Album review: “TMG II” by The Tak Matsumoto Group
The Tak Matsumoto Group returns with its newest album in 20 years, TMG II. The super group comprised of guitar virtuoso Tak Matsumoto, vocalist Eric Martin of Mr. Big, bassist Jack Blades of Night Ranger and former Guns n' Roses drummer Matt Sorum, pu ...
Album Review: “Hail To The King” by Voodoo Circle
German hard rock quartet Voodoo Circle push the grandiosity on Hail To The King. This 67 minute long release hearkens to the 70s and 80s with a fusion of metal and arena rock. The opening riff of “Lay Down Your Lovin” is a primer of the nostalgia that ...
Album review Enforced-A Leap Into The Dark
Enforced fill in the gap with A Leap Into The Dark, a six track EP that serves to tide fans still suffering whiplash from the band's 2023 sophomore release, War Remains. The Virginia quintet get to business on opening salvo, “Betting On The End.” The ...
Album Review: “Forever We Burn” by High Parasite
Paradise Lost and My Dying Bride unite on High Parasite's debut album, Forever We Burn. My Dying Bride vocalist Aaron Stainthorpe fronts the quintet along with bassist Tombs who provides backing vocals. Forever melds metal, goth and dark synth-pop, cr ...
Album Review: “The Judas Paradox” by God Dethroned
Dutch extreme metal outfit God Dethroned return with its twelfth album, aptly titled The Judas Paradox. The album's lyrical themes are a continuation of the band's 2020 release, Illuminati. Paradox touches on the occult, Satanism and religious conspir ...
Album Review: “Another Big Explosion” by Jr. Juggernaut
You cannot replicate the '90s no matter the sincerity of the effort. A contemporary band can listen to the albums of that era and watch live footage, but will not come close to the energy and novelty of '90s rock. However, one can try and Jr. Juggerna ...
Album Review: “Kingdom Torn Asunder” by Ironflame
Ohio's Ironflame have come to conquer once again with its fifth record, Kingdom Torn Asunder. The band roars from the outset with “Blood and Honor” with its bellicose double bass drums and swarming guitar riffs. Guitarists Quinn Lukas and Jesse Scott ...
Album Review: “Dzikkuh” by Arka’n Asrafokor
Togo quintet Arka'n Asrafokor unleash its unique brand of metal on its sophomore release, Dzikkuh. This record is a blend of complex, tribal drumbeats, crushing riffs and infectious choruses. “The Truth” opens with this manic African percussion inters ...
Album Review: “Heathen Cross” by Cloven Hoof
Cloven Hoof began its career during the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. The band did not enjoy the success of its contemporaries in Motorhead, Iron Maiden or Judas Priest. However, founding bassist Lee Payne has soldiered on, waving the metal banner ...
Album Review: “Drama” by Marty Friedman
Marty Friedman's newest solo release, Drama, is an emotional work driven by guitar virtuosity and classical arrangements. “Illumination” opens the album with somber piano and a blend of classical and jazz guitar phrasing. Marty's melancholic paints a ...