The Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

  Words written by Anselm Anderson Gothic Rock act Outshine released their first studio album since signing for Eclipse Records last week. Titled Truthsayer , it’s their fifth release overall, packed with haunting keys, dark, hypnotic vocals, and crushing backbeats that perfectly capture the essence of dark, atmospheric metal . Formed in Gothenburg, Sweden , Outshine have been round for over thirty years, having toured across the States and Europe. They’ve shared the stage with renowned acts like Paradise Lost and performed over three hundred shows. Now joining Eclipse Records with a rich history, they bring along a lineup of talented musicians, consisting of  founding vocalist Jimmy Boman , drummer Robert Petersson ,bassist Niklas Ingvarsson , and  guitarist and backing vocalist Par Arvidsson . Produced by and recorded by Kenny Boufadene and Jimmy Boman at Studio Meltdown , Kungsbacka, Sweden,The duo have captured the melancholic essence of the band's nature throug...

Photo courtesy of Kinetic Edited by Anselm Anderson Eclipse Records continue to grow as a  record label with a keen eye for fast, emerging bands. They have  just announced the signing of the progressive metal unit KINETIC from Kolding, Denmark to an exclusive worldwide deal. Emerging with a sound that bridges technical precision, atmospheric depth, and cinematic storytelling, the band was built on a shared ambition to create music that moves the beyond convention. Formed in 2022 by guitarist David Thing and bassist Christian Heitmann, the band recently wrapped up production of their debut full-length album entitled Liminal which will be released via Eclipse Records on October 16, 2026. “We’re very honoured to sign with Eclipse Records.” says keyboardist Marcus Levin, “it feels very natural since they recognized our vision and spirit immediately. They didn’t ask us to be louder, faster, or different. It’s very rare to find a label that truly values and respects patience, de...

Photo Credit: Pooneh Ghana | New York City rock-and-roll quartet BODEGA have announced their fourth full-length album All Inside Aquarium for an October 9th release via Chrysalis Records. Alongside the news, they have released the record’s title-track single along with a limited edition 7” single, featuring vinyl exclusive B-side, “Since You Ask.” All Inside Aquarium is available for pre-order, with a Dinked exclusive featuring 7” single and Cloudy Blue vinyl, along with a limited Bandcamp exclusive edition featuring hand-painted alt artwork, by the band's percussionist/vocalist Nikki Belfiglio. Fans are expected a treat for when the records comes out. Discussing “All Inside Aquarium,” guitarist/vocalist Ben Hozie attempts to explain the reasoning behind the title track;  “This track is an attempt at an existential anthem. Pain (after it subsides) can bring you closer to a beatific perspective where dichotomy disappears and curious creativity calmly trickles out like the faucet...

  Words by Anselm Anderson British trio RJ Archer and the Painful Memories made their comeback last week with their fourth album, titled "Infernow," a fiery eight-track release that channels all the disillusionment the band feels toward modern-day politics. This album stands apart from their usual blues-infused hard rock, as "Infernow" offers a more diverse sound, blending a range of influences and styles. If you’re a new reader, I’ve previously covered the band’s last album, “The Cost of a Loving Crisis.” RJ Archer was formed in 2019 when lead vocalist Richard brought together a few friends to start the band after winning studio time in a competition. " Infernow" is the follow up to that release, having recorded the album in 20 hours on one January afternoon this year. Recorded at Half Ton Studio, the album is twenty three minutes of raw rock 'n'' roll. Photo Courtesy of Richard Archer The album kicks off with the energetic blues of "I Ca...

 British heavy metal giants Saxon have announced the first UK and Ireland leg of their Gods of Thunder World Tour .  The eleven date tour will feature the revival of their legendary 30-foot mechanised Eagle for all UK and Ireland shows, with the exception of Cardiff due to venue restrictions. Saxon will also be bringing the  Castles & Eagles stage production. Originally constructed in the early 1980s as Saxon prepared to tour their seminal album Denim and Leather , the iconic Eagle was built by Midlands-based company LSD using airport runway landing lights. It made its first appearance during a pre-tour rehearsal in London before becoming an enduring symbol of the band. Towering above audiences during Saxon’s massive arena tours, the emblematic Eagle quickly became Saxon’s mascot and inspired the title of their acclaimed 1982 UK Top 5 live album, The Eagle Has Landed , leading to fans requesting its presence ever since. “We wanted to make the Gods of Thunder UK ...