Helms Deep, a band forged in the fires of 2017 by the guitar-slinging, vocal-cord-abusing Alex Sciortino, had a vision: to resurrect the raw, untamed spirit of 1980s speed/power metal. Think Riot, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest, but with a twist of prog and fusion thrown in for good measure. Sciortino's songwriting draws from a vast well of inspiration, from the iconic metal bands of the '80s to the labyrinthine sounds of '70s rock, fusion, and prog.

This project was brewing for about five years before Sciortino joined forces with the thunderous drumming of Mike Heller (Raven, Malignancy, ex-Fear Factory) and the earth-shaking bass of John Gallagher (Raven). Together, they crafted Helms Deep's debut album, Treacherous Ways. The album quickly caught the ear of Nameless Grave Records, who signed the band for an official release in 2023.

And now, hot on the heels of their 2025 release, "Chasing the Dragon," Helms Deep is ready to unleash their sonic fury once more! If you're a fan of face-melting guitar solos, thunderous rhythms, and vocals that could shatter glass, then Helms Deep is a band you need to check out, trust me you won't regret it!

Official Links:

Bandcamp: https://helmsdeep666.bandcamp.com/

Metal Archive: https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Helms_Deep/3540530406

Passionate about metal? You'll want to tune in to Flamekeeper™, the show that's electrifying the airwaves. As the host, MRJ brings an unparalleled enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the genre, captivating listeners with every episode. With a penchant for spotlighting up-and-coming artists and hosting insightful interviews, MRJ has cemented Flamekeeper™'s reputation as a must-listen for metal aficionados. And the best part? By rating, reviewing, and sharing the show, you're not just supporting great content – you're also helping Flamekeeper™'s sponsors, ensuring the continued success of this heavy-hitting program.

Links to our Sponsors & Partners:

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Mercenary Press:

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Other shows you can listen to:

Night Demon Heavy Metal Podcast:

http://www.nightdemon.net

https://open.spotify.com/show/2ozLCAGQ4LdqJwMmeBYJ7k?si=OvvfZsNYRPqywwb86SzrVA

Zines:

Soulgrinder Zine:

http://www.facebook.com/soulgrinder.zine

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The Metal Forge®

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Unsleeved™

All Rights Reserved. Any unauthorized reproduction/duplication is expressly forbidden without prior written consent and is punishable by law. Metal Forge Intro I copyright 2020 The Metal Forge® Published by UNTIL I GET IT RIGHT MUSIC/ASCAP. Metal Forge Intro II copyright 2023 The Metal Forge® The Metal Forge® Published by UNTIL I GET IT RIGHT MUSIC/ASCAP. Metal Forge Intro III copyright 2025 The Metal Forge® Published by UNTIL I GET IT RIGHT MUSIC/ASCAP. The Metal Forge®, please contact metalforgeradio@gmail.com for any and all other info. All other music is owned by writers/publishers respectively and is used with permission for means of promotion.

©2019-2026 The Metal Forge®

Blood Curse began in 2016 with Aaron on vocals and guitar, his wife Olivia Franks on drums, and Micah Young on bass and backing vocals. They briefly had a second guitarist, George Graas, but parted ways due to style and personality clashes. Micah left a month before recording their debut album, "Sorceress," in 2018. Scott Briggs, who produced the album, joined the band in March 2018, solidifying the lineup. Blood Curse are influenced by various music genres, particularly Metallica, 80s metal, 90s grunge, NWOBHM bands like Angel Witch and Witchfinder General, and 80s American Power Metal. With Curse, they aim to amalgamate their influences into a sound that leans heavily towards Traditional Heavy Metal.

Official Links:

Bandcamp: https://bloodcurse.bandcamp.com/

Metal Archive: https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Blood_Curse/3540430022

Passionate about metal? You'll want to tune in to Flamekeeper™, the show that's electrifying the airwaves. As the host, MRJ brings an unparalleled enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the genre, captivating listeners with every episode. With a penchant for spotlighting up-and-coming artists and hosting insightful interviews, MRJ has cemented Flamekeeper™'s reputation as a must-listen for metal aficionados. And the best part? By rating, reviewing, and sharing the show, you're not just supporting great content – you're also helping Flamekeeper™'s sponsors, ensuring the continued success of this heavy-hitting program.

Links to our Sponsors & Partners:

Ageless Art Tattoo & Piercing - Clarksville/New Albany:

http://www.agelessartclarksville.com

http://www.agelessartna.com

Pizza DoNisi/MAG BAR:

https://pizzadonisi.com/

http://magbaroldlouisville.com

Shadebeast:

http://shadebeast.com

and use PROMO CODE: "SITH LORD" at check out for a 10% Discount!

Creeping Death Designs:

http://www.creepingdeathdesigns.com

and use PROMO CODE: "METALFORGE10" at check out for a 10% Discount!

Record Labels:

Unchained Tapes:

http://www.unchainedtapes.bigcartel.com

and use PROMO CODE: "METALFORGE10" at check out for a 10% Discount!

Mercenary Press:

http://www.mercenarypress.bigcartel.com

and use PROMO CODE: "METALFORGE" at check out for a 10% Discount!

Other shows you can listen to:

Night Demon Heavy Metal Podcast:

http://www.nightdemon.net

https://open.spotify.com/show/2ozLCAGQ4LdqJwMmeBYJ7k?si=OvvfZsNYRPqywwb86SzrVA

Zines:

Soulgrinder Zine:

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OFFICAL LINKS OF THE METAL FORGE®/FLAMEKEEPER

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Flamekeeper Podcast Network: http://www.youtube.com@flamekeeperpn

The Metal Forge®

The Alehorn™

Ossont & Battery™

Unsleeved™

All Rights Reserved. Any unauthorized reproduction/duplication is expressly forbidden without prior written consent and is punishable by law. Metal Forge Intro I copyright 2020 The Metal Forge® Published by UNTIL I GET IT RIGHT MUSIC/ASCAP. Metal Forge Intro II copyright 2023 The Metal Forge® The Metal Forge® Published by UNTIL I GET IT RIGHT MUSIC/ASCAP. Metal Forge Intro III copyright 2025 The Metal Forge® Published by UNTIL I GET IT RIGHT MUSIC/ASCAP. The Metal Forge®, please contact metalforgeradio@gmail.com for any and all other info. All other music is owned by writers/publishers respectively and is used with permission for means of promotion.

©2019-2026 The Metal Forge®

This week Mark is featuring Jason Gardner, Aaron Ossont & Jason Roach in this extravaganza of 2025 releases. Listen and watch in as we round down our picks of the year, talk about some sportsball, video games and so much more. And as we do here in The Metal Forge, we like to kick out the jamz, at the end you wshould hang around as we show some videos that were shot and edited by the Flamekeeper crew!

Official Links:

Bandcamp: https://temptationswingswnc.bandcamp.com/

Bandcamp: https://icehowl.bandcamp.com/

Bandcamp: https://officialoverload.bandcamp.com/

Bandcamp: https://allhell.bandcamp.com/

Bandcamp: https://mournthelight.bandcamp.com/

Passionate about metal? You'll want to tune in to Flamekeeper™, the show that's electrifying the airwaves. As the host, MRJ brings an unparalleled enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the genre, captivating listeners with every episode. With a penchant for spotlighting up-and-coming artists and hosting insightful interviews, MRJ has cemented Flamekeeper™'s reputation as a must-listen for metal aficionados. And the best part? By rating, reviewing, and sharing the show, you're not just supporting great content – you're also helping Flamekeeper™'s sponsors, ensuring the continued success of this heavy-hitting program.

Links to our Sponsors & Partners:

Ageless Art Tattoo & Piercing - Clarksville/New Albany:

http://www.agelessartclarksville.com

http://www.agelessartna.com

Pizza DoNisi/MAG BAR:

https://pizzadonisi.com/

http://magbaroldlouisville.com

Shadebeast:

http://shadebeast.com

and use PROMO CODE: "SITH LORD" at check out for a 10% Discount!

Creeping Death Designs:

http://www.creepingdeathdesigns.com

and use PROMO CODE: "METALFORGE10" at check out for a 10% Discount!

Record Labels:

Unchained Tapes:

http://www.unchainedtapes.bigcartel.com

and use PROMO CODE: "METALFORGE10" at check out for a 10% Discount!

Mercenary Press:

http://www.mercenarypress.bigcartel.com

and use PROMO CODE: "METALFORGE" at check out for a 10% Discount!

Other shows you can listen to:

Night Demon Heavy Metal Podcast:

http://www.nightdemon.net

https://open.spotify.com/show/2ozLCAGQ4LdqJwMmeBYJ7k?si=OvvfZsNYRPqywwb86SzrVA

Zines:

Soulgrinder Zine:

http://www.facebook.com/soulgrinder.zine

OFFICAL LINKS OF THE METAL FORGE®/FLAMEKEEPER

http://www.metalforgeradio.com

https://www.flamekeeper.vip

FB/IG/TW/TikTok/YouTube - @metalforgeradio

Flamekeeper Podcast Network: http://www.youtube.com@flamekeeperpn

The Metal Forge®

The Alehorn™

Ossont & Battery™

Unsleeved™

All Rights Reserved. Any unauthorized reproduction/duplication is expressly forbidden without prior written consent and is punishable by law. Metal Forge Intro I copyright 2020 The Metal Forge® Published by UNTIL I GET IT RIGHT MUSIC/ASCAP. Metal Forge Intro II copyright 2023 The Metal Forge® The Metal Forge® Published by UNTIL I GET IT RIGHT MUSIC/ASCAP. Metal Forge Intro III copyright 2025 The Metal Forge® Published by UNTIL I GET IT RIGHT MUSIC/ASCAP. The Metal Forge®, please contact metalforgeradio@gmail.com for any and all other info. All other music is owned by writers/publishers respectively and is used with permission for means of promotion.

©2019-2026 The Metal Forge®