Latest Rock News - Album & Live Reviews

Gene Simmons said in 2014 that rock music was dead, He ascertained that there had been no new rock superstars since the 80's and that the genre was finished killed of by its own fans streaming and and file sharing as well as no new icons coming through, Simmons doubled down on those comments as recently as 2024 when he said to quote “The Glamour and Excitement has gone from Rock Music” Well someone needs to send a private jet, limo, taxi, rickshaw or a pushbike to Mr Simmons door and whisk him to a Yungblud gig because right here right now we have a young man who has grabbed rock music by the short and curlies and catapulted it right back to the top of the tree. His latest album Idols and Idols 2 are the complete works, superb from start to finish pushing him even further that he had probably dared to dream, A sublime performance of Ozzy's changes at the farewell gig last year too him into homes and ears of many people who had maybe not come cross his talents and from there its been stratospheric. This tour could probably have sold out twice over such was the demand and I was unable to get any tickets on initial release but as luck would have it a random check revealed the Hydro had released their new Terrace Premium seating and two tickets were swiftly snapped up. Opening the show were UK punk band The Molotovs and they blitzed through a high energy set as the main hall filled up, Coming from the underground punk scene the band are not in the mainstream yet, their debut album Wasted On Youth was released early this year and the band is made up of brother and sister duo Matthew and Issey Cartlidge. They blast their way through a seven song set drawn from the album and an added cover of Bowie's Suffragette city to get the increasing audience warmed up. Next up we have Mexican sisters The Warning, a more rock/metal sounding power trio. The girls went viral when very young with a cover of the Metallica classic Enter Sandman. They are a polished and tight act having played together their entire lives. There is more than a hint of Halestorm to the sound and they are huge in their homeland. The band had played in Glasgow at the Garage back in 2024 and now take the Hydro stage and certainly do not look out of place and indeed there are good number of fans wearing band merch. The set is largely drawn from the 2024 album Keep Me Fed and also the latest single Kerosene and a new track called Ego. The will certainly be one to watch going forward. And so to the main event. The stage is a gigantic triumphal arch with massive video screens behind the stage and flanking either side. Its fair to say the audience is probably 70/30 female to male and there is no shortage of New Rock boots, fishnets and there is enough black eyeliner on show to make JD Vance insanely jealous indeed as a 57 year old rocker I was a little anxious I would look like a fish out of water but not at all, rock fans of all ages were here such is the appeal of the Doncaster born rocker. Opening with the iconic Hello Heaven the man himself appears on the giant video screen from backstage complete with a bottle of the infamous Buckfast tonic wine and a Scottish Saltire. “Are your F@cking ready Glasgow” he quips as the band burst onstage amid a massive explosion of confetti. The screams almost drown out the music and that never lets up, The opening track, All 9 minutes of it is a musical journey that shifts tempo and moods throughout its a mini musical in one song. The insanely catchy The Funeral follows and has the Glasgow audience in full on backing vocals mode. The title track from Idols follows, this is all killer definitely no filler material, Lovesick Lullaby, My Only Angel and the almost rap/metal like Superdeadfriends follow. Giant flame throwers line the stage and even in the seating you can feel the heat, move over Rammstein. Next up is Fleabag a total ear worm tune that as has become the norm an audience member is given the opportunity to get on stage and play guitar on the track, surely a nerve wracking moment but Glasgow's young rocker pulled it off without missing a note, balls of steel young man. Lowlife follows before a rendition of that Sabbath/Ozzy number that took young Dom into the homes of millions. Indeed winning a Grammy for best rock performance. 13,000 people inside the sold out Hydro a word perfect and Ozzy would surely be beaming down (or Up ) from his resting place. The success of Yungblud can not be praised without mentioning his Scottish guitarist and producer and co writer Adam Warrington as he has helped shape the phenomenon we are witnessing The show concludes with Ghosts from Idols and of course Zombie, a rock anthem for the new age. This is the Sweet Child, Smells Like Teen Spirit, Back In Black of a new generation. Grown men (OK me included) belting out this classic at the top of our lungs !! In short this is a clear vision of the future of rock music, an insane performance, its hard to see what can stop young Dominic Harrison from not only conquering the world but the universe !!

Tonight we came with Rockfiend to the beautiful city of Osnabrück (Germany) to attend the Hardline + Sevi concert at Hyde Park. Sevi opened with great power and attitude, making it clear that beyond being the opening act, they are a well-built and polished band. They delivered a full set that revisited their previous albums and premiered a song from their new record, which they will release soon. With an exceptional vocalist, they showed a vocal range that amazed more than one person, backed by a band fully up to the task. A good sign of what was to come next. Hardline opened with a couple of songs from their new album Shout, which was being released worldwide that very day, also coinciding with the first show of their European tour. They followed with a careful and excellent setlist that moved through the classics that made Hardline famous in the '90s, from Life's a Bitch and Everything to Hot Cherie, Rhythm from a Red Car, and much more, mixed in with several songs from the already mentioned Shout. Johnny Gioeli, Alessandro Del Vecchio, and an excellent group of very solid musicians honored Hardline's history while also beginning to write their own with this new release, which by the way is highly recommended-absolutely fantastic! Johnny's great charisma made the show especially enjoyable, and the crowd sang, danced, and gave it everything to the rhythm of great songs. Surely this tour will delight everyone who goes to see this great band, rooted in the past and shining toward the future. Friends of Rockfiend: a great evening, total delight, and yet another demonstration that rock is more alive than ever.

Tonight in the Glasgow Garage we were celebrating a birthday, The 35th birthday of Tyketto's monster debut album which was released on the 21st April 1991. 35 years to the very day from tonight's gig in Glasgow. That album came right at the point when grunge was pushing the melodic rock genre of the front pages of the rock music press but the sheer quality of the record meant that over time it became a cult classic among fans of the genre due it its superb songwriting and Danny Vaughn's unmistakable soaring vocals. Vaughn had already made his mark on the Waysted, Save Your Prayers album a record that lent more to the American aor scene than the bands earlier gritty bluesy metal sound and introduced many to the Cleveland born front man. This tour though is in support of the bands latest release Closer To The Sun, a whole ten years have passed since the band released their last album Reach and as Vaughn himself admits its been too long but shit happens most notably covid and along the way line up changes as well. The album made No 1 in the UK rock and metal chart on week of release and shows the UK's love for a band entering its 40th year. Opening the show tonight is Collateral, no stranger to Scotland and Rockfiend, the boys are on early for a short 30 min set and waste not time opening with No Place for Love from the Should've Known Better album. With such a short set there is not much time between songs, But we have everything that makes these boys a big favourite with fans, Angelo's infection smile, Jacks bare chested chest thumping head banging. Louis's guitar hero grimaces as he makes the fret board sing. And despite being lost in the darkness at the back of the stage we know full well new drummer Charlie is there somewhere as he keeps the beat. Fist pumping anthem Glass Sky is next and closely followed by Glass Sky always an emotional roller coaster of a song. Favorites Midnight Queen, Long Road, Merry Go Round and of course Big Shot round of the all too short set. And despite the early start the venue has filled up nicely along the way. I am sure it wont be long before the lads are back up north again soon for a longer set. Warrior Soul are a name I knew off but as for the music it was not something that had crossed my path before now. Fronted by original vocalist Kory Clark. Clark is every inch the rockstar and gives off Jim Morrison vibes as we struts around the stage complete with gold rimmed sunglasses. The sound is a contrast to the two other bands on the bill tonight with a much harder grittier edge, almost punk like at times. There is no doubt Clarke is the star of the show and he is a commanding presence center stage. They open with a cover of the Joy Division song Interzone, the punk edge is immediately apparent. Cargos of Doom maintains a grungy gritty sound with a heavy repetitive riff. Much the bands work is anti establishment anti political songs again just like punk was back in the late 70's. Love Destruction. The Party is a song that although written for the bands debut album in 1990 is still very relevant today as it deals with political elites and corruption. The theme continues with one of the more controversial songs from the bands career The Fourth Reich. A more polished industrial metal song the song is anti war and anti control song dealing with governments manipulating the people. The band finish with Punk and Belligerent and The Wasteland two of their more well known tunes and commercially sounding. The audience give them an appreciative reception, tonight was probably a tough gig for the band with the vast majority of those in attendance fans of the melodic rock style but the venue gave the band a good roar as they finished their set. And we move on to the headline act. Tyketto are one the big hitters in the melodic rock scene. That comes from the undoubted song writing ability of Danny Vaughn coupled with his amazing vocal talents, that 35 years on from the debut album have remained as strong as ever, there is no David Lee Roth comparisons here. Vaughn can still hit every note but jokingly admits he needs just a little longer to get his breath back in between numbers. Opening with Rescue Me from the Strength In Numbers album the band hit hard and quick immediately bursting into two of those big chorus sing along tunes from Don't Come Easy, Wings and Burning Down Inside, The Glasgow audience have always loved to chant and they need no warming up as they belt out every word. Woah Oh Oh during Wings and Vaughn could probably have taken a break during Burning Down Inside as word for word was coming back at him. He tells the story of how he knew Glasgow was a special place when he nervously took the stage at the Glasgow Barrowland in 1991 on the bands first ever Scottish show and saw those nerves Disappear as he saw a mass of bodies jumping in unison to Forever Young. The set is drawn mostly from that debut record but we also have four songs from the newest release. Following the unbelievably catchy track Reach we have The title track Closer To The Sun is first up followed by The Run from the also from the 2016 Reach album. We Rise is a song that starts as a slow ballad esque number that build into a full on first pumping anthem. A surprise on the new album was the cover of the Roxette song Harleys and Indians from the classic Crash Boom Bang album, a song included says Vaughn just because I love it, well what other reason do we need. The tempo slows down once more for Circle The Wagons and lets everyone catch their breath before we launch into the big finish home run, Seasons prepares us for one of the bands most iconic tunes, Standing Alone is as classic as they come a true giant tune in the genre. Men in their 50's and 60's are seen belting it out word for word. Its certainly one of my favourite tunes of all time. Another from the debut Lay Your Body Down is next and then a final track from the new record called The Brave a song written by Vaughn to pay tribute to the many who put themselves on the line for us to protect, serve and heal. And with that the band leave the stage but we all know there is one more song, I mean would they be able to get out the building without playing it, probably not. They return and that riff hits and as one the Glasgow choir is in full voice, No Sleepin She Waits Tables Late..... total and utter perfection in a song, fists pump, aging bodies jump around, voices are strained to the limit and smiles as wide as the River Clyde a few hundred yards away. One of the best feel good songs ever in my dodgy old photographer come reviewer brain and that's it the band take their bows and leave the stage although we wont have to wait long to do it again as they were confirmed 24 hours later as the remaining headline act for this years Winsterstorm Festival in Troon in November. Don't miss it.

PRIDE OF LIONS, led by Jim Peterik and Toby Hitchcock, are proud to announce their new album, 'Unbridled,' set for release on July 10th via Frontiers Music Srl. Produced by Jim Peterik and mixed by Larry Millas, 'Unbridled' marks the eighth studio album from PRIDE OF LIONS. To celebrate the announcement and offer fans a taste of what's to come, the band also shares the title track from the upcoming album, alongside an official music video, available to view below. Peterik comments on the album's arrival: “I am so excited about the release of the upcoming PRIDE OF LIONS album 'Unbridled.' It is always a pleasure to team up with Toby Hitchcock, as we have since POL started recording for Frontiers way back in 2003. His powerful voice and positive attitude are a blessing to me. "The album starts with the powerful title track and Greg Bizzaro video 'Unbridled' with Toby and me harmonizing at full power. "'Edge Of Forever' is a cautionary tale about a fragile planet at the verge of collapse. 'Is it really too late to turn back the hands of time?' The implied answer in 'No, not if we all work together to save it.' Every song in this collection expresses concern, yet always a ray of hope on the horizon for a better world. "I hope you enjoy the new PRIDE OF LIONS album as much as we did making it. Your enthusiasm for our music through the years has always inspired Toby and me to keep pushing ourselves to touch your souls and move your feet! Much love. Jim Peterik"

It felt more like a gathering of old friends than a gig when The Bates Motel returned to Kinross, exactly one year after I first saw them. A new song named "Bloodstains" marked the energetic start to their performance. They played three new songs during the evening: "Bloodstains," "Burned in Flame," and "Factory Road," all taken from their forthcoming album. Inspired by the industrial area where the band practices, "Factory Road" was the pick of the new songs. Its grit and drive suggested exciting future developments. Alongside the new songs, the band performed old favourites. The transition from "Shape in the Mirror's dark humour to the high-energy pace of "Put Your Hands on the Radio" was seamless. During "Hold On," the mood softened, an effect strengthened by the emotional weight of Les Young's harmonica. The audience chuckled when he confessed mid-set that he'd broken his tambourine, but it was his harmonica playing that truly stood out. The band skilfully adjusted its style while maintaining momentum throughout the evening. "Talkin' to Jesus" provided a wry plea for something better in a chaotic world; "Amador" showcased pure pop brilliance and was the evening's highlight. The last run of songs was a rock party. Their AC/DC homage, "Remains to be Seen," gave way to "Bartender," a song that recounts the difficulties of getting a pint in Whitley Bay. The run ended with a triumphant "Blues Ain't Gonna Feed Ya." Described by Davison as a blend of Dr Feelgood and Status Quo, Ally Lees christened it "Dr Quo". Lees announced he would channel his inner Rick Parfitt riffing style before he started this song. Encores followed as the band tried to squeeze as many songs as possible in before they had to finish. The atmospheric "Bridge Street in the Rain" led into the wistful "I Can See The Stars," which finished the evening off. Every song showcased the band's obvious confidence and easy chemistry. At the centre of everything was Chris "Bad Bob Bates" Davison. His vocals and guitar playing led the performance with ease and charm. Ally Lees's contribution included rock-star guitar and atmospheric keyboards. A single homemade guitar was all he played with for the whole evening. Its integrated electronics made it a perfect fit for his needs. When the chance presented itself, he also couldn't help but tease Davison about his five guitars. David Coates and Adam Forster's precision and flair, anchoring the set from behind the front line, established a rhythm section with genuine substance. A minor disappointment, however, was another modest turnout. The band might now know everyone in the audience by their first names. The audience, however, thoroughly enjoyed another evening of excellent music from a band that gets better with each show.

Describing themselves as playing “seasoned, unapologetic rock’n’roll”, Savage Gentlemen are a new side project formed by Ron Young (Little Caesar, Cruzados) and his original Kingpins’ bandmate and guitar player from the ‘80’s, Rich Thomas. And in true gentlemanly style, this description savagely under-sells the quality and depth of music which they’ve produced. If, like me, you weren’t living in the New York area in the 80’s, you’re probably not familiar with The Kingpins. Prior to moving to LA and forming Little Caesar, Ron and Rich lived in New York and formed The Kingpins who were described as “NYC roots rock/rockabilly” and plied their trade around various clubs including CBGBs, Peppermint Lounge and The Ritz. And while Ron enjoyed some success with Little Caesar, but nowhere near the level their talent deserved due to the emergence of grunge, Rich continued to play in a number of local bands. In getting the band back together, Ron and Rich were keen to avoid the nostalgia trap and joining them on this side project are Bo Conlon (The BoDeans) on drums and Joe Viers on bass and who, as owner of Sonic Lounge Studios, Columbus, Ohio, also produced the album. Featuring ten songs, early listening to their self-titled debut (including the first single and album opener ‘Runnin’ and the character-led ‘Lost Your Mind’) could cause you to think that, to quote the old Ronseal ad in the U.K., “it does what it says on the tin”. Straightforward, no-nonsense, heads-down, rock’n’roll/bar-room boogie. But dig a little deeper, listen a little longer and you will be richly rewarded. ‘Switchblade’ lays down a gently rolling rhythm and groove, between guitar, bass and drums somewhere between a strut and a swagger and by the time Ron’s raw and soulful vocals are layered on you’ll be wanting to swing your tush, tuck a cane under your arm and kick and extend those legs. Yessss, baby …. this song swings, but s-l-o-w-l-y; it rocks and it rolls like a bar-room burlesque cover of ‘I’m All Shook Up’. It reminded me of a female friend who once simply described Ron’s voice as “sex”. More on THAT voice later. And if it’s boogie you want, boogie you will get with ‘See You Later’ continuing the theme. Sandwiched in the mid-section of the album is a series of four songs which stretch the promotional description of their music further and in different directions. It’s probably now time to write about THAT voice. Fans of Little Caesar will be aware that Ron Young has one of the most distinctive and recognisable voices in rock music, who has taken care of his voice and is one of the few rock singers from the ‘80’s who can still sing really well and without a choir or army of backing singers to mask it or songs played in entirely different keys to help him to still carry a song; many have tried to cover the soul classics, but few (particularly white singers) can nail them and bring the soul in the way that Ron can. I give you Exhibit A (Chain of Fools) and Exhibit B (I Wish it Would Rain). Case closed. And at the risk of sounding like a fan boy, I could happily listen to him sing the telephone directory. Match this vocal quality with an opening line of “I knew you loved me when you keyed my car” and you have my attention. Dropping the tempo ‘All Over Now’ does this, captures your heart and soul, and much more. Underpinned by a drum beat which wouldn’t have sounded out of place in any number of Phil Spector-produced songs by sixties girl bands, the song is multi-textured and like a mournful bar-room Wall of Sound with some great guitar work which matches the emotion in Ron’s voice perfectly. Just wonderful, that’s all. ‘Looking Back Ahead’ turns the dial to “intimate”, oozes fragility and vulnerability and is played by the full band, but based mostly around an acoustic guitar. Recognising the need for the groove to return, ‘Pushing Water’ does as required before leading into ‘I Don’t Care’ which starts with a swaggering and strutting groove (what else) and gang chorus, and turns the groove up to eleven with swirling organ and other sounds added to the mix as the song spirals upwards before fading out. The shuffling ‘Soul Shakin’ varies the rhythm before the wonderfully different and more garage-based 60’s/70’s West Coast pop of ‘Everything is Easy’ closes the album. ‘Savage Gentlemen’ rocks, it rolls, it grooves, has so much soul and is an album of rhythm and tone which really needs to be listened to to get the most from it. It’s also surprising on a number of levels. For a side project, the quality of the musicianship is really high and the rhythm and grooves which they create and lock in would make you think they’d been playing together for years. The production is top drawer capturing the musical tones perfectly. And with THAT voice, hard to go wrong. Details of how to order the album can be found on the Savage Gentlemen’s Facebook page. GMcA

Legendary hard rock titans Lynch Mob are thrilled to announce the release of the live album “The Final Ride”, out on May 29, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl. The band share also a live rendition of “Wicked Sensation”, with a video available below. The live album follows the release of their highly anticipated ninth and final full length studio record “Dancing With The Devil”, out last November, that marked the final chapter in their storied career.

2025 saw the legendary Jefferson Starship coming off their successful 50th Anniversary “Runaway Again” Tour. The band are keeping the celebratory momentum alive with the announcement of the first part of their 2026 tour. Alongside North American dates, the band are set to play five UK and European dates in 2026. The five UK and European shows will see the band support Foreigner at Arenas in the UK and Switzerland and two headline shows in Germany. June 18th 2026 – AO Arena – Manchester, UK supporting Foreigner June 19th 2026 – OVO Arena Wembley – London, UK supporting Foreigner June 21st 2026 – Muffat Halle – Munich, Germany HEADLINE June 23rd 2026 – Parkbühne – Leipzig, Germany HEADLINE June 25th 2026 – Hallenstadion – Zurich, Switzerland supporting Foreigner The 2026 dates will be the first time the band has played the UK in over 10 years. The band have toured Europe (ex UK) as recently as 2024 (supporting Deep Purple). David Frieberg says, “It’s been a little over a decade since Jefferson Starship last played the UK , so coming back alongside Foreigner makes this run especially meaningful. Stepping onto the stage at Wembley Arena is going to be an incredible moment, and we’re excited to reconnect with UK and European fans.” The band will play global hits from their stellar back catalogue of Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship and Starship – such as “White Rabbit”, “We Built This City”, “Jane”, “Sarah”, “Nothing Gonna To Stop Us Now”, “Find Your Way Back”, “Somebody To Love” and more… For tickets and further info please see https://www.jeffersonstarship.com/ About Jefferson Starship: Jefferson Starship is one of the most successful arena rock bands of the ’70s and ’80s, earning three platinum and eight gold albums along with a long string of Billboard Top 40 hits. Just celebrated their 50th anniversary—a milestone reached by only a few enduring rock acts—the band continues to honour its storied legacy while bringing their iconic catalogue to fans around the world. Founded in the ’70s by Paul Kantner, Jefferson Starship emerged as a collective of musical explorers whose work helped define an era of rock. Today’s lineup—founding member David Freiberg, drummer Donny Baldwin (since 1982), keyboardist Chris Smith (since 1998), guitarist Jude Gold (since 2012), and vocalist/guitarist Cathy Richardson (since 2008) — has become a powerful touring force, performing across all 50 U.S. states and on five continents. Known for their family-like camaraderie and high-energy live shows, the band continues to embody the adventurous spirit championed by Paul Kantner, who passed in 2016. As Jude Gold reflects, “That ‘Paul Kantner thing’—getting on a rocket ship and blasting off into the unknown—is the very essence of Jefferson Starship. And that spirit is very much alive in the band today.”

ENTER SHIKARI have revealed the official music video for track Find Out The Hard Way. The visuals were shot in South London by Jasper Visuals, and premiered last night on YouTube here. Find Out The Hard Way is the first track taken from their new album LOSE YOUR SELF, which was surprise released last Friday (10th April) with zero announcements or teasers from the band. The 12 tracks span exploring themes of desolation, futility and complete despair at the state of the world, but with glimmers of hopefulness and optimism threaded throughout. To accompany the album, they announced three intimate outstore shows - The Cavern in Liverpool, The Fighting Cocks in Kingston and London's Signature Brew, which have all sold out. The band will headline arenas this November, will full dates below. With zero announcements or teasers from the band, Enter Shikari last week surprise released their brand new album! Lose Your Self (released via So Recordings) spans 12 tracks exploring themes of desolation, futility and complete despair at the state of the world, but with glimmers of hopefulness and optimism threaded throughout. Whilst the likes of major pop stars including Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber who have famously released albums out of the blue over the years, Enter Shikari have managed to not only release Lose Your Self digitally, but also physically, unlike their predecessors. This accomplished and ingenious body of work is available to stream and also buy in CD and vinyl format worldwide. Listen here. Frontman Rou articulates, "We’re delighted to present LOSE YOUR SELF, and give people the chance to hear a Shikari record like never before - as a cohesive whole. We want people to go on a proper journey with this album, and see where it takes them. No lead up, no singles, and no explanation. Forcing the listener to actually listen, without being drip-fed ideas out of context, or spoon-fed explanations. We simply present it all, for the listener to immerse themself in. Releasing in this way was also a decision to not be distracted by chart races, or accolades and “things”. We got the No.1 album on our last record. This is simply about the music being presented in a natural way. Despite turning out to be one our darkest and heaviest albums to date, it also preaches hope and offers answers. Shikari will always offer hope, because without hope there is no action. We’ll just always offer it with a dose of realism.” Yesterday, tickets for the band’s unmissable intimate album release shows completely sold out in a matter of seconds! Next week, Shikari will play The Cavern in Liverpool, The Fighting Cocks in Kingston and Signature Brew. These unmissable shows give fans a unique experience to see the band up close and personal, and a chance to see the brand new songs live for the first time. Earlier this year, Enter Shikari announced a UK and EU headline arena tour for November, their biggest yet, a headline run around Australia in May, and also around North America in June! The EU dates kick off on 3rd November at the Sporthalle in Hamburg, and include the band’s biggest ever German headline show, at Düsseldorf’s Mitsubishi Halle, boasting a capacity of 7500! The band will then begin the UK leg of the tour in Nottingham at the Motorpoint Arena on 13th November. Gigs in cities including Cardiff, Hull, Glasgow and Manchester will follow, before ending with not one but two shows at London’s Alexandra Palace on 20th and 21st November! They will be joined by Holding Absence and The Callous Daoboys as support for both the EU and UK leg. Every ticket sold for the band’s UK arena tour dates will include a £1 donation to the Music Venue Trust, supporting grassroots music venues under threat of closure in the UK. Enter Shikari were the first artist to implement the scheme which is one very close to their hearts, with ticket sales from their 2024 arena tour carrying the donation, paving the way for the likes of Sam Fender and Coldplay to follow suit with their own generous donations. UK & Ireland live dates: 21.4 - The Academy, Dublin - SOLD OUT 23.4 - The Cavern, Liverpool (Jacaranda outstore) - SOLD OUT 24.4 - The Fighting Cocks, Kingston (Banquet outstore) - SOLD OUT 25.4 - Signature Brew, London (Jacaranda outstore) - SOLD OUT 13.11 - Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham 14.11 - Utilita Arena, Cardiff 15.11 - Connexin Live, Hull 18.11 - Hydro, Glasgow 19.11 - CoOp Live, Manchester 20.11 - Alexandra Palace, London 21.11 - Alexandra Palace, London

After numerous world tours, ten full length albums, and globally recognised acclaim, unstoppable groove metal masters DEVILDRIVER bore full speed ahead. Today, the band announce their explosive eleventh full length, Strike And Kill, out July 10, 2026 via Napalm Records. With the brutal lineup of frontman and mastermind Dez Fafara, virtuoso guitar duo Alex Lee and Gabe Mangold, eruptive drummer Davier Ortega Perez, and the return of founding bass legend Jon Miller, Strike And Kill sees DEVILDRIVER return to their carnivorous origin, reigniting the incendiary sound that founded their legacy - delivering a must listen for all fans of the genre. Dez Fafara on Strike And Kill: "My headspace hasn’t changed, I have not become complacent or soft in my view of the world or in my music. Metal is our outlet as listeners and writers, so on this record we focused on ‘getting it all out’ lyrically, and backing those lyrics with savage, relentless music that fuels the heavy California groove like no other. DEVILDRIVER has never sounded like any other band, we do our own thing in our own way, and I’m the most proud of that. “I’m so proud of these musicians, this music, and the vibe around this record. DevilDriver sounds like no one else out there right now, we are here to Strike And Kill!" Alongside today’s announcement, they unleash the fierce album opener upon the masses. Debuting yesterday on SXM’s Liquid Metal, “Dig Your Own Grave”, is a vitriolic onslaught of machine gun riffs and uncompromising aggression, lyrically lambasting fools responsible for their own undesirable fates. Full of piss and vinegar, this is DEVILDRIVER at maximum ferocity, giving listeners just a taste of the carnage waiting within Strike And Kill.

KING KRAKEN have released their storming new rocker 'Call To War', 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." Order here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/kingkraken/call-to-war 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 Order here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/kingkraken/call-to-war Fury/King Kraken tour: 24th April KK's Steelmill, Wolverhampton 25th April The Patriot, Crumlin 3rd May The Star Inn, Dylife, Powys 8th May The Ferret, Preston 9th May Ivory Blacks, Glasgow 15th May Leo's, Gravesend 16th May, Studio Se7en, Witney 30th May Call Of The Wild Festival, Lincolnshire Showground 4th July SOS Fest XVII, Whittles, Oldham 24th July Steelhouse Festival, Ebbw Vale 25th July Hammerdown Festival, The Factory Live, Worthing 22nd August, Chepstow Castle, Bridge St, Chepstow 5th September Hella Rock Festsival, HMV Empyre, Coventry 9th October Reddog 1, The Patriot, Crumlin

After more than two decades of silence, VON GROOVE proudly announces their new album 'Born To Rock,' set for release on May 15, 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl. To celebrate the announcement, the band also shares the title track alongside an official music video, available to view below. On the band's return, guitarist Mladen expresses: "It’s been a long time since the three of us made music together, but from the very first chord, the chemistry was undeniable. We poured our heart and soul into these 11 tracks and can’t wait to share them with our fans." He continues, "’Born To Rock’ celebrates our life long love of making and performing music. When rock n roll gets in your soul it never leaves. It’s a life long addiction."

Iconic - "II" review by MB Photography Scotland. Flash back to mid-2022 and we first heard of Iconic, a supergroup put together thanks to Frontiers Music featuring some iconic members. So, the name was maybe a bit cheesy but the record delivered on all fronts with hard rock legends garnered from Whitesnake, Dead Daisies, Stryper and Inglorious. The band never played live as far as we know which was a real shame. Fast forward to now as we start to hit the midpoint of 2026 and guess what we have another Iconic release. Not much thought put into the title “II” but let’s see how the music fairs as that’s the most important thing. With a lineup of Nathan James – Vocals, Michael Sweet & Joel Hoekstra – Guitars, Marco Mendoza – Bass and rock journeyman Tommy Aldridge – Drums the expectations are once again high. Lead single “Cry No More” is an adrenaline-charged opener that instantly establishes the mood, an electrifying burst of hard rock fuelled by powerful riffs, trademark Tommy Aldridge drums, and a chorus that sticks in your head. The guitars are instantly recognisable as being provided by Joel Hoekstra. If you’re a fan you will see the style showing here. On the opposite end of the emotional spectrum, “Tears Keep On Falling” brilliantly highlights the band’s impressive versatility. This track unfolds as a powerful song, where melody, atmosphere, and intensity merge seamlessly to create a stirring and electrifying experience. Another melodic masterpiece for fans of the genre the 5 piece deliver quite simply making it a standout example of their artistic range. “S.O.S.” leans on the bluesier side of things and is groove heavy track whereas “Valley Of Lost Souls” just smashes you in the face with a straight-ahead rock song laden with hooks, both vocally and musically. The only real downturn of pace on this album is the start of last track “Heart Of Stone” however that only lasts until after the first verse and we are back in melodic rock heaven with a hard hitting, yet full of melody chorus. The only negative is that this could quite easily have been a Joel Hoekstra solo album such is his influence on this, or maybe it’s too close in timescale to his own release. Not withstanding this is a great follow up album and one that will certainly be on repeat once it’s released and in my grubby paws. Let’s hope for some live dates to accompany this as well, I’m sure everyone will be hoping for those. 1. Cry No More 2. All I Want 3. Open My Eyes 4. Tears Keep On Falling 5. Take Me To The Place 6. S.O.S. 7. Nothing Left For Me 8. Far Away 9. Valley Of Lost Souls 10. Written In The Stars 11. Heart Of Stone Line Up: Nathan James - Vocals Michael Sweet - Guitars Joel Hoekstra - Guitars Marco Mendoza - Bass Tommy Aldridge - Drums Released July 31st on Frontiers Music Srl.

Before reviewing the music, let’s get the most difficult part settled. Just how do you pronounce Fioraidh?! Well, to explain that you have to travel back in time to the 1990s, when vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Mark Reid was in a band called… Fury! In a nostalgic nod to his past, the frontman with Scottish metal band Pyroclast decided to name his solo project after his old band… but with another UK band called Fury now on the scene, he differentiated by adding some Gaelic swagger to it. Makes sense now! Having some time on his hands between writing and recording Pyrolclast’s next album, Reid decided to bring to life some of his other musical ideas, writing all the lyrics and music and playing every instrument himself, with a few pals chipping in with a guitar solo now and again. The result of this blast of creativity is ‘An Unquiet Mind’, which was also produced and mastered by Reid. A solo album… almost literally! Opener ‘Ghost in the Now’ is a heavy, moody, mid-tempo rocker with prominent bass driving the track along and flourishes of keyboard and piano sprinkling some additional musical atmosphere. Pyroclast’s Chris Horne guests on the short guitar solo, whilst Reid’s voice builds in intensity throughout the track, ending in an impressively high final vocal with a duration that Bill Withers would be proud of! ‘Devil’s Inside’ has the kind of dark, heavy riff that Tony Iommi would’ve created in Dio-era Black Sabbath. Soft, low, growling vocals spread throughout the track bring some real horror movie-like intensity, whilst the impressive ‘Fractured’ (my personal favourite) starts with Iron Maiden Virtual XI vibes before exploding into a sprawling and melodic ‘fists in the air’ musical tour-de-force with guitar solos by Pyroclast’s Baz Fitzsimmons. The sudden change of timing and tempo towards the end will take you by surprise… but is a nod to Reid’s affinity for more progressive music. If Bruce Dickinson’s singing with Danish masters Volbeat is your musical fantasy, then ‘Roll the Dice’ is for you. After a riff-heavy opening, Reid’s impressive vocal range is on display throughout, challenging the Iron Maiden frontman’s vocal skills during the chorus whilst managing to find room to fit the word “procrastination” into the lyrics, something that I can say with great certainty is a rarity in any genre! ‘When the Night She Fades’ starts with some serious cinematic atmosphere. Think dark, grimy LA streets under a freeway and a long way from the glitz and glamour of Rodeo Drive, with police sirens in the night air. The bass is again prominent (something that happens throughout this album) before the intro bursts into one of the tastiest riffs I’ve heard in a while. To me, this is a delicious and heavy slice of prime-time hard rock as opposed to the metal our hero is more known for. Riffs, bass, keyboards, a slow burning guitar solo… it’s musical drama at its best! ‘Change of Reasons’ is the bastard child of Metallica’s ‘Enter Sandman’ during the intro… but from there, don’t even try to track the timing or intensity. Just enjoy the ride! Slow and moody one moment, fast and heavy the next. Low and quiet vocals one moment, soaring high the next… with a guitar solo by Graham McLeod. Penultimate track ‘Chimaera’ is pure progressive rock and metal in the vein of Canadian legends Rush… but with the heaviness tripled and without Geddy Lee’s screeching vocals. The dancing bass and extraordinary drumming throughout, the time signature changes, the keyboard and guitar solos (by Chris Horne again!) all point to the rock and roll hall of famers. Final track ‘Obedience in the Void’ is another Tony Iommi-style heavy riff with a modern sheen. Black Sabbath-like doom bells set the tone for what’s to come; a dark, brooding, heavy track that when played loud, will literally shake your hifi speakers (trust me… I know!). Scrape away the riff and the keyboard effects and you’ll still find lots of melody… and even a rare vocal effect towards the end, like the one used on Cher’s pop hit ‘Believe’. Ok… it’s nothing like Cher… but listen and you’ll understand what I mean! Clocking in at just over five a half minutes, it’s the type of epic track that will always be a perfect end to an album… and the operatic choir effects in the closing bars confirm that! As the title suggests, there’s nothing quiet about ‘An Unquiet Mind’. It’s a powerful, riff-filled, heavy yet melodic insight into the wonderfully noisy mind of an incredibly creative soul! It’s metal… but there’s definite nods to prog and the more melodic end of hard rock. This Fioraidh deserves to be more popular than Tyson, so do yourself a favour and head to your streaming service of choice and hit play on ‘An Unquiet Mind’. When you’re done, hit play again! Even better, go old school and head over to Fioraidh’s Bandcamp page to order yourself a t-shirt and CD… and take a look at all the other Fioraidh albums available. I’ll be Fioraidh-ous if you don’t!

Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the return of the hard rock supergroup Iconic, featuring Michael Sweet (guitars), Joel Hoekstra (guitars), Marco Mendoza (bass), Tommy Aldridge (drums), and Nathan James (vocals), for their sophomore album “II”, scheduled for July 31, 2026. To celebrate the announcement, the band share the new single and accompanying lyric video, “Cry No More”, available now. Michael Sweet commented: “It’s been a long time coming and the time is finally here! It’s an absolute honor to be a part of such an incredible band and “Cry No More” is the perfect representation of who Iconic is. Music that takes you back to the best of times and reminds you that rock is still alive and well!” “It’s a pleasure to work with these fantastic musicians in Iconic. ‘Cry No More’ should give classic rock fans something raw and real in terms of both playing and production. Crank it up!”, Joel Hoekstra added. Nathan James also stated: “I'm so pleased to have made another album with these incredible musicians. I hope everyone enjoys this first single “Cry No More” and the whole album”. “Well, the time is here, folks, finally Iconic – “II” is coming to you, with the first single “Cry No More” coming soon!”, Marco Mendoza exclaimed. “Like always, it’s a blast and quite an honor to be part of a project like this, with all these players! Take a listen and enjoy! Viva la ROCK!!!”

Swedish sleaze metallers Smoking Snakes are excited to announce the release of their new studio album, “All Lights On”, out on July 10, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl. Following the release of the single “Pleasure And Pain”, the band share today a new track, “Broken Heart”, along with an official video. The band commented: “Broken Heart” captures the fragile line between despair and rebirth. Through vivid imagery of darkness, desire, and destiny, the song reflects on the scars left behind by love... And the quiet strength it takes to start again. It’s both intimate and explosive, turning vulnerability into power”.

Slyder Smith, best known as the guitarist and backing vocalist for Last Great Dreamers, returns with *Killing the Machine*, a sharp, punk‑edged rocker that carries both swagger and a warning. Produced by Robin Wynn Evans, the track features Smith’s current band: Brian Kerr on guitar, Kevin Skelly on bass and backing vocals, and John McAvoy on drums. Together, they bring a raw, road‑tested chemistry that drives the song forward. The track opens in a low, almost intimate way. There’s just guitar and vocals, and then the full band kicks in. Now the tempo and volume rise. The production keeps everything raw and energetic, giving the song a gritty punk edge with a subtle hint of rootsy Americana underneath. Smith takes aim at our growing dependence on technology in our private and professional lives. He sings about his uneasy feeling that machines are competing with us rather than serving us. The song blends frustration with a very human anxiety. It captures the idea that we’re losing control click by click, swipe by swipe. It’s punk in attitude, but the Americana undertones give it a broader emotional depth. The result is an upbeat, hook driven track with something to say; a rallying cry wrapped in a rock ’n’ roll grin.

Caitlin Krisko has never been an artist content to stand still. From her Detroit roots to her long‑established home in Asheville, she has spent the past decade shaping and reshaping her sound, drawing from soul, R&B, blues rock, and Americana to build something of her own. Under the banner of The Broadcast, she carved out a place in the modern roots‑rock landscape, releasing ‘Dodge the Arrow’ in 2013 and earning opening slots for Grace Potter, Marcus King, and the Tedeschi Trucks Band. Lineup changes came and went, but Krisko’s voice; both her sound and her vision, held everything together. By the time the band released ‘From the Horizon’ in 2016 and ‘Lost My Sight’ in 2020, the project had already begun moving toward her distinct vision. The decision to become Caitlin Krisko and The Broadcast made that official. Their new EP, ‘Halfway There’, feels like they’re culminating that journey: confident, grounded, and assured. It’s also a new beginning, the sound of a band aware of its strengths and unafraid to lean into them. The title track, “Halfway There,” opens the EP with a sweeping blend of blues, southern soul, and rock. It’s a song that carries the weight of lived experience, written as a tribute to Krisko’s late mother and threaded with the small homilies and lessons passed down through their relationship. Krisko’s bluesy vocals sit at the centre, raw but controlled, while the band builds a warm, textured backdrop for her. As an opener, it sets the emotional and musical tone for the EP; heartfelt, grounded, and unafraid to show its rough edges. “Everything I Need” lifts both the pace and the mood. It’s a fast love song, bright and full of drive. Krisko’s voice cuts through the mix with genuine force. The track feels light on its feet; it’s a song that would hit hard on stage. William Seymour’s bass and Michael W. Davis’s drums lock into a steady, tight groove. Aaron Austin’s guitar adds small touches of colour but never gets in the way. The song shows how strong the band is when they lean into their rock‑soul sound. The quiet highlight of the EP is “Hello My Dear,” a gentle blues song with a soft, soulful feel and a hint of country guitar. Aaron Austin’s playing is warm and open, while the piano and rhythm section move with calm ease. Krisko’s voice is close and tender, as if she’s singing to someone who still feels near even when they’re gone. The band holds back and gives her space, letting the vocals lead the way. It’s a song made for slow Saturday nights or peaceful Sunday mornings. Among the EP’s louder rock tracks, “Hello My Dear” stands out as its most tender and moving heart. “Let It Ride” pushes the energy back up. It’s a hard‑hitting rock song that follows a woman working through the week to reach her goals, then taking her freedom when Saturday comes: “On Saturdays, she gonna let it ride.” Krisko delivers the line with both swagger and warmth. The band backs her with strong, no‑nonsense playing. The track shows how well they mix grit with an easy, open sound. It gives the EP a sharp burst of release while still keeping its emotional thread intact. The EP ends with “Heart of Gold,” a strong rocker that pulls everything together. It shows the band’s tight bond. Seymour’s bass is steady and tuneful. Davis’s drums hit with sharp, clean force. Austin’s guitar lines are bold but never too much. Across all five tracks, the playing is sharp and controlled. Each member stands out, but no one takes over. The song remains the focus rather than individual showmanship. Aaron Austin’s production also deserves praise. The sound is clear and full, but it retains the band’s rough edge. You can hear the space in the room and the feel of actual players working together. Austin’s production doesn’t smooth out the sound or make anything too clean. The mix lifts the emotion in the music and lets the performances speak for themselves. Each song on the EP highlights a unique aspect of the band’s sound. It feels like a small journey, with moments of softness and strength flowing together. Krisko invites the listener to hear her growth and to feel the sense of unity that shapes The Broadcast’s sound. Amid all the energy and emotion, the band’s skill at moving between styles stands out. Each song has its own feel, yet they all fit together as one story. The EP shows both the band’s power and its softer side, giving listeners a full picture of what Caitlin Krisko and The Broadcast can do. It also marks how far they’ve come, offering something strong and memorable for new fans and long‑time listeners alike.

Today, the acclaimed American hard rock band TESLA is proud to announce their new album, 'Homage,' set for release on July 17, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl. Marking a full-circle moment in their storied career, the album finds the band returning to their roots with a collection of covers honoring some of rock’s most timeless hits. To offer fans a taste of what to expect on 'Homage,' TESLA shares their cover of Climax Blues Band's iconic track, "I Love You" (2026 Version). The new single arrives alongside an official video, available to view below. The band comments: "'I Love You,' like all the tracks on 'Homage,' not only pays tribute to legends but gives us a chance to showcase our lead singer’s diversity as well as the musical dynamics we learned as a band many years ago."