The Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

Words from Anselm Anderson The London-based Blues band Sun House recently released a catchy rock blues track titled 'Never Be Lonely.' This release marks the duo's first musical offering since their debut album 'Ticket To Fly' in 2020. Comprising guitarist Jamie Elli s and drummer Cam Meek, t he band aims to revitalize the blues and classic rock genres for today's music scene. A unique feature of their work is the collaboration with renowned blues musicians, adding a dynamic edge to their sound.  J Lee and the Hoodoo Skulls are featured on this latest track, with lead vocalist J ason Barratt contributing his soulful voice to the vibrant blues riffs. This is the first time I have encountered these acts and I was eager to give this a listen. The sound is fresh and the vocals are infectious. "Never Be Lonely" starts with powerful, resonating drums that segue into an upbeat and rhythmic blues riff. The motif builds, escalated by a steady combination of ...

Heavy Rock act  Beyond This Earth  released their sophomore album early this month.  Portraits of The Absurd  was self-released and introduced a unique approach to the stoner rock/doom metal genre. The quintet, based in Livadia City, Greece, was formed in 2013 with a need for a heavy riffing and rock ‘n’ roll-inspired musical approach. This leads them to self-producing their music videos and touring extensively throughout. The band’s self-released debut LP Universal Fury  in 2016 and gradually improved their sound to produce  Portraits of the Absurd.  Real and fictional facts of social experience are blended in the allegorical lyrics, combining heavy rock riffs and bluesy leads with an inimitable rhythm section. The album was re corded at   Artracks Recording Studios  in Athens, Greece. The mix was undertaken by Clyde Jabra alongside Beyond This Earth, while the mastering was done by Giorgos Priniotakis. The artwork and logo were created...

Blues guitarist Dan Patlansky recently released his latest offering Movin’ On last Friday, March 1st via Virgin Music Group . The South African-born slinger has been a mainstay in the blues scene for over a decade and has ten studio albums. I have always seen the name around but recently grabbed an opportunity to interview the musician. Therefore, I was eager to listen to this new release. Patlansky joins a list of blues gunslingers from the genre’s Wild West, including Joe Bonamassa, Joanne Shaw Taylor and Laurence Jones to namedrop but a few. Patlansky has built a strong fanbase with his style of electric blues. ‘Movin On’ is a follow-up to the hugely successful Shelter of Bones, released in 2022. The album was voted that year’s Blues Rock Album of the Year , and Patlanksy now returns with his eleventh effort. He collaborated writing duties with longtime friends, Andy Maritz and Greg Van Kerkhof. This combination brings warmth and sincerity to a collection of personal songs. I don’t...

WORDS BY ANSELM The Gems is a new name for the rock scene. However, the members are familiar to fans of the Female Swedish rock act Thundermother . Last February, the band shocked the rock world by firing Lead singer Guernica Mancini. Bassist Mona Lindgren and drummer Emlee Johansson soon followed suit with a show of loyalty to their long-term friend. The result is Phoenix , the debut album released today via Napalm Records . The 16-track release is a hard rock album and a mission statement. The trio rise from the ashes to fulfil their rock ‘n’ roll potential. Produced by Johan Randén, the album was mastered by Plec Johansson (Soilwork, Hank von Hell, Firewind). The decision to hire these gentlemen gives justice to the women. They almost sound relieved as the shackles are off. The women are free to experiment with different genres of rock on Phoenix. So, that is enough from the rambling man, let’s transpire with the review. The album starts with a song called “Aurora, ” an acapella...

Record Label: Frontiers Music SRL Jack Russell, the vocalist of Great White , and Tracii Guns , the founder of LA Guns, are well-known names in the eighties’ glam rock scene. The duo now joins forces for their debut release Medusa via Frontiers Music SRL. The album marks a comeback for Russell seven years after recording his last record with Great White . The cobwebs don’t show as he teams up with guitar maestro Guns. Medusa includes the typical Frontiers Music SRL ingredients with special guest musicians assisting during recording. LA Guns bassist Johnny Martin, ex-drummer Shane Fitzgibbon , and Revolution Saints Multi-instrumentalist Alessandro Del Vecchio join the duo. Each musician plays a role in complementing the two legends, combining them to produce their best work to date. I was pleasantly surprised and excited after listening to the opening two tracks. My initial thoughts were a throwback to bands like The Quireboys. The rock ‘n’ roll influences from their earlier wo...

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...

Words by Anselm Anderson Today, the legendary Blue Oyster Cult have released 5 0th Anniversary Live-First Night  via Frontiers Music S.R.L. The Three-day event celebrates an incredible fifty years of Classic rock icons, recorded in September 2022. The 2-CD Deluxe edition divides the first night into two. As part of the extravaganza, the band played three sold-out shows at Sony Hall, NYC. During the set, the band played one of their first three albums- 1972's self-titled debut, 1973's Tyrants and Mutation, and 1974's Secret Treaties. The three-hour sets featured deep cuts and a special guest appearance from founding drummer Albert Bouchard. I have long been a fan of the group so any opportunity to review one of their releases brings joy to this writer. The band are seen as a major influence on the heavy metal and hard rock scene, including Metallica.  They are renowned for their catchy songs, heavy music, and lyrics often deemed funny, ambiguous, or terrifying. The set feat...