REVIEWS JUNE 2025
«May | Index | July»GAUPA: Fyr
Magnetic Eye Records on July 4 - MCD, MLP, DigitalThis band sounds almost like if an alternative rock/metal band would have teamed up with a young Björk. They have found their own dark and modern sound anyway, and after listening a few times it's actually not bad at all. So this could absolutely be worth a try.
This Swedish band released their self-titled debut EP in 2018, and "Fyr" is their 4th release. They blend progressive metal, doom, stoner, and folk to something really heavy and powerful, but at the same time something entrancing thanks to the vocals. They call it heavy stoner rock.
We get 5 tracks on this mini album, and this is said to be a big turning point for the band. Daniel Nygren (guitar) left the band in 2024, so now they just have just 1 guitarist. But they have also changed their writing process, worked in new studios and some new people. The tracks here have got a grittier and more aggressive sound, they say. Good stuff anyway. No doubt about that.
gaupaband.com | facebook.com/MagneticEyeRecords
CAVE: Stronger
Metalapolis Records - Digital SingleFollowing their amicable split with U.S. powerhouse singer Ronny Munroe, CAVE are moving on to their second album with Tommy Laasch, one of Germany's most underrated metal singers (they say). This single is the first taste of the new album, and it's a clear statement that they won't look back and won't let anything get them down. It can also be seen as a source of motivation for others, and encouraging them to face their own demons and the future with more strength and peace of mind.
Well, this is a melodic hard rock song with a more powerful heavy metal chorus, or something like that. It sounds good anyway, no doubt about that.
The still unnamed new album is expected in early 2026.
cave.spread.link/stronger | cave.band | metalapolis.eu
The GENERALS: The Devil You Know
GEN-POP Records - Digital on July 2, LP late JulySometimes it can be useful to make a wish to hear the whole album, as I did when I reviewed the single, "Burned To The Wick", because then a member of the band actually sent me the album so that I could listen to it in advance. Thanks a lot for that, because this is good stuff, just as I expected.
The GENERALS hailing from Portland, Oregon, and this is their debut album. The high-octane music could be called action rock to make it easy. It's a relentless mix of rock, punk and metal. Or like if SUPERSUCKERS, TURBONEGRO, The HELLACOPTERS, NASHVILLE PUSSY and SOCIAL DISTORTION would team up for a jam and actually make some songs out of it. Yes, this is rocking hard and the energy is high. I think you should really check this out.
linktr.ee/thegeneralspdx
ALIEN BOYS: Live At Rain City Recorders
Alien Boys - Digital EPALIEN BOYS is a riot grrrl punk band from Vancouver, Canada. This EP was as the title says recorded live at Rain City Recorders, and captures the band's signature chaos and urgency in a raw, one-shot performance. Their music is a wild mix of punk, hardcore, and heavy rock. It's a intense mix of searing, melodic vocals and furious riffs. And when it comes to the lyrics, it's topics like police brutality, reproductive rights etc.
We get 3 original songs and a cover of PJ Harvey's "Down By The Water". It all sounds very good, so there's nothing to compalin about. Definitely worth checking out.
The band formed in 2016, and has released 2 full-length albums so far.
youtube.com/watch?v=U6f5CRKXz0A | alienboys.ca
BLANK: The Descent
Upstate Records NY - Digital AlbumBLANK hailing from Drummondville, QC, Canada, and have roots deep in metallic hardcore and beatdown. "The Descent" is a feral exploration of the human psyche, pain, and raw emotion, delivered with high energy and ruthless aggression. Their message is as honest as it is explosive, and the energy is high and in your face. Yet they are just as heavy as most other bands in this genre.
They are hardly doing anything new and unique, but they are damn good at what they are doing, so there's no reason to complain. Fans of metallic hardcore should like this.
linktr.ee/blank.hc.official
DESPIZER: Krew
Via Nocturna - CDPolish band DESPIZER was formed in the spring of 2013. Their goal was clear: To create uncompromising, raw material inspired by the sounds of the Swedish crust punks WOLFPACK and British hardcore/punk legends DOOM. As new members joined the band, their sound began to evolve. The aggression and directness remained, but new elements appeared, like influences of thrash and black metal, intertwining d-beat blast beats and more complex song structures. Their debut album, "Joyride Of Despair", was released in 2014, and followed by "Pogarda" in 2017.
Since 2020 they have been working on this third album, "Krew" (which means blood). And after a pandemic and some lineup changes, they could finally enter the studio in the spring of 2024.
This album is said to be both a continuation and development of the stylistic language known from the previous album. They begin with a heavier song. But even a heavier song can be raw when you have a shouting hooligan on vocals. And after that the other guys seems to have got enough to wake up, becuse then there's more action. All lyrics are in Polish, and I guess we can describe this as crust punk/metal. It's mainly raw and violent music. Pretty good stuff anyway. The last song is 11:25 minutes long, while the rest is between 3:11-5:23 minutes.
youtu.be/CZHhVdl-bg4 | vianocturna.eu/despizer-krew-cd-p-2325.html | despizer.bandcamp.com
PROFESSOR EMERITUS: A Land Long Gone
No Remorse Records - CD, DigitalChicago's PROFESSOR EMERITUS was founded in 2010, and "A Land Long Gone" is their second full-length album. It delves further into their epic doom and traditional metal influences, and is said to be recommended for fans of ARGUS, DAWBRINGER, TERMINUS, and CANDLEMASS.
It's 8 years since the debut album, "Take Me To The Gallows", was released, which I don't think I have heard. But I can at least hear that this album is really good, so I would recomend you to check this out as soon as possible.
8 tracks is what we get here. Some songs are 7-9 minutes, while others are between 4-6 minutes.
noremorse.gr | professoremerit.us
PHANTOMY: From The Wild
Inverse Records - CD, DigitalThis is the debut album from these Finnish hard rockers. The band was formed in 2020, and their goal is to deliver a dose of raw rock attitude straight from the deep woods and smoky garages of their hometown Iisalmi. At the same time their music is without a doubt also rooted in classic heavy metal.
What we get here is a little bit of everything - from melodic rock n roll chaos to heavy riffs in leather, via punk-fueled madness and a epic ballad. It sounds American 80s, and the songs are not bad at all. I would guess that this could be something for fans of bands like SKID ROW, MÖTLEY CRÜE, RATT, and similar stuff.
phantomy.bandcamp.com | inverse.fi
CROSSON: Guilty Of Rock
Wormholedeath Records - LP, Digital"Guilty Of Rock" is the 7th studio album from Australian theatrical glam rockers CROSSON. It's catchy and anthemic as usual, fusing catchy 80s hard rock with a Jim Steinman (MEATLOAF) flavor to the songwriting. All these 10 songs are really strong, and they often have a big chorus that you can sing-along to. They have simply made a perfect album for any fan of theatrical glam rock and 80s hard rock. There's no weak moments here, but just pure entertainment. You should really check out this band. And that's all I have to say..
youtu.be/rFjiedEZ44w?si=2EyebarpUMSi1qLk | orcd.co/guiltyofrock | crosson.com.au | wormholedeath.com
BANG BANG FIRECRACKER: Diamonds And Dirt
Bang Bang Firecracker - CD Single, Digital SingleThis is the 4th single from BANG BANG FIRECRACKER's "Seven Deadly Singles" series, where every single conceptualises a specific sin, and this time it's lust.
We get a raw hard rocker that last for more than 4 minutes. Stylistically, it's somewhat of a departure from the 3 previous singles, but it sounds really good, so it could be worth a try. But now we are there again.. I just don't know what else I should say about this.
The CD version is a collectors edition with a cover of MOTÖRHEAD's "Iron Fist" (recorded live) as a bonus. It's available in a limited edition of just 100 copies.
bangbangfirecracker.com
Anna KiaRa: Symphony Of Rage
Anna KiaRa - CDAnna KiaRa (ex-IMPERIAL AGE) is a symphonic/power metal singer and composer. Her solo career began in 2020. She combine classical symphonic metal with elemnts of power metal, symphonic black metal, modern and heavy metal.
I can't say that I'm such a big fan of the idea of recording the same songs in different languages, as it doesn't give me anything extra at all. But it's just a few of the songs that we get twice here.
Another problem to me is the soprano (that high opera-like vocals), which is a little irritating to my ears. But otherwise it's actually not so bad, as the music is pretty good at least. So in the end I guess that these songs are pretty good after all, and fans of this genre should absolutely check this out.
youtube.com/watch?v=BAXHCy6UT6c | annakiara.bigcartel.com | annakiaraofficial.com
RESPECT FOR ZERO: Overtime
Time To Kill Records on June 30 - Cassette, Digital EPRESPECT FOR ZERO is a hardcore band from the Italian east coast. They formed in 2013 and have released 2 albums so far. The name doesn't stand for "respect for nothing", but rather for respect for those who are treated like zero compared to corrupt politicians and the authorities who exploit us. They channels the rage of a generation raised in the suburbs, without comfort, and under the repression of the global underground culture, constantly stifled by the church and a bigoted mindset. The band stands firmly against fascism.
This EP is their first release since 2019, and delivers crushing grooves and relentless intensity, staying true to the band's hardcore foundation while embracing a tighter, more dynamic production. It's heavy yet energetic, and these 4 tracks are not bad at all.
youtu.be/vWo8gRgn_l4 | facebook.com/RespectForZero | timetokillrecords.com
DRÅPSLAG: Kir & Komplimanger
DiSTAT Records on June 27 - Digital EPI don't think that I have heard this Swedish punk band before, so they are new to me. They play a noisey and raw kind of punk that is straight and simple, yet not without some kind of melody. These 4 songs are between 1:22 to almost 4 minutes, and this is their third EP.
The band formed in 2020 and they could be described as a mix of Swedish punk, street punk and Oi' in Swedish. Think of bands like COCK SPARRER, DROPKICK MURPHYS, ASTA KASK and SHAM 69 for example. DRÅPSLAG features members from acts like WOLFPACK/WOLFBRIGADE and BRUTE FORCE TRAUMA.
Well, you can absolutely hear what area they are from (Mariestad), because they have that special dialect and sounds like boys from the country. The songs sounds really good though, so I can really recomend you to check them out.
linktr.ee/drapslag
Marc Amacher: Load
Hoboville Records on June 27 - CD, LP, DigitalMarc Amacher is a Swizz musician, and what we get here is a blues rock album with bass and drums that pulsate like a train in the night. Marc's music is deeply rooted in the traditions of the blues, but he also brings modern elements and his own creative touch to his songs. So sometimes there's also some soul and funk in these songs, and even reggae in 1 song. It's mainly raw and honest. Not bad at all.
It's said that this album is saturated with stories that were never written down - stories that seeped into the ground, were whispered around campfires, shouted into the wind from drawbridges.
The VIOLENT HOUR: Hell Or Hollywood
Megaforce Records - Digital SingleThis is Carla Harvey's (ex-BUTCHER BABIES) new band, and this song also features Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY). The song is taken from a upcoming, self-titled, EP, and is about her time in Hollywood.
This song have elements of many different genres somehow, but I guess we can call it modern hard rock. A pretty o.k. song with a catchy chorus, but for some reason not something that I can remember after hearing it.
orcd.co/hellorhollywood | facebook.com/carlaharveymusic
QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE: Live At The Catacombs
Matador Records - Digital EP out now, Vinyl on Aug. 22This is a bit of a strange record. Very quiet and soft. It actually sounds more like laidback lullabies than rock. Not exactly something for me.
"Live At The Catacombs" is a stripped-down thing with a 3-piece string section, employing chains and chopsticks as makeshift percussion instruments. It's entirely unfiltered, as every song was recorded live in a complete take with no overdubs or edits. And it's also available as a film, which also features a behind the scenes documentary. It was filmed and recorded in July 2024 in Paris, France.
5 tracks is what you get, and all I can say is that this is not the kind of QUEENS OF STONE AGE that I like to hear. Pretentious? Indeed!
qotsa.com
IRON ECHO: Forged In Fire
Metalapolis Records on June 27 - CDIRON ECHO is a heavy metal band from Heilbronn, Germany, that was founded in August 2022. "Forged In Fire" is their debut album, which was self-released on CD in the end of 2024 and sold on concerts. But in the beginning of 2025 they made a deal with Metalapolis Records, and they agreed that the album and the band deserved more attention. So it will now be available worldwide, which is good both for the band and you.
This band might be pretty new, but the members have experience from several other bands. And what we get here is classic heavy and power metal in the vein of JUDAS PRIEST, HELLOWEEN, PRIMAL FEAR and ACCEPT. But they also add their own touch, so it's not a exact copy of those bands. The quality on this material is really high, and something that I really recomend you to check out.
It will be very interesting to see if they can make another album that is this good. Feel no pressure..
metalapolis.eu | iron-echo.de
INGLORIOUS: V
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - LP, CD, DigitalBritish hard rockers INGLORIOUS return with a new album.
In 2022, after a lengthy UK tour, INGLORIOUS announced a hiatus. After 7 years of non-stop touring, 4 original albums, a live album and a covers album, everyone felt it was the right time to take a break. But now they are back again. And this time lead singer Nathan James is joined by original bassist and main co-writer Colin Parkinson, as well as guitarist Richard Shaw (CRADLE OF FILTH, NG26, EMPEROR CHUNG, PLAGUE OF ANGELS) and Henry Rogers (TOUCHSTONE, MOSTLY AUTUMN, Mia Klose, Mark Kelly's MARATHON) on drums.
Together this lineup prove that they are stronger than ever. The songs are really good and powerful, and delivered with lots of passion. So this is an album that they can be really proud of (and then their previous records are not so bad either). If it will be a future classic remains to be seen, but you should definitely give these guys a chance.
ffm.to/ingloriousv | inglorious.com | frontiers.it
A HERO FOR THE WORLD: CineRock 2
Jacob K Music on June 27 - Digital AlbumLong time since I got anything with A HERO FOR THE WORLD. But now a new album is here, and it's filled with songs from movies.
"CineRock" was released in 2017, and now we get a follow up to that album. We get as much as 16 tracks here, and there's many ups and downs along the way. The voice is still as strong as it was before, and this man really like high notes. But sometimes he seems to be a little too brave, and sing songs that I think he can't really handle. And sometimes I don't really know if I should take this seriously as some songs are just silly and stupid, and makes me laugh. But there's some good songs too, so this is not totally hopeless. He could easily have thrown away at least 5 of these songs though.
A HERO FOR THE WORLD formed in 2012, and is a Swedish rock and power metal project led by Jacob Kaasgaard, who is doing most of the vocals and plays most instruments as well. 7 full-length albums and multiple singles has been released through the years, and there's already more albums on the way. But this is not just a Swedish solo project, but a international group. And on this album he get help from guitarists from Brazil, Ukraine and Venezuela.
aherofortheworld.bandcamp.com/album/cinerock-2 | jacobkmusic.com
HEATHEN'S EYE: Port Inspiro
Pride & Joy Music on June 27 - CD, DigitalHEATHEN'S EYE is a new Swedish melodic metal band, which incorporates many different influences from the fields of AOR, melodic rock and progressive into its sound. The music on this debut album spans over heavy rock, airy ballads and progressive metal. Influences comes from the Scandinavian 80s and 90s, but also bands like QUEENSRŸCHE, ACCEPT and LYNCH MOB. But at the same time they pushes the boundaries of progressive rock further into the future. Hm.. In the end I would say that this is mainly melodic hard rock with a timeless sound. And this is absolutely not bad at all as they have lots of good material here. So I would say that you should give this a try.
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082695914047 | prideandjoy.de
TIFFANY KILLS: World On Fire
CTM ChrisTones Music on June 27 - AlbumTIFFANY KILLS is a German/Dutch hard rock group, and this is their debut album. The band is fronted by John "Jaycee" Cuijpers (PRAYING MANTIS, AYREON, COOPER Inc. etc etc), who is said to be one of the strongest singers and frontmen in the Netherlands. We also have Mathias "Don" Dieth, who was one of the musical minds behind Udo Dirkschneider's solo band U.D.O. in the 1990s, and is considered as one of the best German metal guitar players. The other members are Christian Tolle (C.T.P., Steve Lukather, John Parr, David Reece, Doug Aldrich etc) on guitar, Tom Baer on bass, Tom Wetzels on drums, and Mendy Sneijers on vocals.
On this album we get 10 tracks with groove, hooks and high energy. It goes from heavy scorchers to classic rockers and tracks with a blues rock root. It sounds like something from the 80s, with hit friendly choruses that should make most old hard rockers like this. It reminds me a little of bands like WHITESNAKE and SCORPIONS among others. Simply good old hard rock from a better time, but with a modern recording then. So yes, this is a really good album, and you should check it out.
facebook.com/p/Tiffany-Kills-100090917303252
WARLORD: The Lost Archangel
High Roller Records on June 27 - CD, LP, CassetteWhen founder William J. Tsamis passed away on May 13, 2021 at the age of 60, it looked like it would be the end of U.S. metal band WARLORD. However, the band bounced back in 2024 with a new lineup and a new studio album, "Free Spirit Soar". It was quickly followed by "From The Ashes To The Archives - The Hot Pursuit Continues", a limited edition release to mark the occasion of the band's festival appearances in 2024 with returning WARLORD vocalist Giles Lavery (who also sings for Jack Starr and ALCATRAZZ).
"The Lost Archangel" features a bunch of songs that was given away as an exclusive free download during the festival season in 2024, as well as re-recordings of old songs and live tracks. In other words something for collectors. But I guess it could work for new fans as well.
The music is heavy metal in the old tradition, and this band seems to focus more on mid-tempo than playing fast or heavy, which makes it hard to remember any of these songs, although it's a bit epic as well. But while I listen, it sounds good anyway.
hrrecords.de | linktr.ee/warlordofficial
SAVAGED: Rising
No Remorse Records - CD out now, LP on July 18SAVAGED was formed in Barcelona, Spain in 2021. Their debut album, "Night Stealer", was released in January 2024, and now their second album is already here.
This is a pure 80s heavy metal band, that will make fans of classic acts like JUDAS PRIEST, TOKYO BLADE, RIOT, DOKKEN, and similar bang their heads. You should definitely give these guys a chance, because this is a damn good album. Not a weak moment among these 9 tracks. And I don't think I have to give you any deeper description of what they sound like, as you should know what good old heavy metal sounds like. But let's say that they seems to combine the powerful with the melodic in a perfect way, and they are really good at what they are doing.
noremorse.gr | savaged.bandcamp.com
Johan Langquist The CASTLE: Johan Langquist The Castle
I Hate Records on June 27 - CD, LPJohan Lanquist is a Swedish heavy and doom metal singer, famous from bands like CANDLEMASS and JONAH QUIZZ. In 2024 he went on a little solo adventure, and this album was self-released digitally. But now it will also get a physical release.
What he is doing here isn't always much different from his main band CANDLEMASS, but there's also songs that are more heavy metal and hard rock, so this album has its own style. It's mainly in the 70s/80s tradition, and the material is really strong and definitely worth checking out if you like good old hard rock, heavy metal and doom metal.
For this album Johan worked together with a wide range of well-known Swedish musicians they say. But this is not meant to be just a studio project, and a full lineup will soon take shape. Both live shows and a second album are being worked on.
ihate.se
INHUMAN CONDITION: Mind Trap
High Roller Records on June 27 in EU - CD, LP, CassetteThe name of this band is taken from MASSACRE's EP "Inhuman Condition" from 1992. And this band actually features the former members Taylor Nordberg (guitars), Jeramie Kling (vocals, drums) and Terry Butler (bass). INHUMAN CONDITION have now come to their third full-length, and prove that they are more than just a MASSACRE 2.0. They have simply found their own identity.
The first song is some kind of heavier mid-tempo, but after that there's some more energy. They are not the fastest death band, but it works, so there's no need to complain. Could be worth a try.
hrrecords.de | inhumancondition.bandcamp.com
FER DE LANCE: Fires On The Mountainside
Cruz Del Sur Music on June 27 - CD, LP, DigitalFER DE LANCE hailing from Chicago, and "Fires On The Mountainside" is their second album. They combine the melodic, folky and ancient music of a far-gone time with the heavy metal magic of bands like ATLANTEAN KODEX, Dio-era RAINBOW and DIO, ROTTING CHRIST and others. They go for a clear production that allows their multi-faceted musical triumphs to be truly appreciated in depth, and it sounds epic and ambitious, and professional as an album made by IRON MAIDEN. So I would say that it's a little progressive actually.
They begin with a song that is almost 13 minutes long. The 6 other tracks are between 4-9 minutes.
This is a band who have many good songs, and I think that many fans of heavy metal could like this. And especially those who like it more epic and ambitious then.
cruzdelsurmusic.com | facebook.com/FerdeLanceMetal
MOB RULES: Trial And Trail Of Fear
ROAR - Digital SingleIt's as much as 7 years since this North German power metal collective released their last studio album. But on August 22 they will deliver a new album, "Rise Of The Ruler". And while you wait for that, you can listen to the latest single, "Trial And Trail Of Fear", which is the third single from the album.
Well, this sounds just like it should. Pure German heavy metal in the good old tradition. Nothing to complain about, so most fans of heavy and power metal should be satisfied, and there's not much else to say about that.
mobrules.rpm.link/tatofPR | mobrules.rpm.link/rotralbumPR | facebook.com/mobrulesband | roar-records.de
MAD DOGS: Black Sheep
Go Down Records - Digital SingleItalian action rockers MAD DOGS have unleashed an electrifying taste of their upcoming album, "The Future Is Now", scheduled to be released on September 5 via Go Down Records. That album is described as "a high-voltage blast - a rock n roll manifesto forged from a raw fusion of garage rock, action rock, and proto-punk". And if that sounds like something that you like, then you should definitely check out this explosion. Because this sounds damn good and just like action rock should. I look forward to hear the album.
youtu.be/ELVsf599Hkg?si=kAcv28iWVVNc8Hkd | godownrecords.com/mad-dogs | bfan.link/the-future-is-now-1 | facebook.com/maddogsrnr | godownrecords.com
SATAN TAKES A HOLIDAY: You're The One That I Want
Icons Creating Evil Art - Digital SingleSwedish rock band SATAN TAKES A HOLIDAY are not like everybody else, as they decided to do a cover of a song from the film/musical Grease. And that must be the first time something like that has happened. But while the original version is a high-energy anthem, these guys have made it into a dark, heavy and riff-based monster instead. And I guess that it works somehow becuase it's not so bad as I first thought it would be.
This is hardly the first time that SATAN TAKE A HOLIDAY have done a cover. They have been doing it since their first album in 2009, and I saw on Facebook that they have a playlist on Spotify with all their covers, if that could be of interest? And they will actually release a whole album with covers, "Covering Our Tracks", later this year. So "You're The One That I Want" is just the first taste of that album.
found.ee/stah_theonethatiwant | satantakesaholiday.com | icea.se
The GUILT: Our Feline House
Icons Creating Evil Art - Digital SingleSouthern Swedish duo The GUILT is called both electro-punk and dark disco, but their new single sounds more like post-punk to me, but with a Riot Grrrl twist. Their own description of the song is: "Think 2UNLIMITED bumping into SISTERS OF MERCY at a BIKINI KILL show". You could say that it's a queer song, as this is also the official song for Malmö Pride 2025. So with this song they have something to dance the night away to.
The GUILT is fronted by Emma Anitchka (vocals, machines, knives), and new guitarist/bassist is LIzzy (ex-RAGATA, ARRE! ARRE!). They deliver their synth-driven disco punk with attitude and influences from no-wave disco, electroclash and body punk (and I have never even heard of those genres).
Now it was a few years since I heard this band last time, but after listening to this I just ask myself if they wasn't better last time I heard them? I'm pretty sure that there's people who understand this much better than me, but it's not totally useless anyway.
found.ee/felinehouse | facebook.com/theguiltsweden | icea.se
OBSCENE GESTURE: Re-Living In Profanity (reissue)
Vic Records - CDOBSCENE GESTURE was formed in 2000 in Los Angeles, California and played intense thrash metal/crossover. The all-star lineup featured members of AGENT STEEL, EVIL DEAD, STEEL PROPHET, ABATTOIR and BODY COUNT. The group split up in May 2016 after Guy Green's (vocals) passing.
I don't know when this album was originally released, but it has now been completely remixed, and we also get the "Straight Outta the Gutter" demo from 2006 as a bonus. The artwork and booklet is also new. These 28 songs are from half a minute to 2 and a half minutes, so it's not any long and complicated adventures, but rather pretty straight songs. The music is mainly fast and the vocals is shouted out. I can hear much early hardcore in this band's music.
Pretty good stuff. So I would say that this could be worth a try.
vicrecords.com
NATAS (Not Us): Nuclear Waste 1985 - 1993
Vic Records - CDNATAS was formed in Chicago in 1984, but after several demos they changed the name to NOT US. This band played a wide range of styles - crossover thrash, hardcore/punk, thrash and death metal - imagine a mix of bands like MASTER, CRUMBSUCKERS, DARK ANGEL, EXCEL and D.R.I. But I would not say that I hear that much death metal here, but more hardcore/punk and thrash metal instead.
This discography contains their LP "Think What You Want" (1989), the 2 demos "No One Gets Out Alive" (1989) and "Outcast Of Society" (1985), plus their tracks from the "Wild Rags Limited Edition" split (1990).
They have lots of lovely songs here, but the best songs are not among the tracks on the album (which is great too), but some of the other tracks, like "Czar War", "Maggie" and the DISCHARGE cover for example. Fans of what is called crossover should absolutely check this out. But fans of hardcore and punk could also find something that they like here, because there's lots of that among these 33 songs.
vicrecords.com
HORROR OF HORRORS: Sounds Of Eerie / Rust, Flesh And Dust (reissues)
Vic Records - CD / CDHORROR OF HORRORS was a U.S. death metal band from Silver Spring, Maryland, formed in 1994. The band released 2 official albums. Their 3rd album was only released digitally and never in any other format (they didn't even make any artwork for it). "Sounds Of Eerie" was their debut album, and "Rust, Flesh And Dust" was their second album.
The debut sounds like a demo recording compared to the second album. It sounds like they knew what they were doing though. They had the brutality and the heaviness to make the music sound powerful, and it's pretty good as well. So I guess that if it's classic 90s death metal that you're looking for, then this could be worth a try.
The third album will be released on CD in the end of the month.
vicrecords.com
DANKO JONES: Every Day Is Saturday Night
RPM - Digital Single
Well, this sounds exactly like you have got used to when it comes to this Canadian power trio. So in other words exactly like it should. A weekend anthem to make you a little happier in the middle of the week, if only for 3 and a half minutes. This sounds very promising for the new album, which will be released through Perception in November, where this song comes from. I really like this! So if it's sweaty and energetic rock that you're looking for, look no further, because this is for you.
DANKO JONES have been around since 1996, and the new album will be their 12th studio album.
youtu.be/mEU4vGg1cXk | dankojones.com
BURNING WITCHES: Inquisition
Napalm Records - Digital SingleSwizz heavy metal band BURNING WITCHES will release a new album, "Inquisition", on August 22. The title track has been released as the first single from the album, which will be their 6th. And this time it's said to be a darker, more thunderous brew. This song is a heavy piece with burning riffs and crushing drums. Not bad at all, and absolutely worth listening to.
BURNING WITCHES are going on a U.S. tour between August 30 to September 20. And in the beginning of 2026 they are going on a European tour in January/February.
youtu.be/p2C5FDpKO-g?si=YjBqAqEMZLrF721E | napalmrecords.com/burning-witches?product_list.... | burningwitches.ch
SERPENT CORPSE: Retaliate
Transcending Obscurity Records on June 27 - 10" EP, MCD, DigitalCanadian death metal band SERPENT CORPSE's music has its roots in old school death metal from the late 80s and early 90s. But you will hear them experiment some more with their sound here, especially as the EP progresses. The songs are generally longer than usual. They begin with the shortest song here, which is 5 minutes, while the last and longest song is 9 minutes. And these 4 songs are packed with riffs and raw energy. But also thrashy like in the old days. I would also say that this is more heavy than fast, but it's not doom heavy, so it just gives the songs more power.
Well, I have definitely heard worse than this in my life, because this is actually not so bad at all. So give them a try.
youtu.be/9yMYXGMP0zo?si=jmDDnzPJlbezTvYu | serpentcorpse-label.bandcamp.com/album/retaliate | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com
LIGHTS OF VIMANA: Neopolis
Dusktone - LP, CD, DigitalLIGHTS OF VIMANA craft a deeply cinematic and textural sound with influences from Hans Zimmer, PORCUPINE TREE and MY DYING BRIDE. I guess we can call it melancholy and atmospheric doom metal, which is spiced with ambient synth layers and hard and heavy guitars. The album paints a vivid portrait of a dystopian world. It's dark and cold, not much hope in the ruins. The shortest track here is 4:26, the other 4 tracks are from 8:10 to as long as 14:10 minutes. So it's not any short pieces that we get here. But luckily they menage to keep the songs alive all the way, so I would not say that there's any boring moments here. Much thanks to different moods, and they vary the vocals too, sometimes clean and sometimes harsh.
If you don't like it heavy and atmospheric, then this is not an album for you. But those who enjoy that should absolutely give this a try.
lightsofvimana.bandcamp.com | dusktone.it
NADA: Entropia
Wormholedeath Records - Digital Album"Entropia" is said to capture the intensity of life in Brazil over the past decade. The album reimagines 5 tracks from NADA's debut EP, while also introducing 8 brand-new songs. It's a relentless fusion of thrash, hardcore, punk, and death metal, infused with Brazilian and other South American influences. They refuse to be silent, and this is a battle cry against all injustices and fascism.
NADA formed in 2020 in São Paulo. It emerged as a response to the growing social and political turmoil in Brazil. With the pandemic forcing them into isolation, the band used their time to craft a sound that is as raw and urgent as the reality they face.
I would say that it's mainly a mix of hardcore/punk and thrash metal that we get here, and it sounds really good, so I think you should give these guys a try. The songs are between half a minute to 3 and a half minutes, so it's over pretty fast.
youtu.be/Xgn1x2TZ0ao?si=3TGrMvl8c4wHaOvY | nadathrashcrossover.bandcamp.com | wormholedeath.com
PANZERCHRIST: On Walpurgis Night
Emanzipation Productions - Digital SingleDanish blackened death metallers PANZERCHRIST has delivered a new single, taken from their next album, "Maleficium Part 2", which will arrive on August 22. This song begins really heavy. But don't let that fool you, because after a couple of minutes or so it goes much faster.
With relentless drumming and icy tremolo riffs they gives us a crushing sonic assault that you won't forget. Brutal but very good is what I call this.
bfan.link/on-walpurgis-night | emanzipation.dk
RISE FROM YOUR GRAVE: The New Flesh Reborn
We Are Horror Records - LP, CD, DigitalFrom Pittsburgh comes this horror punk band, who gives us macabre and blood-soaked tales. Think of bands like MISFITS, BLITZKID and CALABRESE. It's classic punk fury mixed with thrash-influenced guitar work, and it's catchy and easy to like. Yes, this is a very good album that you absolutely should check out if you like horror punk, and there's not that much else to say about that as there's not that much to complain about here (it would possibly be the lack of variety then, but that's nothing unusual in this genre).
linktr.ee/rfyghorrorpunk | wearehorrorrecords.com
The SPEAKER WARS: The Speaker Wars
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, LP, DigitalStan Lynch is a long-time drummer and founding member of Tom Petty And The HEARTBREAKERS, but has now launched the new band The SPEAKER WARS together with Texas singer-songwriter Jon Christopher Davis. They are joined by Jay Michael Smith on guitar, Brian Patterson on bass, Steve Ritter on percussion, and Jay Brown on keyboards.
What we get here is a pretty soft and melodic rock in the same tradition as the mentioned Tom Petty and similar. And it sounds like this band is very good at what they are doing, but unfortunately it's a little too soft for my taste. Yet I would say that it's not totally useless. So fans of soft rock will certainly like this.
ffm.to/thespeakerwars | thespeakerwars.com | frontiers.it
TESTORS: Prime Primitive 1976 - 1977
Green Noise Records - LPThis is a archival release from legendary New York City punk band TESTORS. It captures the essence of the band's earliest studio and live recordings.
Founded by Sonny Vincent in 1975, TESTORS took shape in the grimy backrooms and sweat-soaked stages of Max's Kansas City and CBGB - 2 epicenters of the East Village scene that gave rise to RAMONES, Richard Hell, The HEARTBREAKERS, and TELEVISION. TESTORS stayed firmly committed to the fire and fury of pure rock n roll, and their sound consisted of dueling guitar noise and Sonny Vincent's street poetry. Their earliest recordings are considerably tougher, louder and more desperate than any other music made at that time. They had a wealth of songs and studio sessions, but due to their fiery temperament and their desire to burn every bridge in sight they simply rejected the compromises demanded by record companies.
Although it's raw and explosive, the vocals is often melodic, and they had some really strong songs. Just listen to tracks like "You Don't Break My Heart" and "Voltaire" for example, or why not the brilliant "Hey You"? - 3 excellent songs in a row that prove that this band should have become more famous and important than they seems to be. So get this LP before they are sold out (this collection will not be released digitally).
store.greennoiserecords.com/products/testors.... | sonnyvincenttestors.bandcamp.com
THRASHERWOLF: Call Of The Wolves
Thrasherwolves - Digital SingleFollowing the success and support of their sophomore album "Inside The Sickened Mind" in late 2024, London metalheads THRASHERWOLF headed out on a 10-date headlining tour across England and Wales in 2025. To celebrate the tour and to thank all the fans, promoters and venues that supported the band, they have release this new single, "Call Of The Wolves", which was recorded during the same sessions as the album. An early demo of the song was available on the "Moshin' The Roof On 4" compilation, but this is a new recording.
THRASHERWOLF formed in 2019, and they play old school thrash metal, and they do it really good. This song is absolutely worth checking out if you like your thrash the good old way.
youtu.be/-uy8-LEOsTs?si=CZCJZPDgk43KZGeZ | thrasherwolf.com
WRITTEN IN BLOOD: Black Widow Walpurga
Written In Blood - Digital SingleThis is said to be something for fans of old-school death metal, concept-driven songwriting, and bands like HYPOCRISY, BOLT THROWER, UNLEASHED, and GOD DETHRONED. The track is inspired by the chilling real-life story of 16th-century midwife Walpurga Hausmännin, accused of witchcraft, demonic pacts, and the murder of over 40 children. It marks the first part of a 2-track concept, with the sequel to appear on the band's upcoming second album.
WRITTEN IN BLOOD is a Dutch band, formed in 2019 by former members of GOD DETHRONED and MANDATOR. They were later joined by ex-members of MORTE AETERNA and PROCREATION. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2022.
This is said to be their most intense track to date, yet I would say that it's heavy and powerful as well. So in the end it's just like it should be, and in other words a good song. Give it a try!
writteninblood.nl
MOTÖRHEAD: The Manticore Tapes
BMG on June 27 - 2LP/7" Single, LP, CD, Digital
What we have here is a "lost" album recording from 1976, which will now be released for the first time. These 11 tracks comes from the first ever studio session with the classic lineup (aka The Three Amigos): Lemmy Kilmister (bass/vocals), Fast Eddy Clarke (guitar) and Philty Animal (drums). The recordings took place in August 1976 at Emerson, Lake & Palmer's legendary Manticore Studio in Fulham, England. 49 years later, this long lost tape has surfaced, been dusted off and restored in all its raw glory, to celebrate the seminal hard rock band's 50th anniversary.
3 songs here are instrumental, and there's also Alternative Takes of 3 of the songs. The only song that I don't think that too many have heard before is the first track, simply titled "Intro (Instrumental)". Most of these songs ended up in other versions on the band's self-titled debut album, and those who didn't can be found on albums like the noisey and raw live album "What's Words Worth?" and "On Parole" for example.
Well, as a fan of the band this was fun to hear. They were really a different band here from what they would become later. It's more like fast and raw punky rock n roll. This is a very good album anyway, so it's absolutely worth checking out.
The double LP/7" deluxe package also includes "Live: Blitzkreig on Birmingham '77" on the second LP and the single "Live at Barbarella's Birmingham '77" (previously unreleased).
bit.ly/4m84SkY | motorhead.lnk.to/TheManUcoreTapesPR | imotorhead.com
FURY: Interceptor
Mighty Music - Digital SingleBritish heavy metal band FURY will release a new album, "Interceptor", on September 5. The title track has been choosen as the first single. It's said to be "a no-holds-barred anthem that encapsulates the high-octane spirit of the band's evolving sound". You can expect fast riffing and dual vocals. This is energetic and powerful heavy metal in the old school, that should please both old and young fans of the genre.
It sounds very good and promising for the new album. You should check it out.
bfan.link/interceptor-1 | furyofficial.co.uk | mightymusic.dk
MERIDIAN: Uprising
From The Vaults - Digital SingleThis is the first single from Danish melodic heavy metal band MERIDIAN's new album, which will be their fifth (more info later). It marks the studio debut for their new frontman Søren Adamsen (ex-ARTILLERY). And his commanding vocals bring a harder edge to the band's sound. It's a upbeat hard rocking song with sharp riffing, powerful hooks and a raw energy. There's a 80s vibe, but at the same time it doesn't sound old. I think of something like ACCEPT mixed with JUDAS PRIEST for example. A really good song anyway, so you check it out of course.
bfan.link/uprising-2 | fromthevaults.dk
LOTAN: Righteous Fury
Emanzipation Productions - Digital SingleDanish blackened death metallers LOTAN attack with a new single, which is taken from their upcoming album, "Yetzer Hara", which will be released on August 15. The song is delivered with a burning aggression and the hands around your throat. It's hard and heavy, as well as really brutal. Not bad at all. So if you want some blackened death metal brutality, then you should really check this out.
bfan.link/righteous-fury | emanzipation.dk
LOVER: Fatal Attraction
Lover - Cassette on June 20 / Digital EP out nowThis 2-track-EP was released digitally in November 2024, but will now also be released on good old cassette in a limited edition.
I have been listening several times now, but all I can come up with is that this Calgary band play high-energy rock n roll, which reminds me a little of the American hard rock from the 1980s. These 2 songs are very good, no doubt about that, and yet I don't really know what else I should say. Worth checking out anyway.
spoti.fi/43tjRNP | wp.me/pciNW-n1o
MYR: Hellvegen
Myr on June 20 - AlbumThis is the debut album from these Norwegian black metallers. It's a duo consisting of Svartan and TZommer, 2 seasoned members of the metal community. They play a raw, primal black metal fused with melodic elements rooted in the Northern musical tradition. It's a haunting exploration of mysticism and darkness, invoking the brutal intensity of the Nordic wilderness. It might not always go fast, but is more dark and frozen.
They have many good songs here, so this is absolutely worth checking out for fans of Scandinavian black metal. They recomend this for fans of legends like SATYRICON, BATHORY and DISSECTION.
facebook.com/myrnorge
SWEET: Level Headed Alternate Mixes & Demos
Metalville Records on June 20 - CD, LPI think it's a bit of a strange arrangement on this album. It begins with a interview from 1978, and after that comes a slow song. So it's actually not until the third track that it start to rock (that song should have been first and the interview last).
The album "Level Headed" was released in January 1978. It sounds like they became a little over ambitious and pretentious here. It's not bad, but not the old glam rock SWEET either. Instead they experiment with a wild mix of different styles, from their early bubbelgum days to AOR. This album gave the band their last Top 10 hit with the dreamy "Love Is Like Oxygen".
"Level Headed Alternate Mixes & Demos" was previously released as a strictly limited vinyl only in USA. What we get is just what the title says. Some of these songs are good, some are not so interesting. I would guess that this is another album just for the hardcore fans though, because listening to unfinished versions without lyrics (2 songs) and instrumental songs (2 or 3) is actually not so funny (not for me anyway).
I think they should calm down with all these SWEET records, because it's getting too much now. But it seems like they are so happy about having SWEET on their label that they don't think that far, but just release everything they can. 1 album per month is too much at once though. And there will of course be another album next month, when they release "Platinum Rare 2". It reminds me of when Frontiers Music released lots of live albums and collections with BLUE ÖYSTER CULT a few years ago - More or less same songs on every album in different versions, not so funny after a while.
metalville-shop.com | thesweet.com
RELIQUIAE: Paranoia
Metalville Records on June 20 - CD, DigitalAfter 6 years, RELIQUIAE are back with a new album. It's said to be their heaviest and most metal-heavy work to date. And the band is also celebrating their 15th anniversary this year.
These guys seems to play some kind of folk metal, and blend in instruments like bagpipes, nyckelharpa, hurdy-gurdy and violin. On top of that we also have multi-layered melodies. They mix catchy and danceable parts with darker and heavier parts. All lyrics are in German, so I don't have a clue what they are singing about.
But although it's catchy it doesn't have the party vibe which is common in this genre. It's simply not so happy, but sounds more serious instead. However, I'm pretty sure that it's perfectly fine to raise a glass or 2 to this anyway, if you would like to do that.
metalville-shop.com
REFLECTION: The Battles I Have Won
Pitch Black Records on June 20 - CD, LP (vinylstore.gr), DigitalIt's 8 years since Greek heavy metal band REFLECTION released their last album, "Bleed Babylon Bleed". But now they return with a new album, "The Battles I Have Won".
The band have been active for more than 3 decades, and released their debut album, "The Fire Still Burns", in 1999.
REFLECTION deliver a heroic kind of heavy metal with many different elements. Sometimes it's more energetic, sometimes darker. But it's also powerful and melodic, but most of all epic, which is made even stronger by the orchestral elements in some of the songs.
With a strong material you can get far, and this is really good stuff. Not one dead moment.
pitchblackrecords.com | facebook.com/reflectiongr
ROW OF ASHES: Tide Into Ruin
Road To Masochist - LP, CD, DigitalFrom Bristol, UK comes this orchestra. They released their first album, "Let The Long Night Fade", in 2017, and their music is a dark, raw and powerful mixture of sludge, noise, post-hardcore and extreme metal. It's said to fit fans of bands like WILL HAVEN, NEUROSIS, KOWLOON WALLED CITY and SLABDRAGGER. Not any bands that I have heard, so I don't know if it's anywhere near what this band is doing. But the music is heavy and the singer scream. I would guess that this could be something for both fans of hardcore and fans of sludge.
Some songs are o.k. here, although there's not much variety. And when there is some variety, then it's some atmospheric crap that doesn't make me happier.
facebook.com/RowofAshesband | roadtomasochist.co.uk
TORANAGA UK: A New Order
Toranaga UK on June 19 - EPIn the late 1980s, the British thrash scene exploded with bands, like SABBAT, XENTRIX and ONSLAUGHT, to name just a few. But there were also many bands that stood on the side, and who never became one of the legendary bands. One of those were TORANAGA, who formed in 1985. But they managed to get signed by Peaceville Records, and then major label Chrysalis Records, and also toured with MANOWAR and VENOM. So you could think that they should have become more famous than they seems to be (I don't think I have heard of them before anyway). After just 2 albums, they went seperate ways in the early 90s.
However in 2024, with original, ever-present vocalist Mark Duffy at the helm, TORANAGA were reborn as TORANAGA UK. And what we get on this new EP is 2 brand new songs and 2 re-recordings. It sounds just like in the 80s, which I guess doesn't exactly come as a surprise. But that's just good, as I really like that old school sound. So this is really good stuff, and absolutely worth checking out.
facebook.com/ToranagaUK
ULTRABLUT: Tja
The Lasting Dose - LP, DigitalULTRABLUT is a German hardcore/noise/surf/punk band. They released a EP, "Teneriffa", in 2024, and "Tja" is their full-length debut.
The first track, "Temu Kobain", is really good, and there's a few more good punk songs like that. But then there's also these noise rock tracks, or whatever I should call it, and that's not so interesting to me. This is in other words an album with both ups and downs, which destroys the experience. I would have preferred to hear just punk instead of all that crap (which some of these songs are). But that's just my opinion of course.
They sing and scream in both English and German.
thelastingdoserecords.bandcamp.com/album/tja-tld14 | instagram.com/ultrablut
NIGHTBEARER: Defiance
Testimony Records on June 13 - CD, LP, DigitalThis is the third full-length from German death metallers NIGHTBEARER, and what you can expect is a mix of the classic HM-2 chainsaw guitar sound and melodic death metal of the Swedish kind. But there's also a black metal passage here and a doom spiced moment there. But most of all it's old school and brutal. Yet it's also said to be an overall much more atmospheric album.
The lyrical concept is directly inspired by the "His Dark Materials" trilogy of books by English author Sir Philip Pullman. This band are more interested in literature - particularly of the fantasy, grimdark, and horror genres - than the gore and splatter theme.
Well, this is a really good album, so I can only recomend you to give it a try. I'm pretty sure that you will like what you hear.
lnk.spkr.media/nightbearer-defiance | facebook.com/testimonyrecords | nightbearer.bandcamp.com/album/defiance
METAL DETEKTOR: Violence And Pride
Rude Awakening Records on June 20 - CD, DigitalMETAL DETEKTOR hailing from Calabria, Italy, and was founded in 2000. They released a EP, "Maximum Overdrive", in 2021, but it seems to be 5 years since this heavy metal band's last full-length album, "The Battle Of Daytona", was released.
What they deliver on this album is a traditional kind of heavy metal. But at the same time they say that they are not aiming for a typical 80s sound, and yet it sounds like something that just as well could have been recorded in the 80s, but with a modern production of course. It sounds good anyway, and they also seems to be very good musicians, so this could be worth a try.
linktr.ee/rudeawakeningrecords | metaldetektor.bandcamp.com
MAJOR BUSINESS: Oddities & Odysseys
Major Business - AlbumThis southern Swedish band call their music psych rock. But that's not really what it sounds like to me, as it's not so heavy and psychedelic as music in that genre use to be. They have been described as a mixture of Australian psychedelia, garage rock from the 2000s and a dose of The BEATLES magic.
Anyway, they played together for the first time 8 years ago, and have ever since dreamed of releasing an album. And now their debut album is here, where we get a catchy, energetic and melodic kind of rock with vocal harmonies and many different influences. They are absolutely doing a good job here and have many good songs. So yes, they can be proud of what they have created.
Among the best songs are "Always On The Run" and "Ain't No Telling".
facebook.com/officialmajorb
HOLLOW LEG: Dust And Echoes
Third House Communications on June 13 - LP, DigitalFlorida-based heavyweights HOLLOW LEG formed in 2009. When they began to work on what became "Dust And Echos", they wasn't setting out to write a full-length album, but 2 EPs instead. The material was written and recorded during separate sessions across the span of a year. And somehow those 2 EPs have become a full-length album after all.
"Dust And Echos" is said to be their most cohesive and diverse album to date. Across 9 songs and nearly 40 minutes, the band channels doom, grunge, hard rock, space rock, and old-school metal into a singular vision of destruction, decay, and transcendence. They blend crushing heaviness and brutality with clean vocals and melodic elements, and I guess we can call it sludge to make it easy for ourselves.
Some heavy bands can be extremely slow and monotonous to listen to, but HOLLOW LEG is an exception. They bring in some energy to the music, which makes them more interesting to listen to.
hollowleg666.bandcamp.com
HELMS DEEP: Chasing The Dragon
Nameless Grave Records on June 20 - 2LP, CD, DigitalU.S. traditional/power metal outfit HELMS DEEP was formed in 2017 by guitarist and vocalist Alex Sciortino with the initial vision of forming a raw 1980s-style speed/power metal band of the likes of bands like RIOT, IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST, while blending the genre with the ambiguity and atmosphere of prog and fusion when called for. This project had been in the works for around 5 years before he linked up with drummer Mike Heller (RAVEN, MALIGNANCY, ex-FEAR FACTORY) and bassist John Gallagher (RAVEN) and got to work on the first HELMS DEEP album, "Treacherous Ways", which was released in 2023.
During the tracking of the first album, Alex hit a jolt of inspiration and wrote 11 more songs for a follow-up album, which now arrives as "Chasing The Dragon". And this time we can find Hal Aponte (ICE AGE) on drums, and Ray DeTone (Paul Di'Anno's KILLERS) on second guitar. It's said that the album was recorded in 3D, which means that we can hear DeTone on the left channel and Sciortino on the right, with the Aponte and Gallagher rhythm section gluing it all together. It's also said that this 4-piece lineup presents a much more organic and live sound. And the album also features unorthodox folk instruments, with the guests Liang Wu supplying erhu and Cliff Hackford supplying Tabla.
This is an album in the good old metal tradition, but without sounding dated. The songs are really good, so this is absolutely worth checking out.
helmsdeep666.bandcamp.com | namelessgraverecords.com
The CHEATS: Old Rats On A New Ship
Screaming Crow Records on June 20 - CD, LP, Digital (I think?)Action rockers The CHEAT hailing from Pittsburg, and now they are getting ready to release their 6th studio album.
After the departure of guitarist Rob Senomar in 2023, the band decided to scrap most of the songs they had written with Rob and start fresh with new guitarist/producer, Johnny Razorblade, who had produced some previous stuff with the band. In 2024 they entered the studio to record their new album, and here's the result, "Old Rats On A New Ship".
This sounds very much like a punk rock band with lots of rock n roll energy, and I really like what I hear. This is a fantastic album with only great songs, so you have to check this out if you like energetic punk rock and action rock.
Nice with a cover of the ANTI NOWHERE LEAGUE classic "For You". It's a great song, and The CHEATS do it really good of course. But then it's not much diffferent from the original version.
screamingcrow.com | facebook.com/thecheatspgh
CRÜZER: Look At The Skies
Crüzer - Digital EP (MCD soon)This Vancouver band call their music "cosmic thrash", and this is their debut EP, where we get 5 tracks mainly in the old tradition of thrash, but with a melodic and humorous twist. So this is in other words really good stuff. And with a song like "(I Need) Thrash" they have the perfect thrash anthem for every mosh pit (or circle pit). If that song doesn't make you want to shake loose and bang your head like a maniac, then there must be something wrong with you (if you're handicaped you're excused of course). Fact is that any of these 5 songs should make you want to bang your head, so what are you waiting for?
spoti.fi/3GKuG6C | wp.me/pciNW-mZK | cruzermuzik.bandcamp.com
BÖDEL: Snabbasth
DiSTAT Records on June 13 - Digital EPThese 3 tracks was recorded at the same time as the debut EP, "Välkommen Till Avrättningen", which was released a year ago. These songs have previously just been available on a CD that was released by a Mexican label in December last year (the first edition is completely sold out).
They deliver these tracks in 5 and a half minutes, and it sounds just like the last EP. Which means that it goes fast, and the vocals is shouted out in pure anger. I really like this kind of stuff, so I think this is brilliant. This is something that every fan of 90s crust punk, hardcore/punk, käng (whatever you want to call it) must check out. Now!
BÖDEL are currently in the studio to record their debut album, which they plan to release in the fall. But considering how short their songs are, the question is whether there won't be a bit too many songs if they are to manage to fill out a full-length album? It's simply something that remains to be seen (or rather heard).
linktr.ee/Bodelpunk
SIGNERI: Signeri
ViciSolum Productions on June 13 - CD, LP, DigitalThis is the debut album from this Swedish dark metal band. Their music is a blend of melodies and crushing heaviness, and sometimes there's also elements of melodic death metal here. It sounds like they have carved out their own kind of metal, which includes an occult atmosphere. It's absolutely not any soft metal or gothic metal that we get, but a pretty raw metal.
It's actually a little hard to explain what this band really sound like, but it's good at least. So the best would be if you could listen for yourself, because I don't even know what I should compare them with.
orcd.co/signeri | facebook.com/people/Signeri/61550699487096
TAZ TAYLOR BAND: The Other Side Of Midnight
No Hair Music - CD, DigitalGuitarist Taz Taylor released his debut album, "Welcome To America", in 2006, which featured legendary vocalist Graham Bonnet (RAINBOW, MSG, ALCATRAZZ). Since then Taz has collaborated with other notables such as Mark Boals (Yngwie Malmsteen, ROYAL HUNT, RING OF FIRE), Doogie White (ALCATRAZZ, RAINBOW, PRAYING MANTIS, Michael Schenker's TEMPLE OF ROCK) and DEEP PURPLE keyboardist Don Airey.
We have now come to his 8th album, "The Other Side Of Midnight", and this time it's a bit different as he has recruited a female singer, Laura K. Vreeland, for the band. And she's a really good choice, because her voice fits perfect for these songs. I guess we can describe the music as some kind of melodic rock and classic rock, and we get both original material and a few covers - like "Desert Song" by MSG, "Temple Of The King" by RAINBOW and the 60s classic "California Dreamin'". It sounds really good, so I have nothing to complain about.
youtu.be/sCA1Jl7Y3-g?si=ObrQTkjWWIo67uGi | taztaylor.com
Tinna Boman: Everything's Wrong
Tinna Boman on June 12 - Digital SingleSwedish songwriter/singer/guitarist Tinna Boman (RAGATA) return with her second solo single, "Everything's Wrong".
After the release of her debut single, "Chokehold", in May, she gives us a fast and short punk song. This is more raw and straight than the first single, yet catchy and with melodic vocals. It was born out of the despair and frustration from constantly being fed with news about all the things that are wrong in the world.
This is really good and something that you absoluteley should listen to. And there's not much else to add there..
EXELERATE: The Madness
From The Vaults - Digital SingleDanish power thrashers EXELERATE captures the inner torment of depressive rumination, that quiet war between sanity and the pull of darkness. They describe this song as fast, aggressive, and uncomfortably real. Sure, it goes fast, but it's more melodic than aggressive actually.
This band blend the precision of prog with the fury of thrash and the grandeur of power metal. Their sound is both old school and modern. And this new single is certainly not bad at all. Some kind of melodic power/thrash metal in its own league you could say. You should definitely give it a try.
EXELERATE released their self-titled debut album in 2023, and a new album will be announced soon.
bfan.link/the-madness | exelerate.dk
Don Felder: The Vault - Fifty Years Of Music
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, LP, DigitalGuitarist and songwriter Don Felder is probably best known for his role with The EAGLES (1974-2001 if I get it right). This is his 4th solo album, which offers a collection of newly recorded versions of songs originally demoed over a span of 5 decades - From the album opener, "Move On", from 1974, to "I Like the Things You Do", written in 2023. The music is best described as a mix of timeless rock anthems and heartfelt ballads. And in addition to the previously unreleased material, "The Vault" also includes a newly re-recorded version of "Heavy Metal", Felder's classic hit from his 1983 debut album, "Airborne", and the soundtrack of the 1981 animated film of the same name.
Felder is joined here by an all-star team of musicians, like David Paich, Steve Lukather, Joseph "Joe" Williams, and Greg Phillinganes of TOTO, renowned drummers such as Greg Bissonette, Brian Tichy, Todd Sucherman, plus Timothy Drury, Nathan East, Nina Winter and Lenny Castro, among others.
This is more melodic and feel good than fast rockers. But this wasn't so bad. He have many good songs among these 11 tracks. No doubt about that. But I would guess that this is more for older people than young people. So fans of The EAGLES then I guess?
ffm.to/donfelderthevault | donfelder.com | frontiers.it
DARKYRA: Life Force
Battlegod Productions on June 13 - CD, DigitalDARKYRA is a joint venture between drummer/producer Garry King (Jeff Beck, Joe Lynn Turner) and singer/songwriter Gina Bafile (aka Darkyra or Darkyra Black, also the new lead singer of ANFITRITE). The 2 first albums came out in 2014 and 2015, but it's not until now that their third album is ready to be released.
The band have a diverse sound, where they combine cinemtaic metal, epic metal, gothic rock, art rock, opera metal and progressive rock. They also blend soaring operatic vocals and rock vocals. So I guess it's not so hard to figure out that this is very ambitious and professional, and not so easy to put in just 1 genre.
A few things are said to be different on this album.. The vocals are set further in the mix to give it more of a rock style edge, and the music is less dominated by keyboards and synth. Part of their aim was to capture the essence of 80s rock and combine it with gothic and progressive rock, but emphasize the bass and low tuned guitars to still keep a semi metal sound. There's also lots of vocal layering.
They might be good at what they are doing, but at the same time they don't really have anything extra that catch my interest. And why can't she sing normal? The result is that it just goes in and out, and I can't remember anything of what I just heard.
facebook.com/Battlegod.Productions.Australia | darkyramusic.com
Chris Caffery: 20 Years Of The Music Man
Metalville Records on June 13 - 2CD, 2LP, DigitalThe SAVATAGE and TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA guitarist Chris Caffery gives us a personal selection of 21 songs from his solo career, which has now spanned 2 decades. The compilation includes songs from his solo albums, as well as rare and unreleased tracks, and even a new track. The music is probably best described as U.S. heavy metal, and there's both good and less good stuff here. Nothing is excellent though, which is a little minus of course.
Short review, but I don't really know what else I should say about this, but I have heard much better at least, and 21 tracks of this is a little too much for me.
metalville-shop.com
BYONOISEGENERATOR: Subnormal Dives
Transcending Obscurity Records on June 13 - LP, CD, Cassette, DigitalThese crazy people blend grindcore and jazz, and the result is noisey and chaotic. Fast and brutal parts are mixed with softer parts that includes a saxophone, and the snare drum sounds like a cookie jar (think "St. Anger" by METALLICA). If you're looking for something wild and crazy, then you just have to listen to this album. And I think I actually know a person who could enjoy this kind of madness.
It seems to be 7 years since this band released something last time. And this latest album is more than just a crazy ride, as it's also fun and technical. These guys are hardly any beginners, but seems to be skilled musicians. Yet you should not take it too seriously, as I guess that they are just having fun. Some tracks are just 35-47 seconds short, while most others are around 1 to 3 and a half minutes.
youtube.com/watch?v=_MXLr1io4Oc | byonoisegenerator-label.bandcamp.com/album/subnormal-dives | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com
BLOOD OF ARTEMIS: Fading In Silence
Blood Of Artemis - Digital AlbumBLOOD OF ARTEMIS is a doom metal collective from Portugal, and this is their second album, where they deliver a dark and atmospheric sound that mix crushing doom riffs with intense death metal vocals and mournful melodies. The songs are pretty long adventures, so there's not that many of them. Among the themes are despair, abandonment and existential loss. So this is not any happy shit.
It might not be the best I have heard, but it's far away from the worst, as it's not complete crap. They seems to know what they are doing and sounds professional, so I think that fans of this kind of doom could like this a lot. Why not give it a try?
studios13.bandcamp.com/album/fading-in-silence | facebook.com/BloodOfArtemisDoom
MOOON: You Got It All
Rogue Records - 7" Single, DigitalFrom southern Netherlands comes MOOON, which is made up of brothers Tom and Gijs de Jong, along with their cousin Timo van Lierop. For over 10 years they have been playing their 60s inspired pop music across Europe and the UK. They have released 3 albums and numerous singles through the years.
These 2 songs might not have the same energy as the garage rock that I like so much, but on the other hand, pop was still good in the 60s. And even if they call this pop it's actually rocking a little, so I would prefer to call it 60s inspired pop/rock instead.
It sounds really good anyway, so if you like music from the 60s, then you should really give these guys a try.
linktr.ee/disquesrogue
The BAD BEATS: Lucy Mei
Rogue Records - 7" Single, DigitalEmerging from Vancouver, Canada, The BAD BEATS have been crafting their own fiery take on 60s garage rock since 2014. They have released 3 LPs through German label Soundflat Records, but their latest single is released via French label Rogue Records.
These 2 songs are intense and full of energy. On the A-side we have an original song, "Lucy Mei", and on the B-side we can find the 60s classic "Have Love Will Travel" (you might have heard it with The SONICS for example?). With fuzzed-out guitars and wailing harmonica they deliver at maximum volume. I really like this stuff! This is how garage rock is supposed to be played according to me. In other words a must to check out if you have any interest in garage rock.
linktr.ee/disquesrogue
Ronnie Romero: Live At Rock Imperium Festival
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD/DVD, DigitalHard rock/heavy metal singer Ronnie Romero (Ritchie Blackmore's RAINBOW, MSG, The FERRYMEN, LORDS OF BLACK, SUNSTORM, ELEGANT WEAPONS) has released a live album. The track list is mostly based on his latest solo album, "Too Many Lies, Too Many Masters", but there's also some other stuff, like the DIO cover "Rainbow In The Dark" for example (his 2 first solo albums were cover albums).
Ronnie deliver with heart and soul and a powerful voice that can compete with old school singers. The songs are strong copies of the giants of classic hard rock and heavy metal, but done with such style that it becomes his own songs. Yes, this is really good stuff and something that you really should check out.
ffm.to/romeroliverif | facebook.com/ronnieromeroofficial | frontiers.it
SKUNK ANANSIE: The Painful Truth
FLG Records - LP, CD, Cassette, DigitalBritish rock icons SKUNK ANANSIE are back again with their 7th album, which is their first in 9 years. And it's an album with many different moods. It's mesmerising, provocative, powerful and emotional. The title is simply what you get here. A combination of parenthood, illness, and the departure of their longstanding manager almost led to the end of the band. So this album is a collection of their feelings about what has happened since the last album. Some songs are rock, while others could be described as pop. Some stuff is good, and some is not so good. But that's just my opinion of course. And if you're an old fan, you probably won't be dissapointed.
SKUNK ANANSIE formed in London in 1994. Their debut album, "Paranoid & Sunburnt" (1995), and its follow up, "Stoosh" (1996), both hit the Top 10 album chart in the UK, and with hits like "Weak" and "Hedonism", they established themselves on the international scene. After a third album, "Post Orgasmic Chill", and headlining Glastonbury Festival, they surprisingly went on a lengthy hiatus in 2001. In 2008 they were back again. Throughout their career, the band have sold over 5 million records around the world.
ffm.to/skunkanansietpt | skunkanansie.com
ARHAT: Omniscient
Arhat - Digital SingleGroove death metallers ARHAT deliver a new single, which is said to open a cycle of songs dedicated to the Sumerian-Akkadian civilization. Natalya Androsova, vocalist of the Berlin-based post-black metal band MACHUKHA, is featured on the track, performing some vocal parts. The track's arrangements combine a large number of ethnic instruments and cinematic sound design. The oriental atmosphere is emphasized by the Turkish setar, baglama and percussion instruments.
In other words ambitious stuff. But for what? This is more hard and powerful than good according to my opinion, but not totally hopeless anyway. I would guess that fans of something like SEPULTURA could like this more than me.
odesli.co/m9snkngj7mmnw | facebook.com/arhatgroove
ALICE COOPER: Wild Ones
earMUSIC - Digital Single
The reunited members of the original ALICE COOPER group deliver a second single from the upcoming album, "The Revenge Of Alice Cooper", which will be released on July 25. It's a blistering, riff-fueled homage to youthful rebellion and the raw energy that made them legends. Inspired by the iconic 1953 film "The Wild One", starring Marlon Brando, the track captures the same defiant spirit that once shocked middle America and defined a generation.
Well, the first single was really good and cool, and this is another good song in the old tradition. I think that the upcoming album will be very interesting to hear, because the 2 songs I have heard so far sounds very promising.
youtu.be/YqwLaYFGrn4 | alicecooper.com
ALCATRAZZ: Island In The Sun (Re-Opened 2025)
BraveWords Records - Digital SingleToday's version of 80s hard rockers ALCATRAZZ have re-recorded their old classic "Island In The Sun", and it's now available for streaming.
The band was formed in 1983 in Los Angeles by Jimmy Waldo (keyboards), Gary Shea (bass) and vocalist Graham Bonnet (RAINBOW, MSG). Drummer Jan Uvena (Alice Cooper) and a very young Yngwie Malmsteen (guitar) was soon added to the lineup. They released the album "No Parole From Rock N Roll" (where "Island In The Sun" comes from) in 1983. When Yngwie left for a solo career, he was replaced with Steve Vai, and the band released another album, "Disturbing The Peace", in 1985. Nowadys the lineup is Giles Lavery - Vocals, Joe Stump - Guitar, Jimmy Waldo - Keys, Gary Shea - Bass, and Mark Benquechea - Drums.
This new version of the song is pretty similar to the original version, but with a other vocalist then, so it's just as good as the original. This is a catchy and melodic song that makes you feel good and happy. You should really give it a try if you have not heard it before, because this is a classic.
smarturl.it/islandsun2025 | alcatrazzofficial.com | bravewordsrecords.com
STARGAZER: Make A Deal With The Devil
Mighty Music - Digital SingleNorwegian hard rockers STARGAZER are back with a new single, which was released in the end of May. Razor-sharp riffs, thunderous rhythms, soaring vocals, and a great chorus is what you can expect to hear. It's classic hard rock with a modern bite, and it sounds damn good. You have to check this out!
"Make A Deal With The Devil" is said to mark the beginning of a new chapter for the band. While details remain under wraps for now, STARGAZER's highly anticipated 4th studio album is just around the corner, and it promises to be their most ambitious and electrifying release yet. Really exiting news!
bfan.link/make-a-deal-with-the-devil | stargazerofficial.com | mightymusic.dk
RENEGADE ANGEL: Steal The Fire
Inverse Records - Digital SingleFinnish melodic heavy metal band RENEGADE ANGEL are getting ready to release their new EP, "Steal The Fire", later this year. But before that they let us hear the title track, which has been released as a single.
They are said to be sharper, stronger, and surging with renewed energy, and deliver their most focused and ferocious sound to date. If you're going to judge by this song, then they are hardly on the wrong track, because this sounds really good. So good that I think it can take them to the next level actually. But that remains to be seen. I think that the new EP can be really interesting to hear anyway.
youtu.be/0z2wte6v9ug | facebook.com/AngelRenega | inverse.fi
MÅNEGARM: Hör Mitt Kall
Napalm Records - Digital SingleSwedish metal Vikings MÅNEGARM are back with a new single. The song is taken from the upcoming album "Edsvuren", which Napalm Records will release on August 29. It's a heavy and raw track inspired by all the great heavy metal bands that made them fall in love with this kind of music once upon a time. They weave together Viking, black and folk metal to a powerful brew, where raw vocals is mixed with melodic guitar melodies.
2025 marks the 30-year anniversary for the band, and "Edsvuren" will be their 12th studio album. And you can as usual expect Norse mythology, ancient rites, and folkloric wisdom mixed with unrelenting metal.
youtu.be/Z4GH6IhU6ig?si=LdyS9xkgHIzDFbtv | facebook.com/Manegarmsweden | label.napalmrecords.com/manegarm
METHODEMIC: Heavy Metal Heroin
Methodemic - Digital SingleMETHODEMIC is a Birmingham-based metal/punk outfit. They blend old-school aggression with modern urgency, and a fusion of raw punk attitude and crushing metal riffs. Now that might sound like they would be stonehard, but this song is actually not so hard. Think of something melodic with 80s ANTHRAX for example. Absolutely not bad at all. Give it a try.
linktr.ee/methodemicband
The HALOPHONES: Less Ain't More
Inverse Records - Digital SingleThe HALOPHONES is a garage rock band from Helsinki, Finland, and this is the 4th single from their upcoming debut album, "Noises! Noises! Noises!, which will be released in August. "Less Ain't More" have been the closing song on every gig the band has played during the past 2 years. Singer Atte Nordberg describes it this way: "If The CRAMPS, The STOOGES and early ARCTIC MONKEYS had a baby, this song would be it".
Well, this is an energetic and pulsating rock track in the old school that every fan of old garage rock should check out, because it's cool and good.
The band are going to the UK in September.
push.fm/fl/thehalophones-lessaintmore | inverse.fi
MIDNITE CITY: Midnite City (reissue) / There Goes The Neighbourhood (reissue)
Pride & Joy Music Classixx - CD / CDThis is the 2 first albums from UK hair metal band MIDNITE CITY, which has now been re-released. Both releases are limited to 500 copies and comes with 2 bonus tracks each, and are exclusively available via: shop.prideandjoy.de
The self-titled debut was originally released in 2017, and the second album in 2018. Althought they call this band hair metal, most of these songs sounds more like melodic "hard" rock and almost AOR. It's very catchy and melodic, and could probably make you feel a little better after a hard day. Party rockers goes hand in hand with power ballads, as well as melodic rock and moody mid-paced hard rockers.
These 2 albums are not that different from each other, but they both have a really strong material. No doubt about that.
A brand new album will be released on November 21, and there will be a short UK tour between November 26-30.
GIANT: Stand And Deliver
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, LP, DigitalMelodic rockers GIANT deliver a new album. The lineup is nowadays David Huff on drums, Mike Brignardello on bass, and Kent Hilli (PERFECT PLAN) on vocals, with the addition of Jimmy Westerlund (ONE DESIRE) on guitars. Westerlund also takes on mixing duties alongside Alessandro Del Vecchio, who adds his touch on keyboards as a featured guest. The album also includes some gems penned by the original guitarist and singer Dann Huff.
The band was originally formed in the late 80s by brothers Dann and David Huff, together with the experienced jazz and rock keyboardist Alan Pasqua and Nashville session bass player Mike Brignardello. They released 2 albums, "Last Of The Runaways" (1989) and "Time To Burn" (1991). But with the sudden change of the musical climate in the early 90s, GIANT disbanded and their members became involved in different projects, with both Dann and David Huff becoming well respected producers. In 2001 they were back again and released 2 albums before they went on hiatus again. But in 2017 they did a one-off show in Nashville, which led to another reunion. And here we are in 2025 with a new album, "Stand And Deliver", which is exactly what they do.
Now, you might think that the melodic rock scene is pretty overpopulated these days, and that most bands sound more or less the same. And of course, these guys don't have anything new to add either, but they still do it damn well. Finesse and talent can get you far. And if you also manage to create material of this caliber, then there's nothing to complain about. This is in other words a really strong album that all fans of melodic rock should like.
ffm.to/giantstandanddeliver | facebook.com/Giant.The.Band | frontiers.it
ART NATION: Re-Revolution (reissue)
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD
"Revolution" is the debut album from Swedish melodic hard rockers ART NATION, and it was released in 2015 through AOR Heaven. Now their current label Frontiers Music srl has re-released the album as "Re-Revolution" with some bonus tracks.
This is an album that fits perfect for fans of both melodic hard rock and AOR. They already had many strong songs on this album, and it's never too melodic. I can actually not hear any weak moment here, so this is an album that they can be really proud of. Just check out something like "Don't Wait For Salvation" for example - Great stuff!
ART NATION have of course released some more albums during the years. Their latest album, "The Ascendance", was released just a few weeks months ago.
facebook.com/artnationswe | frontiers.it
SEXFACES: Bad Vibes Ost
Slovenly Records - LP, DigitalThis is the debut album from this Washington, DC trio. Their music is gritty like garage rock, hard-hitting like punk, and darkly moody like post-punk. It's unfiltered, raw and noisey with both male and female vocals. SEXFACES are here to rock, and they don't care if you like it or not. It's honest, pure and naked, but yet so loud and dirty that you just must like it if you have any interest at all in good old garage rock and punk rock. There's no modern elements here, but just rock as it was meant to be - Dangerous and violent.
These 11 tracks are between 1:18 to 3 and a half minutes and free from progressive and psychedelic adventures. And with these songs they prove that it doesn't have to be so comlicated to be good.
youtube.com/watch?v=i1dgbKjMFEo | sexfacesdc.bandcamp.com | slovenly.com
SPLIT SYSTEM / LES LULLIES
Legless Records (AUS)/Drunken Sailor (UK) - 7" EP, DigitalSPLIT VISON is a band from Melbourne, Australia, and they have done a split with French garage rockers LES LULLIES. The 2 bands will hit the road together in June for a run of shows across France and the Basque Country.
SPLIT VISION gives us a punk rock song in the good old tradition, and I really like it. You should really check them out if you like punk from the late 70s.
LES LULLIES deliver their punky garage rock in French, and this song is also really good. Another band that you should check out (new live album out now).
Well, this is simply a split EP that you should check out, and there's not much else to say about that.
leslullies.bandcamp.com
LES LULLIES: Une Nuit à Liepzig
Adrenalin Fix (FR)/Folc (ES)/Wanda Records (DE) - LP, DigitalCouldn't they have done something about the bad sound quality and that irritating "Created with free version for non-commersial use" (or something like that)? I can always raise the volume to hear better, but that last thing is nothing I can do about, and it's so irritating as it appears twice before every song and then 2 times in each song. It really destroys the experience, so please don't use that shit ever again. And hopefully you don't have to listen to that when you listen to this album, becuase then it won't be popular.
LES LULLIES is a French garage rock band who sing in both English and French, and this is a live album recorded in June 2024 at Club ZERO in Leipzig. They spice it with punk energy, and it really rocks. So the music is good and kicks ass, and it seems to have been an intense and sweaty show. This is a no-frills document of the band in its purest form - loud, loose, and completely unfiltered - A must to check out if you like garage rock and punk rock.
adrenalinfixmusic.bandcamp.com/album/les.... | adrenalinfixmusic.com | leslullies.bandcamp.com
WISHING WELL: War Cry
Inverse Records - Digital SingleFinnish heavy metal band WISHING WELL have released a new single. It's a mid-tempo song and not so fast, but yet energetic, and it features cowbell and the band's trademark, the Hammond organ. The song tells a story about man and war.
This song is absolutely not bad at all. Timeless heavy metal, but mainly in the old tradition. People who like the 70s stuff with DEEP PURPLE and URIAH HEEP should give this a try, although it's not exactly the same. But the Hammond organ makes you think of them of course.
At the moment the band is working on their fifth album, due to be released in the spring of 2026. In June they will be support act for GRAHAM BONNET BAND in Finland, and in November they will be support act for GIRLSCHOOL and ALCATRAZZ, also in Finland.
push.fm/fl/wishingwell-warcry | facebook.com/wishingwell2016 | inverse.fi
TEMTRIS: The World Is Bleeding Out
Wormholedeath Records - Digital SingleTEMTRIS is a female-fronted heavy metal band from Australia, and this song is taken from their upcoming 8th full-length album, "Queen Of Crows", which will be released on August 8.
It begins slow with just vocals and a guitar, and you start to wonder if this is going to be a tragic slow song. But then there's some more action, and it becomes a heavy metal anthem instead, and all worries are gone. We get a powerful song that seems to have both traditional and modern elements, but end up somewhere in-between I guess. So let's call it timeless heavy metal then. Worth checking out anyway, no doubt about that.
orcd.co/theworldisbleedingout | orcd.co/queenofcrows | temtris.com | wormholedeath.com
DECORATE. DECORATE.: Surface Tension
Target Records - Digital SingleReborn Danish post-punk band DECORATE. DECORATE. present the second single from their upcoming comeback album, which will be released in the fall. The song grapples with the dark side of a toxic relationship. In a haze of distorted guitar tones and bone-dry drum beats, the story is told of the cold, sterile space in a loveless relationship. Yet it's a catchy and energetic piece that they have created, and I like what I hear. You should really check this out if you like post-punk.
bfan.link/surface-tension-1 | targetgroup.dk
ASHES OF ARES: Wake Of Vultures
ROAR - Digital SingleASHES OF ARES is a U.S. heavy metal duo featuring former ICED EARTH members Matt Barlow and Freddie Vidales. A new studio album, entitled "New Messiahs", is slated for a release in Europe on July 18 and in North America on August 8. "Wake Of Vultures" is the first single from the upcoming album, and it's a pretty good song, but not much else. It sounds powerful and very American, but it doesn't really fit as a single as it's not strong enough.
The band formed in 2012, and has already released a few albums.
ashesofares.rpm.link/wovPR | ashesofares.rpm.link/nmalbumPR | ashesofares.com | roar-records.de
NECROMATICS: The Beast
Necromatics - Digital SingleNECROMATICS is a symphonic black/death metal duo formed in early 2025. While they are getting ready to release their debut album, "Place Of Indulgence", the band honors one of their primal influences with a cover of "The Beast", originally from TWISTED SISTER's hit album "Stay Hungry" (1984). The original version is a heavy thing, but NECROMATICS do it their own way. This version is more evil and more like what this band actually play - symphonic black/death metal. But it works and sounds good, so I hardly complain. Give it a try!
This cover is not part of the upcoming album.
youtube.com/watch?v=1ru-i71ITIo | facebook.com/Nekromatics
DEATHGOAT: Dragged Into Realms Below
Xtreem Music on June 10 - CD, LP, Cassette, Digital4 years after the debut, "Regurgitated Into Existence", Finnish death metallers DEATHGOAT returns with a new record.
This is Scandinavian death metal in the old school and nothing else, so don't expect any surprises here. The album is full of riffs and horror, as well as fast and heavy parts - Just like a death metal album should be. What makes it extra brutal must be the vocals, which is true growl like in the old days.
DEATHGOAT are doing everything right here, so this is something that you really have to check out.
facebook.com/deathgoatdeathmetal | xtreemmusic.com
TERAMAZE: The Harmony Machine
Screaming Crow Records on June 6 in North America - AlbumThe first times I heard this I just thought: "No, I can't stand this shit. This really sucks!" Well, most of it did anyway. A song like "Bullet To A Pharaoh" was actually not so bad, while most of the other songs just sounds too modern for me. There might be a couple of more songs that I can stand, but you don't even need all fingers on 1 hand to count the good songs here.
TERAMAZE hailing from Australia, and are said to play melodic hard rock. But it's obviously not the good old stuff from the 80s, but a very modern kind that we get, where they blend in pop elements. "The Harmony Machine" is actually their 12th full-length album.
Even though I'm not so impressed, I can at least hear that they know what they're doing. And I'm pretty sure that they have a bunch of loyal fans who will love this album (but there's probably not that many middle-aged men like me among those fans).
youtu.be/HnedYtQpk9s?si=UjdFFR6LuMYt3Ui4 | screamingcrow.com
Thomas Carlsen's TRANSMISSION: Clockwork Sky
RFL Music Entertainment on June 6 - CD, DigitalThomas Carlsen is a Norwegian musician, and he play all instruments on this album. He has recruited 4 vocalists from around the world: Atli Guðlaugsson, Arnaud Ménard, Mike Livas, and Sebastian Palma. The music is best described as 80s hard rock/heavy metal, mainly in the melodic league. It all seems to be done with a lot of passion and enthusiasm, and everybody is doing a really good job here. There's many good songs on this album, so it's absolutely worth checking out if you're into the 80s.
What else I should say is a mystery though..
transmissionmetal.bandcamp.com/album/clockwork-sky
TURIAN: Blood Quantum Blues
Wise Blood Records on June 6 - CD, Cassette, DigitalSeattle metallic hardcore outfit TURIAN delivers an explosive album with a whole palette of influences. They are always trying to push themselves and not compromise on anything until they are happy with the result, and this album guides us through a blood-soaked history of American violence and oppression.
The music is hard and intense, while the singer scream out the message in frustration. They have absolutely found their own hardcore sound, which is free from gang choirs and other typical ingredients in this genre. That makes them a bit more interesting to listen to actually. So if you like metallic hardcore but want something different, then you should give these guys a try.
PUTERAEON at The Abyss
Concert at The Abyss in Göteborg, Sweden on May 31, 2025Long time since I went to a death metal concert, and a very long time since I was at The Abyss (a metal bar) last time. So 2 good things at the same time. I also met an old friend there, so it was nice.
As usual I don't have that much to say, but PUTERAEON really delivered a good show. The only weird thing was that the sound was so low. At least when you stood on the side, because it was a little louder infront of the stage. I know that they have had problems with the neighbours, who have complained, so it's obviously because of that.
The band have just released a new album, "Mountains Of Madness", on Friday, May 30, so this was the release party for that, but open for everyone. Pretty much people.
For some reason I just succeeded to get 4 photos, and only 2 of them was good enough to show. I thought I took more than that, but for some reason it doesn't always succeed.
Also check out my interview with PUTERAEON
puteraeon.com «May | Index | July»
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