_{“Released” is the latest album from French rockers BlackRain and it was sent to us recently by their label UDR Music. It was actually released on 25th March, but I felt it would be an injustice to let it go without posting a recommendation as it really is an album worth checking out. The first single from the album was the track “Back In Town”, which was included on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 6th May.}

THEY have emerged as one of the hottest metal acts in Northern Ireland, combining groove, and Satan plus a mischievous sense of humour - they are Zlatanera.

In this interview we learn how they got their name, and how the song 'Idle Hand Sataniser' came about. It was recorded after the band had blasted out a great set in support of NOLA legends Corrosion of Conformity. (You can read the review

THIS weekend sees a clatter of good shows to tempt you away from your hearth and avoid the wall-to-wall election coverage.

We do hope that actually do vote (if you don't somebody else vote counts more) but once you've exercised your democratic rights you'll need a wee rest, so head up to the Eglantine to see Scimitar, The Crawling, and Shrouded - it's free event, but steady on before you get too ripped up.

That's because