REVIEW: SATAN, Court In The Act

 

SATAN, Court In The Act (1983)

Roadrunner Records

Κάτω απ' το υπέδαφος, αλλά σε δυσθεώρητα ύψη. 

Το πρώτο άλμπουμ αυτού του συγκροτήματος του νέου κύματος της Βρετανικής Χεβι μεταλ μουσικής, το οποίο αν οι συνθήκες το επέτρεπαν, θα έπρεπε να έχει ίση θέση με τους Saxon, Angel Witch, τους συγγενείς τους (μοιράζονται τον τραγουδιστή Brian Ross), Blitzkrieg ή τους Diamond Head. 

Αυτά ανήκουν στην υποθετική φάση «τι θα γινόταν αν...». Η αλήθεια είναι ότι το «Δικαστήριο σε συνεδρίαση», όπως μεταφράζεται ο τίτλος του δίσκου, θα ρίξει βαρύ το μεταλλικό χέρι του στην ιστορία της μουσικής που εξουσιάζει τη ζωή μας.

 

Με λίγα λόγια, ένας από τους καλύτερους δίσκους του συγκροτηματικού χώρου εκείνης της εποχής. Κλασικό από τα θεμέλια του, αυτό το άλμπουμ (όπως και τόσα άλλα της εποχής) είναι ένα άτυπο «Best of». Ύμνοι όπως το μεγαλύτερο hit τους (και τιμημένο από τους Blind Guardian), «Trial By Fire», τα «Alone In The Dock», «Blades of Steel», «Broken Treaties», «The Ritual», «No Turning Back», «Break Free» – δηλαδή, το 80% του συνολικού δίσκου αποτελείται από χαρακτηριστικά και πέρα για πέρα κλασικά κομμάτια τους. 

Είστε πρωτοδισκάκηδες ή όχι, εδώ είναι η αρχή του ιστορικού αυτού συγκροτήματος.

English:

Underneath the surface, yet soaring to dizzying heights. 

This is the debut album of a band from the new wave of British Heavy Metal, which, if circumstances had allowed, should hold equal stature with Saxon, Angel Witch, their contemporaries (sharing the vocalist Brian Ross), Blitzkrieg, or Diamond Head. 

These belong to the hypothetical "what if..." phase. The truth is, the "Court in Session," as the album's title translates, will cast a heavy metallic hand over the history of music that dominates our lives. 

In short, one of the best albums of the band scene of that era. Truly a classic from its roots, this album (like many others from that time) is an unofficial "Best of." Anthems like their biggest hit (also honored by Blind Guardian), "Trial By Fire," along with "Alone In The Dock," "Blades of Steel," "Broken Treaties," "The Ritual," "No Turning Back," and "Break Free" — meaning around 80% of the entire record consists of characteristic and utterly classic tracks. 

Whether you're a first-time listener or not, this is the beginning of the legendary story of this band.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης!

REVIEW: NORM REJECTION – Deconform/0002

 

NORM REJECTION – Deconform/0002

Reciprocal Records

Band names often serve as a concise indication of a group's musical direction or identity. In the case of Malta-based NORM REJECTION, a band active since 1993 with a catalog that includes demos, singles, EPs, and two full-length albums, their moniker reflects their approach to music—deliberately rejecting conventional norms and clichés to create a distinctive sound.

This release features reissues of their two full-length albums, Deconform (originally released in 1998) and 0002 (2000). Musically, NORM REJECTION can be characterized as a crossover band with a strong groove element, integrating a diverse array of genres, sounds, samples, and influences. Their style exhibits a modern sensibility, prominently featuring thrash, nu-metal, and industrial elements, while also drawing from various traditional and extreme metal genres.

Listeners may find parallels with bands like SEPULTURA during their Roots era, particularly in the fusion of diverse influences and rhythmic emphasis. Given the band's eclectic approach, individual impressions will vary; therefore, exploring their tracks firsthand is recommended for a comprehensive understanding of their sound.

Christine  Parastatidou

ISHIMURA Releases "Dominion"

 

Serbian deathcore band Ishimura has released their new single, "Dominion," from their upcoming album. Recorded at their home studio and mixed by Max Gerasyonov, the track blends deathcore brutality with black metal atmospheres, exploring cosmic horror and existential themes.

Formed in 2024 by guitarists Sviatoslav “Neckrion” and Ramil “Perpetuum,” the band features vocalist Alex, drummer Arina, and bassist Dmitry. Following their single "Voraxdivinus," Ishimura is quickly establishing itself as a rising force in the extreme metal scene.

REVIEW: BRUCE DICKINSON, Balls To Picasso

 

BRUCE DICKINSON, Balls To Picasso (1994)

EMI/SANCTUARY

Τετραγωνισμός των κύκλων

Αυτό το άλμπουμ ήταν που ήθελε να κάνει και έφυγε τότε κακήν κακώς από τους Iron Maiden; Ναι! Υπό κανονικές συνθήκες, τότε το metal υποχωρούσε στην Αγγλία και την Αμερική, και σαν καιροσκόπος ο Bruce σπεύδει να κερδίσει κάτι. Ένα περίεργο συνονθύλευμα από Heavy Metal υπό το πρίσμα των '90s και πιο alternative, ίσως και Grunge μουσικών δόσεων, από το συγκρότημα του που περιλαμβάνει τότε στις κιθάρες τον γνωστό και ως παραγωγό Roy Z, τον Eddie Casillas στο μπάσο, τον David Ingraham στα τύμπανα και με διάφορες άλλες guest συμμετοχές. Ένα άλμπουμ σίγουρα ιδιαίτερο, που είτε το αγαπάς είτε το πετάς. Να είναι το δεύτερο σόλο του μετά το Tattooed Millionaire, αλλά όπως είπαμε, πρώτο εκτός του θρυλικού συγκροτήματος. Μερικά πολύ περίεργα, αλλά εντούτοις ωραία κομμάτια — ουσιαστικά το μισό άλμπουμ — με τα Cyclops, Gods of War, Shoot All the Clowns, το αγαπημένο μου Sacred Cowboys και βεβαίως τον ύμνο που λέγεται Tears of the Dragon, σε ένα άνισο από το ένα τραγούδι στο άλλο σύνολο που σίγουρα θα δίχαζε τον κόσμο τότε. Βέβαια, κανείς δε περίμενε την περαιτέρω "εξέλιξη" του ήχου του με το επόμενο project του Skunkworks!

Η επανέκδοση της Sanctuary περιλαμβάνει στο δεύτερο CD δεκαέξι, παρακαλώ, B-sides, όπως το Fire Child, και διαφορετικές ή demo εκτελέσεις κομματιών του κυρίως δίσκου. Ένα πάρα πολύ χορταστικό πακέτο!

English:

Squaring the Circle

Was this the album Bruce wanted to make before leaving Iron Maiden in a rather unceremonious way? Yes! Under normal circumstances, metal was receding in the UK and the US, and as a shrewd opportunist, Bruce rushed to seize an opportunity. This album is a strange amalgamation of heavy metal, filtered through the '90s and perhaps more alternative and grunge influences, from a band that at the time included the well-known producer Roy Z on guitar, Eddie Casillas on bass, David Ingraham on drums, along with various guest musicians. It’s definitely a unique record—either you love it or you discard it. It’s his second solo album after Tattooed Millionaire, but as mentioned, his first outside of the legendary band. Some very peculiar, yet enjoyable tracks — roughly half of the album — including Cyclops, Gods of War, Shoot All the Clowns, my favorite Sacred Cowboys, and of course the anthem Tears of the Dragon. The album features an uneven mix from song to song, which certainly divided fans at the time. Naturally, nobody anticipated the further "evolution" of his sound with his next project, Skunkworks!

The reissue of Sanctuary includes, on the second CD, sixteen bonus B-sides—yes, sixteen—including tracks like Fire Child, as well as various alternate and demo versions of songs from the main album. A truly satisfying package!

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης!

TOXIC PUB Releases Debut Album "To Not Die Blind" and "Panic Attack" Video

 

Greek metal band Toxic Pub launched their debut album, To Not Die Blind, in May 2024, along with a music video for "Panic Attack." Formed in 2020, the Athens trio blends thrash, death, and groove metal, inspired by legends like Megadeth and Pantera.

Known for energetic live shows and high-quality sound, they produced and mixed the album themselves over a year. The album is now available on all digital platforms, showcasing their fast, groove-heavy style and metal authenticity.

THE NUDGE UNIT Releases Debut Album

 

Progressive metal/rock project The Nudge Unit has announced the release of their highly anticipated self-titled debut album, The Nudge Unit, now available for streaming and purchase across major digital platforms.

Blending intricate musicianship, dynamic arrangements, and experimental soundscapes, the album showcases the band’s innovative approach to progressive music. Notably, it features the remarkable talent of Mark Zonder on drums, renowned for his work with Fates Warning, Warlord, and Spirits of Fire, providing a powerful and precise rhythmic foundation to the group's sonic journey.

Listeners can enjoy the album on all major digital platforms or purchase a digital copy directly through Bandcamp. Fans of progressive metal and rock are encouraged to explore this exciting new release.

RIBSPREADER new video

 

Veteran Swedish Death Metal band RIBSPREADER, have just launched a lyric-video of the song "As Gods Devour" as a 2nd advance single from their 11th full album entitled "As Gods Devour" which will see the light next September 30th through Xtreem Music on CD & Digital formats.

GUTTURAL OBLITERATION Debuts with "Mounds of Scum"

 

Wellington brutal death metal band GUTTURAL OBLITERATION has released their debut EP, Mounds of Scum, recorded by Isaac Lundy. Formed in 2021, the band gained underground attention with singles like "Smoking a Doob with E.T." and "SADISTICUNT." With new guitarist Jack Tippet joining in 2025, they continue to push New Zealand death metal forward with their brutal, gore-themed sound.

HOLYCIDE Releases 6th Lyric-Video for "Towards Idiocracy"

 

Spanish thrash band HOLYCIDE has launched the sixth of ten lyric-videos for their new album, “Towards Idiocracy”. The latest video, for "Angry for Nothing," criticizes self-righteous people who act as modern inquisitors, always angry and offended by anything outside their moral code. The series continues to build anticipation for the album’s release, showcasing HOLYCIDE’s sharp social commentary through their intense thrash sound.

REVIEW: AXEL RUDI PELL, The Masquerade Ball

 

AXEL RUDI PELL, The Masquerade Ball (2000)

Steamhammer

Καλπάζοντας άγρια προς το άγνωστο.

Ο Pell είναι μια ειδική περίπτωση βιρτουόζου κιθαρίστα. Έχοντας ήδη πίσω του περίπου δέκα προσωπικούς δίσκους από το 1989, είχε σταθερή σχετικά σύνθεση μουσικών που από τις αρχές της προηγούμενης δεκαετίας περιλάμβανε τον Jeff Scott Soto (Y. J. Malmsteen, Talisman), ο οποίος στο προηγούμενο απ' αυτόν άλμπουμ, το καταπληκτικό και επίσης "Oceans of Time", αντικαταστάθηκε από τον Αμερικανό Johny Gioeli, που βρίσκεται πίσω από το μικρόφωνο μέχρι σήμερα. Γρήγοροι ρυθμοί από τους Mike Terrana στα τύμπανα και τον μπασίστα Volker Krawczak, πλήκτρα από τον Ferdy Doernberg, συμπληρώνουν την πεντάδα. 

Από τα πιο αντιπροσωπευτικά δείγματα μουσικής που ακροβατεί ανάμεσα σε Hard Rock και Power Metal, περιλαμβάνοντας και κλασικές μπαλάντες πάντα στο μενού — οπότε κάτι ανάμεσα σε Rainbow εποχής "Rising" και Stormwitch, μέσων δεκαετίας '80, αν γίνεται κατανοητό το στυλ και η παρομοίωση αυτή! 

Απ' τα πιο αγαπημένα μου άλμπουμ, με χαρακτηριστικά κομμάτια όπως τα "Earls of Black", "Voodoo Nights", "The Masquerade Ball", "Tear Down the Walls", "Hot Wheels", "The Temple of the Holy" και η διασκευή στο "July Morning" των Uriah Heep στο τέλος.

English:

Raging wildly towards the unknown. 

Pell is a unique case as a virtuoso guitarist. Having released around ten solo albums since 1989, he has maintained a relatively consistent lineup of musicians. Since the early 2000s, his band included Jeff Scott Soto (Y. J. Malmsteen, Talisman), who was featured on his previous album, the fantastic "Oceans of Time," until he was replaced by American singer Johny Gioeli, who has been behind the microphone ever since. 

Fast-paced drums by Mike Terrana and bassist Volker Krawczak, with keyboards by Ferdy Doernberg, complete the quintet. 

This album is one of the most representative examples of music that straddles Hard Rock and Power Metal, always including classic ballads — so it’s a bit like a blend between Rainbow’s "Rising" era and Stormwitch from the mid-'80s, if that style and comparison are understandable! 

One of my favorite albums, featuring characteristic tracks like "Earls of Black," "Voodoo Nights," "The Masquerade Ball," "Tear Down the Walls," "Hot Wheels," "The Temple of the Holy," and a cover of Uriah Heep’s "July Morning" at the end.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης!

REVIEW: TROLL BENDS FIR – Brothers in Drinks

 

TROLL BENDS FIR – Brothers in Drinks

Screaming Banshee / Histomedia Records

Troll Bends Fir is a Russian folk metal band known for integrating traditional folk elements from their native culture into their metal sound. Previously introduced to audiences through their releases, the band’s style combines energetic performances with a focus on cultural authenticity.

"Brothers in Drinks" is a compilation album that features their last two EPs, originally released in 2010 and 2011. The band performs primarily in their native language, with the exception of the track titled "Beer Mantra," which is sung in English. Their musical approach emphasizes lively, festival-ready folk metal that aligns well with celebratory atmospheres, particularly those centered around beer-drinking events.

The album’s overall tone is upbeat and accessible, prioritizing enjoyment and cultural expression over innovation. Notably, the compilation includes a bonus track featuring Jonne Järvelä of Korpiklaani fame, adding an additional layer of recognition within the folk metal community.

In summary, "Brothers in Drinks" offers a collection of spirited folk metal songs suitable for fans of lively, culturally infused metal music with a focus on celebration and tradition.

Nick Parastatidis

REVIEW: CRADLE OF FILTH, Midian

 

CRADLE OF FILTH, Midian (2003)

Music for Nations

Γοτθικός, μαύρος εφιάλτης.

Αυτό το τέταρτο πλήρες άλμπουμ χωρίζει τις δύο πρώτες περιόδους δημιουργίας των Βρετανών Black Metal συγκροτημάτων. Πάντα αναφέρουμε την περίοδο πρό και μετά Midian στη δισκογραφία, και ο λόγος είναι ότι αυτό το CD επανέφερε το συγκρότημα εκεί που είχε σταθμεύσει δισκογραφικά με το Cruelty and the Beast. Τα δύο Ε.P. / συλλογές μέχρι τώρα δεν είχαν κάτι συνταρακτικό να προσφέρουν και το τέλμα οφείλονταν τόσο στις δισκογραφικές εταιρείες όσο και στους όρους των συμβολαίων τους, ακριβώς όπως και στην αρχή της καριέρας τους, μετά το Vempire Ε.P. (μόνο που εκείνο αποτελεί κόσμημα της δισκογραφίας τους). 

Ο Paul Allender στη κιθάρα έχει επιστρέψει, μαζί με τα εντελώς κλασικά metal riffs, όπως και την έμπνευση του Dani Filth. Ο Adrian Erlandsson, των θρυλικών At The Gates, πίσω από τα τύμπανα, δίνει απίστευτο πόνο. Η παραγωγή του δίσκου είναι υποδειγματική και όλη η σκοτεινή, μην πω κατάμαυρη, γοτθική ατμόσφαιρα τρόμου που βγάζουν τα κομμάτια είναι πραγματικά ασύλληπτη. 

Cthulhu Dawn, Saffron's Curse, Death Magick for Adepts, Lord Abortion, το κλασικό Her Ghost in the Fog (το βίντεο κλιπ του άλμπουμ), στο οποίο συνεργάζεται ο ηθοποιός Doug Bradley, που κρύβεται πίσω από τον θρυλικό Pinhead της σειράς ταινιών τρόμου Hellraiser, Tearing Ceil from Grace, και Tortured Soul Asylum, αποτελούν πραγματικά απίστευτες στιγμές στον δίσκο.

English:

A Gothic, Black Nightmare.

This fourth full-length album marks a division between the two early creative periods of the British Black Metal bands. We always refer to the pre-Midian period and then the Midian phase in their discography, and the reason is that this CD brought the band back to the level they had reached with Cruelty and the Beast. The two EPs/collections up to now hadn't offered anything truly remarkable, and their stagnation was due both to the record labels and the contractual terms, just like at the beginning of their career, after the Vempire EP (which, however, remains a gem in their discography). 

Paul Allender has returned on guitar, bringing with him the classic metal riffs and the inspiration of Dani Filth. Adrian Erlandsson, from the legendary At The Gates, behind the drums, delivers incredible intensity. The production of the album is exemplary, and the entire dark—dare I say pitch-black—gothic atmosphere of horror conveyed by the tracks is truly breathtaking. 

Songs like Cthulhu Dawn, Saffron's Curse, Death Magick for Adepts, Lord Abortion, and the classic Her Ghost in the Fog (the album’s music video), which features actor Doug Bradley—hidden behind the iconic Pinhead from the Hellraiser horror film series—as well as Tearing Ceil from Grace and Tortured Soul Asylum, are truly incredible moments on the record.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης!

PHANTOM STAR released new single

 

Brazilian heavy metal band Phantom Star has released their latest single, “I Am the Storm.” The track was recorded at Heavytron Studios and expertly mixed and mastered by Arthur Migotto. Hailing from Curitiba and formed in 2024, Phantom Star features seasoned musicians: vocalist Matheus Luciano, bassist Ricke Nunes, drummer Mauricio “Muh” Vastrinche, and guitarists Mauricio “The Fox” and Lucas Licheski. Influenced by legends like Dio and Iron Maiden, the band blends heavy metal with progressive and cosmic elements. Following their debut EP, Touch of a Curse, and performances alongside Hammerfall and Vandenberg, Phantom Star is now gearing up for their powerful debut album.

STEEGMOORD Announces New Album "Mandatory"

 

Neo Global Digital Circulation reveals the release of Mandatory, the latest album by the innovative instrumental metal band Steegmoord. Combining thrash intensity with atmospheric progressive and stoner metal, Steegmoord crafts emotionally charged soundscapes that speak volumes without words. Inspired by bands like Mastodon and Opeth, their music features crushing riffs, dynamic rhythms, and haunting beauty.

Highlight track “Positive Nihilism” explores existential themes with a powerful mix of heaviness and melody. Mandatory will be available on all platforms from August 22, 2025.

CROSSROADS Releases Debut Album "ΘΥΣΙΕΣ"

 

Thessaloniki rock band Crossroads has launched their debut album, "ΘΥΣΙΕΣ" ("Sacrifices"). Featuring 12 songs, the album reflects themes of change, resilience, and dedication, showcasing their energetic style and meaningful lyrics.

The cover art, with a coin, symbolizes crossroads—a concept linked to sacrifice in various cultures and mythologies, including Greek mythology’s Hecate.

"ΘΥΣΙΕΣ" is now available on all digital platforms.

REVIEW: U.D.O., Holy

 

U.D.O., Holy (1999)

Nuclear Blast Records

Αποκορύφωμα μιας απίστευτης πορείας.

Ο συμπαθής βετεράνος Udo Dirkschneider έχει αφήσει για δεύτερη φορά τους Accept της δεκαετίας του '90, μετά από τρία άνισα μεταξύ τους άλμπουμ και το αρκετά καλό δεύτερο ζωντανό άλμπουμ του συγκροτήματος. Έχει γυρίσει στο προσωπικό του σχήμα, με τρεις δίσκους που ακολούθησαν μια κλιμακωτή ανοδική πορεία. Τα πολύ καλά «Solid» και «No Limits» λοιπόν άφησαν πολύ καλές εντυπώσεις. Το επόμενο, που κυκλοφόρησε λίγο πριν το τέλος του 20ού αιώνα, ήταν νομίζω και το αποκορύφωμά τους. Την εποχή εκείνη, υπενθυμίζεται ότι το κλασικό metal είχε πάρει την ανιούσα. Λίγο πριν, με τη βοήθεια της μουσικής βιομηχανίας και του τύπου που προωθούσε ο, τι λογιζόταν σαν, «εξέλιξη» στον χώρο, μουσικοί και κλασικά γκρουπ είχαν αφεθεί στο περιθώριο. 

Το «Holy» περιλαμβάνει heavy metal ύμνους, όπως το ομώνυμο του δίσκου, τα «Raiders of Beyond», «Recall the Sin», «Thunder in the Tower», «State Run Operation», «Danger», «Ride the Storm». Ο δίσκος αυτός ολοκλήρωσε τη δεύτερη δισκογραφική τριάδα του συγκροτήματος, με τις καλύτερες προοπτικές για το μέλλον.

English:

The pinnacle of an incredible journey.

The likable veteran Udo Dirkschneider has once again left Accept, this time in the 1990s, after three uneven albums and the band’s quite good second live album. He returned to his solo project, releasing three albums that followed a steady upward trajectory. The very good "Solid" and "No Limits" left a very positive impression. The next album, released just before the end of the 20th century, I believe, was their peak.

At that time, it’s worth recalling that classic metal was on the rise. Just prior to this, aided by the music industry and the press promoting what was considered an "evolution" in the scene, musicians and classic bands had been pushed to the fringes.

"Holy" features heavy metal anthems such as the title track, "Raiders of Beyond," "Recall the Sin," "Thunder in the Tower," "State Run Operation," "Danger," and "Ride the Storm." This album completed the band's second discography trilogy, with the best prospects for the future.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης!

REVIEW: EVERFLOW – Abandoned

 

EVERFLOW – Abandoned

Steel Gallery Records

Everflow, a Greek metal band originating from Ptolemaida in Northern Greece, released their debut album "Abandoned" after a 13-year period since their formation in 1998. The band is recognized as one of the notable active metal groups from Northern Greece, alongside bands such as Dark Nightmare.

The lineup features vocalist Markos Valavanis, whose previous experience includes singing in the band Anxiety, which contributed to the compilation "Greece Attacks" and produced two demos, one in 1990 and another in 2002. Guitarist Takis Tairidis also participated in Anxiety.

"Abandoned" showcases a power-progressive metal style, with production handled locally in Ptolemaida. The recording quality is commendable, highlighting the band's technical proficiency, particularly in guitar work and vocal performance. The album's composition aligns well with the genre, with notable tracks including "Cry," "Genius?," and "Forgive Me."

Live performances observed from the band suggest a solid execution of their material. The album demonstrates a mature sound, supported by Steel Gallery Records' efforts to deliver a high-quality release package.

In the context of recent releases within the power/progressive metal subgenre, "Abandoned" by Everflow stands out as a significant contribution. It is recommended for fans of the genre seeking new material from established Greek metal bands.

Ioannis Kaskamanidis