_{“Chapter 1” is the debut album from Grindhouse who are an Italian band with a German lead singer in the form of Michael Bormann. The album is released through RMB records on 20th March. This is one of those albums that I checked out, knowing nothing about the band, but which I quickly realised that I liked the sound of once I flicked through the tracks. Several of the Italian band-members have worked together in Iron Maiden tribute bands over the years, so that gives a hint to their musical tastes. The band formed in 2013 when they brought in Michael Bormann to provide vocals.}

_{Knock Out Kaine released their second album “Rise of the Electric Jester” through Rocksector Records on 2nd March. A band’s second album can sometimes be a disappointment but that definitely isn’t the case with this release.  I really liked the debut release from Knock Out Kaine and if anything this one is even better. The first single from the album was “16 Grams of Heart Attack” which was played on the Friday NI Rocks Show recently.}

_{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.}