Mark Gromen

(Loaded Bomb) Sophomore release from Cali act who offers a style indicative of ‘80s bands like Deadly Blessing (not the high-pitched voice though) and/or Savage Grace, i.e. a heavier rendition of traditional metal, that fell between the thrashers and the hair metal outfits: dipping its toes in speed, and occasional veering into thrash territory, albeit with a raspy, shouted vocal delivery. After a 47 second intro (“Zero Hour”), the pre-release video “Cataclysm” is up first.

(Frontiers) Been a long time! Masterplan unleash their seventh studio full-length, but the first collection of new/original material since Novum Initium, 13 years ago (sure, there’s been the odd single, live album and covers of Roland Grapow’s previous employer: Helloween, in the meantime), but had to wonder if there was ever going to be a new disc. Fear not, here it is… So, what does it sound like and is it worth the wait? Patience (you’ve waited this long!), all will be revealed.

(Metal Blade / Vesperian) Ah, the long-lost sons have returned! I was truly enamored with their 2021 debut, Tales Of Othertime, and although there was a four-track, all instrumental EP in ’23, feared they were another casualty of the pandemic. But no, the frost-bitten Denverites are back with a half dozen verbose entitled new constructs, plus “Carnal Tapestries Of Nailtorn Flesh”, which was issued as a pre-release single a few months ago.