Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 10/08/2025PSA my thoughts on the new Halestorm album. bsky.app/profile/meta... 021
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 18/06/2025My thoughts on Marisa & The Moths supporting Inglorious on their recent excursion. bsky.app/profile/meta... 020
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 13/06/2025Out today is the phenomenal second album from Star Circus PSB my delirious ramblings in which I've gone so far as to call it THE Melodic Rock Album of the Year!! But don't take my word for it, listen for yourselves www.metaltalk.net/star-circus-... open.spotify.com/album/2b4ahZ...metaltalk.netStar Circus / From The Wreckage - The Melodic Rock Album Of 2025?From The Wreckage by Star Circus fuses '80s glam, AOR, and rich harmonies into a powerful contender for melodic rock album of 2025. Discover the hype. 010
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 10/06/2025PSA my thoughts on the triumphant return of Inglorious. bsky.app/profile/meta... 021
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 05/06/2025PSB my thoughts on the latest Tarja Live opus. Pretty Damn Excellent it is too. bsky.app/profile/meta... 011
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 01/05/2025Part 2 of my last visit to the Giffard bsky.app/profile/meta... 020
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 01/05/2025Pt 1 of Last Friday at The Giff bsky.app/profile/meta... 010
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 01/05/2025My review of Kickin Valentina's newie - out tomorrow! bsky.app/profile/meta... 010
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 19/04/2025Until now, you never realised just how much you needed a German Symphonic Hillbilly Folk Metal version of Gangnam Style in your life. Bonkers Mental Brilliant! Enough to give me Eurovision Fever. youtu.be/j0U769v6acU3youtu.be 010
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 18/04/2025PSB the second part of my account of events at The Giffard last Saturday. 031
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 18/04/2025Having avoided listening to the teasers that had been drip-fed, absorbing this as a complete package proved the best way to delve into this most impressive work. The songwriting stands out, closer Still is a showstopper. An album you can cherish and revel in open.spotify.com/album/2VH2Br...open.spotify.comGod Shaped HoleThose Damn Crows · Album · 2025 · 10 songs 020
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 15/04/2025PSB my thoughts on Sam Millar at The Giffard Arms last Saturday bsky.app/profile/meta... 000
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 11/04/2025PSA my thoughts on the fabulous new single from Ward XVI bsky.app/profile/meta... 020
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 08/04/2025A sad day as the metal world bids farewell to Steve Göldby I'm sure the day will not go quietly, he never did anything quietly, such was his effervescent force. Please read this superb chronicle of how he formed & shaped MetalTalk. He will be very hugely missed 🤘🏻😢🤘🏻 bsky.app/profile/meta... 000
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 07/04/2025Fantastic new track from KING HERD A significant evolution in the songwriting department, the melodic arrangement draws you in until they hit you with that hook So much more going on in the elaborate arrangement to let wash over you Going to be a live favourite open.spotify.com/track/1aWp3F...open.spotify.comIn the LightKing Herd · In the Light · Song · 2025 000
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 06/04/2025Out now is Revolution the debut album from Katie & The Bad Sign Hugely engaging, guitar driven & keyboard textured blues infused rock Her rich husky & deep tones makes for a distinctive sound A most repeatable & hugely enjoyable listen open.spotify.com/album/4COnv5...open.spotify.comRevolutionKatie & The Bad Sign · Album · 2025 · 10 songs 000
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 05/04/2025PSA my thoughts on the crushing debut album from Stoneload. bsky.app/profile/meta... 010
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 04/04/2025Out now from Smith & Kotzen Even at this early stage its a grand testimony to their individual & collective ability where the more restrained compositions impress most Standout Beyond The Pale evolves from a dreamy expression into an ascendance of 6 string sublimity open.spotify.com/album/4DrcsD...open.spotify.comBlack Light / White NoiseSmith/Kotzen · Album · 2025 · 10 songs 000
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 28/03/2025My thoughts on The Original Wanted & Colossal Apostle who supported Bobbie Dazzle at the Giffard Arms Wolverhampton last weekend. bsky.app/profile/meta... 020
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 25/03/2025PSA my thoughts on the amazing Bobbie Dazzle bsky.app/profile/meta... 020
Reposted by Sophie JamesMetalTalk @metaltalk.bsky.social · 18/03/2025The Damn Truth / A Band Revelling In Irrepressible Creativity The Damn Truth unleash self-titled fourth album. Soul nourishing, heartwarming...I have found it hopeless not to get swept along by its contagious joie de vivre. www.metaltalk.net/the-damn-tru... 121
Reposted by Sophie JamesMetalTalk @metaltalk.bsky.social · 17/03/2025The Darker My Horizon Rise From Out Of The Ashes The Darker My Horizon return with From Out of the Ashes, a melodic and powerful album blending heartfelt lyrics with infectious riffs. A captivating addition to a catalogue of consummate songwriting. www.metaltalk.net/the-darker-m... 111
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 15/03/2025Something new from the prodigious Zac & The New Men Introspective lyrics before a distorted tasteful Sabbathy riff The vocal exhibits the vulnerability of Chris Cornell A sound that'll appeal to the younger generation keeping rock as a creative force in the future open.spotify.com/track/6mijlS...open.spotify.comOvertimeZac and The New Men · Overtime · Song · 2025 010
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 15/03/2025Friday saw the release of the 4th album from Dorothy Razor sharp & infectious Country Metal The title track is the precise anthem for these dark days The lady delivers a tour de force as the band form a vast soundscape One is in the presence of vocal greatness open.spotify.com/album/358tJV...open.spotify.comTHE WAYDorothy · Album · 2025 · 10 songs 020
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 14/03/2025Out now is the latest from the uber talented The Damn Truth Characteristically anthemic, it possesses an energy that'll transfer & intensify live Many dynamic & infectious songs to absorb & treasure The sound of a band revelling in their irrepressible creativity open.spotify.com/album/7D9Y25...open.spotify.comThe Damn TruthThe Damn Truth · Album · 2025 · 11 songs 010
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 12/03/2025New from electrifying Midlands powerhouse The Soul Revival Demonstrating multiple shades of Americana throughout, this is a rewarding listen that avoids falling into repetition as it shifts its attack Think an energetic weightier version of Bad Co and you won’t be too far out youtu.be/d01zS2L-rn8youtu.beOutlaw- The Soul RevivalYouTube video by The Soul Revival 011
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 11/03/2025It's been a while but at last we have new music from everyone’s favourite purveyors of blues infused rock. An infectious & energetic preview of September's eagerly awaited Light Up The Sky, this more effervescent sound is enhanced by the Kevin Shirley mix. open.spotify.com/track/26qXJ9...open.spotify.comCried Out For LoveKing King · Cried Out For Love · Song · 2025 021
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 10/03/2025Dont you just love songs where the vocal melody's the hook that gets under your skin Here SOS energise a 90s Pop Classic Huge sound with Joey's rasp complementing the arrangement as it keeps the originals contagious nature An exquisitely dark way to begin the week open.spotify.com/track/23zhYv...open.spotify.comTo The Moon And BackSouth Of Salem · To The Moon And Back · Song · 2025 000
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 07/03/2025Out now is the latest from those masters of good time sleaze Kickin Valentina From the outset Heber’s hugely infectious riff sinks its talons in with a perfect balance of commercial appeal and good time RnR This band is just getting better & better Hell Yeah! open.spotify.com/track/3uP1QW...open.spotify.comThe GotawaysKickin Valentina · The Gotaways · Song · 2025 000
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 07/03/2025ICYMI the late Bernie Marsden recently released a new EP 5 tracks rooted in the blues featuring 3 covers & a brace of original compositions Highlight is a take on Canned Heat's On The Road Again Recommended for late night listening in the company of a good whisky open.spotify.com/album/7BHDzN... 020
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 03/03/2025Is there something in the water or in the genes that causes Swedish Bands to produce such melodic infectious music I blame it on ABBA If uplifting goodtime US style RnR is your thing give this a go Itll have you rockin up in Ikea quicker than you can say Meatballs open.spotify.com/album/0ud2bm... 021
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 28/02/2025Ever wondered what ZZ sound like when cobbling together a soundtrack to their 50 year career? Ponderosa no more Raw as the title but with a slickness borne out of talent & experience Each track is in its purest form while the production captures their live spark open.spotify.com/album/1ffoQm... 010
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 27/02/2025It's taken me far too long to realise that the music from the latest Nissan advert is a really slowed down, uberchilled version of 90s rave classic 'No No, No No No No, No No No No, No No There's No Limits"? youtu.be/iRGir1nH4x0youtu.beNew Nissan Qashqai (tv commercial)YouTube video by Nissan Europe 000
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 26/02/2025Lyrically the Manics are never less than thought provoking, be they from the protestive Nicky or the sanguine James Allied to distinctive bubbly elevating melodies, takes you back to the peak of indie 12 tracks crammed into 42 minutes, very moreish open.spotify.com/album/0uQf3c... 000
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 19/02/2025Just out is Dead & Buried the spearhead offering from heavyweight West Midlands trio Stoneload This is a Mach 1 blast through the stratosphere Incorporating frantic but melodic riffs, this just thrusts along Ferocious but seductively addictive One to get the Moshpit moving youtu.be/116zcEf-LLIopen.spotify.comDead and buriedSTONELOAD · Dead and buried · Song · 2025 010
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 14/02/2025If you have had the chance to check it out, what are your thoughts on this? 🤔 000
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 14/02/2025Out today is the debut from 13SCRƐAM, a duo who play raw uncompromising music with punky attitude It assaults you as the acerbic riff pulsating bass & staccato beat race along in energetic fashion 2½ minutes of venomous effervescence that conveys you to the mid 70s 13scream.com/track/414602... 030
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 14/02/2025I always considered ’74's Rocka Rolla a bit pedestrian That is until this remixed & remastered gem While it is patchy & all too often the songs are too brief, it gives fresh insight into the embryonic stage of the band Finally available for all to hear just as the band envisaged 51 years ago 010
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 11/02/2025With 16 songs weighing at a tad over an hour, this is an effervescent, candid, fat free, capture of an exciting prospect. Well worth checking out. open.spotify.com/album/0IKctW... 010
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 08/02/2025Hugely vivacious and melodic, the hooks are to die for. From first note to last, one is carried along an ebullient wave that leaves you with a silly grin. open.spotify.com/album/0LzUx0... 021
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 08/02/2025“Like an ancient wizard beckoning you to view his dark chest of wonders, Marko has produced a rich, diverse collection whose scope endears itself on each and every listen. open.spotify.com/album/7a6GER... 021
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 07/02/2025RIP Dave Jerden Collaborating with artists as diverse as Anthrax, Jane’s Addiction, Chillis, Stones, Offspring, Zappa, Talking Heads, David Byrne, Fishbone, Spinal Tap & a many others, its the despondently magnificent Dirt from Alice In Chains that will serve to epitomise his career & body of work 010
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 06/02/2025"This collection has an omnipresent groove that is sure to get yer boots tapping and butt shuffling. Such a satisfying listen throughout with an exceptionally high repeatability factor." open.spotify.com/album/3j4gz6...open.spotify.comBloomLarkin Poe · Album · 2025 · 11 songs 000
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 05/02/2025"The Cinellis should be commended for producing such a wide-ranging work which continuously skirts the boundaries of the blues and be applauded for executing it so magnificently. " open.spotify.com/album/4yrx1T... 120
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 05/02/2025www.metaltalk.net/black-sabbat...metaltalk.netBlack Sabbath / Iommi, Butler, Osbourne And Ward to Headline Back To The Beginning 020
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 04/02/2025Finally, W.M.D.s ‘Waking the City is available on Spotify and other Streaming Services. If you like quality music in the classic rock style then I urge you to give this album a spin open.spotify.com/album/1jU6II... Lead Track youtu.be/pg1uGUZ9MMYopen.spotify.comWaking The CityWords May Differ · Album · 2025 · 10 songs 120
Sophie James @sophie-james.bsky.social · 03/02/2025Deadline days have become so boring since this geezer retired. Still not to late to get Niko Kranjčar on a Bossie for SAGA. 010
