DIE KAMMER
'Season I: The Seeming & The Real'
DELICIOUS

Die Kammer are a rather eclectic mix of musicians, weaving together a sound that pinches elements from Gothic Rock, Classical, Cabaret and Chamber Music, as well as bits of Folk Music, they are a tough band to categorize in one genre. Evidently their premier album 'Season I: The Seeming & The Real' broods in the deepness of the guttural German vocals that give such depth and atmosphere, resulting in the instant connection with the early Gothic Rock bands such as Bauhaus. But what also makes 'Season I: The Seeming & The Real' a breath of fresh air, is the unique chemistry flowing free between the plethora of instruments residing in this musical adventure. To be quite frank, this album could easily be the perfect accompaniment to the Christmas celebrations or as a delightful listen at any folk or alternative music festival. Wherever and whenever you listen to it, you can be assured that Die Kammer are a highly promising group, let's see if they can continue this sound on their forthcoming release 'Season II: Views From The Inside' released next year.

Download This: "Labyrinths Of Despair"

For Fans of: Bauhaus, Drachenflug, Schandmaul

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

SCREAMING EYES
'For Whom The Sins Are Over'
THIS IS CORE

Unleash the Italian stallion known as Screaming Eyes and be prepared to have your head blown off, this five-piece Hardcore mob unleash hell on their latest EP 'For Whom The Sins Are Over'. Soldering together the sheer velocity experienced in the original Hardcore sound with a modern sound of Metallic Hardcore, this ten-legged army whip out a sound that will make Italy shake on it's very foundations. As if the leaning tower of pisa is actually leaning, but if you add the sound of Screaming Eyes, it will be the fallen tower of pisa. Whilst the Hardcore contemporaries tend to originate from either the US, Australia or the UK, it is now the turn of the Italians to crack skulls open with such force that it will make your life not worth living, because 'For Whom The Sins Are Over', the virtues of Screaming Eyes are already in motion... watch this band with interest.

Download This: "In The Name Of The Father"

For Fans of: Alexisonfire, Hatebreed, Rise To Remain, Imminence

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

STITCHED UP HEART
'Grave'

Possibly one band to watch in 2014, Californian sex-bombs Stitched Up Heart recently unleashed their highly infectious single 'Grave' and with it comes that classic alternative rock beat, aggressive vocals and very bouncy riffs, but this is no Paramore-gone-hardcore, by any means no. The single 'Grave' takes elements from the alternative rock, Gothic / emo subculture and add that unique sparkle to it to make it a single anyone should have on their music player. With that emphatic extreme range of vocal levels, tied in with a sound that speaks bags of imagination, 'Grave' is the song that will push this highly promising rock band across the Atlantic. It is so good, you would need to replay it over again and again just to conquer your thirst for more, now all that's needed is a house party as 'Grave' provides the perfect soundtrack.

Download 'Grave' here: http://www.reverbnation.com/stitchedupheart

For Fans of: The Birthday Massacre, Evarose, Die So Fluid, 'hormonally-charged rock'

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

NEVERSTAR
'Ill Be Waiting'
SMASH DOWN RECORDS

If you want the softer and more symphonic-eloquent form of Evanescence, then Hertfordshire crew Neverstar is for you, upon listening to their latest offering 'Ill Be Waiting' you can be sure to be welcomed by really sharp female vocals that will shatter your hearing so hard it will leave you gasping for more. Furthermore through the ingenious and deep emotional feeling coursing through the guitars and drums, the music created is one of elegance and beauty, now if Neverstar were to develop any soundtrack to any film then their song "Not Over Yet" would befit some of the scenes in The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, it is that dramatic and unique and yet this could be the start of something remarkably sensational, released in 2013 and rocking out 2014, Neverstar's 'Ill Be Waiting' is a sound to remember and the band is one to watch with interest this year.

Download This: "Not Over Yet"

For Fans of: Evanescence, Within Temptation, Avantasia, Vanilla Ninja

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

CLEAR THE AUDITORIUM
'The Final Broadcast'

As if the cold war wasn't scary enough, here comes the Wales Post-Hardcore / Electronicore outfit Clear The Auditorium with their forthcoming EP 'The Final Broadcast', which they have set out to send reminders of how cold, dystopian and dark the post-WW2 times were. They have carried on their theme of a futuristic world that is full of uncertainty, promise and almost an Orwellian perception of what is happening and what could happen, even with their 'intermission' track delivering that totalitarian music experienced in the film 'V For Vendetta'. Sitting right at the core of 'The Final Broadcast' is the use of electronic music, moreover the use of morse code to introduce 'We Are The Danger' really sends out a sonic punch that is guaranteed to shake the Welsh valleys free of any exposed boulders, whilst amalgamating around the edges are crunchy riffs, funky grooves, emphatic vocals and sensational drumming sequences, all of which sum up to signal Clear The Auditorium as a GMA band to watch.

For Fans of: Linkin Park, Enter Shikari, The Progidy, Muse

'The Final Broadcast' is out 8th May 2014

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

DEATHSTARS
'The Perfect Cult'
NUCLEAR BLAST

It's been five years since Deathstars, the Swedish masters of sexual "Dark Rock", released their well-received glam-tinged "Night Electric Night". Now the quartet is back (minus Cat Casino) and harder than ever. 'The Perfect Cult' glimmers with that extra special sound the band has mustered over their career, that sound that makes them who they are. With infectious Electro-Industrial keyboard elements forming the foundation for a monstrous assault of tripwire riffs, ballistic drums and Whiplasher's unrelentless and unforgettable vocals, Deathstars have shifted into fifth gear for what is poised to be the best album of their career. Adopting a dystopian and Orwellian attitude that is tinged with the darkness of their Gothic posterior and blackened hearts, it is clear that Deathstars are back in black and mean business... the kings of Swedish Dark Rock are here to stay.

Download This: "Bodies"

For Fans of: Motionless In White, The Birthday Massacre, Gothminister, The Kovenant

"The Perfect Cult" is out in June via Nuclear Blast: 13th (EU), 16th (UK) and 24th (USA)

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

INDIGO DARKPSYCH
'All That Remains'

Malta may not the be the first country to spring to mind when thinking of Alternative or Nu Metal bands, but quartet Indigo Darkpsych are sure to make their nation known on the music map. Their 2013 effort wallows in the darkened waters of Evanescence and Lahannya, is charged up with both Slipknot's and Korn's charm and is lead by vocals that Amy Lee would drool over all night. It's rare to find a female leading a Nu Metal style band, bands like Exilia and Infected Rain spring to mind, but as for this treasure, 'All That Remains' is the future sound of Alternative Nu Metal, loaded with infectious grooves, sensual vocals, catchy riffs and an atmosphere that is just as good as Slipknot's Download appearance. R.I.P. Paul Gray.

Download This: "Shining Inside"

For Fans of: Exilia, Slipknot, Evanescence, Korn

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

SAKARA
'Blood & Stone'
RAVENHEART

Well this certainly is an interesting project, coming direct from Herefordshire is the artist Sakara aka Laura Sakara Marshal. This definitely sits within the Avant Garde music 

SIBYL VANE
'Love, Holy Water And TV'
I LOVE YOU

Estonia has had a rich history of producing talented rock and metal bands, fresh off the block and on the international scene is trio Sibyl Vane and their unique mix of pop rock with alternative twists and turns. 'Love, Holy Water And TV' was released last year and with it comes a sound that should get attention from all corners of Europe, already a hit in the Baltic nations, Sibyl Vane have earned their merit as the natural successor to Vanilla Ninja on the Estonian rock stage. I doubt they would be wanting to go into Eurovision anytime soon, but they tick all the boxes for that as far as I'm concerned. From 'Love, Holy Water And TV' expect an explosion of funky beats, happy upbeat tunes and a whole lot of fun.

Download This: "Quit Tellin' Me Crazy"

For Fans of: Muse, System of A Down, Paramore

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

FOR ALL THE WRONG REASONS
'We're Not Losing, We're Just Not Winning'

Finally a band that the UK can call upon to send to the Eurovision Song Contest, only joking. They'd never stoop so low (oops), but when you are talking about For All The Wrong Reasons you are talking about one of 2013's most anticipated pop punk releases, 'We're Not Losing, We're Just Not Winning'. Currently unsigned, the Lincolnshire five-piece summon up a sound that should get the British rock scene buzzing, they are sure to get a wealth of attention in the months ahead. Heavy hitting percussion marred by sharp vocals and crunchy riffs, the forthcoming EP is sure to cause chaos across the breadth of the nation and as For All The Wrong Reasons gear themselves up for the awaiting release, the storm is brewing.

Download This: Who Died And Made You King Of The Zombies?

For Fans of: Sum 41, Deaf Havana, Story Of The Year, The Hype Theory

'We're Not Losing, We're Just Not Winning' is out 26th August via iTunes, Amazon and Google Play.

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

THE FRIGHT
'The Fright'

You have to admit at times, gothic-style rock is best left to the Germans, after all they tend to pull it off as well as the Finnish. For example take Horror Punk Rock 'N' Rollers The Fright and their self-titled album, instantly you can detect influences from bands like The Misfits, Murderdolls and the era when punk rock emerged into Gothic rock, nay Bauhaus, etc. 'The Fright' is a fangtastic album that spews out everything there is expected of a dark rock album, with chunky and electrifying riffs mentally strangling your senses until you wish to pass out and the vocals and drums finishing you off, 'The Fright' is a truly remarkable album and band. We may well see this lot explode on European rock scene in the very near future, definitely a GMA 'one to watch'.

Download This: "Cemetery Of Hearts"

For fans of: Bauhaus, Murderdolls, The Misfits, Masters of Dark Fire, Ashestoangels

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

ELKUPE
'Uzaust'

Where on earth do I start, ok besides the fact being Elkupe is from Latvia and is supposedly a sound project, that is all we know about this artist. Sure the project's release 'Uzaust' dropped sometime this year, not much else is known about the artist. So all that can be said is that it features seven songs that are sung in the Latvian language and ideally feature a more rock-based feel to the music, on the other hand we would leave the critical judgement to the listeners because I for one cannot get my head round what this is meant to be, sure it seems a bit folk-like at times, but overall it would take a mathematician to decipher this one.

[6.5] RHYS STEVENSON

SHOUTING SIGNALS
'Stand Your Ground'

Essex in the recent year or so has become once again a hot spot for emerging rock bands, the next band to join the ranks of The Hype Theory and co is Chelmsford rockers Shouting Signals. Featuring an array of uniquely assorted rock tunes on their debut EP 'Stand Your Ground', the five-piece do not mess about in creating a sound that will take them to dreams beyond their current dreams. Producing a line of delicious riffs that spark off the release with such power you will want to have your ears insured against the ferocity that lies in wait for you on 'Stand Your Ground'. With this charismatic sound now firmly set in stone and the band readying themselves for a hectic 2013, there is nothing to stop the band from Shouting Signals at the British rock scene.

Download This: "Breathe In, Breathe Out"

For Fans of: The Hype Theory, Mallory Knox, Deaf Havana

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

CIRCLE OF REASON
'A Favour For A Stranger'

Lashing multiple music styles together is no easy task, it's just not a simple way of constructing an underbelly and smothering it with a covering of another music style, it just doesn't happen. Even if bands like Circle Of Reason come on the block and find their middle ground between post-rock and alternative rock, it takes that little bit of magic just to exercise any layered sound to the masses, something of which this Southampton lot seem to have nailed on the head. Take their EP 'A Favour For A Stranger' and fully dissect it, right down to the individual riff and you'll find a multitude of different elements surging throughout, it will be interesting to see where this lot go on from here because they've certainly got a hard release to follow up to.

Download This: "Sea Of Voices"

For Fans of: Muse, Coheed & Cambria. QOTSA

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

ARC LIGHT
'Arc Light'

It has finally come, the anticipated debut by unsigned Liverpudlian rockers Arc Light, their debut self-titled album comes brimming with a whole host of different rock styles to appeal to a variety of rock fans, from the upbeat 'You Will Not Believe' to the almost ballad-like 'The Cherry Tree' this release will almost certainly turn heads. 'Arc Light' features eleven tracks of scintillating music that you will not find anywhere else, well in modern times that is. Influenced by the likes of the Foo Fighters and Rage Against The Machine, you can clearly compare this music to said bands and ultimately realize that we could have on our hands a band that will become the next big rock act to emerge Liverpool since The Beatles made their famous mark on British rock history.

Download This: "Conspiracy (Safe With Me)"

For Fans of: Foo Fighters, Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

KLOGR
'Till You Turn'

Klogr (pronounced Kay-log-are) delivered their latest release last year in the form of their album 'Till You Turn', expelling a beautiful mix of harsh vocals, unrelenting and furious music and an atmosphere designed to mindf*ck you till you wish you dead, Klogr set the tone for their future and it is that tone that will get them noticed across the abyss of Europe. 'Till You Turn' spews out a poisonous musical matter that will intoxicate you throughout. Since the band's name refers to the law of Weber-Fechner, developed in the second half of the 800s, which is known as the fundamental psycho-physical relationship (S = K log R), it would seem that this band has an avid interest in science. Well let's ope you know your chemistry and physics, because as this lot mix musical elements it will almost certainly conclude with an anti-gravity feel.

Download This: "Silk & Thorns"

For Fans of: Marilyn Manson, Evanescence, My Chemical Romance

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

VULGARRITY
'Funkeology'

This duo would be an instant hit in the UK no doubt, VulGarrity's elaborate mix of classic rock sounds with electronic elements and a heavy metal attitude is an intricate crossover result that will get everyone reeling with enjoyment. The Rhode Island siblings have delivered a phenomenal release entitled 'Funkeology', think Nine Inch Nails meets David Bowie meets Rage Against The Machine and you get some sense of what they sound like, however that is just the top layer of this duo as they implore a sound that is hard to find, epic synths in the background poise as an absolutely sensational foundation for the vocals to power through and the guitars and drums to add that all important beat to each track. 'Funkeology' is the futuristic sound of rock and rock fans everywhere should listen up, VulGarrity are making tracks to unleash on the world and aim for global domination.

Download This: "Karma's Got A Gun"

For Fans of: Nine Inch Nails, Joy Division, Led Zeppelin, Talking Heads

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

BARBE-Q-BARBIES
'Breaking All The Rules'
SOUND OF FINLAND

With all the feelings in the world, nothing comes down to this. The all Finnish female rockers Barbe-Q-Barbies unleash pure classic rock 'n' roll with their second album 'Breaking All The Rules' in such a way that you can instantly dub this Finnish rock album of the year, without any second thoughts occurring. The new album comes brimming with all of the elements you would expect from an explosive rocking album and features a sublime finish to the sensational sound the girls develop through their 80's rock sound, by carefully combining a powerful booming array of vocals with cutting-edge riffs and unrelenting dynamics on the drums, Barbe-Q-Barbies are set to follow the Finnish greats of HIM, The Rasmus, The 69 Eyes and Hanoi Rocks and take this world by storm.

Download This: "Breaking All The Rules"

For Fans of: Vanilla Ninja, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, 80's rock.

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

FAILURE TO FOLLOW
'Walk Away'
ITG

Sometimes it's best to get back to the basics, other times it's best to not do anything at all, but what Bristol's Failure To Follow is done a bit of both. Their latest release 'Walk Away' spews everything out you would want from a Hardcore release but the downside is, this sound has been done before; there is no imminent difference until you listen to the release three or four more times again. Give due it is a well crafted release and is sure to give the band the credible attention they deserve, their chunky bass lines, no remorse vocals and chainsaw riffs serve well as a springboard for them to move towards greater things, but the main point is that in order to do that, they will need to change their blueprints and develop a new strategy.

Download This: "Dogs Of Hell"

[6.5] RHYS STEVENSON

HEARTLESS
'Certain Death'
HALO OF FLIES / ALERTA ANTIFASCISTA

Did you think you could walk away quietly? No chance, Heartless will not allow it. Excreting their next lot of pungent Hardcore Punk anthems in the form of 'Certain Death', the Pennsylvanian quartet take no prisoners as they unleash a mauling through eight solid tracks that leave compromises in the backyard rotting away. Primed for mosh-pit and your average hardcore dance, 'Certain Death' is one of those releases designed to piss anyone off, whether you're into classical music or unruly relenting noise, Heartless have done justice upon the plethora of want to be 'core' bands, this is the real deal, this is the faithful, this is Heartless and with 'Certain Death' on the horizon, you wouldn't want to hear the words 'I like trains' mind you.

Download This: "Mute"

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

BREE
'Bree'
WEREWOLF TUNES

There aren't many artists around that take influence from the early forms of rock 'n' roll, enter trio Bree who are fronted by, guess who? Bree. The three rockers from the downtown streets of Oregon deliver an outburst of classic rock that simmers brightly under the scorching summer sun, simply put this is a band that with their debut self-titled album are sure to garner attention across the oceans. 'Bree' is crafted by the brainchild Bree and signals evident influences from Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, The Who, Slade and bands / artists from similar sounds, to give you an idea 'You Can't Take The Heart Out Of Me' has a beat that is the spitting image of 'whatever you want' by Status Quo. None the less the debut album is sure to appeal to rock fans alike.

'Bree' is out 18th June 2013 via Werewolf Tunes

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS
'Exposition - The Five Before The Flames'

Making their welcomed return is Suffolk's own Van Helsing clan, the Fearless Vampire Killers, the all  round rockers have unleashed another sensational belter in the form of their mini-album 'Exposition - The Five Before The Flames', five tracks of erotic and theatrical rock music that could serve well as a time piece, oozing chunky riffs and bass-lines that kick into touch the rest of the music to such a level that the term 'party music' may as well be an understatement when complementing this release. There is a clear shift in sound from their debut album 'Militia Of The Lost', moving from a soft rock style to a more sharper impression, as if they re-wielded the stake and glossed it with gold. But, 'Exposition - The Five Before The Flames' dips into many streams of rock that it can be compared to the likes of Mindless Self Indulgence and Ashestoangels and NOT like My Chemical Romance, like some seem to compare FVK to.

Download This: "The Thief - Merchants Of Decay'

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

SOMEONE SAID FIRE
'Dead Wasp'

Inspiration and originality are the two fundamental parts to making a release successful, ignore any of those and consider your work a dead duck. Sad to say Someone Said Fire are on that very borderline, sure their 2 track demo 'Dead Wasp' cooks up some grizzly and gruel Melodic Hardcore / Post-Hardcore, but the blandness in the screaming vocals on the song 'Dead Wasp' are enough to make anyone contemplate weeping. Ironically they improve on the song 'One Night Darker', but even then the percussion kicks up the dust in the wrong direction and in the end what you have is an demo that ok is exceptionable as a first time out but if they carry on this onto the next release, well who knows, it could be the worst move ever.

[5] RHYS STEVENSON

TAZER
'All My Days'

The Midlands is a power house for bands throughout history and well Nottingham's Tazer is no exception, delivering an eccentric style to the classic rock sound that for this band resonates in the 80's style of rock, for example Aerosmith's 'sweet emotion' has stark similarities with the band's song 'Buggin' Me'. So what you get is four tracks from their EP 'All My Days' that is certified to appeal to those fans of classic rock and music with a party, rockabilly feel to it. It is bands like Tazer that keep the old traditions alive in a modern world dominated by musical trend and so what their EP offers is that feeling of driving down route 66 to the sound of Tazer, which quite frankly is a sweet emotion.

Download This: "Centrefold"

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

ENKELINATION
'Enkelination'

Fresh out of the shadowy London streets is quintet Enkelination of whom last year dropped their debut EP 'Enkelination' from which explodes in the sounds of Melodic Metal. Sounding along the lines of bands like Aonia and Gone Til Winter, this female-fronted ensemble show off their unique style of heavenly angelic vocals and subtly done hard rock / heavy metal music. Whilst producing this elaborate sound, the unique thing about this band is that they drag in a dark and Gothic atmosphere that resonates in comparison with Within Temptation, except the former is a more operatic style. No question about it with this under their belt, Enkelination are sure to take the nation by storm in 2013. Watch and hear as the next most exciting London band takes the rest of the UK down with their operatic melodic metal.

Download This: "Never Ending"

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

SEVENTH SEEKER
'Angels Temptation'

Hailing from the South coast of England is Seventh Seeker, a five-piece melodic hard rock / metal ensemble that has enough energy to unleash a powerful release, that release being their demo 'Angels Temptation', a more advanced version of the now defunct Tainted Grace and yet as the female-fronted group conjure up some rather banging rock tunes, the core of this luscious sound is the rocked up Evanescence sound that drags the release itself to a level never before explored. Angelic vocals shine the light over the quirky riffs and solos that bind the solidarity of this five-piece unit together. 'Angels Temptation' is another modern example of how rock music is continuously  renewing itself, whilst at the same time provides a glimmer of hope that Seventh Seeker are going to become a nationwide favorite.

Download This: 'Sunburnt'

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

KRAD
'Behind The Laws'

Usually in the Atlantic Ocean, there are volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, hurricanes and other geographical or meteorological events, but on this occasion arising from the Portuguese-speaking nation of Cape Verde is a fresh faced rock / grunge act called Krad. 'Behind The Laws' comes as the band's new single from which will be also on their upcoming as-of-yet-untitled EP. Featuring a raw and fuzzy guitar sound that rips through the senses like a cheetah chasing antelope, blasting the mind apart with high voltage rock and setting a atmosphere up that constitutes a sound of hard and heavy grit as well as a style of music that will make people wet themselves. 'Behind The Laws' is a sure sign that this band are promising a good EP to come and as a result are flying the flag for the Cape Verde rock and metal scene.

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

DARK SHADOWS
'11:11'

'11:11' might be the time that the release was finished at, whether it was or not it is a gracious album that crosses every T and dots every I in the Post Punk / Gothic Rock chambers. The band behind the blast is Dark Shadows, hailing from Australia this trio take the old school sounds of Bauhaus and The Cure and weave a new sound to the masses. Engineered to epic levels, '11:11' is a classic example that the old ways are usually the best and in this case Dark Shadows do well to prove this to be the truth. In fact, fans of Siousxie & The Banshees may well relate to this lot more than the Bauhaus fans, but that is anyone's guess. Salient point behind this luscious release is that has enough vibrating energy to capture a whole new audience.

Download This: "Blame"

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

EVA JADE LANDON
'Evalution'
SHE'S TROUBLE

Electro-pop / Power Pop Music is usually a goldmine and when artists like Eva Jade Landon come storming out of the underground with such a level of creativity that eclipses the likes of Carla Rae Jepsen and Lady Gaga, you know something is coming. The latest release 'Evalution' is a non-stop torrent of electric music that would get anyone on the dance floor, raving and ripping out all of life's worries on a Friday or Saturday night. If the release was a freshers week, Eva Jade Landon would be the one tipping plenty of different sounds into the mix to end up with a cocktail that is deserving of mainstream attention. 'Evalution' carries everything one would want for a dance anthem soundtrack, even so it would seem doubtful that she will go quietly and as a result Europe better be prepared for what can be dubbed as the next greatest electro-pop export from the USA. This is more than a musical evolution, this is a musical 'Evalution'.

Download This: "Walk Away"

[9.5] RHYS STEVENSON

MIDNIGHT SYNDICATE
'Halloween Music Collection'

Perhaps this maybe the ideal soundtrack or soundtracks to a horror or Gothic fiction franchise, sure not on the scale of the Saw heptology but in essence Dracula, Van Helsing and the like. In fact, Midnight Syndicate of whom are a duo from Ohio, create an atmosphere that circulates the darkened surroundings found when listening, so much so this would be ideal to listen to on a ghost hunt or when camping out near a graveyard as most goths would agree this music is exceptionally unique and utmost emotionally connected to personal feelings and the like. 'Halloween Music Collection' is a twenty-two track filled release that will keep many mesmerized for a long, long time and overall is an essential for those who like the old style of Gothic music, stretching back to Gothic church music.

Download This: "Awakening"

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

ARMONIGHT
'Tales From The Heart'
RAVENHEART MUSIC

The Italian musicians love their Gothic music, it is as if they were born to be goths or at least dress like them and play music relating to the subculture. No wonder then when sextet Armonight unleash a torrent of darkened melodies via their release 'Tales From The Heart', they do so with a sensational outburst of angelic vocals, blade-swiping riffs and solid drumming, all of which together add up to develop an atmosphere that could be likened to bands such as Evanescence and Lacuna Coil. This is what you call heavenly music and bodes the band well, as they are sure to garner greater attention over the next few years as they share with the listener, the stories and 'Tales From The Heart' that binds this band together.

Download This: "When You See Me Cry"

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

THE DROPPER'S NECK
'Second Coming'

Essex in recent times has had a sudden upsurge of rock bands from all strains of the music virus, so when a bunch of lads known as The Dropper's Neck set sail to release their debut album 'Second Coming', much is riding on this release. What strikes immediately is the inescapable fact of them owning their own sound and not a recycled clump of 'been-there-done-it' music. Call it Alternative Punk Rock but with a few added twists here and there, such as similarities to bands like The Horrors and bizarrely the vocals draw comparisons with the late 70's Gothic rock era, namely the Bauhaus song 'Bela Lugosi's Dead'. But as standard the album is sure to turn heads as this lot are certainly Download Festival material (let's hoping they're paying attention).

For Fans of: QOTSA, Pulled Apart By Horses, Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster

'Second Coming' is out Monday 29th July 2013 via major outlets.

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

...SOIHADTO...
'...soihadto...'
PFC

Besides a really bizarre name, the Baltimore boys finally unleashed their self-titled album. What comes with it is a rather inexplicable event, basically it's experimental rock but without any experimentation as such, confusing eh? '...soihadto...' can be labelled as one of those albums (and bands) that somehow do not know where they want to go with their music, regardless of how clean and organized the finished production is, the band are all over the place. On the other hand it would seem that benefits this lot to the core, but sadly as a result it lacks elements of class and so whilst the band have deservedly crafted a decent enough album, it is not cutting edge and nor is it anything special, just another album.

Download This: "Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso"

[5.5] RHYS STEVENSON

UNDER HEAVEN
'What Lies Between'
RAVENHEART

Reminiscing of the bygone chamber opera music era is easier said than done, unless of course you are indulging in Canada's Under Heaven and their latest album 'What Lies Between'. Silencing the darkness and harnessing a symphonic sound has not proven to be much of a challenge for the duo, even if the elaborate background sounds of the violin and Spanish guitar adds a unique style to the framework laid out by these two musicians. This is no Within Temptation, no Epica or no other Symphonic Gothic Metal band that sounds anything like the aforementioned two bands, no Under Heaven are in their own league and with 'What Lies Between' firmly set to get them some well earned attention, this could be Canada's finest hour.

Download This: "Behind The Shadows"

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

CARTEL
'Collider'
LAB

The instant feeling that this could be the sound of the summer is already on the tongues of many people, well for starters Cartel employ that specific style of rock that would go down well playing on a stereo whilst working on a sun tan or having a garden party. In fact 'Collider' the band's fourth release exploits the bouncier and more chilling side to rock as to set the tone for what could be their best release to date. Spewing out a myriad of influences, Cartel are priming themselves to take their calming rock music to greater heights and are sure to grab the attention of more people along the way, what separates this quartet from the other pop rock all-male bands out there is that they keep the listener on their toes as the unexpected drops every seconds.

'Collider' is out 20th May 2013 via LAB Records

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

ESCAPE THE FATE
'Ungrateful'
ELEVEN SEVEN MUSIC

Take Escape The Fate as a ten-legged machine as they simply do not slow down, preparing to unleash their best album to date, the American Post-Hardcore suave experts return to the core that made this band what they are today. Catchy riffs embedded on a funky rhythm that would make bands like Guns 'N' Roses listen up, whilst at the same time the vocals command a whole new sound, powerful cleans and mind-blowing growls that tussle for control against the eccentric harmonics erupting from the erotically charged guitars and sublimely inserted auto-tune snippets. If this is not the soundtrack of the summer, it is without any doubt the soundtrack that Escape The Fate will live on by, 'Ungrateful' is the TNT of Post-Hardcore and explodes on every dimension in every possible direction.

Download This: "Forget About Me"

'Ungrateful' is out 13th May 2013 via Eleven Seven Music

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

WORDS
'Division Of The Masses'

Wallowing in the minefield of Post-Hardcore wannabes, are a group Californian gold miners by the name of Words. Sure the vocals at times are not completely related to Post-Hardcore and more or less sometimes stray into Melodic Hardcore as a result. But here we have the EP 'Division Of The Masses' which the product of Words and words are exactly what will be said after music lovers clock up this EP. The saddening thing is that there are points where one would expect harsh vocals to be at but they fail to materialize and so in some parts of the songs, the momentum is lost. Overall the EP is a valiant effort, but with some tweaking and fine restructuring, Words could become a potential for breaking out into the international scene.

[6] RHYS STEVENSON

THE VICTORIES
'The Victories'

This Alternative / Indie Rock trio from Brentwood, Essex certainly know how to play their chosen choice of music, whilst it's clearly a genre that floats around here and there, The Victories do well to keep it in check. Their six-track self-titled release does them well; if only the recording was a little more clearer, having said that the vocals are fine, the guitars and drums need more clarity though. However with best comparisons rising with early 'The Horrors' and Kasabian, The Victories are a decent rock band without any doubt, but with some tweaking, they could make it sound better.

[6] RHYS STEVENSON

LILYGUN
'Lilygun'
ZEFF MUSIC

Billed to be the next big rock act coming from the streets of London, this is Lilygun with their sensational debut album 'Lilygun'. Playing straight-edge rock with enough attitude to rock anyone's socks, the female-fronted quartet explode with the sounds of Alice In Chains, The Cure and Smashing Pumpkins in tow, there is no reason to why this band should not make and break the barriers and perhaps land themselves on national radio. With this valiant effort, we could very see them becoming a potential household name at festivals like Download, it's just a matter of time and you will never waste any time in checking this lot out, this is going to be big.

[9.5] RHYS STEVENSON

ASHESTOANGELS
'Wintervention / To Ruining'

Stepping back in time to around 2008 and it is clear to see why Ashestoangels are rising rapidly, collecting the original essences of the Gothic Rock posterior of yesteryear and including a Punk Rock aesthetic to the affray, making their single 'Wintervention' and their EP 'To Ruining' clear examples of Gothic Rock-revival. Hailing from Bristol, the quintet strip out the guidelines and re-write the rulebook, with influences taken in from bands like V For Violence, The Clash and (early - The Rasmus), Ashestoangels are not stopping and are sure to make themselves known across the country as the band who brought the Goth to the frontrunner.

[7] & [8] RHYS STEVENSON

THE CANDY RUNTS
'Scanty Thunder'

Rock 'N' Roll has come back to haunt the mass-infested sounds of the 'core' genres, with Essex / London sextet The Candy Runts unleashing their unique brand of Hard Rock hell via their EP 'Scanty Thunder', this is the new sound preparing to assault the British music scene. Taking clear influences from the likes of rock legends The Darkness and Whitesnake to modern metallers Steel Panther. 'Scanty Thunder' features four tracks of electric-rock at its finest and is sure to please many fans of the classics as well as those who love their rock like they love their beer. With riffs being shed out at maniac speeds and atmospheric keys delivering a solid wall of sound, whilst the drums provide a gallant and adventurous sound and the vocals bring the no-bullsh*t style of classic rock, there is nothing to stop these laddies from making themselves known.

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

ARMONIGHT
'Tales From The Heart'

Them Italians, they love their Gothic music, well after all along with the Spanish and the French, they belong in the Romance language family, bit of a witty hint there, but taking into account Armonight, a Vicenza-based sextet and then take a look at their latest offering 'Tales From The Heart' and you then begin to realise that there is much more going on than just dark love, this is a band who mix Gothic music with lush melodies and heavenly vocals and they do it spot on right. Alongside fellow countrymen like Lacuna Coil, Macbeth, Domina Noctis, Theatres des Vampires and Amantyde, Armonight are welcomed into the family and are sure, with 'Tales From The Heart' now unleashed, to take on the world by storm.

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

COLD DESIGN
'Summer will soon be here'
SHADOWPLAY

Lets be honest, when you put Russian Industrial Electronic Goth music into the limelight, it generally turns out to be sensationally awesome, so when the two-person project Cold Design emerge with their latest offering 'Summer will soon be here', the Voronezh based band captivate the listener and entrance them in military-style bitter cold music and warp them to the eastern front. Playing traditional electro-industrial beats and fusing them with the lustre of Russian gothic music, Cold Design revive the NIN sounds of yesteryear with their unique combination and yet top it off with the lyrics being entirely in Russian. 'Summer will soon be here' is a reality check, the Russian alternative scene is far from dead; this album is for fans of NIN and [T.3.R].

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

SUCH STRANGE ARTS
'Our Time Is Now'

Fans of Sum41 will go blinded if they fail to spot this Essex quartet emerging from the gutters of the Rayleigh suburbs, Such Strange Arts play your no-nonsense Pop Punk, loaded with beats that will make your grandma get up and groove and so much originality, they couldn't do it any better. Upon hearing their long-awaited debut EP 'Our Time Is Now', this is the sort of material that should get Kerrang! sniffing at, from the rebellious hardcore punk 'Our Time Is Now' track to the Sum41 infused 'Been Here Before', there is something for everyone, right from the first riff to the last drumbeat, Such Strange Arts have made it clear, that their time is now.

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

CHOMP CHOMP ATTACK!
'How Do You Like Me Now'

If you take a pinch of Black Veil Brides imagery, mix it with Rise Against and add that Screamo tint to it, what you end up with is a Canadian quintet bursting with brilliance and utmost complex musicianship as proven on their debut EP 'How Do You Like Me Now', since 2010 the machine known as Chomp Chomp Attack! has been revving up for this release and it now explodes with what can be perceived as the greatest Post-Hardcore/Screamo music coming out of the Canadian borders. Laced with melodic and grizzly vocals, blitz-style drumming and chunky riffs, this is the armageddon waiting to storm the globe, clad in black and leather, armed with an EP fit for a leviathan and visions set on smashing the international scene, the question riding on everyone's lips post-apocalypse is 'How Do You Like Me Now?'

[9/10] RHYS STEVENSON

COLD BLACK
'From Scratch'

From time to time there will always be a band that takes a myriad of influences, that dubbing them one simple genre is not an option, such a band is Cold Black from Denmark. The Hard Rock / Heavy Metalcore quartet awaken the streets of Copenhagen with their lively and hard-hitting EP 'From Scratch', featuring a classic Motley Crue rock sound, Black Veil Brides vocal sound and Metalcore in the style of Asking Alexandria, Cold Black are Denmark's next biggest export, of whom should storm Europe with 'From Scratch' in tow. Lightning riffs, thunderous drumming and rip-tide vocals smother the listener in a wall of sound so delightful, chocolate cakes are now considered bygone products.

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

AMY CAN FLYY
'The Start'
HORSEPOWER

The forthcoming EP 'The Start' from Bournemouth Pop Punk / Pop Rockers Amy Can Flyy is a beautifully sculptured piece of music, joining together anthemic sounds with the underbelly of the funk feeling experience on 'Mr Bones' and the rock out tune 'You Can't Stop Us Now', this is an EP worthy of being in anyone's collection. Pop Punk itself has seen a resurgence over the last few years and it's here to stay, with 'The Start' now firmly set for a release date of October 15th and much more anticipation circulating the future debut album when it drops, fans of All Time Low will dig this EP so much, it will become like a wildfire, spreading across the British rock scene and as it gathers fan momentum, it will become 'The Start' of Amy Can Flyy's adventure.

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

TU AMORE
'Your Love'

Tu Amore is one of those easy-listening alternative rock bands that have the rock in the heart and their soul in the rock they play, so when the Peterborough quartet mesh together their forthcoming EP 'Your Love', they take pinches of different rock styles from here and there, expect to hear the likes of pop rock, alternative rock, soul rock and punk rock to roam around the seven tracks enlisted on this groundbreaking release, making an appearance on the Tu Amore's song 'Speranza' is Mikey Chapman (lead vocalist of Mallory Knox) and with that in the mix, 'Your Love' is the subliminal sound that will setup the band to storm the UK music scene, Tu Amore ('Your Love') are the new kids on the block.

[7] RHYS STEVENSON