Togenashi Togeari – Togeari (Universal Music)
Admittedly, not the most metallic looking cover art in the world but then again the music isn't the most metallic either. Nonetheless, Togenashi Togeari (トゲナシトゲアリ) have been a band on this scribe's radar for...
Vulture – The Sentinels March
Photo: Robin Waechtershaeuser
Continuing their rise up the heavy metal ranks, Vulture blazes a trail that may be familiar to some, yet their conviction cannot be denied. Embracing elements of the speed, thrash, and old...
Amiensus – Reclamation part 1 (M-Theory Audio)
Re-emerging after four years, with 2020's Abreaction being their last release, Amiensus also sport a new label in tow. Always an exciting act due to their innovative approach to darkness, operating in waters that...
The Ghost Inside – Searching for Solace (Epitaph)
Now four years removed from their self-titled album, The Ghost Inside return while looking ahead to expand their sonic palate. Searching for Solace continues the band's energetic and abrasive approach to metalcore, but also...
Tombstoner – Rot Stink Rip (Redefining Darkness Records)
Not very often do you see two sets of brothers joining together for a band – but that’s what we have here from Staten Island, NY for Tombstoner. Arriving on the scene in 2019,...
Necrot – Conquer Without Division
Photo: Chris Johnston
When it comes to the current breed of death metal acts circulating the scene, one band garnering a healthy amount of acclaim, attention, and buzz would be Oakland, California’s Necrot. Since forming...
Accept – Humanoid (Napalm Records)
A household name in the traditional metal scene, Accept continues to execute in their own lane – trends be damned. With guitarist Wolf Hoffmann at the helm, the intercontinental group of musicians in the...
Disbelief – Killing Karma (Listenable Records)
Comfortably cruising along since arriving on the scene in 1990, German band Disbelief has been a steady force for the underground metal movement. North America may remember this act best during the mid-2000’s, when...
Mære – ...and the Universe Keeps Silent (Transcending Obscurity)
The further we’ve delved into our personal journey with music, the more unsettling an album is, the more it attracts. Creativity, surprise, and downright frightening vibes are all elements that can make an otherwise...
Dialith – An Altered Transformation
Photo: Jason V. Mannello
Established as a force in the US symphonic power metal landscape, Dialith has carefully crafted a body of work that encompasses multiple influences inside (and outside) of the metal landscape. Their...
High On Fire – Cometh the Storm (MNRK Heavy)
Nuclear war, natural disasters, population unrest, the storm inches its' way closer to doom humanity than ever before. And what better band to provide the soundtrack than High on Fire with their latest opus,...
Darkness – Blood on Canvas (Massacre Records)
Much like the Bay Area thrash scene, Germany had its premiere breakthrough acts (Kreator, Destruction, Sodom, and Tankard) as well as the second/third tier artists who released albums to make modest inroads in the...
Stormborn – Zenith (Rockshots Records)
Well-documented during the 70s and 80s as a vital component of the burgeoning heavy metal scene, the UK market once again seems to be sprouting a great mix of traditional, melodic offerings from this...
Venues – Modern Evolution
Quickly becoming a modern force within the heavy music scene, Venues' second album Solace was a hit in how it delivered fun, catchy choruses as well as incredibly heavy moments, and wrapped them both...
Tygers of Pan Tang – Live Blood (Mighty Music)
The profile of the NWOBHM movement continues to be strong – not just for the classic albums that get reissue treatment for newer followers to discover, but also the creative vitality on display as...