“What do you get when you combine old school doom with older school horror movie soundtracks? John Gallo of Orodruin asked this question roughly twenty years ago, and the answer became known as Blizaro. Despite the years of experience accumulated, the discography of this mostly solo project is quite brief; Light and Desolation is only Blizaro‘s third full-length. Time, ever the unfair mistress, treats everyone quite differently. Some artists have a lot to re-learn, others are able to pick up right where they left off. With nine years having passed since their previous album, how has the hourglass treated the intriguing and slightly bizarre concept of Blizaro?” How Blizaro, how Blizaro.
Iron Maiden
Stuck in the Filter: August 2025’s Angry Misses
August is but a warm, sunny memory and All Hallows Eve is upon us. Good thing we finally de-gunkified those August Filters to avoid tricks.
Wings of Steel – Winds of Time Review
“I know what you’re thinking: how is it that ClarkKent is reviewing Wings of Steel instead of Steel Druhm? Believe it or not, he let me review it. After all, he’s not the only steel-named writer in these halls. For those not steeped in DC universe lore, my nickname is Man of Steel—though Steel, in his fatherly way, prefers to call me dumbass, like Red Forman in That ’70s Show. But I see symbolism in his gesture of letting me review this, like he’s taken me under his wings—of steel.” Steel on steel wiolence.
Crucible – Hail to the Force Review
“Whether you’re a fledgling artist or an industry veteran, the process of making music is hard, strewn with obstacles internal and external. For the speed/US-inspired power metallers Crucible, that obstacle was Mother Nature, who gifted them a massive snowstorm that drastically impeded their studio time to record their debut album Hail to the Force. The Danes, thus, banged out the entire ten-track, thirty-seven-minute record in a week. For a young band recording a debut together, that’s nuts. But we’re not here for the story—we’re here for the album, a throwback affair of promo-purported “ferocious aggression with strong melodies and epic heavy metal atmospheres.”” Force is always the answer.
Sölicitör – Enemy in Mirrors Review
“Sölicitör’s 2020 debut made quite the splash ’round these parts when 4.Öldeneye heaped glorious praise all over it. The five-piece out of Seattle has been quiet since then, releasing an EP in 2022 totaling two songs. Now they return for their sophomore release with a philosophy of more – more songs, more length, and even a couple more instruments (piano, synths). The members wanted to take a more hands-on approach with Enemy in Mirrors, which is why vocalist Amy Lee Carlson lent not only her pipes but her artistic ability in designing the cover art.” Undeath of a salësman.
Burning Sun – Retribution Review
“Naming themselves after a Helloween song, this half-Hungarian, half-Chilean duo is on a mission to tell a classic fantasy story through a legacy sound. Burning Sun’s sophomore album, Retribution, lands only two years after their debut, Wake of Ashes, continuing the story of a paladin named Emaly.” Guitar-driven power metal about your WoW character? On brand!
Viral – The Merchant Review
“When it comes to matters of taste, I find myself repeatedly surprised by the promo sump this year. I thought I knew what I would gravitate towards, but there have been several records this year that challenged that convention, both favorably and unfavorably. Swedish heavy metal quintet Viral marks yet another notch in that belt with their sophomore release, The Merchant. The only remaining question is how they’ve challenged my expectations.” Is it catchy though?
Firstborne – Lucky Review
“Comprised of ex-Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler, Girish and The Chronicles singer Girish Pradhan, and guitar journeyman Myrone, Firstborne’s sophomore album, Lucky, is the product of decades’ worth of collective experience and professional toil. They have the know-how. They have the chops. They have an awful name. But do they have the songs?” Family troubles.
Lord of the Lost – Opvs Noir Vol. 1
“Chris Harms has been in the music business since 1999, but it wasn’t until founding Lord of the Lost in 2007 that he seems to have found his home. I say this not because I am familiar with him or the band, but because Harms has released ten full-length albums, three orchestral albums, four live albums, and one compilation since forming Lord of the Lost. Probably Lord of the Lost’s biggest claim to fame is their participation at Eurovision in 2023, representing Germany, where they unfortunately placed last in the final round. But wait, isn’t Eurovision for pop music? Why are these guys being covered on Angry Metal Guy? Apparently, they’re metal enough to sign to Napalm Records and also have toured with KMFDM and Iron Maiden. And now with Eurovision in the rearview mirror, Lord of the Lost look to return to their darker roots with Opvs Noir Vol. 1, the first in a planned trilogy.” Pop-rock recovery.
Anthony Ellis: Ashes of Reason – Crisis Catalyst Review
“In an age where technology is abundant and affordable, it’s never been easier for someone with a ditty and a dream to make their music a reality. Enter Ashes of Reason, the brainchild of one-man band Anthony Ellis, and his third full-length, Crisis Catalyst. Shouldering the responsibility to write, record, and produce your own album is painstakingly ambitious and requires deep wells of both grit and gumption. Calling the shots means you get to deliver your 100% pure, undiluted vision into the hungry earholes of curious listeners.” One-man crisis.























