PALANTYR - The Ascent & the Hunger EP review

 

PALANTYR - The Ascent & the Hunger EP

Dying Victims Productions

Every so often you get a year in Extreme Metal where there's a certain type of sound really making a stand as opposed to trendy bullshit. In my not so humble opinion 2025 is the year of female fronted bands ruling the roost. and here is just another cool one. 

PALANTYR is a five piece Traditional Metal act hailing from France. Technically this is their debut release but there's some baggage to it. This is a six song release. The first three tracks come from a release they did earlier this year and put out on Jawbreaker Records. the next three cuts are new. That's why it's called The Ascent and The Hunger. 

Now before I get into the vocal part let's start with the overall music sound. Much of this musically is in the MAIDEN-esque realm of sound. Some tracks like "Shan E Sorkh" and "Ravenous" stray away from the whole galloping riffs and dive bombing melodic soloing. But hey I'd rather listen to new bands doing it then modern day IRON MAIDEN. 

As far as vocalist Athenais Kordian goes, she has a powerful voice that's not over the top or gimmicky. She comes across as a gutsy Metal woman with a cool vocal range. On the song "Nosferatu" she let's her vocal talent shine throughout. On "Graveyard" she really stands out.

In the end I think this band needs a full length. Yeah I like what I'm hearing on this release. But they need to prove themselves further which I'll be the first SOB to say hell yeah! For now yeah this is a must have release.  

https://dying-victims.de/

LISTEN HERE:

https://dyingvictimsproductions.bandcamp.com/album/the-ascent-the-hunger

CRIMSON STORM - Livin' On the Bad Side review

CRIMSON STORM - Livin' On the Bad Side

Fighter Records

For some reason this band's name sounds so familiar. Prior to this release, which is their full length debut, CRIMSON STORM only put out short form releases aka: a handful of singles and an EP. The band is from Italy and has been around since 2009. So hey good for them for finally getting a full length out. But obviously it's taken some line-up changes to get to this point. 

Guitarist Logan Heads started this band in 2009. He's the only original band member. On this album he's with vocalist Pau Correas who joined in 2017. On bass there's Aless Oppossed who also came on board in 2017. Last but not least is drummer Pol Esteban Sanchez their newest band member who joined in 2023. 

So musically CRIMSON STORM is, according to the PR info, a Speed Metal / Traditional Metal band. In other words it's early Power Metal which I don't think is a bad thing to say. I mean the early albums from bands who would later be called Power Metal were full on Speed Metal, Traditional Metal and Thrash all rolled into one. Back in the day I just called it Metal. 

Be that as it may this album by CRIMSON STORM is pretty fuckin killer. First and foremost are the vocals by Pau Correas. I mean he sounds like Graham Bonnet albeit with a higher range. So for an old fuck like me who still loves that cool era of 80's Metal ah yeah he's cool. 

You add to that the amazing guitar work of Logan Heads. Aside from his speedy riffs the guy throws down some insane leads whether they be classic HM style or melodic Thrash style works of intensity. Add to all of that you've got a rhythm section that has enough power to keep a city lite for a month. 

Livin on the Bad Side is nine cuts with the opening track being an instrumental intro. With that said this is a perfect album. I mean there's not one bad track on here. Most of the songs are fast as a shark in for the kill. But "Nightmare Deceiver" is a slower rocking 1980's throwback. It could be a fuckin hit song! All in all I like this album a lot. This is the band you wanna see on the main stage at Wacken. Nuff Said!

http://www.fighter-records.com/

LISTEN HERE:

https://fighter-records.bandcamp.com/album/livin-on-the-bad-side

GREYHAWK - Thunderheart review

 

GREYHAWK - Thunderheart

Fighter Records

I've been seeing a lot of interest in what is called The New Wave Of Classic Metal or Traditional Metal. Hell even the Youtube show Sea of Tranquility now has a segmant on it. Which just shows ya the music is getting recognized by the mainstream. The fact is this stuff has florished in the underground for a long time now. And it's been championed by cool underground labels like Fighter Records as well as many others.

So what we have here is the second full length by Seattle, Washington's GREYHAWK. This is a band I've been a fan of for some time. They started out in 2016, put out two EPs and a full length and I liked their style of metal. I mean it's classic as far as old school NWOBHM and early power metal sounds go. But on this latest release things have changed a bit.

First off there's a line up change. Gone is guitarist Jacquelynn Ziel and she is replaced by Rob Steinway. Otherwise the band is the same. Musically things have changed since their last EP which came out in 2022. Half of the cuts on here still follow the whole fantasy classic power metal route. Then you get other cuts like for example "Ombria (City of the Night)" or "Rock & Roll City" which come across as 80's hard rock. 

I'm not knocking on em since they pull it off well. Vocalist Rev Taylor does a great job with his mid-range singing style as well as his shouts and of course falsetto screams. Of course a big plus is the amazing guitar soloing by Jesse Berlin. He still shreds in the Yngwie Malmsteen style, aka: all over the place. In the end it's a decent album although I wish it was more power metal than hard rock.

http://www.fighter-records.com/

LISTEN HERE: 

https://fighter-records.bandcamp.com/album/thunderheart

MEGA COLOSSUS - Showdown review

 

MEGA COLOSSUS - Showdown

Cruz del Sur Music

Raleigh, North Carolina's own traditional metal band comes out with their fourth full length since starting out back in the mid 2000s. In all honesty I've never written about this band nor have I seen em live over the years. So hey no hometown bias alert on my part. I do remember years ago when they first started out and the local music media were hyping the hell out of em. Then again the local music media were a bunch of hipsters. 

 

Be that as it is this latest from MEGA COLOSSUS is a melodic power metal sounding release. I mean sure there's plenty of MAIDEN-esque galloping riffs but also some 70's hard rock riffage like on the title cut. There are times listening to this when I'm thinking "imagine when Metal actually rocked." I mean lead vocalist Sean Buchanan can wail. 

Musically this is cool as far as old Power Metal meets some damm good 80's Metal standards and toss in some DRAGONFORCE influence. There's plenty of highlights like the amazing guitar solo work, which is eclectic as hell, the harmonies and the wild song structures will capture your ears to the fullest. And hey like I said earlier the vocals are amazing. 

The sad truth is that MEGA COLOSSUS is a band that should be playing at WACKEN but will most likely be playing a half empty club here in Raleigh. Showdown, despite it's horrible cover artwork, should be something that any power metal fan will love. 

 

https://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/

LISTEN HERE:

https://colossusmetal.bandcamp.com/album/showdown

LORD MOUNTAIN - The Oath review

 

LORD MOUNTAIN - The Oath

King Volume Records

As I've gotten older I sometimes equate my favorite music in the same vein as comfort food. Sure it's not fancy or dazzling but you're familiar with it. And obviously it makes ya feel good. So with that said here we have LORD MOUNTAIN a four piece doom / traditional metal act from Santa Rosa, California. This is the band's debut full length since starting out in 2014. If you're a classic doom metal fan then this is your comfort food.

Of the eight cuts on here (actually seven with one being a short instrumental) you've got mostly mid-paced songs with a few rockers. The vocals come across like a youthful Ozzy. The songs are all about mystical realms and sword / shield carrying fantasy. The riffs are not crushing and the guitar soloing is damm good. I like the real audible bass lines. I think the songs on here just have a great inviting tempo which is what you want with doom / traditional metal. 

I know others will name drop the classic doom heritage artists of the past in order to describe this one. But for me I think of GATES OF SLUMBER, PAGAN ALTAR and LORD VICAR as references. LORD MOUNTAIN fails into those ranks because they remind ya of the past, the band definitely shows talent as well as conviction to the source material. And of course their future is bright so I look forward to following this band's career. 

LISTEN TO & BUY HERE:

https://lordmountain1.bandcamp.com/album/the-oath

SMOULDER - Violent Creed Of Vengeance review

 

SMOULDER - Violent Creed Of Vengeance

Cruz del Sur Music

Here we have the second album by Canada's SMOULDER. I really liked their debut, Times of Obscene Evil and Wild Daring, from 2019. After listening to this new one a few times it's obvious the sophomore jinx does not apply. SMOULDER are, or should be, looked upon as true greatness as far as true metal goes in these modern times. 

So there are a lot of things going on here to that greatness. First and foremost are the vocals by Sarah Ann Vincent. This woman has a powerful vocal style that oozes true metal. She sings from the heart which you've gotta love. She's got a powerful  gutsy style going on. And she's the perfect singer for this style of music. 

SMOULDER are a touch MAIDEN-esque (aka: galloping rhythms, twin guitar harmonies and of course some amazing leads). Add to that they love some doom as well as the whole old ways of MANILLA ROAD and a touch of CIRITH UNGOL with better vocals of course. Yes it's old school metal worship with no hits or MTV videos. Sarah Ann Vincent and company come off doing sagas on all of the seven cuts here. 

Violent Creed Of Vengeance is an amazing album and something that I'll be listening to for a long time. SMOULDER did not just put out a second album. They put out a masterpiece. The tag line for them is epic metal (whatever that means) but hey the close to ten minute opus "Dragonslayer's Doom" is pretty fuckin epic.   

https://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/

LISTEN HERE:

https://smoulder.bandcamp.com/album/violent-creed-of-vengeance

CAUCHEMAR – Rosa Mystica review

 

CAUCHEMAR – Rosa Mystica

Temple of Mystery Records

CAUCHEMAR is a traditional metal/doom act from Quebec. I first learned about em back in 2010 with their La vierge noire EP. Their singer, Annick Giroux, also put out Hellbent for Cooking: The Heavy Metal Cookbook. I'm a chef so of course I got it. So here we have the band's third full length. Their last one, Chapelle ardente, came out in 2016. Oh yeah that one was amazing.

What I like about CAUCHEMAR is that they have a formula sound which they stick with without experimenting outside of their realm. They know how to create great music and expand upon it with each new release. On this one you've got the basics. Annick Giroux, who sings in French, has this medium range vocal and comes across as some type of occult mystic. Her vocals are very captivating to say the least.

The vocals are backed by a musical sound reminiscent of the nascent era of NWOBHM or earlier. Years ago I remember reading some people saying they had a PRIEST or SABBATH influence. As for me I always thought PAGAN ALTAR. And hey no surprise that Alan Jones of PAGAN ALTAR does a guitar solo on the song "Volcan". Now besides that there's some cool organ added to some songs. 

Musically this is a tough yet melodic sounding release. The basic is always an atmosphere which is inviting with the riffs as well as percussion. The vocals are the icing on the cake. Bias alert, I've been a fan of their's for twelve years now. To me this album never ends. After it's eight songs pass you push replay and enjoy it all over again. Yeah this is one of the best albums of 2022.

https://templeofmystery.ca/

LISTEN HERE:

https://cauchemar.bandcamp.com/

GREYHAWK - Call of the Hawk EP review

 

GREYHAWK - Call of the Hawk EP

Fighter Records

Well this band is definitely "bound by steel" as is sung in the lyrics of their opening cut "Steelbound".  Here we have a five song EP by this five piece Seattle, Washington metal act. Actually it's their second EP since the band's debut was the self released six song (five cuts and an intro) Ride Out EP from 2018. 

Now in 2020 the band released their debut full length, Keepers of the Flame, which also came out on Fighter Records. That was a pretty damm good album if you're into traditional metal. And if you're not then please leave and go somewhere else. But as far as this one goes my only gripe would be why just a five song EP?

Otherwise Call of the Hawk is a perfect continuation from their debut full length. Musically yes it's rooted in classic 80's style metal with some power metal touches. As far as that latter point there's some decent Yngwie Malmsteen influenced soloing, a few epic touches. But mainly classic heavy metal, or "true metal" as MANOWAR fans love to say, is the template here.

The EP has the twin guitar harmonies from days of yore. Catchy songs with good rhythms, I like the vocals with the occasional heavy metal screams and it bares repeating amazing guitar soloing. Call of the Hawk is a very good EP which should've been an album.

http://www.fighter-records.com/

LISTEN HERE:

https://greyhawkmetal.bandcamp.com/album/call-of-the-hawk

ETERNAL CHAMPION - Ravening Iron review

 

ETERNAL CHAMPION - Ravening Iron

No Remorse Records

Here we have the second album by US traditional metal stalwarts ETERNAL CHAMPION. I gotta say that their debut, The Armor of Ire, from 2016 was a favorite of mine. Back then they were following in the footsteps of MANILLA ROAD and CIRITH UNGOL. Basically with this new one they're still on the same path. 

There's been a few decent US bands in the past two decades whom I like that have also walked this same influence road. So it's being familiar with the sound which gives ETERNAL CHAMPION a standing in my good graces. Plus there's some really cool songs with riffs that gallop along in the mighty MAIDEN way. I do like the monotone style vocals and the guitar solos on here are true metal amazing. The atmospheric parts I can handle to a point. 

I tried comparing this to their debut from a few years ago. Basically I see this as a cool follow-up which doesn't stray away from their original vision. It took me a few listens to fully appreciate Ravening Iron. In the end it's a reminder of why metal fans of yore who liked the mainstream releases at the time also became hounds in the scene's underground treasures.

https://www.noremorse.gr/

LISTEN HERE:

https://eternalchampion.bandcamp.com/album/ravening-iron

SPACE PARASITES - Raw and Violent review

SPACE PARASITES - Raw and Violent

Zoundr




I gotta say as far as the extreme music front for 2020 has been going I'm surprised. I wasn't expecting a flood of bands pushing traditional metal coming in. Seeing the sign of the times you'd think there would be more music promoting despair, doom and destruction. Instead it's mostly sounds worthy of raising your horned fist to, banging your head and slamming into people at a crowded show. Yeah we won't be doing that for a while.


Case in point here we have the debut full length by Germany's SPACE PARASITES. It's a fourteen song over fifty minute romp of  thrash and some traditional metal influences. And speaking of the latter this four piece (two women. two men) loves em some SLAYER as well as METALLICA. OK sure who doesn't but I'm talking about blatant borrowing of riffs. Plus their singer, Danger Diene, adds a Tom Araya style scream once in a while. 


Musically it's standard 80's era thrash with vocals that come across with a more punk screech. Frankly I just keep thinking this is probably more geared to new day punks who like their stuff demo quality or nothing. The guitarist here is the band's saving grace with some decent soloing that cuts through the obvious rehash. Save this for the kid sporting an 80's mohawk.


https://www.zoundr.com/

https://spaceparasites.bandcamp.com/releases

https://www.facebook.com/Spaceparasites/

LADY BEAST - The Vulture's Amulet review

LADY BEAST - The Vulture's Amulet

Reaper Metal Productions




First time I heard of this band was from watching an interview with this band's singer, Deborah Levine, on the Heavy Metal Relics Youtube show. Right after that I checked out their Vicious Breed full length which came out on Cruz del Sur Records back in 2017. That one was damm good so it's cool to see they're back with another.


Just for the record LADY BEAST is a five piece act from Pittsburgh, PA. The Vulture's Amulet is the band's fourth full length since starting out in 2009. Musically they're a straight up traditional metal act. There's no gimmicks or genre twists on here which some bands like to use to overshadow bad songs. 


LADY BEAST stick to the dynamic hard hitting metal style from the past with a duel guitar attack and a steadfast knockout rhythm section. The result is catchy melodic songs with memorable riffs and extra fiery leads. The vocals are a perfect match to the music. Deborah Levine has a kinda soulful hard rock vocal delivery. She doesn't embellish things with senseless screaming or grunts. Honestly it's damm good to hear a woman in metal nowadays who actually sings.


Song wise this album opens up like popping the top on a can of metal whip-ass. “Metal Machine” charges out of the gate with a searing guitar solo and Levine's sultry and inviting voice. It's gotta be a set opener for sure. From that point onward this album flows like some of the past's notable classics. 


There's some good melodic anthems like "Runes of Rust". Add to that amazing story time sagas with MAIDEN - esque touches on "The Gift" as well as "The Champion". And of course it wouldn't be true fuckin metal without some raise your horned fist crunchy head-banging numbers like "Sacrifice to the Unseen" and "Betrayer". All in all this is one of my favorite albums right now and probably for a long time to come this year and beyond.


https://reapermetalproductions.com/

https://ladybeast.bandcamp.com/album/the-vultures-amulet

https://www.facebook.com/ladybeastofficial/

WAR DOGS - Die By My Sword review

WAR DOGS - Die By My Sword

Fighter Records



At least once a year I'm lucky enough to hear a damm good band that brings back cool memories of old. I'm talking about the good o'l days of traditional metal circa late 70's/early 80's. I'm not talking about the hugely popular stuff either. It's more like a cool formula of the musicianship, songs and performance. So right now WAR DOGS rule in my not so humble opinion.


What we have here is the debut full length by this Spanish five piece act who started out in 2015. Prior to this the band released a six song EP in 2018. I  never heard that but am damm glad to hear this and you will to. Like I said they're a five piece act which means a twin guitar attack. Keep it true indeed. There's so many things about this band and their ten cut release I wanna talk about. 


Let's start with the vocals which are not over the top as far as range or heavy metal screams. They're pretty much gutsy melodic real guy type vocals. I wanna name drop a German act but can't. Either way they work perfect for this music since they blend in and do not over shine the music. 


Follow that up with the amazing riffs, some of which carry memories of the past. Look there's a cut on here that uses the "Bark at the Moon" riff. There's a few other Jake E. Lee bits (a couple of riffs and some obvious solos) which just shows ya they're fans. There's some other signature riffs from the past that will make you think MAIDEN as well. But otherwise the guitar work on here is damm good.


Something which is obvious to old school types like me when listening to new bands perform our music is how much bass is utilized. I mean it was a staple of old school metal to have the bass player prominent throughout the songs. So yes these guys have that nailed. As with the high velocity drum work which matches the riffs in speed and consistent fills. 


In the end, and seriously you never want it to, Die by My Sword is a masterpiece. It's an obvious homage to the old while still sounding fresh to someone who remembers the past. For me there's a fine line of distinction between bands that just copy the old ways and sound cool at it as opposed to those who you just know have the spirit. WAR DOGS is of the latter and their debut release is a must have for all of you keeping it true. Nuff Said.


http://www.fighter-records.com/

https://fighter-records.bandcamp.com/album/die-by-my-sword

https://www.facebook.com/WarDogsHeavyMetal/

SMOULDER - Times of Obscene Evil and Wild Daring review

SMOULDER - Times of Obscene Evil and Wild Daring

Cruz del Sur Music




Every once in a while within the framework of extreme metal something comes along that just hits all the right buttons. That's for me personally of course, others might think differently. This Canadian band has created a debut full length release that is the answer to what I wanna hear as well as look at. Yeah I rarely mention art work but when you look at the album cover your first thoughts would be CIRITH UNGOL. That's because the same artist, fantasy painter Michael Whelan, who did covers for them also did the cover for Times of Obscene Evil and Wild Daring. 


Onto the music we start with the vocals. Musically this is epic doom meets traditional heavy metal. You can have a great sound but if your vocals are weak (which happens) then the band dies. That's not the case here. Vocalist Sarah Ann (aka: Sarah Kitteringham of BANGER TV fame) is an amazing vocalist. She actually sings as opposed to gimmicky singing styles of doom which some women in the genre do. She's like a gutsy Valkyrie or a shield maiden singing from her heart and soul. 


Music wise there's six cuts on the full length. The songs are a mix of steady paced epic doom and slower numbers all based on the realm of sword and sorcery fantasy fiction. The riffs and rhythms are massive in style. The drum work is powerful as it needs to be. The lead work is tastefully done. The production is what all melds this together which gives it an old school feeling. The band is a labor of love for the classic metal sound. There are plenty of acts who can fake it. This band has it in their blood. Perfection lives here, nuff said.



https://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/blog/

https://smoulder.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/SmoulderDoom/

ESPIONAGE - Digital Dystopia review

ESPIONAGE - Digital Dystopia

Self Released




Can I just say this is one of the best true metal releases of 2018 and be done? Hmmmm, I guess not. OK imagine if you will IRON MAIDEN and METALLICA  meet up in Germany (the home of power metal) and do a whole Wacken moment. Look here people, a couple of songs into this release I was won over. 


ESPIONAGE is an Australian four piece metal act who started out in 2014, released a single and an EP in 2016. Since I never heard those releases this their debut full length (and self released) came in and of course hey let's see if the PR info passes muster because half the time it doesn't. But this time it does.


Digital Dystopia is one part excellent sounding traditional heavy metal (aka: True Metal) but with a foot firmly planted in the modern era. The vocals are fantastic. Song structures are have a dynamic and exciting quality. The band wear their influences proudly but don't weigh themselves down in retro sounding shtick. 


The bottom line is that Digital Dystopia is a great release for fans yearning for true metal as it's suppose to be. Nuff Said.


https://espionageofficial.bandcamp.com/album/digital-dystopia

https://www.facebook.com/espionageband

ARGUS - From Fields of Fire review

ARGUS - From Fields of Fire

Cruz del Sur Music




Here's the fourth full length and you could say long awaited release by Pennsylvania's ARGUS, a band that captured my interest years ago. I got on the bandwagon at the beginning with their 2009 self titled debut full length. That one ended up on my year end favorites list. No surprise, I have liked everything else they've released since. That would basically consist of two more full lengths and two EPs. 

ARGUS blends classic doom aesthetics and traditional metal bombast into something that comes close to CANDLEMASS meeting IRON MAIDEN. We're talking epic melodies matched with powerful rhythms that at times have that galloping approach. Toss in the powerful vocals of Butch Balich and you've got one top shelf metal release for 2017. I figured getting that point out of the way quickly.

After a short "Into the Fields of Fire" acoustic guitar intro, this release jumps in with power via the cuts “Devils of Your Time” and “As a Thousand Thieves". Along with Balich leading the vocal attack there's longtime riff creator Jason Mucio on guitar and drummer Kevin Latchaw keeping on with the classic pounding. ARGUS are now accompanied by new guitarist Dave Watson who produces some cool chunky leads (and also produced this release) and bassist Justin Campbell who's work is stand out.

Other standouts are  “216” where newcomers Watson and Campbell strut and shine via powerful bass lines and guitar leads that cut through steel. "You Are The Curse" is a metal anthem to throw the horned fist to. "Infinite Lives Infinite Doors" brings forth the epic in eleven minute length. "Hour Of Longing" continues the doomish theme. Enough of the song by song stuff. This is just classic metal done by devotees. Nuff Said.

http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/

https://argusmetal.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/argusmetal

WALPYRGUS - Walpyrgus Nights review

WALPYRGUS - Walpyrgus Nights

Cruz del Sur Music




I've been living in Raleigh, NC for quite some years now, actually twenty eight years (yeah I'm a transplant) and I've learned that when it comes to metal certain truths are evident. I don't care what trend or flavor of the month rolls through town. This area has deep roots in traditional or classic sounding metal. So here's a band with enough true metal roots in this area's music scene to ruin a whole bunch of flashers in the pan's days. 


WALPYRGUS might've started out in 2012 but their band membership is one of local respect. You've got guitarist and main songwriter Scott Waldrop of TWISTED TOWER DIRE, vocalist Jonny Aune also of TWISTED TOWER DIRE as well as formerly in HELLRAZOR and VIPER, then there's bassist Jim Hunter of WHILE HEAVEN WEPT, TWISTED TOWER DIRE and OCTOBER 31, Charley Shackelford is the band's second guitarist formerly of the legendary doom merchants DAYLIGHT DIES and finally on drums it's Peter Lemieux of VIPER (Lemieux has since been replaced with by Carlos Denogean of SALVACION) In no uncertain terms people this is a supergroup.


Let me follow that up by saying this debut full length is worthy of a supergroup. Walpyrgus Nights is kinda a mix of PRIEST, DIO, MAIDEN and so much more even punk. Seriously "Dead Girls" is probably the best most catchiest MISFIT-esque punk song you've heard a metal band do in years. Opener “The Dead of Night” contains that classic duel lead guitar harmony approach which of course reminds me of THIN LIZZY. It's a precursor to much more as the songs flow on throughout this release. The vocals are clean melodic and almost in what I'd call radio friendly, that's if radio actually played good new music again instead of AOR classics and that urban stuff.


Speaking of vocals, Jonny Aune offers up one of the best vocal performances that will remind you of Dio on the song "Palmystry" than anywhere else. The first time I listened to that song I thought somewhere Ronnie James is smiling and throwing them the horns. And just to throw in more fuel to this band's fiery love of 80's metal they do a WITCH CROSS cover "Light of a Torch" just for kicks. All in all Walpyrgus Nights is just a classic sounding release that reminds you of metal's past (that's if you're old enough to remember it) while at the same time keeping it sounding fresh and new. Then again with all that talent amongst it's membership how could it not be great.



http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/

https://walpyrgus.bandcamp.com/album/walpyrgus-nights

https://www.facebook.com/Walpyrgus

http://walpyrgus.com/

DEATH OF KINGS - Kneel Before None review

DEATH OF KINGS - Kneel Before None 

Boris Records




It was around a week or two ago that I reviewed a seven incher by this Atlanta thrash act and now here they are with their debut full length. But after listening to Kneel Before None I believe an update on genre categorization on my part is needed. So lets just call em metal since the band does bring in some variety whether it's fast raging blasters or straight up classic sounding metal from the bygone days. Ya got yer harsh screeched vocals, extreme metal screams, explosive riffs, a pummeling rhythm section workout and extremely sharp solos.


The nine songs on here definitely harken back to the mid-80s style of metal. Don't call it proto thrash or I'll kill you. I hate that term along with proto anything. No this is metal in the vein of EXCITER but even with that said DEATH OF KINGS are not trying to ride some nostalgia trip revival. This release is for all and is perfect from start to finish. Easily one of the best metal releases of 2017. Hell I really wanna see this band play my town. Great artwork as well and yes I did say this is ONE OF THE BEST METAL RELEASES OF 2017.

http://boris-records.com/

https://deathofkings.bandcamp.com/album/kneel-before-none-2017

https://www.facebook.com/deathofkingsmetal