ALBUM REVIEW: Magnum – Here Comes The Rain


This review was submitted before the sad news of the passing of guitarist and band leader Tony Clarkin. Our condolences and best wishes to Tony’s family, friends, and the members of the band. 

It only takes a few moments of opener “Run Into The Shadows” to be welcomed with open arms back into Magnum’s world, as the opening guitar motif intertwines with the dancing keyboards and Bob Catley’s distinctive storyteller-cum-favourite-uncle’s-croon transports us into the kingdom of madness once more, forty-six years after Catley and Tony Clarkin recorded the band’s debut album, a fantastic record that laid the groundwork for a marvellous career. 

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Napalm Records Acquires SPV Records (Steamhammer and Long Branch Records)


Napalm Records makes a major music business move today as they announced they have acquired SPV GmbH. The two legendary labels have joined forces, combining decades of renowned expertise and passion for music, their artists, and those who inspire it all – the fans. Napalm Records’ acquisition of SPV was completed at the end of November 2020 and represents a logical step in the Austrian company’s global strategy. 

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The Dead Daisies – Burn it Down


In the ever-changing world of rock and metal, where scenes and trends seem to come and go as quickly as fashion seasons, there is an argument for reliability and consistency; a bolt hole for knowing exactly what you’re going to get and how you’re going to get it. For want of a better expression, let’s call this McDonald’s Rock.

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Anvil – Pounding The Pavement


It’s been almost forty years and we’re still reviewing Anvil albums. Would you like to know why? Because, Anvil are like your comfy, furry, winter slippers. Anvil is your grandmother’s meatloaf [I’m assuming this isn’t a euphemism…! ed] Anvil is always there in a comforting, supportive way. You don’t have to dig deep or get all metaphysical about an Anvil album. It’s just Rock n’ Roll. It’s straight-forward, undeviating, good old-fashioned Heavy Metal. Pounding The Pavement (Steamhammer/SPV) is forty-six minutes of throwback tunes from a more simple time in Metal. Continue reading


Marc Rizzo To Release His New Solo Album, Rotation, In March


Hell yes! Soulfly/Cavalera Conspiracy guitarist Marc Rizzo has announced that his new solo album, Rotation, will hit stores on March 30th via Combat Records/EMP Label Group/Amped in North America, and Combat/SPV in Europe. Continue reading


Doll Skin Books Their First European Tour


Doll Skin at ShipRocked, by Rick Triana

Punk rockers Doll Skin have booked their first-ever European tour, the Manic Pixie Dream Tour. Part of the tour will see the band support German punk band The Beatsteaks for three shows. Doll Skin released their Manic Pixie Dream Girl album last June via the EMP Label Group/SPV. Continue reading


CKY – The Phoenix


 

“Oh wait, CKY. They’re that band from Jackass – right?” Ladies and gentlemen, do not feel ashamed if that is the only remembrance you have of this alternative rock band. They’ve been on hiatus for roughly 8 years since the release of their 2009 album Carver City (Roadrunner) and it seems Deron Miller and Chad I Ginsburg have found the solution to their never-ending saga of conflict and confrontation. CKY’s fifth studio album The Phoenix (Longbranch/SPV/eOne) to not only puts Ginsburg front and center, it puts Miller completely out altogether leaving the band as a trio alongside Jess Margera and Matt Deis.Continue reading


Doll Skin Release Video for Shut Up (You Miss Me), Booked For Warped Tour


 

Arizona punks Doll Skin have released a video for their new song ‘Shut Up (You Miss Me)’ from their upcoming new album Manic Pixie Dream Girl (EMP Label Group/Amped). You can see the video below:Continue reading


Invidia – As The Sun Sleeps


Invidia (the brainchild of In This Moment’s Travis Johnson and former Skinlab guitarist Brian Jackson) aims to be the sonic version of Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky, and makes no bones about it. The track ‘Step Up’ from their début As the Sun Sleeps (Steamhammer/Oblivion/SPV) spells this out quite literally, even lifting a line from the film that encompasses everything the band stands for: “It’s not about how hard you can hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”Continue reading


Fit For An Autopsy – The Great Collapse


Fit For An Autopsy’s fourth album, and second full-length with vocalist Joe Badolato, doesn’t come out of the gate swinging furiously. It comes out slogging, a hulking creature dragging its knuckles through mud and grime, knowing it can take its time. Because you can’t run. You’re frozen in fear.Continue reading