Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

Words by Anselm Anderson Earlier this month, Italian Technical Old-school death metal act Gory Blister  made their Eclipse Records debut with the scintillating Reborn From Hatred. The album was the trio's seventh release over a career spanning three decades. The band comprises three members: John St John as the vocalist, Raff Sangiorgio as the guitarist, bassist, and synth player, and Gianluca D'Andria as the drummer. Their album has 11 tracks and runs for over half an hour. The songs feature intricate time signatures, powerful riffs, and intense energy, giving listeners a wild introduction to the band. 'Rebron From Hatred' was produced by drummer  Raff Sangiorgio  with assistance from  Gianluca D'andria.  Ricardo Borges helped mix the track s (Sepultura, Kreator, Carcass),  which were mastered by Peter Brussee (Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Bolton).  Gory Blister has come a long way since sending small demo recordings to local magazines. ...

Release Date: September 22nd        Record Label: Sun Records Words by Anselm Anderson For more than fifty years, English singer Paul Rodgers has been a rock icon, selling over 125 million records worldwide. He has blessed us fans with his soulful vocals, performing with legendary bands such as Bad Compan y and Free . Rodgers returns with his first solo release in 25 years on Friday, September 22nd via Sun Records . The eight-tracker Midnight Rose was written by himself with the exception of "Livin' It Up".The album was produced and recorded by his long-time companion, Cynthia and renowned producer Bob Rock at Roper Recording and The Warehouse. I believe this is a lovely addition as it enables Paul Rodgers to compose an intimate and individual album based on his love for blues and soul. This is evident throughout the album, as Rodgers radiates on each track. The upbeat drums in "Coming Home" resemble ZZ Top, with a man's soulful vocals expressing his ...

Words by Anselm Anderson  American Industrial Metal Act Everlasting God Stopper released a new single "Techno Logic"   from their forthcoming self-titled album due out on October 28th. The Columbus, OH natives are led by Charlie B. Koyote (vocals/guitar), who is joined by guitarist Steve D. Monic, bassist Johnny Mayhem and drummer Patrick Baily. Koyote says, “The song, “Techno Logic” is about the slow takeover of technology and how the consolidation of power to just a few wealthy individuals is absolutely a way to destroy everything we have built as a society. It serves as a melodic warning to anyone who would listen.” The band's industrial sound bears influence from Rammstein, Devin Townsend and Misfits. The song begins with explosive drum blasts over a ferocious guitar sound. The band transitions between different time signatures and rhythmic ideas. The band blends progressive elements, heavy metal guitars, and punk-style vocals with machine gun-style drumming, dist...

Words by Anselm Anderson  Bound For Glory is the voice that keeps the "fire inside the energy that drives you", according to Texan-based hip-hop artist Hyro the Hero. The album is set for release this Friday (September 15th) via Better Noise Records.   I don't usually review Hip-Hop artists but "Bound For Glory" is an alternative for rock and metal fans alike! The artist's visceral vocal style blends with poetic verses detailing the struggles Hyro the Hero went through to achieve success. The album features some well-known voices from the metal community, including Disturbed vocalist David Draiman, Atreyu vocalist Brandan Saller and  HellYeah frontman Chad Grey.  These acquisitions help harmonise the message Hyro attempts to convey through his brand of brash, aggressive vocals and lyrics about social media, War, Mental Health etc. Hyro crossovers into the metal stream with blistering riffs, dynamic electronics and a penchant for smashing the ceiling. The...

Words by Anselm Anderson Previously, I reviewed a few upcoming bands from Rouen, France. Inner Light is the next in line for review, with a look at their debut EP titled "Inner Light." A female-fronted metalcore band combines harsh vocals with an energetic and melodic metal sound on their five-track release. This year has seen a slew of progressive new metal bands with a strong dynamic. Inner Light is no different with lead vocalist Marine leading the way with her unapologetic guttural vocals. The EP's opening track features a raw and emotional brand of metal, blending technical and melodic guitar work. On "Inside My Veins" " the music builds to a scintillating and sinister climax. The thick basslines provide a crunchy edge.  Photo Credit: Sushi Photo Lab The fractious "Monsters" is next with Marine's vocals reminiscent of an enraged individual, snapping over erratic percussion. There is a sense of urgency and seriousness in the music. The f...

Words by Anselm Anderson The highly-anticipated debut EP from rising alt-rockers, The Fires Below , called Masquerade, was released last Friday. The EP includes four tracks packed with energetic rock, featuring in-your-face punk stylings blended with groove-orientated stoner metal riffs. The Fires Below is ready to make a big impact on the rock world. Formed during the London lockdown, the band includes Smithy's towering vocals, Del's thunderous drumming, Sam's crunchy riffs, and Si's rumbling basslines. Photo Credit: Lorenzo Guerrieri The band draws influences from bands like Sepultura, QOTSA and Sex Pistols. They blend intensity with social topics such as consumerism, greed and corruption in twelve minutes of rousing rock and roll. The emotional vocals of Smithy blend with the dual guitars and basslines.  The Grunge-infused "Masquerade" is full of mesmerizing, groove-laden riffs that are both captivating and haunting. Next up is "Another Day" by t...

Words by Anselm Anderson  This past Tuesday saw the welcoming of a new release from the Metalocaplypse. Dethalbum IV i s the fourth album by the animated melodic death metal band Dethlok formed by Brandon Small and Gene Hoglan . Dethlok was formed over fifteen years ago. They were initially created for a TV show on  Adult Swim . The two-piece ventured into the outside world to build their brand of high-energy metal. They combined it with comedic performances and a brutal sound . Dethalbum IV is the heaviest yet, featuring the animated-on-screen performances of vocalist Nathan Explosion, lead guitarist Skwisgaar Skwielf, Rhythm guitarist Toki Wartooth and drummer Pickles.  They are ready to release their distinctive sound and conquer the metal scene. the album is the duo's first in a decade and showcases their most aggressive sound yet. The bold and menacing sound of the band is created by the growls of vocalist Nathan Explosion and the mesmerizing fretwork of Skwielf and...