NINE times have Korpiklaani dipped into the folk metal well, sometimes with mixed results. And, after what was a relatively disappointing performance in Belfast last year we approached that ninth release with some trepidation.

But 'Noita' turns out to be one of their most impressive releases. Compositions all work, arrangements are well thought out, and the pacing of the album is peerless.

IN 1990, at a time when metal was giving way to grunge, two fresh-faced blonde fellas burst onto the scene with a little number you might well have heard of. You couldn't pick up a best-of-ballads rock album without finding '(I Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection' somewhere on there.

_{Local band Sons of Sin release their EP “Rebelations” on 4th May. Anyone who listens to the NI Rocks Shows on Rock Radio NI regularly will have heard me play the tracks “Whore of Babylon” and “The Dream” on a fairly regular basis over the last couple of years. “The Dream” had been released as a single and was available on iTunes. The new EP has been available for pre-order on iTunes for a few weeks ahead of its release.}