Kerrigan |Wayfarer |High Roller Records

Release Date 27.03.2026
Format CD/LP/MC/Digital
Genre Heavy Metal
Country Germany

Germany’s heavy metal forge is back at it. Born in Freiburg in 2019, the duo of Bruno Schotten and Jonas Weber started out with a demo that sounded like they’d been breathing 1982 air their whole lives. After a killer debut with “Bloodmoon” in 2023, they’ve expanded to a full four-piece lineup with Jakob Zeblin and Jonathan Döring. This isn't just a project anymore; it’s a full-blown unit that sounds like they’ve been drinking from the same rusted well as the NWOBHM greats.

If you’re tired of over-produced plastic garbage, “Wayfarer” is the medicine. These guys are cut from the same denim as Spellcaster, Cauldron, or Skull Fist, bringing that high-energy melodic bite that makes you want to drive too fast. It’s got that specific High Roller Records stamp of quality, authentic, loud, and dripping with melody. This is easily one of the premier heavy metal albums to drop this year, and it’s going to make a lot of older bands look lazy by comparison.

The songwriting on this beast is top-tier. Songs like “The Ice Witch” and “Blood And Steel” have hooks that stick in your brain like a jagged barb. They manage to be catchy without being cheesy, which is a thin line most bands trip over. There’s a certain melancholy running through the melodies, but the rhythm section keeps things moving at a pace that keeps your head moving. Even when they throw a curveball with a more "happy" track like “Fighter”, it still carries enough steel to belong on a metal album.

The production handled by Christoph Brandes is exactly what this style needs. It sounds big and expansive without losing that basement-born energy. Jonas Weber’s vocals have improved significantly, sounding more seasoned and melodic, while the twin guitar work between him and Schotten provides a masterclass in traditional riffing. Every track on the 42-minute runtime earns its keep. There is no filler here, just pure, high-octane heavy metal that honors the masters while establishing its own identity.

“Wayfarer” is a mandatory purchase for anyone who still worships at the altar of the riff. Kerrigan has stepped up their game and delivered a record that manages to be versatile and exciting. It’s got speed, it’s got atmosphere, and most importantly, it’s got soul. If you don't have this in your collection by the end of the month, you’re doing heavy metal wrong.

Score: 9.0

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Kate's Acid |Hellbender |High Roller Records

Release Date 20.03.2026
Format CD/LP/MC/Digital
Genre Speed Metal
Country Belgium

Acid started tearing up Bruges in 1980 and helped write the rulebook for European speed metal. They pumped out essential full-lengths like "Acid" and "Maniac" before packing it in during the mid-80s. Fast forward to 2019, and vocalist Kate De Lombaert decided it was time to bash some skulls again. She rounded up a new gang under the Kate's Acid banner. After dropping a live tape a couple of years back, the crew finally unleashed "Hellbender" via High Roller Records.

The current line-up brings some serious fire to the table. Geert Annys throws down frantic guitar solos that shred through the speakers. The rhythm section consisting of drummer Ash and bassist Camilo Ortega lays down a thunderous, head-banging groove. "Hellbender" is loaded with fast-paced thrashers and heavy metal anthems. "The Lightning Conductor" is an absolute scorcher that demands furious moshing. "Riding Out" acts as a total biker anthem built for highway speeding and spilling cheap beer.

Kate's voice is totally savage and rules the entire album. She howls over the distortion and proves she has not lost a single step since the early days. "Do Not Burn The Witch" delivers killer riffs and a huge chorus destined for rowdy crowd sing-alongs. The band even threw in a slower song called "Air Raid" at the end of the tracklist. This ballad goes deep into heavy emotion and breaks up the fast pace, offering a gloomy change of scenery.

"Hellbender" brings the noise and gives old school headbangers what they crave. It is a raging speed metal attack with plenty of dirt under its fingernails. Kate's Acid delivered a badass comeback album that absolutely shreds. Play it loud and break your neck in the pit.

Score: 8.3

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Stainless |Lady Of Lust & Steel |High Roller Records

Release Date 20.03.2026
Format CD/LP/MC/Digital
Genre Heavy Metal
Country USA

Stainless fired up their amps in Portland, Oregon, back in 2022. The members come straight out of the Pacific Northwest underground, having spent time playing in Black Breath, Long Knife, Nightfell, and Ripper. Their first strike was the "Snakebite"/"Too Hot To Steal" single, which led to the "Nocturnal Racer" mini-album on High Roller Records. Now, they return with a full-length attack titled "Lady Of Lust & Steel", tracked at Red Lantern Studios by Evan Mersky.

This album brings a massive dose of 70s hard rock smashed into 80s metal aggression. You hear a huge AC/DC and Accept influence roaring out of the speakers. Larissa Cavacece sings with a raspy, ferocious voice, bringing a savage energy similar to Wendy O. Williams and Leather Leone. She fires off the lyrics with total malice over the loud guitars. Jamie Byrum provides massive riffs and wild solos to keep the adrenaline pumping.

"Restless An' Ready" kicks things off with blazing distortion and a killer chorus made for banging heads in the front row. Songs like "(Don't Cross Me) Fool" and "Take A Listen Mama" throw some serious rock and roll swagger into the mix. The rhythm section provides a heavy, driving foundation, pounding the drums and bass to back up the main riffs. The production from Jamie Byrum and Evan Mersky works perfectly for the music, keeping the instruments loud and in your face.

Stainless gives us a fun, loud heavy metal album to blast out of the car windows. "Lady Of Lust & Steel" provides plenty of fist-pumping moments and fast riffs. The songs are catchy and easy to get into, making you want to turn the volume up to maximum. It is a good, straightforward rocking trip for anyone wanting some aggressive guitars and raspy vocals.

Score: 7.3

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Lead Injector |Witching Attack |High Roller Records

Release Date 20.02.2026
Format CD/LP/Digital
Genre Black/Thrash Metal
Country Germany

Lead Injector is a trio hailing from Dresden, founded in 2022. The band consists of Jason on guitars, Leo on bass and vocals, and Justus on drums. While the members cut their teeth in various solo projects and school bands previously, this group marks their first serious venture into the metal scene. They made their initial mark with the 2024 demo "From The Crypts... Of Hell" and have now re-recorded those tracks alongside new material for their debut full-length, "Witching Attack," released via High Roller Records.

Lead Injector plays metal the way it was meant to be. The sound is rough, loud, and angry. "Witching Attack" mixes black metal speed with thrash riffs in a way that just works. The production keeps things raw, maintaining the necessary dirt for this style. It is a fast album that keeps the energy high and the aggression constant. The songs have good variation. You can tell the difference between "Siege Upon Heaven" and something like "M.C.C.I." The band writes tracks that stick in your head. The guitars are aggressive, and the drums keep a steady, pounding rhythm. They avoid making every song sound identical, which is a common problem for new bands in this specific sub-genre. The writing is straightforward and effective.

Leo screams with plenty of hate. His voice suits the dark vibes of "Evil Executioner" and "Pest Thrash." The whole album has a classic, evil feeling to it. These guys are not trying to be fancy, they just bang heads. The attitude is right there in the music. It sounds like three maniacs in a room making noise because they have to. This is a cool debut. It delivers forty-five minutes of heavy music that fans of the style will appreciate. High Roller Records made a good choice picking them up. If you need some new German steel to listen to, check this out. It is a fun ride that does the job well.

Score: 8.0

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Zepter |Zepter |High Roller Records

Release Date 20.02.2026
Format CD/LP/MC/Digital
Genre Traditional Heavy Metal
Country Austria

Zepter comes out of Austria, kicking off the project in January 2024. They wasted no time, quickly dropping the "Inferno" EP on cassette through Ironbound, which saw subsequent vinyl and CD versions via Fucking Kill Records and Witches Brew. The lineup consists of musicians who already knew each other from the local scene and played in other groups before uniting for this traditional metal outfit. High Roller Records now handles the release of their self-titled debut album.

This album screams 1980. It is pure, denim-and-leather worship that fits right in with the current High Roller catalog. You get exactly what the cover art suggests. Twin guitars, galloping bass lines, and vocals that aim for the rafters. The sound leans heavily on the British steel of forty years ago, channeling the spirit of bands like Saxon or Angel Witch. It is fast, loud, and enthusiastic, capturing a specific era of heavy metal history with genuine affection.

The guitars do the heavy lifting here. Lukas Götzenberger and Stefan Bolda trade licks that remind you of the Schenker era or the early days of Iron Maiden. The harmonies are the main attraction, sitting on top of a rhythm section that keeps things moving forward. Tracks like "The Exterminator" or "Slasher On The Highway" possess a raw aggression that works well. The inclusion of the Screem cover, "Lonely Night," blends in perfectly with the original material, proving these guys did their homework on obscure heavy metal gems.

Production-wise, it sounds organic. It avoids modern digital trickery, keeping the drums sounding like actual drums and the amps buzzing with electricity. The mix by Johnnyfromtherotten captures a garage vibe where the sweat is real. It is not perfect audio engineering, but that roughness adds to the charm. The vocals sit slightly back in the mix, allowing the riffs to dominate the sonic landscape, which is exactly how this sort of music should sound.

While the album is a fun listen, it stays safely within the boundaries of the style. Zepter pays homage to their heroes without straying from the path laid down by the NWOBHM. It is a competent debut that hits the requisite marks for the genre. If you hoard obscure 7-inch singles from 1981, this album will make you happy. It delivers the goods for thirty-four minutes and leaves you wanting a beer.

Score: 7.5

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Fili Bibiano’s Fortress |Death Is Your Master |High Roller Records

Release Date: 30.01.2026
Format: CD/LP/Digital
Genre: Heavy Metal
Country: United States

Fili Bibiano's Fortress started out as just Fortress in Whittier, California back in 2016. After dropping an EP and their debut full-length "Don’t Spare The Wicked" in 2021 on High Roller Records, they realized way too many bands used that name. They switched the moniker to Fili Bibiano's Fortress to point towards the founding member, who also plays in Intranced. "Death Is Your Master" serves as the second album for the group. The lineup features Fili Bibiano handling guitars, bass, and synth, alongside drummer Joey Mancaruso and new vocalist Juan Aguila. Former singer Chris Nunez appears on the track "Blackest Night". The album was produced by Bibiano himself, with recording split between his Black Light Studio and Brothers Marc Studio in Gardena.

This album is absolutely all about the six-string sorcery. Fili Bibiano isn't hiding behind simple power chords here. The man is shredding everywhere. He brings that neo-classical style that instantly makes you think of the guitar gods from the mid-80s. Some people might complain it is too much showing off, but he plays with actual fire. It is aggressive and technical without sounding robotic. The riffs are fast, and the solos absolutely rip. It is refreshing to hear a guy who wants to bring that specific shred style back to the front of the mix and make the guitar the boss again.

Juan Aguila steps in on vocals and he fits right in with the chaos. He has the pipes to keep up with the frantic energy of the music. It was a cool move to keep the track with original singer Chris Nunez to show some history, but Aguila owns the rest of the material. The production works well too. Since Bibiano handled it himself, the guitar tone is obviously the priority, but the drums still punch through the wall of sound. It sounds like a heavy metal album should sound, loud and aggressive without being too fake or plastic.

The runtime sits at around 34 minutes, which is exactly right for this kind of assault. It smacks you in the face and finishes before you get bored. There is zero filler here. The songwriting focuses on keeping the energy high and the headbanging constant. Bibiano says he plays what comes to mind, and that organic approach comes through. It is not calculated or over-produced math metal. It is just straight-up heavy metal played by guys who clearly worship the instrument and want to play fast.

If you dig heavy metal with a massive focus on lead guitar work, this is for you. It is a strong release that has a clear identity. It is not trying to be the heaviest thing on earth or the most progressive. It is just a cool, rocking album with some serious musical talent behind it. It is a very solid listen for anyone who misses the days when the guitar solo was the main event.

Score: 8.0

 

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Cyclone |Known Unto God |High Roller Records

Release Date February 6^th, 2026
Format CD/LP/Digital
Genre Thrash Metal
Country Belgium

The roots of Cyclone from Belgium, who eventually became one of the most popular European thrash metal bands, go way back to 1981. They were originally formed in Aalst under the name of Centurion. As their music was getting harder and harder, it was decided to use a more cutting-edge moniker. A variety of demos was recorded before Cyclone signed a deal with Roadrunner Records where they released their now legendary debut album "Brutal Destruction" in 1986. This was followed by "Inferior To None" on Justice Records in 1990. After that, the band disbanded. Ending a long hiatus, Cyclone decided to reform in 2018 and has appeared live regularly since then (playing on their own or at prestigious festivals like Headbangers Open Air in Germany). Now, High Roller Records releases Cyclone’s comeback mini album "Known Unto God", with five brand-new compositions.

It has been thirty-six years since Cyclone dropped new material, and usually, when a band returns after three decades, it ends in embarrassment. That is absolutely not the case here. "Known Unto God" is a massive kick in the teeth that proves these Belgians still have plenty of fire in the tank. The energy here rivals their output from the mid-80s, screaming with aggression and speed. High Roller Records picked up a winner here, as this EP delivers pure, unadulterated thrash metal without any modern nonsense or digital trickery ruining the vibe.

The guitar work from Maxime Deschamps and Jesse Van Den Bossche drives this release. They churn out riffs that demand you bang your head until your neck snaps. It sounds loud, rude, and aggressive. The production strikes a great balance, keeping the dirt and rawness of the 80s intact while ensuring the drums and bass punch through the speakers. Guido Gevels sounds fantastic on the mic, spitting out lyrics with venom. The whole band plays like a unit that has been touring for years, locking in tight on every tempo change.

One distinct aspect of this release is how it incorporates classic heavy metal influences from NWOBHM in tracks like "Nothing Is Real". It adds a layer of melody and structure that keeps the speed from becoming monotonous. The songwriting is smart, keeping things memorable and catchy while maintaining high velocity. It is refreshing to hear a thrash band that remembers how to write actual songs instead of just stringing fast parts together.

This mini-album is a serious statement. Twenty minutes of music flies by instantly, leaving you reaching for the replay button immediately. If this is just a teaser for a full-length album down the road, then the European thrash scene is in for a treat. Cyclone has returned to reclaim their territory, and "Known Unto God" is the weapon they are using to do it. Dig it, crack a Belgian beer, and play it loud.

Score: 8.3

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Sacrilege | Behind The Realms Of Madness |High Roller Records (Reissue/Remastered)

Release Date 23.01.2026
Format MLP
Genre Punk/Thrash Metal
Country United Kingdom

Sacrilege formed in Birmingham in 1984, right where soot, tension and working class anger were still thick in the air. Fronted by Tam on vocals, alongside Damian on guitar, Tony on bass and Andy on drums, the band came out of the same underground pressure cooker that bred Discharge, English Dogs and Broken Bones. Early demos circulated fast in punk and metal circles, leading to a deal with Children Of The Revolution Records and the recording of six tracks that would become “Behind The Realms Of Madness”. The band barely played any shows, promotion was minimal, yet word spread hard and wide. This album travelled on tape trades, word of mouth and pure reputation, turning Sacrilege into a cult name long before cult status was fashionable.

"Behind The Realms Of Madness" is a total neck-breaker that proves you don't need a million notes to sound dangerous. From the moment "Lifeline" kicks in, the aggression is disgusting. Tam’s vocals are pure venom, sounding more menacing than most of the guys fronting bands in 1985. There is no glossy production here to hide behind, just pure, filthy energy. Songs like "Shadow From Mordor" and "At Death's Door" show off Damian's talent for writing riffs that bridge the gap between a Discharge basement show and a Metallica arena.

The mix of styles on this album is what makes it a mandatory listen for any self-respecting metalhead. You can hear the doom influences creeping into the faster thrash tempos, creating a sound that is heavy as hell. "A Violation Of Something Sacred" and "The Closing Irony" are grim, politically charged anthems that haven't aged a day. The drumming is relentless, and the bass tone has that perfect metallic clang that defines the mid-80s UK underground.

It is easy to see why this sold tens of thousands of copies back in the day with zero promotion. "Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind" closes things out by leaving you wanting to smash your head against a wall. This isn't some polite trip down memory lane; it is a reminder that Sacrilege was the undisputed kings of the crossover sound. If your collection is missing this, you aren't playing the game right. It is loud, it is ugly, and it still shreds.

Score: 8.0

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Rave In Fire |Square One |High Roller Records

Release Date 30.01.2026
Format CD/LP/Digital
Genre Heavy Metal
Country Spain

Rave In Fire is a pack of heavy metal addicts from Madrid who have been grinding since 2015. After their 2022 breakout "Sons Of A Lie" put them on the map, they finally made it to the stage at Trvheim in Germany to show the underground what they’re made of. Now they’ve teamed up with High Roller Records to drop their second full-length, handled almost entirely by their guitarist Jonjo Negrete. They’ve trimmed down to a four-piece, and you can hear that shift in how the music hits your ears this time around.

"Square One" is a meaner, more experimental beast than what these Spaniards have done before. Moving from a twin-guitar attack to a single-axe lineup has forced the bass and drums to step up and take over the empty space. It works. The songs aren't just standard throwback worship; they’ve added some thrashy edges and speed metal sections that keep the energy high. Sele’s vocals lead the charge with a style that reminds me of Leather Leone in her prime, giving the whole thing an aggressive, old-school bite.

The tracks "Dark Poison" and "Knightwalker" are pure headbanging fuel, blending that classic 80s Scorpions vibe with the dark, heavy atmosphere of Dio. Then you’ve got "Speed And Rave," which is a total neck-snapper. They aren't just playing it safe with the traditional metal playbook anymore. The title track "Square One" gets pretty wild for an ending, throwing in some progressive touches that show they’ve been practicing more than just their power chords.

This is a self-produced middle finger to anyone who thinks traditional metal is dying. The production is raw and honest because they did it all themselves at California Studios. It’s got that authentic Madrid dirt on it, inspired by the legends like Barón Rojo but pushing into a more technical territory. If you want your metal loud, fast, and Spanish, Rave In Fire is delivering the goods right now.

Score: 8.0 

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Lone Wanderer |Exequiae |High Roller Records

Release Date 30.01.2026
Format CD/LP/Digital
Genre Funeral/Doom/Death Metal
Country Germany

Lone Wanderer comes out of Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, bringing total misery to the table. They formed back in 2014 and have been dragging their sound through the mud ever since. After dropping an EP and two full-length albums, "The Majesty Of Loss" and "The Faustian Winter", they have now landed on High Roller Records for their third major release. The band operates as a four-piece unit with Bruno Schotten on vocals and guitars, Jonas Weber handling the other guitar, Simon Brooker on bass, and Jakob Zeblin smashing the drums. They handle their own recording and mixing, keeping their vision intact without outside interference.

This album is a heavy, crushing experience from the first second. "Exequiae" translates to funeral rites, and the band delivers exactly that. The music moves at a glacial pace, letting every riff hang in the air until it suffocates you. It is thick, distorted, and incredibly bleak. The band channels the end of culture and inner grief, creating a soundscape that is pure darkness. You can hear the influence of the romantic painter Ernst Ferdinand Oehme in the atmosphere, matching the cover art perfectly. It is cold, foggy, and depressingly beautiful.

One of the craziest things here is a monster track that runs for nearly twenty-five minutes. Most bands would fall apart trying to sustain that length, but Lone Wanderer keeps the tension high. They mix up the standard funeral doom formula by throwing in blasts and faster death metal sections. These bursts of aggression stop the album from becoming a bore. The harmonies are dense and layered, stacking guitar upon guitar to build a wall of sound. Schotten’s vocals are deep and guttural, reanimating from the grave.

Since the band produced this themselves, the audio quality is raw and uncompromising. The drums thud with a dull ache and the bass rumbles deep in your chest. The guitars have distinct fuzz that adds to the overall grime of the recording. It sounds like a funeral mass played in slow motion. The German quartet has created something that is difficult to create but rewarding to listen to if you like your metal extremely exequial and heavy.

"Exequiae" is a solid addition to every funeral doom metal catalog. It is miserable, heavy, and majestic in its own twisted way. Lone Wanderer proves they belong on a label like High Roller with this release. They have crafted a soundtrack for the end of days. If you want supreme heaviness and songs that crush your soul, this is the album to get.

Score: 8.5

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Wings Of Steel | Gates Of Twilight | High Roller Records (Reissue)

Release Date: November 14^th, 2025

Format: CD/ Vinyl

Genre: Heavy Metal

Country: United States

Wings Of Steel began when vocalist Leo Unnermark and guitarist and bassist Parker Halub crossed paths while studying music in Los Angeles. Their shared taste for classic heavy metal drove them to start writing together in 2019. The name Wings Of Steel became official with their self titled EP in 2022, followed by the original private release of “Gates Of Twilight” in 2023. Drummer Mike Mayhem completed the lineup, Mix and master was handled by Damien Rainaud and High Roller Records brings this album to a wider audience through a proper international edition. The band has been gaining attention fast, especially in Europe, where early reviews praised the power of Leo’s vocals and the chemistry between the members.

“Gates Of Twilight” plays like a young band stepping into the world with fire in their hands. The songs have a classic metal heart, driven by strong vocal lines and guitar work that often goes straight for the memorable hook. Leo Unnermark sings with impressive range and control, and he pushes each chorus with enough energy to make it stick. Parker Halub keeps the guitars sharp and expressive, while Mike Mayhem handles the rhythm section with steady punch. The album moves with a clear focus on melody and power, giving the material a timeless heavy metal character.

There is a steady sense of forward motion across the album. Tracks like “Liar In Love” and “Lady Of The Lost” show the band’s instinct for catchy leads and bold vocal phrasing. “Garden Of Eden” and “Cry Of The Damned” bring an energetic spark, while longer tracks such as “Slave Of Sorrows” stretch out the band’s melodic side. “Gates Of Twilight” and “Into The Sun” close the album with the same intensity that opened it, giving the whole release a unified presence without slipping into repetition.

As a full length debut, “Gates Of Twilight” shows a band that knows how to write heavy metal songs that stick on first listen. There is no unnecessary showiness, just strong performances and songwriting that aims to hit straight and true. The production keeps everything clear and lively, giving space for the vocals and guitars to stand tall. For a reissue, this is more than a second chance, it is a clear introduction to a band that has plenty of fire to bring to the genre and become the next big thing in heavy metal. Don’t have something with High Roller (in addition I’ve taken a lot of their releases coz they’re top labels-and numerous others of course) but much bigger labels have another thing coming about new bands.

Score: 8.5

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Wings Of Steel | Wings Of Steel | High Roller Records (Reissue)

Release Date: November 14^th, 2025

Format: CD/Vinyl

Genre: Heavy Metal

Country: United States

Wings Of Steel surfaced from Los Angeles when vocalist Leo Unnermark and guitarist and bassist Parker Halub crossed paths during their music studies. They connected instantly, both pulling from classic heavy metal and hard rock while aiming for something spirited and personal. By 2019 they were writing together, shaping the style that would later define the band. The self titled EP arrived in 2022 with drummer Mike Mayhem completing the trio. It was privately released at first, then caught wider attention once High Roller Records stepped in for a proper 2025 reissue. With two later albums already praised across the metal underground, this early work offers a clear look at how their chemistry began.

This debut EP has the raw energy of a band hungry to join the US power metal map. Wings Of Steel approach their material with spark and forward motion, and the songwriting feels focused from the first moment. Unnermark pushes the vocals with fire, staying true to a classic metal lineage while keeping his own expressive touch. Halub brings memorable riffs that move with drive and shape the entire sound, and the rhythm section supports him with steady muscle. The production is simple and honest, something that suits the spirit of an emerging group carving its identity.

The EP moves smoothly through spirited metal anthems and larger melodic passages. Tracks like “Stormchild” and “Wings Of Steel” strike quickly with bright hooks, while “Rhythm Of Desire” stretches toward a heavier and more emotional tone. “Khamsin Riders” brings an adventurous flair thanks to its brisk tempo, and “Black Out The Street” closes the release with a more dramatic presence. The band clearly approached these songs with ambition, and even in their earliest form you can hear the direction that later shaped their full length albums.

Although the band has grown a lot since these sessions, this reissue reminds listeners why attention gathered around them in the first place. The EP captures the excitement of two musicians discovering a shared voice, and the performances show commitment and passion. For anyone following the rise of US power metal in recent years, this is an important early chapter from a band that would soon become part of the conversation. It stands as a strong introduction that marks where their journey started.

Score: 8.0

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Wings Of Steel | Winds Of Time | High Roller Records

Release Date: October 17th, 2025

Format: CD, Vinyl, Digital

Genre: Heavy Metal, Hard Rock

Country: United States

Wings Of Steel started when Leo Unnermark and Parker Halub crossed paths in Los Angeles during their studies. They clicked fast, wrote their first material in 2019, and later introduced themselves with a self titled EP in 2022. Their first full album “Gates Of Twilight” arrived soon after and pulled attention in Europe, especially for Leo’s soaring vocals and Parker’s sharp guitar work. With drummer Damien Rainaud completing the trio in the studio and High Roller Records handling European distribution, the band’s momentum has grown into something serious. “Winds Of Time”, written and recorded in California through late 2024, marks their next big strike.

The new album opens in grand form with “Winds Of Time”, a long heavy metal odyssey that piles melody, storytelling and ambition into one towering introduction. The band pushes forward with confidence in their craft, not through arrogance, but through the simple fact that the material is strong. Leo raises the vocals to theatrical heights, never slipping into excess, while Parker’s guitar work navigates heroic leads, neoclassical fire and old school flair. The duo understands how to build tension and release without drifting, and the music keeps you locked in for the entire journey.

“Saints And Sinners” swings in with a sharp kick, bringing speed and adrenaline. It is short, energetic and delivers instant impact. “Crying” brings the emotional curveball, a power ballad with an 80s touch and guitar leads that flirt with blues phrasing. Further in, “Burning Sands” and “To Die In Holy War” have a strong heavy metal pulse, driven by galloping rhythms and soaring vocal lines. The band pulls inspiration from heroes of the past without copying them, shaping the influences into something personal. “Lights Go Out” steps into darker territory, atmospheric without drifting away from the heavy metal roots. Before closing, “We Rise” delivers one more triumphant climb, and “Flight Of The Eagle” lifts everything even higher with open sky ambition and big, expressive guitar leads.

“Winds Of Time” stands among the year’s best heavy metal albums. It is crafted with passion, high skill and no shortcuts. The performances are strong across the board, from the vocal power to the guitar wizardry to the precise drumming. The songwriting keeps the album engaging from the towering opener to the giant finale. Wings Of Steel proves that their rise is not hype, but the result of serious work and clear musical vision. This album deserves its place in the top releases of 2025.

Score: 9.5

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