The Metal Archives shows that this is the release date for the first album by Dawnbreaker, a black metal crusader solo project from New York, USA. Two reviews on The Metal Archives summarize the album as: "Overall, "Deus Vult" proposes an interesting, addictive and enjoyable approach to extreme metal, adding a huge level of quaility to the christian metal scene (which tends to be repetitive). Nothing else to be said, go ahead and blast on your speakers of headphones this masterpiece." The second says,"If future albums are able to improve on the groundwork layed on Deus Vult, we can assume that Dawnbreaker is destined to carry the torch lit by Australia's Mortification and be known as the best in Christian death metal. Deus Vult is reminiscent of all the great debut albums in early thrash, death, and black metal. A must-own for devout metalheads hungry for the magic of metal’s past."
Dawnbreaker
Deus Vult
May 25, 2018
1. Vileness Exalted 02:53
2. To Jerusalem 04:51
3. Dawnbreaker 04:51
4. Burnt Offerings 01:38
5. Deus Vult 07:10
6. Armor of Light 03:03
7. ReChristianize 04:00
8. New World Crusade 03:17
total time 31:43
Deus Vult by Dawnbreaker
Wikipedia shows that on this date in 2004 this album was re-released on Lava Records as "an enhanced CD with the bonus track "Open Wounds."
The original version of this album, the band's fifth, is not from 2004 but rather from November 18, 2003 on Ardent Records, according to the information on Wikipedia.
Below is the video for the song "Savior," for which there is story, according to Wikipedia: "A music video was made for the single 'Savior'. The video shows the band playing in both a house and at a park at night. It became only the second Skillet music video to include a story, after 'Best Kept Secret' from Invincible in 2000, though the story in the 'Savior' video is more heavily featured. The video shows an abusive father mistreating his children in the house, and the subsequent escape of the children from him. They make their way to the park, while the location where the band plays switches from one to the other. The video ends with the children being safe in their mother's arms. Lead singer and bassist, John Cooper, has said that 'Savior' is a song written mostly about his childhood. Although he was not physically abused by his father, he had a very destructive emotional relationship with him."
Skillet
Collide
Ardent Records
November 18, 2003
May 25, 2004 re-lease
John L. Cooper – lead vocals, bass guitar
Korey Cooper – keyboards, sampler, piano, drum programming, strings arranger
Ben Kasica – acoustic guitars, electric guitar, backing vocals
Lori Peters – drums, backing vocals
Skillet - "Savior" [2004] (Official Music Video)
Wikipedia shows that this is the release date for the international version of the album, their seventh album. There certainly are patented Max Cavalera grooves and vocals on the album, for sure. However, I think there are a few other things that make the proposition interesting; sometimes, the thrash riffs show up at just the right time. Also, in a way, I feel like this is a bit of a leaner, meaner presentation that gets straight to the point rather fast. Finally, you might be surprised at how much melody continues to show up throughout the album! Max doing Max things.
Soulfly
Omen
Roadrunner Records
May 25, 2010
Max Cavalera Vocals, Guitars (rhythm), Sitar, Songwriting, Lyrics
Marc Rizzo Guitars (lead), Guitars (flamenco)
Bobby Burns Bass
Joe Nuñez Drums, Percussion
1. Bloodbath and Beyond 02:31
2. Rise of the Fallen 04:35
3. Great Depression 03:57
4. Lethal Injection 03:05
5. Kingdom 03:55
6. Jeffrey Dahmer 02:52
7. Off with Their Heads 04:22
8. Vulture Culture 04:01
9. Mega-Doom 03:04
10. Counter Sabotage 03:50
11. Soulfly VII 04:23
total time 40:35
SOULFLY - Counter Sabotage
A reviewer named "STORMM," writing in 2020 on The Metal Archives summarizes his love of this album this way in his 95% rating, writing in part: "These guys have created a fantastic debut, one which really took me by surprise and contains many of the elements I adore in the genre while at the same time keeping their music fresh and exciting. While today these great castles lye old, decrepit and ruined, bands such as these can really make them breathe again crafting visions of an era long dead. I can safely say Sojourner are the latest armor clad warrior to take a seat at the round table and have released an exceptional album that will serve them very well indeed." STORMM also explains," if you enjoy the likes of Summoning, Caladan Brood, Gallowbraid etc you are in for a treat. Epic and triumphant in nature but not letting go to that feeling of sadness that is present throughout the album and used to great effect."
Sojourner
Empires of Ash
Avantgarde Music
May 25, 2016
Emilio Crespo - Vocals
Mike Lamb - Guitars, Piano, Synth, Drums
Chloe Bray - Tin Whistle, Vocals
Mike Wilson - Bass
1. Bound by Blood 06:40
2. Heritage of the Natural Realm 09:19
3. Aeons of Valor 07:58
4. The Pale Host 04:31
5. Homeward 09:14
6. Trails of the Earth 07:42
7. Empires of Ash 12:32
total time 57:56
This spring 2026, I was pleasantly surprised by the return of the modern metal strike force unit operating out of the Seattle, Washington State, USA sector: Telomyras. The training manual of The Metal Archives shows 2021 as the year that this infiltration-exfiltration assault package was assembled, but if memory serves me right, I did not encounter their operations until the year 2023 with their self-titled EP. That reconnaissance mission was successful, and this combat team recently dropped their primary ordnance payload: the debut full-length LP, Duskfall, which they deployed May 8, 2026, at 0000.
Traditional heavy metal equipped with thrash metal weapon delivery systems, enhanced with operatic high-altitude precision air strikes as well as brutal guttural close-quarters annihilation incursions: It's metal reinforced with modern ballistic aggression. It is not just one delivery system; it's multiple delivery mechanisms working in unison, achieved precisely and lethally for efficient results. I, for one, have been pleased with Telomyras's 2026 update to their metal music arsenal.
Telomyras
Duskfall
May 8, 2026
Sammie Gorham (vocals, lyrics) -- Jack Schonher (guitar) -- Ephraim Grimm (guitar) -- Eric Thomas (bass) -- Gavynn Peterson (drums)
1. Reckoning 04:50; 2. Burden 04:40; 3. Witch 05:29; 4. Attrition 05:57;
5. The Altar 05:34; 6. Harbinger (...The Eternal Night) 05:30; 7. Duskfall 05:30; 8. Despondence 02:26; 9. Begin the End 06:34; total time 46:30.
ABOUT THE ALBUM: “Duskfall by Telomyras is the debut full length release from the Seattle heavy metal band. Three years after releasing their self-titled EP, Telomyras have been hard at work honing their unique blend of classic heavy metal and extreme metal with their new songs on Duskfall. Telomyras delivers a riff driven metallic assault with aggressive guitars in the vein of bands like Sanctuary and Megadeth, and a dual lead guitar attack inspired by classic and progressive metal. Sammie Gorham’s classically trained opera vocal technique shines through the record with soaring highs, contrasted by her guttural screams that accentuate the brutality of the record. With the addition of the power and technique of new drummer Gavynn Peterson, Telomyras is here to define a new era of heavy metal with their album Duskfall.”
Telomyras (Seattle) - Attrition
Listen to the full album available on Bandcamp.
https://www.facebook.com/Telomyras
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
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)
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)
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)
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)
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 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)
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)
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
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
