Kamelot – Wonderbox Metal

Sunburst – Manifesto (Review)

This is the second album from Greek progressive power metallers Sunburst.

Across 49 minutes Sunburst impress with their cinematic take on progressive metal. Manifesto comes from the point of view of progressive power metal, (think Kamelot, Cloudscape, Threshold, and Pagan’s Mind), but also contains minor touches of a more contemporary perspective, one that primarily manifests in some of the riffs and drums. It’s not strong, but it’s there in places. Apart from this, Manifesto is pure 00s progressive power metal worship. Continue reading “Sunburst – Manifesto (Review)”

Firewind – Stand United (Review)

This is the tenth album from Greek heavy/power metal band Firewind.

Brought to us be current and ex-members of bands such as Dream Evil, Kamelot, Nightrage, Ozzy Osbourne, Firewind bring a lot of talent and experience to the party. Across 43 minutes they deliver ten tracks of classic metallic songcraft, (one of which is a cover song). Continue reading “Firewind – Stand United (Review)”

Dampf – The Arrival (Review)

This is the debut album from Dampf, a metal band from Sweden.

Brought to us by dance artist E-Type, and featuring members of Bathory and Sabaton, The Arrival contains 41 minutes of metallic fun; Dampf are in the business of big guitars, danceable beats, and even bigger choruses. Continue reading “Dampf – The Arrival (Review)”

Shuulak – Rubedo (Review)

This is the latest EP from Shuulak, a heavy metal band from the Netherlands.

I’m a big fan of Shuulak, and have been looking forward to hearing some new material from them since 2019’s Citrinitas. Containing 5 tracks and with a duration of 17 minutes, it’s enough to satisfy, and demonstrates once more just how good Shuulak are. Continue reading “Shuulak – Rubedo (Review)”

Seven Sisters – The Cauldron and the Cross (Review)

Seven Sisters are a heavy metal band from the UK and this is their second album.

They say you should never judge a record by its cover, (do they say that?), but it was the album cover of The Cauldron and the Cross that made me want to listen to it more than anything else. Continue reading “Seven Sisters – The Cauldron and the Cross (Review)”

Ruins of Elysium – Seeds of Chaos and Serenity (Review)

Ruins of Elysium are an international symphonic metal band and this is their debut album.

The music on this release is bold, bombastic, and grand, with many different feelings and emotions explored; all of them epic, over-the-top, and quite infectious. It’s an ambitious release that hits more than it misses.

If you think of the comprehensive and Continue reading “Ruins of Elysium – Seeds of Chaos and Serenity (Review)”

Lost Opera – Hidden Sides (Review)

This is the second album by French symphonic metal band Lost Opera.

Lost Opera are a symphonic metal band specialising in a modern take on the genre, heavily accentuated with orchestral keyboards and with a side-order of extremity. This manifests via heavier-than-average guitars, (for this kind of thing), and the Continue reading “Lost Opera – Hidden Sides (Review)”

Epica – The Holographic Principle (Review)

Epica are a symphonic metal band from the Netherlands and this is their eighth album.

Epica are famous for their epic, (ahem), symphonic sound, all larger-than-life melodies, ostentatious orchestration and luscious, enticing vocals. And it works. They’ve made a career out of it and currently sit as one of the biggest bands in the style. Continue reading “Epica – The Holographic Principle (Review)”

Elyria – Reflection and Refraction (Review)

Elyria are a symphonic metal band from Germany. This is their début album.

With a Classically-trained female vocalist in the ranks, you already know that her singing is going to be first-rate. With her Classical training it’s clear from the off that she really knows what she’s doing. How well this works for you depends on your take on the style and how you feel about these kinds of vocals.

There are some really nice vocal melodies strewn about these tracks, reminding me sometimes of older Kamelot in their delivery, and her voice is very enjoyable.

The music is largely of the Gothic/symphonic variety, but interestingly Elyria spice Continue reading “Elyria – Reflection and Refraction (Review)”

Last Frontier – Theta Healing (Through the Poison) (Review)

This is the second album from Italian Heavy Metallers Last Frontier.

This is Atmospheric Heavy Metal with keyboards and a modern delivery that still pays homage to the classic style. There are elements of Power Metal here, although Heavy Metal is the main genre out of the two.

The songs are enjoyable Metal anthems that pass the 51 minutes quite pleasantly. They’re easily absorbed and digested and don’t cause bloating.

Ever-present keyboards accompany the tracks, but tend to enhance rather than annoy. The modern sheen of the riffs and the delivery in general is well-judged so that the band come across as polished, but not overly so.

The singer has a decent voice that effortlessly carries itself well. To my ears he comes across as a curious mix of the singers of Queensrÿche and Kamelot. With some good melodies it’s clear he can carry a tune well.

I enjoyed this. Give them a listen and see what you think.