Now there’s another band to lure you in a life of evil, but they come with the demise of power metal legends.

I am proud to introduce the first woman interviewed for Mind over Metal: the inimitable Veronica Freeman of Benedictum! The latest monster from the trad metal upstarts is “Dominion”—their third full-length overall and first for Frontiers Records. We talk about the label switch, females in heavy music, and uprooting from San Diego to Phoenix with her husband and bandmate for their other love: motorcycles.

Rating: 4.5/5
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Rarely is that classic desired dynamic between vocalist and lead guitarist achieved these days; there’s a certain panache that’s easy to see, yet hard to quantify, and it is so obviously present in Benedictum. Truly, they are as blessed as their name suggests.

Rating: 3.5/5
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Regardless of its sometimes ruthless nature, the longer I stay in this Metal business, the more faith I have in justice… you know, in the long run.

Rating: 3.5/5
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As of this post, Crystal Viper hold the top slot with NWoTHM emerging from Poland in the 21st century.

Rating: 3.5/5
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Moving forward, Titans Eve are already ahead of other bands on their debuts. While most artists have hardly started building their foundation, these guys have the whole house built. The only work left is painting and furnishing—purely cosmetic procedures. “The Divine Equal” is a good debut, but it will take time before they release anything to gawk over.

Rating: 4/5
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There is no trickery found here. “Hammer of the North” is set to smash your face in, and doesn’t require a hint of death metal’s brutality or technical wizardry to do so.

Rating: 3.5/5
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DarkBlack are one of those bands you truly like, but are not jean-creamers. Give all of “Midnight Wraith” a listen, because there is little wrong with any of these five songs.

Rating: 4.5/5
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If you’re looking for raw animal magnetism, the 1983 show may appeal to you; if you’re looking for technical dominance, try the 1987 show. “At Donington UK: Live 1983 & 1987″ stands out as an example of how a band can make a successful transition from the studio to a live outdoor venue.

Rating: 5/5
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White Wizzard’s loss is Holy Grail’s gain and I honestly prefer the latter over the former when it comes to NWOBHM worship. This is the heaviest album I’ve heard all year long. It’s just that fucking good!