Battle Born are hailing from UK and this is their first full length opus. This one contains eleven songs of wonderful true power metal with all the warrior ethics and something that I admired in this kind of metal since its inception. This is at times aggressive and fast speed metal combined with epic guitar melodies, even better vocal lines and backing vocal harmonies. Vocals are very important in this kind of metal, so I must say that singer Jack Reynolds delivers fine job with his voice not being too high but fits perfectly to the songs. I love the use of backing vocal quires in ‘Blood and Fire’, also songs that I must mention are ‘Down Your Drinks and Raise Your Swords’ and ‘Ride North for Winterhold’. As you can see the story around lyrics are swords and sorcery plus fantasy heroism just made to pump your fist in the air and sing along at gigs. Battle Born also use keyboards but they also belong to the richness of sounds this mighty band delivers. A really, really strong debut opus.
‘Under the Sun’ is an impressive display of Hämärä’s musical talents, blending heavy riffs, melodic vocals, and symphonic elements to create a powerful and emotional track.
Hämärä was formed in Castle Rock, Colorado U.S. in 2006 by Aaron Schug (Rhythm/Lead Guitar/Vocals), Joshua Ruff (Bass/Lead Vocals), Luke Ruff (Drummer), Tony Molieri (Syths/Keyboard) and Kent Johnson (Rhythm/Lead Guitar). These musicians were deeply rooted in Scandinavian melodic metal and American metal.
Sometimes you discover the band and music in this our underground scene that brings joy to your black heart and Bloody Hammers from North Carolina are just that. Although this is their sixth studio opus, to me is the first and I freakin love it. There are nine songs on this opus and one better than the other. There are only two members in this band, two entities called Anders Manga and Devallia. Music is basically horror punk with lots of melody and superbly energetic songs, but there is also lots of melodic metal, almost power true metal in the songwriting, especially in And Soon The Darkness, punk rock is more on the surface in Black Sunday. Vocals by Anders Manga are one of the best vocals I have heard in this genre in last couple of years. This voice is so melodic, yet so powerful. Keyboards fit perfectly in the songs wherever they are applied creating atmosphere of melancholy and sadness, but first they create darkness but such darkness you wish for it to engulf you. Two more songs that I must mention as personal highlights are Last Rites Of Lucifer and Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark. Excellent, excellent album and my heartily recommendation.
KRAYKULLA-WEBZINE 