Against Evil-All Hail The King

Self-Release/Independent
2018

Formed in 2014 and featuring lead vocals courtesy of bassist Siri Sri, Against Evil is a classic heavy metal band from India with one single, an EP, and this fantastic full-length album to it's name. Having made their debut in 2015 with the release of the CD single "War Hero", this four-piece group plays an enthusiastic brand of traditional heavy metal that is second to none! Influences include (but are not limited to) bands like Judas Priest, Accept, Megadeth, and Black Sabbath. Due to drop on April 6th, 2018, "All Hail The King" is the full-length debut album from this up-and-coming band that also includes Shasank Venkat (lead guitars), M Sravan Chakravarthi (rhythm guitars/vocals), and Nobel John (drums). The album features nine great tracks in all (easily the best of which is "Stand Up And Fight!") and it serves as the follow-up to 2015's (highly-regarded!) EP, "Fatal Assault". Well-crafted and expertly-produced, "All Hail The King" includes a guest appearance by Jeff Loomis (Nevermore, Arch Enemy). Thanks to killer guitar solos and it's old school outlook, Against Evil's first album is a must for fans of vintage heavy metal.

Slander-Resolution Defiance

Stormspell Records
2017

English heavy metal band Slander, formed in 1990 and initially only active until 1993, released it's full-length debut album, "Careless Talk Costs Lives", way back in 1991. Now lead by vocalist Martin Moffwood (Stonefist), Slander are back on the scene with their long-anticipated sophomore LP. Clocking in at just under 38 minutes, Slander's "Resolution Defiance" comes along some 26 years after the group's critically-acclaimed debut. It also serves as the follow-up to Slander's 2013 split with Twisted State of Mind. Along with new and improved vocalist Martin Moffwood, Paul Snape makes his studio debut as Slander's bass player. He joins guitarist Ian Snape (2014-present) and founding members Andy Saxon-Lamb (guitars) and Andy "Eddie" Edwards (drums). With these new members in place, Slander comes out with all guns blazing and they make up for lost time with album number two. Things open up strong with the slightly-atmospheric "Lazarus" (a one minute instrumental opener) which runs straight into the metallic muscle punch of "Backs Against The Wall". The (riff-heavy) metal rocker "The Machine Keeps on Rolling" is next and it's followed up by the equally-awesome "When We Die". From there we have the slick title cut, the N.W.O.B.H.M.-infused "Take Me Down", and the powerful "Juggernaut". The album's longest track, "In a Dark Place", closes things out with a bang. It's a hard-edged/rock-steady take on classic heavy metal and it is beyond epic! Ultimately this is as perfect an album as one can get! And no, I don't say that lightly. From start to finish Slander's new album gets a A+ grade! Thanks to the addition of second guitarist Ian Snape and the marked improvement that is Martin Moffwood, Slander's new album is a step forward from what was already a dynamite sound! When it came to Slander's debut, N.W.O.B.H.M. meets eighties heavy metal is the description I used when I first heard it. Those influences are still here, but on album number two they have been merged with creative and highly-memorable heavy/hard rock. With Any Saxon-Lamb on one side and Ian Snape on the other, "Resolution Defiance" features some of the best guitar work that I have heard in a very long time! Whether it is the general riffs (which are energetic and just plain fun!) or the simply killer guitar solos, "Resolution Defiance" greatly benefits from having Andy Saxon-Lamb backed-up by a second guitarist. Special praise should also be given to Slander's new & improved rhyme second (I'm loving Paul's bass work and the always reliable drumming of Andy "Eddie" Edwards!) and the great vocal work of Martin Moffwood. Collectively-speaking, Slander circa 2017 is the best line-up to date and it has produced an album that cannot be topped! Even though it hasn't been officially released yet, "Resolution Defiance" is my vote for the heavy metal album of the year!! We can only hope that it doesn't take nearly as long for album number three to arrive!

ZiX-Tides Of The Final War

Pure Steel Records
2016

Formed in 2010 by bassist/composer Ziad Bardawil, ZiX is a female-fronted traditional heavy metal band from Beirut....as in Beirut, Lebanon. Yes, I am every bit as shocked as all of you are that such a thing actually exists! It is possible that I am not as up to date on things as I would like to be, but I was under the impression that certain parts of the Middle East were not exactly "hip" to this kind of thing. I mean classic heavy metal is rebellious enough, but to then go and add a strong female front-woman to the whole mix? That takes a tremendous amount of courage to pull off in some small-minded places across the globe! To that end I give major props to ZiX and I really do hope that this is just the first of many like-minded bands to kick down the doors of oppression! Especially if they are as epic as this lot is!! With lead vocals courtesy of the AMAZING Maya Khairallah (wow, is she ever great!), ZiX shoots a straight arrow into the hearts of heavy metal maniacs with their N.W.O.B.H.M.-influenced/eighties metal-inspired traditional heavy metal debut here. The album has ten tracks in all it clocks in at over forty two minutes. During that time frame you can expect to be treated to well-fashioned numbers that are as technically sound as they are powerful. In addition to skilled guitarist Juan Carrizo and guest drummer Rino (ex-Manowar), "Tides of the Final War" features appearances by the likes of  Tony Martin (Black Sabbath), Blaze Bayley (Iron Maiden), Paul Di'Anno (Iron Maiden), and Ross The Boss (ex-Manowar, Death Dealer). Just released at the tail end of October, "Tides of the Final War" picks right up where the group's 2012 EP, "The Warwhore", left off. Several tracks from the EP have made it onto this expertly-produced album, but they feature new arrangements for a improved sound. Speaking of all things sound-related, "Tides of the Final War" was recorded in the Vegas View studios, Nevada, by 7x Grammy-winning producer Steve Thompson! For those of you who do not know the name, Steve Thompson was partly responsible for the Guns 'N Roses' classic "Appetite For Destruction" and he has worked with everyone from Anthrax to Ziggy Marley!! Of course he was also responsible for mixing Metallica's 1988 album "...And Justice for All", but we won't hold that against him! Mastered by Maor Appelbaum (Sepultura, Yngwie), "The Tides of the Final War" was remixed and remastered at QuSoundStudio in Germany by Michael Kusch. From a production standpoint, ZiX's full-length album sounds great. Granted, I already said that much, but it is worth repeating. The production really helps ZiX stick out, musically-speaking. But as the mix? That's a different story. Unfortunately there are more than a few occasions where the vocals get lost. Sure, "Tides Of The Final War" has a powerful metallic presence, but great music works a lot better when you have great vocals to compliment. When Maya Khairallah's supreme voice falls off the radar everything suffers. A bit of tweaking might be in order for next time around. And yes, I do want there to be a next time for this extremely talented band! There is just so much to love about ZiX and their first album!! This is classic heavy metal at it's all time best and there is little doubt that this one band that will only evolve and mature as they grow. After listening to this album I can see why people like Steve Thompson took special notice of this up-and-coming band.

Deja Vu-Ejected

Infernö Records
2016

Deja Vu is a German quartet that was originally formed in 1986 by vocalist/guitarist Werner Kerscher and guitarist/vocalist Timo Zach. Falling somewhere between classic heavy metal, modern power metal, and traditional speed metal, Deja Vu is rounded out by bassist/vocalist WolpoWohlhaupter and drummer Stephan Moro (ex-Deep Inside Myself) and they were initially active up until 1991. During the group's first  run a limited-edition two-track single was released (1990's "Back To The City"), but it was only after Deja Vu got back together in 2000 that full-length recordings started to appear. Released back on April 15th, "Ejected" is Deja Vu's third full-length album overall and it comes eight years after the release of "Decibel Disease". With a run-time of over 53 minutes, "Ejected" seems to be Deja Vu effort to make up for the long wait between albums. Otherwise how else can one explain the fact that "Ejected" is simply too-long?  On one hand the album has a remarkable flow and it is simply exceptional in it's quality! There are songs here that all but scorch the skyline(!) and you have more than your fair share of over-the-top guitar solos!! You have an album here that is fast and melodic. And best of all you have some divine heavy metal material with rock and roll structures. We all know how captivating that can be! Pound for pound this one only gets better as it flies on by....up to a point. As much as I love what this Bavaria-based band can do there is a cut off limit that should have been observed. Had Deja Vu trimmed some of the excess "fat" from their third album it would have been as close to a perfect recording as any band could hope for!  Does that make this bad release then? Hell no! Just because the album is a tad bit too long for it's own good that is no reason to hit the eject button on "Ejected". If anything it just means that Deja Vu should be more selective with their material going forward. Just like many enjoyable things in life (food, alcohol, sex, etc.) you can quickly reach a saturation point where there is just way too much of that good thing. Given all of that, Deja Vu is still a really talented lot with a sound and style that can't be beat. For that reason alone I look forward to hearing more from this German band.

Scarlet Anger-Freak Show

Hänsel & Gretel
2016

Scarlet Anger is a Luxembourg-based heavy/thrash metal act that was formed in 2007 by vocalist Joe Block and guitarist Fred Molitor. In late 2009 the group (which by this point also featured the services of long-time bassist Vince Niclou) put out it's first recording entitled "La realidad es triste..." and that four-track demo would eventually be followed by the highly-regarded 2011 EP, "Kill the King". That twenty plus minute EP marked a change in style for Scarlet Anger as they picked up the pace, packed on the aggression and went full-speed ahead into thrash metal 101 territory. One year after that fateful occasion (one which saw not only praise from not fans and critics alike, but actual label interest!) the band issued their first full-length album. Released on the label Dust on the Tracks on May 11, 2012, "Dark Reigh" was also well-received by the general listening public and that Bay Area thrash- infused LP would help pave the way for the band's sophomore album, "Freak Show". It's worth noting that in-between "Dark Reigh" and the soon-to-be-released "Freak Show" this hard-hitting outfit gave fans the independently-released single, "Stupid Boy". The reason I bring that up is because Scarlet Anger's forthcoming sophomore album includes a song that is titled "An Unbelievable Story of a Stupid Boy". As I haven't heard the late October, 2012 track "Stupid Boy" I won't comment as to whether or not "An Unbelievable Story of a Stupid Boy" is a re-working of said song or not. I simply found it interesting, but then again so is the vast majority of songs on the aptly-titled and sincerely-recommended "Freak Show"! And those unique songs would of course be:

1. Awakening of the Elder God
2. Attack of the Insidious Invader
3. The Haunted Place – House of Lost Souls
4. Welcome to the Freak show
5. The Abominable Master Gruesome
6. Through the Eyes of the Sufferer
7. The Thing Without a Name
8. On the Road to Salvation
9. An Unbelievable Story of a Stupid Boy
10. Deadly Red Riding Hood

If you're looking at those song titles and wondering if Scarlet Anger is a (maybe just maybe) a little sick & twisted around the edges then let me just say that you wouldn't be all that far off. Drawing their inspiration from classic eighties & nineties comics and horror stories, Scarlet Anger has created a colorful album that is lyrically-rich and (thankfully) about as far from ordinary as one can get! Musically-speaking this one falls somewhere between traditional heavy metal, dark metal and power/thrash metal and for once we're talking about a band that doesn't particularly sound like anyone else! Scarlet Anger simply doesn't go for the whole cookie-cutter metal thing or at least they don't on the well-constructed "Freak Show". These days the band is rounded out by guitarist Jeff Buchette (ex-Rude Revelation) and drummer Alain "Skeelo" Flammang (Chris & Band, ex-Dreaming in Red, ex-Man Made Suicide, ex-Mindpatrol) and as far as individual performances go there are no weak links in Scarlet Anger's current line-up. Scarlet Anger will released "Freak Show" on March 18th so if you are a fan of classic metal, dark metal or heavy power metal/thrash be sure to mark that date down!

N.W.O.B.H.M. Wednesday: Salem-Dark Days

Pure Steel Records
2016

Regular visitors to Heavy Metal Time Machine should know that I am a long-time fan of the British metal band Salem. It was back in late November of 2011 that I covered this group's superb 2010 compilation, "In The Beginning...", and I followed that review up with write-ups of the 2013 EP, "X-Rated" and the group's last full-length album, "Forgotten Dreams". I've even had the honor of interviewing this legendary N.W.O.B.H.M. band so when I first heard about their brand new 11-track album here I was stoked! I'm here to today to lay down some cold hard truth for fans of Salem and that is as follows. With a due date of April 29th, "Dark Days" is not only a proper follow-up to Salem's 2013 disc "Forgotten Dreams", but it is easily  the best thing that this British band has ever laid to tape! Hell, "Dark Days" might just end up being one of my favorite hard rock/heavy metal albums of the year if not my undisputed number one!! Opening by way of the catchy-as-hell hard rocker, "Not Guilty" (Man alive I love this sick number with it's perfect mixture of  melody and metal madness!), "Dark Days" finds lead singer Simon Saxby (ex-Deep Fix) in top form and as these 11 tracks unfold he makes the case for being one of N.W.O.B.H.M.'s most underrated front man! Simon's not the only member of Salem to shine on "Dark Days" though. In fact he's just one key piece of the overall puzzle that is Salem the cult N.W.O.B.H.M. band. Guitarist Paul Macnamara and his brother in arms, Mark Allison, weave a deeply magical spell when it comes to Salem's new masterpiece. From the heavy rock/hard rock of "Not Guilty" all the way through to the powerhouse rocker "Tank"* that closes things out the technical guitar work on Salem's new album is nothing short of exquisite! The lead guitar solos are so good in fact that I found myself getting lost in the moment on more than one occasion!! Phrases like smoking hot and words like wizardly immediately spring to mind when you're talking about the six-string majesty that is Paul Macnamara & Mark Allison work on "Dark Days"! And how about the rhythm section of Salem? Can we just stop and have a little chat about bassist Adrian Jenkinson and drummer Paul Mendham (Innersylum, ex-Infobia, ex-Outland, ex-Q, ex-Rise, ex-The Hidden) for a moment? This pair adds the explanation point (!) to red hot British metal thanks to musicianship that is second to none! With the added benefit that comes from solid gold bass lines and impact is immediate drumming a band like Salem zips their merry way WAY past good hard rock/heavy metal and into the realms of the almighty epic!! Collectively-speaking, Salem is comprised of five top-tier musicians who have obviously taken the time to craft one of 2016's finest records. While I could work my way through each and every number on "Dark Days" let's just settle things right now and just say that they are ALL gems! In conclusion I'd just like you to take a moment and close your eyes for second. Now try to imagine a perfect hard & heavy platter where the likes of AC/DC, Deep Purple, Def Leppard, Diamond Head, Fifth Angel, Gillian, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Maineeaxe, More (N.W.O.B.H.M. band), Praying Mantis, Rainbow, Saxon, the Scorpions, Thin Lizzy, TKO, UFO, Van Halen, and Wild Spirit all come together for the sole purpose of creating long-lasting & highly- memorable music that is as catchy as it is clever. Add in the sound and style that is all Salem and Salem alone and you're talking about the greatest that is "Dark Days"! My friends it simply does not get better than this...




"Tank"* features a collaboration with former Nazareth guitarist Manny Charlton! 

Free Metal Monday: Jack The Ripper-"Iron Lady" B/W "Bloodbath (EP Version)"

Heaven and Hell Records
2016

Serving as the last of our three Free Metal Monday offerings for the day (while also being a clear cut case of having saved the best for last!), "Iron Lady" B/W "Bloodbath (EP Version)" is two tracks of devilishly savage traditional/power metal from Columbia, South Carolina-based Jack the Ripper. For those of you who don't know the name (or at least in regards to this cult 80's metal band that was fittingly-enough named after London's most notorious serial killer!), Jack the Ripper is a five-piece band that released the excellent stone cold killer EP "Blood Bath" in 2002* and then followed that highly-recommended recording up two years later with a limited edition LP entitled "Back on the Attack". While I've never heard that particular album I'm going to go out on a limb and assume it's pretty solid all around. When you consider the fact that everything I've heard from this old school metal outfit has been nothing short of wicked cool then it stands to reason "Back on the Attack" would fit that bill! Right? Right! But anyway, Jack The Ripper is still very much alive (and no doubt on the hunt for new victims!) with Heaven and Hell Records having stepped into the picture to offer up the forthcoming album, "Tortured and Twisted". From the sound of things the unreleased "Iron Lady" will appear on said album while "Bloodbath (EP Version)" looks as if it was torn straight from the group's 2002 offering. These two tracks (which can be found over here) are geared towards fans of classic heavy metal/U.S. power metal and eighties metal with each number offering up a different/distinct side of this unheralded American band. The previously-unreleased "Iron Lady" is straight-up/no-chaser heavy metal with some TASTY SWEET  lead guitar work. Meanwhile we find the members of Jack The Ripper** channeling a heavier & faster version of Judas Priest on "Bloodbath (EP Version)". Very close to the sounds of the emerging power metal/thrash scene of the early eighties, "Bloodbath" is effectually capped off with a sinister laugh! Of the two name-your-price*** tracks being offered by Jack The Ripper and Heaven and Hell Records it's easily my favorite cruncher, but "Iron Lady" is excellent in it's own way. As of this writing it does not appear as if "Tortured and Twisted" has an official release date, but I'll be keeping a steady eye out for it all the same!

*Even though it was released in 2000 all of the songs on "Blood Bath" were recorded in 1984.  

 

**Jack the Ripper is: 

 

Max Hernandez - Vocals
Dave Swisher - Guitars
AJ Spiegel - Guitars

Kenny Moore - Bass
Bob Sniegon - Drums 

***Even if these two classic slices of metal are technically free I would still recommend tossing a coin or two Jack The Ripper's way. These classy gentlemen have been at it for a long time and chances are that even with the new deal with Heaven and Hell Records they are still barely making ends meet. How do I know? Well, for one thing a lot of the older metal bands out there never got paid their fair worth in the first part. Second, Jack The Ripper and the like are often in the twilight of their careers. By this point in time they have families with grown children and mortgages to pay. It isn't cheap hitting the road and playing out without the backing of a major label, but it's even tougher when you have kids that might still be in college! While I'm not suggesting you throw a $20 their way for two songs, "Iron Lady" B/W "Bloodbath (EP Version)" is at the very least worth a dollar or two! Really,  "Iron Lady" B/W "Bloodbath (EP Version)" is worth somewhere north of $5.00 as a download, but even if you offer up a measly $1.00 I'm sure that it would help make sure that killer bands like this stick around for the long hall! Either way,  Jack The Ripper's "Iron Lady" B/W "Bloodbath (EP Version)" is custom-build for fans of classic heavy metal and thanks to labels like Heaven and Hell Records such great music will be around for generations to come. I don't know about everyone else, but I find that rather cool to think about!

Sleepy Hollow-Tales of Gods and Monsters

Pure Steel Records
2016

It's been a long-time coming, but U.S. metal band Sleepy Hollow has finally made their return to the scene in a big way thanks to the recently-released "Tales of Gods and Monsters". With a run-time that is close to the fifty minute mark(!), "Tales of Gods and Monsters" serves as the proper follow-up to 2012's "Skull 13" and finds Sleepy Hollow all settled in with their new line-up. Back in early November of 2015 I covered this album's insanely-tight single, "Bound By Blood", and I made a comment to the effect of "If  Sleepy Hollow had to replace vocalist Bob Mitchell with a new lead vocalist then they made a great choice by going with Altar Of Dagon's Chapel Stormcrow". Not only am I sticking by the assertion that Chapel Stormcrow is a excellent choice for the band, but I am going to go one step future and say that Sleepy Hollow's new front-man is the only choice for this band going forward! As crazy as that might sound please hear me out folks. On "Tales of Gods and Monsters" we find Sleepy Hollow moving back and forth between traditional/power metal material and a more doom-laden take on power metal. Given Chapel Stormcrow's other job (he still fronts Altar Of Dagon which is a doom metal band) he fits Sleepy Hollow's new directional change to a T! Obviously the addition of new bass player Rich Fuester helps the new direction out as well (seeing as Rich is also a member of Altar Of Dagon), but if ever there was a case to be made for a classic metal band drastically changing things up and then staying on the new course then this is it! Yes, Bob Mitchell is a legendary lead singer and he will always be one of heavy metal's all time greats. No one can deny that including yours truly. But with that said, "Tales of Gods and Monsters" is a absolute BEAST of an album! Sleepy Hollow's new album is arguably the best release from this classic metal band to date and a lot of that has to do with Chapel Stormcrow's dramatic style of singing! As others have so reliably pointed out (up to and including the actual promo material that accompanied this 11-track album!), Chapel Stormcrow brings an almost Candlemass-like vibe to the overall mix. And when you combine his dramatic voice with the unmatched skills of guitarist Steve Stegg you end up with PURE MAGIC! Or to put it another way, "Tales of Gods and Monsters" is not only a nice fucking awesome(!) mash-up of classic/traditional heavy metal, eighties-infused U.S. power metal, and modern doom metal, but it's one of 2016's BEST albums to date! For the members of Sleepy Hollow (which also features new drummer Allan Smith) "Tales of Gods and Monsters" proves to be the perfect follow-up to "Skull 13". Not only that, but "Tales of Gods and Monsters" proves that it's possible to bounce back after major line-up changes and actually improve upon what was already a damn great thing! It doesn't matter if you are a long-time fan of Sleepy Hollow or if you are just discovering this classic band for the first time. Either way "Tales of Gods and Monsters" is must have and it is one of those gems that you will be returning to time and time again!

Blizzard Hunter-"Heavy Metal to the Vein" Single

Pure Underground Records
2015

It was back in August of 2014 when I was first turned on to Peru heavy/speed metal band Blizzard Hunter. Thanks to my friend/fellow blogger (and all-around heavy metal enthusiast!) Strappado (https://www.facebook.com/RareMetal ) I found out about Blizzard Hunter's killer 2014 debut EP, "Conqueror of Destiny" (see link below), and the rest is as they say history! I was instantly hooked!! Active since 2006 (and previously know only as Blizzard) this Peruvian band draws it's inspiration from the 80's metal scene, the N.W.O.B.H.M. movement and groups as diverse as Helloween and Motörhead! Despite all of that Blizzard Hunter's sound and style is distinctly their own and from the onset this heavy/speed metal band has prided itself on issuing nothing but stellar material! There are few bands who can claim that sort of pedigree, but for Blizzard Hunter the proof lies in the material and that is in spite of the (all too familiar as unfortunately even the best of bands is not immune from it) line-up changes that this group has gone through since first being formed by Lucho Sanchez (ex-Disinter, ex-Necropsya, ex-Bleed of Hate) some nine years ago! Now signed to the German label Pure Underground Records (to which I say good for you lads!) and with their first full-length album due for release this year (hell to the fuck yeah!!!) Blizzard Hunter has just released the first single off of what might just end up being one of 2015's best heavy metal LPs! Especially if this particular steady (speed metal)  rocker has anything to say about it! Lead by the youthful energy of mic madman Sebastian "Dragon" Palma (a 20 year old vocalist who channels the spirits of many a great heavy metal singer before him!) and featuring a pair of fucking fantastic co-lead guitarists in Lucho Sanchez & Toño "Wild Rocker" Rojas De la Cuba (lovin' the old-school licks guys!) Blizzard Hunter proves that it's possible to top perfection as "Heavy Metal to the Vein" takes what was laid out on the excellent "Conqueror of Destiny" and then full-out maxes it the fuck out of here! They knock the ball out of the park on this one friends as it's one of those damn perfect combinations where cool lead vocals, slick as all get out guitar solos(!) and some killer bass playing* all converge at the same spot in time and space in order to lay down some pure heavy metal love! This single is just what heavy metal purists having been clamoring for and given the young age of most of the band members here this Peruvian act should have a very long and very fruitful career ahead of them! Including this hells to the bells (metal {throw the horns in the air ladies and gents as this is as good as it gets}maniac style!!!) anthem here Blizzard Hunter's upcoming debut album is set to featuring the following tracks:
01. Conqueror of Destiny 
02. I'm on my way 
03. Heavy Metal to the Vein 
04. Heart of Fire (Vampire Hunter's song) 
05. Nemesis (Feel my strength) 
06. Ghost Rider 
07. The Murder 
08. My Revenge 
09. The Joke 
10. The final Judgment

Recorded, mixed and mastered at Quarter Note Estudio by Paul Pinto la Torre, "Heavy Metal to the Vein" (the album) will begin it's pre-order stage at some point in February so be sure to follow the band on their Facebook page below so that you can be kept up to date on all the action! Said page can be accessed here:
https://www.facebook.com/BlizzardHunter

*The steady-rockin' bass you hear on the aptly-titled "Heavy Metal to the Vein" is courtesy of Lalo "Indú" Salas!


Review of the highly-recommend "Conqueror of Destiny"
http://metalmark.blogspot.com/2014/08/blizzard-hunter-conqueror-of-destiny.html 

Lord Volture-Will To Power

Mausoleum Records
2014

Wageningen, Gelderland (The Netherlands) is the stomping ground of heavy metal warriors Lord Volture. "Will To Power" is the group's latest full-length release and the band's third overall since forming in 2010. Lead vocals are handled by David Marcelis (a fine singer whose style falls neatly into line with the likes of Rob Halford and Ronnie James Dio) while guitars are taken care of by Paul Marcelis and Leon Hermans. Simon Geurts and Frank Wintermans (bass and drums respectively) round things out. On each of the group's three full-length albums this N.W.O.B.H.M. (Saxon, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden)/traditional heavy metal (Dio, Megadeth, Savatage) band has featured "special guests". Lord Volture's debut album, "Beast Of Thunder" featured the one and only Jeff Waters of Annihilator fame while the follow-up, "Never Cry Wolf", featured Sean Peck of Cage. Here on "Will To Power" the group managed to acquire the skills of ex-Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland. It's worth noting that both "Beast Of Thunder" and "Never Cry Wolf" received high marks. As does this one. So, is it a case of added guests equals added points for this Dutch heavy metal outfit? Not really. I just found it interesting that all three albums have featured highly skilled guest guitarists. Truthfully I enjoyed this album as a whole unit and wasn't really paying attention to where guitarist Chris Poland stepped in. That sounds bad. It's not that I wasn't paying attention to the music. That I was! It's just that this Dutch five-piece has a sweet sound going on overall so it was one of those deals where I was like "Hey, I just listened to this kick ass heavy metal album and all but was I supposed to listen closely enough to try to figure out where this ex-Megadeth shredder appeared or can I just enjoy it for what it is?". Oh, what is it? Why, "Will To Power" is A) My first introduction to this band that also sounds somewhat like a classic metal version of Iced Earth and B) A reason for me to hunt down the rest of Lord Volture's catalog! This stuff kills! While the band Picture will most likely always be my favorite Dutch treat (in regards to killer heavy metal from The Netherlands) I may have just found the scene's second greatest outfit ever! Everything I love about good heavy metal is here! From the high-pitched vocals to the screaming guitars to that certain feeling that cool traditional heavy metal leaves in it's wake it's all here and it's all so fabulous! "Will To Power" is for fans of bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Dio, Accept, Iced Earth and even Grim Reaper. 

Dark Hound-Dark Hound

Rampart Struggle Records
2014

Formed in 2009, Nashville-based Dark Hound is a technically-skilled, heavy (and yet oh so wonderfully melodic in all the right ways!) four-piece band made up of bassist/vocalist ET Brown, guitarists Elliot Gordon (Clorange) and Evan Hensley (Nightfall) and drummer Josh Brown (Enfold Darkness, Nashvillbilly). Chiefly a product of yesteryear's heavy metal heroes (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Pantera, Testament and Dream Theater just to name a few!) this Tennessee outfit has plenty of love for the scene's roots while offering up a more modern day approach to what a lot of people would just lazily label traditional heavy metal. More then anything though this cool band riff is just as awesome and diverse as that list of influences would suggest with the self-titled "Dark Hound" offering a hell of a lot of bang for the buck! The group's Facebook page quotes guitarist Evan Hensley saying how he'd love to see Dark Hound "put Nashville on the map for metal!" and with a stellar-release like this one under their belts that goal does not seem all that far-fetched! As someone who has been to Nashville and witnessed first-hand it's obsession with all things country and even blues it's great to see a band like Dark Hound pull off a bit of a coup and bring some much-needed killer metal to the scene! "Dark Hound" features well-written and superbly-crafted material with plenty of finesse and charisma so naturally this rock-steady affair comes with my highest recommendation!

http://www.dark-hound.com/

Johnny Touch-Inner City Wolves

Shadow Kingdom Records
2014

Awesome album art and an awesome sound? Now that's nice. Real nice. For Australian-act Johnny Touch and their full-length debut "Inner City Wolves" it all sounds so natural, but that's far from a bad thing right? Formed in 2008 (and taking it's cue from traditional heavy metal, N.W.O.B.H.M. and even the likes of Metallica and Metal Church) the band previously released a demo tape and two 7" splits. With "Inner City Wolves" though we're talking the real deal. A full-fledged, front-to-back cover, one of a kind heavy metal thunder release which is screaming(!) to be heard by metalheads in their native country and worldwide! With someone as good as Pahl Hodgson  (Beyond Mortal Dreams, Born for Burning, Oath of Damnation, ex-Blood Mason, ex-Darklord, ex-Hatred Slave, ex-Oni, ex-Obsidian Aspect, ex-One Step Beyond, ex-Sumeria, ex-Deluge) on the mic and lead solos that range form straight-up heavy metal slammers that actually recall someone as great as the late Randy Rhodes to almost neoclassical pieces it is hard not to appreciate the excellence that transpires once you slide this one into your CD player. "Inner City Wolves" is not just one of the best debut albums of 2014 it's overall one of the best heavy metal albums of the year! Don't just take my word for it though. You can hear the complex/yet easily-accessible "Inner City Wolves" for yourself right here:http://shadowkingdomrecords.bandcamp.com/album/inner-city-wolves


https://www.facebook.com/JohnnyTouchAus

Where Giants Once Stood-Live Above EP

Self-Release/Independent
2014

"Live Above" is the upcoming release from Toronto metal act Where Giants Once Stood. Due for release on September 2nd and serving as the follow-up to 2013's "The Changing" (a release which garnered high praise from critics and fans alike!) this Jon Howard (Threat Signal) produced EP showcases a young band that has already found it's footing. Standing at the crossroads of thrash, melodic hardcore, classic hardcore and traditional heavy metal this Toronto act is fronted by Reshaun Page, a powerhouse of a lead vocalist whose approach to singing is nothing if not extreme!

Jordan Turnbull – Lead Guitar/Vocals,  Reshaun Page – Lead Vocals ,  Scott Major – Rhythm Guitar/Vocals , Austin Hamilton- Drums  – Photo Credit – Logan Swinkels

 

Having already shared the stage with acts such as Chelsea Grin, Veil of Maya, Iwrestledabearonce and Beartooth (among others!) this young band features a line-up destined to destroy the modern metal scene thanks to mad skills of lead guitarist Jordan Turnbull (classic heavy metal solos mix it up with thrash attacks and down in the dirty streets hardcore brutality!) and songwriting that is fresh and full of energy! You can check out the EP's tough as nails opening track, "Living In Security" thanks to it's official video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zztYBohMvjY .Then be sure to head over to the group's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/wheregiantsoncestood) so that you can follow this epic young and (if fortune smiles upon you!) see the group live in living/thrashing color!

Skyconqueror - Under The Pentagram

Self-Release/Independent
2014

 
Dear readers of mine would it be alright if I asked you a question? Do you find yourself having those familiar cravings for old-school heavy metal? We're talking about the kind of old-school metal that draws as much from traditional heavy metal greats (Accept, Dio, Mercyful Fate, Motörhead, Black Sabbath and Helloween) as it does from the N.W.O.B.H.M. movement (Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Saxon, etc.). If you answered yes then have I got the band for you! Germany's Skyconqueror, which has been active since early 1997 and has three demos and two albums under their belts, are every bit an old-school metal band (an 80's sounding one in fact!) currently living in our day and age! Their sophomore album, "Under The Pentagram", was recorded over the course of 16 months and it finds Skyconqueror channeling the same dark magic of bands like Coven, Pentagram, Witchfinder General, Black Sabbath, Hellhammer, Venom, Pagan Alter and Merciful Fate while taking aim (musically) at Iron Maiden/Judas Priest-inspired eighties metal. It's true that (at times) lead vocalist Demondawn (aka Daniel Hiller of Antifreeze and formerly of  Knight Errant and Near Dark) and his cohorts in crime (guitarist Hellduke, bassist Mayhem and drummer Messiah Of Evil) get a little ahead of themselves for their own good and get carried away (a couple of cuts here sound remarkably similar and as if they were not fully thought out), but it's plain to see how much these four Münster-based metalheads LOVE what they are doing and are as much fans of all things metal as they are performers! And tipping the scales even further in their favor is the fact that the eleven songs present on their new CD offer up shadows of (early, occult-themed) Running Wild and second-tier acts like Warlord, Omen and Savage Grace (all three of which are personal favorites of the band members). All of which points toward a band that lives and dies for true heavy metal! And for those of us (and yes, I'm including myself in this category friends) that love to listen to and collect all things heavy & hard Skyconqueror's "Under The Pentagram" makes for a welcomed addition!

Mandrágora-First Attack

Inkas Noise Records
2014

There's a good reason why you should always check through your junk folder before you do a mass dump. This 7" EP from female-fronted traditional heavy metal act Mandrágora almost slipped past me as it (mistakenly) ended up in my junk folder. That would have been unfortunate altogether as this two-track release (the follow-up to the band's 2010 debut demo entitled "Steel Metal") paints the picture of one solid N.W.O.B.H.M./80's metal outfit climbing their way up the heavy metal mountain with style! Formed back in 2007 the band is fronted by the spectacular Fátima "Natthammer" with bassist Jorge Reinoso (Stonehead),    guitarists Hermán Gers & Paulo Manrique and drummer Abel Rios rounding out the fold. Initially this  (old-school heavy metal loving!) act sung in Spanish (with lyrics supposedly all about South-American mythology) until they decided a change was in order. In 2008 the band switched over to the English language and on "First Attack" you end up being treated to the raw speed metal fury of "Lady In Black" (picture early Running Wild, Merciful Fate and Iron Maiden mixing it up with 80's underground thrash!) and bass-heavy rocker "Snakebite" with it's Motörhead-like take on Warlock/Doro! It is true that when it comes to Mandrágora you are talking about that is more interested in reliving/reviving the past (listed influences include the likes of Iron Maiden, Saxon, Judas Priest, , Aria (RUS), Kipelov (RUS), Megadeth, Accept, UDO, Warlock & Doro, Running Wild, Grave Digger, Acid, Coven, Metalucifer (JPN), Hellhound (JPN), Dio, Rainbow and N.W.O.B.H.M.), but I challenge anyone out there to tell me what it is exactly that is so special about today's modern metal scene anyway? Mandrágora are a classic heavy metal/old-school metal band for fans of all things N.W.O.B.H.M., traditional heavy metal and 80's metal. In fact they are more like a dream come true for fans of the above listed genres as well as female-fronted heavy metal collectors! Blessed with a lead singer that's as good as Fátima "Natthammer" and a tight as shit backing band like this (special props to both the bass guitarist here and the two men handling axe duties!) you have a band that is screaming for wider exposure and that's where Metal Heart Media comes in! With Metal Heart Media now handling the PR for Mandrágora things are most certainly looking up for the five talented individuals that make up this (sick and sweet) true metal act!

Reportedly plans are underway for a full-length LP (due to be released in 2015) and from all-accounts both this EP and the band's live performances have been widely praised so Mandrágora does seem to be poised for bigger and better things. Though it is over 10 minutes long this 7" was sadly too short for my own preference as it just left me salivating for more METAL! Length issues aside, this 7" is still a great tide-over release as the band works it's way towards taking over the female-fronted metal scene (hell, maybe even the metal scene in general!). Stacked up next to similar sounding/themed bands like Lady Beast, Death Rides A Horse, Sign Of The Jackal and The Oath it becomes painfully obvious that there isn't much separating this Peru-based outfit from the big leagues! With the right set of breaks and a proper/deserved spotlight or two shining down on them and Mandrágora are right there. Hopefully that is the band's destiny as they don't make tried and true heavy metal bands like this anymore! Be sure to check out the group's Facebook page for more information and always keep an eye out for game changers like this!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/MANDRAGORA/100570339997012 

UPDATE!

After posting my review and then talking with the band members themselves they asked if I would pass along this information for anyone looking to pick up a copy of the excellent "First Attack" for themselves!

For EUROPE, JAPAN and OVERSEAS (except the USA and South America) you all may contact the label INKAS NOIZE RECORDS directly at the following email: luchitometal@hotmail.com or you can drop a PM to the guy behind INKAS NOIZE RECORDS in his Facebook profile here: 

https://www.facebook.com/lucho.palomino.50 

 

For USA buyers: please get in touch with CONTAMINATED TONES PRODS here:

https://www.facebook.com/ContaminatedTones?fref=ts  

 

And for SOUTH AMERICA, please get in touch directly with the band: 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/MANDRAGORA/100570339997012?fref=ts

Free Metal Monday: The Metal Madman Radio Show/Online Metal Promo-The Root of All Madness Compilation

Here's a nice new free 27 track compilation album to get you through this Metal Monday and the rest of the week. The Metal Madman Radio Show (USA) has teamed up with Online Metal Promo to release "The Root of All Madness", a free download compilation featuring a mix of "27 current, deep cuts and unreleased songs from up and coming as well as established hard rock and heavy metal artists from around the world"! And boy oh boy there are some real crunchers scattered throughout this compilation my friends! This one is a real treat! I've covered more then a few of these bands and I'm stoked to see them all present here on this killer comp! Here's the actual track list and you can find the link to download this compilation at the bottom of this page:


1 - Stu Marshall - The Hammer 
2 - Death Dealer - Curse Of The Heretic 
3 - Tren Loco - Vieja Escuela
4 - Skinner - Orphans Of Liberty
5 - Witchcross - The Eyes of Lucifer 
6 - Station - Don't Take Heaven Away From Me
7 - Zephaniah - Blackbeard's Revenge
8 - Diamond Lane - Kiss The Ring 
9 - Metralla - Sotanas de Satanas
10 - Cage - Final Solution
11 - Mindmaze - Mask of Lies
12 - Maxxxwell Carlisle - The Power of Metal Compels Me
13 - Lords of the Trident - Face Of The Enemy
14 - Ignitor - The Kaiser
15 - Archetype - The Dark Mirror 
16 - Patan - A Golpe Te Haces
17 - Hessler - Never Lost My Way
18 - Hellscream - VII (Seven Sins)o 
19 - Lady Beast - Hot Pursuit 
20 - Maligno - Shine
21 - Renacer - Espiritu inmortal 
22 - Ravensthorn - Lost in Darkness 
23 - Dire Peril - Astronomical Minds 
24 - Serpentor - Privacion Ilegitima de la Libertad
25 - Enceladus - Darkened Aura 
26 - Sinister Realm - World Of Evilo 
27 - Tales of Pain - Black Wings


https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mqsfdocmkyrfu4a/AABixmhR-XZsRaCnNYCudlx4a

Monument-Renegades

MGR Music
2014

Picking up where 2012's "Rock the Night" EP left off, "Renegades" is the long-overdue full-length debut album London's Monument. With a string of singles having paved the way for this long-player, "Renegades" is more of the same classic heavy metal that many came to know and love about this band featuring several former members of White Wizzard (including lead vocalist Peter Ellis who is also a former member of The More I See) only here we get to hear sound of a more confident Monument, one who has stepped-forward and is fully committed to their craft. If "Renegades" is guilty of anything it's the fact that it is too long coming for fans who eagerly embraced the band's take on all things metal, both traditional (everything from Anvil to Shok Paris) and N.W.O.B.H.M. (Iron Maiden, Judas Priest) in nature. Otherwise there is no reason not to suggest this one to both fans and casual listeners alike! Whether we are talking about Peter Ellis serving notice on the mic as a more then capable front-man (one who has a Bruce Dickinson vibe about about him!) or the band as a whole (fully embracing the denim and leather heavy metal lifestyle of old!) Monument has it all in the palm of their hands thanks to "Renegades"! For classic heavy metal junkies here comes your fix!

Dio-Live In London - Hammersmith Apollo 1993

Eagle Rock Entertainment
2014

With apologies to Eagle Rock Entertainment (or more specifically Carol from Kaos Productions Inc.) this review is past due. My intentions were sincere, the hope had been one week tops. And yet here I am dismayed that it has dragged on. The reason is simple enough (if no real compensation). How does one, a fan first/reviewer second, put into words how much a man like Ronnie James Dio meant? From "Holy Diver" (first secured on vinyl no less!) on his music worked it's way into my life. The thought that he is now gone is...painful. Yes, painful. No more will we have the chance to hear new music from this classic metal heavyweight, a singer whose shadow stood ten times taller then his actual statue might suggest. Instead we'll have to be consoled with his past accomplishments. But, when they are as magical as this 1993 live release is concerned then at least we can take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live for ages to come! Having witnessed this giant of a front-man myself I can honestly say that he was as captivating as the concert represented here suggests. And that is considering the fact that I saw him live some 10 plus years later! In a live setting his presence was unlike any other (Ronnie James Dio OWNED the live stage!) and for me this live release stands as a testament to his greatness while it is also a reminder of just how amazing he was under those stage lights! Available on DVD, SD Blu-ray (which is what I am referencing) and double CD this concert footage features the (then newly-reformed) Dio (Ronnie James Dio on lead vocals, Vinny Appice on drums, Jeff Pilson on bass, Scott Warren on keyboards and newcomer Tracy G  (ie: Tracy Grijalva, a guitarist who had played with Vinne Appice and Jeff Pilson in the band WWIII) on guitar. Next to Ronnie (naturally!) Tracy's playing is the highlight of this concert!) on the last night of their European tour in support of the group's sixth full-length studio album, the underrated "Strange Highways". Featuring six tracks from "Strange Highways" (the title cut, "Evilution" and "Jesus, Mary & The Holy Ghost" all coming off as instant classics live!), fan favorites like "Holy Diver" & "Rainbow In The Dark" (those two songs alone make Dio's 1983 album one of the greatest heavy metal releases of ALL TIME and yes, they SLAY live!) and a few choice cover's from Ronnie's impressive back catalog (the Black Sabbath track's "The Mob Rules", "Children of the Sea" and "Heaven And Hell" as well as Rainbow's "Man on the Silver Mountain"!) this concert was insane! Opening with the cool "Stand Up And Shout", which is the perfect choice of numbers to get a crowd pumped up(!), Dio and his band-mates worked their way through so many great tracks and, other then the so-so obligatory drum solo, knocked it all way out of the park! From the sound* (superb!) to the color (the picture quality of this 1993 show is so clear that you feel like you are right there on stage with the band!) this is one of the best concert performances I've ever had the pleasure to view! If you are a fan of Dio then "Live In London - Hammersmith Apollo 1993" is an absolute must-have (it's worth every penny just to see Dio captured live like this and again, between Ronnie's powerful performance and Tracy's guitar playing this one absolutely smokes!). As it stands now this is currently the best one (concert Video, DVD and/or Blu-Ray) that I have in my (vast) personal collection of band performances (from punk to rock to metal!) and it's highly doubtful that it will be knocked off of that top rung anytime soon! While Ronnie James Dio will be missed, everyday from here until time runs out, thankfully we can remember him for the man he was and what he meant to heavy metal with wonderful releases like this.



*The concert is presented in DTS Surround Sound, Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital Stereo.