Syteria – ‘Goodbye World’
Coming on like The Runaways petulant teenage sibling, Syteria have made a real mark for themselves with their perfect brew of hard rocking bubblegum punk.
Led by Girlschool’s Jackie Chambers, the Yorkshire based four piece have peeled this high energy spitfire from their ‘Reflection’ album and it’s packed full of the sweet vocals, tough guitar and perfect pop infused chorus that is their trademark.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LavKUYRv8g&w=560&h=315]
Never just a frothy candy floss confection, there’s a real heart and message in the material and it all goes to make something that will outlast other, disposable bands and remain a joy for a long time to come. This is a sugar rush you will want time and time again.
Vandenberg – ‘Freight Train’
There was a huge groundswell of excitement when Adrian Vandenberg announced he was relaunching his titular band and the scene has certainly missed the Dutch master’s big riffs.
Aptly titled, ‘Freight Train’ is classic hard rock with a massive guitar sound that punches harder than Mike Tyson at his most volcanic. Bringing the stellar vocal talent of Ronnie Romero was a brilliant move and the two were seemingly made for each other, both putting in performances that are nothing less than commanding.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqrSfC-kej8&w=560&h=315]
Mixing that killer 80’s style with a very modern attitude and production, this should satisfy anyone who likes their music heavy, loud and perfectly crafted.
Alestorm – ‘Tortuga’ (featuring Capt. Yarrface)
You can almost taste the rum and tang of the salt from the sea in this, the latest release from Pirate Metal madmen Alestorm.
As barking as usual, this is another bit of full-on party maritime rock with their usual unhinged flair at making something unique and yet again, manages to capture some of the utter abandon of their lives shows into a song that is heavy but with an irresistibly commercial edge in the chorus.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWLJ5wIXu-U&w=560&h=315]
With an equally manic rap from Captain Yarrface, this is made to be appreciated whilst knocking back a flagon or two of ale. Hoist the Jolly Roger and raise those horns, the boys are back in port!
Bootyard Bandits – ‘Lockdown’
Having a knack of writing brilliantly constructed, risqué and funny hard rock isn’t just the sole territory of Steel Panther as these good ‘ol boys from Worcester prove once more.
Written during the current situation, this ode sees the Country Rockers dealing with being stuck at home by drinking their bodyweight in alcohol.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q5PcWQTP30&w=560&h=315]
Whilst we obviously cannot condone this course of action, we can heartily recommend the track, a heady brew in itself of their rampant riffing, kick ass banjo, grooving drums and bass mayhem topped by CJ Handsome’s impeccable vocal delivery.
Once more, the Bootyard Bandits have given the country something to smile about. They might have lost their sanity but they’re certainly helping us to save ours.
Rival Sons – ‘Shooting Stars (In the Woods)’
A prime track taken from the ‘Feral Roots’ album, this has been specially retooled and re-recorded by Jay Buchanan as an acoustic version that truly sings.
Stripped down and full of his blues-soaked holler, this is a beautifully raw and honest performance that perfectly captures the grit and gospel soul power of the original.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFcwBRVqr8o?start=1&w=560&h=315]
Truly a masterclass of writing and performing this shows that you don’t need the full studio artillery to bring the full brilliance of a song to life, just one man and a guitar. Rival Sons are in a league of their own.
Thundermother – ‘Driving in Style’
Tough as nails full throttle boogie, ‘Driving in Style’ is the sound of the four girls from Sweden ripping the roof off and leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
They rock hard and play equally as hard with riffs that Angus Young would be proud of and a hugely hooky chorus that will instantly sink its claws into your brain.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyL8pHR2UPk&w=560&h=315]
Living and breathing pure rock ‘n’ roll, this will give you the sort of adrenaline-soaked excitement you’ve always craved. Turn the amps up to 11 and lose your mind.
Roses Unread – Rapture
Creating sonic ripples that can be felt this side of the Atlantic, Memphis based Roses Unread unleash this monster of a track and it’s bigger and more rampant than anything Godzilla at its most crazed could achieve.
Starting of with a huge riff and a kick that could level city blocks, the band launches into this blockbusting song, driven by melody and Alison Purifoy’s strikingly passionate vocals as much as the sheer velocity of the attack.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2ng420AGJg&w=560&h=315]
Heavy and yet soaring, ‘Rapture’ beautifully balances aggression and hooks, all delivered in a perfect package that will make you want to tear down the highway with this cranked up to full volume. Alive and most definitely kicking.
Course of Fate – ‘Drifting Away’
If you long for some soothing, widescreen sounds to wash away the day’s troubles, look no further than this wondrously sparkling slice of Heaven by the Norwegian Prog Metallers.
Acoustic guitars and piano tangle with a rich, deep vocal as this atmospheric and elegant track dances in impossibly beautiful shapes over a tune that echoes Pink Floyd at their most luxuriant.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7eAOp0qOWg&w=560&h=315]
The guitar solo could have easily come from the flawless imagination and fingertips of Dave Gilmour but with a distinctly Scandinavian flavour, every note precisely placed to bring both an emotional and physical response. As breathtaking and magical as the Northern Lights, this will gently glide into your heart and never leave.
Reviews by Paul Monkhouse for MPM
