Rambling Man's Reviews

  Hello, could you introduce yourself to the readers?  - Hey we’re Stoned Jesus from Ukraine, still alive at the moment of answering this interview. I’m Igor, the vocals-guitar-songwriting-everything else guy. Could you describe your musical journey?  - From a one-man band concerned with creating a good stoner doom album back in 2009 to the eclectic and confident heavy prog trio now – quite a trip! How would you describe your sound?  - It’s something we’re constantly working on actually, and I can’t really say we’re there yet. Which really makes this journey even more exciting. I’d say a Stoned Jesus song is rather heavy yet melodic, groovy yet structurally interesting, dark yet never boring. What can you tell me about your previous four records, and how they have shaped your sound now?  - I see them as this logical progression from the genre standards towards something of our own… I’d say either The Harvest (2015) or Pilgrims (2018) is my favourite, give them ...

  Eclectic quartet Fonzy and Company  released their third EP Touche  last week. Produced by Innersound Audio, the four-track EP combines Indie. Pop and Alternative elements to create a burst of energetic rock for the listener. Formed in 2019 by lead vocalist/guitarist Fonzy Armour as a solo recording project, Armour decided he needed some company upon feeling impressed with the material recorded. Long-time friends Olivia Jury and Sam Bennett joined on vocals and bass, respectively. The trio soon released two EPS', Last Birth and Is It Me? to critical acclaim, garnering 1500 worldwide radio plays. The trio went through several lineups until they decided three was a company and they added lead guitarist/vocalist Lauren Hannah and bassist Sam Lane last year as permanent members. The EP opens with the anthemic 'The Kids Stay Home', a feel-good slab of pop-punk with a raw energetic feel and bouncing beats that set the feeling for the remainder of the release. Next up is the...

Photo Credit: Jim Louvau Female-fronted Hard rock act Jane N' The Jungle  returns with hard-hitting new single 'Dirty Dog'. Produced by Chuck Alkazian at Pearl Sound Studio in Detroit. Lead singer Jordan White tells the tale of being sexually assaulted and left 'feeling like a dirty dog'. The Trio hail from Phoenix, Arizona and consists of lead singer Jordan White, guitarist Brian Dellis and bassist 'Big B'. They have garnered recent attention from notable networks like MTV and Spotify, as well as regular airplay on FM stations across the States. Jordan wrote this track on a napkin during a discussion of personal stories with Aryon Jones at a local Dive bar. The track's heavy grooves combine with thick basslines to convey an eerie message behind the music. White's dark melodies sound as much as being defiant as being a victim. The pounding drums and hook-laden riff make this a song that strikes the listener with its sensitive topic. Rating 4/5 Word...

  Italy's self-proclaimed Dwarven Metal act Wind Rose  don their fur coats and helmets to do battle again with War Front , the follow-up to 2019's Wintersaga,  released last week via Napalm Records. The quintet, best known for the YouTube sensation 'Diggy-Diggy Hole', are led by the unmistakable vocals of Francesco Cavalieri and combines bombastic string arrangements with catchy hooks, huge choruses, and riffs to create their own version of power metal. The ten tracks tell the historical tales of the dwarves as they prepare for war.  The monumental 'Of War and Sorrow' is an enchanting intro of acoustic guitars, horns and string segue into the rousing 'Army of Stone', in which Cavalieri's lung-busting vocals lead the way like a commander on the field. This gutsy track sets the precedent for what is to come. The album is like an epic told by five heartily dwarves that so happen to be in a metal band. The latest singles 'Fellows of The Hammer' a...

Photo courtesy of Mark Doyle Glam/Disco rock duo Villins returns with the new single 'Bodies', released today (Friday 3rd June). The first track since last year's debut EP 'The Power'. Formed in 2016, the duo consists of vocalist Jesyka and guitarist Kareem 'Jesus' Devlin. They combine dark, gothic dance beats with powerful pop melodies. 'Bodies' is an example of this with strong production values and commercial edge. Jesyka's reflective tone is accompanied by soaring keyboards. The sad ambience is symbolic of the intimacy of the song. The multi-layered vocals provide sympathy to the listener as the song reaches its climax with searing guitar leads from 'Jesus'. Overall, Villins continue to make friends with their style of disco beats and catchy pop music that are inclined to make your bodies sway. Words by Anselm Anderson. If you want to discover further reviews like this, please click on the link below to receive all the latest news and...

Artwork by Sam Hayles Scotland's Alt Metal Act A Ritual Spirit has released Elements I,  the first of a two-part album, via their own record label, Disposable Noise. Produced by Bryan Ramage at Ramage Productions, this is the band's third release. The six tracks run just over 27 minutes and focus on the isolation and anxieties of the pandemic. Formed in 2013, the quartet has formed an ardent fan base throughout the UK, supporting acts like Warrior Soul, and performing at Bloodstock Festival. The band combines angsty rock with a heavy metal guitar sound. The EP begins with the optimistic message of 'Zion', a track with a groovy and heavy riff, soft pop vocals and a reggae-infused chorus that leaves a pleasant start for the emerging band. This leads to the menacing drum intro of 'Underneath', a song that feels profoundly influenced by the NU- Metal era. The soft vocals stretch over sharp riffs and basslines. The EP does start resembling a sample of early 2000s co...