Traditional Heavy Metal – Wonderbox Metal

Ironflame – Kingdom Torn Asunder (Review)

This 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)”

Crystal Viper – The Silver Key (Review)

Crystal 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)”

Inconcessus Lux Lucis – Temples Colliding in Fire (Review)

This is the third album from UK black metal band Inconcessus Lux Lucis.

Inconcessus Lux Lucis made a good impression on me with 2017’s The Crowning Quietus, and this was reinforced on 2021’s SamaeLilith: A Conjunction of the Fireborn split with Thy Darkened Shade, Amestigon, & Shaarimoth. The band have now returned with Temples Colliding in Fire, which delivers 44 minutes of new material. Continue reading “Inconcessus Lux Lucis – Temples Colliding in Fire (Review)”

Tailgunner – Guns for Hire (Review)

Tailgunner 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 Induction, Guns 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)”

Smoulder – Violent Creed of Vengeance (Review)

This is the second album from Canadian/Finnish heavy metallers Smoulder.

Featuring seven tracks running 42 minutes in length, Violent Creed of Vengeance is a thoroughly enjoyable slab of epic heavy metal. Break out the swords and get ready for adventure! Continue reading “Smoulder – Violent Creed of Vengeance (Review)”

Blood Star – First Sighting (Review)

Blood Star are a heavy metal band from the US and this is their debut album.

Featuring a member of Visigoth, First Sighting provides us with a 33-minute journey into the past. First Sighting is a well-written slab of traditional heavy metal. The band ply their trade with passion and obvious skill, and the Continue reading “Blood Star – First Sighting (Review)”

Megaton Sword – Might & Power (Review)

Megaton Sword are a heavy metal band from Switzerland and this is their second album.

Containing a member of Forlet Sires, Might & Power is a 39-minute romp into true heavy metal waters. Break out the weaponry, as it’s time to go rampaging. Continue reading “Megaton Sword – Might & Power (Review)”

Sumerlands – Dreamkiller (Review)

This is the second album from US heavy metallers Sumerlands.

Featuring a member of Vestal Claret, Dreamkiller contains 35 minutes of traditional heavy metal and AOR songwriting smarts. Continue reading “Sumerlands – Dreamkiller (Review)”

Sonja – Loud Arriver (Review)

This is the debut album from US heavy metal band Sonja.

Loud Arriver boasts 38 minutes of music, and once you have been exposed to Sonja’s world, it’s hard to get enough of it. Playing a form of traditional heavy metal that contains elements of Gothic rock, 80s rock, and post-punk, Sonja’s debut album is very charismatic and extremely enjoyable. Continue reading “Sonja – Loud Arriver (Review)”

Trial (Swe) – Feed the Fire (Review)

This 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)”