CONCERT REVIEW: King Diamond – Overkill – Night Demon Live at The Kings Theater


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


CONCERT REVIEW: KK’s Priest – Accept Live at Ace of Spades


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


ALBUM REVIEW: Blitzkrieg – Blitzkrieg


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


ALBUM REVIEW: Fourth Dominion – Diana’s Day


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. 

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ALBUM REVIEW: Gatecreeper – Dark Superstition


After a five-year gap between albums, Arizonan quintet Gatecreeper are back with Dark Superstition (Nuclear Blast). Their third album sees their heavy, Death Metal roar wed to more melodic and concise metal. A heavy band embracing melody like this might raise some metalheads’ hackles, afraid their band going soft, but fear not. Their heft and aggression is still alive and kicking, but just married to more accessible metal.   Continue reading


CONCERT REVIEW: Saxon – Uriah Heep Live at Bergen Performing Arts Center


I had the supreme pleasure of seeing the two English juggernauts Saxon and Uriah Heep Live at Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, NJ as part of their ‘Hell, Fire & Chaos’ U.S. Tour! Continue reading


CONCERT REVIEW: Girschool – Alcatrazz – Lillian Axe Live at The Gramercy Theatre


Girlschool is currently traveling around the United States on what they are calling their Final North American Tour Part 1. Recently, they made a stop at The Gramercy Theatre on 23rd St in Manhattan, and what a stop it was. Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Traveler – Prequel To Madness


It’s no secret that Canada has a long and storied history of producing quality Heavy Metal. From classic bands such as Anvil, Annihilator, and Exciter to more recent acts like 3 Inches Of Blood, Cauldron and Unleash The Archers, Canadians always seem to hit the traditional Metal mark. Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: The Gems – Phoenix


After experiencing “creative differences” as part of Thundermother, Guernica Mancini, Emlee Johansson and Mona Lindgren left and formed The Gems – a three piece Rock band, and it is fair to say that this Swedish trio’s debut Phoenix (Napalm Records) is in similar territory to their previous vehicle: sixteen tracks of no frills Classic Rock built on chunky riffs and shoutalong choruses. Continue reading