Admin

Total Post: 3913

A turbocharged Rock and Roll website.

All The Madmen – ‘All The Madmen’ (Rum Bar Records)

All The Madmen – ‘All The Madmen’ (Rum Bar Records)

It’s been a while since we last reviewed a Rum Bar Records release, but All the Madmen simply couldn’t be ignored. encompassing a huge catalogue on one release (almost 40), when the virtual needle dropped on the magnificent Bowie Glam stomping ‘So Many Times’, I was transfixed. With a great mix, it was cancel everything I’m all in on the Madmen for the time being.

Vibrant, punchy, paying homage to an era of discovery and wonderment, yet keeping it real and relevant the songs popped and jumped out of my speakers with a joy of life and grabbed my undivided attention like all good records.

All The Madmen complete retrospective encompassing 3 full-length album releases: Ordinary Life / Twinstar Radio / Teenage American Style

If you love an artist and they have a profound impact on how you deliver your music, then why the hell not embrace it, Don’t spend your short time on this spinning rock denouncing or denying, embrace it and run with it – see where it takes you. Obviously don’t rip ’em off for parodying them, but emulate and be inspired, that’s always cool and that’s what is happening here. There is no avoiding the fact that singer Glen Meredith is a fan and shapes how he delivers the vocals, but there’s more to it than that; he’s not mimicking, he’s being himself. When the band get locked into the music, it’s a beautiful thing, all the glitzed-up sleaze of it.

There’s a hard edge going on, but also a keen eye on the pop melodies and mass appeal, which isn’t a bad thing. Sure, there’s a lot of material to get through, but it can also be indulged in manageable chunks. Some of the highlights would be the softer moments like ‘Teenage American Style’ and the anthemic ‘Ordinary Life’. Music is there to be enjoyed, and All The Madmen got the memo and delivered a thoroughly enjoyable bunch of tunes. Go on, dive in, you’ll like what you hear.

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

Degenerate – ‘Rituals of Rage’ (Self Release)

Degenerate – ‘Rituals of Rage’ (Self Release)

Dutch thrash/death metallers Degenerate latest release ‘Rituals of Rage’ certainly does rage. If you’re a fan of early Sepultura, Kreator, Death and Morbid Angel, you will LOVE Degenerate.

Since they formed back in 2016, Degenerate have built a solid reputation in the Dutch metal scene, their debut release (Devastation Ahead) put them on the map, and since then, the band have gigged tirelessly.

Rituals of Rage is a full-on headbanging feast of an album, completely relentless in its attack on the senses. Honestly, after listening to the entire thing, I was exhausted!

Superb musicianship all round, shredding guitars, God knows what BPM double bass drums and screaming/guttural vocals are the order of the day with Degenerate. These guys really know how to play. Don’t be fooled into thinking that they can’t write a melody, though; there are plenty to be heard here. My favourite track, “The Cult”, is full of Maiden-esque guitar melodies and shows the lighter side of the band (on occasion!)

“Illuminate” is another great track with some added gang vocals for full on effect. Lovely stuff. As I said earlier, if you love your classic thrash/death metal, Degenerate will be just up your street. Give Rituals of Rage a play, you won’t be sorry.

Buy Here

Author: Kenny Kendrick

Warfare – Deluxe 40th Anniversary Vinyl Edition – ‘The Lemmy Sessions’ (Cadiz Music)

Warfare – Deluxe 40th Anniversary Vinyl Edition – ‘The Lemmy Sessions’ (Cadiz Music)

RPM Online originally reviewed the 3 CD version of the eLemmy sessions that was released on 3 CDs however fast forward a couple of years and the good people at Cadiz have only gone and pressed the bugger onto a pair of gold and black vinyl records. Check out what our maestro of old school metal has to say about the Lemmy sessions.

Hot on the heels of the excellent 2021 released ‘Songbook Of Filth’ 3CD set (you can read RPM’s review – HERE), where HNE provided a comprehensive history lesson in all things Warfare and their main man, Evo. Here they take a deep dive into the band’s second album, uncovering the “long lost” original rough mix that Lemmy undertook prior to the final mix-down, with the 9 tracks also in the intended album running order.

As with pretty much everything Warfare ever do though this release comes complete with a warning, and whilst this time around it isn’t regarding profanity or a possible health and safety issue what it does involve is the fact that the ‘Lemmy Sessions’ recordings do come from the original cassette, so its complete with the inevitable tape drop outs that were only to common almost 4 decades ago. To put this into context, think about what would have been considered something akin to a soundboard recording back in the halcyon days of tape trading, and that is really what you are getting here.

Of course, playing the original rough mixes alongside the finished album, which is polished up is always going to show the recordings up for what they are, rough mixes, but as a collector’s curio, they are most certainly well worth a listen, as is of course the finished album. Which, on playing again here, I still can’t help but wonder what might have been if the band’s superb ‘Pure Filth’ debut had received the production that Lemmy afforded ‘Metal Anarchy’.

Right, I’m off to dig out my Metal City VHS for a long overdue watch (Google it if you are wondering what the hell I’m on about) as this set has really got me in the mood for some proper ‘Metal Anarchy’.

Let’s get some hell going, right?

buy Here

Author: Johnny Hayward

Venom – ‘Blackened Priests’ (DISSONANCE)

Venom – ‘Blackened Priests’ (DISSONANCE)

After the departure of Cronos I sort of lost interest in one of my favourite punk metal band the mighty Venom. See I loved the trashy reckless noise the original trio made they always made me laugh with their interviews and their ott videos and the fact they were from the North East of England was the icing on the cake because obviously that was the entrance to the firey depths of Hell and to this day I stand by at war with satan as a masterclass in pure filthy metal punk noise. When they fell out and Cronos rode off into the depths of bealzibubs fold on his black station I turned my back on Mantas and what he was trying to do with the name and couldn’t bring myself to tune in and give them a chance but here we are many years later and a lot of water under the bridge and I ready myself for a deep dive into the depths of hades to experience and play catch up with this very nice Tony ‘The Demolition Man’ Dolan box set.

CD 1 features their 1989 full length recording ‘Prime Evil’, (including bonus tracks in the form of the ‘Tear Your Soul Apart’ EP) originally hailed as a triumphant return to form, while CD 2 features the follow up ‘Temples Of Ice’, originally released in 1991, whichincluded a Deep Purple cover. I know I balked at that one as well fellow metalhead and The final disc, CD 3, features the band’s 1992 full-length ‘The Waste Lands’.

True legends and trail blazers Venom were unique at a time when music was crying out fo ra twist on NWOBHM and Venom were it The media laughed at them and mocked whilst their core true believers loved the new Speed metal mixed with the harsher edges of punk that was venom.

‘Welcome To Hell’ (1981), ‘Black Metal’(1982) and ‘At War With Satan’ (1984). was a formidable trio before they began to run out of steam before the inevitable split in 1986.

Enter Atomkrafts Tony Dolan alongside drummer Abaddon and the mighty Mantas and new second guitarist Al Barnes. The four-piece signed with Music for Nations imprint Under One Flag and unleashed the ‘ Prime Evil’ record, which included a Black Sabbath cover. That album is bolstered here with the addition of six tracks from 1990s ‘Tear Your Soul Apart’ EP, including a Judas Priest cover .This release is complemented with the addition of liner notes from writer Darren Sadler, who conducted brand new interviews with Tony Dolan and Al Barnes. Barnes also contributed photos from his personal archive. Dolan, Abaddon and Mantas formed Venom Inc. in 2015 and have released two albums to date. The band continues to tour globally, although Mantas recently left the lineup. Cronos, meanwhile, tours under the Venom name with an alternative lineup (Confused? you will be), the two acts co-existing uneasily, but both keeping the Venom name alive and active and this catch all snapshot of the bands four piece line up is a fitting legacy of what they did next and to be fair I wish I’d given these records a go back in the day because to be fair they’re pretty decent even with all these years passing Dolan did a decent job to be fair whilst of course he was no Cronos replacement nobody could fill those Cherry red 96 hole doc martins but The Demolition Man was his own man and songs like ‘Parasite’ and ‘Skelital Dance’ are more than decent. He even holds his own on the bonus cuts of ‘Burstin Out’ and ‘Angel Dust’. Hell, ‘Temples Of Ice’ is decent enough as well, sure I can without all the keys n ambience, but when they get down to it, Venom 2.0 four-piece are a phat combo of rage, even on the final offering of ‘The Waste Lands’ they kicked up a stink, sure its not version Venom original nor is it as good as the disc one but they had fire in their bellies and if like me you never delved into these depths of Hell now is your chance and horns up, long live Venom whoever sails the good ship its been a hell of a ride and now my collection is complete, Hail santas, sorry typo, Satan!

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

Honest John Plain – April 1952 – June 2025 R.I.P.

Honest John Plain – April 1952 – June 2025 R.I.P.

Honest John Plain was a wicked guitarist, singer and songwriter, a true pirate of the stage, swashbuckling gunslinger and genuinely top bloke. John joined the Boys in the summer of ’76 after meeting Matt in art school. John remained a permanent fixture of The Boys after recruiting Kid Reid and Black, who both worked with him at Gaz T-shirts. The Boys made some of the best music in the late 70s but were besieged by bad timing (Nems) (Elvis), and it was when he earned the Nickname “Honest” which stuck with him throughout after flogging the bands gear for money he put on a horse that didn’t pay out (you didn’t think he was going to come first did you?) He also played with dirty Strangers after The Boys were put on hiatus he played with Wood and Richards from The Stones but his playing was scrapped from the final mix when he left the bad. He signed a deal with Mannish Boys to record on Motown, but subsequently got dropped for being white (Apparently). He joined forces with Darrell Bath and managed to record some of his best work as part of The Crybabys along with Robbie Rushton and John Cooper until they signed to Revolver Records and the second album was shelved, which led to Bath joining the Dogs D’Amour in early 91. Again early 90s saw Plain record his Honest John and Friends album, recorded in London and North Wales of all places. After this star-studded ensemble, Plain recorded the Dirty Laundry album with Ian Hunter and old pal Mr Bath, recorded at Abbey Road nonetheless, and finally got the critical acclaim and praise these guys absolutely deserved. Joining longtime pals Cas Steel, Bath and Vom from Die Toten Hosen and Dr and The Medics was former Pistol Matlock on Bass.

The late 90s saw interest in The Boys return, and sure enough, they returned to the stage, losing none of the magic they kicked off with in the 70s. The Crybabys also managed to release ‘Daily Misery’, and a highly productive period for Jon was underway, and with so much great music coming out, life was rosy.

Well into the noughties, Plain managed to record so fantastic music both with The Landslide Ladies and part of ‘Honest Alive’ and his ‘Acoustic Menopause’ release. John was on fire. He recorded the video for a release with his star-studded line-up of a couple of Hanois, a Pretender, a Mott The Hoople tinkler, as some well-known backing singers and his old pal from the Boys Casino on keys. Maybe now we could have that album, please, It was some time after that John had an accident at home and it affected his health but he was out and about at some shows supporting his old pal duncan Reid at one of his launch shows in Camden as well as playing the oddacoustic show with Mr Bath but since Covid The Boys carried on with John sitting out the shows due to his health issues but I’m sure we all hoped that one day he could again rejoin his mates and take his rightful place on the dusty beer soaked stages. Alas its not to be and he joins an illustrious list of former bandmates for a jam on the other side and I’m glad to have witnessed many a Honest John show over many decades and many venues big or small he was always a gentleman and it was a privileged to see him on stage with the Boys as well as interview him several times and review a whole bunch of his music.

Honest John Plain oozed Rock n Roll, He was one of the best always looking cool and rockin and rolling, Be it as part of The Boys or any of the incarnations, an incredably talented songwriter and performer – The tributes that will be uploaded to social media will show what a truly big heart he had and what a big loss he will be to Rock n Roll. RPM Online would like to pass on our condolences to his bandmates, friends and family.

Whilst its always sad when somebody passes like this, you have to love the picture of him next to Pete Stride as part of the New Guitar In Town project cwtching his Party Seven, a classic cheeky snap, pure Rock n Roll. RPM Online will celebrate John’s life in Music on our Podcast next week as we share songs from all corners of his journey through Rock n Roll.

Rest In Peace, Honest John Plain. We’ll see you at the bar on the other side. Let’s celebrate his life in music and share a smile that we had him, not the loss of another Rock n Roll Brother who’s passed on too soon.

Get over to The Boys website for everything you need to know about the band and its members. The Boys Website

Shitbaby Mammals – Godspeed’ (Östgöta Tonarkiv)

Shitbaby Mammals – Godspeed’ (Östgöta Tonarkiv)

When I read the band name I have zero clue what it all means but I do know it makes me happy on a purely childlike level and as soon as the needle drops on ‘Mr Barnaby’ and the band kicks in with a walloping good time, amps up loud a thumping bassline holding the rhythm steady and drums a crash bang walloping I can’t shake off the smile or has it turned into a shit eating grin? Banging good time with a crisp production that’s unfussy and on point. shitbaby Mammals don’t sound like a band who take themselves too seriously but just love making music and that’s what appeals to me with their excellent pop songs played with heart and soul through amps turned up loud n clear with just enough grit and dirt under those fuzzy pick ups and above of garage rock n pop, wonderful stuff.

‘Nostalgic Bliss’ is more of the same. A little more quirky, perhaps, with some interesting sounds and melodies that ricochet around the grey matter for ages. There’s enough pop and groove going on with these eight songs to satisfy any self-respecting rocker with a penchant for groove, grit, and inspired rock n roll.

The lyrics often mean nothing to me except for the melody they’re wrapped in, which is always on point and exactly what the song needs. Take ‘Carnegie Hall’, its pop music with loud guitars and a soppy melody, and oh yeah, some synths to add some more texture, and the chorus is hilarious. It’s power pop sunshine time on ‘The Joy Of Painting’ halfway between a Brian Wilson Beach Boys hoot and a Cheap Trick rocker.

‘Passport To Drive’ is a riot and the best house party you’ve crashed in your life with that rolling thunder of a bassline like Los Pepes covering the Knack with a fucked fuzzbox that’s being played to death. A wonderful song that makes me feel happy to hear every time I put it on. The band play out with one last dance, ‘Jeopardy’, that manages to get its funk on before bowing out. Another top album from those Shitbabys and a Scandinavian ray of garage rockin’, power popin’ rock n roll that manages to hit a real happy spot on any given rainy day. Keep on rockin guys you’re killing it and that cover makes me grin as well, fuck knows why but he looks so happy. Buy it!

Buy Here / Amazon

Author: Dom Daley

Rokets – ‘Bad Choices’ (Svart Records)

Rokets – ‘Bad Choices’ (Svart Records)

At hi-octane speed, screeching straight out of Helsinki, the Scando-tastic Rokets are up to their eyeballs in adrenaline and rocket-fuel, and ready and waiting to purge your stereo and give your speakers a rock’n’roll laced enema.

With more than a nod to another Scandinavian rock outfit, Rokets certainly wear their hearts on their sleeves. But don’t let this put you off. Familiar territory this might be, but it’s trodden with gusto.

Straight out of the paddock with title track “Bad Choices”, it twists and turns, beating heavy on your chest. Deep and dirty, “Shackles without Chains” slinks in without missing a beat. Anthemic sing-along choruses guaranteed. “Overload” does exactly what it says on the tin, complete with a gorgeous guitar tone.

This is a record that definitely benefits from repeat listens, tracks like “White Raven” and “Law and Order” only get better once you get into their groove and have the potential for playlist stalwarts.

The record leaves us with a well-thought-out number, “Diamonds and Dust,” and the last track

“Lights Out”. The former is quite paced but will have you punching the air in no time, leaving the listener with the latter, speeding off like a getaway car, you’re whiplashed with adrenaline withdrawal coming up for air.

The wheel certainly has not been redefined on this LP, but Rokets have certainly engineered something special and engaging and keep on drawing you back in.

Buy Here

Author: Dan Kasm

Saxon – ‘Eagles Over Hellfest’ (MILITIA GUARD MUSIC)

Saxon – ‘Eagles Over Hellfest’ (MILITIA GUARD MUSIC)

The mighty Saxon continues their journey as one of the UK’s most well-known metal bands. Their output still comes thick and fast, but never compromising on quality. They know what their rabid fan base wants and deliver every time. They are still a formidable live act even though original member Paul Quinn decided to step down recently. Never fear, though; Diamond Head founder Brian Tatler stepped up and is a fantastic addition.

Eagles Over Hellfest is an epic documentation of Saxon’s blistering performance at Hellfest in France last year. The band smash out a set of classics and material from their latest LP Hell, Fire and Damnation. With a career as long as Saxon has enjoyed, picking a set of material must be a task. Everything you would expect to hear at a Saxon show is here: ‘Motorcycle Man’, ‘Power and the Glory’, ‘Heavy Metal Thunder’, ‘Dallas 1PM’, ‘The Eagle Has Landed’, ‘Strong Arm of the Law’ all sound incredible. The new tracks sound great too, we have the title track from Hell, Fire and Damnation and Madame Guillotine.

The band are on fire as always, but Biff Byford sounds better than ever; he’s constantly whipping up the crowd to a frenzy and has them in the palm of his hand. He’s singing better than people half his age.

A special shout out must go to drummer Nigel Glockler too. His playing is exemplary, a showcase in heavy metal drumming. Simply brilliant. Doug Scarratt plays his arse of too and even though I can’t see bass player Nibs Carter while listening to the album, I can picture him going crazy and constantly banging his head in my minds eye!

The album blasts through blistering versions of And the Bands Played On, Denim and Leather, Wheels of Steel, 747 (Strangers in the Night), Crusader, and finishes off with the legendary ‘Princess of the Night’. Crystal clear production from Biff makes you feel like you were there at Hellfest, singing along.

Saxon shows us yet again why they are a constant in the lives of metal fans all over the world and have influenced so many.  

Fill your heads with Heavy Metal Thunder!!

Buy Here

Author: Kenny Kendrick

BLACK SPIDERS STAY ‘UP ALL NIGHT’ FOR NEW SINGLE

BLACK SPIDERS STAY ‘UP ALL NIGHT’ FOR NEW SINGLE

NEW ALBUM ‘CVRSES’ OUT NOW VIA DARK RIDERS/CARGO DISTRIBUTION

ORDER ‘CVRSES’ HERE:

Celebrating the release of their brand-new and critically acclaimed album ‘Cvrses’, out now via Dark Riders/Cargo Distribution, Sheffield riff masters Black Spiders are keeping the party going with new single ‘Up All Night’.

“It’s an ode to Renfield, Dracula’s batman and an allegory for the RnR lifestyle, where there’s only one version of 3 o’clock,” says guitarist and vocalist Pete Spiby as the band set course on another vital, stomping, harmony laden rock monster.

Recorded once again at Axis Studios in Doncaster with producer Matt Ellis behind the wheel, ‘Cvrses’ is, and of course all bands say this, very possibly their best album yet. It successfully distils everything that is thrilling and life-affirming about Black Spiders unique brand of thumping heaviness. Massive riffs, massive hooks, massive beats. It’s all massive.

Always a thrilling and cathartic rock n ’roll experience live on stage, Black Spiders have set up another UK tour to commence in June. Following their dates with Australian rockers Airbourne, the band will embark, buckets and spades in hand, on a seaside venues tour of England’s finest coastal venues.

“We always like to play somewhere different, and a lot of these smaller grassroots venues don’t get a look in on the touring circuit, so we thought why not?” says Pete. “It’s gonna be a week of beer vs ice cream…”

Catch Black Spiders live in 2025 at the following dates:

Support to Airbourne

31/05 Sterling – Albert Halls

01/06 Aberdeen – Beach Ballroom

02/06 Dundee – Fat Sams

June

15th – Weston Super Mare ELECTRIC BANANA

16th – Newquay DEAD FAMOUS

17th – Torquay THE ATTIC

18th – Bournemouth BEAR CAVE

19th – Southend CHINNERYS

20th – Margate OLBY’S

21st – Brighton DALTONS

28th – Fireside (Wildfire) Festival

www.blackspidersband.com

BRAZILIAN PUNKS FANTAZMAZ ANNOUNCE DEBUT SELF-TITLED ALBUM

BRAZILIAN PUNKS FANTAZMAZ ANNOUNCE DEBUT SELF-TITLED ALBUM

BRAZILIAN PUNKS FANTAZMAZ ANNOUNCE DEBUT SELF-TITLED ALBUM DUE FOR RELEASE JULY 4TH VIA GHETTO BITCH RECORDS

PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM HERE:

BLAST OUT THE 30 SECOND NEW SINGLE ‘DEAD ON THE WAY HOME’ HERE:

With an incendiary live show that’s chaotic, loud and in-your-face, FANTAZMAZ—Brazil’s fiercest new punk rock export—are about to drop a nuclear bomb. On July 4th comes their debut self-titled album, marking the beginning of what’s set to be a killer year for the band.

Formed in 2019 by frontwoman Thami and guitarist Raf Oliver, Fantazmaz found their raw, unrelenting sound with the addition of bassist Chokito and former U.K. Subs drummer Jamie Oliver. Blending blistering punk energy with a fearless stage presence, they’ve quickly built a reputation for their no-holds-barred performances.

Now based in the U.K., Fantazmaz are gearing up for a wild summer, hitting Rebellion Festival and a string of European shows before heading back to their homeland of Brazil for a run of explosive gigs. With their debut album on the horizon and a relentless tour schedule ahead, Fantazmaz are poised to make their mark in a very big way.

“The album is angry and frustrated, pretty much because we don’t see a future,” explains Thami. “Chances are slim that we’re getting out of this global mess, and honestly, we don’t care much about explaining why. It’s right there for everyone to see. That’s the sentiment — listen to the album.

“We recorded the whole thing in two days at Monolith Studio. It was straightforward and honest — first day for drums, second day for guitars, bass, and vocals. The songs had been written for a while, and we just thought, why the hell not drop a full album? So, we went in and laid it down, raw and real. This is our first full album, and we’re bloody excited for it to finally come out.”

Fantazmaz launched the album with the track ‘Dead On The Way Home’. At only thirty seconds long, it’s the perfect introduction to the album’s unbridled rage and fury. The song was inspired by a news report from Brazil about a group of young people mistakenly shot dead on their way back from a night out, which is sadly not an isolated case. The anger and frustration led to the idea of a 30-second track repeating: “Got shot dead on their way home.”

Watch the video for ‘Dead On The Way Home’ HERE:

A short, sharp shock to the system, the album is crammed full of anger and energy, ranging from the 80s hardcore attack of ‘Scars Of Downtown’ (“about the loneliness of living in a metropolis like London, seen from a darker perspective,”) to the Dead Kennedys/Jello Biafra inspired ‘Corporate Behave’ (“dedicated to everyone sticking it to the capitalist rulebook,”). But Fantazmaz are no one-trick punk rock pony, the album is brimming with unique and fresh ideas. Album closer ‘Just Before Hell Comes Around’ bristles with dark hip hop beats, whilst ‘Are You Enjoying The Peaceful Skies?’ is fuelled by a decadent/bastard bossa nova, inspired by Chico Buarque’s epic song ‘Construção’. 

And best of all, this is just the beginning. 2025 is going to be a very busy year for Fantazmaz. Hold on tight.