Reviews
FOR THE SAKE OF HEAVINESS – THE HISTORY OF METAL BLADE – Brian Slagel and Mark Eglinton (BMG)
Most metal fans have an epiphany, and for Slagel it was hearing ‘Machine Head’ as an eleven-year-old living in southern California, followed swiftly by ‘Sabbath Bloody Sabbath’. - Read More
PROSPEKT – The Illuminated Sky (Sensory/The Laser’s Edge)
This band should be huge. This band deserves to be huge. - Read More
BURNT OUT WRECK – Swallow (Cherry Red)
Pulling a page out of the AC/DC songbook Burnt Out Wreck’s debut album is a paean to good time rock ‘n’ roll, and stomps and swaggers like the best of the Young brothers’ back catalogue. - Read More
42 DECIBEL – Overloaded (SPV)
‘Overloaded’ (perhaps as the title suggests) is a high-energy offering that crackles with vitality and holds the attention from start to finish. - Read More
UNTIL RAIN – Inure (Sensory/The Laser’s Edge)
Overall, it’s a dark offering, brooding and menacing, although when the need arises lush soundscapes lift the songs from shadows. - Read More
THE UNITY – The Unity (SPV)
The material on offer covers a variety of bases, without either spreading itself thin or – perhaps more importantly – losing its collective identity. - Read More
NIGHT DEMON – Darkness Remains (SPV)
Not a band to mess about, the Americans despatch the album’s ten songs in thirty-eight power-crazed, power-driven minutes. - Read More
DEAD OF NIGHT – In Search Of Ancient Magic (Independent)
I’m a bit behind here as the album’s been out since February and has already copped a number of glowing reviews. And this is another one. - Read More
DAMN THE MACHINE – THE STORY OF NOISE RECORDS by David E. Gehlke (Iron Pages)
The bizarre story of Karl-Ulrich Walterbach and Noise Records, engagingly told by first-time author David E. Gehlke. - Read More