REVIEWS AUGUST 2023
«July | Index | September»Alice Cooper: Road
earMUSIC - 2LP/DVD, CD, CD/Blu-ray, CD/DVD, Box Set, Digital
Some people never seems to give up. Alice is 75 years old now, but that doesn't stop him from rocking all over the world and release a new record once in a while. Most people in that age are not doing much at all, and many of them have health problems. It's obviously different in the entertainment business though. And Alice Cooper is not the only old veteran in the rock scene today. If I count right, Paul Stanley (KISS) is 71, Roger Daltrey (The WHO) is 79, Steven Tyler (AEROSMITH) is also 75, Phil Mogg (UFO) is 75 too and Gene Simmons (KISS) is 74.
While most old artists make half good albums, Alice is surprisingly good though. He has produced some good albums during the last years, and this album is no exception. I would say that this is more raw rock than hard rock. It's a really good album without a doubt, even though it might not be as great as the stuff from the 70s and late 80s (but that's an eternity ago, so let's not compare with that).
Now it's not just thanks to Alice himself that this album is good, as the whole band has been involved in the making of the songs. And longtime collaborator Bob Ezrin has once again produced the album.
alicecooper.com
The REFRESHMENTS: Travellin' Light
Wild Kingdom - Digital Single
Good old rock n roll in the same league as Swedish artists Jerry Williams (rip) and The BOPPERS. I have no problem with this kind of music as I grew up with it (my father used to listen to those artists and some other stuff). But the people who listen to this are mainly your parents, or if you're young your grandparents. Not so cool for most people who are into harder rock.
I can't deny that this is a pretty good song though. So if you like the artists I mentioned and old rock n roll from the 50s and 60s, then this could be worth a try.
Swedish rock band The REFRESHMENTS has been around for over 30 years already, and they has always stayed true to their roots, no matter what the latest thing in music might have been. They play both original songs and covers. And this single, "Travellin' Light", is a cover of a song by Cliff Richards, which was released in 1958. The song is the first single from their upcoming album, "A Stiff One".
therefreshments.se
The RIPTIDE RATS: Breaker
Ghost Highway Recordings - Digital Single
The RIPTIDE RATS is an instrumental surf rock n roll trio from Kungsbacka, Sweden, with members from bands like LUNATONES and The CHUCK NORRIS EXPERIMENT. "Breaker" is the first single from their upcoming EP, "The Eastwood E.P.", which will be released as a 7" vinyl in October.
This sounds like something from the 60s. And even though it's an instrumental track, it's pretty cool somehow and not bad. This would probably have fit in an old spaghetti western.
theriptiderats.bandcamp.com
MOLOSSER CRUDE: Bye Bye Grace (Live in the Studio)
Evil Ear - Digital Single
The latest single with Swedish power duo MOLOSSER CRUDE is described as a melodic stoner/psych/doom anthem. But I don't know. It's like this song is going nowhere. They just play and play, but there's not much action. They have made much better songs, with much more energy, so I'm almost a little dissapointed actually. I guess it's like ROLLING STONES use to sing: ",You can't always get what you want".
"Bye Bye Grace" is actually a re-recording of the first song they released (as video only, now removed to not confuse).
youtu.be/Xdxmp4EwCAU | molossercrude.bandcamp.com | evilear.com
TIMECHILD: Blossom & Plague
Mighty Music on Sept. 1 - LP, CD, Digital
TIMECHILD is a progressive heavy rock band from Copenhagen, Denmark. The band was formed in 2020, and released their debut album, "And Yet It Moves", in the end of 2021. That album was as far as I can remember really good. And now they return with their second album, which is not so bad either.
Their sound is a mixture of progressive rock and heavy metal, which they spice up with powerful vocals and twin guitars. It's heavy and dynamic, and might be a little darker than the debut was. Main influences seems to come from the past, so people who like old hard rock might like this too.
TIMECHILD have made another great album. No doubt about that.
bit.ly/timec-shop | timechildofficial.com | mightymusic.dk
STITCHED UP HEART: To The Wolves
Century Media on Sept. 1 - CD, Digital
This band is said to blend hard rock, alternative metal and industrial influences. To me it sounds more like metalcore/nu metal with elements of pop music. Not really a favorite.
STITCHED UP HEART formed in L.A. in 2010, so they are hardly a new band. "To The Wolves" is said to be both darker and heavier. I would say that when it's hard, then it's really hard and heavy. But then it can also be more melodic, and then it sounds like pop instead, which I really don't like.
I guess that this is a little too modern for me. But I'm pretty sure that the younger generation like this kind of stuff.
facebook.com/StitchedUpHeartRock | centurymedia.com
MIND/KNOT: Esigenza
Time To Kill Records on Sept. 1 - CD, Digital
The band MIND/KNOT are based in Rome, Italy, and was formed in 2018. A 7-track EP was released in 2019, and their first full-length album in 2021. Both those records were very inspired by the original hardcore of the 80s, with legends like BLACK FLAG, MINOR THREAT, BAD BRAINS and CIRCLE JERKS. But after a while they got tired of that sound, and changed direction. Among the new influences are mathcore, chaotic hardcore and noise punk.
This album is a chaotic hardcore experience, but with skilled musicians. So even though it's chaotic, it's never pure noise. Many of the songs are no longer than around a minute, so we get as much as 16 tracks here. And most of them are actually good stuff. So this can of course be worth a try if you like more extreme hardcore. But if you prefer the old school or metal/hardcore, then this might not be your thing.
mindknot.bandcamp.com | timetokillrecords.com
INFERNAL TYRANT: Summer
Infernal Tyrant - Digital EP
Here's a band that I use to complain about. But fact is that they seems to become better and better for each release, and that's always something positive at least. The song I like best here is to my surprise the instrumental "Virus With Shoes". I usually see instrumental tracks as middle play, and not always as real songs. But this one was really good. The other 2 tracks here are actually not so bad either, so hopefully the next EP will be even better.
INFERNAL TYRANT is an American thrash metal duo. This EP is said to be their fastest offering so far, and it's the third of 4 seasonal EPs. "Fall" will be released in October.
If you like powerful and heavy thrash metal, then this could be something for you.
facebook.com/people/Infernal-Tyrant/100084141701863
GREY ATTACK: Afterworld
Metalapolis Records on Sept. 1 - CD
It seems like this album was self released in 2022, but only digitally. It will now be released on CD as well via Metalapolis Records. The band has also released 2 albums before "Afterworld".
GREY ATTACK was founded in 2013, and they play heavy metal. But not traditional heavy metal. They gives us hard and heavy riffs with a powerful and dirty sound. And it sounds like something from the 90s actually. So something alternative you could say.
They have many good songs among these 11 tracks, so it could be worth a try. Among the best songs are "Change Your Mind", who has a extra good chorus.
metalapolis.eu | greyattack.de
BABYMETAL featuring Tom Morello: METALI!!
Cooking Vinyl - Digital Single
This sounds more metal than the last single I heard with these young Japanese women. And they get some help from RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist Tom Morello, who play some really heavy and groovy riffs. This is mixed with some Japanese elements, which makes it sound very unique for a European like me.
This seems to be the first single from a newly reborn BABYMETAL. I thought the last stuff they released was pretty hopeless, but now they seems to be on the right track. So let's see (or hear) if they have more songs like this.
youtu.be/hkij4LvACZ0
AORTHA: Monolit
Aortha on Sept. 1 - LP, CD, Digital
AORTHA is a new metal project/band founded by Predrag Glogovac (MONOLIT). For this he have gathered a small army of vocalists and musicians from all over the world, from bands like EXHORDER, DREAM CHILD, VOIVOD, SMACKBOUND, SCAR SYMMETRY, TRIPTYKON etc. Obviously a very ambitious project. And the music is pretty ambitious too. Many songs can be described as some kind of melodic death metal with elements of symphonic metal I guess? But there's other influences too in this brew, so it's a little hard to explain the sound of this band. 1 song is for example more power metal instead. So I guess it's rather different kinds of metal than just 1 sub-genre. Hard, heavy and melodic is a few key words though. We simply get a little bit of everything.
This is a good album, so it could absolutely be worth a try.
aorthametal.bandcamp.com
MARDUK: Memento Mori
Century Media on Sept. 1 - LP, CD, Digital
Swedish black metal legends MARDUK deliver a new album. And this should please most of their fans, as they blend everything that they have done so far. At the same time they also look forward though. There's fast and intense songs, as well as heavier tracks. And no matter what they do, it's all scary and aggressive. In other words exactly as it should be when it comes to these veterans.
"Memento Mori" is MARDUK's 15th studio album, and it's a very good album.
marduk.nu | centurymedia.com
PANZERCHRIST: Room Service (re-issue)
Emanzipation Productions - LP
"Room Service" is the 4th album from this Danish death metal band. It was originally released in 2003, and has now been released on vinyl for the first time.
It's said that they with this album introduced the genre to a whole new generation. I know nothing about that though. The vocals is brutal, just like it should be. And I guess the music sounds like it should too, but I can't come up with anything to say about it. Not because it sucks, but it's not the most exiting I have heard either. This is just a o.k. album to me, and not much else.
PANZERCHRIST was formed in 1993 by Michael Enevoldsen, which by that time was leaving his role as ILLDISPOSED drummer. There have been constant line-up changes, and Enevoldsen has switched from drums to keyboards and later to bass. The band is still alive after all these years, and with yet a new line-up they released their latest album, "Last Of A Kind", a month ago.
emanzipation.dk | facebook.com/panzerchristofficial
WILL THE THRILL: Take It Sleazy
Will The Thrill - CD, Digital
This is a trio from the States, who play 80s hard rock/metal influenced by icons like JUDAS PRIEST, VAN HALEN and MÖTLEY CRÜE (to name just a few). And both music and lyrics really takes you back in time. I think mainly of sleaze rock when I hear this, and most of the lyrics seems to be about love and sex. So it's actually not that much metal, but mainly hard rock.
They have some really good songs here. It's catchy and melodic, and very American. So if you want a trip back to the 80s, then this is something that you should listen to.
willthethrill.bandcamp.com
VAMBO: Sweet Christine
Pride & Joy Music - Digital Single
This is the second single from British classic rock band VAMBO's second album, simply titled "II" (release date: Oct. 20). It's something about this song that I don't like, but I can't really put my finger on exactly what. Because at the same time it's not like it sucks either. Weird.. But I can at least say that the first single, "Collide (Struggle For Power)", was better.
This is a pretty soft and laidback thing. In case you like that..
youtu.be/Be0GBvHq3o0 | prideandjoy.de
VAINGLORY: Vainglory/Manifesting Destiny (re-issues)
Animated Insanity Records (USA)/No Dust Records (Europe) - 2CD
VAINGLORY is a US power metal band featuring vocalist Kate French (ex-CHASTAIN) and shred guitarist Corbin King (ex-KENRICK). Their self titled album from 2008 and their second album, "Manifesting Destiny", from 2019 has been out of print, but have now been re-released as a 2-in-1 CD package. And this is something for fans of more powerful heavy and power metal. Sometimes it's like a mixture of CHASTAIN and PANTERA, rather than the European power metal. Sometimes it's really heavy, but yet not slow and boring. And once in a while there's a true metal anthem as well. Simply good stuff that you really should give a chance.
This re-release has inspired the band to start working on new material for a third album. And Kate is also in the midst of completing her first ever solo album.
nodustrecords.com | animatedinsanityrecords.com | facebook.com/vainglorymetal
NOVA REX: Time Is Up For You
Nova Rex - Digital Single
NOVA REX is a glam metal band from Orlando, Florida. They have been rocking since 1985, released 7 albums and has been featured on many compilations over the years.
This new single is from their upcoming documentary, "Ain't Easy Staying Cheesy", that premieres via Amazon Prime on August 29. It sounds like an old hard rocker from the 80s. So if you like that, then this could be worth a try, because it's a pretty o.k. song.
novarexrocks.com
METALITE: Blazing Skies
AFM Records - Digital Single
On January 19, 2024, Swedish melodic power metal act METALITE will release their forthcoming studio album, "Expedition One". "Blazing Skies" is the second taste of that album, and what we get is a pretty modern sound, and not the old school power metal that I expected to hear. It sounds good though, so there's no reason to complain here.
The question is if fans of modern metal will like this more than fans of power metal? Or will they succeed to get fans from both sides? Not that it really matters as long as it's good..
youtu.be/MhD5GO9KAtA | instagram.com/metalitesweden | shop.afm-records.de
The MENZINGERS: Hope Is A Dangerous Little Thing
Epitaph Records - Digital Single
Philadelphia punk rockers The MENZINGERS will release their 7th studio album, "Some Of It Was True", on October 13. "Hope Is A Dangerous Little Thing" is the record's lead single.
It start with just vocals and a guitar, but after that it',s more action. A pretty catchy and melodic uptempo punk rocker, that probably fits perfect for beer drinkers. So a party anthem you could say, and not bad at all.
youtu.be/DrrxeRWebqw | epitaph.com
RIAN: Wings
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
Swedish melodic rock band RIAN formed in 2017, and this is their third studio album. Their sound is described as timeless and reminiscent of the latter half of the 1980s. But at the same time it's also a modern take on that sound, and not a complete copy. There's no doubt that it's melodic rock that they play though. And it sounds really good, so I don't have anything to complain about. But I don't have that much else to say either..
An album worth checking out.
orcd.co/rianwings | frontiers.it | rianrocks.com
Kent Hilli: Nothing Left To Lose
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
This is the second solo album from Swedish vocalist Kent Hilli (PERFECT PLAN). And if you liked his first album, then you will like this record too. Because it's the same kind of melodic rock that we got on the first album. And as far as I can remember that first album was not so bad, and this is definitely not bad either. So I'm pretty sure that fans of melodic rock will like this a lot.
Not much else too add..
orcd.co/kenthilli | frontiers.it | facebook.com/kenthilli
ICON OF SIN: Legends
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
ICON OF SIN is a Brazilian heavy metal band. They released their self titled debut album in 2021, and now their second album is here.
Inspiration comes from legends like IRON MAIDEN, SAXON, DIO and JUDAS PRIEST, which you can hear. They succeed to do their own songs though, and they do it damn good. This is definitely something for fans of classic heavy metal from the 80s.
..and I don't think I have to say much more than that. Because you already know if you will like this or not.
orcd.co/iconlegend | frontiers.it | facebook.com/IconOfSinMusic
RÖD REVOLVER: KDSD & NATO
GrönPeppar Records - Digital EP
Swedish punk band RÖD REVOLVER return with a brand new line-up, and this is the first release with the new members.
We get 2 songs here. The first, "KDSD", is a raw and hard song, yet melodic though. The second, "NATO", is less hard but yet raw. And this is not bad at all. Very old school, and it reminds me of good old ASTA KASK somehow. No matter if you're an old or new punk, you should absolutely check this out.
Not much else to add..
gronpepparrecords.bandcamp.com/album/kdsd-nato
Michael Catton: Livin' Lovin'
Mighty Music on Aug. 25 - Digital Single
Former TAINTED LADY vocalist Michael Catton deliver another solo single. It's described as "a high-octane, pedal-to-the-metal rocker filled to the brim with 80s guitar riffs, wailing vocals, and a thundering rhythm section". I couldn't have said it better myself. This is a damn good hard rocker, and pure Danish dynamite.
Michael Catton's debut album as a solo artist will be released later this year. That will be interesting to hear.
catton.lnk.to/livin
SHADOWSPAWN: Bonesong
Emanzipation Productions - Digital Single
Danish death metallers SHADOWSPAWN will release a new album in the fall, and this is a first taste of what you can expect to hear on that album. It's heavy and brutal, but without losing the groove and musicality. Pretty o.k. stuff, but I think I need to hear some more before I decide if they are any good at all. Because this song doesn't really stick.
orcd.co/sha-bone | shadowspawn.dk | emanzipation.dk
STARMEN: Liar
Melodic Passion Records - Digital Single
Swedish hard rockers STARMEN deliver a faster/uptempo song from their upcoming 4th album, "Starmenized", which will be in stores on September 8. This is the third single from the album, as well as the opening track. They sounds really hungry/energetic. Really good stuff.
With this song they also introduce their new drummer, Silver Starman (John Hector). And guitarist Purple Starman (Andreas Lindgren) get the chance to play guitar hero.
The band seems to be more ambitious than ever, as they plan to release at least 8 videos out of the album's 10 songs.
youtu.be/Vpk3u4_uUf4 | melodicpassion.com | starmen.se
DIAMOND DOGS: Get A Rock 'N' Roll Record
Wild Kingdom - Digital Single
"Get A Rock 'N' Roll Record" is taken from the new album, "About The Hardest Nut To Crack", which will be available on September 29. And this song is really rocking. Very catchy rock n roll in the old school. I really like it. You should absolutely give this a try.
This Swedish rock band formed in 1991 already, so they are veterans in the scene by now. They are also one of my favorite bands when it comes to rock n roll and glam rock (yes, they play both).
youtu.be/KSvJAX8ebas | facebook.com/everylittlecrack | wildkingdom.se
WEST ALLEY: A Night To Remember
Pride & Joy Music on Aug. 25 - CD
This is the first album with Swedish AOR/WestCoast rock band WEST ALLEY, but the band features veterans in the Gothenburg scene. These 4 men actually played this kind of music in the late 80s already. And when they met again 4 years ago, they started to talk about recording some of those old songs that they did back then. This is the result of that: "A Night To Remember".
The first song, "What A Night To Remember", is almost too much for me. But just almost. Very soft AOR of the kind that I find hard to like. But after hearing it a few times now, I guess it's not so bad after all.
The rest of the tracks is on a totally different level though. Those songs are much better, as most of them have more energy. When it's too soft, it has a tendency to become silly. I guess that's why I prefer songs with more energy. Still an album worth checking out though. No doubt about that.
youtu.be/Vdo2WKBYTaU | facebook.com/Westalleyofficial | prideandjoy.de
SKAGARACK: Heart And Soul
Thunderstruck Records on Aug. 25 - CD? Digital?
Danish melodic rock veterans SKAGARACK have some really good songs on this album. There's no doubt about that. Fans of melodic rock and AOR from the 70s should be interested in this, because those bands seems to be the main influence.
SKAGARACK released 3 albums in the late 80s/early 90s, and did really well in many countries (especially in Denmark). After a long hiatus, they got some gig offers in 2020, which went great, and they got inspired to write some new songs. This album consists of a mixed bag of songs written over the last 2-3 years, and recorded whenever there was time and inspiration.
I'm a little confused when it comes to which formats this album will be released in. No information at all, and nowhere to pre-order. Weird.. But I update if somebody let me know.
skagarack.com
HEIMDALL: Hephaestus
Pride & Joy Music on Aug. 25 - CD
HEIMDALL started in 1994, and this is their 6th album. It's their first album in 10 years.
The band have gone through some line-up changes through the years, but today's line-up is guitarist Fabio Calluori, singer Gandolfo Ferro, lead guitarist Carmelo Claps, drummer Nicolas Calluori and bassist France Amoroso.
The music that these Italians play is a pretty traditional and majestic kind of heavy/power metal. It's melodic and very easy to like, without losing the power though. You should really check this out, because I'm pretty sure that you will like this too.
prideandjoy.de | facebook.com/heimdallofficial
Seraina Telli: Addicted To Color
Metalville Records on Aug. 25 - CD, LP, Fan Box, Digital
This is the second album from Swizz singer Seraina Telli. It's loud, colorful and powerful rock that we get here. The message of some of the lyrics is feminist, and she gives us her opinions with lots of attitude. This is really something that she feel very strongly about. Seraina wants to motivate other women to believe in themselves.
What about the songs then? Well, there's many of them that are good, and it's often catchy. Some of them might have higher hit potential than others, but I would not say that there's any crap here. She scream a little too much in some of the songs though.
metalville.de
ORPHALIS: As The Ashes Settle
Transcending Obscurity Records on Aug. 25 - CD, Digital
ORPHALIS is a fast and technical death metal band from Germany, and this is their 4th album. The sound is brutal, but not extreme. And they are never too technical, so this is absolutely listenable. But if you want something unique, then this band might not be what you're looking for. Because this sounds very familiar somehow. Like I have heard the exact same thing a few times before. But that doesn't really matter. As long as you want it fast and brutal, you will probably enjoy this album a lot.
tometal.com | facebook.com/Orphalisband
BREFORTH: Metal In My Heart
Metalapolis Records on Aug. 25 - LP, CD
MAD MAX mastermind Jürgen Breforth has been in the metal scene for 40 years. And with his project BREFORTH he presents a mix of NWOBHM influences and Teutonic metal. Songwriting partner is singer Peter Lenzschau.
And with that many years of service, you might think that there might not be anything new to prove. But with this album Jürgen show us all that he is still burning for heavy metal. It's a varied album that he has created, and it has lots of really good songs. You should really check this out.
facebook.com/BreforthBand | metalapolis.eu
ASPHODELUS: Sculpting From Time
Hammerheart Records on Aug. 25 - CD, LP, Digital
They describe this as "gothic death/doom metal inspired by the gloominess of UK death/doom, mysticism of ancient Greek cult and depression of 90s Finnish death metal". The short version is atmospheric death/doom metal.
ASPHODELUS is the brainchild of 3 Finnish gentlemen. And the band is said to fit fans of acts like EVOKEN, KATATONIA, PARADISE LOST, TIAMAT and MY DYING BRIDE. And that might give you an idea of what they sound like. So if you happens to like any of those bands, then it's not impossible that you might like this band too. But if you want something happy, then this is absolutely not for you, because this is darkness.
asphodelus.lnk.to/sculptingfromtime | hammerheart.com
IRON SAVIOR: In The Realm Of Heavy Metal
AFM Records - Digital Single
German power metal band IRON SAVIOR will release a new album, "Firestar", on October 6. And that's where this song comes from, which is a really good song in the good old tradition. You really have to check this out.
I think the new album will be great, so I really look forward to hear it. And that's all I have to say for now..
youtu.be/_DHXqlra31U | iron-savior.com | afm-records.de
HUNTER: Rebel Angels Rise
Hunter - CD, Digital
The first track, "Wicked", sounds a lot like JUDAS PRIEST did in the late 70s/early 80s. And that's not bad at all of course. Other tracks reminds me of something else from the same era. So it's mainly NWOBHM and possibly some Teutonic metal and US metal as well that they are inspired by. In other words really good stuff.
And it's not just the music that takes me back in time. Even the sound and production sounds like something from the 80s. It actually sounds like a forgotten demo recording. Which I think is really cool, old as I am.
HUNTER comes from Belgium, and formed in 2016. The band consist of experienced musicians, and have previously self released an album in 2019. Why this band is still unsigned is a big question though..
huntermetal.be
ARMAGELION: Sweet Pain
Armagelion - Digital Single
This is the 4th single from hard rock/heavy metal artist Armagelion, and it's taken from an upcoming 5-track EP, to be released in late 2023.
This sounds like melodic hard rock from the 80s. It reminds me of BON JOVI for example, even though I could probably mention more artists from the same era that this reminds me of. So good stuff, and absolutely worth listening to.
Not much else to say, but I look forward to hear the EP (even though I have already heard 4 out of 5 songs).
youtu.be/EeChv1WUqec | facebook.com/ArmagelionOficial
En Mörk Kväll: DARK, SVARTA SANNINGAR and The KILLING STONE
Concert at The Food Company in Borås, Sweden on Aug. 19, 2023
Due to health problems I have not been to a concert since November 27, 2021. Stand up for hours because there's nowhere to sit is not so nice when your legs hurt. But now I'm feeling better, so now it was finally time for a concert again.
We got 3 local bands playing some kind of darker rock and metal this evening. So it wasn't exactly the most happy music. But who said it has to be happy to be good? A good thing was that it started pretty early, so you didn't have to stay up all night to watch all the bands (yes, I'm old).
First band out was The KILLING STONE. A pretty new band who did their second gig. I would describe their music as some kind of metal in the dark and heavy league, sometimes with elements of groove metal, as it sounded like the guitars was really down tuned. Very riff based, and more or less the same thing over and over again. They seemed to be good at what they were doing, but I got tired of it after a while. I think they played for way too long. 20 minutes would have been enough, instead of 40-45 minutes.
The KILLING STONE must be the first metal band that I have seen using an electronic drum kit. But it seemed to work with their music anyway.
Next band was SVARTA SANNINGAR, who I have been following since their first release a few years ago. They play some kind of darker and melancholy rock, which became a little heavier and almost on the border to metal sometimes, when they played live. This was by the way the only band who sang in Swedish this evening. I like this band, and they seems to do this with the right interest and passion. And this without starting the show by preaching, like the 2 other bands did (silly according to me).
Last band out was DARK. The only thing I have heard with them is a EP. A pretty o.k. band, who play some kind of goth metal. Now it was a while since I heard that EP, so I had already forgot the songs. But what they played here was good anyway, even though this band also might have played for a little too long.
facebook.com/darkbrs1 | facebook.com/svartasanningar | facebook.com/thekillingstoneofficial
George Lynch & Jeff Pilson: Heavy Hitters II
Cleopatra Records - CD, LP, Digital
In 2020 guitarist George Lynch reunited with his former DOKKEN bandmate Jeff Pilson for a covers album, "Heavy Hitters", where they turned classic pop songs into hard rock and metal songs. Now they are back with a second album full of more covers. But this time it's soul, modern alt-rock, new wave, blues and more who get the hard rock/metal treatment. Some of the artists that they cover are Peter Gabriel, SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE, Howlin' Wolf, IMAGINE DRAGONS, ROLLING STONES etc.
While they had various guest vocalists on the first album, they have now teamed up with longtime ROLLING STONES backing vocalist Bernard Fowler. And on drums they have Brian Tichy.
Well, you can't complain about too little variation here, because this album covers several different genres and artists. Some songs are good, and some are not so interesting to me. But the less interesting songs are very few, so in general it's a good hard rock album made by professional veterans.
cleopatrarecords.com
VELVET INSANE: High Heeled Monster
Wild Kingdom on Aug. 25 - CD, 2CD, LP, Digital
Swedish glam rockers VELVET INSANE are back with a new album. It was recorded and produced by no other than the legendary Tomas Skogsberg (ENTOMBED, The HELLACOPTERS, BACKYARD BABIES etc etc etc), and features a guest apperance from people like Dregen (BACKYARD BABIES, The HELLACOPTERS), Chips Kiesbye (SATOR) and Bonni Pontén (ASTA KASK) on the song "Saturday Night Till' Sunday Morning" (a SLAUGHTER AND THE DOGS cover). The album was co-written by Sulo Karlsson (DIAMOND DOGS, KSMB).
If you want a ride back to the 70s, and a true party album that will make you feel great for a moment, then this is the album that you should get. Their last album, "Rock "n" Roll Glitter Suit", was great. But I get a feeling that this album is even better than the last album. That should say a lot about how excellent this is.
"High Heeled Monster" is the band's third album. And if you want more glam/rock n roll from Sweden, then you should also check out DIAMOND DOGS (new album in Sept.) and TRENCH DOGS for example.
wildkingdom.se | facebook.com/velvetinsane
S.O.R.M: Under My Skin
Noble Demon on Aug. 25 - CD, LP, Digital
S.O.R.M is a hard rock trio from Sweden, and this is their debut album, where they gives us memorable and catchy songs. They have previously released a EP, "Hellraiser EP", in 2020, but have been rocking since 2017. Their music sounds more American than Swedish, which is nothing negative in this case.
With "Die For My Rock 'N' Roll" (featuring Dee Snider guitarist Nick Petrino) they have a hit. Now it will probably not be a hit song. But it will most likely be one of their classics anyway. That's for sure. Some other songs worth to mention are the opening track "Hellride", "Demon Child" and "In Peace" for example, even though there's more great stuff here.
But there's also a few weaker moments, like the slow songs "Dark World" and the title track.
sormsweden.com | nobledemon.com
GODTHRYMM: Distortions
Profound Lore Records on Aug. 18
The members of this Halifax, UK based quartet have once been involved with bands such as MY DYING BRIDE, ANATHEMA, VALLENFYRE and SOLSTICE. The music that they play is epic doom metal, and they have been around since 2017 and released 3 EPs, 2 singles and 2 full-length albums.
They begin this album with a track that is 11 and a half minutes long. And the second last song is even longer, 12:46 minutes. But the rest is around 6 to 8 and a half minutes. The music is slow and heavy, but also melodic and almost a little adventurous. It's also melancholy, with lots of heavy riffing.
"Distortions" is a very good album. So if you like it heavy, then you should absolutely give this a try.
godthrymm.com | profoundlorerecords.com
UNBLESSED DIVINE: Portal To Darkness
Massacre Records on Aug. 18 - CD, LP, Digital
This duo features members based in Poland and South Africa, and they have previously played with bands such as MALEVOLENT CREATION and SINISTER. The music that they create with this band have its roots in dark and brutal death metal, even though there's also elements of black metal, industrial and symphony. So it's not the usual old school death metal that we get here, but something more ambitious you could say. Sometimes it goes fast, and sometimes it's more atmospheric.
UNBLESSED DIVINE released their first EP, "Coming Darkness", in 2020. "Portal To Darkness" is their first full-length album.
unblesseddivine.com | massacre-records.com
BEES MADE HONEY IN THE VEIN TREE: Aion
Magnetic Eye Records on Aug. 18 - CD, 2LP
This is a psychedelic doom band from Stuttgart, Germany, founded in 2014. The contrast between bright and eerie, beautiful and heavy, is an inseparable part of their sound. They combine crushing doom riffs with spherical post- and psychedelic rock, with a layer of heavily reverberated vocals swimming throughout and a cinematic, almost visual layer provided by the metaphorical lyrics.
3 of the songs here are 12 minutes long. And the last song is as long as 21:27. The rest of the tracks are a little shorter though, just around 2 and a half to 8 minutes. This is more adventureous and psychedelic than catchy and melodic. Long instrumental parts is nothing unusual here. So if you like it heavy and psychedelic, than this might be something for you.
en.merhq.net
SACRED DAWN: A Dream Within
Qumran Records/No Dust Records - Digital Single
There was a time when a single wasn't more than a few minutes. But that was obviously a long time ago. Because nowadays a single can be as long as 7 and a half minutes, like this song. But then it's a progressive heavy metal band that we deal with here.
SACRED DAWN comes from Chicago, and will release their first full-length in 10 years on September 29. For being a band who blend progressive rock with heavy metal, it's absolutely not bad at all. I really like this band, and so should you if you have any interest in good heavy metal.
youtu.be/OnLQQBrH2uM | sacreddawn.net
LIVERBOX: The Great Spirit Of Rock'n'Roll
Metalapolis Records on Aug. 18 - CD
LIVERBOX hailing from Oulu, Finland, and formed as a cover band in 2015. Their debut album, "Rock N' Roll Salvation", was released in 2018.
The music that this band play is street glam rock (as they call it). It sounds like what we used to call sleaze rock in the 80s, and it's really rocking. They have the party vibe, which is important in this genre, but they also have some really cool songs and a varied material. So I like what I hear, and have nothing to complain about. You should give this a try at your next party.
facebook.com/liverboxtheband | metalapolis.eu
MÄBE: Glastak
TwoFaced Productions - Digital Single
Swedish artist Mäbe use to sound a lot like Swedish rock legend Thåström. But this new single is something different. It sounds more electronic than before. Almost like some dark synth pop, even though it's not. ..or is it? It sounds catchy and good though, so this is not hopeless anyway.
This is the first single from the upcoming album, "Kom Evighet, Kom Ögonblick", which will be released on October 6. "It may not represent the album as a whole, but it definitely represents a new musical dawn", as Mäbe himself says.
orcd.co/glastak | mabe.nu
NEUROTOX: Echt
Metalville Records on Aug. 18 - 2CD, Fan Box
German punk rockers NEUROTOX celebrate their 10-year anniversary by releasing their 6th album, which is a double story that consist of new studio recordings (Disc 1) and live recordings (Disc 2) - A total of 23 tracks.
This sounds really good. It's catchy, yet powerful. Some songs are stronger than others. But all songs are in German, so I don't have a clue what they sing about. Hopefully not something bad anyway.
For some reason they wanted to do piano versions of 2 songs, which wasn't so funny to listen to. But that's on the other hand the only mistake here.
The live tracks was recorded in 2022.
metalville.de
SYLVATICA: Titivillus
Mighty Music on Aug. 11 - Digital Single
Danish band SYLVATICA presents a heavy composition that blends orchestral backing with prominent brass stabs, creating a folkish and trollish atmosphere. They blend folk elements with the aggression of metal, which makes it both aggressive and melodic at the same time. A o.k. folk metal song, but I have heard more interesting in this genre.
This is the first single from their third album, which will be released soon.
bfan.link/titivillus
ADVOCACY: Cut Loose
UPRISING! Records - Digital Single
Danish prog metal band ADVOCACY has signed to UPRISING! Records, and this is their first single on the label, which is taken from an upcoming album. And as it's progressive metal, you can expect all kinds of moods here. Their influences is not just metal, but also jazz and progressive rock. It's simply a musical journey. But it sounds really good anyway.
This is a pretty melodic song, that last for almost 8 minutes. I think that people who like melodic metal could like this single.
The band formed in Aarhus in the spring of 2015, but it's not until 2023 that they will finally realease their debut album, "The Path Of Decoherence" (release date to be announced).
orcd.co/advo-cut
TEMPLE OF KATHARSIS: Macabre Ritual
Theogonia Records - CD, Digital
"Macabre Ritual" is the debut album from these Greek black metallers. They have previously released some EPs and split releases though, so they are not a completely new band. Influences comes from both the Scandinavian and the Greek black metal scenes.
This is mainly a pretty fast and intense experience, but not without losing the touch for melodies. I really like these 8 tracks, and I'm pretty sure that more people will like this a lot. So don't be a fool, give this a try at once.
templeofkatharsis.bandcamp.com | theogonia-records.com
IPCC: Impact Adaption Vulnerability
IPCC - Digital, Cassette on request
Less talk and more music would have been nice. Because for being grind, this is actually not so bad.
IPCC hailing from Sweden, but this album also features as much as 20 contributors from 12 different countries around the whole world. They gives us a raw mix of grindcore, death metal and d-beat hardcore/punk. These 19 tracks seems to focus on the ongoing climate crisis, and all proceeds from the album will be donated towards environmental restitution and justice.
Most of all these tracks are short, approximately half a minute to 1 and a half minute. Just a few are longer than that. And as I said in the beginning, this is not so bad for being grindcore. But that's probably because it's not just a hell of a noise, but actually music, which I prefer. So to mix it with death metal and d-beat hardcore/punk is a very good idea.
I think that this will work for both death metallers and crust punks, as well as fans of grindcore of course.
ipcc1.bandcamp.com
The IDIOTS: König der Idioten
Idiots Records - CD, LP, Digital
The IDIOTS blend punk, metal, rock and even some hardcore and ska elements like it was the most normal thing to do. And in this case it's actually not so crazy, as it always sounds like The IDIOTS, and never like something totally different. Their songs are both in English and German, and they blend aggression and melody in a perfect way. There's also many strong choruses. This is simply an album full of variation, and it sounds really good. But to make it easier I guess we can label this as punk/metal.
The IDIOTS released their first EP in 1982. "König der Idioten" is said to be the band's most extreme and hard album to date, both when it comes to music and lyrics.
idiots.de/idiotsband
DEAD AND DRIPPING: Blackened Cerebral Rifts
Transcending Obscurity Records on Aug. 11 - CD, Digital
You can describe this band with 3 words: Brutal, heavy and technical. They also seems to like long song titles. The vocals is deep and guttural.
What we get is death metal. But as you can understand, it's not the sweet old-school death that we all like, but something more extreme. They never go too far though, and becomes noise. But that doesn't help much, as it's hardly ever good enough. But then I'm not such a big fan of technical bands.
tometal.com | deadanddrippingus.bandcamp.com
BLINDSTONE: Scars To Remember
Mighty Music on Aug. 11 - CD, Digital
It seems like this Danish power trio has been lurking around in the blues rock underground scene for 2 decades. But now they have signed with Mighty Music for their 10th studio album, and will get much more attention than before.
Their music has its roots in the 60s and 70s, and inspiration comes from artists like Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower, Frank Marino & MAHOGANY RUSH, DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH etc.
What they have made here is what I would call a good old blues rock album, with lots of typical blues solos and all. It sounds very good. But if it will be a timeless classic remains to be seen. You should absolutely check it out though. But the best way to experience this band is probably live at some small bar.
bit.ly/bli-scar | facebook.com/blindstone.official | mightymusic.dk
Louise Lemón: Midsummer Night
Icons Creating Evil Art - Digital Single
The first time I heard this song it wasn't such a remarkable piece. It was just plain and simple. But after a few more listenings that changed, and I found out that it's actually not such a bad song anyway.
Swedish singer Louise Lemón continues with her dark pop, or death gospel as they also call it. People who like artists like Anna Von Hausswolff, Chelsea Wolfe and similar will probably like this too, as Lousie captivates her listeners with strong feelings and a suggestive soundscape.
A new album will be released in early 2024.
icea.se | louiselemonmusic.com
The LINDA LINDAS: Resolution/Revolution
Epitaph Records - Digital Single
The new single with these American young ladies is more punk than what we are used to hear from The LINDA LINDAS. But I like it. It's still catchy and melodic though, especially the chorus, so don't be afraid that they would have changed their sound completely. You should check this out, and I don't have much else to say..
youtu.be/v-YDFrUCv6A | epitaph.com
HOLY DEATH TRIO: Death Rider
Holy Death Trio on Aug. 8 - Digital Single
This Texas band mix high energy rock n roll with powerful heavy rock, and out comes a really cool 70s rocker in the heavier league. But even though it's heavy, it's not slow but rather energetic actually. I really like what I hear, and look forward to hear some more of this in the future. You have to check them out!
"Death Rider" is a taste of what's to come on the next full-length album.
KING KOBRA: We Are Warriors
Cleopatra Records on Aug. 11 - CD, LP, Digital
American hard rock band KING KOBRA was formed in the 80s by drummer Carmine Appice (CACTUS, VANILLA FUDGE). There have been many different line-ups through the years, and on their 7th studio album, "We Are Warriors", they return with yet another line-up. Appice is joined once again by longtime bassist Johnny Rod (W.A.S.P) and vocalist Paul Shortino (ROUGH CUTT, QUIET RIOT), as well as the 2 new members guitarists Carlos Cavazo (QUIET RIOT) and Rowan Robertson (DIO). So it's now more or less a supergroup you could say.
Some stuff reminds me of a melodic LED ZEPPELIN or what is called classic rock. Other material sounds more like hard rock. "We Were Soliders" sounds like good old David Lee Roth era VAN HALEN, definitely the best song on the whole album. The rest of the songs are not so bad either though. They have many good songs among these 12 tracks. The only weaker moment is the cover of "Love Hurts" (made famous by NAZARETH, but originally done by The EVERLY BROTHERS).
youtu.be/u3wU0Nb7L3s | cleopatrarecords.com
SCREAM MAKER: Land Of Fire
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
Well, there's not much to complain about here. SCREAM MAKER have made another great album, and that's it.
"Land Of Fire" is the 4th album from this Polish band, who formed in late 2010. I reviewed their last album, "Bloodking", last year, and that was a great album too, even though it had a few too many tracks. This time it's 11 tracks, which is more normal than 15. The music is still powerful and melodic heavy metal in the old tradition. So if you like that, then you really have to listen to these guys.
frontiers.it | screammaker.com
ROBLEDO: Broken Soul
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
This is the second solo album from Chilean vocalist James Robledo. For this album, James is joined by his SINNER'S BLOOD bandmate Nasson (CHAOS MAGIC) on guitar, drummer Jacopo Martignoni, and producer/bassist/keyboardist Alessandro Del Vecchio (who also produced his debut album).
If you liked the debut, then you will like this album too. But every fan of melodic hard rock should like this though. James deliver with a strong passion, and there's actually not a single bad song on the whole album. So what are you waiting for?
Earlier this year, it was announced that Robledo had joined DEMONS DOWN, a new band featuring guitarist Francesco Savino (FALSE MEMORIES), along with hard rock scene veterans guitarist Jimi Bell (HOUSE OF LORDS, AUTOGRAPH), drummer Ken Mary (ex-HOUSE OF LORDS, Alice Cooper, FIFTH ANGEL etc), and bassist Chuck Wright (QUIET RIOT, ex-HOUSE OF LORDS etc).
frontiers.it | facebook.com/JAMESROBLEDOOFICCIAL
HOUSTON: Relaunch III
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
Swedish AOR band HOUSTON is back with a third album in their "Relaunch" series. The basic concept behind the "Relaunch" albums is for the group to shine a light on obscure, unknown AOR gems from their personal musical collections, and to pay respect to these legendary artists and songs. Who these artists are is unknown to me though, as I didn't get that information. And I just listen to what I get for review, so I have never dug any deeper into the genre.
That they focus on obscure and unknown songs and artists doesn't mean that this is any weaker though. Oh no, this sounds really good to me, and is just as good as any other AOR act. You really have to give this a try.
frontiers.it | facebook.com/houstonsweden
EDGE OF PARADISE: Hologram
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
This could just as well have been pop music, if it wasn't for the heavy guitars, which makes it sound like modern and melodic metal instead. And this is actually listenable. If only for few songs.. Because it's not the most varied material that they have here. You know the sound after just a few songs - Heavy guitars and melodic, female vocals with all kinds of emotions.
"Hologram" is the fifth album from EDGE OF PARADISE. It's said that it builds upon where their 2 previous releases - "The Unknown" and "Universe" - left off. So if you liked those albums, then I guess that you will like this too.
frontiers.it | edgeofparadiseband.com
SORROW: Death Of Sorrow
Xtreem Music on Aug. 8 - CD, LP, Cassette, Digital
After a 3-decade hiatus, American death/doom metallers SORROW are back with a new album.
The band originally formed in the suburbs of New York in 1987, under the name CYANIC DEATH, which was later changed to APPARITION, who released 2 demos before they finally decided to call themselves SORROW instead. And as SORROW they released 1 EP via Roadrunner. But unfortunately they was dropped by the label, and the band disbanded in early 1993 with a full album worth of songs unrecorded. If I get it right, this album features those old songs.
The music is really heavy, and absolutely not fast. But they seems to be good at what they are doing anyway, and the songs are not that bad either. So if you like it heavy, then you should give these guys a try.
sorrow.bandcamp.com | xtreemmusic.com
Aldrig En EP
GrönPeppar Records - LP, CD, Digital
This is a 4-way split with the young Swedish punk bands DÅLIG ISOLERING, MICROLAXX, HÅRDGNISSEL and GOLVAD GRÄVLING. You can see it as 4 EPs in the same package, which gives us a total of 18 tracks.
The 3 first bands sounds more or less the same to me - pretty simple but catchy punk with female vocals. But o.k., HÅRDGNISSEL is a little different from the 2 first. GOLVAD GRÄVLING on the other hand is something totally different, and it might not always be punk that they play, but something alternative and crazy (or however I should describe it?) - You have to hear it to understand what they sounds like.
Most of it is actually pretty good stuff, so it could be worth a try. And 50 SEK of each sold copy goes directly to Prostatacancerfonden (The Prostate Cancer Foundation). So it's worth a physical copy just because of that.
gronpepparrecords.bandcamp.com/album/aldrig-en-ep
VELVET INSANE: Sweet As It Could Be
Wild Kingdom - Digital Single
Here's another party song from our Swedish glam rockers VELVET INSANE. I think it's the third single from their upcoming third studio album, "High Heeled Monster", which will be released on August 25. This is a very catchy song, and you just have to like it. Both music and lyrics was written by DIAMOND DOGS singer Sören "Sulo" Karlsson, and it sounds a lot like his band.
VELVET INSANE have been around for 10 years now, and celebrate with the release of this single.
wildkingdom.se | facebook.com/velvetinsane
SULPHURIC DEATH: Sulphuric Death
Apocalyptic Prods/Clandestine Prods/Burning Coffin Records - CD, Cassette
SULPHURIC DEATH was formed in Santiago, Chile in 2020, and this is their debut EP. The group define their sound as obscure, archaic and insane metal of death, highly influenced by old and new death metal acts.
We get 3 tracks of furious riffs and high speed. They have a heavy and fat sound, but unfortunately the songs doesn't live up to that, as they are not much else than o.k.
burningcoffinrecs.bandcamp.com | apocalypticprods.bandcamp.com | sulphuricdeath.bandcamp.com | clandestineprods.com
CYCLONE STATIC: Cave Pop - Cave Songs For Primitive People
Mint 400 Records - Digital EP (physical release later)
CYCLONE STATIC are based in New Jersey, and their sound draws from late 1970s punk, mid-1980s hardcore, and early 1990s alternative rock. On this new EP they gives us 4 tracks. It's raw but yet catchy and melodic. I guess we can call this punk rock, even though ingredients of alternative rock is there too. Not much hardcore in these songs though.
This seems to be made for a bigger audience than the underground scene, so I can really recomend you to check this out before everybody else hear about them.
cyclonestatic.bandcamp.com | mint400records.com
FIREWIND: Maniac
AFM Records - Digital Single
Another single from FIREWIND's upcoming live album, "Still Raging", which will be released on September 1. And to release a cover of the 80s hit "Maniac" instead of one of their own songs might seems like a odd idea, until you hear the audience sing-along to the chorus like it actually was one of the band's own songs. They are doing a good version though, so nothing to complain about.
"Still Raging" will be available on Blu-Ray and as a 2CD edition.
youtu.be/uKeXz46j2OQ | firewind.gr | afm-records.de
The MOBILE HOMES: Throne
Wild Kingdom - Digital Single
What does synth pop do on a site called Hard Rock Info, you might ask? Well, it's not the 80s anymore, and this is dark as goth, so why not? Now this song happens to be pretty good too, so it could be worth a try if you like darker stuff.
The MOBILE HOMES is a Swedish band, and "Throne" is the first single from their upcoming album, "Tristesse", which I don't have a release date for yet. This song is a collaboration with Bon Harris (NITZER EBB).
youtu.be/8_EpBANyFEU | facebook.com/themobilehomes | wildkingdom.se
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