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! 

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!