Tag: Power
Striker – Striker Review
Since 2010, Edmonton, Alberta’s Striker has released five records – including its latest self-titled disc – and Last Rites has not reviewed a single one of them until now. Shame on us, because Striker is …
Witherfall – Nocturnes and Requiems Review
The first thing that jumps out with regard to Nocturnes and Requiems is the album cover artwork. Regardless of what you take away in terms of its overall theme, the likelihood is pretty strong that …
Civil War – The Last Full Measure Review
Ah, European power metal… When it’s done poorly, there’s very little in all of metal that could possibly be lamer. (Maybe basement-level black metal, but that’s another argument for another time.) But when Euro-power is …
Vicious Rumors – Concussion Protocol Review
American power metal institution Vicious Rumors hits the dozen mark with this latest full-length, thirty-one years after their classic debut on 1985’s Soldiers Of The Night. Now as then, the band straddles the line between …
Dark Forest – Beyond the Veil Review
Let’s begin with a brief discussion about Outsider Lifestyle and Trend Alliances. In the 80s, metal was a beacon that provided a seductively tempting “danger” element to burnouts, nerds, freaks and any sort of outcast …
Necromancing the Stone – Jewel of the Vile Review
Some things in life are meant to be fun. Sex is one example that immediately comes to mind. Sports are also fun. Some people like to enjoy a brisk walk in the park while others …
We Have the Power! – The Year in Power Metal, Pt. 2
A long time ago, a friend and I were sitting in a bar having a 5,397 hour discussion about the many merits of heavy metal when he asked “What the Hell is it about power …
We Have the Power! – The Year in Power Metal, Pt. 1
Escapism: One of the principle elements of power metal that has kept me in its corner lo these many years. More so than any other off-shoot, power metal demands a predilection for escapism from its …