Marillion first played the Royal Albert Hall in 2017, appearing with a string quartet, another first. It was intimate and inspiring, and the DVD is essential viewing, perfectly replicating the sense of occasion and how to get the most out of this venue. Marillion – With Friends from the Orchestra …

It’s five years since StoneWire’s astonishingly good debut album, ‘When The Crow Flies’. Tonight’s launch for album two ‘Life As We Know It’ proved that every bit of the wait has been worth it. StoneWire/Dead Writers Words and pictures: Liz Medhurst The Kent-based hard Southern rockers never intended to leave …

As the lights go down and the chants of “DragonForce!” echo around a packed Kentish Town Forum it’s clear this is going to be a great night. With a new album bursting full of melodic, anthemic choruses, a giant dragon behind the drum kit and two huge arcade cabinets showing …

Monday November 4th will live long in the memory of the 1,300 punters who packed out Dublin’s Olympia Theatre. The world’s biggest opinion dividers Greta Van Fleet were in town and from outside the venue on Dame Street to the rammed stalls and upper circles you could sense a nervous …

On a dark Sunday night at KK’s Steel Mill in Wolverhampton the faithful gathered at the temple of the MegaPriest to witness a truly unique night of Heavy Metal. Beyond The Realms Of Deth Words: Johnny Churchill, Pictures: Steve Ritchie KK Downing, David Ellefson, Les Binks, Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens and …

It was one off the bucket list for Gypsy’s Kiss on Tuesday night as an evening of heat-crazed stage action was brought to a humbling conclusion when Dave Colwell, formerly of Bad Company, Samson and Adrian Smith’s solo project, ASAP, guested with David Smith’s reformed and revitalised band. The occasion …

With a new album and new personnel, the mighty Black Star Riders saunter into town for their much anticipated Dublin return. Words: Brian Boyle Pictures: Olga Kuzmenko In tow to open the night was the effervescent punch of Stone Broken, and if you’re an avid follower of the so called …

There’s simply no denying the iconic status of Alice Cooper. Those who know his music are aware of the impact he has had on the industry and those who don’t know still know his name and likeness. Marilyn Manson may have dominated the shock rock realm in the nineties but …

Getting the chance to support a major act like Volbeat on a tour isn’t always the guilt-edged opportunity it might seem. Canadian rocker Danko Jones comes out on stage at the early hour of 6.30pm with the hall still slowly filling and with a tiny space at the front for …

It’s late Spring and over at MetalTalk Towers the list of gigs available for review for the upcoming season has landed. Among the standout names, Bonnie Tyler’s 50th anniversary show was shining brightest of all. Of course, there was the small matter of getting this past the Editor in Chief …