Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

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: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 courtesy of Rogue PR Edited by Anselm Anderson American rock band Little King has announced the details of their upcoming eighth studio album, Lente Viviente , due for release in September 2025. The new record features seven tracks. The lineup of The Little King studio has changed since their last release in 2019. They have added drummer Tony Bojorquez from San Carlos, Mexico, to their team. Bassist and Cellist  David Hamilton, who contributed cello on Amuse De Q (2021) and Occam’s Foil (2019), has played with the band live in recent years. Founding member Ryan Rosoff returns on guitar and vocals, and  Curfew Vocalist Laura Sadie Bette adds backing vocals. Lente Viviente (Spanish for “Living Lens,” a play on Rosoff’s Video Memoir production company, LivingLens Memoirs). The album explores themes of memory and presence, perception and truth. The songs reflect on various topics, including childhood and enduring friendship in tracks like “Catch and Release” and “Dawn Villa....

Alter Bridge L to R: Scott Phillips, Myles Kennedy, Brian Marshall, Mark Tremonti Photo Credit: Chuck Brueckmann Edited by Anselm Anderson Grunge icons Alter Bridge have unveiled details for their upcoming self-titled eighth studio album, due for release next year via Napalm Records. Alter Bridge   will be released on January 9th, 2026.  Producer Michael Elvis' Baskette will once again take over the reins as the quartet recorded the album over two months at the legendary 5150 Studio in California and Elvis’ recording studio in Florida. Alter Bridge's latest album features 12 brand-new tracks that highlight some of their most iconic musical moments. Songs like "Rue The Day," "Disregarded," and "Scales Are Falling" evoke the band's earlier hits. "Trust In Me" showcases Myles Kennedy and guitarist Mark Tremonti sharing vocal duties, with Myles singing the verses and Mark taking over the chorus. The roles are reversed in "Tested And ...

  Words by Anselm Anderson The blog continues to discover incredible new bands on British shores, and none are more impressive than the latest LP from the Welsh blues rock trio, Cry For Mercy. The band is set to release "This Machine" on Friday, April 4th. Cry For Mercy also self-funded this 12-track album on their path to recognition. The release showcases the drive and determination of the group through raw emotion and thought-provoking storytelling. They have been described as "Classic 70's fused blues rock" with a modern sound. I  agree with that sentiment as the trio blend soul, blues, and 70s rock with a strong guitar-driven edge. Their warm and compelling vocals are soulful and evoke comparisons to Paul Rodgers and David Coverdale. Formed in 2008, the trio consisting of vocalist Kev Plant, his son and drummer Aled, and guitarist Andy Cutty has emerged as a significant force in the UK underground rock scene. They have captivated audiences with their live...

  Words by Anselm Anderson OOB Records invites the listener onto the magical and mysterious journey o f Beyond The Green Realm from the ancient forests of Northern Portugal. Drusuna released their highly anticipated follow-up to their 2016 debut 'Kaytos Kon' last November, promising to reconnect humans with the planet Earth through the traditions of Ritual Pagan Folk music. Drusuna was formed in 2009 by brothers Sephirus and Alvahagal. They initially wanted to tell their stories through organic sounds, using stones, wood, and various other elements to replicate the natural sounds of the planet. However, these plans changed with the release of their debut album. They have since changed their musical direction through a series of appearances across Portugal. Beyond The Green Realm embraces the signatures of Pagan folk music through poetry and instruments like acoustic guitar, flute, percussion, and various other non-folk sounds to captivate the listener into this enchanting wor...

  Words by Anselm Anderson The French rock group Last Temptation has returned with a new sound and lineup. In their latest album, "Heart Starter," they transition from their grunge rock guitar roots to a more traditional modern rock style. Lead by the talented guitarist Peter Scheithauer, Last Temptation has had a makeover with the addition of charismatic vocalist Loup Malevi, ex-Annihilator drummer Fabio Alessandri and long-time touring partner, bassist Franz OA Wise, Last Temptation delivers a fresh new approach to their music. "Heart Starter" is a commercial rock album in the guise of eighties rock acts like Van Halen and Aerosmith, emphasising groove-orientated riffs and huge choruses to reach a new audience, as they evolve as a unit. They recently made inroads with an appearance at Hellfest!, and supporting German Rock icons Scorpions on tour. The French band hopes to capitalise on that success with a new album, hoping to gain a bigger following from a main...

Photo Credit: BJF PR Media Interview by Anselm Anderson The Rambling Man always ventures to promote new bands, as a means to educate the readers. Today, I grabbed an opportunity to speak with the lead vocalist of the newly formed Sirensong, who recently released their latest single "March Into The Sun". Please scroll down to read the full transcript with Alice Freya, in which she discussed the inception of the band, their new single, and their upcoming album. Hello, how are you? Could you introduce yourself to the readers? We are SIRENSONG, a five-piece hard rock/ metal band from South Wales. Alice Freya - Vocals Jon Evans & Ryan Barnard - Guitars Billy George - Bass Daz Joseph - Drums Sirensong are a relatively new band. Could you explain how the band got together? Most of us have been in bands together before, with four of us previously playing in a prog band called Last Flight To Pluto). We were feeling an urge to concentrate on a different sound and direction, which w...

  Words by Anselm Anderson British Rock group Oswald Slain released their debut single "Happiness is Overrated" last week. The band, previously known as Little Thief, hails from Bristol, England. It blends classic Americana with grooves and driving rhythms, reminiscent of bands like Neil Young and Tom Waits. The band has previously toured the UK and appeared at festivals like Glastonbury and Isle of Wight. The founding members of Oswald Slain, Charlie Fitzgerald and Rhii Williams, decided to change the band name and take it in a different musical direction. Oswald Slain has been described as "Born from the creative cocoon of a home studio". The band's sounds reflect personal growth and musical evolution. band member Ryan Rogers produced the track in his back garden. Jason Mitchell mastered the record at Loud Mastering. "Happiness is Overrated" is described as a "rise above misery and a rebellion against the pressure of being happy". The track...

Words by Anselm Anderson Acclaimed English singer-songwriter Toby Jepson returns with his first solo album in over a decade, "Look Out: Volume One." This is the first trilogy of records set for release with Toby and The Whole Trut h via Jepsong Records. The band is the latest chapter in a long, illustrious career spanning over forty years. Jepson is best known as the jovial lead singer of Gun, Little Angels, and Wayward Sons, which led to chart success and a slew of successful tours. Jepson produced "Look Out," which, as he explains in the introduction, centres on recovering from mental health issues. The six songs are the first of twenty recorded over three records. It is a cathartic collection of tracks full of wisdom and advice told through the usual charm and enthusiasm of Toby Jepson. The tracks blend hard rock, blues, and pop rock, designed to give a different perspective on a disorder affecting us all.   This is apparent on the opening track "Alone with ...

  Words by Anselm Anderson British rock band Arrow Valley aims to make its mark in the rock and metal scene with its latest EP, "Embodiment," which was released last week. The heavy rock band followed up their debut EP, "You Are Not Alone," with a dynamic album featuring five tracks. Their sound is influenced by the soaring melodies of Creed and Alter Bridge and the aggressive metal style of Killswitch Engage. The band combines hard rock with metal elements to create an emotionally charged mini-release. The band, which formed last year, hails from the West Midlands in England. They are led by vocalist Arron Turner and guitarist Luke Hatton and are joined by bassist Abbas Ali, guitarist Nicky Hughes, and drummer Mark Harris Bristow. Hatton produced the album at his home and Vault Studios in Kidderminster. This helps bring an authentic gloss to the album. Photo Credit:Jessica Hughes The band showcases their growth as musicians in "Embodiment" by blending all...

Artwork: Hugh Syme   Words by Anselm Anderson British rockers Gone Savage are returning with a fresh sound and a new label. The duo, consisting of vocalist Will Glover and guitarist Ian Salpekar, is preparing for their debut label release, "Retrograde," which is scheduled for release next Friday, October 25th, through Muzzle Records . Brad Rolling, Peter Maher, and Gary Williams recorded, mixed, and mastered the ten track LP in the UK. Hugh Symes contributed to the excellent artwork as the band plugged in for this hard rock release. The band's sound leans towards an '80s rock style, influenced by bands like Ozzy Osbourne, Ratt, and Def Leppard. They bring together an intimate and personal album focusing on heavy riffs and solid ballads. Glover and Salpekar are complemented by drummer and percussionist Dex Tyler, who brings maturity and a fresh perspective to the production. The album opens with the lead single "Ram Me Down," a fiery rock track that sets the ...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist Myles Kenned y released his third solo album, titled "The Art of Letting Go," through Napalm Records last Friday.The follow-up to the critically acclaimed "The Ides of March" in 2021 was a contemplative piece by the rock vocalist, best known for fronting Alter Bridge and teaming with Slash and the Conspirators. This time around, Mr Kennedy seems to be in a reflective mood, as he muses over some key elements of his life thus far. "The Art of Letting Go" is a guitar-driven record that delves into the artist's influences with post-grunge rockers and the man in a hat. Kennedy, along with bandmates drummer Zia Uddin and bassist Tim Tournier, has created a spiritual album filled with wisdom and grace. Producer Michael Baskette oversaw the recording of this release at Studio Barbosa in Florida. Photo Credit: Chuck Bruekmann "The Art of Letting Go" opens the album with a captivating c...