A right royal ripper. [16 Sep 2017, p.51]

A typically obdurate outing from an always captivating contributor. [15 Apr 2017, p.52]

Ghostemane knows who he is. That he expresses himself this articulately without giving too much of that away is in itself testament to his esoteric skills.

Essential? For completists. Worth hearing? Absolutely. [7 Nov 2015, p.50]

By showcasing progressive metal in its truest, multi-dimensional form, it strides triumphant. [12 Nov 2011, p.54]

This is what Blue Pills do best, daring to imagine what it would have been like if Aretha Franklin fronted Deep Purple in a cosmic blur of crackling fuzz and feel-good soul. [20 Aug 2016, p.67]

Another startling offering, then, from one of the most consistently perfect bands in post-rock. [1 Sep 2012, p.51]

Only Dust Remains is a brave, powerful and uncompromising album that holds nothing back, either in terms of Ashanti’s own life, or her views about what’s happening outside it. Yet bleak and dark as it is, there’s nevertheless hope to be found here.

Several bold steps forward, while looking back over one shoulder. [27 May 2017, p.50]

Standards is a total success. [30 Apr 2016, p.68]

This is one of the finest pure punk releases of the year. [ 30 Jun 2012, p.54]

At 72 minutes, it's quite the voyage--but please, don't remain in your seat at all times. [6 Oct 2012, p.53]

As well as being excellent, Local Honey is evidence that the man himself is able to adjust his songwriting to his circumstances without compromising in its quality. It all makes for a seriously sweet listen that reaffirms the Jersey boy as a storyteller and songwriter par excellence.

Karnivool have made a record to enjoy as much as admire. [20 Jul 2013, p.54]

Katakana builds from scratchy verses to a drilling riff, Missile Command boasts an undulating Sergio Vega bassline par excellence and album closer Rodan summons an oversized riff worthy of its kaiju namesake. Yet so often it’s the little surprises, the achingly cool flourishes, that impress here.

From gritty social commentary to '80s metal cheese and retro-futuristic space rock, this is an album that sees Ghost spreading their dark wings. [2 Jun 2018, p.53]

Surging with reckless punk spirit and swooning romanticism, there's no fear of Beach Slang losing momentum after break-up rumours earlier this year. You might consider the album title ironic since the trio are far on the other side of 19, but perhaps that's its beauty. [24 Sep 2016, p.52]

At it’s core, it’s an endearing celebration of friendship and life’s small joys. Contrary to Dune Rats’ self-deprecating quip, this record doesn’t suck at all, but turn it up anyway.

Musically, Requiem is heavy but not stodgy, fresh but familiar, and accessible without ever feeling forced. Its wisest creative decision, though, is keeping things lean and mean. At just nine tracks, there are few moments that feel anything less than essential.

Every note and drumbeat speaks of friends enjoying the freedom to do whatever they damn well want, in the company of musicians and composers whose talents bring out the best in each other. Even amongst such impressive back catalogues, Killer Be Killed have crafted a record which absolutely destroys in its own right.

With Tony’s smooth voice the perfect accompaniment to all of this, Genghis Tron Version 2.0 makes for one of the most exciting returns to action in recent years, and with Dream Weapon they have only cemented their enviable legacy.

Their best record yet. [21 Mar 2015, p.54]

A reminder of how fun music can be. Sure, it’s not as joyous as Morbid Stuff, but for a stopgap to keep fans going in these bewildering times, it does the job nicely.

It’s a good album, though not an Opeth classic. It occasionally meanders and feels in need of a few more truly golden moments to tie its various eccentricities together into a brilliant whole.

Compounding shades of this all-encompassing bleakness and newfound furore to an already formidable plateau of emo, indie and shoegaze could just about make it mewithoutYou's finest work to date. [20 Oct 2018, p.55]

They might not always move in straight lines, but as odd as Spielbergs can sometimes seem, they're also capable of great things with whatever they fancy turning their hands to. [2 Feb 2019, p.55]

As much of Go Now And Live proves, these days they've embraced a more mainstream, hook-fuelled sensibility. It's one that works well, but there are problems. [23 Apr 2011, p.50]

The results are much as you'd expect, with crazy lyrics and the occasional brilliant riff. [21 Oct 2017, p.52]