REVIEW: SATAN, Early Rituals

 

SATAN, Early Rituals (2020)

Listenable Records

Από τα ξεχασμένα στο υπόγειο μπαούλα.

Μία πολύ ειδική κυκλοφορία για τους Βρετανούς, που αποτελούν έναν από τους εναπομείναντες της σκηνής του NWOBHM και περιλαμβάνει τα demos τους: Guardian (1981), Into the Fire (1982) και The Dirt (1986), σε μια συλλογή ειδικού ενδιαφέροντος. Όταν λέμε demo, μη δοθεί η εντύπωση ότι ο ήχος είναι για τα σκουπίδια, διότι τα μετέφεραν από απλή κασέτα ήχου σε ψηφιακή μορφή! Όντως, η ποιότητα των ηχογραφήσεων δείχνει την καταγωγή και τα χρόνια που έγιναν, αλλά η ψηφιακή επεξεργασία δίνει σημαντική βοήθεια στο να αναδείξει τα κομμάτια αυτά (δώδεκα συνολικά) στον μέγιστο δυνατό βαθμό. Σε κάθε ένα από τα τρία ξεχωριστά μέρη βρίσκουμε διαφορετικό ερμηνευτή: τον Trev Robinson το 1981, τον Ian Swift το 1982 και τον αγαπημένο Michael Jackson (άτιμη συνωνυμία!!!) το 1986. Ειδικά τα κομμάτια "Kiss of Death", "Heads Will Roll", "Oppression", "Trial By Fire", "Blades of Steel", "Pull The Trigger", το ορχηστρικό "The Ritual", "Key to Oblivion", "Hear Evil See Evil Speak Evil", "The Ice Man" τα ξεχωρίζω, αφού είναι μεν γνωστά από τα πρώτα κανονικά άλμπουμ τους, αλλά αυτές οι ηχογραφήσεις τους χαρίζουν μια ωμότητα πρωτόγνωρη και προσθέτουν ακόμη περισσότερο στο χαρακτηριστικό σκοτάδι που κρύβει ο ήχος του συγκροτήματος αυτού διαχρονικά.

English:

From the forgotten trunks in the basement.

A very special release for the British, who are among the remaining members of the NWOBHM scene, and it includes their demos: Guardian (1981), Into the Fire (1982), and The Dirt (1986), in a collector’s edition. When we say demo, don’t get the impression that the sound is rubbish, because they transferred them from simple cassette tapes to digital format! Indeed, the quality of the recordings reflects their origin and the era in which they were made, but digital processing provides significant help in highlighting these twelve tracks to the fullest extent possible. In each of the three separate parts, we find a different performer: Trev Robinson in 1981, Ian Swift in 1982, and the beloved Michael Jackson (unfortunate namesake!!!) in 1986. I especially highlight the tracks "Kiss of Death," "Heads Will Roll," "Oppression," "Trial By Fire," "Blades of Steel," "Pull The Trigger," the instrumental "The Ritual," "Key to Oblivion," "Hear Evil See Evil Speak Evil," and "The Ice Man," as they are, of course, known from their early official albums. However, these recordings grant an unprecedented rawness and add even more to the characteristic darkness that the sound of this band has always carried through the years.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης!

REVIEW: ASTAROTH - The Long Loud Silence compilation

 

ASTAROTH - The Long Loud Silence compilation

Unofficial Release

Astaroth’s journey through the 80s metal scene is one of those stories that might not have the fame or mainstream success of some of their peers, but it’s a story worth telling for anyone who appreciates the raw spirit of the era. Formed in Rome in 1982 by drummer John Panko Onofri and guitarist Steve Lenti, the band initially took shape before Lenti was replaced by Max Cipicchia. This shift would go on to define their sound and direction in the years to come.

Their debut mini-album, “The Long Loud Silence”, released in 1985, is often regarded as a hidden gem of 80s metal, and for good reason. The record is a perfect snapshot of the era’s heavy, speed metal scene, heavily influenced by the German metal bands of the time, most notably Accept, early Running Wild and HELLOWEEN. From the very first track, “Die To Be Alive,” the energy is undeniable—riffs that hit hard, choruses that stick with you, and a driving force that embodies the metal spirit of the mid-80s. There’s something timeless about the way Astaroth channels these influences while carving out their own space within the genre.

What stands out about “The Long Loud Silence” is not just the music, but the atmosphere it creates. The band was clearly channeling the heavy-metal fervor of the NWOBHM movement and groups like Judas Priest, blending fast tempos with powerful, almost anthemic moments. For fans of speed metal, it’s a must-listen, but it also serves as a beautiful reminder of a time when metal was still very much in its formative years, eager to expand its boundaries.

 

But Astaroth’s story doesn’t start and end with that 1985 release. Before “The Long Loud Silence”, they had already recorded a demo in 1983 called “Speed Black Metal”. The demo was raw, with the kind of gritty energy that only an early band in the throes of finding their sound can have. It’s clear from the very first listen that Astaroth was still evolving, but you can also hear the seeds of what would later become their defining sound. Tracks like “Black Priest,” “Resurrection Day,” and “Evil Touch” are fast and aggressive, and there’s a touch of darkness that borders on the early black metal vibes that bands like Venom and Hellhammer were pushing at the time. It’s rough around the edges, but that’s part of the charm.

As the band moved into 1987, they relocated to Los Angeles, hoping for a fresh start and a shot at a bigger break. Unfortunately, the transition wasn’t as smooth as they’d hoped. After facing countless challenges, including industry rejections and the dissolution of their record label, the members of Astaroth eventually went their separate ways. It seemed like their story might have ended there, but fate had other plans.

In 2005, after 18 years apart, the band reformed. Max, Shining, and Jan decided to put the pieces back together and see what they could still create. By 2006, they were back in Los Angeles, recording a batch of previously unreleased songs—material that would finally see the light of day. But it’s their earlier work, particularly the 1983 demo and “The Long Loud Silence” mini LP, that has remained the true legacy for most fans.

If you manage to get your hands on a copy of “The Long Loud Silence”—especially the version that includes the demos—it’s like holding a piece of forgotten history. But beyond its value as a collector’s item, the album itself is a relic of a time when metal was about heart, soul, and making the music you loved, regardless of whether or not the world was paying attention. Astaroth’s sound evolves over the years, but there’s something beautiful in their progression—from the raw, unpolished sound of their 1983 demo to the more melodic metal direction they were moving toward in their 1988 demo.

One thing that’s impossible to ignore when looking at Astaroth is their iconic image. The band’s aesthetic, inspired by ancient Roman soldiers, made them stand out not only for their music but for their visual identity. It’s not just a gimmick; it’s a reflection of the power and aggression they brought to the stage. The image of Astaroth dressed in armor, ready for battle, complements their music perfectly—a mix of power, aggression, and a touch of ancient mysticism.

Astaroth may not have reached the heights of some of their contemporaries, but their story deserves to be heard, especially for those who are still searching for the hidden gems of the 80s metal scene. Their journey shows what it means to be a part of a scene without fully belonging to it, to struggle and fight for your place, and to never completely give up on the music that defines you.

So, if you're a fan of 80s metal or even just someone looking to dig deeper into the archives of the past, Astaroth’s music is worth your time. Listen to “The Long Loud Silence”, explore their demos, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll find yourself joining the legion of fans who’ve kept their legacy alive over the years.

Nick Parastatidis

REVIEW: SCANNER, The Cosmic Race

 

SCANNER, The Cosmic Race (2024)

Roar / Rock of Angels

Η επιστροφή των Ανουνάκι

Η φετινή χρονιά συνεχίζεται αρκετά καλά σε κυκλοφορίες! Οι αγαπημένοι Γερμανοί Space/Power Metalers, στους οποίους εδώ και μια εικοσαετία τη φωνή έχει ο δικός μας Ευθύμης Ιωαννίδης, επέστρεψαν φέτος (και χθες 2/6/24 ήταν και ζωντανά στο Κύτταρο) με τον επόμενο δίσκο τους. Καμία πρωτοτυπία, αντιθέτως φρέσκια και με πεντακάθαρη παραγωγή, sci-fi Power Metal ύμνοι που διαδέχονται ο ένας τον άλλον — και αυτό δε θα πρέπει υπό φυσιολογικές συνθήκες να μας χαλάει καθόλου, ειδικά εδώ που βρισκόμαστε στο πρώτο τέταρτο σχεδόν του 21ου αιώνα. Μαζί τους οι κύριοι Axel Julius και Dominik Rothe στις κιθάρες, Jörn Bettentrup στο μπάσο και Sascha Kurpanek στα ντραμς, σε εννέα κομμάτια, με τα «The Earth Song», «Face the Fight», «Warriors of the Light», «Scanner's Law», «A New Horizon», «Farewell to the Sun», «Space Battalion» να σου μένουν με άνεση ως τα πιο χαρακτηριστικά από ένα πάρα πολύ καλό σύνολο.

English:

The Return of the Annunaki 

This year continues to be quite fruitful in new releases! Our beloved German sci-fi/power metal band, whose vocals have been provided by our own Efthimis Ioannidis for the past two decades, has returned this year (and yesterday, 2/6/24, they performed live at Kyttaro) with their latest album. No surprises here—in fact, it feels fresh, with crystal-clear production and sci-fi power metal anthems that follow one after the other. Under normal circumstances, this shouldn’t bother us at all, especially as we find ourselves in the early quarter of the 21st century. 

Joining them are Axel Julius and Dominik Rothe on guitars, Jörn Bettentrup on bass, and Sascha Kurpanek on drums. The album features nine tracks, with "The Earth Song," "Face the Fight," "Warriors of the Light," "Scanner's Law," "A New Horizon," and "Farewell to the Sun" standing out confidently as the most memorable from a very good overall collection.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης!

ASHES OF ARES Announces New Album

 

April 27, 2025 — US heavy metal duo Ashes of Ares, featuring ex-Iced Earth members Matt Barlow and Freddie Vidales, has announced their upcoming album, "New Messiahs," set for release in Europe on July 18 and North America on August 8 via ROAR! Music.

They've also unveiled a music video for the lead single, "Wake Of Vultures." Matt Barlow explains the song’s meaning:

"It’s about the darker side of involving yourself with a miserable group—either you’re the vulture or the meat they feed on. A cautionary tale… I see a pattern."

REVIEW: THELEMITE - Powers Of Darkness

 

THELEMITE - Powers Of Darkness

Sleaszy Rider SRL

Dracula goes heavy metal (again)

THELEMITE are back with their fourth album, and this time they dive deep into the hauntingly beautiful, ever-mysterious world of Count Dracula — the legendary figure imagined by Bram Stoker. But this isn’t just another tribute to the classic novel. Instead, the band draws inspiration from a fascinating and obscure 1899 Swedish adaptation of “Dracula”, written by an anonymous author and titled “Mörkrets makter” (“Powers of Darkness”). Unsurprisingly, that’s also the name of the album — and it sets the tone perfectly.

Musically, THELEMITE continue doing what they do best: crafting songs that sound instantly familiar, like echoes from a past you can’t quite place, while still managing to feel fresh, alive, and exciting. Their sound is soaked in '80s spirit — melodic heavy metal with strong power metal undertones, straight from the heart of a decade that defined the genre.

Tracks like “Renfield” practically scream influences from CRIMSON GLORY and SAVATAGE, and you’ll definitely catch flashes of KING DIAMOND’s theatrical style throughout. Then there’s “Nail It to My Heart” — a song that honestly feels like it could’ve been a hidden gem on W.A.S.P.’s “The Crimson Idol”. The whole album is drenched in a horror-infused atmosphere, echoing the showmanship and dark charm of artists like Alice Cooper, Ozzy Osbourne, and again, King Diamond — all of which fits beautifully with the gothic, conceptual storyline at play here.

With “Powers of Darkness”, THELEMITE once again prove they know exactly how to channel the essence of classic ‘80s metal while keeping it relevant and invigorating. This is how modern melodic heavy metal should sound — dark, dramatic, and full of heart.

Nick Parastatidis

REVIEW: MEDIEVAL STEEL, Medieval Steel E.P.

 

MEDIEVAL STEEL, Medieval Steel E.P. (1984)

High Roller Records

Η κλαγγή των μετάλλων.

Ποτέ ίσως άλλοτε τέσσερα κομμάτια να έκρυβαν τέτοια μεταλλική πώρωση! Το κατακόκκινο ντεμπούτο μίνι άλμπουμ των πέντε μουσικών απ' το Μέμφις του Τενεσί είναι μία τέτοια περίπτωση. Τώρα που το αναλογίζομαι το Queensryche E.P. το. Armored Saint E.P., το Tyrants των Jag Panzer , το E.P. των Over Kill ή και το Helloween mini L.P. να ανήκουν στην ίδια κατηγορία με το ομώνυμο ντεμπούτο τους αυτό. Και πάλι η μικρή δόση των Medieval Steel, Warlords, Battle Beyond the Stars και το πιο μπαλαντοειδές Echoes είναι ικανή να δώσει αυτή την Heavy  Metal αίγλη που αναπολούμε ακούγοντας το κλασικό υλικό όλων αυτών των σχημάτων αυτής της περασμένης ανεπιστρεπτί εποχής.

English:

The Clang of Metal

Perhaps never before have four small releases carried such a metallic fury! The bright red debut mini-album from the five musicians of Memphis, Tennessee, is a perfect example. Looking back now, the Queensryche EP, Armored Saint EP, Tyrants by Jag Panzer, Overkill's EP, and Helloween's mini LP all belong to the same category as this eponymous debut. Once again, the small doses of Medieval Steel, Warlords, Battle Beyond the Stars, and the more melodic Echoes are enough to evoke the heavy metal glory we yearn for when listening to the classic material of these bands from that bygone era—an era that is gone forever.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης!

MÄDHOUSE Releases Fiery New Music Video for "We Run Riot!”

 

Austrian glam metal band Mädhouse continues to dominate with their latest high-energy single, "We Run Riot!", accompanied by a striking new music video. Following their previous singles "Shotgun Rider" and "Wicked Hearts," the band gears up for the release of their highly anticipated fifth studio album, "Plead The Fifth", set for July 11, 2025, via ROAR Records.

Available on CD, limited edition vinyl (including a signed photocard), and digital formats, the album promises to deliver the band's signature sound of rebellious rage. Guitarist Mikky Stixx explains the inspiration behind "We Run Riot!": “It's about cohesion in society. We are loud, we are strong and we will never be told what to say. It's a big middle finger to governments, politicians and all the bourgeoisie who want to tell others how to live! - You hear our sound of rage from miles away...We run riot!”

Fans can expect an explosive mix of attitude and raw energy in the new track, reaffirming Mädhouse's place at the forefront of the glam metal scene.