The Monarch

 "Requiem sounds to most like a return to the origins, to that ferocious black/thrash of the first three albums."

 "The mid-nineties Bathory floats without praise and without blame, but saving themselves from disgrace."

Requiem, Bathory's seventh album, marks a distinct stylistic shift returning to thrash/black metal roots with a dry, mechanical sound. While polarizing among fans, it showcases Quorthon's experimental direction and holds value for fans of old-school metal. The drumming and riffs suffer from monotony, but the album is a noteworthy piece in Bathory's discography. Dive into Bathory’s Requiem and explore an intense thrash-metal journey with strong roots and bold experiments.

 One of the best folk albums ever heard, says someone who doesn’t excessively love the genre.

 The center of attention is all for the voice of Hedlund/Vintersorg, typical man of the North, almost as if he took you by the arm and sang right in your face with alcohol-laden breath.

Otyg’s 1998 album Alvefard delivers a refreshing folk experience with a perfect balance of metal and rock influences. Led by Andreas Hedlund, the album features distinctive vocals and lively violin melodies. It avoids clichés common in folk metal, offering instead an authentic and engaging sound. Considered one of the best folk albums even by non-fans of the genre, Alvefard is a must-have for any serious collection. Listen to Otyg’s Alvefard now and experience one of the best folk metal albums out there!

 Many bands in the nineties failed this goal, producing albums deemed by many as poor or too different from what the typical fan expected.

 I can only proudly shout -like one of their songs-: HAIL MAJESTY!

Majesty’s debut album Keep It True honors classic heavy metal with mid-paced riffs and epic themes reminiscent of Manowar. Despite some vocal limitations and repetitive elements, the album delivers a refreshing burst of true metal spirit. The review appreciates the band’s dedication to preserving metal’s core flame, recommending it especially to fans seeking substance over flash. Dive into Majesty’s Keep It True and experience a bold homage to classic heavy metal—perfect for fans craving authentic epic riffs and timeless metal spirit!

 NEVER JUDGE A RECORD BY ITS COVER.

 An aspiring shredder who can move and entertain even those who are not guitarists is a rare thing.

This review highlights Loudness' 1981 debut album 'The Birthday Eve' as a strong and uncompromising heavy metal record despite its uninspiring cover. Praising Akira Takasaki's exceptional guitar work and youthful energy, it notes minor flaws like strained vocals and drum sound but encourages repeated listening for full appreciation. The album is recognized as a near-classic deserving wider recognition outside Japan. Listen to Loudness' powerful debut 'The Birthday Eve' and explore the roots of Japanese heavy metal today!

 "Diatribes" is not a typical grind album; it's grind in the broadest sense with a focus on new details.

 A powerful and dense concentrate of extreme metal that can become a favorite if you accept its modernisms.

Napalm Death's 1995 album 'Diatribes' marks a significant stylistic shift from their earlier grindcore roots to a slower, more detailed extreme metal sound. The album features fewer blast beats and highlights Embury's bass work, creating a dense, powerful listening experience. While it divided fans upon release, its bold innovations and relentless energy make it essential for open-minded metal listeners. 'Diatribes' showcases the band's evolution and readiness to experiment with modern metal influences. Dive into 'Diatribes' and experience Napalm Death's bold evolution in extreme metal today!