Heavy Metal Resource Reviews-Kobra and the Lotus, Dragonforce, Pretty Maids, The Ferrymen, and Scarleth

Index

The latest record from Kobra and the Lotus has a bit of a different feel to it. It's still heavy, just in a different way. The two Prevail records had a bit more of a metallic power metal feel to them. This new record feels a bit more mainstream with an edge to it. Some of the songs do have that pound that the band have had in their previous records, but the album shows them evolving a bit and adding a few new elements to the sound. Some may like it, some may not. I found the record to be a good listen overall. The songs are catchy and memorable. For those that feel the need to check out the sound of the new album, the band does have a couple of videos up on YouTube that will give you a pretty good idea of where the band is at right now. I had no problem digging right in to this album as I like this band. Definitely give it a listen!

Release Date: September 20, 2019

With a Dragonforce release, you pretty well know what to expect. The band embrace a pretty quick tempo and a ton of flash in their music. 'Extreme Power Metal' embraces that to it's fullest. Some of the songs do slow down a little offering balance to the overall feel of the album. This album really is a burner for the most part however. Solos are fun to listen to as they always are. Lots of the flash is shown in this area. One of the bravest areas of the album is the cover of 'My Heart Will Go On'. You'll remember this one from the hit movie 'Titanic'. With this band, you know it will have a different vibe, which it does. It ends up just as melodic, yet sped way up in tempo. Dragonforce fans might dig this, but I'm sure others will not. I thought it was fun myself. To sum it all up, this is Dragonforce doing exactly what you expect. Melodic and fast!

Release Date: September 27, 2019

Another great new release from Pretty Maids. If you have been following this band for the last decade, you'll know what to expect. These guys write some very good heavy rock music infused with a ton of melody. There is such a good chemistry in this band. So many songs that you could point to as far as hits even if heavier than what you would think hits should be. Along with the usual heavier side of the band showing up in most of the music, you get the really good, more melodic songs such as 'Will You Still Kiss Me (If I See You in Heaven)'. This song is also the band's new video out on YouTube. Other personal favorites include 'Serpentine', 'Undress Your Madness' and 'Slavedriver'. The album as a whole is excellent. This band to me has a hard time writing anything bad. You will definitely want to seek this one out! Easy recommend!

Release Date: November 8, 2019

Second release from this metal band that features Magnus Karlsson, Ronnie Romero, and Mike Terrana. The style is fairly traditional sounding and does have a fair amount of melodic quality to it. This is a pretty tight lineup that offer up a very good listen for a trio. If you are familiar with Romero, you will know about the Dio comparisons. He does a fine job with this band as he does with the other bands he is involved with. There are also comparisons to Allen/Lande in terms of songwriting and that is also a fair comparison. This is a melodic metal record with a bit of an epic feel. The tones are rich and the delivery is smooth. With the traditonal metal sound that has been mentioned, it is important to note the addition of modern elements in areas as well. It's a great combination and gives a full bodied metal sound. Very good record from great musicians!

Release Date: October 11, 2019

'Vortex' is the second record we have checked out and the band's third overall. For those unaware of the band's style, they are a female fronted metal band that has a modern feel to them. With this new album, you get various different elements including some synth, heavy driving guitars and plenty of atmosphere. At the core of the band's sound you can feel the traditional metal influences, but there is quite a bit more that leans toward that modern sound mentioned. There is a lot going on with this record. Quite a bit of variety that still fits within the band's core range of what they usually do. I feel the band has show good growth with this new album. I saw this one pop up for a release date and was instantly interested as I liked the previous release 'The Silver Lining'. If you like it heavy and modern with female vocals out front, you will like this one!

Release Date: November 15, 2019