Uniform – American Standard (Review)

Uniform - American StandardUniform are an industrial band from the US and this is their fifth album.

Ever since discovering Uniform on their 2018 album The Long Walk I’ve looked forward to every subsequent release. Whether it’s their collaborations with The Body in 2019, (Everything That Dies Someday Comes Back), or Boris in 2023, (Bright New Disease), or their most recent full length in 2020 Shame, Uniform always produce music that’s worth exploring. All of which is to say that American Standard is hotly anticipated. Continue reading “Uniform – American Standard (Review)”

Simone Simons – Vermillion (Review)

Simone Simons - VermillionThis is the debut album from Simone Simons, a symphonic metal artist from the Netherlands.

I’ve always had a healthy respect for Epica, and for the vocals of their talented singer Simone Simons, so when Vermillion appeared, it only made sense to check it out. I’m so glad I did. Continue reading “Simone Simons – Vermillion (Review)”

Dark Tranquillity – Endtime Signals (Review)

Dark Tranquillity - Endtime SignalsThis is the thirteenth album by Dark Tranquillity, a melodic death metal band from Sweden.

I last caught up with Dark Tranquillity on 2016’s very enjoyable Atoma, so really wanted to check out Endtime Signals. With 14 songs and 59 minutes of music, (including the two bonus tracks), there’s a lot of material here. Don’t be put off though, as Endtime Signals is Dark Tranquillity firing on all cylinders. Continue reading “Dark Tranquillity – Endtime Signals (Review)”

Hammerfall – Avenge the Fallen (Review)

Hammerfall - Avenge the FallenHammerfall are a Swedish heavy/power metal band and this is their thirteenth album.

I do enjoy visiting the world of Hammerfall when I can, (check out Built to Last, Glory to the Brave, and Renegade 2.0 too), so Avenge the Fallen is well-received. Hammerfall’s latest contains 47 minutes of new music, and is a strong record from this veteran band. Continue reading “Hammerfall – Avenge the Fallen (Review)”

Ironflame – Kingdom Torn Asunder (Review)

Ironflame - Kingdom Torn AsunderThis is the fifth album from Ironflame, a heavy metal solo act from the US.

Despite not reviewing the style as much as, say, black or death metal, I’m a huge fan of heavy/power/etc. metal. The problem is though that is a very easy style to play poorly, as you need really really good songs and a really good singer to make an impression on me. This is where Ironflame come in, as they tick both boxes. Kingdom Torn Asunder is filled with metallic bangers and they have a singer that can belt them out with the best of them. Continue reading “Ironflame – Kingdom Torn Asunder (Review)”

Category 7 – Category 7 (Review)

Category 7 - Category 7Category 7 are a metal band form the US and this is their debut album.

Brought to us by current/ex-members of Anthrax, Armored Saint, Exodus, Machine Head, Overkill, and Shadows Fall, Category 7 has a lot of experience wrapped up in its 52 minutes. Unleashing a storming collection of 90s-inspired thrash metal songs with a touch of classic heavy metal, this is a charismatic record that’s easy to like. Continue reading “Category 7 – Category 7 (Review)”

Orange Goblin – Science, Not Fiction (Review)

Orange Goblin - Science, Not FictionThis is the tenth album from UK stoner/heavy metal band Orange Goblin.

A new Orange Goblin album is a notable event. 2014’s Back from the Abyss was a top drawer record, followed by 2018’s enjoyable The Wolf Bites Back. Six years later, we get Science, Not Fiction, which brings us 53 minutes, (with bonus track), of new material. Continue reading “Orange Goblin – Science, Not Fiction (Review)”

Against Evil – Give ’em Hell (Review)

Against Evil - Give 'em HellAgainst Evil are an Indian heavy metal band and this is their third album.

Against Evil play energy-filled heavy metal, and they play it very well. There are power and thrash metal influences at play here, particularly the latter, but essentially this is glorious fast-paced old-school heavy metal, delivered with contemporary passion and skill. Continue reading “Against Evil – Give ’em Hell (Review)”