A metalhead by way of Nightwish and Edenbridge, though I have avidly expanded my horizons since then. I am an aficionado of traditional and melodic heavy metal for the most part, though I also enjoy progressive, thrash, folk and doom metal. I tend to like music with a bit of a social or intellectual 'edge' to it, but not to the point where it becomes self-important, pretentious or preachy. I review on a 20-point system.
My favourite heavy metal bands are: Saxon, Judas Priest, Motörhead, Girlschool, Raven, Savage, Iron Maiden, Ария, Кипелов, Accept and Dio.
Along more progressive lines: Savatage, Tad Morose, Morgana Lefay, Forever Storm, Threshold, Сергей Маврин, Angra, Tierramystica and Hammers of Misfortune.
Power metal: Agent Steel, Lääz Rockit, Realm, Powermad, Brocas Helm, Metal Church, Omen, Angel Dust, Stygma 9, АнДем, Xentrix and Gamma Ray.
Folk metal: Калевала, Амбер, Aztra, Apu Rumi, Tang Dynasty, Die Apokalyptischen Reiter.
Originally from Madison, Wisconsin. Now operating out of Saint Paul, Minnesota, by way of Baotou and Luoyang, China.