_{When I saw the name Rob Mancini mentioned in the press release for “Bluesbound Train”, the debut album from Boneyard Dog, it immediately got my attention. The more I read, the more interested I became and was keen to get a listen to the album, which was released on 25th November via AOR Heaven. “Bluesbound Train” is an excellent blues rock offering from a locally based band that just happens to have an internationally recognised line-up. I played the single “Lonely Road” (that features Marc Lynn of Gotthard) on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 9th December.}

_{“Stand Up, Forward, March!” is the third album from Swedish band Sister and it was released on 25th November by Metal Blade Records. I have to admit that a few of the tracks are just a little too punk/sleaze for my own tastes – perhaps too aggressive might be a better description? But there is certainly enough that I do like to make it worthy of a recommendation. And musical tastes being varied, the tracks that don’t tick the box for me are probably the ones that others will rave about. I played the track “Carved In Stone” on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 18th November.}

_{“Devil May Care” is the debut album from Vanderberg and it was released on 18th November via Hear You Music. It’s a fairly low-profile release that probably passed a lot of people by, but I checked it out when it came into Rock Radio NI and liked what I heard. The band shouldn’t be confused with Vandenberg, the band that featured Adrian Vandenberg of Whitesnake fame. This features another guitarist called Marc Vanderberg, and whilst he may not be particularly well known, it is well worth checking out this album. I’ve included the title track “Devil May Care” on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 9th December.}