Guitars quite literally illustrate the opening action of “By The Light”, a group of paladins attacking an evil necromantic death cult. Their failure and the sole survivor Emaly’s efforts to avenge the deaths form the balance of Burning Sun’s Retribution (Metalizer Records), a Power Metal tour de force of a concept album in the vein of Helloween and my last album reviewed for Ghost Cult, Martyr. Pancho Ireland’s vocals maintain smooth power akin to Bruce Dickinson.Continue reading
The press kit for this record reads normal, until we look a little deeper. Martyr formed in 1982 and earned attention three years later with a major single and album. Further details about tours and acts sharing the stage – standard stuff for a forty-plus-year-old act. Then, “[U]nleash their seventh studio album Dark Believer through ROAR.” Wait, what? Seventh? When did they form? Huh. That’s like Guns ‘n’ Roses pace.
Let’s have a listen, shall we?
Photo credit: Mathias Bothor
Strap on your astronaut helmets and say sayonara to Japan! Helloween are blasting off, leaving behind the electrifying energy of their powerful lead single “This Is Tokyo” and setting a course for something even more spectacular: outer space. Written by guitarist Sascha Gerstner, “Universe (Gravity For Hearts)” is a stunning, cinematic journey that does more than evoke the vast mystery of the cosmos. It reminds us of the boundless possibilities that lie beyond our world. The universe is an endless expanse, a place where it’s easy to get lost in thought, but also where we can tap into unknown energy and find the strength to overcome life’s greatest challenges. Watch the video here and stream the single below!
Photo credit: Mathias Bothor
Helloween, the legendary German metal band with 21 gold and platinum awards and over ten million records sold, will release their highly anticipated new album Giants & Monsters this August. The album, now available for pre-order, follows their self-titled #1 2021 record and promises to be the most versatile and dynamic release of their career. Mixed at the legendary Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum, Netherlands (Iron Maiden, Judas Preist, etc.), Giants & Monsters reaffirms the band’s position at the pinnacle of the metal world. Pre-orders are live at the the links below. Watch the video for the first single “This Is Tokyo” here:Continue reading
From underground gems to headline-worthy drops It’s New Music Friday for 3-28-25!
What is your favorite album cover this week?
From underground gems to headline-worthy drops It’s New Music Friday for 3-28-25!
What is your favorite album cover this week?
Helloween have officially released their new live album, Live At Budokan, via Reigning Phoenix Music records. It makes them the first German band to record a live album at Japan’s iconic Budokan arena. In the same stroke, they shared the duet by vocalists Andi Deris and Michael Kiske, “Forever And One (Neverland).” Check out the performance video and more below..
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As they gear up for their 40th anniversary, world tour, and a new studio full-length, Helloween are dropping their live concert album, Live At Budokan, on December 13, 2024, via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). They have also just unleashed a live version of “Save Us,” harking back to their Keeper Of The Seven Keys era. Check out the song’s live video and more below.
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Hard rock and metal label, Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM), has opened a new office in Hackney, London, marking its expansion into the UK, and the setup of its International division. The label’s roster includes artists such as Kerry King, Opeth, Meshuggah, Helloween, Amorphis and many more. Head into the article below for more information.
As a surprise to literally nobody familiar with them, it’s all change once again for German glam act Night Laser. Four full-length studio releases with four different line-ups, the only two constants within the band are founding members singer Benno Hankers and his brother, bassist Robert. Also, having presented as both a trio and a quartet since their inception in 2014, the band has grown with another member for this current iteration, switching up to become a five-piece for latest album, Call Me What You Want (Steamhammer/SPV).Continue reading