Album: BLACKYARD RIOT – It Might Get Loud
Release Date: November 14, 2025
Label: Independent
Review Author: Bob Bannister
So, over the past few years, I have been cultivating relationships with artists from around the world, one of whom is Tomi Julkunen of the Helsinki-based band Ginger Evil. I have a tendency to believe a musician when they say another band is REALLY good. The band Tomi was talking about was the German band Blackyard Riot.
Set to release their debut album, This Might Get Loud, on November 14, this band brings a surprising dose of Aussie rock (AC/DC, Airbourne) to their sound, and that is more than ok with me. Anyone who follows me on Facebook knows about my love of Aussie rock. It Might Get Loud is ten songs of pure, unadulterated Rock N Roll. My recommendation is not to listen to this in the car; a speeding ticket is sure to ensue.
Dersim Tugal wails on both lead guitar and vocals, while Nico Keener drives on rhythm guitar, the rhythm section of Patrik Apel on bass and Lars Lunova on drums are tight and a solid driving force holding down the bottom end and doing a damn good job. All four members of the band sing backing vocals, adding depth to their vocal presence that is lacking in other bands.
To say I am excited to hear what everyone else thinks of this band’s rookie effort is an understatement. This one will crack my Top 10 of 2025.
Dersim Tugal – lead guitar & vocals
Nico Keener – rhythm guitar
Patrik Apel – bass
Lars Lunova – drums
TRACK BY TRACK
“Rollin’ Thunder” – Unapologetically in your face right out of the gate. Their influences shine through on this one; it has a familiar feel to it, and that’s a good thing. Dersim could choose to play straight-up Angus riffs on this, but throws his own flair into it and that is great to hear. The solid support the rest of the band gives is beyond stellar.
“All Known Man” – Picking up the pace, this one is the speeding ticket getter of the album; it is pure 80s fun and my favourite of the entire album. Patrik and Lars should be glad for the slowdown during the guitar solo for a short rest; these two are killing it the rest of the time.
“It Might Get Loud” – The title track of this album. Probably the most AC/DC sounding song on this album, with just enough familiarity you think you may have heard the song before, but enough newness to make it fresh and so much fun to listen to.
“Higher” – Singing in a lower register on this one, Dersim brings a really great sound to this one and gives it a modern edge. A simple, repetitive chorus and slowed-down tempo into the solo really give this song a great edge. The outro solo could have lasted longer before the fade, but it works.
“The Wolf” – A taste of dirty southern rock kicks this one. Dersim has a Mick Jagger sound that made me do a double-take. It’s nice to hear some walking bass on this song; it gives the song more depth and the heavy riffing rhythm guitar makes this the beefiest song on the album.
“(Not One To) Blame” – A simple melodic riff opens this one. The most original-sounding song on this recording to this point. The vocals make this song. Simple pounding drums are what truly drive this song; great production.
“It’s All Right” – Another song to transport you back to the 80s, with a catchy, sing-along chorus and fun guitar solo, makes this a perfect mid-album gem. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
“Poor Man” – Musically, this is what it would sound like if “Sweet Child of Mine” and “Simple Man” had a child, and surprisingly, it works. It evokes images of a T-top Trans-Am rolling down the strip with this blasting from its speakers as its mullet-wearing driver puffs on a dart… An unapologetic ode to that crowd.
“Light Em Up” – The long fading up riff and the “Woa-Oh! Woa-Oh!” give this an instant arena rock vibe. And that is exactly what this song is. The sing-along “Woa-Oh! Woa-Oh!” in the bridge further cements the standing of this as an Arena Rock Anthem.
“Hell On Wheels” – The album closes with this gem. This is mid-tempo glory at its finest, until the guitar solo. There is a little flavour of Hetfield in the vocals and Brian May in the guitar in places, but that’s ok, it works. A great track to end an album on.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Is this a great album? Yes. Is this an album I would listen to a lot? Yes. Is this a band I am going to keep on my radar for a long time? Yes. Tomi Julkunen, thank you for telling me about this band.
BLACKYARD RIOT – It Might Get Loud – 9.5/10
Check out more of Bob Bannister‘s articles on CGCM Rock Radio/Website: Bob Bannister
