Aleksha McLoughlin

Striking whilst the iron’s hot – Cirith Ungol capitalise masterfully with Half Past Human, an EP for the ages.  There was much speculation that arose around Cirith Ungol when the band announced what would have been their first album in over 30 years, with 2020’s Forever Black. Well, far be it from them to cease whilst the wheels are greased, as just a year later, and Ungol … [Read more...] about Cirith Ungol: Half Past Human – EP Review

Thrash metal’s unsung heroes, Sacred Oath, come back to battle with the beasts on their latest record, Return of the Dragon.  Sacred Oath are a band that, I feel, has never received the kind of attention they deserved. You would be mistaken for believing that this thrash metal band is from more recent times if the consistency of their output in the past decade is anything to … [Read more...] about Sacred Oath: Return of the Dragon – Review

Swedish heavy metallers Enforcer are immortalised through this fantastic recording of their iconic Mexico City show.Live records in music are nothing new but now, perhaps more than ever due to concerts and festivals being gone for an entire year, does seem like they are needed. Enforcer released their first iteration of Live by Fire all the way back in 2015, with the band … [Read more...] about Enforcer: Live By Fire 2 – Album Review

Black Honey, one of the UK’s most varied rock bands, refuse to be tied down on their second record, 'Written & Directed'. The thing that grabbed me right away with Black Honey’s newest release was the distinctive reference to one of cinema’s greatest auteurs, Quentin Tarantino. One can speculate over the title of the record, a clear homage to the movies, though there is … [Read more...] about Black Honey: Written & Directed – Review

The New Yorkers have enlisted the help of vocalist Jaiko Suzuki to bring a new dimension to the band’s electronic eccentricity. The album artwork and title of the new Mother of Mars album are indicative of a primal nature; something that is accurately reflected in the beginning of Durga & Demon, with its pounding drums that give off an earthy and rough nature. The extent … [Read more...] about Mother of Mars: I Hear – Album Review

Melbourne psych-rockers King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard complete their double album in stellar fashion with the playful and energetic sound of L.W. Let’s face it, with a name that brilliant, you know something equally cool is waiting once you press that play button. Name aside, King Gizzard have established themselves as one of Australia’s greatest rock and roll bands … [Read more...] about King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard: L.W. – Review