REVIEWS JULY 2025
«June | Index | August»TEMTRIS: Scars Of Betrayal
Wormholedeath Records - Digital SingleWell, Australian heavy metal band TEMTRIS deliver another really good single. It's the second offering from their 8th studio album, "Queen Of Crows", due for release on August 8.
The first single, "The World Is Bleeding", was really good. And this new single is also damn good. Just as last time they balance between old and modern metal, and create something really powerful and melodic. This is a band that you really should keep your eyes (or ears) on, because they should be more famous than they seems to be.
youtu.be/-5LtXryh_Pw?si=lJ-qYro-sGr6TcKI | temtris.com | wormholedeath.com
SCRIPTURA: Deep Stoned (reissue)
Bitume Prods - CD, DigitalThis record was originally released in July 2008 as a mini-album on the free label Chabane's Records, it has now been reissued in digipack by Bitume Prods, featuring all the covers the band has done (SEPULTURA, E-TYPE etc). The album (as it is now) is described as a "raw, uncompromising and heavily influenced by old-school thrash and death metal, as well as grunge and punk". This means that we get a very varied record with many different songs, although they label this as old school metal. But o.k., it's mainly some kind of metal. But then we also have a few songs that sounds more like hardcore or punk. "Destructor" sounds almost like hardcore/punk, and "Viens Sur La Scène" reminds me of a Swedish punk rock band, like PASTORATET or something like that. And those tracks are probably the most interesting here according to me, because SCRIPTURA might not have been the most interesting band to be honest, but far away from the worst anyway. Let's just say that there's good and less good stuff here.
SCRIPTURA formed in 2007. They took part in some tribute compilations and released a mini-album before they broke up in 2014.
bitume-prods.fr
MassattacK: Demo 1985
Headbangers Records/Big Bad Wolf Records - CDThis is a reissue of a demo from 1985, with the Dutch heavy metal band MassattacK.
Formed in 1982 in Noordwijk, South Holland, MassattacK delivered a frenetic mix of fast-paced heavy metal and unfiltered madness - what they themselves called "mad metal". Combining humour, aggression, and punk energy, MassattacK built a local following and became the first band to ever perform at SCUM in Katwijk. After disbanding in 1988, the band briefly returned in the 1990s and left behind more unreleased material.
The songs that we get here are intense and filled with young energy and passion. Some songs here could just as well be called speed and thrash metal. It's raw, unpolished and goes fast. They might not sound professional, but they were hardly bad at what they did, and the songs was not bad either. So if you want some old heavy metal from the 80s, then you should definitely give these guys a try.
massattack.nl | headbangerszineandgigs.nl | bigbadwolfrecords.nl
MAD DOGS: The Future Is Now
Go Down Records - Digital SingleItalian action rockers MAD DOGS gives us another taste of their upcoming album, "The Future Is Now", set to be released on September 5 via Go Down Records. And yes, the new single is also the title track of the album. And once again it really kicks ass and reminds me of why I like this genre so much. It also reminds me of something softer with The HELLACOPTERS, the pioneers of action rock you could say. So this is absolutely worth listening to of course, and there's not much else to say.
It will be interesting to hear the new album..
youtu.be/L_UDfP2hIqY?si=UDMN2adpXVleTjwp | facebook.com/maddogsrnr | godownrecords.com
NIGHTHAWK: Six Three 0
Mighty Music on Aug. 1 - LP, CD, DigitalNIGHTHAWK bring together a stellar lineup of Swedish rock powerhouses, including members of The NIGHTFLIGHT ORCHESTRA, SOILWORK and CAPTAIN BLACK BEARD. And this is an album that combines musical finesse with heartfelt expression, and it cements their reputation as one of the most compelling melodic rock bands right now. After recording sessions at iconic locations like Abbey Road, the new album was captured at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales - where classics by QUEEN and OASIS were once born.
NIGHTHAWK blend melodic rock and classic rock, and sometimes it's even melodic hard rock. They also mix the old with the modern in a very good way, which makes it sound timeless and something for both young and old. It all seems to be done with passion, and they have many really strong songs here. All their previous releases have been great, and this is another great album. This is simply a band that you just have to check out.
bit.ly/nght-tgt | facebook.com/nighthawkrocknroll | mightymusic.dk
CALL OF CHARON: Tales Of Tragedy
Massacre Records on Aug. 1 - LP, CD, DigitalCALL OF CHARON play a pretty fast and intense kind of death metal, but yet enjoyable. The vocalist have a raw and powerful voice that fits perfect to the music that they play. They also throw in some deathcore to their molotow cocktail, but in this case it actually works (I usually don't like deathcore). There's also elements of shredding black metal guitars and many melodic parts. The only crap here is that atmospheric track called "Already Dead".
There's also some guest vocals from people like Dane Evans (TO THE GRAVE), Hagen Petschat (RUINS OF PERCEPTION), and Damien Moyal (AS FRIENDS RUST, ex-MORNING AGAIN, SHAI HULUD) on 1 track each.
CALL OF CHARON released their first EP in 2007.
callofcharon.com
ANCIENT MALICE: Accept The Vile Gifts Of The Dead
Ancient Malice - Bandcamp on Aug. 1, CD on Aug. 16ANCIENT MALICE is a new death metal band from Ireland, created by Steve Maher (ex-ABADDON INCARNATE) with members of COLDWAR. This is their first full-length album. It was recorded live in their rehearsal space with no edits or tricks, which makes it extra raw and old school. It's aggressive and stripped back, capturing the feeling of a time when things were dirtier, rougher, and more real (the late 1980s). It goes fast, but there's also some heavy parts.
It might not be the most excellent that I have heard in this genre, but it's not really bad either. Fans of the old underground sound should give this a try.
youtu.be/XG4mLHtnBLQ | facebook.com/people/Ancient-Malice/61566544748994
MYSTOPERA: Das Lied Der Steinernen Engel
Metalville Records on Aug. 1 - LP, CD, Fan Box"Powerful metal, rousing folk, renowned guest musicians and an epic film music orchestra", that's how they describe MYSTOPERA, which is a folk metal opera in German brought to life by composer/violinist Meike Katrin Stein and singer/songwriter Markus Engelfried. This is their first album, where they have brought in a host of guest musicians, like SCHANDMAUL, PRIMAL FEAR, CORVUS CORAX, HARPYIE, and CREMATORY. The album tells a gripping Viking story full of mysticism, suspense and devotion.
Well, I guess it's not so hard to figure out that this is very ambitious. It might not always be my thing, but they are very professional of course, and there is some good stuff here too, like the power metal songs for example. So to my surprise, I would say that this is a pretty good album after all.
metalville-shop.com
NEUROTOX: Könige Der Nacht
Metalville Records on Aug. 1 - CD, LP, Fan BoxThis is the 7th studio album from these German-singing punk rockers. The songs on "Könige Der Nacht" are described as stories from real life - sometimes loud and angry, sometimes vulnerable and profound. Between rebellion and melancholy, the band explores the whole range of human emotions. Thematically, it's about friendship, loyalty, betrayal, falling down and the irrepressible urge not to go under.
Musically, the album offers a mix of fast punk rock numbers and emotional mid-tempo pieces. It's said that they sound more mature on this album, but without denying their roots. To me it sounds mainly catchy and melodic, and sometimes almost closer to rock than punk rock. It's in other words a pretty kind music that we get here. But that doesn't really matter as they have some good songs here, some songs could even be called very good, so this is still worth a try.
metalville-shop.com
VLAD IN TEARS: Hide Inside
Metalville Records on Aug. 1 - CD, LP, Fan Box"Hide Inside" is said to mark a new era for Italian band VLAD IN TEARS. They blend dark atmospheres and devastating riffs with themes like inner darkness, mythology and the confrontation between the material and spiritual worlds. The music sounds modern and melodic, but is said to be dark metal mixed with gothic, industrial, and alternative rock influences. To me it sounds more like some kind of modern rock/metal rather than dark metal. But I guess the darkness is more in the lyrics than in the music that they play.
Pretty good for being a modern band, and they even think that this album can take the band to the next level. Well, I guess that's not impossible. So if you're weak for melodic modern metal with powerful choruses, then give these guys a try before everybody else does.
metalville-shop.com
BLOODRIDE: Deafening
Wormholedeath Records - Digital AlbumFinnish band BLOODRIDE formed 25 years ago. They blend old school thrash metal with darker death metal elements and hardcore intensity to get their raw neck-breaking sound. And with this album they promise to push the boundaries of thrash metal even further. Most of the songs are around 2 and a half to 3 and a half minutes. It's aggressive and intense without being extremely fast. It's simply a very hard album that they have made, and your boss or neighbour who likes pop will hate it. So play it loud for them.
bloodride.com | wormholedeath.com
DIRTY PAGANS: Forever High
Dirty Pagans - LP, CD, DigitalDIRTY PAGANS hailing from Adelaide, Australia, and have been rocking hard and heavy since 2016.
Here we have songs that are between 8:44 to 11:13 minutes. It's heavy and riff based, and their sound is very familiar, simply because there's hundreds of similar bands nowadays. But they do what they do really good, so there's no need to complain. And they also vary the material very well for being a band in the heavy league, which is a big plus according to me. This is far away from monotonous and boring. Another plus is the energy that they have.
They call their music "Riff n Roll", but I prefer to call it heavy rock instead, or heavy hard rock. Some people would probably call this stoner rock or sludge. But I guess we have ingredients from all those genres here, so you can call it whatever you want.
youtube.com/watch?v=1RiyF9O0Qns | dirty-pagans.bandcamp.com/album/forever-high
DO OR DIE: Resurrection
Do Or Die - MCD, Digital EPThis is hard and heavy, and very macho. Hardcore/metal as it use to be, with all the familiar ingredients.
DO OR DIE are pioneers of the Belgian hardcore scene, and the band was founded in 1999. Their main influences are the NYHC old school scene, mixed with more modern, metal-style parts. Their first EP was released in 2000, and was followed by 6 studio albums before they took a break in 2015. In early 2021 they were back again with a new lineup, and these 6 songs seems to be their first new music in 10 years.
Well, if you like it hard and heavy and happens to like hardcore and/or metal, then this could be worth a try, because it's not bad at all. In other words, worth checking out.
facebook.com/doordieofficiel
VERTEBRA: The Same
Xtreem Music on July 29 - CD, DigitalVERTEBRA was originally active in the mid 1990s underground metal scene of Rio Grande do Sul, in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Unfortunately life took over and the members went seperate ways. But that wasn't the end of the band, because now they have returned to deliver their long overdue full-length debut album.
This band play a melodic, technical and progressive kind of death/thrash metal. It sounds like a underground band from the mid-80s/late 80s sometime, and almost like a lost and fogotten demo from that era. Not bad at all and worth checking out if you like that. I do anyway.
The CD includes a bonus track, "Humanity", which is a demo track from 1995.
facebook.com/vertebrametal | xtreemmusic.com
UPCHUCK: Forgotten Token / Un Momento
Domino Recording Co - Digital Double SingleThese 2 songs are far away from as strong as the first song I heard with this band, which was "Plastic". It doesn't suck, but it's much weaker and not any anthems. Is it even punk by the way? It sounds more alternative instead. I'm a little dissapointed as "Plastic" was very promising. Maybe I just have to listen some more?
Atlanta punks UPCHUCK will release a new album, "I'm Nice Now", on October 3.
youtu.be/WRW_XT7ACvM | youtu.be/t8RbkNvu6BE
STYREN: Doom
Curtain Call Records - Digital SingleDoom metallers STYREN has just released their debut album, "Burning The Bridges", on digital platforms. It's a concept album filled with melding crushing doom riffs, melancholic melodies, and emotional catharsis. "Doom" is the opening track from the album, and it has also been released as a single.
What you get here is a pretty traditional doom metal, with a chorus that makes me think of IRON MAIDEN rather than doom. Pretty catchy for being doom, but the more I listen the better it gets. So it could be interesting to hear the whole album (but for some reason the label just sent me this single).
open.spotify.com/album/1jPepwB9izzkmvgycRnqnj........ | curtaincallrecords.com
SCROLLKEEPER: Wrathchild
Scrollkeeper - Digital SingleTexas heavy metal band SCROLLKEEPER pay tribute to one of their greatest influences with the release of a powerful new cover of IRON MAIDEN's legendary track "Wrathchild". The single is available now exclusively on Bandcamp.
After the death of former IRON MAIDEN singer Paul Di'Anno, SCROLLKEEPER felt compelled to honor his legacy. It might not be as raw as the original, and might not have the same attitude, but I guess it's not so easy to succeed with that. It's still a good cover, no doubt about that. So check it out and raise a glass for Paul.
scrollkeeper.bandcamp.com/track/wrathchild | scrollkeeper.net
The PLANET SMASHERS: Meet Me On The Dancefloor
Stomp Records - Digital SingleSka is definitely catchy and perfect summer music, and ska is what this Montreal band play. They want to call it ska punk, but there's actually not that much punk in this song. But they really deliver an anthem that every fan of ska should like. It's upbeat, catchy and full of energy. In other words just the way I like it.
The PLANET SMASHERS formed back in 1994, so they are hardly a new band. It seems like they have over 30 million streams, and a new album, "On The Dancefloor", will be released on August 22. That will be their 10th studio album.
youtu.be/STFdfLzSIKc?si=fO4NOTeGjkEdmCwm | stomprecords.com/bands/planet-smashers | planetsmashers.ca
MOB RULES: Dawn Of Second Sun
ROAR - Digital SingleThis song is taken off the forthcoming studio album, entitled "Rise Of The Ruler", that is slated for a release on August 22 via ROAR. And these North German power metallers continue to deliver. You could say that there's some IRON MAIDEN influences here, so it's definitely good stuff that we get.
What else I should write is a big mystery though. But you simply check out this song, and that's it.
mobrules.rpm.link/dossPR | mobrules.rpm.link/rotralbumPR | facebook.com/mobrulesband | roar-records.de
EXIT STAGE LEFT at Stora Torget
Concert at Stora Torget in Borås, Sweden on July 24, 2025I don't have much to say, but they did a good gig as usual. At this show they also had 2 choir girls, which they have never had before (not when I have seen them anyway).
EXIT STAGE LEFT is a local progressive rock band. People who like stuff like RUSH and similar should like this band too.
DRAIN: Stealing Hapiness From Tomorrow
Epitaph Records - Digital SingleThis is not the Swedish hard rock band DRAIN (aka DRAIN STH in North America, active 1993-2000), but a hardcore/metal band from Santa Cruz. They are gearing up to release their third album, "...Is Your Friend" (I have no release date), and this is a taste of that.
They blend rapid-fire hardcore with big, groovy metal breakdowns and anthemic, sing-along shouts. Probably perfect when they play live as it should make the audience go wild. It begins heavy and almost a little boring, but after a while there's more energy and it goes much faster.
Not bad at all, but I have heard better.
youtube.com/watch?v=TCM4zjedvLo | epitaph.com
ALICE COOPER: Up All Night
earMUSIC - Digital Single
"Up All Night" is the latest single from the reunited ALICE COOPER group. It's taken from their upcoming album "The Revenge Of Alice Cooper", which will be released on Friday, July 25. And what we get is another raw rocker for the night. It's youthful and naive, and will take you back to the 70s. Think dark alleys and good old rock n roll without any frills. Good stuff for true rockers.
The new album promises to bring the spirit of classic ALICE COOPER into the present with venomous riffs, theatrical storytelling, and vintage horror flair. I think it can be very interesting to hear.
alicecooper.com
BURNING WITCHES: High Pristess Of The Night
Napalm Records - Digital SingleSwizz heavy metal band BURNING WITCHES has delivered a new single, "High Pristess Of The Night", a song from their upcoming album "Inquisition", which will be released on August 22.
This second single from the album brings a powerful mix of classic heavy metal riffs and hard rock grooves to the band's signature witch-themed metal offerings. It's a catchy mid-tempo song with a feel good vibe. You should really check it out, because this is really good stuff. No doubt about that.
youtu.be/RwomV4za97A?si=VQAw9wD1cVgWzLuw | napalmrecords.com/burning-witches | burningwitches.ch
COLD SLITHER: Cold Slither
Reigning Phoenix Music on July 25 - LP, DigitalRising rock and metal label Reigning Phoenix Music (aka RPM) has teamed up with legendary toy maker Hasbro to bring to life COLD SLITHER, the fictional band from the iconic G.I. JOE Universe. The collaboration brings together members of GRUESOME, EXHUMED and KMFDM to create a fun and nostalgic homage to one of the most beloved toy brands of all time. "Featuring 10 original tracks and a remastered version of their cult-classic single 'Cold Slither', the album plunges into dystopian metal with themes of swamp-born menace and Cobra-fueled power", says the press release.
These guys play a powerful kind of heavy metal with melodic vocals. The songs are really good, but unfortunately the vocals sounds almost the same all the time. With a little more variety it would have been much more fun, and even a few notches better. Still worth a try though if you like more modern heavy metal, because these guys are very good at what they are doing.
reigningphoenixmusic.com
HEARTS ON FIRE: Signs & Wonders
Pride & Joy Music on July 25 - CD7 years after their debut album, "Call Of Destiny", HEARTS ON FIRE returns with some new music and a new singer, Mark Boals (RING OF FIRE, ROYAL HUNT, Yngwie Malmsteen etc).
The members of this international melodic rock group comes from bands like SILENT TIGER and KHYMERA, and Dennis Ward (KHYMERA, MAGNUM) appears as guest on bass guitar. He has also mixed and mastered this new album.
Well, this sounds just as it should, like something from the 80s but with a modern production. The songs are very good and strong, so they can be really proud of what they have created. I think that some of these songs sounds more like melodic hard rock than melodic rock though. Absolutely worth checking out anyway. No doubt about that.
bfan.link/signs-wonders | facebook.com/heartsonfireband | prideandjoy.de
FIRST LIGHT: Elemental
Pride & Joy Music on July 25 - CDFIRST LIGHT is a melodic rock band of lifelong friends Dave Hardman (guitar) and Carl Sharples (bass) - 2 musicians bound by decades of friendship and a passion for the golden era of AOR. It all began as a lockdown collaboration in 2020, but have become a full band since then, with members from different countries - Dave live in Spain, and Carl in the UK. They are joined by Warren Passaro, a vocalist from New York City, and Andy Jakeman on drums (not sure where he's from), and keybordist Didge Digital (AOR, FM) from the UK.
A mini album, "Gravity", was released in 2023, and "Elemental" is their full-length debut.
Well, I guess it doesn't exactly come as a surprise that this band sounds like classic AOR. But they are very good, so it's still worth a chance if you like more melodic stuff. But as they are not doing anything special, I don't have that much to say. I'm pretty sure that you will have a good time with this band's company anyway.
youtu.be/7aM7VscK3ZU | prideandjoy.de | facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066826565739
STRIKT: Spökstad
Beat Butchers - Digital SingleThe new single from Swedish punk band STRIKT is a powerful protest song that highlights the dismantling of Stockholm's live music scene. The song expresses frustration at how the city's cultural sites are disappearing in favor of capital interests, transforming vibrant neighborhoods into silent, sterile environments. But it's also a taste of their upcoming album, "Hur Kunde Vi Stå Ut", which will be released in September.
I would like to describe this as punk from the gutter with hooligan choirs. Influences comes from early Swedish punk and British 80s punk. Their soundscape is both raw and melodic. This sounds very good and very promising for the new album. Check out!
STRIKT has previously released several singles and EPs.
open.spotify.com/album/5QTQa.... | facebook.com/striktsthlm | beatbutchers.se
S.O.R.M: The Sacrifice
Noble Demon - Digital SingleSwedish hard rock outfit S.O.R.M has unleashed a brand new track, the stand-alone single "The Sacrifice". I guess we can describe this as a emotional heavy rocker, which reminds me a little of the softer moments with W.A.S.P. I wait and wait for them to begin rocking, but no. Pretty good anyway, but they have done much stronger songs than this.
S.O.R.M hailing from Lidköping and formed in 2017. They have so far released 1 EP and 1 album. The album features guest appearances by Dough Blair (W.A.S.P.) and Nick Petrino (Dee Snider).
sormsweden.com | linktr.ee/nobledemon
DIVNI SAN: Wintermoon
Wormholedeath Records - Digital Single"Wintermoon" is a track taken from DIVNI SAN's album "Dreamlike Tales", which is out now. They play thrash metal, but this song sounds more like some kind of powerful and melodic heavy metal. I guess I can call it melodic thrash metal then. It sounds good and have a pretty strong chorus, but I would not say that it's an anthem that I will remember and play again. You should give it a try though.
youtu.be/9sNFVNZ5tWg?si=0swjAllXdIX0ZCr2 | instagram.com/divnisan | wormholedeath.com
CELTIC HILLS: Metaldays
Elevate Records - Digital Single"Metaldays" is taken from the upcoming album "Övervinna En Förlust", and is a heartfelt tribute to the legendary MetalDays Festival held in Tolmin, Slovenia.
CELTIC HILLS is an Italian power metal band, so why the title of their 4th album is in Swedish is a mystery to me. But anyway.. If you like stuff like MANOWAR for example, then I guess that this could be of interest, even if CELTIC HILLS are not on the same level as them. Cheap metal but done with passion, and this is not such a bad song anyway.
"Övervinna En Förlust" is their 4th album.
youtu.be/CXILbiUgP1w?si=2NFenzOwfhTt2jqD | facebook.com/CELTIC.HILLS.Official
The VIOLENT HOUR: The Violent Hour
Megaforce Records on July 25 - EPAmerican singer Carla Harvey (ex-BUTCHER BABIES) have made a modern hard rock EP with 5 tracks. It was produced and co-written by Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX, PANTERA), and he also play all instruments. We also get guets apperances from John5 (MÖTLEY CRÜE), Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, Ozzy Osbourne), and Brandon Yeagley.
The music here is a mix of old school rock n roll, indie and alternative rock, and some heavy metal. This gives these songs its own identity. It sounds both old and new at the same time somehow. Most of these songs are catchy and pretty good, it's just that last ballad that I'm not such a big friend of.
facebook.com/carlaharveymusic
SWEET: Platinum Rare 2
Metalville Records on July 25 - 2CD, 2LP"Platinum Rare 1" was released in May, and here comes part 2 then with as much as 27 rare recordings (demos, alternative mixes, outtakes, rough mixes, instrumental versions). Just as last time there's ups and downs. The instrumental versions are still boring to listen to, and they are way too many here. But otherwise I would say that this collection is stronger than part 1. There's simply more good songs this time. But some of those last demo tracks are more or less just crap, and this is also the third time in a row some of those songs appear, and still no real vocals (no lyrics) to the songs - I'm so tired of them now!
"Platinum Rare 2" was originally released as a strictly limited version for the U.S. Record Store, and will now be available worldwide for the first time on LP and CD. All tracks were recorded by the 4 original members.
Well, once again just something for the collectors and most fanatic fans. And there will of course be another SWEET album next month, a re-release of the extremely rare live album "Sweet Fanny Adams Revisited".
metalville-shop.com | thesweet.com
ROULETTE: GO!
Black Lodge on July 25 - CD, LP, DigitalSwedish melodic rock/AOR band ROULETTE released 3 7" singles between 1987-1990. In 2010 they were back again.
ROULETTE have a classic 80s sound that should please every fan of this genre. It's hardly something unique, but they seems to do everything right here, and the songs are strong, so it's easy to like this band. But what else I should say is a big mystery.. I guess you should let the music do the talking instead.
blacklodge.se/project/roulette | rouletteswe.se
JORDFÄST: Blodsdåd Och Hor
Black Lion Records on July 25 - LP, CD, DigitalThis is the thrid album from this Swedish black metal duo. They blend in melancholic melodies and what sounds like folk music in their soundscape, and the songs are divided into parts - "Ett Altare Av Skärvor" have 4 parts, and "Dit Gudarna Trälar Är" also have 4 parts. So you could say that what we get here is 2 very long songs. But there's no dead moments here, there's always something happening, which makes this an interesting album.
When it comes to the lyrics, it's a journey through centuries of Swedish history, shaped by steel and iron industry, and defined by relentless warfare. Very metal.
orcd.co/blodsdad-och-hor | facebook.com/jordfastband
HAXPROCESS: Beyond What Eyes Can See
Transcending Obscurity Records on July 25 - LP, CD, Cassette, DigitalSo, there's just 4 songs on this album, but they are between 9 and a half to 13 minutes long, and it's not the easiest music that they play. We talk about heavy progressive death metal here. They describe this band's music like if MORBID ANGEL would be covering The CHASM songs under the influence of BLOOD INCANTATION, if that might give you an idea? It's one of those more ambitious bands anyway. No doubt about that.
Fans of the classic style might not be interested in this, but those who want the music to be challenging at the same time as it's extreme might appreciate this.
youtu.be/08NZXRGhG-g?si=60uB6P03qkrT30Bh | haxprocess-label.bandcamp.com/album/beyond.... | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com
ASHES OF ARES: New Messiahs
ROAR on July 18 - CD, LPASHES OF ARES features former ICED EARTH members Matt Barlow (vocals) and Freddie Vidale (guitars and bass), which might sound exiting for some of you. But what do we really get? My opinion is that some of these songs are o.k., but too many of them are pretty boring actually.
"New Messiahs" is their 4th studio album, where we can find Kyle Taylor on drums, as well as guest appearances from Charlie Honig, Craig Blackwell, and Todd La Torre (QUEENSRŸCHE). They play a very American kind of heavy/power metal. Unfortunately they are not that good at making fantastic anthems that I want to hear over and over again. Instead I get something that goes in through one ear and out through the other. And that's not really what I want.
ashesofares.com | reigningphoenixmusic.com/all-artists/roar-artists
WARD XVI: Id3ntity
Earache - CD, DigitalThese shock rockers are based in the North West of England. They take inspiration from legends like IRON MAIDEN and Alice Cooper, as well as modern acts like GHOST and SKINDRED. It's a mix of rock and metal, which end up in some kind of theatrical shock hard rock. We can find some heavier songs, and there's both good and less interesting tracks here. It's also a very varied adventure. But in general it's a o.k. album anyway, but not much else. Among the better songs are the opening track, "Regeneration", and "Amoeba Of Madness" for example.
WARD XVI are going on a UK tour in October.
youtube.com/watch?v=UWVFIHvLbQM | earache.lnk.to/IDENTITY | wardxvi.com | earache.com
NINTH CIRCLE: Anthem Of The Immortal
Fighter Records - CD, DigitalNINTH CIRCLE is an American heavy metal trio, and "Anthem Of The Immortal" is their fifth studio album.
They play a melodic and harmony-driven kind of metal, but this time they have a heavier and more aggressive sound. The album features 13 tracks that range from fist-raising anthems to hard-hitting heavy metal. But what's really standing out here is a cover of CHICAGO's "25 or 6 to 4", featuring the horn section of legendary rock band WAR. But except for that song it's pure heavy metal. And if that sounds good to you, then this could be worth a try, because it's not bad at all.
youtu.be/5sr5GjoTrLI | fighter-records.bandcamp.com | ninthcircle.us
Nicklas Sonne: Electric Dreams
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, DigitalNicklas Sonne is a Danish musician, vocalist and producer known for his powerful presence in progressive and heavy metal. He began his musical experience as a drummer before moving onto the guitar and ultimately becoming a singer and songwriter in an array of metal and hard rock projects, starting with DEFECTO, one of Denmark's leading metal bands, created in 2010. In addition to DEFECTO, Nicklas is part of ARIES DESCENDANT along with Jonah Weingarten (PYRAMAZE, CATALYST CRIME).
To me this solo adventure sounds like a modern heavy metal album with both old and modern ingredients. It's catchy and melodic, yet powerful. Many strong songs here and a varied material.
While most songs here sounds modern, there's also tracks that sounds more old school. The opening track, "Fireline", sounds like power metal, while "Helldivers Anthem" sounds almost like thrash metal.
ffm.to/nselectricdreams | nicklassonne.com | frontiers.it
LYNYRD SKYNYRD: Celebrating 50 Years - Live At The Ryman
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - 2CD/DVD, Blu-Ray, 2LP, DigitalI have obviously not heard that much with these Southern rock legends before, becuase it wasn't many songs that I knew here. But I must say that some of them are really rocking, which I like. This wasn't so bad at all, and I like it more and more for each time I listen. Their blend of Southern rock, blues and country sounds very adult and American. But LYNYRD SKYNYRD are more or less American culture, and they have sold over 28 million records just in the U.S.
The group originally formed in 1964 as MY BACKYARD, but evolved into LYNYRD SKYNYRD in 1968. Their debut album was released in 1973, and since then they have made many timeless classics, like "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Freebird" to name just a couple.
This was filmed and recorded at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville when they celebrated their 50-year anniversary in 2022. The recording features the final performance of founding member Gary Rossington, who passed away the following year. Among the special guests on the album are Jelly Roll, Marcus King, John Osborne (The BROTHERS OSBORNE), Brent Smith (SHINEDOWN), and Donnie Van Zant (VAN ZANT, .38 SPECIAL).
I don't know if there's any original members left in the band now, but they seems to continue anyway. However, I really like the songs on this release, so I guess that I have found a new favorite band, and I look forward to hear some more.
ffm.to/lsryman50 | lynyrdskynyrd.com | frontiers.it
IN/VERTIGO: Prevail
Rockshots Records on July 18 - EPWith this new EP, the Canadian hard rock band IN/VERTIGO are said to deliver their most refined and aggressive work to date - "a Molotov cocktail of sharp riffs, infectious hooks, and full-throttle rock attitude", as they describe it in the info.
The band was formed in 2016 by seasoned Calgary musicians, and that's about all I know about them.
These 4 tracks sounds modern somehow, yet there's also some old school rocking. So I guess it's not completely wrong to call this classic hard rock? Some songs are rocking more than others, and it mainly sounds pretty good. I can't really mention any favorite.
youtu.be/WQp8_mt73XU
PHANTOM SPELL: Heather & Hearth
Cruz Del Sur Music/Wizard Tower Records on July 18 - LP, CD, Cassette, DigitalPHANTOM SPELL formed in 2021, and blend classic prog rock with NWOBHM. Twin-lead guitars entwine with undulating synths and Hammond organ to form the perfect backdrop for Kyle McNeill's voice. It's adventure and mystery, all at once. And then I'm not just talking about the lyrics, but also the music. Because this is absolutely a progressive heavy metal adventure to listen to.
It seems to be 3 years since the debut album, "Immortal's Requiem", was released, but now the second album is here. And this time there's also folk elements, and acoustic guitars play a bigger role here. Yes, this is definitely something for fans of progressive rock from the 70s and heavy metal from the 80s.
cruzdelsurmusic.com | linktr.ee/phantomspell
ETERNAL DARKNESS: Eternal Darkness
Pulverised Records on July 18 - CD, LP, DigitalThis Swedish death metal band was formed in 1990 in Eskilstuna. They released 2 demo tapes and a 7" before it was over in 1993, leaving on the shelf an unreleased (at the time) MLP. In 2019 they were back again with a completely new lineup. Unfortunately the band announced their sudden split in late April 2025. So this is not just their first full-length album, but also their last (unless they reunite again and make another album).
ETERNAL DARKNESS play a really heavy kind of death metal. They are definitely not in a hurry. With all instruments tuned down to A for extra heaviness, this might actually be one of the heaviest death albums so far this year. Yet it's also raw and intense, as well as crushing and explosive. Talk about going out with a bang.
We get 8 tracks in 38:16 minutes.
pulverised.net | facebook.com/EternalDarknessSwe
DEAD END IRONY: Battles And Brotherhood
Inverse Records - CD, DigitalDEAD END IRONY is a heavy metal band founded in Imatra, Finland in 2010. But it's not until now that they have released their debut album. And on this 8-track album they honor the roots of the genre with a modern touch and an uncompromising attitude. It sounds powerful yet melodic, and it's a very strong material that they have here. Good song after good song. This is something that you really should give a try. And I don't have much else to say..
deadendirony.com | inverse.fi
CLAWFINGER: Scum
RPM - Digital SingleAll I can remember that I have heard with these Swedish/Norwegian rap/metal veterans is their song "Nigger" from the 1990s. Probably their biggest hit. This new song is said to be a return, and it sounds more hardcore than I expected it to, and more loud and raw as well. Not bad at all actually and absolutely worth checking out if you like rap/metal.
CLAWFINGER formed in Stockholm in the early 90s, with members from both Sweden and Norway.
youtu.be/pvldqggx9AU
EN JÄKLA MASSA ROCK at Stora Torget
Concert at Stora Torget in Borås, Sweden on July 10, 2025A group called EN JÄKLA MASSA ROCK did their first show on their summer tour. And this could just as well have been one of those cover bands playing at your local nightclub, if it wasn't for the fact that the band features members who have played or play with Swedish bands like EUROPE, The POODLES, CRASHDÏET, H.E.A.T and DYNAZTY, becuase then you can suddenly do this on a higher level and on the big stages. Here they end up in the middle of Borås city, and there's no entrance, so all kinds of people are there and not just rockers. I have mixed feelings about that.
It seems like they were not here just to entertain the rockers, but rather the ordinary people with less IQ. You simply don't begin a concert with "I Was Made For Loving You" (KISS) and then continue with "Sweet Child O' Mine" (GUNS N' ROSES). They should have began with something like "Rock The Night" (EUROPE) instead, but they didn't even play that song. It was mainly melodic rock and melodic hard rock that they played, but once in a while it became harder and heavier, like when they played songs by RAMMSTEIN (with accordion!), MOTÖRHEAD and IRON MAIDEN.
Mainly good songs and a good performance, but I would have prefered more pure hard rock and heavy metal instead of tired soft rock classics.
GRIMORIO: On The Path Of The Morning Star
Logic Il Logic Records/Burning Minds Music Group - CD, DigitalGRIMORIO formed in 2023, and this is their debut album. Their mix of heavy metal and horror rock draws inspiration from DEATH SS and KING DIAMOND they say, but they also add a personal flair, which gives them their own sound. It sounds gothic and a little theatrical. Pretty good, but not much else as they don't have anything that's extra good. And they are not exactly adventurous, as most of these 8 tracks seems to be stuck in the same style. If they would have varied the material a bit more, then it could possibly have been more interesting to listen to.
This is on the other hand just their first album, so who knows what they will do in the future?
facebook.com/grimoriometal | facebook.com/logicillogicrecords
PYRODOME: Your War
Wanikiya Record - Digital EPThis project was born in the heart of Sardinia, in the town of Montresta. With "Your War" they bring the powerful and deep-rooted sound typical of PYRODOME, blending classic metal and 70s/80s rock influences with a modern and honest approach. To me it sounds like a melodic kind of rock/hard rock, and they have some good songs among these 6 tracks. "Eruption" is a little too long with its 8 minutes though, and it's also softer.
But even though it's good, I can't say there's anything that's extra good here. So the lack of a real anthem makes it just good instead of brilliant. And some of these songs are just too weak to be anything special at all.
facebook.com/wanikiyarecord
RIVAL PACK: Burn
Thrash Out Records - LP, DigitalRIVAL PACK might sound like a hundred other hardcore bands, but just like most of those other bands they are doing it damn good. It's hard and heavy, powerful and aggressive - In other words just like it should be, so there's no reason to complain at all.
RIVAL PACK hailing from the Netherlands, and formed in 2019. This is their debut album, where we get a sound inspired by the late 90s and early 2000s. The riffs are metal heavy, and as I said earlier, it sounds just like it should. This is definitely worth checking out, and there's not much else to say about that.
linktr.ee/rivalpack | thrashout-records.com
SERPICO: Hard As A Cannonball / Rock n' Roll Is Not Dead!
Golden Robot Records - Digital SinglesFinnish hard rockers SERPICO has delivered the first taste of their upcoming album, "Dressed In Flesh", set to drop September 12. "Fusing the raw grit of MOTÖRHEAD , the swagger of GUNS N' ROSES , and the dark charisma of Ozzy Osbourne , SERPICO delivers a sound that is unapologetically powerful, rebellious, and real", says the press info.
"Hard As A Cannonball" was released in April already. I would describe it as old school hard rock. It was recorded fully analog - No autotune, no editing - Just raw passion and attitude. Really good!
"Rock n' Roll Is Not Dead!" is the latest single from the album. This sounds more like a rock n roll anthem instead, with a street smart attitude. Really cool and very catchy. Another really good song.
What they do might not be something unique at all, but that rock is not dead is something that these guys really proves with these 2 songs.
youtu.be/3tuH8DTr7cg?si=KNDKbwie-WX7Ksrc | youtu.be/R1sxAxlhkDc?si=MAC1urnJKYvp5Yhw | serpico-official.com
WHITE WIDDOW: White Widdow / Serenade / Crossfire (reissues)
Pride & Joy Music Classixx - CD / CD / CDWhat we have here is the 3 first albums by Australian melodic rock group WHITE WIDDOW. Each album have 1 bonus track and is limited to 500 copies each, and you can only get them from shop.prideandjoy.de.
The band was formed in Melbourne, Australia in 2008. They were raised on 80s arena rock and influenced by bands like SURVIVOR, DOKKEN, NIGHT RANGER, WHITE SISTER and GIUFFRIA. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2010, and followed by "Serenade" in 2011. The third album, "Crossfire", was released in 2014. These 3 albums have been sold out for a long time. The band has released 2 more albums.
This sounds mainly really good and just like it should, and these albums are not that different from each other. I would say that it's somewhere between melodic hard rock and melodic rock, and I can really recomend you to check out these albums.
WHITE WIDDOW are currently working on a new, yet untitled, album which will be released in early 2026.
shop.prideandjoy.de | whitewiddow.com.au
MALVADA: Malvada
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, DigitalMALVADA consist of 4 women from Brazil. The group was initially formed in March 2020, and they quickly attracted attention as one of the most promising acts in the Brazilian rock scene. After 2 singles in 2021, they released their debut album, "A Noite Vai Ferver". So far they had just been of interest for Brazil, as far as I can understand. But in November 2023 they signed with Italian label Frontiers Music s.r.l., with opportunities to expand their reach and conquer the global market.
This reminds me of Swizz singer Seraina Telli's (ex-BURNING WITCHES, DEAD VENUS) solo material, but sometimes with heavier guitars. In other words some kind of girl power rock you could say. This album features songs in both English and Portuguese, which gives a slightly fragmented impression. I would have preferred just English actually. Maybe a few too many slow songs for my taste, but not bad.
ffm.to/_malvada | malvadabanda.com.br
LEVERAGE: Gravity
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, DigitalWhen singer Kimmo Blom (we are not related) passed away in the summer of 2022, the future for Finnish heavy rock band LEVERAGE seemed uncertain. However, founding member and main songwriter Tuomas Heikkinen then decided that the final hour for the band was not in sight yet, and recruited a new singer: Paolo Ribaldini (DELAINE, ex-SKILTRON). But he also recruited violinist Lotta-Maria Heiskanen to renew and refresh the sound of the band.
"Gravity" is their 6th album in less than 20 years, where they combine multiple influences, but I would say that this sounds mainly like melodic hard rock to me, but maybe a little darker than what you're used to, and with their own ideas. It sounds good anyway, so it could be worth a try.
ffm.to/leveragegravity | facebook.com/leverageofficial
INSANIA: The Great Apocalypse
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, DigitalThe first version of this Swedish power metal band was formed back in 1992. Like so many other bands, they started with covers of their favorite bands, such as HELLOWEEN and IRON MAIDEN for example. But after a while they started to write their own original material instead. It wasn't until 1999 that they released their debut album, "World Of Ice". The band released 3 more albums before they went on hiatus in 2007.
In 2021 they were back with a new album, "V", which is already 4 years ago. But now the new album "The Great Apocalypse" is here.
We get a melodic and ambitious kind of power metal. It sounds very professional, so a wild guess is that fans of the Italian bands in this genre could like this. They also spice their sound with keyboards, which makes it sound extra epic. Every song here is almost like a little adventure to listen to, and they end the whole thing with a track that's over 14 minutes long.
ffm.to/insaniaapocalypse | facebook.com/InsaniaStockholmOfficial
FAIRYLAND: The Story Remains
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, DigitalFrench symphonic power metal band FAIRYLAND are cinematic, epic and adventurous like an adventure movie, and especially "Council Of The Gods", the second last track, "Postscript", and the intro. It's also very melodic.
FAIRYLAND formed in 1998 as FANTASIA. But after a few years they changed the name to FAIRYLAND, and in April 2003 their debut album was released. They released another album in 2006, and after the tour they suddenly split up. But it didn't take many years before they were back again, and 2 more albums was released. Unfortunately one of the founders, Philippe Giordana (vocals), passed away on October 21, 2022. But with a new lineup they managed to complete this fifth album. And as it's a new chapter, they also decided to add some new elements to their musical landscape. The new lineup is founding member Willdric Lievin (guitars, bass, backing vocals) and the new members Archie Caine (vocals), Gideon Ricardo (keyboards), Brieuc De Groof (guitars), and JB Pol (drums).
Together these guys have made a very ambitious album, but not too ambitious as it also has a very strong material. That means that there's lots of fantastic songs to discover here. And I also think that this could fit many different fans of metal, but mainly fans of symphonic metal, power metal and melodic metal.
ffm.to/fairylandtsr | fairylandband.com
TOXIC YOUTH: Still Hungry
Time To Kill Records on July 11 - CD, DigitalLong-running Italian hardcore/crossover band TOXIC YOUTH have been active since 1990. Their sound is a high-energy blend of hardcore and thrash metal, what we use to call crossover. It's raw and intense, just like this kind of stuff use to be and should be. And these veterans are doing a really good job here. The songs are of a high quality, and it sounds old school and familiar. The songs are pretty short, around 1-3 minutes, but these songs doesn't have to be longer than that. You should really check this out.
I don't really know what else I should say, but I would guess that fans of a band like D.R.I. and similar stuff will like this a lot.
youtu.be/DkG_-MPj7YI | timetokillrecords.com/collections/toxic-youth-still-hungry | toxicyouth.bandcamp.com/album/still-hungry
STARLIT PYRE: Veins Of Sulfur
Starlit Pyre on July 11 - MCD, Digital EP"Veins Of Sulfur" is the debut EP from this Bordeaux, France based melodic death metal outfit. 4 tracks is what they give us, and they take inspiration from genre pioneers like AT THE GATES, DARK TRANQUILLITY, SOILWORK and IN FLAMES. But STARLIT PYRE also incorporates the more contemporary stylings of bands such as ORBIT CULTURE, SYLOSIS and DARKEST HOUR. Respect for the roots while forging its own modern path you could say.
It sounds good anyway, and I would guess that both fans of the old Gothenburg sound as well as fans of more modern acts could like this.
starlitpyre.bandcamp.com
FLOATING: Hesitating Lights
Transcending Obscurity Records on July 11 - LP, CD, Cassette, DigitalFLOATING is a Swedish death metal duo, who blend in progressive and post-punk influences in their music. 8 tracks is what we get here, and this band have an interseting combination somehow. But is it really so good? I'm actually not really sure what I should think about this band, so probably not. They have found their own unique sound anyway. And if you are among those who think that all bands who have a unique sound are good, then you will probably like this too. But if you're more "normal" and actually want good songs, then I don't think this is for you.
youtu.be/_MXLr1io4Oc?si=gY17OX1s3pAG8XWE | floating-label.bandcamp.com/album/hesitating-lights | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com
NERVOSA: Smashing Heads
Napalm Records - Digital SingleThis is NERVOSA's first new music since the album, "Jailbreak", which was released in September 2023. Now they return with a brutal new single, called "Smashing Heads". It's said to include all the ingredients that the band is known for. So expect an explosive thrash attack of the better kind. This is really good, and sounds very promising for the future.
NERVOSA celebrate their 15-year anniversary this year. They will be support act for CRADLE OF FILTH in Europe this month (July), and in October they go on a European tour with TESTAMENT, OBITUARY and DESTRUCTION.
youtu.be/nwwazBnG7iA?si=RPakggtlSqAZXPwc | nervosaofficial.com | label.napalmrecords.com
MÄDHOUSE: Plead The Fifth
ROAR on July 11 - CD, LP, DigitalThis Austrian band was formed in Vienna in 2017. They take inspiration from 80s legends like MÖTLEY CRÜE, SKID ROW and RATT for example. They blend the raw energy of classic glam metal with a modern hard rock edge. "Plead The Filth" is their 4th album.
Some songs here reminds me more of DEF LEPPARD in the 80s (before the "Hysteria" album), while some other stuff reminds me of the American glam metal bands from the same time. Good hard rock anyway. Because they have many great songs on this album. So those of you who think that hard rock was much better in the 1980s should definitely give these guys a try.
roar-records.de | facebook.com/people/M....
MÅNEGARM: I Skogsfruns Famn
Napalm Records - Digital SingleAugust 29 will see Swedish metal vikings MÅNEGARM release their new studio album, entitled "Edsvuren", via Napalm Records. "I Skogsfruns Famn" is the second single from that album. As usual this trio blend raw aggression, ancient beauty and hypnotic black metal influences, Norse mythology, rites and folkloric wisdom. And if that's something that you like, then you should really check this out, because it's not bad at all.
We get a powerful and harsh verse, while the chorus is more catchy and melodic. Metal is mixed with folk music and typical instruments for that genre.
youtu.be/b7fbYLPTReo?si=6X4mLZQUXYVWnxoN | napalmrecords.com/manegarm | facebook.com/Manegarmsweden
FRONT ROW WARRIORS: Running Out Of Time
ROAR on July 11 - CD, LP, DigitalFRONT ROW WARRIORS hailing from Stuttgart, Germany, and formed in 2019. Their debut album, "Wheel Of Fortune", was released in 2023, and now their second album is here. They are a heavy metal band, but also blend in 80s hard rock, a pinch of AOR and melodic metal from the 90s to the brew. So you could say that it's melodic heavy metal that they play. All musicians have previous experience, so they are very good at what they are doing. On top of that they have a vocalist, Elkie Gee, who has a remarkable range. And just to make it even more interesting, the songs here are really good. So you should give them a try, because you should not be dissapointed.
facebook.com/FRW.official | roar-records.de
UPCHUCK: Plastic
Domino Recording Co - Digital SingleDomino Recording Co have signed UPCHUCK, a cheeky bunch from Atlanta. "Plastic" is the first single with the band on their new label, and what we get is a 2-minute punk anthem. It sounds really good and promising for the future of punk, so you should really check them out.
What else I should say is a mystery though, as I simply don't know that much about them (yet).
SPRINTS: Descartes
City Slang - Digital SingleDublin punk rockers SPRINTS released their debut album, "Letter To Self", last year. And on September 26, they will release their second album, "All That Is Over". "Descartes" is the first single from the album. And what you get is more or less what you can expect (if you have heard them before). So it's a pretty good song that we get, but maybe not any hit material as it's a little odd somehow for being a single. It's like a wild mix of alternative indie rock, post punk and punk rock, or however I should explain this? Let's call it alternative punk rock..
sprintsmusic.com
NIHIL KAOS: Mystagogue
Mara Productions - CD, DigitalThis group attack all your senses with their aggressive and extreme brutality. We talk about raw black metal like it was meant to be - No keyboards, no progressive adventures, no symphonic parts, and absolutely not any ballads.
NIHIL KAOS are veterans in the Turkish black metal scene, and they have been around for over 2 decades already. But it seems like it has been silent for a decade, so now that they return with a new album, it's just their third full-length.
Well, they seems to do everything right here, so I have nothing to complain about when it comes this album. If you want some raw brutality, then give this a try.
bit.ly/3HIRF26 | facebook.com/nihilkaos666
MASSGRAV: Pizza Speziale
Selfmadegod Records - CD, CassetteFor the last couple of decades, MASSGRAV has been a constant of the Swedish extreme music scene. They have delivered several albums and EPs through the years. By mixing traditional Scandinavian hardcore of the 80s and early 90s with a deep-seated love for rock n roll, they have created their own style. It often goes fast, really fast. So fast that at least 1 of their former drummers became incapable of ever playing drums again. But we also get some punk rockers here, which is nice. And for the first time ever for this band, we get some guest vocals from Cecila Boström (The BABOON SHOW) on 1 track.
Some people might see this band as funny, because of some song titles. But they are very serious. Among the subjects they handle are bosses, right wing politicians, cops, rich people and the punk scene. Some love them, some hate them - The band don't care.
My opinion is that they have made an excellent album that doesn't just go fast. I get a feeling that it's more varied than ever before, but just as angry. And the songs are as usual short, around half a minute to 2 minutes, so we get as much as 21 tracks here.
facebook.com/massgrav | selfmadegod.com
KÜNTSQUÄD: Satans Cock
Wormholedeath Records on July 11 - CD, DigitalMy memory isn't always the best, but I'm pretty sure that their last album was much better than this. It's like they just want to be as hard and heavy as possible now. And the guttural growl is so damn deep that it almost sounds more like a monster than vocals. Instead of continuing with their blend of crust punk and death metal, they have become a heavy and extreme death metal band. Sometimes it's just down-tuned noise. And I'm not happy about it, as it&39;s hardly the kind of death metal that I like, but more like a fat wall of sound. No, this wasn't good at all. But if you want something raw and extreme, then give this a try then.
facebook.com/kuntsquad666 | wormholedeath.com
WINGS OF STEEL: Winds Of Time
RFL Entertainment - Digital SingleA song that is as long as 10:40 minutes is not a single, but rather a EP. Just my opinion of course..
Anyway.. What we get is classic heavy/power metal as it always have sounded. Safe but damn good. They say that this song is their biggest and most ambitious project to date, and the track is taken from their second album, which is scheduled for release in October 2025.
Well, as I said, damn good stuff. All fans of good old heavy and power metal from the 1980s should give this song a try. You should not be dissapointed.
For upcoming tour dates in Europe, check their website..
youtube.com/watch?v=86-pm_Qzxtg | wingsofsteelband.com
DEATH PROTOCOL: Demonic Onslaught
Rottweiler Records - Digital SingleSouthern California thrashers DEATH PROTOCOL presented themselves to the world with the single "Times Change Truth Does Not" in January. That was a o.k. song.
Now they return with a second attack. And it's a hard and heavy song that we get, which is in the more powerful league. It has both old and modern parts, so this could be something for both young and old thrashers. If they could make stronger songs, then it would be even better. Because as it is now, this is just another o.k. song, and not much else.
The song comes from their upcoming full-length debut, which we have to wait for a little longer.
facebook.com/DeathProtocol | rottweilerrecords.com
BLACK SWAMP WATER: Reaper
Mighty Music - Digital SingleDanish heavy rockers BLACK SWAMP WATER return with a new single, that dives deep into the darkest corners of the human soul. It's built around a pulsating verse, an uplifting melodic bridge, and a devastatingly heavy chorus. Lyrically it's structured as a dramatic dialogue between an executioner and their pleading victim.
This band is blending the crushing weight of BLACK SABBATH and CORROSION OF CONFORMITY with the swagger of southern rock and the raw edge of DOWN. "Reaper" sounds good with its blend of melodic vocals and heavy guitars. So if that sounds like something that you would like, then I think you should give this a try immediately.
bfan.link/reaper-7
INFAMOUS STIFFS: The Ornery Six
Golden Robot Records in July - EPSouthern California punks INFAMOUS STIFFS will release a new 6-track EP (not exactly sure when though, but this month anyway). They formed in 2019, but the members have spent decades playing punk rock n roll in various incarnations. They play or have played with bands like VERBAL ABUSE, ELECTRIC FRANKENSTEIN, JUNKYARD, BONELESS ONES, HOUSE OF WHEELS and The AVENGERS.
The sound of INFAMOUS STIFFS is pretty old school. The vocals are spit out in frustration, and it's raw and energetic just like it should be. I really like what I hear, because they have many good songs here. And it reminds me of some other band, but I can't remember any name right now, probably some American punk band anyway. You should really check them out if you like punk in the old tradition.
youtu.be/fnlDT5UlZ3k | linktr.ee/Infamous_Stiffs | goldenrobotrecords.com
RÖD REVOLVER: Lögnfabriken
GrönPeppar Records - MLP, DigitalThis is the debut album from these Swedish punks, who have been around for a few years already. And to me it sounds like a younger ASTA KASK (at least some of these songs, but maybe not all). Which means that there's small elements of hardcore/punk and many melodic elements. But in the end it sounds raw, and like timeless Swedish punk, that I think both old and young punks will like. Because they have many good songs among these 12 tracks, no doubt about that.
And the reason why I call this a mini album (MLP) is because it's a 12" on 45 rpm. So it's not long enough to be a full-length. Most songs are just approximately 1-2 minutes, while a couple are 2 and a half to 3 minutes. That gives us a playing time of 20:47 minutes.
gronpepparrecords.bandcamp.com/album/l-gnfabriken | facebook.com/p/R%C3%B6d-Revolver-100063311613599
STYGIAN: Dreadlands
Time To Kill Records on July 4 - CD, DigitalSTYGIAN is an Italian band from Ravenna. On this debut album they deliver a blend of crust punk and extreme metal, or blackened metal punk. It's raw and brutal of course, but not without melodies. It also goes fast, but this band is doing this with the right balance, and therfor they succeed to make songs out of it and not just noise. Yes, this is pretty good stuff, and I think both metallers and punks could like this.
Now I should of course have something else to say, but I actually don't have a clue what else I should say about this album. So you better let the music do the rest of the talking instead.
youtu.be/TSXYIZsK1DU | stygian-official.bandcamp.com/album/dreadlands | timetokillrecords.com/collections/stygian-dreadlands
IRREVERENCE: No-Frills
Brutal Records on July 4 - Digital SingleFrom the Italian underground comes IRREVERENCE, who have been around for nearly 3 decades. This single is a ferocious song blending a brand new track with reimagined classics. I would describe it as intense thrash metal with a touch of fast death metal. Because this song goes fast. And it's a very good song that you really should give a try. And there's not much else to say about that..
brutalrecords.bandcamp.com/track/no-frills | irreverence.it
Gus G. featuring Ronnie Romero: My Premonition
? - Digital SingleGreek guitarist Gus G. (FIREWIND, ex-Ozzy Osbourne) have teamed up with singer Ronnie Romero (ELEGANT WEAPONS, LORDS OF BLACK, ex-Ritchie Blackmore's RAINBOW, MSG etc etc). And the first taste is this new single, which I would describe as a hard rock song in the old tradition. Melodic yet powerful. I think that those who think it was better in the 1980s could like this, although it's done with a modern production. Good stuff anyway, but maybe not a hit song.
Ronnie will also join Gus for a European tour and festival appearances.
youtu.be/HcK9otAxn44?si=Ix8f-1tWfI8Aed2N | gusgofficial.com | ronnieromoero.online
The GRISTLE: Jennings
Icons Creating Evil Art - Digital SingleSwedish band The GRISTLE is decribed as "a high-octane blend of punk and blues, soaked in the swagger of garage rock and the soul of James Brown's tightest grooves". Add "a heavy dose of Jack White-style riffage and you get something close to what they call 'Muddy Waters on a Triumph chopper' ". It sounds cool and alternative.
"Jennings" is a tribute to the legendary actor Clint Eastwood and his earliest works. And I can honestly not hear that much punk in this song, so I would say that it's mainly a mix of blues, garage rock and rock. A pretty catchy and melodic track anyway, and I like what I hear. Worth checking out.
It all began in 2020 as a collaboration between Karl Rockfist (Michael Monroe, DANZIG) and Max Malmquist (DenimGoat, JUNKSTARS). Today, Max Malmquist fronts the band on vocals and guitar, with Andreas Angel on drums. Next up is a Nordic tour supporting Dick Manitoba (ex-The DICTATORS) and some German dates planned later in the fall.
instagram.com/thegristlethegristlethegristle | icea.se
GRAVE DIGGER: Bark To Hell
ROAR - Digital SingleGerman heavy metal legends GRAVE DIGGER returns with a brand new, stand-alone single. What you can expect is their classic heavy metal, with raw energy, dark atmosphere, and no-compromise power, as well as hellish guitar riffs, pounding drums, and Chris Boltendahl's unmistakable vocals. They prove once again that they bite hard, and that they still can make good songs. So if you're an old fan, then you should not be dissapointed. And that's not bad for a band who have been around for 45 years.
gravedigger.rpm.link/bthPR | grave-digger.de | roar-records.de «June | Index | August»
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