REVIEWS AUGUST 2026
«July | Index | September»HÄVEN: The Light Brigade
Pride & Joy Music - Digital SingleHÄVEN features singer Gabrielle de Val and guitarist/ producer Tommy Denander, and this single is taken from the group's debut album, "Where Angels Fear To Tread", which will be released on November 13 (except for Japan).
The piano in the beginning makes me think of EUROPE. After that it's more uptempo and catchy. We talk about melodic hard rock/AOR here, with both 80s and contemporary influences. This sounds very good and really promising for the album, no doubt about that. You should really give this a try.
youtu.be/fGsdQ_oSyYw | facebook.com/GabrielledeVal | prideandjoy.de
HÄ/DA: Gone In November
Inverse Records - Digital SingleAC/DC inspired riff hard rockers HÄ/DA return with a new single. The Finnish duo will release a new album, "Electric Knights Of Eternal Rock Fury", in October, and this is a taste of what you can expect from that album.
They mix the AC/DC influences with crunchy riffs and catchy, pop-flavored melodies. The result is a catchy and energetic hard rock anthem ready for your next party. Try not to shake your ass when you listen to this, and good luck with that. In other words a really good song that you should check out at once.
push.fm/fl/hada-goneinnovember | facebook.com/hadabandofficial | inverse.fi
HAERDSMAELTA: Artificial Ignorance
Icons Creating Evil Art - Digital SingleSomebody described this Swedish band as "too much punk to be hard rock, and too much hard rock to be punk", and in the end they're doing something totally different than just a mix of those 2. Throw in some post-punk and industrial rock as well, and then you might get an idea. But just might, as I think you have to hear this to fully understand what they are doing.
Anyway, here's a new single, where they continue to deliver their unpredictable but creative kind of rock music. It's violence, noise, dirt and pitch-black humor. You could describe it as the soundtrack to the end of civilization, if that sounds tempting. One thing is for sure though, they are doing their own dark thing, and they are doing it good.
A new album, "Haerdrock", will be released on October 23, and "Artificial Ignorance" is a taste of that. And I saw on Facebook that they will release another single on Friday, September 4.
found.ee/haerdsmaelta-ai | found.ee/haerdrock | facebook.com/groundzerooneeight | icea.se
GRIMNER: Runstenen
Despotz Records - Digital SingleGRIMNER have released the 4th single, "Runstenen", from their upcoming studio album, "Stormvingar", which will see the light on Friday, September 4. This is a classic Viking/folk metal anthem from the very early days, resurrected and redone for the current era. So if you like what this Swedish band is doing - mixing the aggression of old school melodic death metal with Nordic folk traditions - then you should really check this out. And there's not that much else to say about that..
Album review soon..
found.ee/Runstenen | despotz.bigcartel.com/artist/grimner | facebook.com/Grimnerswe | despotz.se
v/a - Sveriges Jävla Blindtarm
Second Class Kids Records - LP, CD, Digital
This is a Swedish anti-racist compilation with 8 Swedish punk rock bands. All bands sing in Swedish, and this is so damn good that everybody who likes catchy and melodic punk rock from Sweden have to get this.
LASTKAJ 14 is the first band out, and they deliver 2 really good trallpunk songs in the good old tradition. It's most of all the first track that I really like, but the second have a good chorus anyway.
After that comes FRUKTANSVÄRLD with 2 tracks. They also play trallpunk in the old tradition. Absolutely not bad at all. 1 original song and a cover of "Keops Pyramid", originally recorded by Swedish progg band HOOLA BANDOOLA BAND in 1972.
Then we get 2 songs with SMÅJÄVLAFÖTTER, and they are more raw than the other bands here, yet melodic. Very good punk in Swedish.
BROR DUKTIG comes next. 2 tracks of fast and melodic punk rock. Another really good band. I even think I would like to hear some more with them.
And the compilation continues with BJÖRNARNA, who deliver a couple of typical trallpunk songs. Not so bad at all, but clean vocals instead of harsh makes it a little too nice somehow.
KARDINAL SYND is another band that is more raw, yet catchy and melodic like what we call trallpunk. Their 2 tracks are not so bad either.
I don't think that I had heard FOLKHEMMET before. They play a soft and melodic kind of punk rock, but not really typical trallpunk. Pretty o.k., but they should possibly make shorter songs.
The last band here is TRALLSVENSKAN, which I think is some kind of all-star band of Swedish trallpunk. They are satisfied with just 1 track, and what they deliver is more or less exactly what you can expect - trallpunk in the 90s tradition. Pretty o.k., but I expected it to be even better.
secondclasskids.com
RAD: Rad To The Bone
RAD on Aug. 29 - Digital EPUK crossover skate thrashers RAD deliver 6 songs about heavy metal, skateboarding and sci-fi movies. Musically they blend modern crossover with the classic skate thrash pioneered by SUICIDAL TENDENCIES. These songs are intense and full of energy, while the vocals sounds aggressive. But there's also some heavy parts, so it's not just full speed all the time.
I think they do this very good, so I would recomend every fan of this genre to check out this EP. But it's not impossible that some fans of hardcore will like this too, so they should also give this a try.
radthrash.uk
The EXILES: Turning Time
Bad Reputation Records - CD, Digital15 tracks! That's way too much. And especially when the music wasn't as interesting as I thought it would be. But it got a little better after a few more listenings though.
The EXILES was formed by English guitarist Sean Manning (HURRICANE, LITTLE WOMEN) and fellow Brit Paul Rafferty (the original vocalist for BONHAM). They recruited Hollywood-based English bassist Paul Andrew Stanley and Terry Mascall (also an English man) on drums. The group were mainstays on the Southern California music scene in the early 1990s. And playing classic rock just when grunge came may not look like the best idea. But that didn't seem to worry these guys.
It seems like this album was first released in a limited capacity in 1996 as SEAN MANNING & PAUL RAFFERTY, with "The Exiles" as the title. That album had 10 tracks, but now they have added 5 more, previously unheard, tracks as a bonus. We get everything from traditional rock to some blues and soul numbers. LED ZEPPELIN was a big inspiration, but you can also hear some ROLLING STONES and early Rod Stewart for example.
youtu.be/NJ4h9B4N9Tk | badreputation.fr | theexilesuk.bandcamp.com/album/turning-time
GLORY OF KINGS: Roots Of The Past
Roxx Records on Aug. 28 - Album"Roots Of The Past" is said to mark a powerful new chapter in this heavy metal band's evolving sound and artistic vision, blending their signature intensity with a broadened musical scope. A darker and more atmospheric direction meets driving riffs and epic arrangements. It's an ambitious and powerful album, so it sounds very professional. And the songs are absolutely not bad at all, so there's not much to complain about here. You should give this a try.
facebook.com/GloryOfKingsBand | facebook.com/RoxxRecords777
XENITH: To No Avail
Xenith on Aug. 28 - CD, MC, DigitalXENITH is a melodic death metal band from Manchester, UK. This is their debut album, which draws from bands like The BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, AT THE GATES and OPETH. They has previously released a self-titled EP in 2024, which blended razor-sharp thrash with bludgeoning melodic death metal.
This full-length debut is built on strong, tightly structured riffing and a heavier melodic focus. They continue with what was started with the EP, while broadening the scope of their songwriting. It sounds very skilled, and they seems to know exactly what they are doing. These songs are absolutely not bad at all, so maybe you should give these guys a try?
youtube.com/watch?v=Lb0y91O0bTE | distrokid.com/hyperfollow/xenith4/to.... | linktr.ee/xenithband
A COLD PARADISE: A Cold Paradise
PERCEPTION on Aug. 28 - CD, DigitalA COLD PARADISE is a modern alternative metal band, founded in 2025 by vocalist Antonio Calanna (ex-ALL FOR METAL). The project was born from a desire to emphasize atmosphere, melody, and emotional depth within heavy music, without compromising its force. Heavy riffs collide with expressive melodies, cinematic atmospheres, and carefully woven electronic elements that shape the emotional arc of each song.
Although it's modern, this is actually not so bad, as they have some strong songs here. But that doesn't mean that I like everything on this album, as there's also some weaker material. I would describe this as a hybrid of heavy guitars and pop metal, sometimes with electronic elements. Sometimes it's hard, sometimes more melodic, and sometimes a little bit of both.
acoldparadise.com | perception.music
BESVÄRJELSEN: Till Glömskan - Ad Oblivionem
Magnetic Eye Records on Aug. 28 - CD, LP, DigitalThis is the third full-length album from these Swedish heavy rockers (or forest rock as they ironically call it). It's said to captures the band's distinctive blend of pure energy, psychedelic depth, and stylistic freedom. They have broadened their sound with a wide variety of sonic colours including blues, ska, metal, jazz and everything around and in between as long as it fits the mood of the song. But there's also elements of grunge, punk, doom and stoner rock.
That might of course sound like a very wild mixture of ingredients, but I would say that the main ingredient is heavy rock, and they really makes it work, so there's no problem. The music is adventurous and epic, so it never gets boring. This is an album full of great songs, and you should really give it a try.
The album features guest appearances from Fred Burman (SATAN TAKES A HOLIDAY) and Pelle Andersson (LOWRIDER) on 1 song each.
facebook.com/besvarjelsen | facebook.com/MagneticEyeRecords
BESEECH: Future. Present. Past.
Despotz Records on Aug. 28 - CD, 2LP, DigitalBorås, Sweden's own gothic metal veterans BESEECH returns with a new album. And what they do here is not exactly anything new for the band (as far as I can hear anyway, but I can't say that I have followed them through the years). They continue to blend dark romanticism, doomy atmospheres, and unforgettable melodies. It's mostly a melancholic darkness, but thanks to many years of experience, they, as usual, manage to pull it all off. So what we get is simply a good album.
Among the better songs according to me are the uptempo number "Boundless Space". But the title track have become better as well, much thanks to a very good chorus.
This is an album that not just fans of gothic metal will like, as I think that those who like dark, melodic and doom metal also could like this.
despotz.bigcartel.com/artist/beseech | facebook.com/beseechofficial | despotz.se
HESPERIA: Picenum (True Marchigian Black Metal Renaissance)
Hammerheart Records on Aug. 28 - CD, 2LPThe shortest pieces here are the intro (1 and a half minute) and the outro (2 minutes). The rest of the songs are from approxiamtely 6 to as long as 12 minutes. We talk about a black metal adventure of the more ambitious kind.
This album is said to be the natural continuation of "Fra Li Monti Sibillini", expanding its concept to the entire Marche region (the title "Picenum" indicates the ancient name for a large part of this region). That doesn't say much to me though, but you can probably read the story somewhere else. The album is divided into 3 parts anyway, where the third part is the longest. And when it comes to the music, you could say that it's mainly 90s Medieval black metal with some 80s proto-black cruelty. But there's also Renaissance arrangements and haunting folk/ambient interludes embedded into every track. This makes it more epic and ambitious than some other black metal bands.
HESPERIA is a solo project, where we can find somebody called Hesperus on all vocals, instruments and effects.
hesperia.lnk.to/picenum | hammerheart.com
NEPHILA: Huldra
Majestic Mountain Records on Aug. 28 - AlbumSwedish masked heavy rock collective NEPHILA releases their second album. Inspired by the legend of the skogsrå, the mysterious forest spirit of Nordic folklore, "Huldra" is said to be a darker, heavier, and more atmospheric step forward for the band, blending towering 70s-inspired riffs, haunting vocal harmonies, and cinematic storytelling into a captivating concept album.
The band formed in Arvika in 2017, and are driven by twin lead vocalists and twin lead guitarists. Even if their music is rooted in the spirit of the 1970s rock, they refuse to be a nostalgic band. They balance hypnotic grooves with soaring melodies, and create something that sounds both familiar and not.
Rather than simply expanding on the sound of their debut, it's said that they have shed their musical skin entirely this time. The result is a heavier, richer, and far more atmospheric album, one that surrounds its listeners with towering riffs, haunting vocal harmonies, and layers of texture that mirror the mystery and complexity of the Scandinavian forest itself. It's a cinematic journey through myth, transformation, and humanity's fragile relationship with the natural world.
This is an ambitious album, but it's absolutely worth listening to, as it's full of great songs for both heavy rockers and hard rockers. Even some heavy metal fans might like this too.
facebook.com/swenephila | majesticmountainrecords.com
NINTH REALM: Damnation's Veil
Transcending Obscurity Records on Aug. 28 - LP, CD, DigitalAmerican band NINTH REALM play death/thrash metal, but the songwriting is inspired by heavy metal, and there's also elements of hardcore and a blackened edge. This means that there's hooks and breakdowns in addition to the riffing.
They begin with a useless, atmospheric intro, but after that it's mainly intense and violent. Perfect for a day when you hate all and everything. But it works fine on a good day too of course, because they have some really strong songs here, there's no doubt about that. And just because it's violent and intense doesn't mean that it's just that, as they know how to make good songs as well. There's simply a song structure and not just chaos. You should really check this out.
ninthrealm-label.bandcamp.com/album/dam.... | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com
TOTALITÄR: Totalitär
De:Nihil Records (Europe)/Prank Records (N.A.) on Aug. 28 - MLP, MCD, Cassette, DigitalThese Swedish hardcore/punk legends were first active in the 1980s and the 90s (formed in 1985), but has through the years reunited and split up a few times. Now they are back once again, and they even deliver a new album as well, which seems to be their first record in 20 years. It's d-beat, fast and furious, and the songs are short - 1-2:20 minutes. This might actually be the fastest songs I have heard with them (but then I have hardly heard everything they have done through the years, and it was a while since I listened to them before this). But as we just get 9 tracks and the songs are so short, I would call this a mini-album rather than a full-length album. After all, it's not longer than approximately 13 and a half minutes, and that's absolutely not a full-length.
TOTALITÄR continues to deliver like they always have. It's direct and intense without any weak elements. So this is damn good, and it makes me thirsty for more. If you like crust punk with d-beat from the 90s, then you have to check this out, simple as that!
youtu.be/OsiRlw7iSEc?si=whNahVL9pRzvG95a | denihilrecords.blogspot.com | prank.bandcamp.com
KICKIN VALENTINA: Anthems From The Underground
Mighty Music on Aug. 28 - LP, CD, Digital
KICKIN VALENTINA return with another great album that kicks ass. They continue with the same take-it-or-leave-it attitude that we have got used to, but at the same time they are not afraid to push their sound into new territory once in a while. But don't be afraid, this is still a crushing, no-compromise statement of modern underground hard rock from the gutter. It's raw and filled with energy and attitude - The kind of hard rock n roll that is hard to say no to.
Although they are best known as a raw rock band, they actually have some melodic songs here too. But those songs are just as good.
I often think of BACKYARD BABIES when I hear this band, so I guess fans of them could like this very much.
The band hailing from Atlanta, and formed in 2013. They have released a few records through the years, so if you like this, then there's more to discover.
kickinvalentina.com | mightymusic.dk
LION'S SHARE: Dark Hours (reissue)
Metalville Records on Aug. 28 - CD, LPFollowing the release of their critically acclaimed comeback album, "Inferno", earlier this year, Swedish heavy metal veterans LION'S SHARE now return to one of the landmark releases of their career, with a long-awaited reissue of their classic 2009 album "Dark Hours". It has never before been available on vinyl, but will now be released on both black and yellow vinyl, as well as CD.
Many songs on this album sound a lot like DIO. Even the singer sounds like Ronnie James Dio once in a while. They are doing their own thing though, and this is a true heavy metal album in the good old tradition. It's especially in the first half of the album where the strongest songs are, but I would not say that there's any bad tracks here. So if you like powerful and melodic heavy metal, then you should really check this out.
metalville-shop.com | lionsshare.org
BLOOD WHITE: From Hell
Metalville Records on Aug. 28 - CD, LP, DigitalBLOOD WHITE formed in 2022, but has already found a mature, creative and unique sound. On this debut album they mix modern metal, rock and hardcore. We get raw metal riffs and brutal grooves, with catchy choruses that can even make people who are not into metal like this (but they probably won't like the rest, so what's that really worth?). I would say that there's also an industrial touch.
They are doing a good job with these songs and have a varied material, so I like what I hear. But for some reason I don't really know what else I should say about this. Worth a try anyway if you are interested in modern metal.
metalville.de
DALFESTIVALEN
Festival at Folkets Park in Dalsjöfors, Sweden on Aug. 22, 2026It's almost a little embarrassing to admit, but I actually went to a 1-day festival and saw just 2 bands. It was in other words not the strongest lineup for me this year. And it wasn't exactly my best day. Except for a heavy head after drinking the night before, I also had pain in both arms and legs. Yet it was a pretty nice festival.
The first band I saw was TWIN PIGS. A Swedish band who play some kind of alternative and intense punk and hardcore. I have seen them live before a few years ago, but this show might have been even better than that time. I don't really know how many times the singer went out to the audience for some crowd surfing. And his talk between the songs was sometimes funny as well. In other words a action-filled show. Unfortunately I had to sit down after just a few songs, before I could get up and stand infront of the stage for a few more songs.
The second band I saw was NEPAL DEATH. They are a Swedish psychedelic rock band, and they are really good and an entertaining live band. They simply deliver a good show and not just good songs. A funny thing that happened during the show, was a man in the audience who blew soap bubbles with something that looked like a large plastic toy pipe. Unfortunately I once again had to do like when TWIN PIGS played, sit down for a while.
After that I was just hanging around, so how bands like VÄSTER-UT, NEKTAR etc. was is unknown to me. I wanted to see HONNINGBARNA as well, but they played last, and I got a little too drunk and tired about an hour before they was going to play. So I went home to bed instead.
It seems like this was the last year for Dalfestivalen. But have they not said that before?
The CHUCK NORRIS EXPERIMENT, STARR AND THE CZARS and The RIPTIDE RATS at Potatisen
Concert at Restaurang Potatisen in Göteborg, Sweden on Aug. 21, 2026I had never been to Potatisen (The Potato) before, and I guess that they don't use to have rock bands there as they played 80s pop music between the bands. And a funny thing was that most of the people who was there sat down at a table and watched the bands. That's unusual.
First out was The RIPTIDE RATS, who play instrumental surf rock. They played both original material and some old classics from the 60s. A very good band. The bassist walked out to the audience once in a while, but otherwise not that much action.
Next band was STARR AND THE CZARS from Washington, USA. They played garage rock, and was a really good live band. The singer stood infront of the low stage instead of on the stage. I liked them so much that I bought a CD after the show, and then he gave me a couple of buttons and even a t-shirt as well - Thanks! This is a band that you really should check out if you want some action.
The last band was The CHUCK NORRIS EXPERIMENT, a Swedish band with a couple of members from The RIPTIDE RATS who play what I would describe as action/hard rock. They are really good and delivered a good show as well. Not much else to say, but this is another band that you really should check out.
3 really good bands in 1 night, and early as well, that's not bad. And it was also really good that I could sit, because standing is painful for my legs.
CŸANIDE: 21 Gun Salute
Kivel Records/Eonian Records - CD out now / Digital on Oct. 17This band gives us a full-throttle hard rock assault built for anyone who likes it loud and raw. You could easily think that this would be some lost recording from Sunset Strip in the 80s, but it's not. It still sounds like that though. It's powerful and hungry with big riffs and choruses, as well as the right attitude. In other words really good stuff that you should check out.
Some of the strongest songs are "Rock And Roll Army" and "Take What You Want". But I would not say that there's any bad tracks here, so there's a very high quality.
distrokid.com/hyperfollow/cyanide9/.... | cyaniderocks.com | kivelrecords.com/store
TRISKELYON: Metalmorphosis
Moribund Records on Aug. 21 - Digital AlbumCanadian band TRISKELYON reimagines iconic rock and pop classics as heavy metal songs. We get covers of songs originally recorded by artists like Bryan Adams, TEARS FOR FEARS, Pat Benatar, DURAN DURAN, Billy Idol, MEN AT WORK etc. Each track is spiced with razor-sharp riffs, thunderous rhythms, soaring vocals, and explosive solo work. This makes the songs more powerful, and it actually works. So if you secretly like pop and rock hits from the 80s, but would like to hear them with a little extra power, then this should be of interest.
Some tracks features guest vocals from Amanda Jackman (CATEGORY VI).
youtube.com/watch?v=5H1ljv2GzLk | triskelyon.bandcamp.com | moribundcult.com
REBELS OPERA: Call Of The Night
RFL Entertainment on Aug. 21 - CD, LP, MCThis is a arena rock band from Nashville, and what we get here is their debut album. It's full of good old rock and hard rock with big hooks and memorable choruses. I think of both AC/DC and sleaze rock from the 80s when I hear this. So it's the sound of the 1970s and 80s that we get here, and it sounds really good to me. This album is simply full of great songs. So if you like raw rock done the good old way, then I can really recomend you to check this out.
rebelsopera-merch.myshopify.com/co.... | facebook.com/people/Rebels-Opera/....
FEJD: Nifelheim
Black Lodge Records on Aug. 21 - CD, LP, Digital"Nifelheim" is FEJD's fifth full-length album (they has also released 3 EPs). The band hailing from Sweden, and formed in 2001 through a fusion of the folk duo RIMMERFORS and members of the metal bands PATHOS and NOSTRADAMEUS. So they blend the power of heavy metal with the rich melodies and melancholic spirit of Nordic folk music. They also combine traditional folk instruments with drums, keyboard and bass.
This is mainly melodic and not so energetic. And the lack of electric guitar makes me think that those who like Scandinavian folk music might like this more than metal fans. But you should not be afraid of giving this a try even if you prefer metal, because it's not bad.
orcd.co/blod199dig | blacklodge.se | fejd.se
ESCAPEINOUT: The Age Of Collapse - As Above, So Below
Brutal Records on Aug. 21 - Digital and physical albumFrom Catania, Sicily comes this extreme metal band, who formed in 2011. Their sound is raw, unfiltered, dark and aggressive. This is a concept album about environmental breakdown, human excess, and what's left when everything starts to fall apart. The music to that mainly sounds like death metal, but has elements of other extreme metal genres as well. And even if it might not always go so fast, it sounds brutal anyway. So if you see that as something good, then I guess this could be worth a try.
orcd.co/brut89680 | facebook.com/escapeinout | brutalrecords.com
DEATHGRAVE: Hell Is Evil
Tankcrimes on Aug. 21 - CD, LP, DigitalIn 2013 DEATHGRAVE began to weave its own breed of metal out of San Jose, California. The band initially grabbed elements from punk and metal bands like SIEGE, RUDIMENTARY PENI, NAPALM DEATH, IMPETIGO, GODFLESH, and ZENI GEVA, as well as their own previous bands, and many others. The group features longtime scene veterans like guitarist Greg Wilkinson (AUTOPSY, BRAINOIL) alongside bassist Fern Alberts (AMBER ASYLUM), vocalist Andre Cornejo, and drummer Clint Zane (OWL). To date they have released 2 demo tapes, 4 split 7"s, a split 12", and 3 full-length albums.
I would describe what these guys play as grind/metal, which they spice with some death, thrash, punk, industrial, doom, noise rock, and d-beat. Their goal for this album was to seamlessly blend musical genres and create a unique sound. And with that they have succeeded. It's fast and intense, but they vary the tempo. They have definitely found their own sound, and you might have to like more "weird" metal if you are going to listen to this. It's not that bad though.
deathgrave.bandcamp.com | tankcrimes.com
R.O.S.A.: No Peace For You
This Charming Man Records on Aug. 21 - LP, DigitalThis is a Berlin-based hardcore/punk band, formed by 4 scene veterans. "No Peace For You" is their first studio album, which features new and re-recorded songs.
Did they really have to have that echo/reverb on the vocals on every track? I'm not such a big fan of that. But otherwise not much to complain about. It's dark and direct with a metallic edge. Not so fast and not extremely aggressive either. The energy is there though.
We get 13 tracks, and they are from a minute to 3:51 minutes, but mainly around 1-2 minutes.
youtu.be/it8CyqYsg2s?si=J8_H3eSEleH-BeBu | rosaberlin.bandcamp.com
CUTTHROAT: The Purge
M-Theory Audio on Aug. 21 - Vinyl EP, MCD, DigitalCUTTHROAT are hardly here to reinvent the hardcore genre. But they are doing this just as good as any other band, so there's no need to complain. The guitars are heavy and energetic, the vocals is harsh - We talk about what they call metallic hardcore, where they sometimes also blend in elements of thrash metal or even hip hop.
This group hailing from Los Angeles and formed in 2013. What we get here is a EP with 5 tracks, and all of them are good stuff, so you should of course give this a try.
youtu.be/xa1-SuC6XAg?si=fvu6d00SUZRnlHjP | m-theoryaudio.com | cutthroatla.bandcamp.com/album/the-purge-ep
WINE LIPS: If You Don't Know
Stomp Records - Digital SingleToronto's punk and rock scene really seems to be alive, and WINE LIPS is just one of all the active bands there.
This song is the second preview of their upcoming LP "TV Dinner", and it's described as "a heavier, mid-tempo cut with blown-out vocals and hooky alt-rock energy - for fans of The HIVES, OSEES, Frankie and The WITCH FINGERS, BAD NERVES, and TEEN MORTGAGE". You could say that they are somewhere between 90s alternative rock and garage rock, but with a twist of psych rock and a singer that sounds a little funny. A pretty o.k. song, no doubt about that.
orcd.co/ifyoudontknow | stomprecords.com/bands/wine-lips | facebook.com/winelipsband
PIRATE QUEEN: Lyxion
Despotz Records - Digital SingleThis is the third single from the all-female pirate metal band PIRATE QUEEN's upcoming second full-length album, "Travelling Around The World", which will be released on September 4.
Lyxion is said to be a floating island in The Bermuda Triangle, where these queens are said to come from. It seems to be a fantasy world and a paradise where all your dreams can come true.
Musically this track is heavy metal as usual, melodic and powerful, and it's not so bad at all. They might have done better songs, but this absolutely works anyway.
found.ee/lyxion | despotz.bigcartel.com/artist/pirate-queen | facebook.com/piratequeenofficial
BESEECH: Future. Present. Past.
Despotz Records - Digital SingleThe 4th single from BESEECH's new album is the title track of the album. And what these gothic metal veterans gives us this time is almost a ballad, with both piano and strings. It's soft and laidback anyway, which is not something unusual when it comes to this band. But I guess you could also call it a little epic. The strongest part is the chorus.
This is not just something for fans of gothic metal, but also those who like doom, melodic and dark metal.
The album will be released on August 28.
found.ee/futurepresentpast | despotz.bigcartel.com/artist/beseech | facebook.com/beseechofficial
Atom Stone: Isn't Love
Melodic Revolution Records - Digital SingleThis is a hard rock/metal artist, and this latest single is described as "an emotionally charged anthem that explores the often-blurred line between genuine love and toxic emotional dependency". The song is a taste of his upcoming album, "Bad Decisions", which will be released later this year.
Atom Stone (VOYAGER, METALLIC GREEN) hails from Detroit. After playing a few other instruments since he was a child, he nowadays sing and play guitar together with Nick Sturms (guitars, keys), Jeff Sturms (keyboards, guitars) and Conner Kearns (guitar). Many guitar players but no bass or drums? Well, I can hear drums anyway.
This song have a pretty soft and emotional verse, which build up to a even more emotional chorus. It sounds more modern than old school, but it's a o.k. song anyway. And I don't have much else to add..
atomstone.net
OSUKARU: Tall Tales
Pride & Joy Music on Aug. 21 - CD, DigitalOSUKARU is a Swedish band, formed in Gothenburg in early 2010. Some EPs was released before the debut album, "Salvation" arrived in 2012. The music is rooted in classic stadium rock, but the early releases leaned more heavily into a solid AOR sound. The melodies are still there, but they have become sharper, and the sound have got more weight, attitude and a harder punch through the years.
They have now come to their 7th album, and this sounds like good old melodic hard rock to me. And that's something that I really like. So I hardly complain, as they have plenty of great songs here. This is something that I really can recomend you to check out, and there's not much else to add.
youtu.be/Mio8UcycrKA | facebook.com/osukarumusic | prideandjoy.de
NIVA: Rock The World
Pride & Joy Music - Digital SingleSwedish melodic rock group NIVA will return with a new album, "Stratospheric", on November 13, and "Rock The World" is the first single.
Their sound is a blend of soaring melodies, powerhouse vocals, and infectious hooks. They aim at making anthems with passion, energy, and emotion. It sounds much like something from the 80s, which is nothing unusual, but with a modern production. This is a very good and promising song for the new album, so I look forward to hear it.
"Stratospheric" will be their 7th full-length album.
bfan.link/rock-the-world | bfan.link/stratospheric | instagram.com/nivasweden | prideandjoy.de
KINDRED NORTH: Kindred North
Pride & Joy Music on Aug. 21 - CD, DigitalThis is a new melodic hard rock band featuring Swedish singer/guitarist Andi Kravljaca (SEVENTH WONDER, HYDRA) and Norwegian multi-instrumentalist Andreas Nergård (NERGARD). These guys have spent more than a decade collaborating across stages and studio sessions, and now they have joined forces to deliver a modern hard rock sound rooted in the studio craftsmanship of the late 1980s. Among their influences are classic bands like WINGER, DOKKEN and EUROPE. But the goal is not nostalgia, but to deliver something modern instead. The result is simply a little bit of both. Sometimes it's more like melodic rock, sometimes melodic hard rock. But whatever they do, they do it good. They have a timeless sound for young and old.
youtu.be/JziH6zVbo3M | prideandjoy.de
HYDRA: DeHydration
Pride & Joy Music on Aug. 21 - CD, DigitalHYDRA is yet another melodic rock band from Sweden. It's the brainchild of songwriter/musician Henrik Hedström, who has been a songwriter based out of Stockholm for many years, and a friend of drummer/producer Daniel Flores (FIRST SIGNAL, FIND ME, The MURDER OF MY SWEET) for the past 15 years. Flores plays drums and keyboards on the album, while vocals and lead and rhythm guitars are handled by Andi Kravljaca (KINDRED NORTH, SEVENTH WONDER). Henrik himself takes care of the keyboards, acoustic and clean guitars, while the bass is handled by Johnny Trobro.
"DeHydration" is the third album. It's not like they have anything unique here. It sounds more or less like a hundred other bands in this genre. But they are doing it good, so you will probably like this anyway. There might be a few too many soft and slow tracks for my taste, but everything is not bad as there's some good stuff too.
youtu.be/cDWgu9YUrew | facebook.com/henrikhydra | prideandjoy.de
FIRST LIGHT: Gravity 2.0
Pride & Joy Music on Aug. 21 - CD, DigitalThis is a re-release of this British band's first album, "Gravity" (2023), which was just released digitally. For some reason all instruments have been re-recorded, and now it's released as "Gravity 2.0", which also includes 2 new songs and an acoustic version of "Leave A Light On".
But what was that last acoustic version good for? I don't like it. But that's all I can complain about, because the rest sounds very good. It's melodic rock for all the money. They combine classic influences with a modern edge, and they seems to know how to make good songs, so this is absolutely worth listening to.
facebook.com/profile.php?id=10006.... | prideandjoy.de
BURNING SUN: Power To Survive
Pride & Joy Music on Aug. 21 - CD, DigitalBURNING SUN was founded in Hungary in 2022. They are inspired by the 90s golden era of European power metal, and has taken its name from a HELLOWEEN song. The debut album, "Wake Of Ashes", was released in 2023. And in 2025 they released the second album, "Retribution", a full story concept album.
From the beginning it was a duo with bassist Zoltán Papi and singer/guitarist Pancho Ireland (MERCILESS LAW), but in early 2026 they announced the arrival of singer and guitarist Nicolas Peter (TYRAN, INVICTUS) and drummer Edmond Kulcsár (GIFT OF GRAVE).
This sounds very good! Classic power metal just the way it was meant to be. Among the classic ingredients are soaring melodies, driving rhythms, and heroic storytelling. The energy is really high and should make you feel better if you have a bad day. Fans of bands like HELLOWEEN, GAMMA RAY, EDGUY and possibly HAMMERFALL should love this album.
We also have a couple of guest appearances on this album by Herbie Langhans (FIREWIND) and Alexandra Lioness (JENNER, FROZEN CROWN).
youtu.be/7WGm6LnXp0Y | prideandjoy.de | facebook.com/burningsunpower
THRASHERWOLF: Thrashitude
Thrasherwolf - Digital SingleLondon's THRASHERWOLF made their debut at Bloodstock Open Air on August 8, and they became so happy about it that they wrote a little song to celebrate that they were going to play there. It's a anthemic 4-minute stomper and a real crowd pleaser. I'm pretty sure that every fan of good old thrash metal will enjoy this song, so check it out at once.
THRASHERWOLF formed in 2019, and has released 2 albums so far. They are currently working on their third album, which could be very interesting to hear.
youtu.be/35vbXIA_hSY?si=4L8AddmNChDnED6l | facebook.com/thrasherwolftheband
NEVERFADE: Children Of Hurin
King2Music Records - Digital SingleNEVERFADE are a part of the self-described New Wave of Finnish Heavy Metal (NWOFHM) movement, aiming to revive the melodic, twin-guitar driven sound of 1980s heavy metal while giving it a contemporary production and energy. The band was formed in 2022 by former CRIMSON DAY members Jesse Liukkonen, Lassi Landström and Jesse Kämäräinen in Tampere. Since then they have released their debut album, "Thieves In The Night", in the end of January 2025.
Now they return with the new single "Children Of Hurin", which is a really good song in the good old tradition. It makes you thirsty for more, so you should absolutely give this a try.
I look forward to hear some more with this band.
king2music.com
NEKRODAWN: Covenant Of Carnage
War Anthem Records on Aug. 21 - CD, LP, DigitalFrom the Swedish death metal undeground comes NEKRODAWN with a new album, a band featuring members with pedigrees in GRAVE, CENTINEX, INTERMENT, The CROWN, and HYPOCRISY. They take us through darkness, brutality and aggression, and are said to be heavier, darker, and even more relentless this time. This is raw, classic death metal with crushing riffs, thunderous drums, and savage vocal attacks. Not bad at all of course, and I really like what I hear. This is an album that you really should check out.
I don't have much else to add there..
war-anthem.de | facebook.com/Nekrodawn666
MOB RULES: Stories From The Verdant Vale
Reigning Phoenix Music on Aug. 21 - LP, DigitalThis is a vinyl release that expands on their 10th studio album "Rise Of The Ruler" (2025). Originally exclusive to the 2-CD earbook, this edition features 5 brand-new tracks written specifically for this release, offering a fresh, direct sound while staying true to the band's signature style. The B-side showcases classic-era songs from 1999–2000, including collaborations with Udo Dirkschneider, Amanda Somerville, Chity Somapala, and Bernhard Weiß - previously unavailable on vinyl.
We talk pretty classic heavy/power metal here. And every fan of that should check this out of course, because this is really good stuff. Not a bad song on the whole album actually. And I don't really know what else I should say..
facebook.com/mobrulesband | reigningphoenixmusic.com/all-artists/roar-artists
LALU: A Mythmaker's Demise
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, DigitalLALU is a progressive rock band from France, who celebrates their 20th anniversary, they say (it seems like the first album was released in 2005 though, so it's actually 21 years then). On this album band leader Vivien Lalu reunites with vocalist Martin LeMar (NACHTGESCHREI, MEKONG DELTA), whose voice first defined the project. Also making a return is drum legend Simon Phillips (ex-TOTO, PROTOCOL), the very first drummer to record the earliest LALU track, "Paint The Sky". Vivien also teams up once again with longtime partner Joop Wolters on guitars and bass. And just if that wasn't enough, we also get a guest appearance from keyboard virtuoso Jens Johansson (STRATOVARIUS, Yngwie Malmsteen), who delivers explosive solos across 3 tracks.
Most of these progressive bands might think that they are doing something unique, yet many of them sounds more or less the same to me. And this band is no exception. But they seems to be very good at what they are doing anyway, and sometimes they even succeed to have something that is a little more interesting to listen to, so it's absolutely not hopeless. But you should not listen too much to what I say about this, because I think that fans of progressive rock will like this very much.
youtu.be/kwa1LKIeL6Q | ffm.bio/lalu-amythmakersdemise | facebook.com/vivlalu | frontiers.it
ICONIC: II
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, LP, Digital
Marco Mendoza
Hard rock supergroup ICONIC - featuring Michael Sweet (guitars), Joel Hoekstra (guitars), Marco Mendoza (bass), Tommy Aldridge (drums), and Nathan James (vocals) - return with their second album, which is said to be more powerful and more direct than the debut. It's clearer, heavier, and a more confident sonic identity. Get ready for soaring melodies, blazing solos, and muscular riffs - A modern and powerful hard rock album in the old tradition, you could say.
Well, it sounds damn good anyway, as they have many good songs here. So you should of course give this a chance. And with all the experience that these veterans have, it also sounds very professional.
youtu.be/oX34mdcrtkk | ffm.bio/iconic-ii | facebook.com/IconicRnR | frontiers.it
DOGHOUSE ROSE: Born To Break Even
Stomp Records - LP, DigitalToronto's DOGHOUSE ROSE blends late 90s skate punk energy with power pop hooks, towering harmonies, and memorable choruses. It's often catchy and melodic, and the singer sounds like a young Gwen Stefani (NO DOUBT). But there's at least 1 faster and harder track here, "Hollywood".
The band have been around for over 10 years now, so this is not their first record. They mix energy, melody, and humour with themes like grief, anger, depression, frustration, self-reflection, and resilience. And they really know how to write great songs that people will remember, no doubt about that, because some songs will surely get stuck in your head.
With these 10 tracks they have made a great album, that I think every fan of melodic punk rock should check out at once.
orcd.co/borntobreakeven | stomprecords.com/bands/doghouse-rose | doghouserose.com
The SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHTS: Rotten In The Brain
Hovercraft Records - 12" EP, DigitalThis is the debut EP from The SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHTS, which is a band from Astoria, Oregon, USA. The band is made up of old punks with roots in CBGB-era hardcore, Austin's underground, and the Pacific Northwest DIY scene. What they play is not hardcore though, but a mix of punk, post-punk, country twang, and bar room grit. It sounds very American. Inspiration seems to come from acts like X, The MINUTEMEN, Pere Ubu, The GUN CLUB, and WIRE, if that gives you an idea of what this band might sound like?
It might not always be so interesting, but with a song like "Melt Melt" they have something good. And I guess that with some more catchy up-tempo songs like that, this could have been a little better. It works though.
This quartet also performs together as Astoria punk outfit BETA VOIDS, swapping instruments here to explore a broader palette of influences. This project was originally intended to become a 29-song LP. But those plans changed abruptly when vocalist/guitarist Mike Vasquez was seriously injured in a highway accident midway through the process. During recovery, the band shifted course, deciding that the first 9 completed songs would stand on their own as a debut release. Probably a very good idea, as 29 tracks would have been way too much.
somethingaintrights.bandcamp.com/album/rotten....
ABYSSAL RIFT: Relics Of Great Ash
Transcending Obscurity Records on Aug. 14 - LP, CD, DigitalDeath/doom metal is what we get from this band. It's heavy of course, but I would say that it's also technical. Even though the songs are not that long (4:50-8 minutes), they have managed to create eventful songs. The music often builds up in intensity until it reaches a crescendo, to be followed by a filthy, chugging part, a ripping solo, or a transcendental or industrial-tinged atmospheric passage. So I guess we could almost call this progressive.
If you like it heavy and extreme, but also a bit adventurous and sometimes on the border to chaotic, then I guess this could be something for you.
abyssalrift-label.bandcamp.com/album/relics.... | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com
RAUNCHY: Prisoner
Mighty Music on Aug. 14 - 2LP, CD, DigitalThis is RAUNCHY's 7th studio album, and it's said to be the Danish genre-blenders most cinematic offer yet. The synths are bigger, the hooks are sharper, and the heavy parts are heavier. It's the sound of a band pushing itself beyond its limits.
This is mainly hard and heavy, but also melodic. And it's a wild mix of different genres, like extreme metal, industrial metal, metalcore and electronic metal for example. It sounds modern and progressive to me. They have found their own sound anyway, no doubt about that. And that sound is actually not so bad, so there's not much to complain about here.
This is their first new album in 12 years.
instagram.com/raunchyofficial | mightymusic.dk
IRONFLAME: Worlds To Conquer
High Roller Records on Aug. 14 - CD, LPThis band was originally formed in 2016 by the Ohio-based multi-instrumentalist Andrew Della Caga. He has been active in more than half a dozen bands, among them BRIMSTONE COVEN and ICARUS WITCH, just to name a few of them all. His main priority, however, is his own project IRONFLAME, for which he writes the music, lyrics, handles all the instruments and sings. 5 full-length records has been released so far, and now he's ready to release another album.
The music is traditional heavy metal, and it sounds both good and professional. There's not much to complain about when it comes to these 8 compositions. He has simply succeeded to make a great album, and you should really check it out.
It's not exactly the same, but I think fans of bands like IRON MAIDEN, DIO, and similar should be interested in this.
hrrecords.de | facebook.com/IronflameUSA
CITY OF LIGHTS: City Of Lights
Pride & Joy Music - Digital SingleMelodic rock project CITY OF LIGHTS will release their sophomore album, "City Of Lights", on October 23, and the title track has been released as a single from the album.
The band formed in 2018 when British songwriter/rhythm guitarist Neil Austin reached out to Greek vocalist Manos Fatsis to see if he would be interested in singing on some demos. The chemistry was right and Austin decided he needed a stellar rhythm section to really do the songs justice. So he messaged the rhythm section of his favourite band, Swedish modern melodic rockers DEGREED. After playing on a number of songs on this first album, Austin's long-time friend, British guitarist Nathan Doyle officially joined as lead guitarist, completing the lineup.
This is a good song in the old 80s tradition, with a really good chorus. So it sounds promising for the new album. There's not that much to say, but you should absolutely give this a try anyway.
youtu.be/AAX8q_mIyRQ | facebook.com/cityoflightsbanduk | prideandjoy.de
RISE FROM YOUR GRAVE: Nevermore
Rise From Your Grave - Digital SinglePittsburgh, Pennsylvania horror punks RISE FROM YOUR GRAVE deliver the second single from their upcoming 7th album, "Choose Your Scare", set for release on September 18. It's as usual fueled by a love of horror, heavy metal, and old-school punk attitude. So what we get is a energetic anthem packed with sinister storytelling, crushing riffs, and a wicked sense of humor. The vocals is melodic, and it's a very good song that they have made, so this is absolutely worth listening to.
distrokid.com/hyperfollow/risefrom.... | risefromyourgrave.bandcamp.com
PlusMinusZero: Touch
Downfall Records - Digital SingleFinnish melodic hard rock/metal band PlusMinusZero gives us another single. Their first single, "Wasted", was released in June, and with this latest single they continues to introduce us to their melodic sound, which is built on classic metal influences, memorable songwriting, and decades of musical experience. It sounds modern, and the verse is pretty laidback and melodic, while the chorus is of the big kind. A not so bad song that could be worth a try.
downfallrecords.bandcamp.com/album/touch | downfallrecords.com | instagram.com/plusminuszeromusic
FROLIC: Legacies Of Cybernetica
Hectic Records - LP, CD, MC, DigitalOn their sophomore album, Bay Area thrash metallers FROLIC blend razor-sharp musicianship with futuristic themes that redefine the Bay Area sound. Fans of bands like KREATOR, EXODUS, REVOCATION and The BLACK DAHLIA MURDER should be very interested in what this band are doing. It's explosive and impressive with blistering riffs, soaring twin guitar leads, intricate rhythm changes, and high-energy performances.
These guys mix the intensity of German thrash with the technical precision and sci-fi atmosphere of the Bay Area scene. It sounds both old school and modern at the same time, and they have made a damn good album that every fan of thrash must check out.
facebook.com/FrolicxThrash | hectic.com
BUZZED & LOADED: Mediaction Nation
Bootstrap Records on Aug. 12 - Album"Medication Nation" is the third album from this rock n roll band. And what they deliver is classic arena rock mixed with unfiltered rock n roll. They describe it as rock riffs and big choruses mixed with their signature blend of humor and attitude. The energy is said to be high and the guitars loud, still nothing sticks. I don't really know what's missing here, but it's probably just as simple as that their songs are not interesting enough for me, and therfor too weak. It just goes in and out without any deeper meaning.
buzzedandloaded.com
MEGASCAVENGER: Toxic Noxious Undeath
Xtreem Music on Aug. 13 - CD, LP, MC, DigitalMEGASCAVENGER return with the first album in 6 years. It's one of Rogga Johansson's hundred bands, so I guess it's not so hard to figure out what you're going to get. Yes exactly, old and rotten death metal the way it was meant to be from the beginning.
The album features an incredible array of guest vocalists, a different one for every track, gathered together from MASSACRE, CREMATORY, VOMITORY, MERCYLESS, BENEDICTION, THORIUM, MACERATION, FONDLECORPSE, AVULSED, and VOID MOON. This gives each song its individual character and atmosphere, but without sounding like a mix tape or an old compilation album. Everything here is of top class, and it doesn't really sound like a thousand other old school bands. But then it's hardly any young kids but veterans that we have here, so they should know how to do it. This is simply an album that you just have to get if you like your death metal the good old way.
facebook.com/megascavenger | xtreemmusic.com
MY MINDS MINE: Between Soothing Consolation And Uncontrollable Madness (reissue) / Scene Of The Complete Annihilation Of This Planet (reissue)
Selfmadegod Records on Aug 14. - CD / CDThis band really seems to like long titles of their albums.
MY MINDS MINE is a grindcore band from The Netherlands. "Between Soothing Consolation And Uncontrollable Madness" is their first full-length album, which was originally released in 1998. It features 15 fast and intense tracks, that are from 5 seconds to 2 minutes. To me it sounds like there's influences of both crust punk and metal here. It might sound chaotic to some, but for those who know this stuff, it should be of interest, becuase it's actually not so bad at all. Some songs are even really good.
"Scene Of The Complete Annihilation Of This Planet" is their second full-length album, and it was originally released in 2002. Here we get as much as 24 tracks, and the songs are from 26 seconds to 4:39 minutes (but that 4:39-track is mainly silence before a last attack). This album is a natural follow-up to the first album, so there's not much to add. But o.k., the first album might have been just a little bit better.
facebook.com/mymindsmine | selfmadegod.com
F.A.M.: Pleasure Of Torture
Selfmadegod Records on Aug. 7 - CDPolish band F.A.M. introduces a new lineup with this album. And what they deliver is a mix of brutal death metal and grindcore. There's a uncompromising aggression and a brutal intensity of devastating riffs, relentless blast beats, and a morbid atmosphere. I would not recomend this for people with a weak heart. But those who are strong enough will probably have a good time.
It goes really fast, and I would say that the vocals is typical grind vocals (think a pig house). They seems to be very skilled musicians, so it's tight and powerful.
The band formed in 2005.
facebook.com/FAMdeathgrind | selfmadegod.com
DEFENDER: Follow The Flame
Metalapolis Records - Digital SingleEvery time I see the name of this German band, I think of the MANOWAR song "Defender".
Anyway.. This German "new wave of traditional heavy metal" band gives us the first taste of their second album, "Titans Of Fire", which will be released on November 6. And what we get is simply an old school heavy metal anthem built on driving riffs, twin-guitar pyrotechnics, and drums that hit like a hammer to the chest. And the chorus is made for raised fists and packed floors.
If you don't check this out, then you're probably stupid.
youtu.be/q0XBAq0Xp3Q?si=-V-C0cRDnGLEEp-F | defender-metal.de | metalapolis.eu
DIAMOND RAIN: I Need Love
Pride & Joy Music - Digital SingleWhile the first single was a melodic hard rock anthem, this second single sounds more like a pop song from the 80s. I'm actually a little dissapointed, as I really liked the last single. Not that this is total crap, it's a pretty o.k. song anyway, but I want more of that melodic hard rock instead.
This song and the first single are both taken from the band's upcoming debut album, "Chapter One", which will be released on October 23.
youtu.be/UjzdhDQqhIY | prideandjoy.de
EDGELAND: The Rat King
King2Music Records - Digital SingleEDGELAND is a melodic hard rock band from Sweden. They are said to blend classic riffs, nordic melancholy, and powerful energy, and are influenced by bands like METALLICA, MEGADETH, IRON MAIDEN, and many others. Strong melodies, heavy guitars, and storytelling lyrics is the main ingredients.
It seems like this trio has played together for decades, and that can be heard. Their music is actually on the border to heavy metal, so to just call it melodic hard rock might not be correct. It sounds pretty good anyway, so maybe you should give them a try? Yeah, do that, because I don't have much else to say (or write).
king2music.com
LEGACY OF SOULS: Heaven In My Eyes
King2Music Records - Digital SingleI guess you could call LEAGCY OF SOULS a supergroup, as we can find people like guitarist David Shankle (MANOWAR) and bassist Magnus Rosén (HAMMERFALL) in the lineup, as well as vocalist Anton Darusso. Anyway, what we have here is their debut single, where we get some classic heavy metal with a contemporary sound, you could say. This is a heavy song with harsh verses and a melodic chorus. It sounds pretty good, but not much else actually.
king2music.com
ISSA: The Call Of Love
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - Digital SingleThis song was actually much better than I expected, which was a nice surprise. Instead of kind AOR, we get a melodic hard rock song in the 80s tradition. It's said to be the heaviest track on the upcoming album, "Fire And Ice" (out on August 28), so maybe I should not be too hopeful that there will be more songs like this. But that doesn't really mean that the new album will suck, it can still be good anyway. Well, that remains to be heard..
ISSA is led by Norwegian vocalist Isabell Øversveen.
youtube.com/watch?v=kI7yHCuptXw | frontiers.it
TRIOSPHERE: Shorelines
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - Digital SingleTRIOSPHERE is a Norwegian heavy metal band, and this song is taken from the upcoming studio album "Oceans Above, Stars Below", which will arrive on August 28. While they were working on the new album, this song had the working title "The Happy Song", simply because they saw it as a happy, feel good song.
Even if they are said to be a heavy metal band, their music actually moves in-between hard rock, power prog and thrash metal. This song on the other hand is probably best described as melodic heavy metal. It's a very strong song, and it sounds very promising for the new album. You should definitely give this a try.
The band released their debut album 20 years ago.
youtube.com/watch?v=cCpNTQ4_dEc | frontiers.it
TESLA: Homage
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - 2LP, CD, DigitalAmerican veterans TESLA have made a covers album. But there is actually 1 new original song as well, "Never Alone".
With this album they return to their roots with a collection of covers honoring some of rock's most timeless hits, they say (fact is that they began as a cover band more than 40 years ago). But I don't think that every song here have been a big hit song, as there's some that I can't even remember that I have heard before. Most of these songs sounds good though, and that's the most important thing. And with a wide range of different artists that they cover - everything from Elvis Presley, James Brown, Sam Cooke and Bob Seger to QUEEN, CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL, SUPERTRAMP and LYNYRD SKYNYRD - the album also provides an opportunity to showcase lead singer Jeff Keith's vocal diversity. This was made to pay homage to some of the greatest vocalists of all time, but it's also a selection of songs the band grew up hearing on the radio and on their turntables.
Well, this is good stuff, so it's absolutely worth listening to.
youtu.be/WxYuG9Yr6oQ | ffm.bio/tesla-homage | teslatheband.com | frontiers.it
ZAN/CODY: Beautiful 'N Damned
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, LP, DigitalThat former SHOTGUN MESSIAH members Zinny Zan (ex-EASY ACTION) and Harry Cody has reunited for a new album together might be big news for some people. But it might actually sound more exiting than it really is, because what do we really get? Sure, they have some good songs here, but there's also some boring tracks, which is not so good. I would not say that anything is useless though (but it took a few listenings to figure that out).
Among the better songs are "I Am The Shit" and "Ride Or Die". After that comes a couple of weaker tracks. But with "Damn" they are on the right track again. Unfortunately there's another couple of weaker songs after that, before they end the whole album with "Tear It All Down", which is a not so bad track.
On this album they try to revives the classic SHOTGUN MESSIAH sleaze vibe, but with new energy, attitude and a modern punch. But it's a diverse album with many ups and downs.
youtu.be/q07DkosDZNU | ffm.bio/zancody-beautifulndamned | facebook.com/profile.php?id=615.... | frontiers.it
v/a - A Tribute To METALLICA
Antichrist Magazine on Aug. 7 - Digital Album17 bands from 14 different countries around the world deliver songs from METALLICA's whole career. It might not always be the best versions, but they are at least doing their own thing with these songs, and it's never really bad anyway. Covering METALLICA might not be the easiest thing you can do, as many of their songs are pretty technical and progressive. But these bands have no problem with that, as they seems to be skilled enough to play the song that they have choosen. They add their own sound and production, and sometimes they also put their own twist on the song.
I'm among the people who like the early material best, so I prefer those songs of course. Interesting to hear 1 or 2 times.
This compilation will be available on Bandcamp and YouTube.
antichrist-magazine.bandcamp.com
Marc Amacher: Overdrive
Hoboville Records on Aug. 7 - CD, LP, DigitalIt's often a bluesy kind of rock that we get here, sometimes somewhere between CINDERELLA and AEROSMITH I would say. In 1 song we suddenly get a nice MOTÖRHEAD drive that I like, while another track sounds more funky. So it's absolutely a varied material. The vocals is raw and unpolished, which is cool.
This is not supposed to be a retro blues album, but you could say that it's a mix of earthly blues and modern rock. The sound is dirty and the music is full of energy, but there's softer moments too. Good stuff.
Marc Amacher is a Swizz blues musician. He has been on the road for over 2 decades, and has shared the stage with legends like Eric Clapton, Billy F. Gibbons (ZZ TOP), Robbie Williams, and The HossBoss. His last album, "Load" (2025), reached number 1 in the Swizz album charts.
hoboville.de
TEMPLE OF DREAD: Dreadspawn Dominion
Testimony Records on Aug. 7 - CD, LP, DigitalWhen you hear the first track, a intro, you can easily start to think "What kind of shit is this going to be?". But don't let that fool you, because when they put the pedal to the metal in the second track, then they are suddenly on the right way.
Old school death metal is what we get from this band, and how could that go wrong? Especially when it's done this good. But o.k., they also add some cinematic and more dark and heavy elements here. It still works damn good though, so don't be afraid, because these guys show us all how it's supposed to be done, and it sounds very experienced.
TEMPLE OF DREAD were founded on the island of Spiekeroog in 2017. Since the last album, "God Of The Godless" (2024), they have added the second guitarist Daniel Maurer and bass player Andi Bauer to the lineup.
spkr.store/collections/temple-of-dread | facebook.com/testimonyrecords | facebook.com/TempleofDread
WORMWOOD: Å
Black Lodge Records on Aug. 7 - MCD, 12" EP, DigitalSwedish metal band WORMWOOD return with a new 2-track EP. They have since 2014 developed a sound that is as unmistakable as it is atmospheric, with a characteristic fusion of extreme metal, Scandinavian melancholy, folk influences, and cinematic storytelling. Their music effortlessly shifts between grand, epic scope and brutally grounded intensity. They have previously released 4 full-length albums, 1 EP and a live release.
With this EP they continue their development, and we get all the ingredients that we can expect. But I would say that it's mainly a mix of black metal, atmospheric moments and elements of folk music that we get here. The first track, "Yra Extas", is 8:44 minutes long, while the second song, "Purposeless Geometry", is 7:12 minutes long. And a lot happens during that time, so it never gets monotonous and boring. It's a little like a extreme metal adventure.
orcd.co/blod197 | blacklodge.se/ar3tists/wormwood
SMOKING SNAKES: All Lights On
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - LP, CD, DigitalThis is smoking hot. This band really rocks! It's catchy and energetic, like a mix of Swedish bands like HARDCORE SUPERSTAR, GLORIOUS BANKROBBERS, and possibly CRAZY LIXX. So we talk about sleaze metal with attitude and lots of energy.
SMOKING SNAKES hailing from Gothenburg, Sweden, which might be more well-known for melodic death metal. But there's so much more from that city. They are inspired by the arena rock bands of the 1980s, but through the years their sound has evolved beyond those roots. They have now found their own sound, which is a mix of attitude, melody and raw energy.
On this album we get a confident and mature band with full control over what they do. This is of course a must for every fan of sleaze metal, but I also think that some action rockers could like this.
ffm.bio/smokingsnakes-alllightson | facebook.com/smokingsnakesofsweden | frontiers.it
PRIDE OF LIONS: Unbridled
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, DigitalPRIDE OF LIONS is led by vocalists Jim Peterik (also keyboards and second guitar) and Toby Hitchcock, and this is their 8th studio album. The music that we get is AOR, so it's very melodic and kind music. Maybe a little too kind actually? The sound is both classic and contemporary at the same time, you could say. So I guess that fans of stuff like TOTO, CHICAGO etc. will like this a lot.
They are not really doing anything wrong, experienced as they are, so it's probably just me who think it's too soft.
ffm.bio/prideoflions-unbridled | facebook.com/PrideOfLionsBand | frontiers.it
D-A-D at Liseberg
Concert at Liseberg in Göteborg, Sweden on July 31, 2026Almost a month after watching SAXON at the amusement park Liseberg, I went back to see Danish rock veterans D-A-D on the same stage. It was almost 10 years since I saw them last time, on the same stage actually. And to my surprise there seemed to be even more people than it was at SAXON.
For some reason they entered the stage 9 minutes too late, but they really delivered a good show with some entertainment - including fire, a drum set that was lift up once in a while, and all the bassist's different bass guitars that he has built (I didn't take photos of them all). A very good live act with many really good songs. I don't really know what else I should say..
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