Mini review

Avatarium, is a Swedish rock doom/melancholic heavy metal band. ‘Between You, God, The Devil and The Dead’ is their sixth studio album. The release date is scheduled for 24 January. The music is heavier and darker than their recent albums. They combine this with the doom of their debut album.‘Between You, God, The Devil & … Read more, available in English and Dutch

Robbert Duijf won the European Blues Challenge for bands last year. Robbert plays and sings/tells from the heart, and creates pure, acoustic songs. His music is a mix of delta blues, gospel and a touch of British-American folk. ‘Silver Spoon’ is an old school album with one track recordings and few overdubs. Thus, the pure … Read more, available in English and Dutch

Italian band Trick or treat mixes happy power metal with classical music and funny, ‘’ghosty‘’ elements. The band has been around for over 20 years, but I had never delved into their music until I became curious about ‘Ghosted’ (due out 25 April). The opening track has sampled sounds, classical music and a slightly spooky … Read more, available in English and Dutch

Swiss band Kerberos mixes complex orchestral arrangements with death and prog metal. The vocals are also very diverse: classical (choral) vocals, and grunts are alternated/mixed. The songs on the EP ‘Apostle to the Malevolent’ are baroque-inspired. The lyrics, for instance, deal with mental health and trauma’s. In addition, capitalism is criticised. The instrumental ‘Praeludium in … Read more, available in English and Dutch

‘Blood Dynasty’ is Arch Enemy’s twelfth studio album. After the atmospheric start of ‘Dream Stealer’, the metal (including the grunts of Alissa White-Gluz) erupts. The sudden ending is beautifully tight. ‘Illuminate the Path’ has positive lyrics and a matching, uplifting atmosphere. The music in ‘Presage’ is unexpectedly very calm, I expect much more, but it … Read more, available in English and Dutch

The Canadian trash/power metal band recently released ‘Save Our Souls’. You can hear influences from bands like: Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Metallica. Among other things, the lyrics are about PTSD (Post Tramatic Stress Disorder), self-reflection and the state of the world today. The starkly sung words in, for example, ‘Save Our Souls’ fit this … Read more, available in English and Dutch

‘Lost Horizon’ has four songs, including two epics. Each song has its own story. ‘Garden Of Eden’ has an unusual start, the same goes for the first twist. A man talks about his relation break-up and memories. Various emotions and blames can be heard in the (stacked) vocals and music.‘The Letter’ is a particular love … Read more, available in English and Dutch

German band Nachtblut mixes dark metal with classical elements, new wave and even western influences. This is wrapped up in rousing rhythms, heavy riffs and catchy, sometimes almost poppy melodies. They criticise modern social issues. Death features in a number of lyrics. ‘Von Hass Getrieben’ has a serene, classically-oriented start. Songs like ‘Todschick’ and ‘Das … Read more, available in English and Dutch

Dutch prog rock/metal band The Aurora Project will release ‘EVOS12’ on 21 February. This is the first part of a two-part concept album. After Dronewars, people in the big cities lost their sense of purpose. New World leaders took advantage of this, widening the gap between them and the people. In a city that once … Read more, available in English and Dutch

Dragonknight is a new Finnish metal band founded by metal veterans.They make accessible power metal with beautiful melodies, catchy rhythms, cool riffs and classical elements. Their music is for lovers of bands such as Blind Guardian and Sabaton.The instrumental ‘Through Sea And Fire’ opens almost fairytale-like. The light classical music and choral vocals become more … Read more, available in English and Dutch