Magic Circle Music/Playground Music 12 studio albums on, MANOWAR are still at war, not far away from their warrior looks and still ageing. This album has already been out, as a Hammer Edition, which Joey Demaio, bass, explains with the fact that many movies have two versions, and that MANOWAR are no different. As a…
Limb Music/Sound Pollution Italian symphonic epic power metal band FOGALORD began life in 2008, as band leader Dany Ali was looking for ways to display his creative output. Dany first went professional with SYNTPHONIA SUPREMA, and cut two albums with them, before beginning on a concept album of the history of his home town. Will…
Infernö Records/Underground Power TRAZORVYRE was formed in 2008 by Chris Calavrias, lead guitars, and James Murray, rhythm guitars, and the aim was clearly to write and perform heavy metal as if the 80´s had never ended. They first recruited drummer Nick Oakes, a bassist, and vocalist 7-Chylde. A five track EP soon materialized, and was…
Limb Music/Sound Pollution Here comes more heavy metal from the land of the Romans. Pisa is famed for its leaning tower, but VEXILLUM wants to make you notice the town´s heavy metal as well. Or at least the Folk heavy metal, as the five members pose proudly in kilts. Back in 2004 they formed as…
Escape/Sound Pollution REDLINE are a true hard rock band from Birmingham, England. Heard that one before? Well there are a few really famous forerunners… REDLINE formed in 2006 around the prospect of writing nu-classic rock songs. The band consists of Kez Taylor, vocals, A.D., guitars, Steve Petty, guitars, Mark Biddiscombe, drums and Redvers on bass….
Frontiers/BAM Since their debut ”The First Chapter” (2005) CIRCUS MAXIMUS has released the smashing ”Isolate”, so anticipations are rather high for this new album. The band has reached an incredible status in those relatively short years, boosting incredible musical abilities, as well as a vocalist to match in Michael Eriksen. And who can be disappointed…
Inner Wound Recordings/Sound Pollution OBSESSION rings bells of old. Forming in 1982 they were the foundation for the career of one Mike Vescera (ex. LOUDNESS, ex YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, solo etc.) from the humble beginnings on the infamous Metal Blade compilation “Metal Massacre 2” until 1989 when they folded after two full-length albums. That might have…
Napalm/Sound Pollution From Scotland to Greece, GRAVE DIGGER continues to impress. Studio release number 16 from one of Germany´s longest running bands with a major audience. Still commanded by ubiquitous vocalist Chris Boltendahl, since 1980, the rest of the clan is; drummer Stefan Arnold, bass player Jens Becker (ex. RUNNING WILD), keyboard player H.P. Katzernburg…
Escape/Sound Pollution Paul Bonrud returns with his self-titled melodic rock project. Produced by Keith Olsen (OZZY, SAMMY HAGAR etc.) Paul, all guitars, Rick Forsgren, vocals, and Paul Higgins, drums also utilizes the keyboard talents of Richard Baker (SAGA etc.), Eric Ragno (GRAHAM BONNET etc.) and Dave Gross. A lot of time has apparently been invested…
Napalm/Sound Pollution The Dutch/Swedish joint venture THE 11TH HOUR sports death metal veterans Ed Warby (GOREFEST, HAIL OF BULLETS etc.) and Pim Blankenstein (OFFICIUM TRISTE). The first album “Burden of Greif” (2009) featured Rogga Johansson of THE GROTESQUERY/PAGANIZER etc but he was too ill to carry on here. In stepped Pim, their live vocalist, and…
Frontiers/BAM DOKKEN, just taste the band name. Few bands had such a bright future back in the mid-nineties as DOKKE; led by esteemed vocalist Don Dokken, the band of George Lynch, guitar maestro, Jeff Pilson on bass and “Wild” Mick Brown on the drums, were flavor of the month between 1983-1989. But Don and George…
Massacre/Sound Pollution This is the fourth offering by old school hard rock band THE ORDER. The band has roots in bands like the excellent thrash outfit GURD, as well as JESR, PURE INC. etc. Apparently this lot wants to relive the eighties, who wouldn´t? Opener “The Power of Love” has a familiar ring to the…