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SONG OF THE DAY: GENUS ORDINIS DEI- THREE KINGS

  Words by Anselm Anderson Genus Ordinis Dei, the Italian black metal band, has just released "Three Kings," the latest single from their recent album "The Beginning," which came out in December via Eclipse Records . The track combines the grandeur of symphonic metal with the intensity of black metal to create an exhilarating new song for the band. The trio of musical academics formed in 2011 after graduating from Italy's top music academies. They aimed to blend modern metal with symphonies to create a cutting-edge sound.  They had their first experience of this when they met Lacuna Coil bassist M arco Coti Zelati on tour, who agreed to produce their debut album.  The band released a trilogy of albums as a concept to define their sound, culminating in last year's release, "The Beginning." "Three Kings" showcases magnificent string arrangements, strong rasping vocals, and poetic lyrics. The song opens with a cinematic collision of bomb...
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ALBUM REVIEW: Aklash- Reincarnation

  Words by Anselm Anderson Atmospheric  Black metal traces its roots in the Nordic region during the nineties with acts like Burzum and Ulver . The genre has really taken off in the past twenty years with the addition of several sub-genres and outside influences such as folk and post-rock. However, British newcomers Aklash aim to challenge that statement with their newest EP  Reincarnation. The quartet formed in 2010 in southern England but their fanbase has grown in that time with notable live performances and the release of their previous three efforts: 2013's self-titled album, 2018 's Where The Ocean Meets The Sky,  and 2021's Horizon. Reincarnation is eight tracks of wonder and awe, as the band capture the influences of their European roots. The inclusion of folk, metal, goth, and prog-rock styles helps to convey the lyrics of philosophy, theology, and anamorphosis to the listener. The band consists of Nicholas Millar (Guitar, Violin and Main Vocals), Yiannis...
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Album Review: EBBA BERGKVIST AND THE FLAT TIRE BAND- FOUR WINGS

  Words by Anselm Anderson Sweden's Female fronted blues rock band Ebba Begkvist and TheFlat Tire Band recently released their second studio album Four Wings  via the excellent The Sign Records.  I have written some reviews for the label in the past and they usually produce some superb music from Sweden. 'Four Wings' is no exception as it is an album really about two halves; the first is 70's induced heavy blues rock, and the second is psychedelic and soulful melodies. The follow-up to 2020's Spilt Milk was produced and recorded by Ebba herself at  Silence Studio in Koppom as well as Helgen Studio, in Stockholm. As a producer, this allows her to add depth and emotion to each track. Formed in 2017 as a solo project, Ebba Bergkvist later added bassist Björn Björnehult Korning, drummer Adam Randolph and Finnish guitarist Jonas Skeppar to form the band it is today. Ebba gained critical acclaim after the release of her debut album, "Alright," in 2019, and wen...
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ALBUM Review: Questing Beast- Birth

  WORDS BY ANSELM ANDERSON Prog Metal band Questing Beast hails from New England, USA. They recently released the first in a trilogy of records entitled Birth. T he Ten Tracker is a concept album based on the World's End, a scornful god and an interdimensional system. The lyrical content and subsequent music would have impressed many fantasy novelists like George R.R Martin, Frank Herbert and J.R.R Tolkien. Formed in 2019, the quintet of vocalist Joe Harris, guitarists, Joe's sister Jane and Shane Malouf- Pieterse, drummer Christian Kincaid and Warbringer bassist Chase Bryant on bass has spent the past three years writing, recording and mastering their modern-day masterpiece: a mixture of heavy metal, deathly growls, jazz passages and elements of opera. 'Birth' was produced by Benny Grotto at Mad Oak Studios in Allston, MA. Each track Is brought to life in a unique and bombastic fashion, enlightening and frightening us. The doom-stricken riffs of 'A Comet's T...
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Song Of the Day: COUNTRY SINGER LAUREN FREEBIRD- 'EITHER WAY'

WORDS BY ANSELM ANDERSON Country singer/songwriter Lauren Freebird  has recently released a new single “Either Way." She continues to be a strong female role model in the rock and country music scene, with her latest track about dealing with heartbreak following a relationship. 'Either Way' showcases Lauren's powerful vocals and slick guitar lines, making her a star to watch. The track captivates the audience with the lively electric guitar and the resounding tom-tom beats throughout the song. Lauren then enters the fray with her powerful, commanding voice as she reflects on the anger felt at the end of her relationship  “ So I tore the pictures off the damn wall / and get lost in a couple glasses of alcohol. ”  Freebird continues to educate the listeners through her soulful voice and relatable lyrics. Her tone soon changes on the turnaround of the track as she says“ I’ve learned to love myself now / And that has filled your place / And mama said this wound would...
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ALBUM REVIEW: THADEUS GONZALEZ- STREET FIGHTS ARE STARTING TO HURT

  Words by Anselm Anderson Singer/songwriter Thadeus Gonzalez recently released his fourth album Street Fights Are Starting to Hurt. The artist is a critically acclaimed genre-defying artist with an album about the human complexities and emotional conflicts experienced through life. Gonzalez hails from Oakland, California in The States, and has built his reputation on his subject matters, emotional songwriting and exploration of several genres such as folk, punk, blues and soul. 'Street Fights..' is another album that examines these genres through poignancy and raw emotion. Precision and dynamism bring each track to life to create a touching release of ten pop-tinged, rock tracks. All tracks are recorded, engineered, produced and mastered by Kyle Homme.   Tim Narducci  offers additional production values to the album. The anthemic "Street Fights" kicks off the release with its upbeat riffs, catchy chorus, and a blend of pop sensibilities and soft rock. This song sets...
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EP REVIEW: THE FIRES BELOW- THORNS

  Words by Anselm Anderson Rambling Man's Reviews returns this week with another promising band from London, England. The Fires Below i s a band featured on these pages last year when their debut EP, Masquerade, was reviewed .  I remember describing how they would make a big impact with their grunge and punk style. Nine months later, the trio returns with "Thorns," their latest five-track release, showcasing more intensity, grooves, and metal than their previous work. The Fires Below formed two years ago during the pandemic lockdown. The trio consists of vocalist Smithy, bassist Si and drummer Sam. They have raised their expectations for this release by incorporating more variety into the tracks. They combine desert rock, alt-metal, punk, and stoner to create a hard-hitting and cutthroat style of metal, which strikes the listener through the ears. Lead singer Smithy confessed that the trio found their identity through their energetic live performances, helping the band g...
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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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