Glorious as ever, Gloryhammer once again stands tall and pushes through to bring you an album worthy of your attention, Legends from Beyond the Galactic Terrorvortex has it all! What’s to love most about Gloryhammer is that they go for it and put all their energy in it. The musical engine revs up to 11 and continues growing all the way through the album. Gloryhammer is technically competent, with well-timed breaks and proper use of varying vocals and riffs that hold everything together. Perhaps the songs that stand out the most on the album are The Land of Unicorns and The Fires of Ancient Cosmic Destiny, they’re headbangers with impressive crescendo’s which really help showcase the power Angus McFife XIII has as a front man. Not only that, the solos are used to enhance the tracks rather than overwhelm them and this allows for each musician to showcase their competence.

It wouldn’t be a proper review without mentioning the keyboards and fantastic rhythm section as well.  It should be said that after listening to The Fires of Ancient Cosmic Destiny you’ll absolutely want to watch Space Battleship Yamato and Babylon 5. You can tell that this band writes songs together and enjoys what they do. Everyone is riffing off each other and having the time of their life. This album stands with the best of the best from the genre and will hopefully serve to get even more fans into power metal. Finally, the Deluxe version has a symphonic version of the tracks which is perfect for any Dungeons and Dragons campaign, and amazing in its own right! Absolutely worth your time, now to play some Warcraft II.

Thank you to Napalm Records for this opportunity!

GLORYHAMMER – Hootsforce (Official Video) | Napalm Records

 

Death Angel has never sounded better, looked more alive or been more entertaining, and they don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon! During the show Mark Osegueda gave a special shout out to Native Americans and talked about his love of everyone that respects and understands music. Death Angel also filmed footage of the concert. With an incredible performance from all involved at last night’s show, check out the latest photos from Death Angel, Striker and Albuquerque locals Undying Evil and Visions of Death. Death Angel and Striker alone are a formidable force. If you’re craving a Thrash show, this is the one to see!

 

Thank you to Nuclear Blast for extending their hospitality once again.

Death Angel

 

Striker

 

Undying Evil(abq, NM local)

 

Visions of Death

 

Everything about this album is a fun, well-crafted joy that you should listen to and buy. Tanagra(Oregon, USA) is leading the charge in innovation when it comes to prog power, their musicianship is easily apparent in their Sophomore album Meridiem. When I review an album the main thing that I look for is consistency as this shows dedication. Many, many times I’ll get an album that starts off great and then changes tone halfway through, either the style will change or the quality level drops. This begs the question, does the band know what they’re doing? Well, Tanagra definitely does. They’re taking modern power prog concepts and refining them to excellence. My one small critique is that the singer could use a bit more confidence. I feel like, the singer could develop his voice for the arena if he really wanted too, and that’s how I see this band, filling an Arena at a place like Wacken or ProgPower USA. I mean that in the sincerest of compliments.

Tanagra is a visual experience as much as a musical one, give them big lights, a dynamic background a stage and this band will dazzle. As I close my eyes, visualize what a big concert with this band would look like. I see both guitarist walking up to the audience and just melting faces with their incredible shredding ability and technical aptitude, the energy from the album is incredible and I see it transferring easily to the audience. Tanagra has the ability to reach for the stars and change the Prog Power scene like very few bands before them have. Tanagra, I applaud you on this achievement. Tracks of note are, Sydria, Silent Chamber and The Hidden Hand, but the whole album is incredible. Definitely worth listening to their 1^st album as well.

Listen to Sydria

See GENERATION AXE!!!

The Incredible GENERATION AXE entertained Albuquerque, NM last night with an amazing group from the start, to finish. It was a night to remember! When technical aptitude and universal resonance are reached in harmony with light and the very strings of creation, sound and perseverance you get GENERATION AXE. A symphony of masterful talent unlike any other on the planet. No matter what music you’re a fan of, you’ll find something to enjoy here. It’s Generational, wide reaching and all encompassing. I feel that, for such an experience telling you to much about it does a disservice. Simply put, go see it. You will be glad you did. Each artist does an incredible amount of work for charity, buying a ticket helps them continue their quests and livelihood. Enjoy the photos of the show from last night in Albuquerque, NM

Belmont nails it. They have everything you’d want on a punk release. The mixing and sound are excellent, and the band is brimming with creativity. Belmont is comfort food. It sounds like falling asleep after a rough night waking up to a home cooked breakfast by your best friend. Belmont invites you into a lived world and allows you to relax. They hug you and let you know it’s going to be ok. It’s the little touches, such as the engineering choice at the end of “Recluse” and the start of “Write Me Off” that really solidify this album. If people tell you good punk doesn’t exist anymore, let them listen to this.

You don’t need to start off on any specific track, start from the top and enjoy.  I already have this album downloaded and was listening to it while I was out driving today. I found myself nodding my head and smiling as I was listening to it. As for the band members themselves, they’re all great and I’m consistently impressed by Taz Johnson who’s range is excellent. You can tell that this is a band that wants to hear themselves play and allow others to share in that delight.

The one,  the only, the amazing Metalachi with Franks & Deans graces New Mexico once again! This time at the Launchpad in Albuquerque! Photos from the sold out show below!

 

Franks & Deans

 

Photo collection of Gemini Syndrome @Launchpad! On Tour Now!

VIP Acoustic Experience with Gemini Syndrome

 

Code Red Riot(Las Vegas, NV)

Darken The Day(NM, Local)

 

 

Ashes of Jupiter(Abq, Local)

 

*Check back for more photos of the local bands

Hemlock

Almost Lost

 

Southbound

 

*Albuquerque, New Mexico July 18th.