Album Reviews

A quote in the press release by the band states “This is not just a compilation of songs for us,this is our life” and the variety of material on the 12 original songs + one cover version here hammers home that statement. Cadaverous Condition will not get on the Billboard …

On 20 January, Stahlmann released their second album entitled Quecksilber (Quicksilver).  Formed in 2008 the German electro rockers have a style (a combination of rock, metal and electronic dance) not totally dissimilar to Rammstein – though definitely distinctive in its own right. The album starts of relatively softly with Engel …

  Dutch band Vengeance,formed over 30 years ago by vocalist Leon Gowie  has assembled an impressive band line up to record their 9th studio album Crystal Eye due to be released on Feb 27th 2012  by Steamhammer/SPV records. Vengeance probably will not be mentioned in  the same breath as current …

    Translation ”The Journeys of The Soul “ Since their groundbreaking 2005 debut the e.p “Le Secret”, Alcest have created quite a stir amongst the black metal scene, creating their own unique brand of gothic themed doom laden sounds utilising the many talents of Neige. Opening track “Autres Temps” …

Belgium based Max Pie are a progressive metal act that are only just getting the credit they deserve. Since forming in 2005, the band have gone on numerous tours, played numerous festivals, but unfortunately only waited until 2011 to record their debut album. Now in 2012, Max Pie have finally …

You always want to fight the corner of your hometown heroes, be it your local football team or a band that have helped to put your part of the world on the musical map. You want to stand, as one, with ‘your boys’ and, shoulder to shoulder, take on all …

If you ever wanted to know what a nuclear bomb sounds like when it tears an entire city to bits, then look no further than the new EP by Def-Con-One. Based on the theme of warfare, this self titled EP from London’s finest metal heads will not only blow your …

Formed by Marthus (the ex machine behind the drums of Cradle of Filth) in 1997, Inner Fear are back after a long hiatus with their first album in nine year. First Born Fear is a ten track, power house of a gothic metal album, bringing together atmospheric keyboard effects, lightning …

Denmark’s own progressive rock heroes Royal Hunt are back with their great new album Show Me How to Live, and for those who don’t know of the mighty Royal Hunt……. Go out and shoot yourself. No, only joking, go out and buy this album because this is the best starting …

Hailing from Northern Ireland Baleful Creed are a classic rock influenced four-piece that also take a nod at the stoner rock section of the genre. With a growing number of well-received gigs and guest spots under their belts Baleful Creed are now finding themselves in what is undoubtedly their zone …

Girls in rock bands are always a welcome sight to see. The majority of rock fans may be male (although that may be debatable when you factor in the male/female breakdown at some of 2011’s rock festivals) but that doesn’t mean the vast proportion of guys don’t want to see …

February 24th sees the release of Black Messiah’s fifth album The Final Journey.  Founded in 1994, this band originally paid tribute to their black metal idols, but over the years have developed their own pagan metal style.  Though the band has seen many changes in membership over the years, one …

Us entertainment reviewers are lucky guys and girls you know, after all we quite often get to attend gigs for free, we receive countless promo CDs and merchandise items, and if we are very lucky we even get to meet some of our heroes along the way. Whilst these perks …

It’s nice sometimes to stumble upon a band you have always wanted to see and hear and yet due to circumstances beyond your control you have missed. For this reviewer Northern Irish rockers Rebels By Nature were one such band until not so long ago. These guys (and girl) were …

This debut offering from Dubliners Xerosun actually came out in their Irish homeland back in 2010, to great acclaim on both sides of the border, but now has been picked up, re-packaged and given a worldwide release by Rising Records. And much deserved the development is, as this is – …

Pythia’s 2009 debut ‘Beneath The Veiled Embrace’ certainly created musical ripples upon the sea of Female Fronted Metal and heralded a hard touring ethic which saw the band headline the Sophie Stage at Derby’s Bloodstock Festival and grab a slot at the prestigious Metal Female Voices Fest in Belgium. The …

Seminal Irish three piece rockers Therapy? have been around since the early 90’s, and have been there done that and got the t-shirt for most things. Sadly misplacing their form with the release of the Suicide Pact album, I was somewhat cautious when there was news of a new album …

Since their 6th studio album Legend of the Shadowking, which was released in 2010, German power metal heroes Freedom Call have been working their asses of touring, writing and generally kicking ass in any way possible. Now in 2012, Freedom Call have once again blessed the world wide heavy metal …

When you though symphonic metal couldn’t get any better, you discover a new band who raises the barrier once again. Introducing Ecliptica, an Austrian based metal band who really know how to put the power in power metal. Made up of six extremely talented musicians, Ecliptica combine: Chugging power chord …

For many people, Anvil were not known until  their  dvd, Anvil-The Story Of Anvil, was released  in 2009. Also a lot of rock/metal fans may only be familiar with their 3 classic album  releases, Hard And Heavy, Metal On Metal and Forged In Fire from 1981,1982,1983 and their 2 most …