Protean Shield - S/T

It's Monday morning here in Brooklyn so of course I'm going to dig into some Greek power metal. Protean Shield's new self titled album not only has an absolutely righteous title, but it's also a wonderful example of the genre in 2023. Full of classic true metal ministrations and over the top vocals, Protean Shield find a way to capture the imagination with soaring performances and broad production. The record is polished and fun, and while it may not be reinventing the genre it certainly is a worthwhile listen for true metal fans. 

No Remorse Records has succeeded for years now in finding some of the best new true and power metal and this album ties nicely into those themes. Protean Shield understand the tropes of the genre, and are able to consistently prove that they can hang with the best. Given excellent vocal performances, wild guitar histrionics and some truly athletic playing it's hard not to be charmed by the soundworlds that Protean Shield present to us on Protean Shield. This is power metal for the power metal devotee 0but it never gets so over the top as to induce eye rolls. Balancing the wonderfully epic moments with that in mind is a deceptively difficult task and they pull it off with aplomb.

Protean Shield is a step above a lot of the true metal underground right now - make sure you take notice before they start to really pop off! This is metal to get your hands in the air and fans singing along loudly. It may be retreading classic ideas - but those concepts are classic for a reason, and for those of us who love those choruses and flashy solos then this is going to be a lifeline.

Pre-order the album!

https://proteanshield.bandcamp.com/track/protean-shield

Lords Of The Trident - The Offering

 

It's rare that I review power metal on this blog, and it's rarer still that I review USPM. Every once in a while though something cuts through that I realize I need to dig into because it is simply that good. This is how I feel about the new record from Lords Of The Trident, The Offering. The band has crafted a massive release here and one that I think devoted fans across the world are going to find themselves completely obsessed with, simply because Lords Of The Trident have capitalized on their early potential and proven that they are THAT good. 

This album is a huge step forward for the band, with bigger choruses than ever, more glorious and triumphant guitar solos and a general sense that this is in fact what Lords Of The Trident have been working towards for all these years. The execution of this record as a concept record is also incredibly well done. The storytelling is clearly signposted and put together in a way that remains compelling and enthralling throughout. The Offering resonates on a variety of emotional levels, and like I said - really feels like the completion of all that this band has been working at for the past several years in the best possible way. 

The Offering is, at the end of the day, a whole hell of a lot of fun. It's a record that I think underground fans are going to feast on, but more mainstream metal fans will also get something out of. When it comes down to it, good music is good music, and when it's as well executed as this album it's hard not to be thrilled with all that they have done here. This album is a great look at the place of power metal in the scene today, and hearing a band really leaning into the genre with a sense of fun you don't often find is a delight. 

Pre-order the album!

https://lordsofthetrident.bandcamp.com/album/the-offering

Lords Of The Trident - The Offering

Well this is a fun one. Lords Of The Trident have been one of the US's premier power metal bands for over a decade now and have been darlings of the underground the entire time. While perhaps most famous for their dedication to their community, including organizing festivals, success with Patreon and generally being standup guys, their new album The Offering is a truly excellent... offering. A daring release for the band that sees them pushing their sound to a new level, The Offering speaks to all that US power metal can be. 

Bombastic and intricate, The Offering is Lords Of The Trident's first attempt at a concept record and broadly speaking it feels like a success. The tragedy that they outline is deeply interesting and wonderfully communicated with the breadth of their compositions. The execution on tracks like "Offering To The Void" is thrilling, full of dynamic playing and flashy solos. Meanwhile, the production, courtesy of Jacob Hansen, is top tier. It's clear he really pushed this band to a whole new level and has helped them realize their early promise. This is power metal done right, fully aware of its own majesty and eager to leave listeners in awe. 

The Offering is a thriller any way you slice it, and if you're the type to get excited about underground power metal magic then this is an album that is going to keep you coming back and eager for blood. This is a band with a clear vision and stellar execution. They've worked hard over the pandemic to craft one of the most impressive USPM releases I've heard in a good long while. Emotional, epic and wonderfully grandiose The Offering is a delight to listen too and a record that I think is going to encourage fans of the underground to keep coming back. 

Pre-order the album!

https://lordsofthetrident.bandcamp.com/album/the-offering

Paladine - Entering The Abyss

Now this is a fun one. As much as I hate to admit I love power metal. I also love Dragonlance. Imagine my guilty pleasure when I found out that Paladine's Entering The Abyss was a power metal album exactly that. Yes, it's incredibly nerdy and over the top, but also isn't that what you sort of expect when listening to a power metal album? Isn't that why all of us signed up to engage with the genre in the first place? Yeah I thought so. Entering The Abyss is a masterful offering, and another gem in their label, No Remorse Records crown. 

With big choruses and melodic guitars, Entering The Abyss is just a blast through and through. This is a band who deal heavily in the tropes of the genre but they execute on them well. The guitar heroics in particular are impressive, with songs like 'Sacrifice Of A Hero' leaving you scraping your jaw off the floor. There is a great melodic sensibility behind this band and the level at which they execute time and time again is really delightful. It speaks to a truly talented band who seem capable of basically anything. It's a stunning effort from a band who continually up the ante and prove they are among this generations power metal greats. 

Anthemic and powerful, Entering The Abyss is a testament to all that makes power metal great. It's dorky and unashamed, careening out of your speakers and proving that the over the top shred of Paladine is just the sort of addictive metal madness to get you through your Friday. Entering The Abyss is truly a delight to sink your teeth into and continually impressive. Let yourself really dig into the magic and experience the sublime poetry of this band at their finest. It's practically guaranteed to melt your face all the way off. What more could you want? 

Pre-order the album!

https://www.noremorse.gr/products/paladine-entering-abyss-cd

Significant Point - Into The Storm

At what point does true metal just become power metal? Or were they secretly the same this whole time? Does it even matter when the music rules? Japanese headbangers Significant Point bring up all these questions with their wonderfully rad new record, Into The Storm. From the unique album art on you know you are in for something special. Significant Point are a band who blur conventions but do it in a way that feels delightfully familiar and very 80s. Their big vocals and over the top performances are a delight to sink your teeth into and indicative of countless triumphs to come. 

There's really something to be said for speed/power metal that is this fun and over the top. The hyper melodic guitars and huge vocals that define tracks like 'Run For Your Life' are only aided by big choruses. There is a sense of fun throughout these albums that points towards something greater and leaves fans of all stripes in awe of the heavy metal magic that Significant Point conjure up. They may not be crafting something totally unique - but they are a blast to spend time with and really delve into. It makes for a compelling listen that leaves fans more obsessed than ever, reveling in the high power potency of the band. 

So yes - Significant Point are a little bit cheesy and yes they play into tropes we all know, but on some level that's the point. They build on these classic ideas that we all fell in love with back in the day as a way to show that that music will never die and in fact remains virulent and fun. Into The Storm is a treat for any headbangers ears and should be treated as such. This is a band who truly understand the joy of heavy metal and when they execute at a million miles per hour it's hard not to be enamored with their energetic exultations. 

Pre-order the album!

https://dyingvictimsproductions.bandcamp.com/album/significant-point-into-the-storm

Alpha Bootis - Stowaway Ants

 

Alpha Bootis are a self proclaimed 'Space Synth Disco Metal' band whose new EP features two originals about a group of ants who take part in an interstellar journey plus a cover of 'Every Breath You Take'. Yes - it is every bit as goddamn awesome as I just made it sound. Alpha Bootis share a lot with early 2010s Euro power metal bands. That is to say there's a big cheese factor, massive choruses and lots of melodies. That being said - they're great at it and it makes their music a blast to listen too. There is a dramatic and powerful poetry to this music and its a joy. 

Though this EP barely clocks over 10 minutes one gets the sense that it is much longer. There's just so much content and so many ideas within each song. These tracks are just a lot of fun to dig into and grandiose imagery of Prometheus conflates directly with over the top exultations of how ants can 'pull their weight.' Yes - some of these elements are tongue in cheek, but isn't most sci fi after a certain point? Isn't that what helps to make these songs so much fun and keep us so addicted to the power metal genre? Alpha Bootis do an impressive job of fusing different genres into something that is lighthearted and delightful, how could you not fall in love with it? 

There is a delightful sense of drama to this EP, and it really speaks to all that Alpha Bootis can be. Yes what they do is a little bit silly, but that's kind of the point. They understand the feverish joy of their sound and they want to bring all their fans along for the ride, to revel in the magic and understand that Space Synth Disco Metal is in fact a genre and it is a goddamn blast. It's such a pleasure to really immerse yourself into the band and come to terms with the fact that they are incredibly goddamn talented and a band you can't help but want to spend more time with. 

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/Alphabootisband/

Buy The Album!

https://alphabootisband.bandcamp.com/album/stowaway-ants-ep 

Sacred Outcry - Damned For All Time

Man who knew that this is what I needed on a Saturday morning? European power metal in the grand old style! There is something incredibly charming about the genre and digging in deep into bands like Sacred Outcry is part of what makes these songs so worth it. 22 years in the making, their debut LP, Damned For All Time is a masterful offering that shows the band may have taken a while to make things happen, but certainly still know how to put together some awesome, and very fun music. It's just the hit I needed to kick start my weekend.

Perhaps the most obvious highlight here is the potent dynamic range. The band has a fondness for acoustic interludes and even touches of choirs, but it is done in a way that rarely drags and usually feels tasteful. The band do not lose themselves in the nonsense that so many of their peers embrace that just feels masturbatory. Even the 14 minute long 'Damned For All Time' seems to make sense within the larger context of what the band is trying to create here. Yes it's silly and over the top, but when combined with the doubled vocals and angular guitar playing it's hard not to be charmed by what Damned For All Time achieves.

There's a lot of technical ecstasy on display here, from burly and elegantly put together guitars to soaring vocals. The raw talent on display is thrilling and the simple elegance of the deliver serves to create a delightful listening experience. This is an impressive record and one that I think true metallers are going to find themselves spinning time and time again. Rather than sliding into boomer metal tropes like so many of their similarly aged peers, Sacred Outcry manage to make Damned For All Time an exciting and addictive listen.

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/SacredOutcry

Warkings - Revenge

War centric power metal? Yeah that's how I want to spend my Sunday morning. Warkings new record, Revenge is a blast. Rich with potent melodic lines, glorious synths and triumphant choruses, Warkings routinely prove that they are one of a kind on this thrilling new record. There is a very real magic to what the band has put together on this album and the more time that I spend sinking my teeth into their unique glory the more I find myself entranced with their universe of glorious heroes and fights for justice.

Warkings craft power metal that is very European. There are silly dancey parts, they are epic solos and then of course the big beer hall choruses. This stuff is over the top to be sure, but it's also kind of a blast. What guy doesn't want to wave their sword in the air chanting along to a song like 'Maximus'? Yes it's sometimes a little corny, but I think that's kind of the point. Ultimately the appeal of this band comes in their ability to communicate archtypes and to conjure up glorious imagery that can't help but to fascinate the listener. It means that Revenge is a high powered blast of classic heavy metal glory.

Suffice it to say - on their second record Warkings have really upped their game and proven that they are a one of a kind force in the world of power metal. Their sound is unique and powerful, the sort of thing that can't help but to capture the imagination. This band have an understanding of the inherent dynamics of the genre that sets them a cut above the rest. Their ability to devastate listeners with flashy solos and massive choruses only means that they are and will remain rising titans of the genre. It's gonna rule. 

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/warkingsmetal/

Throne Of Iron - Adventure One

As regular readers know, I am something of a Dungeons and Dragons geek. I haven't played in a while now because #adulting but every once in a while a record comes across my desk that reminds me of triumphant days of yore. There is something to be said for the rampant sense of fun that comes from this music and the power that it can have in its unapologetic odes to dice rolling quests in forbidden lands. Adventure One is the first full length from true metallers Throne Of Iron and it is a fucking BLAST.

Full to the brim of true metal tropes, Adventure One is silly and over the top. The vocals feel washed out and the tight angular guitar playing is guaranteed to get you pumping your fist. Sure this isn't exactly high concept music nor is it really the type of stuff that you'll be praising the production of, but it's super fun. Not every concept is perfectly executed and some of the songs lack that little extra something to push them over the top. That all being said, Adventure One is a whole boatload of fun and routinely will ring out with triumphant odes to all that makes metal pure and true. It's impossible not to have a good time when listening to this record.

Adventure One is the sort of record that makes me long for being 12 again and taking deep dives into the Tomb of Horrors with my best friend Asher. (Shoutout!) It's a record that will have you singing along and which seems to revel in its own silliness but also belays the talent of the musicians involved. It's such a joy to listen to a record that is this exuberant and that reminds us why we got into this in the first place. A herald of things to come, I think that we can all expect years of role playing game inspired true metal from Throe of Iron!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/throneofiron/

Victorius - Space Ninjas From Hell

Victorius are playing that unique brand of German Dragonforce worship that just works for some reason. Yes it's incredibly corny and over the top, and yes this record is in fact about space ninjas, but that's kind of why I love it. There is something to be said for the sheer silliness of this band and the raw energy they bring. Their high powered shred assault is a blast to listen to and a frequent reminder as to why so many have fallen in love with power metal in the thirty odd years since the genres glorious inception.

All the core elements are here from tapping solos to big choruses. The synths provide excellent padding and the angular playing on a track like 'Wrath Of The Dragongod' speaks to the technical proficiency of the band. The band understand how to craft masterful cresendoes that culminate in bombastic cries. The universe the record takes place in is one of space faring ninjas on a twisted mission. This is of course a little bit silly but one can definitely not accuse Victorius of false advertising. It's hard to find a record that so nicely speaks to the raw fun of power metal, but Victorius seem eager to please.

Energetic, joyful and unrelenting, Victorius unleash pure sonic mayhem as they dance from peak to peak on Space Ninjas From Hell. While this might not be an intellectual metal masterpiece, it is a blast to listen too and a fitting contribution to the power metal canon of the 2020s. It may be the logical continuation of the work of bands like Dragonforce, but it also could point at something else, where power metal becomes even sillier and more over the top. Regardless, this is a fun listen and one you won't soon forget.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/pg/victoriusmetal

Atlantean Kodex - The Course Of Empire

It's weird to think that it's been seven years since the last Atlantean Kodex full length. Sure there was that cassette they did last year and their third live record, but neither of those things really speak to the magic that is a new Atlantean Kodex full length. The Course Of Empire is over an hour of heavy metal mastery. With power metal fun all over the record, this is an album that can't stop entrancing the listener. It may be over the top and a little silly, but that's kind of the point when you're listening to a record with a song called 'Spell of the Western Sea (Among Wolves and Thieves).'

In other words - The Course Of Empire is one of the most straight up righteous albums of 2019. It's one that takes you on a journey and delivers on a similar level to bands like Solstice and Scald. In some wys it sort of feels like Atlantean Kodex have carved out a place for themselves alongside those bands. they are now deep enough into their career that this group can be viewed as living legends more than anything else. though yes they may like their privacy and this may be only their third full length, few true metal bands deliver with this level of eloquence. It makes for some really cool and profound listening.

The Course Of Empire is a stunner and a record that reminds us that these guys are the masters, despite a prolonged silence. If you have any affinity for true or power metal you are going to find yourself singing along to these ten epic anthems and mesmerized in the glory of the top notch production. Tastefully executed and with a clear sense of the history of the genre whilst maintaining an eye on the future, The Course Of Empire is yet another step up for a group who will take you on a journey.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/Atlantean-Kodex-187524197964771/

Novareign - Legends

I've always been a big fan of silly and over the top shreddy power metal .Sure it hasn't defined a lot of my listening lately but it's a type of music that will always have a special place in my heard and which has a weird tendency to grown on the listener. There is something endlessly fun about listening to dudes with high voices wail over top of lightning fast guitars. This Shrapnel Records sound is one that hasn't gotten a lot of love in recent years so it's a true pleasure to heard Novareign rip it out with Legends.

There is something that can't help but to fascinate me with tracks like Heavy Heart with their high powered guitarmonies. There is a level of compositional excellence here that hearkens back not just to Shrapnel records but also the work of neoclassical composers like Paganini. Of course within this all there is a great sense of fun, padded out by fantasy inspired lyrics and all sorts of tasty little flourishes that only serve to make Legends one of the most addictive power metal records I've heard in a long time. In fact - while initially I was very turned off by the hour plus run time of the release, now I almost view that as a bonus.

Yes - this is a record that takes a little bit of patience to get through and if you're not into the silliness of power metal then you are probably going to find yourself at a loss. For those of us though who like to keep it true, who love the glorious soundscapes and triumphant worlds we will find Legends to be the sort US Power Metal classic that we keep coming back to. Novareign have hit the nail on the head with this release, they don't care about what you think - they are just here to have a goddamn good time.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/novareignofficial/

Visigoth - Conqueror's Oath

There is decidedly a lack of fun American metal. It's something we don't do well because we're always trying to match up with our European peers. that's a huge part of why a band like visigoth is so appealing to me. toss in the fact that they have incredible songwriting, powerful vocals and execution that is to die for and it becomes rapidly clear that this is the sort of band who have the potential to become one of the next greats in the world of American NWOBHM/power metal revival bands. It's an addictive sound and one I can't help but love.

What really gets me with these guys is how they attack with a sense of swagger that you just don't find in a lot of their peers. they are brash and bold, fully aware of how goddamn good they are and that only serves to make them better. The roaring magic of these tracks can't help but to make you smile and pump your fist to the sky. Even from the first song you find yourself being brought into massive choruses and adoring music decorated with intricate guitarmonies and Thin Lizzy inspired songwriting that takes you back to when Neil Kay saved the day. Sure it's dorky - but that's exactly why people listen to this music in 2018 - and Visigoth fucking know it.

Now their second record on Metal Blade and perhaps the one destined to bring them over the top it's not hard to view Visigoth as a young Holy Grail. They are coming with the same sort of over the top majesty and balls out talent. They have what it takes to grow in this scene, insular as it may be. Join me and fall in love once more with a band who took the Conqueror's Oath and who want to contribute to a new generation of young and brash American heavy metal that truly gives no shits. Come and enter the masters chambers - you won't regret it.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/visigothofficial/

Iced Earth - Incorruptible

Iced Earth are one of those bands who I don't spend nearly enough time listening to, but every time I jam them it's like, "Oh fuck, these guys are amazing." While the band may be a long way from their old Horror Show days, it certainly feels like Incorruptible has the band running circles around groups half their age. A helluva lot of fun and a band dedicated to the magic of their unique brand of power thrash. There is something strangely addictive about their big choruses, dynamic solos and potent riffs moshing their way into sublimity. 

While it certainly feels like Iced Earth are certainly trending towards a more mainstream metal talk, the bands inherent corniness is preserved even from the first with a Halford-esque shriek of "Valhalla!" kicking off the album. Iced Earth are not a band to be trifled with and it's easy to dive into their rich soundworlds, full of heavy metal tropes but unafraid to experiment. Particularly notable has been Stu Blocks place in the whole situation, he drives forward with a certain bloodthirsty bliss pushing his voice to exciting extremes. For a band who are 12 (!) records deep Iced Earth manage to sound remarkably fresh.

Incorruptible proves that Iced Earth are exactly that. They have played the metal scene by their own rules for years now, moving from strength to strength, and even when they hint at more mainstream elements they do it within the context of their own impressive talents and refined, grandiose songs. Iced Earth blaze forward on this release and it reminds us that there is a place in the world for working class bands who are a cut above their peers and unafraid to tour their asses off. If you can't dig that... well shit.  

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialIcedEarth/?ref=br_rs

Dragonforce - Reaching Into Infinity

It's been a minute since we've heard anything new from Dragonforce, with 2014's Maximum Overload having had to tide us over for a good long while. Now we sit staring down the barrel of the bands latest triumph Reaching Into Infinity one of their strongest efforts in a few years featuring massive singles, tight album tracks and of course a fucking amazing cover of Death's Evil Dead (You read that right!) This record represents a significant artistic step forward for Dragonforce and while they still are the shreddy video game band you get a sense of newfound maturity.

The first thing that strikes you about Reaching Into Infinity is how much poppier this record is than previous efforts. Now I know that Dragonforce has never been a particularly challenging listen, but there are momens on this album especially that feel like they could slot nicely into Katy Perry records and vocal hooks that feel like winks t some of the biggest pop hits of the past couple years. Now I'm not saying that's a bad thing - in fact I kind of love it, but the focus on a more contemporary pop sensibility brings out some of the more fun sides of Dragonforce, helping to make this record a triumph that will demand more than a few listens.

One thing I will point out though is that as strong as some of the songs are on this record it definitely feels like Reaching Into Infinity is a bit too long. Clocking in at just over an hour I definitely feel like the band could hav easily cut out 15 minutes of this record and made it a bit tighter. As is though there are definitely more than a few standout tracks on Reaching Into Infinity and this is most definitely a record that dorks like me are going to want to keep jamming time and time again. Dragonforce get it and if you can't jam it then I don't know what else to say.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/dragonforce/?ref=br_rs

Seven Kingdoms - Decennium

Florida isn't exactly a place that is known for its power metal, however the state is home to the United States primary bugeoning power metal export, Seven Kingdoms whose new release, Decennium, stands tall as a sonic triumph. These guys tear it up from top to bottom here, and now, a decade into their career it feels like they are starting to reach a point where they can bat on the same level as their European peers. Decennium is one of those records that speaks to the power of the genre and remains strangely endearing through and through. 

As corny as they might seem, Decennium is still the sort of release you can sink your teeth into, a rarity in this sort of power metal. Seven Kingdoms have distilled the magic of female fronted power metal and turned it into consolidated bliss for ten tracks. Seven Kingdoms rock from top to bottom, kicking in teeth and taking you away on the wings of an eagle. There is a sense of fun here that makes Decennium not just addictive but also triumphant. This is a band who have earned the right to swagger, and this album only goes to further their legitimacy in a scene that they have worked hard to dominate.

Seven Kingdoms are the sort of band who can get you singing along from the first track. They are entrancing and potent. They don't really push boundaries but that's because they don't have to. Instead they just embrace the inherent magic of their music and remind us time and time again why so many folks have fallen in love with the genre. I love records that I can categorize as straight up righteous, and as the guitar harmonies kick in and the flashy solos trade off after a glorious chorus it feels like there are no more words. 

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/SevenKingdomsOfficial

Xandria - Theater Of Dimensions

Xandria have always been a cut above many of their peers in the symphonic power metal field. However for a while there it felt like maybe they had reached the peek of their talents, like the band had found a maximum point and couldn't go beyond that. As luck would have it Theater Of Dimensions blows the lid off of any expectations that we might have previously had of this band and reminds us why Xandria are one of the biggest names in genre today. Multifaceted and truly epic there is a lot to pick apart with this latest offering. 

The record as a whole feels like the band moved to a whole new world. Sure there are classic elements of Xandria here, but the closing track, Theater Of Dimensions is a truly epic piece, featuring many voices and multipart construction. It's a testament to all that the band has accomplished over the years and the fitting climax to a record that sees Xandria jumping from peak to peak. Sure symphonic metal isn't usually my bag, but sometimes you get a record like Theater Of Dimensions where the sheer scale of it is so epic and the creation so grandiose that you can't help but to invest more time and energy into what's been presented before you. 

It's hard to believe that this is already Xandria's seventh record, but the symphonic metal stalwarts seem to be showing no signs of slowing down. This is an album that sees some of their strongest compositions to date and serves as a resounding reminder that not only is power metal forever ongoing but that it has plenty of space to expand. This is an album that you can't help but want to delve into, there is simply so much going on here that even the most devoted underground freak or uptight pop princess will find something to love. 

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/xandriaofficial/?fref=ts

Freedom Call - Master Of Light

Freedom Call are just so frikking happy that you can't help but to fall in love with their music. They are a band who understand the fundamental magic of power metal and distill into lighthearted tracks that reference Dio and Iron Maiden songs and pull off vocal acrobatics that Manowar would call over the top. Galloping straight into your heart from track one, their latest offering Master Of Light is a fucking masterpiece. It's everything you would expect from the lighthearted masters and that fuckin' rules.

It's hard not to get pulled into a band who are clearly having such a good time. Every song has a massive chorus and will get your fist a pumping. There is something almost transcendent about the blissful joy Freedom Call so clearly find in their music. Freedom Call stomp forward with a boatload of swagger and smiles on their faces, Master Of Light is exactly that - showcasing a band who revel in brighter side of metal. Sure there isn't the complex interplay of elements that I like to praise with other bands but that's not the point. The point is to just let the record have space and let you have a good time.

Few bands understand melodic content as well as Freedom Call and almost no one else revels in being quite as silly. Even their similarly corny peers like Hammerfall and Dragonforce try to pull in darker elements now and again - Freedom Call has none of that, and that's precisely why I love it. They have so much fun and they can deliver on a surprisingly high level. You might think this band is a joke - but the deeper you dig the more obvious it becomes that Freedom Call are the heroes of our time.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/FreedomCallOfficial/

Civil War - The Last Full Measure

I'm not entirely sure how or why a bunch of Swedes, some of whom used to be in Sabaton decided to form a power metal band that sings about the Civil War, but what I do know is that it is utterly rad. The Last Full Measure is the sound of bold men going to war, running out triumphantly and getting shot down. This is an album that can't help but to charm, a record that is a blast to listen too and has all of the trademark bombast that has made so many fall in love with the band in the first place. This is war themed power metal at its finest.

It's easy to get into The Last Full Measure, after all, you have no end of big choruses, powerful solos and top notch arrangements. Civil War understand the underpinnings of power metal and it's exciting to watch them drive forward from song to song is delicious. The Last Full Measure is a logical step forward for Civil War but also one that shows us that there is a lot of growing left to do for the band. They have used this album as proof that they refuse to be written into a corner and instead will use potent riffs and tight rhythms to drive their way to victory. So sure it's anachronistic, but it fucking works.

The Last Full Measure has a high powered sense of fun that is going to keep you coming back. In a world where so much metal is super serious and part of a larger, darker reality Civil War just want to have a good time, raise their fists to the sky and show us that it's heavy metal or die. Power metal is like a refreshing blast to the past and a reminder that there still is hope in this crazy old universe of ours. Despite everything we can keep on keeping on and remember that no matter what, 1860's history can ring true and eternal.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/Civilwarsweden

Hammerfall - Built To Last

Ah Hammerfall, one of my favorite bands of all time, returning to form and preparing to take on the world once again. Demanding the listener to 'bring it' even from the first song the band has clearly come back to the top of their game. Hammerfall is motherfucking Hammerfall and it is impossible to fuck with them. Built To Last proves that Hammerfall are exactly that, sure they rely on their classic Hammerfall tropes, but that's what makes me want to keep coming back, always deeper in love with a band who seem to perfectly understand what the band has always been about. Hammerfall understand the power of their genre and shove it down your throat with glee.

What I've always loved about Hammerfall is the sheer corniness of it. If you can't handle some narmy-ass lyrics then you are going to have a hard time getting through Built To Last, but if you love them as I do, then you are going to keep coming back. Hammerfall understand the inherent silliness of heavy metal and they are going to make you raise your fist and cry out their name. There are few bands who understand how goddamn fun this kind of music deserves to be. In a world where most bands try to be oppressive and massive Hammerfall just try to be what they have always been, and it rules.

So join with me, soar across the mountains and honor the 'sound of metal, the sweetest sound of all' (I told you it was corny!) I'm ridiculously excited to see this band evolving over the next few years and the heavy touring that is sure to come, even after the bits of turmoil that seem to have plagued the band over the last few years. Built To Last is truly awesome, a blast from the past and an album you are going to want to listen to again and again. Hammerfall have done it again, and I just can't stop smiling.

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