The Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

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Showing posts with the label Album Review

Album Review: Bloodhunter-Sons of the Abandoned.

Art Coverwork courtesy of REIGN Phoenix Music Melodic death metal act Bloodhunter are set to release their fourth album Sons of the Abandoned this Friday via ROAR (A division of Reigning Phoenix Music. The music is fresh, brutal and melodic set against the backdrop of crushing riffs and indelible grooves that will keep the music going long in the memory. I am new to the band, but have covered them recently because i hear comparisons with bands like Lamb of God and Arch Enemy . Formed in Galicia, Spain in 2008, The band have been a rising force in Europe, developing their sound, and appearing at Festivals, alongside notable names like Rainbow and Megadeth. Fronted by Female vocalist Diva Satanica , they release the diverse and personal "Sons of the Abandoned". The ten track release explores themes of Toxicity, identity, and their inner demons in a Disillusioned world. My first thoughts on the album are about its variety of music. The long, melodic sections are full of em...

Dimmu Borgir : The Grand Serpent Rising Album Review

Photo Courtesy of Nuclear Blast Records Words by Anselm Anderson Following an eight-year break, the Norwegian metal band is Dimmu Borgir back with their new album, "Grand Serpent Rising." This album is an important milestone for the band, marking their return after more than thirty years in the music scene. The title symbolizes the Year of the Snake , marking the album's completion last February. The serpent represents change and growth, showing the band evolving with confidence. While the band is known for taking time on albums, eight years is taking the biscuit. Since their last release, 2018's Eonian they have lost guitarist Galder in 2024 to his previous band. And since then, They have concentrated on "Grand Serpent Rising," an hour of intense Black Metal with orchestral elements. Co-founders "Silenoz " and "Shagrath" collaborated to create a masterpiece, featuring dynamic choir and string arrangements alongside their sig...

Album Review: Hillbilly Vegas-A La' Mode

Photo Courtesy of NPRM Publishing Words by Anselm Anderson These days, it's rare to find a Southern rock band like Oklahoma's Hillbilly Vegas, who blend American blues and country traditions without sounding plain, reminiscent of Seventies bands such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blackfoot, and Molly Hatchet. Led by vocalist Steve Harris since their formation in 2011. Last Friday, the band released their new album "A La Mode" through independent label Quarto Valley Records , which focuses on Blues, Americana, Roots, and Jazz music. This release has many influences from Blues and Americana, as it explodes into memorable songs, slick riffs, and ol'school southern rock. The band have steadily grown their fervent fanbase through raucous live shows and relatable lyrics. They have even toured with some of the genre's Renowned names such as s Blackberry Smoke, The Kentucky Headhunters, and Ted Nugent. Photo Credit:Joe Ward The album begins with...

LP Review: Gory Blister- Reborn From Hatred

Words by Anselm Anderson Earlier this month, Italian Technical Old-school death metal act Gory Blister made their Eclipse Records debut with the scintillating Reborn From Hatred. The album was the trio's seventh release over a career spanning three decades. The band comprises three members: John St John as the vocalist, Raff Sangiorgio as the guitarist, bassist, and synth player, and Gianluca D'Andria as the drummer. Their album has 11 tracks and runs for over half an hour. The songs feature intricate time signatures, powerful riffs, and intense energy, giving listeners a wild introduction to the band. 'Rebron From Hatred' was produced by drummer Raff Sangiorgio with assistance from Gianluca D'andria. Ricardo Borges helped mix the track s (Sepultura, Kreator, Carcass), which were mastered by Peter Brussee (Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Bolton). Gory Blister has come a long way since sending small demo recordings to local magazines. ...

Album Review: Paul Rodgers-Midnight Rose

Release Date: September 22nd Record Label: Sun Records Words by Anselm Anderson For more than fifty years, English singer Paul Rodgers has been a rock icon, selling over 125 million records worldwide. He has blessed us fans with his soulful vocals, performing with legendary bands such as Bad Compan y and Free . Rodgers returns with his first solo release in 25 years on Friday, September 22nd via Sun Records . The eight-tracker Midnight Rose was written by himself with the exception of "Livin' It Up".The album was produced and recorded by his long-time companion, Cynthia and renowned producer Bob Rock at Roper Recording and The Warehouse. I believe this is a lovely addition as it enables Paul Rodgers to compose an intimate and individual album based on his love for blues and soul. This is evident throughout the album, as Rodgers radiates on each track. The upbeat drums in "Coming Home" resemble ZZ Top, with a man's soulful vocals expressing his ...

LP Review: Dethlok-Dethalbum IV

Words by Anselm Anderson This past Tuesday saw the welcoming of a new release from the Metalocaplypse. Dethalbum IV i s the fourth album by the animated melodic death metal band Dethlok formed by Brandon Small and Gene Hoglan . Dethlok was formed over fifteen years ago. They were initially created for a TV show on Adult Swim . The two-piece ventured into the outside world to build their brand of high-energy metal. They combined it with comedic performances and a brutal sound . Dethalbum IV is the heaviest yet, featuring the animated-on-screen performances of vocalist Nathan Explosion, lead guitarist Skwisgaar Skwielf, Rhythm guitarist Toki Wartooth and drummer Pickles. They are ready to release their distinctive sound and conquer the metal scene. the album is the duo's first in a decade and showcases their most aggressive sound yet. The bold and menacing sound of the band is created by the growls of vocalist Nathan Explosion and the mesmerizing fretwork of Skwielf and...

LP Review: Tarja- Rocking Heels: Live at Metal Church

Words by Anselm Anderson Tarja Turunen, also known as Tarja, gained popularity in the metal scene as the lead vocalist of Nightwish, a symphonic metal band, at the turn of the century. She captivated millions with her tenor vocals that included falsetto and octave-busting notes. Tarja pays tribute to her contemporaries and idols with a live album recorded at the Metal Church in Wacken, Germany. 300 fans watched her perform covers from bands like Linkin Park, Slipknot , Metallica, and Megadeth in a special one-time event that opened the Wacken Air Festival in 2016. EarMusic released Rocking Heels: Live at Metal Church last week. Tarja delivers powerful vocals and captivating melodies, accompanied by a string orchestra that breathes new life into these classics. The LP opens with an emotional rendition of the Joe Satriani track "Always with You, Always with Me". Tarja's mesmerizing warm vocals are beautifully layered with the enchanting, melancholic violin and piano...

LP Review: Girlschool- WTFortyFive?

It is hard to believe NWOBHM Legends Girlschool is still going strong after forty-five years. An interesting point about that statement is that they recently released 'WTForty Five?', their fourteenth studio album, this past Friday via Silver Lining Music. The band is celebrating their forty-fifth anniversary with twelve tracks of energetic rock n' roll and punk attitude that fans have come to expect from them. The quartet was formed in 1978 and Lead singer Kim McAullife and drummer Denise Dufort are the only remaining original members. This upcoming release will be their first in ten years. I was excited about this release because I always have been a fan of NWOBHM, so this was an opportunity to listen to some fresh, new material from the all-female punk band. The sleazy track "It Is What It Is" provides a graphic depiction of the band's history. The addictive charge of fuzz-fueled guitar and the infectious screech of Mcauliffe create a sound that is reminisc...

Album Review: EB &The Deadlights- Echoes of A Dreamless Life

Words by Anselm Anderson Ireland's Horror rock ac t EB and The Deadlights have undergone a transformation since I last reviewed 2021's debut EP Still See Ghosts. Firstly, the band underwent drastic lineup changes for the best with the additions of new songwriter/guitarist Macauley Rogers, bassist Maciek Zaworski, and guitarist Reece Mathers, who have vastly improved the band's sound into a mature and evolved quartet. Secondly, the band have gained success with an ever-evolving fanbase opening for For Pries t and Misfits Legend Doyle The wonderfully named Echoes of A Dreamless Life marks the evolution of a new direction for the band with a more muscular guitar sound, heavier tracks and darker lyrics. This nine-track LP borrows influences from Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson, and delves further into punk, electronica and gothic elements. An unsettling News Report transitions into the murky rock of "Endless Hope," which is layered with distorted guit...

Album Review- Civil Villains- Motion Sick

As Reviewed by Anselm Anderson Alt-rockers Civil Villains recently released the album Motion Sick . This a follow-up to the debut EP Snake Oil. The trio include influences from widespread as David Bowie and QOTSA to create a unique blend of dark instrumentation, angular riffs and soft vocal melodies. Formed in London back in 2016, the trio have worked hard through their dedication to the art via two North American tours and support slots to such luminaries as Bellevue Days , Poly-Math and Kid Kapichi . Recorded at Shaken Oak Studios by Mike Bannard (Foals, Glass Animals), Motion Sick is the finished article of years of hard work. The LP begins on a sombre note with the instrumental intro of 'Funeral Rouge' setting the scene for the first half of the album. The unstable 'Mortuary Blues' kicks things off with its jagged riffs and clever use of pull and tension building the atmosphere to an unsettling end. The mix of bluesy vocals and harsh ones further ...

Album Review- Ŕênovations- Blank

Album Review by Anselm Anderson I have found that many bands come with remarkable stories of how they were discovered. Rènovations are no different. The trio have released Blank , the self-produced follow-up to their debut album. The band were granted funding through a Help Musicians UK Funding campaign last year to get the album released. Engineered by Graeme Young, the band recorded the album at Chamber Studios. The Electronic Rock act hails from Edinburgh, Scotland and their story began four years ago when French vocalist Charlotte Pulcino was offered a gig upon her return from a trip to Thailand. There was one catch- she needed a band. Charlotte contacted Italian drummer Gian Pablo Sudar and Romanian guitarist Ioana Pavel and, following a few drinks at the local pub: A band was formed. The album itself has been described as " a social, cultural and political commentary" with quite a lot of topics to cover. The album begins with an aggressive opener in 'A Precious St...

Album Review: Vonavibe- Bleed To Life

Album Review by Anselm Anderson Heavy Modern rock act Vonavibe has led a journey of trials and tribulations that many bands would struggle to overcome. Formed in 2016, the trio of vocalist Dyon, lead guitarist John Tass and drummer George Andrian won prestigious spots in Global Battle of The Bands and Best New Bands with Panik Records before the band left the label. Tragedy then struck during the recording of this album when lead singer Dyon suffered injuries in a Motorcycle accident which left him in a wheelchair for a year. Thankfully, Dyon recovered to complete the recordings. Vonavibe has previously released two EPs titled Vol I and Locked Up. They have now released their debut LP Bleed To Life via Eclipse Records. The Athens-based trio rock combo combines post-grunge elements with heavy metal riffs and radio-friendly songs on this ten-track release. Bleed To Life recorded the album themselves at Red Toy Studio . The album starts off with the explosive 'Left F...