Helloween was formed in 1984 by members from bands like Iron Fist, Gentry, Second Hell, and Powerfool. The original lineup included Kai Hansen (guitars/vocals), Michael Weikath (guitars), Markus Grosskopf (bass), and Ingo Schwichtenberg (drums). They signed with Noise Records and released their debut EP Helloween in 1985, followed by Walls of Jericho later that year, which helped pioneer speed metal.

The band’s breakthrough came with the addition of vocalist Michael Kiske in 1986, leading to the iconic Keeper of the Seven Keys albums (Part I in 1987, Part II in 1988). These releases achieved commercial success, including gold status in Germany. Internal tensions led to Hansen’s departure in 1988 to form Gamma Ray, and further changes in the 1990s, including Kiske’s exit in 1993 and Schwichtenberg’s tragic death in 1995.

Andi Deris joined as vocalist in 1994, ushering in a new era with albums like Master of the Rings (1994). The band faced label issues and lineup shifts but stabilized in the 2000s. The “Pumpkins United” reunion in 2016 brought back Hansen and Kiske, resulting in the self-titled album Helloween (2021) and their latest, Giants & Monsters (2025), released on August 29, 2025, via Reigning Phoenix Music. As of October 2025, they remain active, with recent releases like the live album Live at Budokan (December 2024).

Helloween‘s style evolved from thrashy speed metal in their early days to the melodic, technical power metal they’re known for. Influences include Queensrÿche, with soaring vocals, dual guitars, and fantasy lyrics. Albums like the Keeper series feature epic storytelling, while later works experimented with hard rock, darkness, and covers. Recent releases maintain high energy with keyboards and multiple vocalists.

Based on rankings from critics (e.g., Loudwire, RateYourMusic), fans (Reddit, X discussions), and charts (BestEverAlbums, album sales), here’s a compiled list of Helloween’s top albums. The Keeper duology dominates, reflecting their impact.

Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part II (1988) – Often ranked #1 by critics and fans for its commercial success, iconic tracks like “I Want Out,” and power metal blueprint; gold in Germany, UK Top 30.

Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part I (1987) – Praised as a masterpiece; highest overall chart rank on BestEverAlbums; fans call it the start of Euro power metal.

Walls of Jericho (1985) – Debut full-length; influential in speed metal; high fan rankings for raw energy.

The Dark Ride (2000) – Pinnacle for some fans; darker sound; top on RateYourMusic.

Helloween (2021) – Reunion album; topped German charts; fans appreciate the united lineup.

Gambling with the Devil (2007) – Heavy and acclaimed; top in Deris-era rankings.

7 Sinners (2010) – Fastest and heaviest in years; gold in Czech Republic; fan favorite.

Better Than Raw (1998) – One of their heaviest; strong fan support.

The Time of the Oath (1996) – Raw and powerful; dedicated to Schwichtenberg.

Giants & Monsters (2025) – Newest release; early reviews call it a potential best of 2025, preluding their 40-year career.

Legacy in Power Metal

Helloween is widely regarded as the originators of power metal, blending speed metal’s aggression with melodic, fantasy-driven elements in the Keeper albums. They influenced bands like Blind Guardian and Gamma Ray, establishing European power metal as a genre. As part of the “big four” alongside Grave Digger, Rage, and Running Wild (or globally with Sabaton and DragonForce), their evolution from speed to symphonic power metal set benchmarks. Their reunions and continued output keep them relevant, inspiring new generations.

Achievements and Recent Activities

Helloween has 14 gold and six platinum awards, with hits at major festivals like Monsters of Rock and Rock in Rio. Inducted into the Metal Hall of Fame (2023), they won Best German Metal Band (2024) and Thunderflix Awards (2025). Recent works include comics, books, and tours, with Giants & Monsters marking their 40th anniversary.

In summary, Helloween‘s innovative sound and enduring spirit have made them titans of power metal, proving their legacy through decades of evolution and influence.

History and Formation

Sabaton was founded in December 1999 by Joakim Brodén (vocals), Pär Sundström (bass), Oskar Montelius (guitars), Rikard Sundén (guitars), and Richard Larsson (drums). The band’s name is derived from the medieval foot armor known as a “sabaton,” fitting their thematic focus on warfare and armor. Early on, they recorded demos and a promo CD titled *Fist for Fight* in 2001, but their debut album *Metalizer* (recorded in 2002) was delayed due to label issues and eventually released in 2007.

Their breakthrough came with “Primo Victoria” in 2005, released under Black Lodge, which introduced their signature historical themes, inspired by films like *Saving Private Ryan*. Signing with Nuclear Blast expanded their reach, leading to tours with bands like Edguy and DragonForce. A major lineup change in 2012 saw several members leave to form Civil War, but Sabaton rebuilt with new talent and continued to thrive.

The band has faced challenges, including a 2019 car accident in Tunisia and COVID-19 disruptions, but they adapted with virtual performances and new releases. In 2021, a collaboration with the Swedish Armed Forces was canceled due to past controversies, but Sabaton distanced themselves from political issues, notably condemning the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. As of 2025, they remain active, touring extensively and releasing new material, including their 11th studio album “Legends” on October 17, 2025.

Sabaton has released ten studio albums, multiple EPs, live albums, and collaborations, often themed around specific historical periods like World Wars I and II.

Notable singles and EPs include “Bismarck” (2019, WWII battleship), “Livgardet” (2021, Swedish regiment tribute), and the “Echoes of the Great War” trilogy (2022–2023). They’ve also contributed to video games like “World of Tanks” and “Hearts of Iron IV.”

Musical Style and Themes

While often classified as power metal, Sabaton describes their sound as a unique form of heavy metal, blending high-energy riffs, orchestral arrangements, and backing vocals. Influences include Iron Maiden, and they’ve collaborated with orchestras for symphonic renditions. Their lyrics focus on historical accuracy, covering battles from ancient times to modern conflicts, educating fans through songs and their Sabaton History YouTube channel.

Top Tracks

Sabaton‘s top tracks are determined by streaming data, fan discussions, and critic reviews. Based on Spotify streams (as of recent data), fan favorites from social media like X (formerly Twitter), and critic lists from sites like Nuclear Blast and Classic Rock History, here’s a compiled list of their most acclaimed songs:

1. “The Last Stand” (199M streams) – A high-energy anthem about historical last stands; frequently cited as a fan and critic favorite for its epic chorus.

2. “To Hell and Back” (213M streams) – Inspired by Audie Murphy’s WWII memoir; tops streaming charts and is praised for its storytelling.

3. “Primo Victoria” (141M streams) – Their breakthrough track about D-Day; a staple in live sets and often ranked #1 by critics for its historical impact.

4. “Ghost Division” (120M streams) – About the 7th Panzer Division in WWII; beloved for its fast-paced riff and fan chants.

5. “Soldier of Heaven” – A chilling track from *The War to End All Wars*; fans on X highlight its emotional depth and historical tie to WWI.

6. “Bismarck” – A collaboration with Wargaming; critics call it an “epic” tribute to the German battleship.

7. “Night Witches” – About Soviet female pilots in WWII; praised for empowering themes and high rankings in fan polls.

8. “Stormtroopers” – Recent hit with strong streams; fans appreciate its intensity.

9. “Templars” (2025 single) – New release about Knights Templar; quickly gaining traction in streams and fan mentions.

10. “1916” (Motörhead cover) – Emotional WWI tribute; fans and critics note its peak emotional delivery.

These rankings blend quantitative data from platforms like Spotify with qualitative input from fans (e.g., Reddit, X) and critics (e.g., Louder Sound, Nuclear Blast).

Legacy in Power Metal

Sabaton has solidified their legacy as a powerhouse in the power metal genre, often hailed as one of the “big four” alongside Blind Guardian, DragonForce, and Helloween. Since the mid-2000s, they’ve been a dominant force, bringing historical narratives to the forefront and expanding the genre’s appeal beyond fantasy tropes. Their success, including sold-out tours and chart-topping albums, has made them arguably the most prominent power metal band globally. By rejecting strict genre labels while embracing power metal’s speed and symphonic elements, they’ve influenced a new wave of bands focusing on real-world stories. Their educational initiatives, like the History channel, further cement their role in making power metal accessible and intellectually engaging.

Achievements and Recent Activities

Sabaton has won awards like Best Breakthrough Band (Sweden Rock Awards, 2011) and the Public Educator Award (2022). They’ve received honors from historical figures, such as a Polish sabre in 2008. Recent highlights include the 2024 concert film “The Tour to End All Tours” and the 2025 animated movie based on “The War to End All Wars.” With tours planned through 2025, including The Legendary Tour, their momentum shows no signs of slowing.

In conclusion, Sabaton‘s blend of history, metal, and spectacle has not only entertained millions but also preserved stories of valor and tragedy. As they celebrate over 25 years, their legacy endures as innovators in power metal, proving that music can be both powerful and profound.

The Bible, with its vivid tales of apocalypse, redemption, and divine intervention, remains the most common source. In the Book of Revelation alone, imagery of horsemen, beasts, and judgment has inspired a slew of tracks. For instance, Metallica‘s “The Four Horsemen“ channels the apocalyptic riders symbolizing conquest, war, famine, and death, transforming the scripture into a thrash metal anthem about destruction and fate. Similarly, their “My Apocalypse” echoes Revelation’s end-times chaos, with lyrics evoking extreme peril and renewal. Iron Maiden, masters of historical and literary themes, contribute heavily: “The Number of the Beast” famously references the mark of the beast (666) from Revelation, portraying it as a symbol of evil and societal control, complete with Bruce Dickinson’s soaring vocals amplifying the dread. Their “Moonchild” weaves in the Whore of Babylon and fallen angels, blending biblical horror with occult elements for a narrative of birth and damnation. “The Writing on the Wall” draws from the Book of Daniel‘s story of Belshazzar‘s feast, where a divine hand writes a prophecy of doom on the wall, symbolizing inevitable judgment. Even “Revelations” incorporates the first verse of G.K. Chesterton‘s 1906 hymn “O God of Earth and Altar,” which itself is rooted in biblical pleas for divine guidance, adding a layer of traditional Christian devotion to the band’s heavy sound.

Christian metal bands often retell biblical stories with a focus on faith and triumph. The Showdown‘s album A Chorus of Obliteration features tracks like “A Monument Encased in Ash,” recounting the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah from Genesis; “Epic: A Chorus of Obliteration,” inspired by the fall of Jericho in Joshua; “From the Mouth of Gath Comes Terror,” based on David and Goliath from 1 Samuel; and “Dagon Undone (The Reckoning),” drawing from Samson‘s tale in Judges. Amaseffer‘s Exodus – Slaves for Life narrates the full Exodus story up to the Hebrews’ release, using orchestral elements to heighten the biblical drama. Theocracy, an American Christian power metal band, offers songs like “Bethlehem” (Simeon meeting baby Jesus in Luke), “Altar to the Unknown God” (Paul’s speech in Acts), “Easter” (the empty tomb in the Gospels), and “The Master Storyteller” (a meta-reflection on the Bible itself). Other examples include Thrice‘s “Like Moths to Flame” (Peter’s denial in the Gospels) and “The Messenger” (Isaiah’s calling in the Old Testament), as well as Saviour Machine‘s operatic albums based on Revelation.

Secular bands also mine the Bible for metaphor and intensity. Def Leppard‘s “Rock of Ages” borrows its title and bombastic tone from a biblical hymn referencing God as a steadfast refuge (e.g., Psalms and Isaiah), fitting their 1980s glam metal excess. Dio‘s “Holy Diver” alludes to the Harrowing of Hell or Satan’s fall, drawing from New Testament apocrypha and Revelation. Lamb of God‘s “Reclamation” uses Revelation’s fire and end-of-world motifs to critique environmental collapse. Avatar‘s “Hail the Apocalypse” mirrors Revelation’s storms and sinking cities, while Manowar‘s “Revelation (Death’s Angel)” directly references Armageddon and trumpets of judgment. Black Label Society‘s “Doomsday Jesus” invokes the Horsemen and a savior amid decay, and Black Sabbath‘s “Children of the Grave” echoes Revelation’s call to resist empire. Judas Priest‘s “Blood Red Skies” draws on perseverance themes, and Saracen‘s “Horsemen of the Apocalypse” urges awakening against the riders. Megadeth‘s “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” touches on religious conflicts, inspired by broader biblical warfare motifs.

Moving beyond the Bible, Hindu texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and epics such as the Mahabharata provide fertile ground for “Vedic metal,” often portraying gods like Shiva in roles of creation and destruction. Rudra, pioneers from Singapore, infuse albums like Hymns from the Blazing Chariot with Vedic shlokas and mantras, celebrating Hindu philosophy through death metal growls and chants. Kartikeya, a Russian band, bases “Tandava” on Shiva’s cosmic dance that ends the Kali Yuga era, with lyrics like “Hark! I am Mahadeva, master of the universe” praising his forms as Nataraja and Pashupati. Their “He Who Carries the Head of Brahma” retells Shiva severing Brahma’s head, invoking names like Bhairav and Lingadhyakshasa in Sanskrit chants over thrash riffs. Dying Out Flame from Nepal delivers “Shiva Rudrastakam,” a Vedic death metal track rooted in ancient Sanskrit hymns to Shiva, blending brutality with transcendental wisdom from the Upanishads and Gita to evoke spiritual renewal. The Down Troddence‘s “Shiva” adapts the Shiva Tandava Stotram—attributed to Ravana—describing the god’s hair with the Ganga river and his fiery dance, using heavy bass to create a devotional trance. Persefone‘s Spiritual Migration album, especially “Returning to the Source,” draws on Hindu concepts of rebirth and enlightenment. Cult of Fire‘s मृत्यु का तापसी अनुध्यान explores death and asceticism from Hindu perspectives, while Rotting Christ‘s “Devadevam” is entirely in Sanskrit, featuring the Gayatri Mantra as a prayer to Shiva. Behemoth‘s The Apostasy and bands like Genocide Shrines also weave in Hindu lyrical influences, often portraying deities in demonic or empowering lights. Rob Favotto’s “Kali Ma” is an epic Hindu metal song celebrating the goddess Kali, blending international influences with themes of destruction and renewal. Bloodywood incorporates Indian folk metal with Punjabi elements, as in “Gaddaar,” touching on cultural and mythological motifs.

Buddhist texts inspire a niche but growing subgenre, where sutras and mantras are fused with death metal to promote enlightenment or social commentary. Taiwan’s Dharma band, founded by Jack Tung, uses classic Buddhist mantras in Sanskrit or Mandarin as lyrics, drawing from ancient sutras to blend with growling vocals and heavy riffs, aiming to spread Buddhist teachings through music. Their songs often serve as allegory for Taiwanese liberation, supported by Buddhist clergy who chant during performances. Japanese bands like Evil and Gokuraku Jodo touch on Buddhist themes fleetingly, with album art or lyrics evoking cosmology. Indian band Gautam draws from Buddhist concepts, while Chinese band Yaksa‘s “Xiangmo zhou” incorporates mantras for a unique fusion. Stoner metal band OM uses meditative drones echoing sutras, emphasizing spiritual quests.

For Islamic texts like the Quran, direct positive adaptations are rare in rock and metal due to regional restrictions and the genre’s rebellious ethos. Saudi band Al-Namrood uses Arabic scales and lyrics critical of religious tyranny, drawing from pre-Islamic jinn and tales like One Thousand and One Nights rather than quoting the Quran, to protest sharia’s constraints. Indonesian bands like Purgatory and Tengkorak form part of an “Islamic metal” scene, with lyrics revolving around faith and social issues, though often more interpretive than textual. Muslim metal and punk lists include Hizjrah‘s In God We Trust and Latahzan’s Islamic Death Metal, focusing on Islamic mythology and ideology. This scarcity highlights cultural debates, as metal’s anti-authority stance clashes with conservative interpretations of Islam.

Norse religious texts, particularly the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda, underpin Viking metal, emphasizing paganism and Viking Age sagas. Bathory‘s Hammerheart is a concept album devoted to Vikings, shifting from Satanic to Norse mythological themes. Enslaved‘s Hordanes Land and Vikingligr Veldi retell Norwegian legends with folk melodies, while “793 (Slaget Om Lindisfarne)” celebrates the Viking raid on Lindisfarne. Burzum echoes the Hávamál from the Poetic Edda in pagan themes. Einherjer‘s artwork draws from Thor’s hammers and sagas. Amon Amarth retells brutal Norse legends across their catalog, including battles from the Eddas. Tyr‘s “Prophecy of Ragnarok” and “Yggdrasil” invoke apocalyptic myths and the world tree from the Eddas. Skáld‘s “Rún” draws from runic magic in Norse texts. Disembodied Tyrant & Synestia‘s “The Poetic Edda” directly adapts verses from the Edda.

Ancient Egyptian texts, especially the Book of the Dead, inspire occult-tinged death metal. Nile‘s “Chapter of Obeisance Before Giving Breath to the Inert One in the Presence of the Crescent Shaped Horns” references spells from the Book of the Dead, evoking funerary rites. Their album What Should Not Be Unearthed echoes propaganda texts but ties to the Book’s themes. Septicflesh‘s “Anubis” draws from Egyptian mythology, including the god of the afterlife. Nemuer‘s “Gates of Duat” brings spells from the Book of the Dead to life. Third Ear Band‘s “Egyptian Book of the Dead” directly titles and themes from the text.

Taoist and Confucian texts influence Chinese metal through “hermit aesthetics,” balancing withdrawal (Daoism) and societal engagement (Confucianism). Zuriaake‘s music and lyrics embody these philosophies, using imagery of retreat and morality without specific songs named. Other Chinese bands fuse traditional culture with metal, drawing on Daoist introspection.

Sikh scriptures appear in rock fusions, as with Malaysian band Anhad‘s tracks like “Mangla Charan” (verses before kirtan), “Ardas Bhaee” (prayer mantra), “Ik Ongkar” (core Sikh chant), and “Pavan Guru” (shabad rendition), blending rock with devotional elements.

For the Book of Mormon, adaptations are limited but include metal covers of LDS hymns, such as “Praise to the Man” in heavy style, and Nashville Tribute Band’s songs like “I Am a Book” dedicated to the text.

Wasting no time on introductions whatsoever, the EP begins with “Cognitive Abyss” which immediately starts with an evil death metal style riff and quickly follows up with a stomping industrial riff with drums and guitar in sync like one machine of doom, letting you know that you are in for an absolute ride. Arriving at the verse, we start to unfold the theme of the EP. Anger and frustration at a broken system. The brutal vocal delivery, half-time drums, and huge-sounding guitars amplify the rage the lyrics convey.

Speaking of lyrics, “Vivisection”, in my opinion, has the most profound lyrics of Blastforge’s latest EP. Creating an analogy for how the corrupt system brutalizes us and treats us as a resource of data to be farmed and eventually used against us, using horrifying, gory imagery. Following the breakdown of the song is a particularly nasty, heavy riff that really drives the anger home, in my opinion. Sounds like a bull stomping the ground before it (and the band) charge for one final chorus.

That bull stomping riff, or at least a variation of it, kicks off the third track, “Womb of Corruption”. The kick drum is getting quite the beating now as Blastforge turn up the intensity with low guttural growls and the goriest lyrics so far. Building to an absolute cacophony that assaults your senses and puts on display the rot in the “Mind Rot Protocol”.

“Split Vision” is the fourth and final track and is the most death metal one out of the four. Blast beats instantly set the tone for the incoming crescendo of madness. As the lyrics unravel, so does the mind of our protagonist. Because when every part of the system is filled with lies, manipulation, and deception, how can one trust their own flesh? You can’t, is their answer.

BlastForge’s “Mind Rot Protocol” is a certified headbanger’s delight, an EP with a cohesive narrative thread all the way through the end, and an experience that manages to fuse multiple sub-genres of metal together like a well-balanced meal.

The journey begins with “Planet Earth”, whose deceptively catchy riff and bouncy rhythm mask a profound meditation on digital-age loneliness. Despite its anthem-like qualities, the track dissects how our desperate attempts at connection often leave us more isolated than ever. Vorpal crafts an ironic juxtaposition between the song’s accessible sound and its existential weight.

From there, “Manhunter” transforms the EP’s trajectory entirely. The guitar tone creates an unsettling spaciousness, as if the instrument itself is stalking from the shadows. Vorpal inhabits the perspective of journalist Freddie Lounds from Thomas Harris’s Red Dragon, narrating serial killer Francis Dolarhyde’s story with genuinely eerie vocal delivery. The track succeeds not through cheap thrills but through atmospheric dread that will leave you genuinely unsettled.

Taking a sharp sonic turn, “House of Capricorn” introduces reversed sounds and warm synthesizers, creating a dreamlike yet sober reflection that evokes themes of addiction, compulsion, and the cycles of gambling. This dramatic shift demonstrates Vorpal’s range, moving from horror into introspective territory without losing emotional impact. You’ll find yourself drawn into its hypnotic atmosphere.

The emotional journey continues with “Charlatan”, where Vorpal explores the psychology of someone fully aware of their destructive behavior. A relentless drum machine and somber synths create the perfect backdrop for late-night contemplation. The kind of track that demands you listen alone during long drives.

Now, if you’ve read our article on this next song, then you should already be pretty familiar with how  “Q” assaults you with synchronized guitar, drums, and vocals pounding identical rhythms while lyrics overlap in tongue-twister fashion: “Get it, you don’t get it, you don’t get to…”. This psychedelic experience challenges conventional song structure, creating something genuinely unique that will polarize you and your friends’ musical tastes.

Finally, the EP concludes with “Overboard” my personal favorite track on the EP, and in my opinion, Vorpal’s most accomplished composition. The track achieves genuine artistic expression of psychological drowning through brilliant songwriting and a tangibly eerie atmosphere. It’s a bone-chilling experience that transcends typical genre attempts at creating fear, delivering something that will stay with you long after it ends.

“Memes” showcases an artist unafraid to traverse vastly different sonic territories while maintaining thematic coherence. Vorpal has created something that challenges you as a listener while rewarding those willing to engage with its darkness.

1 of 4

• Paleface Swiss – Cursed [January 3]
• Ex Deo – Year of the Four Emperors (EP) [January 10]
• The Halo Effect – March of the Unheard [January 10]
• Oni – Genesis (EP) [January 24]
• Obscura – A Sonication [February 7]
• Bleeding Through – Nine [February 14]
• Killswitch Engage – This Consequence [February 21]
• Architects – The Sky, the Earth & All Between [February 28]
• Arch Enemy – Blood Dynasty [March 28]
• Memphis May Fire – Shapeshifter [March 28]
• Landmvrks – The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been [April 25]
• Bury Tomorrow – Will You Haunt Me, with That Same Patience [May 16]

• Stick to Your Guns – Keep Planting Flowers [January 10]

• Dark Fortress – Anthems from Beyond the Grave (live album) [January 17]
• Harakiri for the Sky – Scorched Earth [January 24]

• Avatarium – Between You, God, the Devil and the Dead [January 24]
• Pentagram – Lightning in a Bottle [January 31]
• Mantar – Post Apocalyptic Depression [February 14]
• Nightstalker – Return from the Point of No Return [March 14]

• Labyrinth – In the Vanishing Echoes of Goodbye [January 24]
• Majestica – Power Train [February 7]
• Dynazty – Game of Faces [February 14]
• Lacuna Coil – Sleepless Empire [February 14]
• Nachtblut – Todschick [February 21]
• Avantasia – Here Be Dragons [February 28]
• Brainstorm – Plague of Rats [February 28]
• Crematory – Destination [May 2]
• Primal Fear – Domination [September 5]

• Thomas Erak – (AU) [January 31]
• Dream Theater – Parasomnia [February 7]
• Jinjer – Duél [February 7]
• Coheed and Cambria – Vaxis Act III: The Father of Make Believe [March 14]

“The Darkest of Times” kicks off with a captivating melodic introduction that instantly captivates metal enthusiasts. It’s filled with heavy, speed, and power metal elements that encourage headbanging from the very first riff to the final note. The initial CD displays the standard artwork for “The Darkest of Times,” embellished with the iconic TANTRUM logo. For collectors and fans, there’s an exclusive limited edition CD single with distinct post-apocalyptic wasteland-themed artwork and logo for “Tornado of Souls.”

I typically admire bands that share their personal challenges and experiences throughout their career in their music. The combination of emotional vocals, melodic guitar riffs, fast-paced drumming, and iconic solo performances creates a remarkable metal masterpiece. Vocalist Mark reflected on the band’s progress and growth, stating, “We faced many challenges and shifts last year, but every twist and turn has fueled our passion for creating powerful, authentic metal. This release is a testament to our resilience and commitment to delivering the best to our fans.”

Well, no need to speak music about their tribute for the legendary Megadeth’s hit Tornado of Souls, still, I loved how they were keen to deliver it through a unique melodic power metal style, which is in my opinion the best cover to be presented in such style of all time.

In conclusion, I am confident that TANTRUM will soon become one of the most impactful metal bands of all time, extending beyond just the Scottish metal scene. Cheers!

Press via Kostas Salomidis

In fact, it’s rare when you find metalheads who didn’t like power metal, at least one band! In my opinion, power metal bands, especially in the golden ’80s and ’90s era were a huge influence for many progressive, djent, and heavy metal acts. Imagine names like Stratovarius, Helloween, Blind Guardian, Acid Earth, Gamma Ray, Rhapsody of Fire (formerly known as Rhapsody), and Angra among countless other names, shaped a big part of the heavy metal world. I believe that Luar Shadow Light tried to collect all his previous experience and inspirations in an ICONIC ALBUM! “My inspiration is that magic that one carries within” – Luar Shadow Light said. And truly he made a magical record! I’d recommend checking ‘The Dark Decay‘ music video, I really loved how the filming was pretty simple but it was a great fit for the music indeed. Ladies and gentlemen, we are talking about the 7-tracks album that I dare you to find one negative point. If you started to listen to the album you can find that each element was well presented and chosen carefully in each song. What I really like is that he was keen to give each instrument its reach tone and getting the best of out, first his vocals is really warm, emotive, powerful, and unique tone as well, as much as the music varies from soft to loud, his voice smoothly goes between. Guitars really did a great part over here, and I’d like to salute the tight rhythm guitars, who did a great structure with bass and drum lines, but also, my favourite will go for the sense of lead guitar and its touching and impressive solos. Orchestral and strings elements were a great addition to this album for sure. I believe that Luar Shadow Light was very keen to keep such elements as the main background core for his music, which served the whole album perfectly!

Definitely, Undying Sun is added to my music library, and I dare you to find any negative point in any track of the album, truly, I’d give it the best power metal Rock Era received in 2021 so far. Feel the charm below!