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”
This renowned Heavy Metal and Hard Rock outfit from Sweden is back in action and ready to rock with their first major release in eight years.
Formed in early 2010 in Gothenburg, Sweden by guitarist Oscar “Oz” Hawe Petersson, the unrelenting Melodic Heavy Metal/Hard Rock outfit Osukaru (the Japanese phonetic transliteration of the name of the band’s founder Oscar) returns with their first major release in years, the hard rockin’ Tall Tales, following up on their 2021 album Starbound. Produced by Oz himself together with longtime singer and band partner Fredrik Werner (Daytona, Air Raid), mixed by Svein Jensen (Alicate, Sister Sin), mastered by Mats Eriksson (Degreed), and displaying a classy artwork by Oz and actress and model Eliza Sica, carrying a subtle sense of both unease and wonder that mirrors the album’s mysterious lyrical themes, the new offering by the aforementioned Fredrik on vocals and guitars, Oz also on the guitars, Marcus Zerath on bass, and C.D on drums and percussion is a clear statement of how far the project’s original vision has come, offering us fans that melodic yet visceral Swedish sound we all love so much.
The band’s striking riffs rev up their rockin’ engine in the opening tune Exceeder, with the classic Hard Rock vocals by Fredrik adding even more electricity to their music, while the sound of the harmonica brings an eccentric touch to Wendigo before the music evolves into another solid hybrid of Heavy Metal and AOR. Blood On the Rocks is a hard hitting tune by the band offering the classic riffs by Fredrik and Oz boosted by the heavy kitchen by Marcus and C.D; and it’s then time for the smooth power ballad The Outer Side Within, with Fredrik showcasing passionate vocals while his bandmates spread love and harmony in the air, before they speed things up and kick some ass with their heaviest song of the album, titled Ronin, led by the classic beats and fills by C.D.
Who Do You Love takes us back to the glory of the 90’s with their Sunset Strip inspired Hard Rock and Glam Metal, adding even more adrenaline to the album, while Split is as groovy as it can be thanks to the amazing job done by Marcus and C.D on bass and drums, respectively. Only Moments Left is one of those strip tease-like Hard Rock and Rock N’ Roll tunes by Osukaru which could be played on any radio station worldwide, followed by When It’s Over, a decent ballad with a cool solo by Oz, albeit a bit too mellow after all is said and done. Lastly, we face C’est Dans Ta Tête, or “it’s in your head” from French, a solid Hard Rock and AOR song that concludes the album with Fredrik once again kicking ass on vocals.
Oz and his Osukaru have been on a roll since their inception over 15 years ago, and the striking Tall Tales will certainly inspire the quartet to keep moving forward and delivering high quality heavy music no matter what for many years to come. Having said that, what are you waiting for to give the guys from Osukaru a shout on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their rockin’ tunes on any platform like Spotify, and of course, purchase Tall Tales from several locations such as Monuments in Ruin, Streetlight Records, and Park Ave CDs? This is what our good old heavy music is all about, bringing to us exciting music with a beautiful and deep background story, and hopefully it won’t take a long time again for Osukaru to unleash another blast of their music upon us.
Best moments of the album:Blood On the Rocks, Ronin and Split.
Worst moments of the album:When It’s Over.
Released in 2026 Pride & Joy Music
Track listing 1. Exceeder 3:24
2. Wendigo 4:36
3. Blood On the Rocks 3:17
4. The Outer Side Within 3:59
5. Ronin 3:09
6. Who Do You Love 3:43
7. Split 3:36
8. Only Moments Left 3:52
9. When It’s Over 4:02
10. C’est Dans Ta Tête 6:00
Band members Fredrik Werner – lead vocals, guitar
Oz Hawe Petersson – guitar, backing vocals
Marcus Zerath – bass, backing vocals
C.D – drums, percussion
Behold the third opus by this rising force of the European Power Metal scene, featuring ten uplifting songs that are meant to help you get through hard times.
Founded in 2022 in Debrecen, Hungary by bassist Zoltán Papi, Burning Sun are a rising force in the underground Heavy, Power and Speed Metal scene. Delivering the kind of metal that is rare nowadays, the kind of music that is rooted in Helloween, Gamma Ray, Edguy, Hammerfall and 90’s Power Metal with no compromises, only pure dedication and passion, the band currently formed of Nicolas Peter on vocals and guitars, Pancho Ireland also on the guitars, Zoltán Papi on bass, and Edmond Kulcsár on drums returns with their third full-length opus, titled Power to Survive, following up on their critically acclaimed 2023 debut Wake of Ashes, and their 2025 sophomore Retribution. Adorned by a classy artwork by Artem Astaroth, showcasing the character of Emaly, who plays a major role in the band’s identity as she appears on all artworks, such a high-energy album features ten uplifting songs that are meant to help you get through hard times, just the way we like it in Heavy and Power Metal.
It’s pedal to the metal in the frantic Power Metal extravaganza titled Quest Divine, with the soaring vocals by Nicolas matching perfectly with the song’s riffs and beats; followed by Emaly’s Hymn, featuring Herbie Langhans of Steel Rhino and The Lightbringer of Sweden, offering more of that characteristic European Power Metal sound we all love so much. In other words, simply raise your fists and sing it along with those metal warriors. Nicolas and Pancho then bring forward an Iron Maiden-inspired twin guitar attack in Tale of Brothers, while Zoltán and Edmond take care of the song’s thunderous, galloping rhythm; and their striking guitars are screaming loud once again in Light of the World, offering us all a very good reason to headbang like there’s no tomorrow. And featuring the indomitable Alexandra Lioness (aka Aleksandra Stamenković) of Chaos Rising, Frozen Crown and Jenner, get ready to be caught in a Power Metal mosh to the sound of Over and Beyond, again presenting Nicolas’ trademark, electrifying vocals.
Come Home might be the most generic of all songs, sounding like a billion other songs recorded by several bands out there; whereas the thunderous bass by Zoltán and the classic beats by Edmond kick off the mid-tempo battle hymn Spirit Alive, presenting hints of classic Hard Rock added to their core sonority. It’s then time for a short but extremely fast Gamma Ray-inspired tune titled Prayer before we face Holy Light, a beautiful ballad led by the passionate vocals by Nicolas that brings peace to our hearts, flowing into the closing tune We Rise Again, a sword yielding anthem led by the unstoppable beats and fills by Edmond, inspiring us all to join Burning Sun in the battlefield until our last breath.
Inspired by the 90’s golden era of European Power Metal and taking their name from a phenomenal Helloween song, Burning Sun channel soaring melodies, driving rhythms, and heroic storytelling in their new album, and you can get in touch with those metal warriors via Facebook and Instagram, including their live performances, listen to their battle hymns on any streaming service like Spotify, and of course, buy their striking new album from BandCamp or by clicking HERE. We all need a lot of power to survive in our rotten and decaying world, and the power of true Heavy Metal like what Burning Sun have to offer in their newborn beast is undoubtedly the most effective one for such a demanding challenge.
Best moments of the album:Emaly’s Hymn, Over and Beyond and We Rise Again.
Worst moments of the album:Come Home.
Released in 2026 Pride & Joy Music
Track listing 1. Quest Divine 4:09
2. Emaly’s Hymn 4:18
3. Tale of Brothers 5:20
4. Light of the World 3:37
5. Over and Beyond 3:41
6. Come Home 3:55
7. Spirit Alive 4:50
8. Prayer 0:42
9. Holy Light 3:15
10. We Rise Again 5:05
Band members Nicolas Peter – vocals, guitars
Pancho Ireland – guitars
Zoltán Papi – bass
Edmond Kulcsár – drums
Guest musicians
Herbie Langhans – vocals on “Emaly’s Hymn”
Alexandra Lioness – additional vocals on “Over and Beyond”
Alessio Perardi – additional vocals
As the fires of summer continue to burn in the Northern Hemisphere, there’s nothing better than dedicating an entire article to one of our beloved Burning Witches, more specifically the one responsible for turning the band’s lyrics into sheer power and energy through her soaring, undisputed vocals. Not only a classy vocalist and frontwoman, she’s also a diehard metalhead, always ready to show her love for old school Heavy Metal, and always ready to rock our world with her incredible voice and charisma. Her name is Laura Guldemond, a crazy wild child and frontwoman for one of the must-see names of the current metallic scene, and once you know more about her career, her personal life, and her passion for heavy music, there’s certainly no turning back, as you’ll be under the spell of one of the most talented “witches” of the worldwide metal community. Having said all that, are you ready to be locked in the tower by the phenomenal Laura Guldemond here on The Headbanging Moose?
Born on July 31, 1988 in Zoetermeer, a city in the Western Netherlands, in the province of South Holland, Laura doesn’t exactly come from a family of musicians, but there was still a lot of music surrounding her in her early days. “It’s funny, because my parents weren’t into music, but my grandparents were musicians – they played the double bass and the violin. They travelled around playing music, and I guess the next generation was fed up with that, so it had to continue with me! My mum’s half-sister still plays the flute, too.” Although she could sing a little bit and was comfortable with some notes, she had to learn the high notes by taking singing lessons, and at one point she decided she wanted to become a professional singer. Then she went to a conservatory in Eindhoven called The Metal Factory to continue with her studies. “When I was about twenty years old, I decided to take things a little more seriously, and that’s when I started taking singing lessons. Later on, I decided that I had to study music somehow. I auditioned for the Haarlem conservatory and ended up in the preparatory course for it, but then I came across the Metal Factory, and I was part of the first batch of students there.”
Laura has been immersing herself in Heavy Metal and Hard Rock for most of her life, saying it was a big discovery for her when she was younger. “My parents never really went any heavier than Queen. Which I like, but then I discovered Within Temptation, and I loved it. That was probably mainly because it sounds a little mysterious. That’s what I liked about it, at least. When the time came that I had enough allowance to buy albums, I found W.A.S.P.’s Dying for the World right next to Within Temptation. I really like W.A.S.P. as well. From then on, I started listening to more and more different things. Quite quickly after that, I decided that I wanted to play guitar. And I did have a guitar, so I did try to play it, but I had no lessons, and I ended up giving up. I did already sing, and that’s what I kept doing,” she commented.
It was in 2019 when Laura joined the amazing Burning Witches, replacing the band’s original vocalist Seraina Telli, and she fit the blank spot perfectly with her undisputed vocal potency, being immediately embraced by the band’s diehard fanbase. That same year, she released her first song with the band, the excellent Wings of Steel, following by the EP Wings of Steel, also in 2019, and her first-ever full-length opus with the girls, Dance with the Devil, in 2020. That same year, the band released an EP titled Acoustic Sessions, followed by their full-length albums The Witch of the North (2021), The Dark Tower (2023), and more recently Inquisition (2025), all available on Spotify or any other streaming platform. Furthermore, you can also check Laura and the girls kicking ass on the official videos for songs like High Priestess of the Night, The Dark Tower, The Witch of the North, and Unleash the Beast, or check their official YouTube channel for those videos, full playlists and other content including interviews and live footage of all of their tours.
When Laura joined Burning Witches, she said they were all very welcoming, helping her overcome any initial challenges as she said she’s the type of person that needs a lot of time to get used to other people. There was of course a lot of rehearsal time required in the beginning until they all got used to Laura’s vocal style and vice-versa, but as expected there’s also a lot of fun involved in the overall process. “We go out to dinner sometimes, we hang out after rehearsals, so that is nice,” she commented, also having some nice words to say about the freedom she has while writing material for the band. “When it comes to writing my melodies and lyrics, I have a fairly large amount of freedom. Sometimes they come up with something they like, but even then, I am free to try something else, or we can discuss various ideas. It’s always fairly open. It kind of depends on how attached they are to the ideas they already have. There are plenty of times when there is no idea at all yet, and I can just make up whatever I like.”
Needless to say, the band’s diehard fans were all very welcoming when Laura became a member of Burning Witches, even when you take into account they already had two very solid albums released prior to her joining the band. Laura was actually more prepared for the feedback from the audiences than her bandmates in the end. “To be completely honest, I think it had been a much more emotional process for the rest of the band than it has for me. In a way, I had kind of already prepared myself for such reactions. The stories are out there. Like Tarja and Nightwish, for example. You still hear people complaining about that these days, which makes me think: guys, seriously, still? You know it is going to happen, and you know it is going to keep happening. So I was mentally prepared for that. Some of those people have returned, others haven’t. That’s just how things go.”
Before becoming the frontwoman for the indomitable Burning Witches, Laura was the vocalist for an array of very interesting bands and projects. It looks like her first Heavy Metal band was Utrecht, Netherlands-based Progressive Metal act Synergy Protocol, having played with them from 2013 until 2015, and having recorded their 2014 debut three-track demo. Around the same time, from 2014 to 2015, she was also the vocalist for Epic Rock Choir, a Netherlands-based group of singers specialized in major rock and metal opera projects like Arjen Anthony Lucassen’s The Theater Equation, and founded an Experimental and Electronic Rock and Metal project named Generation Lost together with Marco van der Hoorn, but nothing has ever been released under that flag.
The other two bands that Laura was a member of were Dordrecht, Netherlands-based Progressive Metal/Rock project Magoria, working as one of their vocalists between 2017 and 2018, and of course her main band before she joined Burning Witches, the excellent Eindhoven, Netherlands-based Symphonic Power Metal band Shadowrise, fronting the band from their inception back in 2009 until they split up in 2019 (one of the reasons being of course her full-time commitment with Burning Witches), having recorded with them the 2016 EP Escape from Shadow Island, and their 2018 self-titled full-length, both available on BandCamp and on Spotify.
Not only that, Laura can also be found as a guest musician in several different bands and projects, showcasing her absolute energy, dynamism and versatility, allowing her to sing basically any music genre you can think of. For instance, she was a guest vocalist on the song Valkyries in the Sky, from the 2024 album Gods of Metal (Year of the Dragon), by German/Italian Heavy Metal band All for Metal; choir vocals on the official video recording of the 2016 album The Theater Equation, by Dutch Progressive Metal/Rock icons Ayreon; vocals on the song Schwestern aus Stahl, from the 2025 Damokles, by German Heavy Metal/Hard Rock band Blindgänger; vocals on the song The Path That Never Ends, from the 2026 album Sons of the Abandoned, by Spanish Melodic Death Metal outfit Bloodhunter; vocals on the song Back on the Streets, from the 2022 album Back on the Streets, by UK Power Metal band Chrysalïd; and vocals on the 2025 single Fierce, by Swiss Symphonic Metal band Deep Sun.
If you think this is it, you’ve got another thing coming, as Laura was also a guest vocalist on the song Receptor, from the 2025 album Receptor, by American Progressive Metal act Dissona; vocals on the song Poison Tears, from the 2025 album Unbreakable, by the indomitable Heavy Metal/Hard Rock duo Ellefson-Soto; vocals on the song False Faced Demon, from the 2022 album Inquisition, by Dutch Symphonic Metal band Epinikion; female vocals on the song Blind Souls, from the 2017 album The Endless River, by Jordanian Melodic Death Metal band Eternal Insomnia; vocals on the 2022 album Malleus Maleficarum, and on the Avatarium cover The Fire I Long For, from the 2023 album Ventus Metallum, by German Heavy/Power/Progressive Metal project FB1964; and vocals on the song For Blood & Glory, from the 2021 album Serpent Chariot, by Austrian Blackened Thrash Metal band Golden Blood.
Do you want some more? Well, Laura was also featured as a guest vocalist on the song Stand United, from the 2022 album Dealer of Souls, by Swiss Heavy/Power Metal band Gomorra; on the song All Women in Me, from the 2023 self-titled album by Dutch Progressive/Symphonic Metal band Heavenqueen; on the song Sleeper, from the 2025 album Gilgamesh, by Ukrainian Progressive Metal/Rock act Korypheus; vocals on the song The Great Masquerade, from the 2025 album Remnants of Rapture, by Canadian Heavy Metal outfit Lycanthro; on the song Alone, from the 2024 album Shadow Empress, by Progressive Metal warrior Nino Helfrich; backing vocals on the 2015 album Wayward Sanctuary, by the now defunct Dutch Progressive Metal/Rock project ReSolve; vocals on the song Your Time Has Come, from the 2024 album Blood of the Witches, by German Heavy Metal/Hard Rock guitarist Stephan Georg; choirs on the 2015 album The Diary, by Dutch Symphonic/Progressive Metal/Rock duo The Gentle Storm; vocals on the song Neverealm, from the 2026 album Neverealm, by Greek Heavy Metal band Valiant Sentinel; and vocals as one of the “Pirate Queens” on the song The Pirate Queens, from the 2022 album Lost, by Dutch Symphonic Power Metal project Woods of Wonders.
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As you can see, Laura is one of the best vocalist of the current Heavy Metal scene worldwide, with countless bands recruiting her as a special guest in their new albums, and of course with her career with the striking Burning Witches being the icing on the cake. However, it’s important to say that before being such an accomplished vocalist, she’s also a true metalhead, nurturing deep passion for the same rock and metal icons as any of us, as well as some of the most interesting names of the non-metal scene. “Lots of awesome metal bands have influenced me during the years. To name a few I listened to a lot as a teenager; Within Temptation, W.A.S.P., Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Halestorm, Eluveitie, Death Angel and Kamelot. But also great contemporary singers like Sia, Christina Aguilera and Beyonce. This is reflected in the versatility of my voice,” she commented.
When asked which song she loves the most in her life, her answer was the purest, most incendiary form of Heavy Metal you can think of. “I love Painkiller by Judas Priest because the drums start playing and you immediately feel the energy.” Moreover, she considers the one and only Metal God Rob Halford as a role model, saying he’s one of the people who’ve inspired her the most in terms of how she sings with Burning Witches now, as well as the indomitable Bruce Dickinson. “What I love is that he has so many songs with a lot of vocal dynamics. So I would say both he and Bruce Dickinson inspired me. I’ve heard Bruce a few times when people are listening from a bit further away and it sounds hyper-laden. I think it’s because I have a bit of memorization there too.” Dio is also a huge influence in her life, and the fact Burning Witches recorded a cover version for the all-time classic Holy Diver also shows how much she loves his unique voice.
Speaking of cover songs, Laura also maintains a really entertaining YouTube channel as her “solo project” (which you can also find alongside all of her other links and social media by clicking HERE), recording multiple cover songs with very special guests the likes of Courtney Cox and Sara Jolís as her support band, among other interesting videos. For example, you can enjoy Laura’s soaring vocals in killer cover songs including W.A.S.P.’s Wild Child (which is by the way one of the bands she used to listen to the most when she began listening to metal music), Iron Maiden’s The Trooper, Cradle of Filth’s Nymphetamine Fix, AC/DC’s Highway to Hell, Slayer’s Raining Blood, Pantera’s Walk, and Judas Priest’s Painkiller, among several other incredible videos where she will melt your faces with her scorching, sharp vocals.
Speaking of her vocal technique and how she prepares for the intense life on the road, Laura, who currently uses a Neumann U 87 Ai (a legendary large-diaphragm FET condenser microphone, featuring cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 polar patterns), mentioned in one of her interviews how difficult it is to bring to stage what’s recorded in the studio. “Recording a song is one thing, but singing it at the same level every night is a different matter.” Owner of very versatile and dynamic vocals, as already mentioned, she said she always enjoys trying new things with her voice. “The others in Burning Witches like it when my voice sounds relatively deep, so we have been playing around with lower keys in recent years,” she commented. “These days, I have been trying to learn to use vocal fry better than I could before. So who knows? Maybe I will be doing something with that in the future. But it has to get better first. Singing clean with a bit of distortion on it is something I know I can do well at this point. If I add something that doesn’t sound quite as good, and you can actually hear that difference in quality, it will just end up sounding weird.”
She also commented about the importance of maintaining a good health, in special when your voice is your instrument of work. “I am often afraid of getting a sore throat, so my main priority is keeping nice and warm. During summers, I hardly ever have a sore throat, but once winter rears its head, I have to be careful. And to be fair, during spring and autumn as well. Also, when I work out too hard, and my body gets tired, I get a sore throat as well. That is something to watch out for.” She also mentioned it’s extremely important to build up her stamina before a headlining tour starts, alternating between singing and resting until she’s warm enough for the band’s longer-than-usual sets. “Especially if I have just been on vacation, and I haven’t sung for a while. Then it truly is important to build up my stamina, as I’m really going to feel the difference once I have to do a longer set.”
This might sound repetitive, but Laura is not only an extremely talented vocalist; she’s also a vocal coach ready to help any newcomers to the world of singing with her professional and dynamic approach. You can find more details about Laura’s services as a vocal coach (in Dutch, English or German) on her official website, including the subtypes of services available such as singing lessons, workshops, and growling. “I always try to find ways to make them practice things step by step. There are certain techniques that require you to use a little more power, which means they are potentially more dangerous, as more power is a bigger burden on your vocal cords if you do it wrong. That’s why I try to explain things step by step, so they can actually warm up to it step by step, allowing them to do things properly from the moment they start to add more power to it.”
In the end, after witnessing Laura kicking some serous ass live for the first time earlier this year in Toronto, I felt the urge to write this tribute to such a phenomenal vocalist, and after knowing more about her and her focus and hard work to keep delivering high-quality Heavy Metal for the masses, we must all agree she’s more than just another frontwoman. She’s the epitome of heavy music, a woman that puts her heart and soul into her music, delivering breathtaking vocals with endless charisma it doesn’t matter if she’s singing with Burning Witches, if it’s recording a cover song for her YouTube channel, or if it’s as a guest for another rock and metal band. Laura will most certainly hypnotize you with her stunning vocals and screams, lock you inside her tower of Heavy Metal, as I warned you in the beginning of this tribute, and throw the key away. Well, I bet you’ll be more than happy when that happens.
“Lots of awesome metal bands have influenced me during the years. To name a few I listened to a lot as a teenager; Within Temptation, W.A.S.P., Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Halestorm, Eluveitie, Death Angel and Kamelot. But also great contemporary singers like Sia, Christina Aguilera and Beyonce. This is reflected in the versatility of my voice.” – Laura Guldemond
This UK-based lethal, technical Heavy and Groove Metal machine is back in action with a new EP, a pure demonstration of resilience and the start of a much heavier, more honest era for the band.
Having shed their Hard Rock veneer to emerge as a lethal, technical Heavy and Groove Metal machine, London, UK-based quintet Metasoma is back in action with a brand new offering titled Core, a sharper, heavier new EP that pairs Pantera-sized groove with Architects/Parkway Drive-style modern precision. Recorded between BaRock Entertainment Studio in Poland and Es Studio in London, the new EP by vocalist Vlad Iancu, guitarists Michal Sedzielewski and Artur Wojcik, bassist Bolo, and drummer Joe Patterson is a pure demonstration of resilience and the start of a much heavier, more honest era for the band, marking the first statement from a solidified international unit where they pit British rhythmic weight against the uncompromising metal heritage of the Polish and Romanian underground.
The striking guitar lines by Michal and Artur will transport us all to the band’s Groove Metal and Metalcore world in Downfall, offering a great option for having some fun inside the pit, followed by the also electrifying Attic, where Vlad focuses on his piercing clean vocals, giving the song a more modern vibe accompanied by the classic beats by Joe. Omen kicks off in a dark, ominous manner, with Vlad delivering enraged and demented vocals in another well-balanced hybrid of Metalcore with classic and modern heavy elements. The crushing riffs by Michal and Artur are boosted by Bolo’s thunderous bass in Shock, crafting a metallic atmosphere that will inspire you to headbang like there’s no tomorrow; and they close the EP with their most direct Metalcore tune, titled Horizon, where their Djent-infused guitars and bass are perfect for the demented vocals by Vlad.
Conceptually, Core is a pessimistic hellscape, a sonic mirror held up to war, propaganda, and the false righteousness of modern reality where high-velocity energy is tempered by a discordant, playful homage to System of a Down, proving Metasoma can be cerebral without sacrificing their low-end groove. “There is a specific kind of numbness that comes when unfortunate events happen in quick succession; these songs are our way of fighting that anaesthesia. Whether we are digging through the attic of mixed childhood memories or scattering the ashes of a toxic relationship, the goal is the same: to learn from the mistakes of our forefathers and do better. We’ve turned these struggles into sonic paintings, but we leave the final interpretation to the listener’s own sensitivity,” commented the band, and you can get in touch with them via Facebook and Instagram, subscribe to their YouTube channel, stream their music on Spotify, and of course purchase their new EP from Bandcamp. Core is a very good indication of what the future holds for Metasoma, and you better get ready as that future will be absolutely heavy.
This American Progressive Thrash and Heavy Metal quartet is stepping into their next chapter with the release of their rockin’ fifth full-length offering.
Founded in 2016 initially as a studio project, but having evolved into a full-bodied band based out of Chicago, Illinois, the excellent Progressive Thrash/Heavy Metal quartet Black Sites is stepping into their next chapter now in 2026 with the release of their fifth full-length offering, titled For Eternity, following up on The Promised Land?, released in 2024. Produced by the band’s own vocalist and guitarist Mark Sugar and new drummer Chris Black, recorded at I Can’t Believe It’s Not Mace Street Studios (with drums recorded by Vladimir Ružičić at Kebac Recording Studio), and mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö at Unisound, the new album by the aforementioned Mark Sugar and Chris Black alongside newcomers Lee Smith on the guitar and Jose Salazar on bass showcases a development in the band’s sound and sees the new members’ contributions enhance the music’s sonic quality, always inspired by traditional Heavy Metal.
When It Calls sounds epic and captivating from the very first notes, with Mark showcasing all his vocal potency while his bandmates craft a strong Iced Earth-like sound, while Aquarius Betrayed reflects the frustration at the contradiction towards previous generations who reaped the benefits of the most socially liberated and progressive era in history, and then quickly turned their back on those values when they became inconvenient, with their guitars exhaling that frustration while Chris hammers his drums with anger and dexterity. Then their Progressive Metal feast goes on in full force with Above Soil, Beneath Sky, with Jose and Chris crafting a reverberating, massive kitchen; followed by Giving Up The Ghost, a song about the faltering of one’s belief, venturing through Stoner Rock and Metal lands while again showcasing a classy guitar work by Mark and Lee.
Blades (For The Chosen Ones) presents elements from the music by renowned acts the likes of Armored Saint and Iced Earth while keeping their core progressiveness intact; whereas Silent Wars, which concept derives from a quote by Robin Williams that says “everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about,” offers classic Hard Rock straight in your face. When Prophecy Fails, taken from a book of the same name, which describes a UFO cult that existed in Chicago in the 1950’s, is by far the most Heavy Metal of all songs thanks to the kickass riffs by Mark and Lee. Lastly, we face Unanswered For Eternity, a dark, gloomy and pensive ballad, ending the album on a high note, with the melodic vocals by Mark matching perfectly with their soulful solos.
Combining old school heavy music with guitar harmonies, melodic and clean vocals, and progressive elements, primarily drawing inspiration from the likes of Voivod, Black Sabbath, and King’s X, the indomitable rockers of Black Sites are on absolute fire from start to finish in their new album For Eternity, which can be purchased from their BandCamp. Don’t forget to also give them a shout on Facebook and on Instagram, staying up to date with all things Black Sites, to subscribe to their YouTube channel, and to stream their rockin’ tunes on any available platform like Spotify. Because heavy music is eternal, and it’s bands like Black Sites who are among us all to make sure it will never die.
Best moments of the album:Aquarius Betrayed, Blades (For The Chosen Ones) and When Prophecy Fails.
Worst moments of the album:Silent Wars.
Released in 2026 Independent
Track listing 1. When It Calls 5:09
2. Aquarius Betrayed 5:05
3. Above Soil, Beneath Sky 4:47
4. Giving Up The Ghost 6:43
5. Blades (For The Chosen Ones) 4:51
6. Silent Wars 4:51
7. When Prophecy Fails 5:49
8. Unanswered For Eternity 6:54
Band members Mark Sugar – vocals, guitar
Lee Smith – guitar
Jose Salazar – bass
Chris Black – drums
“Don’t try to run… Walk away with me… The time is running out… Break into pieces and rise high!”
The month of July might be one of the hottest (if not THE hottest) of the year anywhere above the Equator, and there’s nothing better than travelling all the way to the land of ice and snow, also known as Finland, to turn up the heat even more like in a traditional Finnish sauna with the incendiary vocals by our unstoppable metal lady chosen to make our webzine a much better place this month. Although she has just recently joined Finnish Heavy/Power Metal brigade Dyecrest as their new frontwoman, she’s not a newcomer to the metal community, having already recorded and released several albums and singles with different bands from her homeland in the past two decades. Her name is Heidi Aaltonen, formerly known as Heidi Bergbacka, and she will kick your ass mercilessly with her potent vocals and undeniable charisma, inspiring you to raise your horns together with her in the name of heavy music.
Born and raised “somewhere in Finland”, Heidi began her metal career as the frontwoman for Tampere-based Melodic Heavy Rock band MoonMadness, having established since then her presence in the Finnish heavy music scene through underground classic rock-infused metal music, session collaborations, and live guest work. As the vocalist for MoonMadness between 2001 and 2008, she released in 2008 the band’s one and only full-length album, titled All in Between, alongside guitarist Otto Hallamaa, bassist Juha Leppäharju, keyboardist Turkka Vuorinen, and drummer Antto Nikolai Tuomainen. The single Stroke of Midnight, released in 2007, successfully broke into the Finnish Top 20 singles chart, with her vocal performance being praised by fans and critics for its 70’s and 80’s classic Hard Rock sensibilities. Unfortunately, MoonMadness are no more, but their music is definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of classic rock and metal.
Heidi also has a solid backing and session work from her early days, having collaborated with distinct bands from the Finnish scene. For instance, she recorded all female vocals (as Lady Heidi von Bergbacka) for the 2020 album Outojen tornien varjoissa (or “in the shadows of the strange towers” in English), by Finnish Black Metal horde Faustian Pact; backing vocals (as Heidi Bergbacka) in the 2016 album Vieraan vallan aurinko (which translates to “the sun of a foreign power”), by Finnish Heavy Metal/Hard Rock band Kotiteollisuus; backing vocals in the 2007 album Sleep and the 2009 album As Days Grow Darker, both by the now defunct Finnish Heavy Metal band Masterstroke; backing vocals in the 2021 album Novus Ordo Mundi, by Progressive Thrash/Heavy Metal band Stam1na; and female, choir and backing vocals in several albums, EPs and singles by Finnish Melodic Heavy Metal (with Schlager influences) band Viikate, such as their 2013 album Kymijoen lautturit, their 2014 album Panosvyö, and their 2024 album Hiljainen, as well as backing vocals while on tour with the band.
In addition, following her early metal foundations, she transitioned to alternative genres with projects like Sound of Divas (an internationally touring, Nordic musical project produced by MagnumLive, a prominent, full-service event production and entertainment programming agency based in Finland, that blends five vocal soloists with a big band and brass section) and WhatFour (an acoustic band from Lappeenranta, Finland). Ultimately, such a diverse vocal background paved her way back into heavy music, culminating in her recruitment to front Dyecrest and spearhead their fifth full-length album, titled Defying Gravity, representing the band’s most focused and mature work to date, a clear statement shaped by experience and artistic vision.
Hailing from Ristiina, located in the province of Eastern Finland and part of the South Savo region, Dyecrest are a Melodic Metal band active since the early 2000’s (having changed their original name Dyecast to the current one) blending Power Metal, traditional Heavy Metal and progressive influences, showcasing a sound defined by strong melodies, energetic riffs and a balanced mix of heaviness and emotion, earning the band a solid international following, and allowing them to share the stage with renowned acts the likes of W.A.S.P., DragonForce, Stratovarius and Sonata Arctica, and appearing at major European festivals. since their inception, the band has released the albums The Way of Pain (2004), This Is My World (2005), Are You Not Entertained? (2018), Once I Had a Heart (2023), and the aforementioned Defying Gravity earlier this year, plus the EP The Stage Is Set in 2019, all available on any platform such as Spotify.
Currently formed of Heidi on vocals alongside Matti Pasanen and Henri Arola on the guitars, Pirkka “Pirkkis” Ohlis on the guitars and keyboards, Jukka “Zoukki” Matilainen on bass, and Niko Takala on drums, Dyecrest had three vocalists prior to Heidi becoming their frontwoman, those being Janne Oksanen, Kimmo Blom (RIP), and Mikael Salo. “Regardless of the singer, sound-wise it’s still the same band,” commented Heidi. For Heidi, joining the band wasn’t about reshaping their identity, but helping them rebuild their foundation. After years of pauses and transitions, Dyecrest found themselves at what she described as “ground zero,” a moment to start building again while preserving the spirit that longtime listeners recognize. The transition turned out to be smoother than expected. Instead of resistance, the band encountered enthusiasm from fans. “I felt at home straight away,” she said, admitting she was surprised by how welcoming audiences were.
On April 26, 2026, Dyecrest released their first album ever with Heidi on vocals, the already mentioned Defying Gravity, after having released the singles Failed One, Unravel Me and Bite the Bullet, in 2025, and the single Forsaken, in 2026. The title of the album captures the band’s renewed confidence. Rather than simply resisting obstacles, Heidi describes it as “standing your ground and taking your place,” reflecting a band pushing forward in a challenging music industry while affirming their worth and identity. “We didn’t have a definite plan on how we were going to sound or what we were going to do. We just did it, and the sound and the songs developed during the process. What this album did was create the sound that we want to be in right now. Regarding the next album, we now know more than we knew while we were making this one,” she commented in one of her interviews.
“The timing was awkward, and for the band the timing was very poor. A very bad time to change lead singers. We managed it very well. I am a learner, I got thrown into the mix and did some live shows, even without singing on the previous album. The range was suitable for me – I could sing those songs, so we didn’t have hard times on learning the songs and trying to fit in those shoes that Mikael left. It all went very naturally, even though the timing wasn’t ideal – releasing an album that didn’t have the same singer as the one that would appear for the live shows. It was different, but we were able to do it,” she said about the change in vocalists in Dyecrest, also explaining how she was involved in the writing process of the album. “I need to feel it so I can have the text,” she explained, describing her process in a very simple way. She listens to the music, and then just follows the emotional direction it suggests.
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One very important detail in Heidi’s involvement with Dyecrest is that she is married to Miitri Aaltonen, who has been mixing all of their albums since 2018, and of course that existing connection with the band made her transition into the role of their new vocalist a lot easier and smoother than expected, even though the band had never thought about having a woman instead of a man taking care of their vocal duties. Furthermore, Heidi’s involvement during the songwriting phase of Defying Gravity definitely changed the way the band works, as she took on a major role in writing both lyrics and vocal melodies.
Regarding her idols and influences in music and life in general, she said she doesn’t like to narrow her list down to only a few names, complementing by saying she listens to music in every category to keep discovering new details and nuances that she can incorporate to her own style. “I listen to a lot of ballad-singers, good range vocal singers. I like different styles of music, not only metal. Of course, most of it is metal music, but I take everything in because I want to explore music. For me to say one or two artists that have influenced me, it’s not possible, it’s all around me.”
As it happens with every single musician on earth, Heidi loves to be onstage and to exchange a lot of energy with the crowd. “When I am on stage, I need people to feel something. I know that they won’t feel it if I don’t feel it. What my goal is in every show, I kind of offer a getaway for an hour. From everything that surrounds you. I want them to see us; I want them to watch us. There are shows that have been like that. There are memories and experiences with the band – a lot of them are good from that point of view,” she commented. “If we can provide people one hour of peacefulness with good live music, then that’s the place I want to take it.”
Although she believes the current scene is really tough not only for Heavy and Power Metal, but for music in general, she still thinks there’s always a place in music for great melodies, and the fact that Finland is the country with the highest number of bands in Melodic Metal compared to any other country in the world gives hope to everyone who lives and breathes heavy music in her homeland. Needless to say, we must all agree with her, because a land that has provided us with the magical music by bands like Nightwish, Amorphis, Children of Bodom and Stratovarius, among many others, will always deserve our full attention and admiration.
Heidi also thinks it’s very important to shoot videos and showcase the band instead of sticking only to the music itself. “We have our brother making the videos for us and all the graphics for the band, Sami. The main thing in the videos is to capture the band, what is expected for example for when you see the band live. I do think the videos still have their importance today, even though we don’t have MTV and all music channels that show all the videos. Maybe someday we will have this happen again. The videos have increased their value at this point – compared to say five years ago. Video making, it takes a lot of money and effort to make these, but it was obvious that we were going to make videos. And you can see through YouTube how many viewers we have had, and it has paid off.”
In one of her interviews, Heidi mentioned that one of the greatest lessons she’s learned so far as the frontwoman for Dyecrest is that what comes around, goes around. “Be nice to people that you meet, because they will be a part of you someday.” In addition, she said that if the people around you feel you don’t have your whole heart into the music you’re making, if you just do the music because you do the music, it’s never going to work. In the case of Heidi and Dyecrest, we most definitely do not need to worry about it, because they put their hearts and souls into crafting their first-class Heavy Metal, and may Defying Gravity be just the first step of the band with Heidi fronting them, as we all certainly want to enjoy her soaring vocals in many other Dyecrest albums in the coming years.
“When I am on stage, I need people to feel something. I know that they won’t feel it if I don’t feel it. What my goal is in every show, I kind of offer a getaway for an hour. From everything that surrounds you. I want them to see us; I want them to watch us.” – Heidi Aaltonen
Born under the gray skies and sea mist of Lima, Peru, this Heavy, Doom and Post-Black Metal brigade will attack your senses with the lumbering heaviness of their debut album.
Born under the gray skies and sea mist of Lima, capital of Peru, with influences ranging from Black Metal to Stoner Rock to Post-Punk, and a clear aim to march towards the darker side of existence, the four-piece Heavy/Doom/Post-Black Metal brigade Illwind is unleashing upon humanity their debut opus, titled The Unfolding at the End of Light, providing five original tracks which paint a somber underworld to dive into, and a closing cover to climb back out of. Recorded at Dragonverde Studios, the first-ever offering by Marcos Coifman (Reino Ermitaño) on vocals and bass, Mauricio Guerrero (Argul) and Andres Rhor (Cobra) on the guitars, and Hokama (Arcada) on drums and guitar sounds at first stridently like a traditional doom record – lumbering heaviness, slow-yet-insistent rhythms, emotively clean vocals – but patience, like much orbiting the wider doom world, yields maximum immersion.
The massive Crimson Skies kicks off the album on a purely Doom Metal mode, with the sluggish beats by Hokama darkening the skies while also presenting Sludge Metal riffs and solos to give it an extra kick. Wanderer takes us back to the glory of 70’s Rock N’ Roll through Marcos’ passionate vocals, supported by a killer solo by Mauricio; while Portal keeps the atmosphere as dark and enfolding as it can be, with Marcos once again declaiming the song’s poetic lyrics accompanied by the striking guitars by Mauricio and Andres. Their Sludge Metal riffs bring forward sheer heaviness in God of Sleep, inspiring us all to bang our heads in pitch black darkness; followed by Lucifer’s Mule, offering our ears thirteen minutes of absolute obscurity crafted by the quartet, with their 70’s Heavy Rock vein pulsing stronger than ever boosted by the Stoner Rock drums by Hokama. And finally, let’s bang our heads to their cover for The Stooges’ masterpiece I Wanna be your Dog, an excellent rendition of one of the coolest songs by such an iconic band (and you can check the original version HERE, from their 1969 self-titled album).
With influences ranging from Neurosis and Swans to Black Sabbath and 70’s Hard Rock to Yob, Windhand, Monolord, Bellwitch, and Warning to Sonic Youth, Depeche Mode, or the aforementioned The Stooges, the band reached a mélange of musical mapwork which has truly given The Unfolding at the End of Light a relatively singular sound – equally ambient and extremely heavy, ominously moving yet dreamlike, and all of it with a surprisingly kaleidoscopic tint of melancholy. The album’s richly analog production heightens this sensation and penetrates the listener to his core, and if you also want to be part of such a unique sonic experience you can purchase the album from the Personal Records’ BandCamp or webstore. In other words, it’s time to begin the trip of The Unfolding at the End of Light, embracing you in darkness, and leaving you eager for more of the music by Illwind in the near future.
Best moments of the album:Portal and Lucifer’s Mule.
Worst moments of the album: None.
Released in 2026 Personal Records
Track listing 1. Crimson Skies 10:43
2. Wanderer 5:29
3. Portal 4:47
4. God of Sleep 8:55
5. Lucifer’s Mule 13:13
6. I Wanna be your Dog (The Stooges cover) 4:25
Band members Marcos Coifman – vocals, bass
Mauricio Guerrero – lead guitar
Andres Rhor – guitar
Hokama – drums, guitar
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.
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”
These Canadian metal heroes return with their sixth studio album, taking on loss, pain and struggle while also blending their classic Heavy Metal roots with new textures, progressive touches, and a renewed sense of storytelling.
Forged in Vancouver, Canada in 2011, Iron Kingdom have spent fifteen years carrying the torch for classic Heavy Metal with unwavering conviction, inspired by the genre’s titans such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Helloween, Scorpions, and Rush while building identity on electrifying stage presence, intricate twin-guitar harmonies, and a steadfast devotion to the melodic, adventurous spirit of traditional metal, culminating now in 2026 with their sixth studio album, titled Shadows and Dust. Recorded at KH Studios, co-produced by the band’s own Chris Osterman and Megan Merrick, mixed by Andy Boldt, mastered by Greg Reely at The Green Jacket, and displaying a harsh artwork by Alan Lathwell (inspired by a scene in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Steven Erikson), the new opus by vocalist and guitarist Chris Osterman, guitarist Megan Merrick, bassist Leighton Holmes, and drummer Max Friesen heavily lends itself towards the themes of death and impermanence, taking on loss, pain and struggle while also blending the band’s classic Heavy Metal roots with new textures, progressive touches, and a renewed sense of storytelling.
Chris and Megan rev up the band’s Heavy Metal engine with their striking axe attack in Defenders before the same Chris delivers his 80’s-inspired soaring vocals for our total delight; and get ready for another battle hymn titled Eternal Emperor, with the galloping rhythm led by Leighton and Max sounding thrilling and vibrant. Then fully inspired by the classic sound crafted by Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Saxon we have Dreamless Sea, with their guitars sounding melodic and sharp from start to finish. Max once again takes the lead in Deadhouse Gates, with the entire band being in total sync and therefore offering us all first-class classic Heavy Metal; whereas it’s time for total anarchy with the fast and furious Line of Fire, adding elements of Speed and Thrash Metal to their core sound while led by the ass-kicking riffs and solos by Chris and Megan.
Despite its imposing name, Blood and Steel sounds a bit too mellow and soft compared to the rest of the album, as if it was a mellow version of Melodic Rock or AOR, although it’s still a very enjoyable tune. Then back to their trademark fusion of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal we face Shadow of Time, with the groove flowing from Leighton’s bass and Max’s drums penetrating deep inside our metallic minds; and it’s time to put the pedal to the metal in the high-octane Speed Metal extravaganza Dark Demands, with Chris firing his most insane high-pitched screams of the whole album. Again delivering a rhythmic, galloping sonority we have Starlight, with their guitar riffs and solos once again bringing fire to the ambience, whereas closing the album we’re treated to the epic seven-minute aria Sacred Fire, starting in a serene manner before morphing into a classic sound rooted in the 80’s, spearheaded by the old school vocals by Chris.
Across six albums, Iron Kingdom have transformed from a Hard Rock-leaning young band into a fully realized traditional Heavy Metal powerhouse, with Shadows and Dust also becoming the first album recorded entirely in the band’s own home studio, a major step in their long-standing DIY ethos. You can find more information about the band on Facebook and on Instagram, subscribe to their YouTube channel, stream their excellent music on Spotify, and of course purchase their new album from BandCamp. With Shadows and Dust, Iron Kingdom enter a new era with sharpened purpose, renewed fire, and a sound that honors the past while forging boldly ahead. It’s a story of endurance, evolution, and the unbreakable power of Heavy Metal, and I’m sure that after Shadows and Dust we’ll see those Canadians rockin’ for many years to come no matter what.
Best moments of the album:Deadhouse Gates, Line of Fire and Dark Demands.
Worst moments of the album:Blood and Steel.
Released in 2026 Steel Shark Records
Track listing 1. Defenders 6:05
2. Eternal Emperor 4:31
3. Dreamless Sea 5:11
4. Deadhouse Gates 4:57
5. Line of Fire 3:06
6. Blood and Steel 4:53
7. Shadow of Time 4:23
8. Dark Demands 3:36
9. Starlight 4:10
10. Sacred Fire 7:21
Band members Chris Osterman – lead vocals, guitars
Megan Merrick – guitars
Leighton Holmes – bass
Max Friesen – drums
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.
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.
THE HEADBANGING MOOSE 