Album Reviews

Swedish death metal time, and in the Pantheon of the “greats” of the genre we have Soilwork. Now, while I prefer the overall output of In Flames, Soilwork are an enjoyable band and have a very impressive body of work to put a live set from. So going into this …

This unique offering released via Morbid Skull Records called “Coalition of Death” is  a great idea: two small bands sharing the costs of making a record by splitting it into two separate halves. I must say this is very refreshing and enjoyable. I hope this split release idea catches on.The two …

Ah, Belgium. The home of chocolate, great beer and, er, Michael Preud’homme. Not so much known for its metal, though. That’s where Steak Number Eight come in. The quartet who play a mix of post- and sludge metal have had a steady rise in the UK; their second album All Is …

Welcome once again to the weird but wonderful world of Birmingham based Captain Horizon! This new single is a stunning taster lifted from their forthcoming album ‘Imitation Sun’, due to be released via Rocksector Records on May 11 with an album launch event on May 22 at the Birmingham Academy …

It’s only around 18 months since The Crunch released their debut album, but they’re now back with their second album – Brand new brand. In case you haven’t heard anything about The Crunch, the band itself may be fairly new but the members are all experienced musicians- Sulo Karlsson (Diamond …

I first came across Bulletproof Rose when I saw them supporting Dave Evans at The Towler in Tottington in June 2013. I was instantly hooked and, impressed by their raw and energetic performance, have seen them several times since, with a few line-up changes along the way. Bulletproof Rose have …

Swedish Hard Rockers Hardcore Superstar release their latest album ‘HCSS‘ via GAIN Music Entertainment on 22nd April. With ten albums already under their belts (or braces in Jocke’s case) including the 2011 compilation album ‘The Party Ain’t Over ’til We Say So’ since they started the band back in 1994, that’s …

In the latter half of 2012, Northern Ireland heavyweights Sinocence emerged from what can be best described as a period of transition – one characterized by personal issues for certain members of the band, coupled with a (at the time relatively) recent line-up change – to produce the first volume …

Germany’s Messenger return with an eight track album of original tracks and covers, delivered in the classic Heavy Metal style, and with the subtlety of a brick. For a start, Siegfried Schüssler has the most Metal of Metal voices anywhere on the planet, when this guy screams, windows shatter and …

‘Everybody’s Making Lemonade’ is Leeds based The Blind Dead McJones Band 2nd album. Members Ben “Buddy” Slack, Andy “The Cake” Johnson and Steve “Wee-Man” Nixon got together in 2008 and released their debut album ‘Last Resort Mexico ‘in 2012, which received great reviews and a British Blues Award nomination for …

Dangerous Music II is, as if you hadn’t guessed is the follow up to Robin’s impressive Dangerous Music debut, an album that spawned ‘that song’. I will try not to mention it’s title, as even though it is a great track, Robin has a lot more to offer, as is …

Acid King have been about since 1993 but have quite a sparse catalogue. This being only their 4th Full Length in all these years. Led by the formidable Lori S the band has been through quite a few bass players including Guy Pinhas of Goatsnake and The Obsessed fame amongst …

Hailing from London town Stoneghost are a band I have been lucky enough to see a couple of times. Way back in 2009 and 2010 at Bloodstock. 2009 saw the band hit the S.O.P.H.I.E stage and the following year after making a good impression on the main stage. From then …

The new Whitesnake album is an album of Deep Purple covers.  It’s not just any old Deep Purple songs though, it’s songs from the three albums that a young David Coverdale sang on – “Burn”, “Stormbringer” and “Come taste the band”.  David Coverdale describes this album as a tribute to …

When Adrenaline Mob released their latest EP Dearly Departed in February via Century Media, no-one can have foreseen that drummer A J Pero would tragically be found dead (further information here) on the tour bus in the middle of a tour the following month, and therefore the poignancy of the …

The resurgence of NWOBHM has resulted in bands who fell by the wayside back in the day to give it another go and the latest welcome addition is Suffolk based Trespass . This new release consists of 10 re-recorded tracks originally written between 1979-1982. They never got to release an …

When it comes to playing the guitar, many a guitarist dream of being able to shred their axes as fast as their little fingers can go.  Nitro guitarist Michael Angelo-Batio once offered to give his fans “…the keys to the Lamborghini” by showing them how to play at lightning speed. …

Almost two years ago, I first chatted with Seb Mikkelsen about this new band, Nine Miles South. Now after a continuous period of playing live gigs, working the pubs and clubs the four guys have produced this little self titled teaser of an EP. Just three tracks long, but filled …

This beauty has been out for a couple of weeks now but I just could not let it pass by without inking a few lines with the quill. Sweden has always produced cracking bands in the past, from all genres but Doom being my personal passion, I was drawn like …

Last of The Dogs are an Indie Rock band from Crewe, Cheshire. They are holding an album launch party for their debut E.P. Evil Never Sleeps this Saturday (28th March) at Percy’s Cafe Bar at the Star Hotel, Whitchurch. This is a free entry show with a guest band, food …