So many have been waiting for a new full length by renowned Finnish metallers Children Of Bodom and finally the time has come for “Hexed” to unleash the expected brilliant shredding within the band’s signature melo-death sonic realm.

“This Road” is a quite energetic album opener starting immediately with frenetic guitar driven grooves amplified by massive drum blasts but certainly the opulent keyboards arrangements and the cool guitar licks stand out throughout the song with fascinating somber tonalities.

“Under Grass And Clover” has a stronger positive energy as guitar leads and keyboards here channel major catchy ‘80s influences nevertheless vocals sound as enraged as possible just like the crunchy guitar riffs.

In the beginning “Hecate’s Nightmare” feels like a creepy lullaby with dominant gothic tinged atmospheres and borderline diabolical growls surrounded by the refined keyboards tapestries that add subtle symphonic accents while the charismatic guitar soloing relies on flamboyant shredding and classic metal vibes.

On the title track the lavish melodic combo of keyboards and guitars this time showcases exquisite neoclassical accents leading to a theatrical grandeur that naturally embellishes the fierce instrumental dynamics and the galloping extra heavy guitar riffs.

The composition of “Say Never Look Back” combines explosive grooves and melodic phrases as once again smooth guitars and keyboards work harmoniously to craft sophisticated instrumental passages often characterized by cold darkened nuances.

“Soon Departed” enhances a dramatic momentum allowing the slightly slower melancholic guitar work to take the center stage and deliver loads of catchy bittersweet melodies in contrast with the scattered harsh rhythmic segments and rather angered vocals.

Children Of Bodom confidently add some eclectic twists constantly emphasized by the impressive musicianship on “Hexed” but also tend to follow the successful music formula that has generated great interest throughout the years.

Mastermind Anton Kabanen continues his bombastic music endeavor with the band Beast In Black and is ready to deliver a brand new ‘80s melodic power metal galore on the sophomore album “From Hell With Love”.

On “Cry Out For A Hero” there is a lot of positive energy embedded in the anthemic power metal guitar riffs, the nostalgia infused melodies and the enjoyable upbeat rhythm that of course will reach the acme with the rather flamboyant shredding of the guitar solo.

The title track sounds more cheesy pushing on the danceable synth pop arrangements to embellish the main classic power metal core so often the rhythm is a bit slower and extra melodic leading to a triumphantly catchy chorus.  

“Repentless” relies on a full blown symphonic grandeur with loads of solemn keyboards and the warrior metal attitude of the majestic choirs that emphasize the powerful blend of crunchy guitar riffs and polished melodic textures.

The expected mellow ballad “Oceandeep” focuses on folkish elements, profoundly melancholic melodies and subtle atmospheric arrangements creating a mellow dreamy soundscape to support the dramatic vocal delivery.

On “This Is War” there are slightly darkened accents running through the traditional power metal patterns while guitar riffs and drums become noticeably heavier accompanied by a bold vocal performance and the atmospheric breakdown will evoke intense nostalgia.

The spirit of ‘80s heavy metal becomes utterly dominant on “No Surrender” so such familiar winning formula dictates solid rounds of chugging guitar riffs marching through up-tempo rhythmic patterns and the must-have fancy melodic soloing with extra shredding power.

Beast In Black plays it safe and everything on “From Hell With Love” follows a similar ‘80s influenced power metal pathway that was at the center of the composition of the debut album “Berserker” therefore you won’t find any innovative surprises here but a solid collection of catchy songs.  

 

With outstanding passion and resiliency iconic New Jersey thrashers Overkill have accomplished so much during their long career and certainly consolidated their legendary status in the metal scene influencing and inspiring musicians worldwide. Now for Overkill it’s time to begin a new exciting chapter with the release of the 19th studio album “The Wings Of War” which once again showcases the band’s unstoppable creative force.

On “Last Man Standing” a suspenseful mood introduces a rather aggressive thrash ensemble where soaring guitars constantly unleash sharp riffs and savage soloing well supported by the infectious rhythmic section and the overall blistering energy is further amplified by Bobby Blitz’s charismatic vocal performance.  

The classic and successful thrash formula is still alive on “Believe In The Fight” and Bobby’s vocals are on fire while the whole instrumentation never really slows down hitting you in the face with relentless guitar riffs and wild rhythmic patterns leading to a necessary headbanging galore.

“Head Of A Pin” is full of entertaining hooks as guitars effortlessly deliver endless rounds of groovy riffs with glorious traditional doom accents and a slightly dramatic yet extra fancy solo while the powerful rhythmic segments maintain a moody crushing core.

Everything slows down in the beginning of “Distortion” as the darkened guitar leads inevitably amplify a nostalgic mood but Overkill is still ready to pack massive old school thrash grooves with consistently heavy riffage and thrilling rhythmic dynamics enhanced by the wrathful vocal delivery.

“Where Few Dare To Walk” starts with a contemplative atmosphere and smooth melancholic guitar melodies that will recur throughout the song but there will always be a massive dosage of abrasive riffs to keep alive the raw energy of the faster anthemic thrash elements.

The frenetic rhythmic blasts of “Hole In My Soul” ensure memorable loud thrash grooves always enhanced by solid rounds of gritty guitar riffs & shredding and a super catchy chorus plus Bobby constantly provides remarkable fierce vocals.

Undoubtedly Overkill is in excellent shape and while the nostalgic vibes of the golden era of thrash metal emerge throughout “The Wings Of War” the songwriting feels absolutely relevant in the current scene and continues to consolidate the band’s influential status.