Following the acclaimed release of their latest album Wild Dogs Unchained, via Massacre Records, legendary US heavy metal power trio THE RODS have unveiled the new video for “Tears for the Innocent.” A haunting and emotionally charged track, which stands as one of the most poignant moments on the record.
Written and sung by guitarist/vocalist David “Rock” Feinstein, “Tears for the Innocent” is a heartfelt reflection on the devastation of war and the human suffering it leaves behind.
“This song is about senseless war, and the innocent people that die because of it,” explains Feinstein. “We cry for those innocent people and feel sorry for what they have lost. Their homes, their land, their lives.”
With its powerful message and stirring melodies, “Tears for the Innocent” showcases THE RODS’ timeless ability to merge heavy riffs with genuine emotion. A reminder that classic metal can still carry deep meaning and conscience.
The new video follows the release of Wild Dogs Unchained, a record that redefines the band’s legacy with renewed fire and uncompromising energy.
Australia’s’ metal warriors TEMTRIS will be touring Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium, the U.K. and Germany beginning on August 1st. Check out the tour mat above!
“Shattered Crosses is one of my favorite tunes on the new record,” says vocalist Jason McMaster, “and I could not be happier with the result of the writing and tone of the song. The lyrics are about the war efforts, the church efforts, and how governments send people off to war, seemingly only as a confusing way to make dealings of loss for big money.”
McMaster goes on to state that “the video is a step up in production from what we’ve done previously, including bigger cameras, a bigger venue, etc, which allowed us to really get the point across. We are a traditional heavy metal band and we want people to see and hear; we aren’t trying to rearrange or reinvent anything. It is straight-away classic metal and the video shows the world that intent.”
Photo Credit: Steve Miller
The video features camera work and visual production by PennyRock Productions. Budro Partida and the crew of PennyRock are quickly becoming nationally known for the company’s full feature documentary film, Bloody and Bruised – The Untold Story of the Back Room. The Back Room is a now defunct Rock and Metal venue in Austin, TX, which spawned a scene that attracted and hosted worldwide touring acts for over 30 years.
The stories told in the film are legendary, as local bands were discovered there and lifelong relationships made. Needless to say, the band is extremely proud to have had PennyRock produce the video.
“I’m a metal fan, so I was thrilled for the opportunity to work with a band the caliber of IGNITOR,” adds Partida. “Going into the shoot I knew that the visual tone of the video should be red-hot to match the ferocity of the song. I wanted the viewer to get a sun burn.”
“Shattered Crosses” is also available on all streaming outlets.
Horns and Hammers is available on Bandcamp via Metal on Metal Records, and in the United States onwww.revoltvinylrecords.com. Revolt Vinyl Records will make it available on CD and vinyl.
U.S. residents can order the CD directly from the band at ignitorband.com.
Line-up:
Stuart “Batlord” Laurence – Guitar Robert Williams – Guitar Jason McMaster – Vocals Billy “Chainsaw” Dansfiell – Bass Pat Doyle – Drums
You can now pre-order the LTD Print MetalChurch “The Best of Mike Howe” (2016-2021) vinyl record picture disc bundle, includes memorial guitar pick, 4×4 sticker and 8×10 insert. [ONLY 300 AVAILABLE!] This is the first, last and only pressing, once they are gone they are gone, so grab yours while supplies last!
There is also a CD Jewel-case version which includes an unreleased bonus/demo track “Never Grow Old”! Pre-orders will ship on or before December 16, 2022.
The Blood of Creation continues the reign of classic heavy metal that Iron Kingdom has been presenting over the years to music lovers of the style along with keeping the flame burning for a new generation.
“We wanted to create music in a style of metal that seemed to have been forgotten when we were kids. Since no one else seemed to be doing it, we decided to play metal the way it used to be played in the 70s and 80s. That was the reason for forming Iron Kingdom. Essentially, we wanted to give people an exciting show like an early Iron Maiden, Scorpions, or Saxon show from the 1980s.” recalls Osterman on the beginnings of the band.
Iron Kingdom has come a long way since their 2011 debut “Curse Of The Voodoo Queen” and their next offering is a potent full force of classic shredding heavy metal thunder and will take the fans into some unique fantastic worlds, but will also show a dark side of storytelling.
I think we started as a bit more of a hard rock band on the first record, taking a progressive metal dive for Gates Of Eternity and Ride For Glory, then for On The Hunt, I’d say we went fully classic metal, leading into this new record being a pretty solid mix of all those styles combined. We also came out of the pandemic, which brought some darker emotions some people may have never experienced previously that I think this album may parallel. In the end though, we want people to get the chance to escape this world for a time and find solace in the music.” adds Osterman.
The new album also sees new drummer Max Friesen (ex-Ophelia Falling) making his recording debut with the band to add another angle to their songwriting for this release. The album was self-produced by Iron Kingdom with mixing done by Andy Boldt and mastering by Greg Reely (Overkill, Fear Factory, 3 Inches of Blood).
Recommended for fans of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Helloween, and Saxon.
Fun Fact: ‘Queen Of The Crystal Throne’ played on City TV for Hockey Night In Canada (Montreal Vs Dallas) – Sat Oct 22, 2022
Swedish Epic Heavy Metal duo Sordid Blade will release full-length debut album Every Battle HasIts Glory October 14 on CD, vinyl LP, and digital formats via Gates of Hell Records.
The album’s first single, “Hidden Enthronement,” is available to stream at: youtu.be/CWW4gOuwiFs
“I view heavy metal as an art form.” It is this simple but impactful summation that spills into the music of multi-instrumentalist and Sordid Blade figurehead Niklas Holm. Formed in 2021 out of his desire to create an epic heavy metal band in the vein of Hammerheart-era Bathory, Manilla Road and Warlord, Holm issued Sordid Blade’s two-song MMXXI demo in 2021. It was an early indicator of Holm’s ability to meld heroic proto-metal with the style and persuasion of his primary influences. After a brief period of soliciting prospective labels, Sordid Blade found its rightful place on Gates of Hell Records for the release of their first full-length, Every Battle Has Its Glory.
Every Battle Has Its Glory was tracked over the course of a year with engineer Kim Ekwall Lattik, with drum recording provided by Magnus Jonsson at Milk Studio, who also mixed the album. The album marks the first appearance of drummer Micael Zetterberg, who joined Sordid Blade after the release of MMXXI. Together, Holm and Zetterberg tap into the broad, illustrious field of true, mid-paced anthemic metal, harnessing stout riffing and choice melodies to form a sound that remains faithful to the style’s storied past.
Line-up:
Niklas Holm: Vocals, Guitar, and Bass
Micael Zetterberg – Drums
Holm’s lyrics deal with existential themes and how the individual can gain strength by focusing on what’s really important in the world. His lyrics are driven by metaphor, developing a sort of “code” for the listener to decipher. Once they do, they will find a wealth of songs with deep, emotional subject matter that adds another layer of depth and intrigue to Sordid Blade. Even the instrumental “Kiolsvarf” is topical — it is a Swedish term to describe a family drowning at sea.
The Carl Larsson (1853-1919)-created cover art was the last piece to the Every Battle Has Its Glory puzzle. Zetterberg found one of Larsson’s paintings in a book and shared it with Holm. Holm knew the creation was the perfect choice — its dark style reflected the overall theme of the album.
It is by which this thoughtful depth and exploratory nature that Sordid Blade sets itself apart. The epic metal field is growing increasingly crowded, but for those in search of something with an emotional and personal atmosphere, there is no better choice circa 2022 than Sordid Blade.
Italian heavy metal band Crying Steel have announced that they have signed to Underground Symphony Records for the release of their upcoming album.
The 5th studio album is scheduled to be released in January 2023 in deluxe digital format. Further information will be revealed soon.
Underground Symphony is also based in Italy and is known to have released material from bands such as Sabaton, Labyrinth, Manilla Road, White Skull among others.
The band commented: “We are honoured to be joining Underground Symphony’s roster and have a feeling we will have a fruitful relationship. After being stuck at home during the pandemic lockdowns, we can’t wait to show you the new music we cooked up. Stay Steel!”
Crying Steel was formed in 1982 and is considered to be one of the very first heavy metal acts to come out of Italy. The band’s discography includes: Crying Steel (1985), On the Prowl (1987), The Steel is Back! (2007), Time Stands Steel (2013), Stay Steel (2018) and Steel Alive (2019).
Crying Steel will be performing at Boyler Fest, Bologna (17th September), Sheratan Live Club, Carpi (24th September), Metropolis Live Club, Frosinone (7 October) and Let it Beer, Rome (8 October) with more dates to be announced soon.
Los Angeles (CA) – Traditional Heavy Metal stalwarts RESISTANCE have released long-awaited new album SkullsofMyEnemy on CD and digital formats via Pure Steel Records. Written and recorded during the darkest days of the pandemic, Skulls Of My Enemy offers eight new songs (plus the Intro) that are an ode to Heavy Metal.
SkullsofMyEnemy is streaming on most major digital platforms, including YouTube and Spotify.
RESISTANCE have crossed swords once more to call down the thunder with their finest album to date. SkullsofmyEnemy is an anthem-laced call to arms, which will rally the metal legions worldwide. RESISTANCE have captured the sound and energy of their live performance with a sonic battle cry from the stage straight through your skull. SkullsofmyEnemy delivers on all things you expect from The Los Angeles Metal Machine.
Since their 2000 inception, RESISTANCE have become one of the standout bands carrying the torch of the NWOTHM. Through years of writing, recording and touring through North America, South America, Europe and the Mediterranean, RESISTANCE have forged and refined their brand of American Power Metal. The quintet has released four prior studio albums and have now ridden into battle with its fifth release on Pure Steel Records.
Skulls Of My Enemy was recorded at the band’s own studio, The Metal Room. It was mixed and mastered by Ronald Sandoval at Rev Studios in Chino CA.
Skulls Of My Enemy is the culmination of all things RESISTANCE and it will hit you like a hammer strike to an anvil! Hail to the Horns!
Track Listing:
Call to Arms (Intro)
Valhalla has Locked its Doors
On Dragon Wings
Earthshaker
Nordic Witch
Empires Fall
Templar’s Creed
Awaken the Necromancer
Metallium
Line-Up:
Robbie Hett – vocals Dan Luna – guitars Nano Lugo – guitars PaulShigo – Bass MattOhnemus – Drums
Hitting the road with EXMORTUS & HATRIOT next month! This will be our first tour since Dec. 2019, and we couldn’t be more excited. If you’re in the vicinity of the West Coast, then we hope to see you there!
7/5 San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick 7/6 Las Vegas – The Usual Place 7/7 Tucson, AZ – The Edge Bar 7/8 El Paso, TX – Rockhouse 7/9 Gallup, NM – Juggernaut Music 7/10 Denver, CO – Marquis Theater 7/11 Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge 7/12 Boise, ID – The Shredder 7/13 Seattle, WA – Funhouse 7/14 Portland, OR – Dante’s 7/15 Ukiah, CA – The Thirsty Axe 7/16 Reno, NV – Devastation in the Desert Fest – Virginia St. Brewhouse *no Hatriot 7/17 Santa Cruz, CA – Vets Hall 7/18 Fresno, CA – Full Circle Brewery District
Album Cover art by noted fantasy artist Gerald Brom (Doom, Diablo, World of Warcraft)
Toronto-based heavy metal outfit SKULLFIST are pleased to reveal their latest video single, “For The Last Time.” The track comes by way of the band’s impending new full-length, PaidInFull, set for release on April 22nd via Atomic Fire Records.
Comments the band’s Zach Schottler, “We filmed this video in -20º C weather in my shed. For your sake, I hope you are nowhere near as cold as we were when we did this. This song was actually written more recently than the other ones and I’m happy its tombstone has finally been erected.”
View SKULL FIST’s “For The Last Time” video HERE. Listen, download, or stream the track HERE.
View previously released single “Long Live The Fist” at THIS LOCATION. The song is available on all streaming platforms HERE.
Since their steely inception back in 2006, dungeon keeper Zach Schottler and his shredding band of reckless companions have released three classic heavy metal almanacs, have eaten more dust than is good for their health, have endured various hardships and propped up countless beers at countless bars in countless cities. But now, after fifteen years of metal and mayhem, Schottler is coming into his own with the proverbially titled PaidInFull album, a heavy metal wonder of the defiant middle finger variant. With heads held high, empty pockets, and enough gas to make the next show, SKULLFIST has won 2022. Don’t mess with the FIST. The FIST is the law!
Written at home and recorded at Vespa Studios near Toronto, PaidInFull encompasses Schottler’s sonic efforts of the past two years: tales of steel and legends from the underworld…
Paid In Full will be available on digipak CD, vinyl in various color variants, limited edition boxset, and digitally. Find preorders at THIS LOCATION.
If you are serious about Heavy Metal, then CRYSTAL VIPER most likely doesn’t need introduction. The band was founded by Marta Gabriel on vocals/guitar and released their debut album in 2007. Since then, they toured in more than 15 countries, played in both tiny clubs and at huge open air festivals, released 8 studio albums and a bunch of singles. They have proved to be one of the most hard working and most determined bands of their generation.
The band’s latest studio album entitled ‘The Cult’ was released in 2021 and brought CRYSTALVIPER back to their traditional and pure Heavy Metal roots. The band couldn’t tour properly to promote their new album due to the pandemic, so they decided to record more material instead of sitting and waiting for better times hence the thrilling ’The Last Axeman’ release to be issued on March 25th.
It vigorously starts with a re-recorded version of good old fan favorite ’The Last Axeman’, then brand new song “In The Haunted Chapel’ rips in, lyrically inspired by an H.P. Lovecraft story like all songs on ’The Cult’ album . The band knows their brand of Metal very well, so included is a surprise cover song: a remake of “Ulitsa Roz”, originally written by Russian Heavy Metal heroes ARIA. All 3 songs are exclusive to ‘The Last Axeman’ release.
Follows is a cover of über classic headbanger ‘It’s Electric’ written by NWOBHM heroes DIAMOND HEAD, joined by four ‘Live in the Studio’ (as part of the #RockOutSessions series) recordings of songs initially featured on “The Cult’. Those new, stripped down and rough versions of ‘The Cult’, ‘Asenath Waite’, ‘Whispers From Beyond’ and ‘Flaring Madness’ show the band’s pure and untamed energy.
#RockOutSessions live in studio was also released on youtube on Listenable channel. Watch HERE.
CRYSTALVIPER are genuinely passionate about Heavy Metal and represent the Metal Nation! “The Last Axeman” is set to be released on March 25th, 2022.
CRYSTALVIPER are: Marta Gabriel – vocals, guitars AndyWave – guitars Eric Juris – guitars Blaze Grygiel – bass CederickForsberg – drums
Tracklisting: 1 The Last Axeman 03:49 2 In The Haunted Chapel 04:21 3 Ulitsa Roz (ARIA cover) 05:49 4 It’s Electric (DIAMOND HEAD cover) 03:36 5 The Cult (RockOutSessions) 04:38 6 Asenath Waite (RockOutSessions) 04:45 7 Whispers From Beyond (RockOutSessions) 04:48 8 Flaring Madness (RockOutSessions) 05:04
Discography: The Curse of Crystal Viper (Album – 2007) Metal Nation (Album – 2009) Legends (Album – 2010) Crimen Excepta (Album – 2012) Possession (Album – 2013) Queen of the Witches (Album – 2017) Tales of Fire and Ice (Album – 2019) The Cult (LISTENABLE Album – 2021) The Last Axeman (LISTENABLE Album- 2022)
NamelessGraveRecords presents CrestOfTheMartyrsDemos, an alternate/demo version of TWISTEDTOWERDIRE’s adored third album, making the recordings available for the first time.
In the days of olde, after classic heavy metal was supplanted by extreme music and before the current reignition of interest that the genre has enjoyed, Northern Virginia’s TWISTED TOWER DIRE tirelessly defended true heavy metal in all forms as they sought to breathe new light into a then largely dead genre. By the time their now-legendary third album Crest Of The Martyrs was written they were on top of the world, having played Wacken for the first time a couple years earlier and having released two full-lengths on The Miskatonic Foundation, run by Rich Walker of Solstice fame, as well as a wide array of EPs, splits, compilation tracks, and more.
Crest Of The Martyrs was the next step: a bigger power metal label, sleeker production, and TWISTED TOWER DIRE’s biggest hooks and choruses yet. Underneath the gleaming power metal edge provided by the production provided by the label and studio still lurked the same triumphing true metal band, however, and for the first time, Nameless Grave Records is proud to present Crest Of The Martyrs the way the band originally intended it: as a devastating, lean set of heavy metal bangers untouched by modern power metal production, and alternate studio decisions.
Old fans of the band can rejoice to have this different set of recordings available for the first time, and new fans can marvel at the powerhouse of one of America’s finest bands playing at their best. Highly recommended for fans of Visigoth, Pharaoh, and Omen.
Recorded in 2002 at Killabrew Studios, produced by Matt Crooks and TWISTED TOWER DIRE, and mastered by Dan Lowndes at Resonance Sound Studios, Crest Of The Martyrs Demos is completed with artwork personally done for this release by guitarist Scott Waldrop. The CD version features bonus tracks not included on the vinyl, including a second demo as well as a live track from Wacken 2003, and both the CD and vinyl editions bear liner notes from the band. The LP will be pressed in a total run of 500 copies, including 300 on Black and 100 on Silver. No Remorse Records (Greece) will have an exclusive 100 copies on Light Blue vinyl.
Stream the previously unreleased version of TWISTED TOWER DIRE’s “Some Other Time, Some Other Place” RIGHT HERE.
Crest Of The Martyrs Demos will be released through Nameless Grave Records on March 3rd. Find preorders at Bandcamp HERE and the label webshop HERE.
Crest Of The Martyrs Demos Track Listing:
At Night
Some Other Time, Some Other Place
Axes And Honor
To Be A Champion
Infinitum
Fight To Be Free
Transfixed
Guardian Bloodline
The Reflecting Pool
TWISTED TOWER DIRE Crest Of The Martyrs lineup: Tony Taylor – vocals Scott Waldrop – guitar David Boyd – guitar Marc Stauffer – drums Jim Hunter – bass
Portland (OR) – Epic/Traditional Heavy Metal quartet MAMORLIS will release sophomore album SturdyasanOak on March 8. The band will self-release the album on digital and CD formats. The cassette version will be released in Europe through Cursed Ritual Records.
The first single, “Wolfric The Wild,” is streaming at: youtu.be/0Txn4_kpCrg or enjoy below:
Following the band’s 2019 self-titled debut album, on SturdyasanOak, MAMORLIS further refines its authentic mix of epic heavy metal and doom. The foursome combines a warm, vintage style that recalls the songwriting prowess of bands like Slough Feg and classic Iron Maiden with lyrical content covering folklore, fantasy stories, action movies, and old video games.
The band released the following statement concerning SturdyasanOak:
“If you like music, you’re gonna love this. The second Mamorlis album, Sturdy as an Oak: Six tracks that will make any traditional metal fan as sturdy as an oak. Songs about alcoholic knights, bushrangers, rat pirates, and Clancy Brown. If you’re sturdy for four or more hours after listening, you’re welcome.”
Vancouver (BC) – New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal newcomers Maule have released a new song from their forthcoming debut album. “Sword Woman” is available to stream at: youtu.be/i9E0IYetTF4
Maule will release their self-titled, full-length debut album January 14, 2022 on Gates of Hell Records (a Cruz Del Sur Music sub-label). Pre-orders are available at the following links:
A lyric video for opening track “Evil Eye” is available at: youtu.be/eB5noCcqIRM
Pure, aggressive traditional metal that captures the spirit of NWOBHM for the 21st century! On their self-titled album, Vancouver’s Maule reinvigorates the sounds of the early 1980s with a fresh, energetic twist, making it one of the year’s most exciting debuts!
More than four decades after its arrival, the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) continues to inspire new musicians. Its first wave, of course, helped create thrash and laid the groundwork for the European and North American metal scenes that would take shape throughout the ensuing decade. And while Iron Maiden and Saxon emerged as the unabashed mainstays of the style, bands like Angel Witch, Blitzkrieg, Diamond Head and Tygers of Pan Tang established the core sonic tenants that now live on through bands a generation removed, including Vancouver, British Columbia’s Maule.
Formed in 2017 by rhythm guitarist/vocalist Jakob Weel and bassist Johnny Maule, Maule broke onto the scene in 2019 with their From Hell demo. The five-song offering made waves throughout the metal underground, showcasing a young band with a deft grasp on traditional metal. As it turns out, Johnny Maule and original lead guitarist Daniel Gottardo came from a classical and jazz music background, informing their unique sense of riffs, rhythms and songwriting arrangements. The momentum from the From Hell demo carried the band into 2020 when they began work on what became their eponymous debut, their first release for Gates of Hell Records.
Recorded in February 2020 at Little Red Sounds Studio with producer and engineer Michael Kraushaar, who previously manned the From Hell sessions, Maule’s self-titled debut is an nine-song realization of the band’s sound, stocked with thrash-inspired riffing, anthemic choruses, blazing leads and Weel’s sharp, biting vocal approach that capably handles aggressive and mid-tempo material. (Gottardo played all leads on the album, but has since been replaced by Justin Walker.)
Lyrically, Maule embraces the storytelling philosophy embraced throughout classic metal with tales of life and death, with additional nods to Robert E. Howard and H.P. Lovecraft. The album’s cover art was created by Dave Levi Holland and was based on a sketch from Johnny Maule.
Track Listing:
Evil Eye
Ritual
Summoner
Maule
Red Sonya
Sword Woman
Father Time
March of the Dead
We Ride
Album Line-Up: Jakob Weel – Vocals/guitars Daniel Gottardo – Lead guitars Johnny Maule – Bass Eddie Riumin – Drums
Current Line-Up: Jakob Weel – Vocals/guitars Justin Walker – Lead guitars Johnny Maule – Bass Eddie Riumin – Drums
“2021 wasn’t an easy year. We released new studio album “The Cult”, but we managed to play literally 3 live shows only, as our other festival appearances and the European Tour on which we were supposed to promote new album were either postponed or cancelled. So instead, we did few new studio recordings, including full #RockOutSessions recording, where we played 4 songs from “The Cult” in the live, stripped down versions. We decided to release the video version for free – it’s our way of saying thank you to all the fans who are supporting us in those weird times, who bought the new album. The same material will be later released as Side-B of our special Mini Album, which will be released in the next few months, and which will include few rather big surprises!”.
CRYSTAL VIPER’s latest studio album “The Cult”, as well as Marta Gabriel’s first solo album “Metal Queens” were released in 2021 by Listenable Records.
The magnificent JUDASPRIEST have announced their 2021 tour dates running from September through early November. JUDASPRIEST are celebrating their 50 plus years of Heavy Metal!
Special guest is the mighty SABATON. Check it all out on the tour flyer above! Metal be thy name!!
One of the very first Italian heavy metal bands returns with its first full-length album in eight years, Metal Shock! Trailblazing and traditional metal ensemble TIR will release Metal Shock May 10th on Gates of Hell Records. The album’s first single is streaming below.
Metal Shock is the band’s second full-length in a career that dates back to 1980. Metal Shock is an album that challenges the old-school metal status quo by having lyrics sung entirely in Italian.
Recorded at Trick Studio in Rome in late 2018/early 2019, Metal Shock is sung entirely in Italian, giving TIR yet another angle in a career that has been marked by going against the grain. Several of the songs found on Metal Shock date all the way back to the band’s halcyon ’80s period and were subsequently re-written and tinkered with until the members of TIR were satisfied. This type of meticulous detail shines throughout the album, where TIR’s penchant for knifing twin guitar melodies, hefty gallops and the multi-faceted vocal capabilities of Cialone are pure touchstones of metal’s undisputed glory era.
Traditional metal fans will instantly heed the call of TIR’s melody-dominated style and taut songwriting approach. Metal Shock marks a new beginning for a band, who, even as they are approaching the four-decade mark, are playing some of their most inspired material to date. TIR shows with Metal Shock that there is nothing stronger than conviction.
A year away from their 40th anniversary, Italian traditional metal outfit TIR remains one of the best-kept secrets in the underground. Formed in 1980 by the guitar tandem of Sergio Bonelli and Danilo Antonini, TIR opted for the path of most resistance: Instead of releasing studio albums and seeking major label assistance, they preferred to perform live shows. Their performances soon became can’t-miss events in Rome. Aided by fire, pyrotechnics and even live snakes, TIR’s reputation spread like wildfire (no pun intended) in their home city, catapulting their lone release of the decade, 1984’s self-titled demo, into the frenzied world of underground tape trading. However, while the metal scene waited for TIR to record a proper full-length album, the band stuck to their guns and simply kept playing live.
TIR would split in 1986, only to reform two years later. It wasn’t until 2011 that the band saw fit to release an album of original material, the appropriately titled Heavy Metal. Eight years later, TIR (who, in addition to Bonelli and Antonini, comprise long-time bassist Dino Gubinelli, vocalist Giuseppe Cialone and drummer Piero Arioni) return with Metal Shock, their first release for Gates of Hell Records.
Above album cover artwork by Italian illustrator: Roberto Toderico.
NewTygers Of Pan Tang promo clip: “Gangland” – taken from the forthcoming CD album “Tygers Sessions: The First Wave” – coming soon on Skol Records! PLEASE SHARE!
MAUSOLEUM GATE – Finland’s Mausoleum Gate sure did their Metal research when it comes to Classic/Traditional Metal; their self-titled, debut album makes for powerful sonic proof of my stating such. Many old school Metal fans will surely get jubilant over the overall sound, energy and rhythms that Mausoleum Gate have tapped into. This clever band has even tipped their hats to the NWOBHM vibrations as well. Guitar fueled songs such as Demon Droid and Lost Beyond The Sun showcases Mausoleum Gate as a Metal band that digs the classic six-string jam and long solos.
If I didn’t know better, I would honestly think Mausoleum Gate came from the late 70’s or early 80’s, they have absorbed that era of Metal stylings so well! Still, there is that ever presence of sonic relevancy due to the rejuvenated Traditional Metal scene that really never evaporated entirely in the first place. The splendid idea of Mausoleum Gate incorporating an organ to their Metal is nothing short of genius; it only captures those hazy shades of early 70’s Metal all the more glowingly.
The bass and drumming on this album gives me the chills at times, with an almost haunting sense that this rhythm section plays. Great stuff. Vocalist V.-P Varpula is a marvelous listen, falling somewhere between Don Dokken and a restrained Bruce Dickinson. Um, I hope that makes sense. The title track is an epic 11:37 long and has become one of those captivating songs that I love escaping from reality with. Great stuff.
This album is not Screaming For Vengeance and it’s not Iron Maiden either. Instead this album is a six song reminder that the seeds of Classic Metal were planted properly many years ago and propagated a very promising, very exciting Metal band known as Mausoleum Gate. Metal be thy name – Stone.
Mausoleum Gate was released on October 7th, 2014, via Cruz del Sur Music.
Turn the volume to HIGH and enjoy some MAUSOLEUM GATE! Support this tremendous METAL band! Whoa!
You can now Preorder the Double Red Vinyl version of Ronnie James Dio’s “This Is Your Life” Tribute Album!! This is a MUST HAVE for all Dio Fans and Vinyl Collectors!!! 100% of the $$$$ received by the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund will go directly to cancer research and to help find a cure! Preorder here: http://smarturl.it/diovinyl
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
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