6th album from 1986 by this legendary British Heavy Metal band, released after the massive success of "Powerslave" and its accompanying world tour. Rather than repeating themselves, the band chose to expand their musical horizons by introducing guitar synthesizers and a more modern production style, resulting in one of the most innovative and distinctive releases of their career.
Its sound retains the epic and melodic essence of IRON MAIDEN while adding new textures and a futuristic atmosphere that perfectly complements the science-fiction themes running throughout much of the album. Inspired songwriting from Steve Harris, Adrian Smith and Dave Murray, combined with a collection of outstanding tracks, makes this one of the most sophisticated and beloved releases of the band's classic era.
Recommended for fans of: JUDAS PRIEST, QUEENSR¾CHE, HELLOWEEN and FATES WARNING.
dition featuring 1 bonus track of the debut album from 1984 by this legendary American Heavy/ Power Metal band. Widely regarded as one of the cornerstones of US Power Metal, "Ample Destruction" has achieved true cult status over the years, influencing countless bands through its powerful blend of speed, heaviness and epic songwriting.
Its sound combines traditional Heavy Metal and US Power Metal with memorable riffs, powerful choruses and the outstanding vocal performance of Harry "The Tyrant" Conklin, one of the most charismatic singers in the American Metal scene. Raw, energetic and packed with timeless anthems, the album perfectly captures the spirit of 1980s American Metal and remains an essential genre classic.
Recommended for fans of: OMEN, LIEGE LORD, HELSTAR and RIOT [Slipcase]
13th album from 2023 by this influential Swedish band, continuing the melancholic and atmospheric evolution that has defined its music over the last two decades. Released after the acclaimed "City Burials", the album finds the band in excellent creative form, further refining a unique musical identity within the contemporary metal landscape.
Its sound blends Dark Metal, Progressive Rock and atmospheric Metal with Jonas Renkse's trademark melancholic melodies, immersive arrangements and deep emotional weight. Elegant, introspective and rich in detail, the album delivers some of the strongest material of the band's recent era, once again proving the band's ability to evolve without losing its identity.
Recommended for fans of: ANATHEMA, OPETH, SOEN and THE GATHERING.
12th album from 2007 by this legendary Danish band led by the unmistakable King Diamond, and the most recent studio album released to date. Staying true to the tradition of the conceptual horror stories that have defined much of his career, the album unfolds a dark supernatural tale centred around souls trapped between the world of the living and the afterlife, proving that King Diamond's storytelling abilities remained as compelling as ever.
Its sound blends traditional Heavy Metal, Power Metal and progressive elements with the band's trademark theatrical and cinematic atmosphere. Memorable riffs, carefully crafted tempo changes, intricate guitar harmonies and King Diamond's extraordinary vocal performance result in an intense, dark and immersive work that stands among the strongest releases of his later career.
Recommended for fans of: MERCYFUL FATE, SAVATAGE, NEVERMORE and CANDLEMASS.
Debut album from 2022 by this young yet devastating Canadian Death Metal band from Ontario. Following the attention generated by its 2021 demo, LAST RETCH made its full-length debut with a crushing statement of intent, delivering primitive, heavy and uncompromising Death Metal deeply rooted in the darkest and filthiest sounds of the early 1990s.
Its sound combines old-school Death Metal brutality with a dense and crushing production, heavy riffing, cavernous vocals and a sick atmosphere reminiscent of the genre's most savage early recordings. Direct, filthy and free from modern gimmicks, the album focuses entirely on raw aggression, delivering a compact collection of songs that hit with relentless force from start to finish.
Recommended for fans of: AUTOPSY, OBITUARY, MASSACRE and CARNAGE.
1984 EP by this American Heavy Metal band from Los Angeles, marking the group's first official release and the only recording to feature bassist Don Costa, later associated with OZZY OSBOURNE and early versions of W.A.S.P. Released through Megaton Records, it captures the atmosphere of the Los Angeles Metal scene just before its commercial explosion later in the decade.
Its sound blends traditional Heavy Metal with melodic Hard Rock in the classic American style, driven by straightforward riffs, catchy choruses and a strong streetwise attitude. More accessible than "Maniac's Revenge", it already showcases Niki Buzz's songwriting talents and the live energy that earned M-80 a solid reputation on the Los Angeles club circuit. A worthwhile obscurity for collectors of underground American Heavy Metal.
Recommended for fans of: KEEL, ARMORED SAINT, RATT and LEATHERWOLF.
Debut album from 1987 by this German-British Hard Rock outfit formed by legendary guitarist Michael Schenker (UFO, SCORPIONS) and Irish vocalist Robin McAuley (GRAND PRIX). This release marked the beginning of a new chapter in Schenker's career, embracing a more melodic and accessible direction than the one explored in his previous MSG recordings.
Its sound blends melodic Hard Rock and AOR, driven by Michael Schenker's outstanding guitar work, huge choruses and Robin McAuley's powerful vocals. Packed with memorable melodies, strong arrangements and polished production, the album became one of the most successful and celebrated releases of Schenker's entire 1980s career.
Recommended for fans of: UFO, DOKKEN, WHITESNAKE and SURVIVOR.
Debut album from 1991 by this German Progressive Thrash Metal band, widely regarded as one of the hidden gems of early 1990s European technical metal. Released at a time when Thrash Metal was increasingly exploring more sophisticated and progressive territory, the band developed a highly distinctive approach that remained unfairly overlooked outside underground circles.
Their sound combines the aggression of German Thrash Metal with intricate song structures, frequent tempo changes, carefully crafted melodies and an outstanding vocal performance by Melanie Bock. Technical and sophisticated without sacrificing power, this album stands as one of the most interesting and underrated examples of European Progressive Thrash from its era.
Recommended for fans of: TARGET, LIVING DEATH, HOLY MOSES, MEKONG DELTA and DEATHROW.
Debut album from 1988 by this veteran American Power/ Thrash Metal band from Boston, widely regarded as one of the most underrated gems of late-'80s American technical Metal. Featuring the outstanding vocals of Mike Howe, who would later join METAL CHURCH, the band crafted a style that successfully blended aggression, melody and sophisticated songwriting.
Its sound sits between US Power Metal and technical Thrash, driven by sharp riffing, dynamic arrangements and an exceptional vocal performance. More refined and ambitious than many of its contemporaries, the album stands out for its compositional maturity and distinctive identity, earning cult-classic status among fans of the US Metal scene.
Recommended for fans of: METAL CHURCH, HADES, MEGADETH and OVERKILL.
7th album from 2024 by this veteran Swiss Death/ Thrash Metal band and one of the pioneering forces of the European extreme Metal scene. Released four years after "Fracmont", the album confirms the outstanding form of a band that, after decades of existence, continues to preserve the identity and creativity that made it a cult name within the underground Metal world.
Its sound blends Death/ Thrash Metal with dark riffing, dynamic structures and flawless musicianship, maintaining the balance of aggression, technique and atmosphere that has always defined MESSIAH. Heavy, intense and deeply rooted in the old-school tradition, the album manages to sound both classic and contemporary, proving that the band remains a significant force within European extreme Metal.
Recommended for fans of: PESTILENCE, POSSESSED, DEATH, PROTECTOR and MASSACRA. [Digipack]
2nd solo album from this acclaimed American guitarist, released in 2018 and best known as the founder and chief songwriter of SYMPHONY X. Inspired by H. G. Wells' classic novel, this conceptual work marked the beginning of an ambitious trilogy that allowed Michael Romeo to fully explore his musical vision beyond the boundaries of his main band.
Its sound blends Power Metal, Progressive Metal and symphonic elements with the dazzling guitar work that has made Romeo one of the most respected musicians in the genre. Packed with orchestral arrangements, massive riffs and cinematic production, the album delivers an epic and grandiose listening experience that will appeal to fans of sophisticated Progressive and Symphonic Metal.
Recommended for fans of: SYMPHONY X, KAMELOT, PAGAN'S MIND and DREAM THEATER.
1995 demo by this Polish Death/ Thrash band, presented here in a comprehensive remastered edition featuring the original recording, the three tracks from the "Promo Tape '95" and four live bonus tracks recorded the same year. Formed in 1991, they represent one of the many hidden gems of the thriving Polish underground scene that never received the wider recognition it deserved.
Their sound combines the aggression of early '90s Death/ Thrash with a strong melodic sense and subtle progressive touches that give the material its own distinctive identity. Intense riffing, dynamic songwriting and above-average musicianship make this recording a hidden treasure for fans of sophisticated European Death/ Thrash.
Recommended for fans of: PESTILENCE, DEATH, BELIEVER and MEKONG DELTA.
Debut album from 1992 by this legendary American Death Metal band from Florida, widely regarded as one of the defining classics of the early Tampa scene. Featuring a line-up that included George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher before joining CANNIBAL CORPSE, alongside Lee Harrison and Jon Rubin, the band made an immediate impact with a release that helped establish the blueprint for technical and brutal Death Metal.
Its sound combines speed, technical precision and relentless aggression through complex riffing, devastating drumming and outstanding musicianship. More sophisticated than much of the Death Metal of its era, the album achieves a perfect balance between brutality and musicality, securing its place as an essential cornerstone of the Florida Death Metal tradition.
Recommended for fans of: MORBID ANGEL, MALEVOLENT CREATION, DEICIDE and SUFFOCATION.
7th album from 1986 by this legendary British Heavy Metal band, widely regarded as one of the most important and celebrated releases of their entire career. Presented here in an edition featuring 3 bonus tracks, it also marked the studio return of drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor, ushering in a new era for MOTÖRHEAD during the second half of the 1980s.
Its sound combines the band's trademark speed and aggression with a more powerful and refined production than many of their earlier releases. Crushing riffs, Lemmy's unmistakable vocals and a collection of songs that rank among the finest in the band's catalogue make this a genuine Heavy Metal classic. An essential album whose influence can be heard throughout Thrash Metal and later generations of extreme music.
Recommended for fans of: TANK, VENOM, RAVEN and EXCITER.
The sole release from 1989 by this Dutch Death/ Doom band, compiling the complete recordings of an extremely short-lived yet highly influential underground act. Regarded as a genuine cult artifact, it gathers the legendary "Erupted Evil" demo together with live material recorded between 1989 and 1990, including 7 live bonus tracks that complete the legacy of one of the earliest and most extreme expressions of European Death/ Doom.
Their sound is painfully slow, oppressive and sickening even by the standards of the era. Strongly influenced by HELLHAMMER and CELTIC FROST, they developed a primitive, crushing and funereal style that anticipated many of the bands that would later define the Death/ Doom genre. A true underground relic and an essential release for understanding the origins of extreme doom metal.
Recommended for fans of: HELLHAMMER, CELTIC FROST, WINTER and THERGOTHON.
5th album from 2024 by this American Technical Death Metal band led by drummer and founder Mike Browning, continuing the legacy of the legendary NOCTURNUS more than three decades after the classics that helped shape Florida's technical Death Metal scene. With several historical members involved, the band further develops the science-fiction concepts that have always been central to its identity.
Its sound combines Technical Death Metal, futuristic atmospheres and prominent keyboards, preserving the unique personality that made NOCTURNUS such a visionary act. Complex riffing, constant tempo changes and a strong cosmic aesthetic result in an album that connects directly with the spirit of "The Key" and "Thresholds" while benefiting from modern production and flawless execution.
Recommended for fans of: NOCTURNUS, ATHEIST, PESTILENCE and CYNIC.
7th album from 1994 by this legendary American Thrash Metal band, released during a particularly difficult period for the genre when many classic acts were moving away from their roots. Rather than following trends, OVERKILL made its sound even heavier and more aggressive, delivering one of the most intense and uncompromising records of its entire career.
Its sound combines speed, heaviness and relentless intensity through crushing riffs, a powerful rhythm section and the unmistakable vocals of Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth. More direct and ferocious than "I Hear Black", the album recaptures much of the energy of the band's late-'80s classics and has since become one of the most highly regarded releases in their catalogue.
Recommended for fans of: EXODUS, TESTAMENT, DESTRUCTION and ANTHRAX.
3rd album from 1985 by this American Heavy/ Power Metal band, released several years before the stylistic transformation that would make the group one of the most influential Metal acts of the 1990s. With Terry Glaze still handling lead vocals, the album represents the peak of PANTERA's early era, showcasing a band that had already begun moving beyond its Glam Metal roots.
Its sound blends Heavy/ Power Metal, Hard Rock and strong mid-'80s American Metal influences, highlighted by the exceptional guitar work of a young Dimebag Darrell. More powerful and sophisticated than its predecessors, the album features some of the strongest material from the band's early years and has become a genuine cult favorite among dedicated fans.
Recommended for fans of: SAVATAGE, HELSTAR, CRIMSON GLORY and JAG PANZER.
Debut album from 2022 by this American Brutal Death Metal band from Mississippi. Following several years in the underground and a previous EP released in 2015, the band finally delivered its first full-length effort, reaffirming its dedication to the most classic and devastating forms of the genre.
Its sound is rooted in compact and straightforward Brutal Death Metal, driven by crushing riffs, punishing drumming and deep guttural vocals, with no unnecessary embellishments or modern trends. An intense and hard-hitting release that packs all its power into less than thirty minutes, showcasing a clear devotion to the most brutal side of American Death Metal.
Recommended for fans of: DEEDS OF FLESH, PYREXIA, DISGORGE and INTERNAL BLEEDING.
6th album from 2024 by this acclaimed Swedish Heavy Metal band, further cementing a career that has established it as one of the most respected names in the contemporary traditional Metal scene. Released three years after "At One with None", it also marks the band's first concept album, telling a dark story set in 17th-century Sweden and inspired by occultism, superstition and pacts with dark forces.
Its sound retains the band's trademark blend of classic Heavy Metal, Epic Metal and the dark influences of MERCYFUL FATE and KING DIAMOND, while introducing a greater compositional scope and increased variety. Sharp riffing, theatrical atmospheres, outstanding guitar harmonies and a strong sense of identity make this one of the most ambitious and accomplished releases in the band's catalogue.
Recommended for fans of: MERCYFUL FATE, KING DIAMOND, ATTIC and IRON MAIDEN.
