Juan S. Garces reflects upon his Personal Warfare

Musicians are taking many challenges and risks in order to make the dream come true. One of them is the guitarist and producer Juan S. Garces based in Quinto, Equador. He started his journey in a home where music was a essential part of the day to day. Over the years he developed his skills with academic as well as autodidactic studies. 

After some time of performing with renowned bands of the rock / metal scene as well as with other genres he is now ready to publish his cover letter to the world by releasing his first solo album that talks about personal experiences, intimate thoughts, feelings and reflections that have set a deep mark on him.

The cover of Juan S. Garces debut album invites to think about the meaning of the elements that can be seen.

The music quickly jumped into my ears with it's mixture of compact guitar riffing, direct drums and highly melodic vocals. While the overall tone focuses on heavy progressive notes it's fine to hear that some easier and lighter melodies always remain wandering through the music. The duration of the seven tracks of the album varies but with it's many changes time starts to fly once you hit the play button. 

Amongst my favorites are the softer tracks "In my mind" and "Human". Both show how deeply emotional music can be and that Garces as a composer knows how to take the listener on a journey with his music.

Just try the first song "My bid" here in the player. The full album can be heard on the website of Juan S. Garces. There's a possibility to purchase the music for download or on a Compact Disc. 

EP Review: Final Coil - 1994 (2026, Grunge)

One of the reasons why I love listening to releases by this band is that you never know what comes next.

In recent years Final Coil became well know for the progressive sounds mixed with thoughtful and in-depth lyrics. But between the full albums the band always found time to put together smaller albums that were different of the usual sound.

It has been like this with Somnambulant as well as with the Somnambulant II mini-albums and now we have the 1994 EP in front of us. It's a love-letter to the grunge era of the 1990s. What I love so much about the four songs is the direct sound. It feels like they were done direct at the rehearsal space by the input of all of the band members. No time has been wasted but the band recorded the feeling and spontanity that has been hanging in the air on the recording sessions.

This feels great to me in a time of over-thinking and the "need" to be perfect. I love that it's so raw and not running around trying to archive something. Instead it gives me the feeling of hanging with the band and listening and watching them perform the songs of the EP.  If you've ever been at such a place you surely know what I'm speaking about. It's Grunge like Grunge has been meant to be. Direct and in your face. Nothing else.

Since it's such a great journey back to 90s I recommend to pick up the cassette or CD digipack edition or better the Cassette /CD bundle that are available of the band's Bandcamp page. The tape comes in a coloured case with a NFC chip inside. The Compact Disc has been put into a 4-panel-digipack with liner notes by Phil Stiles. 

Back in those days there was a need to visit a record store in the occassion of such a release but those stores have become rare. It would be great to see a copy of this in a record store anyway.   

CD Review: The Light - The Light (Metal, 2025)

I cannot believe that this release didn't found my attention much sooner. What's so special about this band?

The Light's first album is a intensive listening experience.

It's the way the music is build up. I know many bands say that the output they just released is standing out of the many other one's available. But this particular band really proves it. 

Ten songs can be found upon this self-titled album. It's obvious that they belong to the Metal sector - but each and every song offers something that gives it it's own note. Sometimes it's the slow rhythm pattern (Swinging) that hangs on my mind. Other times it's the riff that runs so hammering through the song that I recall the song "War" for a long time. 

The intensity of "Toxic dependence" seems to be structured the way it is to give the listener a idea of how hard and stressful something like this can be. Happily there are also lighter songs like "Fall" that aren't packed so much. Here the focus is set on the extremely heavy use of drums. Vocals are held in a more flat way. The other songs on the album are of a similar quality like the one's mentioned before.

If you're after a album filled with intensive heavy music this one by The Light is for you. It's not a easy album at all so it takes some time to get inside. If you take the time to discover it song by song I think you'll be rewarded with Metal music as you love it. The album is available as a CD as well as a limited 12 inch vinyl album at the Bandcamp shop of the record company Fastball Music.  

Let's speak with Ian Highhill (Classic Metal)

In recent months I read a issue of the Rock Hard megazine. It had a special inside that took the readers back to the year 1992. One part talked about Black Sabbath that released the "Dehumanizer" album in those days with Ronnie James Dio on vocals. 

Later on a E-Mail flew into my inbox that said that the music of Ian Highhill comes with a similar flavor like the Sabbath album so I couldn't resist to listen and was warmly welcomed by the sound that took me back to the days of the Birmingham legend with Dio on vocals. Who stands behind such great songs and what does Ian Highhill want to express with them? His full independent release of a new album made me even more want to know details behind the album "A Hymn Among Gravestones".

Heavy Metal Underdogs: How did you start your career as a musician?

Ian Highhill: I started my career in the early 80s. A friend of mine wanted to start a band, and around the same time, I got my uncle's old electric guitar as a birthday present. And obviously, the NWOBHM was happening at the time, so you couldn't have asked for more inspiration to start a band, could you? This was followed by many line-ups, perhaps most notably the power metal bands Olympos Mons and Astralion, and now my solo project Ian Highhill.

Ian Highhill talks to us about his life as a independent artist.

Do you think that today's musicians have the chance to take more control on the material they release?

Absolutely! Thanks to Pro Tools, social media and streaming services, artists now have complete control over their work. However, they also bear the entire burden of advertising, sales and, of course, creating the product itself. In my case, that includes recording, mixing, producing and mastering. It's all the things that record companies used to take care of. However, lately, it seems like the bands have been taking care of most of this themselves, while the labels have been making the money. So, I'm not sure what's best anymore.

You've just released a brand new album called "A Hymn Among Gravestones". Which topics did you cover in the lyrics?

The new album covers many themes. The first one I came up with was the title track, 'A Hymn Among Gravestones', which is directly linked to the war in Ukraine and other ongoing unrest. The same goes for 'King of Ashes'. This, in turn, leads us to one of the greatest sins of mankind: greed. Hence the song 'In the Name of Greed'. I also wrote a song about young people who join criminal gangs in search of respect: 'Deal with the Devil'.

Do you write songs when a idea sparks up or do you work on new songs in sessions?

I like to do everything myself, so I can work whenever I want and whenever I have ideas. The great thing about this is that I don't have to book studio time or wait around for other musicians to finish. I can make the songs from start to finish without any hassle. I haven't written at band sessions since Pro Tools came along. It's great that I can work from home in peace and quiet, and at my own pace.

The cover artwork has been done by you, too. The front and back cover seem to accompany each other. Are there some hints on the meaning you would like to share with us?

Ian Highhill completed all steps for the new album by himselves.

Yeah, I've been doing digital art as a hobby for a while, so it was only natural that I should make the cover myself. I also did some oil painting back in the '90s, which has been helpful too. The cover shows a soldier coming back from war, only to find that the only reward he gets is a hymn among gravestones when he dies. I've been around long enough to have met some World War II veterans. I'll always remember the sad look in their eyes whenever the war was mentioned. With everything going on between Russia and Ukraine right now, I thought it'd be a good idea to make the album title track about war and forgotten war heroes.

You can listen to songs of the album by picking a streaming service of your choice of this list.

Physical copies are available of Ian Highhills own webshop.

You can also watch a video here directly.

Album Review: PORTAL - Old World Order (Doom Metal)

There are many doom metal releases out there. This particular one brought back my interest in this genre by going back to the beginnings without just hanging in the past.

Historic events and wars are topics of the lyrics on Portals Old World Order.

Obviously the sound of PORTAL is based on old-school sound. You quickly feel taken back to the beginnings in the 1970's while sitting back and taking a listen. There's the full distortion coming out of the speakers that's so typical for it's generation. In every creation however you'll find a special melodic light that shines bright.

The song "Condemned to life" dances around in a slow, dark based tonality when it comes to it's basic riffs. But as the vocals start to come into the sound a fine melody adds a special finesse that set's the track apart of other doom metal pearls.

More groove and one of my absolute favorites is the title track "Old World Order". The rough and bright basic riff moves bold through the music. Later on the typical seventies feel jumps onto the music by a mixture of short vocal lines along with the second riff mixing a softer note through the wall of sound. 

Other tracks like "Shape Shifters" go again the slower formula but let the initial riff run into different endings that often end in melodic parts. This is surely going more into the experimental region but gives the music individual notes.

"River of Regret" comes as a more dreamlike number with a balladesque feeling inside of it. 

If you'd like to listen to some of these songs for yourselves go to the website of PORTAL. They are streaming directly on the start page. 

My favorites of the other six tracks were "Expiration Date", "Panic Room" and "Time Drifter" because of it's variation in vocals and the directly accessible song structures. They are amongst the most straight forward tracks and have a good mixture of groove and experimentation with a decent amount of melodies in them. 

Please consider a purchase of the music with a download in wave format available at the shop tab of the bands website. All albums are only five dollar plus taxes so you won't spent too much money on it.

The music has a high re-listen factor and there's lot's of fine details to discover and enjoy even after several rounds of listening. 

All tracks feature Michele Sanna (Jorn, Gamma Ray, Rhapsody, Sunstorm) and Bodo Schopf (Eloy, MSG, Sweet) on drums.

Voices Of Extreme kick off the year properly

How to start the new year? I think one of the best ways is to listen to the brand new single by Voices Of Extreme. 

The song "Stoned Babies" feels like a call to action for all you've thought about to achieve in these times. With it's massive vocals and strong guitars it feels like one of the kickass songs that give you this "now it's time to start something new" feeling.

Voices Of Extreme introduce themselves with the kicking "Stoned Babies" single.

I like the way the song builds up with the drums by Rod Morgenstein kicking it in. The vocals jump on the train instantly and before you start to realise you're already in starting to rock straight away. The vocals in the refrain are rough but it feels organic. A solo section shows some variations of the sound and the abilities the band members are able to perform on the instruments. This is something not to be found in songs like this usually. Finally the drums close the song - a great way to finish it.

"Stoned Babies" is the first single taken of the upcoming album "Faith in Action" which is going to be released on BraveWords Records in 2026. The band will play some shows this year so make sure to check the band's website from time to time for details. 

Alex Garoufalidis let's hearts beat in stereo

Today we've got something a bit different. It's a softer toned song but it's build a great way and I think a wonderful moment to all the open minded out there.

The new single by Alex Garoufalidis will quickly find a way into your heart. 

At the start it's only vocals and piano reaching out to your ears. But this makes it even more special as it already shows you with how much emotion and intensity this particular song comes to you. It's simply impossible not to keep listening.

Afterwards the single builds slowly with drums giving some movement into the sound. As the refrain came in it was already too late for me. The music already touched my heart so much that I knew I had to talk about it on this blog. So much emotion talking to me in all the words that fit so well into the music with such proper instrumentation that it is simply impossible not to hit the repeat button once "Hearts beat in stereo" comes to the end. I think I've not heard such a moving song in a long, long time.

Make sure to listen to Alex Garoufalidis brand new single here or check it out over on Spotify. There's also a full album coming up so make sure to stay in touch so you won't miss out the next steps towards the release.

EP Review: Silver Nightmares - Roxy Passion (Progressive Rock, 2025)

The newest EP by Italian progressive band Silver Nightmares shines in many colors through my speakers. To tell it instantly it comes with very different songs.

Roxy Passion comes with a cover sleeve not to be expected by Silver Nightmares.

Having discovered the band with the EP "The Wandering Angel" they stayed in my mind as a typical progressive but powerful Rock band. You could easily hear that they had not found it's full expression yet and was on the search on how to sound in the end. You can hear that they are skilled at the instruments and have ideas anyway.

The latest output speaks of a different language. Four songs are present on "Roxy Passion" and to make it short they are all very different in how they sound like. The name-giving title-track is a fully rocking song the classic way. It's not too heavy and rough but a solid number. It's easily imagineable that it could be performed live at the scene that's been illustrated on the front cover sleeve at a show while people enjoy life all over the place.

But already track two "Cats on the run" is a very different thing. It's a compact yet very melodic instrumental with a solid basis. It comes in a finer sound package than the previous Rock number. It's filled with many fine notes that invite to dream and relax while listening to it. This also goes for song number three "The Blue Light". 

Once again this is a song written with a finelined stencil. A dreamlike song sung in a emotional tone with many heart-touching moments. Surely something for the silent moments of life when you look out the window wondering what happened in recent days.

The instrumental version of "The Blue Light" is very different. It's not just the same song without vocals but a overworked version pointing out the many melodies and fine keyboard notes flying through the whole song. 

There's also some percussion present which cannot be heard at all at the vocal version. It's a good feeling that comes to my mind. This particular one feels a bit more uplifiting and makes me curious on how the band may move further on in the future. 

You can follow Silver Nightmares on Facebook and listen to the EP on all streaming services. There's also a vinyl pressing available from Bandcamp.

Jon Harris creates a journey in my mind through music

It's wonderful to see what music can do for you. Today I've been blessed with a fully instrumental track that made my mind jump on a journey into a fantasy ride.

Jon Harris has put out a extraordinary instrumental track that left something behind in my mind.

On the beginning of multi-instrumentalist Jon Harris song "Entitled" you can easily spot the main theme. The clean leads make the music stand out but soon enough rougher elements mix in - distortion finds it's way. Happily the path continues with single guitar sounds that added into the sound step by step feel like painting a picture layer by layer so that new elements come to life and the whole landscape builds and changes throughout the whole duration. The sound is sharp and it feels like it's alive and breathing.

Be sure not to miss out this gem and also keep a eye on the full record that has been released under the banner of "Parallel Heart". Stream the full album "Parallel Heart" now (released Dec 13, 2024): https://orcd.co/parallelheart​

While completely instrumental, the album conveys stories of tension and release, exploring the space between connection and chaos, creative ambition and everyday demands. From the pulsing energy of Togetherness to the shimmering retro feel of 97BPM, each track builds its own emotional narrative. Harris performs guitar, drums, bass, piano, and production on the record. More Info - https://linktr.ee/jonharrisrocks​

Album Review: Leatherjacks - Surviving The Beginning Of The End (Rock 'n' Roll)

Once you start to listen to this album by Leatherjacks you may think that it is indeed the typical Rock 'n' Roll song collection you would expect by them. But it all comes quickly to a change by track number two already. That's the point where I started to realize something different is going on with this one.

Many symbolic elements make this cover one to have a closer look at. 

Having heard this record on my very own just sitting in front of my trusty stereo system made listening to music different.

You just have the music and nothing else around you so you focus more on what's coming out of the speakers. This time it felt like a blessing that's coming my way. 

The beginning of the album with "Who cowers against the law" feels rough and hard. It knocks me out of everyday routine with it's hard hitting refrain and the hacking guitar riffs. But one thing is already evident: the rhythm style is centered in Rock 'n' Roll style.

"Baby Hit and Run" goes a similar route but blazes with more aggressive intensity and a much faster vocals. It presses heavily through the speakers.

If you need air to breathe now hold on - track three gives a lighter feeling also the heavyness in the vocals can be felt. It's a joy to follow the riff packed music with intermissions of lighter music sections.

The air keeps being lighter with the "Mechanimals" rising in the next round. It's a easy rock tune which is fine to enjoy. A solid tune.

"Surviving The Beginning of the End" unfolds as a balanced rocker with a longer refrain. 

If things become too flat for you just go to "Dead and Gone" - here's the full package of agression put into the song. The refrain won't leave your ears and brains for a long time so this is one to remember.

Leatherjacks has always been good for a surprise and "Somehow" needs no drums to still put out a hard rock song and made me curious on how it can be able to move just with guitars present in the music.

So this list is a short look into how the songs of the album sound like. The full record comes with twelve tunes so maybe you'll want to check it all out for yourselves now. Just hit the button on the player below. Mauro Cordeiro is the head behind the music and the record is available for download for only 10 Euro at the Bandcamp page of the Leatherjacks. 

Wicked Smile release metal hymn of the year

Music has always been something in my life I was able to stick to. While I'm open to new experiences and sounds it's still great to hear some bands still keep pushing further on the road all the classic bands have opened up.

The album sleeve of Wicked Smiles new album feels like being in a nightmare.

The newest song by Australia's Wicked Smile is kept in a midtempo format and the voice of Danny Cecati with it's many high peaks put's a typical metal flag on the title track of the upcoming album "When Night Falls". The next highlight comes into play when the refrain knocks in as it is build like a hymn and strongly invites to sing along to it. The nice thing is that it is embedded into the whole sound so it doesn't break the structure. 

For this particular track the band worked together with Paul Laine (The Defiants) and Roy Cathey (Cold Sweat) who both provide backing vocals.

The second record by the Australian five piece will be available in February 2026 with the only exception for Japan where the release date is set to 29th October 2025.

Touring plans include Japan this November with dates in Osaka, Nagoya & Tokyo. Europe (including the UK) is slated for May & June 2026 which also includes a festival date at the upcoming Call Of The Wild Festival in the UK.  

This first single is also available on many of the other streaming platforms out there.

Wax Mekanix walks into studio without riffs, lyrics or roadmap

Spontaneity can be a source of good results or surprises. I often experienced it in my everyday life. But can this be a proper way for a musician to create something new?

Wax Mekanix tried out a new way to create "Saltwater Sisters".

On January 17, 2025, Wax Mekanix walked into SAKRED Studios in Philadelphia with no lyrics, no riffs, no roadmap…just a mission: write and record an entirely new song in a single day. 

The result became "Saltwater Sisters". A single which feels to me like the soundtrack to enjoy late summer days. It's easy and catchy with the cool rhythm and the bridge towards the refrain but also loud and heavy once the refrain comes in. It's hard to get out of the mind. This song keeps rotating on your mind. You can feel the direct way in the sound. There's no room for overthinking, it's coming out pure. The same goes for the music video. It reflects upon the creation process with lots of studio footage.

You can also listen to "Saltwater Sisters" on a streaming service of your choice.

Make sure to keep a eye on the next steps of Wax Mekanix through Instagram or click on to Facebook.

Cassidy Paris encourages to pick up a guitar instead of a phone

In these times we all see so many people running around and caring hardly about anything else than the smartphone. Australian rocker Cassidy Paris uses her time to write and release music that comes with a message.

The cover of the upcoming new Cassidy Paris album "Bittersweet".

The newest one listens to "Getting Better" and comes partly with sections that only let's Cassidy's voice stand for herself. Afterwards harder parts come into play that let the track run up and down like a roller coaster. Guitars wind through the music like a snake while the drums follow in these pattern.The same goes for her voice that moves and changes as the music moves further. Sometimes spoken passages come in while other times she just blows it out.  

The message she points out is clear:"‘Getting Better’ is the missing puzzle piece to ‘Stronger’. Together they tell an important story about overcoming difficult situations and not tolerating degrading and hurtful behaviour. You are strong and you are powerful. You are deserving of where you are, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It is vital to me that people know my story and the truth. Through these songs, I am able to deliver that”.  

Besides a new full album called "Bittersweet" that is about to come out on November 21, 2025 Cassidy Paris is also very active at Metalheads Against Bullying. She regularly performs in schools around Melbourne, using her platform to inspire resilience and authenticity in young fans. If you'd like to support her music you can pre-order the new record at https://ffm.to/cassidyparis_bittersweet Make also sure to follow the next steps her website or a service like Instagram.    

Kyuss tribute album with 20 tracks to be released soon

Kyuss are often mentioned as one of the first bands to perform Stoner Rock or as they called it Desert Rock. The downtuned guitars and the partial use of bass guitar amps for the amplification of the electric guitars were the trademarks of the combo.

The band already broke up in October 1995 and it seems very unlikely that they will come back to release new music. Happily they influenced a lot of other bands with the music they released and some of them have come together on a compilation called “Spaceship Landing: A Tribute to KYUSS”

A Kyuss tribute album has been announced. Cover art by Captain Maoos: Stoner & Co.

Sometimes bands can add a lot of own sound to a existing classic. I remember having heard the two Judas Priest tribute albums that were released in the mid 1990s while the british metal band was on a break. 

Some of those songs (just think of the slower version of A Touch of Evil by Lion's Share or Doom Squads modern version of Burnin' Up, and Leviathans fragile and heart touching take of Night Comes Down) were really strong new interpretations so I'm very excited to hear what the following acts will add to the Kyuss material that also offers space to play around with the fuzz-sounds.

Amammoth (Australia) – Son of a Bitch

Mörkekraft (Norway) – Writhe

Sonic Wolves (Italy) – Thumb

Rhino (Italy) – Green Machine

Gurnslinger (Jersey) – Molten Universe

Void Cruiser (Finland) – 50 Million Year Trip (Downside Up)

King Howl (Italy) – Freedom Run

Rainbow Bridge (Italy) – Apothecaries’ Weight

Fuzz Evil (USA) – Supa Scoopa and Mighty Scoop

3 Wheeler Band (Mexico) – 100°

DoctoR DooM (France) – Space Cadet

Poste 942 (France) – Demon Cleaner

ISAAK (Italy) – Odyssey

Folwark (Italy) – Whitewater

Abel Blood (USA) – Caterpillar March

Epic Down (Germany) – Hurricane

Loose Sutures (Italy) – One Inch Man

Wet Cactus (Spain) – Phototropic

Wolfnaut (Norway) – El Rodeo

Mercure (France) – Size Queen

The tribute sampler is going to be out on October 31, 2025 by Witching Buzz. Due to licensing restrictions, the release will be available on all major digital platforms in the USA only, while Bandcamp will offer worldwide access.

In the meantime we can follow the Witching Buzz Bandcamp page to make sure we'll be notified when the compilation drops.

Single Preview: VIMIC - In Your Shadow, Reunion show and Album release

After drummer Joey Jordison departed from Slipknot in late 2013, he shifted his focus to various other ventures. One of these projects, Scar the Martyr, released a self-titled album before disbanding, with some of its members going on to create a new band called VIMIC. 

Photo credit: Horrible Herbert

The initial lineup of VIMIC included Jordison on drums, Kalen Chase as the vocalist, Jed Simon and Kris Norris on guitars, Kyle Konkiel on bass, and Matthew Tarach on keyboards.  

VIMIC released four singles from the project between May 2016 and October 2017: “Simple Skeletons,” “She Sees Everything,” “My Fate,” and “Fail Me (My Temple),” the last of which featured Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine.

On August 8th 2025 a new single is going to be released called "In Your Shadow". Heavy Metal Underdogs has been lucky enough to hear the new track and has been blown away by it's intensity. It all starts with the dark and evolving guitar riff. Drums come in and bring the music into movement. A first climax comes with the refrain bringing the vocals to higher emotional points. "In Your Shadow" moves further with guitars performing a solo bridge that leads into a faster riffing section with the vocals keeping the tension up. A slow intermission brings the whole song a bit down before the final section blows it out with a powerful hard riff attack and midtempo drums bringing in fresh wind into this great track. You can pre-save the new music on https://ffm.to/vimic_inyourshadow

Open Your Omen is VIMIC's only album that has been completed and shelved since 2016. VIMIC will be reuniting for the first time since 2018 in conjunction with the album's release on October 3rd, 2025.  

The reunion show will take place at Teragram Ballroom in Los Angeles (USA), the Joey Jordison Charitable Fund will not only honor Jordison’s memory but also celebrate the release of the album. Tickets are available from https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/090062C2BD8915A3

VIMIC will be supported by Wednesday 13 (who worked with Jordison in Murderdolls) along with some very special guests; there will be exclusive event merchandise available. 

The band’s first album, Open Your Omen, was first expected to be released in 2018. Produced by Jordison and Kato Khandwala (The Pretty Reckless, Pop Evil), progress came to a standstill in 2018. Khandwala tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident on April 25, 2018, and Jordison, Konkiel, and Simon shifted their focus to Sinsaenum, Bad Wolves, and Imonolith, respectively. Jordison sadly passed away on July 26, 2021, further delaying the plans on the album.

After years of working to secure the rights to the music, the Jordison Family Estate is releasing Open Your Omen independently to get the album into the hands of the fans that have been asking for it for years. You can still contribute late pledges to the Kickstarter campaign HERE. 

In a December 2016 interview with Shockwave Magazine, the late and famed Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison discussed the making of his other project VIMIC’s first album: "The way we wrote 'Open Your Omen', is exactly like how a garage band would do their demo tape. We went all the way back to the basics, and it was cool doing it like that because you didn't have the influence of your label, and the huge studio, and cars, hotels, and fancy dinners, all this b—---- that goes on along with being in the record industry. It was done literally in my home, organic, and we went out just to the studio not too far from my house and we just laid it down there. So, it was pretty much born in my home and then we just cruised up to the studio and just laid it down really quick."

Billy Morrison and Ozzy Osbourne release stripped down version of Gods of Rock 'n' Roll

It's amazing to hear that music that comes with less overload when it comes to instruments or production can win so much. There's far more room for the music to breathe it's life and soul in all of those moments when you otherwise may turn your attention on other elements.

Photo credit: Jane Stuart @JaneStuartPhotos

Billy Morrison and Ozzy Osbourne released a ballad called "Gods Of Rock 'n' Roll" some time ago. By the time of it's initial release the song was already a impressive hymn but now that a stripped down version has been put out it has become something like a all time classic for me. It's one of those tunes that sticks in your mind once it reaches the listeners ears. Along with the lyrics it creates a moment that lasts in your mind. The meaning of the songs talks more intensively to the listener.

This version comes accompanied by Fred Coury's beautiful orchestration performed by a 57 piece Orchestra and an acoustic guitar solo by Steve Stevens.

Check the player below or head over to https://ffm.to/ozzy-billy-gods-stripped for a overview on streaming sites that offer the song, too. The Vinyl Edition that holds a double A-Side drops on July 4th 2025.  

New initiative for disabled persons offers support for organizers of events

The open air season kicked off with the Rock am Ring and Rock Hard Open Air this past weekend. While for most of us going to shows is something usual it's still not able for everyone. Limitations of the mind or body can keep people from visiting shows at all. That's why the VERUGA GmbH (organizer of the Rockharz Open Air) and the HKES GmbH have teamed up in a new initiative called "Ungehindert dabei – live.laut.inklusiv". 

It's aim is to provide other organizers with the knowledge and special materials needed so they can give more disabled people the ability to visit music shows, theaters, museums or Open Airs.  

A picture taken at the kick-off meeting. From left to right: Sissy (accompanying person), Björn Schulz (ROCKHARZ Barrier-Scout), Daniela Glogner (ROCKHARZ organizer), Gabor Schneider (@mr._wheelchair), Juliane Panknin (ROCKHARZ Infrastructure), Klara Rüsing (HKES Project Lead Event Production); online participants: Jelena Leistner (All In – All Inclusive), Berend Koll (HKES Managing Director) 

A kick-off meeting was held in May. Representatives of both companies had a talk with people living with disabilities. It quickly became clear that there is a need of solutions and offers so disabled people can take part in cultural events. While the VERUGA GmbH will be able to consult organizers with in-depth knowledge it's the HKES GmbH that knows how to transform those concepts into reality. The idea is to provide complete solutions for each and every challenge.

If you're interested in getting in touch please use this contact E-Mail or take a look into the homepage of the project. It's still in development and in German language but will be extended in the upcoming weeks and months.

Wax Mekanix returns with special vocal performance on new single

This artist has put a lasting impression on me. Having heard him first with his "Mobocracy" EP some time ago made it all clear to me. His mixture of straight rocking tunes along with those leaving you with your thoughts of the world behind were enough to yearn for more.

Wax Mekanix at the set for the video shoot of 420. 

Wax Mekanix released already more music in the meantime but I rarely found the time to write about it. Now he is back with new song material called "420". It's one of the more direct rocking tunes but along with all the groove and guitars comes something special - the vocals of Wax. They are of the kind that wants you to rock out, too. 

It's going easy like surfing a wave but at the same time you think of how to perform it properly since it doesn't seem to be too easy to get into that mood along with how to put the tonality the way he does. Listen closely - I think you can find out more with each round of turning your ears towards "420".

Just try out the music video for a quick check or stream and purchase it at this selection tree of various sources.  There's also a Instagram account available if you want to stick to all the further moves of Wax Mekanix.

CD Review: Thanateros - Tranceforming (Folk Metal, 2024)

I've not been into Folk Rock before but this release turned my head and made me curious on the contribution of this particular art to the music scene.

One day I opened up my postbox and a bubble letter came to the front. It came as a surprise as physical Compact Discs are a rare promo material that hardly comes in at all. The content revealed a mysterious horned artwork on the booklet and a backside cover with a CD.

The album art let's you imagine the content already.

There was no chance I had to listen to the CD. After a brief introduction the album opens up with a heavy track called "The Horned One". Besides the great drum intro the song itself was a bit of overload for me as the guitars are very dominant.

Anyway I'm glad to continue the journey as the next song "Everything Decays" turns out to come with a infectious hookline that doesn't allow to ignore the release once heard. Happily the release changes during the total running time of nearly 50 minutes. After the heavy first songs the music turns into more dream like softer tunes that allow to let go of our everyday sorrows. 

It allowed me to change into a universe of peace, inspiration, self reflection and looking upon topics out of sight for most of our troubled everyday existence. It all starts with "I Hold You" and continues on most of the following tracks except "Raise Your Voices" which ones again picks up more of the rough sides of the band.

I loved "Traceforming" most in all those times when the mood and atmosphere are coming to life. The violin that can be heard is such a fine instrument that adds a layer of special life to each of those softer tracks. The harder ones at least on this release weren't my favorites besides "Everything Decays" because of it's massive sing-along-chorus. 

The sound of this Thanateros release is outstanding. It shines crystal clear, powerful but also not too massive through the speakers and is a warmly welcomed element adding massively to the great performance of the musicians. All people that worked on this release must have put a lot of time and effort into this one. 

Having a look at the packaging reveals more joy as the booklet comes packed with fine and detailed band member pictures, full album lyrics and dedicated album art on every part no matter if it is front, inlay or backside cover. Because of it's massive sound and work on detail I recommend to pick up the physical version available from the band's website. It's well worth to spend on music - it holds joy for years to come if treated properly.

A download of the record is available on the Thanateros Bandcamp page. That's also the place where several single releases taken of the album are on offer if you prefer hand selected tracks. 

      

CD Review: Neocracy - Who To Blame? (Rock, 2024)

This band had a huge surprise in it's bag at the time they came around with the first full album. It took a long time until the new record "Who to blame?" could be finalized but it was worth the wait.

Neocracy teased this album with the highly addictive single and video for the track "Torment". Once heard it was nearly impossible to let the refrain go out of my mind. It kept in rotation for a long time. 

The cover of Neocracy's second album "Who to blame?"  

Now that the second longplayer had it's time I can say that the band once again had a lot to say. The fragileness of the first album release is still there. While the band often lays down a rocking performance it's the vocals of Fraziska Stolze that add a layer of deep emotions to each track. But there's far more in there. The guitar riffs come from various sources, from rocking to metal-classic. Sometimes they come to the front of the sound but often they also stick to the background.

So what's new in the new album? It's the vocal contribution of bassist Tim Pannek. He added on nearly half of the tracks his growling organ which put's a good contrast to the female voice. It's feeling like light and darkness when you hear the new songs. 

Maybe it's a bit unusual at first listen but with every round you'll become more familar and will enjoy the album on a deeper level. I've done so on three to four completed run downs of "Who to blame?" and have never regret to spent a moment at all.

The drums have become heavier, too. They sound like pushed to the maximum but never become boring. There's a good balance in them so they don't ruin the sound.

"Who to blame?" comes with fine production. It's not feeling overloaded. Instead it centers on leaving room for atmosphere and so the album breathes and lives - something I'm very happy about.

I'll give a strong recommendation out on this one. If you don't listen and buy this gem you'll miss out one of the finest releases in recent months. Ask the band via Facebook or Instagram messages for the physical edition - I'm sure you'll want to be able to hold the CD in your own hands also the download is fairly priced at 8 Euro on Bandcamp.