Sophie James

WRITER
Sophie James is a veteran music lover and gig-goer from Shropshire. She is a frequent attendee on the thriving West Midlands Gig Scene and, prior to that, London and the Southeast.


She was raised on a diet of ELO, Queen, Lizzy, Quo and Slade when they were regular charters. Sophie lived through NWOBHM, and now revels in the more recent NWOCR. "I adore da Blues."

Her musical gold dust is Judas Priest, a Road to Damascus moment when she first heard them.

"Musical Kryptonite? Yes. Amazing musicians, but sorry, they don’t move me."

Jared James Nichols Puts the Powerful into Power Trio

Powerhouse guitarist Jared James Nichols rocks Wolverhampton with mesmerising performance. Our report from the electrifying show. Puts powerful into Power Trio Words: @sophzrocks Photography: @inglisnomad @jaredjamesnichols @kkssteelmill

Within Temptation / Bleed Out Consummate Cutting-Edge Symphonic Metal

Within Temptation / A Consummate Exhibition Of Cutting-Edge Symphonic Metal. The adept songwriting and lavish arrangements unite in perfect synchronicity to form such an inviting, dynamic, encompassing and addictive sound. Words: @sophzrocks @wtofficial

NWOCR / Triple Sonic Assault Slays Sunday Slumber

NWOCR Livefest | KK's Steel Mill - The Fallen State's triumphant return, Trucker Diablo's rock 'n' roll power, and Jackie Chambers and the vivacious Syteria.Words: @sophzrocks Photo: @jason_samuels_photography71 @nwocrlivefest @kkssteelmill @syteriaband @thefallenstate @truckerdiablo

NWOCR / Day One Opening Trinity Sets The Bar High

The electrifying performances of Brave Rival, Gallows Circus and White Raven Down at NWOCR Livefest 2023. A rock-filled day of bluesy riffs and captivating vocals.Words: @sophzrocks Photo: @jason_samuels_photography71 @nwocrlivefest @kkssteelmill @braverivalband @gallowscircus @white_raven_down

Sam Millar / One Of The Best Slabs Of AOR Since Aldo Nova’s Subject

Sam Millar More Cheese Please: A Synth-Driven Pop Rock Delight with Infectious Hooks and Nostalgic Vibes. One Of The Best Slabs Of AOR Since Aldo Nova's Subject. Words: Sophie James @samwellmillar
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Exclusive / Blue Nation – Old Friends A Reflective, Warm Anthem For Autumn Evenings

Experience the mesmerising new Blue Nation single, Old Friends exclusively on MetalTalk. A warm, reflective piece that captures the essence of autumn evenings spent reminiscing and rejoicing with your closest pals. Words: Sophie James @bluenationmusic @whitney_wildone @wild1media @kahmel_farahani

Laurence Jones / New Album A Blueprint For 21st Century Blues Rock

Laurence Jones - Bad Luck & The Blues. Captivating Blend of Energetic Contemporary Sound. A work that can be regarded as a blueprint for 21st-century blues rock. Words: Sophie James @laurencejonesmusic @marshallrecords

Departed / A Triumphant Return To The Stage At KK’s Steel Mill

Departed Rocks the Stage as Special Guests at Myke Gray's Skin: A Vibrant and Impressive Comeback Performance at KK's Steel Mill - 19 August 2023 Words: Sophie James Photography: @inglisnomad @departeduk @kkssteelmill

The Electrifying Return Of Myke Gray’s Skin At KK’s Steel Mill

The electrifying return of Myke Gray to Wolverhampton as he takes center stage with Skin and a talented group of musicians. One wonders what the future may hold. Words: Sophie James Photography: @inglisnomad @myke_gray @mykegraymusician @kkssteelmill

MIKE TRAMP – Eleven – Rock Will Come And Rock Will Go

Mike Tramp Playing The Songs Of White Lion: A Night of Rock 'n' Roll Nostalgia at Eleven, Stoke - August 17, 2023. A full band return? An exciting prospect. Words: Sophie James Photography: @jason_samuels_photography71 @marcusnand.music @miketrampofficial @elevenvenue

Sophie James

WRITER
Sophie James is a veteran music lover and gig-goer from Shropshire. She is a frequent attendee on the thriving West Midlands Gig Scene and, prior to that, London and the Southeast.


She was raised on a diet of ELO, Queen, Lizzy, Quo and Slade when they were regular charters. Sophie lived through NWOBHM, and now revels in the more recent NWOCR. "I adore da Blues."

Her musical gold dust is Judas Priest, a Road to Damascus moment when she first heard them.

"Musical Kryptonite? Yes. Amazing musicians, but sorry, they don’t move me."
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