UNHERZ – Die Wahrheit Liegt Dazwischen

Masscare Records – Out Now.

The Rhineland-Palatinate is one of the most culturally and linguistically varied areas of the Germany, bordering with Belgium and Luxembourg. It is quite natural, then, that this area would produce a band like Unherz – a Hard Rock/Heavy Metal combo which first appeared on the scene in 2010 and whose music incorporates a huge variety of contrasting style and sound elements, many of which are fairly unusual.

Following a hectic touring schedule last year which saw them perform at a number of local festivals, the quartet began working on ideas for their third studio album, one that consists of eleven (if you obtain the limited edition) compositions and which is…controversially entitled “Die Wahrheit Liegt Dazwischen” (check out the album cover, translate the title into your language of choice and you will understand what I mean).

Massacre Records, the band’s label advertise “Die Wahrheit Liegt Dazwischen” as a Heavy Metal release, but I disagree, since that would only describe a couple of the compositions on offer. To me, Unherz are a typically German Hard Rock ‘party’ band – the kind that is not really bothered with long and technically demanding compositions but whose sole aim is to create catchy sing- along tunes that their fans can sing along to after a long day at a festival site, whilst being totally intoxicated.

This, together with the fact that all songs are performed in the band’s native language, clearly suggests that the target audience for “Die Wahrheit Liegt Dazwischen” is, by nature, quite limited and, together with their decision to try out themes and sounds that are ‘unusual’ for this style of music, makes the process of listening to their third full length release a fairly challenging endeavour.

The album kicks off with the simple but also dynamic Punk Rock riff of “Schmerz Neu Definiert” and things get much heavier when “Mein Weg, Mein Wille, Mein Leben” appears. Sadly, “Seite An Seite” is not the kind of song capable of keeping the momentum going and from that point onwards the album is clearly divided between songs that are “decent” but lack flamboyance and those that are just pretty average and undeserving of a second spin.

Compositions of the first type are the 80s sounding Hard Rock tune “Benzin”, its heavier cousin “Paranoia”, the emotional and cleverly crafted ballad “Nur Wenn Du Traume Hast”, as well as the short acoustic piece “Alles Was Ich Will” – all filled with simple, generic, yet quite enjoyable to the ear melodies.

Then, of course, you have songs like the party-style “Dieser Traum” and the accordion-led “Leuchtfeur” which, though portraying the quartet as a daring and musically educated unit, fail to impress and kind of undermine all the good work in half of the album’s material.

Based on what I’ve read in the accompanying press release and on the…erm… “strength” of the album cover, Unherz are a group of musicians that like to do things their own way and are not keen on taking themselves too seriously. This, of course, is to their credit but it also means that “Die Wahrheit Liegt Dazwischen” will have limited appeal with the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal community around the globe.

If you are looking for some light- hearted background music for your next Metal party then this might just be the album for you – just make sure that your wife or girlfriend doesn’t catch a glimpse of the album cover as this might just end up being your last party!

John Stefanis

Rating: *** (3.0/5.0)

 


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)


JOLLY – The Audio Guide To Happiness Part II

Inside Out – Release Date: 4/3/2013

One of the few major benefits of getting older is becoming more accepting and “open-minded” – a word much hated by a certain close friend of mine. Twenty years ago I would never have dreamed of listening to the music of a band that had deliberately chosen to name themselves “Jolly” – a name that still sounds a bit, well…silly.

Don’t let this small detail deter you from checking out the band’s latest album “The Audio Guide To Happiness (Part II)”, though, as these twelve compositions are the product of five quite skilled musicians who present their Prog Rock and Metal with a clever and modern approach.

Though bands like Pain Of Salvation and Dream Theater seem to have influenced the works of these fine New Yorkers, labelling them as just another Prog Metal band would do them a great injustice. Why? Mainly because there is a great level of care behind the melodies, which look to many different styles of music for inspiration.

Most importantly, while these melodies often betray certain Pop sensibilities, the rhythms supporting them are so intelligent and technically efficient that they will undoubtedly bring the band to the attention of a huge variety of music fans – something previously seen in the case of Anathema since their release of “A Natural Disaster” back in 2004.

The opening track “Guidance Three” features a narration similar to that found on Pain Of Salvation’s magnum opus “Be” (2004) and that mood is furthered through the solid riffs of “Firewell” – a six and a half minute beast of a song. Much more mellow and commercially-driven, “You Against The World” is nevertheless a gem, while “Aqualand And The 7 Suns” adds a moody/atmospheric dimension to the album.

Variety is not only the spice of life, but also seems to be the band’s motto, as suggested by songs like “Dust Nation Bleak” and “Golden Divide” – both creating a beautiful contrast with the more stripped down tunes of “Lucky” and “While We Slept In Burning Shades”. My favourite track of the album is “Despite the Shell” – six and a half minutes filled with Floydian solos and touching melodies, while the Anathema-style harmonies of “As Heard On Tape” make it an equally important offering.

The conclusion of this lesson in open-mindedness comes in the shape of “The Grand Utopia” – a composition filled with classic 70s Prog tunes presented in a clever and refreshing way that leave the lucky listener feeling both elated and content.

I have to truly thank the PR guy from Inside Out who suggested that I listen to “The Audio Guide To Happiness (Part II)” as it is an album that is fast becoming a personal favourite. Just like with every other good quality Prog release, the bond that is established between the songs and the listener are immediate, but the rewards will be felt over a protracted period of time, guaranteeing hours upon hours of sheer entertainment.

Jolly claim that their music is composed through a scientific method designed to bring the listener happiness – whether that is true or it is just a placebo effect, the end result is nevertheless still achieved.

John Stefanis

Rating: **** (4.0/5.0)


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)


SEREMONIA – Seremonia

Svart Records – Out Now.

Svart Records is a Finnish label whose releases I only recently managed to gain access to and, so far, I have been fairly impressed by both the variety and quality of music on offer.

The label’s focus, as one might expect, is placed on Finland’s local scene which is great as it has resulted in many young bands finally finding a promotional platform to present their music to the world. One such band is Seremonia – a 70s sounding, female-fronted quartet whose influences vary from Folk Rock to the likes of Cream, Uriah Heep and early Black Sabbath and whose same-titled debut album  is now part of Rock’s rich history.

Even though this quartet is very much attracted to all things fuzzy, dirty and groovy, their alliances lie less with Black Sabbath and Pentagram and more with bands like Cream and Hawkwind, which, in view of all those recent retro releases influenced by the works of Mr. Iommi, is quite a refreshing thing.

The average length of the vast majority of these ten compositions does not exceed the three and a half minute mark, leaving small opportunity for the songs to make a real impact – something that only a couple of songs manage to convincingly achieve.

Having said that, Erno Taipale’s powerful drumming and Ville Pirinen’s spacey keyboard tunes make even the most average and strange of compositions sound fairly pleasing, boosting the album’s much needed evaluation points.

Opening your album with a forty eight second spacey keyboard tune accompanied by a female narrative in Finnish may sound slightly unorthodox but “Seremonia” comes across to me as the right tune to kick-start the proceedings – especially when it fits so well with the slow groovy riffs of the follow-up “Uhrijuhla”.

Traces of Cream can be found in the guitar work of “Rock N’Rollin Maalima” while the whispering female vocals on “Huutava Taivas, Kuiskaava Maa” and the Hawkwind-influenced keyboard tunes of “Aamuruskon Kaupunki” offer a more atmospheric dimension.

The second half of the album is filled with very short tunes, such as “Kosmien Ruumisvaunu”, “Lusiferin Kaarmeet” and “Antikristus 666” which, though enjoyable to listen to, are sadly not fulfilling their true potential, leaving the Sabbath-meets-Uriah Heep closing track “Hautakiven Varjossa” to portray Seremonia as a band with a much promising future – providing, of course, that the band and its label choose the right strategy for them.

Seremonia are a young band that still has a lot to learn. Still, “Seremonia” is a decent debut album that should appeal to those of you with a soft spot for fuzzy riffs and 70s groovy melodies, as long as the use of Finnish in the band’s lyrics is not something that you find difficult to accept. Now that the first step has been made, what is left to see is what the band’s next move will be – something I am curious about – best of luck to the band!

John Stefanis

Rating: *** (3.0/5.0)


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)


SCORNAGE – Reafearance

Massacre Records – Out Now

Aachen is a tranquil and picturesque Germany city located near the border with Belgium and the Netherlands, where the mineral springs and spa have been enjoyed by figures as important as the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne. This is probably the last place one would expect to find an extreme Metal band, but it was here that the Thrash Metal quartet Scornage was born back in 1998.

Having gradually attracted the attention of both fans and media, and winning a few newcomer awards along the way, these four lads have only just released their fourth studio album, entitled “ReaFEARance”.

The quintet’s approach to song writing and music combines elements of classic 80s Thrash Metal with melodies celebrated by the Gothenburg scene and bands like early In Flames and Dark Tranquillity. An approach, you might say, that has been followed by bands that are too many to mention in this review but what makes “ReaFEARance” stand out is the band’s understanding of what constitutes a decent melody and the passion and energy with which they have infused the ten compositions on this album, making it both somewhat predictable, but also thoroughly enjoyable. Add to that Guido Grawe’s scream/growling powerful vocals, which make this a very interesting and musically varied offering.

The first half of ReaFEARance includes the opener “Six Minutes To Fear” and Frozen Throne” which are quite modern sounding and melody driven, inviting direct comparisons with many other bands that have been given the Andy Classen sound-treatment in the past. This ‘imbalance’ begins to be addressed the moment the Saxon-influenced opening riff of “Fury” makes its presence heard and is pretty much preserved throughout the rest of the album.

Though I found all ten compositions to be particularly enjoyable, the two that really stood out for me were “In A Cage” and “The Holy R*pe” – both carrying clear influences from the mighty Sodom, but with the latter featuring a dynamic and quite inspirational performance by Tom Freyer on the drums. The album concludes with the five and a half minute “Stabbed Again” – a very fitting choice as it sums up pretty well all of the album’s musical ingredients.

If you have been in the reviewing game for a while, then it is unlikely the words ‘unique’, ‘special’ and ‘ground-breaking’ would feature in your review of “ReaFEARance”.

If, on the other hand, you accept the fact that the inability of most bands to become genre leaders does not undermine their ability to entertain their audiences, and you like all things Thrash (classic and modern), then Scornage’s fourth full length might just manage to find its way into your record collection. All in all, quite enjoyable.

John Stefanis

Rating: ***1/2 (3.5/5.0)



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)


Fearless Vampire Killers announce comic collaboration

Fearless Vampire Killers announce comic collaboration and signing opportunity at the London Super Comic Convention on 24th February.

UK shock-rockers Fearless Vampire Killers have teamed up with acclaimed Italian comic artist Marco Turini to illustrate a front cover for one of the bands forthcoming comics, written by the bands co-lead vocalist, Laurence Beveridge.

The comic, “The Vigilante”, will be the first of five released to tie in with the bands forthcoming CD “Exposition: The Five Before The Flames” (Released March 11th 2013). The comics will be released

throughout 2013/2014 with contributions from both well-known and up and coming artists.

Marco Turini has previously illustrated for publishers like Fantagraphics, Avatar Press, Star Comics, Marvel Comics – including the Squadron Supreme and Marvel Comics Presents series  – and currently works with TopCow, who publish the likes of Witchblade, TombRaider , Artifacts and Cyberforce. 

The band will be appearing alongside Marco at the London Super Comic Convention (23rd & 24th February, Excel Centre, London) to sign numbered limited edition art prints of the front cover. The signing session will take place on the second day of the convention, Feb 24th, at 4pm on the LIMITED EDITION COMIX stand.

FVK create conceptual hybrid-rock music, which is accompanied by self-released literature from vocalist and writer Laurence Beveridge, and artwork created by in-house illustrator/guitarist Cyrus Barrone.

Having released their debut album, Militia Of The Lost, to critical acclaim in 2012 they are now positioned as one of the most hotly tipped bands to watch for in the UK rock scene for 2013. Fearless Vampire Killers release Exposition: The Five Before The Flames, a five song prequel to their first album, on March 11th 2013. 

Fearless Vampire Killers will be slaying audiences around the country as part of the Kerrang! Tour 2013 – with Black Veil Brides, Chiodos and Tonight Alive – From February 3rd.

Fearless Vampire Killers: 

www.fearlessvampirekillers.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/wearefearlessvampirekillers

London Super Comic Convention: www.londonsupercomicconvention.com/

Marco Turini: http://marcoturini.com/

Ardden Entertainment: http://limited-edition-comix.com/atlas/ardindex.htm


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: AORIA – The Constant

Version Studio Records, 2012

There must be something in the water in Sweden at the moment.

Following in the (rather large) footprints of progressive metal contemporaries, Katatonia and their magnificent ‘Night Is The New Day’ and ‘Dead End Kings’ albums, along come Aoria with ‘The Constant’ – which, in its own way, almost sounds like the third part of the Katatonia trilogy.

Essentially a duo consisting of Erik Nilsson (guitar, vocals, keyboards) and Robin Bergh (drums, percussion, piano), the Katatonia lineage is cemented when you know the bass player is none other than Kat’s Niklas Sandin.

Now don’t get the impression that Aoria is some kind of tribute band. This is a band  that stands on its own merits and ‘The Constant’ is nothing short of a triumph.

This is melancholic progressive metal at its absolute zenith. There are passages of beautiful, almost pastoral sensitivity and there are slabs of what can only be described as sledgehammer brutality but the way the whole thing is meshed together is absolutely stunning.

Six tracks and every one a gem in its own way – from the brooding start of opener ‘A Slow Moving Storm’ through to the piano fade-out of closer ‘An Overwhelming Calm’ and all points in between, there is a musical intellect at work here which carries the album to a distant, other-worldly place.

‘The Constant’ is certainly not for the faint-hearted – some of it is very heavy – but it’s a fabulous listen and Aoria have laid down a marker that should see them offered a place in prog-metal’s firmament. It’s that good.

Now where’s that bottle of water I bought at Ikea?

*****

Review by Alan Jones

Alan sequences “The Eclectic Mix” third Sunday of the month on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio


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)


EP reviews: EWAN SIMPSON, DROPOUT DAN, SHOOTING SIGNALS

Dropout Dan “Forever, Instead” (Anchor Music)

“Forever, Instead” is a five track acoustic EP from Dropout Dan, Dan being Cambridgeshire’s Daniel O’Dell. The songs sound like they are yearning to be performed by a full band as opposed to the way they are played here and actually sound like they have been written in that way and then played acoustically.

The two songs that stick out here are “Puppy Fat” and “The Sound of Faking”, unfortunately after that it does begin to sound a bit samey.  There is a raw talent here however and in a band environment this will no doubt thrive.

**1/2

Nikk Gunns

Ewan Simpson “The Spin” (ewansimpson.bandcamp.com)

Another self financed and produced EP and this time it’s a bit different. Bristolian Ewan Simpson has recorded “The Spin” in Scotland and Australia and tells us that “time signatures must be messed with”- and that he has done.

Title track “The Spin” goes from lo-fi to epic sounding within a minute and features guitars that slice through a bass driven background and is the pick of the five tracks on offer, however, opening track “We Know You Lied” at times feels like confused jazz with random vocalisations. “Cradle” feels like an acoustic interlude whilst “Come Quietly” is reminiscent of say Moby or lo-fi Bowie before opening up into a full track. The final track “An Ending” is near on ten minutes long and goes from musical tinkering to a sonic dirge of lush harmonies after three minutes and then appears to shrink back down again before you are left with several minutes of what sounds like quietly crashing waves- and I do mean quietly, one of the most bizarre endings I have heard for a while!!

**

Nikk Gunns
 
The Resistance “Rise From Treason” (earMusic)
Swedish band The Resistance feature former In Flames bassist Jesper Stromblad and guitarist Glenn Ljungstrom, alongside vocalist Marco Aro and drummer Chris Bakensjo and this Swedish four-piece are aiming to be the extreme metal band of 2013. They’re not hanging about either, having signed to earMusic the band will follow up this debut EP with a full album in May.
Whether you like your rock this heavy or not, there is no denying that the band are melodically strong and tracks “My Fire, “Face to Face” and the bruising “Slugger” can only confirm this.

**1/2
Nikk Gunns

Shouting Signals “Stand Your Ground”

Shouting Signals are a new five-piece band hailing from Essex and debut EP “Stand Your Ground”  features five tracks of modern English sounding rock music that will appeal to fans of the likes of You Me at Six and 30 Seconds To Mars.

“Never Run Away”, One Forty” and “All My Answers” have the hooks to capture the ears and the melodic sensibilities to keep them tuned in, although it does tend to sound a bit samey after a couple of tracks. The EP will be released digitally this Spring and the band will no doubt follow this up with live dates.

***

Nikk Gunns


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)


HOLY GRAIL – Ride The Void

Nuclear Blast – Out Now.

It is official ladies and gentlemen: what people my age call “classic” and the younger generation refers to as “retro” Heavy Metal is back in fashion! All you have to do is visit a few devoted music forums and you will find countless names of young bands that worship Iron Maiden and kiss the ground Rob Halford has set foot on.

Need a few names? How about White Wizard, Skeletonwitch and Bonded by Blood, to name a few. Actually, it is ex-members from these very bands that decided to form Holy Grail back in 2008 – a band that has caught the attention of Nuclear Blast and with the help of which they are now releasing their second studio album entitled “Ride The Void”.

Solid Metal riffs and harmonic sing-along choruses like those performed by the late 80s European Hard Rock bands make my heart beat a tad faster, but the truth is that there is hardly any riff or melody that has not been performed by thousands of bands & artists these last thirty years. If you approach “Ride The Void” in the hope of listening to something unique then you will be mightily disappointed.

If, on the other hand, what you expect or hope to get from this album is light-hearted entertainment then you are definitely in the right place. Eli Santana & Alex Lee have prepared some solid riffs and flamboyant leads for you to enjoy, the former sometimes bordering on Thrash Metal territory, while James-Paul Luna’s vocal performances portray him as a man with a good understanding of what constitutes a decent melody.

“Archeus” is too short and ‘generic’ in terms of approach to indicate what is to be expected of this album but things become much clearer once Luna’s Hard Rock vocals start spewing energy and venom in equal portions. Classic 80s Metal is celebrated through anthems such as “Dark Passenger”, while the chorus of “Bleeding Stone” and “Ride The Void” bring to the surface the band’s melodic side.

The Helloween-influenced Thrasher “Crosswinds” is sandwiched between “Too Decayed To Wait” and “Take It To The Grave”, both of which put much emphasis on their melodic choruses; however it is the beautiful harmonic leads of “Sleep Of Virtue” that really steal the show. The remaining four compositions of the album are pretty good at “delivery”, but not original in terms of appeal, with the Helloween-influenced melody of “Silence The Scream” and the flamboyant solo of “The Great Artifice” making an honest attempt to win a few more converts for this Californian quintet.

The way you connect with “Ride The Void”, if this happens at all, will mainly depend on the expectations and the mood you first approach it with. When I first heard the thirteen compositions on offer here, I hadn’t listened to 80s Hard Rock and Heavy Metal for a long time and perhaps this put “Ride The Void” at a bit of an advantage in my assessment. I’m not certain how often I will be revisiting this album – what is guaranteed, though, is that when I do decide to listen to it, it will be a truly enjoyable experience.

John Stefanis

Rating: ***1/2 (3.5/5.0)


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)


PERTNESS – Frozen Time

Pure Legend Records

Pertness is a mighty strange name for a metal band. Maybe it describes the peaks of their native Bernese Highlands in Switzerland. They wear their local Bernese kilts on stage, apparently.

Or perhaps the name is inspired by their music. There’s a perky, irrepressible dynamic feel to Frozen Time, the band’s second album. The opener and title track suggests an uncomplicated, straightforward frolic through mainstream power metal, perhaps nodding towards the rhythmic metal and freeform riffing of Iron Maiden circa ‘The Trooper’ and ‘Running Free’.

And then it gets a bit more interesting. Some of the arrangements and melodic harmonies on ‘Farewell To The Past’ and ‘No More Messiah’ would not be out of place in the jigs and reels of a small acoustic tent tucked in a forgotten corner of the Cambridge Folk Festival. The hypnotic lead guitar melodies could easily be a dished out by a harder edged Big Country. The audacity of the fusion is either genius or madness. The album closer is a reworking of the traditional ‘The Star of the County Down’ with a flute intro that would have Ian Anderson purring; an aggressive power riff more in common with Scott Ian; and a lyrical sweep that inspired a whole Mike Scott back catologue. ‘Lost in Time’, I swear, is a track culled from the repertoire of an Elizabethan wandering minstrel reworked with a thumping guitar drive and gravelly vocal delivery that sort of, in a way, almost works.

Despite these curious folk influences, this remains a very accessible and enjoyable metal album, delivered in the fast lane with enthusiasm and belief. ‘Cold Wind of Death’ and ‘The Last Survival are piledriving charges through darker lyrical themes, delivered with gruff, unpolished barbs by vocalist Tom Schluchter. He and Tom Zurbrugg slot together seamlessly in the guitar department and the rhythm section is tight and functional. The production is clean and the songs are assured and largely uncomplicated, despite the folk references.

Pertness have melded an idiosyncratic and fresh slant on power metal with this album and deserve to take a step or two up the pecking order.

****

Dave Atkinson


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)


STRAY CATS – Live at Montreux 1981

Eagle Vision

When the Stray Cats played the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1981 they were young and on a roll, just 6 months after the release of their self-titled debut album and a couple of months short of the release of its follow up “Gonna Ball”- the band had already had a couple of hit singles and their modern take on the rockabilly sound, infused with a touch of punk attitude, was going down well on both sides of the Atlantic.

In a 15 song set that included no less than 3 encores, the band mixed their own material with a handful of covers and the crowd lapped it up. Their recent hit singles “Stray Cat Strut”, “Rock This Town” and “Runaway Boys” sitting nicely alongside the likes of Gene Vincent’s “Double Talking Baby”, “Pretty Pretty Baby”, the 50’s Prom night slow dance like “Important Words and “Be Bop A Lula”- the latter finding the band joined onstage by Dr Feelgood’s Wilko Johnson on guitar. Then we have a rousing rendition of Eddie Cochrane’s “Something Else”- possibly the best version of the song that I have heard to date.

Other highlights here include “Sweet Love On My Mind”, “Rumble In Brighton” and the Clash like “Ubangi Stomp”. The band put in an energetic and well received set and it’s not hard to see how they won so many people over in such a short space of time.

Nikk Gunns


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)


RICHARD THOMPSON – Electric

Proper Records (Released 11th February)

http://proper-records.co.uk/richardthompson-electric/

 

 

 

 

Thompson returns with a new album and as the title suggests it is one of his electric albums. Recorded in Nashville with guitarist Buddy Miller producing (and playing), Thompson is joined by bassist Taras Prodaniuk and drummer Michael Jerome, with the aforementioned Miller helping out on guitar, Dennis Crouch on bass and fiddle player Stuart Duncan lending a musical hand as and when required.

This is a two disc treat, the second disc rounding up a few songs he has recorded for other albums and projects. The things I like most about Richard Thompson’s music is the variety of styles he plays. Be it the folk rock of ‘Stony Ground’, a tale of town gossips or the rock n’ roll fun that is ‘Straight And Narrow’. ‘Salford Sunday’ is a load back number, adding in a jazzy tinge to the musical proceedings. Highlight for me is the haunting ‘My Enemy’ with Siobhan Maher Kennedy adding extra bite to this song. As the song title suggests it holds no punches. ‘Snow Goose’ sees a guest vocal from Alison Krauss, a bonus I guess from recording your album in Nashville! Another song based around relationships something of a theme on this album as ‘Good Things Happen To Bad People’ further illustrates. The latter is the lead single and along with ‘Stony Ground’ the most ‘instant’ song on here and a natural choice for a single.

The second disc features another quick tempo number in ‘Will You Dance, Charlie Boy’, whilst ‘Auldie Riggs/Auldie Riggs Dance’ adds a little of the traditional folk sound to the mix. There are seven songs on the disc meaning you get eighteen songs overall and bar a couple that are not my personal cup of tea this album sees Richard Thompson in fine form.

****
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)


PATTI SMITH – Live at Montreux 2005

Eagle Vision

Filmed at the 39th annual Montreux Jazz festival in 2005, and in support of her recent “Trampin’” album, this new DVD from Eagle Vision finds Patti Smith in fine form. Backed by a band including original Patti Smith Group drummer Jay Dee Daugherty and guitarist Lenny Kaye, Television guitarist Tom Verlaine and long time bass and keyboard player Tony Shanahan, Smith tears through a set that covers her career from 1975 to date.

With her undeniably distinctive vocal style, I suppose the ultimate highlight of the set is Smith’s massively successful version of the Springsteen penned “Because The Night”. There are also covers of Dylan’s “Like A Rolling Stone” and Smith’s formidable take on Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away”, the latter morphing into her own “Momento Mori”. Other highlights amongst the 12 song set include “25th Floor”, the slow reggae lilt of opening track “Redondo Beach” and the slow burning “Seven Ways of Going” and “Peaceable Kingdom”.

“Live at Montreux 2005” is actually Smith’s first live release in a career that has spanned nearly 40 years and has influenced both punk and new wave, and will no doubt be a welcome addition to her catalogue.

Nikk Gunns

 


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)


GRAVITY – Eutheria

M&O Music

Within its niche, this is not a bad album. Gravity, a French outfit putting out their second album, strive to blend death metal with melodic rock and atmospheric passages.

The band are not short of ambition and are unafraid of pulling out the stops. At various points the mid-paced metalcore drive is interspersed with tolling bells, Spanish guitar, string arrangements and howling winds. The album’s shot at epic-ness, ‘Arkham’ opens with an extended synth and drum loop workout. It’s all here.

Sometimes, indeed often, this metallic soup works surprisingly well. One of the best tricks Gravity deploy is counterpointing the heavily distorted death rasp with a sweet, sometimes operatic vocal over the top. ‘Emphase’ is a compelling blend of power and melody. ‘L’ecore’  takes the mood a stage further with an instrumental section that could easily be an outtake from the last Scooby Doo soundtrack. Just imagine a hapless, spooked Shaggy jumping at his own shadow and you are there. The track builds through haunting vocal overlays and cranking guitar salvos to well worked climax. ‘Aeternam’ ploughs a similar not uninteresting furrow.

Theses are the highlights though, and the album suffers from inconsistency. In truth, the band probably don’t have enough good songs yet. And there’s some tracks that just don’t work. ‘Inlandsis’ suffers a heavy-handed, one dimensional gutteral vocal delivery that is too mushy to be brutal and swamps the pumping rhythm.

Whilst it’s a mixed bag, there’s plenty of interest here. It won’t be to everyone’s taste but some of the material on Eutheria is really rather good.

***

Dave Atkinson


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

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Recent (last 30 days)


PAUL McCARTNEY – Live Kisses

Eagle Vision

 

 

 

Filmed almost a year ago, on February 9th 2012, this live show was streamed to mark the release of McCartney’s “Kisses On The Bottom” album. Recorded at the Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, the 13 song set is intercut with interview footage with not only McCartney but the likes of Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, Joe Walsh, Diana Krall and producer Tommy LiPuma- all of which make guest appearances on the album or the live broadcast. There is also rehearsal footage and coverage of McCartney receiving his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of this historic studio.

With Krall acting as musical director and her band backing him, McCartney faithfully and respectfully covers the likes of Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Fats Waller, Benny Goodman and Sam Cooke. The band of superb jazz players behind him and with his voice suiting the material, this feels like some of McCartney’s best work in years. With the footage subtlety switching between black and white and colour, there is an authentic feel to what you are seeing as well as what you are listening to.

Highlights amongst the set are King Cole’s “It’s Only A Paper Moon”, “Sinatra’s “We Three (My Echo, My Shadow and Me)” and “My One and Only Love”, Crosby’s “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive”, Cooke’s “Get Yourself Another Fool” and McCartney’s own “My Valentine”- the latter written for his new wife Nancy.

The DVD comes in a 40 page hardback book and contains a host of bonus features. These include 6 versions of the video for “My Valentine”, all directed by McCartney himself and featuring Natalie Portman and Johnny Depp, the making of the video, album photo shoots and press interviews.

All in all, this is a great package for any Paul McCartney fan and another fine release from those folks at Eagle Vision.

Nikk Gunns


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)


EDGE OF ATTACK – S/T

Spread the Metal Records

Edge of Attack is a Canadian outfit touted as “power thrashers”.  This is the quintet’s debut release.

“In Hell” opens proceedings and the opening riff combined with relentless percussion immediately grabs one’s attention.  Edge of Attack is fronted by Roxanne Gordey and her vocals blend well with the music on offer, providing a soothing aspect to the band’s sonic onslaught.  I don’t see the band as power thrashers – this work is far too melodic for that – instead, they should be classified as power metal.  There are nods to Nightwish here and there (especially when Jurekk Whipple throws in his harsh vocal), but the music is not as dramatic…

Good songs, great melodies (the album ends with a great guitar solo), Edge of Attack has produced a debut that they can be proud of.  Highly recommended for power metal fans.

****1/4
Nick van der Meulen


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)


AIRLESS – Changes

Lion Music www.lionmusic.com (Released 18th February)

 

 

 

 

Airless is a Spanish hard rock outfit that has been producing music for over ten years, their debut coming out in 2002.  “Changes” is the band’s fourth effort – a work in progress since 2009.

Upon listening to this work, all I can say it was worth the wait.  Upbeat melodies, crisp production, beautifully crafted songs make this work a treat to listen to.  Danny Vaughn adds an extra dimension by adding his voice to the title track and there’s some crunch to the guitar work too, adding that little bit of extra pizzazz to the final mix.

This is a melodic rock triumph and worthy of your attention.

****1/2
Nick van der Meulen


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)


SUICIDE BOMBERS – Criminal Record

Suicide Records

“Criminal Record” is the debut album from Norway’s Suicide Bombers, and is a solid slab of Scandinavian sleaze.  The band have elected to give themselves characters (Sleaze Fuhrer, Sex Gunslinger, Bitch Commander and Outlaw Groover) and a background story, for some people this works for others, not so much- but if you look past this, and the intro/outro tracks, this is actually quite a strong album.

Tracks like “Easy Access” possess the melodic sleaze style of Hardcore Superstar, “Napalm Heart” and “This Time Tomorrow” remind me of The 69 Eyes before they went down the Goth route and there are even flashes of early Def Leppard (“High On Explosives”) and Pretty Boy Floyd (“Teenage Breakdown”).  Others tracks such as “Smoke & Mirrors”, “Bombers En Vogue” and “Riot” show the  potential the band have within the genre and all the usual required components are in place- guitar solos, backing vocals etc.

The notion of a rock band, particularly one outside of the mainstream, coming along and changing the world musically is one that does not work nowadays. However, it is albums like “Criminal Record” that keep fans of rock music ticking over in the meantime.

****
Nikk Gunns


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)


RYAN ROXIE – The Roxie Box

R77 Records

Mostly known for his long stint as Alice Coopers ‘guitarist of choice, Ryan Roxie has to be one of the most under-rated songwriters and guitarists out there, as highlighted by the recent Casablanca album “Apocalyptic Youth”.  “The Roxie Box” takes us back through the career of Roxie and is available to part you with your cash right now.

Back in 1997 the musical landscape was a confusing place for fans of rock music- the hair metal days were far behind us, grunge had passed through and in the UK we were besieged by Britpop. It was at this time that the self-titled “Dad’s Porno Mag” album was released, and having bought this at the time I can thoroughly recommend it. Mixing 70’s infused pop/rock such as “The Call (That Never Came)”, the Gilby Clarke produced “Pigeons Are Rude”, the sleazier “Rule Me” (complete with Cooper style guitars, this would be handy later on!!) and the Enuff Z ‘Nuff like “Gone So Long” with the likes of “Smell My Finger”, “Great Day” and “Freaks Come Out”- the kind of pop/punk that was becoming popular amongst bands in the US at the time.

Then in 2004 came the “Peace, Love & Armageddon” album, essentially featuring the same band but now under the moniker Roxie 77. The album is a more mature sounding affair that wears it Beatles influences firmly on its sleeve, and once again was produced in part by Gilby Clarke. From “Control Freak”, “One More Day”, the big old ballad that is “Second Chances”, through the Beatle like “On The Way Down” and “Love Is War”, the funk laden “Beat ‘Em” to the acoustic “Simple Plan”- there is not a weak track here.

So in 2009 we have Roxie 77’s next album “Two Sides To Every Story”. Now based in Sweden and complete with a new line-up the album picks up where its predecessor left off really, the frantic opening of “The Question” gives way to “Smell The Coffee”- a track that would not have felt out of place on the “Sgt. Pepper” album.  Having never heard the record before, this is the one that has blown me away- each track is a good as the one before and if I had to pick highlights they would be “Choice”, “Gimme Some Groove”, “36 Hours” and “Go It Alone”. But, after you have the first 11 tracks, you get the second half of the album- the same 11 tracks performed in acoustic form, with a live feel to them this is a ploy that more bands should follow as it shows how well the songs have been put together.

The final disc in this 4 CD box-set is entitled “The Roxie Tapes” and is a 22 track collection of demos, masters and the odd rarity. Covering Roxie’s various collaborations, we get bubblegum glam pop from Bye Bye Kittie, some groove laden guitar rock from The Unbelievable Truth, the usual shenanigans from Roxie 77 and Dad’s Porno Mag and some great acoustic solo tracks. Whilst the sound quality of the recordings does tend to vary, this is none the less an impressive bonus disc to the set. There is also a comprehensive booklet which includes rare photos and a track by track notes on each song.

“The Roxie Box” is a well put together must have for anyone who appreciates his work and is also testament to what a body of work that is.

Nikk Gunns


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: CODE OF SILENCE – Dark Skies Over Babylon

Code Of Silence - Dark Skies Over Babylon

Mausoleum [Release date 25.02.13]

Put together by Eden’s Curse bassist Paul Logue, Code Of Silence - if this debut album is anything to go by - is surely a band on the cusp of great things.

Fronted by Brazilian vocalist Gus Monsanto (Adagio, Symbolica, Lord Of Mushrooms) and featuring the exceptional guitar work of ex-Power Quest plank spanker Ben Randall, Code Of Silence have taken the ‘melodic metal’ genre outside and given it a damn good kicking.

Loosely based around the concept of the Knights Templar during the period of the Crusades, ‘Dark Skies Over Babylon’ is a truly genre-bending tour de force, which, whilst having melodic metal at its heart, makes frequent forays into the diverse worlds of progressive rock, heavy metal, shred and (dare we say it) even a little commercial sensitivity.

The eleven tracks get underway with ‘Omerta’ a piano-led scene-setter with just that hint of menace, which meekly surrenders to the tooth-loosening guitar riffage and pounding drum salvoes of ‘Bitter Sweet Paradise’, its surprisingly radio-friendly chorus being one of the many highlights here.

‘Sky Is Falling Down’ is next up – its infectious guitar riff and Monsanto’s Ronnie James Dio-like vocals pushing it toward selection as the first single off the album.

Things get seriously good on ‘Tame The Tempest’, probably the best track on the album and an opportunity for Randall to thrust himself forward as the new guitar hero for the next generation. Plenty of raw meat for guitar wannabes to get their teeth into and an absolute shoo-in for Riff Of The Year.

And just when you think ‘let me up, I’ve had enough’, along comes the title track ‘Dark Skies Over Babylon’ – a piano-led power ballad of the highest order with a killer chorus and some finger-snapping fretwork which also manages to sidestep the retch-inducing sentimentality that often plagues such songs.

The highlights continue with the ominous guitar of ‘Black Abyss’, the fabulous drum work on ‘Knights Of The Crimson Cross’, the church organ intro of ‘Midnight Cathedral’ right through to the closing piano figure of ‘Here To Heaven’.

Taken in the round, this is a fabulous rock album. The band are as tight as a gnat’s chuff, and whilst Monsanto and Randall will (deservedly) take the plaudits, keysman Scott McLean and the engine room of drummer John Clelland and bassman James Murray deserve much more than a mere mention in dispatches.

This would be a five star album for an established band at the top of rock’s pecking order. As a debut album it’s simply stunning. *****

Review by Alan Jones

Alan sequences “The Eclectic Mix” third Sunday of the month on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio

Feature (Albums that time forgot…)
Related: Album review (Ben Randall, 2021)

News item/video


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)


10 Q’s with Toschie of AUDREY HORNE

Audrey Horne are set to release their new album ‘Youngblood’ on 4th February through Napalm Records. Here we catch-up with vocalist Toschie…

1. What are you currently up to?

We are in the middle of releasing our new album “Youngblood”, so right now it is ahit loads of interviews, and promotion work to be done. We are also doing gigs back home in Norway. Late February we are off to do showcase in London, and then we are off to Germany to tour there with Long Distance Calling. Then it is summertime, which means festival time, where we are playing Rock Hard, Hellfest, Sweden Rock, Masters of Rock etc. In between all of this we will make time to write new songs..no rest for the wicked you know!

2. Could you take us through the excellent new album ‘Youngblood’? (e.g. ideas behind the songs etc)

Redemption Blues: A song that grew out of one of Ice Dale`s ideas, a song about drinking! And one of the first songs we wrote for this album.

Straight into your grave: This one is absolutely my favorite to play live. It has tons of energy, and a good Rainbow-ish groove. Lots of people has said that the bass line in the break sounds very Motorhead, and I must agree, even though that was never our intention.

Youngblood : Probably one of our most melodic, and best arranged songs ever. Thomas does some amazing guitar work on this one. The guitar riff in the beginning is highly inspired by his favorite guitar players : Ronnie Le Tekrø, from the Norwegian band TNT.

It is a song about having to work hard to get to where you want to be.

There goes a lady : The sexy song I always wanted us to write, a groovy song about the pain of being in an unhealthy relationship, where you should, but will not leave. I used the story bof the sirens to illustrate it. I love singing about the sea.

Show and tell : Believe it or not, but this song is about how facebook saves all information that you provide them with, and uses it to get a picture of who you are, where you go, and what kind of people you associate with. Pretty fucking scary when you think about it. Information is the new oil, and Facebook owns most of it. Mark Zuckerberg..not such a charming guy as we thought.

Cards with the devil : We had a lot of fun doing the jungle intro, and our producer Magnet recorded the birds in the woods around his studio. Thomas came up with the idea for this one, and I think it has a Van Halen coolness to it.

Pretty Little Sunshine: The odd one out, and a very different song for us, but we love playing it, and I love the fact that I managed to put a Steve Earle reference in there :”Just because you are paranoid does not mean that they`re not after you ”

A song for the weird people out there who make this a more interesting world to be in.

The open sea : The darkest song on the album, and the one we struggled most to get right, I am not sure if it is 100% finished, but time will show.

This ends here : I do not get how Ice Dale and Thomas manages to play this one..a tricky fucker. But it was born as the bastard son of a pirate lady, and the lyric idea was given to me by a friend. “Crossing Rubicon”, to reach a point of no return.

The king is dead : The song that probably is closest to our old material, in many ways I associate it with “So long, Euphoria” from our second album “Le Fol”, though this one is faster and more groovy. . The riff has a cool Steve Wonder vibe to it, and everybody loves Steve. Right?

3. On this album there are keyboards/organ and these greatly add to the overall sound. When writing the songs do the keyboard parts form part of the initial song or are they added after to embellish a song?

We did write some of them with a keyboard present, but mostly it is stuff we add towards the end. I guess the one song that were written with keyboard very much in mind is “The open sea”, but apart from that it is a spice we add later on.We have always had keyboard as an important part of our sound, but it has never been a huge part of the writing proses. In that sense, we are very much a guitar band.

4. You have made a video for ‘Redemption Blues’. How important is it now to have a video to help promote a new album, in particular on YouTube? Do you find being on YouTube brings in new fans for the band?

To be honest, I don`t know. I guess if you get a video that is a huge success, then it is a big help. But in general we feel it is just a third dimension to a song, and if it is cleverly done, it can make a good song better. We have never been big on videos even though we like the concept. You need to have good people, and give them enough time and creative freedom in order to get a good result. These days record labels don`t seem to see it as priority.

5. You have won awards in Norway. How big is the rock and metal scene there? What was it like to receive awards in your homeland?

It was amazing. To receive an award is an acknowledgment for what you do. It was the same thing when we got the Metal Hammer award in Germany. To us it is a big deal. The rock and metal scene in Norway is in a very good shape these days. So many good bands, both known, and unknown : El Caco, Enslaved, Kveletak, Purified in Blood, Ribozyme, Taake, Blood command etc etc etc.

It is also a very healthy scene. Bands are supporting each other, and doing cross over projects together. The city of Bergen, where we come from, has a couple of good rock clubs, where bands get together to play, or just hang out. And I feel this gives the music an extra dimension, and are a huge part of the reason that we make so much good music here.

6. What have been the live highlights for you and why?

We supported some big bands, like AC/DC. Does not get much bigger than that. But also some of the small club gigs we have done, have been equally exciting for us. You can really get down into the crowd on these gigs, and that gives a totally different, but just as rewarding energy.

Releasing 4 albums that we are damn proud of has also been good for us. They are after all the most physical result of what we do.

7. The band’s sound keeps progressing with each album. Is this a conscious decision by the band to keep the music fresh or are the band keen to avoid being stuck in one particular sound by the fans and press?

It is not a very conscious decision, but we are aware that we need to evolve as a band, in order to remain interesting to the audience, and most important, to our selves. But we have always written music that comes naturally to us, and never tried to write something because we felt that we had to. I think that is one of the reasons that we make music that people find relevant. The moment you start to adjust your material to the market, the quality in your songs will suffer as a result.

8. Do most of the band’s sales still come from CD’s or are more fans now buying your music via downloads?

I don`t know, but I sincerely hope they still buys vinyls and CD’s, mainly because I am old fashioned on this subject, but also because I think this is more healthy for the industry.

9. Any good rock ‘n’ roll tales to tell…

We have thrown TVs out of hotel rooms, shit our pants on stage, spent all our merch money on booze..only to loose the rest of the merch, and so on..but what happens on the road, stays on the road !

10. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from music?

I work as a tattoo artist, make pictures, drawings and paintings, I hang out with my family and friends, and I love to watch movies and read books, drink good beer and wine, and make food..

Anything else to add and a message for your fans…

Check out our new album “Youngblood”, and be on the look out for us in a town near you!


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)


THE TOM FULLER BAND TO SUPPORT LITTLE FEAT ON UK TOUR DATES

Since releasing his latest studio album, ‘Ask’, The Tom Fuller Band has been touring North America with the legendary rock band Little Feat. With the European leg of Little Feat’s tour about to get underway throughout February 2013, fans of The Tom Fuller Band can look forward to two UK dates; London’s Shepherds Bush Empire on 8th February and Norwich’s UEA on February 10th.

Hailing from Chicago, where the saying “kick ass and take names” is often used to describe how to get the job done (not in an Al Capone way, you understand – although Tom’s grandmother did work for the notorious gangster), The Tom Fuller Band set about enlisting some of the biggest names in the music industry to produce ‘Ask’, which has garnered rave reviews on both sides of the Atlantic since its release in August 2012.

As a kid, when Tom Fuller bought his first Paul McCartney album he never imagined that he would one day record an album of his own with two of McCartney’s band members, but that’s exactly what happened when it came to recording ‘Ask’, with  drummer Abe Laborie Jr. and guitarist Brian Ray signing-up for the sessions.

The album was produced by the studio maestro Rick Chudacoff, (Alison Krauss, Smokey Robinson), and mixed by Cenzo Townsend and Dave Bascombe (U2, Bon Jovi, Kaiser Chiefs), further realising the widescreen cinematic vision of Fuller’s music, as was previously evident on his 2005 debut album ‘Chasing An Illusion’ and its 2009 follow-up album ‘Abstract Man’.

The songs on ‘Ask’ embrace Fuller’s distinctive blend of innovative melodies and chord structures, alongside lyrics that engage, uplift and resonate with passion and truth. “It’s been a one hell of a journey,” says Fuller. “The new album’s like a songbook that’s accompanied me all along the trail. Every track means so much to me. I think it’s my strongest collection of songs to date. I can’t wait to play them in the UK”

www.tomfullerband.com

www.facebook.com/pages/Tom-Fuller-Band/193391942524

Tom Fuller discussing his latest album, ‘Ask’: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qClBaj3yz8U&feature=player_embedded


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)


Rock Stars – MARIUSZ DUDA interview (RIVERSIDE)

Riverside have just released their fifth album ‘Shrine of New Generation Slaves’ on Inside Out. Here Jason Ritchie catches up with vocalist/bassist Mariusz Duda ahead of their upcoming tour which starts in March.

You must be pleased the new album ‘Shrine of New Generation Slaves’ is finally out? It is a very strong album and has been getting good reviews.

Thank you. I am kind of surprised at the public reaction but it is nice.

Riverside are on the front cover of the latest issue of the Polish ‘Metal Hammer’. Have you seen the band’s popularity grow over the past few years?

For the first time we are on the cover, before we were only on the cover of our label’s magazine. So it’s kind of progressive. (Laughs)

 

 

 

The new album has lots of musical ideas. Do you play the music in the studio and see where it takes you or did you go in with a specific sound/style in mind?

I had some problems before as I was a little bit tired of the formula that we had in the past and I didn’t want to do another album with complicated structures. I just wanted to finally focus more on the arrangements and the composition. To focus on some details, like a way for playing drums, a way of playing guitar. I really, really wanted to focus simply on songs. Simply songs, ambitious songs should be the foundation of this album. The metal parts I skip and replace them with hard rock elements.

Our keyboards player uses instruments that are older than him like the Hammond organs. I just thought it would be very naturally to join him with our guitars.

You have made a video for ‘Celebrity Touch’. Was that fun to make?

We didn’t have some kind of mission to make the video. We didn’t really have a script for the people in the video. We just wanted to show celebrities falling down. The band prefers to play in places that are more comfortable for us like the basement!

How important is YouTube to bands like yourselves now? Before there was MTV but every band now seems to have a video on YouTube to accompany nay new music. Do you get a lot of reaction from when you put a video up and does it increase interest in the band?

Yes there are nice reactions to the video. This is only the second video we have done so it’s still a fresh experience for us. We had a chance to do the video and that’s why we did it.

Of course now you don’t have video clips on MTV so YouTube is the place for all video clips. It helps with all promotion, I hope!

This maybe a new chapter for the band, as we start to focus more on doing video clips. Everything depends on the future.

You have a big tour coming up. How do you go about compiling a setlist and how much of the new album will you include?

We didn’t play anything for one year, so we just want to play. We will play new tracks and older songs to make a good concert we hope.

You are playing Europe and the US. Do you have to change your set much between different countries?

We play our best pieces and we don’t have any problems playing any of our songs due to the lyrics anywhere.

Do you change the set much for festivals as I see you have the Y Prog festival in the UK coming up.

Festivals are special events and we will prepare some surprises for festivals.

Progressive rock seems to be very popular in Poland as you have British bands like Arena and Pendragon going over to Poland to record live DVDs. Is it a big music scene in Poland?

There are a lot of progressive rock bands in Poland and it is popular. Sometimes I get the impression there are more bands than there are people in the audience. When you gather all the bands together you would have enough for a Pendragon show.

As Riverside we are at a different level in Poland and we didn’t want to be just a progressive band.

Is progressive rock bigger now than say ten years ago? Here in the UK we have magazines like ‘Prog’ on sale in High Street stores which we never had five to ten years ago.

Music tastes change. When we said we were progressive ten years ago people always think Marillion, Genesis, Yes and King Crimson. There were a lot of clones of that kind of music and nothing interesting musically to be honest. For me in the 90’s the only band that played interesting progressive music was Porcupine Tree. Later you had Dream Theater becoming popular and a lot of bands started to play progressive metal. Now you have bands that just play progressive music like Mars Volta and Anathema. Progressive means something totally different now than it did in the past.

With progressive music you can play many styles like rock, jazz, blues. You add some solos and keyboards and you have progressive music. In Poland many bands want to start playing and like to play some ambitious tracks.

Going back to the new album you have two versions on CD, one has a two discs. What is on the second CD?

Actually it is a very funny story because I wanted the album as a digibook with pages but the label said it wasn’t possible with just one disc. We did some bonus material, ambient style, whatever it is. So we have this on the second disc.

We are in a good position as people who like progressive music like to have something on the shelf, like a CD or vinyl.

That’s true as here in the UK vinyl sales are shooting up again.

Yes that is why we are very happy that our label can release vinyl.

What have you got planned for the rest of the year? You have tour dates booked up until May at the moment.

We will basically tour for the rest of the year. After Mexico in May we will be back in Europe to play Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Turkey and Greece and then after holidays onto Portugal and Spain.

What sort of sized venues do you play in other countries?

In Poland we play to venues that hold 600, 700 people. Last year on our anniversary tour we had over 1,300 people at one show. I am so happy that in this UK tour we will reach more places as we usually play a London show and one other.

With your solo albums have you anything planned yet or is it all Riverside this year?

It all depends on the flow and that is Riverside at the moment. I will do it more and I did the Lunatic Soul albums between Riverside tours and albums. I am definitely going to come back to this. I have an idea for the next album and next year probably.

If you had the chance to tour with anyone who would it be?

You can always have a dream. I would love to play with Rush, supporting Rush of course. It is hard and it has been so long since I have been on tour I need to remind myself of what I have missed.

Message for you fans…

I am really happy we have more shows in the UK. I would like thank the fans for their support and look forward to seeing them on tour.

Album review

www.riversideband.pl/en


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: THE BLACKOUT – Edinburgh 22 January 2013

I first saw The Blackout a couple of years ago supporting My Chemical Romance at the SECC in Glasgow. That night the guys had the SECC crowd eating out of their hands by the second song, not bad for a support band, especially as the crowd were impatiently waiting for Gerard and co.

The band have continued to make waves and win fans in the intervening two years and this current, low key tour is a chance to introduce their newly released fourth album, ‘Start The Party’, to the faithful in some up-close and personal shows. Although tonight’s show possibly got a bit more up-close and personal than had been planned …

Opening proceedings were Yorkshire electro-rockers, Proxies, who put in a good set. The band blend good indie rock with keyboard flurries provided by Greg, a man who sports possibly the best moustache in rock, a fine waxed affair. The band are unsigned at the moment but on tonight’s showing they shouldn’t be so for much longer, they certainly warmed the crowd up nicely with their Biffy- like riffs.

Next up were Sonic Boom Six who bounced onstage and didn’t stop bouncing through their allotted slot. If you hooked this lot up to the national grid you could power a small village. Their Ska infused rock is infectious and had the crowd dancing along. Frontwoman Laila K has a voice that is an acquired taste, my son likening her to a chipmunk which may be a bit harsh, although she does have a high, piercing voice. It was an entertaining set though which set things up nicely for the night’s main event.

If Sonic Boom Six expended enough energy to power a village then The Blackout could power Edinburgh with ease. Kicking off, aptly, with the title track from the new album, ‘Start The Party’, the band proved to be as lively as ever. The two frontmen, Gavin Butler and Sean Smith, command the front of the stage, taking to their raised platforms and preaching to the crowd.

As the set progressed it proved to be a good mix of new and old with the likes of ‘ Running Scared’ from their latest release sitting comfortably with older numbers, the highlights being ‘ The Devil Inside’ and ‘This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things’.

Halfway through though the set was halted as the Liquid Rooms lived up to their name and sprang a leak from the roof above the stage with water pouring onto the band’s backline. The stage was cleared until things were dried up, but it soon became clear the internal rain wasn’t for stopping. It was then announced that the rest of the gig would be an acoustic affair held in another, smaller hall at the rear of the venue.

Once the audience had decamped in a chaotic but good natured fashion, the band continued with an amended set list in a totally unplugged fashion. Stripped back to this level the guys could have struggled but they proved to be more than a match for the situation and played a fantastic, intimate acoustic set. After the first number they got the crowd to sit on the floor so everyone could see which added to the atmosphere. The acoustic  guitar work of Matt and James was spot on and it was amusing to watch drummer Snoz playing a tambourine quietly in the corner.

‘It’s High Tide, Baby’, ‘Top Of The World’ and final number ‘Save Our Selves’ went down a storm with the crowd providing backing vocals throughout. There were a couple of dissenting voices at the end shouting about the gig being rescheduled, but for the majority they appreciated the guys making the best of the situation and providing a unique gig experience for all in attendance. A night to remember for the fans and band alike.

Review, photos, and interview by David Wilson

Album review

Interview

Birmingham Institute, 23 January 2013

 The Blackout - Birmingham, 23 January 2013

Didn’t they just and give everyone a night to remember. First of all it’s worth mentioning this show and tour was put on by Luke Bell. A seasoned pro, who knows the game inside out and tries ensure great shows. This killer line up, was no exception, Proxies, Sonic Boom Six and of course The Blackout.

Unfortunately I arrived too late to catch Proxies, which was a shame not see their set. After these rising lads from Yorkshire, had such an impressive year last year. Laced with illustrious support slots and an impressive series of summer festivals. But as I walk down the corridor, members of the band are having pics taken, with some girl fans. Asking some people inside, the vibe was good and everyone seemed of liked them.

While this stop gap between bands, a chance to take in the venue. The door staff from the off, are warm and friendly, just right for an intimate venue. One of those places where, even if your at the back, your not excluded a good view of the show. It also has a balcony section over the back as well, which you can imagine is busy. The bar is conveniently positioned, to the side of the standing area.

Sonic Boom Six - Birmingham, 23 January 2013

On with the show, as the intro starts and Sonic Boom Six vibrantly bounces on to stage. Instantly greeted by an eager crowd, as they fire up their cross genre splicing and defying sound. Laila Lazer K gets straight into it, pumping up the audience while singing perfectly in key. Laying it down perfectly for Barney, to put down his guitar and join her on vocals for the next number.

This sound and flow is rather unique in music terms. In my opinion I would say, urban rock, electro, pop punk, dance and then some. Performing great set of their barrage of diverse singles. Such as The Road To Hell Is Paved With Good Inventions, For The Kids Of The Multiculture, Virus, Keep On Believing and Karma Is A Bitch. Leaving the placed pumped, they served up an excellent support for The Blackout. You can catch them on their own tour starting on the 8th February all the way through that month.

The Blackout - Birmingham, 23 January 2013

The crowd erupt with cheers, yells and applause as The Blackout walk on to the stage. They surprisingly go for the juggler, from the off with Start The Party. The whole place explodes as Sean Smith and Gavin Butler, retain perfect vocals. While performing high energy acrobatics and jump around the stage.

Blasting straight into We Live On and still jumping around with mic leads lashing around the stage like bull whips. Hardly even catching their breaths they proceed into Higher And Higher. You can hear fans singing and seeing people jump around, catching the vibe. They continue to play their impressive catalogue of great older tracks with Devil Inside and then I Don’t Care. With an immense set of old and new, a further nine tracks. Still holding the high energy performance and great live sound.

Closing their set with I’m A Riot, You’re A Fucking Riot and the great single Save Our Souls. In conclusion this was one great show and The Blackout, have land marked their place as heavy weights. If you haven’t checked out one of their shows, I strongly recommend you do.

Review by Jeff Oram
Photos by Edward Taylor, Digital Flow


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)


NIGHTFALL – Kassiopeia

Metal Blade – Out Now.

Nightfall and I go back a long time, all the way to the classic days of the late 80s/early 90s, the time when my country’s extreme Metal scene gave birth to some of the most innovative and artistically inspiring bands ever.

Similarly to their compatriots Rotting Christ, the mid to late 90s found this Athenian sextet indulging in the forbidden, to some, sounds of Goth, whereas the new millennium signalled a return to the old ways leading to the release of albums such as “Astron Black And The Thirty Tyrants” – the first album ever to be released under the banner of Metal Blade and, in my humble opinion, one of the top releases of 2010. Would Efthimis Karadimas (vocals) and Co manage to reach the same high standards with their latest offering, “Cassiopeia”?

The short answer to that question is “no”, however, the good news is that Nightfall came pretty close in achieving such a truly difficult goal. Just as its predecessor, “Cassiopeia” finds the band investing heavily in its trademark twin guitar melodies, heavy riffs and eerie keyboard themes – all working together in perfect harmony and presented in such a clever way that your addiction will be both instant and everlasting.

At the same time, there isn’t a single composition on this eleven track release that does not feature a short break in which these six very skilful musicians are allowed space to put their instruments and technical skills to the test – with amazing results. That, together with a powerful production achieved through the use of three different studios, resulted in “Cassiopeia” being yet another important addition to the band’s discography.

Fans of Nightfall will recognise familiar sounds – straight from the opening melodies and the commanding riffs of “Phaethon”. This feeling will persist and manifest itself in stronger terms as the album gradually reveals its treasures. “Oberon & Titania” contains one of the meatiest head banging riffs of the album, while “Colonize Cultures” is a much more urgent offering with its much faster tempo.

There is one moment in the album that the band’s skill and greatness is truly revealed and that is in the triumvirate of “The Nightwatch”, “Stellar Parallax” and “Hubris”, all of which contain amazing melodies and riffs of quality equal in skill and spirit those forged by their countrymen Rotting Christ.

Guitarists Evan Hensley and Constantine go virtuoso in “The Reptile Gods”, elements of Morbid Angel are audible in the commanding “Hyperion”, while the trio “Akhenaton, the 9th Pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty”, “The Sand Reckoner” and “Astropolis” are solid tracks that are deserving of a place on the album.

Nightfall have been perfecting their black art for twenty one years – a long time according to anyone’s standards, and so to see them now going through one of the most productive phases of their career is both surprising and inspiring to those of us who have been following them from day one.

During financially hard times, such as these, record labels do not offer their support freely. The fact that “Cassiopeia” bares the seal of approval of Brian Slagel’s Metal Blade records proves that there is still a lot that these pioneering Athenians have to offer in extreme Metal. Invest without fear.

John Stefanis

Rating: ****1/2 (4.5/5.0)


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)


VOIVOD – Target Earth

Century Media – Out Now

2013 is a very important year for Voivod. Having survived the passing of founding member Denis “Piggy” D’Amour, various line up changes and, most importantly, Mayan calendar prophesies of the end of days, the Canadian Prog Thrashers have decided to celebrate thirty years of existent in the most appropriate way – by releasing a new studio album! Yes, you heard right!

Having successfully trial-tested guitarist Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain (of Mystery and Gorguts fame) and with legendary bassist Jean-Yves “Blacky” Theriault back in the help, the quartet locked itself in Quebec’s Wild Studios and, against all odds, recorded one of the best albums of their career – the ten track opus “Target Earth”.

A certain section of the band’s oldest and most devoted fans, the same people that found albums such as “Voivod” (2003) and “Katorz” (2006) too soft and straight forward for their liking, have already openly expressed their objections towards a release of a Voivod album sans Piggy but even they are bound to experience a massive change of heart as the ten compositions that  put together “Target Earth” are simply the heaviest and most technically inspiring material since the glorious days of “Nothingface” (1989).

Chewy has managed to produce riffs and harmonies similar to those employed by his late predecessor and infuse them with both urgency and passion. Blacky’s bass tunes and Away’s thunderous drumming add much dynamism to the proceedings while Snake has come up with some of the most varied and emotionally challenging vocal performances to date.

The albums kicks off with the short futuristic intro and the subsequent crushing riff of the same-titled composition “Target Earth”, whose strong affiliations with “Nothingface” in terms of style and mood made it an instant classic in my ears. It was Snake himself who, during our recent interview, first ‘warned’ me of the numerous technical intricacies relating to the tribal-themed “Kuskap O’Kom” but I seriously doubt that the English language possesses the right type of words to describe this gem.

The one composition that came somewhat closer to my heart is “Empathy For The Enemy” – a six minute track filled with dynamic riffs and beautifully-crafted lead melodies while the technically imposing “Mechanical Mind” is no too far behind. Blacky’s return to Voivod is truly celebrated in both “Warchaic” and “Resistance”, while “Kaleidos” is a perfect sample of the band’s schizophrenic musical character.

It is at this very moment that Snake decides to steal the show, providing top quality performances in both the military-themed “Corps Etranger” and the rhythmically varied “Artefact” while, in true Voivod fashion, “Defiance” will both impress and surprise with its choice of theme and unusually short duration.

Thirty years is a very long time for any band to nurture its creativity, but, then again, Voivod are simply not just any band. Though unsure how any Voivod album lacking Piggy’s musical DNA might sound, I knew that the end result would at least be decent and my faith in the four Québécois was rewarded with what will undoubtedly become a career-defining release.

“Target Earth” is the kind of album that many bands/musicians will have dreamed of creating but which only a group like Voivod possess the skills to bring to life. This is an album that you simply have to have in your music collection. What a way to start one’s Metal year!

John Stefanis

Rating: ***** (5.0/5.0)


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: HONEY AND THE BEAR – Wish & A Tide

Website [Release date 23.04.26] Honey and The Bear is a duo consisting of husband and wife Jon and Lucy Hart. Jon plays guitar and electric guitar with Lucy as the main vocalist, and they both play double bass and bouzouki. … Continue reading

UNHERZ – Die Wahrheit Liegt Dazwischen

Masscare Records – Out Now. The Rhineland-Palatinate is one of the most culturally and linguistically varied areas of the Germany, bordering with Belgium and Luxembourg. It is quite natural, then, that this area would produce a band like Unherz – … Continue reading

JOLLY – The Audio Guide To Happiness Part II

Inside Out – Release Date: 4/3/2013 One of the few major benefits of getting older is becoming more accepting and “open-minded” – a word much hated by a certain close friend of mine. Twenty years ago I would never have … Continue reading

SEREMONIA – Seremonia

Svart Records – Out Now. Svart Records is a Finnish label whose releases I only recently managed to gain access to and, so far, I have been fairly impressed by both the variety and quality of music on offer. The … Continue reading

SCORNAGE – Reafearance

Massacre Records – Out Now Aachen is a tranquil and picturesque Germany city located near the border with Belgium and the Netherlands, where the mineral springs and spa have been enjoyed by figures as important as the Holy Roman Emperor … Continue reading

Fearless Vampire Killers announce comic collaboration

Fearless Vampire Killers announce comic collaboration and signing opportunity at the London Super Comic Convention on 24th February. UK shock-rockers Fearless Vampire Killers have teamed up with acclaimed Italian comic artist Marco Turini to illustrate a front cover for one … Continue reading

Album review: AORIA – The Constant

Version Studio Records, 2012 There must be something in the water in Sweden at the moment. Following in the (rather large) footprints of progressive metal contemporaries, Katatonia and their magnificent ‘Night Is The New Day’ and ‘Dead End Kings’ albums, … Continue reading

EP reviews: EWAN SIMPSON, DROPOUT DAN, SHOOTING SIGNALS

Dropout Dan “Forever, Instead” (Anchor Music) “Forever, Instead” is a five track acoustic EP from Dropout Dan, Dan being Cambridgeshire’s Daniel O’Dell. The songs sound like they are yearning to be performed by a full band as opposed to the … Continue reading

HOLY GRAIL – Ride The Void

Nuclear Blast – Out Now. It is official ladies and gentlemen: what people my age call “classic” and the younger generation refers to as “retro” Heavy Metal is back in fashion! All you have to do is visit a few … Continue reading

PERTNESS – Frozen Time

Pure Legend Records Pertness is a mighty strange name for a metal band. Maybe it describes the peaks of their native Bernese Highlands in Switzerland. They wear their local Bernese kilts on stage, apparently. Or perhaps the name is inspired … Continue reading

STRAY CATS – Live at Montreux 1981

Eagle Vision When the Stray Cats played the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1981 they were young and on a roll, just 6 months after the release of their self-titled debut album and a couple of months short of the release … Continue reading

RICHARD THOMPSON – Electric

Proper Records (Released 11th February) http://proper-records.co.uk/richardthompson-electric/         Thompson returns with a new album and as the title suggests it is one of his electric albums. Recorded in Nashville with guitarist Buddy Miller producing (and playing), Thompson is … Continue reading

PATTI SMITH – Live at Montreux 2005

Eagle Vision Filmed at the 39th annual Montreux Jazz festival in 2005, and in support of her recent “Trampin’” album, this new DVD from Eagle Vision finds Patti Smith in fine form. Backed by a band including original Patti Smith … Continue reading

GRAVITY – Eutheria

M&O Music Within its niche, this is not a bad album. Gravity, a French outfit putting out their second album, strive to blend death metal with melodic rock and atmospheric passages. The band are not short of ambition and are … Continue reading

PAUL McCARTNEY – Live Kisses

Eagle Vision       Filmed almost a year ago, on February 9th 2012, this live show was streamed to mark the release of McCartney’s “Kisses On The Bottom” album. Recorded at the Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, the 13 … Continue reading

EDGE OF ATTACK – S/T

Spread the Metal Records Edge of Attack is a Canadian outfit touted as “power thrashers”.  This is the quintet’s debut release. “In Hell” opens proceedings and the opening riff combined with relentless percussion immediately grabs one’s attention.  Edge of Attack … Continue reading

AIRLESS – Changes

Lion Music www.lionmusic.com (Released 18th February)         Airless is a Spanish hard rock outfit that has been producing music for over ten years, their debut coming out in 2002.  “Changes” is the band’s fourth effort – a … Continue reading

SUICIDE BOMBERS – Criminal Record

Suicide Records “Criminal Record” is the debut album from Norway’s Suicide Bombers, and is a solid slab of Scandinavian sleaze.  The band have elected to give themselves characters (Sleaze Fuhrer, Sex Gunslinger, Bitch Commander and Outlaw Groover) and a background … Continue reading

RYAN ROXIE – The Roxie Box

R77 Records Mostly known for his long stint as Alice Coopers ‘guitarist of choice, Ryan Roxie has to be one of the most under-rated songwriters and guitarists out there, as highlighted by the recent Casablanca album “Apocalyptic Youth”.  “The Roxie … Continue reading

Album review: CODE OF SILENCE – Dark Skies Over Babylon

Code Of Silence - Dark Skies Over Babylon

Mausoleum [Release date 25.02.13] Put together by Eden’s Curse bassist Paul Logue, Code Of Silence - if this debut album is anything to go by - is surely a band on the cusp of great things. Fronted by Brazilian vocalist Gus Monsanto … Continue reading

10 Q’s with Toschie of AUDREY HORNE

Audrey Horne are set to release their new album ‘Youngblood’ on 4th February through Napalm Records. Here we catch-up with vocalist Toschie… 1. What are you currently up to? We are in the middle of releasing our new album “Youngblood”, so right now it is ahit … Continue reading

THE TOM FULLER BAND TO SUPPORT LITTLE FEAT ON UK TOUR DATES

Since releasing his latest studio album, ‘Ask’, The Tom Fuller Band has been touring North America with the legendary rock band Little Feat. With the European leg of Little Feat’s tour about to get underway throughout February 2013, fans of … Continue reading

Rock Stars – MARIUSZ DUDA interview (RIVERSIDE)

Riverside have just released their fifth album ‘Shrine of New Generation Slaves’ on Inside Out. Here Jason Ritchie catches up with vocalist/bassist Mariusz Duda ahead of their upcoming tour which starts in March. You must be pleased the new album … Continue reading

Gig Review: THE BLACKOUT – Edinburgh 22 January 2013

I first saw The Blackout a couple of years ago supporting My Chemical Romance at the SECC in Glasgow. That night the guys had the SECC crowd eating out of their hands by the second song, not bad for a … Continue reading

NIGHTFALL – Kassiopeia

Metal Blade – Out Now. Nightfall and I go back a long time, all the way to the classic days of the late 80s/early 90s, the time when my country’s extreme Metal scene gave birth to some of the most … Continue reading

VOIVOD – Target Earth

Century Media – Out Now 2013 is a very important year for Voivod. Having survived the passing of founding member Denis “Piggy” D’Amour, various line up changes and, most importantly, Mayan calendar prophesies of the end of days, the Canadian … Continue reading