Reviews

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

WARRIOR – Invasion Imminent (independent release)

‘Metal Is Forever’, Primal Fear once decreed, and bands like Warrior are the living proof. - Read More

MERCURY RAIN – St Matthieu: Remastered & Reborn (Bristol Archive Records)

Few bands of their stature would think of kicking an album off with an intro sung entirely in French, or of roping in a male voice choir, but ‘St Matthieu’ showcases a band at the height of its powers. - Read More

SPARTA – No Retreat No Surrender (Suspect)

Less an album and more a call to arms, ‘No Retreat No Surrender’ is defiant, loud and proud. - Read More