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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!

Hammerhead – The Sin Eater (High Roller)

This Cumbrian band were part of the original NWOBHM scene from the late 70’s but only released one single 7 inch record and a couple of demos. Ten years ago ‘Hedonizm’ was released, but did not favour well at the… Continue Reading →

Stormzone – Seven Sins (Metal Nation)

It’s been at least 5 years since I’ve picked up a Stormzone release, in that time the band have continued to release material and if ‘Seven Sins’ anything to go by, I’ve been missing out big style. This is a… Continue Reading →

Sacri Monti – S/T (Tee Pee)

There’s been a lot of retro rock, doom rock, occult rock of late (call it what you want) and apart from The Riddles, not many bands have picked up the psychedelic tag. This American band from California really keep the… Continue Reading →

Albatross – Fear from the Skies (Transcending Obscurity)

I enjoyed this Indian heavy metal bands outing on the split with Vestal Claret (‘The Kissing Flies’) back in 2012, and I did hear some sound samples prior to receiving this album, but I wasn’t totally convinced if I am… Continue Reading →

EVO ALGY – Damned Unto Death (High Roller)

EVO (Paul Evans/Paul Evo) is the guy from UK non-conformists Warfare and ALGY (Ward) is the original Tank bassist and founder. Based on their past history, I would expect a brash and harsh release, which you get in places. The… Continue Reading →

Inside Metal…Pioneers of LA Hard Rock and Metal (Part 2) (Wienerworld)

This is the second in the series covering the LA hard rock and metal scene, this period covers 1975 to 1981. The format is the same as volume 1, lots of interviews with people who were around at the time… Continue Reading →

Blizzard Hunter – Heavy Metal to the Vein (Pure Underground Records)

This band are from Lima, Peru and started life as a tribute act in 2006 and up until last year they were known simply as Blizzard – but there are umpteen bands called that! So that maybe the reason for… Continue Reading →

Virgin Steele – Nocturnes of Hellfire & Damnation (SPV)

It’s been 5 years since ‘The Black Light Bacchanalia’ which I found disappointing, so with this new release I am hoping for some major improvement. Since ‘Life Among the Ruins’, ‘The Marriage of Heaven and Hell’ albums and of course,… Continue Reading →

Soldier – Defiant (Starhaven Records)

NWOBHM underdogs Soldier released a storming album called ‘Dogs of War’ a couple of years back, ‘Defiant’ is a brand new release that does more than rest on past glories and musical styles. Whilst still a very British metal album,… Continue Reading →

Discreation – Procreation of the Wretched (FDA Rekotz)

This German death metal troop have been recording for some time, this is my first experience of them and in true FDA Rekotz label fashion, this has end result that is a touch special! If you take the heritage of… Continue Reading →

Valkyrie – Shadows (Relapse)

Heavy/stoner/doom could mean a lot of things in terms of musical references, but America’s (Virginia) Valkyrie are just that… Soaked in retro and vibe, based on the works of their previous outings, ‘Shadows’ can only be an improvement right? Damn… Continue Reading →

Sathanas – Worship the Devil (Doomentia)

Since first recording a demo release in 1988, Sathanas (from the US) have been crafting their evil blackened death metal for many to enjoy and what an impact this release has from start to finish! You may be sitting comfortably,… Continue Reading →

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