PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal

Times Have Changed, Brooks’ first album in ten years, carries with it the weight of grown perspective and time spent perfecting old material. Brooks worked it with Steve Jordan, whose work runs from Keith Richards to Stevie Wonder, John Mayer and Eric Clapton. “I decided to go to Memphis and …

Eric Gales’ new album Middle of the Road will be released on 24 February 2017 and is the running theme throughout the record. “It’s about being fully focussed and centred in the middle of the road. If you’re on the wrong side and in the gravel you’re not too good and if you’re on the median …

THE SOURCE is an exciting new chapter in the Ayreon saga, with contributions from renowned vocalists like James LaBrie (Dream Theater), Simone Simons (Epica), Floor Jansen (Nightwish), Hansi Kürsch (Blind Guardian), Tobias Sammet (Edguy, Avantasia), and Russell Allen (Symphony X). The Source will be released on April 28 through Ayreon’s …

I spoke to Jennifer Haben from Beyond the black ahead of their UK date supporting Epica and Powerwolf. Last summer the entire band quit shortly before the summer festivals.  It must have been a challenge to get a new band together in time for the festivals. We had three days …

Your music has a definite 80s melodic rock feel to it. Was that something you aimed for or is it something that evolved? Alina: Michael and Steve, who founded the band, wanted to make music in these direction. It’s pure AOR/Melodic Rock like Fleetwood Mac or Journey. Michael: Looking back …

Big Rocks, the latest album from Swiss legends Krokus is the perfect way to cure the January blues! It is made up of thirteen songs, twelve covers and a new version of their ‘Backseat Rock ‘N’ Roll’ song which featured on their ground breaking 1980 Metal Rendezvous album. The dozen …

Ramblin’ Man Fair have announced three new acts –  Saxon, Last in Line, Graham Bonnet Band, all of which will play on the Friday – an extra day for the festival. The festival will be split into four stages over three days. Stages announced so far include Mainstage, Prog In …

Thunder, as the title of their latest outing suggests, Rip It Up and then some. 27 years in and Danny Bowes and his London/Brighton quintet still don’t understand that they should be considered “old school” by now. Given that this is an album of exceptional freshness, wit and diversity they’re …

New Studio Album: “Inglorious II” 12th May 2017 European Dates 2017 Announce New Guitarist – Drew Lowe “This band are actually glorious! Amazing singer, amazing band. The best British band I’ve seen since…I could say the Darkness, but I really mean Led Zeppelin.” – Legendary producer Kevin “Caveman” Shirley (Led …

Tonight’s gig is somewhat of a local affair.  Glenn Hughes may live in California these days but he was born just a couple of miles up the road in Cannock.  Supporting him tonight (and on the rest of his UK and European dates) is another local act, Stone Broken. I’ve …

As years go 2016 was pretty spectacular for blues rock singer / songwriter Rebecca Downes. The release of a second album Believe has been met with pretty much universal critical acclaim, with a string of pretty impressive gigs following in its wake. Then there was not only being nominated for …

Hell Raising Canadian Hard Rockers’ Explosive Debut ‘Wild At Heart’ Album Unleashed February 17th on Steamhammer / SPV   “We are The Wild! & we are fucking crazy” Visceral Canadian rockers The Wild! have confirmed the release of their storming debut album ‘Wild At Heart’, produced by Mike Fraser (AC/DC, …

With glowing comparisons to Within Temptation, Epica, and Nightwish, At Dawn’s Edge release their brand new video single for Evil Flamingo this month, right now, we sat down with the band a brief chat….   What is the full band line-up, who plays what? Ashavari Joshi – Vocals; Alexandru Oprea – Guitars; Matt …

It’s weird meeting your heroes. How do I conduct a professional interview without becoming a drooling, idiotic sycophant? The fact that I’d previously interviewed Ian and knew him to be completely charming and willing to even put up with rookie interviewers asking him about the origins of “Smoke on the …

Announce joint headline March UK tour with SUMO CYCO & new single Voices DEVILSKIN follow a hugely successful joint headline tour accompanying their friends HALESTORM and DISTURBED, with the announcement of a 10 date UK co-headline tour alongside SUMO CYCO in March. DEVILSKIN will tour their explosive live set throughout the UK, starting on …

With their fourteenth studio album Metal Messiah, thrash metal legends Sepultura are still raising the middle finger to the “Bring back Max” computer keyboard warriors. Lead vocalist Derrick Green has fronted them for over twenty years now and personally speaking he has earned his stripes many times over, point proven …

Rival Sons’ Belfast debut comes eight years into their career. Playing their own headline shows in between support slots with Black Sabbath, tonight it’s Belfast’s turn. Its an early show with no support, presumably for logistical reasons as they are due in Manchester the following day. The venue is a …

With his first album in a decade, Times Have Changed, Ronnie Baker Brooks brings a fusion of good old funk-blues-soul inspired pleasure to the plate and delivers something of an overall joy to listen to. With Brooks own magisterial guitar handiwork being more than adequately backed up by original Stax …

Black Star Riders Release Fifth Trailer for ‘Heavy Fire’   BLACK STAR RIDERS are set to release their forthcoming album Heavy Fire on the 3rd of February via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. Today, the band unveil the fifth video trailer in which Damon Johnson, Ricky Warwick and Scott Gorham discuss some of their early influences and favourite bands and …

HRH (Europe’s leading residential festival provider) Launches HRH Sleaze Often described as “heavy metal’s bastard child”, Sleaze is as much about the attitude and pose as the music: music full of rebellion, aggro, and downright nastiness, not to mention more tight black leather and tattoos than most can comfortably dream …