The Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

  Words from Anselm Anderson Horror rocker Wednesday 1 3 returns after a three-year hiatus with his latest studio album, "Mid Death Crisis," released today via Napalm Records. The Murderdolls vocalist follows up his 2022 album "Horrifier" with his heaviest record. The new album is filled with his signature wit and clever wordplay. It features a strong 1980s influence, with chugging grooves and arena-like fist-pumping tracks sure to satisfy the average fan . The Duke of Spook promises a "leave-your-brain-at-the-door" rager, and he certainly delivers. The vocalist has brought in guitarist Alex Kane to produce an album that blends dark glam with 80s-influenced hard rock. 'Mid Death Crisis' demonstrates that there are no signs of slowing down as he delves into lyrical depth and experiments with new sounds. Photo courtesy of Anabel D fLux The eerie intro "There Are No Such Things as Monsters" begins before the rebellious "Decease and De...

Photo courtesy of Memphia Music Management Words by Anselm Anderson  Today, Bristol's rock trio Oswald Slain released their highly anticipated debut EP "Kiss Me on the Mouth" as an independent record. Rambling Man's Reviews has supported this band over the last several months with positive outlooks of their singles 'UGLY' and 'Happiness is Overrated'. The evocative songwriting and tongue-in-cheek humour piqued my interest as I prepared for this release. Recorded by Jason Mitchell in their home studio, Kiss Me on the Mouth is five tracks of firebrand indie rock and self-proclaimed Americana. The EP captures the raw energy and personality of the group as they prepare for a mini tour of the British Isles next week, in support of the EP. The lascivious 'UGLY' kicks off things with a take on the 1997 American film Boogie Nights, a critique of the 1970's porn industry. The dirty blues riff supplements the seedy vocals, reminiscent of the American...

  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  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...