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LATEST CD RATINGS, UPDATED 5-1-13:

Alhambra - Siegfried 4/5 (excellent 4th CD of female fronted Japanese-language power metal with progressive elements; fans of this band need to check out Light Bringer) - CLINT
Anvil - Hope in hell 3.5/5 (their first CD with Cities’ bassist, and it’s still kickin' ass and more like 90s-era style than 'This is thirteen' or 'Juggernaut of justice') - MICHAEL
Atrocity - Okkult 3.5/5 (epic return to the more brutal earlier style, while still incorporating all classical and gothic elements for which they are known) - MICHAEL
Attacker - Giants of Canaan 4.5/5 Attacker Review - KIT
Avantasia - The mystery of time 3.5/5 Avantasia Review - CREAG
Babylon Fire - Dark horizons 3/5 (solid clean/growled modern metal debut with a few power metal elements; perhaps for fans of Mutiny Within or All That Remains) - KIT
Beatallica - Abbey load 3/5 (3rd CD that’s almost a complete cover of Beatles' classics with few mash-ups, and mostly newer Metallica suggestions) - MICHAEL
Betoken - Days of the apocalypse 2/5 (4th CD that’s another heavy/power/gothic metal mix, but just like previous CDs, the songwriting is poor and the band can’t seem to improve) - CLINT
Birth A.D. - I blame you 4.5/5 (by far the best crossover debut to emerge in quite a long time; fans of D.R.I., Excel and Suicidal Tendencies take notice!) - MICHAEL
Blood Stain Child - Epsilon 3.5/5 Blood Stain Child Review - MICHAEL
Bujold - Black robe 3/5 (promising neo-classical power metal debut from Canada; nothing amazing, but it’s really consistent regarding the solid quality) - CLINT
Civilization One - Calling the gods 2.5/5 Civilization One Review - CREAG
Deadlands - Evilution 3.5/5 Deadlands Review - SEAN
Eclipse Prophecy - Days of judgement 3.5/5 Eclipse Prophecy Review - CLINT
Envinya - Inner silence 4/5 Envinya Review - SEAN
Fallacy (The) - Love division 4/5 Fallacy Review - CLINT
F.K.U. - 4: Rise of the mosh mongers 3/5 (4th CD that’s their debut for Napalm Records; a step back, but still humorous and similar to Gama Bomb, S.O.D. and Midas Touch) - MICHAEL
Fozzy - Sin and bones 3/5 (5th CD that’s more modern, slick and radio-friendly than past efforts; the epic “Storm the beaches” rules, however) - KIT
Ghosthill - Flying through imagination 4/5 (fantastic 2nd CD with a new/better female vocalist and more symphonic elements with their power metal; reminds me of Gwyllion) - CLINT
Heimdall - Aenied 4/5 (Italian power metal band finally returns with an awesome 5th CD, but ‘The almighty’ is probably still my favorite thus far) - CLINT
Ignitor - Year of the metal tiger 3.5/5 (musically awesome true/classic metal from Texas, but J. McMaster’s painful shrieks detract) - KIT
King Misfit - Under ancient ground 4/5 (well done melodic metal debut with progressive/power metal elements; like a blend of Masterplan, Circle II Circle and Cloudscape) - CLINT
Lanewin - Eclectic tour 3/5 (good 2nd CD of female fronted symphonic power metal with some gothic elements too; slight improvement over the debut) - CLINT
Masterstroke - Broken 3/5 (4th CD of Finnish heavy/power metal, and it has the band going in a heavier and more modern direction; solid, but I prefer their previous CDs) - CLINT
Minstrelix - Tales of historia 4/5 (fantastic 3rd CD of Japanese power metal; female vocalist has been replaced by Leo Figaro of Dreamstoria, Marchen Station and Eyes of Fenrir) - CLINT
Mourning Divine - Lost at the end of the world 4/5 Mourning Divine Review - CLINT
Mysterya - Symbiont 4/5 (terrific female fronted Russian-language symphonic metal debut; the Russian answer to Within Temptation, Delain, Ansottica, Leaves’ Eyes, etc.) - CLINT
Nightmare (Fra) - The burden of God 3.5/5 (pounding dark metal with soaring anthemic/melodic choruses; in line with their recent CDs or recent Rage) - KIT
Pessimist - Death from above 3.5/5 (impressive German thrash for fans of Essence, Accuser, Sodom, Necronomicon, etc.; their 2nd CD) - MICHAEL
Phantom (Rus) - The day of reckoning 4/5 (killer Russian-language traditional heavy/power metal debut a la Aria, Olvy, Magistr, Krilya, Gran-Kurazh, Obereg, Epoha and Blind Rover) - CLINT
Prowler - After you 3.5/5 Prowler Review - KIT
Prowlers (The) - Point of no return 4/5 (excellent 4th CD from this progressive power metal band; similar to their previous few CDs, in all areas) - CLINT
Red Rose - On the cusp of change 2.5/5 (decent 2nd CD of melodic metal with a few highlights, but much of it is too light for me and most of the songs aren’t very memorable) - CLINT
Sacred Steel - The bloodshed summoning 4/5 Sacred Steel Review - CRAIG
Sodom - Epitome of torture 3.5/5 (near excellent return with a new drummer, in the vein of 'Agent orange', 'Tapping the vein’ and 'Get what you deserve') - MICHAEL
Soothsayer - Troops of hate 3/5 (sophomore and comeback CD with more crust and punk elements, but it’s not as catchy as the debut) - MICHAEL
Stargate - Beyond space and time 4.5/5 (amazing progressive/power metal debut like Pathosray, Pagan’s Mind, Illusion Suite, Mirrormaze, Circus Maximus, Seventh Wonder, etc.) - CLINT
Stormrider - The path of salvation 4/5 (a perfect marriage of Iced Earth meets German traditional metal, they deliver their 3rd and best CD wrapped in a ‘Divine Comedy’ concept) - KIT
Suicidal Tendencies - 13 3.5/5 (Los Angeles thrash/crossover band is back with some new elements, but still cyco and slammin' as one would expect) - MICHAEL
Superchrist - Holy shit 3.5/5 (satisfying mixture of High Spirits catchiness with Motorhead dirty aggression; their 6th CD) - KIT
Vanlade - Iron Age 3.5/5 (really cool U.S. true metal debut with strong vocals, great songs and speed; sadly, the production and mix are horrific) - KIT
Weeping Silence - For the unsung 4/5 Weeping Silence Review - CHRIS


PREVIOUS CD RATINGS, UPDATED 4-1-13:

Air Raid - Night of the axe 4/5 Air Raid Review - KIT
Ambcrave - Mind on sale 3/5 (diverse Norwegian dark metal indy debut that has me thinking of a more epic Hollow; good, but quirky, stuff) - KIT
Bakken - Death of a hero 3.5/5 (debut that’s a cool Irish thrash/power metal hybrid; like a more power metal Reign of Fury, with Hetfieldish vocals) - KIT
Balflare - Downpour 3.5/5 (4th CD of Japanese power metal; musically it’s excellent and similar to the best stuff from Stratovarius and Sonata Arctica, but the vocals are just okay) - CLINT
Beer Bear - Beyond the invisible line 3.5/5 (very enjoyable 2nd CD of Russian-language folk metal, and it’s a bit better than the debut; surely the Russian answer to Korpiklaani) - CLINT
Blood Dancer - s/t 3/5 (traditional heavy/power metal debut from the U.S. that’s solid in all areas; fans of Wolf will probably dig it the most) - CLINT
Blood Tsunami - For faen! 3.5/5 (Norwegian thrashers return with an aggressive 3rd CD in the style of Slaughter, Merciless and Aggressor) - MICHAEL
Chrome Molly - Gunpowder diplomacy 3/5 (NWOBHM act bring back the angst with more rockin' anthems for fans of Demon, Tygers of Pan Tang, Saracen, Savage, etc.) - MICHAEL
Coma - Mindless 3/5 (Italian blackened thrash debut with modern elements; similar to Ultra-Violence, Deathraiser, Hell's Thrash Horsemen, 23rd Grade of Evil, etc.) - MICHAEL
Dalriada - Napisten hava 3.5/5 (Hungarian-language folk/power metal band is back with their female and clean male vocals; quite good, but their CDs are too similar to each other) - CLINT
Deathraiser - Violent aggression 2.5/5 (average Brazilian thrash debut with very little originality, but may appeal to fans of Dead Head, Hypnosia, or Morbid Saint) - MICHAEL
Dimicandum - The legacy of Gaia 3.5/5 (surprisingly strong gothic metal debut from Ukraine with harsh/clean vocal mix; Paradise Lost fans should dig this) - KIT
Elyose - Theogyne 4.5/5 Elyose Review - CHRIS
Forcentury - Revelant 4/5 (outstanding 2nd CD of melodic power metal with a progressive edge in spots; continues where the debut left off and is highly recommended) - CLINT
Gama Bomb - The terror tapes 3.5/5 (Ireland's crossover legends return after a 4 year hiatus with a solid 4th CD a la F.K.U., Municipal Waste, Tankard, D.R.I. and Birth A.D.) - MICHAEL
Gloryhammer - Tales from the kingdom of fife 3.5/5 (Alestorm’s Chris Bowes’ project, which has much more in common with Rhapsody of Fire than with his band of pirates) - MICHAEL
Great Master - Serenissima 4.5/5 Great Master Review - CLINT
Hammered - The beginning 3.5/5 (Italian power/thrash debut with promise; similar to Sabotage, Bud Tribe, Hyades and maybe Mesmerized; includes a Dream Theater cover) - MICHAEL
Hanging Doll - The sacred and profane 2.5/5 (disappointing 2nd CD of symphonic/gothic metal with “beauty and the beast” vocals; lacks catchy songs, and isn’t at the debut’s level) - CLINT
Heavatar - All my kingdoms 3.5/5 Heavatar Review - SEAN
Holy Grail - Ride the void 4.5/5 Holy Grail Review - CRAIG
Imperial Age - Turn the sun off! 4/5 (powerful symphonic power metal debut from Russia but sung in English, and it contains the crunch and heaviness of Catharsis) - CLINT
Indespair - Time to wake up 4/5 Indespair Review - KIT
Judicator - King of Rome 3.5/5 Judicator Review - CLINT
Light Bringer - Genesis 4/5 (excellent 3rd CD from this female fronted Japanese-language power metal band; just about at the level of the previous ‘Midnight circus’) - CLINT
Lord - Digital lies 4.5/5 Lord Review - SEAN
Lost Society - Fast loud death 3/5 (Finnish thrash debut with some punk elements and is comparable to Mortillery, Gama Bomb, Mantic Ritual, Warbringer, etc.) - MICHAEL
Marchen Station - Cocktail of dream 3.5/5 (unique but impressive Japanese power metal debut; features vocalist Leo Figaro from Dreamstoria and Eyes of Fenrir) - CLINT
Masquerade (The) - Redemption 3/5 Masquerade Review - CREAG
Petrucci, Maxine - Back to the garden 3/5 (3rd CD with a new vocalist and members of Miles Beyond; for fans of Sledge Leather, Chastain, Meldrum, Phantom Blue, etc.) - MICHAEL
Raven Lord - Descent to the underworld 3.5/5 (all-star debut with Joe Stump, which reminds me of Vicious Rumours, Helstar, Killing Machine, Reign of Terror, etc.) - MICHAEL
Sanctuaire - L'empreinte de Lucifer 2/5 (occult, dirty, under-produced French-language metal debut like Mercyful Fate meets Venom, but the songs just aren't there) - KIT
Sky of Rage - s/t 3.5/5 (well-written melodic heavy metal debut from Denmark sounding very much like a more modern Astral Doors) - KIT
Slippery - First blow 3/5 (respectable melodic/hair metal debut from Brazil with gritty vocals, over-long songs, and a Demon cover tune) - KIT
Stratovarius - Nemesis 4.5/5 (stunning CD from this extra-popular power metal band; I like their previous ‘Elysium’ and ‘Polaris’ a lot, but this is their best in 15 years) - CLINT
Transnight - The big rip 2/5 Transnight Review - MICHAEL
23rd Grade of Evil - Bad men do what good men dream 3/5 (thrash band’s 2nd CD; fans of Scornage, Savage Messiah, Accuser, and perhaps Poltergeist may like this) - MICHAEL
Victorians - Revival 4/5 Victorians Review - CLINT
Witchgrave - s/t 4/5 Witchgrave Review - CREAG


PREVIOUS CD RATINGS, UPDATED 3-1-13:

Ancara - Chasing shadows 2.5/5 (fairly decent 3rd CD from this melodic metal band, but some of the songs are more in the realm of melodic rock and too light for me) - CLINT
Arkham Witch - Legions of the deep 3.5/5 (intriguing British stew of quirky leaden doom meets NWOBHM vibes and even the occasional near-thrash foray; their 2nd CD) - KIT
Armonight - Tales from the heart 3.5/5 Armonight Review - CLINT
Asylum Pyre - Fifty years later 3/5 (2nd CD from this diverse band with both female and clean male vocals, but it’s perhaps too diverse and the debut is more memorable) - CLINT
Awaken Solace - In nightfall’s embrace 4/5 Awaken Solace Review - CLINT
Axecuter - Metal is invincible 3/5 (Brazilian old-school heavy metal debut that’s an Inferno Records release; similar to Mpire of Evil, Ostrogoth, Tank and Holocaust) - MICHAEL
Butterfly Temple - Breath 3/5 (8th CD of festive majestic folksy progressive pagan metal with harsh raspy vocals but no clean vocals this time; they’re running out of ideas) - CHRIS
Cellbound - Monstrum 3.5/5 (2nd CD of improved thrash/metalcore like Edge of Attack, All That Remains and Sister Sin, with brutal male and clean female vocals) - MICHAEL
Circle II Circle - Seasons will fall 3.5/5 (popular melodic/heavy metal band is back with a strong 6th CD, which contains some welcomed similarities to Savatage) - CLINT
Conquest (Ukr) - IV 3.5/5 (great 4th CD of Ukrainian power metal with English lyrics; very consistent with their other CDs and it reminds me a lot of the band Sunrise) - CLINT
Crusher - Endless torment 3/5 (debut that’s a crossover appeal with a Slayer cover; for fans of Excel, Mayhem, early English Dogs and later Soothsayer) - MICHAEL
Deadly Assassin - The metal knights 3.5/5 (suspicious Nasty Savage inclinations for this act who sound like Sentinel Beast, Satan's Host, Screamer and Deadly Blessing) - MICHAEL
Disarm Goliath - Born to rule 3/5 (U.K. act channel early Anthrax and Armored Saint, and not so much In Flames as their name would indicate; their 2nd CD) - MICHAEL
Eluveitie - Helvetios 2.5/5 (exhausting 17-track 5th CD where worthwhile organic folk melodies are wasted on increasingly generic Gothenburg-derived songs) - CREAG
Eradikator - Dystopia 4/5 (superb 80s style thrash debut from the U.K. that's like a more straight-thrash Reign of Fury; there’s a big Xentrix influence too) - KIT
Evershine - Renewal 4/5 (terrific Italian power metal debut that’s highly recommended to those who loved Italian power metal around the year 2000) - CLINT
Grimlord - V-Column 2.5/5 Grimlord Review - KIT
Hatriot - Heroes of origin 4/5 (debut that has Zetro returning with his sons and delivering the Exodus CD we’ve all been waiting for, so patiently!) - MICHAEL
Helker - Somewhere in the circle 4/5 Helker Review - SEAN
Helreidh - Fragmenta 3/5 (solid but way overdue 3rd CD from this Italian progressive power metal band; similar to Night Cloud’s debut ‘Defeated by the innocents’) - CLINT
Hurlement - De sang et d'acier 3.5/5 (good French true metal debut in the style of Lonewolf, with nods to Killers, Manilla Road, Jag Panzer and others) - KIT
Infinity Fall - s/t 3.5/5 (worthy power metal debut from Buffalo, NY, sporting good songs and a classic/modern mix) - KIT
Inner Shrine - Mediceo 2.5/5 (4th CD of gothic/symphonic metal with mostly female vocals, but clean male vocals too; really slow/light, though nice if in the right mood) - CLINT
Kerion - Cloudriders part 1 4/5 (excellent 3rd CD of female fronted symphonic/neo-classical power metal; like a blend of Auspex, Ancient Bards and early Dark Moor) - CLINT
King of Asgard - To north 3.5/5 King of Asgard Review - CREAG
Kipelov - Live against 4/5 Kipelov Review - KIT
Lights of Nightmares - s/t 3/5 Lights of Nightmares Review - CLINT
Lordi - To beast or not too beast 3.5/5 (Finnish monsters return with a re-vamped line-up and not as infectious anthems, but it still rocks the hell out of you; their 6th CD) - MICHAEL
Magica - Center of the great unknown 3.5/5 (catchy 6th CD from this female fronted gothic/symphonic/power metal band, but their previous ‘Dark diary’ is my favorite so far) - CLINT
Magistr - God of deception 3.5/5 (4th CD of Russian-language heavy/power metal; quite good, but it doesn’t have as many highlights as their previous CDs) - CLINT
Majesty of Revival - Through reality 3.5/5 Majesty of Revival Review - CLINT
Nachtgeschrei - Ardeo 3/5 (another offering of decent but unspectacular folk metal/rock; their 3rd CD, and it’s the final CD with their original singer) - CREAG
Nameless Crime - Modus operandi 1/5 (a once-decent thrash/power metal band has sadly morphed into vile alternative rock trash with this 3rd CD; avoid at all costs) - CREAG
Nightmare (Col) - About to explode 4/5 (awesome traditional metal comparable to Riot, Raven, Overdrive and The Rods; their 2nd CD) - MICHAEL
Overdrive - The angelmaker’s daughter 3.5/5 Overdrive Review - MICHAEL
Palacios, Alberto - We are the opera 3.5/5 Palacios, Alberto Review - CREAG
Ram-Page - Blooming rust 1/5 (2nd CD of blackened thrash that’s shorter than an EP, with a horrible production, weak songs, and unappealing modern elements) - MICHAEL
Revengeance - End of salvation 3/5 (Texas youngsters' brand of melodic metal recalls early ASKA in spots, and it’s good; their 2nd CD) - KIT
Rocka Rollas - The war of steel has begun 4.5/5 (fantastic screaming, high-speed traditional metal debut strongly influenced by Riot's 'Thundersteel' and the 80s German masters) - KIT
Rygel - Imminent 3.5/5 (their debut is melodic/progressive power metal like Angra, but this 2nd CD has a heavier and more modern sound kinda like Brainstorm; strong stuff) - CLINT
Silvercast - Chaos engines 4/5 Silvercast Review - CHRIS
Steel Raiser III - Regeneration 3/5 (Sicilian steel for fans of Steel Engraved, Metalium, Primal Fear, Iron Knights, and so on; their 2nd CD) - MICHAEL
Tellus Requiem - Invictus 2.5/5 (okay melodic/progressive/power metal that’s not very memorable and I don’t really like the vocalist; their 2nd CD) - CLINT
Thor - Thunderstryke 3/5 (long-running Canadian king of muscle rock explores his 70s influences while maintaining his image) - MICHAEL
3 Inches of blood - Long live heavy metal 4/5 (I know it's fashionable to slag these guys, but this is another killer slab of true, wailing metal; their 5th CD) - KIT
Torment - The damage is done 3/5 (Italian thrashers on EBM Records channel all originators, with some element of promise and blackened vocals; their 2nd CD) - MICHAEL
Troy - Hymn of believing in love 4.5/5 (spectacular 3rd CD from this amazing Russian-language power metal band; all 3 of their CDs are some of the best in the style/language!) - CLINT
Victorius - The awakening 4/5 Victorius Review - MICHAEL


PREVIOUS CD RATINGS, UPDATED 2-1-13:

ADX - Immortel 3/5 (French thrashers try to be heavy, and not as fast imitating Paradox and Paragon, but also Killers and Evil One; their 8th CD) - MICHAEL
Amethys - Gallery of lives 3/5 (French progressive power metal with male/female vocals and symphonic bits, and it’s on the lightweight side; their 3rd CD) - KIT
Amon Amarth - Surtur rising 3.5/5 (viking Swedes elucidate the living myths; musically this 8th CD isn’t as good as past efforts, but the cover tracks have merit) - MICHAEL
Ancient Myth - Akashic 3.5/5 Ancient Myth Review - CLINT
Anger as Art - Hubris Inc. 3.5/5 (Steve Gaines gathers his Abattoir clan and even Betsy Bitch to bring back that combat thrash aesthetic; their 4th CD) - MICHAEL
Anvil - Juggernaut of justice 4/5 (heavy metal band’s excellent comeback CD with jazzy and Cajun vibes, showcasing what these Canadians can do) - MICHAEL
Arsenite - Ashes of the declined 3.5/5 (great Swedish thrash debut similar to Guillotine, Savage Messiah, and the faster songs by Anvil) - MICHAEL
Asgard (Ita) - The seal of madness 4/5 (debut of exhilarating Italian melodic speed metal magic with high-pitched vocals) - KIT
Attic - The invocation 3/5 (debut that’s total early King Diamond worship, with falsetto vocals; for fans of Portrait, In Solitude, A Tortured Soul, etc.) - MICHAEL
Bloodbound - In the name of metal 3.5/5 (5th CD from this heavy/power metal band; there are a handful of really catchy songs, but some songs are fairly basic and merely solid) - CLINT
Bonded by Blood - The aftermath 3/5 (their 3rd CD, but line-up changes have hurt this once promising act, who have lost their ingenuity - bring back Fueled by Fire!) - MICHAEL
Bullet (Swe) - Full pull 3/5 (now signed to Nuclear Blast Records, I expected more from this 4th CD, but this style is growing lackluster and tedious) - MICHAEL
Cauldron - Tomorrow’s lost 3/5 (3rd CD that’s another lackluster outing from these Canadians who wish they were as good as Widow, Twisted Tower Dire and ASKA) - MICHAEL
Children of Bodom - Relentless reckless forever 3/5 (their 7th CD, and once again, it doesn’t have the momentum of some of their past efforts) - MICHAEL
Cinnamun Beloved - The weird moment 3/5 (pleasant female fronted symphonic gothic metal debut with both atmospheric and bombastic songs; like recent Within Temptation) - CHRIS
Concrete Force - Mental enforcers 3/5 (debut from Greek speed/thrash metal duo who keep the pedal to the metal, with a touch of punk in their old-school attack) - KIT
Crimson Rivers - Sorrowful hell 2.5/5 (frequently busy and monotonous “beauty and beast” symphonic dark metal debut with pretty female vocals that sometimes go flat) - CHRIS
Cyntia - Endless world 4/5 Cyntia Review - CLINT
Demon - Unbroken 3.5/5 (NWOBHM legends return with a solid rock CD that will appeal to fans of Tokyo Blade, Savage and Tank, but also Asia) - MICHAEL
Dethklok - Dethalbum III 2.5/5 (their 3rd CD, and the novelty has worn thin; the songs are mediocre and not as good as on the first 2 CDs, but the show is still funny!) - MICHAEL
Dimlight - Psychosynthesis 3.5/5 (2nd CD of darkly dramatic and ominous yet catchy blackened symphonic gothic metal with soaring female vocals and harsh black vocals) - CHRIS
Division - Control issues 3.5/5 (strong 4th CD from Virginia traditional metal stalwarts; more modern influences this time, but the superb guitar work remains intact) - KIT
Dr. Living Dead - Radioactive intervention 3/5 (2nd CD from suicidal Swedes who have that tendency to sound more like Nuclear Assault this time) - MICHAEL
Dragon Guardian - Sacred sword chronicles graphics 2.5/5 (decent 6th CD of Japanese female fronted symphonic power metal; they’ve switched back to Japanese lyrics) - CLINT
Dreamstoria - s/t 4/5 Dreamstoria Review - CLINT
Ecliptyka - A tale of decadence 3.5/5 Ecliptyka Review - CLINT
Edge of Attack - s/t 4.5/5 Edge of Attack Review - KIT
Elendira - Innocent age 4.5/5 (wonderful Japanese-language melodic/symphonic power metal debut with a nice balance of tempo, and both female and clean male vocals) - CLINT
Endoras - The dark legacy 3.5/5 Endoras Review - CLINT
Enforcer - Death by fire 3.5/5 (3rd CD but their debut for Nuclear Blast Records; not as strong as 'Diamonds', but still well worth the investment) - MICHAEL
Fullforce - Next level 3.5/5 (2nd CD from this melodic metal band with Mike Andersson of Cloudscape/Planet Alliance on vocals; great stuff, but I like the debut just a bit more) - CLINT
Galneryus - Angel of Salvation 5/5 Galneryus Review - CLINT
Gumomaniacs - Priest of Lucifer 3/5 (well-executed, typical German thrash debut that, while good, may not stand out in a crowded scene) - KIT
Hagalma - Sublevacion 2.5/5 (Colombian progressive/power metal debut with Spanish lyrics, a mix of styles, and a subpar production; a work in progress) - KIT
Helloween - Straight out of hell 4/5 (while the song titles make you wonder if the band is writing lyrics with babelfish, the music is as strong as any CD from the Deris era) - CRAIG
Hysterica - The art of metal 3/5 (2nd CD that’s not as strong, over the top and Manowarish as the debut; more in the vein of Arch Enemy and Sister Sin) - MICHAEL
Inner Siege - Kingdom of shadows 4.5/5 Inner Siege Review - CRAIG
Kingsbane - s/t 3.5/5 (highly regarded compilation that’s a demo collection of early-90s U.S. progressive metal in the vein of old Fates Warning, Heir Apparent, etc.) - KIT
Liv Moon - Symphonic moon 3.5/5 Liv Moon Review - CLINT
Machinage - It makes us hate 4/5 Machinage Review - KIT
Maledia - She and her darkness 2.5/5 (debut of solid but non-descript symphonic gothic metal with nice female vocals but annoying rough male vocals) - CHRIS
Masquerage - Backstabber 4/5 Masquerage Review - MICHAEL
Matos, Andre - The turn of the lights 3.5/5 (3rd CD from the popular Brazilian vocalist, but while it’s really good, it’s perhaps too light in spots and I like his first 2 CDs more) - CLINT
Mehida - The eminent storm 2/5 (moody, melancholy and subdued Scandinavian rock/metal with electronic elements and Thomas Vikstrom on vocals; their 2nd CD) - KIT
Memorain - Evolution 3.5/5 (Athenians modernize while still channeling Shatter Messiah, Annihilator and Megadeth, with help from Dave Ellefson; their 4th CD) - MICHAEL
Metal Force - Metal rebirth 3.5/5 (impressive, unheralded U.S. true/power metal debut with screaming vocals and fine guitar work) - KIT
Mob Rules - Cannibal nation 4.5/5 (superb 7th CD of melodic power metal, which stays true to the band’s signature style and still maintains the extra-high level of quality) - CLINT
Moonspell - Alpha noir 3.5/5 (2-disc release with one being more blackish death metal and the other being more gothic rock; their 9th CD) - MICHAEL
Mors Principium Est - And death said live 3.5/5 (4th CD, but with a revamped line-up; solid melodic death metal a la In Flames, Carcass, Children of Bodom, etc.) - MICHAEL
Mortalicum - The endtime prophecy 4/5 (fantastic rockin' doom/NWOBHM from Sweden that recent Grand Magus fans should love; their 2nd CD) - KIT
Mythodea - s/t 4/5 Mythodea Review - SEAN
Natur - Head of death 4/5 Natur Review - CREAG
Omega Crom - Blood, steel & fire 3.5/5 (crazy, epic and over the top power-thrashing death debut for fans of Crimson Shadows, 3 Inches of Blood, etc.) - MICHAEL
Ostura - Ashes of the reborn 4/5 Ostura Review - SEAN
Outloud - Love catastrophe 3.5/5 (2nd CD that’s a rockin' release by Firewind members; comparable to Love.Might.Kill. and Gun Barrel) - MICHAEL
Paradise Lost - Tragic idol 3/5 (almost a true return to form from this doom metal band, but like My Dying Bride, they will never be what they once were) - MICHAEL
Paragon - Force of destruction 4/5 (another awesome CD from this thundering German power metal band; certainly one of the band’s better CDs) - CLINT
Picture - Warhorse 3.5/5 (traditional/heavy metal band’s quality comeback, but with some modern elements; similar to Overdrive, Savage, Saracen and recent Tank) - MICHAEL
Pink Cream 69 - Ceremonial 2.5/5 (heavy, modern, and not as fun or catchy as their better CDs; similar to Mob Rules, Shakra and Brainstorm) - MICHAEL
Pirana - Corruption 2.5/5 (2nd CD of mediocre, noisy Mexican thrash that's got some good riffs, but is overall way too paint-by-numbers; for genre completists only) - KIT
Porridgeface (The) - Eyes on the betrayer 5/5 Porridgeface Review - MICHAEL
Repent - Vortex of violence 2/5 (3rd CD that’s awful modern thrash like Dew-Scented, Hatesphere, etc., but with no melody, talent or focus) - MICHAEL
Rods (The) - Vengeance 3.5/5 (killer comeback with everything one would expect from Gary Bordonaro, Carl Canedy and Mr. Feinstein; the original N.Y. rockers) - MICHAEL
Saratoga - Nemesis 3.5/5 (near excellent Spanish-language power metal that’s faster than Baron Rojo, and similar to early Heavens Gate and Avalanch; their 9th CD) - MICHAEL
Scelerata - The sniper 3.5/5 (3rd CD from this Brazilian power metal band and it’s their best to date, with improved songwriting; fans of Angra should definitely check it out) - CLINT
Scornage - Reafearance 3.5/5 (4th CD that delivers a brutal bombardment of modern thrash with death metal influences in a frenzied fury; their most consistent CD to date) - SEAN
Screamer (Swe) - Phoenix 3.5/5 (Swedes return with their 2nd CD, and while it’s not as strong as the debut, it’s still for fans of Enforcer, Black Rose, Steelwing, etc.) - MICHAEL
Secret Sphere - Portrait of a dying heart 3.5/5 (7th CD of Italian power metal and it’s their first with popular vocalist Michele Luppi; fairly consistent with their other CDs) - CLINT
Sepultura - Kairos 3/5 (the band’s debut with Nuclear Blast Records cannot compare to Cavalera Conspiracy’s ‘Blunt force trauma’, but the Ministry cover is good) - MICHAEL
Shoggoth - The age of terror 3/5 (modern Italian thrash debut with some hints of Sepultura and Sacred Reich, but mostly Pantera and Machine Head) - MICHAEL
Sin Deadly Sin - Fall from heaven 3/5 (debut of modern somewhat commercial female fronted melodic metal with gothic touches; like a blend of Delain and Lacuna Coil) - CHRIS
Sinner - One bullet left 3.5/5 (near excellent CD with even more Thin Lizzyisms, but it’s still rockin' and ragin', and definitely for fans of Voodoo Circle) - MICHAEL
Sixx A.M. - This is gonna hurt 3.5/5 (Motley Crue bassist takes his past heroin addiction and uses it to pen metal melodies with more commercial artists; their 2nd CD) - MICHAEL
Skywings - Grace grade 4/5 (outstanding Japanese-language symphonic power metal like Versailles and Hizaki Grace Project; their 2nd CD, and it’s better than the debut) - CLINT
Solisia - Universeasons 3.5/5 (2nd CD of great epic/bombastic high-energy progressive metal with a new and much better female vocalist) - CHRIS
Sonic Pulse - Lager than life 3.5/5 (debut of beer-soaked melodic power thrashing goodness with King Fowley-esque vocals; features Gamma Ray and Demoniac covers) - KIT
Spring and Autumn - s/t 2.5/5 (Chinese-language experimental progressive power metal debut with ethnic accents; too exotic and unconventional for me) - KIT
Terra Sur - Hasta la victoria 3.5/5 Terra Sur Review - CREAG
Tourniquet - Antiseptic bloodbath 3.5/5 (5th CD with Luke Easter, and it’s in the vein of 'Microscopic view of a telescopic realm' and ‘Where moth and rust destroy’) - MICHAEL
Triaxis - Rage and retribution 4/5 (excellent 2nd CD of female fronted traditional/heavy metal similar to Phoenix Reign, Crystal Viper, Rampart, Venia, Seventh Seal, etc.) - CLINT
Trick or Treat - Rabbits' hill pt. 1 3.5/5 (power metal band’s 3rd CD that’s an awesome concept based on Watership Down, with guest appearance by Andre Matos) - MICHAEL
Triddana - Ripe for rebellion 3.5/5 Triddana Review - CREAG
Versailles - s/t 4/5 Versailles Review - CLINT
Voivod - Target earth 3.5/5 (life endures beyond Piggy, and this CD re-captures everything for which they are known, and then even transcends that) - MICHAEL
Whyzdom - Blind? 3.5/5 (2nd CD of female fronted symphonic metal; features a new vocalist, but just like the debut, something about the songwriting doesn’t totally grab me) - CLINT
Wildestarr - A tell tale heart 3/5 (2nd CD from this female fronted heavy/power metal band; there are some great songs, but there are a handful of average songs as well) - CLINT


PREVIOUS CD RATINGS, UPDATED 12-1-12:

Aquarius (The) - Time to reach 3.5/5 (2nd CD of Russian-language symphonic power metal; an improvement over the debut regarding the songwriting, and it’s quite catchy) - CLINT
Arthemis - We fight 3/5 (Italian band’s 7th CD, and it’s mid-paced/modern heavy metal like the previous ‘Heroes’; has some good songs, but this style doesn’t do much for me) - CLINT
Ashent - Inheritance 2.5/5 (okay 3rd CD of progressive metal with occasional speed, but it’s lighter than their first 2 CDs and fails at greatly grabbing my attention) - CLINT
Aura Noir - Out to die 3/5 (Norwegian retro-thrashers return with a blasting old-school appeal for fans of Inferno, Nifelheim, Agressor, Midnight, etc.; their 5th CD) - MICHAEL
Battalion - Set the phantom afire 3/5 (2nd CD from this Swiss band that blends traditional power metal and thrash, with fairly successful results; could please fans of both styles) - CLINT
Benevolence - God 3/5 (debut of operatic choral classical music with passages of crunchy guitars and fast drumming; like Haggard, but with all clean vocals) - CHRIS
Blacksmith - Time out of mind 3/5 Blacksmith Review - MICHAEL
Castle - Blacklands 3.5/5 (mystical, fuzzed-out, female fronted proto-metal from San Francisco that should appeal to Christian Mistress fans; their 2nd CD) - KIT
Concerto Moon - Savior never cry 3/5 (solid CD from this established Japanese power metal band; has a new vocalist, but he’s not as special as their long-time Takashi Inoue) - CLINT
Custard - Infested by anger 3/5 Custard Review - CREAG
Dama - Eirwen 4/5 Dama Review - CHRIS
Destruction - Spiritual genocide 3.5/5 (30 years of eternal devastation and they still deliver those punishing thrash anthems we so cherish) - MICHAEL
Dogbane - Residual Alcatraz 3.5/5 Dogbane Review - KIT
Doro - Raise your fist 3.5/5 (her best CD in a while features several guests and solid songs, which make this metal queen reign again) - MICHAEL
Elegy of Madness - The bridge of sighs 2.5/5 (debut of pleasant though sometimes tedious lightly progressive gothic metal with expressive but occasionally quirky female vocals) - CHRIS
Elvenking - Era 3.5/5 (7th CD from this Italian band; a blend of melodic metal, power metal and folk, with some really nice melodies and well done choruses) - CLINT
Enchantya - Dark rising 3/5 (debut of Portuguese female fronted gothic/symphonic metal with “beauty and the beast” vocals; decent, but quite inconsistent and bland in parts) - SEAN
Enid - Munsalvaesche 4/5 (symphonic gothic/power metal with extended acoustic classical passages and superb deep, warm operatic baritone male vocals; their 5th CD) - CHRIS
Fiakra - Invasion 3/5 (crunchy U.S. true metal debut from New Jersey with some cool songs, a sprinkling of keys, and super-muddy production) - KIT
Fogalord - A legend to believe in 4/5 Fogalord Review - SEAN
Gone in April - We are but human 3.5/5 (female fronted gothic/power metal debut similar to Elis, Leaves’ Eyes, Angtoria and Midnattsol, but also Crysalys musically in spots) - CLINT
Heavenfall (Ger) - 7 sins 3.5/5 (really good progressive power metal debut with catchy songs, and it’s definitely recommended to major fans of Lanfear) - CLINT
Heidevolk - Batavi 4/5 (4th CD of unique dual-voiced Dutch-language folk metal that's a touch darker/heavier than previous output, but still killer) - KIT
Ilium - Genetic memory 4/5 (Australian dark power metal masters deliver another stirring CD featuring Mike DiMeo on lead vocals; their 5th CD) - KIT
Infinitus Mortus - The conspiracy of love 3.5/5 Infinitus Mortus Review - CLINT
Kamelot - Silverthorn 4.5/5 Kamelot Review - CLINT
Kill Devil Hill - s/t 3.5/5 (ex-Pantera bassist Rex Brown’s band featuring Vinny Appice; a memorable debut with southern rock/metal influences that Pantera fans would enjoy) - SEAN
Korpiklaani - Manala 3/5 (latest Folk offering available in both native Finnish and English, and more like Finntroll or Einherjer, and less like Tyr or Turisas) - MICHAEL
Lich King - Born of the bomb 3.5/5 (4th CD with a total old-school feel similar to early Nuclear Assault, Sadus, Vio-lence and Forbidden; includes an Agent Steel cover) - MICHAEL
Love.Might.Kill - 2 big to fail 4/5 (2nd CD that’s an improvement over the debut; excellent and pulverising slab of melodic heavy metal with 80s hard rock/hair metal elements) - SEAN
Mistress - Brains and bruises 3/5 Mistress Review - KIT
Necronomicon - Revenge of the beast 3/5 (6th CD from veteran German thrashers worshiping Destruction and Sodom; many songs are just okay though) - KIT
Overlorde SR - Medieval metal too 3.5/5 (very cool U.S. traditional metal 80s compilation from NC; if only the band had recorded more material) - KIT
Pascual, German - A new beginning 4/5 Pascual, German Review - SEAN
Randomorder - The forbidden knowledge 3.5/5 (very good debut of Aussie old-school thrash with explosive riffs and fast songs; for fans of 80s/modern thrash metal) - SEAN
Raven Tide - Echoes of wonder 3/5 (debut of pleasant, lightly rocking guitar-driven gothic metal with nice female vocals, quite similar to recent Autumn) - CHRIS
Reinxeed - Welcome to the theater 4/5 (easily their best to date with improvements across the board, boasting energetic symphonic power metal with neo-classical elements) - SEAN
Rosa Infra - Change of scenery 4/5 (debut of heavy, crunchy, busy and very catchy Russian-language gothic metal with unusually deep, warm, dramatic baritone male vocals) - CHRIS
Silencer - The great bear 4/5 Silencer Review - CRAIG
Souls of Diotima - What remains of the day 3.5/5 (dynamic, bombastic, quite engaging guitar-driven progressive metal with confident but accented female vocals; their 2nd CD) - CHRIS
Thunderstick - Echoes from the analogue asylum 3/5 Thunderstick Review - CREAG
Triptykon - Eparistera daimones 4/5 (massive, crushingly heavy death/doom/gothic metal debut, and a perfect continuation of Celtic Frost's 'Monotheist') - CREAG
Vanderbuyst - Flying Dutchmen 3/5 (3rd CD that takes a step back and is more 70s rockin' than 80s ragin'; for fans of White Wizzard, Skull Fist and Tygers of Pan Tang) - MICHAEL
Vikont - Not to conquer fate! 3.5/5 (another impressive Russian-language heavy/power metal debut with excellent vocals; will certainly satisfy fans of the language/style) - CLINT
Well of Souls - Sorrow my name 3.5/5 Well of Souls Review - KIT
Wind Rose - Shadows over Lothadruin 3.5/5 (well done Italian progressive power metal debut that doesn’t have a ton of speed, but it’s catchy and surely recommended) - CLINT
Zeno Morf - Wings of madness 3/5 (good if unexciting 2nd CD of British-style traditional power metal from Norway; the bland vocals could use more charisma and range) - TOM



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