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Author Andy Barker

I guess I got into Metal by accident at 7 years old when I was given my brother's old record player with ONE record. His mates had told him that Black Sabbath sounded just like Status Quo...he didn't agree so Black Sabbath's debut was that one record. I never looked back. Got a battered old 4 piece drumkit when I was Ten years old and by 14 I had vowed to make my fortune as a Rock Star.
The next fifteen years included a few years as the drummer in Holosade, plus stints in Company Of Wolves, Dominion, Diamond Dogs and Intense, eventually dispelling that ambition, so I ended up running a specialist Metal CD/Record/T-Shirt shop in York for 7 years. £40 grand a year in rent for a shop in York means I am now solely an online trader...
I still turn up every now and again playing drums, bass or guitar in the odd band, be it live or in the studio, because once you have been a musician...or a drummer...it's difficult to stop that creative urge.
When I write a review I remember what it was like to read a review of something I had been a creative part of. My opinion is just my opinion, and I try to be constructive. I believe that if a musician has taken the time to record his or her ideas then it has merit to someone and deserves respect. Music is all about personal taste, and if someone has taken the time to create it, the least I can do is take the time to listen.

Alterium – Of War and Flames (AFM)

After 2 impressive albums (plus a re-recording of their debut) and over ten years in existence, vocalist Nicoletta Rosellini (also recently known for her work in triple-vocal band The Erinyes) along with former bandmates Paolo Campitelli (guitars) and Dario Gozzi… Continue Reading →

Amaranthe – The Catalyst (Nuclear Blast)

Amaranthe are a band that set the trend rather than follow in their Modern Metal genre and are surely the best known band to employ a female vocalist alongside two male vocalists, one harsh, one clean sung. They are a… Continue Reading →

Borknagar – Fall (Century Media)

Borknagar are unique, no-one sounds quite like them. Musically, vocally, songwriting, arrangement – put them all together and there’s only one band it could be – Borknagar. But their personal blend of Progressive Extreme Metal is no overnight sensation. “Fall”… Continue Reading →

Leah – The Glory and the Fallen (Ex Cathedra)

Canadian Celtic Metal singer-songwriter Leah McHenry is an inspirational lady. Her impressive 5 album back catalogue (all crowd funded!) would be inspirational enough on its own, but add in the fact that she’s raised and home-schooled five talented children (three… Continue Reading →

Elettra Storm – Powerlords (Scarlet Records)

I wonder if there’s anyone out there who, upon hearing the most recent album by Italian Dark Symphonic Metal band Sinheresy thought “Hmm, Yes, that’s a pretty good album, but what it would sound like if the keyboard player was… Continue Reading →

Romuvos – Spirits (Hammerheart)

A move to Hammerheart Records for Lithuanian Baltic Folk Metal band Romuvos feels like a fresh start for the band. Over their three previous albums they have been honing their own sound based around their ancestors ancient Baltic traditions, customs… Continue Reading →

Manticora – Mycelium (Mighty Music)

Danish Metallers Manticora do love a concept album. Two linked together if they can manage it, which of course they did with the “Black Circus” duo fifteen years ago, and then more recently with the “To Kill To Live To… Continue Reading →

Metalite – Expedition One (AFM)

Four albums in and Swedish Metal band Metalite are in a confident enough place to release their first concept album. A futuristic Sci-fi adventure, the band are keen to point out that it incorporates all the musical elements the band… Continue Reading →

Axenstar – Chapter VIII (Inner Wound)

Just over 20 years since Swedish Power Metal mainstays Axenstar released their impressive debut “Perpetual Twilight” the band has racked up a number of equally attention-grabbing and unapologetically bombastic Metal albums, arriving in 2023 with their eighth offering (if only… Continue Reading →

Skiltron – Bruadarach (Trollzorn)

I really didn’t used to like Scottish Bagpipes. Actually, to say I merely didn’t like them is a bit of an understatement, they were probably my least favourite instrument ever, disliked even more than trombone or saxophone, such was my… Continue Reading →

Eldritch – Innervoid (Scarlet Records)

Personally I think of Eldritch as one of the shining lights of the European Progressive Metal movement that happened in the 1990’s. Displaying their mighty calibre right from the outset in 1995 with debut album “Seeds Of Rage”, already showcasing… Continue Reading →

Draconicon – Pestilence (Inner Wound)

Draconicon are not a band who stand still. After a very impressive debut back in 2021, this Italian Power Metal band have ditched the fantasy realms, costumes and dragons. However, they do retain their not-so-mysterious pseudonyms and have come thundering… Continue Reading →

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