Harbinger’s Killer Picks – August 2026

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

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

KISS Destroys Anaheim ’76 at KISS Online & Streaming Platforms

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

Necromantic Press Records' page for "God of Thunder"

"God of Thunder" on Spotify and Apple Music

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

Ripple Music’s Bandcamp page for Violation

Violation on Bandcamp

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

BraveWords Records’ Bandcamp page for Storm Force

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

Crimson Steel on Bandcamp

Heaven and Hell Records’ Bandcamp page for Crimson Steel

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

Reigning Phoenix Music’s page for Tungsten

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

Stories from Dead Scribes

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

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

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

John Carpenter's Cathedral

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

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

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

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

Official Website for John Carpenter’s Cathedral

John Carpenter’s Cathedral on Bandcamp