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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!

Reveal! – Scissorgod (Sepulchral Voice)

My first experience with Sweden’s Reveal was putting their debut ‘Nocturne of Eyes and Teeth’ as my number one album of 2011. ‘Scissorgod’ represents their third release with a style now difficult to pin down. Black, death, thrash, even avant-garde,… Continue Reading →

Aggressive Perfector – Havoc at the Midnight Hour (Dying Victims)

‘Satan’s Heavy Metal’ was a raw demo released some 3 years ago, I have witnessed the band live on numerous occasions and I must say, this debut album release is a slap in the face surprise. The raw energy remains,… Continue Reading →

Galaxy – Lost from the Start (Dying Victims)

Galaxy are an Australian band, labelled as power/heavy metal. From the first real track ‘Dreaming Out’ (as ‘Traveller is an instrumental). You have a musical style matching some aspects of King Diamond’s solo work, however vocally, I get a James… Continue Reading →

Legendry – The Wizard and the Tower Keep (High Roller)

Pittsburgh’s Legendry have already made a name for themselves in the epic metal underground, a term used a lot I know, but if you are already immersed into the works of Manilla Road and Cirith Ungol, then chances are you… Continue Reading →

Serpent Warning – Pagan Fire (Topillo Records)

Their debut was an emerging doom statement, this follow up is “doom-laden Serpentine groove” as stated in the PR material. The immediate improvement from their debut is the vocal delivery of Jimi Lehtijoki, he reminds me very much of Christian… Continue Reading →

Savage Master – Myth, Magic and Steel (Shadow Kingdom)

This is the bands third full length album, a band with an image and they are a driving force in traditional metal circles. I have said before in earlier reviews, but think Bitch and Acid, then you are nearly there…. Continue Reading →

Grim Reaper, Toledo Steel and Blizzen – London Boston Music Rooms 12/10/19

Toledo Steel and Blizzen were due to play down the road in Camden, but were added to this package. Desolation Angels pulled out for reasons unknown a week or so prior to the event and Salem UK (of which this… Continue Reading →

Steve Blower – Back in Hell (S/R)

This is the debut solo album from Steve whom some of you will know as the mastermind behind Hamerex. With Hamerex effectively being put on hold last year, Steve has worked to bring his solo vision to the world, made… Continue Reading →

Screamer – Highway of Heroes (The Sign)

Returning with album number four, these Swedes come back with another album for a “Friday night party”, in fact their music philosophies’ every night is a party. Right from the start you get the traditional metal influence, as I have… Continue Reading →

Toxic Holocaust – Primal Future (eOne)

Has it really been 20 years?! Joel Grind came onto the scene, I remember being excited about the first couple of full-length releases (there were a fair few splits and demo releases also), I still remember the vibrant vinyl of… Continue Reading →

Vortex – Them Witches (Gates of Hell)

Dutch heavy metal band Vortex made their name in my mind with their first couple of releases. Namely ‘85’s “Metal Bats” and then with the following years “Open the Gate”. Having been playing music since 1979, and pioneering the Dutch… Continue Reading →

Toledo Steel, Speed Queen & Skyryder – London Black Heart 14/9/19

Featuring two of the UK’s premier metal talents and upcoming Belgium speed metal merchants, this is quite a low attended event, especially perplexing as it’s a prime Saturday slot. Although the last night of the Big Red venue might have… Continue Reading →

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