Author: The Anarchist
Liquid Rooms Edinburgh 8th August 2026 Review & Photography by Gavin Lowrey Queensrÿche’s Legacy: Operation Mindcrime If there’s an album that encapsulates a band’s identity and an era, it must be Queensrÿche’s *Operation Mindcrime*. Released in 1990, this concept album stands shoulder to shoulder with classics like The Who’s *Tommy* and Pink Floyd’s *Dark Side of the Moon*. It propelled the band into the limelight, reaching a broader audience. With themes of political corruption, manipulation, and murder, the narrative resonates strongly today, particularly in the contemporary political landscape. It’s fitting that Geoff Tate, the original lead vocalist and primary composer,…
Geddy Lee Reflects on Neil Peart’s Spirit During Recent Tour The Opening Night Experience In a captivating interview, Geddy Lee, the renowned vocalist and bassist of the iconic rock band Rush, shared an emotionally charged moment from the opening night of their latest tour. He described an experience that felt both eerie and uplifting, as he sensed the presence of the late drummer Neil Peart. A “Spooky” Encounter During the interview, Lee recounted a peculiar bird encounter that he interpreted as a sign of Peart’s enduring spirit. He emphasized how the atmosphere felt charged with nostalgia and reverence, making the…
Neil Young has officially announced the upcoming release of his latest album, Second Song. This album marks his second collaboration with the band the Chrome Hearts and serves as his first release since Talkin to the Trees, which debuted in 2025. The Chrome Hearts ensemble includes drummer Anthony LeGerfo, bassist Corey McCormick, guitarist Micah Nelson, and keyboardist Spooner Oldham. The highly anticipated LP is set to drop on September 18. Recording and Production Details Second Song was recorded using analog equipment at the renowned Shangri-La Studios in Malibu. It was produced by Lou Adler, alongside Neil Young and Niko Bolas,…
Death Metal Bands Whose Debut Albums Are Their Best In the world of death metal, certain bands have managed to create a lasting impact with their debut albums, delivering a sound that resonates with fans and defines their legacy. This article explores 13 death metal bands that not only nailed their debut but also established themselves as titans of the genre. While their subsequent albums may have been solid or even exceptional, it’s their first effort that stands as the pinnacle of their artistic expression. The Magic of Debut Albums Debut albums often carry an energy that is raw and…
Geddy Lee on Rush’s Musical Future The Context of Rush’s Hiatus In a candid interview, Geddy Lee, the iconic singer and bassist of Rush, shared insights into the band’s current stance on creating new music. Following a lengthy 11-year hiatus, Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson reunited to embark on a new chapter in their musical journey, but they are acutely aware of the limited time left for the band. Rehearsals and the Challenge of New Beginnings As Rush prepared for their return, they brought on new drummer Anika Nilles and keyboardist Loren Gold. Lee emphasized the intense effort that went…
Jake Olde Discusses His Transformation from Oni to O.N.I. On August 9, Jake Olde made an appearance on Loudwire Nights and delved into his personal and musical evolution, transitioning from his previous band, Oni, to his new project, O.N.I. This candid conversation revealed the deep introspection that has characterized his journey. A Journey of Self-Discovery Olde shared with host Chuck Armstrong the extensive self-reflection he has been undertaking. “I’ve been really trying to do a lot of shadow work in terms of finding out who I am,” he explained. For him, this process is profoundly real and essential, stemming from…
Miljenko Matijevic Unveils New Project with Niclas Engelin: DEATH TO LOVE Collaboration with a Vision In a recent conversation with Laughing Monkey With Shawn Ratches, STEELHEART frontman Miljenko Matijevic shared insights into his latest musical endeavor alongside Swedish guitarist Niclas Engelin. Known for his work with IN FLAMES and THE HALO EFFECT, Engelin has partnered with Matijevic to create a sound that diverges from traditional rock. A Unique Sound Matijevic expressed his desire to explore a different musical direction, stating, “I had this vision I was gonna do something really different instead of the rock world, something really heavy.” After…
Fendi Efendi Releases Debut Single: ‘Don’t Play With Fire’ Overview of the Release Out today, August 7th, ‘Don’t Play With Fire’ marks the debut single from rising artist, Fendi Efendi. Fans can now stream and download ‘Don’t Play With Fire’ from various platforms. A Unique Cultural Background Hailing from Java, Indonesia, Fendi Efendi has transitioned into life as a Dutch citizen based in the Netherlands. This shift has significantly influenced his musical style, blending the rich cultural tapestry of Indonesia with the more pragmatic ethos of Europe. Growing up in a culture where the mystical often intertwined with the mundane,…
Holding Absence Delays New Album Release Due to Manufacturing Issues New Release Date Announced Holding Absence’s highly anticipated fourth album, Modern Life Is Lonely, has been postponed by several weeks due to unforeseen manufacturing issues with its physical editions. The band revealed that the album, initially set to launch on August 28, will now be available on September 18. Official Statement from the Band In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, Holding Absence expressed their regret over the delay. They stated, “We’re very sorry to share that, due to delays in the manufacturing process, our new album, Modern Life Is…
Celebrating 22 Years of Decibel Magazine A Bold Beginning in Uncertain Times In August 2004, the first issue of Decibel Magazine emerged from Philadelphia, marking the start of an audacious journey amid a tumultuous music landscape. At that time, the industry was grappling with a significant shift from physical to digital formats, while print media was on the brink of being eclipsed by the rise of social media platforms. Despite having some experience in publishing, the team behind Decibel had never ventured into the realm of commercial newsstand publications. With limited resources but boundless determination, they forged ahead, laying the…
