WHEN technical difficulties strike, a band has two choices - suck it up and get on, or let it stop the show. Stormzone and Donum Dei both had technical gremlins strike, but they chose the former optiob and rose above and smashed the gremlins into the ground and delivered a feast of metal.
That feast comprised Stormzone, playing a request set ahead of their Bloodstock Open Air appearance, while Donum Dei were making their Diamond Rock Club début.
For such a relatively youthful band they have evolved quickly, with a contemporary metal crushing sound, all delivered with a passion many more seasoned veterans would do well to emulate.
Thomas Marshall and Stuart McLoughlin were locked in tight in both riffs and heavy harmony guitar sections, and Stuart lashed through solos, wringing notes from the neck of his Les Paul with venom and precision.
Part of that precision within Donum Dei is the drums of Alastair Marshall, who maintains the tempo whether a full on assault with double bass runs, or beating the toms into submission. Buried... and Restless were impressive, but Restless had a couple of issues. The bass intro was lost and the harmony sections were off kilter.
Having said that they quickly recovered, and by the time Justice Fails flayed the audience Donum Dei proved themselves as worthy stand-ins for Maverick (whose guitarist Ryan has suffered an injury, forcing the band into an eight-week hiatus). But that didn't stop the Maverick team racking up at the Diamond to show their support for Donum Dei.
A deserved mention in dispatches must also go to DD's bassist Dean Kane. While Thomas is the fulcrum as frontman, Dean is his manic side-kick, contorting both body and bass in a whirl of movement, loving every second on stage.
Make no mistake, Donum Dei are ambitious, confident but not cocky, precise, and that rarest of beasts - a really heavy band that can bring along both the rock fans and the metal heads in true appreciation.
Appreciation is something that Stormzone will never be lacking in the Diamond Rock Club. To call them local heroes is something of an understatement to those who travel far and wide to see the Stormzone lightning strike.
Just a few short weeks after attracting an impressive several hundred to their tent show as part of Sonisphere, Stormzone were on stage enjoying a trawl through back catalogue material and songs off their most recent release, Three Kings.
Setting something of a Diamond Rock Club record with more than 20 original tracks delivered in a two-hour set, Stormzone were both relaxed and rampant with twin guitars of Moore and Shields shredding the venue, while Harv was the jester cajoling all to enjoy and participate.
Moore and Shields make it their mission to just let their six-stings do the talking for them. Both are extremely accomplished, and at times astonishingly good, players: trading licks, runs and riffs to the Stormzone sound.
A trio of songs that have become 'Zone classics, kicked off the set as Final Journey, Spectre and Secret Gateway rolled like a clap of thunder to the sweltering audience. The two hours were concluded with another trio of Hail the Brave, Death Dealer and the Legend Carries On.
In between was a smorgasbord of classic metal. From the Celtic metal stomp of the Pass Loning, the balladic Beware in Time, the harmonies of Tugging at Heartstrings and Crying In The Rain, and the full on metal of Three Kings and Night of the Storm this was a set showcasing the range and talent of the band.
Having become the band that more and more people from across Europe are eagerly eating up all their shows, those who go along to see them at Bloodstock Open Air are in for a classy metallic assault.
And, Harv confessed that they may be changing their planned setlist after seeing the response to Bang Your Head, a track that hasn't been played live in two years.
That Graham has bass problems with his rig, did not fluster the band, carrying on while he made the running repairs, is a testament to a band sure of what they are doing and confident that they can deliver, and will deliver no matter what.
In a few short minutes Graham was back, locked in with drummer Davy 'Basher' Bates, who put in a A+ performance. From the complicated rolls and rhythms of the likes of Cuchulain through the steady showcasing of Never Trust, and standing atop his drum stool urging the audience - who really needed no urging - to clap along, wave their arms and show the horns Davy was on the money throughout.
Basher is the anchor that stops the flamboyant talent of the front four from flying away from their exuberance and their talent.
And right in front Harv deploys his voice as an instrument of intent, from high notes threatening glass to smash within a one-mile radius, to deep lines that have the throaty terror of classic metal.
There are those who could accuse Stormzone of playing music that is a throwback to the eighties, but that is to miss the point. The members have absorbed the metal they grew up with, placed a huge Stormzone stamp on it, and brought a touch of 21st Century class.
This isn't retro rock, this a storm front of sheer metal enjoyment: where what could have become clichés in lesser hands have become a 21st Century live phenomenon, marrying the metal of our youth to the 2014 mindset. Yes, for all who may have stood at gigs, po-faced and reserved, Stormzone leaves each and everyone smiling.
Fans at Bloodstock are in for a treat when the weather brings a Storm(zone) through the Derby countryside, raising hell, raising fists and raising the semi-conscious to partake in another brew.
There is no magic formula to rock and metal, but there are secret ingredients that can raise it above the mundane...
Every member of Donum Dei and Stormzone has not only the talent, but the fact that they can rely and trust each other, they are a band of brothers, who make their individual skills part of team, part of a collective dedicated to metal. They are from Northern Ireland, they are metal, and we like it - what more can be said?
Showing posts with label Ahoghill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ahoghill. Show all posts
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Brewing up a storm in County Antrim: The Brew & Baleful Creed
THERE are moments when reviewing gigs that you end up standing with mouth agape wondering just what the hell you are watching...and just how much you are enjoying the music. Such was the case when The Brew headlined The Diamond Rock Club in Ahoghill on Saturday (May 10th).
A wonderful surprise, and a wonderful set of circumstances that aligned the rock 'n' roll stars when too few were there to witness it.
Opening musical proceedings were local heavy southern groove metal merchants with a penchant for a catchy hook and dark choruses, Baleful Creed.
Despite being a little ring rusty the band are still a musical mountain of guitar monstrosity. It's no surprise that they are finalists in TBFM Factor. (You can vote for Baleful Creed here.)
With strong material from their début album showcased the likes of Hex, Thorazine and Illuminati featuring all band members' talents it is evident that despite the rustiness there is the muscle to the music. And, with Autumn Leaves they have a song that is as catchy as the Bubonic Plague.
The only thing lacking from the Baleful Creed performance to date is at times a remoteness on stage of the three at the front. Fin, John and Stephen all play like masters, but are at times could manage some interaction - even crossing over at times could improve their stagecraft. Sabbath may not move from their spots, but then they are Sabbath.
When Sabs emerged from the dark depths of Brum to end the Age of Aquarius with the Devil's Chord, beside them were Led Zeppelin. At times the ghosts of Zep's live shows were haunting the stage at The Diamond during The Brew's set; not just the excellent cover version of 'Whole Lotta Love', a violin laced effects section and a drum solo ending up with Kurtis Smith using bare hands á la Bonham.
But, this was not a set of slavish blues rock, this was a set laced with energy, sewn through with talent and all behind the astonishing six-string work of Jason Barwick, who's searing solos on his battered Strat and emotional Les Paul tones earned appreciation all round.
The Brew were not just about the playing; there was an embodiment of energy from the three-piece. Tim Smith on bass may be the elder member of the unit, but managed to keep bounding throughout, and with his son on drums, Kurtis were as tight a unit that has been seen for many a long time.
Barwick's bouncing and manic drive kept on throughout the set, all the while keeping the six-string going and singing like the bastard child of Robert Plant and Paul Rodgers.
With a set varying from straightforward hard rock, through to blues rock and psychedelic passages there were highlights throughout.
'Mute', 'Every Gig Has A Neighbour' and 'Million Dead Stars' were amongst the stand-out tracks in a lengthy set.
The only downsides were the slightly - only slightly - overlong drum solo, which despite its peerless execution could have trimmed down to keep focus on the strong set and the violin effects section that perhaps was a little too like Page. However, these are niggles in a performance that was close to perfection as any hard rocking blues outfit could hope to deliver.
Closing with a brief rendition of Hawkwind's 'Silver Machine' The Brew proved that there is still a storm of rock rolling around the world: The eye of the storm was at The Diamond Rock Club on Saturday night - and what a storm of rock it was.
They say there is nothing new in rock and metal - but whoever they are they obviously do not know that the soul of rock and metal grows and evolves with each generation as proved by Baleful Creed and The Brew.
A wonderful surprise, and a wonderful set of circumstances that aligned the rock 'n' roll stars when too few were there to witness it.
Opening musical proceedings were local heavy southern groove metal merchants with a penchant for a catchy hook and dark choruses, Baleful Creed.
Despite being a little ring rusty the band are still a musical mountain of guitar monstrosity. It's no surprise that they are finalists in TBFM Factor. (You can vote for Baleful Creed here.)
 |
| Baleful Creed's Fin Finlay |
The only thing lacking from the Baleful Creed performance to date is at times a remoteness on stage of the three at the front. Fin, John and Stephen all play like masters, but are at times could manage some interaction - even crossing over at times could improve their stagecraft. Sabbath may not move from their spots, but then they are Sabbath.
When Sabs emerged from the dark depths of Brum to end the Age of Aquarius with the Devil's Chord, beside them were Led Zeppelin. At times the ghosts of Zep's live shows were haunting the stage at The Diamond during The Brew's set; not just the excellent cover version of 'Whole Lotta Love', a violin laced effects section and a drum solo ending up with Kurtis Smith using bare hands á la Bonham.
 |
| Jason Barwick of The Brew |
The Brew were not just about the playing; there was an embodiment of energy from the three-piece. Tim Smith on bass may be the elder member of the unit, but managed to keep bounding throughout, and with his son on drums, Kurtis were as tight a unit that has been seen for many a long time.
Barwick's bouncing and manic drive kept on throughout the set, all the while keeping the six-string going and singing like the bastard child of Robert Plant and Paul Rodgers.
With a set varying from straightforward hard rock, through to blues rock and psychedelic passages there were highlights throughout.
'Mute', 'Every Gig Has A Neighbour' and 'Million Dead Stars' were amongst the stand-out tracks in a lengthy set.
 |
| Barwick laying down the rock The Brew style |
The only downsides were the slightly - only slightly - overlong drum solo, which despite its peerless execution could have trimmed down to keep focus on the strong set and the violin effects section that perhaps was a little too like Page. However, these are niggles in a performance that was close to perfection as any hard rocking blues outfit could hope to deliver.
Closing with a brief rendition of Hawkwind's 'Silver Machine' The Brew proved that there is still a storm of rock rolling around the world: The eye of the storm was at The Diamond Rock Club on Saturday night - and what a storm of rock it was.
They say there is nothing new in rock and metal - but whoever they are they obviously do not know that the soul of rock and metal grows and evolves with each generation as proved by Baleful Creed and The Brew.
Photos courtesy of Paul Verner, words from Jonny
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Quare craic with The Quireboys and the Ajenda in Ahoghil
FOR those not familiar with the Northern Irish and north Antrim vernacular 'quare craic' can be loosely interpreted from the bastardised Ulster Scots and Gaelic as 'a good time' - and a good time was seemingly had by all at the Diamond Rock Club in Ahoghill as The Quireboys and Ajenda rocked acoustically.
Attitude is everything when it comes to rock 'n' roll, and with stacked amplifiers and bass amps removed stripped down acoustic sets means it is songs and attitude that carry a band through - both local heroes Ajenda and The Quireboys proved they have attitude to spare.
Ajenda are riding high on the crest of a wave with a successful 2013 now dawning into a promising 2014 as they told us when they were preparing for this gig. (Hear the interview here.)
The four-piece quickly hit rhythm with an impressive selection from their previously released eps and début album Unrecognisable.
While the instrumental Olympus Monz showcased the musical spine in the band, the songs proved their resilience when Jenny's voice was given full rein with Gav's flourishes flowing easily around the tracks.
Stand-out songs - which were already well-known to many of the crowd - were Tattoo, Heaven's Tears and the most recent release from Unrecognisable, Hatred and Greed.
The Ajenda sound adapted well to the acoustic setting, coming across as a delicate blend of laid-back and powerful.
And, when The Quireboys hit the stage it was an equally delicate blend: teetering on the edge of chaos and outstanding performance. Case in point is the focus of the band, Jonathan Gray - better known as Spike. Despite being clearly 'under the weather' this was a pure professional performance.
Routine banter was interspersed with local references to keyboardist Keith Weir's Tandragee, County Armagh roots...and potatoes.
But when the songs flowed this was aural honey. The Quireboys performed with the looseness of a band playing as if they were resident house act and the tightness only achieved by touring and the intricate interplay of professionals.
Guy and Keith managed to keep a boogie woogie 12-bar rock 'n' roll ethos resounding through what for many in the crowd were the mainstay rock themes of their younger years.
From earlier hits through to tracks from last year's Beautiful Curse (Mother Mary particularly noteworthy) The Quireboys have a back catalogue worthy of the international superstars they always deserved to be, and more recent songs that are as instantly memorable.
As Spike told us after the show Beautiful Curse is close to equalling, if not surpassing, sales of their first album, proving their relevance and the sustainability of rock.
Of course There She Goes Again, Hello, 27 Years, Whippin' Boy, 7 O'clock and I Don't Love You Anymore were among the most familiar and most well-received tracks.
But the strength of all aspects of the band was revealed by the poignant love song, Beautiful Curse. Delivered with passion and with a chorus that resounded across the packed audience.
With a new album from The Quireboys with an expected release in June of this year he evidence is that the band will continue to deliver on that promise of chaos balanced with creative and musical excellence.
Attitude is everything when it comes to rock 'n' roll, and with stacked amplifiers and bass amps removed stripped down acoustic sets means it is songs and attitude that carry a band through - both local heroes Ajenda and The Quireboys proved they have attitude to spare.
Ajenda are riding high on the crest of a wave with a successful 2013 now dawning into a promising 2014 as they told us when they were preparing for this gig. (Hear the interview here.)
The four-piece quickly hit rhythm with an impressive selection from their previously released eps and début album Unrecognisable.
While the instrumental Olympus Monz showcased the musical spine in the band, the songs proved their resilience when Jenny's voice was given full rein with Gav's flourishes flowing easily around the tracks.
Stand-out songs - which were already well-known to many of the crowd - were Tattoo, Heaven's Tears and the most recent release from Unrecognisable, Hatred and Greed.
The Ajenda sound adapted well to the acoustic setting, coming across as a delicate blend of laid-back and powerful.
And, when The Quireboys hit the stage it was an equally delicate blend: teetering on the edge of chaos and outstanding performance. Case in point is the focus of the band, Jonathan Gray - better known as Spike. Despite being clearly 'under the weather' this was a pure professional performance.
Routine banter was interspersed with local references to keyboardist Keith Weir's Tandragee, County Armagh roots...and potatoes.
But when the songs flowed this was aural honey. The Quireboys performed with the looseness of a band playing as if they were resident house act and the tightness only achieved by touring and the intricate interplay of professionals.
Guy and Keith managed to keep a boogie woogie 12-bar rock 'n' roll ethos resounding through what for many in the crowd were the mainstay rock themes of their younger years.
From earlier hits through to tracks from last year's Beautiful Curse (Mother Mary particularly noteworthy) The Quireboys have a back catalogue worthy of the international superstars they always deserved to be, and more recent songs that are as instantly memorable.
As Spike told us after the show Beautiful Curse is close to equalling, if not surpassing, sales of their first album, proving their relevance and the sustainability of rock.
Of course There She Goes Again, Hello, 27 Years, Whippin' Boy, 7 O'clock and I Don't Love You Anymore were among the most familiar and most well-received tracks.
But the strength of all aspects of the band was revealed by the poignant love song, Beautiful Curse. Delivered with passion and with a chorus that resounded across the packed audience.
With a new album from The Quireboys with an expected release in June of this year he evidence is that the band will continue to deliver on that promise of chaos balanced with creative and musical excellence.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Power, passion and professionalism and pounding from Stormzone and Maverick
TWO of Northern Ireland's finest joined forces for the last gig of 2013 at Diamond Rock Club and delivered an exhibition of power, passion and professionalism that delighted the packed Ahoghill venue on Saturday (28th December).
Stormzone and Maverick are bands at the top of their game, with the memories of the heyday of hard rock and metal in the 80s transformed into a rage ready for the vagaries of 21st Century.
While politicians were wringing their hands trying to pull a deal from the disaster that passes for contemporary diatribe this was a display of sheer glory in rock.
Maverick were born in the wrong age -they should have been striding the streets of LA in the 80s. Opening up with their title song it was a statement of intent, a rousing introduction backed by ready made fanbase at the front who travelled from Ballyclare for the event.
The twin guitar attack of Ryan and Chris laid down riffs and solos harkening back to the best days of big hair, while Richie (bass) and Mike (drums) clearly were re
velling in the opportunity afforded to them on this night.
Frontman David Balfour orchestrated the Maverick mayhem, and despite struggling with the lurgy - which at times affected his delivery - he more than made up for any slight straining with a power and commitment that heralded unanimous acclaim. It was the front man of Stormzone Harv who added to the acclaim by later urging the audience to back Maverick.
Selecting from their existing ep Maverick also unveiled a new track - Last Addiction - set for inclusion in their forthcoming album. They are a band on the upslope, rising towards further success they surely deserve.
While Harv offered Maverick his best, Stormzone, when on this form, are a force of metallic nature. Sheer power, professional from start to finish.
Like all good football managers know a successful team has a strong spine. With Davey laying down devilish drum lines, Graham playing like a midfield general on bass, and with Harv the on-form striker, wingmen Stevie and Dave were able to provide the axe pace.
Drawing on 2013 release Three Kings, and previous releases Zero to Rage and Death Dealer Stormzone are now at a stage that whatever is on the set list all tracks seem to hit the right nerve on the audience's pleasure glands.
Pass Loaning, Spectre, Fear Hotel and Death Dealer all featured, with Fear Hotel infectious invitation to take the "Exit to The Right" resounding throughout the Ahoghill night.
On the stage is literally Where Stormzone Belong. From Night of the Storm to Three Kings, throughout the set Harv led the fans a merry dance; with the metal only tempered by the more tender Beware In Time - a moment that showed the talent of the band in a delivering a diverse songscape.
While Maverick are the young pretenders brimming with passion Stormzone have taken that passion and pounded it remorselessly into a professional powerhouse of live old school metal glory.
The Diamond Rock Club has become a benchmark for local bands - if they can make it on the proving ground built by Derwin, Fiona, Paul, Tony et al then they can move on to take on any stage with confidence; Maverick are ready to do that; Stormzone are already there.
Power, passion and professionalism epitomise the ethos of metal. They were there in abundance on Saturday night.
Stormzone and Maverick are bands at the top of their game, with the memories of the heyday of hard rock and metal in the 80s transformed into a rage ready for the vagaries of 21st Century.
While politicians were wringing their hands trying to pull a deal from the disaster that passes for contemporary diatribe this was a display of sheer glory in rock.
Maverick were born in the wrong age -they should have been striding the streets of LA in the 80s. Opening up with their title song it was a statement of intent, a rousing introduction backed by ready made fanbase at the front who travelled from Ballyclare for the event.
The twin guitar attack of Ryan and Chris laid down riffs and solos harkening back to the best days of big hair, while Richie (bass) and Mike (drums) clearly were re
velling in the opportunity afforded to them on this night.
Frontman David Balfour orchestrated the Maverick mayhem, and despite struggling with the lurgy - which at times affected his delivery - he more than made up for any slight straining with a power and commitment that heralded unanimous acclaim. It was the front man of Stormzone Harv who added to the acclaim by later urging the audience to back Maverick.
Selecting from their existing ep Maverick also unveiled a new track - Last Addiction - set for inclusion in their forthcoming album. They are a band on the upslope, rising towards further success they surely deserve.
While Harv offered Maverick his best, Stormzone, when on this form, are a force of metallic nature. Sheer power, professional from start to finish.
Like all good football managers know a successful team has a strong spine. With Davey laying down devilish drum lines, Graham playing like a midfield general on bass, and with Harv the on-form striker, wingmen Stevie and Dave were able to provide the axe pace.
Drawing on 2013 release Three Kings, and previous releases Zero to Rage and Death Dealer Stormzone are now at a stage that whatever is on the set list all tracks seem to hit the right nerve on the audience's pleasure glands.
Pass Loaning, Spectre, Fear Hotel and Death Dealer all featured, with Fear Hotel infectious invitation to take the "Exit to The Right" resounding throughout the Ahoghill night.On the stage is literally Where Stormzone Belong. From Night of the Storm to Three Kings, throughout the set Harv led the fans a merry dance; with the metal only tempered by the more tender Beware In Time - a moment that showed the talent of the band in a delivering a diverse songscape.
While Maverick are the young pretenders brimming with passion Stormzone have taken that passion and pounded it remorselessly into a professional powerhouse of live old school metal glory.
The Diamond Rock Club has become a benchmark for local bands - if they can make it on the proving ground built by Derwin, Fiona, Paul, Tony et al then they can move on to take on any stage with confidence; Maverick are ready to do that; Stormzone are already there.
Power, passion and professionalism epitomise the ethos of metal. They were there in abundance on Saturday night.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Gettin' better with A Little Bitter
OKAY, time to confess...A Little Bitter are probably one of the favourite local bands we have reviewed and seen. There are many great, great local acts out there, but A Little Bitter seem to have both a charm and intensity that few are able to match.
If you haven't caught them live yet now here's your chance:
12 Feb The Rosetta Belfast
27 Feb The Black Boat Bangor
6 March The Nerve Centre Derry
20 March The Diamond Ahoghill
www.myspace.com/alittlebittermusic
Will see you at least at one or more of these dates...we're the ones who know all the words to Jebus, Angel and Battle Cry...
If you haven't caught them live yet now here's your chance:
12 Feb The Rosetta Belfast
27 Feb The Black Boat Bangor
6 March The Nerve Centre Derry
20 March The Diamond Ahoghill
www.myspace.com/alittlebittermusic
Will see you at least at one or more of these dates...we're the ones who know all the words to Jebus, Angel and Battle Cry...
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