The New Music Thread - The Guardians Edition

I was thinking the same. Usually there's a power metal release or two that has grabbed my attention by now, but not this year. I thought maybe I was missing out on stuff other people were digging. But I guess not 

I heard about Emblas Saga and listened to a couple tracks, but it didn't seem like my jam. Maybe I'll check out the new Lovebites.

I have faith that the year will pick up though: I'm excited for new releases from Persuader, Judicator, Falconer, and Helloween

The brand new live album & DVD from Danish heavy metal stalwarts Pretty Maids entitled "Maid in Japan - Future World Live 30th Anniversary" is due to be released on 22nd May.

The new album from German heavy metal stalwarts Grave Digger entitled "Fields Of Blood" which is due to be released on 29th May.

Cirith Ungol are back after nineteen years with a really good album, Forever Black.

Much better than I expected (love that Elric cover too):

The new album from Graham Bonnet's long-standing Los Angeles heavy rock outfit Alcatrazz entitled "Born Innocent" which is due for release on 31st July..

Sneak previews from Metallica's upcoming "S&M2" release which is due out on 28th August:

A track from the upcoming "I Am the Empire - Live From the 013" live album/DVD/Blu-Ray from US symphonic power metallers Kamelot. It's due for release on 14th August & features a performance from 14th September 2018. This particular track features guest contributions from Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy) and Elize Ryd (Amaranthe).

A track from the new Venom demos compilation entitled "Sons of Satan: Rare and Unreleased" which is due for release on 28th August. It contains rare material recorded between 1979 & 1983.

Unleash The Archers - Abyss

I was really stoked about this new one from Unleash The Archers, which dropped today. I absolutely loved Apex back in 2017 and was really interested to see if the band would keep improving. After the first spin I'm a bit lukewarm on it, it feels like they've lost that sense of urgency and energy that Apex had and their lead female vocalist lost some power due to differences in songwriting, but there are still some stellar moments in here. Going to keep digging into it, since it seems to be getting a decent reception from Power Metal fans? It sounds a bit generic and dull a bit too often in my opinion, but we'll see if that opinion will change. 

The new Metallica single which is taken from their upcoming "S&M2" live release with San Francisco Symphony Orchestra which is due for release tomorrow.

A track from the upcoming "Metal City" album from NWOBHM legends Raven (due for release on 18th September).

The first two singles from NWOBHM legends Diamond Head's new "Lightning to the Nations 2020" release which is obviously a re-recording of their classic debut album.

This is my favorite song from the new Persuader album so far. These guys can do no wrong! Still the kings when it comes to heavier/darker side of Power Metal.

Aaaaaaannnnndddddd.... I'll just leave this one here.

This is my favorite Symphonic or Power Metal song of the year so far! And favorite debut album!

Never been a huge fan of the bands with female operatic vocals, but I dig this. The vocal melody at the end is instantly catchy and uplifting. And as a history nerd, I love the subject matter :D

So , new album next month for a quintessential Guardians band, and nobody posts it?  This forum is a cemetery...

This has got to be one of their best songs since A Night at the Opera.

Holy f***ing wars... The British speedy power metal heroes are back! Their new single is a catchy fun song to party to. And we'll have to wait to find out two things: 1. Will this appear in the band's next album? 2. Who's the new keyboardist/pianist?

Welcome back, my heroic speedy power metal warriors!

A Zelda-inspired power metal tune that's perhaps their best single yet!

Holy f***ing wars... The British speedy power metal heroes are back! Their new single is a catchy fun song to party to. And we'll have to wait to find out two things: 1. Will this appear in the band's next album? 2. Who's the new keyboardist/pianist?

Now made a lot better with the addition of the mighty singing of Amaranthe female vocalist Elize Ryd:

A rapid-fire Beat Saber-exclusive song by the self-proclaimed Warp Speed Warriors: