HARD ROCK INFO

REVIEWS APRIL 2026

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METAL DESTRUCTION: Ascension

King2Music Records - CD
METAL DESTRUCTION is described as a high–impact metal project that merges virtuosity, aggression, and a powerful modern identity, created to transcend borders within the Latin American and international metal scene. "The project is produced by Anton Darusso and developed under Conclave Infernal, an artistic management company led by Roy Khamus and Gina Carrillo, focused on strategic growth, international projection, and positioning METAL DESTRUCTION as a competitive act in today's global metal circuit", they say. Their sound blend classic metal influences with a modern, aggressive, and precise approach. "Ascension" is their debut album, which was released in late February.
This band is a wild mix of aggressive and melodic metal, and it sounds as best when they combine those 2 in the same song. It sounds modern and professional, but yet interesting. Some songs are better than others, but mainly o.k. anyway.
After 6 hard songs they surprise us with a cover of WHITESNAKE's "Crying In The Rain", which is a very good song.
king2music.com | facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575580782583

BOLAN: Anything But You

earMUSIC - Digital Single
SKID ROW bassist Rachel Bolan shares the second single from his solo debut album, "Gargoyle Of The Garden State", to be released on June 12. And it's another punky hard rocker full of street attitude. The energy is in other words high, and it's raw, yet very easy to like as it also has a melodic edge there somewhere.
Yes, this is damn good, and I really look forward to hear the whole album, becuase I think it will be excellent.
youtu.be/r1uJ45crNew

PIRATE QUEEN: Sailing Around The World

Despotz Records - Digital Single
The metal pirates from the Bermuda Triangle deliver the second single from the upcoming second album, "Travelling Around The World", which will arrive on September 4. This song is about charismatic, adventurous pirates who manifest freedom, individualism, and rebellion. And after listening to this, I can't do nothing but look forward to hear the whole album, because it seems like it will be damn good. So if you like heavy metal, and don't have anything against a pirate theme, then this is definitely worth a chance.
found.ee/sailingaroundtheworld | despotz.bigcartel.com/artist/pirate-queen | facebook.com/piratequeenofficial

GRIMNER: Irrbloss

Despotz Records - Digital Single
Swedish folk metallers GRIMNER is another band who deliver the second single from their upcoming new album, "Stormvingar", to be released on September 4. "Irrbloss" is described as "a dark tale from the cold marshes of the north, about what may happen to those who lose themselves among the bramble and fog of the fens". "Musically it is both folky, dark and dirty in a mix suited for the horror that a meeting with the Will-o-the-wisp can entail", they say. The song also features a guest apperance from Mathias "Vreth" Lillmåns (FINNTROLL, DISPYT, AND OCEANS), who gives us both deep growls and enchanting spoken word.
This is a good song with their usual mix of hard metal and folk melodies, so if you like that, then you should check this out.
found.ee/Irrbloss | despotz.bigcartel.com/artist/grimner | facebook.com/Grimnerswe

BESEECH: End This

Despotz Records - Digital Single
Local (Borås, Sweden) gothic metal veterans BESEECH gives us the second single from their upcoming new album, "Future. Present. Past", which will be released on August 28. Since the early 1990s they have been known for their blend of dark romanticism, doomy atmospheres, and unforgettable melodies. And with this track they show us that those are still the main ingredients. It's a soft and heavy piece, but far away from a ballad. Pretty good, but not a masterpiece either.
found.ee/endthis | despotz.bigcartel.com/artist/beseech | facebook.com/beseechofficial

BLOODSTAIN: Something Sinister

Threeman Recordings - Digital Single
Swedish hard rockers BLOODSTAIN return with a new single. And this track is built on the band's core identity: a consistent riff structure, a clear dynamic arc, and a sound that combines classic hard rock roots with a modern production. This is not really pure hard rock though, because there's also elements of metal in this song. They are doing what they are doing really good anyway, so this song is not so bad at all. Give it a try.
BLOODSTAIN was formed in 2023 by 4 hungry teenagers. They have so far self-released a EP, "I Am Death". The band's debut album will be released later this year, and that could be interesting to hear.
orcd.co/tre058s4 | bloodstain.se

MELECHESH: Sentinels Of Shamash

Reigning Phoenix Music - Digital EP
MELECHESH was formed in 1993 in Jerusalem, so they are veterans. Their music is rooted in black and thrash metal, and their sound draws deeply from Sumerian and Mesopotamian mythology, cosmic and occult themes, and incorporates Mediterranean and Middle Eastern musical elements into an extreme metal framework.
This 3-track EP was released in early April, and the tracks are between 6:13 to 8:27 minutes, so they are pretty long. It's extreme of course, but not too extreme to be music. They deliver with exprience and it sounds good.
The best track must be "In Shadows, In Light".
melechesh.com | reigningphoenixmusic.com

NEVERTEL: Otherside

Epitaph Records - Digital Single
Epitaph Records and I doesn't always have the same taste, that's for sure. This band for example fuses nu-metal, rap-rock and alt-rock to something very modern that sounds like pop/metal to me. It's melodic and kind, and they are probably popular among the kids, but it just doesn't work for a middle-aged man like me.
Give this to those who like pop instead.
youtu.be/Jp6-SoqXp_s | epitaph.com

GRADE 2: Talk About It

Hellcat Records/Epitaph Records - CD, LP, Digital
This is the 4th album from GRADE 2, a punk rock trio from Isle Of Wight.
Well, this is another band that reminds me of the melodic punk rock from the 90s. It's catchy and melodic, and sounds very American. But if you like that, then this is absolutely worth a try. Because they are doing this very good, and they have many good songs here. So yes, this is a great album that I think every fan of catchy punk rock could like.
Not really sure what else I should say, so let the music do the talking.
epitaph.com

DEATH LENS: Waiting To Know (feat. MILITARIE GUN)

Epitaph Records - Digital Single
The latest single with DEATH LENS begins as a pop song and becomes a indie rock song. Not my cup of tea. I expected some good punk rock, but I guess this was the wrong band or something?
Anyway, on this song they have teamed up with Ian Shelton from MILITARIE GUN for a duet, if that sounds interesting to you. And after listening a few times, I guess it's not completely useless anyway. But I'm not going to be more positive than that.
DEATH LENS are described as a alt-punk band, and they are from Los Angeles. A new album, "What's Left Now?", was released on April 24. A European/UK tour starts in June.
youtu.be/PyV1Xxxb0T8?si=YZv2_p65ulh7dCfv | epitaph.com

VENOM: Into Oblivion

Noise/BMG on May 1 - CD, 2LP, Cassette, Digital
The legend of VENOM began in Newcastle, England in 1979, and they are among the first bands who called their music black metal. They now return with their 16th studio album, which is their first since 2018's "Storm The Gates". The lineup is Cronos (bass/vocals and founding member), Rage (guitar) and Dante (drums).
On this album they are said to combine their classic 80s sound with a more modern, progressive approach. It's hard and heavy, and it sounds more vital and interesting than I thought it would. Yes, I actually thought that this would be a bad album, but it has many good moments. Sure, it's not exactly the classic primitive sound from the early albums, but they has succeeded to take their metal into the present instead of staying in the past. Yet some of the songs will remind you of the classic era as well. So, even if you still think it will stink, you should at least give it a chance before you dismisses it.
bit.ly/4ri9N46 | venomslegions.lnk.to/intooblivionFA | facebook.com/officialvenomband | bmg.com

KISSING KAOS: To Your Limit

Mighty Music on May 1 - LP, CD, Digital
American rock band KISSING KAOS combine punk rock influences with heavy melodic hard rock, and then they add some extra energy. The result is something that I would like to call melodic street hard rock. The band was born when singer Joe Flynt parted ways with ASPHALT VALENTINE. He soon recruited ASPHALT VALENTINE drummer Brian Jung, guitarist Jon Lansburg and bassist Chris Taylor from KICKIN VALENTINE. Now the debut album is ready to be released.
Drawing from a wide range of influences, KISSING KAOS deliver melodic and energetic songs. It's mainly a really good material that they have here, so this is a strong debut. I would guess that many different rock fans could like this, everything from punk rockers to hard rockers and rockers in general. You should really check this out anyway, no doubt about that.
facebook.com/kissingkaosband | mightymusic.dk

VANSIND: Hævnen

Mighty Music on May 1 - LP, CD, Digital
Danish band VANSIND blend hard metal riffs and old folk melodies, and we get both harsh male vocals and clean female vocals. All the songs here are in Danish.
VANSIND delivered their debut album, "Mørket", in 2023, and now they return with their second album, "Hævnen". They begin with a epic piece that last for over 9 minutes. The other tracks are a little shorter though, 4:43 to 6 minutes. It's said that they have "sharpen their blades and raise the stakes with a more refined, powerful and emotionally charged release that dives deep into themes of revenge, betrayal, freedom and sacrifice". And except for typicl metal instruments - guitars, bass and drums - they spice their sound with folk instruments like bagpipes and tin whistles to create the right atmosphere. Lyrically they continue their descent into the dark corners of Nordic mythology and Scandinavian history, resurrecting ancient legends and forgotten tales with a modern ferocity.
This is a very good album, so it could definitely be worth a try.
facebook.com/VansindOfficial | mightymusic.dk

DEVENIAL VERDICT: Old Blood - Fresh Wounds

Transcending Obscurity Records on May 1 - LP, CD, Digital
DEVINIAL VERDICT celebrate their 20th anniversary, and with this record they wanted to update some of their older songs. These songs mark some of the most important musical moments for them as a band they say. They also wanted to add the "Soulthirst" EP to this release as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary, and that EP also functions as a bridge between all of their older material and their current sound.
The music is death metal, which can sometimes be spiced with melancholic and atmospheric elements or have brutal passages and rare instances of melody they say. But to me these 9 tracks sounds mainly hard and brutal, yet very well done. They have found their own sound without sounding too weird.
devenialverdictband.bandcamp.com/album/old.... | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com

HELLRAISER'S at Grevens

Concert at Grevens Bar & Casino in Borås, Sweden on April 25, 2026
Well, I don't have that much to say, but it was a good band anyway. They played both original songs and covers. Their own material was some kind of bluesy hard rock that reminded me of ZZ TOP.
Sorry that I don't have much else to say, but it actually didn't happen that much to write about that I noticed. Check out some photos instead..

NEVERFADE: Revolution

King2Music Records - Digital Single
O.k., this single isn't exactly new, as it was released in early March. But I have lots of stuff to review, so sorry then.
Anyway, NEVERFADE is a heavy metal band from Tampere in Finland, formed in 2022. The band take their influences from the old heroes and put their own touch on it, which gives them a modern sound. Their full-length debut, "Thieves In The Night", was released in January 2025.
This track sounds very good, and have a really strong chorus to sing-along to. So you should really check this out.
king2music.com | neverfade.fi

MONHELL: King Of Stellar War

Monhell - Digital Single
So, MONHELL have done a cover of a song by ROTTING CHRIST, which I don&39;t know if I have heard the original version of. So for obvious reasons I can't compare this with the original version. But they say that "it's a straight, heartfelt homage, made with the intent of honouring those early influences rather than reinventing the song for the sake of it". So it should not be too different.. It sounds o.k. to me anyway.
MONHELL is a duo, with Monhell on all instruments and Penumbra on vocals. They are currently working on a second album, following the debut full-length "A Last Sigh Of Pain", released by Fetzner Death Records in April 2025.
youtu.be/waNeYcsSbDw | facebook.com/monhell.bm

URAL: Anthropic Genetic Involution

Xtreem Music on April 23 - CD, Digital
URAL hailing from Turin, Italy, and has since 2010 been blending full-force thrash metal with crossover adrenaline and a willingness to step outside the confining boundaries of a genre. 3 full-lengths and some EPs has been released so far.
This 4th album is said to be their most ferocious and far reaching to date. It's mainly a thrash/crossover attack in the old school, and it sounds really good. This is how it should sound like if you want me to like it. You just have to check this out!
facebook.com/URALWOLFTEAM | xtreemmusic.com

GROND: The Temple

Xtreem Music on April 30 - CD, Digital
GROND is a Lovecraft inspired death metal band from Russia, and now they return with an ambitious and imaginative concept album entwining the story of decorated First World War German U-boat commander Otto Eduard Weddigen, with H.P. Lovecraft's chilling tale of subaquatic madness from which the album takes its name.
The music is heavy, and has a dark atmosphere. It takes a bit of effort to listen to this, so it's a bit challenging, you could say. There's both good and less interesting moments, so I would not say that it's the best album that I ever have heard. But I'm very sure that those of you who like it heavy with growl could like this more than me.
facebook.com/grondrus | xtreemmusic.com

GOLGOTHA: Hubris

Abstract Emotions on April 24 - Album
Spanish veterans GOLGOTHA return with a new album. And this time they are darker and more harsh. It's melodic doom/death metal with contrasts you could say. Which means that sometimes it's harsh, other times melancholy, and there's both clean female vocals and harsh male vocals.
1 of my favorite tracks here is the opening track, "A Simple Life". But the other songs are absolutely not bad either. There's a touch of goth and darkness in their music, so it's not impossible that fans of goth and even post punk could enjoy this too. It's a damn good album anyway, no doubt about that.
facebook.com/GolgothaOfficialBand | abstractemotions.com/en

Jon Anderson: Earth Mother Earth (reissue) / Survival And Other Stories (reissue)

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, LP, Digital / CD, LP, Digital
What kind of crap is this? And it's so soft and low that you hardly can hear anything. You should not be forced to play on highest volume to hear anything. This album, "Earth Mother Earth", is just stupid! But it wouldn't surprise me if the progressive people will love this (well, they are not like me).
"Survival And Other Stories" is a more normal album though. And I don't have to play it on highest volume to hear something. But that doesn't mean that it's a perfect album all the way. Some songs are o.k., while others are boring. I would without a doubt recomend this album before "Earth Mother Earth" anyway.
As you may or may not know, Jon Anderson is a former singer of YES. "Earth Mother Earth" is an album from 1997, and "Survival And Other Stories" was originally released in 2011.
recordstoreday.com/UPC/8024391153833 | recordstoreday.com/UPC/8024391153932 | jonanderson.com | frontiers.it

Michael Sweet: The Master Plan

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, LP, Digital
Michael Sweet is hardly going in the same footsteps as his band STRYPER when he goes solo. And why should he? This is much softer and more melodic, and absolutely not a hard rock album. I guess we can describe this as something like easy-listening rock, which sometimes is on the border between pop and rock, and once in a while it actually is more like singer/songwriter stuff or a ballad. I don't think that I'm the right person to tell if this is good or bad, because this is not really what I use to listen to.
"The Master Plan" is said to be his most personal and spiritually resonant solo album yet, and it's a departure from his previous solo work, they say.
ffm.bio/michaelsweet_themasterplan | michaelsweet.com | frontiers.it

LES BIG BYRD: Big Flood

Chimp Limbs - Digital Single
I expected to hear some psychedelic rock, but instead I got a soft song that didn't really sound like I expected. And it last for as long as 7 minutes. No, this is hardly a hit song that will make them more famous, but it's not totally useless either. I would like to hear something more catchy and something that rock more before I can tell if this is a good or bad band.
They describe this track as kraut improvisations and pop melodies, if that gives you any idea of what it might sound like. And after a few listenings it's a pretty o.k. song after all.
LES BIG BYRD is a psych rock band from Sweden, featuring Jocke Åhlund from bands like TEDDYBEARS and CAESARS PALACE. It seems to be 15 years since their first single was released, and they will soon release their fifth album, "Ruin Everything".
(no link)

LAMBRINI GIRLS: Cult Of Celebrity

City Slang - Digital Single
Brighton duo LAMBRINI GIRLS released their debut album, "Who Let The Dogs Out", last year, and it seems like it was a big succees. Now they follow it up with a new stand-alone single, "Cult Of Celebrity". It's a punky rock song against the world's global elites, who they see as the devil incarnate. And they keep it short, just 2:14 minutes. And there's no reason for a longer song than that, because this is good as it is.
So if you want to know what the new generation of punk rock sounds like, then give this a try (unfortunately they didn't include any link).
(no link)

Jack White: G.O.D. And The Broken Ribs / Derecho Demonico

Playground Music/Third Man Records - Digital Singles, 7" Single
It was many years now since I heard anything with former The WHITE STRIPES frontman Jack White, and now he gives us 2 new solo singles at once.
This sounds pretty cool. The first single, "G.O.D. And The Broken Ribs", sounds both funky and bluesy somehow. It's very good and worth listening to.
The second single, "Derecho Demonico", is another blues rocker with a funky groove. It's more or less like a continuation of the first single, you could say. It sounds good too.
Jack will be touring in Europe in June.
thirdmanrecords.com | jackwhiteiii.com

Gus G.: Steel Burner

Metal Department on April 24 - CD, LP, Digital
Greek guitarist Gus G. (FIREWIND, Ozzy Osbourne) release his fifth solo album, and it's his first solo release in 5 years.
This is a wild mixture of instrumental tracks and songs with different singers - like Doro Pesch (DORO, WARLOCK), Dino Jelusick (WHITESNAKE, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, JELUSICK), Matt Barlow (ICED EARTH, ASHES OF ARES), and Ronnie Romero (RAINBOW, ELEGANT WEAPONS, LORDS OF BLACK, The FERRYMEN, MSG, SUNSTORM). The music is probably best described as classic hard rock/metal with a modern sound. And the idea to mix instrumental and vocal tracks is much better than just instrumental tracks, because it gives the album more variety. And it would also have been very stupid to not include those singers, as they are all very good.
So, in the end this is a very good album, which makes it worth checking out.
youtu.be/gSoIxSgFnBM | gusgofficial.com | metaldepartment.com

POWERRAGE: Beast

High Roller Records on April 24 - CD, LP, MC, Digital
POWERRAGE is led by former EXCITER guitarist John Ricci. The other boys are bassist Todd Pilon (ex-WITCHKILLER), drummer Lucas Dery and vocalist Jacques Bélanger (who previously sang on 3 EXCITER albums). They are not aiming at being a new EXCITER, but want to go their own way.
Sometimes this guy sings in a range that can be too much for me (think a cross between Eric Adams (MANOWAR), Rob Halford (JUDAS PRIEST) and early EXCITER). But luckily he doesn't sing like that all the time. It's classic heavy/thrash metal in the powerful and heavy league that we get here, and they deliver 8 tracks in 34 minutes that somehow sounds evil.
This might not be something for everyone, because of the singer, and I have heard better. But it's not bad anyway, so I guess it could be worth a try if you want something powerful and evil.
hrrecords.de | facebook.com/PowerrageBeast

BATTLEROAR: Petrichor

No Remorse Records on April 24 - CD, LP
BATTLEROAR was formed in Athens, Greece in 2000. They play epic heavy metal inspired by legends such as MANILLA ROAD and OMEN. But for some reason they have to destroy their sound with a violin once in a while, which I find very irritating. But when there's no violin, it sounds really good and traditional. So if they please could smash that violin into pieces, then I would be much happier (and why not record it and include it on the next album?).
With this album they are said to stay true to their signature sound, delivering atmospheric passages, strong melodies, and a powerful, dramatic character shaped by experience and conviction. Worth checking out anyway.
noremorse.gr | instagram.com/battleroarofficial

BACKFIRE!: The Last Confession

WTF Records - MCD, MLP, Digital
Dutch hardcore band BACKFIRE! was formed in the spring of 1994 by 4 friends in Maastricht. But this year marks the final chapter in the 32-year story of the band. So this mini album is their final release.
Across 5 tracks they stay true to what they always have done, deliver loud, furious outbursts of hardcore with a metallic edge. The first track is a fast hardcore/punk attack, and I really like it. And they continue to play fast, but there's also some heavy parts, just like it use to be. The songs are short, just 1:45 to 2:48 minutes, so this is over very fast. But it doesn't have to last longer than that when it's hardcore.
This is a very good record, so you should absolutely check it out.
facebook.com/Backfire.Mtown | wtfrecords.eu

AVON: Black On Sunshine

Go Down Records - LP
California desert rockers AVON blend psychedelic haze, desert-bred groove and raw, melodic heaviness. Their roots are in the spirit of the Californian desert, yet reaching far beyond genre boundaries. The group features Alfredo Hernández (KYUSS, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, YAWNING MAN) on drums, James Childs (AIRBUS) on guitar and vocals, and June Cato on bass. The trio has previously released 2 albums - "Mad Marco" (2016) and "Dave's Dungeon" (2018) - and after 8 years they are now back with their third album.
AVON succeed to make something that sounds both heavy and melodic, as well as catchy. There's a good variety in the songs, so it's not just a lot of weight and endless riffing, but actually real music. And that's a big plus of course. I would guess that fans of the desert rockers from the 90s could like this a lot.
avondesertrock.com | godownrecords.com

ANUBIS: Anthromorphide

M-Theory Audio on April 24 - CD, LP, Digital
Los Angeles metal band ANUBIS began in 2019 as an outlet for singer Devin Reiche to broaden his horizons from simply playing bass in HATCHET and to relish in creating traditional metal inspired by his influences and to use his voice. He was joined by bassist Will Buckley, and the group has released several EPs and singles over the years. Their debut album, "Dark Paradise", was released in 2024, and now they are ready to release their second album.
They have since last time added a second vocalist, Hanna Preston. And with this album they wanted to broaden the palette to create something fierce, intense and aggressive while keeping the traditional and melodic tendencies of their debut still alive. They used to call their music thrash/power metal, and there's still elements of that here. But I have seen that they call the music melodic metal nowadays. This is a damn good powerful heavy metal album anyway, no doubt about that.
linktr.ee/AnubisMetalOfficial | m-theoryaudio.com

ANASARCA: Achlys

Selfmadegod Records - CD
ANASARCA is a death metal band from Germany, founded in 1995. Their latest album is said to be the quartet's most brutal, intense, and emotionally charged release to date. It's musically rooted in both melodic and brutal death metal, and the album once again follows a concept centered on grief, with lyrics written by people who have lost loved ones, reflecting both personal losses within the band and the wider metal community.
After a useless silent intro that I hardly can hear, the death metal attack begins. It goes extremely fast and is really brutal, almost chaotic as it's also a bit technical. This should satisfy the most extreme death metallers.
Even if it goes fast and is almost chaos at times, it's yet very well done and actually not so bad at all. So if you like it brutal, then you should really give this a try.
anasarca.de | selfmadegod.com

KAASIN: The Underworld

Pride & Joy Music on April 24 - CD
This is the second album from these Norwegian hard rockers. It's said to mark a new chapter for the band, as it presents a darker and more atmospheric sound while remaining firmly rooted in classic hard rock traditions built on strong melodies and solid musicianship. As far as I can remember, the first album was really good. And this new album is also very good.
Melodic hard rock in the good old tradition is what we get, and there's really nothing to complain about when it comes to this band, as they are doing everything just as it should be done. This is in other words an album that you really should check out.
KAASIN formed in 2020, and released their debut album, "Fired Up", in November 2021. The band features members who have played or play with TNT, JORN etc.
youtu.be/AUBZKmUmYAo | facebook.com/kaasinmusic | prideandjoy.de

ALIEN: Live At Sweden Rock Festival

Pride & Joy Music on April 24 - CD, Digital
All I have heard with this Swedish melodic rock band before is their debut album from the 80s and their latest studio album, "When Yesterday Comes Around" (2025). Good stuff anyway, and when they took the stage at Sweden Rock Festival last summer, they played many songs from those 2 albums.
Everything sounds good until we get a useless version of "Only One Woman" and a guitar solo after that. But after that mistake, they are back on the right track again. So this is mainly a really good live album that every fan of melodic rock should check out.
I might have written their story before, but in case you don't know, ALIEN formed in Gothenburg in 1986. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1988, and was a succees with several singles (here in Sweden at least). Their biggest hit was a cover of "Only One Woman", but after that there have not been any more hits. They have continued to release albums now and then through the years though, and there have also been many years of silence. But after 15 years they were back once again last year.
youtu.be/2IV-krwX8Oo | facebook.com/Alien.Sweden | prideandjoy.de

ALICATE: Too Bad To Be Good

Pride & Joy Music on April 24 - CD
Swedish melodic hard rockers ALICATE was formed in the late 80s. They toured in Sweden and Finland, and supported Ian Gillan in 1992. After a hiatus in the 90s, the band reformed in 2009, and the first full-length album, "World Of Anger", was released. And they have continued to release new albums once in a while since then.
This band sounds very much like the bands did in the 80s. It's catchy and melodic, and every song seems to be made to be a single. It's absolutely not a bad album, that's for sure. So if that sounds like something that you would like, then you should really give this album a try.
bfan.link/don-t-turn-around-1 | facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063466240047 | prideandjoy.de

POWER PALADIN: Beyond The Reach Of Enchantment

ROAR - CD, LP, Digital
POWER PALADIN is a heavy/power metal band from Iceland, and this is their second album, where each track is a chapter in a sweeping saga of power, mystery, and majesty. They are said to deliver "a more mature and refined sound that expands their musical horizons while retaining the unmistakable energy that defined their beginnings".
This is a honor to their heroes, IRON MAIDEN, DIO, and HELLOWEEN. So in other words another band in the classic tradition. But they also add their own touch to it, so it doesn't really sound old and used but modern instead. It sounds really good anyway, there's no doubt about that. So you simply check this out and that's it.
powerpaladin.is | reigningphoenixmusic.com/all-artists/roar-artists

HÖWLER: The 9 To 5 Trap

CDN Records - Digital Single
Costa Rica thrashers HÖWLER will release a new album, "Beyond Mortal Control&quoyt;, on May 8. "The 9 To 5 Trap" is of course taken from that album, and is described as "a full-throttle anthem that tackles the grind of modern life with blistering riffs and a raw, relentless energy that only HÖWLER can deliver".
So what we get here is relentless thrash metal rooted in the classic tradition, while also pushing their sound forward with razor-sharp precision. It's an aggressive attack that I really like, and so should you if you have any interest in thrash.
The band formed in 2009, and "Beyond Mortal Control&quoyt; will be their fifth full-length album.
facebook.com/howlercr

DEADNATE: Mosaic

DeadRecords - LP, Digital
Danish progressive metal band DEADNATE has released their second album, where the progressive and complex are at times taken even further, while the simple, direct, and catchy are given room where needed. Where the band on the previous album looked outward - towards nature and specific problems in the world - "Mosaic" turns its gaze inward, towards the city, the people in it, and the relationship that humans have with themselves and with "the other". The songs are based on the members' lives and experiences.
In their best moments they reminds me a little of the Swedish band BOMBUS, which I like, so this is obviously not totally hopeless. They really seems to know what they are doing, and they seems to be very good at it. But if you're looking for anthems to sing-along to, then this might not be the right band. Pretty good anyway, no doubt about that.
The music is mainly hard and heavy with aggressive vocals, but there is also softer moments and some clean vocals.
bit.ly/4bjsKO5 | facebook.com/Deadnate

MANDY MANALA: Nocturnal Bites

Argonauta Records - Digital Single

MANDY deliver the second single from their upcoming second album, "Something Wicked", out on May 29. This time it sounds really good, so this is of course something that you really should check out if you like dark heavy rock. This track is more catchy somehow, what you could call an anthem. It will be very interesting to hear the new album, no doubt about that.
MANDY MANALA is a group from Vaasa in Finland. They blend influences from dark heavy rock, stoner rock and occult rock.
youtu.be/NRPje29zJrY | facebook.com/MandyManala | facebook.com/ArgonautaRecords

RAUNCHY: Designed Despair

Mighty Music - Digital Single
This track is taken from the upcoming album "Prisoner" (I have no date yet). It's described as "a crushing blend of mechanized grooves, razor-sharp riffs and haunting atmospheres, this new single channels RAUNCHY's signature balance between melody and aggression into one of their most intense and thought-provoking tracks to date". Since the mid-90s, the band has carved out a distinctive identity by fusing melodic death metal with industrial textures and electronic elements. Their music has been called "death pop".
With a modern sound, they succeed to combine the aggressive and melodic very well, and actually make it catchy. So this is not so bad at all.
bfan.link/rnch-dd | mightymusic.dk

The REAL McKENZIES: I Wanna Eat Sardines (With Yer Mother)

Stomp Records - Digital Single
Weird title.. I guess they are trying to be funny, but I don't like fish.
This is actually the first time I have heard this Celtic punk band, who comes from Vancouver, Canada. And it's the first taste of their upcoming album, "On Yer Bike", which will arrive on May 29.
The band was founded back in 1992 by frontman and Scottish punk poet Paul McKenzie. They combine guitars, bass and drums with bagpipes to get their mix of Scottish folk music and punk rock. It's rowdy and fun at the same time, what they call a pub anthem. So I guess it would fit best together with a pint of stout, because this is a catchy song that makes you happy.
orcd.co/sardineswithmom | realmckenzies.com

SOCIAL DISTORTION: Partners In Crime

Epitaph Records - Digital Single
This is the second advance single from the upcoming album "Born To Kill", which will be released on May 8. It will be their 8th album, and their first in 15 years.
This song sounds just like they use to, so no surprise there. But it's a good song, so why complain? I think that many people could like this laidback punk rock, which I describe this as. But if you want something more catchy and energetic, then this might not be for you.
SOCIAL DISTORTION are going on a European tour this summer.
youtu.be/L0CEyLzCVHc | epitaph.com | facebook.com/socialdistortion

Erik Grönwall: Born To Break

Greenwall Entertainment - Digital Single
This is the second single from the upcoming solo album with Swedish hard rock singer Erik Grönwall (MSG, ex-SKID ROW, H.E.A.T). The title of the album is "Bad Bones", and it will be released on May 22.
This sounds more modern somehow than the last single. There's a pinch of pop actually, yet it's a hard rock song. Not bad anyway, so there's still hope that the new album will be great.
youtu.be/ilih533kHkc

DEAD POLLYS: Punkracy / KAUZ OF AFFLICTION: Shared Vision

Dead Pollys/Kauz Of Affliction - Digital Singles

Swedish punk rockers DEAD POLLYS will release a split CD with KAUZ OF AFFLICATION from Hawaii. These 2 singles is a first taste of what you're going to get. It seems like the CD will be released in May, when both bands are going on a European tour together.
DEAD POLLYS deliver a good old punk rock anthem filled with energy. It sounds old school and damn good, just like I want it. This is really a great band, and you should really check them out if you have not done that already.
KAUZ OF AFFLICTION is a punk rock trio influenced by legendary bands like The TOY DOLLS, Siouxie & The BANSHEES, and RAMONES. I guess that not too many have heard about them before, I had not anyway, but the split CD is going to change that. This song sounds good, so there's hope.
deadpollys.com | facebook.com/kauzofaffliction

Friends Of Second Class Kids 2025

Second Class Kids Records - CD

I thought this compilation was just for members of their little club "Friends Of Second Class Kids", but maybe I'm a VIP as I got it anyway? Doesn't really matter..
We get the chance to hear songs from 7 of the artists on the label. Some participate with just 1 song while others participate with 3-5 songs. And as ususal when it comes to Second Class Kids, it's mainly melodic punk rock, what we here in Sweden call trallpunk. All artists are from Sweden or Norway, and they sing in their own language.
The artists are SLAVERIET, ANTI-LAM FRONT, SARDO NUMSPA, ASTMATISK GAPSKRATT, MENUDÅ, SKRAMMEL, and Kapten Grå.
Mainly good stuff, but I would have prefered 2-3 songs with each band. I guess that some simply had more songs finished than others? The strongest song here must be the one with SLAVERIET, which opens this compilation. There's actually just 1 song that I don't really like here, and that's "En + En" by SARDO NUMSPA, which sounds like a silly pop song. Kapten Grå is the odd bird here you could say, as he play soft singer/songwriter instead of melodic punk rock.
secondclasskids.com

ZANJEER: Seher-e-Maqhoor

Neon Nile Records - LP, CD, MC, Digital
ZANJEER is a Berlin-based hardcore/punk band, formed in Bremen in 2020. This is their debut album, where all songs are in Urdu, a language they speak in Pakistan and India (if I get it right). They has previously released a EP, "Parcham Buland Ast", in 2022.
This band is boiling with anger, frustration and hatred against systematic and consistent oppression. Their sound is compared with bands like RATOS DE PORÃO and RAW POWER, while their lyrics cut into immigration, neocolonialism, global South exploitation, Islamist extremism, and the ongoing massacres in Palestine.
With a hard and intense mix of crust, d-beat, and even some thrash metal, they attack with all that they got. And the result is absolutely not bad at all. But singing in a language that not too many crust punks will understand might not be the best idea (but I guess translations into English are available). You should really check this out of course.
linktr.ee/zanjeer | neonnile.com

CRIMSON GLORY: Chasing The Hydra

BraveWords Records on April 17 - LP, CD, Digital
American heavy metal band CRIMSON GLORY deliver their first new album in 26 years. They formed in 1983 in Sarasota, Florida, and they were considered one of the pioneers of the American progressive metal movement, alongside bands like QUEENSRŸCHE, DREAM THEATER, FATES WARNING, and WATCHTOWER. Today's lineup consist of founding members Ben, Jeff and Dana, and the new vocalist Travis Wills and guitarist Mark Borgmeyer.
What we get here is mainly heavy metal in the classic tradition, but with that U.S. twist that makes it what they call US metal. There is progressive elements too, but nothing advanced and adventurous. These 9 tracks are absolutely not bad at all, so they can be proud of this album.
If you want high-quality heavy metal in the old tradition, then give this a try.
youtu.be/gzSqirCPGbw | bravewordsrecords.com

CONVERGE: Hum Of Hurt

Epitaph Records - Digital Single
It wasn't that long ago that these hardcore/metal veterans released a new album, "Love Is Not Enough" (2026), but on June 5 they will deliver another album, "Hum Of Hurt". The title track is the first single from the album.
The Hum is a low, persistent noise throbbing in the background. Scientists say it registers between 30 and 40 hertz. It has haunted the population of Taos, New Mexico for decades, and it's been linked to suicides in the UK. Not everyone can hear it, and no one knows where it's coming from.
This song is hardly a low noise in the background though, but a noisey and loud hardcore/noise rock attack. It's more raw than the material on "Love Is Not Enough". O.k. I guess, but honestly not much else. I hope they have better songs than this on the new album.
youtu.be/gHDx0phnOm8

VICTORIUS: World War Dinosaur

Perception on April 17 - LP, CD, Digital
German band VICTORIOUS call their music "Power Metal from Outer Space". Earthlings call it power metal. Among the themes of their lyrics are stuff like cybernetic dinosaurs, galactic ninjas, and magical mammoths. It's cinemtaic adventures at full speed but melodic, epic and explosive.
This time the battlefield spans the entire globe – a full-scale military conflict between cybernetic dinosaurs and spacefaring ninja legions. It's said to be the most ambitious story the band has ever told. And at the same time it's also said to be more cinematic, more intense, more fearless than ever before. And I believe them, because this is very good. Most of the songs here are very energetic, and they succeed to sound both classic and modern at the same time. On top of that they also have great songs.
victoriusmetal.net | perception.music

THUNDEROR: Bleed For It

Boonsdale Records on April 17 - CD, LP
4 years after their debut, "Fire It Up", Canadian hard rock/metal band THUNDEROR follow it up with a new concept album, where they deliver a collection of hook-driven anthems. It's a wild mix of New Wave Of Traditional Heavy Metal and arena rock, with elements of a rock opera.
The main ingredients seems to be hooks and melodies, and they really seem to be trying to make every song an anthem. But somehow they don't quite succeed. Some songs are actually really good, but there's also a few that are not so interesting. They are doing a good job though, so they are not far away from as great as I want it to be.
youtu.be/rnajB7jTY_Q?si=c00oa5itclcyfCZ8 | facebook.com/ThunderorOfficial | boonsdale.bigcartel.com

RESUMPTION: The Respite

Resumption on April 17 - Digital Album
RESUMPTION is a solo project led by Wilhelm Lindh (The GARDNERZ, ex-TRISTITIA, PANDEMONIUM, ALLAMEDAH), a Swedish man who has been living in Portugal for many years. This project is said to bridges the gap between the crushing groove of BOLT THROWER, BROKEN HOPE, PYREXIA, ACHERON (US) and the suffocating slow atmosphere of FUNERAL (Norway). It's really heavy death/doom metal that we get, with deep growl. Very dark stuff, but I guess those who like it heavy will enjoy this. And I don't have much else to say about this..
A live lineup is in the works.
resumptiondeathdoom.bandcamp.com/album/the....

MUERTO: Eclipsed Realms

Transcending Obscurity Records on April 17 - CD, Digital
MUERTO is a Mexican black metal band, who blend in some doom, post-metal, and avantgarde influences. They have found their own sound, where it sometimes goes fast, sometimes heavy, and once in a while in mid-tempo. The vocals is raw and cold, while the music is dark with guitar melodies here and there (in lack of a better description).
Although it might not be the best that I have heard, it&39;s absolutely not bad at all. I guess that they blend in too much of the other stuff, when I prefer pure black metal instead. But if you for some reason are tired of the usual stuff and want something different, then try this.
muerto-label.bandcamp.com/album/ecli.... | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com

CAVE: ...Into The Promised Land

Metalapolis Records on April 17 - CD, LP, Digital
CAVE hailing from Ludwigsburg, Germany. They released their debut album, "Out Of The Cave", in 2024, but the members have been shaping the German and international metal landscape for decades. And you can hear that they are experienced when you listen to their new album, which is their second. They blend together classic oldschool hard n heavy with progressive elements and a modern production. And since the last album, singer Ronny Munroe (METAL CHURCH) has been replaced with Tommy Laasch (CHINCHILLA).
CAVE play a powerful yet melodic kind of heavy metal where they succeed to combine the old and the new school. They have lots of strong songs on this album, so they are definitely worth a try. Especially if you're a fan of bands like QUEENSRŸCHE, SAVATAGE, MASTERPLAN and similar acts, then I'm pretty sure that you will enjoy this.
metalapolis.eu | cave.band

SLIP~ons: Overtime

Scamindy - 12" EP, Digital
SLIP~ons is a guitar based power pop band from Vancouver, Canada. The group is fronted by Brock Pytel of Montreal pop punks DOUGHBOYS and anchored by Brian Minato, a longtime bassist for Sarah McLachlan. The band is rounded out by Rob "Shockk" Matharu of The SPITFIRES on guitar and Shane Wilson on drums.
Their sound is somewhere where 90s alternative heft meets power pop immediacy (they mention Bob Mould, HÜSKER DÜ, The REFRESHMENTS, ASH and DINOSAUR JR. if that says something?). To me it sounds like a catchy and melodic rock album, and they have some good songs here. The only song I say no to is the acoustic piece "Hands Up Don't Shoot", where they just repeat the title over and over again to an acoustic guitar. But the rest is not bad at all.
youtu.be/Nsn3cxArcy8 | slip-ons.bandcamp.com/album/overtime

The SCREAMIN' KICK: Looking From My World

Angry Apple Tree - LP, Digital
The SCREAMIN' KICK is a garage rock band from Edingburgh, Scotland, and this is their debut album, which was released in February.
We get 12 tracks of fairly traditional garage rock. It's energetic and messy, just as it should be, and the songs are short, just 2 to 3 and a half minutes (only 1 song exceeds 4 minutes). So they are obviously doing everything right. This is absolutely good enough and then some, and you should give them a try.
They will release a new EP, "King Of The Past", through Rogue Records later this year.
linktr.ee/thescreaminkick

PRELUDIO ANCESTRAL: Guardians Of Twilight

Fighter Records on April 14 - CD, Digital
Argentinian power/heavy metal band PRELUDIO ANCESTRAL deliver their 6th full-length album. They formed in 2005, and released their debut album, "Hacia lo Inmortal", in 2012.
This sounds epic and traditional, so don't expect any modern influences. It also sounds very professional, and they have lots of really good songs among these 12 tracks. I would say that the vocals is melodic, which makes their sound melodic. This is a band that easily could be in the top league of power/heavy metal, so you should really check out this album.
facebook.com/preludioancestral2020 | fighter-records.com

MANALI: Manali

Vinyltroll Records/Virkelighedsfjern on April 17 - LP, Digital
Well, there's just 3 tracks here, but they are long. The first is 11:49 minutes, the second a little shorter with its 7:47, and the last is as long as 15:37 minutes. So no, it's hardly a EP.
The music is, as you might have guessed already, really heavy doom/sludge metal, and there's not much vocals, which makes it even more boring to listen to. They just repeat the same shit over and over again, and I get so tired of it as the so called "song" last for an eternity and are totally useless. But that was just my opinions about the first track.
The second track have more vocals, and is also more atmospheric. It sounds much better than the first track, so it's actually the only good track here.
The last tango then.. Another more atmospheric thing with vocals. But just as in the first track, they repeat the same riffs for way too long, so it's not such a good song. And it's also waaaaaaaaaaaay tooooooooo looooooong.
MANALI was formed in Kolding, Denmark in 2020 as an instrumental trio, who released 2 demos between 2021-22. At that time it seems like they played stoner rock. But then they got a new drummer, and zynth and vocals were added, and the sound simply developed to atmospheric and droning doom/sludge metal. A cassette was released in 2024, and now their debut album is here.
linktr.ee/manaliband

KRØYER: Towering Iron

Krøyer - CD, Digital
KRØYER play industrial rave metal, so I guess it could be something for those of you who like psycho music, becuase this sounds almost like if they would have let some patients in a madhouse record an album. This is not music according to me. So instead of listening to this crap, I would recomend some treatment so that you can learn to listen to some real rock instead. Because this will probably just make you more sick.
And now it's also important to say that as I'm not a fan of this kind of music, maybe you should not listen to what I think about it, because I obviously don't have a clue if this is good or bad according to people who actually listen to this kind of stuff.
This is a solo project formed by Ditte Krøer of the Danish feminist black metal band VULVATORIOUS, and "Towering Iron" is the debut album from this project. It's hard-hitting, dark and electronic. In other words a wild mix of industrial metal and rave music, and rave is hardly something that I like.
dittekroyer.com

DARK MILE: Freight Train

Dark Mile - CD, Digital
DARK MILE is a melodic hard rock project featuring Tracy G (DIO), Mark Huff (QUIET RIOT), Randy Oviedo (STREEK), and Paul Alfery (WALK THE WALK). This is their second album, and it was released in February 2026.
We get 10 tracks here, and they have a classic sound that many like. It sounds really good, there's no doubt about that, but with all that experience it would be strange if they could not deliver a good album. But although they have lots of good songs here, I can't hear any big anthem, that song that's extra good and fantastic. It's absolutely good enough though, so it could still be worth a try.
facebook.com/darkmileband

GLORIOUS BANKROBBERS and The ROYAL BEGGARS at Fyrens Ölkafé

Concert at Fyrens Ölkafé in Göteborg, Sweden on April 11, 2026
I'm really happy that I went to this gig, because it was damn good.
The local band The ROYAL BEGGARS was the first band. I had not heard them before, so even if they played some new songs, every song was new to me. It was good, some kind of harder rock n roll or however I should describe it. It made me think of early BACKYARD BABIES for example, before they added the punk energy to their sound. But even if there wasn't that much energy in their songs, it was still good. A band worth checking out.

GLORIOUS BANKROBBERS comes from Stockholm, Sweden, and they had some succees back in the 80s sometime. They reunited a few years ago, and has released 3 damn good albums since then. And as I like those albums so much, I had to go and see them live. And they didn't dissapoint me, because they were great. This band play a very energetic kind of hard rock/action rock, which is perfect live on a Saturday night. If you want action, this is a band that you have to check out.

facebook.com/offisialhomepage | facebook.com/royalbeggars

Chez Kane: Reckless

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - LP, CD, Digital
"Reckless" is the third album from this Welsh rock woman. It's already 4 years since her last album, "Powerzone", was released, but not much has changed. As usual it sounds like an album from the 80s, but possibly with a modern production then. She deliver good song after good song without any crap at all, so it's another great album from Chez. Every fan of melodic rock and hard rock from the 80s have to check this out.
The album was once again written and produced together with Danny Rexon, frontman of Swedish hard rockers CRAZY LIXX.
ffm.bio/recklesspreorder | chezkane.com | frontiers.it

CACTUS: Temple Of The Blues II

Cleopatra Records - LP, CD, Digital
It's 2 years since American drum legend Carmine Appice (CACTUS, VANILLA FUDGE, KING KOBRA, Rod Stewart) and his reformed version of CACTUS - also featuring singer Ed Terry, guitarist Artie Dillon, and bassist James Caputo - released "Temple Of The Blues - Influences & Friends". Now they return with "Temple Of The Blues II". And just like last time, there's many guest appearances from people like Ted Nugent, Billy Sheehan, Bumblefoot, Dee Snider (TWISTED SISTER), and Pat Travers (who all could be heard on the last album), but also Steve Morse (DEEP PURPLE), Tracii Guns (L.A. GUNS), Joe Lynn Turner (RAINBOW, DEEP PURPLE), Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy Osbourne, QUIET RIOT), Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT), and a whole lot more.
On this album the blues party continues. It's as far as I know just covers, or possibly a re-recording of an old CATUS song. We get hip-swinging heavy blues rock for all the money, and I like it even if I don't shake my hip replacements. In other words a good party starter if you like blues rock.
CACTUS originally formed in 1970, but collapsed just 3 years later. The band reformed in 2006, and the current lineup came together in 2021.
orcd.co/cactus_thelittleredrooster | cactusrocks.net | cleorecs.com

Vick LeCar: The Gold Record

Vick LeCar - CD, Digital
There's way too many songs here. Just because you can release 15 songs at once doesn't mean that it's a good idea. But unfortunately it seems like many people doesn't really get that. I use to say that 8-12 tracks is enough, no more.
But luckily most of the material here is good, and nobody force you to listen to all songs at once. It's a good balance between hard rock and blues rock that we get here, so if you like that, then this is worth a try.
Guitarist Vick LeCar get his inspiration from legends like Jimi Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore, Carlos Santana, Brian May, Terry Kath, Al Di Meola, Paco de Lucía, and Gary Moore. But he is not a copy of them, but rather a development one could say. Emotion and blistering solos are just some of the ingredients here.
vicklecar.com

BLACK REUSS: Death

Golden Robot Records - Album
This is the 4th album with the Swizz melodic gothic metal project BLACK REUSS, where we get haunting melodies and deep emotional themes.
The project is led by Maurizio Dottore as the only member, and this album explores transformation, resilience, and the delicate balance of hope amid darkness. It's said to be something for fans of bands like TYPE O NEGATIVE and KATATONIA. It's in other words a dark and emotional journey. At the same time he wants to push the boundaries of the genre with deeply resonant themes and compelling soundscapes.
Well, if you like more melancholic stuff, then this can absoultely be something for you, because it's not bad at all.
linktr.ee/blackreussmusic | goldenrobotrecords.com

ARKADO: Phoenix And Stardust

Pride & Joy Music - Digital Single
The latest single with Swedish melodic hard rock band ARKADO is a duet with ZHIVA singer Anette Johansson. The song comes from their new album, which will be released in the fall.
It takes almost a minute before there's any vocals, but after that we get something that sounds very good. It seems like they are not just stuck in the classic 80s sound, but actually sounds modern. A very promising track anyway, no doubt about that. You should really check this out!
bfan.link/phoenix-stardust | prideandjoy.de | facebook.com/Arkadoofficial

ANGELES: Diamonds And Gold

Dark Star Records/Sony Music - Digital Single
The latest single from L.A. rock veterans ANGELES might not be as great as the last single that I heard, which was "Get It Done" (2025). It's a little different somehow. I honestly don't really know how to describe it, so I guess you have to listen for yourself. It doesn't suck anyway, so it's a o.k. song, but not much else.
The latest lineup of the band features Dale George Lytle on vocals/guitar, Danny Basulto on drums, and Bill Wildman on bass.
open.spotify.com/album/0Tvv.... | darkstarrecords.com | angelesband.com

SIDEBÜRNS: Beer Füeled Bastard

Sidebürns on April 10 - Digital EP
This band was formed in Weimar, Germany in 2002. Through the years they have built a reputation as a sweat-dripping live machine. Now they deliver a 5-track EP, which is filled with their dirty hard rock n roll. They also blend in some punk and metal, but it's mainly high-octane rock that we get in the same tradition as MOTÖRHEAD and similar acts. And who can say no to something like that? Exactly! So get yourself a 6-pack and play this loud, I'm very sure that you will enjoy the ride.
But o.k., if I'm going to be a little important here, it doesn't sound exactly like MOTÖRHEAD. But it kicks ass just like them, so you should like it anyway.
sideburnsrock.com

RESURRECTED: Perpetual

Testimony Records on April 10 - CD, LP, MC, Digital
The Rurh Area in Germany (an industrial area also known as the Pott) is where this death metal band comes from. It's the same area where thrash legends like KREATOR and SODOM came from. The band was founded in 1993, and "Perpetual" is their 8th full-length album. And with many years of experience they deliver an album that's both old school and brutal.
Like many other death bands nowadays, they begin with a heavier piece. But after that they explode and deliver a fast and energetic attack. And they continue to attack with full force after that. They are doing this very good, and I like what I hear.
spkr.store/collections/resurrected | facebook.com/testimonyrecords | resurrectedbrutality.bandcamp.com/album/perpetual

The NEPTUNE POWER FEDERATION: Mondo Tomorrow

Cruz Del Sur Music on April 10 - CD, LP, Digital
This is the 7th album from this Australian hard rock band, and it's said that they are bringing back their punk rock roots. It seems to be a concept album about technology.
It's a very varied album anyway. The punk rock energy can most of all be heard in the opening track, "Mondo Tomorrow", while the rest is more progressive and alternative, or however I should describe it? Yes, it's actually not so easy to describe this band's music. But I must say that it sounds really good anyway, so it's absolutely worth checking out if you're curious.
cruzdelsurmusic.com | linktr.ee/tnpf

CHARIOTS OVERDRIVE: The End Of Antiquity

Gates Of Hell Records - CD, LP, Digital
This is the debut album from CHARIOTS OVERDRIVE, another heavy metal band in the good old tradition. This album seems to be done with a big passion for 80s heavy metal. The lyrics are inspired by ancient chinese historical texts and mythic tales/fantasies, which probably makes them a little unique.
The band hailing from Atlanta in USA. We get 9 tracks here, and it sounds like an old underground band or something like that. The only thing I can complain about a little is those 2 short intros, who doesn't give me that much. But otherwise lots of good stuff here, so this is worth listening to.
They end the album with a track that's 12 minutes long (if that could be of interest?).
facebook.com/gatesofhellrecords | facebook.com/chariotsoverdrive

XTASY: Phoenix

Art Of Melody Music/Burning Minds Music Groups on April 10 - CD, LP, Digital (and several bundles)
Spanish melodic hard rockers XTASY formed in Navarra in 2011. They has spent the last decade building a loyal following across Europe and Japan. On their side they have always had Swedish producer Erik Mårtensson (ECLIPSE), who has mixed and mastered all their releases to date.
"Phoenix" marks a new chapter for the band with 2 new members: Javi Herrero (ZENOBIA) on drums and David Zarzosa on bass. But it's also a new chapter musically they say (in what way is unclear to me).
This sounds just as it should according to me. It's almost like an album from the 80s but recorded with today's technology. And they deliver good song after good song, so this should be a band that the whole melodic hard rock scene talk about. But now that I have told you about them, you should listen and tell all your friends how good they are, just to start the talking. They simply deserve to be one of the bigger names, that's how good I think this is.
xtasyband.com | burningmindsgroup.com

sunn O))): sunn O)))

Sub Pop - CD, 2LP, Digital
Imagine an album where they just play extremely heavy riffs all the time, just 2 distorted guitars and nothing else (but o.k., there's actually a piano in 1 track). The shortest song is 7 and a half minutes, while the 2 longest ones are over 18 minutes. That's what you get from this band.
This is not music in my opinion, but rather tones and soundscapes. Totally pointless actually.
The fact that they actually manage to distinguish between the "songs" and actually manage to remember them is still a bit impressive, because they play this shit live (on highest volume as possible have I heard). So even though it sounds improvised to me, it's not.
If you decide to give this a chance anyway, then you will get 6 tracks that last for an eternity (well, 79:42 minutes at least). But I warn you, it won't be good for your health to listen to this (it wasn't good for my head anyway).
For nearly 30 years these 2 guys - Stephen O'Malley and Greg Anderson - have been pushing the boundaries for people's ears and heavy music. This is their 10th album, and their first for Sub Pop.
sunn.southernlord.com | subpop.com

RIKET: 2026

Black Lion Records on April 10 - Album
This is the debut album from RIKET, where they blend the raw aggression of death metal with thrash and punk. All their lyrics are in Swedish, and rooted in the darker corners of our shared past: small historic tales of catastrophe, blunder, and human downfall. The vocals is harsh, and the music is mainly some kind of heavy mid-tempo, yet with a good drive. Sometimes it goes faster though. It sounds really good anyway, so I recomend you to check this out.
Although this is their first full-length album, it seems like the band was founded 10 years ago. The last track is a cover of a song by Swedish singer/songwriter Stefan Sundström.
youtu.be/5PkyR7lqmgU

NEUROSIS: An Undying Love For A Burning World

Neurot Recordings - LP, CD, MC, Digital
NEUROSIS return with their first new album in a decade. And this was actually the first time I heard a whole album with NEUROSIS, and probably the first time I have heard them at all. Well, I can't say that this album makes me thristy for more. They are a little too heavy and alternative for my taste. But we all have different taste, and I know that there's lots of people who really like these veterans, and even see them as legends.
On this album Aaron Turner (SUMAC, ISIS) joins the band on vocals and guitar, alongside vocalist/guitarist Steve Von Till, drummer Jason Roeder, bassist Dave Edwardson, and keyboard player Noah Landis.
Now I can for obvious reasons not compare this with their previous records, but it's said that NEUROSIS has never been afraid of change, so I guess this is kind of a new chapter in their career. It's most of all heaviness and distortion anyway, but also a touch of something alternative and experimental, like a powerful soundscape where anything can happen. So if you like that, then you're probably already a fan.
neurosis.com | neurotrecordings.com

BOLAN: At War With Myself (feat. Danko Jones)

earMUSIC - Digital Single
As you might have heard already, SKID ROW bassist Rachel Bolan will release a solo album, "Gargoyle Of The Garden State", on June 12 under the name BOLAN. This is the first taste of that album, and the song features a guest appearance from Danko Jones.
What we get is street hard rock with a raw punk attitude. I guess we can call it hard rock/punk rock actually. It's a bloody good and promising anthem anyway, so if he have more songs like this on the new album, then it should be fantastic.
youtu.be/XUr4Fl9Dv58

PIRATE QUEEN: William Kidd

Despotz Records - Digital Single
All-female pirate metal band PIRATE QUEEN is finally back with a new single. It's already 2 years since the band burst onto the scene with their debut album, "Ghosts", which was a really strong album.
This is the first glimpse of their upcoming second album, "Travelling Around The World", to be release on September 4. They continue to deliver thunderous heavy metal and cinematic storytelling, and this track revisits an old pirate melody the band originally composed more than a century ago, now reimagined as a powerful and cinematic heavy metal anthem.
Yes, they really prove that they still can deliver damn good songs, so I look forward to hear the new album (September seems so far away though).
found.ee/Williamkidd | facebook.com/piratequeenofficial | despotz.bigcartel.com

KËKHT ARÄKH: Castle

Sacred Bones - Digital Single
All I can say about this song is that it's very bland. Not really sure why I think so, but I guess it's not such a good song according to me. But you might have a other opinion of course. So if you like black metal, then give this a try and don't just listen to me.
A new album, "Morning Star", was released on March 27.
youtube.com/watch?v=ApEPNAsemzk

A HERO FOR THE WORLD: G.O.A.T.

Jacob Kaasgaard - Digital Album
This is the first album with original material in almost 7 years from the international power metal band A HERO FOR THE WORLD. As usual the Swedish singer and musician Jacob Kaasgaard has done most of the work, but he is as usual also joined by Brazilian guitarist Kalebe Oggioni, and there's also guest appearances from Jaahunghaam (from India) and Rich Gray (ANNIHILATOR). Fabio Alessandrini (ANNIHILATOR, BONFIRE, ENFORCER, HARDLINE, RAVEN, RHAPSODY, SUNSTORM, WHIPLASH) play drums.
We get as much as 14 tracks here, which means that the album last for over an hour, and that's a little too much. But a band-aid on the wound is that most of these songs are good. And there's lots of talent here, so it all sounds very professional.
The music is probably best described as epic and melodic power metal or something like that, as it's also cinematic. So sometimes it's almost like listening to the soundtrack to an adventure movie. And if that sounds like something that you would like, then you should really check this out.
open.spotify.com/album/0Ept0ET0....

GRIMNER: Träldomens Far

Despotz Records - Digital Single
Swedish viking/folk metal band GRIMNER released a new single a few weeks ago. This track is the first taste of the upoming album "Stormvingar", which will be released on September 4.
Lyrically this song is said to present a faithful yet distinctive retelling of a classic Old Norse poem, so they continue with their signature storytelling. And musically it's what they describe as "a groovy heavy-hitter packed with catchy melodies, crushing riffs, and a mighty chorus worthy of the shining Aesir".
They blend hard and melodic elements with harsh vocals, so there's both metal and folk music. It's pretty catchy and not so bad at all.
found.ee/trldomensfar | facebook.com/Grimnerswe | despotz.se

FEAR OF DOMINATION: Katharsis

Inverse Records - CD, Digital
Finnish industrial metal band FEAR OF DOMINATION released their 7th album, "Katharsis", in January this year. The band was originally founded in 2006, and there have been several lineup changes since then. Today they are 7 members, with both a female and a male singer.
Their music is both hard and melodic, and sometimes even catchy, while the vocals is both harsh and clean. They balance it very good and have some good songs here. With 20 years of experience, they show us all what they are capable of. It may not be a great masterpiece we're talking about, but it's still really good. So this is worth a try.
fod.fi | inverse.fi

ELECTRIC GUITARS: Messenger

Mighty Music - Digital Single
Danish electrifying rockers ELECTRIC GUITARS is led by Soren Andersen (Glenn Hughes, Jesper Binzer) and Mika Vandborg (LOVESHOP, GNAGS). And as usual they gives us pure unfiltered guitar rock without any nonsense. It's passion for rock, it's sweaty and energetic.
This latest single might not be the most vital song they have made, but sounds a little different somehow. It's absolutely not bad though. It has a softer verse and then it comes alive in the chorus, you could say. I don't know how to describe it better than that..
bfan.link/eg-messenger | electricguitars.dk

BLACK OAK COUNTY: Misprint

Mighty Music on April 10 - LP, CD, Digital
Danish hard rockers BLACK OAK COUNTY are said to deliver their most focused, aggressive and emotionally charged album to date. This is their 4th album, where they push their sound forward - it's heavier, more melodic, and more direct than ever, they say.
This band play a modern kind of hard rock, and it doesn't sound so aggressive to me. But the other ingredients that they mention are there anyway. And for being a modern band, they are actually not so bad at all. These guys seems to know how to make good songs, and the singer doesn't whine and howl like some stupid pop singer. This is actually rocking, and it's a good album that they have made.
bit.ly/boc-tgt | facebook.com/BlackOakCounty | mightymusic.dk

CORNERS OF SANCTUARY: Lick It Up

Sodeh Records - Digital Single
Philadelphia heavy metal band CORNERS OF SANCTUARY gives us their version of the KISS classic "Lick It Up". But rather than simply recreating the original, the guys inject their signature grit and sharpened edge into the track. The result is something that sounds both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. So they have succeeded to make a pretty good version of this song.
CORNERS OF SANCTUARY celebrate their 15th anniversary this year.
youtu.be/wq6zDqvam7Q?si=m6i9_v5EdGyDHN8K | facebook.com/CornersofSanctuary | sodeh.ca

Conny Bloom: Purple Haze

Target Records - Digital Single

ELECTRIC BOYS frontman Conny Bloom have turned the Jimi Hendrix classic "Purple Haze" into a funky psych rock song. It was originally inspired by an experimental attempt to reinterpret the song in Swedish, but Bloom's version of this timeless classic evolved into something entirely new - stripping away imitation in favor of atmosphere, groove, and personal expression. Due to publishing rights he could not do it in Swedish though.
This is a cool song and absolutely worth a try, and there's not much else to say about that.
bfan.link/cbloom-ph

CHILD OF PANOPLES: New Romance

Rogue Records - 7" Single, Digital
This is yet another cool band from France, formed in the southern parts in 2021. They has already released 3 singles and 1 LP before this single.
Their musical style is highly eclectic and evolves with different periods and lineups, ranging from psychedelia to garage rock, with touches of groove throughout. On this single we get a freakbeat, mod-baroque tune on the A-side, and a moody garage-punk vibe on the B-side. But to me it sounds mainly like garage rock, so I call it that.
Well, these 2 songs are absolutely not bad at all. This is another band that you have to check out if you like good old garage rock with a 60s sound.
roguerecords.bandcamp.com

The WYLDE TRYFLES: Something Weird

Rogue Records - 7" Single, Digital
The WYLDE TRYFLES hailing from Bordeaux, France. They take inspiration from the American garage rock of the 60s and the British invasion bands of the same time. So what you can expect is sweaty garage rock that sounds like it would have been recorded in the 60s. And they are doing this just as good as any other band in this genre, so there's nothing to complain about, and you should really check this out.
The band has previously released a 10" vinyl and 3 LPs.
roguerecords.bandcamp.com

SWEET: Reincarnation

Metalville Records on April 10 - CD, LP
The songs that the SWEET lineup Andy Scott, Mick Tucker, Paul Mario Day (IRON MAIDEN), Phil Lanzon (URIAH HEEP), and Mal McNulty (SLADE) recorded are now available on an album again for the first time since 1989. It seems like just 4 of these tracks were released before, and this album also includes 2 previously unreleased bonus tracks.
Odd to begin the album with a cover of "Reach Out (I'll Be There)", which is kind of a disco song from the 60s or 70s I think. But after that they are rocking, and it sounds really good. This album is good proof that this version of the band was really good. You would have liked to hear more. But let's be happy for the few recordings there is.
facebook.com/TheSweetOfficial | metalville-shop.com

VENUS 5: March Of The Venus 5

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, Digital
European all-female hard rock/metal group VENUS 5 return with their second album. The band features Karmen Klinc (Slovenia), Jelena Milovanovic (Serbia), Tezzi Persson (Sweden, singer of HELL IN THE CLUB), Herma (Italy, singer of SICK N' BEAUTIFUL), and Erina Seitllari (Albania).
It's said to be a stronger, heavier, and more focused album, and showcases a more mature, riff-driven approach, rich with symphonic and electronic elements, layered vocal harmonies, and explosive choruses. To me it seems to be more metal than the debut, and definitely heavier, which is just good. The songs are still melodic though, and the vocals powerful and clean. There's many great songs here, so they have succeeded to make another good album. Maybe even better than the debut.
ffm.bio/venus5-marchofthevenus5 | facebook.com/Venus5Music | frontiers.it

TRANSATLANTIC RADIO: Midnight Transmission

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, Digital
TRANSATLANTIC RADIO is a international AOR group based in L.A., and this is their debut album. The band was formed by Victor Brodén, a Swedish-born bassist and producer now based in Los Angeles. He is joined by Swedish vocalist Mattias Osbäck, American guitarist R.J. Ronquillo (Ricky Martin, Santana, Stevie Wonder, STONE SOUR), keyboard player Fred Kron (Anchorman 2, High School Musical 2, the Jimmy Kimmel Live! band), and drummer Chris Reeve (FILTER, Avril Lavigne).
Although this is described as AOR, I would say that some of these tracks are actually melodic hard rock. They are said to blend European sensibility with American fire. Much of the inspiration comes from the giants of the 80s - like FOREIGNER, TOTO, DANGER DANGER, STARSHIP etc. - but it's not a nostalgic trip, as they also add a modern twist. I sometimes think of DEF LEPPARD when I listen to their songs.
There's lots of great songs on this album, and every fan of melodic rock should check this out.
youtu.be/pY1umI1yLQE | ffm.bio/midnighttransmission | facebook.com/transatlanticradioband | frontiers.it

ASIA: Live In England

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD/DVD, 2LP, Blu-ray, Digital
Legendary English melodic rock group ASIA has released a new live album, which was recorded on the first of 3 nights at Trading Boundaries in Sussex, in April 2025, where they performed the entire self-titled debut album (from 1982), along with a selection of their greatest hits.
They begin with their best and what I think is their most well-known song, "Heat Of The Moment". After that it's not much fun to be honest with you, and actually not that much that I can remember that I have ever heard before. And why a cover of the pop song "Video Killed The Radio Star" among the bonus tracks?
Yes, I was not so impressed the first times I heard this live album. It wasn't until the last time that I listened that I found out that it wasn't so bad after all. Then I could suddenly hear some good songs. Not really sure why it took so long..
This is just the first of 3 live releases from Trading Boundaries, each capturing a full classic album from their initial trilogy in concert in audio and video.
ffm.bio/asia-liveinengland | originalasia.com | frontiers.it

BESEECH: Boundless Space

Despotz Records - Digital Single
Local (Borås, Sweden) gothic metal veterans BESEECH has returned with a new single (almost a month ago). And this is a taste of a new album, which will be released later this year.
The band first came to life in the early 1990s, and with a blend of dark romanticism, doomy atmospheres, and unforgettable melodies, they have built a reputation for haunting yet accessible music that resonates with fans of gothic, doom, and melodic metal alike. After a few albums, the band disbanded in 2006. But a decade later they were back again in 2016.
This new song is pretty good and sounds promising for the new album. I would guess that old fans won't be dissapointed when they hear this.
despotz.se | facebook.com/beseechofficial

BANG BANG FIRECRACKER: Alive For The Game

Bang Bang Firecracker - CD Single, Digital Single
The new single from BANG BANG FIRECRACKER is heavier, angrier and more vicious. This is the fifth release in the band's "Seven Deadly Singles" series, a septology of stand-alone CD singles where each release embodies 1 of the 7 sins. And this time they channel pride. The song is described as "a riff-laden, full-metal monster oozing with bad intentions".
It's hard and heavy, as well as powerful. But what is missing is a good chorus to scream along to. Not bad though.
The CD single also includes the MOTÖRHEAD cover "I'll Be Your Sister". It's available in a very limited edition of just 100 copies.
youtu.be/pqWYlA_79-c?si=jV_2gELKDHFluodQ | bangbangfirecracker.com/music

WISHING WELL: Playing With Fire

Inverse Records - Album
Finnish hard rockers WISHING WELL released a new album a few weeks ago. They have been around for 10 years now, and they have not changed their concept that much on this fifth album. So it's old school hard rock from the 70s and 80s with hammond organ, melodic solos and good vocals that we get.
But to say that they have not changed at all is not entirely right, but in what way is hard to tell for me. Still damn good songs anyway, so this is a really strong album. You should absolutely check this out.
youtu.be/oyinTOmikiM | facebook.com/wishingwell2016 | inverse.fi

TRAXTER: Take Heed

Roxx Records - MCD
This record was intended to be the second full-length release from Christian metal act TRAXTER, from Bakersfield, CA. The tracks were started way back then but never completed. In late 2024 the band would get back together to work on finishing and completing the tracks, which are now released as the EP "Take Heed".
The band was formed in 1987, and released their debut album, "Rock n Race", in 1991. But the band was shortlived, and that we would get any more music from them was probably unexpected. But in 1992 they entered the studio to begin working on their second album. But before it was finished they went seperate ways.
TRAXTER played an American kind of heavy metal (aka US metal), and they seemed to be very skilled musicians. It's like they really want to make such as great songs as their idols, but something is missing (not really sure what though). I would not say that it's bad, because this is definitely good enough. You should give it a try.
roxxrecords.com

SUICIDE CHAIN: Suicide Chain

Suicide Chain - Digital Single
This is a metal and hard rock band from Jyväskylä, Finland. This latest single is said to showcase their faster side, and according to the band, the song is influenced by both PANTERA and WHITESNAKE.
Well, it's a energetic song anyway, and it has some heavy guitars as well. Not so bad at all actually, so it's worth a try.
I have been listening a few times now, so this single is hardly new, but I just don't know what else I should say.
instagram.com/suicidechainofficial

VANIR: Wyrd

Mighty Music on April 3 - LP, CD, Digital
Danish melodic death metallers VANIR return with a new album. The record revolves around the timeless theme of fate - spun from war, from the choices of humankind, and from the consequences that have shaped our world. "Wyrd" invites the listener into stories of downfall and triumph, of lives lost and victories won. They simply combine their melodic death metal with epic storytelling, often with a historical theme.
The music is powerful with aggressive vocals, but there's melodic elemnts too. Think of Swedish bands like AMON AMARTH and UNLEASHED for example. If you like those bands, then you just have to give this a try. Because this is a very good album, and I can't find anything to complain about.
facebook.com/Vanirband | mightymusic.dk

UNEARTHLY RITES: Tortural Symphony Of The Flesh

Svart Records on April 3 - CD, LP, Digital
This was painful torture to listen to, so it hardly made me any happier.
UNEARTHLY RITES deliver filthy, mold-ridden death metal deeply rooted in the muddy sewers of the Finnish DIY punk and hardcore scene. The band formed in 2020, and has previously released a EP and 1 full-length album.
This second album is said to advance the band's crushing riffs and characteristically moldy grimness towards a more malicious and brutal soundscape. It might not be a band for everyone, but they seems to have a message anyway, as they sing about capitalist oppression, ecocide, minority rights etc. Very crust punk in that way. Unfortunately the growl is so deep that you can't hear any words at all, so you have to read the lyrics if you want to get deeper into that.
If you like a brutal and heavy sounscape, then I guess this could be worth a try.
svartrecords.com | facebook.com/unearthlyrites666

APOLAUSTIC: No Plenitude Without Suffering

Transcending Obscurity Records on April 3 - LP, CD, Digital
This is a band formed by former STORTREGN vocalist/guitarist Romain Negro as an outlet for him to express his personal vision. And that vision is ambitious. But most of all it&39;s a melodic kind of black/death metal that we get on this debut album, where he get some help from the session musicians Merlin Bogado (DYSSEBEIA - guitars/bass) and Nicolas Muller (AKIAVEL - drums). They blend guitar melodies and sharp riffs with aggressive vocals. It often goes fast, but not always, and this is very well done. I would really recomend you to check this out, because this is really good stuff.
apolaustic-label.bandcamp.com/album/no-plenitude.... | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com

HION MARTELL: Keep On Calling (Billy Don't)

Viskningar och Vrål - Digital Single
Swedish rock n roll band HION MARTELL are back with a new single, which is the first taste of their upcoming album "WOOF!". It's a compilation album featuring tracks from all albums the band has released on Viskningar och Vrål.
They continue with their typical sound, which has influences from British blues rock and 70s glam rock. It's a catchy little thing that is easy to like, and it probably fits perfect for local radio stations (which might not be so cool). A good song anyway, no doubt about that.
facebook.com/hionmartell | viskningarochvral.se

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