Metal Reviews

Ugly Kid Joe - Rad Wings Of Destiny (Metalville). Over three decades since their formation, Ugly Kid Joe returns with their finest album to date. @uglykidjoeofficial Words: @brian_boyle_72

Album Review - Abduction - Black Blood (Candlelight Records). An ambitious, irresistibly engaging listen, with six tracks that span a weighty forty-five minutes. @candlelightrec @abduction616

Skid Row are back with The Gang's All Here, their first full-length studio album since 2006, and they're stronger than ever. @officialskidrow Photo: @shannonwilk_ Words: @taylorcamphotos

Here is a singer who has utterly re-invented himself and shown what an absolute hugely talented singer and songwriter he is. What vision he has as well. @joelynnturnerofficial Photo: Agata Nigrovskaya

October Drift - I Don't Belong Anywhere (Physical Education Recordings). Quirky, oddball and a bit left of centre, October Drift are a band you need in your life. @octoberdrift Words: @brian_boyle_72

Comalies. Third album by Italians Lacuna Coil has been overhauled and they have really done a great job in bringing the album to life with a vibrant production. Words: @hutchie224 @lacunacoilofficial @centurymediarecords

Warthog definitely comes from the more sophisticated end of punk. Hugely engaging and addictive listen, lyrically well thought out, making a lot of valid points

Album Review - Lamb Of God - Their ninth studio album, Omens, is as hardcore as it gets and probably Lamb Of God's most ferocious release to date. @lambofgod @nuclearblastrecords Words: @danybass18 Photo: @inglisnomad

If there was ever any doubt that Alter Bridge are destined to be one of the biggest bands in the world, Pawns And Kings will blow away any hesitation. Photo: @rock_pixs Words: @pmonkhouse1 @officialalterbridge @napalmrecordsofficial

This is a really, really strong collection of songs from one of the most imaginative and interesting bands on the planet right now. @avatariumofficial

Goatwhore release Angels Hung From The Arches Of Heaven via Metal Blade Records. It has lifted that bar of excellence even higher, packing a massive punch. @goatwhorenola @metalbladerecords

Under The Midnight Sun provides the timely reminder that although The Cult hit their 40th anniversary next year, there is plenty of magic left in the band. @officialcult Photo: Tim Cadiente

No disrespect to the army of past members, but The Dead Daisies have gone from being a reliant Volvo to a fuck off Aston Martin. Radiance is pure hard rock magnificence. @douglasaldrichguitar @thedeaddaisies @glennhughesonline Words: @brian_boyle_72 Photography: @rock_pixs

Digital Noise Alliance is a great touchstone for old and new fans. It's a journey that keeps on going, and we are so lucky to have this band on the world rock stage. @queensrycheofficial

Monster Truck. Warriors is addictive. It's an album that makes you feel good. It makes you want to dance, to headbang, to rock out without a care in the world. @ilovemonstertruck Words: @hutchie224

Ronnie James Dio - Donington 1983 - In a day of great performances, the finest amongst many is Dio's UK debut, not just a great collection of songs but rock history.

Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band brought their summer tour to Virginia Credit Union Live! in Richmond, Virginia, as part of the first leg of a tour that takes them across the east coast of the U.S. and Canada. @ringostarrmusic @stevelukatherofficial Words and Photography: @oddrocker88

Originally released in 1980, Lightning To The Nations was an impressive debut. Diamond Head produced a seven-track album that contained songs that remain pivotal to their live set today. @diamond_head_official Words: @hutchie224