Märvel – ‘Brain Drain Diaries’

Märvel – ‘Brain Drain Diaries’

The self-proclaimed ‘Barons of high energy rock n’ roll’, otherwise known as Märvel, return with their 10th album, cunningly titled ‘Brain Drain Diaries’.

The Swedish three-piece have been in the game for 20 years now. King (vocals & guitar), The Burgher (bass) and The Vicar on drums play the sorta rock n’ roll we here at RPM adore, and their high-energy mix of Thin Lizzy, Hellacopters and Kiss is always something to get excited about.

Recorded and self-produced at the Sunshine Factory in their homeland, ‘Brain Drain Diaries’ is what we have come to expect from the masked trio who dress like evil henchmen from a 60’s Batman TV show. 

Lyrically, the band have taken a more reflective approach here, with themes of resilience, honesty and songs straight from the heart. But musically, it’s all about catchy hooks and killer riffs, baby! 

I’m pretty much sold on the album art to be fair, but the opening one-two of ‘Look It’s Rock n Roll’ and ‘A Beautiful Corpse’ seals the deal in magnificent style.

With the former coming on strong like latter-day Hellacopters, Märvel deliver a killer opener with a refrain to die for and a high-octane solo to boot. This is low-slung rock n’ roll at its finest. 

The latter, with its twin guitar attack, urgent beats and vintage Kiss feel, is pure rock n’ roll energy guaranteed to get the heart racing and the vocal cords working. That opening chorus will catch ya, hook, line and sinker. It’s probably the best track on the album. But it’s got some stiff competition. 

Märvel have a knack for wearing their influences on their sleeves with no shame. ‘Biding My Time’ drifts from a Lizzy-like verse to a Kiss-inspired chorus with ease, but just ends up sounding like Märvel to me. The glam rock stomp of ‘Time Has A Way’ has a very British feel, like Mud or The Sweet in their prime. It’s as instant as Instant Whip and twice as nice. You’ll be humming it before the second chorus kicks in, believe me. 

The likes of ‘Brain Drain’ and ‘Take A Stand’ prove not only that Märvel stole the beat from the Lord, but they may well have improved on it. 

Märvel may not have the same kudos as the likes of The Hellacopters, The Hives or Turbonegro in certain circles, but ‘Brain Drain Diaries’ continues a strong run of killer albums from a band who are up there with their contemporaries delivering the goods to the max.

Buy Here

Author: Ben Hughes

Ist Ist see the ‘Warning Signs’

Ist Ist see the ‘Warning Signs’

FROM UPCOMING FIFTH ALBUM:
‘DAGGER’
OUT 6 FEBRUARY, VIA KIND VIOLENCE RECORDS

ON TOUR THIS NOVEMBER, 
PLUS FURTHER UK TOUR DATES IN 2026

One of the most urgent, immediate and irrepressible tracks the band have delivered to date, “Warning Signs” is a lightning bolt of realisation and unrequited love. 

Of the track, vocalist Adam Houghton says:

”I wanted to write from a place of regret — that gut-wrenching moment when you realise pride and fear have cost you the person you love. The song is a confession and a plea, filled with what-ifs and too-lates. I wanted the repetition and directness to feel desperate, like someone haunted by what they didn’t say soon enough. It’s about confronting the pain of being without the one who grounded you and understanding too late that love requires vulnerability. The goal was to make the emotion feel raw, honest, and painfully human.’’

New single “Warning Signs” is an unignorable reminder of the band’s highly awaited fifth album ‘DAGGER’, as produced by Joe Cross (Hurts, Courteeners, Slow Readers Club). It arrives on 6 February 2026, via the band’s own Kind Violence Records. 

The new track comes complete with an official video shot by Joyce Van Doorn and edited by Shaolin Pete. Featuring live and backstage footage from IST IST’s triumphant recent tour of Europe, it’s a tantalising reminder for what’s to come at their upcoming UK comeback shows, which kick-off this week in Leeds, Glasgow, London, and Birmingham (28th November – 6th December, check dates below). 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mXaLRyMlJM&feature=youtu.be


IST IST will also be hitting the road again in April 2026, with additional shows in Norwich, Exeter, Oxford, Newcastle, Sheffield, Nottingham, Bristol, and Brighton, paving the way towards their biggest hometown show to date, at Manchester’s Albert Hall in May. All dates are listed below, with all tickets on sale now.

Catch IST IST marking their decade-long career and playing new music from ‘DAGGER’ at the following UK shows: 

IST IST  – 2025/26 EUROPE & UK TOUR DATES


Friday 28th November – Leeds – Warehouse
Saturday 29th November – Glasgow – Oran Mor
Friday 5th December – London – 229
Saturday 6th December – Birmingham – O2 Academy2

****

THURSDAY 9th APRIL – NORWICH – THE WATERFRONT ** JUST ADDED **
SATURDAY 11th APRIL – EXETER PHOENIX ** JUST ADDED **

SUNDAY 12th APRIL – OXFORD – 02 ACADEMY2 ** JUST ADDED **

THURSDAY 16th APRIL – NEWCASTLE – THE GROVE ** JUST ADDED **

SATURDAY 18th APRIL – SHEFFIELD • NETWORK  ** JUST ADDED **

THURSDAY 23rd APRIL – NOTTINGHAM • RESCUE ROOMS ** JUST ADDED **

FRIDAY 24th APRIL  – BRISTOL – THEKLA ** JUST ADDED **
SATURDAY 25th APRIL – BRIGHTON – QUARTERS ** JUST ADDED **


Friday 1st May 2026 – Manchester – Albert Hall
w/ Support from DESPERATE JOURNALIST + THE YOUTH PLAY

Tickets for all shows on sale here:
https://www.ististmusic.com/pages/live
*****

Michael Monroe gets ‘Disconnected’

Michael Monroe gets ‘Disconnected’

MICHAEL MONROE

New Video/ Single

‘DISCONNECTED’

OUT NOW

New Album OUTERSTELLAR

OUT FEBRUARY 20

PRE-ORDER AT THIS LOCATION 

Michael Monroe releases the irresistibly anthemic second single ‘Disconnected’ from forthcoming new studio album Outerstellar, set for release on February 20th via Silver Lining Music. For pre-orders go to this location.

‘Disconnected’ speaks of something that Michael Monroe feels passionately about: that live music is a rare and vital space for people to find each other in the moment.

“Technology was supposed to bring people closer together, when, in fact, people are more disconnected than ever. They’re looking at their phones and their computers and downloading stuff” comments Michael Monroe. “And, you know, the Internet can’t take away the experience of being at a live show. You’re on stage, and you communicate with the audience who are there, in that moment. That‘s where the magic really happens, and absolutely no program or device or computer can reproduce that!”

The new album Outerstellar, is an experience as much as a collection of great songs, a sweet smelling, leathery, glitter-shimmered, sweat-soaked raunch and punch wrapped in one of the great voices in rock ‘n’ roll. The harmonies and vibes roll effortlessly in silk scarves, lounging in leather pants with liquor and a smile on a beat-up sofa in those small AM hours. And the sheer attitude, which screams carefree (not careless!) confidence (not arrogance!), a cocksure sense of self-bathed in the sheer joy of playing real rock ‘n’ roll the right way.

The recently released first video and single, ‘Rockin’ Horse’, is a defiant blast against critics and judges and comes with one of the craziest Michael Monroe videos you’ve ever seen. “I am who I am and I’m not going to edit myself for your benefit,” Michael says unequivocally for anyone who might doubt that fact.

From loud crashing guitars to harmonicas, to gorgeous acoustic moments, you’ll sing, you’ll dance, you’ll shiver, you’ll shake, and you’ll smell this wonderful exhilarating record in all its weathered biker jacket incense-coated glory and you’ll also realize that whatever the hell is going on in the world right now, when you put this album on, it’s an instant escape to carefree days and an emancipation from worries, fears and woes.  

Outerstellar will see a whole burst of life onstage when Michael Monroe and the band bring it to stages internationally over the next year. It is EXACTLY what rock ‘n’ roll in its truest sense is meant to be, in fact, just stop reading this, get off your ‘Rockin’ Horse’ and go see Michael Monroe on tour at your first opportunity! In support of the release of Outerstellar, Michael Monroe and band will embark on a UK co-headline tour with Buckcherry, kicking off in Southampton on February 24th. For a full list of upcoming shows and tickets visit: michaelmonroe.com – more dates to be announced.

2025:

24 Nov Rock Beyond Rock Vol. 2, Osaka (JP)

25 Nov EX THEATER ROPPONGI, Minato City (JP)

2026:

24 Feb The 1865, Southampton (UK)

25 Feb O2 Ritz, Manchester (UK)

27 Feb KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton (UK)

28 Feb Northumbria Institute, Newcastle (UK)

1 Mar SWG3, Glagsgow (UK)

3 Mar Tramshed, Cardiff (UK)

4 Mar The Foundry, Torquay (UK)

6 Mar Rock City, Nottingham (UK)

7 Mar O2 Forum, London (UK)

8 Mar Chalk, Brighton (UK)

3-7 Apr Underground Garage Cruise, Miami (US) to Cozumel (MX)

Outerstellar will be available on Limited Edition 12” White Vinyl, 12” Turquoise Vinyl, 12” Black Vinyl, CD Digipak, Digital Download, Streaming and special D2C bundles. Available to pre-order now at this location 

Follow Michael Monroe:

www.facebook.com/michaelmonroeofficial 

www.x.com/michaelmonroe 

www.instagram.com/michaelmonroeofficial

www.michaelmonroe.com/web/

www.tiktok.com/@officialmichaelmonroe 

Sid Vicious – ‘Sid Lives’ (Jungle Records)

Sid Vicious – ‘Sid Lives’ (Jungle Records)

Sid Vicious ‘Sid Lives!’  A limited edition 2LP in blood-splattered coloured vinyl for the UK’s RSD Black Friday. A double-LP of four of Sid’s last ever shows, featuring 39 tracks. Sure, the quality is mixing desk minus and I’m sure the purists have already called the punk rock police on me for daring to even give platitudes to such a record. But, and that’s a bit, but it is so much more a document of the end of Sid and what might have been sure, there might be some Steve Dior shenanigans with overdubs, but the original material isn’t the best quality anyway. Be grown up and put that to one side. What I will say is this is a fascinating document of a snapshot in time about one of the most iconic punks of the first wave, and a moment in time that is a fascinating story, regardless of it being a cartoon or done to death, it’s still a fascinating story.

The gatefold sleeve has a comprehensive, detailed 8,000-word Sid timeline together with Steve Dior’s eyewitness Sid story. and whilst the font might be small fo rold punk rockers eyesight these days its well worth a read, and let’s be honest the band he assembled were world class and had they been able to mature or ferment, they might well have come up with some remarkable music becuase one fact is that Sid could hold a tune much better than he could play th eBass guitar and the likes of Nolan holding down the rhythm in the engine room he was in exceptionally good hands. Killer Kane might have been the only Bass player to hold a candle to Vicious. The songs they chose to cover were real top pop picks, and whatever the purists say about old Sidney, he had exceptional taste in music.

You get thirty-nine tracks for your RSD bucks, and the essay on the inner sleeve sadly just twelve days after these shows in NYC, Nancy’s life was ended in mystery and Sid’s life was thrown into the blender, which he never recovered from. As a snapshot of time and a record of what might have been, this is well worth having. A shambolic ‘Something Else’ married to a snotty ‘Belsen Was A Gas’ is worth it alone. Ramones, Stooges and Thunders tunes a plenty were the staple of Sid’s repertoire and what a trio of bands to borrow from. Rest in peace, Sid. May this be the definitive record of a moment in time. Now to barricade myself in before the punk police arrive.

Buy Here

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’