I spent entirely too long trying to sub-genrefy Nefarious‘ Addicted to Power (Relentless Metal Records). Among the eight tracks on this non-stop aural assault, Thrash, Power, and OG NWOBHM/Warlock/Accept-era influences share a sonic landscape littered with anger, cynicism, and Lovecraft. Before we go any further, let me say I enjoyed this album thoroughly and recommend it highly. You may question that at times if you keep reading.Continue reading
Although only formed in 2022, you could easily be forgiven for thinking that Leipzig speed metallers Morbyda have been around since the early eighties as debut album Under the Spell (Dying Victims Productions) hits all the right nostalgia notes while delivering something uniquely its own.Continue reading
In a better universe, Lemmy Kilmister lives. In that universe, Motorhead goes about twenty percent more Punk for their most recent album.
Because we live in our universe, we got lucky. Kicked In The Teeth gave us Watling Street Chambers (Rare Vitamin Records), which my ears tell me might as well be the same thing.
Finland’s very own Red Moon Architect has just recently released their sixth studio album via Noble Demon Records, entitled October Decay. Hailing from the south-eastern part of the country in Kouvola, Red Moon Architect initially started as a one-man project by drummer Saku Moilanen, and has gone through several lineup changes throughout the years, with their current lineup consisting of Ville Rutanen operating on harsh vocals and Anni Viljanen on clean vocals. Continue reading
Never Quite Dead (Dying Victims Productions,) Pagan Altar‘s newest album, also perfectly describes the band’s journey since its inception in 1978. Reading the press kit, this NWOBHM/Power Doom quartet formed, recorded, and broke up before they earned much attention.Continue reading
This record is BIG. Titans is suitably apropos for Manntra‘s Napalm Records debut. Titanic in size and scope. Billed as “Croatian Folk Metal,” the “folk” element is a much smaller element than, say Tengger Cavalry. This thing is an NWOBHM/ Power/Symphonic Metal tour de force (emphasis firmly on “force”.) Even the cover is huge: Lord of the Rings meets Templar Knights in a pitched battle.Continue reading
For fans of Heavy Metal, finding a band that authentically channels the genre’s timeless essence while delivering a fresh live performance is akin to striking gold. Night Demon, a trio hailing from Ventura, California, embodies just that. On my second encounter with them, their mastery of head-banging anthems clearly cemented my status as a devoted fan.Continue reading
What do you get when it’s all leather and zero lace? KK’s Priest! You know what you are about to experience and for me… It was my first time seeing KK Downing (KK) in action and I wasn’t disappointed in the least. As for the beast of a vocalist, Tim “Ripper” Owens (Ripper)… He is part of the Judas Priest history, despite the fact you can’t find those albums as easily or online… Ripper was chosen as the rightful heir to the legacy that Rob Halford, established decades ago, back in the nineties, because he could do what most mortal men cannot… He not only sang those classic tracks he created his own chapter and when you close your eyes… Ripper Owens… Owns your ears.Continue reading
Blitzkrieg, the on-and-off NWOBHM veterans much loved by Metallica, are back with their new self-titled album (Mighty Music). Much like AC/DC do and Motörhead, did, Blitzkrieg stick to what they know – which is classic metal of a decidedly eighties vintage that fans of Diamond Head, Judas Priest, and Saxon will know and appreciate.Continue reading
Fourth Dominion hails from Rochester, New York already steeped in a rich musical heritage, cue No-Wave legend Lydia Lunch, Swing era Jazz musician Cab Calloway, Garage-Rock revivalists The Chesterfield Kings, and of particular interest to Ghost Cult regulars, Grind gods Brutal Truth. Fourth Dominion therefore appear to be in esteemed company.