HARD ROCK INFO

REVIEWS MARCH 2026

Joel Hoekstra's 13: From The Fade

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, LP, Digital
This band is led by guitarist Joel Hoekstra (WHITESNAKE, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, REVOLUTION SAINTS), and this is the 4th album, where he is joined by people like drummer Vinny Appice (BLACK SABBATH, DIO), bassist Tony Franklin (The FIRM, BLUE MURDER), keyboardist Derek Sherinian (DREAM THEATER, SONS OF APOLLO), and vocalist Girish Pradhan (Girish and The CHRONICLES, The NAIL).
We get 10 tracks of hard rock that combines melodies and riffs, and many tracks here are in the melodic league. There's both classic and modern tracks, so I would guess that timeless hard rock should work as a description of their sound. Many good songs anyway. And with an all-star lineup like that, it's also very professional.
ffm.bio/fromthefadelalbum | joelhoekstra.com | frontiers.it

IT'sALIE: Wild Games

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, Digital
IT'sALIE is an Italian hard rock band fronted by vocalist Giorgia Colleluori (ETERNAL IDOL, Rock Meets Classic). Their music is a mix of melodic hooks, crushing riffs, and pure rock attitude. The debut album, "Lilith", was released in 2020. It was followed by "Emosphere" in December 2022, and now the third album is here.
With this album it seems like they wanted a hard and heavy sound, that begins with the blues and returns to the blues, as they say. Simply great rock from the 60s and 70s, but also some Southern rock. But they also give it a modern touch, so it doesn't really sound old. It sounds really good anyway, no doubt about that.
ffm.bio/wildgamesalbum | facebook.com/itsalieband | frontiers.it

BLACK SWAN: Paralyzed

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - LP, CD, Digital
This hard rock supergroup features Robin McAuley (MCAULEY SCHENKER GROUP), Reb Beach (WINGER, WHITESNAKE), Jeff Pilson (FOREIGNER, The END MACHINE, ex-DOKKEN), and Matt Starr (Ace Frehley, MR. BIG). So there's lots of talent here. But what do they really do with all that talent?
It's 11 tracks and the songs are of normal lenght, yet it felt like this album last for an eternity the first time. Another problem here is that some songs seems to sound more or less the same. Sad as it's really good music that they make. But a more varied content would have been desirable.
BLACK SWAN play old school hard rock with focus on guitar riffs and powerful vocals, yet it sounds modern. "Paralyzed" is their third album.
ffm.bio/blackswan_paralyzed | facebook.com/BlackSwanRockNRoll | frontiers.it

NUCTEMERON: Demonic Sceptre

I Hate Records - CD, LP, Digital
They should not waste time on such a long (2:47 min.) and atmospheric intro, because it's not so funny to listen to. But that's all I can complain about, as the rest is very good.
After 12 years with tons of splits and EPs, German band NUCTEMERON now gives us their first full-length album. They play a raw and intense kind of black/speed metal. It sounds old school and very good. This could be of interest for fans of a band like NIFELHEIM and similar acts. You should really check this out.
The members call themselves "funny" things like Lunatic Aggressor (vocals), Volcanic Slut (bass), Exterminator (guitar), and Christhunter (drums).
ihate.se | facebook.com/blackspeedhell

PATRIARCHS IN BLACK: Completely Covered In Black

NoLifeTilMetal Records - LP, CD
"Completely Covered In Black" is mainly a covers album. We get 3 songs by KISS, 2 songs by LED ZEPPELIN and 2 songs by BLACK SABBATH, as well as songs by TWISTED SISTER, MOTÖRHEAD etc. Most of these songs are classics that I have heard many times before, but the songs towards the end of the album was unknown to me, which is probably because they have also included some original songs. It's not always a classic though.. They begin with the "obscure" BLACK SABBATH track "Supertzar" for example, which works good as a intro. And when it comes to TWISTED SISTER, they have chosen the heavier track "Destroyer" instead of something catchy and melodic.
What we get is a electrifying album with doom and heavy metal. They are doing a very good job with these songs, and they have not changed them that much, but are very faithful to the original versions.
PATRIARCHS IN BLACK was formed in late 2021 by Dan Lorenzo (HADES, NON-FICTION) and Johnny Kelly (TYPE O NEGATIVE). They have previously released 4 full-length albums and a EP, each featuring a rotating lineup of vocalists and bassists. This album includes guest appearances from Mark Sunshine (UNIDA), Karl Agell (ex-CORROSION OF CONFORMITY), Kyle Thomas (EXHORDER), Rob Dukes (EXODUS), and Bobby Jensen (HAIRBALL).
facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559097640883 | nolifetilmetalrecords.com

ALTARED STATES: Borrowed Time

Altared States - CD, Digital
Thrash metallers ALTARED STATES formed back in 1990, and was revitalized in 2019 with a new lineup. With their new album they show us all that classic thrash is not just alive, but thriving with ferocity and passion. The raw energy is there, so it's just like it should be. Fans of the old thrash legends should not be dissapointed. But now we are there once again, I just don't know what else I should say about this..
5 tracks is what we get here anyway, and you should really check this out.
facebook.com/altaredstatesband

LASTKAJ 14 and VACUUM

Concert at Orangeriet in Borås, Sweden on March 28, 2026
VACUUM is a local punk band that existed in the 90s, and now they have reunited. I'm pretty sure that I have seen them once or twice before, but I could not really remember what they sound like. They sound a lot like the Swedish bands from the 90s did, and it was actually not so bad at all. So if you like that, then this band is worth a try.

LASTKAJ 14 is what we call a trallpunk band (fast, catchy and melodic punk in Swedish), and they have been around since the early 2000s, which makes them veterans. A very good band, but unfortunately I must have been a little too drunk, because I can't remember much of their performance, and I took just 2 photos - Embarrassing! Yes, I am ashamed. Not much I can do about that now though..

Tarja Turunen: At Sea

earMUSIC - Digital Single
Former NIGHTWISH vocalist Tarja Turunen will release a new album, "Frisson Noir", on June 12. It's said to be a metal album, and the heaviest album of her career. "At Sea" is the first single, and it begins with a piano and then a violin, which is not so metal. After that we get some heavy guitars and hope, which she destroy by opening her mouth and start to sing with her typical soprano voice (it sounds better when she sing normal though). It's a epic adventure that last for as much as 10:22 minutes, and it moves between intimate piano passages, dramatic orchestral textures, and powerful guitar-driven moments.
This might not be my thing, but those of you who like symphonic and epic stuff might enjoy this.
youtu.be/ylwKdnuopW0

SPRINTS: Trickle Down

City Slang - Digital Single
Yet another single from Irish punk/indie rockers SPRINTS. And this time it's a little weird song. It sounds more like talking than vocals. Hard to describe..
"Trickle Down is about watching systems fail in slow motion, housing crisis, rising costs, culture wars, climate collapse, and being told to stay patient. It's the frustration of a generation stuck in 'wait mode' while everything burns", says the band about this track.
It's mainly the verse that's a little odd, while the chorus is actually not so bad. So in the end it's a o.k. song.
sprintsmusic.com

SCAMPI CHIPS DIP & CAMPARI: Let Go

Sodeh Records - Digital Single
This is a punk band from Bergen, Norway, formed in 2007. Why I have not heard about them before is a mystery, because this sounds so good that the whole punk scene should be talking about them.
Their latest single is an explosive anthem, and the first taste of their upcoming debut album, "Well, It Ain't Fast Food". And after listening to this song, I'm really hungry for some more. They seems to blend the best parts from garage rock and old punk with a modern twist, and the result is a timeless anthem for every generation. Definitely worth checking out!
youtu.be/I8yt8kNfloM?si=4VzpCHD8BZQ2biy8 | instagram.com/scampichipsdipandcampari | sodeh.ca

S.O.R.M.: I'm A Killer

Noble Demon - Digital Single
Swedish hard rockers S.O.R.M. has released a new single, and it sounds a lot like good old W.A.S.P. It's a hard-hitting and emotionally charged track, that dives into a dark and painful chapter of history, addressing how Native Americans were driven from their lands, forced to fight and flee for their lives. The song reflects on the brutality of the conflict, and the long-lasting scars that remain to this day.
Well, this is a very good song in the 80s tradition, and if you like that, then you have to check this out. Simple as that!
music.nobledemon.com/imakiller | facebook.com/sormsweden | linktr.ee/nobledemon

MANDY MANALA: Bloodred Chapel Of Sin

Argonauta Records - Digital Single

Finnish dark heavy rockers MANDY MANALA return with a new single. And after their brilliant debut album, which was released last year, expectations are quite sky high. A new album, "Something Wicked", is set for release in late spring, and this is the first taste of that.
They continue to deliver massive stoner infused riffs, occult rock atmospheres and infectious hooks. It's dark, hypnotic and driven by crushing riffs and captivating vocal performance. The early hype may have faded somewhat, but they are showing that they can actually still deliver. So even though this song may not be quite as strong as the songs from the debut, it still sounds really good. And I'm pretty sure that when I have listened some more, it will grow stronger and stronger.
youtu.be/yf1iYjc2FSA | facebook.com/MandyManala | facebook.com/ArgonautaRecords

LIGHTNING STRIKES: The King Is Victorious

Lightning Strikes? - CD, Digital
This version of LIGHTNING STRIKES was born in Los Angeles in early 2021, and seems to consist of members not just from USA, but also Japan and Germany. The bulk of this album was recorded by Karpis Maksudian, the Japanese guitar virtuoso Norifumi Shima (CONCERTO MOON), American bassist Barry Sparks (MSG, Yngwie Malmsteen), and up-and-coming Argentinian vocalist, Mariano Gardella, with keyboard maestro Derek Sherinian (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, SONS OF APOLLO), who guested on the group's debut album, also making an appearance.
But fact is that LIGHTNING STRIKES were originally formed in 1984 already, and they were actually the first metal band to feature an all Armenian/American lineup, well over a decade before the arrival of SYSTEM OF A DOWN. Co-founder Maksudian revived the name with new personnel a quarter century after the initial breakup, recording the group's self-titled 2016 full-length debut with some new people.
So, 10 years after that they now return with their second album, "The King Is Victorious". And it sounds like melodic hard rock/heavy metal in the old tradition. And with such a strong lineup comes a lot of experience, which can be heard. So this is of course worth a try if that sounds like something that you would like to hear.
youtu.be/Day70mZdSXU | facebook.com/lightningstrikesrocks

FORTUNE TELLER: Command The Legions

Mighty Music - Digital Single
This is a pretty new band, formed in 2025 by a collective of seasoned musicians. By bridging the gap between traditional epic metal and modern melodic sensibility, driven by soaring vocals, galloping riffs and anthemic hooks, "Command The Legions" depicts the next stage of the ongoing story started with the previous singles by the UK/EU power metal band FORTUNE TELLER. It also builds up the interest for the upcoming debut album, which is scheduled for release later this year.
Their sound is modern and melodic, but with heavy guitars. It doesn't really sound like the power metal that I'm used to, but it's absolutely not bad at all. This is simply a very good song.
bfan.link/ft-command | mightymusic.dk

TOMORROW'S OUTLOOK: Black Waves

Battlegod Productions/Sörvik Rock Music on March 27 - CD, Digital
"Black Waves" is the third album from this Northern Norwegian heavy/power metal band. They blend melodic heavy metal with a heavier, more direct form of power metal. The roots are without a doubt in the 80s tradition, and these guys really know how to do this. It sounds very professional, and the songs are all excellent. But I didn't really expect anything else, as their previous albums have been great too.
This is almost like listening to one of those great albums from the 80s. So if you like heavy/power metal in the good old tradition, then you just have to check out this album - Without a doubt!
sorvikrock.com | facebook.com/tomorrowsoutlook

TULUS: Morbid Desires

Darkness Shall Rise Productions on March 27 - CD, LP, MC, Digital
It seems like Norwegian band TULUS have been around for 35 years, and now they will return with a new album.
"Morbid Desires" is their 8th full-length album. And it's said to stay true to their trademark sound, which is raw and cold thrash/black metal with variation. All lyrics are in Norwegian. The more energetic and fast songs here are a little better according to me.
Among the better tracks are the opening-song, "Salme II", for example, but the other songs are not so bad either. This could absolutely be worth a try if you like black metal.
darknessshallrise.de | facebook.com/TULUSband

WHITE SKIES: Shouting At The Hurricane

Metalapolis Records on March 27 - CD
UK based AOR band WHITE SKIES was founded in 2020 by some veterans in the British rock scene, and their debut album, "Black Tide", was released in 2022. Now they return with a new album, "Shouting At The Hurricane".
This album breathes the spirit of classic AOR and melodic hard rock, but without sounding dusty or old-fashioned. They more or less gives us the entire spectrum, like they would have picked the best parts and done their own songs. I'm actually not really sure why they call this just AOR, becuase to me many of these songs sounds more like melodic hard rock. Good stuff anyway, no doubt about that. You should really give this a try.
metalapolis.eu | whiteskies.co.uk

TIMELESS RAGE: My Kingdom Come

Metalapolis Records on March 27 - CD
This is the second album from the German symphonic power metal band TIMELESS RAGE. Since their formation in 2012, they have carved out their own niche with an unmistakable blend of catchy power metal, detailed melodic metal, symphonic influences, and dark, mystical tones.
With this album they introduce the new singer Nicolaj Ruhnow (DOMAIN, Nick Hellford, TOKYO BLADE). And they also have a new bassist, Daniel Wengle.
The band has created an ambitious album with 5 chapters. It sounds cinematic and majestic, but is also powerful at the same time. The power metal is in the foreground, while the symphonic is mainly in the background. And I would say that it actually works, because this is not bad at all. Fact is that they have made a great album.
metalapolis.eu | timeless-rage.de

LION'S SHARE: Inferno

Metalville Records on March 27 - CD, LP, Digital
Swedish heavy metal band LION'S SHARE has previously released 6 albums and a string of digital singles. Now they return with their long-awaited comeback album, their first in 17 years. And their goal was simple: To make the strongest, heaviest and most focused record of their career.
So, have they succeed with that then? Well, it's not impossible that they actually have, because this is a really strong album anyway. The songs are in the powerful league and in the classic tradition, so fans of the old school should be interested in this. But fact is that there's not one single weak song here, so you should be interested anyway.
LION'S SHARE was formed in Sundsvall, Sweden back in 1987, but it wasn't until 1995 that they released their self-titled debut. Along the way, they have collaborated with members of legendary bands like KISS, MEGADETH, KING DIAMOND, CANDLEMASS and SYMPHONY X, as well as Yngwie Malmsteen. Since 2017 they have operated as a duo, with Lars Chriss on guitar and Nils Patrik Johansson on vocals, calling on trusted friends for live and studio collaborations.
metalville-shop.com | lionsshare.org

MIDNATT: Skräckfylld Förtjusning

Jawbreaker Records on March 27 - LP, CD, MC, Digital
MIDNATT play old school heavy metal and sing in Swedish, and this is their debut album. The sound is raw and primitive like a demo recording from the late 70s/early 80s. The lyrics are no happy stories about sunshine and flowers. And if that sounds like something that you would like, then you should really check this out, because this is a damn good album.
What else I should say about this is unknown to me, but remember where you heard about them, because you should like what you hear.
jawbreaker.se | instagram.com/midnattswe

KERRIGAN: Wayfarer

High Roller Records on March 27 - CD, LP, MC, Digital
KERRIGAN are said to be one of the most promising newcomers from Germany when it comes to traditional heavy metal. The band was formed in Freiburg in 2019 as a duo, and they recorded a demo. After that they signed with High Roller Records, who released the band's debut album, "Bloodmoon", in 2023. Now they return with their second album, "Wayfarer", and have become a complete band.
The music is without a doubt classic heavy metal, but the vocals is very melodic, so don't expect any screaming or high notes here. I would say that it somehow works very well though, so there's no reason to complain. They have simply made a great album, and you should give it a try.
hrrecords.de | facebook.com/Kerriganheavymetal

DARK HEART: Evolution

Pride & Joy Music on March 27 - CD, Digital
DARK HEART is a UK based melodic hard rock band formed in the early 80s. Their debut album, "Shadows Of The Night", was released in 1984, but after that they decided to go seperate ways. Over the years the band has developed a cult following, gaining many new fans to their music. And in 2024 the band returned with Alan Clarke as the only original member.
This new album sounds mainly like something old with a modern sound production. Most of these 11 track sounds good, and there's just a few songs that are less interesting. But I would say that this is mainly a pretty good album, so it could be worth a try if you like melodic rock and hard rock.
youtu.be/b_8n_H8xiNM?si=kNHWcWTVqCp4fosl | prideandjoy.de

Dan Lucas: Age Is Just A Number

Pride & Joy Music on March 27 - CD
Dan Lucas is a melodic rock artist from Germany. But even though it might sound happy, there's also critical lyrics straight from life. All songs were written by Dan, with the help of composer and musician Markus Pfeffer (BARNABAS SKY, LAZARUS DREAM) on 4 tracks.
Singer, guitarist, songwriter, and musical performer Dan Lucas became known to a wide television audience when he won the first season of the casting show "The Voice of Germany - Senior", enchanting the jury with a fantastic version of the JOURNEY classic "Don't Stop Believin'" and John Farnham's "You're The Voice". But he has been around for much longer than that. Back in 1988, Dan and the Berlin band KARO released the debut album "Heavy Birthday". So this is obviously a veteran.
Well, after listening to his latest album, I can tell you that there's nothing to complain about if you like melodic rock, because this is really good stuff and mainly in the classic tradition. You can hear that this is made by experienced musicians who knows exactly what they are doing.
youtu.be/L5cwVSUNcHM | danlucas.de | prideandjoy.de

RAM-ZET: Sapien

ViciSolum Productions on March 27 - CD, 2LP, Digital
Talk about world champions in madhouse metal. These people mix elements from all kinds of stuff, and not just metal, to a wild progressive stew. They include stuff like tivoli music and world music for example, but it's mainly progressive and avantgarde metal that these Norwegians play. They are doing it very good of course, but sometimes this is just too much for me. So if you want to give this a try, then you should already be a fan of this kind of music.
RAM-ZET has previously released 5 albums between 2000-2012. This is their first album in 14 years, and there has been some changes in the lineup since last time. New keyboardist is Kai "Aazuu" Renton (TROLLFEST), and violinist Ingvild "Sareeta" Johannesen has returned after an extended break.
The music is often intense and very varied, but there's softer moments too. Listening to this is like a crazy adventure where anything can happen.
ram-zet.com

IRON SAVIOR: Awesome Anthems Of The Galaxy

Perception on March 27 - CD, Digital
You might wonder why these guys play metal when they have a certain fondness for pop from the 80s. So yes, this is a covers album. But you can of course like more than 1 genre, and these guys put their own twist on these songs by doing them as heavy metal songs. There's many songs here that I remember from my youth, and you can simply state that pop was so much better back then. So this is mainly a good album. But another cover of &quoyt;Maniac" (which lots of artists have done already through the years) wasn't really what I need. And "Here Comes The Rain Again" by EURYTHMICS is a little too fast, when it should be much heavier and darker instead. Otherwise not much to complain about.
Among the artists that they cover here are A-HA, Phil Collins, FRANKIE GOES TO HOLLYWOOD, PET SHOP BOYS, ALPHAVILLE, RAINBOW, BLONDIE etc. There's a total of 17 tracks on this album, which might be a little too much.
iron-savior.com | reigningphoenixmusic.com

The GRISTLE: Urban Myth

Icons Creating Evil Art - Digital Album
Swedish rock duo The GRISTLE mix the rawness of blues with the intensity of punk and the attitude of garage rock, and then spice it with James Brown grooves and Jack White (The WHITE STRIPES, solo artist) riffs. They formed in 2020, and this is their debut album.
I really like the title track a little extra. It has a good energy in the chorus and a good feeling somehow. But there's more cool songs of course, because this is good stuff. It's dark, raw and heavy, yet energetic. The roots are in the Scandinavian rock tradition they say, but you can also hear elements of QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE and The BLACK KEYS.
Yes, this is really good stuff, so you should absolutely give it a try, no matter what kind of rock you like.
found.ee/thegristleurbanmyth | instagram.com/thegristlethegristlethegristle | icea.se

DEVIL'S CIGARETTE: Meet Me On The Floor Tonight

Wild Kingdom Records on March 27 - CD, LP, Digital
You don't really expect that some young boys would be playing old-man rock, but that's what most of this album sounds like to me. I expected some more action actually. But instead of action rock, I get a dose of unpolished rock n roll with attitude. So I would not say that it's hopeless anyway. And sure, there is some more explosive tracks as well. But I would guess that this is a band that you should see live instead of listening to at home.
DEVIL'S CIGARETTE comes from Stockholm, Sweden, and their debut album, "I Wanna Be On TV", was released in November 2024. That album was much more energetic than this second album, as far as I can remember.
How do I describe the music better than old-man rock then? Well, they blend classic garage rock and rock n roll with a modern touch you could say. It doesn't sound retro, but not too modern either.
wildkingdom.se/artists/devilscigarette

THORIUM: MG42

Emanzipation Productions - Digital Single
THORIUM deliver a crushing track from their upcoming album, "Suburban Rot", which will be out this Summer. We talk about extreme death metal here, so it's fast and brutal. And with this single they set the tone for what will come. So prepare yourself for the band's most uncompromising releases to date.
This is very good, so I look forward to hear the new album.
This Danish band is hardly new, as they formed back in 1997.
bfan.link/thrm-mg42 | emanzipation.dk

TO THE MAX!: Two The Max!

Go Down Records - LP, Digital
Italian action rock trio TO THE MAX! deliver 10 tracks where they blend rock n roll with hard rock riffs and even funk grooves. I would say that this band is sometimes more melodic, yet the energy is there and the songs are really good, so I have no reason to complain. This is simply good stuff and worth checking out.
This band formed in Verona a few years ago. Their debut album, "Midnight Tea", was self-released in 2024. "Two The Max!" is their second album.
bfan.link/two-the-max | lnk.bio/ToTheMax-Band | godownrecords.com

TORANAGA UK: Crash And Burn

Toranaga UK - Digital Single
Back in the late 1980s TORANAGA were one of the prime movers on the UK thrash metal scene, leading the pack alongside the likes of SABBAT, ONSLAUGHT and XENTRIX. They released 2 albums - "Bastard Ballads" on Peaceville Records, and "God's Gift" on Chrysalis Records. But I guess that it didn't really go as planned, and the band slipped into a lengthy hiatus. There was a brief rebirth under the name The BASTARD SON OF TORANAGA, with the "Righteous Retribution" album emerging in 2013, but this incarnation soon dissolved.
It wasn't until 2024 before a new TORANAGA lineup was unveiled, under the name TORANAGA UK; lead by vocalist Mark Duffy. A new EP, "A New Order", was released in 2025, and now they return with the new single "Crash And Burn".
This is good old thrash just the way it was supposed to be, and it's a very good song that they have made. If you like old school tharsh metal, then you should really give this a try. I'm very sure that you will like what you hear.
facebook.com/ToranagaUK

DIATRIBES: Degenerate

Brutal Records on March 20 - CD, LP, Digital
From the Brazilian underground comes this beast called DIATRIBES. It's a ruthless and uncompromising force driven by sheer aggression, sonic violence, and modern extreme heaviness.
This is their debut album, which is a very intense and extreme experience. Everything is pushed to the limit. It's full speed ahead, but not without brain as they seems to know exactly what they are doing. What I mean is that it's not just fast to be fast, but there's actually a song structure as well. They succeed to balance the fast and brutal without becoming chaotic. And these guys are doing what they are doing really good, so they can be proud of this album.
brutalrecords.com

BLUE AMBITION: The Scarlet Touch

Perris Records on March 20 - CD
BLUE AMBITION released their first album, "Seduction Of The Innocent", last year. The band features people like Frédéric Slama, Robbie LaBlanc and Tommy Denander, which should not need any deeper introduction if you know your melodic rock. Now they return with their second album.
Just like on the first album, this is very soft AOR. But they are doing it very good, and the songs are absolutely not bad at all, so it doesn't really matter that it's so soft. I would guess that fans of the classic bands could like this a lot. So if you're one of them, then I can really recomend you to give this album a try.
youtu.be/IO-wZ0mrSEU?si=dlmhzSrbrnfMPbTO | perrisrecords.com

TÜRBÖWITCH: Haunted Skies

Time To Kill Records on March 20 - CD, LP, MC, Digital
"Haunted Skies" is the third album from this Hungarian speed maniacs. And they are said to deliver their most focused and ferocious material to date.
The band was born in Budapest in 2016 as a raw, no-frills tribute to the sonic fury and visual madness of 80s extreme metal. What started as a fun side project between longtime friends quickly evolved into a far more focused and dedicated band, without ever losing its unfiltered energy and love for chaos.
TÜRBÖWITCH's music is a mix of early thrash metal aggression, speed metal velocity, and a heavy dose of punk attitude. At the same time as it's full speed ahead and loud, it's also razor sharp and very well done. The sound is raw and dirty, and far away from polished. I like it!
ffm.to/turbowitch-markolab | timetokillrecords.com/collections/turbowitch.... | turbowitch666.bandcamp.com/album/under....

STAINLESS: Lady Of Lust & Steel

High Roller Records on March 20 - CD, LP, MC, Digital
STAINLESS officially started in Portland, Oregon, in 2022. Past and present members have all been active in the Pacific Northwest underground scene, playing in bands such as BLACK BREATH, LONG KNIFE, NIGHTFELL and RIPPER. They soon released a single, which was followed by a mini-album. And now it's time for their first full-length album, "Lady Of Lust & Steel".
Their roots seems to be in the classic hard rock and heavy metal from the 70s and 80s. Although there's some heavy metal riffing, I would say that this is mainly hard rock. Doesn't really matter though as all of these songs are really good stuff. They have simply made an excellent album, and you should really check it out.
hrrecords.de | instagram.com/stainlesspdx

KATE'S ACID: Hellbender

High Roller Records on March 20 - CD, LP, MC, Digital
ACID was a band formed in Bruges, Belgium in 1980 (initially as PRECIOUS PAGE), and they are considered to be one of the very first speed metal bands on the European continent. They released 3 albums before they broke up in the mid-80s.
In 2019, lead vocalist Kate de Lombaert decided to resurrect the band with some new members under the name of KATE'S ACID. All they has released so far is a live album, "Blowing Your Ears Off" (2024), so "Hellbender" is the first studio album with this lineup.
Well, this sounds really good. The music is full of energy and it sounds old school, yet with a modern production. It might sound more like traditional heavy metal with some extra adrenaline than speed metal nowadays, but it's damn good, so you should really check this out. This is a great album!
hrrecords.de | facebook.com/KatesACID

DECIPHER: ΘΕΛΗΜΑ

Transcending Obscurity Records on March 20 - LP, CD, Digital
Greek black metallers DECIPHER return with a new album. And these guys got their priorities straight, and focus on riffs, feeling, intensity, and passion. There's melodic undertones, but mainly raw power. They have a good drive without being extremely fast. Some songs are a little longer, 6-7:43 minutes, while others are 4 to 5 and a half minutes. They succeed to keep the songs alive all the way and varies the material, so this is absolutely listenable and something that I can recomend you to check out.
decipherbm.bandcamp.com/album/thelema | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com

CULTIST: Spiritual Atrophy

Awakening Records on March 20 - CD, Digital (LP in late April via Futhark Records)
CULTIST hailing from Calgary, Canada, and released their debut album, "Manic Despair", in 2022. They deliver a hellish kind of death metal, that's brutal and aggressive. Most of these 9 tracks are around 3-4 minutes, and that's enough.
It's often intense, but they also succeed to be catchy somehow, which is something that I really like. They also varies their material, so it's not the same thing all the time. This is simply a very good death metal album, and you should really check it out.
facebook.com/cultistcanada | facebook.com/AwakeningRecordsCN | futharkrecords.com

GOATSMOKER: E.R.I.S.

Vinyltroll Records on March 20 - LP, Digital
GOATSMOKER is a doom metal band from Copenhagen, Denmark, formed in 2015. Their first release, "E.O.T.A.", came out in 2022, and &quor;E.R.I.S." is their second record.
Downtuned, fuzz-driven guitars, crushing bass and drums are some of the ingredients in their soundscape. This time it's said to be darker, slower and heavier. 5 tracks is what we get, and they are from 6:42 to 9:39 minutes long, so this is really heavy. Don't expect any catchy sing-along choruses or anthems here, because this is just heavy darkness. But if you happens to like that, then I can't see why you should not give these guys a chance.
facebook.com/GoatsmokerDK

SICK SHOOTERS: Super Sonic Rock Saga

Wap Shoo Wap Records on March 19 - LP, Digital
SICK SHOOTERS are a brand new 4-piece garage rock n roll band from Utrecht, The Netherlands. The band members are all in their early 20s, but have already experience from playing in local punk bands, like NO BRAINS, SPURN and ULTRAGOBLIN.
What we get on their debut album is 11 catchy songs with a raw production. The complete lack of a bass-guitar give vibes of 90s garage punk bands like The REATARDS and The OBLIVIANS, and gets mixed with hints of 70s power pop in the vein of The NERVES. It's a wild mix of punk rock explosions and garage rock anthems, and even a handful of bittersweet love songs.
Well, this is a damn good album, so every fan of good sweaty rock should give this a chance. And I'm pretty sure that fans of early punk rock will like this too.
instagram.com/sickshootersrock | wapshoowaprecords.bandcamp.com

EMPIRE OF DISEASE: While Everything Collapses

Xtreem Music on March 19 - CD, Digital
EMPIRE OF DISEASE is a melodic death metal band from Spain, formed in 2015 under the name NIGHTMARE WITHIN. In 2018 they became EMPIRE OF DISEASE. They has previously released a EP and 2 full-length albums, and are said to be something for fans of a band like The BLACK DAHLIA MURDER.
I can's say that I have heard that band, but EMPIRE OF DISEASE sounds really good anyway. Good song after good song is delivered with energy and anger. They have succeeded to make a really strong album, so they can be proud.
youtu.be/uMuIfXfmZHY | facebook.com/Empireofdisease | xtreemmusic.com

ONDT BLOD: Bauta

Playground Music - LP, Digital
After 8 years, Norwegian band ONDT BLOD are back with their third album.
The group hailing from Sør-Varanger in Finnmark, which is in northern Norway, and formed in 2013. Their music is a wild mix of raw hardcore urgency with big, hook-driven rock. All their lyrics are in Norwegian, and it's often an aggressive verse and a melodic chorus. I don't really know what I should compare them with, but it sounds modern somehow. I guess you could call it something funny like nu hardcore, as they blend hard and melodic parts in a good way, just like nu metal.
This is a pretty good album, but not much else. It's a little too much of the same thing over and over again in the first half of the album.
instagram.com/ondtblod | playgroundmusic.com

INSTIGATORS: Sanctus Propaganda Sessions Vol. 5

Sanctus Propaganda - LP
This is a live in studio recording, which was recorded in Poland in August 2025, with tracks from "Nobody Listens Anymore", "Phoenix", "Shockgun", plus EP material. A total of 10 tracks of good old punk.
UK band INSTIGATORS first existed in the 80s, and went seperate ways in the 90s. In 2025 they were back again.
Well, this is absolutely not bad at all. There's lots of great songs here, and it sounds like the early punk, without any kind of modern elements. I like that. This is something that you really should check out if you like punk from the late 70s and early 80s.
instagram.com/insti.gatorsuk

HOLOTROPIC: Individual

Holotropic - Digital Album
HOLOTROPIC is a progressive extreme metal band from Slovakia. We get 7 tracks in just over 30 minutes, where we get technical death metal through progressive and alternative passages to ambient elements. And as you probably can figure out for yourself, this is a wild adventure where it's sometimes more melodic and sometimes more aggressive. But most of all it's progressive.
I can't hear anything here that's extra good, but it's not bad anyway, and they seems to be very good at what they are doing, and I would guess that fans of progressive metal could like this. But to me, who like more straight songs with a big chorus, this is on a totally different level.
linktr.ee/holotropic.band

HEAVENWOOD: The Moon

Mighty Music - Digital Single
HEAVENWOOD is a Portuguese gothic/dark metal band. "The Moon" is the first glimpse of a new album, titled "The Tarot of the Bohemians - Part II", set for worldwide release later this year.
This is a atmospheric and melancholic composition, which comes to live in the chorus you could say. A pretty good song, but then I'm hardly an expert when it comes to this genre. Give it a try if you like dark metal or goth rock.
The band formed in 1992 in Vila Nova de Gaia.
bfan.link/hvwd-moon | mightymusic.dk

GOTTHARD: More Stereo Crush

Reigning Phoenix Music - MCD, MLP, CD with "Stereo Crush", Digital
Swizz hard rockers GOTTHARD have been active for more than 30 years now. And after the release of their latest studio album, "Stereo Crush", they now return with a 8-track EP/mini-album called "More Stereo Crush". We get 5 previously unreleased songs from the "Stereo Crush" sessions, as well as "Mayday" which had only been available as a video, a radio edit of the ballad "Burning Bridges", and a brand-new duet of fan favorite "Liverpool" featuring Nic Maeder and KROKUS veteran Marc Storace.
It's good old hard rock that we get from these veterans, and it sounds really good. All songs are very strong, so this is a record that you really should check out.
gotthard.com | reigningphoenixmusic.com

Erik Grönwall: Bad Bones

Greenwall Entertainment - Digital Single
After being frontman for H.E.A.T and then SKID ROW, Swedish rock singer Erik Grönwall goes solo. This first single was released a few weeks ago (much to review now), and an album, with the same title as this song, will be released on May 22. Erik is also singing with German guitar legend Michael Schenker (MSG, ex- UFO, SCORPIONS) once in a while.
This song is a statement that says that he can deliver on his own as well. Melodic hard rock with attitude is probably a good description. It sounds very good and promising anyway, no doubt about that. Check out!
youtu.be/540IsNU9tOQ

CROWN THE BEAST: Judgement

Emanzipation Productions - Digital Single
This single is a first glimpse of a upcoming EP with the same name. CROWN THE BEAST play a groove-driven kind of modern death metal, infused with old school intensity. It's energetic and intense with harsh vocals. And this sounds promisng for the new EP, because it's a pretty good song that they have made. You should really check it out, no matter what kind of death metal you like.
bfan.link/ctb-judg | emanzipation.dk

CRIMSON GLORY: Chasing The Hydra

BraveWords Records - Digital Single
CRIMSON GLORY will return with a new album, "Chasing The Hydra", on April 17. The title track is now available as a first taste of the new album.
CRIMSON GLORY is an American heavy metal band formed in 1983 in Sarasota, Florida. Today's lineup consist of founding members Ben, Jeff and Dana, as well as new vocalist Travis Wills and guitarist Mark Borgmeyer (both members since 2023).
This is a pretty hard and heavy song, which sometimes almost sounds more like thrash metal than heavy metal. It also sounds very professional, so you can really hear that this is not a new band but veterans with lots of experience. The song itself is pretty good, but not really an anthem according to me. I would guess that fans of progressive heavy metal could like this.
tr.ee/k3s7jc_MSq | bravewordsrecords.com

SOCIAL DISTORTION: Born To Kill

Epitaph Records - Digital Single
After 15 years, American punk rock veterans SOCIAL DISTORTION are back with a new album, "Born To Kill", on May 8. The first taste of the album is the title track, which was released a couple of weeks ago (busy man). And this is a catchy anthem in their old tradition, so no fan should be dissapointed I guess. It's simply a good song, and sounds promising for the new album.
SOCIAL DISTORTION have been around for an eternity, so I guess I don't have to tell you more about them?
youtube.com/watch?v=5kCv95gBJOk | socialdistortion.com | epitaph.com

UNCHOSEN ONES: Divine Power Flowing

(Label unknown..) - CD, Digital
This is the second album from UNCHOSEN ONES, which arrives 3 years after their debut album, "Sorrow Turns To Dust". The band formed in 2020 in Vigo, Spain, and they play heavy and power metal with a 90s touch. This time they were aiming at a more powerful, energetic, and bombastic sound.
Well, one thing is very clear anyway, they have made a fantastic album with lots of great songs. It's powerful and melodic without being extremely fast. This is something that every fan of heavy and power metal should check out.
unchosenones.bandcamp.com/album/divine....

WHAT THE FIRE LEFT: What The Fire Left

What The Fire Left on March 13 - Digital EP
This 5-track EP is the debut from WHAT THE FIRE LEFT. They say that it's rooted in neo-crust and d-beat punk, but to me it sounds more like the hardcore from the 90s, with metal riffs and all. In other words very American. But these guys also have lots of guitar melodies in their songs, and they even use a cello here and there to add an extra layer to the sound.
They blend aggressive vocals with heavy riffs and guitar melodies in a good way, no doubt about that. But it would have been good if they could have varied the songs a little more. Because as it is now, it's like the songs last for an eternity, even if they are no longer than 2:24-3:42 minutes.
whatthefireleft.bandcamp.com

MESSTICATOR: Total Mastery

Testimony Records on March 13 - CD, LP, MC, Digital
If you like it really fast, then this band could be something for you. It's not fast all the time, but there's parts with machine gun drums anyway.
MESSTICATOR hailing from Hamburg, Germany, and formed in 2019 if I get it right. Their first full-length album, "Forthcoming Revelation", was released in 2022, and now their second album is ready to be released.
The music is fast, hard and uncompromising thrash/death metal. And this album is said to be faster, harder, and even less willing to compromise than its predecessor. Yet they succeed to be catchy as well, so it's never too extreme. This is very good stuff and absolutely worth checking out.
spkr.store/collections/messticator | messticator.bandcamp.com/album/total-mastery

VITAMIN X: Ride The Apocalypse

Svart Records on March 13 - CD, LP, Digital
For over 2 decades VITAMIN X has delivered their crossover of hardcore, thrash and punk. Now that they return with a new album, it's said to be their most intense and ambitious to date. It's faster, harder, and heavier than anything the band has done before. We get as much as 17 tracks here, but then these songs are pretty short, from 47 seconds to 2 and a half minutes. Many of the songs are fast and really energetic, but not all. It mainly sounds old school, like it used to sound in the early 80s. And it sounds really good to me, so I hardly complain. I can really recomend you to check this out.
The album was mastered by Joel Grind (TOXIC HOLOCAUST, MUNICIPAL WASTE).
svartrecords.com | facebook.com/vitaminxhc

TRANSILVANIA: Magia Posthuma

Invictus Productions on March 13 - CD, LP, Digital
This Austrian band blend the raw, driving spirit of classic thrash with the chilling, cold atmosphere of black metal. It's really raw, and sounds most of all like black metal. It's mainly fast and intense, but it can also be heavier or more mid-tempo (not so often though). But no matter what tempo it is, it's just as raw anyway.
They have some really good tracks here, and I like those faster songs best. This is really energetic and true. I can really recomend you to check this out.
invictusproductions.net | facebook.com/transilvaniaaustria

The BLACK CROWES: A Pound Of Feathers

Silver Arrow Records on March 13 - LP, CD, Digital
This was actually the first time I have heard The BLACK CROWES, so I can't compare with their previous material. They play rock n roll anyway. Think of bands like The ROLLING STONES and The QUIREBOYS for example, something like that. They are obviously veterans and very experienced musicians, which you really can hear here. But they still seems to know how to make catchy rock songs, because this album is not bad at all. So if you like good old rock n roll, then you should really check this out. And that's all I have to say..
theblackcrowes.com

WOLFBASTARD: Satanic Scum Punks

Apocalytic Witchcraft on March 13 - LP, CD, MC, Digital
4 years after the release of their third album, "Hammer The Bastards", Manchester's WOLFBASTARD return with a new album. It's fast and intense, yet catchy as hell. I think of something like LOUDPIPES (if anybody remember them?) for example, which is something that I really like, but this is more violent and with a black metal twist. The energy is really high, and it sounds angry as well. There's no acoustic interludes or moments of atmospheric reflection, just ultra-aggressive punk riffs with a jagged black metal blade.
WOLFBASTARD has started the fire, and now it's up to you if you want to enjoy it or put out the fire. I enjoy it anyway. It&39;s warm and sounds beautiful to my ears.
facebook.com/dbeatblackmetal | apocalypticwitchcraft.co.uk

RAVENSPELL: Obsidian King

Fighter Records on March 12 - CD, LP, MC, Digital
RAVENSPELL begin this album with a scream, and then the heavy metal party begins.
"Obsidian King" is the full-length debut from this Canadian band. Like so many others, they have a classic sound, and they deliver it with power and melodies. Driving riffs and rythms is combined with powerful and melodic vocals. Everything is of the highest quality.
This is simply an album that will make every metal heart beat faster and beg for more as it's full of fantastic anthems to bang your head to. Which means that you just have to check this out!
facebook.com/ravenspellofficial | fighter-records.com

UNINHIBITED: From Flesh To Void

Uninhibited - Digital EP
This is a German 2-man death metal project, formed in 2023 by longtime collaborators Basti (vocals) and Marco (all instruments). Their new EP, "From Flesh To Void", is said to expand the band's sound, both musically and lyrically. Their roots seems to be in the old school, but they are not afraid to add some modern elements as well. The sound is mainly raw and unpolished, and it sounds pretty good, so it could be worth a try if you like death metal.
uninhibited.bandcamp.com/album/from-flesh-to-void

VIOLENT OMEN: Path Of Illumination

Nocturnus Records - Digital Single
After a 10-year hiatus, Ukranian technical thrashers VIOLENT OMEN are back with a new single. The track is taken from an upcoming album, that will be released on CD in the spring through Nocturnus Records.
The band formed in 2009. After a few demo recordings, they released their first album, "Infernal Express", in 2010. After 2 more albums they went on hiatus in 2014, but returned in 2024.
Well, after a soft and then technical beginning, the song finally starts. It sounds complicated somehow, yet it's not such a bad song. I have heard both better and worse though.
youtu.be/qhwGeBxYbcM | violentomenofficial.bandcamp.com

HEAD OF CLAY: I'm Freaking Out Now

Head Of Clay - Digital Single
HEAD OF CLAY hailing from Melbourne, Australia. But instead of playing the classic Aussie rock, these people have choosen to play classic melodic rock instead. But they also throw in some influences from bands like ALICE IN CHAINS and POWDERFINGER they say, which is nothing that I can hear in this song.
This is very melodic, but yet it works. This is simply a good song that probably can make you a little happier on a dark day. So give it a try.
The band's second album will be released later this year.
youtu.be/rlzTyfzyKt4 | facebook.com/headofclay

The GRISTLE: Misfit

Icons Creating Evil Art - Digital Single
The GRISTLE is a Swedish duo, who mix groove, garage and punk rock to their own sound. It's raw and dirty rock with a touch of blues. But this song is also melodic, with a softer beginning, before there's some more energy. A pretty o.k. garage/blues rocker, but they have done better songs than this.
The duo are going on a Scandinavian tour as support act for Philip Shouse in March. Their debut album, "Urban Myths", was released on March 6.
found.ee/gristlemisfit | instagram.com/thegristlethegristlethegristle | icea.se

FORSAKEN PROFITS: Decayed

Forsaken Profits - Digital Single
Atlanta's FORSAKEN PROFITS have been around for 14 years, and they play skate punk/thrash metal. This single is taken from an upcoming album, which will be released in April. I can absolutely hear skate punk in this song, so I would say that it's the main ingredient when it comes to this track. It also sounds like something from the 90s, so if you like that, well then you should give this a try, because it's not bad at all.
forsakenprofits.bandcamp.com/track/decayed

CROCELL: Sarcophagus

Emanzipation Productions - Digital Single
This single is the first taste from CROCELL's upcoming 7th full-length album, which they will reveal more information about soon. It's a dark and atmospheric track, before the music shifts character and culminating in an intense climax. I guess that we can describe it as blackened death metal or something like that? It's hard and heavy stuff anyway, and not so bad at all. You should give this a try.
bfan.link/crcll-sarc | emanzipation.dk

BEYOND A.C.: Beyond A.C.

Beyond A.C. - Digital Album
BEYOND A.C. is a Finnish rock band, and this is their debut album, where they blend rock, hard rock and rock n roll. Some of the songs are new, while others come from a different time and a place when these guys had a other band together somewhere beyond the arctic circle.
These guys are rocking, and it sounds raw and old school, so there's absolutely no modern influences here. They might not have anything that's extra good here, but yet it's good enough anyway. So why not give them a try?
Listen: youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mVccW........

DISTORTED REFLECTION: Doom Zone

Iron Shield Records - CD

In August 2022 Kostas Sal (ex-SORROWS PATH) formed the doom metal band DISTORTED REFLECTION, and the debut album, "Doom Rules Eternally", was released in February 2024. That was a fantastic album! And now their second album is finally here, where guitarist Jack Starr is doing a guest solo on the opening track, "3000 A.D.".
DISTORTED REFLECTION play a very traditional kind of doom, and it sounds just like it should. They has succeeded to make another great album, no doubt about that. We get good song after good song here. Every fan of classic doom metal have to check this out, and that's all I have to say..
youtu.be/Olr5AfgG3Ag | facebook.com/distortedreflectiondoom | ironshieldrecords.de

MALEFIC: Impermanence

Terminus Hate City - Album
Although they formed in 2007, this is the first full-length album from this Atlanta blackened thrash metal band. They actually began to work on it in 2018 already, but conquered numerous personal and professional challenges on the way. Now it's finally here though..
MALEFIC take influences from black, death and thrash metal. Precise guitar work, furious drumming, and vicious vocals dominate the soundscape. It's mainly aggressive, but there's melodic parts too. And they are doing this very good, so it could definitely be worth a try.
facebook.com/MaleficBandATL

PERSECUTOR: Casualties Of Violence

Persecutor on March 20 - LP, Digital
Danish thrashers PERSECUTOR has existed since 2018, and now they deliver their third album, where riffing, melodic sensibility, and aggression come together in perfect harmony. They combine the sound of the classic bands with a neo-thrash approach, and they are doing it very well. This album is full of great songs for every fan of violent thrash metal, so you should really give it a try.
I don't have a clue what else I should say, so let the music do the talking instead..
bit.ly/49o2YZd | linktr.ee/persecutordk

TEMPLE BALLS: Temple Balls

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - LP, CD, Digital
Just because the album is self-titled, doesn't mean that it's their first album. No, this Finnish hard rock band has already existed for a deacde or so, and released 4 albums.
They play hard rock in the 80s tradition, and they do it really good. Their previous albums has as far as I can remember all been good, and this latest album is really strong too. Not a bad song on the whole record! This band should be more popular than I think they are, so give them a chance, and do it now.
ffm.bio/templeballsalbum | templeballsrocks.com | frontiers.it

Austen Starr: I Am The Enemy

Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, Digital
This is the debut album from rock singer Austen Starr, a woman from Boston. It's said to deliver "a hard-hitting blend of contemporary rock with classic influences, drawing comparisons to artists like The WARNING and HALESTORM while infusing a more traditional hard rock sound". The album is a collaboration with Joel Hoekstra (WHITESNAKE, REVOLUTION SAINTS, ICONIC, Cher, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA), who also takes care of all guitars on the album. Other musicians appearing include Chris Collier (Mick Mars, Lita Ford) on bass and drums, Steve Ferlazzo (HUGO'S VOYAGE) on keyboards, and Chloe Lowery (TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA) on background vocals.
Usually when it's a woman who's the boss, there's too much pop. But luckily not here. This is actually rocking, and there's lots of good songs here. The vocals is melodic, but the music is a mix of rock and hard rock.
ffm.bio/iamtheenemy | austenstarr.com | frontiers.it

SAVAGE BEAT: Bright Lights, Tall Shadows

Wap Shoo Wap Records/Longshot Music/Mendeku Diskak on March 6 - LP, Digital
SAVAGE BEAT is a punk rock band from Amsterdam, The Netherlands. They have been active since 2016, and call their music "street boogie", which is a mixture of late 70s punk rock, high energy rock n roll and Oi! influences.
Why they open with an instrumental garage rock song is a mystery, because that's not so interesting to hear, but I have heard a lot worse of course. After that it sounds better though. This band obviously have some elements of both garage rock and action rock in their sound, so this could of course be of interest for fans of that. But in general it's good old punk rock from the late 70s that we get here, and it sounds really good to me so I hardly complain.
instagram.com/savage.beat | wapshoowaprecords.bandcamp.com

LORDS OF SALEM: Supersonic Vampire Pussy

Echozone on March 6 - CD, LP
German dark metal/rock band LORDS OF SALEM call their music "dead pop sex action", and this is their debut album. It sounds a little like industrial rock actually, with raw and unpolished vocals. The songs here are not bad at all, so if you think you would like dark industrial metal/rock, then you should give this album a try.
What else I should say is a big mystery though..
echozone.de

LEAVES' EYES: Song Of Darkness

Reigning Phoenix Music on March 6 - MCD, Digital
LEAVES' EYES and I are not always on the same page. Some records that I have heard with them have just not been my thing, while they once in a while can succeed to do something that I actually like. So it's with a certain amount of anxiety that I tackle a new record.
This time it's a 4-track EP with symphonic metal, and on this record they blend folk-inspired melodies and orchestral elements. Among the better songs are the opening track, which is the title track. But the other songs are actually not so bad either.
LEAVES' EYES has already existed for more than 2 decades. The band was founded in 2003 by vocalist and producer Alexander Krull. Since 2016 Finnish soprano Elina Siirala is fronting the band.
leaveseyes.de | reigningphoenixmusic.com

LÖMSK: Act II - Of Iron And Blood

Vendetta Records on March 6 - LP, CD, Digital
LÖMSK is a black metal band from Sweden, formed in 2022. Their music stands as a direct response to a world they see as rotten and vain. It often goes fast and the vocals is aggressive, but there's also melodic parts here, which makes me want to call this melodic black metal actually. It sounds good anyway, so you don't have to worry about that. And those melodic elements almost gives their soundscape a extra dark and melancholy atmosphere. This is absolutely not any happy music, and it's not supposed to be either. Just raw darkness straight in your face.
Here's both songs of a normal length - 3:09-5:38 minutes - as well as longer songs - 6:22-9:04 minutes.
lomsk.se | vendetta-records.com

TRIUMPHER: Piercing The Heart Of The World

No Remorse Records on March 6 - CD, LP
TRIUMPHER is an epic metal band based in Athens, Greece, founded in 2020. The band forges a powerful blend of epic heavy metal infused with black and extreme metal elements. Their debut album, "Storming The Walls", was released in 2023. After that they signed with No Remorse Records (who re-released the debut on both LP and CD), and "Spirit Invictus" was released in 2024.
Now they return with their third album, "Piercing The Heart Of The World". And this sounds a lot like MANOWAR actually, so it wouldn't surprise me if they have a few albums with that band in their record collection. But they do it really good, so I like it. It's like they are taking the best parts from the epic metal of the 80s, and they also seems to know how to use those ingredients to create great songs. Yes, this is absolutely worth listening to.
The release of this album will be followed by a European tour, which will begin on March 19.
noremorse.gr | facebook.com/Triumpher.official

MEGA COLOSSUS: Watch Out!

Cruz Del Sur Music on March 6 - CD, LP, Digital
MEGA COLOSSUS might sound like the name of a really heavy band, but these guys play classic heavy metal with lots of energy, so they are not that heavy.
The band formed in 2005, and is part of what is called "the new wave of traditional heavy metal". But they put their own touch on it, and the new album is said to draw together elements from MEGA COLOSSUS' earlier releases - blazing guitar solos, intricate twin-guitar harmonies and ambitious 4-part vocal harmonies - while pushing into new and unexpected territory. Their songwriting is deliberately unconventional, taking unexpected turns and shifting gears without warning, moving from punk-inspired thrash to THIN LIZZY–style hard rock while remaining cohesive and memorable.
This is melodic, fearless and fun to listen to as most of these songs are awesome. If you call yourself heavy metal and don't check this out, then you must be really stupid.
cruzdelsurmusic.com | facebook.com/colossusmetal

BLACK LUNG: Forever Beyond

Magnetic Eye Records on March 6 - LP, CD, Digital
BLACK LUNG is a veteran trio from Baltimore, Maryland. They take influences from stoner, doom, psychedelic rock and other heavy stuff to get their sound. "Forever Beyond" is their fifth album, which is filled with heavy riffs and clean vocals. Here and there there's also psychedelic elements. Sometimes I think of something like QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE for example, other times I think of something completely different. It's mainly good, so this could of course be worth a try if you like it heavy.
facebook.com/blacklungbaltimore | linktr.ee/magneticeyerecords

ARTILLERY: Ghost In The Machine

Mighty Music - Digital Single
Danish thrash metal veterans ARTILLERY has signed with Mighty Music, and this is the first single from an upcoming EP, "Made In Hell", which will be released on May 15. They show us all that they hardly have saved any gunpowder, because this is sharp and vital. There are no signs whatsoever that they are tired, because thay attack with all that they got.
This is a really good song, so that new EP can be interesting to hear.
bfan.link/art-gitm

ADVOCACY: The Tide

Mighty Music - Digital Single
ADVOCACY is a atmospheric progressive metal band from Denmark. This single is the second taste of an upcoming album, which we will get more info about later. It's a melodic and melancholic track, but it also have that typical progressive rythm. Pretty good, so if you like progressive metal, then you should give this a try. And that's all I have to say right now..
bfan.link/advc-tide

NOISE AHOLIC: En Värld Styrd Av Lögner

Elitbolaget on March 4 - MC, Digital
NOISE AHOLIC hailing from Finland but scream in Swedish. The music is pretty chaotic and raw crust punk with elements of metal. This new album is said to show the band from its most raw, darkest and most unfiltered side. So don't expect any happy lyrics or melodies here.
Sure, this sounds good. But as most of these 12 songs sounds more or less the same, you get tired after just a few songs. But that's on the other hand nothing unusual when it comes to this kind of music. And fact is that it still kicks ass, so I continue to listen anyway. So if you like old school crust punk chaos, then you check this out, and that's it.
As the songs are pretty short, 37 seconds to 2 and a half minutes, it's a pretty short album, and maybe not really a full-length. But more songs would have been too much, so that's o.k.
NOISE AHOLIC was started in 2018 by Owe Inborr. After a demo with as much as 50 songs, he released 2 full-length albums in 2022 and 2023.
The new album features guest vocals from people like Kjell Simosas, Otto Kaalikoski (BOB MALMSTRÖM), Mari Luoma, and Petter Haukland (KAOS, KRIS OCH HELVETE etc). There's also guitar solos and licks from Marco Lindholm (LUPONERO).
elitbolaget.bandcamp.com/album/en-v-rld-styrd.... | elitbolaget.com/noiseaholic

The FAKE FRIENDS: Let's Not Overthink This

Stomp Records - LP, Digital
The FAKE FRIENDS hailing from Montreal, and they play post-punk/indie rock that you can dance to. In other words not the hardest stuff. But does it always have to be so hard? No.
This group blend post punk rhythm, new wave cool, and melodic bite to something that fits late nights somehow. Sometimes they succeed to be catchy, and sometimes they are not so interesting. So there's really some ups and downs here. Some of those more catchy songs are good, but when it becomes too soft and danceable, then it's just not for me. And unfortunately those good songs are way too few.
youtu.be/iH9rLDYRn0M?si=JVUErnJCYyL7yUEK | thefakefriends.bandcamp.com/album/lets-not.... | stomprecords.com

The DARTS: Halloween Love Songs

Adrenalin Fix Music/Meow Hiss Music on March 3 - LP, Digital
The DARTS (aka The DARTS US) is an all-female garage rock band based in Seattle nowadays, and they formed in 2016. They has released several EPs and albums through the years, and toured across both USA and Europe/UK.
On this new album, side A is "spooky-fun Halloween kitsch for trick-or-treating as the sun sets", while side B is for "rocking the after-midnight bonfire with the leftover candy". In other words perfect music for dark nights.
The sound is unpolished and very 60s, but with a modern production of chourse. It's a cool sound that I really like, so I like this album a lot. All 13 tracks are of a very high quality. You should really check this out.
facebook.com/thedartsus

CONVERGE: Love Is Not Enough

Epitaph Records - CD, Digital (LP on March 13)
CONVERGE has existed for 35 years now, and this is their 11th album. They blend punk, hardcore and metal to their own unique sound, which you must hear to understand. But let's just say that there's lots of hardcore, metal, heavy riffs and screaming. It's in other words mainly stone hard and aggressive, but also heavy. And if that sounds like something that would make you hot, then you should really check out this album, because it's actually not so bad at all.
epitaph.com | convergecult.com

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