Jon Schaffer's Sons of Liberty - Full Spectrum Dominance (music video)

Long-running American heavy metal band Iced Earth's creative force, Jon Schaffer, started the heavy metal side project Sons of Liberty in 2009. He is known for playing guitar in Iced Earth, but in Sons of Liberty, he sings about his views on society from an intensely individualistic perspective. His lyrics are critical of collectivist ideas, big government, and its overreach into people's lives, reflecting views that he considers based on the American Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. The music itself sounds a bit like Iced Earth because that's just how Jon plays guitar.

Jon Schaffer's Sons Of Liberty - Full Spectrum Dominance (music video)

https://www.facebook.com/jonschafferssonsofliberty

VISION DIVINE - 18 (It Feels Like Heaven) (Official Video)

The Italian progressive power metal veterans Vision Divine (1997-present) have new music out this weekend. They have nine albums and now this new EP, featuring the return of their beloved singer Michele Luppi and their previous keyboardist Oleg Smirnoff.

Vision Divine

A Clockwork Reverie

Scarlet Records

May 22, 2026

Michele Luppi vocals (2003-2008, 2025-present)

Olaf Thorsen guitars (1998-present)

Oleg Smirnoff keyboards (2002-2006, 2025-present)

Andrea Tower Torricini bass (1999-2006, 2012-present)

Matt Peruzzi (2024-present)

1. Sator Rotas 00:50; 2. A Clockwork Reverie 06:56; 3. 18 (It Feels like Heaven) 05:03; 4. Andromeda 05:34; 5. Identities (2026 version) 05:12; 6. God Is Dead (2026 version) 05:36; 7. The 25th Hour (2026 version) 05:42; total time 34:53.

ABOUT THIS EP: "After the comeback of acclaimed frontman Michele Luppi and keyboard wizard Oleg Smirnoff, this new Vision Divine release marks a return to the iconic sound that made the band a reference point in the progressive and power metal scene, while embracing the modern edge and production of their most recent works. A powerful blend of melody, technique, and emotion, the “A Clockwork Reverie” EP captures the essence of Vision Divine’s classic identity re-imagined with renewed energy and contemporary attitude. It’s not just a tribute to their legacy – it’s a bold reaffirmation of who they are today! First release following the reunion with Michele Luppi (former Whitesnake backing vocalist and keyboardist) and keyboardist Oleg Smirnoff (Labyrinth, Eldritch). Produced by Olaf Thorsen & Michele Luppi; mixed by Simone Mularoni & Michele Luppi at Domination Studio (Wind Rose, Twilight Force, Michael Romeo); mastered by Michele Luppi at MiLu's Rock Lab II."

VISION DIVINE - 18 (It Feels Like Heaven) (Official Video)

MOONLIGHT HAZE - Interstellar Madness (Official Video)

The Italian symphonic power metal band Moonlight Haze (2018-present) has new music out this weekend! They have four albums, and now this new EP.

Moonlight Haze

Interstellar Madness

Scarlet Records

May 22, 2026

Chiara Tricarico vocals -- Marco Falanga guitar -- Alberto Melinato guitar -- Alessandro Jacobi bass -- Giulio Capone drums, keyboards.

1. Moonlight Legion 02:56; 2. Lost in Moonlit Symphonies 02:33; 3. We Are Fire 04:23; 4. Shine 02:28; 5. Interstellar Madness 06:31; 6. Interstellar Madness: Finale 02:49; total time 21:40.

ABOUT THIS EP: "Moonlight Haze and extraordinary vocalist Chiara Tricarico brought symphonic power metal to the next level throughout the tracklist of their fifth studio release, indulging in extremely mighty, epic and theatrical moments. Guided by striking instrumentals parts, catchy and epic melodies, and truly introspective lyrics, the EP once again proves the talent and boldness of the Italian unit. Interstellar Madness is an invitation to take on a journey through cosmic landscapes and beyond, led by a whirlwind of emotions – madness here is to be intended as a deeper and overwhelming way of experiencing reality, investigating and going beyond what lies on the surface of things in order to be able to discover hidden parts of the inner self."

MOONLIGHT HAZE - Interstellar Madness (Official Video)

celebrating a heavy metal classic: Dio - Holy Diver

On The Metal Archives the reviewer Xyrth gives this classic album a perfect rating of 100%. Xyrth says, in part, "Catchiness is the name of Holy Diver’s game. This release is teeming with classic cuts played and listened ad nauseam by metalhead’s spanning generational and territorial barriers. The power and dynamism of opener 'Stand Up and Shout' recalls the energy of Heaven and Hell’s 'Neon Knights', a sound which Dio himself brought to Sabbath from Rainbow. But also, both band’s epicness wasn’t forgotten, as the iconic title-track demonstrates right away, with its atmospheric intro and mid-paced heaviness, flawlessly elegant. Dio’s softer side is experienced on the timeless power ballad 'Don’t Talk to Strangers', a hymn I wasn’t able to experience live from Dio himself, rather, a great rendition by the late Steve Grimmett, when his Grim Reaper played here in Guadalajara at the once-in-a-lifetime Force Metal Fest in 2015, may he rest in peace too. But there’s enough heaviness in each and every track as to rival anything Dio had done with Sabbath at the time. Side B openers 'Straight to the Heart' and 'Invisible' (psychedelic intro notwithstanding) are a great one-two punch example of this. Dio employs a gruffier intonation amidst great heavy riffs by Campbell. Arena favorite 'Rainbow in the Dark' might be the most iconic track in Dio’s career ever, with those immediately recognizable keyboard melodies that border on the cheesy side of metal."

Dio

Holy Diver

Mercury Records

May 23, 1983

Ronnie James Dio (R.I.P. 2010) Vocals, Keyboards, Lyrics, Songwriting (tracks 1-9)

Vinny Appice Drums, Songwriting (tracks 4, 7-9)

Jimmy Bain (R.I.P. 2016) Bass, Keyboards, Songwriting (tracks 1, 6, 8, 9)

Vivian Campbell Guitars, Songwriting (tracks 3, 4, 7, 8)

1. Stand Up and Shout 03:15; 2. Holy Diver 05:52; 3. Gypsy 03:37; 4. Caught in the Middle 04:13; 5. Don't Talk to Strangers 04:49; 6. Straight Through the Heart 04:31; 7. Invisible 05:23; 8. Rainbow in the Dark 04:13; 9. Shame on the Night 05:16; total time 41:09.

Dio - Don't Talk to Strangers (2016 Remaster)

celebrating a major classic rock album - The Who's Tommy

The Who

Tommy

May 23, 1969 (UK)

In the USA, songs from this album have been played on classic rock radio for decades because the record has proven to be incredibly durable, even as landscape and style changes have come and gone in rock music. The Who are an incredibly important band in the development of hard rock, heavy rock, and classic rock, and this album is one of the band's most respected works.

Wikipedia shows that this double album was released on 19 May 1969 in the US by Decca and 23 May in the UK by Track Records.

Wikipedia also observes that:

"The album was commercially successful, reaching No. 2 in the UK album charts. It peaked at No. 7 in the US in 1969, but in 1970 it re-entered the charts, at which time it went on to peak at No. 4. It sold 200,000 copies in the first two weeks in the US alone and was awarded a gold record for sales of 500,000 on 18 August. 'Pinball Wizard', 'I'm Free' and 'See Me, Feel Me' were released as singles and received airplay on the radio. 'Pinball Wizard' reached the top 20 in the US and the top five in the UK. 'See Me, Feel Me' reached the top 20 in the US and 'I'm Free' reached the top 40."

The Who - Pinball Wizard (Live at the Isle of Wight, 1970)

celebrating a power metal classic of classics: Helloween - Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I

Helloween

Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I

Noise Records

May 23, 1987

Michael Weikath Guitars (lead), Vocals (backing), Songwriting (tracks 5, 8), Lyrics (tracks 5, 8) ---- Kai Hansen Vocals (backing), Songwriting (tracks 1, 2, 4, 6-8), Lyrics (tracks 2, 4, 6-8), Guitars (lead) ---- Michael Kiske Songwriting (track 3), Lyrics (track 3), Vocals (lead)---- Markus Grosskopf Bass, Vocals (backing) ---- Ingo Schwichtenberg (R.I.P. 1995) Drums.

1. Initiation 01:21; 2. I'm Alive 03:23 3. A Little Time 03:59; 4. Twilight of the Gods 04:29; 5. A Tale That Wasn't Right 05:15; 6. Future World 04:02; 7. Halloween 13:18; 8. Follow the Sign 01:46; total time 37:33.

On The Metal Archives the reviewer Andreas Hansen gives this album a 100% rating, and explains some history: "Weikath suggests the then very young Michael Kiske, who was playing in the band IIIrd Prophecy and whose the Helloween guitarist had noticed his impressive skills for a singer of his age (he was eighteen). But Kiske refuses. Weikath, true to himself, doesn't throw in the sponge, persuaded that he had found the good person. At another point, someone suggests him a phone number lying around in a pocket, Ralf Scheepers' one, at this moment in Tyran's Pace - who would eventually join Hansen after his departure to form Gamma Ray. By dint of persuasions, Kiske finally accepts to join Helloween.

His dream team now in place, Weikath, with Hansen, starts working on this much-vaunted project of a double-album dealing with fantasy stories, the 'Keeper of the Seven Keys'. Sadly for them, another major impediment stands in their way: Noise refuses such a work, considered as way too ambitious and prem for the age of the band, being afraid that the album would sell very badly. The band resolves to split it into two parts and that's how this first opus saw the light of day on May, 23rd, 1987, an album that marks the real turning point of the band, coming from a heavy/speed metal sound with some melodies to what we would call later power metal.

Power metal wasn't inevitably born with this album, it is always difficult to tell when a genre is created, but this Keeper of the Seven Keys is often considered to be the album that gave prestige to this metal sub-genre, much more than Walls of Jericho in any cases."

Helloween - I'm Alive

EMBRACE OF SOULS (power metal) - Desolate Lands (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

Embrace of Souls is an Italian power metal band started by a drummer and songwriter named Michele Olmi. It was just a studio project, but they became a real band with their first album, The Number of Destiny, in 2021. Things went well for them, and here we are in 2026!

Embrace of Souls

The Battle of the Dead

Rockshots Records

22 May 2026

Giacomo Rossi – Vocals; Martina Mazzeo – Vocals; Edward De Rosa – Guitars; Xavier Rota – Bass; Davide Baldelli – Keyboards; Michele Olmi – Drums.

1. The Battle of the Dead 04:26; 2. Eversun 04:21; 3. The Plague 04:29; 4. The Gathering 03:24; 5. Spine 04:44; 6. Who Can Save Us 03:13; 7. Betrayal 03:28; 8. The Dark Lord 03:06; 9. The War 03:10; 10. Sacrifice 03:51; 11. Desolate Lands 04:50; total time 43:02.

For fans of: Rhapsody Of Fire, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, Nightwish

ABOUT THE BAND: Rockshots Records is proud to announce its signing of Embrace Of Souls for the release of their new concept album The Battle of the Dead. Founded by drummer and composer Michele Olmi, Embrace Of Souls has forged a solid identity within the Italian power metal scene by blending classic ’80s and ’90s heavy and power metal foundations with epic and symphonic influences. After the releases of "The Number Of Destiny" and "Forever Part Of Me", the band reached a natural turning point, choosing to move forward with renewed focus, strengthened artistic vision, and fresh creative energy. This new chapter is also marked by an updated line-up compared to previous albums. Giacomo Rossi, already involved in earlier recordings, now takes on a central role as lead vocalist, joined by Martina Mazzeo as soprano vocalist. Their combined vocal approach broadens the band’s expressive range, reinforcing the balance between driving power metal intensity and refined symphonic elegance that defines Embrace Of Souls’ current sound.

EMBRACE OF SOULS - Desolate Lands (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

remembering HEATHEN bassist Michael Jastremski (1963-2005)

Mike Jastremski (March 16, 1963 - May 23, 2005)

Mike "Yaz" Jastremski was an American metal musician best known for his work as a guitarist and bassist during the 1980s Bay Area metal movement. The Metal Archives shows that Mike began his recording career as a guitarist for the speed metal band Griffin, performing with the group from 1983 to 1986. Under the moniker "Yaz," he recorded guitars for the band's 1984 debut full-length album, Flight of the Griffin. After Griffin, he switched to bass and joined the thrash metal band Heathen, serving his first tenure from 1986 to 1988. He performed on the 1987 single "Set Me Free" (cover song) and Heathen's celebrated 1987 debut full-length album, Breaking the Silence. In 1988 he also recorded a demo with the band during the brief period when former Exodus vocalist Paul Baloff fronted the group. Mike rejoined Heathen for a second tenure from 2001 to 2004. His bass work during his time with the band has been featured on several retrospective releases, including the 2004 compilation Recovered and the 2017 compilation Pray for Death (The Complete Demo Collection), which featured his bass tracks on tracks 8 and 9.

Heathen - Set Me Free - Official Music Video

Sweet - Set Me Free (1974)

celebrating the anniversary of King's X's album Please Come Home... Mr. Bulbous

According to Wikipedia, this is the release date for this adventurous album by the long-running American prog rock band King's X. Check out a song from the album! People say the album is a bit wacky, and maybe that is true, but it's a King's X album, and not as weird as some people think. It's still King's X!

King's X

Please Come Home... Mr. Bulbous

Metal Blade Records

May 23, 2000

Doug Pinnick – bass, lead vocals; Ty Tabor – guitars, backing vocals; Jerry Gaskill – drums, backing vocals

1. "Fish Bowl Man" 4:28; 2. "Julia" 3:39; 3. "She's Gone Away" 4:37; 4. "Marsh Mellow Field" 5:30; 5. "When You're Scared" 4:26; 6. "Charlie Sheen" 3:51; 7. "Smudge" 3:52; 8. "Bitter Sweet" 2:13; 9. "Move Me" 4:58;10. "Move Me, Pt. 2" 7:20.

King's X - Marsh Mellow Field

celebrating the anniversary of DOKKEN's album Dysfunctional

This album marked the return of the classic lineup of Don, George, Jeff, and Mick, back together since the 1988 breakup of the band. The guitar tone is heavier and bluesier than in the 1980s. It's a different sound in a different time: not as polished as the 1980s, but it is a hard rock / heavy metal album with a good variety of tempos. Initially, the reception for the album was not super great from Dokken fans because it was too different, and they wanted the 1980s sound.

Unfortunately, '80s Dokken fans have been unable to get over the difference in sound, but the album certainly has good songs, and there is plenty to enjoy in it. Especially if one listens to this album as it is and for what it is, rather than listening to it wishing that it sounded just like things did in 1984.

Dokken

Dysfunctional

Sony Music

May 23rd, 1995

Don Dokken (lead vocals) - George Lynch (guitars) - Jeff Pilson (bass, vocals) - Mick Brown (drums, vocals)

1. Inside Looking Out 04:08; 2. Hole in My Head 04:33; 3. The Maze 04:50; 4. Too High to Fly 07:10; 5. Nothing Left to Say 04:30; 6. Shadows of Life 04:32; 7. Long Way Home 05:12; 8. Sweet Chains 05:46; 9. Lesser of Two Evils 04:03; 10. What Price 05:45; 11. From the Beginning (Emerson, Lake & Palmer cover) 04:12; total time 54:41

A reviewer named "Twisted Psychology" on The Metal Archives observes: "Dysfunctional still proves that Dokken is generally at their best when exerting catchy driving rock, albeit with a quirky slant. Lead single 'Too High To Fly' can border on feeling too long at seven minutes but I’m not one to argue with how well that bluesy snarl works with that slinky bass-driven hustle. 'Hole In My Head' and 'Shadows of Life' supplement their fast chugs with disorienting soundscapes in the former’s sitar and the latter’s intrusively sinister hums while 'What Price' dips into Galactic Cowboys territory with its borderline thrash eventually giving way to a fuzzy freakout." Interestingly enough, this same reviewer also notices the following: "What really makes Dysfunctional stand out compared to their peers in similar positions is how it ends up sounding like their attempt at a King’s X album? Granted Don’s world-weary croons are a way’s away from anything resembling Dug Pinnick’s signature soul, but the vocal harmonies have the sort of balanced involvement that makes one wonder if they managed to sneak Ty Tabor into the studio."

Dokken - Too High to Fly

Happy birthday to legendary guitarist Vinnie Moore!

The Metal Archives shows that Vincent Moore was born April 14, 1964. Vinnie started out on the Shrapnel Records label, famous for finding guitar heroes, and they certainly found one here. He caught fans' attention with his debut, Mind's Eye, in 1987 (according to The Metal Archives). Vinnie has stayed very busy throughout his career, playing with Alice Cooper and UFO, amongst others. He was actually with UFO for almost two decades! In addition, The Metal Archives shows that he has 10 studio albums that show the many sides of his guitar playing.

Vinnie Moore - Still Waters Run Deep (from the 2022 album Double Exposure)

celebrating the death metal anniversary of WRUST's Soulless Machine

Man, there is something about this death metal album. The combination of death metal, a bit of groove metal, the sound itself, and a bit of melody—it sounds good to me. It feels like this band understood what they wanted to do with their metal from the beginning and delivered it. It's the type of death metal that makes sense right away.

The Metal Archives shows that Wrust formed in 2000 in Botswana. The Metal Archives shows a 2003 demo, but I haven't heard it, so the 2007 debut album was my introduction to them. After that, they did an EP in 2011, a second album in 2013, and a split in 2019. Here's hoping they make more music.

Speaking for myself, I sense a certain type of Pantera and Sepultura energy, and maybe that's why I like it. Of course, there is death metal all over the album, but maybe it's that Pantera-Sepultura songwriting sound that does it for me. The thing is, I don't even know if this band likes those bands. I have no idea what their influences are! Anyway, I still enjoy this album, which I guess is now an oldie!

Wrust

Soulless Machine

Witchdoctor Records

April 14, 2007

1. Soulless Machine 03:33

2. Kill or Be Killed 05:11

3. Just a Sinner 03:41

4. Prophecy of Doom 02:52

5. Run 03:46

6. The Renegade 04:15

7. Why Me 05:51

8. Cleansing Ritual 02:32

Total time 31:41

WRUST-WHY ME

celebrating Ted Nugent and The Amboy Dukes - Survival of the Fittest Live

Both the official Ted Nugent website and Wikipedia give April 1971 as the release month for this live album. Wikipedia says, "The initial plan for the Survival of the Fittest album was to record one side of the album live and the other side in the studio, but this plan was later scrapped and the band instead recorded an entire live album. The album consists of five new songs written by Ted Nugent, and an extended live performance of 'Prodigal Man', which previously appeared on the band's Migration album. In a review of the band's previous album, Marriage on the Rocks/Rock Bottom, AllMusic said that Survival of the Fittest sees the band embracing blues rock, which had only partially been explored on Marriage on the Rocks/Rock Bottom.'"

This recording is pure rock and roll energy. They are cooking up some live, raw, hard blues rock, and the whole band sounds great. The drumming is such a treat, and there are tons of Ted Nugent riffs, hooks, and leads to make you pick up your guitar or your air guitar.

The live version of "Prodigal Son"! Wow. The studio recording of 'Prodigal Son,' according to Wikipedia, is the second track on the 1969 The Amboy Dukes album Migration, which was their third full-length. The original's duration is 9:09, and this live version is twice that!"

1. "Survival of the Fittest" 6:17

2. "Rattle My Snake" 3:00

3. "Mr. Jones' Hanging Party" 4:55

4. "Papa's Will" 9:00

5. "Slidin' On" 3:03

6. "Prodigal Man" 21:20

Ted Nugent – Guitar, vocals (lead on track 4)

Andy Solomon – Keyboards, saxophone, vocals (lead on tracks 2, 5 and 6)

Rob Ruzga – Bass

K. J. Knight – Drums, vocals (lead on track 3)

Survival Of The Fittest (Live at the Eastowne Theatre, Detroit, Michigan /1970)

celebrating the metalcore anniversary of WAR OF AGES' album Eternal

This album has shredding, melodic soloing, thrashy riffs, breakdowns, and a consistent emphasis on faith and perseverance. The album presents a particular sound of metalcore in which there is quite a bit of classic metal working into the contemporary sound. The vocals and the album's crunch are all metalcore, but what about all those melodies?! That's a bit of a different angle, and the music is all the better for it.

War of Ages - Eternal

April 13th, 2010 - Facedown Records

(according to The Metal Archives)

Steve Brown (Guitars) - Branon Bernatowicz (Guitars) - Leroy Hamp (Vocals, Lyrics) - Alex Hamp (Drums) - TJ Alford (Bass)

War Of Ages - Collapse

remembering UFO keyboardist/guitarist Paul Raymond (1945-2019)

Wikipedia says: "Paul Martin Raymond (16 November 1945 – 13 April 2019) was an English keyboardist and guitarist, best known for playing in the rock bands UFO and Michael Schenker Group. He also replaced Christine McVie when she left Chicken Shack to join Fleetwood Mac in 1969."

Paul Raymond was UFO's long-time keyboardist and rhythm guitarist who joined in 1976 (replacing Danny Peyronel) because he could play both keyboards and rhythm guitar. This was a game-changer for UFO’s live sound. It allowed them to have that fuller sound during Michael Schenker’s solos.

Wikipedia says that: "He wrote songs for UFO, but because of a previous publishing deal, was not credited for these songs until recent years. When Michael Schenker left UFO, Raymond joined Schenker's new band, MSG, in 1981 and later joined UFO bassist Pete Way's band, Waysted, in 1983. Raymond worked with Phil Mogg, Andy Parker, along with Schenker and Way, in UFO from 1976–1980, 1984–1986, 1993–1998 and 2003–2019. At the time of his death in 2019, UFO had just completed the first leg of what they referred to as their final world tour, dubbed 'Last Orders: 50th Anniversary'. For the remainder of the tour, Raymond was replaced by Neil Carter, who was also his replacement from 1980 to 1983."

The Life & Death of UFO's PAUL RAYMOND

(Watch this video. It says that it is 1977. If the year is right, then it is Paul Raymond starting on the keyboards with a guitar strapped on, and then he switches to play the rhythm guitar. There are two guitarists on the stage, not just Michael Schenker.)

UFO - Lights Out - Live at Roundhouse 1977 (Remastered)

celebrating Thomas Jefferson, an American Founding Father - an inspiration to American patriotic rockers

Wikipedia shows: "Thomas Jefferson (April 13 [O.S. April 2], 1743 – July 4, 1826) was an American Founding Father and the third president of the United States from 1801 to 1809. Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. He was a leading proponent of democracy, republicanism, and natural rights, and produced formative documents and decisions at the state, national, and international levels."

Jefferson was an accomplished violinist. It is said that he called it the 'favorite passion of my soul.'

ICED EARTH's creative force, Jon Schaffer, has often been inspired by the American ideas of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Jon's solo project, Sons of Liberty, has a song called 'Tree of Liberty' that directly quotes Thomas Jefferson.

TED NUGENT is also inspired by the Jeffersonian ideas of the 'Spirit of 1776,' the year of the birth of the United States of America."

Jon Schaffer's Sons Of Liberty - Tree Of Liberty (from the 2010 album Brush-Fires of the Mind)

Ted Nugent - "The Music Made Me Do It" (Official Music Video)

celebrating the thrash anniversary of HEATHEN - Victims of Deception

When this album first came out, the metal music magazine Metal Maniacs gave it a stellar review. Ever since then, more and more people have come to appreciate the album. Time has been kind to this release! On The Metal Archives, there is a review that gives the album a 92 out of 100 by 'lonerider, December 27th, 2012.' The reviewer makes a strong case for the album, saying, in part:

Ultimately, however, “Victims of Deception” is an album of astounding quality and consistency, recorded by musicians of remarkable technical prowess. It’s safe to say that a band like Metallica – as the most successful band to emerge from the Bay Area scene, they are the perfect measuring stick – doesn’t hold a candle to Heathen in that category, as the drums, guitars and even the vocals are sometimes light-years ahead of what the likes of Ulrich, Hammett and Hetfield have ever been capable of. That in turn allows the band to infuse more melody and progressive elements into the music whilst retaining plenty of speed and aggressiveness. Particularly the riffing on tracks like “Fear of the Unknown” and “Hypnotized” is positively spectacular. Moreover, the stellar production brings out the best in the band’s performance, giving the guitars a massive sound without stifling the other instruments and various little details in the band’s awe-inspiring delivery.

In closing, “Victims of Deception” is the perfect album to demonstrate that the more iconic and commercially successful bands from the Bay Area scene weren’t necessarily the be-all and end-all in musical quality and that some of the more under-the-radar acts were actually just as good or perhaps sometimes even a little better. With an effort like this under their belt, Heathen were definitely deserving of more widespread acclaim and sustained success than they ended up with, but as we all know, life simply isn’t always fair.

Heathen - Victims of Deception

April 12, 1991 - Roadracer Records

Doug Piercy - Guitars, Songwriting (tracks 7-9)

Darren Minter - Drums

David White-Godfrey - Vocals, Songwriting (tracks 1-3, 5-7, 9, 10)

Lee Altus - Guitars, Songwriting (tracks 1-3, 5, 6, 9, 10)

Heathen - Opiate of the Masses

celebrating the black metal anniversary of SKALD IN VEUM's album Stridslysten

This album is relentless black metal; its title apparently translates to something like 'battle-ready' in Swedish. The album delivers a high-velocity assault of tremolo picking and blast beats, maintaining a grim sound. While the lyrics focus on spiritual themes, the music remains incredibly aggressive. The priority is energy, intensity, and speed. You won't be able to whistle these songs, but you may need a neck brace. Have your Tylenol handy.

Skald in Veum - Stridslysten

Nordic Mission Records - April 12, 2019

1. Stridslysten 03:56; 2. As Wolves Among Sheep 05:47; 3. En lyra döpt i blod 05:00; 4. Do What Thou Wilt 05:48; 5. Goat**** 04:05; 6. Shards of the Infernal Fall 04:07; 7. Tvinsot (Siaren II) 06:09; 8. Whoremaster 03:32. Total time 38:24.

Stridslysten by Skald In Veum

celebrating the ICED EARTH demo Enter the Realm

Awesome demo! This 1989 release is foundational for the band’s future, capturing the raw and aggressive energy of thrashy heavy metal. It blends the melodic atmosphere of classic British metal with the massive, galloping riffs of Bay Area thrash and American classic rock. The production is great for a demo; the heavy crunch of the guitar tone and the personality of the vocals create a sound that is creative, fun, and serious all at once. Short, moody instrumentals lead into high-speed heavy hitters like 'Colors' and 'Nightmares.' A legendary start in 1989!"

Iced Earth - Enter the Realm demo - April 12, 1989

(according to The Metal Archives)

Gene Adam (vocals) - Randy Shawver (lead guitars) - Jon Schaffer (rhythm guitars, vocals) - Dave Abell (bass) - Greg Seymour (drums)

1. Enter the Realm 00:54 instrumental; 2. Colors 05:05; 3. Nightmares 03:42 4. To Curse the Sky 04:46; 5. Solitude 01:43 instrumental; 6. Iced Earth 05:33 7. Enter the Realm 00:54 instrumental; 8. Colors 05:05; 9. Nightmares 03:42; 10. To Curse the Sky 04:46; 11. Solitude 01:43 instrumental; 12. Iced Earth 05:33. Total time 21:43.

ICED EARTH - Colors (original recording 1989)

remembering producer Roy Thomas Baker (1946-2025)

Roy Thomas Baker (November 10, 1946 - April 12, 2025)

According to The Metal Archives: "Producer, active from 1970's to 2025. Baker began career at Decca in England aged 14. Moved to Trident Studios. After co-founding Trident's record company Neptune, Baker began working with Queen whom he produced for five albums including the song 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. Baker has produced and added his distinctive sound to artists such as The Cars, Ian Hunter, Nazareth, Guns N' Roses, The Who, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Foreigner, Journey, Ozzy Osbourne, Mötley Crüe, T.Rex, Devo, The Stranglers, Dusty Springfield, Yes, Cheap Trick, Gasolin', The Darkness and The Smashing Pumpkins."

Also, Wikipedia notes: "After co-founding Neptune (Trident's record company), Baker met the rock band Queen. Thus began a relationship lasting for five albums (Queen, Queen II, Sheer Heart Attack, A Night at the Opera, and Jazz) and a number of awards including 21 Grammy Awards and several Guinness World Records for the hit song, 'Bohemian Rhapsody.'"

On The Metal Archives, some of his most prominent work is: Dokken - 1984 Alone Again / Just Got Lucky (EP) producer (assistant); and Dokken - 1984 Tooth and Nail producer (associate). Also, Ozzy Osbourne - 1988 No Rest for the Wicked producer, recording.

Queen - Stone Cold Crazy (Official Lyric Video) (from 1974's Sheer Heart Attack)

Dokken - Into The Fire (Official Music Video) (from 1984's Tooth and Nail)

celebrating the black metal anniversary of ELDERWIND - Древнее древних / Older than Ancient

According to The Metal Archives: Elderwind is an atmospheric black metal band from Yekaterinburg, Russia, formed in 2009. From the information on The Metal Archives, it looks like their focus is on nature, the mountains, and the cold atmosphere of the wilderness. It is a nature-driven sound, blending aggressive black metal elements with sweeping, melodic synth-atmospheres.

The band was founded by Vyacheslav Oboskalov, who handles the songwriting and guitars. Some internet sources say that the name Elderwind was partially inspired by the game Morrowind. I don't know what that is, actually; maybe it is of interest to the people that know. Anyway, there is melody in here, but the harsh vocals—prototypical shrieking, throat-ripping black metal for the most part—might make you not notice the melody. The music can go at midtempo speeds, but don't be surprised when this whole thing all of a sudden launches into frenetic blasting speeds that will blow back your hair.

To end, the band has four albums: 2012, 2018, 2021, and this one from 2025.

Elderwind - Древнее древних / Older than Ancient

April 12, 2025 (independent)

1. Intro 01:30 instrumental; 2. Prospectors 08:03; 3. Sorrow for the Past 06:57 4. The Greatness of the Ancient 09:03; 5. Wayfarers of the Wind 09:30; 6. Blood of the Sunset 06:12; 7. The Volga 08:52. Total time 50:07

Древнее Древних/Older than Ancien by Elderwind

celebrating the (belated) anniversary of DOKKEN's Lightning Strikes Again

I like the sound of this album. It's such a fun album! According to The Metal Archives, April 11 is the release date for the tenth full-length from long-running American heavy metal band DOKKEN.

In this particular case, this album features uptempo melodic rockers—the trademark sound of the band—with those very pleasant vocal lines. The rhythm section sounds great, keeping the songs together very well; both the bass and drums are a treat to listen to in the context of the songs. The guitar work is awesome, featuring hard-rock riffs, tons of melodies, and shredding. The songs go from headbanging rockers with driving drums to anthems, with a little bit of variety found in the mellower moments.

A reviewer over at The Metal Archives says about this album: "There’s no attempt at pandering to the mainstream here, no begging for a bigger fan base, just good old fashioned guitar oriented metal with zero apologies." I agree with such a sentiment. It's an accurate assessment.

Dokken - Lightning Strikes Again

April 11, 2008 - Frontiers Records

Don Dokken (vocals) - Jon Levin (guitars) - Barry Sparks (bass) - Mick Brown (drums)

1. Standing on the Outside 03:54; 2. Give Me a Reason 03:52; 3. Heart to Stone 03:58; 4. Disease 03:32; 5. How I Miss Your Smile 04:03; 6. Oasis 03:42; 7. Point of No Return 04:25; 8. I Remember 04:50; 9. Judgement Day 04:04; 10. It Means 04:44; 11. Release Me 05:47; 12. This Fire 04:41. Total time 51:32.

DOKKEN - Heart to Stone