Heavy Metal Resource Reviews-Volbeat, The Murder Of My Sweet, Mercury X, Cap Outrun, and Memoria Avenue

Index

Volbeat ends they year with an absolute bang, or should I say banger. The latest from the album is pretty heavy and songwriting is very infectious. I would have to say that this could be my favorite album of the band's catalog. There is also quite a bit of variety. Take for instance tracks like 'Wait A Minute My Girl' or 'The Devil Rages On'. These two definitely have a Volbeat feel to them and a killer groove. Some of the stuff here reminds me of Metallica when it comes to the riffing. This is definitely an album to roll your ears in. The CD I bought also had a bonus disc with some bonus tracks including a couple of different renditions of songs from the album. This album should find it's way into many best of 2021 lists. It will definitely make mine. For fans of the heavier side of the metal genre, this one is a masterpiece and comes highly recommended!

Release Date: December 3, 2021

If you have listened to this band before, you'll know that they are female fronted and play in a cinematic style. Plenty of melody in the music and very cool songwriting structure. Subject wise, this album picks up where 'A Gentleman's Hurricane' from Daniel Flores' other band Mind's Eye left off in 2007. We did review that album as well although it's been a while since I heard it. I do remember really liking it. As far as this album goes, it is one of my favorites by this band. Good songs and great delivery. I will probably go back and check out the Mind's Eye album for the story and get a deeper feel for this and the the connection of the two. This band has a fairly big sound complete with good atmosphere and rich tones. I was glad to see this band release this as I was also a big fan of their previous album 'Brave Tin World'. Excellent as usual!

Release Date: December 10, 2021

Fans of progressive metal will probably dig this album. Let me give you an idea of what to expect. First, the album contains 5 tracks total and this is the band's third album. The first two were released independently and the new one is obviously released through Frontiers Records. The band, although progressive do play in a different side of the genre. They have a sound that is rich sounding, but can feel quite heavy at times. The music goes for a more visual experience and doesn't follow the progressive path of indulgence like some in the genre do. Even though there are only five tracks, this is a complete album with the title track clocking in around 20 minutes in length. That 20 minutes never gets boring and has a good feel throughout. The rest of the album shares the same consistency and offers up a really good listen. Solid band out of Sweden!

Release Date: December 10, 2021

Frontiers Records dropped a few good progressive releases recently. Cap Outrun was one of them. This band is a bit more than just that though. They have a fusion of quite a few different sounds or genres if you like. You get some melodic rock, progressive, and maybe even a small touch of jazz here and there. It's an interesting mix in my opinion. Songs are well crafted and the band's sound is quite upbeat. This album offers up a unique experience for sure. I don't think the band jams themselves into a corner stylistically and they really shine as a result of that approach. There is some stuff to check out on YouTube if you are curious. You'll get a good feel for what the band sounds like and their approach to writing. They can be a bit hard to describe, but above all else, this is a good band with a very unique album and style. Definitely worthy of your attention!

Release Date: December 10, 2021

If you are looking for some good AOR styled music, Norwegian melodic rockers Memoria Avenue just dropped their new album recently. The band's style can be compared to other Frontiers artists such as Perfect Plan or other artists that play that style. If you were familiar with the Northern Light project featuring Tor Talle, you will happy to know that Memoria Avenue features Talle and also Jan Le'Brandt who offers vocals on the album. The vocal work is quite good and a bit different from other bands that play this style. It's a great mix and the songs sound really good. I found most to be instantly memorable. I had checked this album out a little bit ago and didn't want to miss the opportunity to share this great album here. I am a bit of a nut at times for melodic rock and this band definitely gets my approval!

Release Date: November 5, 2021