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Showing posts from May, 2025

Review: The Dead Daisies- Lookin' for Trouble

  Words by Anselm Anderson Hard rock band The Dead Daisies  will release their first blues cover album, 'Lookin' For Trouble,' this week through SPV. This ten-track album features renditions of classics by blues legends such as B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf, and Robert Johnson. Vocalist John Corabi and the rest of the band deliver these songs with their signature rock 'n' roll swagger. Produced by Marti Fredrikssen at the renowned FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, each track is revitalised as The Daisies infuse these timeless classics with a touch of rock polish. The band entered the studio last March, during the recordings of 'Light 'em Up', and sat down to record an impromptu session. These sessions soon grew into something special, and the group decided to release them as part of a collection. Photo Courtesy of The Dead Daisies John Corabi delivers a masterful performance as the charismatic statesman, exuding power and soul. The carefully selected...

Review: Insult- Reside Infernus

  Words by Anselm Anderson Thrash metal band Insult has released their highly anticipated debut album, "Reside Infernus," today. Comprised of former members of 1980s thrash titans Onslaught, the Bristol-based band delivers relentless energy and aggression. Pulling inspiration from an era characterised by heavy riffs and intense songs about war and religion, Insult channels this into an 8-track package.'Reside Infernus' is the result of perseverence and passion, recorded in a home studio without modern digital tools. The album is half hour or less of breakneck speed and tenacity, reminiscent of Bay Area thrashers Testament and Exodus. The album is a thrash release with NWOBHM stylings. Photo courtesy of San PR Formed by ex- Onslaught bassist Jase Stallard and Ex-roadie Jase Howell in the eighties, They have found their opportunity to showcase their talents to the world. Drummer Steve Grice joins guitarists Robbie Harris and Jonny Fifield to complete the lineup. The c...

Review: Jacopo Pausa- I Am What I Am

 Words by Anselm Anderson Italian singer-songwriter and guitarist Jacopo Pausa has released his most experimental album. Hailing from Brescia, Italy, Pausa is a talented guitar player with a warm voice. Rambling Man has followed his progress since he broke onto the scene a few years ago. He skillfully mixes different styles of blues for a modern audience, and I was excited to hear about his new album, I Am What I Am , which was released a couple of weeks ago. This ten-track album is the third release that this blog has reviewed, and it stands out from his previous efforts. Pausa has introduced a new lineup, alongside a fresh approach and attitude. I would say this is his most personal work, featuring several biographical tracks along with strong storytelling elements. He has stripped down the laid back blues for a blend of Jazz, Reggae, Ska, Rap, Rock, Funk and, of course, blues. The riffs are still sharp and the melodies infectious, but he has brought a sense of wholesomeness and ...

Review: Nightfall- Children of Eve

Photo courtesy of Eliran Kandor Words by Anselm Anderson The Greek blackened death metal quartet  Nightfall  returns with their eleventh studio album, marking an impressive milestone in their thirty-year career. Titled 'Children of Eve,' this release showcases their most powerful and personal blend of intense drumming, aggressive guitars, and gothic melodies, designed to evoke strong emotions in the listener. Released today by  Season of Mist,  the ten-track album showcases the band's anger towards organized religion and world leaders involved in a "Holy War." Formed in 1991, the band emerged as part of the unholy trinity of "Hellenic Metal" acts in Greece, alongside  Rotting Christ  and  Septicflesh.  They briefly made history by signing an international deal with  Metal Blade  before going on hiatus in 2010. Now back with a vengeance, lead vocalist Efthimis Karamandis, who was diagnosed with depression, dons a half mask to symbolize hi...

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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...