REVIEWS NOVEMBER 2025
«October | Index | December»WITHERING SURFACE: Under A Serpent Sun
Mighty Music - Digital SingleDanish melodic death metallers WITHERING SURFACE has recorded a live cover version as a tribute to the late Tomas "Tompa" Lindberg (AT THE GATES, SKITSYSTEM, The CROWN, DISFEAR, NIGHTRAGE etc etc). He was a huge inspiration for the band, and this is a song that they performed live many times during the late 90s and early 2000s.
Now I'm not sure if I have heard the original version by AT THE GATES (I probably have), but this sounds good to me anyway, so I can really recomend you to check this out. And I don't have much else to say about this..
bfan.link/ws-under
THUMBSUCKER/ATOMÇK
Road To Masochist - MCD, 10" EPThis is a split release between 2 UK bands.
THUMBSUCKER play a chaotic kind of hardcore/punk. They really explode with fury. It's very intense and noisey. They are really on the border for me. Think something between EXTREME NOISE TERROR and DISORDER for example.
ATOMÇK play grindcore with dual vocals. And if you thought that the first band was extreme, then this is even worse. 1 guy is just screaming like a maniac (and sounds stupid actually), while the other guy have a more harsh and aggressive voice. They are probably good at what they are doing, but this is not something that I like.
It's a little weird that THUMSUCKER gives us 9 tracks, while ATOMÇK seems to be satisfied with just 5 tracks. But if you want something brutal, then give this a try.
facebook.com/people/Thumbsucker-Fast/61553346392588 | facebook.com/atomckgrind | roadtomasochist.co.uk
THRASHERWOLF: Fragility
Thrasherwolf - Digital SingleFollowing the release of their sophomore album, "Inside The Sickened Mind", in late 2024, an the single "Call Of The Wolves" earlier this year, London thrashers THRASHERWOLF return with a brand new standalone single. And it sounds just as it should, so in other words old school and good. It's powerful and energetic, but also very well done. This is something that you really should check out, and there's not much else to say about that.
youtu.be/Fmei1dLNU2k?si=lWcGW2eItFkV0OP3
ARHAT (feat. Nazar Betsel): Of Clay And Blood Divine
Arhat - Digital SingleGroove death metallers ARHAT deliver a new single, where they are joined by Nazar Betsel, vocalist of the metalcore/deathcore band NORA PLAN. It's a continuation of the Sumerian-Akkadian cycle of songs by the band. The lyrical basis is the story of the creation of man, "The Myth Of Atrahasis". Musically it's a blend of groove, death and thrash metal with ethnic elements in the background. They fire on all cylinders, and this is an explosive track of brutality. This is something for those who want it extreme, because it's definitely not for everyone.
song.link/arhat_of_clay_and_blood_divine | facebook.com/arhatgroove
The MENDOZAZ: The Completely Fictional History Of This Great Nation Of Canada
Cartridge Heart Records - MCD, Digital EPThe MENDOZAZ is a melodic punk rock trio from Toronto, Canada, but they sound like they could have been from California, USA in the 1990s.
What we get here is absurd storytelling, infectious hooks, and the band's trademark mix of bite and humor. This is said to be their most ambitious and hilarious work to date, and it's a 8-track conceptual record where members of bands like JOAN SMITH, The JANE DOES, and The MERINGUES were brought in to provide some extra fuel.
This is catchy and melodic, but also done with a lot of charm. They have many good songs here, so I would say that they have made a really good record. If you like punk rock from the 90s, then this is absolutely worth checking out.
themendozaz.bandcamp.com
BETA VOIDS: Scrape It Off
Hovercraft Records - Digital EPThis is true old school punk like it was done in the late 70s and early 80s. And I really like that stuff.
BETA VOIDS hailing from Astoria, Oregon, USA, and "Scrape It Off" is their debut EP, which is described as "a volatile mix of 80s California punk attitude and no-wave chaos". We get a mix of dual vocals, jagged guitars, and a wailing sax. These 7 tracks are intense and full of energy. To me it sounds like a meeting between BLACK FLAG, X-RAY SPEX and CIRCLE JERKS, but with more distortion and higher volume. The press release mention X, James Chance And The CONTORIONS, and RED KROSS. Very old school and like a nostalgic trip anyway, but also damn good and therfor a must to check out for every punk.
The songs are between 24 seconds to 2:47 minutes, if that could be of interest to know. Straight and simple, loud and raw.
betavoids.bandcamp.com/album/scrape-it-off | instagram.com/betavoids
Alex Little: Spider In The Sink
Light Organ Records - Digital EPWell, this was not what I expected. Instead of some catchy power pop I get some kind of soft pop. Luckily it's not any modern pop anyway, which I really hate. This is described as "gritty and soulful garage-pop", and the first time I heard this EP, it was a dissapointment. But after a second chance it's not so bad after all, but still too much pop for my taste. It's in other words pretty soft and melodic stuff, and not that much action. But if I had the time to listen some more, it's not impossible that it would get a little better.
Alex Little is a girl from Vancouver, Canada. Her music is said to fit fans of Wolf Alice, Sharon Van Etten, BLONDIE, The PREATURES, and Amy Winehouse.
ffm.to/spiderinthesink | lightorganrecords.com/artist/alex-little | instagram.com/__alex_little__
PARTY DOZEN: Ghost Rider
City Slang - Digital SingleI reviewed the a-side of the upcoming 7" vinyl single with this Sydney punk duo a while ago, and now they have also released the b-side as a single. The 7" will be released on Decmber 5.
"Ghost Rider" is a cover of a song by SUICIDE. And just like the last single, "Mad Rooter", it sounds more like garage rock to me than punk. But this time it's also more electro. So I would describe this as electro garage rock. The first 1 and a half minutes ot this song is not the most funny I have heard, but after that there's some more action. Unfortunately they go back to the boring again, before there's a action-filled ending.
(people who doesn't include a link are weird)
The KILLERFREAKS: Unalive!
Wanikiya Record - Digital Album"Unalive!" is a live album, which was recorded during a performance at Luppolo in Rock 2025.
This horror punk/metal band have already been around for over 20 years, and this album captures all the madness, energy, and irony that a live show with The KILLFREAKS includes. It's raw and straight, but also filled with razor-sharp riffs, tongue-in-cheek choruses, horror movie atmospheres, and a sarcastic, self-ironic touch. Most of these songs are catchy and good with sing-along choruses, so this is worth checking out.
Physical copies of this album can be obtained directly by contacting the band via DM on their official social media or at the merch booth during live shows.
wanikiya2023.wixsite.com/wanikiyarecord
JESTER MAJESTY: Infinite Measure, Finite Existence
Xtreem Music on Dec. 4 - CD, DigitalJESTER MAJESTY was created by Alessandro Gargivolo (ALCHEMIST) in early 2024 when his musical ambitions began to extend into territories beyond the remit of his band. A first EP, "Plains Of Heaven", appeared later that year, where he was joined by Erymanthon Seth (APOCALYPSE), who became his partner in this new band. And now they have created a majestic concept album of progressive thrash/death metal that deals with mankind's insatiable thirst for knowledge and ongoing battle against the limitations that restrain him. This is a technical and ambitious album that makes me think of a band like VOIVOD, and possibly something heavier with early METALLICA when it comes to some of the songs. Because this is also heavy. Many riffs and layers of sounds is other ingredients, so nerves of steel and an open mind could be good to have if you want to enjoy this ride.
There's always something going on here, so you should not get bored when you listen to this.
facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563217256871 | xtreemmusic.com
INSTIGATORS: Full Circle
Instigators - EPThe first incarnation of English punk rockers INSTIGATORS can be traced to West Yorkshire in the early 80s. They released a EP in 1984 and a LP a year later. And then the vocalist, bassist and drummer all walked out, leaving founder Simon Mooney without a band. With touring commitments, and a determination to carry on, Simon immediately assembled a new lineup, with Andy Turner and Andy Turnbull drafted in as vocalist and bassist (both from XPOZEZ, who had recently split). With the addition of Steve Curran on drums they began touring Europe nonstop. In 1986 they recorded another album, and even went on tour in North America. They continued to tour across the UK and mainland Europe, and released a single in 1987 and an album in 1988. In the early 90s they decided to go seperate ways.
Over 30 years later they are now back again, and have so far done 3 shows. They will do more shows in 2026, and confirmed so far are a London show on February 21 and Scarborough Punk Festival on March 29. They have aslo released this EP, which includes the 2 songs from their 1987 single as well as re-recordings of those 2 songs and a third track. It sounds old school and not bad at all, but a little strange thing is that the 1987 recordings sounds better than the 2025 recordings (and then I mean the volume and nothing else). Good stuff anyway, so if you like good old punk then this could be worth a try.
facebook.com/instigatorsUK
HEXJAKT: Blessing Of The Damned
Majestic Mountain Records/Burning Skull Records on Dec. 1 - 2LP, DigitalHEXJAKT is a pretty new doom metal trio from Sweden, formed in 2024. They released their debut EP earlier this year, and now they return with their first full-length album.
The band forges crushing riffs, haunting soundscapes, and introspective lyrics into a sound rooted in the spirit of classic doom, yet unmistakably their own. Their music is slow, monolithic, and emotionally charged, delving into themes of the occult, human frailty, and the vast unknown. A traditional sound, yet harder and more aggressive vocals you could say.
And if that sounds perfect for you, then why not give this a try?
hexjaktband.com | majesticmountainrecords.com | facebook.com/BurningSkullRecords
MAGNOLIA PARK: Chasing Shadows
Epitaph Records - Digital SingleOh shit, this makes me want to puke. This is so silly and so bad that it makes me angry.
MAGNOLIA PARK play a modern kind of nu metal that sounds way too much like modern pop. Not my thing at all.
youtu.be/VF5OGyRrBsM | epitaph.com
CONVERGE: Love Is Not Enough
Epitaph Records - Digital SingleCONVERGE will release a new album on February 13, 2026, and the title track is now available as a single.
This band have been around for over 3 decades already.
The title "Love Is Not Enough" might make you think that it would be a qute love song. But what they deliver here is a hard and heavy piece, which is also intense and aggressive. It's an explosive mix of punk, hardcore and metal, which is over in just 2:22 minutes. Not bad at all, and it makes me thirsty for more. You should really check this out.
youtu.be/qxelfxGa2oo | epitaph.com
CLAWFINGER: Big Brother
Reigning Phoenix Music - Digital SingleSwedish/Norwegian rap metal pioneers CLAWFINGER return with another single form their upcoming comeback album, "Before We All Die", which will be released on February 20 via Perception. That will be their first new album in 18 years.
"Big Brother" begins like a slow rap song, but soon there's heavy riffs and an almost industrial touch. It's also a little darker somehow. I would describe this as a slower song, but with a powerful chorus. Pretty o.k. is all I can say. They have made better songs.
youtu.be/M06vxCkaKFE
HELL IN THE CLUB: Joker In The Pack
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, DigitalItalian/Swedish hard rock/heavy metal band HELL IN THE CLUB has delivered a new album, which is their 7th. And this is the first album with vocalist Terese "Tezzi" Persson (INFINITE & DIVINE, VENUS 5). The band also features members from SECRET SPHERE and ELVENKING.
It's as usual rooted in the 80s sound, but is also modern. At the same time it's the beginning of a new era for the band, after changing from a male to a female vocalist. But don't worry, the songs are still great. They continue to blend powerful hard rock and heavy metal with a singer who seems to be able to do anything. They don't complicate it unnecessarily, so we are not exposed to any progressive adventures here. It's mainly pretty straight, catchy and melodic.
This is a fantastic album, and you have to check it out.
ffm.to/hitc_jokerinthepack | hellintheclub.com | frontiers.it
Cassidy Paris: Bittersweat
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - LP, CD, DigitalAustralian rocker Cassidy Paris return with her sophomore album "Bittersweat". She continues to blend 80s inspired rock attitude with a modern twist, but also add more of herself this time. She is influenced by icons like Debbie Harry, Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, and Lita Ford, but add her own identity, which makes it a honest and raw album. It's a modern rock album, but at the same time it sounds timeless. 13 tracks is a few too many though.
The album features songwriting contributions from Paul Laine (ex-DANGER DANGER, The DEFIANTS) and Steve Brown.
ffm.to/cassidyparis_bittersweet | cassidyparis.com | frontiers.it
The GUILT: Red Light
Icons Creating Evil Art - Digital SingleThe GUILT must have released half the upcoming album as singles by now. But they say that this is the last single before the album release.
It's a defiant and pulsating electro-punk/riot grrrl song with a post-punk vibe, and it's as usual made for the dance floor. Maybe not their best song, but I guess it works somehow. And I don't have much else to say..
The new album is titled "Naked Rat Dance", and it will be released on January 15, 2026.
found.ee/redlight | guiltswe.bandcamp.com/album/naked-rat-dance | facebook.com/theguiltsweden | icea.se
ELD VARG: Destroyer
Eld Varg - LP, CD, DigitalAlthough this band have a Swedish name, they are from Glasgow in Scotland. It all started as a solo project by frontman Ollie Noakes, and a debut album, "One Man Army", was released in 2023. They soon became a power trio who went from opening slots to headliners. And now their second album is here.
ELD VARG play heavy metal with influences from GRAND MAGUS, AMON AMARTH, and IRON MAIDEN. The lyrics is about Norse mythology, epic battles, and triumph. They blend powerful and heavy riffs with clean and powerful vocals. The songs are almost epic and really good stuff, so this is something that you really should check out.
eldvarg.com
COLD IN BERLIN: Wounds
New Heavy Sounds - LP, CD, DigitalIt seems to be 6 years since this London band released their last full-length album (they released a EP last year though), but now they are back with a new album.
This is their fifth album, and it's said to be their most ambitious. They have a heavy and haunting sound where they blend doom, post-punk, and krautrock. It's dark but far away from hopeless as the songs are alive. The vocals could possibly be more fun though, as it's more or less the same tone all the time. But that's nothing unusual for the post-punk genre, and now the songs happens to be very good anyway, so that's just a minor problem.
This is a really good album, and fans of post-punk, doom rock, krautrock and even dark rock should give this a chance.
youtu.be/VGl_uL0d1zU?si=ZUIrLCGxl1M81qd2 | newheavysounds.com | coldinberlin.com
COCA CAROLA: När Sen Är Försent
Beat Butchers - 10" vinyl, CD, DigitalIt wasn't exactly last year that I heard something new with COCA CAROLA, but then it's as much as 21 years since their last album, "Kryp Din Jävel", was released. The band formed in Stockholm, Sweden back in 1986. Unfortunately drummer Måten Tolander (who also was part of the record label Beat Butchers) got cancer before the recording of this new album, and passed away in September 2025. So this is his last recording with the band. His own which was that they should continue, and he has been replaced with David Persson.
On this album we get familiar tracks as well as some suprises. COCA CAROLA used to play a laidback, dark and melodic kind of punk rock, but this is not so dark, but actually more catchy and melodic. Some songs are more punk than they ever have been before, while others go in a other direction. 1 song reminds me a little of DIA PSALMA. So they are obviously not afraid to explore new territories, and this gives us a very varied album.
Luckily it sounds really good, so there's no need to worry, because this is a really strong album.
facebook.com/cocacarolaofficiella | beatbutchers.se
FEATHER MOUNTAIN: A Liminal Step
Feather Mountain on Nov. 27 - LP, DigitalFEATHER MOUNTAIN are based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Their new album revolves around psychological vulnerability expressed through progressive metal, electronic avant-garde, and inspiration from the world of tarot cards. They blend heavy riffs with passages of vulnerable vocal arrangements on a backdrop of raw synths. It's often pretty soft and emotional, like they blend in dreamy alternative rock and even pop as well. But they can also be on the border to chaos once in a while. Weird music for weird people?
FEATHER MOUNTAIN has previously released "Nidus" (2019) and "To Exit A Maelstrom" (2022).
linktr.ee/feathermountain
PITCHBLACK: Walking On Burning Ground
Producciones Paganas on Nov. 28 - CD, DigitalPITCHBLACK was formed in the early 2000s in Copenhagen, Denmark by a group of friends from the 90s metal scene. They wanted to create their own take on melodic death metal. A couple of demos was released before their debut album, "Designed To Dislike", was released in 2007.
Over the years, PITCHBLACK has stayed true to their musical expression, while continuously developing and refining their sound. And this new album is no exception. What you can expect to hear is a mix of hard and heavy riffs and aggressive vocals. It's razor sharp, thrashy, tight and vibrant. This is actually not so melodic, so I would like to call this thrash/death metal actually. They have found their own sound anyway.
pitchblack.dk
USURPER: Divine Spiriual And Intellectual Development (And All Demos) (reissue)
Vic Records on Nov. 28 - 2LP, 2CDThis is the 1990 debut album by Dutch thrashers USURPER, who formed in 1985. Usually bands developed from thrash to death, but this band began with death metal and then became a thrash band. This re-release also includes all their demo recordings and some live tracks recorded in Rotterdam in 1990 - A total of 26 tracks on 2 discs.
USURPER might not be doing anything special and unique here, but it's old school and good anyway, so it's still worth a try if you want your thrash metal the good old way.
It seems like these guys were just as skilled as the American boys, and I actually think of those American bands when I listen to this Dutch band.
vicrecords.com
THUS DEFILED: Wings Of The Nightstorm (reissue)
Vic Records on Nov. 28 - CDUK black metallers THUS DEFILED were formed in 1992, with a goal to create some of the most intense yet unique, bestial blackened metal within the extreme music scene. This is a re-release of their second album with some bonus tracks, and it actually doesn't sound as intense as I though it would. That doesn't mean that it's like a nice Sunday walk in the park though. As it's black metal that we talk about here, it has many of the typical ingredients for that genre of course. But even if it's extreme, many of these tracks goes in mid-tempo or just above, so it's not that fast.
They created a good album anyway, no doubt about that. So check this out.
vicrecords.com
STEEL ARCTUS: Dreamruler
No Remorse Records on Nov. 28 - CD, LPSTEEL ARCTUS is a epic heavy/power metal band, formed in 2020. They are inspired by giants like MANOWAR, QUEENSRŸCHE, JUDAS PRIEST and DIO, and delivers a powerful and cinemtaic sound rooted in mythology and fantasy. There's both epic and anthemic tracks as well as fast headbangers. It sounds very much like the good old bands, which might not come as a surprise as those bands are their biggest inspiration. Luckily they also succeed to make really strong songs, which they really prove with this new album. Every fan of heavy and power metal should check this out.
STEEL ARCTUS released their debut album, "Fire And Blood", in 2020, and their sophomore album, "Master Of War", was released in 2022. So "Dreamruler" is their third album.
noremorse.gr | facebook.com/steelarctus
MYTH CARVER: Twist Of Fate
No Remorse Records on Nov. 28 - CD, LPFrom Dallas, Texas comes MYTH CARVER. This debut album was independently released on CD format and digital a few months ago. Now, packed with 2 bonus tracks, it will be available on limited edition vinyl and a No Remorse CD pressing.
The sound of this group has its roots in classic heavy metal. It's a blend of Jake E. Lee style guitars, JUDAS PRIEST-inspired vocals, and the raw punch of early METALLICA, all delivered with the unmistakable groove-driven toughness of the Lone Star State.
As there's just 6 tracks here, it's a pretty short album, just 26 minutes actually. I see that as a EP or mini-album. But what we get sounds really good. It's really powerful and energetic. It would not surprise me if fans of JUDAS PRIEST could like this, as it's something similar, but without being a copy.
noremorse.gr | facebook.com/mythcarvertx
DARKLON: Mind Reaper
No Remorse Records on Nov. 28 - CD, LPPower metallers DARKLON formed in 2017 in Athens, Greece. They have now come to their third album. It's U.S. heavy and power metal that we talk about here, with influences from bands like VICIOUS RUMORS, OLIVER MAGNUM, and METAL CHURCH for example. And it sounds just as good as any other band in this genre, so this is worth checking out. Their sound is powerful and traditional, so don't expect any modern influences.
8 tracks is what you get, and I don't really know what else to say..
noremorse.gr | facebook.com/DarklonMetal
BEZDAN: Upon The Altar
I Hate Records on Nov. 28 - CD, LP, DigitalDuring the 24 years that I Hate Records has existed, they have always tried to support metal bands from Eastern Europe and South America. Now they welcome the first band from Croatia, BEZDAN, to the label. This band have been around for 15 years already, and has released a couple of singles and EPs through the years. But now it's time for their full-length debut, titled "Upon The Altar".
Raw, evil and uncompromising is the best way to describe this band's music. It sounds old school and intense, and inspiration comes from old bands like POSSESSED, 80s DEATH, early SEPULTURA, as well as old former Yugoslavian acts like HELLER, EVIL BLOOD and a touch of black/speed metal.
I guess we can call their music something like black/speed metal. And if you like that kind of stuff, then you should really check out this record, because it's not bad at all.
ihate.se | facebook.com/bezdannikaddan
THERMALITY: Concept 42
Black Lodge Records on Nov. 28 - CD, 3CD Box Set, LP, DigitalSwedish metal band THERMALITY is said to deliver their most ambitious and emotionally charged record yet. It was recorded at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden with Fredrik Nordström as producer, renowned for working with iconic bands such as IN FLAMES, HAMMERFALL, The HAUNTED, AT THE GATES, BRING ME THE HORIZON, DARK TRANQUILLITY, DIMMU BORGIR, ARCHITECTS, and many more.. It's also said to mark a new era for the band, where they fuses technical mastery with raw emotional power. Each track is part of a larger conceptual journey they say. They are simply pushing their sound to the limit here, and this is also the first time that we get clean vocals on a THERMALITY album.
Musically it sounds modern and progressive, and it's said to fit fans of bands like GOJIRA, ARCHITECTS, LAMB OF GOD, IN FLAMES, and FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY. So I would say that there's some melodic death metal as well. Hard and heavy parts are mixed with melodic and emotional parts. Pretty o.k for being such a modern metal album actually.
youtu.be/RNn3TUx-TAs | orcd.co/concept_42 | blacklodge.se
STARMEN: Starmenized II
Melodic Passion Records on Nov. 28 - CD, DigitalIn the beginning STARMEN - with members from NARNIA and ex-The POODLES - delivered an album every year. After that, it has been a little less frequent between releases. Now it's about 2 years since the last album, "Starmenized", was released. "Starmenized II" is their fifth album (6th if you count "The Best Of Starmen - Volume 1" (2024) as an album, which was as the title says a best of album).
This Swedish hard rock band seems to do their best to sound like it did in the 1970s and 80s, and especially the American bands from that era. And just like in that era, many of these songs seems to be made to be a hit. But in this case they doesn't really live up to that. It's not bad, because somehow they have succeeded to make really good songs anyway. Think of a KISS album from the mid-80s for example - Maybe not as great as the 70s albums, but still very good.
This album seems to consist of leftovers from the recording of "Starmenized". But there's at least 1 brand new song, "Born To Rock". The weakest song here is the AOR track "The One". But at the same time it might be their strongest song if they want to be played on the radio (is that really a goal in 2025?), as it sounds like a pop song. And there's a couple of more of those weaker tracks here. But if you liked their previous albums or are weak for old school hard rock, then you should not be dissapointed.
orcd.co/starmenized_ii | starmen.se
SOHO DUKES: Nighthaws, Acrobats And Everything Under The Moon
Cargo Records on Nov. 28 - CD, DigitalSOHO DUKES would like you to believe they started life as a 19th-century drinking club, who met while on a crawl around the taverns of old London Town. What is actually true is that the band hailing from London and the South-East, and were actually formed in 2017. Bomber (bass) and Johnny Barracuda (vocals) had already known each other for years though. They were both members of MONTERREZ, who in 1987 - at the Marquee Club in London's Wardour Street - opened for GUNS N' ROSES on 2 occasions. SOHO DUKES has so far been playing lots of gigs and also released 2 albums independently. They have been compared with 1970s heavyweights like ROLLING STONES, SMALL FACES, MOTT THE HOOPLE and HEAVY METAL KIDS.
This new album features guest appearances from people like Spike (The QUIREBOYS) and Dave "Bucket" Colwell (ex-BAD COMPANY). It's a glam/rock n roll party that makes you happy. They have the same energy and melodies as those old bands from the 70s, and I really like what I hear. So if that sounds like something that you would like, then I can really recomend you to give this a try.
But o.k., there might be a couple of weaker moments here and there. On the other hand, how many albums are great all the way? Not that many..
sohodukes.com | cargorecordsdirect.co.uk
SAINTED SINNERS: High On Fire
ROAR - CD, LP, DigitalThis is a international hard rock band, featuring vocalist Jack Meile (TYGERS OF PAN TANG), founding member and guitar player Frank Pané (BONFIRE), Ernesto Ghezzi (GOTTHARD) on keyboards, Samy Saemann (ex-FREEDOM CALL) on bass and Berci Hirleman on drums. "High On Fire" is their fifth studio album, and it',s almost 3 years since the last album was released (which is nothing unusual nowadays).
They continue with their classic hard rock, which is creative and diverse. It's mainly rooted in the bands from the 70s, but they are not afraid to blend in some other stuff too. We can hear heavy riffs, uptempo songs, a darker track, a funky thing, and so on.. But most of all it's a timeless sound built on passion and experience. And it's a really good album that they have made, so you should really give it a chance.
saintedsinners.com | reigningphoenixmusic.com/all-artists/roar-artists
PALE HORSE RITUAL: Diabolic Formation
Black Throne Productions on Nov. 28 - LP, CD, Cassette, DigitalThis is heavy. And they begin with a instrumental song that last for 6 minutes. This is not an instrumental album though, but it takes over a minute before there's any vocals in the second track. Most of the songs here are 5-7 minutes, but 1 song is shorter with its 3:13 minutes. That song is just a silent, instrumental piece in the middle, and not much to talk about.
This Canadian band play a mix of stoner rock, doom metal and heavy psych with the occult sound of the 70s. With a rythmic pulse they deliver a fuzz-driven album with psychedelic elements. There's much distortion, and they probably play on highest volume.
If you like it heavy, then you should really check this out.
facebook.com/PaleHorseRitualBand
DEAD AND DRIPPING: Nefarious Scintillations
Transcending Obscurity Records on Nov. 28 - LP, CD, Cassette, DigitalThe vocals almost sounds like throat singing rather than growl. The music is technical and advanced. This is definitely something different in the death metal scene. Surreal and twisted is probably the best way to describe this. These 8 tracks really vary in length, from as short as 1:52 to as long as 9 minutes. I can't say that this is something good, but if you want something different and complicated in your life, then I won't stop you from giving this a try.
DEAD AND DRIPPING seems to be a 1-man army led by Evan Daniele, who is doing everything by himself on this album.
transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com | facebook.com/DeDnDrPnG69
The RIPTIDE RATS: Waves Of Steel
Ghost Highway Recordings/Green Cookie Records - LP, CD, DigitalThe RIPTIDE RATS is an instrumental surf rock combo from Kungsbacka City, Sweden. They blend surf riffs, spaghetti-western swagger, and dirty rock n roll power and drench it all in reverb and punk rock attitude. The band was started a few years ago by 3 guys from LUNATONES and The CHUCK NORRIS EXPERIMENT. Sometimes a 4th guy step in on guitar as well. They have so far released several singles and a couple of EPs, but this is their first full-length album.
Well, this can easily take you back in time, because it sounds a little like something from the 60s. And it's a cool sound. Now instrumental music might not always be the most interesting stuff, but this band succeed to vary the songs and give them their own identity, so I like this. I can really recomend you to check this out.
riptiderats.com | ghosthighwayshop.com
POWER GRID FAILURE: Blackout
Beat Butchers - Digital AlbumPOWER GRID FAILURE is a Swedish skate punk band based in Stockholm, and this is their debut album. The band formed in 2022, and features people who play or have played with VARNAGEL, GRETA KASSLER and LIGISTERNA. The music is very catchy and melodic, and takes you back to the golden era of skate punk, the 90s. Think of classic bands like BAD RELIGION, NOFX, and MILLENCOLIN for example.
The songs are pretty short, around 1 and a half to 2 and a half minutes, so as there's just 8 tracks here, the album is over pretty fast. So maybe it should be called a EP instead?
Anyway, what you get is very good stuff that every fan of classic skate punk should check out. They have all the right ingredients for this kind of music, and they also know how to make songs that people actually want to hear. So no, there's no weak links here.
instagram.com/powergridfailure | beatbutchers.se
The MIST: The Dark Side Of The Soul (An Anatomy Of The Soul)
Alma Mater Records - CD, LP, DigitalBrazilian thrash metallers The MIST return with their first new full-length album since 1995, and it's a concept album divided into 3 parts.
This band emerged in mid-1989 from the remaining members of the Norwegian black metal band MAYHEM. The following year they recorded the debut album, "Phantasmagoria", which was followed by "The Hangman Tree" in 1991. In 1993 they explored industrial metal with "Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust", and in 1995 they released "Gottverlassen". After that the group decided to disband.
In 2018, original vocalist Vladimir Korg reunited the band, and there were several lineup changes during the coming years. In 2021 they released the EP "The Circle Of The Crow", which was later released in Europe in 2023.
Well, let's talk a little about this new album then.. It sounds very energetic and powerful as the songs are fast and intense. They are obviously very good at what they are doing, and the songs are very good. I would say that it's the harder and more aggressive kind of thrash this band is playing, and it sounds very old school. How could that be wrong? Exactly! It can't be wrong. And therfor you just have to check this out. Simple as that.
almamaterrecords.com
MEZZROW: Embrace The Awakening
ROAR - 2CD, LP, DigitalSwedish thrash metallers MEZZROW built themselves a name in the thrash metal scene during the late 80s with their critically acclaimed demo tapes, "Frozen Soul" and "Cross Of Tormention". In 1990 they released their debut album, "Then Came The Killing". I'm not really sure what happened after that, but in 2021 they were back from the dead and released an album, "Summon Thy Demons", in April 2023. They also released a live album, "Keep It True - Live", in the fall of 2023 (that album comes as a bonus on the CD version of this new album).
Now they return with another explosive album, where they show us all how it's supposed to be done. The roots are in the old Bay Area sound, but mixed through MEZZROW it gets updated without sounding too modern. It's simply damn good thrash metal that I think most fans of the genre will like. So do something good with your life and listen to this album.
mezzrow.black | reigningphoenixmusic.com/all-artists/roar-artists
WHEN NOTHING REMAINS: Echoes Of Eternal Night
The Circle Music on Nov. 21 - CD, LP, DigitalWHEN NOTHING REMAINS is a Swedish doom/death metal band, and this is their first new album since 2016's "In Memoriam". "Echoes Of Eternal Night" will be their 4th album.
The 4 first songs here are just longer and longer - The first song is 8:42 minutes, and the 4th is 11:20. After that the songs get shorter instead, from almost 7 minutes to 3:26. The music is really heavy with harsh death vocals, so they hardly play fast. But there's also haunting melodies, which gives the songs a melancholy atmosphere. This is a dark and almost sad album, which I guess wasn't so hard to figure out. And with such long songs, it can easily be perceived as a bit demanding to listen to. But if you're a fan of this kind of stuff, then you will probably enjoy the ride.
The band was formed in 2010 by Jan Sallander (rythm guitar/vocals) and Peter Laustsen (lead guitar), from the former band NOX AUREA, to allow themselves complete creative freedom. The current lineup also includes Dimitri Jungi (drums) and Kim Liljedahl (session bass).
thecirclemusic.lnk.to/EchoesOfEternalNight | thecirclemusic.gr | facebook.com/whennothingremainsofficial
DOOMHERRE: Plaguelords
Skatbo Records/Majestic Mountain Records on Nov. 25 - LP, CD, Digital"Plaguelords" is the second album from this Swedish doom metal trio. It's said that the album follows the international success of their latest singles, which collectively showcase the band's evolution toward a heavier, more immersive doom metal experience. This is both crushing and cinematic, and I would say that it's mainly the traditional kind of doom with clean vocals that we get, although you could say that there's some sludge elements too.
It sounds damn good anyway, there's no doubt about that. So I recomend every fan of doom to check this out. That's how good this is.
Most promising doom metal band from Sweden right now? Could be..
artists.landr.com/darkhand | linktr.ee/doomherre
DEMONOID: Riders Of The Apocalypse (reissue)
Vic Records - CDTHERION leader Christoffer Johnsson entered a new path with the band in the late 90s, after playing death metal in their early days. After a decade the more progressive and gothic elements took over and made THERION the band it is nowadays. And what does this have to do with DEMONOID you might ask now? Well, Mr. Johnsson still had some death metal left in him, so he formed a band called DEMONOID with the main goal to play Swedish old school death metal. He was joined by his THERION band member Kristian Niemann on guitars (SORCERER, ex-Snowy Shaw (live)) and completed by Johan Niemann on bass (EVERGREY, HOLLINGSHEAD, ex-MIND'S EYE, ex-TEARS OF ANGER, ex-THERION, ex-TIAMAT) and Richard Evensand on drums (EBONY TEARS, ex-CHIMAIRA, ex-SORCERER, ex-THERION, ex-SOILWORK).
This album was originally released in 2003, but has now been re-released by Vic Records. And yes, old school death metal it is for all the money. It sounds a lot like something from the early 90s, but somehow with their own twist. These 9 tracks are good stuff, so you check this out of course.
vicrecords.com
DEFECTO: Echoes Of Isolation
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - LP, CD, DigitalDEFECTO is a Danish metal band based in Copenhagen. They formed in 2011, and has previously released 3 albums and 2 EPs. The band is known for their combination of technical precision, melodic strength, and emotional intensity, and has become one of the most respected names in the modern Danish metal scene.
"Echoes Of Isolation" is a concept album exploring the haunting landscape of mental illness and psychological struggles. The sound is progressive and cinematic, yet intense, but also melodic. And this is not so bad, as they also seems to know how to make good songs.
This is absolutely worth checking out, and there's not much else to say..
youtu.be/PH8tEWliuE4 | ffm.to/defecto_isolation | facebook.com/defectoband | frontiers.it
STERBHAUS: Next Akin To Chaos
Killhead on Nov. 21 - AlbumSTERBHAUS is a Swedish metal band featuring Marcus Hammarström (VELLE, ex-SHINING, ELVIRA MADIGAN), plus Jimmy Ahovalli and Erik Röjås (ex-ONDSKAPT, DECADENCE). "Next Akin To Chaos" is their third album, and it's the first in 10 years.
Without being totally unique, I guess that these Stockholm veterans has succeeded to create their own sound by mixing death, thrash, heavy, black and progressive metal. It's neither retro or modern, but rather timeless. This is simply best described as just metal. And that metal is hard and powerful, as well as riff-based. The vocals is hardly nice and melodic, but more raw and hard. They have many good songs among these 10 tracks, so this could definitely be worth a try.
The current status of STERBHAUS is unknown as the band announced its end in 2019, while simultaneously making it very clear that there were still several releases to be made.
youtu.be/mLSGthS05fY | sterbhaus.com
ROT FESTER: Death Row
Rot Fester on Nov. 21 - MCD, Digital EP / Cassette via Ottens Tapes (Brexit Records)ROT FESTER is a Swedish death metal band formed in 2023. They released their first EP, "Condone And Condemn", in 2024, and now another EP is ready to be released.
These guys stay away from popular musical trends, and holds the old school flag high. It's a raw, brutal, and no-frills sound, balancing slow and fast tempos. What makes it a little extra raw is that it sounds almost like a demo recording, but I like that.
This could absolutely be worth a try for all fans of good old death metal.
rotfester.bandcamp.com
HELLSTORM APOCALYPSE: Hellstorm Apocalypse
Sphere Of Apparition Records on Nov. 21 - MCD, Digital EPHELLSTORM APOCALYPSE is a newly formed dark death/black metal band from Australia. This is their debut demo EP, where they gives us 5 tracks, and 1 of them is a cover of ARMOURED ANGEL's "Hymn Of Hate". This is the first time in nearly 15 years that Doomsayer and Hellaeon (who have played in bands like BEYOND MORTAL DREAMS, ONI, SUFFERING, DARKLORD etc etc) has worked together.
Well, to say that this is a nice Sunday walk in the park would be a big lie. This is brutal and intense, a really raw recording. It's actually a bit tiring to listen to, but yet I would think that many people could enjoy this brutality.
sphereofapparitionrecords.com
HAVAMAL: Age Of The Gods
Art Gates Records on Nov. 21 - CDHAVAMAL is a melodic death metal band from Sweden, formed in 2016. "Age Of The Gods" is said to be their most ambitious work to date. It's more aggressive, forceful, and diverse than ever. Symphonic grandeur collides with ferocious riffs, thunderous drums and growls that echoes all the way to Aasgard. This is a fusion of Viking, black, power, and death metal influences. They also spice up their sound with keyboards here and there, which makes it sound a little extra epic. I would guess that fans of a band like AMON AMARTH could like this.
This is a really good album and I can't hear anything to complain about.
artgatesrecords.com/artists/havamal
PEARLS & FLAMES: Spread Your Wings
Pride & Joy Music on Nov. 21 - CD, DigitalThis is a Swedish Westcoast/AOR project. The band started in 2019, but made a change in the lineup in June 2025, when Tomas Coox decided to take a step back. Today's lineup is Markus Nordenberg (lead- and background vocals, additional keyboards) and Sven Larsson (guitars). The members are all well experienced musicians, and through the years they have been or are current involved in playing/singing (in studio or live) with a lot of bands and projects in the scene of melodic rock and hard rock, like SAPPHIRE EYES, GROUNDBREAKER, LION'S SHARE, Frèdèric Slama's AOR, and many more.
PEARLS & FLAMES is working very closely with well-known Swedish guitarist, songwriter and producer, Tommy Denander (PRISONER, RADIOACTIVE, Alice Cooper, Paul Stanley, HOUSE OF LORDS, Robin McAuley and many more), former member Tomas Coox (COASTLAND RIDE live, ROULETTE SWE live) and former COASTLAND RIDE member Anders Rybank.
The music is of course very melodic and in the old tradition. So fans of the old bands in this genre will like this, because they are just as good as those bands. 13 tracks might be a few too many for me though. But that's all I can complain about.
youtu.be/VpvaH68dvTU | facebook.com/pearlsandflames
MIDNITE CITY: Bite The Bullet
Pride & Joy Music on Nov. 21 - CD. LP, DigitalSince forming in 2017, MIDNITE CITY have done their best to inject some passion, fun, melody and colour to today's rock scene. They have now come to their fifth album, and as usual you're taken back in time to a colorful 1980s. It's good old hair metal for all the money, and the material is so catchy and melodic that it could make the saddest bastard happy. Party rockers go hand in hand with melodic rockers and power ballads, as well as glam metal of course. The songs are really strong, and this band is doing this just as good as the legends from the 80s. This is made to play loud.
The album was mixed by Grammy award-winning producer Chris Laney (EUROPE, CHRASHDÏET, CRAZY LIXX etc).
facebook.com/midnitecityuk
SISTER: The Way We Fall
Icons Creating Evil Art on Nov. 21 - CD, LP, DigitalSwedish metal band SISTER first took shape in 2006. After 4 years, they return with a powerful new album. And this time they push their trademark blend of punk-fueled rock and horror-inspired theatrics into darker, heavier territory. They have a unique sound, where they blend heavy riffs, infectious hooks, and a sinister atmosphere. Chaos is mixed with melody, and harsh verses are mixed with big choruses. Sometimes there's almost industrial elements, and fact is that it's a little hard to put this band in just 1 sub-genre. But they are usually called alternative metal or just metal.
They have many really good songs among these 10 tracks, so it's a very strong album that they have created this time. You should really check it out.
found.ee/thewaywefall-album | sisterofficial.com | icea.se
SATAN TAKES A HOLIDAY: I Can't Stop Thinking About It
Icons Creating Evil Art - Digital SingleYet another single with these Swedish electro-rockers. This time it's a sweaty and explosive version of a song by garage rockers The DIRTBOMBS, who released the song in 1998. And as usual there's also some guests, and this time it's Shady Lady & The MALEFACTOR.
As usual when it comes to this trio, it's danceable and very catchy, but also full of energy. This song is absolutely not bad, and it makes me think of a mix of Swedish bands like The HIVES and The SOUNDS.
found.ee/cantstopthinkingaboutit | satantakesaholiday.com | icea.se
Rogga Johansson: Dreaming The Otherwhere
Iron, Blood & Death Corp - CD, DigitalThis is the fifth solo album from Swedish metal musician Rogga Johansson (PAGANIZER, RIBSPREADER, MASSACRE, PUTREVORE etc etc). For this release he is joined by Kjetil Lynghaug (lead guitars), Johan Berglund (bass), and Jon Rudin (drums). These 9 tracks are said to be the most genuine, powerful, and personal side of his music to date. But to me it sounds more or less as usual, which means old school death metal without any modern ingredients. But it might possibly be a little darker and heavier. As usual it's good stuff, so this is definitely worth checking out. And I don't have much else to tell.
Rogga is as usual a very busy man. There will be a new album with his old band DEAD SUN and with HOUSE BY THE CEMETARY in December, and a new album with PAGANIZER in February. And there's probably more than that on the way..
facebook.com/roggaofficial | ironbloodanddeath.bandcamp.com
PILEDRIVER: First Nations Rock
Rockwall Records - CD, Digital (2LP later)PILEDRIVER hailing from the Ruhr region of Germany, and is celebrating their 30-year anniversary with this new album. And it seems to be 7 years since their last studio album, "Rockwall", was released. During that time band founders Michael Sommerhoff and Peter Wagner welcomed 3 new members: keyboardist Tom Frerich, bassist Jens Heisterhagen, and drummer Dirk Sengotta.
Maybe it took a little too long, as we get as much as 14 tracks of classic hard rock here. They could easily have thrown away something like 4 of them as there's a little too many slow songs here for my taste. But otherwise it's not so bad, as there's many good songs among all these tracks.
How am I going to describe their sound then? Well, maybe something between STATUS QUO and KROKUS but more up to date? Or maybe just classic hard rock with a modern sound production?
fastball-music.com
ROTTING CORPSE: Thrash In Pain Or Die Insane
Vic Records - CDThis CD collects the 4 demos that Texas thrashers ROTTING CORPSE released in 1986-1990. This short lived group delivered a high-octane thrash with blazing riffs and basslines, and tight drumming - everything topped with evil caustic vocals. It's raw and energetic.
This band seemed to have found their sound already on the first demo, but developed their sound through the years anyway. They were a good band, so I can really recomend you to check this out if you like old school thrash like SLAYER for example.
The second 2 demos were produced by Vinnie Paul (PANTERA), and the first demo by Vinnie and Dimebag's father, Jerry Abbott (who also produced the first 4 PANTERA albums).
vicrecords.com
MORPHEUS: In The Arms Of... (reissue)
Vic Records - CDMORPHEUS was formed in Stockholm in 1990 by the current NECROPHOBIC guitar players Sebastian and Johan. The young boys recorded a demo as EXHUMED in 1990 before they became MORPHEUS and released 1 mini-album, "In The Arms Of...", and a full-length album before they went away to other bands (too many to mention).
So this is a re-release of the mini-album then. And as a extra bonus we also get that first demo. It sounds just like most other bands did back in the early 90s, so nothing new there. But if you're looking for true old school death metal, then you should really check this out. It might not be the best band that I have heard in this genre, but they are far away from bad.
vicrecords.com
PARTY DOZEN: Mad Rooter
City Slang - Digital SinglePARTY DOZEN is a punk rock duo from Sydney, Australia. This song is taken from their upcoming AA-single "Mad Rooter / Ghost Rider", which will be released as a 7" vinyl on December 5. It sounds more like a heavy, bluesy and cool garage rock song than punk, but I like it. This is absolutely not any modern stuff, but sounds old. It even have a sax solo. Yes, this is cool stuff, and you should check it out (too bad that they forgot to include any links though).
ODC: Twisted Love
BLKIIBLK - CD, LP, DigitalMy nerves! I definitely regret that I decided to give this a chance, because this was absolutely not my thing at all. Some kind of modern pop/metal. They call it alternative metal though, but it sure doesn't sound like what I call alternative metal. It's more like a mix of nu metal, metalcore, pop and rap. They want to push boundaries by blending genres and influences. But in the end most of these tracks sounds like modern pop mixed with metal guitars.
ODC is a French band, which was born in Paris in 2017. They released a EP in 2019, but "Twisted Love" is their first full-length album.
youtu.be/TkPcwt7B4xk?si=sJJVHWopdpwgx92M | ffm.to/odc_twistedlove | facebook.com/ODCOfficiel
ERADICATOR: Alive In The Dead Eye Of The Vortex
Metalville Records on Nov. 21 - CD, LP, DigitalGerman thrashers ERADICATOR formed on a rainy Saturday afternoon in 2004. 20 years later they celebrated their 20th anniversary together with Vortex Club in Siegen, Germany. This happened in October 2024, and now the recording from the show is ready to be released as a live album.
We get 11 songs from their entire career. This recording captures the energy and atmosphere that evening. It's intense thrash in the old school and they have obviously made a few good songs through the years, because this is a very good collection of songs. I have nothing to complain about anyway, but not that much else to say either.
The CD and LP will be available exclusively from the band's shop and digitally worldwide via Metalville.
metalville-shop.com | eradicator.de/en
DEPRAVITY: Bestial Possession
Transcending Obscurity Records on Nov. 21 - LP, CD, Cassette, DigitalDEPRAVITY is an Australian death metal band. It seems like it's 5 years since their last release, but they pick up from where they left off, so I guess that not much have changed. Their sound is rooted in the old school, but it doesn't necessarily sound old school because of that, as they also add more brutal and technical death metal influences. So you could say that it's a mix of the old and the new school that we get here.
It's mainly brutal and intense, but yet listenable. And there is actually some more silent and melodic moments as well, although they are few.
depravitydeath.bandcamp.com/album/bestial-possession | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com
DECORATE. DECORATE.: Swerve Of Atoms
Target Records on Nov. 21 - LP, DigitalDanish group DECORATE. DECORATE. formed in 2007, but the career ended just 3 years later. After more than 15 years the original lineup reunited, and now they return with a new full-length album.
The vocals reminds me of David Bowie in his darker moments, while the music is more like poetic post-punk. But it's a very kind post-punk, and not so raw and energetic as it sometimes can be. It's not less good because of that though. They show us all that they are a vital band with many good songs, and I really like this album. So I have nothing to complain about, and can only recomend you to give these guys a chance.
facebook.com/decoratedecoratedk | targetgroup.dk
BEAST EAGLE: Sorceress
Golden Robot Records on Nov. 21 - EPBEAST EAGLE is a loud and heavy rock n roll quartet from Omaha, Nebraska, formed in 2019. Their first full-length, "Loud At Flat Black Studios", was released in 2021, and followed by a self-titled EP in 2023.
What we get on this new EP is 5 tracks about witches and other stuff. Heavy riffs are mixed with melodic, female vocals and vocal harmonies, and somehow it sounds both old and modern at the same time. This is a band that is not just for heavy rockers, as it sounds a little progressive. So I would guess that fans of progressive rock and metal could like this too. It's a damn good album, so fans of all kinds of hard rock should check this out anyway.
beasteagle402.bandcamp.com | goldenrobotrecords.com/pages/beast-eagle
DANKO JONES: Leo Rising
Perception (International)/Sonic Unyon (Canada) on Nov. 21 - LP, CD, Digital
Toronto's most determined and hardest‑working power trio, DANKO JONES, return with a new studio album. And that's always interesting of course.
They continue to deliver their sweat-soaked, no-nonsense rock n roll just like they have done since 1996. So no surprises there. And it's also just as good as it use to be, so no surprise there either. The energy and the passion is still there after all the years, and they can still deliver exactly what you want. So they have simply made another explosive rock album. So if you're into high octane guitar-driven rock with melodies, then this is an album that you just can't miss.
As usual they blend hard rocking with power pop anthems and some bluesy elements. You never get bored when you listen to an album by DANKO JONES. And if anybody says that rock n roll is dead, then tell them to listen to this.
dankojones.com | perception.music
ELECTRIC BOYS: Shady Side Of Town
Mighty Music on Nov. 21 - Digital EP
Swedish hard rock veterans ELECTRIC BOYS return with a new 4-track EP, and it's a energetic groove party that they gives us. They simply continues with the same swagger, melody, and funk-driven hard rock that made them cult favorites an eternity ago. There's nothing to complain about at all, so this is a must for every fan of the band. It's just that simple.
These songs were born during the "Grand Explosivos" sessions in 2023, but were simply too good to be left behind. Which I totally understand as they have a party vibe that I like, plus that the songs are damn good too of course.
The band is going on a Swedish tour in December, where they will be recording for an upcoming live album, that should be out next year.
bfan.link/eb-shady | facebook.com/electricboys | mightymusic.dk
Danny Cooltmoore & GPS: Det Är Jag Som Dör Ikväll
Rehn Music Group - Digital SingleSwedish singer Danny Cooltmoore is usually more into other stuff than punk rock, but now he has let his regular band take a vacation, and instead he have teamed up with some local punk legends from Sundsvall, Sweden. Among these people are old men from bands like PIZZOAR, VACUM, SUICIDE, FÖRBJUDNA LJUD, BRÄNDA BARN etc. They have just released a new EP, with the same title as this song.
This song sounds catchy and melodic, but yet it's rocking. It's also old school, but without sounding like any of the old bands. Hm.. Well, a good song anyway, so it's not impossible that the EP is good too (but I'm not so happy about streaming it).
dannycooltmoore.se | rehnmusic.com
The CRIMSON SHADOWS: When I'm Going Away (reissue) / Even I Tell Lies (reissue)
Rogue Records - 7" singles, DigitalThe CRIMSON SHADOWS was a garage rock band from Stockholm, Sweden formed in late 1984. The members was Jens Lindberg (bass, vocals), Peter Maniette (vocals, organ), Måns P. Månsson (guitar, vocals), and Johan Maniette (drums). The band quickly carved out a name for themselves with fuzz-driven guitars, pounding rhythms, Farfisa organ swirls, and a stage presence that brought the spirit of 1966 roaring back to life. From the start, the band stood apart by writing original material rather than relying solely on covers. These 2 7" vinyls were both released in 1985 in extremely limited pressings and quickly became collector's items, earning the band underground acclaim across Europe.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the releases, French 7" label Rogue Records has re-released these 2 singles. And that my friend was a very good idea, as this sounds very good. You're taken back to the sound of the 60s, and they have the right sound and energy. This is simply a must have for every fan of true garage rock.
linktr.ee/disquesrogue
BLOODTRUTH: Execration
Selfmadegod Records on Nov. 14 - CD, LPItalian band BLOODTRUTH play technical brutal death metal, and this is their third full-length. Get ready for blast beasts, rapid, intense riffs and visceral growls. By fusing the cryptic atmosphere of the early and roughest 90s death metal with the characteristics of the most modern technical death metal and evocative moments enriched by Gregorian chants, they have found a sound that's really fast and brutal. This is intense! But if you like that, then why not give this a try? But this is not an album for everyone. I almost get a headache after just a few songs, because all songs sounds the same to me. So I guess this is just for the hard and brutal who are used to listen to stuff like this.
BLOODTRUTH was originally formed in 2009 as a side project to FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE. The current lineup is: vocalist Luis Bejarano Cuentas Maggio, aka Luis Maggio (SUDDEN DEATH, ex-NECROSY), guitarists Stefano Rossi Ciucci (INSTIGATE, VOMIT THE SOUL) and Francesco Caponera (DECEPTIONIST, SHADOWTHRONE), bassist Riccardo Rogari (INSTIGATE) and drummer Giacomo Torti (HOUR OF PENANCE, SCUORN, ADE), featuring the presence of Alessio Strano (ASTRAL PARALYSIS) as live guitarist.
linktr.ee/bloodtruth | selfmadegod.com
A.Y.M: Are You Ready
Wormholedeath Records - MCD, DigitalThis is a heavy metal band from Växsjö, Sweden, formed in 2023. The band brings together 5 seasoned musicians from the Swedish hard rock and heavy metal circuit. This EP blend powerful riffs, thunderous rhythms, and undeniable hooks.
5 tracks is what we get, and the first song, "Are You Ready", sounds more like melodic hard rock to me than heavy metal. But the second track, "Hammer Down", is more heavy metal. And the third song, "We Wear The Crown", is probably best described as a mix of hard rock and heavy metal. And well, the last songs, "Reign Of Iron" and "Steel Meets Steel" are something similar to the previous tracks.
It sounds more modern than I thought it would, but luckily the songs are good, so that's hardly a problem. Worth checking out.
aym-band.bandcamp.com/album/are-you-ready | wormholedeath.com
ALKEMIA: Alkemia
Inverse Records - Digital EPALKEMIA is a Finnish stoner/punk rock band. This is their debut EP, which they began to record in 2023 already, when drums, bass and rythm guitars was tracked in a professional studio. The remaining guitar overdubs, solos, and vocals were recorded at the band's rehearsal space in Helsinki to capture a live, groovy sound. They were aiming at something that would sound like a mix of EYEHATEGOD and BAD BRAINS, keeping the overall vibe raw and rock-driven without overly polished details.
This sounds raw and noisey, and all lyrics are in Finnish. Their mix of stoner, punk and rock works very good, and these 5 songs are all good, so this could be worth a try. And I would guess that this could be of interest for many different fans, but mainly those who like stoner and punk then. But it wouldn't surprise me if some fans of action rock and garage rock could like this as well.
The band has no concrete plans for the future. Only to keep playing and writing new songs. Some gigs are also lined up.
alkemiaband.bandcamp.com | inverse.fi
MX THE AMERICAN/GRIPPER: Bomber
Curtain Call Records - Digital SingleThe American hard rockers MX THE AMERICAN has dropped a thunderous new track - a cover of MOTÖRHEAD's legendary anthem "Bomber". They are joined by the English heavy hitters GRIPPER, and together they are doing their best to sound as raw and loud as MOTÖRHEAD. But this is not just a simple remake of the song, as it's a more modern version you could say. But don't worry too much about that, because it sounds o.k. anyway.
facebook.com/mxtheamericanband | curtaincallrecords.com
KILLCODE: One Trick Pony
Killcode - Digital SingleKILLCODE delivers classic NYC hard rock blended with melodic aggression, channeling the spirit of bands like SHINEDOWN, HALESTORM, and FOO FIGHTERS, but with their own touch. I would like to call it melodic hard rock, or possibly modern melodic hard rock. It's a pretty good song anyway, so I guess there's hope for this band.
What else I should say is a mystery though..
orcd.co/killcodeotp
INSIDIUS: Vulgus Illustrata
Black Lion Records - CD, LP, DigitalINSIDIUS is a Polish death metal band, featuring members from VADER and NORTHERN PLAGUE. The band has been active since 2012, so they are hardly a new group. "Vulgus Illustrata" is their third full-length album. They blend old school and technical death metal with blackened elements, pounding out a dark and intense sound.
On this new album they deliver 8 tracks that push further into technicality, while retaining the band's blackened edge. The songs balance between fast, driving riffs and darker, reflective passages, capturing the raw energy of death metal alongside hypnotic depth. And they do what they do really good, because this sounds just like it should. You should really check out this band.
The track "Destroy The Priests" features guest vocals from Peter Wiwczarek of VADER and a searing solo by Moyses Kolesne of KRISIUN.
facebook.com/InsidiusPoland | linktr.ee/blacklionrecordsswe
SHIRAZ LANE: In Vertigo
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, LP, DigitalThe new album with these Finnish hard rockers is said to be "a bold new chapter in SHIRAZ LANE's evolution. It's an ambitious, modern, and emotionally charged rock album born from relentless creativity, exploration and collaboration". They push their sound into a new territory by fusing pop-metal energy with a modern production edge and fearless genre crossovers.
On their earlier albums they have been inspired by the bands from the 80s, but now it seems like they want to make something new and modern out of it. The result is unfortunately too much pop elements for my taste, which makes this a much weaker album than their previous records. I think that they will lose a lot of old fans, but they might get a few new instead.
SHIRAZ LANE formed in 2011, and has released a EP and a few albums since then.
ffm.to/shirazlane_invertigo | shirazlane.com | frontiers.it
Ronnie Romero: Backbone
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - LP, CD, DigitalSinger Ronnie Romero (Ritchie Blackmore's RAINBOW, MSG, LORDS OF BLACK, The FERRYMEN, SUNSTORM, ELEGANT WEAPONS) is back with another solo album. This time he has written 1 song with the legendary Russ Ballard, and Kee Marcello (EUROPE, EASY ACTION) is playing a solo on the same song. The album also features a cover of BLACK SABBATH's "Devil And Daughter" (a song from the Tony Martin era).
What we get is a bold and dynamic statement of powerful and inspired heavy metal. Ronnie once again show us all what a great singer he is. But he also show us that he's a pretty good songwriter as well, because this album is far away from any weak stuff. So there's lots of great songs to discover on this album. And if you liked his previous album, then you will like this too, because it's more or less the same thing.
As a solo artist, Ronnie has previously released 2 cover albums and 1 album of original material.
ffm.to/rr_backbone | facebook.com/ronnieromeroofficial | frontiers.it
RISEN ATLANTIS feat. Frank Beck: Power To The Past
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, DigitalThis is the debut album of German metal vocalist Frank Beck's (GAMMA RAY) new project, RISEN ATLANTIS. He teamed up with Alessandro Del Vecchio and said that he wanted to sound different from what he use to do. The result became a modern metal album with an 80s spirit.
With a voice that channels the soul and fire of Ronnie James Dio (DIO, RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH) and David Coverdale (WHITESNAKE, DEEP PURPLE), Frank Beck brings his commanding vocal presence to the new project. "Power To The Past" is a well-crafted tribute to the traditions of classic European power metal. We get high octane anthems, cinematic atmospheres, and thunderous tracks. There's lots of energy and emotions. On top of that the songs are really good. However, I have one very small problem, and that is that I have heard exactly the same thing a thousand times before.
youtu.be/BRpzmctSftI | ffm.to/ra_powertothepast | facebook.com/frank.beck.54 | frontiers.it
Leah Martin-Brown: Love & Other Crimes
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, DigitalO.k., this sounds like a pop album to me, and it's hardly any old school 80s pop, so I don't have much to say. This wasn't my thing at all. Fans of something like Seraina Telli might like this (but compared with this Seraina's latest album was good, and then I wasn't so impressed by that album either).
Leah hailing from the Australian music scene, and this is her solo debut. She has previously fronted LILLY ROUGE, before taking her talents to the U.S. with EVOL WALKS. It seems like she has ended up in Stockholm, Sweden now. And on this album she has worked alongside legendary producers Robert "Mutt" Lange, Tony Nilsson, and Tommy Denander. Too bad that it didn't help that much when it comes to the songs.
ffm.to/lmb_loveandothercrimes | leahmartinbrown.com | frontiers.it
FIMBUL WINTER: What Once Was
Fimbul Winter? on Nov. 14 - MCD, MLP, DigitalFIMBUL WINTER is a pretty new death metal band from Sweden, formed by former AMON AMARTH members Anders Biazzi (guitar), Niko Kaukinen (drums), and Fredrik Andersson (lead guitar), along with MUNITIONS member Clint Williams on vocals. Session bass is played by Tobias Cristiansson (NECROPHOBIC, GRAVE, DISMEMBER etc). The sound is very similar to AMON AMARTH, but not a exact copy of them. Fans of that band should like this anyway.
The band fuses decades of experience with a fresh, uncompromising energy. This 5-track debut EP delivers a sound that is cold, intense, and fiercely authentic. It's built on unfinished business and a shared passion for the roots of Swedish death metal. And this might be one of the most interesting melodic death metal releases from Sweden this year, because all songs are great here. It will be very interesting to hear more from this band in the future.
And if you didn't get it, this is a must to check out for every fan of Swedish death metal.
facebook.com/fimbulwinterswe
Cristiano Filippini's FLAMES OF HEAVEN: Symphony Of The Universe
Limb Music on Nov. 14 (Europe), Dec. 12 (USA), Dec. 17 (Japan) - CD, Digital5 years after "The Force Within", Cristiano Filippini's FLAMES OF HEAVEN are back with a new album, "Symphony Of The Universe". It's said to be a natural follow-up to the last album, and we talk about melodic power metal here. Catchy melodies and brilliant musicianship meets neo-classical anthems. The highlights are many among these 13 tracks, so I'm not going to give you any titles. Instead, I'll just say that this is brilliant and of the highest quality. I'm pretty sure that many fans of power metal will like this a lot.
youtu.be/R6l9obTEfkc?si=XSdSNxmPYolFa2ga | orcd.co/cffoh-symphony-of-the-universe | limb-music.com | cristianofilippini.com/flamesofheaven
VEILBURNER: Longing For Triumph, Reeking Of Tragedy
Transcending Obscurity Records on Nov. 14 - LP, CD, Cassette, DigitalChaotic and intense is how I describe this. They say avantgarde death/black metal.
This is the 8th album from VEILBURNER. It's a musical roller coaster ride with many twists and turns. This is hardly a easy album to listen to because of that. They seems to be good at what they are doing, but this isn't really my thing, so that doesn't help much. I have heard much worse than this though, and I'm pretty sure that some other maniacs will like this a lot more than I do. So if you want something brutal, intense and unique, then give this a try. You will get 8 wild tracks that are from 5:26 to 7:14 minutes.
dwellingbelow.bandcamp.com | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com
VOGELFREY: Make Mittelalter Great Again
Metalville Records on Nov. 14 - CD, Fan BoxThis is the 7th album from this Hamburg band, who are said to play medieval rock and hard-hitting folk metal. All songs are in German, but they are said to deliver bitingly ironic lyrics. This is combined with hard riffs and violin melodies. On top of that, the electronic element gives it a party feeling that makes me think of the 90s. Their record label wants to call this medieval dance metal, and sure, you can probably dance to some of theses songs, but it doesn't really sound so medieval to me. I hear much industrial influences here instead. It's mainly pretty kind metal, but they combine that with some harder songs in a good way, which makes it a varied album.
They have many good songs here, so it could be worth a try.
metalville-shop.com
ELEPHARMERS: Western Wilderness
Electric Valley Records - LP, DigitalELEPHARMERS has been active since 2010, and "Western Wilderness" is their 4th album. This trio hailing from Sardinia, Italy, and play stoner/heavy-psych. It's said that their geographical origins have influenced their sound and their imagery. And while the roots might be in the stoner genre, they also draws from metal, thrash, grunge, and hard rock of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Their sound is driven by powerful downtuned guitar riffs and drum grooves, bluesy vocals, and a free-sounding lead guitar.
This new record delivers 9 tracks that shift between desert stoner rock and psychedelic episodes. Lyrically, the album draws inspiration from abandoned mining villages in Sardinia. It's a good album. They have the right energy, catchiness, and also the songs.
facebook.com/elepharmers | linktr.ee/electricvalley
DROWNED IN SILVER: Mothers
Pagan Records - CD, LP, DigitalWhat kind of useless crap is this then? They begin with a slow thing that last for as long as 10 minutes. The other songs are from 7:27 to 8:27 minutes, and the music is really heavy and dark. We talk about occult doom rock here, which I thought would be good stuff as they compare them with a band like The DEVIL'S BLOOD (which I really like) and a few others (that I don't think I have heard). The only song that I like here is the slow title track, the rest is not much to have. But that's just my opinion of course.
DROWNED IN SILVER is a project formed by seasoned musicians from the black metal and experimental music scenes. This is their debut album, where they balance between occult rock and trance-like expression. And there's also a gothic touch.
youtu.be/8DcnLzblDbg | facebook.com/drownedinsilver | pagan-records.com
DETERIOROT: Echoes From The Past
Vic Records - CDU.S. death metallers DETERIOROT has been active since 1988, and was formed by songwriter and guitarist/vocalist Paul Zavaleta. This compilation features the "1992 Demo", the 1993 "Manifested Apparitions of Unholy Spirits" EP, live recordings from 1993, "Unholy Return" promo 2000, "The Faithless" demo 2003, and a very special bonus track, "Reanimate", recorded in 2025.
This might not be the best I have heard, but hardly the worst either. They have that youthful and evil passion that not many bands have today, and it sounds exactly like what it is, old demo recordings from the early 1990s. So if you're into that sound and era, then I can really recomend you to give this a try.
vicrecords.com
STARFORCE: Beyond The Eternal Night
Jawbreaker Records on Nov. 14 - CD"Beyond The Eternal Night" is the full-length debut from this Mexican heavy/speed metal band. They blend speed and melody, and draws heavy inspiration from classic 80s metal such as RACER X, CACOPHONY, AGENT STEEL, HEAVENS GATE, JUDAS PRIEST and RIOT, while also carving out their own identity alongside contemporary speed metal torchbearers such as AMORY, RIOT CITY, ENFORCER and SKULLFIST.
This is 11 tracks of pure steel. The energy is high, and the music is raw. Yet it sounds razor-sharp and catchy. They sing in both English and Spanish. If you're a fan of high-octane, melodic heavy/speed metal, then I can really recomend you to check this out. You should not be dissapointed.
jawbreaker.se | facebook.com/StarForceHM
MAUSOLEUM GATE: Space, Rituals And Magick
Cruz Del Sur Music on Nov. 14 - CD, LP, DigitalFinnish heavy metal band MAUSOLEUM GATE deliver their third studio album. This band is inspired by the obscure gems of the 80s and beyond, and they spice their sound with synths, which are lurking in the background to give it atmosphere. They have found their own dark sound, so they don't really sound like most other heavy metal bands in the 80s tradition. This is more underground I would say (in lack of a better description). Heavy riffs are mixed with clean vocals and guitar melodies, and it all sounds very good.
This might not be a band for everyone, but I recomend you to give them a try anyway.
cruzdelsurmusic.com | facebook.com/MausoleumGate
CREATURES: Creatures II
High Roller Records on Nov. 14 - CD, LP, DigitalCREATURES were originally formed in the summer of 2019 in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. But when most other bands from Brazil play extreme metal, this is one of the few bands who have choosen a other path. CREATURES play a more traditional kind of heavy metal instead. After a few singles, they were signed and released the debut album in 2021. Now their second album is ready to be released.
They have been described as a mix of DOKKEN, RATT and JUDAS PRIEST, but "Creatures II" is said to be a darker and heavier album. They mix hard rock and heavy metal with melodic vocals, and it absolutely sounds like a band from the mid-80s. The songs are really strong, so I really like this album. You should really give this a try.
hrrecords.de | facebook.com/creaturesheavymetal
PUTREVORE: Unending Rotten Cycle
Xtreem Music on Nov. 11 - CD, LP, Cassette, DigitalPUTREVORE was formed by death metal veterans Dave Rotten (AVULSED, HOLYCIDE etc) and Rogga Johansson (PAGANIZER, RIBSPREADER etc etc) more than 20 years ago to pay tribute to the hardest, heaviest and most brutal of the death metal pioneers of the late 80s and early 90s. Now they return with their fifth full-length album, which is relentless, ravenous and remorseless. It's best described as a duet between a wall of sound and a thunderstorm. It's absolutely not nice at all, and it's not supposed to be either.
This is simply a really brutal experience, and much thanks to Dave Rotten's guttural vocals, which sounds like a monster (and then I'm not talking about any kind monster on a TV show for children, but rather something from a horror movie).
facebook.com/putrevore | xtreemmusic.com
NEWBREED: Outlaw
Selfmadegod Records - CDNEWBREED is a progressive metal band from Poland, and this is their 7th album, which is released 7 years after their last album, "Law".
This band blend wild, it's metal and rock mixed with industrial, EDM, electronics and much more. That makes it sound a little special, and it's hardly any straight and simple anthems that we get here. That makes their songs weaker actually, because I can't hear 1 single good song among these 10 tracks. It mostly feels like some kind of dreamy mess lurking in the background. No, this wasn't an album for me. There's lots of better progressive metal bands.
NEWBREED formed in November 1999. Except for 7 studio albums, they has also released 2 live DVDs.
facebook.com/newbreedpoland | selfmadegod.com
BASTARD CRÖSS: Crossripper
Morbid And Miserable - LP, CD, Cassette, DigitalBASTARD CRÖSS is a blackened metal punk band from Philadelphia, formed in the winter of 2021. Their first self-titled EP was released the same year, and followed by a split with BLACK KNIFE in 2022. Another EP, "Beasts Of The Night", was released in 2023, and so was the "Faster Than The Devil 2" split.
The full-length debut, "Crossripper", is heavily inspired by horror movies, and draws from religious history notably dark and violent documented events. The music has crust and filth ridden punk tendencies and influences from early black metal, but also death and thrash metal. It's a raw and intense experience of brutality, but absolutely listenable. They have lots of good songs among these 9 tracks.
bastardcross.bandcamp.com
ADVOCACY: This Night
Mighty Music - Digital SingleDanish progressive metal band ​ADVOCACY delivers the first single from their upcoming new album, where they balance on the fine line between melancholy and extreme intensity. The lyrics reflect the current age of polarization, insecurity, and war, shifting between resignation and defiance. We also get some guest vocals from Anders Sinding (AVERICE).
It begins pretty soft, and it takes about a minute before there's any vocals. But it continues as a soft song. After almost 2 minutes it' suddenly full speed ahead and more intense. After that it's a much harder song, for a while at least.
Well, this is a strange little song.. That's all I can say about it.
bfan.link/adv-night
Spaceship Landing - A Tribute To KYUSS
Witching Buzz - Digital AlbumOver 2 decades after their final ride, KYUSS's desert rock legacy lives on. And here 20 underground bands from around the world unleash their fuzz-soaked reworkings of KYUSS classics. It's riff worship, sand-blasted psych, and raw desert energy for all the money. It's also loud and raw with long instrumental journeys once in a while. And yes, it's really heavy too.
Among the bands here are AMAMMOTH (Australia), MÖRKEKRAFT (Norway), RHINO (Italy), GUNSLINGER (Jersey), VOID CRUISER (Finland), FUZZ EVIL (USA), DOCTOR DOOM (France), EPIC DOWN (Germany), WET CACTUS (Spain) etc.
I would not say that any of these bands are better than anyone else here, so it's a very even material. Some bands could have had a higher volume on their recording though, because the volume of the sound on this collection is not even.
witchingbuzz.bandcamp.com
SPØGELSE: Spøgelse II
Welfare Sounds & Records - LPGothenburg, Sweden based SPØGELSE play something that I would like to define as action punk. It's an intense high energy cocktail of action rock, old punk rock and hardcore/punk. Think a mix of MOTÖRHEAD, TURBONEGRO and early POISON IDEA. If you're sick of clean, overproduced punk, then this is the cure. Put this album on at your next party, and I'm very sure that it will be a unforgettable night for everyone.
SPØGELSE describe their style as "drunk'n'roll/hardcore-punk". This is their second album, where we get a loud and raw experience with sweat and beer. They spit out as much as 15 tracks, but most of them are pretty short, 46 seconds to 1:55 minutes.
Well, if you want to be one of the cool people, this is what you must listen to.
facebook.com/spogelsehc | welfaresounds.com
STATUES: Dopamine
ORD - LP, CD, Cassette, DigitalFrom Umeå in northern Sweden comes this band, and this is their 4th full-length album. 2 of the guys have been playing together since 1991.
The music is said to be noisy, melodic punk rooted in the legacy of SST and DISCHORD. And that might sound interesting. But what do we really get? Something that's so melodic that it sounds more like a pop album. This has nothing to do with punk! Where's the energy and the chaos? No, this sounds more like indie rock to me, and it's actually pretty boring to listen to. I have no feelings for this.
statues.bandcamp.com/album/dopamine
SYRINX: Time Out Of Place
Ocula Records - LP, CD, DigitalSYRINX is a Canadian/U.S. progressive rock/metal band. Their new album, "Time Out Of Place", is like a modern-day rock opera that pushes the boundaries of heavy metal and classic prog rock. There's echoes of legends like RUSH, GENESIS, FATES WARNING, QUEENSRŸCHE and JUDAS PRIEST. But they never really sound like any of those bands, but have instead found their own way somehow. It sounds more old than modern, and there's much bass in the mix. The vocals is clean and melodic. On top of that they have some good songs that absolutely could be worth a try if you like classic progressive rock and metal from the 1970s.
SYRINX has managed to create an album that doesn't sound overly ambitious and majestic. But they prove with simplicity that it works well anyway, as the album is of high quality. They are simply good musicians who know what they are doing.
youtu.be/bBhxkL3ZqJI | linktr.ee/SYRINXOFFICIAL
PETERIFIED: Trial By Fire
Peterified Music - AlbumPETERIFIED is the creative vision of Swedish singer/songwriter Peter Johansson (ex-MAGASIN 99, AMBER LYNXX), where he has teamed up with childhood friends Mikael Johansson (ex-MAGASIN 99, FREE ALLOY) and Mattias Ingvarson (ex-POKER). The lineup is completed by bassist Johan Wallerstedt (FORNFELA, among others) and drummer Anton Roos (ex-SEVENTH CRYSTAL, SAFFIRE). Together they have made a melodic rock album where the songs seems to be about Mölndal, a former mill town just south of Gothenburg city.
Well, what can I say about this then? It's good, but they don't really have songs that are strong enough to compete with the classic artists of melodic rock. It's mostly like it's just simmering without any explosion. But sure, if you don't have the ambition to reach any higher level, I guess this is enough. And there's always some people who will think that this is fantastic anyway, so maybe you should give this a try.
There's at least some hope here though. A song like "Helpless" is more uptempo and catchy, which sounds much better. More stuff like that and less of all those soft songs would have been better.
facebook.com/share/1EKqH9HayQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
The RIPTIDE RATS: Astrofeet
The Riptide Rats - Digital Single"Astrofeet" is taken from the upcoming debut album, "Waves Of Steel", which will be released in the end of this month. A U.S. version will be released early next year.
The RIPTIDE RATS is a instrumental surf rock band from Sweden. They have been around for some years now, and released a few singles.
Well, this latest single sounds just like it should, so I have nothing to complain about. This is simply a really good band, and especially for being instrumental. But surf rock is cool music, so that helps of course. Check out!
theriptiderats.bandcamp.com/track/astrofeet
POWER GRID FAILURE: Mutual Hateship
Beat Butchers - Digital SingleThis sounds like the skate punk from the 1990s. It's fast yet very melodic and emotional. The song changes tempo a bit, but still has a pulsating drive in the verses. If you like good old skate punk, then you should really give this Swedish band a chance, because this is a really good song and I look forward to hear some more in the future.
This seems to be the second single from an upcoming record, titled "Blackout".
facebook.com/powergridfailure | beatbutchers.se
Erik Grönwall: O Holy Night
Greenwall Entertainment - Digital SingleSwedish rock singer Erik Grönwall (Michael Schenker, ex-SKID ROW, H.E.A.T) have done his verison of the old classic "O Holy Night". And if you think that you want to hear yet another version of that song, then I guess that this could be worth checking out. Otherwise I recomend you to avoid this. Nothing wrong with his voice, which is in top shape as usual, but it would have been so much more fun to hear a rock song instead of some old Holiday song that you have heard a thousand times already. But there will hopefully be some rock sooner or later.
This song was previously released on YouTube last year, but now it's available on all streaming platforms. The Swedish version, "O Helga Natt", will be released on November 14.
youtu.be/cVKcej20-uk
GLORIOUS DEPRAVITY: Death Never Sleeps
Transcending Obscurity Records on Nov. 7 - LP, CD, Cassette, DigitalGLORIOUS DEPRAVITY play death metal with roots in the old school and influences of thrash, yet it doesn't sound just old. It's said that in comparison to their debut, they have refined and upgraded their music on this album, and that they have found more of their identity this time. Well, it sounds really good to me anyway, no doubt about that.
These guys seems to know how to do this the right way. It's fast and intense, heavy and powerful, but never too extreme.
gloriousdepravity-label.bandcamp.com/album/death.... | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com
FÄUST: Crypts Of Eternity
Black Lion Records on Nov. 7 - CD, LP, Digital"Crypts of Eternity" is the second full-length album from the French black metallers FÄUST. Most of these 7 tracks are fast and intense, but there's also room for some epic moments as well as total darkness. It's more or less just what you can expect from a black metal album, and they are doing it very good, so there's actually not that much else to say about this. Other than that you really should check this out then.
faustblacklion.bandcamp.com/album/crypts-of-eternity
FLYING CIRCUS: The Eternal Moment
Fastball Music on Nov. 7 - CD (LP later)FLYING CIRCUS is a progressive rock band from Grevenbroich, Germany founded in the winter of 1989/1990. Their first CD was released in 1997, and there have been a few more since then. Everything seems to be recorded analog and as a whole band playing at the same time, which gives a warm retro sound to their vintage music. They sounds like one of those bands from the 1970s actually - Think a mix of influences from PINK FLOYD, GENESIS, YES etc., and maybe a pinch of hard rock like LED ZEPPELIN, BLACK SABBATH and DEEP PURPLE. If that sounds like something that you would like, then you should really give this album a try, because I'm pretty sure that you will like what you hear.
What makes this band a little special is that they spice up their music with a violin. But it works.
fastball-music.com/artist/flyingcircus
ALCATRAZZ: Prior Convictions
BraveWords Records on Nov. 7 - CD, DigitalThe story of the hard rock band ALCATRAZZ began in Los Angeles in 1983. Formed originally by the trio of Jimmy Waldo (keyboards), Gary Shea (bass) (both fresh from late 70s hitmakers NEW ENGLAND and the short lived band WARRIOR featuring a pre-KISS Vinnie Vincent) along with vocalist Graham Bonnet (RAINBOW, MSG), the band was completed with drummer Jan Uvena (formerly of Alice Cooper) and a then very young Yngwie Malmsteen. The band issued their now classic debut album, "No Parole From Rock N Roll" (1983). Yngwie was soon to depart in favor of Steve Vai, just in time for the band's second album, "Disturbing The Peace" (1985). Graham is now out of the band, and was replaced by Doggie White (RAINBOW, MSG), who has now been replaced with Giles Lavery (Jack Starr, WARLORD). On guitar since 6 years we can find Joe Stump, and on drums we have Mark Benquechea nowadays.
This album begins with 2 brand new songs, and 1 of them is more or less just a instrumental intro. After that it's re-recordings of old songs, mainly of tracks from the 80s. 1 song is from 2002 though. It's mainly those songs from the 80s that are the best here, but those other tracks are not so bad either. It's just that first instrumental track that's less good. So this is in other words absolutely worth checking out.
This release can be seen as a warm up for a brand new studio album, which will be released in 2026.
alcatrazzofficial.com | bravewordsrecords.com
AGNOSTIC FRONT: Echoes In Eternity
Reigning Phoenix Music on Nov. 7 - LP, CD, DigitalFounded in 1982, New York legends AGNOSTIC FRONT are among the pioneers in the hardcore scene. After a short hiatus in the early 1990s, they were back again in 1998. And this is a band who show us all that they are far away from a tired old band, as it still sounds extremely vital.
On "Echoes In Eternity" we get as much as 15 tracks of blistering old school hardcore. But for being such a hard and heavy genre, this is actually pretty catchy. So I would not say that this is stone hard. Lyrically, the band tackles war, betrayal, oppression, personal struggle, and defiance with unflinching honesty.
Well, this is a good album, no doubt about that.
agnosticfront.com | reigningphoenixmusic.com
WEREWOLVES: The Ugliest Of All
Back On Black - CD, LP, DigitalThis Australian death metal band have a mission to release 10 albums in 10 years, and they have now come to album number 6. It's said that while their previous albums had catchiness and levity, this one is dark, vicious and hateful. It seems to be made to bring you pain instead of pleasure. It's a raw and intense experience, but they never become chaotic. So I would say that this is not much more extreme than many other death metal albums (but that depends on what you compare with of course).
Most of the songs here are around 3 to 3 and a half minutes, so there's no longer adventures. In the end this is a o.k. album according to me.
backonblack.com
WAR GRAVE: Free Will
War Grave - Digital AlbumThis is the full-length debut from this UK heavy metal band. They has previously released a self-titled EP in 2024.
What we get is a powerful and dynamic kind of heavy metal in the classic tradition. It's well done and there's nothing to complain about. So yes, this is a high quality product that you really should check out. Just listen to something like "Break These Chains" or "Light 'Em Up" for example - Brilliant stuff!
If you don't give this a chance, then you must be stupid.
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