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Album Review: The Dead Daisies-Live Plus Five

Words by Anselm Anderson On the back of last week's solo release, John Corabi returns with The Dead Daisies' first live album "Live Plus Five". The album captures the band's set at "Live at Stonedead" from 2025, plus additional tracks from various outings across Europe and America in 2024/25. The album covers tracks from the quintet's previous two releases: 2024's Light Em' Up and last year's Blues covers release Lookin' for Trouble, plus tracks from earlier in their career, which includes covers of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Fortunate Son" and "Midnight Moses" by The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. I don't usually cover live albums because it always feels like it would be better to watch a band live so you experience the live feeling. However, i don't get much of an opportunity to see The Dead Daisies live in the UK, so was eager to cover this one. I feel this is a strong release, ...

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...

NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS ALBUM REVIEW: THE HELLACOPTERS-OVERDRIVER

  Words by Anselm Anderson Nuclear Blast Records continues its excellent run of releases today with "Overdriver," the ninth studio album from the Swedish quintet The Hellacopters.  The follow-up to 2022's comeback album "Eyes of Oblivion" is a guitar-centred eleven-tracker that clocks in at forty minutes. The album was entirely produced by guitarist/vocalist Nicke Andersson at Strawberry Studio and The Honk Palace.  The album has a personal touch that reflects the effort put into bringing these tracks to life. The blend of anthemic choruses and punchy guitar riffs harkens back to classic rock artists of the 1970s. Additionally, the combination of blues elements and powerful lyrics creates a dynamic and rich rock sound. The Hellacopters have been making music for 30 years, and were formed in 1994 by ex-Entombed drummer Nicke Andersson and guitarist Dregen. Initially started as a side project, they quickly became a beloved part of Sweden's hard rock revival....

SPV/STEAMHAMMER ALBUM REVIEW: The Dead Daisies- Light 'em Up

  Words from Anselm Anderson                  Release Date: September 6th There are natural pairings in life, like sunset and the rise of waves on a beach. John Corabi is like the sunrise to The Dead Daisies' crashing waves. Corabi is back at the mic stand to lead The Dead Daisies on a lively rock and roll journey, aboard the rock and roll express. Their upcoming album 'Light 'Em Up' will be released via SPV this Friday, September 6th. Since they formed a decade ago, The Dead Daisies have released over six albums, featured a who's who from the rock world, and toured with some of the best in the rock world, including Guns' N' Roses, Def Leppard and Bad Company. Corabi returned to the fold for last year's 2023 tour with Whitesnake bassist Michael Devin. The duo forming another revised lineup to join Marti Frederiksen at Muscle Shoals studio to record and write  'Light 'Em Up'.Upon first listening, Corabi's return brings a welcomed e...

Single Review: Shiva May Care- Falling Down

  Words from Anselm Anderson English Rockers  Shiva May Care bursts onto the scene with the high-octane, no-frills new single "Falling Down", taken from the upcoming EP   Sound System Kaliyuga!, due out later this year. Formed in 2017, the band hails from Manchester, England. It consists of vocalist Molly Q (Vocals), J3t L4g (Guitars, Backing Vocals), Jake Trendall (Bass, Backing Vocals,) and Ilias Nikolaidis (Drums), The multi-cultural line up draws influences from punk, shoegaze, and stoner to create an infectious and energetic new track. Molly Q explained the meaning of the track is about a person of power abusing that position and reeling destruction "like a movie villain" The opening chords immediately capture a sense of destruction with a powerful, fuzzy riff that hooks the listener in. The distinctive, soulful vocals of Molly Q then enter the fray. Her captivating, distorted voice sways over an abrasive guitar sound and pounding drums. The chorus then transit...

Album Review: Nightblade- That's The Way, You Want It

Words by Anselm Anderson British Hard rockers Nightblade has released their fourth album  That's The Way You Want It  is a follow-up to last year's Hope To Be There.  I could not review that particular album but I have always admired Nightblade's guitar-driven sound.  The band has announced that their sixth album, released within four years, will have some surprises. Givvi Flynn guest on   a cover of Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street," and a New Year song. The band, based in the Midlands of England, has been featured in several music publications such as HRH Magazine, Kerrang! , and Powerplay, which has helped to increase their recognition. The band has replaced their drummer Rich Lawley with Harry Anson to add a new dimension to their sound.  The album "That's The Way You Want It" features ten rock songs with sharp riffs and warm vocals that casual fans will enjoy. The self-titled track offers the same radio-friendliness as bands like Foo Fighters...

Song Review: Fozzy - "Spotlight"

Words by Anselm Anderson Rock superstars Fozzy  has announced the release of their latest single "Spotlight" released via Maddison Records/The Orchard . Produced b y Three Days Grace and Halestorm Producer Johnny Andrews and mixed by Jacob Hansen, Originally an Ozzy Osbourne covers band, "Spotlight" is a throwback to the metal roots the band built their reputation on. Furthermore, This track reminds me of the earliest Ozzy albums with punchy riffs and an addictive chorus. This is certainly the heaviest Fozzy track since the popular "Judas" graced AEW arenas from around the globe. A whispered monologue opens this track exclaiming "I am the light of the truth, the one who sees right through. I know your every move. I got my eye on you-Spotlight!". The song segues into a pulsating riff, layered with smooth basslines and well-timed drumming patterns. The song builds to a bridge/chorus with multi-layered vocals. Chris Jericho's distorted vocal...

Interview: Tim Louie- Rahway bassist

Interview by Anselm Anderson Rambling Man's Reviews returns with the first of many interviews by speaking with Chigger A.K.A Tim Louie,  the Rahway bassist . The band have recently released 'Rocketship', the latest of several singles from the band. I grabbed an opportunity to speak with the bassist about the new single, their upcoming EP, and which famous rock star came up with the band name. Please scroll down to read the full interview. Interview with Anselm from Rambling Man. Good morning, could you introduce yourself to the readers? Good morning! My name is Chigger a.k.a. Tim Louie and I’m the bass player for the band Rahway. Could you tell me about Rahway and how they came to be? Rahway was started by the brothers, David (guitars) and Steve (drummer) Cardenas. They used to be called Sun until producer Jack Douglas, who was also producing Aerosmith at the time, let Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler listen to a few tracks. Steven Tyler dug the songs and asked the band’s n...

EP Review: Under The Radar- So Alive.

Under The Radar (UTR) is a young up-and-coming rock band from Memphis, Tennessee that is slowly making waves in their native homeland. Zeke (Vocals and Lead Guitar) Aged 14, Matt (Bass) Aged 14, and Ryan (Drums) Aged 15 are a trio of precocious teenagers with the aim to start “A new rock revolution". They first formed in 2014 and have opened up for such prestigious acts as Kansas, Brett Michaels , 38 Special, and Saliva. The boys recently released their 8-track Debut LP So  Alive  via Independent Records with its melodic hooks, catchy lyrics, and meaty riffs. This promises not to disappoint any rock fans. The opener 'Boom' erupts with an explosive riff that resonates around the stereo. This track comes with an effective chorus and slick solo that belies the band’s age.   The album takes a more melodic direction with more pop- hook-laden choruses and fuzzy guitars, before the title track  ' Under The Radar' ignites the record with its mesmerizing riffs and...

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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...