celebrating the anniversary of Distorted Harmony's album Chain Reaction

Distorted Harmony: Chain Reaction - July 9th, 2014

1. Every Time She Smiles 06:49

2. Children of Red 05:13

3. Misguided 08:33

4. Nothing (but the Rain) 02:14

5. As One 05:52

6. Hollow 06:08

7. As You Go 03:13

8. Natural Selection 05:16

9. Methylene Blue 07:53

total time 51:11

I like this melodic-progressive metal album by this Israeli band. It balances heavy, complex polyrhythms and technical guitar work with melodic hooks. If you like the heavy-but-melodic approach in prog metal, then this album should be interesting. I definitely recommend it. The Metal Archives shows three albums, and this is the second one. The Metal Archives shows that they were active from 2009 to 2018.

Chain Reaction by Distorted Harmony

celebrating the anniversary of WAR OF AGES' video "Miles Apart"

The music video premiered on Jul 9, 2019.

War of Ages is a melodic death metal/metalcore band from Pennsylvania that started in 2002. They combine heavy metal rhythms with melodic guitar sounds. The 2019 song "Miles Apart" is about feeling lonely, broken, and far away from God. The lyrics describe a person who is struggling with their mistakes but finds strength and rescue through their faith. The music video matches the song by switching between two different settings. During the heavy parts of the song, it shows the band playing inside a dark, industrial room. During the melodic chorus, it shows wide-open views of mountains and nature to represent the feeling of distance. The music video for "Miles Apart" comes from the band's eighth studio album, titled Void. The album was released on September 13, 2019, through Facedown Records. It features eleven tracks and is known for its heavy, technical sound and emotional lyrics.

War of Ages - "Miles Apart" OFFICIAL VIDEO

celebrating the anniversary of My Heart to Fear's album Algorithm

My Heart to Fear - Algorithm - Solid State Records - July 9, 2013

Below is a music video from the album.

According to Wikipedia: "My Heart to Fear was an American metalcore band from Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The band started making music in 2008, with lead vocalist Trevor Pool, lead guitarist Dale Upright, rhythm guitarist Brandon Vartenisian, bass guitarist Taylor Pool, and drummer Luke Brady. The band released one independently made album, Invictus, in 2009, along with two independent extended plays, A Ship Built to Sink, in 2010, and My Heart to Fear, in 2011. They signed with Solid State Records, where they released, Lost Between Brilliance and Insanity, an extended play, in 2012. Their first album, Algorithm, released by the label in 2013."

Wikipedia shows the following examples of the critical reception to the album:

Awarding the album three stars from Alternative Press, Jason Schreurs writes, "As is the case with the bulk of this musical style, the vocals bring it back down to a near-mediocre level." Bradley Zorgdrager, rating the album a five out of ten for Exclaim!, says, "Unfortunately, a lack of inspiration causes the songs to come undone, as many of the parts sound only like a means to get to the next." Giving the album four stars at About.com, Todd Lyons states, "everything binds together into one masterful meditation." Tim Dodderidge, indicating in an 8.5 out of ten review by Mind Equals Blown, writes, "From start to finish, My Heart to Fear’s debut full-length is an energetic, ferocious, cathartic and inspiring metal album."

Kevin Hoskins, giving the album three and a half stars for Jesus Freak Hideout, describes, "this is just metal done well ... but any hardcore fan will be digging this release all summer long." Awarding the album four and a half stars from HM Magazine, Sean Huncherick states, "One good thing about Algorithm is that the band realizes they don’t need to constantly play as fast as they can." Brody B., rating the album four star at Indie Vision Music, writes, "With a few minor tweaks here and there that could have made songs feel more fleshed out I would have had a hard time finding fault with this debut record."

My Heart To Fear "The Witching Hour Pt. II" Music Video

celebrating the anniversary of THE BURIAL's album In the Taking of Flesh

The Burial: In the Taking of Flesh - July 9, 2013 - Facedown Records 

In the Taking of Flesh is the 2013 final album by the band The Burial, which The Metal Archives describes as technical death metal/deathcore. It features death metal, shredding, speed, and heaviness! The lyrics look at the struggles between good and evil, human mistakes, and forgiveness. The Metal Archives shows no more music after this album. Here are three songs from the album.

THE BURIAL "Wretched Restless Forms"

The Burial - In the Taking of Flesh - In the Taking of Flesh: Diakonos

THE BURIAL "En-hakkore" Lyric Video

anniversary: Harry Potter black metal SLYTHERIN album A Tale We'll Tell of What Hath Been

This was the debut album by the Harry Potter-loving atmospheric black metal duo SLYTHERIN of Paul and Sirius from Los Angeles, California, USA, according to The Metal Archives.

Slytherin: A Tale We'll Tell of What Hath Been - July 9, 2020

1. Hogwarts Castle 06:15

2. Godric's Hollow 05:39

3. Chamber of Secrets (John Williams cover) 07:13

4. Salazar Slytherin 05:22

5. James and Lily 05:09

6. Sword of Gryffindor 06:42

7. Call of the Moon 06:09

total time 42:29

A reviewer on The Metal Archives likes the debut, but is not super impressed, and gives it a score of 75 out of 100:

The aptly named SLYTHERIN sits within a similar realm of atmospheric black metal to Lustre and Eldamar, creating elaborate soundscapes that place focus on ambience and texture above all. Thematically, the band bases itself on the Harry Potter novels, which is what really piqued my interest in the first place. In a genre saturated with countless bands basing their music on fantasy themes and various literary works, I’ve always been somewhat surprised at the lack of prevalent Potter metal. That being said, music set within the wizarding world faces a huge challenge due to the inevitable comparisons with the excellence of the film scores by John Williams. So, bursting onto the scene with debut full-length A Tale We’ll Tell Of What Hath Been…, can Slytherin conjure up success?

It might sound like I’ve grumbled a bit on this one, but ultimately I think there’s some fantastic potential here. Slytherin nail it with a unique theme and aesthetic, and there are some magnificent and truly stirring melodies on display. With a worthy mix and time spent on perfecting and presenting lyrics and song structures, these guys could be a big name in the future. As it stands, I’m hopeful but not blown away; if I had been, I might have gotten this review out a bit quicker.

A Tale We'll Tell Of What Hath Been... by Slytherin

in memory of Motörhead guitarist Würzel

The following is the Wikipedia biography for Würzel:

Michael Richard Burston (23 October 1949 – 9 July 2011), commonly known by the stage name Würzel, was an English musician who played professionally for three decades. He played guitar in British rock band Motörhead from 1984 to 1995, playing on six studio albums and two live albums. Würzel died at the age of 61, following heart complications.

Before joining Motörhead in 1984, Würzel had been a corporal in the British Army, serving in Germany and Northern Ireland with the 1st Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment, and had played in the bands Bastard and Warfare. In the early 1980s, Würzel played in a Cheltenham-based band, originally named Made in England, then The Meek. He joined another relatively unknown guitarist, Phil Campbell, at a Motörhead audition; both were hired. The new four-piece line-up made its debut recording a backing track for The Young Ones on 14 February 1984. Würzel also played on the Lemmy-produced album for Warfare entitled Metal Anarchy in 1985.

He acquired the nickname 'Würzel' whilst in the Army, being compared to the character Worzel Gummidge owing to his scarecrow-style hair and bumpkin-like manner. Motörhead singer Lemmy encouraged Würzel to add an umlaut to the 'U' in his nickname, for heavy metal effect.

Würzel saw a number of changes to the band's line-up, each involving the drummer, until he left in 1995. Although he played on the album Sacrifice, Würzel left Motörhead before the tour. Instead of replacing him, the band reverted to a three-piece line-up. He later made a few guest appearances with them, at the 2008 Download Festival and at the 2009 Guilfest, as well as a few other appearances on the band's 2008 UK tour.

Würzel recorded his first solo EP, Bess, in 1987; it was not far removed from the Motörhead sound, but also allowed for slightly different ideas. The EP included the instrumental title track, two rock pieces, "Midnight in London" and "People Say I'm Crazy", and an instrumental jazz rock-oriented track, "E.S.P.".

In 1998, inspired by psychedelically-informed experiences in Belgium, Würzel recorded and released an ambient, improvised avant-garde album entitled Chill Out or Die.

On 9 July 2011, Tim Butcher, longtime bass technician of Motörhead leader Lemmy, reported that Würzel had died. The cause of death was ventricular fibrillation triggered by cardiomyopathy. Before he died, Würzel was working on new material with his new band, Leader of Down, who had previously announced the release of their debut single for early 2010. The following day, Lemmy dedicated Motörhead's performance at Sonisphere Festival in Knebworth to his memory.

Motörhead – Killed By Death (Official Video)

celebrating the anniversary of Soul Embraced's album Mythos

Soul Embraced: Mythos - July 9, 2013 - Rottweiler Records

Bandcamp and The Metal Archives show that July 9, 2013, is the release date for this fifth album by Soul Embraced.

Formed as a death metal project by multi-instrumentalist Rocky Gray and drummer Lance Garvin (both from Living Sacrifice), Soul Embraced emerged from Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S., with a blend of technical thrash and melodic death metal, beginning with The Fleshless EP in 1999. The debut full-length album, For the Incomplete, was released in 2001 and featured several tracks carried over from their debut EP. Two more studio albums were released quickly: This Is My Blood in 2002, and Immune in 2003, establishing a signature style of complex, intricate guitar riffs with crushing rhythms and intense, growl-screamed vocal delivery. They returned in 2008 with their fourth full-length album, Dead Alive. Their fifth full-length, Mythos, was released in 2013. The Metal Archives shows no more information after 2013.

In my opinion, Mythos sounds like American grooving thrash death, probably closest to death metal, or an intense form of melodic, thrashing death metal. In certain places, there is technicality and groove, too, but it's never technical death metal nor groove metal per se. Instead, it is headbanging, marching-forward, hard-driving metal music.

Soul Embraced — Mythos https://soulembraced.bandcamp.com/album/mythos

Mythos by Soul Embraced

Volubilis - progressive extreme metal from Canada

Volubilis: Theasterion - out on 10 July 2026

Volubilis is a technical death metal band from Montreal, Canada. Multi-instrumentalist Miguel Marcheterre-Pina started the project in 2020 as a solo bedroom endeavor. It later expanded into a full five-piece band with the addition of André Dubien, Jacob Collins, Alexis Rioux, and Shawn Hillman. The band's debut full-length album, Theasterion, follows their 2025 single "Ashes & Embers." The record introduces a sci-fi storyline written by Miguel, using heavy, distorted music to tell the concept. Musically, the album features blast beats, harsh vocals, and melodic harmonies.

Listen to the song "Ashes & Embers" on Bandcamp.

IRON SLAUGHT speed metal from France

Speed metal Frenchmen Iron Slaught return with their second full-length album, Metallic Torments, via Gates Of Hell Records on July 10, 2026. The album comes 11 years after the band's debut album and eight years after their split project with Tentation. Formed in 2011 in Southwest France, Iron Slaught plays a style of metal rooted in traditional heavy music, but packed with speed and thrash elements. For this new record, they have cranked up the aggression by adding harsher black and death metal influences to their sound. The album is built on sharp guitar riffs, heavy bass lines, and programmed drums that perfectly balance fast, intense energy with epic melodies.

Two songs from the album are available now on Bandcamp.

Metallic Torments by IRON SLAUGHT

DYSGNOSTIC (Denmark) - The Black Sun OFFICIAL VIDEO

According to The Metal Archives, the technical death metal band Dysgnostic [Denmark; 2008-2021 (as Defilementory), 2021-present] will unleash its second album End Whispers on July 10, 2026, on Transcending Obscurity Records, which describes the music as "hypnotic dissonant death metal." Sometimes when you see the word "dissonant" you know that the music could potentially get sideways crazy. In this case, though, while it is certainly not simplistic old-school chugging riffs, I find that the music still has an abundance of headbanging metal music energy, which is great because that's what I want. When listening to this album, I don't necessarily want to be reaching for my Texas Instruments Scientific Calculator in order to figure out the equations and prime factorization taking place in the songwriting. For that, I thank you, gentlemen of Dysgnostic.

DYSGNOSTIC (Denmark) - The Black Sun OFFICIAL VIDEO (Dissonant Death Metal) Transcending Obscurity

End Whispers by DYSGNOSTIC

As Oceans Divide - World Collapse (Official Lyric Video)

"World Collapse" is the most recent and the third song from the July 9, 2026 debut EP from Canadian metalcore band As Oceans Divide. The EP will have five songs. Here is the YouTube lyric video and also the Bandcamp link where you can support the band if you like their metalcore. I think fans of Killswitch Engage may enjoy this music!

As Oceans Divide - World Collapse (Official Lyric Video)

Self-Titled by As Oceans Divide

As Oceans Divide – White Noise (Official Lyric Video)

On July 9, 2026 Canadian metalcore band As Oceans Divide will issue their self-titled EP. According to the information on Bandcamp, this EP is their debut. This song right here "White Noise" is the second song on the five-song EP.

As Oceans Divide – White Noise (Official Lyric Video)

Fading into silence, drowning in the sound

Echoes of the violence, pulling me down

Shadows in the static, whispering my name

Every breath is panic, driving me insane

I hear it calling, the voice in my head

White noise screaming, am I already dead?

Drown me out, let me fade away

Static in my veins, I can't escape

White noise, tearing through my brain

I'm breaking, I'm breaking—I'm lost in the waves

Bleeding through the speakers, venom in the air

Can't erase the memory, it's too much to bear

Shattered like a mirror, cracks across my soul

I'm a ghost inside my body, losing all control

I feel it crawling, under my skin

White noise raging, pulling me in

Drown me out, let me fade away

Static in my veins, I can't escape

White noise, tearing through my brain

I'm breaking, I'm breaking—I'm lost in the waves

I CAN'T TAKE THIS ANYMORE!

The sound is deafening!

It's suffocating me!

Drowning, screaming, I CAN'T BREATHE!

Drown me out, let me fade away

Static in my veins, I can't escape

White noise, tearing through my brain

I'm breaking, I'm breaking—I'm lost in the waves

"White Noise" is the

As Oceans Divide – White Noise (Official Lyric Video)

Self-Titled by As Oceans Divide

As Oceans Divide – Into The Dying Light (Official Lyric Video)

As Oceans Divide – Into The Dying Light (Official Lyric Video)

This is the debut single from the July 9, 2026 self-titled EP by Canadian metalcore newcomers As Oceans Divide.

ABOUT THE BAND: As Oceans Divide, forged from years of friendship and a shared legacy in Canadian metal, is a new heavy force rising out of Ontario, Canada. Featuring members with roots in recognized acts such as Bloodshoteye, Aquila, Odium, and Battlesoul, the band brings together a lineup of seasoned musicians whose combined history gives their sound undeniable weight and authenticity.

Blending soaring melody with crushing rhythms, As Oceans Divide channels the heart of early 2000s metalcore through a modern lens. Their music moves effortlessly between harmonized guitars, driving mid-tempo anthems, and high-intensity metalcore assaults, all anchored by the dynamic power of vocalist Tom Emmans, the precision of drummer Matt McGuire, the creative foundation of guitarist Eric Camilleri, and the technical mastery of guitarist/producer Thomas Ireland. The result is a sound that is as emotional as it is aggressive, built on experience rather than imitation.

Their upcoming debut release showcases a band with relentless ambition and a clear musical identity, explosive, melodic, and unfiltered. With no interest in boundaries or trends, As Oceans Divide stands poised to carve out their own space, delivering music fueled by brotherhood, history, and two decades of dedication to the craft. This is a band built to leave a mark, and they’re only just getting started.

INTO THE DYING LIGHT

They call, they call my name I feel the weight, the endless pain.

Shadows stretch across my soul, As I prepare to lose control.

Time is slipping, fading fast, I see the echoes of my past. Regrets like chains, they drag me down, But I refuse to hit the ground!

I see the light, its growing near, No more pain, no more fear.

I walk into the dying light, with open arms, I face the night. No remorse, no turning back, I let go and fade to black.

Heartbeats slow, the air is thin, I hear the voices call again. Are they angels? Are they ghosts? Or just illusions I fear the most?

Falling deeper, losing sight, I see the echoes of my past. Regrets like chains, they drag me down, But I refuse to hit the ground!

I see the light, its growing near, No more pain, no more fear.

I walk into the dying light, with open arms, I face the night. No remorse, No turning back, I let go and fade to black.

Heartbeats slow, the air is thin, I hear the voices call again. Are they angels? Are they ghosts? Or just illusions I fear the most?

Falling deeper, losing sight, But I will fight with all my might! If this is death, I wont kneel, I will make my spirit real!

Face the dark! Feel no pain! One last breath! Break these chains! I wont fade! I wont kneel! I! STILL! FEEL!

I won’t break, I won’t heal, On the ground when I break down from all of this.

If this is the end, let me be free, take my soul, let it bleed. Through the fire, through the fall, I will transcend it all

I walk into the dying light, with open arms, I face the night. No remorse, no turning back, I let go and fade to black. I walk into the dying light, with open arms, I face the night. No remorse, no turning back, I let go and fade to black.

As Oceans Divide – Into The Dying Light (Official Lyric Video)

Self-Titled by As Oceans Divide

celebrating the anniversary of Megadeth's Countdown to Extinction

The Metal Archives shows July 8, 1992 as the Japan release date for Countdown to Extinction.

Wikipedia says, in part:

It was the group's second studio release to feature the "classic" lineup of Dave Mustaine, Marty Friedman, David Ellefson and Nick Menza, with all of them contributing to songwriting on the album. The album features some of the band's best known songs such as "Symphony of Destruction", "Sweating Bullets", and "Skin o' My Teeth", which enjoyed significant chart success and made a great musical impact.

Countdown to Extinction received positive reviews from music critics, who noted its politically oriented lyrics and simplified sound in comparison to their previous record. The album entered the Billboard 200 at number 2, making it the band's highest charting album up until the release of their final studio album, Megadeth. It eventually achieved double platinum status and became their most commercially successful album. The record was nominated for Best Metal Performance at the 1993 Grammy Awards, while the album's title track won the Humane Society's Genesis Award for raising awareness for animal rights issues.

In 2012, in recognition of the album's 20th anniversary, Megadeth kicked off a 20th anniversary tour in South America, playing the album in its entirety. In addition, a 20th anniversary special edition of the album was released in November 2012, and a live album featuring a performance of the full album was released in September 2013.

Megadeth - Architecture Of Aggression

celebrating the anniversary of Ted Nugent's Shutup & Jam!

Hard rhythm and blues wild guitar double gonzo rock and roll from the Motor City Madman!

Wikipedia says, "Shutup & Jam! is the fourteenth studio album by American rock musician Ted Nugent. It was released on July 7, 2014, in the United Kingdom and on July 8, 2014, in the United States. It features a guest appearance by Sammy Hagar on the song 'She's Gone', and is Nugent's first studio album since 2007's Love Grenade. The album was released on CD, red 12-inch vinyl, and as digital download. This is the last album to feature drummer Mick Brown."

"Shutup & Jam!" - "Fear Itself" - "Everything Matters" - "She's Gone" (feat. Sammy Hagar) - "Never Stop Believing" - "I Still Believe" - "I Love My BBQ" - "Throttledown" - "Do-Rags and a .45" - "Screaming Eagles" - "Semper Fi" - "Trample the Weak Hurdle the Dead" - "Never Stop Believing (Blues)"

Ted Nugent - Fear Itself

remembering Crimson Glory singer Midnight

The Metal Archives shows that his name was John Patrick McDonald, Jr. (April 29, 1962 - July 8, 2009). From 1983 to 1991, and again from 2005 to 2007, Midnight was the lead singer for the American melodic heavy metal band Crimson Glory {1979-1982 [(as Pierced Arrow), 1982-1983 (as Beowulf), 1983-1991, 1999-2000, 2005-2013, 2023-present)}. Crimson Glory helped put progressive and power metal on the map back in the late 1980s. Midnight had a very impressive vocal range and high-pitched screams. His singing on albums like Crimson Glory and Transcendence are a testament to his skills.

Crimson Glory - Live In Florida 89' - (Updated Video + Soundboard Audio)

remembering rock and roll pioneer Louis Jordan on his birthday

In the 1940s, Louis Jordan took big-band jazz and stripped it down to a small, loud, and fast rhythm section. He cranked up the energy. His wild, screaming vocals directly inspired early rock stars like Little Richard, and his guitar player Carl Hogan invented the driving guitar riffs that Chuck Berry later copied note-for-note. By focusing on loud instruments, fast speeds, and a boisterous attitude, he took this jump blues sound in new directions. Wikipedia says, in part:

Louis Thomas Jordan (July 8, 1908 – February 4, 1975) was an American jazz, blues and jump blues saxophonist, vocalist, songwriter and bandleader who was popular from the late 1930s to the early 1950s. Known as "the King of the Jukebox", he earned his highest profile towards the end of the swing era.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame states that two of the most important originators of rhythm and blues were Big Joe Turner and Louis Jordan with his Tympany Five. The two artists helped to lay "the foundation for R&B in the 1940s, cutting one swinging rhythm & blues masterpiece after another". The Hall also describes Jordan as "the Father of Rhythm & Blues", "the Grandfather of Rock 'n' Roll" and "King of the Juke Boxes". Another source states that with Caldonia (1945), Jordan was "already crafting the classic rock 'n' roll sound". The Hall of Fame considers "his classic 'Saturday Night Fish Fry' (1949) as an early example of rap and possibly the first rock and roll recording".

Louis Jordan - Caldonia (1945)

Caldonia / Louis Jordan

Louis Jordan - Saturday Night Fish Fry (1949)

remembering death metal vocalist Brett Hoffmann

Brett Hoffmann (February 8, 1967 - July 7, 2018) is most known for his vocals with American death metal band Malevolent Creation. The Metal Archives shows that he worked with them during these times: 1987-1993, 1998-2001, 2006-2016.

Malevolent Creation - Premature Burial

https://youtu.be/tB61kg75w-g?si=D_d5tfOEKeqtYx-_

remembering rock and roll pioneer Bill Haley on his birthday

"William John Clifton Haley (July 6, 1925 – February 9, 1981) was an American rock and roll musician. He is credited by many with first popularizing this form of music in the early 1950s with his group Bill Haley & His Comets and million-selling hits such as 'Rock Around the Clock', 'See You Later, Alligator', 'Shake, Rattle and Roll', 'Rocket 88', 'Skinny Minnie', and 'Razzle Dazzle'. Haley has sold over 60 million records worldwide. In 1987, he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame." -Wikipedia

BILL HALEY And His Comets - Brussels, Belgium, Live at the Royal Flemish Theatre (1958) Full Video

https://youtu.be/ihvhQAZPo6Q?si=-Zb9uG-4sapRoOmT

celebrating the anniversary of Manowar — Gods of War Live

Manowar - Gods of War Live - July 6th, 2007 - Magic Circle Music

Disc 1

1. Manowar 05:29

2. Call to Arms 04:58

3. Gloves of Metal 05:31

4. Each Dawn I Die 04:13

5. Holy War 05:08

6. Mountains 08:04

7. The Oath 04:16

8. Secret of Steel 06:06

9. Son of William's Tale 04:22

10. The Gods Made Heavy Metal 06:18

11. Die for Metal 04:54

12. Kings of Metal 03:32

13. Warriors of the World United 06:43

14. Black Wind, Fire and Steel 07:50

01:17:24

Disc 2

1. The Blood of Odin 03:57

2. The Sons of Odin 06:21

3. Glory Majesty Unity 03:29

4. Gods of War 07:20

5. Army of the Dead 02:26

6. Odin 05:20

7. Hymn of the Immortal Warrior 05:34

8. The Crown and the Ring 02:43

37:10

Manowar - Holy War (Live)

https://youtu.be/nrOSNh8lGRU?si=euFiMO8CkQ-aID76

Happy birthday to Jesse Leach!

“Jesse David Leach (born July 3, 1978) is an American musician, best known as the lead vocalist of the metalcore band Killswitch Engage. He is also a vocalist for Times of Grace and The Weapon. Leach co-founded Killswitch Engage in 1999, but left the band in 2002; in February 2012, he rejoined the group following the departure of vocalist Howard Jones. He currently resides in the Catskill Mountains in New York.” -Wikipedia

Killswitch Engage - In Due Time [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

remembering composer Leoš Janáček (1854–1928) on his birthday

The progressive heavy metal project Star One, by Arjen Anthony Lucassen (Holland), covered Janáček on the 2010 album Victims of the Modern Age. The track is a cover of the Emerson, Lake & Palmer (U.K.) song "Knife-Edge" from their 1970 self-titled debut album. The main riff and structural framework of the song are an arrangement of the first movement (Allegretto) of Janáček's Sinfonietta. In the 1970 original, ELP took Janáček's massive, punchy, military-inspired brass fanfares and translated them onto a distorted, overdriven Hammond organ backed by thunderous, proto-metal drumming. Therefore, Star One delivers a contemporary, heavy metal realization of how ELP originally envisioned Janáček's music.

All the following information text below comes from Wikipedia that says, in part: Leoš Janáček (3 July 1854 – 12 August 1928) was a Czech composer, music theorist, folklorist, publicist and teacher. He was inspired by Moravian and other Slavic music, including Eastern European folk music, to create an original, modern musical style. Born in Hukvaldy, Janáček demonstrated musical talent at an early age and was educated in Brno, Prague, Leipzig, and Vienna. He then returned to live in Brno, where he married his pupil Zdenka Schulzová and devoted himself mainly to folkloristic research. His earlier musical output was influenced by contemporaries such as Antonín Dvořák, but around the turn of the century he began to incorporate his earlier studies of national folk music, as well as his transcriptions of "speech melodies" of spoken language, to create a modern, highly original synthesis. The death of his daughter Olga in 1903 had a profound effect on his musical output; these notable transformations were first evident in the opera Jenůfa (often called the "Moravian national opera"), which premiered in 1904 in Brno.

In the following years, Janáček became frustrated with a lack of recognition from Prague, but this was finally relieved by the success of a revised edition of Jenůfa at the National Theatre in 1916, which gave Janáček access to the world's great opera stages. Janáček's later works are his most celebrated. They include operas such as Káťa Kabanová and The Cunning Little Vixen, the Sinfonietta, the Glagolitic Mass, the rhapsody Taras Bulba, two string quartets, and other chamber works. Many of Janáček's later works were influenced by Czech and Russian literature, his pan-Slavist sentiments, and his infatuation with Kamila Stösslová. After his death in 1928, Janáček's work was heavily promoted on the world opera stage by the Australian conductor Charles Mackerras, who also restored some of his compositions to their original, unrevised forms. In his homeland he inspired a new generation of Czech composers including several of his students. Today he is considered one of the most important Czech composers, along with Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana.

Leoš Janáček - Sinfonietta (1º Mov., Allegretto - Allegro - Maestoso)

Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Knife-Edge (Official Audio)

Star One - Knife Edge (Damian Wilson version)

celebrating the Nevermore EP - In Memory

In Memory is an EP by the American progressive/groove metal band Nevermore from Seattle. The EP was released on May 28, 1996, through Century Media Records. The recording personnel were singer Warrel Dane, guitarists Jeff Loomis and Pat O'Brien, bassist Jim Sheppard, and drummer Van Williams. The original five-song tracklist includes "Optimist or Pessimist," "Matricide," the title track "In Memory," a combination cover song called "Silent Hedges/Double Dare," and "The Sorrowed Man." People on The Metal Archives have observed that this EP showed the band transitioning into a much heavier, darker, and more technical sound: "This EP was the first display of Nevermore's 'real' sound, or at least the way they would sound on The Politics of Ecstasy and Dreaming Neon Black." Another person says: "It is with this release that they established the sound that would come to define their forthcoming albums in terms of sound, tone, and atmosphere."

Optimist or Pessimist (re-mastered Version)

remembering Kranium keyboardist Georgy Espíritu (1973-2012)

The Metal Archives shows that Georgy (November 6, 1973 - May 28, 2012) played with Peruvian doomsters Kranium (1986-present) from 1994 to 2001 and then again from 2010 to 2012. On the 1996 EP Dos sonrisas, una lágrima, he took care of synthesizers, keyboards, and zampoña (Andean panpipe, a woodwind instrument), and on the 1999 album Testimonios, he played the zampoña, keyboards, synthesizers, and rainstick (percussion instrument). I have a CD copy of the Testimonios album, and on the CD it says that they began in 1984. The majority of the lyrics are in Spanish, with some indigenous languages in parts of some songs. I recommend that album to doom fans; in this case, it is doom with a bit of folk influence.

Kranium - El obraje

celebrating Megadeth's album Cryptic Writings

The Metal Archives shows that May 28, 1997 is the release date for the Japanese version of this album. I enjoy this album, and with the passage of time, it only has gotten better for me. A reviewer of The Metal Archives really does not like this album at all: "Now to put this in a nutshell: Cryptic Writings is pretty bad, and one of the lower ends of the ‘Deth catalogue, but it’s not as bad as the next album I must say. You should definitely avoid this if you’re a fan of their older works, but if you want a simple radio-friendly album, well, you’ll be in heaven-65%."

Well, I disagree. I think it's fun, and I enjoy listening to it!

Megadeth - Almost Honest

remembering American rock guitarist Bob Kulick (1950-2020)

Robert Joel Kulick (Jan 16, 1950 - May 28, 2020)

According to the information on The Metal Archives and Wikipedia, Bob was born in Brooklyn, New York. His younger brother, Bruce Kulick, also became a famous lead guitarist for the rock band Kiss. Bob played music with many famous rock and pop artists. Some of these included Kiss, W.A.S.P., Alice Cooper, Lou Reed, Meat Loaf, and Michael Bolton. In late 1972, Bob auditioned to be the lead guitar player for a new band named Kiss. The band members—Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss—liked his playing a lot. However, they decided to hire Ace Frehley instead, who auditioned right after him and had a flashier style. Even though he did not join the band, Kulick still worked with Kiss later on. He played guitar on three of their albums, but his name was not listed on the album covers: Alive II: He played on three of the new studio songs. Killers: He played on all four of the new studio songs. Creatures of the Night: He did a small amount of guitar work for this album. Kulick also played guitar on Paul Stanley’s solo album in 1978 and went on tour with him during his solo tour in 1989.

Bob played lead guitar on "Sweet Victory" by David Glen Eisley: the epic stadium-rock anthem performed by SpongeBob SquarePants and the Bubble Bowl band in the classic 2001 episode "Band Geeks." Kulick co-wrote, produced, and performed the roaring guitar track—including the famous, shredding guitar solo right at the climax of the song.

"Sweet Victory" Performance 🎤 Band Geeks | SpongeBob

celebrating the Amorphis album Skyforger

The Metal Archives shows that May 27, 2009 is the release date for the Japanese version of the album.

A reviewer on The Metal Archives named OzzyApu in 2013 wrote, in part:

"every other Amorphis album since Eclipse has impressed me more than the one that came before it. Silent Waters and The Beginning Of Times don't stack up to Skyforger and Circle. The cohesion, flow, and zest on here signifies a re-rejuvenated band. Many times on here am I reminded of Insomnium in terms of that immense lead guitar angle, gracefully executed here by Esa Holopainen. His (at times) spacey, colossal delivery maintains the band's vast scope and Skyforger's larger-than-life appeal. Put him up with the album's beefy, rich production and that means a heavier, chunkier offering (the bass support on this is weighty like globs of sludge) ... Amorphis is one of my favorite bands because of albums just like this one. It's got professional presentation and carries itself glowingly. Performances from everyone in the band are highlighted and it's got appropriate production to back it up. It can be a grower at first, but that means it's worth will also grow with it. For a somewhat lighter, elevating Amorphis, Skyforger's definitely the thing that'll capture your attention."

AMORPHIS - Silver Bride (Official Music Video)

the power metal machine rolls on: Helloween - My God-Given Right

The Metal Archives shows May 27, 2015 as the the release date in Japan: Helloween - My God-Given Right. Personally, I enjoy this album, and it looks like the vast majority of reviews on The Metal Archives have a rather positive perspective on the album, without many complaints: "This is an album that just keeps on giving. It is a bit overlong, but once you are into it it keeps giving wonderful surprises. It is a calm before the grandiose and over the top nature of the album that follows. Just pure unadulterated melodic power metal mastery." Another opinion says: "[W]e're faced with a group that hasn't really had much of a misstep since the earlier 90s, and they just keep laying it on with quality effort after effort...it's almost the point that its become exhausting. Even where I don't fully connect to a track enough that its going to possess that timeless quality in my collection, there is no possibility I could sit there and listen through this one without thoroughly enjoying it. Approved!" Another example: "A new Helloween album usually brings with it a surge of nostalgia and expectation, coupling together the band’s position as one of the founders of European power and speed metal back in the ‘80s and their role as consistent producer of said Euro power metal ever since. Having been on a very solid streak since 2007’s Gambling with the Devil, you could anticipate the quality of My God-Given Right almost exactly, knowing that you are likely to hear exuberant, fun, and catchy metal from the moment you press play. And kudos to Helloween, because that’s exactly what you get and - although recognizable - there’s still room for some surprises."

HELLOWEEN - My God-Given Right (Official Music Video)

celebrating a metalcore classic: Killswitch Engage - Alive or Just Breathing

According to The Metal Archives, it was on May 27, 2002 that this influential album came out. Writing a few year later in 2005, the reviewer Justin Bork on The Metal Archives gave this assessment of the album, saying, in part:

Beautiful and serene melodic breaks. I can't think of a band who does the 'Heaven/Hell' thing better than Killswitch Engage, stunning. Song after song, this album stays amazing. From the chest collapsing lead off 'Numbered Days' to the beautiful hell of closer 'Rise Inside'. This album would get a straight 100, if not for minor mishap or two. Such as the intro to 'Just Barley Breathing'; really slow and boring opposed to the rest of the albums in your face crush, and the acoustic intro to 'Rise Inside' feels a bit redundant. But everything else here is top notch. The Drumming is competant and gets the job done, the guitar work is crunchy and fancy, the bass is very much audible, the vocal work is just outstanding. Jesse Leech manages to go everywhere; bellowing growls, high shreiks, call out shouts and beautiful clean singing. It's a shame he left the band, maybe End of Heartache wouldn't sound half-assed were he still in the band.

Even more irony for this band is the lyrical themes. It's a bit odd to hear Jesse, as brutal as he sings, growling lines such as 'we must teach forgiveness and compassion for all life ' or 'I believe love will overcome'. Odd but still as awesome as anything else on this album. I see Alive or Just Breathing as a piece of art; beautiful while filled with brutality at the same time. I can't imagine Killswitch will ever top this modern masterpeice, but time will certainly tell. Highly recommended.

Killswitch Engage - My Last Serenade [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE - Thrilling Performance of 'My Last Serenade' at Bloodstock Open Air 2023

celebrating Iced Earth - Bang Your Head live album

The Metal Archives shows that this live album Bang Your Head was released on May 22, 2022. It features some of the band's most recognizable songs: 1. Dark Saga 04:53; 2. Plagues of Babylon 05:52; 3. Democide 04:20; 4. Vengeance Is Mine 04:15;5. Burning Times 03:48; 6. Pure Evil 06:18; 7. I Died for You 04:09; 8. Cthulhu 05:33; 9. Damien 08:39; 10. Slave to the Dark 04:04; 11. A Question of Heaven 07:43; 12. My Own Savior 04:34; 13. Dystopia 05:52; 14. The Hunter 04:30; 15. Watching over Me 06:10.

The line-up according to The Metal Archives is: Jon Schaffer on guitars, keyboards and vocals; Brent Smedley on drums; Troy Seele on lead guitars; Stu Block on vocals; Luke Appleton on bass.

I feel like Iced Earth is a band that earns its reputation in large part to their great live performances, and this is no exception. The band sounds great. This album, says The Metal Archives, was "Recorded at the Bang Your Head Festival in Germany on July 16th, 2016."

Iced Earth - Burning Times