Rockstar Reviewer

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...

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 ...

Words by Anselm Anderson American rock veterans Chevelle return after a four-year hiatus with their ambitious tenth studio album, "Bright as Blasphemy." The nine Tracker explores the complexities of the human mind as the band self-produces their first release for Alchemy Recordings, marking a promising label debut. The band joined an independent label last year to collaborate in a positive, musician-centred environment. This move has led them to adopt a heavier sound. Their songs explore the human psyche and the emotional challenges that accompany it. Self-produced by the Loeffler brothers, "Bright as Blasphemy" delivers a gritty, dark, and thunderous sound that is both addictive and enjoyable. The follow-up to 2021's 'Niratias' celebrates the brothers' newfound independence, providing them with greater creative freedom. The album begins with the dark, intense screams on 'Pale Horse,' a track that delves into gloomy atmospherics, accompanied ...

Photo courtesy of Rogue PR Edited by Anselm Anderson American rock band Little King has announced the details of their upcoming eighth studio album, Lente Viviente , due for release in September 2025. The new record features seven tracks. The lineup of The Little King studio has changed since their last release in 2019. They have added drummer Tony Bojorquez from San Carlos, Mexico, to their team. Bassist and Cellist  David Hamilton, who contributed cello on Amuse De Q (2021) and Occam’s Foil (2019), has played with the band live in recent years. Founding member Ryan Rosoff returns on guitar and vocals, and  Curfew Vocalist Laura Sadie Bette adds backing vocals. Lente Viviente (Spanish for “Living Lens,” a play on Rosoff’s Video Memoir production company, LivingLens Memoirs). The album explores themes of memory and presence, perception and truth. The songs reflect on various topics, including childhood and enduring friendship in tracks like “Catch and Release” and “Dawn Villa....

  PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL CUSHY Words by Anselm Anderson Canadian Ska band, The Planet Smashers, have released their first single, ahead of their new album on August 22nd.'Meet Me On The Dancefloor' is taken from their upcoming tenth studio album, entitled ' On the Dancefloor', via Stomp Records. Formed over thirty years ago, The Planet Smashers have built a reputation with their ska-punk music, capturing the imagination of fans across Europe and Japan. With over 30 million streams on Spotify, numerous sold-out shows, and appearances in everything from MTV’s Undergrads to Japan’s cult animation series Catman, the band has toured throughout North America, Europe, and Japan, sharing stages with icons while remaining loyal to their fanbase. Matt Collyer, the founding frontman, also co-founded Stomp Records, a label that helped to launch some of Canada's most celebrated alternative acts. “Meet Me On The Dancefloor” is an energetic anthem full of fun and catchy tune...

Alter Bridge L to R: Scott Phillips, Myles Kennedy, Brian Marshall, Mark Tremonti Photo Credit: Chuck Brueckmann Edited by Anselm Anderson Grunge icons Alter Bridge have unveiled details for their upcoming self-titled eighth studio album, due for release next year via Napalm Records. Alter Bridge   will be released on January 9th, 2026.  Producer Michael Elvis' Baskette will once again take over the reins as the quartet recorded the album over two months at the legendary 5150 Studio in California and Elvis’ recording studio in Florida. Alter Bridge's latest album features 12 brand-new tracks that highlight some of their most iconic musical moments. Songs like "Rue The Day," "Disregarded," and "Scales Are Falling" evoke the band's earlier hits. "Trust In Me" showcases Myles Kennedy and guitarist Mark Tremonti sharing vocal duties, with Myles singing the verses and Mark taking over the chorus. The roles are reversed in "Tested And ...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Although Ian 'Lemmy' Kilmister has been gone for nearly ten years, his legacy continues to thrive. His legendary band, Motörhead, honours his memory with the release of The Manticore Tapes this week. Motorhead formed in 1975, but it wasn't until 1979 that they released their debut album, Motorhead, with the lineup of Lemmy, guitarist 'Fast' Eddie Clarke, and drummer 'Filthy' Phil Taylor. Before this, the lineup came together in August 1976 to rehearse and record a jamming session to showcase the new members at Manticore Studios in Fulham, London. The home of Emerson, Lake and Palmer hosted the soon-to-be iconic trio as they jammed together for the first time. Those sessions have now been released as the 'Lost' tape this week for diehard fans to listen to what Motörhead sounded like in those earlier days. The chance meeting with a little-known manager, Frank Kennington,  had a significant impact on the struggling band, captu...

  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...

 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...

  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...

 Words by Anselm Anderson Italian singer-songwriter and guitarist Jacopo Pausa has released his most experimental album. Hailing from Brescia, Italy, Pausa is a talented guitar player with a warm voice. Rambling Man has followed his progress since he broke onto the scene a few years ago. He skillfully mixes different styles of blues for a modern audience, and I was excited to hear about his new album, I Am What I Am , which was released a couple of weeks ago. This ten-track album is the third release that this blog has reviewed, and it stands out from his previous efforts. Pausa has introduced a new lineup, alongside a fresh approach and attitude. I would say this is his most personal work, featuring several biographical tracks along with strong storytelling elements. He has stripped down the laid back blues for a blend of Jazz, Reggae, Ska, Rap, Rock, Funk and, of course, blues. The riffs are still sharp and the melodies infectious, but he has brought a sense of wholesomeness and ...

Photo courtesy of Eliran Kandor Words by Anselm Anderson The Greek blackened death metal quartet  Nightfall  returns with their eleventh studio album, marking an impressive milestone in their thirty-year career. Titled 'Children of Eve,' this release showcases their most powerful and personal blend of intense drumming, aggressive guitars, and gothic melodies, designed to evoke strong emotions in the listener. Released today by  Season of Mist,  the ten-track album showcases the band's anger towards organized religion and world leaders involved in a "Holy War." Formed in 1991, the band emerged as part of the unholy trinity of "Hellenic Metal" acts in Greece, alongside  Rotting Christ  and  Septicflesh.  They briefly made history by signing an international deal with  Metal Blade  before going on hiatus in 2010. Now back with a vengeance, lead vocalist Efthimis Karamandis, who was diagnosed with depression, dons a half mask to symbolize hi...

  Words from Anselm Anderson Horror rocker Wednesday 1 3 returns after a three-year hiatus with his latest studio album, "Mid Death Crisis," released today via Napalm Records. The Murderdolls vocalist follows up his 2022 album "Horrifier" with his heaviest record. The new album is filled with his signature wit and clever wordplay. It features a strong 1980s influence, with chugging grooves and arena-like fist-pumping tracks sure to satisfy the average fan . The Duke of Spook promises a "leave-your-brain-at-the-door" rager, and he certainly delivers. The vocalist has brought in guitarist Alex Kane to produce an album that blends dark glam with 80s-influenced hard rock. 'Mid Death Crisis' demonstrates that there are no signs of slowing down as he delves into lyrical depth and experiments with new sounds. Photo courtesy of Anabel D fLux The eerie intro "There Are No Such Things as Monsters" begins before the rebellious "Decease and De...