BLUE MOVIE
'Delusions In Technicolor' + '8mm Lovesongs'

So what happens when Duran Duran meets Nine Inch Nails, simple you get Blue Movie. First off their 2012 release 'Delusions In Technicolor' takes the rock sound of first said rock band and the electronic and industrial influences of NIN and lashes them together. What you get on 'Delusions In Technicolor' is how Alternative Metal should really be, taking in that darker and more Gothic sense of rock music and adding the synthesizers in the background to give that chilled feeling. 'Delusions In Technicolor' is definitely bringing back the best of industrial / alternative metal to modern times, with vocals that Trent Reznor would be impressed and music that can be likened to the likes of Depeche Mode and Duran Duran, 'Delusions In Technicolor' is an album that ought to be out on the radio waves in in major stores, it is that good. But what about their first release '8mm Lovesongs'?

Well in an ideal sense, '8mm Lovesongs' is a little more industrial than later works, even so it does not reach the same level that 'Delusions In Technicolor' does. '8mm Lovesongs' brings out a more Gothic feel to it as well, for a debut release it certainly ticks all the boxes, it's powerful and it's different. Again it is not on the same par as later releases but it does pack a strong sound to it, a sound that broods in the past of early Disturbed and early NIN, but to have the two sounds crossing as they do without a total faux pas happening is just magical, there is not much to say about this release overall in that it does leave a lasting impression.

Download These: "A Nuclear Calm" + "Murder Will Out"

For Fans of: Nine Inch Nails, HIM, Duran Duran, The Rasmus

[8.5] + [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

KILL HER FIRST
'Anatomy 101'

German Screamo rockers Kill Her First are the real deal, in fact their latest release 'Anatomy 101' saw daylight in 2010, Ok so that maybe some time ago but the album is still as fresh as preserved yoghurt. Mixing the attitude of punk rock with the fist-clenching power of Screamo and the embodiment of metal, this is crude attitude on legs. Whilst the musical concept may not be new, the sound this five-piece delivers is phenomenal. With a selection of songs on 'Anatomy 101' that spans across a plethora of different rock and metal styles, there is something for everyone to indulge into. Consider them a gem of the German rock scene because they truly add something remarkable to it. 'Anatomy 101' is guaranteed to appeal to a wide range of listeners.

Download This: "No More Games"

For Fans of: Alesana, early-Black Veil Brides, Anomie

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

DALAPLAN
'Dalaplan'
GAPHALS

To the non-Swedish speakers this release could be very interesting to listen to, whilst on the other hand those learning to speak Swedish ought to buy this album to improve their speaking and listening skills. 'Dalaplan' the self-titled album by the same band is a mixture of punk and Synth rock and is served up well in a unique way, perfect to play at any house party although make sure the furnishings are all from Ikea to get that entire Swedish feeling. Although some songs tend to have a rock 'n' roll feel to them, don't get put off by that as the entire album has something for everyone, whether you speak the lingo or not 'Dalaplan' is an album that is sure to get the band some well earned attention across Europe and the world. Dalaplan are poised to step into the Swedish rock 'n' roll hall of fame in the near future.

Download This: "Redan Död"

For Fans of: Paramore, ABBA, Elvis Presley, Ladytron

'Dalaplan' is out 18th September 2013 via Gaphals in the CD, LP and digital formats.

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

KILLAFLAW
'Broken Idol'
WALL OF SOUND

Not being funny but Killaflaw's upcoming EP 'Broken Idol' should have been a Summer release as it packs some serious bass-line that would get even the most raving listeners of BBC Radio 1 onto the dance-floor and break-dancing, whilst at the same time the rock fans will be playing air guitar to the unmistakable Led Zeppelin influences flowing in and out of the waves of techno genius. 'Broken Idol' defines the new sound of rock 'n' rave and perhaps could spark off a whole new wave of bands adhering to this phenomenal sound. Liverpool's Killaflaw have certainly upped the game up with this new EP and evidently have proven that the musical boundaries can be taken beyond the limits. Latching together songs that wallow in the heavier side of bass and the slower side to rock 'n' roll, Killaflaw's 'Broken Idol' may well be their key to scoring appearances at Download next year... 'Broken Idol' simply leaves you gasping for more and leaves you totally speechless. Now PUMP UP THE NOIZE LADS!

For Fans of: The Prodigy, Led Zeppelin, The Chemical Brothers

'Broken Idol' is out 4th November 2013 via Wall of Sound Records

[10] RHYS STEVENSON

BLEAK FALLS
'The Grass Gets No Greener'

The artwork might be gruesome but that just sums up the vileness of Bleak Falls' upcoming EP 'The Grass Gets No Greener', make no mistake about it this Sussex balaclava lot will hurt your hearing with their highly propulsive and energetic concoction of Melodic Hardcore and merciless Alternative Metal, furthermore if you were to take a pinch of salt from the seaside resort of Worthing and sprinkle it over this tight musical unit, you have something that will almost certainly cause heads to turn in the coming year or so. 'The Grass Gets No Greener' implies that their music is wedged in the atmosphere of perhaps Doom Metal and having a rather emotional state, thus taking the warmth out of the listener before injecting the sound of Bleak Falls becoming a nationally recognized band, the storm has just begun...

For Fans of: Cancer Bats, Terror, Deftones

'The Grass Gets No Greener' is out 18th November through all digital stores.

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

VULGARRITY
'Funkeology'
DOG HILL

The concept of having relatives in a project or band is not new, look at The Jackson 5, the BeeGees, etc, but to have a brother and sister in one project is not usually heard of. However what Shawn and Tracy Garrity do here is a similar concept to that of Australian industrialists Angelspit, two minds, two forces, two sounds molded into one. Their third album 'Funkeology' released early January this year shines brightly with the dual two-tone coming from both the rock and industrial backgrounds, think Led Zeppelin meeting Fear Factory, you get the picture. 'Funkeology' is taking alternative rock to newer heights and making it a far more adventurous, with the sound of a thousand cyber-beats pummeling away at any one time with the riffs and drums riding solo like two hells angels riding their Harley-Davidsons along to this phenomenal sound all the way down Route 66.

Download This: "Middle Finger Machine Gun"

For Fans of: Led Zeppelin, Rage Against The Machine, Fear Factory, Alice In Chains

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

UNDER HEAVEN
'Nocturnes For The Divine & The Damned'
RAVENHEART

Once again the Canadian duet between Matthew Binks and Tammy Everett comes clashing together in a magical explosion of drama, music and elegance. Embracing the darkess with their second album 'Nocturnes For The Divine & The Damned', Under Heaven summon their sensational sound once again and delinquently deliver a performance reminiscent of many scenes in the Phantom of the Opera film. Wielding together the beauty of classical with the solidarity of metal, topping it with a dusting of new age and sprinkling industrial beats into the background, this album is a must have for any music fan. Crafted ideally to lay down and fall asleep to or ultimately drive home to after a rough and tough day at work or the gym, 'Nocturnes For The Divine & The Damned' by Under Heaven is the sound of the upcoming Autumn and Winter, when the fires are lit and the cold shut out, embrace the warmth of Tammy's vocals and the calmness of Matthew's composing as time slowly ticks by.

Download This: "The Ghost I Am"

For Fans of: Evanescence, The Military Wives Choir, Epica, Therion.

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

MORDIGANS
'El Sabor De Una Taza De Te'

Andorra is not really internationally known for their rock or metal music, except perhaps more recently for the metal band Persefone. So what about rock? Enter Catalan-singing quartet Mordigans with their mix of rock 'n' roll and Hard Rock, now you can jive to this music or you can place yourself at the heart of American rock 'n' roll in the 1960's, especially with the song 'I Love My Ways' sounding similar to that of Elvis Presley's 'Hound Dog'. It certainly is not the accent, but what makes this band all the unique is that they deliver a sound that is sure to get any classic rock fans bone tickled. 'El Sabor De Una Taza De Te' is the latest album by Mordigans and it goes without hitch saying that this release will be loved by those of the Spanish-speaking communities. However if they were to enter the Eurovision, their chances of success are relatively good, they are that good. 'El Sabor De Una Taza De Te' is a sensational release that will get Andorra dancing.

Download This: "Matador"

For Fans of: AC/DC, Elvis Presley, Queen, Radio Futura

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

CHASING SKINS
'Chasing Skins'

Romanian Alternative / Electro Rockers Chasing Skins make their first move by dropping their debut self-titled album loaded with a sound that speaks a thousand volumes, just thinking about how Gothic Transylvania is and how this band can easily have the soundtrack to a modern version of Dracula, perhaps a Tim Burton adaptation? But regarding the album 'Chasing Skins', it glistens with the elements of synth riding on the classic sounds of rock music and whilst the vocals seem to do the commandments on this album, the music itself delightfully follows in behind to create an album that whilst is unique, it lacks that final panache in respect to the almost Industrial sound it tends to drag in. None the less it is a decent enough album that ought to garner some attention across the European continent.

Download This: "Use Me"

For Fans of: The Human League, The Rasmus, H.I.M.

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

ERILAZ
'Black God Of The Hunt'
DANSE MACABRE

What with the Gothic traits bleeding out of the heart of the Finnish alternative music scene, it was only a matter of time before the latest installment in the EBM / Industrial style was instated, entering the 4th dimension is Erilaz with their sensational debut album 'Black God Of The Hunt', poised as a sonorous mix of Nine Inch Nails, Das Ich and the rudimentary classic elements of Beethoven wafting around the background, 'Black God Of The Hunt' was always going to be an album that spits fire, seeps ice cold atmospherics and radiates musical nuclear fall out. From start to finish, Erilaz conduct the elements so well that they form a sound that shall captivate a whole new audience. Elaborately binding a plethora of electronic music styles to the hard-hitting force of Metal music, 'Black God Of The Hunt' is definitely the sound of the forthcoming Winter, the inevitable cold and bitter darkness beckons...

Download This: "Kuolema Sinut Tänä Syksynä Korjaa"

For Fans of: KMFDM, Das Ich, Frontline Assembly, 'Suomi IDM'

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

BRIGHT YOUNG PEOPLE
'Liberties + Woe'

It's always a pleasure to recognize unique talent when it comes around, this time the spotlight shines on North Western rock scamps Bright Young People, whose upcoming single 'Liberties + Woe' glimmers with the old style Nirvana teen spirit and a wallowing between heavy pop rock and indie rock, whatever you want to call it this trio are sure to become a favorite amongst the Brit rock sphere, 'Liberties + Woe' carries a whole armada of catchy riffs, hooks, vocals and drum beats that would make 1960's, 70's rock come back to life once again. With two tracks that sit on opposite fence posts in the whole soft rock style, the upcoming single will almost certainly get these lads some well earned attention. Subtle hints of The Clash and Muse seem to drift in and out of the shadows on the premier track 'Liberties', but it is down to the listener to catch on to where those hints are.

For Fans of: Iggy Pop, Nirvana, Muse

'Liberties + Woe' is out 28th October via Evil People

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

THE COCKROCKETS
'Craters Of War'

Prepare to be wanked, willy-slapped, tossed off, eh the puns keep on coming (er-hem). Aptly named The Cockrockets, this London mob accentuate the brilliance found within the punk rock style, sure you cannot tie them down to one genre as upon hearing their latest album 'Craters Of War' it is clear they weave together a sound from an array of different styles and that in itself makes the album 100% unique. Don't expect any pleasantries or politeness circulating the lyrics either, this band does not know niceness, they only know how to flip the middle finger so precisely it would make your attempt obsolete. Expect groovy riffs to caress your hearing whilst the rocking atmosphere soothes your soul and the rest of the musical elements finish you off. The Cockrockets are sure to go far, but how far is the big question.

Download This: "We Don't Wanna Die"

For Fans of: Sex Pistols, The Clash, George Carlin-esque banter apparently.

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

ACCIDENTS WILL HAPPEN
'Prologue'

Whether by fad or by trend, it seems to be the norm these days for rock bands to have a female vocalist and try to avoid the nastiest of cliche's as becoming 'just another Paramore wanna be', of course there are bands that defy that and do their own thing, Accidents Will Happen fall into that category. Sure their debut EP 'Prologue' glimmers with a whole array of different rock songs that will be sure to get anyone's musical taste-buds tickled, there is only one down side to the EP and that focuses one the song 'We Are', and the reason behind that? The guitar riff in the beginning (and throughout) does not bode well with the rest of the music, it seems well out of sync and should not be there either! Despite that the rest of the song dishes out a good sound and level of eccentricity. For the EP itself, it is a fair decent attempt by the band and with their minds firmly set on a sound, we could see more Download Festival worthy material being produced in the near future.

Download This: 'Time'

For Fans of: Don Broco, Biffy Clyro, 'down-right outrageous rock music'

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

EARLYRISE
'What If'

Bands like Earlyrise are so tough to pigeonhole into one genre, sure they are a rock band but they lace said music genre with elements of pop, electronic music and bizarrely some pop punk in the vibrancy of the vocals. Unleashing the beautiful terror from their sexy sensational debut album 'What If', the Illinois quintet have evidently primed themselves for taking the world by storm with their unique style of rock music. Now before you laud them as another Paramore band, no they sound nothing at all like them, if anything imagine them as the female-fronted version of Mallory Knox or Black Veil Brides (Wretched and Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones era and minus the make-up). What with angelic vocals leading the front-line and the music itself delivering a full-on party sound that would liven up anyone's day or night, 'What If' could be debut rock album of the year easily and as long as Earlyrise keep this sound going, we could see them at Download Festival early as next year, watch this space.

Download This: "Face Me"

For Fans of: Mallory Knox, Black Veil Brides, We Are In The Crowd

[10] RHYS STEVENSON

IVY JAMES
'Ivy James'

Singer-songwriter Ivy James delivered her debut self-titled EP last year and to be frank it is something rather special. Having won a whole host of award nominations such as the Best Young Songwriter by the Toronto Independent Music Awards in October 2012, it is clear even with this EP that she has talent in her blood. Take for example the song 'Galaxies' and then listen to it next to perhaps Adele's 'Skyfall' and there resides a comparison in the vocals, that powerful and exhilarating deliverance that for an 17 year old is as close to as 'child prodigy' as you can get. Make no mistake about it her self-titled debut EP is going to take her places and as it gives her well-earned attention in her native Canada, with this effort now in the open I can see her making a name for herself across the Atlantic, especially in the UK. Armed with an acoustic guitar and a voice that emanates the softer rock side to fellow Canadian singer Avril Lavigne, Ivy James is a musician to watch.

Download This: "Ashes To Ashes"

For Fans of: Avril Lavigne, Katie Melua, Adele, Lene Marlin

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

CAROUSEL VERTIGO
'Mighty' feat their single "I'm A Comin' World"
MOLANO MUSIC

What happens when two virtuoso guitarists come colliding on one stage? Total musical Armageddon. As America meets France with this sensational line-up, entering onto the rock circuit is Paris-based rockers Carousel Vertigo of which their 70's style of rock is simply awe-inspiring. Featuring a rally of killer riffs, exuberant drumming and Bon Scott-era AC/DC vocals that when coming altogether summon a sound that will crunch anyone's senses into overload.  'Mighty' is the band's debut album and on it is their upcoming single "I'm A Comin' World", what rock fans can expect from this lot is a smooth and sensational deliverance of high voltage rock that evidently will keep anyone rocking and partying all night long. Let's be honest, rock will never die as long as bands like Carousel Vertigo keep the classic elements intact, and wasn't it AC/DC who said "Let there be light, sound, drums, guitar. Let there be rock"? Boy were they right.

Download This: "Mighty Good Woman"

For Fans of: AC/DC, Aerosmith, Airbourne

[10] RHYS STEVENSON

DIGITS
'Acquiesce To Violence'

One ponders thought whether the band was meant to be an algorithm for numerical music, whatever the meaning behind the band is it's a good one as demonstrated on their upcoming re-release of their successful EP 'Acquiesce To Violence'. Taking pinches of influences from a plethora of rock styles, the North-Eastern scamps magic up a winning score to set their career firmly in motion. Featuring a spectacular array of rock songs that will get anyone dancing or waving their arms in the air, or whatever modern rock fans do these days, it will get you moving, guaranteed. Echoing in the footsteps of a whole plethora of punk and melodic rock bands, Digits are ready to slash the British scene in half as an 'Acquiesce To Violence', this is just the beginning...

Download This: "Golden"

For Fans of: Biffy Clyro, Hundred Reasons, Deftones

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

REMEMBER DECEMBER
'Two Can Play That Game'

Canvey Islanders Remember December make their mark with their upcoming EP 'Two Can Play That Game', proving that their home place is not just an island known for the floods or the oil refineries. Carefully molded to deliver a powerful punching style of pop punk / rock, Remember December have gone full out on this one and with this effort as good as it is, they could be on their way to national recognition. Glass-shattering vocals drive this unbelievably emphatic EP to new heights for the band, whilst the solidarity in the drumming and crunchiness of the riffs sharpen the sound so much that you would need to put insurance on your hearing in case you become infected by the EP's sensational sound, this is guaranteed to get you hooked and rooting for the band, because with this EP they are sure to go far.

Download This: "Run With The Wolves"

For Fans of: 30 Seconds To Mars, You Me At Six, We Are In The Crowd, The Hype Theory

'Two Can Play That Game' is out 30th September

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

THE AREOLA TREAT
'Pleasure Machines'

Indie / Punk Rock from Malta you say? Correct. Making noise for themselves are The Areola Treat whose latest release 'Pleasure Machines' certainly fits the bill as a credible rock release, full of gusto and powerful compositions, I honestly want to see this lot representing Malta at the Eurovision Song Contest 2014. 'Pleasure Machines' delivers erotically charged vocals that are strapped down by the funky riffs and the solid drumming that pushes this release forward so much that The Areola Treat could easily be Malta's next biggest rock export. Most guys will get a bit of a reaction to the artwork as well as the music (if you know what I mean), but joking aside the artwork does reflect the band's attitude that rock music must be naked to get the true sounds out and what a sound it is.

Download This: "Subsonic Speed Shades"

For Fans of: The Clash, Kasabian, Sex Pistols

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

VOLTRAGE
'Bad Reputation'

Franco-Belgian quintet Voltrage delivered a blast from the past with their debut album 'Bad Reputation' released last year, simply put imagine a helium-filled Bon Scott and the musical power of Guns 'N' Roses, yeah you get the picture. Voltrage are another modern day rock band obsessed with the 80's rock vernacular and with their debut album deliver a sound that truthfully emanates the greats of AC/DC, Aerosmith, Guns 'N' Roses, etc, etc. With high-pitch vocals delivering such a painful experience to your hearing, you may begin to think that Voltrage have a 'Bad Reputation' themselves, in that they have a 'Bad Reputation' for delivering sensationally rocking music, it is that bad it's good. Give their mark though because Voltrage will certainly appeal to the fans of classic 80's rock, make no mistake they are pretty damn good.

Download This: "Girls Gone Wild"

For Fans of: AC/DC, Guns 'N' Roses, Kiss

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

BLACKWOLF
'Mr. Maker'

Just what the doctor ordered, another rock act... well not just any old rock act, perhaps thee rock act to reboot the entire music industry and crush that glut of over-processed pop music that dominates the radio waves. 'Mr. Maker' is the latest single by Bristolian rock 'n' rollers Blackwolf and boy it packs a Jack Daniel and chilling moment in it, given the lads have been going just under two years now and have already amassed a plethora of feats including supporting Revoker, Voodoo Six and The Union amongst others. Now armed with this single and their foreseeable debut album, there is nothing that will stop BlackWolf from reaching the very pinnacle of the music industry. It would seem that the old ways tend to be the best as BlackWolf prove here, erotic riffs gently glide behind the sheer atomic power of the vocals, whilst the background generating of cymbal crashes and lush drumming deals with the solidarity of this track, 'Mr. Maker' would fit nicely on BBC Radio 2. Has anyone got Ken Bruce's number?

'Mr. Maker' is out on September 30th / BlackWolf's as of yet untitled album is due out January 2014

[9] RHYS STEVENSON