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Album Review – Ruynor / Metal To The Punk (2026)

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This German Heavy Metal and Punk Rock trio returns louder, sharper, and more dangerous than ever, delivering twelve hard hitting, no compromise tracks that tear down genre boundaries without mercy.

Officially founded in Geislingen, Germany in January 2013 by vocalist and guitarist Twisted-Felix Ruyn and his best buddy, bassist Dome Ruyn, being later joined by drummer Sammy Ruyn in 2015, Heavy Metal/Punk Rock outfit Ruynor returns louder, sharper, and more dangerous than ever after a five-year silence with a new album titled Metal To The Punk, the follow-up to their 2021 opus Here We Go. Mixed and mastered by none other than singer Michelle Darkness of End of Green, Metal To The Punk delivers twelve hard hitting, no compromise tracks that tear down genre boundaries without mercy. As stated in the title of the album, brutal metal clashes head on with raw, filthy punk without filters and safe zones.

The trio ignites their Motörhead-inspired feast with the excellent Bring Bakk The Balls To Punk, with the inebriate vocals by Twisted-Felix being nicely boosted by the song’s rebellious backing vocals; and Dome’s bass and Sammy’s drums will make you bang your head like a maniac in 10 Years, followed by the also rockin’ tune Your Threats Don’t Sway Me, presenting darker, more sinister elements that end up giving it an old school Heavy Metal vibe. Then of course a name like Metal Punk Commando would carry with it a frantic, heavy-as-hell sound, a true Metal N’ Roll hymn led by Twisted-Felix’s piercing riffs, while Fear Is A Strategy keeps the momentum going with its high dosage of heaviness and rebelliousness, followed by Date Of Death, one of the songs with the strongest Punk Rock vein, again showcasing their striking combination of raspy vocals and insurgent backing vocals.

Twisted Daze / Hellfire Nites is clearly inspired by the Rock N’ Roll and Hard Rock sound from the 80’s, as if it was taken from an afternoon adventure movie; and let’s raise our horns and praise the rock gods to the sound of Hail Rock’N’Roll, led by the pounding drums by Sammy while Dome hammers his bass nonstop. Misanthropic Tendencies is by far the weakest of all songs. It doesn’t work at all, in special if compared to the electricity flowing from all other tunes; whereas back to a more ferocious, faster sonority we face Into The Mosh, which will drag you to the mosh pit without you even noticing. Then inspired by the sound of the mighty Misfits they bring forward Nightmare (Horrific Scenes Of Days Past), offering a nice twist to the album, and there’s nothing better than a wild fusion of Rock N’ Roll and Punk Rock, just like what they offer in P.C. Scum, to conclude any rock album, again showcasing the sharp, incendiary riffs by Twisted-Felix.

Still rooted in real life, still unapologetically diverse, but this time with a level of songwriting and sonic power Ruynor have never reached before, Metal To The Punk will inspire you to slam into the mosh pit like there’s no tomorrow, keeping the adrenaline flowing inside your metallic veins. Hence, you can get in touch with such a talented Teutonic trio by following them on Facebook and on Instagram, including their highly energetic live performances, stream their killer creations on Spotify, and of course grab a copy of Metal To The Punk from BandCamp or Big Cartel, as well as from Metalapolis Records. With the release of Metal To The Punk, the trio is more than ready to rock your world, or as they like to say… TRIGGA TRIGGA PENG!

Best moments of the album: Bring Bakk The Balls To Punk, Metal Punk Commando, Hail Rock’N’Roll and Into The Mosh.

Worst moments of the album: Misanthropic Tendencies.

Released in 2026 Metalapolis Records

Track listing
1. Bring Bakk The Balls To Punk 4:08
2. 10 Years 3:46
3. Your Threats Don’t Sway Me 2:45
4. Metal Punk Commando 1:53
5. Fear Is A Strategy 3:40
6. Date Of Death 4:00
7. Twisted Daze / Hellfire Nites 3:33
8. Hail Rock’N’Roll 2:46
9. Misanthropic Tendencies 2:42
10. Into The Mosh 2:48
11. Nightmare (Horrific Scenes Of Days Past) 5:27
12. P.C. Scum 2:58

Band members
Twisted-Felix Ruyn – vocals, guitar
Dome Ruyn – bass
Sammy Ruyn – drums

Album Review – Old Ruins / Mount Arreat (2026)

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This German horde continues their darkened path by offering their own blend of Heavy, Black, Doom and Melodic Metal in their sophomore studio album.

Having created their own highly distinctive style by drawing on numerous influences from Heavy, Black, Doom and Melodic Metal, Gelsenkirchen, Germany’s own Post-Black Metal outfit Old Ruins is back with their sophomore full-length offering, entitled Mount Arreat (a major fictional location in the Diablo video game franchise), following up on their 2023 debut full-length album Always Heading East. Displaying a dystopian artwork by Timon Kokott, the new album by Christian Krajewski on vocals and guitars, Ersin Kara also on the guitars, Oliver Krajewski on bass, and Mike Gelnar on drums sees the band continue the darkened path which stated with their self-titled debut EP from 2020, sounding tighter, heavier and more dynamic than ever.

The strident guitars by Christian and Ersin ignite the band’s dark and heavy feast in Once There Was Light, with Christian’s deep vociferations sounding haunting yet captivating, followed by Gates Of Harrogath, even heavier and more dynamic, offering a wild fusion of Melodic Death and Doom Metal led by Mike’s thunderous beats and fills, always supported by Oliver’s rumbling bass. Call To Arms is a more cadenced and sluggish tune, with its Sludge Metal elements adding a visceral vibe to their core sound before their classic Heavy Metal vein pulses through their dual guitar attack; and a serene intro morphs into another massive metal onrush by the quartet titled Uileloscadh Mor, with the guitars by Christian and Ersin once again cutting our flesh mercilessly.

Nihlathak flirts with old school Black Metal, hence its dirtier, rawer and more aggressive sound, while Mike dictates the song’s pace with his spot-on beats and fills, whereas Mount Arreat, the song that carries the name of the album, is just as grandiose as the location that inspired it, offering a solid fusion of Death and Doom Metal with the epicness of Heavy Metal. Then we’re treated to Lord Of Destruction, the heaviest and darkest of all songs, where Mike’s drums sound immense while Christian roars like a demonic creature until the song’s very last second; and they conclude the album with an overdose of epicness and rage in the form of Tyrael’s Despair, with their guitars once again breathing fire.

In a nutshell, Old Ruins offer in the excellent Mount Arreat their unique blend of melodic, catchy and gripping Black and Death Metal for fans of In Flames, Children Of Bodom, Arch Enemy, and Tribulation, inspiring us all to join them in their darkened quest, while also fueling the band to continue fighting for extreme music in their upcoming releases. Those talented German metallers are waiting for you on Facebook and on Instagram, and don’t forget to also stream their music on Spotify and to purchase Mount Arreat from their own BandCamp or from Sick Taste Music. In other words, it’s time to climb the mount of extreme music together with Old Ruins while listening to their new album, keeping your blood running wild through your veins as you face such a demanding and exciting challenge.

Best moments of the album: Gates Of Harrogath, Uileloscadh Mor and Lord Of Destruction.

Worst moments of the album: Call To Arms.

Released in 2026 Sick Taste Music

Track listing
1. Once There Was Light 5:48
2. Gates Of Harrogath 4:52
3. Call To Arms 5:02
4. Uileloscadh Mor 7:27
5. Nihlathak 5:15
6. Mount Arreat 6:25
7. Lord Of Destruction 5:37
8. Tyrael’s Despair 6:16

Band members
Christian Krajewski – vocals, lead guitars
Ersin Kara – guitars
Oliver Krajewski – bass
Mike Gelnar – drums

Album Review – Mad Max / Stories Of Destiny (2026)

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These German Heavy Metal veterans are celebrating 45 years on the road with their sixteenth studio album, reflecting their long history while opening a new chapter in their career.

Founded in Münster, Germany in the distant year of 1981 by guitarist, songwriter and leader Jürgen Breforth, Mad Max have been a constant name in the European Heavy Metal and Hard Rock scene for more than four decades, always showcasing their powerful guitar driven sound, strong melodies and classic Hard Rock attitude. Now in 2026 the band formed of the aforementioned Jürgen Breforth on the guitar alongside vocalist Alan Clark (known to many fans from Dark Heart), guitarist Wilfried Schneider, bassist Thomas Hoffmann, and drummer Uwe Starck is celebrating 45 years on the road with their sixteenth studio album, titled Stories Of Destiny, following up on their 2022 opus Wings of Time. Built around songs that Jürgen had the honor to co-write with respected names from the rock and metal world, including Sascha Gerstner of Helloween, David Readman of Pink Cream 69, Andreas Broon of The Sister of Mercy, and Michael Voss, known from his work with Michael Schenker, the album showcases the unmistakable Mad Max style from start to finish, an absolute delight for all fans of their old school style.

Jürgen and Wilfried ignite their rockin’ machine in Silver, a very melodic tune that will work brilliantly if played live, and then we have the first of the two previously unreleased Mad Max songs from 1991, Weapons Of Love, where Thomas and Uwe make the earth tremble, offering pure 80’s Hard Rock to our metallic hearts. Keep You Alive is a mid-tempo tune that takes some time to take off, although Uwe keeps the rhythm flowing behind his drums, followed by Far Behind, an amazing Hard Rock extravaganza by the band with Alan kicking some serious ass on vocals. The newly recorded version of Piece Of Candy, based on the very first guitar riff Jürgen ever wrote for Mad Max in 1981, is now performed as a duet between Alan and guest Andreas Baesler (their original vocalist, back after 45 years), and it will certainly inspire you to bang your head nonstop at a rock pub.

‘Til The End Of Time, the second unreleased song from 1981, keeps the album at a high level of electricity with its 80’s inspired sonority, with their guitars breathing Hard Rock magic; whereas in Bullet, just like a Rock N’ Roll bullet, the music will penetrate inside your mind with Alan stealing the spotlight with his soaring vocal lines. Mad Gone Blind is another song tailored to be played live, with Jürgen and Wilfried being in absolute sync from start to finish; whereas She Was Mine continues from where the previous song left off, again showcasing the striking combination of Alan’s classic vocals and Uwe’s hammering beats. It’s then time to slow things down and deliver the introspective, emotional ballad Wings Of Freedom, or in other words, simply raise your lighters together with Mad Max; and closing the album we face Dulces Falsos, their first song ever recorded with Spanish lyrics, serving as a tribute to the band’s fans in Latin America, a no shenanigans Heavy Metal and Hard Rock feast for lovers of the golden years of heavy music.

Not only that, the visual world of Stories Of Destiny also connects to the Mad Max comics created by Mexican comic artist Maestro Arturo Said, telling the story of the band from its founding days in 1981 through the 80’s and up to their first shows in Colombia in 2023, making the album both a musical and visual celebration of the band’s legacy. You can get more information about such an important band in the world of heavy music via Facebook and Instagram, stream their music on any platform like Spotify, and purchase Stories Of Destiny by clicking HERE. Reflecting the band’s long history while opening a new chapter in their career, therefore creating a direct link between their earliest days and their present, Stories Of Destiny points to a bright future ahead of them, always loyal to the foundations of our good old Rock N’ Roll.

Best moments of the album: Silver, Far Behind and Bullet.

Worst moments of the album: Keep You Alive.

Released in 2026 ROAR! Rock of Angels Records

Track listing
1. Silver 4:10
2. Weapons Of Love 3:23
3. Keep You Alive 4:02
4. Far Behind 4:37
5. Piece Of Candy 3:22
6. ‘Til The End Of Time 4:29
7. Bullet 4:51
8. Mad Gone Blind 3:48
9. She Was Mine 4:42
10. Wings Of Freedom 4:31
11. Dulces Falsos 3:22

Band members
Alan Clark – vocals
Jürgen Breforth – guitar
Wilfried Schneider – guitar
Thomas Hoffmann – bass
Uwe Starck – drums

Guest musician
Andreas Baesler – vocals on “Piece of Candy” and “Dulces Falsos”

Album Review – Iron Kobra / Eternal Dagger (2026)

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The Cult of the Snake returns to action with their incendiary third studio offering, bringing Heavy Metal back to its unpolished, rough, and weird roots.

Formed in 2008 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, the unrelenting Heavy Metal squad known as Iron Kobra began with a noble mission – to bring Heavy Metal back to its unpolished, rough, and weird roots, influenced by heroes of old like Iron Maiden, Cirith Ungol, Living Death, Manowar, and Tank with a sprinkle of punk.  Produced, recorded and mixed by Stefan Castevet (with drums recorded by Konrad aka Goat Primator), mastered by Patrick W. Engel at Temple of Disharmony, and showcasing an old school artwork by by Mario Lopez, Eternal Dagger is the third studio album by Iron Kobra, following up on their 2015 sophomore Might & Magic and exploding with excitement at every turn of its nine songs of raging Speed Metal, all carefully brought into being by Ela on vocals and guitars, Steffen also on the guitars, Matze on bass, and Björn on drums.

The band doesn’t waste a single second and takes us on a wild metal journey right from the start in Trembling Dungeons, with the Thrash Metal beats by Björn adding an extra dosage of rebelliousness to their sound. Then the Iron Maiden-infused guitars by Ela and Steffen will invite you to slam into the pit in Forbidden Fruits, followed by Fliehen, another classic Speed and Heavy Metal feast by the quartet, with Ela’s vocals taking us back to the glory of the 80’s. And adding elements of old school Hard Rock to their core insanity we’re treated to Shibuya Nights, where the guitars by Ela and Steffen transpire electricity; whereas with a name like Silver Strings and Iron Wings it was obvious it was going to be an overdose of pure Heavy Metal madness, led by Björn’s unrelenting drums.

It’s time to hit the dance floor, but of course holding your sword and shield, in the inspiring title-track Eternal Dagger, with the rumbling sounds crafted by Matze and Björn  clashing beautifully with the strident riffage by Ela and Steffen. Unchained & Untamed is even faster and sharper, like a razor blade of Heavy and Speed Metal cutting through our headbanging minds, with their riffs and solos once again breathing fire; and the band still has a lot of fuel to burn as you can see in the high-octane beast titled Treacherous Tyrant, with Björn again stealing the spotlight behind his drums. Last but not least, Ela’s soaring vocals will invite you for an epic voyage through metallic lands in Mountains of Madness, ending the album on a killer NWOBHM style.

It goes without saying that the band’s arsenal throughout the entire album offers a wide variety of pure Heavy Metal gold, evoking the likes of Exciter, Brocas Helm, Diamond Head, and early Running Wild but, of course, with their undeniable personality and panache. If you want to join those amazing German metallers in the battlefield, you can find them on Facebook, stream their music on any platform such as Spotify, and of course purchase a copy of the incendiary Eternal Dagger from their own BandCamp, from the Dying Victims Productions’ BandCamp, or simply by clicking HERE. In summary, at very long last, Iron Kobra return to stake their claim as kings of swords and sorcery metal music with Eternal Dagger, so strap yourselves to your seats as the Cult of the Snake is back, bringing you heavy hymns that will pierce your eardrums like a Heavy Metal drill.

Best moments of the album: Trembling Dungeons, Eternal Dagger and Unchained & Untamed.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Dying Victims Productions

Track listing
1. Trembling Dungeons 4:03
2. Forbidden Fruits 3:36
3. Fliehen 3:17
4. Shibuya Nights 3:44
5. Silver Strings and Iron Wings 4:29
6. Eternal Dagger 3:39
7. Unchained & Untamed 3:26
8. Treacherous Tyrant 3:58
9. Mountains of Madness 5:04

Band members
Ela – vocals, guitars
Steffen – guitars
Matze – bass
Björn – drums

Guest musicians
Stefan Castevet – additional guitar solos on “Eternal Dagger” and “Shibuya Nights”, additional vocals on “Treacherous Tyrant” and “Trembling Dungeons”, additional electronic soundscapes
Rike – additional vocals on “Treacherous Tyrant” and “Trembling Dungeons”
Chantal – additional vocals on “Treacherous Tyrant” and “Trembling Dungeons”

Album Review – Fleshcrawl / Epitome of Carnage (2026)

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These ruthless Death Metal veterans will satiate your hunger for thunderous extreme music with their demolishing tenth full-length opus.

Founded in the spring of 1987 in Illertissen, Germany, by Stefan Hanus and Bastian Herzog, the ruthless Death Metal brigade known as Fleshcrawl will satiate your hunger for thunderous Death Metal with their forthcoming full-length opus, entitled Epitome of Carnage, following up on their 2019 offering Into the Catacombs of Flesh. Recorded at Scumlight Studio, produced and mixed by the band itself, and mastered by Peter In de Betou at Tailor Maid Production, the newborn spawn by Borisz Sarafutgyinov on vocals, Apu Justin Reisch and Christian Kalbrecht on the guitars, Manu Markowski on bass, and Bastian Herzog on drums will please all fans of rotten, old school Death Metal, decimating everything and everyone that crosses the path of a band that has been living and breathing pure extreme music for almost 40 years.

Their level of brutality already goes through the roof in the opening track Blood Dominion, led by the demented blast beats by Bastian while their guitars transpire Death Metal, followed by Chapel Of Guts, as gruesome as it can be thanks to the deep vociferations by Borisz, supported by another round of Stygian riffs by Apu and Christian. They keep shredding their axes in Grave Messiah while Bastian goes full Brutal Death Metal on drums; whereas in Embers Of Wrath the band continues to make everything tremble with their groove-infused Death Metal attack, with Borisz’s guttural reaching a new slab of vileness. Committed To Suffer offers pure 90’s Death Metal magic flowing from all instruments, in special from the devilish riffs by Apu and Christian, while Reign Forever lives up to the legacy of European Death Metal the likes of Vomitory, with Bastian once again stealing the show with his inhumane beats and fills.

The second part of the album kicks off with the Stygian interlude Chronicles Of Bloodshed, warming us up for the demolishing Rebuilt From Flesh, where their slashing riffage will cut our flesh into pieces. It’s absolutely harsh, brutal and heavy, with Borisz barking like a demonic entity until the very end, and there’s no time to breathe to the frantic riffs blasted by the band in Orphan God, again offering an overdose of their deep, visceral sounds. Then get ready to break your neck headbanging with Path Of Thorns, as evil as it can be due to another demonic vocal performance by Borisz, followed by Heralds Of Death, not as exciting as its predecessors albeit still showcasing a solid guitar work by Apu and Christian. Lastly, there’s no better way to end a Death Metal album than with a slamming tune like Of Fire And Flesh, bringing forward the band’s characteristic guttural roars, vile riffs and demented bass and drums.

After listening to each and every track from Epitome of Carnage, you’ll easily realize why Fleshcrawl refuse to die, continuing to spread their Death Metal madness to all four corners of the earth with the same intensity and rage from their early days. And if Death Metal is your business, and business is good, you can find those deadly German creatures on Facebook and on Instagram, including their killer live concerts, stream their visceral tunes on Spotify, and of course grab a copy of their new album from the Reigning Phoenix Music’s webstore in the EU, US or UK, or simply click HERE for all available versions of the album. But you better be warned as once you hit play on the new album by Fleshcrawl, there will be carnage.

Best moments of the album: Chapel of Guts, Grave Messiah, Reign Forever and Of Fire And Flesh.

Worst moments of the album: Heralds Of Death.

Released in 2026 Distortion Music Group (DMG)

Track listing
1. Blood Dominion 3:49
2. Chapel Of Guts 5:44
3. Grave Messiah 4:01
4. Embers Of Wrath 3:26
5. Committed To Suffer 3:55
6. Reign Forever 3:50
7. Chronicles Of Bloodshed 1:08
8. Rebuilt From Flesh 3:54
9. Orphan God 3:51
10. Path Of Thorns 5:22
11. Heralds Of Death 4:08
12. Of Fire And Flesh 4:44

Band members
Borisz Sarafutgyinov – vocals
Apu Justin Reisch – guitars
Christian Kalbrecht – guitars
Manu Markowski – bass
Bastian Herzog – drums, additional vocals

Album Review – Elder / Through Zero (2026)

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The leaders of Heavy Psychedelic Rock take their years of experience and form their most engaging record to date, allowing seeds from outside the sphere of rock music to take root and bloom within their progressive framework.

Consisting of frontman and lead guitarist Nick DiSalvo, bassist Jack Donovan, guitarist and keyboardist Michael Risberg, and drummer Georg Edert, formed in Massachusetts, in the United States, but currently located in Berlin, Germany, Heavy Psychedelic Rock band Elder is back with their seventh studio album, titled Through Zero, the follow-up to their 2022 opus Innate Passage. Two decades into their existence, Elder remain an anomaly in the underground rock scene, a rare band with the ability to absorb and shed influences from a myriad of genres without falling into pastiche or losing their own identity, and their new record is a strong reaffirmation of a commitment to pushing boundaries in the world of Heavy Rock and cements the group’s status as leaders of the pack in Heavy Psychedelic Rock. Recorded in Berlin across several months between tours in 2025, and the first album which the band not only produced but also co-mixed together with longtime collaborator Richard Behrens, Through Zero sounds more like a full extension of the band’s creative intentions than ever before.

It’s always a bold move to kick off an album with a ten-minute song like Sigil To Ruin, I mean, will the listener stay hooked? Well, in this case I can guarantee you won’t get bored at all, with the bass by Jack hammering your heads mercilessly while Nick delivers delicate yet piercing vocals nonstop. Capture & Release is another very detailed and enfolding aria by those guys, with its whimsical start morphing into a feast of Progressive Rock and Metal led by the intricate beats and fills by Georg; while the title-track Through Zero brings to our avid ears an overdose of psychedelia flowing from the riffs by Nick and Mike, alternating between atmospheric passages and sheer progressive madness. Strata, the longest song of the album, kicks off to the classy bass by Jack while also presenting multiple layers and nuances, with Nick’s vocals overflowing energy and passion; and it’s time for the most psychedelic of all songs, titled Sight Unseen, while still presenting their Heavy Metal vein. Furthermore, Jack and Georg are relentless with their respective bass and drums. And lastly, we’re treated to the introspective outro Blighted Age, turning the ambience into fields of serenity thanks to the song’s soothing guitars and minimalist beats.

In their new album, Elder takes their years of experience and forms possibly their most immediate and engaging record to date, while allowing seeds from outside the sphere of rock music to take root and bloom within their progressive framework, being therefore highly recommended for fans of Earthless, Truckfighters, Electric Wizard, The Sword, Sleep, Kylesa, Pallbearer, Monolord, and YOB, among several others. If you want to join them in their unique journey through the lands of psychedelia and progressiveness, you can find them on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their music on Spotify, and put your hands on their new album via BandCamp or by clicking HERE. Rock N’ Roll has never been heavier and crazier, and we must thank bands like Elder for releasing albums like Through Zero and, therefore, for making our world a much more pleasant place.

Best moments of the album: Sigil To Ruin and Strata.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Blues Funeral Recordings

Track listing
1. Sigil To Ruin 10:34
2. Capture & Release 8:48
3. Through Zero 9:06
4. Strata 10:48
5. Sight Unseen 8:51
6. Blighted Age 5:49

Band members
Nick DiSalvo – vocals, guitars
Mike Risberg – guitars, keyboards
Jack Donovan – bass
Georg Edert – drums

Album Review – Caught In A Mirror / Neoncore (2026)

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These unstoppable German rockers will put you to dance with their debut album, a metallic party that is Metalcore at the core, then EDMcore and Hardstyle pushed right up front.

Having spent the past year moving fast, dropping a new single every month while building their sound live and letting their audiences grow with it, Hemer, Germany’s Neoncore outfit Caught In A Mirror is ready to get the party started with their debut album, titled Neoncore. Handling the project with a hands-on, DIY mindset and a clear focus on impact, with a big visual setup built around lights and crowd reaction during their live concerts, the band formed of Giu on vocals, Fabi and Kristian on the guitars, Dario on bass, and Julian on drums delivers a thrilling album that is Metalcore at the core, then EDMcore and Hardstyle pushed right up front, being therefore recommended for fans of Electric Callboy, Bring Me The Horizon, 100 gecs, and Yungblud, among others.

Let’s get this party started with the upbeat opening tune C.I.A.M., where Giu’s smooth clean vocals quickly explode into his harsh growls supported by the mechanized drums by Julian, whereas in I’m Okay we see the band add elements of electronic and rap music to their Neoncore while Fabi and Kristian make sure there’s enough heaviness flowing from their instruments. Immer Schneller (Speeding German Version) is a Metalcore tune made for hitting the dance floor together with Caught In A Mirror, with its background keys bringing even more electricity to their sound; and Julian dictates the pace in the hard hitting core feast entitled Party Ganze Nacht, with Giu’s vocals transpiring rebelliousness, in special his devilish breakdowns. On the other hand, So Sorry is by far the weakest of all songs, a bit too bland and generic compared to the rest of the album.

Speeding brings the band back to a heavier, more festive sonority led by the massive riffs by Fabi and Kristian, presenting elements from classic Metalcore while also keeping the band’s party vibe intact, while Summer Vibes // Neon Lights continues from where the previous song left off, offering a well balanced fusion of Metalcore with neon sounds, again presenting the pounding drums by Julian. Tornado might the most catchy song of the entire album, hence it should sound fantastic live, with Giu delivering his strongest, deadliest vocals of all while his bandmates generate a true tornado of upbeat Metalcore. Then featuring guest vocalist Ben Zimmermann, Down is a radio-friendly Metalcore song showcasing more of their killer fusion of heavy riffs and background electronic sounds; and last but not least, let’s slam into the “neon pit” to the sound of Club Night,  featuring guest Morgana on vocals, putting a beyond electrifying end to the album.

“Neoncore is like a hall of mirrors. You recognize yourself, but distorted. That’s exactly what we wanted. We didn’t just want to deliver, we wanted to challenge”, says vocalist Giu, while bassist Dario also had a few nice words to say about the band’s unique style. “We make music for everyone who wants to scream, laugh, and dance. Ideally all at the same time.” If you want to join the band’s undisputed, metallic and colorful party, you can find those Teutonic rockers on Facebook and on Instagram, staying up to date with their breathtaking live performances, stream their electric madness on any platform like Spotify, and of course purchase the thrilling Neoncore by clicking HERE or HERE. Furthermore, don’t forget to get in really good shape for when you start listening to Neoncore, because you WILL dance like there’s no tomorrow together with Caught In A Mirror, a band that definitely knows how to unite the words “Metalcore” and “party” with tons of passion, energy, and neon.

Best moments of the album: Immer Schneller (Speeding German Version), Party Ganze Nacht and Tornado.

Worst moments of the album: So Sorry.

Released in 2026 Independent

Track listing
1. C.I.A.M. 3:44
2. I’m Okay 3:09
3. Immer Schneller (Speeding German Version) 3:19
4. Party Ganze Nacht 3:00
5. So Sorry 3:17
6. Speeding 3:21
7. Summer Vibes // Neon Lights 3:16
8. Tornado 3:26
8. Down 3:15
10. Club Night 3:02

Band members
Giu – vocals
Fabi – guitar
Kristian – guitar
Dario – bass
Julian – drums

Guest musicians
Ben Zimmermann – vocals on “Down”
Morgana – vocals on “Club Night”

Album Review – Timeless Rage / My Kingdom Come (2026)

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This powerful German Symphonic Metal ensemble is back with their sophomore album, revolving around the major themes of power, freedom, rebellion, love, guilt, war, and the cycle of life and death.

Having carved out their own niche with an unmistakable blend of catchy Power Metal, detailed Melodic Metal, symphonic influences, and dark, mystical tones since their inception in 2012, Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany-based Symphonic Power Metal ensemble Timeless Rage is back with their sophomore effort My Kingdom Come, the follow-up to their 2022 album Untold. Currently formed of vocalist Nicolaj Ruhnow, guitarists Christian Pirch and Michael Benk, bassist Daniel Wengle, keyboardist Anna Keil, and drummer Klaus Buchfink, Timeless Rage have created an album with five chapters that range from orchestral opulence to uncompromising metal power, with its content revolving around the major themes of power, freedom, rebellion, love, guilt, war, and the cycle of life and death. Theological, mythological, and human perspectives are interwoven, questioning moral certainties as well as religious and social structures.

My Kingdom Come is simply epic and imposing from the very beginning, with Nicolaj stealing the spotlight with a powerful vocal performance while Christian and Michael deliver sheer adrenaline from their axes. Then Daniel’s bass and Klaus’ drums are boosted by the striking keys by Anna in The Seed Of Fear, resulting in a bold, multi-layered Symphonic Metal aria tailored for admirers of the genre; whereas investing in a more direct Power Metal sound led by the hammering drums by Klaus we have The Devil’s Masquerade, perfect for their live concerts. Conquistadores feels like an epic adventure on unruly waters, alternating between fast and heavy Power Metal moments and ethereal passages; and Moonbite Serenade offers us all six minutes of absolute heaviness in the form of Symphonic Metal led by the crushing drums by Klaus while Anna’s keys add an extra touch of epicness to their music.

A Vampire’s Legacy continues their symphonic adventure, perfect for admirers of the music by Kamelot, with Nicolaj once again delivering a striking vocal performance for our total delight. After the serene interlude Regrets, we’re treated to The Enemy Is You, where the band puts the pedal to the metal and brings forward the heaviest sound of all songs, in special the demolishing beats and fills by Klaus supported by Daniel’s rumbling bass, followed by We All Shall Fall, which despite its nice atmosphere and the haunting keys by Anna sounds a bit generic in the end compared to the rest of the album. Lastly, blending elements from Melodic Rock and AOR to their core sonority the band fires The Pale Death, also presenting another excellent riff attack by Christian and Michael to properly conclude the album.

In a nutshell, Timeless Rage deliver in My Kingdom Come a work that appeals to genre fans as well as listeners who value storytelling, atmosphere, and musical class, and you can join those talented Teutonic metal warriors on Facebook and Instagram (or simply by clicking HERE), staying up to date with all things surrounding the band, including their breathtaking live performances, as well as stream their music on Spotify, and purchase a copy of their thrilling new album from BandCamp or from Metalapolis Records. In a sea of never-ending gimmicks, Timeless Rage focus on what really matters, which is first-class heavy music with a strong background story, and I’m sure My Kingdom Come will be featured among the top Symphonic Metal albums of the year all across the world.

Best moments of the album: The Seed of Fear, Moonbite Serenade and The Enemy Is You.

Worst moments of the album: We All Shall Fall.

Released in 2026 Metalapolis Records

Track listing
1. My Kingdom Come 5:09
2. The Seed Of Fear 5:19
3. The Devil’s Masquerade 3:54
4. Conquistadores 4:56
5. Moonbite Serenade 6:16
6. A Vampire’s Legacy 4:20
7. Regrets 1:07
8. The Enemy Is You 5:06
9. We All Shall Fall 5:24
10. The Pale Death 4:21

Band members
Nicolaj Ruhnow – vocals
Christian Pirch – guitars
Michael Benk – guitars, backing vocals
Daniel Wengle – bass, backing vocals
Anna Keil – keyboards, backing vocals
Klaus Buchfink – drums

Album Review – Cruel Force / Haneda (2026)

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Germany’s own Blackened Thrash Metal horde returns with their striking new opus, taking us on a journey from old temples to desert planes, from deep jungles to mountain tops, and other mysterious locales beyond.

Truest of the true, Germany’s own Blackened Thrash/Speed Metal horde Cruel Force storms back with swords gleaming high on their fourth full-length opus, entitled Haneda, which translates to “feather field” or “wing rice paddy,” derived from the Japanese kanji for hane (羽, wing or feather) and ta/da (田, rice field), the worthy follow-up to their 2023 critically acclaimed album Dawn of the Axe. Recorded by Marco Brinkmann at Hellforge Studio, Bauer Studios and The Parchment Studios, and showcasing an old school artwork by Maegan LeMay, the newborn spawn by Carnivore on vocals, Slaughter on the guitars, Spider on bass, and GG Alex on drums further proves that the band is more so an old-style Speed Metal band, largely bereft of that blackened edge during their First Era. The tradeoff is that there’s a prominent mysticism coursing through that speed, and the blue-collared aspect of Dawn of the Axe is now spit-shined to a lethal slickness that makes Haneda hit that much harder, taking the listener on a journey from old temples to desert planes, from deep jungles to mountain tops, and other mysterious locales beyond.

The epic, battle-driven intro The Cross sets the stage for Cruel Force to kick our asses in Whips-A-Swinging, with the frantic, insane riffing by Slaughter adding an extra dosage of adrenaline to the band’s already demented Thrash Metal, accompanied by the crushing beats by GG Alex. There’s no time to breathe as the quartet continue their path of chaos and rebelliousness with Savage Gods, with Carnivore’s deranged vocals living up to the legacy of old school Speed Metal; whereas in Sword of Iron the name of the song says it all, transpiring classic Heavy Metal while Spider’s demonic bass walks hand in hand with GG Alex’s nonstop drums. Then we have Crystal Skull, where its 80’s action movie-like intro gradually morphs into a headbanging sound led by Slaughter’s guitar, albeit it would have been a lot better with vocals.

Warlords presents hints of the metal music made famous by Manowar, but without forgetting their core savagery and speed, alternating between sheer heaviness and the metallic madness of the riffage by Slaughter; and it’s time to put your elbows up and slam into the pit to the sound of Black Talon, with its Punk Rock attitude and its Thrash Metal vibe elevating Carnivore’s vocals to new heights. Titan’s Awakening is another song where the band wastes no time and begins distilling their frantic insanity right from the very first second, with Slaughter’s demented riffs being nicely boosted by the thunderous kitchen by Spider and GG Alex. And how about a nine-minute Thrash and Speed Metal song? That’s exactly what you’ll get in the breathtaking title-track Haneda, with their riffs and beats matching flawlessly with Carnivore’s vicious vocals, inspiring the band (and their fans) to march into the battlefield until the song’s epic and melodic grand finale.

“To us, it often feels like what Rainbow / Dio would have sounded if they’d played speed metal,” commented the band, and with its neoclassical moments plus tasteful references to Eastern European metal, Haneda locates that unique melting-pot of the thrashing rage of classic Kreator, Deathrow, Razor, Piledriver, and Powerlord meeting the grandeur of equally-classic Rainbow, Iron Maiden, and Virgin Steele. You can enjoy all that power, speed and rage from Haneda by grabbing a copy of the album from the Shadow Kingdom Records’ BandCamp or webstore, and don’t forget to also follow the band on Facebook and on Instagram, and to stream their striking creations on Spotify. Having said all that, do you have what it takes to venture into Haneda and disturb the Savage Gods on the way to the Crystal Skull?

Best moments of the album: Whips-A-Swinging, Sword of Iron and Haneda.

Worst moments of the album: Crystal Skull.

Released in 2026 Shadow Kingdom Records

Track listing
1. The Cross 1:19
2. Whips-A-Swinging 4:01
3. Savage Gods 4:28
4. Sword of Iron 4:03
5. Crystal Skull 4:52
6. Warlords 6:23
7. Black Talon 4:04
8. Titan’s Awakening 4:15
9. Haneda 9:11

Band members
Carnivore – vocals
Slaughter – guitars
Spider – bass
GG Alex – drums

Album Review – Daidalos / Dante (2026)

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This German lone-wolf of Symphonic Black Metal returns with a thrilling reinterpretation of the Divine Comedy, where doubt, despair and revelation intertwine.

The brainchild of German composer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Tobias Püschner, founded in 2020 as a creative outlet merging Black Metal, orchestration and conceptual storytelling, Brunswick, Germany-based Symphonic Black Metal entity Daidalos (also spelled Daedalus, a legendary Athenian craftsman, inventor, and architect in Greek mythology) returns with a brilliant conceptual album, titled Dante, following up on the project’s 2022 debut The Expedition. Recorded and produced by Tobias  himself, with guitars and bass recorded by Nahuel Lozano of Mental Cruelty (who also took care of the album’s mixing and mastering), and displaying a dark, devilish artwork by Bérénice Tulliez of Noirs Dessins, Dante is a reinterpretation of the Divine Comedy, where doubt, despair and revelation intertwine. Yet the core remains the same, the search for meaning in darkness, expressed through meticulous orchestration, intense vocal delivery and the balance between aggression and melancholy that defines Daidalos. Each track represents a fragment of this descent, from the intro in the forest, through the gates of hell, to the final escape, from storm to silence, from fire to frost.

Cryptic sounds ignite the opening tune Dante, with Tobias beautifully gnarling the song’s dark lyrics (“Straying in the Darkwoods / Raging Demons frighten me / In a Forest, on a Hill / Our Poem has begun / Shadows of a Poet who has lost his Way of Life / Leading down the Underworld / Where withering Sunlight dies”), exploding into Inferno, with his blast beats being boosted by all background orchestrations and the striking riffage by Nahuel in a lecture in Symphonic Black Metal. Ashes continues with Tobias’ incandescent feast of Black and Death Metal, with his haunting keys adding an extra touch of insanity to the music, followed by Storm, and the name of the song says it all. It’s an overdose of pure adrenaline, darkness, heaviness and epicness by Tobias, with his deep guttural bringing even more fury to his already violent Black Metal. Then featuring guest vocals by Erik Püschner (most probably Tobias’ own son) we have Minos, a phantasmagorical interlude that sets the tone for King, attacking us relentlessly with his Dimmu Borgir-like vociferations and keys, always supported by the killer riffs by Nahuel.

Polish brass metal duo :wisielec: (D.Rudzinski and T.Grzyb) brings the power of the mighty gongs to another enfolding interlude Styx, whereas Gate showcases a more cinematic side by Daidalos, both warming us up for Dis, where Tobias goes absolutely mental on drums and orchestrations, generating a grandiose wall of sounds perfect for slamming inside the circle pit (of fire). Phlegethon might be the coolest of all interludes thanks to its church-like organ, flowing into the also cryptic Malebolge, which sounds like it was taken from a movie score, exploding into Euphobia, a song that sounds inspired by some of the more recent creations by Cradle of Filth while also presenting devilish lyrics roared by Tobias (“Far above your faith are laws of sinful rotten Dreams / Flowers grow on / Mirrors and their Roots consume / Suddenly: Clashing Dew, Blossoms fall to Snow / In this loveless Pleasure-fauna / Sins have grown like Thorns”). Finally, Ultimatum closes the album on an apocalyptic, hellish mode, with Tobias firing his undisputed growls, blast beats and epic keys nonstop for our total delight.

For devotees of the Symphonic and Atmospheric Black Metal, Dante undoubtedly resonates with the monumental orchestrations of Fleshgod Apocalypse, the dark theatricality of Dimmu Borgir, and the apocalyptic scope of Septicflesh, and if you want to put your hands on such an amazing album from the always exciting German underground, you can grab a copy of it from the Rockshots Records’ webstore as a CD or an LP, or simply click HERE for all digital versions available of the album. Don’t forget to also give Tobias Püschner and his Daidalos a shout on Facebook and on Instagram, staying up to date with all things Daidalos, and of course to stream his creations on Spotify or any other platform. The reinterpretation of the Divine Comedy by Daidalos turns Dante into a must-listen for fans not only of extreme music, but also of good storytelling with endless darkness, passion and despair, and if that’s an indication of the path Tobias will follow with his future releases, we can rest assured Symphonic Black Metal will remain strong for many years to come.

Best moments of the album: Inferno, Storm and Euphobia.

Worst moments of the album: Gate.

Released in 2026 Rockshots Records

Track listing
1. Dante 2:18
2. Inferno 3:42
3. Ashes 4:22
4. Storm 4:05
5. Minos 0:30
6. King 4:00
7. Styx 2:08
8. Gate 0:20
9. Dis 4:15
10. Phlegethon 1:18
11. Malebolge 0:40
12. Euphobia 4:54
13. Ultimatum 4:19

Band members
Tobias Püschner -vocals, drums, keyboards, orchestrations

Guest musicians
Nahuel Lozano – guitars, bass (session)
Erik Püschner – vocals on “Minos”
:wisielec: – gongs on “Styx”