Quick plays: MOB RULES, MIKE VASS

MOB RULES Beast Reborn SPV/Steamhammer [Release date 24.08.18]

Mob Rules have been around for awhile now and although never reaching the heights of popularity of some fellow power metal bands, they have built a large and loyal following. Their latest album ‘Beast Reborn’ sees guitarist Sonke Janssen join the band, linking up with fellow guitarist Sven Ludke to produce suitably OTT metal solos when required.

Vocalist and sole remaining original member Klaus Dirks gives his all on the songs, be it the metal assault of ‘Travellers In Time’, which sounds a lot like Iron Maiden in the guitar sound, or the slow building ‘Revenant Of The Sea’ (the singing on this one is stunning). The band have added a little more symphonic ‘oomph’ to the proceedings and the closing ballad ‘My Sobriety Mind (For Those Who Left)’ is a piece of pure class. Maybe a little more variety like this one would have increased the album’s enjoyment.

There is a collector’s version of this album which will appeal to the avid fan. Overall a good album of symphonic/power metal, however not in the Premier League yet like say Kamelot or Freedom Call. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

MIKE VASS Notes From The Boat Unroofed Records [Release date 27.07.18]

Mike Vass has always been a keen lover of the sea and boats, so on this album as the title suggests he recorded it on his boat the Sweet Symphony. Joining him were ten musical guests including harpist Corrina Hewat, fiddle player Duncan Chishilm of Wolfstone and guitar/mandolin player Innes White.

Now this is a proper headphones album in that you can hear parts of the boat at times in the songs and there are various sounds to listen out for, including ‘Last Day’ where the song’s title is spelt out in the phonetic alphabet and a pack of cards on ‘Home’.

Plenty of moods and tempos on here, from the jaunty fiddle playing on ‘Inver’ through to the lovely, gentle harp on ‘Voices’. There is a even a quick blast of the ‘Captain Pugwash’ theme on ‘Bright Kirk’!

A wonderful set of instrumental pieces to enjoy over and over and preferably on a boat on a sunny day! ****

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.

Josh Taerk Sunday Sessions 2024

Latest session: Sunday 25 February
Next session: Sunday 14 April

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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 25 February 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 27 February 2024.

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Power Plays w/c 4 March 2024

COLLATERAL Glass Sky (Big Shot Records)
THE ZUTONS Pauline (ICEPOP)
THE GEORGIA THUNDERBOLTS Rise Above It All (Mascot)
MATT PEARCE & THE MUTINY From Here To The Moon (indie)
THE BLACK VULTURES Never Say (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 4 March 2024

09:00-12:00 LEE AARON Tattoo Me (Metalville)
12:00-13:00 THE END MACHINE The Quantum Phase (Frontiers)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023


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