Gothenburg, Sweden, has a rich history when it comes to producing bands, and is well known for its music scene. Bands such as IN FLAMES, DARK TRANQUILITY, ENGEL, AT THE GATES (I could go on) have all emerged from this Swedish stronghold of heavy music and have paved the way for many more bands to follow in their footsteps. One of the bands looking to make a breakthrough, are DEAD BY APRIL. After forming in 2007 and undergoing a handful of line-up changes, we find them settled in 2014 releasing album number three; “Let The World Know”. What is it they are trying to share?

Track one, “A Beautiful Nightmare” starts off softly, but soon descends into a djent/electronica mash up, mini breakdowns coupled with pop synthesizers, the odd flash of dub, added to the dual vocal displays of Zandro Santiago and Christoffer Andersson (the former on clean vocals, the latter on screaming) make for an enjoyable listen. You can hear a great deal of In Flames in Andersson’s vocals, with Santiago carrying a fine melody, a voice that could so easily be utilized in mainstream dance/pop music but instead being put to good use.

“Done With Broken Hearts” holds back on the guitars and focusses more on harmony, a little blatant use of auto-tune on the vocals here and there, but it’s still a strong track and a potential single waiting to be released. “As A Butterfly” has a similar feel to it, very melodic generally, and would actually of fallen into a different genre of music had it not been for the occasional input of Andersson.

The title track again, has a heavy focus on the keyboards and melody with only the occasional hint at DBA being a genuine rock band, with “Peace Of Mind”, despite having more breakdowns and riffs, still manages to be no more than a heavy pop song.

Generally speaking, what Dead By April have done, is take influence from many great local bands that have gone before them, added that influence to a burning desire for success (I won’t say fame, fame is cheap, success means something) and have aimed to be as mainstream as they can get away with, whilst retaining an edgy rock attitude. In a nutshell, they are a pop band that doesn't really want to admit it. Sure, this is an enjoyable listen and, it’s well worth checking out, there are a lot of decent songs on this album, but you can’t help but feel that right now they are torn between genres. If that’s what the band are looking to accomplish then, they've ticked that box without a shadow of a doubt, but, I can assure you, many a fan of rock music will frown upon this album. They've got the vocalist in Andersson, they have the riffs and breakdowns, but have opted to play it safe, and while that may be understandable in terms of chart positioning, it doesn't necessarily mean people are going to care about album four. Dead By April are treading a fine line right now. All they've let the world know is they want some attention, and they've got it, but will it last? [7]


Download "Let The World Know" on iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/let-the-world-know/id780082457
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/deadbyapril

Phoenix, Arizona’s FAREWELL, MY LOVE, are an interesting bunch. A self-described “Theatrical Rock” band, they take influence from various alternative rock icons such as AFI, MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE and 30 SECONDS TO MARS, with a passion for the aforementioned bands conceptual vision, the grandiose nature and experimental creativity in which these artists are renowned for. For a band releasing their debut album, this is exciting stuff. Clearly a band not afraid to take risks and jump in at the deep end, let’s see if “Gold Tattoos” leaves a lasting impression…

Opening track “Afraid Of The Dark” starts off with the sound of a beating heart, beating at an increasing rate with the anticipation of what’s to come, and what comes is a slick guitar driven intro you’d expect from the likes of AVENGED SEVENFOLD or BLACK VEIL BRIDES, before Ryan Howell’s vocals sneak in sounding almost sinister, that is until he starts hitting some rather uncomfortable high notes. It’s a hard one to pin down, I could reference several bands all of whom have some comparison when it comes to explaining this vocal display, but at the same time none of them would do anything fair justice; a tricky start.

“My Perfect Timing” is a completely different affair, a soft piano intro, with gentle keys layered over pop-rock foundations; it’s got a lot more of the MCR influence, even throwing in an ever reliable key change towards the end of the track to add to the pomp. “Mirror Mirror” is a faster, rockier number with more FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS feel to it, frantic and pacey, full of grit and determination.

“Skip The Memories” returns to a MCR style grandiose rock anthem vibe, big on vocals, big on fun, this is a really catchy number and an album highlight, as is “Friends & Fiends”, light synthesized undertones coupled with a simple but effective rock track, enjoyable stuff. The title track too, a quality rock track itself. Not as permanent AS a tattoo, granted, but still an enjoyable piece with a memorable tune, full of melody, before closing track “Queen Of Hearts” ends things on a similar note.

As an album, “Gold Tattoos” gets better as it progresses and might take a couple of listens to be fully appreciated, but generally it’s a decent first full length. If you can overcome Howell’s vocals (they aren't really that easy on the ears in terms of pitch) then there are some decent songs here. It may not leave a permanent mark; see it more as a henna tattoo. Try it on at least to see if you like it. [6]

Download - "Skip The Memories", "Friends & Fiends"
"Gold Tattoos" is available on iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/gold-tattoos/id688579341 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/farewellmyloveofficial

Symphonic metal is another one of those sub-genres in which its popularity ebbs and flows like the tide, never really lasting too long but never away for too long either. Bands such as NIGHTWISH and LEAVES’ EYES, despite generally being consistently good, usually find themselves releasing albums into a drastically changed market, and, with styles and tastes changing more frequently nowadays, it can result in these bands sometimes sounding, maybe not dated, but a bit behind. The Netherlands’ WITHIN TEMPTATION however hope to make more of a lasting mark on the current scene with their brand new album; “Hydra”.

The Hydra, being a multi-headed creature from Greek mythology, is used here as a metaphor for musical influence and, as a title shows this album holds more than just another collection of run of the mill, female fronted Gothic tinged metal. Opening track “Let It Burn” does get things under way with a fairly standard effort, but consider it as a warm up. It’s unyielding and dramatic with strong vocals from Sharon Den Adel, textbook stuff really.

Track two is where the album starts to get a little more interesting, with the first of FOUR collaborations recorded for the album. “Dangerous” features one Howard Jones, formerly of KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, who himself has an impressive set of lungs. Despite both being renowned for their powerful vocal displays, they compliment each other very well over an up-tempo, bombastic rock track, without anything sounding over bearing.

“And We Run” throws a curve ball into the mix, with a guest appearance from American rapper XZIBIT (no one saw THAT coming), but it does work impressively well! For the best part it’s a steadier number, more of a ballad at Its core despite retaining an intense almost orchestral feel. It’s still a huge sounding track, with Xzibit giving not only the song but the genre itself a swift injection of character and new life.

The leading single, “Paradise (What About Us?)” is in many ways the result of forming what is essentially a super group of symphonic metal. You've got Within Temptation AND none other than Tarja Turunen, the original vocalist from Nightwish. Together they deliver an operatic vocal master class, ticking all of the boxes required and showing the world how it’s done. A genre defining anthem if ever there was one.

Elsewhere, “Edge Of The World” and “Dog Days” keep the album ticking along, while “Covered By Roses” and “Tell Me Why” maintain the albums edgier appeal, with some great guitar driven sections, before we finish on the albums final collaboration. Dave Pirner, from SOUL ASYLUM joins Den Adel on the mic for “Whole World Is Watching”, and although it’s a sweet song, ending things on a somewhat soft note, it can’t help but come across as a little bit weak, and dare I say it, very Eurovision in style. It also ends very abruptly too, leaving you with a feeling of, “oh?” as oppose to giving you real closure. Despite the disappointing ending, “Hydra” is a good album and has just enough originality to help it stand out. Like the creature it was named after, this album had many heads itself, with the band utilizing some interesting but effective collaborations. Good job they didn't find influence in the Greek god Moros instead then really... [8]


Download: "Dangerous", "And We Run" and "Paradise (What About Us?)"
"Hydra" Is Available On iTunes For £7.99 - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/hydra/id773523916 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wtofficial

Newton Abbott, a Devonshire town known for its historical markets and it’s trading. It’s a town that’s generated several county cricketers and such, but it’s safe to say that it’s not a place you’d quickly associate with gruff punk rock. Well, hopefully all of that is about to change. Let me introduce to you YOUR LAST DAY; a highly energetic 5-piece inspired by the likes of FOUR YEAR STRONG, SENSES FAIL and FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND, who on their brand new self-titled EP, deliver a strong, confident alternative punk onslaught capable of thrusting them into the eyes of the UK rock scene and out of their southern surroundings.

The 4 track EP opens up with “Ok To Break”, which apart from a steady rhythmic intro, descends in to a frantic paced gravelly punk number. Ryan Walker’s vocals coarse and unpolished but it’s that very style that separates it from your typical pop punk band. A lot of musical elitists complain about bands sounding like they are aiming too much for the mainstream (selling out) and sounding over commercialised, or over produced…not YLD. This is punk as it should sound; real.

“Life Lines & Land Mines” starts off slightly more pop punk sounding, but it’s still rough enough to distinguish itself. Musically there’s a little more of the Senses Fail influence on display, drummer Naff driving the song forward, guitarists Chris and Matt , as well as bassist Bill maintaining a steady and solid tone to the track. The odd breakdown, sturdy riffs, its good stuff, before third track “Gatwick: It’s Terminal” kicks in with a more “in your face” approach. Not a great deal different from the previous track, just sounding slightly more urgent, sounding hungrier, which really benefits the genre. It’s not ground breaking but its how it’s supposed to sound, which is good.

The final track then, “67-94” (which happens to be Kurt Cobain’s life span) is a song about reaching the end generally, and not actually about the NIRVANA front man himself. It’s an inspired title, to perfectly encapsulate the feeling of closure, finality and realising you’ve done all you can. A sense of, it’s better to go out in a blaze of fire, than to fade away into nothing. Go out with a bang so to speak (no ill humour intended there), and it’s a great way to end the EP. It’s poignant, meaningful, and altogether a fitting way to summarise a fantastic EP. Punk rock at its core is brash, it’s dog-eared and pretty sketchy on times, but it retains a charm that isn’t found elsewhere in music. YLD, despite their location, sound like the kind of band that could make an impression on the world scene, with a real quality sound behind them. Like I said, the last thing you’d expect from south Devon is a proper old-school punk band…but life is full of surprises. Your last day? Let’s hope it’s not really… [7.5]


To download the EP for FREE, go here! https://yourlastday.bandcamp.com/ 
Your Last Day on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/YLDbanduk

“Open your eyes and look to the Altered Sky”. This is what greets you as soon as you start reading the bands biography, and it becomes clear that this Glasgow based 5-piece is full of ambition; five friends with a dream to make music, “painting stories in real life” with their bright and colourful brand of pop-rock. They've just dropped their new 4 track EP “Stop And Live” which was recorded in Wales under the trusted hands of Romesh Dodangoda in Longwave Studios, so lets’ stop and live through these songs and see what they've come up with.

First up is “Where I Belong”, a simple and, in some ways a slightly sketchy start. Vocalist Ana Nowosielska, gives a strong performance but musically it seems a tad slow. It’s lacking in pop and isn't gritty enough to be just rock…almost cautiously played, despite being a safe and above all else fun genre of music to play, a bit “by numbers”.

“Traitor In Me” has a bit more life to it, comparisons to “All We Know Is Falling” era PARAMORE are inescapable but that’s really something I'm sure these Glaswegians don’t mind too much. Sounding altogether more punk-pop with it having a little more attitude, but this time it’s Ana that’s not quite there, occasionally throwing in the odd uncomfortable note vocally. When she reaches the part of “coz’ now I can scream!” she hits quite a high, screech of a note and goes through you a little. Other than that minute detail it’s a decent track.

“Decay” is another simple yet catchy pop-rock number, with the kind of infectious chorus that’s sure to get stuck in your head for hours. Everything about this track is just better, as though they've shaken off the rust and found their rhythm. Finally the sound of a band that’s comfortable and confident in themselves all round, which is promising indeed as closing track “Live For It” keeps in line with the steady progression evident through the EP. The best of the bunch saved until last no less. It ends the EP on an enjoyable high note and proves that, ALTERED SKY do indeed have the ability to be more than just the small band wanting to copy the big bands. It’s clear they have it in them to write some great pop rock, they just need to continue to develop consistency and grow as a band.

Having already shared the stage with the likes of WE ARE THE IN CROWD, and headlined at iconic venues such as the London, Camden Barfly things are looking up for the Scot’s. With their début full length album planned for a 2014 release, Altered Sky are going nowhere but up in the world. [6]

Altered Sky on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/alteredsky
"Stop And Live" available on iTunes for just £3.16! - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/stop-and-live-ep/id770974693

With so many sub-genres of music being crossbred, and rock music generally being bastardized from every conceivable angle, it’s actually refreshing to come across a heavy rock band with traditionalist values. That is exactly what TEN TON TABBY are; with an undeniable love for METALLICA and IRON MAIDEN, coupled with subtle hints of CLUTCH and PANTERA, this London based 4-piece hand you an old-school education in classic rock and metal.

Their new EP, “Stone By Stone”, kicks off with the riff rampant “9-5”, all of their influences evident, with Tom’s vocals sounding somewhat like Neil Fallon’s had he joined a metal band. Everything’s tight and it’s clear they’ve put time into ensuring the sound quality is of a high standard, it’s been produced and recorded very well. Lead guitarist Quinton especially displaying some fine fret work indeed at the tracks peak.

The near eight minute epic that is “Moon Rider” has the bands passion for Iron Maiden plastered all over it, its bass driven galloping intro, a hefty build up with the drums giving it an almost military feel.  For the most part it remains at a rock-steady pace, slightly underwhelming when the vocals start up, you expect a bit more from the track given its dramatic beginning. Relatively safe stuff really, perked up once more by Quinton’s solo playing, clearly a confident player with a real feel for classic metal.

“Rise And Fall” has more of an early Metallica vibe about it, the shortest track of the EP, but TTT sound hungrier than ever here, the harmonic sections balanced nicely with the more up-tempo, crunching pace of the song, the EP’s highlight by far, before we end proceedings with another seven minute plus monster, the title track, “Stone By Stone”. Again, we find a song starting off with such promise, an expectation of something grand, an expectation to be beaten into submission with an onslaught of heavy metal, but instead it plods into your ears rather sluggishly. It lacks an excitement that the track would of provided had it of been relentless from the word go, and, granted the track does pick up, but a minute too late. It’s not necessarily a bad track it’s just longer than it needs to be.

Essentially, it can be said that TTT are undeniably a competent metal band, the feel is there, the sound is there and they’re obviously passionate about what they play. This is middle of the road classic metal, it’s reliable and will always be enjoyed by the traditional metal fan, but whilst sounding good, it doesn’t automatically sound fresh and exciting. They haven’t added anything to the genre here, and if you’re not really into the classic style, TTT aren’t going to change your mind. [6]

You can download the EP for FREE via Bandcamp: http://tentontabby.com/album/stone-by-stone
Ten Ton Tabby are also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tentontabby

As much as we’d all hope, rock and metal, as a culture at least, doesn’t have the “all for one” type of, brothers in arms community we’d all like to think. For example, to some, the idea of an all-girl rock band is greeted with the sense of elitism and snobbery, as if to say they simply can’t be any good at rock because of their gender, or they are just seen as eye-candy in a very male dominated genre. However, three young ladies (Welsh sisters Sam and Charlotte Bolderson, and Oxfordshire born Harriet Wadeson) who go by the name THE KIX are proudly demonstrating that ladies have as much a place in the pit as their male counterparts, using hooks not looks to turn heads and draw attention to themselves.

With a love of artists such as AC/DC, and drawing influence from the likes of JOAN JETT, The Kix wrote and recorded their début EP; “Lady Luck”. Six tracks of ballsy, classic rock with a fresh modern twist. Opening track “Bring The Thunder” has some slick guitar work from Sam, her vocals too sounding crisp and clear with drummer Charlotte and bassist Harriet supplying solid backing. “Right On Cue” is slightly grittier, a touch of old school punk with the influence of Jett all the more prominent, before the title track rolls in with its riff laden simplicity. It’s a slow burner, but carries with it an ample amount of dirty, denim and leather clad rock ‘n’ roll swagger.

“Playing With Fire” picks things back up again, the shortest track on offer here, again, slightly punk in tone but very melodic, an EP highlight, where as “Had It All” is probably the weakest of the six songs, if only because of the chorus, it lacks…kick. Regardless of that, the EP is rounded off with “Back To My Place”, another fine up beat rock number, possibly a nod to what I mentioned initially, it sounds like they’re having a pop at the guys who see them for one thing, when in actual fact they are here to be taken seriously as musicians, and really with this EP, it’s impossible not to. The Kix are clearly passionate about what they do, they could've gone down the easy road of becoming a post-PARAMORE female fronted pop rock outfit, but chose to stay true to the music they love in a male dominated scene, and it’s paying off. They've already played support slots with the likes of SAXON and they deserve all the praise they get. I'm sure with lady luck on their side we’ll be seeing a lot more of these in future. [7]


The EP "Lady Luck" is available on iTunes for just £4.74 : https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/lady-luck-ep/id709124947 
Find The Kix on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheKix1

Based in Devon on the south coast and formed in 2010, Someday I are yet another fine example of Britain's up-and-coming music scene being in a very healthy position. With influences including the likes of ALL TIME LOW, LESS THAN JAKE and NEW FOUND GLORY, and with an up-beat, energetic live show to boot (as proven recently on your with valley's heroes Reaper In Sicily), it's time for them to shine with their new self titled EP.
"Without You", the first of three tracks on offer, fades in with some quirky pop-punk guitar work, before front-man/guitarist Luke Gover steps in with some smooth, melodic vocals. The bands influences on display unashamedly, this is simple and fun.
Second up is "Live It Up" and, it doesn't stray too far from the path. The hooks are there, as are the candy-coated vocals and it makes for an enjoyable, albeit non-challenging listening, before "Unbreakable" rounds things off nicely. It's set at a lower tempo and feels more relaxed than the previous tracks, the whole thing feeling more emotional and, almost sincere. There is a brief interlude at 2:23, the drumming and guitar work taken up a notch, rising in intensity to balance the mood of the song before it all dies down with Gover reminding us all; "tonight we're unbreakable". A call to believe in yourself, follow your dreams. It all works very well and it's a shame there is nothing else on offer.
Pop-punk has never really been a highly respected genre, it's simple, "less is more" style has always given nothing more than a quick fix and a sing-along. It's made to make you smile, not think, and really that's where the beauty lies. You don't NEED to worry about what the songs are about, you just need to enjoy what you hear. Someday I know this, and while obviously the band are capable of writing catchy songs, they don't concern themselves with trying to over complicate things. They don't want to spoil a good thing. Appreciate whats on offer here, it's all you really need. [6]

Download the EP for FREE: http://someday-i.bandcamp.com/
Follow the guys on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SomedayI

Over the past decade, Surrey’s YOU ME AT SIX have steadily grown into one of the UK’s most reliable recording bands. From 2008’s Gold certified breakthrough “Take Off Your Colours”, to the hugely successful “Sinners Never Sleep”, which took them to No.3 in the UK Album Charts back in 2011, Josh Franceschi and co have been on the rise since day one, and have never looked back. 2014 sees them release their 4th album, “Cavalier Youth”, produced by NEAL AVRON who’s worked with the likes of LINKIN PARK no less…are YMAS aiming even higher?*

Opening track “Too Young To Feel This Old” is ripe with optimism and is bursting with positive energy, reminding us all that life is for living. A sense of, whatever happens, keep your head held high. It’s bold and full of life itself, and a great opener.

First single “Lived A Lie” has a massive chorus, soaring vocals from Josh and in ways, reminiscent of 30 SECONDS TO MARS in places, before “Fresh Start Fever”, despite still being what is essentially an indie-rock track, carries a lot more weight behind it. The same can be said for “Room To Breathe”, some meaty guitar work from Chris Miller and Max Helyer, but it’s Josh’s vocals that once again allow the track to sucker punch you with pop hooks.

“Win Some, Lose Some” has a fairly simple plod-along beat to it, once again backed by a huge sing-along chorus, while “Love Me Like You Used To Do” returns to a rough around the edges indie anthem vibe, one of the albums highlights..

The band does have their mellower moments too however, with “Forgive And Forget”, “Cold Night” and closing track “Wild Ones”. The latter, despite its name is beautifully contradicted, such a soft track. It comes full circle and summarises the feel of the album lyrically, a rhetoric statement such as “Are we gonna’ live forever? No”, reminding us all once again that we should seize the moment and live life to its fullest, enjoy the ride while we’re here. “Cavalier Youth” is the perfect title really, you’re only young once, people need to not take life too seriously all of the time and enjoy themselves, and it’s a real feel-good album, definitely worth a listen. [8]

Download: “Fresh Start Fever”, “Room To Breathe”, “Love Me Like You Used To Do”
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youmeatsix 
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/cavalier-youth-deluxe-edition/id743981490