Tag Archives: rock n’ roll

Album Review – Niveous / Cult of the Void Star (2026)

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As a vast monolith from deep space crashes into Earth, this uncanny horde offers us all a scathing dose of frozen Black Metal, exploring dark mythologies and cosmic evil entities.

When a vast monolith from deep space crashes into Earth and plunges the planet into a new ice age, a fanatical cult devoted to a timeless entity known as the Void Star rises amid the apocalyptic chaos. That’s the plot behind the excellent Cult of the Void Star, the first full-length opus by Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based Black Metal horde Niveous, following up on their 2025 debut EP Endless Snowfall. Recorded, engineered, and mixed by Shane Hochstetler at Electrical Audio, mastered by Arthur Rizk, and showcasing a cryptic artwork by Nortaath and Will Kramer (with logo by Luciferium War Graphics), the new offering by Vokar on vocals and bass, Nortaath on vocals and drums, and Zygrath on the guitars is a scathing, breathtaking dose of frozen Black Metal, exploring dark mythologies and cosmic evil entities.

The band’s cold and Stygian Black Metal attack begins in full force with Harbinger of the Void Star, where Nortaath hammers his drums in the name of darkness while their evil vociferations are simply stunning, followed by Servants of the Monolith, featuring a guest guitar solo by Joe Michaelson, resulting in another cryptic creation by such an uncanny horde, with the visceral riffs and tones blasted by Zygrath’s axe transpiring Black Metal magic. Then with guest vocals by Jake Rogers of Visigoth, Frostborne Resistance already kicks off with endless savagery, obscurity and rage, with Vokar and Nortaath doing a phenomenal job not only with their demonic roars and gnarls, but their rumbling bass and drums also sound inhumane. Then a horror movie-like intro explodes into total insanity in Baptism of Shadows, with Zygrath taking care of the vocal duties; followed by Northbound, presenting elements of caustic Punk Rock and Rock N’ Roll added to their core Black Metal sound, with the strident guitar lines by Zygrath sending shivers down our spines. And lastly, Boreal Stronghold is one final Black Metal attack by the trio, ending the album on a high note to the crushing drums by Nortaath.

As Earth is consumed by black storms and endless blizzards, and as the world is reduced to a frozen wasteland, Niveous are among us all to spread their bitterly cold Black Metal madness and consume our darkened souls with the scathing music found in Cult of the Void Star. Hence, if you want to explore their frostbitten realm you can find those American black metallers on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their venomous creations on Spotify or any other platform, and above all that, purchase their new album from their own BandCamp or from the Hypnotic Dirge Records’ BandCamp or webstore as a CD or an LP. Black Metal is always better when served cold, exactly like what Niveous have to offer in the intense and thrilling Cult of the Void Star, embracing us in absolute, frostbitten darkness for all eternity.

Best moments of the album: Harbinger of the Void Star and Northbound.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Hypnotic Dirge Records

Track listing
1. Harbinger of the Void Star 7:25
2. Servants of the Monolith 5:57
3. Frostborne Resistance 6:28
4. Baptism of Shadows 6:53
5. Northbound 6:40
6. Boreal Stronghold 5:33

Band members
Vokar – vocals, bass
Nortaath – vocals, drums
Zygrath – guitars, vocals on “Baptism of Shadows”

Guest musicians
Joe Michaelson – guitars solo on “Servants of the Monolith”
Jake Rogers – clean and choir vocals on “Frostborne Resistance”
Nicholas Elert – synthesizers and orchestrations on “Baptism of Shadows”

Album Review – Illwind / The Unfolding at the End of Light (2026)

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Born under the gray skies and sea mist of Lima, Peru, this Heavy, Doom and Post-Black Metal brigade will attack your senses with the lumbering heaviness of their debut album.

Born under the gray skies and sea mist of Lima, capital of Peru, with influences ranging from Black Metal to Stoner Rock to Post-Punk, and a clear aim to march towards the darker side of existence, the four-piece Heavy/Doom/Post-Black Metal brigade Illwind is unleashing upon humanity their debut opus, titled The Unfolding at the End of Light, providing five original tracks which paint a somber underworld to dive into, and a closing cover to climb back out of. Recorded at Dragonverde Studios, the first-ever offering by Marcos Coifman (Reino Ermitaño) on vocals and bass, Mauricio Guerrero (Argul) and Andres Rhor (Cobra) on the guitars, and Hokama (Arcada) on drums and guitar sounds at first stridently like a traditional doom record – lumbering heaviness, slow-yet-insistent rhythms, emotively clean vocals – but patience, like much orbiting the wider doom world, yields maximum immersion.

The massive Crimson Skies kicks off the album on a purely Doom Metal mode, with the sluggish beats by Hokama darkening the skies while also presenting Sludge Metal riffs and solos to give it an extra kick. Wanderer takes us back to the glory of 70’s Rock N’ Roll through Marcos’ passionate vocals, supported by a killer solo by Mauricio; while Portal keeps the atmosphere as dark and enfolding as it can be, with Marcos once again declaiming the song’s poetic lyrics accompanied by the striking guitars by Mauricio and Andres. Their Sludge Metal riffs bring forward sheer heaviness in God of Sleep, inspiring us all to bang our heads in pitch black darkness; followed by Lucifer’s Mule, offering our ears thirteen minutes of absolute obscurity crafted by the quartet, with their 70’s Heavy Rock vein pulsing stronger than ever boosted by the Stoner Rock drums by Hokama. And finally, let’s bang our heads to their cover for The Stooges’ masterpiece I Wanna be your Dog, an excellent rendition of one of the coolest songs by such an iconic band (and you can check the original version HERE, from their 1969 self-titled album).

With influences ranging from Neurosis and Swans to Black Sabbath and 70’s Hard Rock to Yob, Windhand, Monolord, Bellwitch, and Warning to Sonic Youth, Depeche Mode, or the aforementioned The Stooges, the band reached a mélange of musical mapwork which has truly given The Unfolding at the End of Light a relatively singular sound – equally ambient and extremely heavy, ominously moving yet dreamlike, and all of it with a surprisingly kaleidoscopic tint of melancholy. The album’s richly analog production heightens this sensation and penetrates the listener to his core, and if you also want to be part of such a unique sonic experience you can purchase the album from the Personal Records’ BandCamp or webstore. In other words, it’s time to begin the trip of The Unfolding at the End of Light, embracing you in darkness, and leaving you eager for more of the music by Illwind in the near future.

Best moments of the album: Portal and Lucifer’s Mule.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Personal Records

Track listing
1. Crimson Skies 10:43
2. Wanderer 5:29
3. Portal 4:47
4. God of Sleep 8:55
5. Lucifer’s Mule 13:13
6. I Wanna be your Dog (The Stooges cover) 4:25

Band members
Marcos Coifman – vocals, bass
Mauricio Guerrero – lead guitar
Andres Rhor – guitar
Hokama – drums, guitar

Album Review – Gales of Avalon / Terror Vision (2026)

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After twenty years, these veterans of the Calgary metal scene are going out with a bang with their third and final album, featuring ten songs about ten of the band’s favorite horror movies.

Veterans of the Calgary metal scene, Blackened Death Metal horde Gales of Avalon is unleashing their third and final full-length release, titled Terror Vision, following up on their 2017 album Hope and their 2022 EP Oblivion. You read it correctly. Unfortunately, after twenty years, countless shows, three EPs, and three full-length albums, the band has decided to bring their adventure to an end. Mixed by James Neill, with help from Mark Dillon and Gavin Szentner, and mastered by Roland Rodas at Cavern of Echoes, the new album by vocalist and bassist James Neill, vocalist and guitarist Mark Dillon, guitarist Collin Wo, and drummer Jamie Gallo features ten songs about ten of the band’s favorite horror movies, offering their trademark mix of catchy heavy songs and soaring guitar harmonies, and their brand of genre bending metal songs.

Your body and soul are doomed if you don’t enjoy the opening track Camp Crystal Lake, from its eerie intro until the very end, with their Death Metal riffs matching perfectly with James’ deep guttural. Mark and Collin then bring the badass Rock N’ Roll vibe from the mighty Motörhead through their sharp riffs in Return of the Living Dead, perfect for some wild headbanging; followed by Lifeforce, another blast of Death N’ Roll led by the classic beats by Jamie, supported by the rumbling bass by James. The Town that Dreaded Sundown invites us all to bang our heads together with the quartet, with James once again barking and roaring nonstop, whereas 100 Pieces of Gold explodes into a wild mix of 70’s Rock N’ Roll, Stoner Metal and their core Death Metal after its cryptic intro.

The deep vociferations by James are nicely complemented by the always heavy-as-hell riffs by Mark and Collin in Always You, offering more of the band’s trademark blend of savagery and melodious sounds, and the dual vocal attack by James and Mark works really well in C.H.U.D., while Jamie keeps blasting his drums in great fashion. After such a bold tune, Dead by Dawn presents another round of the band’s scathing riffage, albeit a bit repetitive in the end; while in My Bloody Valentine they get back to a more electrifying sonority, with the riffs and solos by Mark and Collin living up to the legacy of Melodic Death Metal. Finally, we face a unique take on one of the biggest slasher films of all time, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, featuring Amanda Marie Bourdon of the bands Caveat and Greybeard, mixing rap music with their core deadly sounds.

“We had a lot of time to write and record this album. We played the songs live for a few years, working them out, and we are very proud and happy with the final product. We knew, going into the recording, that this was gonna be the last one. So, we wanted to put in an effort that was heavy and fun for the fans,” said James Neill, and if you want to know more about Gales of Avalon, their very last album, as well as their previous ones, you can find those guys on Facebook, stream their music on Spotify, and of course purchase the album from BandCamp. Not only that, the band will be playing an album release party on June 13 at Vern’s Tavern in Calgary, with support from The Bodies of Everest, Armifera, Oklahoma, and BlackSpirit, which means if you’re around that area you know what to do. Gales of Avalon are going out with a bang with Terror Vision, and hopefully we’ll hear from the guys with other bands and projects. Gales of Avalon will surely be missed, but not before leaving us with a banger of an album.

Best moments of the album: Return of the Living Dead, Always You and My Bloody Valentine.

Worst moments of the album: Dead by Dawn.

Released in 2026 Independent

Track listing
1. Camp Crystal Lake 4:56
2. Return of the Living Dead 4:33
3. Lifeforce 5:27
4. The Town that Dreaded Sundown 4:15
5. 100 Pieces of Gold 4:18
6. Always You 5:25
7. C.H.U.D. 3:45
8. Dead by Dawn 4:52
9. My Bloody Valentine 3:45
10.Texas Chainsaw Massacre 4:12

Band members
James Neill – vocals, bass
Mark Dillon – vocals, guitars
Collin Wo – guitars
Jamie Gallo – drums

Guest musician
Amanda Marie Bourdon – vocals on “Texas Chainsaw Massacre”

Album Review – Elder / Through Zero (2026)

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

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

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

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

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

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Blues Funeral Recordings

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

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

Album Review – Who On Earth / It Takes The Village (2026)

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Crafting a heavy, story-driven sound rooted in some of the biggest names of the genre, this Heavy Metal ensemble attacks again with their electrifying sophomore album.

Crafting a heavy, story-driven sound rooted in influences like Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Alice in Chains, and Tool, New Jersey’s own Heavy Metal/Hard Rock ensemble Who On Earth are ready to rock our world once again with their sophomore opus It Takes The Village, following up on their 2022 debut Blame. Currently formed of vocalist Coosh, guitarists Johnny James Barone and Jimmy Kocha, bassist Pete Rizzi, and drummer Howie Fallon, such an electrifying American rock and metal band is on fire throughout the entire It Takes The Village, honoring the legacy of former guitarist Bruce Gatewood (RIP), and re-energizing those five talented musicians to keep moving forward in the name of our good old Rock N’ Roll.

Their Southern Metal vein arises in the opening tune Vigilance, where the massive riffs by Johnny and Jimmy provide Coosh with exactly what he needs to shine on vocals, and their Rock N’ Roll groove keeps flowing in Any Other Way, reminding me of old school Soundgarden, with Howie kicking some ass behind his drums. Shadows is a solid rockin’ tune where the backing vocals by Coosh’s bandmates add a lot of power to his classic vocal lines, while the massive bass by Pete dictates the pace in the mid-tempo Hard Rock feast Good Man Down, excellent for enjoying a beer at a rock pub anywhere in the world. Closer is a weird interlude that doesn’t add much to the album, followed by Too Close, starting with the 70’s-inspired bass by Pete and accompanied by the always striking riffs by Johnny and Jimmy, flirting with Alternative and Groove Metal and Rock.

There’s no time to breathe as Who On Earth continue to fight the unfaithful in Double Or Nothing, a song that should be added to the playlists of all rock stations around the globe, not to mention how electrifying their guitar solos sound. Then we have Monster!, a journey back in time without sounding outdated where Coosh once again leads his crew with a killer vocal performance, highly recommended for hitting the highway with your loved ones, followed by Oh, Set Me Free, another very melodic display of Hard Rock that reminds me of some creations by the mighty Armored Saint. It’s time to open up the pit and slam together with your buddies to the sound of We Don’t Belong Here, led by the pounding drums by Howie; and Ascension is a cinematic interlude that feels like it was taken from a Power Metal album, warming us up for The Unbeaten, a delicate ballad by the boys to put an enfolding ending to the album. Well, there are still the bonus tracks left, all offering the band’s trademark fusion of Hard Rock with Southern and Groove Metal, just like in the thrilling extended version of Vigilance, with Mike Orlando and Jason Bittner as guest vocalists.

Heavy riffs, classic bass, galloping drums, and an endless amount of sheer energy. That’s exactly what will hit you as you listen to the excellent It Takes The Village, proving that despite some bumps on the way, the guys from Who On Earth are inspired and focused to keep moving forward no matter what. Having said that, don’t waste your time and go show your support to those guys by following them on Facebook and on Instagram, by subscribing to their Youtube channel, by streaming their rockin’ creations on Spotify and on Apple Music, and of course by purchasing their new album from Bandcamp. Because Who On Earth live and breathe Heavy Metal and Rock N’ Roll, and in the end, who on earth doesn’t enjoy some high-quality heavy music, right?

Best moments of the album: Vigilance, Too Close, Monster! and We Don’t Belong Here.

Worst moments of the album: Closer.

Released in 2026 Independent

Track listing
1. Vigilance 4:15
2. Any Other Way 3:07
3. Shadows 4:00
4. Good Man Down 3:13
5. Closer 1:00
6. Too Close 3:39
7. Double Or Nothing 4:09
8. Monster! 4:08
9. Oh, Set Me Free 4:28
10. We Don’t Belong Here 3:51
11. Ascension 1:47
12. The Unbeaten 4:15

Bonus tracks
13. Jane 4:17
14. Down And Out – Dvrko Remix 3:41
15. Vigilance [Extended] 5:08

Band members
Coosh – vocals
Johnny James Barone – guitar
Jimmy Kocha – guitar
Pete Rizzi – bass
Howie Fallon – drums

Guest musicians
Mike Orlando – vocals on “Vigilance [Extended]”
Jason Bittner – vocals on “Vigilance [Extended]”

Album Review – Kaasin / The Underworld (2026)

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The underworld is calling us all to the sound of the striking sophomore album by this unstoppable Hard Rock machine from Norway.

Widely respected for his collaborations with internationally renowned artists such as Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple) and Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow), Norway-based guitarist Jo Henning Kaasin returns with his Hard Rock project Kaasin, alongside vocalist Jan Thore Grefstad (Saint Deamon, TNT), bassist Ståle Kaasin (Humbucker, 2020Vision), keyboardist Erling Henanger (Magic Pie, Holter) and drummer Per-Morten Bergseth (Jorn, Wig Wam, Course of Fate, Holter), offering us all a new studio album titled The Underworld, the follow-up to their 2021 debut Fired Up. Produced and recorded by Halvor Halvorsen, Jo Henning Kaasin and Ståle Kaasin, mixed by Halvor Halvorsen, and with artwork by Stan W. Decker, the album marks a new chapter for these Norwegian Hard Rock warriors, presenting a darker and more atmospheric sound while remaining firmly rooted in classic Hard Rock traditions built on strong melodies and solid musicianship.

It’s pedal to the metal in the striking Hard Rock feast entitled The Real World, with the melodic vocals by Jan bringing even more electricity to their music, also boosted by Erling’s stylish keys; and the rockin’ guitars by Jo and the rumbling bass by Ståle set the tone in Two Hearts, a mid-tempo Hard Rock song where Jan once again steals the show with his passionate vocals. We Speed at Night reminds me of some old school creations by the mighty Running Wild mixed with classic Hard Rock from the Sunset Strip, and the final result is obviously awesome; followed by Iron Horse, another solid rockin’ tune by those talented Norwegians, with its more delicate moments clashing in great fashion with the powerful vocals by Jan.

There’s still a lot more fuel to burn in The Underworld, starting with Invisible, offering pure Hard Rock and AOR magic blasted by the band, led by Per-Morten’s classic drums, while in Over the Mountain they add hints of Blues Rock to their core sonority. Moreover, Jo and Ståle are in total sync from start to finish, with Jo’s guitar solo sounding fantastic. Arabian Night is definitely inspired by the music by Deep Purple while keeping Kaasin’s own essence intact, with their guitars and keys exhaling epicness, and after the atmospheric interlude The Descent of Souls we face the title-track The Underworld, a Rock N’ Roll steamroller led by Jo’s sharp riffage and Per-Morten’s nonstop beats and fills while Jan keeps delivering his striking vocals until the very end.

The foundation of Kaasin was laid with a clear ambition to create contemporary Hard Rock with a classic spirit and a strong sense of identity, and both Fired Up and The Underworld bring forward exactly that sound and feeling for our absolute delight. The Underworld will certainly help the band go places and reach new heights, and if you want to join their Rock N’ Roll rocket ship you can follow the band on Facebook, staying up to date with their news and live performances, stream their rockin’ tunes on any platform like Spotify, and grab a copy of their incendiary new album from Pride & Joy Music. Having said all that, can you hear the underworld calling us all to the sound of the new album by the mighty Kaasin?

Best moments of the album: The Real World, We Speed at Night and The Underworld.

Worst moments of the album: The Descent of Souls.

Released in 2026 Pride & Joy Music

Track listing
1. The Real World 4:20
2. Two Hearts 3:43
3. We Speed at Night 4:20
4. Iron Horse 5:34
5. Invisible 5:17
6. Over the Mountain 4:57
7. Arabian Night 4:54
8. The Descent of Souls 1:36
9. The Underworld 3:52

Band members
Jan Thore Grefstad – vocals
Jo Henning Kaasin – guitar
Ståle Kaasin – bass
Erling Henanger – keyboards
Per-Morten Bergseth – drums

Album Review – Thunderor / Bleed For It (2026)

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Toronto’s own arena-rock Heavy Metal trio returns with their ambitious sophomore album, igniting the next chapter of their high‑flying saga.

Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Heavy Meta/Hard Rock power trio Thunderor ignites the next chapter of their high‑flying saga with the release of their sophomore opus, entitled Bleed For It, following up on their critically acclaimed 2022 debut Fire It Up. Produced by the band’s own JJ Tartaglia, mixed by Chris Snow, mastered by Kristian Montano, and featuring guest musicians Oscar Anesetti on bass, Anthony Pannozzo on keyboards, and Colin Grant on the fiddler, the new album by the aforementioned JJ Tartaglia on vocals, drums and keyboards alongside Jonny Nesta on the guitars, and Brycen Gunn on bass serves as the official soundtrack to “Thunderor The Musical”, the band’s ambitious rock opera production that debuted at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2025. Its artwork captures scenes from the stage show, setting the mood for a sweeping tale of adventure, danger, and heart. Set in an alternate 1992, the story follows Bowen, a washed‑up musician and biker, who finds renewed purpose through romance and one last grasp at glory.

The trio wastes no time and kicks off their rockin’ adventure with Pump Up the Volume, bringing forward JJ’s trademark soaring vocals and classic beats and fills, followed by the title-track Bleed For It, another round of their striking fusion of 70’s and 80’s Hard Rock, with Jonny stealing the spotlight with his electrifying riffs and solos. As a huge fan of live concerts I simply love the title of the song Take Me to the Show, offering us all more of their killer Rock N’ Roll sounds. The band then fires a Thrash and Speed Metal-infused tune titled Get ‘Em Counted, inspiring us to start a nice mosh pit to the nonstop beats by JJ, and get ready to prance around the fire pit together with Thunderor in Cape Breton Home, featuring guest Colin Grant on the fiddler, also presenting pure Hard Rock flowing from Jonny’s axe.

In Streets of Fire we see Thunderor again deliver a high-octane amalgamation of rock and metal, setting fire to the atmosphere to the crushing drums by JJ and Oscar’s rumbling bass, sounding as upbeat as it is heavy. One Chance is another song that sounds as if was taken from a classic album from the 80’s, showcasing those awesome soulful riffs we all love so much; and we then face the cinematic interlude DreamQuest, which also feels it’s from a movie or TV show from the 80’s, before their quest comes to an end with In the Fire O’ the Heat, where they also bring to our avid ears elements from Progressive Rock and Metal (exactly what a Rock Opera needs to become truly fun). Not only that, JJ’s vocals and Jonny’s guitars are in total sync, keeping the energy flowing majestically until the song’s horns raising finale.

With improved vocals, bigger choruses, and a cinematic concept, Bleed For It promises to be the band’s most ambitious and emotionally charged release yet, recommended for fans of The Darkness, Skull Fist, Ghost, and Night Flight Orchestra. If you crave escape, adventure, romance, and danger, the band invites you to ride with them into the storm, and you can do so by following them on Facebook and on Instagram, sby streaming their music on Spotify, and of course by purchasing the album from BandCamp, from Boonsdale Records (Canada and worldwide), from Cruz del Sur Music (Europe), or simply by clicking HERE. Having said all that, what are you waiting for to bleed together with Thunderor to the sound of their newborn electrifying album?

Best moments of the album: Bleed For It, Get ‘Em Counted and Streets of Fire.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Boonsdale Records

Track listing
1. Pump Up the Volume 3:42
2. Bleed For It 4:04
3. Take Me to the Show 4:09
4. Get ‘Em Counted 3:19
5. Cape Breton Home 3:33
6. Streets of Fire 4:16
7. One Chance 3:40
8. DreamQuest 1:29
9. In the Fire O’ the Heat 4:19

Band members
JJ Tartaglia – vocals, drums, keyboards
Jonny Nesta – guitars
Brycen Gunn – bass

Guest musicians
Oscar Anesetti – bass on “Take Me to the Show”, “Get ‘Em Counted”, “Cape Breton Home”, “Streets of Fire” and “One Chance”
Anthony Pannozzo – additional keyboards on “Take Me to the Show”, “Get ‘Em Counted” and “One Chance”
Colin Grant – fiddler on “Cape Breton Home”

Album Review – Obey the Sun / Desert Ritual EP (2026)

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Behold the new EP by this Hungarian act, a heavy, atmospheric blast of grit-n’ groove, featuring a feel rough as sludge with a desert-soaked finish.

A heavy, atmospheric blast of grit-n’ groove, featuring a feel rough as sludge with a desert-soaked finish, Desert Ritual, the brand new EP by Budapest, Hungary’s own Alternative/Sludge/Grunge Metal outfit Obey the Sun, bursts with soulful vocals, massive riffs, thunderous rhythms, and an overall attitude that’s raw as rage. Produced, engineered, and mastered by Attila Horváth at ASH Sound Studio, and showcasing a classy artwork by the band’s own guitarist Péter Szmolnik, the incendiary new EP by Tamás Orbán-Ducos on vocals, Péter Szmolnik on the guitars, Gergő Kelemen on bass, and Krisztián Nagy on drums delivers a crunch that would satisfy grunge-lovers, stoners, and metalheads looking for that wall of sounds that moves mountains, drains oceans, and shakes the foundations to rubble and powder.

The Stygian guitar lines by Péter ignite their desert-infused Stoner Metal hymn titled You Lil’ Shit, with the John Bush-like vocals by Tamás bringing an extra kick to their already incendiary sounds. Péter keeps showcasing the power of the mighty riff in Cosmic Haze, accompanied by the massive beats by Krisztián and the always thunderous bass by Gergő; whereas Hellhounds feels modern while at the same time loyal to the foundations of Grunge and Alternative Metal. Moreover, Tamás is once again on fire on vocals, while Krisztián keeps hammering his drums in the name of Rock N’ Roll. Gergő’s menacing bass kicks off the closing song of the EP, titled Another Chance, starting in a melancholic, grim manner before evolving into a neck-breaking display of Southern Metal the likes of Pantera.

Hot-blooded, headstrong, and unapologetic, Obey the Sun are on absolute fire throughout their new EP, delivering an amalgamation of styles that, in the end, exhale heaviness, groove and electricity, leaving us eager for more of their music in a not-so-distant future. You can get to know more about such an interesting and hardworking band hailing from Hungary via Facebook and Instagram, stream their thrilling music on Spotify, and above all that, purchase Desert Ritual by clicking HERE. In other words, do you have what it takes to feel the heat of the desert ruled by Obey the Sun in their scorching new offering?

Best moments of the album: You Lil’ Shit and Hellhounds.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Eclipse Records

Track listing
1. You Lil’ Shit 4:31
2. Cosmic Haze 3:59
3. Hellhounds 3:30
4. Another Chance 5:56

Band members
Tamás Orbán-Ducos – vocals
Péter Szmolnik – guitar
Gergő Kelemen – bass
Krisztián Nagy – drums

Album Review – Dark Heart / Evolution (2026)

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Formed during the early eighties, this UK Heavy Metal and Hard Rock outfit is back with their electrifying third album.

Formed during the early eighties, releasing the debut album Shadows of the Night back in 1984, and remaining dormant until 2017 (which culminated with the release of their 2021 sophomore self-titled album), Durham, England-based Heavy Metal outfit Dark Heart is ready to rock once again armed with their third installment, entitled Evolution. Produced by Pete Newdeck and mastered by Harry Hess of Harem Scarem, the new album by vocalist Alan Clark and guitarist Nick Catterick, alongside the more-than-special session musicians Josh ‘Tabbie’ Williams on bass and Pete Newdeck on drums, is a journey back to the glory of the 80’s without sounding repetitive or outdated, always moving forward while staying loyal to the foundations of the NWOBHM.

Crisp, minimalist guitar lines ignite the band’s rockin’ party in Light The Flame, with Alan already showcasing his vocal power supported by the classy guitar work by Nick, sounding perfect for admirers of Melodic Hard Rock. And the guitar riffs and solos by Nick keep embellishing the airwaves in Cold Winter while Josh and Pete bring the groove of the 80’s with their killer kitchen sounds, followed by End Of Tomorrow, a power ballad by the quartet where Alan delivers another solid, emotional vocal performance. Hands Of Fate blends the harmonious sounds of Melodic Rock and AOR, with Pete’s drums dictating the song’s classic pace, whereas Spread Your Wings offers us all another round of melodious riffs and soaring vocals, with its background keys adding a touch of finesse to the overall result.

Then investing in a more old school fusion of Heavy Metal and Rock N’ Roll we’re treated to Ride The Highway, and the final result is obviously electrifying, led by Nick’s razor-edged riffs. Put differently, the name of the song ends up being an invitation. After such a powerful tune we have You And I, presenting an AC/DC-inspired riff and evolving into an AOR feast where all backing vocals support Alan’s vocals in great fashion. Life To Crucify and its 80’s keys will pierce your mind, while the guitar lines by Nick exhale Melodic Hard Rock magic, followed by Eyes Of Light, a more generic version of their own rock music, still enjoyable but not as exciting. Mortality brings forward six minutes of a strong, deep ballad by Dark Heart led by the passionate vocals by Alan; and closing the album we face the dancing tune Burned, again reminding us of the glory of the 80’s while also showcasing a modern, dynamic sound by the band.

As already mentioned, although still rooted in classic NWOBHM, Heavy Metal and Hard Rock, Evolution also reflects the maturity in the band’s songwriting, positioning it as a must-listen for fans of both old school and modern-day rock and heavy music, and if you want to join Alan and Nick in their quest for metal you can start following Dark Heart on Facebook, stream their captivating music on any platform such as Spotify, and of course, put your hands on Evolution by purchasing you favorite version of the album from different locations such as Pride & Joy Music and Rough Trade. This is not just Heavy Metal; it’s an evolution in the style of a band formed in the distant year of 1984, but who’s now “back to the future” and ready to go places to the sound of their exciting new music.

Best moments of the album: Light The Flame, Ride The Highway and Life To Crucify.

Worst moments of the album: Eyes Of Light.

Released in 2026 Pride & Joy Music

Track listing
1. Light The Flame 5:25
2. Cold Winter 4:58
3. End Of Tomorrow 6:20
4. Hands Of Fate 4:31
5. Spread Your Wings 5:10
6. Ride The Highway 5:49
7. You And I 5:25
8. Life To Crucify 4:46
9. Eyes Of Light 4:36
10. Mortality 6:20
11. Burned 4:41

Band members
Alan Clark – vocals, keyboards, backing vocals
Nick Catterick – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals

Guest musicians
Josh ‘Tabbie’ Williams – bass (session)
Pete Newdeck – drums, backing vocals (session)

Album Review – Türböwitch / Under Haunted Skies (2026)

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Budapest, Hungary’s own  Speed and Thrash Metal machine channels the spirit of 80’s extreme music in their third full-length album, a full-scale, post-apocalyptic metal experience.

Faithful to their no-compromise ethos, Budapest, Hungary’s own  Speed/Thrash Metal machine Türböwitch channels the spirit of 80’s Extreme Metal through a modern sense of immediacy, delivering songs that are fast, filthy and built for maximum impact. Recorded at Spezial Hell Studio, and produced, mixed and mastered in by Gravel Shores at Spiritside Studio, the third full-length offering by vocalist Zsolt “Zslöd” Lédeczi, guitarists Zsolt “Kommandante Klit” Harsányi and Péter “Mr. Fireball” Tóth, bassist Valdemár “Välde” Volcsánszky, and drummer Botond “Khäosz Bringer” Kasper, entitled Under Haunted Skies, is a ten-track journey through a world collapsing into darkness and clawing its way toward resilience, a full-scale, post-apocalyptic metal experience – dark, fast, atmospheric, and unforgiving, marking a decisive step forward for the band while further refining the uncompromising attitude and relentless live energy that have earned them a strong reputation within the European underground.

Just like in an 80’s horror movie, the intro Evoker of the Twilight drags us to absolute darkness before we’re crushed to pieces in Markoláb, with the thunderous beats and fills by Khäosz Bringer inspiring us all to slam into the pit while Zslöd growls like a demented beast from the abyss, all boosted by Välde’s metallic bass jabs. The title-track Under Haunted Skies is just as deranged and rebellious, with the striking riffage by Kommandante Klit and Mr. Fireball cutting our skin deep mercilessly; whereas venturing through the badass lands rules by Motörhead, the band offers the melodic yet visceral Cult Mastery, the perfect depiction of Black N’ Roll. And it’s pedal to the metal in the high-octane extravaganza Ashbringer, with Zslöd’s vile roars being nicely complemented by the band’s thrashing backing vocals.

They keep firing their unrelenting blend of Blackened Thrash Metal in Highways of Death, with the electrifying, venomous sound of their guitars penetrating deep inside our rotten souls. Then Välde’s ruthless bass kicks off the heavy, infuriated and maniacal Ultimate Failure of Will, another excellent choice to dive into the pit like a headbanging bastard, while delivering the most melodic riffs of the whole album, it’s time for When the World Crumbled, keeping the atmosphere as chaotic and fun as possible. In Moshpit at the End of the Day the name says it all. Get ready to be caught in an absolutely wild mosh pit of Black and Thrash Metal, with Khäosz Bringer literally bringing chaos to the band’s already incendiary music; and lastly, we have Road to Resilience, the most Rock N’ Roll song of all, and also the least exciting one, although when they speed things up they sound great as usual.

Rooted in Blackened Speed and Thrash Metal, Under Haunted Skies draws from the raw savagery and punk-fueled aggression of acts like Midnight, the razor-sharp thrash precision of The Crown, and the dark melodic drive of Hellripper, while maintaining a clearly identifiable personality. In case you want to know more about Türböwitch, their music, tour dates and plans for the future, you can find those headbanging bastards on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their sick music on Spotify, and above all, purchase the electrifying Under Haunted Skies from BandCamp, from Time To Kill Records, or by clicking HERE. Hopelessly addicted to fast riffs, unholy noise, and loud parties, Türböwitch continue to thrive in the filth and fury of the underground, and you better get ready because once they catch you, there’s absolutely no escape from their sonic anarchy.

Best moments of the album: Markoláb, Ashbringer and Moshpit at the End of the Day.

Worst moments of the album: Road to Resilience.

Released in 2026 Time To Kill Records

Track listing
1. Evoker of the Twilight 1:13
2. Markoláb 3:31
3. Under Haunted Skies 4:05
4. Cult Mastery 3:27
5. Ashbringer 3:40
6. Highways of Death 4:00
7. Ultimate Failure of Will 2:12
8. When the World Crumbled 4:40
9. Moshpit at the End of the Day 3:12
10. Road to Resilience 3:52

Band members
Zsolt “Zslöd” Lédeczi – lead vocals
Zsolt “Kommandante Klit” Harsányi – lead guitars, backing vocals
Péter “Mr. Fireball” Tóth – rhythm guitars, backing vocals
Valdemár “Välde” Volcsánszky – bass
Botond “Khäosz Bringer” Kasper – drums, backing vocals