Heavy Metal

Iron Maiden – The Book of Souls Review

Iron Maiden – The Book of Souls Review

By Angry Metal Guy on September 10, 2015 in 2015, English Metal, Reviews, Heavy Metal, 269 comments

On October 5th, 1930 while flying over France on its maiden voyage, the airship R101 crashed, killing 48 of the 54 people on board. The ship was the jewel of the British empire and had been built with increased lifting capacity, and was (at the time) the world’s largest flying vessel. Much like the Titanic, the R101 is a story of hubris—particularly as told by Dickinson on the track “Empire of the Clouds,” The Book of Souls’ 18-minute closer. The R101 never was put through its paces, having not done full endurance and speed trials, before it undertook its maiden voyage for India, and on that voyage it tragically crashed. As a closer, “The Empire of the Clouds” is an epic which pushes Iron Maiden into territory never before explored. As an analogy for The Book of Souls, it strikes a little too close to home.

Ghost – Meliora Review

Ghost – Meliora Review

By Steel Druhm on August 17, 2015 in 2015, Heavy Metal, Loma Vista Recordings, Reviews, Swedish Metal, Heavy Metal, Occult Rock, 95 comments

“I made no secret of my throbbing love for theirOpus Eponymous debut, and made even fewer bones about my disappointment with follow-up Infestissumam. With the band tied one and one and the writing apparently now being handled by someone named Klaus Ahlund, I looked to Meliora to determine if Ghost was a flash in the pan or a serious act worthy of the buzz their enigmatic antics earned them.” Is this one friendly like Casper or a total mess like Slimer?

Prowler – From the Shadows Review

Prowler – From the Shadows Review

By Steel Druhm on July 14, 2015 in 2015, American Metal, Heavy Metal, Reviews, Slaney Records, Heavy Metal, 11 comments

“Quite the cover, eh? And if that doesn’t tip you off that things are heading straight for Tongue-in-Cheek Town, perhaps it’s time for new trifocals. And the artwork accurately reflects what you get from Prowler – a lunkheaded troupe of retro metallers with a disturbing fetish for 80s metal and cheesy horror (also from the 80s).” This will pair well with a viewing of Night of the Comet.

Burning Point – Burning Point Review

Burning Point – Burning Point Review

By Steel Druhm on June 28, 2015 in 2015, AFM Records, Finnish Metal, Heavy Metal, Power Metal, Reviews, Heavy Metal, Power Metal, 13 comments

“Finland’s Burning Point was always a tolerable “also ran” in the Euro-power sweepstakes, with several decent but unremarkable albums full of by-the-book melodic speed. 2012s The Ignitor however, benefitted from a heavier, meaner sound and had vastly superior writing. It became a dark horse favorite of mine and it’s the only album of theirs I go back to. When news reached me that Battle Beast’s original singer, Nitte Valo was coming aboard along with two other new members, I was unsure whether to celebrate or despair.” Something’s burning and the smell is troubling.

Atavismo – Desintergracion EP Review

Atavismo – Desintergracion EP Review

By Lord Doom on June 24, 2015 in 2015, Heavy Metal, Progressive Metal, Reviews, Spanish Metal, Temple of Tortorous Records, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Progressive Metal, Psychedelic Rock, 25 comments

“Truth is, I envy the good people of Spain. Even if they didn’t host those big metal festivals and benefit from constant visits by artists who would never think of coming to my native México, their concert-goer logistical advantages are undeniably desirable. For example, they can jump on a train for a few hours for the chance to, say, attend one of the Altar of Plagues farewell tour dates (fuck, that hurt more than it should’ve), whereas, if I want to catch a train to the US, it would have to be “La Bestia.” Yes that’s Spanish for “The Beast,” also un-ironically known as, “The Death Train.”” And don’t try to use that as excuse to work from home either, son!

Pro-Pain – Voice of Rebellion Review

Pro-Pain – Voice of Rebellion Review

By Steel Druhm on June 19, 2015 in 2015, American Metal, Hardcore, Reviews, SPV Records, Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal, 27 comments

“FYI: New York crossover is once again in da house. Yes, the Gothemic institution of Pro-Pain is poised to release another angry screed against the powers that be, crying out from their scummy concrete jungles with a back alley trash dumpster sincerity that cannot be denied. Since forming in the early 90s from the wreckage of hardcore legends Crumbsuckers, Gary Meskill piloted this thrash/punk/hardcore hybrid along a very consistent course, mixing seething rage with simplistic but accessible writing as the band addressed all sorts of current events and socio-political themes.” Does this make you feel mad… brah?

Night Flight Orchestra – Skyline Whispers Review

Night Flight Orchestra – Skyline Whispers Review

By Dr. Fisting on June 11, 2015 in 2015, Heavy Metal, Not Metal, Reviews, Swedish Metal, Heavy Metal, Not Metal, 65 comments

“Way back in 2012, the a little band called Night Flight Orchestra issued an under-the-radar gem called Internal Affairs. Despite having members from two past-their-prime metal bands (Soilwork & Arch Enemy), the music recalled the golden age of ’70s radio rock with passion and quality. Fast forward three years, we get word that NFO has released their follow-up, Skyline Whispers…a few days ago. We missed them twice!” We feel shame.

Encyrcle – Encyrcle Review

Encyrcle – Encyrcle Review

By Steel Druhm on June 4, 2015 in 2015, Danish Metal, Heavy Metal, Reviews, Speed Metal, Thrash Metal, Unspeakable Axe Records, Heavy Metal, Speed Metal, 25 comments

“Speed metal wasn’t around long as a separate genre before it got absorbed into the more popular thrash bubble following the Bay Area explosion. Over the years the differences between the styles blurred, and while they’re slight, speed metal was always closer to classic metal in attitude with a greater emphasis on memorability and hooks. And that’s where Denmark’s Encyrcle come in.” Nobody saw this dose of old timey fury coming.