When I think of Heavy Metal and New Zealand, I cannot help but turn my thoughts to ALIEN WEAPONARY. So, I guess now is a good time to expand my repertoire and knowledge. Coming into focus is FORSAKEN AGE, returning after 4 years with their newest release "Heavy Metal Nightmare".

The artwork seems to hark back to more classic Metal albums. Dark themes, with a smoky and mysterious atmosphere. Simple and effective. "Death Terror" opens the album and instantly I like it, the classic themes are continuing from the physical aspects into the audio with hard riffs and the shattering vocals of Chrissy.

"Raven's Cry" continues to deliver the foot tapping and headbanging music. For "Ride On", I am instantly drawn to think of WATAIN's track of a similar title, however they are quite different. The laid back and relaxed stylings, well they are very welcome to me this evening and makes for a very enjoyable listening experience.

"Fire In Our Hearts" once again picks up the pace, injecting energy and a bit of enthusiasm into the music. "Blood Magick", with its powerful introduction and anthemesque lyrics I am sure that this will be a fan favourite when rolled at live shows. The final track I will bring to your attention is the titular "Heavy Metal Nightmare". Which again is just a solid track, with driving rhythms and aggressive over tone that keeps the music flying forwards at a breakneck speed, my only note, as one Christopher Walken would say "It needs more cowbell".

Overall, this is a good and solid album. There are plenty of promising aspects. However, to me, this would make mainly for background music. Now, I know that at a live show the atmosphere can overtake you and it makes the experience all the more enjoyable. But FORSAKEN AGE is clearly a talented group of individuals who are just getting out there and doing what they love.