Blind Guardian – The God Machine (Review)

Blind Guardian - The God MachineBlind Guardian are a German power metal band and this is their twelfth album.

Blind Guardian return with a new 51-minute opus. Fans of the band will be interested to know that The God Machine doesn’t directly continue with the trajectory of their last few albums, and instead offers a compelling mix of past and present. Continue reading “Blind Guardian – The God Machine (Review)”

Trial (Swe) – Feed the Fire (Review)

Trial (Swe) - Feed the FireThis is the fourth album from Swedish heavy metallers Trial (Swe).

Since I last encountered Trial n 2017’s (Vessel), the band have changed their name to Trial (Swe), released another album and an EP, and changed singer. So, what does Feed the Fire bring us? The answer is 46 minutes of rousing heavy metal. Continue reading “Trial (Swe) – Feed the Fire (Review)”

Feather Mountain – To Exit a Maelstrom (Review)

Feather Mountain - To Exit a MaelstromFeather Mountain are a progressive metal band from Denmark and this is their second album.

To Exit a Maelstrom contains 45 minutes of modern progressive metal that incorporates elements of alternative and progressive rock. There’s also a djent influence, but it’s not an overbearing one. Continue reading “Feather Mountain – To Exit a Maelstrom (Review)”

Intent – Exile (Review)

Intent - ExileThis is the second album from US thrash metal band Intent.

Intent play classic thrash metal with a brutal, aggressive edge.

Intent furiously tear through 39 minutes of blistering thrash. The band like to play fast, and do so Continue reading “Intent – Exile (Review)”

Soilwork – Övergivenheten (Review)

Soilwork - ÖvergivenhetenThis is the twelfth album from Soilwork, a veteran Swedish metal band.

After really enjoying 2019’s Verkligheten, it’s a pleasure to hear some new Soilwork material. Övergivenheten continues with the ever-satisfying Soilwork sound, yet evolves it at the same time. Rich melodies, soaring choruses, and strong songwriting lurk around every corner, as they always do, but on this occasion the focus is slightly different. Continue reading “Soilwork – Övergivenheten (Review)”

Holding Absence & Alpha Wolf – The Lost & the Longing – Split (Review)

Holding Absence & Alpha Wolf - The Lost & the LongingAlpha Wolf are an Australian metalcore band and Holding Absence are a UK modern rock band. They have teamed up for this split release.

Alpha Wolf, (check out A Quiet Place to Die), give us two songs, lasting just over six minutes in total. Continue reading “Holding Absence & Alpha Wolf – The Lost & the Longing – Split (Review)”

Leviathan – Mischief of Malcontent (Review)

Leviathan - Mischief of MalcontentThis is the eighth album form US progressive metallers Leviathan.

I first encountered Leviathan on 2014’s Beholden to Nothing, Braver Since Then. I enjoyed that record, so have made sure to catch up with the band every time they produce something new; 2018’s Can’t be Seen by Looking: Blurring the Lines, Clouding the Truth and Continue reading “Leviathan – Mischief of Malcontent (Review)”

Hell Fire – Reckoning (Review)

Hell Fire - ReckoningThis is the fourth album from US metal band Hell Fire.

Hell Fire play a nostalgic mix of heavy and thrash metal, taking influence from the NWOBHM and the 80s Bay Area respectively. Reckoning is a 45-minute true metal ride. Continue reading “Hell Fire – Reckoning (Review)”

Arch Enemy – Deceivers (Review)

Arch Enemy - DeceiversThis is the eleventh album from Swedish melodic death metallers Arch Enemy.

I enjoyed 2017’s Will to Power, and it grew on me further over time, so I’ve been quite looking forward to Deceivers arriving. Now that we have the album’s 45 minutes of new material,  I’m quite happy with the results. Continue reading “Arch Enemy – Deceivers (Review)”