The Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

  Photo Credit: Nuclear Blast Records Words by Anselm Anderson NYC Hardcore Punk band Madball released their tenth studio effort today. " Not Your Kingdom " via Nuclear Blast Records. The quartet delivers fourteen high-tempo, aggressive tales of survival through conviction and pure punk energy. Formed in 1988,  the band originated as a side project for fellow New York Hardcore band Agnostic Front . They were formed by Fred Cricien , the younger half-brother of Agnostic Front vocalist Roger Miret . To date, Madball have released ten albums and four EPs, and they are often cited as an influence on the NYC Hardcore scene. I'm unfamiliar with the history of the band; this is the first release I've heard.  I am always intrigued to listen to something new, so I was excited to give this one a listen after reading about the band. Produced by Andrew Bayliss in Nashville, Tennessee, "Not Your Kingdom" doesn't feel like a political album. Instead, it presents itse...

  Words written by Anselm Anderson Latst Week, Eclipe Records latest signings,  Gothic Rock act Outshine released their first studio album . Truthsayer , their fifth release overall, is  packed with haunting keys, dark vocals, and backbeats that perfectly capture the   dark, atmospheric metal  of the band. Outshine hail form  Gothenburg, Sweden , They have been round for over thirty years, touring  across the States and Europe. They’ve supported such acts like Paradise Lost  , performing to  over three hundred shows. Since joining Eclipse Records, the band consists of  founding vocalist Jimmy Boman , drummer Robert Petersson ,bassist Niklas Ingvarsson , and  guitarist and backing vocalist Par Arvidsson . "Truthsayer" was produced and recorded by Kenny Boufadene and Jimmy Boman at Studio Meltdown , Kungsbacka, Sweden, The duo capture the melancholy  of the band's nature through nine dark, eerie songs. Photo courtesy of ...

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 Release Date: May 1st, 2026                                                Label: Eclipse Records Munich-based alternative metal band Antirope is set to drop their second album, "Bring Me to Zero," next month through Eclipse Records . The quartet delivers a melancholic and unsettling set of tracks, recorded live at Patrick Fleischer 's home studio, LungFull Studios . The music feels brooding yet comforting, with crushing riffs merging into monotonous vocals, sludge-like instrumentals, and lyrics brimming with emotion. There are obvious influences from Black Sabbath , A Perfect Circle and Tool , which are conveyed through each outpouring of emotion throughout this release. Formed in Munich, Germany in 2015,  Antirope features Slaven Stokic on vocals and guitar, Patrick Fleischer on guitar and backing vocals, Julie Fleischer on bass,...

  Words written by Anselm Anderson This upcoming Friday, English Heavy Metal band DA are set to unleash their much-anticipated self-titled debut album . This ten-track album blends modern rock vibes with classic rock influences , clearly drawing inspiration from bands like Black Sabbath and Judas Priest . It has a strong throwback feel to the NWOBHM era , mixing fast riffs with a dark, moody atmosphere and powerful, soaring vocals. DA emerged from the NWOBHM band Desolation Angels  when former guitarist Robin Brancher formed the group in 2021 with vocalist Matt Oakman. They were soon joined by bassist Neil Craddock and drummer Dan Smith.  Photo courtesy of San PR The album’s use of atmospherics adds depth and sincerity to the music. The opening track, " Daisy Chains ," kicks off with ominous cracks of thunder, gradually building in slow, rhythmic patterns before erupting into Oakman’s towering vocals, which play a significant role throughout the release. Another highli...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Brazilian thrash metal band Nervosa returns with another batch of raw, brutal, and honest songs, centred around politics , war , and religion . The band's sixth album, titled " Slave Machine ," will be released on Friday, April 3rd via Napalm Records . The album picks up right where 2023's Jailbreak left off, with singer Prika Amaral still in top form after making her debut on that record. Her fierce, abrasive vocals rival those of any male singer with guttural growls , as she howls like a wolf on the hunt. The quintet are helped by the strong production skills of Martin Furia , best known for his work with German destroyers, Destruction . His attentive ear to detail brings out the menacing and hellacious feelings of the band as a whole. I have been an admirer of the band ever since I saw them open for fellow Female Metal act, Burning Witches on tour a few years back. Their sound is crisp and emotional, layered over sharp, frenetic guita...

  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 courtesy of Nuclear Blast Records Words written by Anselm Anderson Rob Zombie has built a successful career as both a film director and musician. He initially gained fame with the band White Zombie and later found success as a solo artist. His films, such as " The House of 1000 Corpses " and the "Halloween" franchise, have also attracted a dedicated and enthusiastic fanbase. Mr Zombie now returns following a four-year hiatus with his eighth studio album,  The Great Satan ,  through Nuclear Blast Records . I have long been a fan of the macabre style of horror metal , as it combines heavy metal , Nu-Metal and Groove Metal with an industrial edge, and gore-infested lyrics. Zombie has produced some rather excellent records for his ilk, such as his 1998 release, The Hellbilly Deluxe , 2001's The Sinister Urge , and 2006's Educated Horses , which produced classics like ' Living Dead Girl ',  Dragula ' and 'Foxy Foxy' respect...

  Art Coverwork courtesy of STE Words Written by Anselm Anderson Swedish Rock act   The Chuck Norris Experiment  have released the third instalment of  B-Sides and Rarities  from the past couple of years. The release marks the twenty-second anniversary of the Swedish sextet. The band's brand of tongue-in-cheek humour and  energetic punk , combined with  blues-rock stylings , is an enjoyable introduction. The band has been touring across Europe for over twenty years, sharing stages with notable acts such as  Turbonegro ,  The Hellacopters ,  Twisted Sister , and  Danko Jones . They have released twelve albums so far, and this collection of tracks demonstrates that they show no signs of slowing down. ' Hot Stuff 3 ' was released yesterday by  Ghost Highway Recordings  and  Chaputa Records , having been recorded at  Studio Meltdown  in  Kungsbacka  by  Kenny Boufadene . The band's exotic name wil...

  Written by Anselm Anderson Today, Alter Bridge releases their eighth studio album . The self-titled release features twelve tracks of their most deeply personal and heaviest material since 2007's Blackbird album. "Alter Bridge" follows up 2022's critically Acclaimed Pawn and Kings , and is once again produced by Michael 'Elvis' Baskette  at his legendary 5150 Studios in Los Angeles . He consistently brings out the best in the band with his keen ear for their nuances. This is true for Alter Bridge. Baskette emphasises the band's strengths as writers and musicians, with the group aiming for a harder rock sound. They express deeper meaning and emotion than their previous albums. The songs feel darker, featuring a dark sound with more emphasis on solos and memorable riffs. In this release, guitarist Mark Tremonti takes centre stage with dual vocals on two tracks: ' Trust in Me ' and ' Tested and Able .' His quiet, melodic vocals blend se...