THE STORY BEHIND THE SONG: «Left On Mars» by Marko Hietala and Tarja Turunen
Marko Hietala released his second solo album Roses From the Deep on 7 February 2025. This is his second solo album, which belies the amount […]
When two random people accidentally ended up on The Beatles’ Abbey Road record sleeve
Back in the day when record sleeves had to be photographed, with limited chance to touch up on the results after the fact, certain things […]
THE STORY BEHIND THE SONG: «Submission» by The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren owned a store called SEX that sold outrageous clothing and various fetish items. As such, it was the most natural […]
When Big Country’s Bruce Watson caused Liverpool Airport to be evacuated
It was 15th December 2002 – a busy, but normal Sunday afternoon at Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport. Christmas traffic was definitely starting to pick up, […]
The Top 100 Album Countdown of 2024 – Part 5: 20-1
Sadly, everything must end. We have reached the final part of the Rocking In the Norselands countdown, with the 20 albums I enjoyed the most […]
The Top 100 Album Countdown of 2024 – Part 4: 40-21
The Top 100 countdown continues! We are getting closer to the top of the list, this time covering the albums ranked between 40-21. 40) DAMPF […]
The Top 100 Album Countdown of 2024 – Part 3: 60-41
The Top 100 countdown continues! We have arrived at the middle section, containing the albums ranked between 60-41. 60) Gnome – Vestiges of Verumex Visidrome […]
The Top 100 Album Countdown of 2024 – Part 2: 80-61
Welcome back to the Top 100 Albums countdown continues! This is the second of five parts, where we look at the albums ranked 80 to […]
The Top 100 Album Countdown of 2024 – Part 1: 100-81
2024 was yet another massive music year! In addition to old favourites returning with strongly anticipated releases, I was also happy to make quite a […]
THE STORY BEHIND THE SONG: «Far Side of Crazy» by Wall of Voodoo
Wall of Voodoo is a band of two distinct eras, defined by their frontmen: the Stan Ridgway years (1977-1983), and the Andy Prieboy years (1984-1988). […]
THE STORY BEHIND THE SONG: «Wicked Game» by Chris Isaak
Wicked Game is without question Chris Isaak’s best known song. The brooding, lovelorn song is performed with an inner intensity which belies its quiet treatment, […]
When The Beatles fired Pete Best, Ringo offered to join on Saturday, and George got a black eye
The Beatles went through their share of turmoil in their time. Their first significant upheaval might have been when they fired their first drummer Pete […]
THE STORY BEHIND THE SONG: «Rock the Casbah» by The Clash
In the annals of punk rock history, few bands have left as indelible a mark as The Clash. Formed in 1976, the band emerged from […]
THE STORY BEHIND THE SONG: «Sabotage» by Beastie Boys
They fought for their right to party. They had no sleep ‘till Brooklyn. They checked it out, passed the mic, and played with a brass […]
THE STORY BEHIND THE SONG: «For Whom the Bell Tolls» by Metallica
It all begins with the ominous sounds of chiming church bells. Shortly after a few bars of guitars and drums announce the proper beginning of […]