Behölder ~ In the Temple of the Tyrant (2025)

 BIO 

Behölder was formed in late 2021 by guitarist Carlos Alvarez (Shadowdance, ex-Power Theory), a lifelong fan of both D&D and old-school doom metal. It seemed only natural for him to fulfill his long-standing vision of bringing the two worlds together musically, but opportunity was ever elusive. When inspiration and timing aligned as his former band went on hiatus, he quickly composed nine songs. However, the project truly came to life when vocalist John Yelland of US power metal band Judicator joined in late 2022. With a powerful and theatrical voice, ranging from grandiose to truly sinister, he was the perfect choice to bring life to the stories being crafted.

Guitarist Matt Hodsdon soon joined the duo, followed by drummer Andrew Julkowski, both from progressive metal band Chaos Frame. As recording commenced in November 2023, bassist Michael “Oneirous” Sanchez (King Ov Worms, ex-Judicator) joined in early 2024, completing the lineup. With the band assembled, so too was their debut album, In the Temple of the Tyrant.

My thoughts on this fine album ~ A hugely impressive debut full length from Behölder. 'In The Temple Of The Tyrant' is inspired by the epic mythology of the likes of Dungeons & Dragons but this album explores deeper more arcane, subterranean levels with a devilish foundation of Candlemass like doom interwoven with the cutting edge and theatrics of classic power metal. Spells are cast and dragons are slain as the multitude of riffs and solos vie for battle honours glorified by the vocals of John Yelland resonating in triumph.

With 'In The Temple Of The Tyrant' Behölder has conjured up a potion of such spellbinding heavy metal alchemy that this first chapter will surely not be the last.

For fans of Candlemass, Solitude Aeturnus, Sorcerer, Memento Mori Etc

CRIMSON STORM ~ Livin' On The Bad Side (2025)

 

BIO

"Livin' On the Bad Side", the debut album by Crimson Storm, will be released on January 14, 2025, through Fighter Records. The Spanish speed/heavy metal band Crimson Storm was originally formed in 2009 by guitarist and primary songwriter Lögan Heads in Sardinia, Italy, with the goal of reviving the glory of ‘80s heavy, power, and speed metal. Their name was inspired by Riot’s track "Sign of the Crimson Storm."

Following several lineup changes, Crimson Storm released their first EP, "Motor City Maniac" in 2014, followed by the 7" EP "Speed Hammerin' Metal" in 2015. Later that year, Lögan Heads moved to Barcelona and reformed the band with new members, eventually leading to the release of their second EP, "Outrageous," in 2019. In 2022, the band made a triumphant return to live performances, supporting Stallion in Murcia and playing at Trveheim Festival in Germany and Pyrenean Warriors Open Air in France.

In 2024, Crimson Storm entered the studio to record their first full-length album, "Livin' On the Bad Side." The album features new tracks alongside reworked versions of earlier singles, delivering a mix of nostalgia, rebellious spirit, and the raw energy of ‘80s metal.

MY THOUGHTS

I'm a fairly recent convert to speed, heavy, power metal having been a musical knuckle dragger for many years and I'm so glad I saw the light otherwise I would have ignored this sizzling example of the best and heaviest of 80's US metal and U.K's Iron Maiden. 

What attracts me most to Crimson Storm is how combustible this album is, shying away from anything too syrupy or symphonic, instead  launching riff after rampaging riff, blistering eardrums and causing concussion. The music is diamond hard, tight and dramatic and I love how abundant blazing solo's stitch the album together along with the pummelling rhythm section that somehow manages to keep the tracks from tumbling into speed metal chaos.

Don't wear your bullet belt near this one, it's liable to ignite

LORD ~ Live At The Metro (2009)

When I was cutting my teeth on metal in the early 70's onward, a live album release was something of an event,  you would spend hours listening to the music while poring over  sumptuous gatefold sleeves with tons of photos and notes on the band. Over the years live albums have, by and large, become something of an afterthought, cobbled together and not particularly well recorded. I lost interest in them for many years picking up the odd one here and there, however Live At The Metro by Aussies Lord is a glaring exception. No, it isn't a new release or live performance but it and the band are new to me and this is as good a live album as I've heard in a long time.

I've always been a bit picky when it comes to power metal but Live At The Metro ticks ALL of the boxes for me. The music is scintillating and ferocious, guitars rip, solo's howl and squeal, vocals soar and bass and drums pummel enhanced by a sumptuous mix. This isn't a one off either. Check out another live album of theirs Live at Prog Power USA XVII a later album which is just as good

BLAZON RITE ~ Wild Rites and Ancient Songs (2023)

Comparisons to the NWOBHM movement  are levelled constantly at new heavy metal/power metal releases, mostly without justification, but if you're an afficionado of that particularly influential era of metal then Wild Rites and Ancient Songs the new album by Blazon Rite is as authentic as you're going to get. This is a call to arms, a warcry, sabre rattling without the rattle as it doesn't cavort in bloodlust frenzy, instead, the seven songs available here are calculating and focussed which gives clarity to each track. It's like being aurally picked off rather than hacked to death and gives a gorgeous balance of sounding really catchy but hard hitting at the same time.

ANGELIC FORCES ~ Arise (2022)

Catchy yet brutally powerful heavy metal from the Netherlands. Most 'power metal' bands have their influences nestled somewhere in Judas Priest's discography and Angelic Forces' Arise, to these ears at least, points in particular to Priest's 'Jugulator' era. Riffs are mighty, the rhythm section pummels, vocals soar in all the right places as do the many awesome guitar solos.

Fist pumpin' headbangin' nirvana!