HARD ROCK INFO

REVIEWS APRIL 2025

«March | Index | May»

KRIGSSTIGEN: Gemensam Mal Palacé

Krigsstigen - Digital EP
Swedish melodic punk rockers KRIGSSTIGEN are back with a new 3-track EP. It was recorded over a weekend with the legendary Mart Hällgren (DE LYCKLIGA KOMPISARNA and a hundred other bands and projects).
This time they tackle topics like alienation, bad mood and the gap between collective struggle and individual anger. It sounds just like it should, it's catchy and melodic, so they hardly need to be ashamed of these 3 pieces. This is in other words damn good and something that you really have to check out if you like melodic punk rock in Swedish.
KRIGSSTIGEN have previously released a EP and a full-length album, both are very good and absolutely worth checking out if you like these 3 songs.
linktr.ee/krigsstigen

KÜNTSQUÄD: Eat Your Entrails

Wormholedeath Records - Digital Single, CD single
Melbourne crust death metal band KÜNTSQUÄD has unleashed a lyric video for their single, "Eat Your Entrails". This single was recorded in 2024-25 exclusively for the Imperative Music Compilation #18, which has limited worldwide distribution.
This is really heavy, and it sounds like they have recorded this song in the rehearsal room. As far as I can remember, they were much better last time I heard them (which must be a few years ago now), so I'm a little disspointed actually. It's more death metal brutality than crust punk.
"Eat Your Entrails" is released as a limited-edition CD (100 copies only). The physical copy is only available at live shows, and the digital copy is on Bandcamp. An alternate version of this tune will be included on the upcoming "Satans Cock" album - worldwide release by Wormholedeath Records is expected for mid-2025.
kuntsquad.bandcamp.com/track/eat-your-entrails.... | wormholedeath.com

PALANTYR: The Ascent & The Hunger

Jawbreaker Records on May 2 - MCD, Digital
PALANTYR is a French speed metal band. They were formerly known as DESTRUKT, but changed the name in August 2024. On this mini album we get 3 tracks from their previous EP, "The Ascent", and 3 brand new compositions.
While most other speed metal bands look back in time, this band look forward instead by blending the ferocity of MYSTIC, the epic grandeur of SMOULDER, and the raw heavy metal aggression of BLOOD STAR, TOWER and IRON GRIFFIN. The result is speed, melody and power with an almost epic edge. It's in other words energetic stuff, but with melodic vocals instead of screaming that is common in this genre. And I would say that this sounds both old school and fresh at the same time.
Worth checking out.
jawbreaker.se

TUMBLE: Lost In Light

Echodelick Records (US)/Stickman Records (EU) on May 2 - Vinyl EP, Digital EP
This is a trio from Toronto, Canada, formed in 2022. And what we have here is their debut EP, which is described as "a blistering, 20-minute dive into the heart of heavy psychedelic rock and proto-metal, fueled by thunderous riffs, hypnotic grooves, and an unrelenting live energy".
The EP was recorded live in the studio, and take a big step away from the polished and modern production in favor of something raw, visceral, and immediate. We can find elements of several other sub-genres in this band's music, like doom metal, blues, and even 70s sleaze rock. It's mainly heavy, but can also be hypnotic and chaotic or energetic as well. Their sound is loud and powerful, and pays homage to the underground heavy rock movement of the late 60s and early 70s, with bands like BLACK SABBATH, BLUE CHEER, PENTAGRAM, and MC5.
5 songs is what we get, and to me it sounds really good. Fans of heavy rock, psych rock and proto-metal should really check this out.
tumbleband.com | stickman-records.com

CREMATORY: Destination

ROAR on May 2 - 2LP, CD, Digital
This is the 17th studio album from CREMATORY. These German gothic metal pioneers have been around for 34 years, but that have not made them any weaker. Instead they are said to reach new and even higher levels with this album. It combines all the strengths and phases from this iconic band, going back to their melodic death metal roots in places, then diving deep into the gothic realm again and surprising us with some electro dancefloor elements. They simply combine their past with the present, and are still motivated to deliver. Even if it's dark, they balance heaviness and melody perfectly. There's both harder and softer parts, and the vocals varies between growls and clear vocals.
There's lots of highlights on this album, too many to mention here, so this could absolutely be worth listening to.
We can also find a tribute to TYPE O NEGATIVE, a cover of their classic "My Girlfriend's Girlfriend", which features Michelle Darkness from END OF GREEN as a guest vocalist.
crematory.de | reigningphoenixmusic.com/all-artists/roar-artists

BUSH: 60 Ways To Forget People

earMUSIC - Digital Single
No, this wasn't my cup of tea. Soft and whiny rock without any kind of hit potential. I guess that I'm simply too old for modern stuff like this.
This song is a taste of their upcoming album, "I Beat Loneliness", which will be released on July 18. That will be their 10th studio album.
BUSH was formed in London in the 90s. They will team up with VOLBEAT for a EU and UK tour from September 18 to November 13.
youtu.be/CXk3jX0ykf4

ALICE COOPER: Black Mamba

earMUSIC - Digital Single

The original group ALICE COOPER has reunited after more than 50 years. Yes, it was actually a band with that name in the beginning, and it wasn't until the mid-70s that the singer, who already called himself Alice Cooper, went on a solo adventure with the same name. Well, a brand new studio album, "The Revenge Of Alice Cooper", will be released on July 25. And except for the 4 surviving members - Alice Cooper (vocals), Michael Bruce (guitar), Dennis Dunaway (bass), and Neal Smith (drums) - the album also features a posthumous appearance by Glen Buxton, the band's original guitarist who passed away in 1997.
The first single, "Black Mamba", also features a guest appearance from Robby Krieger (The DOORS). And it's a psychedelic and venomous rock track in the old tradition. Yes, it actually sounds like something that they could have made in the late 60s/early 70s sometime. So this sounds very promising for the album. You check this out, and that's it.
youtu.be/jgbkuJo1ifU | alicecooper.com

AAWKS: On Through The Sky Maze

Black Throne Productions on May 2 - LP, CD, Digital
"On Through The Sky Maze" sees AAWKS delving deeper into mystical and occult themes, further evolving their heavy and psychedelic soundscapes. They play loud and heavy, with much distortion. This will probably give every fan of heavy music a hard-on. It's a wild mix of everything heavy, like heavy psych, stoner, doom, and fuzz rock. It's raw and powerful, and it sounds more old than modern.
They are doing this very good, so this album is absolutely worth a try if you like heavy psych rock.
AAWKS hailing from Barrie, Ontario, Canada and formed in 2018. Their first release was a EP in 2019, which was followed by their full-length debut in 2022. After that they released both a split EP (with AIWASS) and a own EP in 2023.
aawks.ca

KICKIN VALENTINA: Raw Trax, B-Sides And Bootlegs

Mighty Music on May 2 - LP, CD, Digital
"Raw Trax, B-Sides And Bootlegs" is a collection of unreleased songs, demos, and live recordings from the Bang Your Head Festival in Germany. It's raw, loud and dirty hard rock n roll/action rock as usual. You won't find any over-produced stuff here, as it's said to be 100% live and no backing tracks. And this is topped with a take-it-or-leave-it attitude. So it sounds just like it should, and that sound is really good.
This is the fifth album from this American band. But it seems like they didn't really have that much in the archives, because we just get 8 tracks here. But that's better than nothing at all of course.
KICKIN VALENTINA will be touring in the UK and Europe in May.
bit.ly/kick-targ | kickinvalentina.com | mightymusic.dk

HANGFIRE: Burn

Rottweiler Records on May 2 - Album (fomats unknown)
HANGFIRE hailing from the state of Washington, and this is their debut album. They play heavy metal and have a classic sound, which is both powerful and melodic. Think of bands like JUDAS PRIEST, HELLION, BURNING WITCHES and WARLOCK for example. Yet I would say that they don't really sound exactly like any of those bands. Hm.. Well, it's heavy metal in the old school anyway, no doubt about that. But isn't there a modern twist as well once in a while?
Anyway, with heavy riffs and a great singer they have created a fantastic album that all fans of good old heavy metal have to check out. Simple as that!
rottweilerrecords.com

INEPSY: City Weapons

Tankcrimes - CD, LP
INEPSY hailing from Canada and existed between 1999 to 2011, and released several EPs and LPs. Now, Tankcrimes honors the band's legacy with physical reissues of their entire catalog, and "City Weapons" is their second full-length album, originally released in 2005.
This group played d-beat rock n roll crust metal punk. To me it sounds almost like if the classic lineup of MOTÖRHEAD would have teamed up with American high-speed punks ZEKE to play some action rock, and sometimes they also get a visit from Swedish crust punks ANTI CIMEX or the British d-beat pioneers DISCHARGE. Yes, the energy is really high, but it's also rocking like hell. A really cool band that you really should check out.
The first album has also been re-released, and the rest will be re-released soon.
tankcrimes.merchtable.com/search?q=inepsy%2F%2F | tankcrimes.com

HASSWUT: Sauerstoff

Negative Gain Productions - CD, LP, Digital
Here we get harsh industrial metal/rock like I only thought the Germans could do it. But this band is actually from Spain. Yet they sing in German. This album is described as an explosion of energy, rage and emotion. It's a powerful fusion of industrial metal and electronic music, but also about the struggle against anxiety, depression and emotional oppression. Through each song, HASSWUT explores different aspects of both personal and social struggles.
The band was formed in 2013 in Alicante, Spain. They have many great songs among these 7 tracks, and I would guess that fans of a band like RAMMSTEIN could like this. Absolutely worth checking out anyway. No doubt about that.
hasswut.bandcamp.com

JUS PRIMAE NOCTIS: Man Of Air

Nadir Music
JUS PRIMAE NOCTIS formed in 1991. Along with various lineups the band's musical journey has evolved, leading them to explore singer-songwriter music, progressive rock, and improg (collective progressive rock improvisations). The band have released several self-produced albums and DVDs through the years, but since 2019 they have been collaborating steadily with Nadir Music for their releases. "Man Of Air" is their first album entirely in English. It's actually a remixed and reedited version of their 2020 album "Instinto", but with English lyrics and a modern approach.
These Italians play progressive rock rooted in the 1970s, but are not afraid to blend in elements of other genres in their music. On this album you can hear elements of world music, jazz, doom, and symphonic rock. So yes, this is a musical adventure. But I guess that's exactly how the fans of this genre like it.
There's as much as 15 tracks here, but some are just short pieces, 25 seconds to a minute. The different tracks have been interwoven, so there is a constant flow of sound throughout the entire album and not a single silent moment. They are just as good as their idols from the 70s at what they are doing, so if that sounds promising to you, then you should really give these guys a try.
youtube.com/watch?v=9pmD6vi1ro0 | jusprimaenoctis.webnode.it

PÁSMO: Pásmo

Sentient Ruin - LP, Digital
This self-titled debut album was originally released in spring 2024 on cassette, but is now also available on vinyl and digitally as well. As far as I can understand they are from the Czech Republic, and all songs here are in their language. The music that this band play is dark post-punk. A perfect soundtrack to an abandoned industrial landscape in Eastern Europe and ruins that's been reclaimed by nature. What stories they have to tell is unknown to me as I don't speak their language, but their music sounds really good anyway. So if you're a fan of dark post-punk, then I think you should try this at once.
sentientruin.com/releases/psmo-psmo | sentientruin.bandcamp.com/album/p-smo

PLAYHOUSE: Broken And The Damned

RFL Music Entertainment - Digital EP
PLAYHOUSE hailing from Montreal, Canada. They play classic and melodic hard rock, and formed in 1987. 2 EPs was released, but after a decade of no bigger succees they gave up. In 2016 they reunited, and released their first album, "The Rock N' Roll Circus", in 2018.
What we have here is 5 songs that are said to be the band's best tracks to date. If that is true is unknown to me, as I don't think that I have heard this band before (but my memory isn't always the best). This is very catchy and melodic, but yet not soft and weak thanks to the power in the guitars. There's also a modern touch on these songs, but not so much that it bothers. Generally pretty good stuff.
snd.click/qh0v | rflmusicentertainment.com/playhouse | facebook.com/playhouserock

Vick LeCar: Witches Brew

Vick LeCar - Digital Single
For his new single, guitarist Vick LeCar is joined by members from URIAH HEEP, RAINBOW, BLUE MURDER and The SWEET. It's classic hard rock with a modern edge that we get from these veterans, and it doesn't sound so bad, even if it's not an anthem. I guess we could call this something heavier, but it's not extremely heavy either. The chorus is pretty good, but I don't really know where they want to go with this song.
No, don't listen to my bullshit, listen for yourself instead.
vicklecar.com

TRENCH DOGS: Cobblestone Waltz

Wild Kingdom Records - Digital Single
When Sweden-based glam rockers TRENCH DOGS finally return with a new single, I expected it to be much better than this. It sounds like a bittersweat walk home after a night out. There's no joy. I want more action and some hit potential. Why they decided to release this as a single is a big mystery to me. It's not totally useless, and could probably fit on an album. But it doesn't have potential to be a good single. So I'm a little dissapointed as their last album was really good.
TRENCH DOGS will be on tour in the UK from May 22 to June 1.
youtu.be/ZQDbimPFKc4 | facebook.com/trenchdogs

SILVER NIGHTMARES: Roxy Passion

Silver Nightmares - Digital EP (vinyl in the future)
SILVER NIGHTMARES was formed in Palermo, Italy in 2018. Their music takes inspiration from a wide varity of influences, including progressive rock, AOR, heavy metal and classical music. The first EP, "The Wandering Angel", was released in 2020, and was followed by the full-length album "Apocalypsis" in 2022. Their latest EP is "Roxy Passion", and features Swedish vocalist Göran Edman (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen, John Norum etc etc) on a couple of songs.
This EP features 2 brand new songs and 2 new versions of "The Blue Light Of A Star". It sounds like good old hard rock from the 80s to me, so I like it, and especially the songs with Mr. Edman on vocals - "Roxy Passion" and "The Blue Light Of A Star". The instrumental song, "Cats On The Run" and the instrumental version of "The Blue Light Of A Star" was less good though, but not totally useless.
youtube.com/watch?v=D70M5JOuT68

DISPYT: Från Melankoli Till Meningslöshet

Elitbolaget on April 29 - 10" vinyl, Digital
This is how it's supposed to be done! A fistful of blackened crust punk anger straigth in your ugly face, hard and powerful. It's said to be their most intense material to date, and I actually think that I can agree. Yet it's just brilliant as they do it with style and never become noise. This is a must to check out for every fan of crust punk. But who knows, maybe some death and black metallers could like this as well? Because it has the same speed and aggression, and is just as extreme.
DISPYT is a duo with Owe Inborr (ONDFÖDT, NOISE AHOLIC etc) and Mathias Lillmåns (FINNTROLL, AND OCEANS etc) formed in 2016. On this release they are joined by new drummer Tommi Tuhkala. All songs are in Swedish (in some parts of Finland they speak Swedish in case you wonder).
distrokid.com/hyperfollow/dispyt/livslustens-katakomber | elitbolaget.bandcamp.com/album/fr-n-melankoli-till-meningsl-shet | distrokid.com/hyperfollow/dispyt/frn-melankoli-till-meningslshet | elitbolaget.com/dispyt

NIGHTHAWK: Home Tonight

Mighty Music on April 25 - Digital Single
The new single with Swedish melodic rock band NIGHTHAWK blends classic rock nostalgia with sleek, modern melodic flair. It includes a riff that guitarist and songwriter Robert Majd (METALITE, CAPTAIN BLACK BEARD) carried with him for over a decade.
Even if it's very melodic, this is not bad at all. I don't really know how I should decsribe this song, but it has a special feeling somehow that makes you like it or not. But instead of reading my useless crap, give the song a try instead.
bfan.link/home-tonight-1

IVY GOLD: Sara Smile

A1 Records/Golden Ivy Records on April 25 - Digital Single
After 2 albums, blues rock band IVY GOLD return with a new single. It's a cover by HALL & OATES, which was record in 1 take during a live session in the UK. Except for singer Manou, the band on this recording features Mel Gaynor (SIMPLE MINDS) on drums, Stefan Redtenbacher (Steve Winwood, Amy Winehouse) on bass, Matt Girling on keys, and Sebastian Eder (AVALON) on guitar.
It's a very kind and soulful song, and hardly the raw and dirty kind of blues. And even if it's a cover, it sounds like one of their own songs actually. It might not suck, but I prefer more action and heaviness when it comes to blues rock, so I don't have much else to add.
linktr.ee/ivygold.net

W.E.T.: Apex

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, LP, Digital
"Apex" is the fifth album from this international supergroup, where we can find people like Robert Säll and Andreas Passmark from WORK OF ART, Erik Mårtensson and Magnus Henriksson from ECLIPSE, and Jeff Scott Soto from TALISMAN, Yngwie Malmsteen's RISING FORCE etc. And they have now been joined by TALISMAN drummer Jamie Borger.
The goal for this band seems to be to create a modern melodic hard rock sound that will drive the genre into the future. The music is equally classic and contemporary, and I think of the Swedish band ECLIPSE when I listen to this band, even if there's much more influences than that here. They have in other words lots of great melodic "hard" rock songs with many good choruses. Absolutely worth listening to.
ffm.to/wetapex | facebook.com/wetofficialpage

Phil X & The DRILLS: POW! Right In The Kisser

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, LP, Digital
Phil X & The DRILLS make a fusion of punk, classic and modern rock infused with guitar virtuosity. Phil X (BON JOVI) on vocals/guitar and Daniel Spree on bass and backing vocals are as usual joined by an all-star lineup of guest drummers, including Tommy Lee (MÖTLEY CRÜE), Ray Luzier (KORN), and Tico Torres (BON JOVI), among others.
These songs are an energetic kind of hard rock that should fit both old and young. They have many great songs here, so there's not much to complain about. You should really give this album a chance, because I'm pretty sure that you will find something that you like.
Why this band isn't more famous is a mystery..
ffm.to/philxandthedrillskisser | facebook.com/therealphilx

GINEVRA: Beyond Tomorrow

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, LP, Digital
This could be seen as a Swedish supergroup, consisting of vocalist Kristian Fyhr (SEVENTH CRYSTAL), guitarist Magnus Karlsson (The FERRYMEN, PRIMAL FEAR), bassist Jimmy Jay (H.E.A.T.), and drummer Magnus Ulfstedt (ex-ECLIPSE, NORDIC UNION). "Beyond Tomorrow" is their second album, which comes less than 3 years after the debut album, "We Belong To The Stars". They can be compared with other Swedish melodic hard rock bands like H.E.A.T, ECLIPSE and CROWNE for example, but without necessarily sounding exactly like those bands. They have the same taste for making powerful and melodic songs that are great anyway. So this is a great album, and that's it.
ffm.to/ginevrabeyondtomorrow | facebook.com/GinevraRock

CARE OF NIGHT: Live At Sweden Rock Festival

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD
After 3 studio albums, Swedish melodic rock band CARE OF NIGHT has released a live album, which was recorded at Sweden Rock Festival in front of more than 15,000 people. And as a extra bonus we also get a demo recording of "Last Forever" from 2012.
This band play classic melodic rock like it sounded in the 80s, and they do it with passion and energy. It sounds like it was a really good show, and like both the band and the audience was happy that CARE OF NIGHT finally got the chance to play at the festival.
This album is full of really good songs, so it's of course worth checking out for every fan of melodic rock.
ffm.to/careofnightlivesrf | facebook.com/careofnight

ALLIANCE: Before Our Eyes

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, Digital
This melodic rock band have been around for 30 years, and have members who have played with acts like BOSTON, Sammy Hagar and GTR. They are spread in different states, but unite in this band once in a while. And now they have made a new album, which gives us a classic yet timeless sound. These songs sounds really good to me, so I can only recomend you to check this out.
They call this melodic rock, but it's not exactly AOR that I hear here. It's very American and rock a little more than the usual melodic rock bands. So maybe we should just call this American rock then?
ffm.to/alliancebeforeoureyes | alliance.band

LITTLE VILLAINS: Simpler Times

Spira Records - Digital Album
LITTLE VILLAINS have come to their 6th album. But this is not really how I remember them. It actually sounds much better, so I hardly complain.
"Rad Saturday" reminds me of The JAM, and sounds like a power pop anthem. "Steve" sounds more like a old punk rock song. And the third song that I got the chance to hear, "Love Lane", sounds like a slower power pop song. These songs all sounds like something from Great Britian or Northern Ireland in the late 70s. It's a nostalgic trip back to a time when things was a little easier.
Really good stuff, and I would of course like to hear the whole album.
This trio have members from both USA and UK.
littlevillains.bandcamp.com/album/simpler-times | thelittlevillains.com

TOOTH GORE: Firebird

Tooth Gore - Digital Single
This song is taken from TOOTH GORE's sophomore album, "For Losers, By Losers", which is out on June 6. TOOTH GORE (aka Kobi Joe) is a surf punk solo artist hailing from the seaside town of Newquay, Cornwall in England. TOOTH GORE came to life in late 2021.
It's said that by meshing gutsy fuzzed up guitars and taking in the emotive raw punk energy of modern acts such as FIDLAR, The FRIGHTS, PUP and Jeff Rosenstock, Kobi Joe also blends in hooky reverb drenched doo-wop vibes (which are inspired by the music of the 1950s). But this song doesn't sound like anything that just have been described, but more like a melodic punk rock song from the 90s, which is pretty good. So if you like that, then you could always give this song a try.
youtube.com/watch?v=Cbpb-F1F01Q | distrokid.com/hyperfollow/toothgore/for-losers-by-losers | facebook.com/tooth.gore

THERMALITY: Before I Get To Rest (reissue)

Black Lodge - CD, LP, Digital
"Before I Get To Rest" is Swedish melodic death metallers THERMALITY's debut album, which was recorded and mixed by the legendary producer Fredrik Nordström (IN FLAMES, HAMMERFALL, The HAUNTED, AT THE GATES, BRING ME THE HORIZON, DARK TRANQUILLITY, DIMMU BORGIR, ARCHITECTS etc etc), and originally released in 2023. Now the album will be re-released, which I think might be a little too soon. You could at least wait for something like 5-10 years before you re-release an album.
The band came to life in 2020, with their roots deeply in the sound of the 90s and early 2000s. They released both a EP and this album in 2023, and their latest album, "The Final Hours", was released in 2024.
Well, this band is doing everything the right way, so this is an excellent album that you really should check out in case you have missed it. And it's actually not that much to talk about here, as their sound is very true to the genre, so you should already know what this sounds like.
blacklodge.se/artists/Thermality

THEE STRAWBERRY MYNDE: Reflections

Rogue Records - 7" EP, Digital
From the North East of England comes THEE STRAWBERRY MYNDE, who bring their own brand of psychedelic garage soul. Among the 3 members are an ex-member of Jarvis Humby. They deliver 4 tracks on this EP, and on 2 of the tracks they are joined by Jim Riley (WIPEOUT) on blues harp.
It's a pretty energetic and catchy garage rock that we get here, and they have really captured that old sound. If you like rock from the 60s, then you should really check this out, because this is damn good.
roguerecords.bandcamp.com

The GALILEO 7: Look Away

Rogue Records - 7" EP, Digital
This power pop/psych band deliver their first official 45 since 2019. And it's also their first release on French label Rogue Records. They gives us 2 songs, which are full of the group's trademark vocal harmonies and layers of guitar and keyboards. It's also catchy and melodic with a retro sound. I really like what I hear. And if you like the sound of the 60s, then you should absolutely check this out. And I don't have much else to add..
roguerecords.bandcamp.com

EYES: Spinner

Prosthetic Records on April 25 - LP, CD, Digital
EYES is a hardcore band from Copenhagen, Denmark. They have previously released 2 EPs and 2 full-length albums. They are said to be a product of the underground scene in their hometown, where they have already established themselves as a force to be reckoned with.
"Spinner" is heavily inspired by manga author Asano Inio, specifically his works "Goodnight Punpun" and "Dead Dead Demon's De De De Destruction". Musically, this album came together differently to its predecessors. The band united to write in the studio with a greater focus on song structure and dynamics. The result is a punchier, groovier version of EYES, with a lesser emphasis on noise rock, and lean further towards hardcore and metal instead.
They have a hard and heavy sound, which is really powerful. It reminds me of the bands from the 90s, but this band put their own touch on it. It's not bad at all, so it could be worth a try if you like aggressive hardcore/metal with heavy guitars.
bit.ly/4bQSSzs | facebook.com/eyesbandcph

The CHRIS ROLLING SQUAD: Damn You All To...Hell

Cimex Records/Ghost Highway Recordings on April 25 - LP
This is a French high-octane rock n roll trio, who blend in hard rock, punk and blues to their brew. It's raw and dirty with a lot of energy, and we get as many as 15 tracks here. But the songs are hardly any progressive rock adventures that last for 15-20 minutes. We talk about straight and simple rock songs that last for approximately 30 seconds to 3 and a half minutes. These songs are delivered with an intense punk attitude.
I really like the energy here, and most of all these songs are really good stuff. So if you want some action, then you should definitely give these guys a try.
facebook.com/thechrisrollingsquad | cimexrecords.com | ghosthighwayshop.com

GRAVE DIGGER: Hellfire Crusade

ROAR - Digital Single
After the release of their 23rd studio album, &qout;Bone Collector", in January, these German heavy metal veterans now return with a previously unreleased track, which was written during the sessions for &qout;Bone Collector".
"Hellfire Crusade" reminds me a little of MOTÖRHEAD, but less punk and more metal. It doesn't really get stuck at once, but if you try it again you will find out that it's not bad at all. It's simply a song in their good old tradition, powerful and with a anthem chorus. Check out.
gravedigger.rpm.link/hellfirePR | gravedigger.rpm.link/bonecollectorpr | grave-digger.de | roar-records.de

BLISTER BRIGADE: A Rioting New Breed

Inverse Records on April 25 - CD, Digital
BLISTER BRIGADE is a Swedish band, and this is their 4th album. They blend classic hard rock with heavy metal, and their sound is heavy and powerful, yet uptempo and energetic. It doesn't really sound old or modern, but rather something in-between. I like what I hear here, but a small problem is that the variation might not always be that big, and there's no song that is extra good either. Still worth listening to though.
The band was formed in the fall of 2010 from the ashes of PSYCHO DERBY. Their debut album, "To Serve And Punish", was released in December 2013.
facebook.com/blisterbrigadeofficial | inverse.fi

BLACK SWORD THUNDER ATTACK: Black Sword Thunder Attack

No Remorse Records on April 25 - CD, LP
This is said to be a cult band that dwells in true mysticism, lyricism and mystery, and who carries the spirit of true epic metal. They released a EP, "March Of The Damned", in 2020. And after years of waiting, the first full-length is finally here.
What we get is of course heavy metal in the classic style, but more obscure then. 10 tracks in 39 and a half minutes, just like in the old days, when an album didn't last for an eternity. Their sound have a special atmosphere, thanks to a keyboard in the background and the majestic songs. This is hardly any amateurs. They know how to build mystic songs and make it sound good. But with a little more variety and even stronger songs, they would go much further. Like it is now, they will probably be stuck in the underground forever.
noremorse.gr | facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063726451063

PHANTOM: Tyrants Of Wrath

High Roller Records on April 25 - CD, LP, Cassette, Digital
PHANTOM are a speed/thrash metal band from Guadalajara, Mexico, formed in 2021 as a project just for fun. After 3 demos and a split album with 4 likeminded groups, the 4-piece released their full-length debut, "Handed To Execution", which was followed 1 year later by the EP "Transylvanian Nightmare". And now their second full-length album is ready to be released.
On this new record they deliver a traditional sound with elements of RAZOR, DARK ANGEL, MERCILESS, ANGEL DEATH and SLAYER, while also adding a fresh spin on things. It's fast and intense, raw and old school. If this doesn't make you want to bang your head, then you're probably not metal. In other words, check out!
In "Nimbus" they suddenly slow down and show us their love for traditional heavy metal instead, and sing clean for a change. A very good and nice break from the madness. But the piano piece "Nocturnal Opus 666", what was that good for? Who wants a stupid piano piece on a metal album? Not me anyway. As I use to say, smash the fucking piano and record that instead. Much more interesting, haha.
PHANTOM will tour Europe in September/October with Brazil's EVILCULT. It will be their first European tour, and they are ready to break your neck. I think you should go and see them if you can.
hrrecords.de | linktr.ee/phantomthrash

TEASER SWEET: Night Stalker

High Roller Records on April 25 - CD, LP, Cassette, Digital
TEASER SWEET hailing from Sweden, and formed in 2013. They started with some KISS covers, before they started to write their own material instead. They have so far released 3 albums and a EP. For this new album, "Night Stalker", they have signed with High Roller Records.
It's said that female vocalist Therese Damberg's powerful yet melodic vocals at times sounds like a cross between ACID's Kate, Leather Leone and Johanna of LUCIFER. She on the other hand name Doro Pesch (DORO, ex-WARLOCK) and Rob Halford (JUDAS PRIEST) as her big idols. And the music that this band play is inspired by legends like JUDAS PRIEST, BLACK SABBATH, DIO, IRON MAIDEN, and later stuff with EUROPE. But I would not say that they sound exactly like any of them.
They blend powerful and melodic tracks, and have a old school sound. So this is a damn good heavy metal album in the old tradition. So those who like that just have to check this out. And there's not much else to say..
hrrecords.de | facebook.com/teasersweetband

FAT BASTARD: Barely Dressed

Fat Bastard on April 25 - CD, Digital
This is the first full-length album from FAT BASTARD. The band formed in 2007, and have previously released a couple of EPs.
Why they begin with a more melodic song that is a little weaker is a mystery. Because after that the energy is much higher, some kind of MOTÖRHEAD inspired high speed hard rock n roll. It's raw and dirty, perfect beer drinking music. Their sound has been described as the raw power of PETER PAN SPEEDROCK, with a splash of MOTÖRHEAD's rebellious spirit and a dash of Carl Perkins' rockabilly charm. They blend the raw power of rock n roll, the rebellious spirit of punk, and the intensity of heavy metal, and inspiration mainly comes from old school heroes.
We get 10 tracks without any unnecessary fillers. This is cool and really good, so you should really check this out if you like high octane rock.
fatbastard.be

Jack Starr: Out Of The Darkness Part II

BraveWords Records on April 25 - CD
Guitarist Jack Starr emerged on the rock and metal scene in 1981, when he together with Joey Ayvazian, David DeFeis and Joe O'Rielly formed the first incarnation of the heavy metal band VIRGIN STEELE. After 2 albums, Starr left the band in 1983 and started a solo career in 1984. He has since then performed both as solo artist and as a band called Jack Starr's BURNING STARR. The members of his band on this new album play or have played with bands like WARLORD, ALCATRAZZ and MANOWAR. And we also get guest apperances from Mark Zonder (WARLORD, ex-FATES WARNING) and Jimmy Waldo (ALCATRAZZ, WARLORD, NEW ENGLAND).
The music on this album is classic American 80s heavy metal of the powerful kind, which reminds me of several other bands. So it might not be something unique that we get here, but it sounds really good anyway and the performance is of top quality. This is absolutely worth checking out if you like good old heavy metal from the 1980s, no doubt about that.
youtu.be/rzVr9kXZ28A?si=ROACYxMorJSxHERh | facebook.com/jackstarrofficialpage | bravewordsrecords.com

The GENERALS: Burned To The Wick

GEN-POP Records on April 22 - Digital Single
Portland-based high-octane rockers The GENERALS will release their debut album, "The Devil You Know", on July 2, and this is the first single. They gives us a relentless mix of rock, punk and metal. It's like a cocktail of adrenaline and sweat. I really like action-filled stuff like this! Think of a mixture of SUPERSUCKERS, TURBONEGRO, The HELLACOPTERS, NASHVILLE PUSSY and SOCIAL DISTORTION. Brilliant!
I might have found a new favorite band, so I really look forward to hear some more.
thegenerals4.bandcamp.com/track/burned-to-the-wick-2 | linktr.ee/thegeneralspdx

The STORYTELLER: The Final Stand

The Circle Music on April 25 - LP, CD, Digital
Swedish power metallers The STORYTELLER formed in 1998, and released their debut album in 2000. They have now come to their 7th full-length album, "The Final Stand", which is the result of a powerful collaboration between vocalist L-G Persson and Cedrick Forsberg (BLAZON STONE). But they continue with their original vision of blending power metal with medieval melodies and fantasy-driven lyrics.
This is a great album with many fantastic songs (even the ballad is good). They have succeeded to get a timeless sound with many different ingredients, so you should not get bored when you listen to this masterpiece. This is in other words absolutely worth checking out for every fan of traditional heavy and power metal.
facebook.com/thestorytellersweden

Liv Kristine: Amor Vincit Omnia

Metalville Records on April 25 - CD, LP, Digital
Well, it's soft and sugar sweet vocals as usual, but some songs actually have some heavy guitars as well, which is always something positive. If she only could have had a good song as well. Because as it is now, it's mainly just something laidback that goes in and out in the background, and I can't remember anything of what I just heard.
I guess we can describe this as some kind of soft dark rock, which is combined with elements of everything from doom to rock and pop. And even if I'm not so impressed, it seems like this is done with lots of passion anyway. Every song seems to have its own mood. Some songs are more direct, while others are more atmospheric and poetic. In 1 song we even get some growl from her husband Michael Espenæs.
"Amor Vincit Omnia" is Liv's 7th solo album. The music on this album was composed by session and live musician Sascha Dannenberger.
metalville.de

BEHÖLDER: In The Temple Of Tyrant

Black Lion Records on April 25 - CD, 2LP, Digital
"In The Temple Of The Tyrant" features 8 tracks, and is said to be a true love letter to epic doom metal set within the more shadowy and grim realms of classic dungeons and dragons. They also add elements of darker power and traditional metal. You can expect colossal riffs, haunting, majestic melodies and powerful vocals that range from sinister to grandiose.
This American band have made a really good album, which is full of majestic and soulful songs. It's the kind of album that is so good that you just have to check it out, if you have any interest at all in good old doom metal. And there's really not that much else to say. Excellent!
orcd.co/in-the-temple-of-the-tyrant | facebook.com/BeholderDoom

PANZERBALLETT: Übercode Œuvre

Hostile City - CD / SXE/Believe - Digital on April 25
This orchestra blend progressive metal and jazz with elements of classical music and opera. It's often crazy and chaotic, like everybody is doing different things. But they have a few more structured tracks as well. Many of these songs are instrumental, but not all.
With this album they are said to take their vision to new musical hights, and the record features contributions from drummers like Virgil Donati, Marco Minnemann, Anika Nilles, and others. This is the kind of album that will appeal to both progressive metal fans and jazz fusion lovers alike. "Combining heavy, intricate rhythms with complex jazz and funk elements, this album is a celebration of musical freedom and creativity", they say.
This is hard to listen to for me, so unless you are among the few who might enjoy this kind of stuff, then you should probably avoid this. And you could see this as a warm up for something similar but even more extreme, which will be released in June by a other band. More about that later..
panzerballett.de

PROST: Believe Again

Pride & Joy Music on April 25 - CD
PROST is a French/Greek/Swedish melodic hard rock project, and this is their debut album.
The project is led by guitarist Antoine Prost, who is joined by vocalist Manos Fatsis (CITY OF LIGHTS, ODYSSEY DESPERADO), Greg Aubert on bass, and Mats Eriksson (DEGREED) on drums. These people have made an album that captures the sound of the 80s, but with the modern production it doesn't really sound like an 80s album. They are somewhere on the border between melodic rock and melodic hard rock I would say, and the songs on this album are absolutely not bad at all. I'm pretty sure that most people who like the more melodic stuff will like this a lot, because there's not 1 single weak moment here.
youtu.be/MIIyUrX1aek | prosthardrockband.com | prideandjoy.de

SACRED STEEL: Ritual Supremacy

ROAR on April 25 - LP, CD
It's said that SACRED STEEL have always remained true to themselves, constantly reinventing their traditional style for more than 25 years. In 2023, new members Toni Ieva (bass) and Jörn Langenfeld (guitar) joined the band. And in 2024 they signed a new record deal with ROAR. "Ritual Supremacy" is these German's 10th album, and as usual you won't find any trendy stuff like triggers or keyboards here, but rather a true heavy metal album in the old school. It's powerful and with attitude, and I guess that somehow they have found their own sound in the metal jungle.
They have many good songs on this album, so it could be worth a try.
facebook.com/sacredsteelofficial | reigningphoenixmusic.com/all-artists/roar-artists

The RIPTIDE RATS: Waves Of Steel

The Riptide Rats - Digital Single
"Waves Of Steel" is the second single from the upcoming album with these Swedish instrumental surf rockers. The band features members from The CHUCK NORRIS EXPERIMENT and LUNATONES, and they combine their surf rock with rock n roll and western music. They have released at least 1 EP, "The Eastwood E.P.", and just recently a split EP with LANGHORNS, which is already sold out.
Well, this song sounds cool, just like it use to when it comes to this band, so I have nothing to complain about. It's very representative of how they sound, so if you want to know then you should really give this a try.
theriptiderats.bandcamp.com

GREY SKY BLEED: The Fortress

Art Gates Records - Digital Single
GREY SKY BLEED is a melodic heavy metal band from Finland. Their roots go all the way back to the 90s, when the band members started their musical journey together. They have not been doing it together all the time since then though. They have been doing music in a large variety of genres, spanning from alternative rock to death metal, and from electronic music to schlager. But now the old gang have find its way back to the roots, and this is their second single, where they blend classic heavy metal with progressive elements. The result is a fresh fusion of old school metal and modern vibes.
Lyrically, "The Fortress" takes a more personal turn, delving into themes of domestic violence while conveying a message of resilience and perseverance, embodied by the Finnish concept of sisu.
artgatesrecords.com/artists/grey-sky-bleed

ECHO AND PRESENCE: Remember Me

Echo and Presence - Digital Single
Funny beginning. But after that it gets harder and heavier, but with melodic vocals.
This is a Swedish band, that was formed earlier this year, built on the creative chemistry between Belinda Blomqvist (FEAR THE FAITH) and Emma Andersson (FEAR THE FAITH, CADAVEROSA, ex-AMARAN). Their first single, "One Safe Space", was released in February, and now their second single, "Remember Me", is here.
It's said to be heavy metal, but it sure doesn't sound like the heavy metal I'm used to. No, this is something different and more creative, with its own unique sound, where they combine it with hard rock and progressive elements. But it's not bad though, I really like this song. Maybe you should give it a try?
instagram.com/echo_and_presence

DEAD POLLYS: Better Off Alive!

Too Loud Records/Code7 Distribution - CD, Digital
Well, better late than never as they say. Because as far as I know, this live album have been out for a few weeks now. But sometimes you get the record long before the release date, and sometimes after the release date. No problem as long as it's interesting, and this is interesting stuff.
Anyway.. DEAD POLLYS is a punk rock band from Stockholm, Sweden, and this is their first live album. It was recorded at Gamla Enskede Bryggeri in their hometown on August 16, 2024. It's an intense and energetic experience that makes me want to see them live and drink beer. It really captures the raw energy and unrelenting spirit of the band's high-voltage performance. This is a true live recording, raw and unfiltered, just as it should be. And on top of that they also have some really great songs.
Not that many punk bands seems to deliver a live album nowadays, but if you want to get just 1, then let it be this album, because it really kicks ass.
tooloudrecords.com/dead-pollys | deadpollys.com

BREAKER: Breaker

Wormholedeath Records - Digital EP
BREAKER is a pretty new band, which was formed in 2023 by vocalist Terje Fiskvatn, guitarist Caleb Beal (VILLAIN, MIDNIGHT MALICE), and drummer Rider Johnson (ex-RAZOR). Now their debut EP is here, and this sounds like something energetic from the NWOBHM era. It's in other words a mix of classic speed and heavy metal that we get from these Canadian guys. They deliver 3 really good songs, and there's really nothing to complain about. You should really check this out, and there's not much else to say about that.
breakerbandofficial.com | wormholedeath.com

BLUE AMBITION: Seduction Of The Innocent

Perris Records - CD
BLUE AMBITION features musicians like Frédéric Slama (AOR, CHASING VIOLETS), Tommy Denander (Alice Cooper, HOUSE OF LORDS, Paul Stanley), and Robbie LaBlanc (BLANC FACES, FURY, FIND ME, VITALINES). So more or less what you could call a supergroup then. And what we get is not something new and unique, but rather the usual classic 80s AOR, even if they combine it with more recent influences as well. But fans of what BON JOVI, Michael Bolton and FOREIGNER did in the 1980s should be happy to hear this, because it's absolutely not bad at all. They deliver good song after good song here and everything is just perfect.
I would not want to miss this if I was you. This is something that fans of melodic rock should be talking about.
youtu.be/Q63U_uWFbMw?si=wdyjd4VNeTiM-Ka7 | perrisrecords.com | slama101.fr

BEHÖLDER: Draconian (Slave Or Master)

Black Lion Records - Digital Single
Epic doom metal group BEHÖLDER will release their debut album, "In The Temple Of The Tyrant", on April 25. And what we have here is a taste of what you will get from that album, a powerful track that is said to fit perfect for fans of power metal and CANDLEMASS. "Their songs weave cautionary tales from the more grim, foreboding realms of fantasy against a backdrop of colossal riffs with elegant yet powerful melodies", as the press release says. So true. This is a band that you really have to check out, so what are you waiting for?
orcd.co/draconian | orcd.co/in-the-temple-of-the-tyrant | facebook.com/BeholderDoom

ASKA: Knight Strike

BraveWords Records - CD, Digital
ASKA is a long-running heavy metal band from Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. For many years they played at military bases, embassies and satellite installations around the globe for the U.S. Dept. of Defense/USO entertainment services. But after that they decided to focus on the civilian world. They have released several albums on both national and international labels. Frontman/vocalist/guitarist George Call have also been a member of bands such as OMEN, BANSHEE and CLOVEN HOOF.
This band deliver with power and melody. They are not doing anything extraordinary, but they are doing it good anyway. Sometimes they can even produce some really good songs as well. But some songs are unfortunately a little too long for its own good.
I'm not really sure what I should compare this band with, but doesn't it sound more American than European? Maybe.. Most songs sounds more old than modern anyway.
youtu.be/SJFp9HzXduA?si=vY5-T2JJKxJin_6s | smarturl.it/aska | askahq.com | bravewordsrecords.com

SOPHIE'S THREAT: Enemy Within

Sophie's Threat - Digital Album
Female-fronted Brazilian melodic death/thrash metal band SOPHIE'S THREAT released their debut EP, "Phase One", in 2023. And now an album is here, where they deliver a dynamic blend of aggression and melody inspired by Swedish melodic death metal pioneers such as ARCH ENEMY, IN FLAMES, SCAR SYMMETRY, and DARK TRANQUILLITY. Vocalist Felícia Andrade showcases a versatile vocal range, effortlessly shifting between clean singing and guttural screams, significantly expanding the band's sonic landscape.
It seems like this band is still unsigned, which is a mystery to me (but some bands want to be unsigned to get full control), because they are just as good as any other band in this genre, and their songs are on a high level. The songs are adventurous and powerful and interesting to listen to.
onerpm.link/161945880151 | facebook.com/sophiesthreat

STORMWOLF: Voyager

Nadir Music - 2CD
This Italian band formed in 2014, influenced by 80s heavy metal from UK, Germany and USA. This album was released in September last year. They have previously released a demo in 2015, an album in 2018 and a single in 2019.
On the first disc we get 8 original tracks, and on disc 2 we get 6 different covers. They have some really strong songs here, no doubt about that, and vocalist Elena Ventura have a really good and powerful voice. This is simply a damn good album that they have made. You should try it at your next party, because I'm pretty sure that some of your guests will start banging their head because they like what they hear.
On the second disc they cover many different bands, and not just the kind of heavy metal that they play on the first disc, which is interesting to hear. They can obviously do so much more.
facebook.com/Stormwolf.it | facebook.com/nadirmusic

NODE: Canto VII

Nadir Music - Digital Album
NODE is an Italian cult thrash/death metal band, who have been active since 1994. This albums is 1 year old already. I usually don't review old stuff (unless it's an interesting re-release), but I didn't know that until I began to read about them.
Anyway, "Canto VII" is a concept album that links together Dante's Inferno 7th chant to social behaviours we are witnessing at present time. It's their 7th album, and it seems like it's just available digitally. Influences comes from such different bands as CARCASS, OPETH, IN FLAMES, DEATH, PINK FLOYD and SADIST.
Well, that they have many years of experience is something that you really can hear here, as it sounds very professional. Luckily they also seems to know how to make good songs, which is a big extra plus of course. And with such different influences, they have really found their own sound. It's big and powerful, and there's so much going on in each song that you should not get bored when you listen to this.
nodeband.bandcamp.com | facebook.com/nadirmusic

KING GARCIA: Hamellin

Vicisolum Productions on April 18 - CD, LP, Digital
KING GARCIA hailing from Athens, Greece, and formed in October 2019. The band members have experience from bands like MOTHER OF MILLIONS, POEM, TARDIVE DYSKINESIA and BANDALLUSIA. The music that they create in this band is cinematic and instrumental. And for being an instrumental album, this is actually not so bad at all, and especially if it happens to be the right day for it. To me this almost sounds like some kind of progressive gypsy rock, or however I should describe this? But I guess it's Greek and/or Russian elements that I hear. It's adventurous without being a challenge to listen to. Pretty soft.
facebook.com/kinggarciaband

HORRID HUMAN CONDITION: Perpetual Imbalance

Time To Kill Records on April 18 - CD, Cassette, Digital
HORRID HUMAN CONDITION is an Italian crust punk/grindcore band, and this is their debut album. They formed in the summer of 2022, and within months the band had written 14 songs about social despair and injustice (what you could call punk lyrics). We get a raw and intense fusion of crust punk and grindcore, but I would actually say that some songs here are pretty heavy (not that many though) and not as fast as this kind of music use to be. So it's a good mix of both fast and heavy tracks. And even if it's extreme music, it's actually not so bad at all.
youtu.be/c0AVKjXwi08?si=T09W_Dfz2ab62451 | instagram.com/horridhumancondition | timetokillrecords.com

FELGRAVE: Otherlike Darknesses

Transcending Obscurity Records on April 25 - CD, Digital
What we get here is just 3 tracks, but they are very long, 12 and a half to 18 minutes. And it's not any nice music that is delivered, but rather something much more terrible. This 1-man band fuse influences of doom, black and death metal here. And there's so much going on in each song that it's a little too much for me, almost like a complete chaos sometimes. But we also get acoustic passages with clean vocals as well as intense and complex parts, and then it's suddenly more atmospheric instead.
A very demanding record to listen to, so you better have nerves of steel if you want to check this out.
youtu.be/R0xeOkapEaQ?si=3tfHAlTdAbAl0uzF | felgrave-label.bandcamp.com/album/otherlike-darknesses | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com

CRYPTS OF DESPAIR: We Belong In The Grave

Transcending Obscurity Records on April 18 - LP, CD, Cassette, Digital
Lithuanian band CRYPTS OF DESPAIR is like a raw power coming out of the speakers. It's heavy and brutal death metal that we get, and they call it forward-thinking. It's said that they have evolved and refined their sound even further this time, if that says anything to you? This is said to fit fans of bands like ULCERATE, MGLA, REPLICANT, SKAPHOS, KRYPTS, OBSCUREVIOLENCE, DEAD CONGREGATION and SAEVUS FINIS, if they are familiar to you?
Well, they have succeeded to find their own sound, and if you like it heavy and brutal, then I guess this could be worth a try.
youtu.be/_9Sc5Ir1thI?si=5J_Uuvo3IlJQJQAO | cryptsofdespairdeath.bandcamp.com/album/we-belong-in-the-grave | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com

MESSIAH PARATROOPS: Legions Of Tomorrow

Inverse Records - CD, Digital
Finnish old school death metal band MESSIAH PARATROOPS was founded back in 1989, but this is actually their debut album. They released some demos and a EP before it was over in 1994. But 20 years later they were back again, and since then there have been a few changes in the lineup, so it's not until now that we finally get a full album from the band.
"Legions Of Tomorrow" presents 9 songs, and they sounds just as good as any other old death band. Yes, this could be worth a try if you like the old school, because I'm pretty sure that you will like what you hear and bang your head like a maniac.
messiah-paratroops.com | inverse.fi

SWEET: New York Connection (reissue)

Metalville Records on April 18 - CD, LP, Digital
It seems to be trendy to make covers albums again, because I have got a few more than usual lately. This is a re-release though.
"New York Connection" was originally released in 2012. It's a selection of tracks originally written by other artists, which SWEET have given their own distinctive sound. You might hear guitar riffs, drum beats or vocal lines from the band's own classics here and there. And we get songs made by everything from Russ Ballard and The YARDBIRDS to Patti Smith/Bruce Springsteen to RAMONES etc etc. And songs like "New York Groove", "It's All Moving Faster", "Shapes Of Things", "Because The Night" and "Jane" are absolutely worth listening to a few times. But the rest is not that bad either.
The CD version also includes 4 bonus tracks not included on the original release.
metalville-shop.com | thesweet.com

The QUILL: In Triumph (reissue)

Metalville Records on April 18 - CD, LP, Digital
"In Triumph" was originally released in 2006, and have been out of print for a long time now. So here's a re-release of the album with a bonus track that was recorded at the same time as the album (the bonus track will not be included on the vinyl). The album was the first with then new bassist Robert Triches (who left in the 2012), and the last with singer Magnus Ekwall (who returned in 2017).
The music is heavy hard rock with elements of stoner rock, which is topped with melodic and powerful vocals. Most of the songs are really good, so this is a strong album that you really should give a try. They seems to deliver with heart and soul, and they do everything right.
Well, there's no idea to mention any favorites here as it would be easier to mention the weaker moments instead, as they are extremely few.
The QUILL are still alive, and I really like this band, so let's hope that they can deliver a new album soon.
thequill.lnk.to/InTriumph | metalville-shop.com | thequill.se

CIRKUS PRÜTZ: Manifesto

Metalville Records on April 18 - CD, LP, Digital
CIRKUS PRÜTZ are more or less Sweden's answer to ZZ TOP, you could say. True blues rock that is heavy yet catchy. A must to hear if you like that, because this is good stuff.
To take it all to the next level, they decided to work with producer and multi-musician Peter Tägtgren (PAIN, HYPOCRISY, Lindemann, SABATON etc etc) this time. And with his help they are taking the good old blues into the present, with a fresh sound and a good production, just like ZZ TOP did in the 80s. This is an album with many faces and lots of great songs.
The lyrics on "Manifesto" talk about everything from drag racing to casino visits in Las Vegas, from stalking like in the Netflix series "Baby Reindeer" to an homage to Peter Stormare's iconic character Karl Hungus in the film "The Big Lebowski".
metalville-shop.com | linktr.ee/cirkusprytz

CHAMPIONS OF SORROW: Ragnar

Champions Of Sorrow - Digital Single
CHAMPIONS OF SORROW was founded in 2024 by Ville Jokilehto as his solo project, and comes from Finland. He play epic melodic death metal, and this latest song is an ode to Scandinavian metal heritage and DNA. The result is a catchy Viking metal song in the same tradition as AMON AMARTH. It might not be as excellent as they use to be, but it sure ain't bad anyway. So if you like that, then you should give this a try.
What else I should say is a big mystery. I have been listening several times now, but I'm blank.
instagram.com/championsofsorrowband

DEATHCHANT: Judy Is A Punk

Magnetic Eye Records - Digital Single
As you might have heard, there will be a new RAMONES tribute album, called "Ramones Redux". DEATHCHANT gives us a first taste of the album, and they are doing the old classic "Judy Is A Punk". This version is heavier than the original version, but still catchy and good. And there's not that much else to say about that. Worth checking out anyway.
"Ramones Redux" is scheduled for release on June 6 via Magnetic Eye Records. There will also be a "Best of Ramones Redux", that contains 17 cover renditions of deep cuts and all-time classics by RAMONES.
Who might DEATHCHANT be then? Well, the band were formed in Los Angeles, CA in 2018. It seems like they are hard to pigeon-hole stylistically, as they gladly mix old and new from psych rock and sludge into their own kind of heavy metal. They have released 3 full-length albums so far.
youtu.be/owhJl4YcAcU?si=lNf3_MLmlORLmJme | lnk.spkr.media/ramones-redux

TEARS' HEAVEN: Godfall

Tears' Heaven on April 11 - Digital Album
Formerly recognized as TRST, this Italian band released the album "Origine", via Artesonika Records in 2018. But "Godfall" is the debut album as TEARS' HEAVEN, which take inspiration from alternative bands such as GHOST, MAGNA CARTA CARTEL, WHITE LIES and EDITORS. The result is dark, cinematic alternative rock infused with gothic and post-rock elements. These 12 cuts ranging from powerful and melody-driven tracks to evocative instrumental pieces. It's often melancholy, and they have found their own style.
I don't really know how many rockers that will be interested in this, but it's actually not so bad anyway. I have heard stronger songs though.
A funny thing with this album is that the songs are getting longer and longer for each track. The first songs are just 1:24 and 1:48, while the last track is 4:41.
youtube.com/watch?v=OrPn-bInW7s

SISTER: The Way We Fall

Icons Creating Evil Art - Digital Single
SISTER play some kind of alternative hard rock/metal. It's dark and heavy, raw yet pretty catchy. This song also have a very good chorus, so I guess what we have here could be called an anthem actually. It's a damn good song anyway.
A new album will be released later this year, and this is the first single from that album, but also the title track. And if they have more songs like this on that album, then it will be very interesting to hear.
The band began to take shape in 2006, and released their first EP, "Deadboys Making Noise", in 2009. Their latest album, "Vengeance Ignited", was released in 2021.
found.ee/thewaywefall | sisterofficial.com | icea.se

SCOWL: Are We All Angels

Dead Oceans - LP, CD, Cassette, Digital
SCOWL hailing from Santa Cruz, California, and formed in 2019. They might have been a hardcore band in the beginning, but the music on this album have become some kind of indie/alternative rock mixed with some grunge and pop melodies. It's mainly a mix of melodic pop vocals and guitars. So there's not much aggression here, even if there's some screaming too here and there. But that doesn't really matter, as the songs are pretty good. Their sound reminds me of something American from the 90s, but with a modern touch. I would guess that people who like female fronted alternative rock bands from that era could like this too.
youtu.be/PALtvM3SyYI | instagram.com/scowl40831

Martin Rubashov: Origins Of Water

Despotz Records - LP, Digital
This is a pretty tough disc, with mainly slow and reflective pieces. But there's a couple of uptempo songs as well, which I like a little more. I guess we can describe this as some kind of singer/songwriter rock. So if you want action, this is not the right record. But if you want something softer, then this can work, because it's not bad anyway.
On this album, Martin Rubashov (known from NOLAVÆR, that features Anders Fridén from IN FLAMES) delves deep into the essence of water, exploring its duality as both a life-giving force and a harbinger of destruction. And he is also collaborating with Naturskyddsföreningen. The vinyl will shed light on the work that this Swedish organization does, with information about them and the importance of water on the backside of the vinyl. With every sold vinyl, Martin and Despotz Records will donate a cut of the profits to the organization.
My favorites here are the uptempo songs "Elemental" and "Nixe".
found.ee/OriginsOfWater | despotz.bigcartel.com/artist/martin-rubashov | despotz.se | naturskyddsforeningen.se | facebook.com/martinrubashov

H.E.A.T: Running To You

earMUSIC - Digital Single
Here's another single from the new H.E.A.T album, "Welcome To The Future", set for release on April 25. And it's hardly any surprise as they deliver another good anthem. That also means that I don't have much else to say that I have not said already when I reviewed the previous singles. In other words, I can only state once again that the new album will be absolutely fantastic. So this is a must to check out if you like melodic hard rock in the good old tradition.
And remember kids, a short review is always better than no review at all.
youtu.be/lfzKcTi5EHQ | heatsweden.com

EXORCISM: Spectral Aggression

Witches Brew Records on April 11 - Digital EP
From Birmingham, England comes this new metal hope called EXORCISM, and this is their debut EP. This band blend the ferocity of death metal with the razor-sharp aggression of thrash. Their music is a relentless barrage of riffs, blast-beats, and guttural vocals. It's both old school and modern at the same time, as well as energetic and heavy. An explosive molotov cocktail of thrash.
It sounds good, so you should give them a try.
The release of this EP will be followed by some shows in the UK in April and May.
ukthrashers.org/uk-thrashers-pr-management/exorcism

DECIMATOR: Warriors / Wolf Of The Plains

Wormholedeath Records - Double Digital Single
Australian heavy metal band DECIMATOR pay tribute to the good old 7" single format from the 70s and 80s, and deliver 2 songs in the classic tradition. "Warriors" tell the true story of the Knights Templar without mythological embellishment, while "Wolf Of The Plains" is about the life of Genghis Khan. Both songs are really good stuff, so this is worth a try if you like traditional heavy metal.
The band is already preparing for future releases, with plans for another conceptual double single exploring the complexities of the modern world. Something to look forward to.
orcd.co/warriorssingle | facebook.com/DecimatorBandAustralia | wormholedeath.com

DESTINITY: Ascension

Crimson Productions on April 11 - LP, CD, Digital
These French melodic death metallers continue to push boundaries while staying true to their roots, firmly rooted in the Gothenburg tradition. And to me it sounds like they are doing everything right here, so I hardly complain. They have taken the best things from the genre and created their own beast. And I hardly think I have to explain the sound, as you all should know what melodic death metal sounds like. But one thing is very clear, you should absolutely check out this album. No doubt about that at all.
crimsonproductions.bigcartel.com | destinityofficial.com

ANEUMA: Flesh And Bone

Art Gates Records on April 11 - CD
ANEUMA is a Spanish metal band, formed in 2021. They blend melody with aggression, and this album takes the listener on an intense journey through both darkness and light. Their music is rooted in death metal, but they embrace a diverse range of sounds and influences, so it's not pure death metal that we get. The members have decades of experience from other bands, so we're hardly dealing with any amateurs here. Which can be heard on this album. These guys can really play.
Luckily they can also make pretty good songs as well, which is a big plus of course. And even if it's not pure death metal, I guess it's not totally wrong to call this melodic death metal. Because that's mainly what this sounds like to me anyway. So if that's something that you like, then you should give this album a try.
artgatesrecords.com/artists/aneuma

TAÄR: Catharsis Till Dawn

Soulseller Records on April 11 - CD, LP, Digital
"Catharsis Till Dawn" is the debut album from this Greece/Switzerland based act. They are a nostalgic, warlike black metal band which is heavily influenced by the 90s underground scene, and combine aggressive vocals, sharp guitar riffs and fast blast beats. Simply raw and true black metal like it was supposed to be.
This actually sounds like something Scandinavian from the 90s, and it sounds really good. So this is absolutely worth listening to if you like raw and intense old school black metal.
A very short review, I know. But I have already told you everything that you need to know, so there's nothing else to add. Tell all your friends about this and terrorize your enemies with it.
soulsellerrecords.com | facebook.com/TaarOfficial

MALPHAS: Extinct

Soulseller Records on April 11 - CD, LP, Digital
Swizz black metallers MALPHAS deliver their 4th album. It's said to enter a new journey into more chaotic and wild fields, and unleashes the band's full hate against the world. We can find more thrashy influences and riffs this time, but without losing their classic style. The melancholic and softer parts are still there.
Their sound seems to be inspired by the Swedish black metal bands, but I also hear some crust punk in the first track, which just makes it more catchy. The other songs are more like black metal use to be, raw and cold with aggressive vocals. But they also have these guitar melodies, which almost makes it melodic at times.
Well, this is a really good album anyway, so you should really give it a try.
If I should mention a couple of my favorite tracks, then it would be the opening track, "Psychomachia", and the slower song "Majestic Moon".
soulsellerrecords.com | facebook.com/Malphasoccult

LEPER COLONY: Those of The Morbid

Testimony Records on April 11 - CD, LP, Digital
LEPER COLONY is the result of mixing German and Swedish death metal with classic American influences. An idea born by German vocalist Marc Grewe (MORGOTH, INSIDIOUS DISEASE, ASINHELL) and Swedish guitarist/bassist Rogga Johansson (PAGANIZER, RIBSPREADER, REVOLTING and a hundred more) in 2020. They are on this album joined by Swedish guitarist Håkan Stuvemark (WOMBBATH) and British drummer Jon Rudin (MONSTROUS, DEAD SUN etc). The band released their self-titled debut album in 2023.
What we get here is 9 tracks of old school death metal, with a playing time of 32:39 minutes. No bullshit, just straight and simple stuff the old raw way. And it sounds really good of course, no doubt about that at all. But what else I should say is a good question. You should definitely check them out anyway.
lnk.spkr.media/leper-colony-morbid | testimonyrecords.bandcamp.com | facebook.com/lepercolonyband

PUTRID OFFAL: Obliterated Life

Time To Kill Records on April 11 - LP, CD, Cassette, Digital
Full speed ahead! But I didn't expect anything else. After all we talk about death/grind from this French band, and then it's supposed to go fast of course. Their sound is old school and inspired by the early works of CARCASS and the death metal phase of NAPALM DEATH. It's brutal and filthy, but not so bad. Most songs are short, around 30 seconds to 2 minutes. But there's also a few that are over 4 minutes.
While their last album, "Sicknesses Obsessions" (2020), delved into the origins of pathology and the story of Vesalius, this new album take its visceral storytelling to the brutal world of 18th-century war medicine by exploring the grim reality of battlefield surgery through the lens of Dominique-Jean Larrey (1766–1842), a pioneering military surgeon who revolutionised battlefield medicine. Get ready for amputations, bullet removal, etc. in an environment drenched in blood and the stench of septic flesh.
PUTRID OFFAL released their first record back in 1991, and have become a cult act. The band gradually dissolved by the middle of the decade, but 25 years later they were back again.
youtu.be/yq95lahoBJ4?si=dz6eZfwVf4fgmz8N | timetokillrecords.com/collections/putrid-offal-obliterated-life | putridoffal.bandcamp.com/album/obliterated-life

FINAL DOSE: Under The Eternal Shadow

Wolves Of Hades on April 11 - LP, CD, Cassette, Digital
This is really raw and brutal.
The UK band FINAL DOSE play a filthy kind of old school black metal, which is spiced with raw and uncompromising punk. They formed in 2020, and have previously released a demo, a EP and an album.
With a powerful in-your-face production they deliver a razor-sharp chaos and insane vocals, yet without losing it all and becoming noise (a controlled chaos you could say). It's not always so fast, but pretty heavy, and there's also slow moments here, with elements of dungeon synth and folk music. So in the end I would say that it's a pretty varied album.
These 10 tracks are between 46 seconds to 3:19 minutes.
youtu.be/ButVcrIZMS8?si=daI1CTnJQzdpQmEO | finaldose.bandcamp.com | wolvesofhades.com

VALHALORE: Beyond The Stars (new album) / Voyage Into Eternity (reissue)

ROAR on April 11 - LP, CD / LP, CD
VALHALORE is an Australian band, who gives us a stew made of power/symphonic metal, folk metal and melodic death metal. These ingredients give their dish its own unique taste. But they spread out the different parts in a natural way, so it's never all in one bite.
The group formed in 2013. "Voyage Into Eternity" is their debut album from 2017, which is now being re-released. "Beyond The Stars" is a brand new album. Both are released on the same date.
This sounds majestic. The vocals is varied widely between different styles, and the songs are ambitious without being hard to listen to. There's also a wild mixture of melodic and aggressive moments here.
Well, this sounds good to me anyway, so maybe you should give it a try?
facebook.com/valhalore | reigningphoenixmusic.com/all-artists/roar-artists

STRATEGY: Love Tactics

Metalapolis Records on April 11 - CD, LP
This is the debut album from this young German AOR/melodic rock band. They deliver catchy songs with the heart in the 80s, and it's absolutely not bad at all. They have succeeded to get a sound that is timeless rather than old or modern. So this is something for both old and young fans of the genre. Yet they have not made anything totally unique here, so you will hear many familiar things in this band's songs. But once in a while they put their own twist on a song. So the best way to describe this is to say that they are old school and fresh at the same time. Worth checking out anyway. No doubt about that.
These guys also seems to like progressive rock, and they are doing a cover of "Into The Lens" by YES.
strategy.band | metalapolis.eu

NIGHTSTEEL: Nightsteel

Cosmic Fire Records on April 11 - CD, LP, Digital
This self-titled record is the debut album from this Greek heavy/power metal band. With a combination of heavy riffs, flashing solos and catchy melodies, they are ready to take the world of metal by storm. Their sound is in the same spirit as the classic stuff from the 1980s.
The story began in 2022 with an idea that songwriter and bassist Bill Sam had. While working on some old demo songs along with new ones, he asked his friend and drummer Mike Foudotos to join the band and take the project to the next level. After working with some local vocalists, Bill decided to go a step further and work with some of the most notable and up-and-coming vocalists in the metal scene. And on this album we can hear voices like Travis Wills (CRIMSON GLORY, INFIDEL RISING), Craig Cairns (TAILGUNNER, ex-INDUCTION), Rob Lundgren (REVEAL, MYSTERY MOON), and Mauro Elias. In addition to that, the virtuoso guitar player Igor Paspalj (Guitarist of the Year 2020 by Guitar World and Guitar Player magazines), agreed to play solos on 2 songs. And the lineup was completed with Jasmin C. on guitars and keys.
Well, this sounds really good. It's both powerful and heavy, with melodic vocals. This band have potential to be something that people will talk about in the metal scene. But if that will happen remains to be seen. But now that I have told you about them, you should listen to them. And if you also like what you hear, I'm pretty sure that you will tell everybody how good they are.
linktr.ee/Nightsteel

METEMPSYCHOSIS: Metempshychosis

Black Lodge Records on April 11 - CD, LP, Digital
This Swedish metal band started their journey back in 1992, and released a demo before they changed name to MOURNFUL and released another demo. The band eventually split, leading the members to pursue different paths in the music industry.
It seems like this album consist of re-recordings of their old songs, which were made as a surprise for 1 of the members' bachelor party. And now they have decided to release it for the rest of the world as well, together with the original demo recordings.
What we get is songs by a young and hungry band, who are full of inspiration and experimental lust. I would guess that progressive death/thrash metal is a correct description of this, because their music is not just straight and simple, but not extremely difficult either. They were obviously on an interesting journey anyway, and they are doing a good job with these songs.
blacklodge.se/artists/metempsychosis

MENTALIST: Earthbreaker

Pride & Joy Music on April 11 - CD, Digital
German/Swedish power metallers MENTALIST consist of Peter Moog (guitars), Thomen Stauch (drums, ex-BLIND GUARDIAN), Kai Stringer (guitars) and Rob Lundgren (vocals). They have now come to their 4th album, which is said to be a little heavier than its predecessors. But there's also more speed and epic moments. Mainly a melodic material, and it seems like they get some help from Oliver Palotai (KAMELOT) and Mike LePond (SYMPHONY X) on keyboards and bass on this album.
Well, they seems to do everything right here and it sounds like it should, so there's nothing to complain about. You just enjoy the ride and bang your head with the fist in the air.
A track like "Event Horizon" is a little faster, and that song is a little extra good.
bfan.link/earthbreaker | prideandjoy.de

HERMAN RAREBELL & FRIENDS: What About Love?

Metalville Records on April 11 - CD, LP, Book Bundle
Former SCORPIONS drummer Herman Rarebell have teamed up with some friends to do some 80s covers. I expected some good hard rock, but what I really got was very kind rock on the border to pop instead. Well, it's at least better than that stupid "Junk Funk" song that I heard with him on a compilation in the 80s. But that might not say that much, as I guess that not too many of you have heard it. In his defense, he co-wrote some great songs with SCORPIONS though.
What we get here is songs that was recorded by artists like Phil Collins, FOREIGNER, HEART, The POLICE, GUNS N' ROSES, WHITESNAKE, SCORPIONS, Joan Jett And The BLACKHEARTS etc. In other words a wild mixture, but everything is done just as lame. This is a little too soft actually. You simply don't begin an album with "In The Air Tonight" and then continue with "I Want To Know What Love Is". And "Love is A Battlefield"? I can't remember that I ever heard it before, and it wasn't good. There should be more action, more power. But that's just my opinion of course.
Among Herman's friends here are people like bassist Bob Daisley (RAINBOW, Ozzy Osbourne, BLACK SABBATH, Gary Moore etc.), Dann Huff (pop singer), Howard Leese (HEART) and Michael Voss (CASANOVA, MAD MAX, Michael Schenker).
hermanrarebell.com | metalville-shop.com

STREETLIGHT: Night Vision

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, Digital
STREETLIGHT is a AOR/melodic rock band from Jönköping, Sweden. "Night Vison" is their second album.
This band stay true to the genre, delivering distinctive melodies, punchy choruses and strong hooks, all in the likeness of legends like JOURNEY, TOTO and KANSAS. The music is of course very melodic, but also guitar driven. And this will definitely make you think of the old days, so don't expect to hear something new and unique here. But they do this very good, so if you like AOR/melodic rock then you should absolutely give this a try.
youtu.be/7D2YdGd-UX0 | ffm.to/streetlightnightvision | streetlighttheband.com | frontiers.it

Jon Anderson & The BAND GEEKS: Live - Perpetual Change

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - 3LP, 2CD/DVD, Blu-ray, Digital
Prepare yourself for a progressive adventure. Because it's not any short songs that we have here. We talk about 8:42 to as much as 22:37 minutes. This is "Göran music" - In other words a progressive rock adventure that probably nobody outside of the progressive rock fan base understand. But those few who actually enjoy this kind of stuff will probably have a good time while they listen to this.
"Live - Perpetual Change" was recorded and filmed at the Arcada Theater in St. Charles, Illinois on their August 2023 summer tour. And we get the whole concert here, so it will take a while to listen to (and maybe watch if you want that).
youtu.be/nTGt2rr0o74 | ffm.to/jonandersonperpetualchange | jonanderson.com | frontiers.it

EXORCISM: Strike Of The Match

Exorcism on April 4 - Digital Single
Birmingham, England have given us metal legends such as BLACK SABBATH, JUDAS PRIEST, NAPALM DEATH and BENEDICTION, to name a few. And when it comes to the new generation, there's a death/thrash band called EXORCISM that could be of interest for you. They will release their debut EP, "Spectral Aggression", next Friday (April 11), and this single is a taste of what we can expect to hear on that EP.
EXORCISM formed in the summer of 2023, and they are young and hungry, and deliver with a relentless energy, yet it's also heavy (this song at least). Their music is full of riffs, blast-beats and guttural vocals, and they mix the energy of classic thrash with the crushing brutality of death metal. The result sounds o.k. to me, so give them a try.
ukthrashers.org/uk-thrashers-pr-management/exorcism

TENEBRAE: Loss

Nadir Music - Album (formats unknown)
Why the information about the band is just available in Italian is a mystery to me (I mean how many understand that outside of Italy?). But I would guess that the band was formed in November 2005 anyway, and they have released a few records since then, so this is not their first release.
The music that they play is progressive doom metal. It sounds a little epic and is pretty melodic as well, but is it really that progressive&63; I would rather call this melodic doom metal instead. They seems to be good at what they are doing anyway, and most of these songs are really good stuff, so this is a band that you really should check out. And I don't really know what else I should say about this album..
nadirmusic.net

MACHINE GUN KELLY: Hit The Road

Diamonds Prod. - CD
MACHINE GUN KELLY formed in Savona, Italy in 2000. They recorded 2 demos and had a few lineup changes, but after 10 years they finally released their debut album, "No Place To Hide", in 2010. It was followed by more lineup changes and 2 more albums. So we have now come to their 4th album, "Hit The Road", which was released in February 2025.
What we get here is hard rock/heavy metal with a 80s sound and street attitude. They might not sound like the most professional band, but that doesn't really matter as the songs are good enough. So it's still worth listening to.
diamondsprod.bandcamp.com

INFECTION CODE: Culto

Nadir Music - Album (formats unknown)
Since 1999 INFECTION CODE, from norther Italy, have woven together their own metal. They began with influnces of bands such as GODFLESH, NEUROSIS, RED HARVEST, NAPALM DEATH and MELVINS, but with their own sound. In recent years the sound has become rawer and more direct, with more thrash and death metal influences, but without removing their industrial roots. They have so far released 9 full-length albums.
This is mainly hard and brutal death/thrash metal. It might not be the best I have heard, but it's not bad anyway. I like "Cursed Breed" for example, where he use a more nasty voice instead of growl. They have a varied material anyway, there's no doubt about that. Sometimes it goes fast, sometimes it's heavy, sometimes it goes slow, and sometimes it has industrial elements. So they have found their own sound.
nadirmusic.net

LUPONERO: Luponero

Icons Creating Evil Art - CD, LP, Cassette, Digital
This Finnish band play a catchy and energetic kind of rock, and they have many good songs here. The only songs that's not so hot is "Helsinki Intersection Mindfuck" and "Angelo". Their music is described as alternative hard rock, but is it so alternative? Well, maybe.. After all they are said to mix grunge, punk and classic rock with 80s synth wave, ambient pop and post-punk to get their sound. Yet it sounds mainly like a rock album to me, and nothing else. But they have a fresh sound, so I'm not talking about old rock here. I would not say that it sounds too modern and boring either though.
Worth checking out.
found.ee/Luponero | luponeromusic.bandcamp.com | icea.se

HIGH MOONLIGHT: Heavy Play

High Moonlight - Digital Single
The sound on this song is so damn low that it's hard to tell what they are doing. But it's said that this Brazilian band is playing heavy metal anyway, and this song is taken from their upcoming full-length album, "Lycans", which was released on February 17. It's also said to be for fans of legends like JUDAS PRIEST, ACCEPT, DIO and BLACK SABBATH. And that sounds interesting of course. But as far as I can hear there's nothing of that in this song. It sounds more like some bad rap metal or something similar, and not as classic heavy metal which I expected to hear.
HIGH MOONLIGHT are veterans, and the band formed in the late 90s.
youtu.be/09d6qC0DHO8 | onerpm.link/235132452580 | highmoonlight.com

CAPTAIN BLACK BEARD: Chasing Danger

Mighty Music on April 4 - LP, CD, Digital
In late 2023 Swedish band CAPTAIN BLACK BEARD found themselves at a crossroad. Their lead singer Martin Holsner decided to quit the band to spend more time with his family. And that could have been the end actually. But then singer Fredrik Vahlgren caught the attention of bass player/founding member Robert Majd. And he knew immediately that with this guy the band can continue. 2024 became the first time in the band's 15-year history without a live show. No distractions were going to get in the way. 100% focus on the new album and nothing else. And here's the result: "Chasing Danger".
CAPTAIN BLACK BEARD refines the sound of The NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA and H.E.A.T. Swedish AOR and melodic hard rock in a lovely mix. Very catchy and melodic, but so damn good. This is a fantastic album! Among the highlights are songs like "When It's Over" and the ballad "Piece Of Paradise", just to name a few. I would not say that there's anything bad here though, which makes it a must-have for all fans of melodic stuff.
captainblackbeard.net | mightymusic.dk

FRANTIC AMBER: Death Becomes Her

ROAR on April 4 - CD, LP, Digital

Swedish all-female melodic death metallers FRANTIC AMBER have created a concept album about female serial killers, which includes different kinds of killers and categories of serial killers. The soundtrack to that is a wild mixture of melodic death metal, thrash, black, progressive and classic heavy metal with symphonic elements. It's very ambitious and professional, but also hard and brutal. So if there's still people who think that women can't play, then listen to this and shut up, because this is good stuff.
The band was born in Stockholm in 2008, so they have been around for a few years now. With this album they show us all what they are capable of. The result is a majestic adventure, and a really good and interesting death metal album that everybody should give a chance.
franticamber.rpm.link/deathPR | facebook.com/franticamber | roar-records.de

«March | Index | May»

Everything made by Blom since 2001