Judas Priest

Greyhawk – Thunderheart Review

Greyhawk – Thunderheart Review

By Holdeneye on April 4, 2024 in Reviews, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, 44 comments

“Greyhawk peddles traditional metal with a strong element of shred included thanks to their mighty guitar virtuoso, Jesse Berlin. The band’s focus on positivity and heroism is my favorite thing about them, and their music never fails to raise my spirits. An incident at the band’s 2021 show in Boise showed that heroism moving beyond fantasy and into reality when bassist Darin Wall was wounded while preventing a gunman from opening fire on the people gathered outside the venue. Now that’s a fucking heavy metal tale.” Tougher than lead.

Necrophobic – In the Twilight Grey Review

Necrophobic – In the Twilight Grey Review

By Holdeneye on March 14, 2024 in Reviews, Black Metal, Death Metal, 73 comments

“When I covered Necrophobic’s 2020 release, Dawn of the Damned, I spoke at length about what this band means to me as a reviewer and fan of heavy metal music. These guys singlehandedly got me into black metal, and when I hear other bands playing a similarly melodic, death metal-infused version of the genre, I can’t help but hold them up next to these guys, my personal archetype of what this style is supposed to sound like.” Necro-mongering.

Judas Priest – Invincible Shield Review

Judas Priest – Invincible Shield Review

By Steel Druhm on March 13, 2024 in Reviews, Heavy Metal, NWOBHM, 164 comments

“A new Judas Priest album is going to be the most anticipated moment of any year for olden metal folks like yours Steely, unless Black Sabbath or Iron Maiden are also dropping something (and probably even then). 2018s Firepower was a shockingly spry and battle-ready album that showed there was a lot of life left in this metal clergy, and it gave fans reason to expect good things from 20th album, Invincible Shield.” Shield wall or shield fall?

Yer Metal Is Olde: Illwill – Evilution

Yer Metal Is Olde: Illwill – Evilution

By Dr. A.N. Grier on March 10, 2024 in Yer Metal Is Olde, Thrash Metal, 18 comments

“Evilution is the sole LP from quasi-supergroup Illwill. This odd band consisted of King Diamond and Mercyful Fate greats Andy LaRocque, Sharlee D’Angelo, and Snowy Shaw. While it’s common for these lads to form, join, or guest in many projects over the years, this might be one of the strangest collaborations in their storied careers.” Licensed to ill.

Exhorder – Defectum Omnium Review

Exhorder – Defectum Omnium Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on March 4, 2024 in Reviews, Thrash Metal, 22 comments

“With this year’s Defectum Omnium, it’s clear Exhorder aren’t finished proving their relevance and reinventing themselves in the eyes of their dedicated fanbase. But, with such a strong outing five years ago, will Defectum Omnium be a step forward for the band or will it be, well… a defectum?” Omnium Blatherum.

Traveler – Prequel to Madness Review

Traveler – Prequel to Madness Review

By Kenstrosity on February 22, 2024 in Reviews, Heavy Metal, 16 comments

“Calgary heavy metal five-piece Traveler received consistently favorable coverage from our beloved Huck n Roll since their self-titled debut dropped in 2019. With Huck‘s retirement just over a year ago, somehow Traveler ended up in the land ov Ken. While the hands of Steel are primed to wield this kind of heavy metal with grace, poise, and POWERS, rest assured that I am versatile, strong, and more than capable of handling these wares. Thus, Traveler’s imminent third launch Prequel to Madness earns a session in my court.” Madness meets Kenness.

Triumpher – Storming the Walls [Things You Might Have Missed 2023]

Triumpher – Storming the Walls [Things You Might Have Missed 2023]

By Kenstrosity on December 21, 2023 in Things You Might Have Missed 2023, Black Metal, Epic Metal, Heavy Metal, Power Metal, 41 comments

“As a sponge, I am not usually picky about what music I absorb. I often find my way to liking anything if it clicks the right boxes. For some reason, though, I’m pickiest about traditional heavy metal, both classic and modern. I rarely like anything that falls under the stock “heavy” umbrella, instead preferring things that are hybridized with other, more extreme fare. Luckily for me, Triumpher are here to help raise my sword to full might with their immense, astoundingly compelling debut Storming the Walls, released in March of this year.” Triumph of the swordcore.

Coven Japan – Earthlings Review

Coven Japan – Earthlings Review

By Dolphin Whisperer on December 11, 2023 in Reviews, Heavy Metal, 13 comments

“The past still lives around us—a phone booth dilapidated with its tethered telecommunications device extracted, an eerie, abandoned Sears parking lot, Def Leppard jammin’ for the 6:00 pm crowd at the grocery store. Even for new members of the heavy metal clan, the sounds of royalty—Maiden, Priest, Saxon—often line the path to whatever extreme they may later fall into. It’s no surprise, then, to read that new Japanese export Coven Japan declares themselves as a young band influenced by 70s bands like Angel Witch and 80s bands like Satan” Past as prolog.