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

JET PACK
'Chasing Sunsets'

There aren't many bands that sound unique from the off, so when bands like Jet Pack propel themselves out of the underground and into the national limelight, we could see them becoming placed alongside the likes of Mallory Knox and Verse of whom in recent times exploded like fireworks. That said, the four-piece from the West Midlands could not emerge on a better note than by releasing their latest EP 'Chasing Sunsets', which essentially is a delicate balance of pop punk and alternative rock ballads, with a sharp and calm atmosphere as well as the flavor of a fruity range of influences and similarities, it is clear that Jet Pack will make an impression on the nation in 2013 and ultimately power themselves to greater heights, let there be lift off!

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

For Fans of: Jimmy Eat World, Reuben, Blink 182, Foo Fighters, Taking Back Sunday

'Chasing Sunsets' is out Monday 6th May 2013

OUR FINAL HOUR
'The Moving House'

From the depths of the Irish sea arises one frantic band from the Post-Hardcore music genre, enter Our Final Hour with their latest EP 'The Moving House' and their fist-punching wall of sound. Hitting hard on all fronts, the five-piece drag together elements of furious drumming sequences with the erotic emotions excreted by the savage riffs and of course the vocals delivering a heavier performance than a WWF match. 'The Moving House' spews out a ballistic sound that will, without a doubt act as a solid foundation for Our Final Hour to build upon and endure international success as they fill in the blanks and position themselves as such, to become what can easily be dubbed the greatest band the Isle of Man has ever seen since The BeeGees.

[10] RHYS STEVENSON

For fans of: Defeater, Stick To Your Guns, Pianos Become The Teeth

'The Moving House' is out 24th June through all stores

THE DARK PLAINS
'Come On & Get Some'

Instantly when hearing this EP, certain influences come blurting out, give the track 'Look Around' and you get stark resemblances to Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Californication". But perhaps that what makes grungers The Dark Plains tick, the groovy side to rock music and when taking into account their latest release 'Come On & Get Some', there is a myriad of different sounds emanating from each song, as if they whipped together a bunch of influences and strapped them together. You got Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc - basically you would have to be a 80's to 90's rock expert to pluck out every single reminiscing sound to professionally pigeonhole them, they are that varied in song context. But what 'Come On & Get Some' does is it delivers a rock sound that at first may elude some as being another basic, bog standard release, but in truth is a masterful wonder-piece that will get heads turning.

Download This: "Look Around"

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

SAHARA
'Intox'

Basingstoke's Sahara sum up an ingenious selection of math infused Indie Rock with their four track EP 'Intox', from the start it seemed to be a bit of a boring release but once past the introductory track and onto the first song "Coming Down", the real sound begins to kick in and in the background there is a lot of math rock going on, somewhat similar to progressive rock if you like. But the core sound of the release is the Indie Rock style, drawing comparisons to The Horror's 'Skying' and bands like Minus The Bear. Love it or hate it, 'Intox' is a unique EP in it's own rights, but like many releases has it's drawbacks and one major one is there is at times too much going on, what with a slower rock sound on the forefront battling a math rock sound that sits in the background, it can get rather too much.

Download This: "Bloodhound"

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

SIXTYFOURS
'All On You'

Every so often a band will come out of the darkness and will deliver something new to the scene that has not been explored before or has been explored but not in great depth. Therefore enter Warwickshire quartet Sixtyfours with their latest single 'All On You' which, get ready, mixes rock with the technical side of hip-hop. Exactly. Hip Rock, get it? No? Oh, well basically what rock fans can hear is not unlike Linkin Park but nowhere near sounding the same, simply imagine the rock style of funk rockers Red Hot Chili Peppers slamming into the hip-hop 'bruthahood' of LL Cool J and the like. But whether you like hip-hop or not, the fact is this band will make waves in the next year or so and as the band prepare for their next release, its 'All On You' the fans to push this band beyond their wildest dreams.

Download This: "My Sound"

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

SPEED MACHINE
'Speed Machine'

Picture this you're driving down Route 66, you have just listened to Chuck Berry's 'riding along in my automobile' when you switch radio station in your car (or as you could call it your speed machine) and on comes an English Hard Rock band of the same name you called your car. The instantaneous reaction is of that you would find from films like The Cannonball Run, a quick surge of no nonsense, ballsy classic rock and with it comes the sensational power of vocal-driven music by this four-piece. The band's three track release of the same name spews out the same sort of rock you would listen to driving down the highway, nay evidential 80's rock is performed right here and can be likened to songs like 'Humans Being' by Van Halen and bands of the same class. The fun side of this release is that it carries the feeling that you can easily chill out without worrying that it could develop into a jive or even a jitterbug, even Elvis Presley would party to this sensational piece of music.

Download This: "Speed Machine"

For Fans of: The Candy Runts, Aerosmith, Van Halen

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

WOLFREDT
'Lullabies To Vilhelmine'

One for the calm and soothing music fans, well also the electronic fans too, in fact Wolfredt's latest release 'Lullabies To Vilhelmine' delivers a smooth and dreamy feel to the atmosphere whilst the electronic parts add a sort of surreal escape to the whole dimension of the release. Originating from Estonia, Wolfredt is a project led by one Margus Voolpriit who is a musician for some prominent indie bands in the same country, but what is different from that music to this music (besides different genre) is that Margus Voolpriit lets his musical talent run wild and so what you end up with as a result of this free constructive power is an album that truly represents his own thoughts, character and feelings and that can be detected through the ever-changing tempo of the music, from the quirky sound of 'In Dreams' to the more rock-laden sound of 'Things That Remain' and so what listeners will tend to realize is that this album is like a rainbow, a musical spectrum.

Download This: "Silent Heartbeats"

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

ACELSIA
'Dont Go Where I Can't Follow'
QUIETUDE PRODS.

The debut album by Norway's pop rock / doom rock ensemble Acelsia is finally upon us, 'Dont Go Where I Can't Follow' unravels a darkened atmosphere and lays it out across the release, like a blanket of mist with eerie sounds come from all corners of the area. But, what makes
'Dont Go Where I Can't Follow' different from all of the other pop rock bands is that they use doom metal influences in a sort of depressive and bleak manner, as to light up the darkness with a darkened, light feeling of conflicting emotions and sounds, from this comes a debut that would appeal to many rock fans alike but also those who love poetry and tragedies.

Download This: "Up On The Roof"

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

MICROWAVE
'Thời Gian'

Calling from the Far East is Vietnamese rock veterans Microwave who way back in 2009 released their latest album 'Thời Gian', from this feast from the east comes a cooked sensation of powerful and aggressive Hard Rock / Heavy Metal aligned with the band's native Vietnamese language, so when the quintet course through their album like a pigeon with its tail on fire, looking for water to cool off in, the result is a desire for more of the same thing. 'Thời Gian' is a culturally musical experience to those outside of Vietnam and for those inside the country, it's a personal connection, but one thing that both can agree on is that Microwave are certainly Vietnamese rock legends.

Download This: "Chỉ Là Giấc Mơ"

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

DIE KUR
'Era'

Die Kur or The Cure if you prefer, is an Industrial / Electro Metal outfit from the downtrodden darkened streets of London, armed with their latest effort 'Era', they deliver the early style of Industrial music, in fact likening to bands and projects like Pain, Marilyn Manson (although not as creepy), etc. What you find here is electronic beats and vocals that coalesce with the very foundations of Industrial Metal that were set out by prominent bands like Nine Inch Nails, however with the Londoners displaying a solid piece of music, the result is one that would elude most peoples perception of said music genre. This is no Rammstein, this is no Deathstars, this is Die Kur zu alle volk von England und diese band sind sicher die Industrial Metal Szene beleben in London.

Download This: "(Meeting) The Gatherer"

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON