celebrating a power metal classic of classics: Helloween - Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I

Helloween

Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I

Noise Records

May 23, 1987

Michael Weikath Guitars (lead), Vocals (backing), Songwriting (tracks 5, 8), Lyrics (tracks 5, 8) ---- Kai Hansen Vocals (backing), Songwriting (tracks 1, 2, 4, 6-8), Lyrics (tracks 2, 4, 6-8), Guitars (lead) ---- Michael Kiske Songwriting (track 3), Lyrics (track 3), Vocals (lead)---- Markus Grosskopf Bass, Vocals (backing) ---- Ingo Schwichtenberg (R.I.P. 1995) Drums.

1. Initiation 01:21; 2. I'm Alive 03:23 3. A Little Time 03:59; 4. Twilight of the Gods 04:29; 5. A Tale That Wasn't Right 05:15; 6. Future World 04:02; 7. Halloween 13:18; 8. Follow the Sign 01:46; total time 37:33.

On The Metal Archives the reviewer Andreas Hansen gives this album a 100% rating, and explains some history: "Weikath suggests the then very young Michael Kiske, who was playing in the band IIIrd Prophecy and whose the Helloween guitarist had noticed his impressive skills for a singer of his age (he was eighteen). But Kiske refuses. Weikath, true to himself, doesn't throw in the sponge, persuaded that he had found the good person. At another point, someone suggests him a phone number lying around in a pocket, Ralf Scheepers' one, at this moment in Tyran's Pace - who would eventually join Hansen after his departure to form Gamma Ray. By dint of persuasions, Kiske finally accepts to join Helloween.

His dream team now in place, Weikath, with Hansen, starts working on this much-vaunted project of a double-album dealing with fantasy stories, the 'Keeper of the Seven Keys'. Sadly for them, another major impediment stands in their way: Noise refuses such a work, considered as way too ambitious and prem for the age of the band, being afraid that the album would sell very badly. The band resolves to split it into two parts and that's how this first opus saw the light of day on May, 23rd, 1987, an album that marks the real turning point of the band, coming from a heavy/speed metal sound with some melodies to what we would call later power metal.

Power metal wasn't inevitably born with this album, it is always difficult to tell when a genre is created, but this Keeper of the Seven Keys is often considered to be the album that gave prestige to this metal sub-genre, much more than Walls of Jericho in any cases."

Helloween - I'm Alive

EMBRACE OF SOULS (power metal) - Desolate Lands (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

Embrace of Souls is an Italian power metal band started by a drummer and songwriter named Michele Olmi. It was just a studio project, but they became a real band with their first album, The Number of Destiny, in 2021. Things went well for them, and here we are in 2026!

Embrace of Souls

The Battle of the Dead

Rockshots Records

22 May 2026

Giacomo Rossi – Vocals; Martina Mazzeo – Vocals; Edward De Rosa – Guitars; Xavier Rota – Bass; Davide Baldelli – Keyboards; Michele Olmi – Drums.

1. The Battle of the Dead 04:26; 2. Eversun 04:21; 3. The Plague 04:29; 4. The Gathering 03:24; 5. Spine 04:44; 6. Who Can Save Us 03:13; 7. Betrayal 03:28; 8. The Dark Lord 03:06; 9. The War 03:10; 10. Sacrifice 03:51; 11. Desolate Lands 04:50; total time 43:02.

For fans of: Rhapsody Of Fire, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, Nightwish

ABOUT THE BAND: Rockshots Records is proud to announce its signing of Embrace Of Souls for the release of their new concept album The Battle of the Dead. Founded by drummer and composer Michele Olmi, Embrace Of Souls has forged a solid identity within the Italian power metal scene by blending classic ’80s and ’90s heavy and power metal foundations with epic and symphonic influences. After the releases of "The Number Of Destiny" and "Forever Part Of Me", the band reached a natural turning point, choosing to move forward with renewed focus, strengthened artistic vision, and fresh creative energy. This new chapter is also marked by an updated line-up compared to previous albums. Giacomo Rossi, already involved in earlier recordings, now takes on a central role as lead vocalist, joined by Martina Mazzeo as soprano vocalist. Their combined vocal approach broadens the band’s expressive range, reinforcing the balance between driving power metal intensity and refined symphonic elegance that defines Embrace Of Souls’ current sound.

EMBRACE OF SOULS - Desolate Lands (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

remembering HEATHEN bassist Michael Jastremski (1963-2005)

Mike Jastremski (March 16, 1963 - May 23, 2005)

Mike "Yaz" Jastremski was an American metal musician best known for his work as a guitarist and bassist during the 1980s Bay Area metal movement. The Metal Archives shows that Mike began his recording career as a guitarist for the speed metal band Griffin, performing with the group from 1983 to 1986. Under the moniker "Yaz," he recorded guitars for the band's 1984 debut full-length album, Flight of the Griffin. After Griffin, he switched to bass and joined the thrash metal band Heathen, serving his first tenure from 1986 to 1988. He performed on the 1987 single "Set Me Free" (cover song) and Heathen's celebrated 1987 debut full-length album, Breaking the Silence. In 1988 he also recorded a demo with the band during the brief period when former Exodus vocalist Paul Baloff fronted the group. Mike rejoined Heathen for a second tenure from 2001 to 2004. His bass work during his time with the band has been featured on several retrospective releases, including the 2004 compilation Recovered and the 2017 compilation Pray for Death (The Complete Demo Collection), which featured his bass tracks on tracks 8 and 9.

Heathen - Set Me Free - Official Music Video

Sweet - Set Me Free (1974)

celebrating the anniversary of King's X's album Please Come Home... Mr. Bulbous

According to Wikipedia, this is the release date for this adventurous album by the long-running American prog rock band King's X. Check out a song from the album! People say the album is a bit wacky, and maybe that is true, but it's a King's X album, and not as weird as some people think. It's still King's X!

King's X

Please Come Home... Mr. Bulbous

Metal Blade Records

May 23, 2000

Doug Pinnick – bass, lead vocals; Ty Tabor – guitars, backing vocals; Jerry Gaskill – drums, backing vocals

1. "Fish Bowl Man" 4:28; 2. "Julia" 3:39; 3. "She's Gone Away" 4:37; 4. "Marsh Mellow Field" 5:30; 5. "When You're Scared" 4:26; 6. "Charlie Sheen" 3:51; 7. "Smudge" 3:52; 8. "Bitter Sweet" 2:13; 9. "Move Me" 4:58;10. "Move Me, Pt. 2" 7:20.

King's X - Marsh Mellow Field

celebrating the anniversary of DOKKEN's album Dysfunctional

This album marked the return of the classic lineup of Don, George, Jeff, and Mick, back together since the 1988 breakup of the band. The guitar tone is heavier and bluesier than in the 1980s. It's a different sound in a different time: not as polished as the 1980s, but it is a hard rock / heavy metal album with a good variety of tempos. Initially, the reception for the album was not super great from Dokken fans because it was too different, and they wanted the 1980s sound.

Unfortunately, '80s Dokken fans have been unable to get over the difference in sound, but the album certainly has good songs, and there is plenty to enjoy in it. Especially if one listens to this album as it is and for what it is, rather than listening to it wishing that it sounded just like things did in 1984.

Dokken

Dysfunctional

Sony Music

May 23rd, 1995

Don Dokken (lead vocals) - George Lynch (guitars) - Jeff Pilson (bass, vocals) - Mick Brown (drums, vocals)

1. Inside Looking Out 04:08; 2. Hole in My Head 04:33; 3. The Maze 04:50; 4. Too High to Fly 07:10; 5. Nothing Left to Say 04:30; 6. Shadows of Life 04:32; 7. Long Way Home 05:12; 8. Sweet Chains 05:46; 9. Lesser of Two Evils 04:03; 10. What Price 05:45; 11. From the Beginning (Emerson, Lake & Palmer cover) 04:12; total time 54:41

A reviewer named "Twisted Psychology" on The Metal Archives observes: "Dysfunctional still proves that Dokken is generally at their best when exerting catchy driving rock, albeit with a quirky slant. Lead single 'Too High To Fly' can border on feeling too long at seven minutes but I’m not one to argue with how well that bluesy snarl works with that slinky bass-driven hustle. 'Hole In My Head' and 'Shadows of Life' supplement their fast chugs with disorienting soundscapes in the former’s sitar and the latter’s intrusively sinister hums while 'What Price' dips into Galactic Cowboys territory with its borderline thrash eventually giving way to a fuzzy freakout." Interestingly enough, this same reviewer also notices the following: "What really makes Dysfunctional stand out compared to their peers in similar positions is how it ends up sounding like their attempt at a King’s X album? Granted Don’s world-weary croons are a way’s away from anything resembling Dug Pinnick’s signature soul, but the vocal harmonies have the sort of balanced involvement that makes one wonder if they managed to sneak Ty Tabor into the studio."

Dokken - Too High to Fly

Happy birthday to legendary guitarist Vinnie Moore!

The Metal Archives shows that Vincent Moore was born April 14, 1964. Vinnie started out on the Shrapnel Records label, famous for finding guitar heroes, and they certainly found one here. He caught fans' attention with his debut, Mind's Eye, in 1987 (according to The Metal Archives). Vinnie has stayed very busy throughout his career, playing with Alice Cooper and UFO, amongst others. He was actually with UFO for almost two decades! In addition, The Metal Archives shows that he has 10 studio albums that show the many sides of his guitar playing.

Vinnie Moore - Still Waters Run Deep (from the 2022 album Double Exposure)

celebrating the death metal anniversary of WRUST's Soulless Machine

Man, there is something about this death metal album. The combination of death metal, a bit of groove metal, the sound itself, and a bit of melody—it sounds good to me. It feels like this band understood what they wanted to do with their metal from the beginning and delivered it. It's the type of death metal that makes sense right away.

The Metal Archives shows that Wrust formed in 2000 in Botswana. The Metal Archives shows a 2003 demo, but I haven't heard it, so the 2007 debut album was my introduction to them. After that, they did an EP in 2011, a second album in 2013, and a split in 2019. Here's hoping they make more music.

Speaking for myself, I sense a certain type of Pantera and Sepultura energy, and maybe that's why I like it. Of course, there is death metal all over the album, but maybe it's that Pantera-Sepultura songwriting sound that does it for me. The thing is, I don't even know if this band likes those bands. I have no idea what their influences are! Anyway, I still enjoy this album, which I guess is now an oldie!

Wrust

Soulless Machine

Witchdoctor Records

April 14, 2007

1. Soulless Machine 03:33

2. Kill or Be Killed 05:11

3. Just a Sinner 03:41

4. Prophecy of Doom 02:52

5. Run 03:46

6. The Renegade 04:15

7. Why Me 05:51

8. Cleansing Ritual 02:32

Total time 31:41

WRUST-WHY ME

celebrating Ted Nugent and The Amboy Dukes - Survival of the Fittest Live

Both the official Ted Nugent website and Wikipedia give April 1971 as the release month for this live album. Wikipedia says, "The initial plan for the Survival of the Fittest album was to record one side of the album live and the other side in the studio, but this plan was later scrapped and the band instead recorded an entire live album. The album consists of five new songs written by Ted Nugent, and an extended live performance of 'Prodigal Man', which previously appeared on the band's Migration album. In a review of the band's previous album, Marriage on the Rocks/Rock Bottom, AllMusic said that Survival of the Fittest sees the band embracing blues rock, which had only partially been explored on Marriage on the Rocks/Rock Bottom.'"

This recording is pure rock and roll energy. They are cooking up some live, raw, hard blues rock, and the whole band sounds great. The drumming is such a treat, and there are tons of Ted Nugent riffs, hooks, and leads to make you pick up your guitar or your air guitar.

The live version of "Prodigal Son"! Wow. The studio recording of 'Prodigal Son,' according to Wikipedia, is the second track on the 1969 The Amboy Dukes album Migration, which was their third full-length. The original's duration is 9:09, and this live version is twice that!"

1. "Survival of the Fittest" 6:17

2. "Rattle My Snake" 3:00

3. "Mr. Jones' Hanging Party" 4:55

4. "Papa's Will" 9:00

5. "Slidin' On" 3:03

6. "Prodigal Man" 21:20

Ted Nugent – Guitar, vocals (lead on track 4)

Andy Solomon – Keyboards, saxophone, vocals (lead on tracks 2, 5 and 6)

Rob Ruzga – Bass

K. J. Knight – Drums, vocals (lead on track 3)

Survival Of The Fittest (Live at the Eastowne Theatre, Detroit, Michigan /1970)

celebrating the metalcore anniversary of WAR OF AGES' album Eternal

This album has shredding, melodic soloing, thrashy riffs, breakdowns, and a consistent emphasis on faith and perseverance. The album presents a particular sound of metalcore in which there is quite a bit of classic metal working into the contemporary sound. The vocals and the album's crunch are all metalcore, but what about all those melodies?! That's a bit of a different angle, and the music is all the better for it.

War of Ages - Eternal

April 13th, 2010 - Facedown Records

(according to The Metal Archives)

Steve Brown (Guitars) - Branon Bernatowicz (Guitars) - Leroy Hamp (Vocals, Lyrics) - Alex Hamp (Drums) - TJ Alford (Bass)

War Of Ages - Collapse

remembering UFO keyboardist/guitarist Paul Raymond (1945-2019)

Wikipedia says: "Paul Martin Raymond (16 November 1945 – 13 April 2019) was an English keyboardist and guitarist, best known for playing in the rock bands UFO and Michael Schenker Group. He also replaced Christine McVie when she left Chicken Shack to join Fleetwood Mac in 1969."

Paul Raymond was UFO's long-time keyboardist and rhythm guitarist who joined in 1976 (replacing Danny Peyronel) because he could play both keyboards and rhythm guitar. This was a game-changer for UFO’s live sound. It allowed them to have that fuller sound during Michael Schenker’s solos.

Wikipedia says that: "He wrote songs for UFO, but because of a previous publishing deal, was not credited for these songs until recent years. When Michael Schenker left UFO, Raymond joined Schenker's new band, MSG, in 1981 and later joined UFO bassist Pete Way's band, Waysted, in 1983. Raymond worked with Phil Mogg, Andy Parker, along with Schenker and Way, in UFO from 1976–1980, 1984–1986, 1993–1998 and 2003–2019. At the time of his death in 2019, UFO had just completed the first leg of what they referred to as their final world tour, dubbed 'Last Orders: 50th Anniversary'. For the remainder of the tour, Raymond was replaced by Neil Carter, who was also his replacement from 1980 to 1983."

The Life & Death of UFO's PAUL RAYMOND

(Watch this video. It says that it is 1977. If the year is right, then it is Paul Raymond starting on the keyboards with a guitar strapped on, and then he switches to play the rhythm guitar. There are two guitarists on the stage, not just Michael Schenker.)

UFO - Lights Out - Live at Roundhouse 1977 (Remastered)

celebrating Thomas Jefferson, an American Founding Father - an inspiration to American patriotic rockers

Wikipedia shows: "Thomas Jefferson (April 13 [O.S. April 2], 1743 – July 4, 1826) was an American Founding Father and the third president of the United States from 1801 to 1809. Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. He was a leading proponent of democracy, republicanism, and natural rights, and produced formative documents and decisions at the state, national, and international levels."

Jefferson was an accomplished violinist. It is said that he called it the 'favorite passion of my soul.'

ICED EARTH's creative force, Jon Schaffer, has often been inspired by the American ideas of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Jon's solo project, Sons of Liberty, has a song called 'Tree of Liberty' that directly quotes Thomas Jefferson.

TED NUGENT is also inspired by the Jeffersonian ideas of the 'Spirit of 1776,' the year of the birth of the United States of America."

Jon Schaffer's Sons Of Liberty - Tree Of Liberty (from the 2010 album Brush-Fires of the Mind)

Ted Nugent - "The Music Made Me Do It" (Official Music Video)

celebrating the thrash anniversary of HEATHEN - Victims of Deception

When this album first came out, the metal music magazine Metal Maniacs gave it a stellar review. Ever since then, more and more people have come to appreciate the album. Time has been kind to this release! On The Metal Archives, there is a review that gives the album a 92 out of 100 by 'lonerider, December 27th, 2012.' The reviewer makes a strong case for the album, saying, in part:

Ultimately, however, “Victims of Deception” is an album of astounding quality and consistency, recorded by musicians of remarkable technical prowess. It’s safe to say that a band like Metallica – as the most successful band to emerge from the Bay Area scene, they are the perfect measuring stick – doesn’t hold a candle to Heathen in that category, as the drums, guitars and even the vocals are sometimes light-years ahead of what the likes of Ulrich, Hammett and Hetfield have ever been capable of. That in turn allows the band to infuse more melody and progressive elements into the music whilst retaining plenty of speed and aggressiveness. Particularly the riffing on tracks like “Fear of the Unknown” and “Hypnotized” is positively spectacular. Moreover, the stellar production brings out the best in the band’s performance, giving the guitars a massive sound without stifling the other instruments and various little details in the band’s awe-inspiring delivery.

In closing, “Victims of Deception” is the perfect album to demonstrate that the more iconic and commercially successful bands from the Bay Area scene weren’t necessarily the be-all and end-all in musical quality and that some of the more under-the-radar acts were actually just as good or perhaps sometimes even a little better. With an effort like this under their belt, Heathen were definitely deserving of more widespread acclaim and sustained success than they ended up with, but as we all know, life simply isn’t always fair.

Heathen - Victims of Deception

April 12, 1991 - Roadracer Records

Doug Piercy - Guitars, Songwriting (tracks 7-9)

Darren Minter - Drums

David White-Godfrey - Vocals, Songwriting (tracks 1-3, 5-7, 9, 10)

Lee Altus - Guitars, Songwriting (tracks 1-3, 5, 6, 9, 10)

Heathen - Opiate of the Masses

celebrating the black metal anniversary of SKALD IN VEUM's album Stridslysten

This album is relentless black metal; its title apparently translates to something like 'battle-ready' in Swedish. The album delivers a high-velocity assault of tremolo picking and blast beats, maintaining a grim sound. While the lyrics focus on spiritual themes, the music remains incredibly aggressive. The priority is energy, intensity, and speed. You won't be able to whistle these songs, but you may need a neck brace. Have your Tylenol handy.

Skald in Veum - Stridslysten

Nordic Mission Records - April 12, 2019

1. Stridslysten 03:56; 2. As Wolves Among Sheep 05:47; 3. En lyra döpt i blod 05:00; 4. Do What Thou Wilt 05:48; 5. Goat**** 04:05; 6. Shards of the Infernal Fall 04:07; 7. Tvinsot (Siaren II) 06:09; 8. Whoremaster 03:32. Total time 38:24.

Stridslysten by Skald In Veum

celebrating the ICED EARTH demo Enter the Realm

Awesome demo! This 1989 release is foundational for the band’s future, capturing the raw and aggressive energy of thrashy heavy metal. It blends the melodic atmosphere of classic British metal with the massive, galloping riffs of Bay Area thrash and American classic rock. The production is great for a demo; the heavy crunch of the guitar tone and the personality of the vocals create a sound that is creative, fun, and serious all at once. Short, moody instrumentals lead into high-speed heavy hitters like 'Colors' and 'Nightmares.' A legendary start in 1989!"

Iced Earth - Enter the Realm demo - April 12, 1989

(according to The Metal Archives)

Gene Adam (vocals) - Randy Shawver (lead guitars) - Jon Schaffer (rhythm guitars, vocals) - Dave Abell (bass) - Greg Seymour (drums)

1. Enter the Realm 00:54 instrumental; 2. Colors 05:05; 3. Nightmares 03:42 4. To Curse the Sky 04:46; 5. Solitude 01:43 instrumental; 6. Iced Earth 05:33 7. Enter the Realm 00:54 instrumental; 8. Colors 05:05; 9. Nightmares 03:42; 10. To Curse the Sky 04:46; 11. Solitude 01:43 instrumental; 12. Iced Earth 05:33. Total time 21:43.

ICED EARTH - Colors (original recording 1989)

remembering producer Roy Thomas Baker (1946-2025)

Roy Thomas Baker (November 10, 1946 - April 12, 2025)

According to The Metal Archives: "Producer, active from 1970's to 2025. Baker began career at Decca in England aged 14. Moved to Trident Studios. After co-founding Trident's record company Neptune, Baker began working with Queen whom he produced for five albums including the song 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. Baker has produced and added his distinctive sound to artists such as The Cars, Ian Hunter, Nazareth, Guns N' Roses, The Who, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Foreigner, Journey, Ozzy Osbourne, Mötley Crüe, T.Rex, Devo, The Stranglers, Dusty Springfield, Yes, Cheap Trick, Gasolin', The Darkness and The Smashing Pumpkins."

Also, Wikipedia notes: "After co-founding Neptune (Trident's record company), Baker met the rock band Queen. Thus began a relationship lasting for five albums (Queen, Queen II, Sheer Heart Attack, A Night at the Opera, and Jazz) and a number of awards including 21 Grammy Awards and several Guinness World Records for the hit song, 'Bohemian Rhapsody.'"

On The Metal Archives, some of his most prominent work is: Dokken - 1984 Alone Again / Just Got Lucky (EP) producer (assistant); and Dokken - 1984 Tooth and Nail producer (associate). Also, Ozzy Osbourne - 1988 No Rest for the Wicked producer, recording.

Queen - Stone Cold Crazy (Official Lyric Video) (from 1974's Sheer Heart Attack)

Dokken - Into The Fire (Official Music Video) (from 1984's Tooth and Nail)

celebrating the black metal anniversary of ELDERWIND - Древнее древних / Older than Ancient

According to The Metal Archives: Elderwind is an atmospheric black metal band from Yekaterinburg, Russia, formed in 2009. From the information on The Metal Archives, it looks like their focus is on nature, the mountains, and the cold atmosphere of the wilderness. It is a nature-driven sound, blending aggressive black metal elements with sweeping, melodic synth-atmospheres.

The band was founded by Vyacheslav Oboskalov, who handles the songwriting and guitars. Some internet sources say that the name Elderwind was partially inspired by the game Morrowind. I don't know what that is, actually; maybe it is of interest to the people that know. Anyway, there is melody in here, but the harsh vocals—prototypical shrieking, throat-ripping black metal for the most part—might make you not notice the melody. The music can go at midtempo speeds, but don't be surprised when this whole thing all of a sudden launches into frenetic blasting speeds that will blow back your hair.

To end, the band has four albums: 2012, 2018, 2021, and this one from 2025.

Elderwind - Древнее древних / Older than Ancient

April 12, 2025 (independent)

1. Intro 01:30 instrumental; 2. Prospectors 08:03; 3. Sorrow for the Past 06:57 4. The Greatness of the Ancient 09:03; 5. Wayfarers of the Wind 09:30; 6. Blood of the Sunset 06:12; 7. The Volga 08:52. Total time 50:07

Древнее Древних/Older than Ancien by Elderwind

celebrating the (belated) anniversary of DOKKEN's Lightning Strikes Again

I like the sound of this album. It's such a fun album! According to The Metal Archives, April 11 is the release date for the tenth full-length from long-running American heavy metal band DOKKEN.

In this particular case, this album features uptempo melodic rockers—the trademark sound of the band—with those very pleasant vocal lines. The rhythm section sounds great, keeping the songs together very well; both the bass and drums are a treat to listen to in the context of the songs. The guitar work is awesome, featuring hard-rock riffs, tons of melodies, and shredding. The songs go from headbanging rockers with driving drums to anthems, with a little bit of variety found in the mellower moments.

A reviewer over at The Metal Archives says about this album: "There’s no attempt at pandering to the mainstream here, no begging for a bigger fan base, just good old fashioned guitar oriented metal with zero apologies." I agree with such a sentiment. It's an accurate assessment.

Dokken - Lightning Strikes Again

April 11, 2008 - Frontiers Records

Don Dokken (vocals) - Jon Levin (guitars) - Barry Sparks (bass) - Mick Brown (drums)

1. Standing on the Outside 03:54; 2. Give Me a Reason 03:52; 3. Heart to Stone 03:58; 4. Disease 03:32; 5. How I Miss Your Smile 04:03; 6. Oasis 03:42; 7. Point of No Return 04:25; 8. I Remember 04:50; 9. Judgement Day 04:04; 10. It Means 04:44; 11. Release Me 05:47; 12. This Fire 04:41. Total time 51:32.

DOKKEN - Heart to Stone

celebrating the anniversary of STRYPER's album God Damn Evil

The Metal Archives shows April 11 as the release date in Japan for this album. Could this be the band's heaviest album ever?! It is an album with massive crunch and features a curveball opening song that might shock you the first time you hear its extreme metal energy: "Take It to the Cross." Throughout the album, the guitars are down-tuned with a heavy crunch, and the drumming has a thunderous, percussive, and weighty feel. Below is what I think is a representative track from the album. This song is the second song on the album.

Stryper

God Damn Evil

Avalon

April 11, 2018 (Japan)

Stryper - "Sorry" (Official Music Video)

https://www.facebook.com/Stryper

remembering 1980s German heavy metal STORMWITCH guitarist Lee Tarot

Harald Spengler ("Lee Tarot") (1963 - April 11, 2013)

Stormwitch is a cult heavy metal band from Gerstetten, Baden-Württemberg, according to The Metal Archives, which shows their activity as follows: 1979-1981 (as Lemon Sylvan), 1981-1996, 2002-present. They have 11 albums listed on The Metal Archives.

The Metal Archives shows: "In 1989, after spending many years as lead guitarist and main composer of Stormwitch, he decided to leave the band to focus on his managing career. He remained with the band as manager until early 1990s." Harald was with Stormwitch from 1981 to 1989 for the following studio albums: (1984) Walpurgis Night, (1985) Tales of Terror, (1986) Stronger than Heaven, (1987) The Beauty and the Beast, and (1989) Eye of the Storm.

STORMWITCH - Rats In The Attic (from the 1986 album Stronger than Heaven)

celebrating the black metal anniversary of MESARTHIM's EP Vacuum Solution

MESARTHIM is an anonymous duo from Australia, formed in 2015, with themes of astronomy, physics, and outer space. On The Metal Archives, the members are listed simply as "." and ".". Their sound is a mix of atmospheric black metal and electronic music, featuring extreme vocals and soaring synth melodies. According to reports, they performed live for the first time in September 2024 at the Cosmic Void Festival in London, wearing futuristic clothing and LED masks. They frequently use NASA telescope imagery and star charts for their aesthetic.

On this particular EP, they blend black metal with electronic trance elements. It is very likely that the EP will offer something new to the first-time listener. It feels like an unexpected and unusual combination, but it's a fun adventure. It is not really black metal per se, but it is not purely electronic/dance music, either. Is it danceable black metal? If you are up for an adventure—and something a bit strange—give this EP a try. The release consists of four songs with vocals and a final instrumental track.

Mesarthim

Vacuum Solution

April 11, 2021

1. Vacuum Solution 07:48

2. Matter and Energy 04:38

3. Heliocentric Orbit 03:18

4. A Manipulation of Numbers 06:44

5. Absence 05:20 (instrumental)

total time 27:48

Vacuum Solution (E.P.) by Mesarthim

OUT NOW: VoidChaser — science fiction progressive metal from Earth

With all the news of people going into outer space, and all the talk of the Moon and Mars—add to that the news of corruption, power, politics, and weaponry—I wonder if VoidChaser is making the music of the present and future all at once. I think I have read that certain bands are ready to play a concert on the Moon or in a space station, but maybe I should give this Human/Canadian/Swedish/Cyborg band a phone call and see if they want to join this new project of playing in space? I can call NASA and see what we can work out. Okay, while I work on those phone calls, why don't you check out the exciting space-story, exploration-corruption metal of this album? It is eight tracks in 48 and a half minutes, but it is actually a ticket for a trip. I recommend a safety belt.

VoidChaser

Interstellar I

9 April 2026

ABOUT THE BAND: Montreal (QC) / Stockholm (SE) - International Progressive Metal band, Voidchaser, have announced the April 9th release of their second full-length album, titled Interstellar I. Depicting themes of technological overreach, mass corruption and personal struggles related to identity, love and survival, the narrative unfolds within a vast, lore infused deep space universe. Interstellar I balances a dense and layered wall of sound with high-energy choruses and memorable melodies, where every moment serves the storytelling. Musically, the album brings to mind the style of Devin Townsend’s Ziltoid the Omniscient and Dream Theater’s Systematic Chaos, while reinterpreting those influences through Voidchaser’s own modern and distinctive sound, also drawing from classic foundations found in Deep Purple’s Machine Head and Black Sabbath’s Paranoid. With this release, Voidchaser returns with a level of maturity that defines their most ambitious and fully realized work to date. Recommended for fans of Devin Townsend, Haken, Dream Theater, Scar Symmetry, Ayreon, Pagan's Mind, and science fiction!

Interstellar I (LP) by Voidchaser

TELOMYRAS (Seattle) — sophomore album out May 8, 2026

The Seattle metal retaliation battalion TELOMYRAS is ready for May 8, 2026, when their second album will be released. I see that right now on Bandcamp, they have the song "Attrition" available for your listening pleasure. This band is from the state of Washington, USA. Today is a rainy, wet, cold, and grey day in our part of Washington State, but cheer up, we have TELOMYRAS to bring the metal! I recommend jogging in the rain with TELOMYRAS music on. Get you in shape for May 8.

Telomyras

Duskfall

8 May 2026 (independent)

ABOUT THE BAND: Seattle (WA) - Heavy Metal bangers TELOMYRAS are back! Three years after releasing their self-titled debut EP, the band is primed for the release of their first full-length album, Duskfall! Since the release of their debut EP, Telomyras have been hard at work honing their unique blend of classic heavy metal and extreme metal with the songs that make up Duskfall. Telomyras delivers a riff driven metallic assault with aggressive guitars in the vein of bands like Sanctuary and Megadeth, and a dual lead guitar attack inspired by classic and progressive metal. SammieGorham’s classically trained opera vocal technique shines through the record with soaring highs, contrasted by her guttural screams that accentuate the brutality of the record. With the addition of the power and technique of new drummer Gavynn Peterson, Telomyras is here to define a new era of heavy metal with Duskfall.

Duskfall by Telomyras

celebrating the black metal ABBATH single "Harvest Pyre"

The Metal Archives shows April 10 as the release date for this single. Taken from the 2019 album Outstrider, "Harvest Pyre" with Abbath’s signature frostbitten riffing and mid-paced driving black metal energy.

Abbath

Harvest Pyre

Season of Mist

April 10, 2019

Abbath - Harvest Pyre (official music video)

in memory of MOLLY HATCHET bassist Banner Thomas (1956-2017)

Published by AL.com (Mobile) on Apr. 14, 2017.

Banner Thomas, a musician who was the original bassist for the platinum-selling Southern rock band Molly Hatchet, died Monday, April 10, 2017, of a heart attack, according to multiple news sources. He was 60. The band, founded in 1975 by guitarist Dave Hlubek in Jacksonville, Florida, is known for its hit song "Flirtin' With Disaster."

The group announced Thomas' death via its official Facebook page: "Molly Hatchet bassist, Banner Thomas passed away this morning. From 1978 - 1983, Banner played on the first four MH albums, including the hit Flirtin' With Disaster. He left the band and was replaced by Riff West, also deceased, who played on the next 5 albums. Tim Lindsey has been the bassist for nearly fifteen years and continues to carry the torch forward. Our prayers and condolences extend to Banners family and friends. RIP"

According to posts on his own Facebook page, Thomas had been treated for pneumonia just days before he died. He had plans to resume playing concerts with his current band, Those Guys, also based in Jacksonville. Thomas, who was born Sept. 6, 1956, in Orange Park, Florida, played on Molly Hatchet's first four studio albums: "Molly Hatchet" (1978), which went platinum; "Flirtin' With Disaster" (1979), which sold more than 2 million copies; "Beatin' the Odds" (1980), another platinum success; and "Take No Prisoners" (1981), which peaked at No. 36 on the U.S. albums chart.

Thomas left Molly Hatchet in 1983, moving on to co-found the group Big Engine. In a 2002 interview, he explained to Philippe Archambeau why he quit the band. "We all started thinking we were stars, and that drove wedges into the cracks that started forming," Thomas said. "I was as guilty as anybody else. I got into an argument with Dave, got mad, and quit. Do I regret it today? Yes and no. I'm sorry I quit the way I did, when I did, but it looks like I picked a good time to get out. Not long after, under pressure from management and the record company to produce more hit singles, the band started to lose its identity, and started to look like Loverboy. I'm glad I wasn't there for that." Published by AL.com (Mobile) on Apr. 14, 2017.

Molly Hatchet - Bounty Hunter - 11/10/1978 - Capitol Theatre