RELEASE YEAR: 2026BAND URL: https://www.sarischorr.com/ I distinctly and vividly recall the great Sari Schorr performing a forty-minute set at the WinterStorm Festival in Scotland one late afternoon a few years ago, and she and her talented bandmates blew us all away. Catchy choruses you just cannot argue with, an endless supply of shark hooks, all the…
RELEASE YEAR: 2026BAND URL: https://bjrnberge.bandcamp.com/album/morphine Renowned Norwegian blues rocker Bjørn Berge released his latest record just a couple of weeks ago via the lovely and eclectic Apollon Records, and it is a gritty-sounding and emotionally charged yet charming affair that offers an interesting take on the blues. More than that though, it offers a highly creative…
RELEASE YEAR: 2026BAND URL: https://www.facebook.com/beggarsbliss What a lovely little treat this self-titled effort by the Derby-based hard rockers Beggars Bliss is. Immediately accessible and full of meaty motifs and bluesy riffs, this disc is an effective slab of vintage rock with staying power and depth to it. The song arrangements often impress and the compositional skill…
RELEASE YEAR: 2026BAND URL: https://www.facebook.com/RobinTrower/ The legendary Robin Trower (ex-Procol Harum) has been impressively productive not to mention highly creative these past many years as evidenced by a string of robust and enjoyable solo offerings. As solid as many of those outputs are, the stage is where Trower truly shines and also where his songs pack…
RELEASE YEAR: 2025BAND URL: https://www.stevemorseofficial.com/ The supremely skilled Steve Morse, who has delighted us for decades with his vibrant and vigorous work with Deep Purple, Dixie Dregs, Flying Colors, Kansas, and not least his solo offerings, is back with a new album that sees him team up with such renowned musicians as bass player Dave LaRue…
RELEASE YEAR: 2025BAND URL: https://linktr.ee/LunaMarble Manchester’s very own Luna Marble are set to release this self-titled opus of theirs in early November, and I might as well start out by saying that it is a proper gem that weaves the best parts of Led Zeppelin, the Yardbirds, Jimi Hendrix, early Fleetwood Mac, Rival Sons, and Pink…
RELEASE YEAR: 2025BAND URL: https://www.slashonline.com/ This is something quite different yet very refreshing; a collection of classic blues tracks recorded by a wicked band comprised of Teddy “ZigZag” Andreadis (keyboards, harmonica, and vocals), Tash Neal (rhythm guitar and vocals), Johnny Griparic (bass and backing vocals), Michael Jerome (drums), and then obviously the maestro himself on the six-string, the legendary Slash. Not exactly…
RELEASE YEAR: 2025BAND URL: https://www.mascotlabelgroup.com/ Dedicated to his late brother, Manuel Gales, and featuring some mighty impressive guest appearances by the likes of Buddy Guy, Joe Bonamassa, Roosevelt Collier and Josh Smith just to list a few, A Tribute to LJK sees the remarkably gifted Eric Gales pay homage to lost loved one in a classy…
RELEASE YEAR: 2025BAND URL: https://www.waltertrout.com/home Legendary blues rocker Walter Trout is the ultimate survivor and a divinely gifted songwriter whose compositions overflow with raw nerve, fiery passion, words that speak to the soul, and gritty riffs with enough power to shake loose your fillings and prompt you to call that much-dreaded dentist of yours. There is…
RELEASE YEAR: 2025BAND URL: https://www.francisrossi.com/ Francis Rossi of Status Quo fame recently released this seventeen-track compilation of various demo versions and alternate takes – many of which relate to his work with and songwriting contribution to the aforementioned Quo – and it is a rather intriguing album in many respects. Some of the ideas presented on…
RELEASE YEAR: 2025BAND URL: https://www.mascotlabelgroup.com/collections/gary-moore Often imitated but never surpassed, the sadly missed Gary Moore was one of a kind and his music will continue to inspire and thrill us for many decades to come. Recorded towards the end of 2008 a mere three years before his untimely death at the age of 58, this beautiful…
RELEASE YEAR: 2025BAND URL: https://www.facebook.com/RobinTrower/ The renowned and skilled Robin Trower (formerly of Procol Harum) has been rather prolific these past ten years or so, and this upcoming eleven-track effort of his sees the blues rock veteran deliver a solid and enjoyable set of catchy tunes. With his lovely laidback and occasionally restrained vocals on top…
VENUE: Troon Concert HallDATE: 29.11.2024 ORGANIZER: Plan BPHOTOGRAPHER: C. NepperPhotos copyrights belong to the photographer. No unauthorized usage allowed. Please contact photographer if you wish to reuse images in any context. Jethro Tull’s Martin Barre surely needs no introduction as his immense contribution to prog rock (and rock music in general) these past many…
RELEASE YEAR: 2024BAND URL: https://www.dewolff.nu/#/news Just by listening to this joyous and uplifting record I could have sworn that these gentlemen originate from the Deep South of the US, but the fact is that Dewolff hail from the Netherlands. Nevertheless, such is the authenticity and conviction with which these chaps churn out their passionate tunes,…
RELEASE YEAR: 2024BAND URL: https://www.facebook.com/kaasinmusic/ Bluesy hardrock and an epic story of a true hero of the West Single & video out November 22nd, 2024! Former Come Taste the Band guitarist, JO HENNING KAASIN, known for his collaboration with, among others, GLENN HUGHES (Deep Purple) and JOE LYNN TURNER (Rainbow) founded KAASIN together with bassist…
RELEASE YEAR: 2024BAND URL: https://www.georgiathunderbolts.com/ US rockers The Georgia Thunderbolts have a wonderful knack for churning out crisp and candid tunes with an electrifying vibe to them, and this spright sophomore album of theirs is simply an essential listen. Not only does Rise Above It All show how resolutely great this band is but also…
RELEASE YEAR: 2024BAND URL: https://thecoldstares.bandcamp.com/album/the-southern The talented trio from Indiana known as The Cold Stares is gearing up to release this beautifully crafted and evocative record of theirs titled The Southern in September, and it is something to look forward to. Full of captivating ideas, classy melodies, emotive vocals, and sophisticated hooks, the album is…
RELEASE YEAR: 2024BAND URL: https://www.facebook.com/Eddieandthewolves/ What a delightful surprise this Derby-based act is! These talented and hard-rocking blues rockers conjure up a massive amount of groove and countless golden hooks on this refreshing and robust 9-song record of theirs, and the whole thing is literally a treasure trove of strong, bouncy riffs and superb vocal…
RELEASE YEAR: 2024BAND URL: https://blackcountrycommunion.com/ Very few if any hard rock acts that I can think of deserve the “super group” tag as much as the awe-inspiring Black Country Communion do, which comes down to the simple facct that not many star-studded constellations of musicians have released such stellar outputs as Joe Bonamasa, Jason Bonham,…
RELEASE YEAR: 2024BAND URL: https://gjenferdbergen.bandcamp.com/album/gjenferd This stunning and ridiculously well-written not to mention infectiously catchy debut effort by the Norwegian outfit named Gjenferd is one of the best things that has happened to me this year. By Odin, this is so fucking awesome and inspired that I lack words, and that rarely happens, mind you.…
RELEASE YEAR: 2024BAND URL: https://www.facebook.com/sunfaceband/ It has been way too long since we last heard from the Oslo-based rockers known as Sunface, but the eight-year gap between their stunning debut album and this, their highly potent sophomore effort, has been worth the wait, which is testament to just how delightfully enthralling Cloud Castles well and…
RELEASE YEAR: 2024BAND URL: https://jbonamassa.com/ This stunning live document by renowned blues rocker Joe Bonamassa is nothing short of a musical triumph that brings even more flavor and depth to the brilliant musician’s arsenal of superbly written, emotionally rich tunes. Bonamassa performed at the legendary Hollywood Bowl with a full orchestra back in August last…
RELEASE YEAR: 2024BAND URL: https://www.cedricburnside.net/ Renowned blues maestro Cedric Burnside is one of the greats of the genre and his upcoming album titled Hill Country Love is nothing short of a triumph. The vibrant aura and heartfelt passion of the material make for a frighteningly convincing, outright authentic, and emotionally gratifying listening experience that speaks…
RELEASE YEAR: 2024BAND URL: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4HBC3DZwjOaVS5TQEt7fwB Medusa turned out to be a rather uplifting and enjoyable listening experience to these ears – more so than many of the other Frontiers projects conceived by the label – due to the style and tone of the record having a cool, groovy, and seventies-ish hard rock vibe to it.…
RELEASE YEAR: 2024BAND URL: https://www.thunderonline.com/ The fabulous British rockers Thunder have unearthed a cracking good and highly energetic live recording dating back to late December of 2006 when they played a surprise gig at the Planet Rock Christmas party, which took place at the Islington Academy in London as the title of the release aptly…
RELEASE YEAR: 2024BAND URL: https://www.waltertrout.com/ The upcoming record by blues rock legend Walter Trout entitled Broken is nothing short of spectacular, and the entire thing is brimming with atmosphere, heart, soul, and some of the best riffs and licks that I have ever come across, which is saying something. This twelve-track output packs so much…
RELEASE YEAR: 2023 BAND URL: https://www.robbenford.com/ The legendary guitar-slinger Robben Ford is a true master of his craft as evidenced by the quality of his recorded works and live performances be that as a solo artist or a member of various bands such as Yellowjackets and L.A. Express. Also, the number of renowned artists and musicians…
RELEASE YEAR: 2023 BAND URL: https://omnibuspress.com/products/white-knuckles-the-life-of-gary-moore-published-on-8th-september-2021?_pos=1&_sid=672ce29c4&_ss=r Being the huge fan and admirer of Martin Power’s epic book on Jimmy Page titled No Quarter that I am, I was naturally rather psyched and excited when a copy of White Knuckles landed on my doorstep. The role and significance of the immortal and sadly missed Gary Moore cannot…
RELEASE YEAR: 2023 BAND URL: https://www.ericsardinasmusic.com/ American blues rocker EriC Sardinas is known for his wild and electrifying albums and tours, and his new offering titled Midnight Junction, which is out via earMUSIC, perfectly summarizes and encapsulates what he and his bandmates are all about. We are talking unashamedly raw, suitably loud, and delightfully unpolished blues…
RELEASE YEAR: 2023 BAND URL: https://www.facebook.com/traciiguns/ Blackbird Angels turned out to be a very cool and pleasant surprise in that it sees such skilled musicians as Tracii Guns (guitars), Todd Kerns (vocals), and Adam Hamilton (drums) teaming up to deliver a raw and raunchy slab of blues-infested hard rock. Two things that immediately came to mind…
RELEASE YEAR: 2023BAND URL: https://www.facebook.com/JanetGardnerofficial/?locale=nb_NO Not being familiar with the previous offering titled Synergy by the skilled and musically powerful duo consisting of singer Janet Gardner and guitarist Justin James, I had no real idea what to expect when I popped this CD into the record player, but fortunately, I was in for a nice…
RELEASE YEAR: 2023 BAND URL: http://sheburnsred.com/ Having not yet had the pleasure of listening to the previous offering by this Scottish hard rock act, namely the debut EP named Take Back Tomorrow from 2020, I had no idea what to expect from this upcoming album by She Burns Red. What I can tell you is that…
VENUE: BastionenDATE: 17.06.2023 ORGANIZER: Bergen LivePHOTOGRAPHER: J. Nepper.Photos copyrights belong to the photographer. No unauthorized usage allowed. Please contact photographer if you wish to reuse images in any context. The awesome purveyors of atomic hard rock from California known as Dirty Honey paid the lovely city of Bergen a visit on a hot and…
RELEASE YEAR: 2023 BAND URL: https://www.tribulation.se/ I remember once listening to The Formulas Of Death²⁰¹³ and later The Children Of The Night²⁰¹⁵ (which came out after The Horror²⁰⁰⁹, the debut after 5 years from Tribulation’s conception) and praising the melodic death metal the founders Johannes Andersson (bass, vocals) and Paul Adam “Zaars” Zars (guitars) then…
RELEASE YEAR: 2022 BAND URL: https://www.instagram.com/iamorianthi/ The hugely talented Orianthi is keeping busy and staying creative these days, which is great to see, and her latest LP entitled Rock Candy is a fine entry in the awesome lady’s discography. That hard and sharp sound of the record suits the material quite nicely, and I love the…
RELEASE YEAR: 2022BAND URL: https://omnibuspress.com/products/peter-green-the-authorised-biography-published-on-31st-march-2022 This updated and revised classic on the wildly gifted and enigmatic founder of Fleetwood Mac, more specifically blues legend Peter Green, is an illuminating study of a musical icon and an extraordinarily complex human being that perpetually seemed to shun fame and fortune. Written by Martin Celmins who was a…
RELEASE YEAR: 2022 BAND URL: https://www.facebook.com/oledevilandthespiritchasers The title of this sophomore offering by the talented Ole Teigen and his band known as the Spirit Chasers is a most fitting one in that the musical content is gritty as fuck. It crackles with restless energy, agony, heartache, loathing, despair, evil, and generally just all the different things…
RELEASE YEAR: 2022 BAND URL: http://www.jeffbeck.com/ Following their engaging and memorable performance at the old fortress in Bergen back in early July this year, I quickly became wildly enthusiastic about this collaboration by the two gentlemen, Jeff Beck (lead guitars and bass) and Johnny Depp (vocals, bass, and rhythm guitars). While the former is unarguably one…
RELEASE YEAR: 2022BAND URL: https://winter5.bandcamp.com/album/looking-back Looking Back by Winter is not merely a retrospective anthology or a compilation but rather a collection of re-recorded and reworked tunes from the outfit’s back catalogue. Musically speaking, this is an eclectic and interesting mixture of many different things, and dark rock seems like an apt description here. Hard…
RELEASE YEAR: 2022 BAND URL: https://www.facebook.com/Orianthi The latest output by the accomplished Orianthi is a live offering that was shot and recorded back in January this year at the Bourbon Room in Hollywood. Backed by a brilliant cast of musicians including renowned drummer Glen Sobel (Alice Cooper, Hollywood Vampires), the guitarist tears through songs both old…
RELEASE YEAR: 2022BAND URL: https://www.facebook.com/slydersmithandtheoblivionkids Now this was a nice surprise and something completely different to what one usually receives for review. Slyder Smith and the Oblivion Kids are about to release this fourteen-track effort of theirs in August and let me tell you right off the bat that we are dealing with a pretty…
RELEASE YEAR: 2022 BAND URL: https://howlinsun.bandcamp.com/album/howlin-sun What a lovely surprise it was to see that the self-titled opus from 2018 by the Norwegian rockers Howlin’ Sun is available on vinyl and CD again. This re-issue does not bring anything new to the table in terms of bonus tracks or outtakes or anything like that, but…
VENUE: Bergenhus Festning (Plenen)DATE: 03.07.2022 ORGANIZER: Bergen Live The legendary guitarist that is Jeff Beck surely needs no introduction as the man has been a musical pioneer and trailblazer ever since the early sixties, and yours truly was very excited about seeing Beck and his talented cohorts grace the stage at Bergenhus Festning in…
VENUE: Utilita ArenaDATE: 14.05.2022 ORGANIZER: Live NationPHOTOGRAPHER: C. NepperPhotos copyrights belong to the photographer. No unauthorized usage allowed. Please contact photographer if you wish to reuse images in any context. The day had finally arrived where my better half and I (and roughly eleven thousand other fans) were to witness a most impressive line-up…
RELEASE YEAR: 2022BAND URL: https://larsenthecoloureddreams.bandcamp.com/releases Spearheaded by Kjell B. Larsen from renowned prog rockers Ruphus and backed by a talented cast of musicians, this brand-new Norwegian outfit using the psychedelic moniker Larsen and the Coloured Dreams has released a rather pleasant and occasionally soothing record in the shape of “Bucket List” The musical blueprint is…
RELEASE YEAR: 2022BAND URL: https://www.facebook.com/lana.lane.official.artist.page/ It has been a few years since Lana Lane’s last solo offering if I remember correctly, and seeing her latest album entitled “Neptune Blue” in the mailbox recently made me quite happy and also a tad surprised as I had no idea that she had been recording new material during…
