Archive 2019
Below is a selection of album and single reviews published during 2019. Each entry reflects the critical perspective of our writing team — Andrea, Joshua, Kevin, and Tamar — covering a broad spectrum of metal and rock releases.
| Date | Artist | Release | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 16, 2019 | Pythia | The Solace of Ancient Earth | Album Review |
| June 30, 2019 | Chelsea Wolfe | The Mother Road | Single Review |
| July 7, 2019 | Mission Jupiter | Architecture | Album Review |
| July 22, 2019 | Plague of Stars | Daedalus | Album Review |
| July 27, 2019 | Weezer | Black Album | Album Review |
| September 2, 2019 | Our Destiny | Awakening | Album Review |
| September 2, 2019 | Mørke | Melancholia | Album Review |
| October 3, 2019 | Tarja | In the Raw | Album Review |
| November 20, 2019 | Ex Libris | ANN — Chapter 3: Anne Frank | Album Review |
| November 20, 2019 | Ville Valo | Artist Portrait | Portrait |
| Late 2019 | Crystal Viper | Tales of Fire and Ice | Album Review |
| Late 2019 | Epica | Design Your Universe (Gold Edition) | Album Review |
| Late 2019 | Eleine | All Shall Burn [EP] | EP Review |
| Late 2019 | Jinjer | Macro | Album Review |
| Late 2019 | Vikram | Behind the Mask I | Album Review |
| Late 2019 | Edge of Paradise | Universe | Album Review |
| Late 2019 | Insomnium | Heart Like a Grave | Album Review |
| Late 2019 | Elvenking | Reader of the Runes: Divination | Album Review |
| Late 2019 | CyHra | No Halos in Hell | Album Review |
| Late 2019 | Sonata Arctica | Talviyö | Album Review |
| Late 2019 | The Dark Element | Songs the Night Sings | Album Review |
| Late 2019 | Ethereal Kingdoms | Hollow Mirror | Album Review |
| Late 2019 | Seven Kingdoms | Empty Eyes EP | EP Review |
| Late 2019 | Metalite | Biomechanicals | Album Review |
| Late 2019 | Excalion | Emotions | Album Review |
| Late 2019 | Visionatica | Enigma Fire | Album Review |
| Late 2019 | Ghost | Seven Inches of Satanic Panic EP | EP Review |
| Late 2019 | Margarita Monet | Interview | Interview |
Early 2020 Highlights
Several notable reviews carried into early 2020, continuing our coverage of symphonic, power, and heavy metal releases from partner labels including Nuclear Blast, Scarlet Records, and Frontiers.
| Date | Artist | Release | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early 2020 | Delain | Apocalypse & Chill | Album Review |
| Early 2020 | Black Lilium | Dead Man's Diary | Album Review |
| Early 2020 | Revolution Saints | Rise | Album Review |
| Early 2020 | Shadowhispers | Mara | Album Review |
| Early 2020 | Amberian Dawn | Looking for You | Album Review |
| Early 2020 | Seven Spires | Emerald Seas | Album Review |
| Early 2020 | Serenity | The Last Knight | Album Review |
| Early 2020 | Apocalyptica | Cell-0 | Album Review |
| Early 2020 | Myrath | Live in Carthage | Album Review |
| Early 2020 | Amberian Dawn | Interview | Interview |
For the latest reviews, visit our Album Reviews and Single Reviews sections, updated weekly by Andrea, Joshua, Kevin, and Tamar.
The archive at Lyrical Spell Magazine offers a curated journey through the metal and rock releases that defined the year. Our team of writers carefully selects albums and singles that showcase the breadth of the genre, from symphonic and melodic metal to gothic and power metal. Each review aims to capture the essence of the artist's vision, analyzing vocals, melodies, and the overall soundscape. Whether you are a longtime fan of Finnish melodic metal or just discovering the soaring melodies of symphonic power metal, the archive provides a resource for readers who appreciate thoughtful, critical perspectives on the music that moves them.
Among the highlights in the archive are reviews that explore the intersection of traditional heavy metal with modern production techniques. Bands featured range from established acts with decades-long careers to emerging artists making their debut. The writing team pays close attention to the nuances of each release, from the bombastic orchestral arrangements of symphonic metal to the raw edge of black metal. Readers can trace the evolution of a band's sound across multiple albums or discover new favorites through the diverse range of artists represented in the collection.
The archive also features single reviews, offering snapshots of what artists are creating between full-length album cycles. These shorter pieces provide a valuable window into the creative direction of both established and rising acts. Our reviewers examine how a single fits within the broader context of a band's discography, while also treating it as a standalone work worthy of attention. From acoustic ballads to blistering metal anthems, the single reviews capture the variety and vitality of the heavy music scene.
Album reviews form the backbone of the archive, with each entry providing a detailed analysis of track composition, lyrical themes, and production quality. The reviewers bring their individual perspectives to the table, resulting in a rich tapestry of critical thought. Andrea, Joshua, Kevin, and Tamar each contribute distinct voices, yet all share a commitment to honest, informed critique. The archive documents not only the music itself but also the cultural moment in which these albums were released, offering readers a time capsule of the metal scene's evolution.
For readers looking to explore specific subgenres, the archive is organized to make discovery straightforward. Whether your taste leans toward the gothic atmospheres of bands like Delain or the power metal grandeur of acts like Myrath, there is something within these pages for you. The collection spans multiple years of coverage, reflecting the magazine's dedication to chronicling the heavy music landscape. Each review is written with the understanding that metal is not just a genre but a community, and the archive serves as a meeting place for fans who share a passion for powerful music.