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Upcoming Gigs & Albums
Latest Album Reviews
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Album review : JON ANDERSON – Survival And Other Stories / Earth Mother Earth (2 CDs / remasters)
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Album review: MYRATH – Wilderness Of Mirrors
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Album review: MASSIVE WAGONS – Live At The Great Hall
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Album review: JAMIE WILLIAMS AND THE ROOTS COLLECTIVE – In The Moment
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Album review: JOE HICKS – Before It Gets Dark
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Album review: WARRANT – Belly To Belly Vol.1
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Latest Gig Reviews
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Gig review: BRAVE RIVAL – The Stables, Milton Keynes, 14 March 2026
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Gig review: A VERY SPECIAL EVENING OF MOTT THE HOOPLE – Riverside Studios, London, 27 February 2026
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Gig review: EMERALD MOON – Le Marquee, Peyrignac, Dordogne, SW France, 7 March 2026
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Gig review: MILKFEST, Indigo2, London, 1 March 2026
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GRTR! Greats
Featured Album Reviews
Features
Interviews
Single & EP Reviews
DVD Reviews
Book Reviews
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Tag Archives: metal
Album review: PRAYING MANTIS – Katharsis
Frontiers [Release date: 28.02.22] Only occasionally since their debut have Praying Mantis registered a decent sized blip on the radar of rock music in the UK. It was in Japan – where NWOBHM labelling was less meaningful – that the … Continue reading
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
Tagged album, Frontiers, Japan, Journey, melodic hard rock, metal, Pony Canyon, Praying Mantis, review, Survivor, Troy Brothers
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Album review: FASTER PUSSYCAT – Babylon, The Elektra Years (4 CD boxset)
Cherry Red [release date: 25.02.22] Faster Pussycat were one of a number of apparently identikit Glamrock bands who emerged from the LA Club scene in the mid eighties. Many fell by the wayside, but some stood out. Faster Pussycat … Continue reading
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
Tagged album, boxset, Bret Muscat, eighties, Faster Pussycat, glam, Greg Steele, LA Club scene, metal, review, sleaze rock, Taime Down
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Album review: SAXON – Carpe Diem
Silver Lining [Release date 04.02.22] Saxon, one of the world’s most consistent and reliable classic metal bands, a name synonymous with the New Wave Of British Heavy (NWoBHM); there were there at the start in the late 70s. Hits such … Continue reading
News: BIG BIG TRAIN, DIAMOND DOGS, NICK MASON (January 2022)
Alestorm begin work on their next album, ‘Seventh Rum Of A Seventh Rum’, which will be released on Napalm Records later this year. Arch Enemy will release their latest studio album, ‘Deceivers’, via Century Media Records on July 29. Big … 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
Tagged AOR, Big Big Train, blues, Classic Rock Magazine, Diamond Dogs, folk, gigs, Melodic Rock Records, metal, news, Nick Mason, prog, re-issues, rock, tours
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Quick plays: BLACKLITE DISTRICT, NORTHTALE
BLACKLITE DISTRICT – 1990 AK19 Entertainment, LLC [Release date 31.12.21] Kyle Pfeiffer is better known by the name Blacklite District and has been releasing music since 2011. The album title gives a little clue to the sounds contained within, as the … Continue reading
Gig review: ALESTORM – Barrowlands, Glasgow, 5 December 2021
For those who are unfamiliar with Glasgow, the Barrowlands Ballroom shares its name with Barra’s market which takes up a lot of the surrounding area. The Barra’s market used to be a huge affair which attracted people from all over Scotland looking … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
Tagged 5th December 2021, Alestorm, Angus McFife, Barrowlands, Bootyard Bandits, Captain Yarrface, Christopher Bowes, Drink, gig, Glasgow, GLORYHAMMER, Hoots, live, Luke Philp, Mate Bodar, metal, Mexico, pirate metal, power metal, rock
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Book review: NU METAL A DEFINITIVE GUIDE, ON TRACK…KORN by Matt Karpe
Nu Metal A Definitive Guide SonicBond Publishing [Publication date 24.09.21] Author Matt Karpe has been busy of late with two of his books published in quick succession. This Nu Metal guide is very comprehensive and a perfect introduction to a … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, BOOK REVIEWS
Tagged book, Matt Karpe, metal, Nu Metal A Definitive Guide, On Track... Korn, review, SLIPKNOT, Staind, Tool
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Gig review: BRITISH LION- Camden Underworld, London, 4 December 2021
The phrase living legend is overused but in the world of metal Steve Harris deserves this description, as Iron Maiden’s founder member, single-minded visionary, principal songwriter and with his prominent bass playing a big part in the band’s sound. Hell, … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
Tagged Airforce, British Lion, gig, Iron Maiden, metal, Richard Taylor, Steve Harris
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News: ELLES BAILEY, STONEDEAD, URIAH HEEP (December 2021)
Tim Arnold releases his new album, ‘Maybe Magic’, on January 7 via Bandcamp. Pretty Maids vocalist Ronnie Atkins releases his new solo album ‘Make It Count’ on march 18 via Frontiers. Elles Bailey has opened pre-orders for her next album, ‘Shining in … 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
Tagged alternative, blues, blues rock, Elles Bailey, festivals, folk, gigs, indie, melodic rock, metal, news, pop, prog, rock, Stonedead, tours
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Album review: RHAPSODY OF FIRE – Glory For Salvation
AFM Records [Release date 26.11.21] Italian symphonic metal legends Rhapsody (for that is what they were originally called) return with their 13th studio album and is the second in the The Nephilim’s Empire Saga concept series, and follows on from … Continue reading
Gig review: PHIL CAMPBELL & THE BASTARD SONS – Thekla, Bristol, 18 November 2021
First of all, what a venue, for the uninitiated, the Thekla is a floating music venue, it was a cargo ship in days gone by. It well and truly commands its place in Bristol’s thriving music scene. The staff are … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
Tagged 18 November 2021, Bristol, Florence Black, gig, guitarist, live music, metal, Motorhead, NWOCR, Phil Campbell, review, The Bastard Sons, Thekla
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Gig review: HARD ROCK HELL XIV, Great Yarmouth, 4-6 November 2021
37 bands – 2 stages Friday 5 November This festival is a new experience for me and what an utterly joyous experience it was too from the get go, arrival was smooth, the venue is really easy to navigate round, … Continue reading
Upcoming: UK & Ireland Tour Dates and Gig Listing (2021)
Compiled by Jason Ritchie All dates are subject to the coronavirus pandemic restrictions. Please check artist and venue websites for latest information. Your tour not listed? Contact us! UK Festivals 2021 2022 Tour Dates (UK & Ireland) 2021 Tour Dates … Continue reading
Posted in Festivals & Large Events, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS
Tagged 2021, AOR, gigs, Ireland, melodic rock, metal, pop, progressive, rock, tour dates, tours, uk
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News: POWER QUEST, BEARDED THEORY, GIANT (November 2021)
Annihilator release their latest album, ‘Metal II’, on 18 February via earMUSIC. Asia are to release a 10CD boxset The Official Live Bootlegs Volume 1 through BMG Records on 26 November. There will also be a digital album featuring a … Continue reading
Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Band Entrees & Exits, Books, Festivals & Large Events, Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, NEWS, PledgeMusic/Kickstarter Campaigns, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/News, Re-issues/special editions, RIP
Tagged alternative, Bearded Festival, blues, Buckcherry, Faster Pussycat, festivals, folk, Giant, gigs, indie, melodic rock, metal, news, pop, Power Quest, prog, rock, tours
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Upcoming: European, USA & World Tour Dates and Gig Listing (2022)
Compiled by Jason Ritchie Please check with venue and/or relevant website(s) to confirm availability. Updated 05/10/2022 Upcoming: European, USA & World Tour Dates and Gig Listing (2023) UK & Ireland Tour Dates and Gig Listing (2022) To search quickly within … Continue reading
Posted in Festivals & Large Events, Gigs and Tour News, NEWS
Tagged 2022, AOR, dates, Europe, gigs, melodic rock, metal, pop, progressive, rock, ROW, Tour, USA
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Rising Stars: TOLOACHE
Toloache are a Switzerland/UK based progressive metal band named after a plant famously used during mystical rituals by Mexican shamans known for its intense hallucinations. Their new single ‘Watching Close’ is out now. Andrina Travers from Toloache answers our questions… … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Interviews/Rising Stars
Tagged Andrina Travers, interview, metal, new release, new single, Rising Stars, rock, Toloache, Watching Close
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Upcoming: New releases (CD/DVD) October 2021 – December 2021
Compiled by Jason Ritchie January-March 2021 April-June 2021 July-September 2021 January-June 2022 October 1st ASKING ALEXANDRIA ‘See What’s On The Inside’ Better Noise Music RONNIE ATKINS (PRETTY MAIDS) ’4 More Shots’ (EP) Frontiers BLACK SABBATH ‘Technical Ecstasy’ (4CD, 5LP) BMG … Continue reading
Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, NEWS, Re-issues/special editions
Tagged alternative, AOR, blues, CD/DVD, folk, indie, melodic rock, metal, New releases, October 2021 – December 2021, pop, prog, rock, upcoming
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News: Albums of the Month (July 2021 – September 2021)
EDGE OF PARADISE The Universe (Frontiers) It’s passionate, articulate symphonic metal, occasionally conducting lightning raids onto hard rock terrain… ****1/2 Review by Brian McGowan AMANDA LEHMANN Innocence And Illusion (indie) Lehmann is not afraid to explore different moods on this … Continue reading
Posted in Albums of the Month, ALL POSTS, NEWS
Tagged albums, Amanda Lehmann., August 2021, blues rock, classic rock, Edge Of Paradise, heavy rock, Iron Maiden, July 2021, melodic rock, metal, Progressive Rock, review, September 2021, Steve Hackett, symphonic metal, the Petal Falls, Tommy Castro
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Gig review: INGLORIOUS – Islington Assembly Hall – 22nd September 2021
The award for busiest band of 2021 might have to be Inglorious. They finally got to play material from the two albums they have already released on an extensive tour of 20 dates, taking in several places off the usual gig circuit. After contenting myself with local shows … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
Tagged 22nd September 2021, Danny De La Cruz, gig, Inglorious, Islington Assembly Hall, live, London, Mercutio, metal, Nathan James, Phil Beaver, review, Rob Lindop, rock, Tim Prottey-Jones
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Album review: KK’S PRIEST – Sermons Of The Sinner
EX1 Records [Release date 01.10.21] Fans of the perennial metal gods Judas Priest have been lucky on the albums front in recent years. First we had two killer albums from Priest itself. Both 2014’s Redeemer of Souls (recorded after the … Continue reading
Album review: GUS G – Quantum Leap
AFM Records [Release date 08.10.21] When I interviewed Gus G back stage in Manchester in 2012 all the talk was how he had fared with Ozzy. He contributed to the album ‘Scream’ (2010) and there were high hopes of a … Continue reading
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
Tagged album, Firewind, guitar, guitarist, Gus G, instrumental, metal, Quantum Leap, review
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Gig review: STONEDEAD FESTIVAL – Showground, Newark – 28th August 2021
“It was quite simply great for everyone – bands and fans alike - to be back in the groove doing what they love, and the set up was as a good festival should be…” Stonedead Festival was set up by genuine music fans who wanted to recapture some of the spirit of … Continue reading
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
Tagged 28th August 2021, Absolva, Black Star Riders, Blaze Bayley, Cats In Space, Dead Mans Whisky, festival, Giraffe, Gun, HEAT, inflatable, Kris Barras, Krusher, Massive Wagons, metal, Myke Gray, Newark, rock, showground, Stonedead, Stonedeaf, Stop Stop Stop, Terrorvision, The Hot Damn, Uriah Heep, Wayward Sons
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Album review: OVERKILL – The Atlantic Years 1986-1994
BMG [Release date 29.10.21] New Jersey band Overkill, named after the Motorhead album/song, formed in 1980 and were part of the early US thrash scene. Nineteen studio albums, three live and three EPs later, there’s quite a legacy there. There … Continue reading
News: ANVIL, TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT, ALAN PARSONS (September 2021)
Abba release a new album ‘Voyage’ – their first in 40 years – on November 5. They have also announced a new live show, ‘Abba Voyage’, will open at the new 3,000 capacity Abba Arena in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park … Continue reading
Posted in Album News, ALL POSTS, Band Entrees & Exits, Books, Exhibitions, 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
Tagged Alan Parsons, albums, alternative, Americana, anvil, blues, country, festivals, folk, gigs, melodic rock, metal, New releases, news, pop, prog rock, RIP, rock, singles, Temperance Movement, tours
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News: VANGELIS, SLADE, GENESIS (August 2021)
Bryan Adams has signed with BMG who will release his new album later this year. Elles Bailey has released a new single ‘Cheats & Liars’. It’s the first single from her third album ‘Shining in the Half Light’ which is due next … 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
Tagged Album News, All Posts, Americana, Band Entrees & Exits, blues, books, country, Festivals & Large Events, folk, melodic rock, metal, rock, Vangelis
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