Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Green Lavery's..
Veteran Boston hardcore crew Gang Green play Lavery's Bunker on St Patrick's Night.
Rumours
Rumours come this way now and again...some credible, others not.
Latest are...AC/DC not to play Slane(Strollin' Bones may take slot), but a Dublin date in August or the Oz-ancient rockers elsewhere on this island...Heaven & Hell (that's Dio, Iommi, Butler and Appice playing tunes from classic Sabs platters) to confirm an Irish summer date soon...and whisper it (very softly so as not to scud it!) a certain line-up that's playing Wembly on June 19th may have a free-date to fill at Belfast's Odyssey...
Confirmed though are Il Nino on April 15th at the Spring & Airbrake and Funeral for a Friend on May 28th at the Mandella Hall...Muse and My Chemical Romance play amongst the pop and indie crap at Oxygen...
Latest are...AC/DC not to play Slane(Strollin' Bones may take slot), but a Dublin date in August or the Oz-ancient rockers elsewhere on this island...Heaven & Hell (that's Dio, Iommi, Butler and Appice playing tunes from classic Sabs platters) to confirm an Irish summer date soon...and whisper it (very softly so as not to scud it!) a certain line-up that's playing Wembly on June 19th may have a free-date to fill at Belfast's Odyssey...
Confirmed though are Il Nino on April 15th at the Spring & Airbrake and Funeral for a Friend on May 28th at the Mandella Hall...Muse and My Chemical Romance play amongst the pop and indie crap at Oxygen...
Van off
Just as we here at Metalheadsreunited were getting excited at the prospect of a Van Halen tour with Eddie and Dave Lee back in the saddle togther again, the huffy Californians have pulled the plug. Obviously they don't need the cash that badly!
Monday, February 26, 2007
Date clash crisis
Just as the Saxon/Mastodon date clash was resolved owing to Biff's illness another crisis emerged - Aerosmith and Slayer both play on June 26th...Now they have very differing styles, one, definitely attracting a metal-only audience, one not, but dammit I like them both. There! confession made, it might be a metal site, but hard rock deserves its place too. Now how the hell can I resolve the dilemma...
Saxon re-schedule
As yoy may know by now Saxon have postponed their March 2nd engagement with an ageing metal crowd at the Spring & Airbrake owing to singer Biff Byford suffering a throat infection and a bad bout of the flu...
New date is may 23rd, existing tickets still valid...hope he's packed his Lemsip!
Still that keeps the evening clear to revel in Mastodon at the Mandella Hall on the 2nd!
New date is may 23rd, existing tickets still valid...hope he's packed his Lemsip!
Still that keeps the evening clear to revel in Mastodon at the Mandella Hall on the 2nd!
Penguins, metal and a thousand plus pounds
WHEN it comes down to it, Sunday 18th February, 2007 was a landmark day for metal and hard rock in Belfast’s music annals.
From prowling penguins to lashings of damn good locally played and written music; from hilarious antics both on and off the stage; to moments of sublime musicianship there will be many more claiming to be there than actually quaffed an ale or six at the bar of the Spring & Airbrake.
In fact, already at least two people this reviewer knows, who were not within several miles of Ormeau Avenue that day, are claiming to have enjoyed the sets laid down by the 12 bands….
Seeing as the day was in aid of the locally based Fibromyalgia support charity, they should make an anonymous donation, given that they claim to have been there!
When the doors opened on the day the eager early birds piled into a bar area with a smattering of the dedicated wandering around amidst band members. Well, it was a Sunday and the average rock and metal fan around Belfast takes a wee while to find that slippery edge of consciousness!
With crowd numbers surely but steadily rising Vile Intent kicked the proceedings off with a snarl; launching into a ragged but energetic version of So What. If you only know the Metallica version check out the Anti-Nowhere League’s original to appreciate that energy can triumph over precision. Thankfully Vile Intent managed to retain the snarl right up until the crowd-pleasing cover of For Whom the Bell Tolls ended.
The pace changed when Drekk hit the stage, with a combination of tight classic rock melodies, excellent, if under-stated, musicianship; melded with prog rock sensibilities. Genuine wit shone through from opener Galloping Horse, through – amongst others – Horse that Fool and Long Way Home.
By now seating and space at the bar was reaching a premium, even if the front was mysteriously missing headbangers (see previous comment….it was a feckin’ Sunday!). Tribulation’s brash power-tinged thrash sensibilities arrived. Stand-out tracks Doom and Devastated showcased the intricacies that could have been hidden in the wall of noise in less capable hands.
Catch 23 could have expected a tougher time with their more melodic rock coming between Tribulation and Psyiatica, but they managed to lay down a competent set. Occasionally their sound struggled to hitch the melodies together, but as their set progressed they found a rhythm that suited both the arrangements and the building crowd.
It’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock ‘n’ roll sang AC/DC, and it’s sure as hell a long way from Limerick to Belfast on yer average Sunday! But Psyiatica made it seem like they were playing to a home-town crowd when they blitzed the mid-afternoon, bursting with metal force, tight tunes and the first confirmed reports of circle headbanging of the day…
There was a furious self-belief as they rattled through Rot & Revel, Greed, Cradle, Tight and Cut-up in what seemed a very short period of minutes. Several people were noted as having either shit-eating grins or gaping in astonishment. As the trio boarded their van to head back to the wilds of Limerick they could have confidently muttered “result!” except they seem to humble to do so….
Last Orders, faced a challenge following the Limerick crew, but they rose to that challenge with their energetic metal tempered with a dash of old-school metal blues sounds. However, it has to be said the Scorpions/Accept-style co-ordinated ‘guitar goes up, guitar goes down’ moves raised a titter – though that’s not always a bad thing – especially when the twin-guitars were bouncing off each other so well!
Arcane Suppression’s trad-British metal followed quickly on, with tight rhythms anchoring the sound down. Given the trad influences and the thrashier vibes, Arcane managed the tricky balancing act.
By this stage the attention of the Jagermeister promotional team and the generosity of Michael (cheers!) put paid to jotting down set-lists – ‘twas as well the day’s running order had been noted down earlier…
Honey for Christ and Bad Boat followed, more definitive proof that the local metal scene is alive, kicking and ready to keep heads a’ banging and pits a moshing when required. Both have very different styles, and on February 18th both proved that when needed, they can produce an epic feel to their music.
Those who only ever get their tracks on an iPod or a Myspace download had before them proof that only in a live setting can you really appreciate what the local scene is producing.
With the crowd still reeling from HFC and BB, Blind Friday roared into their set. They have a recorded sound that verges on the mainstream rock at times, but there was no doubt they came to the Spring & Airbrake to lay it down. Tight tunes and tighter playing were served up as heads nodded and toes tapped…awful image for a rock gig, but you get what was happening to the ever-increasing crowd. Although why name a song LoveBug remains a mystery…
Sorrowfall have worked hard to develop their power metal sound, which made it all the more difficult when bassist and vocalist Steve Reynolds was forced to abandon his lead vocal duties – but never fear cried the crowd, as guest vocalists lined up to do justice to the ‘Fall’s growing reputation. Cult followers crowded round the stage to yell encouragement.
By now Jager and lager had had the desired effect - notebook was abandoned and a beeline was made for the front where heads were lowered for some serious metal, from Residual Effect. I know that some of the band were disappointed with their performance, but suffice to say that even on an off night RE can lay waste. It is a tribute that they can lay down as good a set and get even my ancient head banging when a little off their normally precise brutality.
But the day was more than the metal (never thought I would pen those words!). It was all in aid of Fibromyalgia Support Northern Ireland. More than £1,000 was raised for the charity. Credit, plaudits and genuine respect goes to all involved in getting the gig off the ground and delivering the fundraising promise as well as a fantastic music.
To those that donated raffle prizes (see list below for all those that displayed generosity above and beyond…), to Davey and all at the Spring & Airbrake for facilitating the day, to the bands for giving of their time and energy, to the volunteers of all descriptions, to the efforts of Steve in supporting all the bands and making sure the event ran to schedule, to many many more, and to the penguin…
But most of all to Laura Kennedy. Her tirelessness and devotion kept the dream of a one-day metal fest for a good cause alive when many others would have crumbled! Well done!
Excellent pix from the event, courtesy of Rokpix’s Colin Patterson, coming to this site soon!
From prowling penguins to lashings of damn good locally played and written music; from hilarious antics both on and off the stage; to moments of sublime musicianship there will be many more claiming to be there than actually quaffed an ale or six at the bar of the Spring & Airbrake.
In fact, already at least two people this reviewer knows, who were not within several miles of Ormeau Avenue that day, are claiming to have enjoyed the sets laid down by the 12 bands….
Seeing as the day was in aid of the locally based Fibromyalgia support charity, they should make an anonymous donation, given that they claim to have been there!
When the doors opened on the day the eager early birds piled into a bar area with a smattering of the dedicated wandering around amidst band members. Well, it was a Sunday and the average rock and metal fan around Belfast takes a wee while to find that slippery edge of consciousness!
With crowd numbers surely but steadily rising Vile Intent kicked the proceedings off with a snarl; launching into a ragged but energetic version of So What. If you only know the Metallica version check out the Anti-Nowhere League’s original to appreciate that energy can triumph over precision. Thankfully Vile Intent managed to retain the snarl right up until the crowd-pleasing cover of For Whom the Bell Tolls ended.
The pace changed when Drekk hit the stage, with a combination of tight classic rock melodies, excellent, if under-stated, musicianship; melded with prog rock sensibilities. Genuine wit shone through from opener Galloping Horse, through – amongst others – Horse that Fool and Long Way Home.
By now seating and space at the bar was reaching a premium, even if the front was mysteriously missing headbangers (see previous comment….it was a feckin’ Sunday!). Tribulation’s brash power-tinged thrash sensibilities arrived. Stand-out tracks Doom and Devastated showcased the intricacies that could have been hidden in the wall of noise in less capable hands.
Catch 23 could have expected a tougher time with their more melodic rock coming between Tribulation and Psyiatica, but they managed to lay down a competent set. Occasionally their sound struggled to hitch the melodies together, but as their set progressed they found a rhythm that suited both the arrangements and the building crowd.
It’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock ‘n’ roll sang AC/DC, and it’s sure as hell a long way from Limerick to Belfast on yer average Sunday! But Psyiatica made it seem like they were playing to a home-town crowd when they blitzed the mid-afternoon, bursting with metal force, tight tunes and the first confirmed reports of circle headbanging of the day…
There was a furious self-belief as they rattled through Rot & Revel, Greed, Cradle, Tight and Cut-up in what seemed a very short period of minutes. Several people were noted as having either shit-eating grins or gaping in astonishment. As the trio boarded their van to head back to the wilds of Limerick they could have confidently muttered “result!” except they seem to humble to do so….
Last Orders, faced a challenge following the Limerick crew, but they rose to that challenge with their energetic metal tempered with a dash of old-school metal blues sounds. However, it has to be said the Scorpions/Accept-style co-ordinated ‘guitar goes up, guitar goes down’ moves raised a titter – though that’s not always a bad thing – especially when the twin-guitars were bouncing off each other so well!
Arcane Suppression’s trad-British metal followed quickly on, with tight rhythms anchoring the sound down. Given the trad influences and the thrashier vibes, Arcane managed the tricky balancing act.
By this stage the attention of the Jagermeister promotional team and the generosity of Michael (cheers!) put paid to jotting down set-lists – ‘twas as well the day’s running order had been noted down earlier…
Honey for Christ and Bad Boat followed, more definitive proof that the local metal scene is alive, kicking and ready to keep heads a’ banging and pits a moshing when required. Both have very different styles, and on February 18th both proved that when needed, they can produce an epic feel to their music.
Those who only ever get their tracks on an iPod or a Myspace download had before them proof that only in a live setting can you really appreciate what the local scene is producing.
With the crowd still reeling from HFC and BB, Blind Friday roared into their set. They have a recorded sound that verges on the mainstream rock at times, but there was no doubt they came to the Spring & Airbrake to lay it down. Tight tunes and tighter playing were served up as heads nodded and toes tapped…awful image for a rock gig, but you get what was happening to the ever-increasing crowd. Although why name a song LoveBug remains a mystery…
Sorrowfall have worked hard to develop their power metal sound, which made it all the more difficult when bassist and vocalist Steve Reynolds was forced to abandon his lead vocal duties – but never fear cried the crowd, as guest vocalists lined up to do justice to the ‘Fall’s growing reputation. Cult followers crowded round the stage to yell encouragement.
By now Jager and lager had had the desired effect - notebook was abandoned and a beeline was made for the front where heads were lowered for some serious metal, from Residual Effect. I know that some of the band were disappointed with their performance, but suffice to say that even on an off night RE can lay waste. It is a tribute that they can lay down as good a set and get even my ancient head banging when a little off their normally precise brutality.
But the day was more than the metal (never thought I would pen those words!). It was all in aid of Fibromyalgia Support Northern Ireland. More than £1,000 was raised for the charity. Credit, plaudits and genuine respect goes to all involved in getting the gig off the ground and delivering the fundraising promise as well as a fantastic music.
To those that donated raffle prizes (see list below for all those that displayed generosity above and beyond…), to Davey and all at the Spring & Airbrake for facilitating the day, to the bands for giving of their time and energy, to the volunteers of all descriptions, to the efforts of Steve in supporting all the bands and making sure the event ran to schedule, to many many more, and to the penguin…
But most of all to Laura Kennedy. Her tirelessness and devotion kept the dream of a one-day metal fest for a good cause alive when many others would have crumbled! Well done!
Excellent pix from the event, courtesy of Rokpix’s Colin Patterson, coming to this site soon!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Weekend of mayhem
Ok, hold on to your hats, your loved ones and your liver, cuz a hard rockin' weekend lies ahead.
The fun kicks off on Friday night in Dublin with Deft Leppard's debut Dublin show at the Voodoo Lounge - rest assured the Belfast crowd will be kicking up a storm...then back to Belfast for Deft's gig at The Empire -be assured of a warm reception for the guys...
And then Sunday's Valentine Metal Massacre in aid of fibromyalgia - 12 bands, 10 hours, all in a good cause...
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Slayer in Cork
Slayer are making tracks for Cork on 26th June - as part of the city's Live at the Marquee festival...tickets priced €45 go on sale on Friday 16th February. [Cheers to Baal for the tip off!] No word of any other dates on the island...
Raffle prizes for Valentine Metal Massacre
For all the lucky metal duckies heading to the Spring & Airbrake for the Valentine Metal Massacre check out the raffle prizes!
You just couldn't make this stuff up...
Brucie flies the 'Gers...'Tis true! Check the BBC Scotland story....http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/6354785.stm
and apparently he's an equal opp metal head...seeing as he met reps of Celtic some time ago....
Now if he can squeeze in a wee jaunt to Sunday's Valentine Metal Massacre at the Spring & Airbrake (only a tenner in and proceeds go to Fibromyalgia...12 bands in 10 hours!) between his jet setting, piloting, fronting Maiden, presenting radio shows etc etc his week would be complete!
and apparently he's an equal opp metal head...seeing as he met reps of Celtic some time ago....
Now if he can squeeze in a wee jaunt to Sunday's Valentine Metal Massacre at the Spring & Airbrake (only a tenner in and proceeds go to Fibromyalgia...12 bands in 10 hours!) between his jet setting, piloting, fronting Maiden, presenting radio shows etc etc his week would be complete!
Monday, February 12, 2007
Valentine Metal Massacre - Feb 18th
Even electioneering politicians are backing the Valentine Metal Massacre - as well as representatives of all political parties wishing well, South Belfast MP, Alasdair McDonnell (Spring & Airbrake is in his Sth Belfast Constituency) dropped in to wish Laura Kennedy and the two good hearted reprobates from Residual Effect (Willie and Anto) well for 18th February's fibromyalgia fundraiser.
Now the politicos are doing their work - make sure you're there on the 18th - after all 12 bands in 10 hours for a tenner! Value for money, and what else you gonna do on a Sunday? (No, please no details of what your usual Sunday entails, we're sensitive souls!)
Roth 'n' roll agin
Pension accounts must be getting tight in California - Dave Lee Roth has rejoined erstwhile colleagues to re-form the original Van Halen (well almost, depends on whether Alex Van Halen and Michael Anthony are still in the line-up).
Anyhows Roth and Eddie make a heck of top ranking lead pairing...and whisper it softly...after they complete a stadium tour in the US in the summer Van Halen may be pencilling in a few European dates...including Dublin. All depends on promoters, costs and fitting two massive egos into a suitably sized venue.
Anyhows Roth and Eddie make a heck of top ranking lead pairing...and whisper it softly...after they complete a stadium tour in the US in the summer Van Halen may be pencilling in a few European dates...including Dublin. All depends on promoters, costs and fitting two massive egos into a suitably sized venue.
Gojira
Gojira have been added to the bill for Trivium's double date at Dublin's Ambassador on April 8th and 9th - they now join Sanctity and old school thrashers Annihilator for the evenings' fun.
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