The Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

Photo courtesy of Peter Rasmussen Today, Punk band The Something Ain't Rights release their debut EP Rotten In the Brain via Hovercraft Records . The quartet blends post-punk and garage rock with a touch of country to create the perfect ingredients for a nine-track social commentary on modern-day America. Formed in Astoria, Oregon , The Something Ain't Rights have a rich history in the music scene. The band comprises musicians from New York, Washington DC, New Orleans, Texas and Oregon. Fronted by vocalist and guitarist Mike Vasquez , along with bassist Alpha Rasmussen , drummer Carrie Beveridge , and guitarist Dan McLure , they blend their passion for punk to create a cynical take on life in the States. They also perform as Beta Voids , a local punk band from Astoria. Vasquez is a professional engineer and the owner of Austin's Legendary Sweatbox Studios . He helped record and mix "Rotten in the Brain" at Cannon Deck Recording last winter. The album was inten...

Photo courtesy of San PR Words by Anselm Anderson North Eastern English five-piece The Larches are set to release their latest EP Nihilistic Majesties on July 24th. The band have worked to change their sound from an indie setup to a more  dissonant sludge metal sound . On this five-track release, the songs are drenched in thick, discordant riffs, snarling vocals, and a groove-oriented vibe, creating a chaotic, disillusioned sound. "Nihilistic Majesties" explores themes of collapse, isolation and endurance.  These are challenges any upcoming band aims to overcome in a tough music industry to break through. Formed in 2023, the band comes from Middlesbrough, England . I know it more for their industrial side, rather than anything else. However, The Larches aim to reflect their grievances in the only way they know how. The band consists of lead vocalist Noah Annandale , lead guitarist Sonny Evans , Rhythm guitarist Joel Hardwick , bassist Alfie Murphy and drummer George Moss ....

Words by Anselm Anderson S epultura is getting ready to close the chapter on their remarkable forty-year career with the release of their final four-track EP, The Cloud of Unknowing , arriving this Friday, April 24th, via Nuclear Blast Records . The Brazilian Quartet wraps things up on a high note with their most heartfelt and inventive work yet. Each track explores a different side of the band’s emotions, blending thunderous drums, sweeping orchestral arrangements, and their signature fierce vocals and riffs. The band brought in American drummer Greyson Nekrutman for their latest tour across North America, Europe, and Latin America. His prodigious talent adds a fresh layer to the band’s often wild and chaotic brand of tribal metal . Nekrutman’s precise yet powerful hits blend seamlessly as the rest of the band pour their energy into this final chapter of their career. The band chose the legendary Criteria Studios as the place to record The Cloud of Unknowing, produced by longtim...

  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...

Photo Artwork courtesy of Rogue PR  Words written by Anselm Anderson Before the Sirens is another exciting new discovery on British shores. They released their most recent EP in December of last year, a follow-up to their debut EP, Desolate Seas and Darkened Skies . The EP is ' As it is Above, 'So it is Below , and the five-track EP brings an intense new sound with soaring vocal melodies and heavy riffs. The band is described as metalcore , but I argue they lean more towards a modern, accessible metal route. The band are fronted by vocalist Alun Davies , guitarist Chris Tiday , bassist Adam Aldridge and drummer Alex Budge . On this latest outing, they write about struggles and mental health .  Promo Shoot courtesy of Rogue PR. These themes are evident in the way the music is presented. In the opening track, "As It Is Above," vocalist Davies’s soft vocal textures blend seamlessly with the fierce riffs and pounding drums. This combination conveys a sense of imploratio...

  CoverArtwork Courtesy of San Pr Words Written by Anselm Anderson Today marks the final chapter of an emphatic trilogy by British Metalcore Heavyweights , Virtue in Vain . Nothing is All I Am ' is the third instalment exploring human emotions and psyche.  The trio began their journey in 2015 with their debut EP,  For All You Know is the Mask I Wore ,  focusing on the loss of identity, before 2019's   Dusk//Dawn , looking at the consequences of a terrible night out, whilst 'Nothing is All I Am ' focuses on rebuilding a fractured mind. The trio of lead vocalist Hywel Thomas, guitarist Mason Williams, and drummer Daniel Bryant hail from South Wales and deliver another dose of metalcore that hits like a sledgehammer to the head. The band replicates what many other British bands of the genre do, but they bring a story behind their music. Their emotional cries blend with powerful riffs and down-tuned instrumentals that resonate long after the music has stopped. ...

  Artwork courtesy of San PR Words by Anselm Anderson Swiss metal band Ophelia's Eye returns with their darkest and most brutal album to date. Rambling Man's Reviews has been following the band since their inception over a decade ago. The band has experienced various lineup changes and explored different musical styles . I was surprised to discover how dark their music has become and how much more technical it is now.  The band formed in 2019 in Aarau, Switzerland , as a metalcore band but has become heavier and more aggressive, evolving into a modern metal band with newer members: lead vocalist Jan Brasser, drummer Noé Beivi , and guitarist Noah Peier . These members have concentrated on a more technical guitar sound, faster drumming, and harsher vocals. This five-track EP explores darker themes of the human condition and social injustice. The album reflects the turmoil in the world and the inner struggles the band has experienced over the years. It features the raw, a...

  Artwork courtesy of San PR Words written by Anselm Anderson Hailing from Wales , Metal band Edit The Tide has steadily built its fanbase and reputation through its live performances and powerful, anthemic sound . Last week, they finally released their much-anticipated EP The Space Between Sounds , the follow-up to last year's critically acclaimed debut, Reflections in Sounds . The quartet impress with their emotive choruses , harsh vocals, and thunderous riffs, which evoke comparisons to bands like Biffy Clyro , Deftones , and Killswitch Engage . The band was formed in Bridgend, Wales , in 2023 and consists of lead vocalist Benjamin James , guitarist and backing vocalist Rob Norris , drummer Rudy Mason , and bassist Dave Snell . Edit the Tide has worked diligently to earn support from nationwide radio outlets such as Kerrang! and the BBC , supporting bands like The Virgin Marys and appearing in publications like Powerplay . The five-track EP was produced and mixed by the ren...

Photo courtesy of San PR Words by Anselm Anderson Last week, emerging British metal band Silk Spinster released their highly anticipated self-titled debut EP. The six-track release is a celebration of classic rock, featuring energetic riffs, massive choruses, and bold lyrics that capture the essence of rock and roll life. This release pays tribute to iconic bands such as Iron Maiden, Mötley Crüe, and Guns N' Roses. Photo courtesy of San PR Formed in Kingston-Upon-Hull four years ago, the quartet has steadily built a strong fan base through their theatrical performances and onstage costumes, paying tribute to the post-apocalyptic film Mad Max and the slasher film Friday the 13th. They have starred at festivals like Bloodstock and Call of the Wild , as well as sharing the stage with British Blues band Mother Vulture  and US Heavy Metal band Contortion . The EP has been a long time in the making, covering stories of monster slaying and lost love. The opening track begins with a...

  Words by Anselm Anderson British heavyweights Our North released their latest EP, Everyone for Themselves, last week. The EP consists of six tracks. Originating from Sheffield, England, this quintet has built a following over the past six years, earning praise and drawing comparisons to local favourites Bring Me The Horizon. This is understandable, as their sound captures the same energy and intensity, blending hip-hop verses with trap beats. They have developed a distinctive musical style, which continues to gain momentum. The band's sound combines hypnotic beats, visceral vocals and sonically enhanced guitars, which is described as metalcore. The theme of the album captures how people prioritise self-interest over forming empathetic relationships and showing community. Photo courtesy of San PR The album's sense of urgency effectively conveys the claustrophobic and frustrating effects these traits have on both the individual and society. The opener "Choked to Death...

  Words by Anselm Anderson 1980s drummer Jimmy Katone returned with his first EP since signing with the German record label NRT  last Friday.  "Flesh and Fire" is the name of the   new three-track EP  released under the moniker "Katone". The blend of gothic-infused poetry and rock riffs, tinged with blues, tells the tale of unrequited love and deep emotions. Jimmy Katone has been a vital part of the melodic rock scene for over forty years. He began his career in the 1980s with the AOR rock band Hittin' The Ground Runnin', before featuring on the latest album from Canadian Melodic rock band , Mason, last year. Produced by Katone, "Flesh and Fire" features fellow Hit The Ground Runnin' members, Igor Mueller and Al Agunas, on guitar, alongside Katone, an accomplished pianist and guitarist. The EP runs for over ten minutes, providing listeners with a glimpse into the talents of this multi-instrumentalist. Photo courtesy of Golden Shutter Photograp...

Photo courtesy of Memphia Music Management Words by Anselm Anderson  Today, Bristol's rock trio Oswald Slain released their highly anticipated debut EP "Kiss Me on the Mouth" as an independent record. Rambling Man's Reviews has supported this band over the last several months with positive outlooks of their singles 'UGLY' and 'Happiness is Overrated'. The evocative songwriting and tongue-in-cheek humour piqued my interest as I prepared for this release. Recorded by Jason Mitchell in their home studio, Kiss Me on the Mouth is five tracks of firebrand indie rock and self-proclaimed Americana. The EP captures the raw energy and personality of the group as they prepare for a mini tour of the British Isles next week, in support of the EP. The lascivious 'UGLY' kicks off things with a take on the 1997 American film Boogie Nights, a critique of the 1970's porn industry. The dirty blues riff supplements the seedy vocals, reminiscent of the American...

  Words by Anselm Anderson  Decrepit Youths  is the latest band to gain popularity in the UK. This Newcastle-based quartet of rap metal musicians released their three-track debut EP, "Love Psycho Kill Machine", last week as an independent project. Formed in 2023, they quickly gained widespread airplay on BBC Radio One as part of the channel's Introducing series. The band features a dynamic vocal partnership between David Stoker and Connor Pattison, accompanied by bassist Tim Gambles and drummer Thomas Lee. They now offer a preview of their high-octane, aggressive sound. The group isn’t shy about tackling themes such as drug and alcohol use, as highlighted in the opening track "Love Psycho Kill Machine." This song is a burst of rapid rap verses layered over gritty guitars and distorted monologues, evoking the chaos of a very messy night out. Photo courtesy of San PR The chaotic and dysfunctional sound continues with "Black Dove," which features a combi...