Holding Absence – The Noble Art of Self Destruction (Review)

Holding Absence - The Noble Art of Self DestructionThis is the third album from UK modern rock band Holding Absence.

I’ve enjoyed watching the ascent of Holding Absence over the years. From 2019’s Holding Absence, to 2021’s stepping-up-a-level second album The Greatest Mistake of My Life, to the thoroughly scrumptious split with Alpha Wolf from last year, this is a band who keep developing and improving. Continue reading “Holding Absence – The Noble Art of Self Destruction (Review)”

Moon Coven – Sun King (Review)

Moon Coven - Sun KingThis is the third album from Swedish rock band Moon Coven.

Moon Coven play a mix of psychedelic rock and stoner doom that has a touch of the progressive about it too. Across 46 minutes Sun King blends these styles into a warm, personable album of good tunes and good vibes. Continue reading “Moon Coven – Sun King (Review)”

Oblivion Protocol – The Fall of the Shires (Review)

Oblivion Protocol - The Fall of the ShiresThis is the debut album from international progressive rock band Oblivion Protocol.

The Fall of the Shires is an interesting record in that it’s a sequel to Threshold’s 2017’s album Legends of the Shires, born from a desire by Oblivion Protocol founder/vocalist/keyboardist Richard West, (also keyboardist in Threshold), to continue that album’s themes and worldbuilding. Continue reading “Oblivion Protocol – The Fall of the Shires (Review)”

Din of Celestial Birds – The Night Is for Dreamers (Review)

Din of Celestial Birds - The Night Is for DreamersThis is the debut album from UK post-rock band Din of Celestial Birds.

The Night Is for Dreamers is a 45-minute instrumental post-rock album. While this would typically be something I’m not drawn to, I do like the style when done well, which is why Din of Celestial Birds make the cut. Continue reading “Din of Celestial Birds – The Night Is for Dreamers (Review)”

James and the Cold Gun – James and the Cold Gun (Review)

James and the Cold Gun - James and the Cold GunThis is the debut album from Welsh rock band James and the Cold Gun.

Containing an ex-member of Holding Absence, James and the Cold Gun are high energy and addictive. Their charismatic rock music has a strong presence and well-formed personality, and the music oozes confidence and dazzling style. Continue reading “James and the Cold Gun – James and the Cold Gun (Review)”

Saint Agnes – Bloodsuckers (Review)

Saint Agnes - BloodsuckersSaint Agnes are a rock band from the UK and this is their second album.

Bloodsuckers mixes together elements of punk, industrial, metal, and grunge, into 42 minutes of dark electronically enhanced rock music. Continue reading “Saint Agnes – Bloodsuckers (Review)”

Weite – Assemblage (Review)

Weite - AssemblageThis is the debut album from Weite, an international rock band.

Featuring members of Elder and High Fighter, Weite play a charismatic mix of 70s psychedelic, progressive, and experimental rock, with jazz elements. Assemblage is an instrumental record, and spends 39 minutes taking the listener on an expansive worldbuilding journey. Continue reading “Weite – Assemblage (Review)”

Dead Quiet – IV (Review)

Dead Quiet - IVThis is the fourth album from Canadian progressive metal/rock band Dead Quiet.

Dead Quiet have an expressive and individual sound that sits somewhere between metal and rock. Combining stoner, heavy, and progressive influences into well-written songs with no small amount of charisma and personality, IV is 45 minutes very well-spent. Continue reading “Dead Quiet – IV (Review)”

Royal Thunder – Rebuilding the Mountain (Review)

Royal Thunder - Rebuilding the MountainThis is the fourth album from US hard rock band Royal Thunder.

Rebuilding the Mountain contains 42 minutes of professionally crafted rock music. Taking influence from a range of places, this is music that’s expressive, hook-filled, and underpinned by a depth of content. Continue reading “Royal Thunder – Rebuilding the Mountain (Review)”