Dei Umbrae are a doom- symphonic metal band from Athens in Greece and Archangel is their latest album, released on 17/03/2023.

At just over 40 minutes in length, the album consists of eight tracks of beautifully crafted and dark doom and symphonic metal.

The guitars are heavy, with melodic riffs coming at you from all angles. Slight distortion has been used, but there is also clean guitar work and the combination of both really does make a great sound for the listener. The solos are superbly carried out, highlighting the talent of the guitar player.

The drumming is energetic, with crashing cymbals and pounding bass drums and the bass lines are heavy and really keep the tracks together.

The album has lots of pace changes, not just from one song to the next, but also during each track and this really keeps the listener always engaged with the music.

Vocally, this album seems to have it all. Clean vocals are mixed with death metal growls, creating a contrast between the two. Female vocals are also used as a contrast to the searing male vocals, which are strong and powerful, yet have a slight quirkiness to them which really makes them stand out. Spoken word is also used at times throughout the album and this generates different atmospheres at different points.

Orchestral arrangements are also used throughout this album and combined with the raw guitars and drum work, this builds the atmospheric nature of the music really well, taking the listener on a thrilling journey.

The album is full emotion, energy, and passion and, I think, will appeal to listeners of all backgrounds. Please check the band and their music out and see for yourself the talent and professionalism of this great band.

Awesome job!

Track Listing:

1) Inner Compass

2) Fighting For A Crown

3) Fame (feat Marialena Trikoglou)

4) Archangel

5) Sirens

6) Throe (feat Sevi Spanou)

7) Awaiting

8) Unexpected

Photo Credit: Sevi Spanou

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

I reviewed Atomic Broncho’s last single Fly Away in February of this year and was eager to hear more from this band. But before I tell you my thoughts on this album, let me remind you who Atomic Broncho are.

From Austin, Texas and London UK, Atomic Bronco is a retro-inspired indie/alt rock act. It is the creation of producer and songwriter Kyle Nuss and blends an interesting mix of indie, alternative, garage rock, lo-fi and classic rock. Atomic Broncho is a one-man rock band originally from the heart of rural America, and the project was founded, and the first two albums released while he was living in London. He now makes guitar driven music in his Austin studio.

Bull In A China Shop is the band’s latest album and although the album was almost done in November 2022, due to Kyle moving to Austin, the album was put on hold until he had settled down properly and was eventually released on 14/04/2023.

Kyle wrote and performed everything on this album, showing his exceptional musicianship, talent and song writing skills, and he really has produced an album able to captivate the listener.

The album is a genre-blending mix of a wide range of influences, resulting in an almost unique sound for Atomic Broncho while also being very reminiscent of the likes of The White Stripes, Kasabian, and Arctic Monkeys.

The guitars on this album are typical of the sound of 90’s alternative rock, heavy when they need to be but more laid-back at other times and the solos are superbly executed. Different styles of playing are incorporated throughout the album, and, at times, you would think there was more than one guitar player! A soft country guitar twang at various points during the album is also a terrific addition.

The drum and bass section is tight and keep the songs on track perfectly. Funky basslines show through on occasion, giving the album a slight groove that will certainly get the listener tapping their foot, at the very least.

The vocals on this album are impressive. Kyle has a very soft voice, almost to the point of hypnotic, but it doesn’t lack power and strength because of this. He commands all the tracks and, although his voice is gentle, he is never overshadowed by the music behind him. He can also turn up the tempo and singing a ballad is just as easy for him as singing a full-on rock track! This shows just how diverse this musician really is.

The album is a great mix of energetic rock tracks and soft rock ballads and there is a perfect ballad between the two, as the change of pace keeps the listener engaged in the album.

This is a great album that is full of nostalgia while also maintaining quite a contemporary feel and to think the sound has been created by just one person is simply phenomenal.

I’m heading over to Spotify now to check out more of Atomic Broncho’s music. Want to join me?

Track Listing:

1) Default Settings

2) Get You Off My Mind

3) Let It Go

4) Foolish Games

5) In Your Shoes

6) Lost

7) Fly Away

8) Classical Conditioning

9) Sky’s On Fire

10) Nostalgia

11) Along With Me

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

Robbie Rapids is a rock singer / guitarist, from Grand Rapids, Michigan but now based in Atlanta, Georgie and Turn Back Around is his latest single, released on 07/04/2023.

Robbie has his sound firmly in the classic rock genre but there are clear influences from others throughout the song, from AOR to soft rock and indie pop.

The track kicks off with some gentle guitar strumming and the twang of a country rock guitar before Robbie’s gentle vocals come in, taking the song down a peg or two.

Acoustic guitars are mixed with electric to create a contrast in sound and the drumming is laid back. The previous track I reviewed for Robbie had elements of electro-pop, but this is missing from this one, showing how diverse an artist he is.

Once again, Robbie’s vocals are very reminiscent of the 80’s, soft and gentle but packed with emotion and an added grittiness that really makes him stand out.

The track changes pace about halfway through, with everything slowing down slightly, before throwing the listener headlong back into the song once more.

I really liked the previous track from Robbie, and I love this one too. Robbie is a fantastic musician, and more people need to hear him so head on over to his social media and see what you think for yourself!

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

Music UnLtd. is an award-winning indie band formed in 2014 by front man Milin and hailing from Mumbai in India. Give Us Free (New Mix) is the band’s latest single and was released on 09/12/2022.

The track is a folk / indie rock song that is easy to listen to while also making the listener move.

With soothing vocals provided by both male and female, there is a stark contrast between the two while they also complement each other, and layered backup vocals also give the song depth. The vocals from both are strong and powerful, and the females in particular, really pack a punch and make you sit up and pay attention.

With a slight alternative rock / pop vibe to the music of the track, with the guitars being quite subtle and the drumming quite laid-back, there is also a pop / rock energy about the song, and this will make it appeal to a wide range of listeners. Inclusion of electronic beats in the background of the music gives the track an upbeat and positive feel and the melodies in both the lyrics and the music really will stick your head as this track is extremely catchy.

Check out the band on Spotify and see what you think!

Photo Credits: Original: Sareesh Sudhakaran / Edit: Milin

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

Hailing from the US, Gary Dranow And The Manic Emotions is a genre-defying musical collaboration, featuring Shem Tate on vocals and bass, Marty Steinberg and Jethro DeFries on drums, Jerry Manfredi on musical direction, and Tommy Mars on keyboards and, having previously reviewed tracks by them, I couldn’t wait to hear what was next.

Day I Was Born is the band’s latest single and was released on 07/04/2023.

Kicking off with some very blues guitar work, this track really does take us back in time to the 70’s and 80’s, giving us feelings of nostalgia right from the very beginning.

With the songs roots firmly in the classic rock genre, this track takes some great inspiration from rhythm and blues, blues, and AOR.

The guitar work is blues through and through, with the solos impeccable executed, and the drumming is energetic with a certain swagger that really gets the listener moving. The basslines are funky, and these contribute to the grove of the track.

The vocals on this track are outstanding, the singer taking the blues vibe and really running with it, and his voice is strong and powerful but with a flounce to it that really sets this track apart from other Gary Dranow tracks.

This is a true rock n roll song, designed to get you up and dancing about, and, although the blues are not necessarily my go to genre, this has to be my favourite of all the Gary Dranow tracks I have reviewed.

Absolutely loved it!

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

I Forget Myself is a musician with over two decades of experience, writing and recording his own music and has so far released four full length albums. Having learnt to play the guitar in 2001 after having formal lessons for two years, I Forget Myself was also a music teacher between 2010 and 2013, had bass lessons from renowned jazz musician Carlo Mombelli and has also vocal lessons with Daniel Tompkins of Tesseract.

Repine Forest is his latest album and was released on 11/04/2023.

The album is a clever mix of a multitude of genres, not one for wanting to be placed firmly in one, but the roots of this album can be placed in alternative rock, with influences from other genres making appearances throughout the album.

Musically, this is quite an experimental album. Guitars feature heavily, with riffs and melodies that will stick in your head, and the drumming is energetic and strong. The inclusion of electronic synths at different points throughout change the tone of the album, creating atmospheric sounds here and there that really make this album stand out and funky bass lines during certain songs also gives the album a bit of a bounce.

Vocally this album is outstanding as the range of the vocalist is immense. Full on rock vocal arrangements and alternative rock pop vocal styles are not beyond the talents of the singer and he switches from one to the other with ease. Slight distortion on some of the vocals during the album give a slight grungey vibe and with layered backups the songs really do have depth and dynamism.

It may be a cliché, but this album really does have something for everything, and, because of this, I think it will appeal to a wide range of listeners. It is easy to listen to and great for having a little dance or headbang around the living room, depending on which track you are listening to.

I will certainly be heading to Spotify to check out more from this great band, I suggest you all do the same, and I will be keeping my ears out for any further releases in the future.

Excellent job!

Track Listing:

1) Light Up

2) Islands

3) Proliferate

4) Ghost Writer

5) Working Title

6) Into The Valley Of Foxfire

7) Asperity Please

8) Wishful Thinking

9) Lambent

10) Crimson And Lime

11) What Am I

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

Soundhoose are a Los Angeles based trio who want to “create a safe community where fans can openly release their depression and anxiety and relinquish their seclusion to be united in music.”

They are an alternative pop-punk inspired rock band who “crank out rebellious anthems,” and have a personal vendetta against the stigma and ignorance surrounding mental health problems, an issue that has been so neglected.

The band consists of Jeremy Bauer on bass, Paul Burns on drums and Brandon Smith on vocals and Craniotomy is their latest album, released on 10/03/2023.

This album is a great mix of alternative rock, rock pop, punk rock, and everything in between and having previously reviewed the band’s single Phobia back in November 2022, I was really impressed with this album.

The album is guitar-driven for the most part, with heavy riffs that will stick in your head and slight distortion at certain times gives the album an almost grungey feel in parts. The thumping drumming is energetic yet atmospheric and the basslines are strong and keep everything tight.

Vocally, this band have a great sound. The singer’s voice can cope with the more upbeat tracks as well as the ballads and this shows the diversity that this band has. His voice is very reminiscent of the 2000’s, but with a hint of 80’s thrown in too, and this takes the listener on a nostalgic trip back in time as well as maintaining a modern freshness.

This album has everything that a rock album could need. It’s rocky in places, more subdued in others, but each and every song is excellently performed and all members of the band work well together, creating a sound that is professional, grown up and totally awesome.

This album pays excellent homage to the punk sounds of the 2000’s as well as creating a sound that fits right into the music of today.

Impressive album by a formidable band! Keep up the splendid work guys!

Track Listing

1) Ghosted

2) Runner

3) Phobia

4) Loner

5) Deep End

6) The Burns Effect

7) Enemy

8) Addicted

9) Save Me

10) I Don’t Mind It

11) The Call Pt 1

12) Friendzone

13) The Call Pt 2

14) Just A Name

15) Mood Swings

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

Aurora By Noon is the solo rock project of the Austrian bass player and producer Markus Sumereder and was formed in 2021. The band features Adam Hayman on guitar, Alexandre Emidio on drums, Björn Mehler on vocals, Markus himself on bass and Mark Brown on keyboards. The album was mixed and mastered by Reinhard “Bux” Brunner from ATS Records and Lukas Wiltschko from LW Sonics.

Black Crosses In The Sun is the band’s debut album and was released on 28/02/2023.

The album takes the listener on a sonic journey through time as the album depicts the evolution of rock over the past few decades, blending in both classic and contemporary elements as it does so.

With its roots firmly in the classic rock genre, this is a great mix of styles, from soulful ballads to hard-hitting rock tracks, and everything in between, showing how diverse this band really is.

Musically, this album is awesome. The guitar work is classic in style, with hard riffs and clean solos and this is testament to the guitarists experience and talent. The drumming is energetic when it needs to be while more laid-back at other times and the drummers background in the metal genre is invaluable as he provides technical ability and style that perfectly compliments the rest of the band. This is all held together with melodic basslines that provide a solid foundation for the rest of the instruments. Markus provides the flawless balance of melody and rhythm, and his basslines are perfect for driving forward the songs.

Vocally, this album is immense. The singer’s voice is strong and powerful and so full of emotion and passion. His vocals have depth and texture and, as they are so captivating, they have a strong contribution to the overall sound of the band.

I had to reread the fact that this was the band’s debut album. The production is top notch and to think that these guys have only been playing together for a couple of years is actually quite hard to comprehend. Each musician obviously has his own place in the band, but together they sound absolutely amazing, and the guys have obviously built up a strong working relationship, resulting in a sound that seems like they have been together for decades.

If this album is anything to go by, I think this band has a great career ahead of them. I will certainly be keeping an ear out for anything new they record and will definitely be adding them to my Spotify playlist and following them on social media.

This is a great album, which has a mix of classic and modern rock sounds, that grabs the listener right from the off. So, if you are a fan of anything rock then please check these guys out. You will definitely not be disappointed.

Superb album!!

Track Listing:

1) Dirty Rules, Dirty Game

2) Black crosses In The Sun

3) Reasons

4) Go With The Flow

5) A Thousand Words, A Thousand Thorns

6) No more Crying

7) Sleepless

8) Floating Dead Wood

9) Under Pressure

10) When Dinosaurs Will Die

11) Thief In The Mirror

12) In The Shelter Of Mother Earth

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

John DeMena is an award-winning rock singer and guitarist from Los Angeles, and he had previously worked with the producers and musicians of Alice Cooper, Jane’s Addiction and Jimmy Kemmel. Inspired by legendary acts like Pink Floyd, Bowie, Alice in Chains, Radiohead, NIN, and AC/DC, People Are Strange, his cover of The Doors track, is his latest single and was released on 23/10/2022.

This is a much slower version of the song than the original, but I think this has added to the atmosphere of the track, which is a lot darker than The Doors version.

Guitars are more prominent on this version, especially during the chorus which the verses build up to nicely, and the solos are very clean and superbly executed with a very classic rock sound. The drumming is laid-back, keeping time and pace of the track perfectly. There is a subtle psychedelic feel to the track that was missing from the original and this gives the track a uniqueness to it that really makes it stand out.

The vocals are completely different on this track to the original, slow, and deliberately sang and with a slight distortion at times that only add to the psychedelic vibe. The vocals are very reminiscent of some 80’s bands but there is also a freshness to them that keeps the song up to date.

The feature about the song that stood out to me were the subtle bell chimes in the background behind the main chunk of the music, which gave the song a slight gothic undertone to it.

If I am honest, I am not a fan of the original version of People Are Strange, but I absolutely adore this cover and, even after listening to it five or six times, I still needed to listen to it once or twice more!

An absolute gem of a song!

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

Transcending Into The Unknown is a collaboration between Norwegian musicians Filip Dahl, Stian Dahl and Robert Dahl. As the surname suggests, all three members are related with Filip and Robert being brothers and Stian being Filip’s son. Although they are all self-confessed “guitar geeks” and share a common love of guitars and guitar playing, none of them have ever played together.

Filip is a composer and multi-instrumentalist who started his career back in the 70’s with various Norwegian rock bands. His music ranges from melodic prog rock via blues rock to harmonic and symphonic rock and states his influences as Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Kansas, Marillion and Dream Theater.

Stian started playing guitar at an early age and, although his early sound was based on blues and rock, he gradually introduced elements of other genres such as neoclassical and death metal and is influenced by the likes of Dimebag Darrell, Paul Gilbert, Bradon Ellis and Rick Graham.

Robert started out on the punk / metal scene of Trondheim and draws inspiration from music styles such as thrash metal, doom, and stoner rock, as well as blues and even jazz.

Transcending Into The Unknown is the projects latest single and was released on 07/04/2023.

With three guys as obviously talented and as diverse in styles as these, it is no wonder the track they have produced is nothing short of sublime!

The track is a hauntingly beautiful instrumental that really does showcase the unique styles of all three members. You really can tell where one guitarist finishes and the next starts and all three together really does create a stunning sound.

The track is quite bluesy in style but has elements of other genres sneaking in, prog rock being the main one as the guitar work can be quite technical at times, and this is added to with the inclusion of piano and organ at various times during the song.

There is a slow-paced percussion section that keeps the song tight and in time, but it really is the immense talent on show here that makes this track!

A fantastic track to listen to that really will send shivers down your spine! Please, please, please check these guys out.! Simply outstanding.

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum