New Release Radar - August 2nd Releases

Check out our records of the week from Friday, August 2nd's new releases.

1. Blind Guardian - Somewhere Far Beyond (Revisited)
   Genre - Heavy/Power Metal
   FFO - Iced Earth, HammerFall, Avantasia, Kamelot, Helloween

One of Germany's most successful power metal bands, Blind Guardian have re-recorded their iconic record Somewhere Far Beyond. The band have taken all they have learned since the release of the record over 30 years ago and applied more skill, ability and technology to produce an updated version of what is considered to already be a groundbreaking record. The tracks were recorded in a live setting which has provided a classic with a breath of fresh air; sharper, epic and muscular whilst still maintaining all of the glorious melodies and harmonies of the 90s.

Rating: 8/10

2. Mourners Lament - A Grey Farewell
 Genre - Death/Doom Metal
 FFO - My Dying Bride, Insomnium, Anathema, Tribunal, Swallow the Sun

A sprawling, spectacular slab of death/doom metal at just over an hour long. The Chilean quintet hit every single mark in terms of heaviness, mournful atmosphere, incredible guitarwork, woeful piano, ethereal synths and grand orchestration. The blast beats are thunderous and the general mood of the record is that of ferocious power and devastation but also emotive beauty. The vocals are a combination of gutteral growls, haunting spoken word and clean vocalisations. Intoxicatingly slow and swaying melancholic pace interspersed with moments of sheer force.

Rating: 9/10

3. Acid Mass - Worship
 Genre - Blackened Thrash Metal
 FFO - Wraith, Graveripper, Devastator, Hellripper

A solo project from the UK incorporating old school trash metal with a blackened edge. Raw and brutal with a focus on epic riffs and flying solos. Energetic, frantic and deliciously heavy with catchy hooks and enticing, dark attitude. This is a guitar-centric record accompanied by thunderous drums, chugging basslines and rasping, powerful vocals which strike an excellent balance between old school thrash and black metal. Not to mention an array of special guests including Wraith and the mighty Hellripper himself, James McBain amongst others.

Rating: 8/10