_{Dutch band Delain released their fifth studio album, entitled “Moonbathers”, via Napalm Records on 26th August. It’s a busy period for the band, whose debut album “Lucidity” is being re-mastered for a 10th anniversary re-release in October and who commence another 5 week European tour on 14th October. That tour sees them playing in The Button Factory in Dublin on 11th November, supported by Evergrey and Kobra and the Lotus. The lead-off single from “Moonbathers” was “Fire With Fire” which was included on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 22nd July. The Show on 2nd September includes a short interview that Charolotte and Martijn recorded with AC Promotions as well as an excellent cover of the Queen track “Scandal”.}

_{German band Running Wild return with their 16th studio album entitled “Rapid Foray” – released on 26th August through Steamhammer / SPV. I’ve always liked songs that are based on historical events or stories and Rolf Kasparek (aka Rock n Rolf) has a fantastic track record for delivering those conceptual lyrics accompanied by a thundering, instantly infectious soundtrack. I played the album’s opening track “Black Skies, Red Flag” on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 19th August.}

_{Black Swamp Water is a band from Denmark and they release their debut album “Chapter One” through Mighty Music on 26th August. With a name like Black Swamp Water I had been expecting something with a Southern Rock kinda vibe, but the band lean more to the hard rock / metal side of things. More Black Sabbath than Black Stone Cherry perhaps? Either is ok with me. I played the track “Leave Nothing Behind” on the NI Rocks A-Z Show on 16th August.}