We’ve got some content coming your way this week including a new episode featuring Timo and Scott chatting about their respective gaming perspectives (did I really just write that?) and our second to last installment of the AW AP.

In the meantime, though, new listener Graeme has sent us a Valentine’s day card he made in honor of the AW AP we’ve been doing. We find it charming and wanted to share it with you all.

Awwwww. Now THAT’S love.

Thanks, Graeme!

So remember how in the AP I said that we’d have a new cast this week? The Turducken monster got in the way. Oops. We will, however, have some AW AP this week and definitely get you a new episode next week.

So in lieu of an episdoe, I give you THIS!

That’s kind of like an episode. Right?

So now for something completely different, I’m doing yet another round-up of nerdy metal. This time it’s nerdy power metal bands with ladies rocking the vox. Places that aren’t American are producing amazing bands like this in droves, all of a sudden, and I wanted to direct the attention of folks who might be interested in that direction.

Don’t ask me why none of these bands are American. Women seem to be way more likely to be in metal bands in places that aren’t America. We’re jerks, I guess.

So here we go:

1) Unleash the Archers, “Dawn of Ages”

These guys and gal are Canadian, which explains a lot about this video. This was seriously my favorite album to come out last year. It’s so mindblowing that my mind was blown. Tons of fun, and this video rules. If you only check out one of these band’s albums, it’s this one. This is also that last time on this list that self-aware irony will make an appearance, so enjoy it while it lasts.

2) Battle Beast,”Enter the Metal World”

See what I mean about irony? Irony in metal is all over North America, but its penetration into South America, Europe, and Asia has been much slower. Japanese metal is so unironic that they actually make up for some of American metal’s over-irony. But I digress. This girl’s voice is so tough I think she could actually mow your lawn with her mind. If her voice were a game mechanic it would be a critical hit. The band is pretty cheesy in that wonderful Euro-metal way, but if you’re into that or can get beyond it, the album is pretty fun. I’d also like to point out that this band makes me feel SUPER old. They all look like they’re about 15. Likewise, I have no basis for comparison, here, because I’ve never seen them standing next to anyone but each other, but when I watch this video I feel like they’re all about 5’2, like it’s a band of lovable hobbits. Am I crazy? Is that weird? This video also has a crazy budget, so here’s to hoping they keep pumping out sweet sci-fi videos like this.

3) Ancient Bards, “The Birth of Evil”

EHHHHH! Power metal from Italy! Molto bene! This album is really good, and they have a new album that’s really good too. This video totally feels like someone’s class project, though. In fact, I hope it was someone’s class project. I would have given them an A for awesome. Also- I give a 100% chance that Ancient Bards totally rock those outfits at the Ren Faire every year. Also- these folks definitely win the virtuosity award here. Check out the bass solo at 2:30 or so. Holy crap.

Edit: Here’s something off their new record that actually has a budget.

4) ElvenStorm, “Witchhammer”

And now, France. I haven’t given this album as full of a listen yet as the other ones, but I like what I hear. They also mean some totally non-ironic business. Since you can’t see them, I’ll link to their Metal Encyclopedia page. Sleeveless jean jacket + hightops = THE REAL DEAL! Additionally, that is the exact girl that I would have fallen instantly in love with when I was 17 but never actually worked up the courage to talk to because she’s so scary and metal looking.

So there you have it. Hopefully you found something to enjoy here. If not, we’ll be back with normal content that isn’t this sort of thing soon enough.