REVIEW OF THE ALBUM GUILTY AS CHARGED BY IRON CURTAIN

Iron Curtain is essentially a speed metal band formed back in 2007 and released 2 albums so far, Road to Hell and Jaguar spirit. Now three years after the second full length, these Spanish quartet are back with another dose of genuine 80s speed heavy metal. Guilty as charged will be out the next 14th October via Pure Steel Records. In the meantime you can check out their single Wild and Rebel from their Youtube Channel:

As mentioned their style is a perfect constructed speed metal, with influences from Motorhead and Iron Maiden to Accept backed with catchy gig ready choruses. Good example of that is the first track Into the Fire, submerging the listener to the true sound of Iron Curtain: fast paced and headbanging shot of adrenaline. Notice here a perfect Lemmy style on the vocals at some points. 

These accelerated paradise becomes contagious to the rest of the album, Lion's Breath and Take it back are a good proof of the best of the record and you will feel like going into the pit and scream those choruses out loud. Instrumental are in remarkable harmony and guitar virtue are at 50/50 leadership with vocals and rhythm.

Relentless start as a change of pace with a mid tempo song, and not a doubt this shot sounds like Accept from start to finish; voice, drum beats, guitars and even the structure of the song is made to sound like the German heroes. A run of the mill track but always enjoyable to listen.

The album won't let you down at this point, as the best track is about to start: Iron Price combines very Iron Maiden'ish riffs with the best of Mike's vocal styles. Fast and lighter track, with really straightforward and catchy sections being followed by Outlaw and Wild&Rebel, continuing the raw and fast strategy with back vocals that will catch your attention.

The tittle track Guilty as Charged follows in velocity but increases in vocal melody, even bringing the band style to the early eighties, when the NWOBHM exploded like Big Bang; definitely one of the best songs of the album and letting the last song continue the same path of its preview shot: Turn the Hell On makes the best of the riff melodies combining awesomely good with the back vocals, and bringing up one of the most catchy bridges and choruses of the band, being well structured and leaving the listener hungry for more... In my case I just restarted the album for my second listen.

I can say Iron Curtain just nailed it with this record, Guilty as Charged is very solid and well produced, being raw and sharp in style combined with a crystal clear production. If you like true speed metal obviously you will love this band and my suggestion for you: get the album because you will really enjoy it. It's clear the likes of these Spanish band, and they use their influences in a perfect combination to generate their own sound, and that sound is really well created in this headbanging electric gem,

8.5 / 10

Iron Curtain lineup

Mike Leprosy Vocals, Guitars (rhythm)
Joserra Bass
Alberto Fuentes Drums
Miguel Angel Lopez Guitars (lead)

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REVIEW OF THE ALBUM COMEBACK BY LEATHER HEART

Leather Heart are a classic heavy metal band from Madrid (Spain) formed in 2008,  now they just released their first full length called Comeback, the evolution and improvements in the sound is more than evident, guitars now have more presence and the instrumental parts in the album are sophisticated and you couldn’t believe this is a debut album at all, these guys have the experience of bands with more than three albums in their backs.

In terms of composition in general the tracks got a more complex structure with changes of rhythm in songs like The Crow or the tittle track Comeback to name a few, and always moving between Judas Priest and Queensryche but with touches of Dokken at some point and an undeniable influence of Dio and Glenn Hughes on the voice, you can check the awesome cover of Black Sabbath hit Danger Zone.

Generally the album moves in a mid to fast paced tracks, songs like Destiny is a clear highlight of the band’s sound and also is one of the best of the album as the mid paced pounding drums mixes in harmony with a perfect structure, catchy 80s revival also seen in Rock n Roll Soul with a hard rocker essence very well created and a headbanging second half of the track.

Depths of space and Hopeless Sinner are two of the best composed tracks as mid tempo in crescendo gems; its also good to mention the track Leather Heart is re recorded for the first album, with a better production and more presence of the instrumentals.

Leaving the best for the last, Restless, the riff is going to take you straight to the mid 80s and just the vocal parts are gonna blow out your mind, great job on the structure and the details of the guitars, continuing with the ballad For You, with good acoustic parts with ascending power being very intense, epic!

Last shot and my favourite is the tittle track Comeback, got a sophisticated structure full of changes of rhythm going fast and slow surprisingly effective, and also combining the best sides of the album, the epic sensation and the passion and intensity of the mid tempo ballads, truly a masterpiece.

Taking the full concept of this record in one word it has to be a masterpiece and one of the best english sung albums ever made in Spain, they improved to a crystal clear production, Comeback got the power and the glory, its headbanging at all times rememoring the golden mid 80s inspiration. be aware of these guys, this is only the beginning of a band that bounds to rule the NWOTHM very soon!

9 / 10

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REVIEW OF THE ALBUM NIGHT OF THE WARRIORS BY THUNDERHEART

Thunderheart finally released their debut album last February by the hand of Killer Metal Records, the Spanish band delivers a good classic heavy-power metal with influences from US metal bands like Jag Panzer,drippings of speed metal like the Germans Warrant and catchy strong and straight choruses bringing memories from Grave digger; but definitely these guys develop the genuine sound of Steelhorse, previous band from the guitarist Willy Gascon, that encapsulates the essence of Judas priest, Iron maiden and Accept among other Titans of heavy metal, the vocal style by Javier Pastor Is powerful and melodic, using mid to high pitched tunes and generally on the clean side.

New horizons introduces the album as an instrumental melodic headbanging shot linked with Show them our fire, developing awesome guitar riffs in a fast paced hit, guitars are remarkably good on the melodies behind the vocal parts, continued by the tittle track Night of the warriors, mid tempo act with a really epic bridge and catchy chorus, awesome palm muted guitar parts in one of the best highlights of the Album.

The mid paced addictive riff of Thunderheart will make you bang your head from the first second, vocals here are brilliant, from the high pitched verses to the straight chorus, made to scream in the gigs, one of the best compositions of the band, as it continues with Concrete Jungle, another mid tempo shot where the band strikes back with epic bridges and a chorus that draws awesome melodies, one of the best acts, of those to be played continuously.

Killing my fears evolves with a fast paced rhythm, simple but effective riffs combined with a well crafted chorus, effective and strong strategy followed by the mid tempo Rules of a lie, with epic riffs and a crescendo structure, the instrumentals stay more static melodically as the leadership are remarked on the vocal part.

Bulletproof continues the 80s heavy metal sound revival in another mid tempo anthem, well performed on the vocals and also good harmony between the instrumentals, perfect song for a gig; as I'll always be there for you accelerates the machinery in an outstanding riff work and melodic vocals, another top hit of the band where everybody will bang the heads, good drum parts with remarkable changes of rhythms.

Now its the turn of one of the key tracks of the band, rise or fall, the last shot of this album Night of the warriors, they actually perform all the styles developed throughout the album, pure classic heavy metal riffs with addictive choruses and excellent bridges that make the listener rise the fist in the air, shouting rise or fall, impressive!.

Night of the warriors is the first taste of Thunderheart, and to tell you the truth, this debut album sounds really professional, the compositions are well crafted in every single note and they know how to catch the attention of the listener, tracks like rise or fall, concrete jungle or thunderheart are good demonstrations of their sound, and excellent lessons of true metal;

Thunderheart have jumped to the top of the Spanish heavy metal scene with the first album, good job!

8,5 / 10

Line Up

Willy Gascon / guitars

Javier Pastor / vocals

Ricardo Lazaro/ drums

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Release by Killer Metal Records

Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW OF THE ALBUM ELDERSLIED BY INCURSED

Incursed is an epic folk metal band formed in 2007 in Bilbao, Spain. The band released three full lengths, debuting in 2009 with Morituri and followed by a great title called Fimbulwinter in 2012; then two years later, last december 2014, Incursed released their last and best album up to date, Elderslied.

Incursed style comes from the melodic pagan and folk sounds in its essence, using orchestrated parts all over and developing really intense epic power metal compositions with instrumentally complicated structures,the vocal parts swaps from clean melodic style to growling sections; got influences from bands like ensiferum or Caladmor, guitars deliver the powerful melodies with technical sections brilliantly combined with sophisticated drums.

Song of the ancient takes us to this melodic folk metal journey, as an orchestrated instrumental intro that evolves metalized in Heart of yggdrasil, being a perfect highlight of the band's style, remarkable compositions on the verses and powerful chorus made with clean vocals, following the act with the acoustic notes of Raging wyverns, soon to be epically transformed in a highly intense slow-mid tempo anthem highly accelerated at some parts.

The wild hunt heralds one of the best riffs of the album, with a remarkable job on the vocals, going high pitched growing and clean style on the chorus, amazing also on the double pedal drums and followed by Beer bloodbath, forging another catchy melodic riff of those of headbanging and moshpiting, awesome job at the end with the in-crescendo rhythmical bomb leading to Tidal waves, good riffs and headbanging pace in growling vocals, followed by Jötnar, with ascending composition, adding nice violin background melodies in one of the best created songs of the band, theatrically brilliant.

After the instrumental interlude of A fateful glare, the action literally explodes with Lady Frost, another lesson of the band's sound in full power, fast paced headbanging bomb with breathtaking compositions on the verses and melodic chorus, the guitar performance is remarkable combined with the keyboard solo, followed by The undying flame, forging some classic folk melodies, in an intense slow mid tempo ballad of well performed growling vocals and clean styled chorus.

The classic opera tunes of Sauren Lurraldea are suddenly boosted with symphonic power metal soul, good rhythm changes and beautiful melodies, with good details on the background keyboard as the next track kicks in, One among a million, increscendo patterns with good harmony on the instrumentals, excellent details on the drum performance and really intense vocal sections, following the same good strategies used previously, finalising with an astonishing ending.

Promise of hope gives the final touch to the album in a instrumental melodic anthem, including orchestrated sections and choir backgrounds crafted at perfection, simply epic.

Incursed really worked hard to create an excellent album, Elderslied is sophisticated and perfect instrumentally, combining very well folk and pagan with power metal including symphonic, neoclassical drippings and also death metal shots, really well elaborated album that, without innovating, will be one of the best of the year on their genre.

8,5 / 10

Line up

Juan Sampedro Bass

Narot Santos Vocals, Guitars (rhythm)

Jon Koldo Tera Keyboards, Vocals (backing)

Asier Fernández Guitars (lead)

Asier Amo Drums

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REVIEW OF THE FIRST DEMO BY EVIL KILLER

Evil Killer is a traditional Heavy Speed metal band from Spain formed in 2012 and just releasing this demo in January 2013, the band is comprised by Ivan Vera on the lead guitars, Sergio on the drums, Ray on the bass and Mikel on the rhythm guitar and the vocals. The style of this band comes from the combination of the speed faction of NWOBHM bands like Jaguar, Savage or Virtue and the early German Power metal (Helloween on the early times, Walls of Jericho), and obviously Agent Steel or Judas Priest and Iron Maiden are three roots that are followed by the band with high pitched vocals, sharp guitars sounds with abundant shredding between chords and pure speed heavy metal drumbeats in general.

The demo starts with On guard as an instrumental track that bring you back to the essence of the classic heavy metal to attack forcefully with Fight, one of the top tracks in terms of composition, being an authentic speed metal with strong straight chorus and reminiscences of Victim of fate by Helloween at the changes of rhythm.

Adventures Mind mid tempo galloping start lose fuel in comparison with the rest of the material but, however, it improves slightly as it is getting to the mid final part, great changes of pulse and epic feeling in the last minute but the sudden end makes you feel like it is something missing or even incomplete; but it's a demo and it still sound awesome!

Return of my nightmare is another genuine heavy speed metal, a missile of headbanging pulse and powerful chorus, bringing memories from Stand to fight by Virtue, that will take you to the mosh pit, awesome composition also experimenting different changes of rhythm. Tracks like this and Fight defines the band's sound very well.

To finish we have the band's name track, Evil killer, as another fast tempo speed metal but this time more influenced on the power metal side, riveting from start to finish, great composition and better harmony in the sound.

Excellent point of entry of this spanish band, Evil Killer brings the true metal, very well learnt, becoming one more in the club of the new wave of traditional heavy metal. The production is clearly in the first steps and needs to be improved and I'm sure with a better production and keeping doing the compositions like this, this band will have a lot to say not only in Spain but in the European true metal scene; so Fight!

7,5 / 10

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Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

New videoclips revealed by Leather Heart and Omega Crom

Leather Heart, spanish traditional heavy metal band released their first EP a few months ago, these guys got a very positive feedback by the media being their first work, and now they present their first Videoclip of the track Nightmare's town, produced by MalaG Productions.

You can check their review by Metalheads Union here

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Omega Crom, progressive power metal band from Vancouver (Canada) are due to release their second album Beyond Control next 8th of August, their style drives from the raw heavy metal to the neoclassical and progressive power metal, and before the release of the album, they unveiled the first  lyric video of the track Power Soul.

Find the video following the link or click here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RN0AbO0lE0

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REVIEW ALBUM "EN TIERRA HOSTIL" BY "WILD"

Wild is a heavy power metal band from Spain (Madrid) formed in 2002 by Javier Pastor (guitar, vocals) and Antonio Marcos (guitar), and after years of hard work and changes in the lineup released the first demo in 2007 called "Heavy Metal" with Javier Endara on the vocals and Sergio Sardon on the bass.
In 2009 they release the EP "Calles de fuego" and finally, despite more lineup changes they release their first full length in 2011 called "La nueva orden" and that was the right point to start, positive reviews and the explosion of more new wave of traditional heavy metal bands emerging worldwide made them play several gigs in 2012 and got stronger to record En Tierra hostil released in 2014, signing with the Label Sliptrip records.

The album is a mix of traditional heavy metal instrumental with power speed metal and Spanish power metal on the vocals, the first track "el cazador" is a good proof of that, awesome riffs pure traditional speed power metal and mid pitched vocals work in good harmony creating a headbanging and memorable chorus, followed by La noche del pecado, as genuine heavy metal with influences from Spanish like Angeles del Infierno mixed with epic and power touches, the vocalist makes a better interpretation and a high pitched level that give this track the sign to be one of the best of the band, this track is enriched with the colaboration of Isabel P. from Ecletica and Angel Choco Munoz (Steelhorse) on some vocal parts, outstanding vocals by Endara!

Cruzando el portal is another contemporary power metal with a great in crescendo structure starting with the deep bass sound and strong pounding drums and then the attack of excellent power metal riffs, with the help on the solo by Miguel Coello (Agresiva), good job again on the vocals, demonstrating a good range in lows and highs as we can see in Las marcas del amor, a mid tempo ballad with reminiscences of Rock you like a Hurricane by Scorpions and also the melodic hard rock sound from Sangre Azul with intense chorus, really awesome job.

The tradition talks as the instrumental track Apocalipsis 16-6 begins, being a satisfying guitar asking and answering structure very well produced with good details on the drums, getting ready for one of the strongest bombs by the band, Soy la ley, a mid tempo pure heavy metal blast proper of the German heavy metal style seen on bands like Accept with strong drumbeats, catchy and direct chorus made to sing along on the gigs, but without a break it's time for  Furia en el cielo, a fast tempo speed power metal with some influence by the first power metal albums by Avalanch on the guitar riffs and structure of the song, headbanging from beginning to the end!
La sombra del Terror is another classic heavy power metal more on the side of the new wave of traditional heavy metal bands instrumentals and NWOBHM influence, remarkable riffs and design are admirable in this enjoyable act that lead to the tittle track En tierra hostil, one of the best also in composition and the most true metal spirit feeling with Warrior of the world details and awesome lyrics that talks about revolution and fight for freedom, great solo by Cecilio Sanchez (Ankhara), a good shot of adrenaline that keeps you fighting, here is the power and the glory!

Wild made their best album to date with En tierra hostil, its a missile of pure heavy metal with influences from the speed metal to the strong German power metal driving through true metal with fast and mid tempo structures in most of the cases, the vocals are in good harmony with the band but being more aggressive sometimes would improve in the future. Impeccable job by the guitars creating really astonishing riffs and keeping the roots of the classic heavy metal proving the good experience of the band.

8 / 10

TRACK LIST

1. El Cazador

2. La noche del pecado

3. Cruzando el portal

4. Las marcas del amor

5. Apocalipsis 16-6

6. Soy la ley

7. Furia en el cielo

8. La sombra del terror

9. En tierra hostil

LINE UP

Vocals Javier Endara

Guitars Javier Pastor

Guitars Jaime Nuñez

Bass Jorge Ramos

Drums Javi Gordillo

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REVIEW ALBUM CULPABLE BY OKER

Oker is a classic heavy metal band from Spain, formed in 2005 by Lolo and Alvaro on the guitars, being well established with stable members in 2009 with the release of their first EP "Dale caña" and the first full length "Burlando a la muerte" in 2011 having both of them very positive reviews by the media. The style is a rock and roll lifestyle and social matters themed heavy metal in spanish, influenced by old school spanish heavy metal bands like Angeles del infierno, Obus or Panzer; and also Judas Priest or Motorhead classic style riffs are very common in their compositions. After signing with Warner Music, Oker released their second album "Culpable" in November 2013.

The album starts with Vuelvo a resurgir, a potent drumbeats unveiling a classic mid-fast heavy metal riffs, astonishing headbanging piece! Excellent voice by Xina, powerful, sharp and aggressive vocals in an outstanding track that continues with the tittle track, Culpable, hard rocker riffs and vocals melodies that twist to an angry pure heavy metal bridge and chorus where everyone will scream "culpable!" making the perfect combo to be one of the gems of this record.
Mid tempo and strong drumming mark the rhythm on Heavy metal, true hard rock heavy metal piece made with the colaboration on the voice by Silver Solorzano (Silver Fist), resulting in a very solid track followed by Nunca lo fuiste with a classic heavy metal riffs, the instrumental in this song is impeccable and again the voice make a perfect interpretation in harmony with the rest of the band in this enjoyable round. But without a doubt, Xina's voice characteristical style is better analysed in the next track Que mas da, mid-tempo hard rocker song where the melodic voice collides with clean and sharp contrasts, the chorus is phenomenal, one of the best of the band.

Prejuicios is next, drums pounding and sharp forceful electric voice lead the track, the structure is in-crescendo creating the atmosphere that lead you to bang your head, also remarkable job by the drums with some sophisticated details all over the track. Ultimo Adios is the ballad of the album, clearly divided in two parts made as an anthem that starts as an intense, emotive beginning, nostalgic and sad first part that turns to a powerful breathtaking second part where the anger reigns.
The instrumental track "el rugir de los convictos" continues being a refined new wave of traditional heavy metal cut, competing with Shreds not dead by Skull Fist with an awesome job by Lolo and Alvaro on the axes, and also adding more fuel with the colaboration of Willy Gascon (Steelhorse), Patricia (Lizzies) and Jaime (Wild) , impeccable job by these guys that continues without a break with Corre, another 100% Oker style track, hard rocker piece mixed with heavy metal adding powerful vocals and catchy chorus in this headbanging as hell song.

The last act of the album is dedicated to the working class and the people's fight from one of the towns where the founding members of the band belong, Vallecas, as a cover from Patxi Andion, actually the most loyal metalized version of the original that will be forever memorable.

Oker created an  outstanding album, marking that the classic heavy metal in spanish is their style, if you think in true spanish heavy metal, strong, aggressive and also like hints of hard rock in your veins, you definately will like Culpable. The fact actually is that I haven't seen a spanish heavy metal band as good as these guys since the golden 80s with Obus, Angeles or Baron Rojo; now is the turn of the young blood of Oker and their album Culpable to take the lead of the heavy rock in spanish as an influence for new bands and also as a key for the international scene where the english language is predominant. Very impressive job guys!

8 / 10

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Line up:
Carmen Xina (vocals)
Lolo Vallekas (guitar)
Alvaro Destroyer (guitar)
Jose A (drums)
Luis (bass)


REVIEW EP THE END OF TIME BY LIZZIES

Lizzies is a full female line-up classic heavy metal band from Madrid, Spain, formed in 2010, released this first EP "End of time" in October 2013, influenced by bands like Judas Priest, Girlschool or Motorhead to name some, to create a sound loyal to the NWOBHM.

The album starts with Sacrifice, sudden powerful riffs forging the scene for the headbanging rhythm, classic heavy metal in its deep roots, simple and straight structure with chorus made to scream with your fist in the air. Awesome start as it continues with Blindslave, mid-fast tempo pure heavy metal, remarkable the skills on the drums, melodic guitars sometimes make the track too weak in sound (need more consistency) but still an enjoyable song followed by Speed on the road, that kicks off powerful as hell, straight from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal filled up with some epic influence and combined with a sharp high pitched vocals, making this track the best of the EP; fascinating second half of the tune that links, without a break, with Heavy metal warriors, a piece that explodes with aggressive sharp guitars, a nonstop headbanging theme with an impeccable job from everyone that will be the trademark of the band.

Finally the tittle track, End of time, is a better composed tune with predominant changes of rhythm, excellent sharp vocals demonstrating the strength and glory of heavy metal.

Lizzies just started with an album that could have perfectly been taken from an early 80s classic heavy metal band, they followed that precise sound of the NWOBHM to compose an attractive album, made for the gigs, to enjoy with the headbanging crowd. The production will improve in the full length so keep an eye on them because they are young blood, truly strong metalheads!

7 / 10

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THUNDERHEART HAS BORN

A new band has just born in Spain, from members of the classic heavy metal band Steelhorse (which is one of the bands in the New wave of traditional heavy metal, also releasing a new album very soon),Thunderheart is now in our center stage as they start composing their first tracks that will be influenced by bands such as Black Sabbath, twisted sister, Iron maiden, Accept,...with powerfull riffs, aggressivness and melody as their trademark.

Keep checking the latest news on Metalheads union, Thunderheart facebook page and here

REVIEW FIRST EP LEATHER HEART

Leather Heart are a classic heavy metal band from Madrid (Spain) formed in 2008, with a characteristic late 70's and early 80's style mix of hard rock and heavy metal, similarities with Queensryche and Judas Priest "Point of entry" era and even with influence of Dio in the composition of the instrumental; and well leaded by a sharp high pitched vocals of Adrian, using sometimes Halford vocal techniques.

They released their first EP in March 2014 and it starts with Nightmares town in-crescendo intro in a dark atmosphere to develop a classic hard rocking riff, with reminiscences of Queensryche, well done on the interpretation of the vocals as they continue with Take my breath away, powerful pure heavy metal start, in the world of Hot Rockin' by Judas Priest and Stand up and shout by Dio, excellent long chorus and headbanging rhythm to finish with an addictive ending.

After this breathtaking track is the turn of Black as night, late 70's hard rock style and awesome chorus are the strongest points in this song, to follow with Don't you go, the gem of this EP; slow start and change of rhythm to the headbanging attack, remember "the voice of the cult" by Chastain? That's a weapon very well shot in this piece, more direct chorus to sing along in the concerts. Finally is the turn of the tittle track Leather Heart, heavy-hard rock mix, very well composed and also the sign of identity of the band, Dio style all along the way.

Overall Leather Heart offer an awesome composition, following the steps of the metal gods and keeping the flame of the classic heavy metal sound burning bright. New wave of British heavy metal old school like the old times! They will have work to do, but really, I can't wait for the next album! They are young blood and doing what they like the most, heavy metal, so Keep on Rocking guys!

LEATHER HEART

7 / 10 



Tracklist:
Nightmares Town
Take my breath away
Black as night
Don't you go
Leather Heart

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