Mick Birchall Reviews

Wow. I never thought we would be here again. A new Linkin Park album. Earlier this year we were introduced to the all new version of the band. Like many of you, I grew up on the original albums, Hybrid Theory , Meteora and Minutes To Midnight . I remember loving their music but I dropped off of them ultimately as I was introduced to more and more music that deviated me from that sound. So it’s been a good 10 years since I really listened to a full Linkin Park record and then with the tragic loss of lead singer, Chester Bennington, I thought that would be it. They were a legacy act and one that would remain as a shining beacon of nostalgia. So yeah, when Mike Shinoda announced that not only would the band be returning with a new line up, there would also be new music coming with it. I was apprehensive but excited all at the same time. The new lineup performing on the record consists of returning members: Shinoda, Dave Farrell, Brad Delson and Joe Hahn. However, this record would have ...

Some bands take a while between releases while others go all-out guns ablaze. The latter applies to the fierce Italian power-metal act, Frozen Crown . Since their inception seven years ago they’ve already pumped out four records and this year 2024 they’re coming out with their fifth album, War Hearts —the sheer work ethic to keep putting out consistent music while on the road on multiple tours. You can just feel their passion for the metal world come through in their music. It also takes a lot to make music within the same genre feel fresh and new, but they’ve certainly found a way. This new record has been an exciting addition to my year with forceful music and passionate, emotive lyrics all simmered down to a tight 41 minutes and 16 seconds. Ten songs that are filled to the brim with epic tones, blistering riffs and captivating performances from all involved. I have to say as someone who has listened to a lot of power metal and has run the gambit of its highs and lows. This is a gre...

Long-time readers of this blog will know that I’m no stranger to the southern rock outfit, The Outlaw Orchestra . I have spoken about them on this blog, from album reviews, to gig reports to interviews . I have always had an affinity for their music. Their unique blend of rock, bluegrass, and country has always caught my ear the right way. You’d think I’d be running out of things to write. Nope, not by a long shot! Their new album La Familia is another stepping stone for them and I’ve had the chance to listen to it, yeah I like it that should be a surprise. I think what makes this band work so well is their sheer insistence on making this concept work. It somehow feels rough and dirty yet clean and polished simultaneously. There’s something so simple and charming about this record. Like all of their music, they managed to have this down-to-earth relatability that lets the listener gravitate to their lyrics, while still enjoying some of the lighter tracks for what they are. There’s a c...

I’ve been in love with the sound of country and southern rock since I was a small boy. So, I’m always on the hunt for that next sound that brings back that sense of nostalgia. There’s like the dulcet tones, the southern drawl and the heartfelt lyrics that just brings that sense of comfort for me. This year has given me some great records and another one to add to the collection is this record. I first came across The Georgia Thunderbolts from a recommendation. Their new single “Rise Above It All” had just dropped and I was immediately in love with this sound. I quickly learned that this single was building up to the release of their new album of the same title, Rise Above It All . This is their sophomore release acting as the follow-up to their 2021 album, Can We Get A Witness . I took a listen to all of their music, including their EPs and fell into a bit of a rabbit hole. They have all of the soul of the outlaw country but beefed up with hard rock elements that would make the most s...

You know, sometimes I find bands in the weirdest of ways. Ways that start month-long obsessions with music. It’s always bands that are nowhere near me here in the UK. For the longest time, I have loved southern rock, country or anything that vaguely reminds me of the style and genre. As far as music goes it was my first love and one that I have never and will never let go. That brings me to this band, Old Heavy Hands . The five-piece rock band hailing from North Carolina has captured my imagination this year. I found them while scrolling through the new “samples” feature on YouTube Music. I quickly looked them up and found they had a new record, Small Fires . It hit me right in my soul, the first few songs played and I completely fell in love with the sound. Imagine the soul of Shooter Jennings mixed with the raw style of Drive-By Truckers and you’re somewhat imagining their sound. This new album ventures more into the rock territory of their sound but certainly has that good ol'...

There are a bunch of bands that I would define as throwback bands. Bands that try to evoke the same rock ‘n’ roll philosophy, style and production as that decades past. Some come off as completely derivative of the genre stereotypes and never break out into their own identities. Then you have bands like The Commoners , which I feel have some real legs. Not only do they successfully capture that spirit of the classic rock era, but they modernise it in such a spectacular way. By levelling up the quality in production and writing with genre-fluidity. The super clean and punchy production that shines on record, streaming or wherever you listen to music. This is my introduction to them and may I say, what an introduction. This new record Restless is filled to the brim with golden vocals, beautiful instrumentation and quality writing. It really is the kind of music that makes you want to stand up and pay attention.  So, who are they? The Commoners hail from Toronto, Canada and comprise ...

I’ll tell you what. Ever since I saw them live at the tail-end of last year ( full blog here ), I have become a pretty fan of Robert Jon and The Wreck . Their Southern rock style is something that spoke to me on a personal level. Growing up loving country and rock music and developing a love for any band that mixes the two genres, it’s no wonder that the Californian rockers have grabbed my imagination as much as they have. It’s honestly a wonder why I didn’t know about them until late 2023. Anyway, I’ve had the opportunity to listen to their new album Red Moon Rising and, well, it’s damn good. It has fantastic production, stellar songwriting, poetic lyrics and an overall joy to listen to. This album is a slight departure from their normal sound, though it is still recognisably theirs. I would say this is more of an evolution of their sound than an actual deviation. Their blues-infused rock ‘n’ roll styling still shines through on this one and has a healthy dose of countrified energy t...

It’s funny how far the Japanese metal band Bridear have come in the last few years. Ever since they exploded onto the scene in 2016 they have been by far one of the most consistent and electrifying bands that I've had the pleasure of listening to. Granted, I didn’t get on this hype train until their 2021 album Bloody Bride , yet ever since I have been a firm fan of their work. Their mix of power metal and classic metal stylings has gripped me so intensely. As a British metal fan, I’ve grown up with many of the classic standards for heavy metal. So I can tell you that Bridear fits quite well into the category of bands that remind me of; older metal bands but somehow are a new take on the genre at the same time! This album Born Again is their follow-up to the highly acclaimed Age of Athena and this one is another notch in the proverbial bed-post. It's a rip-roaring album that hits all its high points with energy and commands the metal world’s attention.  The album opens with th...

It’s fair to say I’m walking into this review with the slightest amount of bias. I discovered Liverpool rockers, Attic Theory on one of the best nights of my fandom. They opened for my all-time favourite band, Tantric in Manchester so, in all honesty, they could have been the worst band in history and I still would’ve had a great night. Luckily, they’re pretty damn good and put on an absolute belter of a live show. So, naturally, I kept tabs on them and stayed in touch with them as they seemed to be an interesting group of people with a voice. I liked their 2020 EP The Sign of an Active Mind and I was eagerly awaiting their upcoming album. So, when I got an early copy of the record I knew it was one to go on my playlist and was going to be one to look out for! The new album What We Fear the Most has been an album is an absolute joy to listen to. As a lifelong fan of the genre, this was a real treat. If you’re into early 2000s post-grunge alt-rock, then I have the album for you, dear...

Some combinations in music just go together so seamlessly. Certain subjects match certain tones so well. I think that the subject of swords, sorcery and medieval knights blend so well with symphonic and progressive rock. Something about the folky yet grandiose sounds of the genre matches the setting so well. I’ll tell you something, there are so many bands and artists out there that are so imaginative and creative when it comes to this. When I first came across the band Knightfall , the latest project from Keith Dombrowski and is something that is completely within my taste of music. I love this high-concept heavy metal that allows for imaginative ideas to flow and you, as the listener, can just take in the lyrics and music combined and just become lost in the sound. The album Destiny Calling is a fun and engaging album with lots of interesting concepts, ideas and themes that I have been enjoying. It’s been an album that I’ve been able to put on and go and walk through my local park a...

It was a good few years since I discovered the amazing sound of the Australian rock heavyweights, The Neptune Power Federation . I remember first hearing their music in 2019 with their album, Memoirs of a Rat Queen and just being completely blown away by their sound. The precise riffs, the eclectic influences, the gut-busting solos, everything just works in their sound. I guarantee that if you like that 70’s style hard rock or the new wave of British heavy metal sound, then this band really do have something for you. I have been keen to listen to them over and over, whenever I’m out for a walk their music is usually one of the first things I think to listen to. So you bet I was super excited to know that they would be releasing a new album, Goodnight My Children in 2024. Now that their sixth album is out and I’ve had the chance to listen to it I thought I would put my thoughts out there. The album is mostly your standard rock fare with a healthy dose of grandiosity. I think this albu...

There aren’t many things in life that get me quite as hyped as a new album from one of my favourite bands. So it brings me great pleasure that we’re getting a new record from Sonata Arctica . A band that I’ve held very dearly to my heart for a long time. Their amazing blend of overly-bombastic richness and intense power metal usually results in a masterclass of the genre. So, now that my expectations are through the roof, let’s allow the Finnish power metal titans blow my mind once again. Clear Cold Beyond is just simply that damn good. No, I’m not just saying that and this is not bias. This is absolutely a gripping and mesmerising record filled to the brim with music that will make anybody’s head explode. Not only do I think this album is great, I think this may be the best Sonata Arctica album in the last 10 years, and that’s saying something! The album opens up as it means to go on. It seems like the band have made it clear they wanted to do one thing, and one thing only… Go fast. ...

It’s been a hot minute since I have talked about South African blues star, Dan Patlansky . He’s always been one of those artists that has lingered in my music collection and I have so much respect for the man. I first caught wind of him with his 2014 album, Dear Silence Thieves and since then I listen to his records here and there. The last time I spoke at length about him was when he opened for guitar legend Joe Satriani . So yeah, it’s been a fair few years. Well, it appears, Dan is back with a new record in 2024 and I have an an early chance to listen to it. The new album is titled, Movin’ On . This album is completely blues in all the best ways: deep, personal and introspective. An exploration of Patlansky’s moods, emotions and filled to the brim anecdotal poetry. The album flickers back and forth between soulful beauty and gritty, harsh old school blues, in all the best ways. If you like loud fuzz rock and noodling guitar solos then this is certainly the album for you! I think wh...

Infected Rain is one of those bands that I have always admired, ever since I discovered them. However, for some reason, I’ve not talked about them on the blog. They’re one of those bands that I don’t feel get the love they truly deserve and I have no idea why. They’re an extremely competent metal act that dances in between hardcore punk, metalcore and nu-metal. They way their music is delivered is always something special and something that gets me slam dancing in my living room. I discovered them via their second album Embrace Eternity and ever since I have been a fan of some sorts. This new album Time is their sixth studio album and I think this album has the tough job of following up their critically-acclaimed Ecdysis but I think this one will hit even harder. Once again produced by Valentin Voluta, Time delivers on the heavy in an all new way. The big difference on this record is the band now being armed with their new bassist, Alice Lane. She joins the band bringing a whole ne...

Well, here we go 2024 and already this year has lay a golden egg right out of the gates. Exit Eden are heading into a brand new chapter with all new music and a new album, Femmes Fatales . Filled with six original songs and additionally they’ve taken six beloved classic tunes and given them an Exit Eden style makeover. This album was a treat to listen to. It’s amazing to hear the joint talent of Clémentine Delauney (from Visions of Atlantis ), Anna Brunner (from League of Distortion ) and Marina La Torraca (from Phantom Elite ). Their voices blend so well together and their combined might hit you, the listener so hard. Also, if you the production ability of Anna Brunner and Hannes Braun  ( Kissin’ Dynamite ) and the mastering from Jacob Hansen (who has worked with Delain , Amaranthe , Volbeat , Destruction and many more) you can tell, this was a bit of a dream team to create this record. I’ll start with the cover songs. I think they were fairly well chosen covers. Big dr...

2023 has been a crazy year for me. My life has not been the most exciting but this is a music blog and the music has been amazing this year! I’ve got myself to a bunch of gigs, even getting to do a whopping three gigs in other countries. I know that’s not a lot for some people, but for me it was huge! I’ll get to those later in the blog. It was a year of new discoveries, rediscovered favourites and all new experiences. Whether it be my brain melting when I found out about Villagers of Ioannina City , the maddening catchiness of Kontrust or infectious charisma that Project Renegade exude. It’s been a wild year. Also, it’s been a decent year for the blog. Though I haven’t cranked out as many posts as I would have liked, I think I’ve still put out some good content for you, my fantastic readers. Plenty of reviews and interviews for the year. It’s also been a year where I have made a bunch of new contacts that I hope will allow me to give you more interesting content. It’s been 12 years...