Adagio

Myrath – Karma Review

By Kenstrosity on March 6, 2024 in Reviews, Folk Metal, Heavy Metal, Power Metal, Progressive Metal, Symphonic Metal, 67 comments

“Alright, earMUSIC. We have to talk. It’s important to know that Myrath is one of my favorite bands on the planet. I’ve been listening to them for well over a decade now, so every time the Tunisian five-piece announces a new album, my rapt, anxious anticipation skyrockets. Frustratingly, since the announcement for sixth LP Karma dropped, album leaks and fake release dates ran amok and led hopeful fans like me to dead Spotify links and rampant misinformation. The repeated PR foibles alone were enough to make me worry that the album wouldn’t be any good. Then, to top it all off, you hand us stream promo? Very naughty! But, that’s okay. All is forgiven because god damn was Karma worth it in the end.” Forgiveness and my wrath.

Red Cain – Näe’bliss Review

By Dolphin Whisperer on June 2, 2023 in Reviews, Power Metal, Progressive Metal, 46 comments

“2021 is one of those years that should have an asterisk attached for one reason or another, not the least of which is that our dear Kronos went and reviewed power metal favorably. Yes, it was Red Cain’s 2021 effort Kindred: Act II that solidified his inner weenie]—power metal of the most synth-entangled and anthemic variety.” Power to the people!

Stormbound – December Review

By Dolphin Whisperer on August 11, 2022 in Reviews, Power Metal, Progressive Metal, Symphonic Metal, 30 comments

“A crazy thing happened in 2020—Holdeneye was right about Scardust. So, when I was perusing the promo pudding for a sonic snack that swooned my spoon, I popped the foil on a new Israeli symphonic power metal group, Stormbound, hoping that they might be part of a growing movement from the small but mighty country.” See you in December.

Almanac – A Discographic Review [Tsar (2016), Kingslayer (2017) and Rush of Death (2020)]

By Angry Metal Guy on August 25, 2020 in Reviews, Power Metal, Symphonic Metal, Thrash Metal, 36 comments

“For the last four years, I have been neglecting—and you have been denied my Very Important Opinion™ about—one of the most idiosyncratic voices in metal: Victor Smolski. And so, in a Swallow the Sun-sized act of hubris, I’m writing a discographic review of Victor Smolski’s Almanac.” You can’t spell “Almanac” without MAN!

Random Eyes – Grieve No More Review

By Swordborn on January 31, 2018 in 2018, Finnish Metal, Heavy Metal, Reviews, Rock'N'Growl Records, Heavy Metal, 53 comments

“Finland’s Random Eyes is one of those myriad heavy metal projects that’s been in existence for a surprisingly long time, putting out the occasional independent release but garnering very little in the way of a determined following. The band is probably best known as the full-time home of vocalist Christian Palin (known to me for his work in Magic Kingdom, Epicrenel, and Adagio), and the band in which he’s featured as the main songwriter.” Have pipes will travel.

Adagio – Life Review

By Ferrous Beuller on July 27, 2017 in 2017, French Metal, Power Metal, Progressive Metal, Reviews, Self-released, Power Metal, Progressive Metal, 20 comments

“Unlike other genres, power metal isn’t one that I can freely delve into – I need a little consideration before I lunge into that fray of fromage. Having spent most of my adult life in front of a classroom full of students with inevitably big ideas, patience is not a virtue I was born with but one I have since earned by iron and blood. The kind of patience that allows me to sit in wait for an album with a little more crunch; a little more progression à la Symphony X, Borealis or Kamelot.” Patience is a virtuoso.

Retro Reviews: Adagio – Sanctus Ignís

By Angry Metal Guy on June 30, 2013 in Blog Posts, Retro Reviews, Power Metal, 4 comments

Back in 2001, when I was just a new pup, I got a promo for a band I’d never heard of from Al Kikuras—my boss at the venerable (and NSFW) Unchain the Underground; one of the best webzines in existence. Being a young punk, I didn’t have much reference to cope what I heard at the time, but I loved it. The album was a clear progressive power record in the veins of Yngwie Malmsteen or Symphony X and it hit every single right button. It’s been a long time since I’ve even listened to it, though, what with the pace of reviewing. So I thought I’d break it out again.

Lance King – A Moment in Chiros Review

By Steel Druhm on November 18, 2011 in 2011, 3.0, American Metal, Nightmare Records, Power Metal, Progressive Metal, Reviews, Heavy Metal, Power Metal, Progressive Metal, 21 comments

Lance King, like Elvis, is everywhere. He’s sang for a ton of bands (Balance of Power, Pyramaze, Avian, Empire etc. etc.), he runs Nightmare Records and still found the time to record and release his first solo album, A Moment in Chiros. For those unfamiliar with his body of work, Mr. King is the quintessential prog-power metal singer. His voice is versatile, powerful and his range is impressive. He sounds equally at home alongside melodic power metal and thoughtful prog-metal. For his debut solo project, he’s brought in elements of both and made damn sure everything is super-duper melodic, even symphonic at times. To assist him in this endeavor, he recruited a mighty host of friends, including members of Anubis Gate, Beyond Twilight and Adagio. The final product (which was apparently written and recorded in only three months) will remind many of Empire-era Queensryche mixed with elements of Dream Theater, Pagan’s Mind, Anubis Gate and of course, Lance’s other units, especially Balance of Power. There are moments where Lance and company shine as bright as the sun and there’s some interesting material here for fans of power-prog. However, A Moment in Chiros struggles with the consistency of quality and this ultimately hurts things, which is a real shame.