REVIEW: SACRATUS – Paradise for Two

 

SACRATUS – Paradise for Two

Darknagar Records

Sacratus, the Russian doom metal outfit, released their sophomore effort, “Paradise for Two”, in 2010 via Darknagar Records. This album arrived just a year after their debut, and the short turnaround clearly benefited the band, showcasing significant growth and refinement.

The core of Sacratus's sound remains firmly rooted in doom/death metal, but “Paradise for Two” reveals a notable leap in maturity. Where their debut might have hinted at their potential, this album demonstrates a band that has honed its craft. The compositions feel more deliberate and expansive, with a greater emphasis on orchestrations that weave seamlessly into the heavy fabric of their sound. This added depth enhances the album's overall impact, allowing Sacratus to convey their musical ideas with more clarity and precision. The production quality has also seen a marked improvement, providing a richer and more detailed sonic landscape that allows the instrumentation to breathe and fully express itself.

The prevailing atmosphere on “Paradise for Two” is one of melancholy and profound sadness, a characteristic that fans of the genre will undoubtedly appreciate. This pervasive mood evokes comparisons to pioneers of the scene, particularly early My Dying Bride and Anathema, with their shared penchant for somber melodies and introspective themes. While Sacratus doesn't necessarily break new ground in the atmospheric doom metal realm, their execution is commendable and deeply satisfying for those who cherish this style.

Adding further value to “Paradise for Two” are the three re-recorded tracks from their debut: "Madness," "Fallen Angel," and "The Last Hope." These updated versions serve as tangible proof of the band's evolution, presenting familiar songs with a newfound polish and confidence. They demonstrate how much Sacratus has grown in a short period, showcasing their improved songwriting and production capabilities.

Ultimately, “Paradise for Two” is a strong offering for fans of traditional doom/death metal. Sacratus may not be reinventing the wheel, but their passion and dedication to the genre are undeniable. This album solidifies their position as a band capable of delivering emotionally resonant and well-crafted doom metal. If you appreciate the mournful beauty of the genre, “Paradise for Two” is well worth your time.

Nick  Parastatidis

KATTLIK Releases New Single "Bortom Allt"

 

Swedish death metal band Kattlik has dropped their latest single, "Bortom Allt," recorded at AlmaSounds Studios by Leonardo Gonzalez Morales. Formed in 2015 by Morales and Mattias Andersson, the band grew from a side project into a full band, with Emilio Gonzalez on bass. Known for their raw energy and sharp commentary, Kattlik continues to make waves in the death metal scene.

AIRBORN Announces New Album "Lizard Secrets: Part Three - Utopia"

 

Turin-based power metal legends AIRBORN are set to release their highly anticipated seventh full-length album, "Lizard Secrets: Part Three - Utopia," on September 16th, 2025, via Fighter Records. This album marks the conclusion of their acclaimed "Lizard Secrets" trilogy, which began in 2018 with "Land of the Living" and continued with "Age of Wonder" in 2020.

Formed in 1995, AIRBORN has built a solid reputation within the European metal scene over their 30-year career, sharing stages with bands like Iron Savior, Masterplan, Fates Warning, and Cannibal Corpse. Their discography includes five studio albums, two live recordings, and numerous festival appearances, showcasing their enduring power and melodic prowess.

The upcoming album features 12 tracks packed with the band’s signature melodic choruses, pounding riffs, and fast double-bass drums, exemplifying their classic power metal style. The tracklist includes titles like "Kings of Melody," "In Utopia," and "My Own World," promising a fitting finale to the trilogy.

"Lizard Secrets: Part Three - Utopia" will be available on CD and digital formats starting September 16th, 2025, continuing AIRBORN’s legacy of energetic, skillful metal that has resonated with fans across Europe and beyond.

UNLEASHED Returns with New Single “Hold Your Hammers High!”

 

Swedish death metal pioneers UNLEASHED have released their fierce new track, “Hold Your Hammers High!”, the second preview of their upcoming album “Fire Upon Your Lands” (out August 15, 2025, via Napalm Records).

With razor-sharp riffs and thunderous grooves, the song channels Norse power and brutality. Accompanied by a lyric video, it’s now streaming worldwide. Johnny Hedlund states, “Hold Your Hammers High! The fight continues, hope prevails.”

UNLEASHED remains at the forefront of death metal’s elite.

REVIEW: OVER KILL, !!!FUCK YOU!!!! AND THEN SOME

 

OVER KILL, !!!FUCK YOU!!!! AND THEN SOME (1996)

Caroline Records

Δεν θα πούλησε πολύ σαν μπλουζάκι, να υποθέσω; 

Μία ειδική κυκλοφορία, αφού το Ε.Ρ. «Fuck You» κυκλοφόρησε το 1987 σε βινύλιο. Το CD με το ίδιο "ρομαντικό" εξώφυλλο, όπως στη φωτογραφία του χεριού του μπασίστα D.D. Verni, είναι κυκλοφορία του 1996 και περιλαμβάνει το αρχικό ομώνυμο μίνι άλμπουμ τους του 1985, το «Fuck You E.P.» με τα ζωντανά B-sides του, αλλά και πολλά άλλα ζωντανά ηχογραφημένα καλούδια. 

Κατά ουσία, το κομμάτι «Fuck You» (διασκευή στους Subhumans και απόλυτος ύμνος στην τσαντίλα), καθώς και τα τέσσερα τραγούδια του πρώτου Ε.Ρ., είναι τα μόνα στούντιο τραγούδια του άλμπουμ! Άρα, ένα υβριδικό ζωντανό άλμπουμ - συλλογή; Πείτε το και έτσι. 

Hammerhead, E.Vilĺ.Ever D.Ies, Fatal of Swallowed, Overkill, The Answer, Rotten to the Core, Fuck You και ζωντανά, όπως και η διασκευή στο Hole in the Sky των Black Sabbath, είναι οι πιο κραυγαλέα καλές στιγμές του.

English:

I guess it didn’t sell much as a T-shirt, huh? 

A special release, since the EP “Fuck You” came out in 1987 on vinyl. The CD with the same "romantic" cover, like the one in the photo of bassist D.D. Verni’s hand, was released in 1996 and includes the original, eponymous mini-album from 1985, the “Fuck You E.P.” with its live B-sides, and many other live recordings and goodies. 

Essentially, the track “Fuck You” (a cover of Subhumans and an absolute anthem of anger), along with the four songs from their first EP, are the only studio tracks on the album! So, a hybrid live album — a collection? Call it that if you like. 

Hammerhead, E.Vilĺ.Ever D.Ies, Fatal of Swallowed, Overkill, The Answer, Rotten to the Core, “Fuck You”, and live versions, including the cover of Black Sabbath’s “Hole in the Sky”, are among the most standout moments of the album.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης!

REVIEW: NÖRTHWIND - Viento del norte

 

NÖRTHWIND - Viento del norte

GOI Music

In the fertile landscape of European power metal in 2001, a Spanish quintet named Nörthwind (not to be confused with other bands sharing the name) unleashed their debut, "Viento del Norte" (North Wind). This album arrived during a pivotal period for the genre, as foundational bands like Helloween, Blind Guardian, and Gamma Ray had paved the way for a new wave of acts like Rhapsody (of Fire), Stratovarius, and Sonata Arctica, who were pushing the boundaries of melodic and symphonic metal. Nörthwind positioned themselves perfectly within this resurgence, blending speed, technicality, and dramatic flourishes to carve out their own niche.

While possessing undeniable symphonic touches that might draw parallels to the "Hollywood metal" grandeur of Rhapsody, Nörthwind's core sound on "Viento del Norte" leans more firmly into the traditional power metal realm. Much like HammerFall, who championed a return to "true" metal with anthemic, guitar-driven compositions, Nörthwind employs orchestral elements as powerful augmentation rather than the primary structural force. The focus remains on driving, often galloping guitar riffs, clear vocal melodies, and a no-frills, direct energy that serves up potent, self-contained anthems.

The band's influences are clearly rooted in the German power metal pantheon. The vibrant energy, melodic twin-guitar harmonies, and uplifting spirit often recall Helloween's iconic "Keeper" era. Hints of Running Wild's straightforward power and rhythmic drive also surface, lending a slightly rougher, more grounded edge to some of the tracks. However, the most profound influence, particularly evident on the album's powerful closer "La última lucha," is that of Blind Guardian. This track showcases intricate arrangements, layered choral vocals, and a narrative scope reminiscent of Blind Guardian's early speed metal ferocity combined with their later epic, storytelling prowess. The dramatic build-ups and the almost "bardic" quality of Txema's vocals further solidify this connection.

One notable aspect of "Viento del Norte" is its production. While not possessing the polished, crystalline sheen of some contemporary releases, the slight roughness and organic feel of the production actually work in the album's favor. Rather than detracting, this rawer edge injects a vital sense of immediacy and aggression, giving the powerful riffs and galloping rhythms a grittier impact that complements the band's traditional power metal foundation. It allows the energy to shine through unfettered, lending a more authentic, less sterile feel to their otherwise grandiose sound.

Beyond their compelling musical blend, Nörthwind's use of the Spanish language for their lyrics is a defining characteristic. This decision not only provides a unique cultural identity within a predominantly English-singing European scene but also adds a layer of raw authenticity and passion to their delivery. For Spanish-speaking listeners, it creates a powerful direct connection to the band's narratives. These narratives predominantly explore classic power metal themes: historical events, fantastical sagas, and epic struggles. Tracks like "Lágrimas de hielo" (Tears of Ice) perfectly open the album with a blend of speed and grandeur, while "Campeón eterno" (Eternal Champion) stands as a quintessential, uplifting power metal anthem. "En los mares" (On the Seas) offers a slightly more atmospheric journey, and "Dioses muertos" (Dead Gods) brings a heavier, more dramatic tone of conflict. "La última lucha" (The Last Fight) culminates the album with its epic, battle-ready intensity.

In essence, "Viento del Norte" is a powerful debut that skillfully navigates the burgeoning power and symphonic metal landscapes of the early 2000s. Nörthwind crafted an album that is both instantly familiar to fans of the genre's titans and distinct enough to stand on its own, thanks to its compelling blend of influences, anthemic songwriting, proud Spanish identity, and a production style that enhances its raw power. It's a testament to a band that, though short-lived, left a notable mark on the Spanish metal scene before members branched off to form Darksun and Vendaval.

Nick Parastatidis

Chuck W Chapman Releases New Album "Outcast Among Outcasts"

 

Greenville, SC — Hard rock band Chuck W Chapman has released their latest album, “Outcast Among Outcasts”. Recorded and mixed by Kevin Stuart Swain and mastered by Achim Kohler, the album features the band’s energetic blend of influences like Cheap Trick, Kiss, Green Day, and the Ramones.

Fronted by singer-songwriter and horror author Chuck W. Chapman, the band includes Clark Bender, Todd Duncan, and Joseph Tanay. Signed to Self Made Records and distributed by Earache Records EDD, the album marks a new chapter for the band’s high-octane sound.

ALESTORM Unveils New Single “The Storm”

 

Scottish pirate metal band ALESTORM has released their new single, “The Storm,” just before their upcoming album, “The Thunderfist Chronicles”, out this Friday via Napalm Records. The track features their signature energetic riffs, catchy melodies, and a roaring chorus of “I AM THE STORM,” alongside a lyric video showcasing their wild style.

Following their chart-topping seventh album, ALESTORM continues to deliver outrageous pirate anthems packed with storytelling and high-energy performances. Known for turning every show into a pirate party, they promise more chaos and fun with this new release.

AMBUSH Releases New Single “Maskirovka”

 

Swedish heavy metal band AMBUSH has unveiled their second single, “Maskirovka,” from their upcoming debut album "Evil In All Dimensions", out September 5, 2025 via Napalm Records. The track features Oskar Jakobsson’s best vocals yet and a powerful 80s-inspired groove, highlighting themes of truth and manipulation.

LONGSHOTS Set to Make Big Splash at RockWave Festival

 

Thessaloniki-based modern hard rock/heavy rock band Longshots, formed in 2017, is gearing up for an exciting milestone. After releasing several singles, they dropped their debut full-length album, "Hard Reset", in 2020. Following notable live performances, the band released their latest EP, "Between Two Fronts", on March 28, 2025, which received glowing reviews and extensive radio airplay worldwide.

Now, Longshots are preparing for their first major live appearance at the renowned RockWave Festival on June 26. Sharing the stage with prominent bands like Opeth, Iotunn, and The Halo Effect, this performance marks a significant step in their rising career.

REVIEW: OVER KILL, The Years Of Decay

 

OVER KILL, The Years Of Decay (1989)

Megaforce Records

Αγνοήστε τον τίτλο, λέει ψέματα. 

Αποκτήστε αυτό το άλμπουμ των τεσσάρων φίλων από το New Jersey με οποιονδήποτε τρόπο. Μπορείτε να κλέψετε το CD (σε βινύλιο λίγο δύσκολα), να το αγοράσετε, που είναι και πιο σίγουρο και σωστό, αλλά αν δεν έχετε ακούσει το τέταρτο πλήρες άλμπουμ τους, τί να σας πω; Χάσατε. 

Λοιπόν, οι κύριοι D.D. Verni, Bobby Ellsworth, Bobby Gustafson και Sid Falk σε thrash metal παραλήρημα με το υπέρτατο κλασικό «Elimination» και μαζί τα «Time to Kill», «I Hate», «Nothing to Die For», «Birth of Tension», «Who Trends the Fire», «The Years of Decay» και το «E.Vil N.ever D.Ies», με τις τελείες ανάμεσα όπως τα γράφω, να μας πάνε σε άλλη διάσταση. 

Το πρώτο αγαπημένο μου από την αρχή μέχρι το τέλος άλμπουμ τους, αν και το άκουσα μετά τα «Under the Influence» (το προηγούμενο) και το «Horrorscope» (το επόμενο), και πραγματικά πίστεψα σε αυτούς τους τόσο αδικημένους από το ευρύ κοινό thrashers.

English:

Ignore the title, it’s lying. 

Get this album by the four friends from New Jersey by any means. You can steal the CD (vinyls are a bit harder), buy it—which is safer and more proper—or if you haven't listened to their full fourth album, what can I say? You missed out. 

So, Mr. D.D. Verni, Bobby Ellsworth, Bobby Gustafson, and Sid Falk deliver thrash metal frenzy with the ultimate classic “Elimination” and along with “Time to Kill”, “I Hate”, “Nothing to Die For”, “Birth of Tension”, “Who Trends the Fire”, “The Years of Decay”, and “E.Vil N.ever D.Ies”—with the dots between as I write them—taking us to another dimension. 

My favorite from start to finish of their albums, even though I listened to it after “Under the Influence” (their previous album) and “Horrorscope” (their next), and I truly believed in these so underappreciated thrashers by the general public.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης!

REVIEW: AXEL RUDI PELL - The Ballads IV

 

AXEL RUDI PELL - The Ballads IV

SPV Records

You know, if you're looking for an album that just “gets” you right in the feels, Axel Rudi Pell's "The Ballads IV" is absolutely it. Even though it came out way back in 2011, it still holds up as a perfect go-to for when you're caught up in strong emotions or just need to unwind after a long day. It’s from SPV Records, and honestly, it’s a masterclass in how to revisit and reimagine music.

Axel, the brilliant German guitar maestro, really pulled out all the stops with this one. It’s not just a collection of old songs thrown together; it’s thirteen tracks, all meticulously crafted to take you on a journey. What's super cool is how he and the band breathed new life into some of his most cherished anthems. They gave them this beautiful ballad treatment, making familiar melodies feel fresh and allowing you to appreciate their beauty in a whole new way. It wasn't just about stripping them down, but thoughtfully rearranging them to emphasize all that emotional power, often with soaring vocals and rich instruments that really cranked up their original impact.

And the cover songs? Oh man, they’re fantastic. Axel and the guys tackled tracks from legends like Ronnie James Dio, KISS, and Phil Collins, all transformed into these gorgeous ballads. What's truly amazing is how seamlessly they fit into the album's vibe. Each cover got that distinct Axel Rudi Pell touch, becoming these emotionally resonant pieces that feel totally at home alongside his own songs. Their version of Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight" is a standout – they didn't just copy it, they actually amped up its drama and intensity, delivering a version that honestly feels even more potent and charged than the iconic original. It really shows how much they love to push creative boundaries and stamp their own unique personality on well-known material.

The album wraps up in such a poignant and powerful way, too. After the epic "The Curse of the Damned," "The Ballads IV" finishes with an instrumental piece from Axel's older work. It's subtly reinterpreted and played with these beautiful, nuanced variations, serving as this reflective, perfect end that lets you soak in all the emotional weight of the album. It’s a real testament to Axel’s artistry that he can evoke such strong feelings even without a single word sung.

Seriously, "The Ballads IV" is more than just another record in Axel Rudi Pell's discography; it's a testament to his lasting talent and how incredibly good his band is. Axel and his bandmates really show off their amazing diversity here, effortlessly blending their melodic metal roots with a deep understanding of what makes a great ballad. They truly delivered a meticulously crafted record that still deeply resonates with anyone who loves melodic metal. It’s a journey for the heart, a perfect soundtrack for introspection, and a definitive example of why Axel Rudi Pell is such a revered figure in heavy music. If you haven't heard it, you should definitely give it a listen.

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos

81db Releases New Album "Nostos"

 

Italian progressive/alternative metal band 81db has released their new album, “Nostos”, recorded at Enteroutside Studios with producer Kostas Ladopoulos. Formed in 2006 in Florence, the band is known for blending heavy riffs, progressive structures, and Greek folk elements. After a brief hiatus, they return in 2024 with renewed energy and their signature genre-defying sound.

REVIEW: ROTTING CHRIST, Sanctus Diavolos

 

ROTTING CHRIST, Sanctus Diavolos (2004)

Century Media Records

Μεταστροφή, επιστροφή, επανέναρξη

Τα τελευταία χρόνια του 20ού αιώνα η ακραία μουσική δέχτηκε πολλές εξωγενείς επιρροές. Το black metal ιδίωμα ενστερνίστηκε industrial και gothic ήχους, καθώς και nu metal! Η μπάντα των αδερφών Σάκη και Θέμη Τόλη έκανε τη δική της τομή με έναν πολύ καλό, ομολογουμένως, αλλά ελάχιστα black metal δίσκο, το «A Dead Poem», και στη συνέχεια με το «Sleep of the Angels», χάνοντας τα πιο ακραία στοιχεία προς όφελος των πιο gothic.

Στο συγκεκριμένο άλμπουμ, πέρα από το λογότυπο της προ «A Dead Poem», black περιόδου, έχουμε και την σχεδόν πλήρη επιστροφή στο πρότερο αυτό ύφος (κάτι που αρχίζει με το «Khronos» το 2000 και πήρε οριστικά μορφή στο «Γένεσις / *Genesis» το 2002), αλλά με έντονες τις συμφωνικές στιγμές. Ίσως ήθελαν να "κλέψουν" τη δόξα της έτερης μεγάλης εγχώριας ακραίας μπάντας, των Septicflesh (των οποίων ο μπασίστας και τραγουδιστής, Σπύρος "Seth" Αντωνίου, έχει αναλάβει την εικαστική μεριά και το εξώφυλλο αυτού του δίσκου!), που εκείνη την εποχή επέστρεψε κι αυτή στη δισκογραφία.

Πάντως, τα «Visions of a Blind Order», «Thy Wings Thy Horns Thy Sin» σε βάζουν για τα καλά πίσω στο παιχνίδι. Το επόμενο κομμάτι, με διπλό τίτλο «Athanati Este / Αθάνατοι Έστε», εισάγει ένα νέο στοιχείο: την ελληνόγλωσση απόδοση του ρεφραίν, κάτι που από εδώ και στο εξής θα γίνεται συχνά σε κομμάτια των επόμενων δίσκων τους. Και γιατί όχι; Είχαμε μπουχτήσει με όλα εκείνα τα νορβηγικά συγκροτήματα που μας βομβαρδίζουν με στίχους στη μητρική τους γλώσσα.

Το «Tyrannical», που ακολουθεί, δεν προσμετράται στα καλύτερα του δίσκου, αλλά το αναφέρω ως συμφωνικό και industrial απομεινάρι. Οπότε, πάμε στα πιο αντιπροσωπευτικά: «Serve in Heaven», «Shades of Evil», «Doctrine» και το τελικό, ομότιτλο του δίσκου, συμπληρώνουν το καρέ ενός άλμπουμ με πολλές υποσχέσεις για το μέλλον και γι’ αυτό το ακραίο ελληνικό metal συγκρότημα.

English:

Transformation, Return, Rebirth

In the final years of the 20th century, extreme music absorbed many external influences. The black metal genre embraced industrial and gothic sounds, as well as nu metal! The band of brothers Sakis and Thimis Tolis made their own mark with a very good, admittedly, but minimally black metal album, “A Dead Poem”, and later with “Sleep of the Angels”, losing some of the more extreme elements in favor of a more gothic style.

On this particular album, beyond the logo from the pre-“A Dead Poem” black period, there is also almost a complete return to that earlier style (something that began with “Khronos” in 2000 and took definitive form with “Genesis” in 2002), but now featuring strong symphonic moments. Perhaps they wanted to "steal" the glory of another prominent domestic extreme band, Septicflesh (whose bassist and vocalist, Spyros "Seth" Antoniou, handled the visual design and cover art for this album!), which at that time was also making a comeback into the recording scene.

Nevertheless, “Visions of a Blind Order”, “Thy Wings Thy Horns Thy Sin” firmly re-establish them in the game. The next track, with a double title “Athanati Este”, introduces a new element: the Greek-language rendition of the chorus, which from now on would become a common feature in their subsequent albums. And why not? We had grown tired of all those Norwegian bands bombarding us with lyrics in their native language.

The track “Tyrannical”, which follows, is not among the best on the album, but I mention it as a symphonic and industrial relic. So, let’s move on to the more representative tracks: “Serve in Heaven”, “Shades of Evil”, “Doctrine”, and the final, eponymous track of the album, complete the picture of a record filled with many promises for the future of this extreme Greek metal band.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης!

REVIEW: HARDWARE - In Cold Blood

 

HARDWARE - In Cold Blood

Steamhammer

So, HARDWARE, a German band, dropped their "In Cold Blood" EP back in 1985. And let me tell you, it's pretty much exactly what you'd expect from heavy metal in that era: rough, powerful, and a bit unruly. They've got that classic '80s sound, and if you like bands like ACCEPT, early RUNNING WILD, or GRAVE DIGGER, you'll probably feel right at home here. Throw in a dash of JUDAS PRIEST and AC/DC (especially on "Hell Is Rising"), and you've got the picture. It's not going to reinvent the wheel for you, but it'll definitely make you want to grab an air guitar, bang your head, and shout along to those big group vocals.

Now, about the lyrics. They're... something else. Take "Get Down on Your Knees" for example, with lines like "I put my fat dick in her hole and the Rhythm shoots my Brain." Yeah, they're not holding back, and they clearly had a lot of confidence in themselves! But then you get lines like "Break the Chains and stand up for your Rights!" from the mostly instrumental "In Cold Blood." It's a bit of a mixed bag, but it's a good reminder that heavy metal was often about being raw, a little provocative, and coming from people who knew the real world, not just studio geeks trying to be politically correct.

Just a quick note: the guitarist, Jörg Franz, was also in a band called ATTACK at the same time, and he played on their "Return of the Evil" album. And oddly enough, the band dedicated this release to Stephen King. Go figure.

Nick Parastatidis

REVIEW: PRO-PAIN - 20 Years of Hardcore

 

PRO-PAIN - 20 Years of Hardcore

AFM Records

PRO-PAIN once again proves why they are considered one of the titans of the hardcore and metal scene with their incredible compilation album, "20 Years of Hardcore". This release serves not only as a tribute to their enduring legacy but also as a powerful statement of their relentless energy and musical prowess. It’s a must-listen for longtime fans and newcomers alike who want to experience the raw intensity and diverse soundscapes that PRO-PAIN is known for.

The album kicks off with four brand-new tracks that demonstrate the band’s continued evolution and ability to deliver pure, unfiltered hardcore. These new songs are nothing short of ferocious; they showcase the band’s signature brutality, aggressive riffs, and relentless rhythms that have become their trademark. The new material feels fresh yet true to their roots, and it’s clear that PRO-PAIN still has plenty of fire in their belly.

One of the standout elements I appreciated was the guitar work. The lead guitar fills and licks, especially on top of the pounding rhythm section, add a layer of complexity and groove that elevates each track. The guitarists’ technicality and raw energy complement the overall chaos, making the listening experience even more engaging. Particularly noteworthy is the beginning of the solo in “Hands in the Jar,” which has a distinctive feel reminiscent of the iconic main tune from the film "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly". That subtle nod to cinematic history adds a cool, almost rebellious flair to the track, showing that the band is not afraid to blend influences and surprise their audience.

Following the new tracks, the album features four re-recorded versions of songs from their previous releases. These reimagined tracks breathe new life into old favorites, providing a fresh perspective while maintaining the essence of the originals. It’s a clever move, allowing both longtime fans and new listeners to appreciate the band’s growth and musical evolution over the years.

The inclusion of a cover song adds an extra layer of interest, showcasing PRO-PAIN’s versatility and their ability to reinterpret other artists’ work with their signature style. It’s a testament to their wide-ranging influences and their respect for the broader hardcore and metal community.

The live recordings from their performance in the Czech Republic serve as the heart of this compilation. These fourteen live tracks capture the raw energy and unbridled intensity that PRO-PAIN is renowned for on stage. Listening to these performances, you can almost feel the crowd’s excitement and the band’s relentless drive, making it a perfect snapshot of their live prowess.

Overall, “20 Years of Hardcore” is an excellent compilation that offers a little bit of everything—new material, reimagined classics, covers, and live energy. It’s an ideal gateway for anyone looking to get introduced to PRO-PAIN’s extensive catalog because it functions as a comprehensive best-of collection. For dedicated fans, it’s a celebration of their 20-year journey and a reminder of why PRO-PAIN remains a dominant force in the hardcore scene.

In conclusion, if you’re into the hardcore movement—whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just beginning to explore the genre—this album is a no-brainer. It’s a powerful, energetic, and well-rounded package that confirms PRO-PAIN’s status as true pioneers. Hell yeah, this is hardcore done right!

Dimitris  Pantsiopoulos