Album review overview: Tangerine Dream, Buckethead and more

Dozens of new albums arrive at Maxazine’s editorial staff every week. There are too many to listen to, let alone review them. It ensures that too many albums are left behind. And that’s a shame. That is why we post an overview of albums that arrive at the editors in short reviews today.

Photo (c) Jorge Fakhouri Filho

Dominum – The Dead Don’t Die

The German zombie metal sensation Dominum dives deeper into horror with their second album than on their debut “Hey Living People”. Mastermind Felix Heldt, alias Dr Dead, and his zombies deliver darker productions and more bombastic arrangements, mixed again by Jacob Hansen. The opener “We Are Forlorn” immediately sets a dramatic tone with guttural riffs and thunderous drums, highlighting Dr Dead’s vocal range. The catchy “Don’t Get Bitten By The Wrong Ones” shows the band’s signature lugubrious yet tongue-in-cheek lyrics, while the title track “The Dead Don’t Die” with guest appearances provides a sinister narrative. Thrash influences on tracks like “Die For The Devil” add extra bite, although the heavy production sometimes buries details in the mix. For fans of theatrical horror metal, this album delivers exactly what is expected. (Norman van den Wildenberg) (7/10) (Napalm Records)

Subway To Sally – Post Mortem

The German folk metal masters Subway To Sally prove with their fifteenth studio album that declared endings do not last. Following the presumed farewell “Himmelfahrt”, the Potsdam group found new energy, immediately noticeable in the opener “Phönix”, where the band rises from the ashes. The title track “Post Mortem” follows with a hymn inviting the dead to the table and celebrating life despite obstacles. The album seamlessly moves between powerful anthems like “Nero” and “Unter dem Banner” and intimate moments such as “Herz in der Rinde”. Tracks like “Wunder” and “Lumpensammler” explore socially critical themes, while “Kummerkind” skillfully portrays mental struggles. The melancholic “Atlas” with industrial undertones and the festive “Eisheilige Nacht” show the versatility these veterans still possess after three decades. (Tobias Braun) (8/10) (Napalm Records)

21 Savage – What Happened to the Streets?

With “What Happened to the Streets?” 21 Savage delivers his fourth studio album, confronting the harshness of his roots and the evolution of street life. The opener “Where You From” immediately sets the tone with a characteristic trap production, reflecting on his upbringing in East Atlanta’s Zone 6 and the loyalty involved. Guest appearances add dynamism, while tracks like “Stepbrothers” emphasise his aggressive lyrical side. The production offers contrasts between dense, threatening beats and moments of introspection. On “I Wish”, 21 shows his vulnerable side, paying tribute to lost friends and colleagues in what feels like an emotional reckoning within his career. Although not always innovative compared to previous works, the album maintains a consistent and intense atmosphere, reinforcing that street feel. (William Brown) (7/10) (Slaughter Gang & Epic)

Tangerine Dream – Katowice Session 2025

With “Katowice Session 2025”, Tangerine Dream presents a new live recording from their performance in Poland. This album is part of the ongoing ‘Quantum Years’ series of the group. The recording emphasises real-time composition with modular synthesisers and sequencers playing a central role. Listeners recognise the influence of Thorsten Quaeschning and Paul Frick, who provide the electronic foundation for Hoshiko Yamane’s violin parts. Unlike studio albums such as “Raum”, the focus is on interaction between musicians during improvisation. The tracks flow into each other, creating a continuous listening experience that takes the audience on an instrumental journey. The production is clear, capturing all nuances of the analogue equipment. For fans of the Berlin School, this is a valuable addition to the band’s discography. (Norman van den Wildenberg) (8/10) (Eastgate Music)

Buckethead – Pike 756 – Velveteen Robot

The prolific guitarist Buckethead brings with “Pike 756 – Velveteen Robot” another new instalment in his extensive series of short albums. This instrumental project consists of a long composition where the artist combines different styles of guitar playing. The listener hears alternation between calm, melodic passages and more aggressive riffs reminiscent of his work on “Colma” and “Monsters and Robots”. The focus this time is on a mechanical atmosphere that suits the album title. Using specific effects such as the killswitch, the musician creates a sound that is both technical and atmospheric. For collectors of his work, this is an interesting addition that underlines the masked guitarist’s versatility in a compact format. (Elodie Renard) (7/10) (Bucketheadland)