Nekrofeist – Nekrofeist EP (Self Release)

There appears to be a fair bit of Australian rock and metal hitting our shores at the moment. This EP is the latest to come in to my hands and is the best one I have encountered so far. The guys play metal bordering on thrash and reminiscent of Megadeth, the vocals on some tracks reminded me of Mr Mustaine although not quite as whiney.

The EP contains 6 tracks, although two are just radio friendly edits, and all are heavy, riff filled slabs of metal which will have any metalhead worth his salt banging his head for all he is worth. Track of the EP for me is the full on thrasher ‘Government Ruins’ which is worthy of one of the ‘Big Four’ and rips along like a wrecking ball.

This EP has been out for a while in their native land where the band have built up quite a following and have found some genuine and deserved success, hopefully they can find the same in the northern hemisphere.

****

David Wilson

Alien Ken – Son Of Extraordinary (Alien Ken Inc)

Guitarist Alien Ken started out on this solo project after the demise of his previous band, Moth Circus and this is his debut EP. He managed to gather together a group of like-minded individuals and with King Diamond guitarist Andy LaRocque on production duties he has produced 5 tracks which are a bit tasty.

‘Glitter Rambo’ kicks things off with a hard melodic rock sound coupled with vocals that sound like Gene Simmons after a heavy night, but it is the melodies and riffs that stand out, there is a Wildhearts- style attitude to proceedings as well. Another standout track is ‘Two Of A Kind’ which wouldn’t be out of place on a Black Label Society album, impressive stuff.

The band are writing at the moment and hope to have an album out early next year, ones to watch I think.

****

David Wilson

Folks – Skull And Bones (Ignition Records)

This single is a taster for Manchester band Folks debut album due for release in October. Their brand of indie rock sounds like Queens Of The Stone Age meets The Beatles as it is a bouncy affair with a driving rhythm. Having already supported Noel Gallagher, this single and subsequent album should see Folks gain a bigger audience heading into 2013.

***

David Wilson

Ghxst – Black Camero (Club The Mammoth)

Ghxst are a New York noise grunge trio it says ‘ere who are influenced by Jesus And Mary Chain, Sonic Youth etc and make an almost incomprehensible racket. They label their sound as ‘stylish rock noise’, but I would peg it closer to unlistenable pap. Not for me thanks.

1/2

David Wilson

Shattered Destiny – Fragments (Self Release)

Reading the blurb with this album it looked like an enticing combination of power metal with a touch of prog and listening through it, it does conform to the description, but it doesn’t quite deliver the goods. A combination of laboured song writing and iffy vocals turn this EP into a difficult listen.

Over the course of the 4 tracks on offer there are some decent elements and the musicianship on show is competent, but the negatives outweighed the positives for me. The band are currently writing an album for future release, but on this evidence they need to up their game to make it any further.

*1/2

David Wilson

Wardrum – Desolation (Steel Gallery Records)

Wardrum hail from Thessaloniki in Greece and this album is their second album following on from ‘Spadework’ which was released in 2011. In that time the band have undergone a line-up change with a new vocalist, Yannis Papadopoulos, joining the ranks.

Power metal is the order of the day here and it is pretty bloody good ! Sounding not unlike their fellow countrymen Firewind the guys produce polished, technically adept power metal which is impressive from the off and whilst the guitarists are maybe not in the Gus G league, they are more than capable. The band also have the ability to write complex, melodic passages which are pulled off with ease throughout. Top tracks are the pulverising ‘No Retreat’ and ‘Unforgiving’ which opens the album and tells you all you need to know about Wardrum as it contains well crafted power metal with soaring vocals.

This is an excellent release from a band who deserve a bigger audience and with a few decent support slots on the back of this album ,that should be assured.

****

David Wilson

GRIZZLY BEAR – Yet Again

Taken off the band’s forthcoming album ‘Shields’ due in mid-September, this single has already made a big splash on BBC Radio 1. This is a very catchy number, bit of 60′s vibe a la Byrds and bringing it up to date, Arcade Fire. The full version adds in more 60′s psychedelia in the musical breaks.

Sure to be a big hit and what a change to get a song with a decent melodies and guitars on Radio 1, instead of the normal dance and r’n'b rubbish. I for one will be checking their new album out.

****

Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

Next session: Sunday 19 January

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David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 1 December 2024.

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)