By Shannon Smith
From the opening drum roll, Castle Rat’s “Serpent” coils itself around the listener with the kind of vintage-metal authority that is hard to resist. Recorded under the steady hand of Randall Dunn and mixed by Jonathan Nuñez, the track bears all the marks of a band intent on situating itself within the heavy metal continuum while pushing its theatrical boundaries forward.
The Rat Queen (Riley Pinkerton) anchors the performance with a vocal delivery that channels the urgency of early NWOBHM and the gothic charisma of proto-doom. Her voice is commanding with a full-bodied timbre that is serrated at the edges. The vocals have [...]
Saxon is a British Heavy Metal band that will reward a listener with a keen ear for technical skill, sonic clarity, and the intricate dance between tradition and evolution in music production; let’s delve into a review of Saxon’s Hell, Fire and Damnation. This album has many high points; let’s focus on three key aspects: production and sound engineering, instrumental virtuosity, and the album’s contribution to the evolution of heavy metal. This perspective aims to shed light on the craftsmanship behind the album, appealing to listeners who appreciate the nuances of sound that elevate music from good to [...]
As the winds of change sweep across the musical landscape, Dokken’s return with their 13th studio album, “Heaven Comes Down,” is heralded by the single “Fugitive.” This fresh melody is an unapologetic celebration of what makes Dokken quintessential, yet seen through a wiser, richer lens.
“Fugitive” opens with the tantalizing chime of a shimmering electric guitar. It tells a story through a building arpeggio pattern, akin to the opening lines of an epic poem, before BJ Zampa’s drums and Chris [...]
Boston’s hard rock powerhouse, EXTREME, triumphantly marks their return by releasing their electrifying new album, SIX. This high-octane, pedal-to-the-metal record is an emphatic testament to their enduring longevity, awe-inspiring musical prowess, and ceaseless passion for transcending the confines of genre.
The album roars to life with “RISE,” a searing anthem that lays the foundation for the sonic journey that is to follow. This potent track is underpinned by Bettencourt’s robust guitar work and serves as a cautionary narrative about the perils of fame. With riveting riffs and visceral vocals, it broadcasts an impactful message [...]
