reviews by georgina

track-list:
To The Wolves
Thunder
The Hunting
Possess Me
Immortal
Taste For Blood
Conquer and Divide
Dead Inside
The Architect
Part of Me
The End

US-tour 2023
Sun, SEP 10 Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA
Tue, SEP 12 Jergel’s Rhythm Grille Warrendale, PA
Wed, SEP 13 Columbus OH Columbus, OH
Fri, SEP 15 The Crofoot Ballroom Pontiac, MI
Sat, SEP 16 Madison Theater Covington, KY
Sun, SEP 17 Brooklyn Bowl Nashville Nashville, TN
Tue, SEP 19 Heaven at The Masquerade Atlanta, GA
Wed, SEP 20 Iron City Birmingham, AL
Fri, SEP 22 Houston TX Houston, TX
Sat, SEP 23 Dallas TX Dallas, TX
Sun, SEP 24 Vibes Event Center San Antonio, TX
Tue, SEP 26 Tempe AZ Tempe, AZ
Wed, SEP 27 Below at The Belasco Los Angeles, CA
Fri, SEP 29 Riverside Municipal Auditorium Riverside, CA
Sat, SEP 30 Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV
Sun, OCT 1 DNA Lounge San Francisco, CA
Tue, OCT 3 Seattle WA Seattle, WA
Thu, OCT 5 Portland OR Portland, OR

Los Angeles goth-rock and alt-metal powerhouse Stitched Up Heart has recently announced its 3rd studio album.
The new work is titled ‘To The Wolves’ and it is an affirmation of the group’s thread mark theatricality and hard-hitting goth-metal tone.
While this approach to metal is nothing new, Stitched Up Heart offers something special in the form of the lead vocalist’s performance.
Alecia ‘Mixi’ Demner has a very charismatic approach, and her vocals can be soothing and subdued, as well as aggressive and present when the song segments call for it.
The sound of this album is also quite immersive in its own right.
The record’s title track is the perfect opener, with its synth-driven atmosphere.
The song has a cinematic twist, making for an immersive introduction to the album.
Right off the bat, it’s clear that this record is ambitious, and it is meant to sound mesmerizing and darkly beautiful.
The music encapsulates the turmoil of gothica, while never losing sight of modern metal’s sonic intensity.
Another great example is the track ‘The Hunting’.
This is one of the album’s true heavy hitters, spiked with cutting guitar tones and aggressively distorted synthesizers.
The sublimation of electronic sounds, drums, and guitars offers a heavy, industrial-like twist that merges well with the band dark-centric themes.
Still, there is room for all sorts of influences on this album.
Some of the songs even ‘dare’ venture into pop and dance-like territories, showcasing the band’s versatility and utter disregard for labels and creative constraints.
This album shows that Stitched Up Heart is keen on carving its own path, making music with no compromise;
theatricality and hard-hitting goth-metal tone.
Fans of artists such as Halestorm, Motionless In White, or Ice Nine Kills should most definitely check this out, as they’ll undoubtedly be able to connect with the band’s obscure aesthetics and eerie melodic soundscapes.
review by georgina re-posted from The Metal Pit

track-list:
Bad Blood
Things Could Be Different
Let Go
Psycho
Dark Void
Nothing Left
Feel
Let the Dead Take Me
Kill It with Fire
Holding on to Something More
Where Do We Go from Here?

Asking Alexandria are:
Danny Worsnop – lead vocals, additional guitar
Ben Bruce – lead guitar, backing vocals
Cameron Liddell – rhythm guitar
Sam Bettley – bass
James Cassells – drums

American tour-dates 2023:
Sep 11 Mon Terminal 5, New York, NY, United States
Sep 12 Tue House Of Blues Boston, Boston, MA, United States
Sep 13 Wed Wind Creek Event Center, Bethlehem, PA, United States
Sep 15 Fri Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center, Harrisburg, PA, United States
Sep 16 Sat 1st Summit Arena, Johnstown, PA, United States
Sep 17 Sun Starland Ballroom, Sayreville, NJ, United States
Sep 19 Tue TempleLive Cleveland Masonic, Cleveland, OH, United States
Sep 20 Wed The Fillmore Detroit, Detroit, MI, United States
Sep 21 Thu Louder Than Life 2023, Louisville, KY, United States
Sep 22 Fri Piere’, Fort Wayne, IN, United States
Sep 25 Mon The Factory, Chesterfield, MO, United States
Sep 26 Tue Riviera, Chicago, IL, United States
Sep 27 Wed EPIC Event Center, Green Bay, WI, United States
Sep 29 Fri The Rave/Eagles Club, Milwaukee, WI, United States
Sep 30 Sat Myth Live, Maplewood, MN, United States
Oct 1 Sun Stir Concert Cove-Harrah’s Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel, Council Bluffs, IA, United States
Oct 3 Tue Fillmore Auditorium, Denver, CO, United States
Oct 4 Wed The Union Event Center, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
Oct 6 Fri Encore Wellness Physical Therapy, South Tucson, AZ, United States
Oct 7 Sat The Industrial Sound, Las Vegas, NV, United States
Oct 8 Sun The Wiltern, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Nov 3 Fri Hell and Heaven Open Air 2023, Toluca, Mexico

Asking Alexandria stands out as one of the most dynamic and mercurial bands to come out of the UK scene.
Their consistent exploration of diverse styles and concepts within their music has been a hallmark, consistently pushing the boundaries while maintaining a steadfast foundation of tone and aggression.
The band’s latest album ‘Where Do We Go From Here’ released in August 2023, perfectly exemplifies their ongoing progression, marked by a continuous pursuit of novel ideas and an expanded creative spectrum.
Comprising 11 tracks, the album includes the monumental opener ‘Bad Blood’.
This track seamlessly oscillates between subdued verses and expansive choruses, enriched by intricate vocal harmonies and subtle background synth elements.
The drumming is particularly noteworthy, showcasing impressive dexterity and speed, especially evident in the skilful use of the double-pedal technique.
On compositions like ‘Things Could Be Different’ and ‘Feel’ the band demonstrates a willingness to steer their sound toward a more mainstream heavy aesthetic, resonating with bands like Bring Me The Horizon, Underoath, and even Linkin Park, among others.
One of the most broadly appealing tracks is probably the tune ‘Holding on To Something More’ which is a nod to Barker-esque pop-punk production and songwriting style.
On the other hand, there is also room for hardcore punk incursions on the song ‘Kill It With Fire’ which offers a breakneck tempo and some primal yet effective guitar riffs in the vein of bands such as Black Flag or Minor Threat, as well as other ‘live-fast-die’ young purveyors of yore.
However, the band’s deep roots in the metal community remain evident, as seen in tracks like ‘Let The Dead Take Me’ which boasts a melodious yet intricately structured arrangement.
There is also room for hardcore punk incursions on the song ‘Kill It With Fire’ which offers a breakneck tempo and some primal yet effective guitar riffs in the vein of bands such as Black Flag or Minor Threat.
Ultimately, ‘Where Do We Go From Here’ underscores Asking Alexandria’s fearlessness in musical experimentation, even if it means unsettling some long-time fans who may prefer the familiar early-days sound.
review by georgina re-posted from The Metal Pit

Sevendust is back with its 14th album: ‘Truth Killer’.
After more than 30 years of activity, Sevendust continues to prove why they are considered one of the pillars of modern metal.
Unyielding and hungry, the band keeps fans on their toes with a continuous stream of new releases and electrifying tours.
Their 14th studio album ‘Truth Killer’ once again demonstrates their prowess and showcases their enduring legacy.
Released via Napalm Records, this fantastic piece of music stands as a testament to their unwavering dedication to the craft.
‘Truth Killer’ features a dynamic collection of 12 new songs that encompass the essence of Sevendust.
From the incendiary opener ‘I Might Let the Devil Win’ to the lead single ‘Superficial Drug’ the album grabs listeners from the get-go.
Those familiar with Sevendust’s signature heavy sound will find plenty to indulge in.
Still, this release also reveals a more nuanced and sophisticated side from decades of honing their skills on the music scene.
The album showcases a perfect blend of intricacy and raw power, seamlessly transitioning between heavy songs driven by bone-chilling screams, mind-bending time signatures, and brutal rhythms.
On the other side of the coin, there is room for more melodic and harmonious moments with soothing vocal harmonies and excellent guitar solos to counterbalance the group’s trademark heaviness.
The result is an album that captivates and engages its listeners, never letting up in intensity while still offering moments of introspection.
The album’s sequencing is great as well, with each track effortlessly bleeding into the next, creating a cohesive and immersive experience reminiscent of witnessing the band’s raw power live on stage.
In essence, ‘Truth Killer’ is a testament to Sevendust’s unwavering commitment to staying true to their roots while continuously evolving and incorporating new elements into their music.
It is one of their most diverse albums to date, showcasing their maturity as musicians and ability to adapt without losing their signature style.
Sevendust’s enduring legacy continues to impress, and ‘Truth Killer’ is the latest gem in their long line of excellent contributions to modern metal.
review by georgina re-posted from The Metal Pit

Los Angeles-based metal band Butcher Babies has recently made a triumphant return with a massive collection of new songs in the form of a double album.
The first installment, ‘Eye for an Eye’ received widespread acclaim, marking a return to form with some catchy and powerful tracks.
Now, the band has released the second part of this double release, ‘…Til the World’s Blind’ which showcases their versatility and willingness to explore new territories while staying true to the band’s musical roots.
While both albums are complementary, they have distinct origins.
‘Eye for an Eye’ was recorded during a temporary break from their LA home base when the band ventured to Arizona, drawing inspiration from the desert landscape.
On the other hand, ‘…Til the World’s Blind’ was made in Michigan during winter.
The contrasting environments undeniably influenced the music, as the second album exudes a colder, more desolate ambiance that adds an extra layer of darkness to the band’s sound.
‘…Til the World’s Blind’ harks back to Butcher Babies’ old-school sound while incorporating some fresh elements.
One of the standout moments on the album is the band’s unique rendition of ‘Saweetie’ by Doja Cat.
Butcher Babies infused the modern hip-hop song with heavy riffs and Heidi Shepherd’s intense vocals, transforming it into an immensely powerful track.
This unexpected cover showcases the band’s fearlessness and their ability to put their own twist on diverse musical styles.
In addition to their heavier offerings, the album also showcases Butcher Babies’ versatility with softer songs like the ballad ‘This is the Part’ featuring Chad Gray of Mudvayne.
This collaboration adds a different dimension to the album, highlighting the band’s ability to deliver emotionally charged performances and shift the pace of the album.
However, the record primarily shines for its most aggressive tunes, exemplified by tracks like ‘Spittin’ Teeth’ and ‘King Pin’.
These songs are quite visceral and intuitive, embodying the band’s ferocity and raw energy.
Ultimately, ‘…Til the World’s Blind’ is a testament to Butcher Babies’ growth as a band.
It showcases their willingness to evolve while staying true to their old-school vision.
The album’s diverse nature provides a well-rounded listening experience, with elements of mass-appeal, aggression, and experimentation throughout.
Butcher Babies has once again proven their prowess in the metal scene, solidifying their place as one of the genre’s most exciting current acts.
‘Eye For An Eye’ which celebrates the tenth anniversary of their critically acclaimed debut, ‘Goliath’ released on July 9, 2013 via Century Media Records.
For this momentous occasion, BUTCHER BABIES went above and beyond to create one of their best works yet.
‘Eye For An Eye’ is an album that oozes with darkness, pain, and raw emotion, while also delivering an incredible dose of power.
It showcases the band’s versatility by exploring different musical styles.
Ultimately, ‘Eye For An Eye’ is an ambitious and grand album that captures the spirit of a band that constantly aims higher and higher.
It’s not just about groove metal, as the music also features other influences, including thrash metal, and elements of alternative metal, among others.
This diverse studio work is a must-listen for fans and anyone who appreciates powerful and evocative music.
As a band that revolutionized the Groove metal scene, Butcher Babies have been a constant source of inspiration for their fans.
While consistently pushing the boundaries of the genre.
With the release of their monumental double album ‘Eye For An Eye’ they prove that their creative well is far from running dry.
The album serves as a testament to their enduring relevance and artistic growth, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in the metal scene.
‘Eye For An Eye’ is not only an amazing step forward, but also a celebration of everything the band has managed to accomplish thus far, becoming one of Groove Metal’s most seminal and iconic acts to date.

track-list:
The Memory Division
Murder in Slow Motion
…By a Thread
Når herren tar deg i nakken
Radio Terror
St. Francis
Throwing Down the Gauntlet
The Burmese Python
Beyond the Venom Trail
Hell Today
…Gone Tomorrow

Hailing from Norway, Hex A.D. has recently announced its sixth studio album, ‘Delightful Sharp Edges’ available via Apollon Records.
The album features 11 songs, which combine the band’s penchant for old-school metal and psychedelic textures, combined into a one-of-a-kind formula.
The prevalent doom influences of some of the band’s previous work aren’t as predominant, as the group chose to focus on heavier, more ambitious progressive rock songs.
The album is powerful and immersive, combining soaring guitar parts with thunderous rhythm sections and iconic vocals that stand out.
If you’re a fan of legendary bands like Black Sabbath, Candlemass, Saint Vitus, Trouble, and Pentagram, chances are you’ll love this album.
But it’s not just a trip down memory lane – this band stands out for its charismatic personality.
The surreal atmosphere and unforgettable melodies set them apart, and the retro instruments, like the Hammond organ, give the music a timeless quality with a hint of 70s flair.
Hex A.D. is quite well known for its unique blend of mind-bending sounds and heavy, distorted guitar riffs.
This album is no exception, as it will accompany listeners on a journey through complex and otherworldly musical landscapes that still retain the instinctive attitude of true rock and roll.
The lyrical themes also add another, deeper dimension to the album.
This is, in fact, a concept album that deals with the overarching idea of genocide, a topic that is arguably quite difficult to tackle.
The album deals with stories of WWII, as well as exploring other human tragedies, such as the ethnic cleansing in Rwanda that happened in the 1990s and the massacre of the Rohingya people of Myanmar.
The Norwegian band went to great lengths to create a dynamic, one-of-a-kind listening experience, which in a way, channels the long-form album experiences of the 70s when bands really cared about building the nuances of the whole record rather than focusing on singles.
In conclusion, Hex A.D. has done an exceptional job on ‘Delightful Sharp Edges’ as the combination of captivating riffs and grandiose progressive soundscapes is truly mesmerizing.
It’s also admirable that the band has used their music to shed light on important historical events that should not be forgotten.
Review by Georgina

track-list:
DEATH OF DARKNESS
DRIVE
GOTTA ROCK
THIS MURDER TAKES TWO (feat. Kat Von D)
CALIFORNIA
CALL ME SNAKE
DYING IN THE NIGHT
SOMETHING REAL
SUNDOWN
OUTLAWS

Helsinki legends The 69 Eyes, is a band with a truly distinctive vision.
The group has finally released its highly anticipated new album, ‘Death of Darkness’.
Renowned for their ability to blend classic rock with the darker tones of alternative metal and goth, the group’s latest album offers ten thrilling tracks that capture the pure essence of Goth’N’Roll in a way that no other band can.
Despite being on the scene for over 30 years, The 69 Eyes continue to impress with a record that draws inspiration from a variety of musical influences.
From gothic glam to post-punk, there are no limits to the group’s creativity.
While the album boasts some unforgettable riffs, the music is surprisingly upbeat and groovy, adding a sunny touch to the otherwise gothic vibe.
The 69 Eyes also pay tribute to the local Finnish music scene with a cover of “Gotta Rock” by Boycott – a classic that is sure to delight fans of Finnish rock music.
With this album, The 69 Eyes once again prove that they are masters of their genre.
Each song is a rollercoaster ride of emotions that only gets better with every listen.
Fans and critics alike consider this the best album from the band in years, and it is easy to see why!
The production of the album has a very modern flair to it.
Still, there is room for many retro-inspired tones, including chorused guitars and crooned vocals with an old-school vibe.
Review by Georgina

Avatar ‘Dance Devil Dance’

track-list:
Dance Devil Dance
Chimp Mosh Pit
Valley of Disease
On the Beach
Do You Feel in Control?
Gotta Wanna Riot
The Dirt I’m Buried In
Clouds Dipped in Chrome
Hazmat Suit
Train
Violence No Matter What (duet with Lzzy Hale)

Avatar‘s ninth studio album, ‘Dance Devil Dance’ is finally here and it does not disappoint!
This album is an exciting mix of different genres, with 11 new songs that showcase the band’s versatility.
From melodic death to power metal, metal-core, groove, country, and even nu-metal shades, Avatar explores all possible avenues to create a truly captivating sound.
Each member of the band brings their unique skill set to the table, allowing their musicianship to shine through in every song.
They are not afraid to take risks and try new things, which is what sets them apart from other bands in the genre.
Their open-minded attitude and willingness to experiment have allowed them to create a sound that is truly their own on ‘Dance Devil Dance’.
The album is very vivid, with a sound that is in sync with the visual aesthetics of the group.
The songs are intense and crazy, yet there are also moments of introspection and calmness.
Avatar has managed to overcome many of the clichés of the heavy music scene by creating an album that’s unapologetically diverse.
Many consider ‘Dance Devil Dance’ an excellent new work and one of the band’s best records in recent years.
It is undoubtedly a great follow-up to their 2020 release ‘Hunter Gatherer’ which also received great feedback.
Overall, this highly anticipated studio work offers a very kaleidoscopic and unexpected sound that is truly captivating.
This album clearly depicts Avatar as a group of talented musicians who have a deep appreciation for metal in all its shapes, and are constantly pushing themselves to new heights.
Watch out for their 2023 US Tour and be sure not to miss them live!

10 Cirith Ungol
King of the Dead

7 Bathory
Bathory

4 Iron Maiden
Powerslave

9 Metallica
Ride the Lightning

6 Deep Purple
Perfect Strangers

3 W.A.S.P.
W.A.S.P.

8 Dio
The Last in Line

5 Metal Church
Metal Church

2 Judas Priest
Defenders of the Faith

track-list:
A Dangerous Meeting
Nightmare
Desecration of Souls
Night of the Unborn
The Oath
Gypsy
Welcome Princes of Hell
To One Far Away
Come to the Sabbath

Mercyful Faith were:
King Diamond – vocals, keyboards, harpsichord
Hank Shermann – guitars
Michael Denner – guitars
Timi ‘Grabber’ Hansen – bass
Kim Ruzz – drums

You will not find a better combination of highly accomplished and highly inventive guitar wizardry than here.
Some songs are packed with more killer riffs than some bands produce in their entire career.
Incorporating more progressive rock ideas into song structure and performance the band effectively developed their sound and produced some of their best songs from ‘A Dangerous Meeting’ to ‘Come to the Sabbath’.
This is a great album.
A true cornerstone for heavy metal in general.
Fronted by the infamous King Diamond, ‘Don’t Break the Oath’ is truly a haunting journey.
Every fan of metal needs this album….

Georgina hails from New York City and has been in the music scene for years.
A trained saxophonist , novice bass-player, poet and mom.
A true lover of the arts and technology.
These days she is contributing her free time on various levels and social media platforms.