Reviews

After forming the ‘Top Deck’ sound system with his brother Ivan, ‘Justin’ Yap launched his ‘Top Deck’ label in 1962. The initial releases by local vocal-acts sold moderately, but the following year, he made it into the big time with popular 45s featuring the leading trumpeter, Baba Brooks – who had a hit with ‘Independence Ska’ and played with The ...

If you were lucky enough to catch Feed The Rhino on their fantastically billed headline tour this year, then you will be familiar with Steak Number Eight. Playing alongside the aforementioned headliners, and insanely talented youngsters Marmozets, Steak brought their intriguing mix of Sabbath inspired stoner rock and mathy riffing to confused audiences across the UK. Whilst the other bands ...

Torn flag held firm in hand a crusader reaches towards what could well be the fabled sword Excalibur in a classy comic book styled cover for Code of Silence’s debut album Dark Skies Over Babylon – it offers a suitable foretaste for the melodic metal offered aurally by this promising new rock band. Formed in Scotland by the band’s main ...

In the past I’ve mentioned that I like to write a music review by using two methods. Either make a clever word play or pun using the album title, or by using an anecdote about how I came across the band or something that makes you remember them. The latter would more than likely involve a packet of minstrels and ...

Black Star Riders; who are they? Well, it’s pretty much Thin Lizzy with a new name. They formed in 2012 from the modern touring Thin Lizzy, after the band members decided not to use their new material under the original title. The 5-piece includes Ricky Warwick (The Almighty, ‘new’ vocalist and guitarist for Thin Lizzy), Scott Gorham (Thin Lizzy), Damon ...

I’m glad Skid Row are still going. They were one of the most underrated bands that came out of that famous LA metal scene. Singer Johnny Solinger has been in the band since 1999, and has really put his own stamp on the band. Along with original members Dave “Snake” Sabo, Rachel Bolan and Scotti Hill, as well as new ...

With the metal scene starting to diminish in Exeter, it was a relief to see something a bit different come this far south. With Canadian hardcore/punk crew Cancer Bats as headliners and a host of local bands as support, the show was sure to be packed out. First up, a small group from Exeter, known as Out Of Enemies. It’s ...

300 fans line-up the whole way around the corner of Readings Sub89, to get a good view of tonight’s California rockstars Pierce The Veil. Whilst queuing I text my photographer to see if he was near, and he reported he was on his way, and had overheard one fan confirm that lead singer Vic Futures smelled really nice. From here ...

Hacride is a French heavy metal band. Formed in 2001, the project now comprises of Adrien Grousset (guitar and composition), Benoist Danneville (bass) with Florent Marcadet on drums and Luiss Roux (taking over from Samuel Bourreau) on vocals. Franck Hueso is the producer and sound-engineer – and is credited with being the fifth member. Their fourth album “Back To Where ...

Circle, the new album by the melancholic metal masters AMORPHIS, takes you on a dark story of an unfortunate man, who is invited to a circle and receives strength from the old Finnish gods. We are introduced to Shades Of Gray first, which has maximum energy with roaring death vocals and opens up the albums story describing the sounds and ...