Rambling Man's Reviews

  UK djent/grime crossover outfit, Hacktivist , has released a heavy and emotionally charged track called "Not Alone." The song, featuring vocal duo JJ Olifent and J Hurley, offers a brutally honest portrayal of the world's mental health crisis. Its main message emphasizes that mental health struggles affect people from all different walks of life in similar ways. The band wants to remind everyone that despite their differences, people's struggles can be quite similar. They urge those who are struggling or feeling isolated to remember that they are not alone. Vocalist JJ Olifent continues: “For over half my life I’ve suffered with ADHD, depression and anxiety, especially when I grew older because you have to battle with surviving. The world's a sick place, I found myself on autopilot, putting the mask up because that’s what I needed to do to gain success. I should have reached out for help sooner. In 2022, I received my ADHD diagnosis and have the support I ne...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Genus Ordinis Dei, the Italian black metal band, has just released "Three Kings," the latest single from their recent album "The Beginning," which came out in December via Eclipse Records . The track combines the grandeur of symphonic metal with the intensity of black metal to create an exhilarating new song for the band. The trio of musical academics formed in 2011 after graduating from Italy's top music academies. They aimed to blend modern metal with symphonies to create a cutting-edge sound.  They had their first experience of this when they met Lacuna Coil bassist M arco Coti Zelati on tour, who agreed to produce their debut album.  The band released a trilogy of albums as a concept to define their sound, culminating in last year's release, "The Beginning." "Three Kings" showcases magnificent string arrangements, strong rasping vocals, and poetic lyrics. The song opens with a cinematic collision of bomb...

MICHAEL SCHENKER  NEW ALBUM: "MY YEARS WITH UFO" OUT ON 20TH SEPTEMBER 2024 VIA earMUSIC   CELEBRATING 50th ANNIVERSARY WITH EX-BAND UFO   FIRST SINGLE: "MOTHER MARY" FT. SLASH & ERIK GRÖNWALL  OUT NOW Photo courtesy of Talee Savage  The world of rock guitar has always been illuminated by a few virtuosic stars who shine brighter than the rest, and among them, Michael Schenker stands out as a comet blazing across the night sky. His tenure with the British hard rock band UFO during the 1970s remains one of the most celebrated periods in the annals of rock, elevating UFO from underground sensations to rock legends.  Now in 2024, Michael Schenker is set to celebrate those glory days with his new album ‘My Years with UFO’ alongside today’s rock elite. Produced by Michael Schenker and Michael Voss, the new album marks the 50th anniversary of Schenker's era with UFO, spanning from 1972 to 1978. The ‘German Wunderkind’ was asked to join UFO at just 17 years ol...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Atmospheric  Black metal traces its roots in the Nordic region during the nineties with acts like Burzum and Ulver . The genre has really taken off in the past twenty years with the addition of several sub-genres and outside influences such as folk and post-rock. However, British newcomers Aklash aim to challenge that statement with their newest EP  Reincarnation. The quartet formed in 2010 in southern England but their fanbase has grown in that time with notable live performances and the release of their previous three efforts: 2013's self-titled album, 2018 's Where The Ocean Meets The Sky,  and 2021's Horizon. Reincarnation is eight tracks of wonder and awe, as the band capture the influences of their European roots. The inclusion of folk, metal, goth, and prog-rock styles helps to convey the lyrics of philosophy, theology, and anamorphosis to the listener. The band consists of Nicholas Millar (Guitar, Violin and Main Vocals), Yiannis...

MOGGS MOTEL - the new band featuring UFO singer Phil Mogg signed with SPV/Steamhammer. New studio album is scheduled for a September 2024 release  Former UFO frontman Phil Mogg, one of the most influential rock vocalists worldwide, has resurfaced following a two-year hiatus. He would disappear completely from the scene after the disbandment of his band due to his health problems. The British musician is all set to introduce his latest band and release, 'Moggs Motel', which he co-created with Tony Newton (bass & keyboards) from the band Voodoo Six, who had previously toured with UFO, and long-time collaborator Neil Carter (guitar, keyboards, vocals). The album was recorded at Iron Maiden's Steve Harris's studio in Essex, UK. Joining the band in the studio were Joe Lazarus (drums) and Tommy Gentry (guitar), completing the lineup. The album "Mogg's Motel" will be released on September 6, 2024, on Steamhammer/SPV worldwide except in North America. It wil...

  Philadelphia, PA rock band, The Stone Eye, recently released their new single titled "High-Frequency Hog." According to the band's guitarist and vocalist, Stephen Burdick, the song came together after he stumbled upon a random riff one night before a rehearsal. He brought the riff to the other band members, including guitarist Jonah Etsy, bassist Jacob Mathis, and drummer Jeremiah Bertin, and they all loved it. "High-Frequency Hog" is the first song the band has completed with their new bassist, Jacob. The song showcases the band's musical talents, with the opening riff reminiscent of 90s grunge acts like STP and Soundgarden. Burdick's distorted riff adds urgency to the sound, and the jagged vocals are emotive and blend well with the overall message behind the track. "The release of "High-Frequency Hog" shows that The Stone Eye is committed to pushing the boundaries of rock music and creating something new and exciting. Fans of the band ...

  Photo Courtesy of  Panu Pentikäinen Finnish metal heavyweights Fire Action have inked a new contract with renowned metal label SPV/STEAMHAMMER RECORDS "We are super excited to start working with such a legendary record company as Steamhammer", says Fire Action founding member Juri Vuortama. "After a 45 minute chat about 80s and early 90s Metal with label head Olly Hahn - via landline of course - I was 9112 percent sure that SPV/Steamhammer is the best possible base for Fire Action", he continues with a reference to the band's final independence release, 2020's "9112".   "I have nothing but a huge respect towards SPV/Steamhammer, they are definitely one the greatest labels with legendary releases, and I find it unreal to be on the same label with one of my all time favourite bands, Running Wild. I am honoured to be a part of their great roster", states lead singer Pete Ahonen.   Before Fire Action, singer Pete Ahonen was already a well...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Sweden's Female fronted blues rock band Ebba Begkvist and TheFlat Tire Band recently released their second studio album Four Wings  via the excellent The Sign Records.  I have written some reviews for the label in the past and they usually produce some superb music from Sweden. 'Four Wings' is no exception as it is an album really about two halves; the first is 70's induced heavy blues rock, and the second is psychedelic and soulful melodies. The follow-up to 2020's Spilt Milk was produced and recorded by Ebba herself at  Silence Studio in Koppom as well as Helgen Studio, in Stockholm. As a producer, this allows her to add depth and emotion to each track. Formed in 2017 as a solo project, Ebba Bergkvist later added bassist Björn Björnehult Korning, drummer Adam Randolph and Finnish guitarist Jonas Skeppar to form the band it is today. Ebba gained critical acclaim after the release of her debut album, "Alright," in 2019, and wen...

  WORDS BY ANSELM ANDERSON Prog Metal band Questing Beast hails from New England, USA. They recently released the first in a trilogy of records entitled Birth. T he Ten Tracker is a concept album based on the World's End, a scornful god and an interdimensional system. The lyrical content and subsequent music would have impressed many fantasy novelists like George R.R Martin, Frank Herbert and J.R.R Tolkien. Formed in 2019, the quintet of vocalist Joe Harris, guitarists, Joe's sister Jane and Shane Malouf- Pieterse, drummer Christian Kincaid and Warbringer bassist Chase Bryant on bass has spent the past three years writing, recording and mastering their modern-day masterpiece: a mixture of heavy metal, deathly growls, jazz passages and elements of opera. 'Birth' was produced by Benny Grotto at Mad Oak Studios in Allston, MA. Each track Is brought to life in a unique and bombastic fashion, enlightening and frightening us. The doom-stricken riffs of 'A Comet's T...

  Oakland California’s punk act SMOKERS,   have released their debut LP, The Rat That Gnawed the Rope. The new album appears worldwide on digital and vinyl formats via Oakland-based Mouth Magazine Records out now After several years of relentless travel up and down the West Coast circuit, Oakland's SMOKERS have finally completed their blistering 15-song album. The band's sound is inspired by classics such as The Stranglers, Minutemen, and early Replacements , and brought to life by the collective talents of Andy Asp (Nuisance, The Pattern), Cyrus Comiskey (Black Fork, Drunk Horse), Jim Nastic (Talk is Poison, Year Future), and Omen Starr (St. James Infirmary). When recording 'The Rat', the band met up with lead engineer Phil Becker (Pins of Light, Big Business) at San Francisco's historic El Studio. Despite the studio being in a rather dubious neighbourhood, it turned out to be a perfect fit for their creative needs. "It's in a pretty dodgy neighbour...

WORDS BY ANSELM ANDERSON Country singer/songwriter Lauren Freebird  has recently released a new single “Either Way." She continues to be a strong female role model in the rock and country music scene, with her latest track about dealing with heartbreak following a relationship. 'Either Way' showcases Lauren's powerful vocals and slick guitar lines, making her a star to watch. The track captivates the audience with the lively electric guitar and the resounding tom-tom beats throughout the song. Lauren then enters the fray with her powerful, commanding voice as she reflects on the anger felt at the end of her relationship  “ So I tore the pictures off the damn wall / and get lost in a couple glasses of alcohol. ”  Freebird continues to educate the listeners through her soulful voice and relatable lyrics. Her tone soon changes on the turnaround of the track as she says“ I’ve learned to love myself now / And that has filled your place / And mama said this wound would...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Singer/songwriter Thadeus Gonzalez recently released his fourth album Street Fights Are Starting to Hurt. The artist is a critically acclaimed genre-defying artist with an album about the human complexities and emotional conflicts experienced through life. Gonzalez hails from Oakland, California in The States, and has built his reputation on his subject matters, emotional songwriting and exploration of several genres such as folk, punk, blues and soul. 'Street Fights..' is another album that examines these genres through poignancy and raw emotion. Precision and dynamism bring each track to life to create a touching release of ten pop-tinged, rock tracks. All tracks are recorded, engineered, produced and mastered by Kyle Homme.   Tim Narducci  offers additional production values to the album. The anthemic "Street Fights" kicks off the release with its upbeat riffs, catchy chorus, and a blend of pop sensibilities and soft rock. This song sets...

Art Of Letting Go will be Myles Kennedy's third release and is accompanied with a  Music Video for Debut Single, “Say What You Will”. Kennedy has announced additional tour dates with his solo band [photo credit: Chuck Brueckmann] vocalist/guitarist/songwriter MYLES KENNEDY   continues to release new music every three years.  KENNEDY, known for his work with rockers Alter Bridge and Slash and the Conspirators , returns with his third solo album, The Art Of Letting Go . The album marks the return of the man with the silver tongue, alongside his band of Zia Uddin on drums and Tim Tournier on bass. The album is scheduled for release via  Napalm Records on October 11, 2024. From the opening guitar riff of the title track “The Art Of Letting Go” to the dark melodies of album closer “How The Story Ends,” MYLES KENNEDY is back with a collection of songs that is sure to appease old and new fans alike. Songs like “Mr Downside,” “Miss You When You’re Gone,” and “Saving Fac...

THE SOULFUL ROCKERS RELEASE AN ACCOMPANYING MUSIC VIDEO FOR 'GHOST' Soul Troupe The Vanrays have recently released their latest album Hey! Alright Now with an accompanying video for the EP’s lead single “Ghost.” The band continues their tradition of writing undeniably catchy Motown and Soul tunes with big hooks, big melodies and an even bigger brass section. The bands take inspiration from the legendary soul and R'n'B acts like Spencer Davis group, Detroit Cobras, Curtis Harding and the Daptone Records roster, The Vanrays have delivered a compelling release full of soulful classic R&B and garage music. The band leads a touching tribute to their idols with a blend of styles, which incorporates gospel, soul, garage and R 'n' B. The new music video for their touching single "Ghosts” marks a pivotal moment for the band, and their new EP, as it holds a special place in the band's heart, The music video captures the beauty and emotion of the song. It ex...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Rambling Man's Reviews returns this week with another promising band from London, England. The Fires Below i s a band featured on these pages last year when their debut EP, Masquerade, was reviewed .  I remember describing how they would make a big impact with their grunge and punk style. Nine months later, the trio returns with "Thorns," their latest five-track release, showcasing more intensity, grooves, and metal than their previous work. The Fires Below formed two years ago during the pandemic lockdown. The trio consists of vocalist Smithy, bassist Si and drummer Sam. They have raised their expectations for this release by incorporating more variety into the tracks. They combine desert rock, alt-metal, punk, and stoner to create a hard-hitting and cutthroat style of metal, which strikes the listener through the ears. Lead singer Smithy confessed that the trio found their identity through their energetic live performances, helping the band g...

Swiss duo  WOLFWOLF Unveil  New LP “Totentanz” (Dance of Death) Photo Credit: No Rules The Swiss duo, WolfWolf turn all melancholic on their latest release. ' TotenTanz (Dance of Death) . The band has recently released their highly anticipated fourth album via Lux Noise. The duo celebrates all things death with their blend of garage, blues trash, and punk. WolfWolf has captivated the underground music scene for over ten years with its abstract storytelling and unique sound. The two wolves delve deep into themes of mortality, weaving tales of life and death with their comedic style.  "We've always seen WolfWolf as more than just a band; it's a universe of freaks and dark creatures that we've created over the years with our songs," remarks Mr. Wolf & Mr. Wolf.  Totentanz introduces   listeners to the lives of characters often overlooked in everyday life. From the melancholic to the macabre, each track on the album provides a glimpse into the vibrant yet eer...