The only album from 1990 by this French Thrash Metal band, one of the most overlooked and deserving hidden gems of the late '80s and early '90s European underground. Although the band's career was short-lived and never reached the visibility of some of their contemporaries, this release has gradually earned cult status among fans of dark and aggressive Thrash Metal.
Its sound combines the speed and aggression of classic Thrash Metal with dark atmospheres and an occult edge that gives the material its own identity. Sharp riffing, constant tempo changes and a thoroughly underground attitude result in an intense and highly underrated album that deserves a place among the finest European Thrash obscurities of its era.
Recommended for fans of: DESTRUCTION, PROTECTOR, ASSASSIN and SODOM.
11th album from 2015 by this legendary British Hard Rock band, released seven years after "Songs From the Sparkle Lounge", marking the longest gap between two studio albums in the band's career at the time. Simply titled after the band itself, it was conceived as a statement of identity, bringing together every facet of the group's musical legacy into a single release.
Its sound blends melodic Hard Rock, AOR and Arena Rock with huge choruses, layered vocal harmonies and polished production. Balancing energetic tracks such as "Let's Go" and "Dangerous" with more melodic and adventurous moments, the album finds the band revitalized and fully aware of its strengths. Regarded by many fans as their finest studio effort in decades, it also marked a significant creative and commercial comeback.
Recommended for fans of: JOURNEY, FOREIGNER, BON JOVI and EUROPE.
2020 compilation album by this legendary American Thrash Metal band from Oakland, gathering for the first time their entire pre-album era in a comprehensive 2-CD edition. The release contains all official demos recorded between 1986 and 1994, the previously unreleased "Jackson Street Sessions", live recordings and additional bonus material, providing a complete overview of the evolution of one of the most respected acts from the second wave of Bay Area Thrash.
The material documents the band's progression from aggressive and straightforward Thrash Metal to the more technical and progressive approach that would define their classic studio albums. An essential release for understanding the band's history and discovering early versions, rare tracks and hidden gems that showcase the remarkable talent of a group often overshadowed by some of the bigger names of the California scene.
Recommended for fans of: TESTAMENT, FORBIDDEN, HEATHEN and VIO-LENCE.
Debut album from 2009 by this American Death Metal band from Illinois. With strong satanic and anti-Christian themes, the group embraced a strictly old-school approach from the very beginning, avoiding modern trends in favour of the dark and blasphemous Death Metal tradition of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Their sound combines crushing riffs, dark atmospheres and relentless aggression rooted in the classic American school, while also incorporating touches of extreme Thrash Metal. A solid and powerful release that clearly reflects the band's devotion to old-school Death Metal, including a cover of SLAYER's "Necrophiliac" as a tribute to one of their key influences.
Recommended for fans of: DEICIDE, VITAL REMAINS, MORBID ANGEL and ANGELCORPSE.
2nd album from 2020 by this Russian Brutal Death Metal band, continuing the extreme and devastating approach already showcased on their 2016 debut. Compact and utterly uncompromising, the album once again demonstrates the band's ability to combine brutality, technique and sheer heaviness within the classic boundaries of the genre.
Their sound is defined by crushing riffs, relentless drumming, deep guttural vocals and highly precise musicianship that keeps the intensity at maximum level throughout. A punishing release that successfully balances aggression and technicality without sacrificing impact, further establishing the band as one of the strongest acts in the contemporary Russian brutal death scene.
Recommended for fans of: DEEDS OF FLESH, SUFFOCATION, DISGORGE and PYREXIA.
Debut album from 2022 by this international Death/ Thrash outfit featuring musicians from France, Greece, Indonesia and Jordan. With members and guests linked to bands such as NILE, MERCYLESS and TROJAN, the group delivered a first full-length firmly rooted in the classic Death/ Thrash tradition of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Their sound blends Thrash Metal aggression with Death Metal power, driven by sharp riffing, frequent tempo changes and top-tier musicianship led by drummer George Kollias (NILE). An intense, technical and exceptionally well-produced album that bridges both the European and American schools while remaining faithful to the roots of classic Death/ Thrash.
Recommended for fans of: PESTILENCE, DEATH, DEMOLITION HAMMER and MERCYLESS.
7th album from 2025 by this German Epic Folk Metal band, released six years after "Renegades" and the first to feature Fabian Getto on vocals. Following a particularly divisive period marked by stronger Metalcore influences and a more modern approach, this album finds the band searching for a balance between the epic identity of their early years and the stylistic evolution developed over the last decade.
Its sound blends Folk Metal, Melodic Death Metal, symphonic elements and a significant amount of modern electronic textures. While still retaining epic melodies, cinematic atmospheres and traces of the band's pagan roots, the album favours shorter and more accessible songwriting than many of their classic releases. An ambitious comeback that sees the band embracing the future without completely abandoning the elements that made them one of Europe's most recognizable Folk Metal acts.
Recommended for fans of: ENSIFERUM, FINNTROLL, WINTERSUN and HEIDEVOLK.
The debut album from 1993 by this Swedish Death Metal band, one of the most underrated acts to emerge from the flourishing Scandinavian scene of the early 1990s. Although it remained somewhat overshadowed by bigger names of the era, this release has gradually become a genuine cult favourite among fans of dark and atmospheric Swedish Death Metal.
Rooted firmly in the classic Swedish Death Metal tradition, the album combines heavy riffing, dark atmospheres and an excellent balance between aggression and melody. With a distinctive personality and a less straightforward approach than many of its contemporaries, it stands out for the quality of its songwriting and for perfectly capturing the spirit of old-school Swedish Death Metal.
Recommended for fans of: CREMATORY, GOD MACABRE, HETSHEADS, NECROPHOBIC and MORPHEUS.
Debut album from 2022 by this Czech Thrash/ Speed Metal band, one of the most exciting newcomers to emerge from the recent old-school metal revival. Although the band is relatively new, their sound and attitude feel as if they were transported directly from the second half of the 1980s, showing a clear devotion to the genre's roots.
Rather than relying solely on nostalgia, the album delivers aggressive and energetic Thrash/ Speed Metal enriched with touches of Crossover and even Crust, giving the band a distinctive identity within a classic framework. Sharp riffs, relentless speed and a completely unhinged attitude make this release both original and devastatingly effective.
Recommended for fans of: EXCITER, RAZOR, VENOM and AGENT STEEL.
Vinyl version with poster of the debut album from 2022 by this Czech Thrash/ Speed Metal band, one of the most exciting newcomers to emerge from the recent old-school metal revival. Although the band is relatively new, their sound and attitude feel as if they were transported directly from the second half of the 1980s, showing a clear devotion to the genre's roots.
Rather than relying solely on nostalgia, the album delivers aggressive and energetic Thrash/ Speed Metal enriched with touches of Crossover and even Crust, giving the band a distinctive identity within a classic framework. Sharp riffs, relentless speed and a completely unhinged attitude make this release both original and devastatingly effective.
Recommended for fans of: EXCITER, RAZOR, VENOM and AGENT STEEL.
2nd album from 1990 by this legendary American Thrash Metal band from the San Francisco Bay Area, widely regarded by many fans as the finest release of their career. With guitarist Tim Calvert replacing Glen Alvelais, the band evolved towards a more technical, melodic and progressive sound while retaining the aggression that had defined their acclaimed debut.
Its sound combines the speed and precision of classic Thrash Metal with sophisticated song structures, memorable guitar harmonies and outstanding musicianship. Russ Anderson's remarkable vocal performance and Paul Bostaph's drumming, before his departure to SLAYER, help elevate an album packed with intricate and highly accomplished compositions that remains one of the defining classics of early-'90s American technical Thrash Metal.
Recommended for fans of: HEATHEN, DEATH ANGEL, TESTAMENT and TOXIK.
2nd album from 1988 by this veteran American Thrash/ Speed Metal band, presented here in a 2-CD reissue featuring extensive bonus material on the second disc, including demos, rarities and previously unreleased recordings from the era. Regarded by many fans as the peak of their career, this release showcased a remarkable progression from their debut, featuring more sophisticated songwriting and a distinctive identity that helped establish it as a cult classic of late-'80s American technical metal.
Its sound combines Thrash Metal aggression with progressive structures, excellent arrangements and outstanding musicianship, particularly the vocals of Alan Tecchio and the songwriting skills of Dan Lorenzo. An unjustly overlooked album that deserves to stand alongside some of the finest technical Thrash Metal releases of its era.
Recommended for fans of: TOXIK, HEATHEN, FORBIDDEN and AGENT STEEL.
10th album from 2003 by this legendary German Power Metal band, released during a particularly difficult period following the departures of Roland Grapow and Uli Kusch. Despite the lineup changes and recording difficulties, the album marked a return to the brighter melodies and classic HELLOWEEN spirit after the darker and more controversial "The Dark Ride". It also introduced guitarist Sascha Gerstner as a new member of the band.
Its sound brings back much of the melodic Power Metal approach that made the band a genre-defining act, blending catchy choruses, rich guitar harmonies and the trademark songwriting of Andi Deris and Michael Weikath. Although often overshadowed by other releases in their catalogue, it contains some of the strongest material of their modern era and stands as a solid return to the band's roots.
Recommended for fans of: GAMMA RAY, EDGUY, FREEDOM CALL and MASTERPLAN.
The debut album from 1987 by this Californian Thrash Metal/Speed Metal band, formed by former AGENT STEEL guitarist Kurt Kilfelt. Regarded as one of the great cult classics of 1980s American Thrash Metal, it marked the beginning of a short but brilliant career that would culminate a year later with the equally acclaimed "Mind Wars".
Far removed from the genre's usual clichés, the band crafted a highly technical, aggressive and distinctive sound, blending Speed Metal intensity with Thrash Metal power through intricate songwriting, memorable melodies and the outstanding vocal performance of Keith Deen. An underrated classic that remains remarkably fresh and original decades after its release.
Recommended for fans of: AGENT STEEL, DARK ANGEL, FORBIDDEN and HEATHEN.
3rd album from 2017 by this veteran American Death Metal band, originally recorded in 2010 but left unreleased for several years before finally receiving an official release. Following a long history in the underground scene, the album captures the band's most aggressive and darkest side. The band also featured Aantar, best known for his work with DIABOLIC and EXMORTIS.
Their approach is based on fast, intense, technical and brutal Death Metal, packed with sharp riffing, constant tempo changes and flawless execution. The presence of musicians such as Kevin Talley (DYING FETUS, SUFFOCATION, MISERY INDEX) and Kelly McLauchlin (PESSIMIST, DIABOLIC, POSSESSED) further strengthens a devastating release deeply rooted in the finest traditions of extreme American Death Metal.
Recommended for fans of: MORBID ANGEL, DIABOLIC, MONSTROSITY and MALEVOLENT CREATION.
7th album from 2002 by this veteran American Heavy/ Power Metal band led by guitar virtuoso Chris Impellitteri. Released after several years of silence, the album presented a heavier and more contemporary version of the band while retaining the dazzling musicianship and neoclassical influences that have always defined their sound.
Its music blends Heavy/ Power Metal with touches of Speed Metal and a more modern production style, highlighted by Chris Impellitteri's spectacular riffs and solos, widely regarded among the fastest and most technically accomplished in the genre. Graham Bonnet's powerful vocal performance (RAINBOW, ALCATRAZZ, MSG) adds extra character to an intense, energetic and highly dynamic release that stands among the heaviest albums in the band's catalogue.
Recommended for fans of: ALCATRAZZ, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, PRIMAL FEAR and JUDAS PRIEST.
9th album from 2023 by this influential Finnish Melodic Death Metal band, inspired by the devastating famine years that struck Finland during the 17th century. Conceived as a conceptual work, the album explores some of the darkest and most atmospheric themes in the band's history, blending historical tragedy, folklore and human suffering into a particularly ambitious release.
Its sound merges Melodic Death Metal with Doom influences, acoustic passages and the melancholic atmosphere that has become the band's trademark. Rich guitar melodies, immersive arrangements and a masterful balance between aggression and emotion result in a powerful and cinematic album that finds INSOMNIUM operating at the peak of their creative abilities.
Recommended for fans of: OMNIUM GATHERUM, AMORPHIS, SWALLOW THE SUN and WOLFHEART.
2nd album recorded in 2002 by this veteran German Death Metal band, although it remained unreleased for a full decade before finally seeing an official release in 2012. Later reissued in several formats, it captures an important stage in the band's evolution following their 1997 debut.
The album delivers classic, brutal and straightforward Death Metal with a strong influence from the early Canadian school of the genre. Crushing riffs, aggressive vocals and a raw production result in a compact and powerful release that illustrates why the band maintained a dedicated cult following within the European underground for so many years.
Recommended for fans of: KATAKLYSM, CRYPTOPSY, SINISTER and VADER.
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.
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.
