MAGNUM – ‘HERE COMES THE RAIN’

Magnum - Here Comes the Rain

As 2023 drew to a close, the rock community was greatly saddened by the news Tony Clarkin shared on his rare spinal condition and the band’s decision to cancel their 2024 tour dates. Over the Christmas period, I spent time returning to some of Magnum’s live albums – ‘The Spirit’, ‘Stronghold’ and the famous Symphony Hall release, three live releases that define the essence of Magnum as one of the great and enduring live bands.

EMPYRE ‘RELENTLESS’

Empyre - Relentless

Following a mini review earlier this year, 2023 finished with us calling this modern-day opus as Album of the Year. ‘Relentless’ is the remarkable second studio album from one of British’s most accomplished rising rock bands – Empyre.

Violet Blend – ‘Live And True’

Violet Blend - Live and True

Looking back, it’s hard to understand how Violet Blend’s ‘Demons’ didn’t quite make Album of the Month – so its second time lucky, I guess.

BAD TOUCH – ‘BITTERSWEET SATISFACTION’

Bad Touch - Bittersweet Satisfaction cover

It’s quite possible that all roads in the Bad Touch story have led to this point. With ‘Bittersweet Satisfaction’ Bad Touch have served up their career-best album: the album that sees them take on the mantle as the UK’s ultimate feel-good rock‘n’roll band.

Promethium: ‘Bleeding The Ghost’

Promethium - Bleeding the Ghost

Honest rock. The sound of a band of brothers playing music in a room together. Playing the music they want to play. Enjoying it. And releasing it without any filters, window dressing or hype. Welcome to the world of Promethium.

COPPERWORM – ‘PILOT’

Copperworm - Pilot

‘Pilot’ came out a few months ago, but this album review was always going to happen because it says something about the journey of a band – and also the need for diversity and conformity-breakers in the rising rock scene.

The Dust Coda: ‘Loco Paradise’

The Dust Coda - Loco Paradise

How does this compare to the previous two Dust Coda albums? This is probably the question every Dust Coda fan will ask in the weeks ahead – but it’s possibly also the wrong question.