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

STEAK
'Corned Beef Colossus'

Early assumptions would be that these four lads were once aspiring butchers until their selection of luxury meats were found to contain 100% horse meat in them, then again that's nothing for Londoners Steak as they unleash their latest serving of Stoner Rock in the form of their EP 'Corned Beef Colossus', a juicy and crunchy rocking sound that will get anyone off their feet and doing air guitar movements oppan gangnam style. Besides the intentional puns, 'Corned Beef Colossus' is a decent enough release that should appeal to a myriad of rock and metal fans alike, featuring a host of slick riffs that gently glide over the percussion and over rough, thick bass tunes whilst the vocals deliver the all important final blow, listeners in the end should consider themselves mince meat.

Download This: "Acid Dave"

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

DEAD CULT DIARIES
'The World Is Too Small'
WARNER MUSIC FINLAND

Considered to be a breath of fresh air for the Finnish rock scene, pop punk rockers Dead Cult Diaries get down to business with their debut album 'The World Is Too Small' released back in April, what separates female-fronted five piece from the Paramore trap is that they stick to their guns and create their own phenomenal sound that can only be described as a whipped up pot of The Rasmus, Vanilla Ninja and The Birthday Massacre via the stark similarity of riffage on 'Boys And Toys' which can be likened to the intro of 'First Day of My Life' by The Rasmus. The comparison with Estonia's Vanilla Ninja derives from the heavenly angelic vocals both vocalists share, as for the link with The Birthday Massacre, simply the electronic feel here and there. All in all, 'The World Is Too Small' is a factual statement and Dead Cult Diaries is the most anticipated Finnish rock export since the glory days of HIM, The 69 Eyes and The Rasmus.

Download This: "The Story's Over"

For Fans of: The Rasmus, HIM, Vanilla Ninja, The Birthday Massacre, Evarane

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

MEKA-NISM
'The Dance At The End Of The World'
FU RECORDS

When it comes round to mixing different music styles to create something it can be a tricky business, but bands like Meka-nism make light work of it, instead they lauded the foundations of metal and rock music with a plethora of different elements including electronic music, opera, Japanese pop, folk, etc etc - basically experimental music. 'The Dance At The End Of The World' serves well as the band's latest release and explodes in a radioactive spectrum of colorful sounds, from the blackness of the evil vocals that drive the red-hot riffs and drumbeats, whilst the icy blue chilling atmosphere serves well for the green fading away on the heart monitor, after all this Floridian four-piece are the more softer and sharper kind than their fellow countrymen Deadstar Assembly, none the less it's a breath of fresh air.

Download This: "Tyranny Reigns"

For fans of: Ayria, Exilia, Deluhi, Alien Vampires

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

KAMIKAZE TEST PILOTS
'Kamikaze Test Pilots'

English / Zimbabwean rockers Kamikaze Test Pilots sounded off last year with their highly anticipated debut self-titled album. Mixing together different elements taken from the Hard Rock, Punk Rock and Heavy metal music styles, the four piece (now three piece) fuse together a unique sound of traditional Zimbabwean rock with the brutality of the English metal. 'Kamikaze Test Pilots' takes listeners on a magical and bizarre journey that cannot be felt elsewhere, talk about ethnic music. This is a music style that no one else has ever mustered, think of the ragga style of Skindred being mixed with the traditional African music, you get the idea. A truly cosmopolitan release that should appeal to rock fans everywhere.

Download This: "Dinosaur"

[7.] RHYS STEVENSON

THIS DEVASTATED FAN
'Plot & Debauchery'

Hailing from the North-West, Alternative rockers This Devastated Fan made light work of conjuring up a winning score for their third album 'Plot & Debauchery', squeezing out a delinquent array of melodies and sensational sounds that shows similarities with bands like Placebo and Biffy Clyro, whilst inevitably caressing and harnessing their own style of powerful rock. 'Plot & Debauchery' is a soundtrack that speaks more than a thousand words and illuminates up as one of those releases that should be in any rock fan's collection. An essential classic sits right here and has a lot of elegance going on that smothers the production so nicely, it sets the tone for future as a bright and prosperous one.

Download This: "Barricade"

For Fans of: Biffy Clyro, Muse, The Horrors and Placebo

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

WHERE THE SKELETONS PLAY
'Blue Serotonin'

Let's be honest if you're looking for a duo that look like they come from Hollywood Undead, play music that would be apt on The Matrix soundstrack or have riffs that would be associated with a Nu Metal band and develops an atmosphere of eternal bliss, chances are Where The Skeletons Play are your right choice. Their latest effort 'Blue Serotonin' demolishes the rules set in stone and plays rock their own way, dragging into it a feeling of calmness and tranquility, which in hindsight is hard to do as rock is meant to be energetic, but this London duo do the exact opposite. It's the sort of music you could listen to and fall asleep too much more easily and without the need for sleeping pills. So on a dark night Where The Skeletons Play, a specific type of Blue Serotonin may be available... a blue pill.

Download This: "Perspex Queen"

For Fans of: Deftones, NIN, Razorlight

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

PAABEL
'Üle Järve'

Now this is something different, imagine this: mixing the traditional music elements of your home nation with contemporary music and then producing it as one musical masterpiece. Such a music group is Paabel who hail from Estonia, their 2012 album 'Üle Järve' is enriched with the classical sounds of traditional Estonian music with lashes of rock, folk and ballads. Funnily enough it is the sort of music that you could easily drive to, fall asleep to, you know easy listening? With some songs having an upbeat feel to them whilst others simply (with the beautiful aid of the Estonian language) sooth and calm the mind, leaving a tranquil emotion behind in the listener's repertoire. Paabel may as well be one of a kind, but even so they are an absolute delight to listen to if you like the softer side of folk and rock, 'Üle Järve' is an absolute essential for those who love soft music.

Download This: "Kosjalaul"

For Fans of: Gregorian, Eluveitie, Tyr, Dropkick Murphy's

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

FUCKSHOVEL
'This Is What We Are'

Is this the Sex Pistols reincarnated? It would seem that way, well yeah Fuckshovel might as well be haha. Here we have their epic debut album 'This Is What We Are', a solid display of ballsy punk rock that would get the holiest of priests blaspheming all the way down to the pub, for proper holy water, er-hem. The great thing about the album and indeed this band is that both don't follow the Sum 41 root, that watered down version of punk rock aka pop punk, they stick to their guns and let the bullets do the talking, shredding out riffs and shrapnel-like vocals like no tomorrow. Given due that it took around three years for the first album to see the light, it was well worth the wait and at the same time the band have managed to prove themselves as proper modern punk rockers, 'This Is What We Are' has the middle finger written all over it.

Download This: 'Black'

For Fans of: Sex Pistols, Pantera, The Clash

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

BLACK MAGIC SIX
'Brutal Blues'

You would need to be bloody drunk to appreciate this music, sure Black Magic Six are a decent enough Punk rock duo, but the verses in the lyrics are so damn repetitious, they need not to learn each song! 'Brutal Blues' is the latest offering by the Finnish two-piece and quite frankly, it's a little bit of a mockery at times when there are far more better bands out there that sound greater, perhaps it's ones opinion but the overall feeling from this release is utter disappointment. Credit for the attempt but for the overall product to actually reach a reasonable level, this duo would have needed double studio time just to adjust the corrections!

[4] RHYS STEVENSON

SOUNDS & SCENARIOS
'Teenage Tendencies'

Pop punk these days seems to be as common as emo and scene girls, they are everywhere. But it's always the first wave that are the best, just ask Sounds & Scenarios. The Northamptonshire pop punk boys deal justice with their latest release 'Teenage Tendencies', it takes the very essence of early pop punk bands to the modern day and keeps the true sound going. Bouncy beats form the basis for the guitars to layer a happy smacking of riffs in time with the vocals. 'Teenage Tendencies' is a release that should put Sounds & Scenarios on the map, how long before Kerrang! sniff this lot out is anyone's guess, but they certainly are that sort of material, you can see this lot at Download in years to come.

Download This: "A Girl I Know"

For Fans of: Sum 41, Bowling For Soup, Busted, Mallory Knox

[8] 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

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

EVILYN
'The End'

South London is now being graced by one promising band known as Evilyn, these four lads take influences from a range of different bands such as Muse, 30STM, A7X and AFI, whilst threading together their own unique sound package as found on their double A side 'The End', interestingly enough this music could also be taking influence from bands like Bauhaus and the whole goth, punk and new wave styles, so the music itself has a whole range of different times flowing through it, but the release is sure to capture much attention as a starting point for this band to build achievements on, sure the second song has some comparisons to steampunkers Fearless Vampire Killers, but Evilyn are a different kettle of fish and it's that obvious fact that makes them a one to watch in 2013.

Download the double A-side here: http://evilyn.bandcamp.com/album/the-end

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

BLACK MARKET SEROTONIN
'Something From Nothing'
SUPERSTAR DESTROYER

At first it seems that 'Something From Nothing' the debut album by Manchester's Black Market Serotonin is a redeveloped 80's synth rock megalithic release, but closer inspection reveals elements from David Bowie and the modern sounds of Deftones, Porcupine Tree and Muse, evidently drawn from their collaborative mix of progressive rock and synth elements and also how the trio manage to keep their unique sound going without deviating to established sounds. 'Something From Nothing' is an album that oozes delicious riffs, sensational drumming and emotional vocals, all of which when brought together deliver a sound that will echo throughout 2013 as the band set their eyes on exploding all over the British rock scene.

Download This: "The End of History"

'Something From Nothing' is out Monday 29th April 2013 via Superstar Destroyer Records

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

AYS
'Suburban Haze'
LET IT BURN

On the dawn of their 10th anniversary, Germany's self-confessed Hardcore Punk addicts AYS unleash hell with their upcoming new EP 'Suburban Haze', oozing vocals that are guaranteed to make you sick in the stomach as well as killer riffs and powerful drumming. However that's just the basics of it, the intricate composure and face-smacking sensation that comes as a result by the all-out assault by this five-man machine, AYS are gearing themselves up to slaughter Europe with their killer sounds, just make sure health and safety are on sight as there may be a moshpit within a moshpit. 'Suburban Haze' should also come with a health warning that serious headbanging may also be induced, the next step from these Germans will be an interesting one.

Download This: "Orphans"

'Suburban Haze' is out 8th March 2013 via Let It Burn Records

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

KING & COUNTRY
'Mountains'
Self-Released

"Snowdonia is set to experience a new style of earthquake"

The amazing thing about the Welsh rock and metal music scenes is that it seems to be always the southern regions that produce said music, a modern example comes in the form of King & Country of whom comprise of four laddies hailing from Bridgend and the musical talents derived from elements that come from the classic pop punk / post-hardcore style, namesake on par with Lower The Atlantis and newcomers Mallory Knox, but what sets aside 'Mountains' as a must have EP this year is that the four tracks extrude a variation of sound to cater for many tastes and with their evident display of punching the right musical notes, King & Country are sure to set the nation on fire with their sensational rock anthems.

Download This: "Soldiers"
For Fans of: The Blackout, Story of the Year, Lower Than Atlantis

"Mountains" is out 6th May 2013 via the band and online digital retailers

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

GET OFF MY SHOES
'Let's Not Rush Out And Tell The World'
THANKS BUT NO THANKS

Somewhat of a newcomer to the European front-line, or are they? Three years in and Belgium's hottest new Indie rockers come rolling into town to drop their highly-anticipated debut EP 'Let's Not Rush Out And Tell The World', it features a catalogue of songs whirling around the core of the release in all different directions, taking on board influences from bands like Bloc Party and Weezer, they are sure to make an impact in 2013 and perhaps may wind up on the covers of Kerrang! Magazine. 'Let's Not Rush Out And Tell The World' is the new sound of Indie Rock and it is a damn good starting point for this five-piece, so instead lets rush out and tell the world that Get Off My Shoes are now Belgium's hottest rock export.

Download This: "We're Going Down But We Don't Care"
For Fans of: Weezer, BlocParty, Foals, Two Door Cinema Club

'Let's Not Rush Out And Tell The World' is out Monday 1st April 2013 via Thanks But No Thanks Records

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

THE MARQUIS OF VAUDERVILLE
'The Great Promenade of Fools & Ghosts'

Steampunk is almost certainly on the up-rise as a recognized musical form of art, bands dress in Victorian style dress and play an eclectic music mix, Dallas' The Marquis of Vauderville is no exception, weaving together a luscious mix of progressive rock and psychedelic punk rock to deliver their nineteen-track opus 'The Great Promenade of Fools & Ghosts' of which spews out similarities to that of David Bowie (Ziggy Stardust), Pink Floyd and The Cure, consequently this is another album that most rock fans will adhere to, however for the Goths, Steampunks and passionate people of Victorian times, this is a memento of epic proportions.

Download This: "Bright Star Hope"
For Fan of: The Cure, David Bowie, Pink Floyd

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

LETS TALK DAGGERS
'Fantastic Contraption'
TANGLED TALK

Built and constructed to ignite riots simultaneously across the rock scene, Lets Talk Daggers may require anger management as they unleash their upcoming mini-album 'Fantastic Contraption', what emerges initially from this release is a mixture of brutal slaying drums that are sliced apart by the savage sounds of the riffs and vocals together. Some may dub them 'anarcho-punk', but in reality they are a gruesome mix of punk hardcore, screamo, alternative rock and fast music, faster than your last ejaculation, that said as the band pumps out more fluidity in their music, it gets to the point where The Dillinger Escape Plan and Fall of Troy come head on together and the result is grizzly, besides the release title may be an indirect Wallace & Gromit pun.

For Fans of: Fall of Troy, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Blakfish.

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

'Fantastic Contraption' is out via Tangled Talk Records on 25th March 2013

APHERIUM
'The Cycle'

What happens when a band forms and broods in a place that is hardly known for rock or metal bands? Total hegemonic chaos, arising from the knowledge that bands like Apherium know they are fighting to put their home town of Yeovil on the map, but when taking into account their debut album 'The Cycle' and the sound they aim to deliver, it can't be helped but notice that this could be a winning score. Pinching influences from mainly Post-Hardcore, Punk Rock and Thrash Metal, Apherium weave together a sound that may prove yet to be the one that will attract the major media outlets to sniff the scent left behind as 'The Cycle' cements itself in rock history, sure there is room for improvement, especially in the volume department, but apart from that the band sheds out some slick sick and savage sounds.

Download This: 'In The Light'

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

MILESTONE
'Medicate The Night'

On 13th May 2013, South Wales will experience an earthquake, no not another Metalcore band trying to be the next Bullet For My Valentine, but rather a new rock release. Milestone the four-piece rock 'n' roll boy-band are preparing to unleash their debut EP 'Medicate The Night' upon the masses, listeners can expect to hear classic rock sounds derived from the likes of the Foo Fighters that seem to sound out across the entire release, whilst the atmosphere that is set in motion covers the entire room with the feeling of getting down, dirty and drinking a bottle of Jack Daniels. After all, 'Medicate The Night' should cast new light on the region and for the band, shine a light to join the league of exciting British rock bands in the year 2013.

'Medicate The Night' will be out on Monday 13th May through all digital outlets.

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

THE HYPE THEORY
'Heartsick'
SMALL TOWN

Chelmsford Pop Punk / Power Pop maestros The Hype Theory have the honor of releasing their latest single 'Heartsick', continuing on their powerful ballad like sound manufactured over the years, this is a promising sign that their next album will be the apocalypse many alike will be waiting for. With angelic vocals that can only equate to the power experienced in a tornado outbreak, the music follows suit with fist-punching beats and slashing riffs that together added with the vocals, concoct to make The Hype Theory. 'Heartsick' shows the lighter side of the band also towards the end with the faint fading of an acoustic guitar that just adds another dimension to this sensational group.

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

'Heartsick' is out 22nd April via digital outlets

Fans can pre-order the single here: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/heartsick-single/id627696605?uo=4

The band's second album "Captives" is to be released 27th May and a free album release show will follow 3 days after.

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

THE BUNNY THE BEAR
'If You Don't Have Anything Nice To Say'
VICTORY

Sounding something out of Disney or Epcot, Electro-Hardcore experimentalists The Bunny The Bear return with their sophomore album 'If You Don't Have Anything Nice To Say' released this year, now whilst the electronic music can be compared to Enter Shikari and general synthesizer music, the vocals and instruments take in early Bring Me The Horirzon, so effectively making Electro-Hardcore/Deathcore, or for tongue-in-cheek purposes 'animalcore'. Essentially this has a party feel to it, even if it is too brutal for your average party, who cares, this is a band breaking the mold and making a unique sound, something Victory Records detects bands that are unique. An essential for any heavy music fan, regardless of any preferable bands, no animals were hurt in the making of this album or review.

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

ANGELSPIT
'Carbon Beauty'
METROPOLIS

Re-mixer of Angelspit, well essentially the third remix album under the Australian electro-industrial project Angelspit has come to light, with more trance-laden, body-moving and Cybergoth beats to lighten any party up, whilst the remix album essentially being covered by many remix specialists and the basis being Angelspit's third full length album 'Hideous & Perfect', the collaboration is one of spine-tingling and brain-shocking music, powerful enough to send any general rave into absolute chaotic party time, an essential release for any alternative music club, Angelspit is a work of 'Carbon Beauty'.

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

EVARANE
'The Fears / Here's To Hoping'
SOLID MUSICAL ACT

Sounding their way through the Essex music scene is Southend sextet Evarane with their techno-infused pop rock blasters, whilst sounding straddled between Paramore, Madina Lake and the sort of soft rock that should be aired on BBC Radio 1, Evarane are one of those bands that no matter how long you've been replaying their music, it never gets boring. Weaving a mystical style of synth music, not as heavy as Enter Shikari or Silent Descent, but enough to create a fourth dimension of being relaxed and having a chill out, with heavenly vocals giving their music a powerful drive and being supported by a matrix of intricate musical compositions, Evarane are set to become a favourite for Kerrang! magazine, this is just the beginning for the Southend crew, watch out Hayley Williams, England is about to rebel.

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

FAKE THE ATTACK
'November / Feathers / The Line'

Hailing from sunny Hampshire is Alternative Pop Rockers Fake The Attack with their three song sampler CD, featuring their tracks 'November', 'Feathers' and 'The Line'. Bringing together a radio friendly sound to the affray, the quintet take an easy listening approach and add some Paramore to the chaos experienced on the CD. 'November' hits with a v8 engine sound on the drums whilst the harmonics rest in the juicy riffs and lovable vocals. 'Feathers' is a little slower on the beat but it still retains a party feel experienced on 'November', whether this band have little Mindless Self Indulgence influences remains unclear but one thing is for certain, they are due to be noticed nationwide. Finally they close on a post-punk feel in the song 'The Line', but throughout keeping the riffs tight, drumming percussive and vocals as soul soothing as the ocean waves gracefully kissing the sandy beaches of Hampshire. Fake The Attack is due to be detected by BBC Radio 2, if not BBC Radio Solent.

[10] RHYS STEVENSON

M!R!M
“Enjoy Your Sorrow”

At first glance "Enjoy Your Sorrow" looks like an album by a person undergoing art therapy and not to be taken seriously due to the irrelevant, poorly drawn doodles on the cover. To begin with, the Post-Punk rockers prove this point right with monotonous drum beats and riffs throughout the first 4 tracks. The competing music elements drown out the vocals which are already far too over-distorted. However, when you reach 'Dew', a whole new opinion comes into play. The vocals are echoic and still distorted, but in a much more professional way as opposed to the over-distortion mentioned before. 'Dew' is the best song on the album, but is ruined by its predecessors. If only M!R!M could produce an album consisting of similar tracks, then they’d be on to a winner.

[4.5] EVILYN BRAUN