The majesty of gothic

WHEN one hears the word gothic in a modern popular culture sense the image comes of a pasty skinned obsessive who spends too much time considering the whys and wherefores of vampiric lore.

But, of course gothic goes well beyond that, in terms of history and literature. But in terms of architecture gothic is always associated with a certain type of building...which brings us to a very, very tortuous way of reminding y'all that Cathedral are playing at The Limelight tomorrow night.

Backed by Church of Misery and The Gates of Slumber, you also need to remember that the door time here is 8pm, and there are a very few tickets left at the reasonable and downright wonderful price of £18.50.

Last time Cathedral's Sabbathy take on dark gothic metal doom (and I mean gothic in terms of literate, aware and ever so slightly 'knowing' wit) brought their rif-laden groove to Belfast was supporting HIM. Then the fairy-winged teens simpy didn't get Cathedral. A small few of us amongst the crowd did 'get' Cathedral including one hilarious moment when a lone metaller scattered kiddies to the wings with an impressive extended circle headbanging flailing away to 'Wytchfynder...'

Cathedral gigs come with a health warning...do not under any circumstances try to match your metal knowledge with Lee Dorrian! A friendly guy, yes, but he does know his rock, punk and metal in almost encyclopaedic depth.

He also, for me sums up an attitude that reflects what metal should be all about. The more journos and ignorant fans try to pigeonhole Cathedral into a genre or sub-genre Dorrian declares "We're a metal band. That's all - a metal band". Not just any metal band though!

Gates of Slumber

With the hectic week ahead...you can start planning the following week when the Distortion Project presents:
GATES OF SLUMBER. www.myspace.com/thegatesofslumber
CROWNING GLORYwww.myspace.com/crowningglory
TWO TALES OF WOEwww.myspace.com/twotalesofwoe
Monday 27th April, Auntie Annies, Dublin Road, Belfast. Doors 9pm, £7

Who are Gates of Slumber?
“Axe smashing, bare chested, mega muscled, mighty thewed, old school DOOM metal” –
"Indianapolis doom metal trio Gates of Slumber formed in the late 1990’s with the goal of creating a band whose sound delivered an updated take on the member’s long list of favorite heavy metal greats.
"Weaned on Black Sabbath, St. Vitus, the melodic might of Iron Maiden and a host of classic bands from Thin Lizzy to Rainbow to Mercyful Fate, they draw deep from heavy metal's most powerful blood and deliver doom in its purest form."

Who are Crowning Glory: "Forged in the dank, dark taverns of London in April 2005; Crowning Glory deliver a punishing mix of tight riffs, rollercoaster guitar solos and soaring vocals which carve out a sound harking back to the glory days of metal; when Motorhead, Maiden and Priest ruled the world."

Now you know!