The Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

  Artwork courtesy of San PR Words by Anselm Anderson Swiss metal band Ophelia's Eye returns with their darkest and most brutal album to date. Rambling Man's Reviews has been following the band since their inception over a decade ago. The band has experienced various lineup changes and explored different musical styles . I was surprised to discover how dark their music has become and how much more technical it is now.  The band formed in 2019 in Aarau, Switzerland , as a metalcore band but has become heavier and more aggressive, evolving into a modern metal band with newer members: lead vocalist Jan Brasser, drummer Noé Beivi , and guitarist Noah Peier . These members have concentrated on a more technical guitar sound, faster drumming, and harsher vocals. This five-track EP explores darker themes of the human condition and social injustice. The album reflects the turmoil in the world and the inner struggles the band has experienced over the years. It features the raw, a...

  Words by Anselm Anderson One-man band Obelisk is set to release his much-anticipated debut album, titled Brushed with Darkness , next Friday. The 10-track LP is a collection of the singer's most personal songs, reflecting themes of depression , identity, emotion, and perseverance in a world full of mystery. Obelisk is an enigma, a masked musician hailing from the streets of Edinburgh, Scotland . He draws inspiration from bands like Sleep Token , Electric Callboy and Bring Me The Horizon . His unique blend of textured music has earned him acclaim for his previously released singles. His work captures the essence of a tortured soul, expressed through poignant storytelling and a chaotic yet powerful mix of electronic rock and metal. The lyrics feature sharp verses delivered in a poetic style. Photo courtesy of San PR I was impressed by the opening intro of stark, symphonic string arrangements blended with dark, gothic melodic lines. This gave me the impression of a talented person...

  Artwork courtesy of San PR Words written by Anselm Anderson Hailing from Wales , Metal band Edit The Tide has steadily built its fanbase and reputation through its live performances and powerful, anthemic sound . Last week, they finally released their much-anticipated EP The Space Between Sounds , the follow-up to last year's critically acclaimed debut, Reflections in Sounds . The quartet impress with their emotive choruses , harsh vocals, and thunderous riffs, which evoke comparisons to bands like Biffy Clyro , Deftones , and Killswitch Engage . The band was formed in Bridgend, Wales , in 2023 and consists of lead vocalist Benjamin James , guitarist and backing vocalist Rob Norris , drummer Rudy Mason , and bassist Dave Snell . Edit the Tide has worked diligently to earn support from nationwide radio outlets such as Kerrang! and the BBC , supporting bands like The Virgin Marys and appearing in publications like Powerplay . The five-track was produced and mixed by the renown...

  Cover Artwork Courtesy of Tristan Sberna Words Written by Anselm Anderson Last month, the French metalcore band Inner Light released their debut album, * Nova *, through an independent label . The female-fronted group follows the success of their two previous EPs: 2023's Inner Ligh t and Structure . Their latest release features a nine-track collection of sonically enhanced metal, characterised by blistering drums, hollow, harsh vocals, and harmonious guitars, all blended with dark atmospherics. Nova  is really the introduction to the band, following a few tasters of what they are about. Produced and mastered by Oscar Nilsson at Studio Bohus and Thomas 'Plec' Johansson at The Panic Room in Sweden. The band formed in 2022 to create music focused on dark subjects with powerful statements. Their music is melodic yet sharp, with each song offering a modern take on metal. Lead singer Marine delivers unique vocals, complemented by the diverse and dynamic guitar harmon...

,  Words by Anselm Anderson A couple of weeks ago, Female-fronted rock act Luna Marble released their much-anticipated self-titled debut album . The album marks a turning point for the quartet as they embark on a new journey in their blossoming career. The band combines 70s-tinged psychedelic rock with energy, passion, and raw emotion, as part of a collection of songs recorded earlier in their career. Inspired by icons like Pink Floyd , Led Zeppelin and co, they formed five years ago in Manchester, England . They are led by the commanding vocals of Maria Rico , the cosmic flair of guitarist Dragos Colceriu , bassist David Grundy , and drummer Sean Stewart . Luna Marble was mastered by Jimmy Spencer at various locations in Manchester, including Salford University . The album aims to establish the band's identity, starting with the opening track " Running ," which delivers a breath of fresh air through thunderous blues riffs and powerful vocals. This song stands out w...

A look at last week's best new tracks, including new singles from Metal icons Death Angel and Mongolian upstarts Uhaii , plus the latest from Folk Rock act, Subway to Sally and rising stars in Desert Near the End and Gather the Lost . Check the link to watch the videos.  

Photo courtesy of Anselm Anderson Reviewed by Anselm Anderson Legendary NWOBHM icons Saxon celebrated over forty years of their second album ' Wheels of Steel " last night at a jam-packed 02 Apollo Theatre in Manchester, England . I arrived on a moderately cold evening under dusky clouds to watch Biff and co. play the album in its entirety. They were joined by former Accept frontman Udo Dirkschneider to celebrate forty years of ' Balls to the Wall ,' along with a local band called Untamed Silence . It was the latter who kicked off the night with their version of modern blues and powerful soulful vocals. The female-fronted band earnestly tried to get the half-full, sleepless crowd on their feet. The heavily tattooed vocalist strutted around the stage, belting out vocals and smiling at a crowd that finally showed signs of life under the glossy blue lights and smoke-filled stage. After a brief pause, the petite UDO took the stage, joined by guitarists Dee Dammers ...