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EP Review: Inner Light- Inner Light

Words by Anselm Anderson Previously, I reviewed a few upcoming bands from Rouen, France . Inner Light is the next in line for review, with a look at their debut EP titled "Inner Light." A female-fronted metalcore band combines harsh vocals with an energetic and melodic metal sound on their five-track release. This year has seen a slew of progressive new metal bands with a strong dynamic. Inner Light is no different, with lead vocalist Marine leading the way with her unapologetic guttural vocals. The EP's opening track features a raw and emotional brand of metal, blending technical and melodic guitar work. On " Inside My Veins " " the music builds to a scintillating and sinister climax. The thick basslines provide a crunchy edge.  Photo Credit: Sushi Photo Lab The fractious " Monsters " is next with Marine's vocals reminiscent of an enraged individual, snapping over erratic percussion. There is a sense of urgency and seriousness in the m...
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EP Review: The Fires Below- Masquerade

Words by Anselm Anderson The highly-anticipated debut EP from rising alt-rockers, The Fires Below , called Masquerade, was released last Friday. The EP includes four tracks packed with energetic rock, featuring in-your-face punk stylings blended with groove-orientated stoner metal riffs. The Fires Below is ready to make a big impact on the rock world. Formed during the London lockdown, the band includes Smithy's towering vocals, Del's thunderous drumming, Sam's crunchy riffs, and Si's rumbling basslines. Photo Credit: Lorenzo Guerrieri The band draws influences from bands like Sepultura, QOTSA and Sex Pistols. They blend intensity with social topics such as consumerism, greed and corruption in twelve minutes of rousing rock and roll. The emotional vocals of Smithy blend with the dual guitars and basslines.  The Grunge-infused "Masquerade" is full of mesmerizing, groove-laden riffs that are both captivating and haunting. Next up is "Another Day" by t...
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EP Review: Beltfed Weapon- Darkened Demise

Review by Anselm Anderson Seattle-based Beltfed Weapon has just released Darkened Demise, their fourth EP, a couple of weeks ago. Formed in 1999 by guitarist/songwriter Frank Hetzel,  the true "Veterans" of the metal scene incorporate elements of speed, thrash and death metal.  I decided to write this review after I read the backstory for this album. The album is dedicated to the memory of vocalist and project founder Tim Aymar, following his untimely death in February.  Darkened Demise  gave the ex-Control Denied vocalist the opportunity to experiment with his vocals alongside some experienced musicians. Tim Aymar befriended Frank Hetzel on Facebook after the latter became a fan of the band. Hetzel emailed Aymar about a project he was working on and invited Aymar to write down some tracks. Beltfed Weapon, led by Hetzel, has released 3 EPS: Beltfed Weapon (2001), Peacekeeper (2009), and Raining Plague (2015). I recently came across the EP, Darkened Demise, w...
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EP Review: King of The Dead- Perdition

Review by Anselm Anderson The dark overlords of the rock world return with a six-track EP, ' Perdition'. King of The Dead  is a band I have covered over the years. They are described as a 'Mysterious force' clad in cloaks. This release has a 70's radio-friendly appeal mixed with punk and organs!. The album continues where 2021's The Summoning left off. The infectious ' The Surmon For The Cursed' starts things off with a call to arms over the shrill of the organs as mentioned earlier. The guitar-driven charms of 'The Hunt' is followed with sweet vocal melodies over a soaring riff reminiscent of pop punks acts like The Offspring and Alkaline Trio. Moreover, The vocal melodies certainly add to the attraction of King of The Dead and their penchant to tell stories that are personal and uplifting. The band create conceptual art that appeals to a certain audience. This can be heard in the anthemic 'Courage' with its pop sensibilities and punk ...
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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...
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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 ...
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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...
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