Tag Archives: power metal

Album Review – Alterium / Stormrage EP (2025)

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The new EP by this up-and-coming Italian band captures the essence of classic Power Metal while pushing their sound into exciting new territories.

Further cementing the band’s place among the most promising names in the new wave of European Power Metal, Stormrage is the brand new EP by Italian Symphonic/Melodic Power Metal warriors Alterium, a powerful chapter that bridges their acclaimed 2024 debut Of War And Flames and their upcoming full-length album. Formed of Nicoletta Rosellini on vocals, Paolo Campitelli on the guitars and keyboards, Alessandro Mammola also on the guitars, Luca Scalabrin on bass, and Dario Gozzi on drums, the band continues their tradition of blending agile riffs, epic atmospheres, and battle-hardened energy in Stormrage, capturing the essence of classic Power Metal while pushing the band’s sound into exciting new territories.

The whimsical, epic keys by Paolo will embellish the airwaves and invite you on a symphonic journey in the title-track Stormrage, accompanied by the classic drumming by Dario and the melodic and powerful vocals by Nicoletta; whereas Sui starts in a more melodic manner, sounding almost like a Folk Metal ballad, before Paolo and Alessandro strike us all with their scorching Heavy Metal riffs in a very detailed, imposing and electrifying feast of Symphonic and Melodic Power Metal. The CD version of the EP comes with two amazing bonus, the first one being their cover version for the classic by Symphony X titled Paradise Lost (check the original version from their 2007 album Paradise Lost), and Alterium’s version is just as magical and enfolding, with Nicoletta’s powerful vocal lines being flawlessly supported by Paolo’s keys and the low-tuned, groovy kitchen crafted by Luca and Dario. And closing the CD version of the EP we have the orchestral version of Of War and Flames, a cinematic rendition of the original version from their own 2024 album Of War and Flames, where all orchestrations walk hand in hand with Nicoletta’s epic, soaring vocals.

In summary, this new chapter sees the band sharpen their songwriting and deliver a fresh burst of adrenaline that both longtime fans and newcomers will appreciate, reaffirming their mission to carry the torch of European metal with pride and power. Hence, you can get in touch with those Italian metallers via Facebook and Instagram, subscribe to their YouTube channel, stream their music on Spotify, and of course purchase their new EP from Big Cartel. As aforementioned, Stormrage works as a bridge between their 2024 album and their future endeavor, and based on the high energy and quality of the music found in their new EP, we can rest assured the future looks extremely promising for such an amazing up-and-coming band.

Best moments of the album: Sui and Paradise Lost.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Independent

Track listing
1. Stormrage 4:16
2. Sui 5:27

CD Version bonus tracks
3. Paradise Lost (Symphony X cover) 6:45
4. Of War and Flames (Orchestral version) 3:40

Band members
Nicoletta Rosellini – vocals
Paolo Campitelli – guitars, keyboards
Alessandro Mammola – guitars
Luca Scalabrin – bass
Dario Gozzi – drums

Album Review – Primal Fear / Domination (2025)

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The Teutonic eagle of Heavy Metal strikes again with a thunderous 13-track opus, a masterclass in sonic warfare offering an unrelenting barrage of soaring vocals, earth-shattering riffs, and battle-hardened anthems forged in fire and steel.

Spanning more than 25 years of pure Heavy and Power Metal, having faced numerous challenges since their formation in 1997, and having repeatedly risen from their lowest points like a phoenix from the ashes, Germany’s own metal commando Primal Fear is finally back into the battlefield with their fifteenth studio opus, simply titled Domination, following up on their successful 2023 album Code Red. After a recent line-up change, which saw the incredible Thalìa Bellazecca join on guitar and André Hilgers on drums, alongside the iconic frontman Ralf Scheepers, the unbreakable bassist Mat Sinner, and the unstoppable guitarist Magnus Karlsson, the band will strike again with a thunderous 13-track opus, a masterclass in sonic warfare offering an unrelenting barrage of soaring vocals, earth-shattering riffs, and battle-hardened anthems forged in fire and steel.

The album kicks off with the striking The Hunter, with Ralf delivering pure adrenaline through the song’s classic words (“Through the labyrinth of fear, you’re lost and alone / A primal force unleashed a river of blood / This is the part / When you will run for your life / And every step you take / Leads closer to my knife / Blood stains the ground / The hunt never ends”); and  Magnus and Thalìa showcase their passion for shredding in the excellent Destroyer, a pure Primal Fear extravaganza with Mat and André keeping the rhythm flowing in great fashion. The band then goes full Melodic Power Metal in Far Away, where Thalìa proves why she was chosen as the new band’s guitarist as her dexterity is impressive, followed by I Am the Primal Fear, and as cheesy as the song title might sound, the music is a great mid-tune party by the band, with Mat kicking some ass on bass. Needless to say, it’s great to have him back in action. Tears of Fire is another song with a classic title following a similar pattern as the previous song, with Ralf’s soaring vocals adding an extra touch of epicness to the overall result; whereas back to a heavier, faster and more dynamic sonority we face Heroes and Gods, with André crushing his drums while Ralf pierce our minds with his undisputed screams.

Hallucinations is a smooth, melodic instrumental piece where Thalìa once again steals the spotlight with her flammable axe, warming us up for Eden, a dark and enfolding power ballad by those Teutonic metallers led by Ralf’s passionate vocal performance. In Scream the name of the song says it all, demanding us to jump up and down with Primal Fear and simply scream together with Ralf. Furthermore, the heaviness flowing from the guitars by Magnus and Thalìa is truly awesome, boosted by Mat’s thunderous bass. The Dead Don’t Die brings forward another blast of razor-edged riffs and blast beats that reek of Rock N’ Roll, perfect for some wild headbanging, and get ready to be caught in a crossfire of pure Heavy Metal to the sound of Crossfire, where André pounds his drums nonstop for our total delight. March Boy March is a song that gradually evolves into a metal attack led by Ralf’s piercing vocals while the band’s guitar duo keeps delivering sheer electricity through their axes, and ending the album we have the melancholic ballad A Tune I Won’t Forget, which is fine for what it is despite taking away some of the power blasted in all previous songs.

Recorded by Dennis Ward at Kangaroo Studios, produced by Mat Sinner and co-produced by Ralf Scheepers and Magnus Karlsson, and mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, Domination reeks of classic Primal Fear while at the same time sounding fresh and unique, proving why the band has been on the road for so many years against all odds. You can check what the German eagle is up to on Facebook and on Instagram, including their breathtaking live performances, stream their incendiary discography on Spotify, and above all that, put your metallic hands on Domination by clicking HERE. Primal Fear are more than ready to spread their metal wings once again all across the globe and dominate the world of heavy music armed with their new album, a new chapter in the career of this Teutonic eagle that refuses to die, forever fighting in the name of our beloved Heavy Metal.

Best moments of the album: Destroyer, Heroes and Gods, Scream and Crossfire.

Worst moments of the album: A Tune I Won’t Forget.

Released in 2025 Reigning Phoenix Music

Track listing
1. The Hunter 4:21
2. Destroyer 4:31
3. Far Away 4:19
4. I Am the Primal Fear 5:41
5. Tears of Fire 5:14
6. Heroes and Gods 4:10
7. Hallucinations 2:37
8. Eden 7:25
9. Scream 4:27
10. The Dead Don’t Die 4:27
11. Crossfire 4:12
12. March Boy March 5:01
13. A Tune I Won’t Forget 3:32

Band members
Ralf Scheepers – vocals
Mat Sinner – bass, vocals
Magnus Karlsson – guitars
Thalìa Bellazecca – guitars
André Hilgers – drums

Album Review – Helloween / Giants & Monsters (2025)

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Confident and bursting with vigor, these German giants of Heavy Metal and monsters of Rock N’ Roll are back with their breathtaking seventeenth studio album.

With 15 gold awards, six platinum awards and over ten million records sold, German Heavy Metal masters Helloween are celebrating the band’s 40th anniversary with the successor to their critically acclaimed 2021 self-titled masterpiece. Confident and bursting with vigor, the septet formed of frontmen Michael Kiske and Andi Deris, guitarists Kai Hansen, Michael Weikath and Sascha Gerstner, bassist Markus Grosskopf, and drummer Dani Löble presents one of their most versatile albums to date, titled Giants & Monsters, the seventeenth studio album in their undisputed career. Recorded and mixed by Charlie Bauerfeind and Dennis Ward at Mi Sueno Studio, mastered by Sascha “Busy” Bühren and Emil Pohjalainen at Wisseloord Studios, and once again displaying a stunning artwork by Eliran Kantor, Giants & Monsters showcases a band that keeps reinventing themselves while staying true to the foundations of Heavy Metal, continuing to challenge seven brimming careers even after four decades.

Mr. Andi Deris begins embellishing the airwaves with his striking vocals in Giants on the Run, a classic Helloween tune sounding fast, electrifying and epic from start to finish, and I must say I love the fact Kai also delivers some vocal lines during the song. Then it’s time for Mr. Michael Kiske to take us back to the glory of the 80’s in Savior of the World, a flawless Power Metal song striking us hard like fire and thunder, with Dani kicking some ass behind his drums; whereas venturing through the realms of Progressive Rock but always rooted in their classic Heavy Metal sonority we have A Little Is a Little Too Much, one of those songs perfect for dancing with your loved ones. The visceral riffs by Kai, Michael Weikath and Sascha set the tone in the Primal Fear-like attack titled We Can Be Gods, flowing majestically until the very end. And Into the Sun, which was originally recorded for their 2021 self-titled album, but scrapped after being altered during production (as the final result wasn’t to their liking), is a charming ballad led by the hypnotizing vocals by Kiske and Andi.

This Is Tokyo, the first single released a couple of months ago, was a very good sign of the classic, old school approach by Helloween with a Melodic Rock/AOR twist, boosting their vocal lines even more while the chorus couldn’t have sounded catchier; and it’s pedal to the metal in the Heavy and Power Metal attack entitled Universe (Gravity for Hearts), with Dani’s fast and furious beats providing Kiske with exactly what he needs to make his vocals soar high like an eagle, resulting in eight minutes of pure metal magic by our beloved German pumpkins. The septet then offers two three-minute songs, the first being Hand of God, showcasing a more experimental sounds mixed with their core essence. Not their best effort, to be honest, while back to a more electrifying sound we have Under the Moonlight, with the guitars by Kai, Weikath and Sascha adding an overdose of Rock N’ Roll to their core sound. There’s still time for one more epic tune by Helloween, the phenomenal Majestic, and the music perfectly reflects the song title, with Kiske taking the lead with his unparalleled vocals while the band’s guitar triumvirate penetrates deep inside our souls with their superb, classic riffs and solos, or in other words, it’s an epic conclusion to such a metallic celebration by Helloween.

After all is said and done, Giants & Monsters presents the experience and musical enthusiasm of a band that can do anything and everything blazes its way, with all creative limits being set aside once and for all. “What keeps motivating us is the fact that we’re extremely different. That generates suspense and creative energy,” explained Michael Weikath, “and if problems do occur, we connect through our passion and our sense of humor. We try not to take ourselves and everything around us too seriously,” added Kai Hansen, before Andi Deris concluded with a bang. “In the end, we’re just seven guys who want to make music and enjoy the incomparable force that arises when we’re together. Helloween is way more powerful than the sum of its parts.” Hence, if you also want to be part of the Pumpkins United army, you can follow the band on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their classy music on YouTube and on Spotify, and of course add their superb new album to your private collection by clicking HERE. Because Helloween are giants of Heavy Metal, they’re monsters of Rock N’ Roll, and while they’re among us we can all rest assured heavy music will remain alive and kicking.

Best moments of the album: Savior of the World, A Little Is a Little Too Much, This Is Tokyo, Universe (Gravity for Hearts) and Majestic.

Worst moments of the album: Hand of God.

Released in 2025 Reigning Phoenix Music

Track listing
1. Giants on the Run 6:20
2. Savior of the World 4:15
3. A Little Is a Little Too Much 3:30
4. We Can Be Gods 5:24
5. Into the Sun 3:39
6. This Is Tokyo 4:16
7. Universe (Gravity for Hearts) 8:22
8. Hand of God 3:44
9. Under the Moonlight 3:07
10. Majestic 8:10

Band members
Michael Kiske – vocals
Andi Deris – vocals
Kai Hansen – guitars, vocals
Michael Weikath – guitars
Sascha Gerstner – guitars
Markus Grosskopf – bass
Dani Löble – drums

Album Review – Old Machines / The Cycles of Extinction (2025)

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This Symphonic Black Metal entity from Portland will attack with their concept debut album, a monolithic fusion of bombastic brutality and cosmic dread.

Astral warlords and celestial leviathans, Portland, Oregon-based  Symphonic Black Metal entity Old Machines emerge from the void with their cataclysmic concept debut album, titled The Cycles of Extinction, a monolithic fusion of bombastic brutality and cosmic dread. Recorded and mixed by the band’s own guitarist Brian Rush, mastered by Stephen Hoffman at Acid Dump Studios, and displaying a futuristic, dystopian cover art by Alexander Preuss, the debut offering by Gary Reavis on vocals, Brian Rush on the guitar and bass (the band was joined by Joel Henigson on bass shortly after the album was recorded), Devon Miller also on the guitar, Jason Stares on keyboards, and Chris Craven on drums heralds a new chapter in Extreme Metal where ancient engines of annihilation awaken once more.

You know a band is always aiming at pushing their boundaries when they kick off an album with an 11-minute song like Twilight of the Old Gods, and the Dawning of the First, sounding utterly atmospheric and whimsical, evolving into a Progressive Death Metal beast led by Gary’s striking vocals; and their symphonic wall of sounds goes on in full force in Cycles of Extinction, with the keys by Jason elevating the song’s epicness to a whole new level. Those guys definitely know how to name their songs, like in Extinguishing the Light of the Preludian Empire (Upon the Apex of their Glory), where Brian and Devon deliver an imposing riff attack accompanied by the massive beats and fills by Chris in a complex and vibrant blend of Symphonic and Progressive Black Metal; whereas Dark Space and Beyond – The Continuing of the Evolution of the Final Cycle is a beyond ethereal, enfolding composition, almost venturing through the lands of Shoegaze.

Crescendo of Carnage – Warsong of the Singing Swarm (Swarm Wars I) takes the band back to a more metallic and piercing mode, where Chris hammers his drums supported by the always electrifying keys by Jason, offering Gary exactly what he needs to shine on vocals. And it’s pedal to the metal in the infuriated The Sundering of the Irradiated Suns, and the Rebellion Sparked by the Gene-Plague, with the guitars by Brian and Devon penetrating deep inside our rotten minds. Then a cinematic intro explodes into sheer madness, rage and first-class Symphonic Black Metal in They are Legion – The Tragic Exodus of the Veiled Creators, where their guitar lines are absolutely insane and demented. And finally, we face their last metal attack entitled Glory to the Terrans of the First Contact War, even more symphonic than its predecessors while Chris sounds ruthless behind his drums.

In a nutshell, the tales of horror, war, and genocide found in The Cycles of Extinction, spanning eight tracks for one hour of music which can be described as Extreme Cosmic Metal, combining elements of Thrash, Death, Black, and Power Metal, will certainly appeal to fans of heavy music with a strong background storyline, and you can get to know more about Old Machines, their music, tour dates and other details on Facebook and on Instagram, and grab a copy of the album from their own BandCamp, from the Pale Magus Productions webstore, or by clicking HERE. From the darkest depths of the oceans of time and space comes a legend over two billion years old, which has spawned a multitude of harrowing galactic sagas, with The Cycles of Extinction being just the first in a series of concept albums by the band. There will be more of such epics in this fashion because, as you know, extinction is only the beginning.

Best moments of the album: Twilight of the Old Gods, and the Dawning of the First, Crescendo of Carnage – Warsong of the Singing Swarm (Swarm Wars I) and The Sundering of the Irradiated Suns, and the Rebellion Sparked by the Gene-Plague.

Worst moments of the album: Dark Space and Beyond – The Continuing of the Evolution of the Final Cycle.

Released in 2025 Pale Magus Productions

Track listing
1. Twilight of the Old Gods, and the Dawning of the First 11:14
2. Cycles of Extinction 6:41
3. Extinguishing the Light of the Preludian Empire (Upon the Apex of their Glory) 6:18
4. Dark Space and Beyond – The Continuing of the Evolution of the Final Cycle 8:39
5. Crescendo of Carnage – Warsong of the Singing Swarm (Swarm Wars I) 6:51
6. The Sundering of the Irradiated Suns, and the Rebellion Sparked by the Gene-Plague 7:15
7. They are Legion – The Tragic Exodus of the Veiled Creators 6:03
8. Glory to the Terrans of the First Contact War 7:25

Band members
Gary Reavis – vocals
Brian Rush – guitar, bass
Devon Miller – guitar
Jason Stares – keyboards
Chris Craven – drums

Album Review – Crimson Shadows / Whispers of War (2025)

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Bringing fast and thrilling songs of battle and victory to our metal hearts since 2006, Toronto’s own metal warriors are finally back into the battlefield with their breathtaking third studio album.

Bringing fast and thrilling songs of battle and victory to our metal hearts since the already distant year of 2006, Toronto, Canada’s own Epic/Melodic Death/Power Metal warriors Crimson Shadows are finally back into the battlefield with their fusion of the guttural screams and blast beats of Death Metal with the epic up-tempo guitar harmonies and choruses of Power Metal in their brand new album, the magnificent Whispers of War. Mixed and mastered by Christian Donaldson, and displaying a classy artwork by Péter Sallai of Mortpaintgraphics, showcasing a brave, dauntless warrior that perfectly depicts the sound of the band, the new album by frontman Jimi Maltais, guitarists Greg Rounding and Ryan Hofing, bassist Alex Snape, and drummer Cory Hofing is a worthy follow-up to their 2014 beast Kings Among Men, offering our avid ears an overdose of the band’s characteristic sound while also pointing to an even brighter future ahead of them.

Those Toronto warriors waste no time and kick off their metal music played at the speed of light party in Dawn of an Age, with Cory taking the lead with his crushing beats, and Jimi and Greg make a phenomenal vocal duo in Guardians, with it’s catchy-as-hell lyrics (“Guardians / We stand in a time of blood and fire / Ancient tales become our legacy / Skies ablaze, spirits of evil surrounding me / The prophecy remains our destiny”) inspiring us all to raise our fists and join them in a lecture in Melodic Death and Power Metal. Defenders of the Crown offers our avid ears more of their epic lyrics (“Here we stand to hold our ground / We defenders of the crown / Hold your steel and clench it tight / Or we all will die tonight”) in another classic battle hymn; and featuring the unparalleled Canadian growler Matt McGachy of Cryptopsy, Whispers of War is a fulminating metal attack by the boys sounding as fast as it is epic and aggressive, with Greg and Ryan firing truly piercing riffs nonstop, followed by Embrace the Fire, a little bit below the rest of the album but still fast, furious and presenting the band’s trademark sonority.

Then a smooth piano-driven intro quickly evolves into another shredding extravaganza by Greg and Ryan titled Battle Hard II: Battle Harder (the sequel to their 2012 song “Battle Hard”), while Jimi roars and growls with all of his strength and passion for heavy music. And featuring the indomitable Brittney Slayes (frontwoman for Canadian metal masters Unleash The Archers), who brings balance to the vocals together with Greg, we have Secrets of Our Time, not to mention Cory demolishes his drums in great fashion until the very last second. Jimi then sounds out of control, roaring manically in The Legacy of Steel, another headbanging beast where their riffs and solos exhale pure Heavy Metal magic, whereas lastly, the band will head into their final battle entitled Rise of the Fallen Soul, with Greg stealing the show with his awesome clean vocals while their Dragonforce-like guitar solos bring an extra onrush of electricity to their sound.

Crimson Shadows might have competed in and won the 2013 edition of Wacken Metal Battle Canada, and they absolutely deserved it, but in my humble opinion it’s now with Whispers of War that their trademark metallic, roaring sounds are ready to spread all over the world, positioning them as one of the forces to be reckoned with in the current Heavy Metal scene. Furthermore, those brave metallers are ready to take on the stages of the world by storm, and you can keep an eye on their tour dates by following them on Facebook and on Instagram, as well as by clicking HERE. Don’t forget to also stream their striking creations on YouTube and on Spotify, and of course to grab a copy of the incendiary Whispers of War from BandCamp or from Big Cartel. War is upon us, and it’s time to fight side by side with Crimson Shadows to the sound of their superb new album, one of the best of the year, and a lecture in Canadian metal.

Best moments of the album: Guardians, Whispers of War, Battle Hard II: Battle Harder and The Legacy of Steel.

Worst moments of the album: Embrace the Fire.

Released in 2025 Independent

Track listing
1. Dawn of an Age 4:46
2. Guardians 4:20
3. Defenders of the Crown 5:09
4. Whispers of War 5:18
5. Embrace the Fire 4:07
6. Battle Hard II: Battle Harder 5:57
7. Secrets of Our Time 4:48
8. The Legacy of Steel 5:39
9. Rise of the Fallen Soul 5:51

Band members
Jimi Maltais – vocals
Greg Rounding – guitars, clean vocals
Ryan Hofing – guitars
Alex Snape – bass
Cory Hofing – drums

Guest musicians
Matt McGachy – vocals on “Whispers of War”
Brittney Slayes – vocals on “Secrets of Our Time”

Album Review – Verdalack / Force from the Grave (2025)

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Tokyo, Japan’s own Speed Metal Forces are on the attack to the sound of their debut album, ready to take over the underground with violence and force.

Hailing from the always exciting city of Tokyo, Japan, Speed Metal warriors Verdalack are ready to take over the underground with violence and force armed with their debut full-length opus, entitled Force From the Grave, the follow-up to their 2022 demo Rites of Hell. Comprising eight hard-charging songs across a fun and frantic half-hour, Force From the Grave approximates its namesake through a laser-focused mindset and soundfield, with influences ranging from mid 80’s Speed Metal, ancient American Power Metal, and classic Japanese Hardcore-Punk, all masterfully crafted by the “Five Japanese V’s of the Apocalypse,” those being Villain on vocals, Vandal and Vortex on the guitars, Void on bass, and Vigor on drums.

The album starts in full force with the frantic and electrifying Axehead, where the band’s ruthless guitar duo fires some amazing Heavy Metal-infused thrashing riffs, and get ready for total war inside the pit to the sound of Heretic Flights, a fantastic hybrid of Thrash and Speed Metal with Villian’s vocals being flawlessly supported by the hammering beats by Vigor. In Desecrater the name of the song says it all, an avalanche of demented riffs and blast beats in the best 80’s Thrash Metal style, whereas Villain shows no mercy for our souls with his deranged vociferations in Blood Eagle, while Vandal and Vortex extract sheer adrenaline form their axes, resulting in the perfect soundtrack for slamming into the circle pit.

There’s still a lot more of the undisputed Speed Metal by Verdalack in the album, starting with Final Assault, where Vigor accelerates the song’s pace considerably, inviting us all to slam like true headbanging bastards. Then we face the title-track Force from the Grave, starting with melodious, piercing guitars by Vandal and Vortex before all hell breaks loose in the name of speed and aggression. Into the Flames offers our putrid ears another overdose of thrashing sounds in less than three minutes, with their early Megadeth approach working really well thanks to the unstoppable beats by Vigor; and the album ends with the absolutely mental Speed Metal tune Rites of Hell, leaving us all disoriented and absolutely satisfied with the band’s fast and furious feast of thrashing sounds.

Classics-minded but exuding an authentically fresh approach, Force From the Grave will throttle maniacs of Jag Panzer to Japan’s Bastard, Exciter to GISM, and Piledriver to Deathside. Put differently, the Tokyo Speed Metal Forces are on the attack, and you can fight side by side with Verdalack in the battlefield by following them on Instagram, staying up to date with their news, tour dates and other nice-to-know details about the band, and above all that, by purchasing their frantic, no shenanigans new album from BandCamp or from the Hells Headbangers’ webstore. Verdalack are undoubtedly making a name for themselves in the beyond exciting Japanese underground, with Force from the Grave representing just the first (and awesome) step in their promising journey.

Best moments of the album: Heretic Flights, Into the Flames and Rites of Hell.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Hells Headbangers

Track listing
1. Axehead 3:36
2. Heretic Flights 3:09
3. Desecrater 3:19
4. Blood Eagle 3:58
5. Final Assault 4:21
6. Force from the Grave 4:48
7. Into the Flames 2:57
8. Rites of Hell 3:24

Band members
Villain – vocals
Vandal – guitars
Vortex – guitars
Void – bass
Vigor – drums

Album Review – Reflection / The Battles I Have Won (2025)

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These Greek warriors will shatter the silence once again by the sound of thunder as their fifth studio album comes galloping out of the darkness, a paradise for those whose hearts still burn with the flame of Heavy Metal.

Eight years after the release of Bleed Babylon Bleed, Athens, Greece-based Epic Heavy Metal veterans Reflection will shatter the silence once again by the sound of thunder as The Battles I Have Won, their fifth studio album, comes galloping out of the darkness. Recorded, mixed and mastered at Dark Water Audio, produced by Stathis Pavlantis at Music House Studio, and showcasing a ruthless and fierce warrior in the artwork by Alexander Vasilopoulos, the new opus by vocalist Kostas Tokas, guitarist Stathis Pavlantis, bassist John Litinakis, and drummer Giorgos Pavlantis, with additional orchestrations by guest Kostas Rekleitis, is a must-listen for  fans of Iron Maiden, Manowar, Doomsword, and Omen, where every song is a highlight in its own right. Put differently, The Battles I Have Won is a paradise for those whose hearts still burn with the flame of Heavy Metal.

Stathis begins shredding his axe in the name of Epic Heavy Metal in Only the Swords Survive, a fast and furious tune where Kostas leads his horde with his soaring vocals; and Giogos hammers his drums in the best Manowar style in The Battles I Have Won, consequently inspiring us all to head into the battlefield alongside those Greek warriors. Lord of the Wind is another song with a strong Manowar vibe, with John and Giorgos building a striking galloping rhythm, offering Kostas all he needs to shine on vocals, whereas Sirens’ Song is an even more cinematic and imposing creation by the quartet where the additional orchestrations by guest Kostas Rekleitis bring an extra dosage of epicness to their already powerful Heavy Metal, followed by Once Again (Crime in the Valley of Death), carrying a poetic name for a thrilling fusion of Heavy and Power Metal led by Stathis’ piercing riffs.

Celestial War sounds and feels a bit generic compared to the rest of the album, although Kostas still showcases a solid performance on vocals supported by the hammering drums by Giorgos; and back to a more exciting and visceral mode, March of the Argonauts is a lecture in Power Metal where all bands members are on absolute fire, in special Stathis armed with his scorching riffs. Then offering their most melodious side, the band fires the Melodic Heavy Metal feast entitled Lady in the Water, with Stathis once again delivering sheer electricity through his axe accompanied by the rumbling bass by John. And last but not least, it’s time for the epic City Walls of Malta – The Great Siege to conclude the album on a thunderous mode, with Kostas declaiming the song’s dark words in great fashion.

True legends of the Greek Heavy Metal scene, Reflection carefully added tons of depth and atmosphere to each tale as The Battles I Have Won unfolds, sounding absolutely warm and richly textured, vibrant, vital and alive. Needless to say, The Battles I Have Won will surely come to be regarded as Reflection’s finest album to date, and you can become part of their history by purchasing a copy of the album from the Pitch Black Records’ BandCamp or webstore (as a CD, an LP, or a CD + LP bundle), as well as from Vinylstore.gr (also as a CD or an LP). Don’t forget to also give those Greek warriors a shout on Facebook, fighting side by side with them in the battlefield in the name of our beloved Heavy Metal, because they might have won many battles, but they’re ready for more armed with their undisputed new album.

Best moments of the album: The Battles I Have Won, Sirens’ Song and March of the Argonauts.

Worst moments of the album: Celestial War.

Released in 2025 Pitch Black Records

Track listing
1. Only the Swords Survive 3:56
2. The Battles I Have Won 4:17
3. Lord of the Wind 4:51
4. Sirens’ Song 4:42
5. Once Again (Crime in the Valley of Death) 5:30
6. Celestial War 4:45
7. March of the Argonauts 5:05
8. Lady in the Water 5:16
9. City Walls of Malta – The Great Siege 4:44

Band members
Kostas Tokas – vocals
Stathis Pavlantis – guitars
John Litinakis – bass
Giorgos Pavlantis – drums

Guest musician
Kostas Rekleitis – additional orchestrations, string and choir arrangements

Album Review – Behölder / In The Temple Of The Tyrant (2025)

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This American horde will attack our senses with their debut opus, a true love letter to Epic Doom Metal inspired by classic Dungeons & Dragons.

Hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States, Behölder are an Epic Doom/Dark/Power Metal band inspired by classic Dungeons & Dragons, formed in late 2021 by guitarist Carlos Alvarez. Produced by the same Carlos Alvarez, mixed and mastered by Ronnie Björnström at Björnström Ljud & Produktion, and displaying a stunning artwork by Zsofia Dankova, their debut opus, titled In The Temple Of The Tyrant, features eight tracks of monstrous proportions, a true love letter to Epic Doom Metal weaving cautionary tales from the more grim, foreboding realms of fantasy against a backdrop of colossal riffs with elegant yet powerful melodies, all carefully crafted by vocalist John Yelland, guitarists Carlos Alvarez and Matt Hodsdon, bassist Michael Sanchez, and drummer Andrew Julkowski.

A Pale Blood Sky begins in a strong doomed vibe thanks to the heavy riffs by Carlos and Matt, supported by the always thunderous bass by Michael, and let’s all headbang like beasts to the epic vocals by John because those are awesome. Then their melodious, penetrating guitar lines set the tone in Dungeon Crawl, another feast of Epic and Doom Metal with a thrilling galloping pace; and it’s time for an even heavier tune titled Into the Underdark, with the pounding drums by Andrew walking hand in hand with the deep vocals by John, not to mention how powerful the bass by Michael sounds. After that we face Eyes of the Deep (featuring guest vocalist Tomi Joutsen of Amorphis), which reminds me of some of the darkest creations by Black Sabbath with Dio, in special from when they were called Heaven & Hell, with the entire band sounding tight, epic and fierce until the very last second.

The band then fires a more introspective composition entitled For Those Who Fell, offering seven minutes of dark, sluggish passages rooted in classic Doom Metal, or in other words, it’s a beautiful dark ballad by the band. Then investing in a primeval, tribalistic sound we have Draconian (Slave or Master), as if it was part of a somber, obscure ritual, with the riffage by Carlos and Matt penetrating deep inside our skin in great fashion, followed by Summoned & Bound, which lacks the same energy and punch from the previous songs. John still delivers his share of epicness through his vocals, though. And lastly we’re treated to I Magus, an amazing blast of Epic Doom Metal led by the thunderous vocals by John while his bandmates not only craft a powerful sound, but their backing vocals are also spot-on, putting a phenomenal and obviously epic ending to the album.

As the band itself likes to say, their debut album offers us all avid listeners “magic, mayhem and riffs heavier than a storm giant’s ass,” being therefore highly recommended for fans of Candlemass, Solitude Aeturnus, Sorcerer, and Memento Mori, among others. Hence, you can join the band in their magic metal quest by following them on Facebook and on Instagram, and of course by purchasing a copy of In The Temple Of The Tyrant from the Black Lion Records’ BandCamp or webstore, from Indiemerchstore, from Season of Mist, or simply by clicking HERE or HERE. In the end, Behölder are definitely going to make a lot of noise armed with their first ever album, adding an extra dosage of sheer doom to the already heavy and thunderous world of Dungeons & Dragons.

Best moments of the album: A Pale Blood Sky, Draconian (Slave or Master) and I Magus.

Worst moments of the album: Summoned & Bound.

Released in 2025 Black Lion Records

Track listing
1. A Pale Blood Sky 6:34
2. Dungeon Crawl 5:39
3. Into the Underdark 5:20
4. Eyes of the Deep 6:25
5. For Those Who Fell 6:58
6. Draconian (Slave or Master) 5:52
7. Summoned & Bound 5:34
8. I Magus 6:44

Band members
John Yelland – lead vocals
Carlos Alvarez – guitars, backing vocals
Matt Hodsdon – guitars, backing vocals
Michael Sanchez – bass, backing vocals
Andrew Julkowski – drums, backing vocals

Guest musician
Tomi Joutsen – vocals on “Eyes of the Deep”

Album Review – Lady Beast / The Inner Alchemist (2025)

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Let’s ride into the battlefield to the sound of this true locomotive of old school Heavy Metal masterfully crafted by one of the most electrifying names of the current scene.

Flying the flag for refined Heavy Metal since their inception back in 2009, always influenced by metal titans the likes of Motörhead, Dio, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Mercyful Fate, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s own unstoppable force Lady Beast returns to action five years after their latest full-length opus The Vulture’s Amulet, and four years after their striking EP Omens, with a brand new album entitled The Inner Alchemist, continuing to melt our faces with their sturdy aesthetic, authentically 80’s-entrenched Heavy Metal that struts and gallops with equal aplomb. Recorded by Jason Jouver, mastered by Yavé “Rust” Rodriguez, and displaying an ass-kicking, evocative artwork by Adam Burke of Nightjar Illustration, The Inner Alchemist is a true locomotive of old school metal music masterfully crafted by frontwoman Deborah Levine, guitarists Andy Ramage and Chris Tritschler, bassist Amy Bianco, and Adam Ramage, offering more of their high-octane music infused with swords and sorcery.

The scorching riffs by Andy and Chris rev up the band’s metallic engine in Oracle’s Omen, a true banger where Deborah already distills her soaring vocals for our total delight; whereas their Power Metal vein pulses stronger than ever in Through the Eyes of War, with Adam dictating the song’s electrifying pace supported by the classic bass lines by Amy, being therefore recommended for some fun inside the mosh pit. The band then delivers an overdose of Heavy Metal magic in the title-track Inner Alchemist, a headbanging hymn where the rumbling kitchen by Amy and Adam is perfect for Deborah’s piercing vocal lines, morphing into Starborn, which offers our avid ears a serene, melancholic start in the best Iron Maiden way possible, then evolving into a more Judas Priest-inspired sound until the end.

Their feast of old school, no shenanigans sounds goes on in full force in Crone’s Crossroads, a frantic, in-your-face display of Heavy Metal where Adam hammers his drums nonstop while the riffage by Andy and Chris exhale fire and power; and their NWOBHM side explodes majestically in Feed Your Fire, where their caustic riffage and solos, as well as their fast-paced beats, match flawlessly with Deborah’s epic roars. Witch Light is an instrumental tune that sounds fairly decent, although I still prefer any song with Deborah’s vocals like what happens in The Wild Hunt, where she declaims the song’s lyrics beautifully supported by the galloping sounds blasted by her bandmates. Last but definitely not least, it’s pedal to the metal in the thrilling Off with Their Heads, sounding thrashy at times thanks to the infuriated riffs by Andy and Chris, therefore putting a wild conclusion to such a breathtaking album.

After all is said and done, you’ll notice that not only The Inner Alchemist is a pure Lady Beast album, but also that the production on the album beautifully highlights their heaviness, turning it into a special milestone in their already solid career. Having said that, Deborah and her henchmen are waiting for you to join them in the battlefield by following them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, by streaming their epic creations on Spotify, and of course by grabbing a copy of the breathtaking The Inner Alchemist from the Dying Victims Productions’ BandCamp or by clicking HERE. It’s time to ride through the vast realm of heavy music alongside Lady Beast to the sound of their newborn opus, keeping the flames of classic Heavy Metal burning for all eternity and, therefore, fueling the band to keep blasting our ears with more albums like The Inner Alchemist in the foreseeable future.

Best moments of the album: Through the Eyes of War, Crone’s Crossroads, Feed Your Fire and Off with Their Heads.

Worst moments of the album: Witch Light.

Released in 2025 Dying Victims Productions

Track listing
1. Oracle’s Omen 4:08
2. Through the Eyes of War 3:47
3. Inner Alchemist 3:48
4. Starborn 6:56
5. Crone’s Crossroads 3:27
6. Feed Your Fire 4:37
7. Witch Light 2:19
8. The Wild Hunt 3:28
9. Off with Their Heads 3:09

Band members
Deborah Levine – vocals
Andy Ramage – lead guitar
Chris Tritschler – rhythm guitar
Amy Bianco – bass
Adam Ramage – drums

Album Review – Arch Enemy / Blood Dynasty (2025)

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The global legends of pure fucking metal return with their twelfth studio album, capturing the essence of the band in its collection of vicious, high-energy rippers.

Legends of pure fucking metal for nearly 30 years, Melodic Death Metal outfit Arch Enemy returns to the battlefield with their twelfth studio album, entitled Blood Dynasty, the follow-up to their 2022 beast Deceivers. Recorded and mixed by Jens Bogren and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios, produced by the band’s own Michael Amott and Daniel Erlandsson, and featuring a creepy artwork by Alex Reisfar, Blood Dynasty captures the essence of Arch Enemy in its collection of vicious, high-energy rippers without sounding outdated, always looking forward, therefore showcasing all the talent and passion for heavy music by frontwoman Alissa White-Gluz, guitarists Michael Amott and Joey Concepcion, bassist Sharlee D’Angelo, and drummer Daniel Erlandsson.

An imposing, epic intro suddenly explodes into Dream Stealer, with Michael and Joey sounding venomous armed with their axes while Alissa fires some of her deepest guttural roars ever. Needless to say, I would love to see and hear more of this more violent side of Arch Enemy. Then Daniel keeps pounding his drums in Illuminate the Path, sounding modern yet loyal to the band’s Melodic Death Metal roots; followed by March of the Miscreants, another violent and visceral display of heavy music by the band led by the blistering riffs by Michael and Joey, and A Million Suns, a solid composition by the band showcasing the trademark riffs and solos by Mr. Michael Amott. And it looks like the band wanted to get back to their most aggressive vibe in the album, with Don’t Look Down being the perfect example of that.

The second part of the album starts with the sinister interlude Presage, getting us pumped for Blood Dynasty, with Alissa barking the song’s  lyrics (“Cracks in the ice below our feet / Our own worst enemy on all fronts / A strategy of self-deceit? / A hornets nest, about to be released”) amidst an overdose of classic Arch Enemy. Paper Tiger also sounds ruthless, from its in-your-face intro declaimed by Alissa (“See no, hear no / Speak no evil / We are each our own devil / And we make this world our hell”) to its galloping pace led by Sharlee and Daniel, reeking of old school Melodic Death Metal for our total delight. I personally think there was no need for a ballad like Vivre Libre in the album, and although Alissa does a decent job with her potent clean vocals, the song sounds generic and out of place; whereas The Pendulum alternates between more cadenced moments and a fast-paced rhythm with elements of the Heavy Metal by Iron Maiden (and even some nuances of Power Metal). And lastly, there’s nothing better than a true banger to end the album like Liars & Thieves, with Daniel hammering his drums frantically while we all slam into the pit like true metalheads.

“This is our 12th studio album, and the rule of metal is that you’ve got to keep trying to say the same thing, but in slightly different ways!” says Michael Amott. “There’s a degree of familiarity in our sound, which I don’t see as a problem because we’re playing the music we love. But obviously we’ve got to throw a couple of curveballs in there each time, a few new interesting things to spice it up a little bit. How do you get people talking about your record when it’s the 12th one, you know?” Well, Mr. Amott is absolutely right, as all bands need to reinvent themselves once in a while to avoid getting repetitive or dull, and let’s say Arch Enemy have more than succeeded in doing that so far, with Blood Dynasty sounding strong from start to finish. You can find more information about the band and their tour dates on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, get ready to rock to their new album on Spotify, and of course purchase it by clicking HERE, helping Arch Enemy stay atop of the world as the leaders of the Melodic Death Metal movement since their inception.

Best moments of the album: Dream Stealer, March of the Miscreants, Paper Tiger and Liars & Thieves.

Worst moments of the album: Vivre Libre.

Released in 2025 Century Media

Track listing
1. Dream Stealer 4:29
2. Illuminate the Path 4:48
3. March of the Miscreants 4:49
4. A Million Suns 3:45
5. Don’t Look Down 4:07
6. Presage 0:47
7. Blood Dynasty 3:51
8. Paper Tiger 3:56
9. Vivre Libre 4:07
10. The Pendulum 3:42
11. Liars & Thieves 4:20

Band members
Alissa White-Gluz – vocals
Michael Amott – lead guitars, backing vocals
Joey Concepcion – lead guitars, backing vocals
Sharlee D’Angelo – bass
Daniel Erlandsson – drums