The Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

  Artwork courtesy of Spencer Caligiuri Words Written by Anselm Anderson LA-based heavy metal band Wings of Steel released their sophomore album, Winds of Time , last week via independent distribution . The powerful trio revitalises metal, reminiscent of the good old days, with their 1980s-influenced style . Their high-octane vocals, pounding drums, and sizzling guitar solos evoke memories of iconic bands like Dio , Saxon , and Judas Priest while making a bold statement of intent. This eight-track release showcases the band's growth as a rising force in the United States and Europe. Wings of Steel was formed in 2019 in Los Angeles, USA . They released their self-titled debut EP three years later, followed by their first full-length album, titled Gates of Twilight , two years ago. Last year, the band released their first live album before embarking on their first European tour . They have performed at festivals such as The Whisky A Go Go  and   Up The Hammers ....

  Written by Anselm Anderson Texan rock trio Little King has returned with their eighth studio album, Lente Viviente , which is their most progressive and ambitious work to date. The release was recorded a few months back in Arizona , marking the first time the band have recorded outside their native Texas. The band has made some personnel changes since their last outing six years ago. Drummer Tony Bojorquez joins guitarist and vocalist Ryan Rossoff , along with bassist and cellist David Hamilton , to record this seven-track release. The album draws similarities to prog rock icons Rush and Genesis while presenting a fresh and original approach. It sounds as though the band has undergone some serious soul-searching over those years. The album title Lente Viviente  roughly translates to "Living Lens," a play on words of Rossoff's Video Memoir Production company, LivingLens Memoirs . It examines the balance between truth and perception, featuring thought-provoking lyrics...

Edited by Anselm Anderson German guitarist Michael Schenker has been a key figure in rock music for the past fifty years, captivating audiences around the globe with his signature flying V guitar . He has garnered admiration from rock fans worldwide due to his distinctive style and flair, performing with notable bands such as UFO and Scorpions . He has continued this trend with the Michael Schenker Group , and " Don't Sell Your Soul " is the thirteenth instalment in the band's forty-six-year history. The album was released last week via EarMusic and is the second part of a trilogy that Schenker plans to release. This follow-up to last year's " My Fifty Years with UFO " serves as a throwback to Schenker's successful career. Photo Credit: Ross Halfin Produced by Schenker and longtime collaborator Michael Voss , the album features the usual suspects: Bodo Schopf on drums, bassist Bernd Courbole , and guitarist Steve Mann . The guest vocals are provi...

Photo courtesy of San Pr Edited by Anselm Anderson A few weeks ago, Irish rockers Mirroglass released their debut album , Handle with Care. The nine-track album showcases all the band's influences in punk and hard rock, resulting in an energetic and fresh release. The band is led by a fresh-faced teenager named Joshua Bowles, who has gradually built a reputation for their anthemic and modern sounds. They formed in Cavan, Ireland, in 2022 and have gone through a few lineup changes since. Bowles soon returned from a mini-hiatus with a new lineup, which includes bassist Jack Bogue, keyboardist Vay, and drummer Paul Jackman. Following the release of a couple of singles, the band returned to the studio to record "Handle with Care." The album catches the ears early on with the rebellious 'Hey Honey', an infectious dose of rock'n 'roll, the contagious riffs remind me of bands like AC/DC and The Quireboys. Photo Credit: San PR However, the album opens with a spa...

Photo courtesy of Memphia Music Management Interview conducted by Anselm Anderson Hello, how are you? Spin Class released their second EP, titled ‘Dinner at Derek’s,’ on July 18th. Could you tell us more about this release? This EP is a new era of Spin Class. We’ve spent a year crafting our tone, writing together in the same city and playing live. Dinner at Derek’s promises a menu of short, yet full tunes, chock-full of chops and changes, riffs to make your belly rumble, and melodies you’ll find yourself singing to yourself, even when you don’t want to. How would you compare this album to your first EP, 'Wednesday'? We’ve approached this batch of tunes with feeling rather than thinking, which we feel comes across, especially in the performance, compared to ‘Wednesday’. We recorded the whole EP live! It was a joyous event for us, but one we loved and will likely make our process moving forward. ‘Wednesday’ was us finding our feet as a band, ‘Dinner at Derek’s’ is us letting yo...

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 ...