Venue downgrade: two words combined to strike fear into the hearts of musicians and fans alike. Conversely, it can be spun around as providing a more intimate show with genuine human connection! Also, this isn’t a knock on the quality of the lineup; a trifecta of Death Metal destruction, spearheaded by crushing Canadian force Kataklysm! […]
Orianthi with James Bruner at Leeds Brudenell
James Bruner’s Leeds set had real momentum, helped along by a tight selection of originals that showed off both his guitar chops and his growing identity as a songwriter. He tore into “Fire in My Veins”, a riff‑driven opener that immediately set the tone, before shifting into the swaggering groove of “Red Velvet Riot”, which […]
Samantha Fish and the Zac Schulze Band set the Wylam Brewery, Newcastle, on fire!
There are some nights at Wylam Brewery when the beer isn’t the only thing with a bit of bite — and on the 5th of March, The Zac Schulze Gang rolled in and proved they’ve got more punch than a double‑hopped IPA. Frontman Zac Schulze arrived looking like a man who’d been plugged directly into […]
Smith/Kotzen & Kris Barras Band – Nottingham Rock City
Kris Barras Band Rock City has filled up nicely by the time Kris and co. take the stage. They’ve had the chance to support some class acts in the past few years (Buckcherry, South of Salem), but surely it doesn’t come much bigger than opening for Smith/Kotzen! Kris has come a long way since his […]
Cryptopsy – All So Vile Tour 2026 (with support from 200 Stab Wounds, Inferi & Corpse Pile) – Manchester Club Academy
It’s a cold Thursday night in Manchester and we’re at Club Academy (a 650-capacity venue located in the basement of the University of Manchester Student Union) for OG technical death metal masters Cryptopsy. This tour has been promoted as a celebration of 30 years of their classic sophomore album ‘None So Vile’. However, they are […]
Anthony Gomes – La Belle Angele, Edinburgh
Canadian born Anthony Gomes has been busy forging a serious reputation for himself in the blues rock scene since the late 90’s, and has earned the personal endorsement of his friend and hero, Blues-God BB King, amongst others. He’s played Edinburgh before, but at smaller venues. Tonight, the 600-capacity “La Belle Angele” is positively buzzing… […]
M2TM Round 3 – Jericho Tavern, Oxford – February 28 2026
M2TM is back for Round 3 and it’s a busy night at the Jericho Tavern! This week saw a last minute line-up change due to illness in the Thrown Like Owls camp, but, ever the professionals; the M2TM Team managed to pull another competing band out of the bag with Buckinghamshire based alternative rock band […]
Lorna Shore + Whitechapel + Shadow of Intent + Humanity’s Last Breath – O2 Academy Birmingham
Some line-ups look strong on paper but don’t always translate once the lights go down. This wasn’t one of those nights. From the moment people began filtering into the O2 Academy, there was a sense of anticipation that felt earned rather than manufactured. Four bands, each operating in their own space within modern heavy music, […]
A Night of Indie Nostalgia: Art Brut and Maxïmo Park at Rock City
The iconic Rock City in Nottingham, with its long history of hosting legendary gigs, was the perfect backdrop for an evening that blended raw energy with polished indie anthems. On February 18, 2026, Maxïmo Park brought their 20th anniversary celebration of debut album A Certain Trigger to the venue, supported by indie punk outfit Art […]
Chantel McGregor, with support from Chloe Mogg, at the Robin 2, Bilston
Chantel McGregor returns to the Robin 2 with local talent, Chloe Mogg and her band, providing support. It’s the first time in around 15 years of visiting the Robin 2 that I’ve seen a predominantly seated audience; that said, all of the seats were occupied so it was standing room only towards the back of […]