Dragonstar

 Diomedes’ adventure is, in fact, no less powerful than those of Odysseus or Aeneas.

 The atmosphere is very similar to that of Greek tragedy, meaning you never feel the boldness for adventure or the excitement of discovery; there is only the despondence and subjugation to all the obstacles that will appear on the characters’ path.

Le paludi di Hesperia by Valerio Massimo Manfredi reimagines the forgotten journey of King Diomedes after the Trojan War. The novel adopts a sober, historically-grounded narrative style, blending epic tradition with real-world settings. With a tone reminiscent of Greek tragedy, it avoids divine intervention and focuses on human struggle and fate. The story culminates in a powerful duel between Diomedes and Aeneas, reflecting the enduring legacy of ancient conflicts. Dive into this epic, historically rich adventure and discover the forgotten tale of Diomedes today!

 "I think it’s the best group of people I’ve played with in many, many years..." – Mark Shelton

 "This album remains among the top positions of 2015 for metal releases."

Manilla Road’s 16th release is a compelling double album inspired by the Gilgamesh epic. The first disc recalls classic epic metal with powerful riffs and strong rhythm, while the second explores acoustic folk and psychedelia. The band integrates new members effectively, delivering a refined and experimental musical journey. Despite a minor flaw in the bonus track, the album stands out as one of 2015's best metal releases. Dive into Manilla Road’s epic journey—listen to The Blessed Curse and After the Muse now!

 A concept that in this film balloons to enormous, elephantine, and annoyingly implausible proportions, thus becoming tragicomic and pathetic.

 A director who therefore chooses a too delicate and inappropriate topic as a pretext to shoot yet another commercial action-movie for entertainment.

Attacco al Potere 2 delivers visually thrilling action scenes but relies heavily on clichéd American tropes about terrorism. The film exaggerates its threat message to an almost absurd level, making it feel more like a tragicomic spectacle. Performances by Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman, and Aaron Eckhart fail to engage, leaving this commercial action movie lacking depth and credibility. The director treats a serious topic in an overly simplistic and exploitative manner. Discover why Attacco al Potere 2 falls short despite intense action—read the full review and decide for yourself!

 A compact, aggressive, rough, and smooth album that shows us a band in search of rebirth.

 It is up to Rock’n’Roll Circus and Waste of Space to take on the role of hits of the album: they succeed excellently by alternating potent mid-tempos with incandescent gallops.

Barbed Wire Soul is Blackstar's 1997 debut album, featuring former members of Carcass exploring a new hard rock direction. The album balances melodic accessibility with aggressive riffs and vivid production. It's noted for its roots in 70s hard rock and connections to Cathedral's heavier sound. Though less commercial, it offers a compelling and raw take on rock for dedicated fans. Discover Blackstar's Barbed Wire Soul for a powerful mix of heavy rock riffs and melodic energy – listen now!

 Aggression is a lively and adrenaline-filled instrumental that immediately reveals the band’s more prog-oriented side.

 Gila not only soars through the cosmos, but also plunges into Earth.

Gila's self-titled 1971 debut album is a notable entry in the krautrock genre, blending cosmic, prog, and psychedelic elements. The album opens strongly with the instrumental 'Aggression,' showcasing the band's technical skill and setting an intense mood. Throughout, it balances astral evocations and earthly desert-inspired soundscapes, with vocals used sparingly and expressively. Though the final track 'Individualitat' feels less impactful, the album's unique atmosphere makes it a rewarding listen for krautrock fans. Dive into Gila's cosmic krautrock debut and experience a unique blend of prog and psychedelic rock today!

 Shady Grove remains an artistically successful album that inaugurates the band’s melodic shift.

 Nine minutes of aggressive and sublime phrasings, for an articulated instrumental with a 'jam session' aftertaste.

Shady Grove, released in 1969, represents a melodic shift for Quicksilver Messenger Service, emphasizing keyboards after the departure of guitarist Gary Duncan. The album blends country rock, ballads, and psychedelia with the help of pianist Nicky Hopkins. Though it initially met limited commercial success, Shady Grove has gained appreciation over time for its artistic growth and experimental sound. Explore the unique psychedelic sounds of Shady Grove and experience Quicksilver Messenger Service’s musical evolution.

 The sixteenth birth of the famous Iron Maiden has already started to whisper its occult rituals in the eardrums of all of us.

 Bruce Dickinson on The Book of Souls delivers another powerful and resonant performance, as well as extraordinarily theatrical and expressive.

The Book of Souls solidifies Iron Maiden’s status as heavy metal legends, blending epic, dark themes with intricate, progressive compositions. While polarizing among certain listeners, it showcases innovative artistry, powerful vocals, and a balance of old-school and modern elements. The album’s length and progressive nature divide opinions but underscore its ambition and depth. Ultimately, it's an essential listen for open-minded rock fans and dedicated Maiden followers. Dive into The Book of Souls and experience Iron Maiden's epic blend of metal mastery and storytelling today!

 If Skyclad hadn’t existed, perhaps Finntroll would never have emerged from the Finnish forests.

 The opener Civil War Dance becomes the manifesto of the album itself, the ideal setting for the hysterical singing of Walkyier.

Skyclad's 'Prince of the Poverty Line' is a raw and sincere 1994 album that brilliantly mixes folk and metal to address social injustices. The review highlights Martin Walkyier's vital role and the album's lasting influence on the folk metal scene. It praises the complex arrangements, the contrast between folk elements and heavy metal, and the album's thematic focus on the struggles of the lower classes. Despite later struggles after Walkyier's departure, this album remains a landmark in the genre. Dive into Skyclad’s 'Prince of the Poverty Line' and experience the roots of folk metal with powerful social commentary!

 They have hit the mark once again.

 Oltre…l’abisso is an album decidedly superior to the already successful Il Confine, and slightly inferior to Damnati ad Metalla, the band’s undisputed masterpiece.

Folkstone's album Oltre...l'abisso delivers a refined mix of hard rock, heavy metal, and Celtic folk with unpredictable and direct compositions. It surpasses their previous album Il confine while maintaining a strong political and social message. The album is rich with tempo changes, vocal interplay, and unique tracks including a Litfiba cover and a theatrical hidden ballad. Fans are encouraged to give it time to fully appreciate its depth and quality. Discover Folkstone’s powerful blend of folk and metal — listen to Oltre...l’abisso and experience their evolving sound!

 Edgar Allan Poe is undeniably placed in the category of the great masters of the past.

 When the reader closes the book, smiling and thoughtful after reading the last line, the question they will ask themselves is: 'To which human reaction do I belong?'

This review praises Edgar Allan Poe’s short story The Sphinx as a timeless masterpiece of literary terror, blending philosophical, psychological, and horror elements. The story’s setting during a cholera epidemic serves as a backdrop for exploring human reactions to fear through two contrasting characters. Poe's ability to evoke pessimism and provoke thoughtful reflection on human psyche is highlighted. The reviewer encourages readers to immerse themselves in the story’s ominous and suspenseful narrative. Dive into Edgar Allan Poe's The Sphinx—experience classic horror that probes the depths of the human mind!