Modern UK rock band with a retro infused vibe AK & The Red Kites are thrilled to announce the long awaited and anticipated debut album ‘Hotter Than The Sun’ for release May 8 on CD and 100 limited edition numbered and signed colour vinyl, available for pre-order now direct from the band HERE. Accompanying the unveiling is a double A-side singles release of the full tilt 80’s tinged rocker ‘Broken Love’ and jagged edged riff driven swirling ‘Karmic Rituals’ on all good digital platforms now. Frontman and guitarist Andrew Knightley compares the two tracks “Broken Love is a high tempo emotionally charged banger, life in the fast lane and sometimes things get away from you before you even notice. That brings Karmic Rituals which is probably the heaviest track on the album and as people our biggest prison is our own mind, it’s about breaking out!” Andrew dives into the 11 track collection “Each of the songs have their own personality and a story in its own right - the themes vary from track to track and there’s a lot that folks will be able to relate to but draw their own meanings from. I’ve written it to dynamically take the listener on a journey as it’s all too common now to cherry pick tracks, concentrating solely on the singles as the industry has changed so much.” He smiles at the gestation period, “I’m super excited for it to be released as it’s been in the making now for 2-3 years! It documents a period of my life where I eloped from the craziness of London to a slower pace of life in the Chiltern Hills where the Red Kites circle above which were an inspiration in my creativity and approach to life now.” Working with multi-platinum award-winning producer Mike Krompass (Everybody Loves An Outlaw, Steven Tyler, Smash Mouth) and recording at the previously UK based state of the art Base Culture studio has brought out what Andrew believes to be his best work to date “There’s a far more contemporary sound and we really focused on my vocal delivery taking precedence which I hadn’t done as much of in the past. I demoed all of the songs at home and refined them before recording, cutting the fat off and making the importance of the songs themselves precedential.” The debut EP ‘Proverbial Storm’ (2024), with the title track being a Classic Rock Magazine Track of The Week, showcased Knightley's eclectic range as a songwriter and musician bringing favorable comparisons in the vein of Rival Sons and Richie Kotzen; "A unique fusion of delta blues, country, and high-energy hard-edged rock." My Global Mind Magazine, "The whole thing is glorious." Maximum Volume Music. A previous single from the EP ‘Stronger’ (which also features on the album) was personally curated by Slash for his blues rock Spotify playlist and has amassed over a quarter of a million streams. As a live act the power trio of Andrew, Rob Hoey (bass) and Ash Sims (drums) have been called “a band that can light up a stage with both passion and precision”Jace Media Music with their impressive command enthusing all to catch them in action on tour and at festivals this year - Andrew has also joined and toured as the new frontman/guitarist with New Wave of Classic Rock favourites, The Dust Coda. Having been perched ready to soar, AK & The Red Kites are now taking flight and with Accidental Music Reviewer proclaiming “They are the new rock n’ roll saviours about to strut amongst the masses to convert them to the righteous path of heavily blues influenced rock n’ roll.” they may become your favourite new band. WATCH BROKEN LOVE

Following the electrifying kickoff of their extensive European tour and premier UK showing of their documentary "Hate & Hope", metal legends KREATOR are keeping the momentum alive with the release of a brand-new music video for 'Loyal To The Grave', the powerful closing track of their latest studio album, "Krushers Of The World". On the subject of the new video, frontman Mille Petrozza shares: "The video was inspired by the Movie 'The Crow' this time. I hope you enjoy our little journey into obscurity as much as we do.” Showcasing a different side of the band’s signature intensity, 'Loyal To The Grave' stands out as one of the album’s most memorable moments. Driven by a highly melodic approach and elevated by a soaring, anthemic chorus, the track captures both the aggression and emotional depth that have defined KREATOR’s enduring legacy. The accompanying video visually amplifies this spirit, blending striking performance footage with cinematic storytelling that underscores themes of loyalty, unity, and resilience. Currently tearing through Europe alongside Exodus, Carcass, and Nails, KREATOR have been delivering spectacular shows to fans across the continent. The tour continues through the end of April, cementing the band’s reputation as one of the most formidable live acts in metal. Looking ahead, KREATOR will take their explosive live show across the Atlantic this May, joining forces with Carcass and Cold Steel for a highly anticipated U.S. tour. With no signs of slowing down, 2026 is shaping up to be another landmark year for the band. Order "Krushers Of The World" HERE. Watch the video for 'Loyal To The Grave' HERE . Remaining headline EU tour dates: w/ special guests Carcass, Exodus and Nails: Tues 31st Mar - LU - Esch sur Alzette, Rockhall Weds 1st Apr - CH - Zurich, Halle 622 Fri 3rd Apr - NL - Den Bosch Mainstage Sat 4th Apr - DE - Essen, Grugahalle Sun 5th Apr - DE - Frankfurt am Main, Jahrhunderthalle Tues 7th Apr - IT - Milan, Alcatraz Wed 8th Apr - SI - Ljubljana, Media Center Thurs 9th Apr - AT - Vienna, Gasometer Fri 10th Apr - DE - Ludwigsburg, MHP Arena Sat 11th Apr - DE - Munich, Zenith Sun 12th Apr - CZ - Prague, Forum Karlin Mon 13th Apr - HU - Budapest, Barba Negra Wed 15th Apr - PL - Warsaw, Arena Torwar Fri 17th Apr - DE - Hamburg, Inselpark Arena Sat 18th Apr - DE - Berlin, Uber Eats Music Hall Mon 20th Apr - LV - Riga, Palladium Riga Tues 21st Apr - FI - Helsinki, Black Box Thu 23rd Apr - SE - Stockholm, Annexet Fri 24th Apr - NO - Oslo, Sentrum Scene Sat 25th Apr - DK - Copenhagen, Poolen Thur 21st May - US - Baltimore, Maryland Deathfest 2026

KING KRAKEN release their storming new rocker 'Call To War' on 17th April, and it's a riff riddled, power packed, full frontal assault on the senses which sees the band kicking their new campaign off in style! "Call to War is the first single king kraken have released since our second album last April, we’ve picked up where we left off with March of the Gods, the same kraken sound but with more focus, grit and determination! 'Call To War' is a blistering new track inspired by the chilling sci-fi classic The War of the Worlds by H.G.Wells. Packed with relentless energy, the song charges forward at full throttle with thunderous riffs and pounding rhythms, while gritty yet melodic vocals cut through the chaos like a rallying cry against an unstoppable invasion. 'Call To War' captures the tension and drama of humanity's fight for survival, delivering a fast-paced heavy anthem that feels both cinematic and ferocious-perfect for fans ready to march straight into the storm. 'Call to War' is the soundtrack to our Spring UK tour, this is your call to make it the sound of your spring as well." King Kraken is a four-piece Rock/Metal band from South Wales, UK. In April 2025 they released their second album, 'March of the Gods', which saw two of their singles, Hero and March of the Gods receive national airplay on Planet Rock and Kerrang Radio. The band received universally positive reviews for March of the Gods in the Rock and Metal press, including Kerrang! and a feature in Metal Hammer Magazine. The band has a seriously strong CV on the live circuit, playing numerous prestigious events across the UK including Bloodstock, Call of the Wild, Planet Rock’s Rockstock and a massive show in 2025’s Stonedead Festival. In December 2025 they were the first band to play the Bloodstock Winter Gathering event at the legendary KK’s Steel Mill in Wolverhampton. The band has played with some heavyweight artists including The Almighty, The Dead Daisies, Crobot, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, Monster Truck, The Sweet, Geoff Tate and Crowbar. In 2026, King Kraken will be releasing new material having spent time in the studio with producer Romesh Dodangoda. They have a plethora of live shows booked, with a slot at Takedown Festival at Portsmouth Guildhall in April, a short tour with Fury in May, plus several other festivals include the opening slot at Steelhouse Festival in July. They follow that in August where they will play Chepstow Castle alongside with Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, Chris Holmes (WASP) and the Tygers of Pan Tang. With numerous events around the UK there is no sign of this train slowing down! KING KRAKEN are: Vocals - Mark Donoghue Guitars - Adam Healey Bass - Karl Meyer Drums - Richard Lee Mears 'Call To War' recorded at Long Wave Recording Studios, Cardiff Mixed and Mastered by Romesh Dodangoda Engineered by Romesh Dodangoda and Tom Cory Preorder here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/kingkraken/call-to-war

Fast-rising South London rockers The Karma Effect have today confirmed a new 13-date UK headline tour for autumn 2026 in support of their eagerly-awaited forthcoming third album ‘Cruel Intentions,’ which is set for release on 15th May 2026 (via Earache Records). With just a handful of tickets now remaining for the band’s previously-announced album launch show at Tunbridge Wells Forum on 15th May, The Karma Effect are pleased to now announce a full UK headline tour for this autumn, ably supported by special guests Juliet’s Not Dead. Tickets are on-sale here for the band’s autumn 2026 ‘Cruel Intentions Album Tour’ – full list of dates is; THUR 29 OCT - THE CARLISLE - HASTINGS FRI 30 OCT - WATERFRONT STUDIO - NORWICH SAT 31 OCT - BOILEROOM - GUILDFORD SUN 01 NOV - PORTLAND ARMS - CAMBRIDGE THUR 05 NOV - BANNERMANS - EDINBURGH FRI 06 NOV - CLASSIC GRAND - GLASGOW SAT 07 NOV - BETA ROCK CITY - NOTTINGHAM SUN 08 NOV - THE PATRIOT - CRUMLIN THUR 12 NOV - WATERLOO MUSIC BAR - BLACKPOOL FRI 13 NOV - CORPORATION - SHEFFIELD THUR 26 NOV - KKS STEEL MILL - WOLVERHAMPTON FRI 27 NOV - WATER RATS - LONDON SAT 05 DEC - LEO'S RED LION - GRAVESEND TICKETS GO ON SALE AT 11AM TUES 31 MARCH The Karma Effect have also today announced further details of their highly-anticipated third album ‘Cruel Intentions’. The new record is available to pre-order now across a number of CD, vinyl & digital formats, all featuring eleven rollicking new anthems (with a twelfth track, ‘Chasing Sunsets,’ added to the exclusive USB bonus edition format) – tracklisting is; 01 Ride or Die 02 Dangerous Love 03 Lady Bohemian 04 Raised on Rock 'n' Roll 05 Bad Manners 06 Closest Thing to Crazy 07 Waiting on a Miracle 08 Better Luck Next Time 09 Long Gone 10 Cruel Intentions 11 One More for the Road 12 Chasing Sunsets (Bonus track - USB only) WATCH THE VIDEO FOR 'WAITING ON A MIRACLE' VIDEO HERE PRE-SAVE THE ALBUM 'CRUEL INTENTIONS' HERE  When The Karma Effect were quietly born in the pandemic, vocalist Henry Gottelier and guitarist Robbie Blake could hear in their heads how they wanted the project to sound. From their organic, rootsy, eponymously-titled 2022 debut, followed by 2024’s show-stopping surprise Top 20 album ‘Promised Land’, they now truly arrive with their third record, striding confidently into their role as one of British guitar music’s most exciting outfits. Although some line-up changes occurred in the background (which saw Nathan Keevil join them on bass, Alan Taylor on drums, and Tom Pitt on keys), a turn of events that could have left them on shaky ground has instead been spun into a silver lining. Brimming with energy and fresh perspectives, the newly assembled line-up convened at The Hive Rooms, in the locale of Gatwick Airport, to nail down what would become ‘Cruel Intentions’ in July 2025. The new album is a collection which captures the visceral atmosphere of the band’s lauded live performances and is without a doubt the most complete, crystal clear realisation of the band’s ambitions yet: leaner, louder, heavier and joyously larger-than-life. Exploring notions of love, lust and danger, with dark passion and flashes of cheekiness, The Karma Effect’s new songs maintain a fine balance of swagger and wit, further advancing the band’s ‘modern vintage’ ethic - polishing up the retro sounds they were raised on into something gleaming and modern. Take the swaggering recent single ‘Dangerous Love’ – “It’s about doing things you shouldn’t do, but you can’t stop yourself: passion overtaking your senses and your mind getting away from you,” explains Henry. Barnstorming opener ‘Ride Or Die’ is a weighty statement of intent, an early display of Gottelier’s classic ‘70s Stones meets 80’s Fairbairn-era Aerosmith songwriting chops, whilst the album’s title track ‘Cruel Intentions’, meanwhile, is about a stalker. It’s not entirely steeped in darkness, however – sometimes, there are flashes of cheekiness. ‘Better Luck Next Time’, for example, is a tongue-in-cheek meditation on feeling the sharp end of sod’s law, following someone’s day as it spirals into the stuff of farce. "This album is the culmination of everything we have." says singer Henry Gottelier. "While collaborating again with producer Michael Charman, we brought in Mercury and GRAMMY nominated Romesh Dodangoda specifically for the mix, because we were obsessed with making every single note count. The result is a sound so big, it’s a stadium experience for your ears" ‘Cruel Intentions’ is available to pre-order here on signed editions, limited alt artwork editions, limited coloured vinyl and more.

.IRON MAIDEN’S highly anticipated EDDFEST weekend this summer has just got even bigger with the announcement that Blaze Bayley, who fronted the band from 1994 to 1999, will be headlining the Friday night Maidenville stage. He is the latest name to be revealed, as part of the all-encompassing celebration of IRON MAIDEN’s 50th Anniversary that will be taking place on the iconic Knebworth site. “I’m so excited to be invited to headline Friday night at EDDFEST, celebrating 50 years of Iron Maiden,” says Blaze. “I am so proud of my two albums with the band and I'm really looking forward to playing some of the songs that we recorded together. Can't wait to see you all at the hallowed grounds of Knebworth!” Fans can expect to hear Blaze Bayley and his band deliver a powerful set of songs from The X Factor and Virtual XI, the albums he released during his time as Iron Maiden’s lead singer. Blaze co-wrote some of the songs on those albums with band founder Steve Harris, and Friday night’s Maidenville stage has been personally curated by Steve Harris to showcase many elements of his musical career. Steve has also invited Gypsy’s Kiss, the band he formed in 1974 with singer and guitarist, David Smith, to perform on the Maidenville stage on Friday night too. As the very first band Steve Harris ever played with they were an instrumental part of Steve’s journey to form Iron Maiden a year later and create one of the most iconic rock bands of all time. Steve Harris says, “Having the opportunity to put together our very own festival at Knebworth, and celebrate 50 years of Iron Maiden, has given me a chance to bring together friends past and present and create a really special weekend for the fans. I’m very pleased that Blaze is able to join us and perform some of the songs we wrote and recorded in the 90s. He has been a big part of Iron Maiden’s career and I know the fans will be really excited to see him on stage at EDDFEST. It’s also great to have Gypsy’s Kiss playing with us at Knebworth too. They were a big part of my musical heritage and it’s really exciting to have them play at the Maidenville stage.” FRIDAY NIGHT ON THE MAIDENVILLE SECOND STAGE BLAZE BAYLEY Stray Maiden United Airforce Gypsy’s Kiss Tony Moore’s Awake + Hair Metal Glamageddon SATURDAY NIGHT ON THE MAIN STAGE IRON MAIDEN THE DARKNESS The Hu Airbourne The Almighty EDDFEST is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience what constitutes Iron Maiden’s idea of a fun-filled 48 hours of entertainment, themed areas and bars, experiences, live music and more. Inside EDDFEST fans will be able to explore the Infinite Dreams Museum Experience, a walk-through display of stage props and relics, inspired by Sunday Times Bestseller book Infinite Dreams. This is an unprecedented and completely unique opportunity to view Maiden relics up close and personal. The EDDFEST Festival starts from 2pm on Friday with camping included for both nights. Various parts of the Maidenville site will be open to weekend campers throughout Friday afternoon and into the early hours of Saturday morning, including the Infinite Dreams Museum Experience. Friday Night at Eddfest is all about fun before the big day. Campers will be able to gain early access to the site and experiences, including first access to the Infinite Dreams Museum Experience. They will also enjoy a whole evening of entertainment on the Maidenville stage featuring the unique mix of special acts with a connection to Maiden. Saturday sees the opening of the Main Arena, which includes Eddie’s Extended Emporium, the Trooper VIP area and a range of interactive experiences. Saturday-only tickets also allow access to Maidenville, where fans can join in the fun at the greatest Eddie’s Dive Bar yet, enjoy the Infinite Dreams Museum Experience, take part in the Unfair Funfair, featuring rides and demented Eddie-themed Funfair Games, plus explore Eddie’s Emporium, with even more surprises to explore throughout the site. It all culminates with the main stage performances on the Saturday, featuring an exceptional supporting line-up, ahead of Iron Maiden’s show-stopping RUN FOR YOUR LIVES performance. EDDFEST is going to be a truly exceptional weekend for each and every Maiden fan in attendance – an unforgettable chance to be part of a fully themed Festival experience, celebrating IRON MAIDEN’s spectacular fifty year career… and the last chance to see them in the UK until at least 2028.

Acclaimed singer, songwriter and front man of Christian rock icons Stryper, MICHAEL SWEET is proud to announce his new album, ‘The Master Plan,’ his most personal and spiritually resonant solo album yet. Set for release on April 3, 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl, this deeply worship inspired record marks a bold departure from his previous solo work — blending heartfelt devotion with fresh musical textures and melodic depth unlike anything SWEET has done before. MICHAEL SWEET comments: “I can’t tell you how long I’ve wanted to make this record. I think I subconsciously started making it when I was a kid. All the music that has influenced me over the years is revealing itself on this album. It’s certainly not cookie cutter by any stretch of the imagination. It’s one of a kind and very eclectic and unique, but that’s exactly what I wanted. It has something for everyone and I hope you all are as excited about this one as I am. The goal is to inspire and encourage and give people hope. I hope this one does just that. I want to personally thank you all for your patience and for your undying support for everything that I do. Much love to you all🙏” Musically rich and lyrically uplifting, ‘The Master Plan’ journeys into new acoustic oriented landscapes, built on warm harmonies, intimate vocal layers and heartfelt expressions of faith. SWEET’s unmistakable voice leads a tapestry of heartfelt worship, inviting listeners to reflect, celebrate and draw closer to the timeless truths at the heart of his message. With sweeping arrangements and a sincere spiritual core, the album offers both comfort and inspiration for moments of prayer, praise and quiet contemplation. Recorded with a stellar ensemble of musicians and co produced by MICHAEL SWEET and Jeff Savage, ‘The Master Plan’ also features lush keyboards, evocative guitar work and memorable vocal moments that elevate each song into something deeply personal yet universally uplifting. Mixed by Danny Bernini at Spirithouse Studios, the album balances polished production with the warmth of true worship expression. With its heartfelt lyrics and spiritual sincerity, ‘The Master Plan’ is designed to inspire peace, faith and encouragement — music that comforts the weary, uplifts the spirit, and celebrates the profound love at the center of SWEET’s faith journey. 'The Master Plan' Track List: 1. The Master Plan 2. Lord 3. Stronger 4. Eternally 5. You Lead I'll Follow 6. Desert Stream 7. Believer 8. Again 9. Faith 10. Worship You

German progressive metal pioneers Vanden Plas are back with “AcCult II”, a new acoustic album set for release on June 12, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl. To coincide with the announcement, the single “Far Off Grace”, along with an official video, are available today. Andy Kuntz commented: “The single “Far Off Grace” exemplifies the unpretentious, pure, and at the same time artistic, multifaceted acoustic expression of all the songs on “AcCult II”. They say you can recognize a good song when it works even in a stripped-down version. Compared to the studio version first released in 1999, however, this interpretation opens up on top many new avenues of understanding”. “It allows the song's once bombastic beauty to blossom in the virtuosic interplay between Stephan Lill's exquisite guitar work, Alessandro Del Vecchio's shimmering grand piano, and Kuntz's vocals, ranging from sensitive to ecstatic – only to then be driven, by the unbridled power of an exceptional band with Andreas Lill on drums and Torsten Reichert on bass, to a hypnotically intensifying, furiously breathtaking finale”, he added. “This is far more than an acoustic version of a song; it is the ultimate reinvention of a classic in its own light.” Watch the official video for “Far Off Grace”

British rocker Chez Kane is thrilled to release her new studio album, titled “Reckless”, out now via Frontiers Music Srl. The focus track “Too Dangerous”, along with an official visualizer video, are also available now. Chez commented: “Too Dangerous” lives in that space between warning signs and temptation - it captures the tension at the heart of “Reckless”, where you know better, but it feels too good to resist.” Watch the official visualizer for “Too Dangerous” here - youtube.com/watch?v=zBY62k_x3n0&feature=youtu.be Order “Reckless” here - https://ffm.bio/recklesspreorder Talking about the record, Chez said: “Finally, I can tell you! The official announcement of my third album “Reckless” is here! My last album, “Powerzone” dropped in 2022, and I’ve grown a lot since then. This time around, I got hands-on and collaborated on some writing. I pushed myself hard to make something that’s bigger, bolder, and yeah… sexy as hell”. “Massive thank you to Danny Rexon once again for being incredible to work with. Creating this with you was magic”, she added. “I can't wait for you guys to hear what we’ve made!” Chez Kane is back with her third studio album, “Reckless” - an explosive blend of arena-ready hooks, slick guitar work, and unapologetic 80s-style swagger. Following the success of her first two records, Chez levels up with a collection that’s bigger in sound, richer in emotion, and packed with pure melodic firepower. Once again, written and produced by Danny Rexon, frontman of Swedish hard rockers Crazy Lixx, “Reckless” channels the golden age of melodic rock while injecting it with fresh energy and modern production. The chemistry between Chez and Danny continues to shine, resulting in a record that blends 80s-inspired anthems, infectious hooks, and soaring vocals into a modern rock statement with attitude. From glam-infused bangers to emotional slow-burners, “Reckless” showcases Chez’s growing confidence and undeniable charisma, proving she’s not just riding the revival wave - she’s leading it. If you’re craving fist-pumping choruses, soaring vocals, and a no-holds-barred throwback to the glory days of rock, look no further. Chez Kane’s “Reckless” is melodic rock done right - bold, catchy, and undeniably alive. Turn it up loud. This one’s recklessly unforgettable! “Reckless” Tracklist: 1. Reckless 2. Personal Rock N' Roll 3. Night Of Passion 4. Strip Me Down 5. Tongue Of Love 6. Love Tornado 7. Bad Girl 8. Street Survivor 9. Too Dangerous 10. Bodyrock

The rise of Dan Byrne has been the most remarkable rock & roll success story of the year so far, at an otherwise gloomy time for the rock scene. Since parting ways with Revival Black and going solo, the wee guy with the big voice has been singing for his supper all over the country and steadily building a loyal following. The last time he was in Edinburgh, it was at Sneaky Pete’s in front of 17 people, but now, with Planet Rock plugging the advance tracks from his forthcoming album ‘This is Where the Show Begins’, he’s been packing them in on a hot-ticket UK tour. This tour was originally booked in modestly-sized venues, but with increased airplay and the strategic addition of some great support bands, the “sold out” signs have been going up early. This Edinburgh show was upgraded to the main hall in The Voodoo Rooms and was still close to capacity and he also had a sold-out show at Glasgow’s Attic venue the following day to complete the now-rare Scottish double-header. Whilst Dan and his band lived up to the hype in every way, the addition of both Kit Trigg and Fireheart made this a very entertaining triple-bill. Kit is a bright and breezy young lad from Farnham with great hair and a backwards baseball cap and he made a few new friends with a varied, interesting and enjoyable set. ‘Snake in the Grass’ (“you can kiss my …”) ran through a variety of styles; starting with some swampy guitar, then moving through some on-point band harmonies to a skate-punky rhythm and some Kid Rock-style rapping. Mixing old, recent and brand new songs, highlights included ‘Light at the End of the Tunnel’, which raced along like an oncoming train with the headlights on, an anthemic glass ceiling- themed new song with a heavy groove that might have been called ‘Breaking Through’ (“just do it”), and the punchy ‘Goin’ for Glory’ which totally rocked and ended the set in fine style. Kit and his band have plenty live work planned, including festival appearances at Mayor’s Fest, SOS and Maid of Stone this year and are well worth checking out. Fireheart are a brand-new name but feature some familiar faces and they made a massive first impression with a gloriously energetic and skilled set. They absolutely exploded out of the blocks with the anthemic ‘Wild Hearts; Wild Nights’ which quickly grabbed the audience’s attention and wrapped them up with the “woah-ohs” and a clap-a-long in a thrilling ride. It was impossible not to be sucked in by the band’s enthusiasm, particularly Kev Baker and his gurning facial expressions – unless my granny was lying, he’s going to be fucked if the wind changes direction! Russ Grimmett was on great form on vocals. He also sings with Sons of Liberty but he is especially in his element with this band and seemed to be really enjoying himself. From the band’s bio and social media, it is clear that the individual members come with some emotional baggage, demons and mental health challenges. They address that in their songs and also through their fan chat group and initiatives like ‘Heartmeet’ which is a banner they place beside the table displaying their immaculately designed merchandise to encourage solo fans to interact with each other. I should imagine that the music is also very therapeutic, as this band rock up some absolutely joyous sounds with life-affirming positivity. Amongst others, they play tunes from their 5-track EP called ‘Rise’ and the songs on it are as good as its colourful art-work, including the soaring and harmonious ‘I’m Not Dreaming’ and ‘An Hour to Forget’. The inter-play between the men on stage is also heart-warming and highly entertaining, not least the musical tribute to hirsute and handsome bass player Bret Barnes, who is surely the logical successor to Chuck Norris in the ultimate legendary icon stakes. It is a while since a first-sighting of a new band has made such an instant impression on me and I am far from alone in thinking this. Fireheart feel like a movement as much as a band and their music is capable of putting a smile on any face. Edinburgh patrons will have another chance to see them on 23rd May at Bannerman’s supporting Cassidy Paris and we’ll be hearing much more from these fellas in the near future. Get on board. Dan Byrne had won before he even appeared on stage. Tickets had been sold and debut albums pre-ordered; the crowd were ready, and his band were already rocking up a storm by way of an intro. He opened with ‘Saviour’ and appropriately, he’s already being trumpeted as the new saviour of traditional blues rock in this country. He looks suitably messianic with his long curly hair and beard and sounds the part too, but things take a more demonic turn with the instant classic ‘She’s the Devil’ and the uber-funky ‘Praise Hell’. Other standouts include ‘Cherry and Leather’ and ‘Sober’ plus ‘Easier’ from his earlier ‘Beginnings’ EP. Between songs, Dan constantly refers back to his journey and expresses gratitude for the love and support he has received; it’s almost as if even he can’t quite believe that the struggle has turned out to be so worth it and he seems genuinely thrilled to have a big room full of people singing his songs back to him. He has certainly paid his dues and deserves every bit of acclaim that’s coming his way. With several of the prime cuts from ‘This is Where the Show Begins’ already well-known and popular from radio play, there’s a good chance that the album will chart highly when released on 22nd May. On that day, Dan will be back in Scotland for promo shows and signings at Assai Records in both Edinburgh and Glasgow. It will be fascinating to see what number the album charts at and after all the hard work and slogging around the country, album release day might just be the best day of Dan’s musical life so far.