Gary Dranow And The Manic Emotions is a genre-defying musical collaboration, featuring Shem Tate on vocals and bass, Marty Steinberg and Jethro DeFries on drums, Jerry Manfredi on musical direction, and Tommy Mars on keyboards and (Made It) Another Day is their latest song, released on 11/11/2022.

Gary Dranow turned to music to help him cope with bipolar disorder and the aftereffects of a stroke and the result is The Manic Emotions and their collection of songs designed to help people through tough times.

(Made It) Another Day is about living day to day with mental illness, and this is a theme that will resonate with a lot of people. Mental illness is all too prevalent in today’s society and if this song can help someone get through one day while living with a mental health illness, then I think the song has worked.

The song starts with a bluesy vibe that is accentuated throughout the track, combining the blues aspect with a classic rock sound.

The vocals have a hint of melancholy about them, not surprising considering the content but I also think there is an air of positivity about the track too. The guitar work is superb, and the song works as both a classic rock track as well as a blues number.

I really liked this track and I think it will appeal to a lot of people of all backgrounds. Please go and check out the track and then check out the band! These guys are awesome!

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I must say that, having previously reviewed pMad’s single Sisters, I jumped at the chance to review his new album Who? Why? Where? What?

Coming from Ireland, pMad is the solo project of singer and multi-instrumentalist Paul Dillon and Who? Why? Where? What? is his debut album, released on 29/11/2022 …. and what an album it is!

With influences from bands such as The Cure, The Sisters Of Mercy, Sonic Youth and The The, pMad mixes dark wave, post punk, alternative rock, and gothic rock as well as some of his own originality to create a sound that is uniquely his.

The album consists of eight original tracks and five further remixes and really is a nostalgic trip back in time, albeit with a modern twist.

Paul’s vocals are deep yet beautiful, monotone at times, but they certainly reach out and grab you. The back up vocals, when used, compliment his voice perfectly and using slight distortion on Paul’s voice at times only adds to the depth of the tracks.

The electronic synths throughout are what gives the album its 80’s goth sound and pulsating drumbeats keeps the album upbeat. There is a strong bass presence throughout the album with some funky basslines and solos coming through and crashing guitars are mixed with heavy riffs, once again using distortion as an addition to further enhance the already immaculate musicianship.

The album is an introspective look at himself, including his own failings but is also, on a wider scale, a look into how we are destroying our planet, and ourselves. I’ve said many times before that music is a terrific way to spread a message and Paul really has done an excellent job with this, the album really making you sit up and listen.

Having previously been described as a “colossal and passionate alternative dark brooding alt rock artist,” this really does come across in this album as there is an intense passion throughout.

I can think of many words to describe this album and eclectic, eccentric, interesting and intriguing are just a few of them. The listener is kept engaged throughout as he just never knows what is coming next. The tracks are perfectly placed, and the timing and pacing is done wonderfully well.

I really cannot fault this album in any way and if I were to give it a score out of ten, it would undoubtedly be a ten!

A wonderful album that I urge everyone to go and listen to! I really don’t think you will be disappointed!

Track Listing:

1 Who Am I

2 Broken

3 Medicine

4 Except Me

5 Sisters

6 Youth

7 Horror

8 I Am

9 Who Am I (pMad remix)

10 Youth (MeMory remix)

11 Sisters (extended Keira version)

12 Horror (hoMe mix)

13 I Am (Me remix)

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Arn-Identified Flying Objects and Alien Friends is the solo project of former Redmoon member, Arne Floryd and No Sweet Dreams is his latest single, released on 03/12/2022.

Hailing from Stockholm in Sweden, the band is an eclectic mix, influenced by 60’s and 70’s rock with hints of folk and punk, combining rock and power pop with a retro vibe.

It is an uplifting and bouncy tune yet melancholic as it deals with some personal themes, namely worries about the health issues amongst his dearest and dearest, and it is poetic in style.

The track has great drumming, keeping the beat all the way through and the guitar playing is fantastic and this mixed with some fat, juicy basslines, and a string ensemble in the lead up to the choruses really gives this band a unique sound.

As if all of this wasn’t enough to make this a great track, there is also a big, catchy chorus that will have most people humming along for the rest of the day.

This is a great track, and I am so glad I had the pleasure of being able to review it. I will certainly be keeping my ears to the ground for anything else Arne releases.

(Still, humming this in my head as I type!)

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If ever we need a feel-good track full of hope, then this is one that should be on the record decks right now.

A musical collaboration of six musicians featuring Bill Champlin from Chicago, Joel Hoekstra, formerly of Whitesnake, and Liberty Devitto from the Billy Joel Band, the professionalism and experience of the group really shows through in this track.

Mixing AOR, classic rock and rocking blues, this is an upbeat track with a message full of optimism, as shown by the lines; “when you feel like you’re losing your soul, when you feel the loss of a soul, Light Still Shines!”

Featuring the vocals of Bill Champlin, the already acclaimed singer is backed up by a foray of backing vocals that not only harmonize with him but also compliment him perfectly.

The track is full of great riffs and chords and smashing harmonies with basslines and the organ supplementing it all beautifully.

A piano works in the background to accompany the vocals and to match the big vocals there are big guitar sounds and solos and, all of this combined together, the track has a very 80’s vibe to it (not surprising really, considering the personnel playing on it!)

This track has whopping singalong choruses and the change of pace from these choruses to the verses works really well.

This track has a real good-time vibe to it that is full of hope and positivity, something I think we all need in our lives right now.

So, if you are a fan of the likes of Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers, Toto, and Chicago then I think you will love this song. Go and check it out and see if I am right!

This review is purely the property of The Metal Asylum

Sano Hill is an Irish musician/songwriter from Galway and Feel Love is his latest song, released on 02/12/2022.

Concentrating on the premise that love is the one thing that keeps us going, he says; “The lyrics are spare and direct – but hopefully clear. They are inspired by what is going on today – the upcoming season of goodwill and the journeys home that many people take to family and friends is also an inspiration – but also the many millions around the world who have been forced from their homes (particularly in Ukraine but also parts of Africa, Asia and beyond) and the need to remember them also.”

The song starts off with some very bluesy guitar work and riffs and these only increase in intensity as the song builds.

Sano has an immensely powerful, wide ranging classic rock voice that is reminiscent of the 80’s, but also one that is soulful, with a swagger that wouldn’t be out of place at a soul weekender.

With funky guitars that also have a southern touch to them, and easy-going drums, the track is an impressive combination of soul and rock, with some gospel influences thrown in for good measure.

The song is poignant yet groovy at the same time, the blend of both really making the hearer sit up and listen.

Music is always a wonderful way to get a message across and this song does that very well.

Sano Hill will definitely be on my list of artists to watch, and I look forward to anything he has to offer in the future.

This review is purely the property of The Metal Asylum

Tired Of Fighting are three guys from north England and Hollow is their new track released on 26/11/2022, and the first thing I want to say about this track is just one word… WOW!

This really is a track of two halves.

Opening with the mono drone of a synth, the singers haunting vocals start with just the occasional twang of an acoustic guitar as an accompaniment. This is a great mix as it really exposes the singer and leaves him vulnerable, a sentiment that the singer portrays amazingly as his voice is emotional and sad.

But don’t let the start of the song lead you into a false sense of security and make you believe that what you are getting from this band is a heartfelt ballad!

Oh no!! Because, just when you least expect it, the whole band kicks in, almost making the listener jump. Heavy riffs and crashing drums replace the acoustic guitar and this is really when the singer comes into his own. His voice is powerful and strong, and you can hear the emotion in his voice and the guy has an amazing voice. The kind that gives you goosebumps as I certainly had them listening to this track!

The change in tone, energy, pace, and power is spellbinding and I had to listen to this song four or five times as it just took a hold of me, and I wanted to hear it again and again.

And with lyrics that a lot of people could sympathise with, this song will appeal to a wide audience.

There are not many bands who can go from acoustic pop to emo rock in the space of five minutes and do a good job of it, but these guys did it amazingly.

I still have goosebumps now!!

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Down South Pepper Band are a typical Southern / Country Rock band but with an incredibly significant twist…. they are not actually from America!

Hailing, in fact, from the Finnmark province in Northern Norway, Down South Pepper Band are Rune Nyby on vocals and bass, Per Øyvind Mathisen on guitars and Eiving Kløverød on drums and are a “Lappish outlaw country band.”

Moving Down South, their latest track, released on 24/11/2022, is a song about new starts even when you don’t want them and tells the story of the characters journey as he moves down south!

With country rock twangy guitars and the typical country swagger to the vocals, it really is hard to believe these guys are not American, as they have totally nailed the Americana/Alt country genre.

The song throws you straight in at the deep end with music and lyrics all starting at once and does not let up until the final note. The tone of the music really makes you feel you are on the journey, feeling every bump and ditch of the road.

This is a super catchy track, with a singalong chorus and feel-good vibe. There is humour in the lyrics and expert musicianship from the whole.

I really liked this track and if you like America performed by Scandinavians then this is the track for you!

This review is purely the property of The Metal Asylum

Having previously reviewed Love Ghost, I couldn’t wait to see what this next offering from them was all about, and I wasn’t disappointed.

Still incorporating the iconic pop/punk sound of the late 90’s / early 2000’s, this Los Angeles band have included rap and hip/hop to create a sound that is even more unique than it already was.

Mixing thumping riffs with electronic beats, this is the ideal combination of multiple genres, and who wants to be stuck to just one genre. eh? These guys would be great at a metal fest somewhere, but they would also go down a storm at a rap or hip/hop gig.

This song is great as not only does it mix musical styles, but there are also fantastic blends of vocal styles too. A clean singing approach on the choruses is complemented by confident rapping during the verses but this isn’t the only vocal amalgamation in the song, as the lyrics are sung in both English and Spanish.

If you haven’t heard anything by Love Ghost, then I seriously urge you to go and check them out on all the major sites. With tracks full of emotion, and artistry (these guys are extremely talented), this is a band that I wouldn’t want anyone to miss out on.

Love Ghost has toured extensively, playing shows in major cities all over the world and they have collaborated with artists from countries all over the globe, including Mexico, Spain, Turkey, UK, Colombia, Germany, and Russia.

Keep an eye on these guys, they are going to be big!

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If you like having nostalgic looks back to the rock of the 90’s then this is the band for you!

Based in Quebec Canada, Overlap are a five-piece band and Flight 608 is their latest single, released on 28/10/2022.

The track starts off with a flight attendant announcement at an airport, followed by acoustic guitars before a slow drumbeat is introduced, followed by everything else.

The vocals are deep and meaningful, with a rawness that is really leaving the singer open and vulnerable. The guitar work is awesomely beautiful, changing from plucking at the start of the track to a more intense and heavier 90’s rock feel.

The song has many ups and downs as we are taken on a musical journey and this is mirrored with tempo and speed changes throughout the track, never letting the listener get bored or disinterested.

There is a guitar in the background at certain points in the track that sounds like it is going off on a tangent away from the rest of the band, but I think this only adds to the appeal of the song.

I really liked this track and I think it will appeal to a wide audience. But please go and check t out for yourself, I don’t think you will be disappointed!

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The Hybris (rabbit alias Ringo Rabbit, Beanie Bison and Malcolm Mandrill) have one mission in mind…. And that is to spread the word on political issues through their music.

Formed in 2020 when all members lived in Germany, the band now operate virtually from France, America, and Germany, but all the while still creating music together.

Having previously reviewed the bands single What If I was intrigued as to what was next from them. I wasn’t disappointed.

The mix of mix pop, punk, indie and alternative rock is still there, combining effortlessly and smoothly to give the band their unique sound.

The song is just as heavy as the previous track and, once again, use of distortion on the guitars and vocals gives the song a dirty, grungey feel to it. The rawness and energy that comes from the track is hard to miss and the vocals give the song an edgy vibe.

Just like the previous track, this has a hard-hitting theme, focusing on the “the effects of war on its victims in general, one of the most serious political crises of recent decades in particular, and the dangers it poses to the entire planet” and I think it is these political subjects that will really make people sit up and take notice.

Music is a great way to spread the word on issues, both personal and global, and these guys really have understood the assignment with this, cleverly using their music as an outlet, as well as being superbly entertaining.

Once again, I really liked this track and if you like a bit of nostalgia mixed in with your music and politics then I think you will too!

Great job guys!

This review is purely the property of The Metal Asylum