CONCERT REVIEW: Steel Panther – Moon Fever Live at The Machine Shop


The holiday season is here and the zany hair metal act Steel Panther is on the road to get you in the festive spirit. The LA glam group is on a short run titled the “On the Prowl Winter Holidaze” tour where they are supporting their latest album, On the Prowl (Republic Records) that came out earlier this year. One of their twelve tour stops includes Michigan’s Vehicle City. Flint is home to the independent and nationally acclaimed music venue, The Machine Shop. This iconic concert hub was an optimal choice to host this racy, yet lovable group of stylishly bold fellas for two nights in a row. Everyone forgot the dreary December cold as they entered the small-sized venue where these fiery, comedic rockers sizzled things up.Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Twin Temple – God Is Dead


 

Aesthetic contradictions within the metal scene are not an uncommon sight these days. Bands whose image says one thing while their music does something entirely different vex and confuse people on a daily basis. But then there’s Twin Temple. A band favoured by a certain core of fans, whose image is a perfect representation of their sound but has nothing to do with heavy metal in the slightest.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Royal Blood – Back to the Water Below


 

These days, it’s difficult to find Rock and Roll in its purest form, especially in an era where rock is not king. However, a wave of modern British Invasion bands have produced some acts that have reinvigorated the scene, most notably, Brighton-born rock duo, Royal Blood. Small but mighty, with an unconventional lineup, Royal Blood are fueled by the powerful pair Mike Kerr (vocals/bass) and Ben Thatcher (drums/vocals). Over the last decade-plus as a band, they have climbed the ranks with 3 albums: Royal Blood (2014), How Did We Get So Dark? (2017), Typhoons (2021), and now, they welcome their 4th studio album Back to the Water Below via Warner Music.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Nighthawk – Prowler


 

Nighthawk’s Prowler (Mighty Music) is a fun romp through some good old-fashioned rock and roll. Prowler has the feel of a classic album while being firmly new. Bjorn “Speed” Strid’s (Soilwork, At The Movies) vocals are immaculate, the guitars are blistering, and the riffs are “classic”. ‘Running Wild’ is the second track on the album and it takes me back to the gritty eighties. It evokes black Trans Ams being driven by fluffy-haired gents with sweet ‘taches. ‘Running Wild’ has a distinct sound that blends elements of hard rock and blues rock. The song has a great keyboard riff and melodic, storytelling lyrics.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Jared James Nichols – Jared James Nichols


 

Critics who claim Rock And Roll is dead have not listened to Wisconsin native Jared James Nichols’ self-titled third album (Black Hill Records) which is filled with twelve pieces of evidence to the contrary. Nichols is known for his signature pick-less style and is one of only four global ambassadors for Gibson Guitars, which certainly sets expectations high for what you are about to experience.Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Getsemane – Viimaa


 

Part experimental jazz, part progressive, part sultry but all Getsemane – the newest work of art they’ve created for Svart Records is entitled Viimaa. There is a darkness to the sound, like mushrooms and the mycelial network dark. It’s taking the Hobbits to Isengard black. It’s underground clubs in New York City and Frankfurt, the ones with the brick on the inside; smokey, dense, hot.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Tuk Smith and The Restless Hearts – Ballad of a Misspent Youth


 

The opening strains of Ballad of a Misspent Youth (MRG Records) by Tuk Smith & The Restless Hearts reminds me of old KISS. It’s the sound of the guitars. There is a bit of The Black Crowes thrown in for good measure. It’s hard driving and pop-ish with a punk tinge. The guitars are simple yet sonically pleasing. The album continues this stylistic choice with savage awesomeness. Be prepared, Ballad of a Misspent Youth is solid from start to finish with plenty of songs that will get stuck on constant rotation.

 

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LIVESTREAM REVIEW: Beartooth – The Journey Below Livestream


Getting ready to return to the touring lifestyle they’ve grown accustomed to, Ohio-based Metalcore and Hard Rock group Beartooth presented fans with the next best thing to seeing them from the barricades. Bringing their new album Below (Red Bull Records) to life with elaborate visuals and booming sparklers, The Journey Below livestream reminds us what rock shows are all about in case anyone has forgotten.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Motörhead – Louder Than Noise… Live In Berlin


Recorded in front of twelve thousand rabid fans at the Berlin Velodrom in December 2012, Louder Than Noise… Live in Berlin (Silver Lining Music) is the sound of British rock legends Motörhead doing what they did best. Playing rock ‘n’ roll at the loudest possible volume and making lots of drunk people bang their sweaty heads until they either threw up or passed out. Motörhead shows were fantastic, weren’t they?

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Led Zeppelin to Stream “Celebration Day” Concert This Weekend on YouTube


Led Zeppelin has partnered with YouTube for a special streaming event of “Celebration Day”. Recorded live at London’s O2 Arena on December 10, 2007, the film captures a two-hour-plus tour de force of the band’s signature blues-infused rock ‘n’ roll that instantly became part of the legend of Led Zeppelin. Founding members John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, and Robert Plant were joined by Jason Bonham, the son of their late drummer John Bonham, to perform 16 songs from their celebrated catalog, including landmark tracks “Whole Lotta Love”, “Rock And Roll”, “Kashmir”, “Stairway To Heaven”. “Celebration Day” and more will be streamed in its entirety for three days only on the official Led Zeppelin YouTube channel, premiering this Saturday, May 30, at 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PST.Continue reading