What’s uncanny about “Khaos Legions” is the material inside it resonates more and more with the current generation living in the midst of social and economic turmoil. Whether it’s an Egyptian youth putting his/her life on the line in Tahrir Square or the aspirations of Occupy Wall Street, “Khaos Legions” reflects the uncertainty surrounding us.

After sucking hard between the years 2007-2009 (the Fucking With Fire DVD was reportedly amazing though), Edguy finally release an album that revives the grandeur and bombast of the quintet’s earlier releases. If you missed “Mandrake” and “Hellfire Club” with deep felt heartache, then “Age of the Joker” is a welcome return to form.

Pittsburgh hardly inspires visions of a teeming metal scene. Then again, vibrant musical movements tend to crop up in the unlikeliest places. Crown the Lost aren’t part of any resurgent genre, however, and prefer crafting their own singular vision for modern heavy metal.

Beneath the crystalline glass towers of Singapore lurks a band whose musical renderings are a far cry from their 21st century island state. Rudra have been peddling the Vedic stuff since time immemorial (the late 90s actually), and garnered a substantial cult following whose membership is neither seen nor heard. That’s the allure of Rudra, they’re a gemstone wrapped in shrouds of obscurity, a diamond buried underneath the genre swamp. Only those seeking shall find.

There are tons of bands scattered across the United States whose fealty to the heavy metal cause has never been rewarded. Helstar count themselves among this unfortunate number, despite a string of solid albums in the 80s, shifts in musical tastes and the music business climate in general forced them to throw in the towel.