_{Canadian band Kobra and the Lotus released their new album “Prevail 1” through Napalm Records on 12th May. I’ve been a fan of the band since the release of their self-titled album in 2012 and when they announced a PledgeMusic campaign in late 2015 for the record that was to become “Prevail I” and “Prevail II”, I was quick to get on board. Kobra and the Lotus subsequently signed with Napalm and over the past few months a number of tracks from the album have been released and all have featured prominently on the NI Rocks Shows. Most recently “You Don’t Know” on the Friday NI Rocks Show for 5th May and “Gotham” on 12th May. I’ve been waiting about 18 months for this release and it definitely lives up to expectations!}

_{“The End is Nigh” is the debut album from Swedish band Apocalypse Orchestra and it was released by Despotz Records on 12th May. I’ll be the first to say that this album is a bit outside of the norm when it comes to my recommendations. Normally I’m fairly middle of the road – nothing too heavy and nothing too melodic. “The End is Nigh” is neither too heavy nor too melodic; it’s just a bit “out there”. However, there is something about it that intrigues me! It might be described as medieval metal if such a genre exists. If it doesn’t already, maybe Apocalypse Orchestra have just created it. I included the track “Theatre of War” on the Friday NI Rocks Show for 12th May.}

_{“Decennium” is the fourth album from Florida-based band Seven Kingdoms and it was released via Napalm Records on 5th May. This is actually the first time that I’ve checked out the power metal band, but I really liked what I heard; which isn’t always the case with the “power metal” genre. The powerful vocals of Sabrina Valentine combined with some equally powerful guitars are well worth checking out. I played the track “Stargazer” on the Friday NI Rocks Show for 5th May.}