Mick Birchall Reviews

  What do you think of when you hear the band name, Kontrust ? Fun, heavy… lederhosen? Well, I always think of incredibly inventive music with a twist of insanity. So, it’s been nine years since we last had new music from the Austrian cross-over metal heavyweights. So far this year we have been exposed to new music from Kontrust with two new singles, thus far, and the announcement of their long-awaited fifth studio album Madworld (scheduled for release on 3rd November 2023). I was so happy to have the opportunity to sit down with Manuel Haglmüller and Julia Ivanova to discuss the upcoming album and the latest singles!  Mick: Well, it’s been nine years since the last album ( Explosive , 2014). I think we’re all looking forward to the new album. I just wanted to ask what the catalyst was for coming out with new material after a break from writing. Manuel: I think there’s a misconception that this is a “comeback” of sorts. But the reality is that we’ve never been gone. We have...

Photo Credit: Mark Powell It's been a hot minute since I set foot in the hallowed grounds of the Academy in Liverpool. The home of many good nights out. I knew going into this that this was going to be a great night of music from simply standing in the queue waiting to be let in. The patrons were so ready for the gig that excitement filled the atmosphere. I grew up on country music and southern rock. So I was looking forward to this one. I've recently had a crash course in the music of Robert Jon and The Wreck . Their music is something that I would have adored as a kid, which colours them in a positive light. Their most recent album, Ride In To the Light is a brilliant album, filled with passion and emotion. All-encompassed with that hard rock edge that puts it over the top! So, going into this show I had high hopes for sure. As the venue filled the anticipation was apparent. I always love this moment before a gig starts. People are fresh and the excitement is about ready for...