REVIEWS OCTOBER 2023
«September | Index | November»WARCRAB: The Howling Silence
Transcending Obscurity Records on Nov. 3 - CD, Digital
WARCRAB hailing from the UK, and play a mix of death metal and sludge. It's said that they have brought in more death metal on this album, and progressed in a faster, crustier direction. There's still some sludge though, as they are actually switching between the 2 styles here. And that works very well here, as no matter what they play it's heavy and powerful. They are also raw, and it's never monotonous and boring, which is a big plus for me.
An album worth checking out.
warcrabuk.bandcamp.com | tometal.com
JORD: Tundra
Hammerheart Records on Nov. 3 - CD, LP
Swedish trio JORD blend what is called blackgaze and post rock with songs about the Northern nature, folklore and ancient mysticism. The result is atmospheric black metal, mainly sung in Swedish (1 is in English).
It started as a 1-man band in 2020, and 2 albums was released - "Sol" (2021) and "Måne" (2022) - before the band transformed into a trio in late 2022. And now the third album is ready to be released.
They begin the album more laidback and atmospheric. But you should not let that scare you away, because after approximately half the first track there's suddenly more action, even though they slow down again. The rest of the songs are mainly faster, but now and then they also slow down a little before the next attack. In other words a good mixture and not too much of anything.
jordswe.lnk.to/tundra | hammerheart.com
DARKNESS ABLAZE: It All Shall Burn
Darkstorm Records on Nov. 3 - CD, Digital
Melodic death metallers DARKNESS ABLAZE took their first steps in 2002, and released 2 albums before they disbanded in 2011. In 2018 they were back again, and released a new EP, "Creator", in 2021.
"It All Shall Burn" is a logical follow-up to the EP, where they combine driving riffs with melodic lead guitars and symphonic elements. It's very powerful and energetic, but can also be melancholic. The growling add some extra brutality to their music. And the result is an excellent album that you all should check out.
darkness-ablaze.com | darkstorm-records.eu
SVARTANATT: Last Days On Earth
The Sign Records on Nov. 3 - LP, Digital
Well, SVARTANATT can be proud, as they have made another great album. Congratulations!
"Last Days On Earth" is the third studio album by Swedish rock band SVARTANATT. It's already 5 years since their last album, but not much has changed. It's still 60s/70s inspired rock with a retro sound. But this album also "showcases even more varied and captivating soundscapes than before, where melodic organ and guitar arrangements interplay with a tight, rock-solid rhythm section", as the press release describes it. It's a varied and very interesting album anyway, with just good songs and no fillers.
Fans of classic rock, garage rock and action rock should check this out.
svartanattoff.bandcamp.com | thesignrecords.com
Avi Rosenfeld: Burn The Castle
Avi Rosenfeld - Digital Album
Guitarist Avi Rosenfeld continue to tribute the hard rock and heavy metal from the 70s and 80s, and it sounds more or less as usual. In other words in the same style as heroes like DIO, RAINBOW, IRON MAIDEN, JETHRO TULL, JUDAS PRIEST, URIAH HEEP, DEEP PURPLE etc. The material might not be as strong as those band's finest moments, but it sure ain't bad, and could be worth a try for those who prefer the old sound.
Among the vocalists this time we have Josa Tamas and Deibys Artigas, who are both doing a really good job. And former RAINBOW member David Stone play keyboards on one of the songs here. As usual there's also lots of other musicians from all over the world.
avirosenfeld.bandcamp.com/album/burn-the-castle
FREAKSHOW: So Shall It Be
Eönian Records - CD, LP, Digital
FREAKSHOW is a supergroup led by Ronnie Borchert (MISS CRAZY, AMSTERDAM, TRIXIE). On the debut album he was joined by Jeff LaBar (CINDERELLA), the late Frankie Banali (QUIET RIOT) and Tony Franklin (The FIRM, WHITESNAKE, BLUE MURDER). This time the line-up features Carlos Cavazo (QUIET RIOT, RATT), Greg Chaisson (BADLANDS, ATOMIC KINGS) and Stet Howland (W.A.S.P., METAL CHURCH).
What we get is hook-filled hard rock n roll with experienced musicians. The sound is classic, and the songs are good, so there's not much to complain about. But there's actually not that much else to say about it either. You should give them a try though.
youtube.com/watch?v=GRDKubvI4Fo | eonianrecords.com | facebook.com/Freakshow2023
DEACON STREET PROJECT: One + Two (re-issue)
Pride & Joy Music Classixx - 2CD
DEACON STREET PROJECT was an AOR focused project led by Swedish musician, song-writer and producer Tommy Denander. The project released 2 genre classics during the 2000s: "Deacon Street Project" (AOR Heaven, 2004) and "Deacon Street II" (MTM Music, 2006). These albums are hard to get nowadays, but have now been re-released as a double album, which also includes a couple of bonus tracks.
28 tracks of very kind melodic rock/AOR is a little too much at once. I would not say that they are bad, even though those instrumental numbers towards the end was not so funny. And then we also have these bonus tracks with a woman on vocals, which are on the border to pop - They have the highest hit potential here though. But otherwise it's not so bad. Mainly good stuff anyway, so in small doses it works. Fans of classic AOR should be satisfied.
This re-issue is limited to 500 copies only, and will be available exclusively via Pride & Joy Music's web shop.
shop.prideandjoy.de
RAINMAKER: Rainmaker (re-issue)
Pride & Joy Music Classixx - CD
RAINMAKER was a melodic rock band from Sweden, with musician and producer Tommy Denander (RADIOACTIVE, SAYIT, Alice Cooper, DEACON STREET PROJECT) and singer Geir Rönning (SAYIT). This self titled album was originally released in 2000. Long out of print, Pride & Joy Music is now re-releasing the album for all fans of the genre.
The line-up of RAINMAKER was completed by bassist Tony Franklin (The FIRM, BLUE MURDER and many more) and Walter Diego on drums.
Well, this is absolutely not bad at all. The first half of the album is the best part though. Unfortunately it gets a little weaker after that, before they get back on the right track again. This is still a must to get for all fans of melodic rock. So get your copy now, before it's too late.
The CD is exclusively available directly through Pride & Joy Music and is limited to 500 copies.
shop.prideandjoy.de
Short & Swede
Ghost Highway Recordings on Oct. 31 - 7" EP
What they have done here is to squeeze in 14 short tracks on a 7" vinyl EP. That gives each band about a minute each. All bands are from Sweden, and most of them can be described as action rock, even though some of them are more rock, punk rock or hard rock. It's both veterans and new bands.
Who might these bands be then, you might ask now? Well, here's the list: BOATSMEN, CHUCK NORRIS EXPERIMENT, DOOJIMAN & THE EXPLODERS, The DRIPPERS, GRANDE ROYALE, LIAR THIEF BANDIT, MÄRVEL, The RIPTIDE RATS, SATANIC OVERDRIVE, SATOR, SCUMBAG MILLIONAIRES, The SPACE COWBOYS, ÅSKVÄDER and 'DEMONS'.
If you have any interest at all in the Swedish rock scene, then this is what you need. You will probably find some new favorite bands that you have to check out, because this is good stuff. Play it at your next party, and everybody should ask for more.
ghosthighwayshop.com | youtu.be/f4Adq-B89-Y?si=bk7t7PqCLzHHcGAr
The RIPTIDE RATS: The Eastwood EP
Ghost Highway Recordings on Oct. 31 - 7" EP, Digital EP
I'm usually not such a big fan of instrumetal songs, but surf rock is pretty cool stuff, so it's an exception.
This Swedish trio, with members from LUNATONES and The CHUCK NORRIS EXPERIMENT, gives us 4 short tracks on this EP. It sounds just like it should, so no surprises. But that's the way I want it, so I hardly complain, because this is really good. And the EP format is perfect for this kind of music, as I think a full-length could be a little too much at once (just a wild guess though).
All cool rockers check this out, and that's it!
ghosthighwayshop.com | theriptiderats.bandcamp.com
UFOMAMMUT: Crookhead
Supernatural Cat on Oct. 31 - 12" EP, Digital EP
It's heavy as shit and instrumental. They begin with a song that's 9 minutes long. After that the songs get shorter and shorter - 5 minutes and then 3 and a half minutes. It might not be entirely instrumental though, as there's some voices here and there once in a while, and also some background choirs. But no real vocals in any of these 3 tracks. And these song are obviously not built on the verse and chorus formula, but rather just a lot of heavy riffing. Quite monotonous and boring actually.
UFOMAMMUT formed in the late 90s, so they are veterans now. Their sound is a combination of riff worship and doom metal, which they spice with some psychedelic elements. This gives them a cosmic and futuritic sound.
The band will kick off a European tour on October 29 at Samhain Festival in Maastricht, The Netherlands. The tour will last until December 3, when they will play in Langenthal, Switzerland.
ufomammut.com | supernaturalcat.com
LiV SiN: Synthetic Generation
Mighty Music on Oct. 27 - Digital Single
LiV SiN (led by Liv Jagrell from SISTER SIN) are going on a European tour with Swedish industrial metal band DEATHSTARS in November/December. To celebrate this LiV SiN has recorded a cover of the DEATHSTARS song "Synthetic Generation".
Now I'm not really sure if I have heard the original version, so I can't compare this version with that. But it sounds really good to me anyway. It has both softer and harder parts, and it's what I would call a real anthem. You should really check this out.
livsin.lnk.to/synthetic | mightymusic.dk | instagram.com/livsinofficial
MANTICORA: Beast Of The Fall
Mighty Music on Oct. 27 - Digital Single
Danish metal band MANTICORA release the first single from their 10th studio album, due in early 2024. They seems to be mainly a power/prog metal band, but are not afraid of blending in other sub-genres, like thrash, black, death and pure heavy metal.
This song is a thrashy prog metal song, where we get both the hard and the melodic. And this is not bad at all. But I think you have to hear this to really understand their sound, because it's not that easy to describe for me. I like what I hear though.
manticora.lnk.to/beast | manticora.dk | mightymusic.dk
NO TEARS: Electric Eyes
Luftslott Records - Digital Single
This is the second single from NO TEARS, which is a solo adventure with Christoffer Karlsson from the Swedish horror rockers The DAHMERS. With this project he play power pop with a twist of primal punk rock. It sounds very catchy and melodic, and it's a song that is very easy to like. I want to hear more of this, that's for sure.
luftslottrecords.com
PRESSURE: Heroes Will Fall
Pressure - Digital EP
PRESSURE is a hard rock/heavy metal band from Stockholm, Sweden, with both male and female vocals. They might have become a little better than before, but they still have no anthems that you can sing-along to. So if you're looking for catchy songs, then this might not be the right band. But if you're satisfied with good music, then you can give this a try, because I have absolutely heard worse.
We get 5 tracks here, and there's a story, which is told from the demon's perspective. So it sounds like perfect for Halloween.
What should I compare this band with then? I'm not really sure about that, as they seems to have their own little sound. I almost want to call them progressive actually.
Best track: "Demon Warrior".
youtu.be/amczXLqG7Zc | pressuresweden.bandcamp.com
TRASHCAN DANCE: Killing Moon
Sleaszy Rider Records - CD, LP, Digital
TRASHCAN DANCE is a horror glam punk band from Helsinki, Finland. They aim to shock and entertain with nods to villains and heroes of popular culture horror classics - from Alfred Hitchcock and Ruggero Deodato to classic 1980s Commodore-64 video game "It Came From the Desert".
These 12 tracks are mainly good stuff, even though I get tired of what sounds like a toy keyboard. Those last tracks are not that good though, and especially not the last track (a collaboration with the synth wave-band STEALTH DIVISION), which is too electronic for my taste. But otherwise not much to complain about.
They have a danceable sound, but are yet raw enough to scare the dance people off the dance floor.
push.fm/fl/trashcan-dance-km | facebook.com/trashcandanceband
STRYKENINE: Inside
Raw Street Noise - Digital Single
STRYKENINE is a Swedish hard rock band, who blend 80s nostalgica with modern elements to get a dynamic sound. This is spiced with a strong self-confidence and a love for what they're doing.
This is a melodic song, which absolutely sounds like something from the 80s, even though it's a modern production. Not bad at all. This is a band that you should keep an eye on.
It will be interesting to hear some more with this band. And I don't have much else to add right now..
facebook.com/Strykenine | flickagency.se
RED COUNTY JAIL: Up In Arms
Bug Valley Records on Oct. 27 - CD, Digital
RED COUNTY JAIL has previously released a EP, "Fuzzy Sally", in October 2020. Now it's time for their full-length debut, "Up In Arms".
This band seems to blend the old rock with the new rock. But sometimes it's too modern and melodic for my taste. There are some good songs in the old school too though, so it's not hopeless. And even though they're from Germany, this sounds very American. So I guess that fans of American rock is the right audience for this.
redcountyjail.de | bugvalleyrecords.com
SHADOWSPAWN: Blasphemica - Absolution Carved From Flesh
Emanzipation Productions on Oct. 27 - LP, Digital
Danish band SHADOWSPAWN play a kind of death metal that I really like. They succeed to blend the brutal with the melodic perfectly. And on top of that the songs are great. This is absolutely something that every fan of death metal should check out.
This is the 4th release from SHADOWSPAWN, where they pushes the boundaries of their musicality, incorporating elements of groove, darkness, and brutality. The result is a powerful death metal monster with all the right ingredients.
This is the band's first album with new drummer Lukas Meier (The PETULANT, SACRIFICIAL).
bit.ly/sha-tgt | emanzipation.dk | shadowspawn.dk
SEPULCHRAL CURSE: Abhorrent Dimensions
Transcending Obscurity Records on Oct. 27 - CD, Digital
Finnish death metallers SEPULCHRAL CURSE are said to pushing the sound forward on this second full-length album, and their record label says it's the best material that they've ever produced. They have added more influences this time, to make it more rich and diverse. But in the end this is mainly a brutal death metal album, even though those new ingredients are there too of course. This gives them their own sound, which you have to hear to understand (it's not that complicated though).
I have absolutely heard worse than this in my life (and I have heard a lot).
sepulchralcursefin.bandcamp.com | tometal.com
GHOSTS OF ATLANTIS: Riddles Of The Sycophants
Hammerheart Records on Oct. 27 - CD, LP
Symphonic and majestic is the first I think when I hear this. But there's more than that here, as they mix the symphonic with extreme metal and pure metal. So you could say that it's a perfect blend of melodic and aggressive parts. Or an ambitious musical adventure with all kinds of ingredients. Very well done and not bad at all. There's many fine moments on this album.
"Riddles Of Sycophants" is a collection of stories featuring many known, and lesser-known characters from across different mythologies. The tales within the album take inspiration from various nations' folklore.
This is said to fit fans of bands like DIMMU BORGIR, CRADLE OF FILTH, LAMB OF GOD and BEHEMOTH.
ghostsofatlantis.lnk.to/riddlesofthesycophants | ghostsofatlantisofficial.com | hammerheart.com
OMISSION: Disciples Of Ravens Vengeance
Xtreem Music on Oct. 24 - CD, LP, Cassette, Digital
Spanish thrash metal band OMISSION formed in 2002, and this is their 7th studio album. They play a raw kind of old school thrash metal, similar to legends like SODOM, POSSESSED, KREATOR, early SLAYER and DESTRUCTION. So I guess it's not so hard to figure out that it's good stuff that we get here. They even get away with a song that's 11 and a half minutes long.
The only bad part on this album is the first track, which is a intro. But otherwise just great songs and not much else to say about this (as you should have figured out by now that you have to check this out).
youtu.be/WD8qvj94Wa0?si=B8XcwXQT8jYEInw6 | xtreemmusic.com | facebook.com/omission.es
MERCENARY: Soundtrack For The End Times
NoiseArt Records - CD, LP, Digital
After a hiatus that last for a decade, Danish metal band MERCENARY return with their 8th album.
This is a band with several different layers. But then they are said to combine melodic death metal with progressive metal. So this is a musical journey with all kinds of ingredients. But sometimes I actually think of nu metal rather than melodic death metal. Most likely because it's actually more melodic than fast and aggressive. But I guess melodic metal is a better description to this. It sounds really good though, so if you like melodic metal, then give these guys a try.
The album also features guest vocals from Matt Heafy (TRIVIUM) on 1 track.
mercenary.dk
GREAT MASTER: Montecristo
Underground Symphony - CD, Digital
GREAT MASTER is an Italian power metal band. And with this new album they are leaving the pirate theme of their past works. Now it's Alexandre Dumas' literary classic "The Count of Montecristo" that has inspired them instead.
This is a diverse listening experience, which hardly makes it less good. This is as a matter of fact an excellent album with strong material all the way. This is something that you really should not say no to.
Their sound is powerful and melodic, just as power metal use to be. But there's also epic moments with male choirs and big choruses.
great-master.com
OZ: Undercover
Massacre Records - Digital Single
Scandinavian heavy metal legends OZ was formed in Finland in 1977, but they moved to Sweden in the 80s (and are still based here as far as I know), and continued to release records until 1991. In 2010 they were back again.
It has been silent from the band for a few years now, but now they return with a new 7" single on November 24, which will include the 2 previously unreleased songs "Undercover" and "Wicked Vices". And the first track is now available as a digital single.
Well, this is good old heavy metal like it sounded back in the 80s, so it's very good stuff of course. And that means that all fans of that should check this out at once to not get a sleepless night.
I hope they are active again, and that they have more material to release soon, because this was really good.
lnk.to/undercoverwickedvices | youtu.be/uUQxqxorOB0?si=iV4yBEoCGZp-_trC | ozofficial.com
FIREWIND: Salvation Day
AFM Records - Digital Single
Greek power metal veterans FIREWIND (with guitarist Gus G from acts like Ozzy Osbourne, ARCH ENEMY and DREAM EVIL) released a live album, "Still Raging", last month. Now they have also released a brand new song, "Salvation Day", which is a taste of a new studio album, "Stand United", which will be released on March 1, 2024.
Well, what can I say? This sounds exactly like it should, so nobody should be dissapointed when they hear this song. I think the new album will be really good, especially if there's more songs of this quality.
youtu.be/aeTVKNg_tvs?si=nd3G_6FCQeOJOEhQ | firewind.bfan.link/stand-united | firewind.gr | afm-records.de
ELM STREET: The Great Tribulation
Massacre Records on Oct. 27 - LP, CD, Digital
"The Great Tribulation" is the third album from this Australian heavy metal band. It's said to be their most ambitious album to date, as well as the most powerful, complex and heavy. And I'm willing to believe them, as they open with a 11-minute song. But the other songs are a bit shorter than that (2:44-7:19 minutes).
ELM STREET deliver a diverse album with many highlights. It's mainly traditional heavy metal that we get, but they are not afraid to blend in other elements as well. This is an album that I think you really should check out, and I don't have much else to add there.
facebook.com/metalelmstreet
BONAFIDE: Are You Listening?
Black Lodge Records on Oct. 27 - CD, LP, Digital
After all these years, you can still hear some AC/DC in this Swedish band's riffs. They are far away from a complete copy of that sound though, as they are absolutely doing their own thing too. It's really good guitar based old school hard rock that you just have to like, no matter if you're an old or new hard rocker. But I would guess that it's also a really good party album.
Suddenly they surprise us with a song in the southern Swedish dialect Skånska instead of English, with vocals by Nisse Hellberg from Swedish rock veterans WILMER X. But it's just as catchy and energetic as their other songs, so it's just the language that is different.
If you want to know more about the band, and happens to know Swedish, then check out my interview with the band.
blacklodge.se | bonafiderocks.se
SKY EMPIRE: The Shifting Tectonic Plates Of Power - Part One
ViciSolum Productions on Oct. 27 - CD, 2LP, Digital
So, they open with a instrumental song that is as long as 14:36 minutes. Then they end with a song that is even longer, 16:20 minutes. The songs between those 2 are between 5 to 10:25 minutes. And what we get here is another progressive adventure. Very skilled musicians, and not totally hopeless songs. On vocals we have no other than Jeff Scott Soto (SONS OF APOLLO, W.E.T., Yngwie Malmsteen, JOURNEY, TALISMAN, S.O.T.O etc), but the rest of the band is from the UK.
It's mainly melodic, but also guitar driven and heavy. Influences comes from both progressive rock and metal, old and new stuff. This is their second album.
facebook.com/SkyEmpireMusic
CoreLeoni: Alive
Metalville Records on Oct. 27 - CD, LP
This is the first live album from CoreLeoni, which is led by GOTTHARD founder and guitarist Leo Leoni. It was recorded in March 2022, and we get both songs by GOTTHARD and CoreLeoni. It seems to work very well, and the band is doing a really good job. So this is a live album that is really worth checking out.
The music that this band play is hard rock, which gets a touch of heavy metal here. It's mainly melodic though. I can't name any favorite song, but their material is very strong anyway. Fans of the classic sound should enjoy this band.
And if you like what you hear here, also check out their studio albums.
metalville.de | coreleoni.com
Johan Kihlberg's IMPERA: Scandinavium Alive
Metalville Records on Oct. 27 - CD/DVD
On June 22, 2022 Johan Kihlberg's IMPERA got the chance to be support act for KISS at Scandinavium in Gothenburg, Sweden. So why not record the show? That they did. But they also filmed it. And now it will be released. But we also get a brand new studio track, "Fighter", as a little bonus. That song will be included in the action film "Black Hills".
This was not the first time that band leader Johan Kihlberg had something to do with KISS though. He has been a fan since he heard "Alive!" in 1975. And when he worked for Polygram Records in the 80s and 90s, he got to know the members of the band, and was also asked to lead their fan club. Later he toured with ex-KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent, and had some guest apperances with former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick as well. In 2017 Johan published the book "Kiss Klassified".
The line-up of the band this evening consisted of Lars Chriss (LION'S SHARE) on lead guitar, Mats Vassfjord (original member of IMPERA) on bass, Magnus Ulfstedt (ex-ECLIPSE) on drums, Jonny Lindkvist (NOCTURNAL RITES) on vocals and Johan Kihlberg on second guitar. The set list was mainly songs from the latest album, "Spirit Of Alchemy", but there was also a few tracks from "Age Of Discovery".
Well, this is really good melodic hard rock with power, and it sounds like they delivered a great show for a hungry audience. This is a live release that I can recomend you to check out if you like good old hard rock.
metalville.de | impera.org
NEPAL DEATH: Sister Nirvana
Nepal Death - Digital Single
This local band - from Borås, Sweden - have got some shit from people on social media platforms because of their name. But fact is that they are just a bunch of psychedelic hippies, so all they want is to give them love. It's hardly like they want to blow up the whole Nepal anyway. It's peace and love, not hate and war.
"Sister Nirvana" is a dark, yet electrifying, psychedelic rock song, that sounds like something from the early 70s. At the same time it reminds me of the reunited Swedish rock band The SOUNDTRACK OF OUR LIVES. And even though you can dance to this, it sounds very good and promising. So you should of course give these guys a try.
NEPAL DEATH will by the way play live with a other local dark rock band, SVARTA SANNINGAR, at Grill & Gryta here in Borås on November 17. Small place, so act fast if you want a ticket. Not sure if I will be there, even though I would like to (concert tickets are expensive when you're poor).
youtu.be/Nw2rmH5MB0g | nepaldeath.com
MANNEQUIN PUSSY: I Don't Know You
Epitaph Records - Digital Single
Philadelphia punk rockers MANNEQUIN PUSSY will release a new album, "I Got Heaven", on March 1, 2024. "I Don't Know You" is a taste of that album. They have previously released the title track as a single, which I liked, and described as "3 minutes of all kinds of emotions".
This song is a softer thing, and it's not as good as the last single was, but not bad though. I can't really find the words to describe it in a good way, so I guess you have to listen if you wnat to find out what it really sounds like.
youtu.be/A4OYERIEpYA | epitaph.com
Louise Lemón: Tears As Fuel
Icons Creating Evil Art - Digital Single
Another single with this Swedish woman. It's another soft and emotional dark pop/death gospel song. In other words the sound that we got used to when it comes to Louise Lemón. It's like an adult lullaby with a dramatic chorus, featuring a tragic love story full of tears. Pretty o.k. stuff for being pop. But then this is much darker than all the modern shit, which all sounds the same to me.
"Tears As Fuel" is taken from her new album, "Lifetime of Tears", which will be released later (I have no release date yet).
louiselemonmusic.com | icea.se
INFERNAL DEVASTATION: Depths Of Hell
Wormholedeath Records - Digital Single
INFERNAL DEVASTATION is a German death metal band. They have now signed with Wormholedeath Records, who will release their debut album in 2024. "Depths Of Hell" is the first single, and it sounds explosive and aggressive, but yet there's melody as well. It's hard, fast and heavy. A pretty o.k. song, even though I have heard better. It could still be worth a try though.
It seems like this band re-formed in 2019, and then they released their debut EP, "Self Unchained", in January 2023.
youtu.be/PuTjQ7vEXWU?si=aJrZtWKR5WGLgJMM | wormholedeath.com/home
BIG SUN: I Was Loving You
Mighty Music on Oct. 20 - Digital Single
BIG SUN is a Scandinavian band, who blend hard rock and metal. This new little song is describes as a "epic rock anthem with an 80s twist", and "a sonic voyage into the depths of desire and nostalgia". It's very keyboard-driven in the beginning, and after that it becomes soft and melodic without any electric guitars, but the chorus is a little catchy at least.
No, it might not be bad, but I have heard much better than this. A catchy chorus is not enough.
bigsun.lnk.to/you
MJM: Live It Up
MJM - Digital Single
MJM is a melodic hard rock band from Canada, who has released a few albums since 2003. Band leader and guitarist Michael J. Miller have a past in bands like RAPID TEARS and ADRENALIN.
Their new single, "Live It Up", is a very catchy hard rock song, that makes me think of something like HELIX for example. Absolutely not bad at all. You should give it a try.
mjm.global
WITCHUNTERS: Forever Young
Wanikiya Records - Digital Single
WITCHUNTERS are one of the longest-running Italian metal bands, founded in the summer of 1982. So that their heavy metal sound is very old school is hardly a surprise. They have all the right ingredients for a good metal song, so this sounds really good of course. The verse is heavy and powerful, while the chorus is melodic. I think you know the sound, and then you should really give this band a try.
facebook.com/wanikiyarecord
Paul Lidel's SCREAM THERAPY: Paul Lidel's Scream Therapy
Perris Records on Oct. 20 - CD
This band is led by vocalist/guitarist Paul Lidel (DANGEROUS TOYS, DIRTY LOOKS). It's mainly good old American hard rock/heavy metal that we get here, even though there's elements of other sub-genres in some of the songs. They have lots of good songs on this album, and I think that most fans of hard rock and heavy metal can find something of interest here. Try something like "Scream Therapy" or "Run" for example.
youtube.com/watch?v=cpBTgCREv_g | perrisrecords.com | linktr.ee/screamtherapy
LAST LEG: Trendsetter
Last Leg - Digital EP
I don't know much about L.A. hardcore/punks LAST LEG, but they deliver 5 tracks on this EP, which was released in August this year, and is actually a self produced demo recording. They play a pretty classic kind of American hardcore/punk, and it sounds very good. You should really check them out.
Sorry for the extremely short review, but I just don't know what else I should write..
lastlegofficial.bandcamp.com/album/trendsetter
CARCHARODON: Sbhorror
Vacation House Recordings - CD
This Italian trio was formed in 2003. After many demos, they finally released their first full-length album, "Macho Metal", in 2008. And there have been a few more releases since then on different labels. Their latest studio album, "Bukkraken", was released in 2018 via Argonauta Records.
CARCHARODON have their own sound, which seems to be a mixture of death n roll, doom and sludge. It gives them a powerful and heavy sound. Sometimes it goes a little faster though, and then it's more catchy instead. Both styles sounds good though.
Could be worth a try for those who like it hard and heavy.
linktr.ee/carcharodon
ATLAS: Built To Last
Metalapolis Records on Oct. 20 - CD
ATLAS is a band from the north of England with roots in the 80s AOR and melodic rock genre, spiced with modern hard rock, metal and progressive rock. They formed in early 2017, and have previously released 1 EP and 2 albums.
With that mixture of genres I guess it's not so hard to figure out that this sounds both old and modern at the same time. Most of all it sounds melodic, and their songs are absolutley not bad at all. And to make it easier, I put this album in the melodic hard rock genre. Because that's what it sounds like to me anyway. So I would guess that people who like 80s hard rock and AOR could like this.
Those other elements can mainly be heard in the "Chasing Portraits" trilogy in the second half of the album, which sounds more modern and progressive than the rest of the songs on this album.
facebook.com/atlasprojectuk | metalapolis.eu
ANKHARA: De Aquí a la Eternidad
Art Gates Records on Oct. 20 - MCD
Spanish heavy metal band ANKHARA formed in 1995, but split up in 2004. In 2013 they were back again.
Now they will release a 5-track EP, with guest appearances from both Ralf Scheppers (PRIMAL FEAR) and Andy Larocque (KING DIAMOND). 4 of the tracks are in Spanish, while 1 is in English.
This is very powerful stuff in the good old tradition, performed by experienced people. I like what I hear and have nothing to complain about. So if you're looking for true heavy metal in the same style as something like JUDAS PRIEST or PRIMAL FEAR, then this could be worth a try.
artgatesrecords.com | facebook.com/people/Ankhara/100063786306898
20 WATT TOMBSTONE: The Chosen Few
20 Watt Tombstone on Oct. 20 - LP, CD, Digital
Heavy blues rock with extra distortion is how I describe this band's music. They blend stoner rock with their blues, throw in some metal and a punk attitude on top of that. It might not be anything unique that they are doing here, but they do it damn good, so I have nothing to complain about. This is cool stuff, and I really like it.
20 WATT TOMBSTONE is a duo from Wausau, Wisconsin, USA. They blend influences from ZZ TOP, KYUSS, Robert Johnson and BLACK FLAG to get their sound. And have been doing so since 2011.
facebook.com/20watttombstone
ZHIVA: Into The Eye Of The Storm
Pride & Joy Music on Oct. 20 - CD
ZHIVA is a melodic metal band from Sweden, with people from bands like ARROW, CLOUDSCAPE, SAPPHIRE EYES, HELLSPRAY and ALYSON AVENUE. They released 3 albums between 2002-2006. Now they are back again with a new album.
On this album they blend melodic symphonic metal and hard rock. The guitars are heavy, and it's often dramatic and emotional. But most of all they have succeeded to make a really strong album, which is full of great songs. Very professional.
This is not just an album for fans of melodic metal, as I think that fans of heavy metal and even progressive metal could like this too.
youtu.be/eMINajIzhcQ | prideandjoy.de
VAMBO: II
Pride & Joy Music on Oct. 20 - CD
The music on this album is melodic, but most of the songs are rocking. Not bad as long as it's classic rock that they are playing. But unfortunately they get much weaker when the songs are soft and slow. So they have some stuff to work on if they want to get to the next level. On the other hand, that's just my opinion of course. And those bad songs are luckily not that many.
The songs on this album have a vibe of old times, even though the production is modern. I guess they have succeeded to catch a timeless sound that always works. It's said to fit fans of bands like LED ZEPPELIN, GREATA VAN FLEET and RIVAL SONS, if that sounds interesting.
prideandjoy.de
ROZARIO: To The Gods We Swear
Pride & Joy Music on Oct. 20 - CD
ROZARIO is a pretty new power metal band from Norway, and this is their debut album.
Even though they label it as power metal, it's not that fast. So I would rather call this melodic heavy metal instead, as some of these songs actually reminds me of SCORPIONS in the 80s. It's a really good album that they have made anyway, and then you can call it whatever you want. The songs are powerful and melodic, just like it should be. This is definitely something that you should check out.
youtu.be/b5wOFqFbYNU | facebook.com/rozarioband | prideandjoy.de
The MENZINGERS: Try
Epitaph Records - Digital Single
These rockers spit out singles for their new album, "Some Of It Was True", which is out now. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's not so interesting. This song is a pretty catchy rock song, and among the better songs that I have heard with them so far. I guess we can call it something like power pop or just catchy rock (why not both by the way?).
The MENZINGERS comes from Philadelphia, and have been around for more than 15 years already. "Some Of It Was True" is their 7th studio album.
epitaph.com
The RIPTIDE RATS: The Riptide Rats Theme
Ghost Highway Recordings - Digital Single
This instrumental surf rock song is just under a minute short, so it's probably over before you have read this short review. But anyway.. It's the second single from their upcoming record, "The Eastwood E.P.", which will be available as a 7" vinyl on October 31. And even though it's short, it's a good song. I think that EP will be a pretty cool experience.
If you're into this genre, then you should give these Swedish guys a try.
youtu.be/ophTrnOIeVk?si=2kwJfOIjU_2oIOls | theriptiderats.bandcamp.com
The REFRESHMENTS: Mamma Rosa's
Wild Kingdom Records - Digital Single
"Mamma Rosa's" is the third single from the upcoming album, "A Stiff One", which will be released on November 17. This song is about that bar or restaurant where you just feel at home and at ease, where you're able to just relax with old friends for a bit and not worry about a thing. A catchy little thing that makes you feel good. But is it Americana or rock n roll, or maybe both or something else? I guess I go for Americana rock n roll to make it easy for myself. It sounds good anyway.
therefreshments.se
MYRATH: Heroes
earMUSIC - Digital Single
Tunisian metal band MYRATH are back with a new song. And it's the first single from their new album, "Karma", which will be released on February 2, 2024.
MYRATH play a fusion of progressive metal and Middle Eastern elements. It sounds very modern and fresh, but in this case also a little too close to pop for my taste. I heard an album with them a few years ago, and that was much better than this song. This is softer than I remember them. But hopefully the next single will be better than this, even though it's not totally hopeless.
youtu.be/3Jd5kH91hbs | myrath.com
METALITE: New Generation
AFM Records - Digital Single
Swedish melodic power metal band METALITE has released another single from their upcoming album, "Expedition One", which will be released on January 19, 2024. They have a very modern sound. And this song sounds so modern that it's on the border to pop, which is sad as their last single, "Blazing Skies", was pretty good. It's not totally useless though as it has a very strong chorus, and I'm still pretty sure that the new album can be interesting to hear.
youtu.be/Eqhx1e1vzh8?si=dCSw-IkGJ-Mz4u1s | bfan.link/expedition-one | instagram.com/metalitesweden | shop.afm-records.de
SYLVATICA: Cadaver Synod
Mighty Music on Oct. 20 - LP
With a desire to explore their own artistic style and venture into new territories, Danish metal band SYLVATICA has created an album that delves into the dark tales of the Middle Ages, incorporating elements such as the haunting sounds of church organs, theremin, and Gregorian chants. It's gloomy and atmospheric, and enriched by the addition of Hammond organs and synthesizers, which gives it a nostalgic 70s vibe with occasional doom influences. The production is said to be rawer than their previous works.
What they really play is probably best described as melodic death metal inspired by the Finnish bands, but with elements of both folk and symphonic metal. Most songs seems to be in mid-tempo, but some of them are not so bad.
The band was formed in 2009, and this is their third album.
facebook.com/Sylvaticaofficial | mightymusic.dk
SLOWBURN: Fire Starter
Fighter Records on Oct. 17 - CD, Digital
This is the second album from Madrid based heavy metal band SLOWBURN. Influences comes from bands like BLACKFOOT and VAN HALEN in the 70s, as well as JUDAS PRIEST and MEGADETH in the 80s. But there's also some progressive elements. They have been playing since 2015, and released their first album, "Rock And Roll Rats", in 2020. They have since then been through some line-up changes, but are now ready to release their second full-length.
As you probably have figured out already, it's a traditional sound rather than something modern. Powerful, yet melodic, heavy metal of the better kind, as they have many good songs among these 10 tracks. I might not have any favorite song here, but it's absolutely worth a try if you like good old heavy metal.
youtu.be/Hb2OWvfGEUM?si=CIHgqCaPIxW9zSoD | facebook.com/SlowburnHeavyMetal | fighter-records.com
SLEEP THEORY: Paper Hearts
Epitaph Records - Digital EP
No, this is definitely not my thing at all. The guitars are heavy once in a while, but it's mainly some kind of modern American rock/nu metal with emotional vocals. I guess I'm the wrong generation for this. But it would not surprise me if those who grew up in the 90s will like this. So if you're one of them, and think that this could be interesting, why not give them a try?
youtu.be/F7s9gFaWpUM | epitaph.com
REMEDY: Something That Your Eyes Won't See
S-Rock Music Production - CD, LP, Digital
It looks like this debut album isn't exactly new, as it's been out for something like 10 months already. But the LP version, which sold out fast, will now be re-released on November 24, so why not write something anyway? It will be short, as usual, though.
REMEDY is a band from Stockholm, Sweden, and they play melodic hard rock. They are hardly here to reinvent the genre, so it's a familiar sound that we get here. Their songs are really strong and absolutely worth listening to if you like the sound of the 80s.
All 10 songs are good, so I look forward to hear their next album soon (that might take a while though).
facebook.com/Remedymusicsweden
DOG EAT DOG: Free Radicals
Metalville Records on Oct. 20 - CD, LP, Fan Box
After a very long period of only touring, American band DOG EAT DOG is back with a new studio album, their first in 17 years. We get 14 tracks and a variety of contemporary styles. Most songs have the big guitars, groovy beats and catchy choruses they are known for. But once in a while they do something different as well. They are obviously not afraid of mixing different genres with each other. But the main ingredients are hardcore and rap, and it's mainly pretty melodic.
Most of these tracks are good or at least o.k. So it's a pretty good album that they have made, even though I have nothing to compare with, as I don't think that I have heard them before. I'm not so impressed by those slow songs though, which are as much as 4 (way too many).
metalville.de | dogeatdogofficial.com
Ursäkta Röran Vol. 6: Dårskapen Styr
GrönPeppar Records - CD, Digital
So, we have come to the 6th edition of this Swedish punk compilation. Not many compilations survive that long. As usual it's a wild mixture of different kinds of punk - from silent folk punk to raw crust and everything in between. And I'm a little impressed that most of the bands here are good. So not much to complain about.
The artists are PPL, SLAVERIET, VON BACCHI, SOCIALSTYRELSEN, FITCHICKS, KONTROLLANTERNA, EFEMÄR, STAF, CHÖRNOBYL, ZTEREOTYPERNA, VETIFAN, LILLKRISTER and the veterans SLOBOBANS UNDERGÅNG.
Well, it's pretty simple: If you have any interest at all in the Swedish punk scene, then you check this out. No matter if you're an old or new punk, you should find something that you like here.
gronpepparrecords.bandcamp.com/album/urs-kta-r-ran-vol-6
GRÖN SAAB -69: Arg Ung Man 57
Mats Andersson Communication - CD
The ideas for these songs goes back to the early 80s, and a punk band who existed between 1980-1985. A hundred years later, a 57-year old man get the idea that he should do something with those old song ideas that he had. But he also wrote some new songs.
The idea was probably good. But unfortunately he's hardly a hit maker, and not such a good singer either. It should go just a little bit faster to be more alive. Like it is now, it's a half-good home recording with a pretty monotonous sound. And the songs are not really any good old punk, but rather some kind of rock or power pop. Not many of them are good enough in this format.
It's not totally hopeless though. Because I'm pretty sure that with a real band and a better studio (and possibly a better singer as well), I guess there could be some more action and life in this.
gronsaab69.se
FRAISE: The Fifth Sun Part II
Fraise - CD, Digital
That this Swedish heavy/power metal band has not been signed yet is a mystery. But maybe they want it that way'
Anyway.. The band was founded in 2004 in Alingsås (a few miles from Gothenburg), and this is their 6th album, where we get 11 excellent songs. This is just as good as any of the more well-known bands who play heavy and power metal. It's fast, melodic and powerful, and exactly what the doctor recommends for every true headbanger around the world.
..and as you probably have figured out already that you have to give these guys a try, there's not much else to add.
fraise.se
BLOOD INCANTATION: Luminescent Bridge
Century Media - 12" Maxi Single
BLOOD INCANTATION is a mysterious band, who call their "music" cosmic death metal. I don't really know if I even want to call this music, even though I guess it is somehow. It's definitely not the kind of death metal that I'm used to hear anyway, so I don't want to call it that either.
The first side gives us a track that's both heavy and epic, while there's an ethereal, cosmic instrumental composition on the other side. As these 2 tracks are pretty long, the whole thing last for almost 20 minutes. And I guess the first song, "Obliquity Of The Ecliptic", can go as music at least. But the second thing, the title track, is just something slow, silent and atmospheric - Totally useless!
I don't understand this band and their sound at all, so I'm not going to say anything else.
bloodincantation.org | centurymedia.com
AUTOGRAMM: Wanna Be
Beluga Records/Stomp Records - Digital Single
This is the first track from an upcoming album, titled "Music That Humans Can Play", with AUTOGRAMM, which is a synth-driven power-pop band with members from Seattle, Chicago and Vancouver. The album will be in stores on November 17.
Among the band's influences are artists like The CARS, The GO-GO'S, Gary Numan, 20/20 and DEVO. So a more correct description of their sound is probably a fusion of new wave and power pop. In other words very 80s.
The music is melodic, and there's not much guitars, even though you can hear that too once in a while. A pretty o.k. song, but I guess I have to hear more before I can say if this is good or just o.k.
youtu.be/Wq9wYXmlAVA | belugarecords.com
TRUE LOVE DEVIL: Bullet Down
True Love Devil - Digital Single
TRUE LOVE DEVIL is a band from Algonquin, Illinois, formed in 2021. They play some kind of hard rock/heavy metal that probably will remind you of the 90s sound. This song is not really what I would call alternative rock though, which you probably will think of. No, this is more like a catchy hard rock song. Not bad at all and easy to like.
I don't really know what else to say, but you should give this a try anyway.
truelovedevil.com
SLIFT: Ilion
Sub Pop - Digital Single
SLIFT invites you to dance, and shows off their entire repertoire with an 11-minute waltz. Well, waltz.. This is rather a psychedelic rock adventure. So maybe you should dance like you were stoned? Because I'm not joking when I call this an adventure. A pretty heavy adventure though, both when it comes to music and length of the song.
SLIFT is a French trio, and they have just signed to Sub Pop. This single is the title track of their new album, which will be available worldwide on January 19, 2024. It will be their third full-length album.
I think this can fit both psych rockers and heavy rockers, as those 2 genres are pretty similar sometimes.
youtube.com/watch?v=VcXkSctQCbw | sliftrock.com/en
F.K.Ü.: The Horror And The Metal
Despotz Records on Oct. 13 - Digital Single
It was a few years now since these Swedish horror thrash veterans (formed in 1987) released some new music. But finally we get a sign of life with this new single, which is the title track and a first taste of an upcoming album, that will be released on February 9, 2024.
F.K.Ü. combines their love for 80s horror movies with crossover thrash metal, and the result is just as brilliant as it use to be. Old fans should definitely not be dissapointed when they hear this 3:55-minute song. They should even get some new fans, because this is really good stuff. I look forward to the new album.
despotz.se | facebook.com/moshoholics
CORRODED: Rain
Despotz Records on Oct. 13 - Digital Single
"Rain" is the third single from CORRODED's upcoming album, "Plague", which will be released on November 17. It's like heavy and groovy metal mixed with alternative rock from the 90s, and this is not bad at all. Very catchy and macho. You should give this a try.
CORRODED is a Swedish metal band. They has released 5 albums so far.
despotz.se | facebook.com/corrodedsweden
KISSIN' BLACK: Veleno
Metalapolis Records on Oct. 13 - CD, LP, Digital
Swizz band KISSIN' BLACK have their own sound, and seems to do what they want. Some songs sounds like some kind of goth rock, but not as dark as it use to be, while other tracks is more like rock or hard rock instead. This makes it a little hard to describe this band's music.
It sounds o.k. anyway, and that's always something positive. But even though most of the songs are good, 13 tracks is a few too many though.
The title track is in Italian, while the rest is in English.
metalapolis.eu
BLADE: Joker And Clowns
Inverse Records on Oct. 13 - CD, Digital
BLADE reminds me of some other Finnish hard rock band, but I can't remember which right now. It sounds really good anyway, just like that other band does, so this could be worth listening to of course. But why they have done a cover of the 80s hit "Maniac" is a good question though. Not that it's a bad song. But how many hard rock bands have done that already? I have heard it with a few bands during the last years anyway, most recently a live version with FIREWIND for example. But otherwise no question marks but just damn good hard rock.
BLADE formed in 2020, and this is their debut album. If you're into 70s/80s hard rock, then you should enjoy this band too.
inverse.fi | bladeband.com
PERSECUTOR: Vendetta
Persecutor A/S on Oct 13 - LP, Digital
This is the second album from these Danish thrash metallers. And this is something that you really should check out. They succeed to be both aggressive and melodic at the same time, as well as old school and modern at the same time. Everything here is sharp as a knife. I can just wish them the best of luck, and hope that more people will understand how good they really are.
PERSECUTOR was founded in 2018 by 4 young men. And already in 2019 they released their debut album, "Rebirth". Since then they has released 2 stand-alone singles, and began to work on this second album.
bit.ly/43ki2Ba | facebook.com/PersecutorDK
SWARTZHEIM: Sympathy
Lommebajer Records on Oct. 13 - 12" EP, MCD, Digital
SWARTZHEIM is a Danish crossover thrash metal band, formed in 2018 by 6 young men. On this 4-track EP they deliver their mix of thrash metal, hardcore and classic metal with a youthful energy, and succeed to make something modern of the crossover genre. And this without being too modern and/or bad. So old school thrashers should not be afraid to give this band a try. Because I'm pretty sure that you will like this.
linktr.ee/swartzheim
SAHG: Live Demons
Drakkar Entertainment on Oct. 13
Norwegian heavy/doom metal trio SAHG deliver 4 live tracks, recorded at a hometown show at Kvarteret in Bergen, Norway. And it sounds really good. All songs are from their latest album, "Born Demon", which was released a year ago. But as they have been playing since 2006, it could have been fun with some older songs too. That makes this release a little stupid actually. But maybe they will release a full-length live album in the future?
I can't complain about the songs though. But I have already explained how good this is. Even though their songs are heavy, they deliver them with lots of energy here. So even though it seems like a stupid release, it's almost a must to hear anyway.
sahgband.com | drakkar.de
Michael Voss: Rockers Rollin' - A Tribute To Rick Parfitt
Massacre Records on Oct. 13 - CD, LP, Digital
German musician/vocalist Michael Voss has been a huge fan of STATUS QUO since he was a litle kid, and saw the band live for the first time at Halle Münsterland in 1979. This album is as the title says a tribute to the band's late guitarist/vocalist Rick Parfitt (who passed away on Dec. 24, 2016). Voss has carefully chosen 10 songs, that Parfitt sang and wrote. And among the most interesting musicians and vocalists on the album are STATUS QUO's tour manager and co-writer of many hits, Bob Young, founding member John Coghlan, and the band's current bass player, Rhino Edwards. Original band member Andy Bown also participate, and so does Alex Toff (who played on Rick's only solo album), as well as Rick's son Rick Parfitt Jr. And then I have just mentioned some of all the people on this record (the list is so long that it would bore the shit out of you, unless you're a real nerd).
Well, this is a real ass kicking rock album that I think all fans of STATUS QUO should check out. I really like this album. And there's actually not much else to add there.
massacre-records.com
ARTEFUCKT: Ethik
Metalville Records on Oct. 13 - CD, LP, Fan Box
Here we have a German band, founded in Rheinberg in 2015.
ARTEFUCKT play a melodic kind of punk rock with lyrics in German, yet not as polished and sugar sweet as the American pop punk bands, as this is more raw and more serious. Yes, I like these 16 songs (15 on LP), and so should you if you have any interest in melodic punk rock and German rock.
Very short review, but I just don't know what else I should say..
metalville.de
SKAM: No Name
Sea Note - LP, Digital
SKAM was a young punk band from Washington, DC, who existed in the early 80s. These songs was recorded between 1982-83, and after that they broke up, and the recordings was never released. Not until now anyway.
While many other bands in the DC area played hardcore at this time, SKAM choosed to play good old punk instead. And it sounds more British than American. While the others were screaming, this band was actually singing. Some songs are more energetic, while others are more melodic. So it's a good mixture of punk, punk rock and pop punk here. Very good stuff, so I like what I hear. You should really give these guys a try.
dragcity.com/products/no-name
ARBORESCENCE OF WRATH: Inferno
Transcending Obscurity Records on Oct. 13 - CD, Digital
Here it's full speed ahead and a lot of harsh screaming. It may sound like they're on the border to chaos, but they actually succeed to not lose the technical and melodic. And they also have the good taste to slow down once in a while, to not make it too hysterical. Aggressive stuff for hateful days you could say. Very brutal, very intense.
Yes, I have heard the exact same thing before. But right now I can't remember any names. But if you need more violent death metal, then this is probably exactly what you need.
This seems to be the band's debut album, and the line-up includes members from ORIGIN, MARDUK and BENIGHTED.
arborescenceofwrath.bandcamp.com | tometal.com
WEIRD TALES: Second Coming, Second Cricifixion
Interstellar Smoke Records - LP, Cassette, CD, Digital
Polish trio WEIRD TALES started as a stoner doom band in 2015, but has since then incorporated proto-punk, psychedelic and noise to their music. Their lyrics deal with stuff like disappointment in humanity, friendship, love, hate, schizos, drug addicts and slaughter.
What we get here is most of all dark and heavy music for people who are dissapointed with everything. It's very riff based, but yet pretty catchy. The vocals is clean, and not harsh as many other heavy bands seems to prefer.
Well, they seems to know how to make a song anyway.
weird.bandcamp.com
DEAD SERENITY: When Worlds Turn To Gray
Inverse Records - CD, Digital
DEAD SERENITY is a melodic death metal band founded in 2018. They released their first EP, "Beginnings", in 2020, and now their first full-length album is here.
The first song, "Ghosts", sounds more like dark melodic metal than death metal. But after that it's more like melodic death metal, even though they seems to have their own twist. So no, this is not another copy of the legendary Gothenburg sound, even though there's some of that too. Brutal verses and melodic choruses is common on this album, even though every song doesn't follow that concept. And sometimes we get more of that melodic metal as well.
DEAD SERENITY are good, so give them a try.
inverse.fi | facebook.com/DeadSerenityOfficial
CORNERS OF SANCTUARY: Crazy Horses
SODEH Records - Digital Single
Long time since I heard this traditional heavy metal band last time. But I actually got a little tired of their music, as it was so damn boring. They have done many covers during the last years, and here's another one. This time it's a song originally made by The OSMONDS, which is a band that I don't think that I have heard that much (or anything at all) with. So I'm not the one who can compare this version with the original. It doesn't sound as bad as they use to anyway, so maybe they should continue to play covers?
CORNERS OF SANCTUARY hailing from Philadelphia, and formed in 2011. They has released a few albums and EPs through the years. "Crazy Horses" is taken from their digital covers EP, "Taking Cover", which has been out for a couple of months now. The band's annual Holiday single will be released on November 21, and they are also working on a new EP with original material.
youtu.be/8JkQDyhjz60 | cornersofsanctuary.com | sodeh.ca
URAL: Psychoverse
Xtreem Music on Oct. 10 - CD, Digital
Italian band URAL can be seen as something fresh in the crossover genre, as they blend VOIVOD's Sci-Fi metal with old school Bay Area thrash metal. I don't know if that has been done before, but it sounds like a different idea to me anyway.
The band is not so new though, as they formed in 2010. After a demo in 2011, they has released 2 EPs and 2 full-length albums.
Even though there's some elements of VOIVOD and crossover here and there in URAL's music, it mainly sounds like a old thrash metal album. So it's not so different after all. I think you really should check this out, because it's a really good album. No doubt about that.
facebook.com/uralwolfteam | xtreemmusic.com
SEVENTH WONDER: Become / The Great Escape / Mercy Falls / Waiting In The Wings (re-issues)
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, LP, Digital
The first 4 studio albums with Swedish progressive metal band SEVENTH WONDER has been re-released. These albums have been out of print for a long time, but now the fans can find them again.
As these albums are very long, it takes an eternity to listen to all of them. 1 of the albums have a song that is as eternity long as half an hour, and another album have as much as 15 tracks. To me it's hard to hear any differance between these albums, as I can't even hear that much differance between the songs (mainly a problem the first times though). But I'm sure that if you like progressive rock and metal adventures, then you will probably like these albums too. Because SEVENTH WONDER is not a bad band, and they seems to be very good at what they are doing.
The LPs are exclusive for the official Frontiers webshops and Scandinavia.
youtu.be/ehSrRrPHoZA | seventhwonder.se | frontiers.it
Ronnie Romero: Too Many Lies, Too Many Masters
Frontiers Music Srl - CD, Digital
Ronnie Romero (ELEGANT WEAPONS, LORDS OF BLACK, The FERRYMEN, SUNSTORM, RAINBOW, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP) released his latest solo album, "Raised On Heavy Radio", in the beginning of this year. Now another album is here already. But while the 2 first albums was covers albums, this third album features all new and original material.
The album was co-written with drummer Andy C. and guitarist Jose Rubio. And this album actually marks the first time that Romero has been involved with 100% of the songwriting on an album he sings on. Another first thing for him is that he co-produced the album with Andy C.
When it's as best it reminds me of good old DIO or WHITESNAKE. But then there's also some modern influences in some of the songs, which doesn't impress me that much. But it's mainly a very good album full of hard rock and heavy metal. So even though Mr. Romero already have an impressive discography, I think you should give this album a chance too.
orcd.co/masters | facebook.com/ronnieromeroofficial | frontiers.it
The MENZINGERS: Come On Heartache
Epitaph Records - Digital Single
No, not my thing. Too soft and melodic, and not such a good song. Sad as their last single was pretty good. I want more punk rock instead of this lame rock that they're playing once in a while. But that's just my taste of course.
The song is taken from the upcoming album, "Some Of It Was True", which will be released on October 13. After that they will be touring in Europe and UK in January/February 2024.
youtu.be/KLJhGiaJPt8 | epitaph.com
SALACIOUS GODS: Oalevluuk
Hammerheart Records on Oct. 6 - CD, LP, Digital
Dutch black metallers SALACIOUS GODS are pure, fast, intense and hateful. They sing in both English and their local dialect, Drents. The lyrical themes are a concoction of the band members nightmares, ritualistic experiences performed at their own hands, as well as channeling their powers from spiritual dimensions into flesh and blood.
After their last album, "Piene", was released in 2005, the group had a new album written and ready to be recorded in 2006. But after a while they decided that the material wasn't good enough. So they started to write new material in 2008, and soon entered the studio to start recording. But then all kinds of shit started to happen (injuries, line-up changes, personal tragedies etc). And for some reason they decided to build their own studio, and in 2020 founding member and guitarist Iezelzweard gathered old and new members to finally start recording "Oalevluuk".
They succeed to blend in some melodies among all the anger, but hardly make it sound more kind because of that. This is a true black metal album, that sounds just the way it should. So I really think you have to check this out.
salaciousgods.lnk.to/oalevluuk | hammerheart.com
IRON SAVIOR: Firestar
AFM Records on Oct. 6 - CD, LP
German power metal band IRON SAVIOR formed in 1996, so they are veterans now. That doesn't mean that they have got any weaker or that they would have slow down. No, with this new album they prove that they are still a very vital band. They have produced a varied album that should please every fan of heavy and power metal. It's all done very professional, and the songs are great. So there's not much else to ask for. A perfect album.
..obviously so perfect that I don't have anything else to write.
iron-savior.com | shop.afm-records.de
DOPELORD: Songs For Satan
Blues Funeral Recordings on Oct. 6 - LP, CD, Digital
DOPELORD formed in the city of Lublin, Poland in late 2010. Inspired by classic cult films, 70s rock, occult themes and magical herbs, their choice of music became stoner/doom. They have since 2012 released 4 albums and 1 EP.
Their music is fuzz-drenched and heavy, very riff-based but catchy, with melodic vocals. Their songs are mainly around 7 minutes long, but as they're not extremely slow, they succeed to keep the songs alive all 7 minutes.
This is absolutely not bad at all. So if you like stoner, doom, heavy rock, sludge or retro-metal, then you should give these guys a try.
dopelord.bandcamp.com | bluesfuneral.com
MÄBE: Kom Evighet, Kom Ögonblick
TwoFaced Productions on Oct. 6 - LP (dealyed, but out soon), Digital
MÄBE has really developed from more or less a copy of Swedish rock legend Thåström to something of its own. Which is definitely proved with this new album, which is going in all kinds of directions. It works though. And no matter in what direction it goes, you can still hear that it's MÄBE and nothing else.
As I said when I reviewed 1 of the singles for this album, this is not something for the hardest rockers. But if you like singer/songwriter rock, then this could be of interest. And sure, fans of Thåström will probably enjoy this too, at least some of the songs.
It's often soft and melancholy, yet it can also be energetic once in a while. So far nothing new. But they have also added some new elements this time. Some songs are more electronic for example, but without being synth or electro pop because of that.
Mäbe is a man from Strömstad, Sweden. He has released 3 full-length albums and 1 EP before this album. This is the first record since 2018.
mabe.nu
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