Rambling Man's Reviews

  Artwork courtesy of San PR Words written by Anselm Anderson Hailing from Wales , Metal band Edit The Tide has steadily built its fanbase and reputation through its live performances and powerful, anthemic sound . Last week, they finally released their much-anticipated EP The Space Between Sounds , the follow-up to last year's critically acclaimed debut, Reflections in Sounds . The quartet impress with their emotive choruses , harsh vocals, and thunderous riffs, which evoke comparisons to bands like Biffy Clyro , Deftones , and Killswitch Engage . The band was formed in Bridgend, Wales , in 2023 and consists of lead vocalist Benjamin James , guitarist and backing vocalist Rob Norris , drummer Rudy Mason , and bassist Dave Snell . Edit the Tide has worked diligently to earn support from nationwide radio outlets such as Kerrang! and the BBC , supporting bands like The Virgin Marys and appearing in publications like Powerplay . The five-track was produced and mixed by the renown...

  Cover Artwork Courtesy of Tristan Sberna Words Written by Anselm Anderson Last month, the French metalcore band Inner Light released their debut album, * Nova *, through an independent label . The female-fronted group follows the success of their two previous EPs: 2023's Inner Ligh t and Structure . Their latest release features a nine-track collection of sonically enhanced metal, characterised by blistering drums, hollow, harsh vocals, and harmonious guitars, all blended with dark atmospherics. Nova  is really the introduction to the band, following a few tasters of what they are about. Produced and mastered by Oscar Nilsson at Studio Bohus and Thomas 'Plec' Johansson at The Panic Room in Sweden. The band formed in 2022 to create music focused on dark subjects with powerful statements. Their music is melodic yet sharp, with each song offering a modern take on metal. Lead singer Marine delivers unique vocals, complemented by the diverse and dynamic guitar harmon...

,  Words by Anselm Anderson A couple of weeks ago, Female-fronted rock act Luna Marble released their much-anticipated self-titled debut album . The album marks a turning point for the quartet as they embark on a new journey in their blossoming career. The band combines 70s-tinged psychedelic rock with energy, passion, and raw emotion, as part of a collection of songs recorded earlier in their career. Inspired by icons like Pink Floyd , Led Zeppelin and co, they formed five years ago in Manchester, England . They are led by the commanding vocals of Maria Rico , the cosmic flair of guitarist Dragos Colceriu , bassist David Grundy , and drummer Sean Stewart . Luna Marble was mastered by Jimmy Spencer at various locations in Manchester, including Salford University . The album aims to establish the band's identity, starting with the opening track " Running ," which delivers a breath of fresh air through thunderous blues riffs and powerful vocals. This song stands out w...

Photo courtesy of Anselm Anderson Reviewed by Anselm Anderson Legendary NWOBHM icons Saxon celebrated over forty years of their second album ' Wheels of Steel " last night at a jam-packed 02 Apollo Theatre in Manchester, England . I arrived on a moderately cold evening under dusky clouds to watch Biff and co. play the album in its entirety. They were joined by former Accept frontman Udo Dirkschneider to celebrate forty years of ' Balls to the Wall ,' along with a local band called Untamed Silence . It was the latter who kicked off the night with their version of modern blues and powerful soulful vocals. The female-fronted band earnestly tried to get the half-full, sleepless crowd on their feet. The heavily tattooed vocalist strutted around the stage, belting out vocals and smiling at a crowd that finally showed signs of life under the glossy blue lights and smoke-filled stage. After a brief pause, the petite UDO took the stage, joined by guitarists Dee Dammers ...

  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...