Harbinger’s Killer Picks – January 2026

Welcome to the first issue of the new year! We’re entering the blog’s sixth year and I really like the formula I’ve developed since last year of a magazine-type article covering a handful of my favourite albums for the month. So, without further ado, let’s dig in, shall we?

First, Megadeth just released their final self-titled album on January 23^rd. Dave Mustaine and crew are taking their last bow with this record, their follow-up to 2022’s excellent The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead. That album was in my opinion their best since 2004’s phenomenal The System Has Failed. So, how does this closing chapter stack up against Mustaine’s 16 previous albums? Well, after a handful of spins, I’m not 100% sure yet. I like it, but I don’t love it. It seems to be growing on me more with every new spin but it feels like it lacks a few good gems to make it truly memorable. The opener and first single, “Tipping Point”, is one of the finest tracks on here, showcasing the band’s technical proficiency. The second single, “I Don’t Care”, has a punk edge to it, but somehow never really takes off for me. It’s not a bad song per se but I’m ambivalent towards it. “Hey God?!” features a familiar riff, but in the end turns out to be a paint by numbers tune that is quite forgettable. The third single, “Let There Be Shred”, follows and this one packs a wallop. A catchy track full of youthful energy reminiscent of ‘80s-era Megadeth. The fourth and latest single (seriously, why not spread the singles throughout the LP instead of all one after the other!), “Puppet Parade”, is a mid-tempo, Risk-era sounding tune that is a definite highlight of the record. “Another Bad Day” is another average song with uninspired lyrics; one of the LP’s weakest. Tremendous drumming from Dirk Verbeuren make “Made to Kill” but apart from that, I can take or leave this song. “Obey the Call”, now that’s a song I can get behind! A solid thrash metal tune from top to bottom and strong candidate for best song on the LP. “I Am War” is a decent tune that gets better over multiple listens. The appropriately titled “The Last Note” gets my vote for best song of the LP. Mustaine’s final farewell that brings back a flood of memories and nostalgia of the band’s albums and songs throughout the decades.

Then we move on to the bonus tracks. The much-talked about Metallica cover of “Ride the Lightning” which Dave co-wrote with James and Lars during his tenure with Metallica in the early ‘80s. This is a case of too little, too late. It’s unfair to compare this version to Metallica’s 1984 original as that song is pitch-perfect and we’re getting latter-day Megadeth/Mustaine performing it. It’s an adequate take on it, surprisingly sticking very close to ‘Tallica’s version and sadly lacking Dave’s trademark vitriol and emotion. I would’ve loved to hear Peace Sells or Rust in Peace era Megadeth’s rendition of it, but alas, it wasn’t meant to be. There are two more bonus tracks out there which are well worth seeking: “Bloodlust” (a Target bonus track) and “Nobody's Hero” (the digital edition bonus track). If it were up to me, both should have been included on the album instead of “Hey God?!” and “Another Bad Day”. So, what’s my final verdict about Megadeth’s coda? I believe it’ll get better with the passage of time. At least, it doesn’t overstay its welcome like some of the albums post United Abominations did, feeling at times like they went on far too long. The one thing that it’s got going for it is that pretty much every song is different than the other. It’s already a polarizing album (maybe even more so because it’s the last one, so hardcore fans maybe had higher expectations), but I think overall, the majority of Megadeth devotees will at least enjoy a couple of songs.  You have to admire Dave Mustaine for founding a thrash metal band that lasted over four decades with such a brilliant legacy and enough classic tunes to fill a jukebox, all that after getting kicked out of what would go on to become the biggest metal band in the world. He might have always been a close second, but at least he did it on his own terms. A shame it all ends with none of the original members around—I would’ve loved a reunion with the other Dave on bass and maybe Marty Friedman or Chris Poland on guitars for one last hurrah. Still, if you’re a metalhead, you owe it to yourself to put on a good pair of headphones and take Megadeth, the album, for at least a spin. It’s been a wild ride and I’m very thankful that Megadeth exists.

Megadeth’s Official Website

Second, Newcastle upon Tyne darkwave/post-punk band Vampire Valentine gave birth to their first album, Dry Remains, on January 14^th. They were formed in 2025 by producer Michael Longstaff and bassist Kieron Wright with help from US-based cyberpunk producer Ricky Conover aka Forerunnerx. I used to listen to a ton of synthwave/darkwave around the time the movie Drive came out, circa 2011-2018; artists like Gunship, FM-84, Night Runner, and Kavinsky. I’ve always preferred instrumental synth/darkwave but when the songs are good, a tune with vocals can hit just right. With their debut, Vampire Valentine has found a fine balance of dreamy synths and haunting rhythms to deliver a perfect snapshot of where they’re at in their evolution. The opening instrumental, “Fresh”, oozes with atmosphere while “Thorns”, their catchy second single, sets a wistful tone for the seven tracks that follow. Some highlights of the record for me are the more rock-oriented “Poison”; the elegant piano-driven instrumental “Moth”; the first single, the gentle “Porcelain” (not a cover of the Moby song), which is in my opinion the most memorable track on here and its counterpart, “Olivia”, an earworm with a gothic flavour. Overall, Dry Remains is a solid musical statement that should delight darkwave fans of all ages. Vampire Valentine has arrived—give them a spin at your earliest convenience, you won’t regret it!

Vampire Valentine on Bandcamp

Third, occult doom/hard rock trio Ritual Arcana unleashed their self-titled debut on January 23^rd via Heavy Psych Sounds Records. This three-piece supergroup features the high priestess SharLee LuckyFree on bass & vocals (Moth), the legendary godfather of doom Scott “Wino” Weinrich on guitar (The Obsessed), and the pirate timekeeper Oakley Munson on drums (The Black Lips). What a stellar debut this is! Every member shines on this release; from LuckyFree’s commanding vocals to Wino’s signature guitar sound to Munson’s rumbling drums. “Ritual Arcana”, the song and first single, a fiery, doomier than thou tune sets the tone for the record. If you dig it, then you’ll certainly get a kick out of the whole record. Some highlights for me include the strange and captivating pirate metal tune “Free Like a Pirate”; the slow, hypnotic “Berkana” about a powerful rune; “Mistress of Change”, one of the doomiest tracks of the LP with vocals to die for; the melodic second single and perfect follow-up to the title track, “Subtle Fruits”; and the closer and third single, “Wake the Goddess”, a bass-heavy psychedelic gem. Ritual Arcana is a perfect name for this band and this album: a secret, mysterious ceremony. It’s really early in the year, but it’s bound to become one of 2026’s top albums. So, drop the needle and let the ritual begin!

Heavy Psych Sounds’ Bandcamp Page for Ritual Arcana

Fourth, Seattle, Washington power metal quintet Greyhawk return with their third LP, Warriors of Greyhawk, on February 13^th via the Cruz Del Sur Music label. This is their first album with new vocalist Anthony Corso who joined the band in 2024. I’m new to this band but I’ve listened to a couple of tracks from their previous releases and I must say, for my taste, I prefer Corso’s vocals to those of their previous frontman, Rev Taylor. They sound quite different as far as singers go and it gives the band a refreshing new sound. Taylor does make an appearance on a track, “Chosen”, as guest vocalist. To me, Warriors of Greyhawk is the perfect blend of traditional heavy metal and epic power metal. Power metal has grown on me increasingly these past couple of years and this record sounded better and better on every subsequent spin I gave it. The tone-setting first single, “Ascension”, is melodic and a terrific snapshot of the sonic journey that awaits. “Land of Ashes” is a speedy power metal tune with a fiery guitar solo while the anthemic battle cry of “Take A Stand” is bound to rally Greyhawk fans everywhere. Other highlights for me include the earth-scorcher with soaring vocals, “Endless Race”; the Priest-like charm of “Hyperspace”; the gentler “Rise Above”, and my personal favourite, the closing track, “Eternal Quest” which comes full circle lyrically with the album’s opener. Whether you’re a novice in the realm of Greyhawk or a seasoned warrior, Warriors of Greyhawk is full of magic and fantastical adventures. It’s a superb old school/epic metal album that should be heard by metalheads everywhere, especially those who fancy role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and/or LARP.

Greyhawk on Bandcamp

Fifth, Swedish-Norwegian rap-metal legends Clawfinger will make their much-anticipated return—a full eighteen years since their last LP—with Before We All Die on February 20^th via the Perception label imprint of Reigning Phoenix Music. As has always been the case with Clawfinger, this is a record with many messages, tackling racism, politics, drug policies, the environment, and social issues. The quintet, led by rapid-fire vocalist Zak Tell, delivers an outstanding dozen songs without a single dud in the lot. The three singles are all highlights of the LP: the barn-burning “Scum” aimed directly at the 45^th & 47^th U.S. President, the moodily melodic “Ball & Chain”, and the dystopian “Big Brother” and its obsession with the proverbial 15 minutes of fame. Some of my personal faves include the catchy “A Perfect Day”, reminiscent of Ice Cube’s classic “It Was a Good Day”; the swampy and bluesy “A Fucking Disgrace”; the groovy "Environmental Patients" which was released as a single back in 2022; and the closing title track, “Before We All Die”, serving as a wake-up call to the listeners—and which would be a fitting choice for their next single. Before We All Die is an album that goes for the jugular at full throttle. It’s an aggressive, melodic, groovy affair, and a timely record that stands on its own as a highpoint in Clawfinger’s discography. Clawfinger remain relevant purveyors of rap-metal after over thirty years in the business. Highly recommended for fans of the band, rap-metal, and music with a deeper meaning. 

Perception’s Page for Clawfinger

And there you have it, folks! The first issue of HKP of 2026 is in the books! It’s already shaping up to be a stellar year for music. Tune back here on February 28^th for the next round of the Harbinger’s Killer Picks. Until then, stay safe and crank up the tunes! 

Harbinger of D.O.O.M.’s Top 13 Albums of 2025

Happy Holidays to all! As 2025 is rapidly coming to a close, it’s time for those Top Albums of the Year lists to start popping up. There were too many records I wanted to feature to fit on a Top 10 list so I decided to do what I did a few years ago and do a Top 13 list instead. It’s been another phenomenal year for metal music once again. The albums you’ll find on this list consist of LPs that I find myself going back to most often and that I see myself spinning many more times over the years to come in the genres and subgenres of Metal, Rock, and Doom. So, without further ado, here are my thirteen favourite records of 2025 with a link to my Harbinger’s Killer Picks article for each along with links to purchase the LPs:

13. Helloween – Giants and Monsters (Label: Reigning Phoenix Music)

12. Gin Lady – Before the Dawn of Time (Label: Ripple Music)

11. Black Rain – Black Rain (Label: Self-Released)

10. Lordi – Limited Deadition (Label: Reigning Phoenix Music)

9. Wings of Steel – Winds of Time (Label: High Roller Records)

8. Various – No Life ‘til Leather: A Tribute to Metallica's Kill 'Em All (Label: Silver Lining Music)

7. Animalize – Verminateur (Label: Dying Victims Productions)

6. Reflection – The Battles I Have Won (Label: Pitch Black Records)

5. Year of the Cobra – Year of the Cobra (Label: Prophecy Productions)

4. H.e.a.t – Welcome to the Future (Label: earMUSIC)

3. Mausoleum Gate – Space, Rituals and Magick (Label: Cruz Del Sur Music)

2. Solicitor – Enemy in Mirrors (Label: Gates of Hell Records)

1. Venator – Psychodrome (Label: Dying Victims Productions)

And there you have it! Hopefully my list will make you discover an LP or a band that you’d overlooked or not heard of. I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge and thank all the PR firms, labels, and bands who have contacted me and sent me some great music throughout the year. I do my best to review a wide variety of releases; if it sounds good to me, then I’ll review it, regardless of the genre it’s in. I’ll see you all on the other side of the calendar on January 31^st, 2026 to kick off another year of the Harbinger’s Killer Picks. Until then, stay safe and have a healthy and happy New Year! 

Harbinger’s Killer Picks – November 2025

Greetings! We’ve arrived at the last Saturday of November and the final issue of 2025 for the Harbinger’s Killer Picks as next month I’ll be focusing on my Top Ten Albums of the Year. So, one more time, here are my top five picks of the month, in chronological release order.

First, the hottest band in the world, KISS, celebrated two golden anniversaries in late October/early November with deluxe CD/vinyl releases of their 1975 albums Dressed to Kill and the legendary Alive! It’s no secret that KISS is my all-time favourite band so new KISS stuff, especially live albums, is always welcome. They really went all-out with these releases! You get a ton of merch like T-shirts, books, posters, cards, photos, guitar picks, stickers, and of course, CDs and vinyls. And with Ace Frehley’s passing last month, it’s comforting to revisit and celebrate this particular period of peak KISS. Even if you don’t intend to buy these rather pricey sets, you can at least head over to YouTube and listen to a bunch of remastered classic tunes and newly-released demos. For one, Dressed to Kill has never sounded crisper; a much-needed improvement over the existing releases. But the real treasure buried amongst all these bells and whistles is the full soundboard show from May 1975 at Cobo Hall in Detroit. I’ve been waiting for decades to finally listen to it and it is ten shades of awesome! It features 18 tracks and since it can sometimes be hard to track it down in all the playlists on KISS’s YouTube channel, I’ve made a playlist of it on my own YouTube channel. You can find the link below. I urge you to give it a listen; you can thank me later. I just wish they’d put it out as an Off the Soundboard release instead of including it as an extra in a boxed set; the last two Off the Soundboard releases have been seriously lacking. In any case, I’m just thankful it’s available at last in near-pristine sound quality. With KISS’s Landlocked in Vegas electric and acoustic shows (November 14-16) now in the rearview, I guess this concludes 2025 for the KISS Army. I’m excited to see what next year will bring; we’re getting closer to the New Era of KISS (2027) with their digital avatars. It remains to be seen if it’ll be as mind-blowing as they claim it will be. In the meantime, we have plenty of KISS music to listen to, thanks to the incredible body of work they’ve accomplished over the past five decades.     

Dressed to Kill on KISS Online

Alive! on KISS Online

KISS Live at Cobo Hall, May 16^th, 1975 YouTube Playlist

Second, Silver Lining Music released No Life ‘til Leather - A Tribute to Metallica's Kill 'Em All on November 14^th. I love Metallica and I think I love tribute albums even more, especially when the roster featured is this exciting. Featuring a who’s who of the best metal bands around, No Life ‘til Leather is a phenomenal homage to the godfathers of thrash metal. Instead of covering random ‘Tallica tunes, this project covers their classic 1983 debut, Kill 'Em All, from top to bottom. Now that’s my kind of record! Some songs were recorded specifically for the occasion, others have been previously available (Motorhead being an obvious example). There were only two modern bands I wasn’t familiar with: Tailgunner who open the festivities with an awesome rendition of “Hit the Lights” and Soen with their cover of “Motorbreath”—their sound reminded me a bit of Offspring circa 1994, so pretty cool. We also have The Almighty doing “The Four Horsemen”, making it sound as if Metallica had recorded it around ‘96/’97 instead of ’83; Tygers of Pan Tang putting their spin on “Jump in the Fire”; former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson handling the “(Anesthesia) - Pulling Teeth” instrumental (how poetic is that!); Lemmy & Co. doing a fine “Whiplash”; legendary NWOBHM band Saxon putting their stamp on “Phantom Lord”; Diamond Head returning the favour to Metallica who’d covered one of their own tunes—an all-time fave of mine, “Am I Evil?”—by covering “No Remorse”; fellow Californian thrash masters Testament pay their respect with “Seek & Destroy”; and British metallers Raven close things out with a scorching interpretation of “Metal Militia”. No Life ‘til Leather - A Tribute to Metallica's Kill 'Em is an instant classic and one of the best tribute albums I’ve ever heard—and I’ve listened to plenty! If you’re a Metallica fan or an old school thrash metal aficionado, then this belongs in your collection. Go get it now!

No Life ‘til Leather on Spotify

Third, Rockford, Illinois’ classic rock/power pop legends Cheap Trick returned on November 14^th with their twenty-first and final studio album, All Washed Up, marking fifty-plus years in the business! Who hasn’t heard songs like “Surrender” or “I Want You to Want Me” a thousand times? Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen and company excel at writing memorable riffs and catchy lyrics. While I’m not the biggest Cheap Trick fan, I’ve enjoyed a lot of their songs over the past decades and I think they’re a terrific band. The only album of theirs I’ve ever owned is Lap of Luxury (1988) which I bought on tape when it came out. At the time, thirteen-year-old me played the hell out of that tape and to this day, “The Flame” remains my favourite Cheap Trick song. All Washed Up is on par with Cheap Trick’s best LPs, in my humble opinion. From the opening title track, a great rocker to get things going, you know this is gonna be a fun listen. “All Wrong Long Gone" channels AC/DC; the second single, “The Riff That Won't Quit", took a while to grow on me but is a fine song; "Bet It All" with its menacing and gloomy vibe is a highlight of the record, albeit a tad too short for my taste; "The Best Thing" is a lovely Beatlesque ballad; the first single, "Twelve Gates", remains my favourite track of the LP, an instant classic; "Bad Blood" is a reworked demo from the ‘90s, a cool lost classic; "Dancing with the Band" is a high-energy, happy tune; "Love Gone" is another pretty ballad; "A Long Way to Worcester" (pronounced “wustr”) is a laid-back kind of tune; and the short closer "Wham Boom Bang" is a fun track with a retro sound. Overall, this is a strong collection of Cheap Trick songs. Are they all washed up? I don’t think so, but there comes a time for every band to take a bow and retire. It’s always better when a band chooses to exit while they’re still at the top of their game. They leave us with a significant catalog of power pop gems, and man can these guys write great ballads! All Washed Up deserves a place in your music library, or at the very least, a couple of spins to hear what the fuss is about. They will be missed.

Cheap Trick’s Official Website

Fourth, Finnish heavy metal sextet Mausoleum Gate unleashed their third album, Space, Rituals and Magick, via Cruz Del Sur Music on November 14^th. Wow, what a trip this album is! It sounds like an undiscovered gem that was made and produced circa 1980. Analog music lovers will really dig the vibe Mausoleum Gate shoots for with their unique brand of prog rock/heavy metal. The opener, “Vision Divine”, with its organ-driven sound and Jarno Saarinen’s Ozzy-inspired vocals take the listener back in time to the late ‘70s. “Lucifer Shrine” is a prog delight with a heavenly avalanche of synths, almost poppy at times, while the first single, “Sacred Be Thy Throne”, is pitch-perfect and undoubtedly the catchiest track of the record. “Shine the Night” might be my personal favourite, channeling electronic music maestro Vangelis with its synthesiser arrangements, and the title track is a spacey rocker that packs the most energy of all the songs on Space, Rituals and Magick. To close things out, the almost gentle “Witches Circle” is an epic eight-minute number that showcases a softer side of the band. A way to describe Mausoleum Gate would be to say that its Emerson, Lake & Palmer meets Black Sabbath. Or Deep Purple with Rick Wakeman on keyboards and Ozzy on vocals. It’s certainly Finnish prog metal at its best with sometimes weird lyrics about the occult and Lucifer in a cheerful kind of way, if that makes any sense. In any case, it’s a ton of fun to listen to. Space, Rituals and Magick has got cult record written all over it! It will make its way to my Top Ten Albums of the Year list with a vengeance.

Mausoleum Gate on Bandcamp

Fifth, Richmond, Indiana’s stoner metal quartet (and sometimes quintet?) Wolftooth returned with their fourth LP, Wizard’s Light, via the mighty Ripple Music on November 21^st. A great blend of Sabbath and The Sword with a dash of Maiden, this band first came to my attention when they brilliantly covered KISS’s “100,000 Years”. I’ll admit that this LP was a grower for me; I found it decent the first time around, liked it the second time, and really dug it the third time I took it for a spin. Chris Sullivan’s vocals are eerily reminiscent of vintage Ozzy at times and it just adds to the retro vibe of this record. The lyrics feature plenty of fantasy and metal themes to go along with arena-ready riffs paired with a bunch of headbanging guitar solos on top of thumping basslines and pounding drums. After a brief, mysterious instrumental intro, the riff-heavy “Sightless Archer” starts things off with a bang, followed by the infectious second single, “Darkened Path”. The title track comes next, arguably my favourite song on the album; it’s a perfect metal tune in every aspect. Next up, “Sands of Redemption”, a superb track with a tremendous guitar solo; other highlights include “Armor of Steel”, a powerful battle hymn, and the latest single, “All Father”, which is certainly the doomiest song of this ten-pack of epic gemstones. Wizard’s Light is one of Ripple Music’s best releases of 2025. It’s a solid slab of old school metal with a stoner slant, catchy and melodic, that is guaranteed to satisfy heavy music fans across the land.

Wolftooth on Bandcamp

Ripple Music’s Bandcamp Page for Wolftooth

And that’s a wrap, folks! I’ll be back on December 27^th for the last time in 2025 to reveal my Top Ten Albums of what turned out to be another memorable year for metal and heavy rock. Until then, stay safe, and crank up the tunes! 

Harbinger’s Killer Picks – October 2025

Halloween is just around the corner and we’ve arrived at the last Saturday of October! It’s time for the Harbinger’s Killer Picks. Autumn is the most stacked time of the year for new releases so I’ve got plenty for you this month. So, without further ado, here are my top eight picks for October, in chronological release order.

First, local Québec francophone rock ‘n’ roll heroes Vilain Pingouin are back to complete their trilogy of EPs which started in 2018 with Coup d’coeur followed by 2022’s Coup d’main and culminates with Coup de grâce which came out on September 30^th. The band is on its final tour across Québec at the moment and this is their final EP/album. Lead singer Rudy Caya has said that he will continue to make music but it will be via different projects in other music genres such as hip hop, reggae, electronic, heavy metal, jazz, and blues. I, for one, look forward to hearing whatever the man does. I’d been eagerly awaiting this four-track EP ever since the release of the catchy first single, “Eh oh!”, this summer. Vilain Pingouin is my all-time favourite French-singing band and their 1990 self-titled debut album is a desert island disc for me; a stellar record from top to bottom that I still listen to regularly to this day. Coup de grâce is a fitting way to end; three terrific songs and a superb instrumental. If you’re into hard rock, francophone music, or just love solid songwriting, pick it up (as well as the other two equally awesome EPs). For whatever reason, the EP isn’t on Bandcamp with the rest of their discography (only the lead single is), but I’m posting the link to their BC page and to Spotify where you can listen to the whole thing. Les pingouins nous quittent sur une bonne note! (The penguins exit on a strong note).

Vilain Pingouin on Bandcamp

Coup de grâce EP on Spotify

Second, New Jersey’s Ruby the Hatchet celebrated the tenth anniversary of their breakthrough album, 2015’s Valley of the Snake, by doing a live in-studio re-recording of it back in February-March earlier this year over at Retro City Studios in Philadelphia, PA. It’s an unexpected follow-up to 2022’s masterpiece, Fear Is a Cruel Master. The results are phenomenal and even outclass the original LP, in my humble opinion. Valley of the Snake: Live to Tape at Retro City was released on October 3^rd, exclusively on vinyl. When you purchase the vinyl, you get a bonus digital download with it. You can listen to the entire album on YouTube at the link below. They’d also released a bonus digital track back in September from the same sessions; a cover of Quarterflash’s 1981 gem “Harden My Heart”. I won’t get into a track-by-track rundown, but two of the highlights of the six-track LP are definitely the acoustic renditions of “Heavy Blanket” and “Tomorrow Never Comes”. Bottom line is, get the vinyl or listen to it on YouTube, buy the digital track; find a way to get this LP to your ears ASAP, you won’t regret it. Jillian Taylor’s soulful vocals are in a league of their own and the entire band shines on this release. This is old school, heavy psych rock at its finest, folks.

Ruby the Hatchet on Bandcamp

Valley of the Snake: Live to Tape at Retro City on YouTube

Third, the mighty Ripple Music just released a one-two punch yesterday with two awesome LPs; the first being Connecticut heavy rock band Bone Church’s third outing, Deliverance. Third time’s the charm for Bone Church and the boys have really hit their stride—Deliverance is a splendid album in every aspect. The band’s sound has changed and evolved for the better since their self-titled debut EP in 2017. Five long years have elapsed since their first LP, Acid Communion, and it’s less about Sabbath worship than it is about good old rock ‘n’ roll from the ‘70s à la Allman Brothers and ZZ Top, which in my opinion, suits them a lot better. It’s especially the case for Jack Rune’s vocals which sound tailor-made for singing this kind of material. The quintet is clearly passionate about this special bunch of songs they took years crafting to perfection and the delivery is both soulful and vibrant. From the opener, “Electric Execution”, a feel-good rocker, to “Lucifer Rising” with its occult vibes and addictive riff, to the easygoing “Goin’ to Texas” which ZZ Top would certainly approve, to the humoristic, groovy, bass-heavy “Muchachos Muchachin'”, to the kick-ass first single, the anthemic “Bone Boys Ride Out”, to the absolute epicness of current single and what may very well be the best song they’ve ever written, “Deliverance”. That song truly is a modern-day classic rock gem loaded with feeling, a catchy melody, and a gorgeous mid-section. Deliverance, the album, has it all. Long-time Bone Church fans will cherish it and newcomers will be blown away by just how great and tight the band sounds. If you’re a fan of classic rock and miss the good old days of blues-laced numbers by the likes of Led Zep and Lynyrd Skynyrd, then don’t hesitate to dive into Deliverance.

Ripple Music’s Bandcamp Page for Bone Church

Fourth, the second part of Ripple Music’s dual release from yesterday comes in the form of The Obsessed and Saint Vitus’s legendary frontman, Scott “Wino” Weinrich with his latest solo album, Create or Die. This exquisite new collection of songs goes along much in the same vein as his previous solo effort, 2020’s excellent Forever Gone, featuring a good balance of acoustic and electric tunes. Chronologically for Wino, this follows last year’s remarkable The Obsessed record, Gilded Sorrow. After the laid-back opener, “Anhedonia”, we’re treated to the first single, the jewel that is “New Terms”; this is how you write and perform an acoustic song—pure perfection! Then he plugs back in for “Carolina Fox” and its head-bobbing riff; “Hopeful Defiance”, a song of protest, is a banger; “Us or Them”, the second single, will rock you gently; “Cold and Wrong” unplugs again, another beauty in a style that has very much become Wino’s signature sound; “Lost Souls Fly” is the best track of the album, in my humble opinion, an otherworldly, hypnotic piece that will go down as a classic I’m sure; “Bury Me in Texas” is  a lovely ode to Texas with quite a bit of country jabbed into it for good measure; and the acoustic closer, “Noble Man”, had me picturing James Clavell’s John Blackthorne from Shogun in my head, a very cool song. With Create or Die, Wino strongly reaffirms why he’s such an icon of the heavy rock/doom genres. As much as I’m a fan of The Obsessed and Saint Vitus, I gotta say, these last two solo outings have been exceptional and might very well surpass the quality of his celebrated bands’ latter-day output. Create or Die has a timeless quality to it and shows that Wino has no shortage of creativity. We are lucky to have him continue to create music for us after so many decades. Highly recommended!

Ripple Music’s Bandcamp Page for Wino

Fifth, Portland, Oregon hard rockers Alpha Destroyer are set to release their debut LP, Fast Lane, on Halloween via Necromantic Press Records. This is one hell of a fun record, folks! An amalgamation of ‘80s hard rock with smatterings of old school metal, this rock quintet sure knows how to party. The four singles released thus far are all standout tracks and an excellent representation of the album: the barn-burner “Straight into the Grind”; the latest single, “Masterplan”, channelling Rush; the fiery “Lobotomized”; and the title track, “Fast Lane”, with its mystic flavour. Other highlights for me include “Sweet Dreams from Oblivion” with its tremendous guitars, the catchy “Manic Messiah”, reminiscent of Cheap Trick at times, and my personal favourite, the closer, “The Prophet”, with its gloomy, doomsday atmosphere. It’s got plenty of rapid-fire riffs and guitar solos to feed guitar lovers’ appetites, along with flamboyant basslines, and pummelling drums. Alpha Destroyer delivers the rock and metal goods in spades, wearing its Def Leppard, Van Hagar, and Morbid Angel influences on their sleeves, infusing its sound with a contagious energy. Fast Lane features a top-notch collection of bangers and is a solid meat-and-potatoes hard rock album. Highly recommended for hard rock and metal fans who miss the heyday of arena rock.

Alpha Destroyer on Bandcamp

Sixth, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK’s post-punk/goth rock quartet Social Youth Cult will unveil their debut LP, The Lighthouse, on November 2^nd. This is one hell of an atmospheric record, folks. From the opening rhythms of the insanely catchy lead-in track, “Venus”, you know you’re in for a treat. The LP’s first and only single, “Close to Nothing”, follows with strong early Bauhaus vibes; a great representation of The Lighthouse as a whole. Other highlights for me include “The Man in the Photo” which feels like it’d be right at home in a David Lynch film while “She's Dread” is a beautiful, slow, and moody number. Also of note, “Strange Times”, a hypnotic tune, with singer Shaun Greer channeling Peter Murphy post-Bauhaus. This brooding band’s sound is reminiscent of ‘80s goth rock all the while instilling it with a vigorous, bleak energy that will keep them relevant for years to come. This English group serves us with a solid gothic music record that you’ll want to listen to over and over again during the cold, gloomy days of November and December. If Social Youth Cult is what post-punk sounds like nowadays, then please inject it into my veins!

Social Youth Cult on Bandcamp

Seventh, NYC hardcore/punk pioneers Agnostic Front will unleash their 13^th studio album, Echoes in Eternity, on November 7^th via heavyweight metal label Reigning Phoenix Music. Full disclosure: Until hearing Echoes in Eternity, I’d never listened to a single Agnostic Front song. I was well aware of them and of their importance in the hardcore/punk pantheon, but had yet to lend them my ears. Founded in 1980, the New York quintet is led by vocalist Roger Miret and Vincent "Vinnie Stigma" Capuccio on lead guitar. When the YouTube link to the first single, “Way of War”, popped up in my inbox, I felt compelled to click it and really dug what I heard so I figured I’d give Echoes in Eternity a chance. I’m very glad I did. I’m really not into hardcore music, and aside from a few classic punk albums from the Sex Pistols and The Clash, I don’t listen to punk, so I went into this record with nearly virgin ears. I’m aware that punk songs are quite short, but still, this album’s got 15 songs for a stretch of 27 minutes—now that’s really short! Nevertheless, there isn’t a dud for the duration of its brisk runtime; all tracks are absolute fire. Touching on themes as broad as injustice, self-doubt, fascism, and tyranny, Echoes in Eternity is a Molotov cocktail of an album. Aside from the blistering first single and opening track, some of the highlights for me include the anthemic “You Say” with its killer riff and sing-along chorus; the second single, the punchy crossover hip hop “Matter Of Life & Death” featuring RUN DMC's Darryl “DMC” McDaniels; the unbelievably catchy “Sunday Matinee” (my pick for best track on here); the kick-ass “Turn Up the Volume” with its metal leanings; the infectious “Shots Fired”, and “Skip the Trial”, a great punk rock tune with a cool guitar solo. Agnostic Front are highly regarded as pioneers of the crossover thrash genre and it’s showcased throughout this record, much to this reviewer’s pleasure. I honestly don’t know how it will fare with hardcore fans and long-time Agnostic Front devotees, but to this listener’s ears, it more than hit the mark. Unapologetic and brimming with adrenaline, Echoes in Eternity is an outstanding album that shows that Agnostic Front still has plenty of tricks up their sleeves even after 45 years of relentless aggression.

Reigning Phoenix Music’s Page for Agnostic Front

Eighth, yet another Ripple Music release coming your way on November 7^th, Black Sabbitch paying homage to Black Sabbath with their live LP Unrest in The West. This all-female Sabbath tribute band is nothing short of spectacular! Their choice of going for deep cuts rather than a crop of the more well-known Sabbath tunes is refreshing. So, no “Paranoid”, ‘’Iron Man” or “War Pigs” here. Black Sabbath’s music is just as relevant now as it was 50 years ago and that’s quite a statement. The founders of Doom and Heavy Metal can be proud of the mark they’ve left in the world of music, having influenced musicians from all ages and all walks of life. I don’t know about you, but I’m always up for a Sabbath cover song. There have been many great Sabbath tributes released over the last couple of years, including two pretty awesome ones from Magnetic Eye Records; two from the legendary Zakk Wylde and his band Zakk Sabbath; and more recently the Back to the Beginning concert last July paying homage to Ozzy and Sabbath with an all-star cast of performers. Black Sabbitch gives us an all-female perspective and puts a nice spin on things. The L.A. quartet has even performed at the inaugural Ozzfiesta at the personal invitation of Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, so they’ve more than paid their dues. I’d heard of Sabbitch online, seen some clips on YouTube, and was eagerly anticipating this LP’s release. It consists of eight tracks with a runtime of 45 minutes from Sabbath’s Ozzy era. Since they’re a tribute band, they don’t deviate much from the original songs; it’s basically a classic Sabbath show with a female lead (and backup band playing). From the superb doomy opener, “Wheels of Confusion / The Straightener”, we get terrific renditions of “A National Acrobat”, “The Wizard” (a personal favourite of mine), the lesser known “A Hard Road” from Never Say Die, “Lord of This World”, “Hole in the Sky”, “Children of the Grave” (my all-time fave Sabbath tune), and they close out fittingly with “Into the Void”. Unrest in the West treats us to a spellbinding performance that is an instant classic for Sabbath fans. It’s a must-have record for metal and doom aficionados alike. I wonder if Black Sabbitch would be up to doing another album, this time focusing on Sabbath’s Dio era. That’d be a really cool listen and something we don’t hear too often. Who knows!

Ripple Music’s Bandcamp Page for Black Sabbitch

And this brings the October issue of HKP to a close! The Harbinger’s Killer Picks will return on November 29^th for the last time in 2025 as December makes way for my Top Ten Albums of the Year. Until then, stay safe, have a spooky Halloween, and crank up the tunes! 

Harbinger’s Killer Picks – September 2025

Last Saturday of September and autumn has arrived! It’s that time of the month again: The Harbinger’s Killer Picks. Another great month of music in what is shaping up to be a stellar season for music. Fall is a busy time for music releases so this month I have seven picks instead of my usual five, in chronological release order.

First, Birmingham, England goth rock/darkwave duo Black Rose Moves released a new single titled “Club of Sin” this past September 12^th. Now I don’t usually review singles, but this one made me discover this awesome duo who also released a tremendous EP last June, Death Dance, so I thought I’d hit two birds with one stone and give both some love. First off, if you’re into classic gothic music à la Sisters of Mercy and Rosetta Stone, then you’re in for a treat! Let’s talk about the single, “Club of Sin”, a banging track with a catchy chorus wrapped in an aura of lust and secrets. It sounds different than the songs on their EP but shows the band evolving musically. The EP, Death Dance, is a thing of beauty. A 4-track affair, right from the get-go with the opening song, “Lips Taste Blood”, the listener is instantly taken back to the ‘80s and the zenith of goth music. This song is like a visit from a good old friend you haven’t seen in a while. “Shadow Dance” will get you moving with its infectious beats and rhythms; “Jessica” is an up-tempo tune reminiscent of the afore-mentioned Sisters of Mercy’s gem “Marian” that’ll stay stuck in your head all day; and they close out the set with my favourite of the bunch, “Summer of Sorrow”, a mysterious, spooky tune that has a summer vibe with its droning sound akin to cicadas and crickets buzzing. Death Dance is a runner-up for my favourite EP of the year—an exquisite collection of songs, while “Club of Sin” is a fresh and exciting number. Black Rose Moves’ Grant Leon provides haunting vocals to Mark Neat’s alluring soundscapes. Give their music some spins; they’re a talented, quality outfit with a clear vision of where they’re going. Here’s hoping we get a full-length album from this duo in the near-future.

Black Rose Moves on Bandcamp

Second, Seattle, Washington speed metal quintet Solicitor returned with their second LP, Enemy in Mirrors, via Gates of Hell Records on September 19^th and there ain’t no such thing as the sophomore slump for this band. If you thought Seattle only gave us grunge and Jimi Hendrix, think again! Solicitor does classic ‘80s speed metal with panache without pulling any punches. Sounding at times like a cross between vintage ‘Tallica circa Ride the Lightning and Priest’s heydays of Screaming for Vengeance, their latest LP Enemy in Mirrors is nothing short of breathtaking. Ringleader vocalist Amy Lee Carlson is a feast for the ears. In an alternate reality, she’s a British man and his name is Rob Halford. Whether or not you’re into female-fronted metal bands is irrelevant—Carlson’s sizzling vocals will annihilate your eardrums. But it’s not just Amy Lee that shines here; the entire band fires on all cylinders on every track. From the dazzling instrumental intro of “The Descent” to the instant classic two singles, the catchy-as-all-hell “Iron Wolves of War” and the anthemic earworm “Crimson Battle Beast”, the sneaky awesome title track to the breakneck guitar wizardry of “We Who Remain”, to the one-two punch of the deadly duo of “Black Magick” and “The Devil's Hand”, there’s no shortage of bangers on this impressive album. The songs overall are more well-rounded, melodic, and ruthless than on their already outstanding previous efforts. This band will take your life, mark my words. Enemy in Mirrors has insane replay value. In fact, after you purchase it, do yourself a favour and get their equally spectacular debut LP, Spectral Devastation, as well as their self-titled EP because, trust me, the more Solicitor you listen to, the more you’ll want. This one’s an absolute Top Five Album of the Year contender, folks. All hail Solicitor!

Solicitor on Bandcamp

Third, London, UK’s metal warriors War Grave returned yesterday with their first LP, Free Will, the follow-up to last year’s excellent self-titled debut EP. This new release came out with very little fanfare beforehand and I got excited for it as I was a big fan of their EP. After a handful of listens, Free Will is a pretty good album in my opinion but falls short of the promise of their first outing. Roman Kantoch’s vocals are just as striking here and the twin guitar threat of Trent Powell and Stuart Layne delivers awe-inspiring guitar solos and wizardry throughout the LP’s 49-minute runtime. But, because unfortunately there must often be a “but”, the songs don’t quite reach the level of arena anthems and memorable choruses their first offering had. Don’t get me wrong, it’s better than a ton of metal out there, but I was expecting more from the boys after such a magnificent debut. The highlights for me on Free Will include the title track, a solid meat-and-potatoes metal tune; the first single, “Break These Chains”, with its positive message, easily the catchiest song on the record—the LP needed more tracks such as this one; “As Far As You Can Go” with its beautiful, intricate guitar work; “Light ‘Em Up”, a moody, atmospheric piece that gets my vote for best song of the LP; and the breakneck barn-burner “Wolf & Raven”. Altogether, it’s a less thrashy record than its predecessor, closer to Priest and Maiden than, say, Megadeth or Testament, and is a guitar solo fan’s dream as it shines in that regard. I’m sure War Grave followers (and metal fans in general) will enjoy Free Will; it’s a solid metal record chock-full of fast tempos that left me a little underwhelmed, but mileage may vary, as the saying goes. In any case, give it a spin, it’s well worth your time.

War Grave on Bandcamp

Fourth, Italian classic doom metallers Warcoe released yesterday their third LP, Upon Tall Thrones, via the mighty Ripple Music. I wasn’t familiar with this band, but the best way to describe them is that they have an old school doom sound reminiscent of Trouble and Pentagram with obvious Sabbath worship (the singer even sounds like Ozzy at times). Right off the bat, if you heard the first two singles, “Octagon” and “I've Sat Upon Tall Thrones (But I'll Never Learn)”, you know exactly what you’re gonna get. The two tracks I actually enjoyed the most were the record’s two instrumentals: “Gather in the Woods”, a lovely, gentle acoustic guitar tune and “Flame in Your Hand”, a pretty solid doom number that lets the music do the talking. This is a record filled with awesome riffs. That being said, in the end, you need more than riffs to create a memorable album and it failed to stick the landing, in my humble opinion. Upon Tall Thrones doesn’t have any bad songs per se, but lacks those one or two truly great tracks that if you were to make a doom compilation for a friend, you’d simply have to have on there. I know I’ll be in the minority as the band has its hardcore followers and there’s good buzz surrounding this new record, but for me, after a handful of spins, unfortunately, Upon Tall Thrones is a decent yet lackluster affair. I still think it warrants a recommendation to doom aficionados in general, and of course, Warcoe fans.

Ripple Music’s Bandcamp Page for Warcoe

Fifth, Swedish quartet Siena Root are set to release a live double album titled Made in KuBa on October 3^rd via Perception, a division of Reigning Phoenix Music. The concert was recorded over three nights in March 2024 at legendary Kulturbahnhof (KuBa) in Jena, Germany. For the uninitiated, Siena Root is a versatile band that performs across a broad spectrum of genres such as heavy psych, jazz, blues, alternative, and classic rock. Fronted by Zubaida Solid who’s got world-class vocals, the band goes into live experimentation much to the listener’s delight. I hear echoes of Deep Purple played on the organ as well as guitars channeling Stevie Ray Vaughan that help to shape the band’s signature warm tones starting with the opener, the bluesy “Coincidence & Fate” with languorous vocals and throbbing bassline. Aside from that, some highlights for me include the epic, psychedelic number “We (We Are Them)”; “Keeper of the Flame” whose vocals are reminiscent of Adele, a ballad-type tune with smoky guitar; the Zeppelinesque “Tales of Independence”; my personal favourite, the catchy single “Outlander” which perfectly sums up Siena Root; and the dreamy “Imaginary Borders”. This 12-song collection is a fantastic entry point for newcomers and long-time fans will be reminded just how special this band truly is. Solid’s vocals are paired with languid heavy psych vibes throughout and it makes for a memorable concert. So, close your eyes, put on your headphones, light up or grab a drink, and hit the Play button—you’ll be whisked away to the show!  

RPM’s Page for Siena Root

Sixth, from Los Angeles, California’s Sunset Strip, heavy metal band Wings of Steel will take flight with their second studio LP and fourth overall release, Winds of Time, on October 17^th. Co-founded in 2019 by vocalist Leo Unnermark and guitarist Parker Halub, Wings of Steel represents the pinnacle of what the modern L.A. metal scene has to offer. Unnermark has already demonstrated on their previous releases—their 2022 debut EP Wings of Steel, first LP Gates of Twilight in 2023, and last year’s live album, Live in France—that he’s got the pipes to rival the legends of metal’s glory days. He only reasserts that fact here on this latest album. The same goes for Halub who’s a gifted axe-wielder reminiscent of guitarists who became famous as part of Dio, Whitesnake or Iron Maiden. Right from the start with the opener/first single/title track, the boys show us they mean business with a stunning song. Highlights for me include the addictive “Saints and Sinners”; the superb ballad “Crying”; the scorcher of a song “To Die in Holy War”; and the closing tune, the catchy epic “Flight of the Eagle” which is the sum of all the best parts from Wings of Steel. If you miss the good old days of American metal straight out of the ‘80s Sunset Strip, then Wings of Steel has got your fix. Winds of Time overflows with kick-ass, old school metal’s trademark lengthy guitar solos and soaring vocals. The band perfectly captures the sound and the vibe, as the kids call it, of that period many moons ago when that kind of music was pure magic and ruled the airwaves. It’s a sure-fire contender for a spot on my Top Albums of the Year and I’m sure it’ll be featured on many AOTY lists.

Wings of Steel on Bandcamp

Seventh, Melbourne, Australia prog rock trio Flitcraft will return with their third LP, Transmission Echo, via Pitch Black Records on October 17^th. Flitcraft has got quite an original sound for a band that blends so many genres from prog to classic rock and even some ‘90s alternative leanings. This collection of songs is imaginative, uplifting, and full of raw energy. The highlights for me are the first single, “Lara”, easily the catchiest tune on here with its Maiden-inspired riff; the epic, 10-minute long centerpiece, “Years”, brimming with Yes and Rush vibes; “Beside the Point” with its duelling vocals and organ backdrop; the hard rockin’ “Bottleneck” with its guitar brilliance; and the title track and closer, the impressive “Transmission Echo”, full of warm guitar tones where the trio gets to showcase its musical chops. Flitcraft is a band I’m sure we’ll hear lots more of in the near-future and Transmission Echo will surely help propel them to notoriety outside of the Land Down Under. It’s a melodic prog record with rock and pop sensibilities that should please a plethora of music enthusiasts.

Pitch Black Records’ Bandcamp Page for Flitcraft

And that’s the September issue, ladies and gents! The Harbinger’s Killer Picks will return on October 25^th just in time for the best holiday of the year. Until then, stay safe and crank up the tunes!