When Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons hit Dublin’s Opium, they didn’t just play—they detonated. With a setlist packed with Motörhead’s fiercest anthems and powered by decades of pure Metal grit, the former Motörhead guitarist and his clan delivered a night of headbanging chaos, sweat, and unfiltered rock 'n' roll reverence.If you weren’t there, you missed a masterclass in how to keep Lemmy’s legacy roaring.

Don Airey unleashes Pushed To The Edge, a thunderous solo album packed with rock brilliance, featuring Carl Sentance and Deep Purple’s Simon McBride. Words: @brian_boyle_72 @donaireykeys @earmusic

Smith/Kotzen return with Black Light/White Noise, proving they've cornered the market on melodic rock with fiery riffs, dual vocals, and pure chemistry. Words: @brian_boyle_72 @richie_kotzen @misteradriansmith @bmgpmuk

The Darkness return with Dreams On Toast, undoubtedly their finest composition since Permission To Land and exquisitely produced by Dan Hawkins. Words: @brian_boyle_72 Cover Photo: @rock_pixs @thedarkness @danhawkinsofthedarkness @justinhawkinsta @cookingvinylpublishing @£cookingvinyl

Phil X & The Drills unleash POW! Right In The Kisser, a high-energy rock album packed with electrifying riffs, raw attitude, and pure rock ‘n’ roll fun. Words: @brian_boyle_72 @philx1111 @frontiersmusicsrl

Jazz Sabbath. A unique jazz makeover to Black Sabbath’s biggest hits at the Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire. A great fusion of Metal and jazz with Adam Wakeman. Words: @brian_boyle_72 @jazz_sabbath @adamwakeman1

Def Leppard's Joe Elliott calls XIII Doors "ferocious" – and with their debut album Into The Unknown, the Irish rock scene might finally get the jolt it needs. Words: @brian_boyle_72 @xiiidoors @joeelliott

Thundermother return with Dirty & Divine, proving that line-up changes can’t dim their hard rock fire. Raw energy, fierce vocals, and unstoppable rock anthems. Words: @brian_boyle_72 @thundermother @afm.records

Album review: Juliet's Not Dead are back to further enhance their burgeoning reputation with This World Is Ours, music purpose-built for large establishments. Words: @brian_boyle_72 @julietsnotdead

Album Review: Legendary rocker Robin McAuley returns with Soulbound, a powerhouse album blending grit, melody, and hard rock energy. Out 28 February 2025. Words: @brian_boyle_72 @robin_mc_auley @frontiersmusicsrl