Dark Mirror Ov Tragedy – The Lord Ov Shadows (2019) – Review

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Why is it that these Extreme Metal outfits always have that need to wear out their drummer? Overly elaborate drum patterns will just work them into a heart attack.

Just watch some of the videos that start with the stick wielder and their pained expression. So far I have seen none really with a heavenly smile on their faces. And to add insult to injury, I openly heard some bands joking about that, by the way.

You’ll mostly find that situation in these epically charged and overly bombastic works of operatic Symphonic Metal. And with those bands living in pseudo-Black [...] Click to raid more!

Avantasia – Moonglow (2019) – Review

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Ah, countless calories galore. I just went to the fondue shop to get my fix of milk fat, garlic, and loads of white wine. Together with two baguettes, of course. You do need nice, crusty bread to go with this dish of molten cheese.

Well, in hindsight, this is not something I should have done. Because little did I know that I’d get started on Avantasia‘s Moonglow anytime soon. Their 2019 record is so full of cheesy glory that – actually – there will be no need for future fondue excesses. Like for the next 250 years or so. [...] Click to raid more!

Within Temptation – Resist (2019) – Review

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We write the Year of the Lord 2014. RockmusicRaider concocts her first-ever review. And – much to our misfortune – it is a negative one to start this blog series with. Within Temptation is the name and Hydra is the game. 

Since that time I dreaded the moment that this band would release a new one of their once famously crusty records. Just remember masterpieces like Enter, Mother Earth, or The Silent Force. Those positively sparkled with creativity and a sense of adventure. Always different and so succulently refreshing that you could just not get enough of [...] Click to raid more!

Newsflash: Autumnal reflections by Joshua Howlett!

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To succeed in Folk and Folk Rock is a tough business. A gazillion of unwashed wannabe folksters and their low-quality six strings endlessly populate street corners and tube stations. And try to attract the eye of someone of power, for a few bucks put into greasy hats. Or nothing at all, come to think of it.

Folks like Ed Sheeran and other unlikely stories often seem to be this shiny beacon for the up-and-coming. To try and raffle some of the countless millions the music industry is able to disburse – apparently.

But that dream often turns into bitter illusion, [...] Click to raid more!