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Review THE QUILL “Master of the Skies”
Hailing from Sweden, The Quill have been around since 1986. The quartet first appeared in 1989 with an album called “Out of Blue Corners”, the first of many to come. Forty years after their foundation, The Quill are launching a new album called “Master of the Skies”, featuring ten new songs. The band sticks to… Continue Reading → -
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TOTAL REVERENDS The Revolution is inevitable Review
TOTAL REVERENDS The Revolution is inevitable Review
This song plunges straight into the action with vocal harmonies that make you feel like you’re in Louisiana or in the shadow of the Appalachians. It then charges forward with a drum buildup that gradually intensifies before exploding into the track’s rock vibes. Right from the initial notes, the musicality of the band is apparent. Francesco Forni takes on guitar and vocals, and he has shared the stage with prominent artists in Italy. The other member of this project, Piero Monterisi, handles the drums and has also played with notable names in the Italian music scene.
The construction of the song and its energy convey everything about the band’s compositional skills and their ability to transfer energy into music. True to its title, the song encourages a revolutionary spirit. I detected some similarities to the White Stripes in the sound, but there are also influences from Queens of the Stone Age present here. This track is undeniably guitar-driven, featuring an insistent rhythm that makes you want to raise your horns to the beautiful sky.
Around the two-minute mark, the song breaks down into a bridge that strips back the layers, creating a moment of anticipation. This emptiness is soon followed by a powerful crescendo, accompanied by call and response between the lead vocals and background harmonies. This interaction adds depth and texture to the piece, creating a climactic moment that energizes the listener.
The Revolution is inevitable – Sound and Atmosphere
As the song progresses, its rhythmic patterns and melodic structures reveal an intricacy that only seasoned musicians can achieve. The combination of Forni’s voice and Monterisi’s rhythmic foundation forms a cohesive unit. They channel their influences effectively while establishing a signature sound. The driving force of the guitar complements the drums perfectly, creating a synergy that heightens the listening experience.
Furthermore, the message behind the song resonates deeply, pushing listeners to reflect on their roles within society and encouraging them to take a stand. This potent combination of musicality and lyrical intent makes the track not only enjoyable but also thought-provoking.
This piece is an outstanding contribution to the contemporary rock genre. It marries technical skill with a strong artistic vision, breaking new ground while paying homage to those who came before. I highly recommend this track to anyone looking for a fresh sound that dares to challenge the status quo.
The Revolution is inevitable – Performance and Production
The revolution truly feels inevitable, as the song suggests. As it draws to a close, it leaves a strong impression, urging listeners to embrace their inner revolutionary spirit. Every element of the track, from its energetic intro to its dynamic bridges, works in concert to create an experience that is both engaging and invigorating.
Revolutionary
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For fans of:White Stripes • Queens of the Stone Age
The post TOTAL REVERENDS The Revolution is inevitable Review appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.
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J Dulva Counting of the Coup Review
J Dulva Counting of the Coup Review
The album opens with “Rico Gillette,” characterized by an infectious rhythm that initially feels a bit renegade. The mood quickly shifts to a spacious, desert-like ambiance, evoking images of an open road. This track delves into the life of a fictional small-time criminal engrossed in the murky depths of society.
Next is “Dead Mingo,” which begins with riffs reminiscent of ZZ Top, showcasing a blend of blues and rock. This track resonates with the spirit of Easy Riders and appeals to lovers of classic Americana and great music. The essence of the album stems from its recording at Poolside Studios in southwest Louisiana. It captures the raw energy and spontaneous magic that define the band’s dynamic live performances.
The transition leads us to “Funny Looking Flowers,” a track that demonstrates the band’s capability to craft beautiful ballads. The song displays depth in lyrics and melody, showcasing a softer side of the group, appealing to those with a fondness for storytelling through music.
Counting of the Coup – Sound and Atmosphere
Following is “The Valley Below,” which features an intriguing, somewhat psychedelic progression. This haunting piece explores the legendary figure of Joaquín, a notorious Mexican outlaw from early southwestern North America. The song transports listeners back to the era of the Wild West, allowing one to experience a vivid sense of nostalgia and adventure.
Next on the album is “Boudin Blues,” a classic blues-style number that exudes the vibes of Ray Charles, particularly in its vocal delivery. It creates an atmosphere that feels reminiscent of a lively New Orleans bar, where jazz and blues blend seamlessly. The instrumentation is rich, and the groove invites listeners to sway along.
“This Morning” follows with a sly rhythm that captures the essence of waking up after a wild night. The blues-rock energy draws listeners in, complemented by a harmonica that slices through the air, delivering strong emotions. The instrumental arrangement is engaging, making it a standout track on the album.
Counting of the Coup – Performance and Production
Throughout the album, listeners experience the authenticity of music played by real musicians. Friendship and joy are at the heart of every note. In an era overshadowed by artificial intelligence, J Dulva offers something genuine and heartfelt.
Each track reveals a side of the band’s diverse musicality, blending influences from various genres while staying rooted in rock and blues. The album provides an engaging listening experience, perfect for those who cherish artists like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Dire Straits.
The strength of “Counting of the Coup” lies in its dedication to classic American themes blended with modern sensibilities. The live recording captures an electric atmosphere, allowing listeners to feel connected to the band’s energy and spontaneity.
With each track offering something unique, the conveyance of themes is never forced. Instead, it flows naturally, emphasizing the band’s connection to their craft. The album is a celebration of musicianship, camaraderie, and the joy of creating music together.
Listeners will find it challenging to resist tapping their feet or swaying along to the infectious rhythms throughout the album. The blend of lyrical depth and musical diversity keeps the experience engaging from start to finish. There’s a palpable warmth and sincerity that makes this collection memorable.
J Dulva’s “Counting of the Coup” reflects the values of tradition while exploring new musical territories. Each song stands on its own, yet fits into the album’s overarching narrative.
Real Vibes
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For fans of:
ZZ Top • Lynyrd Skynyrd • Dire Straits
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The post J Dulva Counting of the Coup Review appeared first on Edgar Allan Poets – Noir Rock Band.
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Black Veil Brides Bring the North American Tour to The Astro in La Vista
PAM WHISENHUNT | Go Venue Magazine
The line to get into The Astro in La Vista on Saturday, May 2nd was long and from what I understand the VIP event was full. Out front, I overheard a few elder emos lamenting the good old days in one breath and then admitting their bodies just can’t handle the pit like they used to in the next. Fair enough. But once the doors opened and the night got moving, it was clear nobody was going home early.
As December Falls kicked things off, and if you weren’t familiar with the Nottingham, England pop-punk outfit before Saturday night, you soon will be. The band is out here making their first-ever trip to the States in support of their 2025 album Everything’s On Fire But I’m Fine, and they made an impression. From the opening notes, the crowd was jumping and clapping along, the kind of instant response you rarely see from an opener. Vocalist Bethany Curtis commands a stage the way most headliners do, and it set the bar high for everything that followed. Even the elder emos in the back were moving.
TX2 followed and took the energy somewhere else entirely. Frontman Timothy Evan Thomas and guitarist Cam Rostami weren’t content to stay on the stage; at one point, the two crawled over the barricade and made their way into a circle pit, and the crowd absolutely lost it. The two share a similar look on stage that gives their performance a cool, mirrored dynamic, and the acrobatics matched the intensity. Thomas made sure to use his moment at the mic for more than just music, addressing the crowd directly and making clear that trans rights are human rights. It landed. This is a band that genuinely connects with the people in the room, and a set like this one makes it easy to understand why their following keeps growing. It’s worth noting that TX2’s debut album End of Us features a collaboration with Black Veil Brides’ Andy Biersack on “The End of Us,” which makes this tour billing feel like a lot more than a random package.
From Ashes to New took the stage with the energy of a band that genuinely can’t believe how lucky they are and means it. The Lancaster, PA outfit has been a road warrior act for years, and catching them live is like running into an old friend you haven’t seen in a while but pick right back up with instantly. They were out supporting their freshly released album Reflections, which dropped April 17th, and the room responded like they already knew every word. The crowd sang along to “Die For You,” and the whole room locked in together. Lance Dowdle kept up his trend of cycling through masks throughout the set, adding another layer to an already high-energy performance. Matt Brandyberry at one point shared how excited they were to have one of their newest songs, “Drag Me,” ranked No. 8 on Spotify across all genres noting its no small feat when the competition includes a Nine Inch Noize remix of “Closer” fresh off their widely talked-about Coachella set. Stiff company. Their closing song came with instructions: lose your fucking mind. They obliged. From Ashes to New consistently brings it, and this set was no exception.
Then came Black Veil Brides.
The Hollywood veterans (Andy Biersack, Jake Pitts, Jinxx, Lonny Eagleton, and Christian “CC” Coma) delivered a set that felt polished in all the right ways. The chemistry between bandmates was visible from the floor, and Biersack took the time to actually talk to the crowd between songs, making the night feel personal. At one point all five members turned to face the drum kit, revealing matching vests, the kind of polished detail that has always set this band apart. They pulled from both old catalog and new material from Vindicate, their seventh studio album, which was just days away from its May 8th release. Hearing those songs live before the album even dropped made it feel like La Vista got something a little special, and the crowd was there for all of it.
All four acts brought the energy on Saturday night. The crowd inside The Astro showed up ready, and every band met them there. Black Veil Brides and company have plenty of road ahead on the North American Tour, and if La Vista is any indication, the rest of the run is going to be loud.
Black Veil Brides
[See image gallery at www.govenuemagazine.com]From Ashes to New
[See image gallery at www.govenuemagazine.com]TX2
[See image gallery at www.govenuemagazine.com]As December Falls
[See image gallery at www.govenuemagazine.com] All images © Pam Whisenhunt
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SPITE, VARIALS, PINCER: Amplifier Bar, Perth, 02/05/2026
Words by: Riah Hill Photos by: Jeremy Drake Special thank you to Destroy All Lines SPITE’S NEW WORLD KILLER tour wrapped up here in Boorloo/ Perth and what better way to end the run than by showcasing some of our own homegrown heavy heroes, PINCER+? The Perth boys hadn’t joined VARIALS and SPITE on any […] -
Black Label Society, ‘Engines Of Demolition’ — Album Review
When Zakk Wylde first pulled together Black Label Society, it didn’t feel like a carefully planned side venture.
The post Black Label Society, ‘Engines Of Demolition’ — Album Review appeared first on Audio Ink Radio.
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Cage Fight’s James Monteith Talks “Exuvia,” Hardcore Roots, and The Future of UK Metal on The Loaded Radio Podcast
TL;DR
James Monteith (Cage Fight, Tesseract) joins the Loaded Radio Podcast to break down the band’s devastating second album, Exuvia. Released on May 1, 2026, the record signals a massive evolution for the UK outfit, blending visceral hardcore with new melodic depths. This episode also features a massive news breakdown, including an exclusive Type O Negative song discovery and Jason Newsted’s clean bill of health.
LONDON, UK — Heavy music is currently witnessing a tectonic shift as Cage Fight officially launches their second studio album, Exuvia, via Spinefarm Records. Guitarist James Monteith, also known for his technical mastery in Tesseract, recently sat down with Loaded Radio to discuss the band’s transformation from a lockdown bedroom project into one of the most vital forces in the modern hardcore scene. The new record, which arrived May 1, marks a “moment of rebirth” for the quartet, featuring a more collaborative writing process and a fearless exploration of personal trauma and resilience.
Listen To The Podcast Below:
The Evolution of Cage Fight: From Lockdown to “Exuvia”
Cage Fight originally formed as a nostalgic outlet for Monteith and bassist Jon Reid to pay tribute to the 90s hardcore bands of their youth, such as Slayer, Terror, and Biohazard. However, the addition of French vocalist Rachel Aspe—whose ferocious growls first caught Monteith’s attention on Instagram—solidified them as a permanent entity.
The band’s sophomore effort, Exuvia, moves beyond the “vicious aggro” of their 2022 debut. James noted that while the thrash-infused hardcore foundation remains, the new material incorporates more melody and atmosphere. This shift was heavily influenced by Aspe’s decision to write lyrics based on her own harrowing life experiences, turning the album into a raw document of healing and survival.
Musical Influences and The “Clear-Headed” Approach
During the interview, James delved into the influences that continue to shape his riff-writing. While his work in Tesseract is synonymous with progressive precision, Cage Fight allows him to return to the raw power of Metallica’s Black Album and the bone-crushing intensity of Machine Head’s Burn My Eyes. He emphasized that for this band, it’s about “attitude and energy” over clinical precision.
Monteith also touched on who he is listening to now, reflecting a diverse taste that feeds into the “bigger, tighter, and more epic” sound found on Exuvia. The band even experimented with unexpected inspirations, such as a French pop melody that was transformed into the crushing track “Pick Your Fighter” featuring Julien Truchan of Benighted.
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Hard Rock and Metal News Breakdown
The second portion of the podcast features host Scott Penfold delivering a “Nuclear” update on the biggest stories in the genre:
- Jason Newsted Cancer Free: Former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted recently announced he is “free and clear” after a year-long battle with throat cancer.
- Type O Negative Exclusive: In a massive discovery first revealed on Loaded Radio, Johnny Kelly and Kenny Hickey have unearthed a previously unreleased song from the October Rust sessions.
- The End of a Godsmack Era: The band has released Live at the Mohegan Sun, marking the final recorded performance of the classic lineup following the retirement of Shannon Larkin and Tony Rombola.
- Godsmack on the Road: The band is currently embarking on “The Rise of Rock World Tour” with Stone Temple Pilots.
A New Skin for a New Era
The title Exuvia—referring to a cast-off skin or shell—is the perfect metaphor for where Cage Fight stands in 2026. They have shed the limitations of a “side project” and emerged as a headline-ready powerhouse. As they prepare for a summer of high-profile dates, including a sold-out launch at Blondies and major UK festival appearances, the band is proving that metal is at its best when it is raw, honest, and completely unapologetic.
STAY LOUD: Catch the full breakdown of the Cage Fight interview on the Loaded Radio Podcast, or crank the hard rock and metal on our digital stream at LoadedRadio.com.
The post Cage Fight’s James Monteith Talks “Exuvia,” Hardcore Roots, and The Future of UK Metal on The Loaded Radio Podcast appeared first on Loaded Radio.