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Author Paul Maddison

I grew up in the North East at the tail end of NWOBHM and US Power Metal scene and more noticably during the glam vs. thrash conflict. I then upped sticks to spend a good few years in the West Midlands during the late 90's.

Over the years I have become a fanatical collector of records, T shirts and CD's and in this current internet age, mp3's are not what i consider to be called part a record collection for the "record"!

I decided to start writing reviews as I thought that it would be a good way to give back some positive support for artists and a music phenomenon that has given me great pleasure over the years. I prefer to listen to bands that can really play their instruments and have a talent for melody and good arrangements. I try to be constructive with everything I endeavour within music. When on or off "duty" you will more than likely see me enjoying rather a few pints of the good stuff at the bar in the London area and maybe at some various other watering holes around the country...i don't bite, i just stumble a bit...

Long live metal with all its triumphs and tribulations, metal fans are a community, it's a lifestyle, it is everything to man and beast!

The Wizards – The Exit Garden (High Roller)

The Wizards are a Spanish band I’ve followed for a long time now, each release has its own qualities, statements and groove. The latest offering is no different, but they band expand their influences and deliver an augmented experience that… Continue Reading →

Sentry – Sentry (High Roller)

This is a band formed with surviving members of Manilla Road. You may expect a similar stance, this is true, but it’s a little more than that, this is not a continuation. ‘Dark Matter’ begins with all the hallmarks of… Continue Reading →

Messiah – Christus Hypercubus (High Roller)

Following their return in 2020 with the awesome “Fracmont”, this Swiss Death/Thrash band made a big impact after being away so long, bringing out the glory days of their Noise records releases. However, the band return after some line-up changes,… Continue Reading →

Traveler – Prequel to Madness (No Remorse)

So, is this a difficult third full length release? No…, this expands upon their former ‘Termination Shock’ and provides a better balanced listen. If you are not familiar with this traditional heavy metal band, then they are akin to the… Continue Reading →

Show N Tell – The Ritual Has Begun (No Remorse)

In 2020 I bought a demo by this American band, I was rather pleased to hear of this album release. The artwork is particularly striking and vibrant as soon as the album starts, this has some kick to it, there… Continue Reading →

Savaged – Night Stealer (No Remorse Records)

Formed in 2021 in Barcelona, Spain, this is traditional heavy metal in a similar vein to Riot City, Enforcer, Night Demon and Skullfist, plus many others, I could be here forever. ‘Knights of Metal’ featured on their EP release from… Continue Reading →

March to Die – Tears of the Gorgon (No Remorse)

This is a new Epic metal band from Cyprus, they quite clearly sound and are inspired by the various stage of pre-90’s Manowar. You get that from the vocal expression and the music from the initial opener ‘The Eternal Oath’… Continue Reading →

Hitten – While Passion Lasts (High Roller)

I really like this band, they graced a tiny Camden stage last year with Seven Sisters and presented material from their last album. From then to now, this new one comes out again and follows a similar formula. High intensity… Continue Reading →

Satan Worship – Satanik Overdose Of Hell (Folter Records)

This is the Third album from a black thrash band from Brazil/Germany, a truly international affair. The demonic artwork on the album cover is simple but effective, you know what you are going to hear without reading any description from… Continue Reading →

Terrorstahl – Distanz (Boersma Records)

This is a German band singing in their native tongue, labelled as black thrash, but to my ears its more melodic death metal. The production is powerful and vibrant, I’d give a comparable to the late 90’s and the Gothenburg… Continue Reading →

Tower Hill – Deathstalker (No Remorse)

I’ve waited a while for this release. I was pleasantly surprised when it was announced that this Canadian band were signed to No Remorse, a perfect fit for the band. The band (or sole member [then] released ‘Fighting Spirits’ demo… Continue Reading →

Icarus Witch – No Devil Lived On (Cleopatra Records)

This is the sixth full length release from US traditional heavy metal band Icarus Witch. You may recognise some of the members as being part of Ironflame, a band previously covered by myself on these pages. With the opener ‘Heaven’s… Continue Reading →

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