Draconian – In Somnolent Ruin (2026) – Review

Draconian - In Somnolent Ruin - Album Cover

The sun’s shining, early summer just broke out over here, and this reviewer really doesn’t feel like covering some Doom Metal piece. This is the time when you yearn for some neat, happy metal. But, alas, Draconian‘s irresistible siren call just reached this crew.

And it is a new version with – surprise – Lisa Johansson back in session. And that’s a reason to celebrate. Her vocal powers may well be better suited for the current Draconian fare. And don’t get me wrong, Heike Langhans did a fine job on Sovran and Under A Dark Veil, both covered by … [...] Click to raid more!

Dimmu Borgir – Grand Serpent Rising (2026) – Review

Dimmu Borgir - Grand Serpent Rising - Album Cover

Dimmu Borgir truly is one of the veterans in the realm of Symphonic Black Metal and – for sure – Black Metal proper. As the lore goes, the band started operations in 1993, releasing records at a steady pace. Alas, the dispatch of records slowed to a trickle in the meantime, with the band taking some 8 years between major releases. Does this mean there’s an energy drop by the two faithful acolytes, Shagrath and Silenoz? Perhaps. But, remarkably, the two remaining founding members are still at it today.

Now, Eonian saw the light of day in 2018. So, … [...] Click to raid more!

Mystfall – Embers of a Dying World (2026) – Review

Mystfall - Embers of a Dying World - Album Cover

Greece’s Mystfall must have sailed straight past our outpost a few years ago. Their debut album, Celestial Vision, just didn’t register. But then, 2023 was a busy year, and the RMR crew is thus excused.

But now it’s time for some Symphonic and Power Metal fun of times long past. Yep, that genre again, one that’s hopelessly overcrowded with a felt 99% of wannabes and 1% of real stars of this very special slice of the metal multiverse.

I mean, we all still remember when this movement really took off in the early ’00s with the likes of Epica[...] Click to raid more!