Written by Druss on 03.09.2012 at 20:13

Grave Digger's newest album, Clash Of The Gods (Power/heavy metal) is out, and is pretty surprising in how good it is. Its all very chorus heavy and simple, but it hits hard, and the guitars really shine at times here, this is basically what heavy power metal's meant to be. Give the title track a try, complete with a sweet ass Greek theme, I heavily recommend it.

While its been mentioned before, Holy Knight's latest, Between Daylight And Pain (Symph/prog power metal) seems to take a heavy influence (at least to these ears) from Kamelot, relatively complex song structures, abundant keys and classical touches here and there, for fans of the latter, this album might be for you. Here's the first track, Mistery for anyone who's interested.

On the more heavy metal side of things, Herman Frank, Accept's guitarist has released his second solo album, Right In The Guts, and like the title suggests, when this album is in full flow, it'll punch you right in t-....yeah. This is no-frills heavy metal, catchy, relatively simple, and boy does it kick ass. The vocals are probably the weakest thing about the album for me, not enough range and this is revealed towards the third quarter of the album where things slow down a bit, but still, overall this is a very pleasing album indeed, glad to see Herman's taken a few pointers from his main band. Enjoy the title track and if you like what you hear, give 'em a vote up in the Band Suggestions.

Written by GhostofCain on 22.09.2012 at 21:18
Thank's for the recommendation for Holy Knights, I'm checking out some of their stuff on youtube right now. I have to say, I checked them out based on your comparison to Kamelot. To me they sound more like Rhapsody. Actually they sound a lot like Rhapsody, and not so much Kamelot.

Written by Druss on 23.09.2012 at 19:46

Written by GhostofCain on 22.09.2012 at 21:18
Thank's for the recommendation for Holy Knights, I'm checking out some of their stuff on youtube right now. I have to say, I checked them out based on your comparison to Kamelot. To me they sound more like Rhapsody. Actually they sound a lot like Rhapsody, and not so much Kamelot.

The reason for the comparison to Kamelot and not RoF is that recently enough I've delved into some of Kamelot's stuff (as per recommended to me here), whereas I have no experience with RoF, apart from Luca Turilli's latest. Added to that is the fact I rarely enough enjoy symphonic power metal, so I'm not really an expert on the sound lol

• Downpour was released in September by Balflare. Next to the new Galneryus it's the best thing out of japanese neoclassical power this year. The album can't be found anywhere online as of yet though, probably because of that new law regarding downloading / uploading in Japan.
  
  
• Calling the Gods by Civilization One is out! (it's Somapala's main band now)
  
  
• Praying to the World is Dawn of Destiny's latest outing. A little too much on the gothic side for me, still enjoyable though.
  
  
• Devon , a new Brazilian power metal band. Heavy on the keyboard.
  
  
• Dragon Guardian is on fire this year, with second 2012 album "Polyphony" released just 5 months after their previous one. It's japanese power, you know what to expect. No 8-bit gimmicks this time, although I admit those were a guilty pleasure.
  
  
• Unleashed by Emerald (Switzerland). Really fun Heavy / Power.
  
  
• New Empires of Eden ! Rob Rock is in it.
  
  
• Unholy Rites by Fatal Force. Power metal from Denmark. Not bad.
  
  
• Fogalord is a new italian power metal band! Most of its' members are in Synthphonia Suprema. Ever wondered what pure flowery italian metal sounds like nowadays? There you have it.
  
  
• Next Level by Fullforce is finally here! I don't know why this band has so little recognition. Both albums so far are ace!
  
  
• Universality by Galderia has arrived, and it is stellar. Probably what Freedom Call would be like if their vocalist sounded more like Hansen.
  
  
• Golden Resurrection has leaked as well. I swear Tommy ReinXeed is restless and relentless...
  
  
• Silverthorn by Kamelot. This definitely has to be up there! It's probably the most known band I've mentioned 'til now.
  
  
• Liv Moon has released two albums this year as well. Japanese symphonic stuff. Japan never stops, it seems.
  
  
• New Mob Rules . Can't get enough of it!
  
  
• New Orden Ogan , of course. The last two mentions are probably one of the biggest current names in power metal.
  
  
• Pellek is the side-project of Damnation Angels' vocalist PelleK (see the connection). Tommy ReinXeed has a lead role in this one too. He's everywhere. He's like the Bob Macabre of power metal.
  
  
• Pertness are back! Sleek heavy / power from Switzerland again.
  
  
• Pursuit of Power is an unknown hard rock / power metal band from the US. Not too shabby.
  
  
• Have no fear, Rebellion is here. These album covers keep getting better and better too.
  
  
• Silent Poetry also made a new album. Not really fond of the vocals...
  
  
• Twilights of Sand by Skylark would be an obvious mention. A step up for Skylark!
  
  
• Skywings has put out a new EP. Yet another 2012 japanese melodic power outing, but I liked it nonetheless.
  
  
• Sonic Pulse are a new power / thrash metal band from the US...and yeah, this is a demoniac (pre-dragonforce) cover. I don't think they're taking themselves too seriously.
  
  
• SoulSpell! ! Lots of great guest vocalists!
  
  
• Sound Storm made a second album. More italian symphonic stuff for those who crave it.
  
  
• Tomorrow's Outlook debuted this year. They' have a fairly laid-back, soft power/progressive style. Stumbled on them by accident, but it's a good find really. Kiske sings in it!
  
  
• Trick or Treat was just a month late for Halloween - I actually typed helloween in there, edited it- ! Happy italian metal, should be more recognized now that Conti sings in Luca Turilli's Rhapsody.
  
  
• Wind Rose is a new power/progressive band from Tuscany. Same boat as Sound Storm.
  
  
• New Secret Sphere , nuff said.
  
  
• New Circus Maximus . Perfect alternative for the lack of Seventh Wonder lately.
  
  
• Last but not least, BloodBound . The concept is a bit weird and forced, but BloodBound rarely disappoint in their sound, so there you have it.
  
  

• Suncrown is an international group that made its' debut this year (I mean 2012).
  
  
• Arthemis also put an album out earlier in 2012. I'm not really fond of what these guys make anymore...
  
  
• Secret Illusion released an EP with their probably three best songs. Gotta back these guys up, since they're Greek.
  
  
• Beware the japanese-anime metal, Iron Attack! dude has released 2 albums this year. That's low considered to the average of 4-5 albums he puts out per year!
  
  
• New Versailles , typical visual kei japanese stuff.
  
  
• Ghosthill released their second album in September.
  
  
• New Rimortis , a band from Czech Republic. I have no idea what they're saying, sounds pretty awesome though.
  
  
• How could I forget Charlie Shred ? It is what the title claims, essentially. If it sounds vaguely familiar, it's because Tommy ReinXeed is in this one too.
  
  
• Last one on the list, Dreamstoria is like the seventh project of Leo Figaro. He's the Tommy ReinXeed of Japan, most likely.