American heavy metal icons, Armored Saint, are back with their anticipated new full-length release, “Emotion Factory Reset,” set for release on May 22nd through Metal Blade Records. “Emotion Factory Reset,” the lineup's ninth studio album since 1984's “March Of The Saint,” is a resurrection of sorts, a tearing down and a rebuilding in eleven songs... Continue Reading →
Review MIDNATT “Skräckfylld Förtjusning”
Midnatt hail from Sweden, though the exact date of the band’s formation hasn’t been widely documented. What we do know is that their first EP arrived in 2022—and now, in a milestone moment for the Värmland-based quartet, they unveil their debut full-length album, “Skräckfylld Förtjusning” (“Terrifying Enchantment”). As the title anticipated, the album is performed... Continue Reading →
LEX LEGION – the new band including four-fifth of the legendary King Diamond line-up
I don’t know if Lex Legion is a supergroup, but they are certainly a new gem in the metal cosmos. Four-fifths of the legendary King Diamond line-up from the late '80s have regrouped, and together with Nils K., the singer, the five-piece band will release a debut single called “Sleep Eternally” on 31 March 2026.... Continue Reading →
Review HEAVEN & HELL “Breaking Out of Heaven 2007-2009”
“Breaking Out of Heaven 2007–2009” is a comprehensive compilation featuring members of Black Sabbath in a lineup that includes Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice. During this period, these four pioneers of heavy metal reunited under the banner of Heaven & Hell, returning to the stage for a series of live... Continue Reading →
Review POWER PALADIN “Beyond the Reach of Enchantment”
When I think of Iceland, the first images that come to mind are breathtaking landscapes and stunning natural beauty. Musically, bands like Sólstafir embody the island’s signature blend of melancholy and darkness. Over the past few years, however, Power Paladin have been carving out a very different path. Hailing from Reykjavík, the six-piece injects melody,... Continue Reading →
Live report KANONENFIEBER & MENTAL CRUELTY, Inselpark Arena, Hamburg – March 24th, 2026
Nothing illustrates the rapidly growing popularity of Kanonenfieber better than a look at the venues the band has played in Hamburg. Back in November 2023, they took the stage at the Logo as a support act for Batushka. Not even three years later, Kanonenfieber are headlining a sold-out show at Inselpark Arena. Such a leap... Continue Reading →
Review KERRIGAN “Wayfarer”
Freiburg, Germany, is known for having one of the highest numbers of hours of sunshine per year. At the same time, the southwestern region of Germany is associated with wine and good food. Despite these favorable attributes, there is also a darker side. Hailing from Freiburg, denim and leather metallers Kerrigan add some riff power... Continue Reading →
Review STAINLESS “Lady of Lust & Steel”
Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Stainless launch their debut album, “Lady of Lust and Steel.” The band was founded in 2022 and released their first EP, “Nocturnal Rider,” which is now followed up by their debut album. Stainless is the brainchild of guitarist Jamie Byrum, and the album blends hard rock with metal influences. Both of... Continue Reading →
Review AXEL RUDI PELL “Ghost Town”
The list of studio releases from German guitarist Axel Rudi Pell is long. The former Steeler guitarist began his solo career in 1989 with the album “Wild Obsession.” This marked the beginning of an exceptional career that is still ongoing. Pell found his signature sound early on, fusing classic hard rock with metal. This defined... Continue Reading →
ELEGANT WEAPONS announced a new album
Elegant Weapons, the hard rock and heavy metal band led by Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner, has released its new single, “Bridges Burn.” The song is the first preview of the upcoming second album, “Evolution,” which will be released on April 24, 2026, via Exciter Records. Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/pFNFxf5sS38?si=lsJpIceFp9v3Nh6e The album will be... Continue Reading →
SPIRIT ADRIFT launched a new song
Heavy metal doom giants Spirit Adrift have returned with a cathartic, crushing new single, “Eternal Celestial Energy,” out today via 20 Buck Spin. The long-awaited new music from revered songwriter and frontman Nate Garrett follows the band’s critically acclaimed 2023 album “Ghost at the Gallows” and arrives ahead of their March 20th appearance in San... Continue Reading →
Live report AVATAR, ALIEN WEAPONRY & AGABAS, Docks, Hamburg – March 13th, 2026
It's a rainy night in Hamburg, the perfect setting for an dark and gloomy show at Docks. Gothenburg-based Avatar are currently on the road, and tonight is actually the final show of the “In the Airwaves EU ‘26” tour, so the timing is perfect. A Friday night and a sold-out venue are ideal for a... Continue Reading →
Review VREID “The Skies Turn Black”
Since the release of “Kraft” in 2004, Vreid has established themselves as a major player in the world of blackened metal from Norway. The band from Sognal has released albums regularly, and now it is “The Skies Turn Black” that will hit the shelves. Five years after releasing “Wild North West,” the Norwegians are presenting... Continue Reading →
Live report AMARANTHE, EPICA & CHARLOTTE WESSELS, Inselpark Arena, Hamburg – March 6th, 2026
The Hamburg rock and metal community has nothing but choices tonight. A lot is happening on this Friday evening. The Norwegian rock force Gluecifer is in town, as is Keith Caputo. Die Happy is performing, and Hell Over Hammaburg, a two-day indoor festival, is taking place. As if that were not enough to choose from,... Continue Reading →
Live report SMITH/KOTZEN & SWEET ELECTRIC Gruenspan, Hamburg – March 5th, 2026
Some iconic guitarists are on tour right now. A few days ago, Michael Schenker brought back the great UFO days to Große Freiheit 36, and today, a few meters down the road, Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen are playing a show. With Smith being one of the legendary Iron Maiden guitarists and Kotzen being a... Continue Reading →









