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Showing posts from June, 2025

Review: Motorhead- The Manticore Tapes

  Words by Anselm Anderson Although Ian 'Lemmy' Kilmister has been gone for nearly ten years, his legacy continues to thrive. His legendary band, Motörhead, honours his memory with the release of The Manticore Tapes this week. Motorhead formed in 1975, but it wasn't until 1979 that they released their debut album, Motorhead, with the lineup of Lemmy, guitarist 'Fast' Eddie Clarke, and drummer 'Filthy' Phil Taylor. Before this, the lineup came together in August 1976 to rehearse and record a jamming session to showcase the new members at Manticore Studios in Fulham, London. The home of Emerson, Lake and Palmer hosted the soon-to-be iconic trio as they jammed together for the first time. Those sessions have now been released as the 'Lost' tape this week for diehard fans to listen to what Motörhead sounded like in those earlier days. The chance meeting with a little-known manager, Frank Kennington,  had a significant impact on the struggling band, captu...

REVIEW: GENUS ORDINIS DEI- ETERNAL LIVE

  Words by Anselm Anderson Italian symphonic death metal band Genus Ordinis Dei returns with their explosive live album 'Eternal Live', released through Eclipse Records. The album covers part of their European Tour in November 2024, which supported German Symphonic metal band Xandria and Norwegian Gothic metal band Sirenia.  The tour showcases the emotive growls of vocalist Nick K, whose guitar harmonies with fellow guitarist Tommy Monticelli create compelling music. Drummer Nico Pedralli completes the lineup with his thunderous drumming. The band's blends of ethereal symphonies, intertwined with stirring melodies, and aggressive vocals are captured on this eight-song release. The tour follows the release of their 2023 album, "The Beginning," and includes performances of tracks like "Aertunus," "Changing Star," and "Genesis." Genus Ordinis Dei began their illustrious career in Crema, Italy, in 2009, following a chance meeting wit...

REVIEW: The INSPECTOR CLUZO- LESS IS MORE

  Words by Anselm Anderson French duo The Inspector Cluzo has released their tenth album,  Less Is More . The album was self-released and financed through their record label, The Bass Player Records. The record consists of ten tracks of complex blues movements intertwined with jazz undertones and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. The duo of guitarist and vocalist Laurent and drummer Mathieu formed in 2008 on a farm in Gascon, France. The duo decided to finance and produce their records through revenue generated from selling organic food on the farm. Less Is More  marks the pair's tenth release. In this album, they address issues such as environmental problems associated with organic farming and the economics of the music business. The lyrics and concept are inspired by the 19th-century American philosopher Henry David Thoreau and the 20th-century French philosopher Guy Debord. Producer Vance Powell captured the duo's raw energy and enthusiasm in just four days in Nashville, USA. T...

REVIEW: PRIMAL AGE- UNTIL THE LAST BREATH

 Words by Anselm Anderson After thirty years together, the French metalcore pioneers Primal Age released their fourth studio album, Until the Last Breath , via WTF Records. The quartet returns following a four-year hiatus with one of their most intense releases. The follow up to 2021's  Masked Enemy carries on the exploration of animal rights, political and social injustices, delivering these themes through bold lyrics and compelling melodies. Lead vocalist Didier channels his inner rage into the tracks accompanied by the precise and intense interplay between guitarists Florian  and Benoit. Drummer Dmitri drives each track with relentless energy, bassist Dmitri complements the performance with powerful and resonant bass. The thirty-minute runtime feels extended, as the band delivers an explosive performance on this release. The haunting introduction unfolds with bated breath before ferocious drumming announces the start of 'Empire Will Always Fail.' The intensity escal...

Review: Katone- Flesh and Fire

  Words by Anselm Anderson 1980s drummer Jimmy Katone returned with his first EP since signing with the German record label NRT  last Friday.  "Flesh and Fire" is the name of the   new three-track EP  released under the moniker "Katone". The blend of gothic-infused poetry and rock riffs, tinged with blues, tells the tale of unrequited love and deep emotions. Jimmy Katone has been a vital part of the melodic rock scene for over forty years. He began his career in the 1980s with the AOR rock band Hittin' The Ground Runnin', before featuring on the latest album from Canadian Melodic rock band , Mason, last year. Produced by Katone, "Flesh and Fire" features fellow Hit The Ground Runnin' members, Igor Mueller and Al Agunas, on guitar, alongside Katone, an accomplished pianist and guitarist. The EP runs for over ten minutes, providing listeners with a glimpse into the talents of this multi-instrumentalist. Photo courtesy of Golden Shutter Photograp...

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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...