Tag Archives: progressive metal

Album Review – Destroy Fear / The Dark Carnival (2026)

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Less than one year after the release of their excellent debut, this melodeath beast from Down Under returns with eleven tracks of undisputed aggression, melody and electricity in their sophomore opus.

Less than one year after the release of their excellent debut album The Mountain Before Us All, the unstoppable Melbourne, Australia-based Melodic Death Metal/Metalcore ensemble Destroy Fear continues to build momentum with their sophomore album, entitled The Dark Carnival. Having recently updated their lineup, the band currently formed of Scott Masson on vocals, Jayden Genuis on lead guitar, Luke Baird on rhythm guitar and bass, and newcomer Ondre Barca on drums offers eleven tracks of undisputed aggression, melody and electricity in The Dark Carnival, inviting us all to slam into the pit while they kick some serious ass both in the studio and onstage.

The cryptic Intro to the Dark Carnival sets the stage for the band to kick our asses with Dark Carnival, where Jayden and Luke shred their axes nonstop, delivering killer riffs and solos and, therefore, offering Scott exactly what he needs to roar like a headbanging maniac. Ondre then showcases his dexterity and fury in Slings and Arrows, hammering his drums while his bandmates deliver a striking fusion of Metalcore and Hardcore; and a darker, more sinister start evolves into another feast of groove and heaviness titled Elusion, showcasing a more introspective side of the band. The incendiary Hypochondriac presents hints of Progressive Metal and even Djent, with Scott sounding truly enraged on vocals while the riffage by Jayden and Luke transpire madness; and the band continues to venture through Groove Metal lands the likes of Machine Head in Overcome, albeit a bit generic in the end.

The second half of the album begins with an explosion of aggression titled All for Nothing, where the metallic guitars and bass by Jayden and Luke walk hand in hand with Ondre’s pounding drums. The quartet still has a lot of fuel to burn in House of Cards, with Scott taking the lead with his visceral growls and clean vocals supported by the wall of sounds built by his crew; whereas it’s time to slam into the pit to the sound of Alpha Omega, with Ondre crushing his drums like there’s no tomorrow in a demented explosion of melodeath with an edgy Hardcore vibe. Their second to last metal attack comes in the form of Without Teeth, again presenting their trademark ferocity and groove through their rebellious vocals, caustic riffs and hammering drums, and last but definitely not least, Scott will vociferate rabidly in our faces one final time in Recreant, accompanied by another striking guitar work by Jayden and Luke.

A must-listen for admirers of the caustic melodeath played by In Flames, Trivium, Parkway Drive, and Heaven Shall Burn, among several others, The Dark Carnival is already available for a full listen on any streaming platform such as Spotify and Audiomack, and you can also check what the band is up to, including their live performances, on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, or simply click HERE for all things Destroy Fear. Speaking of their live concerts, Destroy Fear managed to released the album in time for Outcast Festival 2026 in Melbourne alongside Verona Lights, Machine On A Break, ANA, Ion Sky, Jupiter The Giant, and Silent Lakes, proving those guys are all about bringing to the stages the energy found in their studio albums, and I’m sure it won’t take long for their album number three to come to light, and for us fans to have a few more reasons to enjoy a nice mosh pit just like what they have to offer in the excellent The Dark Carnival.

Best moments of the album: Dark Carnival, Hypochondriac and Alpha Omega.

Worst moments of the album: Overcome.

Released in 2026 Independent

Track listing
1. Intro to the Dark Carnival 0:47
2. Dark Carnival 4:40
3. Slings and Arrows 4:31
4. Elusion 4:34
5. Hypochondriac 4:12
6. Overcome 4:36
7. All for Nothing 4:27
8. House of Cards 5:23
9. Alpha Omega 4:10
10. Without Teeth 4:37
11. Recreant 4:06

Band members
Scott Masson – vocals
Jayden Genuis – lead guitar
Luke Baird – rhythm guitar, bass
Ondre Barca – drums

Album Review – Evoked Eclipse / The Cries Of Evil (2026)

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A seasoned duo hailing from Italy will darken your soul armed with their debut offering of arcane, devilish and dramatic Atmospheric Black Metal.

Led by vocalist, guitarist and bassist Max Havler (Ophidian, Shrivel), with Davide Billia (Antropofagus, Beheaded, Vomit the Soul) taking care of additional vocals, drums and keyboards, Milan, Italy-based Atmospheric Black Metal entity Evoked Eclipse has its sound closely tied to the Scandinavian Black and Death Metal scene, primarily Swedish, with references to Dissection and Naglfar, but also the Melodic Death Metal of Dark Tranquillity and Opeth and the melancholic Doom and Gothic Metal elements of early Katatonia. Recorded and mixed by Davide Billia at MK2 Recording Studio, mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios, showcasing a cryptic artwork by the beyond talented Gogo Melone (presenting the album’s visual representation in its most arcane, dark and dramatic essence), and with layout by Francesco Palumbo of MKM Graphix, their debut effort The Cries Of Evil represents a new vision of extreme music, positioning the project as one of the must-see names of the new scene worldwide.

The ethereal intro Enchantment will transport us all to the Stygian realm ruled by Evoked Eclipe, flowing into the title-track The Cries Of Evil, where Max roars with tons of anger in his blackened heart while Davide delivers a mix of Black Metal blast beats and sluggish Doom Metal sounds. After that we have Land Of The White Spirit Lady, featuring guest vocals by Kyrah Aylin (of Aresea and Elegy of Madness), a beautiful, dark ballad of Blackened Doom, with their riffs and drums matching perfectly with Kyrah’s stunning vocal lines; and then we face the melancholic, grim interlude Mournishments, setting the stage for The Watch Of Spirits, with Max delivering sharp, crisp riffs and bass lines while Davide continues to hammer his drums mercilessly. In Drops Of Blood we see the band adding hints of Progressive Metal to their core Atmospheric Black Metal sonority, showcasing more of their fiery riffage, followed by Illusions Of The Life, another classic blast of atmospheric madness, sounding as dark and visceral as it can be, morphing into the outro Ascension, feeling utterly epic and leaving us eager for more of their stylish music in the near future.

Max and Davide are waiting for you with their Evoked Eclipse on Facebook and on Instagram, including news, more of their music, and who knows, maybe some live performances in a not-so-distant future, stream the album in full on Spotify, and of course you can put your hands on the excellent The Cries Of Evil from Club Inferno’s BandCamp, from My Kingdom Music, by clicking HERE, as well as from several other online retailers such as MDV Shop, Waterloo Records, and Groovespin.com. The fusion of Atmospheric and Melodic Black Metal with Death, Doom and Gothic Metal nuances found in The Cries Of Evil will certainly darken your already blackened heart even more, fueling the duo to keep blasting their undisputed extreme music for many years to come under their sinister, grim Black Metal eclipse.

Best moments of the album: The Cries Of Evil, The Watch Of Spirits and Illusions Of The Life.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Club Inferno Ent./My Kingdom Music

Track listing
1. Enchantment 1:11
2. The Cries Of Evil 4:17
3. Land Of The White Spirit Lady 5:58
4. Mournishments 1:25
5. The Watch Of Spirits 7:01
6. Drops Of Blood 5:48
7. Illusions Of The Life 5:17
8. Ascension 2:15

Band members
Max Havler – vocals, guitars, bass
Davide Billia – vocals, drums, keyboards

Guest musician
Kyrah Aylin – female vocals on “Land Of The White Spirit Lady”

Album Review – Urne / Setting Fire to the Sky (2026)

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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”

Album Review – HyperioN / Cybergenesis (2026)

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These Italian Heavy Metal warriors return with their third studio opus, a dark concept album rooted in classic Sci-Fi telling a story of resistance and sacrifice where the human spirit defies impossible odds.

Formed in 2015 by drummer Jason Beghelli and guitarist Davide Cotti to play traditional Heavy Metal, drawing inspiration from bands such as Metal Church, Queensrÿche, and Judas Priest, while adding their own personal touch, Bologna, Italy-based force HyperioN, whose name was taken from the Hyperion Cantos, a series of science fiction novels written by Dan Simmons, returns to the battlefield with a new opus, titled Cybergenesis. Produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Davide Cotti, with vocals recorded by Antonio Inserillo, and displaying a striking cover artwork hand-painted on canvas by English artist Ryan T. Hancock, renowned for his work with bands such as Seven Sisters, Blood Star, and Stormborn, the follow-up to their 2020 sophomore Into the Maelstrom is a dark concept album rooted in classic Sci-Fi, from Star Trek to Ghost in the Shell, telling a story of resistance and sacrifice where the human spirit defies impossible odds, all carefully brought into being by Max Morelli on vocals, Francis Dipasquale and Davide Cotti on the guitars, Simone “Nega” Cauli on bass, and Francesco Madonna on drums.

The striking guitars by Francis and Davide kick off the band’s metallic journey in Deafening, evolving into a frantic Heavy and Power Metal extravaganza where Max’s vocals couldn’t have sounded more epic. Then investing in a darker, more rhythmic sonority, it’s time for Francesco to shine on drums in Rewire, Rebuild, presenting elements of Progressive Metal to give the song an extra kick, followed by Yet We Still Fight, clearly inspired by the glory of 80’s Heavy Metal, with Max delivering those soaring vocals we all love so much supported by the spot-on riffage by Francis and Davide. And The Shackles of Chronitus is an Epic Power Metal composition with a strong, reverberating kitchen by Simone and Francesco, albeit not as exciting as the rest of the album.

An Iron Maiden-inspired atmospheric and melodic intro evolves into another killer tune entitled Blood Over Chrome, where their riffs and solos bring endless stamina to the already exciting song’s pace; whereas Grain of Sand brings to our avid years metal’s old school galloping rhythm led by Simone and Francesco, providing Max with exactly what he needs to fire his rebellious vocal lines. Rhizome Rider brings forward more of the band’s trademark sound, a pure Heavy Metal feast tailored for admirers of the style perfect for raising their fists together with HyperioN, and closing the album we face the theatrical, ruthless The Whole of Time, with its background keys and sounds elevating its punch considerably, not to mention Francis and Davide are once again on fire armed with their stringed axes.

The concept of Cybergenesis fits seamlessly with the fiery Heavy Metal therein, a daring expedition into a space-time rift that ends in disaster, and all that power, tragedy and rebelliousness couldn’t have sounded better than what HyperioN have to offer us all in their new album. You can get in touch with those talented Italians via Facebook and Instagram, including their breathtaking live performances, stream their music on Spotify or any other streaming platform, and grab a copy of Cybergenesis from BandCamp or from Fighter Records, or click HERE for all things HyperioN. Will the reborn commander Rhizome Rider succeed in leading a rebellion from within and sacrificing himself to free humanity? Simply listen to the thrilling Heavy Metal crafted by HyperioN in Cybergenesis, and you’ll have the answer to that question and more while you bang your head to their undisputed heavy music.

Best moments of the album: Deafening, Yet We Still Fight and Blood Over Chrome.

Worst moments of the album: The Shackles of Chronitus.

Released in 2026 Fighter Records

Track listing
1. Deafening 3:54
2. Rewire, Rebuild 4:46
3. Yet We Still Fight 4:26
4. The Shackles of Chronitus 4:51
5. Blood Over Chrome 5:18
6. Grain of Sand 4:17
7. Rhizome Rider 4:57
8. The Whole of Time 6:48

Band members
Max Morelli – vocals
Francis Dipasquale – guitars
Davide Cotti – guitars
Simone “Nega” Cauli – bass
Francesco Madonna – drums

The Year In Review – Top 10 Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Albums of 2025

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“Who the fuck is Justin Bieber?” – Ozzy Osbourne

There’s not much to celebrate in rock and metal music in the same year when we lost the one and only John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne. Nothing will ever be the same without the Prince of Darkness, the Madman, The Wizard of Ozz. There isn’t a single artist or band reviewed in the history of The Headbanging Moose that wasn’t influenced in several ways by Ozzy and, of course, by Black Sabbath. It is a very sad year indeed. However, Ozzy was always in a great mood, always happy, and I’m sure that, wherever he is now, he wants to see us all smiling and laughing, because that’s what life is all about. He also wants us to keep attending rock and metal concerts to have a good time with our loved ones, with our closest friends, just like Keith Ibbitson of Metal Paparazzi and I did so many times this year, covering incredible bands the likes of Blackbraid, Ne Obliviscaris, Cattle Decapitation, Blind Guardian, and so on. I’ve also had the utmost pleasure of seeing the mighty Judas Priest in Dalhalla, Sweden, a dream come true for this fanboy here, and I can’t wait to “run for my life” in 2026. Having said all that, let’s honor the life of Ozzy with The Headbanging Moose’s Top 10 Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Albums of 2025, excluding EP’s, best of’s and live albums, and keep on rockin’ like the Madman until our very last breath!

1. Blackbraid – Blackbraid III (REVIEW)
Behold the stunning next chapter in the musical and spiritual journey of the witch hawk of Black Metal hailing from the Adirondack Mountains.
Best song of the album: Wardrums At Dawn On The Day Of My Death

2. Werewolves – The Ugliest of All (REVIEW)
The torchbearers of “Caveman Death Metal” continuing to annihilate intellects with an unlistenable barrage of truly hideous music.
Best song of the album: The Ugliest of All

3. Testament – Para Bellum (REVIEW)
Let’s prepare for war to the sound of the breathtaking fourteenth studio album by California’s own masters of old school Thrash Metal.
Best song of the album: Para Bellum

4. Helloween – Giants & Monsters (REVIEW)
These German giants of Heavy Metal and monsters of Rock N’ Roll are back with their ass-kicking seventeenth studio album.
Best song of the album: Majestic

5. An Abstract Illusion – The Sleeping City (REVIEW)
This incredible Swedish Progressive Death and Black Metal entity returns with their heaviest and most atmospheric work to date.
Best song of the album: Like a Geyser Ever Erupting

6. Allegaeon – The Ossuary Lens (REVIEW)
World domination awaits to the sound of the striking new beast by one of the must-see bands of the current tech death scene worldwide.
Best song of the album: The Swarm

7. 1914 – Viribus Unitis (REVIEW)
Trench warfare meets blackened death and doom in 1914’s fourth onslaught of war-torn fury.
Best song of the album: 1918 Pt 3: ADE (A Duty to Escape)

8. Cryptopsy – An Insatiable Violence (REVIEW)
Canada’s own Death Metal machine returns with their ruthless ninth studio album.
Best song of the album: Until There’s Nothing Left

9. Baest – Colossal (REVIEW)
Back from the fires of Denmark, this unstoppable creature will crush you with their fourth studio album.
Best song of the album: Colossus

10. Diabolizer – Murderous Revelations (REVIEW)
The torchbearers of diabolical abomination unite once again to drag us down into the fiery abysses of Turkish Death Metal without warning.
Best song of the album: Deathmarch of the Murderous Tyrant

And here we have the runner-ups, completing the top 20 for the year:

11. Lorna Shore – I Feel The Everblack Festering Within Me (REVIEW)
12. Impureza – Alcázares (REVIEW)
13. Crimson Shadows – Whispers of War (REVIEW)
14. Primal Fear – Domination (REVIEW)
15. Serenity In Murder – Timeless Reverie (REVIEW)
16. Khôra – Ananke (REVIEW)
17. Panzerchrist – Maleficium – Part 2 (REVIEW)
18. Ominous Ruin – Requiem (REVIEW)
19. Wrath of Belial – Embers of Dead Empires (REVIEW)
20. Grima – Nightside (REVIEW)

Not only that, here’s once again our Top 10 EP’s of 2025, proving once and for all that the duration of an album is not that important in the end. As long as the music is great, the whole thing can be only one second long, like the classic “You Suffer” by Napalm Death!

1. When Plagues Collide – Kingmaker (REVIEW)
2. De Profundis – The Gospel Of Rot (REVIEW)
3. Fimbul Winter – What Once Was (REVIEW)
4. NecroticGoreBeast – Brute (REVIEW)
5. Serpent Corpse – Retaliate (REVIEW)
6. Akouphenom – Connections To The Erebus (REVIEW)
7. Necht – The Inevitable Suffering (REVIEW)
8. Discovery Through Torment – Telesynthetic Rebirth (REVIEW)
9. Der Rote Milan – Verlust (REVIEW)
10. Eleine – We Stand United (REVIEW)

Do you agree with our list? What are your top 10 albums of 2025? Also, don’t forget to tune in every Tuesday at 10pm BRT on Rádio Coringão to enjoy the best of classic and underground metal with Jorge Diaz and his Timão Metal, and every Thursday at 8pm UTC+2 on Midnight Madness Metal e-Radio for the best of underground metal with The Headbanging Moose Show!

Metal Xmas and a Headbanging New Year! See you in 2026!

And of course, as we really don’t like those boring Christmas songs here on The Headbanging Moose, we’ll leave you with what’s perhaps the most emotional and strongest metal hymn of the year, the charity version of “War Pigs”, by Black Sabbath, recorded by Judas Priest and with Ozzy himself sharing the vocal duties with the Metal God Rob Halford! This is the epitome of rock and metal music!

Generals gathered in their masses
Just like witches at black masses…

Album Review – Novembre / Words of Indigo (2025)

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The newly reinvigorated Italian pioneers of Atmospheric and Progressive Gothic, Doom and Death Metal return with their most elaborately adorned and sonically refined opus to date.

Coinciding with 35 years since the band’s original inception under the Catacomb moniker, and after an extended period of inactivity following the release of their 2016 acclaimed album Ursa, the newly reinvigorated Italian pioneers of Atmospheric and Progressive Gothic/Doom/Death Metal known as Novembre return with their most elaborately adorned and sonically refined opus to date in the shape of their ninth studio album, titled Words of Indigo. Mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö (Opeth, Katatonia, Bloodbath) at Unisound, and displaying a classy artwork by Travis Smith (Opeth, Katatonia) of Seempieces Design Studio, the new album by vocalist Carmelo Orlando, guitarists Alessio Erriu and Federico Albanese, and drummer Yuri Croscenko, with the support of session bassist Fabio Fraschini, will embrace you in a melancholic yet warm darkness, being therefore highly recommended for fans of Sacturnus, Novembers Doom, Shores of Null, Les Discrets, Woods of Ypres, My Dying Bride, and Draconian.

After a whimsical intro the band comes crushing our souls with their share of melancholy and doom in Sun Magenta, spearheaded by the crisp, piercing guitars by Alession and Federico, whereas Statua showcases an even more pensive, darker side of the band, with the clean and harsh vocals by Carmelo sounding amazing from start to finish. The band continues to distill their fusion of Progressive and Doom Metal in Neptunian Hearts, sounding heavy while also bringing tons of melody to our avid ears; whereas Ann-Mari Edvardsen (of The 3rd and the Mortal) makes a stylish vocal duet with Carmelo with her stunning voice in House of Rain, adding even more darkness to their core sound and, therefore, resulting in a beautiful ballad of extreme music, followed by Brontide, keeping the ambience dense, grim and hypnotic thanks to another classy performance by all band members, with Yuri dictating the pace with his doomed beats and fills.

Then after the theatrical interlude simply titled Intervallo we face another blast of their Progressive Doom Metal in the form of Your Holocene, an enfolding, thrilling tune where Carmelo’s deep, nocturnal vocals sound even more powerful, supported by the always incendiary riffs by both Alessio and Federico. Chiesa dell’alba brings forward more of their mix of Paradise Lost-infused doom and the progressiveness of bands like Dream Theater and Allegaeon, again presenting the intricate and fierce drumming by Yuri, followed by Ipernotte, one of the most detailed, multi-layered and vibrant of all songs, where the guitar job by Alessio and Federico is beautifully complemented by the thunderous bass by Fabio Fraschini. And last but not least, the band will darken the skies and consume our minds with Post Poetic, where Carmelo yet again melts our faces alternating between clean, ethereal vocals and the madness of his harsh gnarls, flowing into the climatic outro Onde, putting a pensive, somber ending to the album.

An exquisite and finely-textured display of creative prowess exploring themes of danger and innocence, fear and nostalgia, the latest journey by Novembre takes the listener through the torrents of raging Death Metal and sweeping, uplifting passages of serene poignancy, all woven together as finely crafted and layered melodic epics. You can put your hands on Words of Indigo via BandCamp or by clicking HERE, and don’t forget to also start following the band on Facebook and on Instagram for news, tours dates and more of their music, and to stream the embracing sounds from all of their albums on Spotify. November is undoubtedly a month that transpires doom, and the music offered by Novembre in Words of Indigo will surely work as the perfect soundtrack for your gloomiest, darkest days of such a Stygian month.

Best moments of the album: Statua, Your Holocene and Post Poetic.

Worst moments of the album: Brontide.

Released in 2025 Peaceville Records

Track listing
1. Sun Magenta 7:23
2. Statua 6:05
3. Neptunian Hearts 6:11
4. House of Rain 7:33
5. Brontide 6:21
6. Intervallo 1:14
7. Your Holocene 5:29
8. Chiesa dell’alba 7:26
9. Ipernotte 6:52
10. Post Poetic 6:27
11. Onde 2:29

Band members
Carmelo Orlando – vocals
Alessio Erriu – guitars
Federico Albanese – guitars
Yuri Croscenko – drums

Guest musician
Fabio Fraschini – bass (session)
Ann-Mari Edvardsen – vocals on “House of Rain”

Album Review – Undersave / Merged In Abstract Perdition (2025)

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These unheralded Death Metal heroes from Portugal return with their third opus, displaying a marked progression from their previous efforts without abandoning their core sound.

Unheralded Death Metal heroes from Portugal, Undersave have been carving their own path, and every half a decade or so we get an album that is a huge step ahead from the previous one. Mixed and mastered by Diogo Santana at Noise Portrait Recordings, and displaying a sinister artwork by Belial NecroArts (Hierarchies, Perishing, and many more), the band’s third full-length opus Merged In Abstract Perdition displays a marked progression from their 2018 sophomore Sadistic Iterations… Tales of Mental Rearrangement without completely abandoning their core sound, offering an infernal yet intricate slab of Dissonant Death Metal carefully crafted by Nuno Braz on vocals and guitars, André Carvalho also on the guitars, Renato Laia on bass, and Pedro Pereira on drums, being therefore tailored for fans of Immolation, Ulcerate, Replicant, Maere, Gorguts, Dysgnostic, and Saevus Finis, among others.

The band begins distilling their fusion of Progressive and Death Metal with experimental and uncanny sounds in Unshakable And Unlimited Levels Of Obsession, with the bass by Renato sounding utterly metallic and vibrant; and their feast of idiosyncratic sounds goes on in full force in Unconscious Assimilation…Path To Tangible Reality, with the vile guttural by Nuno being boosted by his own riffage alongside André’s also menacing guitar lines. Effervescent Futile Thoughts Of A Phobic Being is another excellent song with a creative and wicked title, with Pedro hammering his drums nonstop in a Progressive and Avantgarde Death Metal extravaganza, and Nuno and André simply shred their axes in Forced Retraumatization…Unlocking Spiritual Illumination, offering our avid ears an overdose of madness and intricacy. The band shows no mercy for our souls in Fictitious And Impermanent Self-Refinement, with Pedro taking the lead with his fulminating beats and fills, and there’s still time for more of their disruptive Death Metal in the form of Fathomless Contempt Nourished By Unrealistic Predictions, with Nuno roaring nonstop accompanied by the eerie sounds crafted by his bandmates. Last but not least, we’re treated to six minutes of pure insanity titled Narcissistic Supreme Alienation, where their experimental sounds and tones walk hand in hand with Pedro’s crushing drums.

In summary, Undersave may have just come up with a must-listen album for any fan of extreme music, rivalling if not surpassing not only their own albums but also those by the other luminaries in the style. Hence, you can find those talented Portuguese metallers on Facebook and on Instagram, including their pulverizing live shows, stream their unique creations on Spotify, and of course put your damned hands on Merged in Abstract Perdition from their own BandCamp or from the Transcending Obscurity Records’ BandCamp, main store, US store or EU store, or simply click HERE for all things Undersave. Merged in Abstract Perdition is indeed a masterful album that is at once dark, dissonant, and atmospheric, and once you dive deep into its vicious sounds, get ready for a one-way descent into madness.

Best moments of the album: Unconscious Assimilation…Path To Tangible Reality, Forced Retraumatization…Unlocking Spiritual Illumination and Narcissistic Supreme Alienation.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Transcending Obscurity Records

Track listing
1. Unshakable And Unlimited Levels Of Obsession 5:39
2. Unconscious Assimilation…Path To Tangible Reality 5:20
3. Effervescent Futile Thoughts Of A Phobic Being 5:06
4. Forced Retraumatization…Unlocking Spiritual Illumination 5:43
5. Fictitious And Impermanent Self-Refinement 4:29
6. Fathomless Contempt Nourished By Unrealistic Predictions 5:34
7. Narcissistic Supreme Alienation 6:12

Band members
Nuno Braz – vocals, guitars
André Carvalho – guitars
Renato Laia – bass
Pedro Pereira – drums

Album Review – Gore. / If You Do Not Fear Me… EP (2025)

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This Texas-based Progressive Metal and Metalcore outfit is back with their second EP, continuing to challenge norms and expressing the full spectrum of feminine experience.

Bringing a distinctly feminine perspective to the heavy music scene since the band’s inception back in 2023, Houston, Texas-based Progressive Metal/Metalcore outfit Gore. makes waves with their emotionally raw and unapologetically vulnerable sound. Currently formed of Haley Roughton on vocals, Alex Reyes on the guitars, Devin Birchfield on bass, and Wills Weller on drums, the band strikes back with their second EP, titled If You Do Not Fear Me…, following up on their 2024 debut EP A Bud That Never Blooms, continuing to challenge norms and expressing the full spectrum of feminine experience through their powerful sound while combining elements of Metalcore with personal and introspective lyrics.

Wrath, the first song of the EP, offers an amalgamation of styles that perfectly depicts the band’s approach, starting in an almost pop manner to the clean vocals by Haley while also presenting heavy, caustic moments where their Djent vein pulses hard. Then investing in a more direct Metalcore sound we have Sepsis, reminding me of some of the creations by Infected Rain, with the bass by Devin sounding utterly metallic and thunderous; followed by Orbiting, again modern and visceral, with Alex firing some piercing riffs while Haley alternates between clean vocals and her screaming madness, clearly inspired by the music by the Butcher Babies. And their last blast of Metalcore infused with Groove, Alternative and Nu Metal, entitled Like You Meant it, will captivate your senses mercilessly, with Wills dictating the pace with his classic beats supported by the rumbling bass by Devin.

Thematically exploring identity, emotional vulnerability, and interpersonal relationships in their lyrics, the band has received support from well-known acts such as Motionless in White, Flyleaf, and Papa Roach, and based on the quality of the music found in If You Do Not Fear Me… I’m sure their fanbase will keep growing in the coming years. Hence, you can also join the band in their quest for heavy music with a delicate touch via Facebook and Instagram, stream their distinct creations on Spotify, and of course add If You Do Not Fear Me… to your respectable collection by clicking HERE or HERE. Gore. will definitely go places after the release of their two excellent EPs, paving their path for an upcoming full-length album for our total delight and, therefore, embracing us with their undisputed progressiveness, passion and darkness.

Best moments of the album: Sepsis and Orbiting.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Spinefarm Records

Track listing
1. Wrath 4:33
2. Sepsis 3:28
3. Orbiting 3:04
4. Like You Meant it 4:13

Band members
Haley Roughton – vocals
Alex Reyes – guitar
Devin Birchfield – bass
Wills Weller – drums

Album Review – Amorphis / Borderland (2025)

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Finland’s own Melodic Heavy Metal and Rock masters stand on the cusp of a compelling new chapter, fully embracing their melodic sensibilities while venturing into fresh, uncharted sonic landscapes.

A groundbreaking and genre-defying metal band still featuring its original lineup (with a few exceptionally talented additions) and only growing stronger with time, Helsinki, Finland’s own Melodic Heavy Metal/Rock masters Amorphis stand on the cusp of a compelling new chapter, the captivating Borderland, the impressive fifteenth studio album in their unrelenting 35-year journey. Produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen at  Hansen Studios, and displaying a classy artwork by Marald van Haasteren, the new album by frontman Tomi Joutsen, guitarists Esa Holopainen and Tomi Koivusaari, bassist Olli-Pekka “Oppu” Laine, keyboardist Santeri Kallio, and drummer Jan Rechberger sees the band fully embracing their melodic sensibilities while venturing into fresh, uncharted sonic landscapes.

The band wastes no time and begins embellishing the airwaves with their blend of rock and metal in The Circle, with the guitars by Esa and Tomi transpiring melody, accompanied by the classic bass by Oppu; whereas the cinematic keys by Santeri are exactly what Tomi Joutsen needs to shine with both his clean vocals and deep guttural in Bones, a lecture in Progressive Metal by those veterans, followed by Dancing Shadow, another blast of classy metal music sounding modern yet deeply rooted in their own core essence, with Jan hammering his drums just the way we like it. Amorphis have mastered the art of mixing truly heavy sounds with ethereal, mesmerizing passages, which is the case in Fog to Fog, and their darkened feast goes on with The Strange, a mix of Gothic and Melodic Death Metal that sounds a bit generic if compared to the rest of the album.

The second half of the album begins with the also melodic and enfolding Tempest, with their acoustic guitars walking hand in hand with Santeri’s whimsical keys in a beautiful ballad by the boys. Light and Shadow is a song that perfectly depicts the present and future of Amorphis, with Tomi Joutsen once again leading his henchmen with his classic vocals and growls while the music remains as inspiring as it can be; and Esa and Tomi Koivusaari continue to fire their stylish riffs in The Lantern, sounding even atmospheric at times thanks to the beautiful keys by Santeri. The title-track Borderland brings forward the perfect fusion of all rock and metal styles found in their music, with Oppu and Jan making sure the ambience feels thunderous and groovy until the very last second, while lastly, they let their Melodic Doom Metal vein arise in the closing song Despair, with Tomi Joutsen stealing the show with a fantastic vocal performance.

With deep respect for the past and eyes firmly on the future, and with extensive touring ahead, Amorphis continue to shape the landscape of Heavy Metal with grace, finesse and integrity in Borderland. “After three and a half decades, we still follow our instincts,” commented guitarist Tomi Koivusaari. “And honestly, Borderland might be the most Amorphis-sounding album we’ve ever made. After such a long and successful career, that feels pretty damn great!” Those undisputed rock and metal veterans are waiting for you with more of their music, news and tour dates on Facebook and on Instagram, as well as on YouTube and on Spotify, and you can obviously put your damned hands on Borderland by clicking HERE, letting the melodious yet visceral sounds blasted by one of the most important bands to ever arise from the Nordic countries penetrate deep inside your metallic heart.

Best moments of the album: Bones, Light and Shadow and Borderland.

Worst moments of the album: The Strange.

Released in 2025 Reigning Phoenix Music

Track listing
1. The Circle 4:34
2. Bones 4:55
3. Dancing Shadow 4:58
4. Fog to Fog 5:28
5. The Strange 4:18
6. Tempest 5:20
7. Light and Shadow 4:17
8. The Lantern 4:59
9. Borderland 5:30
10. Despair 5:19

Band members
Tomi Joutsen – vocals
Esa Holopainen – guitars
Tomi Koivusaari – guitars
Olli-Pekka “Oppu” Laine – bass
Santeri Kallio – keyboards
Jan Rechberger – drums, percussion

Guest musician
Francesco Ferrini – orchestral arrangements, MIDI programming

Concert Review – Rhapsody of Fire (The Garrison, Toronto, ON, 09/20/2025)

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A night of pure Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, beer, mosh pits, walls of death, swords, shields, dragons, wizards, dwarves, and the best of the best of the best in Toronto.

OPENING ACTS: Witherfall, Striker and Enforcer

If you enjoy the fusion of Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, beer, mosh pits, walls of death, swords, shields, dragons, wizards and dwarves, then The Garrison in Toronto was the place for you to be this Saturday when the amazing WHITERFALL, STRIKER, ENFORCER and RHAPSODY OF FIRE took the city by storm with their most excellent Challenge the Wind / Dawn of Victory 25 Year Celebration – North America Tour 2025, another ass-kicking event brought to the city by Noel Peters of Inertia Entertainment. And just like a miracle or a magic trick done by a headbanging wizard, traffic to get to the city was smooth and easy, allowing both Keith Ibbitson of Metal Paparazzi and I to get to the venue with plenty of time before the festivities started. There was construction on the way back on QEW which made the return trip a true nightmare, but I can’t complain as at least this time I was able to watch the whole event from the very first second.

If you know nothing about Los Angeles, California-based Progressive Heavy/Power Metal band WHITERFALL, I highly recommend you go after their music on Spotify or by clicking HERE, as those guys are incredible live and totally worth the price of a ticket to see them onstage. Still promoting their 2024 album Sounds of the Forgotten, the band formed of Joseph Michael on vocals and keyboards, Jake Dreyer on the guitars, Anthony Crawford on bass, Gerry Hirshfeld on keyboards and guitars, and Chris Tsaganeas on drums put on a fantastic performance at the small but cozy The Garrison, properly warming us all for the upcoming attractions of the night. I must say Insidious, one of the songs played form their new album, sounded majestic live, flawlessly uniting the energy of traditional Heavy Metal with the intricacy of Progressive Metal, and the reaction by the crowd was just as powerful. Well, when you have a guy like Jake Dryer on the guitars, known for his excellent work with bands like Iced Earth, Demons & Wizards, and Kobra and the Lotus, you know you’re in for a treat, and I can’t wait to see Witherfall in Toronto again in the near future.

Setlist
They Will Let You Down
Moment of Silence
Ode to Despair
Insidious
Vintage

Band members
Joseph Michael – vocals, keyboards
Jake Dreyer – guitars
Anthony Crawford – bass
Gerry Hirshfeld – keyboards, guitars
Chris Tsaganeas – drums

After a short break, it was time for the band I wanted to see the most that night, Edmonton, Alberta’s own indomitable Heavy Metal beast STRIKER, bringing their absolute Ultrapower to the stage and drive all fans in the crowd mental with their electrifying concert. All songs from the setlist were killer, in special Best of the Best of the Best, Heart of Lies, Circle of Evil, Former Glory, and of course the metal hymn chosen to close their show, Phoenix Lights, and I only wish they had at least another 20 minutes to play a few more songs for us. Dan Cleary was phenomenal as usual on vocals, as well as his bandmates Tim Brown and John Simon Fallon on the guitars, Pete Klassen on bass, and Jonathan Webster on drums, proving why they’re one of the most precious gems of the current Canadian metal scene (and why they should be opening for Iron Maiden or Judas Priest instead of the always questionable choices by those bands). You can find their music on BandCamp, Spotify, or by clicking HERE, and believe me, once you start listening to Striker, there’s no turning back. On a side note, I promised myself I wasn’t buying any merch that night, but as soon as I got there and saw their Beer Shark T-Shirt, I said “FUCK YOU, STRIKER!” Needless to say, here I am with another awesome black shirt added to my collection.

Setlist
Kernkraft 400
Best of the Best of the Best
Heart of Lies
Blood Magic
Sucks to Suck
Ready for Anything
Circle of Evil
Former Glory
Phoenix Lights

Band members
Dan Cleary – vocals
Tim Brown – guitar
John Simon Fallon – guitar
Pete Klassen – bass
Jonathan Webster – drums

Another band I was eager to see live on Saturday were the Swedish guys from Heavy/Speed Metal machine ENFORCER, and let me tell you if you think they’re loud and heavy in the studio, they turn the volume up to 11 when they’re onstage. Having released the excellent Nostalgia in 2023 (which means it won’t take long now for those boys to bring a new album into being), the band formed of vocalist and guitarist Olof Wikstrand, guitarist Jonathan Nordwall, bassist Garth Condit (who looks a lot like a younger version of Mr. Adrian Smith), and drummer Jonas Wikstrand were relentless throughout their entire set, sometimes looking as if they were high on something (well, they were high on Heavy Metal, no doubt about that), melting our faces with thrilling, no shenanigans songs the likes of Destroyer, Unshackle Me, Take Me Out of This Nightmare, Midnight Vice, and even a really cool, vibrant cover version for Black Sabbath’s classic Die Young, and consequently igniting some sick mosh pits for our total delight. You can find their music on BandCamp and on Spotify, and definitely keep an eye on their tour dates because if there’s one thing those guys know how to do, that is to kick some serious ass live.

Setlist
Destroyer
Undying Evil
Unshackle Me
From Beyond
Live for the Night
Die Young (Black Sabbath cover)
Nostalgia
Mesmerized by Fire
Take Me Out of This Nightmare
Midnight Vice

Band members
Olof Wikstrand – vocals, guitars
Jonathan Nordwall – guitars
Garth Condit – bass
Jonas Wikstrand – drums

RHAPSODY OF FIRE

To be honest, after the breathtaking performances by Witherfall, Striker and Enforcer, Italy’s own Symphonic Power Metal force RHAPSODY OF FIRE had the almost impossible task of keeping up with that absurd level of energy and awesomeness. Well, let’s simply say they were not the headliners in vain, as the minute Giacomo Voli, Roby De Micheli, Alessandro Sala, Alex Staropoli and Paolo Marchesich hit the stage, The Garrison turned into a wild feast of hobbits, wizards, dragons, swords and undisputed heavy music. I always get confused with their historical name and lineup changes, which is why if you want to listen to their discography on Spotify there are two links, one for Rhapsody of Fire and one for Rhapsody only (and I guess there was even a time when they were called Rhapsody ov Fire, if I’m not mistaken), but that didn’t matter as their concert this Saturday night was beyond fantastic.

Blending songs from their 2024 album Challenge the Wind with their masterpiece Dawn of Victory, hence the long name of their tour, they provided us fans with a lecture in Symphonic Power Metal, with songs like Unholy Warcry, I’ll Be Your Hero, Challenge the Wind, and of course the timeless classics Dawn of Victory, Holy Thunderforce, and Emerald Sword (including an excellent wall of death, by the way) driving their diehard supporters crazy during the entire night. Even the not-so-fast moments, like when they played The Village of Dwarves (which reminds me a lot of the catchy “Bravely Bold Sir Robin”, from the iconic movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail), were great, and we must thank their ultra talented frontman Giacomo Voli for that. The guy not only has an incredible voice, but he certainly knows how to keep his audience engaged. For instance, I was going to leave early that night as I was a bit tired from the entire week, but I ended up staying until the last second in the battlefield with Rhapsody of Fire. Because that’s what good quality heavy music is all about and, as the band confirmed when their show was over, let’s have another magical party with them when they return in 2027 with the celebration of 30 years of their classic debut album Legendary Tales.

Setlist
The Dark Secret (I. The Ancient Prophecy)
The Dark Secret (II. Ira Divina (Divine Wrath))
Unholy Warcry
Rain of Fury
I’ll Be Your Hero
Chains of Destiny
The Magic of the Wizard’s Dream
Challenge the Wind
Kreel’s Magic Staff
Lux Triumphans
Dawn of Victory
Triumph for My Magic Steel
The Village of Dwarves
Dargor, Shadowlord of the Black Mountain
Holy Thunderforce
A New Saga Begins
Land of Immortals
Emerald Sword
Act VII: The Angels’ Dark Revelation

Band members
Giacomo Voli – lead vocals
Roby De Micheli – guitars
Alessandro Sala – bass
Alex Staropoli – keyboards, orchestrations, backing vocals
Paolo Marchesich – drums

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