Category Archives: ALBUM REVIEWS

Album review: LIV KRISTINE – Amor Vincit Omnia

Posted on March 13, 2025 by GRTR! HQ

Metalville [Release date 25.04.25] Following Liv Kristine’s acrimonious departure from Leaves Eyes there have been a series of solo album reissues, a new solo album in 2023, although combining now with her other interests in wellness and voice coaching. Liv’s … Continue reading →

Album review: SIGN OF THE WOLF

Posted on March 11, 2025 by jason

Escape Music [Release date 25.04.25] Sign of the Wolf’s debut album is an interesting one as it was created by Fireworks magazine’s Bruce Mee, who wanted to bring back that gloriously epic and melodic hard rock sound from the early … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Andrew Freeman, Black Sabbath, Bruce Mee, Classic Albums, classic rock, Dio, hard rock, Rainbow, review, rock, Ronnie James Dio, Tony Carey | Leave a comment

Album review: STEVE KNIGHTLEY – Positively Folk Street: Dylan, Carthy & Me

Posted on March 8, 2025 by jason

Hands On Music [Release date 04.03.25] Seems the recent Bob Dylan biopic ‘A Complete Unknown’ is inspiring quite a few artists to revisit the Dylan back catalogue, as Steve Knightley does on here, along with another one of his major … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Bob Dylan, Classic Albums, folk, Martin Carthy, Positively Folk Street, review, singer songwriter, Steve Knightley | Leave a comment

Album review: JON ANDERSON & THE BAND GEEKS – Live, Perpetual Change

Posted on March 8, 2025 by brianmc

Frontiers [Release date : 14.03.25] We reviewed Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks’ debut album, True, last year. For the Geeks, Richie (BOC) Castellano, Andy Ascolese, Christopher Clark and Matt Beck, the self deprecating band name turned out to be … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Blue Oyster Cult, Frontiers, Jon Anderson, live, Perpetual Change, review, Richie Castellano, The Band Geeks, Yes | Leave a comment

Album review: REG MEUROSS – Fire & Dust

Posted on March 8, 2025 by jason

Hatsongs Records [Release date 14.03.25] Not an artist this reviewer had come across before, although Reg Meuross does have more than 15 solo albums to his name. This album was commissioned by the Who’s Pete Townshend (who produced the album) … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Fire & Dust, Fire & Dust folk, Pete Townshend, Reg Meuross, review, singer songwriter, Woody Guthrie | Leave a comment

Album review : STREETLIGHT – Night Vision

Posted on March 6, 2025 by brianmc

Frontiers Music [Release date : 14.03.25] After an artfully conceived AOR debut in 2024, Streetlight’s trajectory remains on an upward curve. And, to no one’s surprise, pretty well everywhere you scratch the paint on Night Vision, you’ll find the 1980s … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, AOR, Brian Wilson, Johnny Hates Jazz, melodic rock, Night Vision, review, Steely Dan, Streetlight, Toto | Leave a comment

Album review : ENBOUND – Set It Free (w/bonus CD)

Posted on February 28, 2025 by brianmc

Embrace The Fear [Release date : 21.02.25] 2025’s Set it Free is Enbound’s third album, a follow up to Blackened, if an album 9 years later can be described as a “follow up”. Nice (if expensive) piece of marketing here… … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Album reviews | Tagged And She Says Gold, Blackened, Dynazty, Enbound, melodic metal, Mike Cameron Force, review, Tobias Jonsson | Leave a comment

Album review: JIZZY PEARL’S LOVE/HATE – Punk Rock Fiesta!

Posted on February 28, 2025 by jason

Kenyon Records [Release date 01.03.25] It is hard to believe that it is now 35 years since the release of debut album “Blackout In The Red Room” and frontman Jizzy Pearl is still flying the flag for Love/Hate, latest album … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, classic rock, hard rock, Jizzy Pearl, Love/Hate, Punk Rock Fiesta!, review, rock, sleaze rock | Leave a comment

Album review: ERIC BASS – If I Had A Name

Posted on February 25, 2025 by jason

Independent Release [Release date 28.02.25] Eric Bass is best known as the co-songwriter, producer, and bassist for multiplatinum rock institution Shinedown. As the bassist, co-songwriter, and producer for Shinedown – a band renowned for headlining major festivals and holding the … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged ADHD, album, autism, concept album, Eric Bass, glam rock, hard rock, If I had a Name, modern rock, review, rock, Shinedown, Solo | Leave a comment

Album review : VISION OF DISORDER – Vision of Disorder / Imprint (2 CD Deluxe Digipak)

Posted on February 24, 2025 by brianmc

Cherry Red [Release date : 28.02.25] The early nineties was a strange time for Heavy Metal. US band, Vision Of Disorder emerged from a morass of subgenres and splinter groups, all following different paths, all pursuing different objectives, mostly with … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Album reviews | Tagged Cherry Red, Dave Sardy, Doom Metal, Hardcore, Hendrix, Imprint, metal, Rammstein, review, Vision Of Disorder, VOD | Leave a comment

Album review : PERFECT PLAN – Heart Of A Lion

Posted on February 23, 2025 by brianmc

Frontiers Music [Release date : 28.02.25] With his fourth Perfect Plan album, Kent Hilli has truly deciphered the AOR code. Heart Of A Lion is a superb, beautifully crafted melodic rock recording, mixing keys and guitars in varying measures, creating … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged AOR, Brother Firetribe, Frontiers, Kent Hilli, melodic rock, Perfect Plan, review, Survivor | Leave a comment

Album review: GILLAN – 1978-1982

Posted on February 23, 2025 by jason

Edsel/Demon Music Group [Release date 28.02.25] Formed by Ian Gillan, former Deep Purple vocalist, in 1978, Gillan were a solid energetic and successful rock band, albeit for a short period. And despite successful tours, albums, hit singles, the band’s lack … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Reissues | Tagged 1978-1982, Bernie Torme, box set, Classic Albums, classic rock, Colin Towns, Deep Purple, Gillan, hard rock, Ian Gillan, Janick Gers, John McCoy, Mick Underwood, review, rock | Leave a comment

Album review: CHRIS BRAIN – New Light

Posted on February 22, 2025 by jason

Big Sun Records [Release date 07.03.25] Third album from Chris Brain in nearly as many years with his debut, ‘Bound to Rise’, released in 2022, followed by ‘Steady Away’ released in the following year. Both are worth seeking out and … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Chris Brain, folk, melodic, New Light, review, singer songwriter | Leave a comment

Album review : THE MOVE – Message From The Country (Remaster/bonus tracks)

Posted on February 22, 2025 by brianmc

Cherry Red [Release date : 28.02.25] 1971: The Move record and release their final album, Message From The Country. The band is now Roy Wood, Jeff Lynne and Bev Bevan. All accomplished musicians. All skilled, imaginative songwriters. They are about … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged Bev Bevan, bonus tracks, ELO, Jeff Lyne, Message From The Country, remaster, review, Roy Wood, The Move | Leave a comment

Album review : HUMBLE PIE – Hallelujah 1973-1983 (5 CD Boxset)

Posted on February 21, 2025 by brianmc

Cherry Red [Release date : 28.02.25] CD1 : Onto Victory (1980) CD2 : Go For The Throat (1981) CD3 : Pyramid Eye Chatanooga (live 1982) CD4 : Annie’s Club Cincinatti (live 1983) CD5 : Live At Winterland (1973) Initially comprising … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged blues, Greg Ridley, Humble Pie, Iain McGonigal, Jerry Shirley, Peter Frampton, review, rock, soul, Steve Marriott, Uncut Magazine | Leave a comment

Album review: ANGELINE – Rhythm of One

Posted on February 21, 2025 by jason

Blow Your Fez Off Music [Release date 03.03.25] Angeline is not a band this reviewer has heard much from prior to this new album, their fifth since reuniting in 2010 (Angeline first started back in 1987). Fellow GRTR! reviewer Nikk … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Angeline, hard rock, melodic rock, review, Rhythm of One | Leave a comment

Album review : ROBIN MCAULEY – Soulbound

Posted on February 20, 2025 by brianmc

Frontiers Music [Released Date : 28.02.25] Third solo album on Frontiers from the much travelled rock singer Robin McAuley. His travels have all been well documented online. The worth repeating bits: He bookended his three album stint with Schenker in … Continue reading →

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Album review : BARREN CROSS – Atomic Arena/State Of Control (2 CD Deluxe Digipak)

Posted on February 14, 2025 by brianmc

Cherry Red [Release date 21.02.25] The second and third albums released by Christian Metal heroes, Barren Cross, are now together for the first time, remastered and reissued by Cherry Red, with ‘2 bonus tracks’ added. Atomic Arena (1988) State Of … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Album reviews | Tagged Atomic Arena, Barren Cross, Christian metal, Evangelism, Marcus Moberg, Mike Lee, review, State Of Control, Stryper | Leave a comment

Album review: DORIS BRENDEL & LEE DUNHAM – Big Blue Sky

Posted on February 13, 2025 by petefeenstra

Pete Feenstra chatted to Doris Brendel about her music and her influential artists/tracks. Including tracks from her new album with Lee Dunham ‘Big Blue Sky’. First broadcast on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, 23 February 2025. Sky Rocket Records [Release … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, blues, Doric Brendel, Eliza Neals, Gary Moore, gospel, interview, Lee Dunham, prog, radio, review, rock, soul, vocal | Leave a comment

Album review: BLACK EYED SONS- Cowboys In Pinstriped Suits

Posted on February 12, 2025 by andynathan

Off Yer Rocka Recordings (Release date 31.01.25) After initially soldiering on as The Quireboys after dismissing Spike, the remaining band members wisely came to the realisation that the public would always associate the band with the roguish singer, and that … Continue reading →

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Album review: COLOSSAL STREET JAM – No Way To Live

Posted on February 11, 2025 by jason

Website [Release date 14.02.25] Hailing from the renowned Asbury Park, New Jersey, Colossal Street Jam are back after a long road fraught with illness and a former management team letting them down. Colossal Street Jam consists of vocalist Gene Potts, guitarist/vocalist Sal Marra, … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged 70's rock, album, classic rock, Colossal Street Jam, No Way To Live, review, rock | Leave a comment

Album review: THE VAPORS – Wasp In A Jar

Posted on February 11, 2025 by jason

Website [Release date 28.02.25] The Vapors formed back in 1978 and readers of a certain vintage will recall the band’s biggest hit, ‘Turning Japanese’, released a mere 45 years ago! They split in 1981, reforming many years later in 2016 … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Dave Fenton, New Wave, pop rock, power pop, punk pop, review, The Vapors, Wasp In A Jar | Leave a comment

Album review : MANTRIC MOMENTUM – Alienized

Posted on February 10, 2025 by brianmc

Frontiers Music [Release date : 14.02.25] It’s all in the family with Mantric Momentum. Second album from cousins and close friends Terje (Pyramaze) Haroy on vocals, and Christer (Crossnail) Haroy on everything else. The band idea took 6 years to … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged Alienized, Christer Haroy, Crossnail, Frontiers, Jacob Hansen, Magnus Karlsson, Mantric Momentum, melodic metal, Pyramaze, review, Terje Haroy | Leave a comment

Album review : MUD – The Rak Years 1973-75 (3 albums on 2 CDs)

Posted on February 9, 2025 by brianmc

Cherry Red [Release date : 14.02.25] There can be no doubt that Mud grabbed tight hold of the glam pop template, and tongue firmly in cheek, reshaped it in their own likeness. After several years of unsuccessful releases, the band, … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Reissues | Tagged album, Buddy Holly, Chinn & Chapman, compilation, Dave Mount, Eddie Cochran, Les Gray, Mickie Most, Mud, Ray Stiles, review, Rob Davis, The Rak Years 1973-75 | Leave a comment

Album review: ANDY SUSEMIHL – Mihlstones

Posted on February 9, 2025 by GRTR! HQ

www.andysusemihl.com SM Noise Records [Release date 07.02.25] We last reviewed an Andy Susemihl album in 2021, and before that in 2018 followed by an interesting chat about his music and a career that dates back to the late 1980s with … Continue reading →