Τρίτη 14 Μαΐου 2024

VISIONS OF ATLANTIS Unveils Second Single “Monsters

 


VISIONS OF ATLANTIS, fresh off a successful North American tour, are gearing up to release their second single, "Monsters," from their upcoming album, Pirates II – Armada, slated for July 5, 2024, via Napalm Records. Building on the momentum of their previous chart-topping release, Pirates (2022), the band promises a heavier symphonic journey with their new album. "Monsters" captures the struggle against inner demons, blending calm passages with powerful refrains showcasing vocalists Clémentine Delauney and Michele Guaitoli. With this teaser, the band asserts their readiness to dominate the symphonic metal scene and prepares for an extensive European tour, starting with an album release show on July 6, 2024. Michele Guaitoli reflects on the theme of facing inner monsters, signaling the band's fearless approach to their music and their upcoming tour.


PVRS release new single

 


Belgian band PVRS, known for their unique blend of Atmospheric Sludge and Post-Metal, recently dropped their latest single titled "That's Allright." The track was recorded at "THE PALE FLAME" and underwent mixing/mastering by Benjamin Matlet. PVRS, founded in 2023 by Jean-Pierre Mottin and Twan Landrin, distinguishes themselves with a fusion of soaring melodies and heavy riffs, pushing the limits of traditional doom metal. Influenced by groups such as Deftones, Sleep Token, and Type O Negative, PVRS offers an immersive musical journey for their audience.


Κυριακή 12 Μαΐου 2024

REVIEW: ROYAL HUNT, Moving Target (1995)

 


ROYAL HUNT, Moving Target (1995)


Kick Music


Σας θυμίζει κάτι;


Εμένα πάντως το τρίτο πλήρες αλμπουμ των Δανών Progressive Power Metalers όταν τον βλέπω μου θυμίζει τους προπάτορες του prog γενικά, τους Rush. Κάτι το εξώφυλλο, κάτι αυτό το Moving....που φέρνει βέβαια στο μυαλό το άλμπουμ Moving Pictures των προαναφερθέντων Καναδών, εν τέλει οι επιρροές σταματούν εκεί. Οι ομάδα με τον κύριο D.C. Cooper στο μικρόφωνο εδώ είναι σε μία κατηγορία δική τους. Ίσως το καλύτερο άλμπουμ τους (κονταροχτυπιέται ανοιχτά με το Paradox δύο χρόνια μετά ο δίσκος αυτός, για τον τίτλο) για τη δεκαετία του '90. Τα πιο τρανταχτά παραδείγματα εδώ, Last Goodbye, 1348, Makin' A Mess, Far Away, Autograph, Give ot Up, Time είναι στη τροχιά του νεοκλασικού ήχου του οποίου είναι φορείς συνθετικά, αλλά και προοδευτικά metal κομμάτια ταυτόχρονα. Μελωδία και συναισθήματα στη μουσική τους που μένουν αξέχαστα.


English Text:



Does this remind you of something?


To me, the third full album of the Danish Progressive Power Metalers brings to mind the progenitors of prog in general, Rush. Something about the cover, something about that "Moving..." which certainly brings to mind the album "Moving Pictures" of the aforementioned Canadians, but ultimately the influences stop there. The team with Mr. D.C. Cooper on vocals here belongs to a category of their own. Perhaps their best album (it's a close call with "Paradox" two years later, for the title) for the '90s decade. The most striking examples here, "Last Goodbye," "1348," "Makin' A Mess," "Far Away," "Autograph," "Give it Up," "Time," orbit the trajectory of the neoclassical sound of which they are compositional bearers, but also progressive metal pieces simultaneously. Melody and emotions in their music that remain unforgettable.


Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης


JEHOVAH ON DEATH - single "Goya's Witches" from the new eponymous EP

 


The "Jehovah On Death" is an Occult Rock band from Athens, formed in 2020, featuring a congregation of sinners centered around the enigmatic figure of "La Señora Dolorosa". Drawing inspiration from Spanish Catholicism, music, poetry, and medieval beliefs, they aim to evoke a new 'Satanic Panic' through their music and image. Their latest EP, "Goya's Witches", includes the titular single, continuing their exploration of themes of love and death.


CHALICE OF MALICE release debut album

 


CHALICE OF MALICE, an American Melodic Heavy/Power Metal band, has unveiled their debut album titled "The Pillars of Hercules." Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Scott Young at "Nothingland Studios" in Cleveland, OH, the release marks a significant milestone for the band. Originating in Cleveland in 2003, Chalice Of Malice was initially conceived as a side project by Scott Young (Vocals/Guitars) and Tony Howard (Vocals/Bass), aiming to delve into the realm of Power Metal songwriting. Their journey began with the creation and recording of the demo "The Desert Under the Earth." Over the years, the lineup has evolved to include Taylor Netzler (Vocals/Guitars) and Chris Hoffman (Drums), shaping the band's distinctive sound and musical identity.


Πέμπτη 9 Μαΐου 2024

REVIEW: PRETTY MAIDS, Future World (1987)

 


PRETTY MAIDS, Future World (1987)


Epic


Ο αγώνας τώρα δικαιώνεται.


Και δικαιώνεται πανηγυρικά στον δεύτερο αυτόν δίσκο των πέντε μουσικών απ' τη μεταλομάνα Δανία, μετά το ντεμπούτο τους το κλασικό Red Hot and Heavy τρία χρόνια πριν. Ευρωπαϊκό Hard and Heavy που κλείνει στοv εκκολαπτόμενο τότε Power Metal ήχο, (και κάποιοι άλλοι πιτσιρίκοι απ' τη Γερμανία ονόματι Helloween στον δικό τους δεύτερο δίσκο την ίδια χρονιά, έχουν hit με ίδιο τίτλο με τούτους εδώ!) με περίσσια πλήκτρα και βεβαίως το ομώνυμο κομμάτι Future World (αυτό  προφανώς εννοώ πριν για τους Helloween) να ανοίγει το σετ των τραγουδιών , ένα κομμάτι που έχει παιχτεί εκατοντάδες χιλιάδες φορές (τρίτη παρένθεση, όπως και το  ομώνυμο του των Helloween Ε;) στα κλαμπ και τα μέταλ καφέ και μπαρ απανταχού της δικής μας επικρατείας και γενικά του πλανήτη. Ακολουθούν τα Loud N' Proud , Yellow Rain, Rodeo, We Came To Rock, Eye of the Storm, Long Way To Go σε ένα ξέφρενο 80s metal σύνολο.


English Text:



The struggle has finally been vindicated.


And what a celebration it is on the sophomore album by these five metal enthusiasts from Denmark, following their classic debut 'Red Hot and Heavy' three years prior. This European Hard and Heavy sound borders on the burgeoning Power Metal style of the era (and let's not forget those other youngsters from Germany called Helloween, who also released their second album the same year, featuring a hit with the same title as this one here!) With an abundance of keyboards and, of course, the eponymous track 'Future World' (which, obviously, I meant before for Helloween) kicking off the song set. It's a track that's been played hundreds of thousands of times (third parenthesis, just like the eponymous track of Helloween, right?) in clubs, metal cafes, and bars throughout our dominion and indeed across the planet. Following that are 'Loud N' Proud', 'Yellow Rain', 'Rodeo', 'We Came To Rock', 'Eye of the Storm', 'Long Way To Go' in an electrifying 80s metal medley.


Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης


Τετάρτη 8 Μαΐου 2024

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS Unveil Fourth Single "Blood Empress

 


Canadian power metal band UNLEASH THE ARCHERS is gearing up for the release of their highly anticipated sixth studio album, "Phantoma," scheduled to drop on May 10, 2024, through Napalm Records. With a series of well-received singles such as "Green & Glass," “Ghosts In The Mist,” and “Seeking Vengeance” setting the stage, the band introduces fans to the album's grand finale anthem, "Blood Empress." This track, born from collaborative creativity during the recording process, blends dark yet triumphant tones with catchy melodies, reflecting the culmination of Phantoma's journey within the album's narrative. As vocalist Brittney Slayes explains, "Blood Empress" serves as a dynamic addition to their repertoire, poised to captivate audiences with its radio-friendly rock vibe while encapsulating the essence of the album's overarching themes.


"Phantoma" offers listeners a multifaceted experience, inviting them to join protagonist Phantoma on a compelling exploration of a dystopian future plagued by the illusions of social media. Through their signature blend of power metal, traditional heavy metal, modern prog, and pop influences, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS craft a narrative-rich tapestry that intertwines sharp musicality with thought-provoking social commentary. With "Blood Empress" as a fitting conclusion, the band leaves audiences eager to immerse themselves in the album's intricate storytelling and dynamic soundscapes, ensuring a journey that resonates long after the final notes fade away.