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Author Paul Maddison

I grew up in the North East at the tail end of NWOBHM and US Power Metal scene and more noticably during the glam vs. thrash conflict. I then upped sticks to spend a good few years in the West Midlands during the late 90's.

Over the years I have become a fanatical collector of records, T shirts and CD's and in this current internet age, mp3's are not what i consider to be called part a record collection for the "record"!

I decided to start writing reviews as I thought that it would be a good way to give back some positive support for artists and a music phenomenon that has given me great pleasure over the years. I prefer to listen to bands that can really play their instruments and have a talent for melody and good arrangements. I try to be constructive with everything I endeavour within music. When on or off "duty" you will more than likely see me enjoying rather a few pints of the good stuff at the bar in the London area and maybe at some various other watering holes around the country...i don't bite, i just stumble a bit...

Long live metal with all its triumphs and tribulations, metal fans are a community, it's a lifestyle, it is everything to man and beast!

Massacre – Necrolution (Agonia Records)

This is classic US death metal, a new release consisting of Kam Lee, vocalist and basic innovator of death metal vocals, in fact the same stable line up since 2021’s ‘Resurgeance’ release. Those who following the Swedish death metal scene… Continue Reading →

Triumpher – Spirit Invictus (No Remorse)

Following hot off the heels and riding into battle, this Greek Heavy/Power metal band follow their debut album “Storming the Walls” with ‘Spirit Invictus’. I think with the vocal sound and phrasing and the powerful anthem driven heavy metal, it’s… Continue Reading →

Leatherhead – Leatherhead (No Remorse)

This Greek band formed only a couple of years ago, this being their debut release. In the vein of the PR material, expect some cracking heavy metal. Yes, there are high-pitched vocals, many signature arrangements and after a few listens… Continue Reading →

Bewitcher – Spell Shock (Century Media)

Portland’s Black/speed metal purveyors are back with a fourth full length release. Last year’s compilation of the first three demos was a welcomed bonus to those who missed them first time around. I always find this band refreshing and rather… Continue Reading →

Mechanic Tyrants – St. Diemen Riots (Jawbreaker Records)

This is a debut album from a relatively new German speed metal band which is welcomingly depicted on the opener ‘Tower 42’. It has authentic sound and a good vocal tone and melody. Hammering through into the next track, ‘Murder… Continue Reading →

Blitzkrieg – Blitzkrieg (Mighty Music)

This is their follow up to 2018’s ‘Judge Not’, a relatively big gap, but with other projects in mind, the time is actually about right Blitzkrieg to return with a self-titled release. From the opening tune ‘You Won’t Take Me… Continue Reading →

Satan – Songs in Crimson (Metal Blade)

Over the last few years since their comeback, Satan have been plying their up tempo Heavy Metal styles with some often saying, proto speed metal rather successfully. This is their seventh album, the fifth since their energetic comeback with this… Continue Reading →

Grendel’s Sÿster – Katabasis into the Abaton (Cruz Del Sur Music)

I discovered this German Heavy/Folk Metal band during Covid times, this is the first full length release following a couple of EP issues. The romanticism of the swirling vocal really encapsulates the band’s sound and I suppose the folk element… Continue Reading →

Phaëthon – Wielder Of The Steel (Gates of Hell)

This is the debut album release from London based Epic Heavy Metal band who started with the very solid foundation of ‘Sacrifice Doth Call’ EP. With lyrics of valour and fighting through time and extension to basic Greek mythology. With… Continue Reading →

Sovereign – Altered Realities (Dark Descent)

This Norwegian version of Sovereign (there are over 15 bands of this name listed that I could find) are a death/thrash group featuring ex members of Nocturnal Breed, Incinerator (these guys are awesome!) and Nekromantheon. ‘Altered Reality’ eventually gets going… Continue Reading →

Ironflame – Kingdom Torn Asunder (High Roller)

This is album number five for this US heavy/power metal band. Throughout their career they have provided, what I term happy heavy metal. The foundations of which are built from the forefathers of our lovely heavy metal genre, but lazily… Continue Reading →

Perversity – Spiritual Negation (Great Dane)

This is a death metal band from Slovakia active since 1995. I had not heard of them before initially, although I do remember seeing an older release “In the Garment of Lust”, mainly due to the artwork. This is their… Continue Reading →

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