Tag Archives: hard rock

Gig review: EUROPE, BLACK STAR RIDERS – Shepherds Bush Empire, London, 20 March 2015

Posted on March 30, 2015 by andynathan

A co-headlining double bill of two of classic rock’s most currently prolific touring bands, both with new albums to promote, sounds like a value package made in heaven. However there were grumbles earlier on the Black Star Riders and Europe … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 13 March 2015, Black Star Riders, Europe, gig, hard rock, Joey Tempest, John Norum, London, review, rock, Scott Gorham, Shepherd's Bush Empire, Thin Lizzy | Leave a comment

Album reviews:THE DARKER MY HORIZON – Acquiesce

Posted on March 29, 2015 by jason

www.thedarkermyhorizon.com [Released 23.03.15] A new band maybe, but they feature two former members of Sacred Heart in vocalist/guitarist Paul Stead and guitarist Mark Stephenson. Former Crimes Of Passion bassist Simon Fearn and drummer Gavin Tester round out the line-up. One … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged Acquiesce, debut album, hard rock, Mark Stephenson, modern, Paul Stead, review, Sacred Heart, the Darker My Horizon | Leave a comment

Album review: TALON – Fourplay

Posted on March 25, 2015 by jason

Escape Music [Release date 23.03.15] The fourth album from Talon and one that sees the return of the band’s original vocalist Michael O’Mara. That has been a masterstroke as he sings up a storm on this album and it is … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged Escape Music, Fourplay, hard rock, John Parker, melodic, Michael O'Mara, review, rock, Talon | Leave a comment

Gig review: THUNDER – Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith, 14 March 2015

Posted on March 16, 2015 by andynathan

To slightly misquote one of their own songs, Thunder are proof that you can’t keep a good band down. Their split in 1999 after a decade of success only lasted three years before they reformed to make another four albums, … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 14 March 2015, Ben Matthews, Danny Bowes, Eventim Hammersmith Apollo, gig, hard rock, Harry James, London, Luke Morley, review, Thunder | Leave a comment

Gig review: ECLIPSE, TAINTED NATION, REACH – Camden Underworld, London, 10 March 2015

Posted on March 15, 2015 by andynathan

For the second time in three days the Camden Underworld played host to a value triple bill of three up and coming melodic rock bands, on this occasion with home grown meat in a Swedish sandwich (or smorgasbord perhaps?) However, the … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 10 March 2015, Camden Underworld, Eclipse, gig review, hard rock, London, melodic, Reach, Tainted Nation | Leave a comment

Gig review: NIGHT RANGER – Islington Academy, 12 March 2015

Posted on March 14, 2015 by jason

Once something of a holy grail for UK rock fans, Night Ranger visits are now regular on these shores – well London anyway. This was their third trip since 2011 but the band’s stock is high at the moment, last … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 12 March 2015, Brad Gillis, gig, hard rock, Islington Academy, Jack Blades, Kelly Keagy, Kerri Kelli, London, melodic, Night Ranger, review | Comments Off

Gig review: EUROPE, BLACK STAR RIDERS – Manchester Academy, 13 March 2015

Posted on March 14, 2015 by GRTR! HQ

EUROPE - Manchester Academy, 13 March 2015

I am still not convinced that two- or three-way bills are the best way forward for some of our premier bands. The last time I saw Europe was a three-way with FM and Foreigner and notwithstanding poor sound (for the … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 13 March 2013, AOR, Black Star Riders, Europe, gig, hard rock, Joey Tempest, John Norum, Manchester Academy, melodic, review, Scott Gorham, The Amorettes | Leave a comment

Album review: BLACK STAR RIDERS – The Killer Instinct

Posted on February 23, 2015 by GRTR! HQ

Nuclear Blast [Release date 23.02.15] Album number two, and Black Star Riders are still operating in Phil Lynott’s shadow. Perhaps any band with Scott Gorham is going to major on Lizzy’s sweet sounding harmony guitar but with Ricky Warwick’s … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Black Star Riders, hard rock, review, Ricky Warwick, Scott Gorham, The Killer Instinct, Thin Lizzy | 1 Comment

Album review: UFO – A Conspiracy Of Stars

Posted on February 14, 2015 by GRTR! HQ

SPV [Release date 23.02.15] UFO are another of our “heritage” bands who for the past few years have toured consistently and released new albums. In short, they are still relevant. And, arguably, ‘A Conspiracy Of Stars’ is their best offering … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged A Conspiracy Of Stars, album, hard rock, heavy rock, Paul Raymond, Phil Mogg, review, UFO, Vinnie Moore | Leave a comment

Interview: JOHN PARKER and MICHAEL O’MARA of TALON

Posted on February 11, 2015 by jason

Talon release their fourth album, ‘Four Play’ on Escape Music on March 20th. They are back with original vocalist Michael O’Mara who fields the questions along with founder member drummer John Parker… What have you got planned for the next … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/10 Questions | Tagged Escape Music, Four Play, hard rock, interview, John Parker, melodic, Michael O'Mara, rock, Talon | Leave a comment

Album review: ECLIPSE – Armageddonize

Posted on February 11, 2015 by andynathan

Frontiers Records [Release Date 20.02.15] In the crowded field of Scandinavian melodic rock hopefuls, Eclipse took a massive step forward with their fourth album in 2012, ‘Bleed And Scream’ which topped many end year best ofs. It was another triumph … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Armaggedonize, Eclipse, Erik Martensson, hard rock, melodic, review, Sweden, W.E.T. | Leave a comment

Album review: H.E.A.T. – Live In London

Posted on February 11, 2015 by andynathan

earMUSIC [Release Date 20.2.15] 2014 saw young Swedish melodic rockers H.E.A.T. gain significant traction with their fourth album ‘Tearing Down The Walls’ (GRTR! critics’ best of 2014). They really seem to have a special relationship with the UK audiences, so it … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, H.E.A.T., hard rock, Live in London, melodic, review, Sweden | Leave a comment

Interview: Rising Stars – THE TOI

Posted on January 28, 2015 by jason

Glaswegian three piece rock band the Toi consist of Pol Healy (vocals/guitar), Andy Carr (bass/guitar/vocals) and Stevie Mclay (drums/vocals). They release their rather good debut album, ‘Water Into Wine’ on March 2nd. Over to Pol for the answers… Brief history … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rising Stars | Tagged 80's metal, hard rock, interview, Rising Stars, rock, the Toi | Comments Off

News: MAGNUM, ECLIPSE, MASTODON – Monday 19 January 2015

Posted on January 19, 2015 by jason

Magnum - The Tivoli, Buckley, 20 April 2014

In the studio and working on their next albums are Magnum and Mastodon. Soilwork will release their first live DVD/Blu-ray, ‘Live In The Heart Of Helsinki’ on March 13th via Nuclear Blast. HMV is the biggest seller of physical music … Continue reading →

Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Festivals & Large Events, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS | Tagged album, classic rock, Eclipse, festival, hard rock, Magnum, Mastodon, metal, news, rock, Spike, studio, Sweden Rocks, Tainted Nation | Leave a comment

Album review: SOTO – Inside The Vertigo (Jeff Scott Soto)

Posted on January 13, 2015 by GRTR! HQ

Interview edit: Jeff Scott Soto with David Randall, 13 January 2015 (15:04) Jeff is featured in an hour long special “Favourite Tracks from Favourite Artists” when he chooses the music and chats about his career, including Talisman and Journey Get … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Gus G, hard rock, Inside The Vertigo, Jeff Scott Soto, Joel Hoekstra, Journey, melodic, metal, review, Soto, Talisman, Tempestt | 1 Comment

Gig review: THE JOKERS The Monarch, Camden, 7 January 2015

Posted on January 8, 2015 by jason

A cold and rainy Wednesday night in early January in Camden may not be the best time to stage a gig, however full marks to the Jokers for travelling down from Liverpool to play. They had a rather famous drummer … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged Camden, gig, hard rock, Mel Gaynor, review, rock, rock 'n' roll, Simple Minds, THE JOKERS, the Monarch | Comments Off

Album review: AMMUNITION – Shanghaied

Posted on January 1, 2015 by jason

AOR Heaven [Released 26.01.15] Wig Wam may sadly be no more, but the band’s ex-members are certainly busy with guitarist Trond Holter teaming up with Jorn Lande on their rather good ‘Dracula’ themed album and now vocalist Åge Sten Nilsen … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged Age Sten Nilsen, album, Ammunition, AOR Heaven, debut, Eclipse, Erik Martensson, hard rock, melodic rock, review, Shanghaied, WET, Wig Wam | Leave a comment

Gig review: H.E.A.T., Islington Academy London, 10 December 2014

Posted on December 13, 2014 by andynathan

Photo: Jim Templeton-Cross 2014 will go down for H.E.A.T. as the year when the young Swedes made their most significant breakthrough yet since exploding onto the scene with their debut album in 2008. For proof, look no further than GRTR! … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged 10 December 2014, gig, H.E.A.T., hard rock, Islington Academy London, melodic rock, review | Comments Off

Album review – LAWLESS – R.I.S.E.

Posted on November 26, 2014 by jason

Escape Music [Released 08.12.14] Quick follow-up from the band’s debut album ‘Rock Savage’ released last year sees Lawless carry on with their classy brand of melodic/classic Brit metal. The band feature two members of Demon – vocalist/rhythm guitarist Paul Hume … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, DEMON, Escape Music, hard rock, Headrush, LAWLESS, metal, Persian Risk, review, Stoke | Leave a comment

Album review: FOREIGNER – The Best Of Foreigner 4 And More

Posted on November 24, 2014 by jason

Frontiers www.frontiers.it [Release date 08.12.14] Foreigner are are getting like fellow classic rockers Styx and REO Speedwagon releasing live albums and re-recording classic songs, as opposed to recording new music. Their last studio album was 2009′s excellent ‘Can’t Slow Down’ … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, classic rock, Foreigner, hard rock, Kelly Hansen, Mick Jones, review, rock, The Best Of Foreigner 4 And More | Leave a comment

Gig review: NAZARETH – Metropolis Studios, London, 14 November 2014

Posted on November 17, 2014 by GRTR! HQ

A new chapter in Nazareth’s long history was captured for posterity at this very special gig. They used Metropolis, one of London’s top studios in a converted power station in Chiswick, to record a live DVD in front of an … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS, Special Events | Tagged 14 November 2014, DVD, gig, hard rock, Metropolis Studios, Nazareth, recording, review, rock | Leave a comment

Interview: NAZARETH – Metropolis Studios, London, 14 November 2014

Posted on November 17, 2014 by GRTR! HQ

Pete and Lee Agnew with artist Rodney Matthews Andy Nathan took time out to chat to founder member Pete Agnew, vocalist Linton Osborn and guitarist Jimmy Murrison prior to the band’s DVD recording at Metropolis Studios in front of an … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rock Stars | Tagged 14 November 2014, hard rock, interview, Jimmy Murrison, Linton Osborne, London, Metropolis Studios, Nazareth, Pete Agnew, rock | Leave a comment

10 Questions: VEGA interview, November 2014

Posted on November 14, 2014 by jason

Here we catch up with Vega members Tom Martin and Nick Workman, as they discuss their new album ‘Stereo Messiah’ (out now on Frontiers) and touring as they get ready to support Down ‘N’ Outz… Tom Martin… What have you got … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/10 Questions | Tagged hard rock, interview, Joe Elliot, melodic, modern rock, Nick Workman, rock, Tom Martin, Vega | Leave a comment

Album review: WICKED SENSATION – Adrenaline Rush

Posted on November 5, 2014 by jason

AOR Heaven [Released 28.11.14] New album “Adrenaline Rush” is the first to find ex-Accept/Bangalore Choir vocalist David Reece at the helm and with it Wicked Sensation have released an album jam packed with melodic greatness – guitarist and chief songwriter … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged Accept, Adrenaline Rush, album, AOR Heaven, Bangalore Choir, David Reece, Dennis Ward, Eric Ragno, hard rock, Harem Scarem, Harry Hess, melodic rock, review, Wicked Sensation | Leave a comment

Album review: NIGHTINGALE – Retribution

Posted on November 2, 2014 by jason

Inside Out [Released 10.11.14] Nightingale is centred around Dan Swano, who has worked with many artists including Opeth. This is the band’s seventh album and their first since 2007 and I must admit to not having heard anything by them … Continue reading →