ALBUM REVIEW: Unleash The Archers – Phantoma


Unleash the Archers is a band that reliably produces songs that are unconventional and wildly exciting. This Canadian Power Metal act has broken barriers in the genre by their dauntless divergences, hearty songwriting, and overall efficacious passion. The quintet is preparing to release their sixth full-length album, Phantoma (Napalm Records), which elevates their innovative skills and strengths to new heights.

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CONCERT REVIEW: Týr – Trollfest – Æther Realm – The Dread Crew of Oddwood Live at Sanctuary


The illustrious Nordic act, Týr brought their Battle Ballads headlining tour to North America and Motor City was one of their stops. The band is out promoting their new full-length album bringing along Trollfest, Æther Realm, and The Dread Crew of Oddwood with them. This highly anticipated month-long run designated the Sanctuary in Hamtramck, a neighboring borough of Detroit, to share all their fabulous folk festivities with.Continue reading


CONCERT REVIEW: The 69 Eyes – The Bites – Budderside at The Machine Shop


It was a fine, flowering Friday when The Machine Shop opened its doors for a night of hearty rock and ghoulish gothicness. The prized concert lounge hosts everyone from legends to rising stars making it an ideal stop for the Death of Darkness USA tour. The 69 Eyes have brought their dark music expertise back to the states for a month-long run with support from The Bites and Budderside. Known as Helsinki’s vampires, this hard-working Finnish band has not changed their lineup in thirty-two years and they have routinely been on tour proving their exuberant resolution. They are currently out and about promoting their latest album which was just released last year. Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Sonata Arctica – Clear Cold Beyond


Finland is reported to be one of the happiest countries in the world. Even though it can produce some fantastically grim Metal acts, this Nordic nation has some jubilant bands as well. Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Borknagar – Fall


Borknagar is one of Norway’s acclaimed heavy metal acts known for their striking Scandinavian sound and resolute resilience. Their beginnings sprouted thirty years ago and over that time they have proven their merit by cultivating complex concoctions full of genre-bending wonders. They are well seasoned in their affluent brewing of black, progressive, and folk elements making their work notable.

Their capabilities continue to shine bright on their next full-length record where they push boundaries and explore new depths of their skill sets on Fall (Century Media Records).

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ALBUM REVIEW: Ryujin – Ryujin


The new year is off to a good start because Ryujin’s shining new self-titled album Ryujin (Napalm Records) is about to be released. Continue reading


CONCERT REVIEW: Exodus – Exploding Zombies – Jesus Wept Live at The Machine Shop


The nights are getting colder in Michigan, but that did not deter devoted metal heads from trekking out to Flint’s revered venue, The Machine Shop last week. Thrash legends Exodus came to town gifting us with a headlining show. The band just wrapped up a month-long run with deathcore outfit Fit For An Autopsy and they seemed more than thrilled to play a much longer set. Continue reading


CONCERT REVIEW: Steel Panther – Moon Fever Live at The Machine Shop


The holiday season is here and the zany hair metal act Steel Panther is on the road to get you in the festive spirit. The LA glam group is on a short run titled the “On the Prowl Winter Holidaze” tour where they are supporting their latest album, On the Prowl (Republic Records) that came out earlier this year. One of their twelve tour stops includes Michigan’s Vehicle City. Flint is home to the independent and nationally acclaimed music venue, The Machine Shop. This iconic concert hub was an optimal choice to host this racy, yet lovable group of stylishly bold fellas for two nights in a row. Everyone forgot the dreary December cold as they entered the small-sized venue where these fiery, comedic rockers sizzled things up.Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Bjørkø – Heartrot


Tomi Koivusaari is known for being one of the founding members of the masterful metal act, Amorphis. He has been a champion in one of Finland’s most acclaimed bands for over thirty years and he is now getting ready to release an album from his debut solo project: Bjørkø.Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Hinayana – Shatter and Fall


 

From the great state of Texas emerges one of the most interesting and promising new Melodic Death Metal acts in the U.S. Hinayana has received high praise for their latest EP which is claimed to be unique and visionary. Now this southern quintet is getting ready to release their sophomore album, Shatter and Fall (Napalm Records) and everyone is curious to see if this budding band continues to blossom. Continue reading