The Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

  Photo Credit: Nuclear Blast Records Words by Anselm Anderson NYC Hardcore Punk band Madball released their tenth studio effort today. " Not Your Kingdom " via Nuclear Blast Records. The quartet delivers fourteen high-tempo, aggressive tales of survival through conviction and pure punk energy. Formed in 1988,  the band originated as a side project for fellow New York Hardcore band Agnostic Front . They were formed by Fred Cricien , the younger half-brother of Agnostic Front vocalist Roger Miret . To date, Madball have released ten albums and four EPs, and they are often cited as an influence on the NYC Hardcore scene. I'm unfamiliar with the history of the band; this is the first release I've heard.  I am always intrigued to listen to something new, so I was excited to give this one a listen after reading about the band. Produced by Andrew Bayliss in Nashville, Tennessee, "Not Your Kingdom" doesn't feel like a political album. Instead, it presents itse...

Photo Courtesy of Nuclear Blast Records Words by Anselm Anderson Following an eight-year break, the Norwegian metal band  Dimmu Borgir  returns with "Grand Serpent Rising." This album is an important milestone for the band, celebrating their return after more than thirty years in the music scene. The title symbolises the Year of the Snake , marking the album's completion last February. The serpent represents change and growth, showing the band evolving with confidence. While the band is known for taking time on albums, eight years is taking the biscuit. Since their last release, 2018's Eonian , guitarist Galder rejoined his previous band. And since then, they have focused on "Grand Serpent Rising," an hour of intense Black Metal with orchestral elements. Co-founders "Silenoz " and "Shagrath" collaborated to create a masterpiece, featuring dynamic choir and string arrangements alongside their signature snarls. A Return 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...

  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 ...