The Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

  Words by Anselm Anderson  Decrepit Youths  is the latest band to gain popularity in the UK. This Newcastle-based quartet of rap metal musicians released their three-track debut EP, "Love Psycho Kill Machine", last week as an independent project. Formed in 2023, they quickly gained widespread airplay on BBC Radio One as part of the channel's Introducing series. The band features a dynamic vocal partnership between David Stoker and Connor Pattison, accompanied by bassist Tim Gambles and drummer Thomas Lee. They now offer a preview of their high-octane, aggressive sound. The group isn’t shy about tackling themes such as drug and alcohol use, as highlighted in the opening track "Love Psycho Kill Machine." This song is a burst of rapid rap verses layered over gritty guitars and distorted monologues, evoking the chaos of a very messy night out. Photo courtesy of San PR The chaotic and dysfunctional sound continues with "Black Dove," which features a combi...

  Words by Anselm Anderson If Cradle of Filth were to write love songs, "The Screaming of Valkyries" may be the closest they will get. The Dark overlords of the Death Metal underworld return with their fourteenth studio effort, released via Napalm Records today. The quintet collaborates again on their follow-up to 2021's "Existence is Futile" by revisiting old ghosts from the past and blending them with a modern sound. This nine-track mini-album is a chance to see the direction Cradle of Filth aims for in the future. The combination of traditional heavy metal styles with blackened thrash, symphonic elements, and gothic influences demonstrates that the band still has plenty of creativity left in the engine. Dani Filth brings his iconic screams and growls over atmospheric tracks like a demonic storyteller sitting down to regale old tales of witches, ghosts and demons. The intense dual guitar work from guitarists Ashok and Donny Burbage heightens the aggression of ...

  Photo Credit courtesy of Sound of Silence.  Words by Anselm Anderson French Quintet Pledge The Silence emerges on the metal scene with the tenacious EP"Guilty as Charged", released via Sound of Silence. Formed in 2005, The Parisians blend thrash metal with raw hardcore elements and aggressive metal. The "Guilty as Charged" production values highlight these styles through emotion and intensity. Each riff culminates in a volatile climax, featuring harsh vocals and poetic monologues interspersed throughout the 23-minute duration. The songs combine deeply emotional subjects like social anxieties and depression with politically motivated ones, enhancing the aggressive nature of the release. The monologues bring stability to an otherwise hectic mini-album. "Guilty as Charged" opens with an intro that transitions into the intense track "Burn the Flag," featuring powerful lyrics and sharp riffs that hit the listener like a sledgehammer to the stomach...

 Words by Anselm Anderson Bristol's rock quartet Oswald Slain, formerly known as Little Chief, has released a new single titled "Ugly," which is part of the upcoming album "Kiss Me on the Mouth," expected to be released in April 2025. The band blends Americana with blues rhythms and energetic rock grooves, influenced by Neil Young and The Band. They tell stories with a quirky sense of humour and a reflective stance. "Ugly" is one such tale, inspired by the 1997 film Boogie Nights , which looks behind the scenes of the 70's adult film indust ry. The song tells the story of seeing the ugly side of the industry. Lead vocalist Charlie Fitzgerald takes on the sleazy lead with his strong, nasal vocals, complemented by the rousing rhythms of fuzzy guitars. The drum's steady beats help enhance the sound and give a 70's edge. The song's provocative lyrics add to the intrigue and enjoyment. Photo courtesy of GLK Media Oswald Slain was born out of...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Punk tri o Lilith's Army celebrates signing with Independent Labe l Criminal Records, releasing their latest LP, on March 28th. Hailing from Northampton, England, the trio comprises vocalist/guitarist Sylvie Studente, bassist Tommy Mayo, and drummer Steve Sherwood. They blend lo-fi punk with grunge and metal, citing influences from L7 and Nirvana. "Doll" features 13 tracks of new material and re-recordings of previous releases. The album has a fresh, boisterous sound, boasting catchy pop-punk choruses and edgy riffs told from a personal perspective on heartbreak, social anxieties, and mental health. Lillith's Army aims to provide an alternative to the punk scene. The trio developed a strong fanbase over the years after a guest slot at the highly sought-after Glastonbury Festival, with support from Total Rock and Kerrang!  Let's get on with the review! The tongue-in-cheek song "Eat My TV" kicks off with a jab at social media ...

Art Coverwork, courtesy of Naomi Randall Words by Anselm Anderson Rambling Man's Reviews has recently embraced a Blues revival, featuring rising stars. Amongst the talented guitarists and bands, RJ Archer and the Painful Memories stand out with their ability to blend old traditional blues with modern values.   This past Friday, The quartet released "The Cost of a Loving Crisis", their third studio album. These ten personal songs are packed into half an hour of modern rock, mixed with country, blues and soul. Produced by Naomi Randall at Half Tom Studios in Cambridge, England, she captures each song with a pitch-perfect ear. The vibrant vocals of RJ Archer are complemented by an explosion of tasty guitar licks and a tight rhythm section, resulting in a compelling listening experience. The band had to adjust with Marc Ritchie replacing Ben Kingsbury on drums, while Kingsbury moved to the position of second guitarist. The inclusion of guest musicians further enhances the alb...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Nuclear Blast Records continues its excellent run of releases today with "Overdriver," the ninth studio album from the Swedish quintet The Hellacopters.  The follow-up to 2022's comeback album "Eyes of Oblivion" is a guitar-centred eleven-tracker that clocks in at forty minutes. The album was entirely produced by guitarist/vocalist Nicke Andersson at Strawberry Studio and The Honk Palace.  The album has a personal touch that reflects the effort put into bringing these tracks to life. The blend of anthemic choruses and punchy guitar riffs harkens back to classic rock artists of the 1970s. Additionally, the combination of blues elements and powerful lyrics creates a dynamic and rich rock sound. The Hellacopters have been making music for 30 years, and were formed in 1994 by ex-Entombed drummer Nicke Andersson and guitarist Dregen. Initially started as a side project, they quickly became a beloved part of Sweden's hard rock revival....