Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

  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 ....

  Written by Anselm Anderson Texan rock trio Little King has returned with their eighth studio album, Lente Viviente , which is their most progressive and ambitious work to date. The release was recorded a few months back in Arizona , marking the first time the band have recorded outside their native Texas. The band has made some personnel changes since their last outing six years ago. Drummer Tony Bojorquez joins guitarist and vocalist Ryan Rossoff , along with bassist and cellist David Hamilton , to record this seven-track release. The album draws similarities to prog rock icons Rush and Genesis while presenting a fresh and original approach. It sounds as though the band has undergone some serious soul-searching over those years. The album title Lente Viviente  roughly translates to "Living Lens," a play on words of Rossoff's Video Memoir Production company, LivingLens Memoirs . It examines the balance between truth and perception, featuring thought-provoking lyrics...

Edited by Anselm Anderson German guitarist Michael Schenker has been a key figure in rock music for the past fifty years, captivating audiences around the globe with his signature flying V guitar . He has garnered admiration from rock fans worldwide due to his distinctive style and flair, performing with notable bands such as UFO and Scorpions . He has continued this trend with the Michael Schenker Group , and " Don't Sell Your Soul " is the thirteenth instalment in the band's forty-six-year history. The album was released last week via EarMusic and is the second part of a trilogy that Schenker plans to release. This follow-up to last year's " My Fifty Years with UFO " serves as a throwback to Schenker's successful career. Photo Credit: Ross Halfin Produced by Schenker and longtime collaborator Michael Voss , the album features the usual suspects: Bodo Schopf on drums, bassist Bernd Courbole , and guitarist Steve Mann . The guest vocals are provi...

Photo courtesy of San Pr Edited by Anselm Anderson A few weeks ago, Irish rockers Mirroglass released their debut album , Handle with Care. The nine-track album showcases all the band's influences in punk and hard rock, resulting in an energetic and fresh release. The band is led by a fresh-faced teenager named Joshua Bowles, who has gradually built a reputation for their anthemic and modern sounds. They formed in Cavan, Ireland, in 2022 and have gone through a few lineup changes since. Bowles soon returned from a mini-hiatus with a new lineup, which includes bassist Jack Bogue, keyboardist Vay, and drummer Paul Jackman. Following the release of a couple of singles, the band returned to the studio to record "Handle with Care." The album catches the ears early on with the rebellious 'Hey Honey', an infectious dose of rock'n 'roll, the contagious riffs remind me of bands like AC/DC and The Quireboys. Photo Credit: San PR However, the album opens with a spa...

Photo Credit: Eclipse Records   Words written by Anselm Anderson Last week, Stereophobia released their highly anticipated sophomore album, Choke on This , through Eclipse Records. This album follows their 2023 debut, No One Cares, and features a straightforward blend of alt-rock and grunge influences. Stereophobia is a power trio based in Lisbon, Portugal, consisting of guitarist and vocalist Mike Rocha, drummer Daniel Antunes, and bassist Bruno Santos. Produced by Miguel Camillo and mixed, mastered and recorded alongside Stereophobia at MC Studios. Choke on This consists of thirteen tracks filled with musically unsettling tones, angst-driven lyrics, and sonically enriching riffs that cut deep. Photo Credit: Rodrigo Vargas The album opens with an unsettling monologue that transitions into the intense cries of 'Maggots', which combines frenetic riffs and frenzied harsh vocals, propelling this album into a dramatic surge of grunge. The album maintains a grunge essence, echoing ...

Words by Anselm Anderson American rock veterans Chevelle return after a four-year hiatus with their ambitious tenth studio album, "Bright as Blasphemy." The nine Tracker explores the complexities of the human mind as the band self-produces their first release for Alchemy Recordings, marking a promising label debut. The band joined an independent label last year to collaborate in a positive, musician-centred environment. This move has led them to adopt a heavier sound. Their songs explore the human psyche and the emotional challenges that accompany it. Self-produced by the Loeffler brothers, "Bright as Blasphemy" delivers a gritty, dark, and thunderous sound that is both addictive and enjoyable. The follow-up to 2021's 'Niratias' celebrates the brothers' newfound independence, providing them with greater creative freedom. The album begins with the dark, intense screams on 'Pale Horse,' a track that delves into gloomy atmospherics, accompanied ...

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 Although Ian 'Lemmy' Kilmister has been gone for nearly ten years, his legacy continues to thrive. His legendary band, Motörhead, honours his memory with the release of The Manticore Tapes this week. Motorhead formed in 1975, but it wasn't until 1979 that they released their debut album, Motorhead, with the lineup of Lemmy, guitarist 'Fast' Eddie Clarke, and drummer 'Filthy' Phil Taylor. Before this, the lineup came together in August 1976 to rehearse and record a jamming session to showcase the new members at Manticore Studios in Fulham, London. The home of Emerson, Lake and Palmer hosted the soon-to-be iconic trio as they jammed together for the first time. Those sessions have now been released as the 'Lost' tape this week for diehard fans to listen to what Motörhead sounded like in those earlier days. The chance meeting with a little-known manager, Frank Kennington,  had a significant impact on the struggling band, captu...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Italian symphonic death metal band Genus Ordinis Dei returns with their explosive live album 'Eternal Live', released through Eclipse Records. The album covers part of their European Tour in November 2024, which supported German Symphonic metal band Xandria and Norwegian Gothic metal band Sirenia.  The tour showcases the emotive growls of vocalist Nick K, whose guitar harmonies with fellow guitarist Tommy Monticelli create compelling music. Drummer Nico Pedralli completes the lineup with his thunderous drumming. The band's blends of ethereal symphonies, intertwined with stirring melodies, and aggressive vocals are captured on this eight-song release. The tour follows the release of their 2023 album, "The Beginning," and includes performances of tracks like "Aertunus," "Changing Star," and "Genesis." Genus Ordinis Dei began their illustrious career in Crema, Italy, in 2009, following a chance meeting wit...

  Words by Anselm Anderson French duo The Inspector Cluzo has released their tenth album,  Less Is More . The album was self-released and financed through their record label, The Bass Player Records. The record consists of ten tracks of complex blues movements intertwined with jazz undertones and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. The duo of guitarist and vocalist Laurent and drummer Mathieu formed in 2008 on a farm in Gascon, France. The duo decided to finance and produce their records through revenue generated from selling organic food on the farm. Less Is More  marks the pair's tenth release. In this album, they address issues such as environmental problems associated with organic farming and the economics of the music business. The lyrics and concept are inspired by the 19th-century American philosopher Henry David Thoreau and the 20th-century French philosopher Guy Debord. Producer Vance Powell captured the duo's raw energy and enthusiasm in just four days in Nashville, USA. T...

 Words by Anselm Anderson After thirty years together, the French metalcore pioneers Primal Age released their fourth studio album, Until the Last Breath , via WTF Records. The quartet returns following a four-year hiatus with one of their most intense releases. The follow up to 2021's  Masked Enemy carries on the exploration of animal rights, political and social injustices, delivering these themes through bold lyrics and compelling melodies. Lead vocalist Didier channels his inner rage into the tracks accompanied by the precise and intense interplay between guitarists Florian  and Benoit. Drummer Dmitri drives each track with relentless energy, bassist Dmitri complements the performance with powerful and resonant bass. The thirty-minute runtime feels extended, as the band delivers an explosive performance on this release. The haunting introduction unfolds with bated breath before ferocious drumming announces the start of 'Empire Will Always Fail.' The intensity escal...

  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...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Hard rock band The Dead Daisies  will release their first blues cover album, 'Lookin' For Trouble,' this week through SPV. This ten-track album features renditions of classics by blues legends such as B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf, and Robert Johnson. Vocalist John Corabi and the rest of the band deliver these songs with their signature rock 'n' roll swagger. Produced by Marti Fredrikssen at the renowned FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, each track is revitalised as The Daisies infuse these timeless classics with a touch of rock polish. The band entered the studio last March, during the recordings of 'Light 'em Up', and sat down to record an impromptu session. These sessions soon grew into something special, and the group decided to release them as part of a collection. Photo Courtesy of The Dead Daisies John Corabi delivers a masterful performance as the charismatic statesman, exuding power and soul. The carefully selected...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Thrash metal band Insult has released their highly anticipated debut album, "Reside Infernus," today. Comprised of former members of 1980s thrash titans Onslaught, the Bristol-based band delivers relentless energy and aggression. Pulling inspiration from an era characterised by heavy riffs and intense songs about war and religion, Insult channels this into an 8-track package.'Reside Infernus' is the result of perseverence and passion, recorded in a home studio without modern digital tools. The album is half hour or less of breakneck speed and tenacity, reminiscent of Bay Area thrashers Testament and Exodus. The album is a thrash release with NWOBHM stylings. Photo courtesy of San PR Formed by ex- Onslaught bassist Jase Stallard and Ex-roadie Jase Howell in the eighties, They have found their opportunity to showcase their talents to the world. Drummer Steve Grice joins guitarists Robbie Harris and Jonny Fifield to complete the lineup. The c...

 Words by Anselm Anderson Italian singer-songwriter and guitarist Jacopo Pausa has released his most experimental album. Hailing from Brescia, Italy, Pausa is a talented guitar player with a warm voice. Rambling Man has followed his progress since he broke onto the scene a few years ago. He skillfully mixes different styles of blues for a modern audience, and I was excited to hear about his new album, I Am What I Am , which was released a couple of weeks ago. This ten-track album is the third release that this blog has reviewed, and it stands out from his previous efforts. Pausa has introduced a new lineup, alongside a fresh approach and attitude. I would say this is his most personal work, featuring several biographical tracks along with strong storytelling elements. He has stripped down the laid back blues for a blend of Jazz, Reggae, Ska, Rap, Rock, Funk and, of course, blues. The riffs are still sharp and the melodies infectious, but he has brought a sense of wholesomeness and ...