REVIEWS AUGUST 2025
«July | Index | September»FURY: Interceptor
Mighty Music on Sept. 5 - LP, CD, DigitalIt's said that FURY are challenging the barriers of hard rock and metal genres with this new album. Since their previous album, "Born To Sin" (2022), FURY have moved into the territory of dual lead vocals, opening up a new soundscape for the band to explore. So new member is Nyah Ifill alongside founding member Julian Jenkins on co-lead vocals.
To me it sounds like they mix the old school with a modern sound, and out comes an album that is brilliant. We have many strong songs here, that are both powerful and melodic. There's nothing to complain about. This is an album that you really should check out.
FURY hailing from the UK, and formed in 2010. They released their debut album in 2014. Among the members are bassist Becky Baldwin, who also play in MERCYFUL FATE since a couple of years. "Interceptor" is their fifth album.
bit.ly/fury-tgt | furyofficial.co.uk | mightymusic.dk
PRIMAL FEAR: Domination
Reigning Phoenix Music on Sept. 5 - 2LP, CD, DigitalThe new album from German based PRIMAL FEAR is a masterclass in how power metal is supposed to be done. These 13 tracks have all the right ingredients that you can ask for. It's powerful, energetic, epic and most of all really good. So get this album as soon as you can, because you should not regret it. And there's not much else to say about that.
PRIMAL FEAR formed back in 1997, so they have many years of experience, which you can hear when you listen to this album, which is their 15th studio album. After their latest lineup change, Thalìa Bellezecca joined the band on guitar and André Hilgers on drums. The other members are Ralf Scheepers on vocals, Mat Sinner on bass/vocals, and Magnus Karlsson on guitar.
primalfear.de/tour | reigningphoenixmusic.com
ELEINE: We Stand United
Reigning Phoenix Music on Sept. 5 - 12" EP, MCD, Notebook, DigitalWhat we get here is a intro and the title track, which are both new. We also get 2 live tracks (recorded at Masters Of Rock in 2024) and a symphonic version of "Promise Of Apocalypse". All songs but the intro are good, but the title track is a little extra good, and especially the chorus.
ELEINE was founded in 2014 and hailing from Sweden. I would describe this band's music as modern metal, with elements of symphonic metal and melodic metal as well as some growl here and there. They are very good and absolutely worth checking out, and there's not much else to say about that.
I think they are working on a new full-length album.
eleine.com | reigningphoenixmusic.com
HEADLESS: Transitional Objects
M-Theory Audio - CD, LPHEADLESS was founded in 1996 by cousins Walter (guitars) and Enrico Cianciusi (drums). The original incarnation of the band released a EP, "Future To Past", in 1996 and a full-length album, "Inside You", in 1998 before disbanding in 2000.
Walter revived the name in 2011 with an entirely new lineup, centering their new music around catchy choruses, progressive metal technicality and Göran Edman's (Yngwie Malmsteen, John Norum, SWEDISH EROTICA, MADISON etc etc) powerful vocals and Scott Rockenfield (QUEENSRŸCHE) on drums. The comback album "Growing Apart" was released in 2013. Enrico rejoined the band in 2014, and has been drumming on every album since then.
Well, HEADLESS play a melodic and progressive kind of hard rock/metal, and this album is filled with graet songs. The material is varied and it all sound professional. Yes, this is something that all fans of melodic hard rock as well as progressive rock and metal should check out.
screamforexistence.com
Dalfestivalen
Festival at Folkets Park in Dalsjöfors, Sweden on August 30, 2025Dalfestivalen began in 2022, and use to be sold out. This year the tickets sold so bad that they almost had to cancel. But luckily some more people bought a ticket, and the festival was saved. And I guess that I'm hardly a dream as I didn't decide to go and bought a ticket until the same day.
This was the first time that I went to this little festival, and it was really nice. Good bands and many people that I knew. We even got some sunshine, but unfotunately it was raining for a while too. But luckily you didn't have to stand in the rain, which was very good.
When I arrived, LILLA KROGEN BAND had already began to play. I call their music singer/songwriter rock, and I really like their songs. They just played a half concert as they did a split concert with GATANS LAG, who share a couple of members. But it was really good as usual anyway.
So GATANS LAG took over and did the other half then. They began with the classic "Jag Hatar Folk" (I Hate People), and after that it was classic after classic. The singer was as usual on fire and must have spent more time in the audience than on stage. It must have been one of the best gigs that I have seen with them. If you like Oi! punk in Swedish, then you should really check them out.
After that explosion it became more silent when Fou Parle entered the stage. Some kind of melancholy singer/songwriter which was too soft for my taste. So I sat and drank beer instead.
Next band was KAMPEN, which I had never heard before. I guess we can call their music political folk punk, a little like Celtic punk but in Swedish. Pretty good stuff.
It was a few years since I saw Swedish punk rock veterans CHARTA 77 last time, so it was nice to see them again, as they did a really good concert this evening. They played many classics and songs that I like, so I have nothing to complain about. And I'm not the only one who think that they were really good.
After that it was time for ALLIGATOR, a action rock band from Stockholm. Pretty o.k., no doubt about that, but I have heard more interesting bands in that genre.
Then came another explosion in form of the street punk rock band DEAD POLLYS, with another singer who like to spend time in the audience. I really like this band, and they really delivered a fantastic show. This is a band that you really should check out, and go see them live if you can.
I don't really know what band that played after that, but it can't have been The STOMPING ACADEMY anywat, who was supposed to play somewhere. Instead some young kids was playing some kind of rock. Pretty o.k., but not much else.
SLÖA KNIVAR was more interesting though. A hardcore/punk band from southern Sweden, who have been around for many years now. Talk about hardcore attack! This is a band who have good songs, but are also a very good live band. I have seen them before, but that was many years ago, and this gig was even better than that time.
The second last band was RÄFVEN. They sounded like a gyspy band, and wasn't really my thing. And during their show I got tired after a long day, so I actually went home and missed the last band, which was British anarcho punks CONFLICT. On the other hand I have only heard them once on cassette, and that was at Hultsfredsfestivalen in the 90s. Kind of hard to remember if they were any good. It's not always easy to get older..
dalfestivalen.se
CHEMICAL STORM: Blood Sigil
Chemical Storm - Digital Single1 year after the release of their 4-track EP, "Digital Dementia", UK thrashers CHEMICAL STORM are back with a new single.
"Blood Sigil" explores the internal conflict between emotions, negative thoughts, and the struggle between our ego and higher self. It represents the pact we make with our inner darkness if we falter in our pursuit of self-improvement and give in to our personal demons.
Like so many other thrash bands, CHEMICAL STORM take inspiration from the golden era (the 80s). With raw power and aggression they attack us. And this sounds really good, so you should absolutely check it out.
youtu.be/FrzI98yenbU?si=levQ7yT56N_Sb078 | facebook.com/ChemicalStormThrashUk
BEAUTIFUL FREAKIN' WEIRDO: Zap The Fear
Beautiful Freakin' Weirdo - Digital EPThis is an industrial metal project from Birmingham, UK. And that's all I know more or less, as the information I got was all about 1 of the songs, which was released as a single (but I think all these 3 songs has been released as a single). But as the whole EP was available, why just focus on 1 song?
Anyway, it sounds pretty good. This is not the hardest kind of industrial metal, but hardly pop music either. And they actually vary the material, so it doesn't get monotonous and repetitive like many others in this genre. They also succeed to have a catchy material, which I think is a big plus as it makes them more interesting to listen to.
Worth checking out.
youtu.be/uftHb2UFY48?si=cmZuEwVuY51Wb5hl | earache.lnk.to/ZaptheFear | facebook.com/BeautifulFreakinWeirdo
MEZZROW: Architects Of The Silent War
ROAR - Digital SingleSwedish thrash metallers MEZZROW will release a new album, titled "Embrace The Awakening", on November 14, and this is the first taste.
They begin epic before it becomes a true thrash attack in the good old tradition. But soundwise it sounds pretty fresh and not so old school. It's a really good song, so this is very promising for the new album.
What else I should write is a good question though..
mezzrow.rpm.link/architectsPR | mezzrow.rpm.link/embracePR | facebook.com/mezzrowsweden | roar-records.de
JOYCE MANOR: All My Friends Are So Depressed
Epitaph Records - Digital SingleOnce again I expect some punk rock, but what do I get? Some stupid soft and catchy pop singer/songwriter with a touch of country. And it sucks!
This is the first new music in 3 years from this band, and it's said to be equally inspired by The SMITHS and 100 GECS. Not such a good come back if you ask me, so I don't have anything else to say, and I will probably never listen to them again.
youtu.be/NDmJDdFl_jI | epitaph.com
HELLADDICT: Helladdict
Helladdict - Digital EPChilean thrash metal newcomers HELLADDICT has released their self-titled debut EP, which is now available across all major streaming platforms. The band formed in 2022 and hailing from La Florida. They pay homage to the thrash and heavy metal from the 80s and 90s, and captures the raw aggression, rebellious energy, and uncompromising attitude that defined the genre. But there's also some influences of early punk.
That may sound very interesting of course. But is it so interesting to listen to? The 2 tracks that I got was not bad, but we hardly talk about any anthems here. It's just o.k., and you listen a few times before you forget all about them.
HELLADDICT is currently working on their first full-length album, set to be release later this year. Hopefully that will be more interesting, but I'm not so sure.
open.spotify.com/artist/7mJKEQ.. | instagram.com/helladdicts
EXAUST: Abysmal Earth
Exaust - Digital EPWelsh crossover thrashers EXAUST has released a new 5-track EP. They take inspiration from the 80s legends and blend it with today's crossover. The result is something hard and aggressive with razor sharp riffage. The energy is mainly high, but there's some really heavy parts too. They simply seems to know how to do this without repeating themselves, and they do it really good. So if you like thrash, then you have to give these guys a chance.
Not much else to add there..
youtu.be/HXHJQaF3KGg?si=qnS1dtrI-ZbQZi41 | exaustthrash.bandcamp.com/album/abysmal-earth
BLACKLIST: Bark At The Moon
Blacklist - BandcampMany tributes to the great Ozzy Osbourne now that he's gone..
And what we have here is UK threashers BLACKLIST's version of Ozzy's classic solo song "Bark At The Moon". They are doing a good version of it, so it's worth checking out of course, and there's not that much to add about that.
This single is available on the band's Bandcamp page as a "Pay What You Want", with any proceeds being donated to Parkinson's UK.
BLACKLIST are a death-infused thrash metal band from the North-West of England, formed in 2018. They has so far released 1 EP and 1 album, as well as multiple singles. This song is more like heavy/thrash metal though.
ukthrashers.bandcamp.com/track/bark-at-the-moon
KHNVM: Cosmocrator
Testimony Records on Aug. 29 - CD, LP, Cassette, DigitalGerman based death metallers KHNVM are getting ready to unleash their 4th album, "Cosmocrator", where they explore the crossroads of psychology, philosophy, and spirituality. The album draws powerful inspiration from Christopher Hitchens' scathing account "God Is Not Great" and Carl Jung's "Mysterium Coniunctionis" to explore themes surrounding the tension between rationality and mysticism, while challenging conventional beliefs.
The result is on the thin line between the old and the new school of death metal. It's more heavy than fast, even if there's some fast parts too. Yet it's hard and brutal enough to scare non-metal people away. Could be something for fans of heavier death metal.
lnk.spkr.media/khnvm-cosmocrator | facebook.com/testimonyrecords | facebook.com/KHNVM666
HEXROT: Formless Ruin Of Oblivion
Transcending Obscurity Records on Aug. 29 - CD, DigitalIf you're into avantgarde/experimental/dissonant kind of stuff, then I guess this can be of interest.
"Formless Ruin of Oblivion" is the second release from this Massachusetts duo, where they combine death, black, and thrash metal with atmospheric moments. It's mainly brutal and experimental stuff that we get from this band, and it can easily be too much if you're not used this kind of music. This is just for those who like it extreme, but have nothing against some atmospheric parts here and there.
You will get 7 tracks, and most of them are between 1 to 5:26 minutes. But the last track is almost 16 minutes long.
youtu.be/bQnGijilajA?si=mZ57Zja8LjaUaTEx | hexrot-label.bandcamp.com/album/formless-ruin-of-oblivion | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com
EMPIRE DROWNS: Volcanic Funeral
Mighty Music - Digital SingleDanish melodic doom/death metallers EMPIRE DROWNS has released a new single, which is said to showcases the band's unique ability to merge atmospheric melancholy with punishing heaviness. Towering riffs, mournful melodies, guttural power and cinematic textures intertwine, creating an immersive soundscape that is as bleak as it is beautiful. There's echoes of PARADISE LOST, MY DYING BRIDE and ANATHEMA.
With this song they offer a first glimpse into the next chapter of the band, where Scandinavian gloom meets vast, contrasting inspirations, resulting in music that is both emotionally charged and sonically massive. Pretty good stuff actually.
bfan.link/empdr-volfun | mightymusic.dk
DRAGONSFIRE: Rebirth Of The Beast
Metalapolis Records on Aug. 29 - CD, LP, Digital15 years after their last studio album, DRAGONSFIRE are back to celebrate their 20th anniversary with a new album. And with this album they prove to us all that they have not lost any of its power and passion. It's high class heavy metal in the classic tradition that we get here. It's loud and energetic, but done with style. Good song after good song, no reason to complain, just bang your head and enjoy the ride.
It's pretty impressive that a band can make such a strong album as this after being away for 15 years. But hopefully we won't have to wait another 15 years for the next album.
metalapolis.eu | dragonsfire.de
HELLOWEEN: Giants & Monsters
Reigning Phoenix Music on Aug. 29 - 2LP, CD, Earbook, Cassette, DigitalGerman power metal pioneers HELLOWEEN are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year, and they have had an interesting journey you could say. "Giants & Monsters" is the second album since the reunion with vocalist Michael Kiske and guitarist/singer Kai Hansen.
With that many years in the music business, there's not much to prove. And HELLOWEEN deliver with great confidence on this new album. It's far away from a new "Keeper Of The Seven Keys", but yet a very good album that they have made. It's said that it might be the most versatile album of their career, and they show us all that they can do anything they want to. Yet it's within the frames of hard rock and metal. But I guess that's what happens when you have 5 songwriters and 7 members. Some songs are more straightforward, while others can be more epic or progressive. It works though, and it's never too crazy to fit in. So this is definitely worth checking out.
reigningphoenixmusic.com | helloween.org
IN MOURNING: The Immortal
Dalapop/Supreme Chaos Records on Aug. 29 - CD, LP, DigitalSince the early 2000s Swedish melodic death metallers IN MOURNING has delivered 6 albums and several EPs. They now return with their 7th album, "The Immortal".
Staying true to their signature blend of melancholic melodies and crushing heaviness, "The Immortal" sees the band further refine and expand their sonic identity. And a special thing with this band is that they have 2 vocalists, whose deep growls and soaring clean vocals offer a striking contrast.
Heavy, brutal and melodic at the same time is simply the best way to describe this band's music. But there's also more silent and atmospheric moments here and there. And you can really hear that this is an experienced band who have found their sound. It sounds really good, and it might also sound good to you, so give them a try.
facebook.com/inmourningband
MÅNEGARM: Edsvuren
Napalm Records on Aug. 29 - CD, LP, DigitalSwedish Viking metal veterans MÅNEGARM celebrate their 30th anniversary with a new album, where they continue to blend their Viking metal with elements of black metal and folk music. "Edsvuren" is their 12th studio album, and it's a diverse journey that should not make any fan bored, because there's many highlights among these 12 tracks. And except for typical metal instruments and harsh vocals, we can also hear some traditional Nordic instruments on this record. The energy is mainly really high, but there is also some slow songs, like "Rodhins Hav" and "I Runor Ristades Orden", so that you can catch the breath. A very good album, no doubt about that.
napalmrecords.com/manegarm | facebook.com/Manegarmsweden | label.napalmrecords.com/manegarm
MOLOSSER CRUDE: I Am Distortion
Evil Ear on Aug. 26 - Digital AlbumIt's hardly a catchy party album to sing-along to that this Swedish duo have made, but rather a really heavy album. I guess we can call it raw, bluesy stoner rock. And it's not any short pieces that we have here, so there's just 5 tracks.
MOLOSSER CRUDE is raw power. It's loud and dirty. It could have been good, but as it's not so catchy, it's not so funny. I really didn't expect it to be this boring, because they did a few good songs a couple of years ago or something like that. But just because I don't like it doesn't mean that you won't like it. So if you're a fan of everything loud and heavy, then give them a try and don't just listen to me.
molossercrude.bandcamp.com | evilear.com
VICTIM OF FIRE: The Old Lie
Human Future Records/Return Trip Records - LP, CD, Cassette, DigitalFrom Denver, Colorado comes VICTIM OF FIRE, who formed in 2016 and are said to play "stadium crust". "The Old Lie" is said to be a continuation of their last album, "Disembrace" (2022). But this album also sees a shift in the band's creative process, being the first to include contributions from every live member.
Their roots are in d-beat crust punk, but there's also elements of metal here. Among their influences are bands like TRAGEDY, DISFEAR, IN FLAMES, DISMEMBER and IRON MAIDEN. The music is both fast and heavy, but also melodic. There's also twin guitar harmonies, and the vocals is really raw. So see it as a mix of all their influences and then some.
Yes, this is not the typical crust band, but something bigger (in lack of a better description). It's good though, no doubt about that. Some of the lyrics on this album comes from a poem by the English poet Wilfred Owens, lifting the curtain behind the bleak realities experienced by soldiers in World War One. They are also doing a fast and raw cover of the IRON MAIDEN classic "Aces High".
victimoffire.bandcamp.com/album/the-old-lie
Vick LeCar: Golden Train
Vick LeCar - Digital SingleHard rock guitarist and songwriter Vick LeCar gives us a new single. He delivers another emotionally charged anthem, this time riding a wave of soaring guitar lines, gritty rock energy, and a message of perseverance. It's a hard-driving, blues-infused rock track that symbolizes the pursuit of hope, freedom, and redemption.
"This song is about chasing the light at the end of the tunnel", says LeCar. "It's about never giving up, no matter how many obstacles stand in your way. We all have our own 'golden train' to catch."
The single reunites the powerhouse lineup of seasoned rock veterans from his previous work - minus the keyboards this time - keeping the focus squarely on raw, unfiltered rock and blues. The band is: Tony Franklin (The FIRM, BLUE MURDER) on bass, Russell Gilbrook (URIAH HEEP) on drums, Paul Manzi (The SWEET, ARENA) on vocals, and last but not least we have Vick LeCar on guitar, piano, percussion, songwriting and all other instrumentation.
This could be worth a try if you like heavy and bluesy hard rock in the old tradition.
vicklecar.com
The RED LITE DISTRICT: We Are All Working Class Now
SODEH Records - Digital SingleWhat we have here is punk in the good old tradition, which is something that I really like.
"We Are All Working Class Now" is a raucous celebration of weekend chaos and the unity of the underclass. "Fueled by distorted guitars, sneering vocals, and a vicious punk groove, the track captures that moment when the workweek collapses and every subculture - from football lads to punks in studded belts, explodes into reckless abandon", as the press release says. No matter who you are or where you're from, the chance is big that we all end up chasing the same primal release once the weekend hits. It's just human.
The RED LITE DISTRICT hailing from Glasgow, Scotland. They has since 2016 released 8 EPs, and have been compared with legends like The DAMNED and DEAD KENNEDYS. But their latest offering, "Static Silence" (2024), adds a new layer to their sonic palette by drawing inspiration from post-punk luminaries like JOY DIVISION, INTERPOL, NIRVANA (not really post-punk) and The PIXIES.
Well, this sounds really good, so I would not say no to some more. You should really check them out.
bfan.link/we-are-all-working-class-now | sodeh.ca | facebook.com/theredlitedistrict
The PLANET SMASHERS: Things You Do
Stomp Records - Digital SingleNow I'm so late with this review that their new album, "On The Dancefloor", has already been released (Aug. 22). But this is a taste of that album anyway.
The PLANET SMASHERS hailing from Montreal, Canada and play ska. They have been active since 1994, and with their signature 2-tone energy and tongue-in-cheek charm, they gives us a catchy track with a upbeat chorus. Pretty good stuff and absolutely worth a try for fans of ska. But I think the last single might have been just a little bit better.
Now I'm going to check out the album, so more about this band later..
orcd.co/smashersthings | stomprecords.com/bands/planet-smashers | planetsmashers.ca
SCARDUST: Souls
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, DigitalSure, Noa Gruman is a very good and powerful singer, but she can easily be too much. Sometimes this band goes in all directions and she follow them. But there&39;s at least some really good tracks here, like the fantastic "My Haven" for example, with a chorus to die for (and probably a voice to die for too), and "Dazzling Darkness" is actually not so bad either.
But then we comes to the second half of the album, which is a different story. I would say that these tracks end up somewhere between a opera, a musical and a chaotic jazz band. The first times it was a little too much for me, but to my big surprise I must have got used to these songs, because they are not so horrible anymore.
They describe this band as progressive symphonic metal. One thing is for sure anyway, you will get a real adventure and lots of great songs if you decide to give this a chance. And if that sounds exiting to you, then what are you waiting for?
The album features guest appearances from musicians like Ross Jennings (HAKEN) and Ally Storch (SUBWAY TO SALLY), as well as a Turkish orchestra and the TLV orchestra.
SCARDUST released their debut EP, "Shadow", in 2015, and have since become one of the leading progressive metal bands in Israel.
youtu.be/5OWwX-IeTU4 | ffm.to/scardustsouls | facebook.com/ScardustOfficial | frontiers.it
RAMONDA: The Walls Are Crumbling Down
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, DigitalArgentinian singer Santiago Ramonda is the man behind this band, and this is the debut album. The music is classic melodic hard rock, but with a fresh sound that should make it work for both young and old. What you can expect to hear is high quality songs with a powerful voice and strong melodies. This is in other words definitely an album worth checking out for every fan of melodic rock and hard rock.
Santiago is joined by musicians like Suraz Sun (GIRISH AND THE CHRONICLES), Alessandro Del Vecchio (keyboards and additional guitars, well-known from several bands and projects), Silvia Pistolesi on bass, and Nicholas Papapicco on drums.
youtu.be/0_tf9e5540I | ffm.to/ramondatwacd | facebook.com/p/Santiago-Ramonda-100071818414966 | frontiers.it
HONEYMOON SUITE: Wake Me Up When The Sun Goes Down
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, LP, DigitalCanadian melodic rock veterans HONEYMOON SUITE has released their 9th studio album, which is said to mark another exciting chapter in the band's storied career. They continue to honor their classic 80s inspired sound while embracing contemporary production techniques. "The new album showcases the group's signature style - a fusion of hard-hitting rock energy and smooth, melodic anthems - but with an updated sonic twist, adding a modern touch that fans have come to expect after their previous successes", says the press info.
Since the release of their self-titled debut album in 1985, HONEYMOON SUITE has maintained a loyal fan base. And nearly 4 decades later, the band is still firing on all cylinders. With this album they demonstrates their ability to stay relevant and energized in today's music scene, while still tapping into the timeless essence that made them a staple of the 80s rock era.
youtu.be/khuKw_oUuQM | ffm.to/honeymoonsuitewmuwtsgd | facebook.com/HMSLive | frontiers.it
DEGREED: The Leftovers - Volume I
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - MCD, Digital EPThis Swedish rock band has released records since 2010, when their first album, "Life, Love, Loss", was released. Their sound mixes classic melodic and hard rock sounds with more contemporary influences, which gives their music a fresh rock sound. But honestly, some of these leftovers sounds more like pop than rock to me. But luckily there's at least some tracks that sounds like melodic rock or even melodic hard rock, so everything isn't crap here. Among the better songs are stuff like the opening track, "If It Wasn't For Me", "Love Your Enemy" and "Wildchild".
The physical release is exclusive to the Frontiers webstore, and includes 3 bonus tracks (that you according to me can live without).
youtu.be/Dp9YIgmosGo | ffm.to/degreedleftoversi | facebook.com/degreedmusic | frontiers.it
TERRORDOME: Plagued With Violence
Selfmadegod Records - CDTERRORDOME is a thrash metal band hailing from Poland, and "Plagued With Violence" is their 4th album. It's said to be the most mature, darkest and most intense release in their 20-year career. It's done the raw and Polish way you could say, with lots of energy, fast solos and aggressive vocals. But I would not say that it sounds obscure because of that, but rather old school actually. So as it's also good, I think that many fans of old thrash will like this.
Except for 4 albums, they has also released many singles and split releases. This is a strong album anyway, so you should give it a try.
terrordome.net/en | selfmadegod.com
TEMTRIS: Queen Of Crows
Wormholedeath Records - Digital AlbumAfter a couple of damn good singles I looked forward to hear the whole album of course. And it sure didn't dissapoint me. This lives up to all my expectations.
TEMTRIS deliver razor-sharp heavy/power metal with powerful, driving rhythms and duelling guitar wizardry. And just like I have said before, they balance between old and modern metal, and create something really powerful and melodic that sounds timeless. With this album they really show us all what they are capable of by delivering good song after good song. It's absolutely a band with experience that have found their identity. You should really check them out.
"Queen Of Crows" is the 8th studio album from this female-fronted Australian band.
temtris.com | wormholedeath.com
WHITE MANTIS: Arrows At The Sun
High Roller Records on Aug. 22 - CD, LP, Cassette, Digital6 years after the debut album, "Sacrifice Your Future", Bavarian thrash metallers WHITE MANTIS return with their second album, "Arrows At The Sun",. They continue on the path they have followed ever since drummer Thomas Taube and bass player Jan Strobl joined in 2016 and 2018 respectively. It's based on a traditional thrash metal foundation, but the new songs also display some weird, chaotic and progressive influences, they say. You can hear influences from VOIVOD and early MEGADETH on this album, but most of all they are themselves. Yet I'm very sure that fans of old school thrash metal will like this album.
Well, WHITE MANTIS have made a really good album anyway, there's no doubt about that.
hrrecords.de | facebook.com/white.mantis
DRAGONSCLAW: Moving Target
High Roller Records on Aug. 22 - CD, LP, DigitalGiles Lavery is best known as the vocalist of WARLORD, ALCATRAZZ and Jack Starr. On top of that, he is also a highly prolific band manager, record producer and label co-owner. DRAGONSCLAW is the name of one of the first bands Giles co-formed in 2010, while still residing in Sydney, Australia. Their debut album, "Prophecy", was quickly recorded in 2011, followed by "Judgement Day" in 2013. And now, after 12 years, they are back with a new album, "Moving Target".
Apart from Giles on vocals, the album also features Australian citizens Ben Thomas (guitars) and Aaron Thomas (bass), as well as WARLORD members Mark Zonder (drums) and Jimmy Waldo (keyboards, also ALCATRAZZ).
The direction of "Moving Target" was according to Giles intended to be if JUDAS PRIEST had made an album somewhere in 1985 between "Defenders Of The Faith" and "Turbo", with some of the second FIFTH ANGEL album in there too. That doesn't mean that it sounds like JUDAS PRIEST though, but it's heavy metal in the 80s tradition anyway. And doesn't it sound more like if IRON MAIDEN would have made a studio album in 1985, between "Powerslave" and "Somewhere In Time"? Really good stuff anyway, no doubt about that.
hrrecords.de | facebook.com/DragonsclawOfficial
BURNING SUN: Retribution
Metalizer Records on Aug. 22 - CD, LP, Cassette (Eternal Fire Records), DigitalHungarian power metal duo BURNING SUN is ready to release their second album, "Retribution". It's a dark and cohesive fantasy concept album that tells a story about fight, struggle, revenge and finally, salvation. The musical influences are mainly rooted in the German scene of the 1990s, and bands such as HELLOWEEN and GRAVE DIGGER. They add their own unique touch though.
What can I say? To me this sounds mainly like classic power metal, and it's a very strong album that they have made. You should really give this a try, because I'm pretty sure that you will like what you hear.
metalizer-records.de | burningsun.bandcamp.com
GRAVE HEX: Vermian Death
Night Terrors Records (Cassette)/Cavernous Records (CD) on Aug. 22This is the debut album from these Finnish death metal punks. The band was formed in March 2024 in Helsinki by 2 members from the hardcore band VAINOA and a guy who had played with LOKA and RADIEN. Shortly after this recording they recruited Hanna on bass.
Their raw death metal is said to be delivered with an unpolished punk energy, but they actually don't play that fast, and I can't hear much punk here either. Not until something like 2 minutes into the third track anyway, then it suddenly goes fast for half a minute or something like that. And the second last track, "Pungent Pulsating Pools Of Blood", is a little faster than the rest. If there would have been more of that and some more energy, then this could have been much more fun to listen to. But like it is now, not so funny.
youtu.be/N7t9Gz2WQTA?si=Tcu2p5BLz17drmA4 | gravehex.bandcamp.com | night-terrors-records.net | cavernousrecords.bigcartel.com
SKULL REVENGE: State Of Oblivion
Skull Revenge Productions on Aug. 22 - LP, CD, DigitalSKULL REVENGE could be described as a Swedish supergroup, as the band features members from bands like CANDLEMASS, THERION, NARNIA, JADED HEART etc. We talk about a lot of talent in one place here.
"State Of Oblivion" is the debut album, and the music that they play is of course powerful melodic metal/heavy metal influenced by the old legends. And the songs really live up to everything that you can expect, as they are fucking brilliant. This must be one of the most interesting supergroup albums from Sweden right now. You should absolutely check this out. No doubt at all about that!
Well, there's no need to mention any favorites here as all tracks are just as great.
orcd.co/state-of-oblivion | linktr.ee/skullrevenge
BARNABAS SKY: Over The Horizon
Pride & Joy Music on Aug. 22 - CD, DigitalThis is the third album from this German based melodic rock project, which is led by multi-instrumentalist Markus Pfeffer (MYSTERY MOON, LAZARUS DREAM). "Over The Horizon" features singers like Danny Vaughn (TYKETTO), David Cagle (SILENT TIGER), Dirk Kennedy (HITTMAN), Tony Harnell (TNT), Conny Lind (AMAZE ME), Deibys Artigas (PREINCARNATION) and Lee Small (The SWEET, LIONHEART). Despite the different voices and variety, the songs remain stylistically homogeneous. And this album sounds just as professional and great as their previous albums, so you should definitely check this out if you like melodic rock. All 10 tracks are good, so there's not much else to talk about.
youtu.be/gIm_7lQIS90 | bfan.link/over-the-horizon-2 | facebook.com/barnabasskyband | prideandjoy.de
RETCHING: Charming The Decomposed
Transcending Obscurity Records on Aug. 22 - CD, DigitalIt seems like this is the debut album from this U.S. death metal band. They have the gore-soaked, rotten old-school sound, so this is not any demanding or super brutal stuff that you hardly can listen to. The influences may come from classic bands, but they aim at going their own way, so it doesn't really sound like the old bands.
One thing that bothers me is that it takes 1:20 minutes before they actually start to play. I don't want to listen to some stupid talking, I want music.
And the music then.. They begin with a heavy piece, which seems to be kind of a trend nowadays for death metal bands. After that it's more action and much faster and intense. And they continue to mix fast and heavy. They might not be the most interesting band, but I would not say that this is bad as they have some good moments here and there, and especially in the second half of the album.
youtu.be/17puwPLkfR8?si=1jaUgdmecg37Xaou | retching-label.bandcamp.com/album/charming.... | tometal.com
NOREMORSE: Morphine
Wanikiya Record - Digital SingleItalian heavy metal band NOREMORSE has been active since 1999 and hailing from Prato (Tuscany). They have built a solid reputation in the national underground scene with a sound that's powerful, uncompromising, and always electrifying on stage. So far the band has released 2 full-length albums and a EP. It seems like this song was released in 2024?
Anyway.. This is a heavier piece, but with enough energy to not become doom. So let's call it mid-tempo heavy metal then. Pretty o.k. and worth a try.
youtu.be/X4U1NlveIsU?si=r_p449weuu2MBKHW | wanikiya2023.wixsite.com/wanikiyarecord
IRON SAVIOR: Reforged - Machine World
Perception on Aug. 22 - 2CD, 2LP, DigitalThis is the third chapter in IRON SAVIOR's re-recording series that ignites fresh fire into timeless anthems from their legacy. This collection features reimagined classics drawn from the band's prolific early 2000s era, along with a cover of JUDAS PRIEST's "Starbreaker". It's all delivered through their signature fusion of futuristic power metal and classic heavy metal.
We get 16 tracks here, but all of them sounds good, so I just swallow it and enjoy the ride. Yes, there's actually nothing to complain about when it comes to these songs. Perfect metal of the finest class. A must to check out for every fan of power and heavy metal.
facebook.com/ironsavior1996 | perception.music
PANZERCHRIST: Maleficium Part 2
Emanzipation Productions on Aug. 22 - Digital AlbumPANZERCHRIST complete their ambitious double-album concept with a blistering new chapter of blackened death metal brutality. This is fast and brutal stuff without any excuses. So if you want full speed ahead and aggression, then this is something I would recomend you to check out.
"Maleficium Part 1" was released in December 2024. With this second part they continue to push boundaries and take everything up a level by delivering their most intense and emotionally charged material to date. They are really on fire here.
This album should work for both black metallers and fans of brutal death metal.
bfan.link/maleficum-pt-2 | emanzipation.dk | facebook.com/panzerchristofficial
BURNING WITCHES: Inquisition
Napalm Records on Aug. 22 - CD, LP, Cassette, DigitalSwizz heavy metal band BURNING WITCHES deliver their 6th album. It's said to be darker and more thunderous. It's powerful and heavy, and it sounds like the roots are in the 80s, but done with a fresh production. It all sounds very professional and the songs are really good.
But it's not always just heavy metal that we get, but also some thrash and a melodic ballad. I would say that they have found their own sound here. Absolutely worth checking out!
napalmrecords.com/burning-witches | burningwitches.ch
MOB RULES: Rise Of The Ruler
ROAR on Aug. 22 - CD, LP, Earbook, DigitalGerman power metal band MOB RULES returns with a new studio album, their first since 2018's "Beast Reborn". It's a conceptual continuation of their 2 early albums "Savage Land" (1999) and "Temple Of Two Suns" (2000). Very creative and with high quality, but still not over-pretentious. True power metal with speed and strong melodies, as well as a healthy dose of heaviness and catchiness is what you're going to get.
This is an epic and diverse adventure that you really should check out, because there's actually not 1 single weak moment, as every track fulfills its function.
facebook.com/mobrulesband | reigningphoenixmusic.com/all-artists/roar-artists
The RIPTIDE RATS: Echoes Of Halloween
The Riptide Rats - Digital SingleSwedish instrumental surf rockers The RIPTIDE RATS has delivered another single, which is the first taste of a new Halloween EP. "It's eerie, it's groovy, and it's got a lot of spooky echoes. Perfect for haunted house parties or late-night headphone chills", says the band about this song. It sounds pretty cool and old school as usual, so that EP can probably be interesting to hear.
Fans of instrumental surf rock from the 60s should absolutely check out this band.
theriptiderats.bandcamp.com/track/echoes-of-halloween | facebook.com/theriptiderats
MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP: Don't Sell Your Soul
earMUSIC - Digital SingleGerman guitar legend Michael Schenker (ex-UFO, SCORPIONS) has released a first taste of an upcoming album, "Don't Sell Your Soul", which will be released on October 3. And yes, this is the title track from that album. It sounds a little like SCORPIONS in the 70s/80s actually, which is good stuff. And this song is absolutely not bad either, and sounds very promising for the new album. So if you like melodic hard rock, then you should really check this out.
Not much else to say..
facebook.com/MichaelSchenkerRocks
BENEFACTOR DECEASE: Abnormal Attachments
Xtreem Music on Aug. 21 - CD, DigitalBENEFACTOR DECEASE hailing from Athens, Greece, and was formed in 2007 by a group of friends who shared a passion for old school thrash metal. After a few demos and a celebrated split CD with Serbian thrashers NADIMAC, the band entered a series of long hiatuses due to internal challenges. Their debut album, "Anatomy Of An Angel", was eventually released in 2015. 10 years later they now return with their second full-length album, "Abnormal Attachments", which is said to be their most aggressive and technically complex work to date.
With a fresh lineup they combine vintage thrash ferocity with progressive, precision-driven structures. We talk about technical thrash metal, but without being extremely complicated. They sometimes throw in some "odd" things here and there, which makes them a little special.
The instrumental intro, "Sadistic Satisfactions", is totally useless. Most of the other tracks here are o.k., but not much else.
youtu.be/oJfs9IM0wy8 | b.link/BenefactorDecease | xtreemmusic.com
ARCHED FIRE: Demolition
Inverse Records - Digital SingleFinnish speed metal band ARCHED FIRE has previously released 2 albums - "Remote Control" (2021) and "Trust Betrayal" (2024) - as well as a few singles.
"The riffs are in the vein of the late 80s speed/thrash wave, the more melodic side of it, to be exact. There's also a nod to the DEAD BOYS, to add some punk rock in it", says Ari (rhythm guitarist) about their latest single, "Demolition".
This song was recorded with a temporary lineup: the drummer here is Fabio Alessandrini (ANNIHILATOR etc), and a Greek guitarist called Seva did the leads.
It's not as fast as speed metal use to be, but more punk rock actually, probably because it's more melodic as well. But it's a good song, so it could be worth a try for both metal heads and punks.
youtu.be/JmAXhdZ1mR0 | archedfire.com | inverse.fi
INCITE: Savage New Times
Reigning Phoenix Music on Aug. 15 - LP, CD, DigitalPhoenix-based groovers and thrashers INCITE are said to present their most ferocious incarnation with this new album.
Ever since the beginning in 2004, INCITE have been fiercely devoted to crafting their distinctive sound, and making their mark. Their debut album, "The Slaughter", was released in 2009. And since then they have pushed their own personal creative boundaries further with each new release.
This band blend groove and thrash metal with a raw, relentless edge. They deliver an intense energy and it's very hard music that we get. And they succeed to keep that energy and strength through all 10 tracks without getting any weaker. I'm pretty sure that there's lots of thrashers that will love this album, so give it a try.
Band founder and frontman Richie Cavalera is the stepson of metal legend Max Cavalera (SOULFLY, SEPULTURA etc).
youtu.be/RJ34yo9txzo | facebook.com/inciteheavymetal | reigningphoenixmusic.com
LOTAN: Yetzer Hara
Emanzipation Productions on Aug. 15 - Digital AlbumIt doesn't always have to go fast to be extreme, because heavy stuff can also be brutal. This Danish band seems to be somewhere between those 2, and musically it might not be so extreme, but then they have a vocalist who sounds like he's just been let out of the madhouse (or might be on the way to it?). His angry vocals is what makes this band brutal and raw. Without him they could just as well have been a melodic death metal band instead of a blackened death metal band. And that's a huge differance.
LOTAN are inspired by bands like BEHEMOTH, HATE, MGLA and NATHRAKH. They blend nihilism and aggression with a confrontational critique of modern decay.
Best track might be "Heksenat", which have elements of crust punk.
bfan.link/yetzer-hara | emanzipation.dk | facebook.com/lotanband
MARTYR: Dark Believer
ROAR on Aug. 15 - LP, CD, DigitalThere's probably more bands called MARTYR, but this is a heavy metal band from the Netherlands, originally formed back in 1982. They appeared with 1 song on the Metal Massacre VI compilation in 1985, and also released their debut album, "For The Universe", the same year. I don't know if they have been active all the time, but this new album, "Dark Believer", is their 7th studio album anyway.
What we get is a pretty traditional kind of heavy metal with epic elements. But there's also tracks that can be described as thrash metal, and at least 1 is doom metal. It's ambitious without being too much. Pretty good stuff, so it could be worth a try.
martyronline.nl | reigningphoenixmusic.com/all-artists/roar-artists
VIRAL: The Merchant
Viral on Aug. 15 - CD, LP, Digital"The Merchant" is the second album from this Swedish heavy metal band, which formed during the 2010s. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2021. They are deeply rooted in the classic sound, so don't be surprised if it sounds familiar. Yet they have menaged to create their own style somehow, so they are far away from just a copy of the old legends. You could say that strong melodies, catchy riffs and an energetic performance is the basic recipe. And the result is really good. So good that I think that all fans of traditional heavy metal should check this out, because they have succeeded to make a really strong album with all the right ingredients that you want.
The album features guest vocals by C Göransson (MINDLESS SINNER) on 1 song, and it was mixed and mastered by Niels Nielsen (IN FLAMES, GHOST etc).
viraltheband.com
PATRIARCHS IN BLACK: Home
Metalville Records on Aug. 15 - CD, LP, DigitalPATRIARCHS IN BLACK was formed by TYPE O NEGATIVE and DANZIG drummer Johnny Kelly, and guitarist Dan Lorenzo (HADES, NON-FICTION) in the end of 2021. They have now come to their 4th full-length, and as usual they have some guests on the album (no famous names to me though).
They are said to play metal/doom, but the first track, "Hymns For The Heretic", sounds more like stoner rock to me. The next song, "The Call", sounds more like doom though. And I would say that it continues a bit like that, sometimes stoner and sometimes doom. But just to make sure that you don't really know where you have these guys, they throw in a song like "Where Do You Think You're Going", which is a heavier piece with what I call hip hop vocals. And we also have "Enough Of You", which sounds more bluesy. But somehow those songs melt in pretty good, so it's not a problem.
This is pretty good stuff and something that those who like it heavy should try.
metalville-shop.com
AM CRUSH: Miles Apart
AM Crush - AlbumAM CRUSH is a melodic hard rock band from USA, formed by vocalist Bob Malone (FARCRY, MALONE) and multi-instrumetalist Paul Alfrey (WALK THE WALK, DARK MILE). "Miles Apart" is their debut album, which was released in June this year.
Their music sounds like it's rooted in the mid to late 1980s, but with a up to date production. It's almost like one of those familiar albums from that era, but with a band that didn't become one of the bigger names. They might not be doing anything unique here, but have many good songs anyway, so this is of course worth a try if you like melodic hard rock from the 80s.
facebook.com/amcrushband
ALCATRAZZ: Jet To Jet
BraveWords Records - Digital Single"Jet To Jet" is another re-recording of a song from 1983. It's taken from their forthcoming 2026 studio album, "Prior Convictions", which will contain newly re-recorded versions of 9 1980s era ALCATRAZZ songs, all featuring new vocalist Giles Lavery, plus 2 brand new band compositions, "Transylvanian Requiem" and "Stand And Wait Your Turn".
"Jet To Jet" doesn't really sound like a classic to me, or rather not 1 of the songs that I remember that I have heard before. But it's not bad, but grow the more I listen to it. So in the end this is another song worth checking out.
smarturl.it/jettojet | alcatrazzofficial.com | bravewordsrecords.com
ACAPULCO LIPS: Now
Killroom Records - LP, DigitalFor over a decade this band has been a staple of the Pacific Northwest underground. And when I say Seattle, you might think of grunge rather than psych/surf/garage rock, which this trio play. Their sound is rooted in the 60s, and the female vocals is very kind and melodic. They mix 60s girl groups and Nuggets style psychedelia. There's much reverb just like in the old days, and yet there's also a modern vibe somehow.
Although it's sometimes on the border to pop, this is a really good album with many strong songs. Fans of music from the 1960s just have to check this out.
youtu.be/mExXXZpISKE?si=-goep2Dp0f1InYb9 | acapulcolips.bandcamp.com
ST. MADNESS: With Respect
Nasty Prick Records - BandcampST. MADNESS gives us a wild mix of covers. Songs by JUDAS PRIEST, PANTERA, Ozzy Osbourne, METALLICA, BLACK SABBATH and W.A.S.P are mixed with songs by artists like Jimi Hendrix, PINK FLOYD, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, ROLLING STONES and Billy Idol, just to name a few. They are not always just doing the songs like the original version, but also put their own twist on the songs. It's mainly good stuff, but their intro for "Sweat Leaf" is too long, and yet another version of "Silent Night" is hardly what the world need.
ST. MADNESS is a theatrical heavy metal band from Arizona, and this is their 13th release. It's a tribute to rock and metal icons spanning over 2 decades (1999-2022) of recordings. A total of 17 tracks and a perfect party mix.
stmadness.bandcamp.com/album/with-respect | nastyprickrecords.bandcamp.com
PARALYSIS: Vacant Reality
Paralysis - Digital SingleNew Jersey thrashers PARALYSIS has dropped the second single from their upcoming third album, "Spiral Of Suffering", which was released on Friday, August 8. With this single it's said that they "dives deeper into the chaos with bone-splitting riffs, pummeling rhythms, and a bleak lyrical reflection on societal collapse and inner turmoil. A relentless fusion of old-school thrash intensity and hardcore urgency, this track cements PARALYSIS as a force to be reckoned with in the modern crossover scene."
The band formed in 2014 and have made their name the hard way, through relentless DIY touring and an unshakable commitment to crushing stages across North and South America. They have previously released 2 full albums and a EP.
Well, this is not so bad at all. Heavy thrash guitars is mixed with insane vocals, and there's both metal and hardcore in this band's music. So if you like what they call crossover, then this is worth a try.
youtu.be/7yY6zwrlWkg | linktr.ee/paralysisthrash
DOOMHERRE: This Burning Guilt
Skatbo Records on Aug. 12 - Digital SingleDOOMHERRE is a traditional doom metal trio from Stockholm, Sweden. This marks the second single from their sophomore full-length album, "Plaguelords", and delivers a slow-burning, soul-crushing plunge into themes of shame, sorrow and damnation. The music is rooted in the classic sound of legends like TROUBLE, CANDLEMASS, and The OBSESSED, although DOOMHERRE carve their own path in the genre, blending traditional doom foundations with murky sludge influences. They blend tortured vocals with thunderous riffs and a smoldering atmosphere.
A pretty good song that last for 6:23 minutes, and not much else to talk about..
artists.landr.com/this-burning-guilt | linktr.ee/doomherre
CRUEL BOMB: Cruel Bomb
Cruel Bomb on Aug. 15 - CD, LP, DigitalPennsylvania thrahsers CRUEL BOMB deliver their full-length debut, where they channeling the unrelenting fury of classic thrash with a lethal modern twist. It's a high-octane assault that refuses to let up.
The band formed in 2018, and has previously released 3 EPs with bone-crushing riffs, machine-gun drumming, and ferocious vocal delivery. This new record is a nod to the giants of the genre - SLAYER, ANTHRAX, METALLICA and EXODUS - while they also go their own way. It's uncompromising and explosive, just like it should be, and sometimes the singer almost sounds like he would be in a hardcore band. He is really screaming and sounds really angry sometimes. Think of SLAYER or KREATOR for example.
I like what I hear here, so there's nothing to complain about. Absoultely worth a try.
linktr.ee/cruelbomb | cruelbomb570.bandcamp.com/album/cruel-bomb
WINGS OF STEEL: We Rise
RFL Music Entertainment - Digital SingleWINGS OF STEEL play classic heavy metal, and they do it very good, which this song is a good proof of. A new album, "Winds Of Time", will be released on October 7, and this is the second single from that record. And if you're into the sound of the late 70s and the 80s, then you should really check out this band.
This track begins as a doom metal song before it becomes a heavy metal song in the American 80s tradition. It sounds really good, so that new album can be very interesting.
WINGS OF STEEL hailing from Los Angeles and formed in 2019. A self-titled debut EP was released in 2022, and was followed by their first full-length album, "Gates Of Twilight", in 2023. In 2024 they released a live album, "Live In France".
youtu.be/YC4UjCTm0Us | wingsofsteelband.com | rflrecords.com
The VINTAGE CARAVAN: Philosopher
Napalm Records - Digital SingleThe VINTAGE CARAVAN is a retro prog rock trio from Iceland, and this new single features OPETH frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt on guest vocals. The song is a taste of their new album, "Portals", which will be released through Napalm Records on November 26.
"Philosopher" is the opening track of the new album. It begins with a more quiet dreamy intro leading into a quite heavy song. And it's when they finally start to rock heavy that it becomes a song, and it's actually a very good song too. This sounds very promising for the new album.
I would guess that this could be something for both those who like it heavy and those who like progressive rock, as well as those who like old stuff from the late 60s/early 70s. So it's a band for many different kinds of people you could say.
youtu.be/nZTD3gmlkA4?si=8Px6XeBmHAvH_kvQ | napalmrecords.com/the-vintage-caravan | thevintagecaravan.eu
SPRINTS: Rage / Beg
City Slang - Double Digital SingleAs far as I can remember their debut album was pretty good. But I don't know what have happened here, because these 2 tracks are not so good. "Rage" is actually a little boring, but "Beg" is a little better as there's some more action. These songs reminds me more of grunge and a band like NIRVANA than punk rock, but I guess they want to call it garage rock. If this is their new direction, then the new album will probably be a dissapointment, which would be sad.
The new album is titled "All That Is Over" and will be released on September 26.
sprintsmusic.com
The SKANKS: Take It Back
SODEH Records - Digital SingleYeah! This is rocking!
The latest single from The SKANKS is described as "a savage blend of alt rock fury, garage punk filth, and grunge-era angst". Simply a 2-minute ass kicker that refuse to be nice. It's "a rally cry for the outcasts, the pissed-off, and the fed-up".
The SKANKS play raw and dirty rock with echoes of NIRVANA, The HIVES and early QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE. And this song is probably best described as garage punk rock. I like it anyway.
The SKANKS is a trio formed in 2021, hailing from Pori, which I think is in Finland?
music.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa0IyRjo8Ic | sodeh.ca | facebook.com/people/The-Skanks/61576163258517
PALACE OF THE KING: Birds Of A Feather
Palace Of The King - Digital SinglePALACE OF THE KING is an Australian hard rock band. I reviewed their 4th album, "Friends In Low Places", last year, and it was good. Now they return with a new single, "Birds Of A Feather". This is a rock n roll song in the old 70s tradition. Catchy and very good, so you should really check it out if you prefer classic rock before modern.
What else I should say is a mystery though, so just let the music do the talking instead.
bfan.link/birds-of-a-feather-3 | linktr.ee/palaceoftheking
The GRISTLE: Scum
Icons Creating Evil Art - Digital SingleThe GRISTLE is a bluesy garage rock duo from Sweden. This is said to be their dirtiest, most uncompromising and grooviest song to date - A fuzz driven and raw rock n roll anthem with a hard and hypnotic stick. It's punk, blues and philosophical at the same time. Simply The GRISTLE. And you should give them a try if you're looking for raw and dirty rock, because this is good stuff.
There's a new album on the way they say, but we have to wait for more details about that. Could be interesting though..
found.ee/gristlescum | instagram.com/thegristlethegristlethegristle | icea.se
DRAGON'S KISS: The Return Of The Wild Dogs
Firecum Records - CD, LPAfter more than a decade since their 2014 debut, "Barbarians of the Wasteland", Portugese heavy metal band DRAGON'S KISS return with their second album, "The Return of the Wild Dogs", which gives us 6 tracks of fast riffs, razor-sharp solos, pounding rhythms and a raw energy. The singer almost sounds like Hell Hofner (BULLET), and they might not sound like the most professional band, but they deliver with a raw and dirty energy that makes it sound really good anyway.
It's good old heavy metal that we get here, so there's no modern elements here but a very old school production, which makes it sound real.
youtube.com/watch?v=XtKJY03ExVw | facebook.com/dragonskissband
LAGUNA: The Ghost Of Katrina
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, DigitalThis is the debut album with this melodic hard rock band, who comes from the northern part of Mexico and formed in 2018. They take inspiration from both the European and the Scandinavian melodic hard rock scene, and their songs have anthemic choruses that fans of the genre can't say no to. Those who like bands like ONE DESIRE, H.E.A.T and similar should absolutely give LAGUNA a try, because I'm very sure that you will like what you hear.
The energy is often high, and the songs features strong hooks, vibrant instrumentation, and an intensity that reflects the band's unrelenting passion for the genre. They succeed to sound old school and modern at the same time, so this could be something for every age.
ffm.to/lagunatgok | facebook.com/lagunabandofficial | frontiers.it
ETERNAL IDOL: Behind A Vision
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, DigitalItalian melodic metal band ETERNAL IDOL return with a revamped, re-energized lineup, and a new album.
Following the departure of Fabio Lione (RHAPSODY, ANGRA) and Claudia Layline, guitarist Nick Savio (HOLLOW HAZE), bassist Andrea Buratto (SECRET SPHERE, HELL IN THE CLUB), and drummer Enrico Fabris, managed to bring on board 2 young talented singers Gabriele Gozzi (who recently joined INDUCTION) and Letizia Merlo. And what they have created is a epic, symphonic, melodic and pretty modern album. The new singers are really good, and it all sounds very professional. This is a strong album that you really should check out if you're into melodic and symphonic metal.
ffm.to/eternalidolvision | eternalidol.it | frontiers.it
DOUBLE VISION: Double Vision
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, DigitalDOUBLE VISION have made themselves a name as a FOREIGNER tribute band, but they have now made an album of all original material. And the result is something that could be described as all eras of FOREIGNER in 1 album, but with a pinch of other influences here and there as well. Simply AOR/melodic rock the old American way you could say.
And if you're a fan of that, then this is something that you really have to check out. It's good song after good song, and just a few weaker numbers here and there, but not much to complain about.
ffm.to/doublevisiondv | doublevisiontheartist.com | frontiers.it
REIGN OF GLORY: Slingshot
Roxx Records - CD, LP, Digital3 years ago, in June 2022, Roxx Records announced the signing of a brand new supergroup coming together, featuring Nick Layton (FireWolfe, Q5) on guitars, Roger Dale Martin (VENGEANCE RISING, DIE HAPPY, TRIPLE ACE BAND) on bass, Jeffrey McCormack (FIFTH ANGEL, HEIR APPARENT, Les Carlsen) on drums, and welcoming now into the fold brand new lead vocalist Mark Boals (Yngwie Malmsteen, Ted Nugent, SOUL SIGN). That band was REIGN OF GLORY, and their debut album, "All Will Bow", became one of the label's best-sellers of 2022.
Now they are back with their sophomore album, "Slingshot", which reminds me a little of SCORPIONS and the hard rock of the late 80s, but with a modern soundscape. They have many good songs among these 10 tracks. It's just "Holy, Holy, Holy" that I don't really like. So if you want some good hard rock, then you should give this album a chance. And there's not much more to say about that..
youtube.com/watch?v=XKbS0j2relI
FIRSTBORNE: Lucky
M-Theory Audio on Aug. 8 - LP, CD, DigitalFIRSTBORNE features legendary drummer Chris Adler (LAMB OF GOD, MEGADETH), virtuoso guitarist Myrone (known by some as the originator of soft shred), and electrifying vocalist Girish Pradhan (GIRISH AND THE CHRONICLES, The END MACHINE). The band formed in 2019, and blend high-energy riffs, soaring vocals, and thunderous rhythms to create a modern yet timeless sound rooted in classic metal, hard rock, and shred guitar. They self-released a series of singles and EPs between 2020-2023. And what we have here is their full-length debut.
The music on this album is powerful and melodic, as well as modern. Mainly hard rock but at the same time a very varied album with everything from more melodic tracks to party rockers etc.
youtu.be/sWiTQU-SbJE?si=Xyp8OLGkY3pnAzJ4 | facebook.com/firstborneofficial | m-theoryaudio.com
The BLOODY HELL: Are You Happy?
The Bloody Hell - Digital SingleThe BLOODY HELL hailing from Halifax, Canada, and they play punk-infused hard rock. What we have here is the second single from their third album, "Blood Code", slated to drop in the fall.
"Are You Happy?" is said to turns towards heavier ground. Yet it's fast paced and hard hitting, driven by a guitar riff that explodes into an off time rhythmic assault, while the raw and gritty vocal tells a story of the high and lows of a toxic relationship, and the lesson learned by a letting go ultimately ending in self reflection.
The BLOODY HELL blends the swagger of George Thorogood, the grit of MISFITS, and the heart of Tom Petty into high-octane punk/hard rock anthems. Since 2017 they have built a loyal following by sharing stages with legends like PROPAGANDHI, DOA, and RIPCORDZ.
This song is loud and dirty, hard and punky. A pretty o.k. song. that might be too loud for the hard rockers and too much rock for the punks.
youtu.be/HGh3tCP5dqw | linktr.ee/thebloodyhellhfx
BANGALORE CHOIR: Bullet Train
BraveWords Records - Digital SingleBANGALORE CHOIR have released the first single off the upcoming new album, "Rapid Fire Succession: On Target Part II", to be released in late 2025.
This band is led by vocalist David Reece, most well-known as the replacement for Udo Dirkschneider in ACCEPT, which he joined in 1987 and left in 1990. And it was after that he formed BANGALORE CHOIR. The debut album, "On Target", was released in 1992, which might not have been the best timing for melodic heavy rock, as the emerging grunge movement halted a very promising young band from making a global impact. David has since then fronted bands like BONFIRE, WICKED SENSATION, EZ LIVIN', and more recently IRON ALLIES. But he has always felt there was unfinished business with BANGALORE CHOIR, so now the band is back.
What we get is a heavy, yet melodic, hard rock song. It's not bad at all, so if they have more songs like this, then that new album can be interesting to hear. But check out this piece while you wait for that.
smarturl.it/bangalorechoir | instagram.com/david.reece.official | bravewordsrecords.com
KING ULTRAMEGA: Rusty Cage
Reigning Phoenix Music/MusiCares - Digital SingleKING ULTRAMEGA is a new all-star project, born to support the mental health and well-being of music creators, and is also a tribute to the late singer Chris Cornell (SOUNDGARDEN, AUDIOVISON, TEMPLE OF THE DOG, solo artist). With each single release the project will feature different musicians that aim to celebrate Cornell's musical genius while raising critical funds and awareness for MusiCares, the Recording Academy's nonprofit providing mental health, addiction recovery, and emergency services to those in the music community.
The lineup on "Rusty Cage" is: William DuVall (ALICE IN CHAINS) on vocals, Bill Kelliher (MASTODON) on guitars, Mark Menghi (METAL ALLEGIANCE) on bass, and Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX, PANTERA) on drums.
This song was originally done by SOUNDGARDEN, and I guess it's not too diffrent compared to the original version. So there's not much to say as I think you should know if you like this or not. And by listening you also support MusiCares, so do that.
kingum.rpm.link/rustycagePR | kingultramega.com | musicares.org | reigningphoenixmusic.com
MÅNEGARM: Rodhins Hav
Napalm Records - Digital SingleAnother single with this Swedish Viking metal trio, and it's a folk ballad with both female and male vocals. Maybe not the most exiting to be honest. But luckily it's pretty short, just 2:41 minutes.
"Rodhins Hav" is said to be "a tribute to their beloved home and is also meant to honor the people from here who have fallen victim to the forces of the sea throughout history, and to the families who lost their loved ones to the depths of the water". The track features guest vocals from Ellinor Videfors.
The song is another taste of the upcoming album, "Edsvuren", which will be available on August 29. And the band also celebrate their 30-year anniversary this year.
youtu.be/y27hVEm5Ls4?si=Aa7Dejw6qcmMXZCx | napalmrecords.com/manegarm | facebook.com/Manegarmsweden
THORN: Nebulous Womb Of Eternity
Transcending Obscurity Records on Aug. 8 - LP, CD, Cassette, DigitalTHORN play a more rotten and nasty kind of death metal. It's like a massive wall of sound coming at you, and the vocals is really brutal. The music is dark and heavy, almost doom/death actually, and probably not for those who like it fast. It can easily seem like it's quite monotonous, but if you take the time to listen a little deeper, you can certainly find some nuances of variation. But it's hardly an album that everyone will appreciate.
Now they also have a few songs that are a little faster and more energetic than the rest, and those are a little better. I would say that they have found their own sound anyway, because this is hardly the classic stuff that most of us like so much.
youtu.be/14qull5sYY8?si=P9YTYY7lh-nNZJHr | thorndm.bandcamp.com/album/nebulous.... | tometal.com
SWEET: Sweet Fanny Adams Revisited (reissue)
Metalville Records on Aug. 8 - CD, LPWell, yet another album with SWEET then.. This time it's a live album.
Between 2010 and 2012, many SWEET shows were recorded in various countries. And "Sweet Fanny Adams Revisited" is a recording from 2012. The album has been out of print for some time, but now it will be available again.
The original "Sweet Fanny Adams" album, released in 1973, was a big succees that propelled SWEET to worldwide superstar status. And this live recording might actually be one of the most interesting of all the albums that Metalville has released with SWEET (so far anyway). It's full of really good and catchy glam rock songs, and they end the concert with some of their biggest hits, so I like what I hear.
And this is for a change something that is not just for the hardcore fans, but could actually be of interest for any fan of the band, and even those who have not heard them before but are interested in what they have done.
metalville-shop.com | thesweet.com
TOMB OF GIANTS: Holding The Flame
Tomb Of Giants - MCD, 12" EP, Digital EPThis a old school heavy metal band from Germany, formed in 2013. They have previously released 2 full-length albums, and now they gives us a EP.
These 4 tracks are all good, but I think that "Midnight Devil" is a little extra good. The songs are both powerful and melodic, just like good old heavy metal should be. This is simply a band you shouldn't miss. So check them out immediately.
With this EP they introduces their new vocalist, Kai Roarside - A powerful voice and a very lucky addition. 2 of the songs are new versions of songs from their self-titled debut album, which was released in 2017.
tombofgiants.de
CEMETERY: Thoughts On Life... And Death
Cemetery on Aug. 8 - CD, DigitalThere's at least 10 metal bands with the name CEMETERY. But the band we are talking about this time is the German old school death metal band, who formed back in 1990. They released 2 demos in the early 90s, and recorded an album. But shortly after the completion of the debut album, the band came to an abrupt end in late 1994. After that it was silent until a compilation came out in 2014, and then the band was reactivated in 2017. This new album is their third full-length.
They have made an ambitious 50-minute concept album about the rise of a totalitarian regime and the downfall of the individual. The music is brutal and raw, but they also add some progressive and black metal elements here and there, and succeed to get their own sound. They seems to know what they are doing, and it sounds o.k. to me. Could be worth a try.
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