Progressive metal meets craft beer as Chicago’s Dissona unveils their new record in an intimate brewery preview party.

They have brought the weather with them tonight, Belfast is roasting, nice journey up to the city to see these guys again, this is my third time seeing them in this venue and every time they come here the place is packed and yet again tonight, Belfast did not disappoint with place pretty full. 

The evening air hung warm and thick outside Nottingham’s Rescue Rooms on August 9th, the kind of summer night that clings to your skin and buzzes with the low murmur of anticipation.

Its 09 August 2025 and in the Custom House Square plays host to a night of rock and punk rock to a massive crowd out for a night of fun and sun. Yes, it was one of those rare evenings in Northern Ireland that the big glowing yellow ball in the sky was shinning down on us all.

There’s nothing quite like getting stuck on a smart motorway, crawling along the M1 while the sun’s dropping and you’re desperately trying to get to a gig on time.

There was a great buzz when Night Demon announced their upcoming “Curse of the Damned 10th Anniversary Show”. The lads in particular Jarvis, have become local celebrities in our wee town despite hailing from Ventura, California.

Surely, it’s not Saturday already? Sadly, the enquiry is answered in the affirmative and thus my initial thought of the morning is that it’s the closing chapter of this year’s entry into the leather-bound grimoire that binds the annals of Rockharz.

2025 is certainly, with absolute respect to the other 58 bands here at Rockharz, the Year of the Wolf. High anticipation has been building over the course of the last 12 months since the announcement of Powerwolf’s headline slot and enigmatic keyboardist Falk Maria Schlegel holding a meet and greet ‘confessional’ during last year’s festival.

Geoff rolls into Glasgow to play Operation Mindcrime in its entirety one last time and what a way to retire this album.

Twenty years on from his last show in Dublin, the legendary Guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen makes his long overdue return to the City and a sold out Button Factory feels like it just can’t wait to get reacquainted. 

As we arrive up on the mountain for the third and final day of Steelhouse, it’s apparent that weather had changed as the sun had disappeared, a cool breeze was blowing, and stormy clouds were lurking.

It’s a bright and pleasant evening as we make our way to the Mandela Hall. Since its refurb in 2022 the Students Union and concert venue is looking mighty fine.

Back on the mountain for day two and once more there is sunshine! It’s clear even at this early hour that there are more people here today. Those who got to the stage at midday were treated to a gem as Jayler got the ball rolling.

From Canterbury to the Kingdom of Shock Rock.  The day began with a buzz in the air—one of those rare electric feelings that only a true Alice Cooper gig can summon.

Arriving at the base of the bumpy track, that climbs the mountain, it was obvious from the plumes of dust being created by the vehicles in front that it hadn’t rained here for a good while. But we’re in Wales and it always rains here especially for the Steelhouse festival, doesn’t it? Maybe the weather gods will be good to …

It’s difficult to overstate the cultural impact W.A.S.P. had when they first emerged from the gutters of the Sunset Strip in the early 1980s, a time when glam and grit collided with rebellion and rage. Where many bands dabbled in sleaze or posturing, W.A.S.P. sharpened it into a knife and held it to society’s throat. Led by the uncompromising Blackie Lawless, a one-man revolution in platform boots and blood, they weaponised the outrage that ensued.