BATTLE BEAST - Steelbound

(Out now via Nuclear Blast Records ) Let’s get one thing straight, nobody does sugar coated power metal quite like Battle Beast. The Finnish maniacs are back with Steelbound, their seventh record and probably their most shamelessly fun yet. It’s loud, over the top, and bursting with that wild mix of synthy ‘80s excess bite, and sheer fucking joy that only this band can pull off.

“The Burning Within” & “Here We Are” kick things off like a confetti cannon to the face, massive, fist pumping anthems that sounds made for a festival crowd screaming them back in unison. “Angel of Midnight” dips into pure pop territory, but in that gloriously ridiculous way that unfolds perfectly. Then, Steelbound, which might as well be ABBA wearing studded leather, being all catchy as hell, dramatic, and totally unashamed of it.

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@nooralouhimoofficial is still an absolute beast behind the mic, she doesn’t just sing, she owns every fucking note. The guitars are sharp as hell, the keys shimmer like neon, and the whole record just barrels forward with unstoppable momentum. Sure, some of it’s polished within an inch of its life, but fuck it, that’s part of the charm. Battle Beast never pretend to be grim or edgy, they’re here to put a smile on your dial, headbang, and maybe even dance a little.

Steelbound is metal with a grin, & proof that heavy music doesn’t need to be miserable to hit. It’s bombastic, cheesy, and catchy af & that’s exactly why it fucking rules 🙌🏽

-FuegoCasa