We don’t post album “reviews” but we do play a lot of new releases on the Friday NI Rocks Show each week. These are some of the albums released this month that we’ve featured tracks from over the past few months; or are likely to feature over the next few weeks. This month we focus on releases from the Kris Barras Band, Steelover, Kickin’ Valentina and Kamelot.

KRIS BARRAS BAND – “Monsters We Made” – Earache 14^th Aug

“Monsters We Made” is the sixth album from the Kris Barras Band in ten years; and unfortunately, potentially their last, given a recent announcement. I’d pre-ordered the signed orange merge vinyl edition.

There was a special promo feature with Kris talking about the release on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 14^th Aug. This included the track “Beautiful Lie”. Previously the track “All Falls Down” featured on the Show in February, followed by “Riot of One” in May and “Monsters We Made” on 17^th July.

Website - https://www.krisbarrasband.com/

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STEELOVER – “Devil’s Highway” – Escape 21^st Aug

This is the second album to be released by Steelover on the Escape Music label since they reformed in 2016. The Belgian band had toured Europe in the 80’s and released an album called “Glove Me” in 1984 before splitting in 1986. The current line-up included the original vocalist, guitarist and bass player.

The track “Out of a Living Hell” was included on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 28^th August, followed by “Chains of Love” on 18^th Sept.

Website - https://steelover.band/

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KICKIN’ VALENTICA – “Anthems from the Underground” – Mighty Music 28^th  Aug

I’ve been a big fan of American band Kickin’ Valentina since I was sent their self-titled debut EP in 2014 and they have been a regular feature on the Shows ever since. “Anthem of the Underground” is their fifth studio album and all have been released through Mighty Music.

The track “Rock n Roll Casualty” has featured on the Friday NI Rocks Show twice – in June and again 28^th August – whilst “Don’t Be Mad” was included on the Show in July.

Website - https://kickinvalentina.com/

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KAMELOT – “Dark Asylum” – Napalm Records 28^th Aug

“Dark Asylum” is the fourteenth studio album from American power metal icons Kamelot. The band formed in 1987 but didn’t release their debut album until 1995. Guitarist Thomas Youngblood is the only original member, but this is the fifth studio album for singer Tommy Karevik.

The track “Ashen World” featuring Ignacia Fernandez was included on the Friday NI Rocks Show in July, followed by “Godlike Alchemy” on 31^st July and “Sanctuary” featuring Clementine Delauney and Ignacia Fernandez on 28^th August.

Website - https://www.kamelot.com/