Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

  Artwork courtesy of Spencer Caligiuri Words Written by Anselm Anderson LA-based heavy metal band Wings of Steel released their sophomore album, Winds of Time , last week via independent distribution . The powerful trio revitalises metal, reminiscent of the good old days, with their 1980s-influenced style . Their high-octane vocals, pounding drums, and sizzling guitar solos evoke memories of iconic bands like Dio , Saxon , and Judas Priest while making a bold statement of intent. This eight-track release showcases the band's growth as a rising force in the United States and Europe. Wings of Steel was formed in 2019 in Los Angeles, USA . They released their self-titled debut EP three years later, followed by their first full-length album, titled Gates of Twilight , two years ago. Last year, the band released their first live album before embarking on their first European tour . They have performed at festivals such as The Whisky A Go Go  and   Up The Hammers ....

Photo courtesy of Tallee Savage PRESS RELEASE (Edited by Anselm Anderson) John Norum , Europe ’s founder/guitarist and solo artist, has signed a record deal with Frontiers Music Srl . He is set to enter the studio to record his tenth solo album , marking a new chapter in his career. John Norum is characterised by melodic solos and writing style, balancing bluesy influences with classic hard rock and a distinctive singing and guitar playing style. His virtuosic, soulful, and imaginative playing makes his solo work a rewarding listen for both fans and newcomers. He released his first solo album, “ Total Control ,” in 1987 and has since released a total of nine solo albums. His latest album, “ Gone to Stay ,” was released in 2022. John has spent the last couple of years working with Deep Purple ’s frontman, Glenn Hughes , Don Dokken and many other top-notch musicians. International guest appearances are expected on the forthcoming album. He will play live both as a solo artist and w...

  Written by Anselm Anderson Texan rock trio Little King has returned with their eighth studio album, Lente Viviente , which is their most progressive and ambitious work to date. The release was recorded a few months back in Arizona , marking the first time the band have recorded outside their native Texas. The band has made some personnel changes since their last outing six years ago. Drummer Tony Bojorquez joins guitarist and vocalist Ryan Rossoff , along with bassist and cellist David Hamilton , to record this seven-track release. The album draws similarities to prog rock icons Rush and Genesis while presenting a fresh and original approach. It sounds as though the band has undergone some serious soul-searching over those years. The album title Lente Viviente  roughly translates to "Living Lens," a play on words of Rossoff's Video Memoir Production company, LivingLens Memoirs . It examines the balance between truth and perception, featuring thought-provoking lyrics...

PRESS RELEASE Heavy metal legend, acclaimed filmmaker and pop culture icon ROB ZOMBIE returns for his eighth studio album, " The Great Satan ", out February 27th from Nuclear Blast Records . Following the success of his Top 10 charting record " The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy " (2021), Zombie is back, revisiting his early Hellbilly roots for a slaughterhouse of anthemic punk-infused heavy rock/metal.  The record’s first single, “ Punks And Demons ,” is out today and is accompanied by a video directed by Zombie. Stream ‘Punks And Demons’: https://robzombie.bfan.link/punks-and-demons Pre-Order The Great Satan: https://robzombie.bfan.link/the-great-satan ‘PUNKS AND DEMONS’ MUSIC VIDEO: https://youtu.be/J0mfcGLaPqI The Great Satan is available now for pre-order in a variety of formats, including a limited box set and accompanying apparel at https://robzombie.bfan.link/the-great-satan . Rob Zombie is a renowned rock icon and filmmaker known for his dis...

Photo Credit: JJ Eringa PRESS RELEASE Multi-award-winning musician and songwriter / Freddie Mercury Scholarship Winner / PRS Guitars artist Leoni Jane Kennedy  is set to perform an acoustic tribute to Rush with special guest Eóin de Paor from Moving Pictures (Rush tribute UK). Tackling some obscure tracks and popular sing-alongs from throughout the many eras of Rush, Leoni and Eóin will play through songs from her reinterpretations album " New World Woman " alongside new tracks, set to be included on the next covers album in the near future. Discussing the dates, Leoni Jane Kennedy explained: “ We’re ecstatic to see that Rush are playing together again with Anika Nilles paying homage to Neil whilst also giving Rush fans like myself the opportunity to see Alex and Geddy perform a full set together live! In the meantime, across the pond in the UK, Eóin and I are so excited to be performing some of our favourite Rush tracks acoustically for audiences who may not get th...

Edited by Anselm Anderson German guitarist Michael Schenker has been a key figure in rock music for the past fifty years, captivating audiences around the globe with his signature flying V guitar . He has garnered admiration from rock fans worldwide due to his distinctive style and flair, performing with notable bands such as UFO and Scorpions . He has continued this trend with the Michael Schenker Group , and " Don't Sell Your Soul " is the thirteenth instalment in the band's forty-six-year history. The album was released last week via EarMusic and is the second part of a trilogy that Schenker plans to release. This follow-up to last year's " My Fifty Years with UFO " serves as a throwback to Schenker's successful career. Photo Credit: Ross Halfin Produced by Schenker and longtime collaborator Michael Voss , the album features the usual suspects: Bodo Schopf on drums, bassist Bernd Courbole , and guitarist Steve Mann . The guest vocals are provi...

Photo courtesy of San Pr Edited by Anselm Anderson A few weeks ago, Irish rockers Mirroglass released their debut album , Handle with Care. The nine-track album showcases all the band's influences in punk and hard rock, resulting in an energetic and fresh release. The band is led by a fresh-faced teenager named Joshua Bowles, who has gradually built a reputation for their anthemic and modern sounds. They formed in Cavan, Ireland, in 2022 and have gone through a few lineup changes since. Bowles soon returned from a mini-hiatus with a new lineup, which includes bassist Jack Bogue, keyboardist Vay, and drummer Paul Jackman. Following the release of a couple of singles, the band returned to the studio to record "Handle with Care." The album catches the ears early on with the rebellious 'Hey Honey', an infectious dose of rock'n 'roll, the contagious riffs remind me of bands like AC/DC and The Quireboys. Photo Credit: San PR However, the album opens with a spa...

KREATOR ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM  KRUSHERS OF THE WORLD  AND RELEASES VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE 'SEVEN SERPENTS' EU & UK HEADLINE TOUR W/ CARCASS, EXODUS & NAILS ANNOUNCED FOR MARCH AND APRIL 2026 Metal Titans KREATOR have announced that their sixteenth studio album, KRUSHERS OF THE WORLD, will be released on January 16th, 2026, via Nuclear Blast Records. Following the recent releases of the KREATOR documentary film Hate & Hop e as well a s Your Heaven, My Hell, the autobiography of front man Mille Petrozza, KRUSHERS OF THE WORLD will be the next step in the evolution of KREATOR. This band continues to thrive even after forty years in its career. This is exciting news for devoted fans as they prepare for the next chapter of their long and illustrious journey. KRUSHERS OF THE WORLD is an expression of pride and self-awareness, sharing with fans an album full of new riffs and blistering drumming, only fans know too well. The album follows the excitement around the film and...

Photo Credit: Nuclear Blast Records Edited by Anselm Anderson Black metal outfit, Watain, has issued the following statement about their future together. "Ladies and gentlemen, followers, allies and supporters, this is a solemn transmission from the Temple of Watain. We hereby announce that in III years - upon our 30th anniversary - Watain’s eighth and final full-length album will be released. The album will mark the closure of a thirty-year-long magical Work, the last crossroad of Watain, after which the band will cease to exist. The ending of a triad of decades during which we have shared our sacred path through this strange world with you, our loyal audience, on a steady course towards the beckoning darkness of The End. Over the course of the next three years, the reasons for this will be spoken of and accounted for. But for now, we just want to say this: Have our songs and our art not always dealt with finitude and mortality, with DEATH and the beyond? Now it is time to cl...

Photo Credit:Medusa/Julian Molinero Written by Anselm Anderson The British rock group Medusa has released an innovative new concert film titled "Medusa: Live in London - The Motion Picture" via R ealm29 Films. Guitarist and singer-songwriter Julian Molinero played a key role in directing the film, which chronicles the band's journey and challenges as they prepare to perform on a boat. What started as an independent project has evolved into an exciting initiative for this independent rock band, capturing the attention of Sky Arts and the British Film Industry.  The concert film is set along the River Thames, but it features footage of the band on tour in the United States and North America. It transitions into an animated segment where the band performs and wreaks havoc in London. The video also explores the band's history, focusing on Julian Molinero, by visiting childhood homes, schools, and the venue of their first gig, all before the concert begins on the boat....

Photo courtesy of Memphia Music Management Interview conducted by Anselm Anderson Hello, how are you? Spin Class released their second EP, titled ‘Dinner at Derek’s,’ on July 18th. Could you tell us more about this release? This EP is a new era of Spin Class. We’ve spent a year crafting our tone, writing together in the same city and playing live. Dinner at Derek’s promises a menu of short, yet full tunes, chock-full of chops and changes, riffs to make your belly rumble, and melodies you’ll find yourself singing to yourself, even when you don’t want to. How would you compare this album to your first EP, 'Wednesday'? We’ve approached this batch of tunes with feeling rather than thinking, which we feel comes across, especially in the performance, compared to ‘Wednesday’. We recorded the whole EP live! It was a joyous event for us, but one we loved and will likely make our process moving forward. ‘Wednesday’ was us finding our feet as a band, ‘Dinner at Derek’s’ is us letting yo...

Photo Credit: Eclipse Records   Words written by Anselm Anderson Last week, Stereophobia released their highly anticipated sophomore album, Choke on This , through Eclipse Records. This album follows their 2023 debut, No One Cares, and features a straightforward blend of alt-rock and grunge influences. Stereophobia is a power trio based in Lisbon, Portugal, consisting of guitarist and vocalist Mike Rocha, drummer Daniel Antunes, and bassist Bruno Santos. Produced by Miguel Camillo and mixed, mastered and recorded alongside Stereophobia at MC Studios. Choke on This consists of thirteen tracks filled with musically unsettling tones, angst-driven lyrics, and sonically enriching riffs that cut deep. Photo Credit: Rodrigo Vargas The album opens with an unsettling monologue that transitions into the intense cries of 'Maggots', which combines frenetic riffs and frenzied harsh vocals, propelling this album into a dramatic surge of grunge. The album maintains a grunge essence, echoing ...