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.
On Friday, March 27, the guys from Triggerfinger performed a special club show at the Rockfabrik in Ubach-Palenberg [DE]. This show served as a warm-up for major upcoming festival dates such as Bospop and Paaspop. It was, therefore, a rare opportunity to see the band perform in a relatively small venue for them. Clubshow…
With “Year Of The Snake”, the ladies of The Gems are releasing their second album within 2 years. Their debut album “Like A Phoenix,” released in 2024, received generally positive feedback, and the band, or rather the trio behind the band, have put on quite a few performances with the help of various bassists. There…
And then there is album no. 17 from trash legends Megadeth. Or should I write Mr. Dave Mustaine, because he is, of course, the driving force and mastermind behind this band. The album was announced in August 2025; its release will be accompanied by the band’s farewell tour. This should be the farewell, because this…
Last week, rock legend Michael Schenker honored us with a second round of his “My Years with UFO” tour. Whereas last year he performed at the Muziekgieterij in Maastricht, this time fans were able to welcome him at the beautiful Parkstad Limburg Theater in Heerlen. Although the show was certainly not sold out, I am…
Sunday, February 8, it was time once again to visit the poppodium Nieuwe Nor in Heerlen. The ladies of Burning Witches and the gentlemen of Hammer King are currently on tour under the banner of their “Witches and Kings Tour.” On this dreary Sunday, the small hall of Nieuwe Nor is well filled with more…
Solo album #13 for the one and only Michael Monroe. The man who is forever intertwined with the history of his former band Hanoi Rocks. “Outerstellar” is an album brimming with punk-driven sleazy hard rock songs. The man himself is something of a legend in Finland, but let’s be honest, it’s pretty clear by now…