Heavy Metal Resource Reviews-Arion, Jizzy Pearl's Love/Hate. Dirkschneider, Lordi, & Gotthard

Index

This album absolutely blew me away. I missed the last record, but we did take a look at the band's first couple of releases and had a feel for what they offer. Arion has evolved in a few different ways. It's still the Arion I know and love, but wow, these songs are really strong. The band sounds extremely confident on this record. Delivery of the music is exceptional and songs are memorable and get even better with each listen. The album sounds very dynamic and I felt production was really good. For those who may not be familiar with the band, they are from Finland and they play in a melodic metal style. There is a definite power metal feel to to some of the songs with some varying intensities. Europe has offered the world market quite a few bands that play and fit into this particular genre. Arion is definitely one of my favorites. Another huge sounding record!

Release Date: February 28, 2025

It's time for another Jizzy Pearl's Love/Hate record. 'Punk Rock Fiesta!' offers up 8 tracks of the type of music you have come to expect from the band. Good hard rockers with some very good performances by his supporting band. Darren Householder is on the record which is very cool and was nice to see him back in the fold. Rounding out the list of band members on the album is Christian Kimmett on Bass and Dave Moreno on Drums. The music is obviously hard driving with a decent amount of grit which has always been the Love/Hate style. I felt songs were really good with some cool grooves here and there. Also, the music is fairly uniform in terms of sound. You do get a different vibe towards the end of the album with 'Can't Be Wrong'. I love how that song differs from the rest offering something different. Overall, another rocker of an album!

Release Date: March 1, 2025

One of metal's iconic albums get revisited by Udo Dirkschneider and his band Dirkschneider along with some great guests. I thought the songs overall were very faithful especially in terms of tone. The guest vocalists added an interesting feel to each song mixing it up with Udo to deliver the respect each track deserves. I was a big fan of 'Balls To The Wall' back when it was new, so for me, this was an easy choice. I follow Udo's work with Dirkschneider as well as his main band U.D.O. and am amazed quite honestly at how many albums he has released post Accept. It's all very traditional metal and 'Balls To The Wall' really doesn't need any introduction to anyone but possibly younger audiences. Anyway, One of my favorite albums, and it was fun to go back to the songs and see what was added for the release of this album.

Release Date: February 28, 2025

This band is a lot of fun. If you were not familiar with Lordi and were to just hear the music, you might be surprised at the imagery of the band in a variety of different ways. From the band's costumes, to the actual album presentation and even the subject material. The music sounds fairly straightforward in terms of a hard rock sound. The elements that were used in the 80's are also in play here such as keyboards, guitar tone, etc. It's a pretty uniform record with some very fun bits between songs at times that add to the nostalgia of the whole thing. The cover art definitely reminds me of the way things were advertised either on TV or magazines in the 60's and 70's. For a guy who live it, it adds a sense of deja vu. Also, add in the horror themed elements such as the track 'Fangoria', and you'll come out of this one feeling all nostalgic. Very fun record!

Release Date: March 21, 2025

Not sure why, but I had kind of lost track of Gotthard for a few albums. I've always been a huge fan of the band and maybe it was some type of oversight on my part, but it was time to get back on board. This new record is typical of what the band has released through the years. Good hard rockers with the occasional ballad. There is also a very fun cover of The Beatles classic 'Drive My Car'. If you have been familiar with Gotthard in the past, this album will be recognizable as the band have retained their trademark sound throughout and the way they write their songs is evident once again here. The album comes to you via the Reigning Phoenix Music label who is really pushing a lot of product at the moment. It has taken me a bit to get the physical copies through Amazon. Be patient and definitely check out 'Stereo Crush'. Another great record!

Release Date: March 21, 2025