Harbinger’s Killer Picks – August 2026

Greetings metalheads! I’ve been really busy during these dog days of summer but it’s a great month for new and upcoming releases and I’m showcasing some fall titles. Exciting records are coming your way and I dive into them right here with six killer picks—five LPs and a single—for the month of August.

First, you wanted the best, you got the best: KISS Destroys Anaheim ’76 was released last week on August 21^st to coincide with the 50^th anniversary of that historic show. I had to listen to it on YouTube on release day as my CD only arrived the following Monday from KISS Online (a big improvement in terms of past pre-orders for me), but it was well worth the wait. This live album is KISS-tastic! Why it took fifty years for it to finally be officially released after years of bootlegs circulating on the market in varying degrees of quality boggles the mind. This LP commemorates one of the most iconic shows in KISStory as KISS performed in front of their largest audience to date of 42,000 plus fans at Anaheim Stadium in California on August 20^th, 1976. Originally recorded by Eddie Kramer, Eddie has newly mixed this concert from the original multi-track tapes. This is peak KISS and the band fires on all cylinders here. Everything sounds crystal clear: Paul’s vocals are in top form, Gene’s bass pounds like an earthquake, Ace’s guitar tone is to die for, and Peter’s playing has never been tighter. The setlist is tremendous, with newer songs from Destroyer being added to well-known favourites like “Detroit Rock City”, “King of The Night Time World”, “Shout It Out Loud”, “Do You Love Me”, and “God of Thunder”. After having received my CD, I can honestly say that this is now my second favourite KISS live album, right next to ALIVE! It’s that great. It should’ve been released back in 1976, between ALIVE! and ALIVE II. It’s releases like this one that remind me why KISS is my favourite band of all-time. Up until now I really enjoyed the Off the Soundboard series, but I’d much rather have this kind of release with some slight studio production of a full concert, a cool booklet and packaging as opposed to the drab cardboard releases of Off the Soundboard. If you’re a KISS fan, pick this up ASAP! If you’re a casual fan who only listens to the original KISS era, this is a must-have record!

KISS Destroys Anaheim ’76 at KISS Online & Streaming Platforms

Second, speaking of KISS; Portland, Oregon’s Alpha Destroyer, hot on the heels of their stellar debut LP Fast Lane last year, have put out a metallized hard rock cover of KISS’s classic “God of Thunder” on August 11^th via Necromantic Press Records. They based their rendition on Paul Stanley's original demo version instead of the Bob Ezrin-produced song everyone knows. As a KISS fanatic who always loves discovering new KISS covers, I can tell you, this one ranks way up there. They put their own spin on it while maintaining the spirit of the original. The single is available on streaming platforms and collectors can also purchase the extremely limited, hand-numbered 7” clear vinyl at Necromantic’s Website (link below). It’s a perfect addition to any KISS and/or Alpha Destroyer’s record collection.

Necromantic Press Records' page for "God of Thunder"

"God of Thunder" on Spotify and Apple Music

Third, the mighty Ripple Music label unveils the first chapter of "The Underground Metal Vault"—a new LP/CD series dedicated to unsung late ‘70s and early ‘80s metal heroes. Leading the charge is Bay Area ‘80s metal band Violation with The Anthology due out on September 18^th. This will be another cool series from Ripple Music in the same vein as the “Beneath the Desert Floor” series which uncovers lost treasures from the early days of stoner/desert/doom rock. RidingEasy Records had started a similar series focussing on metal with “Scrap Metal” but seemed to have stopped after only two volumes. Here’s hoping Ripple Music’s goes on for much longer. Violation started out as a cover band in the late ‘70s and went on to write and record original songs, playing gigs throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. In 1982, they released the 7” single of “Meet Me at Midnight” along with “Balls Out” and were also featured on the US Metal, Vol. 3 compilation with the song “Gonna Get to You”. Shortly after the release of that album, Violation disbanded in 1983. Now on to the album. The Anthology compiles all the band’s recordings in one place for the listener’s convenience. Close to an hour of music spread over 15 songs (including three demos), this is a solid LP from top to bottom, folks. Loaded with melodic hooks and memorable choruses, it’s really a shame that this band never took off. Some highlights for me include the kick-ass opener, “Balls Out”; the power ballad “Coming After You”; the rocker “Goin’ Down Fighting”; the killer track “Gonna Get to You” which gets my vote for best song of the LP; and “Meet Me At Midnight”, an obvious choice as why it was released as their first single back in the day. Whether it’s to hear guitarist Paul Harris’s guitar extravaganzas or to listen to a slice of the magical era of early ‘80s metal, Violation’s The Anthology is not to be missed. Fans of Iron Maiden, Thin Lizzy, and UFO will really dig Violation’s music. I’ll be looking forward to Chapter 2 of Ripple Music’s "The Underground Metal Vault".

Ripple Music’s Bandcamp page for Violation

Violation on Bandcamp

Fourth, melodic hard rock quartet Storm Force will release the follow-up to their 2020 debut album, Age of Fear, via BraveWords Records on September 25^th titled Truth. Ain’t no sophomore slump here, folks! It’s easier than ever to put together and record an album nowadays, but bands like Storm Force are there to remind us that there are levels to this game and Truth is top-tier hard rock. Founded by guitarist/songwriter Greg Fraser—better known for his work with Canadian hard rock veterans Brighton Rock—Storm Force is the perfect example of old school meeting the new school. Just the right amount of nostalgia injected into a modern take on hard rock/soft metal. Frontman/co-songwriter Patrick Gagliardi’s vocals sound like a classy blend of Motley Crue’s Vince Neil with a dash of Jon Bon Jovi thrown in for good measure. Bassist Mike Berardelli and drummer Roger Banks form the rhythm section and complete the ranks of this seasoned bunch of musicians. The title track kicks things off and is a definite highlight of the record; “Silver Lining” is a great tune with a sweet guitar solo; the lead-off single “Saviour” is a terrific ballad worthy of Top 40 Radio; “Between the Lines” has got an intro that instantly reminded me of The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and is a cool rocking ballad; “Anti Social Media” is a fitting anthem for these social media-driven times we live in; “Fire Starter” is probably my fave song of the LP with its classic rock feel reminiscent of ‘80s KISS and AC/DC; “On with the Show” is another solid rocker while “You’re Never Alone” is an arena-ready, sing-along tune dipped in ‘80s nostalgia; “I Wasn't Finished Loving You” is another bona fide ballad and a damn good one at that; “Karma’s A Bitch” closes out the set, a certified banger to bob your head to. These ten songs are quite simply fantastic! The LP’s jam-packed with guitar-driven rockers and if like me you’ve been craving old school rock ballads, then you’ll be well-served with Truth. Storm Force is the genuine article. With a polished production, a larger-than-life sound, infectious hooks, and catchy choruses, Storm Force delivers on all fronts. Fans of Whitesnake, Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, and Winger will really dig this album. Truth will be a no-brainer candidate for the Top 10 Albums of the Year list come December. Storm Force’s Truth gets my highest possible recommendation!

BraveWords Records’ Bandcamp page for Storm Force

Fifth, Raleigh, North Carolina traditional heavy metal quartet Crimson Steel will release Show No Fear on October 2^nd through Heaven and Hell Records. The album was previously released on May 1^st on CD only but will now be available digitally and on vinyl as of October. When it comes to old school metal/trad metal, there seems to be no shortage of great new bands hailing from the UK, Germany, Sweden, Norway, and all over Europe, and even from my homeland of Canada, but there haven’t been as many from the United States. So, it’s another reason why I’m glad to talk about Crimson Steel as they’re a super talented American, female-fronted metal band. Show No Fear appears to be a reset of sorts with new singer Tina Langevin replacing Iris Obispo from their first 2022 album, Night Creatures. I say “reset of sorts” because apart from founding bassist Joel McGee, it’s a completely new lineup. And a great lineup it is! Crimson Steel delivers American metal at its finest. Show No Fear feels very much like a concept album with a focussed story of dark myth, hard-won defiance, and overcoming obstacles unfolding with each song. The two singles released thus far are high-energy battle cries: “Dark Rider” and “No Absolution”. “Purifier” follows, a scorcher of a track which I could very well see being the next single; “Final Phase” has a superb guitar intro and paints vivid imagery with its storytelling; “Century Sword” continues the story with more brilliant guitar work; “Bleed into One” is a gorgeous duet with metal icon James Rivera (Helstar, Vicious Rumors) with spoken passages in Latin—very original; the title track closes out the LP, another kick-ass banger to set you on your way. With Show No Fear, Crimson Steel puts the metal world on notice and shows they mean business. Langevin’s vocal prowess is reminiscent of Heart’s Ann Wilson at times. Chock-full of inspired and incendiary guitar solos paired with a dynamic rhythm section, Crimson Steel have put together a stunning record that will be relished by metal fans the world over. It’s a lean, mean album from top to bottom that fans of Judas Priest and Crimson Glory will particularly enjoy.

Crimson Steel on Bandcamp

Heaven and Hell Records’ Bandcamp page for Crimson Steel

Sixth, Swedish power metal force Tungsten will return with their fifth album titled Ashes on October 9^th via Perception, a division of Reigning Phoenix Music. It’s an outstanding follow-up to 2024’s The Grand Inferno, which I loved. If their last record didn’t propel them to worldwide awareness in the metal community, then Ashes will be the one that solidifies Tungsten as a force to be reckoned with. There are certain performances that signal a shift in a band’s career, that become a defining moment where everything clicks. For Tungsten, it happened at the ROCKHARZ Festival which took place last month from July 1^st to 4^th in Ballenstedt, Germany. You can watch their awesome set in its entirety right here on YouTube. This quartet plays so organically together—the fact that it’s a family affair certainly helps; drummer Anders Johansson formed the band with his two sons (Niklas "Nick" Johansson on guitars/backing vocals and Karl "Kalle" Johansson on bass/keyboards/screams). Frontman Mike Andersson commands the audience and gets everyone to sing along and participate throughout the set. Anyhow, on to the LP. “Joker” and “Bite My Tongue” are catchy-as-all-hell singles to open the festivities. Some other highlights for me include “Supernova”, an earworm of a song that’ll stay stuck in your head all day and which should be the next single; “Sunshine of Fall”, a slower single that serves as a wonderful ode to the autumn season; “The North Will Rise”, a Viking anthem, featuring Tony Kakko of Sonata Arctica; the Celtic “For Thee”, reminiscent of their massive hit “On the Sea”, a superb sing-along tune; and the final track, “The Forge”, a heavier song that is melodic metal at its finest. With Ashes, all the ingredients for a hit record are in place: fiery riffs, terrific melodies, catchy choruses, and not one skippable track. Tungsten’s music infuses a positive mindset that instantly puts the listener in a good mood. They will only get bigger as the year progresses and Ashes will wind up on many Top Albums of the Year lists, I can guarantee it.

Reigning Phoenix Music’s page for Tungsten

And that’s the Killer Picks for August! Summer and vacations will soon be behind us so make the most of the winding season and enjoy yourselves with some new music. Until next time, crank up the tunes!

Stories from Dead Scribes

Greetings! I’ve long wanted to do readings of either my stories or of authors who’ve inspired me. I’ve always procrastinated because I never felt like learning and acquiring the software to edit audio and look into how to assemble a finished, professional sound file that would be worthy of being called an audiobook or even be sold on Audible. And, you know what, I’ve decided that it would take all the fun away from doing a reading for me. That’s one of the things that I never looked forward to after being done writing a book or story: formatting the manuscript into a finished print book or ebook, then finding a way to reach the readers through ads, promotion, social media, and all that. I want to have fun with this and I want it to be something creative devoid of all the hassles that could turn this into a chore. So, I’ll be doing something I love to do: live readings, warts and all, of stories from my favourite dead writers. Not to toot my own horn, but I’m pretty good at reading through a 40-minute tale in one sitting without screwing up more than once or twice. All it takes is a little practice beforehand for the different accents and distinct voices required for a story. My goal is to read a cool tale as if an audience were gathered around a campfire hanging on my every word.

I’ll be calling this Stories from Dead Scribes and it’ll feature mostly stories in the public domain from the late 1800s to the 1980s. You’ll be able to listen to them on my YouTube channel. I plan on doing a reading on average every three weeks. Here are some of the writers whose stories I’ll be diving into: Robert E. Howard, Ian Fleming, M.R. James, H.P. Lovecraft, Frank Herbert, H.G. Wells, Bram Stoker, Robert Bloch, Philip K. Dick, Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett, Robert Louis Stevenson, Agatha Christie, and Daphne Du Maurier among many others. The genres will range from horror to sci-fi to thrillers and more. You’ll be able to find each new reading in the Stories from Dead Scribes playlist I’ve just created. I’ve recorded this little announcement to launch the series and it’s labelled “Episode 0”. You can check it out and save the playlist for future episodes right here.

And that’s it for me today! I look forward to doing my first reading very soon. It’ll be Robert E. Howard’s first Dark Agnes de Chastillon tale, “Sword Woman”. So, if you’re into Sword & Sorcery and haven’t heard of this lesser known creation of his, you’re in for a treat. This is a new era for me and I hope you’ll come along for the ride. Until next time, stay safe and keep reading! 

John Carpenter's Cathedral

Greetings! From time to time, I like to write special articles when something interesting and unique comes along. Such is the case this week with John Carpenter, one of my favourite directors and musicians of all-time, who saw his debut full-length graphic novel be published on Tuesday, August 4^th as well as its accompanying album released yesterday on Friday, August 7^th. I’m talking about John Carpenter’s Cathedral.

The 128-page graphic novel is published via Storm King Comics, founded by his wife Sandy King, who also co-wrote the book with John and Sean Sobczak. The gorgeous art is courtesy of Federico De Luca and Luis Guaragna. Cathedral unfolds like a nightmarish lucid dream from the Master of Horror. Inspired by a dream John had in 2024, it tells the story of Lieutenant Christine Marks who investigates her father’s gruesome and mysterious death within an abandoned church. With the help of detectives Paul Hernandez and Steve Mayfield, they’ll make their way deep down into the bowels of the cathedral and encounter a plethora of perils leading to a demon named Tezcatlipoca who reigns over the underworld, more than 1,000 feet below the church. As a long-time comic book fan/collector, this graphic novel really hit the spot for me. It’s fast-paced, has a resilient protagonist, features stunning art throughout and as horror comics go, it delivers the goods in spades with creative obstacles and doesn’t give us a happy ending. John said in an interview that back in the days when he was directing, this would’ve been a storyboard to a movie and it feels like it could easily have been turned into a terrific horror film, especially with the accompanying soundtrack.

Cathedral, the album, is the fifth original LP of non-movie music John has done with his son Cody Carpenter on synths and godson Daniel Davies on guitars. It’s released through Sacred Bones Records, the same label that put out Carpenter’s Lost Themes Vol. 1 through 4 as well as the new Halloween trilogy scores. I’ve been a huge fan of Carpenter’s music from the get-go; his score to Halloween (1978) is a soundtrack that I play every year around the spooky season—Halloween is actually my favourite movie of all time—and it never gets old. His scores for Escape from New York, The Fog, and Halloween III (which he did with Alan Howarth) are some of my most cherished soundtracks. I’ve greatly enjoyed his Lost Themes series over the last decade and was eager to hear the soundtrack to the Cathedral graphic novel. It was recorded before the book was fully written/illustrated but it serves as a perfect score to it. It’s highly atmospheric, it’s got more of a metal edge than the Lost Themes albums, gets much darker at times (and rightfully so as the Cathedral story is quite gloomy) while still maintaining that vintage John Carpenter synth sound we all love so much. The three singles released thus far (“Lord of the Underground”, “The Ferryman”, and “Revenge”) are great snapshots of what the full score has to offer. Even if you’re not into comic books/graphic novels, the album still stands on its own as a superb record of instrumental electronic and metal music.

John Carpenter’s Cathedral is the audio-visual event of the summer. This is the closest we’ll get to seeing a new John Carpenter film and the combination of a lengthy comic book along with an album of music to play while you read goes hand in hand. Cathedral is an immersive, fully-realized project of sound and vision depicting an eerie and otherworldly foray into a location grounded in reality. I’m eager to see and hear what John does next in both these mediums; this is the best of both worlds for me and I have a feeling his fans and horror aficionados in general will have a blast with the book and the album.

Official Website for John Carpenter’s Cathedral

John Carpenter’s Cathedral on Bandcamp 

Harbinger’s Killer Picks – July 2026

Greetings metalheads! I skipped the month of June to take a vacation but it’s time for another edition of the Harbinger’s Killer Picks. So, without further ado, here are my five killer picks for the month of July.

First, French metal veterans Stonecast returned with their fourth LP, Expand Crimson Chaos, on June 26^th via Pitch Black Records. It’s been seven years since the release of their previous opus, the critically-acclaimed I Earther, and the quartet shows no signs of slowing down, some twenty plus years into their career. At its heart, it’s a concept album of sorts with songs about resistance, fortitude, and the quest for redemption. It’s got uplifting and rallying themes that metal fans can get behind. From the opening track, “Death”, with its sense of grandeur setting the tone for the sonic excursion that follows to the ripping closer, “Nuclear Winter”, this kick-ass collection of songs takes the listener through an extensive gamut of emotions. Some highlights for me include “A ce lieu”—the only song sung in French and my very favourite; “Against the Tide”, the catchiest track of the LP; “King of Hell”, a noisier, thrashier tune with a terrific guitar solo; as well as the title track and first single, “Expand Crimson Chaos”. Vocalist Frank Ghirardi has many opportunities to showcase his singing chops and he reaches some pretty high notes at times. Stonecast sounds tight and melodic like a well-oiled machine and Expand Crimson Chaos is a solid meat and potatoes metal record. Fans of Judas Priest and Iced Earth will dig it a lot. As much as I enjoy Expand Crimson Chaos, I can’t help but wonder what an entire album sung in French would sound like. I think it might be a fun challenge for them to do in the near future. Until then, lend Stonecast’s latest oeuvre your ears, it’s well worth your time.

Stonecast on Bandcamp

Second, long-time psychedelic rock purveyors Dead Meadow will release a 7-track collection of mostly unreleased gems with Foundlings on July 31^st via boutique label Heavy Psych Sounds Records. The Washington D.C. trio has been around since 1998 and has more than left its mark on the music scene. It’s always interesting when a band that’s been around for nearly three decades decides to unearth rare material to assemble a collection. It reminded me of Megadeth’s 1995 EP Hidden Treasures which was a collection of songs that originally appeared on movie soundtracks and tribute albums. Foundlings features four unreleased tracks as well as three covers. The EP opens with the single “Lost to Light”, a head-bobbin’ tune from their 2023 Voyager to Voyager sessions. “Nobody Home” follows, a catchy heavy psych song from the 2022 EarthQuaker Devices sessions. Next, we have “Kingdom of Heaven”, a Powell St. John cover from the 2010 The Psychedelic Sounds of the Sonic Cathedral tribute album to Roky Erickson and the 13^th Floor Elevators. Onto their quite faithful Beatles cover of “Tomorrow Never Knows”—I really like their take on it but to me, the best rendition ever of that song belongs to Our Lady Peace who covered it in 1996 for The Craft soundtrack. Then we get a song from The Committee to Keep Music Evil sessions back in 2002 titled “Everything’s Goin’ On”; both mysterious and hypnotic, it’s my favourite of the original tunes on here. Their phenomenal cover of Led Zep’s “No Quarter” follows, taken from the 2017 Cleopatra Records’ Tribute to Led Zeppelin, and this one is my fave of the covers. To close out the set, a warm and calming instrumental titled “From the Children of Planet Earth”, recorded in 2024 during the Voyager to Voyager sessions. To be honest, I was expecting more out of this collection but I still dug it. In the end, Foundlings is a great entry point for newcomers to Dead Meadow and an excellent addition to any of the band’s countless devotees.

Heavy Psych Sounds’ Bandcamp page for Dead Meadow

Third, German hard rock/metal pioneers Sinner will release their final album, Boom Bang Goodbye, on July 31^st via powerhouse metal label Reigning Phoenix Music. Full disclosure: I’d only heard in passing of this band and its singer/bassist Mat Sinner but had never actually listened to a song of theirs (to my knowledge anyway). Some bands from Europe don’t have the same exposure to North American listeners and vice versa. And I find out they’ve been around since 1982? Sorry, my bad. Granted, the Internet has long shattered those frontiers, but nevertheless, I wasn’t familiar with Sinner. For the uninitiated, they remind me of RATT, Warrant, and to some extent even Def Leppard. A perfect blend of classic hard rock and melodic metal, Boom Bang Goodbye is an absolute blast from beginning to end. It features a slew of guests such as Renan Zonta, Michael Bormann, Ronnie Romero, Björn “Speed” Strid, Erik Mårtensson, Michael Sadler, Sascha Krebs, and Magnus Karlsson. Some highlights for me include the nostalgia-infused opener, “Dreams Can Come True”; the earworm first single “Wait”; the lovely ballad and second single “Leave It All Behind” where Ronnie Romero shines vocally; the sing-along “Are You Ready”; the tuneful “Turn the Page”, sounding like it could’ve been a Cheap Trick track; and “Under the Moonlight”, the catchiest song on here in my opinion with a wistful guitar solo. The 11 songs feel like a Greatest Hits package—not a dud for the duration. I caught Sinner just in time as they’re saying goodbye but I’m glad I did at least. Boom Bang Goodbye has a magical quality to it. It instantly puts a smile on your face as soon as you hear the first riffs and lyrics. It’s a feel-good record in every respect, chock-full of splendid guitar hooks & solos and infectious choruses throughout, making for a collection of memorable, fun ‘80s-inspired arena anthems. A sure-fire contender for the Top Ten Albums of the Year list down the road.

Reigning Phoenix Music’s page for Sinner

Fourth, Hartlepool, UK’s dark electro trio Machiner will give birth to their debut album, Motion Waves, on August 7^th via North East of England label Butterfly Effect. A concoction of distorted guitars, deft rhythm programming, and exquisite orchestration, the entire record has a dreamy quality to it. From the first notes of the first single and opener, “Silent Running”, my curiosity was instantly piqued. It’s a warm, gentle, and melodic song that reminded me of the atmosphere found on Pink Floyd’s 1994 masterpiece, The Division Bell, an album that is very dear to me. Other highlights for me include “The Between”, a gem of a song which echoes U2 at times; “Dark Age”, a mysterious cinematic track that might just be my favourite of the bunch; “Cast Me in Amber”, the longest cut of the LP has a very catchy melody; and last but not least, the delightful closer, “Ever Over”, an absolutely perfect tune for stargazing. With Motion Waves, Machiner delivers a unique blend of polished alt rock and dark wave to create an immersive cinematic soundscape for the listener. Band leader/frontman Paul McCarte’s soothing voice is easy on the ears and fits Machiner’s sonic mood to a T. Channelling Depeche Mode and New Order with Floydesque vibes on occasion, it’s part throwback to the music of the ‘90s, part window to the sounds of the future to form a fully realized aural vision. Motion Waves is a superb contemplative record from beginning to end. Don’t sleep on it and give it a listen at your earliest convenience!

Butterfly Effect’s Bandcamp page for Machiner

Fifth, legendary German metal sextet Mob Rules will release a new 5-track EP titled Stories from the Verdant Vale on August 21^st via ROAR, a division of Reigning Phoenix Music. A direct follow-up to their fantastic tenth album last year, Rise of the Ruler, this EP stems from songs written during the final stages of the Rise sessions, now presented as a special standalone release. I’d heard various songs from Mob Rules over the years but upon Stories from the Verdant Vale landing in my inbox, I decided to take their Rise of the Ruler record for a spin to get a better picture of where these latest songs came from. What a great band this is! I’d recommend doing the same to better appreciate the new material. Stories showcases a softer side of the band and each song has a distinctive feel to it. The two singles, the old school metal tune “Master of the Black Crow” and the catchy ballad “Above the Maelstrom”, are outstanding, but my favourite of the bunch is the melodic synth-driven “Masquerade Ball” with its marvellous guitar solo. This is definitely a band I’ll have on my radar going forward. They’ve been around for thirty years but have aged like the finest of wines. Stories from the Verdant Vale is an awesome sampler of what Mob Rules has to offer. It’ll pique new listeners’ curiosity and make them track down their previous LPs. Long-time fans will savour this new crop of songs and remain eager for the band’s next full-length release. Highly recommended!    

Reigning Phoenix Music’s page for Mob Rules

There you have it! Some hot music to cool you off during the scorching days of summer. Have fun this summer season while it’s here as it’s rapidly slipping away from us. Until next time, enjoy the warm weather, the cold drinks, and crank up the tunes! 

Madonna’s Confessions II

And now for something completely different! I usually refrain from discussing albums that don’t fall under the large umbrella of rock/metal on the blog such as, say, a pop or classical record. They don’t really fit the template of the Harbinger of D.O.O.M. blog and its readers, but as is the case with anything in life, there are always exceptions. Such an exception can certainly be made for the Queen of Pop, the iconic Madonna and her latest release, Confessions II, which dropped yesterday, just in time for the 4^th of July. I figure there are most likely many of you who are still fans of her music or that’d be interested in reading about/listening to this particular album.

It’s the spiritual sequel to her now classic Confessions on a Dance Floor, released twenty-one years ago and which also happens to be one of my favourite albums of hers. When I heard a while back that Madonna would be doing Confessions II, I immediately took notice and made it a point to start following her again. To give you an idea of where I come from, I’ve been a Madonna fan since I the very beginning of her career in 1983, at the tender age of 9. Like a Virgin (1984) is one of the very first tapes my parents ever bought me. My three favourite LPs of hers are I’m Breathless - Music from/Inspired by the Film Dick Tracy (1990), Like a Prayer (1989) and Erotica (1992). I got off the Madonna train and stopped buying her CDs in 2012 with the release of her MDNA album. That album just didn’t do anything for me. I also found her follow-up, Rebel Heart (2015), quite forgettable and didn’t get past the first single from Madame X (2019).

But I digress. Back to Confessions II. It’s been seven years since her last album and from the get-go, I really enjoyed the three singles (“I Feel So Free”, “Bring Your Love”, and “Love Sensation”) and decided to pre-order Confessions II on iTunes. I’ve only had time to listen to it three times since yesterday as it’s a longer LP—16 songs running at 64 minutes—but so far, I really like it and believe it’s her best album since Hard Candy (2008) which I absolutely love. So, here are my first impressions. As was the case with Confessions on a Dance Floor, each song flows into the next one seamlessly and we get a good balance of dance tunes as well as softer songs. Aside from the three singles which I feel are all highlights of the LP, I really dig “Danceteria”, vintage-sounding Madonna and should be the next single; “Everything”, one of the catchiest tracks on here; “Bizarre” featuring Martin Garrix, reminds me of something from Hard Candy; “Fragile”, a softer song reminiscent of the ambiance from her Ray of Light era; “My Sins Are My Savior” with Belgian sensation Stromae where Madonna speaks in French; and “L.E.S. Girl” (stands for Lower East Side Girl) gives us a beautiful stripped-down version of Madonna. The worst track for me is “School”, an experimental song of sorts which I still dislike after three spins. Some songs I found average at best were “Love Without Words” and “The Test”, her duet with her daughter Lola Leon.

In the end, I think Confessions II is a solid Madonna album and a great pop record. Only time will tell if it will become as beloved as its 2005 predecessor, but I believe Madonna fans will love it. If you haven’t listened to/enjoyed Madonna’s last couple of LPs, I think her latest opus will give you something to cheer about. Highly recommended to Madonna and pop music fans as well as old farts like me who used to listen to her tapes and CDs religiously back in the ‘80s and ‘90s. See you in three weeks for the next issue of the Harbinger’s Killer Picks on July 25^th. Till then, enjoy the summer heat and the cool music!

2026 Mid-Year Top Ten

The first half of 2026 is already in the books! Last year I completely forgot to do my mid-year Top Ten so this year I made sure not to overlook the halfway mark on my calendar. The first six months of the year have been pretty good musically but I didn’t find as many must-have albums as I did the previous years. Make no mistake, the albums on this list are absolutely stellar, it’s just that there was less of a big pool to pick from for me. You might feel differently, mileage may vary. Maybe it’s because I’m becoming more and more jaded in my old age? Anyhow, since I love doing Top Ten lists, I always find a Mid-Year Top Ten is a great way to see where we’re at. Basically, these are the ten albums that I keep going back to the most often. Some will graduate to my final Top Ten Albums of the Year list come December. Each album listed features a link to its respective Harbinger’s Killer Picks article.

10. Total Maniac - Love Overdrive

9. Ural - Anthropic Genetic Involution

8. WMD - Against All Warnings

7. Tailgunner - Midnight Blitz

6. Megadeth – Megadeth

5. Clawfinger - Before We All Die

4. Angine de poitrine - Vol. II

3. Metal Church - Dead to Rights

2. Karcius - Black Soul Sickness

1. VOIVOD - Symphonique

And there you have it! What are your favourite records of the year thus far? Hopefully my list will make you discover an album you’d overlooked or that you hadn’t heard about. Enjoy the music and I’ll see you next week for a special surprise article! 

VOIVOD Symphonique

Greetings fellow metalheads! As promised, I’m making a special post today to celebrate the release of Jonquière, Québec prog metal legends VOIVOD’s phenomenal new live release yesterday on June 5^th of VOIVOD Symphonique. What’s even more special for me is that I was at this show here at the Grand Théâtre in Québec almost exactly a year ago to the day (June 4^th, 2025) and it was nothing short of magical. We find the band playing with the Québec Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Dina Gilbert. They’d performed two symphonic shows prior to the one in Québec a few months earlier in Montreal with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (also conducted by Dina Gilbert) at Place des Arts. I was over the moon when it was announced that VOIVOD would do one symphonic show in Québec and that they’d record it for a future LP release. Fast forward a year later and that LP is finally here on CD, vinyl, and digital formats.

The concert features an eclectic set of twelve songs for a runtime of 73 minutes. The songs have been hand-picked for the occasion and one couldn’t ask for a better setlist to be accompanied by a large-scale orchestra of violins, cellos, contrabass, flutes, clarinets, bassoons, oboes, trumpets, trombones, tuba, percussion, and organ, among others. The songs flow into one another and it feels like you’re listening to a cinematic sci-fi play for the mind. From lesser-played songs like “Experiment” and “Forgotten in Space” to classics like “The Unknown Knows” and “Nuclear War” to cap things off with an astounding rendition of Pink Floyd’s “Astronomy Domine”, VOIVOD Symphonique is a must-have record for fans of the band, prog metal, and metal in general. It captures the band still going strong after over four decades and at the height of their powers. It’s a memorable show and I, for one, am extremely thankful that they decided to immortalize this unique performance. It’s a perfect album to listen to on warm summer nights while staring at the stars.

Century Media Records’ Bandcamp page for VOIVOD 

Harbinger’s Killer Picks – May 2026

Greetings metalheads! It’s the last Saturday of May so it’s time for the Harbinger’s Killer Picks. Another month of slim pickings but I was able to come up with five albums worthy of your attention, time, and money. So, without further ado, here are the Killer Picks for the month of May.

First, from Normandie, France, prog metal trio Sins of Shadows released their third LP, The Last Frontier, on May 5^th. Sins of Shadows is part progressive metal, part power metal, resulting into a dynamic blend of heavy metal which draws inspiration from such bands as Iron Maiden, Symphony X, and Iced Earth. Some of my favourite tracks include the second single, “The Void”, which opens the LP, a definite highlight with superb vocals from frontman Tasos Lazaris; the title track follows with its melodic guitars evoking a spaceship in flight; the first single, the radio-friendly “Tell Me Why”, one of the catchiest songs on here and an easy choice for a single; my pick for best track, “The End of the Road”, a strong sing-along kinda tune; and the closer, a terrific instrumental titled “One Last Journey” which reminded me of something taken from Joe Satriani’s classic Surfing with the Alien LP from 1987. The Last Frontier is a record that keeps getting better on subsequent spins. The trio’s musical proficiency is on full display here. Sins of Shadows have meticulously crafted a solid metal album showing that they can hang with the best of their contemporaries.  

Sins of Shadows on Bandcamp

Second, legendary Danish thrashers Artillery entered a new era with their latest addition, lead singer Martin Steene (vocalist of power metal band Iron Fire) on May 15^th with the release of their Made in Hell EP. Steene replaces longstanding frontman Michael Bastholm Dahl who was in the band for over a decade and whose last studio album with them was the excellent X (2021) as well as a splendid live album in 2024 titled Raw Live at Copenhell. I was a big fan of Dahl so it took me a couple of spins to really appreciate Steene as they are very different singers. But in the end, I believe Steene is a perfect fit for Artillery. Made in Hell is comprised of four tracks; two kick-ass new songs, “Made in Hell” and “Ghost in the Machine”, as well as a crisp re-recorded version of “Into the Universe” from Artillery’s 1985 debut LP, Fear of Tomorrow, as well as an energetic live rendition of “The Almighty”, another classic also from their first album. The result is an outstanding sampler of this new lineup. Artillery has been plagued with tragedies in recent years so it’s great to see the band literally coming back from hell and releasing new music. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Artillery or have just discovered the band, Made in Hell is a glorious slice of thrash metal that should whet fans’ appetite until they follow it up with an LP hopefully sooner rather than later. Indeed, the future now looks much brighter for Artillery.

Artillery on Bandcamp

Third, Canadian thrash metal trio W.M.D (When Minds Develop)—initially from Calgary, Alberta and recently relocated to Vancouver, BC—will unleash their sophomore record, Against All Warnings, on June 5^th. It’s been almost eight years since W.M.D’s solid debut LP, Lethal Revenge, was released in 2018 and the band has come a long way since. Musically, the three Canucks have grown a lot and Against All Warnings is a more polished record in every facet, from a songwriting standpoint to musical ability. They’ve honed their collective skills and the end result is nothing short of spectacular. Deeply rooted in classic thrash à la Megadeth, Slayer, and Testament, singer/guitarist/producer Skyler Mills and Jon Power on bass along with Ryan Idris on drums pack a hell of a wallop. From the opening track, the first single “Eyes of a Killer”, sounding like vintage thrash; to the relentless title track with its thumping bassline; to standout songs like the catchy “Kleptomania” and the brutal “Post Human Predator”; to “The Thin Red Line”, a great song about war; to “Already Dead”, which slows the pace down a bit to allow us to catch our breath, featuring a tremendous guitar solo; to the closer, the speedy “Painful Vengeance”, this record is a winner on all fronts. Against All Warnings is chock-full of fast and furious thrash metal with breakneck riffs galore. Remember the acronym because W.M.D is a thrashy force to be reckoned with and is pure Canadian thrash. I’m loving this awesome thrash revival we’ve been experiencing in recent years and W.M.D now joins the ranks of the finest purveyors of modern thrash metal across the land.

W.M.D. on Bandcamp

Fourth, Swedish rockers Gin Lady will give fans a taste of what it’s like to hear them perform live with the release of Toads and Diamonds - Volume I: Live in Spain via the mighty Ripple Music label on June 19^th. The LP’s title foreshadows that a second live album will surface in the near future, most likely from a different venue. Toads and Diamonds is a follow-up to last year’s outstanding Before the Dawn of Time and is the band’s first live album. As was the case with their previous LP, this 42-minute set showcases the band’s musical versatility playing songs in the realm of classic rock, psychedelic rock, and even folk rock. The quintet is in rare form and this concert features a stirring performance that feels like a doorway through time to the ‘60s and ‘70s with just enough modern flourishes to remind us that it’s taking place in present day. The show opens with the easy-going “Call the Nation” from the 2016 album of the same name; it’s followed by gorgeous renditions of “Mighty River” and “Tingens sanna natur”, both from Before the Dawn of Time; then we’re treated to two catchy songs with sing-along choruses, “I'm Your Friend” and “Flower People”, from 2017’s Electric Earth; then it’s “Far Beyond the Sun”, which is a new song as far as I’m aware, and it’s a highlight of the set for me which could have easily come from the same session as Before the Dawn; “Brothers of the Canyon”, another tune from Electric Earth, closes the set in grand psychedelic fashion, a fitting way to cap things off, evoking images of sunny California. Gin Lady wears its musical inspirations on its sleeve and Toads and Diamonds is a whimsical live record full of warm tones providing sunshine on cloudy or rainy days. Aficionados and newcomers to the band alike are guaranteed a dreamy and memorable experience with this wonderful LP.        

Ripple Music's page for Gin Lady on Bandcamp

Fifth, German rock rebels Rauhbein will release their fourth album, Rebellen & Helden, on July 3^rd via the Perception division of the Reigning Phoenix Music label. Led by energetic frontman Henry, the prolific group has been churning out LP after LP since 2021. This latest release (Rebels & Heroes in English) is almost entirely sung in German and is a ton of fun. Some of the highlights for me include the catchy opener, “Rausch” (“Intoxication” in English) with its pop sensibilities; the lead single, “Mein Kaff” (“My Podunk Town”), one of the best tracks on here with a fun English chorus to sing along to; “Alle” (“Everyone”) with its head-bobbing riff gives the listener nothing but a good time; “Vagabund” (“Vagabond”), my personal favourite, and while I don’t understand its lyrics, it sounds like it could easily be a fun drinking song; and “Wie Wir” (“Like Us”) is another great sing along, fist-in-the-air kind of tune. With a brisk runtime of 32 minutes and change, Rebellen & Helden is a party LP from beginning to end. Fun is the operative word here and Rauhbein delivers a straightforward, powerful collection of hard rock tunes that are short and sweet. So, grab a six-pack or a tall mug overflowing with beer, sit back, and get ready for a grand old time with Rebellen & Helden.

Reigning Phoenix Music’s page for Rauhbein

And that’s this month’s picks! I’ll be taking June off as far as the Harbinger’s Killer Picks is concerned, but I’ll pop up with a special review during the weekend of June 6^th so keep an eye out for that. After that, I’ll be posting my mid-year Top Ten on June 27^th. Yep, we’re rapidly approaching the halfway mark to the year 2026, it’s really flying by! Until then, enjoy the warm weather and crank up the tunes! 

Harbinger’s Killer Picks – April 2026

Greetings fellow music lovers! Last Saturday of April so that means it’s time for the Harbinger’s Killer Picks. Weather-wise, this past month’s been really bad and it felt more like winter than spring. Music-wise, good albums have been scarce, but I was able to find five solid releases worthy of mention, including two amazing bands from my neck of the woods—La Belle Province, Québec! What this past month lacked in quantity more than made up for in quality.

First, Saguenay, Québec instrumental math-rock duo Angine de Poitrine continued their world domination with the release of Vol. II this past April 3^rd. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, wherever you are located on this green Earth, then you’ve most likely seen or heard about this uber-talented duo on social media or TV. Angine de Poitrine (or angina pectoris, a medical term for chest pain in English) has been taking the world by storm and their music is the perfect antidote to AI music. The duo, dressed in original paper mache costumes, masquerades as two visitors from another planet in the form of guitarist Khn de Poitrine and drummer Klek de Poitrine. Formed in 2019, this underground-gone-mainstream band’s second LP, Vol. II, is a follow-up to 2024’s Vol. 1. The band has become somewhat of an overnight sensation, seeing their first vinyl sell for record prices on eBay and selling out every club and festival they play at. This new 6-track LP pushes the boundaries even further. A delicious mix of microtonal guitars, it’s math-rock with a bit of jazz fusion and a dash of experimental stoner rock. There isn’t a bad tune on here, but if I were to pick favourites, I’d go with the infectious “Fabienk”, the head-bobbing tune par excellence “Sarniezz”, and the insanely fun “Utzp”. If you’ve heard a couple of tracks and it didn’t fully click with you, then I implore you to give them another shot—trust me, their music becomes addictive the more you listen to it. Angine de Poitrine are here to stay. With two solid albums under their belts, they’ve proven that they’re more than a flash in the pan. Their brand of music is absolutely unique. Anyway, just like Vol. 1 is, Vol II is freakin’ awesome! If you don’t own it already, GO BUY IT NOW!!!

Angine de Poitrine on Bandcamp

Second, eighties metal legends Metal Church made their triumphant return on April 10^th with their 14^th album, Dead to Rights, via Rat Pak Records. Full disclosure: I’d never listened to a complete Metal Church album before Dead to Rights. I’d heard a handful of their songs over the years and it’s not that I didn’t care for their music, just that I never got around to spinning one of their LPs. What piqued my curiosity with this one was the fact that former Megadeth bassist Dave Ellefson had joined the band’s ranks. Add to that the first two singles which I really dug and I was all in. It’s a completely retooled band: along with a new bassist, they have a new frontman, Brian Allen (ex-Vicious Rumors), and ex-Flotsam and Jetsam drummer Ken Mary. They join lead and rhythm guitarists Rick van Zandt and Kurdt Vanderhoof (the only founding member remaining). This sounds almost like a supergroup at this point and I was eager to hear the full album. Does it deliver? Can you teach an old dog new tricks?

From the opening track and single, “Brainwash Game”, you know you’re in for some solid meat and potatoes metal and it sets the tone for the whole record. The other single, “F.A.F.O” (Fuck Around and Find Out), follows, catchy as all hell with Allen channeling Overkill’s Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth. The title track is a kick-ass affair while “Deep Cover Shakedown” and “Feet to the Fire” are vintage metal jams that would have felt right at home in the ‘80s. The second side of the LP is pretty good but not as great as the first. It does end of an extremely strong note with the bonus track, “Blood and Water”, which in my humble opinion is the best song on here, period. This trend of bonus tracks never ceases to annoy me. I understand why bands/labels do it, but in recent years we’ve seen standout bonus iTunes/Target/etc tracks that should’ve been included on the actual LP instead (KISS’s “Right Here Right Now” on Monster; Judas Priest’s “The Lodger” on Invincible Shield; Megadeth’s “Nobody’s Hero” earlier this year on their self-titled LP, among many others). I mean, what’s up with that? I want the best (or close to best) song on the official album, not as a bonus track. Anyhow, “Blood and Water” rules! Metal Church is back with a killer lineup that I think long-time fans will enjoy as much as newcomers will, like yours truly. Filled with dynamic vocal prowess, fiery guitar solos, and fist-pumping choruses, Dead to Rights is a very consistent LP with moments of brilliance. On subsequent spins, it feels like it could make its way to the top albums of the year list. Take it for a listen, I’m pretty sure you won’t be disappointed.

Metal Church on Rat Pak Records’ Website

Third, hot on the heels of last year’s Bleeding the World: Live LP, legendary San Francisco thrash purveyors Heathen gave us a taste of things to come on April 23^rd with a special 2-track maxi single of Never A God on vinyl and digital formats, marking the beginning of a new chapter with Napalm Records. Both tunes are reworked versions of classic demo tracks from the early ‘90s, invigorated with Heathen’s distinctive sound. The first, “Never A God”, was originally recorded by Laughing Dead, while “Twist of Faith” takes its roots from an early Psychosis song. Heathen breathes new life into these songs and turns them into instant classics. I love this band and cannot wait for a new LP hopefully by year’s end. Pick up this twofer ASAP and bang your head!

Heathen on Bandcamp

Heathen's limited vinyl on Napalm Records’ Website

Fourth, Montréal, Québec prog rock sensation Karcius will return with their seventh studio album (eighth release overall) titled Black Soul Sickness on May 8^th. Part III of a magnificent trilogy including The Fold (2018) and Grey White Silver Yellow & Gold (2022)—I’d also add to that list their fantastic live album, Live in France, recorded at Festival Crescendo 2019. It’s mindboggling to me that Karcius turns twenty-five this year and they’re still not signed to a major record label! Karcius is a prodigious quartet with an impressive body of work. Initially they started out as an instrumental progressive jazz fusion band in 2001 and began a new chapter in 2009 with the arrival of vocalist and bassist Sylvain Auclair. Their versatile sonic inspiration comes through Black Soul Sickness; you can hear shades of Pink Floyd, Rush, Yes, Genesis, Radiohead, and Opeth, among others. But at the end of the day, they have their own unique, distinguishing sound.

The 7-track opus kicks off with an epic-length gem, “Wallow”, a 13-minute track that quietly simmers until it fully blooms; “Out of Nothing”, the first single, follows, probably the catchiest tune of the LP and definitely a standout; the second single, “Darkest Heir”, is dark and heavy yet melodic with an alternative edge to it; “Slow Down Son” is short and mellow; the anthemic latest single, “Rise”, is a powerful song, and maybe my fave; “Awakening the Spirit” is another solid track that perfectly segues into the closer, “Dusting My Coat”, a nostalgia-infused song that stays with you long after the record has stopped spinning. After multiple listens of Black Soul Sickness, I believe it’s the strongest album of the trilogy. In any case, it’s my favourite. Sylvain Auclair’s vocals are a treat to listen to, sometimes reminiscent of Peter Gabriel with hints of Sting. Sébastien Cloutier’s keyboards give off echoes Rick Wakeman while drummer Thomas Brodeur keeps time like no other, sounding tribal at times. The whole affair comes together with guitarist/producer Simon L’Espérance who shines on guitars and delivers a polished album from top to bottom. Black Soul Sickness is a cinematic journey into the human psyche by a band at the height of their artistic talents. This one goes straight into the Top Albums of the Year list, folks. It might just be the best album released thus far in 2026. Give Karcius’s Black Soul Sickness a listen at your earliest convenience, your life will be better for it.

Karcius on Bandcamp

Fifth, Kansas City old school thrashers Hellevate will return with their sixth assault, Killicon Valley, on May 22^nd. The quintet has been around for nearly twenty years and they’re still going extra strong. This is a lengthy album of 12 tracks running at just a little over an hour, a rarity in today’s music landscape where albums tend to span closer to the 38-minute runtime. That being said, Killicon Valley never overstays its welcome. The instrumental track “D.T.C.” shatters the doors wide open to let the first single, “In the Long Grass”, take center stage with its goofy lyrics—a fun party tune for the duration. Some other highlights for me include “Demagogue”, a kick-ass tune with wordplay; the intricate “The Rampart”; “Part of the Tribe” with its elite percussion and relentless guitars; “Killicon Valley”, title track and one of the more serious songs on the LP, has got a neck-breaker wall of sound feel to it; “The Lost Pages”, the other instrumental track, may very well be my favourite of the bunch—it’s introspective and outstanding, showcasing the band’s musical versatility; and last but not least, “Thou Shalt Kill”, a vintage, Bay Area thrash-sounding sing-along ditty. Hellevate fires on all cylinders with Killicon Valley. This is top tier thrash, folks. Old school metal and thrash metal fans owe it to themselves to check out Hellevate and their latest offering.

Hellevate on Bandcamp

And that’s all she wrote! Hopefully the floodgates will open and we’ll get a lot of great releases for the summer around the months of May and June. In any case, tune back here on May 30^th to read all about the Harbinger’s Killer Picks. Until then, stay safe and crank up the tunes!