Heavy Metal Resource Reviews-Amaranthe, Herman Frank, Kirra, Gabriel and the Apocalypse, and Renegade Twelve

Index

A few weeks back I caught the bands single "That Song' and like other fans was not totally convinced that I would be into the direction it seemed the band was heading. After a complete listen or two, I can report that this is indeed a good Amaranthe record with the elements that make the band great. The band embrace both ends of the spectrum, from pop to a more extreme form of metal to create something in between that works. The record has a great vibe overall and to me 'That Song' is the odd man out so to speak. If you are a fan of the band and this style of music, this is an easy recommend!

Release Date: 10-21-2016

Herman Frank is a man who needs no introduction. He has been on the scene for a very long time offering his brand of metal to the masses with bands such as Accept and Victory. 'The Devil Rides Out' is another platter full of solid traditional metal anthems that should please fans who like it loud and heavy. I would say that the music isn't too different from the music of the two bands mentioned that Frank played with. There is a decent amount of flash in this music. Great musicianship is apparent throughout the album as is good songwriting. I found this album to be solid in an old school way!

Release Date: November 18, 2016

Kirra is a modern rock band based out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The band's sound is raw and fairly catchy. This is the kind of record that translates well to the live show as their isn't so much studio polish that it makes it harder to recreate live. In some ways the band reminds me of Candlebox back in their earlier days. Some good guitar rhythm work with memorable choruses. The consistency of the album is apparent as well as I found the listen to be good from the get go until the album came to its conclusion. Keep an eye on these guys. They could make some noise on the scene soon!

Release Date: October 7, 2016

A few years ago I really got into the whole female fronted metal scene. I feel like I have a pretty good grasp on that type of music now. Gabriel and the Apocalypse is a female fronted band that leans more modern in sound and mixes in some electronica in places. The music to me has a very cool vibe to it. It can be a bit dark and moody at times but at the same time this tone is what makes it work. I had really never heard of this band before this record, but found this to be something I would check out when I get into that kind of mood. I think this band is on to something, we'll keep an eye on them!

Release Date: October 7, 2016

This band will definitely have appeal to fans of modern metal and old school alike. The sound of Renegade Twelve is very similar to Avenged Sevenfold in my opinion. Same crossover appeal where they incorporate modern stuff, but at the same time their are traditional metal elements mixed in. 'Heroes of Mine' and the way it starts reminded me of something Iron Maiden would do. It's a pretty decent record start to finish. It is important to mention that this band isn't an Avenged Sevenfold clone. They just have similarities. You can hear other influences in there as well. Solid record and good band!

Release Date: January 27, 2017