Singles review: NIGHTMARE, ALTERIUM

AFM Records [Release date : 12.01.24]

Formed in 1979, Power Metal French band, Nightmare have been worshipping the mighty riff for 11 albums now.

Ex Songbird frontwoman, Barbara Mogore, is the band’s new vocalist, subsequently showing off her vocal versatility on a bright, shiny new version of the classic Nightmare song, ‘Eternal Winter’ (from 2009).

The song’s been reprogrammed slightly. Its industry standard verse has been roughened up with harsh vocals preceding the smooth, the perfect intro to the haunting, hymn like chorus.
The entire song’s arrangement has clearly been carefully crafted to the demands of contemporary expectations, adding freshness and texture to what has often become a flat and familiar landscape.

It’s an effective taster, and there’s clearly a growing appetite, not only among fans, for quality Power Metal right now.

AFM Records [Release date : 05.01.24]

Alterium is a new Italian Symphonic Metal quintet led by Nicoletta Rosellini (ex. Kalidia).

‘Of War And Flames’ is the fabulous third teaser single from the band’s debut album, due out in March.

This is a tight, tight band. Even when aiming for that epic sweep, taking the music from zero to heroic heights in the course of four and a half minutes – as with ‘Of War and Flames’ – they don’t put a foot wrong.

It cranks into sonic overdrive quickly, leaving an affecting intro of powerful choral work and classy piano/strings interplay in its wake, rising to a dark and brooding chorus.

If the rest of the album’s like this . . .

Reviews by Brian McGowan


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Josh Taerk Sunday Sessions 2024

Latest session: Sunday 14 April

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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 7 April 2024.


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). This show was first broadcast 2 April 2024.

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Power Plays w/c 15 April 2024

ENMY The Ledge (FiXT)
KAROBELA Get Hard (indie)
KATH & THE KICKS Neptune (indie)
THE BEE TELLERS River Poem (Black Sand Records)
LAUREN FREEBIRD Like A Bomb (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 15 April 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 KATARINA PEJAK – Pearls On A String (Ruf Records)


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