Axus Bliss are a five-piece modern melodic metal band from Richmond, USA and Live Once, Die Twice is their recent album, released on 31/10/2021.

Consisting of Carlton Kelly on vocals, Steven Lewis on guitar, Johnny Lewis on drums, and Daniel Parham and Casey Dunn both on bass, the band cite their influences as anything from 80’s rock and metal to early 70’s Sabbath to todays rock and metal progressions.

Live Once, Die Twice is a brilliant heavy metal album that draws the listener from the very first song. It was recorded in rented storage, and this shows through in the production which is raw and natural.

The guys combine various genres to create a gritty sound that is unique to them. The guitars are distorted and, producing a fuzzy, progressive sound that is greatly contrasted with thrash riffs. The solos are clean and polished and fantastically executed.

The drumming is brutal and energetic, the rawness of it showing just how unprocessed this band is. Strong basslines shine through and together, it creates a musical background that is seemingly chaotic, but one that is understated as it is the perfect accompaniment to the lead vocals.

The vocals are quirky and Carlton has a very wide vocal range, from almost death metal growls, to high falsetto screams and this is what shows the diversity of the band. The hectic nature of the music behind him, is matched by Carlton’s singing, as he appears to embrace his inner “madman.” Distortion is again used at times with the vocals, but the strength in his voice commands the songs easily and he is never overshadowed by any of the talent behind him.

Although the album appears unruliness (never a bad thing if you ask me!) there is also some order to it and a melodic nature to the band shines through.

I think this will appeal to a whole host of fans as classic metal, thrash metal, alternative metal, and heavy metal all make an appearance with this album. So, if you are a metal fan, please check these guys out! They recently supported Megadeth and I think big things are yet to come to them in 2023!

Awesome job Axus Bliss!

Track Listing:

1) Fallen Inside

2) As We Row The Waves Of Destruction

3) Cartel Love Affair

4) Can’t Get Enough

5) Parlay (for Choade)

6) Repetitions

7) Under Standing Still

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Bootleg Royale are a four-piece band from Fayetteville, Arkansas in the USA and Bootleg II is there latest EP, released on 28/10/2022.

Cleverly combining a multitude of genres, from alternative rock to classic rock to the power pop sound of the Beach Boys, these four lads have created a sound quite unique to them.

The guitar work has a hint of the 60’s to it and this gives the EP a very nostalgic vibe to it. Clean guitar riffs are mixed with heavier riffs when they are needed to be as the music progresses into a more alternative rock sound.

The drumming is energetic at times, with lots of crashing cymbals and pounding bass drums but at others it is more laid back and has a softer tone to it. The bass in the EP is outstanding. More bass is needed in music in my opinion and this EP has oodles of it. Electronic organs are also introduced at various points in the EP, giving the songs a zing and a drive that is sometimes missed from music of today.

The vocals are somewhat quirky, soft but powerful and never overshadowed by the music that is accompanying them. The alternative style is sometimes counteracted by a more “glam” sound (think along the lines of Marc Bolan) and this really does stand this EP out from others! Layered backup vocals are a great addition to the lead and give the tracks depth.

This is quite an anthemic, catchy EP and the lyrics and harmonies will become your earworm after listening to it, but this is by no means a bad thing! This is a really great EP, its upbeat and extremely versatile as it switches form one genre to the next, effortlessly.

I will be keeping my ears and eyes peeled for anything else this foursome produce as I think they will appeal to a wide range of listeners.

So, if you are a fan of alternative and classic rock, indie pop/rock, soft rock or even hard rock then treat yourself and go and give Bootleg Royale a listen to! You might just like what you hear!

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Anfang are a three piece alternative / grunge rock band from Chicago and was formed in August 2018. Consisting of the soaring vocals of Andie Zaragoza, the riff heavy sound of Christian Newman on bass and rhythm guitar and Nick Rissler, the keeper of time on the drums, Honey trudge is their latest single, released on 20/01/2023.

One thing I love about music is the way it can make you move, and this track certainly does that. It is a bouncy, bombastic track that will certainly get you dancing around the living room.

The riff-laden guitars will get stuck in your head and the slight distortion gives the track a grungey feel, although the clean solos are a great contrast to this. The drumming is awesome, energetic and pounding and the basslines are funky and give the track some grooves.

Andie’s vocals are simply amazing. Her strong, powerful voice is able to command the song from start to finish and some layered backups really add a great depth and dynamism to the track. I can imagine she could turn her hand to any type of vocals if she wanted to but her voice is perfectly suited to this type of song.

This really is an fantastic track and one that should be heard by more people. Its springy, its upbeat and it totally rocks! Where have you been hiding Anfang?? Step out into the light and let the world see you for the totally awesome band you are!

I’m off to Spotify and YouTube to see what else I can find!

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Satellite Train began as a fun project between some friends and includes both American and Australian musicians. Icehouse’s Michael Paynter leads the way and there are many other incredible artists also included in the band.

Satellite Train are continuously creating new music, however, today we are looking at their hit from last year, “Lies”. “Lies” is a fantastic pop-rock hit, and I must say I absolutely love this one!

The track is fairly soft and laid-back, yet it also very catchy! You will definitely find yourself tapping your foot along to this one, and no matter who you are, what age you are or what your music taste is, you will enjoy this song!

There is a lovely band sound and gives me ideas of bands like The Beatles!

The vocalism on “Lies” is also amazing! The vocals are strong, and so talented and we can really hear the range of the vocalist!

“Lies” is a track that I have not been able to get out of my head since hearing it! You can find “Lies” across different music platforms now! Also check out Satellite Train and their newest hit “Shameless”!

This review is purely the property of The Metal Asylum

Robert Manning is the face behind Band Spectra, and he has done some exceptional work! Robert is a disabled musician, hailing from the South-East of England. However, the idea of Band Spectra came about in 2020, after being told to use music as an aid in his medical condition, Multiple Sclerosis. Today we are looking at Band Spectra’s newest release, “Walai”!

“Walai” was released this month, I have to say it is an incredible piece of music! Band Spectra have teamed up with Olugbenga for this alternative rock/synth pop hit! I find this song extremely interesting due to its range in musical genre. There are elements of rock, yet also elements of pop and also elements of electro included in this track, and I just cannot get enough of it!

The beat in this track is quite harsh, with a heavy rock sound, yet the added electro pieces give the song further interest. The song is very catchy and is perfect to rock out to! You will undoubtedly find yourself banging your head and tapping your foot along to the beat of this one!

I also love the vocalism in this track! The male vocals reach very high notes, and I honestly love the unique vocals.

This song overall is just fantastic! Band Spectra shows that you should never let medical issues hold you down, as he has achieved so much! Go and give his new track “Walai” a listen to and you will not regret it!

This review is purely the property of The Metal Asylum

Founded by frontman Jon Omen, The Starkillers are a four-piece band from Salt Lake City and Eyes Like Fire is their latest single, released on 20/01/2023.

With hundreds of thousands of streams for original releases and strong social media following this band are off to a great start, and that’s not even including the great music they produce.

A new name on my radar, these guys have a classic rock sound mixed with a bit of alternative, with a dash of groove and funk thrown in for good measure.

The guitar riffs are heavy (I like that a lot!) and the two guitars seem to play off each other, creating a great rhythm/lead guitar dual. The lead guitar solos, which are prevalent throughout the whole song, are clean and well executed and provide a great backdrop to the rest of the instrumentation.

The drumming is excellent, hard-hitting and really causes a splash throughout the song. The grooviness comes into the song by way of the basslines, which are funky, pounding and strong.

The singer has a grittiness to his voice that sets them in the alternative rock genre but he also has a funkiness that matches perfectly to the bass and slight distortion on everything gives the track a dirty, grungey vibe. Combining a multitude of genres and making it sound good is not an easy task to undertake, but these guys have literally smashed it!

This is an absolutely awesome track and I really can’t wait to hear more from these guys. Definitely added to my playlist, as will more be when I find them.

Brilliant!

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Unarmed is a four-piece band from Portland, Oregon, comprised of current and former members of melodic hardcore bands, It Prevails, Cars Of Tomorrow and American Me.

It’s Like That is their debut EP and was released on 13/01/2023.

Taking inspiration from each members musical journey, the band explore the post-punk soundscapes and have come up with something a little bit special.

Combining post-punk with alternative rock and emo, this EP, consisting of four tracks with a combined length of 12 minutes and 46 seconds, is a full on, facemelter.

The guitars riffs are heavy, really giving you a kick in the stomach as they pound through the speakers and slight distortion gives the EP a punky, grungey feel.

The drumming is energetic and keeps pace of the tracks perfectly and the basslines are solid and thumping.

I love the vocals on this EP. Switching from dark, brooding vocals to a more typical emo style, the singer really can do it all and with layered backing vocals, the tracks have great depth.

The four tracks of the EP run perfectly into each other while also remaining defined from one another, meaning the listener is always engaged with the music. This is an EP that will have you tapping your foot one minute and banging your head the next! A real musical treat for the ear!

It is not easy to combine many genres into one and do it flawlessly, but these guys seemed to have done just that. They have blurred the lines between the genres and come up with their own sound, that is both nostalgic yet modern at the same time.

This was a great EP and I really do hope they expand on it and produce a full length album in the very near future. These guys really do rock!

This review is purely the property of The Metal Asylum