REVIEWS JULY 2024
«June | Index | August»The MERINGUES: Shambles
The Meringues - Digital SingleThis mixed gender quartet - from Ontario, Canada - seamlessly blends elements of post-punk, alt-rock and new-wave, and is said to be something for fans of PIXIES, WEEZER, The STROKES, The BEACHES, AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS, JULY TALK, WET LEG and PUP, to name a few. "Shambles" is taken from their sophomore full-length album, "Pavlova's Dog", which will be released on September 16. The song is described as a "new wave banger that dives deep into the chaos of a relationship or conversation in crisis, where communication has broken down entirely". Their dynamic and eclectic sound is said to be both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. To me it sound like a mixture of pop and rock, with a 90s sound. So I guess that's what they call indie rock then? Pretty good anyway, so no problem there.
youtu.be/tH1SMgKKbqw | themeringues.com
DREAMKILLERS: Friendship Under Fire
Dreamkillers - Digital SingleDREAMKILLERS is a band from Australia, who blend thrash metal and hardcore/punk. So we talk about crossover here.
"Friendship Under Fire" delves into the frustration of dealing with a persistently annoying friend whose behavior causes stress and irritation. This song might not have that much hardcore/punk, but is more like a thrash metal song. Not really in the old school though, but not extremely modern either. Maybe something in-between? Obviously hard to describe, but it sounds pretty good anyway. I have heard better though.
youtube.com/watch?v=RewhXA1K6NY | instagram.com/dreamkillersaus
DARK HEART: Out Of The Shadows
Battlegod Productions - CD, DigitalDARK HEART are based in London, and formed during the NWOBHM movement in the early 80s. Their debut album, "Shadows Of The Night", was released in 1984 via Roadrunner, but the members soon went seperate ways for other adventures. But now they are back again with their second album, "Out Of The Shadows". The only original member left is founder and singer Alan Clark. He is joined by Nick Catterick on guitars, Pete Newdeck on drums (who also produced and mixed the album) and Josh "Tabbie" Williams (MIDNIGHT CITY, LIFE OF A HERO) on bass.
And exactly as you can expect, the material is of course rooted in the classic metal and hard rock sound, but they brings it into the modern era you could say. And that works very good, as they have some really strong songs here. Yes, this is really good stuff, so I'm pretty sure that most fans of heavy metal will like this album, and that you will give it a try immediately.
battlegod-productions.com
CRAVE: Oblivion
Battlegod Productions - CD, DigitalCRAVE are based in Trondheim, Norway, and this is their debut album. They play old school heavy metal from the late 70s and 80s, with inspiration from icons like THIN LIZZY, BLACK SABBATH, DEEP PURPLE and Glenn Hughes. But they also pay homage to NWOBHM heroes like IRON MAIDEN, DEF LEPPARD etc. So I guess it's not so hard to understand why I got interested in this record.
Are they doing a good job then? Yes, indeed! They have succeeded to make an album that is full of great songs. It's both melodic and powerful at the same time, and there's not 1 single weak moment here. I'm impressed! So if you want some good old heavy metal, then you really should give this band a try. And it's just as simple as that.
facebook.com/CraveNorway | battlegod-productions.com
BACKBONE SLIDE: Backbone Slide (re-issue)
Pride & Joy Music Classixx - CDBACKBONE SLIDE was a German based hard rock band. This self-titled album was originally released in 1994 by Mausoleum Records, which was in the middle of the grunge wave. So it didn't really get that much attention at the time, but has now been re-released through Pride & Joy. And this version of the album also features 2 bonus tracks.
The band consisted of American singer Shaun Michaels, guitarists Oliver Güttinger and Kai Portolano, Frank Schrafft on bass and Achim Gschwend on drums. Schrafft and Güttinger can nowadays be found in the German hard rock band CZAKAN.
Some songs here makes me think of AEROSMITH in the 70s, and that',s absolutely not bad, because they was really good at that time. And at least a couple of songs actually reminds me of Tina Turner. But it's not impossible that fans of something like BON JOVI, AC/DC, GUNS N' ROSES and RHINO BUCKET could find something that they like here too. It's simply rocking in the good old tradition, and it's a really good album, and therefor absolutely worth checking out.
The only weak parts here are the ballads "Come Home" and "You'n I".
As all other ​Pride & Joy Music Classixx releases, this album is available via shop.prideandjoy.de and direct wholesale from the label. Limited to 500 copies only.
STRATOVARIUS: Heroes
earMUSIC - Digital SingleIt seems like this song was previously only available in physical form on their latest studio album, "Survive" (2022). But it has now been released as a digital single. That album was the first in almost a decade from these Finnish symphonic metal pioneers, and it was a fantastic album.
This song sounds great. It has all the right ingredients for this band, as it's both melodic and powerful, just like I wnat it. You have to check it out!
youtu.be/jrNMR8F6DAg | stratovarius.com | ear-music.net
RAT BOY: Badman
Hellcat Records - Digital SingleRAT BOY's new album, "Suburbia Calling", will be released on October 4. And here's another single from that album.
This was more catchy than the last single that I heard with this British band. A uptempo ska punk rocker with the right party vibe is how I describe this song. I really like what I hear. If they have more songs like this on that new album, then it can be really interesting to hear. You should really check this out if you like ska punk.
youtube.com/watch?v=adGU8BJclU4 | instagram.com/RatBoyRatBoy
Michael Schenker: Rock Bottom
earMUSIC - Digital SingleGerman guitar legend Michael Schenker (MSG, UFO, SCORPIONS) has released the second single from his new album, "My Years With UFO". It's the classic "Rock Bottom" that we get this time, which have been done as a 11-minute adventure together with Kai Hansen (HELLOWEEN, GAMMA RAY) on vocals, Derek Sherinian (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, SONS OF APOLLO, DREAM THEATER) on keyboards, Brian Tichy (The DEAD DAISIES, VELVET REVOLVER, FOREIGNER, LYNCH MOB, WHITESNAKE) on drums and Barry Sparks (Yngwie Malmsteen, MSG, UFO, DOKKEN, Ted Nugent) on bass.
This song is as I said a classic, so it's of course a very good hard rocker. This version have a pretty long solo adventure though, which is almost a little psychedelic. I'm not really sure if it was a good or bad idea. But as it still works, I guess it was a o.k. idea anyway. It looks like the new album can be interesting to hear, no doubt about that.
"My Years With UFO" is a tribute to Michael's years with British hard rockers UFO, which he played with between 1972-78. The album will be released on September 20.
facebook.com/MichaelSchenkerRocks
MISTER MISERY: Mister Misery
AFM Records on Aug. 2 - CD, LP, DigitalMISTER MISERY is a Swedish modern dark metal band. But I guess you could just as well call it gothic metal. The group was founded in 2018, and they have now come to their third album. They are said to be innovative, modern and ground-breaking, blending clean and gritty vocals along with high-voltage riffs and anthemic choruses. Their sound is created by taking their favourite parts from several sub-genres of modern heavy music, and the result sure ain't bad at all, as they have lots of good songs here. And with so many different influences, it's a very varied material that we get. A modern metal album worth checking out.
MISTER MISERY will play at festivals this summer, before they go on tour in Europe in the fall/autumn to support the new album.
mistermisery.com | shop.afm-records.de
ASENBLUT: Entfesselt
Massacre Records on Aug. 2 - CD, LP, DigitalAMON AMARTH in German? 1 song is in English though. It sounds like the singer would be really large. There's definitely power in his voice anyway.
ASENBLUT is a melodic viking death metal band, featuring ALL FOR METAL frontman Tetzel, among others. And it seems like years of changing line-ups and internal struggles have come to an end, and now they just look forward. This album is said to be rougher and more direct, as well as more powerful than any of their previous albums. They give us big guitars, strong and harsh vocals and thundering drums, as well as big choruses to sing-along to. And it sounds really good, so fans of a band like AMON AMARTH should give this a try.
"Entfesselt" (German for Unleashed) is their fifth album, where we also get some guest vocals from Askeroth (NACHTBLUT) on 1 song, and Matthias Mente (DELIVER THE GALAXY) on 1 song.
lnk.to/massacrerecords | asenblut.de
ALHUZZRED: Séance Of Sin
Alhuzzred - Digital SingleALHUZZRED is a occult rock band from Singapore, and this is their third single. They blend their occult rock with some classic heavy metal, and this should be something for fans of acts like BLACK SABBATH, COVEN, PENTAGRAM, BLACK WIDOW and The DEVIL'S BLOOD. This track is more slow than their previous singles though, but not less good because of that. I like this. But if you will like it too is a question that I have no answer to, so why not give it a try at least, even if it',s a slow one? Yes, do that, because I have nothing else to say.
youtu.be/T_ZRsYra8JI?si=LkfWDpVoAJnATJrQ | alhuzzred.bandcamp.com
MONUMENT OF MISANTHROPY: Vile Postmortem Irrumatio
Transcending Obscurity Records on Aug. 9 - LP, CD, DigitalThis goes really fast.
Brutal death metallers MONUMENT OF MISANTHROPY return with a concept album based on a serial killer, Ed Kemper. And the music is just as violent as the stories. You can expect blast beats and frenetic riffage. It's extreme but also technical. Yet they get away with it without becoming chaotic or too extreme, but it's definitely on the border sometimes.
All I can add to that is that if you want something really brutal, then check this out.
monumentofmisanthropydm.bandcamp.com | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com
CARNOPHAGE: Matter Of A Darker Nature
Transcending Obscurity Records on Aug. 2 - LP, CD, DigitalTurkish band CARNOPHAGE mix brutal and technical death metal with influences from both old and new styles. There's lots of riffing and aggression, but yet there's some kind of structure. I would not recomend this for people with a weak heart or really bad nerves though. But those who are healthy and strong, and happens to like it brutal, could always give this group a try, because this is actually not so bad.
What else I should say about this is a very good question though.. Maybe you should let the music do the talking instead, because I have no idea.
carnophage.bandcamp.com | tometal.com
GODS & PUNKS: Death
Electric Valley Records - LP, DigitalGODS & PUNKS formed in Rio de Janeiro in 2013. They wanted to blend the heavy riffage of BLACK SABBATH with the intricate melodies of RUSH, and took their name from a song by MONSTER MAGNET. Their big passion is stoner rock, but also psychedelic music. The band's debut EP, "The Sound Of Earth", came out in 2016, and their full-length debut, "Into The Dunes Of Doom", in 2017. "Death" is their fifth full-length, but they have also released a few EPs.
This album unfolds as a cathartic exploration of frontman Alexandre's harrowing near-death experience in 2021. It was recorded across continents between Santos and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Paris, France. We get a mix of heavy stoner/doom tracks and psychedelic songs. It's a diverse and adventurous material that I think most fans of heavy rock music will like.
linktr.ee/gods_and_punks | linktr.ee/electricvalley
The LINDA LINDAS: All In My Head
Epitaph Records - Digital SingleAmerican pop punks The LINDA LINDAS are finally going to release a new album, "No Obligation", on October 11. This is the lead single, and it's a soft and kind piece that we get, which makes me think that the new album might not be as impressive as their debut album was (which was released in 2022). But I guess that's a little too early to know. But a few more singles and I will know for sure.
It's not a bad song anyway. So if you happens to like pop punk and power pop, then I guess it could be worth a try.
youtube.com/watch?v=qy7XQPOQOvM | epitaph.com | instagram.com/thelindalindas
MACOCHA: Macocha
Macocha - Digital AlbumThis is a metal band who are based in Blansko, Czech Republic, formed in the spring of 2022. On this debut album they blend heavy riffs with a blackened atmosphere. So we talk about a raw aggression mixed with haunting melodies. I would say that it's a blackened metal spiced with crust punk.
7 songs is what we get here, and it's both fast and melodic as well as heavy. I would guess that both extreme metallers and crust punks could like this album.
Now I don't have that much else to say, but I think you should give these guys a try anyway.
macocha.bandcamp.com
MR. BIG: Ten
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - LP, CD, DigitalAfter a 35-year career, MR. BIG has released their last studio album, "Ten". But there will also be 1 last live album, "The BIG Finish Live", on September 6 via Evolution Music Group.
This is like the title says their 10th studio album. And as a tribute to their late drummer Pat Torpey (who lost his battle with Parkinson's disease in 2018), the rest of the band - Eric Martin, Paul Gilbert and Billy Sheehan - took in Nick D'Virgilio (SPOCK'S BEARD, GENESIS, TEARS FOR FEARS) on drums.
For being their last kiss, it sounds surprisingly vital. This is simply a really strong hard rock album in the old school, but yet with a modern sound. Sometimes it's bluesy, sometimes melodic. A really good mix that works perfect for this band. I can really recomend you to check this out.
ffm.to/mrbigten.OPR | mrbigsite.com | frontiers.it
PALACE: Reckless Heart
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - Digital AlbumMichael Palace was born in Lithuania, but lives in Sweden since many years. The new album is a tribute to the AOR legends of the 80s, or "the missing link between 1985 and 2024", as Michael himself says. Inspiration came from acts like AVIATOR, FM and DARE, as well as more modern artists like Chez Kane and CRAZY LIXX.
Mr. Palace is a busy man, who has been songwriter and guitarist for various projects during the years, such as FIRST SIGNAL, CRY OF DAWN, Toby Hitchcock and KRYPTONITE. Recently he has produced albums for Kent Hilli and NEVENA. ",Reckless Heart" is the fifth release with his solo project PALACE, where he has done everything all by himself.
Well, if you want something catchy and melodic, then this should be something for you. And he has really succeeded to catch the 80s sound in these songs. I like what I hear. Not a weak song on the whole album.
ffm.to/palacerh | facebook.com/palacesweden | frontiers.it
SPEKTRA: Hypnotized
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - Digital Album"Hypnotized" is the second album from this band. They are influenced by legends like JOURNEY, FOREIGNER and WINGER, but also blend in stadium rock melodies and high energy hard rock vibes. Out comes a pretty modern kind of melodic rock and some melodic hard rock here and there, with both old and new ingredients. The songs are passionate, and it's not impossible that some of them can break some young hearts.
SPEKTRA consist of experienced musicians, and is vocalist BJ's brainchild. He is well-known and respected in Brazil, and have been working with TEMPESTT and TALISMAN among others. He has also released a solo album.
This is really good stuff, so you should of course give it a try.
ffm.to/spektrahypnotized | spektratheband.com | frontiers.it
Rydell & Quick and FERAL MIND
Concert at Stora Torget in Borås, Sweden on July 25, 2024Concerts at Stora Torget in the middle of Borås city is always a odd experience, as there's all kinds of people and hardly that many rockers. But this time the openig act was going to play old school hard rock, so why not check them out? FERAL MIND played a pretty kind hard rock, but they was very good at what they was doing. If they could have had even stronger songs as well, then it would have been even better. Not bad though..
Local cover band Rydell & Quick have been around for an eternity now, and this was their 19th concert at Stora Torget in Borås. You could of course ask yourself why, but then you wasn't there. Even if they didn't always impress me, the rest of the audience seemed to love them.
This concert was a crazy experience. For some reason they thought it was a good idea to have 3 drummers, and they all had double bass drums. And towards the end of the show, there was even 2 bassists as well. My only question is why? And the set list was a wild mixture of songs, everything from a song for children via 90s Euro pop to AC/DC and RAMMSTEIN. I think it's not so hard to figure out what I liked best? I would of course have prefered more rock and hard rock instead of all those stupid songs. And if it wasn't for a friend who wanted to see the whole show, I would have left after a few songs already.
DEEP PURPLE: =1
earMUSIC - CD, CD/DVD, 2LP, Box Set, Cassette, Digital"=1" is DEEP PURPLE's 23rd studio album. It follows in the same steps as their previous albums - "Whoosh!" (2020), "inFinite" (2017) and "NOW What?!" (2013). So they have done more or less what you can expect them to do. It's absolutely not bad anyway, and a few songs are a little better than the rest. Nothing extraordinary, but fans of the band should not be dissapointed, because in the end this is a nice mixture of songs with equal parts of old and new.
It',s interesting that a band who have a singer and a bassist that will be 80 next year, and a drummer that is 76, can make such a vital album. The big question is how long they will last. But after listening to this album, I would say that they are far away from done yet. Which they will prove by going on a worldwide tour to promote this album.
ctrk.klclick.com/l/01J36F6AE230D88EG7QQJVGMFY_1 | deeppurple.com
ROOTS ROUND UP: Up Rooted
Sudden Death Records - LP, CD, DigitalThis album is almost a little too diverse. Some songs are old man rock n roll, while others are reggae, ska or dub. Some have vocals, others are instrumental pieces. I would have prefered more songs with vocals, and possibly more good songs as well. As it is now, it's just a o.k. album and not much else. And most of these songs are not as catchy as I want it to be (but that's just my taste of course).
ROOTS ROUND UP hailing from Vancouver, Canada and formed back in 1985 out of the local hardcore/punk scene The band take inspiration from artists like FISHBONE, BAD BRAINS, Bob Marley & The WAILERS and The SADIES. "Up Rooted" is their 6th album. 6 of the songs are new original songs, 1 is a cover of DOA's "War In The East" and 1 is a cover of "Red Fury" by SARCASTIC MANNEQUINS. There's also 4 live tracks from a performance on Denman Island, BC, in June 2023.
Best song here according to me is that D.O.A. cover.
rootsroundup.com
ØRESUND SPACE COLLECTIVE: Orgone Unicorn
The Laser's Edge on July 26 - 2LP, 2CD, DigitalIt seems like some guys got out of the madhouse to record an album (or maybe they reocrded it there?), and they found all kinds of instruments to play around with. Apparently they also found some magic mushrooms as well, because this is spaced. There's only 1 song with normal length, 4 minutes. The rest is from as much as 19 minutes up to half an hour long. And they were all too high to sing anything, so it's all instrumental.
This is like a psychedelic trip that last for way beyond 2 hours. The only time I listen to something like this is if I get it for review, so I can't say that I'm a fan of this kind of stuff. But I guess that this can be of interest if you're into this kind of psych adventures. It's hard to tell if this is improvised or not, but it would not surprise me if it is. And is this really music by the way? To me it's more like they just play something and repeat it over and over again for an eternity before they start to play something else for an eternity.
It's far away from the worst I have heard in my life, but it would surprise me if I ever listen to this again some day.
ØRESUND SPACE COLLECTIVE is a Scandinavian progressive/space-jazz group, formed in 2006 by members of several other bands. "Orgone Unicorn" seems to be their 44th title, which includes 32 studio albums and 12 live albums, among others.
The CD and digital versions features 2 additional songs not on the vinyl, including extended versions of several of the songs, which will give you 2 hours and 16 minutes of this so-called music.
oresundspacecollective.com | lasercd.com
THORIUM: Eclipsed / Underground
Emanzipation Productions - Digital EPTHORIUM has released the first pair of songs from their upcoming studio album. These songs are described as "a razor-sharp tribute to the Scandinavian death metal scene in all its glory and a more US-death metal-based banger with heavy nods to David-Vincent-era MORBID ANGEL and to some degree the 90s GRAVE period". It sounds really good and promising, so if you like classic death metal, then I suggest that you check this out at once. And there's actually not much else to say.
The new album will be released in September. More details to be announced soon..
emanzipation.dk | thorium.bandcamp.com
THEN COMES THE NIGHT: Start The Change (re-issue)
Metalapolis Records on July 26 - CDThis is the second album from THEN COMES THE NIGHT, which was self-released in October 2023. But when it didn't get enough attention, Metalapolis Records decided to sign them and re-release the album with worldwide distribution through SPV.
The group was founded in 2019, and comes from Riedlingen in southern Germany. They have an interesting combination of power and heavy metal, as well as some traditional hard rock and rock n roll. So you can't complain about too little variation here. Their mixture is not too wild though, as you can still hear that it's THEN COMES THE NIGHT. And it sounds very good, no matter in what direction they go. So this could be worth checking out.
The band is led by songwriter, producer and singer Selin Schönbeck, who is also the singer in WE ARE LEGEND.
metalapolis.eu | thencomesthenight.de
IMPERIA: Dark Paradise
Massacre Records on July 26 - CD, LP, DigitalThis is a varied album with all kinds of elements, but is mainly a modern and symphonic metal album. We get all kinds of different voices from the female vocalist, and 1 song is almost industrial (it's much harder and heavier than the rest anyway), while another is almost like a opera. Most of the material is really strong, so the less interesting songs are luckily very few.
The core of the album revolves around mid-tempo rock songs, they say. Some leaning towards a heavier sound, while others adopt a poppier approach. Additionally, there's 2 power ballads. It's also said that they take a step back when it comes to the more extravagant progressive elements of their past releases. So this is more of a symphonic rock and metal adventure, where no song is like the other.
IMPERIA celebrates their 20th anniversary, and "Dark Paradise" is their 7th full-length album.
lnk.to/massacrerecords | imperiaband.com
VOICE: Holy Or Damned
Massacre Records - CD, LP, DigitalGerman heavy metal ensamble VOICE released their come back album, "The Storm", in 2017. Now they return with another album, and it's said that they have returned to their roots with a multi-faced album. So they have simply captured the essence of over 30 years of musical creativity. And we also get some guest appearances on this album - Ragnar Zolberg (SIGN, ex-PAIN OF SALVATION) play guitar on 1 song, and Hans-Jürgen "Jäcki" Reznicek (SILLY) play bass on 1 song.
This band play a pretty traditional kind of heavy metal. It's powerful and heavy, yet energetic, or however I should describe the sound? But I think you know the sound, so no deeper description should be needed. They have some good songs here anyway, so it could be worth a try if you're tired of modern metal and prefer the classic stuff instead.
lnk.to/massacrerecords | voice-metal.com
Sulo: Rough Diamonds + Rare Gems And Rowdy Tracks
Wild Kingdom Records on July 26 - 2CD, 2LP, DigitalDIAMOND DOGS singer Sulo Karlsson goes on a solo adventure. But don't expect anything different from what he usually do, because this album is full of that glam rock and rock n roll that we know from DIAMOND DOGS. And then you might ask what this solo album is good for? Well, here's the deal.. "Rough Diamonds" is his first solo album, which was released in 2003 in a limited edition. A well-kept secret that's been out of stock for a long time. So now it was time to re-release the album, but with a extra disc full of "Rare Gems And Rowdy Tracks" - 12 previously unreleased tracks.
We get a total of 25 tracks here. On the first disc it's glam rock and rock n roll. But the second disc is more diverse, with some country, soul and pop. And among the guests are The HELLACOPTERS members Nicke Andersson (also in LUCIFER and ENTOMBED), Dregen (also in BACKYARD BABIES) and Boba Fett (ex-DIAMOND DOGS). But also Brian Robertson (THIN LIZZY) and Nashville country singer Crystal Gayle, just to name some of them all.
"Rough Diamonds" is without a doubt a great album - Very catchy and all. But "Rare Gems And Rowdy Tracks" is unfortunately a little weaker. I would not say that everything is bad though, but I guess many of those songs are not just what I want to listen to.
Sulo is obviously a very busy man as he also play guitar with Swedish punk rock legends KSMB. And he has also recorded a new album with DIAMOND DOGS, which will be released in the end of the summer. And just if that wasn't enough, he also have bands with Chris Spedding (The PIGGYBACK RIDERS), and former members from The CLASH and SHAM 69 (The CRUNCH). Nice with somebody who have that much passion for music.
wildkingdom.se
SOULBOUND: obsYdian
Metalville Records on July 26 - CD, Fan BoxSOULBOUND play a gothic and melodic kind of industrial metal. They blend the harsh and powerful with more melodic and emotional elements, and out comes songs that are just fantastic. I can promise you that there's not 1 single weak song on this album. It's full of big and catchy choruses, and this record is actually uplifting, which is unusual for this kind of music.
This band released their first album, "Towards The Sun", in 2012. It was followed by "Myllennium" in 2016 and "Addicted To Hate" in 2020. Even if their music is categorized as gothic rock or industrial metal, the guys themselves call it "Wedontgiveafuckmetal".
The new album can be seen as a reflection of the last years, and an intense confrontation with the musicians own inner demons. They show us both their dark side and the possibilities for healing and protection.
metalville.de
DREAM EVIL: Metal Gods
Century Media Records on July 26 - LP, CD, DigitalIt's 7 years since DREAM EVIL's last studio recording was released, but now the silence is over. Not much have changed though. In fact, nothing has changed. DREAM EVIL sounds exactly as they always has. But that's on the other hand exactly how I want them to sound, so I hardly complain. It's heavy and powerful heavy metal that we get, without any modern influences. The songs are mainly really strong and full of passion for metal. Simply a very good album.
This Swedish band formed in the late 90s, and released their debut album, "Dragonslayer", in 2002. They released 3 more albums until 2006. After that, it has become less frequent between albums, but a record has appeared every now and then. "Metal Gods" is their 7th studio album.
dreamevil.se | centurymedia.com
VERNI: Dreadful Company
M-Theory Audio on July 26 - LP, CD, DigitalThis is the solo project of OVERKILL bassist DD Verni. His first solo album, "Barricade", was released in 2018, and this is his second solo album, where he lets his punk roots shine through. It actually sounds a little like MISFITS around their come back in the late 90s with Michale Graves on vocals, but without their choirs then. At the same time this is not really the same thing. It sounds like some kind of catchy and melodic punk rock anyway, but played by metal musicians.
It might not be the biggest variation between the songs, but it swings so damn much that it makes up for it. This is simply a really good album, and you should absolutely give it a try.
The album features OVERKILL bandmate Jason Bittner on drums, with some famous friends guesting on select tracks, such as Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX), Virus (DOPE), Charlie Calv (ANGEL) and Michael Romeo (SYMPHONY X).
There's also a cover of the BACHMAN-TURNER OVERDRIVE classic "Takin' Care of Business".
ddverni.bandcamp.com | m-theoryaudio.com
SPIRAL GRAVE: Ill Repute
Argonauta Records - CDU.S. doom metal band SPIRAL GRAVE consist of veterans from IRON MAN and LORD. They formed in late 2018 and soon recorded their debut album, "Legacy of the Anointed", which wasn't released until 2021 due to the pandemic. And now their second full-length, "Ill Repute", is here.
What we get is a heavy, yet energetic, album. I think more of stoner rock than doom when I hear this. But those 2 genres are sometimes pretty close to each other, so I guess we can say that it's a little bit of both here. It sounds good anyway, so it's absolutely worth a try. And I don't have much else to add there..
facebook.com/SpiralGrave | argonautarecords.com
KRYPTICY: The Non-Return
Violence In The Veins on July 22 - LPIt's 4 years since these Málaga death metallers released their full-length debut album, "Hideous Being". But now their second album, "The Non-Return", is ready to be unleashed.
This is something for fans of classic bands like AUTOPSY, BENEDICTION, DEATH, ATHEIST, PESTILENCE, VOMITORY, SUFFOCATION etc. In other words classic death metal that crushes. It's raw and aggressive, but they are also very skilled musicians. I can really recomend you to check this out, because they are just as good as any other band in this genre. And I don't think we have to go any deeper than that..
KRYPTICY formed in 2013, and released a EP, "Necronomicon", in 2014. I'm not sure what happened after that, as it took 6 years before their debut album was released in 2020.
krypticy.bandcamp.com
Jean Paul's DREAM VISION: Quimera
Demons' Records - CD, DigitalJean Paul is a Spanish guitarist and composer who has played with different bands through the years. In 2014 he decided to start a solo career, and created a project called DREAM VISION. Since then he has released several demos. This year he celebrate the 10th anniversary of the project with the first professional album. It contains both old and new songs with as much as 46 singers and musicians from Spain, Germany, Sweden, Peru, Argentina and U.S.A. Some of the artists are Danny Vaughn (TYKETTO) and Göran Edman (Yngwie Malmsteen, John Norum, MÅRRAN etc etc), just to name a couple of them all.
There's as much as 18 songs here, with lyrics in both English and Spanish, and the music is heavily inspired by American melodic hard rock and AOR from the 80s. Very melodic and kind music, but absolutely not bad at all. This man seems to know how to make great songs, no doubt about that, but 18 songs is a little too much at once. But if this sounds like something that you would like, then you should really give this album a chance.
youtu.be/CR00GyKJENY?si=xWWvc2qXwpNrrXvL
CULT OF ALCAEUS: Forged By Rage
Cult Of Alcaeus - Digital SingleThis is the debut single from this new death/thrash metal band. It's exclusively available from their website to begin with, but it will also be available on all digital media outlets on August 1. The song is described as "a sound blast, that reflects too many aggressive states in which humanity is living". To me it sounds like a more modern kind of death/thrash, and not the good old school that I like. But it's not totally useless anyway, so why not give it a try and listen for yourself? Yes, do that. Because I don't have anything else to say right now.
cultofalcaeus.com
CROCELL: Of Frost, Of Flame, Of Flesh
Emanzipation Productions - LP, CD, DigitalCROCELL=Brutality! But it's not any chaotic brutality, but a organized kind of brutality, which becomes beautiful songs.
What they deliver is a death metal attack, with some thrash and black metal, that you won't forget in the first place. It's violent and intense, but also dark and a solid craftsmanship. This is so good that this album should become a classic. So these gentlemen can be really proud of what they have created.
CROCELL was formed by 5 men in Aarhus, Denmark in 2007. They has released 5 full-length albums and 2 EPs. The members are or have been active in other bands, like ILLDISPOSED, URKRAFT, The PETULANT, MORDAX, DEMOLITION INC., and many others.
bit.ly/crcl-of | fecebook.com/crocelldk | emanzipation.dk
PATRIARCHS IN BLACK: Visioning
Metalville Records on July 19 - CD, LP, DigitalFormer TYPE O NEGATIVE and DANZIG drummer Johnny Kelly and guitarist Dan Lorenzo (HADES, NON-FICTION) formed this band in the end of 2021. They have now come to the band's third album, and among the guests this time are singers and bass players like Dave Neabore (DOG EAT DOG), Karl Agell (CORROSION OF CONFORMITY), Eric Morgan (A PALE HORSE NAMED DEATH), Mark Sunshine (RIOTGOD), Jason McMaster (WATCHTOWER), Kyle Thomas (EXHORDER), and many more.
This is one of those bands that blend different genres of music. After some songs of heavier alternative rock from the 90s, we suddenly get rap metal instead. And it's mainly those 2 genres that I hear here, but they label this as doom metal for some reason. 1 song is a blues number, and we also have a couple of short pieces with cello and acoustic guitar, which makes no sense at all.
Well, there's both good and less good stuff here. Nothing sucks though.
metalville.de | instagram.com/patriarchsinblack
NZM: The Best Of NZM
FireRock Music Group on July 19 - LPNZM hailing from South Florida, and play high energy power metal with strong melodic vocal lines. And they have been doing that since 2010. Among their strongest influences are Yngwie Malmsteen, SYMPHONY X, DEEP PURPLE, AC/DC, DIO, IRON MAIDEN, QUEEN and SCORPIONS. Other interesting information is that Nick Z Marino (lead vocals/keyboards) has been the keyboardist/singer of Yngwie Malmsteen's RISING FORCE from 2009 to present. And the band's drummer Kevin Klingenschmid is also the current drummer in Yngwie Malmsteen's band.
Well, 4 albums has been released before this album. And I guess it's as the title says, a best of? Or maybe it's just a cocky title to make more people interested? They were just talking about other stuff in the press info, so I actually don't know much more about this album. But the music sounds really good anyway, so I don't really care if it's old or new songs that we get here, as it's still worth checking out. This is almost like Yngwie Malmsteen on a power metal adventure.
youtu.be/Lq7sV4MI3LM | nzmband.com | firerockmusicgroup.com
I, CURSED: Death Holograms
Inverse Records/Meara Music on July 17 - MCD, Digital EPIt is quite difficult to tame a volcano once it has erupted. You just have to give up and go with it. And that's probably how you can describe this band - Like a volcanic eruption. So if you want something fast and violent, then you should check out this EP.
I, CURSED is a Finnish duo, who combine angry and furious death metal and grindcore. Or the classic HM-2 sound mixed with Swedish grind, but with a more modern and crushing production. It's really brutal and extreme, as well as intense. Definitely not for everyone, but those who are into this kind of raw violence will probably love it.
push.fm/fl/inverserecords | mearamusic.fi | icursed.bandcamp.com
AVATARIUM: Long Black Waves
AFM Records - Digital SingleThis is the first single from their upcoming album, "Between You, God, The Devil and The Dead", which will be released on January 24, 2025. It will be this Swedish band's 6th full-length album. They combine gloomy hard rock with heavy doom metal, and it's said to be a dark homage to bands like LED ZEPPELIN, MOUNTAIN and BLACK SABBATH. But as usual, they put their own twist on it. So it doesn't really sound like any of those legendary bands, but like AVATARIUM. And that is absolutely not bad, as this is a really good band. Check out.
avatarium.bfan.link/long-black-waves | shop.afm-records.de/avatarium | linktr.ee/avatariumofficial
The GAVIN EVICK BAND: Young, Wild & Free
The Gavin Evick Band - Digital SingleGavin Evick is just 22 years old, but with his band The GAVIN EVICK BAND he has made a real rock anthem that takes you back to a time long before he was born (the 80s). This is the kind of party rocker that makes you feel good. Probably perfect when you're crusing down the street with the windows down on a sunny summer night. Simply a good summer song.
But even if the music sounds old, it has its modern elements as well, and will also fit perfect for the younger generation and not just old people like myself. You should really give it a try.
youtube.com/watch?v=7VoJxwq-Rd8 | facebook.com/gavin.evick
HATA SOM LEJON: Mörkret I Ljuset/MENNUDÅ: En Billig Dos Av Besvikelse
Second Class Kids Records - LP, CDIt's hard to tell exactly which songs that are by HATA SOM LEJON and which songs that are by MENNUDÅ on this split album, as Second Class Kids never includes any information (not even the track list this time). It sounds just like many of the other bands on the label, so kind and melodic punk rock, or trallpunk as we call it in Sweden. Both these bands comes from Sweden, and sounds more or less the same all the way. 1 band is a little softer, while the other have more energy, which makes them a little better.
This is o.k., but not much else, so it would surprise me if this split would be a classic, because there',s lots of bands in this genre that are much better.
secondclasskids.com
wht.rbbt.obj: Your Love's A Crime
wht.rbbt.obj - Digital SingleThis track is slower and more soulful than the last single that I heard with this Chicago rock duo. It's as a matter of fact a soul ballad, and not any cool garage rock this time. Their own description of this song is a blend of alternative rock and psychedelic pop, or simply garage soul. It blends sensuality and radio-friendly appeal through its rich vocal harmonies, lush sound, and heavy guitars. I think of something like Amy Winehouse (not that I have heard that much with her).
wht.rbbt.obj (pronounced White Rabbit Object) consist of the married couple Frank and River Rabbitte. This single is part of their new EP, "Romeo Bravo Bravo Tango", which was released on June 28.
whtrbbtobj.com
FEBRUUS: Surveillance Orgy
Transcending Obscurity Records on July 19 - CD, DigitalI don't know if it's a new trend to play more adventurous and complicated death metal, or if it's just Transcending Obscurity Records who happens to like these bands a little extra. But there are some of them now anyway (DISKORD, ATVM, SWELLING REPULSION, DEFECT DESIGNER). And you can think whatever you want about that, but somehow it's good that every band doesn't play the same old school death metal, but try to do something different with the genre instead. And we already have millions of those old school bands, so we already know that sound.
FEBRUUS is a 1-man band with Andreas Karlsson on everything. And on this album he gives us 5 songs of progressive death metal. The shortest song is 3 minutes, while the longest is 14 and a half minutes. The music is brutal and goes in all directions. If you want something extreme, but also a challenge for your ears, then this is what you should try. It',s not bad, but I think I prefer the old school bands before these new bands anyway.
februusdm.bandcamp.com/album/surveillance-orgy | tometal.com
FALCON TRAILS: Coming Home
Metalville Records on July 19 - CD, DigitalFALCON TRAILS is a vintage/classic rock trio, with members from Finland and UK. The sound is deeply rooted in the 70s, and there's also some soul and funk in their music (some songs have more of that than others). Even if these songs were written and recorded around 2018 and 2019, it has never been released before, and was not completed until 2024.
The members of the band are not exactly new in the music business. Mika Grönholm (guitars/bass/keyboards) have been playing different kinds of music through the years, and his first solo album came out in 2010. Lee Small (vocals) is a veteran who has a past in bands like PHENOMENA, SHY, LIONHEART etc., but also some solo albums. Tom (drums) has been playing in several bands, like MANNERHEIM, UNDERDOG, PROBLEMS etc., and is also a session musician.
Well, these gentlemen are doing a good job here, and most of the songs are good. A mix of bluesy rock and that funk and soul that I mentioned, gives the album some extra variety. Worth checking out, without a doubt.
metalville.de | falcontrails.com
DEAD MAN'S PATH: Helvetet På Jorden
Dead Man's Path on July 19 - Digital EPThis EP's title translates to "Hell On Earth", so how dare you begin with a slow and laidback piece that last for 3:45 minutes? That's not what I want to hear when it's supposed to be death metal!
DEAD MAN'S PATH is a Swedish band, formed in late 2019, and has previously released 2 EPs and several singles. This third EP was recorded 80 meters underground in a old abandoned mine.
Their sound is rooted in the classic Swedish death metal, but has also a modern twist, which gives them their own identity. The lyrics are both in Swedish and English. It's heavy and aggressive, raw and uncompromising, just like it should be. And except for that first track, this is absolutely not bad at all. So maybe you should give this EP a try?
DEAD MAN'S PATH plan to release their full-length debut in 2025.
linktr.ee/deadmanspath
CLAN DOS MORTOS CICATRIZ: Débil
Sentient Ruin on July 19 - LP, DigitalI don't really like when there's too much reverb on the vocals, which it is here. And isn't the snare drum a little too loud on some of these songs as well? But otherwise not much to complain about, because the music is pretty good. And what they play is dark and raw hardcore/punk, or death punk as they call it.
As this is a remastered discography compilation covering the entire release history of the band, there's as much as 28 tracks to listen to. But most of these songs are no longer than approximately 1-2 minutes. It seems like they have also done some digital releases, exploring side-genres like noise, ambient and avantgarde. That stuff is not included here (and thank you for that).
This Brazilian band has existed for 15 years, and they are inspired by the darker side of punk and hardcore, but also blend in elements of crust, Oi!, goth, death rock, post-punk and black metal. They combine influences from bands like BLACK FLAG, MISFITS, G.I.S.M., VOID, CHRISTIAN DEATH, RUDIMENTARY PENI and HELLHAMMER. All lyrics are in Portugese, and tell stories about endless personal decay, struggle, disease, loss, misery and failure. No happy shit here.
sentientruin.com/releases/clan-dos-mortos-cicatriz-dbil | clandosmortoscicatriz.bandcamp.com
SAD WHISPERINGS: Return To Autumn
Vic Records - CDSAD WHISPERINGS was formed in 1990 as DESECRATE and released several demos until they went seperate ways in 2004. They played doom/death metal inspired by PARADISE LOST and Dutch bands like The GATHERING. Except for some demos, they also released an album, "Sensitive To Autumn", in 1993, which was re-released a while ago (review here).
"Return To Autumn" is a collection with demo recordings from 1995 and 1998. These recordings are said to be a natural follow up to their debut album. So if you liked that album, then this is a must of course. And if you have not heard them before, but like doom/death metal, then you should give these guys a try. And why not start with this CD? There's also a demo from 1992 here.
This is heavy, and sometimes almost atmospheric (or however I should describe it?). But they can just as well suddenly speed it up and play pure death metal instead. I have definitely heard worse than than this, because they are actually doing a really good job here.
vicrecords.com
LOBOTOMY: Final Wrath, The Early Hymns Of Lobotomy
Vic Records - 2CDLOBOTOMY was a Swedish death metal band from Stockholm, Sweden. They formed in 1989 and released several demos and 3 full-length studio albums before the band split up in 2000. This compilation contains all demos, EPs and promos from 1989 to 1993, prior to their debut album. But also some live and rehearsal tracks are included here. So this is really something for collectors of Swedish death metal.
What this band did was hardly something unique. They simply sounds like most other death bands did at that time. But they were just as good as all those other bands, so there's really no reason to complain about lack of originality. So if you want to travel back in time, then this could be your time machine.
vicrecords.com
EQUINOX: Return To Mystery (re-issue) / Journey Into Oblivion (re-issue)
Vic Records - CD, LP / CD, LPEQUINOX was a black/death metal band from Florida, formed in 1992, featuring guitar players Pete Slate (DRUID LORD, ex-ACHERON, ex-INCUBUS) and Tony Blakk (DRUID LORD, MASSACRE (live), ex-DIABOLIC (live), ex-ACHERON), and vocalist/bassist Matt Wagner.
"Return To Mystery" is their debut album from 1996. This re-release includes a EP from 1995, some live tracks from Orlando in 1993 and "The Anthem to the Moon" from 1993 - A total of 15 tracks.
"Journey Into Oblivion" is their second album from 2003. This re-release also includes a promo demo from 1994 and "The Basement Sessions" from 1993 - A total of 15 tracks here too.
Both these albums was recorded and mixed at Morrisound Studios in Tampa, Florida.
The music that this band created is actually not so bad. I don't really know how I should describe it, but it's at least raw and powerful, with influences from all kinds of extreme metal. But I would say that it's most of all death metal, even if there's elements of black and thrash metal as well. Give them a try if you want to.
vicrecords.com
Depravation Festival: Weirdo, Mosher, Freak
Depravation Festival - BandCampDepravation Festival takes place in Swindon, UK, and they have released an all-star charity song for The Sophie Lancaster Foundation, with a collection of 17 musicians who will all play at the festival this year. On top of that we also have 7 additional people from sound engineers and artists to videographers, totaling 24 individuals. It took 6 months to finish this song, but now it's finally here.
This is a hard and heavy extreme metal song that they have made, but not without melody. I wasn't so impressed the first times, but now it definitely works. You should give it a try, that's all I have to say.
Depravation Festival happens on August 30 to September 1 this year. Among the confirmed bands are RAGING SPEEDHORN, INFECTED RAIN, EVILE, DISCHARGE etc.
depravationfestival.bandcamp.com | depravation.co.uk
STRUCK A NERVE: Nocturnal Terror
Struck A Nerve - Digital SingleThis is the first single from these UK thrashers, and it's described as "a sonic assault mixing the raw energy of POWER TRIP and ENFORCED with the old school brutality of SLAYER and SODOM". This is a short and vicious song in the old school, and if this doesn't make you want to shake loose in a moshpit, then I don't really know what kind of energy injection you might need. Because this adrenaline rush should be enough for most people.
It's a very good song, so you should really check it out. Hopefully they have more of this to give us.
youtu.be/FlLUsOBmh_Q?si=QxREXxmtjqXjkg8l | facebook.com/StruckANerveUK
The SHIVA HYPOTHESIS: Faustian Restlessness
The Shiva Hypothesis - Digital EPThe SHIVA HYPOTHESIS is a black/death metal band from the eastern part of the Netherlands, and they're inspired by acts like GORGOROTH, EMPEROR, BEHEMOTH, VED BUENS ENDE and MAYHEM. The band formed in 2012, and aim for a mystic, gloomy, murky sound (with a slight hint of madness) to underline the main theme: destruction and creation. And to succeed with that they mix black metal with death/thrash metal, and out comes a dark and brutal kind of metal, yet not total noise as they balance the extreme with melodic elements as well.
People who want something powerful and raw should check out these 4 songs, because it's actually not so bad at all.
theshivahypothesis.com
SMOKERS: The Rat That Gnawed The Rope
Mouth Magazine Records - LP, DigitalWhat we have here is good old punk rock and power pop in the 70s tradition. The first songs sounds more like pop punk though. But no matter in what direction they go, it's mainly catchy and melodic anyway. It sounds British, but the band comes from Oakland, California, and this is their debut album. They have already been around for a few years though, and have been touring up and down on the U.S. West Coast.
We get as much as 15 tracks, but it sounds good and the songs are not that long (around 1 and a half to 3 minutes). It's said that their sound is inspired by bands like The STRANGLERS, MINUTEMEN and early The REPLACEMENTS, and that fans of garage rock, East Bay punk, pub rock, and vintage street rock should like this.
Among my favourite songs here are the opening track, "The Irish Tenor", and "The Strand", to name just a few.
smokers.bandcamp.com
The PEAWEES: Banana Tree
Folc Records - 7" Single, Digital SingleThe PEAWEES formed back in 1995, so they are veterans now. I got some records from Stardumb Records with this Italian punk rockers about 20-25 years ago or something like that. Then it was more like RAMONES, but nowadays it's more rock n roll and garage rock instead. It still sounds really good though. No doubt about that.
The band has released 6 albums and several singles through the years. Their punk rock is spiced with some RnB, roots rock, soul and garage rock. The current line-up features Hervé Peroncini on vocals and lead guitar, drummer Tommy Gonzalez, guitarist Dario Persi, and bassist Fabio Clemente.
"Banana Tree" is taken from their new album, "One Ride", which will be released on September 6. It's described as a soul-inspired garage rocker, and is based on a true story of a convicted felon who escaped to the Canary Islands to start a new life working in a banana field, only to be eventually tracked down by authorities. On the b-side we can find "Don't Look Back", which was originally done by Billy Vera. A catchy up-tempo rock n roll song is probably the best way to describe that song.
If you like catchy punk rock in the good old school, then this should be a band for you.
linktr.ee/thepeawees
CHOKE CHAIN: Choke On This!
Dewey Cheatum & Howe on July 19Even if CHOKE CHAIN might sound like the name of a hardcore band, this is actually a sleaze rock band from Phoenix, Arizona, who was raised on an unhealthy diet of cereal, Jack Daniel's and the bands rolling off of the Sunset Strip in the early to mid 80s.
3 of the 4 members had an old school punk project for a few years, but went back to their original love, performing original music. They found a vocalist and CHOKE CHAIN was born in the middle of the well-known pandemic. As they could not play live yet, they rehearsed on a regular basis and decided to enter the studio to record their debut album, "Choke On This!".
It's a diverse album that they have made, so it might not be right to call them just a sleaze rock band. They take and give from the long history of rock and hard rock, and deliver their own heavy thing with a street attitude from the gutter. It's not impossible that people from many different genres will like this.
What I miss here is the party vibe. They seems to aim at being cool and heavy instead, so there's not many anthems here, and no chance that any of these songs will be a future classic. It's not useless, but just a o.k. album instead of great, you could say.
The CHRIS SLADE TIMELINE: Timescape
BraveWords Records on July 19 - 2CD, DigitalChris Slade has been drumming for almost 60 years. Some of the artists he has been playing with includes AC/DC, MSG, ASIA, URIAH HEEP, The FIRM, Gary Numan, Gary Moore, MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND, Tom Jones etc. The CHRIS SLADE TIMELINE was born in 2012, and the other members are Paul "Bun" Davies (vocals), Stevie Gee (vocals/bass), James Cornford (guitar/vocals) and Mike Clarke (keyboards/guitar/vocals). On this album they combines original new tracks with their favourite covers.
The first time I heard this I was a little dissapointed, as it wasn't really what I expected. Too much soft rock when I wanted a straight and raw rock album instead. But already the second time I heard the album it was better, and especially songs like "Sundance" and "Living The Dream". But a song like "Freedom Song" is just irritating (too much of the same thing over and over again). "Back With A Vengeance" is suddenly heavy metal, and it's o.k. but not much else, and a little too long with its 7 and a half minutes. Then comes a pathetic ballad on that, which is a little too sugar sweet for my taste. And the 2 songs after that was also of the weaker kind.
On the second disc we can find covers of AC/DC and URIAH HEEP among others. It might not be the hottest versions, but it's good anyway, and a little better than the first disc actually. But just like the first disc, it has its ups and downs, so everything is not great here either.
In the end I would say that this is a o.k. rock album anyway, even if I expected it to be much better.
youtu.be/LCV0hhmz_GA | smarturl.it/ChrisSladeTimeline | chrisslade.com | bravewordsrecords.com
KEYS: The Grand Seduction
Escape Music on July 19 in EU and Aug. 9 in USA - CD, LPKEYS is something as different as an all-keyboards band that was born from the idea of vocalist Jake E (CYHRA, AMARANTHE, and many others) and keyboard-wizard Mark Mangold (TOUCH, DRIVE, SHE SAID, Michael Bolton, Cher, Paul Rogers, and others). They are joined by Emanuel Bagge (Sweden's Got Talent finalist) for additional vocals and keyboards, Irwan Fabrien (renowned keyboard-guitar sound designer), and the help of drum guru Alex Landenburg (KAMELOT, CYHRA, and many others) and Adde Larsson. "The Grand Seduction" is their second album.
But just because it's said to be an all-keyboards band, it doesn't mean that it's a synth band. They actually succeed to sound like a rock band, or a progressive hard rock band to be more precise. And these songs sounds really good, so they can be really proud of what they have created. It's very professional, and the music goes in many different directions, so you should not get bored when you listen to this. It's mainly melodic.
ffm.to/keys-vortex | facebook.com/Keysband | escape-music.com
IREFUL: Agents Of Doom
Xtreem Music on July 16 - CD, DigitalItalian thrashers IREFUL have signed a deal with Xtreem Music, and this is the band's full-length debut. The group was founded in 2019 and channels the raw energy and aggression of 80s thrash metal, drawing inspiration from legendary bands like EXODUS, SLAYER, KREATOR, VIO-LENCE, DARK ANGEL, and the cult Italian band BULLDOZER. In other words old school thrash metal just the way it was meant to be. This album gives us everything from razor-sharp fast thrashing to mosh-driven mid-tempos, hardcore choirs, and morbid visions. It will take you back to the 80s and you will love it, because this is a great album.
IREFUL has previously released a EP, "The Walls of Madness", in 2021.
youtube.com/watch?v=46tVGa9bkgo | xtreemmusic.com | facebook.com/irefulthrash
GORGONCHRIST: And Justice For Balls
Road To Masochist on July 12 - CD, LPBrilliant title! And they have some sweet song titles as well. Or what do you say about stuff like "I Cum Brûlée" or "Satanic Cunt Slicer" for example? Hardly something for the political correct and easily offended.
British trio GORGONCHRIST blend crust punk and sludge metal into a raw and violent musical massacre. It's often full speed ahead, but there's also some heavy parts here and there. I would guess that this could fit fans of a lot of different genres, but most of all crust punks, thrashers and death metallers. The only track that I would call sludge metal here is the last song, "Dr. Lovefire". And if you like all these genres and then some, then there's not much to doubt.
They absolutely have their bright moments, so this is definitely listenable for those who have a more sick humor.
facebook.com/gorgonchrist
WORSHIPPER: One Way Trip
Magnetic Eye Records on July 19 - CD, LP, DigitalBoston, MA psychedelic hard rockers WORSHIPPER gives us their third full-length album, "One Way Trip".
The first track, "Heroic Dose", is more psychedelic, while the rest is more like melodic heavy rock. It sounds really good, and "Windowpane" is the best song on this album. But the rest sure ain't bad either.
This band is said to balancing between classic hard rock and old school heavy metal with an injection of psychedelia. And even if the title of this record and some of the song titles could be seen as relating to drug culture, that's not the case here.
WORSHIPPER were formed in 2014 and still have the same members as when they started 10 years ago.
youtu.be/ADE5d650XEU | facebook.com/worshipperband | en.merhq.net
ZERRE: Scorched Souls
Zerre - Digital AlbumGerman thrashers ZERRE takes us back to the glory days of the 80s, and combine it with the raw power of hardcore/punk. Or "in your face old school thrash metal without compromise", as the Summer Breeze festival describe them.
It seems like there was some line-up changes during the recording of this album, which is their third. But on May 17, 2024 it was finally released anyway, and the band is complete again and ready to play live. They are actually already working on their next album.
What we get here is a powerful party album, which should fit perfect for the mosh pit. It's mainly good old thrash, in case you didn't get that, and just a pinch of hardcore/punk. I can really recomend you to check out this album, because it's damn good.
zerrethrash.bandcamp.com
Paul Di'Anno's WARHORSE: Warhorse
BraveWords Records on July 19 - CD, DigitalAfter 8 years of serious health problems that almost ended his career, former IRON MAIDEN singer Paul Di'Anno returned with his new band WARHORSE, where he has teamed up with some unknown musicians from Croatia. They released a 3-track EP a while ago, which was very good, and now it's time for their full-length debut.
He may not sing like he used to do on those early records with IRON MAIDEN (which I really like), but there's no doubt that he still got some power in his voice. So he can without a doubt still deliver. And the other guys are also doing a really good job.
Most of the songs here are good heavy metal with a modern sound. But there is also some weaker stuff here. A big question mark is the cover of "Tequila" - A surprise that you hardly did expect. Another song that I have my doubts about is the softer "Precious" (DEPECHE MODE cover), which is almost on the border to pop. It doesn't really fit in here. But otherwise nothing to complain about.
youtu.be/vOUuZpZfQME | smarturl.it/Warhorse | facebook.com/WarhorseBandOfficial | bravewordsrecords.com
VICTORY: American Girl
AFM Records - Digital Single
On September 13, German hard rockers VICTORY will release a new studio album, "Circle Of Life". "American Girl" is one of the songs on that album. It sounds really good, old-school but fresh. I think that the new album can be really good actually. But it's a while before that will be released, so check out this single and the previous single, "Count On Me", while you wait.
victory.bfan.link/american-girl | victory.bfan.link/circle-of-life | victory-band.com
ACT OF CREATION: Moments To Remain
Massacre Records on July 19 - CD, LP, DigitalIt seems like the lyrical theme on this album is time - "The whole album is based on the concept of reviewing an entire day and thinking about certain topics while sitting by the water", they say. And in order to make it as energetic and intense as possible, all songs was recorded at the same tempo as if they would be played live for the first time.
ACT OF CREATION released their first album, "Secret Memoirs Of A Forced Fate", in 2010. "Moments To Remain" is their 4th full-length, and the CD version gives you as much as 3 bonus tracks.
This band play melodic death metal. But yet it's a pretty raw and aggressive album that we get here. They are very good at what they are doing, and the vocals is really powerful. The songs are really good too, so this is simply an album that's worth checking out. No doubt about that.
lnk.to/massacrerecords | actofcreation.de
DUMB BATS: Don't Care
Cheat Records - Digital SingleDUMB BATS is a punk rock band from Stuttgart, Germany. They self-released a EP in 2021, and have since then released 2 singles and participtaed on the TURBONEGRO tribute album "Turbonegro Must Be Destroyed!", which was released in 2023. Influnces comes from Scandinavian action rock, but also IRON MAIDEN and The RUNAWAYS. High volume and energy is important parts that makes them sound like they do. They simply love fast punk rock, dirty rock n roll, blazing guitar solos and a punchy rythm section. And if that sounds like something that you would like, then I can really recomend you to check out this song, because it's damn good.
A new EP, "Ride Free", will be released in July, and this is a taste of that.
youtu.be/GVFrjZ0XpNE?si=igeo8gTbI1b4YUfw | cheatrecords.bandcamp.com | dumb-bats.com
DEEP PURPLE: Lazy Sod
earMUSIC - Digital SingleOh, this sounds like something that they could have done back in the 70s or possibly around the reunion in the mid-80s. In other words not bad at all and very promising. Absolutely worth listening to if you like classic DEEP PURPLE songs.
This is the third single from their upcoming studio album, "=1", which will be released on July 19. Some critics has already hailed the album as a classic, so I guess that it is a good album that we are going to get. The album will be followed by a worldwide tour.
youtu.be/bbkNm739ULA | deeppurple.com
DISKORD/ATVM: Bipolarities
Transcending Obscurity Records on July 12 - LP, Cassette, CD, DigitalNorwegian band DISKORD play a complicated kind of death metal, and gives us 4 songs. It's technical and progressive. UK's ATVM's songs are so damn long (9:12 to 11:49 minutes) that we just get 2 songs from them, and they play something similar to DISKORD. But if I have to choose 1 of these bands, then I would say that DISKORD is the winner here without a doubt.
I'm pretty sure that both bands try to push the boundries of their sound on this split album, but I'm not the right man for this. But I guess that if you like it complicated, then this could be of interest for you.
facebook.com/DiskordNorway | facebook.com/AtvmOfficial | tometal.com
SARS: Nothing Hurts Quite Like Life
Time To Kill Records on July 12 - CD, DigitalSARS is a Finnish band, who play dark metallic hardcore. They deliver 10 tracks in 36 minutes. Influences comes from more than just hardcore, and they are not afraid to introduce some melodies or even some atmospheric elements into the music. But don't let that scare you away, because this is just as hard and heavy as it should be when it comes to metallic hardcore, just a little darker. A pretty o.k. album according to me, so it could be worth a try.
The band is based in Turku, and formed in 2016. But it wasn't until 2019 that the group took its definitive form. They has previously released a few singles.
youtu.be/_kBY92yLYic?si=jRQeMK3h-2Yyw6_H | sarssickness.bandcamp.com | timetokillrecords.com
LEGIONS OF THE NIGHT: Darkness
Pride & Joy Music on July 12 - CDGerman power metal band LEGIONS OF THE NIGHT released their debut album, "Sorrow Is The Cure", in 2020, and have now come to their third album. The band consist of Jens Faber (DAWN OF DESTINY, MALEFISTUM, EXOS), drummer Philipp Bock (DAWN OF DESTINY) and singer Henning Basse (METALIUM, ex-FIREWIND, MAYAN).
What you can expect from this album is a continuation of what they did on their last album, "Hell" (2022). In other words heavy riffs, melodies and catchy choruses. On top of that they have delicious metal songs that most of you should like. So what else can you ask for?
The album also includes a cover of SVATAGE's "Tonight He Grins Again".
youtu.be/2zaVh9adXSg | facebook.com/Legions-of-the-Night-102006271677428 | prideandjoy.de
DARK MILE: Dark Mile
Pride & Joy Music on July 12 - CDDARK MILE is a U.S. based hard rock band featuring Tracy G (DIO), Paul Alfery (WALK THE WALK), Randy Oviedo (STREEK) and Mark Huff (QUIET RIOT). All 4 have been involved in the hard rock scene for many years, and together they has created an album that sounds big and American. The 80s sound is there, but as usual with a modern production. Most of the songs are really good stuff, so this is of course worth checking out if you prefer good old hard rock from the 80s. I think of bands like SKID ROW, DOKKEN and possibly SCORPIONS in the mid-80s. And I could probably mention at least 14 more bands, but I think you get the sound.
facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558042420831 | prideandjoy.de
L.A. DRUGZ: Outside Place (re-issue)
Hovercraft Records - 12" EP, Digital EPThis 6-track EP was originally released in 2013, but has now been re-released by Hovercraft Records.
I think of English legends like The ADICTS and BUZZCOCKS for example when I listen to this, even though it's not exactly the same. It's a mix of really catchy and melodic 70s punk rock and power pop anyway, and it's not bad at all. I really like these songs. And so should you if you're into any of what I have just described.
L.A. DRUGZ was as far as I can understand formed in 2010, and features members from bands like COLOROX GIRLS, SUSPECT PARTS, MANIAC, TELEPHONE LOVERS, The REFLECTORS, IMAGES and BAD MACHINE. "Outside Place" became their debut EP.
youtube.com/watch?v=5xQr2A6n2Jk | ladrugz.bandcamp.com | hovercraftrecords.com
WolfWolf: Totentanz
Ghost Highway Recordings/Lux Noise/Off Label Records - LP, CD, DigitalThis Swizz duo could be described as twisted trashy garage punk blues rock, as they blend elements of garage rock, blues, trash and primitive punk. It',s said to be something for fans of The WHITE STRIPES, DEAD MOON, The CRAMPS, Tom Waits and MC5, to name a few of all ingredients in this cocktail.
WolfWolf has created their own twisted universe, often with a sick humor. "Totentanz" (Dance Of Death) is their 4th studio album, where we get a raw and energetic sound. It goes from melancholic to macabre, via industrial and haunting, and then some. It's very underground and D.I.Y. The kind of band that just a few know about and keep for themselves as most other people just won't understand. In other words cool stuff.
youtu.be/vStISG_XemY | wolfwolfband.com
XENERIS: Eternal Rising
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, DigitalItalians seems to be very good at symphonic power metal. This band formed in December 2022 when KALIDIA went seperate ways, which is said to have been Italy's hottest power metal band. "Eternal Rising" is the debut album with XENERIS, where they blend power metal with symphonic and progressive metal. So what you can expect is an electrifying mix of irresistible melodies, powerful riffs and grand arrangements. It's simply an epic adventure, and you can really hear that this is experienced people. They don't skimp on the gunpowder here, as we say in Sweden.
And if it wasn't ambitious enough already, this is a concept album that tells a story of resurrection and resilience narrated through the myth of the phoenix's rebirth. Every 500 years, the phoenix dies and rises from its ashes, thus ensuring immortality through this purifying ritual.
orcd.co/xeneris | xenerisband.com
NEW HORIZON: Conquerors
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, LP, DigitalWhen vocalist Erik Grönwall joined SKID ROW, NEW HORIZON's founder Jona Tee (also in H.E.A.T) had to find a new singer for the band. Which led him to his longtime friend Nils Molin (DYNAZTY, AMARANTHE), who fits like a glow. Jona take care of guitars, bass, keyboards and backing vocals, while Nils handle lead vocals. Georg Härnsten Egg play drums. We also get some guest vocals from Elize Ryd (AMARNATHE) on 1 song, and Love Magnusson (DYNAZTY?) play solo guitar on 2 tracks, Daniel Johansson play a solo on 1 track, and Laucha Figueroa play solo guitar on 2 tracks.
This is a great album! If you want high quality heavy/power metal with powerful and melodic vocals, then this is an album that you really need to hear. The songs are just fantastic! I'm really impressed.
Pretty brave of them to end the album with a cover of "Alexander The Great" by IRON MAIDEN. But they do a good version, so no problem.
orcd.co/nhconquerors
NEVERTEL: Sym
Epitaph Records - Digital SingleBloody rapper! He's destroying the whole song. The nu-metal chorus and the heavy part are the only good things with this track. Modern music is really hopeless, and there's not much else to say about that.
This trio hailing from Tampa, Florida, and signed with Epitaph Records this spring. "Sym" is described as "a high-energy nu-metal anthem that's perfect for unleashing your inner rage". They fuses elements of hip-hop, nu-metal and alternative rock, and out comes something modern for the younger generation.
youtu.be/lTLexS7xABQ | epitaph.com
MAGNOLIA PARK: Shallow
Epitaph Records - Digital SingleTotal crap! You expect some metalcore at least, but then you get some kind of silly pop metal instead. I get so irritated! I really hate modern pop music.
I have been writing about these Orlando, Florida rockers before. But I always seems to forget what they really sounds like, and give them another chance. And when I look back, I wasn't impressed by their 2022 collaboration with poptropicalslutz!, which I described as a catastrophe. And their album, "Baku's Revenge" (2022), also got a really bad review. So this is simply not a band for me.
youtu.be/g9Oty97D6vA | epitaph.com
AGAINST EVIL: Give 'em Hell
Doc Gator Records on July 12 - CD, LPThat there's a metal scene in India might not be so well-known to everyone, but there is a few bands in different genres, and I have reviewed some of them through the years. When it comes to heavy metal, as AGAINST EVIL play, KRYPTOS is probably the most well-known name. But maybe you should also give this band a chance, because they're not bad either.
AGAINST EVIL formed 10 years ago, so this is hardly a new band. And what this quartet offer is pure old school heavy metal, influenced by classic acts like JUDAS PRIEST, ACCEPT, IRON MAIDEN, MEGADETH etc. No modern stuff here. The songs are just as powerful and strong as anything from the 80s or the latest album with ANVIL. This band should be more famous, and it's not impossible that this album will help them to become that.
againstevil.in | docgator.shop
BOB MALMSTRÖM feat. JAG/The DOGSHIT BOYS feat. John MIC
Elitbolaget/Inverse Records - Digital EP out now, 7" EP on Aug. 1Finnish label Elitbolaget says that the best metal in the 90s was when they combined it with rap vocals. So to celebrate that they release this split EP with the Finnish bands BOB MALMSTRÖM and The DOGSHIT BOYS, who get some help from rap artists JAG and John MIC.
BOB MALMSTRÖM is the first band. And they begin with a song together with JAG. A pure rap metal tribute to the 90s, and actually not so bad at all. After that they continue with 1 of their own songs, "Så Som På Strösö", which I reconize from 1 of their previous releases. Another good song, but more like hardcore/punk than rap metal.
On the other side we find The DOGSHIT BOYS (what a wonderful name), who begin with a rap metal song together with John MIC. Very 90s, but a cheap production. They continue with a song on their own, which is more hardcore/punk, and a little better than the first track.
This might not become a future classic that people will pay ridiculous amounts of money for, but it was fun to hear anyway.
elitbolaget.com | inverse.fi
Bill Wyman: Drive My Car
BMG - Digital SingleBill Wyman is a founding member of The ROLLING STONES, which he played bass for between 1962-1993 (and briefly in 2023). He is as much as 87 years old, but is not giving up the music because of that. As a matter of fact, he will release his 9th solo album, "Drive My Car", on August 9. It will be his first album since 2015, and the title track has now been released as a single.
This is a Anglo-Americana rhythm and blues. It's a o.k. and energetic song. But despite that the song is just 3:23 minutes, it feels like it's a little too long, just because he repeat the same thing over and over again. It's almost a little unimaginative actually. But just because of his age, he get my respect anyway. And I did not say that it's a bad song.
lnk.to/DriveMyCarSinglenq | lnk.to/DriveMyCarPR | billwyman.com
ATOMIC SPITFIRE: Head n Roll
Atomic Spitfire - Digital SingleThis is a pretty new death n roll band from Uppsala, Sweden, who was formed in Spring 2023. The idea is to mix MOTÖRHEAD's riffs and ENTOMBED's brutality, and they has recorded 2 songs so far. Some people have called it party death metal for some reason, but this song sure doesn't make me want to party. I want more of a adrenaline rush when it comes to death n roll, and this is too heavy or mid-tempo or however I should describe it. It's not totally useless though, but I expected something more than just a o.k. song. But who knows, their next song might be better?
facebook.com/atomicspitfire
MADICIDE: Madicide
Madicide on July 5 - Digital AlbumMADICIDE are a Welsh thrash band, originally formed in February 2011. They split up in 2015, but returned in 2021. And even though it took its time, now their debut album is finally here. We get songs that's been around since the band began, but re-energized, and also some new tracks. As a bonus track, we also get a recording of "Death March" from 2015.
These guys are mainly thrashing in the good old way, and yet it sounds fresh. But for some reason they begin with a heavier mid-tempo song, "Nicotine Love", that sounds more like a way too long and boring intro. How they got the idea to release it as a single is a good question. But after that it's much better. 1 good song after the other and nothing else to complain about. So if you like your thrash metal the traditional way, then you check this out.
The album is said to be released physical as well, but I could not find any information about that, so I don't know if it's a CD or LP or maybe even a cassette. Or maybe they have scrapped that idea?
youtu.be/V3_3rhGBacE | linktr.ee/Madicide
DAWN AFTER DARK: First Take - Live In The Studio
Chapter 22 Records on July 5 - LP, DigitalHard rockers DAWN AFTER DARK hailing from Birmingham, England, and existed between 1986-1991. In 2019 they were back again.
This album was recorded live in the studio in 1 day, and features 8 songs from their debut album, "New Dawn Rising", and 2 brand new interpretations of their classics "No Shame" and "Is There Time". No wonder I recognized some of the songs then, as I reviewed the debut album in 2021 when it was released. And you can always ask what's the point with this release? Because even though it sounds good, they should concentrate on some new material instead of re-recording stuff that has already been released a few years ago. That's what we want - New songs!
But anyway.. As I said, it sounds good, even though everything might not be so exiting. But if you have not heard the band before, then it's about time that you give them a try. Check out something like "Maximum Overdrive" for example - Catchy old school hard rock with a fist in the air and a beer in the other hand. "Crystal High" is another song in the same league that I can recomend.
thedawners.com
Francesco Marras: Lost Souls
Hell Tour Productions - Digital SingleTYGERS OF PAN TANG's Francesco Marras is back with another solo single. And it's hard rock/heavy metal that we get from this Sardinian guitarist. The song was recorded in 3 different countries - Italy, Germany and UK - and features guest vocals from David Readman (PINK CREAM 69, VOODOO CIRCLE). The other musicians are Bosnian drummer Pavel Ljubicic and the Sardinian keyboard player Marco Cossu.
This is the 4th single from a new album, that will be released later. It's a pretty classic 80s sound, even if the production is modern. I think of something like WHITESNAKE for example, so it's absolutely not any dog shit that we get here. I think that album can be really interesting to hear. No doubt about that.
youtu.be/Kt4uvgDxdcc?si=KgLavidL4bdv0sGP | francescomarras.com
HIGH VIS: Mob DLA
Dais Records - Digital SingleLondon band HIGH VIS have shared a first taste of a forthcoming album, slated for release later this year. It's said to have a street punk energy and mentality, but the one who wrote that have probably not heard any street punk at all. No, I think this sounds more like post punk or indie rock instead. But o.k., the person didn't say that it is street punk, but just that it would have the same energy and mentality.
The funny descriptions goes on when the press release suddenly says that they play progressive hardcore with shades of post punk, Brit pop, neo-psychedelia and Manchester groove. Well, it still sounds like post punk/indie rock to me, no matter what you say. But this song is pretty o.k. anyway, and you are of course allowed to call it whatever you want.
HIGH VIS will be playing at some festivals, both in Europe and the States, this summer. They will also join some other bands for a Australian tour in August/September.
found.ee/MobDLA | highvisuk.com
THERMALITY: Fire Will Reign
Black Lodge Records - Digital SingleSwedish melodic death metallers THERMALITY will release a new album, "The Final Hours", on August 16. "Fire Will Reign" is 1 of many good songs from that album, and it's also the second single from the album.
If you like the bands from the 90s and early 2000s (the Gothenburg sound), but with a modern twist, then this is something that you definitely have to check out. Because with this song they combine that perfectly. And this song also works very good as an introduction to the the band's sound. Very good stuff!
blacklodge.se/artists/thermality | facebook.com/thermality
APOSENTO: No Safe Haven
Xtreem Music on July 2 - CD, Digital"No Safe Haven" is the 4th album from these Spanish death metallers. They have been around since 1990, and released a few demos and a mini CD before they broke up in 1997. In 2012 they were back again, and their self-titled full-length debut came out in 2014. There have been some line-up changes through the years, and on this album we get yet another line-up. Manu Reyes (member since 2012) has switched from bass to guitar, and new bassist is Pablo Vázquez (who joined the band in 2021). There's also a new drummer, Raúl Ceballos.
APOSENTO deliver a brutal and powerful sound reminiscent of the classic death metal era of early 90s Florida. So if you like that sound, then this could be worth a try, because this sounds more or less like something that could have been recorded at that time.
They succeed to vary the material and seems to be very good at what they are doing. And as some extra blood on the rotten corpse, they have also succeeded to make a pretty good album.
youtube.com/watch?v=hNOh9ozXrKA | facebook.com/Aposentodeath | xtreemmusic.com
ORDEN OGAN: The Order Of Fear
Reigning Phoenix Music on July 5 - LP, CD, CD Box Set, DigitalThat's how you take them! Full speed ahead immediately and no stupid intro. Several points already there. Their songs are absolutely not bad either, so they get even more points for that as well. This is simply a damn good power metal album.
German band ORDEN OGAN released their debut album, "Vale", in 2008. And we have now come to their 7th full-length, which is said to be more metallic and direct. The orchestral elements are still there though. At the same time it's dark and heavy too (not always), yet catchy. The material is powerful, and most of these songs are really strong.
It seems like they composed some of these songs together with a hardcore fan from Uruguay. The fan's contributions can be found in 3 of the tracks.
ordenogan.rpm.link/theorderoffearPR | ordenogan.de | reigningphoenixmusic.com
MYSTERY: Mind Pollution
Metalapolis Records on July 5 - CDThis is the 4th studio album from these Australian hard rockers. The band was founded in 2010, and they released 2 albums, in 2013 and 2014, before they took a long break. They returned in 2021.
"Mind Pollution" is said to be MYSTERY's best and most mature album to date. And is described as "a firework of melodic power rock and precise choruses". And except for 8 original songs, we also get 2 covers - "You Can't Stop Rock 'n' Roll" by TWISTED SISTER and "No Secrets" by Australian band The ANGELS.
Well, this sounds really good, so you should definietly check it out. And there's not much else to add there..
metalapolis.eu | mysteryrocks.net
MY DARKEST RED: By The Moonlight
Sneakout Records/Burning Minds Music Group - Digital SingleThis Italian band is said to play dark n roll, and this is the first single from their debut album, "Midnight Supremacy", which will be released on September 27.
I would describe this as some kind of gothic rock, because that's what it sounds like to me anyway. It',s dark and melodic, yet pretty energetic as well. A good song, but I don't really know what else I should say..
youtu.be/auhCuMpYPK4 | facebook.com/mydarkestred | burningmindsgroup.com/sneakout
MALCONFORT: Humanism
Transcending Obscurity Records on July 5 - LP, CD, DigitalO.k., what was that? This is way too weird for me..
MALCONFORT's music is called innovative and forward-thinking. And if you want straight party music or something extreme, then this is not for you. It's supposed to be experimental black metal, and experimental it is, but maybe not so black metal. They blend in elements of free-form jazz, progressive and atmospheric music like it was the most normal thing to do. They are at least going their own way, and are definitely not a copy of some other band. So if you want something different, then this is what you should try.
This is the debut album from this UK based band.
malconfort.bandcamp.com | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com
KRYPTOS: Decimator
AFM Records on July 5 - CD, LP, DigitalKRYPTOS was formed in 1998 in Bangalore, India and have long been considered one of the spearheads of the Indian heavy metal revolution. "Decimator" is their 7th album, and what we get is classic heavy metal in the good old tradition. Think of all the classic bands from the 70s and 80s, and you should get a pretty good picture of this band's sound.
Worth checking out? Yes, of course it is!
So you have nothing else to say about them? No, there's nothing to complain about.
Unfortunately all their upcoming live dates in Europe and Australia has been postponed to 2025, as all their guitars, pedalboards, drumkit and other stage equipment was stolen by their Czech tourvan driver in May. So support them by buying their records and mercahndise, so that they can buy some new stuff.
kryptosmetal.com | shop.afm-records.de
KAIVS: For Satan Your Flesh For God Your Soul
Brutal Records - Digital SingleKAIVS is a death metal band from Rome, Italy, and they has signed to Brutal Records, which will release the band's debut album, "After The Flesh", on October 11. And the label says that we should "prepare for an onslaught of pure, unadulterated death metal fury". So what you can expect from this band is bone-crushing riffs, guttural vocals, and an unyielding barrage of sonic assault. It's simply raw and unpolished brutality without mercy.
This might not be useless, but it's not that good either to be honest. I'm not really sure what it is that makes me think like that, but it's not impossible that they have better songs than this.
linktr.ee/brutalrecords.official «June | Index | August»
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