Lords of Black – Alchemy of Souls, Part I (Album Review)
In May 2018, when we reviewed the previous Lords of Black album, “Icons of the New Days,” we were rather stunned by the impressive showing…
John L. Kokel has lived all over the eastern U.S., and even in Europe. Although he has dabbled in lead guitar wankery for almost 30 years, his real love is the gear itself. He has done plenty of work as a live guitar tech, but spending two years studying guitarcraft under the tutelage of a leading luthier was “instrumental” in taking the game to the next level. John’s lifetime music catalog is a blend of AOR, metal and prog, although 80s pop remains a guilty pleasure. His hobbies include writing, guitars, guns, and motorcycles. His goal is to finish and publish a viable novel someday. He resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his soulmate Jennifer. Both ride motorcycles, and enjoy seeing America and all the live music it has to offer.
In May 2018, when we reviewed the previous Lords of Black album, “Icons of the New Days,” we were rather stunned by the impressive showing…
More often than not, we find ourselves naturally skeptical of any musical act where only one (or even zero) of the founding members remain in…
Insofar as epic double-LP multi-vocalist story-driven progressive rock concept albums are a genre, Arjen Lucassen reigns as the heavyweight champion of the world, at least…
Since the release of their debut “All Rise” album in 2018, the boys with the Perfect Plan have enjoyed the waves made by their very…
While it is not entirely clear whether the Warkings hail from the contemporary European power metal scene, or the mead halls of Valhalla, it is…
One of the most-anticipated melodic power metal releases of 2020 is finally upon us: Magnus Karlsson (Primal Fear, Allen-Lande, The Ferrymen) brings another Free Fall…
The very first sentence of any good AOR album review should include a mention of Iron Maiden. Are you confused? Good. Still confused? Perfect. Way…
Our friends at the record label Frontiers Music sank our hearts in April when a few choice album releases were pushed back due to the…
Just in case you are not feeling the full weight of your years today, just be reminded that the Greek power metal project known as…
When one thinks of L.A. Hair Metal, one thinks of Sunset Strip, the Rainbow, the Whiskey-A-Go-Go and all the rest. Swimsuits and champagne in limousine…