Heavy Metal Resource Reviews-Vypera, Fallen Sanctuary, Gräce, Seventh Wonder, & Bloody Heels

Index

And Sweden just keeps 'em coming. Arguably one of the best scenes on the globe for all things rock and metal. Vypera is a Frontiers Records signing and has a sound that I thought was very reminiscent of the early to mid 80's heard rock scene. Bands I could compare them to, first and foremost Helix. Andreas Wallström sounds a lot like Brian Vollmer did back on the earlier Helix records. You could also make the case for earlier Icon. Probably the first record. I believe the band was aiming for that era and hit the mark perfectly. The songwriting is excellent as is the structure and tones. It has a fairly vintage feel to it with more modern production giving the music a bit more of a fuller sound. I was thrilled to hear this band and record. I cut my teeth on early 80's metal and rock and this was like deja vu to me. Easy recommend!

Release Date: June 17, 2022

If you are familiar with either Serenity or Temperance, here is a special treat for you. This band features Georg Neuhauser and Marco Pastorino who apparently found they had a lot in common with each other while touring together a few years ago. I am more familiar with Serenity and that is where I will compare. There are definite similarities in my opinion. There is a decent range in terms of tempo with there being melodic speed metal all the way to more ballad type songs. Songwriting is very good with each song crafted with a lot of melody. Some of the songs are quite catchy and will have the listener having some of these songs stuck in their head long after. The vocal work is exceptional as you would expect. Songs like 'Broken Dreams' or 'I Can't Stay' showcase not only vocal talent, but musicianship and versatility. Excellent record!

Release Date: June 24, 2022

Frontiers Records has been broadening their horizons for some time now. You still get the classics, but also you'll get more modern acts who add different styles and sounds to the roster. Gräce who comes to you from Spain and features versatile vocalist Isra Ramos adds a pretty cool new record to the label's catalog. The music is dynamic and has similarities in places to other bands such as Muse or Linkin Park. Take a listen to the single 'Atreyu' and you'll not only get my idea, but will get a feel for the band's sound and style. There is a decent amount of synth on the record mixed with some decent pound in places. This is definitely a record for those looking for something a bit different out there. Ramos has been on the scene for a couple of decades and describes this new band as more experimental. I would agree, but it also sounds fresh. Check it out!

Release Date: June 10, 2022

In today's metal world, when one hears the name Tommy Karevik, they probably think of Kamelot. He has been fronting that band for some time now. You, however would not want to forget Seventh Wonder. This band is equally impressive and is where he came from. He has handled vocals on most of the band's records. This latest record is about as solid as it gets for the band. There is some obvious progressive elements to this record, but it is much more than just that. Good atmosphere and rich sounding music make this a very ear friendly type of album. Each member brings so much to this album. The chemistry is excellent as usual and I feel that the album is a complete listen. No good reason to skip anything as it is all very good. If you haven't checked this band out at this point, you owe it to yourself to spin this record. Top notch as usual!

Release Date: June 10, 2022

The Latvian rockers are back. Wasting no time after the band's Frontiers Records debut in 2020, we get 'Rotten Romance. The band have their gritty heavy sound once again with a record chock full of attitude and intensity. With this new record, you can feel how the band has been growing and evolving as a unit. They are not content to just be a throwback type of band as they have added some new dimensions to their sound. Maybe not what you would call a modern metal record, but there are some similarities in places. 'The Velvet' kind of gives a sample of what I am talking about. Good depth, but not necessarily traditional hard rock in sound or style. Think of this record as an expansion of their sound. Very good songs throughout. You can sample a few tracks via YouTube if you are new to the band. I'm betting most will walk away as new fans of the band!

Release Date: June 10, 2022