Swedish metallers Soilwork are certainly renowned worldwide for their explosive melodeath style and the highly anticipated full length “Verkligheten” proves once more the band’s relevant status in the modern metal scene with a genuine creative force.

No one could doubt the thunderous charisma of “Arrival” as guitars skillfully embrace heavy dynamics crafting furious riffs amplified by fiery growls but the song’s strength relies also on the poignant melodies, later emphasized by the smooth soloing, and the irresistible chorus.

There are so many cold melancholic melodies on “Full Moon Shoals” that naturally evoke an emotional whirlwind enriched by Björn’s dramatic clean vocals yet this track packs some majestic groovy moments with the right dosage of sharp riffage and fancy guitar soloing.

“The Nurturing Glance” conveys contrasting feelings as calm guitar melodies sound utterly nostalgic yet the faster bouncy grooves are full of positive energy that will be further enhanced by the memorable catchy tonalities of the vibrant chorus.

Featuring guest vocalist Alissa White-Gluz of Arch Enemy growling in the background,  “Stålfågel” revolves around a colder & darker sonic vision with somber atmospheric arrangements, gloomy guitar nuances and loads of crispy bittersweet clean vocals.

On “Witan” a heavier momentum generates plenty of inflamed guitar riffs and borderline ferocious rhythmic dynamics yet the chorus offers vivid melancholy infused melodies.

The dramatic nature of “The Ageless Whisper” comes from the refined guitar melodies and solo flowing through dreamy atmospheres that will eventually give way to a blend of anthemic rock vibes and harsher dynamics.

Featuring the intense growls of guest vocalist Tomi Joutsen of Amorphis “Needles And Kin” engage the listeners with stylish Nordic tonalities leading to extremely enraged guitar driven grooves following a faster roaring rhythm while Björn delivers impeccably heartfelt vocal harmonies.

Since the first listening “Verkligheten” will inspire you with its inner catchy mood and move you with the several melodic moments as Soilwork deliberately disregard any current metal trend to confidently deliver a collection of songs that will give you a chance to escape reality.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvBlRpVLTQU

Hailing from Northern Germany, melodic death/doom metallers Nailed To Obscurity proudly unleash the new full length “Black Frost” which symbolizes an emotional journey that explores the burdens on our souls and minds through an enthralling blend of harsh tonalities and gorgeous melodies.

The title track marks a majestic beginning feeling like a gelid melancholic wonderland as guitars craft various elaborate passionate melodies, elegantly soothing soloing and even more energetic extreme metal oriented moments within a wistful atmospheric realm constantly fueled by an omnipresent darkness.

On “Tears Of The Eyeless” the obscure death metal roots emerge from a hopeless abyss through fierce rhythmic blasts and massive wicked growls but the band always returns to embrace a graceful melancholy infused mood with poignant melodic guitar progressions and heartfelt clean vocal delivery.  

With an overdose of haunting vibes “Feardom” continues to evoke all kinds of darkened emotions and while the aggressive rhythmic momentum is still essential within the song’s structure the sorrowful guitar melodies accompanied by dreamy clean vocals often steal the spotlight.

The intensely darkened aura of “Road To Perdition” influences inevitably the whole instrumental ensemble that effortlessly shifts from primordial energetic dynamics to the sheer melodic splendor of intricate guitar melodies and inspiring solo which are always ready to channel profoundly contemplative vibes.

Nailed To Obscurity are confidently following a captivating darkened music formula that allows the introspective soul of “Black Frost” to stand out through the intricate melodic waves and the overall wintry mood that certainly matches the album’s title.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTBPG7ggE_w

When a new record is released there is a lot excitement but in the case of Norwegian Doomsday Raiders Chrome Division fans will feel rather sad because the band has decided that the fifth full length “One Last Ride” will be the final studio album.

Filled with gritty guitar riffs following a classic rock mood “So Fragile” gets the party started as the sing along chorus, the raspy rocker style vocals of original singer Eddie Guz and the flamboyant guitar solo spontaneously channel all kinds of positive vibes.  

“Walk Away In Shame” feels even more accessible probably because of the unexpected explosive vocal duet with pop singer Miss Selia yet besides the powerful soaring guitar driven grooves this song features a lovely somber melodic breakdown where guitars temporarily leave behind the drunken party mood to favor colder tonalities.

On “You Are Dead To Me” massive dirty guitar riffs successfully create engaging rhythmic blasts yet there is a significantly darker mood here that spices up the classic rock formula and influences the melodic tonalities of the guitar soloing.

“Staying Until The End” features an impactful charismatic guitar work that besides the traditional heavy rock riffage adds wah-wah effects leading to plenty of explosive grooves amplified by the dazzling guitar soloing.

As soon as “This One Is Wild” starts you know the title absolutely fits the mood because it’s biker style party time again as the steady hooks and riffs build a loud rhythmic galore while the unrestrained guitar solo offers another generous round of killer licks.

The title track aims to channel all the glory of heavy rock and officially salutes the faithful fans for the last time therefore you can expect an anthemic rock structure and good times as guitars gallop wildly generating another round of solid grooves.

“We Drink” still keeps the party going and again it’s time to drink all night forgetting problems etcetera, so obviously the rock spirit is very much alive in the thrilling rhythmic patterns and the enjoyable lead guitar dynamics.

It’s “One Last Ride” and definitely a wild one as Chrome Division raise the whiskey glasses and keep the engines roaring throughout the whole album to deliver a collection of entertaining heavy rock songs that the fans will not forget.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_PZrd_fXJo

Finally returning to the metal scene, technical melodic death metal veterans Arsis aim to conquer more acolytes worldwide with the savage effort “Visitant” which being the first new album in five years will certainly generate interest and high expectations.

There is an overwhelming atmospheric obscurity on “Tricking The Gods” which can sound extremely vicious with the relentless meticulous guitar work meant to build heavy technical grooves enhanced by thunderous drumming and ravenous vocals yet the guitar leads are ready to craft compelling melodic phrases.

“Hell Sworn” doesn’t waste any time and immediately delivers ferocious guitar riffs, monstrous bass lines and massive drum blasts maintaining a palpable instrumental ferocity until utterly somber guitar leads emerge with melodic grandeur.

“As Deep As Your Flesh” features another infectious sonic assault courtesy of a steady fierce rhythmic section full of roaring guitar riffs while the leads generate an enjoyable technical melodic momentum.

“A Pulse Keeping Time With The Dark” tends to focus on a darkened melodic approach following dramatic tonalities naturally expressed by loads of variegated stylish lead guitars but such slower moody ensemble doesn’t sacrifice the song’s inner menacing technical death metal nature.

“Dead Is Better” goes back to a full blown death metal anthemic formula with the evident sonic aggression that spontaneously leads to a truly nightmarish soundscape due to the extreme speed and the frenetic guitar driven grooves.

Since the beginning “His Eyes” puts darkly melodic guitars and haunting soloing in the spotlight creating less intimidating instrumental passages yet there are still moments of sheer brutality in the recurrent bold rhythmic patterns.

While on “Visitant” Arsis showcase a personal ‘techy’ identity which is definitely inspired by all shades of the death metal subgenres they never refrain from blending diverse tonalities and still remain committed to their wicked signature style.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnm8hHyLoLc

Featuring metal icons Alex Skolnick, Mike Portnoy, Mark Menghi, David Ellefson and many remarkable guest vocalists, Metal Allegiance is different from other supergroups as in this case the raison d’être is a passionate celebration of heavy metal and comradery in the scene, consequently the second full length “Volume II: Power Drunk Majesty” is the product of real writing/jamming sessions among friends.

Instant headbanging is mandatory with “The Accuser” featuring vocalist Trevor Strnad of The Black Dahlia Murder as the main aggressively fast rhythmic core is full of ravenous old school guitar riffs, a sincere homage to primal heavy metal, and obviously you can expect a fair dosage of killer intricate solos.

Featuring Bobby Blitz of legendary Overkill with his signature monstrous vocal delivery “Mother Of Sin” has that traditional thrash metal mood that we always need in our lives skillfully built by the intense rhythmic patterns and spiced up by the memorable intriguing guitar solos.

On “King With A Paper Crown” Johan Hegg of Amon Amarth delivers his renowned viking growls and it’s interesting to hear him sing in such a different sonic context but the song really works and actually stands out in the album due to the somber mood and tasteful melodic lead guitar dynamics flowing through the harsh classic heavy metal grooves.

Max Cavalera channels his tribal legacy on “Voodoo Of The Godsend” which has a fiery death metal tinged core but also extremely darkened tonalities and crispy melodic shredding guitar solos leading to an exciting sonic blend that fortunately includes major arcane tribal percussions.

We heard the unmistakable screams by Mark Osegueda on the first Metal Allegiance album and it’s nice to see him back on “Impulse Control” which shines for the glorious guitar work with loads of perfectly executed classic riffage and majestic soloing and the sensational catchy chorus.

“Power Drunk Majesty (Part II)” is a remarkable surprise featuring Floor Jansen of Nightwish as lead vocalist and she renders everything absolutely epic naturally enhancing the song’s melodic aspects with her soulful delivery and dazzling operatic skills plus the guitar solos here are nothing short of magnificent.

We can all agree that Metal Allegiance is an entertaining successful music endeavor in all-star party fashion so it totally makes sense to continue such unique metal experience and “Volume II: Power Drunk Majesty” will definitely please and unite all faithful metalheads around the world.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXqhvUVV23I