Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

Photo Courtesy of Rogue PR Edited by Anselm Anderson Norwegian alt-pop duo Ask Carol has released their second album, titled AC II: Desert Sky , following an intensive and non-stop tour. The band has spent the past nine months performing across the U.S., Europe, the U.K., Norway, and beyond. The album began with their song " Desert ," which is inspired by the vast and beautiful landscapes of the American Southwest . This track evokes a nostalgic feeling of dreaming, endless possibilities, and hopeful freedom. It serves as the backbone of the record, complemented by some reflective and contemplative tunes. Additionally, the album features a surprise from CowChella , which includes a blues track and even a cover song. This album marks the end of an era for Ask Carol and captures their experiences over the past few years through ten songs. It features a range of styles, from the humorous and uplifting adaptations of their Backyard Jam and CowChella music, inspired by their vi...

Photo Credit: Kirsten Southwell Edited by Anselm Anderson Singer-songwriter Lillian King released her debut album, In Your Long Shadow, on Friday, October 24th, via Pronounced Kroog . The album was written in the aftermath of her father's passing and reflects on themes of grief, family, and the depression that can accompany loss. Across ten songs, Lillian draws inspiration from quiet meditations during walks, old rivers, and the strange comfort found in repetition. Her delivery is marked by a voice that is both strikingly soulful and understated. The album highlights Lilian's talent as a songwriter, making it a deeply personal project. After years of performing in basements in Montreal to solo sets across the United States and North America, these experiences have helped her hone her skills, bringing her career to the brink of wider recognition.   Spencer Krug , whose label Pronounced Kroog took Lillian under its wing after a chance tour pairing in 2024. has been key to this ...

Photo Credit: Josiah Sampson   Edited by Anselm Anderson The All-American Rejects have released their latest track, ' Eggshell Tap Dancer , ' ahead of February's album release. The track continues the indie-leaning direction they explored with ' Search Party, '  blending pop sensibility with the band’s signature pop-rock power. Vocalist Tyson Ritter explains about the song,  “‘Eggshell Tap Dancer’ is about performing tenderness until your feet bleed. The character in the song is tiptoeing around someone who probably stopped listening three exits ago, but he’s still there — pulling rabbits out of hats, making balloon animals out of his own arteries. In the end, I think it’s a love song written for someone who’s just detached from the world and madly in love with obsession.” The band is currently on an arena tour with the Jonas Brothers and is having arguably the biggest year of their career. They have experienced a significant resurgence, attracting a new generat...

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...

PRESS RELEASE Heavy metal legend, acclaimed filmmaker and pop culture icon ROB ZOMBIE returns for his eighth studio album, " The Great Satan ", out February 27th from Nuclear Blast Records . Following the success of his Top 10 charting record " The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy " (2021), Zombie is back, revisiting his early Hellbilly roots for a slaughterhouse of anthemic punk-infused heavy rock/metal.  The record’s first single, “ Punks And Demons ,” is out today and is accompanied by a video directed by Zombie. Stream ‘Punks And Demons’: https://robzombie.bfan.link/punks-and-demons Pre-Order The Great Satan: https://robzombie.bfan.link/the-great-satan ‘PUNKS AND DEMONS’ MUSIC VIDEO: https://youtu.be/J0mfcGLaPqI The Great Satan is available now for pre-order in a variety of formats, including a limited box set and accompanying apparel at https://robzombie.bfan.link/the-great-satan . Rob Zombie is a renowned rock icon and filmmaker known for his dis...

KREATOR ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM  KRUSHERS OF THE WORLD  AND RELEASES VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE 'SEVEN SERPENTS' EU & UK HEADLINE TOUR W/ CARCASS, EXODUS & NAILS ANNOUNCED FOR MARCH AND APRIL 2026 Metal Titans KREATOR have announced that their sixteenth studio album, KRUSHERS OF THE WORLD, will be released on January 16th, 2026, via Nuclear Blast Records. Following the recent releases of the KREATOR documentary film Hate & Hop e as well a s Your Heaven, My Hell, the autobiography of front man Mille Petrozza, KRUSHERS OF THE WORLD will be the next step in the evolution of KREATOR. This band continues to thrive even after forty years in its career. This is exciting news for devoted fans as they prepare for the next chapter of their long and illustrious journey. KRUSHERS OF THE WORLD is an expression of pride and self-awareness, sharing with fans an album full of new riffs and blistering drumming, only fans know too well. The album follows the excitement around the film and...

Photo Credit: Nuclear Blast Records Edited by Anselm Anderson Black metal outfit, Watain, has issued the following statement about their future together. "Ladies and gentlemen, followers, allies and supporters, this is a solemn transmission from the Temple of Watain. We hereby announce that in III years - upon our 30th anniversary - Watain’s eighth and final full-length album will be released. The album will mark the closure of a thirty-year-long magical Work, the last crossroad of Watain, after which the band will cease to exist. The ending of a triad of decades during which we have shared our sacred path through this strange world with you, our loyal audience, on a steady course towards the beckoning darkness of The End. Over the course of the next three years, the reasons for this will be spoken of and accounted for. But for now, we just want to say this: Have our songs and our art not always dealt with finitude and mortality, with DEATH and the beyond? Now it is time to cl...

Photo Credit:Medusa/Julian Molinero Written by Anselm Anderson The British rock group Medusa has released an innovative new concert film titled "Medusa: Live in London - The Motion Picture" via R ealm29 Films. Guitarist and singer-songwriter Julian Molinero played a key role in directing the film, which chronicles the band's journey and challenges as they prepare to perform on a boat. What started as an independent project has evolved into an exciting initiative for this independent rock band, capturing the attention of Sky Arts and the British Film Industry.  The concert film is set along the River Thames, but it features footage of the band on tour in the United States and North America. It transitions into an animated segment where the band performs and wreaks havoc in London. The video also explores the band's history, focusing on Julian Molinero, by visiting childhood homes, schools, and the venue of their first gig, all before the concert begins on the boat....

Photo Credit: Chuck Brueckmann Alter Bridge have released their first single in over two years today with 'Silent Divide', the first track from their upcoming self-titled album. The announcement comes on the back of the band's Blackbird Festival in Wales, scheduled for next summer. The moody track opens with the distinctive guitar sounds of Kennedy and Tremonti, followed by the rhythm section of Marshall and Phillips. The chorus is driven by Kennedy’s haunting vocals as he sings: “Keep your head down, ride out the silent divide.” The track is accompanied by a new music video. In the opening scenes, an opening skit shows Tremonti, Marshall, and Phillips calling Kennedy’s mom to get the band back together as Myles hangs out in his mom’s basement.  The scene is a touching tribute to how the band began their career as the four guys play together in a small room. The video was directed by JT Ibanez. Watch the new music video for "Silent Divide" HERE :  The band team...

Photo Credit: Kirsten Southwell Edited by Anselm Anderson Folk Singer/Songwriter Lillian King has announced that her debut album," In Your Long Shadow," will be released on October 24th via Pronounced Kroog, with its first single, “Tiber Creek,” arriving yesterday. “Tiber Creek” was written shortly after the passing of her father and offers a haunting look into the album’s emotional aspect from a simple walk through Washington, D.C., into something cathartic. Her father’s routine walks to the hospital along the National Mall, passing memorials, monuments, and the hidden path of Tiber Creek buried beneath the city, grounds the song’s striking imagery. Lillian’s voice, rich and wistful, holds a gentle power in every line, capturing reflections on place, memory, and how certain moments stay with us long after everything else shifts. Lillian King teamed up with Indie rock veteran Spencer Krug to write and record 'Tiber Creek', having been introduced backstage at a concer...

Photo Credit: Press Edited by Anselm Anderson Saxon Lead vocalist Biff Byford has posted an update on his battle with cancer. In a special social media posting, Byford discloses his recent diagnosis following the band's  Japanese Tour in late April and his upcoming 'mopping-up' chemotherapy treatment. Also, Byford discusses the recent postponement of Saxon's European tour in France and Spain until next spring. At the same time, he undergoes a short period of chemotherapy, but has been told by doctors that his prognosis going forward is positive. All tickets will remain valid for the new rescheduled dates, which will be announced on SAXON’s social media channels imminently. Unfortunately, Biff’s treatment is affecting the band’s upcoming festival performances. The band will have to cancel their appearance at Trutnoff Open Air later this month and has postponed their performance at Neuborn Open Air, which will now take place next year. Biff has reassured fans that Hell...

Photo Credit: BLKIIBLK MEGADETH lead Vocalist, DAVE MUSTAINE, has revealed in a social post to his worldwide fanbase and Cyber Army that his forthcoming album will be the final MEGADETH studio album of his career. MUSTAINE shared the announcement via his alter ego,  Vic Rattlehead . MUSTAINE also revealed that the band will embark on a worldwide farewell tour next year. Next year, MUSTAINE will release his memoirs, with more details to follow in the coming months.  Dave Mustaine revealed to his followers, “There are so many musicians that have come to the end of their career, whether accidental or intentional. Most of them don't get to go out on their own terms on top, and that's where I'm at in my life right now. I have travelled the world and have made millions upon millions of fans, and the hardest part of all of this is saying goodbye to them. DAVE adds, “ We can't wait for you to hear this album and see us on tour. If there was ever a perfect time for us to put...

Photo Credit: Remi Thebault Edited by Anselm Anderson Toronto-based indie folk-rock outfit Octoberman  returns with Chutes, their seventh full-length album, due later this year on Ishmalia Records The band has marked the news with the release of its advance single and video, “Harry Nilsson,” out Today. The track draws inspiration from the late singer’s iconic take on “Without You.” “I had recently lost my mother, so I was hyper-aware of mortality and how things can turn on a dime, ” says songwriter Marc Morrissette. “ Losing an ever-present person in your life makes you more afraid of it happening again, especially as a father and husband. In the end, it’s like losing a part of yourself that never comes back.” The band's brand of jangly pop and daydreaming soundscapes is on display in the single’s video, which pairs the song’s airy, powder-soft tones with faux vintage footage from filmmaker and extreme skier Nick Steers . “I remembered a conversation with Nick about th...