“When it comes to the vast pantheons of mythological figures, Aeon Gods is clearly interested in the most powerful. Their 2024 debut album, King of Gods, expounded upon the mighty deities of Mesopotamia with plenty of power metal bombast. Now, less than 18 months later, this German five-piece turns their attention to ancient Egypt. Specifically, Reborn to Light orbits the sun god Re (more commonly known today as Ra).” Gods and Suns))).
“Bloodbound has always been a band with a confusing identity. These Swedes lit up a storm with debut Nosferatu in 2006, an underappreciated heavy/power gem fusing the best of Iron Maiden’s gallops with the hooks of Helloween and HammerFall. The golden pipes of Urban Breed (ex-Tad Morose) were the cherry on top. However, the curse of unstable lineups would strike. Urban Breed would leave for one album, rejoin for the odd-but-good, progpower-meets-Kalmah melodeath sound of Tabula Rasa, and promptly leave again. A decade of struggles followed.” Blood on the 20-sided dice.
“Fuck you, I know this is late. But it ain’t my fault. We never got the damn promo now that Sabaton is signed to… Better Noise Music…? A label that apparently has as many metal bands on its roster as it does Sabatons. So… one. After releasing their decent 2022 release, The War to End All Wars, these Swedish warmongers are back with a brand new concept they’ve never done before. Just kidding, Legends is still about war and shit.” War forever MOAR.
“Those of you hoping to turn your ancient civilization cosplay group into a power metal band, sorry to burst your bubble–Warkings has beat you to it. Including Armageddon, this prolific German outfit has released five albums since their founding in 2018. Perhaps realizing that one new LP per year is not sustainable, Warkings waited three years to record Armageddon.” A war worth the wait?
“If you’re familiar with Brothers of Metal at all, you already know how most of Fimbulvinter sounds, but if you aren’t, the band’s core sound is a very straightforward version of modern power metal (think Sabaton and turn-of-the-millennium Manowar) with some strong folk elements thrown in.” Brother or brother slayer?
“When All for Metal released their debut album, Legends, just barely over one year ago, my relationship with metal and metal writing was in a dark place. After I saw/heard the singles for that debut, I initially waved these guys off as just another Sabaton, Brothers of Metal, and/or Manowar rip-off (albeit with a side of Disturbed), so it came as a total shock when the album’s cheesy anthems finally clicked, reigniting the dying embers trapped within my downtrodden heart of steel.” Metal on mettle.
“I’ve always adored the Powerwolf aesthetic. The use of the band’s hyper-aggressive werewolf mascot on most of their album covers and the over-the-top liturgical sacrilege of the band’s appearance and sound never fail to make me crack a smile. Maybe it’s the juxtaposition of my childhood faith tradition with my rebellious latter-day metal sainthood, but grandiose organ music about blasphemous themes is a chocolate-and-peanut-butter-level combo for me.” Brownout wolves.
“If you’re not a fan of straightforward heavy/power metal, there’s a good chance you’re not familiar with Dream Evil’s legendary output. But if you’re a fan of metal at all, odds are you’ve heard the work of the band’s founder, Fredrick Nordström. Best known for his work in the production booth, Nordström has left his mark on many classic albums; pick your favorite record from At the Gates, In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, or just about any famous Swedish melo-death band—and this guy probably had a hand in producing it. The aptly named Dream Evil is Nordström’s love letter to Ronnie James Dio and everything that the diminutive giant represented: guitar-driven heavy rock/metal imbued with the spirit of heroism.” Trust in the steel.
AMG middle management are a bunch of grasping, entitled prima donnas. It will be great fun hearing what AMG means to them on this somber 15-year milestone. And for the last time, there will be NO bonuses this year!
“Made up of current and former members of Skelator, Greyhawk, Gatekeeper, and Ravenous, Glyph brings together some of my favorite traditional/power metal musicians from recent years as they throw their hat into the space fantasy ring. Very much channeling Gloryhammer, Glyph shows shades of Sabaton and Alestorm as they offer up some simple modern power metal.” Power is as power does.
