Author: Frank

Frank’s Power Metal Favorites of Q1 2018

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power_metal___logo_final_by_tonito292

Damn, the first three months of 2018 went quick. I guess time flies when you’re constantly worried about the possible ending of existence. Anywho, I’m doing something a bit different with my monthly power metal post. Two reasons for that: 1) March was a particularly slow and weak month for the sub-genre, and 2) I actually reviewed my favorite Power Metal album of March (read it here) so there’s no need to talk about it again. Have no fear, you who yearn for my epic posts, for I shall not let you down.

While this past month was a bit dry, Power Metal actually had a very good first quarter. Some releases you may have heard of, and some you may not. I thought this would be the perfect time for me to highlight some of my favorites from these first three months. Power metal walks a fine line sometimes. Thankfully, there have been more good than bad. It’s also been very diverse in its sound, covering European, US, symphonic, progressive and melodic. There’s something for everyone! Alright, enough talk. Time for some tuneage. Here are six of my favorites from 2018 thus far. Continue reading →

Album Review: Judicator – “The Last Emperor”

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The Last Emperor Front Cover

I’ve said it before in a post or two in the past, but I’m gonna say it again: the year of our Lord (Joey DeMaio) 2015 was – in my humble opinion – the best year Power Metal has ever had. It just seemed that every power metal album was of superb quality. One album at the top of that great list was Judicator’s critically acclaimed third offering At The Expense of Humanity. They steered away from the historical concepts from their first two albums and delivered a record very personal both lyrically and sonically. After a few bumps in the road they are finally releasing their fourth, The Last Emperor. The question I asked myself before I started listening was can they continue that passionate sound while going back to a historical theme? I hate to give it away right at the opener but the answer is a resounding HOLY CHRIST, YES!!! Continue reading →

Frank’s Power Metal album of February 2018: Thaurorod – “Coast Of Gold”

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Power Metal Frank

Ahoy there, sisters and brothers! How was your February? If it was awesome then congratulations, you have something in common with Power Metal. I’ve been absolutely giddy listening to all of the great power metal that has graced my ears. The final two weeks of the month have been especially satisfying, throwing us 10 albums. Holy Diver! Not only in quantity, but in terms of quality power metal probably had its best month in quite a long time. The only downside (not really) is I have to pick one as my personal favorite. It wasn’t easy because there are three or four that stand out from the others. I waited until the last possible moment which was a good thing because it assured me my pick was the right one. So, without further delay, I present to you my favorite Power Metal album of February 2018! Continue reading →

Frank’s Power Metal Album of January 2018: Lione/Conti – “Lione/Conti”

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power_metal___logo_final_by_tonito292

It seems like only yesterday we were saying goodbye to 2017 and ushering in a new calendar year. Some went to parties, others got drunk and puked at their local bar. Me — always trying to be different — I was sick at home and fell asleep before the ball dropped. We all had one thing in common; the anticipation of new metal tuneage. Now that we’re at the end of January, I can safely say that most of us are not disappointed thus far. Many blogs, especially this one, have highlighted and reviewed some terrific metal in January. Many of those blogs, however, left power metal out of the equation. That’s where I come in.

I’m gonna be honest, I’m not that great of a reviewer. So instead I decided I wanted to highlight a great power metal record from the past month. I’ve been called a power metal guru by many people so I’m quite confident to gush over an album knowing that others would like it as well. This lovable sub-genre gets verbally beaten up quite a bit and I don’t want to be a part of that. So, it’s all nice words from me. Okay, enough intro yapping from me. Time to reveal my favorite power metal album for January 2018! Continue reading →

Nine Circles ov… Power Metal 2007

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2007

Ever since I left social media in early 2017 I’ve had plenty of extra time on my hands. Sure, I spend most of that extra time staring at my bedroom wall, but I also use it to go back and listen to tunes from years ago. With the influx of new music being released every week it gets increasingly hard to slow down and listen to albums that entertained you when you were younger. I am definitely guilty of this. Now that I’ve dusted off the old CDs and revisited them I have the opportunity to analyze certain things I may not have thought of the first time around.

One of the things I’ve noticed is despite the early 2000s being a dark time for power metal, the sub-genre had an amazing 2007. Some of my favorite records were released in that year, particularly Manowar, who delivered their most divisive album amongst the die hards: Gods Of War. I can go on for hours talking about Manowar (seriously, I can – ask the dudes who run this site) but there was much more that deserves your attention. So for this edition of Nine Circles ov… I am going to highlight some power metal albums I loved from 2007. These are not ranked but arranged in alphabetical order.
Continue reading →