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Showing posts from January, 2024

Album of the Week: The Gems- Phoenix

WORDS BY ANSELM The Gems is a new name for the rock scene. However, the members are familiar to fans of the Female Swedish rock act Thundermother . Last February, the band shocked the rock world by firing Lead singer Guernica Mancini. Bassist Mona Lindgren and drummer Emlee Johansson soon followed suit with a show of loyalty to their long-term friend. The result is Phoenix , the debut album released today via Napalm Records . The 16-track release is a hard rock album and a mission statement. The trio rise from the ashes to fulfil their rock ‘n’ roll potential. Produced by Johan Randén, the album was mastered by Plec Johansson (Soilwork, Hank von Hell, Firewind). The decision to hire these gentlemen gives justice to the women. They almost sound relieved as the shackles are off. The women are free to experiment with different genres of rock on Phoenix. So, that is enough from the rambling man, let’s transpire with the review. The album starts with a song called “Aurora, ” an acapella...

Album Review: Russell &; Guns-Medusa

Record Label: Frontiers Music SRL Jack Russell, the vocalist of Great White , and Tracii Guns , the founder of LA Guns, are well-known names in the eighties’ glam rock scene. The duo now joins forces for their debut release Medusa via Frontiers Music SRL. The album marks a comeback for Russell seven years after recording his last record with Great White . The cobwebs don’t show as he teams up with guitar maestro Guns. Medusa includes the typical Frontiers Music SRL ingredients with special guest musicians assisting during recording. LA Guns bassist Johnny Martin, ex-drummer Shane Fitzgibbon , and Revolution Saints Multi-instrumentalist Alessandro Del Vecchio join the duo. Each musician plays a role in complementing the two legends, combining them to produce their best work to date. I was pleasantly surprised and excited after listening to the opening two tracks. My initial thoughts were a throwback to bands like The Quireboys. The rock ‘n’ roll influences from their earlier wo...

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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...

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 ...

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...