Vicious Rumors
The Devil’s Asylum
Steamhammer Records
2025
These guys never disappoint, and this album is no exception. After following them for years, I can confidently say they’ve delivered another winner that sits comfortably alongside their best work.
From the opening notes, you get that familiar rush – the kind that reminds you why you became a fan in the first place. The riffs are meaty and satisfying, the melodies hook you instantly, and the whole package just feels right. This is pure, unfiltered heavy metal the way it’s supposed to sound.
The vocalist, Chalice continues to impress with that “Ripper Owens-style” power and range. Every track showcases those soaring vocals that channel serious Judas Priest energy, and it never gets old. The guy knows how to command a song without overdoing it.
“Bloodbath,” “Crack the Sky in Half,” and the title track are absolute monsters. These are the cuts I keep coming back to, the ones that make you crank the volume and remind you why traditional metal still kicks ass.
If you’re already a fan, you know what to expect – and they deliver. If you’re new to the band and you worship at the altar of 80s heavy metal, do yourself a favor and dive in. This is classic metal done with conviction and skill.
Classic Heavy Metal Done with Conviction and Power
Veteran metal warriors Vicious Rumors deliver another stellar entry in their catalog with powerful Priest-influenced vocals, infectious hooks, and meaty riffs that honor classic 80s metal. Standout tracks showcase why traditional heavy metal remains vital when executed with genuine skill and conviction.
Morbid Mario
Morbid Mario’s metal journey began at age 12 in 1982 with AC/DC as his gateway band. He quickly graduated to heavier acts like Ozzy, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Motörhead, and Saxon. Soon, he was a metal tyrant, buying albums based solely on their cover art and diving into bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Dark Angel. Now, with over 40 years of metal under his belt, Morbid Mario continues to attend shows, travel to festivals, and support bands that meet his uncompromising, elitist standards.
