Release the Titans – Odyssey (Self-Released)
Often the seeds of a band plant themselves small to blossom over time. Release the Titans as a Norwegian power metal outfit began as a one-man project from guitarist Paul Olsen – formerly involved...
Raise a Suilen – Savage (Bushiroad)
Having featured the Bang Dream act in some previous end of year articles, it seemed the right time to give them a bit more spotlight with the release of their second full-length album, Savage....
Sumac – The Healer (Thrill Jockey)
It is rare within music to find an artist who personifies "integrity". An artist who is willing to eschew commercial success in order to follow their muse, their true North. They're a dime a...
Mythologik – Wading in Purgatorium
Professing a love for thrash and melodic death metal, Texas-based duo Mythologik aim to establish themselves through their affinity for all facets of both subgenres in their songwriting. Strong melodic vocals over the top...
Ulcerate – Cutting the Throat of God (Debemur Morti Productions)
True innovators are a rare breed. They take what’s been created before, and produce a new form of which nobody else expected. This seldom attributed description doubtlessly applies to death metal stalwarts Ulcerate. Since...
Maverick – Silver Tongue (Metalapolis Records)
Lots of firsts behind this fifth studio record Silver Tongue for Irish act Maverick. Recorded in separate countries remotely, this is the first record with the original Quid Pro Quo lineup that was last...
Hagane – Life Goes On (Euclid Agency)
Shredding Japanese power metal act Hagane took a bit of a hit last year when vocalist Uyu, guitarist Mayto, and drummer Kanako left the band (Uyu and Mayto went on to form Mana Diagram...
Shrapnel – The State of Gravity
Photo: Andy Ford
Once a group establishes themselves through a specific style, changes in the formula can often bring about apprehension. That may be the case for UK act Shrapnel through their fourth album In...
New Horizon – Conquerors (Frontiers Music)
Power metal outfit New Horizon adopts a next man up strategy when vocalist Erik Grönwall got the opportunity of his life to be the new singer of Skid Row in 2022. Thus, Jona Tee...
Nestor – Still Rebellious
Few bands can say that they took over three decades to release their first album, but that's something Nestor can claim. Not only that, but they have now released a follow-up only three years...
Mythologik – Blood in the Sky (Self-Released)
A stronghold for decades in all forms of metal, Texas is home to this duo of musicians known as Mythologik. Consisting of Bryan Eckermann (Scars of the Flesh, ex-Wings of Abaddon) on all instrumentation...
Embryonic Autopsy – Origins of the Deformed (Massacre Records)
Certain pockets of the United States have always been firm supporters of the underground metal scene. While death metal in the 90s gained elevation from specific states such as Florida and New York, the...
Teramaze – The Dance of Emotions
Progressive metal captivates its followers through a breathtaking approach to music. Usually pushing the limits of melodies, musicianship, and hooks through creative exploration, listeners never know what to expect and process when it comes...
Angel Sword – World Fighter (Dying Victims Productions)
Intentional in their old-school heavy metal ways, Angel Sword lives for those twin-guitar lines, call to arms choruses, and pure to the bone rhythm section foundational work that has been a part of the...
Axel Rudi Pell – Risen Symbol (Steamhammer/SPV)
Celebrating 35 years as a solo artist, Axel Rudi Pell seems intent on keeping his career steady with releases of all types. What with six Ballads albums, two Diamonds Uncovered cover records, and five...