A bizarre sextet originating from the depths of Sweden, Diablo Swing Orchestra (D:S:O) have quickly emerged as a force in avant-garde and progressive metal. With a semi-historical back-story in one hand, a cello clutched in the other and the courage to embrace ideas from genres as diverse as swing and gothic metal in their hearts, this is one band that stands up and demands the world’s notice. Read more

Well, for starters, I'm quite bemused that I'm reviewing for OzProg an album by a band that seems to contradict every aspect of the progressive genre, demanding a return to the heady days of the 80s: lame video-game consoles, brain-hurting-ly fast and endless guitar solos, singalong choruses and keyboards that sound like a clock radio's alarm setting, but in different pitches. Still, I like DragonForce... even if I sometimes don’t admit it. So, let the Inhuman Rampage begin. Read more

The Finnish Symphonic metal band Nightwish has undergone fairly tumultuous events over the last few years. The public sacking of their much-loved singer, Tarja Turunen, and the search for a new singer, beginning in 2005 and continuing through to early this year have no doubt made the last few years difficult for the band. However, from this dark period has emerged what I believe is by far their greatest achievement yet. Read more