As enticing a prospect for potential listeners as it is possible to get. The music is splendid, and if investing in the physical CD version, the packaging is beautifully purple-themed throughout in a very classy way, with an accompanying booklet sumptuously illustrated with some exemplary photography. And, if you want the full visual experience, it's..
Xandria – Eclipse (Napalm Records)
With Eclpise, Xandra have confirmed that The Wonders Still Awaiting was no flash in the pan. Heubaum’s continues to write classy symphonic metal and Vourvahis reconfirms she has a voice to match anyone in this genre. It’s a good time to be a Xandria fan! Xandria have not exactly been a stable band. Formed originally..
Green Carnation – A Dark Poem, Part III: The Messiah Complex (Season Of Mist)
Green Carnation are a band I wasn’t familiar with until the release of A Dark Poem, Part I: The Shores Of Melancholia. That album, which came out in September of last year, was a marvellous mix of modern metal, doom, and classic heavy metal and it impressed me enormously. Plus, I love a concept album,..
Shakra – Just Live Loud (Frontiers Music)
Just Live Loud is an impressive album of classic metal. It’s better than the majority of metal releases that come my way, and it’s a bit of a mystery to me why Shakra have not got a much higher profile. If my maths is right, then this is Shakra’s 14th studio album in an almost..
Bywater Call – Broken Souvenirs
Exactly how do you try to put a "tag" on Canadian roots, rock, and soul band Bywater Call?! They've just released their fourth studio album Broken Souvenirs, and it features a captivating mix of 11 original songs that showcases Bywater Call’s complete versatility, musicality, and experimentation. It reaches beyond the boundaries of genre and further..
Oddland – Unilluminate To Illuminate (Frontiers Music)
Oddland have gravitated towards the sound of bands like Soen and Leprous, and as a result have produced their tightest and most convincing album so far. Oddland are a Finnish progressive metal band who were formed back in 2003. They could be accused of being a bit sluggish compared to some of their peers –..
Jethro Tull – J-Tull Dot Com: Another Cast Of The Net’ (InsideOut Music)
A newly remixed version of J-Tull Dot Com: Another Cast Of The Net in set to be released on the 14th August 2026. It shines a bright new light on Tull's 1999 original album, being newly remixed by Bruce Soord (The Pineapple Thief) in stereo and surround sound, including Dolby Atmos. It's available as a..
ELP – Works Live (Remastered Vinyl/CD Reissue) (BMG)
This is an excellent and wholly welcome upgrade to a very fine live album indeed, with its vinyl bow befitting its quality and making the long wait for it worthwhile one. A much, much better live recording than you may think, as it has always been since its initial expansion ... If you don't have..
Parker Barrow – Hold The Mash
Parker Barrow, the blues-infused Southern rock band led by husband and wife duo Megan Kane (vocals) and Dylan Turner (drums), supported by the formidable Alex Bender (guitar) is a powerhouse group, rounded out by Will Tipton (guitar), Kyle Priber (bass guitar) and Eric Safka (keyboards). Live, they take the stage by storm as anything from..
NAZARETH – Born Under The Wrong Sign: 1976-1979 (HNE / Cherry Red)
If you are one of those who thought that the glory days of Nazareth ran from about 1972-75, and ended with Love Hurts, this box will be something you really need to hear ... The band were untouchable on their day – of which there were many. Here are some of them… Scottish rockers Nazareth..