Suffering so you don't have to!
Vicky
To make this introduction brief, I am just going to say that I realised these days that the ’90s as a decade had marvelous music, both Rock, and in Metal. Given that there were so many great albums released during that time, I’ve decided to make a short list containing five of my personal favorites – that are also sometimes overlooked. Let’s dig into these five underrated masterpieces.
Vicky
You’ve probably heard about Alestorm before. As a long-time fan of these pirate Metal titans, I had to listen the moment I heard they were about to release a new album. Your average Alestorm listener knows the band has evolved from a Running Wild-esque Heavy/Power Metal act with lyrics about pirates, alcohol, and battles to a more Power Metal-oriented sound—while keeping the same lyrical themes. Over time, the band has embraced humor too (who can forget the deluxe edition of 2017’s No Grave But the Sea, which included “dog versions” of all the songs?). That’s why one wouldn’t be too wrong in saying Alestorm is to Running Wild what NanowaR of Steel is to Rhapsody of Fire: initially a parody that eventually gained worldwide recognition and became a cult favorite.
Metalcatto & Vicky
As usual, I want our interviews to be about more than just the albums.I know many artists will sigh at this, since they see an opportunity for ruthless self-promotion slip away—but that’s not the case, people! We want to give you layers, and today we have Fia from Exiled Hope, someone who’s aiming to become a lawyer and defend your (yes, your!) rights against the predatory hands of the merchants of death. (That’s the music industry, of course.). But first, we asked Fia a bit about Apocrypha, her latest album—you know, the one Vicky reviewed here!
Elyna Khan
Discovering incredible bands is one of the perks of being a zine reviewer. You receive the promos in your email, put on your headphones, press play, and the journey begins. Little by little, in every note, every chord, every cut, you discover pieces of yourself. The blood begins to pump strongly to your heart, filling your chest with a comforting warmth and imbuing you with an intense, luminous energy that simply leaves you happy.
Elyna Kahn
As a lifelong Metalhead and devoted fan of classic Power Metal, I hold the early works of Rhapsody (before the name drama), Blind Guardian, Stratovarius, and Sonata Arctica as sacred texts. That era – when music felt raw, honest, and untainted by excessive digital manipulation – represents the genre’s golden age to me. In recent years, I’ve watched with dismay as the obsession with Dolby Atmos and “modern” production has led many great bands to drown their essence in a sea of cinematic embellishments and artificial polish. While I won’t name names (some still manage to captivate me despite their transformations), this trend has left me yearning for the unadulterated Power Metal of yore.
Elyna Kahn
Avantasia‘s tenth studio album, Here Be Dragons, is here! Featuring 10 tracks, artwork by Rodney Matthews, and bombastic production by the renowned Sascha Paeth, this album retains the band’s signature essence: masterful choruses, Symphonic Metal elements, and creative sounds. Following its release, the band will embark on a highly anticipated European tour, much to the excitement of its dedicated fanbase.
Elyna Kahn
BRAINSTORM, a name that evokes power and creativity, is a German metal band with over two decades of experience. Soon, it’ll release Plague of Rats. This album is being hailed as a career milestone, revisiting the band’s fascination with Indu culture, a theme it first explored in 2003’s release, Soul Temptation. With high expectations, I dove into the album, listening to it multiple times to fully absorb its energy. The first thing that struck me was the “Live-in-Studio” sound, which gives the record an electrifying, concert-like atmosphere. Each of the 11 tracks bursts with energy, making it feel as though you’re standing in front of the stage, surrounded by flames and a roaring crowd.
Elyna Kahn
It is the year of our Lord 2013. The world bid farewell to Nelson Mandela, the South African leader who championed the fight against apartheid and racial injustice. In Southeast Asia, Typhoon Haiyan wreaked havoc, claiming over 6,000 lives in the Philippines. Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, the tragic collapse of the Rana Plaza building resulted in more than 1,000 fatalities. Right, the Metal…
Elyna Kahn
Time flies! 2024 is almost over, and what a year it has been for Metal music. It’s been intense, with countless excellent releases—both from iconic bands and hidden treasures in the underground scene. Yet, I won’t lie. I don’t consume an overwhelming number of albums every year. I prefer to discover them on my own terms, without any pressure. I believe music is best enjoyed when you choose to dive into an album at the right moment, when you’re truly in the mood for it.
That said, I’m bringing you my personal top picks—no cap. The albums on this list have earned a special place in my heart—and in my obsessive, on-repeat listening habits that defy human understanding. Let me clarify: there’s no ranking here. Each of these masterpieces hits differently, yet all of them pack an equally intense punch and deserve your full attention. Let’s get into it!
Elyna Kahn
After reviewing several promos in my inbox, I stumbled upon a title that caught my attention: The Eclipse of Worlds by Within Silence from Slovakia. It was my first encounter with a Slovakian band and another “Within”—aside from Within Temptation. I didn’t know what to expect. I only review music that stirs something deep within my heart. So, after listening to several other bands, I clicked the link without high expectations. I downloaded the tracks and started listening. At first glance, it seemed like a generic Power Metal album. On the second listen, I realized it’s pure Power Metal—in the best sense of the term.
Metal Eclipse Reviews 