Live Review : Geoff Tate + Kim Jennett @ Academy 3, Manchester on October 9th 2024

Nostalgia is a potent force. It’s your own personal Time Machine, allowing us to revisit the sounds and the essence of our past exploits. It also has highly redemptive and restorative powers. It allows the whitewashing of career indiscretions and focuses on the highs, while simultaneously burying the lows. Queensryche are case in point, as the 80’s morphed into the 90’s they seemed poised to join Maiden and Metallica in the really big league of metallic heavy weights. “Operation Mindcrime “had position them as the thinking person’s metal band and follow-up “Empire” increased tenfold their commercial clout, thrusting them into arena status. For a short smidgen of time they had the Midas touch and could do no wrong. Then grunge happened.

Live Review : Xander and The Peace Pirates @ Waterloo Music Bar, Blackpool, on October 3rd 2024

It’s a Thursday night in Blackpool, the weekend is almost within touching distance and what better way to bring a busy week to a close than to spend an evening in a great venue with an equally fantastic band providing some delicious rock n soul goodness. And no, that’s no typo, I did mean to type rock and soul; for that’s what Xander and the Peace Pirates deliver; music to provide a balm to the heart and mind and all points in between.

Live Review : Apocalyptica + The Raven Age @ Albert Hall, Manchester on September 29th 2024

Apocalyptica have spent over 25 years refusing to be typecast. Starting life as a classical style Metallica tribute act, their 1996 debut “Plays Metallica by Four Cellos” remains one of the most stunningly unique albums ever released. A further eight albums over a nearly 30-year career has seen them bring in a drummer and vocalist, write their own material and firmly break out of the mould of novelty cover act. All of which makes the decision to record a second Metallica cover album and tour it with a set list made up of exclusively Metallica covers both baffling and bold.

Live Review : Infected Rain + Skarlett Riot @ Rebellion,Manchester on August 30th 2024

Moldova's Infected Rain blew us away with their set at Bloodstock Festival a few weeks ago, and we couldn't pass up the chance to see them play a more intimate venue in Manchester. Their take on modern metal is unique and dynamic, and in Lena Scissorhands they have a charismatic and engaging focal point. We managed to catch up with Lena for a chat prior to the gig (Interview HERE) and then were treated to a superb headline set.

Live Review : White Lightning + Electric Lady + Madhouse @ Sotto, Liverpool on June 28th 2024

Liverpool, despite its importance in the overall history of music, is not exactly renowned for a hard rock scene. In recent months though, there has been a rumble in the underground. Quite literally, as a lot of the little venues that are springing up and hosting some pretty decent rock and metal bands are in basements. Tonight is no exception, but at least it’s not another dingy one. Quite the opposite really, as there are big windows to the street above the stage area which itself is surrounded by mirrors and lit by brightly-coloured LED strips. There is also decent Belgian beer on tap, places for the old and lazy to sit at the back, and some friendly bar staff. Unfortunately, tonight at least, there are also some Issues.

Gig ReviewAuthor : Jo Crosby30 June 2024SottoWhite Lightning, Electric Lady, Madhouse, Sotto, Liverpool, 2024, Gallery, PrintsComment

Live Review : Maybeshewill + Bossk + Lys Morke @ Gorilla, Manchester on May 17th 2024

After triumphant sets at Damnation Festival last year, both Bossk and Maybeshewill are riding a large wave of momentum at the minute. The two post rock titans are back with new releases, and a new Co Headline tour that is set to be one of the standout tours of the year.

Live Review : Amaranthe + DragonForce + Infected Rain @ Academy, Manchester on March 23rd 2024

It can’t be an easy job being a gig promoter. Say you’ve got a Swedish power metal outfit on your hands who are famous for their fantasy lyrics and having three vocalists. A great band who have been going (although not with the same lineup) for 25 years. They are good, but they have reached that in-between stage of their career where they are not quite going to sell out a big theatre but are way past the club scene. How are you going to support and market that?