Album review overview: Cardi B, Primal Fear and more

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

I Prevail – Violent Nature

I Prevail delivers a powerful mix of metalcore and modern rock with “Violent Nature,” perfectly showcasing their evolution as a band. The album opens explosively with aggressive tracks that highlight their signature sound of heavy riffs combined with melodic choruses. Songs such as ‘Body Bag’ and ‘Bad Things’ demonstrate their ability to balance the harsher side of their music with more accessible elements. The production is sharp and modern, with each instrument clearly audible without the mix sounding overproduced. Vocalists Brian Burkheiser and Eric Vanlerberghe expertly alternate between clean singing and aggressive screams, creating a dynamic sound that never becomes dull. The album also features surprising moments where the band experiments with electronic elements, giving their sound a contemporary twist. “Violent Nature” confirms I Prevail’s position as one of the leading bands in the modern metalcore scene. (Anton Dupont) (7/10) (Fearless Records)

Kamelot – Ascension 1995-1998

Kamelot delve into their archive with “Ascension 1995-1998,” a compilation documenting the band’s early years before Roy Khan joined. This period, often overshadowed by the band’s later success, deserves more attention, and this release gives fans the chance to understand Kamelot’s evolution. The tracks show a band still shaping their identity, experimenting with different elements of power metal and progressive rock. Thomas Youngblood’s guitar work was already impressive, and these tracks reveal his development as a songwriter. The vocals from various singers of the period are varied, some stronger than others, but all contribute to the band’s story. The remastering brings these older recordings to life without losing their original character. For fans of symphonic and power metal, this compilation provides a fascinating insight into the roots of one of the genre’s most successful bands. (Norman van den Wildenberg) (6/10) (Noise Records)

Primal Fear – Domination

Primal Fear continues to uphold the banner of classic power metal with “Domination,” an album proving the band still knows how to dominate after more than 25 years. Ralf Scheepers’ powerful vocals remain the band’s beating heart, able to move from operatic highs to aggressive lows with ease few singers can match. The guitar work of Magnus Karlsson and Alex Beyrodt is technically excellent without ever sacrificing melody, with solos that are both virtuosic and emotional. The album opens explosively and maintains that energy throughout, with tracks ranging from fast anthems to midtempo epics. The production is crystal-clear, giving every component of the band room to shine. Songs like ‘King of Madness’ and ‘The Devil in Me’ are perfectly constructed power metal pieces that will delight both old-school fans and new listeners. “Domination” demonstrates that experience and craftsmanship still triumph over trends and hype. (Tobias Braun) (8/10) (Reigning Phoenix Music)

Robin Kester – Dark Sky Reserve

Robin Kester returns with her second album, “Dark Sky Reserve,” a soundtrack for all the thoughts that bubble to the surface once silence falls. Following the much-praised debut “Honeycomb Shades” in 2023, the Rotterdam musician shows her artistic growth. For the first time, she recorded abroad, in Bristol with producer Ali Chant, known for his work with PJ Harvey and Perfume Genius. This new album combines minimalist arrangements with rich, warm tones, inspired by Talk Talk, Portishead, Air, and PJ Harvey. The ten tracks, including ‘An Hour Per Day,’ ‘Happy Sad (It’s A Party)’ and ‘Perspective,’ reflect Kester’s inner struggle with self-acceptance and existential questions. Many of the songs were created at night, when she felt safe to be herself without external expectations. A special experience at the Talybont-on-Usk reservoir in Wales inspired three crucial songs and helped her out of a creative block. The album balances darkness and hope, further refining Kester’s talent for delicately layered pop. (Norman van den Wildenberg) (8/10) (Memphis Industries)

Cardi B – Am I the Drama?

Cardi B returns with her long-awaited second studio album, “Am I the Drama?”, a whirlwind of contradiction and ambition reflecting exactly where the rapper stands right now. The album moves seamlessly from club anthems to intimate confessions, from bravado to vulnerability. Tracks like ‘Enough (Miami)’ showcase Cardi’s unmatched flow and bravado, while songs such as ‘I Like It Like That’ reveal her more reflective side. The production, ranging from trap-heavy beats to Latin-inspired rhythms, perfectly supports her versatility. Guest contributions from artists like Selena Gomez and Summer Walker add further dimensions to the narrative. The album is indeed messy and expansive, but that’s precisely what makes it so authentic. “Am I the Drama?” is not a polished masterpiece but an honest snapshot of an artist grappling with fame, relationships, and self-reflection. (William Brown) (7/10) (Atlantic Records)