The Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

  Words written by Anselm Anderson This upcoming Friday, English Heavy Metal band DA are set to unleash their much-anticipated self-titled debut album . This ten-track album blends modern rock vibes with classic rock influences , clearly drawing inspiration from bands like Black Sabbath and Judas Priest . It has a strong throwback feel to the NWOBHM era , mixing fast riffs with a dark, moody atmosphere and powerful, soaring vocals. DA emerged from the NWOBHM band Desolation Angels  when former guitarist Robin Brancher formed the group in 2021 with vocalist Matt Oakman. They were soon joined by bassist Neil Craddock and drummer Dan Smith.  Photo courtesy of San PR The album’s use of atmospherics adds depth and sincerity to the music. The opening track, " Daisy Chains ," kicks off with ominous cracks of thunder, gradually building in slow, rhythmic patterns before erupting into Oakman’s towering vocals, which play a significant role throughout the release. Another highli...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Brazilian thrash metal band Nervosa returns with another batch of raw, brutal, and honest songs, centred around politics , war , and religion . The band's sixth album, titled " Slave Machine ," will be released on Friday, April 3rd via Napalm Records . The album picks up right where 2023's Jailbreak left off, with singer Prika Amaral still in top form after making her debut on that record. Her fierce, abrasive vocals rival those of any male singer with guttural growls , as she howls like a wolf on the hunt. The quintet are helped by the strong production skills of Martin Furia , best known for his work with German destroyers, Destruction . His attentive ear to detail brings out the menacing and hellacious feelings of the band as a whole. I have been an admirer of the band ever since I saw them open for fellow Female Metal act, Burning Witches on tour a few years back. Their sound is crisp and emotional, layered over sharp, frenetic guita...

  Words written by Anselm Anderson It’s refreshing to receive an album full of cheer and good vibes in a world of doom and gloom, where many bands focus on expressing their anger over social and political issues. Tyketto offers something fresh with their new album “ Closer to the Sun .” The ten-track release is full of anthemic tracks and stories about wisdom, loss, love, and pleasures. The album,  released by the renowned Silver Lining Music , was recorded in various studios across the UK and Europe, including Flip Flop Studios and the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales . The band’s blend of radio-friendly tunes with a bluesy edge is reminiscent of early Aerosmith , with every track crafted for pure enjoyment. As a young rock fan, I first discovered Tyketto through their 1991 debut album Don't Come Easy , after a friend made me a tape of it. The band had more of a glam metal vibe back then, but the charismatic Danny Vaughan still led them with warmth and passion. He’s ...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Rob Dukes returns for this twelfth outing for Exodus . The shaven-headed vocalist returns following a ten-year hiatus from the band. ' Goliath marks his first appearance since 2010's Exhibit B: The Human Condition . Dukes returned to the fold last year, following the departure of vocalist Steve Souza , and this release also marks the first on Napalm Records for the band. Produced by Exodus and mixed and mastered by Mark Lewis , known for his work with Whitechapel , Nile and Undeath , this ten-track release feels like a return to form for the Bay Area Thrashers . The music is intense and authentic, with each riff cutting through precision like a butcher's knife. Dukes sounds like an insane man who's making up for lost time. The album features guest appearances by Peter Tägtgren ( Hypocrisy , Pain ) and violinist Katie Jacoby .  Photo Credit: Jim Lovau The album begins with the dissonant chords of" 3111 ", a track that sets the to...

  Cover artwork by Ingo Spörl / OSM | The German symphonic act Leaves' Eyes  have released a new Viking saga . This time as a four-track EP through Reigning Phoenix Music Records . The band offers another dose of cinematic music , blending symphonic scores with metal to reach a new audience. Rambling Man has been following the band since the beginning of the decade, covering their previous two releases: 2021's The Last Viking and 2024's Myths of Fate . I have always been a sucker for symphonic metal , even though it does feel obsolete these days.  Leaves' Eyes brings a unique flair compared to bands like Within Temptation and Nightwish , focusing on tales of myths, magic, and Nordic stories of Vikings .  They achieve this through the rich, soprano voice of lead singer Elina Siirala , along with her accompanying band of classically trained musicians. The band was formed in 2023 by vocalist and producer Alexander Krull , alongside original vocalist Liv Kristine ...

  Photo Courtesy of Wild Kingdom Records Words Written by Anselm Anderson Phillip Shouse , the renowned session musician , released his debut EP ' Vol 1 ' last week through Wild Kingdom Records. After more than two decades of supporting his contemporaries, Shouse emerges as the lead vocalist and songwriter of his unique hard rock style .  The current guitarist of Accept  has appeared on four albums and has toured internationally with the legendary Teutonic metal band . Shouse's CV highlights his collaborations with notable artists, including Kiss alumni Gene Simmons and the late Ace Frehley , as well as country musician Rodney Atkins and former Mötley Crüe frontman John Corabi . Additionally, Shouse hosts his own jam session nights in Nashville and is a co-founder and co-owner of Rock N Röll , a Swedish non-alcoholic beer company. I initially approached this EP expecting it to be a heavy metal release filled with guitar-heavy tracks. However, I found the opposite...

  Cover artwork courtesy of Nuclear Blast Records Words written by Anselm Anderson Rob Zombie has built a successful career as both a film director and musician. He initially gained fame with the band White Zombie and later found success as a solo artist. His films, such as " The House of 1000 Corpses " and the "Halloween" franchise, have also attracted a dedicated and enthusiastic fanbase. Mr Zombie now returns following a four-year hiatus with his eighth studio album,  The Great Satan ,  through Nuclear Blast Records . I have long been a fan of the macabre style of horror metal , as it combines heavy metal , Nu-Metal and Groove Metal with an industrial edge, and gore-infested lyrics. Zombie has produced some rather excellent records for his ilk, such as his 1998 release, The Hellbilly Deluxe , 2001's The Sinister Urge , and 2006's Educated Horses , which produced classics like ' Living Dead Girl ',  Dragula ' and 'Foxy Foxy' respect...