JUST ahead of his sterling show at Hammerfest X we caught up with the mighty Blaze Bayley.
The details and thinking behind the final part of Infinite Entanglement 'The Redemption of William Black', plus issues facing bands in 2018 were among the things discussed.
Listen below:
Showing posts with label Blaze Bayley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blaze Bayley. Show all posts
Monday, March 19, 2018
Wednesday, February 07, 2018
NEWS: Blaze Bayley set for Northern Ireland return in September
AFTER a stunning live set late in 2016 at the Diamond Rock Club, Ahoghill, Blaze Bayley is set to return on September 29th this year.
As part of a UK and Europe tour the magnificent pipes will return as part of the Redemption of William Black/Infinite Entanglement tour.
Certainly the 'Redemption of William Black' is an album to cherish (review here).
Details of tickets, beer bus and other key information will be fully released over the next 10 days through Derwin and the Diamond Rock Club FB pages...
As part of a UK and Europe tour the magnificent pipes will return as part of the Redemption of William Black/Infinite Entanglement tour.
Certainly the 'Redemption of William Black' is an album to cherish (review here).
Details of tickets, beer bus and other key information will be fully released over the next 10 days through Derwin and the Diamond Rock Club FB pages...
Tuesday, February 06, 2018
ALBUM REVIEW: Blaze Bayley blasts wonderfully through the conclusion of the William Black story
WITH his 10th solo album Blaze Bayley concludes the 'Infinite Entanglement' trilogy with the 'Redemption of William Black' - and what a conclusion it is!
Across 11 tracks there is sweeping vision in terms of the music and storyline: classic metal in what deserves to be a widely heard album.
Bayley, as always is on top form, resonant and passionate vocals that send shivers down the back of the listener's neck on the likes of 'Life Goes On'.
However, to pick out any individual track does this album a disservice. It was always an ambitious project to take on such an extended high sci-fi concept. And, on the previous two releases it was not always as coherent. This time it is nailed like a laser jack hammer.
True, there are times when some verses are a little bit formulaic to enable the narrative to develop, such as on 'The First True Sign', but this is a very minor niggle and doesn't affect the enjoyment. Indeed many will feel the exposition necessary.
What is clear that Bayley has collaborators who share his musical vision to complete the Entanglement story. Iced Earth and Absolva's Luke Appleton puts in a sterling showing, while brother Chris, who co-wrote with Bayley, is integral to the sound.
Luke provides backing vocals, and Fozzy's Chris Jericho adds a lending guest spot on the first single 'Prayers of Light' with a voice spot as well as backing vocals. And, it is simply a super, rolling melodic metal track. The defiant "Now we stand and fight!"' is sure to be called out by fans when played live.
The guests, range of voice actors, Chris Appleton's well-balanced soloing all contribute but it is hard not to be fixated on Bayley's singing. It is simply stunning in its range and emotional timbre.
With Bayley's voice rightly dominant, the counterpoint of Liz Owen on '18 Days' comes as a delicate voice amidst the maelstrom of the story, a rollicking challenge to the lead character's intentions.
Owen also wrote the wondrous 'Already Won', which again features the Appleton brothers integrated work-outs and a chorus that soars.
Those choruses that run like a vein of gold across the tracks are so 'right' that each and every song could stand on their own on merits. Combined they produce a platinum album.
The narrative is neatly encapsulated on 'Life Goes On' as the regrets are poured out in a power ballad of sorts, with Bayley's voice dripping in remorse and self-realisation. Who knows if it is allegorical other than Blaze himself, but it is a song many of us can relate to.
Concluding the album are two songs that wrap the tale up with the speed of 'The Dark Side of Black' and the epic 'Eagle Spirit', an almost nine minute ending that ends the story in a rightly extended from its doom-laden voice introduction, and pained vocal start to the song.
That the 'Infinite Entanglement' ends with such a stunning song feels appropriate, a true redemption, defiant and complete. "If we can hold on to what we believe, they'll never break us" sums it all up. And, if it is allegorical then we sense that Bayley has gotten a story off his chest.
No matter whether it is or not 'The Redemption of William Black' is an album to treasure.
Review by Jonathan Traynor
Across 11 tracks there is sweeping vision in terms of the music and storyline: classic metal in what deserves to be a widely heard album.
Bayley, as always is on top form, resonant and passionate vocals that send shivers down the back of the listener's neck on the likes of 'Life Goes On'.
True, there are times when some verses are a little bit formulaic to enable the narrative to develop, such as on 'The First True Sign', but this is a very minor niggle and doesn't affect the enjoyment. Indeed many will feel the exposition necessary.
What is clear that Bayley has collaborators who share his musical vision to complete the Entanglement story. Iced Earth and Absolva's Luke Appleton puts in a sterling showing, while brother Chris, who co-wrote with Bayley, is integral to the sound.
Luke provides backing vocals, and Fozzy's Chris Jericho adds a lending guest spot on the first single 'Prayers of Light' with a voice spot as well as backing vocals. And, it is simply a super, rolling melodic metal track. The defiant "Now we stand and fight!"' is sure to be called out by fans when played live.
The guests, range of voice actors, Chris Appleton's well-balanced soloing all contribute but it is hard not to be fixated on Bayley's singing. It is simply stunning in its range and emotional timbre.
With Bayley's voice rightly dominant, the counterpoint of Liz Owen on '18 Days' comes as a delicate voice amidst the maelstrom of the story, a rollicking challenge to the lead character's intentions.
Owen also wrote the wondrous 'Already Won', which again features the Appleton brothers integrated work-outs and a chorus that soars.
Those choruses that run like a vein of gold across the tracks are so 'right' that each and every song could stand on their own on merits. Combined they produce a platinum album.
The narrative is neatly encapsulated on 'Life Goes On' as the regrets are poured out in a power ballad of sorts, with Bayley's voice dripping in remorse and self-realisation. Who knows if it is allegorical other than Blaze himself, but it is a song many of us can relate to.
Concluding the album are two songs that wrap the tale up with the speed of 'The Dark Side of Black' and the epic 'Eagle Spirit', an almost nine minute ending that ends the story in a rightly extended from its doom-laden voice introduction, and pained vocal start to the song.
That the 'Infinite Entanglement' ends with such a stunning song feels appropriate, a true redemption, defiant and complete. "If we can hold on to what we believe, they'll never break us" sums it all up. And, if it is allegorical then we sense that Bayley has gotten a story off his chest.
No matter whether it is or not 'The Redemption of William Black' is an album to treasure.
Review by Jonathan Traynor
The Redemption of William Black is released on 2nd March.
Later in the year a vinyl edition will be released with accompanying materials
Monday, February 20, 2017
LIVE REVIEW: Setting the Diamond afire - Blaze Bayley rocks Ahoghill
TO many the time Blaze Bayley spent in Iron Maiden came at a most inopportune moment in rock music: the labels weren't backing metal bands to the extent they used to, and the tides of fortune had yet to see the return of heavier music's heyday.
However, they were still albums treasured in many people's collections, as well as the Wolfsbane releases. When Blaze Bayley left Maiden he shook off any disappointment, gathered himself and began a solo career that has not only earned plaudits, but see him battle back from personal tragedy and an indifferent mainstream metal media.
The fans, however, are ever loyal to a man who epitomises the no nonsense approach.
Before Mr Bayley took to the Diamond Rock Club stage local sc-fi/fantasy-tinged metal crew Terminus more than warmed up the heaving venue with a 45-minute no nonsense set. From the opener 'Reaper's Spiral' it was clear that they were intent on winning over new fans.
Indeed many Diamond newbies could be overheard muttering approval at the style of metal Terminus were pushing out. All of which is helped by the fact that the band are tight and deliver their set with precision and an obvious excess of energy.
James Beattie commands the front, his singing throughout spot on, as Paul and Gavin wove guitar lines to match the lyrics. 'Fortress Titan' was a highlight and the well earned response to closer 'Centaurean' raised the bar.
With all points near the stage packed, Blaze Bayley received what is easily understood as a rapturous response. Not only were there many fans there it was notable that many local musos were out in force.
Opening with 'Endure and Survive' from the forthcoming album of the same name the men backing Blaze seemed to be enjoying the experience as much as the audience.
Indeed the band has a feel of a real unit - compact, flourishing and a force to be reckoned with. Naturally the temperature soared when after 'A Thousand Years' they launched into 'Futurereal', and from then on it was a helter skelter ride that took the Diamond through songs were familiar to all; plus a bonus.
The first live outing for 'Escape Velocity' was as well received as any of the tracks, but most-of-all it was the way the set list was balanced throughout, with the back catalogue of his own material melding with Maiden songs.
Bracketing 'Lord of the Flies' with 'Speed of Light' and 'Stare at the Sun' gave all a chance to see how he has grown as a songwriter and performer, without losing that sense of where he came from.
Closing with the Wolfsbane track 'Manhunt' and 'Man On the Edge' had the crowd ecstatic, however, the show was only 95% of the success. The remaining five per cent came from the man's attitude on stage, his willingness to engage in banter, warmth oozing from his every pore.
Sure, the Diamond Rock Club may be a seeming million miles from Maiden, but that does not make it any less of a valid place to see a man who should be a rock icon held in high esteem. Whether with his own material or Blaze's venerable past he achieved a par excellence show in Ahoghill and gave the club a sense of belonging to a metal history that is no longer of the past, but sits in the present.
Blaze Bayley - a survivor, a singer and a superb live performer.
Review by Jonathan Traynor
Pictures by Darren McVeigh
However, they were still albums treasured in many people's collections, as well as the Wolfsbane releases. When Blaze Bayley left Maiden he shook off any disappointment, gathered himself and began a solo career that has not only earned plaudits, but see him battle back from personal tragedy and an indifferent mainstream metal media.
The fans, however, are ever loyal to a man who epitomises the no nonsense approach.
Before Mr Bayley took to the Diamond Rock Club stage local sc-fi/fantasy-tinged metal crew Terminus more than warmed up the heaving venue with a 45-minute no nonsense set. From the opener 'Reaper's Spiral' it was clear that they were intent on winning over new fans.
Indeed many Diamond newbies could be overheard muttering approval at the style of metal Terminus were pushing out. All of which is helped by the fact that the band are tight and deliver their set with precision and an obvious excess of energy.
James Beattie commands the front, his singing throughout spot on, as Paul and Gavin wove guitar lines to match the lyrics. 'Fortress Titan' was a highlight and the well earned response to closer 'Centaurean' raised the bar.
With all points near the stage packed, Blaze Bayley received what is easily understood as a rapturous response. Not only were there many fans there it was notable that many local musos were out in force.
Opening with 'Endure and Survive' from the forthcoming album of the same name the men backing Blaze seemed to be enjoying the experience as much as the audience.
Indeed the band has a feel of a real unit - compact, flourishing and a force to be reckoned with. Naturally the temperature soared when after 'A Thousand Years' they launched into 'Futurereal', and from then on it was a helter skelter ride that took the Diamond through songs were familiar to all; plus a bonus.
The first live outing for 'Escape Velocity' was as well received as any of the tracks, but most-of-all it was the way the set list was balanced throughout, with the back catalogue of his own material melding with Maiden songs.
Bracketing 'Lord of the Flies' with 'Speed of Light' and 'Stare at the Sun' gave all a chance to see how he has grown as a songwriter and performer, without losing that sense of where he came from.
Closing with the Wolfsbane track 'Manhunt' and 'Man On the Edge' had the crowd ecstatic, however, the show was only 95% of the success. The remaining five per cent came from the man's attitude on stage, his willingness to engage in banter, warmth oozing from his every pore.
Sure, the Diamond Rock Club may be a seeming million miles from Maiden, but that does not make it any less of a valid place to see a man who should be a rock icon held in high esteem. Whether with his own material or Blaze's venerable past he achieved a par excellence show in Ahoghill and gave the club a sense of belonging to a metal history that is no longer of the past, but sits in the present.
Blaze Bayley - a survivor, a singer and a superb live performer.
Review by Jonathan Traynor
Pictures by Darren McVeigh
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
NEWS: Ex-Maiden singer Blaze Bayley set for Diamond Rock club in February
THE gig announcements keep on coming - Blaze Bayley - ex-Maiden and Wolfsbane singer will bring his band to the Diamond Rock Club on February 18th next year.
The redoubtable front man has battled through personal adversity and being written off to emerge as one of the true road warriors of metal: consistent and always engaging, triumphant and with tunes by the tonne.
Support will come from Terminus, who play this coming Friday with Diamond Head in the Voodoo, and who recently put in a stormer supporting Chariot.
The redoubtable front man has battled through personal adversity and being written off to emerge as one of the true road warriors of metal: consistent and always engaging, triumphant and with tunes by the tonne.
Support will come from Terminus, who play this coming Friday with Diamond Head in the Voodoo, and who recently put in a stormer supporting Chariot.
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Vader, Blaze Bayley, Dan Reed, Cathedral, Deicide etc etc
THANKS to everyone who has posted/sent their views on Machine Head - I'll be amalgamating these for an opinion piece tomorrow, but in the meantime there's Vader tonight, Blaze Bayley on Thursday, Dan Reed on Saturday (still tickets available for the bus from Belfast). Again, as part of the experiement email me details.
And look out for further details about the Cathedral and Deicide gigs and other gig news.
Right off to see if the ringing in my ears has eased any \m/
And look out for further details about the Cathedral and Deicide gigs and other gig news.
Right off to see if the ringing in my ears has eased any \m/
Monday, March 01, 2010
Machine Head after-show party
After yer ears have been blasted, and yer senses are over-loaded by the aural assault of Machine Head, Hatebreed, Bleeding Through and All Shall Perish there is a chance to chill to some more metal.
The Distortion Project's own James Loveday will be spinning some heavy vibes at the Limelight for an after-show party. A sound way to relax after Machine Head and plan the week ahead...y'know the week with Blaze Bayley, Vader and Dan Reed!
The Distortion Project's own James Loveday will be spinning some heavy vibes at the Limelight for an after-show party. A sound way to relax after Machine Head and plan the week ahead...y'know the week with Blaze Bayley, Vader and Dan Reed!
Monday, November 09, 2009
Blazing a trail
Congrats to Sinocence who have landed the support slot for the Blaze Bayley 2010 tour which touches down in Belfast on March 5th, venue TBC.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Maiden vocalist's April battle
Paul Di'Anno has announced April dates on his myspace that are set to include a Belfast show. With Blaze Bayley playing around the time (full details to come soon). Will be interesting to see which one has the better solo material...my money is on Blaze
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Sad news
It is with deepest regret we have learned that Blaze Bayley's wife Debbie passed away this morning in hospital. You can read a statement from the band's drummer on the official website's news section.
Blaze was planning to play the Rosetta on 8th October, but I'm sure we'll all understand if he now does not.
Our condolences to Blaze, the band and Debbie's family and friends.
Blaze was planning to play the Rosetta on 8th October, but I'm sure we'll all understand if he now does not.
Our condolences to Blaze, the band and Debbie's family and friends.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Blaze at the Rosie
Thanks to Dale for reminding me to post that A Little Bitter will be supporting Blaze Bayley on his Irish jaunt in October. On 9th October Blaze and A Little Bitter will be joined by Darkest Era and Fireland at the Rosetta. For £15 it's a killer line-up!
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