Rambling Man's Reviews

  Words by Anselm Anderson Nuclear Blast Records continues its excellent run of releases today with "Overdriver," the ninth studio album from the Swedish quintet The Hellacopters.  The follow-up to 2022's comeback album "Eyes of Oblivion" is a guitar-centred eleven-tracker that clocks in at forty minutes. The album was entirely produced by guitarist/vocalist Nicke Andersson at Strawberry Studio and The Honk Palace.  The album has a personal touch that reflects the effort put into bringing these tracks to life. The blend of anthemic choruses and punchy guitar riffs harkens back to classic rock artists of the 1970s. Additionally, the combination of blues elements and powerful lyrics creates a dynamic and rich rock sound. The Hellacopters have been making music for 30 years, and were formed in 1994 by ex-Entombed drummer Nicke Andersson and guitarist Dregen. Initially started as a side project, they quickly became a beloved part of Sweden's hard rock revival....

Photo Credit: Slywia Marks and Christian Martin Weiss Extreme metal giants BEHEMOTH have revealed details and artwork for their upcoming new album, the pleasantly- named  'The Shit Ov God' which is due to be released on May 9th via Nuclear Blast Records .  The title track enjoyed it's premiere last night, courtesy of Youtube. You can watch the video below The painted faces of Behemoth promise their most controversial release in their 34 years of existence with the inflammatory eight-tracker "The Shit ov God". The thriteenth studio effort touches on the subjects of humanity and it's relationship with divinity, notably, what defiance means between individuality and the ones they worship.. Musically, politically, or otherwise. The title of the album is in line with those sensibilities. The polarizing figure of founder and frontman Nergal, says of the title "We chose this provocative title deliberately, rejecting subtlety in favour of a direct and polarizin...

  Words by Anselm Anderson  You can enjoy not many things in ten minutes, but "Borderland" might be one of them. That is the name of the mini EP from the British Metal act SYPHA. The three tracker is released today to an international audience via all major streaming platforms. The female-fronted band cites Avenged Sevenfold, Deftones, Halestorm, and Marmozets as influences, but their sound is grittier and darker. SYPHA was formed about two and a half years ago in the beachside resort of Brighton, England. Alicia Pilling, whose haunting vocals lead the band, first came to prominence with the video for "World's End," which became a YouTube hit. Since then, they have captivated audiences with their live performances. The quartet combines blistering riffs, dark lyrical content, and pop stylings that resonate with the listeners. "Dirty Floor"  opens with dark, dissonant chords clouded by Pilling's unsettling multi-layered vocals. The juxtaposition betw...

Photo courtesy of Connor McLeod  Today, Liverpool's very own Blues guitarist Laurence Jones  will announce a headline UK Tour which sees AGMP working with MVT Cohorts (Music Venues Trust) to bring him to some of the finest independent music venues across the UK. He has announced that he will be supported by Irish trio Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra,  UK award-winning singer/songwriter/guitarist Tom Killner, guitarist/performing/recording artist and music educator Danny Gile s and Devon UK-based modern rock band Firekind . Jones announces his supporting cast to an eager fanbase, as he continues his tour across England, Wales and Scotland. The tour kicked off on Thursday 9th January 2025 at Colchester Arts Centre with Danny Giles supporting followed by Miguel Montalban & The Southern Vultures opening proceedings on Friday 10th January 2025 as part of January Blues Festival 2025 at 229 London. The tour continues and will see Laurence travel extensively around the coun...

  Words by Anselm Anderson OOB Records invites the listener onto the magical and mysterious journey o f Beyond The Green Realm from the ancient forests of Northern Portugal. Drusuna released their highly anticipated follow-up to their 2016 debut 'Kaytos Kon' last November, promising to reconnect humans with the planet Earth through the traditions of Ritual Pagan Folk music. Drusuna was formed in 2009 by brothers Sephirus and Alvahagal. They initially wanted to tell their stories through organic sounds, using stones, wood, and various other elements to replicate the natural sounds of the planet. However, these plans changed with the release of their debut album. They have since changed their musical direction through a series of appearances across Portugal. Beyond The Green Realm embraces the signatures of Pagan folk music through poetry and instruments like acoustic guitar, flute, percussion, and various other non-folk sounds to captivate the listener into this enchanting wor...

 Words by Anselm Anderson Last month, British singer/songwriter Chris Riley released his sophomore solo album Echoes in a Gloaming  via Nice Mind Records. 'Echoes in the Gloaming' is the follow-up to 2020's Cestrian, Echoes It is an eclectic collection of thirteen personal tracks based on Riley's experiences and inner thoughts. The blend of 60's-inspired pop intersperses with folk ballads and instrumental tracks to create a heartwarming album for these winter months. Rambling Man's Reviews  has previously featured Chris Riley in his other bands, The False Poets and The Support Band,  which focus more on folk and atmospheric material. Riley wrote and recorded most of the tracks here, which gives the album an intimate appeal, through acoustic and electric guitar. The variety of tracks kicks off with the 60's jingly pop of "Kicking On", followed by softer ballads like "Fine Day" and "Another You", which set the tone through visc...