Category: news

Watching The Tide, the forthcoming album from Steve Cropper & The Midnight Hour, will feature a host of guitar legends

Celebrate 30 years of goth metal’s finest in style

Posted on May 7th 2026, 3:00p.m.

Along with fellow wonderkid Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd (KWS) was once branded the heir to heroic, blues revivalist Stevie Ray Vaughan (SRV). Even if you dismiss the triple-pronged, abbreviated initials that both guitarists are best known for, shrugging off the dogged critics and straight-up ‘SRV-clone’ accusations can’t have been easy in those early days for such a prodigious talent. 

Bringing in the entire Double Trouble band for his second LP Trouble Is… (1997) probably didn’t help matters either, but it’s not every day you’re a self-taught, Fender Strat-wielding teenager. But just like the gusty first few lines that buccaneer this record, Kenny defiantly surfaced ‘up from the ashes, out of the flames’ and now stands as one of the most respected and electrifying guitarists on the planet.

It’s hard to believe 30 years has passed since his breakout debut Ledbetter Heights (1995), which helped redefine modern blues rock. Going gold within months, pinching Platinum by early 1996, it’s a scorching listen of raw, youthful energy, and fulminating, guitar-driven blues, named in honor of a historic neighborhood in his hometown paying tribute to blues legend Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter.

And yes, there’s more than a few rampant shades of SRV with the patented Strat tone down pat and emotive phrasing, but what blues players in recent times haven’t been influenced by the iconic Texas bluesman? It’s certainly nothing to be ashamed of. Given he was just 17 when he recorded the album, it’s fascinating to hear Shepherd’s seasoned maturity on this highly polished revisit, with all 12 tracks evolving into more richer and deliberate arrangements. 

Of course, the most noticeable difference is the presence of Noah Hunt — the long-time, unique voice of KWS’s band since 1997, replacing stellar blues vocalist Corey Sterling, who was the raspy lead singer during the original recording. 

While Kenny’s technical prowess is still on full display and the fiery fretwork still smokes, there’s plenty of subtle tweaks and tinkering to be discovered on Ledbetter Heights (30th Anniversary Sessions). The brakes are firmly applied to the tempo of sprawling opener “Born With A Broken Heart” with the keyboard taking its fair share of the limelight, while Kenny’s solo continues to pick up steam and inevitably burn the house down.

Hunt lends emotional depth and mellowness to the intoxicating, powerful potion of “Deja Voodoo.” It’s blues with a big punch, as Kenny’s spellbinding guitar wig-out makes every note talk. The tone, the licks. Wow. The same can be said for the pure emotion of “Shame, Shame, Shame,” where the keyboard is again off the charts and Hunt’s soulful touch taking Kenny’s wailing guitar to a place us mere mortals could only dream of landing.

Legendary drummer Chris “Whipper” Layton (a founding member of SRV & Double Trouble) is once again the rhythmic engine, keeping the wander crisp and tight on the greatly refined “One Foot On The Path.” Those fingers once more effortlessly dance across the strings on the melodic and meaningful “Everybody Gets The Blues,” before “Riverside” is trickled down in cadence and given a fresh identity.

The funky title track “Ledbetter Heights” brings the passage of time full circle, as Kenny lets rip on the 1995 guitar rig he used for the original recordings, only this time it’s entouraged by years of touring, recording, and collaboration.

I’m sure many other KWS fans always wondered what this album would sound like with Noah Hunt at the helm. While it’s impossible to recapture the fearlessness and groundbreaking nature of the original, there’s a deeper picture of nuance and intention on this rare second look, manifested by the coruscating chemistry that emanates between Shepherd’s undeniable six-string mastery and the hauntingly beautiful vocals of Hunt.

Both these men have been flying high for well over a couple of decades and like a fine wine, age is only staggering them to greater heights. And Ledbetter ones at that.

The Review: 8.5/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Deja Voodoo
– Shame, Shame, Shame
– Everybody Gets The Blues

The Big Hit

– Deja Voodoo

The post Kenny Wayne Shepherd: Ledbetter Heights (30th Anniversary Sessions) Review appeared first on Blues Rock Review.

Sublime are making their Rock Sound cover debut, celebrating 30 years of culture, family and music.

As they prepare to release their new album, Jakob Nowell and Bud Gaugh detail what it means to bring the culture, energy and emotion that has surrounded the band for the last 30 years crashing into 2026 in style.

Get your magazine alongside a world-exclusive t-shirt design and ‘Until The Sun Explodes’ CD with an exclusive slip case from SHOP.ROCKSOUND.TV

The post Sublime Are On The Cover Of Rock Sound appeared first on Rock Sound.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hegeroth, Nocturnal Ceremony, And Magefa Featured In Latest Legacy Magazine Issue Alongside Moonspell, Dimmu Borgir, Darkthrone, Paradise Lost, Venom, And More

The underground metal scene continues to make serious noise across Europe as artists working with Metal Devastation PR have been featured and reviewed in the latest issue of Germany’s legendary extreme metal publication Legacy Magazine .
This massive new issue features Moonspell on the cover and includes coverage of major names in the metal world including Dimmu Borgir, Darkthrone, Paradise Lost, Venom, Nunslaughter, and many others from across the global extreme metal underground.
Among the featured artists are Hegeroth, Nocturnal Ceremony, and Magefa, all receiving strong attention in the magazine’s latest review section.
Featured Reviews:

• Disintegration by Hegeroth earned a strong 9/15 rating , praised for its “ tightly played, modern form of blackened death metal ,” relentless aggression, razor-sharp riffing, and clean, powerful production .
• Obsidian by Nocturnal Ceremony received 12/15 points , with Legacy highlighting the album’s “ raw, atmospheric form of black metal ,” hypnotic flow, icy atmosphere, and emotionally charged melodic undercurrents.
• Legion by Magefa stood out with an impressive 14/15 rating . The magazine praised the record’s balance of brutality and groove , powerful songwriting, memorable hooks, and commanding vocal performance, calling it one of the strongest death metal releases in the issue.
NOCTURNAL CEREMONY FEATURED IN MAJOR INTERVIEW

Beyond the reviews, Nocturnal Ceremony also received an extensive interview feature titled:
“Between Church Fires, Silence, and a New Beginning”

The interview dives deep into the band’s origins during Norway’s explosive early 1990s extreme metal movement , their decades-long disappearance, and eventual rebirth through the release of Obsidian.
Guitarist Thomas reflected on reconnecting with former bandmates after years apart:


“We never really felt finished, it just ended suddenly.”


The discussion explores the contrast between the raw underground spirit of the 1990s and today’s polished digital metal landscape while emphasizing the importance of atmosphere , identity , and emotional depth in extreme music.
Thomas also explained the philosophy behind Obsidian and the band’s songwriting approach:


“A song should feel alive, slightly restless, as if holding something back.”


The feature presents Nocturnal Ceremony not as a nostalgia act, but as a band continuing unfinished business with renewed purpose, maturity, and artistic vision.
For independent underground artists, recognition from a respected publication like Legacy Magazine is another reminder that the global metal underground remains stronger than ever.
For press inquiries, interviews, radio coverage, and promotional opportunities: zach@metaldevastationradio.com





Hegeroth – Disintegration

Genre: Blackened Death Metal
Rating: 9 Points
Hegeroth deliver a tightly played, modern form of blackened death metal that leans heavily on fast, driving riffing and a cold, mechanical atmosphere. The songs are built on relentless blast passages and sharp, precise guitar lines, giving the album a consistently aggressive tone. Melodic elements appear, but they’re woven subtly into the overall harshness rather than softening it. Vocally, the band sticks to a rasping, mid-range growl that fits the material well. The production is clean and powerful, emphasizing clarity over rawness, which suits the band’s technical approach. While the album doesn’t reinvent the genre, it’s executed with conviction and delivers a solid, energetic listening experience.


Nocturnal Ceremony – Obsidian

Genre: Black Metal
Rating: 12 Points
Nocturnal Ceremony present a raw, atmospheric form of black metal that leans heavily on cold tremolo riffs and a hypnotic, almost trance-like flow. The songs are built around long, winding guitar lines and a harsh, distant vocal delivery that reinforces the icy mood. The production is intentionally rough, giving the material a cavernous, old-school feel without slipping into total murk. Melodic undercurrents appear throughout the album, adding emotional depth beneath the abrasive surface. While the band doesn’t break new ground stylistically, the album’s consistency and immersive atmosphere make it a strong entry for fans of traditional, frostbitten black metal.


Magefa – Legion

Genre: Death Metal
Rating: 14 Points
Magefa deliver a forceful, riff-driven death metal record that balances brutality with a surprising amount of groove. The guitar work is sharp and aggressive, shifting between fast, thrashing passages and heavier mid-tempo sections that hit with real weight. The vocals are deep and commanding, giving the songs a sense of authority. The production is clear and powerful, allowing the riffs to cut through without sacrificing heaviness. Lyrically and thematically, the album deals with war, destruction, and human cruelty, matching the intensity of the music. “Legion” stands out through its tight songwriting and memorable hooks, making it one of the stronger death metal releases in this batch.

Blacktop Mojo’s maiden voyage to the UK last year felt ridiculously improbable. When Burn the Ships released and they went viral with their cover of Aerosmith’s “Dream On”, it was the exact sentiment I had on the basis of them ever coming over. By the time I reviewed their self-titled album in the middle of … Continue reading Gig Review: Blacktop Mojo / Brayden Stewart / Gorilla Riot – O2 Institute 2, Birmingham (9th April 2026)

Now that we’re in May, we’re closing in fast on Call of the Wild and we’re going to be back for another year! So we’re getting to know as many of the bands set to play the Trailblazer Stage in 2026 that we can pin down. Cell Games play the Friday. Simple things first – … Continue reading Road to Call of the Wild 2026: Cell Games

A couple of years ago, Yard Act released their sophomore effort, Where’s My Utopia? The British post-punk band is back to today to announce its followup, You’re Gonna Need A Little Music. The confrontational, anthemic lead single “Redeemer” is here now. “I think the album is about multiple realities and how individualism has led us,…

The post Yard Act Announce New Album <em>You’re Gonna Need A Little Music</em>: Hear “Redeemer” appeared first on Stereogum.

Posted on May 7th 2026, 2:11p.m.