The Dark Queen

Good old fashioned heavy metal fan from Belfast. Hairdresser to the stars, DJ, Ulster rugby freak (SUFTUM) and JD aficionado.

Dare – ‘Sacred Ground’

Dare, a melodic rock band hailing from Manchester and formed in 1988, have just today (Friday 15 July) released their seventh studio album – a highly anticapted release for all their fans.  I had the privilege of seeing them live when they last played Belfast, and they put on a fantastic …

Read More »

Tremonti – ‘Dust’

Mark Tremonti burst onto the rock scene in the late ’90s as lead guitarist with Creed.  His roaring guitar riffs and unique song writing skills quickly gained him recognition with both fans and critics.  After the band’s demise, Mark and two other members, Brian Marshall and Scott Phillips, teamed up …

Read More »

Lita Ford – ‘Time Capsule’

Lita Ford needs no introduction, as her music and the longevity (four decades) of her career speak for themselves.  The name of this, her ninth solo album, is self explanatory:  it is made up from songs written and originally recorded many years ago – in a break following the recording of …

Read More »

Hollywood Vampires – ‘Hollywood Vampires’

The Hollywood Vampires were born in 1972, in the upstairs bar of the Rainbow Bar & Grill on Los Angeles’ notorious Sunset Strip.  The bar infamously was a gathering place for the rock stars living in or passing through (or even passing out in) LA during the heady days of the Seventies …

Read More »

Angel Witch – Belfast, Limelight 2 14/03/2015

On a freezing cold Mother’s Day this hard rocking mama took a little time out from her family celebrations to head out and catch a few bands – led by NWOBHM legends Angel Witch, fresh from their appearance just across the Irish Sea at Hammerfest just two days earlier and …

Read More »

Maverick – ‘Quid Pro Quo’

Maverick, a young five piece hard rockin heavy metal band born in Belfast a very short two years ago and raised through the school of hard knocks, release their debut album ‘Quid Pro Quo’ the day after tomorrow (Friday November 28) through Massacre Records. This is good old fashioned rock/metal album …

Read More »

220 Volt – ‘Walking In Starlight’

220 Volt - Walking In Starlight artwork

After 35 years in the business, 220 volt are  back in 2014 with their recently released sixth studio album ‘Walking In Starlight’ . Although the lineup has changed over the years, this formation of the band – which has been together since 2012 – is showing the fans that they …

Read More »

The Osiris Club – ‘Blazing World’

Osiris Club artwork

The Osiris Club launched on 1st January 2010 in London and have spent four years on this recently released album, ‘Blazing World’. This band has a psychedelic/ prog rock mix with a bit of a difference.  Yes, it is a concept album, and, yes, the songs have an underlying story …

Read More »

The Ghost Wolves – ‘Man Woman Beast’

The Ghost Wolves

The Ghost Wolves are a married duo hailing from Austin, Texas. They released their debut album ‘Man Woman Beast’ on May 27th 2014 through Plowboy Records. This album was recorded at Arlyn Studios and mastered by Howie Weinberg. The first track ‘Shotgun Pistol Grip’ swings through the speakers with a …

Read More »

Epta7 – ‘Eptasystem’ EP

Epta7 artwork

Epta7 are a four piece from Cork, with a mixture of Irish and Italian backgrounds.  They formed in late 2012, with two additional members joining in 2013 and released their, their demo EP, ‘Eptasystem’ in May 2014. ‘Eptasystem’ is a four track EP and from the first listen it is …

Read More »

Second Rate Angels – ‘The Lost Days’ EP

Second Rate Angels - The Lost Days Artwork

Second Rate Angels are a four piece from Hemel Hempstead, England (a place not known for metal… lol!).   They have been a  hard working band since late 2011 with a load of gigs under their belts, and they have just released their debut EP, ‘The Lost Days’. This EP is …

Read More »

Altus – ‘Altus’ EP

Altus EP Artwork

Altus formed in Belfast at the end of 2012 and have been a hard working band since June 2013.  This is their second EP, recorded and mixed by Jonny Munro (of local hardcore heroes Gacys Threads) at his Bearcat Studios in the city. With this release, Altus have made a …

Read More »

Rusted – ‘Rock Patrol’

Rusted - Rock Patrol Artwork

Rusted are a five piece hailing from Canada and have released their first album titled ‘Rock Patrol’. Mixed and mastered by Jonathan Lefrancois-Leduc at Silver Wings Studios. Arranged and produced by the band themselves and Silver Wings Studios.  They have been together for approximately four years.  OK now down to …

Read More »

NASA Assassin – ‘Area 69’

NASA Assassin - Area 69 Artwork

NASA Assassin are a five piece from Northern Ireland, but where I can not say as they describe themselves as being from outer space. They have been together for approximately 9 – 10 years and have just release their debut album titled Area 69.  The album has been produced by …

Read More »

Lucid Dreams – ‘Lucid Dreams’

Lucid Dreams Artwork

@Planetmosh reviews the self-titled debut album by Lucid Dreams. Lucid Dreams  are a six-piece from Oslo, Norway and after being together for approximately six years, have just released their self-titled debut album. I can tell you that this has a real 80’s influence, from the tight rhythm section right through …

Read More »