My Haven -- big melodies, big choruses from Finland

My Haven

Until

Pure Steel Records

August 6th 2021

My Haven is a Finnish melodic band that looks to the 1980s as the fountain of inspiration. Their style is the prototypical European heavy/power blend of keyboards, big choruses, melodic singing and a very enthusiastic embrace of 1980s music that combines rock and pop. The listener might hear some echoes of the radio and MTV bands, like Europe, Def Leppard and Whitesnake, and also pop like Flock of Seagulls and Pet Shop Boys. Of course, we do not know for a fact that they specifically like those bands, but those are some references for the reader to get an idea of the sound. For all we know, the band might say that they do not like Pet Shop Boys, and that their favorite band is actually Erasure, or that they don't care for Europe, that they prefer Night Ranger or Dokken. However, the point is that your 1980s-loving grandparents will be amused to hear their grandchild listening to music without any growling, screaming nor breakdowns. They will say, "Look at you, Angie! Honey, like, I'm thrilled that, like, for once you are enjoying music that does not, you know, sound like farm animals having a brawl in the barn! Totally awesome!"

The songs go from melodic rockers, to anthems to ballads, just like Def Leppard used to sequence their albums. The production is nice and easy on the ears, and very contemporary with lots of studio magic on everything. My Haven would sound natural and logical at your local rock radio station when they play that 80s Scorpions, Europe, Whitesnake, except that the DJ would say, "...and we wrapped up that set with 'Here I Go Again' and after these commercials we'll have some new blood from Finland for fans of 80s rock!" And so it is. My Haven is 1980s-style ear candy, and proud of it. We suspect that the German fans are going to love this band. Once those fans hear these songs, fugget about it, the wheels will begin to roll on to more stages across Europe, and Japan. Set your clock back to 1987, we’re going back to the future, Marty!

MY HAVEN - Introduction

MY HAVEN - Found Not Forgotten (Official Music Video)

MY HAVEN - The Hell I Died For (Official Lyric Video)

https://www.facebook.com/myhavenband

Edenic Past -- the sound of a ton of bricks of brutality

Edenic Past

Red Amarcord

August 6 2021 (vinyl)

Sentient Ruin Laboratories

The Sentient Ruin Laboratories lords of the caverealm have declared that Edenic Past is Colin Marston (guitars) and Nicholas McMaster (bass) from U.S. legion of heaviness-weirdness Krallice. Colin and Nicholas in turn recruited fellow Neanderthal vocalist Paulo Henri Paguntalan from Encenathrakh (yes, it’s a real thing; see Metal Archives) for a cursed meeting of the warped minds. Things are about to go sideways with Edenic Past, and when they do, we ask that you take refuge in the nearest forest where you can find some protection and perhaps some type of food to keep you alive for the next six months or so, until the voices in your head yelling "My precious, my precious, my precious!" finally subside and you can begin to make your way back towards the Kingdom of Tacoma or the Golden Realm of LaPush. Edenic Past brings a swamp of gargled-burped gruff growling with a specialty in the vocal techniques reserved for the most disgusting brutality. The guitars seem like a twisted, contorted form of jazz, like you would imagine a death metal guitarist sitting at home with the guitar in hand, watching a video of a live performance of a jazz group going bonkers and then the guitarist does a version of that insanity on the guitar, and voilà, Edenic Past! The drum programming is doing exactly what you'd expect, putting on a clinic on technical-progressive extreme computer fake drumming. Now, take all of that, add a layer of experimentalism and slam, and that is a roller coaster in some brutality-tech-death-slamming hoedown that you can mosh to or watch alien documentaries to or just grab your algebra homework and take control of those numbers to the tunes of this piece of Americana. Now then, will they ever find their perfect drummer to complete this Olympic dream team of brutality?

Red Amarcord by Edenic Past

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Vriess -- new brutality from France

Vriess

Vriess

XenoKorp Militia Series

6 August 2021

Chapter I: The Fight 4:17

Chapter II: The Curse 3:14

Chapter III: The Reality 2:52

Chapter IV: The Reborn 3:35

Chapter V: The Father 3:09

The extraterrestrial information overlords from the Office of the Propaganda Ministry of the XenoKorp regime headquartered in the realm of the Frankish lands have dictated that Vriess incubated in 2020 by Project For Bastards goblins Greg and Chris (also ex-The Lumberjack Feedback), and on the hammers they have Kévin Paradis [Agressor, Death Lab, Mithridatic, ex-Dead Talking Mind, ex-The Arisen, ex-DeadlySins, ex-Svart Crown, ex-Deathawaits (live), ex-Melechesh (live), ex-Nader Sadek (live), ex-Seth (live), ex-Shining (live), ex-The Seven Gates, ex-Gods of Hate], and on the low frequencies with Linus Klausenitzer [Eternity's End, Fallacy, Ilusen's Fallacy, Noneuclid, Obsidious, Dawn of Obliteration (live), ex-Fall of Serenity, ex-Obscura, ex-Kaoteon (live), ex-Thulcandra (live), ex-Asurim, ex-King Schlayer, ex-Lisa WHO, ex-Mecallita, ex-Metropole Orkest, ex-Rockbrigade]; with a guest guitar solo from Christofer Malmström from melodic extreme band Darkane (Sweden). Given the instrumental sludgy heaviness of The Lumberjack Feedback, people may be led to believe that this recording will lean in the direction of slow-ish heaviness of some sort, but these marauders have a different purpose of cacophony in the form of a quick injection of blasting brutality. Push play and watch this little monster tear it up. No mellow introduction, no quiet conclusion, no happy keyboards, no melodic anything just screaming, growling, blasting and guitars riding the speeds. With a such short recording, when it is over it is easy to hear it again to see if the blurring brutality can be discerned a bit better with a few go-rounds. This is too fast for one listen, but with a seatbelt and safety helmet on, “may the odds be ever in your favor.” Carry on screaming, gentlemen. Carry on screaming.

VRIESS "Chapter II: The Curse" [Lyrics Video]

https://www.facebook.com/Vriessband

Witchfynde -- reissue of 1980 debut album

Witchfynde

Give 'em Hell (re-release)

High Roller Records

30.07.2021

1.Ready to Roll 04:15

2.The Divine Victim 05:03

3.Leaving Nadir 06:12

4.Gettin' Heavy 03:52

5.Give 'Em Hell 04:03

6.Unto the Ages of the Ages 08:54

7.Pay Now - Love Later 03:33

8.The Devil's Gallop 00:31*

9.Tetelestai 08:44*

10.Wake Up Screaming 04:20*

total time 49:27

*not on the original release

In 1980 Witchfynde came to the attention of the fanatics of the revival of hard rock taking place in the United Kingdom at the time. The new heavy rock was being branded as "heavy metal" and the music caught the attention of fans eager to hear some of these bands that showed promise, especially given that some of them had good, rock musicianship. The album stands up well when compared to the other debut albums and EPs by the younger generation, like Saxon, Iron Maiden, Girschool, Angel Witch, Def Leppard, Tygers of Pan Tang, and all those other bands. It is worthy of having in the collection. The drumming has human vibrancy and dynamics, the bass guitar is colorful, and in general the rhythm section offers plenty for the enjoyment of the songs. The guitar riffs and solos have that excitement of leaner, more compact, often faster interpretations of the mighty riffs of Led Zeppelin (and the next bands like Deep Purple and Black Sabbath that took up the riff-based hard rock). The singing has a nice melodic, clear and sometimes sinister tones, while remaining melodic. The songs themselves are highly memorable and have a rocking, headbanging energy.

https://www.hrrshop.de/WITCHFYNDE-Give-em-Hell-LP-BLACK_1

https://www.facebook.com/rathergowild

[This is for your information only. The review is based on the High Roller Records version, and not this one.] Witchfynde - Give 'Em Hell (Full Album)

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out now: BlackSword -- finally the return of heroic metal from Russia/Greece

BlackSword

Alive Again

No Remorse Records

30.07.2021

With the second album the Russian/Greek defenders of the oath seek an ominous, riff-centric form of classic-style heavy metal. Their debut album is actually from 2010. Four Russian musicians and a Greek singer specialize in a skills-based meritocratic sound that is serious business, as a band firing on all cylinders, and with the horsepower to convince any supporter of the genre that gives them the time of day. The singing is strong, with a certain force and grit, even during the more melodic segments. Sometimes the singing's strength leans towards the more heroic, muscular, tougher, deeper style of singing, the type that people associate with Sanctuary/Nevermore, Manowar, early Omen, and early Jag Panzer, and others like that. Expect some belting high notes, too, of course. The music is not galloping-type, but rather a crunchier sound that allows the listener to hear the riffs, and examine what one is hearing in terms of crisp, clear heaviness, chugging, shredding, rhythm, soloing, melodies and everything else involved with guitars. The rhythm section provides lots of substance to absorb. Having taken such an extremely long time to come back, their fans might have forgotten the band. However, this album should make the loyalists set their sights on the band once again. A vigorous statement of purpose by BlackSword. Alive again, indeed.

Alive Again by BlackSword

https://www.facebook.com/blackswordmetal/

https://label.noremorse.gr/

out now: Kiko Shred's Rebellion -- heavy metal from Brazil

Kiko Shred's Rebellion

Rebellion

Pure Steel Records

July 30th 2021

Brazilian guitarist Kiko Shred is joined by drummer Lucas Tagliari, bassist Will Costa and singer Ed Gadlin, and previously under the moniker of Kiko Shred there have been three albums (2015, 2018 and 2019), it seems with different singers. It is said that Kiko is some 22 years old and has played with singers Tim "Ripper" Owens, Michael Vescera, and Leather Leone, amongst others. Germany's Pure Steel Records is now responsible for this album, and the label says this is the debut album, now under the name of Kiko Shred's Rebellion. The songwriting is rock-based traditional heavy metal that features the guitarist's skills. The singing is high and melodic, and the rhythm section generally keeps things uptempo for the main style. While the album features guitar skills, people expecting songs may be pleased with this songwriting effort. For example, "Honour to the Fallen Brothers," features keyboards, and a more restrained guitar solo, and some catchy riffs and melodies. "The Hierophant" is a shred fan's song, as an instrumental. On this particular number, the sampled/programmed drumming leaves something to be desired, as is the case in some other places. To conclude, the album focuses on songwriting and the music as songs, not as music for musicians. Fans of legacy heavy metal and power metal may find this recording to be of interest, especially audiences looking for newer acts.

Kiko Shred's Rebellion - "Mirror" - official Video (PURE STEEL RECORDS)

KIKO SHRED - Information War (Official music video)

https://www.facebook.com/kiko.shred

out July 30: Fetid Zombie -- death from Mark Riddick and his friends in low places

Fetid Zombie

Transmutations

Transcending Obscurity Records

July 30th, 2021

Don't judge a book by its cover because looks can be deceiving, like in this case. It is likely that you have seen the artwork of Mark Riddick before. In Fetid Zombie he does vocals, guitars, bass, drum programming and samples, and who knows what else. Riddick, says the internet, has done artwork for some of your favorites like Autopsy, The Black Dahlia Murder, Arch Enemy, Exodus, Morbid Angel, and lots more too. Metal Archives says that he has been involved with Grave Wax, Macabra, Excrescent, Unearthed, Moonroot, Hexentanz, The Soil Bleeds Black, Folkearth, Unburied, and Equimanthorn. Regarding this particular album, the official information reveals the following tag team action: Riddick on rhythm guitar, bass, synth, and effects (and drum programming, we assume), with vocals from his cronies Ralf Hauber (Heads For The Dead, Revel In Flesh), Chris Monroy (Skeletal Remains), and Clare Webster (Yylva); Josh Fleischer (Svierg) on rhythm guitar; on lead guitar Jamie Whyte (Beyond Mortal Dreams), James Malone (Arsis), Malcolm Pugh (Inferi), and Toby Knapp (Affliktor, Waxen), and Malone again on synth.

The vocals, for the most part, consist of gruff growling, with some variety, of course, including some melodic singing. The riffs, while still being heavy, are catchy, more like rock-based heaviness but tuned down. The guitar riffs/solos are very melodic, again, in way that is not the usual style in growling genres. The riffs/solos have a pleasant and sometimes rocking, sometimes melancholic feel. Other than the mechanical, sawft drum sound—lacking the vitality of a human drummer that can groove with these songs—it's a surprisingly pleasant, catchy listening experience. Other than the drum programming matter, those seeking death that is easy to understand and enjoy may find what they are searching for here.

Transmutations (Death Metal) by FETID ZOMBIE (US)

out now: Scald -- epic doom from Russia

Scald

Will of the Gods Is Great Power (reissue)

High Roller Records

23.07.2021

Both Metal Archives briefly and Wikipedia in more detail explain that a "skald" or "skáld" was the profession of the poets in the service of the Viking kings. Wikipedia says that the word itself means "poet," and that more than 55 hundred verses survived in 700 manuscripts in the forms of sagas. As for this Russian band, as the name itself says, they have in mind an epic form of doom featuring singing. The band was at first active 1993-1997, and this album was issued on cassette only in October of 1997 when their singer Agyl had already died in a railroad accident, according to Metal Archives. Nowadays they are active again with singer Felipe Plaza Kutzbach (Capilla Ardiente, Deströyer 666, Nifelheim, Procession and other entities). According to the band, they were inspired by Bathory's phase during the melodic years of the early 1990s. The record company says that this version of the album has been mastered for vinyl, in attempt to give the old recording a better sound. This version of the album is six songs (53:34 total). Devoted supporters of traditional doom with unique singing should at least give the album a listen because they may find that the strength of the songwriting and singing is too compelling to ignore. The music, as listeners may notice, does have similarities with Marcolin-era Candlemass both in the music and singing. For the "Viking" Bathory fans, Scald does not have a better production that the album Hammerheart, but the singing of Scald is more robust, deeper and projects substantially more than Bathory's somewhat thin/frail singing voice. Check it and see, Scald may prove to be one of those interesting gems from yesterday. https://www.hrrshop.de/SCALD-Will-of-the-Gods-is-Great-Power-LP-BLACK_1

[This is here for your information. The review is based on the version from High Roller Records.]

Will of the Gods is Great Power by SCALD (epic doom metal)

out now: Disimperium -- caveman extremity from Oregon, USA

Disimperium

Malefic Obliteration

Sentient Ruin Laboratories

23 July 2021

The three song (12-minute) EP involves goblins and orcs from Oregon state extreme entities Misrule and Ascended Dead. The "production" sounds really terrible/awesome, the vocals are a bunch of indecipherable low-growling, in a combination of snoring-crunching, and it all seems like a cave recording, the kind of stuff that makes Cannibal Corpse sound like power metal. Even Blasphemy and Sarcófago might say, "Whoah there, boys, may be your music is a bit too raw, if we may say so ourselves." Disimperium claps back with, "Whatcha talkin about, Willis?!" Kids, check it, you're going to need a mosh pit for this one because it is infectious blasting cavernous. If you find yourself at the gym while listening to this, be careful, you might feel like you can bench press 800 pounds. Be careful with that rush of power you will get from Disimperium; with great power comes great responsibility. For those about to rock, we salute you with the claustrophic blasting bestial.

Malefic Obliteration by Disimperium

out now: Archangel A.D. -- young thrash from Texas, USA

Archangel A.D.

Casus Belli

23 July 2021

Country music legends Alabama told us all a long time ago, "If you're gonna play in Texas, you gotta a fiddle in the band," and that's wise, of course, but sometimes you gotta roll with the fact, indeed, "that lead guitar is hot," put the fiddle aside for a while and boogie down in a different way, like the Río Grande Valley boys Archangel A.D. do with the fast, riff-focused mosh pit mongers. It's possible that in 2015 when they began they were still in high school, judging from the old pictures from several years ago. In 2018 they kicked things off with an EP, and it was a celebration of fast, young U.S. traditional thrash: sharp guitars, speedy riffs flying right and left, scream/yell vocals, a rhythm section to kick start the heart, and shredding soloing. They have their heart in the right place, especially considering their youth. Here’s hoping they persist in their quest! They are young and perfecting their craft. They have a song called “Sangre de las montañas” (Blood of the Mountains) that stands out as a Spanish-language, lively, intense folk-flavored song, and it stands apart from their thrash. Archangel A.D. could make such things as an integral part of their thrash, not a separate “outside” component, and not shy away from adding more such elements to their thrash. When they figure out that their songs can fearlessly express all their ideas, not just the “pure” thrash ideas, they’re going to be even more interesting. Keep an eye on these young Texans. Their best works are ahead of them.

Casus Belli by Archangel A.D.

out now: Craven Idol -- ominous extremity from the U.K.

Craven Idol

Forked Tongues

Dark Descent Records

23 July 2021

According to Metal Archives, Craven Idol (U.K.) began in 2005 and did demos in 2006 and 2009 and an EP in 2010. In 2013 their debut album was released, with a follow-up in 2017, and now this is their third full-length album. Think of this British band in this context: In the 1980s the young U.S. bands like Metallica and Slayer were examples of the faster, tighter sounds, and European bands like Sodom, Hellhammer/Celtic Frost, Destruction, Tormentor/Kreator, and Bathory were examples of less polished, more chaotic interpretations, which all these bands would in time abandon in favor of a cleaner, streamlined sound. Craven Idol is a type of revival, a mission, if you will, to rescue the inheritance of the very early and brief years of those European bands, but to do it in proficiently, purposefully, to tighten up the bolts and screws, and resurrect that sound in a more skilled and vicious reiteration. A closer look into the album shows thrash-based riffing paired up with black metal melodies and riffs, for that headbanging, galloping style, sometimes enhanced with blasting drumming. Audiences into tight, action-packed, and generally fast-paced, and rhythm-centered guitar action should find here a good selection, with special attention to the die-hard supporters of the sounds of black thrash, cult thrash, black and headbanging extreme metal in general. For people that like comparisons, the general family of sounds here is Destroyer 666 and Desaster, or in the 1980s the first EP by Sodom and Destruction, or the first three Bathory albums, and the first two Sepultura and the first Sarcófago. This album has the last two songs lasting more than nine minutes each, demonstrating their ability in taking their sound into more ambitious visions for this strong, strong album.

Forked Tongues by Craven Idol

out now Purification -- psychedelic doom from Oregon, USA

Purification

The Exterminating Angel

Rafchild Records

23.07.2021

Purification, shows Metal Archives, rose after Thrown broke up in 2018. For Thrown, there is this information: a single in 2017 and an album in 2018. Just by looking on Metal Archives, it is possible that Thrown was too silly with song titles like "(I've Got) The Jihad Blues" and "Momma I Wanna Be a Strongman," and samurai-themed album artwork. The two members of Thrown then became Purification, and recruited a third person to join them. A demo and an EP in 2018, and an album in 2019, and two separate albums in 2020, and now the newest album one, six songs in 46 minutes. A 1970s-loving outfit, these hippy Oregonian-Americans are a form of psychedelic, heavy styles, while integrating some contemporary bits. There is plenty of riff heaviness like Blue Cheer, Iron Butterfly, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, and all those bands, but also lots of relaxed, mellowed out, foggy pleasant segments. The riffs are catchy, and the melodies are good. The singing is not abrasive but rather melodic, relaxing and at times showing a certain hopeless wail. Sometimes their youth shows, like a few moments in which the singer seems to be experimenting with psychedelic singing with some reservation or their “occult” shtick. This is a promising band, and it looks like if they keep up this pace, you’ll be hearing more from them in the future.

The Exterminating Angel by Purification

https://www.facebook.com/rafchild.records/

out now: Necrogod -- Swedish/Costa Rican death project

Necrogod

In Extremis

Transcending Obscurity Records

July 23rd, 2021

The people behind this project are Rogga Johansson (Paganizer, Revolting, Eye of Purgatory, and many other projects) on guitar, bass and drum programming, and The Master Butcher (Morbid Stench, Insepulto) on vocals. Rogga is known for an assembly-line workaholic method of making albums; just go through the Rogga Johansson drive-thru, and you'll have your hands full of a bunch of late-night groovy, simple-minded, chugging albums. Tipped towards the brutal side of heaviness, there is nevertheless a good amount of melody, soloing and other traits of his "fun brutal" style of death, with a growl that is deep and semi-intelligible. Anyway, Rogga’s work is always satisfying to fans of old-school death, and this one is, too. Classic rock has AC/DC, and old-school death has Rogga. If you want death, you’ve got it.

In Extremis (Death Metal) by NECROGOD (Sweden)

Metal Bulletin Zine issue number 213 as a PDF

Below are a couple of links for reading Metal Bulletin Zine as a PDF, for those are interested in seeing the zine that format. This particular issue is number 213 with coverage of Lunar Shadow, Herzel, Avaland, Tokyo Blade, Mindless Sinner, Crypts of Despair, Wreche, Morbid Saint, Antioch.

https://www.scribd.com/document/516169921/Metal-Bulletin-Zine-213

https://issuu.com/metalbulletinzine/docs/mb213

Mastercastle - Who Cares for The Moon feat. Fabio Lione (music video)

Mastercastle posted on Facebook that they have a new video. Here it is in case you missed it. Metal Archives shows at least six full-length album for the Italian rockers, the most recent listed there is 2017's Wine of Heaven. After the new video, you will find a couple of other tunes from the band.

Mastercastle - Who Cares for The Moon feat. Fabio Lione

MASTERCASTLE - 'Enfer' official video

Mastercastle - Making Love (Yngwie Malmsteen cover)

https://www.facebook.com/mastercastleband/?ref=page_internal

LADY BEAST Reaper [Official Video]

American rockers Lady Beast recently presented a new music video. Here it is just in case you missed it. Below are a bunch of Bandcamp links in case that you would like to support their campaigns.

LADY BEAST Reaper [Official Video]

The Poisoned Path by Lady Beast

Reaper by Lady Beast

Live Pittsburg June 20th 2020 by Lady Beast

The Vulture's Amulet by Lady Beast

Arka'n Asrafokor live performance at Afropolitan Nomad Festival

It looks Arka'n Asrafokor has recently posted a video of their performance at the Afropolitan Nomad Festival. Below is also their Bandcamp link in case that you would like to support them.

Arka'n Asrafokor - Afropolitan Nomad Festival 7th edition!

Zã Keli by ARKA'N ASRAFOKOR

https://www.facebook.com/arkanasrafokor

Vouna (Washington state, USA) doom solo project album released today

Vouna is the solo project of Yianna Bekris. Metal Archives shows a debut album from 2018. This new album is in the broad genre salad field of ambient doom with segments of other genres creeping in at various times. Most of all, it is for fans of contemporary slow heaviness that requires lots patience because everything takes quite a while to develop. It looks like Yianna took care of just about all the music, with the exception of a couple of guests in some spots. Therefore, this is an unashamed expression of indulgence of Yianna's vision for this album: funeral doom with atmospheric black metal and more.

Atropos by Vouna

https://www.facebook.com/VOUNAMETAL/

Mantahungal -- new black metal from Indonesia

The four-song recording The Festering Decadence and Misery, says Bandcamp, was released on the 11th of July, 2021. Bandcamp also says that this black metal duo is based in Indonesia. The music is traditional, raw black metal in the classic-style, and supporters with an interest in a traditionalist interpretation of the genre may find Mantahungal enjoyable and also promising.

The Festering Decadence And Misery by Mantahungal

Between Worlds (feat. Ronny Munroe) - "Between Worlds" - Official Music Video

Below is a music video by Between Worlds featuring Ronny Munroe, formerly of Metal Church.

ABOUT: "Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to welcome the new melodic metal project Between Worlds to the label. The band is a vehicle for vocalist Ronny Munroe Music (ex-Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Metal Church) and highlights his incredible vocal talents. The self-titled debut album will be released on September 10, 2021. Written and produced in partnership with Alessandro Del Vecchio, this album is a must hear for fans of classic American heavy/power metal. The first preview of the album is available today with the release of the single and video for the title track."

Between Worlds (feat. Ronny Munroe) - "Between Worlds" - Official Music Video

https://www.facebook.com/ronnymunroefb

Vandor -- Swedish power metal contenders ready to return

Vandor impressed power metal fans in 2019 with their debut album In the Land of Vandor, and for their second work they are now on Scarlet Records (Italy). This will help to get their name out further in their field of operations. Fortunately, as fans will notice from the two new songs below, Vandor should please the fans due to the Swedes interpretation of super melodic, high-singing and shredding skills. The album On a Moonlit Night comes out on July 16th. Below you will find their official music video for "Fate of Eltoria" and on Bandcamp they have the song "Enter Twilight." Both songs are good examples of the general style of traditional European polished, catchy power metal. Fans of the style will be interested in giving their own verdict for this new album.

VANDOR - Fate of Eltoria (Official Video)

On A Moonlit Night by Vandor

In The Land of Vandor by Vandor

https://www.facebook.com/vandorband/

Space Chaser -- German thrashers streaming two new songs

Space Chaser has been at it for ten years and on July 16th they will have their third album Give Us Life ready for the world. Space Chaser is the type of sound that U.S. fans of bands like Overkill and Warbringer can appreciate rather quickly, as the Germans are fluent in the language of thrash. The vocals just might make some people think of Overkill, and with the gangshout background vocals, and general style of mosh pit music, they get to the point without much hesitation, with a few surprises, like some bits of blasting. It looks like Metal Blade Records has noticed them and is now the label they are on. The first album with Metal Blade, but their third overall. Listen to two songs on Bandcamp and find out how their thrash strikes your fancy.

Give Us Life by Space Chaser

https://www.facebook.com/SpaceChaserBand

review: DemiAura -- melodic prog from the USA

DemiAura

The Ascendant

Pavement Entertainment

16 July 2021

1. Pleiadian

2. Heavy Skies

3. Between Two Fires

4. Through the Ages

5. The Dreaming

6. Antikythera

7. Escaping the Event Horizon

8. Shining Through

9. Perfidy

10. Equinox

According to official sources, the beginnings of this entity seem to go back to the 1990s, and has had various phases, of which this is the most recent, now ready with their debut album finally to see the light of day in 2021. They call home the scorching-heat desert lands of Arizona, in the southwestern United States, bordering with Mexico. For years figuratively wandering in the desert, drummer Keith Heaney, guitarist Bobby Chávez and keyboardist Jonathan Gabriel, Jr. had been trying to find a singer. They have must tried to sing themselves. The drummer maybe found out that singing and playing drums live is not that much fun. The guitarist felt too busy playing guitar, perhaps, as did the keyboardist, who might not be a multitasker, anyway. Maybe they found other singers, but it just did not work out, obviously. They say that in 2017 someone auditioned and their singer had finally arrived in the form of vocalist Chelsea Wrathchild. Enter the 2021 version of DemiAura and their debut album.

DemiAura can be summarized in one word: quality. Some bands are funny, dexterous, fast, slow, heavy, weird, political, weightlifters, cape wearers, avocado aficionados or whatever else. However, the Arizonans have a passion for quality. That's their starting point. If these desert inhabitants could ask a question, it would be, "When you hear our music, are you able to hear the quality of it?" Their hope is that people who are music supporters will give them more than a few seconds to decide if they like it or not. As far the musicianship goes, not only does the album sound clear and professional, their skill and hard work is easy to hear. The music is mostly midtempo, melodic, and relatively mellow. Attention: As long as the listener is patient enough to let the music do its job in the mind, with time to unfold in one’s imagination, the music holds value for the audience. On the other hand, it is very possible that the band has a perfectionist streak in them, and they have carefully composed every note down to the second. Perhaps a bit too much. The music leans substantially on the progressive side, to the detriment of the rocking side. This makes the album an interesting listen to the audiences supportive of melodic prog, but it might be too anti-rocking or anti-fun for younger audiences or for the audiences that would like a bit more of a balance between rocking and prog.

To conclude, the audiences of melodic, pleasant, lighter prog with singing should consider giving their attention to this debut album. It is probable that the music will offer a fresher, newer presentation that will complement nicely the older and established traditional acts of the genre.

DemiAura - "Between Two Fires" (Official Music Video)

https://www.facebook.com/demiaura

Porta Magna (Angola) -- single "Swallowed by the Ocean"

Bandcamp so far shows this one song by Porta Magna. The song is a good sign of the type of energy of their sound. It's only one song, so we'll have to see what the future holds for them.

ABOUT: "Porta Magna is an Angolan metal band formed by Frink Sanda, Manel Kav, Edson Ferraz, Ariel Ricardo, and Claudio Henriques. The project started during the crash of Covid 19 in Angola, in a state of emergency, bored by the restrictive measures, deprived of concerts or rehearsals, they started to develop the project online, an escape to expel the frustrations of being deprived of certain freedoms. Relieving the restrictive measures and with the studios open, the band enters the studio and records their first single “Swallowed by the ocean” at Estudio 2 in Luanda and was released on October 31, 2020. Online writing continues, and the second single “Cult Of the Flesh” is born, which was released on July 25th. The band's influences go through various metal genres such as Death Metal, Blackned death, and Black Metal."

Swallowed by the ocean by Porta Magna

https://www.facebook.com/portamagna

Friday, August 6th: Black Sun Moon, and Veriteras at Tony Vs, Everett, WA

Devotion To Infinity by Vesuvian

Banished EP by Veriteras

https://www.facebook.com/tonyvs.garage/about/?ref=page_internal

tonight July 10 in Tacoma, Washington state, USA

Asema, Salem Knights, Born Without Blood play in Tacoma tonight.

Heathens by Asema

EP by Born Without Blood

Salem Knights Live 01132018 Louie G's Fife WA 1

https://www.facebook.com/salemknightsband

Drawn and Quartered new album Congregation Pestilence

In case you missed it, Washington state death metal cult band Drawn and Quartered has album number eight out now. A certain reviewer at Metal Archives has said: "This is indicative of an older artist, completely comfortable in their chosen field, maintaining their identity whilst simultaneously showing no signs of growing stale or contrived. ‘Congregation Pestilence’ is an impressive act of unapologetic self-preservation." While another reviewer stated: "There is plenty of death metal around these days, and someone needs to make it easy to find the best stuff; Drawn And Quartered are doing just that, by releasing pure quality every time." A third person declared: "Sickening riffs, mighty roars and drumming pile up to a mighty beast that should be on everyone’s year end list."

Congregation Pestilence by DRAWN AND QUARTERED

https://www.facebook.com/drawnandquartered

Idolos - new EP Náa

French black metallers Idolos have a new EP called Náa, the follow-up to 2020's Ahi Cab. YouTube has the entire new EP.

Idolos - Náa (Full EP Premiere)

https://www.facebook.com/cosmosidolos

MAZE OF TERROR - new song "Angels of Acid"

Peruvian thrashers Maze of Terror have a new song called "Angels of Acid." It looks like a new album is on the way, according to the information on YouTube. While waiting for the new album to arrive, if you want to hear the sound of this thrash band, check their 2016 album below.

MAZE OF TERROR - Angels of Acid [2021]

https://www.facebook.com/mazeofterrorthrash

READY TO KILL by Maze of Terror

Acracy (U.S. prog power) upcoming shows in Illinois

American prog power band Acracy announces appearances: "Another show announcement! Acracy will be performing next month at the 2021 Midwest Metal Anthem along with several other great bands. More event details coming soon!"

Doorways to Destiny by Acracy

https://www.facebook.com/acracymusic/

upcoming new music from Fierce Atmospheres (USA)

U.S. prog band Fierce Atmospheres has new music coming up: "OK everyone! We are so psyched to announce the worldwide release date for our next album, "The Speed of Dreams", mixed and mastered by Andy La Rocque at Andy La Rocque's Sonic Train Studios. September 17th is the date and this awesome piece by Penélope Crespo is the album cover. Let's Roll!!! Qumran Records"

ABOUT: Since it’s start in Austin, TX (2002), Fierce Atmospheres has now been in the Chicago metal scene for 10 years, has released 5 EPs, a full length CD(Pariahs, Misfits and Sinners), contributed to 7 ProgPower USA compilation discs plus 10 Versailles Records tribute CDs. The band has played many shows in 2019 including opening for Evergrey, Texas Hippie Colation, an East Coast stint and many more.

Pariahs, Misfits and Sinners by FIERCE ATMOSPHERES

https://www.facebook.com/fierceatmospheres/?ref=page_internal

new music from Impulse Noise (USA)

Washington state band Impulse Noise announces:

"First song off our upcoming split with Choke is streaming now on Bandcamp! We are currently booking gigs across the PNW that we can’t wait to announce! Doing something really rad in Seattle next month! Details soon!" Still plenty of time to preorder at http://www.leproticlimb.com Split /w Choke by Impulse Noise

Orator, Rat King, Rhine -- shows in Washington state

Orator, Rat King, Rhine will be playing in western Washington state this weekend.

from ORATOR: "Hail! For those of you who might have missed us at our last show, we will be returning to the stage with our friends in Rhine and Rat King: July 10th at Kvlt Mead and July 11th at Cryptatropa Bar. Let the excitement commence!"

from RHINE: "Two shows coming up! So stoked to get back on stage, especially with this killer lineup! Rat King and Orator will slay, and Rhine will be playing some of our new & unreleased material"

Kallipolis by Orator

Vicious Inhumanity by Rat King

An Outsider by Rhine

DEHISCENT 'Loan Shark' Official Video

new video by Washington state hardcore band DEHISCENT

DEHISCENT 'Loan Shark' Official Video

Gospod - Exodus 2 (Official Video)

This is the new video by this Christian metal entity, apparently called Orthodox Christian Metal. If you are interested in the music, at YouTube you will find the relevant information.

Gospod - Exodus 2 (Official Video)

Dioghaltas -- August 14th show in Bellingham, Washington state, USA

Washington state black metal band Dioghaltas will play in Bellingham on August 14th, with two other bands. See the information below.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021 AT 8:30 PM Gateway (formerly Drown The Mountain), Dioghaltas, Done To Death The Shakedown, Bellingham, Washington state, USA

Decomposition by Dioghaltas

https://fb.me/e/2mCJyqQq2

IKITAN : Twenty -Twenty Live at Forte Geremia

IKITAN (Italy) is an instrumental trio that emphasizes melodies, progginess and of course some heavy moments, too. Below is a video of the band performing their debut EP. In case that you would like to support the band, below are a couple of Bandcamp links. The description below comes from YouTube.

ABOUT: "Heavy post-rock trio IKITAN is proud to present Twenty-Twenty Live at Forte Geremia, its first live video. Recorded on top of Forte Geremia, in the outskirts of Genoa, Italy, the video shows the band playing its debut EP Twenty-Twenty (consisting of one 20-minute-20-second instrumental song and published on 20 November 2020) live for the first time. Twenty-Twenty Live at Forte Geremia was recorded on a sunny and windy Sunday 7th March 2021 on top of an old fort (819m asl). The band is captured live for the first time in a vast landscape, between sea and mountains. In this way, IKITAN gives justice to the original idea of the IKITAN divinity, the alleged God of the Sound of the Stones. The recording of the video is also available on IKITAN’s Bandcamp’s band page as a 'name your price' digital download."

IKITAN - Twenty-Twenty Live at Forte Geremia (Official Video)

Twenty​-​Twenty Live at Forte Geremia by IKITAN

Twenty​-​Twenty by IKITAN

https://www.facebook.com/IkitanBand

HolyName -- the singles (2021)

HolyName

singles

Facedown Records

01 Perpetua 4:32

02 Fall On Your Knees (feat. Brook Reeves) 8:26

03 Meet Me Somewhere Quiet 5:29

HolyName (U.S.) delivers catchy, serene singing above a heavy, breakdown-friendly, big-groove melodic sound. For a moment, during the second song, there is some heavy growling at the very end. In that brief moment, that's when the nasty grooves of deathcore sound familiar. The third song is a beautiful song, especially if you like Christ-based lyrics. The melodies are irresistible, and the lyrics are a spiritual longing of the Christian mind.

This is only three songs, but what a start for HolyName.

Facedown Records says: "We are very proud to welcome HolyName to the Facedown Family; the brand new collaboration includes members new to the Family as well as Facedown alumni. HolyName founders Tommy Green (Sleeping Giant) and Joe Holt enlist the services of top musicians Brook Reeves (Impending Doom), Matthew Weir (Sleeping Giant), Aaron Craner, and producer Ryan Leitru (For Today)."

HolyName - "Perpetua"

HolyName - Fall On Your Knees (feat. Brook Reeves)

HolyName - Meet Me Somewhere Quiet