INTERVIEW: Lionheart Guitarist Steve Mann on Crafting Hard Rock Magic for “The Grace Of A Dragonfly”


In this episode, guitarist Steve Mann of the British hard rock band Lionheart (ft. ex-members of  Iron Maiden, Shy, Grand Slam, The Sweet, MSG, Pat Travers) checks in with Keefy. Steve dives into the creative process behind the album and the band’s journey in crafting their signature hard rock sound. Their new album “The Grace Of A Dragonfly,” is now available on  Metalville Records. Continue reading


Rebellion Festival 2024 Books The Stranglers, Sham 69, Cock Sparrer, Stiff Little Fingers, Gogol Bordello, The Chisel, The Meffs, Grade 2, Bar Stool Preachers, HotWax, Meryl Streek, and More


Returning this summer over four days from the 1st to the 4th of August at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, Rebellion Festival has once again pulled together a line-up that runs the full length and breadth of worldwide alternative and punk rock culture. From the four iconic, genre-defining headline artists of The Stranglers, Sham 69, Cock Sparrer and Stiff Little Fingers to the young upstarts kicking up a racket in 2024 like The Chisel, The Meffs, Grade 2, Bar Stool Preachers, HotWax, and Meryl Streek, Rebellion Festival displays an ageless and timeless event annually that demonstrates just how big and welcoming our punk rock family continues to grow.  Tickets and other info can be found at the links below. Continue reading


Lionheart (The Sweet, ex-Iron Maiden, MSG) Announce New Album Coming in 2024  


Heavy Metal supergroup Lionheart (The Sweet, ex-Iron Maiden, MSG) announced they will release a new studio album The Grace Of A Dragonfly on February 23rd 2024 on Metalville Records. As soon as the previous album “The Reality Of Miracles” hit the shelves in 2020 Lionheart knuckled down to record the next one. deciding early on that this time they would produce a concept album. The record centres around WW2, but the band very much wanted to make this an anti-war album, while at the same time remembering those who fought for our freedom. The songs on the album are sensational, with Lee Small’s emotional lyrics reflecting not only the pain and grief inflicted by war on ordinary, innocent people in every conflict zone, but also their strength, resilience and determination. Supported by Lionheart’s superb songwriting, soaring backing vocals, beautiful twin guitar harmonies, and atmospheric keyboards, Lionheart’s sheer power shines brightly from every one of the eleven songs, culminating in a heartfelt prayer for peace in the world. 

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ALBUM REVIEW: Udo Dirkschneider – My Way


When one thinks of that classic heavy metal voice, the musings often land on the great Mr. Udo Dirkschneider. His is that voice:  the sandpaper over rusted metal, the two-pack-a-day unfiltered Pal Mal smoker of the 1940s, the male version of Mama in Throw Mama From the Train; to wit, Udo Dirkschneider is sultry. So it is with delicious aplomb that Mr. Dirkschneider has graced the metal community with a new album. My Way (Atomic Fire Records) is one hour and five minutes of lovingly crafted cover toons in which that voice croons and barks and puts nails on a chalkboard through classic metal, pop, and yes, even classic standards from 1968 and 1969. I would be remiss if I did not mention forthwith that I have been enamored with Udo Dirkschneider since his Accept days and many of the songs and artists he covers are among my favourite. 

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Def Leppard Live At Arena Birmingham, UK


With so many rock and metal acts playing entire albums in full these days, it was only a matter of time before the band responsible for one of the biggest (and longest) records of all time decided to give it a go themselves. Selling over twenty-five million copies worldwide, the idea for Def Leppard to play 1987’s Hysteria (Phonogram/Mercury) in its entirety began in 2012 when the band were offered an eleven date residency at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, which they played during March and April of 2013.Continue reading


Biters – The Future Ain’t What It Used To Be


Two years on from the impressive bluster of the debuting swagger of Electric Blood, Atlanta’s Biters are back with another notable bag of goodies in the shape of The Future Ain’t What It Used To Be (both Earache), and a mission statement to make Rock n’ Roll relevant again. While album one came from out of nowhere, shining bright with its proto-punk melodies, has the curse of the “difficult second album” struck now that there are ready ears awaiting the follow-up?Continue reading