The Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

  Words written by Anselm Anderson It’s refreshing to receive an album full of cheer and good vibes in a world of doom and gloom, where many bands focus on expressing their anger over social and political issues. Tyketto offers something fresh with their new album “ Closer to the Sun .” The ten-track release is full of anthemic tracks and stories about wisdom, loss, love, and pleasures. The album,  released by the renowned Silver Lining Music , was recorded in various studios across the UK and Europe, including Flip Flop Studios and the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales . The band’s blend of radio-friendly tunes with a bluesy edge is reminiscent of early Aerosmith , with every track crafted for pure enjoyment. As a young rock fan, I first discovered Tyketto through their 1991 debut album Don't Come Easy , after a friend made me a tape of it. The band had more of a glam metal vibe back then, but the charismatic Danny Vaughan still led them with warmth and passion. He’s ...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Rob Dukes returns for this twelfth outing for Exodus . The shaven-headed vocalist returns following a ten-year hiatus from the band. ' Goliath marks his first appearance since 2010's Exhibit B: The Human Condition . Dukes returned to the fold last year, following the departure of vocalist Steve Souza , and this release also marks the first on Napalm Records for the band. Produced by Exodus and mixed and mastered by Mark Lewis , known for his work with Whitechapel , Nile and Undeath , this ten-track release feels like a return to form for the Bay Area Thrashers . The music is intense and authentic, with each riff cutting through precision like a butcher's knife. Dukes sounds like an insane man who's making up for lost time. The album features guest appearances by Peter Tägtgren ( Hypocrisy , Pain ) and violinist Katie Jacoby .  Photo Credit: Jim Lovau The album begins with the dissonant chords of" 3111 ", a track that sets the to...

  Cover artwork by Ingo Spörl / OSM | The German symphonic act Leaves' Eyes  have released a new Viking saga . This time as a four-track EP through Reigning Phoenix Music Records . The band offers another dose of cinematic music , blending symphonic scores with metal to reach a new audience. Rambling Man has been following the band since the beginning of the decade, covering their previous two releases: 2021's The Last Viking and 2024's Myths of Fate . I have always been a sucker for symphonic metal , even though it does feel obsolete these days.  Leaves' Eyes brings a unique flair compared to bands like Within Temptation and Nightwish , focusing on tales of myths, magic, and Nordic stories of Vikings .  They achieve this through the rich, soprano voice of lead singer Elina Siirala , along with her accompanying band of classically trained musicians. The band was formed in 2023 by vocalist and producer Alexander Krull , alongside original vocalist Liv Kristine ...

  Photo Courtesy of Wild Kingdom Records Words Written by Anselm Anderson Phillip Shouse , the renowned session musician , released his debut EP ' Vol 1 ' last week through Wild Kingdom Records. After more than two decades of supporting his contemporaries, Shouse emerges as the lead vocalist and songwriter of his unique hard rock style .  The current guitarist of Accept  has appeared on four albums and has toured internationally with the legendary Teutonic metal band . Shouse's CV highlights his collaborations with notable artists, including Kiss alumni Gene Simmons and the late Ace Frehley , as well as country musician Rodney Atkins and former Mötley Crüe frontman John Corabi . Additionally, Shouse hosts his own jam session nights in Nashville and is a co-founder and co-owner of Rock N Röll , a Swedish non-alcoholic beer company. I initially approached this EP expecting it to be a heavy metal release filled with guitar-heavy tracks. However, I found the opposite...