Hard rock momentum is building around NERVE STAR. The group has released the Astral DJ edit of “Space Ritual,” a shorter, high-impact version of the track featured on their new album ‘White Hot’, which is out now on CD and digital. The vinyl edition arrives March 28, bringing the record’s full analog punch to collectors and heavy music devotees.
“Space Ritual” carries serious muscle. Originally recorded by Spanish rockers Warlock as a demo in 1987, the track roars to life through NERVE STAR’s hands with swirling riffs, wah-drenched guitar leads and a driving groove that tips its hat to classic heavy rock. Matt Oakman delivers commanding vocals that push the song forward with authority.
NERVE STAR formed in 2021 and quickly locked into a sound built from 70s hard rock, 80s heavy metal and the raw spark of NWOBHM. The lineup solidified with bassist Joss Thorley and guitarist Chris Billinghurst before Oakman stepped in on vocals in 2023. Swedish guitarist and producer Janne Stark later joined the project, bringing decades of experience and forming a powerful twin-guitar attack alongside Billinghurst.
Recording sessions unfolded between Sweden and the UK, with Stark and drummer Peter ‘Trumpeter’ Svensson working from Sweden while other sessions took place at Raw Studios in England. The result is a 13-track album packed with rediscovered underground songs and two original instrumentals that showcase the group’s guitar firepower.
The closing track “Richard III” delivers another standout moment. Guitar legend Tony Bourge of Budgie contributes his signature riffing to the song he originally wrote with Tredegar, joining Stark and Billinghurst for a three-guitar finale that lands with real weight. ‘White Hot’ delivers loud guitars, big drums and a deep respect for heavy metal’s underground history.