New Videos - August 2023!

After reviewing so many albums, it's nice to just check out some music videos.  I've definitely got a mix of rock and metal this time around, with a few surprises along with some familiar faces.  Let's wrap up this summer by turning these songs up!

Taking a break from doing movie soundtracks, Trevor Rabin is coming back to recording vocal hard rock for the first time in decades.  This single is interesting, with a big, anethmic hook and some neat fretwork on both lead and bass guitars.  I kinda wish the production wasn't quite so muddy, especially with the vocals, but it's still pretty different and unique compared to a lot of the AOR that comes out these days.

I don't know what it is about Iron Savior, but they just keep ticking all the right boxes for me.  Otherwise going for a fantasy theme instead of their usual sci-fi, this is business as usual for them: catchy riffs, great energy, and Piet Sielck's excellent vocals.  October can't come soon enough!

Here's another Noveria single full of noodly solos and an anthemic chorus!  This one has a bit of an Arabic twinge, but otherwise, the chunky riffs and epic strings make for a solid track of melodic prog metal.  I'm definitely hearing stuff similar to DGM in this one, and that's a good thing.

While I've featured The Defiants on my blog before, it's been a few years, and I guess they've shifted from their 80s pop rock sound to something heavier and more anthemic.  Not that I mind, of course, it's just surprising to hear them rock this hard.  

The Dust Coda seem to be expanding their sound, this time coming out with a 70s style country rocker.  I admit when I started this song, I wasn't sure if I would like it, as I find country to be a little same-y (not that I've listened to a lot of it).  However, the band brings in some of their unique transitions, letting things build pretty well to a very anthemic ending.

Meanwhile, the Queen of Metal keeps things classic, sticking to some catchy, melodic, old-school metal.  If you've followed Doro at all, there are no real surprises here (though they look like they're having fun with their Mad Max aesthetic), but there's nothing wrong with keeping things simple, and this is about as straight-ahead as metal gets.

New Videos - September 2019!

We're finally getting into fall, and I'm very thankful!  Summer really wears me out, so it's nice to feel things get cooler and crisper again.  But enough about the seasons!  Let's check check out some rock!

Man, if the first two singles for Alter Bridge's new album were good, this is straight up epic!  It starts off kinda soft but then hits you with a massive riff and just gets bigger from there! Great piece of hard rock!

Visions of Atlantis is another symphonic metal band, going for that epic, dramatic sound.  While I know there are a lot of bands like this, this song shows some promise, having a bit of a folky vibe and keeping things accessible and melodic.  

Northtale once again bringing that classic power metal sound, like it's 1999 all over again!  With shades of Stratovarius and Sonata Arctica, this is right up my alley.  I really need to around to listening to this album!

It's been a while since we talked about First Signal, but here's a newer one from them and it's another great AOR rocker!  They're really going for a big, epic sound on this one, and the chorus is very catchy.  Who knew the end of the world would be so uplifting?

More Twilight Force!  If you've heard these guys before, you know the drill: epic vocals, fast guitar leads, symphonic swells, and cheesy fantasy lyrics!!  Seriously, despite the low-budget vibe of the video, this is fun stuff!

Here's another one from The Defiants!  Once again, they have that great 80s, Bryan Adams vibe: big chords while still having that laid-back, summery feel.  Just turn it up, put the card in cruise-control, and soak it in!

New Videos - July 2019 Part Two!

Like I promised, here's one last article for July, and it's more of the latest and greatest of rock and metal!  Certainly quite the mix this time around, so check them out!

I guess these Danish rockers have been playing since the 80s, starting out more glam but now evolved into a straight-forward hard rock band.  While some of their guitars may look a little strange, this is some catchy stuff.  Worth a look!

Yes, more Sabaton, but I can't help it!  This is a little different though, going with a bouncy, swing-step groove that makes it a little light on its feet.  Then there's the hammond organ solo in the middle that fits like a glove.  Neat variations for band known for their otherwise iconic style.

Alter Bridge is a band I should spend more time with, given what a big Creed fan I am.  Here we have a very heavy, but somewhat atmospheric slab of hard rock, going for something a little more cinematic in tone.  Good stuff!

Old-school AOR!  Here we have The Defiants providing that classic 80s rock sound that makes even the smallest things seem larger than life.  This has some pretty strong Bryan Adams vibes, very summery and catchy.

Queensrÿche has always carved their own path, and this song from their latest album really shows their quirky song-writing style.  Jarring at times, soft and somber at others, all while letting their vocalist ring out those soaring notes.  It doesn't get more iconic than this.

DragonForce is one of those bands where either you like them or you can't stand them.  While the video very 80s, the song is DragonForce to a T, so don't expect any heavy synths or poppy interludes.  For me, DragonForce is a nostalgic sound to when I first got into power metal, so this song is like putting on an old, but comfortable pair of shoes.  Nice the see the guys keeping their pedal to the metal!