Author Archives: jason

Quick plays: CHITRAL SOMAPALA, MARK SLAUGHTER

Posted on April 2, 2015 by jason

CHITRAL SOMAPALA – Sinhabumi [Release date 23.01.15] Chitral Somapala is a big name in his home nation of Sri Lanka and on this album he sings in his native language. Rock fans will know him from his time in Power … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Quick Plays | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Interview: TOMMY DENANDER

Posted on March 31, 2015 by jason

Guitarist/songwriter/producer Tommy Denander is a busy man with Radioactive about to release their first new album in over ten years ‘F4ur’ on Escape Music. This features a stellar cast of melodic rock vocalists including the late, great Jimi Jamison, Jeff … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/10 Questions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

News: SLASH, GINGER WILDHEART, MOONSPELL – Monday 30 March 2015

Posted on March 30, 2015 by jason

Genesis release ‘Genesis: 1983–1998’ vinyl box set on May 11th on Universal. Room Experience (who feature Pink Cream 69′s vocalist David Readman) release their self-titled album on Melodic Rock Records on May 22nd. Slash releases ‘Live at the Roxy 25.9.14′ … Continue reading →

Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Band Entrees & Exits, Festivals & Large Events, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, Re-issues/special editions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Quick plays: THE GENTLE STORM, WINDSOR DRIVE, FINLAY MORTON

Posted on March 29, 2015 by jason

THE GENTLE STORM – The Diary Inside Out www.insideout.de [Released 23.03.15] A new name but a very experienced duo behind the name, namely Arjen Lucassen of Ayreon fame and Anneke van Giersbergen, the former Gathering vocalist and last seen on … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Quick Plays | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Album reviews:THE DARKER MY HORIZON – Acquiesce

Posted on March 29, 2015 by jason
THE DARKER MY HORIZON - Acquiesce

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 , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

News: ROB HALFORD, MIKE TRAMP, DEEP PURPLE – Thursday 26 March 2015

Posted on March 26, 2015 by jason

RIP – John Renbourn, founder of folk rock band Pentangle Devin Townsend has revealed his next musical project will see him writing and composing a symphony. Rob Halford releases a 2CD, 30 track best of from his Fight, Two and … Continue reading →

Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Band Entrees & Exits, Festivals & Large Events, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, Re-issues/special editions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Album review: TALON – Fourplay

Posted on March 25, 2015 by jason
Talon - Fourplay

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 , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

News: WASP, POWERWOLF, JOE SATRIANI – Tuesday 24 March 2015

Posted on March 24, 2015 by jason

Powerwolf have named their upcoming album ‘Blessed & Possessed‘ which is released in July on Napalm Records. W.A.S.P. have signed to Napalm Records who release their new album, ‘Golgotha’ in August. Lynyrd Skynyrd release their 1996 Rockplast gig, ‘Sweet Home … Continue reading →

Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, Re-issues/special editions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10 Questions: MOXY (Interview, March 2015)

Posted on March 24, 2015 by jason
Moxy - 40 Years And Still Riding High

Legendary Canadian rockers Moxy release ’1974 TO 2014 – 40 Years and Still Riding High: Best Of’ on CD/DVD on Escape Music on 22nd May. Moxy started back in 1974 and to celebrate the band’s 40th anniversary a new band … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/10 Questions | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Gig review: THE DARKER MY HORIZON – Scruffy Murphys, Birmingham, 21 March 2015

Posted on March 22, 2015 by jason
The Darker My Horizon

This extract from Get Ready to ROCK! Radio’s weekly show ‘New to GRTR!’ features The Darker My Horizon.  First broadcast, 23 March 2015. (5:22) Birmingham, one of the rock and metal heartlands in the UK and saw many a fine … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged | Leave a comment

News: LONELY ROBOT, FAIRPORT CONVENTION, LEAVE’S EYES – Thursday 19 March 2015

Posted on March 19, 2015 by jason
Lonely Robot

Lonely Robot, aka John Mitchell (It Bites/Arena), will record a new album later this year for release early next year. Leave’s Eyes have signed with AFM Records and release their new album later this year. Mr Big release a box … Continue reading →

Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Festivals & Large Events, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

RIP – Andy Fraser

Posted on March 17, 2015 by jason
Andy Fraser

RIP – Free bass player Andy Fraser has passed away aged 62. The official statement reads: ‘Andrew McLan Fraser passed away on Monday at his home in California. He leaves behind his daughters Hannah and Jasmine Fraser, and their mother … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, NEWS, RIP | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

News: THE EAGLES, KING CRIMSON, BRUCE CRUMP – Tuesday 17 March 2015

Posted on March 17, 2015 by jason
Eagles - Liverpool Echo Arena, 26 June 2014

RIP - Drummer Bruce Crump (Molly Hatchett/China Sky) B.J Laneby (ex-M.ILL.ION) has formed a new band called Instinct. Tarja Turunen releases ‘Luna Park Ride’ on May 29th on 2CD,2LP,DVD & Blu-ray via earMusic. The Murder Of My Sweet have re-signed to … Continue reading →

Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, RIP | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Album review: TATTERMASK – Carpe Noctem

Posted on March 16, 2015 by jason
Tattermask

[Released 24.02.15] Beyond a shadow of a doubt one of the best bands in the Charlotte NC area to see live and listen to their albums would have to be Tattermask. Within a short amount of time they have become … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Album review: SOMETHING CLEVER – Season of Darkness

Posted on March 16, 2015 by jason
Something Clever

[Released 17.03.15] Something Clever is a band out of Charlotte, NC. They’ve been around a couple years now and have slowly moved from an alt rock sound to more of a modern hard rock/metal outfit. They’ve been on my radar … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Album review: ARCHER – Culling The Weak

Posted on March 16, 2015 by jason
Archer - Culling The Weak

[Released 05.05.15] Sometimes a band comes around that just offers an interpretation of a sound that is tried and true and make it all their own. Catching Archer on stage opening for German metal legend Doro, I got the chance … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Album review: ROBIN GEORGE – Dangerous Music II

Posted on March 16, 2015 by jason
Robin George - Dangerous Music II

Angel Air [Released 06.04.15] www.angelair.co.uk This album is the follow-up to Robin George’s hit album ‘Dangerous Music’ and it was meant to be released back in 1986. However his then management company went to market and because of the success … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

News: MIKE PORCARO, DAEVID ALLEN, KISS – Sunday 15 March 2015

Posted on March 15, 2015 by jason
Dan Reed - Liverpool, 13 March 2013

RIP – Toto’s Mike Porcaro who had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He was bass player in Toto between 1982–2008/2010–2015. In recent years he did not tour due to his illness and the band reformed in 2010 to help raise funds for … Continue reading →

Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Festivals & Large Events, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, Re-issues/special editions, RIP | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Album review: THE SWEET – New York Groove Plus

Posted on March 15, 2015 by jason
The Sweet - New York Groove Plus

Angel Air [Release date 06.04.15] www.angelair.co.uk This is a full release of the 2012 album previously available directly from the band and this version adds three bonus songs. The current line-up of the Sweet consists of original member guitarist Andy … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted on March 14, 2015 by jason
NIGHT RANGER - Islington Academy, 12 March 2015

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 , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Album review: RICK SPRINGFIELD – Stripped Down

Posted on March 11, 2015 by jason
Rick Springfield - Stripped Down

Loud and Proud Records/ear Music [Released 09.03.15] CD/DVD Rick Springfield is amazingly 65 years old having started in the music business back in the late 1960′s. He certainly doesn’t look his age and when you watch the DVD the predominately … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile) | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

News: MARK SLAUGHTER, KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD, MICHAEL MONROE – Wednesday 11 March 2015

Posted on March 11, 2015 by jason

Mark Slaughter, of Slaughter fame, releases his solo album ‘Reflections In A Rear View Mirror’ on May 22nd on Escape Music. The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band release an EP entitled ‘A Little Something From The Road, Vol.1′ on limited edition … Continue reading →

Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, Re-issues/special editions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Quick plays: SYLVAN, ROB MORATTI, KYSHERA

Posted on March 9, 2015 by jason
Sylvan - Home

SYLVAN – Home Gentle Art Of Music [Released 16.02.15] This is the band’s ninth studio album and their first in three years. It is a concept album based on the human quest for what is home. Those new to Slyvan’s … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Quick Plays | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

News: BRIAN WILSON, PAUL MCCARTNEY, EUROPE – Sunday 8 March 2015

Posted on March 8, 2015 by jason
Steven Wilson - London Royal Festival Hall, 4 March 2013

UK album chart placings w/e 8th March: Steven Wilson new at no.13; Europe new at no.50 Richie Kotzen is currently working on a live DVD for release this spring. Peter Gabriel releases his ‘Play’ DVD on May 18th on Eagle … Continue reading →

Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Festivals & Large Events, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, Re-issues/special editions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Book review: Sail Away Whitesnake’s Fantastic Voyage by Martin Popoff

Posted on March 7, 2015 by jason
Sail Away: Whitesnake

Soundcheck Books www.soundcheckbooks.co.uk Martin Popoff has written a few books in his time, this is his 45th, and this one covers Whitesnake up to and including their hair metal years. The author has some interesting insight from recent interviews with … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, BOOK REVIEWS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment