REVIEW: DIO, Magica (2000)

 

DIO, Magica (2000)

Spitfire Records

Καινούρια αρχή, σαν από παλιά.

Η εποχή που ο Tracy G. ήταν κιθαρίστας του συγκροτήματος του Ronnie James Dio, έφτασε στο τέλος της μετά το πολύ συμπαθητικό διπλό ζωντανό άλμπουμ Dio's Inferno - The Last in Live. Η αλήθεια είναι ότι ο δρόμος για τη κόλαση ήταν στρωμένος με αγνές προθέσεις αφού η περίοδος αυτή, αν και τίμια σαν προσέγγιση, μουσικά, δεν ήταν αυτό που τελικά ήθελε ο κόσμος. Η industrial αισθητική που κυριαρχεί στα Strange Highways & Angry Machines δεν ήταν η πιο ενδεδειγμένη λύση και την αποτυχία την καρπώθηκε ο Tracy G. Τί έμενε στον Dio να κάνει; Ήδη τα 90s ξεψυχούσαν και η αναζωπύρωση του κλασικού heavy metal και hard rock ήχου είχε ήδη ξεκινήσει οπότε να πεδίο δόξας λαμπρό! Ο παραμυθάς Ronnie επιστράτευσε τη swords and dragons φαντασία πάλι και ταυτοχρόνως ανασύστησε το συγκρότημα με τον κιθαρίστα που είχε στο Dream Evil του 1987 τον Graig Goldy και τον συνεργάτη του στο Rainbow Rising , μπασίστα Jimmy Bain. Μαζί ο Simon Wright πρώην ντράμερ των AC/DC κι ο Scott Warren στα πλήκτρα. Το συγκεκριμένο CD είναι μία ιστορία, ένα concept άλμπουμ δηλαδή που αν και παρά είναι παραμυθένιο, εντούτοις συνδυάζει το μυθικό με τα μοντερνιστικά στοιχεία αλλά ευτυχώς τα μεμονωμένα τραγούδια είναι πολύ κοντά σε αυτό που ήταν οι Dio στα πρώτα τους άλμπουμ. Lord of the Last Day, το χιτ έκτοτε Fever Dreams, Turn To Stone, Feed My Head, Otherworld και το έτερο χιτ Losing My Insanity ήταν και παραμένουν η χαρά του μέσου οπαδού εδώ μέσα.

English:

New beginning, as if from the past.

The era when Tracy G. was the guitarist for Ronnie James Dio's band came to an end after the rather likeable double live album *Dio's Inferno - The Last in Live*. The truth is, the road to hell was paved with good intentions, as this period, though well-meaning musically, ultimately wasn’t what the fans wanted. The industrial aesthetic that dominated *Strange Highways* and *Angry Machines* wasn’t the best fit, and Tracy G. bore the brunt of the failure. What was left for Dio to do? The ’90s were already on their last breath, and a revival of classic heavy metal and hard rock was underway—perfect timing!

The storyteller Ronnie once again summoned his "swords and dragons" fantasy and reassembled the band with Craig Goldy, his guitarist from *Dream Evil* in 1987, and bassist Jimmy Bain, his collaborator on *Rainbow Rising*. Alongside them were Simon Wright, former drummer of AC/DC, and Scott Warren on keyboards. This album tells a story—a concept album, which, while perhaps too fantastical, combines myth with modern touches. Thankfully, the individual songs are very close to what Dio was in the early albums.

"Lord of the Last Day," the hit "Fever Dreams," "Turn to Stone," "Feed My Head," "Otherworld," and the other hit "Losing My Insanity" were and still remain a joy for the average fan here.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης

Never on Sunday II: 'We’re Not Muppets' EP Out Now!

 

Check out "We’re Not Muppets" EP, the debut digital release from Never on Sunday II. Recorded in summer 2023 in Athens, this EP features six tracks that will take you on a wild adventure. Never on Sunday, a band originating in 1970, has transformed into Never on Sunday II, bringing blues rock to the world. Available now on all digital platforms!

MUNICIPAL WASTE: Brand new cover-video by Italian Thrashers URAL!!

 

Italian Thrashers URAL have just launched a visualizer-video of the song "Unleash the Bastards", a killer cover song of MUNICIPAL WASTE where there is also a guest appearance by guitarist Andy Bull Panigada from mythical BULLDOZER.

SARKASM reveal 1st song, cover art and tracklist for new album!!

 

SARKASM, the iconic Canadian Death/Thrash band formed in 1990, has had a dynamic history, with four demo releases before their initial split in 1994. After various reunions, the band solidified in 2019 with the classic lineup from their 1992 demo *Inner Flame*, recording their first full-length album *As Empires Decay*, released by Xtreem Music in 2023.

Their new album, *Carnival of Atrocities*, recorded at House of Gain Studios with producer Maxime Lacroix and mastered by Dan Swanö at Unisound Studios, sees them returning with their intense and technical Death/Thrash sound, reminiscent of early Gorguts, Obliveon, Death, Pestilence, Absorbed, and Believer. Vocalist Bruno Bernier, also recording with Obliveon, brings added energy to this release, scheduled for January 27, 2025, through Xtreem Music in multiple formats.

Tracklist for *Carnival of Atrocities*:

1. I Am Chaos 

2. Murmurs From the Void 

3. Echoes of Hyperion 

4. Disintegrate 

5. Cold Empty Rooms 

6. Hateful, Spiteful, Vengeful 

7. Ex Umbris 

8. Dead Weight

THE LAST HALLOWEEN – UN ANNO DOPO

 

A year has passed since Parris Hyde's final concert on Halloween night, 2023. To commemorate this haunting event, the official live video for “I Killed My Wife with a Knife” has been released. The video dramatically portrays the symbolic death of the band's leader, marking the end of an era for Parris Hyde.

REVIEW: WIZARD - Odin

 

WIZARD - Odin

Limb Music

Like any self-respecting epic metal band, WIZARD has delved into the mighty themes of Norse mythology—or as we mortals often call it, Viking lore. Being German, they naturally channel this mythology through their veins, feeling right at home and brilliantly inspired. Their Teutonic sound remains a steadfast anchor, brimming with the lyrical grandiosity of MANOWAR, while unleashing ferocious riffs that echo the legacy of JUDAS PRIEST, GRAVE DIGGER, and ACCEPT.

This album is an unrelenting epic journey, void of any dull moments, compelling you to listen from start to finish without hesitation. It’s near impossible for any aficionado of epic heavy/power metal to remain untouched by this release. If "Odin" has slipped under your radar, it’s high time you gave it the attention it commands. Just beware of Loki’s trickery...

Tracklist Highlights: "Hall of Odin", "March of the Einheriers", "The Powergod", "The Prophecy". "Betrayer", “Dark God” etc…

Notable Features: The album boasts some of D'Anna's finest vocal work, seamlessly blending mid-paced marches with speed metal anthems. The lyrics dive deep into Norse myths, vividly recounting tales such as the demise of Baldr and Loki’s infamous schemes

Let "Odin" by WIZARD transport you to a realm of myth and metal!

Nick Parastatidis

TREMONTI Unveils Lyric Video for “One More Time”

 

With their sixth studio album “The End Will Show Us How” set to release on January 10, 2025, TREMONTI teases fans with a new track, "One More Time." Featuring dark, intense lyrics from Mark Tremonti, the song addresses the chaos stemming from polarized opinions and global unrest. Mark Tremonti describes it as one of the heaviest tracks on the album, powered by the driving riffs and backed by band members Eric Friedman, Tanner Keegan, and Ryan Bennett. The new album promises 12 original compositions that continue Tremonti's nearly three-decade legacy of creating memorable, impactful songs.

THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA Reveal New Single, “Shooting Velvet”

 

THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA's upcoming album, “Give Us The Moon”, marks their debut with Napalm Records and will release on January 31, 2025. Ahead of the album, the band has unveiled the first single, "Shooting Velvet," along with an official music video, giving fans a glimpse of their signature nostalgic AOR sound. Known for their six previous albums and three Swedish Grammis nominations, THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA combines captivating storylines and impressive musicianship in this new release. They’ll embark on a European tour to celebrate the album's launch. Pre-orders are available now!

REVIEW: SLAYER, Decade Of AGGRESSION - LIVE (1991)

 

SLAYER, Decade Of AGGRESSION - LIVE (1991)

Def American Recordings

Επιτομή κι επιστέγασμα.

Πολλοί εκεί έξω, δεν τοποθετούν τα ζωντανά άλμπουμ στις επίσημες δισκογραφικές δουλειές των συγκροτημάτων και των μουσικών. Απ' την άλλη, σου λένε και το απίθανο επιχείρημα ότι αν ο μουσικός δε μπορεί να αποδώσει ζωντανά τη δουλειά του, τί να τον κάνεις! Απ'αυτό το σχιζοφρενικό συμπέρασμα προσωπικά, απέχω. Τα live άλμπουμ είναι επίσημη δισκογραφία για μένα. Πάντα τα μετρούσα σαν ισάξια κυκλοφορία με κάθε στούντιο άλμπουμ. Εδώ λοιπόν έχουμε ένα ζωντανό best of των ηγετών του Thrash Metal είδους που είναι το επετειακό επιστέγασμα της πρώτης δεκαετίας τους στη σκηνή. Ηχογραφημένο στην αμερικανική περιοδεία για το Seasons in the Abyss, περιέχει πραγματικά όλα όσα κλασικά κομμάτια παίζανε συχνά από το 1983 ως τότε. Η τετράδα Araya, King, Hanneman, Lombardo σε δαιμόνια φόρμα κι όρεξη σε δύο δίσκους (τόσο σε βινύλιο και σε CD) αλλά ταυτόχρονα δυστυχώς και κατακλείδα της όμορφης αυτής εποχής. Απαραίτητος δίσκος το λιγότερο.

English:

Epitome and Pinnacle

Many out there don't consider live albums as part of a band's or musician's official discography. On the other hand, they argue that if a musician can't deliver live performances, what's the point? I personally distance myself from this schizophrenic conclusion. For me, live albums are official discography. I've always considered them equal to any studio album release.

Here, we have a live best-of album from the leaders of the Thrash Metal genre, which serves as the anniversary pinnacle of their first decade on stage. Recorded during the American tour for "Seasons in the Abyss," it contains all the classic tracks they frequently played from 1983 up to that point. The quartet of Araya, King, Hanneman, and Lombardo is in top form and enthusiasm across two discs (both in vinyl and CD). Yet, it is also, unfortunately, the epilogue of this beautiful era. An essential album, to say the least.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης 

SILENT WINTER's New Single: 'Silent Shadows' from Upcoming Album 'Utopia

 

The band SILENT WINTER presents the single "Silent Shadows" (Lyric Video) from their album "Utopia," set to be released on November 22, 2024, by No Remorse Records. This is the second track from their new release, following the single "Hellstorm" that came out a few days ago. Music and lyrics by Kyriakos Balanos. Recorded at Kalovidouris Sound & Light Studio, Volos. Mixed and mastered by Steve Lado. Lyric Video by Kyriakos Balanos.

LINE-UP:

Mike Livas – Vocals

Kyriakos Balanos – Guitars

Vaggelis Papadimitriou – Guitars

Vaggelis Tsekouras – Bass

Giannis Antonopoulos – Drums

Maria Moscheta – Keyboards

MIDAEV release new single

 

Gothic Rock band MIDAEV has dropped a new single, "What I Meant To Be." This acoustic piece from their upcoming 2025 album was recorded at ONE LIFE Studio in Astana with Timur Ormankulov's team. It delves into the quest for life's meaning, internal struggles, and the importance of self-esteem. The track highlights that true happiness and freedom come from valuing ourselves over others' opinions.

MEDEN AGAN Album Release Party: "My Name is Katherine" @ VALHALLA, Κομοτηνή – 23 Νοεμβρίου 2024 feat. EMERALD

 

Oι MEDEN AGAN επιστρέφουν στην δισκογραφία, και τo Σάββατο 23 Νοεμβρίου ανεβαίνουν στην σκηνή του Valhalla και μας παρουσιάζουν με τον δικό τους ξεχωριστό τρόπο το νέο τους άλμπουμ “My name is Katherine”, το οποίο θεωρείται ήδη ίσως από τις καλύτερες στιγμές στην μέχρι τώρα πορεία τους.  Το “My name is Katherine” ήδη έχει κερδίσει εξαιρετικές κριτικές στην Ελλάδα και το εξωτερικό με τραγούδια που ξεχωρίζουν.

Το σχήμα μας ξεδιπλώνει on stage την ιστορία της Katherine, ηρωίδας της νουβέλας “My name is Katherine” της Δήμητρας Παναρίτη, μέσα από 10 τραγούδια – συναισθηματικές καταστάσεις, και σας περιμένει για μία ξεχωριστή μουσική εμπειρία.

Μαζί τους οι EMERALD

Σάββατο 23 Νοεμβρίου 2024

Doors open 20:00

Εισιτήρια: 10 ευρώ

REVIEW: SAXON, Hell Fire And Damnation (2024)

 

SAXON, Hell Fire And Damnation (2024)

Silver Lining Music

Χρόνος μπαίνει, χρόνος βγαίνει η σαξονάρα ίδια μένει.

Ένα ακόμη άλμπουμ των παλαιμάχων Βρετανών που αν και διαδέχθηκε το εξαίρετο Carpe Diem δύο χρόνια πριν, τους τοποθετεί ξανά στο βάθρο των νικητών. Αειθαλείς παρόλες τις δεκαετίες που σέρνουν στις πλάτες τους συνεχίζουν με μόνη απώλεια τον κιθαρίστα Paul Quinn ο οποίος κουρασμένος και φυσικά δικαίως μετά από τόσες δεκαετίες, έδωσε τη θέση του σε έναν άλλο κιθαριστικό ήρωα τον μεγάλο Brian Tatler των επίσης βετεράνων του NWOBHM των Diamond Head. Doug Scaratt στην άλλη κιθάρα, Nibbs Carter μπάσο, Nigel Glockler ντραμς και βεβαίως ο άρχοντας Biff Byford πίσω απ'το μικρόφωνο. Ένα ακόμη λοιπόν τρομερό CD που φυσικά θυμίζει ποιοί και από τί πάστα είναι οι Σάξωνες. Βοηθά και είναι καταλυτικός παράγοντας η παραγωγή στο άλμπουμ, πάλι καθαρή και "μπαμπάτσικη"  προσθέτει στην ακουστική αξία που χαρίζει απλόχερα το περιεχόμενο του δίσκου. Με τα Hell Fire and Damnation, το Madame Guillotine που θυμίζει την αυτοδίκαιη τιμωρία των μοναρχικών κατά τη γαλλική επανάσταση, Fire and Steel, There's Something in Rosewell (η άξια συνέχεια του Lights in the Sky, το πραγματικά ωραίο και πραγματική ιστορία Pirates of the Airwaves για τους ραδιοφωνικούς πειρατές που έκαναν εκπομπές από σκάφη στη θάλασσα για να μη τους τσιμπήσει η αστυνομία (!), επίσης η αληθινή αλλά γνωστή ιστορία πίσω απ' το Witches of Salem, Super Charger και το ιστορικό 1066 για τον Γουλιέλμο τον Κατακτητή και την στρατιωτική....ήττα των σαξόνων (Χμμμ!) να διεκδικούν τις δάφνες σε ένα πολύ τίμιο συνολικά πακέτο δέκα κομματιών. Άξιοι!

English:

Time comes, time goes, yet Saxon remains the same.

Another album from the veteran Brits that, although it follows the excellent "Carpe Diem" from two years ago, once again places them on the winners' podium. Evergreen despite the decades they carry on their shoulders, they continue with only one loss—the guitarist Paul Quinn, who, understandably tired after so many decades, handed over his position to another guitar hero, the great Brian Tatler of the veteran NWOBHM band Diamond Head. Doug Scaratt on the other guitar, Nibbs Carter on bass, Nigel Glockler on drums, and of course, the lord himself, Biff Byford, behind the microphone.

Another fantastic CD that, naturally, reminds us who Saxon are and what they're made of. A crucial factor contributing to the album's value is the production, once again clear and powerful, enhancing the listening experience generously offered by the album's content.

With tracks like "Hell Fire and Damnation," the "Madame Guillotine"—which recalls the rightful punishment of monarchists during the French Revolution—"Fire and Steel," "There's Something in Roswell" (a worthy continuation of "Lights in the Sky"), the truly beautiful and fact-based "Pirates of the Airwaves" about radio pirates broadcasting from boats at sea to avoid police capture (!), the true yet well-known story behind "Witches of Salem," "Super Charger," and the historic "1066" about William the Conqueror and the military...defeat of the Saxons (Hmm!), they earn their laurels in a very respectable package of ten tracks. Worthy!

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης

New Release: 4th Single/Lyric Video from IERIA

 

Dedicated to the phenomenal women of heavy metal—the IERIAS of the world. This video is a tribute to their power and presence in the metal scene. A massive thanks from the band goes to the incredible girls who brought their unique charm and energy to this project.

Desert Near The End Releases Epic Album 'Tides of Time' – Out December 6, 2024

 

Prepare for an epic sonic journey through the relentless forces of time and fate with Desert Near The End’s latest album, “Tides of Time”. Blending the raw power of Power/Thrash Metal with the intensity of Death and Black Metal, this Athens-based five-piece pushes the boundaries of metal with their most dynamic release yet. Set for release on December 6, 2024, via Theogonia Records, “Tides of Time” promises a monumental listening experience full of soaring melodies, crushing riffs, and powerful lyrical themes.

Tracklist:

1. City of Eternal Flame 

2. Ascension 

3. Oceans of Time 

4. Children of Lethe 

5. Half-Learned and Long Forgotten 

6. Sunset Fields 

7. Burn Like the Sun, Shine Like the Dawn 

8. Damnation 

9. In the North of Every Man’s Heart.. 

Produced by Akis Prasinikas and mastered by Vasilis Pappas at Incorporated M. Studios, the album delivers a refined yet brutal soundscape. The lyrics explore the rise and fall of cities, heroes, and kings, weaving forgotten tales lost in time’s unending tides. Highlights include Ruby Bouzioti’s haunting guest vocals on “Damnation” and Nik Rock’s acoustic textures on “In the North of Every Man’s Heart..”, adding depth to the expansive sound.

Visually, “Tides of Time” features artwork by Panagiotis Vlamis and a detailed booklet by Giannis Nakos (Remedy Art Design). Live photos by Elena Vasilaki and Giannis Dola add a personal touch. This release is Desert Near The End’s most mature and expansive yet, balancing technical aggression with epic grandeur—a must for fans of Epic, Power, Thrash, Death, and Black Metal.

SymbolicDivine release new album

 

Canadian heavy/industrial metal band SymbolicDivine has released their latest album, “Ethereal Visions”, recorded in Winnipeg, Manitoba at SD Productions and mixed/mastered by band founder Tyler Archeia Aurora. Originally formed as a solo project by Aurora in 2004, SymbolicDivine has evolved through various styles, blending influences from industrial metal, gothic rock, nu-metal, melodic, death, and black metal.

CRIMSON STORM sign with Fighter Rec

 

Spanish Speed/Heavy Metal band CRIMSON STORM has signed with Fighter Records to release their debut album, “Livin' On the Bad Side”, slated for January 14, 2025. The band was originally formed in 2009 by guitarist and main songwriter Lögan Heads in Sardinia, inspired by '80s Heavy/Power/Speed Metal legends like Riot, after whose song “Sign of the Crimson Storm” the band is named.

CRIMSON STORM’s early releases include the "Motor City Maniac" EP in 2014 and the Speed “Hammerin’ Metal” EP in 2015. After relocating to Barcelona, Lögan reformed the lineup, and they released the “Outrageous” EP in 2019. In 2022, they returned to the live scene, performing at events like the Trveheim Festival in Germany and the Pyrenean Warriors Open Air in France.

The band’s debut full-length album promises an intense blend of forceful riffs, nostalgic '80s tones, and a strong biker spirit.

Tracklist for Livin' On the Bad Side:

1. Night of the Tyrant 

2. Ragin’ Eyes of Darkness 

3. Outrageous 

4. Abuse of Power 

5. Nightmare Deceiver 

6. Speed Hammerin’ Metal 

7. Harakiri Rendez-Vous 

8. Headfükker 

9. Seven Days of Mayhem 

 

“Livin' On the Bad Side” will be available in CD, 12" LP, and digital formats.

FORGED IN BLACK reveal cover art & tracklist for debut album reissue

 

Forged In Black's debut album, originally titled "Lightning in the Ashes" and released in 2013, is set for a powerful return as "Forged In Black - Remastered MMXXIV", marking the 15th anniversary of the British heavy metal act. This remastered re-issue, featuring two bonus tracks, will be available on CD and digital formats on December 3rd, 2024, through Fighter Records.

The album represents the band's journey from their origins as Merciless Fail to a renowned force in the UK metal scene, with a sound forged by renowned producers like Chris Tsangarides and Romesh Dodangoda. Songs like "Forged in Black" and "Accusations of the Innocent" highlight the band's signature anthemic energy and continue to be fan favorites, now enhanced by remastering from Marcus Stock. Adding to the refreshed release is updated artwork by guitarist and tattoo artist Andy Songhurst, providing a vivid new look for this milestone album.

Tracklist for "Forged In Black - Remastered MMXXIV":

01. Intro 

02. Reins of Sorrow 

03. Bloodstained is the Promise 

04. Children of the Flames 

05. Accusations of the Innocent 

06. The Rapture 

07. The Silenced Messenger 

08. Fortify or Die 

09. The All Seeing Eye 

10. The Master in Me 

11. Forged in Black 

12. The Tide (Bonus Track) 

13. The Exodus (Bonus Track) 

The remastered release is both a tribute to the band's history and a showcase of its enduring power.

WARFIELD Sign with Napalm Records!

 

German Teutonic thrash metal trio WARFIELD has signed a worldwide deal with Napalm Records, marking a new chapter in their decade-long career. Inspired by thrash legends like Tom Angelripper, Jeff Hanneman, and Dave Lombardo, WARFIELD is known for their tight, brutal riffs and rapid speed beats. Since their formation in 2012, they've been influenced by German thrash icons like Sodom and Kreator, playing alongside bands such as Tankard, Exodus, and Evil Invaders. In 2018, they released their debut album *Wrecking Command*. Now, with Napalm Records, they're ready to bring their intense sound to a global audience.

REVIEW: WHITESNAKE – Lovehunter

 

WHITESNAKE – Lovehunter

Geffen Records

Sometimes, I even surprise myself. A few years ago, I would have never expected to talk about “Lovehunter”, the second studio album by WHITESNAKE. But, as they say, never say never.

Released in 1979, “Lovehunter” perfectly blends the hard rock sound with bluesy elements, a hallmark of early WHITESNAKE. The album carries a "streetwise" yet romantic vibe, filled with passion, power, and melody. It's the epitome of raw, heartfelt hard rock, with iconic tracks such as the personal and soulful "Walking in the Shadow of the Blues," the swaggering "Medicine Man," the sharp "Mean Business," the rebellious "Outlaw," and the unforgettable title track "Love Hunter." These songs have the kind of staying power that haunts you for a lifetime. In short, it’s hard to find a more classic and timeless record.

Produced by the legendary Martin Birch, “Lovehunter” stands as a defining piece of WHITESNAKE's catalog, representing the band's signature style during their formative years. Its raw energy and seamless fusion of rock and blues make it a must-listen for any hard rock aficionado.

An interesting aspect of the album’s legacy is its notorious cover art, which caused quite a stir upon its release. Created by renowned fantasy artist Chris Achilleos, the artwork features a provocative image of a naked woman straddling a large snake, with blood on her hand from a snakebite. The idea was conceived, in part, to provoke critics, as David Coverdale himself admitted, saying it was designed "just to piss them off even more." The artwork certainly succeeded in causing controversy, sparking accusations of sexism and leading to bans in both the U.S. and Argentina. In the U.S., the image was partially covered with a sticker, and the album was sold in a brown paper bag, while in Argentina, the woman was airbrushed to appear in a chain-mail bikini bottom.

This cover also marked the last album design Achilleos would create for many years, until 2003's *Once and Future King Part I* by Gary Hughes. Adding to its mystique, the original *Lovehunter* artwork was stolen in the 1980s, further cementing its legendary status in rock history.

“Lovehunter” remains a testament to WHITESNAKE's early brilliance, with its mix of grit, melody, and memorable artwork ensuring it remains a standout in the history of hard rock.

Nick Parastatidis