reviews by georgina

track-list:
BECAUSE I LET YOU
DYING LIGHT
NEVER TO RETURN
LIGHTHOUSE
THE ANSWER IS YOU
VIVARIUM
PANDEMONIUM
ENMITY
UNPREDICTABLE
GAME OF BLAME
PAURA
A SECOND OR A THOUSAND YEARS

Infected Rain are:
Lena Scissorhands – vocals
Vidick – guitar
Alice Lane – bass
Eugene Voluta – drums

SUMMER TIME TOUR 24
21 June Milesti Mici, MD – Dacii Liberi Moto Fest
28 June Helsinki, FI – Tuska Festival
29 June Zilina, SK – Topfest
30 June Snina, SK – ROCK POD KAMENOM
02 July Budapest, HU – Analog Music Hall
03 July Salzburg, AT – Rockhouse
06 July Genoa, IT – Genova Summer Live
11 July Leoben, AT – Area53
12 July Bissingen, DE – Wisdom Tooth Fest
13 July Aschaffenburg, DE – Colos-Saal
14 July Erfurt, DE – From Hell
16 July Poznan, PL – 2 Progi
17 July Krakow, PL – Kwadrat
19 July Bucharest, RO – Metalhead Meeting
03 August Saint-Maurice-de-Gourdans, FR – Sylak Open Air
11 August Derbyshire, UK – Bloodstock Open Air
16 August Carhaix, FR – Motocultor Festival
17August Oostkamp, BE – ParkPop
25 August Bistrița, RO – WTF Rock Festival
27 August Cham, DE – L.A.
28 August Utrecht, NL – TivoliVredenburg
29 August London, UK – The Underworld
30 August Manchester, UK – Rebellion
31 August Swindon, UK – Deprivation Festival
LATIN AMERICA
10 November Santiago, Chile – CL. Rock

Moldova’s Infected Rain return with their massive sixth Nu Metal creation, ‘Time’, via Napalm Records.
Following their very successful album from 2022’s ‘Ecdysis’;
which received great acclaim and debuted in the Top 20 US Music charts.
An eclectic studio album that pushes the envelope in the modern metal scene.
The Moldovan band has been active since 2008.
Throughout its journey, the group has stood out for its ability to think outside the box and bring originality to the metal scene with its kaleidoscopic sound.
The band’s music often combines various metal subgenres, incorporating elements of alternative, nu-metal and metalcore.
Lena Scissorhands’ powerful and versatile vocals, coupled with the band’s dynamic instrumentation, contribute to their distinctive musical identity and ability to constantly try new things.
‘Time’ is yet another example of their approach.
The album track list features twelve new songs.
Each track allows the band to experiment with different ideas, highlighting the incredibly broad scope of this record.
The flagship single, ‘Never To Return’, is a very good introduction to the aesthetics of this album.
The song features cinematic ambient tones, as well as brutal guitar, riffs and diverse arrangements with somewhat of a progressive feel.
With a penchant for theatrics and storytelling, the band managed to create a very immersive album with a strong sonic narrative behind it.
It is not always easy to add something new to the conversation when it comes to metal music, but Infected Rain has something to say.
Fans of bands such as Jinjer, Arch Enemy, Lacuna Coil and Otep should most definitely give this album a shot…
Bands like these have helped and continue to help shape the sound of contemporary metal music, drawing outside the lines and bringing more variety to the scene.
Thankfully, this band set out to stay pretty prolific over the past few years, even in spite of the obvious challenges many artists have had to face in the not-too-distant past.
Infected Rain strikes as a band on a constant quest to expand its sound and raking in new influences to keep treating fans to something special.
It’s always very interesting to hear metal bands that are open to incorporating ideas and sounds that are not commonly associated with metal music.
This fusion brings the genre to new places and helps come up with a more original sound for the artist.
‘Time’ fits this category…
…a review by georgina, re-posted from the metal pit…

track-list:
Pain Equals Funny
Working the Ditch
She’s Got Weird Arms
Allergic to Food
Smiler

credits:
Buzz Osborne – guitar, vocals
Dale Crover – drums
Roy Mayorga – drums
Gary Chester – guitar
Steven Shane McDonald – bass

Melvins are:
Buzz Osborne – guitars, lead vocals
Dale Crover – drums, percussion, backing vocals
Steven Shane McDonald – bass, backing vocals

Melvins experiment with their songwriting on ‘Tarantula Heart’ as they are one of the most legendary alternative rock bands out there.
They have been active for quite a long time and they also have inspired musicians who went on to define generations, including Kurt Cobain of Nirvana.
Despite achieving widespread acclaim and success, Melvins never bowed down to any trend or market and they continued to do exactly what they wanted to do over the years and that is – creating uncompromising music that keeps pushing the limits.
They will never blend in with the mainstream and that is why we love them.
The cult band has recently announced a new album named ‘Tarantula Heart’.
The album was recorded, mixed and produced by long time Melvins collaborator Toshi Kasai at The Sound of Sirens Studio in Los Angeles.
The cool album cover art was created by Mackie Osborn.
This record features many special guests, which seems to be a new way for the Melvins to keep exploring ideas and expand their sound.
Most notably, this new record features two drum kits, creating an even more exciting barrage of aggressive sounds and grooves.
Analyzing this album in the usual manner is somewhat challenging though due to its unique creation process, but I am going to do it!
The opening track ‘Pain Equals Funny’ dominates a significant portion of the record, showcasing a structured and doom/psych-influenced sound.
It’s a twisted masterpiece.
It could even be considered a standalone piece of work.
Following this, ‘Working the Ditch’ takes the next spot, lacking in melody but compensating with its solid structure that adheres to the typical conventions of a rock song.
The remainder of the album spirals into a bit of disarray with the track ‘She’s Got Strange Arms’, a standout song title for sure.
This is where the album could potentially lose a listener, especially if it’s a new one as it leans more towards a heavy chorus and a barrage of beats rather than a traditional song structure.
The same goes for the song ‘Smiler’.
One of the previously released singles from the album is titled ‘Allergic to Food’ and it feels like a great introduction to what people can expect from the aesthetics of this record overall.
The free form guitar jam in the intro is reminiscent of something that Black Flag would’ve concocted during Greg Ginn’s most experimental period – the song hits hard with a unique form of controlled chaos, the kind that only Melvins are seemingly able to conjure up to such a high degree of freedom and aggression in their music.
Many of the songs on this record have more of a metal twist, also thanks to the contributions of drummer Roy Mayorga, known for his work with bands, like Ministry, Stone Sour and Soulfly among others.
According to King Buzzo, the frontman of the group, another notable difference between ‘Tarantula Heart’ and many other Melvins records is the creative approach.
He previously explained that the band would normally hear the songs, learn the material and then approach the recording studio.
However, ‘Tarantula Heart’ was different in the way the Melvins developed their jams into fully finished tracks, writing new music to fit the jams as they were being created.
CONCLUSION:
‘Tarantula Heart’ stands out as a testament to the band’s continual commitment when it comes to blending metal, punk, and experimental rock.
The result is a mighty fusion of distorted guitars, pounding drums and raw energy, which feels right at home with the rest of the Melvins discography.
…by georgina re-posted from The Metal Pit…

track-list:
First In Line
California
Shah Mat
Dark Empath
Cure For Everything
A Monster Only You Can’t See
Teardrops
Angel Defiled
The Best Things
Clear Cold Beyond

Sonata Arctica are:
Tommy Portimo – drums
Tony Kakko – lead vocals, keyboards
Henrik Klingenberg – keyboards, back-vocals
Elias Viljanen – guitars
Pasi Kauppinen – bass

Finnish Power Metal combo Sonata Arctica formed in 1995 and it didn’t take long for the group to jump to the forefront of the Scandinavian scene.
The group’s complex and ambitious sound is quite remarkable, especially considering the band actually started as Tricky Beans when they were playing hard rock tunes…
Needless to say, they eventually settled into a different musical identity, fully embracing their power metal persona to great effect and acclaim.
Led by vocalist and songwriter Tony Kakko, Sonata Arctica‘s music continued to evolve, embracing traditional heavy metal elements with power influences, meaning a stronger focus on melody and song arrangement.
Inspired by fellow Finnish bands such as Stratovarius, the group combined their metal core with other elements, including grandiose orchestral scores, symphonic arrangements and even synthesizers, in order to add more layers to its sound.
The group’s most recent studio work, ‘Clear Cold Beyond’, is a perfect example of the band’s ongoing search for size and depth in its music.
The album is going to be the group’s eleventh full-length, marking a huge milestone for the band.
‘Clear Cold Beyond’ features eleven songs, including the single ‘First In Line’, which was actually released on October 12, 2023.
With this record, the band expressed a desire to return to a heavier sound after exploring more of its textural side in some of its previous works.
In light of a return to live performances, the group especially felt the need for some high-energy material that would have an impact on stage.
The single ‘First In Line’ is a perfect example of how the band approaches their aforementioned mission statement, as it packs a huge punch from the get-go.
The fast-paced drum intro follows a melodic yet energetic segment, where orchestral elements blend in with big rhythm guitars and roaring bass tones.
The vocals come in at about thirty-eight seconds in, soaring through the big guitars and choral parts, echoing the old-school sound of the band but not necessarily going for a nostalgic vibe.
In conclusion, ‘Clear Cold Beyond’ is a very diverse album, which seems to be an attempt from the band to look back on all of its era and create something that would accurately represent all the creative nuances that made its sound and legacy so enduring.
…by georgina re-posted from The Metal Pit…

My pick for my favorite album of the year is Swedish Metal band Avatar and their 9th studio album ‘Dance Devil Dance’.
I saw them live in NYC this year and they put on a awesome fun energized show.
The rest of my list is filled with a wide range of genres with some classic bands like Overkill, Saxon and Metallica who continue to put out solid albums and some heavy hitters like Cannibal Corpse and Enslaved.
It has been a great year for metal and looking for more in 2024.
Metal is my lifeblood!!!
Avatar – Dance Devil Dance
Avenged Sevenfold – Life Is But A Dream
Baroness – Stone (Abraxan Hymns)
Cannibal Corpse – Chaos Horrific
Enslaved – Heimdal
Cirith Ungol – Dark Parade
Within Temptation – Bleed Out
Steel Panther – On The Prowl
Godsmack – Light Up The Sky
Overkill – Scorched
Metallica – 72 Seasons
Paul Gilbert – The Dio Album
Dope – Blood Money
Saxon – More Inspirations
Insomnium – Anno 1696
by georgina re-posted from The Metal Pit

track-list:
Ninkigal
Ruler of Tamag
An Unsung Lament
Maleficium
Ayahuasca
Baccanale
Midsommarblot
What Was Lost Shall Be Lost No More
Duende
Nummo
Twilight of the Gods

Therion is one of the foremost bands in the symphonic metal scene, and it’s easy to see why.
The group made a huge impact on the genre with its contribution, pushing the envelope and setting the bar higher with its massive wall of sound.
The band emerged in the early 1990s when metal acts were experimenting with incorporating orchestral and symphonic elements into their music.
However, Therion took the concept further by blending metal with classical and operatic elements.
This is something that we kind of take for granted today, and it’s partly due to the impact of this band!
With such a significant background, a new release from Therion is always exciting.
Their upcoming album, ‘Leviathan III’ is yet another chapter in the band’s saga.
Therion is renowned for creating concept albums and ambitious projects that go beyond the typical structure of metal albums, and this is no exception.
This eclectic studio work features 11 tracks, marking the band’s progressive leanings and constant willingness to embrace new challenges while staying true to its aesthetics.
Available through Napalm Records, the album is the third installment in the ‘Leviathan’ trilogy and perhaps the longest and most intense of the three releases.
The sonic variety is truly impressive.
Not only is there room for traditional metal influences and large symphonic sections, but The band also explores unique ideas, such as a the flamenco-tinged melodies of the song ‘Duende’, which are completely unexpected.
The song ‘Twilight Of The Gods’ offers a brooding, doom-infused arrangement, serving as a truly ethereal and raw segment on the album.
Overall, ‘Leviathan III’ denotes Therion’s willingness to evolve and experiment with its sound.
With so many years under its belt, the band doesn’t need to prove anything, but it’s still eager to make steps forward and enhance the creativity of its vision.

track-list:
The Third Of The Storms (Evoked Damnation)
Massacra
Maniac
Blood Insanity
Decapitator
Crucifixion
Reaper
Horus/Aggressor
Revelations Of Doom
Messiah
Visions Of Mortality
Triumph Of Death

Triumph Of Death is a Swiss extreme metal band formed by Thomas Gabriel Fischer (aka Tom Warrior), a now legendary musician who pioneered the scene with his influential work with Hellhammer and Celtic Frost, among others.
Triumph Of Death/Triptykon is his latest musical endeavor and this time, it is an opportunity for the artist to focus on darker metal with an uncompromising and innovative approach.
The band’s most recent studio effort, Triumph Of Death, ‘Resurrection Of The Flesh’, is a haunting blend of doom, death, and black metal, characterized by ominous riffs, atmospheric textures, and Fischer’s distinctive growls.
More importantly, this happens to be a live album, and it is a really spot-on portrait of the band in a live setting.
The record consists of twelve songs, including heavy hitters such as ‘Massacra’, which stands out for its hardcore influences and grinding bass tone.
Overall, this live release lets the band’s doomier side shine through, particularly when it comes to the massive low end in the mix.
The song ‘Decapitator’ is a perfect example.
The track kicks off with a menacing bass riff akin to some earlier Black Sabbath.
However, the drum beat quickly moves from a slow, shadowy groove to a faster tempo with some prominent double pedal pulses.
There is also room for a more old-school metal approach, particularly on songs such as ‘Horus Aggressor’, which immediately stands out with the urgency of the intro riff as well as its ghostly vocal performance, with a prominent echo effect adding an eerie texture to the singing.
Ultimately, this release is not only enjoyable as a well-recorded (and extremely well-mixed) live album, it is also a testament to a true metal legend and a snapshot of one of his most visceral musical projects to date.
Triumph Of Death, ‘Resurrection Of The Flesh’ is out now via Napalm Records.
review by georgina re-posted from The Metal Pit

track-list:
Flowers of the Night
Stained in Red
Song of the Dusk

Finland Tour 2024
Support: Hexvessel
22.2.2024 Jyväskylä – Lutakko
23.2.2024 Tampere – Tullikamarin Pakkahuone
24.2.2024 Turku – Logomo Teatro
01.3.2024 Joensuu – Kerubi
02.3.2024 Lahti – Möysän Musaklubi
08.3.2024 Helsinki – Vanha Ylioppilastalo
09.3.2024 Seinäjoki – Rymikorjaamo

Insomnium are a band with focus on creating music that sets the bar higher when it comes to melodic death metal.
The Finnish band have established themselves as one of the most notable names on the scene, continuing to dish out masterpieces, which includes their ninth full-length, ‘Anno 1696’.
The band’s brand new EP, ‘Songs Of The Dusk’, could be seen as a kind of tangent and an addendum to the album, especially because these three songs have an affinity with the group’s creative direction on ‘Anno 1696’.
It’s almost as if Insominum took the opportunity to load this short, diverse EP with some of the ideas they wanted to pursue on the their last full-length album, but didn’t get the chance to do so for the sake of album continuity.
The EP seems incredibly free of shackles, and it allows the band to branch out and explore different ideas.
Point in case, the EP only features three songs, but it’s actually over twenty minutes of music, a sign that the group actually took the opportunity to really indulge their broad creative range.
The title track itself, ‘Song Of The Dusk’, kicks off with a mesmerizing ambient introduction, which gradually fades into a massive wall of guitars.
The mid-tempo of the intro has a incredibly dense melodic build-up, and the song later delves into one of the band’s most ambitious and massive arrangements to date.
This track alone is a great example of the sheer variety that makes this work so special.
At about five minutes and twenty seconds in, there’s a complete change of texture and vibe, with an atmospheric instrumental segment for the extended song bridge.
The three songs on display are the perfect combination of melody, aggression, ambient and grandeur, challenging the tropes of melodic death metal, but staying true to its archetypes.
review by georgina re-posted from The Metal Pit

track-list:
Ultra Ultimate Opus Power
Hard Day
Bargain
Subway Anthem
Poison Pure
Slip Away
Peeling Skin
Leave
Somebody
Oh My

ATENA presents:
‘Subway Anthem’:
A new album that defies genres and styles.
Norwegian band ATENA, is back with its latest album ‘Subway Anthem’.
In this genre-defying collection of songs, the group takes listeners on a very dynamic musical journey that is varied but surprisingly coherent, despite the myriad of directions explored by the band on the songs.
Hailing from Oslo, ATENA has been steadily building a solid worldwide reputation over the years.
With four albums under its belt prior to ‘Subway Anthem’ the band eventually set out to release this project, which feels like a particularly salient moment in their career.
‘Subway Anthem’ is a sonic landscape that combines a huge variety of sound design elements – From the expected big guitars to electronic samples, and even hip-hop influences.
In addition, there’s also an influence from classical composers, leading to a huge, cinematic scope for this release.
The band reportedly had a blast making this album:
the sense of joy and freedom is palpable throughout the album.
The songs feel unhinged and spontaneous, yet they are also meticulously arranged, showcasing the band’s technical prowess and their commitment to delivering a top-notch musical experience.
Aesthetically, the album is well-rounded, especially because of the precision of the modern production, which fits with the futuristic concept of the band’s sound.
The various musical styles blend effortlessly, creating a unique and captivating sonic experience.
To conclude, one of the defining factors of ‘Subway Anthem’ is the power of its melodies.
Each track carries its own distinct flavor, and it’s this diversity that makes the album so infectious and appealing.
ATENA took the opportunity to explore different concepts with each song, resulting in a sonic kaleidoscope that’s edgy, but also expansive.
From brutal, heavy moments that will satisfy even the most discerning metal fans to elements that nod to Pop-Punk, Metalcore, and electronic music, ‘Subway Anthem’ embraces eclecticism with open arms.
In an age where many artists stick to a well-defined sound to appease their fanbase, ATENA‘s willingness to defy genres and expectations is refreshing.
‘Subway Anthem’ stands as a testament to the band’s artistic growth and their ability to craft music that is both adventurous and relatable.
8 Rating
review 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.