REVIEWS OCTOBER 2026
«September | Index | November»MASTER: Among The Seeds Of Death
Hammerheart Records on Oct. 16 - LP, CD, DigitalDeath metal legends MASTER return with a new album, and it sounds just like it should. In other words the usual old-school mixture of death metal and intense thrash metal. Band leader Paul Speckmann (bass/vocals) don't give a shit about the latest trends on this 16th full-length album, but gives us exactly what we all want. The quality on these songs are very high, so if you're more into the sound of the late 80s/early 90s, then this is a must to hear.
Mr. Speckmann is joined by Alex Nejezchleba on guitars and Peter Bajci on drums. They have a fat and heavy sound, while they deliver the songs with a nice punk attitude. This is absolutely worth listening to if you're into the old-school sound.
master.lnk.to/amongtheseedsofdeath | hammerheart.com | facebook.com/TheRealMasterofficial
VEILBURNER: All That Glimmers Is Gloam
Transcending Obscurity Records on Oct. 16 - LP, CD, Digital..and then it was complicated again.
Less than a year after the last album, with the long title "Longing for Triumph, Reeking of Tragedy", VEILBURNER return with their 9th album. And like I said about the last album, it's a musical roller coaster ride with many twists and turns. Avantgarde death/black metal they call it. It sounds angst-filled in some way. Like the soundtrack to madness, or getting lost in a scary labyrinth.
This is hardly something for everyone, but those who like the combination of skilled musicians and madness will probably enjoy this.
veilburnerband.bandcamp.com/album/all-that.... | transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com
SATAN TAKES A HOLIDAY: Covering Our Tracks
Icons Creating Evil Art - LP, CD, DigitalWith their mixture of garage rock, punk attitude and a modern touch, Swedish rock trio SATAN TAKES A HOLIDAY have recreated songs by artists like Bruce Springsteen, RAMONES, SUICIDE, YEAH YEAH YEAHS, The DIRTBOMBS, Link Wray, Charli XCX etc. I might not always have liked their singles from this album, but now that the whole album is here, all pieces seems to fall together somehow. Because suddenly it works much better for me, and it's not so bad after all.
As you might have figured out already, it's a wild mix of old and modern songs from many different genres. But in the hands of SATAN TAKES A HOLIDAY they have all become rock songs (more or less anyway). They have been working on this project for a year now, and half of the songs was actually released as the EP "Covering Our Tracks: Part 1" in January this year, and since then most of the other tracks has been released as singles. So I can't say that there's any surprises here. But it's a good album anyway, so why complain?
found.ee/stah-coveringourtracks | satantakesaholiday.com | icea.se
RISE FROM YOUR GRAVE: Choose Your Scare
Rise From Your Grave - CD, DigitalRISE FROM YOUR GRAVE is a horror punk/heavy metal band from Pittsburgh, USA. They blend the raw aggression of classic punk with the crushing influence of heavy metal, and have built a reputation in the underground for high-energy music, vivid horror storytelling, a wicked sense of humor, and an unapologetic love of all things macabre. Their songs are melodic, and seems to be made to be anthems with choruses to sing along to.
There's many good songs on this album, and not any weak links. So they have in other words succeeded to make another really strong album, that every fan of horror punk should enjoy.
We also get some guest vocals from Katie Garner (FREDDY VS) on 1 song, which gives the song a extra twist.
risefromyourgrave.bandcamp.com
PlusMinusZero: Illusion Of Life
Downfall Records on Oct. 16 - CD, DigitalFinnish hard rock/metal band PlusMinusZero was formed in Helsinki in 2025, but the members have decades of experience. On this album we get 10 tracks of melodic hard rock and metal with a modern touch, where they combine catchy songs with experience. There's uptempo songs, mid-tempo tracks and slower stuff. Most of it sounds really good, so they should have a chance to become popular.
Why not check them out before everybody else does?
downfallrecords.bandcamp.com/album/illusion.... | instagram.com/plusminuszeromusic
L.A. PROJECT: The Throne
L.A. Project - Digital SingleMulti-instrumentalist and composer Luis Amaro has been active in the Portuguese music scene since the 1980s, first with metal bands like DEADWITCH, EXILED and STONE COLD LIPS, and later with the hard rock outfit CoastWise. But when the pandemic struck, it made rehearsals and band interaction so much more difficult. So he created L.A. PROJECT - initially as an instrumental venture. As the world began to open up once more, Luis invited different musicians to contribute to the project, and a variety of vocalists who all brought different qualities to his songs, like Rich Gray (AEON ZEN, ANNIHILATOR etc) and Fabio Alessandrini (ANNIHILATOR, BONFIRE etc).
In recent years different incarnations of L.A. PROJECT have released diverse EPs, covering hard rock, heavy metal and stoner rock. And now with a new collective of collaborators by his side, Luis Amaro has a brand new single to unleash, "The Throne".
This song is a powerful heavy metal song in the classic tradition, featuring Jurekk James (EDGE OF ATTACK, ex-KOBRA AND THE LOTUS) on vocals. And this song is absolutely not bad at all. The vocals is melodic, while the music is heavy and powerful. You should really check it out.
laproject1.bandcamp.com/track/the-throne
SMOULDER: Witch Wife In An Alien World
Cruz Del Sur Music on Oct. 9 - CD, LP, DigitalCanadian/American band SMOULDER play adventurous and epic power/doom metal (they say), and this is their third studio album. It's said to be "a bold, daring collection of eight songs that continue to push boundaries and shatter conventions". And this is the first time that they deliver a half-English/half-Finnish-sung number (the singer is a Canadian/Finnish citizen).
Well, we get 8 tracks here, and it sounds good to me. They have a wide range of influences, and I would say that it's not always just power or doom metal that we get here, but sometimes pure heavy metal as well. But no matter in what direction they go, it still sounds really good, so this is definitely worth a try.
cruzdelsurmusic.com | facebook.com/SmoulderDoom
LEPER COLONY: Back To Primal Sludge
Testimony Records on Oct. 9 - CD, LP, DigitalLEPER COLONY is a collaboration between German vocalist Marc Grewe (MORGOTH, INSIDIOUS DISEASE, ASINHELL) and Swedish guitarist Rogga Johansson (PAGANIZER, RIBSPREADER, REVOLTING, MASSACRE etc etc), which began in 2020. They are joined by British drummer Jon Rudin (MONSTROUS, DEAD SUN etc). A self-titled debut album was released in 2023, and now their third album is ready to be released.
This death metal band combines the classic Florida style with the Stockholm sound, which makes it sound old-school of course. It's straight meat and potato death without any crap, just like it's supposed to be. So I really like what I hear here, and have nothing to complain about. This is in other words absolutley worth listening to.
spkr.store/collections/leper-colony | testimonyrecords.bandcamp.com | facebook.com/lepercolonyband
CARDINALS FOLLY: Let The Posers Fall!
Cruz Del Sur Music on Oct. 9 - CD, LP, DigitalThis is the 7th full-length from this Finnish doom/heavy metal band. "The album showcases a powerful shift towards traditional, riff-driven heavy metal songwriting while retaining the band's signature heavy footprint", they say. Lyrically it's serial killers and horror.
I don't know, but I get a feeling that they repeat themselves a little too much and that the vocals is more or less in the same tone. Luckily not all the time though, and it's not bad, so there is some highlights here and there. And in the end I guess that this is still worth a try anyway, if you like it heavy.
cruzdelsurmusic.com | facebook.com/cardinalsfolly
TUNGSTEN: Ashes
PERCEPTION on Oct. 9 - LP, CD, Digital
I would say that TUNGSTEN play their own kind of metal here, where there can suddenly be a chorus in Spanish or a weird sound in a song that you did not expect to hear. These songs are absolutely not weird though, but of a very strong kind actually. So they have made another great album, and you should really check it out.
TUNGSTEN is a heavy/power metal band from Sweden, but they also blend in other influences and might not always arrange their songs like everybody else. The sound is modern, powerful and melodic.
The band was formed by drummer Anders Johansson (ex-HAMMERFALL, Yngwie Malmsteen etc) and his 2 sons Nick and Karl Johansson in 2016. On vocals we find Mike Andersson, who is a powerful and very good singer that fits perfect for this band. "Ashes" is their fifth album.
tungstenofficial.net | perception.music
7 MILES TO PITTSBURGH: Beyond Repair
M-Theory Audio - LP, CD, DigitalThis Dutch band blend classic hard rock and contemporary progressive rock, and this is the third album from these veterans. It sounds like a powerful and experienced progressive hard rock album. They have a drive that gives the songs energy, and at the same time it's melodic. The music is rooted both in the 70s and today. This is topped with lots of great songs, which makes this a very good album.
Fans of progressive rock and hard rock should absolutely check this out.
The band formed in 2017. The members comes from bands like SLEEZE BEEZ, ELEGY, HEADLESS, PLACE VENDOME, KOMATSU etc.
youtu.be/VCRWFPNFRm4?si=_xBw.... | m-theoryaudio.com/store | 7mtp.nl
INVINCIA: Echoes From The Past
Escape Music - CDAfter a independently released EP, "The Enemy Within", Finnish melodic heavy metal band INVINCIA has now released their full-length debut, "Echoes From The Past". It was written over the last 2 years, and captures a band rooted in the old tradition. It's not about nostalgica though. The songs are driven by a genuine passion for memorable songwriting and dramatic arrangements. It's said to fit fans of legends like SAVATAGE, QUEENSRŸCHE, HELLOWEEN, JUDAS PRIEST and DIO. So they are aiming high, you could say. But they are not a copy of those bands. The influences are there though. And in the end they just want to write timeless heavy metal anthems. And with that they have succeeded. Which you can hear if you check out this album.
This album is full of great songs, and that's it.
facebook.com/people/Invincia/.... | escape-music.com
DOMKRAFT: Eclipse (Outlast The Night)
Magnetic Eye Records - Digital SingleSwedish heavy psych rockers DOMKRAFT will release their fifth album, "Night Songs", on November 20. This single is a taste of that album. And yes, it's a heavy track, and not the most funny song according to me. For some reason it last for as long as 7 minutes as well, which in this case is a little too long for my taste (I had to turn it off towards the end). But at the same time I would not say that it's bad (a little schizo today?), so I guess you could give it a try.
I don't really know what else I should say about this..
youtu.be/xaY2elxM3eA?si=S_.... | facebook.com/domkraftband
ASTRO LLOYD: Mostly Harmless (feat. Olivia Marthina)
Astro Lloyd - Digital SingleThis is the last single from their third album, "Music For People", which will be released on October 16.
Southern Swedish band ASTRO LLOYD have been around for more than 15 years, and they have been playing alternative rock on their own terms all those years. But with this song they are said to return to their punk rock roots. It's more raw and direct. And instead of spending 2 years on it (like they used to do), they worked much faster this time to catch the feeling of the moment.
This is a catchy and energetic song, where we also get some guest vocals from Olivia Marthina (I don't have a clue who that is). I guess we can put it somewhere between alternative rock and punk rock. And it's not bad at all, so maybe they should continue to work a little faster?
found.ee/jQkmb4 | astro-lloyd.com
M.A.S.K.: What Life Would Be (Without You)
Mighty Music - Digital SingleThis is the third single this year from Danish rock band M.A.S.K. It has a melancholic sound that express the bittersweet feeling of a relationship that doesn't work anymore, and it begins pretty soft, but is building up to a modern hard rock song. And it's when it becomes a little "harder" that it begins to sound good. So in the end this is a song that's worth listening to.
mightymusic.dk
The MEFFS: Business
FLG - LP, CD, DigitalEssex, UK duo The MEFFS have made a raw and energetic punk album with attitude. It's modern but old-school too, so it should work for both the young people and old folks.
"Business" is their second album, and it's said to be the most politically charged, hard-hitting music to date from Lily (guitar and vocals) and Lewis (drums). It could become a modern punk classic, but I guess that remains to be seen. It's a damn good album that they have made anyway, and it's a varied material that we get. So it's not really enough with just 1 song if you want to get the whole picture.
ffm.bio/businessalbum | facebook.com/Themeffsuk
The DAMN TRUTH: The Damn Truth (Deluxe Edition)
Frontiers Music s.r.l. - LP, CD, DigitalI would guess that fans of something like SKUNK ANANSIE could like this. But there's also many songs that sounds more like retro rock, so those who like that should like this too.
This is a Deluxe Edition of their self-titled JUNO Award-nominated album from 2025, which was produced by the legendary Bob Rock. It includes 2 bonus tracks, a live recording of "Be Somebody" and a 2026 version of "The Willow".
What we get is a blend of timeless rock n roll, blues-infused swagger, powerful songwriting and the unmistakable voice of frontwoman Lee-la Baum. It's the sound of a hungry rock band that's full of passion for what they are doing, and it sounds very good. You should give this a try.
The band is currently on tour in Europe.
ffm.bio/thedamntruthalbum2026 | thedamntruth.com
ILL JILL: Burning Bright
Massproduktion - Digital SingleI guess that ILL JILL is a Swedish band? Anyway, they blend riot grrrl, hardcore and C86 (?) to a unique sound with equal parts attitude and groove. they say. To me it sounds like a raw but catchy and melodic punk rock song. And it's absolutely not a bad song that they have made, so I recomend you to check it out.
"Burning Bright" is the first single from the upcoming album "We Are Not The Problem".
(no link)
ARCHITECTS: Machine
Epitaph Records - Digital SingleWell, this hardly sounds like a machine, but more like a modern pop song with a big chorus. It's a softer song, and maybe not really my tea bag, but it doesn't suck old man's balls anyway, which is always something. But as it's supposed to be metal, and is not, it's still a dissapointment. And therfor I don't have much else to say about this..
ARCHITECTS will be on tour in UK and Europe together with KORN in October/November.
youtu.be/z5e-Fud8Nxs | epitaph.com
IGUANA PARTY and Jimmy Ragnar & STATISTERNA at Wiser's Pub/Viva
Concert at Wiser's Pub/Viva in Borås, Sweden on Oct. 3, 2026Finally I could go to a concert again for the first time in over a month (had a problem with my knees). So I went to see the local band IGUANA PARTY, who had reunited once again. But the first band was Jimmy Ragnar & STATISTERNA, who played some kind of singer/songwriter punk rock (I guess you could call it?) with acoustic guitar and saxophone etc. They was o.k., but not much else. The best song was the cover of the Dan Berglund classic "De Mördades Fria Republik". And I don't have much else to say about that..
IGUANA PARTY was originally formed by 2 members of the punk rock band RÅTTORNA in the 90s, and was active for a few years. Then they reunited in the 2000s sometime for a short while. Anyway, this was a tribute to their late bassist, Martin, who passed away after a battle with cancer last year. Today's lineup of the band includes members from GATANS LAG and SISTER SIN. And I guess we can call the music that they play some kind of melodic punk rock.
They did a damn good gig, and they played all my favorite songs and then some. If my memory isn't wrong, they also played a new song. Very good anyway, no doubt about that.
DEAD TARGET: Presage
Punkebjartes Punkeplater on Oct. 2 - Digital SingleNorwegian Scandi-rock/punk rock n roll band DEAD TARGET will release their debut album, "Still While It Spins", on October 23. This is the third and final single from that album.
This band mix their Scandinavian rock with American punk rock. And this song is just 1 of many good songs on the album, so this is a band that you should check out if you want energetic rock with punk energy, or what they use to call action rock.
More about the album later..
linktr.ee/deadtargetband | punkeplater.no
HARDCORE SUPERSTAR: Halo
Frontiers Music S.r.l. - Digital Single
I don't know how long it can be since I heard a new song with HARDCORE SUPERSTAR last time, but it must be a few years now. They have just signed with Italian label Frontiers Music Srl, and this is the first single the band release on that label.
It might not be a new "We Don't Celebrate Sundays" (a favorite), but it's just as catchy and have potential to become something big after a few listenings. So if you want some catchy and loud hard rock to sing along to, then I can really recomend this anthem.
This Swedish group has been around for many years now, but they still seems to be hungry for more, which is a good sign of course.
The band is currently on a Scandinavian tour. And the touring will continue into Europe and the rest of the world during 2027. They are also working on a new album.
youtu.be/I8smg7AQDkU | linktr.ee/HCSSOfficial | frontiers.it
QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE: Where The Goth Girls At?
Matador Records - Digital SingleQUEENS OF THE STONE AGE deliver another soft song from their upcoming album, "Perfecth",, which will be released on October 30.This song is enriched with string and horn arrangements. Apart from that, you could say that it's a minimalist song which doesn't make much of an impression on me. It might not be totally useless, but it sounds a little boring actually. And this makes me think that the new album might not be something for me. Fans of the band will probably like this though.
youtu.be/eAOIpDUDGX4
REGICIDE: Strength In Numbers
Regicide - Digital SingleFrom Essex, UK comes this thrash/groove metal band. They delivered this new single a few weeks ago, and it's a first taste of their upcoming second album, which they plan to release in mid-2027. Another single will be released in January 2027, and then there will be yet another single before the album is released.
Anyway, let's focus on "Strength In Numbers" now. This is a song about resistance, freedom and standing shoulder to shoulder with your brothers and sisters and fighting until the bitter end. They combines aggressive thrash riffs, heavy grooves and direct, hard hitting vocals. It&##9;s hard and heavy, yet not without energy. A pretty good song, so it could be worth a try.
The band will be playing a few shows in the UK during October and November.
distrokid.com/hyperfollow/reg.... | linktr.ee/regicideuk
REVEAL: Cybernetic Decay
TH Records - Digital SingleThe latest single from REVEAL is said to be the beginning of a new chapter for the band, and serves as the first taste of their upcoming releases. It combines their more melodic side with a much darker and more cinematic atmosphere, developing a story set in a dystopian future dominated by powerful corporations, technology and social inequality. The music that they play is melodic heavy/power metal, while they also introduces new textures, electronic atmospheres and a more modern production approach, with the aim of making the music, lyrics and visuals part of the same story.
And if that sounds interesting, then this could be worth a try, because it's not so bad at all. And I don't really know what else I should say..
youtu.be/VL4cqv_6J70
RIVALS: Adrenaline Rush
Epitaph Records - Digital SingleRIVALS is a modern hard rock band, formed in 2014. Their latest single is said to fuse heavy edge with sleek alt-pop shadows. They also mention words like "high-voltage" and "explosive heaviness" in the press info. To me it sounds a little too modern and too much pop, so it's not really my thing. Yet it's not a totally useless song. I have definitely heard a lot worse than this.
epitaph.com | youtu.be/vrjkhMyEAiU
VELVET INSANE: Wild In The City Tonite
Icons Creating Evil Art - Digital SingleAfter a period of silence from Swedish glam rockers VELVET INSANE, it was announced earlier this year that the band had signed with Icons Creating Evil Art, and this single is the first taste of the upcoming album "IV", which will be released on March 5, 2027.
What they have made is a party anthem in the good old 70s tradition, which is full of energy, melody and attitude. If this doesn't make you want to get up and shake loose, then there's probably something wrong with you (or maybe your legs are fucked up, like mine). This put a big smile on my face anyway, and I forget the pain for a few minutes. Very promising for the new album!
The band formed in 2013, and has previously released 3 albums.
found.ee/Wild-6 | facebook.com/velvetinsane | icea.se
ÅSKVÄDER: On The Fence
Icons Creating Evil Art - Digital SingleWith the latest single from their new album, "Wax" (released today, on Oct. 2), this Swedish rock band deliver a more melodic song, yet just as energetic as the previous singles. I guess that we can label this is power rock/garage rock. It's riff-driven with elements of good old hard rock, but there's also elements of Scandinavian rock and action rock. Another great song from a very promising album.
"Wax" is their third full-length album (review of that soon).
found.ee/onthefence | found.ee/askvaderwax | linktr.ee/askvaderband | icea.se
MOLLY McGUIRE: Disaster In Reverse
Molly McGuire on Oct. 2 - LP, DigitalFrom Kansas City comes this post-punk/hard rock band, who formed in 1991 already. Their sound is defined by soaring melodies, massive guitars, and uncompromising intensity, they say.
This new album is said to mark both a celebration of the band's influential past and a new chapter for the group, which actually says nothing to me who have not heard them before. But it doesn't really sound like post-punk or hard rock to me, but rather like alternative rock actually. They might not have anything special here, but it sounds o.k. anyway. But as they don't have anything extra good, this album is soon forgotten.
(no link)
K-MAN & The 45s: Demon Days
Stomp Records - Digital SingleThis is the second single from the upcoming album, "Heed The Call", which will arrive on October 9. And the Montreal ska-punks deliver once again. This 3-minute track is said to "leans into the band's wilder side, blending two-tone ska, punk chaos, and rock and roll swagger in the spirit of The CLASH, MAD CADDIES, and The SLACKERS". They go for something looser, louder, and a little more unhinged. It's a song that doesn't overthink itself.
In the end it's another damn good song, and every fan of ska-punk should check it out. It's just that simple.
orcd.co/demondays | stomprecords.com/bands/k-man.... | instagram.com/kmanandthe45s
HAERDSMAELTA: City Of The Dead
Icons Creating Evil Art - Digital SingleI don't know how many singles this Swedish band has released during the last months, but it is probably half a album by now. Anyway.. Like I have said earlier, every new single seems to be different from the last. Yet it still sounds like HAERDSMAELTA and not like 5 different bands. It's mainly built on dark hard rock and post-punk, as well as a doomsday theme. A new album, "Haerdrock", will be released on October 23.
"City Of The Dead" is said to be the last single from that album, and this time they combine the raw power of hardcore and metal with industrial repetition and the nerve of post-punk. The chorus "We built this city on rot and mold" is a deliberate desecration of the STARSHIP classic "We Built This City (on Rock and Roll)". They have a tendency to take something familiar and turn it into something darker. But beneath it all, we find political frustration, climate anxiety, and the absurd contradictions of our time.
This is a good song, so check it out.
found.ee/cityofthedead | found.ee/haerdrock | facebook.com/groundzerooneeight | icea.se
DIRTY RATS: Bogan
Dirty Rats - Digital AlbumThese Melbourne veterans are really rocking, so there's much energy here. You could say that it's the kind of stuff that I use to like - Australian hard rock that is loud and unapologetic.
DIRTY RATS formed back in 1982 already. In the 80s they worked hard and played 4-5 nights a week. They also released a number of EPs. Their first full-length album wasn't released until December 2019.
On this album we get driving riffs, pounding rhythms, gritty vocals and plenty of attitude. Fans of Australian hard rock should absolutely check this out, even if there's also some elements of MC5, MOTÖRHEAD and some punk rock. It's loud, hard and old-school, and it kicks ass. What else can you ask for?
facebook.com/dirtyratsaustralia «September | Index | November»
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