HARD ROCK INFO

REVIEWS JUNE 2026

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SPREAD EAGLE: The Brutal Divine

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - LP, CD, Digital
"The Brutal Divine" is the 4th studio album from SPREAD EAGLE. And this is a energetic hard rock album that is full of uptempo songs. They share their raw energy with a street attitude, and I'm pretty sure that this is a explosive live band. It never gets too intense though, which is good.
This is a damn good album with many songs that should fit perfect when it's party time. 10 straight tracks and no crap. That's the way I like it.
Now it would have been nice if I had anything else to say, but I go for the good old "let the music do the talking" instead..
ffm.bio/thebrutaldivine | spreadeagle.us | frontiers.it

SOLACE: Fading Failing Ruin

Magnetic Eye Records on July 3 - Album
New Jersey's SOLACE celebrate their 30th anniversary with a new album, which is their fifth studio album.
With 3 decades of experience they deliver a crushingly heavy album. They take inspiration from the earliest days of metal and blending it with contemporary heaviness. The result is a stoner and doom metal hybrid, where they also blend in some punk, hardcore and sludge. So even if it's heavy, they also succeed to be catchy, which is a big plus according to me.
This is absolutely not bad at all, as they have some really fine moments here. So if you like it heavy, give this a try.
facebook.com/solaceband

SATAN TAKES A HOLIDAY: Dream Baby Dream

Icons Creating Evil Art - Digital Single
These guys spit out new singles. The sad thing is that most of the latest singles have not been that good, and this is another tragic story. They should do their own songs instead of this cover thing that they are doing now. But that's just my opinion of course.
This is a laidback and a little dreamy track, pretty soft and melodic. The song was originally done by the New York duo SUICIDE in 1979. SATAN TAKES A HOLIDAY gives it a more cinematic touch, where the hypnotic pulse meets floating guitars and a slightly larger arrangement than the original version.
The album "Covering Our Tracks" will be released on September 18, and this is one of the songs on that album.
found.ee/dreambabydream | satantakesaholiday.com | icea.se

MOTÖRHEAD: Kiss Of Death (20th Anniversary Edition)

BMG on July 3 - 2CD, 2LP, Digital

I think that I was listening to this album pretty much when it came out 20 years ago. But for some reason I have not returned to it, which is stupid as it's still a very strong album from these legends. And this re-release of the album is the proof of that. It was their strongest album in many years as far as I can remember.
The album was originally released in 2006, and it was their 18th studio album. This is MOTÖRHEAD doing what they are doing best - play loud, fast and raw. But there's also some heavier tracks here, as well as a ballad. There's really nothing to complain about when it comes to this masterpiece.
The album also features guest appearances from Mike Inez (ALICE IN CHAINS) and C.C. DeVille (POISON).
The vinyl version includes an exclusive bonus live LP capturing the band's 2007 performance at Lowlands Festival in Biddinghuizen, Netherlands, available on vinyl for the first time. The CD edition features 3 additional bonus tracks (and the live recording). The live recording is of course excellent as usual, so there's not much to say about that. And when it comes to those bonus tracks, the cover of METALLICA's "Whiplash" is the most interesting thing. But I don't really understand why we get both a studio and a live version of "R.A.M.O.N.E.S."?
imotorhead.com

MYSTERY MOON: Cycles Of Life

Pride & Joy Music - Digital Single
MYSTERY MOON is a hard rock band centered around Swedish singer Rob Lundgren (MENTALIST) and German multi-instrumentalist Markus Pfeffer (LAZARUS DREAM, BARNABAS SKY). They will release their second album, "Way Beyond", on September 18, and this single is a first taste of that.
The band says that this track surprises with a tongue-in-cheek homage to the heyday of EUROPE, particularly in its distinctive keyboard melody. It's melodic hard rock with heart and soul, and it sounds really good and promising fo the new album. You should really give these guys a try.
youtu.be/qdkWJyYAo9Y | facebook.com/mysterymoonofficial

ALIEN: Alien (reissue)

Pride & Joy Music - CD
Swedish AOR legends ALIEN's classic self-titled album has been re-released as part of the Pride & Joy Music Classixx series as Vol. 25. The album is limited to 500 CD copies only, and is exclusively available via shop.prideandjoy.de
I was listening to this album a lot when it was released back in 1988 here in Sweden (it was released internationally in 1989). But I have not heard it since then for some reason, but I remember some of these songs anyway, while some was totally forgotten. It's still a very good album, no doubt about that, and every fan of classic melodic rock should check this out. It has for obvious reasons a typical 80s sound though, so if you don't like that, than this might not be something for you.
And in case you didn't know, ALIEN are active again since a few years.
shop.prideandjoy.de

STONECAST: Expand Crimson Chaos

Pitch Black Records - CD, Digital
This French heavy metal band have been active for 2 decades already, and during that time they has released 3 full-length albums. It's 7 years now since their last album was released, but now the wait is over as they have just released a new album, "Expand Crimson Chaos". And it's said to be STONECAST's most ambitious and engaging work to date.
It's mainly classic heavy metal that we get here, with powerful vocals and all. And this sounds very good and experienced, no doubt about that. So if that's what you like, then you should really give this a try. And I don't have much else to add there..
pitchblackrecords.com

The 69 EYES: I Survive

BLKIIBLK - 12" EP, MCD, Digital
Finnish rock band The 69 EYES formed in Helsinki in 1989 already, so they are obviously veterans now. While many other old bands have changed members a few times during that time, this band still have the same lineup as when they started. The music they play have 1 foot in glam and 1 in goth. 13 albums has been released so far, and their biggest hit is "Lost Boys" from 2005.
They have now made a EP with 4 great songs. 3 of them are original songs, and 1 is a cover of THIN LIZZY's "Cold Sweat". The best songs are the title track and the cover. The title track is actually so good that it should be a hit, and it also features a guest appearance from Steve Stevens. The last song, "Devil's Rose" features a guest appearance from Ed Mundell.
Well, there's not that much else to add. If you like this band, then you have probably already checked this out. And if you have not heard this band before, then maybe you should give this EP a try.
ffm.bio/the69eyes-isurvive | 69eyes.com | frontiers.it

Jared James Nichols: Louder Than Fate

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - LP, CD, Digital
Guitarist, singer, and songwriter Jared James Nichols has released his 4th studio album. It's said to be his most powerful and fully realized statement to date. It's deeply rooted in the lineage of blues-driven and melodic hard rock, and balances muscle and melody, combining thunderous riffs, searing solos, and emotionally charged vocals with a modern, punchy production. The songs move effortlessly between hard-hitting rock anthems and more reflective, dynamic moments.
What we have here is a guy who knows exactly what he wants and what he's capable of, and he has no problem whatsoever showing what he's up to. With a confident self-assurance, he wanders between the different tracks. And as it sounds really good, he can be really proud of this album.
ffm.bio/louderthanfate | jaredjamesnichols.com | frontiers.it

ARCKANUM: Motestandarin

Darkness Shall Rise Productions - Digital EP out now / 7" EP on July 20
This EP features 2 tracks from the forthcoming 10th studio album, "Beswærilsin" (out in October), of Swedish black metal act ARCKANUM. The band was founded back in 1992, so this is one of the oldest bands in the Swedish black metal scene (who are still active). Except for 9 albums, they has also released several EPs through the years. Their new album will be their first full-length album in 9 years, but 2 additional albums have already been written, and are scheduled for release in the coming years. So you should not have to wait that long for the next album.
The 2 tracks here are "Skaepna Aer Krigh" and "Anskoti". Not sure what language that is, Old Norse perhaps? They are not among the faster black metal bands, but seems to be somewhere around mid-tempo instead. It sounds o.k. to me anyway, so maybe you should give them a try?
darknessshallrise.de | facebook.com/Arckanum.Official

AMONG LEGENDS: Floating Here For Years

Among Legends - Digital Single
This is the second single from Ontario punk trio AMONG LEGENDS' upcoming LP, "Lose My Grip", out on July 10. "Leaning further into the band's darker and more reflective side, the track balances driving melodic punk with themes of burnout, stagnation, and trying to find solid ground again", the press info says. It's melodic like pop punk, but also very catchy and energetic like an anthem.
This is good stuff and therfor worth a try if you like more melodic punk rock.
distrokid.com/hyperfollow/amonglegends/flo.... | amonglegends.square.site/lose-my-grip | amonglegends.com

AIRFORCE: Strange World

BraveWords Records - Digital Single
AIRFORCE have done a cover of IRON MAIDEN's "Strange World", but they do it in their own way. Or set in the "Somewhere In Time" period maybe? It's a o.k. version anyway, no doubt about that, but I don't really know what else I should say about it.
Nice that they choose a more unexpected song instead of a classic that we have already heard several versions of.
The band features former IRON MAIDEN drummer Doug Sampson, who played on the original version of this song, that was recorded during the "Soundhouse Tapes" sessions. They also invited one of IRON MAIDEN's earliest guitarists, Dave Sullivan, to play on the track.
"Strange World" was played at the funeral of former IRON MAIDEN vocalist Paul Di'Anno, so this cover is also a tribute to him.
AIRFORCE has existed since 1986, but they has just released 2 EPs, 3 studio albums and 1 live album during the years. They have been playing live alot though, especially during the last 5 years. They will be support act for RAVEN, GIRLSCHOOL and ALCATRAZZ on their UK tour in November/December.
youtu.be/bWcC32dbHE4?si=NMeMrfeTyh6G1CS3 | airforceuk.co.uk | bravewordsrecords.com

RONNIE RISING at The Abyss

Concert at The Abyss in Göteborg, Sweden on June 26, 2026
There was a tribute concert to Ronnie James Dio at The Abyss last night, and the Swedish tribute band RONNIE RISING was playing songs from DIO as well as Ronnie's time in RAINBOW and BLACK SABBATH. Not much to say.. They played 2 sets and did it damn good. Many classics of course, and not that many unexpected songs. You should really check them out if you get the chance.
Many photos was taken..

BASTARD: Doctor Gong / Comfort

Wap Shoo Wap Records on June 26 - 7" EP, Digital EP
BASTARD was a short-lived British band featuring future The DAMNED guitarist/songwriter Brian James and future ELTON MOTELLO frontman Alan Ward. The band quickly earned a reputation through appearances at biker parties, Hell's Angels club houses and dive bars across the UK and Belgium. While much of British rock was still immersed in glam and progressive excess, BASTARD were already pushing towards something rougher, louder and more immediate. These recordings offer a rare snapshot of a period just before punk would erupt, and we could describe it as proto-punk.
These 2 songs was originally recorded in 1974, and has been unheard since then. But now, for the first time ever, Amsterdam-based label Wap Shoo Wap Records will release these songs as the label's 30th release. And what we get is hard-driving heavy rock. It's raw and energetic like The STOOGES, but mixed with the heavy rock/proto-metal bands on the Brown Acid compilations (if you are familiar with them? otherwise I can really recomend you to check them out). This is really good and something that you really should check out.
wapshoowaprecords.com/product/bastard-dr-gong-comfort-single

PlusMinusZero: Wasted

Downfall Records on June 26 - Digital Single
Helsinki, Finland-based hard rock/metal band PlusMinusZero was founded in 2025, but the musicians behind the band have known each other for years and have already shared previous projects, albums, tours and TV appearances in Finland.
With this single they gives us a melodic and catchy song. They have a modern sound, but are luckily not stuck in the pop trap like so many others, so it still sounds like rock. This song is not so bad at all, so it could be worth a try.
Not really sure what else to say..
downfallrecords.com | instagram.com/plusminuszeromusic

VORAX: Volcano Shock

Vorax on June 27 - CD, LP, Digital
On this album Zurich-based VORAX unleash 8 tracks of no-compromise old school death metal, forged in the spirit of the genre's origins. It's raw, aggressive and free of modern studio trickery. There is a good balance between heavy mid-tempo tracks and riff-driven eruptions of violence. This is in other words a damn good death metal album, and you should really check it out.
VORAX have a hard and heavy sound. It's powerful and violent. In other words exactly as it should be.
facebook.com/voraxdeathmetal

MACE 'N' CHAIN: Crowned In Grey Skies

No Remorse Records on June 26 - CD, LP
MACE 'N' CHAIN was formed at the end of 2020 by David Nilsson (singer of Swedish death metal band FERAL) to pay homage to the genre that originally got him into metal in the first place: true, sword-wielding, heavy metal. The debut album, "Among Ancient Pillars", was released in 2023 with David Nilsson writing and performing all the music. But on this second album he is joined by drummer Joey Mancaruso (FORTRESS, GRAVESWORD, BARREN CROSS).
The music that we get is said to be recomended for fans of ETERNAL CHAMPION, MANILLA ROAD, IRONSWORD, and MANOWAR. The album showcases a wider array of influences than its predecessor. The songs are both faster and slower this time.
They might not have any real anthems here, but it sure ain't bad. To me it sounds a little darker, and more like U.S. metal, than NWOBHM or European heavy metal. So if that sounds interesting, then you should give this a chance.
noremorse.gr | facebook.com/macenchain

PHANTOM: Not Midnight Yet

High Roller Records on June 26 - CD, LP, Digital
This is the third full-length album from this Mexican speed and thrash metal band. It's said to catch the band at their most technical and dynamic. But most of all it sounds old school and raw. It's high speed, riff-driven and aggressive. But in a song like "The Pale Remains Of Time" we also get some clean vocals and a softer side. Other tracks that is a little different from the rest is "Curse Your Name" with its melodic chorus, and the acoustic piece "A Trail Full Of Sorrows". But otherwise it's mainly full speed ahead.
There's no doubt that these guys can play, and the songs are absolutely not bad at all. So if you're into raw and intense old school speed/thrash metal, then I can really recomend this album.
hrrecords.de | instagram.com/phantom__speed

PRIME CREATION: Souls Of The Fallen

ROAR on June 26 - LP, CD, Digital
PRIME CREATION is a Swedish metal band that was formed in early 2015 and consists of skilled and experienced musicians, delivering modern hard-driving melodic heavy metal. Their self-titled debut album was released in May 2016, and a few more albums has been released since then.
This band blend melodic, progressive and power metal to get their sound, and it sounds fresh and really good. This is a band that should be of interest for both old and young, because they actually succeed to not sound old or extremely new. It's powerful and melodic, but also very professional.
They have made a really strong album, where no song is too long or too short, and there's no weak links at all.
primecreationband.com | reigningphoenixmusic.com/all-artists/roar-artists

DRUIDESS: Trip Meadow

Druidess on June 26 - LP, CD, Digital
Newcastle-upon-Tyne's DRUIDESS released a EP, "Hermits And Mandrakes", in 2024. Now they are ready to release their first full-length album, "Trip Meadow".
This band deliver a sonic cocktail of Iommi-worshipping riffs, ethereal vocals with the grit of Joan Jett, the haunting psychedelic textures of Ray Manzarek - all propelled by the Dale Crover school of heavy-hitting percussion. It's a mix of doom metal, stoner rock and psych rock, but I think this is something that more than just heavy rockers could like, as it sounds like good old hard rock from the late 60s/early 70s. There's nothing modern in this band's sound, but I really like that old sound, so I hardly complain.
This is a very good album without any weak moments, and it would be stupid of you to not check it out.
It seems like there's also a modern rock band called DRUIDESS, so don't check out the wrong band.
druidessuk.bandcamp.com/album/trip-meadow

DOOMHERRE/ORDOS/HEXJAKT/KAISER: Four Altars Of Sin

Majestic Mountain Records on June 26 - LP, Digital
4 Scandinavian doom and stoner bands join forces on this 4-way split. We get 1 brand new song from each band, and they are from 6:38 to as long as 11:14 minutes. The result is a mix of doom riffs, occult psychedelia, blackened atmospheres, and desert rock swagger.
These are 4 different bands. DOOMHERRE play traditional doom metal, while ORDOS drawing from stoner doom, blackened influences, and psychedelic textures. HEXJAKT play modern doom metal, and KAISER build their sound on a mix of stoner rock, desert rock, punk energy, psychedelia, and doom. But what unites them is that they all play heavy and like it loud, but not without atmosphere.
This album will give a good idea about the heavier side of the Scandinavian underground scene of today. And this is absolutely not a bad album at all, so I would say that this is a must to check out if you like it dark and heavy.
doomherre.bandcamp.com | ordosofficial.bandcamp.com | hexjakt.bandcamp.com | kaiserfuzz.bandcamp.com | majesticmountainrecords.com

KING POTENAZ: Arcane Desert Rituals Vol 2

Majestic Mountain Records - Digital EP
This is a stoner/doom power trio from Fasano in southern Italy, formed in 2019 by some longtime friends and underground scene veterans. After a demo in 2022, they released their debut album, "Goat Rider", in 2023, which was followed by "Arcane Desert Rituals Vol. 1" in 2024. And now they have returned with "Arcane Desert Rituals Vol 2".
They begin with a heavy and powerful track that is 10:48 minutes long. After that comes a more energetic uptempo song, which is 7:44 minutes. It's followed by a slow psychedelic thing that's 6:57 minutes. And then they end the whole thing with a 11-minute adventure.
These guys play a mixture of doom, sludge, occult metal, stoner rock, and psychedelia, inspired by legends like BLACK SABBATH, ELECTRIC WIZARD, KYUSS, MONSTER MAGNET, and SLEEP. We get hypnotic grooves, cavernous riffs, and blackened passages drifting through a dense desert haze atmosphere. And this time it's said that they are pushing their sound further into heavier and darker territory.
Well, it sounds good to me anyway, so if it sounds interesting to you, then you should give these guys a try.
facebook.com/KingPotenaz666 | majesticmountainrecords.com

Scheff Tolle Adriaens: Let's Stop The World

Pride & Joy Music on June 26 - CD, Digital
This is a new AOR project with Darin Scheff, Christian Tolle, and Morris Adriaens. Together they honor the sound of the 80s rock and pop music.
The American Darin Scheff is the son of Jerry Scheff, who played bass for legends like Elvis Presley, The DOORS, and Bob Dylan. Darin has been writing songs for many aritists, including his brother Jason's band CHICAGO. The German Christian Tolle has been active for decades as a writer, producer, and recording artist. He is also a member of TIFFANY KILLS and CHRISTIAN TOLLE PROJECT. Morris Adriaens is a guitar player, keyboardist, and songwriter from The Netherlands (and that's all I know about him).
If you like the West Coast sound, and legends like TOTO, CHICAGO, Bryan Adams or Mr. MISTER, then there might be some candy for you here, because this is not so bad at all. Although this is melodic, they succeed to not be too soft and sweet. They simply seems to know how to make good songs, so you should really give this a try.
youtu.be/o9Z89kw-2ds | facebook.com/people/Scheff-Tolle-Adriaens/....

ROCKETT LOVE: Wired For Sound

Pride & Joy Music on June 26 - CD, Digital
ROCKETT LOVE is a melodic hard rock/AOR band from Sweden, formed in 2015. And we all know that Sweden can really deliver when it comes to this kind of music.
The idea was to take the feel good of the 80s and blend it with a dose of modern adrenaline. They has already released a few albums, and on this latest album they continue with their mission by delivering timeless songs of a really high quality. There's not much to complain about here, as this album is full of great songs. You should really check this out if you like good old melodic hard rock with a touch of AOR.
youtu.be/_1IqaoKjwQI | facebook.com/rockettlovesyou | prideandjoy.de

CRYING STEEL: Agent Steel

Pride & Joy Music on June 26 - CD, Digital
Italian heavy metal band CRYING STEEL formed in Bologna, Italy in 1982 already, and was one of the earliest heavy metal acts in Italy. After some demos, a EP and 1 full-length album, they went on hiatus in the late 1980s. In 2006 they reunited, and has released some more albums since then. The current lineup consists of Tiziano Sbaragli (vocals), Franco Nipoti (guitars), Paolo Nocchi (guitars), Marco Zirondelli (bass), and Luca Ferri (drums).
Their sound is in the classic tradition, where heavy riffs joins catchy melodies. And to me it sounds like they are doing everything right here, because these 10 songs are of a very high quality. So if you like good old heavy metal from the 80s, then you should really check this out.
youtu.be/3qYjWx0rdGI | facebook.com/CryingSteel | prideandjoy.de

BONERIPPER: Radiant In Ruin

Boneripper on June 26 - LP, CD, Digital
From the northern Netherlands comes this metallic hardcore crew, and "Radiant In Ruin" is their second album. The band features former and current members of bands like MANU ARMATA, 13STEPS, and BLADECRUSHER. A EP, "Vengeance & Forgiveness", was released in 2023, and in May 2024 their first album, "World Ablaze", was released.
BONERIPPER play a muscular kind of hardcore driven by anger. It's a battle cry against everything that&39;s wrong in today's world. But at the same time, they don't want you to just give up, but to fight to survive instead. This requires music that is rock-hard, something that truly crushes. And this band have no problem with that, as the music is hard and heavy as well as intense and angry. It's not the hardest and heaviest hardcore band though, but I like the energy they have in their songs here.
linktr.ee/boneripperhc

HAGGUS: The Mincecore Manifesto

Tankcrimes on June 26 - 12" EP, MC, Digital
California's HAGGUS play what they call mincecore, which is positioned between classic anarcho-punk urgency and the most deranged edges of goregrind. On this new 8-track EP they are said to be faster, filthier, and more unhinged. It's rooted in the DNA of their early material, but pushed to a more violent extreme. It goes fast and it's chaotic, but actually not bad at all. I like the raw sound of this band, and the songs are good too.
This is something that should fit both crust punks and grindcore maniacs.
instagram.com/haggusmincecore | tankcrimes.merchtable.com

VERDUN: Abyssal Womb

Transcending Obscurity Records on June 26 - LP, CD, Digital French band VERDUN play blackened sludge. It seems to be 7 years since their last release, but now they are back again. It's riff-driven and heavy, yet catchy and direct somehow. They have a raw and powerful sound, but there's also atmospheric elements here and there. This is hardly a band that gets stuck in the same riffs over and over again, but they are not one of the advanced bands either.
I don't really know what else I can say about this, but it sounds o.k. to me anyway, so give them a try.
verdun-label.bandcamp.com/album/abyssal-womb | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com

HAERDSMAELTA: Enjoy The Feast

Icons Creating Evil Art - Digital Single
For over a decade, HAERDSMAELTA have been lurking around in the heavier parts of the Swedish underground scene. Their music is a blend of violent hardcore, industrial noise, punk dirt and pitch-black humour, but it sounds more like a mix of hard metal and post-punk. They have now signed with Swedish label Icons Creating Evil Art, and this single is the first taste of an upcoming album, titled "Haerdrock", which will be released in the fall.
The song is driven by grinding riffs, mechanical rhythms and a sense of impending collapse, a bit like a dystopian fever dream. It's scary, but entertaining at the same time. They have definitely found their own dark sound, and it's not bad at all. Could be worth a try..
found.ee/enjoythefeast | facebook.com/groundzerooneeight | icea.se

GRATEFUL LIFE PROJECT: Sheriff From Hell

Hell Tour Productions - Digital Single
This is what we could call a supergroup, featuring musicians from the international hard rock and metal scene - Henning Basse (FIREWIND) on vocals, Ged Rylands (TYKETTO) on keyboards, Michael Ehré (The UNITY, ex-GAMMA RAY, METALIUM) on drums, Gav Gray (ex-TYGERS OF PAN TANG) on bass, and Francesco Marras (SCREAMING SHADOWS, ex-TYGERS OF PAN TANG) on guitars. And these people gives us a powerful blend of classic heavy metal, enriched by epic themes, memorable melodies, and a commanding vocal performance. Melodic heavy metal when it sounds as best you could say. So yes, this is a very interesting band, and you should check them out of course.
youtu.be/ICp8bEHTgqY?si=eV2tYF5Bsa4yeTI3 | gratefullifeproject.com

AfterWinter: Boundless

Roxx Records - CD
This band features the core band that created the music on both of the BioGenesis albums (if they are familiar?). AfterWinter released their debut album, "Paramnesia", in 2023, and now they return with their second album, "Boundless".
Since the last album they have unfortunately lost their lead vocalist, Jerry Grazios, who lost his battle with brain cancer in 2024. And because of that the band's sound has changed a little, but will still feel familiar. Producer and lead guitarist Luke Nealeigh has taken over the male lead vocals. But other than that, no other changes.
The music that they play is said to be classic progressive power metal. But to me this sounds more like progressive metal, with elements of symphonic and power metal. It's epic and melodic, and it all sounds very professional. Yes, it seems like they know what they are doing, and the songs are not that bad either.
I would guess that this could fit many different metal fans, from those who like heavy metal and power metal to those who like progressive and symphonic metal.
youtube.com/watch?v=Y39GqfYuD-o | roxxrecords.com

MASTERS OF DISASTER: Handsome Like A Nuclear Bomb

Masters Of Disaster - EP
This is a high energy action rock band from Oslo, Norway. Their music is inspired by Scandinavian bands like GLUCIFER, The HELLACOPTERS, and TURBONEGRO, they say. Yet it doesn't really sound like any of them, but more like raw rock n roll for old men. 6 tracks is what we get here, and most of them sound good enough for me. But what I might miss here is that extra good song, something different from the rest, a true anthem to sing-along to when it's party time.
I don't really know what else I should say about this..
(no link)

MAN RABID: The Messiah Complex I

Black Lodge Records on June 19 - Digital EP
MAN RABID is the microtonal side project of Swedish heavy metal musician Tony Jelencovich Aaberg (TRANSPORT LEAGUE, M.A.N, MNEMIC). "Using custom 19-EDO syntonic temperament guitar and bass, MAN RABID explores warped riffs, dissonant grooves and intense vocals outside standard tuning, carving out an unsettling, forward-pushing take on heavy music", says the press release. This is the first EP, where Tony is joined by Andreas Engberg on drums. And von Heidelberg plays 12-EDO equal temperament keys, samples and drum machines. Mohammed Nader play violin on 2 tracks, and Julienne Rahali Jelencovich is doing guest vocals on 1 track.
How do I describe this then? Maybe something like industrial groove metal? Like if his band TRANSPORT LEAGUE would have added some industrial and electronic elements. These 4 songs are catchy and energetic, but why we get 2 versions of "Seven Days" is a good question. Good stuff anyway, so give this a try.
orcd.co/blod196 | blacklodge.se/artists/man-rabid

TYGERS OF PAN TANG: Forevermore

Mighty Music on June 19 - Digital Single
NWOBHM legends TYGERS OF PAN TANG release a new single from their upcoming album, "Electrifying", which will be released in September. It's built on a soaring, riff-driven foundation and infused with a strong sense of atmosphere, a more cinematic and emotional dimension, but without losing the grit and urgency that define their signature sound. It's melodic but powerful hard rock/heavy metal the way that they use to do it. So in other words another really good song. Definitely worth listening to!
tygr.bfan.link/frvrmr | tygersofpantang.com | mightymusic.dk

KICKIN VALENTINA: Rock'N'Roll Casualty

Mighty Music on June 19 - Digital Single

Press photo
Atlanta's KICKIN VALENTINA return with a new single, where they (as usual) show us all that raw, unapologetic rock n roll is absolutely not dead. This song is built on driving riffs, punchy hooks and the band's trademark take-it-or-leave-it attitude. It's the kind of track that you can expect from this group, and in other words the kind of track that you want from this group - A hard rocking anthem from the street. It's loud and direct, no excuses.
This single serves as the first taste of the band's upcoming full-length release.
kval.bfan.link/rnrcasual | kickinvalentina.com | mightymusic.dk

AVARICE: Perpetual Ruin

Mighty Music on June 19 - LP, CD, Digital
Danish metal band AVARICE blend classic death and thrash metal with elements of hardcore and melodic death metal. This gives them a sound that's both brutal and dynamic. We get razor-sharp riffs, crushing rhythms, and a relentless intensity - aka Danish dynamite.
"Perpetual Ruin" is their second album, where they deliver 10 crushing tracks exploring humanity's endless cycle of rise, failure, and collapse. It's said that they push their sound further than ever this time. And if that sounds interesting, then you should really give this a try.
The band formed in 2006, but it seems like not too much happened then. After a 13-year hiatus they were back again in 2021 with the EP "Reborn In Blood". It was followed by a self-titled full-length album in 2023.
facebook.com/AvariceDK | mightymusic.dk

ADVOCACY: Traitor

Mighty Music - Digital Single
Danish progressive metal band ADVOCACY will release a new album, "Second Genesis", next year. While you wait for that, you can listen to this new single, where they blend aggressive riffing, dark atmospheres and melodic passages with elements of extreme metal. This track is said to mark one of the heaviest and most confrontational moments on the upcoming album. It's a musical adventure that I guess most fans of this genre will like. They go in all directions here, so get ready for a wild ride.
advc.bfan.link/traitor | mightymusic.dk

TAXI GIRLS: Secret Handshake

Stomp Records - Digital Single
Montreal all-female garage punks TAXI GIRLS has delivered a new single. And this track offers a second look at the band's upcoming LP, "Static", out June 26.
The first single, "Say It!", was a really good punk anthem, but "Secret Handshake" reveals a softer side of the band, showcasing their sweeter and more vulnerable side. That doesn't really mean that it's soft and sweet though. I would rather say that it's catchy and melodic, and full of energy. This is another great song from this band, so I look forward to hear the album.
orcd.co/secrethand | facebook.com/taxigirlsband

STILETTO: Going Under

Stiletto - Digital Single
STILETTO is a new melodic rock band from Stockholm, Sweden, bringing together experienced musicians (4 of 5 have been playing with STRYKENINE). "Going Under" is their first single, and also the first taste of their upcoming debut EP, to be released on September 4.
Inspiration is taken from the golden era of melodic rock, but they also add their own modern touch. And this song is absolutely not bad at all, and sounds very promising for the future. If they have more songs like this, then they should go far. So discover this band before everybody else does.
share.amuse.io/track/stiletto-going-under | facebook.com/stiletto.the.band

SKULLHAMMER: Where Skulls Pile High

Skullhammer - CD, Digital / Deathfarm Records - MC / Fucking Kill Records - LP
German death metallers SKULLHAMMER formed in 2024 with the goal to play uncompromising old school death metal built for the pit. Influences comes from classic bands like BOLT THROWER, OBITUARY, DYING FETUS and MORBID ANGEL. We get heavy riffing and aggressive vocals, as well as darker atmospheric sections.
"Where Skulls Pile High" is their debut EP, and it was released in January. What we get here is 6 very good songs, a intro and a interlude. It's hard and heavy, yet full of intense energy. It simply sounds just like it should, so you should really give these guys a try.
skullhammer.de

The BOBBY LEES: Red Hot

Epitaph Records - Digital Single
Woodstock, NY trio The BOBBY LEES released a new album, "New Self", on June 12, and this is the latest single from that album. It's a fire-starter with a don't-fuck-with-me attitude, a raw and hypnotic anthem for everybody who like punk rock with a modern sound. Yes, this kicks ass and you should really check it out.
I would guess that both punk rockers and garage rockers could like this, as well as anybody who has good taste in rock.
youtu.be/Q9k-UPjeEi0 | epitaph.com

ODDLAND: Soar

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - Digital Single
ODDLAND is a progressive metal band from Finland, and this song is taken from their new studio album, "Unilluminate To Illuminate", which will arrive on August 21. And the band continues to push boundaries while refining their already distinctive sonic identity, they say.
They begin soft and silent, and build up to the chorus. This is hardly a hard and heavy song, and not a fast and extreme song either. It's more melodic and laidback, or however I should decsribe this? Pretty o.k., but hard to explain.
youtu.be/7uOU4Q_o56A | ffm.bio/oddland-unilluminatetoilluminate | oddlandband.com | frontiers.it

TROPIC GOLD: Witch House

BLKIIBLK - Digital Single
Total crap!
This Essex trio pull from metalcore, industrial noise, electronic production and modern alternative culture without ever sitting comfortably in one lane, they say. It's self-produced and creatively self-driven, but that doesn't help much. Their sound is very modern, and have those elements of modern pop as well, which I'm against. No, this is definitely not for me.
youtube.com/watch?v=LlbXDrm7bg4

US: Murder In The Garden

Lördag - Digital Single
This is the last single from the upcoming album "Everybody's Giving Up The Cabaret", which will be released on June 26.
US is a Helsinki, Finland based group, who combines garage rock, punk and classic British rythm n blues. The band consist of 3 brothers and a friend.
"Murder In The Garden" have a verse that almost sounds like pop (at least in the beginning), but the chorus is bigger and better. In the end it's a cool song, but as far as I can remember, the last single was even cooler. Worth listening to anyway, so don't be afraid.
(no link)

11 THEORY: All In Our Minds

WLA Productions on June 19 - CD, Digital
11 THEORY deliver modern hard rock with energy, which sounds like it could be ready for stadiums. They have a powerful singer from California and a 50+ guitarist from Finland. Where the 3 other guys comes from are unknown to me, but a look at their names makes me think Russia, Poland or some other Eastern European country. But that doesn't really matter, does it? It's the music we are going to talk about here. And these songs seems to be done with heart and soul. They have many good songs on this album, so this is something that every fan of hard rock should give a try.
It will be interesting to see if this band will succeed, because they are too good to be stuck in the underground.
facebook.com/people/11-Theory/61563032643402

MODUS BLACK: From The Basement

Metalapolis Records on June 19 - CD, Digital
MODUS BLACK began their journey in the early 2020s, and they are from southern Germany. Their debut album, "Evil vs. Evil", was released in 2024, and now their second album will be released. The music that they play is described as heavy metal that is raw, dark, and uncompromisingly honest. It's classic metal with a modern sound you could say. Yet it's not old school enough for fans of traditional heavy metal or super modern.
This band might not be in the top league, but not because they are bad musicians or something like that. The songs are good, but not much else as they don't have any anthems. If they could make songs that are better, then I guess it could be more interesting. As it is now, it's just a o.k. album. It would surprise me a lot if this will be a classic album in the future.
metalapolis.eu | instagram.com/modusblackofficial

MÄRVEL: Connection

Leather Lake - Digital Single

Swedish rockers MÄRVEL gives us a more laidback and melodic song this time. This song is among the bonus tracks on the CD version of their latest album, "Brain Drain Diaries", which is out now (it's also available on LP and digital).
"Connection" have a more melodic and emotional verse, which lead to a strong chorus. With this track they show us all that they can slow down without losing the power. This is in other words just as good as anything else that they have done during the last years, so that you should check this out is pretty obvious.
marvel.ffm.to/connection | marveltheband.com

The SCREAMIN' KICK: Gimme Your Love

Rogue Records - 7" EP, Digital
This garage rock n roll band comes from Edinburgh, UK, and features members from The FREAKS, The NO-THINGS, The THANES, and The SINISTER URGE. Their debut album, "Looking From My World", was released in February through Angry Apple Tree Records. And now they return with a 4-track EP on French label Rogue Records.
This band's music is fuzzed-out and built on high energy and high volume, yet not that wild as you might think. They have that 60s sound, and these 4 tracks are good stuff. There's really not that much to talk about here. If you like garage rock, then you will probably like this band too.
These tracks was recorded as part of an all-night "Pirate session" in 2025.
linktr.ee/disquesrogue

The MOURNING AFTER: Let The Love-In Begin

Rogue Records - 7" Single, Digital
The MOURNING AFTER is a garage punk band from Sheffield, England. They deliver a heavy Hammond freak out infused with marimba and Farfisa. It's a groovy psyche vibe from a San Francisco cellar bar where the late 60s are still a Riot On Sunset Strip. And on the other side of the vinyl they gives us garage fuzz buzz guitar, chiming 12-strings and haunting melodic sitar for added flavour.
This is not the most electrifying and energetic garage band, so I would call this garage rock instead of garage punk. But they are not bad beacuse of that. It sounds like they have more control than many other bands in the genre. Worth checking out anyway, no doubt about that.
linktr.ee/disquesrogue

The MINGES: Geezer Pleaser

F-Bomb Records - Digital Single
Las Vegas punks The MINGES gives us 3 and half minutes of melodic punk, and it's not bad at all. But I would not say that this song has anything extra good either. O.k. while it last, but unfortunately soon forgotten. But it's not impossible that they might have some more interesting songs than this, because it sounds like they could have that anyway.
"Geezer Pleaser" is slated to appear on the band's debut full length, tentatively titled "Dumpster Dive For Love", and set for release later in 2026. The album combines their self-released EPs, "Trim" and "Ono, Oh Yeah", as well as 2 newly recorded songs.
orcd.co/50vdaz | facebook.com/theminges

The MENZINGERS: Better Angels

Epitaph Records - Digital Single
This is the latest single from the upcoming album "Everything I Ever Saw", which is set to arrive on July 17. What we get is a modern and melodic kind of pop punk, which doesn't really give me that much. But they succeed to be catchy at least, which is always something. I guess this is the kind of song that could grow the more you listen, but unfortunately I don't have the time to listen several times. So let's just say that if you like American pop punk, then give this a try.
youtu.be/fa0q5zu4Vn4 | themenzingers.com | epitaph.com

AXEMASTER: Of Beasts And Plagues

Cosmic Fire Records on June 19 - CD
U.S. heavy metal veterans AXEMASTER formed in the 1980s already. Over the decades, the band built a strong reputation in the underground through numerous releases, earning a loyal international following. Nowadays they blend their classic U.S. heavy metal with elements of thrash and doom metal. But they are not much of a master with that axe, because it doesn't really sounds like any anthems here. It's almost a little boring actually, which makes it feel like the album last for an eternity. And that' sad of course, as I expected so much more from a veteran band like this. But o.k., it's not total crap anyway, as it gets a little better after a few listenings. But it's still not good enough according to me.
Heavy riffing, driving rhythms, aggressive yet melodic vocals, and a darker, more intense atmosphere define this album, if that could be interesting?
instagram.com/axemasterofficial | cosmicfirerecords.com

The CARBURETORS: We Ride At Night

Fast Forward Records on June 19 - Album
The CARBURETORS hailing from Oslo, Norway. They formed in 2021, and play an electrifying mix of rock n roll, hard rock and heavy metal - or simply action rock if you want to make it easy for yourself. They fire on all cylinders with ferocious riffs and a raw attitude. They build on the legacy of countrymen like BACKSTREET GIRLS, GLUCIFER, and TURBONEGRO, but at the same time they add their own touch to it. They play loud and it's energetic - 10 tracks in 32 and a half minutes.
There's many good songs on this album, so this is absolutely worth checking out.
thecarburetors.com

GHOST AVENUE: Full Throttle

Ghost Avenue on June 19 - LP, Digital
I reviewed GHOST AVENUE's album "Even Angels Fail" in 2020, which I thought was pretty good and worth listening to. That was their 4th album, and after 6 years they now return with a brand new album, with the fitting title "Full Throttle".
This is classic hard rock and heavy metal with a main focus on the golden 80s. It's music filled with hunger and passion. Focus is on the songs, the riffs and the choruses. And that's obviously exactly the right recipe, because this is an extremely good album without any weak moments at all. So I really recomend you to check this out.
GHOST AVENUE hailing from the suburbs of Oslo, Norway, and formed in 2002. After a demo and a EP, they released their first full-length, "The Engraving", in 2010.
ghostavenue.com

Jack White: Dollar Bill

Third Man Records - Digital Single
American singer/guitarist Jack White (ex-The WHITE STRIPES) will releas his 7th solo album, "Frozen Charlotte", on July 10, and this is the latest single from the album. It's a blues rocker, but done as Jack use to do it. So we are not talking about old school blues here, but maybe more like bluesy rock (or however I should describe it?). It sounds o.k. anyway, no doubt about that, so I guess that the new album can be interesting to hear.
Not much else to add..
ffm.to/jackwhitedollarbill | jackwhiteiii.com

ELECTRIC GUITARS: High Note

Mighty Music - Digital Single
But no, this is not how ELECTRIC GUITARS are supposed to sound like. It sounds more like some pop song than an electrifying rock song. Big dissapointment! I guess we can call this melodic rock, but I'm still dissapointed. I want more action.
With that said, I guess it could work just fine on an album after a few more energetic songs. But as a stand-alone single? No.
eguitar.bfan.link/highnote | electricguitars.dk | mightymusic.dk

DEEP PURPLE: Diablo

earMUSIC - Digital Single
Hard rocking legends DEEP PURPLE has delivered another single from their new album, "SPLAT!", which is out on July 3.
"Diablo" is best described as a classic DEEP PURPLE rocker, where they continue to combine the past with the present. And this is not bad at all, so I would guess already now that the new album will have lots of fine moments. That these old men still can deliver was hardly anything new though. Check out!
On this track they are joined by a special guest, Grammy-winning guitarist, singer and songwriter Keith Urban on second guitar.
youtu.be/Z4RpBEg5uis | deeppurple.com

ENTOMBED: Inferno (reissue)

Threeman Recordings on June 19 - CD, 2LP, MC, Digital

The album "Inferno" was released in 2003, and now it will be re-released in several formats. It's said to be ENTOMBED's "dirtiest, most aggressive, and groove-soaked records - where gritty riffs, doom-laden heaviness, and punk-edged energy collide". The classic death metal is completely gone here, and is replaced with some kind of death n roll and simply metal. It's sharper and heavier, but just as powerful as always, and just as good as always. It's just the piano piece "Intermission" that's not so interesting.
This is a really strong album and a fan favorite, with highlights like "Retaliation", "The Fix Is In" and "That's When I Became A Satanist", just to mention a few of all the good songs here. This is a must to check out if you don't have this album already, because there's as far as I know not any bonus material on this re-release.
youtu.be/mQVRBjzbZF8?si=seAC8lSFGndZtSkJ | threeman.se/project/entombed

EINHERJER: Lifeblood

By Norse Music on June 19 - LP, CD, Digital
EINHERJER formed in 1993 on the western shores of Norway, and "Lifeblood" is their 10th studio album.
The music that we get here is what they call "Norse heavy metal", and what many others would call Viking metal. It's a hard and heavy, yet energetic brew that we get, which they mix with melodic and epic moments. They have a powerful sound, and the songs are not bad at all. You can also hear that it's an experienced band that we have here, because it sound professional as well.
Well, there's not much to complain about when it comes to this album..
einherjer.com

AKABANE VULGARS ON STRONG BYPASS: Future Babies

Bark At Your Owner - Digital EP
This band hailing from Tokyo, Japan, and was formed by the sisters Miki (bass, vocals) and Yumi (guitar, vocals), alongside drummer Kei in 2005. And the music that they deliver is a unpolished and raw mix of punk rock and garage rock with a metallic edge. They are obviously not here to show us that they are great musicians, and that they can make great songs. Energy, chaos, highest volume and to be different seems to be more important. They have found their own sound anyway, and although I wasn't so impressed the first time I heard this, it wasn't so bad the second time. But a strange thing is that the titles are in English, but it sounds like they are singing in Japanese in most of the songs (not all).
Well, they have some good stuff among these 6 tracks, so it could be worth a try if you like noisey punk/garage rock.
found.ee/IoHSa8 | theakabanevulgars.bandcamp.com

ARTIFICIAL AGENT: Prismatic

Artificial Agent - Digital Album
ARTIFICIAL AGENT is a hard rock/metal band from Detroit, and this is their 6th studio album, where we get "a fierce blend of modern aggression, melodic hooks, and the unapologetic energy that has become the band's trademark". They take inspiration from classic hard rock and metal, while pushing forward with a modern edge. The record combines razor-sharp riffs, soaring melodies, and relentless intensity. It's heavy and powerful, but also very alive. Mainly good songs, but as usual 15 tracks is a few too many. They could easily have thrown away 5 of these tracks, because the album is too long. Could be worth a try anyway.
facebook.com/artificialagentdetroit

BLACK: Practice Of Suffering

Black - Digital Single
BLACK is a thrash metal band from California, founded in 2006. Their debut album, "United States Of War", was released in 2013, and they have had several lineup changes through the years, but they are still here.
Their latest single is this song called "Practice Of Suffering", which goes in mid-tempo, or however I should describe it, yet not without anger and energy, much thanks to the double bass drums. It sounds o.k., but a faster part somewhere would not have hurt.
I would guess that fans of a band like SLAYER could enjoy this.
facebook.com/black4metal

SAHARA: Sahara (reissue)

Pride & Joy Music Classixx - CD, Digital
Swedish melodic rock group SAHARA released this self-titled debut album in 2001, and now it has been re-released in a limited edition of 500 CDs as well as digitally.
That it sounds very melodic should not come as a surprise, but it sounds really good, and they are almost as good as any other band in this genre, so I like what I hear. They have the right kind of material and can be proud of this album, but what else I shall write is unknown to me. So just let the music do the talking instead..
The CD will only be available at shop.prideandjoy.de while stock will last.
youtu.be/MBrUjVSntUE | shop.prideandjoy.de

The REAL McKENZIES: On Yer Bike

Stomp Records - LP, CD, Digital
Vancouver's The REAL McKENZIES have been around since 1992, and gives us an album filled with pub anthems, Scottish folklore, and shoutalong hooks. It's rowdy Celtic punk rock with bagpipe, yet not as fast and energetic as bands in this genre use to be. I would not say that they are lazy though, just more melodic I guess. But there's at least 1 faster track here, "I Love A Lassie Roamin' In The Gloamin", which sounds like the Celtic punk that I'm used to hear.
"On Yer Bike" is their first full-length release since the closing of Fat Wreck Chords. The record marks both a new chapter and a defiant continuation for the group. But I don't think that old fans should be worried though, because it sounds really good to me anyway (which doesn't really say that much), and it's said that the old sound is still intact, but sharpened. So, this is something that you should give a try, possibly with some beer and/or whisky (if you drink that).
youtu.be/eTQX_HPaFlU | orcd.co/trmonyerbike | realmckenzies.com

S.O.R.M: Raise Hell

S.O.R.M - Digital Single
These guys became so exited about playing at Sweden Rock Festival this year, that they wrote an anthem (and as far as I can understand, the gig was a succees). It's a heavy hard rocker with the right party energy to make you thirsty for more. It's riff-driven and explosive, simply the right stuff.
With this song these Swedish hard rockers show us all what they really can do, and that you should join them as their latest fan.
S.O.R.M formed in 2017. They have so far released a EP (in 2020) and a full-length album (in 2023), as well as a few singles during the last year.
music.nobledemon.com/raise | sormsweden.com | linktr.ee/nobledemon

SCAMPI CHIPS DIP & CAMPARI: Floorfiller Miss

SODEH Records - Digital Single
Norway's sweatiest all-female punk quartet are back with another single. It's the third single from their upcoming debut album, "Well, It Ain't Fast Food". This time they give us a sing-along anthem that almost sounds like something for the dancefloor, but I guess it's too intense and aggressive for that. It sounds good anyway, so give it a try.
This could actually be one of the most interesting punk bands from Norway right now. And a funny thing with this band is that every single I have heard have been different. So what will it sound like next time?
youtu.be/87UP4deyxdI?si=36qDnKPaSCHc65mb | facebook.com/scampichipsdipcampari | sodeh.ca

The SOLAR LODGE: Skiter i

Beat Butchers - Digital Single
Swedish band The SOLAR LODGE return with a new single, which is said to be "a humorous look at an increasingly harsh society and what it's like to grow up in Sweden in 2026". It's a uptempo punk rock/post-punk song with a slightly cocky attitude. Not bad at all, and that saxophone gives it a extra spice. This is definitely worth checking out, and there's not much else to say about that.
The SOLAR LODGE formed in Stockholm in 1988 already, so they are obviously veterans. They released a single, a mini-album and 2 full-length albums (all in English) before they went seprate ways in the mid-90s. In 2004 they were back again for a show, and in 2014 for another show, and then again in 2019. They has released a few singles during the last years (all in Swedish).
facebook.com/thesolarlodgesthlm | beatbutchers.se

ÅSKVÄDER: Farewell

Icons Creating Evil Art - Digital Single
Swedish rock band ÅSKVÄDER are back with a new single. But even though it's titled "Farewell", this is not a farewell from the band, but rather the beginning of a new chapter together with new vocalist/guitarist Saga Flygare Täll. This is the first taste of their upcoming third full-length album, and it sounds very promising I must say. The song is driven by sharp riffs, blues drenched melodies, and raw Scandinavian energy. It's like a mix of 70s hard rock and garage rock, so I guess that we could call this action rock. It's electrifying rock when it sounds as best anyway, and you should really check this out.
found.ee/farewellsingle | linktr.ee/askvaderband | icea.se

TWIST LOCK: Surplus Citizen

Twist Lock on June 12 - Digital EP
TWIST LOCK channel their frustrations into brutal hardcore on this debut EP. They are not satisfied with things in today's world. These 4 tracks are explosive, but can also be groove-driven once in a while. It's simply hard and heavy, just as hardcore use to be, but can be energetic and intense as well.
The first track is heavier and not so funny. But after that they seems to find the right energy, and then it's better. In the third track they blend the ingredients from the 2 first tracks and then some, and the result is like dynamite. The last track here is another detonation, and maybe the fastest track.
This trio have members based in Las Vegas, Nevada and Phoenix, Arizona, as well as Mobile, Alabama. The band formed in 2024.
facebook.com/TwistLockHC

BOKASSA: Doesn't Matter If You Love It Here

Kings Of Stonerpunk Records - Digital Single
"Big riffs, sun-baked grooves, and a more melodic edge without losing that punch", is how they describe the latest single with Norwegian stoner punk trio BOKASSA. It sounds very American, and reminds me of early QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE. This is not bad at all, so I like what I hear. You should give them a try if you like stoner rock, because that's what I think this song sounds like.
BOKASSA will hit the road this summer, joining CLUTCH across Spain and France, and LAGWAGON for a run of shows in Germany, alongside select festival appearances in Norway.
bokassaband.com

LYNCH MOB: The Final Ride - Live

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - 2LP, Blu-ray, CD/DVD
LYNCH MOB - led by George Lynch (ex-DOKKEN) - are obviously a very good hard rock band. But that was nothing new to me. Now they has released a live album, where we get a career-spanning journey with LYNCH MOB classics and 3 DOKKEN songs. And as you might have figured out already, it sounds fantastic. So there's actually not that much to say, more than that you really should check this out.
I read somewhere that they are working on a new studio album, so this might not be "The Final Ride". I guess that remains to be seen though..
youtu.be/N4SlkxLSEUA | ffm.bio/lynchmob-thefinalride | facebook.com/LynchMobBand | frontiers.it

Dan Byrne: This Is Where The Show Begins

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - LP, CD, Digital
This is the debut album from this UK rocker. He has previously released a EP, "Beginnings", in 2023.
Dan has power in his voice, no doubt about that, and the music is a mix of classic rock and modern rock. But unfortunately some of the songs here are too modern for me, and then it sounds too much pop, which I don't like at all. But the few tracks that rocks are not so bad.
It would not surprise me if this album could connect fans from many different genres, and not just rock fans. And I'm also pretty sure that those who like modern rock more than me will have a good time when they listen to this.
ffm.bio/thisiswheretheshowbegins | danbyrne.co | frontiers.it

BOYS FROM HEAVEN: The Wanderer

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, Digital
Danish AOR band BOYS FROM HEAVEN has released their third studio album. They blend 80s rock nostalgia and forward-thinking songwriting. This is an album with velvety layers of keys and sax, as well as pristine harmonies and melodies. In other words something that should be a wet dream for those who like more melodic stuff. And sure, this is not so bad at all. They seems to know how to make a song, and the result sounds almost as the old legends of the genre. So if you're a fan of AOR, then you should absolutely check this out.
youtu.be/WpNKdmljBtg | ffm.bio/thewanderer | boysfromheaven.com | frontiers.it

Erik Grönwall: Bad Bones

Greenwall Entertainment - LP, CD, Digital
As you probably know already, Swedish singer Erik Grönwall have fronted bands like SKID ROW and H.E.A.T, and is once in a while fronting German guitar legend Michael Schenker nowadays. But he also has a solo career, and have now made a really strong album, "Bad Bones", where we get 10 tracks in 35 minutes. The quality of the material is really high, and Erik deliver with a powerful voice, as well as passion.
Musically we talk about classic hard rock with a modern sound. We get powerful hooks, organic instrumentation, and emotionally charged performances. Everything is very well done here, which makes it worth checking out.
erikgronwall.com

GRIMNER: Stormvingar

Despotz Records - Digital Single
Swedish Viking/folk metallers GRIMNER has delivered the third single from their upcoming album, "Stormvingar", out on September 4. And yes, it's the title track that we get this time. This song is both fast and heavy. It presents a terrifying telling of Hraesvelgr, the giant in eagle-hame who sits at the edge of the world conjuring violent winds on the realms of gods and men. And this is absolutely not bad at all. I like this this song! If they have more songs like this on the new album, then it's not impossible that it will be really good.
found.ee/stormvingar | despotz.bigcartel.com/artist/grimner | facebook.com/Grimnerswe

BESEECH: Hesitation

Despotz Records - Digital Single
Swedish gothic metal veterans BESEECH deliver another song from their upcoming album, "Future. Present. Past", which will be released on August 28. This is the third single from that album, and what is there to say that I have not said already? If you like a mix of dark romanticism, doomy atmospheres, and unforgettable melodies, then this could be something for you. It's another good song, and it's as usual dark and heavy.
found.ee/hesitation | despotz.bigcartel.com/artist/beseech | facebook.com/beseechofficial

ATER ERA: Sinistria

On Parole Productions - CD, LP, MC, Digital
ATER ERA is a black/doom metal band from Slovenia, and this is their 4th album, where we get a mid-tempo, riff-driven sound with weight and atmosphere. The lyrics are in English, Istrian dialect, and some in Slovenian. It sounds raw and heavy, but they are not exactly slow all the time because of that. No, there's some energy as well.
We just get 5 tracks here, but they are from 7 to 10 minutes long. And now I don't really know what else I should say, but this could be worth a try anyway.
ater-era.bandcamp.com

ARKADO: A Little Too Late

Pride & Joy Music - Digital Single
Swedish hard rockers ARKADO will release a new studio album later this year, and this single is a taste of that. It's a melancholic tale about missed opportunities, lost love, and the consequences of prioritizing the wrong things in life. But musically it's more happy though, classic hard rock in the 80s tradition, but with a modern production. This is a really good song, with a strong chorus. You should really check this out, because I think it's a great song.
youtu.be/H0rsYoA8WZA?si=b5-kga8BkSFplXJH | facebook.com/Arkadoofficial

SOULBURN: Quantifying Cosmic Doom

Testimony Records on June 12 - CD, LP, MC, Digital
This is the fifth album from these Dutch death metallers, where they blend in melancholy elements and doom darkness, as well as some black metal. It sounds experienced and unique, but then it's veterans that we have here.
SOULBURN was formed by former members of ASPHYX, who had just split up, in 1996. The debut album, "Feeding On Angels", came out in 1998. There have been some lineup changes through the years, and the next album, "The Suffocating Darkness", wasn't released until 2014. But after that it took just 2 years before the third album, "Earthless Pagan Spirit", was released in 2016. It was followed by the 2-track EP "Carpe Noctem" in 2018. And their latest full-length album, "Noa's D'ark", was released in 2020.
The mix of death, black and doom metal almost makes this sound progressive actually. Sometimes it goes fast with harsh vocals, and sometimes it goes slower with clean vocals. It's an interesting mixture that really works as the songs are good and varied, which makes it an adventure to listen to this.
spkr.store/collections/soulburn | facebook.com/testimonyrecords | soulburn666.bandcamp.com/album/quantifying-cosmic-doom

LOCKHART: City Pulse

High Roller Records on June 12 - CD, LP, Digital
LOCKHART is a melodic rock/AOR trio from Canada, fusing synthesizer-fueled 80s arena rock with classic hard rock. The members comes from bands like CAULDRON, AXXION, BONFIRE, ENFORCER, ANNIHILATOR etc., so it's experienced guys we have here. Their debut EP, "No Chance", was released in 2022, and followed by the single "City Pulse" in 2025. Now they has signed with High Roller Records, and the band's first full-length album will soon be released.
It's not so easy to describe LOCKHART's music in detail, as "the influences are endless", as the vocalist/guitarist/keyboard player Devon Kerr says. You will of course hear some of the legends of melodic rock/AOR, but at the same time they have a sound of its own they say. I hear classic melodic rock and AOR most of all though, and it's not bad at all, so if you like that, then you should really check this out.
The album features guest appearances from MUNICIPAL WASTE's Nick and CAULDRON's Ian.
hrrecords.de | facebook.com/Listentolockhart

Joseph Tholl: It Might Be Art

High Roller Records on June 12 - CD, LP
Joseph Tholl is a Swedish multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter. He has been a member of ENFORCER, and is currently in VOJD (formed as BLACK TRIP) and TRIBULATION. His first solo album, "Devil's Drum", was released in 2019. Now he returns with his second solo album, where Joseph play guitar and most of the bass, and he also handles piano and synthesizer parts. Robert Eriksson (The HELLACOPTERS) and Jakob Ljungberg (SECOND SUN) share drum duties on this album. Besides that, there's a few guest appearances by musicians such as Johannes Andersson (TRIBULATION), Tobias Lindkvist (TYRANN), Pia Stjärnvind (SERPENT OMEGA), Adam Zaars (TRIBULATION) and Robert Pehrsson (DUNDERTÅGET, Robert Pehrsson's HUMBUCKER).
What we get this time is a broad variety of hard rock and rock - straight and softer tracks, light and darkness. He is not afraid to blend different sub-genres, and no matter what he does it sounds good. It's mainly easy to listen to anyway, and most of the songs here are of a high quality. You should really give this a try.
8 of these 10 tracks are in English, but 1 is in Swedish and 1 is instrumental.
hrrecords.de | facebook.com/joseph.tholl.5

FLESHCRAWL: Epitome Of Carnage

Distortion Music Group on June 12 - CD, LP, Digital
FLESHCRAWL was founded in the spring of 1987 in Illertissen, Germany. Initially operating under the name MORGÖTH, the band adopted a markedly more extreme musical direction in 1990, and briefly performed as SUFFOCATION. However, with the emergence of the American band of the same name and their impending vinyl debut, another name change became necessary. And FLESHCRAWL was born. There have been many changes in the lineup through the years, but that has not stopped them. The mission is still to deliver uncompromising, traditional death metal with authenticity, power, and unwavering conviction.
And that's exactly what they are doing on this new album. They gives us old school death metal like it would still be the early 90s, and it sounds just like it should. There's absolutely nothing to complain about when it comes to this album. So if you don't check this out, then you must be really stupid.
fleshcrawl.net

BLOODHUNTER: Sons Of The Abandoned

ROAR on June 12 - LP, CD, Digital
From Galacia, Spain comes this melodic death metal band. They blend extreme metal aggression with melodic depth, groove and narrative ambition, forging a sound that is both ferocious and emotionally charged. They balance brutality with atmosphere. Crushing riffs coexist with elegant grooves and striking melodic passages. Yeah, you probably already know what melodic death metal sounds like..
This sounds very good, and I would not say that there's any weak moments here. And another good thing is that they don't waste any time, as the songs are of a good length, 3:14 to 5 minutes. So in other words, definitely worth checking out.
The album also features a guest appearance by Laura Guldemond (BURNING WITCHES) on "The Path That Never Ends".
bloodhunter.net | reigningphoenixmusic.com/all-artists/roar-artists

SWEET: Live At The Capitol - Hannover 1991 (reissue)

Metalville Records on June 12 - CD, LP
This is a live recording from 1991, and it seems like it's a re-release. Alongside founding member Andy Scott, SWEET at that time consisted of Mal McNulty (SLADE), Bodo Schopf (ELOY, MSG), Jeff Brown (WILDFIRE) and Steve Mann (MSG, LIONHEART). They take us on a energetic ride through old classics as well as less known album tracks. And the audience seems to enjoy it a lot, and so do I. This was obviously another great lineup of the band (not really sure how many lineups there have been through the years, but it seems to be many anyway). So this is definitely worth checking out, and there's not much else to say.
metalville-shop.com | facebook.com/TheSweetOfficial

HEAVENWOOD: The Tarot Of The Bohemians - Part II

Mighty Music on June 12 - LP, CD, Digital
A decade after their last album, Portuguese gothic/dark metal band HEAVENWOOD return with a new album. Their classic sound is still there, but they also push it into a more cinematic, intense and contemporary sonic realm this time. This is the second and final chapter of the conceptual work inspired by the hermetic writings of Gérard Encausse (Papus). And this time they dive even deeper into the esoteric and emotional dimensions of the Tarot.
This is heavy with both harsh and clean vocals, but they also have their melodic moments. There's many good songs here, so this could of course be worth a try if you're into darker and gothic stuff.
facebook.com/HeavenwoodOfficial | mightymusic.dk

GOREWORM: Miasmic Solitude

Transcending Obscurity Records on June 12 - CD, Digital
Canadian death metallers GOREWORM mix elements of technical, melodic, and brutal death metal to something that could sound challenging or chaotic to some. It's very fast and intense, but they slow down once in a while too. Somehow these maniacs succeed to make something called music though, so this is not just hopeless noise, but actually something much more advanced. And if you like it fast and technical, then you will probably love this band.
goreworm-label.bandcamp.com/album/miasmic-solitude | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com

CRIPPLE BASTARDS: La Tua Foto Sul Marmo

F.O.A.D. Records on June 12 - EP
Italian grindcore veterans CRIPPLE BASTARDS return with a new EP, where we get 6 tracks full of hate and speed. But there's also frequent tempo shifts and dynamic structures, so I would say that this is more than just noise. It actually sounds like music, and it's not so bad at all. The songs are short outbursts, mainly around 1 to 2 and a half minutes. Just 2 songs are longer, 2:53 and 3:23 minutes. A grind band worth listening to.
CRIPPLE BASTARDS was formed in March 1988 in Asti, northern Italy. They are one of the longest-running and most respected names in extreme underground music. It all began as a project rooted in the legacy of Italian hardcore acts like NEGAZIONE, RAW POWER and WRETCHED, but pushed to new extremes through the emerging language of grindcore and noisecore. They have through the years secured a legendary status, not just in Italy, but around the world.
cripple-bastards.com | foadrecords.com

THORIUM: Suburban Rot

Emanzipation Productions on June 6 - LP, CD, Digital
THORIUM have been lurking in the Scandinavian underground for 30 years now. And with "Suburban Rot" they deliver what is said to be their darkest and most personal work to date. And they prove to us all that they are still driven by the same anger, nerve and authenticity as 30 years ago.
This is the 7th full-length album from this Danish death metal band, and there's no doubt that the fire still burns. So yes, the ingredients mentioned above are all there, and they can still deliver some really good songs that will make you bang your head all night long.
They have somehow created their own sound, which at times can be perceived as almost a bit jerky. They simply like to vary the pace every now and then.
emanzipation.dk | facebook.com/thoriumdeathmetal

KÄPPRÄTT: En Hel Jävla Platta

GrönPeppar Records - MLP, Digital
This is a hardcore/punk band from Västerås, Sweden. They begin heavy, but after a while they play a little faster and the singer finally open his mouth as well. These 9 tracks are raw and energetic, but the variation is perhaps not the greatest. Not such a big problem though as it sounds good and very punk, but I would still call this more charming than magnificent. And that's why it's so punk. The songs are mainly very straight and simple.
I don't have much else to say about this, but give it a try.
gronpepparrecords.bandcamp.com/album/en-hel-j-vla-platta

MYLLAN: Tomma Löften

GrönPeppar Records - Digital EP
MYLLAN formed in Vetlanda, Sweden in 2014 with the ambition to combine reggae with political lyrics in Swedish and influences from punk and Swedish 70s progg (which is not the same as progressive rock). This hybrid gave them their own sound. They released a EP, and in 2018 they entered the studio to record 6 new tracks. But unfortunately the band went into hibernation, so the songs were left lying around and forgotten. Until last winter.. Now those tracks have been mixed and mastered, and they are finally available (digitally at least, which is better than nothing).
Now reggae is not something that I use to write about here, but I like the genre, so why not? And this band is absolutely not bad, so they could be worth a try if you also like reggae. But what else I should say about this is unknown..
gronpepparrecords.bandcamp.com/album/tomma-l-ften

64 FUNNYCARS: Happy Go Lucky (reissue)

604 Records - Digital Album
The debut album from Victoria college rockers 64 FUNNYCARS have been out of print for decades, but have now been re-released.
The band formed in 1987 through UVic campus radio circles, bonded by a shared love of groups like FRESH FELLOWS, HOODOO GURUS, BUZZCOCKS, and The REPLACEMENTS - Bands where hooks and personality mattered just as much as volume. These guys created their own sound in the local scene, blending power pop, melodic punk and jangly college rock into something energetic, playful and unpretentious. They also had 3 vocalists, which is unusual.
These songs are very melodic, but not bad because of that, because they have many good songs here. And there is truly a varied material they offer. So if you're into more melodic punk rock and power pop, then you should really give this a try.
The band is still alive, and will play live at The Fox in Vancouver on July 25.
64funnycars.bandcamp.com/album/happy-go-lucky | 604decades.com

FRUSEN SORG: Smärtpunkter

Widsith Records on June 5 - Digital Album
FRUSEN SORG is a Swedish blackened crust/d-beat/hardcore punk band. This is their first album, which was never planned to exist, they say. It started as a side project by 2 old friends, and most of the songs were written and recorded in 1 single evening. They has previously released a EP, "Jag Springer Med Avbrutna Ben", and the follow up to "Smärtpunkter" is already in the works, so this is not the last you will hear from this band.
On this album they let out all their frustration and anger. It's raw, brutal and noisey stuff, and the singer is screaming like a maniac. But if that sounds like something that you would like to hear, then you should give this a try, because it's not bad at all.
frusensorg.bandcamp.com/album/sm-rtpunkter

PRETEXT: Riot Of The Ruined

Darkside Records on June 5 - LP, Digital
This is the debut album from this Copenhagen-based metal band. PRETEXT brings together musicians from several countries, with members originating from Iraq, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, and Denmark. They were drawn together by a shared ambition to create heavy music with narrative depth and political urgency, and formed in 2016. They has previously released a couple of independent EPs.
Their different backgrounds gives the music a broader cultural and thematic horizon. Each member brings a different musical background, but together they have built a sound centered on powerful grooves, atmospheric tension, and a distinctive vocal interplay that moves between confrontation and reflection. We get both male and female vocals.
I would say that there's much metalcore and groove metal in this band's music. But sometimes there's also thrash metal in the mix. At the same time it almost sounds a little progressive as well. So they have found their own sound, and can probably attract many different kinds of metal fans. I guess this is not a band for everyone though.
bit.ly/4sUnjvD | facebook.com/pretextofficial

SATAN TAKES A HOLIDAY: Good Ones

Icons Creating Evil Art - Digital Single
I don't have a clue who Charli XCX might be, but Swedish rock trio SATAN TAKES A HOLIDAY have done a cover of one of the artist's songs anyway. They turn the song from a modern pop song to a indie rock song with a punk edge, they say. But in the end it sounds like disco rock to me. If you call this raw and explosive, then you must be a pop fan and probably half deaf. Pretty o.k. though, so it's not total crap anyway. The song has energy, which is a good ingredient.
This is another taste of their "Covering Our Tracks" project, which will end up as an album that will be released on September 18. Expect a couple of more singles before that.
found.ee/stah-goodones | satantakesaholiday.com | icea.se

XENOSIS: Hermetic Transmutation

Transcending Obscurity Records on June 5 - CD, Digital
This U.S. progressive/technical death metal band are hardly amateurs who have just started playing. This is their fifth full-length album, and there's so much going on in this band's music, and so many different influences, that it's hard to explain exactly what's going on here. So yes, this is another band that could easily be seen as chaos. But they seems to know what they are doing, so it's not. But as you might have guessed already, it's complicated stuff.
If you're familiar with this kind of stuff, then you probably understand what this sounds like. And if you don't, well then this might not be for you. But no matter what, it's far away from the worst that I have heard. I prefer small doses though, because a whole album is a little too much.
xenosis-label.bandcamp.com/album/hermetic-transmutation | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com

CYHRA: Requiem Of A Pipe Dream

Reigning Phoenix Music on June 5 - LP, CD, Digital
Swedish band CYHRA have been around for 10 years now, and features former and current members of bands like AMARANTHE, IN FLAMES, The HALO EFFECT, KAMELOT, The CROWN etc. "Requiem Of A Pipe Dream" is their 4th album.
This band blend melodic metal and modern pop. And that might not be something that I'm into. But in this case I would say that it works. Sometimes it's actually good, and sometimes not so good. It's a very melodic album, but with powerful vocals and heavy guitars. I would guess that this fits best for fans of modern and melodic metal, and obviously not the old school metal fans.
cyhra.com | reigningphoenixmusic.com

REVOLTING: Supernatural Anthems

Xtreem Music on June 4 - CD, Digital
Swedish veterans REVOLTING are hardly here to reinvent the wheel of death. It's classic meat and potato death metal all the way and nothing else. Straight and without hassle. In other words just the way I like it. The sound is sharp and focused, while the riffs are filthy and rooted in the Swedish tradition. So if you like that, then you're going to love this album.
This is the 10th full-length album from this band, which was formed in 2007 by the legendary Rogga Johansson (PAGANIZER, RIBSPREADER, MASSACRE, FURNACE etc etc) together with Billy from Razorback Records.
And if you want more of Rogga, one of his other bands, FURNACE, has just released a new album via Emanzipation Records. They play melodic death metal.
youtu.be/MBp8QTyj6QY?si=Kgqj6rqJGdJMVvRT | facebook.com/revoltingdeathmetal | xtreemmusic.com

IRONWILL: Reforged Within

Art Gates Records - Digital Album
Italian band IRONWILL is described as "a psychological heavy metal rock project that blends powerful music, storytelling, and visual art into an emotional journey through the human soul". The group formed in 2018, and has developed across several conceptual chapters. Each release combines music with visual storytelling, comics, and photography under the ongoing initiative Rock Against Bullying. They want to be seen as something unique in the modern metal scene.
But are they so unique? Well, I would say that they have found their own modern sound anyway, where they blend in elements of both symphonic and melodic metal. Every song might not work for me, but there's lots of good stuff too. It works best when they concentrate on pure metal. But no matter what I think about it, they are obviously very good at what they are doing.
artgatesrecords.com/artists/ironwill

BLOODY FALLS: IV

Art Gates Records on June 5 - CD, Digital
BLOODY FALLS is a melodic death metal band from Finland, formed in 2017. They has previously released 3 full-length albums and a EP.
With this new record, the band is said to deliver their most aggressive and focused work to date. It's a relentless blend of melodic death metal, groove and intensity that never lets up. Inspired by apocalyptic imagery and the concept of "The Four Horsemen", "IV" channels a dark and powerful atmosphere from start to finish.
Well, this is hard and intense with a heavy sound. They might not always be the fastest band, but they are hardly slow either, and they have more energetic songs too. This is not a boring mid-tempo band anyway, so it could be worth a try.
artgatesrecords.com/artists/bloody-falls

PARTY DOZEN: Special Unit

City Slang - Digital Single
Sydney rock duo PARTY DOZEN has signed with City Slang, and celebrate it with this new single. The track is said to pack a lot into its 2 minutes and 39 seconds - less is more, more volume, more energy they think. It sounds alternative, in lack of a better description, but also punky. And that saxophone makes me think of UK punk from the late 70s. It has a lot of energy, so good luck if you want to dance to this, because you will get sweaty.
PARTY DOZEN are Kirsty Tickle (saxophone) and Jonathan Boulet (percussion and sampler). They are described as "a semi-improvised psych noise band", but there's also lots of punk in their music. The band's fifth album will be released later this year, and this song is a taste of that.
(no link)

SHUFFLE KNIGHTS: Yellow

Wild Kingdom Records - Digital Album?
O.k., this was different from what I use to get for review, and might not really fit in here. Some kind of soul/rythm n blues of the old kind, which they describe as big band rock. But they got so much swing that it rocks. Unfortunately they also have these slow songs, which are not so interesting to hear. Yes, this might not be a rock album, and this website might not be the right place for this, but they actually have some good songs here. They vary their material, and we get both female and male vocals.
The group formed in 2022, and seems to consist of as much as 18 musicians from the international jazz, philharmonic, and rock scene. These artists have been working with all kinds of different artists around the world.
orcd.co/king139 | wildkingdom.se/artists/shuffle-knights

SUN DON'T SHINE: From Birth To Death

Back On Black - LP, CD
SUN DONT SHINE (formerly known as EYE AM) could be seen as a supergroup. The band consist of Kenny Hickey (TYPE O NEGATIVE, SILVERTOMB), Kirk Windstein (CROWBAR, DOWN), Johnny Kelly (TYPE O NEGATIVE, SILVERTOMB) and Todd Strange (CROWBAR, DOWN). On this album they channels decades of experience of heavy music into something fresh. It's supposed to be modern, but sounds timeless to me. They have cut the crap and let the music speak for itself instead. Although this is doomy heavy rock, they want to combine dark and light. It's dynamic and unpredictable. But what impress me most is that they succeed to make such strong songs, because this is a really great album.
backonblack.com

INTERNAL BLEEDING: Settle All Scores

Back On Black - CD
This album was released in October 2025 in North America, but it has now also been released on CD here in Europe.
Slam death metal veterans INTERNAL BLEEDING formed in 1991, and are famous for combining brutal heaviness with groove-driven hooks. Despite setbacks, lineup changes, and industry struggles, the band has remained a constant force. And this new album is of course proof of that.
This could be something for those of you who don't care that much about nice melodies, but just want it to be hard and heavy instead. But thanks to the groove-driven hooks, they almost sounds a little technical as well, but nothing too complicated. They get away with what they are doing, as they are doing it really good, but I have heard better.
plastichead.com/artist/internal-bleeding

VON GROOVE: Born To Rock

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - LP, CD, Digital
After more than 2 decades of silence, VON GROOVE return with a new album. They formed in 1990, and released their self-titled debut album back in 1992. Their last album was released in 2001. This album reunites the classic original lineup: Mladen on guitars, Michael Shotton on drums and vocals, and Matthew Gerrard on bass.
Well, if you like good old melodic hard rock from the 70s and 80s, then this band could be something for you. They have many good songs in the old tradition here, so I really like what I hear. The production is punchy and alive, and even though it's melodic, it's rocking. A must to check out.
ffm.bio/borntorock | facebook.com/vongrooveband | frontiers.it

Robin Beck: Living Proof

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, Digital
Rock vocalist Robin Beck have made a confident and vibrant album full of great songs. There's power in her voice, no doubt about that. She mix classic melodic rock with a modern production, which makes it sound like a timeless album. It's emotional and passionate, soulful and sharp. Yes, this is the kind of stuff that could have been played on the radio in the 80s, and her videos would probably have been shown on MTV. But it's other times now..
Anyway, this is as you probably have figured out already, a damn good album that you really should check out.
The album features contributions from James Christian (HOUSE OF LORDS), Tommy Denander (RADIOACTIVE), Peppy Castro (BALANCE), Steve Bondy, Emil Theilhelm, and Johan Kullberg. It's Robin's 11th studio album.
ffm.bio/livingproofalbum | instagram.com/romeolovesrobin | frontiers.it

FRONTLINE: Rebirth

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, LP, Digital
This German melodic rock band was founded in Nuremberg in 1989. After more than 20 years of silence, they have now returned with a new studio album.
Strong melodies and big hooks seems to be the main ingredients for these veteran's sound. They blend soaring vocals, melodic guitar work and a polished production, inspired by the golden era of late 80s and early 90s hard rock, with a distinct European character.
Following the passing of guitarist and songwriter Robby Böbel in 2022, "Rebirth" represents both a tribute to the band's legacy and a step forward into new creative territory. We get as much as 14 tracks here, but luckily it sounds really good, so there's not much to complain about. Their music is not extremely soft, but often on the border to melodic hard rock actually, which I like. So I would guess that both fans of melodic rock and melodic hard rock could like this (but you often like both).
ffm.bio/rebirth | frontlineaor.com | frontiers.it

CONFESS: Metalmorphosis

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - LP, CD, Digital
Swedish sleaze metal band CONFESS gives us their 4th album, which is said to be their most ambitious to date, marking a bold evolution in their sound. It's filled with heavy riffing, big choruses and a hard rock energy that you usually just have on your first 2 albums. The sound is both polished and explosive, which means that at the same time as it's catchy and melodic, it also has attitude. They might get some new fans, but will probably also keep the old fans as well.
This is a very strong album, and I really recomend you to check it out, because this is just as good as other Swedish bands, like HARDCORE SUPERSTAR, CRAZY LIXX and CRASHDÏET.
ffm.bio/confess_metalmorphosis | confess.se | frontiers.it

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