Queensryche

Queensrÿche – The Verdict Review

Queensrÿche – The Verdict Review

By Steel Druhm on February 28, 2019 in 2019, American Metal, Century Media, Heavy Metal, Progressive Metal, Reviews, Heavy Metal, Progressive Metal, 208 comments

“Queensrÿche has endured more drama over their 36-year life span than you’d see in a typical season of your preferred Mexican soap opera. The plot lines look quite similar too. You have the full-tilt diva, the long suffering but loyal compadres, the insidious temptations of cash and fame, and of course, the inevitable implosion, breakup and resulting legal morass. That said, things have been pretty stable in camp Queensrÿche since Geoff Tate bailed and the band recruited Todd La Torre to man the mic.” 12 Angry Metal Guys.

Hollow – Between Eternities of Darkness Review

Hollow – Between Eternities of Darkness Review

By Steel Druhm on January 30, 2019 in 2019, Power Metal, Progressive Metal, Reviews, Rockshots Records, Swedish Metal, Power Metal, Progressive Metal, 47 comments

“I first encountered Sweden’s Hollow when I found their 1997 debut Modern Cathedral in a local record store and bought it solely because of the cool artwork. It featured an interesting blend of traditional and power metal with a slightly proggy sheen, and though it wasn’t exactly a blockbuster release, it had a few songs that really stuck with me. Fast forward to 1999 and the still very unheralded act returned to drop a truly stunning followup on an unsuspecting world with their sophomore release, Architect of Mind.” Back from the void.

Metal Church – Damned if You Do Review

Metal Church – Damned if You Do Review

By Steel Druhm on December 7, 2018 in 2018, American Metal, Heavy Metal, Rat Pak Records, Reviews, Heavy Metal, 54 comments

“Metal Church is one of those hard working second-tier metal acts that experienced moments of first-tier greatness over a lengthy career, but never crossed over to the promised land. Their debut is still one of my favorite thrash albums, and Blessing in Disguise probably makes my desert island top 20. I supported them over the decades through numerous line-up changes, but the albums with the late great David Wayne and then Mike Howe on vocals truly captured my Steely heart. When Mr. Howe returned after 20 years in limbo for 2016’s XI opus, I was thrilled. It was an impressive reunion outing too, sounding like the band I loved throughout the 80s and 90s. Now we get Damned if You Do, the all important second post-reunion release.” Brawl at Olde Church.

An Interview with Unleash the Archers

An Interview with Unleash the Archers

By Huck N Roll on November 19, 2018 in 2018, Blog Posts, Canadian Metal, Interviews, 43 comments

“This autumn saw Unleash the Archers undertake their North American tour in support of 2017’s excellent album, Apex. October saw the tour roll through Calgary, with supporting act Striker and a couple of local bands. Huck N Roll somehow shoehorned his way into the club and managed to find some time to sit down with vocalist Brittney Slayes (before he was discovered and rudely extracted from the premises), to talk about the tour, the next album, and King Diamond.” Apex interviewer.

Reverorum ib Malacht – Im Ra Distare Summum Soveris Seris Vas innoble Review

Reverorum ib Malacht – Im Ra Distare Summum Soveris Seris Vas innoble Review

By Grymm on May 17, 2018 in 2018, Annapurna, Black Metal, Reviews, Swedish Metal, Black Metal, 129 comments

“When a band, such as Sweden’s Reverorum ib Malacht, takes on a slant when it comes to lyrical matter and atmosphere, my curiosity gets the better of me, and on their fourth album, the wordy Im Ra Distare Summum Soveris Seris Vas innoble, I tossed caution to the wind, and embraced the thought of unblack metal with an open mind, and an open heart…” Open heart, insert foot.

Yer Metal Is Olde: Queensrÿche – Operation: Mindcrime

Yer Metal Is Olde: Queensrÿche – Operation: Mindcrime

By Huck N Roll on April 9, 2018 in 2018, American Metal, Heavy Metal, Progressive Metal, Yer Metal Is Olde, Heavy Metal, Progressive Metal, 161 comments

For those who have only listened to metal since 1995, or for those who never thought Queensrÿche worthy of checking out, Operation: mindcrime is a concept album which tells the story of a drug addict who becomes an assassin for a political extremist group, but has a change of heart when he falls in love with a former prostitute who has become a nun.” That’s fookin metal, and olde.

Operation: Mindcrime – A New Reality Review

Operation: Mindcrime – A New Reality Review

By Swordborn on December 10, 2017 in 2017, American Metal, Frontiers Records, Progressive Rock, Reviews, Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock, 62 comments

“To be honest, I have remained only peripherally up to speed with the court proceedings and inter-band politics between the original Queensrÿche and Tate’s new Operation: Mindcrime as relationships (and Tate’s musical sanity) spiraled into decline. Hence, The New Reality is my first concerted exposure to Tate’s post-Queensrÿche work.” Here in the now…of hazing.

Lunar Shadow – Far From Light Review

Lunar Shadow – Far From Light Review

By Steel Druhm on March 19, 2017 in 2017, Cruz Del Sur, Epic Metal, German Metal, Heavy Metal, Reviews, Epic Metal, Heavy Metal, 55 comments

“Nostalgia is a part of life, as inescapable as death, taxes and back hair. In moderation it’s a wistful and harmless reminder of happy times and precious moments. Taken to extremes however, it becomes ABBA-centric musicals and ironical Hipster Hell (i.e. Williamsburg, Brooklyn). The biggest problem with throwback/retro nostalgia-core is the fact it must forever look backward at what’s already been done, rarely managing to inject modern ideas or sensibilities into the mix. Flying in the face of this truism, Lunar Shadow boldly strides out of Germany with a new take on living in the past.” A retro twofer? Everyone loves a bargain.

Cultes Des Ghoules – Coven, or Evil Ways Instead of Love Review

Cultes Des Ghoules – Coven, or Evil Ways Instead of Love Review

By Grymm on February 13, 2017 in 2017, Black Metal, Hells Headbangers Records, Polish Metal, Reviews, Under The Sign of Garazel Productions, Black Metal, 13 comments

“When I was a wee little Grymmling, I developed an addiction to peanut butter cups. I know, it’s hard to get addicted to the heavenly concoction of peanut butter wrapped in milk chocolate, but as a kid, the flavor combination blew my mind. So when I was a teenager and worked my first job, I did what any respectable teen would do; I bought a fuck-ton of peanut butter cups and gorged on them. Needless to say, the stomach issues weren’t pleasant. That memory sprung to mind when I snagged Coven, or Evil Ways Instead of Love, the third full-length by Polish black metal weirdos Cultes Des Ghoules.” Bring forth the Comfy Chair!