REVIEWS APRIL 2026
«March | Index | May»SLIP~ons: Overtime
Scamindy - 12" EP, DigitalSLIP~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, DigitalThe 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, DigitalArgentinian 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, DigitalWell, 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, DigitalKRØYER 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, DigitalDARK 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, 2026I'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, DigitalIt'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, DigitalThere'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 - AlbumThis 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 SingleThe 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 SingleThe 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 EPThis 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, DigitalThe 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, DigitalThis 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, DigitalThis 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, DigitalImagine 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 - AlbumThis 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, DigitalNEUROSIS 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 SingleAs 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 SingleAll-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 SingleAll 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 AlbumThis 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 SingleSwedish 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, DigitalFinnish 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 SingleDanish 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, DigitalDanish 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 SinglePhiladelphia 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, DigitalThis 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, DigitalThe 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, LPThe 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, DigitalEuropean 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, DigitalTRANSATLANTIC 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, DigitalLegendary 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 SingleLocal (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 SingleThe 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 - AlbumFinnish 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 - MCDThis 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 SingleThis 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, DigitalDanish 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, DigitalThis 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, DigitalThis 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 SingleSwedish 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 «March | Index | May»
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