I posted an interview with American band Shallow Side in January 2017 just after the release of their third EP. The band has now released their debut album called “Origins”, through Thermal Entertainment on 13th July. The album title is actually very appropriate as the album contains nine tracks that have been released previously, along with two acoustic versions. Shallow Side plan to release a studio album of new material later this year. “Crutch” for which a video was released back in 2011 will be included on the Friday NI Rocks Show this week – 20th July.
“Ecstasy” is the sixth studio album from German band Kissin’ Dynamite and it was released on 6th July by Metal Blade Records. The band formed in 2006 and this is their first release since their recent move from AFM to Metal Blade Records. “Ecstasy” is an excellent first outing with their new label. The title track which was released as a single in May features Anna Brunner from Exit Eden on vocals. I included the first single “I’ve Got The Fire” on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 25th May and the latest single “You’re Not Alone” on 29th June.
“First Blood” is the debut release from Germany-based band Glanville. The five track EP was released by Fat & Holy Records on CD and vinyl on 6th July, having previously being released digitally on 4th May. Glanville are a hard rock band who formed in Germany, but which has a multi-national line-up featuring members who have played in a number of other bands. The single “God Is Dead” is included on the Friday NI Rocks Show this week – 13th July.
“Cultural Daze” is the debut release from the melodic rock band Von Baltzer, which features English singer Ian Parry. The album was released on 29th June by AOR Heaven. Other than Parry, those involved with the album and the band are mainly Swedish, and the album has a definite 80’s / 90’s melodic rock influence. I included the opening track “All Night Long” on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 6th July.
Read more: NI ROCKS Recommends "Cultural Daze" by VON BALTZER