Avalanche – Down For The Count

Avalanche – Down For The Count

The Next Big Noise from Down Under!

Avalanche release new single“Down for the Count” and announce album Armed To The Teeth to be released February 13th, 2026 via MGM

Pre-order album HERE

AVALANCHE, Australia’s own Rock N’ Roll Hard Rock Powerhouse drop knockout new single “Down for the Count“ set to shake up the Rock World!

Prepare to be blown away by ‘Down For The Count’, the new single from Australia’s hottest Hard Rock band AVALANCHE that will hit ya like a haymaker! Fresh off announcing they’ll be supporting Aussie rock royalty AIRBOURNE on tour across Europe and the UK and leading into their debut album Armed to the Teeth to be released on February, 13th 2026 – Avalanche bring you a song for the fighters!

This track delivers an unrelenting blast of pure rock fury, showcasing Aussie rock at its finest.  It’s the ultimate fighter’s anthem about getting back up when life hits hard and fighting ‘til the last bell! With perhaps their catchiest riff to date, this track features a knockout, ear-worm guitar riff, vocals strong enough to strip paint off the walls and the ultimate sing along chorus to chant along too in the pub or the stadium alike!

With a music video shot both in a boxing ring; and on tour in Japan, this song will have you up, dancing and going out swinging!

Since their emergence from a steel factory in 2018, Australia’s husband & wife led, hard rock powerhouse AVALANCHE (Veronica & Steven Campbell, Blake Poulton, Bon Lowe) have taken the world by storm. Headlining tours and festivals across Australia, Japan, Taiwan & New Caledonia, and sharing stages with rock titans like Nashville Pussy, Buckcherry, Fozzy, Rose Tattoo, Jesse Hughes (Eagles Of Death Metal) & more, along with winning Australia’s largest live original band competition; Passport To Airlie – Avalanche has solidified their reputation for explosive performances and raw, unfiltered Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Their relentless drive has earned them international acclaim, with 2026 set to be their biggest year yet. They will release their debut album Armed to the Teeth on Feb 13, touring it across Europe & The UK supporting Australian rock legends Airbourne, followed by Rock The Boat where they will play alongside Rock royalty Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Matt Sorum (Guns N’ Roses), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Robin Zander (Cheap Trick), Phil X (Bon Jovi), James Lomenzo (Megadeth) & more.

Produced by Grammy-nominated, ARIA award-winning producer Steve James, Avalanche’s sonic assault has resonated globally, earning airplay on influential stations like Triple M, Kerrang!, Planet Rock, and publications such as Classic Rock, Rolling Stone and more.

Their signature sound and hectic touring schedule continue to win new fans worldwide. Get ready to be swept away by the sheer power of Avalanche.

From frontman Steven Campbell on the album: 

“‘Armed To The Teeth’ has been over 2 years in the making, it is quite literally our blood, sweat and beers! And now to be touring it around Europe & UK with our biggest childhood heroes Airbourne is an absolute dream come true! 

The album name was actually inspired by (Airbourne’s) Joel O’Keffee; after sending him the masters, he very excitedly called us saying the track ‘Armed To The Teeth’ was one of the best new rock songs he’s ever heard, even comparing it to AC/DC’s ‘Let There Be Rock’ and that it would be a killer album name! For a riff that Veronica wrote when she was 16 and listening to Airbourne, it was the ultimate praise and utterly unreal, so we just had to go with it!

We can’t wait to get this out there, rock with ya’s around the world and get ya’s all armed to the teeth with us!”

AVALANCHE LIVE:


2025:

NOV 22 Australia, Sydney, The Loft

Avalanche supporting Airbourne on the Gutsy European Tour 2026:

FEB 14 Germany, Hamburg, Georg Elser Halle

FEB 16 Netherlands, Utrecht, Tivoli Vrendenburg


FEB 17 Luxembourg, Luxexpo

FEB 20 Germany, Cologne, Palladium

FEB 21 France, Paris, Zenith

FEB 24 UK, Birmingham, O2 Academy

FEB 25 UK, Manchester, Academy

FEB 28 UK, London, Roundhouse

MAR 2 UK, Norwich, UEA

MAR 3 UK, Southampton, Guildhall

OCT 25 – NOV 1 Australia & New Caledonia, ROCK THE BOAT Cruise 

W/ Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Matt Sorum (Guns N’ Roses), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Robin Zander (Cheap Trick), Phil X (Bon Jovi), James Lomenzo of (Megadeth) & more

TICKETS: HERE

Massive Wagons -New Single & Video

Massive Wagons -New Single & Video

‘Everywhere We Go’,

New Record & Management Deals in Germany and Announce 2026 UK Tour Dates.  
 TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE
  “EVERYWHERE WE GO”


Lancaster’s finest rock export, Massive Wagons, release their brand-new single and video “Everywhere We Go” today, Friday 14th November. The track, packed with the band’s trademark energy and stadium-sized hooks, comes accompanied by a video filmed at the Iconic Winter Gardens in Morecambe.

 The single is a celebration of everything Massive Wagons stand for, big riffs, bigger choruses, and a sense of community that runs through everything they do.

 Guitarist Adam Thistlethwaite comments on the track “We wanted it to sound huge wherever it’s played… radio, kitchen, or concert hall. Matt O’Grady completely understood that and nailed the energy in the mix.”

 Vocalist Barry Mills adds “Everywhere We Go is one of those songs you just know will go off live… big chorus, big energy, it’s built for the stage.”

 
 The release signals a bold new era for Massive Wagons, building on their growing success across Europe with powerful new partnerships in Germany as they announce signing to Reaper Entertainment for their next album and join forces with Brainstorm Music Marketing in Germany, cementing their presence on the European rock scene.

 Flori from Reaper Entertainment comments: “Massive Wagons” are one of the most exciting rock bands in the UK and among the most promising and exciting rock acts worldwide. We are thrilled to help them achieve, in other countries, the level of recognition and success they have already earned in the UK. Their energy, authenticity, and passion make them a perfect fit for our label, and we look forward to supporting them as they reach new rock & metal fans around the world.”

 Deville adds: The Brainstorm Music Marketing team is excited working even closer now with Massive Wagons because their energy, grit, and honest rock spirit match exactly what we want to champion. They bring a loyal fanbase, a powerful live presence, and a clear creative identity. Partnering with them feels like joining a band already in forward motion, ready for bigger stages and bolder steps.”

 To mark the occasion, the song will also be released as an exclusive 7-inch vinyl single, limited to 500 copies worldwide. The vinyl will be available on tour at the merch stand and can be pre-ordered now via the official Reaper Entertainment shop HERE

 Manager Terri Chapman shares her excitement about the band’s next steps,
“Massive Wagons have never been a band to rest on their laurels. With fans always at the heart of everything they do, this partnership with Reaper Entertainment feels like the perfect next step. Reaper bring experience, integrity, and a genuine ‘fans-first’ ethos that mirrors the band’s own. We’re already deep into plans for the next album and it’s shaping up to be their strongest yet. The band’s momentum in the UK continues to build, and with our German partners at Brainstorm leading the charge overseas, in a country where the guys have spent years touring and building a loyal fanbase, everything feels perfectly aligned. This is a new era for Massive Wagons, and one that fans will definitely want to be part of.”

 Following their headline set at Planet Rockstock and European Headline tour this December, Massive Wagons will release a live album in March 2026 via Earache Records, captured during their sold-out homecoming show at Lancaster University’s Great Hall, the venue’s first rock concert in over 40 years. This is available to Pre-Order here

 Looking ahead, the band have just announced their UK headline ‘Everywhere We Go’ Tour for April–May 2026, hitting towns and cities across the country.

Tickets are available here.

Barry Mills sums it up best: “We’re hitting the road again back on our home turf in the UK for 2026, loud, hard, and unapologetically Massive Wagons! No agenda, no gimmicks just rock ’n’ roll in your face. Grab a ticket, it’s gonna be chaos.”

2025
 28.11.2025 – Trecco Bay  UK (Planet Rockstock)
BLOOD & BONE EU TOUR – 2025
 29.11.2025 – Kortrijk, Belgium (DVG Club)
 01.12.2025 – München, Germany (Backstage Halle) 
 02.12.2025 – Stuttgart, Germany (Im Wizemann) 
 04.12.2025 – Haarlem, Netherlands (Patronaat) 
 05.12.2025 – Paris, France (Le Backstage by The Mill) 
 06.12.2025 – Essen, Germany (Weststadthalle) 
 08.12.2025 – Hannover, Germany (Musikzentrum) 
 09.12.2025 – Berlin, Germany (Frannz Club) 
 10.12.2025 – Frankfurt am Main, Germany (Das Bett) 
 12.12.2025 – Lübeck, Germany (Rider’s Café) 
 13.12.2025 – Wissen, Germany (kulturWERK Wissen) 

2026: 
 07.02.2026 Warrington,UK, (Parr Hall) Full Nelson Show
EVERY WHERE WE GO UK TOUR – 2025
 17.04.2026 – Norwich, Epic Studios
 18.04.2026 – Leicester, O2 Academy
 19.04.2026 – Holmforth, The Picturedrome
 23.04.2026 – Aberdeen, The Tunnels
 24.04.2026 – Middlesbrough, Empire
 25.04.2026 – Hull, The Welly
 30.04.2026 – Margate, Dreamland
 01.05.2026 – Exeter, Phoenix
 02.05.2026 – Gloucester, Guildhall

 Tickets: https://www.massivewagons.com/live

The track is available now on all digital platforms:
https://lnk.to/EverywhereWeGo

 Website: https://www.massivewagons.com
  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MassiveWagons/
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/massivewagons/

Graham Bonnet Band- ‘Lost In Hollywood Again’ (Live) [Frontiers Records]

Graham Bonnet Band- ‘Lost In Hollywood Again’ (Live) [Frontiers Records]

What can you say about one of the most legendary voices of Rock that hasn’t been said before – not much, but I will say that Graham Bonnet and his band, the imaginatively monickered Graham Bonnet Band, are soon to be releasing a new live album that celebrates and commemorates Graham’s voice as one of the most recognisable in rock. Up there with Ronnie James Dio and only a few others. This album is a touching, yet relevant showcase of what the 77-year-old singer can do.

Recorded back in August 2024, at the famous Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles, the Graham Bonnet Band rocked and rolled, and it has all been captured here on this the Lost In Hollywood Again album.

Opening with ‘Eyes of the World’, then straight into ‘All Night Long’ – you know that this band mean business and for the 16 song setlist – prove that class doesn’t age and only gets better with time.

‘Love’s No Friend’, ‘Making Love’ and ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’ are up next, while many would keep the hits until last – Graham and band acerbate a confidence that is rarely seen these days.

Now would be a great time to introduce the band that is captured live here – Obviously, you know Graham Bonnet on the vocals, but the band, who are made up of Conrado Pesinato on guitars, Beth-Ami Heavenstone on bass, Alessandro Bertoni on the Keyboards and Francis Cassol on drums. This band have clearly reinvigorated Graham, and the audience must have been in their oils as the music washed over them.

However, up next – poses the age-old question of the live album and should guitar/keyboard/drums solos should be included. I’m of the opinion that they should, as it gives the listener the time for a toilet break, just like they do in the live setting. Wasting no time, the band kick straight into ‘Lazy’ and then ‘Imposter’. Which again only highlights how good a voice Graham still possesses.

The closing gambit of this live album is another lesson in Rock N Roll greatness. How can anyone argue that the following cluster of songs is nothing short of brilliance – ‘Night Games’, ‘Into The Night’, Assault Attack’, Too Young To Die, Too Drunk To Live’ and ‘Lost In Hollywood’.

While albums like this will undoubtedly gain the artist some new fans, it is clearly a love letter to the OG fans and a record that deserves to be heard and played loud.

Buy Here

Author: Dave Prince

Raven – No Life Til Leather

Raven – No Life Til Leather

POWERFUL UNFORGIVING COVER OF METALLICA’S 

‘METAL MILITIA’ OUT NOW FROM SILVER LINING MUSIC’S NO LIFE ‘TIL LEATHER – A TRIBUTE TO METALLICA’S KILL ‘EM ALL OUT THIS WEEK

Pre-orders available here

DATELINE: November 12th 2025 – Silver Lining Music release No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All this Friday, November 14th. The fourth single from the all-star compilation is from the pioneering heavy metal legends  Raven, the ear-splitting take on Metallica’s ‘Metal Militia’.

You can divide the history of heavy metal into two distinct chapters: ‘before Metallica’ and ‘after Metallica’. When the Four Horsemen galloped to the top of dozens of countries’ charts with their self-titled album in 1991, they became the new measuring stick for their genre, and their standard is one that no hard rockers since have matched, let alone outdone.

No Life ’Til Leather – A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ’Em All unites Metallica’s favourites, their peers, and the generations that came next. Metallica’s first proper tour was with Raven in 1983, on the famous Kill ‘Em All For One venture. Thus, it is only fitting that   Raven feature on the album with their powerfully unapologetic rendition of Metallica’s “Metal Militia”. With unrelenting energy and raw precision, Raven channels the ferocity of the original while stamping their own unmistakable identity on the track — a bold statement that captures the spirit and intensity of the entire album.

“We are very happy and honoured to have been asked to be part of this awesome tribute to our old sparring partners,” comments co-founding lead vocalist and bassist John Gallagher. “Our cover version is many things, as you will hear… in the best tradition of the guys themselves, but I think we captured that Metallica “snarl”…. Especially by changing a few key elements! Features Mark on vocals, today all is revealed!”

No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All is a colossal celebration of the most propulsive debut album in heavy metal history, re-imagined by the legends who inspired it and the generations that came in its wake!

The veteran likes of Saxon, Diamond Head, and Motörhead, (three of Metallica’s favourite bands) are joined by rising stars such as Tailgunner and Swedish prog metallers Soen to create a who’s-who of heavy music, with each performer lending their unique sound to one classic track. Contributions from thrash giants Testament, ex-Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, and New Wave of British Heavy Metal linchpins Tygers of Pan Tang show the label looking beyond their own artists to amass the greatest lineup possible.

The first single, ‘The Four Horsemen’, a particularly confrontational cover by hard rockers The Almighty, which propelled the band to go back into the studio for the first time with the founding line-up since 1991, is out now. Watch/listen to ‘The Four Horsemen’ Here.

The second single ‘(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth’, is a monumental cover of Metallica’s instrumental epic by the legendary David Ellefson. Watch/ listen to ‘(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth’ Here – video by Pamela Parks, edit by Freakshot Film.

The third single ‘Seek & Destroy’, is a super-charged cover of the Metallica classic by thrash metal icons Testament. Watch/ listen to ‘Seek & Destroy’ Here – video by Freakshot Film.

No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All is an ambitious achievement worthy of Metallica’s game-changing legacy. By the fans and for the fans, it reaffirms the Four Horsemen’s ironclad influence – and its stacked roster continues the band’s mission to shove metal up your ass!

“A project five years in the making, No Life ‘Till Leather, is more than a tribute, it’s a history lesson, a love letter, and a reaffirmation of heavy metal’s unbreakable spirit.” – FISTFUL OF MEAL

“No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute To Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All has to be given extra attention simply due to the impressive list of bands and their equally astounding performances.” – METAL-TEMPLE

“I see it as a great tribute and an act of love towards a band that has now become immortal! And “Kill ‘Em All” isn’t just an album! It’s an institution! And we’re still here, with our fists raised, shouting: No life ’til leather!”  – CHAOSZINE

No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All track-listing:

  1. Hit The Lights (Tailgunner)
  2. The Four Horsemen (The Almighty)
  3. Motorbreath (Soen)
  4. Jump In The Fire (Tygers Of Pan Tang)
  5. (Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth (David Ellefson)
  6. Whiplash (Motörhead)
  7. Phantom Lord (Saxon)
  8. No Remorse (Diamond Head)
  9. Seek & Destroy (Testament)
  10. Metal Militia (Raven)

No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All will be available as a vinyl, CD, and on digital formats. Pre-order here

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Johnny Thunder’s & Wayne Kramer’s -‘Gang War’ – (Jungle Records)

Johnny Thunder’s & Wayne Kramer’s -‘Gang War’ – (Jungle Records)

RSD 2025 Black Friday release of this live performance from Toronto and Boston, and now Max’s Kansas City is the sound of a freakin juggernaught of a band. After Thunders released ‘So Alone’ he hooked up with the newly released from Jail Kramer who served two years for Coke offenses they toured the USA and Canada with the view to making a record but it never happened but live they were at thei rbest and Previously only available on ropey bootleg, it’s now had a bit of spit and polish lovingly done by team Jungle records, and with a cool innersleeve bio courtesy of Nina Antonio, some of Kramer’s interpretations are so good on tunes like ‘ Endless Party’, leaving Thunders to concentrate on the vocals (ok ok loosely concentrate). ‘I’ll Go Crazy’ is out of Thunder’s wheelhouse, but he pulls it off just in range whilst Kramer sets his fretboard on fire.

Songs like the thunderous ‘Hey Thanks’ are role reversals with Thunder’s lighting up the speakers with his BVs and sloppy solos. Barely held together, this band had the potential to be devastating but for no particular reason, they were never made to gel in a studio and work out their differences, with Johnny claiming it was the age gap (yeah right) Hell, on ‘Just Because I’m White’ the familiar Thunders howling screachign feedback is present and made me smile remembering the feeling when it bellowed through the speakers.

Johnny’s introduction for ‘Ten Commandments Of Love’ and his inter-song banter would see him cancelled in a nanosecond in 2025, the band, however, are on fire and I’m sure if Bob Dylan ever heard their version of ‘Like A Rolling Stone’ he’d approve. The funky version almost calypso ‘Endless Party’ sounds like a lot of fun. Johnny sounds relaxed on ‘Do You Love Me’.

I often wonder what lies on the cutting room floor and attics of various labels and producers out there, never to be unearthed, so I’m always pleased to see stuff come to light, regardless of how many years later it is, and these rough live recordings from NYC are exactly that, cooked up after being in some loft for decades. On his patch, Thunders seems to have sped up the band and sounds right up for it on opener ‘London Boys’. They’ve cleaned the recording up as well as possible, but it’s more about the overall picture than audio clarity. Gang War on paper was an awesome idea that was never brought to reality like it should have. Who knows who could have made this work and its mores the pity it only ever brushed success and is the footnote of two stunning resumes and giants of Rock n Roll in their own rights. I’m glad to have these wax documents to put on from time to time and daydream of what might have been, and be glad we had them for a short while.

Black Friday, for what it’s worth, this is your essential pick up, no doubt about it.

Johnny Thunders – ‘Que Sera Sera'(Jungle Records)

Johnny Thunders – ‘Que Sera Sera'(Jungle Records)

When Jungle said they were releasing a brand new 40th Anniversary edition of the classic ‘Que Sera Sera’ album, I was curious. Having such a small repertoire, or rather official output, Thunder’s always delivered exceptional records. This latest reimagined version of this fine record is well worth investigating, not just because of its shocking pink records, but there are hidden gems within.

Completely remixed and reimagined with the big claim that this is how it should have sounded (to be fair, they’re not wrong on this claim). Gone are the muddy mixes and replaced with crisp, vast widescreen takes. The second album is six previously unheard outtakes and live tracks. Remixed by the now departed Pat Collier, having revisited them because Johnny missed the original mix back in the day, so his guitars have been put in their rightful place – Front and centre and LOUD!

This fine package comes with a splendid overview from Nina Antonia with quotes from the people who were there, like Michael Monroe, who also added some exquisite sax on ‘Blame It On Mom’ and the majestic ‘Cool Operator’. The side I went to first had to be the brand new takes on side three, where you get a raw and vibrant version of ‘Blame It On Mom’ with an absolutely fire solo. Quite how ‘Take You Up Avenue D’ never made the original, I don’t know, with its slap funk Bass and wailing sax, it’s sleazy as hell and the embodiment of the place when this was recorded. ‘Short Lives’ is more of a guide jam with the vocal deep in the mix and Thunder’s unmistakable guitar right front and centre. And Johnny fucking up on ‘I Only Wrote This Song For You’ is classic. Bringing the studio takes to a close is the awesome ‘Cool Operator’ first take. They definitely nailed the final version that made the album way more funky than this pretty straight take. Lacking the swing and arrogance that elevates the original release. But to hear Johnny rip it up on guitar is a joy all by itself.

With your usual ensemble of legends who play on Thunder’s albums, this might have been his most creative with Tregenna, JC Carroll, Monroe, Suicide, Matlock and Wilco Johnson alongside his incredible band from the time this is how ‘Que Sera Sera’ was meant to be heard. From the iconic cover to the shocking pink vinyl, this might just be the definitive version. The real gold here is the unearthed Outtakes on side three of this record, worth it for these alone, as well as the excerpts from a live show in Northern France taking up side four. Johnny Thunders is still the greatest there ever was and will ever be. Cherish his archive and get on board with this lovingly preserved collection from people who give a fuck about his music and the search for perfection of how he should have and deserved to sound.

Having unearthed the live recordings, this is Thunders at his finest. Taken way too soon, he never realised his true potential, but the studio albums he did leave behind are lovingly preserved by the likes of Jungle, and apart from the punk police wagging their fingers, I’m all for hearing these unedited takes and alternative versions. Just buy it the guy was a genius.

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

*There is also a 12″ and 7″ test pressing available of ‘Short Lives’ and a mix of ‘Cool Operator’

Hound Gawd! set to unleash the new Zeke single

Hound Gawd! set to unleash the new Zeke single

ZEKE ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE – ‘PETERBILT’ ON NOVEMBER 28 VIA HOUND GAWD!

Short. Fast. Loud. No compromise.

With their new 7″ single “Peterbilt”, ZEKE unleash an adrenaline rush only they can deliver. Since forming in Seattle in 1992, ZEKE have defined speed rock: an unrelenting mix of hardcore punk, rock ’n’ roll swagger, and breakneck fury.

The two tracks, “Peterbilt” and “From The Ashes”, are nothing short of a frontal assault—razor-sharp riffs, relentless drumming, rumbling bass, and the feral snarl of frontman Blind Marky Felchtone. Every second hits like a strike, every note is pure velocity. This is rock ’n’ roll in the red.

Led by founding members Blind Marky Felchtone (vocals, guitar) and Donny Paycheck (drums), alongside Jason Freeman (bass) and Jeff Hiatt (guitar), ZEKE channel their explosive live energy straight into vinyl. In less than three minutes, they deliver the kind of sonic intensity most bands can’t capture across a whole album. “Peterbilt” is uncompromising, high-octane punk rock—raw, direct, and unapologetically loud. Essential listening for anyone who craves speed, aggression, and attitude.

ZEKE are back—faster, louder, and more ferocious than ever.

The tracks are not available on streaming platforms.

Tour Dates

18.03.2026 – NL – Eindhoven – Effenaar

19.03.2026 – DE – Saarbrücken – Studio 30

20.03.2026 – BE – Aalst – St-Annazaal

21.03.2026 – GR – Athens – An Club

23.03.2026 – DE – Köln – Volta Club

24.03.2026 – tba

26.03.2026 – tba

27.03.2026 – ES – Vitoria-Gasteiz – Jimmy Jazz

28.03.2026 – ES – Madird – Gruta 77

29.03.2026 – PT – Lisbon – Republica da Musica

30.03.2026 – ES – Jerez de la Frontera – La Guarida

02.04.2026 – ES – Valencia – 16 Toneladas

03.04.2026 – ES – Barcelona – Upload

04.04.2026 – FR – Montpellier – Secret Place

05.04.2026 – FR – Marseille – Molotov

07.04.2026 – DE – Freiburg – Atlantik

08.04.2026 – DE – Wiesbaden – Schlachthof

09.04.2026 – DE – Düsseldorf – Pitcher

10.04.2026 – NL – Rotterdam – Baroeg

11.04.2026 – NL – Zwolle – Skroetfest

Cheap Trick – ‘All Washed Up’ (BMG)

Cheap Trick – ‘All Washed Up’ (BMG)

Celebrating their fiftieth year of playing this Rock n Roll game, the mighty Cheap Trick ain’t done yet, and with this, their latest offering, ‘All Washed Up’, is a tongue-in-cheek title because on the evidence herein, they are on fire and sounding as hungry as the day they first broke out of Rockford. From the opening few bars of the title track, you kinda know exactly what you’re in for. The band sounds vibrant and kicking it with the energy coming from the engine room, which is now driven by Rick’s son Daxx, who is proving to be a real power house and driving the music on, adding a ton of x factor to proceedings.

To be fair they are on fire here and turning everything up to 11 they’re rockin hard. by the time you get to the third track, Nielsen has decided that he wants to show everyone hes lost none of his fire and love for loud guitars as he rinses ever last drop out of how ever many necks he feels like swinging around these days. Hell, they are right on it for ‘Bet It All’ with the musicianship being put to the test and throwing down the gauntlet to anyone within earshot. I remember when Aerosmith returned decades ago after ‘Done With Mirrors’ and every man and his dog wanted to champion the band for their hunger and quality, well, this reminds me a lot of the spirit captured in these here tracks. Even the first slower ballad-like track, ‘The Best Thing’ (of course it’s called that and with slushy tempo and dreamy solo it’s built for American Radio if that’s still a thing.

Another point apart from the rhythm section and lead breaks sounding fantastic, a special mention to the amazing vocals courtesy of Robin Zander, who is pealing back the years. I’m not even sure a guy of his years should be allowed to possess a voice that bloody good; it might be illegal these days.

Throughout the eleven songs that unmistakable Cheap Trick power pop is there for all to hear, of course, it is its part of them like a gas or the lifeblood that courses through their veins, it’s always there. ‘Twelve Gates’ is a great example of the old dog and new tricks, it’s power pop gold. Hang on, ‘Bad Blood’ is even more Cheap Trick with a fantastic melody and a thick edge on the Bass, whilst Nielsen is having the time of his life all over this record. Even the parts where they might be cruising, Rick has something fire up his sleeve just so you don’t get complacent.

Finally, I’d just like to say that when they turn it up, they really do capture some magic, and whilst the production is slick and thick, it’s when they up the RPM that they hit the dizzy heights on ‘All Washed Up’, and those are the songs that take this to the next level.

To produce a product this good, this deep into a career, is nothing short of remarkable. I’ll even forgive them the skiffle and jazzy outro of ‘Wham Boom Bang’, they’ve earned it because Cheap Trick are still the cats whiskers and this is the mutts nuts now wham boom bang that one and buy this album!

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

GRADE 2 ‘Cut Throat’ Single & 2026 Tour

GRADE 2 ‘Cut Throat’ Single & 2026 Tour

British punk band Grade 2 share their blistering new single “Cut Throat”, a hard-edged anthem about perseverance in a world that never lets up. Fueled by fierce guitars and a pounding rhythm section, the track captures the sound of a band fighting to stay one step ahead while the world tries to drag them down.

“Cut Throat is about a world that takes more than it gives,” the band explains. “It’s a commentary on striving for more in situations where most people are out for themselves. It’s personal perseverance in a time that feels so empty and cold.”

The accompanying video, directed by Jason Link, with live footage by Flo Ehlich, strips everything back to black-and-white stills taken from the band’s live shows: sweat, motion, and flash-frozen defiance. It’s raw, unvarnished, and perfectly mirrors the spirit of the track—no gloss, no polish, just truth in the moment.

Grade 2 have announced a string of UK headline shows for March and April 2026, alongside their upcoming summer festival appearances. The first dates are listed below, with more to follow soon.

Tickets for the UK tour go on sale this Friday at 10am via Tickets.

UK Headline Dates:

March 28 – The Bodega Social Club, Nottingham

March 29 – The Key Club, Leeds

March 30 – The Deaf Institute, Manchester

March 31 – The Garage Attic, Glasgow

April 1 – Exchange, Bristol

April 3 – O2 Academy Islington, London

April 4 – Strings, Isle of Wight

Festival Appearances:

June 18 – Graspop Metal Meeting Festival, Dessel (BE)

June 20 – Letzigrund Stadion, Zurich (CH) supporting Die Toten Hosen

For more information:

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N.E. Vains – ‘Running Down Pylons’ (Big Neck Records)

N.E. Vains – ‘Running Down Pylons’ (Big Neck Records)

Originally formed in the autumn of 2022 during the doldrums of the lockdown, the project N.E. Vains was originally called “The Vains” but expanded their name to avoid confusion with other groups. For the band’s four Americans, the N.E. stands for New England, and for the sole Canadian in the band, it means North Eastern. (Simple as that).

With the additional efforts of Shandy Lawnson (lead guitar), Bill Bates (bass) and Elvis Belushi (drums), Jeffrey Thunders (rhythm guitar), the collaboration put together a collection of 14 songs, three of which ended up on a split 7″ with Chinese Junk in 2023 on Big Neck Records (Buffalo N.Y.) and Brassneck Records (U.K). Tragically, Bates passed in 2023 and the split was dedicated to his incredible memory. With New Haven area rock musician and engineer, Scott Fitch, taking over on bass, the band have compiled their latest 11-track LP ‘Running Down Pylons’, Think wonderfully trashy rock n roll with the DNA mixture of The Dolls, The Misfits melodies equal parts punk n roll and wonderful sloppy junkshop hand me down rock n roll.

How can you not love ‘Through With It’ with its rapid rampage through some serious sloppy rock n roll with howling feedback and sloppy timing, it’s a glorious noise wrapped in a melody Sylvain would have loved, then turn up the amps when the engineer isn’t looking and hash out ‘Time For You’ and its danceable rhythm and ear-splitting guitar tones.

Hell, ‘My Ammunition’ is a riot on wax and the snotty ‘Pinched Nerve’ is exactly where The mighty Dead Boys would be today if Stiv and the boys crawled out of the gutter in 2025, fuckin glorious noise. I love Rock n Roll that makes me feel alive and on edge, and NE Vains do just that. The cacophony of guitars rampaging over the thuggish Bass and Drums is dangerous and exciting, and the heady mix of punk and cheap drugs can only make a good time cocktail to think this was created at a distance under isolation during the global pandemic is probably for the best because buildings would have been devastated had they had the freedom of seedy clubs and ropey PA systems.

The swan song is ‘Wrong Step’ with its dark, seedy back alley swagger, it’s a great sing-a-long to take this bad boy home. A wonderful tribute to their fallen brother and a record I can’t recommend highly enough. Put on your creepers and leather jacket and get out there, pick up a guitar and turn it up. NE Vains play Rock n Roll, they play it loud and they play i toh so good. Get in on it! NOW!

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