Rambling Man's Reviews

Words by Anselm Anderson British Hard rockers Nightblade has released their fourth album  That's The Way You Want It  is a follow-up to last year's Hope To Be There.  I could not review that particular album but I have always admired Nightblade's guitar-driven sound.  The band has announced that their sixth album, released within four years, will have some surprises. Givvi Flynn guest on   a cover of Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street," and a New Year song. The band, based in the Midlands of England, has been featured in several music publications such as HRH Magazine, Kerrang! , and Powerplay, which has helped to increase their recognition. The band has replaced their drummer Rich Lawley with Harry Anson to add a new dimension to their sound.  The album "That's The Way You Want It" features ten rock songs with sharp riffs and warm vocals that casual fans will enjoy. The self-titled track offers the same radio-friendliness as bands like Foo Fighters...

Words by Anselm Anderson Today, the legendary Blue Oyster Cult have released 5 0th Anniversary Live-First Night  via Frontiers Music S.R.L. The Three-day event celebrates an incredible fifty years of Classic rock icons, recorded in September 2022. The 2-CD Deluxe edition divides the first night into two. As part of the extravaganza, the band played three sold-out shows at Sony Hall, NYC. During the set, the band played one of their first three albums- 1972's self-titled debut, 1973's Tyrants and Mutation, and 1974's Secret Treaties. The three-hour sets featured deep cuts and a special guest appearance from founding drummer Albert Bouchard. I have long been a fan of the group so any opportunity to review one of their releases brings joy to this writer. The band are seen as a major influence on the heavy metal and hard rock scene, including Metallica.  They are renowned for their catchy songs, heavy music, and lyrics often deemed funny, ambiguous, or terrifying. The set feat...

Words by Anselm Anderson London-based Indie rock act Plastic Barricades is set to release their third studio effort We Stayed Indoors, today (Thursday, November 30th) via Plastic Tribe Records. The album provides a fascinating insight into the effects of the Covid-19 lockdown from a few years ago. "We Stayed Indoors" takes a complex and quirky approach to loneliness, hope, courage, living in the moment, regrets, hopes and perception. It was a telling time for many of us and this ten-track LP perfectly captures the moments in 45 minutes. The album title is inspired by the 2001 track "We Laugh Indoors" by the band's idols Death Cab For Cutie. I reviewed a couple of singles earlier this year ( "Counting Fireworks", and "Lucid in the Fall") and was instantly taken by the blend of melodic vocals, imaginative lyrics and the overwhelming acoustics and electronics on display. So, I was excited to receive this via my Inbox. The band's brand of in...

Words By Anselm Anderson The Bad Electric are a Punk band that recently emerged from a burgeoning Welsh Music scene. The quintet are set to release their hotly-anticipated new EP "Happy Endings are Overrated" on 8th December. Beforehand, they will release two singles to precede the album. I shall review the first single "Beans", which came out on Friday 24th November. The self-styled "DIY" band formed in Swansea, Wales three years ago. Since then, they have self-released, recorded, and mixed last year's debut EP "In His Blood". They refer to themselves as a punk band but blend in alternative rock, indie and electro to give those earlugs a wringing. The Bad Electric comprises lead vocalist Johnny Randall, Matt Williams (Guitar / Synth / Vocals), Zach Williams (Bass / Vocals) and Tom Young (Drums). They feature various members from the Swansea Music scene such as HWDU and Suns of Thunder to name a few. "Beans" is an energetic punk tra...

Words by Anselm Anderson T he second EP review of the week is a look at the upcoming four-tracker , Coda Revival by  British hard rock act  Lords of Ruin  due  for release this Friday, November 24th. The band combines alternative metal with contemporary rock to satisfy the cravings of enthusiastic rock fans. Lords Of Ruin reminds me of a younger version of Avenged Sevenfold and a heavier alternative to Shinedown with their powerful and captivating lyrics, sharp riffs, and blistering drumming. The band explores a variety of styles on the four songs that are available here. Lords of Ruin were conceived in Northern England seven years ago, but it wasn't until 2019 that they released their first single. The band consists of "Lords" with vocalist Lord Dox, Lord Stev-O on drums, bassist Lord Liam and guitarists Lords Kev and Stones. They first gained notoriety with an appearance at the Hard Rock Hell Festiva l before the turgid pandemic struck Britain, Thankfully. The Lo...

Words by Anselm Anderson The Energy of The Rattlebacks is a force to behold. The quintet combines the attitude of classic rock with the punch of grunge to create a unique sound only known to themselves as Rattlebacks sound! They recently released their debut EP Kink  via a GoFundMe Campaign,  to which their fanbase kindly donated over £5,000 towards being made. The four-track EP was produced and recorded by  Dave Holmes at Lighthouse 95. The producer's impact can be heard over four stunning tracks of bally rock 'n' roll that is reminiscent of Guns 'n' Roses and Stone Temple Pilots.  Lead vocalist Josh Clarke's highly contagious soulful voice blends perfectly with lead guitarist Max Horn's groove-oriented riffs and the rhythmic guitar work of Cox, creating a strong dynamic with the powerful drumming of Seth Markes and the intoxicating basslines of Jack Holland. Formed in 2021, the band hails from Brighton in the South of England. They have attracted fans ...

Review by Anselm Anderson Swedish rock band  Svartanatt  may have a difficult name to pronounce but their 70s retro rock style is a nostalgic throwback to a bygone era. The five-piece has released their third studio effort, entitled  Last Days on Earth  via  The Sign Records.  The band's doom-and-gloom lyrics mask their upbeat sound of uplifting vocals, razor-sharp riffs and '70s-influenced hard rock and blues. According to the band, the album covers pessimistic topics like the loss of faith in society and humanity, but don't let that put you off listening to the album because some of the tracks are infectious and will leave you stomping your foot.  Formed in 2014, the band hails from Stockholm, Sweden and consists of lead vocalist Jani Lehtinen, guitarist Felix Gâaste, drummer Daniel Heaster, bassist Anton Fors and Martin Borgh on organ and percussion duties.  Last Days on Earth  is a follow-up to  2018's  sophomore album  S...

Words by Anselm Anderson The Black Vultures are a new name in the rock world. I am always excited to receive music from a rock act with potential, and these four have plenty of potential. The band hails from South Wales and are set to release their new single "Treat Me Like An Animal" next Friday, November 4th. The track is one of three singles set for release over the next few months before releasing an EP early next year. "Treat Me Like An Animal", an energetic and upbeat rock anthem, is a light-hearted look at being in a bad relationship. The song was recorded at Unit 13 in Tredegar by local producer Tom Williams and mastered by Chris Peet at North House Studio in Ebbw Vale. The Black Vultures are an amalgamation of the quartet's favourite bands: Black Sabbath and Them Crooked Vultures. The track shares some influences from those bands with a catchy chorus and high-tempo riffs. "Treat Me Like An Animal" begins with a screeching riff that blends rock...

Words by Anselm Anderson Rock superstars Fozzy  has announced the release of their latest single "Spotlight" released via Maddison Records/The Orchard . Produced b y Three Days Grace and Halestorm Producer Johnny Andrews and mixed by Jacob Hansen, Originally an Ozzy Osbourne covers band, "Spotlight" is a throwback to the metal roots the band built their reputation on. Furthermore, This track reminds me of the earliest Ozzy albums with punchy riffs and an addictive chorus. This is certainly the heaviest Fozzy track since the popular "Judas" graced AEW arenas from around the globe. A whispered monologue opens this track exclaiming "I am the light of the truth, the one who sees right through. I know your every move. I got my eye on you-Spotlight!". The song segues into a pulsating riff, layered with smooth basslines and well-timed drumming patterns. The song builds to a bridge/chorus with multi-layered vocals. Chris Jericho's distorted vocal...

Words by Anselm Anderson Rising UK rockers  Molly Karloff have released their eagerly awaited self-titled debut via Molly Makes Records.  The Oxford-based trio combines punchy riffs, infectious choruses, and salacious grooves that have gained an international fanbase. The band has won many plaudits from the likes of UK Radio station Planet Rock , as well as music publications like Powerplay, Hard Rock Hell Magazine,  and Fireworks Magazine.    Having listened to their singles "You Don't Know My Name" and "Breaking Out" earlier, I was eagerly anticipating reviewing their latest release. The ten-track LP was produced by Grammy Award-winning Producer Matt Exeter, whose previous work includes Cradle of Filth, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath etc. The song "You Don't Know My Name" starts the album with a powerful riff and foot-tapping rhythms that set the tone for the rest of the release. "In The Night" turns up the volume with intense grooves ...

Words by Anselm Anderson Female-fronted Brazilian Metal band Nervosa's latest release is intense, brutal and aggressive. Jailbreak,  the fifth instalment of the band's thirteen-year history was released last Friday via the always reliable Napalm Records. The follow-up to the breakthrough album 'Perpetual Chaos' carries on from that success with a few lineup changes and a positive attitude. This is the first record with founding member, P rika Amaral as the vociferous frontwoman barking out messages of encouragement over the savage drumming of Michaela Naydenov a, bassist Hel Pyre  and the twin guitar offence of Helena Kotina and Amaral herself. Producer Martin Furia rejoins the band to add his expertise to a crisp and raw sound. The crew explores society's lyrical themes and offers messages of hope by commenting about breaking free from conventions and finding your true self. The use of guests like Exodus Guitaris t Gary Hol t and Death Dealer Union vocalist Len...

Words by Anselm Anderson Earlier this month, Italian Technical Old-school death metal act Gory Blister  made their Eclipse Records debut with the scintillating Reborn From Hatred. The album was the trio's seventh release over a career spanning three decades. The band comprises three members: John St John as the vocalist, Raff Sangiorgio as the guitarist, bassist, and synth player, and Gianluca D'Andria as the drummer. Their album has 11 tracks and runs for over half an hour. The songs feature intricate time signatures, powerful riffs, and intense energy, giving listeners a wild introduction to the band. 'Rebron From Hatred' was produced by drummer  Raff Sangiorgio  with assistance from  Gianluca D'andria.  Ricardo Borges helped mix the track s (Sepultura, Kreator, Carcass),  which were mastered by Peter Brussee (Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Bolton).  Gory Blister has come a long way since sending small demo recordings to local magazines. ...