AMG ranks the vast discography of Megadeth in anticipation of their farewell magnum opus. Join with us!
Savatage
Steel Arctus – Dreamruler Review
“Brothers, you need power metal in your life. No, you do. You need authentic positivity shot straight into your cynic-rotten hearts, now. Most fortunate for you, Greek power metallers Steel Arctus have graced this year of 2025 with their third album Dreamruler, marking the third entry into the chronicles of their titular hero Steel Arctus. 2020’s Fire and Blood detailed the origins of Steel Arctus and his girlfriend the Arcadian Lady, 2022’s Master of War saw him delve into the fires of Hades and now Dreamruler sees him challenge the titular Dreamruler in his evil world of dreams to rescue his bodacious muse.” Steel, love, and wizards.
Helms Deep – Chasing the Dragon Review
“Helms Deep made quite a splash with their debut, Treacherous Way, thanks to their high-energy ode to speed metal acts of the ’70s and ’80s. Now they’re back with a little extra firepower in the form of guitarist Ray DeTone and a more progressive-minded drummer in Hal Aponte (Ice Age). The remaining two players make their return, including bassist John Gallagher, who AMG writers have attempted to lure back into the comments section since his infamous critique of Huck N Roll’s review of Raven’s Metal City. Finally, there’s Helms Deep founder and frontman, Alex Sciortino, whose impressive vocals help propel this project to the next level. On Chasing the Dragon, Sciortino promises a new focus while still maintaining their modern take on old-school thrash and traditional heavy metal.” Metal strongholds and ancient draGONS.
Inner Strength – Daydreaming in Moonlight Review
“The face of progressive metal has warped and splintered and mutated since its origins in divergence from heavy metal. From the theatrical and rifftastical charm of Savatage to the pomp and groove of Psychotic Waltz to the emotional and shifting tug of Fates Warning, progressive music holds roots in complex narrative structures that range in tone from whimsical fantasy to deeply and painfully human. In the American arena, technicality flourished through Watchtower—and eventually Dream Theater—virtuosic elements, and intrinsic thrash pedigrees to give rise to a 90s and 00s movement that birthed bands like Zero Hour, Control Denied, and Nevermore, each ranging between these extremities of noodle-noting and tear-jerking. But before them all, Inner Strength stood at the cusp of these advents with their lone 1993 full-length Shallow Reflections making an underground splash, which contained all the aforementioned elements laced together with an of-the-time funk metal groove.” Long shadows on a longer island.
Witherfall – Sounds of the Forgotten Review
“Nocturnes & Requiems packed both a nostalgic blaze and modern sorrow that jolted me in a way I absolutely needed. Combined with the surprising revelation that bassist Anthony Crawford was indeed the Anthony Crawford I had seen noodling around with Virgil Donati (Planet X, ex-Ring of Fire) and other jazzy ventures far removed from metal—including popping up on CHON records—Witherfall had my attention secured. History has its ups and downs, though.” Free falling.
![Gatekeeper – From Western Shores [Things You Might Have Missed 2023]](https://www.angrymetalguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Gatekeeper-From-Western-Shores-01-768x768.jpg)
Gatekeeper – From Western Shores [Things You Might Have Missed 2023]
“It is with great shame that I come before you today to admit that I initially missed Gatekeeper’s second full-length album From Western Shores when it released back in March. As Vice Premier of All Things Olde here at AMG, it is my responsibility to cover anthing traditional that happens to sneak through the Steel Filter™, and in 2023, I have failed mightily in this duty.” Dishonor and redemption at the Gates.
Helms Deep – Treacherous Ways Review
“Helms Deep is the brainchild of vocalist and guitarist Alex Sciortino, and the project is his personal love letter to classic heavy metal. Helms Deep recalls the olden NWoBHM majesty of bands like Angel Witch and Satan while simultaneously channeling the epic power of early Savatage.” So it begins…
Munroe’s Thunder – The Black Watch Review
“Former Metal Church / Trans-Siberian Orchestra and current Vicious Rumors vocalist, Ronny Munroe makes his long-awaited return this month with the debut of his Munroe’s Thunder project. Nearly 6 years in the making, The Black Watch is a loose concept album dealing with Scottish and English history and Ronny’s ancestor’s roles in it. William Wallace, Mary, Queen of Scots, and the wars for Scottish independence are touched on as the backdrop for the project’s ambitious and interesting blend of metal and hard rock, marrying strong Rainbow and Deep Purple influences with the prog-trad idioms of Savatage.” Your watch has begun.
Avantasia – A Paranormal Evening With the Moonflower Society Review
“Mega-luxury cruiser Avantasia is back in the water once again, folks. That means another sumptuous feast of extravagant, overstuffed yacht metal for those fans of excess who crave musical gout. With a title like A Paranormal Evening with the Moonflower Society you know big, cheese-stuffed fare is on the menu and there will be 54 courses of cumberbund-straining confection and rich, creamy puffery. The usual cast of friends and well-wishers have been assigned quarters and Captain Tobias Sammet uses the usual star charts and blueprints to plot the course. Restraint will be avoided and moderation is a disfavored destination.” Boaty McBombastface.
Legions of the Night – Sorrow is the Cure Review
“German power metal trio Legions of the Night was formed during the course of 2020, the obvious time in our history to assemble a group of people to collaborate closely on a new project. It brings together founding member Jens Faber, drummer Philipp Bock (both of Dawn of Destiny) and singer Henning Basse (ex-Metalium and Firewind, among others). That line-up, together with the fact that their debut includes a cover of Savatage’s “Sirens,” might give you some sense of what to expect from this album.” Power of the Legions of the Night are calling.
