Great new releases and indie discovery of the week

The first round of releases of the year has been a fabulous one (there isn't much released between mid-Dec and mid-Jan). There are eagerly-awaited releases from Tankard, Avatar and Leaves' Eyes and some nice surprises from new-to-me names.

The outstanding discovery and favourite album of the year so far is Infernal Overdrive by White Wizzard.

The first couple of tracks remind me of one of my favourite thrash bands, Flotsam and Jetsam. As the album plays through, they slip into their more traditional heavy metal style with some variation; the mystical-sounding Metamorphosis, bouncy Pretty May and mellow (at first) finisher The Illusion's Tears. The variation makes the album very listenable, and enjoyable throughout.

A definite purchase which makes it 5-star. They are attached to a small label and so not really 'indie' or unsigned but it does feel like a small and reasonably independent affair. I'm waiting for the album to appear on my favourite purchase place, BandCamp, alongside their earlier albums.

★★★★★
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