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 ALBUM HEAVY METAL TO THE VEIN BY BLIZZARD HUNTER

Blizzard hunter started in 2006 in Peru as Blizzard, releasing one demo in 2011 but soon to change name to Blizzard hunter from 2014, forging their first EP followed by this first full length Heavy metal to the vein.

Blizzard hunter combines a straight forward power metal with old school speed metal with changing rhythms and complex creations, guitars work fast and effective, melting hard rocking melodies into progressive feelings, really well harmonized with the rest of the band, vocals develop a mainly high pitched and clean style, being in control of every note, drawing a large range from mid, sharp and aggressive to powerful and ultra high pitched screams.

Conqueror of destiny is a good example of instrumental sign of the band as I'm on my way explodes In a headbanging shot, awesome voice and really well composed being on of the highlights of the album.

Heavy metal to the vein kicks in with some reminiscences of US metal, very well played on the vocals creating epic melodies and developing a good interpretation, followed by heart of fire (vampire hunter song), this one my friends is one of those tracks that are considered masterpiece, note the perfect mixture between Queensrÿche, iron maiden and US metal, the glorious virtue that Metal Inquisitor was successful is made as standard for blizzard hunter, it will call the attention of the listener to play again and again.

Nemesis (feel my strength) is where you can feel how wide can be the vocal range of this guy, as a mid fast tempo track goes from sharp mid pitched and very well played voice, on the line of Bruce Dickinson, but going beyond with clean and ultra high pitched scream "feel my strength", instrumentals works in harmony and demonstrates good palm muted and technical sections remembering those guitar duels by Tipton and downing from Judas priest; worked effectively with double pedal on drums.

Ghost Rider starts a bit as a break and more relaxed anthem with some more melodic and epic hints but going in crescendo with a enjoyable instrumental and addictive chorus, as the murder bangs like a pure old school true metal with even some doom drippings on the verses, another highlight of the band's sound, linked with My revenge, forging classic speed thrash metal feelings, ready to break your necks showing the aggressive side of the band with clear Tyran Pace influence on the vocals, one of the best of the album.

Following the speed pace The Joke bangs like a sudden speed metal attack, all you know you'll find yourself banging your head, remarkable instrumental performance all over and leading to the last track The final judgement, absolutely amazing job on the bass and overwhelming galloping riffs with good details on the drums performance as the vocals follow a relaxed but powerful melodic line.

What a great surprise with this debut album by Blizzard hunter, definitely the band did an awesome job, managing a really professional sound with an excellent production, every

member's performance is absolutely virtuous, if you are fan of Judas priest, Queensrÿche or iron maiden, (on the level of bands like Striker, Alltheniko or Air Raid) this will be a must have album!

8,5 / 10

Line up

Lucho Sanchez Guitars
 Lalo "Indú" Salas Bass

 Toño "Wild Rocker" Rojas De la Cuba Guitars

 Sebastian "Dragon" Palma Vocals

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REVIEW OF THE ALBUM UNSTOPPABLE BY STEEL RAISER

Steel Raiser is a power heavy metal band from Italy founded in 2006 and releasing one demo and three full lengths to date, Race of steel (2008), Regeneration (2013) and Unstoppable (june 2015) with Iron Shield Records.

Steel raiser is feed from the flames of 80s speed metal strength and 90s power metal melodies, they got very much a combination of influences from Judas Priest, Gamma Ray and Grave Digger; impulsive speed metal always perfectly melted with strong German true metal, guitars are forceful using lots of palm muted patterns as the drums in general work awesomely well in harmony with the rest of instrumental, but the key point of this band is the vocalist, the vocal range is immense, from low sharp with hints of Udo style through clean mid pitched sides on the melodic power metal style, and surprising the listener with sharp high pitched screams on the Halford line that will blow out your mind.

The album begins straight with a fast paced and headbanging tune, really well done on the verses, as the word Inexorable in the chorus will bring your fists up in the air, truly one of the highlights of the band's sound, as Decapitator explodes with chorus as intro, mid to fast paced shot on the strategy line of German metal style, remembering Grave Digger moments, as they use an addictive chorus really effectively.

Fast as the light continues the metal madness as they develop interesting power metal melodies with a remarkable job on the vocal performance, clean and sharp changing constantly, creating a melodic chorus, long and effective; as one of the best tracks begin, Scent of madness, creates a really catchy riff that harmonize perfectly with the vocal performance, that in fact is the best of the album, developing melodic clean parts and evolving to a sharp and very well played theatrical sections to create another effective chorus, all adorned with synth violins, masterpiece guys!

Continuing with the same strategy, Dreaming of you kicks in with nice palm muted riffs and potent vocals that mixes with falsetto parts forging a dark atmosphere, following the power metal based chorus patterns, and continuing the action with Thousand blades, with airs of US metal in every note, epic and headbanging track from the first second.

Unstoppable takes out the fury, Judas priest style, to develop aggressive verses and a long restless chorus, guitars are powerful and so the whole track, continuing with another catchy shot Mole breaker, mixing grave digger and Wasp, really the chorus reminds me to Battlecruiser, but all on all another top shot from Steel Raiser, with probably the most addictive chorus of the band, following a simple and effective formula, Mole breaker!!

The last tears is a mid tempo ballad that introduces clear patterns from gothic sounds, on the vocal vibrato and also on melodies, giving a power -gothic metal touch, and finally the last track is the second version of Scent of madness, which is the same excellent song we listened before but with a change in the solo, the bassist come into scene to perform a more than prodigious bass solo, outstanding in every note.

Steel raiser new album is forged from the true metal and is gonna keep you banging your head from the beginning, compositions are rich and different in every song which is something great because many bands use to keep a formula in every song but Steel Raiser managed to give a different touch in every track of the album, taking influences from priest to maiden and gamma ray, jag panzer or accept, Steel Raiser are back more solid and stronger than before, with an excellent production for what can be one of the best albums of this year.

8,5 / 10

Line up

Salvo Pizzimento Bass

Gianluca Rossi Bass, Guitars

Antonio Portale Drums

Giuseppe Seminara Guitars

Alfonso Giordano Vocals

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INTERVIEW WITH COBRA (2015)

Few weeks ago I had the chance to interview Cobra, one of the new true metal bands that called my attention as one of the most promising new bands of the metal scene worldwide, so after having a well established second album and having toured Europe, it was an inflection point in their career to the top, and obviously Metalheads Union is not gonna miss the opportunity of having a chat with these guys.

If you want to check their second album review follow this link

http://metalheadsunion.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/review-of-album-to-hell-by-cobra.html

Hi guys how are you? Thank you all for your time!

Hi Daniel, nice to be in contact again. Thanks for your interest in making a second interview to us.

First of all how were the band beginnings? Why did you choose Cobra as your band's name?

Cobra was born ten years ago back in 2005 when Nito and Pochuck decided to create and play heavy metal band in a rough and aggressive way. They chose Cobra as the name of the band because of an old anime they use to watch as kids. Cobra is a lethal name, such as our intentions with rock and roll music.

Have Cobra evolved in any way from the first album to the second album? How could you describe the media feedback for both releases?

Definitely. Cobra evolved in creating a solid album of heavy metal. This means not only having good songs, but delivering a unity of heavy metal: music, lyrics, artwork, ideas, and put together in order to have a blasting experience once you put play to the record.

When “Lethal Strike” was released in 2011, it didn’t have very much media attention as “To Hell” did last year and even nowadays did. The difference was that our first album had a poor promotion and distribution work. Now we are very conscious about the results of working those aspects of an album release.

You got a very aggressive style even when adding that strong hard rock drippings, how could you describe the band's style and what makes it different of most of the new traditional heavy metal bands?

Thanks for the words. I could define Cobra’s style as a very intense heavy metal rock and roll music. About what makes us different between these new traditional bands, we don’t even consider ourselves part of these tag. We are only focused about been ourselves playing the kind of music we like. We don’t want to be like the bands we admire, we want to be as relevant as them with our music.

Which bands are the most influent for you? I'd like to know your individual preferences.

I like artists that are intense with the music they make. The ones that comes to my mind right now would be Earth, The Stooges, Nirvana, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, The Wailers and Led Zeppelin.

How is the true metal scene in Peru? Now that you played in Keep it true, how do you feel about it? How did the fans react to your sound?

Peruvian metal scene is small, very underground if it’s compared to the European one. Our scene is very unorganized and informal but things are changing to better. Here the concerts are with bands of different metal styles, so it’s common for bands and bangers from here to be into heavy, black, death, doom or even psych and punk music.

Keep It True was a great experience. We never had that sensation to play in front of so many die hard heavy metal maniacs. People there really knows what metal music is about, I think they reacted very well, they could get the vibe and intention of the band. After playing there, I only want more of this.

The vocals that you do are really high pitched some times, changing from sharp to clean patterns, how do you manage to keep your voice while on tour?

I try to avoid cold drinks, smoke and cover always my neck during the tour. Although it’s enjoyable to be on the road having a good time, the best thing is always take care of your instrument.

Tell me a special memory of this European tour.

Waking up during different moments of the day and night inside the van while everyone else was sleeping. Looking at the other guys, our tour manager, the highway, the scenery and realizing that everything was real, that was actually happening. Living like that was everything I ever wanted, it was a great feeling.

Are you working on the new album? If so, could you anticipate any information? What could the fans expect for the next full length?

Right now we are writing and creating new songs. We already know which songs will be part of our third album, but now we are working in two different productions. I hope soon we can have more news about it.

Any chance to visit the UK? What about Japan? If you could choose a country to play, which one could it be?

Actually, we received a couple of offers to visit UK but distances didn’t match to go there. After the European tour we made contact with people involved in festivals and stuff not only in Europe but also in Asia, so let’s make things happen.

If I could choose a country I would like to play in Japan, like Deep Purple did in 1972.

Finally guys could you send a message to your fans?

Beware to our next move, it might be lethal for your mind.

Thanks brothers and hope to see you soon on stage!

Thanks to you Daniel for giving us a space on your site.

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REVIEW OF THE ALBUM RAPTURE AND WRATH BY TRAUMA (27/02/15)

Trauma is a power speed metal band from San Francisco formed in 1981 being well known being Cliff Burton in the band before joining Metallica; Trauma released one album in 1984, Scratch and scream, and then split to be reformed in 2013.

Now Trauma is back! And the imminent album Rapture and wrath is coming the next 27th February 2015 (pure steel records) as a full demonstration of renovated energies since their last work 30 years ago, US pure heavy metal with bay area influences and drippings of Dio meeting Iron Maiden, they were considered into speed metal before but in this album the rhythms are predominantly slow mixed with mid to fast tempo, so heavy - power metal could be the band style precisely, add the exceptional quality of the vocals, high pitched and clean techniques denoting also excellent theatrical parts, and guitars are sharp and well harmonised with drums and bass, showing some technical sections here and there.

Heart of stone Opens the album, and what a song! Fast paced true metal in every chord, one of the highlights of the album that will make you bang your head right away, remarkable chorus with long vocal notes under the speed pounding drumbeats, followed by When I die, as another mid fast injection of heavy metal with drippings of us epic metal, good contrast between verses and bridge and truly intense chorus, vocal parts are great and reminds some Bruce Dickinson influence mostly in the chorus.

The long way home is created as a mid tempo ballad, with a well composed ascending structure that make it really intense, as the dark melodies of Pain start, with a slow to mid paced shot of doom metal influences with Judas Priest memories on the guitar notes, the changes of rhythms are great on the instrumental galloping sounds and the vocal lows and highs.

The walking dead also reminds the dark side of the band as they forge pure doom melodies and transform it in another classic heavy metal mid tempo chorus, as Kingdom come explodes in one of the best tracks of the album, the vocal interpretation is exceptional as the intensity goes and comes from verses to bridge and chorus continuing with Egypt as a good track with oriental drippings on the vocal parts and strong riffs, awesome composition accelerated by the next shot, Under the lights, speed heavy metal with US metal melodies creating awesome rhythm changes that will make you bang your head following the action to Don't tread on me, one of the best interpreted tracks of the album, the vocal parts and guitar melodies herald also hard rock influences, as the last track, Too Late bangs with strong and heavy mid fast tempo riffs, with good details on the guitar backgrounds and drum performance.

Trauma are reborn in this album denoting a young feeling energy in every song, some of them are brilliant, heart of stone and when I die definitely are the best cuts of the band, losing grip as the album continues but catching the listener attention at the end with good theatrical interpretations and excellent compositions.

Overall Trauma forged a good album, not at the level of other young bands of the NWOTHM but as a return from the darkness, it's an excellent point of entry.

7,5 / 10

Line up

Donny Hillier Vocals 

Kris Gustofson Drums 

Kurt Fry Guitars 

Steve Robello Bass

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Review by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW OF THE ALBUM DEAD WINTER SUN BY BORN OF FIRE

Born of Fire was formed back in 1998, in Arizona (US) releasing their first demo a year later and a first full length in 2000 called Transformation, comprising a sophisticated power metal style well accepted by the international media. After a 3 tracks EP the band took a lull of 10 years just to come back with renovated energies in 2012 releasing the compilation album Anthology via No Remorse Records.

Born of fire then signed with Pure Steel and are ready to release their second full length the next 14th November, Dead winter Sun, heralds notorious progressive drippings under an American power metal structure, lots of changes of rhythms in the compositions and the inclusion of orchestrated elements combined with the melodic electric guitars, and no doubt, the vocals are in the clean, melodic and mid high pitched style on the line of bands like Queensryche, Fate Warning or Crimson Glory.

Cast the last stone starts the record becoming part of the highlights of the album, awesome from the mid tempo pulse with melodic vocals to a catchy chorus linked with Dead winter sun, the tittle track of the album, being another top track of genuine progressive American power metal, slow to mid paced track on the line of Queensryche.

Echoes of the lost goes in crescendo to a mid pulse intense anthem with one of the best vocal performance well backed by orchestra and electric guitars as the Hollow Soul riff take you to an awesome mid paced trip of epic verses and melodic progression with outstanding interpretation on the vocals, then the double pedal drums introduces the listener to the aggressive headbanging song In a cold world containing some modern elements but very much on the line of the band's style, excellent the changes of pulse and the vocal perception.

Last goodbye and Tears are the ballads of the album, with a good amount of intensity and also enriched with a refined composition that in general has been taken care in every detail, the acoustic guitars and violins play definitely a very well performed role.

As the symphony of Speed of dark opens in very well produced dark atmospheric feeling its the turn of Spiritual warfare, continuing the usual rhythm patterns of the rest of the album, with remarkable job of the vocalist creating a good high pitched pace, and also the harmony between the guitars and orchestra elements are brilliant.

When hope dies explodes in a fast tempo pure power metal act, the progressive drippings are leaded at perfection by a combination of power and aggressive elements, superb performance in this track, remarkably their best hit to finish the album.

The album in general is awesomely produced, and the details have been taken care denoting a hard job well done, every song is sophisticated in the compositions and the vocal parts are remarkably brilliant, but looking the album as a whole, you'll find the pulse in general follows the same diagrams, feeling some times the need of faster rhythms or more straight choruses.

Excellent album though, Dead winter Sun remarks the reborn of this band, burning brighter than ever with renovated power!

7,5 / 10



Born of Fire are comprised by:

Gordon Tittsworth - vocals

Booby Chavez - guitars

Victor Morell - guitars & keyboards

Michael Wolff - bass guitar

Steve Dorssom - drums


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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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REVIEW OF THE ALBUM TO HELL BY COBRA

Cobra is a traditional heavy speed metal band from Peru, formed in 2005, had two demos ready by 2007, playing many gigs nationally and being well known in the national heavy metal scene, the release of their split album with Skull allowed them to gig in more south american countries in 2010.
Then, after working hard on the studio the first full length Lethal Strike came to light in 2011 via Austral Holocaust Records having good feedback from the media and also getting better known in Peru and abroad.

Finally To Hell was released last February 2014, after a year of hard work, and got distributed nationally and also in Europe thanks to Van Records.

Cobra style combines the aggressive side of Judas priest, timing it in the Defenders of the faith composition style, with the pulse and riffs from Motorhead and Venom melted in one; the vocalist is styled with high pitched, powerful techniques with sharp melodic moments, sounding like a mix of Judas priest, Exciter and Griffin.

The album starts with Beyond the curse, beginning like an epic in crescendo introduction that leads to the headbanging action in one of the top tracks of the band, from the awesome bass touch to start to the galloping drumbeats and the potent voice, this song is what true metal music sounds like, you will find yourself screaming with a fist in the air, (dudes that is a really powerful ending), outstanding bomb linked with Fallen soldier, kicking in with a fast tempo speed heavy metal style, accelerated Motorhead reminiscences and drippings of Enforcer, remarkable addictive chorus and memories of early Iron Maiden riffs, but keeping the band's sign.

Danger zone slows the drum pounding shots to a mid tempo hard rocker track, excellent interpretation on the vocals, changing from the mid range to the high pitched scream instantaneously. Rough riders takes the strong pulse of the previous song but its transformed in a genuine heavy metal attack.

Beware my wrath accelerates the speed taking you to the mosh pit, excellent harmony in the guitar duet, that is what i call a team work perfectly executed! Vocals are perfect, bringing the fury to the stage, great combo of lows and highs in a  sharp aggressive style.

When i walk the street keep the glory in the voice in another hard rocker- early heavy metal preference with powerful drumbeats, with a rhythm seen on bands like Airbourne or even Krokus or Saxon.

The tittle track To hell, blast the scene with one of the best performed songs of the album, fast paced speed metal that leaves you breathless and will make you bang your heads till the end! Awesome how they link the verses with the guitar shredding and the chords.

The last track, Inner demon, heralds their most sophisticated drums of the album, also being one of the best compositions and the most epic track up to date, forceful voice that goes in crescendo until the ultra high pitched vocals at the end, everything here is outstanding and it demonstrate the style of the band and defines their attitude very well.

Cobra released a true metal masterpiece that will be considered  a gem of the genre, without a doubt these guys are ready to the heavy metal attack nationally and internationally, with a genuine speed heavy metal that will call the attention of true metalheads around the globe, be aware of the deadly COBRA attack!

9 / 10

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REVIEW OF LET THE THUNDER ROAR BY BLACK TRACK

Black Track is a traditional heavy/speed metal from Mexico, formed in 2010 and releasing two demos in 2011 and 2012 to finally release an EP  the 12th of April 2014, called Let the thunder Roar via Metal Ways Records and it's inclusive of their second demo as bonus tracks. The band is comprised by Adrian on the bass, Lyon on the drums, Spider as the lead guitars and Rayo on the vocals and rhythm axe. their style heralds a speed heavy metal influenced by bands like Agent Steel and Iron Maiden on the roots and also from New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal bands (like Enforcer or Striker) with a very straight and strong compositions.

Let the Thunder Roar starts with the tittle track, with the rain and thunder unveiling an authentic speed metal headbanging anthem, remarkable instrumental all over, the harmony is perfect with the vocals and the rest of the band with a mid-high pitched vocals combining clean and sharp styles; with no lull The Wolf bites tonight start with a forceful riff in another excellent act with some Judas Priest memories on the changes of rhythm twisted with the Iron Maiden style by Adrian and Lyon; exceptional track continued by the instrumental Black Dragon (In Tokyo), well done melodies and headbanging action by axe masters and bassist.

Speed Force attack without warning, one of the fastest speed metal tracks with remarkable job by Rayo where we can find some high pitched screams mixed with impulsive combat vocal shots, outstanding changes of pulse and guitar solos noticing the influence of the Masters of Metal (Agent Steel) here and also on Cosmic Metal/ Into the darkness, being one of the best songs in the EP, wrecking necks from the beginning, mixed high pitched vocal parts with growling techniques are remarkable, but mid ranged parts have to be controlled better though.

After this headbanging EP the rest of the material belongs to the second demo, included here as a bonus tracks. Warrior's Attack  is the first in line of the bonus tracks and combines an excellent chorus and instrumental with a power feeling, however the vocals still needed to be improved on the melodic sections. Demon is another strong speed metal bomb, impulsive on the vocals (better performed here).

The werewolf bring some thrash metal influence, good headbanging song finishing with Revenge is Mine (Heavy Metal Command), with an accelerating riff on the Iron Maiden influence side, vocals are used better here keeping the mid-high range mixing with short hasty sharp style; the guitars and drums work together really good on the galloping pulse that shades to the silence.

Black Track forged really good material, the roots of heavy speed metal that influenced the band made them pass successfully this point of entry, bounding to develop a heavy speed metal with a large range on the vocals and a forceful instrumental; As a first EP this is an exceptional job, the vocals have improved since their demo section as you can see how better is the EP compared with the bonus tracks that follows,still need of improvement but good job! keep a close eye on them because they really have what it takes to keep it true.

7.5 / 10


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Metal ways records

Posted by Daniel Ortiz from Metalheads Union and Metalheads Union FB

REVIEW FIRST EP BY TOLEDO STEEL

Toledo Steel are a classic heavy metal band from Southampton, UK, formed in 2011 and releasing their first demo in december 2012, Toledo Steel have been touring around the country and finally after adding the second guitarist to the band the first EP came out in August 2013, consisting in three missiles of pure heavy metal encapsulating the essence of NWOBHM.
The band comprises Rich Rutter on the vocals, Kyle House and Tom Potter on the guitars, David Lovell with the bass and Matt Dobson on drums.

The ep starts with Alcatraz with a classic heavy speed metal riff, headbanging moshpiting pulse developing a strong straight high pitched vocals, awesome sharp sound all over the song by Rich and axe masters Kyle and Tom, the chorus is also exceptional, made to be singed along in every gig, fists in the air; as we continue with Black widow, taking reminiscences from Iron Maiden and memories of heavier than metal by Skull Fist on the main riff, forging a powerful melodies on the vocals where the lows and high pitched styles are amazingly well combined; well done on the drums creating Judas priest late 70s techniques combined with drippings of power metal styled structure.

Flames arise take us back to the mid 80s with a truly headbanging authentic heavy speed metal with drippings of epic melodies, reminiscences of bands like Virtue, the mid tempo changing rhythm is outstanding, true metal in every chord! The instrumental parts are in an excellent harmony leaving you breathless til the end!

Overall this first EP by Toledo Steel  is riveting from start to finish with a crystal clear production, awesome job by every single member of the band,for sure Toledo Steel not only are here to stay, this band will probably be one of the leading bands of the new wave of traditional heavy metal.

8,5 / 10


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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