REVIEWS JULY 2023
«June | Index | August»TUMULATION: Haunted Funeral Creations
Hammerheart Records on Aug. 4 - CD, LP
TUMULATION is a Californian death/doom metal band, which features members from CONJURETH, MESSIAL, SARCOSIUM, DECREPITAPH etc. Their main influence is the bands from the early 90s, and it actually sounds like a demo from that time, which is cool somehow. They also seems to like watching films, as there's several samples on this album.
They might not be the best band that I have heard, but it's absolutely not bad either. I think you have to listen for yourself to figure out if this is something for you though.
tumulationdoom.lnk.to/hauntedfuneralcreations
SAMHAIN: The Courier
Emanzipation Productions on Aug. 4 - LP, Digital
No, this is not the band that Glenn Danzig formed after MISFITS, but an early Danish extreme metal band. And this album is a collection of their 2 first demo tapes, which was recorded in 1985 and 1986.
If you like raw and intense death/thrash metal, then this could be something for you. They deliver their songs with lots of energy. It may sound primitive at first, but they were actually not so bad at what they were doing. And they also had a better sound quality than many other similar bands from the same time. Simply cool stuff.
The band later changed name to DESEXULT (did they get a call from Glenn?), and drummer in that band was producer Tue Madsen, who has remastered these songs.
emanzipation.dk | bit.ly/sam-cour
Kaj Pousár: Nine Lives
Melodic Passion Records on Aug. 4 - CD, LP, Digital
Kaj Pousár is a Swedish singer. When he started his solo career, he sang in Swedish. The first album, "Livet", was released in 2012. Nowadays he is singing in English, and this album gives us a healthy dose of melodic rock and hard rock with its roots in the 70s and 80s. On the CD version he also pay tribute to DIO and BLACK SABBATH, and the late Ronnie James Dio, with covers of "Don't Talk To Strangers" and "Lonely Is The Word".
Well, this sure ain't cat shit. Kaj and his musicians deliver with passion, and the songs are great. There's not much to complain about here, so you should really give this man a try.
melodicpassion.com
DUN RINGILL: 150 - Where The Old Gods Play Act 1
The Sign Records on Aug. 4 - LP, CD, Digital
After the launch of their second album, "Library of Death", the Swedish 6-piece DUN RINGILL decided to challenge themselves further by writing an ambitious double concept album, released as 2 separate albums during 2023 and 2024 respectively. Now the first part is ready to be released.
This time they have chosen to add some progressive elements to their folk/doom metal. Which takes their music to the next level. Some songs are more or less pure doom metal, but those folk and prog elements are always there somewhere.
The story is based on a movie script written by Patrik Andersson Winberg (bassist and main songwriter in DUN RINGILL) and Jonas Granath (teacher in religion and literature). The story, based in Scotland in early 1900, centers around the manipulation of the church with a priest whose secret agenda only reveals itself at the end. Contact has been made with movie producers, who have shown great interest in the script thus far.
It's a fantastic album that they have made, so this is absolutely worth listening to.
dunringill.se | thesignrecords.com
DARK SKY: Signs Of The Time
Metalapolis Records on Aug. 4 - CD
The new album with DARK SKY is said to be their heaviest so far, and the beginning of a new journey.
The band originally formed as a school band in Rottweil, Germany in the early 80s, and released their debut album in the mid-90s. And they have released some more studio albums since then, as well as a live album/DVD.
During the pandemic, all band members except founding member and main man Frank Breuninger left the band and ended their musical careers. But he soon found some new members: Harold Merkx on keyboards, Jadro Bastalic on guitar and Francesco Pisana on bass.
On "Signs Of The Time" they deliver as much as 13 tracks of melodic metal. And even though it's an old band, their sound is pretty modern. It sounds really good though, and is absolutely worth listening to. Yes, they have made a strong album.
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100021212336060 | metalapolis.eu
WEEKEND CIGARETTES: The Chosen One
Wanikiya Record - LP, Digital
This Italian band formed in March 2015 to restore the Californian punk rock from the 90s. In December 2016 their first 5-track EP, "Eureka", was released. And in November 2019 their full-length debut, "How Do You Feel", was released. And now their second album, "The Chosen One", is out.
This is something for fans of bands like NOFX, BAD RELIGION, NO USE FOR A NAME and MILLENCOLIN. It's the same kind of catchy and melodic punk rock that we get here, and it sounds just as good as any of those bands. So they have really succeeded to capture the sound of the 90s. I'm pretty sure that you will like this.
youtube.com/watch?v=qHMqWAlk428 | linktr.ee/weekendcigarettes
Roger Waters: Money
Cooking Vinyl - Digital Single
PINK FLOYD legend Roger Waters has re-recorded the old hit "Money", but in a totally different way you could say. And it's so boring that it sucks. Fact is that he has re-recorded the whole PINK FLOYD album "The Dark Side Of The Moon", which was released 50 years ago. And if everything sounds like this, then that album will be totally useless.
"The Dark Side Of The Moon Redux" will be released on October 6.
youtu.be/SUVmeYgo1Iw | facebook.com/rogerwaters
KÖRGULL THE EXTERMINATOR: Built To Kill
Xtreem Music on Aug. 1 - CD, Digital
KÖRGULL THE EXTERMINATOR was unleashed in 2004 by Joe Bastard, as a side project of his main black metal 1-man-band AKERBELTZ to explore the thrash side of black metal. The project was left aside until 2007 though, when he found some other members for the band. They have now come to their 6th album, but they have also released some split records through the years.
On this new album they continue to deliver their typical sound, mixing influences like DESASTER, DARKTHRONE, VENOM, BATHORY, SODOM, MOTÖRHEAD and VOIVOD. It's a wild mix of punk, heavy metal, black metal and death metal. The sound is raw and dirty, and definitely not modern at all. It goes fast, but not all the time. And I guess the best way to describe this is speed/black/thrash metal.
facebook.com/KORGULLTHEEXTERMINATORAXETHRASH | facebook.com/xtreemmusic666
FALL OF SATURN: Knowledge Is Power
Fall Of Saturn - Digital Single
I didn't get much information about this band, so this will be very short (nothing unusual here though). But they are based in London (UK I suppose) and play groove metal anyway. This song is o.k., but not an anthem that will get stuck in your head. But all songs doesn't have to be that great, and a o.k. song is always better than a song that sucks. So if you're a fan of groove metal, then you give these guys a try, o.k.?
fallofsaturn.com
BRIX'N MORTAR: Something Ain't Right
WTF Records - CD, Digital (LP later)
From Salem, Massachusetts comes this hardcore trio, who formed in 2018. The members have previous experience from bands like RAZORS IN THE NIGHT (Oi! band), CHANTICLEAR (punk band) and SEXCREMENT (death metal). A EP, "Poison Words", was released in 2019, and "Something Ain't Right" is their full-length debut.
Even though they play hardcore, they are also very melodic and not just hard and heavy. It's simply a blend of hard and heavy hardcore and more melodic hardcore. But there's also influences of Oi! and rock here.
In the end it's a good album, that could be of interest for those of you who like melodic hardcore with some other ideas than the usual hardcore. There is some harder stuff here too though, like "Poison Words" for example.
They end the album with a cover of "Don't Change" by INXS.
wtfrecords.eu | brixnmortar.band
The MENZINGERS: There's No Place In This World For Me
ANTI- Records - Digital Single
Philadelphia punk rockers The MENZINGERS have made a o.k. rock song. It's said that they are exploring an Americana/roots sound on this song. They take inspiration from both punk rock and the storytelling of folk music, if that gives you any idea? But to me this sounds like a rock song.
This is said to be a first taste of a new album, that will be released sometime in the future. There will probably be more singles before that..
youtu.be/SSsisCVST_s
degreed: Public Address
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital (LP on Aug. 11)
This is the 7th studio album from this Swedish band. And it's filled with ups and downs you could say. But when it's good, it's really good. And it's when they play hard rock that is modern and melodic that I like them best. When it gets too melodic and polished, and begin to reminds me of Bruce Springsteen or pop music, then it's not so funny anymore. Luckily those moments are not extremely many, so in the end it's a really good hard rock album after all.
frontiers.it | degreedmusic.com
KIKIMORA: For A Broken Dime
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
KIKIMORA was founded in 2011 by guitarist Nikolo Kotzev (BRAZEN ABBOT) after moving back to his home country of Bulgaria. Now the band has signed to Italian label Frontiers Music Srl.
Some of the songs on this album reminds me of good old DEEP PURPLE, when they was as best. But it wouldn't surprise me if they're also inspired by offsprings like RAINBOW and WHITESNAKE as well. In other words classic, and sometimes progressive, hard rock. Yet it's also modern, as well as heavy and melodic. So it's not a complete copy of any of those bands, and there's obviously more influences than that. Simply a good album.
frontiers.it | kikimora.nostramusic.com
STEEL BARS: A Tribute To Michael Bolton
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
This is (as the title says) a tribute to butter singer Michael Bolton. In the 80s he was actually a rock singer, and more into melodic rock/AOR than the silly stuff he got famous for later. And it's the early years of his career that this album focus on. The album features appearances by members of bands like The BIG DEAL, ABOUT US, STORMWARNING, GIRISH AND THE CHRONICLES, FIND ME, FM, and more..
There's both good and less good stuff here. I would not say that anything sucks though. Among the better songs are the opening track, "Everybody's Crazy", which I remember hearing on the radio in the 80s (Rockbox or Hårdrock, which was the 2 hard rock and metal shows at the time here in Sweden).
If you like melodic rock and AOR, and have totally missed Bolton's early days, then this tribute could be of interest for you.
frontiers.it
WITHERING SCORN: Prophets Of Demise
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
This is a new heavy metal band with guitarist Glen Drover (ex-MEGADETH, KING DIAMOND), drummer Shawn Drover (ACT OF DEFIANCE, ex-MEGADETH), bassist Joe DiBiase (ex-FATES WARNING), and vocalist Henning Basse (METALIUM, FIREWIND). A lot of talent in one place, you could say. And much to live up to as well.
So do they deliver then? Yes, indeed! This is definitely not a tired supergroup, but rather a band full of passion and love for heavy metal. It's heavy and powerful, and it sounds almost like a classic from the 80s, but with a modern production. This is something you really shouldn't miss!
frontiers.it | facebook.com/Witheringscorn
Alice Cooper: White Line Frankenstein
earMUSIC - Digital Single
Here's another single from the upcoming album, "Road", which will be released on August 25.
"White Line Frankenstein" is built on a rocking riff as it goes into a memorable chorus, and leading into a trademark Tom Morello (RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE) guitar solo. It's a hard rocker, but yet it sounds very much like a typical Alice Cooper song. Absolutely not bad, and very promising for the new album.
youtu.be/jphkAeGSA78 | alicecooper.com
SIEGRID INGRID: Never Again
Siegrid Ingrid - Digital Single
After a 24-year hiatus, Brazilian crossover band SIEGRID INGRID return with a new single. It's the first taste of a new full-length album, titled "Back From Hell", which will be released later.
This sounds just like crossover should do, like a mix of thrash metal and hardcore, but with death metal vocals then. It works, even though the song is over in just 2:21 minutes.
The band formed in São Paulo in 1989, and released a couple of albums in the 90s. They were very successful in the Brazilian metal scene at the time, and played together with international bands. Unfortunately the band suffered from the serious problems that singer M. Punk had been facing with drugs, culminating in the end of their activities in 2002. But with a clean singer they returned in 2019.
youtu.be/EovqNJ2G_jU | facebook.com/siegridingridofficial
Tommy Clauss: Project 8 Center
Metalapolis Records on July 28 - CD
German guitarist Tommy Clauss (ZAR) is back with a new project called PROJECT 8 CENTER. On this album they work with 2 female singers: Zorana Memedovic on 6 of the songs and Liliana Iodice on 2 songs. Tommy himself did the vocals on the remaining 2 songs. When it comes to the music, you can expect a wide range of different rock music - from heavy metal to mainstream rock, from ballads to classical guitar work with vocals.
The opening track, "Mea Culpa", almost sounds like a mixture of industrial and symphonic metal. After that it's mainly different kinds of heavy metal with some symphonic elements, even though there's some other stuff too here and there. Both sound and production is modern, and this is not such a bad album.
facebook.com/tommy.clauss.5 | metalapolis.eu
PANZERCHRIST: Last Of A Kind
Emanzipation Productions on July 28 - CD, LP, Digital
When Danish band PANZERCHRIST released their debut album, "Six Seconds Kill" in 1996, they became pioneers of what is called blackened death metal. After a few albums, it became silent after the release of "7th Offensive" in 2013. But 10 years later a new album is here. And on this album they introduce a new singer: Sonja Rosenlund Ahl (ARSENIC ADDICT), as well as the new axeman Danny Bo Pedersen (ARSENIC ADDICT) and drummer Danni Jelsgaard (DETEST, VANSIND).
This band's music is hardly made to be catchy and nice, but rather filthy and extreme. Yet they succeed to blend in a guitar melody once in a while. It mainly goes fast. This is evil brutality without mercy. So if you think that sounds like the perfect album for you, then you should give this a try.
bit.ly/panzer-tgt | emanzipation.dk | facebook.com/panzerchristofficial
ROULETTE: Summer Day
Black Lodge - Digital Single
ROULETTE have made a catchy and melodic summer song, that fans of good old melodic rock should like a lot. This is a song that celebrates the warmth and carefree attitude that many people feels comes along during this time of the year. And I guess we need something positive when there's so much shit going on these days.
Well, there's not that much else to say. This is simply a really good summer anthem, and you should really give it a try.
youtu.be/b2hII-166DY | facebook.com/RouletteSwe
PURTENANCE: The Rot Within Us
Xtreem Music - LP, CD, Cassette, Digital
Finnish death metallers PURTENANCE formed back in 1989 in a small town called Nokia. There have been many line-up changes and some hiatuses through the years. But somehow they always menage to come back again. This album features Aabeg Gautam, from the Nepalese band DYING OUT FLAME, on bass and vocals.
What we get on their latest album is a blend of heavy, gloomy, and raw old-school death metal. Simply what the fans is used to get from this band. We talk doom/death metal here, and nothing else.
I might prefer the faster old school death metal, but fact is that PURTENANCE have made a pretty good album.
facebook.com/Purtenance | xtreemmusic.com
DETERIOROT: The Rebirth
Xtreem Music - CD, Cassette, Digital (LP later)
This is the third album from death metallers DETERIOROT. But the band actually formed back in 1990 already, and released 2 demos and 1 7" EP between 1991-1999. In 2001 they released the full-length album "In Ancient Beliefs". After that the fans had to wait until 2010 before a new album, "The Faithless", was released. And a collection of demos and EPs, titled "Echos From The Past", was released in 2016. So they are not working fast when it comes to recording and releasing new music.
This is one of those bands who play a heavier kind of death metal, with deep growl. Sometimes on the border to doom/death, even though they are not always that slow, as they can play fast too. They have a old school sound, and it all sounds very professional, just as you can expect from a veteran band like this.
allmylinks.com/deteriorot | xtreemmusic.com
The STRIDERS: The Striders
Raw Street Noise - LP, Digital
Swedish rock n roll/blues band The STRIDERS released their debut album, "Out of the Blues", in 2019. 4 years later they return with their second album, which is out now. They depict themes such as betrayal, revenge, love and empowerment. And the songs oscillate between loud and finely tuned. Sometimes it's straight rock n roll, and sometimes more laidback and naked. Inspiration comes from acts like LED ZEPPELIN, Robert Johnsson, Chuck Berry and AC/DC.
Well, they have made a really good album. Most songs are blues based rock n roll, while some are pure blues numbers. It sounds old and hardly new. Many of these songs are really catchy. Definitely worth checking out.
facebook.com/stridersmusic
WINTERSTORM: Everfrost
AFM Records - CD, LP
From southern Germany comes this power metal band, who launched their career in 2008. "Everfrost" is their fifth album, and it's a very tasteful album with a varied material. There's epic and melodic songs, as well as anthems with big choruses. So there should be something for most fans of power metal here.
This album is full of great songs, so you should really check it out. And there's not much else to add there..
afm-records.de | winterstormarea.com
VAMBO: Worlds Collide (Struggle For Power)
Pride & Joy Music - Digital Single
This is the first taste of this British classic rock band's second album, simply titled "II", which will be released on October 20. Their music is said to fit fans of bands like LED ZEPPELIN, GRETA VAN FLEET and RIVAL SONS. And that is not totally wrong, as this sounds like something similar, even though VAMBO have their own identity too.
Well, they have made a good song. Fans of what they call retro rock and vintage rock should give this a try. I'm pretty sure that you will like what you hear.
prideandjoy.de
STARMEN: Radioactive
Melodic Passion Records - Digital Single
"Radioactive" is taken from STARMEN's 4th album, "Starmenized", which will be released on September 8. And this is just 1 of many good songs from that album. Melodic hard rock with a 70s/80s vibe, very catchy and something that you definitely should check out.
Not much else to add there..
melodicpassion.com | starmen.se
The GHOST INSIDE: Earn It
Epitaph Records - Digital Single
Metalcore might not be my favorite genre, and this band doesn't do anything to change that. Heavy guitars are mixed with melodies, screaming is mixed with melodic vocals - You probably know the game. I have heard worse than this though, which is always something. And I guess that if you're a fan of this genre, then you will probably love this.
The GHOST INSIDE was formed in El Segundo, CA in 2008. They has released 5 studio albums. Their latest, self titled, album was released in 2020, and this single is the first new music since then.
youtu.be/ZdpXgO1nPwU | epitaph.com
LATER SONS: Rise Up
Pride & Joy Music on July 21 - CD
LATER SONS was founded in 2019 by some former members of LIONCAGE, and now they will release their first album. The music is a mixture of 80s stadium rock and AOR, so let's say melodic rock.
This album is just as good as any other band in this genre, and they have succeeded to create a varied material. So this could of course be worth checking out. But now we are there again.. I don't have a clue what else I should write about this album, and it's very irritating to write so many short reviews. Not much I can do about it though. Let the music do the talking instead..
prideandjoy.de
INHUMAN CONDITION: Panic Prayer
Listenable Insanity Records on July 21 - MCD, MLP, Cassette, Box Set, Digital
This EP consist of 3 new compositions, 4 live tracks and a cover of the BLUE ÖYSTER CULT classic "Godzilla". The band features members from OBITUARY, DEICIDE and VENOM INC., and this trio play a mix of groovy death metal and thrash, with a pinch of hardcore. It mainly sounds like heavier death metal to me though. And I guess they are pretty o.k., but not much else. I have heard both better and worse. Fans of American death might like this though.
inhumancondition.bandcamp.com/album/panic-prayer
BANG: Another Me
Cleopatra Records on July 21 - CD
American trio BANG released 3 albums on Capitol Records in the early 1970s before disappearing for a number of years. It's said that they had the heaviness of BLACK SABBATH and LED ZEPPELIN, coupled with the groove of GRAND FUNK RAILROAD. Which sounds interesting of course. But unfortunately this new album is more like a copy of the most boring stuff with ENUFF Z'NUFF. So listening to this simply doesn't give me that much. I hear nothing of those old influences here. This is more like kind hard rock.
Everything is not hopeless though. The title track, which opens the album, is pretty good. And there might be 1 or 2 more that could go as a o.k. song.
bangmusic.com | cleopatrarecords.com
ANTIOCH: VI - Molten Rainbow
Iron Shield Records on July 21 - CD, Digital (LP later)
Canadian heavy metal trio ANTIOCH was formed in the summer of 2013. They have so far self released 3 full-length albums and 1 EP. Influences comes from the classic bands from the 80s, without being an exact copy of them.
Sometimes the singer is screaming like Udo Dirkschneider (U.D.O., ex-ACCEPT). But sometimes he also use a other voice, which I thank him for. There's a lot of power in his voice, while the music is also very powerful. It's mainly classic heavy metal for all the money here, and they do it really good. Worth listening to.
facebook.com/antiochmetal | ironshieldrecords.de
COASTWISE: Hard Rock Is Back
Coastwise - CD, Digital
COASTWISE sounds like a name for a AOR band to me. But these Portugese guys actually play hard rock and heavy metal. And "Hard Rock Is Back" is their full-length debut, which consist of 10 tracks that are really good.
This group have nothing new to come up with, but sounds mainly like something that could have been made in the 80s. But as long as they do it this good, it doesn't really matter to me. I'm so old that I grew up with that old sound, and that's probably why I prefer this before any modern stuff.
It could be interesting to hear if they can make another album that is as good as this.
coastwiseband.com
WITCHUNTERS: Time Is Running
Wanikiya Record - Digital Single
WITCHUNTERS are one of the longest-running Italian metal bands, founded in the summer of 1982. They were active until 2001, but was back again in 2009. The band have been working on 8 new songs since 2021, and this single is a taste of that.
"Time Is Running" is a pretty melodic song, and also pretty modern. It might not have hit potential, but it sure ain't bad at all.
I don't have much else to say right now..
VELVET VIPER: Nothing Compares To Metal
Massacre Records on July 21 - CD, LP, Digital
VELVET VIPER has a old school sound that I think many fans of heavy metal will like. It's powerful, and they have a strong voice in their singer, Jutta Weinhold. On top of that they also have really good songs. What else can you ask for?
For the first time they have a song in German, which is only available on the CD and digital version of the album.
After a look at their website, it seems like they released some stuff already in the late 80s and early 90s. Probably just self released demos, as their first "real" album wasn't released until 2018. So if you like me like this album, then you have some more records to discover.
velvet-viper.net
UNCURED: My Design
Pavement Music - MCD, Digital EP
UNCURED hailing from New Jersey, USA, and was founded in 2016. They began touring in 2017, and released their first album, "Medusa", the same year.
This is actually not really my kind of stuff. Some kind of melodic and modern rock metal. I guess it's supposed to be what is called nu metal? But they call it active rock (which I thought was another word for action rock?) in the press text, and the band themselves says metalcore on their website. Confused I am..
But even though I'm not so impressed by what they are doing, they seems to be good at it. So if you miss the old nu metal days or like melodic metalcore, then this might be something for you.
uncuredband.com
GATEWAY: Galgendood
Transcending Obscurity Records on July 21 - CD, Digital
Is this really music? I would like to call it something else, but I just don't know what. It's extremely heavy with deep growl, and not too much variation. The kind of stuff that I'm not so interested in. Listening to this gives me nothing but a headache.
This Belgian band play death/doom metal with an eerie atmosphere. This is absolutely not something for everyone, but those who like it heavy and extreme might enjoy this.
gatewayband.bandcamp.com | tometal.com
DENY: Wildfire
Flyktsoda/Cimex Records/Distat - LP, Digital
Swedish crust punks DENY formed in 1995, and was active until 2002. In 2016 they were back again, and have not stopped since then. Several records has been released in various formats through the years, and many members have come and left.
It's 3 years since the last full-length album from DENY. And this time they were inspired by the BLM movement/riots, the downfall of the whole planet and the environment, as well as corrupt politicians. No wonder that it sounds like it does. This album is full of frustration and anger. But isn't that just like it should be? Oh yes, it is!
All 12 tracks might not be so good, but most of them are really good. So this is an album that you should try. And especially if you like more aggressive punk.
deny.nu | facebook.com/flyktsodafanzine | cimexrecords.com
DEAD POLLYS: Truth Of Tomorrow
Too Loud Records - CD, Digital
DEAD POLLYS hailing from Stockholm, Sweden, and formed in 2011. The band features former and current members of bands like SIGHSTENS GRANNAR, MANSIC, DE LYCKLIGA KOMPISARNA and SIR REG. The music that they play is old school punk. It's catchy and melodic without losing power and heaviness. Every song on this album seems to be made to be an anthem. That doesn't mean that it's polished though. There's lots of dirt in this band's music.
DEAD POLLYS has simply made a really good album. So don't be a fool, check this out at once.
youtu.be/3vIj-A7T5_Y | tooloudrecords.bandcamp.com | deadpollys.com
VOIVOD: Morgöth Tales
Century Media on July 21 - LP, CD, Digital
Canadian metal band VOIVOD have always gone their own way, with their own unique sound. They don't care about what's trendy. Because why care about what happens to be trendy now, when you're already in the future? But the question is how far into the future they are? Because their music is still in its own league after 40 years.
Yes, sci-fi metal pioneers VOIVOD celebrate their 40th anniversary. And on this album they have re-recorded new versions of songs from 1984-2003. The title track is a new song though. But instead of choosing the most obvious classics, they have chosen more obscure songs. Which doesn't say much to me, who can hardly call myself a big fan. To me it just sounds like they use to. But it sounds really good though, so I like this album.
The album also features guest apperances from former members Eric Forrest and Jason Newsted on 1 song each.
voivod.com | centurymedia.com
VYPERA: Race Of Time
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
This is the second album with these Swedish hard rockers. Sometimes they also blend in some good old heavy metal. And it's a very strong album that they have made. Not a weak moment. It's full of powerful and great songs, that a fan of good old hard rock and heavy metal should not say no to. Yes, it's that fantastic. Yet I don't have much else to add..
frontiers.it | facebook.com/Vyperaofficial
STARDUST: Kingdom Of Illusion
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
From Hungary comes this melodic hard rock/AOR band, and this is their second album.
The band was founded in 2015. After a independently released self-titled debut EP, they signed with Frontiers Music and released their full-length debut, "Highway To Heartbreak", in October 2020.
Even though this is a melodic band, their music is pretty powerful. The guitars are heavy, while it's mainly the vocals that is melodic. But there is of course some songs that are more melodic rock/AOR though. And then the guitars are not so heavy.
These songs are absolutely not bad at all, as they reminds me of several other bands that are good. I can really recomend you to give this band a try.
frontiers.it | stardustaor.com
PRIDE OF LIONS: Dream Higher
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
The album cover looks like a poster for a Disney adventure, and the music sounds like the soundtrack to it. But now it doesn't have to be bad because of that. It's very melodic, but yet it works somehow. They have succeeded to make a melodic rock album with lots of good songs. Listen to something like the opening track, "Blind To Reason", or the last track, "Generational", for example - Excellent stuff!
This is the 7th album from PRIDE OF LIONS, which features songwriter Jim Peterik (The IDES OF MARCH) and vocalist Toby Hitchcock among others.
frontiers.it | aprideoflions.com
Joel Hoekstra's 13: Crash Of Life
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
"Crash Of Life" is the third release from Joel Hoekstra's 13, which is the solo project of guitarist Joel Hoekstra (WHITESNAKE, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, REVOLUTION SAINTS). And on this album he introduces the new singer Girish Pradhan (GIRISH AND THE CHRONICLES, The END MACHINE). As with the previous 2 albums, there's also a few stars among the other musicians: bassist Tony Franklin (BLUE MURDER, The FIRM), drummer Vinny Appice (LAST IN LINE, ex-DIO, BLACK SABBATH), and keyboardist Derek Sherinian (SONS OF APOLLO, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION). And as he did on the last record, vocalist Jeff Scott Soto (SONS OF APOLLO, W.E.T., Yngwie Malmsteen, JOURNEY, TALISMAN, S.O.T.O etc) lends a helping hand with background vocals.
This is a pretty strong hard rock album with many good songs. It's powerful, yet melodic. I don't have anything to complain about here, but I don't really have much else to say either. You should really give this a try though.
frontiers.it | joelhoekstra.com
CAVERN DEEP: Breach
Bonebag Records on July 14 - LP, CD, Digital
CAVERN DEEP is a Swedish band formed in 2019 by members from ZONARIA and GUDARS SKYMNING. They have previously released 1 album, and on this second album they have guests like Susie McMullan (BRUME), Johannes Behndig (SARCOPHAGUS NOW) and Thomas V Jäger (MONOLORD).
The music is slow and heavy, some kind of doom metal with a psychedelic twist you could say. They play pretty normal most of the time, but sometimes they decide to go on a psychedelic adventure for a while, before they end the song or go back to the normal again. I don't really know how to describe it better than that.
If you like it really heavy, and have nothing against a psychedelic trip once in a while, then this might be something for you.
caverndeep.com
VENDETTA: Black As Coal
Massacre Records on July 14 - CD, LP, Digital
VENDETTA released their first 2 albums in the late 80s. Then nothing happened until 2007, when yet another album was released. Since last time (2017) they have recruited a new guitarist, Jan Hüttinger, and drummer, Domi Bertelt.
Their musical style is rooted in thrash and speed metal from the 80s. So fans of stuff from that era should definitely give this a listen. Because they have some really good songs here, that I'm pretty sure that you don't want to miss.
They might not be the fastest thrash band, but win a lot in power instead. They are hardly slow though. These veterans has simply made a great album with a timeless sound. And hopefully people will understand that.
vendetta-band.de
ROZARIO: To The Gods We Swear
Pride & Joy Music - Digital Single
Norwegian melodic heavy metal band ROZARIO will release their debut album, "To The Gods We Swear", on October 22. The title track has now been released as a single from the album. And this is a really strong song that I really like. If they have more songs that are this strong, then I really look forward to hear the album, because it will be fantastic then.
youtu.be/Vhzd_jAZKTA
PALACE OF THE KING: Children Of The Evolution
Palace Of The King - Digital Single
Australian rock band PALACE OF THE KING deliver their new single with energy. It's an electrifying and adrenaline-pumping song. So if you like high octane rock n roll, then this might be something for you.
Even though they are from Australia, this is not the usual AC/DC stuff. No, this band have somehow found their own hard rock sound. And it sounds good to me, so give it a try.
youtu.be/4FXJPNZ9hUE | palaceofthekingmusic.com
EB AND THE DEADLIGHTS: Echoes Of A Dreamless Life
EB And The Deadlights - Digital Album
Shock rockers EB AND THE DEADLIGHTS has released their debut album, "Echoes Of A Dreamless Life". It's a wild mix of everything from Alice Cooper to Rob Zombie, through Marilyn Manson and MISFITS. This gives the album variation. Sometimes it's more punk rock, while others reminds a lot of Marilyn Manson. But inspiration can also come from something else. It's always catchy and melodic though, and it's a good album that they have made.
The Dublin based band formed in the spring of 2021, and has previously released a EP.
facebook.com/e.b.andthedeadlightsband
VELVET INSANE: Saturday Night Till' Sunday Morning
Wild Kingdom - Digital Single
Well, here's another party anthem from our Swedish glam rockers VELVET INSANE. It's a cover of the legendary punk band SLAUGHTER AND THE DOGS, and features a guest apperance from people like Dregen (BACKYARD BABIES, The HELLACOPTERS), Chips Kiesbye (SATOR) and Bonni Pontén (ASTA KASK). The song is taken from their upcoming album, "High Heeled Monster", which will be released on August 25.
Well, this is really good stuff, and I think most fans of good old glam rock will like this a lot. So you should really check this out.
youtu.be/6Wt_I-JIyso | wildkingdom.se | facebook.com/velvetinsane
The MELMACS: Good Advice (re-issue)
Beluga Records/Spaghetty Town Records/Queen Mum/Wanda/Bakraufarfita - LP
This is the debut album from The MELMACS, who comes from Dresden, Germany. The album was originally released as late as last year, but I guess it wasn't released on vinyl then? Now it is anyway.
It's a very catchy and melodic punk rock that we get from this band. And it's also very energetic. Yet they call it power pop, which is o.k. I guess it's somewhere on the border anyway.
I really like this! You have have to check them out!
youtu.be/FRfxtpaE9qE | belugarecords.com
INFINITE SPECTRUM: Cage
Infinite Spectrum - Digital Album
Progressive metal band INFINITE SPECTRUM is based in New York City, and this seems to be their third album, which they describe as "a rock opera concept album featuring 8 vocalists". In other words an ambitious adventure.
They are very good at what they are doing of course. But they also seems to know how to make good metal songs. And that's a big plus. Because what's the point in being a good musician if you can't make any good songs?
I'm not always a friend of progressive music, but this is an album that I really can recomend for fans of metal.
infinitespectrum.net
FALLING IN REVERSE: Last Resort (Reimagined)
Epitaph Records - Digital Single
These guys have for some reason turned PAPA ROACH's most famous song into a piano ballad. Not the best idea according to me. I like the original version, but this is just pathetic. Your little pop sister might like it though?
youtu.be/ESOjt2_yJrU | epitaph.com
The BARRERACUDAS: Nocturnal Missions (re-issue)
Beluga Records/Spaghetty Town Records - LP
This is a re-release of an album from 2011. The band is based in Atlanta, and find their inspiration somewhere between JOHNNY THUNDERS AND THE HEARTBREAKERS and TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS. The album is said to blend elements of dirty 70s glam and radio friendly stuff like Dwight Twilly and Phil Seymour.
To me it sounds like something from the 60s/70s sometime. Catchy and melodic, yet it's rocking. I guess we can call it power pop, and it sounds really good to me. You should absolutely check this out!
belugarecords.com
MISFIT MANIACS: Second Thoughts
GrönPeppar Records - out now Digital, MCD on July 12
It use to be easy to write something about the releases from Swedish label GrönPeppar Records. But in this case it wasn't so easy. This is not the usual punk rock, but something more alternative or something. Think of the Grrrl Riot movement and 90s bands like L7 and BIKINI KILL for example.
These Swedish teenage girls have found their own sound though, which to me is a mixture of punk rock and alternative rock. And these 6 tracks are not so bad at all, so maybe you should give them a try?
gronpepparrecords.bandcamp.com/album/misfit-maniacs-second-thoughts
WIZARD MASTER: Ablanathanalba
Electric Valley Records on July 7 - LP, Digital
Did they choose that title just to see how many reviewers who can spell it correct? Hopefully I did anyway, haha.
Stoned doom metal. Sometimes with elements of psych and garage rock. It's heavy and they have a fat sound. Most of the 6 songs are around 8 to 8 and a half minutes. They are never monotonous and boring though, but offer a varied material. Not bad at all.
The band is based in Rome, Italy, and was formed in 2019. Their debut EP, "Abracadoom", was released in 2021. It was followed by their first full-length, "Phasmatis", in February 2022.
wizardmasterband.bandcamp.com | electricvalleyrecords.com
MORTICIAN: 40 Years Of Metal
Pure Steel Records on July 7 - CD
Austrian heavy metal band MORTICIAN celebrate their 40-year anniversary with this album. 8 songs and a playing time of 34:26 - It doesn't have to be more complicated than that.
The band released 2 demos and 1 EP between 1987-89. Then nothing was released until 2005. Some more records has been released since then.
MORTICIAN play a powerful and traditional kind of heavy metal. It's a classic sound that always seems to work. These 8 tracks are absolutely not bad anyway.
mortician.at | puresteel-records.com
DEMOLIZER: Post Necrotic Human
Mighty Music on July 7 - LP, Digital
Danish thrash metal band DEMOLIZER formed in 2018. They have so far released 1 album and 1 EP. And now their second album is ready to be released.
If you end up in the moshpit on 1 of this band's concerts, then you better watch out. Because I think it can be really violent. It sounds like that when I listen to this album anyway. I also think that if you like good old thrash metal, then you will really like this album. It simply have all the right ingredients.
If this album would have been released in the 80s, then it would have been a classic today. But I guess we are living in the wrong time, so it probably won't be a classic now. It's still a damn good album though. It might even be the best thrash album so far this year.
bit.ly/dem-tgt | demolizerthrash.com
BLOODBOUND: Tales From The North
AFM Records on July 7 - 2CD, LP, Box Set
This is the 10th studio album from Swedish power metal band BLOODBOUND. And it's a concept album about the Viking era. But don't worry, even though they have some traditional Nordic folk music instruments here and there on this album, it's still the same old melodic power metal that they always has given us. It's epic and sing-along friendly anthems both for party and daily life. In other words an excellent album that it's hard to get enough of.
The double CD includes a live recording on the second disc.
bloodbound.se | afm-records.de
ALL FOR METAL: Legends
AFM Records on July 7 - LP, CD
This is a collaboration between the 2 metal singers Tim "Tetzel" Schmidt (ASENBLUT, and a strength athlete and fitness influencer) and Antonio Calanna (ex-DeVICIOUS). They were united by their love for classic heavy metal. And this band deliver their songs with lots of passion. They are not doing anything new here at all, but they are doing it very good. Fans of a band like HAMMERFALL, and possibly DREAM EVIL, should be very interested in this album.
The songs are catchy anthems that any heavy metal band should be proud of. There's actually not 1 bad song on the whole album, and that's really strong.
facebook.com/All-For-Metal-108342345239418 | afm-records.de
Gardner/James: No Strings
Frontiers Music Srl/Pavement Entertainment - CD, Digital
Janet Gardner is a former vocalist of VIXEN, while Justin James has worked as a guitarist/songwriter/producer with members of STAIND, COLLECTIVE SOUL and TYKETTO. They have made a few albums together now.
This album start very good. It' melodic hard rock with heavy guitars that we get. Neither old school or modern, but just here and now somehow, or maybe a mix of both? Unfortunately it's like they lose speed after a couple of songs though, and it gets much weaker. Too bad with such a good beginning. But after a few songs they are luckily back on the right track again, which is good.
frontiers.it
FALSE MEMORIES: Hybrid Ego System
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
"Hybrid Ego System" continues where their last album left, but with some progressive metal added to their dark metal. The music is heavy, yet not extremely heavy, while the vocals is melodic, even though there's some screaming here and there now and then. The sound is pretty modern, and this is not the fastest album, even though I would not call it slow either. More variation would not have hurt, becuse you know this band after just a few songs.
FALSE MEMORIES was originally formed in 2015, and released a self titled EP in 2016. Their debut album was released independently in January 2018.
frontiers.it | falsememories.it
BOB MALMSTRÖM: Så Som På Strömsö
Elitbolaget - Digital Single
With that title I thought it would be a pop song. But this is more like a melodic punk rocker with a touch of metal instead. Aggressive vocals, but very catchy. Absolutely not bad at all. A perfect summer song.
For some reason I don't have much else to say, but it's worth checking out if you didn't get that.
youtu.be/2mWBY9YabkE | elitbolaget.com
Mitch Malloy: The Last Song
Godsend Records/Cargo Records on July 7 - CD
Mitch Malloy have been the frontman of GREAT WHITE for many years. But I guess that wasn't fun anymore, as his exit from the band was announced in February 2022. And now he have made a solo album all by himself. He take care of songwriting, producing, playing instruments, mixing and mastering.
It's a melodic rock album that he have made here. But why he had to destroy it with a stupid ballad after just 2 songs is a big mystery to me. Otherwise not much to complain about though. This is simply good stuff, so you should really give it a chance. I don't think that you will be dissapointed.
mitchmalloy.com
Tony Mitchell: Radio Heartbeat
Pride & Joy Music on July 1 - CD
UK based singer Tony Mitchell has been a member of KISS OF THE GYPSY and DIRTY WHITE BOYZ. "Radio Heartbeat" is his 4th solo album. And what we get is an album full of melodic rock. High quality all the way through, which makes this a very strong album. He has also managed to produce a varied material. Yes, this is an album that he can be proud of.
Now it would have been nice if I had some more to write. But I guess I don't have to explain what melodic rock sounds like? And then I have nothing else to add.. But a short review is always better than no review.
prideandjoy.de
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