Emigrate's third studio record had been scheduled to be released much sooner but after recording the tracks, everything got lost due to a flooding and the whole album had to be recorded again. A Million Degrees has now finally seen the light of day and it was certainly worth the wait. The industrial rock record around Rammstein lead guitarist Richard Kruspe, rhythm guitarist Olsen Involtini, bass guitarist Arnaud Giroux and drummer Mikko Sirén picks us up where Silent So Long left us four years earlier. The release offers eleven entertaining songs somewhere between punk rock, pop rock, industrial rock, electronic rock and alternative rock with a running time just above forty-five minutes.

My favourite song is atmospheric opener ''War'' with its haunting Middle Eastern folk elements that give the track an epic touch that could almost be described as a stripped-down version of Arkan, Myrath and Orphaned Land. The catchy electronic rock anthem ''We Are Together'' works particularly well despite its repetition and would be a potential single candidate.

Richard Kruspe has invited numerous guest vocalists on this record that give the final release a lot of diverse entertainment. ''1,2,3,4'' is an enthusiastic punk rock anthem with additional vocals by Billy Talent's Benjamin Kowalewicz and the track indeed sounds like a free-spirited version of the Canadian alternative rock band with a cool guitar solo. ''Lead on You'' is an easy-going electronic rock duet with French punk bassist and singer Margaux Bossieux who had already participated on the previous record. ''Let's Go'' features Rammstein lead singer Till Lindemann who sings in German and English this time around. The track doesn't sound like an industrial metal song at all and rather recalls relaxed synth pop music which works surprisingly well with the two very different vocalists. ''I'm Not Afraid'' features Ghost's Cardinal Copia whose hypnotizing vocals work particularly well in the lounge elements of the atmospheric song.

As you might have guessed, you need an open mind to fully appreciate this record with its numerous genre references and diversified guest singers. Even though Emigrate's A Million Degrees is a highly entertaining contemporary rock record, it doesn't equal the energetic debut record and the similarly diversified sophomore output but it manages to come quite close. Emigrate fans and those who like modern rock music should definitely listen to this free-spirited release. This is the kind of music I would actually dance to in a discotheque and not to horrid stuff like ''Jackie Chan'' by Tiesto & Dzeko feat. Preme & Post Malone. Industrial metal fans might find this release too mellow but if you are ready to dance to rock music, this is an excellent record for you.

Final rating: 75%

Detective Dee: The Four Heavenly Kings is quite different from the other two entries about the modest, intellectual and clever Tang Dynasty investigator. While the first movie relies on its mysterious atmosphere and investigative techniques and the second film explores the detective's early career, the third movie is set between the two and is best described as an intrigue with supernatural elements. This is a very entertaining fantasy movie with dynamic martial arts elements and colourful costumes and settings but it doesn't have much depth, doesn't feature a surprising plot and doesn't rely on investigative techniques. Some people might therefore consider this the weakest entry in the franchise thus far. However, I have a different opinion. If you are ready to accept this movie as a wu xia fantasy film inspired by classic Hongkong cinema of the late eighties with contemporary images and sounds, you will experience a most entertaining blockbuster that doesn't only equal contemporary Hollywood fantasy movies but also beats most of those thanks to its intriguing historical references.

The title of the movie is somewhat misleading. The four heavenly kings are only statues that are referenced in a note and then shown in one scene mid-way through the plot that lasts for about five minutes. They are never mentioned again afterwards and have no significant influence on the story. Detective Dee and the Dragon Taming Mace would have been a much more appropriate title.

The story is set between Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon and Detective Dee: The Mystery of the Phantom Flame. Emperor Gaozong appoints Di Renjie to head the Department of Justice and gives him the mysterious, powerful and prestigious Dragon Taming Mace. Empress Wu disapproves of this as she realizes that Detective Dee might be her biggest obstacle on her ambitious quest for ultimate authority. She orders Di Renjie's sworn brother Yuchi Zhenjin to steal the mace and discredit her opponent. She hires a group of sorcerers to see the plan through and promises to not assassinate Di Renjie and his family. Di Renjie has however realized that the Empress wants to steal the mace from him and starts to investigate her motivations. He quickly realizes that she is manipulated by a group of discredited Indian sorcerers who want to take revenge for having been used and abused by Tang Dynasty officials. Di Renjie has to rely on his colleagues, a renegade criminal and a Buddhist monk to save the empire.

The movie convinces with a steady pace and introduces the main plot right from the first scene. The film keeps this pace from start to finish and remains highly entertaining despite a running time over two hours. The most important characters are introduced quickly and coherently. The settings in old Tang Dynasty look incredible even though they appear to be a little bit too extravagant, polished and shiny. The visual special effects are astonishing and show a fascinating world between fantasy and history. The martial arts sequences are creative, dynamic and inspiring. The intrigues at the court are interesting to follow even though they don't offer anything new to the formula. The film's showdown is quite intense and of epic proportions in the key of something you would expect from The Lord of the Rings and the likes.

On the negative side, the plot is somewhat predictable and lacks the wit, precision and creativity of previous installments. The investigative techniques that characterized the first two films of the franchise are certainly lacking in this movie. Still, Detective Dee: The Four Heavenly Kings is such a colorful, dynamic and imaginative movie that these minor flaws don't drag the film down.

Detective Dee: The Four Heavenly Kings might be a cinematic blockbuster that is lacking depth and precision from time to time but it's the perfect film to escape your everyday life and explore a fascinating world between fantasy and history. You might feel disappointed if you are looking for a profound drama or clever thriller but you will explore a dreamy martial movie and an entertaining fantasy flick for sure. If you take this film for what it is without comparing it too much to the style of the previous two installments, you will get your money's worth while watching this Chinese blockbuster at your local cinema or at home.

Christmas time is coming closer!

Even though I'm not a particularly religious person, I have always cherished the diversified winter sports, the snowy weather, spending quality time with my family and friends, the harmonious music, the peaceful messes, the wonderful gifts, the magic atmosphere of Christmas markets and the delicious drinks and meals. I feel sad for those who have grown up in families that don't celebrate the holidays in such or a similar way since they have never known the magic of this time of the year. Since the month of December has just started, I would like to present you ten diversified classic Christmas songs from pop music over hip hop to punk rock. Some songs make statements against war in the world, others raise awareness about problems in our world and some criticize the commercial side of the holiday season. Let's come together with those who are dear to us. The greatest gift of all is to have Christmas in your heart. The purpose is to love and be loved. Take good care and enjoy this upcoming holiday season!

''We All Need Christmas'' by Def Leppard (2018)

''The Season's Upon Us'' by Dropkick Murphys (2012)

''Mistletoe'' by Justin Bieber (2011)

''Chrsitmas Time (Don't Let the Bells End)'' by The Darkness (2003)

''Weihnachstmann vom Dach'' by Die roten Rosen (1998)

''All I Want for Christmas Is You'' by Mariah Carey (1994)

''Christmas in Hollis'' by Run-D.M.C. (1987)

''Last Christmas'' by Wham! (1984)

''Do They Know It's Christmas?'' by Band Aid (1984)

''Stop the Cavalry'' by Jona Lewie (1980)