The Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

Photo Credit: Chris Griffiths of Riff Photos Interview conducted by Anselm Anderson Good evening, Ross. Congratulations on your latest release, The Blood and the Blues. How has the reception been so far? Ross – Thank you kindly. It’s been good so far. I feel like my music is slow-burning. It may take time to resonate with the right audiences, but when it does, it’s potent. It sits in an in-between place between Blues audiences and fans of darker types of music. The lyrical content can be heavy, uncomfortable at times. It’s art. This makes it slightly niche, I guess. It’s not for everyone, and I am at peace with that. People have come back to my shows, bought the album, and I’m seeing audiences build up all over the UK, so clearly something is working. The album was released in November, providing listeners with a few months to engage with it. Could you elaborate on how the album will connect with your forthcoming UK tour? Ross – The overarching motif of my whole creative process at ...

  Written by Anselm Anderson Today, Alter Bridge releases their eighth studio album . The self-titled release features twelve tracks of their most deeply personal and heaviest material since 2007's Blackbird album. "Alter Bridge" follows up 2022's critically Acclaimed Pawn and Kings , and is once again produced by Michael 'Elvis' Baskette  at his legendary 5150 studios in Los Angeles . He consistently brings out the best in the band with his keen ear for their nuances. This is true for Alter Bridge. Baskette emphasises the band's strengths as writers and musicians, with the group aiming for a harder rock sound. They express more meaning and emotion compared to their previous albums. The songs feel darker, featuring a dark sound with more emphasis on solos and memorable riffs. In this release, guitarist Mark Tremonti takes centre stage with dual vocals on two tracks: ' Trust in Me ' and ' Tested and Able .' His quiet, melodic vocals ble...

Edited by Anselm Anderson  All-star hard rock collective Black Swan unveil their new single and official video, “Paralyzed”, title track of the upcoming studio album set for release on February 27, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.- The four-piece Meldodic rock band features Robin McAuley ( McAuley Schenker Group ), Reb Beach ( Winger , Whitesnake ), Jeff Pilson ( Foreigner , The End Machine , ex-Dokken ), and Matt Starr ( Ace Frehley , Mr. Big ). Lead vocalist Robin McAuley commented on the release: “Nowadays, it’s difficult not to become submerged in the news and negative comments presented to us through all media sources. That feeling of being numb and unsafe with an overpowering feeling of anxiety. Desperate for change, I get back to the good old days when things seemed simpler. Craving to hear something positive and yet helpless and repeatedly overwhelmed by so much negative space, leaving us feeling paralysed”. Bassist Jeff Pilson adds, “Paralysed ” is another Robin McAuley...

Alter Bridge L to R: Scott Phillips, Myles Kennedy, Brian Marshall, Mark Tremonti Photo Credit: Chuck Brueckmann Edited by Anselm Anderson ALTER BRIDGE unveils the final single ahead of their forthcoming self-titled eighth studio album, set for global release this Friday. “ Scales Are Falling ” delivers the band’s signature rock sound, brought to life by Myles Kennedy (vocals/guitars), Mark Tremonti (guitars/vocals), Brian Marshall (bass), and Scott Phillips (drums). The track delves into the pivotal moment of realising deception, capturing the profound emotional weight that accompanies the revelation of truth. Lead vocalist Myles Kennedy comments on the meaning behind the track, “It’s when you realise the reality of a situation where you’ve been deceived. You see the truth and how harsh it is.” “Scales Are Falling” is available now across all digital service providers. The accompanying visualizer is created by Marcin Pospiech ( Nine Inch Nails , Tool – @reinfected.me), which is...

  Photo: Altankhuyag Erdenebat Words by Anselm Anderson There are times when a band comes along and becomes an instant success, the music industry takes note and churns out its successor. Mongolian Folk band UUhai follow the success and signature sound of fellow countrymen The Hu . The band's use of traditional elements, such as horsehair and throat singing , aligns with the previously mentioned hu. However, the band's sound is more melodic and easier to listen to, in contrast to the commercially accessible features of the former. This Friday (5th January), UUhai will finally explode onto the international stage with their debut Human Herds , set for release via Napalm Records .  The seven-piece first gained notoriety after their first songs gained millions of views on YouTube . They have created an album inspired by folklore and societal themes in the Mongolian language . The band blends traditional Mongolian music with heavy metal.  Formed in 2020, the band were ...

Photo Courtesy of Chris Griffiths/Riff Photos   Edited by Anselm Anderson Today, Award-winning Blues-Rock guitarist Ross Harding Announced New 2026 Live Dates for ‘ The Blood & The Blues’ UK Tour, which will see him continue to take his darker bluesy rock & roll throughout the UK in 2026.   Ross Harding had a successful 2024, performing throughout the UK in cities such as Newcastle , Glasgow , Bracknell , London , Southampton , Woking , and Kingsbridge . He showcased his talent in various formats, including Solo Acoustic , Unplugged Band , and Full Electric Band . The full electric band performances will now be held under the name “Ross Harding & The Dark Blues.” However, the exceptional musicianship, captivating songs, and distinctive dark blues rock sound will continue to shine.  ‘The Blood and The Blues’ UK Tour will begin with live dates from late January 2026 onwards. New dates are set to be announced once confirmed, so keep an eye on Ross’s socia...

Photo Courtesy of Chelsea Spigler Edited by Anselm Anderson  Paulie Boy Blues & The Yorkshire Puddings have confirmed that two new dates have been added to their January 2026 UK Tour . These are on Wednesday, 21st January 2026, at The Eagle Inn in Manchester and Thursday, 22nd January 2026, at Round The Corner in Liverpool . Additionally, they have released two new live singles on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music to give fans a flavour of what to expect from the shows. The two tracks are ‘ When The Levee Breaks (When You Got A Good Friend) and ‘ Early One Morning ’, were recorded Live at The 8x10 in Baltimore , MD , in the United States. These live recordings offer a taste of the raw energy and power fans can expect from the upcoming tour. Jim Viner (Bass), Atlanick Young (Keys) and Rael Griffen (Drums) joined the band for these live tracks. Paulie Boy Blues has solidified his name as one of the most exciting names in the modern blues rock scene, fo...