Musings: Meurtrières - Ronde de nuit

Meurtrières is a traditional heavy metal quintet from Lyon, France. They’ve just released their first LP, Ronde de nuit (“Night Patrol” in English), a follow-up to their 2020 self-titled debut EP. The band has had a change in their lineup, going from Fleur on lead vocals on the EP to their current singer, Fiona, for this new record.

I loved Meurtrières’ (“Arrowslits” in English) debut EP. It showcased a band with a lot of promise, made-up of proficient musicians and a great female lead. A couple of years and a new singer later (who sounds very similar to their previous), Meurtrières delivers a brilliant old school heavy metal LP. One of the things I love is that they sing in French, and since French is my first language, I always have a soft spot for French metal when done well. And this, ladies and gents, is done extremely well. From the fantastic opener, “Rubicon”, which was also the first single, we get a double guitar threat and everything a fan of late ‘70s/early ‘80s metal could want. “Aucun homme, aucun dogme, aucune croix” follows, an occult-flavoured tune with a catchy NWOBHM-inspired riff. “Tempête & Naufrage” (“Storm & Shipwrecked” in English) is one of the record’s highlights, featuring a killer riff again with dual guitar solo. “Ronde de nuit”, the title track and second single, is reminiscent of early Iron Maiden and one of my faves of the LP. “Alma Mater” is a fast song and maybe the catchiest of the entire album. “Chevaleresses du chaos” (“Knightesses of Chaos” in English), the third single, is a song about a bloody battle of knights full of galloping guitars and is my pick for best track of the LP. This song perfectly captures the essence of the band. “La revenante” closes the set with its catchy chorus, a tune about a ghostly woman, leaving us with terrific guitar work and a pounding rhythm section.

Meurtrières’ Ronde de nuit is all killer, no filler. Fiona’s siren voice leads the sonic assault throughout and I think I like her slightly more than Fleur on vocals. It’s a spectacular album with medieval leanings and songs about castles, fortresses, and battles. If you’re into old school metal with a modern edge or miss the glory days of NWOBHM when bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Saxon ruled the land, then you’ll enjoy this LP immensely. Their music also reminds me of local Canuck doom metal band Cauchemar, who also sing in French. Ronde de nuit gets my vote for Album of the Month.

Meurtrières on Bandcamp: https://meurtrieres.bandcamp.com/ 

Rapid Fire Reviews: Dead Feathers

Dead Feathers is a psychedelic rock quintet from Chicago, Illinois. They’ll be releasing their sophomore LP, a follow-up to 2019’s All is Lost, via the mighty Ripple Music on September 22^nd. This new record, Full Circle, showcases Marissa Allen’s soulful vocals in all their glory. This gal is in a league of her own, backed up by a group of skillful musicians that deliver nothing short of brilliant results.

We always complain that male lead singers nowadays don’t have the distinctive vocal talents of singers of the past decades such as Freddie Mercury, Ronnie James Dio, Steve Perry, Bruce Dickinson and many others. Not so with female singers. In recent years, I’ve encountered a plethora of leading ladies whose vocal talents seem to be boundless. Marissa Allen is one of those women. From the get-go, you’re immediately put under her spell as she sings for our pleasure. The title track has to be my personal favourite of the album; it’s simply a sensational song in every way. “Lightning” is another highlight, with its cool ‘60s vibe. “Daughters” is a gorgeous slow gem that picks up momentum as it goes along. Dead Feathers really are direct descendants of Jefferson Airplane and Fairport Convention. There’s a 1:44 minute instrumental interlude, “One Year Before the Island”, which seems to be an ongoing trend for bands to have on their LPs these days. It’s followed by “The Swell”, which is psychedelic rock at its finest that’ll have listeners bewitched by Marissa’s entrancing voice. A very poetic song that’s a tad on the long side, running at 7:19. “Robbery” is a good song, kind of a jam session, but my least favourite track of the LP. While Marissa’s vocal gifts are on full display here, it does suffer from a lengthy runtime of 9:53. Track number 7, “Galapagos”, brings the curtains down, leaving us with a dreamy song that gets my vote as the second best tune of the album.

Full Circle is a solid LP that sounds retro and fresh at the same time. Fans of the band will absolutely love this new crop of songs from an exceptionally talented band. A couple of the songs could have their runtime trimmed a bit, in my humble opinion. Nitpicks aside, Dead Feathers is definitely one of the best bands working in the psychedelic rock genre today. Marissa Allen channels the legendary Grace Slick at times and truly is a huge talent. Groovy and full of fuzz, Full Circle is bound to climb its way to the top albums of the year before 2023 is through.

Ripple Music’s Dead Feathers Bandcamp Pages: https://ripplemusic.bandcamp.com/album/full-circle

https://ripplemusic.bandcamp.com/album/all-is-lost

Dead Feathers on Bandcamp: https://deadfeatherschicago.bandcamp.com 

Rapid Fire Reviews: Imperium

Imperium is a five-piece heavy metal band which hails from South-West London. On September 23^rd, the quintet will unleash their special blend of British steel with their second EP, When Kings Meet. It is their follow-up to their self-titled debut EP released in August of 2022.

Now this is my kind of music, folks! Old school metal/thrash metal done right. From the opening title track, displaying huge metal riffs and guitar prowess, to “Desperate Screams”, my personal favourite song on here with its shades of Megadeth and superb guitar solo, to the pure meat and potatoes metal of “Capable of Murder”, to the powerful and catchy first single, “Iron Thunder”, it’s a solid metal outing. To top things off, the band gives us two tracks that were recorded live at last year’s Bloodstock Open Air (“Capable of Murder” and “When Kings Meet”). While the sound quality of those is closer to a bootleg, it does capture the raw and ferocious presence the band has as a live act. Good times! My only gripe is that it would’ve been more fun to hear live renditions of songs from their first EP to have more variety instead of two tracks from the current EP played live.

Imperium is a force to be reckoned with. When Kings Meet is a slab of raging metal paying homage to its roots while putting their own spin on it. Fans of Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax will really dig Imperium and their new EP. They also sound like a really cool band to see live. At the time of writing this, When Kings Meet isn’t up for pre-order yet on Bandcamp, but stay tuned to their account for news and updates. This six-track EP comes highly recommended.

Imperium on Bandcamp: https://imperiummetal.bandcamp.com/ 

Rapid Fire Reviews: Opensight

Progressive metal/cinematic band Opensight will be releasing a special Director’s Cut of their 2022 album/fictional soundtrack Mondo Fiction on August 25^th. The UK quartet will be expanding the original 13-track LP to a massive 23 tracks! The original vocal tracks remain but an instrumental version of each song will now be added as part of Mondo Fiction plus an alternate version of the song “Villain.”

I’m new to this band and what they’ve done here is really cool. I find that any of the songs work well, whether it be in their original form or their new instrumental counterparts. I’ll highlight some of the tracks that left a solid impression on me, regardless of the version. “The Great Silence” has a cool exploitation flick feel to it. “Plot Twist” has a fun surf rock vibe reminiscent of classic secret agent movies. “Primitive Principle” is a head-bobbing prog rock tune, and one of my faves of the LP. “Villain” has a catchy riff and channels spy movies of old. And the final track of the songs and instrumentals is a splendid cover of the classic James Bond theme from “Thunderball”, originally sung by Tom Jones. Overall, this Director’s Cut brings the running time to the length of a movie, past the hour and a half mark, and it’s time well spent.

Mondo Fiction is a terrific musical homage to the spy, crime, horror, and exploitation movies of the golden age of cinema. Fans of prog rock/metal and imaginary soundtracks alike are sure to dig this album. It’s like taking a trip to the movies and to the past decades of prog rock with its plethora of instruments, its unusual time signatures, and poetic lyrics. Keep an open mind and give Opensight’s latest a spin, it’s like listening to a soundtrack to a movie in your head! The upcoming LP isn’t listed on Bandcamp yet (only the original version is), but follow the band to stay tuned to future updates and releases.

Opensight on Bandcamp: https://opensight.bandcamp.com/music 

Sword & Sorcery Roundup – August 2023

It’s been about six months since my last Sword & Sorcery Roundup and there has been a lot going on in the genre lately. It’s well overdue for me to do an overview of what’s out there in terms of books, audiobooks, and comic books. Let’s look at it chronologically starting from June’s releases all the way to upcoming offerings in October.

First, Amateur Magazine of Pulp Sword and Sorcery, Whetstone, published its summer issue, number 7, back in June as a free PDF. It features exciting tales from B. Harlan Crawford, Benjamin A. Simmons, Ciarán Laverty, Sharang Inamdar, Robert Webb, Stew Shearer, M. S. Swift, Barry R. Donnelly, Ian Weeber, George Jacobs, Curtis Ellett, and Jason M Waltz. You can get this free 84-page Sword & Sorcery extravaganza right here.

Second, back in June, my alter ego, Alan Draven, published a pair of Sword & Sorcery short stories to introduce my new character, Amok. These two novelettes serve as an introduction to Amok and his world. There will be six more novelettes to come which will be available by the end of 2024 in a novel-length collection of the complete eight tales chronicling Amok’s quest to find answers about his past. Also included are four beautiful illustrations spread throughout the booklet to give you an idea of what Amok and his friend Goyiir look like. If you like what you read, then I hope you’ll join me for the full ride come November/December 2024 and purchase Amok the Powerful in print or Kindle. In the meantime, enjoy Amok’s first two tales and spread the word to anyone you know who’s into Sword & Sorcery, Conan, or Dungeons & Dragons. You can download the free 76-page PDF over here.

Third, in July, editors James Moore, Allison Pang, and Dan Brereton unleashed SwordPlay, an anthology featuring thirteen tales of Sword & Sorcery. Mixing classic with unconventional approaches, SwordPlay collects into a single volume a group of tales like you've never experienced, while retaining a familiar feel all fans of the genre will recognize. Including original tales by the following authors: Cliff Biggers, Dan Brereton, Cullen Bunn, Michael Burke, Richard Dansky, Christopher Golden, Steven Grant, Tonia Laird, Bracken Macleod, James A. Moore, Allison Pang, Linda Robertson Reinhardt, and Charles R. Rutledge, with illustrations by Dan Brereton. Available in hardcover, paperback and Kindle, grab your copy here.

Fourth, Dungeons & Dragons fans rejoice: the second tome of Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman’s new Dragonlance Destinies trilogy landed last week. Here’s the official synopsis for Dragons of Fate: “A clash of powerful magical forces sets off the Graygem of Gargath, sending Destina Rosethorn and her companions deeper into the past than she intended—to the age of Huma Dragonsbane and the Third Dragon War. Now, with the Device of Time Journeying shattered, they must find another way back to their own era before the Graygem irrevocably alters history and the Third Dragon War ends in defeat for the forces of good. While the battle rages on, Destina tries desperately to make amends and prevent disaster. Raistlin and Sturm encounter their heroes Huma and Magius, and must reconcile the myths with the men. And Tasslehoff, shocked that the Knights of Solamnia have never heard of dragonlances, sets out to find the famed weapons. But as the forces of the Dark Queen close in on the High Clerist’s Tower, Destina’s party must return to their own timeline together—or not at all.” The book is available in hardcover, Kindle, and audiobook on Amazon.

Fifth, after much anticipation, at last Conan the Barbarian #1 saw the light of day last week. Issue #0 on Free Comic Book Day had whetted our appetites and Titan Comics and its creative team of writer Jim Zub and artist Robert De La Torre followed it up with a sensational first issue featuring everyone’s favourite Cimmerian. Years after the battle of Venarium, a weary Conan returns to his homeland to seek rest and solitude. However, a mysterious scout rides in to warn the Cimmerians of an imminent threat on the march from the Pictish wilderness. Will Conan and his new ally be able to hold off this new horde of invaders? From the first to last panel, it was an exhilarating experience to read this comic book. Robert E. Howard would be proud to know that the legacy of his beloved barbarian is in good hands. On a side note, I think it’s awesome that there aren’t any ads throughout the comic other than Titan or Conan-related products. I am eagerly awaiting issue 2! You can find the comic at your local comic book shop or check it out at Titan Comics’ official Website.

Sixth, also released last week, my personal favourite Sword & Sorcery magazine, Savage Realms Monthly, put out Book 8 of its audiobook series. Three fabulous tales from three authors expertly-narrated by the always reliable Moose Matson. “Victory for the Hawk” by veteran author Toni V. Sweeney deals with the reminiscences of a man about events that shaped his future including a curse, a duel, and a dragon. A strong tale that made me want to hear more stories from this fantasy world. “Kimrotath’s Curse” by Ciarán Laverty is about a warrior who seeks revenge on a wizard who has cursed him. I always love tales of revenge, and this engaging story delivered the goods. “Captain Black & the Senator” by Kell Myers sees the return of Kara Black, a character first introduced in the first issue of SRM. It’s a tale of an ongoing war in the near future against an alien race with political implications this time around. While I did enjoy this story set in Kara Black’s world, it doesn’t feel like a S&S tale to me. Since there are only three spots for stories in every issue, I’d rather have a more traditional Sword & Sorcery tale, but that’s just my opinion. On top of the always great author interviews, we also get a new feature from editor William Miller this month: “Five Indispensable Tips to Finish Your First Draft.” This is a really cool addition to the magazine which is consumed by many aspiring authors. Hopefully we’ll be getting more articles on the craft of writing from Mr. Miller in future issues. The entire package is skillfully narrated by Moose Matson who’s become a permanent fixture as the voice of Savage Realms Monthly. By now, he’s like the Crypt-Keeper in Tales from the Crypt and I just can’t imagine having an issue of SRM not read by him. You can pick up SRM Book 8 in print, Kindle or audiobook right here. 

Seventh and last for today, Swords in the Shadows is an anthology that features twenty-one stories with a bloody stake driven into the heart of both the horror and fantasy camps. Herein, you will find fantasy worlds, brave warriors, fabulous creatures, wondrous magic. But you will also uncover bloodcurdling chills, spine-tingling horror, and an examination of those things that truly terrify. The Cullen Bunn-edited anthology includes stories from: Mike Oliveri, L.C. Mortimer, Stephen Graham Jones, Justin C. Key, Mary SanGiovanni, Wile E. Young, Jonathan Janz, Glenn Parris, Heath Amodio, Allison Pang, Josh Roberts, Aaron Conaway, Hailey Piper, Brian Keene, Charles R. Rutledge, Steven L. Shrewsbury, JimmyZ Johnston, Scott Schmidt, James A. Moore, Joe R. Lansdale, Rena Mason, and Jonathan Maberry. You can pre-order it as a paperback or eBook right here.

There you have it, folks! The second edition of Sword & Sorcery Roundup comes to a close. I hope you’ll find some cool S&S tales to sink your teeth into. Come back often for upcoming news and reviews of Sword & Sorcery stuff right here on the Harbinger of D.O.O.M. Blog. Until next time, happy reading! 

Short Story Time: Breaking and Entering

Greetings! It's the first Saturday of the month so it's time for another FREE short story from yours truly! Today I give you “Breaking and Entering”, which was originally published in NexGen Pulp Magazine way back in 2008 and reprinted in 2010 in my collection The Bitternest Chronicles. It was also adapted as a short film directed by Jonathan Dubsky in 2010. It’s the story of a man who enters people’s homes just for kicks, never stealing anything, just to see what goes on behind closed doors. One day he’ll stumble upon something that will change his life forever…

You can download this 13-page short story as a free PDF right here. I'll see you again on September 2^nd for another free story. Until then, enjoy “Breaking and Entering” and if you missed last month's story, “Scapegoat”, you can get it at this location. 

August Is Here and So's Bandcamp Friday!

Bandcamp Friday returns this month after a brief summer hiatus. You know how it goes: Bandcamp waives its revenue share and all the money goes directly to the artists and labels for a full 24 hours. As I like to do, here are my Top Five picks to help you discover some great tunes for this last month of summer.

First off, Mario Infantes’s magical instrumental dungeon synth album Antidote to a Turbulent Mind was released on July 7^th. If you haven’t heard this gem yet, your ears are in for a treat! Read my thoughts on it here and pick it up right here.

Second, the mighty Ripple Music unleashed the much anticipated third LP, After the Fall, from Thunder Horse on July 21^st and it’s an easy pick for the Top Ten Albums of the Year! Read what I thought of it here and grab it over here.

Third, Aussie hard rock duo Spectre released their most accomplished EP yet last weekend via powerhouse indie metal label Dying Victims Productions. Lonesome Gambler is a phenomenal throwback to late ‘70s/early ‘80s hard rock/metal. I discuss it here and you can dive into it right here.

Fourth, another Aussie band, Big Red Fire Truck, are finally releasing their latest EP, Trouble in Paradise, today and it’s chock-full of bangers! Fans of Van Halen, Aerosmith, and Bon Jovi will find plenty to love with this set of tunes. Read my thoughts on it here and show the band some love right here.

Fifth and final, a 2-song split featuring Canuck sensation AAWKS and Texas’s AIWASS titled The Eastern Scrolls will see the light of day on August 25^th via Black Throne Productions. This psychedelic trip is not one to be missed! You can check out what I thought of it here. A Bandcamp page for the EP has yet to surface, but stay tuned to AAWKS and AIWASS’s pages for all the latest news about it.

AAWKS on Bandcamp: https://aawks.bandcamp.com/

AIWASS on Bandcamp: https://aiwassband.bandcamp.com/

Another edition of Bandcamp Friday is in the books! Show your support toward those hard-working bands and labels that bring us so much great music to liven the soundtrack of our lives. Until next time, keep dropping by all month long as I’ll have lots of goodies for you in August. Enjoy the tunes!