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Album Review: Category 7 sound the alarm on their explosive self-titled debut

  Words from Anselm Anderson Metal Supergroups are always a testy subject, for me. They are an opportunity for our favourite musicians to form a band with other musicians from another band to try to create something different from what we know.  Some go on to flourish, while others disappear without a trace. My question is: Which category does Category 7 fall under? Last Friday, the newly formed metal supergroup released their self-titled debut album through Metal Blade Records . The band includes well-known figures in metal, not just a mix of session musicians. John Bush, formerly of Anthrax and currently with Armored Saint, leads with his powerful vocals, along with the skilled guitarist Phil Demmel, formerly of Machine Head. Mike Orlando, a guitarist and producer known for his work with Adrenaline Mob and Sonic Universe, Jack Gibson from Overkill on bass, and Jason Bittner from Shadows Fall on drums round out this ambitious project.  The band combines the sound of th...

Rockstarclassics Nine FT Alter Bridge, UFO, The Rolling Stones, Airbourne

  Show Hosted by Anselm Anderson Welcome back to another edition of the Rambling Man podcast - Rockstar Classics hosted by Anselm Anderson. Each week, I delve into the stories behind iconic classic rock tracks and showcase new tracks from the world of rock and metal. Press play to enjoy some great music, including tracks from Australian hard rockers Airbourne, German Sleaze rockers A Gun Called Britney, and iconic tracks by UFO and The Rolling Stones. Also, listen to new music from British rockers The Rattlebacks and the Phil Mogg-led Mogg's Motel. Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following  https://follow.it/anselm-s-rambling-man-s-reviews?pub

Song of the Day: RJ Archer and The Painful Memories- Got To Leave"

  Words by Anselm Anderson Blues-based rock quartet RJ Archer and The Painful Memories recently released "Got to Leave," their latest track from their upcoming third studio album, scheduled for release this summer. The track is perfect for enjoying blazing sunshine and cool breezes, as it is a throwback to the Delta Blues era. Lead vocalist Richard Archer's buoyant and warm vocals attain a calmness over a steady rhythm. Formed in 2019, RJ Archer and The Painful Memories began as a trio of Archer, bassist Richard James and fellow guitarist Ben Kingsbury, after the former won a a prize in a singing competition. The band's love of the 1960s and 70's blues-based rock can be clearly heard within the first few bars of 'Got to Leave'. The opening blues shuffle between James's bass and Archer's slide guitar gives a slick edge to the music. Archer's powerful vocals resonate with the listener as the steady rhythm builds towards the chorus. The laid-back ...

EP Review: Saint Diablo Embraces the past on "The Reckoning"

  Words from Anselm Anderson Nu-Metal is making a return with a bang. The latest band to embrace the genre that mixed down-tuned guitars with mixing desks and aggressive vocals about personal struggles and social anxieties is Virginia-based sextet,  Saint Diablo. Today, the Latin Americans release their latest four-track EP 'The Reckoning' via Eclipse Records.  The band consists of lead vocalist Tito Quinones, guitarist Justin Adams, bassist Zach San Pietro, drummer Anthony San Pietro, and percussionist Awesome Ray Ray. It has released two full releases to date, including 2015's critically -acclaimed Devils, Horns and Halos. The Reckoning  is no exception as the band delivers four sizzling tracks of apoplectic rage, thunderous riffs and catchy choruses to set themselves loose on the metal world. Upon first listening, I felt the band reminded me of the 2000's Latin Nu-metal group Il Nino. Ironically, this EP  was mixed, mastered, and recorded by the band's prod...

Rockstarclassics Episode Eight Returns with a bang!

The Blog's Rockcast returns with another look through some classic tracks and newbies for your enjoyment. On Today's edition, I look at the stories behind great tracks by AC/DC, Black Label Society and The Georgia Thunderbolts, plus play the latest from British metal act Voltstorm and Sludge metal act Gods and Punks. Click below to listen to the show. Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following  https://follow.it/anselm-s-rambling-man-s-reviews?pub

EP REVIEW: Elevenwire- Blood Red Sun

 Words by Anselm Anderson Prog metal act ElevenWire has released their debut effort Blood Red Sun  via OOB Records. The album has nine prog-rock fusion tracks with jazz, metal and beautiful atmospheric soundscapes. The album follows a dystopian concept based on the emergence of AI (Artificial Intelligence) ruling the planet. The trio of brothers, John and Robert Hughes, along with long-time buddy Jim Armstrong, capture the tone of this nightmarish scenario through subliminal guitar interplay, string arrangements, and soaring keyboards reminiscent of the late Jon Lord. In modern times, it is rare to hear a progressive rock release that sounds like the luminaries of the 1970s, such as Rush and Genesis. The release was mixed by guest drummer Eric Gillette at his studio in Tulsa, OK, USA. This further assists in the development of an immaculate work full of quality songwriting, thought-provoking lyrics, and harmonic vocals. The album opens with the melancholic string arrangements...

Rambling Man's Interview: Category 7 Frontman John Bush "I think it’s riff mania with some big hooks and explosive rhythms played by some talented veterans"

 Interview by Anselm Anderson The Rambling Man grabbed an opportunity to speak with veteran metal vocalist John Bush, best known for his stint with Anthrax and Armored Saint, who discusses his new band Category 7 , and their upcoming debut album, due out on July 26th via Metal Blade Records. Category 7   is a supergroup, which features ex-members of Machine Head , Adrenaline Mob and Anthrax. Click below to read the full article. Congratulations on your upcoming self-titled debut album, due on July 26th.  How are preparations going for the release?  Great! Doing interviews. two videos were released. Good buzz out there. Category 7 is a relatively new band featuring ex-members of Anthrax, Machine Head, Adrenaline Mob and Overkill. That is an impressive C.V. for a new band. What can you tell me about how you formed?  Phil contacted me about this project he was working on. He asked if I would be interested in working on it, so I said send some stuff to me....

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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...