Rockstar Reviewer

Words by Anselm Anderson East London Rockers Harriet Comfort mark their return with 'The Other Side', released November 27th will be the follow-up to debut single Time is Now. ( Click here to read the review ) The band took full advantage of the recent lockdown, and the " rules of six", to complete recording with producer Peter Maher live in the studio. Ryan Pinson helped mix the track, inspired by a night out with some unsavoury characters. Harriet Comfort brings to life experiences to deliver a bluesy number that steeps to their depths to play to their strengths. The empowering presence of Amy Church on vocals produces a sultry essence to the backdrop of eerie keys and soaring guitars. Bassist Rick Gold's driving basslines rumble along to Sean Dalton's timely drumbeats. The song builds tension, as Church conveys a solitary figure. The dark overtones quickly explode into a catchy chorus. as atmospherics change to the increasing tempo. Guitarist Brett Mcfarl...

Words by Anselm Anderson  Australians' Age of Iguana recently released two singles, "Two of a Kind & "Otherside" " Two of a Kind" is the first single from the band. The Alt-Rock/3 piece consists of Ben George ( Vox. Guitar), bassist Bernard Hickey and drummer Aidan Smith. They were first formed by high school friends George and Hickey before, Smith later joined them from Melband. Two Of A Kind is a psychedelic number, steeped in hazy vocals and screeching guitars to leave your head spinning.  The track was recorded during the first Lockdown when Ben George teamed up with Simon Polinski to mix and master the track in two separate locations: Ben's Home and Laundry Goat Studios. Age of Iguana cites Oasis, Brian Jonestown Massacre and Dinosaur Jr amongst their influences, which can be heard here. The track begins with a retro 70's vibe with dazzling keys and meaty riffs segue into George's laid-back vocals. George's simple strumming pattern...

 Photo courtesy of Stefan Heileman Interview by Anselm Anderson I recently reviewed the excellent " The Last Viking", from German symphonic metallers' Leave's Eyes. The album focuses on the last battle of King Harold Hadrada at Stamford Bridge, before succumbing to his fate in England. The album is a beautiful display of orchestration, songwriting, and incredible dual vocals. I got an opportunity to speak with lead singer, songwriter, and true Viking Alexander Krull about "The Last Viking", the orchestration, Viking sagas, and the difficulties of making an album during the pandemic Hello, I hope you are well. Leave’s Eyes has a new album out on Friday called “The Last Viking”, Can you explain a bit about it, and what listeners can expect? Alex: “The Last Viking” is a big, diverse metal album for Leaves' Eyes with probably the most epic Viking saga there is. We are also proud to present the over 90-minute film documentary “Viking Spirit” which was a lot ...

Words by Anselm Anderson Psychedelic rockers Honeyburst are the latest act to explode from Sweden. The four-piece formed in Halmstad a few years back have recently released their first single "Revelation" from their upcoming sophomore album, The band combines groove-laden riffs with a sonic edge harking back to the days of a certain Prince of Darkness. Revelation is a hazy trip through time, as vocalist Noah Soderberg Stenman's rich voice hovers above highly-charged guitar lines. The track's tempo builds with each imaginative entrance capturing the listener's ears as Hammond keys screech along. The finale is a whirlpool of said instrument and blazing solos that combust like cosmic dust. Honey burst explains the meaning behind " revelation", "The song is about a person's revelation and awakening. When the frameworks and regulations one has become accustomed to fail or break, people are often inclined to think that what they now see as unstructur...

Secondhand Habit is another prospective talent, emanating from Canada. Contact High is the name of their latest release, a collection of 7 singles the band has recorded over the past year. The quintet combines combustible rock 'n' roll with synergetic guitar riffs and pummeling drum beats. They have spent the past few years touring Canada, opening for Electric Six , Nashville Pussy  & Daniel Wesley  to name but a few. This has now brought the band much-needed admiration, following the success of its predecessor " From the Ashes" ,  including me. I noticed an email from the band, asking for coverage. I was intrigued when I read a list of comparisons, which namechecked Nirvana, Mastodon, Alice In Chains, and Faith No More. The result is a pinch of these influences that piqued my interest. Opener 'H ey'  is an explosive number to get things started. Groove-laden riffs, solid drumming, and a lyrical nature that reflects the songwriter's free-spirited deme...

Words by Anselm Anderson German Symphonic Metallers' Leave's Eyes return with their eighth studio effort The Last Viking, due out on Oct 23rd via AFM Records. The band's love of Viking sagas and medieval instruments combine to tell the tale of the last battle of  Norway's King Harald III. The concept album chronicles his remaining thoughts, as he lays dying at Stamford Bridge in 1066. The Last Viking  finalises a lasting story, made famous in cult albums Vinland  (2005) & King of Kings  ( 2015). Leave's Eyes presents 14 songs of intelligent lyrics, bombastic musical passages and lung-busting singing to take you on this history lesson. Death of Kings  is a requiem to the fallen Haraldara ( King Harald), led by the sorrowful Elina Sirala, whilst tribal drums thud  to the lament of husky vocalist Alexander Krull in this beginning to an epic saga, Chain Of the  Golden Horn is a pulsating Pagan Hymn. This reminds me of early 2000 Nightwish with more pom...

Words by Anselm Anderson Cousin Betty presents a common favourite of this writer: A slab of distorted, psychedelic riffs and fervent grunge I cannot ever get tired of. Drone ,  is the band's debut single taken from upcoming EP Left. via Golden Robot Records.  The band is the brainchild of guitarist/songwriter Damien Stoftka , a man responsible for writing many a riff for Molten Universe, Death Mattel etc in his 15-year career. Inspired by the Desert Sessions, Stoftka decided on a project that would centre around guest musicians and performers contributing music live. Stoftka was able to form his band through "Micro-bands" he supported to end up with a core line up of Matt Downey ( Vocals), and a rhythm section of Pat Walker (OHMS), Tom Bambachi,  ( Lime Spiders, Aberration,) Ged and Tom Corben ( Lime Spiders) and Chris Drane ( Cherrywood). Drone  begins with a fuzz- filled riff that builds in tension, as the vocals interject. Downey's lyrics reflect the anger he fee...