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EP REVIEW- KINSTRIFE- INTERVENTION

Words by Anselm Anderson Hereford - based hard rockers' Kinstrife, named after a civil war in The  Lord Of the Rings , is a four-piece collective content on merging the border between classic rock and contemporary metal. The quintet now unleashes their debut EP Intervention , on priming ears fro the first time on July 31st via Forge AMP. The label has a knack for discovering talented unsigned artists, and Kinstrife is no exception to the rule. The ensemble's penchant for personal lyrics, combined with massive choruses and strong songwriting share similarities with bands like Shinedown and Inglorious. The group formed in 2003 by Lead guitarist Alan Kaye and Bassist Dave Richards, The duo was promptly joined by vocalist Mike Hoskins and drummer Simon Richards. 2020 seems to be a critical breakthrough for them with extensive international airplay and interviews including crucial exposure to their increasing popularity. The four-song EP combines 80's ballads with aggre...

ALBUM REVIEW- THE TEN TON TINNIES - TONS OF TINS

Queensland - based country-punk rockers' The Ten Ton Tinnies are a band that featured heavily on these pages back in May with "Bad Gas Travels Fast in a Small town", a fun take on town gossip, served with a hint of the band's raucous humour and hard-hitting rock. The trio will finally unleash their debut album Tons of Tins on July 31st to an army of new followers. The LP is ten songs of their unabashed humour mixed with country grooves, punk attitude and some drinking tales. Part-Time Hillbilly is a punchy opening track with plenty of guts and energy. Vocalist Luke Turley seems intent in this narrative about leaving home. He delivers with panache against a backdrop of thunderous drums and jangly guitars that feel like this could be a future hit. Down in the Country is an energetic punk song reminiscent of bands like Simple Plan if they were born in the south. An introspective lyrical style of life in the country combines to create A singalong chorus and huge pop hooks...

Song Review: Alchemy Divine - I'm in a Rush

Hard Rock act Alchemy Divine released the high-octane " I'm In A Rush", taken from the recent album  Crushed. The Italians are enjoying a meteoric rise with their blend of classic rock riffs and soaring vocal melodies. The band were formed in 2015 under the pseudonym Alchemy but chose to rename themselves to avoid confusion with Dire Straits cover bands. I'm in a Rush s tarts off with an energetic buzz segue into the lung-busting vocal styles of Francesca Mantovani. Her operatic palette is rich and dynamic, towering over the screeching guitar breaks of guitarist Mauri Belluzzo. The band come together in the chorus in a joyful cry of I'm in a rush. Mantovani can dictate tempo through her varying levels of tone, accompanied by the thunderous pounding of drummer Michael Kostka and the rumbling bass of Luca De Mare. Alchemy Divine seems to have the right formula with this retro roar of pure rock. Words by Anselm Anderson Alchemy Divine,  Crushed is available...

Grace Solero- Awake- SONG OF THE DAY

London born singer-songwriter Grace Solero releases latest single Awake, taken from her forthcoming album,  Metamorphosis  due out next year. Solero moved to London to assemble her own band and has achieved considerable success in the process. She has enjoyed extensive national airplay, including appearances on BBC Radio 6, and heavy TV rotation on My Jam Music Network in New York. Solero and co have further enhanced their budding reputation with supporting roles to rock veterans ' Th e Crazy World of Arthur Brown. Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell & Slade frontman Noddy Holder.  The band's unique brand of instrumentation and tender vocals naturally produce dreamy-like grunge rock for the modern generation to typically enjoy. The Chris Brown ( Radiohead, Muse) - produced track promptly begins with Solero purring over an aggressive guitar sound. The musical arrangement builds up creative tension before the aspiring singer gently pours her soul out in the chorus. ...

THE HIGH ATE US- ZONE OF SILENCE ALBUM REVIEW

Extradimensional musicians  The HighAteUs  have returned and reformed for their second full-length effort Zone Of Silence, released on June 20, 2020. The mysterious trio plays an eclectic mixture of avant-garde rock mixed with macabre humour to transport the listener to a third dimension. The band originally formed in 2002 in a little-known town in Mexico, before disappearing into an abyss. The original duo returned with a new member and an album, "Zone Of Silence" is sixteen songs of versatility, range and complexity. The self-titled opener is a burst of psychedelic rock, which begins with some type of ritual chanting to introduce the listener before the music kicks in. Distorted melodies combine with fuzzy guitars to exhibit a melodious metal song. Telephone Boof is a Frank Zappa -style ballad. The trio presents versatile range between tender vocal melodies, funky riffs and keyboard harmonies for an easy-listening track. The alternate People Pleaser arouses dancing...

EP OF THE WEEK - WICKED SMILE- DELIRIUM

Australian powerhouses Wicked Smile deliver a slab of classic '80s inspired hard rock with the release of debut EP " Delirium", due out on July 1st. The duo consists of ex- Pegazus & Eyefear vocalist Danny Cecati and The Radio Sun & ex- Black Majesty guitarist Stevie Janevski with The Defiants Paul Laine taking up backing vocals and bass. Laine produces this four-song EP. Wicked Smile delivers huge vocal hooks with an overarching guitar sound that is heavily influenced by '70s and 80's metal. The band add to this arsenal with a pack of experience in previous guises, performing at major festivals such as Hard Rock Hell, Monsters Of Rock & Wacken Open Air. There is no doubt this type of resume has added to the duo's accomplished musicianship and solid songwriting. Delirium tells the tale of Governments, society, bullying and love in a half-hour of energetic, ballsy heavy metal. Opener We Fall is a defiant anthem to begin proceed...

Single of the Day: The Neuron Shakers-Golden Heels

Words by Anselm Anderson Silver Fox & Goldie Heels are a female/male duo that has been together for over a year. Goldy Heels is a singer-songwriter with 20 years of experience, whilst Silver Fox is a jazz guitarist and record producer with 40 years of experience. The band combine tight melodies with jazz fusion undertones to create an enriched and catchy sound. The duo recently released a new single " Golden Heels", a semi-biographical tale about Goldy Heels herself. 'Golden Heels'  is a vibrant rock track with hook-laden guitar lines and a catchy pop chorus. The track begins with the funky sounds of Silver Fox on guitar. A foot-tapping riff segues into drum beats and Goldy Heels on vocals- a sultry and crisp palette that stretches over the rhythmic patterns of jazz guitar. The breakdowns in vocals are mesmerising, adding a spellbinding edge to the duo's sound. Goldy Heels delivers the verses with meaning and depth to the accompaniment of backing singers. ...

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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...