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! 

Harbinger’s Killer Picks – March 2026

Spring is officially here and it’s the last Saturday of March, so it’s time for the Harbinger’s Killer Picks! So, here we go as I shine the light on my most listened to releases this month.

First, longtime friends of the blog know that I don’t typically shine the spotlight on singles as I’d rather focus on EPs and LPs, but as the landscape of music releases evolves over time, singles are often released that don’t end up on any EP or LP later down the road. So, every now and then, a single (or two) comes my way and I just have to talk about it. Such is the case with this double bill of singles that couldn’t be more different—a thrash metal track and a goth rock tune—but they do share one thing in common: they’re from UK bands. Released March 1^st, Durham, UK thrash metal legends Toranaga UK’s latest single, “Crash and Burn”, a melodic and punishing song that will make you raise your fist and shout. It ranks among the band’s best tunes, a catchy, solid riff-fest from beginning to end. I’m very eager to hear the band’s next full-length release after last year’s awesome A New Order EP. Next up, Birmingham, UK goth rock duo Black Rose Moves returned on March 20^th with an earworm of a single, the cinematic “If I Was Here”, hot on the heels of last year’s stellar EP, Death Dance, and marvelous single, “Club of Sin”. Grant Leon’s vocals are reminiscent of Jim Morrison and The Sisters of Mercy’s Andrew Eldritch and are sure to be a delight to the ears of gothic rock and darkwave fans everywhere.

Toranaga UK on Bandcamp

Black Rose Moves on Bandcamp

Second, a proto metal/heavy psych band from my hometown of Montreal, Quebec, Canada by the name of Fangus released their debut LP, Emerald Dream, through From the Urn Records on March 13^th. Formed in 2022, the quintet has garnered quite the rabid following locally over the past couple of years, having released a five-song EP titled Meet the Reaper in the summer of 2024. Emerald Dream is like taking an occult trip to the ‘70s and it’s a hell of a fun ride. Some highlights for me include the incendiary second single, “Pyre of Love”, which might just be my fave track on this record, with singer Jim Laflamme sounding at times like a more raucous version of the Lizard King himself, Jim Morrison; the organ-driven “Psychoid Telepath” with its prog leanings coming straight out of a nightmare; the endless riffs of “Quest for Fire”; the psychedelic instrumental title track; the first single, “Shapeshifter”, which is a perfect snapshot of the LP with its heavy prog vibes; and the phenomenal closer, the menacing “Stardust Regulator”, short, sweet, and incredibly catchy. Emerald Dream will haunt you in your sleep; it’s a record that leaves a lasting impression from the first to the last note. Fangus features a bunch of uber-talented musicians that have crafted a unique-sounding album that borrows from decades past to fuse with a surreal atmosphere and give listeners a bewitching musical experience. Fans of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and stoner rock will find a lot to love with this record. Give Emerald Dream a spin at your earliest convenience, you’ll be spellbound.

Fangus on Bandcamp

Third, Iceland’s power metal sextet Power Paladin returned yesterday with their sophomore effort, Beyond the Reach of Enchantment, via ROAR, a division of Reigning Phoenix Music. Hot on the heels of their successful 2022 debut, With the Magic of Windfyre Steel, the band’s passion for fantasy and heavy metal soars once more. I was under the impression Power Paladin had been around longer. I remember hearing a couple of singles from their previous LP and enjoying them. This is the perfect type of music for D&D fans of all ages and, of course, power metal aficionados. As I’ve stated before, I’m not the biggest fan of power metal but it has grown a lot on me in recent years. Still, I have to be in the right kind of mood to truly enjoy a power metal offering from the likes of Helloween, Primal Fear, and Orden Ogan. I can listen to traditional heavy metal or thrash metal anytime, but power metal is at times a little too … energetic for my taste, especially with its characteristic machine gun double bass drumming. For me, the highlights of this sweeping saga include the first single and vigorous—pardon the pun—opener, “Sword Vigor”, which I’d single out as the best song of the LP; “The Royal Road”, a high-octane melodic tune that’ll have you singing along the chorus with your fist in the air; the anthemic, guitar-driven “Camelot Rock City”; and the ambitious epic closer, “Valediction”, with its galloping guitars and guest female vocals (I have no idea who she is) duetting with singer Atli Guðlaugsson. Overall, Beyond the Reach of Enchantment is a solid album that’s missing a little something for me to elevate it to the state of marvelous. I’m pretty sure it’s because power metal isn’t fully my thing. Power Paladin enthusiasts will surely get a huge kick of this excellent follow-up and fans of Helloween and Blind Guardian will no doubt dig this record as well, and maybe discover a new power metal band all at once.

Power Paladin’s Official Website

Fourth, Aussie rock outfit The Neptune Power Federation will return with their 7th album, Mondo Tomorrow, via Cruz Del Sur Music on April 10^th. Frontwoman Screaming Loz Such and her four cohorts focus on the perils of technology this time around and go back to their punk rock roots in the process. The Imperial Priestess and her band continue their adventures along the retro rock route, making music that sounds like it belongs in the ‘70s. I first became aware of this wonderful band only two short years ago—although they’ve been around since 2012—with the release of their previous record, Goodnight My Children, and really dug their music and overall aesthetic. Mondo Tomorrow is another concept album that’s just as enjoyable as its predecessor, if not more. What I love about this band is that they sing about gloomy themes while making upbeat music, much like classic New Wave tunes (think Tears for Fears’ “Mad World”). Some of the highlights for me include the first single and title track, a catchy, high-energy anthem that’s almost poppy; the second single, “And the Bones Decay”, is an absolute delight that follows in the same vein; “Living in the Gutter” is a great sing-along tune; “Mind Controller” might just be my favourite of the bunch, an earworm with pop sensibilities; and “Rhapsody in Blue”, a hook-filled rocker that’s got nothing to do with the Gershwin musical composition of the same name. Screaming Loz Such and the whole band in general, really, remind me at times of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts or even Jett’s first band, The Runaways, with their vibrant brand of music. With Mondo Tomorrow, The Neptune Power Federation delivers a high-octane album chock-full of infectious choruses that’s sure to be played on repeat by long-time fans as well as newcomers.

The Neptune Power Federation on Bandcamp

Fifth, Turin, Italy’s crossover/thrash metal quintet Ural will return on April 23rd with their fourth LP—and sixth release overall as they also have two EPs—titled Anthropic Genetic Involution via boutique label Xtreem Music. This is a blistering record from top to bottom, folks. From the opening fury of the first single, “Extreme Paranoia”, to bangers like “Break the Fall”, the powerful “Wrong Children”, the killer riffs of “God of Lies” or the catchy sing-along chorus of “Wasteland”, Anthropic Genetic Involution is relentless and filled to the brim with anthemic group chants, scorching guitar solos, and crushing rhythm for days. They also put their own spin and stamp on Jazz legend J.J. Johnson Quartet’s “Flat Black” with superb results. Singer Andrea Calviello’s vocals are reminiscent of Rage Against the Machine’s Zack de la Rocha at times and really fit the band’s style. Ural is one of the best discoveries I’ve made this year. They’ve been around for 15 years and already have a fervent fanbase in Italy and Europe; Anthropic Genetic Involution is the album that could push them to a broader, worldwide awareness. Simply put, it features a murderer’s row of hits. They do old school thrash metal just the way I like it and I’m sure fans of the genre will find themselves listening to this LP with a big old grin on their face. So, to all the thrash/crossover metal fans out there, do yourself a favour and grab Ural’s brilliant new album ASAP. It’s definitely a record that will make its way to my Top Ten Albums of the Year in nine months.

Ural on Bandcamp

And there you have it, folks! First quarter of the year is in the books! Tune back here on April 25^th to see what the Harbinger’s Killer Picks will be. Until then, stay safe and crank up the tunes! 

Harbinger’s Killer Picks – February 2026

Another month of winter is behind us and it’s the last Saturday of February, so it must be time for the Harbinger’s Killer Picks! Some really fun albums for you this month. Without further ado, I shine the spotlight on five LPs this month.

First, the UK’s Tailgunner led an all-out attack on February 6^th via Napalm Records on their sophomore album, Midnight Blitz. This is old school British metal at its finest, folks. I only recently became aware of Tailgunner via their awesome rendition of Metallica’s “Hit the Lights” featured on the No Life ‘til Leather - A Tribute to Metallica's Kill ‘Em All released last November. I then proceeded to take their 2023 debut LP, Guns for Hire, for a spin and really liked what I heard. This was a band I would put on my radar going forward. Within the span of two short months, a couple of singles from their follow-up LP were released, followed by the Midnight Blitz LP itself and, man, they really went all-out on this one! Majestically produced by former Judas Priest axeman KK Downing, this record oozes classic metal with its every fiber. The quintet, led by charismatic frontman Craig Cairns, plays a perfect mixture of Priest meets Maiden and the guitar prowess of Rhea Thompson is nothing short of spectacular. If we break it down, the four singles released so far all showcase different aspects of the band’s music: the title track and first single already feels like a classic metal anthem, where Cairns sounds a bit like the Scorpions’ Klaus Meine; the second single, “Tears in Rain”, is both an homage to Blade Runner and a metal ballad just like in the olden days; the grandiose third single, “Eulogy”, is a multi-layered song and certainly a highlight of the album; and their fourth and latest single, “War in Heaven”, featuring Adam Wakeman on keyboards, is epic and powerful and my pick for best track of the LP. After that, there are still six phenomenal songs left to round out Midnight Blitz, including gems like the kick-ass “Follow Me in Death”; the short and sweet “Dead Until Dark”; and another superb song on their recurring theme of Bombers, “Night Raids”. Midnight Blitz is a more polished album than its predecessor and it’s all hits, no misses for this hard-working band. I see great things to come for them in the future. Mark my words, Tailgunner will EXPLODE in 2026! A sure-fire contender for the Top Albums of the Year list. Welcome to the Revolution!

Napalm Records’ Bandcamp page for Tailgunner

Second, Raleigh, North Carolina’s adventure metal quintet Mega Colossus will unleash their fifth LP, Watch Out!, on March 6^th via the Cruz Del Sur Music label. This is the first time I’ve heard of “adventure metal” and you know what, that term suits this band perfectly! They have a unique sound to them, churning out fantasy-themed lyrics, intricate guitar playing along with melodic vocal harmonies. I’d never heard of Mega Colossus but the band has been around for twenty years and from what I gather, they seem to have a rabid following. The LP’s title, Watch Out!, is an homage to Ronnie James Dio’s famous line “Look out!” often found in his lyrics, from his tenure with Rainbow to Sabbath to his band Dio. If there’s one thing that stands out in this record is that the boys are truly having fun playing metal. The opener, “The Bad Thing”, is one of the record’s best songs, followed by the first single, the sing-along, sci-fi themed “Battlefront”. The second single, “Tag in Your Friend”, while melodic and breezy, didn’t particularly grab me. “Good Hunting” is a catchy mid-tempo tune but it goes on for a tad too long. This is my main issue with this record; half of the songs on here overstay their welcome. That’s a lot for a 7-track, 45-minute album. The ambitious “The Halls of Mystikos” is a pretty solid song but overall suffers from that 7-minute runtime. “Here Lies You” is in my opinion the strongest track of the LP and my favourite, with its intricate instrumentation and prog leanings channelling Yes. The Dio-inspired “Bloodless” is a decent closer, but also the lengthiest track running at over 8 minutes; it drags on far too long for my taste. Cut two minutes out and it’d be a much tighter song. But that’s just my two cents; I have a feeling fans of Mega Colossus will really dig those longer tunes. In the end, Watch Out! is a mixed bag for me. Mega Colossus is clearly a group of talented musicians and singer putting their own original spin on the tried-and-true traditional metal formula and for that, I applaud them. Still, I’d recommended the LP to long-time fans of the band and metal aficionados as well as it’s worth listening to.

Mega Colossus on Bandcamp

Third, American heavy metal supergroup Axe Dragger will release their self-titled debut LP via the mighty Ripple Music on March 6^th. Composed of Pantera’s first vocalist, Terry Glazer, along with Fu Manchu guitarist Bob Balch, ex-Pentagram drummer Pete Campbell, and Dark Funeral bassist Fredrik Isaksson, Axe Dragger is an old school heavy metal album. I’d personally describe this first offering as metal that leans more on the side of heavy rock than traditional metal. Bob Balch’s signature guitar sound is present throughout and Glaze’s soaring vocals are in top form. I know I’m in the minority, but I always really dug Pantera’s first couple of records back when they were more of a glam metal band. Glaze was their frontman from 1982 to 1986 and eventually left due to disagreements with the band's musical direction. He was replaced by Phil Anselmo and the rest, as they say, is history. Pantera went on to become a huge metal band and one of the originators of the groove metal genre. Anyhow, back to Axe Dragger. Each one of the quartet’s members pulls their weight, but it’s Glaze that really gives them a unique edge in my opinion. I gotta say though, the album was a bit of a grower on me. It took me a couple of spins to really appreciate it, but after that, I was able to recognize how great it actually is. Surprisingly, none of the three singles thus far are among my favourite tracks on the album; it’s the deeper cuts that I enjoy the most. The highlights for me are “Give You the Rope”, a catchy high-energy tune with a splendid guitar solo courtesy of Balch; the fantasy battle song “Iron Rider”, which is my personal fave; “Eat Me from the Inside”, a slow and heavy, swampy track; “The Damned Will Cry”, another song with occult fantasy lyrics and cool weeping guitar; and the closer, “Death Is Calling My Name”, a heavy song straight from the battlefield with a head-bobbing, chugging riff. Axe Dragger, the album and the band, is a terrific effort from four seasoned veterans. Headbangers of the world need to take notice and listen to these axe wielders; it’s one of Ripple Music’s strongest releases so far in 2026.

Ripple Music’s Bandcamp page for Axe Dragger

Fourth, German power metallers Iron Savior will return with an all covers album titled Awesome Anthems of the Galaxy on March 27^th via the Perception imprint of metal label Reigning Phoenix Music. It’s hard to believe that Iron Savior are celebrating their 30^th year this year—how time flies! In between albums, they’ve decided to put their spin on Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy mixtape soundtracks with this latest LP of theirs. A whopping 17 songs, over 70 minutes of pop, soft rock, and new wave hits covered to perfection by the fan-favorite band. Awesome Anthems of the Galaxy takes iconic ‘80s pop songs and gives them a metal flavour. The record covers a wide selection of tunes and artists, and I can tell you that after multiple spins, frontman Piet Sielck and his crew have done justice to every single one of them. That’s no small feat. Some of the songs covered include Irene Cara’s “Fame”, two tracks from the movie Flashdance— “Maniac” and “What A Feeling” —Phil Collins’ “Against All Odds”, and Blondie’s “Call Me” to name a few. Some of the highlights for me are their rendition of A-Ha’s timeless “Take on Me”, Journey’s classic “Separate Ways”, and Patrick Swayze’s Dirty Dancing ballad, “She’s Like the Wind”. Overall, it’s a good mixture of bangers and ballads. A stellar collection of tunes for the nostalgic metal music fan as well as Iron Savior devotees. Awesome Anthems of the Galaxy is just what it promises: splendid anthems that will make you smile and want to sing along.

Perception’s page for Iron Savior

Fifth, Baltimore, Maryland’s street metal/motorpunk quintet Total Maniac will set free their second LP, Love Overdrive, on March 27^th. This is one hell of a fun record! A brisk 27-minute, 8-track affair that delivers the goods in spades. Firmly rooted in late ‘70s/early ‘80s punk, metal and rock ‘n’ roll, Love Overdrive is chock-full of raw energy. The LP is a follow-up to their 2022 self-titled debut and the band has honed its collective skills since then. From the get-go, the opening title track blows everything away in its path with echoes of Di’Anno-era Maiden. “Devil in Plain Sight” and “Just Another” are catchy, breakneck tunes with incendiary riffs; “Drinkin Our Way To Hell”, the first single, is bound to become a bar and pub anthem; “Early Grave” and the apt-titled “Rock and Roll” are rapid-fire rock gems; “Set Fire to the Sun” is a dizzying punkish track full of vitriol, while the closer, “Flatline”, is a ripping thrash song reminiscent of Metallica’s “Whiplash”. Frontman Diamond Dustin has a tremendous vocal presence and the brutal onslaught of guitars, drum, and bass perfectly complement him. Love Overdrive is a lean, mean, scorcher of an album. Not a bad song here; all killer, no filler as the saying goes. Fans of punk, thrash metal, sleazy hard rock, of Motorhead and Venom will fancy Total Maniac and their latest record.

Total Maniac on Bandcamp

And that’s the gist of it, folks! The year is well under way now and there’ll be lots of terrific releases in the coming months. I can’t wait to listen to all this great music! Tune back here on March 28^th for the next issue of the Harbinger’s Killer Picks. Until then, stay safe and crank up the tunes! 

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!