REVIEW: WOLFCHANT - Call of the Black Winds

 

WOLFCHANT - Call of the Black Winds (2011)

Massacre Records

There are countless bands in the pagan and folk metal genres, and most of them tend to sound far too similar to my ears—or simply fail to hold my interest, mainly because of the sheer overabundance of such acts in today’s worldwide metal scene. However, there are always some bright exceptions, or at least bands that come closer to our personal tastes and manage to touch us in a more genuine way. One such band is the German WOLFCHANT.

They may play folk/pagan metal, but they do so in an exquisite and highly individual manner that, personally, I believe sets them apart from the vast majority of their contemporaries. Call of the Black Winds is an impressive opus—a state-of-the-art example of expertly performed and perfectly executed pagan death/black metal, enriched with all sorts of additional elements that make the final result both highly addictive and immensely appealing.

One of the album’s strongest assets is its vocal diversity. We get three distinct vocal approaches: deep, clean vocals, death metal growls, and high-pitched black metal screams. Each one brings a different character to the songs, providing exactly the variety needed while reinforcing the album’s epic atmosphere. And then there are those moments when certain tracks adopt an almost tavern-like character, bringing to mind pirates feasting, drinking, and celebrating in the most glorious fashion!

The melodic lines are beautiful and genuinely enchanting, but the harsh and aggressive passages are equally effective. They make your blood pump hard through your veins, filling you with energy, excitement, and a certain sense of pride. Underneath it all, the rhythm section provides the ideal foundation upon which every other element is built and firmly supported.

Call of the Black Winds, to put it simply, is an album that anyone with a taste for pagan, folk, death, and black metal cannot afford to miss!

Christine  Parastatidou

REVIEW: BATTLEROAR, Age Of Chaos

 

BATTLEROAR, Age Of Chaos (2005)

Black Lotus Records

Άφταστο το επίπεδο που είχαν ανέβει.

Η ανατριχιαστική φωνή του Mark Shelton (RIP) των Manilla Road, που ακούγεται στην έναρξη του άλμπουμ, στο The Wanderer, οδηγεί σε ένα μακελειό Epic Power Metal στον δίσκο αυτόν εδώ, τον δεύτερο για ένα απ’ τα σημαντικότερα σχήματα της Ελλάδας.

Η αναγέννηση του κλασικού ήχου, που είχε ήδη αρχίσει στην Ευρώπη σχεδόν δέκα χρόνια πριν, κορυφώθηκε και στη Metal σκηνή της χώρας μας με άλμπουμ σαν κι αυτό, ανάμεσα σε άλλα. Η φωνή του αγαπητού Ιταλού ερμηνευτή Marco Concoreggi (θυμίζω, νυν φωνή των Dexter Ward) ταιριάζει γάντι στο επικολυρικό περιεχόμενο των στίχων αλλά και της μουσικής. Είναι ακριβώς αυτό που έχουμε στο μυαλό μας όταν συνδυάζουμε αντίστοιχα «λαρύγγια» των κλασικών του είδους.

Οι Μανώλης Καραζέρης και Κώστας Τζώρτζης στις κιθάρες, ο Νίκος Παπαδόπουλος στα ντραμς και ο μπασίστας Κώστας Μακρυκώστας αποτελούν την κλασική σύνθεση του σχήματος και σε αυτό το άλμπουμ.

Στις συμμετοχές των καλεσμένων, πέρα απ’ τον Mark Shelton που προαναφέραμε, συναντάμε τον Mark Cross στα κρουστά, τον Bob Κατσιώνη στα πλήκτρα, τον Δημήτρη Δελλή στην ακουστική κιθάρα και τον Αλέξη Παπαδιαμάντη στο βιολί.

Δεν θα γράψω άλλα. Απλώς είναι το πρώτο άλμπουμ τους που άκουσα κι έτσι αντικειμενικός δεν θα μπορέσω να είμαι.

Ένα απ’ τα καλύτερα δημιουργήματα της εγχώριας παραγωγής. Αμήν!

Vampire Killer, Tower of the Elephant, Deep Buried Faith, Dyvim Tvar, Siegecraft, Sword of Crom, Calm Before the Storm, Dreams on Steel είναι, κατά τη γνώμη μου, τα κορυφαία των κορυφαίων τραγούδια εδώ.

English:

They Had Reached an Unbeatable Level.

The spine-chilling voice of Mark Shelton (RIP) of Manilla Road, heard at the very beginning of the album on The Wanderer, leads us into an absolute Epic Power Metal massacre on this record—the second album by one of the most important bands in the Greek Metal scene.

The revival of the classic sound, which had already begun taking shape in Europe almost ten years earlier, reached its peak in our country's Metal scene as well, with albums like this one among many others. The voice of the much-loved Italian vocalist Marco Concoreggi (currently the singer of Dexter Ward, as a reminder) fits like a glove with the epic, lyrical character of both the lyrics and the music. It is exactly the kind of voice we have in mind when we think of the legendary throats of the genre's classic singers.

Manolis Karazeris and Kostas Tzortzis on guitars, Nikos Papadopoulos on drums, and bassist Kostas Makrykostas make up the band's classic line-up on this album as well.

As for the guest appearances, besides the aforementioned Mark Shelton, we also have Mark Cross on percussion, Bob Katsionis on keyboards, Dimitris Dellis on acoustic guitar, and Alexis Papadiamantis on violin.

 

I won't write anything more. This is simply the first album of theirs I ever heard, so there's no way I can pretend to be objective.

One of the finest creations to come out of the Greek Metal scene. Amen!

Vampire Killer, Tower of the Elephant, Deep Buried Faith, Dyvim Tvar, Siegecraft, Sword of Crom, Calm Before the Storm, and Dreams on Steel are, in my opinion, the cream of the crop here.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης

REVIEW: GREENHORNS - Maverick

 

GREENHORNS - Maverick (1991)

G-Rox-P

I have to confess a small sin: I originally bought this Vinyl record purely because of its eye-catching, wild artwork and the unbeatable bargain price I found it for back in the day—just 1,000 Greek Drachmas (somewhere around the early 2000s). At the time, my music taste was strictly dominated by heavy metal, so upon first listen, I can’t say it particularly thrilled me. It was promptly shelved and left untouched for years.

Fast forward to recently: while digging through my physical collection, I decided to give it another shot—and I can honestly say it was well worth the second chance.

Is this record going to fundamentally alter your worldview? For most listeners, probably not. But that doesn't stop it from being a remarkably well-crafted piece of work. Maverick seamlessly blends classic rock, hard rock, and driving boogie rock aesthetics with subtle touches of blues and country elements.

What makes this album particularly interesting is just how convincing and authentic they sound. If I hadn't checked the liner notes to see that they were from Belgium, I would have put my hand in the fire betting they were Americans.

Released in 1991, Maverick stands as their debut album. Further details about the group remain shrouded in obscurity, making this release an intriguing forgotten relic of early '90s European rock.

Nick Parastatidis

FireFlame Drop New Lyric Video "Something Is Wrong"

 

Rising Japanese heavy metal outfit FireFlame have officially released their brand-new lyric video for "Something Is Wrong," a standout track taken from their acclaimed album “Force Against The End”.

Formed in Osaka from a university music circle by guitarists FireRay and Fire.J, the band eventually expanded to feature Connie Flames (Bass) and Mr Big Fire (Vocals). FireFlame solidified their final line-up on February 27, 2022, with the addition of drummer Show.G. Flame. Driven by a mission to dominate the global stage and revitalize the metal scene in Osaka, the group also co-founded the NWOJHM (New Wave of Japanese Heavy Metal) event alongside allies kitsunevi.

Defining their sound as "Modern Heavy Metal," FireFlame deliver a high-energy fusion of traditional heavy metal mastery, aggressive metalcore intensity, melodic death metal anthems, and explosive ballads. At the core of their sonic engine is the twin-lead guitar assault of FireRay and Fire.J, bridging classical technique with modern precision.

The release follows a monumental step in the band's career: signing a worldwide licensing deal with Italian record label Wormholedeath Records in March 2026. Armed with a international push starting with a three-day tour in Taiwan, FireFlame are set to bring their core philosophy—the "inner fire" of relentless spirit—to a global audience.

The lyric video for "Something Is Wrong" is out now across official streaming channels.

InPhaze Return with New Power Metal Album “Back Again”

 

Athens-based Power Metal band InPhaze have announced the release of their new album “Back Again”, marking a powerful return after years of personal challenges and transformation.

Formed in Athens in 2011, InPhaze established their presence in the underground metal scene with their 2018 debut album “World of Lies”, blending the raw energy of hard rock with the intensity of heavy metal. Their journey since then, however, has been shaped by a series of profound life experiences that ultimately became the driving force behind their music.

Returning in 2026, InPhaze are more than just a Power Metal band—they are a testament to resilience and human endurance. Built upon the aftermath of devastating personal battles, including a severe fight against cancer, demanding medical treatments, the emotional impact of divorce, and a tragic family loss, “Back Again” transforms real-life struggles into high-speed, melodic metal filled with passion and determination.

Musically, the album combines the technical precision, powerful hooks, and speed of traditional Power Metal with a sharp, modern production approach. Lyrically, InPhaze move away from the genre’s typical fantasy themes, offering instead a raw and honest reflection of contemporary reality.

The album features the co-production of industry veteran Bob Katsionis (ex-Firewind), the captivating vocal performances of André Boutos, and meticulous mixing and mastering by InPhaze founder and guitarist Ilias Gogakis at Vowlume Productions. “Back Again” stands as a statement of a soul finally aligned with its own truth.

Each track represents a milestone in a survivor’s journey, proving that even through the harshest storms, we do not simply endure—we emerge reborn, stronger, and redefined.

“Back Again” is Power Metal with a heartbeat, a soul, and a message: true strength is forged in the fire of reality.

Urban Spine Release Debut Album Cruelty by Design

 

Luxembourgish Heavy Metal band Urban Spine have released their debut album, Cruelty by Design, a ten-track assault that blends classic Thrash Metal intensity with the crushing force of modern Heavy Metal.

Formed in Luxembourg in 2020, the five-piece features vocalist Lionel Reinhard, guitarists Valenti Canadell and Jorge Asensio, bassist Armand Scholtes, and drummer Fränz Pellé. Built on aggressive riffs, heavy grooves, and raw live energy, Urban Spine have established a strong regional reputation through appearances at events including the Wacken Metal Battle and EMF Festival.

Cruelty by Design was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Fabien Cruzille at his home studio. Driven by frustration and real-world friction, the album offers a direct and uncompromising Heavy Metal attack.

Recommended for fans of Testament, Exodus, and Anthrax, Urban Spine deliver their debut with zero compromises and zero plastic.

REVIEW: BATTLEROAR, Battleroar

 

BATTLEROAR, Battleroar (2003)

Omicron

Ο δρόμος για τη Βαλχάλα περνά απ’ τη Μεσόγειο;

Άλλο ένα απ’ τα σχήματα που τιμούν τα ελληνικά χρώματα (έστω και τα ιταλικά!) όσον αφορά το Epic Power Metal ιδίωμα κι ένα απ’ τα καλύτερα ντεμπούτα στον χώρο, όχι μόνο της Ελλάδας αλλά και γενικότερα της Ευρώπης, τολμώ να πιστεύω!

Ο Marco Concoreggi, νυν τραγουδιστής των πολύ καλών Dexter Ward, ντύνει με τη φωνή του τις επικές μελωδίες του Μανώλη Καραζέρη (που επίσης πλέον κοσμεί κιθαριστικά τους Dexter Ward), το μπάσο του Κώστα Μακρυκώστα και τα ντραμς του Νίκου Παπαδόπουλου. Συμμετέχει, μάλιστα, σε δύο κομμάτια και ο κιθαρίστας Κώστας Τζώρτζης.

Με ήχο που παραπέμπει σε όλα τα καλά σχήματα του μεγαλειώδους παρελθόντος, ο ήχος τους στο άλμπουμ είναι όαση στ’ αφτιά του οπαδού του κλασικού, επικού Power Metal. Και με αυτό το πέπλο αυστηρής αισθητικής που χαρακτηρίζει τη φωνή του Marco και τις συνθέσεις, δε θα απογοητευτεί κανείς.

«Swordbrothers», «Vicious Path», «Egyptian Doom», «Mourning Sword», «Almuric», «Battleroar», το «Megaloman», στο οποίο συνδράμει κιθαριστικά και ο μεγάλος Kenny Powell των Omen, και «Berserker» είναι τα αψεγάδιαστα κομμάτια που ξεχωρίζουν από ένα σύνολο στα όρια του μυθικού.

English:

Does the Road to Valhalla Run Through the Mediterranean?

Another one of those bands that proudly carry the Greek colors (Italian ones, at least!) when it comes to the Epic Power Metal idiom, and, I dare say, one of the finest debuts in the field—not only in Greece, but across Europe in general!

Marco Concoreggi, now the vocalist of the excellent Dexter Ward, lends his voice to the epic melodies of Manolis Karazeris (who has also since joined Dexter Ward on guitar), alongside the bass of Kostas Makrykostas and the drums of Nikos Papadopoulos. Guitarist Kostas Tzortzis also makes an appearance on two tracks.

With a sound that brings to mind all the great bands of a glorious past, their sound on this album is an oasis to the ears of any fan of classic, epic Power Metal. And wrapped in that strict aesthetic veil that defines Marco’s vocals and the compositions themselves, this is an album that will leave no one disappointed.

“Swordbrothers,” “Vicious Path,” “Egyptian Doom,” “Mourning Sword,” “Almuric,” “Battleroar,” “Megaloman,” which also features the great Kenny Powell of Omen on guitar, and “Berserker” are the flawless tracks that stand out from a collection that borders on the mythical.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης