REVIEWS MAY 2026
«April | Index | June»DEATH LENS: What's Left Now
Epitaph Records - LP, DigitalDEATH LENS is a band from Los Angeles who are said to play alternative punk, but that's just half the truth. Because this group is much more than just a punk rock band. Sometimes it's softer and more like alternative rock and indie rock. Other times it's more enegetic and explosive though, more pop punk and punk rock. While it shows several sides of the band, it can also give a divided impression. But I would say it still works somehow.
Among the better tracks here are stuff like "Power", "Drown", "Useless" and "Last Call".
The band will be on tour in Europe and UK in June.
epitaph.com | deathlensband.com
John Corabi: New Day
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, LP, DigitalAmerican rock singer John Corabi is probably best known as a former singer of MÖTLEY CRÜE. But that was a long time ago, and now he gives us his first solo album of original material, where he fuses classic 70s rock, soul, and blues influences. He is joined by musicians like Marti Frederiksen (backing vocals, guitars, piano, and percussion), Evan Frederiksen (drums, bass, B3 organ, electric guitar, mandolin, and programming), Richard Fortus (GUNS N' ROSES - lead guitar), Paul Taylor (WINGER, Steve Perry - piano, organ, and clavinet), as well as Charlie Starr (BLACKBERRY SMOKE - guitar solos).
If you expect a hard rock album, then you will be dissapointed. This is more like American classic rock. It's a varied material that we get, so we have nothing to complain about when it comes to that. Feel good songs are mixed with emotional numbers and even something that reminds me of CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL. This is not any modern stuff, but a soulful and timeless rock album with influences from the 60s and 70s.
Why he end the album with a cover of "Everyday People" (I don't know who did the song) is my only question?
ffm.bio/johncorabi_newday | facebook.com/JohnCorabiMusic | frontiers.it
degreed: Curtain Calls
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - LP, CD, DigitalThis is said to be the strongest and most focused album from this Swedish hard rock band. They stay true to their sound, but also refine it. Which gives us a powerful and contemporary product, where they mix classic and modern influences to something that sounds fresh. In some songs they end up somewhere between pop and hard rock, so I guess those songs could be called hard pop. But there is also tracks that are more like good old hard rock, and I like those songs best.
The first album, "Life, Loss, Love", was released in 2010, so these guys have a few years of experience. And that can be heard on this album of course.
ffm.bio/curtaincalls | degreedmusic.com | frontiers.it
CREYE: IV Aftermath
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, DigitalSwedish melodic hard rockers CREYE has delivered a new album, where they introduces the new frontman Simon Böös. Their songs have a modern edge, but at the same time they also honor the legacy of classic melodic hard rock. Some songs are good, while others sounds too much like pop/rock to me. So this album has its ups and downs you could say, but it's mainly a good album anyway. So if you're into a modern sound, then this could be worth a try.
ffm.bio/aftermath | creyesweden.com | frontiers.it
DEFECT DESIGNER: Depressants
Transcending Obscurity Records on May 15 - CD, LP, DigitalNorwegian progressive death metallers DEFECT DESIGNER play a more adventurous kind of death metal, which is varied and multifaceted. This trio is not afraid of blending in influences from all kinds of genres, and not just metal, so this is not pure death metal. It's a very ambitious album, and not something that everybody will like. In lack of a better description, I would say that it sounds a little like if VOÏVOD would have decided to play more extreme. Because it's both technical and progressive. They have definitely found their own sound anyway, so if you want something that's different from the usual stuff, then I guess you should give this a try.
For me, 13 tracks of this is a little too much. But a song like "Carte Blanche" (the only track with just 2 words in the title) was actually not so bad. Some of the other tracks are not so bad either, but there is also some tracks that are not so exiting. So it's an album with both ups and downs.
defectdesignerband.bandcamp.com/album/depressants | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com
ACID REIGN: Daze Of The Week
Back On Black on May 15 - LP, CD, DigitalACID REIGN might actually have made one of the greatest and most interesting thrash albums so far this year. That's how great I think this album is.
The UK thrash metallers was first active between 1985-1991. In 2015 they were back again, with singer Howard "H" Smith as the only original member. Since their comeback album, "The Age Of Entitlement", in 2019, there has been some changes in the band. As much as 3 members has left and been replaced by Matt Smith on lead guitar, Johnny Grimley (ex-SHRAPNEL) on drums, and Darren McGillivray (WRATH OF MAN) on rythm guitar. This is their 4th full-length album, but they has also released several singles, EPs etc. through the years.
Well, if you're a fan of old school thrash metal, then this should be your thing. The energy is really high, and they really know what they are doing. Everybody should check this out. Not one single bad song among these 10 tracks.
linktr.ee/acidreignuk | backonblack.com
AMONG LEGENDS: H/A/C/K
Among Legends - Digital SingleAMONG LEGENDS is a punk trio from Ontario, Canada, and they have been around for a decade already. This track is taken from their upcoming album, "Lose My Grip", which will be out on July 10 through several labels. It sounds a little like a young BAD RELIGION, but not exactly. They also mention bands like The FLATLINERS, The MENZINGERS and ALKALINE TRIO in the info, so fans of those bands should be interested in this. It's in other words straight, catchy and melodic punk rock that we're talking about here, and it sounds really good to me.
The band formed in 2016, and after a run of self-released EPs, they released their full-length debut, "Take Good Care", in 2022.
amonglegends.com
ARROGANZ: Death Doom Punks
Testimony Records on May 15 - CD, LP, MC, DigitalThis is the 7th album from ARROGANZ, a German trio that's been around since 2008. They deliver the brutality of old school death metal with the attitude and unpolished directness of punk. What began as an aggressive and rough musical entity with raging blast parts and D-beats, has over time widened its musical range to include dark and atmospheric moments as well as obscure doom passages. And with this new album they seems to have taken thier own path, because this doesn't sound like any other band. A wild guess is that fans of something like VOIVOD could like this. But it doesn't really sound like them either, so I don't really know how I should describe this band's music. It's a little special anyway.
spkr.store/collections/arroganz | facebook.com/testimonyrecords | arroganz.info
ARTILLERY: Made In Hell
Mighty Music on May 15 - MLP, MCD, DigitalDanish thrash metal pioneers ARTILLERY return with a new EP, featuring 2 brand new tracks, 1 re-recording and 1 live track. With this EP they also introduces new vocalist Martin Steene and guitarist René Loua.
The band formed in 1982 already, so they have lots of experience of course, which you really can hear here. But they also know how to create great songs, which you also can hear here. It sounds old school, but yet with a modern sound. I have nothing to complain about. This is definitely worth checking out!
facebook.com/ARTILLERY.DK | mightymusic.dk
CROWN THE BEAST: Judgement
Emanzipation Productions on May 15 - Digital EP"Judgement" is a 3-track EP from Danish death metallers CROWN THE BEAST. 2 of the songs are original compositions, and 1 is a SIX FEET UNDER cover.
This is a hard and heavy death metal force - "A crushing display of groovy modern death metal infused with old-school brutality", as they say in the press release. And with this EP they presents a heavier and more destructive chapter in their evolution.
This is not bad at all, and the best track is the last track, which is the title track. So if you want something brutal and heavy, then you should give this a chance.
bfan.link/ctb-judgep | emanzipation.dk | facebook.com/Crownthebeast
LOUDER: Devil's Night
Fighter Records on May 14 - CD (MC and LP later)LOUDER was formed in Medellín, Colombia in 2024, with the mission to keep the classic speed metal flame burning. After a demo in 2025, they are now ready to deliver their debut album, where we can find 8 tracks of raw, no-frills speed metal built on fast riffs, sharp drumming, rumbling bass, and a vocal approach that stands apart from the usual mold. This trio has probably been listening to early VENOM for example, because it reminds me of them. But not just them as there's more speed here. They have the same raw attitude though. It's straight and no bullshit, unpolished and true.
youtube.com/watch?v=2IdmTFohYSc | facebook.com/LouderSpeedMetal | fighter-records.com
UNZUCHT: Neon Dom
Metalville Records on May 15 - CD, LP, Fan BoxUNZUCHT is a dark rock band from Germany, who sing in German. They combine intensity with black emotions to create their soundscape. There's much energy for being dark rock, which use to be heavier and more melancholy. I can also hear elements of industrial rock and metal in this band's music, and it's mainly catchy with good choruses. But in a faster track like "Chaos", it's almost MOTÖRHEAD speed (in the beginning at least). After that they slow down with a half-ballad, "Nie Mehr Zurück", but it still sounds good.
Yes, this is a really strong album, and you should give it a chance.
metalville-shop.com
XTINGUISH THE CODE: The Conflict
Grey Matter Records - LP, CD, DigitalThis is a metallic hardcore band based in Bronx, New York, formed in 2019. This band unites people from several bands in the NYHC scene, and "The Conflict" is their second album. This is the debut for the new members Nate Boogie (drums) and BJ Allen (vocals).
They deliver streetwise, energetic, beatdown-driven and groove-based hardcore, infused with elements of metal, hip-hop, and more. It's explosive and have all the typical ingredients when it comes to hardcore. But they are a very good band, so they are absolutely worth a try.
8 songs is what we get here, and they are between 1:45 to 3 minutes, so it's over very fast, and I wonder if this is really an album? Possibly a mini album then.
xtinguishthecode.bandcamp.com | instagram.com/greymatterrecordsusa
TRAUMA: Hamartia (reissue)
Selfmadegod Records - CDO.k., this is not the American thrash band TRAUMA, who Cliff Burton played with before he joined METALLICA. No, what we have here is one of the longest-running Polish death metal bands. They formed as THANATOS in 1986 already. After 2 demos they changed the name to TRAUMA in the early 90s.
This is a re-release of their mini-album "Hamartia", which was originally released in 2006. It consists of 2 studio tracks recorded during the "DetermiNation" session, as well as 3 covers, originally performed by FEAR FACTORY, CANNIBAL CORPSE, and MACHINE HEAD. And this exclusively reissue is expanded with a alternative version of "Craving" and 2 additional covers by GOREFEST and the migthy SLAYER.
Well, this is not so bad. They were obviously very skilled musicians, and they succeeded to do some good songs as well. Take the chance and check this out before it's too late. That's all I have to say..
facebook.com/TraumaOfficialPage | selfmadegod.com
SATAN TAKES A HOLIDAY: State Trooper
Icons Creating Evil Art - Digital SingleThis time we get a cover of a Bruce Springsteen song, and I have no relation at all to this song, as I don't think I have ever heard it before (I can count the good songs with Bruce on 1 hand). Swedish rock trio SATAN TAKES A HOLIDAY makes it into a driving indie rock song anyway, but it takes about a minute before there's some action. Maybe not the best that I have heard with this band.
This is the latest of many singles from the upcoming covers album "Covering Our Tracks", which will arrive on September 18. There will be a few more singles before that though.
found.ee/stah-statetrooper | satantakesaholiday.com | icea.se
S.P.I.T: Lethal Lover
S.P.I.T - Digital SingleThis is a hard rock band from Jyväskylä, Finland, and this track is taken from their new EP, "Modern Messiah", which was released on April 24.
These guys play a powerful kind of hard rock that reminds me of the 90s somehow. It has a punky street attitude, and this is not bad at all. So if you want some hard rock that kicks ass, then try this little song.
linktr.ee/s.p.i.t
FIGHTER V: Deja Vu
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, DigitalSwiss melodic hard rockers FIGHTER V released their third album about a month ago. Just like the previous album, the new album contains a variety of styles. But I would say that it's most of all a mix of melodic hard rock and AOR from the 80s that I hear here - Think giants like WHITESNAKE, JOURNEY, SURVIVOR, and BON JOVI for example. At the same time they add a modern touch as well (after all it's 2026 and not 1986), but it's mainly the production that is modern, as the music is most of all the classic 80s that I like.
This is an album full of great songs, so you're very stupid if you don't give this a try. And I don't think I have to add much more than that..
ffm.bio/fighterv_dejavu | fighter-v.com/en
Erik Grönwall: Praying For A Miracle
Greenwall Entertainment - Digital SingleSwedish singer Erik Grönwall (MSG, ex-SKID ROW, H.E.A.T) gives us the third single from his upcoming solo album, "Bad Bones", which will be released on May 22. It's a powerful and deeply personal melodic hard rock song about being pushed to a point where you feel like you have no control left, when everything comes down to one last chance and all you can do is hold on and hope.
This sounds really good, just like his previous singles, so there's a big chance that the album will be great. So if you like melodic hard rock, give this a try.
The album release will be followed by shows in Sweden and Finland during the spring and summer.
youtu.be/nFrSYxjlcvw
The BOBBY LEES: 50 ft
Epitaph Records - Digital SingleWoodstock, New York trio The BOBBY LEES have done a cover of PJ Harvey's song "50ft Queenie". I don't think that I have heard the original version before, but this sounds cool anyway, so it could be interesting to hear one of their own songs. But how do I describe this then? Some kind of funky garage rock with soul from the late 60s/early 70s sometime maybe? Cool stuff anyway.. I like it.
The band will release a new album, "New Self", on June 12.
youtu.be/ll_iZ1Fq2Oo | epitaph.com
Viv & The SECT: Penny's Arcade
Rogue Records - 7" Single, DigitalViv & The SECT is a garage rock band from Mexico City. They blend the raw energy of 1960s garage, rhythm & blues, and psychedelic rock with a modern underground edge, and have been doing that since 2012. Their debut album, "This Will Pass", was released in 2016. It was followed by another album, simply titled "II" if I get it right, in 2025.
This band deliver their songs with high energy and a vintage sound with gritty, organ-driven arrangements. Both these songs are in Spanish, and both are really good stuff. "Penny's Arcade" is more melodic, while the b-side's "No Me Quiero Enamorar" is a little faster.
You should really check this out.
linktr.ee/disquesrogue
DEADLY SPIRITS: Can't Take It
Rogue Records - 7" Single, DigitalThese garage rockers hailing from Karlstad, Sweden, and they blend raw 60s rock with gritty soul. We get fuzz-drenched guitars, organ, pounding rhythms, and sharp melodies, and end up somewhere between garage rock and garage punk. The band formed more than 10 years ago, and has since then released 2 full-length albums and a handful of vinyl singles.
Their music could be described as equal parts rough, soulful, and melodic, or simply a tribute to the rebellious energy of the 60s, delivered with a modern punch. But these 2 tracks sounds most of all like something from the 60s, and both songs sounds really good. So if you're into garage rock, then you should really check this out.
linktr.ee/disquesrogue
M.A.S.K: Imaginary Friend
Mighty Music on May 8 - Digital SingleM.A.S.K is a modern rock band from Denmark. It's said that they blend pop-driven hooks with the weight of modern metal, but this sounds more like a modern pop song with a rock chorus to me. Maybe not really my thing, but it's not a hopeless song anyway, which is always something positive I guess. What else I should say about this is unknown though..
The group will release a series of singles during the year, and this is just the first.
mask.lnk.to/friend | mightymusic.dk
SCARAB: Transmutation Of Fate
Brutal Records on May 8 - MCD, Digital EPEgyptian death metallers SCARAB formed in 2006. Over the years the band has refined a sound that stands apart, by fusing death metal with Middle Eastern and Egyptian mysticism. By doing that, the music creates a ritualistic experience that transcends borders, cultures, and belief systems. Crushing riffs collide with cinematic orchestrations, and at the same time it's modern and extreme.
Yes, these 4 tracks are something different from the usual death metal, but it works. It's mainly heavy and powerful, but at the same time brutal. You should give this a try.
brutalrecords.bandcamp.com/album/trans....
TERAMAZE: The Silent Architect
Wells Music/Screaming Crow on May 8 - CD, DigitalTERAMAZE is a progressive metal band from Australia, and that's all I know about them.
9 songs is what we get on this album, and it sounds just like you can expect it to, with skilled musicians and complex arrangements. This is not a hard and extreme band, but more in the melodic and emotional league. So it's not impossible that fans of melodic metal could enjoy this. Some songs are longer, 8 and a half to almost 12 minutes, while others are around 3 and a half to 5 and a half minutes.
It sounds really good, but what else I should say is unknown to me.. You should really give this a try though.
teramaze.bandcamp.com | screamingcrow.com
The CHEATS/WAYWARD BRIGADE: Split It Up
Screaming Crow Records on May 8 - 7" EPFrom Pittsburgh comes the dirty punk rockers The CHEATS, who have been around for 25 years now. They have teamed up with Maryland's young, snotty dystopian punks WAYWARD BRIGADE for this split EP on good old 7" vinyl. Each band play 1 original song and 1 cover.
I already knew that The CHEATS was good, as I reviewed an album with them a while ago. And their original song comes from that album, so the only unique thing here with them is the cover.
WAYWARD BRIGADE are very good too, and a band that you really should check out. Not really sure what else I should say about them though..
This is simply a damn good punk rock split in the good old tradition. So everybody who likes that should definitely check this out.
therealcheats.com | facebook.com/waywardbrigade | screamingcrow.com
RESTLESS SPIRIT: Restless Spirit
Magnetic Eye Records on May 8 - AlbumRESTLESS SPIRIT consist of a trio of friends from Long Island, New York. Their musical roots are in the steel mills of Birmingham and the English working class, but these friends translates it into an American sonic slang with elements from desert and stoner metal and even a occasional progressive flourish.
This is their 4th album, and what we get is something that sounds both classic and modern at the same time. Their influences from BLACK SABBATH can definitely be heard, an so can the American desert rock and stoner metal. And this combination really works here, because it sounds really good.
This is a band that you should check out.
facebook.com/restlessspiritny | instagram.com/magneticeyerecords
KONQUEST: Dark Waters
No Remorse Records - CD, LPAs the press release didn't really give that much information about this band, I don't know anything about them. So let's just focus on the music that they play instead, which is good old heavy metal in the late 70s/early 80s tradition. And now that you know that, it's actually not so much else to talk about, as they are doing a great job here, and you should know what it sounds like.
So what you get here is 8 really good songs, and it sounds like they know what they are doing, because it's very professional. Every fan of classic heavy metal should check this out.
noremorse.gr | instagram.com/_konquest_
IGNESCENT: Eternal
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - LP, CD, DigitalIGNESCENT is a band from Chicago, formed in 2018, who play something that I would describe as modern pop metal. And that could be horrible of course. But somehow this is not so bad. They might not be a new favorite band, but I can at least listen to a few songs with them without a nervous breakdown. The whole album at once is a little too much for me though.
They compare this band with acts like FLYLEAF, EVANESCENCE, JINJER, and SKILLET, if that says something to you? Emotional vocals, driving riffs and soaring melodies are the main ingredients here anyway.
ffm.bio/eternal_album | facebook.com/ignescentmusic | frontiers.it
MÄRVEL: Secrets
Leather Lake - Digital Single
After the release of their 10th studio album, "Brain Drain Diaries", in December last year, the Swedish melodic energy rockers MÄRVEL are back with a new single. This track is built on a steady drive, sharp guitars, and a melodic nerve. It's the kind of stuff that this band is so good at. It's direct and emotional at the same time, and just fantastic. This band never seems to dissapoint, and I like that kind of bands.
This track will be included on a expanded edition of "Brain Drain Diaries", which they plan to release this spring. And there will be more interesting recordings on that edition of the album, they say.
marvel.ffm.to/secrets | marveltheband.com
The REAL McKENZIES: Black Agnes
Stomp Records - Digital SingleHere's another single with Vancouver's Celtic punk rock veterans The REAL McKENZIES, and it's the second taste of their upcoming album, "On Yer Bike", which arrives on May 29.
This track leans more to their classic Fat-era sound - fast, melodic pop punk with blazing bagpipes and a massive shout-along hook. Yes, this is more like melodic punk rock than the Celtic punk that they use to play. But it's a damn good song anyway, so don't worry. You check this out.
orcd.co/blackagnes | realmckenzies.com
LETHAL LIMITS: Elevate
Lethal Limits - MCD, Digital EPLETHAL LIMITS is the solo project of Jeff Corso, a Bay Area punk lifer with deep East Bay roots. He's based in Oakland and blend sharp power pop hooks with 90s punk grit and melody. But the first times I heard this, I thought it sounded more like indie rock or something alternative. Not really sure why, because it is punk rock, but maybe not with the best singer? Or maybe I should say that he has his limitations instead, because somehow it works anyway.
These 4 songs are not that bad, it just took a few listenings to hear that. The opening track, "Phenomenon", is probably my favorite. But a track like "Love Bleed" is also very good. Give it a try.
composureoakland.bandcamp.com/album/elevate
FORSAKEN PROFITS: Knives
Forsaken Profits - Digital SingleThis song have unfortunately been waiting a little too long for a review, as it was released a month ago (April 3). But unfortunately too much other shit comes in the way sometimes.
Anyway, this is a taste of their upcoming album, "Road Rash". It's described as "a 2-minute back-alley brawl - no warning, no cleanup, no apologies". The music is a mix of skate punk and crossover thrash, and it actually works damn fine. It's a fast and energetic song, but at the same time catchy. You should give it a try.
linktr.ee/ForsakenProfits
REXORIA: Fallen Dimension
Black Lodge Records on May 8 - CD, LP, DigitalSwedish melodic metal band REXORIA has been active for 10 years now, and "Fallen Dimension" is their 4th studio album. They fuses power, melody and cinematic storytelling, and call it royal metal. It's a powerful album where they blend heavy, power, and symphonic elements with razor-sharp riffs and big choruses. These 11 tracks are delivered with so much strength and elegance that it could almost be a modern classic.
The album features 2 duets with Mike Andersson (TUNGSTEN) and Johnny Gioeli (Axel Rudi Pell, HARDLINE).
orcd.co/blod194album | blacklodge.se | rexoria.com
The QUILL: Master Of The Skies
Metalville Records on May 8 - CD, LP
Swedish heavy hard rockers The QUILL have been around for a long time now. And this time they might actually be a little heavier and darker. But otherwise they are hardly here to reinvent their sound. They just do what they always have done, and they still do it very good.
That BLACK SABBATH are among their influences can really be heard here. But I can also hear a short thing that sounds like SLAYER in one of the songs. And that last piece, "Master Of The Skies (Reprise)", actually sounds like Swedish rock band The SOUNDTRACK OF OUR LIVES.
Well, The QUILL has once again succeeded to create a really good album, so I have nothing to complain about. Fans of heavy hard rock from the 70s should really check this out, and even some fans of doom might like this too.
metalville-shop.com | thequill.se
MADVICE: L'Ottavo Giorno
Art Gates Records on May 8 - CDItalian extreme metallers MADVICE are said to deliver their darkest, fastest and heaviest material to date, and after listening to this I think I can agree. They combine melodic death metal and blackened thrash metal, and their sound draws from both the Scandinavian death metal tradition and the raw edge of American thrash metal. But there's also elements of Mediterranean elements that add a unique atmosphere.
It's a varied and interesting material that we get here. Sometimes it's really fast, sometimes heavy. The band was formed in 2016, so they are very good at what they are doing, which you absolutely can hear on this album.
artgatesrecords.com/artists/madvice
HYPOSTASIS: Birth Of A Mask
Hypostasis on May 8 - CD, DigitalHYPOSTASIS is a progressive metal group from Athens, Greece. This is their debut album, which is also a concept album. And that's more or less all I know about them, as they didn't give me that much information (not even a link).
I can tell you more about their music though, which is dark and melodic. But there can also be heavier or atmospheric moments. And as usual when it's a progressive group, they seems to be very good musicians. This is really not bad for being a debut, but I guess that they might have experience from previous bands. A pretty good album anyway, so I guess it could be worth a try.
hypostasisgr.bandcamp.com/album/birth-of-a-mask
GADGET: Coerced
De:Nihil Records on May 8 - 12" EP, Digital EPSwedish grindcore veterans GADGET are back with their first proper release since 2016. It's also the debut for the revitalized lineup featuring Emilia Henriksson on vocals and Kristofer Jankarls on guitar. These 7 tracks was written between 2019 and 2023, alongside a re-recording of the 2017 track "Funerary Rites", which had previously been released only digitally in 2020 and never received a physical release.
This might sound like a violent chaos, and it is fast and brutal, but they seems to have control anyway. 6 of these 8 tracks are from just 24 seconds to 1:26 minutes. The second last track is not really a song, but a way too long atmospheric thing that last for 5 and a half minutes (boring). And the last track is a heavy thing that last for 2 and a half minutes. I like those 6 first outbursts better than those 2 last tracks.
I might not always be such a big fan of grindcore, but once in a while there's a good band, and this is one of them. They blend their grind with hardcore/punk and death metal, and there's even elements of noise and doomy sludge here. If you like it really intense, then you should love this.
youtu.be/koWThN3imUo?si=JGpuxXHkI5tXCoik | denihilrecords.bigcartel.com | gadgetgrindcore.bandcamp.com
TYGERS OF PAN TANG: Electrifyed
Mighty Music on May 4 - Digital SingleNWOBHM legends TYGERS OF PAN TANG return with a new single, and that's good news, because they are a really good hard rock band. With this song they succeed to deliver something that sounds both classic and modern at the same time. It's razor-sharp and riff-driven with melodic and powerful vocals - Just the kind of anthem that you have been looking for all day long.
To be able to deliver something that is this good when you have been around for over 40 years, that's not bad at all. This seems to be the first taste of an upcoming album, which is more good news.
bfan.link/topt-elec | tygersofpantang.com | mightymusic.dk
A Roxx Records Salute To The 40th Anniversary Of To Hell With The Devil
Roxx Records - CDThis year it's 40 years since American hard rock/heavy metal band STRYPER released the album "To Hell With The Devil". And Roxx Records decided to celebrate it with a tribute album. All artists are on Roxx Records, except for SEVERED ANGEL who is on their NoLifeTilMetal Records label. This tribute cover every single track on the legendary album, even the intro, in chronological order from beginning to end, and end with a classic bonus track of "Soldiers Under Command".
Among the artists are REIGN OF GLORY, GERMAN PASCUAL, ALL FOR THE KING, WEAPONS OF GOD and MOTIVIK, just to mention some of them. Most of these artists are doing good versions, except for Seth Metoyer, who is doing some kind of rock mix of "All Of Me", which sounds more like a lame and modern pop/rock song - Total crap! But otherwise it was nice to hear these songs again, as I had not heard them in something like 40 years. Most of these songs are still very strong, but maybe a few too many of those slow ones.
This tribute compilation was personally curated by Bill of Roxx Records.
ccmusic.com/to-hell-with-the-devil-40th-anniversary-various-artists/....
BEYOND THE STYX: Divid
Innerstrength Records on May 8 - CD, LP, MC, DigitalThis is the 4th full-length album from this French metallic hardcore band, which formed in 2011. They have a dark and violent sound, which also includes elements of thrash and death metal.
Their new album is said to be their most aggressive, yet expressive, work to date. It's heavy and powerful with angry vocals, as well as lots of energy, just like it use to be when it comes to this genre. So they are not doing anything unique at all, but it sounds just as good as any other hardcore band, so there's no reason to complain. This is definitely worth checking out.
linktr.ee/beyondthestyx | innerstrengthrecords.com
ABUSER: Blood Marks
Xtreem Music on May 7 - CD, DigitalABUSER formed in Wrocław, Poland in 2018. They deliver a relentless, aggressive and blood thirsty kind of thrash metal, mainly in the raw old school way. They released a demo in 2019, and now they are getting ready to unleash their debut album, which is a adrenaline rush. This is something for those who are dedicated to the hardest and fastest kind of thrash.
This album is really strong and there's just good songs. You should really give these guys a try, because I'm very sure that you will like what you hear.
facebook.com/abuserthrash | xtreemmusic.com
Tarja feat. Dani Filth: I Don't Care
earMUSIC - Digital SingleThe second single from Tarja Turunen's upcoming album, "Frisson Noir" (release date June 12), is much more metal and less epic than the first single was. It's also much shorter than the over 10 minutes long "At Sea" was. She get some help with the vocals from Dani Filth (CRADLE OF FILTH), which gives the song a beauty and the beast feeling as Tarja's soaring soprano collides with Dani's razor-sharp screams.
This is much better than the first single was, so I suggest that you check this out instead. And because of that I also get some hope that the new album won't be totally hopeless, as there will hopefully be more tracks like this.
youtu.be/4i9d4Rpjzp0
SPARAGMOS: Error (reissue)
Selfmadegod Records - CD, LPPolish death/thrash metallers SPARAGMOS released this album in 1994, but only on cassette for some reason. Now it has also been released on CD and LP for the first time.
This is of course a remastered version, which gives it a fresh, significantly clearer and more dynamic sound, while preserving the raw, organic spirit of the 90s. At the time, this was one of the boldest and most progressive records on the Polish (and beyond) extreme metal scene. We get technical precision, power-driven choruses, expansive melodies, and experimental song structures pushed far beyond the genre's standards of the era.
The drummer should have tuned the snare drum though, because it sounds like he borrowed grandma's cookie jar. Otherwise not much to complain about. It simply sounds very good and well done. So if you're tired of the same old death metal or thrash metal, then give this a try.
The band formed in 1989 in Warsaw. They were active until 2002, and released 3 albums and 2 demos during that time. "Error" was their second album.
facebook.com/OfficialSparagmos | selfmadegod.com
SCAMPI CHIPS DIP & CAMPARI: Monster
SODEH Records - Digital SingleThis time the Norwegian punk collective deliver a catchy and melodic punk rock anthem. It somehow have a dark atmosphere, and yet it will make you feel good - Succeed with that if you can! I don't know how many times they sing ":Monster", but it really works here. It's a great song anyway, just like their last single also was.
While "Let Go" (their last single) was an explosive punk song, "Monster" is more confrontational and more melodic. It's the second taste of their upcoming debut album, "Well, It Ain't Fast Food", which I really look forward to hear.
youtu.be/KOyXLPLIX_Q?si=EqN_VhK8_ZvjhFir | sodeh.ca | instagram.com/scampichipsdipandcampari
GENERAL CHAOS: The Idiots Have Taken Over
Stomp Records - Digital SingleGENERAL CHAOS is a punk trio from Montreal, and the members are just 16. They gives us a catchy punk rock anthem in the same league as RANCID and SOCIAL DISTORTION. It's direct, confrontational, and rooted in frustration with political dysfunction and unchecked power. I really like what I hear, and this sounds very promising for the future.
This is the second single from a upcoming EP, "Can't Please 'Em All".
The band formed in 2022, when they were just 12 years old. At the age of 15 they released their debut album, "Outta My Way".
orcd.co/theidiots | instagram.com/generalchaos.band
AXE & ASHES: Stand And Fight
Axe & Ashes - Digital SingleAXE & ASHES is a heavy metal project led by Andrey Smirnov (ex-U.D.O., Dirkschneider), and this is their second single.
"The new single delivers a powerful blend of driving riffs, soaring vocals, and anthemic choruses, combining the timeless spirit of classic 80s metal with a polished, contemporary production", they say. It's a very good song in the same tradition as ACCEPT and his former band U.D.O., so if you like that, then you should really give this a try.
I already look forward to hear some more from this band..
youtu.be/4QSNcj62UVA?si=5ICY6_TPC4dYDfsy | axenashes.com
BÖDEL: Dödsbringaren
DiSTAT Records - Digital Single
This is the title track from the Swedish band BÖDEL's debut album, which was released in January, and the third single from that album. A pretty long song for being crust punk with its 2:45 minutes, but not less good or less energetic because of that. You could say that it's heavy but explosive, and it kicks ass just like most of their other songs. So if you have not heard this band yet, and you happens to love classic d-beat hardcore/punk, then it's about time that you check them out now.
linktr.ee/bodelpunk
FURNACE: Refracted City Lights
Emanzipation Productions - Digital SingleSwedish melodic death metal band FURNACE was formed by Rogga Johansson (PAGANIZER, RIBSPREADER etc etc etc) and bassist Peter Svensson (ASSASSIN'S BLADE, VOID MOON), and this is a taste from an upcoming album, titled "Echoes Of A Distant Future (Trojan Hearse Part II)".
Blending crushing riffs with haunting, atmospheric leads, this single captures the band's signature balance between melody and menace. It begins with a true heavy metal solo, and sounds dark and cinematic somehow. It's also a pretty heavy song, but when a solo comes again it goes faster, and then it's heavier again. A pretty o.k. song, but not much else.
emanzipation.dk | bfan.link/frnc-refract
BLACK SWAMP WATER: All The Difference
Mighty Music - Digital SingleThis Danish band's music could be described as modern heavy rock as they mix the heaviness of classic hard rock with a southern-tinged swagger. And the latest single is described as "a fast-paced but still emotionally charged track that leans deep into the band's introspective side lyric-wise, but exuberant, playful side sound-wise". To me it sounds like a energetic hard rock song in the 70s tradition, so I like it. This is something that you really should check out if you like good old hard rock or heavy rock.
bfan.link/bsw-allthe | mightymusic.dk
AVARICE: Underling
Mighty Music - Digital SingleAVERICE are said to deliver a crushing, groove-driven statement with this single. It's built on heavy, dragging riffs and a relentless sense of weight. We talk about heavy and powerful groove metal brutality here, where they also blend in elements of death and thrash metal, as well as hardcore and melodic death metal. Not bad at all, but a whole album with this might be a little too much for me. I guess that fans of a band like SEPULTURA or maybe even SOULFLY could like this.
This song is taken from their second album, "Perpetual Ruin", set for release in June. The band formed in 2006, and they are from Denmark.
bfan.link/avrc-under | mightymusic.dk «April | Index | June»
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