Heavy Metal Resource Reviews-Iron Savior, Gothminister, The Erinyes, Images Of Eden, & House Of Lords

Index

AFM is about to release the latest Reforged record from Iron Savior. Part 1 was released back in 2017. For those unaware of the concept here, the band has re-recorded a collection of songs from earlier albums that may be harder to find. This gives fans access to some very good material by the band that they might not otherwise be able to check out. The album has a whopping 23 tracks. I did spend some time going back and forth listening to the original versions from those earlier albums. There are some minor differences, but not anything that one would feel distracts. It was all done very well. There are a couple of cover tracks that close the album as well including the Seal hit 'Crazy' and 'Sweet Dreams' which was a big hit for Eurythmics. Interesting choices for a power metal band, but I felt the covers were done well. A lot of great stuff here!

Release Date: September 30, 2022

If you are looking for something more modern and with a fairly dark atmosphere to it, Gothminister might be a good choice. The band has been releasing for around 2 decades now and has continued to evolve through that time. Attention has been paid not only to writing very good songs, but the subject material as well. There ends up being quite a bit to digest here which lends the album to subsequent listens. There are quite a few different elements in play here as far as the sound of the music. Heavy driving rhythms, some electronic elements, and plenty of atmosphere as mentioned. There is some hit potential on this album. I personally think 'Demons' could give the band some traction at radio and streaming. There is a video that was just released for those who want to get a feel for the sound of the band. Really cool modern record with an excellent vibe!

Release Date: October 21, 2022

Frontiers Records takes the female fronted genre to another level with The Erinyes. This album showcases three female vocalists including Justine Daaé from the French band Elyose, Mizuho Lin of the Brazillian metal band Semblant, and Nicoletta Rosellini who fronts the Italian band Walk In Darkness. The genre that is played here is symphonic metal and has a heavy contribution from Secret Sphere's Aldo Lonobile. The sound of this record is pretty bold with the 3 lead vocalists working in an almost choir like format from time to time. Lead vocals are alternated and quite honestly, these vocalists harmonize really well together. Songs have a degree of sophistication, but not so much to be too complicated for the listener. It ends up being a great musical journey with a very cool sonic visual aspect to it. A very cool release that ends up very satisfying!

Release Date: September 16, 2022

The latest musical offering from Images Of Eden comes in the form of a 5 track e.p. that showcases the band's sound with some continued growth. We took a look at the previous album 'Angel Born' and this album is similar in style and intensity. The band have a fairly thick sound that at times sounds more modern, but with some traditional elements including some progressive. It's definitely not as heavy with progressive sounds as some bands employ, but you feel them nonetheless. The music overall is hard driving and songs are quite likeable. The tempo can pick up in places to an almost speed metal feel at times which is really cool. While everything on this e.p. has melody in places, the final track 'The Dead Me' is the one track that leans more that direction. This is a good short listen and should wet the appetite for more music hopefully soon!

Release Date: September 16, 2022

'Saints And Sinners' is the new album from House Of Lords and retains their melodic hard rock sound as displayed on many other releases. The addition of Mark Mangold to the lineup on keyboards really enhances the music on this album. His contribution adds a vintage feel to the music. Combining these two great songwriters has very good a outcome. Mangold's presence is definitely felt and the chemistry with James Christian is excellent. Speaking of James Christian, his vocals are excellent once again. So smooth and he's been able to sustain this for so long now. There are plenty of memorable moments throughout this record. It does have a pretty even feel to it in terms of structure, tempo and songwriting in general. I tend to really like House of Lords records and this one is no exception. Pretty solid listen beginning to end!

Release Date: September 16, 2022