REVIEW : PARAGON / Hell Beyond Hell (2016)

To be honest with you here, the band Paragon was a strange to me till now that I received the promo of its brand new record "Hell Beyond Hell". Paragon is a German power metal/speed metal band that since its creation, 1990, has released many albums and has participated in many gigs with big names such as SAXON, VIRGIN STEELE and GAMMA RAY among others.

REVIEW : Brainstorm / Scary Creatures (2016)

BRAINSTORM were founded in 1989. The first years saw the band releasing several demos and participating in live gigs. The self-produced “Hungry” album was released in 1997 and received a good feedback. Just a year later, the band was back in the studio to record its second album with the title“Unholy”. The third album “Ambiguity” , featuring new vocalist Andy B. Franck, was a fact and again it received lots of praise from the press. In October 2001, BRAINSTORM made the big step with “Metus Mortis”, which became the band's international breakthrough. Numerous European magazines awarded it as “album of the month”.

REVIEW : Stormhammer / Echoes Of A Lost Paradise (2015)

"Echoes Of A Lost Paradise" is entitled Stormhammer's fifth official release. The power metal band of Stormhammer was founded in 1993 in Munich, Germany. After the worldwide release of four CDs and an extensive touring with bands like Blind Guardian, Grave Digger and others, it's time for "Echoes Of A Lost Paradise", the new album, to be added to Stormhammer's collection.

REVIEW : Iron Savior / Live At The Final Frontier (2015)

The history of IRON SAVIOR began in 1996 as a studio project, at the start, with the idea to create a sound close to the traditional (and influenced by NWOBHM greats like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden) power metal scene with science fiction concepts-linked lyrics.

STORM WARRIOR / Thunder & Steele (2014)

STORMWARRIOR are worldwide known for their unique style, combining true heavy metal anthems with the concept of Nordic mythology. To be honest, this is my first 'touch' with Storm Warrior. Hailing from Northern Germany and greatly inspired by the 80’s metal scene, especially Helloween and Running Wild, the band was founded by Lars Ramcke in 1998.

IRON SAVIOR / Rise Of The Hero (2014)

The story of this heavy power metal act began in 1996 when Piet Sielck, Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray) and Thomen Stauch (Blind Guardian) formed this band but only as a project. Their goal was to create a traditional heavy metal band (Judas Priest, Iron Maiden e.t.c.) with a lot of power elements but, also,with science fiction concepts linked lyrics.

MAX PIE / EIGHT PIECES - ONE WORLD (2013)

Max Pie was originally founded in 2005 and started playing classic hard rock stuff in the vain of Deep Purple and Whitesnake. Then, they enriched their sound with a strong progressive dose but, also, some epic pinches as well and, finally, in 2012 their debut album, "Initial Process" was a fact.

WIND ROSE / Shadows Over Lothadruin (2012)

After having attracted enthusiastic reviews for their self-produced EP in 2010, the band started to work for their first full-length release. The man who is responsible for the production of this album is the renowned  musician and producer Cristiano Bertocchi who is well-known for his work with Vision Divine and Labyrinth.

ICED EARTH / DYSTOPIA (2011)

Firstly, I have to say that I'm not a big fan of this band but, I have to admit that Iced Earth is one of the most respectable bands in the planet and they have released some really good albums in the past which made every single fan of this gerne very happy.

EAGLEHEART / DREAMTHERAPY (2011)

Hailing from Brno, Czech Republic, Eagleheart is one of the most promising new forces in the current Power Metal scene. Their debut album, ‘Moment Of Life’ (2008) gained an excellent response from fans and critics alike, leading them to energetic live performances as a support band for names like W.A.S.P., Blaze Bayley and André Matos to name a few, not to mention the fact that they also appeared in some of the biggest Czech Metal festivals such as Masters Of Rock and Benátská Noc where Eagleheart played for thousands of fans.

SEVEN THORNS / RETURN TO THE PAST (2011)

Seven Thorns is a melodic power metal band that started in 1998 by Lars "Laske" Borup. In 2005, the first single “Artificial Night” was recorded and released. Lars continued with Mik Holm and, in 2008, a new line-up was ready. "Forest Majesty", the first single from the up-coming album, was recorded over New Year 2008/2009 and was released in March 2009. Nowadays, the band is back with it's new release "Return To The Past".

THE RITUAL / BEYOND THE FRAGILE HORIZON (2011)

The Ritual were formed in 2002 as a Heavy/Thrash project but after many line-up changes, most notably the addition of guitarist Marco Pastorino (of Secret Sphere and Timesword fame), they developed into the powerful force they are known today. Their music is violent, aggressive but, also, very melodic.

LORD VOLTURE / NEVER CRY WOLF (2011)

LORD VOLTURE is a Melodic Heavy-Power Metal act that hails from The Netherlands and "Never Cry Wolf" is their second release after the successful debut effort "Beast Of Thunder" in 2010. The band's music style is somewhere between Jag Panzer, Iced Earth and Vicious Rumors. The band consists of David Marcelis on lead vocals, Paul Marcelis on lead guitars, Leon Hermans on guitars, Simon Geurts on bass and Frank Wintermans on drums.

Angra / Aqua (2010)

First of all, I have to say that I was never a big Angra's fan. On the other hand, I own the band's 'Fireworks' and 'Rebirth' (their first with E. Falaschi on lead vocals), which are both very good albums. So, when I first bought this release and put it to the cd player, I was amazed of how good this album is.

'Aqua' is a concept album. It's all about the story of Shakespeare's play "The Tempest". The songwritting is tight and there is a perfect balance between the strong melodies and the more heavier elements. Falaschi's vocals are superb and he is singing his heart out in this one. Passionate and strong vocals perfectly balanced with the music! The duo of Kiko Loureiro and  Rafael Bittencourt on guitars is offering some really inspired solos and riffs. I think that the word -inspired- fits pefectly to this album! And even if power/prog. metal isn't my strongest point, I have to admit that this album grabbed me from its very first listening!

Songs such as the 'speedy' "Arising Thunder" and "Awake From Darkness", which are both superb, "Lease Of Life" and the excellent tune of "Ashes", which shows the wonderfull voice of Edu Falaschi's are all some fine examples of well played power/prog. metal. A very interesting release!
HeavyParadise's Rating: 8/10

 Track list:

1. Viderunt Te Aquæ 2. Arising Thunder 3. Awake From Darkness 4. Lease Of Life 5. The Rage Of The Waters 6. Spirit Of The Air 7. Hollow 8. Monster In Her Eyes 9. Weakness Of A Man 10. Ashes