Created, overseen and directed by Serafino Perugino President and A&R director of Frontiers Records, the metal project Sweet Oblivion returns with the sophomore release “Relentless” featuring legendary former Queensrÿche vocalist Geoff Tate.
“Once Again One Sin” opens the album with refined keyboards arrangements creating an opulent nostalgia infused atmosphere around Geoff’s charismatic signature vocal style and the classic metal nuances of the polished guitar work.
A melancholic mood lingers throughout “Let It Be” highlighting the passionate vocal delivery and keyboards skillfully continue to craft charming soundscapes while guitars shift from tight riffage to captivating melodic soloing.
“Wake Up Call” is surrounded by the dazzling ‘80s vibes of the multilayered keyboards that emphasize the emotional quality of the slower passages while the heavier guitar riffs naturally lead to a memorable chorus.
The glowing melodic leads and the shimmering keyboards become crucial on “Anybody Out There” and definitely complement Geoff’s impressive vocal range yet the rhythmic section has a chance to build some solid groovy patterns.
“Aria” sounds particularly interesting as this time Geoff sings in Italian delivering intense emotions while the rhythmic segments can showcase heavier dynamics fueled by the elaborate guitar work.
The final track “Fly Angel Fly” certainly embodies the catchy melodic essence that characterizes the entire album as once again guitars effortlessly deliver sharp riffs and soulful melodic phrases enriched by the impeccable vocals.
Classic metal acolytes will instantly appreciate the familiar ‘80s vibes that Sweet Oblivion proudly embrace throughout “Relentless” which as expected also stands out for Geoff’s stellar vocal performance.

Fronted by talented vocalist Marina La Torraca, Phantom Elite manifests a fiery symphonic metal essence with interesting modern twists on the sophomore release “Titanium”.  

“Conjure Rains” is a powerful album opener as the electro layers and the precise rhythmic dynamics unfold naturally around Marina’s charismatic vocals and you can certainly appreciate the prog metal influences within the elaborate lead guitar work. 

“Diamonds And Dark” begins with melancholic piano melodies that will continue to emerge throughout the song maintaining a soulful melodic flair while the overload of inflamed guitar riffs and lavish symphonic tapestries can evoke darker feelings. 

“Worst Part Of Me” still holds a charming melodic essence enhanced by the emotional vocal delivery yet guitars have a chance to unleash massive heavier riffage and acquire darkened tonalities amplified by the ravenous screams courtesy of guest vocalist Stef Rikken.  

The intricate title track often follows a heavy monumental rhythm fueled by bold drumming and aggressive riffage while the excellent guitar work delivers flamboyant technical progressions as well as luminous polished melodies. 

On “Silver Lining” the electro textures become quite dominant to spice up the catchy blend of refined symphonic arrangements and guitar driven grooves further enriched by a compelling solo and heartfelt vocal harmonies. 

“Eyes Wide Open” provides a balanced mix of dazzling melodic passages emphasized by Marina’s impressive vocal range and heavier prog oriented dynamics that allow guitars to skillfully craft a fair dosage of groovy patterns.  

Undoubtedly the strength of “Titanium” relies on Marina’s vocal prowess yet it should be noted that Phantom Elite are already shaping a personal sonic identity inspired by the successful symphonic metal formula. 

Centered around founding member Chip Z’nuff, iconic rock ‘n roll band Enuff Z’nuff adds the new album “Brainwashed Generation” to their extensive bombastic discography. 

“Fatal Distraction” delivers smooth groovy dynamics with tight guitar riffs entwined with soothing melodic passages leading to a radio friendly chorus that also expresses some bittersweet feelings. 

The steady rock grooves of “I Got My Money Where My Mouth Is” are further amplified by the gritty guitar tonalities and the whole instrumental ensemble certainly follows a classic hard rock pathway that reaches the acme with a vibrant sing along chorus. 

Featuring special guest Mike Portnoy, “It’s All In Vain” is filled with nostalgic vibes as the soothing guitar melodies, the charming leads and the vintage flair of the keyboards flow like a dream following a slower tempo. 

On “Drugland Weekend” guitars have a powerful raw sound so the authentic rock spirit feels very alive, enhanced also by Chip’s true rocker style vocals, and the resulting irresistible rhythmic patterns instantly make you feel good. 

“Go…” showcases a balanced blend of slick rock guitar riffs and subtle melancholic feelings that become more evident during the laid back rhythmic passages and the widely accessible passionate chorus.  

“Winding Road” returns to a highly energetic rhythmic rampage in fact guitars acquire a vivid rock essence focusing on the creation of addictive grooves and the wilder solo can easily steal the spotlight. 

Certainly Enuff Z’nuff still incarnate the authentic rock ‘n roll lifestyle in fact “Brainwashed Generation” keeps the crazy party going with loads of catchy tunes and aims to please the faithful fans but also conquer the heart of a new generation of rock lovers. 

Featuring frontman Ross Jennings of Haken new progressive metal/rock band Novena will certainly garner attention with the complex debut release “Eleventh Hour”. 

“22:59” begins with a luminous choral introduction swiftly followed by dazzling guitar melodies that channel a great positive energy while the main rhythmic section shifts from a laid back approach to flamboyant heavier proggy patterns matching the contrast between smooth clean vocals and aggressive growls. 

With a soulful ballad style “Sail Away” evokes a comforting serenity due to the minimalist piano melodies and whispered vocals surrounded by a dreamy melancholic atmosphere emphasized by the mellow rhythm. 

The stunning intricate track “Lucidity” is destined to become a favorite showcasing a remarkable complexity that leads to brilliant guitar progressions ranging from groovy riffage to exquisite melodies while the inspiring emotional motif is constantly expressed by the passionate vocals and the impeccable piano melodies.   

“Corazón” maintains an evident prog metal formula putting the spotlight on the stellar guitar work mainly focused on eclectic melodic passages accompanied by lovely multifaceted vocals while the final part becomes particularly playful and happy with warm Latin nuances and an irresistible dancey flamenco rhythm. 

On “The Tyrant” you will find thrilling syncopated rhythmic patterns so the intricate prog metal composition holds a dominant role with massive guitar riffs and stellar soloing accompanied by violent growls yet the ethereal melodic essence will always find a way to evoke peacefulness & melancholy with bittersweet clean vocals and gorgeous guitar phrases that seem to glow with a refreshing energy through the heavier rhythmic segments. 

The grand finale comes with the majestic opus “Prison Walls” that offers an insanely wide range of style and rhythmic variations starting with an overload of galloping catchy guitar riffs and smooth vocals. Later slower dreamy melodic tapestries will put the spotlight on the frustration and the struggle expressed by the narratives which are simply heart wrenching and we can all identify with such intense feelings. As the song continues to evolve, vocals become spiteful growls and guitars will ultimately embrace a darker and dramatically heavier approach which stands out for the precise rhythmic section while a sense of tranquility emerges through the poignant piano melodies, the elegant atmosphere and the alluring guitar phrases. 

There is a lot going on throughout “Eleventh Hour” which definitely showcases an eclectic prog composition and strong emotional themes as Novena will constantly surprise you with a high degree of sonic diversity and an amazing musicianship. 

American quartet Seven Spires takes it to the next level with the ambitious sophomore album “Emerald Seas” which features a theatrical fantasy inspired concept and fascinating symphonic metal soundscapes. 

“Ghost Of A Dream” relies on a refined melodic approach with delightful guitar phrases that will ultimately lead to glamorous soloing and dazzling vocals surrounded by detailed symphonic arrangements that definitely highlight the epic aspects. 

“Every Crest” delivers powerful groovy rhythmic dynamics with a significant heavier momentum and even some vicious growls yet the melodic soul feels once again rather dominant as the passionate vocal harmonies and the vibrant guitar work naturally flow through the elegant symphonic tapestries.  

“Drowner Of Worlds” sounds a bit different and is destined to become a favorite track as the darker mood is deeply emphasized by the gothic flair of the solemn atmospheric arrangements, the decadent piano melodies and the intense blackened growls plus the rhythmic patterns confidently build faster borderline ominous grooves. 

“Silvery Moon” follows a ballad style as the mellow piano melodies and the subtle atmospheric layers become essential accompanied by a particularly charismatic & heartfelt vocal delivery and enriched by some polished guitar licks. 

“Fearless” returns to a heavier darkened instrumental ensemble so guitars acquire crunchy tonalities and the sinister growls emphasize the blackened nuances while a fragile melodic essence emerges through the gothic sonic realm with understated symphonic arrangements and soft vocal harmonies. 

“The Trouble With Eternal Life” is full of triumphant power metal inspired grooves spiced up by fancy guitar soloing and sophisticated symphonic textures that constantly embellish the soothing melodies and perfectly complement the charming vocals. 

Seven Spires definitely showcase their talented musicianship throughout the album and “Emerald Seas” holds the necessary enthusiasm and catchy vibes to get on your radar especially if you’re a lover of symphonic metal. 

Archon Angel is a new exciting project featuring former Savatage and Circle II Circle vocalist Zak Stevens and producer/guitar player Aldo Lonobile of Secret Sphere, the result of this collaboration is embodied by the powerful debut album “Fallen”.

The title track marks a truly memorable beginning with the perfect dosage of passionate piano melodies and atmospheric arrangements surrounding catchy rhythmic dynamics that are constantly enriched by Zak’s charismatic voice channeling the authentic spirit of classic metal. 

The strength of “The Serpent” comes from the darkened vibes of the heavy groovy rhythmic core that relies on sharp riffage and glamorous soloing embellished by multilayered understated orchestrations and such captivating ensemble naturally suits the fierce vocal delivery. 

The bittersweet piano melodies of “Under The Spell” immediately evoke a sheer melancholia yet the groovy guitar riffs confidently maintain an engaging bold rhythmic momentum and the vibrant counterpoint vocal parts are simply irresistible. 

The atmospheric layers on “Twilight” become dramatically darker and the opulent symphonic orchestrations gain a rather dominant role within the song’s structure while the impeccable rhythmic section continues to focus on a solid series of heavier guitar driven grooves.  

The old school heavy metal approach is particularly vivid on “Faces Of Innocence” which relies on a winning blend of heartfelt melodic textures and glowing keyboards layers intensified by the flamboyant guitar soloing and the exquisite vocal harmonies. 

The epic final track “Return Of The Storm” will easily become a favorite beginning with enticing melancholia infused piano melodies that put the spotlight on the stunning counterpoint vocal choirs and the consequent darkly melodic grandeur will remain essential as the lavish symphonic orchestrations continue to shine through the faster energetic rhythmic patterns. 

Archon Angel demonstrate to have already a clear sonic pathway in mind and on “Fallen” Zak’s unforgettable signature vocal style paired with a pure classic metal essence and progpower elements at times might remind you of the glorious days of Savatage so the fans worldwide will enjoy listening to this album and probably will feel a bit nostalgic.