_{“The Time Optimist” is a solo album from Swedish guitarist and songwriter Mats Karlsson and it was released through MK Music on 6th December. Karlsson will be best known as a founding member of the band 220 Volt which released four albums in the 80’s and reformed in 2002. The new solo album features a number of guest musicians and singers, although much of it is done by Karlsson. The track “A Natural High” was included on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 20th December.}

_{“Reign of Gold” is the sixth studio album from German power metal band Human Fortress and it was released on 6th December by AFM Records. The band celebrates its twentieth anniversary as Human Fortress this year, although only two of the original members remain. The track “Thunder” was included on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 20th December.}

_{“Native Soul” is the fourth album from Edge of Forever, the band established by prolific musician and producer Alessandro Del Vecchio in 2002. The album was released on 6th December by Frontiers Music; ten years on from the release of the band’s third album! Del Vecchio once again takes on the role of lead singer for this release. The track “Native Soul” was included on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 25th October followed by “Promised Land” on 22nd November.}