Skip to main content

Posts

Album Review: Rob Zombie-The Great Satan

  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...
Post a Comment
Read more

Album Review: Death Assault- Self-Titled

  Art Coverwork courtesy of San PR Rambling Man's Reviews introduces another exciting British Metal band this week. Death Assault is a quintet from Plymouth, England . Last week, they released their eleven-track, self-titled debut album . The release showcases modern metal characterised by harsh vocals , long, winding breakdowns, and goosebump-inducing riffs, reflecting a band on a serious path of destruction. They have been compared to Lamb of God and Slayer , particularly due to their groove-oriented riffs and aggressive vocals , as well as to Slipknot , which evokes a sense of having emerged from the metal scene twenty years ago. Like many fast-emerging bands, they formed after the pandemic era in 2022, and they comprise of  Darrell Baker (vocals), Bill Mander (guitar), Jake Ackrell (guitar), Wiktor Osiecki (bass), and Levi Spry (drums). The band follows up on their 2023 debut EP with a raw, unrelenting, and ferocious display of angst, anger, and frustration. Death A...
Post a Comment
Read more

EP Review: Before The Sirens- As it is Above, So it is Below

Photo Artwork courtesy of Rogue PR  Words written by Anselm Anderson Before the Sirens is another exciting new discovery on British shores. They released their most recent EP in December of last year, a follow-up to their debut EP, Desolate Seas and Darkened Skies . The EP is ' As it is Above, 'So it is Below , and the five-track brings an intense new sound with soaring vocal melodies and heavy riffs. The band is described as metalcore , but I argue they lean more towards a modern, accessible metal route. The band are fronted by vocalist Alun Davies , guitarist Chris Tiday , bassist Adam Aldridge and drummer Alex Budge . On this latest outing, they write about struggles and mental health .  Promo Shoot courtesy of Rogue PR. These themes are evident in the way the music is presented. In the opening track, "As It Is Above," vocalist Davies’s soft vocal textures blend seamlessly with the fierce riffs and pounding drums. This combination conveys a sense of imploration, ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Album Review: The Chuck Norris Experiment-Hot Stuff 3

  Art Coverwork courtesy of STE Words Written by Anselm Anderson Swedish Rock act   The Chuck Norris Experiment  have released the third instalment of  B-Sides and Rarities  from the past couple of years. The release marks the twenty-second anniversary of the Swedish sextet. The band's brand of tongue-in-cheek humour and  energetic punk , combined with  blues-rock stylings , is an enjoyable introduction to the band. The band has been touring across Europe for over twenty years, sharing stages with notable acts such as  Turbonegro ,  The Hellacopters ,  Twisted Sister , and  Danko Jones . They have released twelve albums so far, and this collection of tracks demonstrates that they show no signs of slowing down. ' Hot Stuff 3 ' was released yesterday by  Ghost Highway Recordings  and  Chaputa Records , having been recorded at  Studio Meltdown  in  Kungsbacka  by  Kenny Boufadene . The band's exo...
Post a Comment
Read more

EP Review: Virtue in Vain-Nothing is All I Am

  CoverArtwork Courtesy of San Pr Words Written by Anselm Anderson Today marks the final chapter of an emphatic trilogy by British Metalcore Heavyweights , Virtue in Vain . Nothing is All I Am ' is the third instalment exploring human emotions and psyche.  The trio began their journey in 2015 with their debut EP,  For All You Know is the Mask I Wore ,  focusing on the loss of identity, before 2019's   Dusk//Dawn looking at the consequences of a terrible night out, whilst 'Nothing is All I Am ' focuses on rebuilding a fractured mind. The trio of lead vocalist Hywel Thomas, guitarist Mason Williams, and drummer Daniel Bryant hail from South Wales deliver another dose of metalcore that hits like a sledgehammer to the head. The band replicates what many other British bands of the genre do, but they bring a story behind their music. Their emotional cries blend with powerful riffs and down-tuned instrumentals that resonate long after the music has stopped. Their...
Post a Comment
Read more

Album Review: Kreator- Krushers of the World

  Art coverwork courtesy of Zbigniew Bielak, Review by Anselm Anderson:  German thrash metal titans Kreator return with their strongest release to date. Their 16th album, " Krushers of the World ," showcases a more experimental side of the band, blending elements of thrash, death metal , and traditional heavy metal . The album features songs inspired by famous horror films . The title reflects the band’s hard work and dedication, supported by a growing fanbase that began over forty years ago with their 1985 album, * Endless Pain * . Since then, the band has established itself as one of Germany's most prominent exports, producing classic albums such as * Coma of Souls * (1990), * Out of the Dark... Into the Light * (1988), and * Pleasure to Kill * . The quartet aims to build on their success in 2025 with the release of "Krushers of the World," which will be supported by a tour across Europe and the UK. Last year, lead vocalist and guitarist Mille Petrozza pu...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Rambling Man Interviews OOB records and Friendly Folk Records Founder Kathy Keller

  Interview conducted by Anselm Anderson The Rambling Man seized the opportunity to speak with OOB Records and Friendly Folk Records founder Kathy Keller about her tenth anniversary, marking the creation of the ventures, which celebrate the best in folk and prog music from unsigned bands. I talked to her about the companies, their impacts, how she got started, and what it's like to spend ten years doing what she loves. Congratulations on your tenth anniversary with OOB Records and Friendly Folk Records. What are your thoughts on achieving this milestone at this stage in your journey?    Well, hitting the 10-year mark has been surprisingly emotional, filled with nostalgia and “what if” moments. I began with a passion for music as a journalist and by running My Music Matters Management and booking company, along with hosting Prog Core Radio shows. The pivotal moment came in 2017 when I was getting a bit too busy and had to choose between Prog and Folk while balancing a ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Popular posts from this blog

Single Review: Allan James- Our dreams

Words were written by Anselm Anderson for Rambling Man's Reviews Allan James  is a much-accomplished singer-songwriter, based in Northern Virginia, USA James is a self-taught musician, who began playing guitar and singing songs aged 8 and by the time he reached his early teens, James had started to record and perform his original music for school, dances, and charities. James returned to the US following a successful stint as host of his own guitar TV show in Iceland, whilst living over there. Allan James achieved critical acclaim following the release of his debut single on local radio stations, as well as releasing  6 albums to date. James has always been at the forefront of utilizing technologies and using the internet to build a fanbase.  He now returns with " Our Dreams", the latest single off his forthcoming new album. A beautifully structured track that captures the soul with its succinct guitar play and poetic lyrics. The track conjures feelings of serenity...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: Stereophobia- Choke on This

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 ...
Post a Comment
Read more

EP Review: Virtue in Vain-Nothing is All I Am

  CoverArtwork Courtesy of San Pr Words Written by Anselm Anderson Today marks the final chapter of an emphatic trilogy by British Metalcore Heavyweights , Virtue in Vain . Nothing is All I Am ' is the third instalment exploring human emotions and psyche.  The trio began their journey in 2015 with their debut EP,  For All You Know is the Mask I Wore ,  focusing on the loss of identity, before 2019's   Dusk//Dawn looking at the consequences of a terrible night out, whilst 'Nothing is All I Am ' focuses on rebuilding a fractured mind. The trio of lead vocalist Hywel Thomas, guitarist Mason Williams, and drummer Daniel Bryant hail from South Wales deliver another dose of metalcore that hits like a sledgehammer to the head. The band replicates what many other British bands of the genre do, but they bring a story behind their music. Their emotional cries blend with powerful riffs and down-tuned instrumentals that resonate long after the music has stopped. Their...
Post a Comment
Read more