Triumpher - Spirit Invictus

 

Yeah ok - this album rules. It's rare these days that you find a band leaning into the Manowar influence, but Triumpher aren't shy about this. Their sophomore album Spirit Invictus proves that the Greek scene remains at the fore of the true metal scene. This record is monumental, exciting and more than a little bit thrilling. Triumpher understand the inherent bombast and magic of metal. This album is pull no punches heavy metal, all killer, no filler. It's the sort of metal album you dream of making as a kid just learning guitar, what more can be said? 

The thing that really impresses me with this record is how much Triumpher have matured in the last year since releasing their debut. The songwriting has gotten dramatically tighter, the vocal performances have been taken to another level and the overarching approach the band takes just feels dramatically more professional. They took a few strong core concepts and were able to level up their sound into something truly great, mesmerizing and worthy of raising the horns too.

It's hard to find a metal record in 2024 that really captures what makes heavy metal so much fun. Yet Triumpher have nailed it here with soaring vocals, big choruses, touches of gang vocals and flashy guitar solos. One gets the impression this has to be the most fun band ever to see play live. How can you not sing along? Triumpher are thrilling and committing to the bit in a way their peers wish they could. So yeah - this album is a little over the top, but it's so much fun - can you really fault them?

Pre-order the album!

https://triumpher.bandcamp.com/album/spirit-invictus

March To Die - Tears Of The Gorgon

 

There's really something to be said for a band who are unafraid to draw deep from a well of influences that include early Manowar, Viking era Bathory and  Grand Magus. This is exactly what March To Die bring to the table on their new album Tears Of The Gorgon. Yes there are certainly elements that feel a little bit cheesy with a band like this (There's literally a song called "Helmetsmasher" for God's sake) but that's beside the point. Tears Of The Gorgon is an exciting, captivating and ambitious record that leans into so many of the classic tropes that have helped to make this such a compelling band in the first place.

It's hard to deny yourself the swords and sorcery triumph of what March To Die have accomplished here. While this is certainly a record that goes over familiar ground, the bands approach is remarkably earnest, and it feels like the particular micro genre they serve gets smaller and smaller with every passing year. There is a refreshing honesty to the music of March To Die with the grizzled, half shouted vocals, stripped back mix and punchy guitar riffs. It's not always the most imaginative thing, but by God is it a lot of fun. Tears Of The Gorgon is exactly the sort of high flying Dungeons and Dragons inspired adventure that so many of us need to get through the most mundane of workdays. 

In so many ways, March To Die have gone above and beyond on this record. They set out with the goal of crafting a metal album that paid tribute to specific eras of Bathory and Manowar and they did it with aplomb. The end result is a roughshod but wonderfully epic offering, a release that would not have felt out of place in the 80s. March To Die eschew modern production and instead lean into fun, big choruses and charming vocals. Tears Of The Gorgon is an endlessly endearing release and one that true metal fans the world over will love. 

Pre-order the album!

https://www.noremorse.gr/products?searching=march%20to%20die%20tears

Screamer - Kingmaker

 

In the burgeoning true metal scene there has always been one band that really stood out to me. I'm talking of course about Screamer. As a band it always felt like their execution was at a higher level replete with gorgeous melodies and stunning performances. This new album, Kingmaker is a potent continuation on that theme with larger than life compositions and triumphant melodies carrying listeners forward as they become ever more enamored with the fantastical stories of might and magic told by Screamer on this new album. 

Kingmaker sees Screamer continually executing with aplomb and impressing listeners with massive choruses and thrilling performances. Tracks like "Burn It Down" with the soaring vocals, fist pumping choruses and punchy riffs really speak to what makes this band such a special and titanic force in the underground. It's a delight to really immerse yourself in the hard hitting magic of this band at their best. Kingmaker feels like a massive step forward for the band, and one that really distills a lot of what has made them so good historically. Screamer continually show with Kingmaker that they have what it takes to bring their music to the next level. 

Screamer may be a longtime favorite of mine, but I still can't help but to be impressed at how well they pulled off this offering. Kingmaker is an impressive offering simply because of the depth of what has been conjured up. The band has found a way to distill so much of what makes them special on Kingmaker and the tight songwriting and dynamic songwriting makes for an offering that is going to keep you coming back in awe. Screamer are a rising force, it's on you to decide if you will stay along for the ride or cower among the posers.

Pre-order the album!

https://wearescreamer.bandcamp.com/album/kingmaker

Incursion - Blinding Force

 

What I love about No Remorse Records is there ability to unearth old gems and remind us exactly why we fell in love with true metal all those years ago. Such is the case of Incursion, a band who initially formed in the depths of the Florida swamps in the 80s, but have no returned with their first ever full length. As one might expect, Blinding Force has a wonderfully vintage feel, pointing clearly to the influence of contemporaries like Jag Panzer, Raven and Riot City. While to some these influences might seem surprising, to Incursion it all makes sense as part of their heavy metal triumph.

This record is very indicative of the No Remorse Records sound. The music is bombastic and over the top, hinting at an era of metal that I think few of the bands peers could ever really hearken back too. This is metal steeped in the influence of the vintage greats and with clear signifiers that hint at all the band is and could be. It's such a delight to really immerse yourself in these layers and try to experience the wonderful darkness of what they've crafted here. There is a very real magic to what Blinding Force accomplishes with its fiery visions and ministrations to believe in yourself and fight against evil. It's over the top to be sure - but the guys know that, and that's why it rules. 

Incursion may have taken forty years to put out their debut album, but al things considered it is a valiant effort. It's hard not to be charmed by the true metal vision and classic imagery that guides this band forward as you rock and roll through the fires of hell. while there certainly is no reinventing the steel on this record, if you're looking for an album that points back to a classic, vintage era of rock and metal then this is without a doubt the album for you and one that I think devotees will be coming back too time and time again. 

Pre-order the album!

https://www.noremorse.gr/artists/incursion

Sacral Night - Le diadème d’argent

 

There's really something to be said for French language classic metal. Part of it is the quality of the music, but also part of it is that, when you're making music like this you know the upward limit of your career is limited, and so things become purely about the art, playing killer riffs, writing sick songs and charming listeners. The end result for Sacral Night is Le diadème d’argent, an extremely fun and high energy true metal record that borrows heavily from the sounds of artists like King Diamond or Portrait to refine something arcane and powerful. 

Le diadème d’argent charms because it is very clearly enamored with the magic of occult 80s metal. It's a record that is eagerly creepy and which delves deeply into some of the weirder or more unexpected corners of the music. The stripped back production for many bands would be a bane, but for Sacral Night it's a strange sort of boon, acting as a proof of just how talented they are and making things sound dated in a very authentic way. This balance of more DIY elements with some truly impressive performances (The vocals in particular are stunning), makes for a record that feels like it was ripped straight out of 1986, and it rules.

Anthemic at best, and basement dwelling at worst, Le diadème d’argent, is an impressive offering and one that is gleeful in its nerdiness. It's a record that understands exactly where it sits in the heavy metal world and doesn't seek to do any more than that. Letting yourself get immersed in these stories of might and magic is a lot of fun though and I think that devour fans of the underground are going to find themselves diving in, ever more enamored when they start to really understand the ongoing power and twisted glory of this record. 

Pre-order the album!

https://www.noremorse.gr/products?searching=SACRAL%20NIGHT%20-%20Le%20Diademe%20...

Achelous - The Icewind Chronicles

When you see a record called The Icewind Chronicles you expect a very specific brand of metal. It's epic and powerful with a sense of bombast and also a tongue in cheek element that the band had better be aware of. Fortunately, Achelous deliver all of these things. Another fitting addition to the No Remorse Records roster, this album is a stunner any way you slice it, full of exciting and fun riffs, high power histrionics and a sense that heavy metal can in fact save the world if we just sit back and let it do its triumphant thing. 

Achelous are a thrilling band any way you slice it. There is a sense of high flying fun that defines their music and makes tracks like "The Crystal Shard" a blast to... well blast. There aren't too many surprises here but for those of us who want metal with a clear swords and sorcery theme then this is exactly what you'll be looking for, high power and fun music with a sense of magic that is going to keep you entranced and coming back for more. It's heavy metal magic at its finest, glorious and over the top, thrilled at it is own bombast and prone to capturing the imagination. While Achelous still need to polish their execution, for metalheads of all stripes there is a real sense of magic here. 

The Icewind Chronicles is a blast of very fun, slightly narmy heavy metal magic. It's metal for nerds made by nerds, who know exactly how weird they are. It's a delight to sink your teeth into all that the band has done here, and let yourself appreciate the old school fantasy vibes that shape this record. Achelous are a potent force, and if you're looking to delve deep into some of the best the storied Greek true metal scene has to offer then you aren't going to do much better than this band. They know what's up and are a pleasure to turn all the way to 11. 

Pre-order the album!

https://www.noremorse.gr/artists/achelous

Morgul Blade - Fell Sorcery Abounds

So this is maybe the dorkiest band you'll hear all day. That being said - their name is Morgul Blade so what would you expect? This is a band whose flawless fusion of Bathory with Manowar makes for a sound that is delightful and interesting. I've rarely heard anyone try to really combine second wave black metal with true metal archetypes, but it works weirdly well and makes for a compelling record from a Philadelphia band who have very quickly found their sound. This is heavy metal done right and endlessly charming to die hards.  

Fell Sorcery Abounds is a masterful offering any way you slice it. This is a record that leans into the old school and has these amazing classic vibes that permeate both the black metal parts as well as the true metal moments. The end result is something that is wholly righteous and which really flourishes with its flashy guitar playing and vocal gymnastics. There is a real sense of fun that goes througout this record to that makes it a delight to listen too. You can tell how much the guys loved putting this together and how much their very specific niche of fans is going to love what they do because it's just interestingly executed. 

Morgul Blade are a one of a kind force that will stun and charm listeners. It's a record I wasn't entirely expecting but is totally in line with a band whose name is as nerdy as this one. I'm personally pretty in love with what these guys do and the deeper I delve into
the record, I see that it certainly stands up to multiple listens. This is an interesting take on a few classic tropes done in a way that, while previously explored, has certainly not been uncovered enough. It's good to hear a new band paying heed to the old gods. Join me in honoring their efforts. 

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/MorgulBladeHM

Blacksword - Alive Again

 

Now this is a lot of fun. Kicking off your Monday with a hearty dose of Iron Maiden worship from Blacksword is always a good idea. I mean seriously - look at their logo.  This band is rad. The new album, Alive Again is a masterwork, a stunning offering that speaks to the power of the underground and which seems to consistently go to ever higher heights. Yes it's corny and a little silly, but that's kind of the point, album art like this isn't meant to be taken super seriously, it's about the triumphant epics of slaughter within that consistently impress. 

Alive Again is big on the guitar histrionics and over the top vocals. Both are executed with aplomb. Who doesn't want to hear sick, massive guitar harmonies that match the lead lines? It's the sort of thing guaranteed to get you raising your fist. The vocal performance is honestly one of the most impressive I've heard from a band on this level in a while. While yes there are limitations here and there, it's rare to hear a band who REALLY execute on this level with high pitched Halford-esque wails and deep down Dickinson inspired bellows. These counterbalances are a lot of fun and really speak to just how special this band can be. 

So yeah - they're not reinventing the steel, but if you like Jag Panzer then this is going to be your new favorite band. Blacksword are a goddamn blast to listen too and they speak to the power of the underground like few other bands I know. No Remorse Records has once more found a masterful group who will leave you impressed and curious for more. Alive Again is a blast and speaks to a genre that will make you feel good and want to ride forth into battle with your legions of brothers in steel. Isn't that what metal is about anyway?

Lucifer's Hammer - The Trip

Now this is a fun one. The Chilean trad metallers Lucifer's Hammer have always excited me and impressed wit hthe high powered nature of their sound. However - it is this new record that really sees the band taking things to a new level with high tempo ragers and powerful guitar harmonies that reek of early Iron Maiden. Yes there are moments that feel a bit rawer than one might like - but honestly that just adds to the overarching magic and weird sense of fun that this record so clearly revels in. The Trip is a hard hitting rock and roll trip. 

It's fun to lose yourself in the classic metal magic of a track like album closer 'I Believe In You.' These mid length offerings touch nicely on a lot of the core ideas of the genre whilst simultaneously building on them in a way that hints at more that could come. It's a promising next step from a band who eagerly lean into some of the more bombastic elements of the sound. You've got to love songs that get your fist pumping and head banging. It's the sort of strange and stripped down poetry that enchants listeners and gets them to keep coming back. Lucifer's Hammer understand the fun of heavy metal and have no problem injecting that straight into your veins. No, the band doesn't come up with some sort of visionary new idea - but that's part of the fun, you know what you're gonna get. 

The Trip is a triumphant record that, despite the limitations of the production and songwriting comes off as a loving tribute to early 80s heavy metal. It's full of the sort of tropes that made us love the genre and routinely reminds listeners just how special the band can be. There is so much to sink your teeth into here and if you want a high powered Chilean metal good time then you could do a lot worse than this. As is, The Trip is going to please true metal devotees - so who cares if anyone else is interested. It's fun. That's all that matters. 

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/Lucifershammerband/

Heavy Sentence - Bang To Rights

There is really something to be said for a NWOBHM worship band who really get the vibe right. Where I think that many of the bands in the revivla genre really only pale in comparison to the greats of yore, every once in a while you find a band who really hit the nail on the head. I think very few bands are willing to go for it in the way that Heavy Sentence do with their Iron Maiden meets Motorhead magic. It's an exciting listen and one that will hold the listener... Bang To Rights. After all - isn't high powered guitar energy the reason we all got into this in the first place?

While Heavy Sentence are certainly still developing many aspects of their sound, Bang To Rights also just hints at so much more. It's simply fun to hear a band who pay tribute to the 80s with such joy. Yes, there are some issues with the mix ('Possession' in particular sounds a little bit flat) but there are also moments where the rawness of this record really shines. It's hard not to be charmed by the high power energy of a rager like 'Capitoline Hill.' Also - I'm not gonna lie, I love that the band have a song called 'Heavy Sentence.' I loved it when bands used to do songs where the band name was the title - what happened to that anyway?

Heavy Sentence have crafted something here that is very fun and will keep you headbanging. I get the impression that this is one hell of a live band. The super power magic that they bring to the table on this record is delightful and it's hard not to be charmed by the manic delivery and hectic execution of Bang To Rights. This is the sort of true metal record that is going to keep listeners excited and moshing into the future. Heavy Sentence just get it right. Heavy metal is the law, but only when it has swagger, and Heavy Sentence bring that in droves. 

Pre-order the album!

https://dyingvictimsproductions.bandcamp.com/album/heavy-sentence-bang-to-rights

Eternal Champion - Ravening Iron

Eternal Champion rapidly became scene darlings after the release of 2016's The Armor Of Ire. Now the band are back with Ravening Iron. Once more they are releasing with underground favorites No Remorse Records. While the album initially drew a lot of attention because of its... chesty... album art, the band have proven that they aren't just coasting by on the aesthetic. The bands approach to true metal is potent and exciting. They show a clear understanding of the genre, and their music captures the imagination.

As you delve into this record with its big choruses, huge vocals and soaring melodies, it's hard not to be enamored with their overall approach. This is a band who have eagerly, and excellently managed to piece together a record that fascinates the listener and continually points towards a bolder future for the band. The songs here are a huge step up and delve into a variety of ideas and timbres, whilst staying true to the Eternal Champion aesthetic. This is the sound of a band who have been tried hard on festival stages and come back better for it. Ravening Iron is a masterful offering that will keep listeners deeply engaged. The band has captured all the elements that make this genre great but been able to put their own delicious twist on them.

When you dig into the world of Ravening Iron you are uncovering a universe of circles and rings, dragons and kings. They build on Dio's promise to create a fantasy novel in a song. These are tracks that, while yes a bit silly, understand that true metal righteousness does not come upon the weak. It's hard not to be pumped up listening to the rock and roll magic of the band. They invoke all the old gods here and bring you deeper into the depths of what true metal can be. So grab a copy and turn it up - it's what Dio would have wanted!

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/eternalchampion