Blog
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SHADOWBORNE “The Wall” single
Shadowborne has released “The Wall”, third single taken from the debut album “Heaven’s Falling” to be released on June 19 by Scarlet Records. “The Wall” captures the tension of a last stand at the edge of the known world. It tells the story of a frozen stronghold facing an overwhelming force from the wild beyond. The atmosphere […] -
MORTUARY: “GREAT BLACK EARTH”
(This is a guest review of a new EP by the veteran Mexican band Mortuary (released last month by HPGD Productions) written by Jason Kiss, also known as Lonegoat from Goatcraft and Lord Abyss from Amorphophallus Titanum.) As I have grown older, my patience for speed metal has waned substantially. Nevertheless, I continue to hold an […]
The post MORTUARY: “GREAT BLACK EARTH” appeared first on NO CLEAN SINGING.
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The ‘Big 4’ of Rolling Stones Albums
There's over 30 albums to choose from, but these are the essentials as far as we're concerned. Continue reading… -
Amberian Dawn – Present New Single And Video
Five weeks prior the release of their Temptation’s Gates studio album, Amberian Dawn stream a music video for another new track in preview “Unchained”.
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ANTHRAX – Release Music Video For ‘It’s For The Kids’
Multi-GRAMMY® award-nominated New York heavy metal titans Anthrax – Scott Ian (guitar), Charlie Benante (drums), Frank Bello (bass), Joey Belladonna (vocals), and Jonathan Donais (guitar) – will unleash their long-awaited 12th full-length studio album Cursum Perficio on September 18th via Nuclear Blast Records and Megaforce Records (North America). It marks the band’s first record in ten years since 2016’s For All Kings, which debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200. Cursum Perficio will be available in various […] -
Reviews: Valor, Krushya, Aeons In Solitude, Blossom Death (Matt Bladen)
Valor – Ark Of Time (Self Released)
Valor have 20 years of creating conceptual story driven heavy metal from their base in Athens.
They released their third album in 2017 so there’s been almost a 10 year wait for this fourth release. However after much anticipation Valor are ready to take us on journey to the stars with Ark Of Time. European power/heavy metal is the name of the game here, inspired by the theatrical sound of Ayreon, Blind Guardian, Manowar, Iron Maiden and Blaze Bayley in the vocals.It’s a cinematic record build around sing along choruses, twin axe attack and just exciting heavy metal. Keys dance in the background on epics such as The Stars Are Our Destiny while tracks like Secrecy get a hefty gallop to them. The sci-fi storytelling concerns the last survivors of Earth on massive vessel where all of trials that faced them on Earth like “authoritarian power, manufactured religion, doomed ambition” rear their ugly heads again as the last remnants of the human race try to find somewhere better amongst the stars.
The whole tale is told though eleven tracks and struggle and emotion of the lyrics are delivered brilliantly and with power by Vaggelis Krouskas as the complex arrangements of keys and orchestrations are deftly delivered by Thanasis Lois on Warship, Our God and Unveiling The Truth. Of course without a muscular bottom end, then these songs wouldn’t have the impact they do so the Thodoris’ (Karageorgos – bass and Andritsos – drums) solidify the grooves and pace of these tracks from the thrashy We Shall Rise to the classic metal of Last Of One Race.
There’s also plenty of riffs and solos from Spyros Soldatos and Vasilis Kourkoutas, the guitars sticking to the Euro Power Metal style, weaving harmonies and thundering riffs on Wings Of Steel. Kourkoutas also produces the record to make sure it sounds as vast and dense as the concept behind it, giving it this sci-fi story it’s epic feel.
Though it may have been nearly a decade in the making it’s been worth the wait as Ark Of Time is the most accomplished record from Valor have made yet. 9/10
Krushya – DooMinion (Self Released)
I mean…some bands names are a dead give away. Krushya, they’re called Krush-Ya for goodness sake, it’s pretty apparent that this Patra based trio will bludgeoning you with some explosive death metal.
Founded all the way back in 2000, Krushya bring death, grind and groove, from the underground as they take a D.I.Y ethos in releasing and recording music, they’ve been very industrious releasing albums, live records, EP’s and singles all leading up to DooMinion.
A record driven by pure aggression and veteran instincts, combining their twenty years plus of playing with their most vicious material yet, it’s unrelenting with tracks such as Beauty Of Suffering just destroying you with it’s speed and ferocity, the double kicks of Giorgos “Hellgrinder” Tsafos feeling inhuman.
They know when to shift pace though as Abomination brings some Lamb Of God groove as Blindfolded and Animus are brimming with grindcore rage the guitars of Christos Kalogeropoulos like a chainsaw ripping at flesh as Vagellis “Gator Dust” Papadopoulos barks and growls with his bass/guitar the rhythm abuse.
How you feel about DooMinion and by extent Krushya, is dependent on how you feel about death metal that simply gives no fucks, dynamics and complexity aren’t really the name of the game here, though the songs like A Liar’s Sect aren’t simple, this record is about audio violence, death metal at its meanest. Brace yourself! 7/10
Aeons In Solitude – Black Lumina (Soman Records)
Aeons In Solitude is a two man act from Athens Greece, beginning as a solo project for Alex Roussos in 2016, it evolved into a band later and they released their debut in 2020.
Taking from doom and gothic rock it’s was well received however soundscapes evolve and with their follow up Alex is joined by drummer Nepheli Sofra and as a two piece they move more towards the goth tones of darkwave.
Utilising drums, both real and programmed alongside synths and electronics as the major instruments to sit against Alex’s introspective vocals, though he is also the major player on this record handling the programming, synths, guitars and bass.
Again the record was recorded, mixed and mastered at Fragile Studio in Athens, by Vangelis Yalamas, the influences of Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance, The Sisters Of Mercy and even Depeche Mode can all be heard in this atmospheric record, the latter on Fragments and Colours.
Black Lumina shifts Aeons In Solitude away from doom to a different type of heavy where dark ambience envelopes you. 7/10
Blossom Death – Spirit (The Circle Music)
Blossom Death play heavy gothic rock and Spirit is their debut album. The creative outlet for former Sorrowful Angels frontman Kostas “Corax” Katoikos (guitar/vocals), Marita Makaronidi (vocals) and Argy Deligianopoulos (drums), they released an EP in 2019 and a split with In Burial in 2023.Their journey as a band so far has culminated with Spirit, where they are joined by Johny Litinakis (bass), Vassilis Koronas (lead guitar) and Evmara Katoikou (vocals). It’s heavy goth rock with moments of Draconian, My Dying Bride and Paradise Lost, romantic female and harsh male vocals in unison over music that avoids overly technical complexity but leans into atmosphere.
Unfortunately the vocals for me are lacking a bit and that’s quite distracting. However there’s a dark atmosphere and introspection throughout these six songs are driven by sweeping instrumentals, heavy riffs, keys and the emotional power of the songs makes it decent goth rock. 6/10 -
MEZZROW – Release new single “In the Labyrinth of Eternal Suffering”
“Bay Area Thrash Metal – Made in Sweden” – that’s what MEZZROW stands for. Since their reunion in 2021, the band has been celebrating both a rebirth and a second wind. With “Summon Thy Demons” (2023) and “Embrace The Awakening” (2025), the quintet from Nyköping released two highly recommended albums that seamlessly continue what began with their […] -
Khemmis – European Headline Tour Confirmed
In support of their next self-titled album release, Colorado-based doomers Khemmis announce a string of headline fall shows in Europe. Celestial Sanctuary will be joining them as main support.
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Armored Saint – Emotion Factory Reset Review
Eternal heavy metal underdogs Armored Saint are back in the limelight again with 9th album, Emotion Factory Reset. Yep, that’s a pretty crappy title, and the album art has zero to do with said crappy title, but whatever. It’s the music that matters, and I absolutely wore out their 2020 effort Punching the Sky. It ended up as my number 2 album of that year, and in hindsight, it should have been number one. It was especially cool to see these ancient vets crafting one of their best albums so late in their career, and because they’ve always been so easy to root for since the early 80s, I did and still do. While I hoped for the same magic to continue here, I’m realistic enough to know that topping Punching the Sky was going to be a major uphill struggle. Instead of trying to redo the last album, Emotion Factory Reset finds the Saint a bit less fiery and adrenalized, with much of the material more in line with a classic L.A. hard rock sound and safe dad rock than actual heavy metal. It’s still recognizably Armored Saint, but it doesn’t hit with anywhere near the same impact and force as their last one did. Getting olde is a bitch. I should know since I’m fookin’ ancient.The album opens promisingly with lead single “Close to the Bone.” It’s close in sound and style to what you’d expect from these guys, teeming with metal-meets-hard-rock energy. It could have fit on their early albums as well as their last 2 and it’s a legitimately badass tune. John Bush sounds great as always, and the guitars shred and riff all over the place. It reminds a lot of “Missile to Gun” off Punching and that’s a good place to be. It even has a stanza that reeks of Voivod, which no one saw coming. Unfortunately, this is the album’s high-water mark, which quickly becomes apparent. There are scattered other noteworthy moments like the aggressive “Hit a Moonshot,” which brings back some of the youthful vitality from the 80s, and closer “Epilogue” also features the more reliably rowdy Saint sound with a coolness factor absent for much of the album. Also worth mentioning is “Buckshot,” which is a weird mixture of grunge and radio rock, like a fusion of Live and early ’90s Pearl Jam. It has a slick, laid-back charm, and it would make for good summer beer-drinking music on the back deck with your idiot friends.
The rest of Emotion Factory Reset offers inoffensive, safe dad rock like “Every Man-Any Man,” and “Not on Your Life, but the drop in memorability and impact from the god stuff is stark. Worse, these kinds of tunes are intermixed with less lively and much more generic rockers like “Compromise” and “It’s a Buzzkill,” which hit like sub-par Aerosmith filler. That means you get roughly half an album’s worth of quality Armored Saint music with a lot of half-baked, underwhelming padding duct-taped between the keepers. It ends up feeling like another version of their 2010 La Raza outing, which few want or need.
The individual performances are all fine, with John Bush being his usual charismatic frontman, and he makes the album a better listen than it would be otherwise. Phil Sandoval and Jeff Duncan supply some interesting and occasionally badass riffs and harmonies, and a few choice moments that make me remember why I’ve stuck with the band through most of my life. But these highlights are dampened by too many tracks that feel like phoned-in radio rock without much soul or grit. That’s not why I come to the Armored Saint parade, though I get that folks mellow with age.
It’s unpleasant to report that Emotion Factory Reset is such a drop-off from Punching the Sky, but here we are. I’ll take the good stuff to put on my Armored Saint playlist and move on from these parts. I still love these guys, and I’ll always support them, but I definitely hope for a rebound next time out. The Saint still marches, just not as fast or as far as it used to. Circle of life.
Rating: 2.5/5.0
DR: 5 | Format Reviewed: 256 kbps mp3
Label: Metal Blade
Websites: armoredsaint.com |armoredsaint.bandcamp.com | facebook.com/thearmoredsaint | instagram.com/thearmoredsaint
Releases Worldwide: May 22nd, 2026The post Armored Saint – Emotion Factory Reset Review appeared first on Angry Metal Guy.
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Mark’s Paranormal Dysneyland Living A Lie Review
Mark’s Paranormal Dysneyland Living A Lie Review
The single “Living A Lie” opens with an intensely charged atmosphere that captures a sense of impending tension. This initial setup immerses the listener in a narrative journey, creating a feeling of intrigue. As the music unfolds, a haunting vocal effect introduces the singer’s voice, combining elements of darkness with an enigmatic quality.
This beginning draws listeners in, building anticipation and paving the way for what is to come. The rhythm intensifies, reflecting a sense of urgency that elevates the adrenaline. Yet just when the energy peaks, the tempo takes a hypnotic turn. The voice re-emerges in a spoken style, reminiscent of a sorcerer attempting to unveil hidden truths. This moment is unsettling, as it encourages listeners to confront realities they may prefer to ignore.
The piano plays a significant role, striking its chords with fervor. This instrumental element adds richness to the overall texture of the piece. The music carries a psychedelic undertone, creating a kaleidoscopic and dystopian atmosphere. It evokes feelings of disorientation while simultaneously inviting listeners to reflect on deeper themes.
Living A Lie – Sound and Atmosphere
“Living A Lie” serves as a commentary on the dark realities faced in America today. It encapsulates a prevalent fear among the people, who feel they might be under an oppressive regime. The urgency of the music mirrors this societal anxiety, making it feel contemporary and relevant. It boldly challenges listeners to awaken their consciousness.
The accompanying video portrays stark images of police misconduct, protests, and the struggle for justice. It reinforces the song’s message by showcasing the unjust actions happening in society. The visuals amplify the tension and emotional weight, making the viewer experience the same sense of unrest depicted in the lyrics. The audiovisual experience becomes a rallying cry, urging listeners to take notice and call for change.
The lyrics are sharp and incisive, effectively creating a resonant sense of tension that reflects the shared struggles of people in the United States. They resonate with an urgency that calls for awareness and action. Mark Spinks has crafted a powerful narrative through this piece, drawing from personal and collective experiences.
Living A Lie – Performance and Production
In its entirety, “Living A Lie” stands out as a significant expression of contemporary discomfort. It does not shy away from tackling serious issues but does so within a thoughtful, artistic framework. This balance enhances its impact, making the song retain a lasting influence on the listener.
Mark’s Paranormal Dysneyland represents a bold solo undertaking, marking a creative shift from Spinks’ previous work with Gravel Samwidge. The transition signifies an artist willing to delve into more complex themes, moving beyond past identities.
The song creates an atmosphere filled with questions, encouraging listeners to engage with their surroundings critically.
“Living A Lie” invites listeners to confront discomfort and seek truth in the face of adversity. Through potent lyrics and a dynamic musical backdrop, Mark Spinks delivers a memorable and thought-provoking track that resonates deeply.
Intense
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The post Mark’s Paranormal Dysneyland Living A Lie Review appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.