Toronto’s own arena-rock Heavy Metal trio returns with their ambitious sophomore album, igniting the next chapter of their high‑flying saga.
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Heavy Meta/Hard Rock power trio Thunderor ignites the next chapter of their high‑flying saga with the release of their sophomore opus, entitled Bleed For It, following up on their critically acclaimed 2022 debut Fire It Up. Produced by the band’s own JJ Tartaglia, mixed by Chris Snow, mastered by Kristian Montano, and featuring guest musicians Oscar Anesetti on bass, Anthony Pannozzo on keyboards, and Colin Grant on the fiddler, the new album by the aforementioned JJ Tartaglia on vocals, drums and keyboards alongside Jonny Nesta on the guitars, and Brycen Gunn on bass serves as the official soundtrack to “Thunderor The Musical”, the band’s ambitious rock opera production that debuted at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2025. Its artwork captures scenes from the stage show, setting the mood for a sweeping tale of adventure, danger, and heart. Set in an alternate 1992, the story follows Bowen, a washed‑up musician and biker, who finds renewed purpose through romance and one last grasp at glory.
The trio wastes no time and kicks off their rockin’ adventure with Pump Up the Volume, bringing forward JJ’s trademark soaring vocals and classic beats and fills, followed by the title-track Bleed For It, another round of their striking fusion of 70’s and 80’s Hard Rock, with Jonny stealing the spotlight with his electrifying riffs and solos. As a huge fan of live concerts I simply love the title of the song Take Me to the Show, offering us all more of their killer Rock N’ Roll sounds. The band then fires a Thrash and Speed Metal-infused tune titled Get ‘Em Counted, inspiring us to start a nice mosh pit to the nonstop beats by JJ, and get ready to prance around the fire pit together with Thunderor in Cape Breton Home, featuring guest Colin Grant on the fiddler, also presenting pure Hard Rock flowing from Jonny’s axe.
In Streets of Fire we see Thunderor again deliver a high-octane amalgamation of rock and metal, setting fire to the atmosphere to the crushing drums by JJ and Oscar’s rumbling bass, sounding as upbeat as it is heavy. One Chance is another song that sounds as if was taken from a classic album from the 80’s, showcasing those awesome soulful riffs we all love so much; and we then face the cinematic interlude DreamQuest, which also feels it’s from a movie or TV show from the 80’s, before their quest comes to an end with In the Fire O’ the Heat, where they also bring to our avid ears elements from Progressive Rock and Metal (exactly what a Rock Opera needs to become truly fun). Not only that, JJ’s vocals and Jonny’s guitars are in total sync, keeping the energy flowing majestically until the song’s horns raising finale.
With improved vocals, bigger choruses, and a cinematic concept, Bleed For It promises to be the band’s most ambitious and emotionally charged release yet, recommended for fans of The Darkness, Skull Fist, Ghost, and Night Flight Orchestra. If you crave escape, adventure, romance, and danger, the band invites you to ride with them into the storm, and you can do so by following them on Facebook and on Instagram, sby streaming their music on Spotify, and of course by purchasing the album from BandCamp, from Boonsdale Records (Canada and worldwide), from Cruz del Sur Music (Europe), or simply by clicking HERE. Having said all that, what are you waiting for to bleed together with Thunderor to the sound of their newborn electrifying album?
Best moments of the album:Bleed For It, Get ‘Em Counted and Streets of Fire.
Worst moments of the album: None.
Released in 2026 Boonsdale Records
Track listing 1. Pump Up the Volume 3:42
2. Bleed For It 4:04
3. Take Me to the Show 4:09
4. Get ‘Em Counted 3:19
5. Cape Breton Home 3:33
6. Streets of Fire 4:16
7. One Chance 3:40
8. DreamQuest 1:29
9. In the Fire O’ the Heat 4:19
Band members JJ Tartaglia – vocals, drums, keyboards
Jonny Nesta – guitars
Brycen Gunn – bass
Guest musicians
Oscar Anesetti – bass on “Take Me to the Show”, “Get ‘Em Counted”, “Cape Breton Home”, “Streets of Fire” and “One Chance”
Anthony Pannozzo – additional keyboards on “Take Me to the Show”, “Get ‘Em Counted” and “One Chance”
Colin Grant – fiddler on “Cape Breton Home”
The Argentinian guardians of heavy music return with their sixth album, continuing to evolve toward an even more epic and melodic Power Metal sound while shaping a strong and distinctive identity.
Hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, the shape-shifting Heavy/Power Metal entity Preludio Ancestral returns in 2026 with a new opus, entitled Guardians of Twilight, following up on their underground cult albums Hacia lo inmortal (2012), Kybalion (2015), El misterio de la pasión divina (2016), Oblivion (2018), and Magnus (2023). Currently formed of Jackson “Jax” Harwood and Cole Maverick Turner on vocals, the band’s mastermind Leonardo Gatti on the guitars, keyboards, orchestrations and bass (who was also responsible for composing, mixing and mastering the album), Juan Pablo Kilberg also on the guitars, and Martin de Pas on drums, the band continues to evolve toward an even more epic and melodic Power Metal sound in their new opus, shaping a strong and distinctive identity while reaffirming Leonardo’s epic vision and status as one of Latin America’s most inspired composers in the genre.
The striking guitars by Leo and Juan permeate the air in the epic and powerful Blades of the Burning Sky, also presenting soaring vocal lines with elements from Hard Rock and AOR, which in the end sounds amazing, followed by Riders of the Crimson Storm, another song with a beyond Power Metal name led by Martin’s unstoppable beats and fills. The Shadow Throne is a bit generic compared to the previous songs, not as powerful nor engaging, but the vocal lines are again impeccable, whereas in Flame of the Eternal Dragon the name and the sound transpire Rhapsody of Fire, blending the finesse of Symphonic Metal with the excitement of Power Metal. Leo and Juan are on fire with their killer riffs and solos in The Storm of a Thousand Wings, boosted by Leo’s own keys, orchestrations and thunderous bass; and the band goes full Melodic Rock and AOR in The Sorceress of My Heart, with their soulful guitar solos walking hand in hand with the classic beats by Martin.
The second half of the album invites us all to grab our swords and shields and go slay some dragons in Rise of the Golden Flame, another excellent Power Metal extravaganza showcasing striking guitar solos and backing vocals, and the fight goes on in Vengeance of the Dragonheart, with Martin hammering his drums nonstop and, therefore, adding an extra touch of pure Heavy Metal to their core sound. Leo continues to fire his trademark solos in Crown of the Rising Sun, with the music alternating between sheer adrenaline and epic, fist raising moments, followed by The Last Stand of Light, another solid hybrid of Symphonic Power Metal and Melodic Rock and Metal with all vocals sounding truly powerful and passionate. Those Argentinian warriors definitely know how to add Heavy Metal magic to their song titles, which is also the case in Forged in the Skyfire, as epic as the rest of the album; while lastly we have Twilight of the Hero, a climatic ending to the album showcasing another round of soaring vocals, striking riffs and pounding drums.
In the end, the sixth studio album by this excellent band from Argentina will surely please admirers of the music blasted by renowned acts the likes of Stratovarius, Rhapsody of Fire, Masterplan and Gamma Ray, among many others, keeping the fires of Melodic and Symphonic Power Metal burning brighter than a thousand suns. You can get in touch with Leonardo and his henchmen via Facebook, stream their music on Spotify, and of course purchase Guardians of Twilight from their own BandCamp, from the Fighter Records’ BandCamp, or from Xtreem Music’s webstore. Because they are the guardians of Heavy Metal, and they’ll keep fighting for good music no matter what armed with their striking new album.
Best moments of the album:Blades of the Burning Sky, Flame of the Eternal Dragon and Rise of the Golden Flame.
Worst moments of the album:The Shadow Throne.
Released in 2026 Fighter Records
Track listing 1. Blades of the Burning Sky 5:06
2. Riders of the Crimson Storm 3:41
3. The Shadow Throne 4:46
4. Flame of the Eternal Dragon 3:43
5. The Storm of a Thousand Wings 4:36
6. The Sorceress of My Heart 5:02
7. Rise of the Golden Flame 3:59
8. Vengeance of the Dragonheart 5:00
9. Crown of the Rising Sun 3:46
10. The Last Stand of Light 4:12
11. Forged in the Skyfire 4:09
12. Twilight of the Hero 4:35
Band members Jackson “Jax” Harwood – vocals, choirs
Cole Maverick Turner – vocals, choirs
Leonardo Gatti – guitars, keyboards, orchestrations, bass
Juan Pablo Kilberg – guitars, choirs
Martin de Pas – drums
Ciao, miei cari metallari! Are you ready to embark on a wild journey to the “Bel Paese” together with The Headbanging Moose to know more about our metal lady of this month of April? Not just a metal singer and songwriter, but she’s also a psychologist and psychotherapist, creating a strong connection between heavy music and mental health, or as she prefers to say, she talks to the community where loud music meets deep healing. Bridging metal, psychology, and visual art, shaping a voice and a vision that are both intense and deeply human, she’s the frontwoman for the up-and-coming Italian band 5RAND, and one of the must-see names of the new generation of growlers. Her name is Julia Eleonora, better known by her stage moniker Julia Elenoir, and she will kick your ass mercilessly with her undeniable talent, charisma and passion for all things Heavy Metal.
Born and raised in the beautiful city of Rome, Italy, Julia has been creating music since her childhood, having grown up surrounded by rock and metal. She started playing classical guitar at the age of 13, and formed her first band when she was 17, beginning to compose her earliest songs. Over the years, her musical style evolved naturally from lighter styles like Hard Rock to a heavier, more introspective metal sound, with Death Metal becoming her main style. “Because I love its edge, its rawness, the catharsis it creates. The extreme side lets me explore, push boundaries and channel aggression and vulnerability at the same time. With 5RAND we mix melodic death and deathcore …not to provoke, but to dig deeper,” she said when asked why she decided to follow such an extreme path with Death Metal.
Founded in 2015 in Rome, Italy by Julia on vocals and Pierluigi Carocci on the guitars (who was working on his own solo project), Riccardo Zito on bass, and Francesco Marroni on drums, but currently formed of Julia and Pierluigi alongside bassist Acey Guns and drummer Andrea De Carolis, the up-and-coming Melodic Death/Groove Metal act 5RAND builds on a punishing modern metal foundation layered with the cinematic depth of melodeath, creating an intense and emotionally immersive soundscape and, therefore, carving out a distinctive place in the modern metal scene. “The name 5RAND comes from a South African 5 Rand coin that Pierluigi once received from a shaman as a good-luck charm. It stayed with him and with us,” explained Julia in one of her interviews. “Musically, we live at the crossroads of aggression and melody. We play, we record, we move forward.”
Having since toured extensively across Europe, sharing the stage with iconic acts such as Dark Tranquillity, Vader, Butcher Babies, Infected Rain and many others, 5RAND alredy released their debut album Sacred / Scared in 2017, followed by their 2019 sophomore Dark Mother, and their excellent third installment Ordhalia, from 2025, a sonic evolution in their already solid career, sounding darker, more introspective, and conceptually daring. Furthermore, Julia has written all the lyrics for 5RAND and has co-composed the music for every song released by the band to date, showing how much she’s involved with 5RAND. Not only that, even Julia couldn’t give a precise answer when asked how she would label the music by 5RAND, just to give you an idea of how dynamic, fresh and unique their style can be. “That would be hard to say precisely, since we don’t fit exactly in only one subgenre, like many many modern bands don’t. We’ve got a bit of Thrash and Death Metal, but also Industrial Metal and a lot of melodies too.” And if you want to experience their music in loco you can find their albums on Spotify, and also visit YouTube to enjoy their official videos for songs like Old Angel Midnight, Paint of Pain, Erase, Several Injuries, Cordyceps, live versions of Preacher of Lies and Cordyceps, and many more.
Owner of such a powerful and versatile voice, it was obvious that we would see Julia as a guest vocalist for different bands and projects. For instance, you can find her doing all female vocals for the 2022 album Ex Mortis Gloria, by Bristol, England-based Technical Death Metal band Imperium; as a guest vocalist for the song A New One, from the 2018 album Liberation, by Italian Symphonic Heavy Metal band Infinita Symphonia; and also as a guest vocalist for the 2020 album Phagocity, by Italian Groove Metal outfit South of No North. Moreover, when asked about venturing on a solo project in the near future, she said that’s indeed a possibility. “I’m always open. For now, I’m focused on 5RAND, but I don’t rule out solo work or collaborations in the future. Art is fluid; it transforms. I’d especially like to do something acoustic with my own songs, but for now we’re working on the next release.”
As expected, Julia is highly influenced by some of the most important names in the history of heavy music. “Growing up, we’d say the classics: Iron Maiden, Metallica, Slayer… now the names are slightly different and more recent though, like Slipknot, Gojira, Fear Factory,” she commented. In addition, as one of the most promising female growlers of the current scene, Julia is also a huge admirer of the music by Arch Enemy and Jinjer. “I’ve been inspired by voices like Corey Taylor from Slipknot, and among the women I really admire Cristina Scabbia, Alissa White-Gluz, Tatiana Shmayluk, and other artists who know how to blend intensity and versatility. I admire anyone who can shake me to the core while destroying the stage.”
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Regarding her vocal technique, Julia said that she works a lot on her clean and growl dual-voice style. “It’s not about volume, but control, endurance, and intensity. You have to be able to express emotion even when the voice is rough. I always warm up, focus on breathing, and pay close attention to vocal health. Clean parts and growls require completely different mindsets.” She practices a lot everyday, always focusing on warmups and breathing exercises, saying that singing in a Death Metal and/or Metalcore style has its easy parts, as well as really hard ones. “The hard part is keeping vocal health and expressiveness. The ‘easy’ part or at least what becomes more natural with experience is letting emotion flow once technique is solid.”
If there’s one thing that Julia and the boys from 5RAND enjoy doing, that’s hitting the stages with their live concerts. After signing with Art Gates Records, the band started working on new dates, aiming at expanding their touring and reaching a wider audience. A very good reason why all of us should keep an eye on their social media, because if 5RAND are taking your city by storm anytime soon, you surely don’t want to miss it. Also, when asked which song she likes to sing live the most, she mentioned the excellent Cordyceps. “Cordyceps because the crowd goes particularly crazy with that song, but I love to sing all our songs.” Julia also has her “hobbies” behind the scenes during their tours. The rest of the band said they suspect Julia really enjoys watching people eat. “That’s why everything she cooks is in enormous quantity,” commented her fellow bandmates.
When questioned about the current metal scene in Italy, she said that Death Metal, as well as Progressive and Power Metal, might probably be the most appreciated genres by Italian fans, apart of course form the bigger bands like Iron Maiden, Metallica and so on, but she also said that the majority of the Italian people tend to be a bit “lazy” in their musical taste and aren’t that eager to discover new bands or genres. “People mostly like what they already know,” she commented. Furthermore, she also mentioned she’s proud to see a new generation of women participating in the scene in Italy. “We’re seeing more and more women in metal bands, which is obviously very good! Many of them are very talented, maybe they’re still a bit confined to the symphonic style and to singing (too few women play an instrument on stage), but we hope their number keeps growing; versatility will come eventually.” However, she also believes everyone should be treated equal in heavy music. “I don’t think a band should be considered just for its members’ sex. In a better world, the musicians’ sex shouldn’t be more important than the colour of their hair.”
As mentioned in the beginning of this tribute to our multi-talented Italian diva, Julia is also a professional psychologist, having studied Psychiatry, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences (with a major in Psychology) at Sapienza Università di Roma, graduating in 2013, and having also got a major in Brief Strategic Therapy (BST) from Scuola di Specializzazione in Psicoterapia Breve Strategica, currently running her own initiative named “Harmony of Chaos”, offering a fusion of metal music and insights on mental health. Not only that, Julia seems to be a philomath, having also obtained a Master’s Degree in Web Marketing and ICT and a degree in Marketing, Management and Business Economy, both also at Sapienza Università di Roma. And when she’s not studying, she loves arts, books, and sports, especially outdoors and in nature, as well as cooking a lot and keeping fit. As you can see, Julian never stops, she’s always creating new things, always searching for something new, always broadening and deepening her knowledge, and may she keep condensing all that awesomeness in the music by 5RAND for many years to come, because it’s people like Julia who definitely contribute to a much better world.
“Joining 5RAND in 2015 was a big step. I’m also passionate about psychology… in fact, I’m a psychologist and later specialized as a psychotherapist with a metal soul. I love helping people overcome mental struggles.” – Julia Elenoir
Formed during the early eighties, this UK Heavy Metal and Hard Rock outfit is back with their electrifying third album.
Formed during the early eighties, releasing the debut album Shadows of the Night back in 1984, and remaining dormant until 2017 (which culminated with the release of their 2021 sophomore self-titled album), Durham, England-based Heavy Metal outfit Dark Heart is ready to rock once again armed with their third installment, entitled Evolution. Produced by Pete Newdeck and mastered by Harry Hess of Harem Scarem, the new album by vocalist Alan Clark and guitarist Nick Catterick, alongside the more-than-special session musicians Josh ‘Tabbie’ Williams on bass and Pete Newdeck on drums, is a journey back to the glory of the 80’s without sounding repetitive or outdated, always moving forward while staying loyal to the foundations of the NWOBHM.
Crisp, minimalist guitar lines ignite the band’s rockin’ party in Light The Flame, with Alan already showcasing his vocal power supported by the classy guitar work by Nick, sounding perfect for admirers of Melodic Hard Rock. And the guitar riffs and solos by Nick keep embellishing the airwaves in Cold Winter while Josh and Pete bring the groove of the 80’s with their killer kitchen sounds, followed by End Of Tomorrow, a power ballad by the quartet where Alan delivers another solid, emotional vocal performance. Hands Of Fate blends the harmonious sounds of Melodic Rock and AOR, with Pete’s drums dictating the song’s classic pace, whereas Spread Your Wings offers us all another round of melodious riffs and soaring vocals, with its background keys adding a touch of finesse to the overall result.
Then investing in a more old school fusion of Heavy Metal and Rock N’ Roll we’re treated to Ride The Highway, and the final result is obviously electrifying, led by Nick’s razor-edged riffs. Put differently, the name of the song ends up being an invitation. After such a powerful tune we have You And I, presenting an AC/DC-inspired riff and evolving into an AOR feast where all backing vocals support Alan’s vocals in great fashion. Life To Crucify and its 80’s keys will pierce your mind, while the guitar lines by Nick exhale Melodic Hard Rock magic, followed by Eyes Of Light, a more generic version of their own rock music, still enjoyable but not as exciting. Mortality brings forward six minutes of a strong, deep ballad by Dark Heart led by the passionate vocals by Alan; and closing the album we face the dancing tune Burned, again reminding us of the glory of the 80’s while also showcasing a modern, dynamic sound by the band.
As already mentioned, although still rooted in classic NWOBHM, Heavy Metal and Hard Rock, Evolution also reflects the maturity in the band’s songwriting, positioning it as a must-listen for fans of both old school and modern-day rock and heavy music, and if you want to join Alan and Nick in their quest for metal you can start following Dark Heart on Facebook, stream their captivating music on any platform such as Spotify, and of course, put your hands on Evolution by purchasing you favorite version of the album from different locations such as Pride & Joy Music and Rough Trade. This is not just Heavy Metal; it’s an evolution in the style of a band formed in the distant year of 1984, but who’s now “back to the future” and ready to go places to the sound of their exciting new music.
Best moments of the album:Light The Flame, Ride The Highway and Life To Crucify.
Worst moments of the album:Eyes Of Light.
Released in 2026 Pride & Joy Music
Track listing 1. Light The Flame 5:25
2. Cold Winter 4:58
3. End Of Tomorrow 6:20
4. Hands Of Fate 4:31
5. Spread Your Wings 5:10
6. Ride The Highway 5:49
7. You And I 5:25
8. Life To Crucify 4:46
9. Eyes Of Light 4:36
10. Mortality 6:20
11. Burned 4:41
Band members Alan Clark – vocals, keyboards, backing vocals
Nick Catterick – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals
Guest musicians
Josh ‘Tabbie’ Williams – bass (session)
Pete Newdeck – drums, backing vocals (session)
The axe of Heavy Metal is about to strike to the sound of the debut album by this American supergroup, a timeless, earth-shaking beast of a record and an instant classic.
An American Heavy Metal supergroup featuring former Pantera vocalist Terry Glaze, guitarist Bob Balch (Fu Manchu, Slower), bassist Fredrik Isaksson (Dark Funeral), and former Pentagram drummer Pete Campbell, Axe Dragger are unleashing upon us all metalheads, heshers and headbangers their self-titled debut album, delivering old school, 80’s-inspired heavy music in the vein of Judas Priest, Dio, Armored Saint, and Iron Maiden. Mixed by Brian Scheuble (Mötley Crüe, Whitesnake, Stone Temple Pilots, Nine Inch Nails) mastered by Dave Collins (Metallica, Soundgarden), and displaying a killer artwork by Seldon Hunt, Axe Dragger is a timeless, earth-shaking beast of a record and an instant classic, adorned with a modern weight and grit.
Terry doesn’t waste any time and begin distilling his raspy, soaring vocals in Axe Dragger, and the song that carries the name of the band is indeed a metallic beast perfect for some wild headbanging. Then Fredrik and Pete rev up the band’s thunderous machine in Give You The Rope, a Judas Priest-infused tune spiced up by a striking solo by Bob, followed by Fight Another Day, a strong candidate for their live performances (if they start touring, of course), with elements of the Southern Rock and Metal by Pantera giving it a badass vibe. Iron Rider is (surprise, surprise) a song for lovers of the fast lane, as if Iron Maiden and Motley Crüe had a bastard son, with Bob taking the lead with his caustic riffage supported by Pete’s hammering drums; whereas Eat Me From The Inside is by far the most generic of all songs, falling flat after a while despite the visceral riffs by Bob.
Then back to a more ferocious mode the quartet fires Shock ‘Em Dead, with the bass lines by Fredrik punching us hard in the head while Terry keeps delivering his unparalleled vocals, and they truly thrive when they go full 80’s Heavy Metal, which is the case in El Toro, a no shenanigans, in-your-face aria showcasing another excellent performance by Terry while Pete dictates the song’s horns raising pace. The band invests in a massive Southern and Sludge Metal sonority in The Damned Will Cry, as heavy and melodic as it can be, and if you love the guitar attack by Iron Maiden and Judas Priest you’ll have a great time listening to Fire In The Madhouse, with Pete showing no mercy for his drums. Lastly, the band closes the album with an overdose of epic sounds in the form of Death Is Calling My Name, an ode to our beloved Rock N’ Roll.
“I’d been in touch with Pete Campbell for a while about trading riffs, drum beats, and ideas. I’ve also been teaching a student over FaceTime for a couple of years who wants to learn old Riot, Judas Priest, and DIO – and that really lit a fire under me to start writing an old-school heavy metal project. So Pete and I started sending riffs and beats back and forth, and once we had a few solid tunes, we brought in Terry Glaze and Fredrik Isaksson. The first song Terry sent back was Axe Dragger and Pete and I completely lost our minds. From there, we were all fired up, and over the course of a year, we put together this record. It’s a pure reflection of early ’80s heavy metal – and I hope you dig it. For the guitar geeks out there, this record is loaded with harmonic minor modes à la Powerslave-era Iron Maiden,” commented Bob Balch about the genesis of the supergroup, and if you want to know more about those talented veterans you can find them on Facebook, Instagram and Spotify, and grab your copy of their incendiary debut from Ripper Music’s Big Cartel (on CD or vinyl for US customers), webstore (for EU customers), or BandCamp (digital and physical worldwide). The axe of Heavy Metal is about to strike hard and fast with the debut by Axe Dragger, and you better get ready because those guys will take no prisoners in their quest for heavy music.
Best moments of the album:Iron Rider,El Toro and Fire In The Madhouse.
Worst moments of the album:Eat Me From The Inside.
Released in 2026 Ripple Music
Track listing 1. Axe Dragger 3:27
2. Give You The Rope 3:21
3. Fight Another Day 3:53
4. Iron Rider 3:52
5. Eat Me From The Inside 5:01
6. Shock ‘Em Dead 4:11
7. El Toro 3:06
8. The Damned Will Cry 4:22
9. Fire In The Madhouse 4:29
10. Death Is Calling My Name 4:48
Band members Terry Glaze – vocals
Bob Balch – guitar
Fredrik Isaksson – bass
Pete Campbell – drums
Get ready to be catapulted into the world of Heavy and Speed Metal ruled by this Canadian band armed with their incendiary debut album.
With a searing riff and a lung-bursting scream, get ready to be catapulted into the world of Obsidian King, the debut full-length album by Quebec City, Canada-based Heavy/Speed Metal force Ravenspell. Mixed and mastered by David Lizotte (Ültra Raptör, Saccage), and completed by the haunting artwork of renowned Canadian artist Carl Lavoie, the debut by Alisander The Seer on vocals, Ravok Blackwing on the guitars, Corvax Crowhammer on bass, and Volpale The Ravenous on drums (and yes, those are their stage monikers) benefits from a textured, organic sound that captures the blood, sweat, passion and belief of the musicians who have crafted it, being therefore highly recommended for fans of Iron Maiden, Cloven Hoof, Greyhawk, and Visigoth, among countless others metal brigades.
The razor-edged axe by Ravok provides Alisander with exactly what he needs to deliver pure soaring vocals in God the Watcher, an epic tune to properly kick off their feast of old school Heavy Metal, whereas again blending the harshness and violence of Speed Metal with their core metallic sound we have Onwards We March, even sounding Punk Rock-ish at times, with Volpale hammering his drums nonstop. The band then slows things down without letting their energy fade away in Book of the Dead, offering a neck breaking sonority led by Ravok’s killer riffage, followed by Warriors 9 to 5, carrying a very peculiar name for a straightforward Heavy Metal tune by the quartet, with Corvax and Volpale making the earth tremble with their classic kitchen. And leaning towards the Progressive Heavy and Power Metal blasted by bands like Greyhawk, the title-track Obsidian Wing sees Volpale dictate the pace while Alisander declaims the song’s epic lyrics in great fashion.
It’s time to put the pedal to the metal in the Speed Metal onrush entitled Hellstorm. Needless to say, this is where the band thrives the most, inviting us all to slam into the pit to the fast and furious riffs by Ravok. In the also excellent Raise Hell the initial drums by Volpale transpire Motörhead, which matches perfectly with the song’s title, bringing to our avid ears three and a half minutes of pure metallic nostalgia; and the band doesn’t let the ambience cool down not even a tiny bit in Relentless, another old school Heavy Metal extravaganza perfect for some wild headbanging. Battleaxe Apocalypse is perhaps the song with the coolest name of all, and the music is just as electrifying, with the solos and backing vocals by Ravok adding even more insanity to their music. Lastly, the closing song Attila begins in a serene manner before evolving into an Epic Heavy Metal attack where Ravok and Corvax blast their axes with tons of power, putting an Iron Maiden-inspired ending to the album.
In this age of fakery, imitation and flexible truths, Obsidian King stands tall as something real and vital, a work of substance, making sure the speed, melody, character and fire of Ravenspell be felt around the metal world. Hence, you can get in touch with those talented and hardworking Canadians via Facebook and Instagram, stream their music on Spotify or any other online platform, and of course purchase their incendiary debut offering from their own BandCamp, from Xtreem Music, or simply by clicking HERE. The Canadian ravens of Heavy and Speed Metal will put a metallic spell on you with Obsidian King, and be warned as once that spell consumes your soul, there will be a lot of headbanging. I said a lot.
Best moments of the album:Hellstorm, Raise Hell and Battleaxe Apocalypse.
Worst moments of the album:Warriors 9 to 5.
Released in 2026 Fighter Records
Track listing 1. God the Watcher 3:40
2. Onwards We March 3:51
3. Book of the Dead 4:23
4. Warriors 9 to 5 4:04
5. Obsidian Wing 4:03
6. Hellstorm 2:33
7. Raise Hell 3:29
8. Relentless 4:34
9. Battleaxe Apocalypse 1:50
10. Attila 7:50
Band members Alisander The Seer – vocals
Ravok Blackwing – guitars, backing vocals
Corvax Crowhammer – bass
Volpale The Ravenous – drums
Let’s raise the chalice of heavy music to the sophomore offering by this Helsinki, Finland-based Melodic Heavy Metal brigade.
Having quickly become a beacon of esoteric Heavy Metal since their inception in 2016, Helsinki, Finland-based Melodic Heavy Metal brigade Chalice raises their chalice of heavy music once again with their sophomore opus, entitled Divine Spear, the follow-up to their 2020 debut Trembling Crown. Forged in the freezing winds of the Finnish winter, the new offering by vocalist and guitarist Verneri Pouttu, guitarist and keyboardist Mikael Haavisto, bassist Joni Petander, and drummer Olli Törrönen is a carefully crafted, razor-sharp package that nevertheless reveals a bounty of sonic and psychic treasures, painting a picturesque landscape of both light and dark, offering deliverance to those seeking beyond the boundaries of the so-called “New Wave Of Traditional Metal” movement.
The acoustic intro Mare Imbrium gradually grows in intensity until it morphs into the bestial Dwell of a Stellar Trance, where the fast-paced, galloping rhythm crafted by Joni and Olli invites us all to join the band in battle in the best Heavy Metal style. In Hollow Curtain we’re treated to classic lyrics declaimed by Verneri (“Face the fate / Of the darkest pathways of time / Gone the tongues of man / Leave no stone unturned on your quest / The sign burns the skies the sand”) while his bandmates deliver sheer headbanging, horns raising epicness; followed by The Pact, a power ballad that sounds cheesy at times, not as exciting as the previous songs, and Age Ethereal, showcasing a more melodic, heavier and more gripping side of the band, piercing our ears with the striking riffage by Verneri and Mikael.
Divine Spear, the song that carries the name of the album, brings forward sheer adrenaline and harmonious riffs, therefore living up to the legacy of the 80’s, with Olli taking the lead with his stylish beats and fills; whereas another serene start to the sound of a crying flute evolves into a beautiful ballad titled Empyrean Liturgy, bringing an extra dosage of melancholy to the band’s journey through the lands of heavy music. In from the Cold sounds like it was taken from an album recorded in the 80’s, with their riffs and solos piercing our minds in great fashion while also flirting with Progressive Metal, and the album ends with the enfolding ballad Alioth, where the entire band is not only on their darkest mode, but Verneri also takes the lead with his soothing vocal lines.
Completed by a clean and crisp (and yet somehow warm and natural) production, Divine Spear dives into deeper depths than what meets the eye, and you can get to know more about the band and their new album by following them on Facebook and on Instagram, keeping an eye on their live performances, of course. Don’t forget to also stream their music on any platform such as Spotify, and to put your damned hands on Divine Spear by purchasing the album from the Dying Victims Productions’ BandCamp or webstore. In other words, it’s time to raise the chalice of Heavy Metal together with those Finnish warriors armed with the “divine spear” in their new album, ready to pierce the souls of the infidels in the name of good heavy music.
Best moments of the album:Dwell of a Stellar Trance, Divine Spear and Alioth.
Worst moments of the album:The Pact.
Released in 2026 Dying Victims Productions
Track listing 1. Mare Imbrium 1:59
2. Dwell of a Stellar Trance 3:31
3. Hollow Curtain 6:32
4. The Pact 4:50
5. Age Ethereal 8:31
6. Divine Spear 5:05
7. Empyrean Liturgy 6:33
8. In from the Cold 5:08
9. Alioth 6:14
Band members Verneri Pouttu – vocals, lead electric and acoustic guitars
Mikael Haavisto – lead electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards
Joni Petander – bass, backing vocals
Olli Törrönen – drums, percussions
The Great Rob Zombie is back in action with his incendiary eighth studio album, featuring 15 tracks with a sound described as a return to his “Hellbilly” roots.
As a rock icon and filmmaker with a unique vision, the indomitable Rob Zombie has continuously challenged audiences as he stretches the boundaries of both music and film. Four years after his excellent 2021 album The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy, Rob Zombie and his henchmen Mike Riggs on the guitars, Rob “Blasko” Nicholson on bass, and Ginger Fish on drums are back with another blast of Punk Rock, Heavy Metal, rebelliousness, blood and horror in The Great Satan, the eighth studio album in his undisputed career, featuring 15 tracks with a sound described as a return to his “Hellbilly” roots, overflowing his trademark sound and his always interesting way of interpreting love, life, death, blasphemy, and of course, Satan.
F.T.W. 84 feels like a journey back in time, more specifically to the glory of the late 90’s and early 2000’s, and it’s fantastic how after all these years Rob can still deliver crushing heavy music, with his vocals sounding truly demonic. Moreover, is it “Fuck the World” or “For the Win”? Well, it’s up to you to decide. Anyway, Mike delivers his old school trademark riffs nonstop in Tarantula while Ginger proves why he’s been hammering the drums with the band since 2011 in another hard hitting feast of heavy music. (I’m a) Rock ‘N’ Roller has a similar energy and vibe as his ultimate classic “Dragula”, blending Alternative and Industrial Metal with his passion for horror movies; followed by Heathen Days, another song inspired by his early days where Mike once again fires sheer adrenaline from his axe for our absolute delectation. Then, after the weird interlude Who Am I, it’s time for the Rock N’ Roll party titled Black Rat Coffin, offering an amalgamation of all phases and albums released by the band, with Rob’s vocals sounding haunting as usual. And how not to enjoy a song with such a stylish title like Sir Lord Acid Wolfman? It’s absolutely experimental, cryptic and phantasmagorical.
It’s pedal to the metal in the industrialized and mechanized attack entitled Punks and Demons, reminding me of the classic sound by the mighty Ministry, with Blasko and Ginger making sure the earth cracks in half to their demented kitchen; and everyone will get wet with Rob’s venomous vociferations in The Devilman, while the music once again presents a strong Industrial Rock and Metal vibe. Out of Sight is a bit generic compared to the rest of the album, albeit Mike’s riffs still exhale electricity nonstop; whereas Revolution Motherfuckers is perfect for raising our horns and breaking our necks, a true metallic anthem dedicated to our rotten and decaying world. Then after another horror movie-like interlude, titled Welcome to the Electric Age, it’s time for total anarchy with The Black Scorpion, offering an incendiary hybrid of Punk Rock and Thrash Metal led by Ginger’s killer drums boosted by the song’s wicked background sounds. Rob and his crew slow things down and deliver a strip tease tune titled Unclean Animals, as cryptic and dark as it can be, before all fades into absolute fear and obscurity in the outro Grave Discontent, ending the album on a vile, grim mode.
It’s always amazing to witness how talented, hardworking and passionate Rob Zombie is about his music, movies, and every other artistic expression in his undisputed career, and all those decades of experience didn’t make him sound mellower or softer; quite the contrary, it feels like he’s getting heavier, darker and more violent album after album, with The Great Satan representing another display of pure excellence by such a unique, multi-talented artist. You can find more information about him and all of his projects on Facebook and on Instagram (or simply click HERE for all things Rob Zombie), stream his pulverizing rockin’ anthems on any platform like YouTube and Spotify, and of course, put your dirty hands on The Great Satan by clicking HERE. A lot of people might consider the title of his new album blasphemous, satanic, impure, or controversial, but let’s he couldn’t care less about that. He’s the Great Rob Zombie, he lives and breathes our Great Rock N’ Roll, and that’s what really matters in the end.
Best moments of the album:F.T.W. 84, Heathen Days, Punks and Demons and The Black Scorpion.
Worst moments of the album:Out of Sight.
Released in 2026 Nuclear Blast Records
Track listing 1. F.T.W. 84 3:55
2. Tarantula 3:02
3. (I’m a) Rock ‘N’ Roller 3:32
4. Heathen Days 2:17
5. Who Am I 0:34
6. Black Rat Coffin 3:04
7. Sir Lord Acid Wolfman 3:45
8. Punks and Demons 2:38
9. The Devilman 3:26
10. Out of Sight 2:47
11. Revolution Motherfuckers 2:33
12. Welcome to the Electric Age 0:54
13. The Black Scorpion 1:33
14. Unclean Animals 3:33
15. Grave Discontent 1:00
Band members Rob Zombie – vocals
Mike Riggs – guitars
Rob “Blasko” Nicholson – bass
Ginger Fish – drums
Whipping up a firestorm of grit, swagger and grandiosity, the new opus by this UK entity snarls hardcore, extreme inflections, and a strong sense of Heavy Metal’s inherent classicism.
Whipping up a firestorm of grit, swagger and grandiosity, Setting Fire to the Sky, the brand new album by UK’s own Stoner/Sludge Metal/Metalcore cult act Urne, snarls hardcore, extreme inflections, and a strong sense of Heavy Metal’s inherent classicism, all burn together within their own burial chamber, propelling the band forward. Recorded and produced by SikTh co-vocalist Justin Hill, mixed by Johann Meyer at Silvercord Studios, and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studio, the follow-up to their 2023 album A Feast on Sorrow sees vocalist and bassist Joe Nally, guitarist Angus Neyra, and drummer James Cook expand their sound to even further lands, sounding and feeling heavier, tighter and more captivating than ever.
The acoustic guitars by Angus ignite the band’s festivities in Be Not Dismayed, suddenly exploding into a Progressive Sludge Metal aria where Joe’s vocals sound dark and visceral just the way we like it in extreme music; and James hammers his drums mercilessly in Weeping to the World, with their Mastodon-inspired riffs and bass punching us hard in the head while the music alternates between more introspective moments and sheer heaviness. Joe’s rumbling bass walks hand in hand with the pounding beats by James in the headbanging The Spirit, Alive, a serious candidate for becoming a permanent part of their live concerts, whereas the title-track Setting Fire to the Sky brings to our ears a sinister, grim intro that gradually morphs into a Doom and Sludge Metal creature, with James taking the lead armed with his undisputed, intricate and pulverizing beats and fills, followed by The Ancient Horizon, a more cadenced (yet still heavy-as-hell) creation by the trio, offering an overdose of caustic riffs by Angus.
We’re then treated to the also obscure Towards the Harmony Hall, carrying a poetic name for a hard hitting Progressive Metal beast where Angus’ carnivorous riffs clash in great fashion with the brutality blasted by James on drums. Then featuring the indomitable Troy Sanders of Mastodon as a guest vocalist, Urne will melt our faces with nine minutes of absolute metal magic in Harken the Waves, presenting several distinct layers that together form the most detailed of all songs, where melody and violence unite in the name of heavy music. Cellist Jo Quail adds pure melancholy to the band’s already deep and dark sonority in Breathe, providing Joe with exactly what he needs to shine with his introspective vocals, and as a CD and digital only bonus track we have Nocturnal Forms, certainly worth the investment in those formats as it’s another excellent song of no shenanigans Progressive Death and Sludge Metal.
“I feel like I’m in Metallica in 1988 with what we do,” commented Joe about the current state of Urne, and of course about the music found in Setting Fire to the Sky. You can also set fire to your music collection by purchasing such an amazing album from their own Big Cartel, from Rough Trade, or simply by clicking HERE, and don’t forget to also follow Urne on Facebook and on Instagram, staying up to date with their news and tour dates, and to stream their massive creations on any platform like Spotify. As aforementioned, Urne are moving forward with their newborn opus, leaving us eager for more in the near future by one of the most captivating band’s of the current British scene.
Best moments of the album:The Spirit, Alive, Setting Fire to the Sky and Harken the Waves.
Worst moments of the album: None.
Released in 2026 Spinefarm Records
Track listing 1. Be Not Dismayed 5:54
2. Weeping to the World 3:42
3. The Spirit, Alive 3:52
4. Setting Fire to the Sky 6:38
5. The Ancient Horizon 4:41
6. Towards the Harmony Hall 7:14
7. Harken the Waves 9:23
8. Breathe 4:19
CD and Digital bonus track
9. Nocturnal Forms 3:54
Band members Joe Nally – vocals, bass
Angus Neyra – guitars
James Cook – drums
Guest musicians
Troy Sanders – vocals on “Harken the Waves”
Jo Quail – cello on “Breathe”
Not even the worst snow storm of the past 180 years in Toronto (with over 50cm of snow falling within hours) was capable of stopping LORD OF THE LOST and THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE, with very special guests WEDNESDAY 13, to bring their Dark Winter Tour US + Canada 2026 to The Danforth Music Hall this Tuesday night. Well, the concert was rescheduled from Monday to Tuesday, and because of that I couldn’t make it to the show, plus the city is still a big fuckin’ mess with the snow blocking pretty much all parking lots, sidewalks and even some roads, but fortunately our buddy Keith Ibbitson of Metal Paparazzi was there not only to take some amazing photos of the show, but to also take care of the review this time. Even if I was able to attend the show I would have missed the first two bands, so it was going to be Keith anyway.
The Danforth Music Hall didn’t just host a concert on a cold Tuesday night – it became a gothic metal sanctuary, and Lord of the Lost stood at the altar, ready to convert anyone who walked through the doors. Before the headliners even hit the stage, the night was already stacked with atmosphere. Having released the album Mid Death Crisis in 2025 (available on any platform like BandCamp and Spotify), Wednesday 13 (aka Joseph Poole) and his henchmen, collectively known as United States-based Heavy Metal/Horror Punk outfit WEDNESDAY 13, came out swinging, bringing horror-punk swagger and full-throttle attitude. There’s something timeless about watching a crowd bounce, shout, and throw horns to songs that feel like they crawled straight out of a midnight movie marathon. It was raw, loud, and unapologetically fun – exactly the kind of chaos a metal crowd thrives on. It was the kind of opener that doesn’t warm a room up – it haunts it into readiness.
Setlist When the Devil Commands
Rotting Away
197666 (Frankenstein Drag Queens From Planet 13 cover)
In Misery
Summertime Suicide (Murderdolls cover)
Haunt Me
I Walked With a Zombie
Bad Things
I Love to Say Fuck (Frankenstein Drag Queens From Planet 13 cover)
Band members Wednesday 13 (Joseph Poole) – lead vocals
Roman Surman – lead guitar
Jack Tankersley – rhythm guitar
Ashes – guitars
Troy Doebbler – bass
Mike Dupke – drums
After a quick break, one of the co-headliners of the tour, London, Ontario’s own Electronic Rock/Darkwave ensemble THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE, kept the energy flowing onstage with a highly entertaining performance as well, bringing the Canadian pride to The Danforth Music Hall. Spearheaded by frontwoman Sara “Chibi” Taylor, and armed with their 2025 new album Pathways (available on both BandCamp and Spotify, as well as on any other streaming platform), the band set the tone with their signature blend of darkwave shimmer and industrial edge, bathing the crowd in glowing synths and shadowy melodies that felt both nostalgic and futuristic. By the time the lights finally dropped for Lord of the Lost, the room was primed and restless.
Setlist Counterpane
Blue
Stars and Satellites
Superstition
The Vanishing Game
One
Sleep Tonight
All of Nothing
Dead
Crush
Destroyer
Video Kid
Happy Birthday
In the Dark
Pins and Needles
Red Stars
Band members Sara “Chibi” Taylor – lead vocals
Michael Falcore – lead guitar, programming
Michael Rainbow – rhythm guitar, programming, backing vocals
Brett Carruthers – bass, backing vocals
Owen Mackinder – keyboards, keytar
Philip Elliott – drums
And last but certainly not least, Hamburg, Germany’s own LORD OF THE LOSTreturned to Toronto after two long years with their fusion of Neue Deutsche Härte, Gothic Rock and Metal, Industrial Rock and Metal, and even Glam Rock and Metal for the delight of everyone who braved the nasty roads of the city this Tuesday night. Blending songs form their entire discography with their latest albums Opvs Noir Vol. 1 and Opvs Noir Vol. 1, both released in 2025 (and stay tuned for Opvs Noir Vol. 3 in 2026, plus you can check their full discography on BandCamp and on Spotify), Chris “The Lord” Harms, Pi “π” Stoffers, Benjamin “Benji” Mundigler, Gerrit “Gared Dirge” Heinemann, and Niklas Kahl were phenomenal as expected, deliveribg exactly what their fans were waiting for.
Chris Harms stepped onto the stage like a ringmaster for the beautifully damned, dressed in a way that blurred the line between metal frontman and dark cabaret icon. From the first note, the band didn’t just play – they commanded. This wasn’t a run-through of a setlist. It was a full production, a carefully crafted ritual of sound, light, and emotion. Musically, the band delivered a powerful balance of industrial grit, gothic atmosphere, and modern metal punch. Guitars cut through with cold precision while the rhythm section drove everything forward like a mechanical heartbeat. Harms’ vocals moved effortlessly between commanding growls and soaring, emotional cleans, giving the songs a depth that hit as hard in the chest as it did in the ears.
From behind the lens, what stood out most was the connection. This wasn’t a passive crowd. Fans reached toward the stage, screamed every word back, and locked eyes with the band like they were part of the show itself. Faces flashed in red and white strobes, sweat and smiles catching the light in moments you can’t plan – only capture. The Danforth Music Hall proved to be the perfect setting: intimate enough to feel personal, but big enough to let the spectacle breathe. The lighting turned the stage into a shifting cathedral of shadow, steel, and romance – a visual extension of Lord of the Lost’s dark, theatrical identity and a dream scenario for any concert photographer chasing that one perfect frame. By the final song, voices were wrecked, the floor was soaked in sweat, and nobody in the room wanted it to end. Lord of the Lost didn’t just leave Toronto entertained – they left it marked. This was metal as theater. Metal as a community. Metal as something you carry with you long after the house lights come back on.
Setlist Bazaar Bizarre
I Will Die in It
Drag Me to Hell
Prison
Raining Stars
Loreley
Priest
On This Rock I Will Build My Church
I Hate People (with Wednesday 13)
Blood for Blood
Damage
Light Can Only Shine in the Darkness
Blood & Glitter
The Look (Roxette cover)
The Things We Do for Love Heaven is a Place on Earth
Band members Chris “The Lord” Harms – lead vocals, guitars, cello
Pi “π” Stoffers – guitars, backing vocals
Benjamin “Benji” Mundigler – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals
Gerrit “Gared Dirge” Heinemann – piano, keyboards, percussion, guitars, theremin
Niklas Kahl – drums
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Heavy Meta/Hard Rock power trio Thunderor ignites the next chapter of their high‑flying saga with the release of their sophomore opus, entitled Bleed For It, following up on their critically acclaimed 2022 debut Fire It Up. Produced by the band’s own JJ Tartaglia, mixed by Chris Snow, mastered by Kristian Montano, and featuring guest musicians Oscar Anesetti on bass, Anthony Pannozzo on keyboards, and Colin Grant on the fiddler, the new album by the aforementioned JJ Tartaglia on vocals, drums and keyboards alongside Jonny Nesta on the guitars, and Brycen Gunn on bass serves as the official soundtrack to “Thunderor The Musical”, the band’s ambitious rock opera production that debuted at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2025. Its artwork captures scenes from the stage show, setting the mood for a sweeping tale of adventure, danger, and heart. Set in an alternate 1992, the story follows Bowen, a washed‑up musician and biker, who finds renewed purpose through romance and one last grasp at glory.
THE HEADBANGING MOOSE 