It looks like 2015 is going to be a stellar year for local rock bands. We have new albums coming out from the leading names on the local scene, with The Answer’s new album just released and the second album from The Screaming Eagles due in a few months. In addition, Million Dollar Reload and Stormzone are amongst those who have been busy in the studio. At the heavier end of the scene, Sinocence are leading the pack with the release of “No God, No Masters Vol 2” this month. First out of the door though was the fantastic new release from Trucker Diablo entitled “Rise Above The Noise”. I’ll avoid the obvious opportunities that the album title offers, but let’s just say that Trucker Diablo have set the bar extremely high for those that follow them this year.
Read more: NI ROCKS Recommends "Rise Above The Noise" by TRUCKER DIABLO
Yes, Sinocence have written some outstanding material in the past, but 'No Gods, No Masters Vol 2' is a peerless
Read more: EP REVIEW: Dynamic Sinocence deliver majesty and power on No Gods, No Masters Vol 2
Europe returned to Belfast this week to play their first gig there in over 25 years. The current tour with co-headliners Black Star Riders kicked off in Dublin before hitting Belfast the following night on 3rd March. Both bands have just released new albums, with Black Star Riders promoting their second album “The Killer Instinct” whilst Europe opened their performance with two tracks from “War of Kings”.
Read more: NI ROCKS Videos of EUROPE & BLACK STAR RIDERS in The Ulster Hall
Halestorm played their first ever gigs in Dublin and Belfast recently as part of the tour supporting their new album “Into The Wild Life” which is released in the UK on 13th April (EU 10th and N America 14th April). I recorded five tracks when Halestorm played the Limelight in Belfast on 28th February.
Read more: NI ROCKS Videos of HALESTORM in The Limelight, Belfast