Trve Kvlt #27

Metalcatto

I had a little break, but let’s get back to work!

Manferno Protocol – Freefall: You know, I’m not a big fan of Power Metal. However, I do acknowledge when something sounds incredibly old school—as in Stratovarius old school. The vocals are a bit more on the rough side, but the rest is totally an homage to a lost era of less inhumane Metal. The keys are soaring, the guitars are galloping, and the whole thing feels like a time capsule from a time when Metal was still figuring out how to be epic without being embarrassing.

Soul Protocol – Repeat Command: Maybe not as traditional in some ways, but pretty industrial in others, this track feels like it came straight out of a factory. The vocals are totally disgusting, but I think that’s intentional. The rest is direct and not too fancy, so expect minimalism here. It’s repetitive, mechanical, and oddly hypnotic. Not for everyone, but if you like your Metal with a side of grinding machinery, this might hit the spot.

Zebulon – Reap the Fruits of Famine: Spooky Doom is a good way to describe this track. These guys actually offer quality work with great production, epic vocals, and sick riffs that rescue the nostalgic side of the style while adding enough new moves to keep you interested. I’d review the whole album, just saying. The atmosphere is thick enough to cut with a knife, and the pacing is deliberate without being boring.

Asylum Road – Desolate: Is this some Mastodon meets Lamb of God? I’m not sure, but it has the brutality and the dirt to back it up. I was expecting something cliché, but the track does offer creativity in its details. The rhythms are tight, the vocals are aggressive, and the whole thing feels like a controlled explosion. So if you like your Metal to the point and with little charisma but lots of attitude, there you go.

Mickey Lyxx – Caporetto: Some traditional Heavy Metal with wild vocals and potent guitars. This project isn’t new to this section, but they still show that when it comes to retro-Metal, what they offer is not bad at all. Sure, it sticks to the basics, but if what you want is having fun, this is more than enough to keep you entertained. No pretensions, no overthinking—just riffs and hooks.

Magic Opera – The Black Gem: Cheese. Okay, I’m joking. But if you dig Rhapsody of Fire but miss when the project sounded less polished, then Magic Opera is what you’re looking for. Is it corny? Totally. But are the guitars and keyboards good? You bet. You know exactly what you’re getting for your money. It’s theatrical, over-the-top, and unapologetically dramatic. Don’t expect subtlety. You won’t find it here. And that’s okay.