REVIEWS NOVEMBER 2023
«October | Index | December»DeadFire: B.M.F.
RockFiend on Dec. 1 - Digital Single
B.M.F. is short for Bad Motherfucker. And with that attitude you have some to live up to. But DeadFire deliver a hard rocking song that is both catchy and groovy, so they get away with it you could say. It's a powerful hard rock n roll song, and it kicks ass. What else do you want to know?
DeadFire hailing from Aberdeen in Scotland. The band have been around for almost a decade already.
facebook.com/Deadfire1
DECEPTION: Monophobic
Mighty Music on Dec. 1 - Digital Single
Norwegian symphonic death metallers DECEPTION is gearing up its engines for the release of their next album, and this is the first single from it.
This band combines technical riffs with fast drums and a huge orchestra. Inspiration comes from bands like WINTERSUN, SEPTICFLESH and BLOOD RED THRONE. It's not just symphonic, but also melodic, even though the vocals is harsh/growl. Pretty o.k.
The new album will be released in 2024.
deception.lnk.to/mono
SPRINTS: Shadow Of A Doubt
City Slang - Digital Single
Another single with a soft beginning. And this begining actually last for a little too long according to me. But after something like 2 minutes (half the song) there's finally more action, and the song becomes much better, even though they have done much better songs than this. But it seems like they have got good feedback from NME and The Guardian, so who am I to judge when they are the new rock hope?
SPRINTS is an Irish garage rock band, and they will release their debut album, "Letter To Self", on January 5, 2024.
youtu.be/SW7XPRQFIOo | facebook.com/sprintsmusic
SPARZANZA: Bad Motherfucker
Despotz Records - Digital Single
After 6 years since their last studio album, "Announcing The End", Swedish metal band SPARZANZA is back again with a new single, with the cocky title "Bad Motherfucker". After 8 albums and 20 years together as a band, they simply needed a break. And that's why it has taken so long before they were ready to release something new.
This is a song that is both heavy and melodic. The verse is more heavy and groovy, while the chorus is melodic. A pretty good metal song with different layers you could say.
facebook.com/sparzanza | despotz.se
TRUMBITEN: Heist
Trumbiten - Digital Single
This heavy rocker is based on a true story that took place in the cold winter of 1971 in the far north of Sweden: "Vietaskuppen" or "The Vietas Robbery". This infamous robbery saw SEK 3.2 million (in today's money) stolen from the Vietas hydro power station, for which the perpetrators were never caught. The lyrics are written from the criminal perspective exploring the needs and desires that were the driving force behind the heist.
Hailing from the City of Luleå in northern Sweden, TRUMBITEN is a heavy rock/metal duo (father and son) established in 2018 who collaborate with musicians both globally and locally. They has released 3 EPs so far.
This song seems to combine good old heavy metal and heavy rock, and it actually sounds really good. So this is a band that I recomnd you to check out. Now I want to hear some more with this band.
TOMORROW'S OUTLOOK: Silver Ghost
Sörvik Rock Music - Digital Single
Northern Norwegian heavy metal band TOMORROW'S OUTLOOK are set to release their new album, "Black Waves", early next year, on their own record label, Sörvik Rock Music. And "Silver Ghost" is the second single from that album.
If you like good old heavy metal like IRON MAIDEN and similar, then this song should be of interest for you. It's simply a really good song, and it makes me want to hear more. So it's not such a wild guess that the new album will be very good.
youtu.be/mzaH9EL8wEI | tomorrowsoutlook.com | sorvikrock.com
TEMPLETON PEK: Perfect Storm
Drakkar Entertainment - Digital Single
It's 5 years since Birmingham-based punk trio TEMPLETON PEK released their latest studio album, "Watching The World Come Undone". But now they return with a new single.
Ever since their formation in 2005, TEMPLETON PEK draws influences from their anger at a shift in the worlds political landscape. I would not call their music angry though, as it's a pretty catchy and melodic kind of punk rock that they play, with a sing-along friendly chorus and all. It sounds more like something American from the 90s than something British from the late 70s. But with that said, this is not a bad song at all.
templetonpek.bfan.link/perfect-storm | templetonpekofficial.com | drakkar.de
The RODS: Rattle The Cage
Massacre Records - Digital Single
I wrote a short history of The RODS in my last review of them, which was of the live album "Live At Rose Hall". They were active in the 1980s already anyway, and David "Rock" Feinstein (guitar/vocals) is actually cousin with the late Ronnie James Dio (DIO, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW).
Now these American heavy metal veterans have signed with Massacre Records, who will release a new album, "Rattle The Cage", with the band on January 12, 2024. And the title track has been released as the first single a few weeks ago (and they have just released a second single, "Shockwave").
The trio deliver a powerful and heavy, yet energetic heavy metal anthem. Not bad at all, and very promising for the future. This makes me thirsty for some more. You should really check this out.
youtu.be/yWx_u0O7U_Q?si=toZJ486ukbjlknks | therods.bfan.link/rattlethecage | therods.com
HOSTILIA: Let Off Some Steam (Remixed)
Hostilia - Digital Single
HOSTILIA is a young thrash metal band from Göteborg, Sweden. The members are between 16 to 20 years old, and with this song they want to introduce their new frontman, Tim Angelini.
It sounds old school and good, so this is something that you should try if you like that (and who doesn't?). It's raw and not too angry, and they seems to be good musicians. It would be nice to hear some more with this band in the future.
youtu.be/iP-7lUI9NGg | linktr.ee/hostilia
CROSSFIRE: Turned To Stone
Wormholedeath Records - Digital Single
This is the second single from Irish thrash metallers CROSSFIRE's upcoming album, "Switch To Reset", which will be released on December 15. And it's a pretty long song (6:52 minutes) for being a single, where they blend traditional heavy metal with both speed and thrash metal. On top of that they are also experimenting with some vocal harmonies.
The result is what I would describe as a old school heavy/thrash metal song somewhere between METALLICA and ANTHRAX. It almost takes me back to the 80s actually (just almost though). Yes, you should give these guys a try.
orcd.co/turnedtostone | linktr.ee/crossfirethrash | facebook.com/WormHoleDeath
CORNERS OF SANCTUARY: Get On The List
SODEH Records - Digital Single
It has become a tradition for this American heavy metal band to release a Christmas song each year. And this time they have really succeeded to make a song that is actually catchy. It's a pretty short song as well, just 2 minutes, which is also good, as there's not much time to get tired of it. This might actually be one of the best songs I have heard with them so far, which gives me some hope that they have become much better after all these years. I might even add it to my Christmas playlist, and that's a big step.
"Get On The List" is part of the band's "Merry Metal Xmas X" bundle, which is available on CD in a limited edition from the band.
cornersofsanctuary.com | sodeh.ca
CLEAR VISION: A Broken Home
Raw Street Noise - Digital Single
CLEAR VISION is a Finnish metal band, with members from bands like INSOMNIUM and OMNIUM GATHERUM among others. "A Broken Home" is the third taste of their upcoming debut album, "Behind The Silence".
They combines powerful and heavy riffs with melodies, as well as both aggressive and clean vocals. It sounds modern and is not so bad. Could be worth a try.
I don't really know what else I should say..
facebook.com/clearvisionfin
F.K.Ü.: The Spawning
Despotz Records - Digital Single
Swedish horror thrashers F.K.Ü. has released yet another single from their upcoming album, "The Horror And The Metal", which will be in stores on February 9, 2024. It still sounds good, but I get a feeling that the 2 previous singles was a little bit stronger than this song. "The Spawning" is a little heavier. I still think that the new album will be excellent though. And as it's F.K.Ü., you check this out anyway.
ingrv.es/the-spawning-qog-9 | facebook.com/moshoholics | despotz.se
SKARLETT RIOT: Hold Tight
Despotz Records - Digital Single
The new single with British modern metal band SKARLETT RIOT begins soft like a ballad, but wake up after something like 44 seconds. We get both clean female vocals and male harsh vocals, as well as powerful and heavy riffs. It's both hard and melodic. It might sound a little too much like pop in the beginning, but becomes a fine modern metal song after a while, and then it sounds good to me. They have made stronger songs though.
This song is a taste of a brand new album, which will be released in 2024.
If you're for some reason just want to check out 1 modern metal band, then give this band a chance.
youtu.be/4ujaiR7cKNw?si=v7JMCdo6bfPIbQ74 | despotz.se | skarlettriot.bandcamp.com
PIRATE QUEEN: Pirates From The Sea
Despotz Records - Digital Single
What we have here is something so unusual as an all-female pirate metal band from the Bermuda Triangle. "Pirates From The Sea" is their first single, which is taken from the upcoming album, "Ghosts", which will be released on February 23, 2024. And they are doing everything right here, because it sounds just like it should when you play pirate metal, but with a female twist then. So this is something that you really should check out if you like that genre. A very strong debut!
It will be interesting to hear if they have more songs that are as good as this.
youtu.be/wdI388LjgnI?si=SIntGCvrlV6YwcZJ | facebook.com/piratequeenofficial | despotz.se
MANNEQUIN PUSSY: Sometimes
ANTI- Records - Digital Single
This is a softer song. And even though I prefer their uptempo songs, this is actually not so bad after all. Describe the sound is not so easy though. Not because it's complicated, because it's not, but because it's softer I guess? Hm.. I don't know what else I should write now, so listen to the song and enjoy it.
MANNEQUIN PUSSY will release a new album, "I Got Heaven", on March 1, 2024 via Epitaph Records.
youtu.be/BLFzPJU1qCM
HELLMAN: Desktop Activist
Black Lodge Records - Digital Single
"Desktop Activist" is the first single from Chilean metal band HELLMAN's upcoming album, "Born, Suffering, Death", which will be released on January 26, 2024. It sounds punky and a little like MOTÖRHEAD actually, even though they have some other ingredients as well. I guess we can call it something like metal n roll or something stupid like that. Hard and dirty anyway, and it's rocking even though it's metal. An interesting band.
youtu.be/c__bQHIeRFE?si=Qc29F-ElBjUieCOF | blacklodge.se/artists/hellman
FAST EDDY: Spirit Commander
Beluga Records - Digital Single
FAST EDDY might be a new name to most people (it is to me anyway). But fact is that they have been around since 2014. They have released 1 album so far, and their second, titled "To The Stars", will be released soon.
"Spirit Commander" is the first single from the album, and it reminds me a little of The HIVES actually. It's garage rock anyway, and it sounds really good to me, so that new album could be interesting to hear.
FAST EDDY are from Denver.
belugarecords.com
AGGRESSION: Frozen Aggressors
Massacre Records on Dec. 1 - CD, LP, Digital
Canadian thrash metal band AGGRESSION is hardly a new band. They delivered their first record in 1987. But after that it seems like nothing was released until 2004, and then we had to wait until 2016 for something new with them. But after that they have been more active.
This new album will bring you back to the golden era of thrash metal (the 80s), and they blend influences from all kinds of bands, from crossover like S.O.D. to more raw stuff like VENOM. But most of all I would say that it's old school thrash metal of course. It's in other words an album that every fan of good old thrash should enjoy. I like it anyway. This is a great album.
massacre-records.com | aggressionofficial.com
AXENSTAR: Chapter VIII
Inner Wound Recordings on Dec. 1 - CD, Digital
That Sweden have many good power metal bands should not be any news. And here's another band to keep an eye on (even though they're not exactly a new band).
Their songs are powerful and melodic, just like it should be. And with over 2 decades of experience, they are very good at what they are doing, which they prove here. This album is full of fantastic songs that every fan of the genre should like. Not a weak moment on the whole album.
This is, as the title suggests, their 8th album. It was mixed and mastered by Ronnie Björnström (PERSUADER, SORCERER, AEON).
youtu.be/1ElGs1epZ00?si=AL-2fnifRuWToJp5 | axenstar.com | innerwound.com
FLAMES OF FIRE: Our Blessed Hope
Melodic Passion Records on Dec. 1 - CD, Digital
FLAMES OF FIRE are obviously a Christian band, and there's actually a little too much singing about Jesus for my taste. They even have a love ballad to him, in both English and Swedish. But except for that song, it's mainly really good music that we get here, even though they might not be the best band that I have heard. Melodic hard rock/heavy metal in the old tradition.
It's no amateurs that we have here, as the members of this band are veterans in the Swedish hard rock and metal scene, and have toured around the world and sold thousands of albums with their other bands, like NARNIA, The WAYMAKER, DIVINEFIRE, PAIN OF SALVATION, HOUSE OF SHAKIRA etc. This is the second album with FLAMES OF FIRE.
melodicpassion.com | facebook.com/flamesoffireofficial
NIMROD: Legacy Of Death
Metalapolis Records on Dec. 1 - CD
NIMROD is a thrash metal band from Chile, which have been around since 1985. They have for various reasons not been active all the time though.
This time original guitarist Chris Ira gathered his old gang and new friends around him to create a new album. And we also get 2 covers here: DARK ANGEL's "Merciless Death" with founding member Don Doty on vocals, and "Neon Knights" by BLACK SABBATH featuring Ronnie Romero (RAINBOW, MSG, ex-CORELEONI, VANDENBERG etc) on vocals. And there's more guest apperances on this album.. Felipe Montaldo Fitch (SUBTERRA) play guitar on 3 of the songs. And we can also hear former NIMROD bass player Rodrigo Urzua, original member Marcelo Naves and Pipo Barraza on drums, and last but not least singer Leonardo Caballero.
The 2023 line-up of the band features Chris Ira on guitars, Gary Wayne on vocals, Fernando "F" González on bass, and Mauricio Monardes on drums.
This is an album for all of us who like the old school sound, because there's nothing modern in this band's music. And it's a really good album that they have made, so they can be really proud of it. It's not full speed ahead all the time, as there's also some heavy pieces, which gives good variety.
facebook.com/nimrodmetalband | metalapolis.eu
ORO: Vid Vägs Ände
Hammerheart Records on Dec. 1 - CD, LP
There was another Swedish band called ORO in the early 90s, which is a totally different story than this band. So no, it's not that band that we get the chance to hear on this album.
This new band called ORO play post/sludge-metal, and hardly sing happily about milk (like that first band did). The only thing these 2 bands have in common is that they're both from Sweden and sing in Swedish. But enough about that..
ORO formed in 2014, and this is their second album, where they blend post-metal with both doom and sludge, as well as some soft passages. It's dark and heavy, as well as apocalyptic and atmospheric. Most of these 5 tracks are between 7:45 to 10 minutes long. The last track is 5:26 though.
If you want something catchy and happy, then this is not a band for you. But those of you who like it heavy will probably enjoy this.
oroband.lnk.to/vidvagsande | hammerheart.com
SATURDAY'S HEROES: Wanderlust & Hardships
Lövely Records on Dec. 1 - LP, Digital
SATURDAY'S HEROES is hardly one of the faster punk rock bands, but seems to be safe in a soft mid-tempo instead, even though there's some more energetic numbers too. So you can of course ask yourself if this really is punk rock or just rock (well, probably both then). That's just a small detail though, as the most important thing is if it's good or not. And this happens to be pretty good actually. It should please fans of everything from RANCID, BAD RELIGION and MILLENCOLIN to The CLASH, DROPKICK MURPHYS, and even Bruce Springsteen. It's a wild mixture of street punk rock, Celtic punk rock and laidback rock. It's mainly melodic.
SATURDAY'S HEROES is a Swedish band, and this is their 4th album, which was recorded with producer Niels Nielsen (IN FLAMES, DEAD SOUL, GHOST, MCC). It's said to be their most ambitious album so far.
saturdaysheroes.bandcamp.com/album/wanderlust-hardships | almostreligious.com
WALKING CORPSE: Our Hands, Your Throat
Transcending Obscurity Records on Dec. 1 - CD, Digital
WALKING CORPSE takes a firm hold of your neck and unleashes all their anger. It's really fast and aggressive, and sometimes totally insane. Even though this Swedish trio play grindcore, they also throw in some death metal elements, and even some sludge. That doesn't make it any slower or weaker though, as it's more or less full speed ahead all the way.
Those of you who like it fast and extreme have something to look forward to. But a weak little shit like me almost get a headache.
tometal.com | walkingcorpse.bandcamp.com/album/our-hands-your-throat
REVEAL: Still Alive
Art Gates Records - CD
REVEAL is a heavy/power metal band created by Tino Hevia (DARKSUN, NÖRTHWIND). For this new act, Tino recruited Swedish singer Rob Lundgren and a bunch of other people.
The songs on this new album are melodic, but yet powerful. The material is mainly strong and diversified, and there's lots of tasty candy to discover on this album, even though there's some weaker moments too. But this is still an album that you should give a try.
Not much else to add there..
artgatesrecords.com | facebook.com/RevealBandOfficial
ASBESTOS WORKER/NAW: F@ck You
Learning Curve Records - 10" vinyl, Digital EP
This is a split release between the 2 American hardcore bands ASBESTOS WORKER and NAW. They gives us 3 tracks each.
ASBESTOS WORKER hailing from St Paul, MN, and released a full-length, "The Seperation", on Learning Curve Records in 2022. To me they sounds like a punk rock band with a hardcore singer. It's in other words not as fast or heavy as hardcore bands use to be, but yet uptempo. I think of GG Allin for some reason, even though this is not the exact same thing. Not bad anyway.
NAW is from Atlanta, GA, and they released a record, "Head Pain", in 2021. They don't really sound like a hardcore band either, but more like something alternative instead. So I don't really know how to describe thir sound better than that.. They are pretty good though.
This could be something for punks and hardcore kids that want something different.
learningcurverecords.bandcamp.com | asbestosworker23.bandcamp.com | nawatlanta.bandcamp.com
FIREWIND: Come Undone
AFM Records - Digital Single
Greek power metal veterans FIREWIND has released a new single from their upcoming studio album, "Stand United", which will be released on March 1, 2024. It's a melodic and powerful thing, and just what you can expect from this band. I'm pretty sure that the new album will be excellent, because no single has been bad so far anyway. You simply check this out, and that's it!
FIREWIND will be touring in both Europe and North America in the first half of 2024.
youtu.be/AF6a4aZIJFc?si=gcOfppSca0e8y95b | firewind.bfan.link/stand-united | firewind.gr | afm-records.de
I'LL BE DAMNED: Live At Radar
Mighty Music - Digital Album
This album was recorded live at Radar in their hometown Aarhus, Denmark. It includes guest apperances from members of BAEST and PLAGUEMACE. Both band and audience seemed to be on fire this night, and they really deliver.
I'LL BE DAMNED play a heavy and groovy kind of rock n roll metal. For some reason they makes me think of Swedish bands like TRANSPORT LEAGUE and MUSTASCH, which is probably silly as I'LL BE DAMNED put their own twist on the whole thing and have their own sound. They are very powerful and definitely kicks ass. And they get a little bit more aggressive live than they are on record, but without losing the melodic element that they also have.
They burn off 16 tracks, and the concert was also filmed, and can be seen on YouTube. This is a band that you really should check out.
youtu.be/Jzj22lDFD8E | illbedamned.nu | mightymusic.dk
ILDSKÆR: Blod & Jern
Vendetta Records - LP, CD, Cassette, Digital
ILDSKÆR is a black metal duo from Denmark, founded in 2020, who focuses on historical themes. "Blod & Jern" chronicles the Second Schleswig War of 1864 between Denmark and Prussia, a war which forged the identities and outlooks of these 2 European nations by blood and iron.
As we just get 5 tracks here, the songs are pretty long - between 7:40 to 11 and a half minutes. It's mainly fast and aggressive, but with a melodic melody in the background (you get that if you listen). They have the good taste to slow down a little now and then though, so that the songs are long is hardly a problem here. And I can actually not hear any other problems either, because this is pretty good stuff.
So if you like black metal with melody, then give these guys a try.
ildskaer.bandcamp.com
The RATTLEBACKS: Kink
The Rattlebacks - MCD, Digital EP
This is a hard rock band, which was formed in Brighton, England in 2021. They seems to combine classic hard rock with a pinch of grunge and modern elements. This is delivered with high energy and a party vibe, which gives them a touch of punk according to me. All 4 songs on this EP is really good stuff and have their own identity. This is something that you really should check out.
linktr.ee/TheRattlebacks
VIGILANT: Oppression - Dramatic Surge
Vic Records - CD
VIGILANT is a technical thrash metal band from Holland, which was formed by former THANATOS member Andre in 1987. This compilation contains the demos "Dramatic Surge" (1988) and "Oppression" (1989), as well as 2 rare tracks that was special recorded for the "Metal In Rocks" compilation CD (1989). And as a bonus we also get some rehearsal and live tracks from 1989 - A total of 16 tracks to bang your head to.
This was obviously not what we today call an old school thrash metal band, but rather one of those who went their own way instead. It's progressive and odd, so I would guess that fans of a band like VOIVOD could like this. Some stuff is o.k., while some is not so interesting. I guess this is a little too alternative for my taste.
vicrecods.com
SEAR BLISS: Grand Destiny (re-issue)
Vic Records on Nov. 24 - CD
"Grand Destiny" is the third album by this Hungarian black metallers. It was originally released in 2001, and is said to be their most obscure release.
Their first mistake is to begin with a way too long intro (1:46 minutes of some shit that is probably supposed to be eerie), but after that it's full speed ahead and anger, just like it should be. But just like many other fast bands, they also slow down a little once in a while, before they put the pedal to the metal again. A perfect combination.
But on this album they obviously took it a step further, and included some symphonic elements (in lack of a better description) as well. Just short parts here and there though, so don't worry too much about that, because this is mainly good stuff.
vicrecords.com
ETERNAL SOLSTICE: Demonic Fertilizer (re-issue)
Vic Records on Nov. 24 - CD
Dutch death metallers ETERNAL SOLSTICE released their third album, "Demonic Fertilizer", in 1997. Now it has been re-released by Vic Records. And what you can expect is nothing else but classic Dutch death metal. So this is pretty good stuff, and therfor worth checking out. And I don't have much else to add..
According to The Metal Archives, ETERNAL SOLSTICE existed for the first time between 1989-1997. And since 2010 they are back again. Among their releases so far are 4 full-length albums, a compilation, some split releases and a EP.
vicrecords.com
DIABOLIC: City Of The Dead
Vic Records on Nov. 24 - CD
DIABOLIC is a death metal band from Tampa Bay, Florida, founded in 1996. This compilation album contains their earliest works, such as a demo from 1997 and a ultra rare promo from 1998. But we also get a special track, "Lucifer Induced", which was recorded for the 2014 vinyl re-issue of the first demo.
Well, this is brutal and fast Florida death metal the classic way. In other words, just like it should be. So if you like that, then you should give these guys a try. Because even though I have heard better, this is not totally useless anyway.
vicrecords.com
BLACK SHEPHERD: Immortal Aggression (re-issue)
Vic Records on Nov. 24 - CD
This is a re-issue of the debut album by Belgian metal band BLACK SHEPHERD. It was originally released in 1988.
They deliver an early, and almost primitive but raw, kind of thrash/death metal. It's very straight and simple, but yet there's also guitar solos. And there's no growling here, but I wouldn't call it clean vocals either.
This might not be something for those who like the classic 90s death metal. But those who have nothing against what came before that, they should give this a try. I have heard better though.
vicrecords.com
DEATH'S-HEAD AND THE SPACE ALLUSION: Luc-II-Farul
Inverse Records - CD, Digital
This is a Finnish band, who play a modern and melodic kind of metal. "Luc-II-Farul" is their second album. And this album has speed and heaviness, as well as bits and pieces of progressive rock among the ingredients. It's ambitious and absolutely not bad at all. There's lots of really strong songs with big choruses among these 7 tracks. So this is something that you really should check out if you like melodic metal.
Not much else to say..
inverse.fi | facebook.com/dhatsaband
ASTMATISK GAPSKRATT: Ha Ei Satans God Jul!
Second Class Kids Records on Nov. 24 - LP/CD, CD, Digital
Punk and Cristmas has been walking hand in hand for decades, so that's nothing new (in case anybody thought that). We have songs like "Svart Jul" by CHARTA 77 and "Fuck Christmas" by FEAR for example, just to name a few of them all. And the cool thing with the punks, is that they are mainly doing their own original songs instead of walking in to the traditional trap (classics that we have already heard a thousand times). But instead of praising Christmas, these bands are often against it, and most of all the hysteria surrounding it all.
Not many have as far as I know done a whole full-length album with just original Christmas songs though, like this Norwegian punk rock band have. So that can of course be seen as a very ambitious project. But it would really surprise me if anybody will remember this album in a few years. Not that it's bad, but mainly because there's nothing extra good. Luckily there's nothing extra bad either, so you should still check this out.
ASTMATISK GAPSKRATT have made a varied album, filled with swinging Christmas songs to dance around the tree to. So if you like punk rock in Norwegian, then this could be something for you.
secondclasskids.com | facebook.com/AstmatiskGapskratt
KKPA: Live
Second Class Kids Records on Nov. 24 - LP/CD, CD, Digital
Punk rock veterans KKPA, from southern Sweden (Trelleborg), release a live album with 14 tracks. Where and when it was recorded is unknown to me, but that doesn't really matter as it sounds really good. So if you like melodic punk rock/trallpunk in Swedish, then this could be something for you. And if you're already a fan of the band, then you just have to get this.
You could always ask yourself if a little punk band really should play for 45 minutes? But the audience didn't seems to complain, so why not? To me it's a little too long though.
It would be nice with some more information about the releases from Second Class Kids, but I guess they're too lazy for that? Same thing every time..
secondclasskids.com | facebook.com/kkpaofficial
SILENT TIGER: Twist Of Fate
Pride & Joy Music on Nov. 24 - CD
With SILENT TIGER's second album, all fans of melodic rock got a new favorite band. They sit with all the right cards, and win the game easily. Which means that their material is really strong. So strong that they could compete with the big boys about the thrown of melodic rock. Yes, I'm impressed! You have to give them a try!
SILENT TIGER was formed in 2018 by 2 guys from Honduras and 1 from USA. Influences came from 80s bands like DEF LEPPARD, VAN HALEN, EUROPE, BON JOVI, RATT, DOKKEN and SCORPIONS, but a modern touch was added to their sound. Their debut album, "Ready For Attack", was released in 2020.
"Twist Of Fate" is said to have a more melodic and thunderous sound than the debut, and is seen as a new chapter in the band's history. They are now looking for a bigger audience, and I really hope they succeed.
facebook.com/silenttigerband | prideandjoy.de
FREAKSTORM: Angel In The Dark
Pride & Joy Music on Nov. 24 - CD
FREAKSTORM is a German duo, founded in 2016 as a tribute project. The first song they recorded was a HALESTORM cover. But they soon found the motivation to write their own material, and has since then released 2 EPs - "We Got The Fire" (2018) and "From Zero" (2019). In 2021 it was time for their first full-length album, "Storm Inside My Heart". Another EP, "When Dawn Is Breaking", was released in 2022, and now they have signed with Pride & Joy Music, who will release their second full-length.
The music that Sinah Meier (vocals) and Olli Fuchs (drums) gives us is a melodic kind of rock/hard rock, which is on the border to power pop sometimes. The vocals is very kind, and would probably fit very good for a pop band. The music might not be the most powerful either, but I get a feeling that they do this with the right passion, and the songs are absolutely not bad at all. Listen to something like "Stop The Fire" or the SCORPIONS cover "Big City Nights" for example, and you should understand.
Among the other musicians and vocalists on this album are Dennis Ward on bass and Oliver Hartmann (AVANTASIA, HARTMANN) on guitars. Timothy Shaw (SchwarzLicht) sing on 1 song, Toby Wendeler (SchwarzLicht) play guitar on 2 songs, and Rick Benton (MAGNUM) play keyboards on 1 song.
youtu.be/kDxLUWIBmmk | freakstorm.de | prideandjoy.de
TEMPLE OF SCORN: Funeral Altar Epiphanies
Transcending Obscurity Records on Nov. 24 - CD, Digital
Danish death metallers TEMPLE OF SCORN might not have anything new to come up with on this debut album, as it's the classic sound that we get here. But they do it really good, so there's no need to complain. You check this out, and that's it!
The band consist of members from bands like HORNED ALMIGHTY, BAEST, The ARCANE ORDER, DAWN OF DEMISE, SYLVATICA, EXMORTEM, INVOCATOR etc. So there's lots of experience in one place, and no wonder that they seems to do everything right here. The sound is dark and doomy, yet very 90s.
templeofscorndm.bandcamp.com | tometal.com
SECRET RULE: UNInVERSE
Lucky Bob Records/SPV on Nov. 24 - CD, LP, Box Set, Digital
SECRET RULE was founded in 2014, and they has released a few albums through the years. The music that they play is some kind of blend of heavy guitar riffs, electronic elements, symphonic keyboard parts, and powerful yet soulful vocals. The songs are catchy and melodic, and I like that the singer varies the vocals. It gives more life to their music.
They have lots of really strong songs on this album, and it all seems to be done with lots of heart and soul. So if you like symphonic and modern metal, then I can really recomend you to check this out.
secretrule.it
SADISM: Obscurans
Hammerheart Records on Nov. 24 - CD, LP
These veterans comes from Santiago in Chile, and have been playing thrash/death metal since 1988. "Obscurans" is their 10th album, and it's said to be a return to their primal roots. It's in other words very old school and raw. The kind of stuff that I guess most of us like best.
It's never too brutal and extreme, but never too slow and weak either. They have simply succeeded to make a very good album.
And if you happens to want as much songs as possible, the CD has 2 bonus tracks.
sadism.lnk.to/obscurans | hammerheart.com
WEEPING SILENCE: Isle Of Lore
ViciSolum Productions on Nov. 24 - CD, Digital
WEEPING SILENCE is a band from Malta, and this is their first new studio album in 8 years. "Isle Of Lore" is their fifth album, and it's inspired by the timeless allure of Maltese folklore characters, creatures and legends.
The music that they play is described as progressive metal with elements of atmospheric gothic doom. This is mixed with harsh vocals, even though there's some clean vocals too. To me it sounds like some kind of dark melodic death metal with a progressive twist. But I guess that you can describe this band's music in many different ways, so let's just say that if you want something different, try this.
Korbi Farhi (ORPHANED LAND) is guest vocalist on the opening track, "The Watcher On The Walls".
weepingsilence.com
Tarja Turunen: Dark Christmas
earMUSIC - CD, 2LP, Digital
Christmas songs are more or less love it or hate it I guess. I like it better when people do their own original songs, instead of doing the same traditional and classics that a million others have already done over and over again. But there is a few hard rock and heavy metal albums with those old songs that are really good, like "Bangin' Round The X-mas Tree", "We Wish You A Metal Xmas And A Headbanging New Year" and TWISTED SISTER's Christmas album. And when it comes to original songs, I like "Merry Christmas Everybody" by SLADE (their biggest hit by the way), "Heavy Christmas" by 220 VOLT, "Svart Jul" by Swedish punk band CHARTA 77 and KING DIAMOND's cult classic "No Presents For Christmas".
Former NIGHTWISH vocalist Tarja Turunen have already done a Christmas album a few years ago. So why she wanted to do another is a good question, as she is mainly doing those old songs I was talking about, as well as pathetic classics by WHAM and Maria Carey. There's just 1 original song, the title track. But she is at least not doing these songs the happy or emotional way, but rather much darker and more gothic. It's simply different from the original versions. So in the end I guess it's not as horrible as I thought it would be, which is a good surprise. I don't think that I would recomend this for rockers though, as it's mainly a pretty laidback album. But you could always give it away as a Christmas present to somebody who is not a rocker.
tarja.lnk.to/darkchristmas | tarjaturunen.com
GRÅ VARDAG and SKARABÉ
Concert at Hemgården in Borås, Sweden on Nov. 18, 2024
This will be very short..
SKARABÉ was the first band out, and they played some kind of mixture of ska and punk. Almost like GATANS LAG mixed with The LIPTONES. All lyrics was in Swedish, and mainly against things that they don't like in today's society. The best band this evening.
GRÅ VARDAG played a more catchy kind of punk with loud vocals. Almost a little like Oi! punk. O.k. for a while, but as it was more or less the same thing all the time and no real anthems, I got bored after a few songs.
TRAPEZE: Lost Tapes Vol. 1
Metalville Records on Nov. 24 - CD, LP, Digital
English rock band TRAPEZE formed in 1969, and originally featured former The MONTANAS members John Jones (trumpet, vocals) and Terry Rowley (keyboards), and former FINDERS KEEPERS members Glenn Hughes (bass, vocals, piano), Mel Galley (guitar, vocals) and Dave Holland (drums). Jones and Rowley left the band following the release of their self-titled debut album in 1970, with the lineup of Hughes, Galley and Holland continuing as a power trio. After a couple of more albums, Hughes left TRAPEZE in 1973 to join DEEP PURPLE. The band continued with various line-ups until 1982, and the classic trio briefly reunited for a tour in 1976 when Hughes returned following DEEP PURPLE's breakup. The band has since then reuinted 2 times, in 1991 and 1994. The different members has also played with bands like WHITESNAKE, JUDAS PRIEST, URIAH HEEP, BUDGIE etc.
The tracks that we get on this collection were recorded on tour, and was for some reason never released. But with "Lost Tapes Vol. 1" we finally get the chance to hear these recordings. And it sounds really good. Some kind of heavy funk rock played with with the energy of young men. Sometimes there's some blues and soul music as well, and all of it works fine as most of the songs are very catchy. I already look forward to hear Vol. 2.
metalville.de
NO TEARS: Heart Shaped Eyes
Luftslott Records - LP on Nov. 24, Digital Album out now
This solo adventure have been hiding in a basement somewhere in southern Sweden, but is now ready to come out to the light with the first album. And the man behind this project is Christoffer "Stoffe" Karlsson, frontman for Swedish horror rockers The DAHMERS.
NO TEARS presents an album filled with a mixture of good old glam rock, power pop and some classic punk rock. Most of these songs are really catchy and explosive, except for the 2 last who are much softer. Really good stuff! Sound medicine like this is like balm for the soul, and you should absolutely check this out. Because this is an album that is really easy to like.
The only weaker numbers here are those 2 last tracks, who actually destroy the party a little. Because all other songs here definitely have a party vibe.
And if you know Swedish, don't miss my interview with Stoffe, which you can read here.
luftslottrecords.com | facebook.com/Notearsmusic
The ANSWER: Wild Heart
Golden Robot Records on Nov. 17 - Digital Single
Well, what can I say about this then? Some kind of modern rock, but with a retro touch in the roots. Catchy but maybe not what I would call a hit song. It's not bad though, so I guess it could be worth a try. But I guess that with more of that retro rock and less modern elements, it could have been even better.
I have been listening to this song a few times now, but for some reason I just can't find any more words to write about this song. It happens once in a while..
VANSIND: Mørket
Mighty Music on Nov. 17 - LP, Digital
Danish folk metallers VANSIND released a EP in 2021, and now their debut album will be released. And this is actually very good for being folk metal, which can be a little too happy sometimes. But the Danish take it more seriously I guess. That they use both male and female vocals gives them a few extra points, as the male vocals is more harsh, while the female is melodic. And that's a combination that I seems to like. The music is both heavy and melodic, but also very powerful.
Fans of other Danish folk metal bands, like SVARTSOT, TROLD and VANIR, should really check this out.
bit.ly/van-mor | facebook.com/vansindofficial | mightymusic.dk
The REFRESHMENTS: A Stiff One
Wild Kingdom Records on Nov. 17 - CD, LP, Digital
Swedish rock n roll veterans The REFRESHMENTS has been rocking together since the 90s, and "A Stiff One" is their 20th release. They are very popular here in Sweden, and have received 13 gold albums and 2 platinum albums. They also have 53 million streams on Spotify, and 100.000 monthly listeners on the same platform.
The REFRESHMENTS gives us a varied album with more than just good old rock n roll. Sometimes it sounds more like Americana or country, and 1 song is Jamaica inspired. The roots are in the old rock n roll though, so we get lots of that too of course. Most of it sounds good to me, even though I'm pretty sure that this is too kind for most of my readers. But if you like music from the 50s/60s, then you should really give these gentlemen a try.
therefreshments.se
REACH: Little Dreams
Icons Creating Evil Art - Digital Single
Swedish rock band REACH will release a new album in March 2024, and this is the second single from the album. The first single, "Mama Mama", was really good. But this second single is actually not that good. I guess it's too emotional and too close to pop or something. Not something that fits my taste. But better luck next time then..
youtu.be/jhd2KG14KSw?si=UyAKMHmCHogDeUzP | icea.se
The SONIC REDEMPTION: E.P.
Catfight Entertainment on Nov. 17 - Digital EP
This 7-track EP is the first release from these Belgian punk n roll band. They gives us a wild mixture of hard rock, punk rock, rock and garage rock. So I guess we can label them as action rock, because that's what it sounds like to me anyway.
They might not be the fastest band in this genre, but the energy is absolutely there, so they are not slow and lazy because of that. Pretty catchy stuff somehow. And this sounds really good, so you should absolutely check them out.
open.spotify.com/artist/0A8Lt06SNA5NX17JmDzgDk
PALACE OF THE KING: Tear It Down
Palace Of The King - Digital Single
Yeah, this band is really rocking. The energy is high, and it's a perfect party starter if you like ass kicking hard rock n roll. You check this out, and that's it!
PALACE OF THE KING is an Australian hard rock band. This track is taken from their forthcoming album, "Friends In Low Places". That album can be really interesting to hear.
youtu.be/1MTm1tgOB-M?si=jO0sQJdBZw33yxdO | palaceofthekingmusic.com
The MANIKINS: Swedish Woods
Lövely Records on Nov. 17 - LP, Digital
One thing is for sure. If you like The HIVES, then you will like this band too. It's in other words loud and energetic garage rock on the border to punk rock that we get here. And I really like it! This is probably a perfect pre-party album. Because if this doesn't make you happy and want to shake loose with a drink in your hand, then there's something seriously wrong with you.
The MANIKINS formed in 2000, and "Swedish Woods" is this Swedish band's 6th studio album. It features 12 tracks, which they burn off quickly. The album just last for approximately 31 minutes, but an album of this kind doesn't have to be any longer than that.
Everybody who think that they have good taste in rock should check this out as soon as possible.
almostreligious.com | themanikinsofficial.bandcamp.com
GUT RIPPER: Necrowork
CDN Records on Nov. 17
GUT RIPPER is a true old school death metal band from Östersund, Sweden. So if you like the HM-2 guitar sound, and think that death metal was better in the 90s, then this could be a band for you.
They begin with a heavier piece than the classic bands from the 90s though. And there's heavy parts here and there in the other songs too, but it's mainly good old death metal that we get here.
"Necrowork" is their second album, and it was recorded in their rehearsal room. But for being recorded in the rehearsal room, the album have a good sound, so that's hardly something that you can hear. The song "Born To Rot" is a tribute to their late bass player, Anders Eklund, who passed away due to cancer in April 2020.
youtu.be/BGoyP39KwAI | cdnrecords.com | gutripper.bandcamp.com
GRINDPAD: Finger Collector Crew
Iron Shield Records - MCD, LP, Digital
This is the fifth EP from this Dutch thrash metal band. They have also released 1 full-length album. The vinyl version of this new EP also includes their 4th EP, "Sharkbite", on the B-side.
We get 4 original songs and a cover of "Gung-Ho" by ANTHRAX. All songs sounds excellent, and it's very old school. This is something that you really should check out, because this band kicks ass. And I guess I don't have to say much else than that (not that I have anything to add anyway).
grindpad.com
ELITIST: A Mirage Of Grandeur
Indisciplinarian on Nov. 17 - LP, CD, Cassette, Digital
This is really fast and extreme stuff. Most people will probably see this as a total noise terror. But fact is that it's just the more brutal kind of death metal, and I have definitely heard worse noise than this in my life. With that said, I would not say that this is good though. But that's just my taste of course. So if you want something really hard, then you should absolutely give these guys a try.
ELITIST is a Danish death metal band, which was formed in 2018 by former and current members of bands like PISS VORTEX, DYSGNOSTIC and UXDXS. After some years of working on their sound, they will now release their debut album.
This band's sound is something different from other Danish metal bands. There's blast beats and dual vocals ranging from cavernous bellows to desperate shrieks. They also blend in influences of grindcore and industrial noise rock. There's a will to experiment and challange the listeners.
facebook.com/elitistdeath | indisciplinarian.com
DYSSEBEIA: Garden Of Stillborn Idols
Transcending Obscurity Records on Nov. 17 - CD, Digital
DYSSEBEIA is a Swizz band, and this is their debut album. You can expect a hard and intense journey, but not without softer and melodic moments as well. Most of all it's death metal, but not of the straight kind. These guys are simply doing their own thing, and blend in both progressive and some blackened elements in their music. But it doesn't sound crazy or chaotic because of that, because this is actually pretty good, even though it's not like I have found a new favorite band.
dyssebeia.bandcamp.com | tometal.com
BLOODPHEMY: Dawn Of Malevolence
Non Serviam Records on Nov. 17 - Cassette, CD, LP, Digital
"Dawn Of Malevolence" is the fifth full-length album from BLOODPHEMY. And it's a concept album, featuring a dark, twisted and violent story. The soundtrack to that is a dark and heavy kind of death metal, with influences from both Florida, Sweden and their homeland the Netherlands. It's a mix of both the modern and the classic sound.
Well, I have definitely heard a lot worse than this, and they seems to be very good at what they are doing. Some songs might be better than others, but nothing really sucks anyway.
non-serviam-records.com | bloodphemy.com
ACROLYSIS: Revolution
Acrolysis on Nov. 15 - Digital Album?
Well, this wasn't much of a revolution. At least not the first track, which is a pretty soft and laidback instrumental rock song that have nothing to do with the rest of the album. Why they begin the album with that is a big mystery to me (you might actually lose a few listeners). Because it's not just a short intro, but last for 4 minutes.
But after that they start to play some heavy/thrash metal instead, and they sounds a lot like early METALLICA and similar stuff. So a pretty classic sound. Most of the songs are in a heavy mid-tempo, but not slow. And it sounds really good to me, so you should give them a try if you prefer the old school sound.
They didn't include that much information about the band (not even a link to a website), so all I know is that they are a trio from Sydney, Australia. I would guess that this is a digital release, but I'm actually not even sure of that either.
VENUS: Obscure Until Observed
Xtreem Music on Nov. 14 - CD, Digital
Greek duo VENUS blend horror/Sci-Fi thrash with death metal. Influences comes from bands like KREATOR, VEKTOR, DEATH, CORONER, MEGADETH and many others. The band formed in 2021, and the debut EP, "Project Lamda", was released by Pure Steel Records in 2022. For their full-length debut they have signed with Xtreem Music.
We get 9 tracks with both harsh and clean vocals. It sounds pretty modern to me, even though there's a touch of the old school as well. They definitely have found their own sound. A wild guess is that fans of melodic death metal could like this just as much as thrash fans. Because this is just as much aggressive as it is melodic.
These men are very professional, so it's not impossible that even some fans of progressive metal will like this too.
venusscifi.bandcamp.com
The WHY OH WHYS: Dead Or Alive
Beluga Records - Digital EP
The WHY OH WHYS play a very catchy and melodic kind of power pop from another time. And I really like what I hear. These 4 songs are just brilliant and perfect on a Friday night. They don't decorate the songs with any unnecessary embellishments. It's short and straight, just 2 and a half to 3 minutes. Perfect according to me.
The band comes from Flen, Sweden and has released 1 album before this EP. Maybe you should check that out as well?
belugarecords.com
VANIR: Twisting The Knife
Mighty Music - Digital Single
Danish melodic death metallers VANIR kick off the promotion round for their next album with a single evoking one of the darkest chapters in Scandinavian history. It's an aggressive and heavy offering that we get here, and it's absolutely not bad at all. So if you're a fan of this genre, then I recomend you to give this band a try.
VANIR has released 6 full-length albums, and their 7th will be released early next year.
vanir.lnk.to/knife
The GHOST INSIDE: Death Grip
Epitaph Records - Digital Single
I wasn't so impressed by their last single, which sounded like nu metal to me. This time it's much more heavy and aggressive though. More hardcore you could say. I like this much better. It's a really powerful song with a uptempo chorus.
Sure, I have heard better hardcore/metal than this, but it's still worth a chance.
The GHOST INSIDE was formed in El Segundo, CA in 2008. They has released 5 studio albums so far.
youtu.be/hctyxbbALCc | epitaph.com
EMPIRE OF DISEASE: Shadows In The Abyss
Xtreem Music - CD, Digital
EMPIRE OF DISEASE was formed in Bilbao, Spain in 2018. With 1 EP and 1 album under their belt, they have now released their second album.
This band play a melodic kind of death metal. The first song is more heavy and groovy than the rest. After that it's mainly fast and brutal, but yet very catchy. It sounds really good to me, and they are obviously very good at what they are doing. Many good songs among these 9 tracks, so you should really give them a try.
facebook.com/Empireofdisease
ELUKAS: Vein
Wormholedeath Records - Digital Single
ELUKAS formed in the fall of 2021, and they play punk rock. They has released several singles and 1 EP, "Loomad Koos". "Vein" is taken from that EP, and the EP will soon be re-released by Wormholedeath Records, who they just has signed to.
This is a pretty catchy punk rock song, yet too hard and heavy to be pop punk. A good song, but nothing that I remember afterwards, and therfor not much else to say about it.
Now I don't really remember what country they are from (Estonia or Latvia maybe?), but they sing in their own language anyway.
youtu.be/wl3MJ_AObkI?si=8omLIe66ZxL2Yg8i | elukas.band | facebook.com/WormHoleDeath
CLOSET WITCH: Chiaroscuro
Moment Of Collapse Records - Cassette, Digital
From Iowa, USA comes this grindcore/powerviolence band, who formed in 2014. They has previously released a demo, some splits and EPs and 1 album.
This sounds totally insane! They play very fast, and the singer sounds like an aggressive maniac. It may sound pretty chaotic, but is actually very tight, even though it's very brutal and intense music. Most songs are short, just around half a minute to a minute, but a couple of them are longer than that.
If you want something extreme, try this.
closetwitch.bandcamp.com | facebook.com/momentofcollapse
Tarja Turunen: Frosty The Snowman
earMUSIC - Digital Single
Former NIGHTWISH vocalist Tarja Turunen has just released a new Christmas album, "Dark Christmas", and this is the first single from the album.
This is a soft and melancholy song, with a children's choir and all. It might fit anybody who like traditional Christmas songs, even though it's darker and more gothic, cinematic and eerie. I'm not impressed though.
No thanks, this wasn't really my thing. I really hope that the whole album won't sound like this, but I'm not too optimistic about that as she is doing covers of songs by silly artists like WHAM and Maria Carey for example, as well as some classic songs that a million people have done already.
youtu.be/Kix4fCr91p8
Richie Ramone: Suffocate
Cargo/Livewire - Digital Single
This is one of the faster songs from Richie Ramone's latest album, "Live To Tell", which was released earlier this year. And if you miss RAMONES, which he once was a member of, then this could be of interest for you. And if you like this song, then I can really recomend you to check out the album as well.
It's catchy and good, and should make you want to shake loose. But no matter how many times I listen, I can't come up with anything else of interest to say. So just let the music do the talking instead..
youtu.be/utzXXQDhl34?si=3ZgPqG84EY1pwSxY | richieramone.com
ELECTRIC FENCE: Acid Mississipi
Electric Fence - Digital Single
ELECTRIC FENCE is a rock band based in Madrid, Spain. They have been around for 2 decades already. After a few years with no original music published (never really a hiatus though), they now announce the forthcoming release of their 4th album, "Iron Surgery". And "Acid Mississipi" is the first single from the album. It's a catchy rock song in the classic school, and it's absolutely not bad at all.
Could be something for fans of what they call classic rock.
youtu.be/8bS2Cx93z6I | electricfenceband.com
CAPTAIN BLACK BEARD: Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)
Mighty Music - Digital Single
This sounds like something such excellent as ECLIPSE and similar acts. In other words a damn good melodic hard rock song, that you just have to check out.
It turns out that this is a cover of a STYX song, which this Swedish band have been playing live frequently during the last couple of years. So now they decided to record it to introduce their new vocalist, Fredrik Vahlgren, who made his live debut with the band on November 11 in Uppsala, Sweden.
cbb.lnk.to/blue
FREDAG DEN 13:E
Concert at Grill & Gryta in Borås, Sweden on Nov. 10, 2023
FREDAG DEN 13:E is a Swedish crust punk band from Göteborg, who has existed since 2006. I have seen them live once before, but that was back in 2011. So it was nice to see them again, because they were damn good.
They have a sound that could easily crack your speakers, and blend in some metal in their 90s crust punk. It's very aggressive, and not all people enjoy this kind of music. The sound infront of the stage was just as noisey and bad as in the 90s, but I could at least hear that they were a really good band. So good that I had to buy an album with them after the gig.
It wasn't that much people, and it was a wild mixture of old 90s punks and people who seems to be at the wrong bar, but yet some of them stood infront of the stage headbanging for a while. There should have been more people though, especially as it was free entrance for a change, and that doesn't happen too often in this city.
If you're looking for high quality crust punk from Sweden, then I can really recomend you to check out this band. Very tight and experienced guys.
facebook.com/fredagden13e
ANGELES: Raising Hell On The Sunset Strip
Angeles - Digital Single
What's the thing with that talking in the beginning?
This is a o.k. song, but honestly not much else. I get a feeling that these L.A. hard rock veterans have made much stronger songs than this. It's not totally useless though, and might grow the more you listen.
As they have been around for an eternity, their sound is pretty old school.
The band is currently working on more songs for their next album.
youtu.be/PAx99nerlBE | facebook.com/TheAngelesBand
ANUBIS: Devour
M-Theory Audio - Digital Single
L.A. thrash/power metal band ANUBIS have been around for a few years already, and have self released a few EPs and singles through the years. Now they have signed to M-Theory Audio, who will release the band's first full-length album next year. "Devour" is the first single from the upcoming album, and it's actually one of their earliest songs.
This is a fast and powerful track in the same style as something like JUDAS PRIEST for example. Absolutely not bad at all. You should definitely check this out.
I look forward to hear the new album, because I think it can be really good.
youtu.be/-xNIBaPbds8 | facebook.com/AnubisBandOfficial | m-theoryaudio.com
F.K.Ü.: (He Is) The Antichrist
Despotz Records - Digital Single
This is the second single from Swedish horror thrashers F.K.Ü.'s new album, "The Horror And The Metal", which will be released on February 9, 2024. And it's another damn good thrash/crossover anthem, so I have lots of hope that the new album will be great. You have to listen to this!
As usual they blend their favorite things in life, 80s horror movies with 1 foot in the Bay Area thrash scene and the other in the West Coast crossover metal. When it comes to this song, the theme is based on a young Damien Thorne (The OMEN).
youtu.be/vP3AfJFEaeg?si=pvdKijOwDqcC0NAz | facebook.com/moshoholics | despotz.se
JATD: Mystery Train (Stewart Sullivan Mix)
Comand Records - Digital Single
JATD is German based singer, composer and voice-over artist Janina Dietz and multi instrumentalist, composer and producer Robert Papst. On this track they have been collaborating with Matt Beck (MATCHBOX 20) on lap steel, Nick Buda (Taylor Swift) on drums, and John "Rhino" Edwards (STATUS QUO) on bass.
"Mystery Train" is a softer rock song, but live up a little in the chorus. Maybe not a hit song, but pretty o.k. anyway. I don't really know what else there is to say..
youtube.com/watch?v=A6d1ffrOEhE
LOUDERYELL: Toxic Love
Street Symphonies Records/Burning Minds Music Group - Digital Single
LOUDERYELL is a young Italian quartet, and this is their first single.
This is a really good and catchy hard rock song, that you just have to check out if you like good old melodic hard rock with heart and soul. It has that 80s vibe, but at the same time a modern production. And in this case it's a really successful recipe.
The band is currently hard at work on their debut album. And that can be really interesting to hear.
youtu.be/uglxq6UnuOA | facebook.com/louderyell | facebook.com/streetsymphonies
Per Wiberg: The Serpent's Here
Despotz Records - Digital Single
Per Wiberg is a multi-instrumentalist from Sweden. He has performed with acts like OPETH, SPIRITUAL BEGGARS, CANDLEMASS, CLUTCH/The BAKERTON GROUP, SWITCHBLADE and KAMCHATKA, among others. In 2019 Per released his first solo album, "Head Without Eyes". It was followed by a EP, with the long title "All Is Well In The Land Of The Living, But For The Rest Of Us... Lights Out", in 2021.
On this new single, Wiberg were joined by drummer Tor Sjödén (VIAGRA BOYS) (who played drums on the previous EP), as well as bassist Mikael Tuominen (KUNGENS MÄN). And this man's music is on its own level. It's dark and heavy, but most of all a progressive rock song. Not too complicated though, and a pretty o.k. song.
"The Serpent's Here" is the first single from his upcoming album, with the same title, to be released on February 9, 2024.
despotz.se | perwiberg.bandcamp.com
THUNDERMOTHER: I Left My Licence In The Future
AFM Records - Digital Single
This is the first song from the new line-up of Swedish hard rock n roll band THUNDERMOTHER. It sounds just like it should, so more or less like they used to do before. It's a high octane, straightforward and catchy anthem that should be a perfect party song for fans of AC/DC and similar. You should absolutely check this out.
The new line-up consist of band leader/guitarist Filippa Nässil, Linnea Vikström on vocals, Majsan Lindberg on bass, and Joan Massing on drums.
The release of the new single will be accompanied with a central-European tour with LANSDOWNE, starting November 24 at the Backstage club in Munich, Germany, and will be continued in early 2024 with a wide-ranging Swedish tour. So it looks like they will continue to be very busy.
youtu.be/dakOQMNa_2Q?si=9YQIxeKwBQgp0jsX | thundermother.com | afm-records.de
DIRTY MITTS: Hands Off!
Dirty Mitts on Nov. 10 - Digital EP
London based rock band DIRTY MITTS is a pretty new band, formed in 2022, with members from UK, Poland and Egypt. They take from AC/DC, The DARKNESS and AEROSMITH to get their sound, and fuses a bluesy groove and hooky riffs with vintage vibes and rampant energy. Out comes what I call good old hard rock n roll.
These 5 tracks are really good stuff, so this is a band that you really should check out. And I don't have much else to add..
linktr.ee/dirtymitts | youtube.com/watch?v=2EPbPNiQtHY
Michael Catton: Point Of No Return
Mighty Music on Nov. 10 - CD, LP, Digital
British/Danish singer Michael Catton (TAINTED LADY) has teamed up with Danish producer/guitarist Soren Andersen (Glenn Hughes, ELECTRIC GUITARS) to make Catton's first solo album. And the result is a hard rock album with songs that could have been made in the 80s. There's both melody and energy. Lots of great songs here (too many to mention). You should really give this man a chance. No doubt about that.
The only less good moment here is the last song, "Brother", which sounds like a pop song. Things like that doesn't impress me.
bit.ly/catt-point | facebook.com/michaelcattonofficial | mightymusic.dk
RIGORIOUS: Night Of Retribution
Metalapolis Records on Nov. 10 - CD
This is the debut album with this German power metal band, and it was produced, mixed and mastered by GRAVE DIGGER singer Chris Boltendahl. They get a more modern sound by adding synthesizers and orchestral elements. Another thing that makes them stand out, is that singer Lukas does not have a classic power metal voice in the falsetto range, but ranges from clean to roughened over 3 octaves, mostly in the deep midrange.
Most of all this sounds like a damn good power metal album, so you should really check this out of course. Because fact is that there's not 1 single bad song on the whole album. Even the ballad is o.k.
facebook.com/rigoriousofficial | metalapolis.eu
MASTERPLAN: Masterplan (Anniversary Edition)
AFM Records on Nov. 10 - CD, CD/DVD, LP
Melodic power metal band MASTERPLAN's debut album is 20 years old. And to celebrate the anniversary, it will be re-released with 3 bonus tracks. The CD version also includes a DVD featuring "Live In Gothenburg", as well as additional backstage footage, available for the first time.
We get 14 tracks here, but luckily it sounds good, so I don't feel like it's too much for a change. This is a great debut, with lots of really strong songs. Every fan of power metal should have this album in their collection. That's how excellent this is. And I don't think I have to say much more than that..
shop.afm-records.de
NOISE AHOLIC: Vi är inte Värda ett skit
Elitbolaget/Stadin Records - Cassette, Digital
NOISE AHOLIC is a solo project founded by Owe Inborr (DISPYT, ONDFÖDT, Wolfthrone Studios) in 2018. What he deliver is fast and aggressive d-beat crust punk in the old school. Most lyrics are in Swedish, even though he's from Finland (nothing unusual), and it actually sounds very Swedish as well. Among the guests this time are people like Kjell Simosas (BOB MALMSTRÖM), Mari Luoma, Dave Raven, Leon Lamarca (JUVENTUDE MALDITA), Matias Löfman (BOB MALMSTRÖM, Elitbolaget) and Otto Kaalikoski. So we also get some vocals in Finnish, Latvian and Brazilian Portugese.
Well, it's actually very easy: Fans of crust punk should not miss this, because this is very good stuff.
elitbolaget.bandcamp.com/album/vi-r-inte-v-rda-ett-skit
VITALINES: Wheels Within Wheels
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
VITALINES is a new melodic rock band, formed by the veterans Robbie LaBlanc (BLANC FACES, FIND ME, T3NORS) and songwriter/musician Tommy Denander. They go all in on old AOR here, so fans of legends like TOTO, JOURNEY, SURVIVOR, FOREIGNER and similar should be exited. It sounds good to me anyway, so I can't complain.
..and now we are there again. I just can't come up with anything else to say about this. But as it's a good album, you should not read this, but listen to the album instead.
orcd.co/vitalineswww | frontiers.it
Ronnie Atkins: Trinity
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
This is the third solo album from PRETTY MAIDS frontman Ronnie Atkins. The album was produced by Chris Laney, with Jacob Hansen taking care of the mix and the mastering. And what we get here is melodic hard rock of the better kind. But no matter how catchy the choruses are, I don't feel like it's something that I will remember, which is weird. But I guess there's nothing extra good or extra bad on this record. It's just a good album, and not much else. I like it when I listen, and that's always something I guess.
PRETTY MAIDS will by the way return to the stage for a few festival apperances next summer. That's good news. But Ronnie also plan to do some solo shows during 2024.
orcd.co/trinity | frontiers.it | facebook.com/RonnieAtkinsOfficial
NITRATE: Feel The Heat
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
This is very melodic, and sounds very 80s as well. What I would call hard pop with much keyboards. Melodic rock/AOR is the right description to this though.
"Feel The Heat" is the 4th studio album from this British melodic rock band. It features a duet and backing vocals by female rock artist Issa, backing vocals by rock legend Paul Laine (DANGER DANGER, The DEFIANTS), along with a song co-written by legendary song writer Bob Mitchell (co-writer of the Billboard #1 song "The Flame" by CHEAP TRICK). There are also backing vocals by Leon Robert Winteringham (LRW Project), Alan Clark (CHANGE OF HEART), and a couple of co-writes by Rob Wylde (MIDNITE CITY, TIGERTAILZ).
This is mainly a very good album, which I think most fans of 80s AOR/melodic rock will like a lot. So you should absolutely check this out as soon as possible.
orcd.co/feeltheheat | frontiers.it | facebook.com/Nitrateofficial
NIGHT RANGER: 40 Years And A Night With Contemporary Youth Orchestra
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, LP, DVD, Blu-ray, Digital
On November 9, 2022, legendary melodic hard rockers NIGHT RANGER entered the stage in Cleveland to celebrate their 40-year anniversary together with The CONTEMPORARY YOUTH ORCHESTRA, which is made up of 80+ musicians aged 12 to 18, representing more than 40 schools in Ohio. In other words a once in a lifetime performance. And now you can experience this evening in your own home, as it has been released in several formats (you can both watch and listen).
Well, don't let that orchestra thing scare you away, because this sounds mainly like a rock concert backed up by a orchestra in the background. They work very good together, and the orchestra never takes over, which is good. So it's rocking.
Both band and audience seemed to have a good time, and there's mainly good songs here.
orcd.co/40years | frontiers.it | nightranger.com
LYNCH MOB: Babylon
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
I thought it was over for this band. But now they seems to be back again, only to say goodbye or something like that? I'm actually not really sure..
Anyway.. For this album founder and guitarist George Lynch (The END MACHINE, The BANISHMENT, ex-DOKKEN) were joined by vocalist Gabriel Colón, bassist Jaron Gulino (TANTRIC, HEAVENS EDGE), and drummer Jimmy D'anda (ex-BULLETBOYS). The band is known for their high energy, guitar driven, hard rock vibe, while featuring elements of classic rock, blues and metal, with a propensity for improvisation. And we get all those ingredients this time too of course. It sounds heavy, which makes me think of the alternative rock bands from the 90s. But it's most of all a hard rock album, where old and new ingredients come together in perfect harmony.
LYNCH MOB was formed in 1989 after George Lynch parted ways with his former band DOKKEN. This is the band's 8th studio album, and the first since 2017.
orcd.co/lynchbabylon | frontiers.it
LALU: The Fish Who Wanted To Be King
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
LALU is a French progressive rock band, formed in 2004 by composer and producer Vivien Lalu (son of Noelle and Michel Lalu, who were members of the 70s progressive act POLÈNE). "The Fish Who Wanted To Be King" is their 4th album, and it's absolutely a progressive adventure to listen to. It has all the right ingredients that you can expect, and fans of the prog rock from the 70s and 80s should be happy to hear this. For being prog rock, this is actually really good.
orcd.co/thefish | frontiers.it | facebook.com/vivlalu
KINGS CROWN: Closer To The Truth
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
KINGS CROWN is a melodic hard rock band from Sweden, and this is their debut album. Band leader is guitarist Martin Kronlund (GYPSY ROAD, PHENOMENA, DOGFACE), who is joined by British vocalist Lee Small (SHY, PHENOMENA, SWEET), Anders Skoog (DOGFACE) on keyboards/Hammond organ, Berra Holmgren on bass, and Pontus Engborg (Glenn Hughes) on drums.
The sound is a little bluesy and heavy, with 1 foot in the 70s and the other in the 20s. So old school hard rock with a modern production. There's many good songs among these 11 tracks, so this could be worth a chance if you like the good old stuff.
orcd.co/kingscloser | frontiers.it
EDGE OF FOREVER: Ritual
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
EDGE OF FOREVER returned in 2019, and this is their 6th studio album (the third since the reunion). Today's line-up features Aldo Lonobile (SECRET SPHERE, SWEET OBLIVION) on guitars, Nik Mazzucconi (LABYRINTH, SUNSTORM) on bass, and Marco Di Salvia (HARDLINE) on drums, and is rounded up by singer, keyboardist and founder Alessandro Del Vecchio (HARDLINE, JORN, REVOLUTION SAINTS). So you could more or less call this a supergroup.
On this album they were aiming at heavier guitars, epic choruses, and the finest and richest arrangements. The whole band was writing and working as a full unit to bring new elements, where melody, power, depth, and heaviness all meet together. And there's also a concept story about 2 twins (I'm not going to tell you the story though).
Well, this sounds good to me anyway, so I think you should give these gentlemen a try if you like melodic hard rock.
orcd.co/edgeritual | frontiers.it | facebook.com/edgeofforeverband
PLAGUE RIDER: Intensities
Transcending Obscurity Records on Nov. 10 - CD, Digital
Some members of the UK bands LIVE BURIAL, DYBBUK and HORRIFIED have teamed up to make some death metal noise. And no, this is not really my kind of stuff. Heavy and noisey. Technical and almost a little chaotic. Intense. They hardly seems to be here to make beautiful songs for us. And some of them are pretty long as well, around 6 to 12 and a half minutes. This is challenging to listen to.
But if you want to listen to some drunk maniacs going nuts, who am I to judge?
plaguerideruk.bandcamp.com | tometal.com
QUANTUM LEAP: Lookin' At Acid Skies With Blindfolded Eyes
Viskningar Och Vrål - Digital Mini-Album
Swedish trio QUANTUM LEAP play some kind of laidback rock from a other time. The band formed in 2016, and these 7 songs was recorded live in the studio in 5 hours.
They have an alternative rock/post-punk sound, with influences from punk to pop, and seems to be inspired by legends like David Bowie and Iggy Pop (not something you can hear here). The sound is dark but melodic, even though these songs are said to be lighter than their previous stuff. It reminds me of some other band, but I can't remember the name right now. It sounds really good anyway, so you should absolutely give them chance.
facebook.com/quantumleap2
FOUL BODY AUTOPSY: Crucifix Dreams
Foul Body Autopsy - Digital EP
The title track of this new EP is a song inspired by the horrific acts of serial killer John George Haigh, known as the Acid Bath Murderer. And for this song, founder Tom Reynolds (guitar/vocals) has recruited an all-star line-up, featuring Dirk Verbeuren (MEGADETH) on drums and Steve Di Giorgio (TESTAMENT) on bass, with guitar solos being provided by Andy LaRocque (KING DIAMOND) and Bobby Koelble (DEATH), and an eerie spoken word intro from Simon Shaw (TEMPLE OF LIES).
The 3 other tracks are live recordings from a headline performance at Leicester Metal 2 The Masses in April of this year.
The music is pretty fast melodic death metal, and that title track is absolutely not bad at all. The sound quality of the live tracks are not that good, but not extremely bad either. Those songs also works, even though they're not as good as the title track.
foulbodyautopsyofficial.bandcamp.com
BAD RAIN: Room To Breath
Fastball Music on Nov. 3 - MCD, Digital EP
BAD RAIN is a German modern rock band with a British vocalist. But even though it's a modern band, the members have years of experience and seems to be rooted in classic rock, which you can hear on this EP.
5 tracks is what we get here, and it sounds really good to me. It's powerful and catchy, and mainly a pretty classic sound. Fans of classic rock should check this out at once.
And I just don't know what else I should say about this..
badrainband.com | fastball-music.de
FOGHAT: Sonic Mojo
Metalville Records on Nov. 10 - LP, CD, Digital
"Sonic Mojo" is the first new studio album in 7 years. It was recorded by founding member and drummer Roger Earl, his longtime FOGHAT companions guitarist Bryan Bassett (WILD CHERRY, MOLLY HATCHET) and Rodney O'Quinn (PAT TRAVERS BAND) on bass, and with new singer and guitarist Scott Holt (Buddy Guy). 3 of the songs on "Sonic Mojo" have a special meaning for Roger Earl, as they were co-written with Kim Simmonds, the man who helped Roger to his breakthrough as a member of SAVOY BROWN in 1967. Sadly, Kim passed away shortly after writing these songs in December 2022. And except for their own original material, there's also some covers of Willie Dixon, B.B. King, Chuck Berry etc.
This is a true blues rock album in the old school. No modern ideas that destroy the experience, but just a band doing their thing without anything extra. And for me, that's just the way it should be, so I don't complain. This is probably more for old people than young ones. But what do I know, maybe there's some young people who like good old blues rock too?
metalville.de | foghat.com
ESCALPO: Unnus
Thrash Out Records on Nov. 6 - LP, Digital
ESCALPO is a band from Brazil, formed in 2020. Their sound is a raw and intense metal punk mixture of d-beat and death metal, with influences from bands such as ANTI CIMEX, DISCHARGE, VENOM, MOTÖRHEAD, ANTHARES and LOBOTOMIA.
On this album we get 10 tracks, which they burn off in 31 minutes. And to me it sounds mainly like old crust punk with a pinch of metal, and not that much like there's any death metal. It's really good though, so you should absolutely give these guys a chance.
Not much else to add there..
escalpometalpunk.bandcamp.com
Everything made by Blom since 2001