Heavy Metal Resource Reviews-Megadeth, Hydra, Anthea, Rituals, & H.E.A.T.

Index

Been looking forward to this album for some time now. Having cut my speed metal teeth on bands like Megadeth, I had a feeling that this one was going to be special. Dave Mustaine has been through a lot in recent years and I kind of figured that when he did have a chance to get back to it, he was going to make this worth the wait. I absolutely love this album. There is some amazing riffing going on here that had me feeling it went back to the earlier days of the band. There is quite a bit to take in with this album as well. Subject material, some cool new videos, some excellent bonus cover tracks and tempo from heavy to speed metal. This is exactly what I like from the band. They have experimented a little through the years, and I have liked what I have heard, but at the end of the day, this is what I always want from the band. Highly recommended!

Release Date: September 2, 2022

I didn't want to miss talking about this album as I have been spending lots of time with it. Another great collaboration that features Swedish songwriter and musician Henrik Hedström and drummer and producer Daniel Flores who fans of the Frontiers label will recognize as he keeps pretty busy with many different bands and projects. The music Hydra delivers the listener is a melodic AOR styled rock that kind of reminded me of other bands Find Me and Lionville. The music is consistently melodic throughout with an occasional pick up to a more mid tempo style. You could consider the music here to be more mainstream radio rock and some of these songs could have been huge in the States in the 80's. Songs like 'Doors Of Love' for example. Instantly memorable and oh so infectious. It probably comes as no surprise that this is a high recommend!

Release Date: August 12, 2022

You know, if someone were to play this album for me without and background info, I would never have guessed they would have been from America. With a symphonic metal sound similar to bands like Nightwish or even Kamelot, this band means business and has delivered the goods. There are so many interesting sides to this album. From the symphonic to an almost cinematic sound, thrash elements scattered in here and there and obviously a little progressive structure to it as well. The growth from the band on this sophomore effort is amazing. This really could be classified as a musical journey. There are many soundscapes to take in and I felt the album was very well thought out and delivered. If you are a fan of deeper side of metal like symphonic with a metallic power metal edge, definitely check this one out. Excellent work!

Release Date: August 26, 2022

UK modern metallers Rituals have just released a new 3 song e.p. offering fans some solid memorable listening. Being a more traditional metal fan, I still found a lot to like here. I do take part in quite a bit of the modern metal scene but my roots are obviously traditional. The thing that really sticks out on this album is the riffing. Good catchy, yet heavy playing makes this a pretty enjoyable listen. The band does have both clean and scream style vocal work on the album. Most of the stuff here is pretty heavy and although this is short, it ends up being satisfying. This is one of those bands that has a lot of potential and could end up carrying the metal torch to the future. Keep an eye out for them and their live shows if you are in their market. More modern fans will really dig this record, but you never know, they may end up with more traditional fans like me!

Release Date: September 2, 2022

'Force Majeure' marks the first album after the departure of vocalist Erik Grönwall and the return of Kenny Leckremo which proves that sometimes things do go full circle. This is a very good album and is similar to the last few albums. Leckremo reminds me a bit of early Joey Tempest in Europe. Some similar qualities in their vocals. He was the vocalist on the first couple of H.E.A.T. albums for those unaware. The quality of the music on this album is quite good. Songs are well crafted and catchy. Not only do they become memorable immediately, but there is a decent amount of flash due to the very good musicianship displayed by all of the members. Sometimes losing a band member, especially a frontman can lead to issues. Gaining someone like Kenny Leckremo back really pays dividends instead. The band is still doing great things!

Release Date: August 5, 2022