Snakedoctors are four friends who started the band in Gdansk, Poland in May of 2020 and are a very prolific band, releasing twenty(!) singles (including a Christmas special and a song in Czech under name Jiri Blaha & Framuga Boys) and four albums, Obligation, Joy Free Bowl, Mellow Joy and Four And A Half. Band members include Wojciech Wypych (vocals, guitar, keyboards in some songs and also a little bit of drumming), Jaroslaw Szybowski (bass), Jacek Karnat (keyboard and vocals in a few songs) and Robert Porazka (drums).

I have previously reviewed music by this band and am always happy to hear more. Brighter is their latest single and was released on 24/03/2023.

Once again, this track has a distinct grungey vibe to it but this one has a slower pace that the previous track. Dirty, distorted guitars are still a feature of this track, but there is a more laid-back feel to them here and the drumming is soft and mellow. This is not to say, however, that this track is a ballad in any way, as the choruses do pick up in intensity, pace and power.

I love the singer’s voice on this track, as I did the previous. It is deep and gruff but with a quirkiness and a grittiness to it, and comparing the two songs also shows he has a versatility that so many singers can lack.

Another winning track in my opinion but don’t take my word for it, please go and check them out!

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I have previously reviewed the single Hey You by Ubiquity Machine and was eager to hear more. Radio is the band’s latest single and was released on 17/03/2023.

But first, let me remind you who Ubiquity Machine are.

Ubiquity Machine is Dan Marsh and Howard Rabach and they have been writing and performing alternative/indie music for more than a decade, having accumulated over 100 songs together, in the DC Metro area.

Howard has over 25 years of performing, touring, and recording experience and Dan worked with multiple projects in the UK before emigrating to the USA and after taking some time out he is now back to making music! Both are multi-instrumentalists, producers, and songwriters.

The band’s website states that their “genre is alternative/indie, but we are influenced by ‘everything’ in this post-genre world, including electronic, rock, synth, and pop,” and that is exactly what they have done with this track.

With their foundations firmly in alternative rock, influences from everything else shine through throughout the track. Musically, this track draws on the classic sounds of alternative and indie, but there is also some experimentation thrown in there too. Synths add a touch of new wave pop and dirty guitars add a hint of punk too.

Once again, the vocals are very quirky with the same Doors-like psychedelic vibe to them but I think this is what sets the band apart and combined with a switching of styles as the song progresses and with the accompanying back up vocals, the song really does have a great depth to it.

Another great track from this versatile duo, its one that will get you hooked and stay in your head for the rest of the day.

Awesome job!

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Picnic Lightning are a rock band from Fort Worth in Texas who play a mixture of everything from alternative rock to psych rock to gothic rock, influenced by And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead, Arcade Fire and Courtney Barnet as well as Velvet Underground and The Beatles

The band formed in 2013 with Thomas Ketchersid on vocals and guitar, Cole Watkins on lead vocals and guitar, John Cope on bass and vocals and Cameron Navarro on drums and vocals and Simulacra is their latest single, released on 03/03/2023.

The track starts off quite serenely before chanting vocals kick in and the whole song erupts with heavy guitar riffs and pounding drums.

The alternative rock influence is plain to hear but it’s the gothic sound from the late 80’s which comes from the vocals, that really makes this track stand out. Fuzzy guitars and dusty drums are also very prevalent throughout the track, giving off an almost stoner rock vibe too.

This track not only blurs the lines between genres, but also between instruments and vocals and this gives the track a very dark and brooding atmospheric sound. The track is a haunting one and one that stays true to the band’s desert punk sound. The sound the band have created is very captivating, almost hypnotic and listening to this track just once is impossible as it has so much to offer, making it quite progressive in places.

This is a great track that builds in intensity and becomes quite anthemic. I would love to hear more from this band so I am heading to Spotify to see what I can find. Check them out and see what you think too.

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

Right from the start this track had the sound of 90’s alternative rock music and I was immediately taken back to my college years!

But first, let me tell you who Downtown Patriots are.

Downtown Patriots is the one-man project of Danny Watts, originally from Colchester in Essex but now residing in Southwark. Danny is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and producer and he plays his own blend of electro-rock and alternative rock.

He has a personal love of grunge, and this was the initial vibe I picked up from the track as soon as it started, as I have been a fan of the genre for many years too.

The guitars are distorted and heavy and the drumming is energetic. There is a modern twist to the grunge vibe that gives the track a higher energy than traditional grunge, but I think this is a terrific addition to the song.

Electro synths are included on this track too and this really brings out the nostalgic feel of the song, bringing together the sounds of 80’s and 90’s in perfect unison.

Danny’s voice is ideal for this type of music. It is strong and powerful with a grittiness that is so prevalent in grunge and alternative rock and its his voice that really makes the track stand out.

I loved this track, and I can’t wait to hear more from this incredibly talented artist. Check him and his music out and see what you think!

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

E-PO are an alternative rock band from Birmingham in the UK and Guidelines is their latest single, released on 24/03/2023.

A great mix of alternative rock and rock/pop/ punk, this is a high energy track that will definitely get you moving about, whether it’s tapping your foot, banging your head, or just bouncing around your living room.

The change of pace between the verses and choruses is great as each verse builds in intensity and sound and everything really kicks off for the choruses.

The guitar riffs are heavy when they need to be yet can also be more melodic, the drumming is pounding and forceful and the bass lines give the track a certain swagger.

The female vocals are strong, the singer has a real rock voice, and with the accompanying backup vocals, the song has a great depth to it.

The song was written at the time that the news was covering the brutal murder of Sarah Everard and the band were outraged that women are still being attacked so often. Despite being upbeat, the song is an angry one and this is evident in the lyrics and the passion coming from the singer. The band also state that this is a track “for anyone who is also angry,” which following the backlash of Sarah’s murder, it is evident so many people are.

Musically, this is a great track and the message it is trying to spread is an especially important one that should make the listener sit up and actually listen!

Awesome job!

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

Here is the second review of the day for Australian band Satellite Train. A band that cleverly combines a multitude of genres to create a nostalgic 80’s feel, that also has a modern twist, Satellite Train are a force to be reckoned with. Taking a somewhat different approach to releasing music, the band are simultaneously dropping tracks from two different projects, The Melbourne Sessions, as mentioned in todays previous review, and Spacewalk, the project this track is from.

Shameless was released on 20/01/2023 and has a more pop / rock feel to it, with the production more polished than The Melbourne Sessions.

Leaning more towards the soft rock side of things, this track is more of a ballad than the previous song, but one that is just as strong and powerful.

The musicianship on this song is more laid back, with softer drumming and guitar work. The song does build in intensity to an almost crescendo, giving the track emotion, passion, and power.

Once again, the vocals are very reminiscent of the 1980’s, with a retro vibe throughout, but still sounding fresh and modern.

This is a band that can seemingly turn their hand to both sides of the rock genre and do it very well indeed.

Another great track and we are looking forward to hearing many more!

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

Hailing from Australia and America, Satellite Train features Michael Paynter of Icehouse, John Watson of James Reyne, John McCall of The Black Sorrows, Randy Jacobs of Paul Kelly, Shane O’Mara of Paul Kelly, Pasquale Monea of Stephen Cummings, Jamie Muhoberac of John Mayer and Chris Chaney of Jane’s Addiction and started life as a fun side project between friends.

Having previously reviewed music by this band, I was eager to hear more from them and Superstar is the first of two reviews from them that I have to do today. The song was released on 17/03/2023, is the debut single from “The Melbourne Sessions” and takes the listener on a nostalgic back to the sounds of the 80’s.

Like Broken Heart before it, this track is a soaring rock pop tune that will definitely get you dancing around your living. A tribute to the thrill of Australian rules football, the song is upbeat and energetic and has a driving and fast-paced tempo.

With warm rock riffs and solid drumming, musically this track cannot be faulted. The guitar work is flawless and sends shivers down the spine of the listener, the drumming, although laid back is still powerful and the basslines ae funky, giving the song its danceability.

The male vocals are, once again, strong, and powerful and combined with the strength of the backup vocals that accompany him, there really is a great depth and dynamism to the song.

Another great track from this great Australian band. Stay tuned because review number two is on its way!

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Fury Of A Dying Planet is “envirometal music for those enraged by the state of the world and humanity itself,” and Bloodied Fjords is their latest single, released on 31/03/2023 and the song is named after the Sea Shepherd operation ‘Bloody Fjord’ where they document and show the world the ruthless hunt and slaughter of dolphins that occurs in the Faroe Islands. This track is a hard-hitting one, with lyrics that send a message that is sure to hit home with listeners.

Fury Of A Dying Planet is the project of a London-based musician and producer and the track is a call to arms to help the plight of the dolphins. Music is always a great way to help spread any type of message and I think the artist has done it extremely well with this track.

The track is a phenomenal mixture of heavy guitars, pounding riffs and deep lyrics, combining elements of a multitude of genres, and creates a sound that belongs uniquely to the band.

With heavy riffs that fly at you from all directions, the track has its roots firmly in the hard rock / metal genre but there are also influences from other styles of music too. The drumming could be compared favourably to speed metal, frantic and heavy and the tempo and pace changes that occur during the track give it a very progressive feel.

The vocals are strong and powerful and emit such a passion for what they are singing about. There is a grittiness to the vocals that adds a different dimension to the track, but this is one also filled with emotion too.

A great track, musically and vocally and one that will also make the listener sit up and think.

I hope to hear a lot more from Fury Of A Dying Planet in the very near future.

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

Kittenhead is a 5-piece group of veteran musicians based in Los Angeles, Orange County, and Oakland California, consisting of Kivi on vocals and cowbell, DD on guitars and backing vocals, Mike on guitar and attitude, O-Face on drums and more cowbell and Erin on bass guitar and backing vocals.

They were formed in 2012 and Home is a single the band released on 14/10/2022.

The band plays a mixture of pop-punk and classic rock with a hint of pop thrown in for good measure. There are riffs galore throughout the track, while still being quite melodic with the guitar playing and the solos definitely take their influence from the classic sound. There is some distortion that gives the track a sludgey feel and this is also backed up by heavy bass lines. The drumming is tight and holds the track together nicely.

The female vocals are a bit quirky, almost punk at times, yet melodic and harmonious at others and even quite haunting when added with the backups.

The band has the attitude and rebellion of punk rock and with lyrics that “cut to the core of our being” they are a band that will make you sit up and take notice.

And with members that have played in bands such as Green Jelly, the Generators, Butt Trumpet, the White Trash Debutantes, Blackjack Betty, the Dirty, Lisafer, this is certainly a band with lots of experience in the music business.

Please check them out and give them a like or two!

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

Ashes Reign are a melodic metal four-piece band from central Virginia who formed in 2010 when guitarist and lyricist Vinny Carrion met bassist Ryan Neurauter. Vinny took on the vocals in 2017 and after twelve years of hard work to overcome personal and personnel challenges, the band now has a full line and is ready to bring their music to the world.

Mountains Echo is their debut EP and deals with issues such as anxiety, depression, insecurities and relationships. It was released on 05/06/2022 and my only gripe with it is that I haven’t heard of it before now!

The EP has four tracks, totalling 21 minutes and 21 seconds, and with the likes of Trivium, Dream Theater, Killswitch Engage and Bullet For My Valentine shining through, it is easy to hear where the band’s influences lie.

With heavy guitars spouting riffs galore, the solos are immensely executed and really send shivers down your spine. The pounding drums really make your eardrums vibrate and the rhythm section really hold the tracks together.

The vocals are outstanding on this EP, with the singer having a range that covers everything from clean singing to emo screams and death metal growls. He switches from one vocal style to another with ease and his voice really gives the EP character.

With a mix of paces throughout the four tracks, there really is something for everyone on this EP and the listener is always kept engaged with the music. This needs more than one listen through to really hear all it has to offer as the progressive nature of it means there is always something going on.

As a debut EP, this one is absolutely phenomenal and I, for one, cannot wait to hear more from this awesome band.

Fantastic job!

Track Listing:

1 Mountain’s Echoes

2 What Should Be

3 Stand Together

4 Always & Forever

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum