_{“II: Sojourn” is the second album from English rock band Wytch Hazel and it was released by Bad Omen Records on 13th July. The band was founded in 2011 and there was a clear vision of combining NWOBHM influences with an interest in medieval studies. That is reflected in their image as well. The track “Save My Life” was included on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 13th July.}

_{“Aesthetic Illusion” is the debut album from The Loudest Silence, the symphonic metal band from Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was released on 7th July via TLS / Spinnup; although there was an earlier release via Nuclear Blast on 1st June. Symphonic metal is one of those genres that can be hit or miss for me personally, but “Aesthetic Illusion” comes out on the ‘hit’ side. The track "The Loudest Silence" will be featured on the Friday NI Rocks Show this week – 20th July.}

_{I posted an interview with American band Shallow Side in January 2017 just after the release of their third EP. The band has now released their debut album called “Origins”, through Thermal Entertainment on 13th July. The album title is actually very appropriate as the album contains nine tracks that have been released previously, along with two acoustic versions. Shallow Side plan to release a studio album of new material later this year. “Crutch” for which a video was released back in 2011 will be included on the Friday NI Rocks Show this week – 20th July.}