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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!

Distillator – Summoning the Malicious (Empire Records)

This is these Dutch thrashers second album, part of a trilogy which in this case deals with subjects concerning the past and present, which is apparently meant to raise questions about the future of our planet. From the opening track… Continue Reading →

Condor – Unstoppable Power (High Roller)

Originally a black thrash outfit from Norway, when I first saw these guys live at London Live Evil fest they looked very young indeed, maturing in age and musicianship we now have their second full length release ‘Unstoppable Power’. The… Continue Reading →

Mythra – Still Burning (High Roller)

North East NWOBHM band Mythra’s comeback a couple of years ago with shows at Newcastle’s Brofest and Germany’s Keep It True festival certainly ignited a flame. With an official anthology released recently by Skol Records (others have been released without… Continue Reading →

Night Demon – Darkness Remains (SPV)

I have been a long-time supporter of this band, so with album number 2 up for grabs, it’s a no brainer for me to review this, no surprise to those who know me. This American band have toured for what… Continue Reading →

Vampire – With Primeval Force (Century Media)

Back with a new line up, the PR blurb goes on to say that the album is not just a follow up to their debut (with an EP in between of course), but an album that will redefine death metal… Continue Reading →

Cloven Hoof – Who Mourns For The Morning Star (High Roller)

Cloven Hoof have worked hard over the last 12-13 years re-affirming their place as legendary having been a part of the original NWOBHM movement. All classic material is well revered, having reformed and released a couple of releases in 2006… Continue Reading →

Trial – Motherless (Metal Blade)

Sweden’s Trial had a fantastic outing on their last album ‘Vessel’. For their new release for their new home on Metal Blade, the band have expanded their influences and made inroads towards experimenting with different sounds and feelings. Also a… Continue Reading →

Beth Blade & The Beautiful Disasters – Bad Habit (S/R)

This is the debut album from Cardiff rockers Beth Blade & The Beautiful Disasters, a result of a lot of groundwork and a successful pledge campaign, which appears to be a common occurrence in today’s music scene with the lack… Continue Reading →

Obscure Infinity – Dawn of Winter (F.D.A. Rekotz)

This is a reissue of the German death metal bands debut album, original out on Obscure Domain Productions, an album I actually reviewed 7 years ago too. There are no changes, no fillers, no remastering, it’s simply a re-release. Its… Continue Reading →

Lucifer’s Chalice – The Pact (S/R)

Featuring members of Uncoffined and Winds of Genocide, this band from Durham in the North East of England provide 4 sinister heavy metal tracks in line with the NWOBHM, Witchfinder General, Pagan Altar and very early Mercyful Fate. The aura… Continue Reading →

Sepulchral – Back from the Dead (Great Dane Records)

This is a compilation of material from a French death metal band that started in 1989 and released a couple of demos and a spilt release. This compilation brings together everything except their first demo. Of the 10 tracks in… Continue Reading →

Invasion – Destroyer of Mankind (Abyss Records)

Returning after 7 years, Invasion come back with a more refined logo but the same theme with their WWII inspired death metal. Following on from a review I did some 7 years ago, Invasion haven’t changed what is not broken,… Continue Reading →

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