Crystal Viper – The Silver Key (Review)

Crystal Viper - The Silver KeyCrystal Viper are a Polish heavy metal band and this is their ninth album.

Despite being nine albums into their career, this is my first encounter with Crystal Viper. Containing 11 tracks of classic heavy metal, The Silver Key is 47 minutes, (with the Bathory cover song), of solid, old-fashioned metal. Continue reading “Crystal Viper – The Silver Key (Review)”

Aklash – Reincarnation (Review)

Aklash - ReincarnationThis is the fourth album from UK black metal band Aklash.

According to the promo blurb, Aklash “…cite Drudkh, Wolves in the Throne Room, and Judas Priest as key influences”, which sounds like an interesting enough mix to me to merit further investigation. That description doesn’t quite do Reincarnation justice though, as Aklash’s music is diverse and rich. Continue reading “Aklash – Reincarnation (Review)”

Spirit Adrift – Ghost at the Gallows (Review)

Spirit Adrift - Ghost at the GallowsThis is the fifth album from the US heavy metal band Spirit Adrift.

I’ve always enjoyed what Spirit Adrift offer, (check out Chained to Oblivion, Curse of Conception, Divided by Darkness, and Enlightened in Eternity), so new album Ghost at the Gallows is most welcome. Continue reading “Spirit Adrift – Ghost at the Gallows (Review)”

Tailgunner – Guns for Hire (Review)

Tailgunner - Guns for HireTailgunner are a heavy metal band from the UK and this is their debut album.

Boasting the endlessly enjoyable singing voice of the vocalist from the mighty InductionGuns for Hire offers a 48-minute feast of classic heavy metal tunes for fans of the style to eagerly devour. Continue reading “Tailgunner – Guns for Hire (Review)”

The Silent Rage – Nuances of Life (Review)

The Silent Rage - Nuances of LifeThis is the second album from Greek power metallers The Silent Rage.

Nuances of Life contains 58 minutes, (with bonus tracks), of melodic power metal. It’s an album that should find favour with fans of the heavier, grittier side of the style. For a starting point for The Silent Rage’s music, imagine a mix of Nevermore, Iced Earth, Angel Dust, Judas Priest, and Testament. Continue reading “The Silent Rage – Nuances of Life (Review)”

Gomorra – Dealer of Souls (Review)

Gomorra - Dealer of SoulsGomorra are a heavy metal band from Switzerland and this is their second album.

Featuring members of Comaniac and Destruction, Gomorra combine heavy, thrash, and power metal into 49 minutes of well-executed music. Continue reading “Gomorra – Dealer of Souls (Review)”

Void Vator – Great Fear Rising (Review)

Void Vator - Great Fear RisingThis is the debut album from Void Vator, a heavy metal band from the US.

Great Fear Rising is a modern take on a very old style. Void Vator play old-school heavy metal; it’s presented with a modern recording and delivery, but this is  mainly a product of the 80s, make no mistake. Continue reading “Void Vator – Great Fear Rising (Review)”

Burning Witches – Dance with the Devil (Review)

Burning Witches - Dance with the DevilBurning Witches are a heavy metal band from Switzerland and this is their third album.

2018’s Hexenhammer was an enjoyable slab of traditional heavy metal, and now the band are back with a new album, and a new singer. Continue reading “Burning Witches – Dance with the Devil (Review)”

Veil of Deception – Dissident Voices (Review)

Veil of Deception - Dissident VoicesVeil of Deception are a metal band from Austria. This is their third album.

This is the follow up to 2015’s Tearing up the Roots, and offers 48 minutes of metallic anthems and energetic riffs. Continue reading “Veil of Deception – Dissident Voices (Review)”

Forged in Black – Descent of the Serpent (Review)

Forged in Black - Descent of the SerpentForged in Black are a UK heavy metal band and this is their second album.

Featuring 48 minutes of material, Descent of the Serpent is well-crafted heavy metal with wide scope. Some elements of thrash are mixed in, for example. Also, occasionally the songs veer into classic doom metal territories in their more atmospheric moments, or sometimes adopt a power metal stance of epic force. Whatever they do this is pure heavy metal goodness all the way. Continue reading “Forged in Black – Descent of the Serpent (Review)”