Black Royal – Earthbound (Review)

Black Royal - Earthbound (Review)This is the third album from Finnish sludge metal band Black Royal.

We’ve met Black Royal before, on their 2016 EP The Summoning Pt.2, as well as their previous album Firebride, which made quite an impact. With a duration of 48 minutes Earthbound delivers meaty songs full of nutrient-dense tastiness. Continue reading “Black Royal – Earthbound (Review)”

Rhythm of Fear – Fatal Horizons (Review)

Rhythm of Fear - Fatal HorizonsThis is the second album from US thrash metallers Rhythm of Fear.

Now that’s some old-school cover art right there. The music is equally old-school, delivering 47 minutes of spiked crossover thrash metal heaviness. Continue reading “Rhythm of Fear – Fatal Horizons (Review)”

Queensrÿche – Digital Noise Alliance (Review)

Queensrÿche - Digital Noise AllianceQueensrÿche are a legendary US progressive metal band and this is their sixteenth album.

Following on from 2019’s enjoyable The Verdict, Queensrÿche have returned with a new 57 minutes of material in the shape of Digital Noise Alliance. Continue reading “Queensrÿche – Digital Noise Alliance (Review)”

Vorbid – A Swan by the Edge of Mandala (Review)

Vorbid - A Swan by the Edge of MandalaThis is the second album from Norwegian progressive metal band Vorbid.

A Swan by the Edge of Mandala offers a rich and colourful 59 minutes of progressive metal for listeners to get lost in. It’s an absorbing and enjoyable album, full of slick riffs, emotive melodies, and engaging songcraft. Continue reading “Vorbid – A Swan by the Edge of Mandala (Review)”

Parius – The Signal Heard Throughout Space (Review)

Parius - The Signal Heard Throughout SpaceThis is the third album from US progressive metal band Parius.

The Signal Heard Throughout Space is a 61-minute sci-fi “conceptual rock opera”. Blending progressive metal with technical and 70s progressive influences, the album offers a Continue reading “Parius – The Signal Heard Throughout Space (Review)”

Ritual Dictates – No Great Loss (Review)

Ritual Dictates - No Great LossThis is the second album from Canadian metallers Ritual Dictates.

Featuring current and ex-members of 3 Inches of Blood and Revocation, this is an atypical album that probably doesn’t sound like you’re expecting it to. It certainly took me by surprise, in a very pleasant way. Continue reading “Ritual Dictates – No Great Loss (Review)”

Behind Your Fear – Anthropocene (Review)

Behind Your Fear - AnthropoceneThis is the debut album from Behind Your Fear, a Gothic/melodic metal band from Germany.

Featuring current and ex-members of bands such as Crimson Moon and Flowing Tears, Anthropocene provides us with 47 minutes of quality tunes. It succeeds in taking cues from the past to deliver a satisfying interpretation of an older style. Continue reading “Behind Your Fear – Anthropocene (Review)”