The Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

  Words by Anselm Anderson Hard rock band The Dead Daisies  will release their first blues cover album, 'Lookin' For Trouble,' this week through SPV. This ten-track album features renditions of classics by blues legends such as B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf, and Robert Johnson. Vocalist John Corabi and the rest of the band deliver these songs with their signature rock 'n' roll swagger. Produced by Marti Fredrikssen at the renowned FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, each track is revitalised as The Daisies infuse these timeless classics with a touch of rock polish. The band entered the studio last March, during the recordings of 'Light 'em Up', and sat down to record an impromptu session. These sessions soon grew into something special, and the group decided to release them as part of a collection. Photo Courtesy of The Dead Daisies John Corabi delivers a masterful performance as the charismatic statesman, exuding power and soul. The carefully selected...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Thrash metal band Insult has released their highly anticipated debut album, "Reside Infernus," today. Comprised of former members of 1980s thrash titans Onslaught, the Bristol-based band delivers relentless energy and aggression. Pulling inspiration from an era characterised by heavy riffs and intense songs about war and religion, Insult channels this into an 8-track package.'Reside Infernus' is the result of perseverence and passion, recorded in a home studio without modern digital tools. The album is half hour or less of breakneck speed and tenacity, reminiscent of Bay Area thrashers Testament and Exodus. The album is a thrash release with NWOBHM stylings. Photo courtesy of San PR Formed by ex- Onslaught bassist Jase Stallard and Ex-roadie Jase Howell in the eighties, They have found their opportunity to showcase their talents to the world. Drummer Steve Grice joins guitarists Robbie Harris and Jonny Fifield to complete the lineup. The c...

 Words by Anselm Anderson Italian singer-songwriter and guitarist Jacopo Pausa has released his most experimental album. Hailing from Brescia, Italy, Pausa is a talented guitar player with a warm voice. Rambling Man has followed his progress since he broke onto the scene a few years ago. He skillfully mixes different styles of blues for a modern audience, and I was excited to hear about his new album, I Am What I Am , which was released a couple of weeks ago. This ten-track album is the third release that this blog has reviewed, and it stands out from his previous efforts. Pausa has introduced a new lineup, alongside a fresh approach and attitude. I would say this is his most personal work, featuring several biographical tracks along with strong storytelling elements. He has stripped down the laid back blues for a blend of Jazz, Reggae, Ska, Rap, Rock, Funk and, of course, blues. The riffs are still sharp and the melodies infectious, but he has brought a sense of wholesomeness and ...

Photo courtesy of Eliran Kandor Words by Anselm Anderson The Greek blackened death metal quartet  Nightfall  returns with their eleventh studio album, marking an impressive milestone in their thirty-year career. Titled 'Children of Eve,' this release showcases their most powerful and personal blend of intense drumming, aggressive guitars, and gothic melodies, designed to evoke strong emotions in the listener. Released today by  Season of Mist,  the ten-track album showcases the band's anger towards organized religion and world leaders involved in a "Holy War." Formed in 1991, the band emerged as part of the unholy trinity of "Hellenic Metal" acts in Greece, alongside  Rotting Christ  and  Septicflesh.  They briefly made history by signing an international deal with  Metal Blade  before going on hiatus in 2010. Now back with a vengeance, lead vocalist Efthimis Karamandis, who was diagnosed with depression, dons a half mask to symbolize hi...

  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...