The Lemonheads – ‘Love Chant’ (Fire Records)

The Lemonheads – ‘Love Chant’ (Fire Records)

Years before going overground with a cover of Mrs Robinson and The whole Shame About Ray’ upwards trajectory and superstardom king of the slackers Evan Dando was besties with Oasis and perenial clusterfuck of drama on the live scene through the pages of Melody Maker and NME but never stopped making records going from the early days of the rather excellent records that were ‘Hate your Friends’, ‘Lovey’,’Lick’, ‘Creator’ before going overground and offered up the iconic stuff and big chart hits like ‘Car Button Cloth’ ‘ Shame About Ray’ and ‘Come On Feel’ before disappearing back into the murky underground Dando never stopped making music doing cover albums playign live as a band or solo this is his first Lemonheads studio album in a couple of decades.

It’s been a long time promised, and a cast of collaborators came and went, it’s a bold, melodic return to form with flashes of all previous models of the ban,d from the soppy acoustic folkified ramblings to the chaotic, rough house punk rock ‘In The Margin’. Dando has certainly found his mojo.

Now based in Brazil, where much of the album was recorded, Dando’s relocation in recent years has given him time to focus his attention on getting this done and on our turntables. ‘Wild Thing’ is powerful with big guitar and his distinctive vocal delivery front and centre. The laid-back acoustic junk of ‘Be In’ sits nicely between the happy-go-lucky uptempo swagger of ‘Cell Phone Blues’, another great Dando tune.

If you want more wild, unhinged meanderings, then the Neil Young styleings on ‘Togetherness Is All I’m After’ with distorted guitars strumming big chords over a slow groove and big vocal melody is classic Dando.

J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr), Juliana Hatfield, and Tom Morgan rejoin the fold, alongside producer Bryce Goggin (Pavement, Antony and the Johnsons), Nashville’s Erin Rae, John Strohm of the Blake Babies and Nick Saloman of The Bevis Frond. Adam Green of cult New York favourites The Moldy Peaches also contributes as co-writer on the aforementioned country detour that is ‘Wild Thing’.

You’ve got the groovy bass-heavy ‘Marauders’ offering something funky, whilst the title track is darker and punchier. ‘The Key OF Victory’ is an acoustic meandering campfire jaunt before the dreamy ‘Roky’ kisses the listener goodbye, and a very well-received new album from The Lemonheads that will, in time, sit proudly alongside some of this band’s fine catalogue of releases. In a different time from the last time we got new Lemonheads material, Dando has delivered a strong album that is worthy of the name. Let’s not leave it another twenty years if there’s more of this in the tank.

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Author: Dom Daley

Dead Pioneers new Single ‘Freedom Means Something’

Dead Pioneers new Single ‘Freedom Means Something’

DEAD PIONEERS RAIL AGAINST CURRENT AMERICAN POLITICS IN NEW SINGLE ‘FREEDOM MEANS SOMETHING’

STREAM/DL HERE:

UK AND EU DATES CONFIRMED FOR FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026 – TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE:

Dead Pioneers, the indigenous punk rock band from Denver, have never been afraid to use their art as a vehicle to express their beliefs and anger at the current political landscape in America. Over two albums – their self-titled debut in 2023 and ‘PO$T AMERICAN’ from earlier this year, the band have concocted a unique blend of spoken word, hypnotic post-rock and punk roots that has quickly caught the imagination of music fans searching for something new, something real and a band with something to say.

Dead Pioneers have now returned with a new single that is perhaps their most enraged work to date. ‘Freedom Means Something’ was recorded at the same time as ‘PO$T AMERICAN’, but didn’t make the album at the time, yet despite being written over a year ago, it captures the political and social moment of the United States and the anger, fear and vitriol that comes in policy changes and egregious decisions being made by this current administration.

“It was one of a few pieces we did that didn’t make the album cut at the time,” clarifies frontman Gregg Deal. “It wasn’t an issue of good or not, so much as curating our second record to something that made sense. We are so pleased to be releasing this piece now. Much like our second record, we wrote for the moment and didn’t expect the message of the music to be more relevant to what is currently happening here. We stand by our message, politically, socially and culturally, in hopes for change. These statements are meant to be in the moment of recognising that there are those among us, the most vulnerable, who will be the first to feel the effects of what we can only call oppressive. It is our moral duty and obligation to say the quiet thing out loud in an effort to use the medium of music to provide another way to hear ideas that stand in opposition of policies that align with the principles of white supremacy and fascism and nazi ideology, undermining the basic principles of freedom. We hope you see this in Freedom Means Something.”

“We will tar and feather you with your money and prepare you for your place in the annals of historical genocide. Amidst the nationalistic maniacs that destroy families and land, and legacy and truth and decency. Your end is near,” says Gregg in the song’s closing verse. It’s powerful, intense and righteous.

Dead Pioneers are confirmed to play their first EU and UK tour in February and March, 2026. Support for all UK shows comes from Yakkie, featuring Janey Starling formerly of Dream Nails. Go HERE for tickets.

Dead Pioneers emerged as a dynamic extension of vocalist Gregg Deal’s performance art, seamlessly blending music with critical cultural commentary. Rooted in the same themes of identity and resistance that define his visual work, the band’s sound acts as a powerful platform for addressing the complexities of Indigenous experience. Deal harnesses the raw energy of punk and alternative influences to challenge prevailing narratives, using lyrics that provoke thought and evoke emotion. Just as his performance art confronts the legacies of colonisation and systemic marginalisation, Dead Pioneers – completed by Josh Rivera and Abe Brennan on guitars, bassist Lee Tesche (Algiers) and drummer Shane Zweygardt – engages audiences in a visceral dialogue about survival, resilience, and reclamation of voice. This musical endeavour not only amplifies his artistic vision but also creates a space for collective expression and solidarity, inviting listeners to reflect on the intersections of culture, history, and identity in a contemporary context. Through Dead Pioneers, Deal continues to assert that art, in all its forms, can be a powerful vehicle for activism and change. 

The band are currently playing shows in the US and working on new material and will start recording their third album later this year.

See Dead Pioneers at the following dates in the UK and EU in 2026:

February

26th UK Bristol, The Croft

27th UK Manchester, Rebellion

28th UK Leeds, Key Club

March

1st UK London, The Underworld

3rd NL Arnhem, Willemeen

5th DE Wiesbaden, Schlachthof

6th DE Stuttgart, Juha West

7th DE Cologne, Helios37

9th CH Zurich, Bogen F

11th AT Vienna, Arena

12th DE Munich, Backstage

13th DE Berlin, Cassiopeia

14th DE Hamburg, Hafenklang

Find Dead Pioneers online HERE:

Peter Hook & The Light UK Tour 2025

Peter Hook & The Light UK Tour 2025

GET READY // UK TOUR – NOVEMBER 2025

“Get Ready was a honeymoon record. Looking back now, it was very enjoyable to make, and I think is massively underrated. It did sort the wheat from the chaff and led to a New Order mk2, which played better but had lost a naivety whilst gaining a maturity. Barney and I became a ‘power couple’ in Manchester during the making of the record but, sadly, the old problems recurred when we came to play live. The writing was on the wall from then on. The two of us worked very hard to make this a great record and I think we succeeded. I am looking forward to playing all the tracks, many of which have never been played live before. The Light will shine through … Get Ready!” PETER HOOK

PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT have announced a full UK tour for November during which they will perform the New Order album Get Ready in its entirety, followed by a full set of the most seminal tracks from the back catalogues of both Joy Division and New Order. The tour follows three highly successful Get Ready dates at Bristol Marble Factory, London Troxy and Manchester Victoria Warehouse over the Easter weekend in April and a US Get Ready tour during early summer.

Get Ready was released in 2001 and reached #2 on the US Billboard Electronic album chart and #6 in the UK album chart. It was the seventh studio album from New Order and was dedicated by the band to Rob Gretton, the manager of both Joy Division and New Order, who had died in 1999.

The UK Get Ready dates follow a mammoth run of shows last year – including tours of Australia, New Zealand, South America, North America, the UK and Ireland – tours of Spain and France in March this year in which the band played the Substance albums by Joy Division and New Order, a full US Get Ready tour in May and June this year, and a host of UK and EU festivals throughout the summer.

UK GET READY TOUR | NOVEMBER 2025

Thu 06 WORTHING Assembly Hall

Fri 07 BOURNEMOUTH O2 Academy

Sat 08 COVENTRY HMV Empire

Thu 13 LIVERPOOL Olympia

Fri 14 EDINBURGH Corn Exchange

Sat 15 NEWCASTLE Boiler Shop

Thu 20 HOLMFIRTH Picturedrome

Fri 21 BATH Komedia

Sat 22 CAMBRIDGE Junction

Thu 27 LINCOLN Engine Shed

Fri 28 LYTHAM Pavilion

Sat 29 LEEDS O2 Academy

Tickets available here: https://peterhookandthelight.live

Mini Skirt – ‘All That We Know’ (Fuzz Club/Bad Vibrations)

Mini Skirt – ‘All That We Know’ (Fuzz Club/Bad Vibrations)

All grit and no glamour, Mini Skirt are a no-nonsense noisy bunch of musicians, and this new album gets right into the mix with the driving ‘Pottville River’ battering the listener with a hypnotic riff and tub thumping that will crawl inside your head and make you crave it more and more.

Lean in and take in every lyric and bop til you drop, nailing the tone of the record to perfection as the vocals are spat out rathe rthan sung like a lullaby this is music for people who give a shit and know exactly what they want. Noise but not for the sake of it, lyrics that give a shit that aren’t shit and an overall album that will take you on a journey you don’t want to go on but are a willing victim. Mini Skirt are in killer form.

Australia is the epicentre of this sound and boy do they do it well, in fact, they do it better than anywhere else on the planet from Stiff Richards and Split System to The Outsiders and the sniffers through Civic, C.O.F.F.I.N. and Grindhouse right back to Birdman and The Saints this far away island rules.

Five years since their debut album ‘Casino’, this album follows on from where that left off, leaving the informed in no-brainer territory, knowing what they’re getting for their bucks. For the newcomers, just jump in, it’s loud, raw, but bursting with passion. ‘All That We Know’ is now ready to push Mini Skirt in front of more people around the world, and that’s a good thing. These Australian pub-punkers will probably not give two shiny shits about some writer on the other side of the world, but they should know that they’re on the right path, and for someone who loves this honest, raw, passionate rock n roll thing, they should continue to deliver their brand of jagged, raw political Aussie noise.

I love the Saints wrapped in their DNA on songs like ‘Smart Enough’ and then to punch harder on ‘Chew The Cud’. I can imagine being in a sweaty, dark club being thrown around to, this being an experience we all should be on board with.

I find the hypnotic rhythms married to the noise-overdriven guitars the perfect match and most engaging. There is a darkness happening that’s like musical voodoo casting a spell over the listener. Songs like ‘Mud’ weave their way into your brain and are most addictive. ‘Squeeze Down’ is epic, but saying that, this whole album is pretty epic and one that opens different moments on every play. Man, I love records like this, and my advice is you will too, so waste no more time and get some Mini Skirt on the turntable. You can thank me later.

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David Ryder Prangley – ‘If You Were To Kiss Me Now, All History Would Pour From My Lips’ (Self Released)

David Ryder Prangley – ‘If You Were To Kiss Me Now, All History Would Pour From My Lips’ (Self Released)

We’ve already been mulling over our potential favourite albums of 2025 at RPM Towers. It’s been a very strong year so far, and a pleasingly varied one. Yet, I’ve been patiently waiting for this, the third in the trilogy of solo albums by the glamtastic David Ryder Prangley. If you only know him from the mighty Rachel Stamp, his solo work may come as a welcome surprise. Understandably, the album release was put on pause after the tragic death of Stamp drummer Robin Guy. It’s inevitable that a period of reflection and reevaluation was necessary. I’d like to state here for the record that Robin played the only entertaining drum solos I’ve ever seen. An enormous talent, a gentleman and a huge loss.

If you already know ‘Black Magic And True Love’ and ‘Vampire Deluxe’, ‘If You Were…’ is the perfect ending. There is a dark, ethereal thread running through the trilogy, mixing fables and true-life events from throughout David’s life. I’m not here to dissect the stories, I prefer to let the music transport me to other places. While there are fewer big bangers like ‘Sweet Heartbreaker’ and ‘Black Magic…’ here, do not despair. Immerse yourself in the album as a whole, and you will reap the rewards. It has been worth the wait…

‘The Devil Has Come To Dinas Powys’ is a dream-like introduction. David’s home town sets the scene, acoustic guitar and the synths of Laurie Black evoke a haunted forest. ‘Die Alone’ was written as a duet for David and Nymphs singer Inger Lorre. Sadly, this wasn’t possible, but it stands as a beautiful tribute. Drew Richards returns for guitar and co-production, with a deft touch throughout.

‘Let’s Fall Apart Together Tonight’ does indeed have a similar mood to ‘Black Velvet’ by Alannah Myles, with a darker, dirtier edge to it. ‘Big, Bad Wolf’ brings out a low-slung, classic rock n roll riff, albeit with ‘flute’ solo. Trust me, it works! David was thinking about the Elvis films, often derided, which he was hooked on. “Elvis would just be walking around then suddenly burst into some really weird song with lyrics that sounded like a cross between a nursery rhyme and pornography, and I decided to write one of my own”. Pleasingly sleazy.

‘Jesus Christ Is Coming To Town’ is the closest thing to Americana on here, inspired by Rachel Stamp’s experiences at the South By Southwest festival. ‘Stained Glass Star’ with its smoky, film noir guitars, reminds me of the most sultry moments by The Hillbilly Moon Explosion. The fragility of stardom and temptation, in a suitably sensual style.

‘Box Of Dead Lovers’ is possibly the closest to Rachel Stamp, a crunching riff. Influenced by the Paisley Underground movement, but with much more swagger here, which is only to be expected. ‘Joanie Loves Davey’ is a paen to Joan of Arc/Jeanne d’Arc, another childhood obsession of David’s. It includes “a singalong coda in a made-up language”, which explains why I was initially confused. The Stonesy riff wouldn’t be out of place on ‘Tattoo You’. Very catchy from the first listen.

‘Falling From The Stars Down To Earth’ is the perfect ending to the trilogy. The first song that David wrote while Rachel Stamp were on hiatus in the 2000s, “ a song of acceptance and hope”. While the gentle acoustic guitars evoke Zeppelin’s eastern influences, the overall feel is otherworldly, another thread that links the albums. The stunning cover photo by Rowan Spray only adds to the atmosphere. No one else really makes music like David Ryder Prangley. With plans for a concert to cover the trilogy, and with Rachel Stamp back onstage with drummer and long-time friend Joe Holweger, let’s hope there’s a lot more music to come.

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Author: Martin Chamarette

Wolfsbane To Tour With The Almighty

Wolfsbane To Tour With The Almighty

Also, FINAL 2026 HEADLINE SHOWS

Wolfsbane, performing with their legendary original lineup, are proud to confirm a November tour with The Almighty, followed by three final headline shows to close out 2025.

“The last time we played together in 1989 was a total riot. This tour could cause a METAL REVOLUTION!!!

We’re really excited as it’ll be our first gig in Belfast since 1993, the first time we’ve ever played Glasgow Barrowlands, and we’re well overdue a Rock City Night in Nottingham. We also quite like Portsmouth….” – Wolfsbane

‘Live Faster‘ is a totally new re-recording of their debut album ‘Live Fast, Die Fast’.  

To order Live Faster on CD and vinyl go to: https://www.wolfsbaneband.com/webshop/

To stream Live Faster here:https://linktr.ee/wolfsbanehms

With a huge desire to do justice to the new version whilst respecting the old one, ‘Live Faster’ is splendidly IN YOUR FACE and everything the band had hoped it would be. “We are so pleased with the way it has turned out.” – Blaze

Wolfsbane dates in full 2025

November 22nd – Belfast, Ulster Hall*

November 28th – Portsmouth, Guildhall*

November 29th – Nottingham, Rock City*

November 30th – Glasgow, Barrowlands*

*As special guests to The Almighty 

December 5th – Sheffield – The Greystones

December 6th – Bradford – Nightrain

December 7th – Grimsby – Yardbirds

2026 

May 1st – Bonfest – Kirriermuir Scotland 

May 3rd – Roxoff Festival

May 29th – Call Of The Wild Festival 

Tickets for all the shows are available at https://www.wolfsbaneband.com/live/

Wolfsbane is 

Blaze Bayley on vocals

Jase Edwards on guitar 

Jeff Hateley on bass

Steve Danger on drums

Wolfsbane – Official Website

Querida Margot ‘Deuce’ (Querida Margot/ MusicAdders)

Querida Margot ‘Deuce’ (Querida Margot/ MusicAdders)

I came across Querida Margot earlier this year and really enjoyed their debut album ‘’Atentamente’ from 2023. Their sophomore release has been gradually coming together over the course of 2025 with several early singles showcasing a band whose style has continued to evolve and stretch into new areas. Some readers may remember the band from my review of the latest album by Flaco Rodriguez earlier in the year. There seems to be a vibrant rock scene in Spain, which I have begun to explore.

Opening the album with the first single, which seemed to be released many months ago now, ‘Todo al Rojo’ serves a catchy chorus with a rock n roll beat. If you don’t know Spanish, you will begin to learn some with this album. There is some nice guitar work mixed into the song as well. ‘Viviendo Gratis’ channels some Rolling Stones and early rock n roll influences into another singalong. The Chuck Berry-style riff is extremely contagious. Slow burner ‘Poco’ is one of my early favourites from the album. There is plenty of space in the song, with the guitar notes getting highlighted in the mix. While there are still hints of the Stones, I hear some more modern rock influences here as well. The subtle use of the piano adds an excellent touch to the song.      

‘Con el Alma Desnuda’ is a slow, bluesy song which slowly struts out of the speakers and creates its own vibe. As the song builds, it could be a less aggressive version of something by the Jim Jones All Stars. My favourite parts of the song are where the electric guitar cuts through everything else to give the song some extra punch. Wrapping up the first half of the album, the title track serves as another epic song at 5 minutes with a steady build into a catchy chorus. There are what sounds like some slide guitar mixed in as well to add flavour to the song. There are some excellent touches added with the drums too, to give the song some dynamics.

Turning up the tempo, the band launches into ‘De Nuevo’ to kickstart the second half of the album. After the twists of the past few songs, this one returns to the straight-up rock pop style with a catchy hook and a beat to get the body moving. The spoken word part near the end is a nice twist to lead into the final choruses. When ‘Siete’ was released as a single, my first thought was that the band was covering ‘Honky Tonk Women’ by the Stones. The chorus feels different, but those verses are definitely channelled from that well. Big ballad ‘Berlin’ builds beautifully over the course of its 4 minutes.

Approaching the end of the album, Cuarenta Grados’ features some great piano touches and feels a bit like glam era Bowie. The mix on the album really allows the guitars to pop out when needed, with this song being a great example. The guitar licks help create a hook for a chorus that feels bigger every time I hear the song. Closer ‘Mundo Raro’ feels like something we would hear playing as we walk down the streets in a busy Spanish town. The gentle acoustic guitar and vocals combine to deliver a softer but powerful moment.

‘Deuce’ provides a very enjoyable listen and showcases a band building off their debut album. I recommend giving it a listen if you are looking for a rock album with a hint of pop touches. Their third album will definitely be of interest to see which direction the band goes as they continue to grow.

‘Deuce’ is available now.

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Author: Gerald Stansbury

Various Artists – ‘Killed By Deaf (A Punk Tribute to Motörhead)’ (BMG)

Various Artists – ‘Killed By Deaf (A Punk Tribute to Motörhead)’ (BMG)

Motorhead mannaged to defy the boundaries set by the media and fans alike that it was unaceptable to be equally loved by punks and rockers but its fair to say the legacy of LEmmy is one that crosses many genres and to prove thepoint those peeps at BMG have only gone and gotten a bunch of top tier punk rockers to record their versions of Motorhead tracks be it classics or deeper cuts its all here for your indulgence and to be fair whilst a lot of tribute albums are bloated and very patchy this one is an absolute raging success and wall to wall bangers. Be it faithful interpretations or more twisted offerings it’s of a very high standard, and the addition of The Damned classic ‘Neat Neat Neat’ featuring Lemmy is a most welcome addition and barnstorming winner.

Sure, Motörhead’s impact on metal has long been acknowledged, but the punks like GBH, Discharge and the Damned is undeniable. There can be no doubt that because of Motörhead, these bands were faster, dirtier, louder, better, because of Motörhead.

Lemmy once said, “The punks loved us. The only reason we weren’t in that lot was because we had long hair, so obviously, we must be heavy metal. That was the thinking. But a lot of kids heard us without seeing a picture, so they thought we were a punk band.”

Of the fourteen tracks on this album, you’ll hear the passion and respect they have in their delivery and DNA for Motörhead. You have Rancid, Pennywise, Lagwagon, The Bronx and FEAR all contribute raucous versions of their favourite Motörhead tracks. I could go through them one by one, but that would spoil it for you, it’s that good. from his adopted home, later on in life, they just “get it” from the awesome opener from Pennywise, the good vibes just keep flowing… and also up-and-coming upstarts like Slaughterhouse contribute, because, let’s face it, Motörhead always loved and championed the underdogs.

Lemmy covered the Pistols’ ‘God Save The Queen’ and wrote ‘R.A.M.O.N.E.S’ for Da Bruddas, for the ‘1916’ album, so it seems only fair to put this beast together. It’s only fitting, then, that the only non-Motörhead song on this album is from when he teamed up with The Damned in 2002 for a previously unheard and blistering version of The Damned’s classic, ‘Neat Neat Neat’, which is the album’s crowning glory. Lemmy and the Damned have a shared history over many years and crossed paths, so this was the clincher for me.


‘Killed By Deaf – A Punk Tribute To Motörhead’ is well worth picking up, not in passing but you should make a concerted effort to track down a copy. Punk or Rocker, you need to hear this album, buy it!

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WitchDoktors – ‘Izzatso?’ (Bomber Music)

WitchDoktors – ‘Izzatso?’ (Bomber Music)

London rock n’ roll band WitchDoktors are back with a new album, ‘Izzatso?’, and what a bright slice of sunshine Rock n roll it is too. From the punchy opener ‘Lightning Strike’, you can lace up your creepers and get boppin. Featuring 11 tracks, WitchDoktors they refuse to stand still and incorporate styles outside of their comfort zone of rootsy punk rock n rolland on the opener, the breakdown is infectious and holds up the wonderful slide courtesy of Ruts DC Leigh Heggarty. Equal servings of Trashy glam rock n roll played loudly through amps with real instruments with big throaty gang vocals, it’s the perfect opener.

Hot on the heels is the punchy ‘Before The War’ with a fantastic chorus bursting with energy, it’s simply majestic, and the clincher is a hearty, warm, engaging production that’s elevating the songs into the next league.

Conceived during COVID and then delayed by the sad passing of their longtime collaborator and legendary recording engineer Pat Collier,  ‘Izzatso?’ is named thus for the listener to not take things on face value and to question everything. It’s no coincidence that the band are big fans of Mr Strummer, who’s woven into their DNA. See through the veils of bullshit or spins on stories or propaganda, and to think for yourself.” Wise words.

‘High Dry And Burn’ has a feel of Michael Monroe going on, and what a track it is from the backbeat, its exceptional songwriting and already the album is barely awake, and it’s pulling the listener in several directions and all of the highest order. Impressive stuff.

Heading into Strummer territory for ‘Freedom Fighter’, this could stand tall alongside tracks like ‘Tony Adams’ with its lively Bass run and inner city skank. Man, the horns on ‘Planet Of Pain’ with its energy are something else. The song is honkingly good and will deffo fuck you up!

WitchDoktors have hit a career high on this one, and the punch and zip of ‘Spanner In The Works’ is another side step into some ska skank with funky horns and twitching keys that a mid-70s Rolling Stones would have killed for. Whereas ‘God Knows’ has a pulse of Kinks in the song, at least that’s what I’m hearing mixed with some Small Faces for good measure, and the super strong vocal helps.

It’s an album full to bursting with potential singles left, right and centre, with a mixture of styles that work really well, making the best WitchDoktors album thus far. 2025 has been an awesome year for new albums and this is next level for these Londoners, showing that they can go toe to toe with anyone in this risky business. Kicking ass and doing it with a beaming smile, no doubt. Hell, they even don the sombreros and chew on cigars for a little mexicana on the album’s closer, ‘Kicking The Can’, complete with its squeezebox and trumpet, it’s making Paul-Ronney Angel blush, it’s so good. Andy and Tony, who write the songs, have really delivered without hesitation. I suggest you go and get a copy of this one right off the bat and demand they come to your part of town and bring the big guns, ‘Izzatso?’ is all killer and no filler, and you can tell I said so! Buy It! 

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Author: Dom Daley

Brainmaze – ‘When Your Demons Come’ (Self Release)

Brainmaze – ‘When Your Demons Come’ (Self Release)

Brainmaze is a groove/thrash metal project from Bulgarian musician Ivan Shishkov. Apparently, it has taken him a decade to put this album together. It’s pretty darn good! If you love a bit of technical thrash and power groove – think Annihilator meets Prong and you will get an idea of the huge sound of Brainmaze.

I have no idea who the other musicians are or if there are any. The album still sounds very cohesive, as if there has been some genuine collaboration. I could be completely wrong though! It could be AI…who knows these days? Let’s hope not…

Regardless of that, Shishkov has put something special together here. Crunchy staccato riffs, answering double kick drums, atmospheric solos, odd time signatures and some gnarly vocals make for some great heavy metal. The opening track ‘Fear’ kicks off the album with style. ‘Spite’ could be something unreleased by Jeff Waters, it screams ‘90s Annihilator – absolute quality. The entire album continues in this vein, it’s very well done. The production is huge. It sounds fantastic through my headphones with a perfect mix.

‘When Your Demons Come’ is a superb piece of work. Shishkov has done a wonderful job of combining heaviness while sprinkling some prog on top of his creation. It’s a great listen from start to finish. I’m off to listen to it again!

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Author: Kenny Kendrick