Rambling Man's Reviews

  Photo Credit: Ed Regan CORY MARKS unveiled his second full-length album SORRY FOR NOTHING , whic h   will be released via BETTER NOISE MUSIC on October 11. The album offers 13 songs of arena-rock and roots country alongside acts such as Eric Church, Zach Bryan, Hardy, and Brantley Gilbert.   MARKS has today (July 26) released the album’s latest track “(Make My) Country Rock.” It notably includes features from Sully Erna of multi-platinum hard rock group GODSMACK, legendary guitarist Mick Mars (Mötley Crüe), and multi-platinum-selling and award-winning country artist Travis Tritt. “(Make My) Country Rock”--produced by Andrew Baylis (Jelly Roll, Brantley Gilbert). Stream it now digitally at https://corymarks.ffm.to/mmcr.    Watch the music video below or directly via YouTube HERE.   “What can I say…I’m country, I’m rock,” shares MARKS. “That’s exactly what this song is and what I sing about. It may piss people off, but I know a lot more listeners out th...

  Words from Anselm Anderson Metal Supergroups are always a testy subject, for me. They are an opportunity for our favourite musicians to form a band with other musicians from another band to try to create something different from what we know.  Some go on to flourish, while others disappear without a trace. My question is: Which category does Category 7 fall under? Last Friday, the newly formed metal supergroup released their self-titled debut album through Metal Blade Records . The band includes well-known figures in metal, not just a mix of session musicians. John Bush, formerly of Anthrax and currently with Armored Saint, leads with his powerful vocals, along with the skilled guitarist Phil Demmel, formerly of Machine Head. Mike Orlando, a guitarist and producer known for his work with Adrenaline Mob and Sonic Universe, Jack Gibson from Overkill on bass, and Jason Bittner from Shadows Fall on drums round out this ambitious project.  The band combines the sound of th...

  Show Hosted by Anselm Anderson Welcome back to another edition of the Rambling Man podcast - Rockstar Classics hosted by Anselm Anderson. Each week, I delve into the stories behind iconic classic rock tracks and showcase new tracks from the world of rock and metal. Press play to enjoy some great music, including tracks from Australian hard rockers Airbourne, German Sleaze rockers A Gun Called Britney, and iconic tracks by UFO and The Rolling Stones. Also, listen to new music from British rockers The Rattlebacks and the Phil Mogg-led Mogg's Motel. Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following  https://follow.it/anselm-s-rambling-man-s-reviews?pub

  Photo Credit: James Milligan Vancouver’s alt-rock sensation Mossy Ledge has announced its new single, “All You Need To Know,” released on July 23rd, 2024, via all major streaming platforms. This single marks the beginning of a series of new tracks the band plans to record, following their recent success with singles “Departure” and “Get to Me” from the Project Ithaca soundtrack. Known for their blend of pop, rock, and alternative styles, Mossy Ledge appeals to fans of U2, REM, Powderfinger, The Cure, Depeche Mode, Sunny Day Real Estate, and Pearl Jam . The new single shows plenty of potential as a modern, groove-oriented rock track, captivating listeners with its guitar hooks and steady rhythms Drummer Ryan Mason, who co-produced the single with guitarist Dean, remarked, “It has the power to transport you somewhere, giving listeners an experience that resonates long after the music fades.” He adds, “It’s all very exciting... the band is in great form, and all the original membe...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Blues-based rock quartet RJ Archer and The Painful Memories recently released "Got to Leave," their latest track from their upcoming third studio album, scheduled for release this summer. The track is perfect for enjoying blazing sunshine and cool breezes, as it is a throwback to the Delta Blues era. Lead vocalist Richard Archer's buoyant and warm vocals attain a calmness over a steady rhythm. Formed in 2019, RJ Archer and The Painful Memories began as a trio of Archer, bassist Richard James and fellow guitarist Ben Kingsbury, after the former won a a prize in a singing competition. The band's love of the 1960s and 70's blues-based rock can be clearly heard within the first few bars of 'Got to Leave'. The opening blues shuffle between James's bass and Archer's slide guitar gives a slick edge to the music. Archer's powerful vocals resonate with the listener as the steady rhythm builds towards the chorus. The laid-back ...

  Words from Anselm Anderson Nu-Metal is making a return with a bang. The latest band to embrace the genre that mixed down-tuned guitars with mixing desks and aggressive vocals about personal struggles and social anxieties is Virginia-based sextet,  Saint Diablo. Today, the Latin Americans release their latest four-track EP 'The Reckoning' via Eclipse Records.  The band consists of lead vocalist Tito Quinones, guitarist Justin Adams, bassist Zach San Pietro, drummer Anthony San Pietro, and percussionist Awesome Ray Ray. It has released two full releases to date, including 2015's critically -acclaimed Devils, Horns and Halos. The Reckoning  is no exception as the band delivers four sizzling tracks of apoplectic rage, thunderous riffs and catchy choruses to set themselves loose on the metal world. Upon first listening, I felt the band reminded me of the 2000's Latin Nu-metal group Il Nino. Ironically, this EP  was mixed, mastered, and recorded by the band's prod...

Photo Credit: Frank MaCLachlan After a 15-year hiatus, Sunset Rubdown announces their new album “Always Happy To Explode” to be released on Spencer Krug’s own label Pronounced Kroog on September 20th, 2024. The band will support the new release with a North American tour from October 10th to October 30th, 2024. Twenty years ago, Spencer Krug began Sunset Rubdown as a solo project for his low-fi recordings, distinct from his work with Wolf Parade . By 2005, it evolved into a full band with Michael Doerksen, Jordan Robson-Cramer, and Camilla Wynne. They released their third critically acclaimed album, Dragon Slaye r, in 2008 and played their final show in Tokyo in 2009. Krug reunited the band after more than a decade. The other members eagerly agreed after Krug emailed the members leading to a successful reunion tour. With new bassist Nicholas Merz, Sunset Rubdown created a new album, fueled by the fun they rediscovered on tour. "Reappearing Rat", the leading single fro...

Z2 team up for No Remorse: The illustrated Story of Lemmy Kilmister and Motorhead with guest contributors and a special premiere at Comic-Con 2024  Z2 is proud to announce the much anticipated NO REMORSE: THE ILLUSTRATED TRUE STORIES OF LEMMY KILMISTER AND MOTÖRHEAD at the 2024 edition of San Diego Comic-Con . Z2’s booth will be adorned by Lemmy's towering Amp Stacks, whose sound was integral to  Motörhead . The stacks will be live and playing classic Motörhead all weekend in celebration at Z2’s Booth #1529. During Comic-Con, Z2 and Marshall will host four daily drawings for fans to win Marshall Bluetooth speakers, studio headphones, and deluxe editions of the Motörhead graphic novel. The weekend events will conclude with a special Motörhead book signing featuring contributors Tim Bradstreet, Jeff McClelland, Bob Fingerman, Ryan Dunlavey, Luke McGarry, Tony Parker, and MTV Legend Matt Pinfield on Sunday, July 28th at 2pm PST at Booth #1529.". “The sound of Marshall is l...

  Rock stalwarts Seether are set to release their ninth studio album, "The Surface Seems So Far," this autumn, continuing their legacy as champions of raw emotion in a landscape dominated by fleeting trends and manufactured sounds. The first single off the 11-tracker, due out September 20th via Fantasy Records, is the blistering album opener “Judas Mind”. You can watch the video below.   “‘Judas Mind’ is a song about reaching an understanding that there are bad actors in our lives that are trying to force an outcome for us that we don’t see as our destiny,” shares frontman and songwriter Shaun Morgan. “It’s about rising up against people who have a vision for you that you don’t share.”   Seether returns with The Surface Seems So Fa r, showcasing their trademark blend of aggression and introspection. The track list for the new album – the follow-up to 2020’s Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum , which boasted three No. 1 hits – sets the tone for a candid and lucid journey th...

  Photo Credit: Kaufmann Photography The Meringues , Kingston, Ontario’s post-punk powerhouse, are thrilled to announce the release of their new single "Shambles" on July 15th. This track is the advance single from their eagerly anticipated sophomore album, Pavlova's Dog, which will be available on September 16th, 2024. At the heart of The Meringues are Amanda Pants and Ted Evans, whose dynamic vocal interplay and onstage antics blur the line between playful banter and intense rivalry. Their unique chemistry is supported by the solid rhythm section of Jackson Baird on bass and Alastair Morrison on drums, creating a thrilling experience, while maintaining a clear artistic vision. The lead single "Shambles" is a new track that delves deep into the chaos of a relationship or a conversation in crisis, where communication has broken down entirely. The song vividly portrays the escalation of misunderstandings, with both parties misinterpreting each other's words a...

The Blog's Rockcast returns with another look through some classic tracks and newbies for your enjoyment. On Today's edition, I look at the stories behind great tracks by AC/DC, Black Label Society and The Georgia Thunderbolts, plus play the latest from British metal act Voltstorm and Sludge metal act Gods and Punks. Click below to listen to the show. Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following  https://follow.it/anselm-s-rambling-man-s-reviews?pub

  UK-based Kay Iris has already released singles like ‘A Tale Of Fate’ and ‘Dead Man Walking’ with their distinctive sound, aiming to inspire and empower their listeners. The young singer-songwriter is accompanied by fellow instrumentalist Matt Patmore to present their unique blend of folk, country and Americana. The duo's heartwarming compositions intertwine with thought-provoking lyrics and sweet vocal melodies, influenced by songwriters such as Joni Mitchell and Fleetwood Mac. Kay Iris is an activist helping to promote sustainability and a fairer ecosystem for the world. Their past projects include their ‘One Tank One Tree’ tour, in which they partnered with ‘Tree Nation’ to donate trees to reforestation projects, based on how far they travelled.  Their future aspirations include a line of sustainable and ethically sourced merchandise, to perform at eco-friendly festivals such as 'The Vegan Campout', 'Into The Wild' and 'Black Deer Festival' , as well as ...

 Words by Anselm Anderson Prog metal act ElevenWire has released their debut effort Blood Red Sun  via OOB Records. The album has nine prog-rock fusion tracks with jazz, metal and beautiful atmospheric soundscapes. The album follows a dystopian concept based on the emergence of AI (Artificial Intelligence) ruling the planet. The trio of brothers, John and Robert Hughes, along with long-time buddy Jim Armstrong, capture the tone of this nightmarish scenario through subliminal guitar interplay, string arrangements, and soaring keyboards reminiscent of the late Jon Lord. In modern times, it is rare to hear a progressive rock release that sounds like the luminaries of the 1970s, such as Rush and Genesis. The release was mixed by guest drummer Eric Gillette at his studio in Tulsa, OK, USA. This further assists in the development of an immaculate work full of quality songwriting, thought-provoking lyrics, and harmonic vocals. The album opens with the melancholic string arrangements...

   Photo Credit: Rob Blackham/Blackham Images Blues guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Bex Marshall has announced dates for her upcoming  2024/2025 UK Tour following the release of her latest critically acclaimed album 'Fortuna' out now on Dixiefrog Records.  Marshall will be joined by a band of talented musicians: Tony Baker on keyboards, Richie Stevens on drums and Rudyard Burley on bass. Bex Marshall will perform a mixture of intimate headline club shows and festival appearances commencing with Friday,13th September 2024 at Cleveland Bay, Stockton on Tees, United Kingdom.  During the run of live dates, Bex Marshall will also take part in a BBC Radio 2 Live Session With Cerys Matthews on Monday 16th September 2024.  More UK tour dates are TBA.  Speaking about the tour, Bex enthused "AT LAST! THE FIRST HEADLINE BEX MARSHALL UK TOUR...WERE READY TO BLOW THE ROOF OFF!" Bex Marshall has earned recognition for her powerful vocals and skilful resonator...

  The Peawees have just announced their latest LP One Ride with an advance single for the track "Banana Tree". The new album will appear worldwide on digital and vinyl formats via Wild Honey Records on September 6th, 2024 with exclusive license to Folc Records in Spain and Spaghetty Town Records i n North America. Formed in 1995 in the small Italian military town of La Spezia by three teenagers led by Hervé Peroncini, The Peawees have spent over 25 years crafting their unique blend of Punk Rock infused with R'n'B, Roots Rock, Soul, and Garage influences. Their extensive career includes six albums, numerous singles, and tours across the globe, sharing stages with iconic bands like The Sonics, Detroit Cobras, The Fleshtones, The Damned, The Hellacopters , and Radio Birdman. Known for their explosive live performances, the current lineup features Hervé Peroncini on vocals and lead guitar, drummer Tommy Gonzalez, guitarist Dario Persi, and bassist Fabio Clemente. T...

 Interview by Anselm Anderson The Rambling Man grabbed an opportunity to speak with veteran metal vocalist John Bush, best known for his stint with Anthrax and Armored Saint, who discusses his new band Category 7 , and their upcoming debut album, due out on July 26th via Metal Blade Records. Category 7   is a supergroup, which features ex-members of Machine Head , Adrenaline Mob and Anthrax. Click below to read the full article. Congratulations on your upcoming self-titled debut album, due on July 26th.  How are preparations going for the release?  Great! Doing interviews. two videos were released. Good buzz out there. Category 7 is a relatively new band featuring ex-members of Anthrax, Machine Head, Adrenaline Mob and Overkill. That is an impressive C.V. for a new band. What can you tell me about how you formed?  Phil contacted me about this project he was working on. He asked if I would be interested in working on it, so I said send some stuff to me....

Sheffield has been a hub for decades for producing world-beating rock and metal music powerhouses. The iconic legacy artist s Def Leppard put Steel City on the map, paving the way for modern metal heavyweights Bring Me The Horizon and While She Sleeps to emerge and collectively dominate the modern alternative music scene. Steal The City is now stepping up to stake its claim with melodic yet aggressive songs and ferocious live performances that have been winning them plaudits for the past few years Steal The City’s relentlessness has been now realised on their upcoming debut studio album, ‘Road To Nowhere.’ Lead single and album opener, 'Drag Me To Hell', reflects on the dark and toxic nature of social media.   The album, recorded and produced by guitarist James Kirkham at STC HQ, features mastering by Ste Kerry (Sleep Token/While She Sleeps/Malevolence). It's filled with anthems of protest and uplifting melodies that deliver a message of resilience. Highlights of the alb...