Rambling Man's Reviews

Photo courtesy of Nuclear Blast Records Swedish high-energy rockers THE HELLACOPTERS  celebrate their 30th anniversary with the announcement of their first rarities collection entitled  Cream Of The Crap! Collected Non-Album Works • Volume 3  is a series of rarities collections that started in 2002, combining rare and lesser-known material from a myriad of HELLACOPTERS singles, EPs, and compilation songs.   They started their celebrations by releasing their much-lauded new album Overdriver on January 31, 2025 , which reached No. 1 on the Swedish charts and a solid top-10 position on the German charts for the second time in the group’s career. It is time to offer their dedicated fanbase something truly nostalgic. The 24 tracks featured in this set have originally been released between 1998 and 2005, most of them only on vinyl and out-of-print CDs, and include originals like ‘ Disappointment Blues ’, ‘ Freeway To Hell ’, ‘Doggone Your Bad-Luck Soul’, 'Ferryt...

Photo courtesy of Tallee Savage PRESS RELEASE (Edited by Anselm Anderson) John Norum , Europe ’s founder/guitarist and solo artist, has signed a record deal with Frontiers Music Srl . He is set to enter the studio to record his tenth solo album , marking a new chapter in his career. John Norum is characterised by melodic solos and writing style, balancing bluesy influences with classic hard rock and a distinctive singing and guitar playing style. His virtuosic, soulful, and imaginative playing makes his solo work a rewarding listen for both fans and newcomers. He released his first solo album, “ Total Control ,” in 1987 and has since released a total of nine solo albums. His latest album, “ Gone to Stay ,” was released in 2022. John has spent the last couple of years working with Deep Purple ’s frontman, Glenn Hughes , Don Dokken and many other top-notch musicians. International guest appearances are expected on the forthcoming album. He will play live both as a solo artist and w...

  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...

Edited by Anselm Anderson Multinational Retro rock band Lucifer has announced a series of select European tour dates, including one UK performance. Lead singer Johanna Platow returns with a completely new lineup, which consists of guitarists Rosalie Cunningham and Coralie Baier, bassist Claudia Gonzalez Diaz and drummer Kevin Kuhn. The tour follows the success of the recent album "Chapter V", and a subsequent European and US tour in support of Ghost and Coven. Post release, LUCIFER presented two duets, 'I Would Follow You Babe' with Graveyard’s Joakim Nilsson and their rendition of Leonard Cohen’s 'Who By Fire' with doom legend Bobby Liebling of Pentagram. Now, after touring Europe with Angel Witch and The Night Eternal, and a return to South America and Japan last year, the band’s founder, Johanna Platow, has  announced a string of  exclusive headline and festival shows  Rosalie Cunningham commented on her recent addition to the ranks: "I am thrilled t...

  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 from Anselm Anderson                  Release Date: September 6th There are natural pairings in life, like sunset and the rise of waves on a beach. John Corabi is like the sunrise to The Dead Daisies' crashing waves. Corabi is back at the mic stand to lead The Dead Daisies on a lively rock and roll journey, aboard the rock and roll express. Their upcoming album 'Light 'Em Up' will be released via SPV this Friday, September 6th. Since they formed a decade ago, The Dead Daisies have released over six albums, featured a who's who from the rock world, and toured with some of the best in the rock world, including Guns' N' Roses, Def Leppard and Bad Company. Corabi returned to the fold for last year's 2023 tour with Whitesnake bassist Michael Devin. The duo forming another revised lineup to join Marti Frederiksen at Muscle Shoals studio to record and write  'Light 'Em Up'.Upon first listening, Corabi's return brings a welcomed e...

  Words from Anselm Anderson English Rockers  Shiva May Care bursts onto the scene with the high-octane, no-frills new single "Falling Down", taken from the upcoming EP   Sound System Kaliyuga!, due out later this year. Formed in 2017, the band hails from Manchester, England. It consists of vocalist Molly Q (Vocals), J3t L4g (Guitars, Backing Vocals), Jake Trendall (Bass, Backing Vocals,) and Ilias Nikolaidis (Drums), The multi-cultural line up draws influences from punk, shoegaze, and stoner to create an infectious and energetic new track. Molly Q explained the meaning of the track is about a person of power abusing that position and reeling destruction "like a movie villain" The opening chords immediately capture a sense of destruction with a powerful, fuzzy riff that hooks the listener in. The distinctive, soulful vocals of Molly Q then enter the fray. Her captivating, distorted voice sways over an abrasive guitar sound and pounding drums. The chorus then transit...

Words by Anselm Anderson British Hard rockers Nightblade has released their fourth album  That's The Way You Want It  is a follow-up to last year's Hope To Be There.  I could not review that particular album but I have always admired Nightblade's guitar-driven sound.  The band has announced that their sixth album, released within four years, will have some surprises. Givvi Flynn guest on   a cover of Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street," and a New Year song. The band, based in the Midlands of England, has been featured in several music publications such as HRH Magazine, Kerrang! , and Powerplay, which has helped to increase their recognition. The band has replaced their drummer Rich Lawley with Harry Anson to add a new dimension to their sound.  The album "That's The Way You Want It" features ten rock songs with sharp riffs and warm vocals that casual fans will enjoy. The self-titled track offers the same radio-friendliness as bands like Foo Fighters...

Words by Anselm Anderson Rock superstars Fozzy  has announced the release of their latest single "Spotlight" released via Maddison Records/The Orchard . Produced b y Three Days Grace and Halestorm Producer Johnny Andrews and mixed by Jacob Hansen, Originally an Ozzy Osbourne covers band, "Spotlight" is a throwback to the metal roots the band built their reputation on. Furthermore, This track reminds me of the earliest Ozzy albums with punchy riffs and an addictive chorus. This is certainly the heaviest Fozzy track since the popular "Judas" graced AEW arenas from around the globe. A whispered monologue opens this track exclaiming "I am the light of the truth, the one who sees right through. I know your every move. I got my eye on you-Spotlight!". The song segues into a pulsating riff, layered with smooth basslines and well-timed drumming patterns. The song builds to a bridge/chorus with multi-layered vocals. Chris Jericho's distorted vocal...

Interview by Anselm Anderson Rambling Man's Reviews returns with the first of many interviews by speaking with Chigger A.K.A Tim Louie,  the Rahway bassist . The band have recently released 'Rocketship', the latest of several singles from the band. I grabbed an opportunity to speak with the bassist about the new single, their upcoming EP, and which famous rock star came up with the band name. Please scroll down to read the full interview. Interview with Anselm from Rambling Man. Good morning, could you introduce yourself to the readers? Good morning! My name is Chigger a.k.a. Tim Louie and I’m the bass player for the band Rahway. Could you tell me about Rahway and how they came to be? Rahway was started by the brothers, David (guitars) and Steve (drummer) Cardenas. They used to be called Sun until producer Jack Douglas, who was also producing Aerosmith at the time, let Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler listen to a few tracks. Steven Tyler dug the songs and asked the band’s n...

Under The Radar (UTR) is a young up-and-coming rock band from Memphis, Tennessee that is slowly making waves in their native homeland. Zeke (Vocals and Lead Guitar) Aged 14, Matt (Bass) Aged 14, and Ryan (Drums) Aged 15 are a trio of precocious teenagers with the aim to start “A new rock revolution". They first formed in 2014 and have opened up for such prestigious acts as Kansas, Brett Michaels , 38 Special, and Saliva. The boys recently released their 8-track Debut LP So  Alive  via Independent Records with its melodic hooks, catchy lyrics, and meaty riffs. This promises not to disappoint any rock fans. The opener 'Boom' erupts with an explosive riff that resonates around the stereo. This track comes with an effective chorus and slick solo that belies the band’s age.   The album takes a more melodic direction with more pop- hook-laden choruses and fuzzy guitars, before the title track  ' Under The Radar' ignites the record with its mesmerizing riffs and...