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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...

SONG OF THE DAY AGE OF IGUANA - TWO OF A KIND

Words by Anselm Anderson  Australians' Age of Iguana recently released two singles, "Two of a Kind & "Otherside" " Two of a Kind" is the first single from the band. The Alt-Rock/3 piece consists of Ben George ( Vox. Guitar), bassist Bernard Hickey and drummer Aidan Smith. They were first formed by high school friends George and Hickey before, Smith later joined them from Melband. Two Of A Kind is a psychedelic number, steeped in hazy vocals and screeching guitars to leave your head spinning.  The track was recorded during the first Lockdown when Ben George teamed up with Simon Polinski to mix and master the track in two separate locations: Ben's Home and Laundry Goat Studios. Age of Iguana cites Oasis, Brian Jonestown Massacre and Dinosaur Jr amongst their influences, which can be heard here. The track begins with a retro 70's vibe with dazzling keys and meaty riffs segue into George's laid-back vocals. George's simple strumming pattern...

EP REVIEW- SECONDHAND HABIT- CONTACT HIGH (UNDISCOVERED GEM)

Secondhand Habit is another prospective talent, emanating from Canada. Contact High is the name of their latest release, a collection of 7 singles the band has recorded over the past year. The quintet combines combustible rock 'n' roll with synergetic guitar riffs and pummeling drum beats. They have spent the past few years touring Canada, opening for Electric Six , Nashville Pussy  & Daniel Wesley  to name but a few. This has now brought the band much-needed admiration, following the success of its predecessor " From the Ashes" ,  including me. I noticed an email from the band, asking for coverage. I was intrigued when I read a list of comparisons, which namechecked Nirvana, Mastodon, Alice In Chains, and Faith No More. The result is a pinch of these influences that piqued my interest. Opener 'H ey'  is an explosive number to get things started. Groove-laden riffs, solid drumming, and a lyrical nature that reflects the songwriter's free-spirited deme...

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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...