The excellent Black Rose have a new album titled Killing Machine slotted for release on 25th September 2025 via their deal with Hellion Records.
Thanks to Black Rose frontman Steve Bardsley – who kindly sent me an advance promo copy – I am pleased to report that Killing Machine is, er, all killer material. The New Wave of British Heavy Metal force remains strong in Black Rose.
The band’s origins go all the way back to the mid-1970s. During the original NWOBHM days they released two albums in the mid-1980s before splitting at the end of that decade, though a reformation happened about twenty years ago and they’ve released two albums since – the most recent being the rather jolly good WTF in 2022 (review here).
Now here we are in 2025 with Black Rose signed to Hellion Records and Killing Machine due out in a month or so from posting date.
It consists of ten songs of fresh, strong and powerful heaviness showing the veterans on top form.
We have the lot here – a variety of riffage, shortish yet tasty solos which are to the point and compliment the song, big vocals, booming bass and with the drums nicely up in the mix providing a driving momentum and a solid base it all makes for a fine listen.
Take the title track as an example of that. A dramatic intro, rumbling bass, thumping drumming, big riffs aplenty, ripping controlled solos, powerful vocal and yet still finds time to build in a catchy hook and retain the old NWOBHM roots.
If It’s Too Loud (You’re Too Old) is fun and irresistibly catchy. A proper foot-tapping chugfest not taking itself too seriously with a cool solo. Here’s the brief taster video:
Blood Red Sky comes in hard and fast with scorching lead work and another big chorus then we have the jauntiness of Crossed the Line.
Flesh and Bone another dose of controlled power with the cutting riffs followed by the chunky Voices.
Go Down Fighting at first reminded me a bit of the old Nazareth song (remember that?) though it’s even heavier than that A lot going on in this one.
Sound of Thunder is thunderous indeed. Check out the lead work over the huge chords from the rhythm guitar.
Too Loud for Radio is another fun one then the big closer of Under Fire. Some monster drumming here. Really punchy.
We still have original members Steve Bardsley and Kenny Nicholson here and long time drummer Paul Fowler in the line-up thus the history is all there.
With Killing Machine, Steve and the lads have a very strong album and I’m grateful for having the opportunity to review in advance thanks to the promo copy via Steve.
I recommend the album strongly. Whether you go back to the old NWOBHM days as I do or not – there’s more than enough here for anyone to enjoy.
Steve tells me that Hellion Records have the release date set for 25th September – a month away from posting.
Here are links to Hellion Records for you to keep an eye on for ordering information:
https://www.hellionrecords.de
http://www.hellion.com.br/site2/index.asp
https://www.facebook.com/HellionRecordsBrazil
Black Rose Facebook:
https://facebook.com/blackrosenwobhm
Steve also tells me that their classic Walk It How You Talk It album is due for a re-release coupled with the 1985 Nightmare EP. Keep an eye out for that also.
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