Rockstar Reviewer

WORDS BY ANSELM The Gems is a new name for the rock scene. However, the members are familiar to fans of the Female Swedish rock act Thundermother . Last February, the band shocked the rock world by firing Lead singer Guernica Mancini. Bassist Mona Lindgren and drummer Emlee Johansson soon followed suit with a show of loyalty to their long-term friend. The result is Phoenix , the debut album released today via Napalm Records . The 16-track release is a hard rock album and a mission statement. The trio rise from the ashes to fulfil their rock ‘n’ roll potential. Produced by Johan Randén, the album was mastered by Plec Johansson (Soilwork, Hank von Hell, Firewind). The decision to hire these gentlemen gives justice to the women. They almost sound relieved as the shackles are off. The women are free to experiment with different genres of rock on Phoenix. So, that is enough from the rambling man, let’s transpire with the review. The album starts with a song called “Aurora, ” an acapella...

Record Label: Frontiers Music SRL Jack Russell, the vocalist of Great White , and Tracii Guns , the founder of LA Guns, are well-known names in the eighties’ glam rock scene. The duo now joins forces for their debut release Medusa via Frontiers Music SRL. The album marks a comeback for Russell seven years after recording his last record with Great White . The cobwebs don’t show as he teams up with guitar maestro Guns. Medusa includes the typical Frontiers Music SRL ingredients with special guest musicians assisting during recording. LA Guns bassist Johnny Martin, ex-drummer Shane Fitzgibbon , and Revolution Saints Multi-instrumentalist Alessandro Del Vecchio join the duo. Each musician plays a role in complementing the two legends, combining them to produce their best work to date. I was pleasantly surprised and excited after listening to the opening two tracks. My initial thoughts were a throwback to bands like The Quireboys. The rock ‘n’ roll influences from their earlier wo...

Words by Anselm Anderson British Hard rockers Nightblade has released their fourth album  That's The Way You Want It  is a follow-up to last year's Hope To Be There.  I could not review that particular album but I have always admired Nightblade's guitar-driven sound.  The band has announced that their sixth album, released within four years, will have some surprises. Givvi Flynn guest on   a cover of Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street," and a New Year song. The band, based in the Midlands of England, has been featured in several music publications such as HRH Magazine, Kerrang! , and Powerplay, which has helped to increase their recognition. The band has replaced their drummer Rich Lawley with Harry Anson to add a new dimension to their sound.  The album "That's The Way You Want It" features ten rock songs with sharp riffs and warm vocals that casual fans will enjoy. The self-titled track offers the same radio-friendliness as bands like Foo Fighters...

Words by Anselm Anderson Today, the legendary Blue Oyster Cult have released 5 0th Anniversary Live-First Night  via Frontiers Music S.R.L. The Three-day event celebrates an incredible fifty years of Classic rock icons, recorded in September 2022. The 2-CD Deluxe edition divides the first night into two. As part of the extravaganza, the band played three sold-out shows at Sony Hall, NYC. During the set, the band played one of their first three albums- 1972's self-titled debut, 1973's Tyrants and Mutation, and 1974's Secret Treaties. The three-hour sets featured deep cuts and a special guest appearance from founding drummer Albert Bouchard. I have long been a fan of the group so any opportunity to review one of their releases brings joy to this writer. The band are seen as a major influence on the heavy metal and hard rock scene, including Metallica.  They are renowned for their catchy songs, heavy music, and lyrics often deemed funny, ambiguous, or terrifying. The set feat...

Words by Anselm Anderson London-based Indie rock act Plastic Barricades is set to release their third studio effort We Stayed Indoors, today (Thursday, November 30th) via Plastic Tribe Records. The album provides a fascinating insight into the effects of the Covid-19 lockdown from a few years ago. "We Stayed Indoors" takes a complex and quirky approach to loneliness, hope, courage, living in the moment, regrets, hopes and perception. It was a telling time for many of us and this ten-track LP perfectly captures the moments in 45 minutes. The album title is inspired by the 2001 track "We Laugh Indoors" by the band's idols Death Cab For Cutie. I reviewed a couple of singles earlier this year ( "Counting Fireworks", and "Lucid in the Fall") and was instantly taken by the blend of melodic vocals, imaginative lyrics and the overwhelming acoustics and electronics on display. So, I was excited to receive this via my Inbox. The band's brand of in...

Words By Anselm Anderson The Bad Electric are a Punk band that recently emerged from a burgeoning Welsh Music scene. The quintet are set to release their hotly-anticipated new EP "Happy Endings are Overrated" on 8th December. Beforehand, they will release two singles to precede the album. I shall review the first single "Beans", which came out on Friday 24th November. The self-styled "DIY" band formed in Swansea, Wales three years ago. Since then, they have self-released, recorded, and mixed last year's debut EP "In His Blood". They refer to themselves as a punk band but blend in alternative rock, indie and electro to give those earlugs a wringing. The Bad Electric comprises lead vocalist Johnny Randall, Matt Williams (Guitar / Synth / Vocals), Zach Williams (Bass / Vocals) and Tom Young (Drums). They feature various members from the Swansea Music scene such as HWDU and Suns of Thunder to name a few. "Beans" is an energetic punk tra...

Words by Anselm Anderson T he second EP review of the week is a look at the upcoming four-tracker , Coda Revival by  British hard rock act  Lords of Ruin  due  for release this Friday, November 24th. The band combines alternative metal with contemporary rock to satisfy the cravings of enthusiastic rock fans. Lords Of Ruin reminds me of a younger version of Avenged Sevenfold and a heavier alternative to Shinedown with their powerful and captivating lyrics, sharp riffs, and blistering drumming. The band explores a variety of styles on the four songs that are available here. Lords of Ruin were conceived in Northern England seven years ago, but it wasn't until 2019 that they released their first single. The band consists of "Lords" with vocalist Lord Dox, Lord Stev-O on drums, bassist Lord Liam and guitarists Lords Kev and Stones. They first gained notoriety with an appearance at the Hard Rock Hell Festiva l before the turgid pandemic struck Britain, Thankfully. The Lo...