Retro Reviews

Retro Reviews: Adagio – Sanctus Ignís

Retro Reviews: Adagio – Sanctus Ignís

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.

Retro Reviews: Lumsk – Åsmund frægdegjevar

Retro Reviews: Lumsk – Åsmund frægdegjevar

Metal these days is in an undeniable downswing. Right now very few bands are doing something new, fresh or innovative. Instead, we’re riding a wave of retro metal: retro Swedish death; retro power; retro ’80s; re-thrash. In all the bustle about the latest cult ’70s style doom record that making everyone hot in the britches, I’ve been getting the itch for something new. Unfortunately, with the exception of the occasional glimmer of hope, right now is also a time for those of us who can to turn our eyes backwards. With a backward glance we talk about records that really should not be forgotten, things that were and, given the retro craze, probably will be again. In this case, I am thinking of Lumsk’s debut record Åsmund frægdegjevar.

Retro-spective Review: Lethal – Programmed

Retro-spective Review: Lethal – Programmed

We haven’t had a retro review for some time and Steel Druhm is here to fix that. Diving deep into the archives, he points an aproving finger at long forgotten, Queensryche-influenced rockers Lethal and their excellent debut, Programmed. With all the spit and shit flying between Geoff Tate and his former band, you’re gonna need this if you want a taste of good, old fashioned Ryche ‘n roll.

Retro Reviews: Trelldom – Til et annet…

Retro Reviews: Trelldom – Til et annet…

Angry Metal Guy (hey, that’s me!) and Steel Druhm have long had it in for black metal. Indeed, one can hardly look upon the pages of AngryMetalGuy.com without hearing a cranky metal guy bitching up a storm about how black metal isn’t what it once was; how it’s boring, overly conservative (not necessarily in viewpoints, but in musical approach) and mediocre. Hell, even the new girl is in on the “black metal is boring” thing. So, tonight, when a friend of mine was showing me some of his tracks and they reminded me of Trelldom and I was suddenly struck with a bit of nostalgia and broke out Til et annet… a great record which maybe hit a tad too late for the trve black metal folks.