Something strange happened on the way to Algalord. Sure, parody and gimmickry have been around for ages in metal (especially thrash metal), but not as prevalent as it is in the present. Gloryhammer set a new standard for over the top power metal in 2013 with the release of "Tales From the Kingdom of Fife." While poking fun, or rather having fun, with the European style power metal subgenre, Christopher Bowes also created one of the best power metal albums of that time. It mar

If you ever get lost in the sea of "crystal" acts (Crystal Eyes, Crystal Tears, Crystal Viper, Crystal Ball, Crystal Castle, Crystal Lake, Crystal Sword....need I go on? Ok - Crystal Dreams, Crystal Gates, Crystal Fate, Crystal Abyss, Crystal Crow, Crystal Pyramid, Crystal Sky), just remember - there can be only one true crystal master! Crystal Eyes has released consistently great albums for 20 years now, aging gracefully. For those unfamiliar to the band, imagine a tour of e

Ensiferum bassist Sami Hinkka side steps (but not too far) from his main act to co-found the exciting new power metal act called Metal De Facto. The concept of the band isn't particularly new for a metal act, basking in the glorious history and battles of Ancient Rome. Death metal acts ADE and Ex Deo have more famously picked up on the idea, as well as Italy's Centvrion and Sweden's Descendant in the power/traditional metal subgenres (and a handful of other bands in other var

Back in 2012, Sabaton began an ambitious solo headlining tour, the band's first such tour of North America. Vocalist Joakim Broden and bassist Par Sundstrom had just split with guitarist Oskar Montelius, guitarist Rikard Sunden, drummer Daniel Mullback and keyboardist Daniel Myhr. Then new members guitarist Chris Rorland, guitarist Thobbe Englund (who left in 2016, replaced by ReinXeed/Majestica's Tommy Johansson) and drummer Robban Back (who left in 2013, replaced by Ex-Eve

"Aequilibrium," or "equilibrium," has a double meaning for Italy's Noveria. On one hand, it is the basis of the conceptual album's plot about achieving balance following a devastating earthquake in central Italy. On the other, the band's perfect balance between power and progressive metal, a thrilling modern approach that has made the quintet one of the most appealing "newer" bands out there today - Dynazty without the glitz. Though not quite as catchy as previous efforts, "A

Since a transformation on 2017's "Stonehymn," Italian metal act Wind Rose has bared little resemblance from the days of "Shadows Over Lothadruin" or "Wardens of the West Wind." Now innovators of "dwarven metal," the band led by larger than life vocalist Franceso Cavalieri, is now closely aligned to the sound of Ensiferum, old Turisas and a near spot on replica of Canada's Scythia (who sadly split when they were at a zenith). "Wintersaga" presents a well crafted and highly m

Two years ago I was made a promise by guitarist/composer Roberto De Micheli, as Rhapsody of Fire released a compilation of newly re-recorded classic material called "Legendary Years." Roberto simply said: "I promise to you a great new album for 201[9]!" That promise was fulfilled with "The Eighth Mountain," the band's strongest effort since "The Frozen Tears of Angels." The band has finally presented a Rhapsody of Fire album that represents the true succession of the band in

Bassist/songwriter Fitty Weinhold announced that he has split with U.D.O. (the band created and fronted by ex-Accept frontman Udo Dirkschneider) after 23 years in the band as a partner to Dirkschneider. His last show with the band will be in October. The emotional video can be found in the player above. Weinhold promises that he has one musical venture left on his "bucket list" and he will surprise fans with that soon. As of press time, U.D.O. has not made any statement, nor

German metal a-cappella act Van Canto issued a lyric video for the new single "Back in the Lead," which you can check out in the player above. The song is the first single from the the seventh studio album "Trust in Rust" via Napalm Records which drops on August 10th. Pre-order the album now at this location. On the new single, the band commented: "It's been more than 2 years after our last tour, this song wraps it up - we want to sing and are just happy to be Back In The Lea

Ex-Damnation Angels vocalist PelleK issued a video clip for the new single "Absolute Steel," which you can check out in the player above. The song is the title track of his brand new solo album, which is expected to be released on July 9th. A pre-order crowdfunding campaign for the album is available at this location. This video was filmed on June 7th, 2018 at Screen Media's "Studio D" in Oslo, Norway, and the musicians traveled all the way from the U.K, Sweden, Serbia and t

Destinia - the project created by Japanese guitarist Nozomu Wakai - is streaming the new single "The End Of Love" in the player above. The song is the latest single form the upcoming new album "Metal Souls," which is set to drop on July 13th. Pre-order the album at this location. The album features vocalist Ronnie Romero (Lords Of Black, CoreLeoni, Rainbow), Marco Mendoza (The Dead Daisies) and Tommy Aldridge (Whitesnake/David Coverdale). Japanese guitar hero Nozomu Wakai wil

Powerwolf released a video clip for the new single "Fire & Forgive," the second single from the new opus "The Sacrament of Sin"! Check out the clip in the player above. "The Sacrement of Sin" is set for release on July 20th via Napalm Records. Pre-order the album now over at this location. Powerwolf entered Fascination Street Studios in Örebrö, Sweden starting in January 2018 to work on the seventh manifesto together with renowned producer Jens Bogren (Opeth, Arch Enemy, Amon

Swedish metal/hard rock act Dynazty issued a video studio update on the band's new album, the follow up to "Titanic Mass" (2016). Check out the clip in the player above. Recorded in Skara, Sweden in February/March 2018, the as of yet untitled album is set for a 2018 autumn release. Stay tuned for more information. #Dynazty #powermetal #traditionalmetal #hardrock #melodicmetal #SpinefarmRecords #studiovideo

Czech power metal act Eagleheart issued a new video clip for the song "Mind To Decipher." The song is taken from the band's latest album "Reverse," which dropped back in August via Scarlet Records. The video was produced by Libor Kukula, Jan Gerža for MetalGate, cz.artellery. #Eagleheart #powermetal #speedmetal #ScarletRecords

Composer/co-founder of Rhapsody and leader of LT Rhapsody - Luca Turilli - announced that he is putting the famed band on indefinite hold as he dedicates himself to new musical projects away from the metal subgenre. He does not rule out a return to rock and metal, but the time period for that return looks to be long, if ever. In a statement on the band's Facebook page, Turilli stated: "Hi to all, beloved sisters and brothers! "We are not updating this Facebook page (the only

Kobra & The Lotus released a new video clip for the song "Velvet Roses." The song appears on the latest album "Prevail II," which is available now via Napalm Records. The album is available over here! "High impact, pure rock adrenaline!! This video is a fabulous trip. Free falling through the sky, whipping tight turns on a planet where everything that makes sense to you doesn't apply and the impossible doesn't exist. Join this tenacious driver and her motley crew as they take

Canada's AxMinister teamed up with Bravewords for the premiere of the new video clip "Prey." You can check it out over here, or just up in the player above. The song appears on the band's latest EP "The Crucible Of Sin," which was issued in early May. Grab your copy over here. The band commented: "'Prey' was inspired by that whole 50 Shades of Grey phenomenon. This video is a comedic telling meant to be shocking and sexy, as well as a little bit cheesy/cheeky." #AxMinister #t