ALBUM REVIEW: Duff McKagan – Lighthouse


 

Duff McKagan is an interesting character. Having released his first solo album in 1993, a big gap followed till 2019’s Tenderness, with Lighthouse (BFD Records /Orchard/Sony) his third. This of course is but a fraction of McKagan’s musical story. Consistently coming across as the most likeable out of the classic Guns N’ Roses lineup (in which he played bass and for his part was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), such a rock pedigree is already more than most mere mortals would ever get a sniff at.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons – Kings of the Asylum


 

Two band names, three studio albums, one EP, a live album, and a change of vocalists. A lot has happened in the last few years for Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons. From beginning life as a side project for the former Motörhead guitarist, performing covers under the somewhat less than attention-grabbing moniker of Phil Campbell’s All Starr Band, the band announced a much-needed name change the following year and the improvement was both noticeable and immediate.

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Kim McAuliffe of Girlschool on “WTFortyfive” and the Genius of Lemmy and Motörhead


 

Ghost Cult Keefy caught up with Kim McAuliffe of Heavy Metal legends Girlschool! They just released their fourteen album “WTForty-five?” Kim discussed the new album, her entire career, their close association with Lemmy and Motörhead, and the notorious “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre” EP and Record Store Day release from a few years ago, that Keefy loves

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FESTIVAL REVIEW: Bloodstock Festival 2023 – Part 2


 

SATURDAY

With the weather nothing like the crispy oven-cooked hellfire of last year’s Summerpocalypse, Bloodstock is a much happier place this year, and not even the first downpour of the weekend can dampen the spirits. Especially as today is Corpse-paint Day where everyone is invited to daub themselves in black and white make-up and become angry badgers for the next few hours.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Girlschool – WTFortyfive


 

Mighty Girlschool returns for their fourteenth-long burner and first music in nearly ten years. The title track refers to longevity. The way they deliver to the max on a record steeped in themes of doing your best, road doggin’ it, and standing true to your friends shows why they have lasted so long. It is a seize your own destiny type of album that connects in a big way and works wonders on the spirit the way the best rock n’ roll should.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Raven – All Hell’s Breaking Loose


 

Almost fifty years have passed since brothers Mark and John Gallagher joined forces to form Newcastle metal pioneers Raven. Signing to the now legendary Neat Records in 1980, the band cemented their names in NWOBHM history with its debut album Rock Until You Drop and a succession of other quality records during the eighties including the likes of Wiped Out, All For One and The Pack is Back.

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INTERVIEW: Mikkey Dee of Motörhead Talks “Seriously Bad Magic” – Ignoring Haters, and the Legacy of Lemmy


 

Ghost Cult caught up with Motörhead/Scorpions/King Diamond drumming legend Mikkey Dee to discuss the deluxe version of the band’s last album – “Bad Magic” from 2015 … “Seriously Bad Magic!” The new record is out now via Silver Lining Music. Mikkey discussed the new release, presenting the “lost” tracks, his relationship with Phil Campbell, the trouble with the media, protecting Lemmy’s legacy, working with producer Cameron Webb, and if Motörhead will ever get into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame!

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Funko to Releases its POP! Vinyl Figure of Black Sabbath Singer Ronnie James Dio


Funko, the global sensation of popular vinyl collectible toys company has finally released the POP Rocks! Vinyl Collecable figure of iconic Heavy Metal singer for Black Sabbath, Rainbow, and his solo career- Ronnie James Dio. Other artists who have gotten the Pop! Rocks treatment includes Slipknot, N.W.A., Kiss, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC, Ozzy Osbourne, Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Prince, Rob Zombie, FFDP, Alice In Chains, PanterA, Dee Snider, Twisted Sister, a set of the guys in Twizted, Glow in The Dark Iron Maiden, and more. The Funko brand, which sells other figures and licensed merchandise, went public with an IPO in 2018.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Lovebites – Judgement Day


 

A country known for producing some of the most extreme, experimental or just downright bizarre acts in metal, Japan has never really tended to show much interest in its more traditional or western influenced styles. A small but dedicated power metal scene certainly exists, yet remains arguably further underground than the likes of grindcore, noise, and hardcore punk.

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Funko to Release POP! Vinyl Figures of Pantera, Dio, Dee Snider, Iron Maiden, and Twiztid


Funko, the global sensation of popular vinyl collectible toys company has teamed is currently holding its Pop! A Palooza as they unveil new pop figures ahead of the holidays. New Funko POP’s already for sale or coming soon include a 4-set of PanterA, the long-teased Dee Snider in his Twisted Sister days, Ronnie James, Black Sabbath, a set of Twizted, Glow in The Dark Iron Maiden,, and more! Check out the awesomeness below! Other artists who have gotten the Pop! Rocks treatment in the past includes Slipknot, N.W.A., Kiss, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC, Ozzy Osbourne, Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Prince, Rob Zombie, FFDP, Alice In Chains and more. The Funko brand, which sells other figures and licensed merchandise, went public with an IPO in 2018.

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