In response to the COVID-19 situation, Pitch Black Records has issued a statement encouraging fans to, instead of buying from the label, consider buying from bands and underground festival organisers who have been affected by COVID-19. For those that do purchase from the label, 100% of all sales between April …
Read More »Dragonheart – ‘The Battle Sanctuary’
This fifth album by Brazilian fantasists Dragonheart is one which is truly deserving of the term epic – as not only does it clock in at a little under the hour mark (which is pretty long by today’s attention-deficit-seeking standards) but it marks the completion of a trilogy which the …
Read More »Ghost Avenue – Ghost Avenue
Ghost Avenue‘s brand of heavy music used to be called classic or power metal. On their eponymous 2013 disc, this Norwegian band showcases 11 energetic, catchy, melodic songs powered by dual guitar riffs. Add to that a solid rhythm section and a reasonably good vocalist for the genre, and you’ve …
Read More »Arrayan Path – IV:Stigmata
Cyprus’ Arrayan Path’s fourth offering treads the well-worn path of religious symbolism but triumphs where others have been crucified. From the arpeggiated thrash power of “Clepsydra” to the darkened balladry of “Stigmata” via the Maiden-esque “Pharaoh’s Wish”, their strength is with the musicianship on show. Combining blistering solos, memorable choruses …
Read More »Reign Of The Architect – Rise
Although Reign Of The Architect only fully coalesced as a band last year, this ambitious, Israeli-based progressive metal project has been five years in the making, with this album tracing its roots right back as far as 2008, when guitarist Yuval Kramer initially started work on this concept work, along …
Read More »Arrayan Path – Ira Imperium
In times of desperation and trouble, people often look to their history and heritage for inspiration, recalling past glories to give them a positive outlook on the travails currently facing them, drawing upon that which has gone before to drive them forward to face up to the challenges before them. …
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