Album review : RISEN ATLANTIS feat: FRANK BECK – Power To The Past

Frontiers Music [Release Date : 26.09.25]

Singer, Frank Beck, touring sideman with Kai Hansen’s Gamma Ray for many years, now gets his solo opportunity.

Risen Atlantis is the brainchild of Alessandro Del Vecchio, writer, producer, musician, commonly associated with Frontiers Music.

What they’ve gone for is a “modern power metal album with an 80s spirit”.

According to Metal Hammer magazine, the term ‘Power Metal’ was first used in the context of the ‘Power of Metal’ tour by Gamma Ray, Rage and Conception in 1993.

So there’s a strong thread linking Gamma Ray, Kai Hansen, Beck and the music of Risen Atlantis.

The album’s title, Power To The Past makes much more sense against this backdrop.

Apart from the occasional dalliance with a more Symphonic Metal style, there’s no significant reimagining. Beck thumbs through the big book of Power Metal’s greatest moments, and he sticks pretty rigidly to the script.

Credit to axeman (and co songwriter), Brett Jones, for bringing many of these tracks to life, greatly assisted by Del Vecchio’s classy contribution of piano and keyboards.

Early on, DV’s balletic intro to ‘Glory To The Brave’ in particular raises everybody’s game. It’s like a challenge, quickly taken up by Jones and eventually Beck. The song’s title is a clue to its lyrical content.

The stomping, pounding ‘Legacy Divine’ spills over into Gamma Ray territory. It’s close to pastiche, but thanks to Jones (and Mirko De Maio’s driving, insistent beat) it has enough ballast to keep righting itself.

DV’s orchestral arrangement on ‘Sea Of Tranquility’ and ‘Trapped In Heaven’ sounds amazingly dramatic and vibrant. The clean lines and elegant contours of the choral work edge the songs closer to Symphonic Metal than Power Metal, and are all the better for it.

To an extent that trend continues with ‘No Hell For The Good’ and ‘Power To The Past’, both blending Symphonic and Power metal elements with skill and imagination.

The turbulent ‘Wrong Destiny’ and ‘A Million Miles Away’ return us emphatically to the world of Power Metal, ending where we began. ***

Review by Brian McGowan


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: PAUL ARCHER – Art

Paul Archer - Art

Website [Release date 08.08.25]

First solo release from Disraeli Gears/Burning Codes frontman Paul Archer, which has been designed to be enjoyed best on vinyl. ‘Art’ splits in two: Leeds-recorded alt-rock anthems on Side A, and Belfast-grown cosmic soul on Side B. The album features collaborations with Duke Special, Janet Henry, Jim Lockhart (ex-Horslips), and Jonny Quinn (ex-Snow Patrol), among others.

Not overly sure what cosmic soul is, however, ‘I’ll Be There for You’ is almost hymnal in sound and certainly lifts the spirits. Elsewhere, ‘Heavy Soul’ gets the musical endorphins flowing, as does ‘Art’, with its insistent chorus and guitars.

Paul Archer’s songwriting takes a personal route on ‘Belfast (Place of My Soul)’, a heartfelt song to his hometown. He has that knack of fitting interesting lyrics onto what sounds like a simple melody yet listen closely and there is a lot going on musically.

There are some cracking indie bangers on here including ‘Sticks and Stones’, shades of Snow Patrol with a beautifully big drum sound, and the title track, which features a relentlessly addictive chorus. ‘No FEAR’ should be a single or at least finding a place on your playlists.

The more you listen to this album, the more you love it and surely that’s the sign of any good album? ****

Review by Jason Ritchie


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Gig review: BASEMENT – Electric, Bristol, 21 September 2025

basement

Basement are back! After 6 long years of festivals and US tour dates, the Suffolk-based quintet played 5 dates across the UK. My months of eager checking of their social media had finally paid off, and I was lucky enough to catch them in their sold-out Bristol show at Electric (formerly SWX). The venue was buzzing before the first band even set foot on stage, and you could feel the anticipation reverberating off the damp walls.

Midrift were up first, with a shoegazey, melancholic first few songs. I’ve been a fan of their music for about a year now, and was surprised to see that behind the raw, emotive lyricism and atmospheric guitar riffs were 3 young guys. Two I’ve found out were only 18 years old. One song even included a drum solo, which I can’t really describe in any other way other than mesmerising. They are certainly one to watch, for fans of Slowdive, Deftones and Blondeshell.

Dynamite were the second to play, and brought a heavy, hardcore set which juxtaposed the more sombre tone of Midrift. There was a lot of anger and rage being rattled through the venue, which saw lots of sweaty blokes take to the mosh pits in a flurry of limbs and testosterone-fuelled shouts.

They even bought on Midrifts drummer Kai for a song, which both he and the band absolutely smashed. Hardcore isn’t really my cup of tea, but Dynamite’s high-octane, high-energy set was fun if nothing else. If you like Soft Play and IDLES, Dynamite might be right up your street.

Anxious were the final support act and by this point, everyone was getting a little antsy. 3 support acts meant that the energy was lost a little for Anxious, which was unfortunate. They were a nice tone-down from Dynamite’s rambunctious romp, with a sound similar the rock bands of the early 2000s, like Yellowcard or Jimmy Eat World.

Members from all four bands were stood watching each other as they played like some sort of musician’s carousel, with Basement frontman Andrew Fisher cheering on each support act. It was clear there was a cheerful camaraderie between the bands, and it was really nice to see.

Finally, Basement were on. The lights went up and the band kicked off with their 2019 single Are You The One. The crowd was wild, with mosh pits and crowd surfers flailing as far as the eye could see. Moving into Promise Everything and Aquasun, before jumping back through their discography into Bad Apple, Spoiled and Earl Grey.

Basement surprised us with 2 new songs, the first was slow, reflective and atmospheric, receiving a round of applause at the end much to the amusement of the band. The second was classic Basement, catchy guitar, punchy bass and rhythmic drums, wrapped neatly with Fishers gritty vocals.

They then dove back into their classics, with Whole bringing the energy and excitement in the room to its peak. The band’s energy was electric, and their 6-year absence from UK touring felt as if it was never there.

Basement were back, and the teasing of new music hints that they’re here to stay. Fading and Brother’s Keeper followed, with Breathe and Yoke pulling everyone into the final three songs of Crickets Throw Their Voice, Pine and Covet. Covet bought everyone in Electric together, as their most played song boasting over 196 million streams. All voices were singing together – it seems like all those years of British Primary school assemblies finally paid off.

I was chuffed that 6 songs on the setlist were from their 2012 album Colourmeinkindness, an album of which is definitely in my top 50 of all time. Worth a listen if you haven’t already, and I feel it’s the album that best reflects their sound.

As the final chords of Covet rang out, it felt like the gig was over as quickly as it had started. With three support bands on the bill, the evening felt more like a festival stage line-up than a gig. Which, while showcasing plenty of talent, left the main event feeling a bit squashed. That said, I understand the challenges the music industry is facing and it’s clear that giving newer artists stage time is one of the ever-reducing number of ways to help them grow a following.

In a time when live music is under increasing pressure, it’s more important than ever to support your local venues and artists. They’re the backbone of nights like this and they need us just as much as we need them. Go see whoever you like, but if you want a crazy night to remember, go see Basement.

Review by Jasmine Ritchie


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review : MIKE TRAMP – The Songs Of White Lion Vol III

Frontiers Music [Release date : 19.09.25]

Few musical artists get the chance to rerecord their old material.

Still fewer improve upon the originals.

Mike Tramp continues to claim – clearly very sincerely – that he is surprised to have got these opportunities. He’s now reached The Songs Of White Lion, Volume 3, and has again grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

White Lion’s material usually had more to say than your average rock song, lyrically it was more illustrative in its themes and concepts than most.

Back in the eighties, while their peer group were pouting and pointing, singer Mike Tramp was writing pithy stuff with guitarist Vito Bratta, talking up issues, large and small, universal and personal. From war dead (Warsong) and the genocide of American Indians (Cherokee), to sexual temptation (Dirty Woman) and street crime (In The City).

Worthy, yes, but unlikely chart material.

On these new recordings, Tramp partners with guitarist, Marcus Nand, bass man Claus Langeskov and drummer Morten Hellborn in recreating soft centred hard rock songs, investing them with a new found emotion and passion.

The down and dirty ‘She’s Got Everything’s tale of sexual naivety is something that is both melodic and muscular. And like the album’s new version of the anti-religion ‘If My Mind Is Evil’, it shares a greater sense of range and depth than the original.

Thanks to Nand’s sympathetic axework and the maturity that has grown into Tramp’s vocals, ‘Fight To Survive’ sounds fresh and new. And in doing so, it remains a bold snapshot of the complex art of survival.

A bluesy reimagining of ‘Radar Love’ closes the album in style. It still brings to mind the bar band/ biker video that accompanied the original. Some things never change. Thankfully. ***1/2

Review by Brian McGowan


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review : PRIDE & JOY ANTHOLOGY – 10 Years Of Pride & Joy

Pride&Joy [Release date : 19.09.25]

The Pride & Joy label is celebrating ten years active in the world of rock and metal.
Founder and CEO Birgitt Schwanke has created a bijou music business that just grows and grows.

The 10 Years Of Joy anthology comprises 13 handpicked tracks, primarily Melodic Rock, that best represent the label’s offerings.

We’ve recognised elsewhere that Melodic Rock largely leans towards familiarity nowadays, and that originality has come to mean putting a fresh spin on the past.

More than any other track here, Osukaru’s ‘Dreams Don’t Die’ confirms that view. Written originally by band leader/ guitarist Oz Petersson for White Widdow’s 2014 album, Crossfire.

It opens this 13 track, P&J Anthology, and takes full advantage of Fredrik Werner’s gritty, breathless vocals and a heart pumping chorus. It’s an object lesson in how to embrace a genre that peaked in the eightes, yet still sounds relevant today.

There’s an unshowy elegance to Alien’s ballad, ‘I Remember’, but in places it’s a bit too close to Steve Perry for comfort. Only a softer, dreamier ambience separates it from The Journey singer’s ‘Foolish Heart’ solo hit in 1984. Of course, many might see the resemblance as a plus.

Midnite City’s ‘Only A Matter Of Time’ from their 2023 album, In At The Deep End, is a peach. The album (their fourth) enjoyed uniformly positive reviews in the AOR/Melodic Rock community, especially from GRTR’s resident AOR authority, Andy Nathan.

Pulled along on a melancholy undertow, the song’s melody shimmers and sparkles… singer Rob Wylde’s reined back vocal strikes the right tone for the song’s sentiments.

Why this track was relegated to “bonus track for Japan” is a mystery.

In another world, another time, bands like Nationwide, whose song here, a cover of Kenny Loggins’ ‘Danger Zone’ (written by Georgio Moroder for the “Top Gun” movie), would be enjoying frequent headlines. Each time they hit the chorus here they seems to ratchet the song’s sense of tension up that little bit little further… all the best melodic rock is underlined by urgency and momentum, like this. (again, surprisingly, this was only a Japanese bonus track).
It’s the best by far of the four covers on the album. The others being Universe III / Abba’s ‘Summer Night City’; Heaven’s Reign / Tom Petty’s ‘Free Fallin’; Heartline / Foreigner’s ‘Urgent’.

Oliver Hartmann’s ‘Twenty Times Colder’, an alt mix of his last long player’s title track is pretty cool, in more ways than one.
At his most full throated, his vocals call up the powerful voice of David Coverdale. Admitedly, that comparison is nothing new, but is hard to avoid. The parent album might also be worth seeking out.

Final track is Mikael Erlandsson’s ‘Dynamite’ dating from 2008, a tongue in cheek pop/rock song, at the time judged too poppy for Last Autumn’s Dream. It’s a catchy bit of fluff to close with.

Roll on the next ten years. ****

Review by Brian McGowan


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: NINEBARROW – The Hour of the Blackbird

NINEBARROW – The Hour of the Blackbird

Website [Release date 03.10.25]

Over the course of 12 years and five studio albums Ninebarrow (Jon Whitley and Jay LaBouchardiere) have earned themselves a reputation for their songwriting, imaginative reworkings of traditional songs, skilled musicianship, and their exquisite vocal harmonies.

Now, on ‘The Hour of the Blackbird’, Ninebarrow have enlisted more than 40 other voices from the Hart Voices (based in Fleet) and the Chantry Singers (from Guildford) to revisit and reenvisage 13 of their songs under musical directorship of Roy Rashbrook, himself a member of the choir of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Ninebarrow have used choirs before in the COVID lockdown single ‘The Hour of the Blackbird’ which went onto raise over £8,000 for the MIND charity. The success of this album is that the choirs complement the songs, often enhancing the choruses as ‘Summer Fires’ ably illustrates.

‘Nestledown’ takes on a whole new life as the choir sings gently behind the melodious singing of Jon and Jay. A personal favourite, ‘Hey, John Barleycorn’ sounds amazing with the choral parts. A song like this would fit perfectly on a Proms programme of traditional music.

Ninebarrow are one of the most inventive and melodic duos and, more importantly, a joy to listen to time and time again since they started out a decade ago. Quite how they will top this album is for another day (although knowing Ninebarrow they will!), as for now, we can enjoy these songs in all their choral glory. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

Tour dates -

4 October 2025 - The Salt Works Sessions, Northwich, Cheshire

5 October 2025 - The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

11 October 2025, The Flavel Arts Centre, Dartmouth, Devon

17 October 2025 - The Brewhouse, Burton upon Trent

18 October 2025 - North Ferriby Village Hall, North Ferriby, East Yorkshire

24 October 2025 - St Edith Folk, St Dunstan’s Church, Cranbrook

1 November 2025 – St James’ Church, Poole, Dorset - ‘The Hour of the Blackbird’ Album Launch Choir Concert

7 November 2025 - Stowe Presents, Stowe, Bucks

8 November 2025 - Arnside WI & Village Hall, Arnside, Carnforth

14 November 2025 - Folk Inspiration, Guildford

21 November 2025 - Harwell Village Hall, Harwell, Oxfordshire

22 November 2025 - The David Hall, South Petherton, Somerset

29 November 2025 - St Endellion Church, St Endellion, Cornwall


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: DAVID PALFREYMAN – Opening Time For The Battered

DAVID PALFREYMAN - Opening Time For The Battered

Bandcamp [Release date 26.09.25]

David Palfreyman has released music in various guises in the past, including 2017’s ‘Decades’, a concept album with Nicholas Pegg. ‘Opening Time for the Battered’ David refers to as his debut solo album, musically aided by bassist Ben Miles, lead guitarist Rodger Hanna, David Clayton on keyboards, drummers Martyn Barker & Chris Musto and Gary Barnacle on sax. Cats In Space’s Greg Hart guests on ‘Overtime Hours’.

With its warm production sound makes this an album a joy to listen to. Highlights include ‘Life Begins at 60’, a song with a retro lyric and lots of lush keyboards, or ‘Overtime Hours’, which also features plenty of keyboards, along with subtle guitar and a big chorus makes for a grandiose ending to the album.

Hints of prog pop on ‘Locked Door Key’, an extremely catchy tune and little wonder it was released as the album’s lead single. Next single could well be the 80’s pop vibe of ‘Your Days My Days’, or perhaps ‘Highway View’ – if Tom Petty came from Chesterfield it may sound like this! Loving the guitars and sax outro.

David Palfreyman has created a collection of songs that have plenty of melody and thoughtful lyrics. Worthy of a listen and an album that provides a musical balm in these troubled times. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: LITTLE KING – Lente Viviente

Little King

Facebook [Release date 26.09.25]

Little King was formed in November of 1996 by guitarist/singer/songwriter Ryan Rosoff in El Paso, Texas. Ryan is joined in the current Little King line-up by David Hamilton (bass, cello) and Tony Bojorquez (drums), and this is the band’s eighth studio album.

Musically opener ‘Catch and Release’ has distinct Rush undertones, not only in the vocals of Ryan Rosoff, but also in the melodies and choruses. Listen out throughout the album for some Geddy Lee approved bass runs by David Hamilton.

Timely ‘Who’s Illegal’ has a thought-provoking lyric wrapped in a gentle melody. Neat guitar soloing on this one too. The guitars on ‘Kindness As Weakness’ are pretty top draw as well, whilst ‘Sweet Jessie James’ is a wonderful song from start to finish. The slower start reminds the listener of Saga, whilst the faster paced finish to the song recalls Rush – again!

Seven songs, clocking in at just over twenty-five minutes Little King pack a powerful and melodic cocktail of prog, rock and alternative. If Rush jammed with REM and King’s X it would sound a little like this. Impressive. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review : BEBOP DELUXE – The Albums 1976-78 (3 CD set)

Esoteric Music [Release date : 26.09.25]

Nowadays, founder, guitarist, writer and driving force behind the band Be Bop Deluxe, Bill Nelson, is not for looking in the rear view mirror, so it’s good that Cherry Red offshoot, Esoteric is doing that for us.

This 3 CD retrospective comprises 3 remastered and expanded releases :
Modern Music (1976)
Live! In The Air Age (1977)
Drastic Plastic (1978)

Born in the heart of Yorkshire, Nelson had soaked up every influence that swirled around him.
Disco, punk, glam rock, hard rock, progressive rock, art rock, blues rock, and heavy metal all went toe to toe in the mid seventies, each one fighting for a piece of the action.

Those influences had been carefully filtered through the futuristic / progressive pop of the band’s first 3 albums, and distilled eventually into Modern Music, their fourth.

This was an arty, proggy, poppy, yet ultimately undefinable recording that carried its own unique magnetism.

Nelson had mixed and matched his influences – Pink Floyd, Todd Rundgren, Klaatu and others, stirring in some Top Forty immediacy – in the album’s creation.

Along with the title song’s country rock leanings, and the Rundgren-esque ‘Terminal Street’, Nelson has a finely honed instinct for a story telling lyric and a melody to match. He makes ‘Kiss Of Light’s rolling, graceful shuffle, and the soothing, majestic strains of ‘Gold At The End Of My Rainbow’ into album standouts.

He was always searching, never quite satisfied, and with Live! In The Air Age, he invented his own genre, delivering 11 dazzling versions of songs from BeBop Deluxe’s first 3 albums. He is clearly at one with his band – Charles Tumahai, Andy Clark and Simon Fox – here.

And it’s not just ability and skill. Blood and sweat, grit and gold go into making an album like this.

‘Blazing Apostles’ and ‘Shine’s improv intervals sit well next to the title track’s drama and intensity.

Classy artwork too. The cover is a still from Fritz Lang’s seminal, futuristic movie “Metropolis”.

It was the band’s best performing album, reaching no.20 in the UK charts.

The third and last album, Drastic Plastic came in 1978.

Tailored by Nelson’s expressive and constantly inventive arrangements, warm ballads and fiery axe workouts abound. There are storied journeys through the present and perceptive visions of the future, all pointing to the demise of Bebop Deluxe.

Key tracks, ‘Futurist Manifesto’, ‘Japan’ and the Bowie/Cars like ‘Panic In The World’ signposted the imminent birth of his new band, Red Noise. ****1/2

Review by Brian McGowan


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: THREE DAYS GRACE – Alienation

THREE DAYS GRACE - Alienation

RCA Records [Release date 22.08.25]

The main recent development for Three Days Grace is the return of original vocalist Adam Gontier who now shares duties with Matt Walst (who replaced him in 2013).

Formed in the late 1990s in Ontario, the band ushered in the early millennium with their own brand of post-grunge/nu-metal. This genre is seeing something of a revival and TDG have every right to be at the forefront.

‘Alienation’ the band’s follow-up to ‘Explosions’ (2022) lyrically reflects a range of modern ills, and maybe reflecting Gontier’s own personal struggles as evidenced on the superb ‘Apologies’.

Caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines
Running through my bloodstream
Trauma, drama, another vodka
Turn into a monster

The quality level of this album is maintained throughout with every track offering an immediate fix for the listener, heavy as hell riffs combine with anthemic choruses. In fact, every track is single length and single quality. The dual vocal thing works well too.

For this listener the only missing ingredient is some guitar solo-ing but the emphasis is on strong melody and vocal hooks. ‘In Waves’ remains my favourite but there’s great consistency overall. ‘In Cold Blood’, another highlight, brings to mind bands like Disturbed.  Ditto ‘Another Relapse’.

Long-term fans will relish this new offering and not least Gontier’s return. Newcomers will find much to enjoy. Alienation is relentlessly great. *****

Review by David Randall

THREE DAYS GRACE UK TOUR DATES
09/12 – Birmingham, O2 Academy
10/12 – Glasgow, O2 Academy Glasgow
12/12 – Manchester, O2 Apollo
13/12 – London, O2 Academy Brixton

Albums of the Month (July-September 2025)


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review : THE BANGLES : Watching The Sky (4 CD Boxset)

Cherry Red [Release date : 26.09.25]

The title of this Bangles’ boxset, Watching The Sky, is taken from their third (and at the time, assumed to be their last) album, titled Everything, released in 1988.

CD1 : All Over The Place (1984)
CD2 : A Different Light (1986)
CD3 : Everything (1988)
CD4 : Mixes, Live Recordings and B sides

Celebrating the legacy of The Bangles, the box set contains the studio albums alongside the bands’ earliest recordings and a selection of B-Sides, mixes and live recordings.

As with any collection of ambitious, talented artists, tensions and opposing opinions often became an intractable problem. Members left, new members arrived. Eventually landing on a solid line up, albeit temporary, of Susannah Hoffs, Vicki and Debbi Peterson, and Michael (Mikki) Steele.

All Over The Place gained the band a proliferation of praise in the music media, especially from Udiscovermusic.com :
“They deliver a different voice: an emotional expressiveness, often surprisingly direct, that male acts cannot – and cannot even hope – to deliver.”

Many of the band’s songs were written in the Sixties’ pop slipstream, with ‘Live’, ‘Tell Me’ and a cover of Katrina and The Waves’ ‘Going Down To Liverpool’ coasting serenely through the brightly lit shadows of the Beatles, the Byrds and other “sunshine pop” acts of the era.

Music media liked it, but it didn’t break through commercially.

The slick production and outside input of the multi platinum A Different Light changed everything. It spawned five Billboard charting singles, most notably two top five hits.
The first, ‘Walk Like An Egyptian’ was written by Liam Sternberg, who’d written stuff for Ratt, Fuzzbox and Baby Tuckoo. And ‘Manic Monday’ (given to them by Prince as a result of his Suzannah Hoffs infatuation, allegedly).

The media were critical of the band’s all out bid for commercial success, but it’s hard to fault any band who have the good taste to cover “September Gurls” (Big Star) and “If She Knew What She Wants” (Jules Shear). And coming late in the running order, Michael (Mikki) Steele’s haunting acoustic ballad, ‘Following’ is rich in colour and mood. A real surprise bonus.

More FM radio tuned fare on third album, Everything, as the result of producer, David Sigerson’s label loyalty. Two giant tracks escaped that lowest common denominator approach, ‘In Your Room’ and ‘Eternal Flame’, written with guns for hire, Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly. In fairness, ‘Complicated Girl’ and ‘Some Dreams Come True’ showed that Debbi Peterson and Mikki Steele had come a long way as songwriters too.

The ‘Eternal Flame’ single’s global success brought it’s own problems of course, and internal tensions resurfaced.

In turn this led to break up of the band, only to reform some 12 years later. But that’s for another day.

CD4, a “bonus disc”, piles up the remixes and edits, including a couple of “singles” released by the pre Bangles’ band, the Bangs.

Key tracks though, just have to be an “extended dance mix” of ‘Walk Like An Egyptian’, a “purple haze mix” of ‘Hazy Shade Of Winter’ and a “12 inch extended version” of ‘In Your Room’.
There are plenty more. 20 tracks in all.

The box includes an illuminating history of the band, written by John Earls from Classic Pop. ****

Review by Brian McGowan


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: THE RASMUS – Weirdo

THE RASMUS - Weirdo

Better Noise Music [Release date 12.09.25]

It’s as if the last 20 years never happened. The Rasmus first came to our attention back in 2003 with their Scandi brand of pop/nu-metal and ‘Weirdo’ sees them on a bit of a roll, following their stab at Eurovision glory in 2022.

Whilst some might say that they have gradually veered from their original goth pop template, ‘Weirdo’ offers up a selection of contemporary “bangers” with the standouts ‘Break These Chains’ and ‘Rest In Pieces’ merely the icing on an otherwise well crafted and rather scrumptious cake.

The band have once again teamed up with the legendary Desmond Child for both co-writes and production (which is shared with another bigshot Marti Frederiksen). It shows, combining the melodic savvy of Bon Jovi with the electronica rock fusion of bands like From Fall To Spring and Bad Wolves.

When the band slow the pace down as on ‘You Want It All’ and ‘I’m Coming For You’ they remain convincing. The Rasmus in 2025; more than a guilty pleasure. ****

Review by David Randall

UK Tour Dates 2025
30/11 Glasgow, GB – SWG3 Galvanizers
01/12 Manchester, GB – O2 Ritz
02/12 Cardiff, GB – Great Hall
04/12 London, GB – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
05/12 Southampton, GB – 1865
06/12 Nottingham, GB – Rock City


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Gig review: MARTIN TURNER – 229 Club, London, 11 September 2025

MARTIN TURNER- 229 Club, London, 11 September 2025

Celebrating a remarkable 55 years since the first Wishbone Ash album, founder member Martin Turner and his band have been a constant touring fixture for many years. Recent Central London sightings have been at the 100 Club, but this show was in the rather more spacious settings and high stage of one of my favourite London venues, the 229.

Unfortunately, a tube strike shut the entire network and undoubtedly thinned the crowd quite considerably. With the sound bouncing off the walls, it also meant for a slightly subdued atmosphere during opener ‘The King Will Come’, despite the quality of Danny Willson’s wah-wah guitar solo and the first, but not the last, of Martin’s distinctive bass runs.

 MARTIN TURNER- 229 Club, London, 11 September 2025

On what was inevitably going to be a night of nostalgia, it was a welcome surprise to hear ‘Written In the Stars’, the title track of the sole new album he has made since returning to live  action two decades ago, but unmistakably Wishbone with the twin guitar leads and its ethereal feel.

After Martin contested its authorship with Andy Powell,  ‘Errors Of My Way’ from that very first album showcased the underrated vocal harmonies of the band’s early days, while it went into a new dimension when just as Danny’s solo started to soar, Martin overlaid a very melodic bass line.

MARTIN TURNER- 229 Club, London, 11 September 2025

While the set list (and indeed Martin’s humorously delivered anecdotes) could perhaps have been shaken up a little more from recent tours for us faithful, those who have seen the band less frequently were treated to an extremely well-chosen set of songs across their seventies albums.

There were some beautiful melodies gracing ‘Persephone’ (Martin being overly self-deprecating when he warned us not to fall asleep), ‘Ballad of the Beacon’ which saw Danny capably fill Andy Powell’s co-vocal on the original, ‘Front Page News’ and the folky ‘Lady Jay’, including a twin lead passage redolent of the better known ‘Throw Down the Sword’.

MARTIN TURNER- 229 Club, London, 11 September 2025

Though he benefits from sterling vocal support from Danny, and at times drummer Tim Brown who has returned to the fold after a few years away, on the songs where Martin sang without harmonies, he sounded stronger than for some while, and a short touring break seemed to have had benefits. I was also struck by how Misha Nikolic, after ten years in the band, has gradually taken on a greater share of solos as well as the twin harmonies.

There was a spectacular end to the first set in an 11 minute long ‘Phoenix’ with both guitarists, as well as Tim, in fiery form. Then after a 20-minute break the second half gave full reign to some wonderful longer musical passages. For once there was only a sparing selection from ‘Argus’, but it opened with one of the album classics in ‘Sometime World’, with more of those distinctively prominent bass lines and Danny doing a superlative job recreating the original solo.

Two lengthy instrumentals in ‘The Pilgrim’ and ‘F.U.B.B’ never dragged and also showed how the original Wishbone sound evolved during the seventies from an almost jazzy jamming into something with a bit more groove.

MARTIN TURNER- 229 Club, London, 11 September 2025

Sandwiched between was ‘Rock and Roll Widow’, Danny playing the Ted Turner role on vocals and tasty slide guitar, before the running gag of him being a stunt double for Wishbone members concluded as he took the vocals originally sung by Laurie Wisefield on ‘You See Red’, where he crossed the stage for the first  time for he and Misha to pull some moves to accompany their harmony leads.

It seemed the second half was just getting going when it was already time for the finale in the evergreen crowd pleaser ‘Blowin’ Free’ with more fine slide work from Danny. Fortunately, that left time for a generous selection of encores beginning with ‘Doctor’, Martin screwing up his face as he acted out the lyrics in entertaining manner while the band jammed in probably the heaviest fashion all night. Then I was delighted that ‘Living Proof’, one of the quintessential Wishbone songs, was rightfully back in the set.

MARTIN TURNER- 229 Club, London, 11 September 2025

There was the usual final encore of the blues-rock chug of ‘Jailbait’, with more twin guitar solos and band intros and thanks from Martin, even if he did flunk the delivery of one of his trademark jokes! Nevertheless, those of us who were able to brave the strike and tortuous bus journeys home had been rewarded with the usual excellent set of Wishbone Ash classics from the evergreen near 78-year-old and his skilled bandmates.

Review and Photos by Andy Nathan

GRTR! Greats (March 2025)


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: CORY MARKS – Sorry For Nothing Vol.2

Cory Marks - Sorry For Nothing Vol.2

Better Noise Music [Release date 03.10.25]

Cory Marks new album is a follow-up to last year’s volume 1. Like its predecessor it was produced by Kevin Churko (Ozzy Osbourne, Shania Twain), Kile Odell, and Andrew Baylis.

The album, in Cory’s own words, is “a rowdy, honky tonk feel-good country anthem made for late nights and good times. With twangy guitars, stomping drums, and a barroom sing-along chorus, it’s the soundtrack to letting loose after a long week.

The song follows a character who is just a good timing simple man … who’s had one to many late nights according to his partner and when times get rough or she’s had enough…

He runs to his favorite small-town watering hole, where the whiskey flows like a river and worries get washed away. It’s about freedom, fun, and the kind of night you’ll never forget – if you can remember it”.

Cory Marks hits the musical bullseye with slower, traditional country like ‘The Heart Breaks When It Wants To’ and then kicks up a storm on ‘Wild Ride’, which as some very tasty solos.

The single ‘Hangman’ rocks hard, showing how easily Cory switches between styles and who is proud to show is musical influences. ‘Pick Up the Phone’ is possibly the hardest he’s rocked to date with a metal guitar riff powering things along nicely.

Whiskey flows through the lyrics (and quite possibly some of the musicians!), where the good time honky-tonk of ‘Whiskey River’ soon becomes an album highlight. The good time vibe continues on ‘A Different Kind of Year’. It is easy to see this one becoming an anthem at his live shows and at NYE parties.

On this album Cory’s a little bit country, a little bit rock and a whole lot of musical fun! ****

Review by Jason Ritchie


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review : FANNY – Rock’n'Roll Survivors (Remastered and Expanded 2 CD Edition)

Cherry Red [Release date 19.09.25]

We reviewed Fanny’s first 4 studio albums (as a boxset) last year.

Their fifth and last album, released in 1974, was called Rock’n’Roll Survivors.
Aptly named.

This new, 2 CD version has been expanded and remastered, with 3 bonus live tracks added. Cover versions of classics by Holland & Dozier, Ike Turner, and Lennon & McCartney recorded at the Whiskey-A-Go-Go live on New Year’s Eve 1974. And more… see below.

How it began: Formed by sisters June and Jean Millington, on guitar and bass, with Nickey Barclay on keys, and Alice DeBuhr on drums, they knew it would be an uphill struggle for any band, but a girl band…
Truth is, there’s been no female rock band to touch them since. The Runaways, Vixen and others who came later got close, but no cigar.

They survived in the face an unenthusiastic music media, somehow avoiding what should have fully deserved acclaim.

June Millington and Debuhr jumped ship in early 1974. For this fifth and final album their replacements were Patti Quatro (sister Of Suzie) and Brie Brandt.

Quatro’s guitar chops (and songwriting) light up the album. Rock’n’Roll Survivors should have been the light at the end of an unnecessarily dark tunnel for the band.

A fab rework of the Stones’ ‘Lets Spend The Night Together’, the much derided ‘I’ve Had It’ and the funky ‘Beggar Man’ to name but three, are all songs that might well have exploded the band into the face of public perception, but were held back by the hands of an unimaginative producer.

The band’s masterstroke though was their “live opera”, on CD2. A one off recording consigned to tape during their US tour that same year.
In faux theatrical terms, it’s constructed in several acts, with the songs from RnRS forming the backbone of the gig.

It’s an interesting conceit, with more there than meets the eye. See the band in costume on the CD cover.

Yes, there are a few bumps and bruises along the way, but driven by the sweaty clamour and clang of live performance, this is one powerful display, or perhaps a first draft of girl power. ****

Review by Brian McGowan


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review : CARL BALDASSARRE – Deep Grooves

CB Music [Release date : 12.09.25]

You have to admire Carl Baldassarre’s honesty for treating this self produced album as an academic exercise rather than a labour of love, although love of music of whatever stripe is clearly his motivation.

His words: “I wanted to make music that draws from the chemistry found in the great R&B, Soul, and Funk music of the 60’s & 70’s.”

The smart move was the band he put together: primarily award-winning musicians Jacob Dupre, Ray Yslas and Nick D’Virgilio, with latest US wunderkind, Thair Thompson on vocals.

In funk rock it’s the percussion that drives the rhythm and the bass that holds the groove, Baldassarre skilfully weaves them together in the construction of a bunch of classy songs.

The influences that we can hear, and the thinking behind his genre interpretation has a direct line back to the seventies, when funk rock was the dominant force in popular music and culture. And we don’t have to look far to find traces of the usual suspects.

‘Keep It Up’ hits a cool dance groove, shades of Kool and The Gang, and the music still has the welcome Westcoast jazz feel that Baldassarre just can’t shake off (even if he wanted to).

‘Heaven’ and ‘Keep The Groove Alive’ might remind you of Chicago in the seventies, when the band’s soul, funk and latin roots were still showing above ground.

Some tracks take a while to embed. Only after a few listens do ‘Joyride’ and ‘Show Me’ identify themselves, respectively, as big fans of Stevie Wonder like soul funk, and Funkadelic’s brass fuelled variant.

‘Famous’ might just be the album’s funk rock peak, slippin and slidin into one of Sly Stone’s liquid grooves.

It’s all executed with precision, as you would expect of Baldassarre.
But the immaculately judged tone and spotlessly clean craftsmanship have their downside: maybe the music could have done with a little bit more dirt under its fingernails. ***1/2

Review by Brian McGowan


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Feature: GRTR! Greats – JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR

GRTR! Greats
JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR - O2 Ritz, Manchester, 17 March 2019Photo: David Randall/GRTR!

It’s no surprise to find Joanne Shaw Taylor in the list of ‘GRTR! Greats’, if only for the fact that aside from her visceral guitar playing ability, she is an exemplar of the modern aspirational musician.

She’s built her career through the twin barrels of musical versatility and a willingness to incorporate different, but related musical influences into her own evolving songwriting process.

This is evidenced by her discography which was originally rooted in her rock-blues influenced debut album ‘White Sugar’, while 16 years later, her new album ‘Black & Gold’ leans much more towards song-driven Americana.

Domestically, she’s also significantly journeyed from her native West Midlands, via Detroit to Nashville, the current hub of what’s left of the contemporary music industry, and a place where a power solo can comfortably fit in a country related song.

Originally influenced by the newfound interest in blues via Stevie Ray Vaughan, the dynamics of Albert Collins, and guitar icons such as Hendrix and Freddie King, she quickly tapped into some of her contemporaries such as Jonny Lang and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

Discovered and mentored by Dave Stewart, she toured Europe with him under the banner of DUP (De Universal Playas). He encouraged her to become a more fully rounded musician in terms of realising her singing and songwriting potential.

Her growing emphasis on songs is such that on her latest album she’s uses session musicians rather than her tour band, in an attempt to get maximum focus on the songs rather than relying on the familiarity of her tour band for spark.

It’s a brave approach which illustrates her continuing evolution as an artist who is always willing to experiment.

She may be routed in blues but she’s equally open to rock, soul and more recently pop influences.

The cross genre approach has led her to the new album ‘Black & Gold’ being notable for its guitar driven Americana feel. It’s also interwoven with the kind of reflective lyrics that only experience can bring.

She’s described her 12 albums so far as different snapshots of her life, but she’s also smart enough to note that; …when you listen back to them as a catalogue, they’ll always sound like they’re the same artist.”

In the early days of our coverage we noted a weakness in the vocal department, but by 2010 this had been sorted, Joanne’s husky delivery had been fine tuned and ultimately sounded like she’d been chain-smoking Woodbines all day.

Joanne Shaw Taylor

Guitar-wise she initially caught our attention with the instrumental title track of the debut White Sugar album, while the ragged vocal, but groove laden ‘Kiss The Ground’, suggested a real talent in the making.

Pete Whalley wrote about that debut album …”be prepared to be blown away by the fresh ‘plug in and play’ style of blues reminiscent of guitar heroes such as Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan” The real shock horror revelation is that Joanne Shaw Taylor is a Brummie lass in her early twenties”.

Joanne Shaw Taylor

Andrew Lock reviewed our first JST gigs in November 2009 and May 2010. The second album Diamonds In The Dirt came in 2010 when Pete Feenstra commented:

“…This is a mature crossover blues album that will surely appeal to a wider audience, but there’s still room for some fiery solos and real intense playing as on ‘World On Fire’. Crammed full of good songs, meaningful lyrics, great playing and an intuitive production, all ten tracks are bound together by an inherent flow that gives the album its coherence…”


Dave (Stewart) became a big musical influence for me and a guiding hand generally when I was 15 or 16. He said things like you are good at blues guitar but you should try and sing too. That led me to having the confidence to write songs too.

Dave really made me realise my early potential, he’d always be suggesting more things to try and explore. He would say you have the ability to do this, what else would you like to try next.

Joanne Shaw Taylor, November 2011


Pete Feenstra reviewed Joanne’s May 2011 gig in London

“for a bewildering moment your middle aged fans are transported back in time to the dewey eyed days of the fretboard magic of the younger Johnny Winter, but with added restraint and certainly way more cool.

So welcome to the new generation blues in the capable hands of Joanne Shaw Taylor.”

JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR - Manchester, 28 May 2011Photo: Lee Millward

In June 2012 Joanne appeared at the Queen’s Birthday Jubilee with Annie Lennox and also in that year released her third album Almost Always Never which pushed her more towards confessional, narrative driven musical intensity. David Randall noted:

“…If there is a criticism, as previously there is a lack of truly standout tracks. Joanne Shaw Taylor makes consistently solid albums and this latest offering will surely appeal to her growing fanbase but she does need some more, dare I say, commercial tracks to round out what is essentially a fully-formed approach from one of our best blues rockers

…Whilst her soulful, throaty vocals are convincing, you can’t help thinking that they are a tad forced and in truth at times irritatingly monotone, a Birmingham gal singing like she comes from Alabama rather than west of Aston. You either get it or you don’t.”

JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR -Photo: Noel Buckley

Noel Buckley, reviewing her October 2012 gig, noted …With each album getting stronger and stronger Joanne is a unique talent amongst the current crop of blues rock artists.”


I think from my point of view I’m one of the biggest guitar nerds on the planet. In the course of a 2 hour show you can start to feel like you’re being beaten around the head with it.

I think it’s important to break the show up and offer some variety or at least a break from 12 minute solos. Perhaps my audience wouldn’t want to hear an entire set of that genre of material but I think in the context of the show it’s a nice pace changer.

Joanne Shaw Taylor, 2013


When reviewing the live DVD shoot, Pete noted that the songs were based round “…A mix of biographical and poignant relationship songs, intricate word plays and incendiary guitar playing which lit up a powerful set.”

She also broke new ground as an emotive interpretive singer on a soulful rendition of Frankie Miller’s ‘Jealousy’, complete with incendiary guitar work which remained a staple in her live set over subsequent years.

 JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR – The Dirty Truth

2014 saw the release of Joanne Shaw Taylor’s fourth studio album (following the release of her first live album). Pete Feenstra wrote:

“The end result is an album that’s easy on the ear and maintains our interest throughout via mellow grooves and sparkling rhythms, even if you do have to wait patiently for the solos. Joanne’s husky phrasing draws you in but never quite engages us emotionally, but happily she does that with her guitar playing which bring us full circle.

Pete attended the “secret” album launch in September 2014 and further commented “…Joanne Shaw Taylor may be a consummate guitar playing rocking blues artist, but she constantly defies expectations with wide ranging material and a live show that always seeks to achieve more.”

At Planet Rockstock in December 2014 Darren Griffiths effused: “…From the moment she walked on stage she had the Porthcawl crowd in the palm of her hand and then proceeded to leave nearly everyone in the room with their mouths wide open as we witnessed what can only be described as a God-given talent.”

Joanne Shaw Taylor - Planet Rockstock, Porthcawl, 5 December 2014Photo: Darren Griffiths

Joanne Shaw Taylor gives every impression of a woman going big places in a hurry.

Dave Atkinson, 2016


Pete Feenstra chatted to Joanne Shaw Taylor for Get Ready to ROCK! Radio discussing her musical influences and inspirations.  First broadcast 20 September 2015.

The period of 2015-2018 was one of consolidation with support slots to the likes of Robin Trower, Wilko Johnson, Foreigner and various festival dates including Ramblin Man Fair and Stone Free.

2016′s ‘Wild’ was produced in Nashville by Kevin Shirley with members of Joe Bonamassa’s band. And if the results didn’t quite match the album title, then tracks like ‘Dyin’ To Know’ and the rhythmic aggression of ‘Wanna Be Your Lover’ came right off the JST template.

She also extended her interpretive abilities on ‘Wild Is The Wind’, on an album that gave her gave her the highest chart position of her career so far.

She was back in Detroit to team up with producer Al Sutton (Greta van Vleet) for ‘Reckless Heart’ (2019) after signing with the newly resurrected Silvertone label.

The relational song based album song included the soulful and emotionally honest ‘I’m Only Lonely’.

JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR – O2 Ritz, Manchester, 17 March 2019Photo: David Randall/GRTR!

David Randall summed up her present situation:

Since her album debut a decade ago Joanne has honed her skill-set: stage and song-craft, guitar playing and especially vocals and not least influenced by her prolonged stateside sojurn.

What it does demonstrate is that – for many artists – there is no quick fix for ascendancy in a fast-food mentality consumer-driven music business and much like Joe Bonamassa she has achieved her current position through sustained hard toil and graft.

The past couple of albums have also shown a willingness to break out from the blues rock template she started with when she was described as …the new face of the blues”. It’s a path taken more recently by her contemporaries of either gender – witness Erja Lyytinen, Ana Popovic or King King and even Eric Gales.

If this gig showed Joanne Shaw Taylor staying close to her blues roots there’s a definite feeling that she could easily entice a wider demographic than the predominately male audience of a certain age present tonight.

Three years later Dave Atkinson also noted the change from his last sortie to a JST gig (in 2016)

“Joanne was exuding a swagger and charm new to these eyes. She was bossing the stage, having a cheery word with each band member in turn and smiling, grinning and waving: generally having a ball.”

Even more relevant, the voice was stronger than previously. The first eight tracks here came from last year’s ‘The Blues Album’. That collection of covers seemed to project her vocals more than earlier releases. And she was able to repeat in a live arena those husky tones that have now mellowed into a characterful, emotive delivery.”

JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR - Nobody's Fool

And if her 2021 ‘The Blues Album’ felt like a stop-gap, fans were rewarded with another genre shift on the soulful pop of Nobody’s Fool (2022).

The album drew more admiration from David Randall who wrote: “…Whilst the blues percolates through this offering, it is perhaps the most accessible album Joanne Shaw Taylor has produced. It should have made more ‘Best ofs’ in 2022 and not necessarily in the …blues” category.”

Though the album spanned pop, Motown and R&B influences (as on the horn driven ‘True Love’) there was also the chooglin’ blues groove ‘Then There’s You’ to remind us of her musical origins.

Her musical consistency and restless desire to explore new musical avenues were again to be found on the 2024 release Heavy Soul

A very contemporary sounding album within the roots traditions, it trod a thin line between commercialism and a soulful heart, as evidenced by the title track which subtly wove its sway round a booming hook, while you could argue the superb cover of Joan Armatrading ‘All The Way From America’ reminded the listener of what the album was aiming for in the first place.

Joanne Shaw Taylor - GRTR! GreatsPhoto: Marty Moffatt

Andy Nathan hadn’t seen Joanne in concert since 2018 but noticed the differences in 2024, reviewing her London gig:

“…two things struck me. One was an increased self assurance in engaging the audience, with direct humour, and taking them into her confidence. This was particularly evident when talking about the loss of her mother to cancer a decade ago, with some very sage reflections on grief, as an explanation of the context of ‘Fade Away’, on which she played acoustic guitar.

The other is that those many years based in the States have broadened her musical palette, as an all round songwriter and singer with a strong streak of southern soul even in her vocals, and far more than just a blues rock guitar hero. Most of the songs also had a very Americanised feel to them”

Pete Feenstra chatted to Joanne Shaw Taylor for Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, with selected tracks from her albums.   This is an edited version of the show first broadcast 31 August 2025.

Joanne Shaw Taylor - Black & Gold

Joanne Shaw Taylor’s latest album – Black & Gold - was released in June 2025. It more completely integrated the more accessible tunes -Nashville friendly elements – with her blues rock origins, with Pete Feenstra also stating …There’s plenty of salient melodies, subtle harmonies, catchy rhythms and memorable hooks.”

Arguably her most complete album so far, ‘Black & Gold’ is the latest pit-stop for an artist who can confidently look forward to new ways to frame her burgeoning talent.

Pete sums it up …All the time she has grown confidently as an artist. Her husky expressive phrasing (a giant leap forward from her early career), and vibrant guitar playing (in which each solo sounds like an emphatic conversation) dovetails effortlessly into recent songs, on which she’s opened herself more emotionally. And it’s her songs which will ultimately carry her forward.

It’s been an exciting journey so far, from the instrumental title track of ‘White Sugar’ to the nascent songwriting partnership with keyboard player Paul Whitfield on ‘A Grayer Shade of Blue’, one of the stand-out tracks on the current ‘Black & Gold’ album.

It almost feels like a new impetus in an organic career that remains open to all possibilities.


Main story: Pete Feenstra
Continuity: David Randall
Contributors: Dave Atkinson, Noel Buckley, Pete Feenstra, Darren Griffiths, Andrew Lock, Andy Nathan, David Randall, Pete Whalley

JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR
2026 UK TOUR DATES
SUNDAY 25 JANUARY
EDINBURGH, THE QUEEN’S HALL
MONDAY 26 JANUARY
BUXTON, OPERA HOUSE
WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY
BLACKPOOL, OPERA HOUSE
THURSDAY 29 JANUARY
SUNDERLAND, THE FIRE STATION
FRIDAY 30 JANUARY
SOUTHEND, PALACE THEATRE

Artist website

GRTR! Greats


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Single review: ROSS HARDING REVELATOR BLUES

Ross Harding

Facebook

Man this is my kind of blues, you can keep your note bending, face grimacing, guitar histrionics, give me an acoustic guitar, a whisky soaked emotive voice, a kick drum and references to hellhounds, storms, prophets and god and I’m a happy man.

There is a lot of good blues coming out of South Africa at the moment and Ross Harding has just been added to the list of serious contenders. Hailing from Johannesburg but living in the UK Ross is as at home with both the acoustic blues of the single as he is with full on electric blues with his band The Dark Hearts.

This single, released on 14th September is taken from the album Blood and Blues released on 14th November, I hope I get a chance to review that.

Ross is playing various dates in the UK in September November and January 2026, if you are a fan of Robert Johnson, Son House or Keb Mo, his acoustic set is a must. If you are a fan of Black Country Communion, Joe Bonamassa, Slash or Myles Kennedy, then his Dark Hearts show is a must.

For all serious blues fans, put Ross Harding on your radar, buy the single and the album, and get out to see him, you will not be disappointed, he might even do some face grimacing.

If you are young, and wanting to explore the blues, Ross would be a good intro to a lifetime of devotion of that genre Check this single out immediately.

Review by Andy Sharrocks


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: FIRST TIME FLYERS – Bound To Break

FIRST TIME FLYERS - Bound To Break

Website [Release date 12.09.25]

This is their debut album – get out of here, you gotta be kidding me!!!

Seriously, the maturity of the songwriting, the palpable chemistry of the four artists, the harmonies, all seem way beyond a debut album. I would say this band is going to be massive, I hope they are prepared for the ride.

The band is First Time Flyers and they are; Poppy Fardell, Jake Morell, Vicki Manser and Tim Prottey Jones. All vocalists, all instrumentalists, one multi instrumentalist. Tim produced the album and also plays acoustic and electric guitars, drums, piano, banjo dobro, mandolin, lap steel, bass and does the programming. Jake plays acoustic and electric rhythm and lead guitar, Poppy plays acoustic and electric guitar and Vicki plays acoustic guitar, although the girls don’t seem to play on the album, they just sing rather mightily.

The four vocals just bounce off each other, and are so in sync with each other it is uncanny, it’s like they were separated at birth and have found each other through chance, and are making up for lost time.

I have had this album on heavy rotation since it was dropped on me a couple of days ago, and I’m so hooked on it that I need to listen to it at least every two hours. I was even singing the single ‘Primadonna’ whilst washing up last night, their hook lines are that infectious.

To give you a starting block, think Lady A, or a double Shires, (there are four vocalists). I was also thinking as I listened more closely that I could feel an essence of Fleetwood Mac Rumours era, then read with interest that all the songs are about personal experiences the four of them have encountered, although not with each other ,as was the case with Fleetwood Mac. But the personal touch really comes across strongly, and makes the sentiments universally identifiable.

There are 15 tracks in all, and every one of them deserves to be there. They range from country/pop crossovers (‘Jump’, ‘Primadonna’), duets (‘Looking Back Now’), heartfelt ballads (‘Almost’, ‘Before The Wind Changes’), bluesy country rockers (‘Already Out’, ‘Trouble’) My favourites are ‘Trouble’, ‘Already Out’, and ‘Before The Wind Changes’. I also really look forward to the vocal build up in ‘Do You Remember’.

Although this is the bands debut, the individuals are no strangers to the entertainment business. All four are steeped in UK Country heritage as solo artists. so the combining of the four unique talents is explosive. Google any of their names and you will encounter a plethora of videos and songs, all leading up to this ‘big bang’.

The First Time Flyers start an intimate tour of the UK in Manchester on the17th September, to promote the album which comes out on the 12th. I would advise you to try and catch them at these venues, because I doubt if you’ll get that close to them again. This band is going places. *****

 Review by Andy Sharrocks

Albums of the Month (July-September 2025)


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: VARIOUS ARTISTS – A Tribute to Clifton Chenier

VARIOUS ARTISTS – A TRIBUTE TO CLIFTON CHENIER

Valcour Records

This album has been out since June, but I felt duty bound to bring your attention to it.

Released on Valcour Records, it features Mick, Keith and Ronnie, and whole host of other heavyweight Zydeco, Cajun and country players including Zachary Richard, Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, Molly Tuttle, Taj Mahal, Sonny Landreth, Jimmy Vaughn, C J Chenier, (Clifton’s son), Anthony Dopsie (Rockin Dopsie’s son) and so many more, including Clifton’s original drummer Robert St Julian.

Who is Clifton Chenier you may well ask? Well, he would have been 100 years old this year, and in 1965 he released an album called Louisiana Blues And Zydeco, on Arhoolie Records, which a young Mick Jagger picked up on whilst on one of the first Rolling Stones tours of America.

Chenier singlehandedly created the genre Zydeco, the word coming from a creole term – les haricots et pas sales, ( beans and no salt) which was Creole talk for times are tough, or just getting by. If you say lesharicots fast you’ll hear the word zydeco forming. Musically he took the Creole house dance music La La, electrified it with horns and organ, whilst adding blues and R and B into the mix. You can see why Jagger picked up on it, it’s basically a rock n roll, blues and r n b gumbo seasoned with accordion

Chenier wrote many songs in his career, and this album is handful of those songs, each one sung and performed by different people, all tied together by Chenier’s trademark accordion sound and washboard, or rubboard as they call it in the credits. It opens with The Stones playing Zydeco Sont Pas Sales, featuring Robert St Julian, and is my favourite, but only by a hairsbreadth. There is such a level of players on this album it’s hard to say which is best, as they are all winners.

It also includes a couple of songs not written by Chenier, including a version of Release Me, a hit in the UK by smooth crooner Englebert Humperdink. This time round it’s sung by Lucinda Williams and Tommy McClain, and transforms a shmaltzy pop ballad into a drunken bar room lament. Class.

There are twelve tracks on this wonderful rootsie album, and two free downloads which feature John Hiatt and Kim Franklin, but I haven’t worked out how to get those, being the technophobe that I am. If you are a lover of roots or world music this is the album to put on your Christmas wish list, or just treat yourself, you know you’re worth it. ****

Review by Andy Sharrocks

Get Ready to ROCK! - The Best of 2025


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: BLACKLIST UNION – Slay The Dragon

Blacklist Union - Slay The Dragon

BLU Records [Release date 12.09.25]

Los Angeles based Blacklist Union are a band I highly recommend checking out if you haven’t before now, and they are about to release their 6th album “Slay The Dragon”. Having highly rated the band’s last album “Letters from The Psych Ward” I was looking forward to hearing this, and I have not been disappointed.

Produced by Christopher Johnson (Evanescence, Scott Weiland) the album draws influence from front man Tony West’s encounters with the Shipibo Indians in the Amazon, an experience he used to get over a bad divorce, and one that has provided him with a source of inspiration that has helped create a superb album.

The album will appeal to fans of Guns n Roses, Velvet Revolver, Stone Temple Pilots and The Cult but will no doubt prick the ears of a wider audience. Singles “Mississippi Moonhound”, “Dyin’ 4 U” and the excellent “Up in Smoke” will have you pressing repeat, repeatedly. Then you have the likes of “All Hail The King” and “Can You Heal Me” with their rhythmic, driving force or the equally driven and almost hypnotic feel of “Free At Last” and “Do It For The Song”.

“Slay The Dragon” is a consistently strong album and does not let up throughout, the creative team of main songwriters West and producer Christopher Johnson works incredibly well (Johnson also playing most of the instruments here). One of the things I really like with this record is that every time you play it a different track will stick out as a favourite that time, whether it be “Hey Mr. Superstar”, “Rock N Roll Soldiers” or “X Marks The Spot”, and if “Horns and Halos” isn’t a radio hit then the world has gone completely mad.

Special mention must be made of the album’s title track, with it’s Cult like qualities it feels different from the rest of the songs here and closes out “Slay The Dragon” in fine style. The album is released on Friday 12th September 2025, do yourself a favour and give it a listen this weekend. *****

Review by Nikk Gunns

Get Ready to ROCK! - The Best of 2025


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review: DEEP PURPLE – Rapture Of The Deep (20th Anniversary Edition)

DEEP PURPLE - Rapture Of The Deep (20th Anniversary Edition)

earMusic  [Release date 05.09.25]

Released in October 2005, Deep Purple’s 18th studio album gets a well deserved reissue.

This wonderful album was the 2nd to feature pianist Don Airey and 4th with guitarist Steve Morse.

Many still imagine this album as a recent production (myself included), but it’s 20 years old now, hard to believe how time has flown.

This album received many good reviews at the time, and rightfully so, but there’s always the feeling this album gets overlooked. Now’s your chance to check it out, and with its new mix, it’s better than ever.

While the original running order may have seemed out of place, that’s been rejigged and the album flows much better, and the new mix improves the sound greatly; the album really comes to life here.

The original 10 track album is bolstered by two extra tracks, one from the Japanese pressing and the second, ‘Things I Never Said’ (originally released on disc 2 of the tour edition) is one of Gillan’s finest performances and one of the new millennium’s best Deep Purple tracks. It’s track 2 hear and it really grabs you and shows you just how good the period was for Purple.

The opening track ‘Money Talks’ is a great start, the new mix showcasing a hard and crunchy guitar, and Don Airey’s inner Jon Lord shines through on the Hammond organ, and the middle rhythmic break shows some great work from Gillan. The title track has an eastern influence. Then there’s ‘Clearly Quite Absurd’, a well crafted fine pop/rock song of the gentle kind, but each member is still able to show off.

A cracking album now made even better, and a bonus disc with some demo recordings, a must for any fan.

The album’s sound and running order have been tweaked, and so has the artwork. Some colour added, and the trifold card sleeve has a textured sleeve (similar to original pressings of the Fireball LP). Booklet with extensive notes on the album.

Definitely a release of a the year. ****1/2

Review by Joe Geesin

Get Ready to ROCK! - The Best of 2025


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review : THE SWITCH – No Way Out

Frontiers [Release date 12.08.25]

It’s in some way inspiring to hear a band embracing the past wholeheartedly. Pretty well everywhere you scratch the paint on No Way Out, you’ll find the 1980s underneath.

The Switch was formed by identical twin brothers, Tom and James Martin. As well as writing for and producing their own bands, Vega and Nitrate, they’ve written material for Khymera, Ted Poley, Tommy Funderburk, Sunstorm and House Of Lords.

They know what works and what doesn’t… they have the awards to prove it.

This new band, The Switch, was formed with a few like minded music lovers, Denis Butabi Borg (Cruzh) and Canadian vocalist, Bobby John, a writer producer himself, whose collaborations with a number of artists has earned him over 20 million hits on Spotify.

Together, they’ve provided a glorious retrospective of the AOR genre’s fertile years, when anthemic choruses, haunting vocals and memorable hooks were de rigueur.

Almost at random, ‘One Night With You’, ‘Hanging On To Seventeen’ and ‘Strangers Eyes’ come fully armed with many a midnight rendezvous and a posse of passionate sentiments. All part of the plan.

You would have thought the limiting structures of the AOR formula might have suffocated the songwriting process. But no, it energised it.

The album is littered with carefully calibrated examples. The polished, layered, big guitars of ‘Play The Game’ is as close as we get to Hysteria without actually being Def Leppard. Leading us into ‘Young Hearts’, resonating with the melancholy tones of eighties’ late nite radio rock.

That said, the title track hits home the hardest, cruising quickly through a world of urgency, underlining the brothers’ studio craftsmanship as much as the calibre of their songwriting.

A winner all the way. ****

Review by Brian McGowan

Albums of the Month (July-September 2025)


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Upcoming: New releases (CD/DVD/Bluray) 2026

Compiled by Jason Ritchie

Please check artist and venue websites for latest information.

Your release not listed? Contact us!

To search quickly within this page (“Find In Page”):

Press Ctrl+F (on Windows PC, Chromebook, or Linux system), or Command+F (on a Mac) on the keyboard. The “F” stands for “Find,” and it works in every browser.


January 2026

2nd

DEVON ALLMAN ‘nightvision’ Create Records

TANGERINE DREAM ‘dra: At The Barbican’ Kscope

5th

IQ ‘Frequency’ (live album) GEP

7th

NANOWAR OF STEEL ‘The Genghis Khan EP to End All Genghis Khan EPs?’ Napalm Records

9th

ALTER BRIDGE s/t Napalm Records

BEYOND THE BLACK ‘Break The Silence’ Nuclear Blast

ZACH BRYAN ‘With Heaven On Top’

BULLET ‘Kickstarter’ SPV/Steamhammer

THE CRIBS ‘Selling a Vibe’ PIAS

VAN HALEN ‘Live at Wembley 1995′ (vinyl)

VENGER ‘Times Of Legend’ Silver Lining Music

16th

ELLES BAILEY ‘Can’t Take My Story Away’ Cooking Vinyl & Outlaw Music

CAVETOWN ‘Running with Scissors’ Futures Music Group

EDENBRIDGE ‘Set The Dark On Fire’ Steamhammer/SPV

STEVE HOGARTH ‘S.P.Q.R.: Live from Sala Sinopoli, Roma’ (3LP)

KID KAPACHI ‘Fearless Nature’ Spinefarm Records

KREATOR ‘Krushers of the World’ Nuclear Blast

MARIANAS REST ‘The Bereaved’ Noble Demon

RICHARD MARX ‘After Hours’ BMG

MERCYRY REV ‘All Is A Dream’ (25th anniversary edition 2LP)

PETRA ‘Hope’ GirderMusic

SLEAFORD MODS ‘The Demise of Planet X’ Rough Trade

SOEN ‘Reliance’ Silver Lining Music

STREETLIGHT ‘Night Vision’ (deluxe edition) Frontiers

THUNDER ‘Live’ earMusic (reissue with extra tracks)

ROBBIE WILLIAMS ‘Britpop’ (delayed from October 10)

YOUNG GUN SILVER FOX ‘Live from The Troubadour and Paradiso’ Candelion Music

23rd

AUTUMN’S CHILD ‘Melody Lane’ Pride & Glory

DAVID BOWIE ‘Station to Station: 50th Anniversary’

CONQUEROR ‘The Gates of Slumber’

CRYSTAL LAKE ‘The Weight of Sound’ Century Media

THE DAMNED ‘Not Like Everybody Else’ earMusic (covers album)

Michael de Albuquerque ‘Stalking The Sleeper’ (reissue) Think Like A Key Music

DEATH DEALER ‘Reign Of Steel’ Massacre Records

Eddie & The Hot Rods ‘Teenage Depression/Life On The Line’ Cherry Red Records

FIREBORN ‘Dreamcatcher’ El Puerto Records

THE HARA ‘The Fallout’ Mascot Records

HELIX ‘Scrap Metal’ Perris Records

LAURENCE JONES ‘On My Own’ (acoustic album)

MEGADETH ‘Tipping Point’ BLKIIBLK/Frontiers (final studio album)

MIKA ‘Hyperlove’ Republic Records

NITE STINGER ‘What the Nite is All About’ Pride & Joy Music

PANIC! AT THE DISCO ‘A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out’ (20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)

POPPY ‘Empty Hands’ Sumerian Records

THE POWER STATION S/t (40th anniversary edition)

STORMZONE ‘Immortal Beloved’ Escape Music

TEXTURES ‘Genotype’ Kscope

LUCINDA WILLIAMS ‘World’s Gone Wrong’ Highway 20 Records

YES ‘Symphonic Live’ (4LP)

30th

BUZZCOCKS ‘Attitude Adjustment’ Cherry Red Records

CAMEL ‘Earthrise – Live at the Marquee 1974′ Cherry Red Records

CAST ‘Yeah Yeah Yeah’ Scruff of the Neck Records

COURSE OF FATE ‘Behind The Eclipse’ ROAR!

Dennis Churchill Dries (WHITE SISTER, TATTOO RODEO) ‘Crazy is this Life’ AOR Blvd Records

EVERY KING HAS A CLOWN S/t Cleopatra Records

ANDREW GOLD ‘Lonely Boy – The Asylum Years Anthology’ (6CD/DVD) Cherry Red Records

HALLAS ‘Panaroma’ Äventyr Records

IQ ‘Live From London – Camden Palace 1985′ Cherry Red Records

HOWARD JONES ‘Live at the Marquee’ Cherry Red Records

JOYCE MANOR ‘I Used to Go to This Bar’ Epitaph

KULA SHAKER ‘Wormslayer’

LAZULI ‘Être Et Ne Plus Être’

MAYHEM MAVERICKS S/t Street Symphonies Records

McAuley Schenker Group ‘Bad Boys – The McAuley Schenker Group Story 1987-1992′ (4CD) Cherry Red Records

MINDFEELS ’2WO’ Art Of Melody Music

THE MOLOTOVS ‘Wasted On Youth’

GARY NUMAN ‘Telekon’ (45th anniversary edition)

PERFECT BEASTS S/t (features DARREN REDICK & JOHN MITCHELL)

FRANCIS ROSSI ‘The Accidental’ earrMusic

THERIOIN ‘Con orquesta’ Napalm Records (live album)

ROBIN TROWER ‘One Moment in Time – Live in the USA’

February

6th

BIG BIG TRAIN ‘Woodcut’ InsideOut Music

JAY BUCHANAN (RIVAL SONS) ‘Weapons of Beauty’ Sacred Tongue Records

GABRIELLE DE VAL ‘Time to Die’ (EP) Pride & Joy Music

DREAM NAILS ‘You Wish’ Marshall Records

EPINIKION ‘The Force Of Nature’ Dr. Music Records

FAMILY ‘Bandstand’ (Remastered and Expanded) Cherry Red Records

INDUCTION ‘Love Kills!’ Reigning Phoenix Records

KARNIVOOL ‘In Verses’ Cymatic Records

KMFDM ‘Enemy’ Metropolis Records

SANANDA MAITREYA ‘JUVENILIA: The Columbia Years’ (box set)

MAYHEM ‘Liturgy Of Death’ Century Media

PUSCIFER ‘Normal Isn’t’ Puscifer Entertainment/Alchemy Recordings

RENAISSANCE ‘Azure D’Or – Expanded 2CD/Blu-Ray Set’ Cherry Red Records

JOHN RENBOURN ‘Unpentangled – The Sixties Albums’ (6CD) Cherry Red Records

MICK RONSON ‘Only After Dark – The Complete Mainman Recordings’ (4CD) Cherry Red Records

TAILGUNNER ‘Midnight Blitz’ Napalm Records

VARIOUS ‘B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100’ (double album) KTBA Records

VARIOUS ‘Can The Glam!’ Cherry Red Records

VARIOUS ‘Surrender To The Rhythm – The London Pub Rock Scene Of The Seventies’ (3CD Digipak) Cherry Red Records

VISIONS OF ATLANTIS ‘Armada – An Orchestral Voyage’ Napalm Records

WICKED SMILE ‘When Night Falls’ No Dust Records

WOLVERINE ‘Anomalies’ Music Theories Recordings

YES ‘Tales From Topographic Oceans’ (box set)

13th

ANGEL DUST ‘Cold 2 the Touch’ Run for Cover

AVALANCHE ‘Armed to the Teeth’

THE BEACH BOYS ‘We Gotta Groove: The Brother Studio Years’ (3CD/3LP box set)

BLACK SWAN ‘Paralyzed’ Frontiers

Ellefson-Soto ‘Unbreakable’ Reaper Entertainment

THE HELLACOPTERS ‘Cream Of The Crap! Collected Non-Album Works – Volume 3′ Nuclear Blast

HURRICANE ‘Armed to the Teeth’

MICHAEL MONROE ‘Outerstellar’ Silver Lining Music

MUMFORD & SONS ‘Prizefighter’ Island Records

Bill Nelson’s Orchestra Futura ‘Live at Nelsonica & Clothworkers Hall’ Ethersounds Recordings

CLIVE NOLAN ‘The Mortal Light’

RUNNING WILD ‘Death Or Glory’, ‘Blazon Stone’ (limited vinyl picture discs) Hammerheart Records

AUSTIN STARR ‘I am the Enemy’ Frontiers

STORY OF THE YEAR ‘A.R.S.O.N.’ SharpTone

WILD HORSES ‘Standing Our Ground – Complete Recordings 1978-1981′ (6CD) Cherry Red Records

18th

U2 ‘Days of Ash’ (EP)

20th

CLAWFINGER ‘Before We All Die’ Perception

CREAM ‘Royal Albert Hall London May 2-3-5-6, 2005′ (3LP vinyl reissue)

THE ENEMY ‘Social Disguises’

EXHUMED ‘Red Asphalt’ Relapse Records

EYE OF MELIAN ‘Forest of Forgetting’ Napalm Records

KEYS ‘Infinty Parabellum’ Escape Music

LOVEBITES ‘Outstanding Power’

SPENCER MACKENZIE ‘Empty Chairs’ Gypsy Soul Records

NEW FOUND GLORY ‘Listen Up!’ Pure Noise

ROSE TATTOO ‘The Albums 1981-84′ (4CD) Cherry Red Records

ROZARIO ‘Northern Crusaders’ Pride & Joy Music

SHAM 69 ‘The Albums 1978-80′ (4CD) Cherry Red Records

SOLSTICE ‘Clann: The Stables Gathering’

THE STUDIO 68 ‘Rollin’ Detour Records

SYLOSIS ‘The New Flesh’ Nuclear Blast

TEMPLE BALLS S/t Frontiers

TRANSATLANTIC RADIO ‘Midnight Transmission’ Frontiers

YOUNGBLUD ‘Idols II’ Island Records/Locomotion

27th

AVALON STONE ‘Meant to Break’ (EP)

BLACKRAIN ‘Orphans Of The Light’

BLACKWATER DROWNING ‘Obscure Sorrows’

DESERTA ‘Hard Times Ahead’ Lions Pride Music

PAUL GILBERT ‘WROC!’ Music Theories Records

GLADENFOLD ‘Soulbound’ Reaper Entertainment

RANDY GOODRUM ‘Pieces’

JOEL HOEKSTRA’S 13 ‘From the Fade’ Frontiers

IT’sALIE ‘Wild Games’ Frontiers

NEAL MORSE BAND ‘I.F.T.’ sideOutMusic

MOUNTAIN ‘Don’t Look Around – The Recordings 1969-1974′ (7CD) Cherry Red Records

PINK FLOYD ‘Live At Pompeii’ (4K Ultra HD Blu-ray) Sony Music Entertainment

SCORPIONS ‘Lonesome Crow’ (reissue)

THE SHEEPDOGS ‘Keep Out of the Storm’ Right On Records

PHILIP SHOUSE (AACEPT) ‘Side 1′ (EP) Wild Kingdom Records

SODOM ‘Get What You Deserve’ BMG (reissue)

A THOUSAND HORSES ‘White Flag Down’

WILLE & THE BANDITS ‘Salt Roots’

ROB ZOMBIE ‘The Great Satan’ Nuclear Blast

March

6th

BLACK STONE CHERRY ‘Celebrate’ (EP) Mascot Records

KING KING ‘Light Up the Sky’

LEAVE’S EYES ‘Song Of Darkness’ (EP) Reigning Phoenix Music

MORE ‘Destructor’

OATHBOUND ‘Colors In Grey’ Eclipse Records

POWERWOLF ‘Wildlive (Live At Olympiahalle)’ Napalm Records

KATHERINE PRIDDY ‘These Frightening Machines’

PRONG ‘Live And Uncleansed’ SPV/Steamhammer

RAINBOW ‘The Temple of the King – 1975-1976′ (9CD) Edsel Records

SMALL FACES ‘Ogdens’ Nut Gone Flake’ (3CD reissue) Nice Records

SQUEEZE ‘Trixies’ BMG

13th

ASIA ‘Asia – Live In England’ Frontiers

THE BLACK CROWES ‘A Pound of Feathers’ Silver Arrow Records

BLIND REVOLUTION ‘Far from the Sun’ Deko Entertainment

CRONOS ‘Dancing In The Fire’ (reissue) Cherry Red Records

FIRESKY S/t Art Of Melody Music/Burning Minds

PETER GABRIEL ‘In The Big Room’ (double 180g black vinyl, 2CD)

THE GEMS ‘Year of the Snake’ Napalm Records

GONG ‘Bright Spirit’ KScope

KIM GORDAN (SONIC YOUTH) ‘Play Me’ Matador Records

GOTTHARD ‘More Stereo Crush’

LAMB OF GOD ‘Into Oblivion’ Epic

THE LONG RYDERS ‘High Noon Hymns’ Cherry Red Records

ANGUS McSIX ‘Angus McSix and the All-Seeing Astral Eye’ Naplam Records

MONSTOSITY ‘Screams from Beneath the Surface’ Metal Blade

RUSH ‘Grace Under Pressure’ (reissue) UMC

THE SCRATCH ‘Pull Like a Dog’ Music for Nations/Sony Music Ireland

SOFT MACHINE ‘Thirteen’ Dyad Records

YONAKA ‘Until You’re Satisfied’

20th

AEROSMITH ‘Aerosmith (Legendary Edition)’ Capitol Records

BLODWYYN PIG ‘The Recordings 1969-1974′ (3CD) Cherry Red Records

BLUE AMBITION ‘The Scarlet Touch’ Perris Records

LUKE COMBS ‘The Way I Am’ Sony Music Nashville

THE DANDY WARHOLS ‘Pin Ups’ Beat the World/Little Cloud Records

THE DEER HUNTER ‘Sunya’

EXODUS ‘Goliath’ Napalm Records

THE FOUR HORSEMEN ‘Nobody Said It Was Easy’ (reissue) Cherry Red Records

GORILLAZ ‘The Mountain’ KONG

HAIRCUT 100 ‘Boxing The Compass’

HAWKWIND ‘Warrior On The Edge Of Time’ (Half Speed Mastered Vinyl Edition) Cherry Red Records

IGNESCENT ‘Eternal’ Frontiers

CASEY MAUNDER ‘Smash Down Jericho’

AXEL RUDI PELL ‘Ghost Town’ SPV/Steamhammer

POISON THE WELL ‘Peace in Place’

SARACEN ‘Crusader’ (live album) Escape Music

TYKETTO’Closer to the Sun’ Silver Lining Music

VENUS 5 ‘March of the Venus’ Frontiers

27th

JON ANDERSON ‘Survival & Other Stories’, ‘Earth Mother Earth’ (reissues) Frontiers

ADRIAN BELEW ‘The Atlantic Years 1989-1992′ (3CD) Cherry Red Records

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY ‘Engines Of Demolition’ MNRK Heavy/Spinefarm Records

THE BOXER REBELLION ‘The Second I’m asleep’

JOHNNY COUGAR ‘American Dream (The Mainman Recordings 1976-1977)’ Cherry Red Records

DARK HEART ‘Evolution’ Pride & Joy Music

MELISSA ETHERIDGE ‘Rise’ Sun Records

FLEA (RHCP) ‘Honora’ Nonesuch Records

ROBBEN FORD ‘Two Shades of Blue’ Provogue/Artone

LOU GRAMM (with BRUCE TURGON) ‘Released’ Cherry Red Records

HEAVEN AND HELL ‘Breaking Out of Heaven (2007-2009)’

HELLRIPPER ‘Coronach’ Century Media

IRON SAVIOR ‘Awesome Anthems Of The Galaxy’ (covers) PERCEPTION/Reigning Phoenix Music

CHEZ KANE ‘Reckless’ Frontiers

LEVEL 42 ‘The Later Years – 2001-2020′ (7CD) Cherry Red Records

LION’S SHARE ‘Inferno’ Metalville Records

THE LOVIN’ SPOONFUL ‘What a Day for a Daydream: The Complete Recordings 1965-1969′ Cherry Red Records

DAN LUCAS ‘Age Is Just A Number’ Pride & Joy Music

MASSIVE WAGONS ‘Live at the Great Hall’ Earache

MYRATH ‘Wilderness Of Mirrors’ earMusic

POWER PALADIN ‘Beyond The Reach Of Enchantment’ ROAR

SUZI QUATRO ‘Freedom’

QUEEN ‘II’ (reissue)

SCOUTING FOR GIRLS ‘These Are the Good Days’

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK ‘Black Waves’ Battlegod Productions (Australia)

ANNEKE VAN GIERSBERGEN ‘La Mort’ (EP)

VAN HALEN ’5150′ 5150 (Expanded Edition)

WHITE SKIES ‘Shouting at the Hurricane’ Metalopolis Records

April

3rd

CARMINE APPICE & CACTUS ‘Temple of Blues II’ Cleopatra Records

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY ‘Good God/Baad Man’ Nuclear Blast

GREEN CARNATION ‘A Dark Poem, Part II: Sanguis’ Season Of Mist

BRUCE HORNSBY ‘Indigo Park’ Zappo Productions/Thirty Tigers

JIM MORAY ‘Gallants’

NERVOSA ‘Slave Machine’ Napalm Records

Sunn O))) S/t

MICHAEL SWEET ‘The Masterplan’ Frontiers

10th

ATTILA ‘Concrete Throne’

FRANK CARDUCCI ‘Sheeple’ Cherry Red Records

DEGREED ‘Curtain Calls’ Frontiers

FIGHTER V ‘Déja Vu’ Frontiers

LONG DISTANCE CALLING ‘The Phantom Void’ earMUSIC

MAGENTA ‘Tarot’ Tigermoth Records

METAL CHURCH ‘Dead To Rights’ Rat Pak Records

NUCLEAR VALDEZm ‘Present from the Past’ (double CD)

THE SENSATIONAL ALEX HARVEY BAND ‘Good Evening Boys & Girls’ (21CD box set) Madfish

T’PAU ‘Be Wonderful’

XTASY ‘Phoenix’ Burning Minds Group

17th

BROTHER CANE ‘Magnolia Medicine’ Double Dragon Records/Virgin

MARC BROUSSARD ‘Chance Worth Taking’ KTBA Records

CAVE ‘Into The Promised Land’ Metalopolis Records

CRIMSON GLORY ‘Chasing The Hydra’ BraveWords Records

FROM ASHES TO NEW ‘Reflections’ Better Noise Music

GENERATION RADIO ‘Take Two’ Frontiers

GYPSY PISTOLEROS ‘Dark Faerie Tales’

HARDLINE ‘Shout’ Steamhammer/SPV

JOE JACKSON ‘Hope and Fury’

SKINDRED ‘You Got This’ Earache Records

TEEN SUICIDE ‘Nude Descending Satircase Headless’ Run For Cover Records

THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS ‘The World Is to Dig’ Idlewild Records

THUNDERMOTHER ‘Live’N’Alive’ Napalm Records

VICTORIUS ‘World War Dinosaur’ Preception/Reigning Phoenix Music

18th

BRYAN ADAMS ‘Tough Town’

PINK FLOYD ‘Live From The Los Angeles Sports Arena, April 26th, 1975′ (4LP) Sony Music

24th

ALICATE ‘Too Bad to be Good’ Pride & Joy Music

ALIEN ‘Live at Sweden Rock Festival’ Pride & Joy Music

THE AMITY AFFLICITION ‘House Of Cards’ Pure Noise Records

AT THE GATES ‘The Ghost of a Future Dead’

JACK BRUCE ‘Halfway to the Stars – The Recordings 2001-2003′ (4CD) Cherry Red Records

BOB CATLEY ‘Far Away Live In Concert’ Escape Music

JOHN CORABI ‘New Day’ Frontiers

CREYE ‘IV Aftermath’ Frontiers

DA VINCI ‘Unfinished Business’ Vanity Music Group

FANGSLINGER ‘Welcome to the Lost Souls Saloon’

FOO FIGHTERS ‘Your Favorite Toy’ Roswell Records/RCA Records

FRONTLINE ‘Rebirth’ Frontiers

THE GROGGY DOGS ‘No Grog, No Glory’

GUS G ‘Steel Burner’ Metal Department Records

PETER HAMMILL ‘A Headlong Stretch – The Fie! Albums 1992-1996′ (4CD) Cherry Red Records

HOLY WARS ‘Shadow Work/Light Work’ Pale Chord/Rise Records BMG

KAASIN ‘The Underworld’ Pride & Joy Music

THE MILK CARTON KIDS ‘Lost Cause Lover Fool’ Thirty Tigers

M.ILL.ION ‘Legend’ Escape Music

NUCLEAR MESSIAH ‘Black Flame’

PINK FLOYD ‘Live From The Los Angeles Sports Arena, April 26th, 1975′ (2CD) Sony Music

POWERRAGE ‘Beast’ High Roller Records

PRAYING MANTIS ‘The Official Bootleg Box Set Vol. 1 – Live In Japan’ (4CD) Cherry Red Records

REVERAND AND THE MAKERS ‘Is This How Happiness Feels?’

SEPULTURA ‘The Cloud Of Unknowing’ (EP) Nuclear Blast

EINAR SOLBERG (LEPROUS) ‘Vox Occulta’

RINGO STARR ‘Long Road Home’

STRAWBS ‘A Glimpse of Heaven Radio & TV Sessions 1966-1984′ (5CD) Cherry Red Records

URIAH HEEP ‘Beautiful Dream 1975-77′ (4CD) Cherry Red Records

VARDIS ’100 M.P.H. ’79 Revisited’ High Roller Records

PAUL WELLER ‘Weller At The BBC Vol 2′ (3LP/3CD) Parlophone

YES ‘From A Page’ (expanded reissue) Mercury Studios

May

1st

THE BLACK KEYS ‘Peaches!’ Parlophone

TORI AMOS ‘In Times of Dragons’ Universal/Fontana

CHRIS BRAIN ‘Red Sun Rising’ Big Sun Records

DODGY ‘Hello Beautiful’

HASTE THE DAY ‘Dissenter’ Solid State

LAIBACH ‘Musick’ Mute

SEVENDUST ‘One’ Napalm Records

GEOFF TATE ‘Operation Mindchrime III’

UFO ‘The Wild, The Willing And The Innocent’ (3LP, 2CD reissue) Chrysalis Records

VENOM ‘Into Oblivion’ Noise/BMG

8th

BLACK VEIL BRIDES ‘Vindicate’ Spinefarm

Crashdïet ‘Art of Chaos’ Ninetone

DARKTHRONE ‘Pre-Historic Metal’ Peaceville

NEIL DIAMOND ‘Wild At Heart’ through Capitol/UMe

DRACONIAN ‘In Somnolent Ruin’ Napalm Records

FROZEN SOUL ‘No Place of Warmth’ Century Media

PETER GABRIEL ‘Live At WOMAD 1982′ (vinyl, CD)

INGESTED ‘Denigration’ Metal Blade

THE LEMON TWIGS ‘Look For Your Mind!’ Captured Tracks

THE QUILL ‘Master of the Skies’ Metalville

SOCIAL DISTORTION ‘Born To Kill’ Epitaph Records

TERAMAZE ‘The Silent Architect’ Wells Music

MIDGE URE ‘A Man of Two Worlds’ (double album)

15th

ACID REIGN ‘Daze Of The Week’

ADVENT HORIZON ‘Falling Together’

ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS ‘Sandbox’

ARTILLERY ‘Made In Hell’ (EP) Mighty Music

DENNIS ATLAS (TOTO) Principle’ MRI

THE BEACH BOYS ‘The Pet Sounds Sessions Highlights’ Capitol Records/UMe

ROBIN BECK ‘Living Proof’ Frontiers

BLUE TEARS ‘Live in the UK’ Pride & Joy Music

CONFESS ‘Metalmorphosis’ Frontiers

CROWN LANDS ‘Apocalypse’ InsideOutMusic

THE DEAD DAISIES ‘Live Plus Five’

PETER FRAMPTON ‘Carry the Light’ UMe

THE KARMA EEFECT ‘Cruel Intentions’ Earache Records

KRAFTWERK ‘Radio-Activity’ (50th anniversary edition) Parlophone Records

PRO-PAIN ‘Stone Cold Anger’ Napalm Records

BRUCE SOORD ‘Ghosts In The Park’ Kscope

THE VIRGINMARYS ‘Beyond the House of Fires’

VON GROOVE ‘Born to Rock’ Frontiers

DAN WALSH ‘At the Station’

22nd

ALT BLK ERA ‘Our World’ (EP) LAB Records

ANGEL ‘Helluva Band’ (50th anniversary edition) Deko Entertainment

ARMORED SAINT ‘Emotion Factory Reset’ Metal Blade Records

AYREON ’30th Anniversary – An Amazing Flight Through Time’ Music Theories Recordings

BEGGARS BLISS S/t

BOYS FROM HEAVEN ‘The Wanderer’ Frontiers

DAN BYRNE ‘This Is Where the Show Begins’ Frontiers

CABARET VOLTAIRE ‘But What Time Is It Really?’

DIMMU BORGIR ‘Grand Serpent Rising’ Nuclear Blast

Erik Grönwall (ex-H.E.A.T., Skid Row) ‘Bad Bones’

NASVILLE PUSSY ’10 Inches of Pussy Season 1′ Slinging Pig Records

TEAZE ‘Rev Your Engines’ Escape Music

TROPE ‘DAYD’

29th

ACACIA AVENUE ‘Chapter V’ Pride & Joy Music Music

THE ALARM ‘Transformation’

THE CRUEL INTENTIONS ‘All Hail Hypocrisy’

DOGSTAR ‘All In Now’ Dillon Street Records

VIOLET GROHL ‘Be Sweet To Me’ via Republic Records

HUE AND CRY ‘Everybody’

L.E.G.A.C.Y. ‘Midnight Riot’ Lions Pride Music

JAYLER ‘Voices Unheard’ Silver Lining Music

PAUL McCARTNEY ‘The Boys Of Dungeon Lane’

NARNIA ‘X’ Sound Pollution

SHINEDOWN ‘Ei8ht’ Atlantic Records

DEVIN TOWNSEND ‘The Moth’ Inside Out

THE WHO ‘Live at Eden Project’

TBA

PRIDE OF LIONS Frontiers

June

5th

AUGUST BURNS RED ‘Season of surrender’ Fearless Records

DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE ‘I Built You a Tower’

SHANE EMBURY (NAPALM DEATH) ‘Bridge To Resolution’ Dissonance Productions

EVERGREY ‘Architects Of A New Weave’ Napalm Records

JARED JAMES NICHOLS ‘Louder Than Fate’ Frontiers

HOLLIE ROGERS ‘Everything’s Fine’

THE 69 EYES ‘I Survive’ (EP) BLKIIBLK

12th

RACHEL BOLAN (SKID ROW) ‘Gargoyle Of The Garden State’ earMUSIC

DIRTY HEADS ’7 Seas’ Better Noise Music

EMBRACE ‘Avalanche’ Cooking Vinyl

SPREAD EAGLE ‘The Brutal Divine’ Frontiers

STITCHED UP HEART ‘Medusa’

TARJA ‘Frisson Noir’ earMUSIC

GEORGE THOROGOOD ‘The Baddest Show on Earth: Greatest Hits Live’

19th

JOE BONAMASSA ‘The Spirit Of Rory Live From Cork’ J&R Adventures

HARD-FI ‘Sweating Someone Else’s Fever’ V2

MARILLION ‘marillion.com’ (reissue) earMusic

MATTADOR ‘III’ Frontiers

SWIM DEEP ‘Hum’ Submarine Cat Records

26th

AMBERIAN DAWN ‘Temptation’s Gates’ Napalm Records

Scheff Tolle Adriaens ‘Lets Stop the World’ Pride & Joy Music

BUTTHOLE SURFERS ‘After the Astronaut’ Sunset Blvd

MASTERPLAN ‘Metalmorphosis’ Frontiers

MUSE ‘The Wow! Signal’ Warner/Helium 3

THE PRETTY RECKLESS ‘Dear God’

PRIME CREATION ‘Souls Of The Fallen’ Rock Of Angels Records

ROCKETT LOVE ‘Wired for Sound’ Pride & Joy Music

SWITCHFOOT ‘Forever Now’

TBA

DEEP PURPLE

LEX LEGION S/t MNRK Music Group

July

3rd

DOMINUM ‘Night Is Calling’ Napalm Records

LOW CUT CONNIE ‘Livin in the USA’ Contender Records

MOONSPELL ‘Far From God’ Napalm Records

10th

ELECTRIC MOB ’2 Make U Cry & Dance’ (deluxe digital edition) Frontiers

EVA UNDER FIRE ‘Villainous’

24th

GUNSHINE ‘Grand Rising’

August

14th

JUNGLE ‘Sunshine’

28th

BLACK SPIKES ‘Ydos’ Napalm Records

TBA

BILLY MORRISON ‘Hollow’

September

18th

SUNJAY ‘Split The Sheets’ Mighty Tight Records

TBA

ANTHRAX Nuclear Blast

BIG COUNTRY REDUX

DOWN Nuclear Blast

EUROPE

October

9th

SIGNUM REGIS ‘Beyond Spacetime’ Fireflash Records

2026 TBA

ACCEPT

ACID REIGN

AGENT STEEL ‘The Pilgrimage’

ALCATRAZZ Bravewords Records

JON ANDERSON & THE BAND OF GEEKS

ASIA featuring John Payne ‘Aviana’

ASIA Frontiers

ATLANTIC Frontiers

AUDREY HORNE (autumn)

GARY JOHN BARDEN Frontiers

BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION (live album)

BLONDIE ‘High Noon’

BOULEVARD ‘Talk Without Listening’

BUTCHER BABIES

CLUTCH

COLD

DANGEROUS TOYS (two studio albums, first due early 2026)

DEF LEPPARD

DIE KRUPPS Dependent Records

DISTURBED

DOWN Nuclear Blast

ANNIE DRESSNER

EVANESCENCE

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM Napalm Records

FORBIDDEN BLKIIBLK

FORTUNE TELLER Mighty Music

FREEDOM CALL SPV/Steamhammer (summer 2026)

PETER GABRIEL ‘o\i’

GORJIA

GRAND DESIGN GMR Music

HEATHEN Napalm Records

JUDAS PRIEST ‘Sad Wings of Destiny’ (50th anniversary edition) Exciter Records

KERRY KING

JORN LANDE ‘Heavy Rock Radio 3′ (covers) Black Lodge Records

MAD MAX ROAR

MAGNUM

MARILLION

MINISTRY

OVERKILL

PAPA ROACH

IAN PARRY ‘Consortium Project VI – Legacy Of Empires’ Frontiers

QUEENSRYCHE

RUNNING WILD

SACRED REICH Metal Blade Records

SATCHVAI

SAVATAGE (triple live album)

SAXON (Sep/Oct)

SOILWORK

STEEL PANTHER

STREETLIGHT Frontiers

SYMPHONY X

TOOL

TRIVIUM

U.D.O.

VICTORY SPV/Steamhammer

WARRIOR SOUL ‘Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em’

ZAN/CODY Frontiers

===2027===

TBA

CANDLEBOX

BRUCE DICKINSON

EXHORDER

SLASH fetauring MYLESKENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS

In the works – no set date as yet

ACROBVT

AIRBOURNE

ALICE IN CHAINS BMG

AMARANTHE

AMMUNITION

ANGEL

AT THE MOVIES ‘Soundtrack To Your Life Vol.3′

Bachman Turner Overdrive (live album from 1976)

BATON ROGUE Frontiers

DAVE BICKLER (ex-SURVIVOR) Radio City (demos)

BIG RED FIRE TRUCK Frontiers

BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION

BLACK VEIL BRIDES

BLIND GUARDIAN

BLUE MEDUSA

GRAHAM BONNET & JEFF LOOMIS

BUCKETS REBEL HEART

LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE

BULLETBOYS

GLEN BURTNICK

BIFF BYFORD (SAXON)

CAMEL

VIVIAN CAMPBELL (DEF LEPPARD)

CANDLEBOX

THE CARS

CATS IN SPACE

CHELSEA

DESMOND CHILD & ROUGE

COLDSPELL

CREDO

CRYPTA Napalm Records

DANTE FOX

DEATH ANGEL

DEMON

DIAMOND HEAD

DIRTY HONEY

DIRTY THRILLS Frontiers

DOMAIN

DORO ‘Rock To Death’ (Lemmy tribute)

DRIVE, SHE SAID Frontiers

DURAN DURAN (NILE RODGERS producing)

DVNE Metal Blade Records

EASY ACTION

ELECTRIC MARY

ELIXIR Dissonace Productions

ENFORCER Napalm Records

THE ENID

ENTOMBED A.D.

EXCITER

EXTREME

THE FACES

FAITH NO MORE

FEAR FACTORY

FIREHOUSE

FIREWIND

FOGHAT

LITA FORD

ACE FREHLEY ‘Origins Vol.3′

THE GATHERING

GHOSTSEEKER

GRAND

ROB HALFORD (blues album or Tony Bennett covers album!)

THE HAUNTED

HEART (acoustic album)

HEAVY PETTIN’

INTENSE

INTRONAUT Metal Blade Records

TONY IOMMI

JADED HEART Frontiers

JANE’S ADDICTION

ELTON JOHN

JUDAS PRIEST

KELLY KEAGY (NIGHT RANGER)

ROY KHAN (ex-KAMELOT)

KILLER DWARFS EMP

KING CRIMSON

KING’S X

LAST TEMPTATION

LAWLESS

LEATHERWOLF

LIFESIGNS

LIVING COLOUR

MANOWAR ‘Sign of the Hammer’ (re-recorded with new songs)

ERIC MARTIN (MR BIG)

JOHN MELLANCAMP

MOONSPELL

MY BLOODY VALENTINE

STEVIE NICKS

THE NIGHT ETERNAL Metal Blade Records

NINE INCH NAILS

JOHN NORUM Frontiers

CHRIS OUSSEY Escape Music

TIM ‘Ripper’ OWENS

JIMMY PAGE (archive material release)

IAN PAICE (DEEP PURPLE)

PANIC ROOM

STEVE PERRY

PINK CREAM 69 SPV/Steamhammer

THE PLEASURES

TED POLEY Frontiers

QUARTZ Battlegod Productions

QUIET RIOT

RADIO EXILE Mighty Music

RADIOHEAD

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE

RATT

RING OF FIRE

NILE RODGERS (guests include ROBERT PLANT)

THE ROLLLING STONES

STEVE ROTHERY (MARILLION) ‘Revontulet’

ROXY BLUE

RICHIE SAMBORA

SANCTUARY

SARAYA

SHADOWSFALL

SHADOWSPELL Frontiers

WILLIAM SHATNER (metal covers album!)

TOMMY SHAW (STYX)

SICK OF IT ALL

SILVER (MICHAEL VOSS on vocals)

SINNER (final studio album inc. Erik Martensson (Eclipse), Ricky Warwick, Michael Sadler (Saga), Ronnie Romero and Michael Bormann)

SOIL

SOUNDGARDEN

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN (soul & Motown covers volume 2)

MICHAEL STIPE (R.E.M.)

NINA STRAUSS

STRYPER

21 GUNS

TANGIER

TANK

TESLA ‘Homage’ (soul/R&B covers) Frontiers

TIMSON AOR

TNT

TOOL

TOWERS OF LONDON

TRIXTER

TWILIGHT FORCE Napalm Records

TYPE O NEGATIVE (live album)

VAN CANTO

ALEX VAN HALEN (with TOTO’s STEVE LUKATHER)

VANA

VICTORIOUS Perception

JOHN WAITE

WARNING Relapse Records

W.A.S.P.

THE WILDHEARTS

MICHAEL WILTON (QUEENSRYCHE)

THE YARDBIRDS

JOHN YOUNG (LIESIGNS)

XYZ


New releases 2025


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Upcoming: UK & Ireland Tour Dates and Gig Listing (2025)

Compiled by Jason Ritchie

Please check artist and venue websites for latest information.

Your tour not listed? Contact us!

To search quickly within this page (“Find In Page”):

Press Ctrl+F (on Windows PC, Chromebook, or Linux system), or Command+F (on a Mac) on the keyboard. The “F” stands for “Find,” and it works in every browser.


BLACK STONE CHERRY AND THE DARKNESS- Wembley Arena, London, 4 February 2023

BIG COUNTRY

Wed December 31st GLASGOW Barrowland

PUBLIC IMAGE LIMITED

Mon December 29th WOLVERHAMPTON Wulfrun Hall


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Upcoming sessions:

April 12




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 8 March 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 10 March 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 30 March 2026

EVA UNDER FIRE Villainous (Better Noise Music)
HOKKA Blackbird (Nuclear Blast Records)
CELLDWELLER Elaleth (FiXT)
DAEDRIC Iridescent Wings (FiXT)
ARKADO Phoenix And Stardust (Pride & Joy Music)
THE DAVIDSON TRIO Disillusion (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC Catacombs (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 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)


Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings.  The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.


Recent (last 30 days)


Album review : MICHAEL SWEET – The Masterplan

RISEN 150 ATLANTIS cover

Frontiers Music [Release date : 03.04.26] The Masterplan is Michael Sweet’s tenth solo album. He’s yet to surpass his largely ignored Truth album from year 2000 (4 stars from Allmusic, Cross Rhythms, and Hard Roxx), but this one might just … Continue reading

Album review : RISEN ATLANTIS feat: FRANK BECK – Power To The Past

RISEN 150 ATLANTIS cover

Frontiers Music [Release Date : 26.09.25] Singer, Frank Beck, touring sideman with Kai Hansen’s Gamma Ray for many years, now gets his solo opportunity. Risen Atlantis is the brainchild of Alessandro Del Vecchio, writer, producer, musician, commonly associated with Frontiers … Continue reading

Album review: PAUL ARCHER – Art

Paul Archer - Art

Website [Release date 08.08.25] First solo release from Disraeli Gears/Burning Codes frontman Paul Archer, which has been designed to be enjoyed best on vinyl. ‘Art’ splits in two: Leeds-recorded alt-rock anthems on Side A, and Belfast-grown cosmic soul on Side … Continue reading

Gig review: BASEMENT – Electric, Bristol, 21 September 2025

BASEMENT - Electric, Bristol, 21 September 2025

Basement are back! After 6 long years of festivals and US tour dates, the Suffolk-based quintet played 5 dates across the UK. My months of eager checking of their social media had finally paid off, and I was lucky enough … Continue reading

Album review : MIKE TRAMP – The Songs Of White Lion Vol III

WHITE 150 LION Songs Vol III

Frontiers Music [Release date : 19.09.25] Few musical artists get the chance to rerecord their old material. Still fewer improve upon the originals. Mike Tramp continues to claim – clearly very sincerely – that he is surprised to have got … Continue reading

Album review : PRIDE & JOY ANTHOLOGY – 10 Years Of Pride & Joy

PRIDE 150 and JOY COVER

Pride&Joy [Release date : 19.09.25] The Pride & Joy label is celebrating ten years active in the world of rock and metal. Founder and CEO Birgitt Schwanke has created a bijou music business that just grows and grows. The 10 … Continue reading

Album review: NINEBARROW – The Hour of the Blackbird

NINEBARROW – The Hour of the Blackbird

Website [Release date 03.10.25] Over the course of 12 years and five studio albums Ninebarrow (Jon Whitley and Jay LaBouchardiere) have earned themselves a reputation for their songwriting, imaginative reworkings of traditional songs, skilled musicianship, and their exquisite vocal harmonies. Now, … Continue reading

Album review: DAVID PALFREYMAN – Opening Time For The Battered

DAVID PALFREYMAN - Opening Time For The Battered

Bandcamp [Release date 26.09.25] David Palfreyman has released music in various guises in the past, including 2017’s ‘Decades’, a concept album with Nicholas Pegg. ‘Opening Time for the Battered’ David refers to as his debut solo album, musically aided by … Continue reading

Album review: LITTLE KING – Lente Viviente

Little King

Facebook [Release date 26.09.25] Little King was formed in November of 1996 by guitarist/singer/songwriter Ryan Rosoff in El Paso, Texas. Ryan is joined in the current Little King line-up by David Hamilton (bass, cello) and Tony Bojorquez (drums), and this … Continue reading

Album review : BEBOP DELUXE – The Albums 1976-78 (3 CD set)

BEBOP 150 The Albums

Esoteric Music [Release date : 26.09.25] Nowadays, founder, guitarist, writer and driving force behind the band Be Bop Deluxe, Bill Nelson, is not for looking in the rear view mirror, so it’s good that Cherry Red offshoot, Esoteric is doing … Continue reading

Album review: THREE DAYS GRACE – Alienation

THREE DAYS GRACE - Alienation

RCA Records [Release date 22.08.25] The main recent development for Three Days Grace is the return of original vocalist Adam Gontier who now shares duties with Matt Walst (who replaced him in 2013). Formed in the late 1990s in Ontario, … Continue reading

Album review : THE BANGLES : Watching The Sky (4 CD Boxset)

THE 150 BANGLES Watching

Cherry Red [Release date : 26.09.25] The title of this Bangles’ boxset, Watching The Sky, is taken from their third (and at the time, assumed to be their last) album, titled Everything, released in 1988. CD1 : All Over The … Continue reading

Album review: THE RASMUS – Weirdo

THE RASMUS - Weirdo

Better Noise Music [Release date 12.09.25] It’s as if the last 20 years never happened. The Rasmus first came to our attention back in 2003 with their Scandi brand of pop/nu-metal and ‘Weirdo’ sees them on a bit of a … Continue reading

Gig review: MARTIN TURNER – 229 Club, London, 11 September 2025

MARTIN TURNER- 229 Club, London, 11 September 2025

Celebrating a remarkable 55 years since the first Wishbone Ash album, founder member Martin Turner and his band have been a constant touring fixture for many years. Recent Central London sightings have been at the 100 Club, but this show … Continue reading

Album review: CORY MARKS – Sorry For Nothing Vol.2

Cory Marks - Sorry For Nothing Vol.2

Better Noise Music [Release date 03.10.25] Cory Marks new album is a follow-up to last year’s volume 1. Like its predecessor it was produced by Kevin Churko (Ozzy Osbourne, Shania Twain), Kile Odell, and Andrew Baylis. The album, in Cory’s … Continue reading

Album review : FANNY – Rock’n'Roll Survivors (Remastered and Expanded 2 CD Edition)

FANNY - Rock’n'Roll Survivors (Remastered and Expanded 2 CD Edition)

Cherry Red [Release date 19.09.25] We reviewed Fanny’s first 4 studio albums (as a boxset) last year. Their fifth and last album, released in 1974, was called Rock’n’Roll Survivors. Aptly named. This new, 2 CD version has been expanded and … Continue reading

Album review : CARL BALDASSARRE – Deep Grooves

Deep 150 Grooves

CB Music [Release date : 12.09.25] You have to admire Carl Baldassarre’s honesty for treating this self produced album as an academic exercise rather than a labour of love, although love of music of whatever stripe is clearly his motivation. … Continue reading

Feature: GRTR! Greats – JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR

JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR - GRTR! Greats

Photo: David Randall/GRTR! It’s no surprise to find Joanne Shaw Taylor in the list of ‘GRTR! Greats’, if only for the fact that aside from her visceral guitar playing ability, she is an exemplar of the modern aspirational musician. She’s … Continue reading

Single review: ROSS HARDING REVELATOR BLUES

Ross Harding

Facebook Man this is my kind of blues, you can keep your note bending, face grimacing, guitar histrionics, give me an acoustic guitar, a whisky soaked emotive voice, a kick drum and references to hellhounds, storms, prophets and god and … Continue reading

Album review: FIRST TIME FLYERS – Bound To Break

FIRST TIME FLYERS - Bound To Break

Website [Release date 12.09.25] This is their debut album – get out of here, you gotta be kidding me!!! Seriously, the maturity of the songwriting, the palpable chemistry of the four artists, the harmonies, all seem way beyond a debut … Continue reading

Album review: VARIOUS ARTISTS – A Tribute to Clifton Chenier

VARIOUS ARTISTS – A TRIBUTE TO CLIFTON CHENIER

Valcour Records This album has been out since June, but I felt duty bound to bring your attention to it. Released on Valcour Records, it features Mick, Keith and Ronnie, and whole host of other heavyweight Zydeco, Cajun and country … Continue reading

Album review: BLACKLIST UNION – Slay The Dragon

Blacklist Union - Slay The Dragon

BLU Records [Release date 12.09.25] Los Angeles based Blacklist Union are a band I highly recommend checking out if you haven’t before now, and they are about to release their 6th album “Slay The Dragon”. Having highly rated the band’s … Continue reading

Album review: DEEP PURPLE – Rapture Of The Deep (20th Anniversary Edition)

DEEP PURPLE - Rapture Of The Deep (20th Anniversary Edition)

earMusic  [Release date 05.09.25] Released in October 2005, Deep Purple’s 18th studio album gets a well deserved reissue. This wonderful album was the 2nd to feature pianist Don Airey and 4th with guitarist Steve Morse. Many still imagine this album … Continue reading

Album review : THE SWITCH – No Way Out

THE S153 WITCH No way cover

Frontiers [Release date 12.08.25] It’s in some way inspiring to hear a band embracing the past wholeheartedly. Pretty well everywhere you scratch the paint on No Way Out, you’ll find the 1980s underneath. The Switch was formed by identical twin … Continue reading

Upcoming: New releases (CD/DVD/Bluray) 2026

Cherry Red Records - win six featured albums!

Compiled by Jason Ritchie Please check artist and venue websites for latest information. Your release not listed? Contact us! To search quickly within this page (“Find In Page”): Press Ctrl+F (on Windows PC, Chromebook, or Linux system), or Command+F (on … Continue reading

Upcoming: UK & Ireland Tour Dates and Gig Listing (2025)

BLACK STONE CHERRY AND THE DARKNESS- Wembley Arena, London, 4 February 2023

Compiled by Jason Ritchie Please check artist and venue websites for latest information. Your tour not listed? Contact us! To search quickly within this page (“Find In Page”): Press Ctrl+F (on Windows PC, Chromebook, or Linux system), or Command+F (on … Continue reading