REVIEW OF THE ALBUM STALLIONS OF STEEL BY PROWLER

Prowler is a classic heavy metal band from Germany formed in 2008, and released their first EP Hard Pounding heart in 2012, Finally Prowler released their debut album last 27th February with Pure Steel Records, under the name of Stallions Of Steel .

Prowler develops a classic new wave of British heavy metal sound in every single note, reminding of bands like Angel witch, Fist or Praying Mantis at their first line up, mid to fast paced rhythms generally with straight riffs and catchy choruses by a well played high pitched and clean vocal style.

Motorcycle of love kicks in and demonstrates what the band is all about in their mid tempo pace with Saxon reminiscences, remarkable guitar work on the riffs as the speed of sound accelerates to a pure speed classic heavy metal with Freedom, guitars are awesome specially in the solo, great teamwork with the drums making it headbanging all the way.

Mind and might hits with a killer mid tempo rhythm and one of the best choruses of the band including some good drum details, as Stallions of steel goes increscendo in another classic NWOBHM lesson becoming a good highlight of the album's sound.

Mexican Story heralds the best progression on the vocals, also the rhythms are really addictive and in general the intensity is boosted with power and glory, being in my opinion the best track of the band, as the riffs of Out of the night take you to bang your head in a very strong and straight shot of pure traditional heavy metal, well composed bridge and better guitar riffs all over.

Paranoia explodes in another speed metal headbanging bomb with good drum details and really good composition on the vocals as Prowler continues the mid tempo action with galloping, changing riffs and a really intense chorus.

A Maiden's Funeral contains some interesting riff performances with technical points on the teamwork of guitar and drums, remarkable the composition after the second half of the track, the crescendo part is outstanding.

Good album by Prowler, they managed really well the old school sound of the NWOBHM, will be a must have for any metalheads familiarized with bands like Angel Witch, Saxon or Holocaust; could be better produced, drums need more presence and generally the band need to work hard for the next album, but for sure, this is a pure genuine classic heavy metal band that will have lots to talk from now on!

7,5 / 10

Line up 

David Junold Guitars

Clemens Richter Guitars

Marvin Mehrländer Bass

Ronny Dietrich Vocals

Michael Czernik Drums

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Release by Pure Steel Records

Review by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW OF THE ALBUM "AWAKE THE RIOT" BY DUST BOLT

Dust bolt is a thrash metal band from Germany formed in 2006, recording their first demo in 2010 "Chaos Possession" instantly got national recognition, then after wining the Wacken Metal battle, the band record their first album, Violent Demolition , signing with the prestigious Napalm Records, and then getting known worldwide as one of the best new thrash metal bands. The second album Awake The Riot was released the 30th May of 2014, getting really positive feedback of the worldwide media.

Dust bolt bring the old school thrash metal as the main strategy, forging a frenetic fast paced and genuine thrash with similarities with Kreator and Slayer, and taking some patterns from Havok or Divine Chaos, denoting a high quality and technical instrumental from the first moment; the drums are powerful and sophisticated, changing rhythms and creating the moshpiting feeling together with technical guitar sections of palm muted, virtuous performances and effectively aggressive, raw and sharp high pitched vocals.

The album Awake the riot opens with Living hell, as the drums break the ice in a sudden thrash metal attack, good sign of what the band is about, pure headbanging thrash metal revival, the guitars work in perfect harmony adding fast melodies under double pedaled parts, excellent changes of pace as it brings you up every time it accelerates with remarkable drum details; and this is only the beginning, the breathtaking metal attack Continues with Soul Erazor, as the sharp drum missiles explodes in another anthem with straight chorus where the listener will scream fist in the air, special mention to the guitar melodies on the back, great composition there as a good mid fast tempo highlight of the album.

Beneath the earth speed up the pace in a very straight forward track, including some growling parts together with mid fast tempo harsh vocals, as You Lost sight evolves in another authentic speed thrash metal shot, headbanging as hell with an increscendo structure emphasized by the drums play.

Agent thrash is for thrash metal what agents of steel is for speed metal, a powerful demonstration of speed thrash metal force exploding like an atomic bomb, with effective riffs, forceful drum power and great chorus; but there is no break yet, as Living a lie attack you with technical riffs, drippings of death metal guitar melodies, as well as a frenetic unstoppable rhythm becoming one of the gems of this band.

The self titled track awake the riot - the final war comprises a mid powerful tempo obviously accelerated to a short and breathtaking song including catchy bridge and chorus.

Eternal waste and Drowned in blind faith heralds mid fast shots of palm muted and galloping sections, really amazing drums performance with one of the best progression of the album, linked with Worlds built to deceive, forging more thundering thrash power patterns, raw and thrashing machinery with good guitar dark melodies trespassing slightly to the death metal elements as The monotonous - distant scream rises from the acoustic evil notes progressing with ascending intensity, including excellent melodic harsh vocal verses that amazingly explodes in a combination of thrash heart with death metal meeting epic elements.

Future shock is the last track of this Awakening the riot, as another genuine heavy thrash metal anthem running in a mid tempo, introducing early thrash metal elements to evolve adding more technical drippings sign of the band, making it another hit in this album.

Overall Dust Bolt forged an authentic masterpiece of frenetic neckbreaking thrash metal, that could take you to the mosh pit from the first track to the last one without breaks; the production is crystal clear and also the compositions are great, every element played is in perfect harmony with special mention to the guitar performances, being sophisticated, technical and not boring, together with a remarkable vocal style, demonstrate its power in tracks like Soul Erazor, Agent thrash or Living a lie, encapsulating the sound of the band and defining their style, true thrash metal!

9,5 / 10

Line up
Lenny (Vocals/Guitar) 
Flo (Guitar) 
Bene (Bass)

Nico (Drums)


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Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW OF THE ALBUM INSOMNIA BY EDGE OF THORNS

Edge of Thorns was formed in 1996 in Germany, releasing three demos until the first full length was released in 2004. Ravenland, being well recieved by the media, the band had line up changes for their following album Masquierading of the wicked in 2007, and after seven long years and hard work, the band, reformed as the definitive line up with Dave Brixius and Jani Nackel as axemasters, Dirk Schmitt on the vocals, Achim Sinzinger on the bass and Joachim Litcher on drums, releasing Insomnia the last 4th April 2014.

Edge of thorns kicks in as a pure power metal band with German influences from early Helloween and Gamma ray, and also drippings of Grave Digger and Accept in terms of structural compositions, guitars in general create a curious and awesome contrast of upper Technical quasi progressive and some times neoclassical style with impulse and raw sound elements; the drums and bass follow the mid fast pace at all moments effectively and finally the vocal style will remind you to Mr Udo vibrato and vocal range but also its appreciable elements from a higher pitched Blackie Lawless from WASP; combining all these factors together you'll find Edge of thorns have their unique sound, even though they are not creating something new to the scene, its a fact that this album heralds a  high quality of genuine german heavy power metal.

After the introduction the band attack straight with Dark side of your life, kicking with a fast pulsed heavy metal anthem with catchy chorus to make an idea of what Edge of thorns have in this album as a good highlight, connected with another mid fast paced power metal shot, Yearning has begun, this time with more epic and melodic power, on the line of Gamma Ray, with remarkable on the vocal sound and the great combo with the back vocals, the guitars demonstrate perfectly the technical progressive side together with the sharp impulsive guitar notes as mentioned above, one of the best of the album.

After a breathtaking guitar shredding introduction, Insomnia comprises one the most modern heavy power metal styles of the album, perfectly fitting on the last Udo or Accept albums, the chorus is intense and powerful, and the vocals work truly sophisticated and theatrical as the gem of the album explodes like a missile of pure heavy speed metal, Metal Unity is literally a masterpiece of the genre, headbanging and moshpiting authentic teutonic style, the vocals are brilliant and the composition is really amazing, guitars make the perfect job producing palm muted riffs and technical solos.

The watchmaker is another top shot of the band comprising part ballad part slow mid pulsed anthem in an ascending intensity boosted by sophisticated guitar shredding and background violins, vocals are amazingly well performed in clean techniques followed by A Carees of souls, starting as a ballad but evolving In a dark, forceful and aggressive track with awesome melodic verses, good progression and harmony within all the band with special mention to the guitar solos, just outstanding.

Walking like a ghost bring some thrash metal drippings in another headbanging fast paced song with a good vocal highs and lows, as Death dealer even improves the pace with excellent double pedal drum performance that lead very well the verses as the chorus comes intense and epic to catch you in the moshpit.

Of hearts that burn will make you break your neck banging your head with a non-stop pounding rhythms with long instrumental intervals as the seven Sins of Arthur mc Gregor epic start bring you to the top going in crescendo with galloping and complex riff and drum combo, the slow mid tempo vocal parts are astonishing and epic but clearly dominated by the virtuous guitar performance.

Is this the way it ends is a good name for an unusual kind of song, but in reality is a melancholic and beautiful act with one of the best vocal interpretations coordinated with piano and violins that finalise the album leaving the listener with the feeling of playing the full length again and again.

Overall the album is all you want to listen for any speed heavy and power metal preferences, the production is crystal clear and the good quality of the record is constantly high, the highlight tracks are numerous but specifically better in the first half of the album, being tha track Metal Unity their best song, so if you like Gamma Ray, Primal Fear, Accept or Tyran Pace, this album should be a must-have in your collection.

9 / 10

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Re;eased by Killer Records

Review made by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

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REVIEW OF THE EP "I" BY DISSORTED

Dissorted is a melodic thrash metal band from Munich (Germany) formed in 2004, playing numerous gigs throughout the country, sharing stage with bands like Toxic Waltz  and releasing their first EP called "I" the last 5h of September. The band is comprised by  Mirco on the Vocals, Dillon on the Bass, Florian and Sebastian on the axes and Martin on the Drums

Dissorted drink straight from the pure roots of thrash metal fountain, the technical instrumental offers a strong and straight feeling unveiling drippings of giants like Exodus or Testament. Bloodshed Divined heralds the best style of the band, being riveting from the beginning, one of those anthems that create circles of death and mosh pits on the gigs, specially in the fast paced track Eaten Alive, vocals are really forceful and aggressive, generally on the mid and high pitched sharp style, and even showing some growling parts.


Operation observation heralds a mid tempo heavy metal anthem, in a crescendo pattern introducing some modern sounds, with a fine and truly intense result followed by The new world whose main riff will take you to your heaviest side as a pure high speed thrash with high pitched vocals taking the lead to make you bang your head till death, really well forged song, remarkable job on the guitar qualities, demonstrating a powerful thrash metal mixed with melodic sections.

The somnambulist ascends from double pedal intro verses to create one of the best track of the band, developing galloping rhythms and true thrash metal backing vocals on the chorus giving a really wild attitude, the job on the instrumentals are exceptional and clockwork coordinated.

This first job by Dissorted unveil the true thrash metal road to be followed in future works, for now they must be proud of this record, the production is great and for sure every thrash metal maniac will bang his/her head playing it loud, brilliant!

8 / 10

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Metalheads Union
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REVIEW OF THE ALBUM METAL BRIDGE BY WARRANT

Warrant is a speed heavy metal band from Germany formed in 1983 and released the masterpiece of the genre The Enforcer in 1985, underrated at the moment but becoming a cult speed metal album for all true metalheads around the world.

Warrant are due to release the new full length after 29 years, the next 31st of October, now the band's sound is cleaner with a better production, in general terms the original elements are still there but after all these years the influences have driven the band to create power metal structures, involving more modern drippings.

After an epic instrumental introduction, Asylum accelerates the drums pounding rhythm and changes the pace to a fast and mid tempo  pulse,  remarkable vocals being wild and aggressive with a sharp mid high pitched style continuing with Come and get it, the modern power metal sound combined with speed metal style of the old times, easy chorus to shout on the gigs and a rising pulse progression are the strong points.

You keep me in hell rises to the high speed strong pounding drums, releasing an astonishing epic  feeling, revealing a masterpiece in the album, the chorus is the best one encapsulating the real metal bridge unifying the old and new Warrant style, linked with Blood in the sky, keeping the pace in tempo, mid pulse rhythms with a headbanging structure and the chorus are a great combo here.

Face the death heralds another power metal fast tempo shot adding drippings of thrash metal on the structure and also on the vocal composition combined with a remarkable melodic pattern, as All the king horses comprises a double pedal mid tempo pulsed heavy power metal developing a catchy long hymn as a chorus with a good progression and harmony on the verses.

Nyctophobia evolves with a combination mid fast tempo power metal very well composed track, the progression is outstanding and will be a perfect bomb for the gigs, resulting in one of the most head banging missiles of the band.

Helium head explodes from the silence to a thrashy twisted hard rocker pulse in a forceful interpretation on the vocals that mixes very well the aggressive side and the melodic chorus and bridge with some Iron Maiden elements in it, excellent guitar solo with hard rock feeling along with a double pedal drums, with qualities also present in Don't get mad get even, bomb that will wake up the attention of old warrant fans starting like a speed metal missile as the vocals start in crescendo to one the best bridge and chorus of the album.

Eat me alive is a good example of the combination of old and new Warrant as the verses and instrumental herald the wild riveting speed metal and the catchy chorus present the modern elements, a good highlight of this new album to be followed by Immortal evoking the great speed metal from the old times with a similar structure as The enforcer, one of the best of the album including the most forceful solo around.

The enforcer 2014 and Order of death 2014 are the re recording of  the hits from their 1985 gem of metal, the attitude is presented intact as the performance sounds true and wild, with the epic elements missing in most of the new songs, better quality on the production obviously, they mark a way to follow in the path of the true metal.

After all this demonstration of speed, power, thrash and heavy metal the Labyrinth of the lost finalize the record, as an instrumental highs and lows of intensity that shades to the silence.

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Warrant returns after so long and their style continues the legacy of such a true metal band, the result is excellent, keeping in mind the long time in the shadows, the modern influences are normal but still on the true metal line, despite not being on the same level as the enforcer by far, Metal bridge is a powerful heavy metal creation forged with the immortal flames of the roots of the speed metal.

8  / 10



RELEASED BY PURE STEEL RECORDS




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Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union Webzine and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW OF RISE AND RIDE BY STALLION + TOUR DATES

Stallion is a German speed heavy metal band formed in 2013, releasing their first demo with two tracks in June 2013 and the Ep "Mounting the world" in September 2013,

 Rise and ride is their debut album released on 12th September 2014, after the excellent EP that took them, in one year of life, to the front of the NWOTHM scene. 

Stallion sound is a demonstration of true metal combining the best Classic style of Judas Priest and Accept adding speed power metal drippings from Tyran Pace and Agent Steel; and also clearly influenced by the Canadian speed metalians Skull Fist on melodies, guitar shredding and riffs.

The album starts with the tittle track Rise and Ride, creating a crescendo riff and mid fast pulse that introduces you to the head banging action at the very first minute, high quality sound and palm muted riffs backing a combo of high pitched clean and sharp vocals; true wild metal with a catchy chorus to be shouted at the gigs, bringing memories of Hail and kill by Manowar.

Without a break the band kick in with Wild Stallions, another outstanding masterpiece of speed heavy metal created for true metalheads, these guys know you will rise your fists in the air with a true metal feeling all over, excellent on the chorus and the pulse changes that will leave you breathless for Streets of sin, taking some early Judas Priest elements on the main riff, in a good mid tempo strong pounding rhythms, pure classic heavy metal track connected with Stigmatize, taking back the power and the fury of a high speed pulsed metal, wild and impulsive guitar riffs, solos and vocal melodic elements from Tyran Pace.

The first half of the album is completed with the hit of the band Canadian Steele, the masterpiece that took their first EP to be known worldwide, a pure speed metal gem headbanging from start to finish combining some Skull Fist shredding style and of course the excellent high pitched vocals twisted with clean and sharp harsh combo make this track one of the best of the band's history.

Bill to pay introduces a hard rocker-classic heavy metal style combining a clear German style taken from Accept, even the vocals evokes this specific vibrato technique Udo uses, remarkable palm muted guitar background combo with sharp melodies on the solo as the rhythm of Watch out breaks in offering one of the most melodic vocals interpretation of the album, bringing memories of bands like Enforcer or Skull Fist on the hole sound of the track.

The pulse accelerates to another forceful speed metal track with power metal drippings in The right one, liberating true metal energy once again, denoting the attitude of the band and encapsulating their own style at perfection combining great changes of rhythm, powerful melodies and catchy bridges and chorus.

The devil never sleeps heralds a mid tempo anthem performed along a constant high pitched vocals, great sophisticated instrumentals with changes of rhythm (did you also recognised the first verses of Forever by Y&T in this track?), great shot that takes you to the last track Wooden

Horse, in a mood for some melodic hard rock drippings but keeping the essential true heavy metal of the band, awesome vocal interpretation here as he uses again Udo techniques mixed with clean high pitched parts, guitar melodies make it so epic creating the perfect ending.

Stallion must be very proud of their first album, forged from the roots of the metal god styles, holding the flame of true metal high, these wild Stallions have arrived, and are here to stay!

9 / 10

Stallion is comprised by Pauly (vocals), Axl (guitar), Oli G. (guitar), Nicki Schnicki (bass) and Aaron (drums).

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TOUR DATES

2014-09-19 GERMANY Wiesau, Storm Crusher Festival 

2014-09-20 GERMANY Munich, Backstage Halle

2014-09-21 ITALY Milan, Barrio’s Club

2014-09-22 SWITZERLAND Zurich, KOMPLEX CLUB 

2014-09-23 FRANCE Luynes, Aix Le Korigan 

2014-09-24 SPAIN Barcelona, Razzmatazz 3 

2014-09-25 SPAIN Valencia, Rock City

2014-09-26 SPAIN Madrid, Sala Live 

2014-09-27 SPAIN Zaragoza, La Casa del Loco 

2014-09-28 SPAIN Erandio, Sala Sonora

2014-09-29 FRANCE Paris, Glazert 

2014-09-30 BELGIUM Antwerpen, Kavka

2014-10-01 NETHERLANDS Tilburg, Little Devil 

2014-10-02 GERMANY Stuttgart, Cann 

2014-10-03 GERMANY Siegburg, Kubana 

2014-10-04 GERMANY Bochum, Matrix

2014-10-05 GERMANY Frankfurt, Nachtleben (DE)

2014-10-06 CZECH REPUBLIC Prague, Storm Club 

2014-10-07 AUSTRIA Wien, Escape 

2014-10-08 GERMANY Erfurt, From Hell

2014-10-09 GERMANY Berlin, K17 

2014-10-10 GERMANY Hamburg, Markhalle 

2014-10-11 GERMANY Tauberbischofsheim, Sporthalle Dittigheim

2014-10-12 GERMANY Lindau, Vaudeville 

2014-10-25 GERMANY Brauschweig / Germany, Schabreu

2014-12-06 GERMANY Waldbronn, Soundcheck One

2015-01-23 GERMANY Leipzig, Hellraiser

2015-01-24 GERMANY Essen, Turock

2015-06-04 GERMANY Geiselwind, Out & Loud Festival


Produced by High Roller Records


Post by Daniel Ortiz Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW OF THE ALBUM THE PROPHECY BY FORENSICK

Forensick is a traditional heavy metal band from Southern Germany, founded in 2010, the style lies between the melodic heavy metal and early power metal drippings, on the line of bands like Praying Mantis, Saracen, Tygers of pan tang or Bronz, forging a world of mid tempo pounding rhythm patterns, sophisticated compositions combining melodic clean mid range vocals with falsetto high pitched parts.
 Forensick is comprised by Tobias Hubner on the vocals, Stephan Vogt and Matthias Ehmig on the axes, Andreas on the bass and Julian Rocco on the drums. The band released their first album in 2012 having really positive feedback by the media like Metal Hammer or Rockhard Magazine. The Prophecy is their second full length and was released in July 2014 under Pure Underground Records.

The album opens with Hero of the day, developing a good galloping introduction leading to an excellent bridge and one of the best composed chorus of the album linked with a gem of the new wave of traditional heavy metal pure style, Doomsday machine, probably the most memorable verses of the band, so epic composition with changing pulses will make you bang your heads, specially in the fast paced solo.

A hard rocker riff introduces the track Dark secret, cached between melodic hard rock and heavy metal worlds, a mid tempo epic song with an outstanding composition and excellent changes of vocal lows and high pitched parts, linked with time of resistance, opening an increscendo missile of pure classic heavy metal, a real masterpiece with forceful straight vocal parts mix with the usual melodic style creating a true epic metal atmosphere, remarkable the job on the guitars also with an excellent coordination and harmony.

Rising from the silence to another traditional heavy metal pulse When the war begins, astonishing changes of rhythm with galloping riffs and drumbeats on verses and chorus, bringing memories from the symptom of the universe by black Sabbath, clearly a top track and a highlight of the band's style.

Beast within style is on the style of the nwobhm melodic heavy metal band Praying Mantis, (remember Only the children cry or nowhere to hide songs) and boosted with a stronger side taken from the roots of the speed metal, awesome the progression in this track, continued by the ballad of this full length, Lonesome words, outstanding the vocal interpretation in this one, the feeling created is intense and powerful.

Like a shot from a gun begins the track New reality, with a palm muted guitar riff, mid fast pounding drums and a crescendo structure on the vocal part exploding in a long effective chorus, pure old school classic heavy metal sound.

The tittle track, The prophecy is the last in line, combining the hard rocker and heavy metal riffs with galloping drums, heralding the most epic verses of the album, beautiful melodic parts sign of the band, the vocals reminds me a lot to Y&T and that's something remarkably great.

The prophecy by Forensick is composed with memorable melodic moments but still cuts with a sharp edged dangerous style, like a killer melodic heavy metal raised from the roots of the hard rock and NWOBHM; it could be more aggressive at some parts in need of more action, but still an excellent creation that will be followed by legions of true metal fans.

8 / 10


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Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union WB

REVIEW ALBUM RETURN OF THE REAPER BY GRAVE DIGGER + TOUR DATES

Grave Digger is a Heavy Power metal band from Germany, formed in 1980 as a speed metal band and evolved with the time to a heavy power metal band having released sixteen albums (with band name changes included) becoming one of the main heavy power metal bands on the scene. The Return of the reaper was released last July the 11th 2014 via Napalm Records featuring Chris Boltendahl as vocalist, Stefan on the drums, Katzenburg on the keyboard, Jens on the bass and Axel on the guitars.

The album start with the dark atmospheric piano of the Return of the reaper, awesomely attacked by the powerful speed metal riff of Hell funeral as one of the top tracks on the usual grave digger structure, catchy chorus and forceful riff that will make you bang your head. Wargod release a perfect synchronized palm mutes riffs with double pedal start unveiling a mid tempo fist in the air heavy metal track followed by one of the gems of this release, Tattooed rider, starting with a clear reminiscence to the synths of turbo era of Judas priest, this track develops a genuine heavy metal pulse, with the sign of the true German power metal, and an awesomely epic chorus with remarkable high pitched vocals on the background to sing along.

Ressurrection day is forged with a power progressive metal riff combining changes of pulse followed by Season of the witch, another surprise of this album, mid tempo pulse with strong guitar riffs that goes increscendo bringing memories from the warriors of the world track by manowar, but in this case combining a pure grave digger chorus, remarkable doom metal influenced bridge and outstanding composition in general and specially in the second half.

Road rage killer bring back this speed metal from within grave digger soul, headbanging track that will leave you breathless and hungry for more, and these guys are ready to attack again with Grave descrator, mid tempo heavy metal missile that keeps the pace in quality, being also awesome to play on the gigs involving band and crowd.

Satan's host take reminiscences of Motorhead on the instrumental and structure, with drippings of power metal, another demonstration of headbanging action linked with Dia de los muertos bringing an addictive mid tempo strong rhythm with drippings of hard rocker melodies.

Its the turn for a real masterpiece in the album, Death smiles at all of us, a mid fast pulsed heavy metal bomb heralding the best composed riff, developing a great harmony on the instrumental, creating changes of rhythm on verses and bridge awesomely well performed, and perfectioned with a catchy chorus to remember, being a good highlight of the album and the energy that grave digger still have.

Nothing to believe is the ballad, one of the few this band have composed; very emotive and intense, from the sad and amazingly well interpreted verses to the powerful chorus, ending in a shade to the deep silence.

Definitely this is the best Grave Digger creation since their 2003 album Rheingold, with most of the tracks being better than their average, and even though the strategy is mostly the same in their composition, in general every track will satisfy the fans hunger.

Tracks like Tattooed rider, Season of the witch and Dead smiles at all of us are the real masterpieces being better than the rest of the songs, truly highlights of the record.

The reaper is back and fully charged of speed power metal!

8,5 / 10

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Grave Digger Tour 2014


06.11.14 DE - Saarbrücken / Garage

07.11.14 DE - München / Backstage

08.11.14 DE - Andernach / JUZ

20.11.14 DE - Frankfurt / Batschkapp

21.11.14 DE - Speyer / Halle 101

22.11.14 DE - Glauchau / Alte Spinnerei

23.11.14 CZ - Zlin / Masters of Rock Cafe

27.11.14 CH - Pratteln / Z7

28.11.14 DE - Regensburg / Airport Straubing

29.11.14 DE - Lahstedt/Peine / Black Hand Inn

05.12.14 DE - Lichtenfels / Stadthalle

06.12.14 IT - Milan / House of Ashes

07.12.14 DE - Ludwigsburg / Rofa

26.12.14 DE - Berlin / C-Club

27.12.14 DE - Rostock / Moya

28.12.14 DE - Hamburg / Markthalle

29.12.14 DE - Bochum / Zeche


Promotion by NAPALM RECORDS




Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW OF THE FIRST DEMO BY BLIZZEN

Blizzen is a Traditional Heavy metal band from Germany, formed in January 2014 and just released their first demo. The band comprises Gereon Nikolay on drums, Marvin Kiefer and Andi Heindl on the guitars and Daniel Stecki on the vocals and the bass.

The style of the band is genuine heavy speed metal influenced by big bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden but also following the steps from bands like Virtue and Tokyo Blade, developing also a similar touch like Skull Fist or Enforcer. This first demo consist in three killer tracks starting with the catchy Gone Wild as a fast tempo speed metal bomb with a great job by Gereon on the pedal and also introducing high pitched vocals that evolves from clean high tones to mid sharp techniques, riveting from start to finish, this powerful track is continued by Peace is for the weak, as a mid tempo song, excellent on the guitars with reminiscences of Between the hammer and the anvil on the riffs,the long chorus is amazingly epic and improved with a crescendo ending.

Strike the hammer is the last track of this demo as it starts straight with a riff on the style of Iron Maiden to evolve to a mid fast tempo authentic heavy speed metal, forging an outstanding galloping pulse and melodic vocals on the bridge, the chorus is surprisingly strong, definitely you will raise your fists singing along and headbanging till the end.

Blizzen got what it takes to become a top band on this new wave of traditional heavy metal, the attitude is energetic as it should be, the sound need to be improved in the studio as well as the consistency on the vocals, but being their first demo is just excellent! Keep an eye on this guys because they start strong and ready to strike the hammer!

8 / 10



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Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW OF THE ALBUM UNDER THE PENTAGRAM BY SKYCONQUEROR

Skyconqueror is a classic heavy metal band from Germany, formed in 1997 comprised by Carsten Stiens on the drums, Mirko Jankord on the bass, axemaster Jan Tappert and vocals by Daniel Hiller.

The band released three demos in their early years until the release of their first full length in 2008, Hellstory, taking the band to give plenty gigs in the following years and then releasing their second album Under the Pentagram at the beginning of July 2014.

The band forged a combination of hard rock and heavy metal sound as seen on the NWOBHM bands of the late 70s and early 80s, the influences are high from bands like Accept, Saxon or Dio which is something awesome!

The album break the silence with Monolith offering an excellent riff taken straight from the early NWOBHM when hard rocker tunes blue rock influenced melted with aggressive heavy metal blasts, great feeling with the vocals, mid range style in a melodic technique and then attacking fast with Demon, really epic song with forceful heavy structure and those kind of chorus made to raise your fists, remarkable guitar job on the second half bringing back that approach from the first line up of the germans Accept.

The Sanctuary of 83 develop a strong pulse mid tempo drumbeats, excellent composition as the guitars and the vocals dancing around this thunderous rhythm, linking to the galloping riffs on the vein of Iron Maiden, Horseman of the Grail, headbanging piece with one of the best chorus of the album; as the acoustic guitars of The Dusk take you to an intense ballad, offering a fantastic vocal perception that leads to the tittle track Under the Pentagram as another classic heavy metal headbanging act with strong drumbeats, also following the same strategy it continues with Fallen Rainbow Warrior developing NWOBHM genuine riffs with influences from Saxon.

Without a break the mid tempo pulse of Bells of Fate bring you up wrecking your necks adding a good catchy chorus, made to be shouted at the gigs. Outstanding tune guys!

Through different eyes is an in crescendo instrumental track that links with Running high in a fantastic hard rocker riff start  that is combined with early heavy metal at perfection, and following to the next and last song of the album, Blade of Black, following the combination of styles characteristic of the band, being the sign of their music and also adding some power metal elements.

Skyconqueror forged an exceptional album combining the hard rock roots with the sharp dangerous heavy metal sound of the early 80s, every single track is good and the guys made a good job together as a band. With Under the Pentagram I'm sure they will get to the next level, keeping the heavy metal roots intact demonstrating that the Traditional Heavy Metal is back and stronger than ever.

8,5 / 10


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Post by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW ALBUM AGE OF PANDORA BY NOTHGARD

Nothgard is an epic melodic death metal band from Germany formed in 2009, they released their first full length in 2011 called Warhorns of Midgard receiving positive feedback from the media.Their sound is a combination of pagan epic death metal with drippings of power, black and thrash metal clearly defined by bands like Equilibrium or Ensiferum (note that the vocalist/lead guitar Dom R. Crey joined Equilibrium recently). Age of Pandora will be released on the 12th of September 2014 with Trollzorn label and distributed by Soulfood and AFMRecords (worldwide).

Age of Pandora develop a technical epic death metal combined with power and thrash elements, starting with "Of light and shadow" taking you into an epic instrumental act amazingly effective that links to the tittle track Age of Pandora, one of the best anthems of the record, mixing the aggressive death headbanging metal bomb with changes of pace with the orchestrated chorus. Add to this combo a good dose of progressive neoclassical mayhem on the guitars to enjoy this shot as a masterpiece.

Blackened seed continues the strategy wth a mid tempo epic track combined with pagan melodies and a strong straight chorus made for the crowd to shout in their gigs, followed by Black witch venture as an orchestrated epic death metal mid and fast tempo, awesome job by the guitars forging a theatrical track with drippings of modern melodic chorus.

In blood remained the machine gun start genuine oldschool death metal will make you bang your heads, the evolution take this track to include epic power metal moments in the chorus backed by a victory taste guitar riffs; continued by Anima waking up the same epic power death feelings but this time being the turn of the epic thrash metal missile into your brains, outstanding job on the drums here and also remarkable theatrical act by the vocals.

Obey the king is another excellent creation of death metal, theatrical growling vocals and astonishing composition  structure following classical music as a base for the consolidation of the band as a whole, in harmony every time.

Wings of dawn follows a mid pulsed death bomb wih an astonishing catchy power battle chorus as Moshback children attack you with one of the strongest rhythms and most angry acts, moshpiting riveting track, excellent job combining thrash and death.

No one holds the crown is one of the hits of the album comprising an increscendo structure with death epic roots supported by orchestral and progressive elements, encapsulating the sound of the band's style, headbanging till the end, great shade from the metal attack to the epic orchestra that ends the album.

Nothgard second attack is coming to take you to an epic battle, the composition has been taken care in every detail, from the orchestra to the different shots of death, thrash and power metal, resulting in a real masterpiece, reaching the level of top epic death metal bands.

Age of Pandora will take them to the next level, the production is crystal clear, excellent job, so if you like death metal or epic power, if you enjoy banging your head at thrash metal anthems, you will really like Age of Pandora!

8,5 / 10


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Line Up
Dom R Crey as vocals and lead guitar
Vik S. on the bass
Daniel K with lead and rhythm axe
D Ziegler on the drums
Skhaal on rhythm guitars

Release Date 12-09-2014

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Review by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW THE ALBUM "BEYOND BETRAYAL" BY ARISING FEAR

Arising fear are a thrash metal band from Augsburg, formed in 2008 with a first EP released in 2009.

Their music is well connected between the thrash metal and the metalcore with melodic and groove points as we can see in this first album, released in march 2014.

Beyond Betrayal starts with Mantic shape,a machine gun thrash metal weapon in action, combined with melodic clean vocals in the chorus, good instrumentals and great headbanging roll as they get you into Beyond the walls of anger, mid tempo metalcore influenced touch mixed with heavy growling vocals technical drums; as they stop to link it with Deadly embrace, modern melodic, very slow to mid tempo track, being one of the weakest tracks in this album, to continue with Day to overcome which includes what the song before needed, as a mid tempo song, continuity on the drums rhythm and groove metalcore sections that fans of this style will really appreciate. Next piece is Losing sanity, they start with Megadeth like intro riff, great brutal growling parts without losing fuel for Final Redemption, clean sophisticated drum action with changes in the rhythm following the thrash metal ways. This Burden is next and kills you like a bullet in the head from the beginning, heavy thrash metal, great guitars and their essential melodic vocals; remarkable vocal interpretation and excellent ending followed by Come alive again, unmissable ballad of the album, with modern metal techniques, emotional and expressive from start to finish.

Now it's turn of Thrashing brain surgery, epic start and awesome strong furious verses, neck breaking shot in this awesome track where even the melodic parts are amazingly well combined; raw and titanic thrash blast.

This album finish with Meltdown rust, could be the exact style combination of this band, reuniting elements of heavy, thrash, metalcore and groove formula, the ending of the song is very powerful as they finish in a shade to the silence.

Arising fear took the risk of doing a full length combining different factions of metal, from the heavy influence to the metalcore, and I can admit, not being fan of this kind of genre, that Arising fear created an excellent album, with a superb crystal clear production.
Need to be more headbanging, sometimes there is a lack of thrash rhythm, but I'm sure they will improve that for the next album.

Fans of this modern thrash metal will love it, absolutely !

7 / 10


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