Dream Tröll-The Witch's Curse

Self-Release/Independent
2018

Based in Leeds, England and currently fronted by Paul Walsh, Dream Tröll is a epic heavy metal/power metal band that made it's studio debut in 2017 with the full-length album "The Knight of Rebellion". The group's new EP, "The Witch's Curse", was released in early February. It is a three-track recording with truly inspired lyrics and well-structured material that is as melodic as it is memorable! Arguable one of the most well-rounded N.W.O.T.H.M. bands out there these days, Dream Tröll has so much potential that you almost have to wonder if there wasn't some form of otherworldly-intervention! If true heavy with metal with great lead vocals, killer riffs, and epic metal overtones is your thing (and why shouldn't it be?) then "The Witch's Curse" is a must-have!!

Old Mother Hell-Old Mother Hell

Cruz Del Sur Music
2017

Formed in 2015 by two ex-members of the thrash metal outfit Hatchery (bassist Ronald Senft and drummer Ruben André), Old Mother Hell is a German metal band that is fronted by guitarist/vocalist Bernd Wener (Shapeshift, ex-Refuge, ex-Maladie). The self-titled "Old Mother Hell" serves as the debut EP for this three-piece band and it clocks in at just over thirty four minutes. With the passionate and powerful vocals of lead singer Bern Wener proving to be a real highlight (as in wow, that voice leaves a lump in your lump!), Old Mother Hell magnificently combines elements of epic heavy metal, doom metal, hard & heavy rock, and traditional heavy metal into a eye opening sound that is all their own. Recorded at Rama Studio Mannheim by producer/engineer Jens Siefert, this six-track EP has a vibe that is both modern and vintage. In a very remarkable way, "Old Mother Hell" also happens to feel both sorrowful and hopeful. In that regard, credit goes to both the group and Jens Siefert. Further props must go to Cruz Del Sur Music. They have caught lightning in a bottle with this signing! Thanks to this cool label, "Old Mother Hell" will be released on CD and LP. Obviously the highlighted link above will lead you to a digital version of this exceptional release, but I cannot help but feel as if this is a recording that you need to be able to physically hold. In closing, "Old Mother Hell" is simply a blast to listen to! Like the band that created it, the EP is strong and confident. At the end of the day this one gets a A+ rating!! Whatever you do, don't snooze on this power rock/metal trio. In no time at all this is going to be a very successful act.

Sunday Morning Single: Emerald Rage-Wrathful Eyes

Self-release/Independent
2018

Emerald Rage is hard & heavy/power metal band from Akron, Ohio that is comprised of Jacob Wherley (lead vocals/lead guitars), Patrick Kern (lead guitar/harsh vocals), Josh Sumerauer (bass guitar/backing vocals), and Tyson McCauley (drums). Released on February 2nd, the four minute plus "Wrathful Eyes" is Emerald Rage's latest single and the third overall release for this young metal band since December 18th, 2017. The sword & sorcery-themed number is highly-enjoyable and it offers hope that we could be looking at Ohio's next big thing in the realm of epic metal! Free to download at the link above, "Wrathful Eyes" is geared towards fans of traditional heavy metal, U.S. power metal and epic metal. Our readers would be well-advised to keep an eye out for this up-and-coming metal band.

Legendry-Dungeon Crawler

Non Nobis Productions
2017

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is the home base of operations for epic traditional/power metal band Legendry. Formed in 2015 and currently comprised of vocalist/guitarist Vidarr (Defeat, ex-Bare-Sark), bassist Evil St. Clair, and drummer Kicker, Legendry has two full-length albums and one demo to it's name. The eight song "Dungeon Crawler" is the latest recording from this (classic metal loving) trio and it arrives one year after the group's well-received debut album, "Mists of Time". The epic 10-minute title track opens up Legendry's newest release in grand fashion. It name checks not only the title of the band's 2016 (Mists of Time), but one of the group's inspirations (Pagan Altar). Other influences include Manilla Road, Cirith Ungol, Brocas Helm, Omen, Wishbone Ash, Uriah Heep, Jethro Tull, King Crimson, Yes, and Lords of the Crimson Alliance (whose "Swords of Zeus" they cover!). Along with compelling lyrics and the album's vintage vibe (especially in regards to the album's production), "Dungeon Crawler" features some truly fantastic music! On a few of the tracks the band is joined by guest keyboardist Drea, but overall it's Vidarr, Evil St. Clair, and Kicker that are responsible for all of the great metal on display here. With it's splendid mixture of epic metal, American power metal, classic metal, and seventies-infused prog(!), "Dungeon Crawler" is a smashing success and one album that I am glad to have stumbled upon. With bands like Legendry alive and well the true heavy metal scene is in good hands!

Professor Emeritus-Take Me To The Gallows

No Remorse Records
2017

Professor Emeritus is a relatively new metal band that hails from Chicago, Illinois and is fronted by MP Papai (Moros Nyx). The well-crafted "Take Me To The Gallows" is the group's debut album and it is due to drop of November 13th, 2017. In addition to lead vocalist MP Papai (a talented if high-pitched singer that equally reminds me of Ronnie James Dio and Metal Church's David Wayne!), "Take Me To The Gallows" features the skilled performances of Lee Smith (guitars, bass), Tyler Herring (guitar), and Rüsty Glöckle (drums). These three musicians have played with the likes of Satan's Host, Tiger Fight, and Moros Nyx. Given the wide array of influences on this seven-track album it sure as hell seems as if the group is being haunted by the ghosts of some of these past bands. Naturally I mean that in a good way. Opening up strong with the epic and gritty doom metal that is "Burning Grave", "Take Me To The Gallows" (which was actually laid to tape between September 2014 and December 2016, but for whatever reason it is only now being released) finds Professor Emeritus experimenting with all of these different genres of metal. Not only do we have traditional heavy metal, doom metal, and epic metal on this band's debut, but shades of dark metal, classic heavy metal, cult metal, and N.W.O.B.H.M.! For the most part this is a fairly successful formula. The only real downside comes from the fact that there seems to be a lot of recycled riffs going on. You could chalk that up to the disc's doom metal elements (especially seeing as doom metal can be occasionally monotonous if not done correctly) or maybe it is just the curse of debut albums. Whatever the case might be with this Chicago metal outfit, "Take Me To The Grave" has a few flaws when it comes to the structure of some of the songs. Does that make this album a dub? As I already hinted at this is a great sound and style for Professor Emeritus so the answer to that question is a clear "No". The recycled riffs might knock this recording down a notch, but it is still a damn slick debut and one that I would certainly recommend. Anyone that loves heavy metal /doom metal albums should give this one a spin. The same goes for fans of hard & heavy epic metal. With one good album down and a waiting and willing scene that will more than likely embrace this lot, "Take Me To The Gallows" makes me want to keep an eye out for this Chicago band in order to see just how far they will go.

Free Metal Monday: GOD The Barbarian Horde-Hell & Heaven

Self-Release/Independent
2006

Available for download by clicking here, "Hell & Heaven" is a (wicked) five-track pagan/epic metal EP from the Romanian band called God The Barbarian Horde. Other than the group's 2014 EP, "Zal Mox", the aptly-titled "Hell & Heaven" is just one of the many name your own price recordings from this intriguing act that certainly lives up to the "barbarian" part of it's moniker! You can check them all out for yourself by heading over to the group's bandcamp page.

Children of the Reptile-The Four Weapons EP

Self-Release/Independent
2016

Sporting one of the coolest monikers out there(!), Children of the Reptile is a up-and-coming heavy metal band from Wilmington, North Carolina that is every-bit as epic as their name suggests! The group's wide array of influences include (but are not limited to!) Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Rainbow, Manilla Road, Loudness, Megadeth, Brocas Helm, The Lord Weird Slough Feg, Metallica, and even Thin Lizzy!! According to the Metal Archives, Children of the Reptile was originally formed in 2008 by vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist Ozzie Darden (ex-Death Machine Weapons, ex-The Disasters) and guitarist/vocalist Chris Millard (Salvación, ex-Wrathlord) for a one-off show. It was only in 2009 that this U.S. epic heavy metal band became the real deal. After putting out their 3-song debut EP in March of 2012, Children of the Reptile went on to release a self-titled album in 2013. Just released on November 19th, "The Four Weapons EP" is the latest studio recording for this four-piece lot. It finds Ozzie Darden and Chris Millard backed by bassist/vocalist David "Pils" Hufham and drummer Jon Kiker (ex-Death Machin Weapons, ex-Wrathlord). While Jon Kiker has since been replaced by Chase Kelly, "The Four Weapons EP" did feature his immense skills and he should be duly credited. And speaking of (MAD) skills, Ozzie Darden and Chris Millard have the twin guitar attack style of Tipton/Downing (Iron Maiden) and Smith/Murray (Judas Priest) down pat! Simply put, the guitar solos on this EP are KILLER! For fans of real heavy metal (Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, solo Ozzy, Dio, etc.) these leads will feel like a homecoming of sorts. Meanwhile the tight rhythm section is right there in line with the strings...and so is lead singer Ozzie. Darden's voice is honest and sincere and it fits right in with the overall mentality of this 4-track recording. Easily verified by listening to just one of the songs on this tremendous EP, Children of the Reptile has a real love for the music that they have created. Whether it's the instrument number "Arrival of the Dark Child" (which slays!) or the EP's three "regular" songs ("4 Weapons", "Sieg Zeon!", and "Goblin's Treasures"), "The Four Weapons EP" is 100% authentic in it's delivery! There is nothing fake about recording or the  extremely-talented band that crafted it. God, is that every refreshing or what? Real heavy metal from a honest to goodness real heavy metal band. Who would have thought it possibly that such a cool thing still existed in 2016? Available for the low price of only $5.00 (which frankly is a steal of a deal for this twenty plus minute EP!), "The Four Weapons EP" is for fans of traditional heavy metal as well as epic metal. It's a A+ recording in a world where we all too often settle for B- releases and it comes with my highest of recommendations! 

Breeze Least-Breeze Least

Shadow Kingdom Records
2016

Blood-red rare(!) eighties/neoclassical heavy metal from Japan. That's about all there is to this recently-released (digital-download only) re-issue from the wonderful folks over at Shadow king Records. Where it is exactly that they dug this mysterious gem up from I'll never know, but here's the scoop all the same. Preceded by a 1985 three-track demo, "Breeze Least" was the atmospheric debut from this obscure Japanese metal band that has (appropriately-enough) been described as a cross between Merciful Fate's "Melissa" and Yngwie Malmsteen's "Rise Force". With a run-time that clocks in at over 48 minutes in length(!) the 7-track "Breeze Least" was originally put out on 12" vinyl in 1986 (and as an independent release to boot!), but somewhere along the way this cult band lost the master tapes. That's a real shame, but at least we can all enjoy the band's self-titled release in digital format. For those of you who might be interested in the track listing (because you know why not?) I've posted it below. To that end I've also put in a one time grading system. It's easy enough to understand. One * symbol is decent, two * symbols means good, three *'s means it's great and then four * symbols translates to "Hot damn! That's some smoking awesome shit there!".  
 

1. Breeze Least ***
2. Must be Crush **
3. Dolphin Tradition *
4. Damnation ****
5. Gate Tower ***
6. Caprice No. 9 - Dread to Death ***
7. Not the Hold**



As a side note, "Breeze Least" also contains elements of epic and speed metal as well as slight
nods of appreciate towards the likes of (early) Van Halen and mid-late seventies Kiss.

Gloryful-Ocean Blade

Massacre Records
2014

Ten month's after issuing their well-received (if reportedly nowhere near as intense as this epic, 40 plus minute release is) debut album, "The Warrior‘s Code", Gloryful return with the rock-steady "Ocean Blade". As a follow-up tot he band's 2013 first full-length it's highly energetic and technically-rounded and as hard-driving and flat-out crushing as opener "Hiring the Dead" is the album, which was mixed by the legendary Dan Swanö and mastered by Charles Greywolf (guitarist of Germany’s Powerwolf), only gets better as it advances with it's attack just like the mythical beast posted above! Formed in the summer of 2010 by lead singer Johnny La Bomba (a rough-edge type of singer who really adds to the gritty nature of this five-piece act!) and guitarist/occasional bassist Shredmaster JB (aka Jens Basten), Gloryful, who made their debut the same year as forming with the 3-track demo, "Sedna’s Revenge", combines elements of classic heavy metal and near-epic metal with both speed and power metal. Lyrically-speaking the band is driven by the Inuit-legend of sea goddess Sedna, but for all intensive purposes let's just say that "Ocean Blade" should readily appeal to everyday metalheads as much as it does to the epic and Euro-flavored crowd. Or, if you will, power metal fanatics in general or those who simply love straight-ahead, kick-ass METAL! Well-written, effectively performed and as steady-handed as they come (with more than it's fill of fist banging moments and air guitar-worthy shredding leads!) "Ocean Blade"is worth it's weight in pirate gold and makes for a nice addition to one's heavy/power metal collection. 

Primalfrost-Prosperous Visions

Maple Metal Records
2014

Active since early 2012, Primalfrost is a one-man band/project from Toronto, Ontario. With Dean Arnold (ex-Will of the Ancients, ex-Lesion) being the sole member and with just one other release to the band's name (2012's EP, "Chapters of Time") "Prosperous Visions" makes the proper full-length debut from this Canadian band. At 55 minutes plus the album, which was engineered, mixed, and mastered by Thomas Ireland at Icehouse Studios in Goderich, Ontario, Canada in late August of 2013, aims at covering as much ground as humanly possibly and by the Gods of all things metal if it just doesn't accomplish that and then some! It's a toss up as to what is more amazing here. Is it the fact that Dean Arnold not only composed all of the music and lyrics on "Prosperous Visions", but handled all of the instruments, vocals, and programming or is it the overall epic feel of everything that makes it so great? "Prosperous Visions" finds Dean trekking through the untamed forests of folk metal while simultaneously embracing blackened power metal, death metal, orchestral music and symphonic metal. In Dean's Arnold's skilled hands everything bounds together nearly seamlessly and as a debut-LP one couldn't ask for more graceful and well-timed material then this!  With Dean's harsh vocals steering the music at hand into dark and uncharted waters and song-structures that beg to tell the story of a longer-established act Primalfrost (as a band) is near the top of it's game and they've only just begun! 


PS. Did I mention that Dean Arnold is only 18? I didn't? Well, he is and as good as he is now just imagine how scary it will be when he really hits his stride! Yeah.....

Nothgard-Age Of Pandora

Trollzorn Records
2014

It has it's perks. Being a writer for this blog that is. Here we have Germany's Nothgard who are another new (as in new to me) band for which I have a PR friend to thank. This tech-minded, Deggendorf, Bavaria-based band crossed my path thanks to Markus Eck (http://www.metalmessage.de/) and while I am highly-impressed by their upcoming sophomore release I will admit that I am at a lose as to how to properly describe their sound in full. We'll get to that point in a second, but for now let's do a role-call to see who it is we are set to chat about and how it is that they got from point A (their formation) to point B (this stellar work of EPIC metal!). Founded in 2008 by singer and lead-guitarist Dom R. Crey (Equilibrium, Wolfchant) and former drummer Tonie this German band first started out under the name of Nordavind before changing to their current moniker in 2009. Along the way there would be line-up changes to go along with the name change as well as some experimentation with sound and style (by all accounts it appears as if the band's original aim was to combine symphonic metal with death metal, folk metal, traditional heavy metal and power metal). There would be a 2009, 3-track demo released followed by the well-received debut album, "Warhorns of Midgard", in 2011. Now here it is three years later and we find that this well-oiled machine of a band, which, besides skilled vocalist/lead guitarist Dom R. Crey, currently consists of Vik S. (Bass), Daniel K. (Rhythm Guitar), D. Ziegler (Drums) and Skaahl (Rhythm Guitar), is truly blessed with a high-class style all their own! On paper it's either spelled out as epic melodic death metal or melodic death/pagan metal,but the truth of the matter is it's all of that and then some! First off the use of three guitars gives Nothgard a technical skill-level all their own! We're talking double lead guitars here and the way in which they are fused together so perfectly is nothing short of amazing! Having previously read up on this band for research purposes (that is prior to being able to actually sit down and listen to this album for myself-long story short, but with family in town until this very morning it proved to be a difficult challenge (downloading promo material and then cranking it loud and proud!) finding time to be alone) I was really not expecting these German metalheads to be as well-rounded and polished as they were! Or for that matter as mature and graceful either! And yet that's pretty much what we are looking at when it comes to Nothgard's 2nd full-length release. Overall the high-class music packed within "Age Of Pandora" comes across as if it is has been orchestrated with greatness in mind. Have no fear though. As stylistic and classy as Nothgard appears to be here they are equally as heavy and aggressive! The band's insanely epic sound is still ground in METAL after-all and that comes screaming across the sky by way of those previously mentioned double-leads (one's which are fiercely speed metal-tinged at times!), sharp (as in flesh-cutting!) rhythm guitar, POUNDING bass and drums and, last but CERTAINLY not least, Dom's demonic voice! His sinister delivery is the icing on top of this prized cake and come mid-September Nothgard should be riding high atop the success of this rampaging release! While you wait for that drop-date be sure to check out Nothgard's back catalog and like their Facebook page so that you can keep track of this pagan band and their daily festivities!

French Metal Friday: Existance-Steel Alive

Mausoleum Records
2014 

It's been awhile, but French metal band Existance are finally releasing their long-awaited and highly-anticipated debut album. The last time we checked in with this young act (which incidentally features  vocalist/guitarist Julian Izard who, as the son of H-Bomb's Didier Izard, has heavy metal flowing through his veins!) was w-a-y back in 2012. At that time the band, which was formed back in 2008 and whose sound could just as easily be compared to N.W.O.B.H.M greats of old (Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Blitzkrieg, Saxon, Demon, etc) as classic French heavy acts up to and including H-Bomb(!), had recently seen their 2011, self-released and self-titled, demo re-released by High Roller Records and many of us thought that these young French metalheads (which now features the additional line-up of guitarist Antoine Poiret, bass guitarist Thomas Drouin and drummer Alexandre Revillon) would soon enough be making a real name for themselves and tearing apart the scene!!! So, when their full-length debut album didn't materialize right away something just didn't sit right with fans and supporters (of which I'd like to count myself as being both!) alike and we were left scratching our heads as to how and why this band wasn't under the bright lights and on every one's lips and minds! Whatever the reason for the delay though the wait sure as hell was well worth it as the aptly-titled "Steel Alive" (Get it?) simply slays the dragon my friends! This 11-track MONSTER of a METAL release was recorded and mixed at Boss Hog Studios in Ham en Artois, France with Maor Appelbaum (Anvil, Dokken, Halford, Malmsteen, Sepultura) handling the mastering job.Production-wise it's spot on and music-wise? Starting with "Legends Never Die" (a number that slowly works it's way forward before going full-force into power metal, via Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, territory!) the band takes up the challenge of representing a scene that gave us legends like Trust, Nightmare, Vulcain, Warning, ADX and of course H-Bomb! As the album moves forward (and Julian Izard proves he's just as strong of a vocalist as his father!) it's a remarkable accomplishment, but it seems to grows stronger with good numbers like"Black Viper" and "The Siren" giving way to ABSOLUTE crushing riff-rockers like "Dead Or Alive" (which is simply wicked with it's phenomenal lead guitar work!), "Slaughter" and "Burning Angel". That's not to say that opener "Legends Never Die" is anything other then top-of-the-line heavy metal as it does more then just get the job done! It's a solid way to start off a release that (from the start to when the creepy "From Hell" wraps things up in style!) is both a homage to classic heavy metal and a statement that here are still (younger) acts out there that will gladly wave the banner of all things "loud & proud" like this talented four-piece! But, onward we should match and the track "Burning Angel", while (only slightly) a bit slower and more melodic, shows off the band's maturity as songwriters while the title cut is simply top-notch epic metal! Then there is the track "Get Away". With it's nice and heavy back-drop (thanks in no small to the skill-level of bass guitarist Thomas Drouin and drummer Alexandre Revillon!) "Get Away" is old-school, hard & heavy magic, made with love and appreciation from a band that has greatness well-within it's reach! "Prisoner" is more Iron Maiden-inspired power metal (nothing wrong with that folks!) and with the speed metal great "Close to the End" and "From Hell" (a bit Blitzkrieg-like all around) wrapping things up rather nicely "Steel Alive" (again, clever title and one that I just love!) proves to a great debut-album for this French act and a release that should fill the gap in your collection rather nicely if your a fan of all things classic heavy metal and N.W.O.B.H.M.! Find out more about this talent-laden French lot at their Facebook page below and you can read my review of their (sweet ass) self-titled release right here:http://metalmark.blogspot.com/2012/03/existance-existance.html

https://www.facebook.com/existanceband

The Approach and the Execution-Kings Among Runaways

Self-Release/Independent
2014

This Saturday, March 1st, 2014 to be exact (tomorrow friends!), Cleveland epic metal band The Approach and the Execution will have their album release party for "Kings Among Runaways" at the Agora Ballroom in Cleveland, Ohio. It will also serve as their last Cleveland show (at least for awhile!) as the band has recently packed their bags and headed out west for the warm California sun. Opening acts scheduled for the event include Deadiron, Ruins of Tekoah, Purveyors of Fiction, Dynamite Thunderpunch, Between Hell And High Water and Caves. I mention all of this up-front so that fans and friends of the band can come and say their proper fair-wells and send off  what has been one of Ohio's most friendly and down to Earth metal bands in style! So, if you're in the area and want to experience what promises to be a spectacular night of metal then by all means head on down to the Agora Ballroom! Doors open at 7pm! With all of that said let's take a sneak peek at "Kings Among Runaways", the second over-all full-length release from The Approach and the Execution that was funded by fans thanks to Kickstarter. As we all know sophomore releases can be hit or miss. Especially when a band has undertaken line-up changes and there has been a four-year gap between albums! Last time we checked in with this lot (2010's "The Blood March") they were fronted by guitarist Jeremy Richard and had wonderful female backing vocals courtesy of keyboardist Julie Peterson. Both musicians are now gone (along with then drummer Riley Kovac) although (ragging metal maniac turned second grade teacher) Jeremy Richard does stop by on "Kings Among Runaways" to say "Hey". Up-front on the mic we now have founding member Mike Notte (who also handles guitars) and with two other holdovers (lead guitarist Andy Fischer and bass guitarist/vocalist Nick Kozono) being joined by two new members (guitarist/vocalist Sam Wilson and drummer Gabe Dickey) everything is firmly in place. Or at least it was for the recording of this album*. Opening strong with "The Warrior's Psalm" we find The Approach and the Execution once again taking the best parts of classic metal bands like Iron Maiden, Armored Saint, Black Sabbath, Manowar and Judas Priest and, after adding elements from the likes of Trivium, Protest The Hero, Slayer, Coheed and Cambria, Megadeth and Killswitch Engage, unleashing epic and unrelenting heavy metal that is remarkably all their own! Long ago guitarist Andy Fisher established his own key-style of playing and his trademark lead solos explode over the course of this 9-track epic metal release! Besides new cuts like "The Warrior's Psalm", "A Graveyard Marked For Two" (an early fave cut!) and the title cut (which can be heard at the bandcamp link below) album number two comes packed with a re-recorded version of "The Plague Knows No Prejudice" and the previously released single "Hymn Of Victory" (from May of 2013). Minus the female backing vocals of the lovely Julie Peterson, whose presence is sometimes missed on "Kings Among Runaways", "The Plague Knows No Prejudice" comes across as way more brutal. And speaking of brutal, "Ghost Pilot" closes "Kings Among Runaways" in proper style, heavy & crushing(!), making one appreciate just how effective it is when you book-end exception tracks as openers and closes! Of course in-between those two numbers there's plenty of meat and potato metal numbers like the title cut (feat. guest vocals from Deadiron's Alexander Van Ness) and previously-released single "Hymn Of Victory". What helps an album like "Kings Among Runaways" work so well is how everyone shines in their collective moment in the spot-light. Mike's voice is clean and clear and everything, whether we are talking about Fisher's leads or the tight rhythm section of Kozono and Dickey, just gels. The excellent "Faith Aligned" is a prime example of this. Here Mike's singing is cushioned by the smooth combination of progressive and epic metal and, even at 7 minutes in length, it moves along at such a nice brisk pace that there is never a fear that it might end up losing the listeners' attention! All in all "Kings Among Runaways" is everything a sophomore release should be. It shows necessary growth while remembering where it is that it's roots are planted at. Where this band will go next only time will tell. But, based upon the strength of "Kings Among Runaways" I'd say that the west coast better be ready for what's heading their way!

* With the move out west there will naturally be more line-up changes, but that's another story for another time!

http://theapproachandtheexecution.bandcamp.com/track/kings-among-runaways-2

Flyer for tomorrow night's show!

Fallen Order-The Age Of Kings

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Active since 2005, with the current line-up having been completed with the arrival of guitarist Kieran Gallagher some four years later in 2009 (a move that likely served to benefit second guitarist Ben Jays given the epic duo guitar solos that reverberate throughout "The Age Of Kings"!), Fallen Order are a Lower Hutt, New Zealand-based five-piece band which plays "Metal of the heavy kind"! Need a translation of that last part? Yes? Sure thing then. Translated that means that New Zealand's Fallen Order, which simply rules on the mic thanks to the powerful vocals of one Hamish Murray (think along the lines of Queensrÿche's Geoff Tate, but with Demon's Dave Hill thrown in for good measure!), play eighties metal (Iron Maiden/Judas Priest) with a modern twist. Now, I can already hear what you are all saying out there. I gather it's something like "But Andy, how is that any different then say the hundreds, no, let's make that thousands(!), of other nostalgia-lovin' modern day metal bands trolling about out there looking to part me from my hard-earned money?". Well, first of all let me just say that your question, which was rather insightful(!), is a legitimate concern. Every day it seems as if new bands like Fallen Order are coming down the pipeline. Ones that seem as if they are content to come onto the scene with one foot firmly planted in the past and one foot settled in the present. So, how do you separate the legitimate contenders from all of the lousy pretenders? As a (seemingly) life-long metal fan you could just take my word for it when I say that Fallen Order, which lists it's influences as being Iced Earth, Manowar, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Gamma Ray, Dio, Grim Reaper, Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy and Helloween, is the real deal. On this 5-track EP* we find ourselves staring into the eyes of a band that merges some old familiar names (to my ears it's mostly Iron Maiden and Manowar although even bands as far-ranging as Omen and (early) Metallica seem to stop by to say hello!) with more "modern" day acts (Iced Earth, Gamma Ray, DragonForce and, execution-wise, Amon Amarth) and, in much the same way as a band like Death Dealer has manged to skillfully combine the past and present, do it all while sounding as if that is just the natural order of things! With the talented duo of Tooley and Nikki Terror rounding things out for Fallen Order (on bass and drums respectively**) this band and their self-recorded and self-produced debut release begs to be heard by a larger audience. Still, should you want a sneak-peak for yourself (something that I would understand all too well) then you can hear the track "The Age of Kings" right here: http://onlinemetalpromo.bandcamp.com/album/hello-tokyo-omp-armed-and-ready Afterwards, as I'm sure you'll want to know more about this killer heavy metal collective and how to get a copy of this five-track EP for yourself, be sure to head over to the band's Facebook page and "like" them so that you can be kept up to date on what will likely be one of your (newest) favorite epic metal bands! Here's hoping that "The Age Of Kings" is just the first of MANY fine moments for Fallen Order!

Fallen Order's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/FallenOrderBand

*Even though it has "only" five-tracks (length-wise) "The Age Of Kings" is more like a full-length release as it runs slightly over thirty minutes! I mean look at the (epic) title cut. "The Age Of Kings" alone is over nine minutes long so there is more then enough BANG for your buck!

**Hamish Murray, who has the perfect name to be fronting a kick-ass traditional heavy metal outfit like this(!), was kind enough to send me a bio to go along with the MP3's to "The Age Of Kings". In it it mentions how Fallen Order benefits from "Bulgarian-tinged drum fills" and "fast fingered bass lines". I couldn't agree more especially when it comes to the bass playing of Tooley! Why it is that more traditional heavy metal bands don't employ this kind of bass playing I'll never understand, but a mere two tracks into "The Age Of Kings" and I was thanking the metal gods above that not only was this style of bass playing present, but it was mixed in such a fashion that you could actually make out said skilled-performance! 

Pleonexia-Break All Chains

Pure Underground Records
2014

Pleonexia, who hail from Turin, Italy and take their name from an ancient Greek term*, was formed in 2012 by Michele Da Pila (vocals, guitars and keyboards). Initially a one man band, and self-described by front-man Michele Da Pila as "Philosophic metal", Pleonexia eventually grew into a full-fledged project with Federico Fondrini (guitars/backing vocals), Leonardo Manoiero (guitars/backing vocals), Davide Arneri (bass/ backing vocals), Lorenzo Luca (keyboards) and Stefano Clara (drums/ backing vocals) filling out the ranks. This Italian six-piece, which (musically) revolves around Michele Da Pila's wide vocal-range and the skilled-use of twin guitar solos**, make their professional debut with "Break All Chains". While it's almost impossible to make any sort of assumption about this being a "Philosophic metal" act (as Pure Steel Promotion never seems to include lyrics with their promo releases) one can certainly remark on the actual music that makes up "Break All Chains". The album's promo material makes the claim that Pleonexia "play a mix of 1980s hard rock and heavy metal with strong epic influences and with lyrics that encompass philosophical subjects". OK, so we've already discussed how it would be hard to make any kind of guess about the lyrical approach of "Break All Chains" let's break down the other claims one at a time. It's true that this Italian six-piece draws upon a "mix of 1980's hard rock and heavy metal". But, it's an odd mix. Yes, there is a lot of eighties hard rock influences here (LeMans perhaps? Highway Chile?) although it's more like eighties MELODIC hard rock. And sure, there are plenty of leftover eighties metal movements (Manilla Road), but they mostly come in the form of Manowar-like epic metal or Liege Lord without the speed (or respectability). Translated that means that anyone who were to go into this one looking straight-up, kick ass eighties metal would be sorely disappointed. And here's the thing. Along with these elements of 80's (melodic) hard rock and (epic) heavy metal you have more then a little N.W.O.B.H.M.-influences (Phoenix Rising and maybe Praying Mantis?) creeping into the mix. Normally that would be a good thing, but here it all comes across as more of a mess as if these different genres were evolved in a horrific head-on collision! Add to that a so-so production, which is nothing terribly tragic, but it definitely ends up lacking any sort of punch, and what you end up with is an odd albums that tries really hard but never manages to take off. You would dare to hope that by album number two this band might be able to work out some of the kinks (frankly a lot of this is rather flat) and produce something a tad more "refreshing". For now though I'd tag this as a "hand's off band to watch".


*Directly from Wikipedia:  Pleonexia, sometimes called pleonexy, originating from the Greek πλεονεξια, is a philosophical concept in writings by Plato and Aristotle, employed also in the New Testament. It roughly corresponds to greed, covetousness, or avarice, and is strictly defined as "the insatiable desire to have what rightfully belongs to others", suggesting what Ritenbaugh describes as "ruthless self-seeking and an arrogant assumption that others and things exist for one's own benefit".

**While there are post-Judas Priest/Iron Maiden twin guitar solos they are not as potent as one would hope for.

Death Dealer-War Master

Self-Release/Independent
2013

How's this for a line-up? You've got Sean Peck (Cage, Empires of Eden) on vocals, Ross the Boss (ex-Manowar, Dictators, Shakin' Street, Manitoba, etc.) and Stu Marshall (Empire Of Eden, Paindivision, Saint Lucifer, etc) on guitars, Mike Davis (Lizzy Borden, Halford, Angel Rot, etc) on bass and Rhino (Manowar, Angels Of Babylon, Jack Starr's Burning Starr and tons more!) on drums! If that's not the very definition of a "super-group" then I'm not sure what is! But, the key question arises then. Does it live up to such a lofty billing? Well, let's delve into the matter at hand and see. First things first though. It is worth mentioning that Ross The Boss (who really should need introduction if you call yourself any kind of heavy metal fan!) and Rhino both played in Manowar, but neither of them at the played at the same time. So, it's more then a little interesting that they both found there way into Death Dealer right? And since you do have two former members of Manowar that means that it is more then likely you'll pick up on some of that epic metal on "War Master". Well, at least I did. Honestly, right from the word "GO" I was envisioning this Manowar meets Judas Priest power metal group. That last part has everything to do with the lead vocals of Sean Peck. On "War Master" he pulls off a fairly decent impression of Rob Halford. While it's not on every track (as he does have more of an original lead of pipes on him when he tries) it was more then enough to give me visions of the legendary front-man of Judas Priest. Moving on our way we find a backing-band of musicians that is probably as good as you'll ever get. The familiar sound of Ross The Boss can be picked up fairly easily which is always a good thing! Meaning the other pieces fall easily into place with everyone playing their part with professionalism and enthusiasm being two key words. And indeed this is both a profession sounding recording and an enthusiastic bunch of musicians so that should be all it takes to make this one killer album. Well, yes and no. As I played this album I found myself being fully charmed by epic power metal with more then enough muscle and technical wizardly to keep my attention focused on the matter at hand. As each new track opened I was further pulled in to what was some fantastic metal. Or at least through the first three tracks. For whatever reason tracks number four ("Children of Flames") and ("Curse of the Heretic") put a halt to any enjoyment I was having with "War Master". With "Children Of Flames" the band goes for more of a U.S. power metal sound, but it just never reaches it's full potential. I give them credit for trying, but it left me wanting more. With "Curse of the Heretic" I really dug about 70% of the song. How? Well, the music on hand tries to be a steamrolling Judas Priest on speed and for most of the track that does work. Unfortunately I couldn't past what was some "talk-singing" taking place behind the music. It just ruined for me what could have been this insane number! Thank the metal gods then that the next track, "Hammer Down", really kicks some serious ass! It's more then enough spunk that you're pulled back into "War Master" and for the remainder of the album you soak up some killer power metal from a band that (hopefully) proves to be more then just a side-project. With 8 tracks out of 10 hitting all the right notes (or at the very least enough nice notes that this album would warrant repeated listens) this is the kind of debut-album you want for a group like this. So, hopefully they keep at it as there is always an audience for epic power metal like this!

Eternal Champion - The Last King of Pictdom

One of the many sites I follow is The Metal Files. As they are another excellent source of up and coming heavy metal sites I've got to thank them (and post a link back to them) for turning me onto Eternal Champion. That link is here:
http://themetalfiles.com/2013/07/15/eternal-champion-on-bandcamp/

Firmly planted in the epic heavy metal camp, which is a really good camp to play for, this American act original released a limited-edition 2-song cassette. The tracks were then re-mastered and made available for purchase at their bandcamp page. With a 7" due out sometime towards the end of summer (which hopefully I'll be able to snag for review-fingers crossed!) this is another young band to keep an eye on. I've linked their bandcamp page just for future reference point, but it's best to get the tracks from the above link.

http://swordsandchains.bandcamp.com/album/eternal-champion-the-last-king-of-pictdom 

The Approach and The Execution-"Hymn Of Victory" (Single)

 

Self-Release/Independent
2013

It's hard to fathom, but it's been 2 years already since Cleveland's The Approach and The Execution last released new music. That's 2, yes 2,  L-O-N-G years for fans to have to wait to for new material, but now, with this new single and new line-up in place, this Cleveland 5-piece are marching back into battle with the appropriately named new track "Hymn Of Victory". Since we last heard The Approach and The Execution on tape they've lost a few members, vocalist/Jeremy Richard, keyboardist/vocalists Julie Peterson and drummer Riley Kovac have all excited the group, but they've gained the services of guitarist/vocalist Sam Wilson and drummer Gabe Dickey. All in all it's more then an equal trade. With "Hymn Of Victory" it's more of the same for this Cleveland band. In other words the group's new single is epic power metal by way of melodic death metal and metalcore. While the keyboards that were present on "The Blood March" are somewhat missed, as well as Julie Peterson's lovely vocals, it's more of an adjustment hearing guitarist/vocalist Mike Notte take over for vocalist/guitarist Jeremy. As Jeremy was an extremely capable and charismatic lead man he will obviously be missed. That said, Mike Notte has managed to take the reins quite nicely as evident by this new single. Available as a free download (link below), "Hymn Of Victory" will be just one of the band's 4 new tracks that Clevelanders will get to hear when the band rolls into Peabody's Down Under on Saturday, May 18th. Take it from me the band, who will be playing with Ruled by Reason, Midnight Buford, Black Valor, Vicious Delicious, Beat to Quarters   , always put on a killer show so this one is not to be missed! You can find out more about the band at their Facebook page below and be sure to check out their new single as they are hoping to get 1,000 downloads before Sunday, May 11th!
  

https://www.facebook.com/TheApproachandTheExecution

http://theapproachandtheexecution.bandcamp.com/

ASTRONOMIKON - DARK GORGON RISING

Pure Legend Records
2013

Astronomikon are a new act from Greece. To be precise they hail from Cyprus.From Cyprus? Yes, I said the same thing. I never realized this large island had a thriving metal community. Turns out that I need to pay better attention! Paris Lambrou (bass) and Nicholas Leptos (vocals) formed this band back in 2008. The pair had previously shared time together in the bands Arrayan Path and Prodigal Earth. With Astronomikon (a mouthful of a band name!) the goal was to form a band that tackled myths and legends. You know, gods and heroes, monsters, mythical creatures, etc. That kind of stuff. Previous to this album the band released a 3-track, 2010 demo (also called "Dark Gorgon Rising") and appeared on the Cyprus Metal Scene United compilation CD released by Cy-Metal.com in 2011. That CD actually featured the pair's previous band, Arrayan Path, as well as groups like Lethal Saint and R.U.S.T. That's not bad company to keep if your a young band! Anyway, for this new album the pair sought out some like-minded musicians.That call was answered by guitarist Socrates Leptos and drummer Stefan Dittrich. Incidentally those two musicians also played in Arrayan Path so there was plenty of chemistry to be found all around. The band's full-length debut might be a concept album about the myth of Perseus and Medusa, but you don't have to even like concept albums to appreciate the material. I'll admit that since this was a Greek band there was fear on my part that "Dark Gorgon Rising" would be boring Epic metal. More then anything though this 4-piece band blends power metal (of both the American and European variety) with the sounds of a band born and raised on traditional heavy metal. As AC/DC put it "Hail hail to the good times". Astronomikon actually seem to hail from the city of "I know it's only heavy metal, but I like it!" as under some fancy riffs and soaring vocals is a band that knows you've got to rock to stay alive. Clearing these guys won't be confused with any of the retro-metal loving bands out there these days as there is still a glowing amount of Euro-style power metal. Some hardliners would even argue that it still constitutes epic metal. I'd counter that the songs are constructed in such a way that you can't help but notice a band that really likes old-fashioned heavy metal. In the end this one will be up to debate as to what genre exactly the music should fall into, but there shouldn't be any debate that it features well-crafted, well-played heavy metal.

 

Crillson-Coming of a New Age

Arkeyn Steel Records
2012


Glennallen, Alaska power metal band Crillson released this one sole album in 1993. Issued original on the record label Hyer Road (Independent label? The band's own label?) this re-issue seems to be the second time someone/some label has come in and seen fit to re-release this as it was released on a CD (limited to just 200 copies per various sources). Also, the Metal Archives says that a bootleg was released on vinyl, limited to a mere 330 copies. From a quick search online it seems as if the original album was/is a hot ticket item featuring serious $$$ in both CD and vinyl form. That begs the question why? Before we get to that it should be noted that this re-release includes not only lyrics, pics and a bio, but also the group's 2000 unreleased second album aptly tilted "II"So, even if you already own one of the rare copies you would do well to pick yourself up another copy (For the record this re-release is a limited edition, hand-numbered run of 1000 copies). Well now, right out of the gate this is some really good eighties metal. Yeah, that's certainly interesting as this album was from 1993 and all, but vibe-wise this is right out of the eighties. Since the band was formed back in 1984 it makes sense what these guys were churning out as far as heavy metal goes. Warlord comes to mind at first hit of the play button as does Manowar. Further exploration, a enjoyable prospect with a band like Crillson, finds the list of influences widening to include Jag Panzer, Cirith Ungol, early Savatage, Manilla Road and Chastain. Listening to this album is a real flashback affair. Over the course of these 16 tracks your taken back to a time when metal was really metal. Man alive is it ever missed. It's no real wonder why this album had a following given it's authentic feel. Crillson, whose name came from combining the band member's last names, sound sincere and obviously played with enough passion to match their precision playing. Not only is it a fun listen, word's alone can't begin to explain how cool is it too hear real heavy metal again-even if those real heavy metal bands were all about swords, chains, spikes, gnarly looking demons on album covers and even loincloths (Yeah, looking at your Manowar!), but it's got some technical skill to boot! Sometimes you do have to "go back" in order to hear something really cool, but who can complain when record labels treat us with such treasures?