Reviews

Album Review

TÝR – Battle Ballads Album Review

April 2, 2024

Planted in 2020, TÝR’s collaboration with the Faroe Islands Symphony Orchestra blooms on “Battle Ballads,” a symphonic metal masterpiece. This album transcends Viking Metal’s boundaries, weaving its raw energy with majestic orchestration. “Hammered” exemplifies this evolution, launching from guitar riffs into vibrant, multi-layered complexity. From anthemic tracks like “Unwandered Ways” to the poignant “Torkils Døtur,” TÝR showcases their storytelling and musicianship, intertwining orchestral arrangements with tales of heroism and emotional depth. Don’t miss TÝR live at San Diego’s Brick By Brick on April 17th to experience the power and beauty of “Battle Ballads”!

Show Review

Queensrÿche Returns To Crush San Diego at Intimate Sycuan Show

March 27, 2024

Raymond Melendez

What does Anthrax, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden have in common? They all faced the daunting challenge of losing their frontmen at one time or another. Not until the original vocalist came back that the band was able to flourish once again; yet, Queensrÿche is living proof that within such adversity, the metal flame can…

Album Review

Judas Priest – Invincible Shield Album Review. Heavy Metal Royalty Reigns Supreme

March 21, 2024

Raymond Melendez

Invincible Shield, from Judas Priest, is an immense success in a long line of monumental successes for the band; this album, famously, marks its birthplace as from the nineteenth studio. Co-producing once again is Andy Sneap, blessed with the magic touch that helped the group’s last effort, 2018’s acclaimed Firepower, along with co-production on the…

Album Review

Vesperian Sorrow – “Awaken The Greylight” Album Review

March 17, 2024

Raymond Melendez

Artist: Vesperian Sorrow Album: Awaken The Greylight Genre: Symphonic Black Metal Release Date: April 26 2024 On the grand pantheon of symphonic black metal bands, few have carved as distinctive a niche as Austin, Texas’ own Vesperian Sorrow. Delving even further into the cosmic and gothic territories which have defined their very personal niche within…

Album Review

Spit On Your Grave – Arkanum Album Review

March 16, 2024

Raymond Melendez

Coming from the bowels of Monterrey, Mexico, SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE has managed to find its own niche within the death metal scene for their brand of poignant sound and relentless energy. “Arkanum,” due out April 12, 2024, is the next chapter in the band’s glorious celebration of mystical themes woven within the raw intensity of death metal.

Album Review

Album Review: The Path By Challenger Deep. A Raw Journey through Blackened Hardcore and Post-Metal Emotions

November 29, 2023

Raymond Melendez

Artist: Challenger Deep Album: The Path Genre: Blackened Hardcore Release Date: December 22, 2023 Hailing from the dynamic musical landscapes of Belarus, Poland, and Lithuania, Challenger Deep has established themselves as pioneers in the realm of experimental music, seamlessly blending ethereal post-metal atmospheres with the raw power of blackened hardcore. Their latest offering, “The Path,”…

Album Review

Dethklok’s “Dethalbum IV” Metalocalypse album review

August 18, 2023

Raymond Melendez

Artist: Dethklok Album: Dethalbum IV Genre: DeathMetal Release Date: August 22, 2023 Prepare to unleash your inner headbanger, because Dethklok is back with a vengeance in their explosive album, “Dethalbum IV.” Serving as the sonic counterpart to the beloved animated TV series “Metalocalypse,” this album encapsulates the raw energy and bone-shaking power that fans of…

Album Review

Gory Blister Reborn from Hatred Album Review

August 10, 2023

Raymond Melendez

Artist: Gory Blister Album: Reborn from Hatred Genre: Technical Death Metal Release Date: September, 8 2023 Gory Blister, the Italian pioneers of technical old-school death metal, unleash a cataclysmic force with their latest offering, “Reborn from Hatred.” Produced by the masterful duo of Raff Sangiorgio and Gianluca D’andria, and further refined by mixing virtuoso Ricardo…

ReviewsCannabis Review

ChemDawg CBD Flower. A Blissful Journey Into Relaxation

July 31, 2023

Raymond Melendez

When it comes to exploring the world of CBD flowers, the ChemDawg strain from HigherHemp in San Diego County truly stands out as a gem in the realm of sativa hybrids. This delightful CBD flower has become a favorite of many, and it’s easy to see why. From the moment the package arrived, the quality…

Album Review

Kataklysm’s ‘Goliath’: A Solid yet Familiar Metal Offering with a Touch of Nostalgia

July 18, 2023

Raymond Melendez

Artist: Kataklysm Album: Goliath Genre: Metal Release Date: August, 11 2023 Kataklysm, the mighty metal veterans, make a thunderous return with their latest opus, “Goliath.” Unleashed through the renowned Nuclear Blast Records, this album showcases the band’s unrelenting passion for their craft. While I wholeheartedly appreciate their technical prowess and adherence to their signature sound,…

Album Review

Cavalera Unleashes a Thrilling Metal Revival ‘Morbid Visions’. Album Review

July 3, 2023

Raymond Melendez

Cavalera reignites the flame of old school heavy metal with ‘Morbid Visions.’ Honoring SEPULTURA’s roots, the album exudes raw intensity and nostalgic fervor, capturing the spirit of a bygone era with unrelenting power.

Album Review

Carthus – Images of Tyranny Album Review

June 24, 2023

Raymond Melendez

Artist: Carthus Album: Images of Tyranny Genre: Death Folk / Metal Release Date: July, 21 2023 Carthus, hailing from the vibrant city of Melbourne, Australia, presents their formidable offering in the form of “Images of Tyranny.” This album, a fusion of Death-Folk and Metal, encapsulates the essence of brutality and ancient lore, delivering a potent…