Mad About Rock

  Old-school German thrash metallers Bitterness return with their new nine-track album, marking their first time featuring guest musicians. The opener ‘WWH8’ makes for a gripping start with its stomping riffs, while ‘AMOK: KOMA’ uncovers devilish vocals and imbues an ominous, murky sound. ‘Hypochristian’ adds more diversity, featuring audio clips to aid its effect. Track ‘High Sobriety’ features robust vocals from Andreas “Gerre” Geremia (Tankard) and a guitar solo from Michael Goldschmidt and is a changeable offering with shifting tempos, making for a melodic, hard-hitting dose of thrash. Michael Goldschmidt also plays the solo on ‘Win-Windustry’. The title track starts off on an eerie, resonant note and does its job, representing the band and the album superbly. ‘Magnum Innominandum’ is a sombre yet hopeful-sounding instrumental, and they decide to end the album on the unexpected but brilliant Misfits cover with ‘Scream!’, which works well and makes for a different and fun ending...

  Diverse Alternative quartet Opensight are back with their highly anticipated follow-up to 2022's 'Mondo Fiction'. With their new album 'The Outfit', they exhibit more purpose and creativity, expanding on their unique and engaging sound. The first full song, 'Killer Outfit', is very diverse, enthralling, and incredibly catchy, especially aided by the wah-wah guitars, making it hard to resist. 'In Plain Sight' is a fun, infectiously melodic offering that embraces a 70s vibe and is highly memorable, getting its hooks in. Changing the tone with the cinematic 'Defying Eye' with a more dark sound, which is vast and immersive. Further in, they mesmerise with the atmospheric 'Mantra', which is a striking and intriguing track. The alarming and alluring 'Heist' is an eerie yet beautiful progressive track which is very reminiscent of Opeth, and you can easily lose yourself in. The final track, 'Delusion' is rich and layered, so...

  Following the release of their crushing 2024 demo, ‘Temples Of Pestilence, ’ the Saint-Petersburg quartet has crafted their anticipated debut album, and it doesn’t disappoint! After an atmospheric intro we land at the ‘Epitome Of Fear’ which showcases their sinister, raw and no nonsense death metal, which leaves a lasting impression and leaves you eager to dive further into the dark abyss with the likes of the savage doom-esque offering ‘Devilish Prophecies’ and be hit with the unrelenting groove of ‘Decapitate The Saints’ which is armed with menacing riffs. ‘Ascent to the Crucifixion’ will consume you as you get lost amidst its overpowering, gloomy rhythms and melodies, while ‘Invocation’ will alarm you with its ominous and skilled guitarwork. The final blow, ‘Father Of Sin’, is foreboding, untamed, and powerful, a great way to end. They deliver an impressive, crushing debut album with their authentic old-school death metal infused with thrash, leaving a deep, brutal mark in a s...

  Today, BUSH release their 10th studio album, I Beat Loneliness — a bold, emotionally charged body of work born from heartbreak, isolation, and deep self-examination. Produced by Erik Ron (Panic! At The Disco), the record is steeped in the honesty and cathartic power that has defined Rossdale’s career. Introduced by first single ‘The Land of Milk and Honey’ a gritty yet euphoric anthem, and ‘60 Ways to Forget People’, a slow-burn reckoning with memory and loss, the album pushes further into visceral territory. Spanning 12 anthemic and soul-baring tracks, I Beat Loneliness opens an unflinching conversation around emotional vulnerability — especially the silence that often surrounds men’s mental health. On tracks like ‘Scars’ — the record’s focus track — BUSH confront that silence head-on. ‘Scars’ is a raw reckoning with pain and healing, turning wounds into proof of survival. From seismic rock choruses to stripped-down confessions, the album dares listeners to feel everything — rem...

  Bush is back with their unique electrifying sound with their anticipated tenth album, 'I Beat Loneliness', which is released worldwide on July 18th 2025. The album gets off to a gripping start with the striking 'Scars', which has a particularly catchy and powerful chorus. The title track 'I Beat Loneliness' features pleasing and charming vocals, accompanied by driven, commanding riffs, making it a good representation of the album and the band's sound. The already released single 'Land Of Milk And Honey' embodies the signature Bush sound, with alluring vocals and a high-impact chorus, and sports a darker vibe, making it a standout moment. 'We're All The Same On The Inside' is uplifting, dynamic, and relatable. Changing up the tempo and direction, 'Don't Be Afraid' offers a more soothing, mellow moment with emotive vocals, keeping things diverse. 'Footsteps In The Sand' picks up the pace again and is equally ambient an...

  Midlands melodic metallers The Black Hounds return with the release of their sophomore album titled, 'All Kingdoms Fall', which explores the concept that everything, whether good or bad, comes to an end. The band have hit the decade milestone and, since their inception, has had several line-up changes, but the new release and follow-up to their debut 'Colossus' is a testament to the band expanding their sound and finding their groove. The opening track, 'Foundations, ' is a melodic, powerful track with soaring guitars and varied, clean and fierce vocals, which leaves you eager to hear more. The crushing 'Tyrant', although bleak lyrically as it is about confronting abuse and heavier in stature, remains vibrant and tuneful and stomps throughout with some great headbanging moments. The melancholic instrumental 'Unrest' is dynamic and progresses intensely as it unfolds, leading us abruptly into the third swift and charging single 'Breaking The ...

  Rook Road was formed in 2020 and brings the nostalgic rock vibes of the 70s to their sound but with a modern flair which they describe as diversity rock. Their self-titled debut album is a gleaming example of this and is a worthwhile and fun journey. The opener, 'Talk Too Much', is a brilliant attitude-packed track that hits hard with its swagger, making for a great one to kick off with and 'Sick To The Bone' follows and keeps momentum high with its strong, catchy melodies. 'Sometimes' changes the place up, as it's a slower ballad, but it's equally as powerful as their faster tempo tracks and executed brilliantly, being smooth and rich. 'Kindo Glow' is groovy and alarming in a great way, with the Hammond organ driving the track, and it is hard to resist its charm and melody. 'Celebrations (Feels Like)' opens with striking organs, and some soulful yet strong vocals make an effective combo. It is a must-hear track that sums up their sound...

  Progressive Slovenian metal quartet originally started out as a one-man project by Slovenian musician Matic Blagonič but has now evolved into a collective group of musicians keen to thrive in the Slovenian metal scene. They describe their sound as post-progressive-metal, effectively balancing heavy moments with tranquil sections. This is evident in their upcoming debut album 'imago' which will take you to dreamy and enthralling metal soundscapes. The concept album is about a journey through a man's inner hell and the challenge of overcoming inner demons and trauma, so it touches on themes such as depression, loss, and addiction and takes the listener through the circle of trials but endeavours to emerge with a hopeful and positive message through its lyrics and sounds. The opening atmospheric track 'semita tenebrarum' sets the scene and concept with a dramatic despairing spoken voice intro that starts out in a normal voice and then gets more sinister before instru...

  Mysterious dark melodic metal quintet Supreme Unbeing unleash their sophomore album ‘Enduring Physicality’, which encourages people and society to challenge aspects of being human in today’s world. They describe themselves as prophets, and this new release consists of ten tracks or messages as the band likes to view them. Let’s see what the band have to teach us. The opening track ‘The Devil Smiles’ is striking and soaring. Varied vocals and a dark yet vibrant sound make this a powerful start to hook you in for what lies ahead. They change the tempo, with the melodic and atmospheric ‘Deliverance Or Salvation’ being well structured and layered with a slick guitar solo. ‘Face Of Evil’ features brilliant progression and build-up, which is well placed and effective. It is hefty musically and lyrically and is sinister yet alluring. An impressive guitar solo sees the track out abruptly. The gleaming mellow ‘Savior’ shows more skilful guitar work and enjoyable melodic vocals. They ramp ...

  International melodic death metal group Act Of Denial was founded by lead guitarist and songwriter Voi Cox (Koziak, Victim) and guitarist Luger (Koziak, Benighted-Cro) in early 2020 to create early melodic death metal like they grew up with. They enlisted the help of some of their idols and those they admire to bring their vision to life. They are joined by Björn Strid (Soilwork), bassist Steve Di Giorgio (Death, Testament), drummer Kerim “Krimh” Lechner (Septicflesh) and keyboardist John Lönnmyr (The Night Flight Orchestra). As if the project line-up wasn’t hefty enough, some of the tracks also feature special guests. The opener ‘Puzzle Heart’ gets things off to a rapid and sizzling start that immediately hooks you in. Björn Strid’s diverse and signature tones work wonderfully, which is no surprise given his work with Soilwork. The song delivers the perfect blend of melody and aggression to take you on an exhilarating ride and sets the scene for the rest of the album. The striki...

Accidental President are a Alt-Rock trio who have concocted their unique blend of hard rock which is mixed with goth and metal elements and makes for a refreshing and exciting sound especially through their theatrical delivery. Their self-titled debut album which was unleashed on July 1st 2020 showcases this wonderfully.... Opening track 'Hopes & Dreams' kicks off with a soaring ambient guitar intro with Bethany Neville delivering memorable and hard-hitting vocals to accompany the highly skilled instrumentation in this optimistic rock track which is a solid and captivating start. Single 'Rotten Child' grabs your attention immediately with fiercer attitude packed vocals and changes the tone up with a more alarming and dysfunctional sound keeping things dynamic and fun whereas '100 Days' keeps things feisty and exciting. 'Last Breath' has a smooth guitar intro with some of the best and beautiful vocals from Bethany who gets to show her capabilit...

Finnish melodic death metallers RE-ARMED unleash their fourth highly anticipated album on June 5th via Black Lion Records titled Ignis Aeternum which is Latin for 'fire forever' which seems a very fitting title for what is to come... Opening track 'Dive Within' is powerful and fast throughout with quick fierce vocal bursts matching the speed and tone of the instruments wonderfully. It ends on a ambient beautiful note and gives you everything and more to keep you gripped. Soaring single 'Beyond The Horizon' features endless resonant and striking guitars which makes it exhilarating throughout, as well as memorable clean vocals in the chorus, making a nice contrast to the harsher vocals and acts as a brilliant representative track for the band and album. It is solid and slick with technical instrumentation and tonnes of depth, something the band thrives on. This is one to stick on repeat. 'Ode To Life' opens with some strong and prominent bass and...

Black Roze is a quintet from Kent, UK who incorporate many rock genres into their sound, giving them an interesting and appealing blend and their debut full-length album 'Spiritual Hell' highlights this perfectly. Opener ‘Obscenity’ is extremely melodic throughout with an especially memorable chorus. This is a great way to open as it leaves you wanting more of this raw and exciting sound and singer Vixen soothes you with her pleasing vocals. 'Godz N Queenz' is heavier and far more sleazy but in a gritty and brilliant way, with catchy hooks and attitude packed vocals from vocalist Viixen who gets to show her diversity – this is a fun and hard-hitting track. ‘Soul On Fire’ is a fiery slow burner which appropriately features a lot of soul, especially through Vixen’s beautiful vulnerable vocals. This is very powerful and soaring, with ambient and bluesy guitars throughout. Towards the end, there is a great transition as it picks up the pace whilst remaining c...

A Killer's Confession, the band led by vocalist Waylon Reavis (former vocalist of Mushroomhead) have just released their new sophomore album ‘The Indifference Of Good Men’ yesterday the 18th October 2019 via Wake Up! Music Group. This album is the follow up to the bands critically acclaimed debut album ‘Unbroken’. The album sees a new direction in sound for the band whilst maintaining their signature sound created in their debut. Opening song ‘It’s Not Too Late’ features a fast crushing guitar intro with demanding spoken vocals that keep you captivated before the fiercer vocals come in. This is very dynamic, melodic, unpredictable and exciting, making for a perfect way to kick things off and leaves you hungry for more… New single ‘Numb’ follows which begins with an atmospheric sorrowful intro paired with soothing clean vocals, later it goes on to feature an infectiously catchy powerful chorus. This is a soaring and high impact lead track which is extremely slick and...

Heavy rock trio The Rocket Dolls unleash their sophomore album 'DeaDHead' on the 6th April and it will further assert their status as ones to watch… New single 'None Of This Is Right’ kicks off the album and makes for a dramatic gripping start. Nikki Smash’s vocals are great and varied. This is a solid well-rounded rock track that is strong with catchy hooks throughout…everything is ‘right’ about this. The dark title track 'DeaDHead' has a hard grunge vibe, bouncy heavy riffs and memorable guitar work. This a standout track which serves perfectly as the representation of the band’s sound. This release is well balanced, ranging from stomping grunge rock anthems to more chilled and mainstream rock moments seen in tracks such as ‘She Said’ which is stripped back but still with a grunge rock influence present and ‘The Last Thing On My Mind’ which flows wonderfully on from this, with a massive rock ballad feel and again demonstrates their softer more accessibl...

Final Coil are an English alternative rock act that combines grunge, progressive and metal to make their own unique sound. Having previously released two EP’s ‘Somnambulant’ in 2014 and ‘Closed to the Light’ the year after, 2017 finally marked the time of their full-length debut titled ‘Persistence Of Memory’. The opening song ‘Corruption’ is melodic and features resonant guitars and soaring vocals throughout. The overall feel is haunting and gloomy aided by the crushing riffs, making for a strong initial impact… ‘Dying’ has a different feel, being rather ethereal and smooth acting as a softer side to the band and therefore showing that they have more layers, especially as it is more subtle but still highly effective and one to let drift over you, whereas ‘Alone’ has more of a sinister undertone and features some brilliant rhythms and melodies. The colossal ‘Failed Light’ which is ten minutes long is a standout moment for the band as they get to do what they do best and in an ex...

Modern metal quartet Spreading The Disease from Kent, UK formed in 2014 and then earlier this year in September 2017 they finally unleased their debut album ‘Insurrection’ which shows they are ready to infect metalheads and critics alike with their no-nonsense sounds… Opening song ‘Find My Path’ starts with a melodic and resonant intro before fierce vocals come in with hard-hitting heavy guitars, it then goes on to feature an effective stripped back section towards the end which gives it extra depth. This is a powerful and strong start to the album. ‘Words Unspoken’ is a thumping tune with great rhythms and is very headbang worthy and incredibly catchy, keeping up the momentum is self-named track ‘Spreading The Disease’ which immediately pulls you in with catchy melodies and is all consuming with mighty riffs and a massive aggressive sound. Latest single ‘Greed’ is frantic and driven and features some of the best guitarwork so far and again is very belligerent ...

Extreme metal quartet Vehement unleashed their sophomore album ‘Ashes’ via new label Infernum Records in October 2017, following their debut ‘Collapse’ in 2013 the band have taken a new direction and evolved by challenging the barriers of the genre... Opening track ‘Far Below Us’ has an atmospheric and bleak intro to set the scene before all hell breaks loose with fierce powerful screams and high-velocity instruments to accompany. Towards the end, it sounds even more sinister and unhinged giving it an extra edge and making for a memorable first offering. Title track ‘Ashes’ in contrast opens on a hopeful and more upbeat note initially, before order is restored and the darkness consumes but it also goes on to feature some soaring clean vocals which help it stand out, this is a well-rounded more diverse number that shows their layers more so and ends with some epic guitar work which resonates until the end. The shortest song is in the form of the haunting and beautifu...

Hard Rockers Bobaflex from West Virginian are back to wreak havoc with their eighth album ‘Eloquent Demons’ which is the follow to 2015’s ‘Anything That Moves’, this sees not only their first release through Thermal Entertainment but their first actual label release in a while after the band decided to go independent. They are a very hardworking and tireless band, having extensively toured, and even setting records for this, they certainly don’t do anything by half measures. The opening intro and title track sounds very appropriately evil, with a creepy intro speech to set the scene whilst we wait for the demons to be fully unleashed… First proper track ‘I Am Nightmare’ immediately sees heavy dark guitars and melodic group singing, which give it a classic feel with a gritty edge and is possesses a hell of a powerful chorus, not to mention a killer solo – this will be hard to forget. Keeping the momentum going is ‘Long Time Coming’ which is equally as hard-hitti...

British heavy metal five-piece, Synaptik from Norwich, UK have a mighty sound that combines thrash, power and progressive metal elements, forming to make their own unique concoction, that they have been delivering since their origins in 2012. Following their critically acclaimed 2014 debut album “The Mechanisms of Consequence” , they are back to make an huge impact with the anticipated new album, “Justify & Reason” which is released on March 10th. 2017 is the year of Synaptik, having already signed with DeFox and Heart Of Steal records as well as landing a US deal with Divebomb records and re-releasing a remixed heavier version of their hit debut. The sophomore album sees the band reach new heights, truly honing in on their already distinct sound, with a bigger focus on progressive depth and darker sounds… Opening track, ‘The Incredible Machine’ kicks into action furiously with rich melodic vocals from vocalist, John Knight to accompany the intricate guitars and changeable bac...