The Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

Photo Credit: Eclipse Records   Words written by Anselm Anderson Last week, Stereophobia released their highly anticipated sophomore album, Choke on This , through Eclipse Records. This album follows their 2023 debut, No One Cares, and features a straightforward blend of alt-rock and grunge influences. Stereophobia is a power trio based in Lisbon, Portugal, consisting of guitarist and vocalist Mike Rocha, drummer Daniel Antunes, and bassist Bruno Santos. Produced by Miguel Camillo and mixed, mastered and recorded alongside Stereophobia at MC Studios. Choke on This consists of thirteen tracks filled with musically unsettling tones, angst-driven lyrics, and sonically enriching riffs that cut deep. Photo Credit: Rodrigo Vargas The album opens with an unsettling monologue that transitions into the intense cries of 'Maggots', which combines frenetic riffs and frenzied harsh vocals, propelling this album into a dramatic surge of grunge. The album maintains a grunge essence, echoing ...

Words by Anselm Anderson American rock veterans Chevelle return after a four-year hiatus with their ambitious tenth studio album, "Bright as Blasphemy." The nine Tracker explores the complexities of the human mind as the band self-produces their first release for Alchemy Recordings, marking a promising label debut. The band joined an independent label last year to collaborate in a positive, musician-centred environment. This move has led them to adopt a heavier sound. Their songs explore the human psyche and the emotional challenges that accompany it. Self-produced by the Loeffler brothers, "Bright as Blasphemy" delivers a gritty, dark, and thunderous sound that is both addictive and enjoyable. The follow-up to 2021's 'Niratias' celebrates the brothers' newfound independence, providing them with greater creative freedom. The album begins with the dark, intense screams on 'Pale Horse,' a track that delves into gloomy atmospherics, accompanied ...

Photo courtesy of San PR Words by Anselm Anderson Last week, emerging British metal band Silk Spinster released their highly anticipated self-titled debut EP. The six-track release is a celebration of classic rock, featuring energetic riffs, massive choruses, and bold lyrics that capture the essence of rock and roll life. This release pays tribute to iconic bands such as Iron Maiden, Mötley Crüe, and Guns N' Roses. Photo courtesy of San PR Formed in Kingston-Upon-Hull four years ago, the quartet has steadily built a strong fan base through their theatrical performances and onstage costumes, paying tribute to the post-apocalyptic film Mad Max and the slasher film Friday the 13th. They have starred at festivals like Bloodstock and Call of the Wild , as well as sharing the stage with British Blues band Mother Vulture  and US Heavy Metal band Contortion . The EP has been a long time in the making, covering stories of monster slaying and lost love. The opening track begins with a...

  Words by Anselm Anderson British heavyweights Our North released their latest EP, Everyone for Themselves, last week. The EP consists of six tracks. Originating from Sheffield, England, this quintet has built a following over the past six years, earning praise and drawing comparisons to local favourites Bring Me The Horizon. This is understandable, as their sound captures the same energy and intensity, blending hip-hop verses with trap beats. They have developed a distinctive musical style, which continues to gain momentum. The band's sound combines hypnotic beats, visceral vocals and sonically enhanced guitars, which is described as metalcore. The theme of the album captures how people prioritise self-interest over forming empathetic relationships and showing community. Photo courtesy of San PR The album's sense of urgency effectively conveys the claustrophobic and frustrating effects these traits have on both the individual and society. The opener "Choked to Death...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Although Ian 'Lemmy' Kilmister has been gone for nearly ten years, his legacy continues to thrive. His legendary band, Motörhead, honours his memory with the release of The Manticore Tapes this week. Motorhead formed in 1975, but it wasn't until 1979 that they released their debut album, Motorhead, with the lineup of Lemmy, guitarist 'Fast' Eddie Clarke, and drummer 'Filthy' Phil Taylor. Before this, the lineup came together in August 1976 to rehearse and record a jamming session to showcase the new members at Manticore Studios in Fulham, London. The home of Emerson, Lake and Palmer hosted the soon-to-be iconic trio as they jammed together for the first time. Those sessions have now been released as the 'Lost' tape this week for diehard fans to listen to what Motörhead sounded like in those earlier days. The chance meeting with a little-known manager, Frank Kennington,  had a significant impact on the struggling band, captu...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Italian symphonic death metal band Genus Ordinis Dei returns with their explosive live album 'Eternal Live', released through Eclipse Records. The album covers part of their European Tour in November 2024, which supported German Symphonic metal band Xandria and Norwegian Gothic metal band Sirenia.  The tour showcases the emotive growls of vocalist Nick K, whose guitar harmonies with fellow guitarist Tommy Monticelli create compelling music. Drummer Nico Pedralli completes the lineup with his thunderous drumming. The band's blends of ethereal symphonies, intertwined with stirring melodies, and aggressive vocals are captured on this eight-song release. The tour follows the release of their 2023 album, "The Beginning," and includes performances of tracks like "Aertunus," "Changing Star," and "Genesis." Genus Ordinis Dei began their illustrious career in Crema, Italy, in 2009, following a chance meeting wit...

  Words by Anselm Anderson French duo The Inspector Cluzo has released their tenth album,  Less Is More . The album was self-released and financed through their record label, The Bass Player Records. The record consists of ten tracks of complex blues movements intertwined with jazz undertones and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. The duo of guitarist and vocalist Laurent and drummer Mathieu formed in 2008 on a farm in Gascon, France. The duo decided to finance and produce their records through revenue generated from selling organic food on the farm. Less Is More  marks the pair's tenth release. In this album, they address issues such as environmental problems associated with organic farming and the economics of the music business. The lyrics and concept are inspired by the 19th-century American philosopher Henry David Thoreau and the 20th-century French philosopher Guy Debord. Producer Vance Powell captured the duo's raw energy and enthusiasm in just four days in Nashville, USA. T...