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unleash the archers
Interactive Video: Best Rock and Metal Albums of 2024
Hello all, I’ve been inactive on here for several months now, pursuing other ventures. One of them is my Youtube content, which I have been working on diligently. So to try something different this year, I made my Favorite album of the year list into an interactive video. It’s sort of reminiscent (or at least a homage to) of the old “Pop up videos” on VH1 that I loved to watch as a kid and even into my teens. I am desperately trying to get away from being a critic, and being more personal and educational about Metal. I just don’t want to be another opinion on the internet. I want to connect with people. I want to break barriers and stereotypes within the metal community. I want to abolish elitism in Metal. The true goal of my content is to share with people my music discoveries, not to critique albums. I really dislike reviewing and reading reviews. This “ErinMetal” channel allows me to be myself and share the amazing new Renaissance of Music that we’ve entered in the past decade.
There’s so much yet to be discovered outside of the mainstream music, and I will continue to share what I find. Please check out my “Favorite Rock and Metal Albums of 2024” countdown video below. And, I want to know your favorite albums of the year as well! Thank you so much for reading, watching, and interacting with my content. I want to grow this into an inclusive community, and you can be a part of that.
Power Metal Isn’t Cheesy, The Riffs Are Just Better Than Yours
One huge problem I have had with the Metal community for the past fifteen years is the disparagement against Power Metal and the wonderful people behind this immensely talented genre. I keep seeing the haters referring Power Metal as “cheesy”, “lame”, “boring”, and “derivative”, which couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s one thing to dislike certain sounds or a vocalist’s tone, but undermining an entire genre is sacrilegious and immature. Metal is supposed to be about community, acceptance, and rebelling against any kind of authority. In a society where everything divides us, Metal can unite us. Letting one basement dweller alter your view of a sub-genre that goes back four decades is the equivalent of letting some snobby reviewer keep you from watching the new Star Trek. You’re only giving into suggestion, instead of educating yourself and forming your own opinions. There is a niche Power Metal band for everyone, and my mission is to promote these bands until they get the credit in the community that they deserve.
The Power Metal genre is attributed to Ronnie James Dio and his brilliantly written fantasy lyrics and the whole new universe with Rainbow and solo projects. To disparage Power Metal is ignorant because Dio is a founding father of Metal. He invented the symbol of “the Horn” and united us all with emotive and powerful lyrics that would charge tens of thousands into battle. This world of Fantasy combined with the screams, fast music, and dual guitars of Judas Priest promoted Power Metal. Manowar brought this whole new universe of Metal to America in 1980 when they were inspired by Canadian act Thor. The New Wave of British Heavy Metal also inspired Power Metallers like Accept, Blind Guardian, and the almighty Helloween Power Metal IS original Metal along with Black Sabbath. And, the new wave of Power Metal hasn’t fallen far from the original tree that Dio planted so long ago. Whether you like it or not, Power Metal is quintessential to all Metal. To disparage it is to discount Dio’s influence on Metal, which would get you your ass kicked in any mosh pit in the world.
Power Metal has come back with a vengeance and more talent than ever with bands like Battle Beast, Beast In Black, Lords of the Trident, Seven Kingdoms, and the band who inspired this article, Unleash the Archers. These bands have worked tooth and nail to give this genre and an awakening too prove it is the best genre of Metal. It is a place where media distractions and inspiration meet to create an all inviting community. This unity is ever present at North American festivals like Mad With Power, curated by “nice Metal bud” Ty Christian of Lords of the Trident, and the hugely successful Prog Power in Atlanta. These festivals are huge meet ups for the all accepting “nerds” of Power Metal. Unleash the Archers, one of the most successful and highly regarded bands of the genre, have created and inspired this absolutely incredible community of nerds who wish to return Metal to the forefront. Brittney Slayes, who is considered a Dio successor, has created an entirely new fantasy world inspired by Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and Mad Max. She is an eloquent direct writer, has nearly a four octave range, and embraces where Metal and nerdom/geekdom meet. Her brothers in arms, Andrew Kingsley on Guitar, Grant Truesdell on guitar, Nick Miller on Bass, and husband and drummer Scott Buchanan have created a unique blend of Power Metal, Prog, Death Metal, and Neo Classicism that has stunned audiences all over the world. There is a magic quality to this band that mirrors Iron Maiden, especially in a live setting, and their brother bands are no different. Unleash the Archers is unarguably one of the best bands of the century and the company they keep mirrors this brilliance and exalts the talent within the genre.
Watching Mad With Power, which Unleash the Archers headlined for their first show in nearly two years, on stream this year reminded me of the scope and the importance of Power Metal. These bands are the best talents you can ever see live. The music is brave, technical, emotional, and provides an escape from a difficult time in society. Powerglove brought the nerdom to life as well as newer Symphonic Power Metal outfit Shield of Wings. They debuted a cover of “The Final Battle” from Elden Ring that stunned the video gamers in the crowd. Bostonian Death/Prog/Power Pirates Seven Spires absolutely dominated the first night bringing Neo Classicism and utterly devastating riffs. You just have to experience this band live to understand the unending talent. The second night, Floridian Power Metal band Seven Kingdoms took the stage and brought a work horse speed metal vibe with singer Sabrina Cruz belting into the rafters. The speed of this band is unbelievable. They are undoubtedly one of my top five live bands and just the nicest most inspirational people you will ever meet. Lords of the Trident come humble but completely destroy the stage with song after song emotive Neo Classicism that screams of Yngwie and Van Halen. Headliners Unleash the Archers, I mean I’ve already exalted and honestly drooled over this band, but their set at MWP Fest this year was truly something to behold. I can’t believe the talent we have in North America, and UTA is the finest example of that talent. If you have never heard or seen this band, go see them live, and I promise you will leave with your jaw dropped, tears in your eyes, a smile, and a sore neck.
Mad With Power is built around Ty Christian’s ideology, “New Wave of Nice Metal Buds” of trying to build an all accepting community. It’s where everyone can like Metal, Games, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, 80’s Music, and Synthwave all in one amazing festival and all the bands inspire each other to be authentic. Being a part of this community myself has utterly changed my dingy view of American Metal and an all too hateful society. I found like minded people who want to keep echoes from the past alive. This is why Power Metal is so pertinent to the Metal Community, it provides an absolute escape from daily stresses and trials and brings people together while keeping the music to the highest standard. This festival is the event of the year. If you like Power Metal, you cannot miss this festival. Ty Christian and friends have created the best festival in North America but also brought a new family style feel to Metal that we have needed all along. Mad With Power proves we are in the second wave of Power Metal, and it gives me hope that people will once again return to original Metal and honor where it came from.
Whether you like it or not Power Metal has the best riffs, the best solos, the best vocal lines, the best screams, the best lyrical content, the best fans, and the best merchandise. This genre combines everything that made us love Metal in the 80s and the media that has combined new fan groups. There is nothing cheesy or derivative about inspired music and immense musical proficiency. There are infinite possibilities and you are bound to like something in this vast technical prowess filled genre. So, here’s 20 essential Power Metal Bands you must hear. Maybe these awesome picks will expand some feeble minds and cast out the ignorance to this supreme genre.
This list is not in any order of best or age, it’s merely a sampler playlist you can use to check out some of the GOATS in Power Metal
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New Music Friday from Seven Kingdoms
Power Metal band from DeLand, Florida has been on fire since last fall and their successful tour with Unleash the Archers and Aether Realm, and this year’s Power Metal tour with Beast in Black and Striker. I knew once I witnessed Seven Kingdoms live in person, I was witnessing the greatest Power Metal band in America. We don’t get bands like this here. But to be frank, their quality and consistency are unmatched anywhere. With tracks like After the Fall, Empty Eyes, Monster, and epic ballad Valonqar this band knows how to deliver impactful songs. Every member is vastly talented and the chemistry is that of a band that’s been playing for two decades. I have never been more impressed with an opener (well, not since System Divide).
Now, the wait for the crowdfunded album “Zenith” has begun. With the debut original track, Universal Terrestrial, we got absolute speed, dynamic vocals, and amazing melodic solos. The track is simply addictive with unique qualities that I am not hearing anywhere else. The unique tonal quality of Sabrina Valentine Cruz’s voice is divine and surprising: I’ve never heard anything like it, and I can’t seem to get enough of it. I foresee a lot more Reaction videos coming their way soon. The first release from Zenith was insanely surprising: A Power Metal rendition of Joan Jett’s classic “I Hate Myself For Loving You” that screamed. It is one of the best covers I have ever heard, with musical and vocal perfection. It’s a huge upgrade to the original, which in my opinion long outlived its usefulness. The soaring screams and high notes elicit a jaw-dropping experience and “WOWs”. It’s one of those times when you think “why isn’t this going viral?” “Zenith” may be just what this band needs to skyrocket into a bigger fandom that they unequivocally deserve.
Today, Seven Kingdoms dropped the emotional powerhouse of a track “Diamond Handed”. I am forever impressed by this band, but this song brought it to a new level. I love every aspect of this track. It’s classic Power Metal mixed with modern touches in this beautiful emotionally heavy and inspiring track. I am a sucker for dueling guitar solos and Cam and Kevin delivered perfectly fast, technical, melodic solos over Keith’s pocket-perfect metronome double bass. It’s very different from any song they’ve done before, to me, but keeps within the typical Speedy-riffing soaring Power Metal that SK always delivers on. Sabrina’s range on this track is unbelievable, in that I believe she uses a lower section we haven’t heard before. And then, she roars into harmonic screams that seem to resonate forever. It’s vastly impressive. There’s nothing quite like this track, and you really have to play it multiple times to get every tidbit of deliciousness.
For fans of Blind Guardian, Beast In Black, Unleash the Archers, Halestorm, Nightwish, Sonata Arctica, Heart
“Abyss” Unleash The Archers Review
Spoiler: This is already my “Album of the Year”
In 2019, it was revealed that Candian Power Metal Band Unleash the Archers were releasing a new EP. “Explorers” was a bombastic two-track EP featuring a totally different sound from the previous release “Apex”. With Awakening and Northwest Passage going almost viral on Youtube Reactors’ channels, it was no doubt this band is continually growing in more ways than one. Apex is arguably one of the best Metal Records of the past decade. The writing of this band and collective creativity seems to progress exponentially with every record. “Apex” was mountains ahead in quality of “Time Stands Still”. Northwest Passage showed immense composure and maturity. For a band with terrible luck in bassists and the tough road of being a vastly underrated opening band, these guys don’t seem to give up. It is no wonder why their ever-growing fan base is salivating at the anticipation of “Abyss”. I know I was.
“Abyss” is a heart-pounding journey from “Apex” through a mysterious path to outer space. It begins with the tame opener Waking Dream, again showing a different side to the band. There’s something more relaxed and comfortable about this entire record, making the slow builder intro Waking Dream a perfect opening to the wormhole. As we descend into the first single Abyss, we hear the effortless blend of Speedy Power Metal, 80’s synthesizers, and effortless soaring vocals from Brittney. This track is one of my top ten tracks of 2020, and maybe even of all time. Its catchiness is addictive in a rhythmic sense, but also lyrically. Power Metal is one of those genres that strives in sing-along choruses, and this album is packed with them. Abyss is a track deep with meaning and is reminiscent of the popular Awakening. I find the parallels between their records so fascinating and seamless. It’s not short of Brittney’s insane high notes and contrasted low Alto-centric epics, melodic guitars, and powerful driving drums from veteran Scott Buchanan. It’s just an absolutely solid track that I could put on repeat and drift into a dream.
Through Stars is a track I never expected from UTA, but one I desperately needed in their catalog. It is one of the slowest and smoothest tracks I have heard from the band. It builds, drives, breaks down and is overall super mellow. There is something about the emotion on this track that just hits me right in the gut. It’s reminiscent of Heart’s harmonies and melodies while keeping a rhythmic Queensryche feel. Brittney nails this song in her lower range and shows of nearly perfect diction. This song is a slow burner, and it’s just a perfect change of pace. The guitar solo enunciates the emotions in this one, a throwback to the 1970s and 1980s melodic guitar playing. I expect nothing less from Andrew and Grant, but this surpasses expectations and floats so smoothly. It’s a staggering contrast from the next track that you just have to hear to believe.
Onto Track Four; Legacy. I have witnessed brilliant tracks from Metal over twenty-seven years of existence. Tracks like Devin Townsend’s Deadhead and Kingdom, Iron Maiden’s Wasted Years, Dream Theater’s Pull Me Under, and many more come to mind that have just blown me away. I find epic masterpieces like this when I least expect it, Legacy is one of those songs that made every hair on my body pretty much rise in applause. The use of arpeggios and sweeps and general notation in this song is shockingly good. Drummer Scott Buchanan truly shines on this track from blast beats to swing beats and masterful fills. This song doesn’t build, it explodes. Dare I say it’s the most epic track of the year. Where it lacks in catchiness, it picks up in immense emotion as they search in the vastness of space for the Shadow Guide. However, upon first listen, this song strikes me as a power ballad in disguise, and god knows there’s nothing wrong with that. This song shows the dynamite of talent coming from every member of this dark horse Power Metal band. Andrew is shockingly fast and accurate on this track with dueling brother Grant. The guitars beat the hell out of anything I’ve heard since Devin Townsend’s “Empath”. As for the vocals, I am a complete vocal nerd, and this song is a requiem of multi-layering of vocals. Brittney mentioned exploring “the Brittney choir”, and you get a taste of it on this perfect song. The mastery of vocal lines and harmonies in Legacy beats any female vocalist of the decade. It is sure to encapsulate every fiber of your senses, sending complete chills through my body upon first listen. The use of notes picked from the arpeggios into a smooth behind-the-beat powerful vocal is one of the most virtuosic talents I have ever heard. I didn’t expect a Prog Metal track with blast beats from them, but it is everything I have ever wished for in a song.
It is hard to follow up such a table-turning bombastic song like Legacy, in my opinion. But, the band continues to awe with Return to Me, aptly named. It returns, ironically to their Extreme days with always amazing multi-harmonic growls from Grant, in contrast with ever-soaring vocals. This track is epic, even by Power Metal standards. The speed of this band is ungodly. It’s a huge departure from the rest of the album in a big way as it lacks synths. It’s just so raw and angry and driving as they face the “Space Matriarch?”. Then, there’s the jaw-dropping single of Soulbound. This track, in my opinion, is unlike anything we’ve heard from this band yet. It is eloquent and so floaty, almost painting a dreamscape with the brilliant vocals alone. The high note, in the shocking harmonic range, just proves Brittney has absolutely no limits with her voice. I have never heard anything like this. It’s just such a powerful Single with some of the catchiest lines from the band. The tightness of this band is always staggering, but Soulbound is a whole new level. Scott’s fills on this song cemented him as one of my top three drummers. This track is just effortless, passionate, and mesmerizing. I cannot get enough of the melodic guitar lines on this one.
Faster Than Light awes with more pounding and driving speed with Dragonforce riffs, the classic opening scream, and composition that proves Malmsteen was always overrated. This song is going to be a favorite of the fans, with a catchy “escapist” chorus, and absolutely epic verses. In typical Unleash the Archers fashion, it breaks down and showcases the neoclassical brilliance of this band. It’s just heart pounding and so solid. The Wind That Shapes the Land signals an ending of the battle between the Brothers and the Matriarch, signaling a victory is imminent. It’s a back and forth battle, a true throwback to the epic thriller General of the Dark Army. Again, the range of this vocalist is just head-shakingly large. The classification of Alto is hardly appropriate. They should make a new class for Slayes. This song uses so many voices and octaves. The changes, the timing, the building into a less catchy but epic chorus is so well composed. The bridge is one of my favorite parts of this record as well, almost a breathing section into insane guitar solos. It’s a song that feels as though it could go on forever, but also ends much too soon. This is one of the most interesting and unique songs I have ever heard.
I am all in for a damn good sing-along, especially in Power Metal, and Carry The Flame, is such an 80’s jam in the best way. It starts out super catchy and slow-building, maybe even modestly holding back. The soothing voice of Brittney is jolted away as Andrew comes in with immense power and tone on the second verse. His vocals are a nice edition, but I desperately hope this is just a single feature track. The harmonizing is brilliant on this track, but I find the live harmonization of Brittney and Andrew to be lacking live. As it should be, she is an impossible act to follow. This is the most fun track on the album, and pretty sentimental, but it’s not my favorite UTA track. I feel like it’s more of a bonus track than a final product number. But, I am sure those who were lucky enough to score the Earbook find out how this song ties into the concept.
The worst part of the album is that it inevitably ends. But, it ends perfectly with the closing track Afterlife. The track begins uncharacteristically with an orchestral suite done by one of Slayes’ favorite composers. It moves beautifully into a typical Archers sing along with epic booming drums. It’s a sad track but also uplifting, knowing that the Immortal is finally put to rest after centuries. I really like this track overall and find it such a soothing Fantastical track, touching on the Fantasy themes so wonderfully. It’s a closing track, but we are still left with so many questions and wondering if this is truly the end of the story. According to the band, it is. But, where will we go next?
There is no ego on this record. There is nothing pretentious or overreaching. It’s just amazing, clean, heavy, balanced, Power Metal with nostalgia. However, to some long time fans and listeners Abyss is a very world spinning change, but it’s a change we needed for one of the worst years this planet has ever seen. The light and positivity as well as the themes of togetherness and joining to conquer something are very appreciated. I feel like this is a Legacy of a record to be passed on from generation to generation. It is a quintessential Power Metal album. It signifies the stamp of uniquity Unleash the Archers has imprinted upon this century of metal. I can’t wait to hear more.
Metal Valkyrie 