Gore. – A Bud That Never Blooms (Spinefarm)
Managing to catch significant buzz at the end of this past year with their first single "Pray," the cinematic and modern sound of Gore. seemed to be one that was not going to be...
Cleanbreak – Bet on Yourself
Photo: Justin Roszkowski
Niche power metal mavens love American acts like Fifth Angel and Riot who released some classic records during their careers – and that’s what we have hear with this musical project /...
Rifftera – Coda (Inverse Records)
Namesake alone says a lot about what to expect when it comes to certain metal acts. Finnish quintet Rifftera for example don’t play around in their amalgamation of thrash, melodic death, and groove-style songwriting...
LuciDream – Persona (Idol Atelier LLC)
South Korean group LuciDream first caught this scribe's attention at the tail end of 2023 with their fourth single "Ego." Wildly fusing together frantic metalcore/melodeath riffing patterns, harsh screams, punchy electronics and EDM, and...
Swallow the Sun – Feeling and Honesty
Champions of raising the flag high for gloomy and doomy material, Swallow the Sun have never shied away from experimentation either. Exploring the darker, melancholic side of human emotions through varied sonic landscapes, each...
House of Lords – Full Tilt Overdrive (Frontiers Music)
A new House of Lords album is like a visit from an old friend. Someone you haven't gotten together with in a long time, but once you do, ya pick up right where you...
Hatchet – Leave No Soul (M-Theory Audio)
Like many bands in the early 2020’s, California’s Hatchet took an extended break away from the road due to the pandemic – while also cooling their jets on the recording front. Leave No Soul...
The Crown – All About Execution
Photo: Daniel Johansson
When it comes to deadly death/thrash with just the right amount of punk / melodic impact, it’s hard to question the reliable discography for The Crown to satisfy that aural spirit. Even...
Curse Guard – Origins (Self-Released)
A new project for ex-Adamantis bassist Cody Pelchat, Curse Guard originally started in 2020, issuing three singles over the next few years (including special covers from King Crimson and Kamelot). Origins is the group’s...
Ave Mujica – Elements (Bushiroad)
A newer entry in the Bang Dream/Bandori franchise, Ave Mujica comes with the pedigree of following other bands in the project on the heavier side of things, such as Roselia and Raise a Suilen....