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S - METAL CD LIST


Sabaton - Carolus rex 3.5/5 (conceptual CD which is uneven and only in English for U.S. region, but it’s their last effort with the classic line-up; their 6th CD) - MICHAEL
Sabaton - Coat of arms 4/5 (these guys just keep getting better, and this CD is a must for fans of the band and their historical humour; their 5th CD) - MICHAEL
Sabaton - The art of war 4/5 Sabaton Review - CREAG
Sabaton - The art of war 3.5/5 (great concept for those into Sun Tzu, but some of the voice-over parts are a bit agitating; their 4th CD) - MICHAEL
Sabaton - Attero dominatus 3.5/5 Sabaton Review - MICHAEL
Sabaton - Primo victoria 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sabaton - Metalizer/Fist for fight 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sabbat (Jpn) - Sabbatrinity 3/5 (cult Japanese thrash act continue to spread their curse, in the style of Bathory, Venom, Celtic Frost and Sacrifice) - MICHAEL
Sabbat (Jpn) - Karmagmassacre 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sabbat (Jpn) - Satanasword (hopefully coming soon)
Sabbat (Jpn) - Karisma 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sabbat (Jpn) - The dwelling (hopefully coming soon)
Sabbat (Jpn) - Fetishism 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sabbat (Jpn) - Disembody 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sabbat (Jpn) - Evoke 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sabbat (Jpn) - Envenom 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sabbat (U.K.) - Mourning has broken 3.5/5 - KIT
Sabbat (U.K.) - Dreamweaver 4/5 - KIT
Sabbat (U.K.) - History of a time to come 4/5 - KIT
Sabre - Keepers of the sword 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sacra Arcana - Titkos szertartas 2.5/5 (esoteric, ambitious Hungarian-language folk metal debut; nice violin passages but the vocals are often cringe-worthy) - KIT
Sacrament - Haunts of violence 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sacrament - Testimony of apocalypse 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sacramento - Weight of sin 3/5 (excellent heavy, rocking, high-energy alternative gothic metal debut, like Lacuna Coil, but marred by flat monotone female vocals) - CHRIS
Sacrecy - s/t 4/5 Sacrecy Review - CLINT
Sacred Ally - Reality hammer 3.5/5 (epic Canadian metal debut with some enduring cuts which never lose their momentum or flair) - MICHAEL
Sacred Blood - Alexandros (hopefully coming soon)
Sacred Blood - The battle of Thermopylae: The chronicle 4/5 Sacred Blood Review - KIT
Sacred Dawn - A madness within 4/5 Sacred Dawn Review - CRAIG
Sacred Dawn - Gears of the machine 3.5/5 Sacred Dawn Review - CRAIG
Sacred Gate - When eternity ends 4/5 (compelling traditional metal debut from Germany in the vein of Metal Inquisitor, Aska and Steel Assassin) - KIT
Sacred Guardian - s/t 3.5/5 Sacred Guardian Review - KIT
Sacred Groove - Needful things 3.5/5 Sacred Groove Review - CLINT
Sacred Oath - Fallen 2/5 Sacred Oath Review - TOM
Sacred Oath - World on fire 4/5 (great songwriting in a passionate, intricate metal CD) - CRAIG
Sacred Oath - World on fire 3.5/5 Sacred Oath Review - TOM
Sacred Oath - s/t 3.5/5 Sacred Oath Review - TOM
Sacred Oath - Darkness visible 4/5 Sacred Oath Review - CRAIG
Sacred Oath - A crystal vision 2.5/5 Sacred Oath Review - CRAIG
Sacred Reich - Heal 3/5 - KIT
Sacred Reich - Independent 3.5/5 - KIT
Sacred Reich - The American way 4/5 - KIT
Sacred Reich - Ignorance 2.5/5 - KIT
Sacred Rite - Resurrection (hopefully coming soon)
Sacred Rite - SR-IV (hopefully coming soon)
Sacred Rite - Rites of passage Vol. l & ll 3.5/5 Sacred Rite Review - CRAIG
Sacred Sinner - s/t 3/5 - KIT
Sacred Steel - The bloodshed summoning 4/5 Sacred Steel Review - CRAIG
Sacred Steel - Carnage victory 4/5 (German power/speed legends' 7th CD doesn't quite equal 'Hammer of destruction', but delivers the goods nonetheless) - KIT
Sacred Steel - Hammer of destruction 4.5/5 Sacred Steel Review - KIT
Sacred Steel - Iron blessings 3/5 (good 5th CD from love-them-or-hate-them Teutonic true metallers) - KIT
Sacred Steel - The slaughter prophecy 3/5 Sacred Steel Review - CRAIG
Sacred Steel - The slaughter prophecy 3/5 (German true metal that lost its way a bit in its quest to sound brutal and incorporate harsh vocals) - KIT
Sacred Steel - Bloodlust 4/5 - KIT
Sacred Steel - Wargods of metal 3.5/5 - KIT
Sacred Steel - Reborn in steel 2.5/5 - KIT
Sacred Warrior - Obsessions 3/5 - CRAIG
Sacred Warrior - Wicked generation 2.5/5 - CRAIG
Sacred Warrior - Master's command 2.5/5 - CRAIG
Sacred Warrior - Rebellion 2.5/5 - CRAIG
Sacrifice (Can) - The ones I condemn 4/5 (killer comeback from these Canadian thrash experts; if you love the first 2 CDs, this is mandatory!) - MICHAEL
Sacrifice (Can) - Apocalypse inside 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sacrifice (Can) - Soldiers of misfortune 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sacrifice (Can) - Forward to termination 4/5 - MICHAEL
Sacrifice (Can) - Torment in fire 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sacrifice (Jpn) - Tears 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sacrifice (Jpn) - Total steel 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sacrifice (Jpn) - Crest of black 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sacrilege - Turn back trilobite 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sacrilege - Within the prophecy 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sacrilege - Behind the realms of madness 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sacrilege B.C. - Too cool to pray 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sacrilege B.C. - Party with God 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sacrilegio - The ultimate abomination 3/5 (Puerto Rican old-school thrash metal debut with just enough melody; songs don't stick out above the competition though) - KIT
S.A.D.O. - Sensitive 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
S.A.D.O. - Dirty fantasy 3/5 - MICHAEL
S.A.D.O. - Circle of friends 3/5 - MICHAEL
S.A.D.O. - Shout! 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sadus - Out for blood 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sadus - Elements of anger 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sadus - A vision of misery 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sadus - Swallowed in black 4/5 - MICHAEL
Sadus - Illusions/Chemical exposure 4/5 - MICHAEL
Saeko - Life 3/5 (Japanese chick's quick follow-up to her 'Above heaven, below heaven' debut, this time with better songwriting but too many slow songs) - CLINT
Saeko - Above heaven, below heaven 3/5 Saeko Review - KIT
Saeko - Above heaven, below heaven 3/5 - CLINT
Sagga (Holy) - Planetude 5/5 Sagga Review - CLINT
Saidian - Evercircle 4/5 Saidian Review - CLINT
Saidian - Phoenix 4/5 (2nd CD recommended to fans of Stratovarius and especially Edguy; contains more speed than the debut and is an overall huge improvement) - CLINT
Saidian - For those who walk the path forlorn 2.5/5 Saidian Review - CLINT
Saint - Desperate night 3.5/5 (it’s never too late to start living, and this is a marked improvement of heavy metal, even if perhaps way too preachy about our time's end) - MICHAEL
Saint - The revelation 3/5 (another CD from this U.S. heavy metal band, but many of the songs are just re-recordings of songs from 'The mark') - MICHAEL
Saint - Hell blade 3/5 (heavy metal band’s 7th CD; I wish these marked star pilots would return to that classic Judas Priest vibe they once held in the 80s!) - MICHAEL
Saint - Crime scene earth 3.5/5 Saint Review - CRAIG
Saint - Crime scene earth 2.5/5 (6th CD with a poor production, weak songwriting, and overall is really mediocre; check out their first 2 CDs instead!) - MICHAEL
Saint - The mark 3.5/5 Saint Review - KIT
Saint - The mark 3/5 - MICHAEL
Saint - In the battle 3/5 - MICHAEL
Saint - Too late for living 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Saint - Time's end 3/5 - MICHAEL
Saint - Warriors of the sun 3/5 - MICHAEL
Saint Deamon - Pandeamonium 4/5 Saint Deamon Review - SEAN
Saint Deamon - In shadows lost from the brave 3.5/5 Saint Deamon Review - SEAN
Sainte Ombre - Contes et chatiments 3.5/5 (French-language female fronted melodic/symphonic heavy/power metal debut that’s thoroughly enjoyable and surely worthwhile) - CLINT
Saintsbleed - The mighty monster 3.5/5 Saintsbleed Review - TOM
Salamandra - Time to change 4/5 Salamandra Review - CLINT
Salamandra - Faces of Chimera 4/5 Salamandra Review - CLINT
Salamandra - Great moravian elegies 4/5 - CLINT
Salamandra - Skarremar 3/5 - CLINT
Salamandra - Twilight of legends 2/5 - CLINT
Salem - In the beginning 3/5 (NWOBHM act's compilation of early-80s demos with a trilogy actually called "The keeper of the keys") - MICHAEL
Saman - s/t 4/5 (great catchy traditional metal from Hungary; one of the strongest CDs I've heard from that country) - KIT
Samandriel - Awakening (EP) 3.5/5 Samandriel Review - CLINT
Samson - P.S. (hopefully coming soon)
Samson - s/t (1993) 2/5 - MICHAEL
Samson - Refugee 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Samson - Joint forces 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Samson - Don’t get mad, get even 3/5 - MICHAEL
Samson - Before the storm 3/5 - MICHAEL
Samson - Shock tactics 3/5 - MICHAEL
Samson - Head on 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Samson - Survivors 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sanctity - Road to bloodshed 3.5/5 (catchy melodic modern thrash debut; like better Trivium with a Chuck Billy roar) - KIT
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
Sanctuary - Into the mirror black 4/5 (2nd CD from this classic power metal band with members now in Nevermore) - CLINT
Sanctuary - Refuge denied 3/5 - CLINT
Sandstone - Delta viridian (hopefully coming soon)
Sandstone - Cultural dissonance 3.5/5 (3rd CD from an interesting band out of Northern Ireland, forging traditional metal with progressive influences) - SEAN
Sandstone - Purging the past (hopefully coming soon)
Sandstone - Tides of opinion (hopefully coming soon)
Sangara - Aggression (hopefully coming soon)
Sangara - Symphony of evil 3/5 (Russian-language debut that's mid-paced/crunchy heavy metal with a somewhat thrashy feel; the Russian Metallica perhaps) - CLINT
Sanktuary - Something fierce 3.5/5 Sanktuary Review - KIT
Sanvoisen - Soul seasons 3.5/5 (very good 2nd CD of catchy progressive power metal with a nice vocalist; possibly comparable to Conception) - CLINT
Sanvoisen - Exotic ways 3/5 - CLINT
Saqqara - Tiempo perdido (hopefully coming soon)
Saqqara - El nuevo mundo (hopefully coming soon)
Saqqara - Tristeza 3.5/5 - KIT
Saracen - Marilyn 3/5 (5th CD from this U.K. act honors Marilyn Monroe with some female vocals; for fans of More, Tygers of Pan Tang, Tokyo Blade and Jaguar) - MICHAEL
Saracen - Vox in excelso 4/5 - MICHAEL
Saracen - Red sky 3/5 - MICHAEL
Saracen - Change of heart 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Saracen - Heroes, saints & fools 3.5/5 - 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
Saratoga - Secretos y revelaciones (hopefully coming soon)
Saratoga - VII 3.5/5 Saratoga Review - KIT
Saratoga - Tierra de lobos 3/5 - MICHAEL
Saratoga - El clan de la lucha 3.5/5 - KIT
Saratoga - Agotaras 4.5/5 - KIT
Saratoga - Vientos de guerra 4/5 - KIT
Saratoga - Mi ciudad 3/5 - MICHAEL
Saratoga - s/t 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sarcasm - Something to believe in (hopefully coming soon)
Sarcasm - Revolt (hopefully coming soon)
Sarcasm - Divja kri (hopefully coming soon)
Sarcasm - Igra narave 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sarcasm - Crematory 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sarcofago - The worst 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sarcofago - Hate 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sarcofago - The laws of scourge 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sarcofago - I.N.R.I. 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sarissa - Masters of sins 3.5/5 (veteran Greek act's 2nd CD; an effective concoction of pummeling start-stop riffs, swirling keys and melodic vocals) - KIT
Sarissa - s/t 2.5/5 - KIT
Satan - Life sentence 4/5 Satan Review - CREAG
Satan - Suspended sentence 3.5/5 (enojyable power/thrash comeback with a few dull moments; feels more like it belongs in the Pariah discography) - CREAG
Satan - Court in the act 4.5/5 (stone-cold NWOBHM classic; more falsettos and mental guitar harmonies than you can shake a stick at) - CREAG
Satanica - We are Satan's preacher (hopefully coming soon)
Satanica - After Christ, the Devil comes 3/5 - KIT
Satanica - Knights in satanic service (hopefully coming soon)
Satan’s Host - Virgin sails 3.5/5 Satan’s Host Review - MICHAEL
Satan's Host - Celebration for the love of Satan 3.5/5 (2 new songs and 80s classics reworked with Harry's touch, so that black metal chuff becomes speed metal insanity) - MICHAEL
Satan's Host - By the hands of the Devil 3.5/5 (blackened speed insanity with Harry "Leviathan Thisiren" Conklin from Jag Panzer on lead vocals; their 7th CD) - MICHAEL
Satan's Host - Power ~ Purity ~ Perfection... 999 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Satan's Host - The great American scapegoat 666 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Satan's Host - Satanic grimoire: A greater black magick 2/5 - MICHAEL
Satan's Host - Burning the born again... A new philosophy 2/5 - MICHAEL
Satan's Host - Archidoxes of evil 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Satan's Host - Metal from hell 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Satan's Wrath - Galloping blasphemy 3/5 (debut that’s a vicious personification of inherited evil from Greece; similar to Bewitched, Scythe, Nekromantheon, Possessed, etc.) - MICHAEL
Satcconnia - Chaos 4/5 Satcconnia Review - CLINT
Satyrian - Eternitas 4/5 Satyrian Review - CLINT
Saurom - Vida (hopefully coming soon)
Saurom - Maryam (hopefully coming soon)
Saurom - Once romances desde al-andalus 4/5 Saurom Review - KIT
Saurom - Juglarmetal 4.5/5 - KIT
Saurom Lamderth - Legado de juglares 4.5/5 - KIT
Saurom Lamderth - Sombras del este 4/5 (uplifting Spanish-language folk metal double-CD like a heavier, more power-metallish Mago de Oz) - KIT
Saurom Lamderth - El guardian de las melodias 4/5 - KIT
Savage - Sons of malice 3.5/5 (NWOBHM act adopts a more rockin' U.K. attitude, which still somehow works, just like recent CDs from Tank or Blitzkrieg) - MICHAEL
Savage - Xtreme machine (hopefully coming soon)
Savage - Babylon 3/5 - MICHAEL
Savage - Holy wars (hopefully coming soon)
Savage - Hyperactive (hopefully coming soon)
Savage - Loose ‘n’ lethal 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Savage Blade - We are the hammer 3/5 (epic-inspired heavy/power metal debut for fans of Saxon, Manowar, Holocaust and maybe Metalium) - MICHAEL
Savage Circus - Of doom and death 4.5/5 Savage Circus Review - KIT
Savage Circus - Dreamland manor 4.5/5 Savage Circus Review - KIT
Savage Crow - Way of the cross 4.5/5 Savage Crow Review - CLINT
Savage Grace - After the fall from grace 4.5/5 - KIT
Savage Grace - Master of disguise 4/5 - KIT
Savage Messiah - Plague of conscience 3.5/5 (great 3rd CD with some killer hooks and thought-provoking lyrics; comparable to Onslaught, Anihilated and Guillotine) - MICHAEL
Savage Messiah - Insurrection rising 3/5 (updated modern U.K. thrash similar to recent Onslaught, Exodus, Testament and Guillotine) - MICHAEL
Savage Messiah - Spitting venom 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Savage Steel - Do or die 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Savage Steel - Begins with a nightmare 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Savage Thrust - Eat 'em raw 3/5 - MICHAEL
Savage Wizdom - No time for mercy 2/5 (demo-quality U.S. metal debut from New Mexico with some thrash tendencies and a fair bit of groove) - KIT
Savallion Dawn - The charge 1/5 Savallion Dawn Review - JOHN
Savatage - Poets and madmen 3.5/5 - CLINT
Savatage - The wake of magellan 4.5/5 - CLINT
Savatage - Dead winter dead 4/5 - CLINT
Savatage - Handful of rain 4.5/5 - CLINT
Savatage - Edge of thorns 4.5/5 - CLINT
Savatage - Streets/A rock opera 4/5 - CLINT
Savatage - Gutter ballet 4.5/5 - CLINT
Savatage - Hall of the mountain king 3.5/5 - CLINT
Savatage - Fight for the rock 2.5/5 - CLINT
Savatage - Power of the night 3/5 - CLINT
Savatage - Sirens 3.5/5 - CLINT
Savers - Victory's in sight 4/5 - KIT
Savior from Anger - Lost in the darkness 3/5 (good debut from these Italians influenced by Metal Church, Meliah Rage, mid-life Megadeth, etc.) - KIT
Saviours - Death’s procession (hopefully coming soon)
Saviours - Accelerated living 3/5 (great traditional metal with somewhat frustrating vocals, but for Slough Feg, Bible of the Devil and Argus fans; their 3rd CD) - MICHAEL
Saviours - Into abaddon 2.5/5 (2nd CD like Iron Maiden meets Mastodon, but with annoying vocals; they have talent, but should abandon herbal enticement) - MICHAEL
Saviours - Crucifire 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Saxon - Sacrifice 4/5 Saxon Review - CRAIG
Saxon - Call to arms 4/5 Saxon Review - CRAIG
Saxon - Into the labyrinth 3.5/5 Saxon Review - CRAIG
Saxon - The inner sanctum 3.5/5 Saxon Review - CREAG
Saxon - The inner sanctum 4/5 (another strong CD from this long-running band) - CRAIG
Saxon - Lionheart 3.5/5 (the band continues to get better and is releasing stronger metal with age) - CRAIG
Saxon - Killing ground 3.5/5 - CRAIG
Saxon - Metalhead 3.5/5 - CRAIG
Saxon - Unleash the beast 4/5 - CRAIG
Saxon - Dogs of war 2.5/5 - CRAIG
Saxon - Forever free 2.5/5 - CRAIG
Saxon - Solid ball of rock 3/5 - CRAIG
Saxon - Destiny 3.5/5 - CRAIG
Saxon - Rock the nations 3/5 - CRAIG
Saxon - Innocence is no excuse 3/5 - CRAIG
Saxon - Crusader 3.5/5 - CRAIG
Saxon - Power and glory 3.5/5 - CRAIG
Saxon - Denim and leather 3/5 - CRAIG
Saxon - Strong arm of the law 3/5 - CRAIG
Saxon - Wheels of steel 3/5 - CRAIG
Saxon - s/t 3/5 - CRAIG
Scala Mercalli - Border wild 3/5 (meat'n'potatoes traditional U.S.-styled metal from Italy with minimal keys; their 2nd CD) - KIT
Scala Mercalli - 12th level (hopefully coming soon)
Scandelion - The garden of lies 3.5/5 Scandelion Review - CLINT
Scandelion - The pureheart's breed 3/5 Scandelion Review - CLINT
Scandinavian - Metal praise 2.5/5 (female fronted symphonic/gothic metal debut from Finland with ultra-religious lyrics, but a fair amount of memorable songs) - CLINT
Scanner - Scantropolis 1/5 - JOHN
Scanner - Ball of the damned 4/5 - JOHN
Scanner - Mental reservation 2.5/5 - JOHN
Scanner - Terminal earth 4/5 - JOHN
Scanner - Hypertrace 4.5/5 - JOHN
Scar Symmetry - The unseen empire 3/5 (with new line-up/vocalist, I’ve lost interest in this act who once impressed me with their clean/harsh melodic death sound) - MICHAEL
Scar Symmetry - Dark matter dimensions 3/5 (this band now in the style of Soilwork, Hypocrisy, Arch Enemy, and their ilk, once showed serious promise) - MICHAEL
Scar Symmetry - Holographic universe 3/5 - MICHAEL
Scar Symmetry - Pitch black progress 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Scar Symmetry - Symmetric in design 3/5 - MICHAEL
Scariot - Momentum shift 3.5/5 (4th CD with a new vocalist and is stylistically different than previous CDs, heading in a progressive/power direction a la Katagory V) - CLINT
Scariot - Strange to numbers 3.5/5 (strong 3rd CD in the style Nevermore and Iced Earth, but is the only CD from the band that features the vocalist of Communic) - CLINT
Scariot - Tongueless god 2.5/5 (musically awesome 2nd CD, but the death metal vocals bring the overall quality down quite a bit for me) - CLINT
Scariot - Deathforlorn 2.5/5 - CLINT
Scarlet Angel - Enter the magic 2/5 (promising CD of Lizzy Borden and Bitch type heavy metal/hard rock diminished by some horrifically lame parts; their 2nd CD) - KIT
Scarlet Angel - s/t 3/5 (raw, hard-edged retro LA-styled metal debut like Hellion or Bitch, with a 3/4 female line-up) - KIT
Scarlet Rayne - Theater humanitarian 3.5/5 (fine reissue of early-90s obscurity in the Heir Apparent/Lethal 'Programmed' mold) - KIT
Scarleth - Break the silence 3.5/5 Scarleth Review - CLINT
Scatterbrain - Scamboogery 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Scatterbrain - Here comes trouble 4/5 - 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
Scelerata - Skeletons domination 3/5 (Brazilian power metal band improves in every way with this 2nd CD, but they're not up there with the big boys yet) - CLINT
Scelerata - Darkness and light 2.5/5 (Brazilian power metal debut that reminds me of Italian bands like Perpetual Fire, Darkfire and Seven Gates, but with more crunch) - CLINT
Scelet - Zit v ozvenach 3.5/5 (2nd CD of Czech-language power metal with lots of speed and plenty of keys; a bit better than the debut, though both are great) - CLINT
Scelet - Labyrint 3/5 - CLINT
Scepter - Fucking metal motherfuckers 3/5 - MICHAEL
Scepter - I'm going to hell 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sceptor - Take command! 3.5/5 (stripped down song-oriented German traditional metal debut that borrows from the American 80s template; Jag Panzer must be an influence) - KIT
Scheepers - s/t 3/5 (Primal Fear's frontman does the solo thing; entertaining debut of power metal tracks both reminiscent of and different to Primal Fear material) - SEAN
Schonberg - Splendid rosa birth 3.5/5 (really good Japanese-language female fronted neo-classical power metal debut that’s similar to Perpetual Dreamer) - 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
Scornage - Born to murder the world (hopefully coming soon)
Scornage - Pure motorized instinct (hopefully coming soon)
Scornage - Sick of being human (hopefully coming soon)
Scorpions - Sting in the tail 4/5 (their swan song is replete with homage to aspects of their Teutonic 6-string sting; they'll be missed, yet always remembered!) - MICHAEL
Scorpions - Humanity hour 1 3/5 (long-running band returns with a decent CD, but it's not as good as 'Unbreakable'; still 100% Scorpions though) - MICHAEL
Scorpions - Unbreakable 4/5 - MICHAEL
Scorpions - Eye to eye 2/5 - MICHAEL
Scorpions - Pure instinct 3/5 - MICHAEL
Scorpions - Face the heat 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Scorpions - Crazy world 3/5 - MICHAEL
Scorpions - Savage amusement 3/5 - MICHAEL
Scorpions - Love at first sting 4.5/5 - MICHAEL
Scorpions - Blackout 4/5 - MICHAEL
Scorpions - Animal magnetism 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Scorpions - Lovedrive 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Scorpions - Taken by force 3/5 - MICHAEL
Scorpions - Virgin killer 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Scorpions - In trance 3/5 - MICHAEL
Scorpions - Fly to the rainbow 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Scorpions - Lonesome crow 3/5 - MICHAEL
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
Screamer (Swe) - Adrenaline distractions 4/5 (the Swedes are at it again; fans of Enforcer, Katana and Mean Streak will definitely want to look into this debut) - MICHAEL
Screamer (U.S.) - What excites you 4/5 (same band, but sounds nothing like 'Target: Earth'; superb classy melodic metal a la Dimeo-era Riot or heavier Dokken) - KIT
Screamer (U.S.) - Target: Earth 4.5/5 - KIT
Screaming Shadows - Night keeper 3/5 (I was disappointed with this power metal band’s previous CD, but this 4th CD is better and I love the closer “Wild horses”) - CLINT
Screaming Shadows - New era of shadows 1.5/5 (messy 3rd CD of heavy/power metal that's without a reason to recommend it to today's metal fans; their worst to date) - CLINT
Screaming Shadows - In the name of God 3/5 (2nd CD of European power metal that reminds me of Supreme Majesty, but with some Highland Glory influences as well) - CLINT
Screaming Shadows - Behind the mask 2.5/5 - CLINT
Scythe - Beware the scythe 3.5/5 (haunting thrash debut for fans of Usurper, Celtic Frost and Scepter, but slower clean vocal parts also remind me Dream Death and Penance) - MICHAEL
Scythia - Of exile 3/5 Scythia Review - CLINT
Scythia - Of war 3/5 - CLINT
S.D.I. - Mistreated 3/5 - MICHAEL
S.D.I. - Sign of the wicked 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
S.D.I. - Satans defloration incorporated 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sea of Dreams - Land of flames 1.5/5 (an interesting ambitious band of varied power metal, but a bit ripe and unfocused for my tastes) - JOHN
Sea of Dreams - Dawn of time 1.5/5 - JOHN
Seasons of the Wolf - Once in a blue moon 3.5/5 (4th CD of quality U.S. traditional metal with aggressiveness; like early Iced Earth, Catch 22, ASKA, etc.) - MICHAEL
Seasons of the Wolf - Nocturnal revelation 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Seasons of the Wolf - Lost in hell 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Seasons of the Wolf - s/t 3/5 - MICHAEL
Seax - High on metal 3.5/5 Seax Review - KIT
Sebastien - Tears of white roses 4/5 Sebastien Review - SEAN
Secret Signs - For a lifetime 3.5/5 Secret Signs Review - CLINT
Secrecy - Raging romance 3/5 - JOHN
Secrecy - Art in motion 3/5 - JOHN
Secret Illusion - Illusion 3.5/5 (melodic/power metal debut that could surely be compared to many bands, but I mostly hear Excalion with a Stratovarius influence) - CLINT
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
Secret Sphere - Archetype 3.5/5 (another exciting and memorable CD from this long-running Italian power metal band; thankfully they've mantained the speed) - CLINT
Secret Sphere - Archetype 3.5/5 Secret Sphere Review - SEAN
Secret Sphere - Sweet blood theory 4/5 (long-running Italian power metal band returns with another terrific CD that seems to blend their early and most recent output) - CLINT
Secret Sphere - Sweet blood theory 4/5 Secret Sphere Review - SEAN
Secret Sphere - Heart & anger 4/5 (outstanding 4th CD from this Italian power metal band that's gradually become very original) - CLINT
Secret Sphere - Scent of human desire 3.5/5 - CLINT
Secret Sphere - A time never come 4/5 - CLINT
Secret Sphere - Mistress of the shadowlight 2.5/5 - CLINT
Seduce - Too much, ain't enough 3/5 - MICHAEL
Seduce - s/t 4.5/5 - MICHAEL
Selidor - Destellos en la oscuridad 2.5/5 (good but lightweight 2nd CD from Argentinian power metallers) - KIT
Selidor - La costa mas lejanda 3/5 - KIT
Sellisternium - Fury 2.5/5 (dark and fairly slow female fronted symphonic/gothic metal debut that could've used a better production; a bit similar to Howling Syn) - CLINT
Semblant - Last night of mortality 2/5 (debut of fast, minimalist, often monotonous vampire-themed “beauty and beast” symphonic gothic metal) - CHRIS
Sencirow - The nightmare within 4.5/5 Sencirow Review - KIT
Sencirow - Perception of fear 4/5 Sencirow Review - KIT
Sengir - Sign of devotion 3/5 (fine 2nd CD of female fronted symphonic/gothic metal similar to Within Temptation and Xandria, but doesn't improve over their debut) - CLINT
Sengir - Guilty water 3/5 (promising gothic metal debut that nicely blends the better aspects of Asrai and Delight) - CLINT
Sense of Creation - Forsaken era 4/5 Sense of Creation Review - CHRIS
Sentenced - The funeral album 4/5 (final CD from this unique dark metal band that's obtained a high number of fans and will certainly be missed) - CLINT
Sentenced - The cold white light 4/5 - CLINT
Sentenced - Crimson 4/5 - CLINT
Sentenced - Frozen 4.5/5 - CLINT
Sentenced - Down 3.5/5 - CLINT
Sentenced - Amok 3.5/5 - CLINT
Sentenced - North from here 3/5 - CLINT
Sentenced - Shadows of the past 3/5 - CLINT
Sentinel Beast - Depths of death 4/5 - MICHAEL
Septem Voices - For you 3.5/5 Septem Voices Review - CLINT
Septer - The god key 3.5/5 Septer Review - KIT
Septer - Transgressor 2.5/5 (U.S. debut with Christian-themed lyrics, a Judas Priest influence, and a high-pitched but sometimes out-of-control singer) - KIT
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
Sepultura - A-Lex 3.5/5 (cool concept CD all about Clorwork Orange and the movie that defined a new generation of ultra-violence) - MICHAEL
Sepultura - Dante XXI 3/5 (decent attempt to create a concept based on Dante's Inferno, but Iced Earth did it better) - MICHAEL
Sepultura - Roorback 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sepultura - Nation 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sepultura - Against 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sepultura - Roots 3.5/5 (groundbreaking thrash CD that introduced tribal elements and the essential roots for what would become Soulfly) - MICHAEL
Sepultura - Chaos A.D. 4/5 (the band reinvent themselves again mixing punk and hardcore, sowing the seeds of hate that would later fuel metalcore) - MICHAEL
Sepultura - Arise 4.5/5 (this CD put Brazilian thrash on the map, and made Roadrunner Records into a super-power with which to be reckoned) - MICHAEL
Sepultura - Beneath the remains 4.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sepultura - Schizophrenia 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sepultura - Morbid visions 3/5 - MICHAEL
Seraphim - Rising 4.5/5 (extremely hard-to-find but absolutely killer 4th CD of female fronted aggressive power metal from Taiwan; definitely their best to date!) - CLINT
Seraphim - AI 4/5 (awesome 3rd CD of power metal with soprano female vocals and occasional raspy male vocals) - CLINT
Seraphim - The equal spirit 3/5 - CLINT
Seraphim - The soul that never dies 2.5/5 - CLINT
Serenade - Wandering through sorrow 3.5/5 (very promising female fronted symphonic/gothic/power metal debut with a few “beast” vocals; like Epica, After Forever, etc.) - CLINT
Serenity - War of ages 4/5 (terrific 4th CD of symphonic/progressive power metal rivaling Kamelot and Damnation Angels; just about at the level of the previous ‘Death & legacy’) - CLINT
Serenity - Death & legacy 4/5 (3rd CD of progressive power metal, and it's more symphonic than previous CDs, reminding me of Kamelot) - CLINT
Serenity - Fallen sanctuary 4/5 (superb 2nd CD of progressive power metal with symphonic highlights; for fans of Kamelot, Vanishing Point, Dream Steel and Borealis) - CLINT
Serenity - Fallen sanctuary 4/5 Serenity Review - SEAN
Serenity - Words untold & dreams unlived 4/5 (outstanding power metal with progressive and symphonic elements; hmmm... maybe comparable to Vanishing Point) - CLINT
Serpent's Knight - Silent knight... of myth and destiny 3/5 (Shadow Kingdom Records reissue with Warrell Dane's songs, which led to reformed Sanctuary) - MICHAEL
Sesta Marconi - Where the Devil dances 2/5 (debut of dull progressive/stoner lull on Metal on Metal records, which bored me to tears with its inane lyrics) - MICHAEL
Sethian - Into the silence 3/5 Sethian Review - CLINT
Seven - Break the chains 4.5/5 - KIT
Seven Angels - Faceless man 2.5/5 (decent 2nd CD of female fronted power metal similar to Thalion and Sinergy, but the high-pitched vocals don't really work for me) - CLINT
Seven Angels - The second floor 2.5/5 - CLINT
Seven Dark Eyes - All around me 3/5 (2nd CD of female fronted heavy/power metal with symphonic/gothic metal parts too; has some moments of greatness) - CLINT
Seven Dark Eyes - Across oneiric lands 3/5 (good female fronted symphonic/gothic/power metal debut with some Skylark similarities musically) - CLINT
Seven Gates - The good and the evil 4/5 (awesome 2nd CD of fast-paced and catchy Italian power metal that reminds me a lot of Ancestral's 'The ancient curse') - CLINT
Seven Gates - Unreality 3.5/5 (rare but very catchy Italian power metal debut comparable to Vision Divine, Morgana, Sigma, Projecto, and Odyssea) - CLINT
Seven Kingdoms - The fire is mine 4.5/5 Seven Kingdoms Review - CRAIG
Seven Kingdoms - s/t 4/5 Seven Kingdoms Review - JOHN
Seven Kingdoms - Brothers of the night 3.5/5 Seven Kingdoms Review - JOHN
7 Seals - Moribund 4/5 7 Seals Review - CLINT
Seven Seas - Imagination 4/5 Seven Seas Review - CLINT
Seven Seas - Parallel world 3.5/5 (3rd CD of Japanese-language neo-classical power metal a la Concerto Moon, Galneryus and Versailles; under 30 minutes long though) - CLINT
Seven Seas - Confusion 3.5/5 - CLINT
Seven Seas - Dreams 3.5/5 - CLINT
Seven Seraphim - Believe in angels 3/5 (though nothing spectacular, this is a fun neo-classical power metal debut that surprised me with the short but catchy songs) - CLINT
Seven Tears - In every frozen tear 3.5/5 Seven Tears Review - SEAN
Seven Thorns - Return to the past 4/5 (top-notch, consistently speedy European power metal in the Freedom Call/At Vance mold, but with no ballads; their 2nd CD) - KIT
Seven Thorns - Glow of dawn 3.5/5 - CLINT
Seven Witches - Call upon the wicked 3/5 (James Rivera's short-lived return to the Witches produced some good moments, but a mixed bag overall) - KIT
Seven Witches - Deadly sins (hopefully coming soon)
Seven Witches - Amped 2.5/5 Seven Witches Review - MICHAEL
Seven Witches - Year of the witch 3.5/5 Seven Witches Review - KIT
Seven Witches - Passage to the other side 3/5 (a mixed bag from Frost/Rivera; the excellent power metal numbers eclipse the more modern-sounding tunes) - KIT
Seven Witches - Xiled to infinity and one 1.5/5 - KIT
Seven Witches - City of lost souls 2/5 - KIT
Seven Witches - Second war in heaven 2/5 - KIT
7days - Into forever 4/5 (outstanding 2nd CD of progressive power metal with members of Harmony, Darkwater and numerous others; highly recommended) - CLINT
7days - The weight of the world 3.5/5 (overlooked progressive power metal debut from 2006; features members of Harmony, Darkwater, Stormwind and others) - CLINT
Seventh Angel - The dust of years 2.5/5 (3rd CD that's a disappointing return, with a direction change to the style of My Dying Bride, Paramecium and Opeth) - MICHAEL
Seventh Angel - Lament for the weary 3/5 - MICHAEL
Seventh Angel - The torment 4/5 - MICHAEL
Seventh Avenue - Terium 4/5 Seventh Avenue Review - KIT
Seventh Avenue - Eternals 3.5/5 Seventh Avenue Review - KIT
Seventh Avenue - Between the worlds 3/5 (enjoyable comeback CD that lives up to the legacy of these German Christian power metallers) - KIT
Seventh Avenue - Southgate 4/5 - KIT
Seventh Avenue - Tales of tales 4/5 - KIT
Seventh Avenue - Rainbowland 1.5/5 - KIT
Seventh Force - Resurrection 3.5/5 - KIT
Seventh Gate - A reign of shadows 3/5 (female fronted power metal debut that's a cross between Forgotten Tales and Power Symphony) - CLINT
Seventh Omen - Abstract destiny (hopefully coming soon)
Seventh Omen - Polarized 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Seventh Omen - Majestic 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Seventh One - What should not be 2.5/5 Seventh One Review - CLINT
Seventh One - Sacrifice 3/5 - CLINT
7th Reign - Fallen empires 4/5 7th Reign Review - CLINT
7th Reign - s/t 4/5 7th Reign Review - CLINT
Seventh Seal - The sacred test 4/5 (outstanding 2nd CD of female fronted traditional power metal; an absolute must for fans of Twilight Odyssey and Crystal Viper) - CLINT
Seventh Seal - The sacred test 4/5 Seventh Seal Review - CRAIG
Seventh Seal - The black dragon's eye 3.5/5 (exciting female fronted power metal debut from Italy) - CLINT
Seventh Wonder - The great escape 4.5/5 (not the masterpiece that 'Mercy Falls' is, but this is a magnificent 4th CD of progressive metal with enough heaviness/power) - CLINT
Seventh Wonder - Mercy Falls 5/5 Seventh Wonder Review - CLINT
Seventh Wonder - Waiting in the wings 4/5 - CLINT
Seventh Wonder - Become 3.5/5 - CLINT
Sex Machineguns - SMG (hopefully coming soon)
Sex Machineguns - 45 degrees (hopefully coming soon)
Sex Machineguns - Cameron 3/5 (supersonic Japanese act mix speed with glam; sadly, this cannot compare to their glorious past) - MICHAEL
Sex Machineguns - Made in USA 4/5 - MICHAEL
Sex Machineguns - Heavy metal thunder 4/5 - MICHAEL
Sex Machineguns - To the future tracks 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sex Machineguns - Ignition 4/5 - MICHAEL
Sex Machineguns - Barbe-Q Michael 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sex Machineguns - Made in Japan 4/5 - MICHAEL
Sex Machineguns - s/t 4.5/5 - MICHAEL
Seyminhol - Ov asylum (hopefully coming soon)
Seyminhol - Septentrion's walk 4/5 Seyminhol Review - CLINT
Seyminhol - Northern recital 3/5 - CLINT
SGM - Aggression 3/5 - MICHAEL
Shadow Demon - Grimoire of ruin 3.5/5 (pounding, old-school dark power metal debut from the U.S.; good songs and cool vocals) - KIT
Shadow Gallery - Digital ghosts 4.5/5 Shadow Gallery Review - DAVID
Shadow Gallery - Room V 4/5 Shadow Gallery Review - DAVID
Shadow Gallery - Legacy 4.5/5 Shadow Gallery Review - DAVID
Shadow Gallery - Tyranny 5/5 Shadow Gallery Review - DAVID
Shadow Gallery - Carved in stone 5/5 Shadow Gallery Review - DAVID
Shadow Gallery - s/t 3/5 Shadow Gallery Review - DAVID
Shadow Host - Bringer of revenge 4.5/5 Shadow Host Review - CLINT
Shadow Host - Curse of the angeleye 4/5 Shadow Host Review - CLINT
Shadow Host - Neverland 3.5/5 - CLINT
Shadow Keep - The hourglass effect 3.5/5 (long-awaited 3rd CD of progressive power metal in the style of Katagory V; I like their 2nd CD more, but this is quite strong) - CLINT
Shadow Keep - A chaos theory 4/5 (exciting 2nd CD of high-quality progressive power metal; big improvement over their debut) - CLINT
Shadow Keep - Corruption within 2/5 - CLINT
Shadowgarden - Ashen 3.5/5 Shadowgarden Review - SEAN
Shadowicon - Empire in ruins 4/5 Shadowicon Review - CLINT
Shadowplay - s/t 3.5/5 (great symphonic/gothic metal debut with superb female vocals, progressive elements, plenty of keys, and an overall soothing atmosphere) - CLINT
Shadows Dance - A quatrain for the damned 4/5 Shadows Dance Review - CLINT
Shadows Entwined - Divine darkness 3.5/5 (great power metal debut from the U.S. with some fast-paced songs; will definitely appeal to fans of Cellador and Zephaniah) - CLINT
Shadows Fall - Fire from the sky 4.5/5 (maybe their best yet, with solid thrash, riveting riffs, awesome solos and total chaos!; think Anthrax, Nuclear Assault, Trivium, etc.) - MICHAEL
Shadows Fall - Retribution 4.5/5 (awesome "Big 4" type thrash with old-school elements, amazing solos and positive lyrics; their 7th CD) - MICHAEL
Shadows Fall - Threads of life 4/5 (their 6th CD, but their major label Atlantic debut, and still contains tons of solos, thrash elements and musicality) - MICHAEL
Shadows Fall - Fallout from the war 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Shadows Fall - The war within 4.5/5 - MICHAEL
Shadows Fall - The art of balance 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Shadows Fall - Of one blood 3/5 - MICHAEL
Shadows Fall - Somber eyes to the sky 3/5 - MICHAEL
Shadows Mignon - Midnight sky masquerade 3/5 (debut that's an uneven homage to 80s melodic/heavy metal; some tracks are great, but others are deplorable) - KIT
Shadows of Steel - Second floor 4.5/5 (magnificent 3rd CD of Italian power metal somewhere between Wonderland and Labyrinth) - CLINT
Shadows of Steel - Twilight 3.5/5 - CLINT
Shadows of Steel - s/t 3.5/5 - CLINT
Shadows Past - Perfect chapter 3.5/5 (though I don’t like the extreme vocals that are thrown in, this is a strong power metal debut with vocalist Ola Halen of ex-Insania) - CLINT
Shadowside - Inner monster out 3.5/5 (3rd CD of female fronted heavy/power metal; more aggressive and slightly more modern than the first 2 CDs, but it works) - CLINT
Shadowside - Dare to dream 3.5/5 (2nd CD of female fronted power metal that continues where the excellent debut 'Theatre of shadows' left off, but it's not quite as strong) - CLINT
Shadowside - Theatre of shadows 4/5 Shadowside Review - CLINT
Shah - P.S.I.H.O. 3/5 - MICHAEL
Shah - Beware 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Shah - Escape from mind 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Shallow Ground - The end of everything 3.5/5 Shallow Ground Review - KIT
Shaman - Origins 3/5 (Brazilian progressive power metal band's 4th CD with some highlights, but overall it's simply above average and their previous few CDs are better) - CLINT
Shaman - Immortal 3.5/5 (Brazilian power metal band's 3rd CD and first without vocalist Andre Matos from Angra/Viper; their catchiest and most exciting CD to date) - CLINT
Shaman - Reason 3/5 Shaman Review - DAVID
Shaman - Ritual 3.5/5 Shaman Review - DAVID
Shatter - Shadows in paradise 4/5 (debut of crunchy, intense symphonic “beauty and beast” gothic/doom metal like Draconian, with extended spacey and rocking instrumentals) - CHRIS
Shear - Breaking the stillness 2.5/5 (modernish female-fronted metal debut from Finland; like a heavier Lullacry or Lacuna Coil, but something's missing) - KIT
Sheratan - Mundo sin perdon (hopefully coming soon)
Sheratan - La maldicion (hopefully coming soon)
Sheratan - Reencarnacion 4.5/5 Sheratan Review - KIT
Shining Fear - Apocalife 3/5 (solid female fronted power metal debut with slight symphonic/gothic elements; perhaps comparable to Ironica) - CLINT
Shining Fury - Another life 3/5 (2nd CD of fast-paced Italian power metal that could've used a bit more melody or some fun/catchy choruses) - CLINT
Shining Fury - Last sunrise 2/5 - CLINT
Shining Star - Reset 2/5 Shining Star Review - CLINT
Shining Star - Enter eternity 3.5/5 Shining Star Review - CLINT
Shining Star - Fatal mistake 3/5 - CLINT
Shiranui - Crime & cross 3/5 (2nd CD of Japanese-language neo-classical power metal that's in the typical style, but there's a Rhapsody of Fire influence vocally) - CLINT
Shiranui - Requiem 3/5 - CLINT
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
Shok Paris - Concrete killers 3/5 - MICHAEL
Shok Paris - Steel and starlight 4/5 - MICHAEL
Shok Paris - Go for the throat 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Short Sharp Shock - Problems to the answer (hopefully coming soon)
Short Sharp Shock - The dividing line 3/5 (crossover thrash sure to entice D.R.I., M.O.D., Gama Bomb or Crumbsuckers fans; their 2nd CD) - MICHAEL
Short Sharp Shock - s/t 3/5 - MICHAEL
Siam - Prayer 2.5/5 - KIT
Siam - The language of menace (hopefully coming soon)
Sick Faith - Blinded nation 3.5/5 (Colombian thrash debut comparable to Sadus, Recipients of Death, Razor, Dissection and early Sacrifice) - MICHAEL
Siebenburgen - Revelation VI 3/5 (blackened gothic/traditional vets' comeback CD downplays their former catchy trad elements in favor of a Dimmu Borgir approach) - KIT
Siebenburgen - Darker designs & images 3.5/5 (5th CD of titanic traditional riffage with blackened vocals and angelic accents) - KIT
Siebenburgen - Plagued be thy angel 3/5 (fear not the corpsepaint, as this is mostly solid traditional/power metal with a crispy blackened coating) - KIT
Siebenburgen - Delictum 2.5/5 - KIT
Siebenburgen - Grimjaur 2/5 - KIT
Siebenburgen - Loreia 2/5 - KIT
Siegfried - Nibelung 4/5 Siegfried Review - CHRIS
Siegfried - Eisenwinter 3/5 (their 2nd CD, which is similar to the debut 'Drachenherz', but with more majestic keys and additional excellent clean male vocals) - CHRIS
Siegfried - Drachenherz 2.5/5 (fast intricate epic guitar-driven blackened power metal debut with very melodic female vocals and harsh black vocals) - CHRIS
Sigma - Win or lose 4/5 (fine follow-up to their masterpiece debut, which is one of my favorite CDs of all time!) - CLINT
Sigma - s/t 5/5 - CLINT
Sign of the Jackal - Mark of the beast 4/5 Sign of the Jackal Review - KIT
Signum Regis - The eyes of power 3.5/5 (well done 2nd CD of melodic/power metal with progressive/neo-classical elements and excellent vocals) - CLINT
Signum Regis - s/t 3.5/5 (melodic/power metal debut with some neo-classical parts; features vocalist Goran Edman and comes off as a blend of The Codex and Vindictiv) - CLINT
Silence (The) - Lord of mercy 3.5/5 Silence Review - CREAG
Silencer - The great bear 4/5 Silencer Review - CRAIG
Silencer - Divisions (hopefully coming soon)
Silencer - Death of Awe 3.5/5 (technically impressive thrash debut with death vocals) - CRAIG
Silenmara - Collection of conscience 3/5 Silenmara Review - KIT
Silent Call - Greed 3.5/5 (well done 2nd CD of melodic/progressive metal for fans of Circus Maximus, Aspera, Dream Theater, Seventh Wonder and Illusion Suite) - CLINT
Silent Call - Creations from a chosen path 3.5/5 - CLINT
Silent Fall - Otherwise 3.5/5 Silent Fall Review - CLINT
Silent Force - Walk the earth 4/5 Silent Force Review - SEAN
Silent Force - Worlds apart 4/5 Silent Force Review - JOHN
Silent Force - Infatuator 3.5/5 - JOHN
Silent Force - The empire of the future 2/5 - JOHN
Silent Hill - s/t 2/5 Silent Hill Review - KIT
Silent Knight - Masterplan 4/5 Silent Knight Review - KIT
Silent Memorial - Retrospective 4/5 Silent Memorial Review - CLINT
Silent Memorial - Cosmic handball 3/5 - CLINT
Silent Moon - Clandestine 4/5 Silent Moon Review - CLINT
Silent Opera - Immortal beauty 3/5 Silent Opera Review - SEAN
Silent Poetry - Echoes from the world (hopefully coming soon)
Silent Poetry - s/t 4/5 (amazing Guatemalan power metal debut for fans of Italian/Greek/Spanish neo-classical styled acts) - MICHAEL
Silent Scythe - Suffer in silence (Longing for sorrow) 2/5 (an unconvincing mix of Iced Earth and Gothenburg sounds) - KIT
Silentium - Amortean 3.5/5 (dramatic epic symphonic gothic metal like a darker Within Temptation, with superb soaring female vocals; their 5th CD) - CHRIS
Silentium - Seducia 4/5 (lightly progressive often dark symphonic gothic metal with superb female vocals and some harsh shouted male vocals; their 4th CD) - CHRIS
Silentium - Sufferion/Hamartia of prudence 3/5 (3rd CD of lush heavy symphonic gothic/doom metal with clean male vocals and excellent female vocals) - CHRIS
Silentium - Altum 3/5 (2nd CD of lush heavy symphonic gothic/doom metal with better clean male vocals and occasional backing female vocals) - CHRIS
Silentium - Infinita plango vulnera 2.5/5 (debut of lush heavy symphonic gothic/doom metal with very flat clean male vocals and touches of black vocals) - CHRIS
Silentrain - Wrong way to salvation 4/5 Silentrain Review - SEAN
Silver Fist - Tears of blood (hopefully coming soon)
Silver Fist - Lagrimes de sangre 3/5 (good Spanish heavy metal that doesn’t really stand out from the crowd; their 2nd CD) - KIT
Silver Fist - Ave fenix 3.5/5 - KIT
Silver Lake - Every shape and size 3.5/5 (really nice 2nd CD from this Italian progressive power metal band; for fans of Concept, Labyrinth, Vision Divine, Secret Sphere, etc.) - CLINT
Silver Lake - s/t 3.5/5 (very nice Italian melodic/progressive/power metal debut similar to Night Cloud, Helreid, Concept, Wonderland, Labyrinth and Vision Divine) - CLINT
Silvercast - Chaos engines 4/5 Silvercast Review - CHRIS
Silverlane - Above the others 3/5 Silverlane Review - CREAG
Silverlane - My inner demon 3.5/5 Silverlane Review - CREAG
Silverlane - Legends of Safar (hopefully coming soon)
Silver Mountain - Breakin' chains 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Silver Mountain - Roses & chapagne (hopefully coming soon)
Silver Mountain - Universe 3/5 - MICHAEL
Silver Mountain - Shakin' brains 3/5 - MICHAEL
Silver Seraph - s/t 3/5 (light but good melodic metal debut with a neo-classical edge; should appeal to fans of Zeelion, Meduza, Reptilian, Opus Atlantica and Majestic) - CLINT
Simple Aggression - Gravity 2/5 - MICHAEL
Simple Aggression - Formulations in black 2.5/5 - 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
Sinbreed - When worlds collide 4/5 (rippin' soul-collector's extol the power/majesty of the rock; similar to Blind Guardian, Heavens Gate and Seventh Avenue) - MICHAEL
Sincerity Green - The ocean of dreams 3/5 (female fronted symphonic/gothic metal debut with a few "beast" vocals; contains some highlights, but is overall just decent) - CLINT
Sinergy - Suicide by my side 4/5 (fun power metal with excellent female vocals and the guitar heroics of Alexi Laiho of Children of Bodom) - JOHN
Sinergy - To hell and back 4/5 - JOHN
Sinergy - Beware the heavens 3.5/5 - JOHN
Sinister Realm - World of evil 3/5 (3rd CD that finds the band experimenting more with power doom, but still maintaining their edge and credibility) - MICHAEL
Sinister Realm - The crystal eye 3/5 Sinister Realm Review - MICHAEL
Sinister Realm - s/t 3/5 Sinister Realm Review - MICHAEL
Sinner - Touch of sin 2 3/5 (an unnecessary attempt to redo the '85 classic with 3 guitarists, but the new songs and Thin Lizzy cover make it worthwhile) - MICHAEL
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
Sinner - Crash & burn 3/5 (long-running band is back with their classic Sinner sound) - MICHAEL
Sinner - Crash & burn 3.5/5 Sinner Review - SEAN
Sinner - Mask of sanity 3/5 (another solid CD that's not as heavy as Primal Fear, and is more classic like Thin Lizzy and Queen) - MICHAEL
Sinner - Mask of sanity 4/5 Sinner Review - SEAN
Sinner - There will be execution 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sinner - The end of sanctuary 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sinner - The nature of evil 4.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sinner - Judgement day 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sinner - Bottom line 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sinner - Respect 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sinner - No more alibis 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sinner - Dangerous charm 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sinner - Comin' out fighting 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sinner - Touch of sin 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sinner - Danger zone 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sinner - Fast decision 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sinner - Wild 'n' evil 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sinner, Mat - Back to the bullet 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sins of Thy Beloved (The) - Perpetual desolation 4/5 (2nd CD of mid-paced gothic/symphonic metal competitive with Tristania and contains a frequently-existing violin) - CLINT
Sins of Thy Beloved (The) - Lake of sorrow 4/5 - CLINT
Sin7sins - Carnival of no tomorrow 4/5 Sin7sins Review - CHRIS
Sin7sins - Perversion ltd. 4/5 (debut of dark, heavy, crunchy, dynamic and very catchy symphonic “beauty and beast” gothic metal, like Satyrian) - CHRIS
Sircle of Silence - Suicide candyman 3/5 (members of Vengeance Rising and Die Happy team up with ex-Accept and Gypsy Rose vocalist David Reece) - MICHAEL
Sircle of Silence - s/t 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sirenia - Perils of the deep blue 3.5/5 (6th CD of “beauty and the beast” styled symphonic/gothic metal that’s nothing amazing, but better than the previous ‘The enigma of life’) - CLINT
Sirenia - The enigma of life 3/5 (5th CD that continues the style of their previous 2 CDs, but their songwriting is now stale and too familiar; surely their worst to date) - CLINT
Sirenia - The 13th floor 4/5 (powerful 4th CD of symphonic/gothic metal, which combines the style of their early stuff with the previous 'Nine destinies and a downfall') - CLINT
Sirenia - The 13th floor 4/5 Sirenia Review - SEAN
Sirenia - Nine destinies and a downfall 3/5 Sirenia Review - CLINT
Sirenia - An elixir for existence 4.5/5 - CLINT
Sirenia - At sixes and sevens 5/5 - CLINT
Sirens Cry - Scattered horizons 3/5 (debut of heavy, crunchy female vocal progressive power metal; often engaging but sometimes plodding and non-descript) - CHRIS
Sister Sin - Now and forever 4/5 (high-energy aggressive smasher of a CD from Liv and the boys; perhaps their strongest writing to date) - KIT
Sister Sin - Now and forever 3/5 Sister Sin Review - MICHAEL
Sister Sin - True sound of the underground 3.5/5 Sister Sin Review - KIT
Sister Sin - Switchblade serenades 3.5/5 (2nd CD of raucous LA-style metal with female vocals and attitude aplenty a la Motorhead, early W.A.S.P. and Warlock) - KIT
Sister Sin - Dance of the wicked (hopefully coming soon)
Six Magics - Falling angels 3.5/5 (great 4th CD that’s another change in direction, putting the band in the female fronted heavy/power metal realm; kinda like Shadowside) - CLINT
Six Magics - Behind the sorrow 3/5 (3rd CD that's a lot different than their first 2 CDs, moving into typical female fronted symphonic/gothic metal; has great/okay songs) - CLINT
Six Magics - The secrets of an island 2/5 (very epic 2nd CD that's an unusual mix of Rhapsody and Manticora, but it's not really memorable) - CLINT
Six Magics - Dead kings of the unholy valley 2.5/5 - CLINT
Six Minute Century - Time capsules 4/5 Six Minute Century Review - CRAIG
Sixgun Symphony - s/t 3/5 (uneven southern-fried debut blending European power metal with a brash Dixie attitude; highly promising if they can buff out the scuffs) - KIT
Sixguns Over Tombstone - Putting revenge on the map 2/5 (messy debut vaguely in the Zephaniah mold, but not nearly as good; great guitars but poor songs/vocals) - KIT
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
Sixx A.M. - The herion diaries soundtrack 3.5/5 (account of Crueman's addiction; has T.S.O.-like bombast, W.A.S.P. ideologies and Queensryche anthems) - MICHAEL
Skalmold - Born loka (hopefully coming soon)
Skalmold - Baldur 3.5/5 (Icelandic viking metal debut with extremely harsh vocals juxtaposed against killer metal riffage and rollicking folky melodies) - KIT
Skanners - Factory of steel 3/5 (die-hard Italians return with a solid effort in the vein of Primal Fear, Axxis, Scanner and Brainstorm; their 6th CD) - MICHAEL
Skanners - The serial healer 3.5/5 (5th CD of great Italian metal for fans of 90s-era Primal Fear, or even Silent Force, Scanner and Tyran' Pace) - MICHAEL
Skanners - Flagellum dei 3/5 - MICHAEL
Skanners - The magic square (hopefully coming soon)
Skanners - Pictures of war 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Skanners - Dirty armada 3/5 - MICHAEL
Skelator - Agents of power 3.5/5 Skelator Review - MICHAEL
Skelator - Death to all nations 4/5 (amazing 2nd CD from these Seattle powerheads who channel Manowar, but also remind me of early Flotsam and Jetsam) - MICHAEL
Skelator - Give me metal or give me death 3.5/5 (great U.S. thrash in the vein of older Slayer, Overkill and Metal Church) - MICHAEL
Skelator - Time of the sword rulers 3.5/5 (collection of demos from cult epic U.S. metallers; like Manowar meets Sacred Steel) - KIT
Skeletonwitch - Forever abomination (hopefully coming soon)
Skeletonwitch - Breathing the fire 2.5/5 (more blackened thrash a la Witchery with cool riffs, but half-baked songs and extreme vocals are not the best; their 3rd CD) - KIT
Skeletonwitch - Beyond the permafrost 4/5 (2nd CD of very cool high-velocity power/thrash metal with massive guitar melodies; vocals are extreme/brutal though) - KIT
Skeletonwitch - At one with the shadows (hopefully coming soon)
Skeptical Minds - Skepticalized 3.5/5 (2nd CD of heavy energetic gothic electro-metal with darkwave passages and pleasant but somewhat limited female vocals) - CHRIS
Skeptical Minds - Rent to kill 3/5 (straightforward poppy gothic metal debut with frequent electronic elements and pleasant but somewhat limited female vocals) - CHRIS
Skid Row - Revolutions per minute 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Skid Row - Thickskin 3/5 - MICHAEL
Skid Row - Subhuman race 3/5 - MICHAEL
Skid Row - Slave to the grind 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Skid Row - s/t 4/5 - MICHAEL
Skiltron - Into the battleground 4/5 Skiltron Review - CREAG
Skiltron - The highland way 4/5 Skiltron Review - CREAG
Skiltron - Beheading the liars 4/5 Skiltron Review - CREAG
Skiltron - The clans have united 4/5 Skiltron Review - CREAG
Skull Branded Pirates - An oath sworn on broken bones 3/5 (2nd CD that’s ridiculously over the top pirate power metal that’s goofier than, and not as good as, the debut) - KIT
Skull Branded Pirates - The legend of Salty Jim 3.5/5 Skull Branded Pirates Review - KIT
Skull Fist - Head of the pack 3/5 (I was hoping for more with this debut after their awesome EP, but there is still enough metal to satisfy most traditionalists) - MICHAEL
Skull Fist - Heavier than metal (EP) 4/5 (killer Canadian heavy metal in the style of Riot, Razor, Exciter, Holy Grail and Steelwing) - MICHAEL
Skull Hammer - Pay it in blood 3.5/5 Skull Hammer Review - MICHAEL
Skullview - Metalkill the world (hopefully coming soon)
Skullview - Consequences of failure 2.5/5 Skullview Review - CRAIG
Skullview - Consequences of failure 2/5 - KIT
Skullview - Kings of the universe 2/5 - KIT
Skullview - Legends of valor 3/5 - 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
Skyclad - In the... all together 3.5/5 Skyclad Review - KIT
Skyclad - A semblance of normality 3/5 - KIT
Skyclad - No daylights nor heeltaps 1.5/5 - KIT
Skyclad - Folkemon 4/5 - KIT
Skyclad - Vintage whine 4/5 - KIT
Skyclad - The answer machine? 3/5 - KIT
Skyclad - Irrational anthems 4.5/5 - KIT
Skyclad - Oui avant-garde a chance 3.5/5 - KIT
Skyclad - The silent whales of lunar sea 3.5/5 - KIT
Skyclad - Prince of the poverty line 4/5 - KIT
Skyclad - Jonah's ark 3.5/5 - KIT
Skyclad - A burnt offering for the bone idol 5/5 - KIT
Skyclad - The wayward sons of mother earth 4/5 - KIT
Skyfire - Esoteric (hopefully coming soon)
Skyfire - Spectral 3/5 - KIT
Skyfire - Mind revolution 3/5 - KIT
Skyfire - Timeless departure 2.5/5 (promising debut that mixes Rhapsody and Children of Bodom, with suffocating keyboards) - KIT
Skylark - Twilights of sand 3/5 (9th CD with great songwriting, but the new female vocalist isn’t as wonderful as the previous and the remakes aren’t at the level of the originals) - CLINT
Skylark - Divine gates part lll/The last gate 4.5/5 Skylark Review - CLINT
Skylark - Fairytales 4/5 Skylark Review - CLINT
Skylark - Fairytales 4.5/5 Skylark Review - DAVID
Skylark - Wings 1.5/5 Skylark Review - CLINT
Skylark - Wings 3.5/5 Skylark Review - DAVID
Skylark - The princess' day 2/5 Skylark Review - CRAIG
Skylark - The princess' day 3/5 Skylark Review - DAVID
Skylark - Divine gates part ll/Gate of heaven 4.5/5 Skylark Review - DAVID
Skylark - Divine gates part l/Gate of hell 4/5 Skylark Review - DAVID
Skylark - Dragon's secrets 3.5/5 Skylark Review - DAVID
Skylark - After the storm 2.5/5 Skylark Review - DAVID
Skyrion - Beyond creation 3.5/5 (female fronted progressive power metal debut that's a good start; comparable to Echoes of Eternity, but with a dash of Holyhell) - CLINT
Skyscraper - T.V. Lization 3/5 (debut similar to Arwen and Allegro, but with influences from the almighty Sagga (Holy)) - CLINT
Skyward - Chasing horizon 3.5/5 Skyward Review - CLINT
Skyward - s/t 3.5/5 (great female fronted melodic metal debut for fans of Amazon, Edenbridge and Enter Twilight; contains sweet vocals and was a really nice surprise) - CLINT
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
Skywings - The advent melody 3.5/5 (Japanese power metal debut that's lightly symphonic and easily comparable to Versailles and Hizaki Grace Project; great start) - CLINT
Slander - Careless talk costs lives 3.5/5 (cool overlooked gem from 1991 in the NWOBHM style, with a bonus CD of re-recordings and extras) - KIT
Slaughter - Strappado 4/5 - MICHAEL
Slavemason - s/t 3.5/5 (surprising traditional/heavy metal debut that has me thinking of Jacobs Dream, Iron Maiden, and even Onward; basically, it could appeal to many) - CLINT
Slayer - World painted blood 2.5/5 (decent effort from this long-running thrash act, but I like their previous 'Christ illusion' just a bit more) - CLINT
Slayer - Christ illusion 2.5/5 (their previous 'God hates us all' is a horrid/unlistenable CD, but they've really surprised me here, returning a bit to their early-90s sound) - CLINT
Slayer - God hates us all 1/5 - CLINT
Slayer - Diabolus in musica 2.5/5 - CLINT
Slayer - Undisputed attitude 1.5/5 - CLINT
Slayer - Divine intervention 2/5 - CLINT
Slayer - Seasons in the abyss 5/5 - CLINT
Slayer - South of heaven 3.5/5 - CLINT
Slayer - Reign in blood 4/5 - CLINT
Slayer - Hell awaits 3/5 - CLINT
Slayer - Show no mercy 2.5/5 - CLINT
Sledge Leather - Imagine me alive 3/5 (vocalist Leather Leone teams up with drummer Sandy Sledge to create a killer concept a la Hellion, Chastain, Znowhite, etc.) - MICHAEL
Sleepy Hollow - Skull 13 3/5 (after 20 years, Attacker's Bob Mitchell invites a retro rock vibe similar to Presto Ballet; on Pure Steel Records) - MICHAEL
Sleepy Hollow - s/t 3/5 - MICHAEL
Slingblade - The unpredicted deeds of Molly Black 3.5/5 (infectious female fronted rockin' debut for fans of Zed Yago, Sister Sin, Battle Beast and Hellion) - MICHAEL
Slippery - First blow 3/5 (respectable melodic/hair metal debut from Brazil with gritty vocals, over-long songs, and a Demon cover tune) - KIT
Slough Feg (The Lord Weird) - The animal spirits (hopefully coming soon)
Slough Feg (The Lord Weird) - Ape uprising! 3.5/5 (ever-unique band's Planet of the Apes themed CD; has their Manilla Roadesque melodies and odd approach) - CRAIG
Slough Feg (The Lord Weird) - Hardworlder 4/5 Slough Feg Review - CRAIG
Slough Feg (The Lord Weird) - Atavism 4/5 Slough Feg Review - CRAIG
Slough Feg (The Lord Weird) - Traveller 4/5 - CRAIG
Slough Feg (The Lord Weird) - Down among the deadmen 3.5/5 - CRAIG
Slough Feg (The Lord Weird) - Twilight of the idols 3.5/5 - CRAIG
Slough Feg (The Lord Weird) - s/t 3.5 - CRAIG
Sly - Vulcan wind 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sly - Key 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sly - Dreams of dust 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sly - s/t 3/5 - MICHAEL
Smaug - As my blood runs cold 2.5/5 (plodding primitive epic proto-metal debut like early Black Sabbath or peppier Cathedral with gravelly stoner vocals) - KIT
Snailbooster - Why 2.5/5 - KIT
Snake Eyes (Pol) - Beware of the snake 3/5 Snake Eyes Review - KIT
Snake Eyes (U.K.) - Soul stealer 4/5 (2nd CD that’s a fantastic blend of Halloween and Holocaust, with a hint of Xentrix and Savage Messiah) - MICHAEL
Snake Eyes (U.K.) - The journey begins (hopefully coming soon)
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
Sodom - In war and pieces 3/5 (another new drummer and a real reverse in their thrash potential, but still good) - MICHAEL
Sodom - The final sign of evil 3.5/5 (old-school German thrash with a modern production and original demo-era line-up; mandatory for Sodomaniacs!) - MICHAEL
Sodom - s/t 4/5 - MICHAEL
Sodom - M-16 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sodom - Code red 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sodom - 'Til death do us part 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sodom - Masquerade in blood 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sodom - Get what you deserve 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sodom - Tapping the vein 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sodom - Better off dead 4.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sodom - Agent orange 4.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sodom - Persecution mania 5/5 - MICHAEL
Sodom - Obsessed by cruelty 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sofisticator - Camping the vein 3.5/5 Sofisticator Review - CREAG
Solar - At the dawn 3.5/5 (promising Russian-language female fronted symphonic power metal debut for fans of Sphinx, Andem, Uncreated Light and Luna Aeterna) - CLINT
Solar Fragment - In our hands 4/5 Solar Fragment Review - SEAN
Solar Fragment - A spark of deity 3.5/5 Solar Fragment Review - SEAN
Soldier - Babylon 3/5 - MICHAEL
Solemnity - Circle of power 3.5/5 (great 5th CD of German true metal; there are a handful of highlights and fans of the band will be satisfied) - CLINT
Solemnity - Lords of the damned 3.5/5 (4th CD from this German true metal band and its quality is consistent with their other CDs) - CLINT
Solemnity - Shockwave of steel 3.5/5 (3rd CD of German power metal with an excellent start, but too many fillers towards the end) - CLINT
Solemnity - Shockwave of steel 3.5/5 Solemnity Review - KIT
Solemnity - King of dreams 3.5/5 - CLINT
Solemnity - Reign in hell 3/5 - 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
Solisia - Ordinary fate 3/5 (excellent high-energy progressive power metal debut, but with very accented, often strained, female vocals that bring it down) - CHRIS
Solitaire - Predatress 4/5 (4th CD of uncompromising Finnish melodic speed metal with wretched lyrics; their new singer sounds like the Not Fragile guy) - KIT
Solitaire - Invasion metropolis 3.5/5 (consistently strong 3rd CD from Finnish 80s speed metal lunatics) - KIT
Solitaire - Extremely flammable 4/5 Solitaire Review - KIT
Solitaire - Rising to the challenge 3.5/5 - KIT
Solitary Sabred - The hero the monster the myth 3/5 (unpolished true metal debut from Cyprus; like Skelator with a touch of Zephaniah vocally) - KIT
Solitude - Brave the storm 3/5 (traditional metal debut from Japan with cool melodic guitars, but gravelly flat vocals and groovy influences in spots) - KIT
Solitude Aeturnus - Alone 4/5 Solitude Aeturnus Review - KIT
Solitude Aeturnus - Adagio 3/5 - KIT
Solitude Aeturnus - Downfall 4/5 - KIT
Solitude Aeturnus - Through the darkest hour 5/5 - KIT
Solitude Aeturnus - Beyond the crimson horizon 4/5 - KIT
Solitude Aeturnus - Into the depths of sorrow 5/5 - KIT
Solna - Eurameric 3.5/5 (near excellent project debut primarily featuring Pamela Moore/Ralph Scheepers; for fans of Wilde Starr and Crushing Blow) - MICHAEL
Solstice - New dark age 4/5 - KIT
Solstice - Larmentations (hopefully coming soon)
Son of a Bitch - Victim you 3.5/5 (Saxon members showcase hard rock influences and their love for Skid Row) - MICHAEL
Sonata Arctica - Stones grow her name 2.5/5 (decent melodic metal CD, but that’s 3 different styles for the last 3 CDs; they’re obviously unsure of what to do with their future) - CLINT
Sonata Arctica - The days of grays 3.5/5 (surprisingly good CD from this popular band; contains a huge symphonic presence and more melody than the previous 'Unia') - CLINT
Sonata Arctica - The days of grays 3/5 Sonata Arctica Review - SEAN
Sonata Arctica - Unia 2.5/5 (sadly, the band goes experimental/progressive and gives us their worst CD to date; lacks speed, excitement and even melody) - CLINT
Sonata Arctica - Unia 3/5 Sonata Arctica Review - SEAN
Sonata Arctica - Reckoning night 4/5 (one of my favorite bands return with an excellent CD that took some time to grow on me) - CLINT
Sonata Arctica - Reckoning night 3/5 Sonata Arctica Review - CRAIG
Sonata Arctica - Takatalvi (EP) 4.5/5 (amazing CD with covers/originals that show off the bands talent; contains an impressive cover of Metallica's "Fade to black") - CLINT
Sonata Arctica - Winterheart's guild 4/5 - CLINT
Sonata Arctica - Silence 5/5 - CLINT
Sonata Arctica - Ecliptica 5/5 - CLINT
Sonic Prophecy - A divine act of war 3.5/5 (fairly generic but very enjoyable power metal debut from my home state of Utah; this was a pleasant surprise, for sure) - CLINT
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
Sons of Liberty - Brush-fires of the mind 3.5/5 Sons of Liberty Review - CREAG
Sons of Seasons - Magnisphyricon 4/5 Sons of Seasons Review - SEAN
Sons of Seasons - Gods of vermin 4/5 Sons of Seasons Review - SEAN
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
Soothsayer - Have a good time 4.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sorcerer - s/t 4/5 - KIT
Sorcery - Eternity 2.5/5 - JOHN
Sorrows Path - The rough path of Nihilism (hopefully coming soon)
Sorrows Path - Resurrection 2/5 (rough collection of Greek doom act's 1994-1996 demos, for doom completists only; their first full-length CD) - KIT
Sortilege - Larmes de heros 3.5/5 (excellent French power metal for fans of Nightmare, H-Bomb, ADX and even Agressor; their 3rd CD) - MICHAEL
Sortilege - Metamorphose 3/5 - MICHAEL
Soul Cages - Craft 2.5/5 - JOHN
Soul Cages - Moments 3/5 - JOHN
Soul Cages - s/t 3/5 - JOHN
Soul of Steel - Journey to infinity 4/5 Soul of Steel Review - CLINT
Soul of Steel - Destiny 3/5 (Italian power metal debut easily comparable to Ananke, Heavenblast, Sigma, Morgana, Infinity, Oracle Sun, Athlantis, Highlord and so on) - CLINT
Soul Stealer - Feel the steal 2.5/5 (2nd CD of power metal from Lithuania; not as strong or exciting as the debut, and is a bit of a disappointment) - CLINT
Soul Stealer - s/t 3.5/5 Soul Stealer Review - CLINT
Soulblaze - s/t 4/5 (fast-paced Italian power metal debut featuring Wild Steel on vocals; an absolute must for fans of Projecto, Athlantis and Shadows of Steel) - CLINT
Soulgrind - The Tuoni pathway 4.5/5 Soulgrind Review - CHRIS
Soulgrind - Pakana 4/5 (heavy dramatic symphonic death/doom metal with extremely catchy choruses, with alto female and harsh death vocals; their 8th CD) - CHRIS
Soulgrind - The origins of the paganblood 3.5/5 (dramatic mid-paced symphonic black metal with harsh black vocals and catchy female vocals; their 7th CD) - CHRIS
Soulgrind - Into the dark vales of death 3/5 (dramatic mid-paced symphonic black metal with harsh black vocals and sparse pleasant female vocals; their 6th CD) - CHRIS
Soulgrind - Elixir mystica 3/5 (heavy often catchy blackened death/doom metal with symphonic black metal passages and pleasant female vocals; their 5th CD) - CHRIS
Soulgrind - Kalma 3/5 (heavy semi-technical blackened death/doom metal with symphonic black metal touches and pleasant female vocals; their 4th CD) - CHRIS
Soulgrind - Whitsongs 3/5 (heavy semi-technical blackened death/doom metal with symphonic black metal touches and pleasant female vocals; their 3rd CD) - CHRIS
Soulgrind - Ladit A.D. 1999: Bihttpotb 2/5 (creepy quirky minimalist death/doom metal with deep rumbling death vocals and sparse female vocals; their 2nd CD) - CHRIS
Soulgrind - La matanza, el himno pagano 1.5/5 (debut of minimalist often plodding death/doom metal with rumbling death vocals and sparse female vocals) - CHRIS
Soulhealer - Chasing the dream 3.5/5 (Finnish power metal act impress with this 2nd CD; for fans of Twilight Guardians, Masquerage, Thunderstone and early Sonata Arctica) - MICHAEL
Soulhealer - The kings of bullet alley (hopefully coming soon)
Soulmarket - Running from fears 3/5 (debut of atmospheric gothic metal mixed with lightly progressive metal, with pleasant soprano vocals) - CHRIS
Souls at Zero - A taste for the perverse 2/5 - CRAIG
Souls at Zero - s/t 2.5/5 - CRAIG
Soul's Mirror - s/t (EP) 3.5/5 Soul's Mirror Review - CREAG
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
Souls of Diotima - Maitri 2.5/5 (debut of rather unremarkable guitar-driven progressive metal with strongly accented female vocals) - CHRIS
Soulspell - Hollow’s gathering 3.5/5 Soulspell Review - SEAN
Soulspell - The labyrinth of truths 4.5/5 Soulspell Review - SEAN
Soulspell - A legacy of honor 4.5/5 Soulspell Review - SEAN
Sound Barrier - Speed of light 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Sound Barrier - Total control 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sound Storm - Immortalia 4/5 (awesome 2nd CD of Italian symphonic power metal that reminds me of Pathfinder and Kyrie Eleison; their debut is awesome too) - CLINT
Sound Storm - Twilight opera 4/5 Sound Storm Review - CLINT
Southern Cross - From tragedy 3.5/5 (3rd CD that’s more diverse/progressive and lighter than their previous ‘Down below’; prog fans will especially dig this) - CLINT
Southern Cross - Down below 4/5 (killer 2nd CD of dark heavy/power metal with a progressive edge; much better than the debut and an absolute must for Angel Dust fans!) - CLINT
Southern Cross - Rise above 2.5/5 - CLINT
Space Eater - Aftershock 3.5/5 (2nd CD of ripping old-school Bay Area-style thrash from Serbia with distinctive high-pitched vocals from tragically deceased singer) - KIT
Space Eater - Merciful angel 4/5 (exhilarating, if unoriginal, melodic speed/thrash debut from Serbia with cool riffs/high-pitched vocals a la Intruder and Liege Lord) - KIT
Space Odyssey - Tears of the sun 3/5 (3rd CD with a new vocalist and less of a neo-classical flare; good stuff, which could easily be labeled pure melodic metal) - CLINT
Space Odyssey - The astral episode 3/5 (though not quite as memorable as the debut, this 2nd CD is solid and competitive neo-classical power metal) - CLINT
Space Odyssey - Embrace the galaxy 4.5/5 (great neo-classical power metal debut very similar to the Time Requiem CDs, but it surpasses them) - CLINT
Speed Kill Hate - Out for blood (hopefully coming soon)
Speed Kill Hate - Acts of insanity 2/5 (thrash metal debut that's an act of tedious insanity; I really hate it when there's no speed!) - MICHAEL
Speed Limit - Moneyshot 3/5 (classic Austrian metalheads like Mortician return with their first CD in 18 years, adding newer, more Teutonic steel elements) - MICHAEL
Speed Limit - Perfect inspiration (hopefully coming soon)
Speed Limit - Unchained 3/5 - MICHAEL
Speedboozer - s/t 3/5 (debut that’s a retro-thrash rock and punk mix for fans of Nitrovolt, G.B.H. and The Exploited, with a cool Tank cover like Chrome Division meets Blizzard) - MICHAEL
Speedtrap - Powerdose 3/5 (superfast speed metal debut for fans of Nitrovolt, Black Tide and Speedwolf; picture Motorhead meets early Exciter and Metallica) - MICHAEL
Speedwolf - Ride with death 3/5 (thrash debut for fans of Mpire of Evil, Crumbsuckers and Chrome Divison; much better than Nitrogods!) - MICHAEL
Spellbinder - Seal the fate 2/5 (3rd CD of U.S. metal a la old Queensryche/Crimson Glory; nice effort, but not ready for prime time yet) - KIT
Spellbinder - Under the spell (hopefully coming soon)
Spellbinder - An invalidated dream pt.1 (hopefully coming soon)
Spellblast - Battlecry 4.5/5 Spellblast Review - KIT
Spellblast - Horns of silence 4/5 Spellblast Review - KIT
Spellbound - Nemesis 2665 (hopefully coming soon)
Spellbound - Incoming destiny 3.5/5 (crushing Bay Area-styled thrash debut with old-school Exodus riffing and somewhat deathy vocals) - KIT
Spellcaster - Under the spell 4/5 (ripping, fun debut on Heavy Artillery that fits in the Striker/Holy Grail mold, with a dash of thrash goodness) - KIT
Spewgore - Faster bitches faster (hopefully coming soon)
Spewgore - Breakneck therapy (hopefully coming soon)
Spewgore - Breakneck therapy (hopefully coming soon)
Spewgore - Chipped teeth broken fingers 2/5 Spewgore Review - CREAG
Sphinx (Rus) - Ghost 4/5 Sphinx Review - CLINT
Sphinx (Spa) - Renacer (hopefully coming soon)
Sphinx (Spa) - Paraiso en la eternidad 3.5/5 - KIT
Sphinx (Spa) - Mar de dioses (hopefully coming soon)
Sphinx (Spa) - s/t (hopefully coming soon)
Spinal Tap - Back from the dead 4.5/5 (grand dads return with 5 new tracks and updated classics; best metal packaging ever, with paper doll pop-out stage!) - MICHAEL
Spinal Tap - Break like the wind 4/5 - MICHAEL
Spinal Tap - s/t 4/5 - MICHAEL
Spiral Tower - Mindkiller 3/5 (stomping power metal debut sounding like Brainstorm or Symphorce) - CLINT
Spirit Heaven - Aria's kingdom 3.5/5 (very fine melodic power metal debut from Brazil that's maybe comparable to Shaman) - CLINT
Spirit Web - Far beyond the visual mind (hopefully coming soon)
Spirit Web - s/t 2/5 - KIT
Spiritus Mortis - The god behind the god (hopefully coming soon)
Spiritus Mortis - Fallen (hopefully coming soon)
Spiritus Mortis - s/t 3/5 - KIT
Spitfire (Grc) - Die fighting (hopefully coming soon)
Spitfire (Grc) - First attack 2.5/5 - KIT
Spitfire (Ita) - Time and eternity 4/5 (authentic old-fashioned 3-piece Italian metal debut, like a livelier Sinner; ranks among My Graveyard's finest releases ever) - KIT
Splav - Supernova 3.5/5 (nicely done female fronted Russian-language symphonic/gothic metal debut; quite memorable, and the vocals are truly spectacular) - CLINT
Split Heaven - Street law 3.5/5 Split Heaven Review - KIT
Split Heaven - Psycho samurai 3.5/5 (well-done high-octane traditional metal from Mexico occasionally reminding me of a lesser Hibria; their 2nd CD) - KIT
Split Heaven - s/t (hopefully coming soon)
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
Spyon - Sly tactics 3/5 (fairly commercial but catchy female fronted symphonic/gothic/power metal debut with a solid vocalist; Russian band, but it’s sung in English) - CLINT
Squealer A.D. - The circle shuts (hopefully coming soon)
Squealer A.D. - Confrontation street 2.5/5 Squealer A.D. Review - KIT
Squealer - Under the cross 3.5/5 - KIT
Squealer - Made for eternity 3/5 - KIT
Squealer - The prophecy 3/5 - KIT
Squealer - Wrong time, wrong place? 3/5 - KIT
Squealer - Make your day 2.5/5 - KIT
St. Madness - Saintanic (hopefully coming soon)
St. Madness - Vampires in the church (hopefully coming soon)
St. Madness - Scare the world (hopefully coming soon)
St. Madness - God bless America 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
St. Madness - The spiritual visions of St. Madness 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Stage Two - s/t 3/5 Stage Two Review - CLINT
Stainless Steel - The plague (hopefully coming soon)
Stainless Steel - Red heat within 3.5/5 - CRAIG
Stainless Steel - Wigant 5/5 (excellent, flawless, emotional and masterfully written lay of the Niebelung by this Hungarian band) - CRAIG
Star Queen - Your true self 2/5 (2nd CD somewhere in between Edenbridge and Magica, but with both the female vocals and music simply average) - CLINT
Star Queen - Faithbringer 1/5 - CLINT
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
Stargazery - Eye on the sky 3/5 (debut with members of Burning Point and Ghost Machinery coming together to honor Tony Martin-era of Black Sabbath) - MICHAEL
Status Minor - Ouroboros 3.5/5 (2nd CD of melodic/progressive/power metal; there are a few songs that are merely okay, but most of the songs are great) - CLINT
Status Minor - Dialog 3.5/5 (quality melodic/progressive power metal debut that's like a blend of Vanishing Point, Masterplan, Serenity, Dream Steel and Kamelot) - CLINT
Staya - Land of ice 2.5/5 Staya Review - CLINT
Steel Aggressor - From ruins to dust 4/5 Steel Aggressor Review - CRAIG
Steel Assassin - WWII: Metal of honor 4.5/5 Steel Assassin Review - KIT
Steel Assassin - In hellfire forged 4/5 (excellent compilation from this old-school U.S. traditional/true metal band) - KIT
Steel Assassin - In hellfire forged 3/5 Steel Assassin Review - TOM
Steel Assassin - War of the eight saints 4.5/5 Steel Assassin Review - KIT
Steel Assassin - From the vaults 3/5 - KIT
Steel Attack - Carpe diend 2.5/5 (one of the more popular bands continues with their new style of crunchy power metal, but I prefer their earlier and more melodic CDs) - CLINT
Steel Attack - Carpe diend 2.5/5 Steel Attack Review - SEAN
Steel Attack - Diabolic symphony 3/5 (an improvement over the previous 'Enslaved', but something about their new sound and vocalist doesn't quite click with me) - CLINT
Steel Attack - Diabolic symphony 3/5 Steel Attack Review - MICHAEL
Steel Attack - Enslaved 2/5 (disappointing 4th CD with yet another vocalist and is easily their worst CD to date) - CLINT
Steel Attack - Predator of the empire 4/5 (awesome 3rd CD, but I prefer their more unique vocalist from their previous CDs) - CLINT
Steel Attack - Fall into madness 5/5 - CLINT
Steel Attack - Where mankind fails 4/5 - CLINT
Steel Fury - Lesser of two evils 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Steel Horse - In the storm (hopefully coming soon)
Steel Horse - Wild power 3.5/5 (fun old-school Saxon/Accept/Iron Maiden styled metal debut from Spain with English-language lyrics) - KIT
Steel Kingdom - Reforged/Refined 2/5 (U.S. metal with symphonic/prog hints; let down by demo-quality prod., unnecessary backing keys and spotty performances) - TOM
Steel Kingdom - s/t (hopefully coming soon)
Steel Maid - Raptor 3.5/5 (debut that's Ritual Steel with Ravage's vocalist; has rapturous rhythms and soaring leads, but some songs feel forced/uninspired) - MICHAEL
Steel Prophet - Beware 2.5/5 (decent CD with a good new vocalist, but it doesn't match some of their previous CDs) - CLINT
Steel Prophet - Unseen 2/5 - CLINT
Steel Prophet - Book of the dead 4/5 - CLINT
Steel Prophet - Messiah 4/5 - CLINT
Steel Prophet - Dark hallucinations 3.5/5 - CLINT
Steel Prophet - Into the void 3.5/5 - CLINT
Steel Prophet - The goddess principle 1.5/5 - CLINT
Steel Rage - Double life 3.5/5 Steel Rage Review - CLINT
Steel Rage - Engraved in steel 3/5 - CLINT
Steel Raiser - Race of steel 3/5 Steel Raiser Review - KIT
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
Steel Raiser III - Race of steel 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Steel Seal - Redemption denied 3.5/5 (2nd CD of neo-classical power metal that continues where the debut left off, but this time with popular vocalist Thomas Vikstrom) - CLINT
Steel Seal - By the power of thunder 4/5 Steel Seal Review - CLINT
Steel Tormentor - Return of a king 4/5 Steel Tormentor Review - CREAG
Steel Tormentor - Unleashed 3.5/5 Steel Tormentor Review - CREAG
Steel Vengeance - Never lettin' go 3/5 - MICHAEL
Steel Vengeance - Prisoners 3/5 - MICHAEL
Steel Vengeance - Second offense 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Steel Vengeance - Call off the dogs 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Steel Warrior - Legends 3/5 Steel Warrior Review - MICHAEL
Steel Warrior - Army of the time 3.5/5 (solid 2nd CD of Brazilian speed/power metal for fans of Running Wild, The Storyteller and Blind Guardian) - MICHAEL
Steel Warrior - Visions from the mistland 3.5/5 (vibrant conceptualized power metal debut a la Hellish War, Vhaldemar and Rebellion) - MICHAEL
Steeler (U.S.) - s/t 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Steeler (Ger) - Undercover animal 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Steeler (Ger) - Strike back 3/5 - MICHAEL
Steeler (Ger) - Rulin' the earth 3/5 - MICHAEL
Steeler (Ger) - s/t 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Steelgar - Xenocide 4/5 (impressive Spanish thrash metal debut with enough classic metal melody to keep things interesting) - KIT
Steelwing - Zone of alienation 3.5/5 (Swedes attempt to re-interpret Overdrive while adulating Tokyo Blade and Tygers of Pan Tang; their 2nd CD) - MICHAEL
Steelwing - Lord of the wasteland 4/5 Steelwing Review - MICHAEL
Step Child - The prayer 3/5 - MICHAEL
Stigmata - The court of eternity 4/5 - KIT
Stigmata - Solum mente infirmis 2.5/5 - KIT
Stigmata - Grand ominous dreams (hopefully coming soon)
Still Alive - Kyo 3/5 (Brazilian progressive heavy/power metal debut that’s a good start, but it’s a decent distance from the best CDs out of the country/style) - CLINT
Stimulans - Dust 3.5/5 Stimulans Review - MICHAEL
Stone - Emotional playground 3/5 - MICHAEL
Stone - Colours 3/5 - MICHAEL
Stone - No anaesthesia! 3/5 - MICHAEL
Stone - s/t 4.5/5 - MICHAEL
Stone Cold Black - The cell 3/5 (German retro-thrash debut similar to Abandoned, Xentrix, Sencirow and Viron; has toured with Destructor) - MICHAEL
Stone Vengeance - The angel 3/5 - MICHAEL
Stone Vengeance - To kill evil 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Stone Vengeance - Here lies... Stone Vengeance 3/5 - MICHAEL
Stonedirt - Inherited fever 2.5/5 (2nd CD of thrash with a modern/aggressive sound; for fans of Headhaunter, Hate Squad, Hatesphere, The Haunted, etc.) - MICHAEL
Stonedirt - Redneck blues (hopefully coming soon)
Stonelake - Marching on timeless tales 3.5/5 Stonelake Review - SEAN
Stonelake - Shades of eternity (hopefully coming soon)
Stonelake - Uncharted souls (hopefully coming soon)
Stonelake - World entry (hopefully coming soon)
Stonelake - Reincarnation (hopefully coming soon)
Stonewall - Victims of evil 3/5 (solid, enjoyable, albeit highly derivative, traditional metal debut from an Italian trio; features a cool Sword cover song) - KIT
Storm - Nordavind 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Stormbringer - Don't think... obey! 2/5 (demo-level Italian power metal debut a la early White Skull; needs improvement in all departments) - KIT
Stormcrow - No fear of tomorrow 3.5/5 Stormcrow Review - MICHAEL
Stormgarde - The answer 3.5/5 Stormgarde Review - CLINT
Stormhammer - Signs of revolution 2.5/5 (German power metal band's 4th CD, but first with a good amount of keys; nothing horrible, but nothing spectacular either) - CLINT
Stormhammer - Lord of darkness 2.5/5 (3rd CD with a slightly raw production, but still remains another catchy CD of German power metal) - CLINT
Stormhammer - Cold desert moon 3.5/5 (improved 2nd CD of German power metal similar to Wizard and Gamma Ray) - CLINT
Stormhammer - Fireball 1.5/5 - CLINT
Stormhunter - Crime and punishment 4/5 Stormhunter Review - KIT
Stormhunter - s/t 3.5/5 (stellar German speed/power metal debut in the Running Wild mold; sadly crippled by weak vocals) - KIT
Storming Steels - Aggression thrashing fist 3/5 (debut that's blasphemous/intense skull-bending insanity a la Exodus, Aggressor, Forbidden and Dark Angel) - MICHAEL
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
Stormrider - Fate of the hunter 4/5 Stormrider Review - KIT
Stormrider - Shipwrecked 4/5 (outstanding epic true metal debut from Germany a la Omen/Iced Earth) - KIT
Stormrider (The) - Criseida 4/5 (awesome power metal debut that has a very appealing dark/gothic feel in spots) - CLINT
Stormwarrior - Heathen warrior 3.5/5 (predictable but satisfying 4th CD from this German power metal band; not quite at the high level of their previous CDs) - CLINT
Stormwarrior - Heading northe 4/5 (another awesome CD of heavier German power metal with killer guitar work and confident vocals; their 3rd CD) - CLINT
Stormwarrior - Heading northe 4/5 Stormwarrior Review - SEAN
Stormwarrior - Northern rage 4/5 Stormwarrior Review - CLINT
Stormwarrior - Northern rage 3/5 Stormwarrior Review - CRAIG
Stormwarrior - s/t 4/5 - CLINT
Stormwind - Rising symphony 1.5/5 (another average CD from this Swedish neo-classical/melodic power metal band) - CLINT
Stormwind - Reflections 2.5/5 - CLINT
Stormwind - Resurrection 2/5 - CLINT
Stormwind - Heaven can wait 2.5/5 - CLINT
Stormwind - Stargate 2/5 - CLINT
Stormwitch - Witchcraft 2.5/5 Stormwitch Review - CRAIG
Stormwitch - Dance with the witches 3/5 - CRAIG
Stormwitch - Shogun 3/5 - CRAIG
Stormwitch - War of the wizards 3/5 - CRAIG
Stormwitch - Eye of the storm 2/5 - CRAIG
Stormwitch - The beauty and the beast 3.5/5 - CRAIG
Stormwitch - Stronger than heaven 3/5 - CRAIG
Stormwitch - Tales of terror 3/5 - CRAIG
Stormwitch - Walpurgis night 3/5 - CRAIG
Stormy Night - Ball of thunder 3/5 (midtempo catchy indy traditional/power metal debut from Belgium; for fans of Hammerfall, Dream Evil, etc.) - KIT
Storrmbringer - Among the flames of war 3/5 (debut from Greek epic true metal youngsters who are long on heart, but a tad short on ability and execution) - KIT
Storyteller (The) - Dark legacy 3/5 (solid 5th CD from this Swedish power metal band, but I think they’ve lost some of their uniqueness over the years) - CLINT
Storyteller (The) - Underworld 3/5 (solid yet unspectacular 4th CD with some heavy riffs, creating a sound close to the earliest Falconer CDs) - CLINT
Storyteller (The) - Underworld 2.5/5 Storyteller Review - DAVID
Storyteller (The) - Tales of a holy quest 3.5/5 (enjoyable 3rd CD from this Scandinavian band with Blind Guardian like themes, their best CD to date) - CLINT
Storyteller (The) - Crossroad 3/5 (not quite as great as the debut, but this 2nd CD has its moments) - CLINT
Storyteller (The) - Crossroad 3.5/5 Storyteller Review - CRAIG
Storyteller (The) - s/t 3.5/5 (catchy and memorable debut of power metal with folk elements) - CLINT
Strana Officina - Rising to the call 3/5 (Italian metal vets channel Gun Barrel, with hints of Ozzy and classic Motorhead) - KIT
Strana Officina - Rock & roll prisoners (hopefully coming soon)
Stranger - Pretty angels (hopefully coming soon)
Stranger - The bell 4/5 (reissue of well done 80s German metal from the Atlain/Gravestone family of bands) - 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
Stratovarius - Elysium 4/5 (one of the long-running and personal-favorite power metal bands has successfully returned to their roots and provided 2 excellent CDs in a row) - CLINT
Stratovarius - Polaris 4/5 (an excellent comeback CD from this popular power metal band from Finland; contains much more speed than their last few CDs) - CLINT
Stratovarius - Polaris 4/5 Stratovarius Review - CREAG
Stratovarius - s/t 3/5 (with exception of the completely annoying song "Maniac dance", this isn't far behind their last few CDs and should satisfy fans of the band) - CLINT
Stratovarius - s/t 3/5 Stratovarius Review - DAVID
Stratovarius - Elements pt. 2 3/5 (fine follow-up to the pt. 1 CD, but perhaps too much of a song variety for the style) - CLINT
Stratovarius - Elements pt. l 3.5/5 - CLINT
Stratovarius - Infinite 4/5 - CLINT
Stratovarius - Destiny 5/5 - CLINT
Stratovarius - Visions 4.5/5 - CLINT
Stratovarius - Episode 4.5/5 - CLINT
Stratovarius - Fourth dimension 4/5 - CLINT
Stratovarius - Dreamspace 3/5 - CLINT
Stratovarius - Twilight time 3/5 - CLINT
Stratovarius - Fright night 2.5/5 - CLINT
Stress - A tuz meg eg 3/5 (reunion CD by 80s Hungarian metal act strongly influenced by Accept/Saxon school, with an Accept and an U.D.O. cover tune) - KIT
Stress - Kisertet kastely 3/5 - KIT
Stribog - U okovima vjecnosti 3.5/5 (debut of fast/hard epic folksy viking black metal with enchanting acoustic passages, chanting and heroic female vocals) - CHRIS
Strike, Alexey - Born under the sign of fire (hopefully coming soon)
Strike, Alexey - Time of the full moon 3/5 Strike, Alexey Review - KIT
Strikelight - Taste my attack 4/5 Strikelight Review - KIT
Strikelight - s/t 4/5 (rollicking infectious NWOBHM debut from Greek newcomers on Eat Metal Records) - KIT
Striker - Armed to the teeth (hopefully coming soon)
Striker - Eyes in the night 4.5/5 Striker Review - KIT
Stryken - First strike 3.5/5 (killer Christian metal debut from 1986 now available for the first time on CD; similar to Sacred Warrior, Recon or Neon Cross) - MICHAEL
Stryper - No more hell to pay 3/5 (not as promising of a comeback as we would have hoped, with a terrible Doobie Brothers cover, and less than spectacular songs) - MICHAEL
Stryper - The covering 4/5 (fantastic selection of covers showing the balls of this band; new song "God" is the best thing they have written since "The reign"!) - MICHAEL
Stryper - Murder by pride 3.5/5 Stryper Review - MICHAEL
Stryper - Reborn 2.5/5 - MICHAEL
Stryper - Against the law 3/5 - MICHAEL
Stryper - In God we trust 3/5 - MICHAEL
Stryper - To hell with the Devil 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Stryper - Soldiers under command 4/5 - MICHAEL
Stuka Squadron - Tales of the ost 3/5 (debut that’s Powerwolf meets Sabaton, with a near Nazi gimmick; for fans of Firewolfe, Rocka Rolla, etc.) - MICHAEL
Sturm und Drang - Graduation day 3/5 (3rd CD from these young kids, with more of a commercial sound; musicianship has still improved despite the lack of killer hits) - SEAN
Sturm und Drang - Rock 'n' roll children 4.5/5 Sturm und Drang Review - SEAN
Sturm und Drang - Learning to rock 3.5/5 Sturm und Drang Review - SEAN
Stygian - Planetary destruction 2/5 - KIT
Stygma IV - Hell within 4/5 (Austria's finest dark power metal export return with their strongest and most focused effort since 'The court of eternity') - KIT
Stygma IV - Human twilight zone 3/5 - KIT
Stygma IV - Phobia 3/5 - KIT
Styrov - Shaman 2/5 (fairly boring Russian-language heavy metal debut that doesn't come close to matching the quality of many of the other new Russian bands) - CLINT
Sudden Flames - Death might be late 4/5 (top-shelf melodic speedy power metal debut that's reminiscent of Hanker; hard to believe these guys are unsigned) - KIT
Suddenlash - Soul’s revenge 3/5 Suddenlash Review - CLINT
Sudnyi Den' - Black prophecy 3.5/5 Sudnyi Den' Review - CLINT
Suicidal Angels - Bloodbath 3/5 (5th CD from these Greek thrashers, and along with Nekromantheon, more than sate my desire) - MICHAEL
Suicidal Angels - Dead again 3.5/5 (Greek recusants return with their best effort to date, a la Kreator, Infernal Majesty, Iron Angel and Sanctuary; their 4th CD) - MICHAEL
Suicidal Angels - Sanctify the darkness 3.5/5 (bloodthirsty and ultra-fast Christ-grinding speedlords from Greece return, ready to usher in the era of darkness) - MICHAEL
Suicidal Angels - Eternal domination 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Suicidal Angels - Bloodthirsty humanity 3/5 - MICHAEL
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
Suicidal Tendencies - Free your soul... and save my mind 3/5 - MICHAEL
Suicidal Tendencies - Freedumb 3/5 - MICHAEL
Suicidal Tendencies - Suicidal for life 3/5 - MICHAEL
Suicidal Tendencies - Still cyco after all these years 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Suicidal Tendencies - The art of rebellion 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Suicidal Tendencies - Lights, Camera, Revolution 4.5/5 - MICHAEL
Suicidal Tendencies - How will I laugh tomorrow when I can't even smile today 4/5 - MICHAEL
Suicidal Tendencies - Join the army 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Suicidal Tendencies - s/t 3/5 - MICHAEL
Suicide Watch - Figure head of pain (hopefully coming soon)
Suicide Watch - Global warming 3/5 - MICHAEL
Suidakra - Eternal defiance 3.5/5 Suidakra Review - CREAG
Suidakra - Book of dowth 3.5/5 Suidakra Review - CREAG
Suidakra - Crogacht 4/5 Suidakra Review - CREAG
Suidakra - Caledonia 3.5/5 (a fine return to form; their most epic work yet, though lacks some intensity) - CREAG
Suidakra - Command to charge 2/5 (a largely unsuccesful and thankfully short-lived attempt to add modern elements to their established sound) - CREAG
Suidakra - Signs for the fallen (hopefully coming soon)
Suidakra - Emprise to Avalon 4/5 - CREAG
Suidakra - The arcanum 4.5/5 - CREAG
Suidakra - Lays from afar (hopefully coming soon)
Suidakra - Auld lang syne (hopefully coming soon)
Suidakra - Lupine essence 3.5/5 (Rawer, simpler debut that barely scrapes past EP status; still packs quite a punch though) - CREAG
Sun Descends - The entropy formula 3.5/5 (2nd CD from this U.S. thrash band; a brutal offering from Exumer’s debut’s singer) - MICHAEL
Sun Descends - Incinerating the meek (hopefully coming soon)
Suncrown - Follow your dream 3.5/5 Suncrown Review - CLINT
Sunrise - Trust your soul 5/5 Sunrise Review - CLINT
Sunrise - Liberty 4/5 Sunrise Review - CLINT
Sunterra - Graceful tunes 3.5/5 (gothic metal with a touch of progressive power metal; contains a lot less speed and more crunch when compared to 'Lost time') - CLINT
Sunterra - Lost time 4.5/5 (perfect blend of power metal and gothic metal with "beauty and the beast" styled vocals, all highlighted by a wonderful flute!) - CLINT
Sunwalter - SETI evidence 4/5 (fast-paced and totally awesome symphonic power metal debut with “beauty and the beast” vocals; the “beast” is of the black metal type) - CLINT
Superchrist - Holy shit 3.5/5 (satisfying mixture of High Spirits catchiness with Motorhead dirty aggression; their 6th CD) - KIT
Superchrist - Defenders of the filth 3.5/5 (potent Motorhead worship with a slightly more metallic edge and vile cover art; their 5th CD) - KIT
Superchrist - Headbanger 3.5/5 - KIT
Superchrist - South of hell (hopefully coming soon)
Superchrist - Back & black (hopefully coming soon)
Superchrist - Dark & dirty (hopefully coming soon)
Suprema - Traumatic scenes 2.5/5 (Brazilian power metal debut with generic yet fairly solid music, but I’m not a fan of the vocalist at all) - CLINT
Supreme Majesty - Elements of creation 3.5/5 (very good 3rd CD of melodic power metal that's overall faster/heavier than their previous CD 'Danger') - CLINT
Supreme Majesty - Danger 3.5/5 (very memorable 2nd CD in the Sonata Arctica style) - CLINT
Supreme Majesty - Tales of a tragic kingdom 4/5 (fantastic debut of slick power metal with confident vocals) - CLINT
Supreme Majesty - Tales of a tragic kingdom 3/5 Supreme Majesty Review - CRAIG
Surgeon - The sign of ending grace 4/5 - KIT
Suspyre - s/t 2/5 (chaotic and uninteresting 4th CD from this once progressive power metal band that’s now just messy prog, and without high quality songwriting) - CLINT
Suspyre - When time fades 3/5 (3rd CD that's quite complex/experimental and is for progressive metal fans only; for me, it's good but doesn't leave a lasting impression) - CLINT
Suspyre - A great divide 3.5/5 Suspyre Review - CLINT
Suspyre - The silvery image 3/5 Suspyre Review - CLINT
Svarga - Blood river 2.5/5 (3rd CD that's a dramatic change of style to lush lightly folksy acoustic music with clean vocals only) - CHRIS
Svarga - There, where woods doze 3/5 (festive occasionally aggressive folk metal with prominent accordion/flute, and clean and some death vocals; their 2nd CD) - CHRIS
Svarga - Fires on the barrows 3/5 (debut of festive sometimes aggressive folk metal with prominent lead accordion; has death, clean and some female vocals) - CHRIS
Svartsot - Maledictus eris 3.5/5 Svartsot Review - CREAG
Svartsot - Mulmets viser 3/5 Svartsot Review - CREAG
Svartsot - Ravnenes saga 3.5/5 Svartsot Review - CREAG
Svolk - Nights under the round table (hopefully coming soon)
Svolk - Svolk 'em all 4/5 (mismarketed as stoner, this is cool traditional/doom somewhere between Grand Magus and Bible of the Devil, with some 90s Metallica accents) - KIT
Svolk - s/t (hopefully coming soon)
Swarm - Beyond the end 3/5 - MICHAEL
Swashbuckle - Crime always pays 3/5 (party pirates are back with more deathrashin' cutlass swinging mayhem; vocals are still gruff, but songs are longer) - MICHAEL
Swashbuckle - Back to the noose 3.5/5 (great 2nd CD of humorous pirate shtick for fans of Running Wild, Sodom, Whiplash and Tankard) - MICHAEL
Swashbuckle - Crewed by the damned 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sweet Savage - Regeneration (hopefully coming soon)
Sweet Savage - Rune (hopefully coming soon)
Sweet Savage - Killing time 3/5 - MICHAEL
Sword - Sweet dreams 1/5 - JOHN
Sword - Metalized 3.5/5 - JOHN
Sword (The) - Apocryphon (hopefully coming soon)
Sword (The) - Warp riders 3/5 (3rd CD of commercial doom which thankfully isn’t sludge or droll, and it’s better than their first 2 CDs) - MICHAEL
Sword (The) - Gods of the earth 2.5/5 (2nd CD from these over-hyped doomlords who steal from the best; better than their debut though) - MICHAEL
Sword (The) - Age of winters 2/5 - MICHAEL
Sygnet (The) - Children of the future 3.5/5 (smooth melodic power metal debut with clean vocals and catchy choruses) - CLINT
Sylencer - A lethal dose of truth 3.5/5 (all-star line-up form for this thrash debut similar to Zimmers Hole, Blackend, Machine Head, etc.; has a cool Rammstein cover) - MICHAEL
Sylver Myst - Emotions revealed 3.5/5 Sylver Myst Review - CLINT
Symakya - Majestic 12: Open files 4/5 Symakya Review - CLINT
Symbolizer - Thanatos unleashed 3/5 (musically killer mid-paced melodic European thrash debut, but the subpar half-spoken clean vocals hurt) - KIT
Symbols - Faces 2/5 (3rd CD of melodic metal and first without vocalist Edu Falaschi who is now with Angra and Almah; a bit too light for my tastes) - CLINT
Symbols - Call to the end 2.5/5 - CLINT
Symbols - s/t 1.5/5 - CLINT
Symfonia - In paradisum 3.5/5 Symfonia Review - SEAN
Symmetrya - Eternal search 3/5 Symmetrya Review - CLINT
Symphonian - Incarnation of reality 3.5/5 (debut of heavy, crunchy, majestic gothic doom metal with melancholy soprano and warm death vocals; like Draconian) - CHRIS
Symphonity - Voice from the silence 3.5/5 Symphonity Review - CLINT
Symphony X - Iconoclast 4.5/5 Symphony X Review - CRAIG
Symphony X - Paradise lost 4.5/5 Symphony X Review - CRAIG
Symphony X - The odyssey 4/5 Symphony X Review - DAVID
Symphony X - V 4.5/5 Symphony X Review - DAVID
Symphony X - Twilight in Olympus 3.5/5 Symphony X Review - DAVID
Symphony X - The divine wings of tragedy 5/5 Symphony X Review - DAVID
Symphony X - The damnation game 3.5/5 - DAVID
Symphony X - s/t 3/5 - DAVID
Symphorce - Unrestricted 3.5/5 (final CD from this modernish power metal band with Andy B. Franck from Brainstorm on vocals) - CLINT
Symphorce - Unrestricted 4.5/5 Symphorce Review - SEAN
Symphorce - Become death 3.5/5 (their last few CDs failed to impress me, but this was quite a surprise; offers up some strong thrash/power metal a bit like Nevermore) - CLINT
Symphorce - Godspeed 2/5 (a few modern metal influences drag this 5th CD down a bit, leaving me grabbing for the much more consistent Brainstorm) - CLINT
Symphorce - Twice second 2.5/5 (very heavy 4th CD sounding close to recent Nevermore, but doesn't match their pounding 'Phorcefulahead') - CLINT
Symphorce - Phorcefulahead 3.5/5 - CLINT
Symphorce - Sinctuary 3/5 - CLINT
Symphorce - Truth to promises 2/5 - CLINT
Synful Ira - Between hope and fear 4/5 Synful Ira Review - CHRIS
Synthphonia Suprema - The future ice-age 3.5/5 (nicely done 2nd CD of synth-oriented speedy power metal with improved songwriting, so it's better than the debut) - CLINT
Synthphonia Suprema - Synthphony 001 3/5 Synthphonia Suprema Review - CLINT
Syrant - Coming back 3.5/5 Syrant Review - KIT
Syrens Call - Raging waters 4/5 (fantastic 3rd CD from this French female fronted progressive power metal band; highly recommended) - CLINT
Syrens Call - Raging waters 4/5 Syrens Call Review - CHRIS
Syrens Call - Emoceans 4/5 Syrens Call Review - CLINT
Syrens Call - Fantasea 2/5 - CLINT
Syris - Unseen forces 2.5/5 - KIT
Syris - s/t 3/5 - KIT
Syron Vanes - Evil redux 2/5 (awful 5th CD from the insane bringers of evil from Sweden who once were poised to be the next Overdrive or Heavy Load) - MICHAEL
Syron Vanes - Property of (hopefully coming soon)
Syron Vanes - Insane (hopefully coming soon)
Syron Vanes - Revenge 3/5 - MICHAEL
Syron Vanes - Bringer of evil 3.5/5 - MICHAEL
Syth - The reckoning 4.5/5 Syth Review - CREAG
Syth - Warzone 4.5/5 Syth Review - CREAG



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