Welcome to Another Installment of “Quick Jabs”
Did you miss me? I’m sure you did. Or maybe not. Life got hectic, and I had to take a step back for a while, but I’m back and ready to dive into another round of “Quick Jabs.” This section features an assortment of shorter reviews for albums that I’ve checked out or may have overlooked in recent months. Each release got a single listen, but I admit that Fury and Liv Sin received a bit more attention—check them out, and you’ll see why! This month, all the albums reviewed here are outstanding releases. Let’s get started!
Fury – Interceptor
Release Date: September 5th, 2025
Label: Mighty Music
Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Reviewer: John Haseltine
Fury’s INTERCEPTOR is a relentless powerhouse of an album. Combining the soaring male and female vocals of Julian Jenkins and Nyah Ifill, the duo creates an intensity and harmony rarely seen in hard rock and heavy metal. Adding to the mix is Becky Baldwin’s thunderous bass, resonating with authority known from her time with Mercyful Fate. Produced by Todd Campbell, every track captures the raw essence of Motörhead, making this album an energetic and gritty triumph. Fury is not just keeping pace with the genre; they’re boldly redefining it. Hard rock and heavy metal have never sounded this exhilarating!
Liv Sin – Close Your Eyes
Release Date: August 8th, 2025
Label: Seek And Strike
Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Reviewer: John Haseltine
As a longtime fan of Liv Jagrell since her Sister Sin days, I can confidently say that CLOSE YOUR EYES marks a significant leap forward for LIV SIN. The album embraces a modern, polished metal sound while retaining its edge, with Liv’s commanding vocals shining through. The title track stands out, artfully blending heavy themes with soaring melodies, enhanced by Lars Palmqvist’s haunting guest appearance. This album is packed with riff-driven tunes, emotional resonance, and polished production courtesy of Tue Madsen. CLOSE YOUR EYES is a must-listen for fans of contemporary metal.
Viral – The Merchant
Release Date: August 15th, 2025
Label: Self-Release
Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Reviewer: John Haseltine
Viral serves up a delightful slice of Swedish heavy metal that honors the genre’s golden era while incorporating modern flair. The catchy riffs, strong melodies, and vibrant energy make this album perfect for headbanging all day. With production by Niels Nielsen, the sound achieves a refined yet raw edge that complements their style. While it may not be groundbreaking, The Merchant showcases Viral’s understanding of their identity and their fans’ desires, making it a worthy listen for traditional heavy metal enthusiasts.
Varkan – Cradle To Grave (EP)
Release Date: August 8th, 2025
Label: Black Monarch Productions
Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Reviewer: John Haseltine
The upcoming EP CRADLE TO GRAVE from Varkan is a blistering showcase of speedy power metal, filled with electrifying riffs, soaring vocals, and an unmistakable uplifting vibe. This Phoenix-based band expertly blends NWOBHM grit, thrash speed, and hints of extreme metal into a melodic whirlwind. Each track bursts with theatrical energy and triumphant spirit, making it impossible not to headbang along. Although some moments feel a tad over-polished for their raw edge, CRADLE TO GRAVE demonstrates that Varkan is far from finished, delivering power/thrash metal with purpose and passion.
St. Madness – With Respect
Release Date: April 9th, 2025
Label: Nasty Prick Records
Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Reviewer: John Haseltine
I’ve been a fan of St. Madness since around 2005, and their latest release, With Respect, is a solid reminder of why they remain a cult favorite since the early ’90s. This covers album pays tribute to rock and metal legends like Judas Priest, Metallica, and Johnny Cash, with St. Madness infusing each track with their unique grit, flair, and unmistakable Arizona attitude. While production quality varies slightly across tracks (which is understandable given the recording span from 1999 to 2022), the band’s signature theatrical style and Prophet’s commanding vocals tie everything together. Notable interpretations like “Walk” and “Folsom Prison Blues” offer fresh, intense takes on classics. It’s a fun, heartfelt tribute from a veteran band still going strong after 13 official releases, making it worth streaming on Bandcamp.
Conclusion
This month’s Quick Jabs have showcased a variety of remarkable albums that span the hard rock and heavy metal spectrum. From the adventurous sounds of Fury and Liv Sin to the nostalgic yet fresh offerings from Viral, Varkan, and St. Madness, there’s something for every metal enthusiast. Be sure to check out these releases for an electrifying listening experience!
FAQs
What is “Quick Jabs”?
“Quick Jabs” is a section dedicated to shorter reviews of various albums that may have been missed or newly released, providing quick insights for music enthusiasts.
How are the albums reviewed?
Each album is given a single playthrough, with reviews focusing on vocals, instrumentation, production quality, and overall impact.
Who is the reviewer for this installment?
The reviews in this installment are written by John Haseltine, a passionate music enthusiast with a focus on hard rock and heavy metal.
Where can I listen to these albums?
Most of these albums are available on popular streaming platforms, and some can be found on Bandcamp or the respective bands’ official websites.
