Raymond Heleband is a music critic and photographer with a deep-rooted passion for rock and metal. He writes album reviews and concert reports for The Rock Online, where he combines sharp, honest commentary with a strong visual perspective. Raymond captures the atmosphere of a performance in his photos and words. His work covers both established acts and emerging talent. Music, photography, and authenticity are key pillars for Raymond. For years, he has made his mark and built friendships in the music scene as a guitarist and composer. Highlights he witnessed live include: Gotthard live in 1994 at Via Rock Geraardsbergen, Belgium, and Mötley Crüe live in 2009 at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, USA.

Rockhard Festival 2026

Attending the Rockhard Festival has become an annual tradition. Aside from the fact that there are always a number of amazing bands playing every year, it’s also a chance to catch up with old & new friends. Plus, it’s one of the most enjoyable festivals, set in an incredibly beautiful and unique location: the Amphitheater…

Rock On Top

The Pop on Top festival celebrated its 15th edition in 2026. It started out as a one-day pop festival and has grown into an event that has brought joy to many visitors over the years. In recent years, a full-fledged Rock Day has also been added to the lineup. Rock on Top, that is. The…

Erik Grönwall – Bad Bones

The new solo album ‘Bad Bones’ by Erik Grönwall, the exceptionally talented powerhouse from Sweden is set to be released on May 22, 2026. His last solo album of original material, ‘Crash And Burn’, dates back to 2010. A lot has happened in this born performer’s life between that album and today.   health recovery…

JAYLER – Voices Unheard

Jayler is a new band from the UK and seems to be the British answer to a band like Greta Van Fleet. Who, in turn, drew their inspiration from a band like Led Zeppelin. It’s no different with Jayler, though here we’re dealing with a group of young men who are all around 20 years…

Crashdïet – Art Of Chaos

Crashdïet  from Sweden are back with their 7th brand new album called ‘’Art Of Chaos’’. These rocker’s from what I call the second generation of sleaze/glam-metal, have been already around from early 2000. There have been quite a few personnel changes in these 26 years. None of the original band members from 2000 are in…

Raven + support Lord Volture

Last Thursday [Hemelvaartdag], the moment had finally arrived. Raven was in popodium Nieuwe Nor Heerlen to make up for their September 2025 show. Back then, the band had to postpone their summer/fall 2025 European tour because frontman John Gallagher had to undergo emergency brain surgery. But as the saying goes, “What doesn’t kill you makes…

John Corabi – New Day

‘New Day’ marks John Corabi’s new full-length solo album. Recorded in Nashville during the summer of 2025. ‘New Day’ fuses classic ’70s rock, soul, and blues influences into a sound that feels both timeless and deeply personal. Actually, only someone like rock veteran Corabi can get away with releasing an album full of classic ’60/…

Hardline + support Sevi

Friday night, it was time once again to head to Cologne to check out yet another of the city’s many concert venues. Gebäude 9 was a new one for me. Tonight’s lineup features Hardline, who are currently on an extensive tour promoting their latest album, ‘Shout’, under the banner “The Next Chapter 2026.” The tour’s…

Tiffany Kills

Last Friday evening, the German-Dutch band Tiffany Kills performed on the Live Stage at the Flexiforum Kerkrade. The band, led by singer John “Jaycee” Cuijpers, came to promote their debut album, ‘World On Fire’.   Above-average talents The show kicked off with the distinctly Whitesnake-inspired “I’ll Come Running” and “Too Young.” Two great uptempo songs…