Rockstar Reviewer

  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...

  Words by Anselm Anderson The blog continues to discover incredible new bands on British shores, and none are more impressive than the latest LP from the Welsh blues rock trio, Cry For Mercy. The band is set to release "This Machine" on Friday, April 4th. Cry For Mercy also self-funded this 12-track album on their path to recognition. The release showcases the drive and determination of the group through raw emotion and thought-provoking storytelling. They have been described as "Classic 70's fused blues rock" with a modern sound. I  agree with that sentiment as the trio blend soul, blues, and 70s rock with a strong guitar-driven edge. Their warm and compelling vocals are soulful and evoke comparisons to Paul Rodgers and David Coverdale. Formed in 2008, the trio consisting of vocalist Kev Plant, his son and drummer Aled, and guitarist Andy Cutty has emerged as a significant force in the UK underground rock scene. They have captivated audiences with their live...

  Words by Anselm Anderson If Cradle of Filth were to write love songs, "The Screaming of Valkyries" may be the closest they will get. The Dark overlords of the Death Metal underworld return with their fourteenth studio effort, released via Napalm Records today. The quintet collaborates again on their follow-up to 2021's "Existence is Futile" by revisiting old ghosts from the past and blending them with a modern sound. This nine-track mini-album is a chance to see the direction Cradle of Filth aims for in the future. The combination of traditional heavy metal styles with blackened thrash, symphonic elements, and gothic influences demonstrates that the band still has plenty of creativity left in the engine. Dani Filth brings his iconic screams and growls over atmospheric tracks like a demonic storyteller sitting down to regale old tales of witches, ghosts and demons. The intense dual guitar work from guitarists Ashok and Donny Burbage heightens the aggression of ...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Punk tri o Lilith's Army celebrates signing with Independent Labe l Criminal Records, releasing their latest LP, on March 28th. Hailing from Northampton, England, the trio comprises vocalist/guitarist Sylvie Studente, bassist Tommy Mayo, and drummer Steve Sherwood. They blend lo-fi punk with grunge and metal, citing influences from L7 and Nirvana. "Doll" features 13 tracks of new material and re-recordings of previous releases. The album has a fresh, boisterous sound, boasting catchy pop-punk choruses and edgy riffs told from a personal perspective on heartbreak, social anxieties, and mental health. Lillith's Army aims to provide an alternative to the punk scene. The trio developed a strong fanbase over the years after a guest slot at the highly sought-after Glastonbury Festival, with support from Total Rock and Kerrang!  Let's get on with the review! The tongue-in-cheek song "Eat My TV" kicks off with a jab at social media ...

Art Coverwork, courtesy of Naomi Randall Words by Anselm Anderson Rambling Man's Reviews has recently embraced a Blues revival, featuring rising stars. Amongst the talented guitarists and bands, RJ Archer and the Painful Memories stand out with their ability to blend old traditional blues with modern values.   This past Friday, The quartet released "The Cost of a Loving Crisis", their third studio album. These ten personal songs are packed into half an hour of modern rock, mixed with country, blues and soul. Produced by Naomi Randall at Half Tom Studios in Cambridge, England, she captures each song with a pitch-perfect ear. The vibrant vocals of RJ Archer are complemented by an explosion of tasty guitar licks and a tight rhythm section, resulting in a compelling listening experience. The band had to adjust with Marc Ritchie replacing Ben Kingsbury on drums, while Kingsbury moved to the position of second guitarist. The inclusion of guest musicians further enhances the alb...

  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....

 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...

Words by Anselm Anderson In We Fall  is a new act on Eclipse Records. Most recently, they released their debut, "Inner Self." The ten-tracker is a deeply personal and philosophical take on a band that has reached a pivotal moment in its career. The quartet, from Portugal, combines grunge stylings with progressive elements and alternative rock signatures to help create a sound reminiscent of bands like Alice in Chains and Alter Bridge. Formed in 2022, In We Fall was formed by guitarist Carlos Carniero and drummer Federico Lopes with a childhood dream of creating a band. Vocalist Daniel Moreira soon offered his gruff vocal lines and productive values into the mix providing a retro sound of dark melodies, hook-laden choruses and intricate guitar lines for fans of grunge-era bands. Moreira recorded, mixed and produced the album at Evolui Som Studios and the results are a polished and refined edge to the music. In We Fall challenge themselves through lyrics about war, betrayal and...

  Photo Credit: OOB Records Words by Anselm Anderson Multi-instrumentalist Peter Lawson shares the story of a 17th-century witchfinder and his accomplice on his latest EP, "The Witchfinder." The EP is inspired by the true story of Matthew Hopkins and John Stearne, two witch-finders intent on causing chaos and destruction during the Civil War in 17th-century England. They hunted down suspected witches under the Witchfinder Act of 1542 before presenting them for trial. Lawson produces over half an hour of seven tracks, using traditional medieval instruments like the bodhrán and mandolin to depict their horrible deeds. Lawson combines folk, blues, and progressive music elements to craft a distinctive style that resonates with the essence of that period. The darker electronic elements come into play with a distorted monologue in the opening track "Saint Vitus Dance," which captures the innocence of the time before tragedy struck. The narrative turns unexpectedly in ...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Shotgun Sawyer, based in California, has released their third studio album, a self-titled effort, via Ripple Music last Friday. The trio returns with a new drummer and direction for the better. Lead vocalist Dylan Jarman is joined by bassist Brett Sanders and the latest drummer Cody Tarbell has transitioned from stoner rock. roots-based outfit to a blues band. The trio combines traditional Chicago and Delta Blues with a modern twist on this nine-track release. The album is a chronicle of the trials and tribulations of Shotgun Sawyer since the turn of the decade, starting with the departure of original drummer David Lee. The band soon took a hiatus after they signed to Ripple Music and released their second album Bury the Hatchet. Patrick Hills of Earth Tone Studios of Sacramento, California assisted in bringing out the best of the band. Hills record a raw, personal, humble improvement of the trio's former releases. The acquisition of Cody Tarbell, forme...

  Words by Anselm Anderson The French rock group Last Temptation has returned with a new sound and lineup. In their latest album, "Heart Starter," they transition from their grunge rock guitar roots to a more traditional modern rock style. Lead by the talented guitarist Peter Scheithauer, Last Temptation has had a makeover with the addition of charismatic vocalist Loup Malevi, ex-Annihilator drummer Fabio Alessandri and long-time touring partner, bassist Franz OA Wise, Last Temptation delivers a fresh new approach to their music. "Heart Starter" is a commercial rock album in the guise of eighties rock acts like Van Halen and Aerosmith, emphasising groove-orientated riffs and huge choruses to reach a new audience, as they evolve as a unit. They recently made inroads with an appearance at Hellfest!, and supporting German Rock icons Scorpions on tour. The French band hopes to capitalise on that success with a new album, hoping to gain a bigger following from a main...