Fancy a little bit of post-melodic nu-metal? Well, if you’re quietly wondering what that means then you are not alone because it was beyond me to fathom it out. OK, nu-metal we all understand, and nu-metal can be melodic (at times), but what does post-melodic mean? Anyway, post-melodic nu-metal might be how the band position..
Crimson Coven 1- The Forge (Cruz Del Sur Music)
If you like mid-paced ‘80s infused epic metal with a healthy dose of doom thrown in too then this new band from Spain might be your cup of tea. This is their first full-length album and follows on from an EP which was titled 0 – The Genesis. I guess the working assumption that there..
Xandria – Eclipse (Napalm Records)
With Eclpise, Xandra have confirmed that The Wonders Still Awaiting was no flash in the pan. Heubaum’s continues to write classy symphonic metal and Vourvahis reconfirms she has a voice to match anyone in this genre. It’s a good time to be a Xandria fan! Xandria have not exactly been a stable band. Formed originally..
Green Carnation – A Dark Poem, Part III: The Messiah Complex (Season Of Mist)
Green Carnation are a band I wasn’t familiar with until the release of A Dark Poem, Part I: The Shores Of Melancholia. That album, which came out in September of last year, was a marvellous mix of modern metal, doom, and classic heavy metal and it impressed me enormously. Plus, I love a concept album,..
Shakra – Just Live Loud (Frontiers Music)
Just Live Loud is an impressive album of classic metal. It’s better than the majority of metal releases that come my way, and it’s a bit of a mystery to me why Shakra have not got a much higher profile. If my maths is right, then this is Shakra’s 14th studio album in an almost..
Oddland – Unilluminate To Illuminate (Frontiers Music)
Oddland have gravitated towards the sound of bands like Soen and Leprous, and as a result have produced their tightest and most convincing album so far. Oddland are a Finnish progressive metal band who were formed back in 2003. They could be accused of being a bit sluggish compared to some of their peers –..
Isiliel – The Underworld, London (26 July 2026)
A Sunday evening is Camden is one of the quieter times in that frenetic quarter of London, and that was also reflected in the modest turnout at the Underworld for metal band Isiliel. I, myself, didn’t really know what to expect. I went almost on a whim after the streaming service I use put one..
Upiko – Upheaval (Rebless Records)
Upiko has created thirteen small masterpieces of varying moods, all united by her distinctive voice and her unerring ability to draw out beautiful melodies. Upiko is most likely a name that is unknown to you, as it was to me a few weeks back. It’s the stage name of a young female Japanese singer-songwriter whose..
Mattador – III (Frontiers Music)
The sheer variety of material on III is what makes it stand out. It keeps you on your toes guessing what will come next, and during its forty-five minutes will both tug on your heartstrings and get your head shaking. There seems to be an endless number of bands reforming after sabbaticals that have lasted..
Mörkekraft – Fragments (Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records)
Mörkekraft are a brand-new band from Norway, and the press release states that they blend heavy rock, stoner and psychedelia. That’s interesting enough, but what got me really curious was the claim that they are often described as ‘a depressed Thin Lizzy’. That grabbed my attention, and hence I gave this album a spin. The..