IRON MASK - Black As Death

The mastermind behind Iron Mask is guitar virtuoso Dushan Petrossi and this is the newest release of the Belgian band, and their fourth in general. Iron Mask are playing Power Metal, enriched with enough symphonic elements, and some Epic stuff. The guitar melodies are taking the leading role on this album, with Dushan giving an excellent performance, slightly dominating the songs, but without becoming tiring or repetitive. Keyboards are also a vital part, and creating a perfect sonic carpet, for the rest of the instruments to evolve, and adding an extra dimension in music. What's more important here though, is the variety of the music, with songs having more Epic elements, others moving on more Classic forms, Hard Rock songs, and a ballad to finish the album. Vocals are also done by no less than Mark Boals, who needs no introduction, and manages with his skills to lift the whole album one level up. The arrangements are good, with enough variety in styles, plenty of nice ideas, that the talent of the band helps to explore to the maximum. Might be an album that aims for fans of Melodic Metal, Neoclassical, or Power Metal, but still, it's an album well composed, well performed, with killer melodies, and superb vocals, and with so few moments that could have been done in a different way, that no one will mind. If you are a fan of the band, or you like Melodic Metal in general, check this band.

8/10       

ROYAL HUNT - Show Me How To Live

The new album of Royal Hunt brings everything back to it's natural position. This is the eleventh release of the Danish band, and this one brings back D.C. Cooper on vocals, something that will please all fans of the band. Royal Hunt are playing a music that is a mixture of Melodic stuff, Progressive, and Heavy Metal but also has a lot of Symphonic elements, something that gives an extra depth to the music. Right from the first minute, the long time fan, and even the occasional listener, will notice that this is an album that will stand the test of time. The songs are very good, varying on styles and tempos, with others moving closer to AOR forms, others being more catchy, with choruses and parts to sing along, but all bearing the excellent vocals of DC Cooper, who dominates the songs with his distinctive voice. The band is in a very creative period, and this is obvious from the compositions, which are all very good, with enough interesting ideas, and top class musicianship. Huge keyboard melodies, vocals that bring chills to your spine, melodic guitars and changes from AOR to Heavy Metal, with vocal choirs and catchy parts are the main characteristics of this album. One small objection about the length of the album, but I also prefer that, from endless intros and fillers here and there. Either being a devoted fan, or a newcomer to their music, this album is a must.

9/10

Primal Fear - Bad Guys Wear Black (Official video)

Taken from the album "Unbreakable". Release date: EU: January 20th 2012 / NA: January 24th 2012

ILLNATH - Third Act In The Theatre Of Madness

Illnath is a band from Denmark, and this is their third album so far. The band exists since 1999 and started as a Symphonic Black band, but their sound evolved into more Death Metal forms. This was accomplished by the almost complete line up change, and by the replacement of the singer with a female vocalist. So, what we basically have here is a female fronted Death Metal band, and let me assure you that they are good at what they are playing. First of all the singer is very good, either on the growling part, or in the clear vocals that exist here and there and enhance the atmosphere of the album. The music is both melodic and groovy enough, and fits perfectly with the vocals, with enough keybords and plenty of twists. The majority of the songs are very good, with no moments where things are not interesting or less powerful. Although the few similarities of their sound with bands like Arch Enemy, the band has managed to create a more personal style, and those moments are not enough to spoil the good result. The arrangements are good, varying in style, with reminding their their early days, to more Melodic Death moments, and everything in between, and the band shows that doesn't afraid to explore their sound even more. The production is good enough, as raw and brutal as an album like this needs, but gives enough space for all the details of the music to come to surface. Not the most innovative release ever, but an honest album, with more than enough variety.

8/10

MIDNIGHT CHASER - Rough And Tough

I knew nothing about this band from Bay Area, and thought to give this album a spin, partially inspired by the old-school cover. But nothing prepared me for what was waiting, and this is something that I enjoyed most. The band is playing a mixture of Hard Rock and classic Heavy Metal, and their sound is so solid and well worked that sticks into your mind and makes you wanna bang along with the rhythm. The musicians are quite talented, and this is obvious not only from their performing but from their composing skills as well. A tight rhythm section, an excellent guitarist and a singer that has a quite distinctive but fitting voice, are all that it takes for them to create some killer tunes. Their influences vary, and include even New Wave of British Heavy Metal moments, but all are blended into their own style. The songs are very good, with enough interesting ideas, although they move on classic forms and their influences are sometimes more than obvious. Their music is ideal for performing live, listening with friends over a beer or two, and while driving. With songs that are catchy, with no weak points, well performed, and fun to listen to, this album is destined for success. With the cover, the feeling, and everything else screaming 80's, there are no modern elements into their music. For lovers of the era, for fans of good Metal music in general.

9/10 

RAIN - XXX

Rain is a band that exists since the early 80's and this is their latest release, which celebrates 30 years of activity. This is not exactly a new release though, since it contains songs from previous albums, but re-arranged and re-recorded, so the result is closer to what Rain sound today. Along with that, is the album opener, which is a brand new song. Rain are playing a melodic Hard Rock, in the vein of the 80's, with all the characteristics of the music of that era. The music of the band is catchy enough, and has a dirty feeling, with distorted guitars, harsh vocals, and a street attitude. The songs have been recorded live in the studio, with all the instruments, and this gives an extra credit for the band, and some extra heaviness to their sound. The production is very good, heavy and distorted enough, and the arrangements are quite good, and well worked. Catchy tunes, full of energy, with a rhythm that sometimes sticks into your mind and makes you head and feet move along with it, interesting vocals that fitting perfectly with the style of the music, and with a few weak points, this album is an interesting view to some of their old works. But gives also a good idea of their new material as well. Give it a spin and decide.

7/10