AxMinister-The Crucible of Sin

Self-Release/Independent
2018


Toronto, Ontario's AxMinister, fronted by vocalist/bassist Nicholas Klaus and citing bands like Megadeth, Metallica, Slayer, Iron Maiden, and Manowar as their primary influences, will release "The Crucible of Sin" on Friday, May 4th. It is a five-track EP that was produced by Ryan Jones and mastered by Harry Hess. Clocking in at just under twenty three minutes, this impressive EP opens up strong with the cut "Prey" and only gets better from there! With each passing track better than the last one, AxMinster's forthcoming EP is bound to impress fans of (rugged & tough) heavy/power metal!! Having first come together in 1999(!), AxMinister is a (razor blade sharp) group that has been tearing it's way through the scene since 2008. Lyrically the group covers topics such as film, history, politics, and religion. Guitarist Tim Smith and drummer Bas von Bismark round out the official line-up on this (classic heavy metal and N.W.O.B.H.M.-inspired) powerful metal release. Meanwhile there are some cool backing vocals courtesy of Nick Allaire. Available for pre-order at the link above, "The Crucible of Sin" is a lyrically-strong (hard & heavy) power metal recording with strong lead vocals, great guitar solos, a slick rhythm section, and inspired songs that will make you want to wave the banner of true heavy metal for all to see!! This is honest to goodness heavy metal that has been made possible thanks to hard work & dedication of true heavy metal maniacs. For more information on this heavy/power metal band be sure to check out AxMinister's Facebook page.

Evil Hunter-Evil Hunter

Fighter Records
2018

Evil Hunter is a (hard & heavy-infused) traditional/power metal band from Spain. The group is lead by vocalist Damián Chicano and features musicians with ties to such bands as WarCry, Nova Era, Lords of Black, Nightfear, and Black Hat. On April 10th, 2018 the group is planning to release their full-length debut album. It is a self-titled affair with eight original compositions. Starting off with the heavy metal banger that is "Surf the Waves" (I just love the guitars on this metallic jam!), "Evil Hunter" is a great example of modern day (passionate and precision-cut) heavy/power metal. Armed with killer guitarists and a cool lead singer who sounds like Axl Rose on a N.W.O.B.H.M. kick(!), Evil Hunter is cranks out hard-hitting /high-classic traditional heavy metal that is as melodic as it is powerful. On their first full-length album this talented Spanish band mixes classic heavy/power metal numbers with hard and heavy rock elements so that they can in give the audience a truly unique listening experience. Thanks in no small part to their versatile front-man and a rock-inspired rhythm section, Evil Hunter is able to pull of hair-raising heavy metal cuts and the obligatory ballad. Well-produced and comprised of nothing but solid numbers, this eight song album is something that that Spanish act should be extremely proud of. As far as recommendations go, "Evil Hunter" should appeal to fans of traditional heavy metal and power metal.




PS: While there are heavy rock and hard rock elements to be found on this well-assembled album, at it's core "Evil Hunter" is (guitar-heavy) classic/power metal with great vocals and top of the line musicians. That means the album is versatile enough to appeal to hard and heavy fans, but it's really meant for heavy metal fanatics.

Weaponlord-Hail the Victorious

Self-Release/Independent
2018

Formed in late-2014, Weaponlord is a heavy/power metal band that hails from Seattle, Washington and is currently fronted by vocalist/guitarist Bison Longshot (ex-Arsenal). Just released on March 9th, "Hail the Victorious" is the full-length debut from this U.S. metal band that also includes guitarist Cody J. Brumlow (ex-Arsenal), bassist/backing vocalist Leona Hayward (Northern Crown, ex-Faethom, ex-Impurity, ex-Antitheist), and drummer Chris Craven (Oxygen Destroyer, Perception, ex-Arsenal). The 10-track album runs close to 44 minutes and it joins a back-catalog that includes a demo, one split, and two singles. Having gone through the obligatory line-up changes getting from point A to point B, Weaponlord has developed their own brand of (simply-killer!) heavy/power metal. With screaming vocals torn straight out of the pages of the vintage U.S. power metal scene(!), this Seattle outfit seems to take it's cue from old-school U.S. power metal (up to and including (early) Metal Church and fellow Washington natives, Sanctuary), traditional metal (the heavier the better), and (nineties-era) Judas Priest. Thanks to a lot of hard work and dedication to their craft, Weaponlord takes these different elements and makes something all their own. In this day and age you couldn't ask for a better example of (top of the self brand) American heavy/power metal than this band. Based solely on the strength of this well-recorded debut album, Weaponlord should be scooped up and signed to a label in no time flat!

Sunday Singles: Vänlade-"Highway Hounds"

Self-Release/Independent
2018

Vänlade is a talented U.S. heavy metal/power metal band that has been active since 2006. The group is fronted by Brett "Blackout" Scott (one stone cold killer metal front man!) and so far in their career the group has released two full-length albums, two demos, one EP, and this recently-released single. Available for free over at the group's bandcamp page, the must-hear "Highway Hounds" is a catchy metal track that clocks in at almost five and a half minutes! That's five and a half minutes of Grade A hard & heavy/power metal from a Kansas City-based band that sure knows how to craft slick metal anthems!! Serving as the follow-up to the group's 2016 (all covers) EP, "Wayward Sons: Masters of Time, Vol. I", "Highway Hounds" is for anyway that just loves true heavy metal and U.S. power metal. For more information on this cool band (and when and where you can see them live!) be sure to check out the group's Facebook page.

Traveler-Demo 2018

Self-Release/Independent
2018

Traveler is a Canadian heavy/power metal band from Calgary, Alberta that is fronted by Jean-Pierre Abboud. Influenced by vintage metal, epic metal, (classic) U.S. power metal, and N.W.O.B.H.M., Traveler comes across as a veteran outfit at the peak of it's career! That is not entirely unexpected (given the bios of the three musicians behind this project), but what is surprising is just how exceptional this demo is! Recorded at Richhobo Studios over the winter of 2017, the 3-track "Demo 2018" was written by guitarist/bassist Matt Ries. With drummer Jan Loncik rounding out the line-up, the songs are "Starbreaker", "Behind The Iron", and "Mindless Maze". All three numbers are simply fantastic(!), Traveler mixing phenomenal metal music with Jean-Pierre Abboud's epic voice! On a scale of 1-10, Traveler's demo gets a 10 all day long!! So far this is only available as digital download, but I have no doubt that some record label is going to scoop this release up.

N.W.O.B.H.M. Wednesday: Robespierre-Garden of Hell

Shadow Kingdom Records
2018

Robespierre is a N.W.O.B.H.M band that is comprised of David Cooke (guitars, vocals) and Gordon Logan (drums). Initially formed way back in 1983, this heavy metal/doom metal didn't have as much success the first time around as they should have. Fast forward some to 2011 and the compilation "Die You Heathen, Die!" is released on vinyl by Buried by Time and Dust Records. Slowly but surely the buzz starts to rise about this long-lost English metal band with a shit ton of talent and enthusiasm. By the time the compilation is released on CD by Skol Records (and in a killer package FYI!) just about everyone is hip to what Robespierre has to offer. That was in 2013. That summer I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to interview vocalist/guitarist David Cooke (link). Here it is early 2018 and we are just now getting a taste of what modern-day Robespierre has to offer. Let's not mince words then. For any Robespierre fans out there (and yes folks, that does include me!), "Garden of Hell" is solid proof that some things get better with age! Starting off strong with the killer track "Punish Oppressors", "Garden of Hell" is the long-overdue debut album from Robespierre and dammit man(!), it has been worth the wait! There are ten tracks in all on this British metal release and there isn't a dud to be found! This is 100% killer/no-filler N.W.O.B.H.M. that demands multiple spins and more than a few devil horns in the air salutes! Numbers like "Mare of Steel". "Feed the Fire", "The Black Mirror", and "Men of Violence" make this album stick out with grandness. By combining their familiar sound (thunderous heavy metal with grit and style!) with shades of doom metal and traditional/power metal, Robespierre has development a hard & heavy sound that is as gloomy as it dangerous! No matter whether it is "Dagon Rises", "Fear", "Welcome to the Cult" or "I am a Flower (In the Garden of Evil)", Robespierre has demonstrated the positive effects of evolving your sound and style. For a band that traces it's roots back to the early eighties, band members Gordon Logan and David Cooke still sound young and refreshed on this new album. It's obviously that both musicians still have the fire burning deep down inside. That is reflected in the dynamic performances and the way in which this album has been presented. On a scale of 1 to 10, "Garden of Hell" is a sandwiched somewhere in-between a 8.5 and 9. In my eye that makes "Garden of Hell" a new metal classic!

Dark Hound-Dawning

Self-Release/Independent
2018

Dark Hound is a heavy/power metal band from Nashville, TN. The group has been around since 2009 and (as of this writing) it is comprised of vocalist/bassist ET Brown, guitarist Evan Hensley, guitarist Preston Walls, and drummer Josh Brown. Along with Megadeth, Testament, and some (pre-Black album) Metallica, Dark Hound is every bit as influenced by the N.W.O.B.H.M. sounds of Iron Maiden & Judas Priest as it is Pantera and Dream Theater. In 2014 I did a write up on the group's self-titled debut (link). I really liked "Dark Hound" so I had high hopes for this album. In now way, shape, or form did this release let me down! With a release date of January 19th, 2018, "Dawning" is the second full-length album from this progressive and melodic quartet that also has a 2015 EP to it's name ("Oceans"). It is a step forward in terms of growth and musical-evolution. The songs are more inspired and so do the individual performances of everything involved with this energetic release. With eleven tracks in all, "Dawning" is a fun listen and one hell of a enjoyable experience! Ultimately it is a must-have for fans of real metal!! If "Dawning" is any indication of what awaits us, 2018 is going to a great year for heavy metal fans and the scene as a whole.

Helker-Firesoul

AFM Records
2017

Argentina' heavy metal band Helker, formed in 1998 and (since 2008) lead by the always reliable Diego Valdez (Assignment, Electronomicon, and Iron Mask), make their long-awaited return with full-length album number five, "Firesoul". Produced by veteran musician Mat Sinner (Sinner, Primal Fear, Voodoo Circle, etc.) and mixed and mastered by Achim Köhler (Amon Amarth, Sodom, Primal Fear, Brainstorm), Helker's latest release is a fantastic tribute to all things traditional metal! The album serves as the follow-up to 2013's "Somewhere in the Circle" and much like it's predecessor, "Firesoul" showcases Diego Valdez's powerful voice. For those people who are already familiar with Helker's lead vocalist, "Firesoul" plays to his strength and is perfectly suited to this Argentia' band's style of classic heavy metal. For everyone else (ie; newcomers of all shapes and sizes who would do well to check out this well-crafted metal soundtrack to the gods of hard rock, heavy metal, and timeless power metal!), Diego's vocal delivery could best be described as part Ronnie James Dio and part symphonic metal/epic metal mastermind! In other words, Diego Valdez is the main focal point of this well-honed band . What helps Diego Valdez excel in that role is a tight-knit group of musicians that know how to ROCK! The backing band on this album is second to none and musically, "Firesoul" is a tribute to not only traditional heavy metal, but everything from melodic hard rock to supreme power metal! For founding members Mariano Ríos (guitar) and Christian Abarca (bass) it has been a musical journey to perfect their craft and they have certainly achieved that dream on the fifty minute plus "Firesoul"!! Now in it's 19th year of existence(!) the Argentina-based band has been transformed into an unstopping force of talent and precision. No doubt it hasn't been easy. Helker has seen line-up changes and the group has independently released material in the past. The marriage with AFM Records seems to be working though and based on the strength of "Firesoul", Helker's future seems secure. Let's all hope that it stays that way. In the first place true heavy metal/power metal like this never gets old. And when it's as slick as this album is? Well, heavy metal as a community only grows stronger. We need albums like this to keep everything honest and to make sure that every other band in our scene pushes itself to such perfection. To that end I give mad props to Helker as a whole for it's growth and to the actual members I offer praise for their continued hard work towards the goal of Grade A metal. This fine-tuned album, which (incidentally) will also be released in Spanish, is the realization of said goal and comes with my stamp of approval!

Open Burn-Open Burn

Independent/Self-Release
2017

Formed in 2016 and featuring lead vocals courtesy of Eric Johns (ex-First Born, ex-Simple Aggression), Open Burn is a really cool moniker for this Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati-based heavy/power metal band! I am honestly surprised that these four guys were the first outfit to utilize such a name. It's perfectly suited for the metal scene as a whole. Does it reflect this band's style? Eh, probably not. Influenced by traditional heavy metal and the U.S. power scene of old, Open Burn is not quite as hostile or aggressive as the name would suggest. What they might lack in extremism they more than make up for in other areas. With the Dio-like vocals of Eric John up front and center, Open Burn plays with finesse and extreme prowess. The group's technical ability is never in question and neither is their professionalism. This five-track EP could probably be described as a cross between (solo) Dio and Metal Church's first two albums. For Open Burn this is the best way to introduce themselves as it is all hits and no misfires. "Open Burn" serves as the debut release for this up-and-coming band that just so happens to includes a couple of members with ties to the progressive power metal group Lethal*. Those three individuals would be Dell Hull (guitars), Glen Cook (bass), and Jerry Hartman (drums). Apparently Open Burn is as a side project for the guys in Lethal. Based upon what we have here on this EP, Lethal might want to consider taking a back seat to this hot new project! If the group's full-length debut (which is supposedly in the works as I type) is as good as this EP is then it could be a legitimate contender for "2017's Best Metal Debut Album"!  Ultimately only time will tell if that actually happens, but thanks to "Open Burn" all the signs are there!!



*As in the same Lethal that gave us 1990's "Programed".

S.A. Adams-A Murder of Crows

Self-Release/Independent
2016


It's been a long time in the making, but the recently-released "A Murder of Crows" is a brand new solo offering from New York City's own S.A. Adams. The full-length album, which was recorded in S.A. Adams' home territory and is only available in digital format*, comes along some 12 years after Adams' last solo recording, "Mutated". Of course in-between 2004's "Mutated" and S.A. Adams' latest release there was 2010's "Unearthed" and the 2016 digital EP, "Sins of Your Flesh", but as far as brand new  full-length albums of the fist banging metal variety are concerned this particular recording is the real deal. Having first started his solo career way back in 1992 after leaving  The Fury , S.A. Adams has managed to roll out some of the best (if sadly underrated) power metal/thrash albums out there. In that same time-frame (and really it's thanks in no small part to his absolutely praise-worthy ability to construct solid material and then (often times) handle all of the vocals and instruments himself!) he has also impressed plenty of critics and built himself up a small (if not completely loyal!) following. All it takes is one listen to S.A. Adams' all-powerful "A Murder of Crows" to understand why both his fans and the critics continue to heap praise and admiration onto this New York native! Not only has "A Murder of Crows" been well worth the long wait (and then some!) it is one of Adams' finest moments! For a top-notch metal musician like S.A. Adams' that's saying quite a bit. Especially as we talking about one hell of an exceptional musician that has made a career out of having one solid gold moment after another! Speaking of solid gold moments, the terrific number "The Rising" opens things up on the must-have "A Murder of Crows" and for fans of head shaking & body slamming heavy metal it is nothing short of a strike it rich moment! Of course the exact same thing can be said about this power-packed album as a whole, but in all honestly listeners can find that much out for themselves should they decide to pick up this release that is being touted as one the heaviest albums of S.A. Adams' career!! I for one am not going to argue with that assessment. Granted I might mention how this album oddly enough comes across as one of the most sincere and enduring releases from S.A. Adams to date, but there again listeners can make up their own minds as far as that statement is concerned. Available for purchase over at at Amazon and CD Baby, "A Murder of Crows" is real heavy metal** from S.A. Adams and some very special guest musicians. Unfortunately this digital album did not come with any kind of line-up information so I am afraid I can not name any of those guest musicians other than Raven's John Gallagher. He shows up to play on the second to last track ("Samurai") and just like every cut on this new recording it is stone cold sick! I only wish that I could name every other guest on this digital delight, but at least it's something to think about (as is the fact that S.A. Adams actually has guest musicians to begin with on one of his solo releases!). Needless to say, "A Murder of Crows" comes highly-recommend....




*Or at least it is as of this writing


**As with other recordings from S.A. Adams there is nothing fancy or pretentious about this release. At the end of the day S.A. plays honest to goodness heavy metal that picks apart everything from seventies punk to nineties thrash and then super glues the whole thing back together with some ass kicking hard rock that would have made Lemmy proud! In other words, "A Murder of Crows" shreds! 

Interview with Flames of Fury frontwoman Angelica Vargas

Flames of Fury is a up-and-coming New York/New Jersey-based metal band with one demo and one EP to it's name. Blessed with a extremely potent sound that is equal parts traditional heavy metal and (melodic) power metal(!), Flames of Fury has been tearing up the scene since day one and (as it stands now) they show no signs of slowing down! Just recently I had the distinct privilege of interviewing this group's powerful lead singer, Angelica Vargas, and I would like to encourage all of our readers to check this band out in a live setting if you ever get the chance! Also, be sure to pick up a copy of the band's 2013 self-titled EP. It is a really good release!

Andy-Please introduce yourself and tell us about how your band first came together.

Angelica-My name is Angelica Vargas, aka Angelica Valkyrie. I’m the lead singer for Flames of Fury. The band first came together back in 2009. I was singing a song Jason Perez was working on and I sent him some music and lyrics I’ve written in the past. Seemed like we both wanted to work on some extremely powerful metal music and we have very similar musical interests and influences. After that point, it was clear to start a band. We came up with a name, wrote some killer tunes, found some kickass bandmates along the way and… voila! Flames of Fury was born.

Andy-And the name? Is there a special meaning behind it or was it just chosen for how cool it sounds?

Angelica-A little more of Column B than Column A. The name sounds cool and is an accurate description of what our music is all about. We decided to go with a flame idea for the band name one night. I was in the studio wearing a shirt with a flaming heart on the front. We kept shooting off names with fire in it but they just weren’t hitting the mark. So I went home and made a list of every single Flame-related band name I could think of and sent it over to Jason. Flames of Fury stood out and it’s been our name ever since.

Andy-For someone who has never heard your band before how would you describe Flames of Fury?

Angelica-A nuclear explosion of melodic riffs, blasting double bass and guitars so fast, they’ll kick you in the face! And speaking of kicks, our shows have lots of high flying kicks and action throughout.

Andy-Besides high flying kicks (!) what is a typical show like for your band? I mean if there is such a thing!

Angelica-Ha-ha, everyone gets a kick out of that! Other than a lot of energy on stage, we are the type of band that stays true to what’s been recorded on the album. We are a very straightforward traditional band. We don’t use a lot of special effects or backing tracks; just two guitars, bass, drums and vocals. At this point in our career, we don’t feel all that stuff is necessary to put on a good live show. What you hear is what you get.

Andy-Who are some of the bands that you've shared the stage with and would you just love to play with if given the change?

Angelica-We’ve shared the stage with some AMAZING bands like Primal Fear, Rhapsody of Fire, Doro (twice!), Stryper, Kill Devil Hill, Ross the Boss (from Manowar and The Dictators) and many others. I think it would be amazing to share the stage with Iron Maiden one day

.Andy-That would be one hell of a show! Are there any essential items for when Flames of Fury does road shows? (I'm talking anything from food and alcohol to books & music)

Angelica-Thus far, the longest trip the band has taken for a show was when we performed in Baltimore during the Flight of the Valkyries festival. On the road, I like listening to audiobooks on Audible. The stories of Conan the Cimmerian is great to listen to. So are the 33 Strategies of War and The Book of Five Rings. 

As far as drinking, we prefer to be sober before a performance. My band mates might enjoy a beer or two before or during a performance but that’s about it. We are not into drugs at all. Our music can be pretty crazy and we need everyone to be at the top of their game to deliver a good performance. Me personally, I try to drink lots of water before hitting the stage. 

After a show, however, is a very different story! I’m known to enjoy Guinness J

Andy-I can appreciate that! As an artist who are some of your influences Angelika?

Angelica-As a singer, I would say Bruce Dickinson and Pat Benatar believe it or not. She would have been a great metal singer! As both a singer and a lyricist, I greatly admire and am influenced by Ronnie James Dio. His voice rang clear as a bell and has a way of reaching into your soul. I think his lyrics will haunt and mystify for years to come.

Andy-I couldn't agree more. Ronnie James Dio was truly one of a kind. I am sure glad that I had the chance to see him live. But anyway, how about the band? What are some of the group's that have influenced Flames Of Fury?

Angelica-Black Sabbath would be at the top of the list along with Iron Maiden and Judas Priest.

Andy-Those are some great influences to have! Changing gears somewhat here, but your last EP came out in 2013. Are you working on anything new now?

Angelica-Yes, we are working on our full length album called "Firestarter" . We hope to release it soon. In the meantime, we decided to release an epic lyric video for one of our songs from our 2013 EP. We can't wait until out album is ready so we can release even more material. We have enough songs for multiple albums already, so keep a look out for "Firestarter" !

Andy-And what can fans expect from your new album?

Angelica-Our last album was a small taste of a few different songs; one power anthem, one mid-tempo head banging song, one slower melodic song, etc. This album is the best of the best; all killer, no filler. Sure, you’ll still hear some variety in our songs but as a whole it’s a high energy album from start to finish.

Andy-I look forward to hearing it. Where can our readers find out more about your band?

Angelica-You can find us on Facebook, check out our YouTube page or go to our website at www.flamesoffury.com

Andy-I like to close interviews by letting the artist have the last say. Is there anything that you would like to add? Have a favorite road story to share? Would you like to say a word or two to all the fans out there? Whatever it is the mic is all yours Angelika!

Angelica-Sure, I would like to add two final thoughts to this interview. Firstly, I would like to thank all of the fans that have been with us from the beginning of our journey. Thank you for your support and believing in us, and keeping the flame of Metal alive. Long live heavy metal!

I would also like to say something to those that are thinking of pursing music, or pursuing anything in life; find your path and take it to the limit. It won’t be easy but then again, nothing in life comes easy. Don’t let life drag you down. Always hit the ground running in whatever you do and don’t let anyone or anything stand in your way.

 \m/

Angelica Vargas

Flames of Fury

Lead Singer and Songwriter

Valkyriestorm@gmail.comwww.

Flamesoffury.comwww.facebook.com/flamesoffury

Andy-That's great advice Angelica! Thank you for taking the time out of your schedule to talk with us..

Assassin's Blade-Agents of Mystification

Pure Steel Records
2016

Lead by one-time Exciter front-man Jacques Bélanger*, Assassin's Blade is a new heavy metal/power metal band whose members hail from both Canada and Sweden. With a run-time that exceeds the fifty minute mark, "Agents of Mystification" is Assassin's Blade's solid-enough debut and it finds lead singer Jacques Bélanger joined by bassist/song writer/lyricist Peter Svensson (Cult of the Fox, Goatess, Void Moon, Stonegriff (live), ex-Cross Bow, ex-Devil Lee Rot, ex-Trap**), guitarist/song writer David Stranderud (Instigator, ex-Disaffection, ex-Devil Lee Rot, ex-Portrait, ex-Autopsy Torment, ex-Cross Bow) and drummer Marcus Rosenkvist (Void Moon, ex-Indemnity). Author Janne Stark*** (Constancia, Locomotive Breath, Mountain of Power, Overdrive, Planet Alliance, ex-Overheat, ex-Balls, ex-Paradize, ex-Zello) provides lead solos on much of  "Agents of Mystification", but otherwise those are the key players at work on Assassin's Blade's first outing. On this recommended METAL release we find lead singer Jacques Bélanger (vocally) moving back and forth between Rob Halford and Bruce Dickinson while his teammates effortlessly work their way through some devilishly-dark material that is as menacing as it it maniacal! Musically-speaking the majority of "Agents of Mystification" is either A) A slick, lean and mean Exciter that is all about traditional heavy metal and dark metal! or B) A  far-heavier  Judas Priest with blood on it's mind. On rare occasions Assassin's Blade sounds like no one other than themselves, but 9 times out of 10 we find his young and hungry band emulating their idols and influences and doing it in such a way as to make you want to follow the latest success for Pure Steel Records! A damn fine release like "Agents of Mystification" shows the metal community that Assassin's Blade means business and that they are ready to take a full swing at today's ever-growing power metal scene. This is a good start from one band that I hope is here to stay!

* Jacques Bélanger played with Exciter on the albums "The Dark Command", "Blood of Tyrants" and "New Testament".

**It might be just a coincidence, but the now defunct Trap released a single entitled "Assassinations".

*** Janne Stark put out the AWESOME (!) Encyclopedia of Swedish Heavy Metal books.

Souldrown-Evil of War (Demo rough mix '00)

Self-Release/Independent
2016

Souldrown is a progressive rock-infused hard & heavy power metal band that hails from Athens, Greece and can trace it's roots all the way back to 1993. The material on "Evil of War" was recorded back in the late 90's/early 00's for a demo release that for whatever reason never materialized. Here it is some 16 years later and the band is finally releasing this material and for what it's worth this is some pretty solid stuff! Early on the group was influenced by the likes of Accept, Helloween, Stratovarius, and Warlord before turning their sights to bands such as Tool and Dream Theater. From the sounds of it Souldrown was hoping to combine heavy/power metal with genres like dark metal and progressive rock. As a result of these huge changes in sound and style the music on this well-crafted 5-track EP cuts a fairly straight line between those two areas. In other words this is heartfelt/sincere heavy metal/power metal that has been given a lifesaving intravenous (IV) line of complex progressive rock/metal. Toss in some inspired lyrics and a more than capable front-man and you end up with one EP that is a steal of a deal at only $1.10! In addition to the bandcamp link that appears above you can check out this respectable demo by heading to Youtube.

Shock-Forewarned

Self-Release/Independent
2015

Well now what's this? A new album from Canada's Shock? It's not Christmas and my birthday's long past so what's with this gift? Not that I'm complaining or anything. Far from it friends! It's just that this album hit me from out of nowhere. Kind of  like a punch in the face in the dark. Wait a second. Am I getting to far ahead of myself here? Hell bells man! Why didn't you say something? OK, let's back the car up and head towards home. In this case the home would be Ottawa, Ontario as that's where this story first unfolds. It seems like only yesterday, but in actuality it's been almost three years now since we first the news that traditional heavy metal/power metal band Shock had risen from the dead and released it's debut album. That particular recording was the critically acclaimed "Once Denied". It made my list of  The 55 Best Releases Of 2013 and to this day it's still in heavy rotation at the Davis homestead. In fact the more I listen to it the more I am convinced that it is a near perfect album! By which I mean that it is a must-own CD. Especially for fans of classic metal bands such as Megadeth, Metal Church, and Anthrax. Or even for those who love N.W.O.B.H.M. music along the lines of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Grim Reaper. So yeah, "Once Denied" ended up being quite the success. Now we fast forward a few years and that brings us to the here and now. All of a sudden I'm granted the privilege of hearing the follow-up to "Once Denied" and I have to be honest here. I was scared going into this album that it would end up being a let-down. In my mind I hyped the hell out of album number two for Shock before I even attempted to open up any of the files that came along with it's promo. "What happens if it isn't any good?" I asked myself. Fearing the worst I dove straight in. Thankfully Shock (who I had the pleasure of interviewing back in 2013) avoid the dreaded sophomore slump with "Forewarned" and then some! Produced by Mike Bond ( www.producedbybond.com) and the band members themselves, "Forewarned" is everything that I loved about Shock's 2013 debut album only it's more direct in it's approach. Shock‘s sophomore effort could best be summed up like this. Picture "Rust in Peace" and "Countdown to Extinction"-era Megadeth joined at the hip by old school Armored Saint and Riot. Got that image in your head? OK, now imagine that this collaboration was a product of Canada's classic metal scene, but with more of a modern edge. In a way that's Shock's forthcoming album.....only it's better. It certainly has it's own style and means of delivery. It also has it's own distinct attitude and it's a justified one at that. Given all of that this album is appropriately titled. You should be forewarned that Shock's latest album doesn't mess around. Between "Bend or Break" and "Not If But When" there's a lot of menacing metal to behold. To that end it's no coincidence that "Forewarned" is being released on Friday, November 13th. Seeing as it slays and all! For the guys in Shock (Tony V-vox/guitars, John Tennant-guitar, Steve Monette -bass, and (new for this album) Taylor Calderone - drums ) life is all about METAL and it shows! "Forewarned" is just what fans of Shock have been waiting for and it can be pre-ordered by heading to the group's Bandcamp website. For now be sure to check out the band's first single from "Forewarned", "Sonic Assault"*. It's all or nothing wicked power/thrash metal with a mean bite and it's just one out of the eight tracks on "Forewarned" that absolutely shreds! 

*"Sonic Assault" is just one of several songs on Shock's new album that can trace it's roots to the band's early demo days. The thing is you would never know that it is originally from the eighties as it sounds fresh. I'd even go so far as to say it sounds hip! Just like on "Once Denied" it is incredible how well these "older" songs hold up. Granted in some cases they have been re-worked, but even so numbers like "Sonic Assault" are just so good! These thrash-filled cuts from another time and place work eerily well in this setting and as a whole "Forewarned" is just too good of a metal release to not be scooped up and displayed proudly! While I have no idea how Shock is still unsigned (they should be on a major by now!) I can't help but think that albums like this one are the real deal self-release or not and that headbangers such as "Once Denied" and "Forewarned" are the (super) glue the holds the whole metal scene together. In other words just get this album when it comes out. If you're a real heavy metal fan you won't regret it!

Ignitor-Mix Tape '85

Independent/Self-Release
2013

This short piece is a holdover from yesterday's Free Metal Monday feature as well as a brief news piece about the band's upcoming schedule and their forthcoming album. For those who do not know the name, Ignitor is heavy/power metal band from Texas that is fronted by Jason McMaster (Dangerous Toys and Watchtower). This 2013 release finds the band covering songs from the likes of Anthrax, Venom, Judas Priest and Exciter and it can downloaded fro free by clicking on the link at the bottom of this article. It fit's in nicely with the group's last studio album, 2012's "Year Of The Metal Tiger", and features the following track listing:

1.	Deathrider (Anthrax cover)
2.	Fast as a Shark (Accept cover)
3.	Violence and Force (Exciter cover)
4.	Into the Coven (Mercyful Fate cover)
5.	Witching Hour (Venom cover)
6.	Hell Bent for Leather (Judas Priest cover)
7.	A Lesson in Violence (Exodus cover)
8.	Highway Star (Deep Purple cover)

As far as the new album is concerned it is tentatively scheduled for spring 2016. Even though the band is currently hard at work at Emphatic Audio Recording Studio in Austin, Texas putting everything to tape (ya!) they have managed to secure a spot on the main stage at next year's Ragnarökkr Metal Apocalypse festival in Chicago, Illinois! The event will be held at Reggie's Rock Club on May 6th & 7th so be sure to mark your calendars and get yourself prepared for what will surely be two days of metal madness! For more information on this Texas heavy/power metal band be sure to head here and as promised here is the link for Ignitor's all covers album,"Mix Tape '85"

Olathia-Hunters

Self-Release/Independent
2015

Issued this past May (and available as both a digital download and in CD form), "Hunters" is a full-length album from Cleveland, Ohio's one and only Olathia (oh-LAY-thee-ah). It was back in January of this year that I posted my coverage of this band's previous single and while I personally enjoyed it (and still recommend it!) that particular 3-track recording did seem to illicit mixed reviews from critics (both professional and not so professional). The key thing to remember is that was then and this is now. We're talking about a couple of songs verses a full-blown release. With their 7-track debut album here Olathia is given the opportunity to fully work out their overall sound. While "Hunters" features the two previously-released singles ("Hellbound" and "Open your Eyes") it also comes pack with such gems as "Feel the Earth", "Seven Deadly Sins", "When I Die", "After I Die" and the title cut. When given more room to run about and flex their creative muscles this Cleveland band (Chris E, Jake Nicholson, Steve Albenze, Sully, and Jeff Morrow) pulls out all the stops and that much was obvious once the "new" number "Feel the Earth" kicked down the proverbial door! Following closely behind wicked opener "Hellbound" (see my previous review of this sick single at the link above), "Feel the Earth" packs the same familiar punch as it predecessor. But whereas "Hellbound" is straight-up CHAOS the album's second cut maxes out (hard) heavy metal and the thrashier side of metalcore! For lead singer Chris E. (ex-Cellbound) and her bandmates the resulting onslaught of "Fell the Earth" is just the sort of thing that heavy metal maniacs live for as it's LOUD and most definitely LETHAL! Moving past the other previously-released track (the rock radio-friendly "Open your Eyes") we have "Seven Deadly Sins". This is speed metal/thrash at first and damn fine speed/thrash at that! It's not long though before it finds it's way into modern metal territory. While that would normally be a terrible thing (what with most modern metal bands/songs walking a fine line between trash and treasure!) here on "Hunters" it works. That would be thanks to the skill-set of guitarists Jake Nicholson (ex-Black Valor) & Steve Albenze (Idleblack), bassist Sully (Crown Royal), and drummer Jeff Morrow (Dose). As great as Chris E. is as a singer she is by no means a lone island. She is backed by a great group of musicians who help bring power and passion to the mix. So, between the vocals and the music we've got a nice flow going for Olathia and that naturally enough brings us back to "Hunters" (or to be more specific this album's title cut!). The title cut actually slows things down (if ever so slightly) with a preference for stream-lined metal. It's a nice change and it goes a long ways towards showcasing this Cleveland band's wide range of influences. Still, we are talking about a metal band that loves to put the HEAVY in everything they do. With "When I Die" Olathia brings back the fury and then some! "When I Die" drops the bomb (!) on your speakers and your eardrums! Sure there's a undercurrent of Pantera, but otherwise it's all or nothing blistering metalcore/thrash with Chris showing off her impressive range and bonus points awarded for the sticky sweet solo work of Olathia's guitarists! Of course "When I Die" takes us straight to "After I Die". Here we have a hint of progressive metal and some key moments that bring to mind the best that classic and traditional heavy metal has to offer. All of which is great of course. The odd thing is while all of that is going on I couldn't help but picture Metallica's "Fade To Black"! Even though "After I Die" is perfectly capable of standing on it's own two feet it has that same kind of melancholy vibe going for it as "Fade To Black" does. Whatever the case is the song works and the same can be said for "Hunters" as a whole. Whether it fully captures the live spirit of this amazing band* is open to debate, but for a debut album it works wonders. There is depth behind the numbers and there is a huge-range of styles on display within "Hunters". Newcomers should appreciate the energy and overall sense of metallic urgency of this Ohio band and they should find much to enjoy about the very lovely and extremely talented Chris E. Now, for those who might not have bonded with this group's previously-released single I would say that it is time to give Olathia another shot. "Hunters" feels like a complete work whereas I can kind of understand how the 2014 single might have come across as a bit "jarring" to some (one very wicked slab of metalcore/thrash packed up next to two versions of the more subtle and radio-friendly "Open Your Eyes" could feel uneven to some I suppose). On their own these seven numbers might feel discombobulated. But when paired together? Well, it's a whole different story! They  offer a clearer picture of Olathia as a whole, fully-functioning unit and these differing numbers feed off of the strengths of each other. "Hunters" needs to be played start to finish in order to get a feel for the whole story, but once you tap into this album you won't want it any other way! To Olathia I say great job and keep up the good work.



*As one of the hardest working and most charismatic bands in all of Cleveland the five-piece Olathia has amassed a large & loyal following. Their high-energy live shows are not to be missed! The way in which Chris E. easily captivates the audience is amazing, but then again so is the metallic assault of this local hard & heavy favorite!

Hibria-Hibria

Test Your Metal Records
2015

Formed in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul in 1996, Hibria is a heavy/speed/power metal band that is fronted by Iuri Sanson and influenced by groups as diverse as Metallica, Iron Maiden, Pantera and even Deep Purple! In 1997 Hibria released it's first demo entitled "Metal Heart" and since then the group's ever-expanding catalog has grown to include one other demo, a single, a split release, a live album, a video, and a handful of full-length studio albums!! The self-titled "Hibria" is actually album number five for this Brazilian band that also features guitarists Abel Camargo & Renato Osorio, bassist Benhur Lima, and drummer Eduardo Baldo. It follows 2013's "Silent Revenge" and with 11-tracks in all it offers more than enough metallic thrills to keep your blood pumping and your heart racing! Custom-crafted and geared towards fans of (uptempo) heavy/power metal and (aggressive) technical speed metal, "Hibria" is a nice way to get your rage on without having to even step foot outside! This one is nice and heavy and it's got wicked leads, catchy choruses and everything else that you love about tried & true classic heavy metal. "Hibria" is well-worth tracking down and in case it isn't obvious enough this CD comes with my highest recommendation! 

Kolony-Sledge

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Kolony's second full-length album, "Sledge", was released back in November of 2014. It's an album that I meant to cover right after it's initial release date (or at the very latest in early 2015), but for whatever reason I never got past the point of jotting down a few notes about it. There wasn't even enough here originally to be considered a rough draft which is all the more odd when you consider the fact that I had really enjoyed the few singles that I heard from this album and I even went out of my way to cover these songs in a posting. It's strange then that I didn't follow through with a review of the band's sophomore outing. Hopefully this brief write-up can make up for that mistake. Especially seeing as "Sledge" (which you can listen to here) is one of those releases that embraces all of these different aspects of rock and hard rock and then presents them to the listener in the form of a really good heavy/power metal album. For Kolony this kind of approach is actually nothing new as the band (vocalist/rhythm guitarist Reno, lead guitarist/backing vocalist Maxxx, bassist/backing vocalist Myk and drummer Anthony) is well known for their wide array of influences. They range from the more alternative/modern ones such as Avenged Sevenfold, Bullet For My Valentine, Coheed and Cambria and Trivium to the likes of Metallica, Iron Maiden and Rush with a little bit of everything else tossed in for good measure! With surprisingly clean vocals sprinkled on top of the melodic metal mix this Montreal/Québec-based group whips through a sweet montage of modern metal, N.W.O.B.H.M, progressive metal  and even symphonic metal while never looking back! To say that it's a treat to the ears is putting it mildly! "Sledge" is the kind of album that makes you appreciate the fact that their are bands who are not afraid to try new things and add vastly different elements into their music. I'm just sorry that it has taken me this long to share it with all of you!

Deadiron-Into the Fray

Auburn Records
2015

Three years after the release of "Out of the Rust and Ruin" Cleveland-proud heavy metal/power metal band Deadiron has finally cut lose the reigns that were holding back their long-awaited and (hell to the f**k yeah!) highly-anticipated sophomore album. And while it wasn't easy waiting for the band to finally unveil the new album that we have before us (what with the sneak peak song "Bloodline" having been covered way back on May 1st of 2014!) it is all made worthwhile once you crack open and get your first taste of this album's brilliant starting track, "Cast No Shadow"! Straight out of the gate we find lead vocalist Alexander Van Ness (Brazen Rogues, Hrafnsong, Skullfuckers, ex-Neonatal Death, ex-Victory Flag) ready to rumble and while he was good on the group's 2012 debut-album here on "Into the Fray" he has tapped into something much more than just special. On the reflective "In Memorium" Alexander's voice cuts deeper than previously thought possible and with the band's rapid-fire approach squarely hitting every new target that it encounters  it simply does not get any better than this! As the real voice of Cleveland this five-piece "Bash 'Em and Thrash 'Em" band makes easy work of a classic metal number like "Lady Red" before whipping up a wild frenzy on the punk-infused & Metallica/Slayer-inspired "Travisty"! Preceded by the all-too-brief instrumental "прощай" (proschay) the jagged cut "Travisty" is actually a cover song  from Alexander's former band, Brazen Rogues and when it is followed by the killer "Long Way Home" this album's smooth flow cannot be matched! And speaking of smooth, Deadiron lead guitarist Tyler Harvey (The Plague) provides solos that are epically smooth and sleek and when backed up by CJ Langmack's (sweet) rhythm guitar performances this Ohio band's second full-length release takes a running leap right towards the top of heavy metal's mountain!  With bass guitarist J Bennett (Falling You, Lycia, Midian, Subtle End, Von Isely) and drummer Tom Walling (Degameth, ex-Mo Rage) rounding things out the new and improved Deadiron that is present on "Into the Fray" is second to none! With no dubs in sight, "Into the Fray" excels on every level and whether you are talking about the Judas Priest/Manowar-like title cut or the N.W.O.B.H.M. meets "Ride The Lighting"-era Metallica track "Skies of Gray" (which I love!) it's all good my friends! Even the Volbeat-infused  "Whiskey by the Mound" works better than it has any right to and for Deadiron it's never a question of do we or do we not highlight our influences, but rather how should we properly display our influences so that (above all else) we remain true to ourselves? Whatever thought process goes into the creation of new Deadiron music the result speak for itself! From Iron Maiden to Corrosion of Conformity/Metallica to Alice in Chains the influences remain, but pound for pound this is straight-up Deadiron and that sure as hell does not look as if it's going to change anything soon! Thank God for that! You can find out more about Cleveland's own Deadiron here and be sure to keep your eyes out for an interview that I have planned with the band! This album is stamped with the BRIGHTEST and BOLDEST seal of approval available I have on hand and it easily gets a 9 out of 10 rating from the staff here at Heavy Metal Time Machine! 

Trial-Vessel

High Roller Records
2015

Featuring two guitarists with ties to Enslaved (Alexander Ellström & Andreas Johnsson) as well as two former members of Abscess Plague in bassist Andréas Olsson and drummer Martin Svensson, with former Immersion front-man Linus Johansson serving as the last missing piece of this latest & greatest Swedish sensation(!), Trial are a five-piece act which is hellbent on reviving the classics. And by "the classics" this time around we mean the sounds of  "Iron Maiden, mid-period Mercyful Fate" along "with a bit of Omen thrown in for good measure". All off that in red bold there is per the promo although color me rather impressed as this time around that's a solid enough tag line to go if one had to sum this lot up ever so briefly. That said, let's expand the picture a wee bit and see what comes into focus shall we? OK then. With a demo release entitled "Demo 2010" (released on the record label The Coffins Slave in 2010 obviously!), one additional full-length album (2011's "The Primordial Temple" which was also released on The Coffins Slave) and two 7" singles to their name (one was titled "Malicious Arts" and it came out on Nuclear Winter Records in 2013 while "Where Man Becomes All" was released last year on High Roller Records) this new album should help Trial stick out somewhat from the pack. And well (frankly speaking and all) we could actually start with the whole "Swedish death metal maniacs form much better secondary heavy metal project" pack and then move on from there as that sums up at least one aspect of the band Trial! Yes, everyone here comes from a death metal background and all, but times change as do people so thanks to the collective efforts of all involved (and whats obviously a love for old school Swedish metal, N.W.O.B.H.M. and U.S.P.M.) we end up with a sophomore release that hits way more high notes than sour ones! On the band’s first full-length album for High Roller Records it's not only all of that jazz posted above in red (Iron Maiden, etc.), but there's some Satan influences to be had as well some Hell and even some Candlemass. OK, a lot of Candlemass. That isn't necessarily a bad thing as it meshes wonderfully well with those other influences especially the Mercyful Fate part. And at the end of the day Trial is more or less striving to do there own thing while paying homage to some old time greats so things generally point more towards originality as apposed to simply serving as the latest copycat band to ride the retro-obsessed train of rock! With plenty of fans and critics alike already hailing Trial as the likely successors to the likes of Portait, In Solitude, RAM and Screamer the sky sure looks as if it is the limit for these Swedish purveyors of all things old school. My best bet would be that full-length album number three for Trail will be the real kicker and (assuming they further forge their own distinct flavor of traditional metal/power metal/doom and tighten everything down) that will be the release that makes everyone stand up and take notice of this talented band.