Nick van der Meulen gives us a round-up of some key new releases… DIO – Dream Evil Deluxe Edition (Universal) Originally released in 1987, this was my real introduction to Dio. It was harsh, yet romantic and I couldn’t help … Continue reading
Napalm Records This is a new project from Christopher Bowes, who can normally be seen in pirate metal band Alestorm. He has recruited vocalist Thomas Winkler (Emerald) to give those classic high pitched power metal vocals. The story is set … Continue reading
yearningrocks.com [Release date: April 2013] It would be a shame if the second album from this German-based band went unnoticed. From the opening track ‘Watching The World’ the riffs are angular, the songs consistently engaging, and the sense of urgency … Continue reading
Spinefarm Records [Release date 27.05.13] Back in 2008 I chatted to Tony Newton of Voodoo Six in the now defunct Limelight Club, Crewe. Five years on and it has taken perhaps a little longer than he or the band may … Continue reading
St.Matthew’s Church Hall, Ashford, Middlesex State of Eden played their debut gig at a charity fundraising event for two diabetic charities and it was good debut gig. The main focus of the band are the two keyboards players, father and … Continue reading
Since first fronting the mighty Accept back in the early 80s, Udo Dirkschneider had to overcome many obstacles to present us all with his fine blend of classic-sounding, honest Heavy Metal. The most recent blow, the departure of both his … Continue reading
AFM Records – [Release date 21.05.13] Udo Dirkschneider is a man who simply does not understand the meaning of slowing down. Even though he has recently witnessed the departure from the U.D.O ranks of his long-time friend and collaborator Stefan … Continue reading
Maggy Simpson is the brainchild of Bat Kinane and Shane Counter. Having known each other for over 10 years, and sharing a passion for high quality original Rock music, this is the first major work the pair will release. There … Continue reading
I was watching Roger Waters play in Hyde Park a few years ago, when the guy next to me leaned over to his mate and said, “Great, innit? It’s just like the album!” While perhaps missing the point of a … Continue reading
Eagle Vision (also 2CD) Originally issued in 2006, this DVD shows Rainbow live with their latest line up just prior to the release of the Long Live Rock’n’Roll album. It was filmed for the Rockplast broadcasts and hence was heavily … Continue reading
Eagle Vision A young looking Dio fronting his young looking band and fook me this a good show. Promoting their Sacred Heart album, this ferocious opens with King Of Rock’n’Roll and sets the pace, followed by Like A Beat Of … Continue reading
A Saturday night in Glasgow with three of the best rock acts on the planet? Sounded like a great plan to me. This tour had been a ‘must see’ for most discerning rock fans since it was announced and the … Continue reading
earMUSIC Don’t be fooled by the plinky piano and music hall humming on the intro to album opener ‘When Winter…’ Within seconds, Shawter unleashes a death roar to split brains and splinter souls. This is damn fine album, full of … Continue reading
WINTER MOUNTAIN – Find, Follow (EP) www.wintermountain.co.uk Winter Mountain are a duo consisting of Joseph Francis and Martin Smith. They met for the first time getting the same train at Chicago’s Union station and have since won a Battle of … Continue reading
Roar Hide Records [Release date: 20.05.13] ‘Unfinished Business’, the penultimate track on The Western Sizzlers ‘For Ol’ Times Sake’, neatly summarises self exiled British musical maverick Kevin Jennings’s situation. A former catalyst for the Georgia Satellites (he got them signed … Continue reading
Tonight may have been all about cutting a live DVD, but with the exception of one false start you’d have been hard pushed to notice the cameras, as Joanne Shaw Taylor made light of any pressure with a splendid show … Continue reading
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Belatedly, the word seems to be spreading in the UK about young Swedish melodic rock sensations H.E.A.T. Their reputation and talent was not matched by barely three figure turnouts at their London shows at the Underworld and the Gaff three … Continue reading
Support Acts: Purson & Black Magician Review by Yiannis (John) Stefanis Having just returned from a great holiday, involving great company, awesome food and top quality wine, I had to face the cold and rainy streets of London once more. … Continue reading
Nuclear Blast [Release date 27.05.13] I’ve always considered Scott Gorham to be the least talented of the classic Thin Lizzy line up, and his continued trading on the name hasn’t endeared either. It’s one thing to keep the legacy alive, … Continue reading
So on a wet Saturday afternoon you would think there would be nothing to do in Bilston, west of Birmingham? Dames of Darkness festival was the brainchild of David Homer and Paul Collins of ‘Apparition’ who back in 2007 decided … Continue reading
Luckily for myself and fellow Midlands rock fans Pendragon seem to have taken a shine to the Assembly holding a number of their rare UK performances at the venue, luckily they have a loyal following prepared to travel to see … Continue reading
www.miraclemile.co.uk (Released 22nd July) Mircale Mile are a duo consisting of Trevor Jones and Marcus Cliffe, who have released eight albums prior to this one as Miracle Mile. This new album is a concept piece, based … Continue reading
Almost 40 years on there is a seemingly never ending market when it comes to early Genesis music. Mention ‘The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway’ to gentlemen of a certain age and they can talk wistfully for hours on every … Continue reading
Forward In Reverse Music Ryan McGarvey’s current album ‘Redefined’ actually came out last year, but it’s deservedly gaining extra attention because of his current debut UK tour. He works in a trio format (with occasional keyboard parts) though you’d be … Continue reading
New Mexico blues-rock guitarist Ryan McGarvey cuts an understated figure in a crowded market place full of wannabee guitarist heroes and established wiser heads. But the moment he plugs in he starts to build a succession of grooves, drones and … Continue reading
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