You can run, but you can’t hide! It’s January 1st, 1984, and there’s a psycho killer on the loose in this small-town University campus. Can Rita and Christine expose the killer? More importantly – can they SURVIVE?
Are you ready for another blood-soaked album of Grindhouse Garage Metal from Torso? Of course you are. Released by those gallant gents at APF Records, “Annihilation Day” has been created as a soundtrack for a (sadly) imaginary, low budget VHS horror flick. The kind of movie we used to rent out and watch in the summer hols – curtains drawn in daylight. The sort of flick that was so scary, you’d shit your shoes off.
Press play, let’s get things started. First track ‘The Halls Run Red’ begins with an eerie, electronic pulse, and provides some exposition for this gritty video nasty. Soon enough the guitars burst in, like a pub punch up between Fudge Tunnel and Carcass. The resulting splatter fest has a relentless pace as it incorporates three movements, the refrain ‘Dorm of the Dead’ doing more narrative work. Throwing in some brutal Thrash and spacey keys, it effectively conjures the right mood for a 1980’s murderthon.
‘Satanic Nirvana’ begins with some tribal, Killing Joke style drums, followed by a chainsaw guitar summoning the ghost of Hillbilly Death Grunge titans Tad. There’s melody here too, in both the vocals and lead, not dissimilar to early Nirvana (nicely coincidental). It’s powerful and more infectious than a radioactive zombie plague.
After a brief intermission, the audience reaches part two of the presentation with an atmospheric keyboard intro. Then ‘Blast Furnace’ explodes with an unstoppable, lo-fi Murder Thrash riff. Torso do a great job here of melding that ferocity with the symphony-like keyboard.
Finally, ‘Show Your Face’ has a thundering rhythm part that oozes with an almost Industrial groove. It’s a bludgeoning track that seems to have some Revolting Cocks inspiration in there, that again deftly slips some melody in the back door. Eventually, the track boils over into a cacophony of glorious noise, but by then it’s too late – the story is over. Or is it?
With the four tracks on “Annihilation Day” each comprising three mini movements, the soundtrack feel of the whole endeavour is apparent. Well produced but beautifully abrasive, the songs may be long, but each retains its own vibe and the listener’s interest. It would be nice to see this approach explored further in later Torso recordings with greater musical contrast, but for now there’s enough blood, guts and mayhem to make this an unmissable release. Torso have provided another highlight for 2025.
Don’t hide behind the sofa – you cannot afford to miss this!
Well, well – here we are again taking an all too brief sojourn into Platinum Al’s Punk Rock Corner. This time, a band that many of you may well be aware of, thanks to some fairly successful Metal overlords by the name of Metallica covering one of their filthy little ditties. Yes, it’s the incomparable Anti-Nowhere League! Anyone with a sensitive disposition should look away now, things are about to get very, very messy.
Our old pals at Cherry Red Records have seen fit to reissue the Anti-Nowhere League’s debut album from 1982, “We Are… The League”. Just in time too, ‘cos my old copy is absolutely knackered and would be more use for shovelling horse poo than listening to. Now I only have MP3 files to review the music – and this release is of course, on big sexy vinyl – so we’ll have to trust that the physical version will be up to scratch (no pun intended). From what I can see though, the final package itself looks bloody good.
And musically? Well, if you’re the type of music fan who likes Tech Symphonic Death Metal Opera, you may be confused. The lack of virtuosity on display here will make your jaw drop, the crude musical renderings and disgusting lyrics will make you nauseous. But don’t worry, I’m sure there’s some new Nightwish album or whatever for you to enjoy instead.
‘We Are The League’ is a great rabble-rousing opener: setting out the bands lewd manifesto right from the start, with self-deprecating glee. And the filthy fun doesn’t stop there, with classic pogo inducing mayhem in the likes of ‘I Hate People’ and the delightfully crude ‘Animal’. The “serious music” fans will be aghast at the mauling of Ralph McTell’s ‘Streets of London’ and then probably run for cover and bolt the door, when ‘Let’s Break the Law’ comes on.
There are two bonus tracks added to this release. ‘Rocker’ is tagged on the end of Side 1, and the infamously obscene ‘So What’ (the afore mentioned Metallica cover) on Side 2. Though the latter song doesn’t appear to be available on the pre-release download? Strange. If any readers are still unfamiliar with this particular ode to debauchery, oh boy – I wish I could see your faces when you hear it…
Whether the humour in this recording has stood the test of time is for those wiser than me to discuss. If a bunch of uncouth punks cranking out obscenity ridden, buzz-saw guitar rock music sounds like a good time, you’re gonna love “We Are… The League”. It’s not big and it’s not clever, but it is a raucously fun time from start to finish.
Pentre Fest – it’s no secret that I’m a fan of this two day Metal festival held in a pub/club down the road from me. Organised by the hard working and hard rocking people at North East Wales Metal Productions, it’s a non-stop feast of fine tunes, the very best of underground Metal from around the UK.
Here’s my write up my experiences from this years event. You can read a full account from Team Ever Metal over at their site.
Day 1
Hiraeth
My excitement had been steadily rising for weeks ahead of Pentre Fest. You just can’t beat this mini two-day festival in North Wales, it really is the gig highlight of the year for me. I arrived just in time to catch Hiraeth, a great Black Metal band who originate from not too far away in Wrexham. Taking the Black Metal template and weaving tales of ancient Welsh folklore and history, these sword wielding warriors bring a positive, inclusive vibe with their increasingly accomplished musicality. A great band and a real high point to start with.
Attic Theory
Liverpool’s Attic Theory were up next on the main stage, and though they were new to me, they really made a good impression. Full on, hard hitting alternative rock, Attic Theory ploughed through the room with a big riffs and anthemic vocals. I love me some Grunge and these guys had the power and a magnetic groove. Unfortunately they buggered off home before I could buy their delightful album on sexy vinyl!
Battalions
The band I was most excited to see at this year’s gathering was Battalions, who I’ve developed a bit of a fanboy adoration for. They’re on APF Records so that’s a mark of quality right there. Thankfully, Battalions’ monstrous, doomy, fuzzed out riffs were even more satisfying than their quite brilliant album ‘King of a Dead World’. They warmed my ancient, jaded soul with a sludgy set that really was a Pentre Fest highlight.
Miserable Sinner
Outside, the cold drizzle made viewing the Keymo stage a bit of a challenge – never mind actually playing on it! I did catch Geordie of Bad Earth performing his Miserable Sinner solo acoustic set in defiance of all the mighty Thor could unleash upon him, with AC/DC’s “Whole Lotta Rosie” being a particular favourite!
Basement Torture Killings
A brutal, Death Metal Grindcore band of lunatics who’ve watched too may serial killer documentaries, Basement Torture Killings certainly know how to entertain. It was a case of “Netflix and kill”, as they tore through a visceral set and eviscerated a huge cuddly teddy bear. Not my usual type of O Positive, but BTK served up a memorable, blood soaked show. Time for bed.
Day 2
Firefly
Running late as per usual, I actually wasn’t punished too badly this time as apparently Edd Case had declined his opening slot! Instead I arrived just in time to see Firefly, who had only just started their set. An amazing start to the festivities, Firefly brought their own brand of Industrial Goth Metal to give everyone a big wake up call. Like a mix of Rammstein, NIN, Gary Numan and Sisters of Mercy with the smoky vocals of Marianne Faithful (like what Mare said), this was pretty damn unmissable. Check ‘em out!
Victim of Damp
Opening proceedings on the outdoor stage was Victim of Damp, alias Pentre Fest die hard Frank Williams. His amalgamation of gentle covers and humorous originals improves with confidence every time. A free shot of the old alcohol helped warm us all up too!
Losing Light
This band sounded like an interesting premise, and indeed they were. Four guys from fairly close by, they have plenty of experience but are a relatively new proposition as Losing Light. Usually, their set would include a couple of covers, but these were dropped for this first Pentre appearance. Very confident and excellent musicians, their own self written songs were more than capable – Losing Light gave us an electric performance. Let’s hope they return soon.
Oliver Carins
Quick, no time to put your feet up – get out to the Keymo stage! Oliver Carins, usually part of Scarfoot (who are a hell of a band anyway) gave us a superb acoustic set with fine vocals and masterful guitar skills. Folky and warm, the songs still had that signature epic Scarfoot edge.
The Raging Mabels
Sadly, Any Given Reason were unable to play this afternoon, so the daring Raging Mabels parachuted in to save the day. And boy did they rage! A set of powerful yet tuneful rockers, the Mabels played an energetic non-stop set that rattled by like a rocket riding coyote chasing a roadrunner. Equally at home playing for fans of Motorhead or the Ramones, it’s no secret that this pretend rock journo is a mega fanboy – the Mabels are pure joy! And they (finally) brought some merch!!!
Chain of Survival
Theigns and Thrawls did a brilliant acoustic set oustide next, but more about them later. Let’s skip forward a little to Chain of Survival. Another Liverpool based band, this time we have a Hardocre Thrash Punk four piece who are utterly uncompromising. If you ever played DRI or Sick of It All casettes from a boombox while skateboarding in a local supermarket carpark (as I still do) then you’ll love COS too.
Fallen North
These guys have played McLeans gigs before, but they showed up in full force – this was not a dress rehearsal! Full on, no apologies modern metal with crunchy riffs and soaring vocals, Fallen North soon had the crowd won over. They stepped down from the stage to join a fan on the dancefloor, still playing, and giving one of the most heartwarming moments of the weekend. Well played all round.
Kevin Plant (Cry For Mercy)
Blues rock royalty Cry For Mercy weren’t playing this weekend, but vocalist/bass maestro Kev Plant braved the elements outside on the acoustic stage for a solo performance. Great playing augmented with Kev’s trademark soulful, Paul Rogers like voice was an oasis of calm. It takes some cojones to tackle Chris Cornell’s vocals, but Kev’s version of Audioslaves ‘I Am The Highway’ was respectful and stirring.
Ogun
The world needs more authentic Thrash Metal. Thankfully Liverpool’s Ogun delivered a rousing set of the genuine article at Pentre Fest. Not dated or old fashioned in anyway, just modern thrash in the spirit of Testament, Exodus and even Slayer. Speed but without compromising on songcraft or melody, there’s plenty to enjoy in Ogun’s set. Not their first time here and hopefully not their last either.
Bad Earth
OK, so I’ve seen Bad Earth before – but they’re always exciting. And loud! Playing their own, patented Rockcore (TM), this three piece always seem to be ready to decimate wherever they play. It’s dirty biker rock dialled to eleven and kept up way past it’s bedtime, as Geordie, Karl and Ben assault their instruments like they’ve insulted their mothers. Always a pleasure to be in the crowd for a Bad Earth gig!
Edd Case
Closing the Keymo stage outside, this wasn’t the first I’d seen of Edd this Fest. He’d already played a blinder the day before, and this time gave us a very welcome rendition of ‘Mother’ (note to bands everywhere: play more Danzig) amongst some select covers. Original material also got an airing, including the magnificent ‘Letters Back Home’, a moving and sadly still relevant masterpiece. Edd, you truly are a poet.
Theigns and Thralls
Earlier in the day, I witnessed an eye opening and refreshing performance by Theigns and Thralls on the outside acoustic stage. I always enjoy a trip into different genres at Pentre Fest and this folk set was a definite highlight. In the evening, they plugged in fully to give us a real taste of Folk Metal, the energy of which had the audience jumping and dancing around. Glorious fun for all!
Fury
This year’s esteemed headline act, there was a fair buzz around the venue for Fury’s set. And to be fair, they were worth waiting for. Specialising in the unrecycled, sheer joy of Heavy Metal in all its Iron Maiden/Judas Priest glory, these guys were undoubtedly on top form. The dual female/male lead vocals of Nyah and Julian help the band transcend any Hard Rock cliches with an outstanding, individual sound. Fury are undoubtedly excellent musicians, and have the performance and songcraft to back up their reputation. I can’t really think of a bone to pick with them. Other than if they don’t make a return visit one day, we’ll all be very upset.
And that’s it: the end of another Pentre Fest. A wonderful weekend of fine music and great company, I’m already counting down to next year. I’ve definitely got post Pentre Fest blues.
The wild and wonderful world of Spider Kitten: a place, a frame of mind, an attitude – there is nowhere else like it. Both welcoming and confrontational at the same time, this band follow their own desires and to hell with the consequences. There are no rules in this lawless land, just an exploration of whatever realm of consciousness the band happen to be channelling at any one point. But it all makes perfect sense.
APF records have released this latest album by Spider Kitten, entitled “The Truth is Caustic to Love”. Within its sonic walls are a myriad of styles and journeys, encompassing everything from the gloomiest of doom, sludgy grunge, magnificent acoustic ballads and Spaghetti Westerns. Plus everything else you can think of.
Now that’s probably the most pretentious intro to a review I’ve ever written, so I’d better back it up with some serious wordology. The menacing crawl of ‘13 of 6’ is our first destination, its crushing heavy sections contrasted with sparse ambient passages, tense with expectation. First single ‘The Dose’ is next, coming on like a Death Metal Melvins; followed by the delightful acoustic guitars and Mexican sunset of ‘Sueño’. Then it’s back to the heavy, with ‘The Spoiler’ sounding like Alice in Chains on a major comedown.
This contrast in light and dark isn’t necessarily a new idea, but with Spider Kitten, the experimental, melodic and melancholy moments seem more extreme.
‘Three Shots’ is a central track here, and a personal favourite, with its moody, dusty Ennio Morricone soundtrack vibe. ‘Woe Betide Me’ and the closer, ‘Guilty’, both have a weeping blues feel and offer some calmer moments. These songs are surrounded by noisier relations, such as ‘Revelation #9’, ‘Crying Towel’, and ‘Wretched Evergreen’, all of which are gloriously abrasive and aggressive.
Surprisingly, it doesn’t take multiple listens to appreciate “The Truth is Caustic to Love”. This is because the heavy is beguilingly heavy and the mellower moments shine in the murk, and together it’s a fascinating smorgasbord of sounds and ideas. Spider Kitten are beyond easy prediction, best just enjoy wherever they take us.
Bouncing Souls + The Aquabats + Bar Stool Preachers
Wednesday 4th March 2026
The Rockin’ Chair, Wrexham
I’ve been stacked out with gigs recently (Pentre Fest review incoming), though I can’t ever get to see everything. And I don’t get time to write up a review of every gig I go to. But there was one I simply couldn’t miss: The Aquabats, playing not far from me in The Rockin’ Chair, Wrexham. Even though it was a Wednesday night, I was driving, and not sure if anyone i knew was actually going…
But this was a dream come true! The Aquabats have been on my bucket list for years, ever since I became a huge fan of their hilarious, surreal kids TV show. Now they were second on the bill for this event. Luckily I’ve also long been aware of Bouncing Souls, so everything was in place for a fantastic night.
Unfortunately, I missed the first band, Bar Stool Preachers – though I was reliably informed they were really good. I’ll check ’em out later based on that recommendation.
The Aquabats were a spectacle unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed. The full band were in attendance, all eight of them, dressed in their cool superhero outfits. Of course they were. It was an unbelievable sight, seeing them all in this smallish club.
Starting with a rousing rendition of “Shark Fighter”, The Aquabats launched into their set, accompanied by three huge inflatable sharks flying around the room. Energetic pop punk and joyous ska formed their sound, with their TV show theme tune as another highlight of a fun, crazy set.
You’ve never seen anything if you’ve never seen an audience member crowd surfing on a giant inflatable slice of pizza. Or an eight foot tall Mummy Man attacking the band on stage. Or a yeti dancing with the crowd. I was grinning from ear to ear for the full set: The Aquabats were RAD!
Headliners Bouncing Souls have been on my radar since the late 90s, their fast, melodic skate punk fitting right in with my Descendents loving musical tastes. Though The Aquabats were always going to be my reason for attending, Bouncing Souls played an incredible, crowd pleasing set: lightning paced, huge choruses, barely a break between songs.
Third song in, they played “Hopeless Romantic” which was the highlight I was waiting for. I would’ve been happy with just that one track!
I’m glad I made an effort to get to this gig. It really was an event unlike any other, worth every penny. It’s not every day that a band of punk rock superheroes save the earth whilst playing in Wrexham.
Running time: Well it’s 3 CDs of Rock’n’Roll goodness, so it’s good vfm
Review by: Alun Jones
9/10
Hey all you Rock’n’Rollers, you are in for a well deserved treat! Cherry Red records have compiled all of the output from legendary Bad Girls of Rock, The Donnas, into one neat and sweet boxed set. Between 2002 and 2005, The Donnas were signed to major label Atlantic, and their star was on the rise like a comet – the label marketing the band in movies, games ad infinitum. Surely The Donnas would conquer the world?
The first disc in the set covers the absolute must-have “Spend the Night” album. Take it from me, “Spend the Night” is a total Rock’n’Roll classic – one of the greatest guitar Rock albums of the 21st century. The perfect collision of supersonic, Ramones and Runaways pop punk power with AC/DC riffology – this is a 10 out of 10 timeless wonder that anyone who loves Rock’n’Roll should treasure.
I mean. ‘It’s on the Rocks’, ‘Take it off’, ‘Who Inviited You’ – the rockin’ starts and it just doesn’t stop. And when you’re invited to a Donnas shindig, you’d better be prepared – these girls know how to party. With songs about drinking, partying, staying up all night and peer group alienation, The Donnas are total, unfiltered ROCK STARS. There’s not a bad song here, it’s diamond class all the way, cheekily witty lyrics included. Two bonus tracks add to the fun, and with songs like “Too Bad About Your Girl” you’re gonna annoy the hell out of the neighbours till ‘5 O’clock in the Morning’!
Hopes were high for the follow up album, “Gold Medal”, but sadly this doesn’t quite hit the same heights. The sound was augmented with acoustic guitars and a wider ranging approach to songwriting, which is to be applauded. For the most part this works well, and nothing has changed that much really. Overall, the thrill isn’t quite the same, however.
With songs like ‘I Don’t Want to Know (If You Don’t Want Me)’ and ‘Don’t Break Me Down’ we’re in familiar Donnas territory, and the lyrics are sharpened up and more mature. ‘Fall Behind Me’ is the justifiable stand out song here, rolling along as The Donnas snarl defiantly in what is one of the best songs in the entire compilation. With a bonus track tagged on, it’s a solid collection – but it’s a house-trained version of its predecessor.
Disc 3 cobbles together everything else that was left in the Atlantic catacombs. There’s a handful of great but not excellent unreleased tracks, some acoustic versions of songs from “Gold Medal”, a batch of pretty bloody electrifying live tracks and a fun cover of Billy Idol’s ‘Dancing With Myself’. Nothing completely indispensable, but a fine way to complete the collection for the die hards.
And that’s about it for The Donnas. They released one more album – “Bitchin’” – on their own label, and called it a day. The Donnas will never reform. They’ve all moved on to other things. But for a short while in the early part of this century, they were perfection. This release testifies to that. If nothing else, you need “Spend the Night” – you’ll never party the same without it. You’ll love it, like I do, and you’ll want as much other music by The Donnas as you can find. Start here.
Welcome back to Platinum Al’s Punk Rock Corner, here at Ever Metal HQ! Where yet again, I’ll be taking a detour from our more traditional hard rock/metal path and into the wonderful world of Punk Rock! This time, a 2 CD collection of classics from Northern Ireland legendary rockers, the one and only Stiff Little Fingers. These guys should need no introduction, but if you need a place to start, this compendium from Cherry Red Records is a good enough place to begin.
All of the band’s singles – A side plus B side – between the years 1978 to 1983 are contained herein, and in chronological order, natch. Thus, we start with the original Rigid Digits recording of ‘Suspect Device’ c/w ‘Wasted Life’ – and what a way to start. Urgent, in-your-face and literally bounding from the speakers, both songs have a frantic yet melodic purpose with huge choruses.
Those tracks are followed by another bona fide classic (and possibly their best song?): ‘Alternative Ulster’. Jake Burns barks out the vocals to make this ode to boredom seem anything but boring. You’ve probably heard this track before, and if you haven’t you’re a.) in for a right old treat and b.) you’ll swear you HAVE heard it before after just one play, because it’s that flaming good.
Other blinding tracks on the first disc include ‘Gotta Getaway’, ‘Nobody’s Hero’, ‘At the Edge’ (I’ve got the 7” single of that one!) and of course the furious, growling ‘Straw Dogs’ – the first SLF song I ever heard, fact fans! The songs are a mighty combination of Punk Rock acidity and catchy choruses, with the odd reggae influence creeping in and adding some variety (such as on ‘Mr Fire Coal Man’). A couple of the B sides are more for completists – though I admit that the live cover of ‘White Christmas’ gets a habitual playing in my house every festive season.
Disc 2 blasts out more of the same, starting with ‘Just Fade Away’ with its brutally brilliant melody and rousing pace. ‘Go For It’ has been the instrumental live intro for SLF for absolute donkey’s years – and it’s another ear tickler that stays in the memory. Indeed, the second disc shows the Fingers stretching their musical muscles ever further: the reggae swing of ‘Doesn’t Make it Alright’ and ‘Safe As Houses’ are truly irresistible whilst ‘Silver Lining’ boasts a glittering brass section with joyous results.
Stiff Little Fingers manage to introduce some socio-political subject matter into their material – they did, after all, form at the height of the troubles – but this is only part of the story. With the usual Punk topics of teenage boredom and frustration, along with some tracks that are just plain old good fun, their songs aren’t preachy – but there is usually a message.
As Disc 2 progresses, the songs become more accomplished, but not necessarily more commercial. Certainly not in the vein of “selling out”. ‘Bits of Kids’ and ‘Touch and Go’ still retain that essential Punk Rock bite, even as the band develop. That early venom and energy is still discernible, but tempered with a greater grasp of songwriting craftsmanship.
This singles collection does a fine job of replacing my ancient vinyl copy of “All the Best”, the Stiff Little Fingers comp from the 80’s that covered the same material. It updates that old album very nicely, with a damn fine inner booklet covering info on all the releases. Ideal for the completist fans, covering all the essentials, it’s also a handy jumping on point for curious new listeners – though you’re gonna want the studio albums, too!
Now listen here, chosen ones. Sometimes, I get a whiff of opinions like “Thrash Metal is stuck in the 80s” or “It’s old fashioned”. I am here today to proclaim that any views such as this are completely and utterly wrong. And I can prove it to you: the evidencecis in this new release from Toranaga UK.
Toranaga (nowadays with UK affixed) began their Metal onslaught back in the prime days of Thrash: yes, the 1980s. They were reasonably successful: records with Peaceville and Chrysalis, tours with big names. Sadly, the band folded – but they’re back now, and seemingly stronger than ever.
Witness the opening track here, ‘Desecration’. Commencing with a fiery lead, the full force riff soon barges in. It’s fast, it gets faster, a thundering runaway locomotive kept under strict rhythmic control. Track 2, ‘A New Order’, has a disarming melodic intro, before the crunching, super solid riff bludgeons its way in.
This EP delivers Thrash in the classic sense, straight out of the 80s heyday. But Toranaga UK also sound totally contemporary: the production is flawless; the arrangements are just as thrilling as anyhting else out there right now. ‘The Shrine’ and ‘Sword of Damacles’ complete this EP with power and authenticity.
All in all, this “A New Order” EP is a classy offering. Superb, katana-sharp musicianship (the vocals are awesome) and masterful composition, the only crime here is that the audience needs a full album. Toranaga UK are everything that Thrash could and should be – don’t miss out on them this time around.
This is a tough review to write. It’s tough, because I need to write around 400 words about this release – but all I need to say, really, is something like “do not miss this awesome new album by Master Charger, it’s great”. There’s nothing else that needs to be said. So, let’s see if I can pad that out for another few hundred words, shall we?
Yes indeed, the new release from Midlands, UK based Doom Lords, the one and only Master Charger. I’ve been anxiously waiting for this to drop, as I became a convert to their cause when I saw these filth hounds live at Pentre Fest a while back. Superb band. An unholy amalgamation of Sludgey Doom and fuzzy Stoner with a heart-warming affection for Blues based Rock’n’Roll, I’m proud to wear the T-shirt and be an advocate for this three-piece from hell.
We start with the rumbling, echoey drums of ‘Thy Kingdom Polluted’, which is quickly adorned by dirty, fuzzy guitars and trippy wah-wah lead. The riifs have groove and it’s easy to get dragged along and nod that head. ‘Only My Eyes See, Empires Rust’ follows this with a colossal doom riff that fries your brain, then it’s off on a ten minute plus odyssey with the title track. Passing through different sections, this monster is the evil offspring of Sabbath and Cathedral.
After all that full on Doom Metal savagery, even I could do with a little break. And that respite is gifted to us in the form of ‘Fallen Angel Painted Doll’, an instrumental track that begins with some quite beautiful acoustic guitar. Starting just like those genius Tony Iommi mellow moments on the early Sabbath albums, though this grows into full band folky ramble complete with harmonica. Perfect.
Before long we’re back in real business though: ‘When Hell Rode In’ and ‘Head Into The Sun’ sound like a Satanic ZZ Top jamming Venom songs. Freaky acid tipped wah-wah heralds the start of ‘The Awakening’, which grows into another filthy groover. ‘Mass Produced Mass Destroyed’ keeps on bringing the heavy, a brutal track that conjures ideas of both legendary Black bands, Sabbath and Flag.
Finally, ‘Upon Roads Less Travelled’ cools things down – a short but classy instrumental that is the calm after the storm. “Posthumous Resurrection” reaches its finale, and what a ride it’s been. Visceral, muscley Doom Metal with outrageous riffs, thoughtfully composed variations – all the promises are delivered on, tenfold. The only slight issue here is the lack of a vinyl release, which is patently criminal with an album this good. But Master Charger have given us a killer album – another one for the end of year Best Of list. Go buy it, NOW.
There you go, over 500 words – no problem. Reviews are easy when the music is this good.
As is now tradition here at Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub, our first post of the New Year will recap the most popular blog posts of the last twelve months. This Top Ten covers all of the articles posted during 2025 – from day one to the very last – to give an idea of what you, the reader, has enjoyed most:
A school trip in 1990 brought this item into my possession. But is it a genuine piece of European history, or some concrete with paint on it? Read and decide for yourself…
Another skate post, this one a look at my then-new deck and set up. Documented to preserve the memory of how it once looked! This Devil Woman graphic is a bit saucy and very cool.
The only album review to make the Top Ten, this mighty Hard Rock/Metal album by British band Black Project made some fine noise. Also featured on the Ever Metal website.
A two day festival celebrating the joys of Doom Metal, North West Doom Fest was a fantastic event. This review of the second day, featuring bands from all over, made a healthy showing in the end of year figures.
Our family trip to Disneyland Paris in August 2024 made a big splash at number 4. A magical experience, not to be repeated – Star Tours was, of course, the highlight.
The first day of this amazing Doom Metal festival in Chester certainly pulled in the punters. Loads of awesome bands, great music – I’m looking forward to this years event already!
Well, whaddya know?! Storming in at number 2 on this prestigious list, my review of this local band has proved popular, much like their excellent set. Hope to catch them again soon.
Which leaves us with our top performing blog post of 2025. The one with the most visits since publishing, the one that’s fired up the internet and brought the world wide web to the Virtual Hot tub. But what could it be?
Well I said Comic Cons always do well, didn’t I?! What else could it be than Day one of my visit to Liverpool Comic Con, which included a whole bunch of Cosplay photos too. A great day out, highly recommended!
2025 was an incredibly successful year for the Virtual Hot Tub. We saw the highest number of visitors for years (2016, to be precise). Sometimes I wonder why I bother writing this trove of random nonsense, but last year showed me that it’s worthwhile. We have an audience, and you guys love it just as much as we do.
Thanks for reading Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub. There’s no place else like it!
Platinum Al's Virtual Hot Tub 