Stone Broken have demonstrated why they are such an exciting act for the UK classic and hard rock scene right now. They bring a freshness, energy and genuine passion to a style of music which is often derided as obsolete; and will surely continue to work their way up to bigger venues and bigger crowds in the years to come.

More than their talent though, Rival Sons bring a real sense of joy to the night. The feeling that they are genuinely doing what they love in front of their adoring fans is infectious.

At this stage of their career, they are unlikely to win hordes of new fans any time, but what they can do is keep their music fresh and interesting for those who have supported the band this far; and Hel does just that. It is one of the band’s finest and most consistent releases and is certainly worth multiple listens.

It is easy to see why TesseracT have built up such a loyal following with performances like this. The professionalism and innovation that they have become known for are personified in tonight’s show and the only downside was that they didn’t play for longer.

Within Temptation belong on the big stage, and with some epic new tracks, well-rehearsed and waiting to be released, there is no doubt that more arena-style performances like this await us in future.

Not only is it a personal triumph and a musical powerhouse, but it is also an incredibly culturally important release; coming at a time when metal is on its knees and thoroughly needs a band like Architects to pick it up and unite the scene. Holy Hell does this and cements its place as a modern classic that we will still be talking about in years to come.

Alter Bridge went out on a bit of a limb with this performance, but gave everyone there a night they will never forget. A truly stunning performance from start to finish, and proof that the world, and possibly those in charge of booking festival headline slots, really need to start paying more attention to Alter Bridge.

Nathan Lagden caught up with Cellar Darling’s iconic singer Anna Murphy to discuss the band’s album ‘This Is The Sound’ and future plans.

Finnish power metal veterans Sonata Arctica came to Manchester on the second UK leg of their Ninth Hour tour, bringing with them not only a strong selection of new and old material, but also a wealth of experience in how to please their crowds.

Last month, Finnish power metal stalwarts Sonata Arctica were in the UK for their ‘Ninth Hour’ tour. Nathan Lagden caught up with their enigmatic frontman Tony Kakko.

There is a lot to be admired about Bullet For My Valentine and the fans they have, but I feel that shows like this will do little to win any new fans over to their cause.

Nathan Lagden saw Armored Saint, Savage Messiah and Dendera at the Camden Underworld. “Although they don’t have as full a touring schedule as most other bands, Armored Saint proved at the Camden Underworld that they have the personnel and experience to put on an excellent show.”

Last month Nathan Lagden had the opportunity to chat with Phil Sandoval of metal legends Armored Saint, where they discussed the band’s past, present and future.

Nathan Lagden saw Blind Guardian at the Forum in Kentish Town, London. “Seeing Blind Guardian should definitely be on everybody’s heavy metal bucket list. Even if you’re not that huge on the band themselves, you will not be wasting your time or your money by going to see them.”

Nathan Lagden went to the Forum Kentish Town to see Funeral for a Friend’s last ever show. “Funeral for a Friend went out in spectacular fashion, but they also went out in a way that I’m sure they will be very contented with.”

This is clearly Zakk Wylde at his most personal, and there is no song on the album for which this is not the case. – By Nathan Lagden

Nathan Lagden went to Oxford to see Trivium, Heart of a Coward & As Lions. “Trivium are clearly a band who are going from strength to strength and are not afraid to take risks or put aside convention, and they appear to be getting even better with experience.”

Whether you love them or hate them though, ‘Metal Resistance’ proves beyond a doubt that Babymetal are not just a passing fad. This band is going absolutely nowhere but up! – By Nathan Lagden

Nathan Lagden caught up with Trivium bassist and vocalist Paolo Gregoletto to ask him about the current tour, new band drummer Paul Wandtke and the current state of the metal scene.

In many ways then, Ghost’s performance at the Palladium was a simple and predictable one. But in no way did this make it anything other than a truly special experience for those of us who were lucky enough to be there, and I could not hear anybody from the audience say anything to the contrary as we filed out of the theatre. – By Nathan Lagden

It’s always refreshing I feel, to see bands who do have an abundance of talent and aren’t afraid to showcase it. Symphony X do that whilst adding energy and showmanship to their shows to boot. – By Nathan Lagden