Rambling Man's Reviews

  Cover artwork by Ingo Spörl / OSM | Tomorrow, the German symphonic act Leaves' Eyes will release a new Viking saga . This time, they are launching a four-track EP through Reigning Phoenix Music Records . The band offers another dose of cinematic music , blending symphonic scores with metal to reach a new audience. Rambling Man has been following the band since the beginning of the decade, covering their previous two releases: 2021's The Last Viking and 2024's Myths of Fate . I have always been a sucker for symphonic metal , even though it does feel obsolete these days.  Leaves' Eyes brings a unique flair compared to bands like Within Temptation and Nightwish , focusing on tales of myths, magic, and Nordic stories of Vikings .  They achieve this through the rich, soprano voice of lead singer Elina Siirala , along with her accompanying band of classically trained musicians. The band was formed in 2023 by vocalist and producer Alexander Krull , along with origina...

  Photo Courtesy of Wild Kingdom Records Words Written by Anselm Anderson Phillip Shouse , the renowned session musician , released his debut EP ' Vol 1 ' last week through Wild Kingdom Records. After more than two decades of supporting his contemporaries, Shouse emerges as the lead vocalist and songwriter of his unique hard rock style .  The current guitarist of Accept  has appeared on four albums and has toured internationally with the legendary Teutonic metal band . Shouse's CV highlights his collaborations with notable artists, including Kiss alumni Gene Simmons and the late Ace Frehley , as well as country musician Rodney Atkins and former Mötley Crüe frontman John Corabi . Additionally, Shouse hosts his own jam session nights in Nashville and is a co-founder and co-owner of Rock N Röll , a Swedish non-alcoholic beer company. I initially approached this EP expecting it to be a heavy metal release filled with guitar-heavy tracks. However, I found the opposite...

------------------- Edited by Anselm Anderson Vancouver's power trio, The Slip-Ons   released their sophomore EP Overtime, released last week via Scamindy Records . The seven-track EP is 90's alternative rock mixed with power pop and draws influences from records by Bob Mould, Hüsker Dü, and The Replacements, with flashes of Ash and Dinosaur Jr. in the guitar tones.  Fronted by Brock Pytel of Montreal pop-punk staples Doughboys and longtime bassist for Sarah McLachlan ,  Brian Minato. T he Vancouver four-piece is completed by Rob “Shockk” Matharu of The Spitfires on guitar and Shane Wilson on drums. Overtime takes its name from the sudden-death hockey period, used as an extended metaphor for pressure and consequence. The EP leans heavier and more focused than the band’s debut, pairing Pytel’s gravel-edged vocals with punchy, direct arrangements. The lyrics widen their scope, too. Politics surface naturally, filtered through experience rather than slogans. As Pytel...

  Cover artwork courtesy of Nuclear Blast Records Words written by Anselm Anderson Rob Zombie has built a successful career as both a film director and musician. He initially gained fame with the band White Zombie and later found success as a solo artist. His films, such as " The House of 1000 Corpses " and the "Halloween" franchise, have also attracted a dedicated and enthusiastic fanbase. Mr Zombie now returns following a four-year hiatus with his eighth studio album,  The Great Satan ,  through Nuclear Blast Records . I have long been a fan of the macabre style of horror metal , as it combines heavy metal , Nu-Metal and Groove Metal with an industrial edge, and gore-infested lyrics. Zombie has produced some rather excellent records for his ilk, such as his 1998 release, The Hellbilly Deluxe , 2001's The Sinister Urge , and 2006's Educated Horses , which produced classics like ' Living Dead Girl ',  Dragula ' and 'Foxy Foxy' respect...

Photo courtesy of Nuclear Blast Records Edited by Anselm Anderson Brazil's most renowned metal export, Sepultura , is preparing to conclude an extraordinary career that has spanned over four decades . As they approach the end of this year, they are gearing up to close this final chapter. With more than 40 years of experience, 14 gold records, and performances in over 80 countries, Sepultura stands as one of the most influential metal bands of today. They are currently embarked on the 'Celebrating Life Through Death' farewell tour, and they are preparing one of their most diverse and emotional releases to date,  The Cloud of Unknowing EP , set to be released on April 24th via Nuclear Blast Records . Across four tracks, this EP offers a bittersweet farewell, showcasing the full range of the band’s creativity and reflecting both the intensity and depth that have defined SEPULTURA’s legacy. SEPULTURA have today released EP track 'The Place', in which vocalist Derrick G...

Photo credit: Richard Sibbald  Yesterday, Rush made a spectacular announcements in regards to their FIFTY SOMETHING TOUR . They will continue the tour in South America, the UK, AND Europe next year.  Last year, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame® Inductees, GRAMMY® Award-nominated icons, and RUSH Co-Founders Geddy Lee [bass, keys, vocals] and Alex Lifeson [guitar, vocals] announced their return to the stage for a very special tour in Canada, USA and Mexico in 2026 in celebration of RUSH’s music, legacy, and the life of late drummer and lyricist Neil Peart . The response was met with enthusiasm. The initial 22 dates sold out immediately, encouraging additional shows, resulting in a total of 58 shows across 24 cities, with over half a million tickets sold for 2026.  I n early 2027, the dates will be the first time the band has played in Europe in over a decade, and 17 years since visiting South America. The dates will see the band performing 24 shows across 13 countri...

[Photo by Jim Louvau] EXODUS prepare for a mammoth month in March with the release of the title track from their new album, Goliath , out March 20, 2026, via Napalm Records . With an accompanying music video, “Goliath” slows the tempo with winding, malevolent leads, powerful drums, and ominous string work by violinist Katie Jacoby , complemented by intricate guitar playing from the legendary Gary Holt . Even after 40 years since their debut, Exodus. continue to soldier on. The band's highly anticipated 12th studio album is their most dynamic release to date, featuring several collaborations and marking the return of Rob Dukes as lead vocalist.  EXODUS on “Goliath”: "'Goliath' may quite possibly be the heaviest thing we have ever done, and certainly the slowest song in our catalog, as close to doom metal as Exodus we get! Just pure evil, as sinister as it gets, featuring our friend Katie Jacoby, who laid down 18 tracks of strings in the middle harmony section, maki...