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Tag Archives: metal
EP review: THE CRUX – Time and Space

Facebook [Release date 22.04.22] The Crux were founded in 2009 by heavy metal loving brothers James Boyd & Neil Ward. Having released a self-titled EP in 2009 under the name Warcrux, they played multiple shows in Northern Ireland & Ireland … Continue reading →
Posted in ALL POSTS, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Album reviews, Single and EP reviews
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Tagged album, metal, modern metal, review, the Crux, Time and Space
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Album review: THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE – Fascination

Metropolis Records [Release date 18.02.22] Have you ever craved the thick tones of electric guitars over synths in a dark, electronic cocktail of gothic delightfulness? The Birthday Massacre might just be the thing you are missing. Unless of course, like … Continue reading →
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS
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Tagged album, darkwave, Fascination, goth, melodic, metal, review, synth rock, the Birthday Massacre
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Album review: JACK J. HUTCHINSON – The Hammer Falls

Pete Feenstra chatted to Jack J Hutchinson for Get Ready to ROCK! Radio. First broadcast 20 February 2022 Earache Records (Release date 04.02.22) Hard rocker Jack J. Hutchinson tells us: “We’ve thrown everything but the kitchen sink at this record.” … Continue reading →
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, INTERVIEWS, Radio interview
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Tagged album, blues, classic rock, Jack J. Hutchinson, Josh Norton Cox, Josiah J. Manning, Lazarus Michaelides, Led Zeppelin, metal, Oasis, Ozzy Osbourne, Pink Floyd, prog, review, Rush, The Hammer Falls
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Album review: TRICK OR TREAT – Creepy Symphonies

Scarlet Records [Release date 01.04.22] ‘Creepy Symphonies’ is the seventh studio album from Trick Or Treat, who always entertain with their music. Like Freedom Call, Trick Or Treat like to think of their music as happy metal. Vocalist Alle Conti … Continue reading →
EP review: LORDS OF RUIN – Ruin Within

Website [Release 24.01.22; streaming services from 14.02.22] Metal band, Lords of Ruin have released their long-awaited debut EP, following the inevitable Covid delays to production and release, which have affected so many up-and-coming bands. It literally stalled them in their … Continue reading →
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Single and EP reviews
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Tagged EP, heavy metal, Lords of Ruin, metal, review, Ruin Within
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Gig review: SAXON- Hammersmith Apollo, London, 29 January 2022

Saxon’s 40th anniversary show was a case of deferred pleasure even by current standards. It was actually first scheduled as long ago as October 2019 but delayed when singer Biff Byford underwent heart surgery, and subsequently rescheduled at least twice … Continue reading →
Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS
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Tagged Biff Byford, Diamond Head, Doug Scarratt, gig, GIRLSCHOOL, metal, Nigel Glockler, Paul Quinn, Saxon, Uriah Heep
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News: SAXON, ALICE COOPER, THE UNDERTONES (February 2022)

Accept have signed with Napalm Records. Aerosmith release ’1971: The Road Starts Here’ on April 8. Angel Nation release their new album ‘Antares on April 8 through Inner Wound Recordings. Autograph have signed with Frontiers with a new album due … 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 albums, Alice Copper, AOR, blues, February 2022, folk, gigs, melodic rock, metal, New releases, news, prog, rock, Saxon, The Undertones, tours
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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
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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
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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
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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 →
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, PURE METAL (All posts), Pure Metal/Album reviews, Quick Plays
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Tagged 1990, album, Blacklite District, Helloween, Kyle Pfeiffer, metal, modern rock, NorthTale, nu-metal, Nuclear Blast, power metal, review, symphonic metal
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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