_{It’d be fair to say that 2017 witnessed a few changes in the Thundermother camp. Four of the five members left and were replaced by three new members, with guitarist and founder Filippa Nässil seemingly being the only stabilising factor. However, musically the band hardly missed a step, heading out on tour within weeks, playing some great festivals and then heading into the studio to record the band’s third album. Their excellent, self-titled album is released through Despotz Records on 23rd February. I included the single ‘Fire in the Rain’ on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 9th February and the band have just released a video for the track “Whatever” which is on the Show this week.}

_{“Cheated Death” is the fifth album from American band Against The Grain, but their first with Ripple Music, and it was released on 9th February. As I’ve said before, I’m not a big fan of genre labels being assigned to bands, and it seems Against The Grain might be of the same mind as the music ‘press’ seem to have problems labelling them. I’m sure someone will come up with a label to cover a hybrid of speed-metal, punk, rock, doom and thrash! On their Facebook page the band refer to it as “gear-shifting rock ‘n’ roll”. Whatever you want to call it, I like it! The title track “Cheated Death” was included on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 2nd February.}

_{“Conqueror’s Oath” is the second album from American metal band Visigoth and it was released on 9th February through Metal Blade Records. The band has a sound that is instantly agreeable – blending influences from the classic NWOBHM scene and the US Power Metal scene. I included the track “Warrior Queen” on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 2nd February and then “Steel and Silver” on the Show on 16th February.}