New Videos - October 2022!

Happy Halloween!  Sorry for the last of articles this past month.  Things have been busy for me, and I haven't had time to catch up on things like I wanted to.  However, I should be ready to get back on track for the next few months.  In the meantime, I've certainly found some new videos for you.  Turn these up!

Speaking of albums to catch up, Allen/Olzon is very much near the top of that list.  While this single isn't as strong as the other singles, I can't deny the symphonic production really elevates the song without detracting from the two singers' talents.  Solid symphonic pop metal.

One Desire continue their track record of catchy, 80s inspired rockers, full of anthemic melodrama.  It sounds like they're carrying over the symphonic elements that they expanded on with their last album, which will certainly make whatever they do next sound huge.  Definitely on the best bands in the 80s retro rock scene.

Herman Frank and his new buddies have got another stomper metal track for us as their album comes out.  Once again, they got the anthem tone and style down pat, and I'm sure the rest of their debut album is going to be more of the same.  Some very headbang-worthy stuff here.

Now here's a throwback!  I remember when this band first showed up, blowing folks away with their NWOBHM-styled retro metal back in the late 2000s.  However, right away, they had a lot of lineup complications, and the band got kinda kicked around.  I wasn't even sure if they were still a thing, but here they are, blasting away like it's 1982!  Clearly inspired by classic Judas Priest, this track has plenty of guitar leads and riffs to satisfy the inner teenage metalhead of just about anyone.

Speaking of comebacks, this second single for Sword's new album is just as good as the first, going for more of a mid-tempo stomper with a slice of menace on the side.  I love that they have the same lineup as they did in the 80s and are carrying on like they haven't missed a step!  I'm definitely looking forward to hearing more from them on their new album.

Seven Kingdoms is a band I had seen around, but never really gotten to.  However, just based on this single, I think I've been missing out.  Between the high speed shredding and Sabrina Valentine's soaring vocals, this is power metal that demands attention!

Last Played - October 2020 Part Two!

So I'm finally catching up on some 2020 stuff.  However, I know I've still got plenty I haven't even touched yet!  Hopefully, I'll get to some good stuff before the year is out, especially with AC/DC and Iron Savior coming up.  For now, though, here's what I've been listening to lately!

One Desire - Midnight Empire

One Desire was the band that blew me away back in 2017, which was about when I discovered Frontiers Records.  I really liked their approach to the pop metal 80s sound that made it seem lively and accessible.  It's been three years and they've finally followed up with their second album.  Once again, we get an album that's full of 80s energy, but with a slick, modern polish, which is why I loved the first one.

If there are any differences, there's more variety, I think.  Some songs are on the crunchier side, like "Shadowman" and "Battlefield of Love," while others make more use of acoustic guitar stuff, like "Rio" and "Only When I Breath."  Another track that's pretty solid is "Through the Fire," which starts off like an acoustic ballad, but then builds and builds into this rock epic.  I also think the production is slightly better than the last album (which is saying something!).  I also got a pretty big Europe vibe from some of the tracks.

However, it doesn't get too far away from the anthemic pop metal they established from their first album, so those looking for more of the same will not be disappointed.  One Desire maintains their standard for solid song-writing and rockin' tunes.  

Judicator - Let There Be Nothing

So while I've been checking out various videos, I came across one for this band's new record.  At the time, I wasn't too impressed by the song, but I was curious about a band who sounded a lot like Blind Guardian, but focused on European History.  After a while, I decided to give their latest album a shot, and I have to say I'm quite impressed.  

It tells the story of Belisarius, a great general of the Byzantine Empire, contrasting his military conquests with the his dilemma of dealing with an unfaithful wife.  The lyrics and music are more dedicated to telling a story, resulting in lyrics that can be a little clunky here and there.  However, it's all performed quite admirably, with John Yelland's vocals belting out all the melodrama the scenario provides.  It's definitely an album that demands attention, reading the lyrics as you listen, and maybe looking up a few names on Wikipedia just to understand the context.

While the Blind Guardian comparison is easy to make, especially with Yelland sounding a lot like Hansi Kursch, this band falls a little closer to the US power metal, with a heavy dose of progressive metal, as tempos and moods shift to match the needs of the story.  Still, I enjoyed a lot of it, with plenty of meaty riffs, noodly solos, and awesome vocal harmonies, though I do wonder if the production isn't a little on the muddy side.   As a consequence, the songs do kind of blend together, as there isn't much to differentiate them from each other. However, as an album, it's definitely a solid experience, telling an interesting story with a Shakespearean fervor.

Those Damn Crows - Point of No Return

Hey, remember when I was freaking out about this band a year ago?  I finally listened to their album!  Based out of the UK, these guys provide a very polished post-grunge sound, making me think of the likes of early Daughtry, or The Calling, with a few heavier riffs here and there.

Overall, it's a pretty fun rock album.  Shane Greenhall puts a lot of charm in his vocals, and band keeps songs riffy without really being bogged down with heaviness, making for a rather light listen for hard rock.  A lot of that has to do with the production, which keeps things tight and clear.  They won't be winning any heaviness awards, but they make up for that with some pretty catchy tunes to go along with their mid-level crunch.

However, there isn't in the way of variety.  There's a piano ballad on there, but otherwise, the songs are pretty straight-forward, mostly jamming at a mid-tempo level.  I will say that that band does get riffier as the album goes on, which is interesting.  Stand outs are songs I've showcased before, but also "Send the Reaper," "Long Time Dead," and "King of Second Chances."  Honestly, though, it's a consistent rock album from start to finish.

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I think I still have plenty of time to get a few more of these in before the end of the year.  Still, I can't believe October is over already!  This year has been crazy on multiple levels.  I hope everyone is staying safe and gets the chance to hear some good, uplifting music to deal with the chaos.  Until then, rock on! \m/

New Videos - July 2020 Part Two!

So here's another nice round up of videos.  A lot of good AOR this time around, with a few other genres mixed in.  Check'em out!

Kicking things off with some big 80s rock.  Not a lot of surprises, but it has that arena-ready, Def Leppard style that I like.  Anthemic, with lots of layers on the vocals for the chorus, and some solid riffing that knows that sometimes less is more.

Yeah, these girls are on my radar now.  Again, the vocals do take some getting used to, but it's great, upbeat power metal that puts a big smile on face.  I clearly need to put their albums on the top of my list!

More One Desire!  Melodic riffs?  Check.  Epic chorus?  Check.  Big 80s sound?  Check.  Clear, massive vocals?  Check.  Lighting-fast guitar solo?  Check.  Honestly, if haven't caught up with these guys, then you're missing out on some great rock 'n' roll.

So here's a neat band from Chile, channeling some of the prog metal stuff from Europe, like Evergray or Symphony X.  The singer definitely has that Russell Allen vibe going.  Oh, and the guitars are way crunchy.  Some of the heaviest stuff I've posted here.

Creye is a band I've seen around, but this is the first time I've really liked their particular brand of melodic AOR.  The song has this really nice, driving energy.  Not a million-miles-an-hour, but cruising along at a solid, manageable speed, with some nice riffing and solid production.

Okay, now this has an old-school Kansas feel.  The right balance of crunchy guitars and light violin, with hammonds backing it all up.  While it might not be as uptempo as "Carry On Wayward Son," this shows the band still that classic sound up its sleeve!

New Videos - July 2020!

Well, July is just as hot as June, and I'm not just talking about the temperature!  I've found another great handful of videos full of epic melodies and catchy choruses.  Hopefully, these will help you deal with the summer heat, or at the very least, give you reason for why you're sweating so much!  Headbanging is hard work, you know!

Why do I always keep forgetting about Lovebites?  This is another high-speed monster from the Japanese power metal outfit I discovered at the end of 2018.  The vocals are sung in English, so they take some getting used to, but the shredding and the powerful rhythms are huge, reminiscent of DragonForce or some of Sonata Arctica's faster songs.

One Desire does it again!  Their style of poppy 80s rock is just massive, full of catch melodies and the epic vocals from André Linman soaring over everything.  This album needs to get to the top of my priority list yesterday!

This is different!  Deep Purple, best known for hard rock classics in the early 70s, has a new album coming out, and this shows a spacier side to them.  Granted, maybe it's because Don Airey pulled out some hammonds for this one, but it really does feel like a song from another time.

Falconer is a name I've seen around, but never really listened to.  Fortunately, they have a new album, but unfortunately, the band is now breaking up after this release.  Still, this promises the same epic folk/power metal fusion the band has been known for all these years.

So John Payne was the singer for Asia after Wetton left but before the band reunited in 2006 with the original lineup.  Since then, Payne has been kicking around, and his latest group is the Dukes of the Orient, which has a very strong British 80s AOR vibe, like Asia and The Alan Parsons Project.  This one is a neat little song for their second album, as they carry on their sound.

Apparently, Moonlight Haze has already released a second album!  Their take on symphonic metal is very poppy and fun, with just a dash of mystery, and this song is full of the same energy.  I'm seriously having a hard time keeping up with all of these releases!

New Videos - June 2020 Part Two!

I'm glad I was able to get this last one in at the end of June.  Things have been a little all over the place this month, but there's just so much to cover!  Anyways, a lot of artists make a comeback in this one, but when they keep cranking out the good stuff, how can I turn it down?!

This is One Desire's second single from their new album, and I'm impressed!  Here, we see them get a little darker in their sound, but they haven't abandoned what made them great: catchy melodies and André Linman's great vocals.  I should probably push their second album much higher on my "to listen" list!

Course of Fate apparently have been around for a while, but they've finally released their debut this year, and this single shows a lot of promise.  Featuring more of a contemplative sound than most other prog metal bands, they still keep things sounding melodic and epic, with some very solid and deliberate song-writing.

From another album I still need to listen to, Olzon takes the lead on this one, making a great piece of symphonic metal.  Backed by some more solid guitar work by Magnus Karlsson, this album doesn't seem to have any bad tracks!

I've featured Black Swan on here before, and this is just more of the same kind of stuff that puts a big smile on my face.  Robin McAuley's great vocals, backed by huge riffs, and and solid melodic solo from guitarist Reb Beach.  Another rocker from a band that seems to be full of them.

Yup, more from this band.  I really like this style of crunchy-but-melodic prog metal.  It's not too excessive, but still very creative and dynamic, all while providing an epic sound with soaring vocals and crunchy riffs.  I guess I'm just a sucker for this kind of stuff!  Anyways, good song!  Check it out!

Yeah, I did these guys last time as well, but they're just keep providing solid melodic rock.  These guys really have a iconic sound, even under all the 80s touches, and it's just straight-forward rock and roll.  Can't go wrong with that!!

New Videos - March 2020 Part Two!

Well, I was able to put this last one together for March, but I admit I cut it pretty close.  The world may be a little crazy right now, but the rock just keeps in rocking, so I'm gonna keep on sharing.  Here we go!

A nuts little song that has some old-school Iron Maiden vibes.  The lyrics match the tone of those schlocky 80s slasher films, but feature enough noodly melodies and a big chorus to really kick this one into the next gear!

Bush were a British take on the post-grunge style that were big for about 15 minutes in the mid-90s.  Here, we see them coming back with new material, and it's pretty solid.  Simple, but not in a bad way; just really straight-forward hard rock.

One Desire blew me away with their last album, which was chock full of 80s pop metal anthems.  Above is their lead single for the second album, and it sounds like they're maintaining their epic rock sound, and I'm looking forward to more!

More AOR goodness from veterans Harem Scarem.  I'm really digging the chords on the chorus for this one, having such an energetic and uplifting vibe (despite the lyrics!).  Solid stuff built on years of experience.

Yeah, let's keep the AOR train going with Khymera.  Built out of an abandoned project from Frontiers Records, it's straight-forward melodic hard rock with great hooks and layered vocals, much like Vega or Find Me.

Yes, I'm posting Allen/Olzon again, but each song is just so good!  With Allen's powerful voice and Olzon's celestial tones, they make a great duo for symphonic metal.  Huge riffs and epic vocals make for some amazing tunes, and this one is just more proof.