Hard Rock

Mega Colossus – Watch Out! Review

By Killjoy on March 5, 2026 in Reviews, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, 65 comments

“Let me start by disclosing something. I probably have the least metaphorical chest hair out of the entire AMG staff, meaning I often struggle to appreciate the more virile metal subgenres, including the “trad and true” heavy metal. But there are exceptions to every rule, and a big one is Mega Colossus. These North Carolinians have thus far been received warmly in these halls by the venerable Eldritch Elitist, and for good reason. Their euphoric cocktail of ultra-catchy tunes and clever lyrics—frequently paying homage to fantasy stories on the fringes of popular culture—is served with an infectious, fun-loving attitude. When Showdown appeared in 2024, it felt like things couldn’t get much better than that. Now, Mega Colossus is back to answer their self-imposed gauntlet with Watch Out! and continue to spread boundless cheer throughout the metalverse.” Size matters.

Hoaxed – Death Knocks Review

By Maddog on March 2, 2026 in Reviews, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Occult Rock, 19 comments

“Death Knocks isn’t the most extreme album out there, but it straddles the metal boundary more than enough to earn a spot here. While I hadn’t heard of Hoaxed before, their new release caught my eye through its album art and its impressive lead single, “Where the Seas Fall Silent.” This three-piece from Portland plays metal-edged occult rock that aims for an eerie atmosphere as much as for melodic gems.” Deep fake or deep cuts?

Rozario – Northern Crusaders Review

By Holdeneye on February 27, 2026 in Reviews, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Power Metal, 60 comments

“I reach down and grasp a promising prospect. Pieces of congealed n00b meat and 16-year-old promo remains fall from the cover, revealing a band name that sounds like some guy’s last name and a photo of several dudes in various tough-guy poses. I smile, allowing myself to hope that I’ve found what I’m looking for. Further investigation reveals Rozario’s Northern Crusaders to be a 50-minute-long heavy/power metal album, and I tell myself that this has 2.5 written all over it. Yep, this’ll do.” Kinks of the North.

Greyhawk – Warriors of Greyhawk Review

By Holdeneye on February 12, 2026 in Reviews, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Power Metal, 40 comments

“What a week this has been for Seattle-based, Hawk-themed, team-oriented activities! Not only did I just get to see my beloved Seattle Seahawks reach the precipice of American football via the most awesome post-season arc I could have possibly drawn up, but I also get yet another opportunity to cover my beloved hometown metal heroes, Greyhawk. I’ve written ad nauseam about how I found the band and their brand of hard-rocking traditional metal, and I’ve routinely gushed my appreciation for their commitment to mind-positivity. Yes, it is safe to say that I am a total fanboy. So, it was with a fair bit of trepidation that I sat down with Greyhawk’s third full-length album, Warriors of Greyhawk.” Et tu, Hawk Tuah?

Rave in Fire – Square One Review

By Holdeneye on February 3, 2026 in Reviews, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, 54 comments

“The 80s feel like my own personal primordial, mythological paradise, a Garden of Eden to which I can never return. The gate is eternally guarded by a cherub wielding a flaming sword, but thanks to bands like Rave in Fire, I need not risk being divinely smote in order to feel like I’m back in the garden, all innocent, naked, and happy.” Naked in the rave garden.

Ritual Arcana – Ritual Arcana Review

By Saunders on February 2, 2026 in Reviews, Doom Metal, Hard Rock, Occult Rock, 10 comments

“while wading through the promo sump, I stumbled across the self-titled debut of fresh project, Ritual Arcana. Soon discovering this seasoned power trio feature none other than the legendary Scott ‘Wino’ Weinrich (Saint Vitus, The Obsessed, Spirit Caravan), wielding his scuzzed-up axe alongside Sharlee LuckyFree (ex-Moth) on bass and vocals, and drummer Oakley Munsen (The Black Lips).” Hobo Wino!

Hällas – Panorama Review

By Creeping Ivy on January 29, 2026 in Reviews, Hard Rock, Progressive Rock, Psychedelic Rock, 129 comments

“Hällas—Sweden’s self-styled administrators of ‘adventure rock’—has suffered a nearly decade-long absence from AMG. Back in 2017, El Cuervo (rightly) awarded Excerpts from a Future Past a 4.0, praising the debut for its transportive aesthetic and cohesive performances. Since this one-off review, Hällas has become a premier neo- proto-metal act, yet they haven’t reached the exceptionality of their entrance.” Adventure rock or butt stock?

Beyond the Black – Break the Silence Review

By ClarkKent on January 21, 2026 in Reviews, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Power Metal, Symphonic Metal, 31 comments

“Beyond the Black play the sort of female-led symphonic metal that seems to get a bit of traction in Europe. Since Jennifer Haben formed the band in 2014, they have recorded five LPs that climbed the charts in her home country of Germany as well as those of neighboring countries. Break the Silence, their sixth record, finds them at their peak. It’s a concept album revolving around themes of communication and connection.” Can’t you hear me screaming?

UUHAI – Human Herds Review

By Lavender Larcenist on January 12, 2026 in Reviews, Hard Rock, 39 comments

“It is well-established at this point that Mongolia is metal as fuck. Who would have thought that a landlocked country with a population of approximately 3.5 million people would have such a significant impact on culture? From the legends surrounding Genghis Khan to the fact that major IPs like Dune and Predator are incorporating throat singing to enrich their soundscapes, Mongolia has had a lasting impact that far surpasses its relatively small footprint. While Mongolian metal isn’t storming the charts consistently, bands like The Hu have seen massive breakthrough success, with hits listened to by a fanbase that dwarfs the population of their native country. Jumping in on the train is a new band from those storied steppes, UUHAI.” Why no Fleshgod uuhai.

Bygone – Bygone Review

By Creeping Ivy on January 7, 2026 in Reviews, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Psychedelic Rock, 50 comments

“Being a non-native Bostonian in Beantown allows me to exercise a dispassionate objectivity towards the city’s musical culture. I vicariously experience the pride of housing The Pixies but don’t feel the shame of inhabiting Aerosmith Land. And yet, I’m always curious about local artists who can obliterate this objectivity, making me feel proud of Boston. Bygone, a heavy metal/hard rock sextet, may be able to liberate my revolutionary heart from its Tory shackles.” Wicked haad music.