail: blom@hardrockinfo.com | Facebook: facebook.com/HardRockInfo