Quick plays: TOWN PORTAL, CIVIL WAR
Small Pond Recordings [Released 25.05.15]
This is the second album by Danish band Town Portal. They are a three piece instrumental band, with guitarist Christian Henrik Ankerstjerne also handling production.
Instrumental albums are sadly a niche market in many cases, which is a real shame as band like Town Portal have top draw musicianship and have produced a series of interesting soundscapes. They like the heavier end of rock, check out the throbbing bass and deep guitar riffs on ‘Yes Golem’. There is a touch of Mastodon in the music. ‘Deep Error’ has the listener wonderin when the vocals will kick in, the most instant tune on the album.
If you like bands like the excellent the Fierce & the Dead, do try this band, sure to appeal to prog rock fans. ***1/2
Review by Jason Ritchie
CIVIL WAR – Gods And Generals
Napalm Records [Released 11.05.15]
Civil War release their second album, one with a theme of battles as you can gather from the album cover artwork and title. The band features former Sabaton members who hooked up with vocalist Nils Patrik Johansson (Astral Doors/Lion’s Share). They have undergone a line-up change with founding guitarist Oskar Montelius retiring and the band parted ways with bassist Stefan Eriksson. The band’s new guitarist is longtime collaborator Petrus Granar.
‘Schindler’s Ark’ is one of the highlights, with the quiet vocals sounding like David Coverdale and then the choral harmonies add that epic touch to the songs. There is some rousing metal on ‘Braveheart’, again the band cleverly mix quiet musical passages with the more out and out metal bombast. ‘Bay Of Pigs’ recalls Dio, not only with Johansson’s vocals but the guitar riffs and solos. Another album stand out.
It all goes a little ‘Les Miserables’ on ‘Tears From The North’ with the orchestral backing and military drumbeat. It does have that big musical feel about it.
The band Civil War may have gone under a few people’s musical radars which should change with this album. This is metal with strong lyrics and epic music, along with those vocals from Nils Patrik Johansson, what a voice! ****
Review by Jason Ritchie
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Next session: Sunday 1 December
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David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.
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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024
THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)
Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
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