Forming in 2014, Philadelphia, PA is home ground for The End A.D. – an East Coast act that embraces their hardcore influences as much as their metal, making for a potent blend on their debut full-length album "Scorched Earth". The 12-song record runs the gamut from quicker hitting, heads down arrangements that get the job…
Once you establish your talent and a fan base, opportunities abound for musicians to flex their collective muscles and set their sights on new creative endeavors. Kryptonite is another example of assembling musicians from other known acts in the melodic hard rock/metal community and putting out their self-titled 11 song debut record. Singer Jacob Samuel…
The third studio album from Mystic Prophecy would be the last one to feature Gus G on guitar – as he would decide to pare down his band activities to focus more on Firewind. "Never Ending" showcases the German/Greek unit in fine form, displaying a carefully crafted mix of heavy/power metal with occasional thrash flashes.…
French power metal with plenty of vocal harmonies on this second album "Return of the Cosmic Men". Galderia possess a unique situation in that much of the singing for these 10 songs contain dual or trio lead vocal moments between Sebastien Chabot, Thomas Schmitt, and Bob Saliba beyond their guitar, guitar, and bass duties respectively…
Texas metal band Shattered Sun vaulted into the landscape thanks to their debut album and subsequent high profile touring with Testament, Slayer, and the final incarnation of the Mayhem festival throughout North America. "The Evolution of Anger" as the follow-up display that experience and growth necessary to sustain interest. At their core, the quintet is…
Edmonton death/thrash trio Phylactery may be a new name to many, but they probably will not remain dormant for long based on the savage songwriting present on this full-length "Necromancy Enthroned". Coming off a three song demo release last year, it’s obvious that these gentlemen prefer to keep their music lean, their approach primal, and…
A Swedish modern metal band that hasn’t been on my radar until now with this third album "Discovery". Sitting between modern hard rock and current metal with occasional metalcore leanings, the material possesses massive commercial appeal between the bright use of keyboards, larger than life chorus hooks, and the natural crunch of the guitars and…
"Babel" is the fourth album from Italian progressive metal band Soul Secret – a conceptual piece covering love and religion in an intergalactic mission with cutting edge technology a primary focus. Difficult to tell these days what is truly progressive metal – as the definition broadens depending on the age group and exposure – but…
Featuring members of Daylight Dies, October 31, and Twisted Tower Dire among others, Walpyrgus come from Raleigh, North Carolina and aim to bring back the good times in their classic heavy metal style for "Walpyrgus Nights". They’ve been fairly productive since their 2012 beginnings, playing shows when they can as well as releasing singles, demos,…
Conveying an outlook of not writing songs, but smith them against the anvil, Italian act Wind Rose on their third album "Stonehymn" deliver another set of folk-oriented power metal tracks that live for bygone times, anthems for warriors ready to battle. Choosing to emphasize more of the orchestration, choir, and folk aspects to an already…
Veteran bands often stretch boundaries once establishing their foothold in heavy metal. Be it boredom, new members, or a genuine desire to achieve something different with each new release, that can make for polarizing debate amongst the faithful – who may abandon ship while newcomers hopefully fill that missing void. "Anticult" as the seventh studio…
After splitting with Eluveitie in 2016, three members would form Cellar Darling – embodying a new wave of heavy rock with obvious folk tinges because of their previous work. "This Is The Sound" as a debut album has a leg up on the competition, featuring stirring melodies from Anna Murphy, large, brooding riffs from guitarist/bassist…
Hailing from the Hudson Valley in New York, Dialith on their debut three-song EP "Through Stone" give the listeners a potent mix of melodic metal with modern and symphonic strains. This type of music relies on strong hooks either of a musical or vocal variety – fortunately for this act, they develop both sides in…
Best known as a beer-fueled outfit with many lyrics championing a love for alcohol, Tankard are veterans of the thrash genre – as "One Foot in the Grave" is the group’s 17th studio album since 1983. This time tackling some serious topics for "Arena of the True Lies" (discussion of internet ‘click bait’ and fake…
Previously impressed with their last studio album "Cosmic Gateway to Infinity" in 2014, these Italian thrashers return with "The Void Unending", another nine track effort that embraces a technical thrash and power stance beyond normal influences and output. Expect guitar breaks that are fluid and slightly longer than most acts, bass play that can rival…
Progressive rock has been a part of this journalist’s life since childhood. Acts like Genesis, Yes, Kansas, and Rush made an indelible imprint, opening horizons in what could be achieved musically. Norwegian act Gentle Knife embody the spirit of diverse progressive rock cut from that similar 70’s-oriented cloth on their second full-length "Clock Unwound". Incorporating…
Daring to go where no other group has gone before, Belgian act Blind Seer live up to the experimental metal tag on "Apocalypse 2.0". With influences ranging from industrial to jazz, alternative to classic metal, and a bit of electronic/outer space themes in between, it’s little wonder that these 12 songs may cause a bit…
Combining members from Arizona and Canada, Insatia develop a melodic metal outlook that straddles symphonic and power textures on their second full-length "Phoenix Aflame". Between Zoë Federoff’s soaring, angelic vocal range and the grandiose symphonic embellishments, you get the feeling that songs such as "We Are the Grey" as well as the triplet-filled title cut…
Relentless is an apt description for Goatwhore. Celebrating 20 years together as a group, "Vengeful Ascension" as their seventh studio record keeps their abrasive thrash/death/punk/black juggernaut wall of sound chugging along – adding another 10 tracks to their coffers. What’s always exciting about the quartet’s approach is their ability to inject melodic sections at surprising…
Delivering 14 cuts in a whirlwind 28 minutes, "Slime and Punishment" wastes no riff or quick-hitting transition in its crossover thrash appeal. Expanding to a five-piece as second guitarist Nick Poulos (Bat, Vulture) enters, punky efforts like "Enjoy the Night" prove the youthful energy hasn’t subsided, while the gang mentality launches "Shrednecks" into future set…
When the creative pool overflows, you must dip in and squeeze out what you can, while you can. Bassist Leif Edling is probably best known for his work in Swedish doom metal band Candlemass – but he also has Avatarium and now The Doomsday Kingdom recording on a regular basis. Following a demo that Nuclear…
Originally together from 2000-2005, melodic death metal act Norseth issued "The Hexed Enigma" EP in 2004 before going on an indefinite hiatus. Feeling the need to play together again by 2012, Kevin Carr and AJ Grimes recorded songs together and issued them online – setting the stage for the recording of this 12-song full-length "Face…
Nothing wrong with some groove-oriented death metal from Finland, which is what you’ll get from Post Pulse. "Halls of the Damned" contains heavy, sturdy riffing, caustic vocals that have clarity and depth, plus massive hooks and groove sensibilities that cater to everything from old Machine Head to current Gojira beyond the natural Scandinavian death platform.…
Their second Robert Mason-fronted record, Warrant aim to prove that they can remain vital and vibrant in the current melodic hard rock landscape – and not be relegated to being a pure nostalgia act. This album "Louder Harder Faster" has a rougher, grittier texture, moving light years away from their platinum plus days of their…
Argentina’s bluesy hard rock act 42 Decibel come back for their third album "Overloaded" – cranking their amps up to ten and delivering a record chock full of anthems sure to go down a storm at any alcohol-fueled event where loud music is the norm. Hitting the red zone intentionally with their meters in the…
Serving up power metal of the triumphant, airy variety since 1998, Kaledon return with "Carnagus- Emperor of the Darkness", their ninth studio album. Soaring, majestic vocals, guitar and keyboard runs, double bass throwdowns, and loads of sing-a-long choruses make you think of Rhapsody (Of Fire) meets Skylark or Labyrinth in a dark alley – especially…
Trondheimsbandet VICINITY slapp sitt andre album "Recurrence" i april på det danske selskapet Mighty Music. Skiva har høstet flust med gode terningkast inkludert en meget sterk 5,5 av 6 her i Eternal Terror. Matt Coe skrev anmeldelsen og tok like godt et godt grep i fire femtedeler av bandet og fikk i stand dette intervjuet.
Active since 2004, the stars align for German heavy metal act Midnight Rider to finally release their debut full-length in "Manifestation". Containing members with ties to Metalucifer and Metal Inquisitor among others, it shouldn’t be surprising that these 10 songs contain a lot of 70’s throwback elements that helped make Black Sabbath and Judas Priest…
These days, genre crossing appears to be the norm – since staying in one niche seems passé. Hailing from Belgium and Holland, Spoil Engine blend together modern metalcore, cyber nuances, and melodic death on their "Stormsleeper" album. Which means for the listener a heaviness that can bring Arch Enemy or current In Flames up in…
Five years removed from their debut "Giant" EP release, Spain’s Jotnar finally issue their debut full-length "Connected/ Condemned" for their new label Massacre Records. Good things come to those who are patient, and for this melodic death quintet the time couldn’t be more appropriate to remind the listeners of the best elements that took this…
Started in 2014 by guitarist Kent Engström, Swedish act Backwood Spirit live for the classic /retro rock foundation on this self-titled debut album. We know that it seems very hip these days to perform in a throwback style, but as long as the songwriting and performances come from the heart, it’s a welcome relief from…
Active since 1990, German band Disbelief may have been away for seven years between studio albums – but they’ve come back with honor on their tenth full-length "The Symbol of Death". Armed as a quintet with three new members, long-timers Karsten Jäger on vocals and Jochen Trunk on bass take newer nuances into account to…
The third album from Sweden’s Tyranex continues the trail set forth from the first two records – accelerator-oriented thrash with wild shrieking vocals and occasional fits of blasting mania. Previously impressed by "Unable to Tame" from 2014, there should be little worry of any monumental shift from the quartet – they subscribe to a down…
Shifting gears from a straightforward heavy metal act on "Beyond the Dark" into something more melodic in the alternative metal perspective for "Chasing Shadows", it shouldn’t really come as a surprise that Ancara’s follow up "Garden of Chains" drills deeper into the modern hooks and catchiness that appear to go for stronger commercial appeal. This…
Pouring heart and soul into Sister Sin for 13 years, vocalist Liv Sin made her mark on the global front through her discography and live touring with the band. Once disbanding in 2015, she didn’t waste time assembling a new band and putting out "Follow Me" – the debut 11 song effort with her new…
Fairly active in recording output since getting together in 2014, Swedish quintet Gloson have already issued an EP and live album prior to their first studio full-length, "Grimen". Delivering a sonically crushing mixture that contains lumbering riffs, caustic vocals, and atmospheric embellishment – these six songs aim for the mind, body and soul in a…
Detroit, Michigan’s Hate Unbound started in 2013, and "Plague" as their debut full-length delivers 10 songs in that groove/thrash-oriented metal platform. Combining styles that traverse landscapes known from bands like Prong, Pro-Pain, and Pantera, just thrown into a slightly mid-tempo to uppity thrash veneer, the quintet stride confidently into riffs and hooks that get in,…
The popularity of symphonic metal in any form is undeniable. The options seem limitless – incorporating everything from grand classical textures to power flourishes, even folk and extreme elements can come into play. Edenbridge from Austria have been one of the longest running acts in this genre- together since 1998 and developing their style through…
Active for almost 30 years, Beyond Description hail from Japan – signing with Punishment 18 Records for the release of this latest album "The Robotized World". Expect 12 songs of crossover thrash, all of which contain one word titles and whirl by in a tidy 26 minutes and change time frame. Waste not, want not-…
Often tagged as Germany’s answer to Manowar, Majesty return to issue their eighth studio album in "Rebels". Heavy metal never has to worry when acts like this exist – championing power riffs and lyrics savoring battles and the glory of the genre. Expect choruses that shout in short, stunted formats ("Die Like Kings", "Fireheart"), double…
Progressive metal has gained major momentum in Norway – probably due in part to the impact of Pagan’s Mind, Leprous, and Circus Maximus to name a few. Vicinity aims to add themselves to that list of must hear bands, as "Recurrence" is their second full-length and follow up to 2013’s "Awakening". At six songs and…
Rare is the day that an artist like Axel Rudi Pell can release his fifth ballad-oriented album to go down so well with his long-term fan base. More well-known for crafting melodic hard rock with a Blackmore flavor, these niche records usually combine previously issued cuts from his studio albums along with a few covers,…
Alternative metal encompasses a wide birth of influences – so it’s intriguing to hear an Italian band like Anewrage deliver their take on things with "Life-Related Symptoms". The musicianship contains plenty of groove and djent-oriented themes, against post-grunge and alternative/modern rock riffing plus ear pleasing melodies. Most will pick out similarities to Linkin Park, Trapt,…
Recently hitting my radar screen, there’s nothing like Euro-power metal to set the sky on fire and give off this burst of energy for followers of the genre. Especially if names like Stratovarius, early Edguy, and Sonata Arctica meet the mark in your collections – Polish quintet Titanium will be another band to cherish. Together…
Long-time Night Ranger fan here – grew up in the 80’s when "Sister Christian" blared from radio stations coast to coast, and "Don’t Tell Me You Love Me" would be an early MTV staple. Even after the ballads won them a platinum plus sales base, songs like "A Touch of Madness" and "Color of Your…
A premiere act in the melodic hard rock/AOR genre, Eclipse have been successful due to the right combination of stellar musicianship and keen songwriting, knowing how to keep the focus on proper hooks, melodies, and memorable choruses. "Monumentum" continues the benchmark output, as album number four contains another eleven tracks that would have easily given…
Losing primary songwriter guitarist Anton Kabanen in 2015 could be a death knell for many bands – but not in the case of Finnish heavy metal act Battle Beast. Winning the Wacken Open Air Metal Battle in 2010 which gained them a contract with heavyweight Nuclear Blast, they’ve released three previous albums while ascending to…
The essence of death metal has always been about brutality – inhuman growls, sick riffing, and this relentless appeal that cuts to the heart of the underground. German duo Rebel Souls live for the cause on "The Forces of Darkness", an eight-track assault that comes out swinging and rarely slows down before the next blasting…
"Dead of Night" is the third studio album from German metal four-piece Stormage, who have been together in one form or another since 1996 under a different moniker as Anthem. Changing names in 2003, they deliver a powerful style of heavy metal that straddles classic principles while maintaining some modern production bite and attack. Taking…
Originally together from 2004-09 as Sentinel, the band would transform into Lux Perpetua and as a sextet stride into their power metal stature, releasing the "Forever We Stand" EP in 2014 and finally gaining the chance to issue a full-length with "The Curse of the Iron King". Poland probably is not as well known for…
