The Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

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...

  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 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...

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...

  Art coverwork courtesy of Zbigniew Bielak, Review by Anselm Anderson:  German thrash metal titans Kreator return with their strongest release to date. Their 16th album, " Krushers of the World ," showcases a more experimental side of the band, blending elements of thrash, death metal , and traditional heavy metal . The album features songs inspired by famous horror films . The title reflects the band’s hard work and dedication, supported by a growing fanbase that began over forty years ago with their 1985 album, ' Endless Pain ' . Since then, the band has established itself as one of Germany's most prominent exports, producing classic albums such as ' Coma of Souls ' (1990),  ' Out of the Dark... Into the Light '  (1988), and ' Pleasure to Kill ' . The quartet aims to build on their success in 2025 with the release of "Krushers of the World," which will be supported by a tour across Europe and the UK. Last year, lead vocalist ...

  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...

  Photo: Altankhuyag Erdenebat Words by Anselm Anderson There are times when a band comes along and becomes an instant success; the music industry takes note and churns out its successor. Mongolian Folk band UUhai follow the success and signature sound of fellow countrymen The Hu . The band's use of traditional elements, such as horsehair and throat singing , aligns with the previously mentioned Hu. However, the band's sound is more melodic and easier to listen to, in contrast to the commercially accessible features of the former. This Friday (5th January), UUhai will finally explode onto the international stage with their debut Human Herds , set for release via Napalm Records .  The seven-piece first gained notoriety when their first songs gained millions of views on YouTube . They have created an album that draws inspiration by folklore and societal themes in the Mongolian language . The band blends traditional Mongolian music with heavy metal.  Formed in 2020, t...

  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...

  Words by Anselm Anderson One-man band Obelisk is set to release his much-anticipated debut album, titled Brushed with Darkness , next Friday. The 10-track LP is a collection of the singer's most personal songs, reflecting themes of depression , identity, emotion, and perseverance in a world full of mystery. Obelisk is an enigma, a masked musician hailing from the streets of Edinburgh, Scotland . He draws inspiration from bands like Sleep Token , Electric Callboy and Bring Me The Horizon . His unique blend of textured music has earned him acclaim for his previously released singles. His work captures the essence of a tortured soul, expressed through poignant storytelling and a chaotic yet powerful mix of electronic rock and metal. The lyrics feature sharp verses delivered in a poetic style. Photo courtesy of San PR I was impressed by the opening intro of stark, symphonic string arrangements blended with dark, gothic melodic lines. This gave me the impression of a talented person...

  Artwork courtesy of Spencer Caligiuri Words Written by Anselm Anderson LA-based heavy metal band Wings of Steel released their sophomore album, Winds of Time , last week via independent distribution . The powerful trio revitalises metal, reminiscent of the good old days, with their 1980s-influenced style . Their high-octane vocals, pounding drums, and sizzling guitar solos evoke memories of iconic bands like Dio , Saxon , and Judas Priest while making a bold statement of intent. This eight-track release showcases the band's growth as a rising force in the United States and Europe. Wings of Steel was formed in 2019 in Los Angeles, USA . They released their self-titled debut EP three years later, followed by their first full-length album, titled Gates of Twilight , two years ago. Last year, the band released their first live album before embarking on their first European tour . They have performed at festivals such as The Whisky A Go Go  and   Up The Hammers ....