Tag Archives: 8/10

Illuminata – Where Stories Unfold (2015) – Review

Posted on by — Leave a reply
Listen on Apple Music
RockmusicRaider - Spotify Logo
RockmusicRaider Review - Illuminata - Where Stories Unfold - Album Cover

Now, step back a minute.

We have drum blasts, distorted guitars, and a female front. All check! But only one female this time? Here’s some confusion indeed! Symphonic influence – check! But the record is for sure not your usual piece of Symphonic Metal.

The Austrian band Illuminata hail from the beautiful city of Graz. You know the one with the funky Kunsthaus and clock tower. And I am floored. Their 2015 album Where Stories Unfold departs in a completely different direction than their last record. Gone is the rocky and straightforward style that kept on leaning into Within Temptation… [...] Click to raid more!

Dio – Lock Up The Wolves (1990) – Review

Posted on by — Leave a reply
Listen on Apple Music
RockmusicRaider - Spotify Logo
RockumsicRaider Review - Dio - Lock Up The Wolves - Album Cover

Okay, when looking through the older records that are living in the confines of this vast collection of mine, I stumbled across Dio (the one with the spider that came along). Good, old, and heartwarming Heavy Metal. One of my favorite suppliers of good, crunchy, and relaxing Night Music. Long time no hear, by the way, as I was much concentrating on the new age metal stuff that keeps on getting thrown at us.

Founded by Ronnie James Dio after his departure from Black Sabbath (yes, the Ozzy, Tony and Geezer one) in 1982 together with Vinnie Appice, … [...] Click to raid more!

Xandria – India (2005) – Review

Posted on by — 1 Comment ↓
Listen on Apple Music
RockmusicRaider - Spotify Logo
Xandria - India - Album Cover

When I read the late Twitter message from the German band Xandria a few days ago that they are now – in 2015 – heading out to India for the first time. That struck me as somewhat ironic. And this of course in light of their 2005 record and 3rd studio album India that has been on the market for … almost 10 years now. 

After their very successful 2nd album Ravenheart, it must have been decidedly difficult to create a fitting follow-on record to an already successful former offering. And – in addition – just about a short … [...] Click to raid more!

Dirty Sound Magnet – The Bloop (2014) – Review

Posted on by — Leave a reply
Listen on Apple Music
RockmusicRaider - Spotify Logo
RockmusicRaider Review - Dirty Sound Magnet - The Bloop - Album Cover

Gotta love them! The Bloop sounds like stuff we already heard really and felt somewhere, but when? Ah, back in the ’70s, there you go. In yonder times when laid back and cool Rock was in fashion. Southern Bluesy Tunes that really relax you – good for the soul after all that complicated Metal stuff that I recently listened to.

Like getting yourself a bucket of shrimp down at the beach near New Orleans. And then chillin’ out some later with a cold beer in a beach chair getting your jelly-belly burned. Or just hanging out after a tough day … [...] Click to raid more!