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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!

Wolf Prayer – Spell of the Crimson Eye (Barhill Records)

This is German Stoner/Fuzz, it’s the bands second album. It’s been over 20 years since I have personally dipped or “tripped” seriously into this field, so its touch of a memory lane thing for me this album. ‘Cards of Evil’… Continue Reading →

Cruel Force – Dawn of the Axe (Shadow Kingdom)

It’s been 12 years since we have heard from Germany’s Cruel Force. They are back with a new logo and a new bassist, all the previous members are back and firing on all blackened cylinders. ‘At the Dawn of the… Continue Reading →

Kerrigan – Bloodmoon (High Roller)

German Heavy Metal styled band Kerrigan came to my attention during times of lockdown and an online music platform. Their demo was released as vinyl and cassette versions through another record label. Kerrigan are two musicians, Bruno Schotten handles the… Continue Reading →

Vision Master – Sceptre (Gates of Hell)

This is a duo namely of Dan Munro (ex-Funerot) and Reuben Story (Christian Mistress). The PR material suggests blazing unconventional classic metal, which is the case. I’d pick on the unconventional as a key pointer. ‘Wolves in the Shadows’ starts… Continue Reading →

Meurtrieres – Ronde De Nuit (Gates of Hell)

Here we have French Heavy Metal for you. The is their follow up to 2020’s self-titled debut EP, a band that’s made some great progress over their short time together. One thing that does put you off is the lyrics… Continue Reading →

Sznur – Ludzina (Godz ov War)

This is the fourth full length for Sznur (meaning “Rope” in Polish). I have followed this black metal war machine from the start, and this album sets another standard for the misanthropic horde. There is a much more refined production,… Continue Reading →

Rage and Fire – The Last Wolf (No Remorse)

With a dense sound of a typical Running Wild release, Rage and Fire are similar in style to the likes of Manowar, the aforementioned (mid-Period), Ironsword and an easy lazy one, Manilla Road. So you have a flavour straight away…. Continue Reading →

Trespass – Wolf at the Door (From the Vaults)

The name will be known, I saw the band recently in Germany and they were well received. There is an infamous track that most people regard as their signature tune, but there are more days (not just “one of those… Continue Reading →

Enforcer – Nostalgia (Nuclear Blast)

These Swedes last album ‘Zenith’ was a slight departure from the bands usual style and approach. Having come together again for ‘Nostalgia’ it’s not a case of re-hashing the older sound, to some extent there is more of the old… Continue Reading →

Century – The Conquest of Time (No Remorse)

I think this band are great; having recently completed a short tour is America, Century are coming at you with their debut album. The band play awesome heavy metal, there’s a lot of influence of the NWoBHM, current US scene… Continue Reading →

Blazon Rite – Wild Rites and Ancient Songs (Gates of Hell)

Philadelphia based fantasy/battle themed heavy metal band Blazon Rite return with a second full length release.  For those not familiar with their work, fans of Seven Sisters, Traveller, Visigoth and Ice War would surely enjoy this third release in total…. Continue Reading →

Overkill – Scorched (Nuclear Blast)

New Jersey Thrash Veterans Overkill have been a band of consistency throughout their career. They never shied away like many others during the 90’s (considered a difficult period for Thrash – I remember it well unfortunately). Overkill 100%.  What I… Continue Reading →

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