Earache [Release date 14.08.26]

Kris Barras is consolidating his out and out heavy rock stance with the latest album. And what an album! There is a superb crunching groove throughout.

I was impressed with the three previous albums which saw Barras move further away from his early blues rock leaning. This transition was bolstered by the release of the wonderful ‘Dead Horses’ in September 2021 ahead of ‘Death Valley Paradise’. He’s now firmly positioned himself (and band) as contenders for the crown of Shinedown and/or Daughtry/Fozzy/Black Stone Cherry, certainly a transatlantic land-grab in the making.

There is a wonderful consistency which essentially means almost every track grabs you by the short and curlies and refuses to let go.  But amongst the superb and urgent riffage stand tracks like ‘Unspoken’ and ‘Otherside’ which also underline the appealing hooks and arena-ready choruses that are present throughout.

Barras is no slouch on guitar either and altogether this is one of the “best in class” for 2026.

Absolutely unbeatable! *****

Review by David Randall

2026 Dates

Wed October 7th SOUTHAMPTON 1865
Thu October 8th NOTTINGHAM Rescue Rooms
Fri October 9th GLASGOW Garage
Sat October 10th HULL Welly
Sun October 11th CAMBRIDGE Mash
Tue October 13th LONDON Garage
Wed October 14th MANCHESTER Club Academy
Thu October 15th WOLVERHAMPTON KKs Steelmill
Fri October 16th TORQUAY Foundry

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Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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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 9 August 2026.

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). First broadcast on 4 August 2026

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Power Plays w/c 17 August 2026

STORMBRINGER Dirt And Bone (Attic Records)
SARI SCHORR Mr. In The Middle (Provogue Records)
JAMES KENNEDY & THE UNDERDOGS Shadows (Konic Records)
KATH & THE KICKS Sleep (indie)
VELVETEEN QUEEN Too Far Gone (Silver Lining Music)
SESAME GIRL Prettiest Girl In The World (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 17 August 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)

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