REVIEWS MAY 2026
«April | Index | June»GODTHRYMM: Projections
Profound Lore Records - LP, CD, DigitalThis is the third album form UK doom metallers GODTHRYMM. And with this they have completed their "Visions Trilogy", which began with their debut album, "Reflections" in 2020, and continued with "Distortions" in 2023. They have been reconized for bringing back the early mid-90s UK doom metal, most notably formulated by the Paceville Three - MY DYING BRIDE, PARADISE LOST, and ANATHEMA. And this band features former members of 2 of those bands.
"Projections" is said to be their "most layered, varied and complex release yet, all while still upholding the colossal emotionally charged heavy doom backbone that has defined the core of the band's sound". But it's also said to be their most aggressive release to date.
We get 6 tracks here, and they are from 6:11 to 9 minutes long. It sounds experienced and professional, and what they have created is not bad at all. I would say that this is more than just doom metal though, as it goes pretty fast sometimes. But just sometimes, as it's mainly dark and heavy.
godthrymm.com | linktr.ee/profoundlorerecords
GENERAL CHAOS: Can't Please 'em All
Stomp Records - LP, CD, DigitalMontreal teenage punks GENERAL CHAOS has released their second full-length album. Over 13 tracks they give us everything from faster punk songs to melodic punk rockers. There's pieces of bands like RANCID, DESCENDENTS, SOCIAL DISTORTION, GREEN DAY and PROPAGANDHI in this band's music. And if you like that, then you should really check this out for a fat dose of punk. Because this is really good stuff and a very strong album.
These boys formed this band in 2022, when they were just 12 years old. By 15 they had already released their debut album, "Outta My Way".
"Can't Please 'em All" was recorded in 3 days, so there's no bullshit here, but just true punk with a young hunger. This album is full of energy and anthems.
generalchaosband.bandcamp.com
FORSAKEN PROFITS: Road Rash
Forsaken Profits - 10" vinyl with free digital download, Digital"Road Rash" is a mix of 90s skate punk and 80s thrash metal. And even if it might sound like a crossover that should not work, it actually does. But I guess you have to be into both genres to fully enjoy these energetic songs. But that's just a wild guess though. I like what I hear anyway.
The first track is the title track, and it's a pure thrash song that last for 1:45 minutes (the shortest song here). The rest of the songs are all the crossover I mentioned earlier, and those are between 2:13 to 2:35 minutes. So they keep it short, but at the same time effective. The songs simply doesn't have to be longer than that.
We get 8 tracks, so it's over pretty fast. And this is more like a mini-album than a full-length. Worth checking out anyway.
forsakenprofits.bandcamp.com
BLUE TEARS: Live In The UK
Pride & Joy Music - CD, DigitalAmerican rock band BLUE TEARS released their debut album in 1990. This recording is from an appearance at Firefest in 2005, and it sounds loud and raw. They mix riff rockers with melodic rock songs. We get mainly a good material that is rocking really good, and the weaker moments are thankfully few. So this is absolutely worth listening to.
I would guess that it should fit people who like artists like Bruce Springsteen and Bryan Adams, even if it's not exactly like them.
Main man Greg Fulkerson died tragically in April 2009.
shop.prideandjoy.de
The GIANT ROBOTS: Spooky Signs
Rogue Records - 7" Single, DigitalGarage rockers The GIANT ROBOTS hailing from Lausanne, Switzerland, and they have been rocking since 1996, so we talk about veterans here.
These guys were raised on a healthy dose of dusty 45s, Farfisa tones, and a soft spot for mid-60s beat. They blend these ingredients with a raw garage energy and a lighter, hook-driven touch. And yes, it sounds old and not new at all, but I like it.
The A-side's "Spooky Signs" is what we could call a mid-tempo song, and not so energetic. But it works anyway, and who said that it must go fast all the time?
And on the B-side we find a song called "Goodbye". A melodic 60s song is how I describe it, and this is not so bad either. But I wonder where that raw garage energy is? It can't be found in these 2 tracks anyway.
linktr.ee/disquesrogue
DATURA4: I'm A Man
Rogue Records - 7" Single, DigitalDATURA4 is an Australian psychedelic rock band, formed in Fremantle, Western Australia, in 2014. They have a raw, riff-heavy sound that draws heavily from late 1960s and 1970s hard rock, blues rock, and garage psychedelia. To that they also add hypnotic grooves and blues-inflected vocals. The result is something that sounds both retro and contemporary at the same time.
What we get on this single is 2 covers, the 2 60s classics "I'm A Man" (originally recorded by The SPENCER DAVIS GROUP) and "The Train Kept A-Rollin'" (popularized in the 1960s by The YARDBIRDS, but done by several artists through the years, like MOTÖRHEAD and AEROSMITH, just to name a few of them all). It sounds like a mix of psychedelic and garage rock, and they are doing good versions of these songs, so this could absolutely be worth a try if that sounds like something that you would like.
linktr.ee/disquesrogue
AXEMASTER: Murder Of Crows
Cosmic Fire Records - Digital SingleWeird to pick this song as a first single from their new album, "Of Beasts And Plagues", which arrives on June 19. It doesn't exactly sound like a good old anthem, and I honestly expected to hear something much more interesting than this. But with that said it's not total crap anyway. It's just darker and more doomy I guess than the heavy metal that I expected to hear. So what the heck, give it a try man or woman or whatever you call yourself.
AXEMASTER formed back in the 1980s already, and they has released 11 official records across multiple international labels.
youtu.be/O8EpW8AkNVM?si=qZtmPs7XTJ0nOkkj | instagram.com/axemasterofficial | cosmicfirerecords.com
ARHAT: Sto Dzerkal
Arhat - Digital SingleUkrainian groove/death metallers ARHAT return with a new single, where they have used the poems of the Ukrainian 60s poet Vasyl Stus as inspiration for the lyrics. The tragic fate of the artist and the piercing lines of his poetry inspired them to create this song. The poem "Sto dzerkal" is included in the collection "Palimpsesty", which was published after the author's death in 1986. This book is considered the pinnacle of the artist's work and consists of selected poems from different periods.
Musically it's mid-tempo death metal with elements of groove metal, with ethnic and ambient melodies inherent to the band's style in the background. And they invited Yulia Lykhotvor from the Kyiv black/doom band SIDUS ATRUM to record the vocal parts.
This is a o.k. song, but not much else. You listen a few times and forget it. But it might just be me who think like that?
youtube.com/watch?v=tuOoNWcmxrM | linktr.ee/arhatgroove
Thomas Carlsen's TRANSMISSION: Starchaser
RFL Music Entertainment - Digital SingleThomas Carlsen comes from Norway, and this is his solo project, where he play melodic heavy metal. The latest single, "Starchaser", features the usual blazing guitars and soaring vocals, but also a galloping rhythm, hearkening back to 80s NWOBHM. And this sounds so damn good! Very professional and excellent. This is a true heavy metal anthem that every fan of traditional heavy metal should like.
In addition, the single has a B-side. It's a cover of "The Running Man" by the Norwegian band SPIDERGAWD. And this song is absolutely not bad either. It's more uptempo and full of energy. I like it.
linktr.ee/transmissionmetal | rflmusicentertainment.com
CHÄINFIST: Chäinfist
Stormbound Records - MC, Digital, Beatjaxx?This band was born out of a shared and deep respect for acts such as MOTÖRHEAD, VENOM and SODOM - It's fast, noisey and heavy rock, or simply what I call hard rock n roll. And the duo behind CHÄINFIST are members of Finnish bands like ONDFØDT and LUPONERO. This is their debut album, which for some reason just seems to be available on old cassette and the modern format streaming and download. It also seems like the label have their own format, called Beatjaxx, whatever that can be?
We get 8 tracks, and I like what I hear here. It's a varied material we're dealing with, so there's no risk of getting bored because it sounds the same all the time. Some songs are a little faster, while some are heavier. It's most of all MOTÖRHEAD that I hear in this band's music, and that's a favorite band of course. So if you also like them, then you should really give this a try.
youtu.be/D99xNAF8ooE | ffm.to/nqpnwkb | stormboundrecords.myshopify.com | facebook.com/wearechainfist
DANCE COMMANDER: Nighttrippin'
SODEH Records - Digital SingleHere comes a shot full of rock straight from Oslo, Norway. Think of bands like DANKO JONES, AC/DC, TURBONEGRO and GLUECIFER for example, but soaked in neon, danger, and late-night temptation. This is a song built on razor-sharp riffs, pounding grooves, and a pulse that never lets up. It's like a blend of sleazy rock and Scandinavian rock, but with a melodic twist. This song sounds really good, and I recomend you to check it out.
facebook.com/wearedancecommander | sodeh.ca
CRIMSON DAY: Dark Dimension
Wormholedeath Records - CD, DigitalFinnish heavy metal band CRIMSON DAY released their debut album in 2013, so they are not a new band. Since then they has released 2 more albums and multiple singles.
With their 4th album, "Dark Dimensions", they deliver an album in the classic tradition, which is full of energy, power and melody, as well as crushing riffs, atmospheric depth and emotionally charged songwriting. The singer reminds me a little of a young Doro Pesch (DORO, WARLOCK). The songs are of a very high quality, anthem after anthem. Yes, this could actually be one of the most interesting heavy metal bands from Finland right now, that's how good I think this is. So it would be very stupid of you to not check this out of course.
crimsonday.com | wormholedeath.com
DRAKKAR: Invasion
Wormholedeath Records - Digital SingleAnd before I had even posted the review of the last single, another single arrived. This time I was a little faster, and it's the title track of their upcoming album, which will be released on June 19, that we get. It sounds darker and harder than the last single, "666 'n' Rock 'n' Roll (Tribute To Them)", did, but it's not bad at all. So if you like thrash and speed metal, then this could be worth a try. And I don't have much else to say..
DRAKKAR are a veteran band from Belgium, formed back in 1983, who play speed/heavy metal.
orcd.co/invasion | drakkarband.com | wormholedeath.com
MANDY MANALA: Something Wicked
Argonauta Records on May 29 - CD, LP, Digital
Press photo for the first album
The Finnish heavy rock band that began their career with an anonymous cassette without any info are back. The cassette became their first album, which was released in 2025, and now their second album is ready to be released. And that first recording was really great, so expectations were pretty high for this new album.
"Something Wicked" is a natural follow-up, as it's more or less in the same footsteps as the debut. But just more or less, as it's not exactly the same. This time they push their sound further into heavier, darker and more atmospheric territories, refining their identity while maintaining a powerful melodic core. We are talking about a dark and occult mix of heavy rock and stoner rock. The music is built on crushing riffs, hypnotic grooves and a cinematic approach to songwriting. They balance between heaviness and melody, combining vintage atmospheres with a modern, evocative sound.
With this album they show us all that the first album was just the beginning, and now the adventure continues with an album that is just as good. You simply have to check this out!
facebook.com/MandyManala | facebook.com/ArgonautaRecords
The SCALAR PROCESS: Agnomysticism
Transcending Obscurity Records on May 29 - LP, CD, DigitalIt seems like it has taken 5 years for this French progressive/technical death metal band to come up with their second album. But then it's not the easiest music that they have choosen to play, and this time they take their sound even further. It's an adventure in technical brutality with many progressive elements. While some of them play fast, the others can play something atmospheric or more melodic. Somehow it actually works, but this can of course be too much for some people (but then you're probably not a fan of the most extreme metal).
If you want your music to be challenging for both the ear and the mind, then this might be something for you.
I don't really understand the second last track, "Sigil", which sounds like atmospheric music for a porno movie.
thescalarprocess.bandcamp.com/album/agno.... | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com
ACACIA AVENUE: Chapter V
Pride & Joy Music on May 29 - CD, DigitalDanish multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Torben Enevoldsen (FATE, FATAL FORCE, SECTION A) is the leader of ACACIA AVENUE, a name that might make you think of the IRON MAIDEN classic "22 Acacia Avenue". But this has nothing to do with heavy metal. This is more like melodic hard rock/AOR instead.
After a pause of 8 years, the project will now release their fifth album, simply titled "Chapter V". As usual he is joined by a few good friends - Peer Johansson (NOW OR NEVER, FATE), Peter Sundell (C.O.P., DECOY), Dagfinn Joensen (BLOODY DICE), as well as the late Tony Mills (SHY, TNT) on vocals. Pete Steincke (FATE) split the bass duties with Enevoldsen, who also played the keyboards and guitars himself, as well as doing lead- and background vocals on a few songs. Dennis Hansen (FATAL FORCE) once again did the drums.
Well, this is without a doubt a great album that every fan of melodic hard rock in the good old tradition should check out. Good song after good song, and I can't find anything to complain about.
We also get a cover of the DAN REED NETWORK classic "Rainbow Child".
youtu.be/TtirUiTWuDE | bfan.link/chapter-v | facebook.com/acaciaavenuetheband | prideandjoy.de
NARNIA: X
Narnia Songs on May 29 - CD, LP, DigitalSwedish melodic metal band NARNIA have been around for 3 deacdes now, and this is their 10th studio album. With that many years of experience, there's not much else to prove anymore. And on this album they don't go too far away from their typical sound. But sometimes it's more adventurous with progressive passages. But it's most of all their ability to create strong hooks and uplifting melodies that makes them such a good band. Whether it's a fast, slow or melodic song, it still sounds absolutely amazing. Talk about a gift from above (yes, they are Christians).
orcd.co/n015 | narniatheband.com
ELDER: Through Zero
Stickman Records (EU)/Blunes Funeral Recordings (N.A.)/Bird's Robe (Australia) on May 29 - 2LP, CD, DigitalThis heavy psych rockers have been active for 2 decades now. As usual they go their own way and push the boundaries for this genre. They are taking us on a progressive rock adventure where the shortest song is 5:49 minutes, and the rest are from 8:48 to 10:48 minutes long. On that trip we get everything from crushing riffs to atmospheric moments, via melodic and progressive parts, as well as hypnotic grooves. It's said that there's both familiar and new elements on this record, and that it's not impossible that you will hear new things every time you listen to it.
So, if you're looking for a musical adventure, then try this album.
beholdtheelder.com | stickman-records.com | bluesfuneral.com
CROCELL: Swarm Of Insects
Emanzipation Productions on May 29 - LP, CD, DigitalDanish death/black metallers CROCELL returns with their 7th full-length album. It's a mix of brutality and melody in classic CROCELL tradition, while also pushing into new creative territories.
This band has existed for nearly 2 decades now, so they should know what they are doing. And they really do know what they are doing here, because it sounds really good and experienced. It's mainly fast and violent, but also razor-sharp, and they don't forget that there has to be a melody as well to make it listenable.
If you like it fast and brutal, then you should really give this band a try.
emanzipation.dk | facebook.com/crocelldk
FURNACE: Echoes Of A Distant Future
Emanzipation Productions on May 29 - CD, DigitalThis is the 7th full-length album from Swedish melodic death metallers FURNACE, featuring Rogga Johansson (PAGANIZER, RIBSPREADER, The GROTESQUERY, REVOLTING etc etc) and Peter Svensson (ASSASSIN'S BLADE, VOID MOON). They continue their signature blend of crushing riffs, haunting melodies, and layered atmospherics, drawing clear influence from the progressive edge of EDGE OF SANITY and the darker tonal palette associated with PARADISE LOST.
This sounds experienced and old school, and this album is full of great songs. You should really give this a chance if you're into melodic death metal. And there's not much else to say about that.
One of Rogga's many other bands, REVOLTING, will release a new album on June 4 via Xtreem Music. Classic Swedish death metal all the way.
emanzipation.dk | facebook.com/blackstonechurch666
RAUNCHY: Frameworker
Mighty Music - Digital SingleDanish band RAUNCHY released a new single last Friday (May 22), and it's taken from their upcoming album, "Prisoner". They combine crushing mechanized grooves, razor-sharp riffing and haunting electronic textures, and take their sound into darker and more thought-provoking territory. They call it "death pop" for some reason, which is a mix of melodic death metal and industrial soundscapes. The sound is massive and modern, and when it comes to this song, I would say that it's mainly melodic death metal that we get, which I think is positive. But sure, there's some modern metal and electronic elements too. A pretty aggressive song with a melodic chorus.
rnch.bfan.link/framew
FIMBUL WINTER: Crowned In Ash
Fimbul Winter - Digital SingleSwedish melodic death metallers FIMBUL WINTER released their debut EP, "What Once Was", last year. Now they return with a new single.
As you probably already know, this band features 3 former members of AMON AMARTH - Niko Kaukinen (drums), Fredrik Andersson (guitars) and Anders Biazzi (guitars) - and Australian singer Clint Williams. Together they honor the legacy of their death metal foundations, producing music that feels familiar yet is modern in its approach. It's heavy, melodic and atmospheric at the same time, and they are doing this really good. I really like this band. You should absolutely check this out, because it's a damn good song.
facebook.com/fimbulwinterswe
EXHUMED/IRON REAGAN (reissue)
Tankcrimes - MLP, DigitalThis split record was originally released in 2014 as part of the Tankcrimes Split 12" Series. The LP has been out-of-print for over a decade, but has now been repressed.
EXHUMED hailing from California. They gives us 2 hook-laden, high-speed death grinding originals, plus gore-soaked covers of hardcore classics by MINOR THREAT and NEGATIVE APPROACH.
IRON REAGAN hailing from Virginia, and they play hardcore/punk. They deliver 4 original tracks of thrash/punk.
Both bands are really good, but I think I like IRON REAGAN a little bit more. Absolutely worth checking out anyway. No doubt about that.
tankcrimes.merchtable.com
DRAKKAR: 666 'n' Rock 'n' Roll (Tribute To Them)
Wormholedeath Records - Digital SingleBelgian speed/heavy metal band DRAKKAR has released a tribute song to Ozzy Osbourne and Lemmy Kilmister. The track is taken from their album "Invasion", which will be out on June 19. But that doesn't mean that the song sounds like Ozzy or MOTÖRHEAD. It's a good speed/heavy metal song anyway, and they seems to have found their own sound somehow.
DRAKKAR was founded back in 1983 already, so they are obviously veterans. On the new album Leni Andersen returns on vocals, and founding member Guy Duvy is back on bass. The current lineup is completed by Thomas Vanhorebeek and Nico RR on guitars, and Adrien Delgambe on drums (member since 2015 and son of former drummer and founding member Tim Delval).
orcd.co/666rnr | drakkarband.com | wormholedeath.com
CRIMSON DAY: Song Of Fire
Wormholedeath Records - Digital SingleFinnish heavy metal band CRIMSON DAY has released a new single from their upcoming 4th album, "Dark Dimension", and as usual I'm a little late with the review. But anyway..
CRIMSON DAY formed in 2013 in Tampere. They blend the timeless power of classic heavy metal with a lot of other influences, wrapped in dark intensity, high-octane energy, and sharp, soaring melody. This song sounds like a heavy metal song should, so it's in other words damn good and absolutely worth a try. It will be very interesting to hear the new album (which is the next project).
orcd.co/songoffire | crimsonday.com | wormholedeath.com
MIKKEY DEE WITH FRIENDS at Liseberg
Concert at Liseberg in Göteborg, Sweden on May 22, 2026When Swedish drummer Mikkey Dee is not playing with SCORPIONS, he like to team up with 2 of the guys from Swedish action rockers The DRIPPERS and play some songs of his former band MOTÖRHEAD. Dee also have many other projects, so he's a busy man. But anyway.. This evening it was all in on MOTÖRHEAD for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, and it was damn good. They played many classics of course, but also some other stuff from the band's legendary catalog. Not many odd numbers, but Mikkey had put together a very good setlist anyway. And once in a while Mikkey himself stood up and talked to the audience, and told us stories from his time in MOTÖRHEAD etc.
As usual when it's a concert at the tivoli Liseberg, there's people of all ages. So there were everything from little kids with their parents to more or less pensioners. A funny mixture that you don't see that often. But the energy was high, and the love of MOTÖRHEAD and their songs was definitely there too. No matter what age. There's simply a lot of people who still love the band, and I'm just one of them.
US: Yo-Yo Revolution
Lördag - Digital SingleUS is a rock quartet based in Helsinki, Finland. They are said to be one of Finland's most promising export names. The group have been playing at giant festivals like Glastonbury in the UK and Fuji Rock in Japan. Their second album, "Everybody's Giving Up The Cabaret", will be released this summer, and their sound is a combination of garage rock, punk and classic British rythm'n'blues.
"Yo-Yo Revolution" is the second single from the upcoming album. It's a 2:19 up-tempo rock song full of energy, but without being extremely fast. It sounds good and promising to me anyway, so I like this. You should give them a try.
(no link)
VACUM: Bensin Och Låtsaspengar
Massproduktion - Digital SingleNo, this is not VACUUM from Borås, Sweden. This is the Swedish punk/post-punk band from the 80s, and this is their first new song since they disbanded in 1985. They reunited in 2025, and during a few hectic days they wrote and recorded a whole album. It was just meant to be a single though. But when the inspiration took over, they just kept going.
The first single is filled with stored grumpyness and repressed joy of playing, and also features Marina Ammouri in the chorus. The verse sounds like post-punk, while the chorus is more like a punk rock anthem. This is not bad at all, so I look forward to hear some more of their new songs.
(no link)
64 FUNNYCARS: Happy Go Lucky (teaser)
604 Records - Digital TeaserThis is a power pop/melodic punk band from Victoria, BC in Canada. "Happy Go Lucky" is a re-release of their long out-of-print debut album (which I think was originally released in the late 80s), and what we have here is a 3-track teaser of the album. The full album will arrive on May 27.
The band was formed in 1987 by 4 UVic campus radio regulars. These guys are very melodic and a little nostalgic, and could be something for fans of bands like BUZZCOCKS, The POSIES, The REPLACEMENTS, HÜSKER DÜ and early SLOAN, they say. It sounds good anyway, so you should give them a try if you like more melodic stuff, like power pop, melodic punk rock and pop punk.
ffm.to/happygolucky | 64funnycars.bandcamp.com/album/happy-go-lucky
TAXI GIRLS: Say It!
Stomp Records - Digital SingleTAXI GIRLS is an all-female garage punk band from Montreal, Canada, formed in 2022. Their debut album, "Static", will be released on June 26, and this song is a taste of that album. It sounds like The DISTILLERS for example. In other words very punk. But I guess you can also mention bands like AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS and The DONNAS. Their sound is rooted in punchy hooks, a raw edge and rock n roll swagger. This is a very good punk anthem, no doubt about that. I already look forward to hear some more.
orcd.co/taxigirls-sayit | taxigirls.bandcamp.com | facebook.com/taxigirlsband
NORTHBORN: Northborn
Art Gates Records on May 22 - CDThis is the debut album from this Finnish melodic death metal band. Inspiration is taken from the Finnish metal scene of the early 2000s, but they also blend in some symphonic elements to get their own sound. The result is aggressive and modern with a deep Nordic folk spirit. You could say that brutality, melodies and atmosphere walks hand in hand here, and the result is absolutely not bad at all. You could almost think that this would be their third album or something, that's how good everything is.
So, if you like melodic death metal with a Nordic touch, then you just have to check this out.
artgatesrecords.com/artists/northborn
MöTT: Best Is Yet To Come
MöTT on May 22 - AlbumColorado hard rocker MöTT (singer/ songwriter/ multi-instrumentalist) deliver as much as 16 tracks on this album, which is a little too much (how many times do I have to say that 10-12 tracks is enough?). The album features appearances from people like Jeff Scott Soto, Phil X, Derek Sherinian, Billy Sheehan, Matt Starr and a host of other names.
What we get is a varied material, where it sometimes is more bluesy, and sometimes sounds like VAN HALEN or something similar from the 70s/80s. In other words classic hard rock for sunny summer days and very American. So there's many good songs here, but 16 is still too many at once (but on the other hand you don't have to listen to all at once if you don't want to, but you probably will anyway).
facebook.com/p/M%C3%B6TT-100063632396712
DEEP PURPLE: Arrogant Boy
earMUSIC - Digital SingleDEEP PURPLE will release a new album, "SPLAT!", on July 3, and this song is taken from that album.
It's like they have taken their sound from the 70s and 80s and created something contemporary from it. And this is a sound that really works. It's energetic and uptempo with that classic hammond organ, and it can easily make you think of old classics. It's rocking, and this sounds very promising for the new album. So it's in other words worth checking out for every fan of the band.
youtu.be/SoSr0sStFaE | deeppurple.com
DESECRESY: The Secret Of Death
Xtreem Music on May 21 - CD, LP, MC, DigitalDESECRESY return with their 9th full-length album, and this was totally useless to me. But if you don't care too much about music, and just want some noise in the background, then this might work for you. But as it says in the press info: "DESECRESY's music exists to weave dark, immersive atmosphere, to transport the listener to haunted tombs and ancient labyrinths on the shoulders of vast, soul shaking riffs, thick with the dust of centuries, while subterranean vocal exhortations intone the rites and rituals of a shadow world, the histories and desires of the restless dead". Not sure if that really says anything to you though..
DESECRESY is the solo project of Tommi Grönqvist. It's said to fit fans of bands like INCANTATION, FUNEBRE, ASPHYX and BOLT THROWER, but I don't know, this sounds darker.
xtreemmusic.com/desecresy
FATAL VISION: Four Sides To Every Story
Escape Music on May 22 - CD, DigitalCanadian melodic rockers FATAL VISION return with their 4th studio album. Musically it's not much different to their previous records, as it's the same sound more or less. So what we get here is melodic rock with 1 foot in the classic era and 1 in the present. As usual the songs are very strong, and should be very easy to like if you're into this genre. And if you have any friends who prefer pop music (sick bastards), then there's even some songs that they might like here.
But even if this is a really good album, 14 tracks can actually be a little too much at once. And now that I have started to complain, there might actually be a few too many of those slow songs. Another thing is the length of some of the songs, which sometimes goes up to approximately 5 and a half to over 6 minutes. I think that 3 and a half to 4 minutes is enough, and like I have said so many times through the years, there should of course not be more than 10 tracks. But those "problems" are just small details that probably just I care about.
The guest list on this album is a little impressive, with names like Phil X (BON JOVI, TRIUMPH), Harry Hess (HAREM SCAREM), Jeff Scott Soto (JOURNEY, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, Yngwie Malmsteen etc), Paul Laine (DANGER DANGER, The DEFIANTS), Alessandro Del Vecchio (EDGE OF FOREVER, HARDLINE etc), and JK Northrup (KING KOBRA, XYZ), just to name a few.
fatalvisionmusic.com | escape-music.com
SOCIAL DISTORTION: Born To Kill
Epitaph Records - 2LP, CD, DigitalAmerican punk rock legends SOCIAL DISTORTION has delivered their first new album in 15 years. The band has been around for more then 40 years now, but not much has changed musically. This album sounds just as you can expect. In other words their classic sound in a nutshell. But that sound is on the other hand more or less timeless, so there's no reason to complain.
This is punk rock with heart and soul, poetry and stories of life. No rebellion or politics, but more thoughts and reflections. These are not the most energetic songs, but they are not slow and sleepy either. And suddenly there can be something that sounds more like country than rock. But what I'm really trying to say here is that they have made a very good album.
SOCIAL DISTORTION will be touring in Europe from June 3 to July 4. After that they go on tour in North America with DESCENDENTS and The CHATS from August 25 to October 3.
epitaph.com | facebook.com/socialdistortion
STEPPIN' RAZOR BLADES: Stay Sharp
Screaming Crow Records on May 22 - AlbumThis is a 2-tone ska/punk band formed by The RIVER CITY REBELS' frontman Dan "Bopper" O'Day. "Stay Sharp" is the group's debut album, which also features some other members of The RIVER CITY REBELS.
I was not so impressed the first time I heard this. It was mainly the singing that bothered me. But I guess I got used to it, and the music was not bad anyway. It's catchy stuff, and sometimes energetic, just like this kind of music should be. And after listening some more, I really like this. So if you're into a mix of ska and punk rock, then this could be worth a try.
screamingcrow.com
Klubb Hades Festival
Metal festival at Åhaga in Borås, Sweden on May 15-16, 2026A metal festival in Borås? Nice! A not so nice thing was my bad hip though, but luckily you could sit down while you were waiting for the next band. Unfortunately the wait between each band was too long, often up to 45 minutes, and that wasn't so funny. But otherwise it was a really good festival. All bands was from Sweden.
I missed the 2 first bands, PYROMAN and DREAMCALL, so I don't have anything to say about them.
The first band that I saw was MADE IN IRON, a IRON MAIDEN tribute band. They was really good, and they played pretty obvious classics. For some reason they only played songs with Bruce Dickinson on vocals, so there was no song from the Paul Di'Anno era.
Next band was ERADIKATED. Some young boys playing good old thrash metal with modern elements. They was really great and they probably impressed more people than me. It was fast and very skilled. These guys could really play.
TRANSPORT LEAGUE play some kind of heavy groove metal. Not so bad, but even though I have reviewed some of their albums, the songs didn't sound familiar. But on the other hand, it was probably a few years since I heard them last time.
JORD was the last band on day 1. At this time (an hour before midnight) I was a little tired, and atmospheric black metal with a little too many soft moments didn't really work that well then. I think I liked some of their albums though, so I'm pretty sure that they did a good show.
(The people behind the festival, Klubb Hades)
Day 2 was a little slow for me, and I didn't see the first band, The KILLING STONE. But I arrived in time for APHA BOYS, which I'm glad for, because they was really good. Some songs was fast punk, other songs a little like TURBONEGRO, and some songs was like MOTÖRHEAD in their fastest mood. Drinking and getting drunk seemed to be the theme of their songs. They were both funny and damn good, and delivered a damn good show.
BULLS ON PARADE was a RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE tribute band, and they delivered the songs very good. Nothing to complain about, but not much more to say either..
MEZZROW play good old thrash metal. A very good band that I thought would draw more people. But I guess many people still had a hangover to cure or something, so they stayed in the back instead of coming closer to the stage. Well, MEZZROW was really good and gave us a good show too.
Already 15-20 minutes before KNOGJÄRN entered the stage, people stood at the fence in front of the stage. So I realized what band most people was there for. They played some kind of hybrid of groove and nu metal. That's what it sounded like to me anyway. Pretty o.k., and they was obviously very experienced and knew how to handle an audience.
And the last band out was NIGHT CROWNED, which they said play symphonic black metal, but to me it sounded like melodic black metal. They was good and gave us a good show too. Not much else to say..
It's good that I don't go to 2-day festivals that often (must be an eternity since last time), because working with all the photos, writing this etc. for hours isn't exactly the funny part. Listen to good music and drink beer is much more fun.
GENERATION RADIO: Take Two
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - LP, CD/DVD, DigitalThis is the second album from this American AOR/West Coast rock band, featuring people like Jay DeMarcus (RASCAL FLATTS), Json Scheff (ex-CHICAGO), Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty & The HEARTBREAKERS, AVARAGE WHITE BAND), Tom Yankton, and Chris Rodriguez.
I call this Sunday music. Not because it fits better on that day, but because it's so soft and melodic. Sometimes it's almost pop actually. And it's not really any hit material that they deliver, but that might just be my opinion of course. I have absolutely heard worse though, so it's not totally hopeless. Fans of classic bands like CHICAGO and TOTO will probably like this a lot.
Towards the end of the album they play some covers, where the WHITESNAKE classic "Here I Go Again" is the best track (on the whole album actually). But I didn't really need "You're The Inspiration" by CHICAGO. Other covers they do are "I'm Alright" by Kenny Loggins and a rock version of "These Days" by RASCAL FLATTS.
ffm.bio/taketwo | generationradio.com | frontiers.it
DÅZR: Do Or Die
Dåzr - LP, CD, DigitalDÅZR is pronounced as "Day-zer", and it's a melodic hard rock band. This is their debut album, where they take the sound of the 70s/80s into the present. It's energetic and melodic, raw and true - 4 guys from the street in the same room firing on all cylinders.
This is very good stuff, and it sounds very 80s and American to me. You could almost think that this is a re-release of some old recordings from that era actually. So if that sounds like something that you would like, then I think you should really give these guys a try. They deliver good song after good song, so there's nothing to complain about.
thebanddazr.com
SMALL TOWN SAVIOURS: Alkaline
Small Town Saviours - Digital SingleWith this track, UK punk/rock n roll band SMALL TOWN SAVIOURS deliver a catchy and melodic pop punk anthem, that sounds like something from the 90s or early 2000s. It's absolutely not bad at all, so you should really give it a try, and especially if you like bands like GREEN DAY and BLINK 182 for example.
I don't have anything else to add.. But a short review is better than no review at all, isn't it?
youtube.com/watch?v=TeGB1QOhqzU | facebook.com/smalltownsaviours
RISE FROM YOUR GRAVE: Stay Awake
Rise From Your Grave - Digital SingleHorror punks RISE FROM YOUR GRAVE deliver a new single, where they deliver snarling attitude, sinister hooks, and a healthy dose of midnight madness. They mix the raw punch of classic punk with heavy metal muscles and dark humor, and it sounds a lot like MISFITS, yet not exactly like them. This is really good stuff. It's catchy and melodic, as well as powerful. A must to check out.
"Stay Awake" serves as the first taste of their upcoming 7th full-length album, "Choose Your Scare" , set for release on September 18.
distrokid.com/hyperfollow/risefromyourgrave/.... | linktr.ee/rfyghorrorpunk
DEATH LENS: What's Left Now
Epitaph Records - LP, DigitalDEATH LENS is a band from Los Angeles who are said to play alternative punk, but that's just half the truth. Because this group is much more than just a punk rock band. Sometimes it's softer and more like alternative rock and indie rock. Other times it's more enegetic and explosive though, more pop punk and punk rock. While it shows several sides of the band, it can also give a divided impression. But I would say it still works somehow.
Among the better tracks here are stuff like "Power", "Drown", "Useless" and "Last Call".
The band will be on tour in Europe and UK in June.
epitaph.com | deathlensband.com
John Corabi: New Day
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, LP, DigitalAmerican rock singer John Corabi is probably best known as a former singer of MÖTLEY CRÜE. But that was a long time ago, and now he gives us his first solo album of original material, where he fuses classic 70s rock, soul, and blues influences. He is joined by musicians like Marti Frederiksen (backing vocals, guitars, piano, and percussion), Evan Frederiksen (drums, bass, B3 organ, electric guitar, mandolin, and programming), Richard Fortus (GUNS N' ROSES - lead guitar), Paul Taylor (WINGER, Steve Perry - piano, organ, and clavinet), as well as Charlie Starr (BLACKBERRY SMOKE - guitar solos).
If you expect a hard rock album, then you will be dissapointed. This is more like American classic rock. It's a varied material that we get, so we have nothing to complain about when it comes to that. Feel good songs are mixed with emotional numbers and even something that reminds me of CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL. This is not any modern stuff, but a soulful and timeless rock album with influences from the 60s and 70s.
Why he end the album with a cover of "Everyday People" (I don't know who did the song) is my only question?
ffm.bio/johncorabi_newday | facebook.com/JohnCorabiMusic | frontiers.it
degreed: Curtain Calls
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - LP, CD, DigitalThis is said to be the strongest and most focused album from this Swedish hard rock band. They stay true to their sound, but also refine it. Which gives us a powerful and contemporary product, where they mix classic and modern influences to something that sounds fresh. In some songs they end up somewhere between pop and hard rock, so I guess those songs could be called hard pop. But there is also tracks that are more like good old hard rock, and I like those songs best.
The first album, "Life, Loss, Love", was released in 2010, so these guys have a few years of experience. And that can be heard on this album of course.
ffm.bio/curtaincalls | degreedmusic.com | frontiers.it
CREYE: IV Aftermath
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, DigitalSwedish melodic hard rockers CREYE has delivered a new album, where they introduces the new frontman Simon Böös. Their songs have a modern edge, but at the same time they also honor the legacy of classic melodic hard rock. Some songs are good, while others sounds too much like pop/rock to me. So this album has its ups and downs you could say, but it's mainly a good album anyway. So if you're into a modern sound, then this could be worth a try.
ffm.bio/aftermath | creyesweden.com | frontiers.it
DEFECT DESIGNER: Depressants
Transcending Obscurity Records on May 15 - CD, LP, DigitalNorwegian progressive death metallers DEFECT DESIGNER play a more adventurous kind of death metal, which is varied and multifaceted. This trio is not afraid of blending in influences from all kinds of genres, and not just metal, so this is not pure death metal. It's a very ambitious album, and not something that everybody will like. In lack of a better description, I would say that it sounds a little like if VOÏVOD would have decided to play more extreme. Because it's both technical and progressive. They have definitely found their own sound anyway, so if you want something that's different from the usual stuff, then I guess you should give this a try.
For me, 13 tracks of this is a little too much. But a song like "Carte Blanche" (the only track with just 2 words in the title) was actually not so bad. Some of the other tracks are not so bad either, but there is also some tracks that are not so exiting. So it's an album with both ups and downs.
defectdesignerband.bandcamp.com/album/depressants | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com
ACID REIGN: Daze Of The Week
Back On Black on May 15 - LP, CD, DigitalACID REIGN might actually have made one of the greatest and most interesting thrash albums so far this year. That's how great I think this album is.
The UK thrash metallers was first active between 1985-1991. In 2015 they were back again, with singer Howard "H" Smith as the only original member. Since their comeback album, "The Age Of Entitlement", in 2019, there has been some changes in the band. As much as 3 members has left and been replaced by Matt Smith on lead guitar, Johnny Grimley (ex-SHRAPNEL) on drums, and Darren McGillivray (WRATH OF MAN) on rythm guitar. This is their 4th full-length album, but they has also released several singles, EPs etc. through the years.
Well, if you're a fan of old school thrash metal, then this should be your thing. The energy is really high, and they really know what they are doing. Everybody should check this out. Not one single bad song among these 10 tracks.
linktr.ee/acidreignuk | backonblack.com
AMONG LEGENDS: H/A/C/K
Among Legends - Digital SingleAMONG LEGENDS is a punk trio from Ontario, Canada, and they have been around for a decade already. This track is taken from their upcoming album, "Lose My Grip", which will be out on July 10 through several labels. It sounds a little like a young BAD RELIGION, but not exactly. They also mention bands like The FLATLINERS, The MENZINGERS and ALKALINE TRIO in the info, so fans of those bands should be interested in this. It's in other words straight, catchy and melodic punk rock that we're talking about here, and it sounds really good to me.
The band formed in 2016, and after a run of self-released EPs, they released their full-length debut, "Take Good Care", in 2022.
amonglegends.com
ARROGANZ: Death Doom Punks
Testimony Records on May 15 - CD, LP, MC, DigitalThis is the 7th album from ARROGANZ, a German trio that's been around since 2008. They deliver the brutality of old school death metal with the attitude and unpolished directness of punk. What began as an aggressive and rough musical entity with raging blast parts and D-beats, has over time widened its musical range to include dark and atmospheric moments as well as obscure doom passages. And with this new album they seems to have taken thier own path, because this doesn't sound like any other band. A wild guess is that fans of something like VOIVOD could like this. But it doesn't really sound like them either, so I don't really know how I should describe this band's music. It's a little special anyway.
spkr.store/collections/arroganz | facebook.com/testimonyrecords | arroganz.info
ARTILLERY: Made In Hell
Mighty Music on May 15 - MLP, MCD, DigitalDanish thrash metal pioneers ARTILLERY return with a new EP, featuring 2 brand new tracks, 1 re-recording and 1 live track. With this EP they also introduces new vocalist Martin Steene and guitarist René Loua.
The band formed in 1982 already, so they have lots of experience of course, which you really can hear here. But they also know how to create great songs, which you also can hear here. It sounds old school, but yet with a modern sound. I have nothing to complain about. This is definitely worth checking out!
facebook.com/ARTILLERY.DK | mightymusic.dk
CROWN THE BEAST: Judgement
Emanzipation Productions on May 15 - Digital EP"Judgement" is a 3-track EP from Danish death metallers CROWN THE BEAST. 2 of the songs are original compositions, and 1 is a SIX FEET UNDER cover.
This is a hard and heavy death metal force - "A crushing display of groovy modern death metal infused with old-school brutality", as they say in the press release. And with this EP they presents a heavier and more destructive chapter in their evolution.
This is not bad at all, and the best track is the last track, which is the title track. So if you want something brutal and heavy, then you should give this a chance.
bfan.link/ctb-judgep | emanzipation.dk | facebook.com/Crownthebeast
LOUDER: Devil's Night
Fighter Records on May 14 - CD (MC and LP later)LOUDER was formed in Medellín, Colombia in 2024, with the mission to keep the classic speed metal flame burning. After a demo in 2025, they are now ready to deliver their debut album, where we can find 8 tracks of raw, no-frills speed metal built on fast riffs, sharp drumming, rumbling bass, and a vocal approach that stands apart from the usual mold. This trio has probably been listening to early VENOM for example, because it reminds me of them. But not just them as there's more speed here. They have the same raw attitude though. It's straight and no bullshit, unpolished and true.
youtube.com/watch?v=2IdmTFohYSc | facebook.com/LouderSpeedMetal | fighter-records.com
UNZUCHT: Neon Dom
Metalville Records on May 15 - CD, LP, Fan BoxUNZUCHT is a dark rock band from Germany, who sing in German. They combine intensity with black emotions to create their soundscape. There's much energy for being dark rock, which use to be heavier and more melancholy. I can also hear elements of industrial rock and metal in this band's music, and it's mainly catchy with good choruses. But in a faster track like "Chaos", it's almost MOTÖRHEAD speed (in the beginning at least). After that they slow down with a half-ballad, "Nie Mehr Zurück", but it still sounds good.
Yes, this is a really strong album, and you should give it a chance.
metalville-shop.com
XTINGUISH THE CODE: The Conflict
Grey Matter Records - LP, CD, DigitalThis is a metallic hardcore band based in Bronx, New York, formed in 2019. This band unites people from several bands in the NYHC scene, and "The Conflict" is their second album. This is the debut for the new members Nate Boogie (drums) and BJ Allen (vocals).
They deliver streetwise, energetic, beatdown-driven and groove-based hardcore, infused with elements of metal, hip-hop, and more. It's explosive and have all the typical ingredients when it comes to hardcore. But they are a very good band, so they are absolutely worth a try.
8 songs is what we get here, and they are between 1:45 to 3 minutes, so it's over very fast, and I wonder if this is really an album? Possibly a mini album then.
xtinguishthecode.bandcamp.com | instagram.com/greymatterrecordsusa
TRAUMA: Hamartia (reissue)
Selfmadegod Records - CDO.k., this is not the American thrash band TRAUMA, who Cliff Burton played with before he joined METALLICA. No, what we have here is one of the longest-running Polish death metal bands. They formed as THANATOS in 1986 already. After 2 demos they changed the name to TRAUMA in the early 90s.
This is a re-release of their mini-album "Hamartia", which was originally released in 2006. It consists of 2 studio tracks recorded during the "DetermiNation" session, as well as 3 covers, originally performed by FEAR FACTORY, CANNIBAL CORPSE, and MACHINE HEAD. And this exclusively reissue is expanded with a alternative version of "Craving" and 2 additional covers by GOREFEST and the migthy SLAYER.
Well, this is not so bad. They were obviously very skilled musicians, and they succeeded to do some good songs as well. Take the chance and check this out before it's too late. That's all I have to say..
facebook.com/TraumaOfficialPage | selfmadegod.com
SATAN TAKES A HOLIDAY: State Trooper
Icons Creating Evil Art - Digital SingleThis time we get a cover of a Bruce Springsteen song, and I have no relation at all to this song, as I don't think I have ever heard it before (I can count the good songs with Bruce on 1 hand). Swedish rock trio SATAN TAKES A HOLIDAY makes it into a driving indie rock song anyway, but it takes about a minute before there's some action. Maybe not the best that I have heard with this band.
This is the latest of many singles from the upcoming covers album "Covering Our Tracks", which will arrive on September 18. There will be a few more singles before that though.
found.ee/stah-statetrooper | satantakesaholiday.com | icea.se
S.P.I.T: Lethal Lover
S.P.I.T - Digital SingleThis is a hard rock band from Jyväskylä, Finland, and this track is taken from their new EP, "Modern Messiah", which was released on April 24.
These guys play a powerful kind of hard rock that reminds me of the 90s somehow. It has a punky street attitude, and this is not bad at all. So if you want some hard rock that kicks ass, then try this little song.
linktr.ee/s.p.i.t
FIGHTER V: Deja Vu
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - CD, DigitalSwiss melodic hard rockers FIGHTER V released their third album about a month ago. Just like the previous album, the new album contains a variety of styles. But I would say that it's most of all a mix of melodic hard rock and AOR from the 80s that I hear here - Think giants like WHITESNAKE, JOURNEY, SURVIVOR, and BON JOVI for example. At the same time they add a modern touch as well (after all it's 2026 and not 1986), but it's mainly the production that is modern, as the music is most of all the classic 80s that I like.
This is an album full of great songs, so you're very stupid if you don't give this a try. And I don't think I have to add much more than that..
ffm.bio/fighterv_dejavu | fighter-v.com/en
Erik Grönwall: Praying For A Miracle
Greenwall Entertainment - Digital SingleSwedish singer Erik Grönwall (MSG, ex-SKID ROW, H.E.A.T) gives us the third single from his upcoming solo album, "Bad Bones", which will be released on May 22. It's a powerful and deeply personal melodic hard rock song about being pushed to a point where you feel like you have no control left, when everything comes down to one last chance and all you can do is hold on and hope.
This sounds really good, just like his previous singles, so there's a big chance that the album will be great. So if you like melodic hard rock, give this a try.
The album release will be followed by shows in Sweden and Finland during the spring and summer.
youtu.be/nFrSYxjlcvw
The BOBBY LEES: 50 ft
Epitaph Records - Digital SingleWoodstock, New York trio The BOBBY LEES have done a cover of PJ Harvey's song "50ft Queenie". I don't think that I have heard the original version before, but this sounds cool anyway, so it could be interesting to hear one of their own songs. But how do I describe this then? Some kind of funky garage rock with soul from the late 60s/early 70s sometime maybe? Cool stuff anyway.. I like it.
The band will release a new album, "New Self", on June 12.
youtu.be/ll_iZ1Fq2Oo | epitaph.com
Viv & The SECT: Penny's Arcade
Rogue Records - 7" Single, DigitalViv & The SECT is a garage rock band from Mexico City. They blend the raw energy of 1960s garage, rhythm & blues, and psychedelic rock with a modern underground edge, and have been doing that since 2012. Their debut album, "This Will Pass", was released in 2016. It was followed by another album, simply titled "II" if I get it right, in 2025.
This band deliver their songs with high energy and a vintage sound with gritty, organ-driven arrangements. Both these songs are in Spanish, and both are really good stuff. "Penny's Arcade" is more melodic, while the b-side's "No Me Quiero Enamorar" is a little faster.
You should really check this out.
linktr.ee/disquesrogue
DEADLY SPIRITS: Can't Take It
Rogue Records - 7" Single, DigitalThese garage rockers hailing from Karlstad, Sweden, and they blend raw 60s rock with gritty soul. We get fuzz-drenched guitars, organ, pounding rhythms, and sharp melodies, and end up somewhere between garage rock and garage punk. The band formed more than 10 years ago, and has since then released 2 full-length albums and a handful of vinyl singles.
Their music could be described as equal parts rough, soulful, and melodic, or simply a tribute to the rebellious energy of the 60s, delivered with a modern punch. But these 2 tracks sounds most of all like something from the 60s, and both songs sounds really good. So if you're into garage rock, then you should really check this out.
linktr.ee/disquesrogue
M.A.S.K: Imaginary Friend
Mighty Music on May 8 - Digital SingleM.A.S.K is a modern rock band from Denmark. It's said that they blend pop-driven hooks with the weight of modern metal, but this sounds more like a modern pop song with a rock chorus to me. Maybe not really my thing, but it's not a hopeless song anyway, which is always something positive I guess. What else I should say about this is unknown though..
The group will release a series of singles during the year, and this is just the first.
mask.lnk.to/friend | mightymusic.dk
SCARAB: Transmutation Of Fate
Brutal Records on May 8 - MCD, Digital EPEgyptian death metallers SCARAB formed in 2006. Over the years the band has refined a sound that stands apart, by fusing death metal with Middle Eastern and Egyptian mysticism. By doing that, the music creates a ritualistic experience that transcends borders, cultures, and belief systems. Crushing riffs collide with cinematic orchestrations, and at the same time it's modern and extreme.
Yes, these 4 tracks are something different from the usual death metal, but it works. It's mainly heavy and powerful, but at the same time brutal. You should give this a try.
brutalrecords.bandcamp.com/album/trans....
TERAMAZE: The Silent Architect
Wells Music/Screaming Crow on May 8 - CD, DigitalTERAMAZE is a progressive metal band from Australia, and that's all I know about them.
9 songs is what we get on this album, and it sounds just like you can expect it to, with skilled musicians and complex arrangements. This is not a hard and extreme band, but more in the melodic and emotional league. So it's not impossible that fans of melodic metal could enjoy this. Some songs are longer, 8 and a half to almost 12 minutes, while others are around 3 and a half to 5 and a half minutes.
It sounds really good, but what else I should say is unknown to me.. You should really give this a try though.
teramaze.bandcamp.com | screamingcrow.com
The CHEATS/WAYWARD BRIGADE: Split It Up
Screaming Crow Records on May 8 - 7" EPFrom Pittsburgh comes the dirty punk rockers The CHEATS, who have been around for 25 years now. They have teamed up with Maryland's young, snotty dystopian punks WAYWARD BRIGADE for this split EP on good old 7" vinyl. Each band play 1 original song and 1 cover.
I already knew that The CHEATS was good, as I reviewed an album with them a while ago. And their original song comes from that album, so the only unique thing here with them is the cover.
WAYWARD BRIGADE are very good too, and a band that you really should check out. Not really sure what else I should say about them though..
This is simply a damn good punk rock split in the good old tradition. So everybody who likes that should definitely check this out.
therealcheats.com | facebook.com/waywardbrigade | screamingcrow.com
RESTLESS SPIRIT: Restless Spirit
Magnetic Eye Records on May 8 - AlbumRESTLESS SPIRIT consist of a trio of friends from Long Island, New York. Their musical roots are in the steel mills of Birmingham and the English working class, but these friends translates it into an American sonic slang with elements from desert and stoner metal and even a occasional progressive flourish.
This is their 4th album, and what we get is something that sounds both classic and modern at the same time. Their influences from BLACK SABBATH can definitely be heard, an so can the American desert rock and stoner metal. And this combination really works here, because it sounds really good.
This is a band that you should check out.
facebook.com/restlessspiritny | instagram.com/magneticeyerecords
KONQUEST: Dark Waters
No Remorse Records - CD, LPAs the press release didn't really give that much information about this band, I don't know anything about them. So let's just focus on the music that they play instead, which is good old heavy metal in the late 70s/early 80s tradition. And now that you know that, it's actually not so much else to talk about, as they are doing a great job here, and you should know what it sounds like.
So what you get here is 8 really good songs, and it sounds like they know what they are doing, because it's very professional. Every fan of classic heavy metal should check this out.
noremorse.gr | instagram.com/_konquest_
IGNESCENT: Eternal
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - LP, CD, DigitalIGNESCENT is a band from Chicago, formed in 2018, who play something that I would describe as modern pop metal. And that could be horrible of course. But somehow this is not so bad. They might not be a new favorite band, but I can at least listen to a few songs with them without a nervous breakdown. The whole album at once is a little too much for me though.
They compare this band with acts like FLYLEAF, EVANESCENCE, JINJER, and SKILLET, if that says something to you? Emotional vocals, driving riffs and soaring melodies are the main ingredients here anyway.
ffm.bio/eternal_album | facebook.com/ignescentmusic | frontiers.it
MÄRVEL: Secrets
Leather Lake - Digital Single
After the release of their 10th studio album, "Brain Drain Diaries", in December last year, the Swedish melodic energy rockers MÄRVEL are back with a new single. This track is built on a steady drive, sharp guitars, and a melodic nerve. It's the kind of stuff that this band is so good at. It's direct and emotional at the same time, and just fantastic. This band never seems to dissapoint, and I like that kind of bands.
This track will be included on a expanded edition of "Brain Drain Diaries", which they plan to release this spring. And there will be more interesting recordings on that edition of the album, they say.
marvel.ffm.to/secrets | marveltheband.com
The REAL McKENZIES: Black Agnes
Stomp Records - Digital SingleHere's another single with Vancouver's Celtic punk rock veterans The REAL McKENZIES, and it's the second taste of their upcoming album, "On Yer Bike", which arrives on May 29.
This track leans more to their classic Fat-era sound - fast, melodic pop punk with blazing bagpipes and a massive shout-along hook. Yes, this is more like melodic punk rock than the Celtic punk that they use to play. But it's a damn good song anyway, so don't worry. You check this out.
orcd.co/blackagnes | realmckenzies.com
LETHAL LIMITS: Elevate
Lethal Limits - MCD, Digital EPLETHAL LIMITS is the solo project of Jeff Corso, a Bay Area punk lifer with deep East Bay roots. He's based in Oakland and blend sharp power pop hooks with 90s punk grit and melody. But the first times I heard this, I thought it sounded more like indie rock or something alternative. Not really sure why, because it is punk rock, but maybe not with the best singer? Or maybe I should say that he has his limitations instead, because somehow it works anyway.
These 4 songs are not that bad, it just took a few listenings to hear that. The opening track, "Phenomenon", is probably my favorite. But a track like "Love Bleed" is also very good. Give it a try.
composureoakland.bandcamp.com/album/elevate
FORSAKEN PROFITS: Knives
Forsaken Profits - Digital SingleThis song have unfortunately been waiting a little too long for a review, as it was released a month ago (April 3). But unfortunately too much other shit comes in the way sometimes.
Anyway, this is a taste of their upcoming album, "Road Rash". It's described as "a 2-minute back-alley brawl - no warning, no cleanup, no apologies". The music is a mix of skate punk and crossover thrash, and it actually works damn fine. It's a fast and energetic song, but at the same time catchy. You should give it a try.
linktr.ee/ForsakenProfits
REXORIA: Fallen Dimension
Black Lodge Records on May 8 - CD, LP, DigitalSwedish melodic metal band REXORIA has been active for 10 years now, and "Fallen Dimension" is their 4th studio album. They fuses power, melody and cinematic storytelling, and call it royal metal. It's a powerful album where they blend heavy, power, and symphonic elements with razor-sharp riffs and big choruses. These 11 tracks are delivered with so much strength and elegance that it could almost be a modern classic.
The album features 2 duets with Mike Andersson (TUNGSTEN) and Johnny Gioeli (Axel Rudi Pell, HARDLINE).
orcd.co/blod194album | blacklodge.se | rexoria.com
The QUILL: Master Of The Skies
Metalville Records on May 8 - CD, LP
Swedish heavy hard rockers The QUILL have been around for a long time now. And this time they might actually be a little heavier and darker. But otherwise they are hardly here to reinvent their sound. They just do what they always have done, and they still do it very good.
That BLACK SABBATH are among their influences can really be heard here. But I can also hear a short thing that sounds like SLAYER in one of the songs. And that last piece, "Master Of The Skies (Reprise)", actually sounds like Swedish rock band The SOUNDTRACK OF OUR LIVES.
Well, The QUILL has once again succeeded to create a really good album, so I have nothing to complain about. Fans of heavy hard rock from the 70s should really check this out, and even some fans of doom might like this too.
metalville-shop.com | thequill.se
MADVICE: L'Ottavo Giorno
Art Gates Records on May 8 - CDItalian extreme metallers MADVICE are said to deliver their darkest, fastest and heaviest material to date, and after listening to this I think I can agree. They combine melodic death metal and blackened thrash metal, and their sound draws from both the Scandinavian death metal tradition and the raw edge of American thrash metal. But there's also elements of Mediterranean elements that add a unique atmosphere.
It's a varied and interesting material that we get here. Sometimes it's really fast, sometimes heavy. The band was formed in 2016, so they are very good at what they are doing, which you absolutely can hear on this album.
artgatesrecords.com/artists/madvice
HYPOSTASIS: Birth Of A Mask
Hypostasis on May 8 - CD, DigitalHYPOSTASIS is a progressive metal group from Athens, Greece. This is their debut album, which is also a concept album. And that's more or less all I know about them, as they didn't give me that much information (not even a link).
I can tell you more about their music though, which is dark and melodic. But there can also be heavier or atmospheric moments. And as usual when it's a progressive group, they seems to be very good musicians. This is really not bad for being a debut, but I guess that they might have experience from previous bands. A pretty good album anyway, so I guess it could be worth a try.
hypostasisgr.bandcamp.com/album/birth-of-a-mask
GADGET: Coerced
De:Nihil Records on May 8 - 12" EP, Digital EPSwedish grindcore veterans GADGET are back with their first proper release since 2016. It's also the debut for the revitalized lineup featuring Emilia Henriksson on vocals and Kristofer Jankarls on guitar. These 7 tracks was written between 2019 and 2023, alongside a re-recording of the 2017 track "Funerary Rites", which had previously been released only digitally in 2020 and never received a physical release.
This might sound like a violent chaos, and it is fast and brutal, but they seems to have control anyway. 6 of these 8 tracks are from just 24 seconds to 1:26 minutes. The second last track is not really a song, but a way too long atmospheric thing that last for 5 and a half minutes (boring). And the last track is a heavy thing that last for 2 and a half minutes. I like those 6 first outbursts better than those 2 last tracks.
I might not always be such a big fan of grindcore, but once in a while there's a good band, and this is one of them. They blend their grind with hardcore/punk and death metal, and there's even elements of noise and doomy sludge here. If you like it really intense, then you should love this.
youtu.be/koWThN3imUo?si=JGpuxXHkI5tXCoik | denihilrecords.bigcartel.com | gadgetgrindcore.bandcamp.com
TYGERS OF PAN TANG: Electrifyed
Mighty Music on May 4 - Digital SingleNWOBHM legends TYGERS OF PAN TANG return with a new single, and that's good news, because they are a really good hard rock band. With this song they succeed to deliver something that sounds both classic and modern at the same time. It's razor-sharp and riff-driven with melodic and powerful vocals - Just the kind of anthem that you have been looking for all day long.
To be able to deliver something that is this good when you have been around for over 40 years, that's not bad at all. This seems to be the first taste of an upcoming album, which is more good news.
bfan.link/topt-elec | tygersofpantang.com | mightymusic.dk
A Roxx Records Salute To The 40th Anniversary Of To Hell With The Devil
Roxx Records - CDThis year it's 40 years since American hard rock/heavy metal band STRYPER released the album "To Hell With The Devil". And Roxx Records decided to celebrate it with a tribute album. All artists are on Roxx Records, except for SEVERED ANGEL who is on their NoLifeTilMetal Records label. This tribute cover every single track on the legendary album, even the intro, in chronological order from beginning to end, and end with a classic bonus track of "Soldiers Under Command".
Among the artists are REIGN OF GLORY, GERMAN PASCUAL, ALL FOR THE KING, WEAPONS OF GOD and MOTIVIK, just to mention some of them. Most of these artists are doing good versions, except for Seth Metoyer, who is doing some kind of rock mix of "All Of Me", which sounds more like a lame and modern pop/rock song - Total crap! But otherwise it was nice to hear these songs again, as I had not heard them in something like 40 years. Most of these songs are still very strong, but maybe a few too many of those slow ones.
This tribute compilation was personally curated by Bill of Roxx Records.
ccmusic.com/to-hell-with-the-devil-40th-anniversary-various-artists/....
BEYOND THE STYX: Divid
Innerstrength Records on May 8 - CD, LP, MC, DigitalThis is the 4th full-length album from this French metallic hardcore band, which formed in 2011. They have a dark and violent sound, which also includes elements of thrash and death metal.
Their new album is said to be their most aggressive, yet expressive, work to date. It's heavy and powerful with angry vocals, as well as lots of energy, just like it use to be when it comes to this genre. So they are not doing anything unique at all, but it sounds just as good as any other hardcore band, so there's no reason to complain. This is definitely worth checking out.
linktr.ee/beyondthestyx | innerstrengthrecords.com
ABUSER: Blood Marks
Xtreem Music on May 7 - CD, DigitalABUSER formed in Wrocław, Poland in 2018. They deliver a relentless, aggressive and blood thirsty kind of thrash metal, mainly in the raw old school way. They released a demo in 2019, and now they are getting ready to unleash their debut album, which is a adrenaline rush. This is something for those who are dedicated to the hardest and fastest kind of thrash.
This album is really strong and there's just good songs. You should really give these guys a try, because I'm very sure that you will like what you hear.
facebook.com/abuserthrash | xtreemmusic.com
Tarja feat. Dani Filth: I Don't Care
earMUSIC - Digital SingleThe second single from Tarja Turunen's upcoming album, "Frisson Noir" (release date June 12), is much more metal and less epic than the first single was. It's also much shorter than the over 10 minutes long "At Sea" was. She get some help with the vocals from Dani Filth (CRADLE OF FILTH), which gives the song a beauty and the beast feeling as Tarja's soaring soprano collides with Dani's razor-sharp screams.
This is much better than the first single was, so I suggest that you check this out instead. And because of that I also get some hope that the new album won't be totally hopeless, as there will hopefully be more tracks like this.
youtu.be/4i9d4Rpjzp0
SPARAGMOS: Error (reissue)
Selfmadegod Records - CD, LPPolish death/thrash metallers SPARAGMOS released this album in 1994, but only on cassette for some reason. Now it has also been released on CD and LP for the first time.
This is of course a remastered version, which gives it a fresh, significantly clearer and more dynamic sound, while preserving the raw, organic spirit of the 90s. At the time, this was one of the boldest and most progressive records on the Polish (and beyond) extreme metal scene. We get technical precision, power-driven choruses, expansive melodies, and experimental song structures pushed far beyond the genre's standards of the era.
The drummer should have tuned the snare drum though, because it sounds like he borrowed grandma's cookie jar. Otherwise not much to complain about. It simply sounds very good and well done. So if you're tired of the same old death metal or thrash metal, then give this a try.
The band formed in 1989 in Warsaw. They were active until 2002, and released 3 albums and 2 demos during that time. "Error" was their second album.
facebook.com/OfficialSparagmos | selfmadegod.com
SCAMPI CHIPS DIP & CAMPARI: Monster
SODEH Records - Digital SingleThis time the Norwegian punk collective deliver a catchy and melodic punk rock anthem. It somehow have a dark atmosphere, and yet it will make you feel good - Succeed with that if you can! I don't know how many times they sing ":Monster", but it really works here. It's a great song anyway, just like their last single also was.
While "Let Go" (their last single) was an explosive punk song, "Monster" is more confrontational and more melodic. It's the second taste of their upcoming debut album, "Well, It Ain't Fast Food", which I really look forward to hear.
youtu.be/KOyXLPLIX_Q?si=EqN_VhK8_ZvjhFir | sodeh.ca | instagram.com/scampichipsdipandcampari
GENERAL CHAOS: The Idiots Have Taken Over
Stomp Records - Digital SingleGENERAL CHAOS is a punk trio from Montreal, and the members are just 16. They gives us a catchy punk rock anthem in the same league as RANCID and SOCIAL DISTORTION. It's direct, confrontational, and rooted in frustration with political dysfunction and unchecked power. I really like what I hear, and this sounds very promising for the future.
This is the second single from a upcoming EP, "Can't Please 'Em All".
The band formed in 2022, when they were just 12 years old. At the age of 15 they released their debut album, "Outta My Way".
orcd.co/theidiots | instagram.com/generalchaos.band
AXE & ASHES: Stand And Fight
Axe & Ashes - Digital SingleAXE & ASHES is a heavy metal project led by Andrey Smirnov (ex-U.D.O., Dirkschneider), and this is their second single.
"The new single delivers a powerful blend of driving riffs, soaring vocals, and anthemic choruses, combining the timeless spirit of classic 80s metal with a polished, contemporary production", they say. It's a very good song in the same tradition as ACCEPT and his former band U.D.O., so if you like that, then you should really give this a try.
I already look forward to hear some more from this band..
youtu.be/4QSNcj62UVA?si=5ICY6_TPC4dYDfsy | axenashes.com
BÖDEL: Dödsbringaren
DiSTAT Records - Digital Single
This is the title track from the Swedish band BÖDEL's debut album, which was released in January, and the third single from that album. A pretty long song for being crust punk with its 2:45 minutes, but not less good or less energetic because of that. You could say that it's heavy but explosive, and it kicks ass just like most of their other songs. So if you have not heard this band yet, and you happens to love classic d-beat hardcore/punk, then it's about time that you check them out now.
linktr.ee/bodelpunk
FURNACE: Refracted City Lights
Emanzipation Productions - Digital SingleSwedish melodic death metal band FURNACE was formed by Rogga Johansson (PAGANIZER, RIBSPREADER etc etc etc) and bassist Peter Svensson (ASSASSIN'S BLADE, VOID MOON), and this is a taste from an upcoming album, titled "Echoes Of A Distant Future (Trojan Hearse Part II)".
Blending crushing riffs with haunting, atmospheric leads, this single captures the band's signature balance between melody and menace. It begins with a true heavy metal solo, and sounds dark and cinematic somehow. It's also a pretty heavy song, but when a solo comes again it goes faster, and then it's heavier again. A pretty o.k. song, but not much else.
emanzipation.dk | bfan.link/frnc-refract
BLACK SWAMP WATER: All The Difference
Mighty Music - Digital SingleThis Danish band's music could be described as modern heavy rock as they mix the heaviness of classic hard rock with a southern-tinged swagger. And the latest single is described as "a fast-paced but still emotionally charged track that leans deep into the band's introspective side lyric-wise, but exuberant, playful side sound-wise". To me it sounds like a energetic hard rock song in the 70s tradition, so I like it. This is something that you really should check out if you like good old hard rock or heavy rock.
bfan.link/bsw-allthe | mightymusic.dk
AVARICE: Underling
Mighty Music - Digital SingleAVERICE are said to deliver a crushing, groove-driven statement with this single. It's built on heavy, dragging riffs and a relentless sense of weight. We talk about heavy and powerful groove metal brutality here, where they also blend in elements of death and thrash metal, as well as hardcore and melodic death metal. Not bad at all, but a whole album with this might be a little too much for me. I guess that fans of a band like SEPULTURA or maybe even SOULFLY could like this.
This song is taken from their second album, "Perpetual Ruin", set for release in June. The band formed in 2006, and they are from Denmark.
bfan.link/avrc-under | mightymusic.dk «April | Index | June»
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