Articles by: Fred Phillips

Amaranthe – ‘Manifest’ (2020)

Amaranthe – ‘Manifest’ (2020)

At times, Amaranthe’s ‘Manifest’ is so poppy that I feel almost embarrassed to crank it up, but then it swings around and punches you square in the face.

Anti-Mortem, “Old Washita / STFU” (2020): One Track Mind

Anti-Mortem, “Old Washita / STFU” (2020): One Track Mind

Anti-Mortem’s “Old Washita” and “STFU” have given me more joy lately than is probably sane and healthy for an adult.

Avatar – ‘Hunter Gatherer’ (2020)

Avatar – ‘Hunter Gatherer’ (2020)

I’m not sure what made me click on ‘Child’ from ‘Hunter Gatherer’ after steadfastly ignoring Avatar for years, but I’m glad that I did.

The Reality of Alice Cooper’s Brutal Planet’ Made It Perhaps His Scariest LP

The Reality of Alice Cooper’s Brutal Planet’ Made It Perhaps His Scariest LP

Alice Cooper’s ‘Brutal Planet” arrived 20 years ago this month like a gut punch, setting up as a kind of morality play set to metal.

Archon Angel – ‘Fallen’ (2020)

Archon Angel – ‘Fallen’ (2020)

If I can’t have a Savatage reunion, here’s hoping that Archon Angel keeps the magic alive.

Alestorm – ‘Curse of the Crystal Coconut’ (2020)

Alestorm – ‘Curse of the Crystal Coconut’ (2020)

For the first time ever I leave an Alestorm album not with a big grin and a desire to hoist the Jolly Roger, but actually kind of bummed.

Why Bruce Dickinson’s ‘Tattooed Millionaire’ Keeps Revealing New Layers

Why Bruce Dickinson’s ‘Tattooed Millionaire’ Keeps Revealing New Layers

Released 30 years ago this week, ‘Tattooed Millionaire’ gave us the chance to learn a little more about Bruce Dickinson’s quirky personality.

Why Metal Fans Should Give Skid Row’s ‘Subhuman Race’ a Second Chance

Why Metal Fans Should Give Skid Row’s ‘Subhuman Race’ a Second Chance

Skid Row released ‘Subhuman Race,’ perhaps their heaviest and most grown up album, 25 years ago this week.

Dio’s Often-Forgotten ‘Magica’ Recalled Early Ronnie James Dio Triumphs

Dio’s Often-Forgotten ‘Magica’ Recalled Early Ronnie James Dio Triumphs

Released 20 years ago today, ‘Magica’ is the most underrated Dio effort – and every bit the equal of Ronnie James Dio’s best work.

Ozzy Osbourne – ‘Ordinary Man’ (2020)

Ozzy Osbourne – ‘Ordinary Man’ (2020)

Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘Ordinary Man’ is extremely difficult to listen to – not because of the content, but because it sounds like utter crap.