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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!

Riot City – Electric Elite (No Remorse)

This Canadian band hold a special place in metal history for me. Their ‘Livin’ Fast’ demo tape and the following ‘Burn the Night’ debut album are both fantastic. This was also the last band I saw in London before the… Continue Reading →

Sordid Blade – Every Battle Has Its Glory (Gates of Hell)

Formed last year by multi-instrumentalist Niklas Holm, this is mid-paced metal, which I would loosely term “epic”. The music was born out of the love for music such as Hammerheart era Bathory, Manilla Road and US band Warlord. What is… Continue Reading →

Konquest – Time and Tyranny (No Remorse)

This is Italian Traditional Metal and follow up to the well-received debut ‘The Night Goes On’. ‘Relativity’ is the opener and you’re treated to a cavalcade of galloping guitars, an easy reference would be classic Maiden mode. One thing, its… Continue Reading →

Spellbook – Deadly Charms (Cruz Del Sur)

US proto-metal, 70’s rock and pure metal band Spellbook have their second release on offer. Their debut came out during the pandemic and was well received by yours truly. However, with a second album in the mix, the defining quality… Continue Reading →

Dark Forest – Ridge & Furrow (Cruz Del Sur)

UK’s Dark Forest, as those who read these pages will know, I am a big fan of this group. This five track EP encounters lyrical themes based on nature and landscape. The artwork was handled by Christian Horton himself (founding… Continue Reading →

Malamorte – Omen (Moribund)

Following on from last years ‘Mass Cult Suicide’, I am happy to say that ‘Omen’ is a marked improvement and fits with projects “tags”. You still have really strained vocals to contend with, but it’s much more straight ahead metal,… Continue Reading →

Heads for the Dead – The Great Conjuration (Transcending Obscurity)

This international group hit the horror market hard with their rampant third release of gnarly death metal. The band consist of members of Revel In Flesh, Wombbath, Massacre and Sentient Horror to name but a few, so by the bands… Continue Reading →

Infinity Dream – Memories (Metal Assault)

This is the debut release from melodic metal band Infinity Dream. A band that features two Widow (North Carolina) members, namely Chris Bennett and John Wooten, an ex-Widow member in drummer Marc Antony and vocalist Dina Altum. This time around,… Continue Reading →

Phantom Spell – Immortal’s Requiem (Wizard Tower)

This is a solo project of Kyle McNeil, the frontman of UK heavy metal band Seven Sisters. Here, McNeil is exploring his love for prog. Undoubtedly, many elements will be familiar to many Seven Sisters fans. These include infectious vocal… Continue Reading →

Savage Master – Those Who Hunt at Night (Shadow Kingdom)

Kentucky’s Lustful Devilry continues with the bands fourth full-length album. For those who do not know them, they are a traditional heavy metal band that have a “savage” imagery, are very consistent and take a darker approach of death and… Continue Reading →

Ironflame – Where Madness Dwells (High Roller)

Ohio based Heavy/Power Metal band Iron flame return with their fourth album to date. Multi-instrumentalist Andrew D’Cagna handles all the instruments himself. This album lyrically is less fantasy, it was penned during the pandemic, personal stories and political situations have… Continue Reading →

Protector – Excessive Outburst of Depravity (High Roller)

Consistency has been Protector’s most redeemable facet of late; the last few releases since reforming have been quite something. Now Sweden is home, but Germany is always their starting point. For those who don’t know this band, expect high energy… Continue Reading →

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