reviews by georgina

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!

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.