Angra are back with a new power metal opus this week, so we did our official ranking. You may not agree, but you must study this grand work of metal journalisming.
Demons & Wizards
Holdeneye and Cherd of Doom’s Top Ten(ish) of 2020
Holdeneye and Cherd of Doom made these long-winded lists and now they’re your problem. No trade backsies!
Demons & Wizards – III Review
“Blind Guardian has always fed my fantastical appetite through the years—providing me with stories and full concept records at a pace and with a passion that is pure fun. Then, there’s Iced Earth. A band that has given me plenty of headbangable moments and vivid imagery through their own concepts—even crushing my spirit at times with heartbreaking ballads and war/lost-love themes. When I first heard Demons & Wizards, I realized it was no different. In a single band, I could experience the storytelling nature of Blind Guardian and the crushing, yet crippling character of Iced Earth. For two—now three—records, this has been the goal of this power-metal duo. But, fifteen years is a long time to go without your partner-in-crime. Even identical twins can lose a connection after a decade-and-a-half of separation. So, what’s that mean for Kürsch and Schaffer and their precious III?” Two Demons, one Triwizard Cup.
Dire Peril – The Extraterrestrial Compendium Review
“Now, here’s an interesting one: a power metal collaboration, formed of Helion Prime’s Jason Ashcraft and Judicator’s John Yelland, whose existence actually predates its more mainstream offshoots. For the uninitiated, these two bands are some of the most promising newcomers to the US power metal scene. While Helion Prime’s latest effort was something of a disappointment, their debut is a stunner of a record, and Judicator’s At the Expense of Humanity is my favorite power metal record of the current decade. High expectations surround Dire Peril, and as soon as I heard the first singles from The Extraterrestrial Compendium, little could be done to bring them down to realistic levels.” Hype, Helion, Murica.
Savage Machine – Abandon Earth Review
“The crack of lightning, the rumble of thunder: If I had a nickel for every time I heard a song with such ominous bleatings, I still wouldn’t be able to buy a pint. But, this time, there’s no falsettos to back the rumble or guitar shredding to support the raining blood. Instead, Denmark’s Savage Machine uses this sky screaming to launch mankind from this puny planet. But, what’s in store for mankind on Abandon Earth?” Into the void trvly.
Demise of the Crown – Demise of the Crown Review
“After a conversation with a friend about power metal, I came to the realization that many of my favorite bands in the genre are cheesy as hell. I’ve come to this slightly ashamed conclusion many times over the years, and as I’ve done before, I pulled out my power metal collection in hopes that all the black, thrash, and death metal hadn’t lessened my love for Tolkien-based nonsense and eight-album concepts about the mighty Metalians.” Cheeses H. Christ, the Doctor is such a Helloweenie!
