WORDS FROM THE TEAM: Lotty’s Halfway Choices 2023 – Part 1

In the words of BON JOVI, we’re half way there.

You know what that means, it’s time to reveal what albums have made my year so far. In fact, there have been so many great releases that it seemed logical to do this post in two parts. I am revealing these in the order they were released. Will say this once as this applies to all my entries; if you like what you hear from each of the YouTube clips provided, check the bands out and tell your friends.

Without further ado, here is the first part of my post.

Skyblazer – Infinity’s Wings

At the end of last year, I was really feeling the negative effects of imposter syndrome and burnout. It had gotten so bad that I was doubting whether to carry on running Rock Out Stand Out after my usual break over December. When I started to listen to this album however, something inside me awakened and that inspiration I had been searching for was finally found.

This debut album from SKYBLAZER is a power metal gem that is filled with brilliant, uplifting songs such as the poignant Turning Time, the empowering Eyes Of Serenity and Across The Blazing Skies that wouldn’t be out of place in a Final Fantasy game. Like video games and power metal? Give this album a spin, you will feel much better afterwards.

You can read my review of the album here and my interview with Johannes Frykholm here.

Find SKYBLAZER on Facebook.

Dark Sarah – Attack Of Orym

Ever since coming across their song Dance With The Dragon a few years ago, DARK SARAH have been solid favourites of mine. In their latest album Attack Of Orym, their sounds takes a completely different turn; one I am happy to get on board with. This album story continues the story of Luna and contains many twists. My personal favourite tracks include the kooky Goth Disco, the impactful title track and the nostalgic Piece Of My Heart. This album pleases long time fans and new listeners of the band; give this album a whirl if you wish to fully immerse.

You can read my album review here and my interview with Heidi Parviainen here.

Find DARK SARAH on Facebook.

Negatory Effect – Never Trust A Tuesday

As they say in Monty Python’s Flying Circus; and now for something completely different. I already knew one of the members of NEGATORY EFFECT through the power and folk metal circuit when Never Trust A Tuesday was sent over for reviewing, he mentioned this album is different to what we are both used to. The simple description of their music I would use is heavy metal meshed with dance music; something you wouldn’t think would work but NEGATORY EFFECT make it work brilliantly. The songs on this record are so catchy, I could be in the middle of a random and unrelated task then the song just pops into my head. I don’t even need to read the song titles, the album is that catchy. What I also like about this record is that you don’t know what’s coming next. This album also taught me to try new things out of my comfort zone and embrace the unknown, I encourage you to do the same.

Message from the band when experiencing this record; headbanging not necessary, dancing compulsory.

You can read my review of the album here and my interview with band members Jethro and Lokisson here.

Find NEGATORY EFFECT on Facebook.

Heidevolk – Wederkeer

I have been recommended HEIDEVOLK numerous times over the years and with good reason. I have liked singles and album tracks, I had never sat to listen to one of their albums in it’s entirety until Wederkeer graced my ears. This portfolio of majestic folk metal is one I keep going back to time and time again. The album contains subtle yet catchy melodies that serve different purposes; from the reflective title track to the epic sounding Raidho, your inner warrior will emerge.

Find HEIDEVOLK on Facebook.

Nanowar Of Steel – Dislike To False Metal

Usually when I get stream only links for promos, it’s rare I go back to then repeatedly, this was what happened with the latest release from NANOWAR OF STEEL. Dislike To False Metal is a delightful portfolio of ear worms that will be stuck in your head for days. It has the same principle as NEGATORY EFFECT’s album, the songs are so catchy that they just pop into your head for no particular reason. If you fancy getting fully immersed into songs about a health conscious pirate ship, a group of keyboard warriors or even just to see the words Dimmu and Boogie together in the same song title; this is the album for you.

You read my interview with Gatto Panceri 666 about the album here and my review of the album here.

Find NANOWAR OF STEEL on Facebook.

Frozen Crown – Call Of The North

I was already fully aware of the mighty power of FROZEN CROWN and their latest album Call Of The North is solid proof of this. This gallant album takes you on a mighty journey of twists and turns, it’s one you will want to experience time and time again. I was impressed with the single releases leading up to this album and they lived up to expectations. My personal favourite tracks include the pumping energy from Black Heart, the epic sounding Legion and the empowering One For All.

Find FROZEN CROWN on Facebook.

Kamelot – The Awakening

KAMELOT fans all over the world already know how much anticipation there was for this record. It had been five years since the release of their studio album The Shadow Theory. What I love about The Awakening is some of the old school sounds that brought me to the band fifteen years ago are present. It includes those whilst making it clear that they continue moving forward.

My personal favourite tracks on the album include the empowering One More Flag In The Ground, the majestic New Babylon and the stunning sounds of Willow. I would also like to mention the track Midsummer’s Eve that brings a personal favourite KAMELOT classic The Sailorman’s Hymn to mind.

Find KAMELOT on Facebook.

Ad Infinitum – Chapter III: Downfall

Ever since coming across their debut Chapter I: Monarchy, I have been a fan of AD INFINITUM and it’s been amazing watching them go from strength to strength. Usually by album three, I have noticed bands go in different directions; they either play it safe and keep to the same sound or they experiment and try something new. So I was a bit nervous before listening to it. I am very glad AD INFINITUM chose to try something new and develop whilst keeping to the core of their sound. It showed me they are not afraid to push the boundaries and know how to keep people curious.

You can read my interview with Niklas Müller here and my review of the album here.

Find AD INFINITUM on Facebook.

Red Rum – Book Of Legends

By the time this post is released, it would be over two months since this voyage was released. I have already lost count on how many times I have listened to RED RUM’s Book Of Legends. I said this on the album’s release date.

The day the album came out, I was really stuck in my head and was for the majority of the month. The fun, delightful shenanigans from these wonderful scallywags helped lift me out of the dark hole and continue to do so. Chapters of this dastardly tale include the kooky, cartoony Liar’s Dice, brilliantly empowering opener Drunk And Disorderly and the brilliant re-recording of Make Port, Drink Port.

I named this Album Of The Month in April, click here to ready why.