#21 - Top of 2018

Iron Void - Excalibur (Independent)

"Excalibur" is the amazing third full-length concept album by British heavy-doom metal band Iron Void.  First formed back in 1998, they initially disbanded in 2000 but did reform in 2008, before releasing their debut album in 2014. The trio (with Jonathan "Sealey" Seale in vocals/bass, Steve Wilson in guitars/vocals and Richard Maw in drums) explore the tale of Camelot, Merlin and the Knights of the Round Table, starting off with Merlin's incantation of the Charm of Making leading to Excalibur's creation in the first track "Dragon's Breath", pompously repeated by Simon Strange (of The Lamp of Thoth & Arkham Witch). "The Coming of a King" retells the story of Arthur and has one the best guitar/bass riffing combinations of the album while "Lancelot of the Lake" is a heavy metal song with more quick-paced but equally melodic NWOBHM riffs. "Forbidden Love" evokes classic doom metal vibes before speeding up to a quicker guitar solo and finally going back to a slow paced ending. Another song that is definitely a highlight of "Excalibur", is "Enemy Within" with an amazing catchy chorus! The story continues with "The Grail Quest", with its heavy tone matching the lyrical theme and its expected unhappy ending that leads straight into "A Dream to Some, a Nightmare to Others" which recounts the death of Merlin and its effect on the theme of the legend (accompanied with some epic and heavy riffs and vocals). The story gets its epic ending with "The Death of Arthur" (in all its glorious 7 minutes) kicking off with drumming and accoustic guitars before adding heavy doom riffs, all the while recounting the demise of the King and finally closing the tale with the melodic acoustic "Avalon" appropriately slowing the pace for the end of the record as well as the story of Excalibur and Arthur.


94.1/100

Below are the audio tracks of the whole album. If you enjoy it, please consider supporting the band in their Bandcamp page

#22 - Top of 2018

Old Wolf - Faustian Mass (Divebomb Records)

In number 22, we have the honour of introducing Old Wolf, a brand new heavy metal band from Kentucky that released their debut album in 2018. "Faustian Mass" is definitely an astonishing debut  incorporating epic heavy riffs throughout the album, starting with the appropriate scary narration over a thunderstorm in  the"Beyond the Void" intro. After setting the mood, no time is lost with the quick-paced "Executioner's Hymn" which also packs a sing-along chorus and the essential guitar solo interlude in less than 5 minutes! "Divine Heretic" has some more great guitar riffs by Jacob Wilson (lead guitar), while guitarist/drummer Jason Norfleet delivers some great drum beats. The band's skills in melodic paths are further showcased in "Trail of Tears", while the title-song "Faustian Mass" is without a question the highlight of the record with an amazing blend of epic heavy metal guitars and drums that fit perfectly with Ric Langford's appropriately rough vocals.  Follow-up "The Wisdom of the Black Flame" is a more straightforward heavy metal track while "Your Keeper" leans towards a more doom-based approach. The album takes a breather with the acoustic track "Gail" before closing with the heavily drum-based "Howl".
Overall, an awesome heavy metal album from an upcoming band with promising ideas and great heavy metal riffs!


94/100

Below is the music video for "Faustian Mass".

#23 - Top of 2018

Initial Mass - Tidal Force (Initial Mass Records)

Initial Mass is a US based prog rock band,  releasing in 2018 their second full-length album "Tidal Force". The album kicks off with the lyrically engaging "Lights", sporting a very melodic chorus and amazing riffs."The Fountain" brings heavier and darker undertones along with more orchestral vocals that succeed in adding more layers to the song (being one of the most memorable moments of the album). "When It Rains" shows a more mellow side of the band, with a great slow-paced middle-section without missing out on metal sweetness! "Cold Air", a personal favourite, has an awesome intro, heavily based on the lead vocalist's (Mark Baldwin) skills reaching into a catchy chorus that is bound to stick to your mind. "The Shallows" adds a darker tone both lyrically and musically creating a more atmospheric vibe thanks to great keyboards layers. "Beyond the Shore" is an amazing change of pace showcasing again the lead vocalist with minimal music. "The Vessel" is one of those songs that are perfect to listen during a long drive taking you on a journey of its own. "Tidal Force", a behemoth of a title song (reaching slightly over 14 minutes)  starts with the sound of the waves reaching the shore with a great atmosphere developing over a blend of accoustic guitar riffs, great drum tunes and clear vocals! "The Flood" is packed with mellow vocals starting off slowing and building up to a heavilly drum-based ending (by Kevin Robertson) leading to the finale of the more keyboard oriented "Past Remains". An intriguing release from a very fresh band!

93.95/100

Below is the official music video for "Lights".