The Hu – O2 Apollo, Manchester: Live Review
The Hu and Skáld pack Manchester’s O2 Apollo for a heady and heavy combo of French/Nordic/Mongolian Metal
Mike Ainscoe
Mike has been photographing and writing about bands going back many years. A former writer and Reviews Editor on Louder Than War as well as several online music blogs, he also contributes to Fireworks and to Powerplay Rock & Metal magazines.
Genesis – From Genesis To Revelation: Album Review
The fledgling Genesis, all safely gathered in, remixed and remastered.
Devin Townsend – RNCM Theatre, Manchester: Live Review
An evening of enlightenment, positivity and love as Devin Townsend brings his Metamorphosis to Manchester.
These Wicked Rivers – Fire And Folklore: Album Review
Soul cleansing Southern Rock stuff from Derby. These Wicked Rivers send some joy (plus fire and folklore) out into the world.
Matt Fryers – Inside My Head: New Single
Final single from Matt Fryers ahead of the album release – Inside My Head goes into full confessional mode.
Jimmy Regal & The Royals – Snap Back: Album Review
Jimmy Regal & The Royals (not those ones) continue their crafty exploration of the past and future roots of blues.
Marillion – Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool: Live Review
The Marillion 2026 UK tour hits new heights at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. We’re on hand to gather the evidence.
Xandria, Seven Spires, Tulip – Academy 3, Manchester: Live Review
A stunning set from Xandria heads a three-pronged Symphonic Metal onslaught in Manchester. Seven Spires and Tulip are in support.
Edenthorn – When I’m In My Grave: New Single News
Third single from the upcoming Edenthorn album. Park any expectations…get down and dirty.
Corella – A Beautiful World To Lose: Album Review
Second album charting the rapid rise of latest Mancunian starlets Corella.
The Fierce & The Dead – Regional Theatre: Album Review
Be fierce or be dead. Or both. Pushing the songwriting and the sonics, The Fierce & The Dead try and test the untried and untested.
Time & Tide, The Songs Of Big Big Train – Wild & Helvering: Book Review
An ambitious and beautifully executed deep dive into the origins and meaning behind the music of Big Big Train.
Villagers Of Ioannina City – Venceremos: Album Review
Venceremos heralds a majestic and pulverising return for the Villagers Of Ioannina City.
Richard Bowes – Gary Numan, A People’s History: Book Review
Numan fans open up in a book packed with tales from a job for life.
Sparks – The Barbican, York: Live Review
Down memory lane and beyond with Sparks – we witness a Sparks love-in at the York Barbican.