REVIEWS JULY 2026
«June | Index | August»NUNSLAUGHTER: Satanic Chaos Legions
BLKIIBLK - LP, CD, MC, DigitalCleveland's NUNSLAUGHTER deliver a fistful of hate straight in your ugly face. It's fast and intense, but they do it with style, so it's still music and never too much. Which was actually a surprise to me, as I for some reason always thought that this was a noisecore or grindcore band. But it seems like they play death metal, which is much more interesting and much better. And as I hate a little too much, this kind of music fits me perfect.
The band have now signed with BLKIIBLK, and this is their first album on that label. But NUNSLAUGHTER have been active since 1987, so they are veterans with about a hundred releases through the years.
If you like brutal death metal, then this is something that you should listen to.
ffm.bio/nunslaughter-satanicchaoslegionsalbum | facebook.com/NUNSLAUGHTER
SAEKO: Back To Life
Saeko on July 22 - EPSaeko Kitamae is the leader of this heavy metal/power metal group. On this EP she has been working alongside an established international lineup, featuring Guido Benedetti (TRICK OR TREAT) - guitars, Alessandro Sala (RHAPSODY OF FIRE) - bass, and Michael Ehré (METALIUM, GAMMA RAY, The UNITY) - drums.
This is a project that looks both backward and forward, reconnecting with the roots of her songwriting while redefining its sound through a modern lens. She's blending Japanese metal with global influences. This EP focuses on revisiting compositions written across different stages of her life, including songs that predate her official debut.
What we get is 5 tracks of pure heavy metal in the old tradition. It's energetic and powerful. The songs are really good, and reminds me most of all of European and Japanese metal. You should absolutely check this out!
saekometal.info
STORMHAMMER: Wrath Of The Hammer
ROAR on July 17 - LP, CD, DigitalGerman band STORMHAMMER combine traditional heavy metal intensity with melodic power metal energy and epic songwriting. They are known for delivering strong riffs, soaring vocals and atmospheric compositions that reflect the spirit of classic heavy metal while embracing modern influences. Throughout their career, they have continuously evolved their sound while remaining true to their roots. But it's mainly a blend of aggressive guitar work, melodic leads and powerful rhythms with storytelling lyrics inspired by personal experiences, fantasy themes and the timeless spirit of heavy metal.
This new album expands their musical palette a little, and we can even hear some thrash-driven riffs, among other things. It sounds extremely good, so this should be a must for every fan of heavy and power metal.
stormhammer.de | reigningphoenixmusic.com/all-artists/roar-artists
MASTERPLAN: Metalmorphosis
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, 2LP, DigitalGerman power metallers MASTERPLAN has returned with a new studio album. The band was formed in 2001 by guitarist Roland Grapow and drummer Uli Kusch, following their exit from HELLOWEEN. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2003. After a prolonged hiatus from studio releases, they have now signed with Frontiers Music s.r.l., and this new album, "Metalmorphosis", was released in late June.
Their sound balance between classic power metal energy and progressive elements. This is topped with powerful and melodic vocals, plus strong choruses. But this album is also said to have a heavier, more aggressive edge.
With decades of experience, they show us all how it's supposed to be done. It sounds very professional and the songs are really good. No fan of power metal should be dissapointed when they hear this.
youtu.be/nlb0yZIXvgs | ffm.bio/metalmorphosis | master-plan.net | frontiers.it
The SECRECY: Pins And Needles
Disorder Recordings on July 17 - LP, CD, DigitalFrom the Indianapolis underground scene comes the post-punk quartet The SECRECY. The members also play with some other bands - like FLESHER, CHROME WAVES, BRINGERS OF DISEASE, ISOLATION DRILLS, EN DIVE, and more.. After a few singles, they now deliver their debut album.
Blending shadow-drenched atmosphere and driving, rhythmic urgency, the band bridges the stark emotionality of classic goth rock with a modern, cinematic edge. To me they almost sounds like a synth band from the 80s. But just almost, as this is more guitar-driven. It's dark and atmospheric anyway. The record moves fluidly from icy minimalism to towering crescendos.
Although this is pretty laidback (compared to most other stuff I listen to), this is actually not bad at all. So if you want something more melancholy, then you should give this a try.
thesecrecy.bandcamp.com | disorder-recordings.com
FIMBUL WINTER: When The Sun Comes Out At Night
Fimbul Winter - Digital SingleFIMBUL WINTER - the Swedish band formed by 3 previous members of AMON AMARTH, and completed with Clint Williams on vocals - gives us another single. This time they are joined by guest vocalist Johan Lindstrand (The CROWN), and it sounds good as usual. It's heavy, melodic and atmospheric, but also a little aggressive and intense. Fans of early AMON AMARTH should love this, because it sounds a little like that, even if they also put their own twist to the sound. I really like it anyway.
The band released their debut EP, "What Once Was", in 2025. It's also worth checking out. Now we are just waiting for a new EP, or maybe an album?
fimbulwinterswe.bandcamp.com
DEEP PURPLE: SPLAT!
earMUSIC - CD, 2LP, MC, Box Set, DigitalThis is the 24th studio album from the legendary DEEP PURPLE. And what we get might not be such a big surprise, as it's still classic hard rock that they deliver. But what always surprise me when they release a new album nowadys, is that it's still really good. You would think that these old men should be tired, but it sounds surprisingly vital. This is hardly a band that plan to retire anytime soon. They will just continue to play until they can't anymore. But when it's this good, I have no problem with that.
These songs sounds a little like what they did in the early 1970s mixed with what they did after the reunion in 1984. In other words a classic sound, but recorded with today's technology. Absolutely worth listening to.
deeppurple.com
DECIMATOR: The Gap
Wormholedeath Records - Digital SingleThrash metallers DECIMATOR hailing from Sydney, Australia. The band formed in January 2021 with a shared obsession of old school thrash and uncompromising heavy metal. They have so far released 1 album, 1 EP and some singles.
Their latest single, "The Gap", is the first taste of a forthcoming album, and it also marks the debut of the band's new lineup. This song might not sound so old school as I expected, but it sounds good anyway, so I hardly complain. It's not so fast, but yet powerful, and it last for a little bit more than 6 and a half minutes.
I don't really know how to describe it better than that, so you should listen for yourself, because as I said, it's good.
orcd.co/thegapsingle | facebook.com/DecimatorBandAustralia | wormholedeath.com
CODE RED: Incendiary (reissue)
Pride & Joy Music on July 17 - CD, DigitalEven if they call themselves CODE RED, they are actually not that dangerous. This Swedish band play very kind music, AOR/melodic rock.
The project was led by songwriter and singer Ulrick Lönnqvist (SAHARA) and guitarist Morgan Jensen (SWEDISH EROTICA). "Incendiary" is their only album, and it was originally released via AOR Heaven in 2017. It's said that the album is now a genre classic of the 2010s, and has since become a sought-after rarity. But now it will be re-released through Pride & Joy Music, and this version also includes 3 bonus tracks. The CD is only available in 300 copies via shop.prideandjoy.de
Well, these guys seems to do everything right, so you have something to look forward to if you like more melodic stuff. It sounds like they mix the classic AOR with a modern sound, and in this case it works very good. They simply have many great songs here.
youtu.be/tjzSatRPrBM | shop.prideandjoy.de
CARBON TOMB: Passage To A Neutron Star
Transcending Obscurity Records on July 17 - CD, DigitalCARBON TOMB are a new band with experienced members from Danish death metal bands like DYSGNOSTIC etc. Now they deliver their debut album, where they play dissonant death metal that is structured and varied. They have a raw energy, but at the same time they also have a more expressive range than most other bands in this style, and they even infuse black metal elements in some of the songs.
It's a brutal album, but they also have these slower parts here and there, so it's obviously not just full speed ahead.
carbontomb-label.bandcamp.com/album/passage.... | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com
HÄ/DA: Workingman's Blues
Inverse Records - Digital SingleFinnish hard rock duo HÄ/DA return with a new single, and it's the first taste of a full-length album that will be released in the fall. As usual the music walks in the footsteps of AC/DC, so we talk about high-energy rock here. The vocals is not like AC/DC though, but more catchy and flexible you could say. It's a catchy and good song, and it rocks. This sounds very promising for the upcoming album.
push.fm/fl/hada-workingmansblues | facebook.com/hadabandofficial | inverse.fi
S.P.I.T: Fatal Flaw
S.P.I.T - Digital SingleHere's another single from Finnish hard rockers S.P.I.T. It's the third taste of the band's upcoming EP, "Modern Messiah", and it's said to be their heaviest song yet. They blend a crushing PANTERA-style groove with wistful and melancholic melodies, and it becomes a heavy hard rock/metal monster. Not bad at all, and it's not impossible that fans of PANTERA and alternative hard rock and metal from the 90s could like this.
linktr.ee/s.p.i.t
v/a - A Tribute To Ozzy Osbourne
Antichrist Magazine - Digital AlbumThis tribute begins with 2 songs that I wasn't really familiar with, but then I have not heard the last albums with Ozzy. After that it's mainly classics, but not just. It's only solo songs and no BLACK SABBATH songs, and these bands do their own thing witn these songs, and most of them are harder and heavier, more metal you could say. It's honestly not always the best versions that I have heard, and sometimes some questionable song choices (mainly because I'm not familiar with all songs here). But there is actually some good stuff here too, so maybe you should give it a try anyway.
There's 26 artists from different countries around the world on this compilation, and the sound quality vary more than on an old punk compilation tape. All are underground acts.
antichrist-magazine.bandcamp.com/album/ozzy-tribute
MATTADOR: III
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, DigitalMATTADOR is a veteran melodic hard rock band from Puerto Rico, originally active from 1988 to 1995. They reunited in 2022.
This band are said to blend hard rock and Latin influences, and there's also some classic rock and progressive rock. But most of all it sounds like melodic hard rock to me, so I can't say that I hear that much of those other ingredients. On this album we get everything from soaring power ballads to riff-heavy anthems and high-octane rockers. They combine the old with a modern sound, and there's many good songs here, so I can really recomend you to give them a try.
What else I should write about this is unknown..
ffm.bio/mattador_iii | facebook.com/Mattadorpr | frontiers.it
Nascar Aloe: Audio Shrapnel
Epitaph Records - Digital SingleL.A.-based Cambodian/American artist Nascar Aloe released his new album, "Audio Shrapnel" in late June. The title track has also been released as the focus single (as they call it). And this almost sounds dangerous actually. It's a violent and aggressive hybrid of punk, insubordinate rap, and speedcore that makes it sound industrial. It last for 2 minutes, and it's not impossible that fans of extreme industrial rock could like this.
I'm not so sure that I would like to hear a whole album with this, because that would probably be too much. 1 short song is o.k. though.
youtu.be/J0u6eYI_rOA | epitaph.com
RAT BOY: High Life
Hellcat Records/Epitaph Records - Digital SingleEssex, UK ska punks RAT BOY gives us a pretty straight punk rock anthem in good old RANCID style. And fact is that RANCID member Tim Armstrong play lead guitar on this song. It's pure energy, and I really like it. This is a must to check out!
Their new album, "CRASH!", was released digitally on June 26. It has as much as 18 tracks, and it was recorded in Suzi Quattro's garden. Could be interesting to hear..
youtu.be/BSo0cWKfa1c | epitaph.com
Royale Ann: Altar
Epitaph Records - Digital SingleRoyale Ann are said to play rock, but this song sounds mainly like a stupid modern pop song, so it was absolutely not something for me.
The songs seems to be co-written with Cody Quistad (WAGE WAR), and comes from her 2025 LP "Black Magic".
Not much else to add there as I didn't like it..
epitaph.com | royalelynnmusic.com
NINE POUND HAMMER: Too Outlaw For Outlaw Country
Reptilian Records on July 10 - 10" MLP, DigitalLong-running Kentucky cow punks NINE POUND HAMMER return with their first new release in several years. And this time it sounds like outlaw country. It's also loud and dirty, which gives it a twist of punk and attitude. This is raw and honest music without any filter. Simply good stuff.
We get 4 new songs and 2 covers - "Black Rose" by Billy Joe Shaver and "Lil' Ol' Wine Drinker Me" by Hank Mills and Dick Jennings (which has been recorded and performed by Dean Martin, Charlie Walker, Merle Haggard, Carl Smith, and many others).
A new LP will be released in 2027. But before that they will be touring both in U.S.A. and Europe.
facebook.com/ninepoundhammerband | reptilianrecords.com
DOGHOUSE ROSE: Born To Break Even
Stomp Records - Digital SingleDOGHOUSE ROSE is a band from Toronto, Canada. They blend 90s skate punk energy with power pop hooks and a healthy dose of heart. "Born To Break Even" is the title of an upcoming album, which will be released on July 31, and it's also the latest single.
This band gives us a fast and melodic punk rock song. A true anthem somewhere between NOFX, The MUFFS, BLONDIE and NO DOUBT. Which means that the music is mainly melodic punk rock, while the singer sounds like a young Gwen Steffani (NO DOUBT). And this sounds very promising for that new album, so I can really recomend you to give this a try or 5.
DOGHOUSE ROSE have spent more than a decade building their reputation one show at a time, so this is hardly a new band. This was the first time I have heard them though, but hopefully not the last.
orcd.co/borntobreak | stomprecords.com/bands/doghouse-rose | doghouserose.com
DIE ANSTALT: Kriegen
City Slang - Digital SingleDIE ANSTALT is a synth/post-punk trio from Berlin, Germany. Their self-titled debut album was released last year, and sold out almost immediately. So it will now be re-released through City Slang as a Deluxe LP in September. "Kriegen" is a song from that album.
The band formed in 2023, and their music is a blistering fusion of early EBM, synth-punk, and classic post-punk. Their sound channels the grit and tension of 1980s industrial subcultures while feeling unmistakably contemporary somehow. It most of all sounds very German (but then they also sing in German), but also dark and industrial (without being industrial rock then). Not bad at all.
(no link)
DIAMOND RAIN: Naked City
Pride & Joy Music - Digital SingleThis song is taken from DIAMOND RAIN's debut album, "Chapter One", out on October 23.
They have made a catchy melodic rock anthem in the 80s tradition, and it sounds really good and promising, so I can really recomend you to check it out.
DIAMOND RAIN seems to be an anonymous group, which is led by a figure called The High Priest. The band is said to draw inspiration from legends like BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, ROXETTE and KISS anyway. They want it to be a journey through melody, drama, power, and emotion. They blend elements of classic melodic rock, 70s arena swagger, and shimmering 80s hooks.
Well, very good stuff anyway, and I look forward to hear some more soon.
youtu.be/dXcwEX_PXV4?si=lyVYB1bLYhDwiMd6 | facebook.com/profile.php?id=10.... | shop.prideandjoy.de
DEATH PROTOCOL: Illusion Of Fate
Rottweiler Records - Digital SingleSouthern California thrashers DEATH PROTOCOL was formed by vocalist/lyricist David Priest and guitarist David Estrada. In early 2025 they signed with Rottweiler Records, and released their first single, "Times Change Truth Does Not". It was followed by another single, "Demonic Onslaught", in June the same year. A year later they finally released their third single, "Illusion Of Fate".
This is a hard and heavy song, and there's also some guest vocals from Sean Peck (CAGE, DEATH DEALER, The THREE TREMORS) and Luke Renno (CRIMSON THORN, MORTIFICATION) as an extra spice. This gives the song some extra powerful vocals and as much as 3 different vocalists.
When I look back at my reviews of the previous singles, I was not so impressed. Those songs were just o.k. and not much else. So is this song any better then? To my surprise I would actually say yes. I'm not really sure what it is, but for some reason this is much better than their previous songs. So this could of course be worth a try..
facebook.com/DeathProtocol | rottweilerrecords.com
SIGYN: From Nation To Chaos
Noble Demon on July 10 - Album"From Nation To Chaos" is the second full-length album from this Finnish melodic death metal band. They originally formed in 2008 in Helsinki, and take inspiration from the early 2000s metal scene in Finland. It's a powerful blend of heavy riffs, fast-paced aggression, and memorable melodies, occasionally enriched with symphonic elements and keyboard. There's both intensity and atmosphere, modern yet unmistakably classic melodic death metal. Hard and heavy, yet melodic you could say.
This sounds good, so if you're into melodic death metal, then you should give this a try.
sigynband.com | linktr.ee/nobledemon
RAVAGED BY THE YETI: Snowbound Horror
Testimony Records on July 10 - CD, LP, DigitalThis is the second album by death metallers RAVAGED BY THE YETI. And it's yet another band formed by Swedish musician Rogga Johansson (MASSACRE, PAGANIZER etc etc). He originally formed the group in 2020 together with guitarist and vocalist Jonny Pettersson, and drummer Jon Skäre. But after the release of their debut album, "Apex Predator" (2023), the original lineup fell apart.
Now the band return with a new lineup, which can be seen as a gathering of friends from both sides of the Atlantic. This time Rogga is joined by American metal musician Michael "Mike" Borders (MASSACRE), and British drummer Jon Rudin (MONSTROUS).
We talk about old school death metal here, with down-tuned massive riffs, uncanny grooves, a heavy sound and deep growls. I have absolutely heard worse than this in my life, because this sounds good enough for me anyway. But at the same time I have heard better too. This is worth a try anyway if you like your death metal the old way, no doubt about that.
spkr.store/collections/ravaged-by-the-yeti | facebook.com/testimonyrecords | facebook.com/RavagedbytheYeti
IRON SLAUGHT: Metallic Torments
Gates Of Hell Records on July 10 - CD, LP"Metallic Torments" is the second full-length album from French heavy/speed metal band IRON SLAUGHT. They formed in 2011, and it's now 11 years since their debut album was released, and 8 years since their split record with TENTATION (French metal band).
This new album is said to have a more extreme edge, and this is indeed a fine adrenaline rush in the old school, where they also blend in some elements of thrash, black and death metal. But there's also a couple of tracks that's more melodic.
The only thing I can complain about is that it takes a little too long before there's any vocals. But after that it works much better. And it's mainly a energetic and intense journey that we get, which is full of highlights. Most of the songs are in English, but 2 are in French.
facebook.com/gatesofhellrecords | ironslaught.bandcamp.com
DYSGNOSTIC: End Whispers
Transcending Obscurity Records on July 10 - LP, CD, DigitalDanish death metallers DYSGNOSTIC have made an album that's fast and intense, but also progressive and technical, which makes it a little extra extreme. No, this is not any easy-listening music, but an intense experience. They give us 9 tracks, and you have to be really into brutal stuff if you're going to like this. And if you're not, well then you might get a nervous breakdown or something. So let those who understand this listen to it.
But with that said, they seems to be very good at what they are doing.
dysgnostic.bandcamp.com/album/end-whispers | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com
NECROMONGER: Emanation Of The Dying Perceptions
Xtreem Music on July 9 - CD, LP, MC, DigitalHeavy brutality is probably a good way to describe this Bulgarian band's music.
The group was founded in 2021 by members of FECAL BODY INCORPORATED, COCKLUSH, and CONCRETE. The music they play is death/gore metal, which might not be something that I use to listen to. It's undiluted, uncompromising and bone crushing. At the same time it's also ominously heavy. Almost like a claustrophobic desperation that hangs over each song. Yet it's actually listenable.
As you might have guessed already, this is hardly an album for everyone. But if you like it heavy and brutal, then you could give this a try.
facebook.com/goredeathmadness | xtreemmusic.com
SINSID: All That Remains
Pitch Black Records on July 10 - LP, CD, DigitalSINSID is the brainchild of vocalist Terje Singh Sidhu, from the west coast of Norway. The band have been playing raw and powerful heavy metal for 14 years now, and "All That Remains" seems to be their 4th album.
This is hard and heavy, but also sharp and melodic. Some tracks are a little faster, while some are darker. We talk about classic 80s heavy metal here, which sometimes reminds me a little of W.A.S.P. And there's lots of great songs among these 11 tracks, so I hardly complain.
If you like good old heavy metal, then you should absolutely check this out.
pitchblackrecords.com | sinsid.nettside.cloud
SWEET: The Answer (reissue)
Metalville Records on July 10 - CD, LPThis album was originally released in 1992 as "A". But 3 years later a verison of the original album expanded with various bonus tracks was released as "The Answer". And it's the later version that is now being re-released.
On this album original member Andy Scott was joined by Mal McNulty (SLADE), Bodo Scopf (ELOY, MSG), Jeff Brown (WILDFIRE), and Steve Mann (MSG, LIONHEART). It's said that they managed to reinvent themselves without losing sight of their roots on this album. And I think that I can agree on that. It's mainly timeless hard rock with some metal influences now and then, and not that much of the classic glam rock from the 70s. You can still hear that it's SWEET though, and it sounds really good. And sure, there is a few weaker songs as usual, but this album is absolutely worth listening to.
"Am I Ever Going To See Your Face Again" sounds like classic STATUS QUO. "Crudley Mott" sounds very much like "Dr. Feelgood" by MÖTLEY CRÜE, but mixed with something else (MOTT THE HOOPLE maybe?).
metalville-shop.com | facebook.com/TheSweetOfficial
Second Class Kids Magazine #9
Second Class Kids Records - Magazine
So, this Swedish punk magazine has already come to the 9th issue. Not many small fanzines/magazines last that long, but for some reason Second Class Kids Magazine has survived. And that's good, because it's a very good magazine with long and deep interviews and not always the usual questions. You might think it gets a bit nerdy at times. But at the same time, I still think it's very interesting (unless it's about football, of course, or there's too much politics).
We get 3 interviews this time - GATANS LAG, MIMIKRY and MOB 47. The most interesting was the one with GATANS LAG, but the other 2 was very interesting too. We can also read a memorial text to Mårten Tolander (COCA CAROLA drummer and the record label Beat Butchers), who died last year. There's also reviews and reports etc. A must to read for every punk who knows Swedish.
As usual you get this for free when you order something from their distro. But you can of course buy just the magazine if you want to.
secondclasskids.com
MISTAKES WERE MADE: Corporate Punks
Mistakes Were Made - Digital EPMISTAKES WERE MADE is a skate punk band from Norrköping, Sweden. The music is energetic and melodic, just as it use to be in this genre. 3 tracks is what we get, and they might not do anything unique, but it doesn't sound so bad at all. So if you like skate punk from the 90s, then you should really check this out.
Even if the melodies are happy, the lyrics are said to be less happy - hangovers, the feeling that the world is spinning faster and faster, pretending to be in control and accepting defeat are the subjects.
And I don't really know what else I should say..
RecordU.lnk.to/Corporate_Punks | instagram.com/mistakesweremade.swe
VANDEN PLAS: AcCult II
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - LP, CD, DigitalWeird to begin an album with a "ballad" that last for 7:38 minutes. But this is a pretty soft and melodic album in general, yet it has many fine moments, as the songs after that is much better. VANDEN PLAS is obviously among the better bands when it comes to the genre progressive rock, there's no doubt about that. This is something that you really should check out.
"AcCult II" is the acoustic sequel to the 1996 landmark album "AcCult". And that's obviously the reason why this album is so laidback (usually this Germans play progressive metal). But that doesn't mean that they sit there with just acoustic guitars and sing, because this is a full band playing mainly unplugged (I don't think the keyboard is acoustic).
So what we get here is acoustic versions of some old songs, as well as 2 covers - "Nothing Else Matters" by METALLICA and "Boat On The River" by STYX. And John Helliwell of SUPERTRAMP makes a guest appearance on saxophone on the album's closing track, "You Fly".
ffm.bio/accultii | instagram.com/vanden.plas.official | frontiers.it
US: Everybody's Giving Up The Cabaret
Lördag - CD, LP, DigitalFinnish rock band US are said to mix garage rock, punk, and classic British rhythm n blues. But most of all it sounds like timeless rock. This is the second album from this Helsinki quartet, and they have some good songs here, but also some less interesting. I would still say that it works though. So if you like rock, maybe you should give it a try?
The band consists of 3 brothers and a friend, and they are said to be one of Finland's most promising export artists. They have been playing at Glastonbury for 4 consecutive years, and perform at Japan's Fuji Rock festival this summer for an exceptional third year in a row. I would guess that a club is a better place for this band though.
(no link)
SAXON and The POODLES at Liseberg
Concert at Liseberg in Göteborg, Sweden on July 3, 2026I missed most of The POODLES' performance as I succeeded to take the wrong tram, but I saw the last half or something at least. It's a Swedish band that's been around for 20 years now, and they play 80s hard rock. Not a band that I have been listening to, but it was not so bad anyway.
The singer must have changed clothes towards the end of the show, because I'm very sure that he had white clothes then, and not black as on my photos. Weird..
Last time I saw SAXON was in December 2015, so it was a while ago. But finally I went to see them again, and they didn't dissapoint me. They played many classics that I really like, but also some songs that wasn't familiar for me. Those songs was actually good too, but the old songs from the 80s was of course the best. They played for 1 and a half hour. Not bad for a singer who is something like 76 years old. This band can still deliver, no doubt about that.
saxon747.com
DRAKKAR: Invasion
Wormholedeath Records - Digital AlbumBelgian band DRAKKAR formed back in 1983, and their debut "X-Rated" was released in 1988. They were touring together with legends like QUEENSRŸCHE, METALLICA, OVERKILL, and SLAYER in the late 80s and 1990s. Not sure what happened after that, but in 2011 they were back again with a new lineup. A few more albums has been released since then, and now they enter a new chapter with Leni Andersen back on vocals and founding bassist Guy Duvy returning alongside Thomas Vanhorebeek, Nico RR, and Adrien Delgambe.
9 tracks is what we get here, and the music is energetic heavy/speed metal in the old school that will make you want to bang your head. It sounds very experienced, and there's nothing really bad here, so I would say that this could be worth checking out.
drakkarband.com | wormholedeath.com
VESSEL OF LIGHT: Vessel Of Light (reissue)
NoLifeTilMetal Records on July 3 - CD, LPDan Lorenzo (HADES, NON-FICTION, The CURSED) teamed up with Nathan Opposition (ANCIENT WISDOM), and the duo recorded their debut EP during the summer of 2017. If I get it right, that self-titled EP has now become a full-length album on CD and heavyweight Crystal Clear vinyl with 2-sided insert included with lyrics, photos and new liner notes from Dan. That means that this edition includes 4 bonus tracks.
The music that they play here is somewhere between doom metal and heavy alternative metal, which fans of DANZIG, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, ALICE IN CHAINS, BLACK SABBATH, ANCIENT WISDOM, and PATRIARCHS IN BLACK could like. I really like what I hear here anyway. It's dark and heavy, but also powerful. There's many good songs here, so I have nothing to complain about. You should really check this out.
VESSEL OF LIGHT went on to record some more albums. So if you like this, then there's more to discover.
youtube.com/watch?v=krSBSP_sA6A
Kai Hansen: Feeding The Beast
earMUSIC - Digital SingleHELLOWEEN and GAMMA RAY legend Kai Hansen (guitar/vocals) will release a new solo album, "Born With A Hammer", on September 18. This is the first taste from the album.
"Feeding The Beast" is driven by razor-sharp riffs, anthemic melodies and relentless energy. It begins slow, but becomes a powerful first taste that easily makes you hungry for more. Classic heavy metal with a modern production. This is really good and very promising for the new album. Check out now!
youtu.be/INNoCtCk3GQ
MARTYRS SAINT: From Strength To Strength
Martyrs Saint on July 3 - EPMARTYRS SAINT hailing from Bristol, UK. They play what is called crossover - a mix of the groove and attitude of hardcore and the energy and aggression of thrash metal. "From Strength To Strength" is their debut EP, which takes you into the mosh pit immediately. We get ingredients like muscular riffs and strong vocals with attitude, and they attack with everything they got. It's impossible to stop them. But why would you want to do that?
The first of these 4 tracks, which is the title track, is a heavy hardcore song and not so much thrash. But the second track, "Enemy Of My Enemy", is more like crossover. It's followed by "In Amber", which is 6:42 minutes long and a more epic song, where they show us all that they can do more than just play fast and heavy. And the last track is "The Divine Art Of War", which is a heavy thrash monster out to get you.
This is really good stuff, done by skilled musicians, so you should really check this out.
instagram.com/martyrssaint
DICHOTOMY: Lucifer Owns The Fence
Rottweiler Records on July 3 - Digital AlbumThis is a new solo project with Jordan Varela (LUST OF DECAY, SHURIKEN CADAVERIC ENTWINEMENT, ex-LIVIDITY). Here he goes back to the roots of death metal, and it sounds really brutal and honestly not so good. But I guess this debut album is hardly made to sound nice. The rhythms are wild, and the riffs twisting and turning. On top of that we have some really brutal growl. And if that sounds like something that you could like, then this is probably worth a try. I have definitely heard worse anyway.
dichotomyrr.bandcamp.com | rottweilerrecords.com «June | Index | August»
Everything made by Blom since 2001