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Gig review: ROMEO’S DAUGHTER- The Garage, London, 28 March 2025
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Gig review: SOUTH OF SALEM – Thekla, Bristol, 27 March 2025
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Gig review: JIZZY PEARL’S LOVE/HATE – The Underworld, Camden, March 13 2025
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Gig review: GRAHAM GOULDMAN – Cadogan Hall, London, 20 March 2025
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Gig review: THE DARKNESS – G Live, Guildford, 11 March 2025
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Gig review: FISH – O2 Academy, Glasgow, 9 March 2025
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Album review: JEB BARRY AND THE PAWN SHOP SAINTS – texas, etc…
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Album review: STRANGEWAYS – Complete Recordings Volume 1, 1985-1994
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Tag Archives: metal
EP review: ASHEN REACH, DEADAUDIOSAINTS, GEOFF CARNE

ASHEN REACH The Fear EP [Release date: 22.03.24] www.ashenreach.co.uk Liverpool-based Ashen Reach released their debut ‘Homecoming’ in late 2020 and since that time have appeared at numerous festivals in the UK including Steelhouse and Planet Rockstock. The EP is characterised … Continue reading →
Album review: P.O.D. – Veritas

Mascot Records [Release date 05.05.24] It has been 30 years since they broke onto the scene with their debut album. Being a keen Nu-Metal fan, this was very exciting for me and highly anticipated. I was hoping that the album would … Continue reading →
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Album reviews
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Tagged album, Mascot records, metal, nu-metal, P.O.D. Veritas, Randy Blythe, review
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News: ARMORED SAINT, SKID ROW, ANTHRAX (April 2024)

ABBA release a 50th anniversary edition of their ‘Waterloo’ album on April 5 via Polar Music International. The reissue will include a limited edition box set of three vinyl singles originally released in 1974. Anvil release their new album ‘One And Only’ via AFM Records on … Continue reading →
Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Band Entrees & Exits, Books, Festivals & Large Events, Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, PledgeMusic/Kickstarter Campaigns, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/News, Re-issues/special editions, RIP
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Tagged Anthrax, Armored Saint, classic rock, folk, gigs, metal, New releases, news, punk, rock, Skid Row, tours, Tyketto
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Gig review: THE BLACKOUT – SWG 3, Glasgow – 20th February 2024

Almost exactly 9 years ago I dragged myself along to The Garage in Glasgow to say farewell to The Blackout as they became another victim of the corporate music machine. That night was all the more bittersweet as it served … Continue reading →
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
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Tagged 20th February 2024, Gavin Butler, gig, Glasgow, Higher and Higher, I'm a Riot? You're A Fucking Riot!, Jim Davies, live, metal, punk, Radiohead, rock, Sean Smith, SWG 3, The Best In Town, The Blackout, Thom York
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Album review: MYRATH – Karma

earMUSIC [Release date 08.03.24] I was a fairly late convert to the Myrath cause, only really becoming aware of the band with the release of their ‘Live At Carthage’ album in 2020. Delving into their back catalogue I found an … Continue reading →
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
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Tagged album, Arabic, EarMusic, Hellfest, Heroes, Karma, Live At Carthage, Malik Ben Arbia, metal, Middle East, Myrath, prog, review, rock, Zolher Zagati
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EP review: EDIT THE TIDE – Reflections In Sound

Facebook [Release date 26.04.24] Bridgend’s Edit The Tide emerged in April 2023 and are now poised to make a big splash with their inaugural EP, ‘Reflections in Sound’ this April 2024. Comprising accomplished musicians who’ve shared stages with rock giants, their … Continue reading →
Posted in ALL POSTS, Single and EP reviews
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Tagged Edit the Tide, EP, indie, metal, modern rock, Reflections In Sound, review, rock
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Album review : ALTERIUM – Of War And Flames

AFM Records [Release date : 08.03.24] Alterium is a new Italian Symphonic Metal quintet led by Nicoletta Rosellini (ex. Kalidia), a talented artist who juggles several media related careers. She also fronts Goth Metal band, Walk In The Darkness. Of … Continue reading →
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
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Tagged Alterium, Freedom Call, goth, Kalidia, Lars Rettkowitz, metal, Nicoletta Rosselini, review, symphonic rock, Walk In The Darkness
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News: EPICA, KATE BUSH, LOVERBOY (March 2024)

Jon Anderson’s 1988 album ‘In The City Of Angels’, is to be reissued on May 3 through the Floating World/Voiceprint. Babylon A.D. release their new studio album ‘Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day’ in May. Sebastian Bach releases his latest solo album, ‘Child Within … Continue reading →
Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Band Entrees & Exits, Books, Festivals & Large Events, Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, PledgeMusic/Kickstarter Campaigns, PURE METAL (All posts), Re-issues/special editions, RIP
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Tagged albums, AOR, blues, Epica, folk, gigs, Kate Bush, Loverboy, melodic rock, metal, news, prog rock, reissues, RIP, rock, tour dates
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Album review : HEKZ – Terra Nova

BMH Audio [Release date: 03.11.23] ‘Terra Nova’ is a British prog rock band Hekz’s first release for 5 years and is a concept album that deals with overcoming different elements of the psyche to realize our potential and become who … Continue reading →
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
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Tagged album, HeKz, Irina Markevich, Jethro Tull, Mark Bogert, Matt Young, metal, Moyano El Buffalo, prog, review, rock, Rush, Terra Nova, Yes
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Gig review: SOUTH OF SALEM – The Tivoli, Buckley, North Wales, 9 February 2024

South Of Salem could be construed as “old school” in 2024. Admittedly there’s nothing cutting edge in their Goth-inspired metal delivery but – by goodness – they deliver. We’ve been exposed to a series of singles from the band in … Continue reading →
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
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Tagged 9 February 2024, Buckley, gig, goth, horror, metal, North Wales, review, South Of Salem, The Tivoli
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Interview: BRING BACK PERSEPHONE

I have been involved in the music industry long enough to know that bands with passion and clear musical vision are not lacking in this world. One such band, Metalcore enthusiasts Bring Back Persephone, just so happens to hail from … Continue reading →
News: ELLES BAILEY, HEART, BON JOVI (February 2024)

Lee Aaron will be releasing a covers album ‘Tattoo Me’ via Metalville Records on April 26. Ayreon release ’01011001 – Live Beneath The Waves’ through Music Theories Recordings/Mascot Label Group on May 17. Elles Bailey releases a new EP ‘The Night Owl & the Lark’ on February … Continue reading →
Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Band Entrees & Exits, Books, Festivals & Large Events, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, PledgeMusic/Kickstarter Campaigns, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/News, Re-issues/special editions, RIP
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Tagged albums, AOR, blues, Bon Jovi, Elles Bailey, folk, gigs, Heart, melodic rock, metal, news, prog rock, reissues, RIP, rock, tour dates
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Album review: SAXON – Hell, Fire and Damnation

Silver Lining Music [Release Date 19.1.24] The fact that Saxon were one of the inductees in GRTR!’s ‘Grotto of Greatness’, marking significant acts from our first 20 years, tells you all you need to know about the ability of the … Continue reading →
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
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Tagged album, Biff Byford, Brian Blessed, Brian Tatler, Doug Scarratt, Hell Fire and Damnation, metal, Nigel Glockler, Saxon
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News: KREATOR, ARCH ENEMY, DAN PATLANSKY (January 2024)

Art Of Anarchy release their third studio album, ‘Let There Be Anarchy’, on February 16 via Pavement Music. Jon Votta (guitar),Vince Votta (drums) and guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal are joined by vocalist Jeff Scott Soto and bassist Tony Dickinson. The Black Keys new album ‘Ohio Players’ is due … Continue reading →
Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Band Entrees & Exits, Festivals & Large Events, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, PledgeMusic/Kickstarter Campaigns, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Interviews, Re-issues/special editions, RIP
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Tagged albums, AOR, Arch Enemy, blues, Dan Patlansky, folk, gigs, Kreator, melodic rock, metal, news, prog rock, reissues, RIP, rock, tour dates
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Upcoming: European, USA & World Tour Dates and Gig Listing (2024)

Compiled by Jason Ritchie Please check with venue and/or relevant website(s) to confirm availability. Updated 16/12/2024 UK & Ireland Tour Dates and Gig Listing (2024) To search quickly within this page (“Find In Page”): Press Ctrl+F (on Windows PC, Chromebook, … Continue reading →
Posted in Festivals & Large Events, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, Upcoming (Tours & Releases)
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Tagged 2024, AOR, dates, Europe, gigs, melodic rock, metal, pop, progressive, rock, ROW, Tour, USA
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News: The Best of 2023 – The Get Ready to ROCK! Reviewer Selections (December 2023)

2023 marked the 20th anniversary of Get Ready to ROCK! This may not have been a vintage year for album releases but many artists consolidated their position with touring and the odd reissue. In spite of the economic crisis it … Continue reading →
Posted in ALL POSTS, NEWS, The Best of 2023
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Tagged albums, Best of 2023, blues rock, breakthrough, classic rock, live acts, metal, progressive, reissues, singer songwriter
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News: SPINAL TAP, PROG FOR PEART, MARTYN JOSEPH (December 2023)

Big Big Train will release their 15th studio album ‘The Likes Of Us’ on March 1 via InsideOut Music. Founding Crimson Glory members Ben Jackson (guitar), Jeff Lords (bass) and Dana Burnell (drums) are being joined by new vocalist Travis Wills and guitarist Mark “Borgy” Borgmeyer. Two new singles, ‘Triskaideka’ and ‘Indelible Ashes’, … Continue reading →
Posted in 20th Anniversary 2003-2023, Album News, ALL POSTS, Band Entrees & Exits, Books, Festivals & Large Events, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, PledgeMusic/Kickstarter Campaigns, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/News, Re-issues/special editions, RIP
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Tagged albums, AOR, blues, folk, gigs, Martyn Joseph, melodic rock, metal, news, Prog fof Peart, prog rock, reissues, RIP, rock, Spinal Tap, tour dates
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Gig review: HRH XVI – Great Yarmouth, November 2-4 2023

So if Storm Ciaran had plans to disrupt HRH, they failed dismally, whilst the storm hit and disrupted lots of travel plans, impacting arrivals on Thursday, the HRH faithful turned up in their masses ready to rock out and party. … Continue reading →
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
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Tagged classic rock, festival, Great Yarmouth, Gypsy Pistoleros, hard rock, HRH XVI, metal, November 2-4 2023, Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons, review, rock, Tyketto, Yngwie Malmsteen
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News: KOBRA PAIGE, FIREFEST, TRAGIK (November 2023)

Bon Jovi have released a new song ‘Christmas Isn’t Christmas’. Caligula’s Horse release their new album ‘Charcoal Grace’ through InsideOut Music on January 26. Sheryl Crow will release her new album, ‘Evolution’, on March 29, 2024 via The Valory Music Group, … Continue reading →
Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Band Entrees & Exits, Books, Festivals & Large Events, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, PledgeMusic/Kickstarter Campaigns, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/News, Re-issues/special editions, RIP
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Tagged albums, AOR, blues, Firefest, folk, gigs, melodic rock Kobra Paige, metal, news, prog rock, RIP, rock, tour dates, Tragik
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Album review: DORO – Conqueress – Forever Strong and Proud

Nuclear Blast [Release date 27.10.23] Doro Pesch is one of metal’s most consistent performers, both on stage and in the studio, having lost none of her vocal range and power, as opener ‘Children Of The Dawn’ ably illustrates. The Queen … Continue reading →
Album review: THUNDERSTICK – Lockdown

Roulette [Release date 20.10.23] Renowned Samson (and former Iron Maiden) drummer is not one to rest on his laurels, and since resurrecting his eponymous band in 2017, he’s kept rocking and entertaining. And this new album has kept the standards … Continue reading →
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
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Tagged album, classic rock, drummer, heavy metal, Iron Maiden, lockdown, metal, NWOBHM, review, Samson, Thunderstick
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Gig review: Quarantune Rocks Weekender 2023 -The Victoria Bikers Pub, Coalville, October 6 & 7 2023

Quarantune Rocks was created by friends Karen Clayton and Pamela Hinchliffe, during COVID-19 to support rock fans and live music in an online group. The not-for-profit festival is in its third year, run by music lovers and aims to support … Continue reading →
News: BERNIE MARSDEN, THE KINKS, PALLAS (October 2023)

Alkaline Trio release their latest album, ‘Blood, Hair And Eyeballs’, on January 26 via Rise Records. The Beatles release ‘Now And Then’ on November 2, and it is being advertised as the final ‘new’ Beatles song ever. Black Sabbath release a … Continue reading →
Posted in 20th Anniversary 2003-2023, Album News, ALL POSTS, Band Entrees & Exits, Books, Festivals & Large Events, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, PledgeMusic/Kickstarter Campaigns, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Interviews, Re-issues/special editions, RIP
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Tagged albums, Bernie Marsden, blues, blues rock, classic rock, folk, gigs, metal, news, Pallas, prog rock, Re-issues/special editions, RIP, The Kinks
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Album review: DIO – The Studio Albums 1996–2004

BMG [Release date 22.09.23] Ronnie James Dio’s eponymous band have quite a legacy, released a long string of solid and well received metal albums, from their formation in 1982 (following Dio’s departure from Black Sabbath) until his death in 2010. … Continue reading →
News: ELLES BAILEY, HELMET, STEVEN WILSON (September 2023)

Bryan Adams releases a 35 track box set ‘Live at the Royal Albert Hall’ on December 8. Bachman Turner Overdrive have announced US tour dates, plus next year the band will release a concert film, shot in 1976, and a … Continue reading →
Posted in ALL POSTS, Band Entrees & Exits, Books, Festivals & Large Events, Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS, PledgeMusic/Kickstarter Campaigns, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Album reviews, Re-issues/special editions, RIP
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Tagged albums, blues, blues rock, classic rock, Covers, Elles Bailey, folk, gigs, Helmet, metal, news, prog rock, Re-issues/special editions, RIP, Steven Wilson
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