Rambling Man's Reviews

Photo courtesy of Duff Press PR Edited by Anselm Anderson Guitarist JOHN 5 will bring his first-ever solo tour to the UK and Europe in May 2026. Apart from a few shows in 2016, this is John’s first real tour across these shores. For over 30 years, JOHN 5 has been one of the most in-demand guitar players on the planet. John has shared stages and recording studios with Rob Zombie , Marilyn Manson, David Lee Roth, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Meat Loaf, Dolly Parton , and more, and is now a member of Mötley Crüe . As a long-term fan of the guitar maestro, I am really excited about this and about what his shows will be like. Since 2011, John has released over a dozen solo albums highlighting his unique style of playing that has entertained and mesmerised audiences around the world.  In 2025, John 5 released his latest album, which was the critically acclaimed “Ghost” – released in October 2025. Available HERE The tour will feature twelve UK appearances along with shows in Germany , the Netherla...

Photo Credit: Nick Pegg This past Friday, Montreal’s The Fake Friends released Let’s Not Overthink This , a full-length that blends post-punk rhythm / new wave late-night record. On Stomp Records , the record nods to Pylon , Wire , Parquet Courts , Cloud Nothings , and Franz Ferdinand , cutting through. The release has been described as a lively and wired album that reflects the city the band were brought up in. What began in 2020 as an opportunity to socialise became a regular occurrence for the group.  Founded by Frontman Matthew Savage and guitarist Luca Santilli, they were soon joined by longtime collaborators Felix Crawford-Legault, Michael Kamps, Bradley Cooper-Graham, and Michael Tomizzi until the lineup locked into place.  The record opens with “ Ministry Of Peace ,” a jittery broadcast that moves toward media noise and cultural static. Savage repeats “no truce” as the song builds, guitars cut through the haze. It sets up the album’s central theme: trying to hold ...

     [Photo Credit: Patric Ullaeus] Gothenburg ’s masterminds of melancholia, Prog Metal act   EVERGREY , hope to bring some cheer for their fans with the announcement of their fifteenth album, Architects Of A New Weave , which will be released on June 5, 2026 via Napalm Records , just days before the band takes the stage as special guest to  Iron Maiden , for two shows on their Run For Your Lives World Tour . The band will soon follow up this news with a music video for their first single, but you will need to stay tuned for when. Personally, I am interested in discovering what music they will bring. Lead vocalist  Tom Englund   explains the story about Architects Of A New Weave: “We’ve literally never had this much trouble picking singles. And honestly? That’s the best problem we could possibly have. Every song on this record is fighting to be the one you hear first—because we poured everything into making an album we’re flat-out obsessed with...

Photo Artwork courtesy of Rogue PR  Words written by Anselm Anderson Before the Sirens is another exciting new discovery on British shores. They released their most recent EP in December of last year, a follow-up to their debut EP, Desolate Seas and Darkened Skies . The EP is ' As it is Above, 'So it is Below , and the five-track brings an intense new sound with soaring vocal melodies and heavy riffs. The band is described as metalcore , but I argue they lean more towards a modern, accessible metal route. The band are fronted by vocalist Alun Davies , guitarist Chris Tiday , bassist Adam Aldridge and drummer Alex Budge . On this latest outing, they write about struggles and mental health .  Promo Shoot courtesy of Rogue PR. These themes are evident in the way the music is presented. In the opening track, "As It Is Above," vocalist Davies’s soft vocal textures blend seamlessly with the fierce riffs and pounding drums. This combination conveys a sense of imploration, ...

Angel Du$t by Nat Wood | Rising Rock'n'Roll act Angel Du$t have released their final track, ahead of the release of their new album this Friday. This week, they're releasing their highly anticipated new album, COLD 2 THE TOUCH , and today they're sharing " Pain Is A Must ".  Arriving this Friday, 13th February, via Run For Cover Records, COLD 2 THE TOUCH is a 26-minute blast of eclectic, hard-hitting music that proves Angel Du$t's drive to make authentically aggressive rock & roll. "Pain Is A Must" follows the usual recipe of singles,  ahead of an important new release. " I'm The Outside ", " DU$T ", " Cold 2 The Touch ", " The Knife ", and " The Beat " and its guest vocals from Terror's Scott Vogel are sure to leave listeners excited for hearing COLD 2 THE TOUCH in full on Friday. Stream "Pain Is A Must" everywhere: angeldustmoney.lnk.to/painisamust Pre-order COLD 2 THE T...

Photo Credit: Duff Press Have you ever dreamed of becoming the lead singer of an Eighties' Classic rock band? Do you imagine being Sebastian Bach and reminisce about those wild days of your youth? Well, you might be in luck. Legendary hard rock band Skid Row have teamed up with USA company Sweetwater, the world’s leading online retailer of musical instruments and pro-audio equipment, to search worldwide for their next lead vocalist. The collaboration invites singers from around the world to audition for the opportunity to front one of rock’s most enduring and respected bands. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Skid Row. Over four decades, the band has delivered some of hard rock’s most iconic anthems, including “ 18 and Life ”, “ I Remember You ”, “ Monkey Business ” and “ Youth Gone Wild ”.With multi-platinum albums, chart-topping releases, and a global touring legacy, the band has remained a defining force in rock music. Now, Skid Row is opening the door to a new era by se...

Photo Credit: Tina Gross Edited by Anselm Anderson Seattle’s The Darts return with “Apocalypse,” the second from their upcoming LP Halloween Love Songs, arriving March 3. “Apocalypse” follows up on “ Midnight Creep ,” which felt like a B-movie anthem. “Apocalypse” is part of the darker half of the album, featuring explosive rhythms and a sing-along chorus. It has a creepy yet sultry vibe that elevates the pulse of horror rock . This track was released yesterday and is available online to enjoy before the album hits the streaming platforms next month.   Watch the Video for “Apocalypse” below. . Singer/organ conjurer  Nicole Laurenne  was inspired to write the song following a trip to  Angers, France , when she visited the massive medieval Apocalypse Tapestry , a wall of woven chaos, angels, beasts and storms. “The lightning bolt struck me,” she says. “The song practically wrote itself in the van as we left the castle.” Nicole felt the strange liberation of ...