Rockstar Reviewer

photo credit: Linda Florin Edited by Anselm Anderson Melodic Death Metal band The Halo Effect returns with a cover of Danzig's Iconic 'How the Gods Kill', taken from the classic 1992 album Danzig III: How the Gods Kill. Frontman Mikael Stanne handpicked this as a tribute to the dark allure of the ex-Misfits vocalist. The band has released the track in support of their second album,  March of the Unheard, released this past March. The band will be going on tour this summer with a host of Festival appearances, before completing their tour in Japan this November. Formed in 2019, The Halo Effect was founded by five former members of the Swedish metal band In Flames. They are known for their contributions to the Gothenburg metal scene and have released two albums to date. Listen to 'How The Gods Kill': https://thehaloeffect.bfan.link/htgksg Watch the visualizer:   THE HALO EFFECT will hit the road for summer festivals and some club shows. Here are the dates: 26.06. GR ...

  'Doctors of Space 'Fusing Your Synapses' Art coverwork Words by Anselm Anderson The space rock band Doctors of Space has released their latest collection of mind-bending tracks titled 'Fusing Your Synapses.' This album features over seventy minutes of both older remixes and new electronic songs. The album addresses current socio-political issues from around the world, including topics such as war, corruption, and politics. All tracks were mixed and recorded in Portugal between 2022-24 by Doctor Space. Doctors of Space is the duo of DR Martin Weaver and DR Space AKA Scott Heller. The duo formed in 2021 with a love for recording jam sessions of Space rock. Social Media Links https://doctorsofspace.bandcamp.com/album/mind-surgery

  Words by Anselm Anderson Italian symphonic death metal band Genus Ordinis Dei returns with their explosive live album 'Eternal Live', released through Eclipse Records. The album covers part of their European Tour in November 2024, which supported German Symphonic metal band Xandria and Norwegian Gothic metal band Sirenia.  The tour showcases the emotive growls of vocalist Nick K, whose guitar harmonies with fellow guitarist Tommy Monticelli create compelling music. Drummer Nico Pedralli completes the lineup with his thunderous drumming. The band's blends of ethereal symphonies, intertwined with stirring melodies, and aggressive vocals are captured on this eight-song release. The tour follows the release of their 2023 album, "The Beginning," and includes performances of tracks like "Aertunus," "Changing Star," and "Genesis." Genus Ordinis Dei began their illustrious career in Crema, Italy, in 2009, following a chance meeting wit...

Edited by Anselm Anderson NWOBHM Icons Saxon have unveiled the video for 'Heavy Metal Thunder (live at Hellfest)', taken from their upcoming new live album 'Eagles Over Hellfest'. due out this week via Silver Lining Music PRE-ORDER AT THIS LOCATION Saxon has generated excitement with their new release ahead of their September European tour. "Eagles Over Hellfest" is a recording from their performance at last year’s Hellfest and serves as a sneak peek of what fans can expect during their “Castles & Eagles” headline shows in September 2025 at the Zénith venues in Paris, Nantes, and Toulouse.  Lead singer and founding member Biff Byford enthuses that 'Heavy Metal Thunder' is a revered classic, taken from the new album. Watch “Heavy Metal Thunder (Live at Hellfest)” here – videos courtesy of Sombrero & Co in collaboration with Hellfest Productions. 'Eagles Over Hellfest' revisits classic albums like "Strong Arm Of The Law" to ...

  Words by Anselm Anderson French duo The Inspector Cluzo has released their tenth album,  Less Is More . The album was self-released and financed through their record label, The Bass Player Records. The record consists of ten tracks of complex blues movements intertwined with jazz undertones and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. The duo of guitarist and vocalist Laurent and drummer Mathieu formed in 2008 on a farm in Gascon, France. The duo decided to finance and produce their records through revenue generated from selling organic food on the farm. Less Is More  marks the pair's tenth release. In this album, they address issues such as environmental problems associated with organic farming and the economics of the music business. The lyrics and concept are inspired by the 19th-century American philosopher Henry David Thoreau and the 20th-century French philosopher Guy Debord. Producer Vance Powell captured the duo's raw energy and enthusiasm in just four days in Nashville, USA. T...

Edited by Anselm Anderson The Dead Daisies build on the success of their recent blues cover album, 'Lookin' Trouble,' with a new short documentary that provides insight into the creation of the album and its origins. The twenty minute film offers an intimate look at how an impromptu late night jam session in Muscle Shoals turned into one of the band's better records. The film delves into the rich musical history  inside the legendary FAME Studios. Featuring some never-before-seen footage of the band en route to FAME, the documentary looks at the creative process and how the band interpret these iconic tracks. Through candid interviews with lead vocalist John Corabi, guitarist Doug Aldrich, and bassist Michael Devin, the film traces the roots of the blues and its evolution into rock & roll. The band discuss  the legends and folklore surrounding artists like Lead Belly, Muddy Waters, and Albert King, whose tracks are re-imagined on 'Lookin' For Trouble...

 Words by Anselm Anderson After thirty years together, the French metalcore pioneers Primal Age released their fourth studio album, Until the Last Breath , via WTF Records. The quartet returns following a four-year hiatus with one of their most intense releases. The follow up to 2021's  Masked Enemy carries on the exploration of animal rights, political and social injustices, delivering these themes through bold lyrics and compelling melodies. Lead vocalist Didier channels his inner rage into the tracks accompanied by the precise and intense interplay between guitarists Florian  and Benoit. Drummer Dmitri drives each track with relentless energy, bassist Dmitri complements the performance with powerful and resonant bass. The thirty-minute runtime feels extended, as the band delivers an explosive performance on this release. The haunting introduction unfolds with bated breath before ferocious drumming announces the start of 'Empire Will Always Fail.' The intensity escal...

Photo Credit courtesy of Jimmy Fontaine Edited by Anselm Anderson Coheed and Cambria have announced a five-date UK tour in support of their new album The Father of Make Believe, which is out now via Virgin Music Group. Their tour begins in October at the O2 Academy in Birmingham, England. The tour will visit venues in Cardiff, Wales, Manchester, England and Brixton before finishing in Nottingham. This follows a co-headline arena tour with Mastodon , a headline set at 2000trees Festival this July, and a co-headline US tour with Taking Back Sunday this August and September.  Coheed and Cambria was formed in 1995 by lead vocalist and guitarist Claudio Sanchez, along with guitarist Travis Stever, after the breakup of their previous band, Toxic Parents. They later added drummer Josh Eppard to complete the trio, which is known for its unique blend of progressive rock and heavy metal. To date, the band has released eleven studio albums, all based on a science fiction storyline created ...

  Words by Anselm Anderson 1980s drummer Jimmy Katone returned with his first EP since signing with the German record label NRT  last Friday.  "Flesh and Fire" is the name of the   new three-track EP  released under the moniker "Katone". The blend of gothic-infused poetry and rock riffs, tinged with blues, tells the tale of unrequited love and deep emotions. Jimmy Katone has been a vital part of the melodic rock scene for over forty years. He began his career in the 1980s with the AOR rock band Hittin' The Ground Runnin', before featuring on the latest album from Canadian Melodic rock band , Mason, last year. Produced by Katone, "Flesh and Fire" features fellow Hit The Ground Runnin' members, Igor Mueller and Al Agunas, on guitar, alongside Katone, an accomplished pianist and guitarist. The EP runs for over ten minutes, providing listeners with a glimpse into the talents of this multi-instrumentalist. Photo courtesy of Golden Shutter Photograp...

Photo Courtesy of Chad Cornies of No Rules PR Edited by Anselm Anderson RxHx, the new solo project from Bruce Wilson,  has released the debut single “Star FKD”  across all streaming platforms. The track is the first of a series of singles set for release, as an audio case file from the fictional St. Vitus Neuromusical Centre.   "Star FKD" is a blend of synth-punk, post-existential pop, and nocturnal new wave .The track is derived from a concept revolving around a terminally ill patient in a psychological medical facility, who experiences episodes of dysmorphia and dissociative personality. Formed as part  the brainchild of Vancouver music scene stalwart Bruce Wilson, He began his career with Nineties' grunge band Tankhog, before his career was cut short due to substance abuse. Since then, He has develepod a name for himself in the art and music industry. Wilson spent his recovery fronting various bands across Northern America, lead him to writing his critically...

Photo courtesy of Mynxii White Punk rock band Rise Agains t returns with their first album in four years with the release of " Ricochet "   on August 15th, due on Loma Vista Recordings. The Twelve tracker was produced by GRAMMY®-winner Catherine Marks (Boygenius, Foals, Manchester Orchestra, St. Vincent) and mixed by Alan Moulder (Nine Inch Nails, Paramore, Queens of the Stone Age, The Killers), In their new release, Rise Against urges listeners to reflect on important questions before making decisions about their lives.'Ricochet' is a record massive in sound, rooted in unification, but is centred around positive change. It all starts with oneself, and on the searing lead single, ' I Want It All ,' Vocalist Tim McIlrath comments on the new release “The algorithm wants our attention so it is designed to make us laugh or cry, but mostly, it wants us to be angry, because that is how it spreads the furthest. Like a pile of marbles, hit hard. Who benefits from our...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Hard rock band The Dead Daisies  will release their first blues cover album, 'Lookin' For Trouble,' this week through SPV. This ten-track album features renditions of classics by blues legends such as B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf, and Robert Johnson. Vocalist John Corabi and the rest of the band deliver these songs with their signature rock 'n' roll swagger. Produced by Marti Fredrikssen at the renowned FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, each track is revitalised as The Daisies infuse these timeless classics with a touch of rock polish. The band entered the studio last March, during the recordings of 'Light 'em Up', and sat down to record an impromptu session. These sessions soon grew into something special, and the group decided to release them as part of a collection. Photo Courtesy of The Dead Daisies John Corabi delivers a masterful performance as the charismatic statesman, exuding power and soul. The carefully selected...

  Photo courtesy of Frontiers Music SRL Edited by Anselm Anderson Nicklas Sonne , a rising star on the rock scene, has  released his new lyric video “Helldivers Anthem”, taken from the upcoming studio album “Electric Dreams”, due to be released on June 27th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl. Watch the official lyric video for “Helldivers Anthem”  HERE . Pre-Order “Electric Dreams” HERE  Nicklas Sonne commented on the new single: “ From one gamer to another - this is my tribute to the Helldivers. Loud riffs, big explosions, and just the right amount of sarcasm. Freedom never sleeps - and neither do we”. He adds about the album: “ This record is a deeply personal journey back to where it all began for me - to the raw energy and spirit of my earliest musical inspirations. It blends the soul of old school hard rock with the punch and clarity of a modern production, creating a soundscape that feels both nostalgic and new”.   Nicklas Sonne is a Danish musician, voca...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Thrash metal band Insult has released their highly anticipated debut album, "Reside Infernus," today. Comprised of former members of 1980s thrash titans Onslaught, the Bristol-based band delivers relentless energy and aggression. Pulling inspiration from an era characterised by heavy riffs and intense songs about war and religion, Insult channels this into an 8-track package.'Reside Infernus' is the result of perseverence and passion, recorded in a home studio without modern digital tools. The album is half hour or less of breakneck speed and tenacity, reminiscent of Bay Area thrashers Testament and Exodus. The album is a thrash release with NWOBHM stylings. Photo courtesy of San PR Formed by ex- Onslaught bassist Jase Stallard and Ex-roadie Jase Howell in the eighties, They have found their opportunity to showcase their talents to the world. Drummer Steve Grice joins guitarists Robbie Harris and Jonny Fifield to complete the lineup. The c...

Photo Credit: Ben Schurr ------------------- Washington, D.C.-based band Sexfaces releases their debut full-length album, BAD VIBES OST, today through Slovenly Records. Recorded and mixed in April 2024 under the guidance of Boner 4Ever, the album was engineered by Dan Angel and produced by Ben Schurr. This 11-track collection delivers a high-energy mix of garage rock and raw, dirty punk sounds, reflecting the band's carefree attitude. The release is paired with a visually striking video directed by Jonathan Howard, reflecting the band's straightforward approach. SEXFACES are drummer Jacky Cougar (Des Demonas, Thee Lolitas), guitarist Sal Go (Stop Worrying & Love the Bomb, The NVs), vocalist Hana Racecar (Tadzio, Coven Tree), and bassist FiFi Allin (TK Echo, Et At It)  Together, they play music, heavily influenced by the Velvet Underground, The Fa ll, The Damned and  Royal Trux. Sexfaces declare, “We play full-noise, zero-fluff, based music for bad people.”  BAD VIBES ...

  Edited by Anselm Anderson  Helsinki indie rockers Bad Valentines have released their self-released  debut EP, ‘Memory Tattoos’, which is  available on all major streaming platforms. Bad Valentines recruited two reputable producers Petri Majuri (Michael Monroe, Hanoi Rocks, Franz Ferdinand, etc.) and Sammy Aaltonen (Andy McCoy Band, Private Line) to record the four-track release, including the previously released singles 'Mariia' and 'Last Days In The Sun'. The EP's two brand new songs offer listeners an introspective into the band's energetic Indie Rock. From the upbeat  opener'Last Days In the Sun', "Memory Tatoos' is the perfect introduction to the Finns', as they record feelgood summer tacks like 'Summer Ends in June'. 'Mariia' and 'Carry Me Home'. Bad Valentines are veterans of the Finnish Indie and Underground rock scene. The band consists of vocalist Hon, Pekko Mantzin (guitar and backing vocals), Kupe Wessman...

Photo Courtesy of Jo Valero Edited by AnselmAnderson Ned Evett , known as the King of the Fretless Glass Guitar, has announced two solo headline shows in Ireland for June 2025. The two shows will be  on Tuesday, 3rd June 2025 at Whelan’s in Dublin, Ireland and then on Friday, 6th June 2025 at Voodoo Belfast in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Nashville-born Ned Evett has been credited with inventing the Fretless Glass Guitar through his live looping style and strong songwriting. He has had a productive start to the year as the opening act for Joe Satrian i and Steve Vai's summer tour 2025, as well  as touring and recording with  Built To Spill  and Leon Russell. Ned Evett comments about the upcoming shows: "I am so excited to be returning to Ireland before my epic tour with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai this summer, it's always been a special place for me in my heart as a performer!" Ned Evett’s latest album ‘Strange Kind Of Freedom’ is out now and was released in 2024. Y...

Edited by Anselm Anderson Multinational Retro rock band Lucifer has announced a series of select European tour dates, including one UK performance. Lead singer Johanna Platow returns with a completely new lineup, which consists of guitarists Rosalie Cunningham and Coralie Baier, bassist Claudia Gonzalez Diaz and drummer Kevin Kuhn. The tour follows the success of the recent album "Chapter V", and a subsequent European and US tour in support of Ghost and Coven. Post release, LUCIFER presented two duets, 'I Would Follow You Babe' with Graveyard’s Joakim Nilsson and their rendition of Leonard Cohen’s 'Who By Fire' with doom legend Bobby Liebling of Pentagram. Now, after touring Europe with Angel Witch and The Night Eternal, and a return to South America and Japan last year, the band’s founder, Johanna Platow, has  announced a string of  exclusive headline and festival shows  Rosalie Cunningham commented on her recent addition to the ranks: "I am thrilled t...

Edited by Anselm Anderson Japanese doom metal act HEBI KATANA  will release their fourth studio album "Imperfection" on July 25th via Ripple Music. Today, they unveil their debut single "Dead Horse Requiem".  Click below to watch Hebi Katana's new video.      Listen to the single on all streaming services New listeners to the band from Tokyo will be interested to know they blend wabi-sabi (Japanese traditional acceptance of transience and imperfection) with heavy doom sounds. Their 2023 album “III” was critically acclaimed in Japan and beyond and ranked #7 on the influential Doom Chart s for December 2023, while being labelled a 'deadly force' in the US. Formed in 2020 , HEBI KATANA released their self-titled debut album during the same year. They quickly became a formidable force in Japan with their authentic doom/stoner sound and dark and mellow heavy rock sound. Hebi Katana soon established their sound as “Tokyo Samurai Doom”, releasing their secon...