Heavy Metal Resource Reviews-Kilmara, The Ferrymen, Wildness, Landfall, & The Big Deal

Index

Been able to spend some good time with the new Kilmara album. I believe this to be the band's 5th studio album overall and showcases a melodic power metal sound that has 80's influences in both subject material and sound. To me, the record has a catchy and memorable feel to each of the songs. I remembered a good chunk of the material after the first listen. As someone who lived in the 80's and was able to partake in many of the things that era brought. It was fun to listen with the whole arcade element. You even get an 8 Bit version of the title track 'Journey To The Sun'. While that is nostalgic, I didn't find myself wanting to go back. It was a pretty cool addition however. Tempo's are frenzied at times and there is plenty of melody throughout. Overall, this is a very solid listen. Tracks are well written and delivered. An easy recommend!

Release Date: January 31, 2025

Starting the year off with a bang at Frontiers Records! Their roster is right up my alley and we tend to cover a lot of their stuff. The Ferrymen , which includes Magnus Karlsson, Ronnie Romero, and Mike Terrana have just dropped their 4th album and it's a banger. More melodic metal goodness in the same vein as their previous 3 records. What stands out to me with this record is the atmosphere and melody in places. Obviously, they stick to their genre, but there are tracks that really stand out to me. 'Mother Unholy' is one of those tracks. Great melodies especially in Romero's vocals mixed with a bold sound overall. I also really dig the emotional feel of 'Dreams And Destiny'. One of the most memorable tracks on the record. I would have to say that this is probably my favorite album by the band. Performances and songs are absolutely top notch!

Release Date: January 24, 2025

Swedish hard rockers Wildness return with their 4th album overall and 2nd for Frontiers. As has been their history they play their music in an arena hard rock style. If you remember the band's of the 80's, you'll know that this band fits right in with a great melodic hard rock sound with big choruses and enough flash to give the listener a sense of that 80's Deja Vu. I was a fan of the band's previous record 'Resurrection' and feel the band have upped their game even more with this record. I felt that the music was even more infectious this time. Plenty of songs that could be considered hits. If you check the record out, expect plenty of mid tempo rockers with a very catchy feel. There are some very good lighter tunes here as well. It's a good musical journey by one of today's very good bands.

Release Date: January 24, 2025

Brazilian hard rockers are back with another album, their third. Songs show that the band are evolving in their sound, but not to the extent where they are leaving other things behind. Each band member adds their part to the songs and as a whole the songs benefit and are cohesive. I remember the last time I listened to this band, the vocal work reminded me of XYZ's Terry Ilous although the band overall sounds quite different. In ways you could say that there are a few progressive elements although light in nature. Maybe just a bit of sophistication. The music feels confident to me. While the band definitely has influences or inspirations if you like with the 80's, they are a bit unique sounding to me. Maybe some modern influences as well add to that. One thing is for sure. They craft their songs well and keep things feeling fairly uniform. Good stuff!

Release Date: January 17, 2025

'Electrified' is a great title for this dynamic album. At times the band feels more aligned with somebody like Nightwish due to a bit more of a power feel to some of the songs. Other times things are a bit more straight forward like traditional rock and metal. Then there is also a synth rock element to their sound as well. You could say there is plenty of energy to their music. For those who may be unaware, the band is female fronted with a couple of very good vocalists. Jona Tee and Anders Wikstrom from H.E.A.T. and Treat respectively lent their hand to some of the songwriting. The results are very good. I really dig the upbeat feel of the music and honestly it really does lean heavy most of the time. Expect some classic elements to some of the songs as well. There is so much creativity on this album! Definitely worthy of your listening time!

Release Date: January 17, 2025