LIVE REVIEW: Voodoo shaken to foundations by Raging Speedhorn, ably assisted by Dead Label and By Any Means

BELFAST'S Voodoo on a Sunday. The Lord's Day. The Day of Rest. A day for quiet reflection. On Sunday, 18th September there was no quiet time as the Fountain Street venue was shaken to the foundations by Raging Speedhorn.

The six-piece metal force were rounding up a brief Irish tour, as part of this leg of the Lost Ritual Tour, after dates in Cork and Dublin with compatriots Dead Label and By Any Means, who reported themselves as "broken" after the dates.

Dublin three-piece Dead Label have developed a meaty sound over the past two years and have been no strangers to Belfast.

With their latest album forming the core of their set they appear confident and strident in their music and message. We look forward to many more appearances north of the border.

Despite the vagaries of recent touring that left some members 'fragile' By Any Means arrive on stage like a force of whatever nature is left in Belfast. Micky Higgins prowls around the audience for the first couple of tunes.

As he bellows out 'Built On Respect' the respect the hometown crowd gives the respect the band deserves. Their hardcore with a metallic edge translates so well with the passion the four members play each track.

The messages of the songs are powerful, and the performance matches that intensity. A superb version of 'The Hammer' is just one of the many highlights of BAM's set.

Raging Speedhorn were making their first appearance in Belfast since 2007 and they receive a welcome as if they were conquering heroes.

Since reforming after a few years hiatus Speedhorn have recorded a new album and even more keenly honed their already fearsome live show to a leathul edge.

Mixing old favourites with a healthy representation from 'Lost Ritual' from start to finish the entire band ooze sweat from every pore and invoke a similar passion from the crowd.

John and Frank dominate the audience as 'Hate Song' kicks off the hour-long show. and, the pace never slows. Sod the genre shit, this is just metal pure and not so simple.

There were no fillers here as new songs like 'Motorhead', 'Dogshit Blues' merged effortlessly with the likes of the band's first ever single 'Thumper' - all the way back in 2000.

However, this was not a band rolling back the years. This was a band still as relevant in 2016 as they were when they were starting off their musical career back in Corby. They even drew Paul BAM into the pit at one point.

What was evident as the crowd emerged into the late Sunday night air were the smiles and the chatter over each other's favourites. And, ringing ears...

Full-on music power and prowess - it may not have been an evening of quiet reflection, but this show will be reflected upon fondly for quite some time.

Review by Jonny
Pictures by Darren McVeigh

Reproduction by written permission only

LIVE REVIEW: Metal2TheMasses launched in style as By Any Means, Rabid Bitch of the North and Overoth pound the Limelight

BLOODSTOCK Open Air - one of the finest festivals and a gathering of like-minded souls. And, it has long been a champion of the unsigned artists, a dedicated group determined to expose audiences to new acts.

One of the initiatives that the festival organisers undertake is Metal2TheMasses, an annual competition across the UK and further afield that sees the winners given a slot at the festival; invaluable exposure and a chance to network and play.

Last year the Northern Ireland regional winners were Overoth, so it was fitting that they headlined the launch party for the 2016. And, what a fucking loud party it was.

Openers By Any Means - who were guests at Bloodstock last year - shook the fillings of the audience with their unique brand of metallic tinged hardcore. Paul, as energetic as ever coerced ever ounce of energy from his frame, with Gavin beating the living daylights out of his kit.

Chris' bass was locked in and monstrous, but Paul was suffering...Despite a huge dose of the flu and confession later that he almost passed out the guitarist manned up and kept going to the bitter end. 'Built on Respect' - damn right.

Rabid Bitch of the North played Bloodstock in 2014 and have consistently honed their contemporary metal/NWOBHM blend to a potent level. Opening with 'Trapped in 1999' Joe's vocals had dogs flocking to the Ormeau Road thinking a new frequency had attuned to their aural tracts.

But underlying that was the rumbling bass lines as the likes of 'Us Against Them' and 'Defending Two Castles' attacked with their usual ferocity with Gerry laying down crafted solos while Chris delivered drum beats to shake castle walls.

And, like By Any Means we were treated to a new track!

There is a sense of drama every time Overoth take to the stage. Blackened death metal, deliberately scruffy make up portray a band who understand it is a show, albeit an intense metal show.

Andy towers over the audience, the bass like a weapon of mass metal destruction, his growls and gritty vocals bringing terror and keeping the heads banging.

Flanked by Andrew and Daniel's guitars this is a full-on sound, rich in its dark menace.

 
Taking tracks from 'Kingdom of Shadows', throwing them in the face of the audience, as Jay laid down drum doom this is a band who not only played Bloodstock, but owned the unsigned stage with their dark metal in the same way as BAM harangued the BOA attendees with hardcore hell.

As we look to the closing of 2015 bands are already tuning up their instruments, re-arranging live songs and getting ready for the Metal2TheMasses challenge.

The final is set for May, and the dates for the heats will be announced soon. Details of how to apply rest with James of The Distortion Project - and if you don't know who James is you really are not in the game right now.

Several bands have already taken the leap. Will you?

Review by Jonny
Pictures by Darren McVeigh
Overoth picture from archive owing to lighting issues

COMIN' ATCHA: Four feardome, mad, loud days of rock and metal

RIGHT rockers, ready yourselves because over the next four days your lugholes are gonna get a battering, your necks will be snapped and when Monday 26th October rolls around you'll be heading into work for a rest.

Starting tonight (Thursday, October 22nd) legendary - and yes he really is a rock legend - Glenn Hughes is at Limelight 1. The man who lent bass lines and vocals to Deep Purple, Sabs and a host of super groups will be on a Belfast stage with axe man Doug Aldrich and on the sticks is Pontus Snibb.

Then on Friday it's another feast, when NWOBHM legends Raven appear at Limelight2, with support from local noisenicks Rabid Bitch of the North. Then you have a choice of heading to see tribute act 101% Pantera with support from Donum Dei and Cursed Sun in Voodoo or stay in the Limelight complex for country rocker Steve Earle.

Saturday (October 24th) sees Screaming Eagles, Gasoline Outlaws and Baleful Creed in Limelight2. After that it is a quick race round to the Voodoo for cross over madness with English Dogs, By Any Means and Acid Age.

And all of that was just to get your pulse racing before the utter destruction of every ounce of your being when Deathcrusher 2015 decimates Limelight1. Yep, five acts that will mash your very soul.

Carcass, Napalm Death, Obituary, VoiVod and Herod...five acts to round up four days of rock and metal that proves, once and for all that there is a scene that is not for scenesters, hipsters or floppy fringed wannabes; it's a scene where rockers and metalheads rejoice in glorious insanity...well as Suicidal Tendencies said "Pledge Your Allegiance".

COMIN' ATCHA: Clashes, gigs and more: Beholder, Ricky Warwick, Bullet for My Valentine, Paradise Lost and much more

THERE are those that bemoan the fact that many tours bypass Northern Ireland; for example the Hardcore Superstar/Michael Monroe UK and Europe tour announced yesterday. However, with such a feast of acts already penciling in Belfast dates there are rich delights for rock and metal fans.


And we say that with total confidence after The Distortion Project confirmed Overkill's Belfast date on April 9th.


But ahead of that we have a week ahead packed with much fun and frolics for fans. Look no further than Thursday when the mighty Beholder roll into town. Their Limelight2 show will see Simon and co rock the foundations in Ormeau Avenue after Sinocence and By Any Means shake your fillings loose.
On the same night Heart of a Coward are playing the Voodoo with support from By Conquest of Consent.


If you want to mellow out and relive a guilty pleasure, on Friday Wheatus' show has been upgraded from Limelight2 to Limelight1. They'll be playing all that album in full; you know the one about Iron Maiden tickets (although we refute the idea that it is only teenage dirtbags who have the issues referred to in the song).


Saturday, it's always a good bet you'll wend your way up to the Diamond Rock Club a fair amount of Saturdays in a year: this coming Saturday Ricky Warwick and Damon Johnson will be returning for more rock, supported by the Acoustic Outlaws (that is the Gasoline Outlaws without amps).


Sunday sees Rich Robinson - ex of the Black Crowes - play The Empire Music Hall with a selection of solo tunes and BC standards.


Mondays are crap, right? Wrong! This coming Monday is the second of the big gig clashes of the autumn. In the red corner, weighing in at an impressive mighty dose of doom we have Paradise Lost and Lucifer in Limelight1. In the blue corner, weighing in with contemporary metal fandom we have Bullet for My Valentine in the Ulster Hall.


Who will win out? Well we hope it is a draw with equally packed venues. Tickets are still available for both shows, but if you're under 18 the Bullet show is your only option. [BTW - if you caught the Editor's show on Belfast Underground TV on Saturday past you'll know that Lucifer are going to blow your ears off...]


Now is that enough to wrap up September?

BLOODSTOCK: By Any Means, Overoth, Dead Label and many more at one of the best fests

BLOODSTOCK'S joy, beer and searing heat (yes, the sun shone for all four days of a UK festival!) still resonates in the memory.

It was not our intention at any stage to work at this festival - we were there to relax. But somewhere along the way some of our colleagues managed to con us into interviewing a few bands and giving an overview of the fest.

Before getting down to the interviews it's fair to say that with more than 100 bands playing some of the most extreme forms of metal it was still one of the friendliest festivals we have ever attended.

Headliners apart the music was intense across all four days, and Northern Ireland and Irish did themselves proud.

Just days away you'll have the chance to see Dead Label support Gojira in Limelight1. They put in a great set on the Sophie Lancaster Stage before talking to us about forthcoming plans.

Representing Northern Ireland By Any Means and Overoth ripped apart the New Blood Stage. Overoth gave a death metal masterclass, while BAM brought their own unique brand of hardcore mayhem (even attracting Ben Ward from Orange Goblin down for half their set).

By Any Means interview


To sum up Bloostock is almost impossible. More than 100 bands across four stages - from the Ronnie James Stage, through the Sophie Lancaster Stage, the Unsigned Stage and the Jagermeister Stage (basically a bar with a stage attached) there were more bands to see than even the most determined fan could catch up with.

Overoth interview


Of the many bands who appeared there were several stand-out sets. Armored Saint, Belphegor, Sabaton, the uncommunicative Black Label Society, Onslaught were among those that shone.

Dead Label Society interview


What was unanimous amongst those at their first Bloodstock was that they will be back each and every year - no matter that the headliners weren't the stars they could have been the vibe, the totality of the musical experience and the madness in Camp Midgard....[See below]

Foul Body Autopsy Interview
[Parental notice - sweary bits within!]


Footnote - Camp Midgard was were we pitched our tents (with your editor experiencing some issues on that task) and it was the scene of the madness only metalheads can generate....bin jousting, metal wrestling, a parade with a Slayer flag and a 'Christ on a Stick' and a bon homie few can match...

Words by Jonny

NEWS: More bands added to Bloodstock line-up

WE know y'all are just heading to Bloodstock just to see Norn Iron's By Any Means and Overoth, but to make sure you keep yourselves occupied throughout the event the good people at Bloodstock HQ have added more bands to the already packed line-up.


Savage Messiah have been added to the Ronnie James Dio main stage slot on Saturday - and Foul Body Autopsy are amongst another crowd of bands added to the Jagermeister stage


With everything else going on over the weekend remember that Bloodstock also has a nominated charity, recently announcing its partnership with TEENAGE CANCER TRUST for the fifth year in a row.


Since kicking off a relationship in 2011, over £21,000 has been raised for the charity, with the money going to help the UK’s teenagers & young adults with cancer.


A BOA spokesperson explained: "To celebrate hitting the £20k mark and this special anniversary, this year we’ve set a fundraising target of £12,500 so we need your help to shatter that!


"Once again the charity will have a stall in the market area, where you can purchase Teenage Cancer Trust merchandise and join in the popular ‘T-Shirt Amnesty’ (clear some drawer space and bring your unwanted band t-shirts to donate or swap).  There are also three very special raffle prizes up for grabs.


"On Friday, you could meet headliners Trivium and watch their first three songs side of stage, while on Saturday, Within Temptation offer the same prize.


"On Sunday, one lucky winner could be taking home a black gloss BC Rich Warlock Edge guitar, signed by 2014 Bloodstock headliners, Down. To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is purchase a raffle ticket for £1 at the charity stand, so stop by, pick up a ticket and be in with a chance of winning."


You see us metallers really can make a difference!

NEWS: More acts announced for Bloodstock with just seven weekends to go!

SEVEN weekends to go, 52 days until Bloodstock and the announcements keep coming!

We all remember that Overoth won through the Metal 2 The Masses heat here in Belfast, we can now confirm that they will be playing the New Blood stage on Saturday. Winners of the RoI heat, thrashers Animator play the same stage on Sunday.

We all love Oaf and Friend, and as an added bonus 'Friend', a.k.a. metal journo Dom Lawson will be performing a DJ set, as will The Vicious Breed, Mordred's DJ Aaron 'Pause' Vaughn, the legendary Krusher Joule and Desertfest's Rich Harris.

As if that wasn't enough there's added laughs. Andrew O'Neill will perform his outstanding 'History of Heavy Metal' comedy show (and anyone who saw it in Belfast last year knows it is a hoot). Big C will bring his 'heavy metal spoken word and Jesus-a-like Gordy Jebus from the infamous 'Jesus Is A Cunt t-shirt festival snap will also be doing a stand-up routine.

With an already packed line-up (many expressing how honoured they are to be on the same bill as By Any Means) you have no excuse not to be there. Fer Feck's Sake - there's Sabaton, Opeth, Rob Zombie, Black Label Society, Orange Goblin, Armored Saint, Nuclear Assault, Cannibal Corpse, Overkill, Dark Angel, Napalm Death etc etc etc over the four days. There's even Trivium and Within Temptation...

Tickets are still available on the 24-hour ticket line at 0871 230 5584 or on the tinterweb here. See y'all at Catton Park, Derbyshire 6th to 9th August.

NEWS: Trucker sign deal +++ Last chance to see The Who indoors+++Beholder for Belfast

+++

Off Yer Rocka climb aboard the Big Truck

TRUCKER Diablo have been signed to Off Yer Rocka Records for the release of 'Rise Above The Noise' the album they recorded after a successful Pledge Music campaign.

OYR CEO Jonni Davis said: "We've known Trucker for a long time this is a huge musical thrust north, it's just a great FKN album and sits perfectly into what we're all about..can't wait to get this one out there!"

Tom from Trucker added his tuppence worth on the news: "When we decided to set up a pledge campaign for our new album, signing with a label was far from the agenda. When OYR got in touch it was like an old friend getting in contact.

"We have been friends with the guys for quite a few years now and have been lucky enough to be a part of the amazing festivals they host. So for us its an easy decision to make this next step into the OYR family and we trust our new album will find more ears through the great team they have working with them."

The rest of the world will soon see why the Big Truck Keeps on Rolling!

+++

Last chance to see The Who...indoors

THERE has been much talk about The Who of late, with some of the more controversial comments coming when Pete Townsend saying that he could not be Roger Daltrey's friend because of Daltrey's wife...

But, they have been getting the front pages as much for their celebration of 50 years. Fifty fucking years! And, with a sold out Glastonbury headlining set and a Hyde Park show you have to say that when The Who play Belfast's Odyssey Arena on 21st June it may be the very last time that we will have the chance to see them live at an indoors arena.


With tracks such as 'Won't Get Fooled Again', 'Pinball Wizard', 'Who Are You' and 'Substitute' The Who have always been a rock band first and foremost even if there are mods who hang about for some unknown reason (have they ever watched The Who at Woodstock?).

Their influence - and rock credentials - are clear, not least because of the bands who have chosen to cover their songs: WASP recorded a stunning version of 'The Real Me' and the Sex Pistols gave 'Substitute' the working class sneer that it deserves.

And, if you were to be thinking about Hyde Park, you'd have to put up with the likes of Johnny Marr, Kaiser Chiefs and Paul Weller...much better to book your ticket for The Who in the Odyssey on June 21st.

+++

Beholder book Belfast date

THE mighty Beholder have booked in for a Belfast date on September 24th in Limelight2 thanks to The Distortion Project.

Joining the ferocious assault will be Sinocence and By Any Means...sure to be a noise fest to not to miss!

 +++ENDS+++

And then there was the Seige...and Northenr Ireland lay waste to Limerick

IT was not intended that the intrepid band of brethren and sistren from Northern Ireland would be attempting to review the Siege of Limerick - the six-monthly gathering of a tribe of long-haired and loud types.

However, it is worth a line or two to congratulate the bands from Norn Iron for tearing up Dolan's, causing geological faults across the west or Ireland and tsunamis to roll across the Atlantic...

As your trusty editor managed to take the 'longer route' to Limerick we missed what is reportedly a great set from Altus.  We also learned that our colleague in reviews Mel has a road rage issue when caught behind traffic...

But when safely booked in, with our bellies filled through the excellent fare in Dolans, we ventured forth into the increasingly packed venues.

Wandering around we perchanced upon the eclectic Rather Be Alive who were entertaining, with a mixture of deathcore, funk and System of a Down...it shouldn't have worked, but it did.

Leaving that aside, we were mainly focussed on the Norn Irish contingent.

There was meant to be a timing clash between War Iron and Maverick, but owing to the main stage running a bit late we were able to enjoy the deathly rumbling and sludge of War Iron; however seeing as they had a guitar on stage it was a little unusual for regular viewers. That didn't detract from the bottom end destruction of many people's internal organs.

With guts churned into liquefied jelly we made our way to where Maverick were rapidly converting the crowd. On paper Maverick shouldn't have had a chance amidst a crowd mainly consisting of fans of the more extreme end of metal spectrum.

Did they fuck - Maverick won over the crowd with their hail and hearty rock, as infectious smiles beamed across the audience. Beside us two men wearing Carcass and Cannibal Corpse t-shirts began headbanging and throwing shapes that displayed sheer enjoyment.

'Rock 'n' Roll Lady was bellowed out by the Northern Ireland fans; 'Got It Bad' was as infectiously dangerous to the cerebellum and central nervous system; 'In Our Blood' got underneath everyone's skin in a good way; and, 'Paint by Numbers' wove patterns of light and shade across the blackened venue. God help The Poodles because Maverick are going to give them a serious run for their money when the Northern Irish rockers go on the road with them. Grins on band and crowd alike - job done!

With the representation from the province of Ulster well and truly established yet more was to come.

Astralnaut have been gradually building up their 2015 presence after two plus years of steady growth and development.

In Limerick the Armagh monsters brought their mighty sounds to life, with a set that straddled the earliest to the latest. It was as if from the mists the titans of the ancient Ulster knights had grown tall and brought the power of mysticism, gave it muscles and applied it to a musical brutality that gave birth to groove.

From the bottom end of Astralnaut to the sound of windows breaking across the entire country as Joe from Rabid Bitch of the North hit note so high that they induced a resonance wave fit to fracture even the sturdiest glass. It is as well that most pints were being served in plastic containers...

Undoubtedly even Joe, Chris and Gerry could not have expected the response from the crowd as mini-mosh pits emerged and stage diving got to such an extent that a queue formed to be the latest to launch themselves from the stage.

The contrast of Joe's Rickenbacker bass, Gerry's riffage and soloing alongside Chris pounding the kit into submission with the high-pitched singing brought a sheer joy to all in attendance.

'Us Against Them' and '...1999' were just two of the many excellent songs as Rabid Bitch proved that 'Defending Two Castles' is not only possible, but inevitable when this trio take to the stage.

From the NWOBHM inspired of RBOTN to hardcore....

It's Belfast hardcore...do
you have a problem with
that?

By Any Means are not only experienced, but still have the joy of taking up musical arms writ large upon their attitude.

Quickly they had madness spreading across the audience. Keep Paul on stage?  Not likely. Keep Paul from riffing out? Impossible. Chris and Gavin from laying down a rhythm that roared? As per usual...

But, there is nothing 'as per usual' about any By Any Means set. The passion of the band spreads to all present. 'Built on Respect'. Too fucking right!

From there as Panic Cell once sang "Black Juice down, it's gettin' a little bit hazy; I look at you and I don't know what you're saying". Well we weren't there to review the Siege...

Overoth were as always excellent by all accounts, and Alunah brought their Brummie take on contemporary metal with spirit and verve.

Siege of Limerick was a delight, heralding the bridge between the Celtic seasons of Cutios and Giamonios. [Yeah - drink may have been taken, but we still do our research.]

The whole thing can be summed up in a words from our colleague in metal, Donal: "Mighty!"

Lost in the moment

Have drums, will hit 'em

Guitar wank face level eight achieved

The roar and the riff

Paul proves he can out-pose Zakk Wylde...

Apparently people enjoyed themselves at Siege...

How to hit the high notes, Joe explains to eager listeners that you need
to have really, really tight jeans to sing the chorus of ...1999.

LIVE REVIEW: Sick Of It All bring NY hardcore to Belfast backed by By Any Means and Murdock

THE world of hardcore can be impenetrable to those who stand outside looking in, a wall of aggressive music and full on rage on the vocals. But immerse yourself in it and suddenly it all makes sense.

The catharsis to those unwilling to sound their own rage, the power electrifying anger, and beneath it all a crowd of people standing for what they believe.

On February 2nd, 2015 in Belfast's Limelight2 hardcore breathed its fiery retort to society as New York's Sick Of It All bellowed out their rants of musical might.

Opening the evening's proceedings were Dublin act Murdock, who put in a straightforward performance, which lacked a bit of punch. They need to tighten up their onstage performance and arrangements if they are to reach the next level.

But Belfast's By Any Means are already reaching new heights. Despite being without a singer for a while they have been able to bring back CC for these shows.

His work rate on stage was, as always phenomenal, raging and mobile, leaping off the stage, full of venom, encouraging those familiar with their songs to join in; members of the crowd singing in unison to hardcore anthems such as 'Built On Respect', and getting Defyed frontman, Wayne on stage to join in the merriment.

From the moment Sick Of Iit All rolled on to the stage they owned the venue, owned the crowd and brought smiles and roars in equal measure. Lou and Pete in perfect synch wit Craig and Armand as they set off with 'Good Looking Out' and 'Sound the Alarm' - the latter from their most release 'Last Act of Defiance'.

Throughout the 20-plus sing set Sick Of It All delivered on all levels, with Lou cajoling the crowd ti ever higher levels, such as introducing 'Sanctuary' as a "love song".

The passion they displayed throughout the set was not only admirable, but it was contagious.

The likes of 'Clobbering Time', 'Death or Jail', 'Machete', 'Step Down' were all delivered bang-on and the whole thing ran like clockwork chaos captured in 3-D screamage.

Dispensing with the nipping off stage before the conclusion Sick Of It All ended on a high with 'Us vs. Them'.

There is no-one who can doubt that Sick Of It All are amongst the old school hardcore bands that have maintained their energy and have not waned or let their rage die into embers; they are the very model of how to keep the anger fresh and still enjoy every second on stage.

Review by Jonny

Pix by Darren McVeigh (MetalPlanet Belfast)