SHSH are a Lithuanian industrial thrash metal band consisting of members Mastermind on lead guitar, Saxocutioner on vocals and saxophone, Edgelord on rhythm guitar, Riot on drums and Mr Lead on bass. The Great Paradise Of Tomorrow is their latest album and was released on 28/08/2023.

Along with the wacky names as mentioned above, each member of the band is a different welder character with their own unique personality, each hiding behind the character they are portraying.

So, now you know a bit about the band, what of the album?

This is a genuine masterpiece of thrash metal combined with a multitude of other genres thrown in for good measure.

The guitars are heavy, with riffs that change from plodding, almost death-metal type riffs, to faster ones that really speed up the song, and this is done many times throughout the song. The meaty basslines that backup the guitars are also heavy and really set the feel of the album. On top of all this the drumming is energetic and frantic, the double kick drums really creating a galloping drum sound, but where need be, they drop down a notch or two to become more pounding, yet slower.

The pace changes both throughout each track and between tracks is really great to hear as this really keeps the listener engaged with the music at all times. You just never know from one minute to the next what direction a particular track, or the album as a whole, is going to go and this really makes for interesting listening.

As well as superbly executed music on this album, the vocals really help create an almost unique sound for the band, as they switch from death metal growls to black metal and metalcore screams, with a bit of clean singing thrown in. The vocals are strong and with grit and rawness to them, they really suit the music they are accompanying.

This is a fantastic album and I wonder why I have never heard of them before now. This is an album that really does have it all, galloping riffs, pounding drums, edgy vocals and enough hooks and melodies to really pull you in. With eight tracks totalling 38 and a half minutes, this album is brutal, totally in your face, and with a big, big sound.

Head on over to Spotify to check them out…..I’ll see you there as I need to hear more stuff by them. Looking forward to what is coming next!

Track Listing:
1) Morgen
2) I Have No Mouth
3) The Shamen
4) Cracked Open
5) Homeopsychopathy
6) MK Ultra
7) The Great Paradise Of Tomorrow
8) My Way

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

Pearly Gates are a four-piece alternative rock band from Charlottetown in Canada, consisting of members Mark Palmer on vocals and guitar, Roger Carter on drums, Colin Buchanen on guitar and vocals and Chris Francis on bass, and No Horn To Blow is their latest single, released on 11/08/2023.

With influences including The Kinks, The Beatles, Syd Barrett, Small Faces, XTC, Oasis, The Brian Jonestown Massacre and Supergrass, this is a band that seems stuck somewhere between the sound of the 60’s and the Britpop era of the 90’s.

Opening with some very 60’s influenced guitar riffs, the track is inspired by the sarcastic wit of Ray Davies and The Kinks and is a cheeky take on comparing oneself to other people, letting things go and forgiving past mistakes and bettering oneself.

Musically, the song is quite laid-back, with retro guitar playing and melodic drumming and bass work. Things are taken up a notch when needed but overall, the music is easy going and straight-forward to listen to.

The vocals are typical of the indie rock sound, with a slight nostalgic feel too. Accompanied by layered backups there is a great depth to the track, and this makes it very engaging to listen to.

This is a great track that is very edgy and extremely catchy, and the lyrics and melodies will stick in your head long after you have finished listening to it.

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Moose Wrench are a trio from Leeds, consisting of Craig Robertson on keytar and vocals, Colin Sutton on bass and Thom Gardner on drums. Formed in 2022 and classing themselves as the “ultimate in dad-bod alt-core,” the band’s main influences include Mr Bungle, Fantomas, Primus, Ween and Sleepytime Gorilla Museum.

Having previously reviewed their debut single, I was eager to hear more from them and Not My Name is the band’s second single from the upcoming album Not Dead Yet and it was released on 28/08/2023.

As with the band’s first single, this track is a mass of post-punk, alternative rock goodiness that will appeal to a wide range of listeners. This song, however, has seen the band progress in their sound and for a second single this one really ticks all the boxes.

The guitars have a heavy but raw feel to them, providing an almost punk like sound, and these are complimented fantastically by the meaty yet funky basslines that are prevalent throughout the whole track. The drums are raw yet energetic and musically, this track literally has it all.

Accompanying the great music, which really explodes in the latter half of the song, with rumbling drums and electrifying riffs, the vocals also tend to lean towards the punk side of rock, but there is also a grittiness to them that means they could fit in with any genre of heavy rock!

After hearing this, I really can’t wait for the album to drop! Please head on over to Spotify and social media and see what you think of Moose Wrench and their music for yourselves. I really don’t think they will disappoint!

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

LokkisKott is a singer / songwriter from Australia and Deep Inside is his angst ridden single, released on 31/03/2023. Hailing from Goulburn in New South Wales LokkisKott is the alter ego of Lachie Alford, and this project is guided by his own personal philosophy.

The track is a deeply personal song that was written while LokkisKott was still in his early teens, but after honing and perfecting it for release now, the themes it describes are obviously still prevalent today.

With a guitar for accompaniment, there are gothic and alternative metal influences shining through, even though the song is predominantly acoustic. This really gives the track a unique sound, its metalcore yet its not metalcore at the same time and this really is a strong point of the song.

LokkisKott’s raw vocals really stand out in the track and the emotion is clearly evident in his voice. A mix of melodic vocals with emo / metalcore screams there is something really special about this track. Most other bands or artists would have gone with the full-on electric sound, but I think the way this is done has so much more impact as the emotion and rawness really are the driving force behind the song.

This is a fantastic track, and one that I hope will lead on to big things for the artist.

Awesome!

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

Sanjay Michael is a singer / songwriter from Singapore and Rocking Into Midnight is his latest album, released on 07/07/2023.

Sanjay believes that rock music is always in the hearts and minds of those who believe in it and, as such, is doing what he can to carry the rock n roll torch, as can be seen from this appropriately named album. He says, “I sought to create the kind of monster album that I listened to when I was younger – a large collection of hit singles that were carefully curated and arranged so that the album was a journey in itself.”

With a foundation in classic rock, this album spreads out into indie rock, rock n roll and even the blues, creating a sound that is unique to him.

Kicking off with the title track, Rocking Into Midnight, a fist-pumping anthem of a track, this album shows the listener what it is all about right from the off, and that is full-on rock and roll!

Sanjay played all the instruments, except the drums, himself, as well as providing the vocals, because the more he decided to try, the more he found he could do, proving him to be a very talented musician indeed.

The guitar work on the album ranges from acoustic strumming with country rock undertones, to totally in your face classic rock riffs, and the solos are certainly ones that will send shivers down your spine. With a wall of sound coming from the electric guitars this really is an electrifying and uplifting album to listen to.

The rest of the music is strong and powerful, with pounding drums and meaty basslines and this really is the driving force behind the album.

The vocals are classic rock in style, strong yet with a nostalgic feel to them. Accompanied by layered backups, there really is a great depth to each and every song and this really keeps the listener engaged.

Although there are ten tracks on this album, each one is completely different to the previous and this really keeps the album moving. At just over fifty-two minutes in length, this is an album that can drag you away from the stresses and pressures of real life with an “unrelenting, joyous energy.”

The album is upbeat, melodic and will have you dancing around the living room by the time the first song has finished! A great way to spend just under an hour.

Awesome job!

Track Listing:
1) Rocking Into Midnight
2) Rattlesnake Shuffle
3) Fly Away
4) Rockin’ Machine
5) Vampire Girl
6) Backtracks
7) Should Have Never Let You Go
8) It’s Just Business
9) Friday Night Drinks
10) City Blues

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

MAL is an original rock power trio from Van Nuys, California and Come To Light is the band’s latest album, released on 25/08/2023. Made up of two older unreleased songs plus thirteen new tracks and the band wanted to “create a long escape with this record.”

The band is made up of members Peter Hollywood on bass, Kristopher Jung on vocals and bass and Brendan Reynolds on drums and they have stated their influences range from anything from Jane’s Addiction, Failure, Punk Floyd and Deftones to Black Sabbath, Sex Pistols, Faith No More and Chemicals Brothers, to Queens Of The Stone Age, Led Zeppelin, King Crimson, Hall & Oates, David Bowie and Nirvana, and this is not a band who are afraid to wear there influences on their sleeves.

Once again, the band have their foundations in the classic / alternative rock genre but let influences from a multitude of others seep into their sound, creating something quite unique to them.

The guitar work ranges from fantastic clean solos, worthy of any classic rock band, to distorted alternative, almost grunge rock, heavy riffs, and hooks. This contrast really is impressive to hear and will make the album have a wider appeal of listener. The drumming is laid-back at times yet energetic and frantic when it needs to step up a notch and funky basslines shine through at all times.

The vocals have a very nostalgic 80’s feel to them, strong and powerful yet with a modern twist that would make them just as at home on a classic rock number as on a far out, psychedelic track. There are interlocking harmonies and melodies and with accompanying backups vocals each and every track has a great depth.

The tracks vary in pace, length, and variety on the album, and with each track, the listener is never sure what style is coming next, as all genres of rock seem to be covered! This element of surprise really makes this album one to listen to and it also makes sure the listener is always engaged with the music, which is very enticing, really pulling the listener in.

This is a great album that certainly takes the listener on a musical journey, through a surreal soundscape before dropping you back to the real world an hour later! I definitely recommend that listeners of all types of rock give this fantastic album a listen and see for yourself just how diverse and talented this band really is!

This would definitely be a ten out of ten for me!

Track Listing:
1) Sleeper
2) Come To Light
3) Ritual (Rite Of Madness)
4) Besides
5) Hero’s Gold
6) Reprise (M.A.L 1st Movement)
7) Ritual (Of The Sky)
8) The Confidence Of Cats
9) Reprise (M.A.L 2nd Movement)
10) Thumper / Wormsign
11) Ritual (Of The Dust)
12) 5 On Eye
13) Ritual (M.A.L 3rd Movement)
14) Madness As Lift
15) For Brevity
16) Cut Myself
17) Ritual (Of The Night)
18) MindSpike
19) Commit Me

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

Under Delusion is a synth rock band from Moscow, led by an exceptional female voice. Burning Under Water is the band’s latest single and was released on 25/08/2023.

The song the band’s fourth single from their highly anticipated second album, was inspired by a near-depth experience in thirty metres of water in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean and is a great fusion of alternative rock music with dark wave and synth pop.

Kicking off with some electronic beats, the song soon erupts into a mesmerizing mix of synths and guitars. The energy that is emitted from the music side of this song really pulls the listener in, offering a creative and unique musical journey for the listener to undertake.

The synths that are prevalent throughout the track give way to a fantastic guitar solo about two thirds of the way through, a solo that really sends shivers through the spine. The drumbeats that keep the song on track and tight, are regimental and offer a great base for the rest of the music, which switches from electronic, dark wave to classic / alternative rock at the drop of a hat.

However, it’s the vocals that really make this song stand out. The female lead has a very distinctive voice, one that is perfectly suited to the style of music she is singing, and accompanied with some layered backups, this song has a great depth and dynamism. The singers voice lends the band to both the alternative side of rock music as well as the more gothic genres, creating a very unique and diverse sound for the band.

I absolutely loved this song and listening to it six times on repeat, it certainly gets better with every run through, so if electronic, dark-wave, synth inspired rock music is your thing, then please check out Under Delusion. This is a truly awesome band and deserve to have their music heard by everyone!

Totally fantastic track!

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

9 O’Clock Nasty are a Leicester-based alternative band, with punk influences. Consisting of band members Sydd Spudd on beats, Pete Brock on guitar and vocals and Ted Pepper on bass and vocals and once again they have come up with something completely different to anything else I have reviewed by them.

This band have released music of very genre, from punk to more mellow and progressive music, to classic rock and so much more! Bird Of Happiness is their latest single, released on 26/08/2023, and gives the band a more retro sound than other tracks they have released.

Kicking off with some awesome guitar riffs, the song soon erupts with some great harmonised vocals and laid-back drumming, creating an almost psychedelic vibe to the track, something very reminiscent of the sound of the 60’s.

The vocals on this track are very melodic and with the leads being accompanied with some awesome layered backups, there really is a great dynamism to the song, and the atmosphere that presents itself throughout the track is just awesome.

The more tracks I review by this great band, the more diverse they become, proving that they are not just a punk band. The talent in the band is evident to see in every passing song and I love how they surprise the listener with every new track!

Awesome work!

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

DG Adams is a singer / songwriter from Vancouver in Canada, who plays rhythm guitar and performs lead and harmony vocals. He is joined by Vinay Lobo on bass, piano, harmony vocals and lead guitar, Shane Wilson on drums and percussion, Anna Katarina on harmony vocals and Torquil Campbell on synthesizer, and Social Media Love is the groups latest single, released on 19/08/2023.

A song about the cruelty of social media and people doing things online that they might not necessarily do face to face, the track is a beautiful blend of soft rock and rock pop, creating a track that seems easy to listen to…until you actually study the lyrics and context of the words.

The guitar work and drumming are quite laid back throughout most of the track, although they do step up a notch or two when the track needs to be a bit more intense.

The element of this song, however, that stands out, to me, are the vocals. The male leads are strong and powerful, yet convey the message of the track perfectly, making the listener sit up and take notice. The singer has a soft voice, albeit with a slight grittiness, that is beautifully accompanied by some haunting female vocals, and this really gives the song a great atmosphere to it.

DG Adams has been releasing music since 23011 and has produced five albums and five singles to date. After hearing this one, I am heading over to Spotify to find more from him!

A great track that has a very prominent, important message.

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

Rokita is a singer, songwriter, producer, arranger and recorder from the USA and Hyperbolic Overload is his latest single, released on 11/08/2023.

The song tackles the idea that we see and learn about is controlled by algorithms and reflects the overwhelming nature of information and media in today’s society.

Not just a rock song, this is also a track that really makes you think with thought-provoking and powerful lyrics.

The song has quite a classic rock foundation, with some laid-back drumming and gentle guitarwork, although the solos are quite bluesy.

The vocals are melodic, but with an added edge to them that is needed to convey the message of the song, and with layered backups to accompany the leads, there is depth to the song. The lyrics are catchy and will stick in your head long after you have finished listening to the song, and Rokita hopes that his music will lift and inspire his listeners.

Music is always a great way to spread an important message and Rokita does it very well with this track, and the song should appeal to anyone who is a fan of rock music.

Check out Rokita and his music, and also the video that accompanies the song!

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum