The Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

Photo Courtesy of Nuclear Blast Records Words by Anselm Anderson Following an eight-year break, the Norwegian metal band  Dimmu Borgir  returns with "Grand Serpent Rising." This album is an important milestone for the band, celebrating their return after more than thirty years in the music scene. The title symbolises the Year of the Snake , marking the album's completion last February. The serpent represents change and growth, showing the band evolving with confidence. While the band is known for taking time on albums, eight years is taking the biscuit. Since their last release, 2018's Eonian , guitarist Galder rejoined his previous band. And since then, they have focused on "Grand Serpent Rising," an hour of intense Black Metal with orchestral elements. Co-founders "Silenoz " and "Shagrath" collaborated to create a masterpiece, featuring dynamic choir and string arrangements alongside their signature snarls. A Return to...

Photo Courtesy of NPRM Publishing Words by Anselm Anderson These days, it's rare to find a Southern rock band like Oklahoma's Hillbilly Vegas , which blends American blues and country traditions without sounding plain, reminiscent of Seventies bands such as Lynyrd Skynyrd , Blackfoot, and Molly Hatchet. Led by vocalist Steve Harris since their formation in 2011. Last Friday, the band released their new album " A La Mode " through independent label Quarto Valley Records , which focuses on Blues, Americana, Roots, and Jazz music. This release has many influences from Blues and Americana, as it explodes into memorable songs, slick riffs, and ol'school southern rock. The band has steadily grown their fervent fanbase through raucous live shows and relatable lyrics. They have even toured with some of the genre's Renowned names such as s Blackberry Smoke, The Kentucky Headhunters, and Ted Nugent. Photo Credit: Joe Ward The album begins w...

Words by Anselm Anderson On the back of last week's solo release, John Corabi returns with The Dead Daisies ' first live album, "Live Plus Five". The album captures the band's set at "Live at Stonedead" from 2025, plus additional tracks from various outings across Europe and America in 2024/25. The album covers tracks from the quintet's previous two releases: 2024's Light Em' Up and last year's Blues covers release Lookin' for Trouble,  plus tracks from earlier in their career, which includes covers of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Fortunate Son" and "Midnight Moses" by The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. I don't usually cover live albums because it always feels like it is better to watch a band live so you experience the live feeling. However, I don't get many opportunities to see The Dead Daisies live in the UK; I was eager to cover this one. I feel this is a strong release, which covers all...