Ant May

I spend half my life at gigs or festivals and the other half writing the reviews and editing photos, and somehow find time for a full time job too. Who needs sleep - I've got coffee.

SAGA – So good so far – Live at Rock of Ages

In 2017 SAGA celebrated their 40th anniversary. No I’m not talking about the organisation for elderly people, I’m talking about the Canadian rock band of the same name. On reaching this landmark anniversary, they set off on a farewell tour which came to an end in early 2018 and the …

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Stratovarius – Enigma – Intermission 2

Stratovarius have a new album. Or is it an old one? Well it’s something in between. There are some new songs (three of them), there are some orchestral versions of existing songs (four of them) and there are a load of rare tracks such as songs that were previously only …

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Van Canto – Trust in rust

A Capella metal band Van Canto made their name with their covers of classic songs from bands like Nightwish, Sabaton, Metallica, Manowar and more. On this album however there are only two cover versions – Helloween’s “Ride the sky” and ACDC’s “Hells bells”. On the one hand it’s admirable that …

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Monster Truck – True Rockers

It’s been two years since Canadian band Monster Truck released “Sittin’ Pretty”. It was the album that brought them to a lot of peoples attention although it was actually their second album. Following it’s release on Mascot label group, they toured supporting acts such as Nickelback and Deep Purple, did …

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Alter Bridge – Live at the Royal Albert Hall

Last year Alter Bridge played two nights at the Royal Albert Hall in London. They weren’t just standard shows though – these featured the band performing with the Parallax orchestra – a 52 piece orchestra. Needless to say, the shows sold out almost instantly, and those fans lucky enough to …

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Soulfly release new album’s title track, Ritual

SOULFLY are set to release their 11th studio album Ritual, on 19th October via Nuclear Blast. Today, the band has unveiled the second single from that release, this time in the form of a 360º video. Check out the tribal-influenced, groove laden title-track, here: Vocalist/guitarist Max Cavalera tells us; “This song took a long time and …

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Opeth reveal ‘Ghost of Perdition (Live)’ 10″ vinyl

Swedish prog metal legends OPETH release their new live CD/DVD, Garden of the Titans: Live at Red Rocks Amphitheater via Moderbolaget Records / Nuclear Blast on 2nd November.  Ahead of the CD/DVD, OPETH are releasing a limited 10” vinyl of Ghost Of Perdition (Live) on 19th October in 10″ pink sparkle (limited to 700) and 10″ …

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The Fever 333 reveal ‘Made An America’ video

Roadrunner Records activists THE FEVER 333 have shared an official music video for MADE AN AMERICA, which is streaming today on the group’s official YouTube channel. The black and white video was directed by the band’s own Jason Aalon Butler, who commented on the video stating:  “I am not afraid …

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Clutch announce support acts for UK headline tour

Maryland rockers CLUTCH are pleased to announce that The Picturebooks and The Inspector Cluzo will support the band on their upcoming UK headline dates. Tickets are on sale now for the following shows: Tue 18th Dec – BRISTOL O2 Academy Wed 19th Dec – GLASGOW O2 Academy Thu 20th Dec – MANCHESTER …

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COHEED AND CAMBRIA unveil visualiser for new song The Gutter

Roadrunner Records group Coheed and Cambria have unveiled a third new track from their highly anticipated new LP, THE UNHEAVENLY CREATURES. “The Gutter,” an explosive six-minute operatic rock jam, is streaming today alongside an exclusive interview with frontman Claudio Sanchez at Rolling Stone HERE. THE UNHEAVENLY CREATURES arrives worldwide on Friday, …

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KING 810 announce winter UK tour

Flint, MI firebrands, KING 810 have announced a lengthy UK tour this Winter. Frontman David Gunn tells us, “There’s been a lot of rumours floating around and our UK Family has been waiting patiently.  Told ya’ll we’d be back.” Dates rack up as follows: Thu 29th Nov – BIRMINGHAM O2 …

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Wednesday 13 announces annual UK Halloween shows

After his incendiary performance at Bloodstock Festival this weekend, The Duke of Spook, WEDNESDAY 13 has announced his annual UK Halloween shows and this year there’s a surprise for fans of his Frankenstein Drag Queens From Planet 13 era! Wednesday tells us; “I’m so excited to be back in London …

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Bloodstock open air festival 2018 – Thursday

Arriving at Bloodstock feels like coming home. I’ve been coming here for years (this is my tenth Bloodstock), and while the bands are the advertised attraction, it’s also about meeting up with friends that you havent seen for a while (often since the last Bloodstock). Even before the bands start, …

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Federal charm – Passenger

Manchester band Federal Charm release their third album on 14th September. Fecorded at Willow Terrace studios in Manchester, it was co produced by the band and John Simms who has produced albums for Blossoms. It’s the first album to feature the new vocalist, Tom Guyer. It’s immediately obvious when you …

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Sulpher – No one will ever know

British band Sulpher was formed in 2000 by Rob Holliday and Steve Monti who had previously played together in the band Curve in the 1990s. In 2002 they released their debut album, “Spray” and followed that up by touring in support of bands such as Sisters of Mercy, The 69 …

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Thirsty – Nomad

As Monty Python would say…And now for something completely different. I’m talking about the new mini-album from alternative rock band Thirsty. Thirsty was founded by Guy Bailey (former guitarist and founding member of the Quireboys) and Russian poet Irina D. That’s already starting to sound a bit unusual, but for …

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