LIVE REVIEW: Evil Scarecrow bring metal and laughter to Belfast

Ever since galactic metallers Evil Scarecrow turned Bloodstock Festival on its head with their now legendary 2014 performance, Belfast fans have eagerly awaited a visit to these shores.

We got close – so close - back in April; sadly that gig had to be cancelled due to 'transport issues' (ie their van died en route).

Happily, they made good on their promise to reschedule, slotting in a date on their 'Boldly Going Anywhere' tour – even better, we got them on a Saturday night. Yes!

First up were two local acts to support them, in the form of By Conquest Or Consent and Scimitar.

By Conquest Or Consent describe themselves as 'metal/groove/thrash/progressive', which basically translates to 'modern nu metal with added brawn'...

Vocalist Pete Crenshaw opens proceedings with a quick introduction of the band before releasing a scream that clearly comes from his bootstraps and up his body; by the time it emerges from his mouth it could smash windows. This roaring scream (screaming roar?) is one of BCOC's Unique Selling Points along with their heavily groovy riffs and modernised nu metal grunt. Crenshaw also dabbles in clean singing here and there, often harmonised by guitarist Jay Stevenson, to great effect.

They throw down a short, sharp set of bruising metal, including their best known track 'We Came to Win the Fight' to a small but growing crowd, spraying out rapidfire riffs that purposefully and gleefully punch you in the chest, before leaving the stage sheened in sweat and wreathed in smiles.

Thrashers Scimitar follow them with a set full of machinegun riffs, fiercely screamed vocals and battering defiance. The intensity and concentration on every member's face proves their dedication to their craft: they're clearly a hard working and well rehearsed unit.

They pound the Limelight with tracks such as 'Erased From Existence' and their ubiquitous self titled number, prompting the growing crowd to hold both horns and plastic scimitars (helpfully provided by the band) aloft, as well as headbanging along.

In short: their set of new school and old school thrash, combined with a dash of extreme metal, goes down a storm (and the dedication to the victims of the atrocities in Paris from vocalist Jonny Gray is a nice touch).

And, then it's time for that most mysterious and rather standoffish of bands Evil Scarecrow to treat the crowd to an evening of sedate and measured radio rock...sorry, what?! Not even close, actually: the band themselves set up the stage and soundcheck (in full costume, no less!) which for them involves occasionally leaping into the crowd for photo opps...having set up their instruments to their satisfaction, they huddle beside the stage steps, arriving in flamboyant, high-fiving style to that speech from Rocky ("that's how winning is done!").

After a short, jubilant speech from vocalist Dr. Rabid Hell about finally making it to Belfast ("four years we've been trying to get here...four years!") they're off, encouraging audience participation right from first song 'Rise'.

Although their music is ripe with parody and liberal doses of silliness, there's no joke in their musical talent: the music fizzes with energy and pounds with proper heaviness, while their vocal harmonies soar effortlessly. It's catchy as f**k, too!

They blast through favourites such as 'Frankenstein's Mirror', 'Morbid Witch' and 'Dance of the Cyclops', the latter prompting what is guaranteed to be the only time people have ever waltzed in the Limelight!

Throughout the set they are bubbly, beaming and quite simply bonkers, offering up silly stories and songs in equal measure, such as new, three second long track 'Sheep' and the crowd (and band!) participatory 'Robotron'.

The odd dash of potty humour lends them a slight Steel Panther vibe (albeit it with black metal corpsepaint); much like the Hollywood retro rockers, it works because they are accomplished musicians.

The crowd responds to it all with unfettered delight, performing the aforementioned waltz and robot dances with glee and really getting into the spirit of it.

For their part the band seem genuinely delighted to be here and at the response they receive, reacting with laughter and complete show-boatery – at one stage drummer Ringmaster Monty Blitzfist (yes, really) snatches one of his floor toms and clambers on a table in the audience to play it!

There's no sense of snideness or insincerity, just good, clean, raucous fun, whether it's during the 'no gravity' dancing in 'Space Dementia' or the party poppers provided to add 'pep' to 'War and Seek' – and certainly not during the "very brutal, very evil war march – this is definitely not a conga!" led by guitarist Kraven Morrdeth during same!

Their last song is...not the one the crowd has been waiting for, pincers aloft. Instead, they play "a depressing one", jokes their vocalist, 'Blacken the Everything', all beastly riffs and heavy metal grapefruits all over the shop.

They wave goodbye and exit stage right briefly, before returning triumphantly to play – yes, it's time – it's 'Crabulon'. A spaceship/crab thingy joins them onstage to 'assist' as the crowd participation level hits fever pitch, with crab pincers as far as the eye can see (and yes, your scribe joined in of course!).

The band spend most of the song laughing almost uncontrollably at the crowd's antics, before ending with a flourish and another dedication to "our brothers and sisters in Paris", leaving the stage to Whitesnake's 'Here I Go Again' and immediately setting about trying to meet every audience member personally. Brilliant.

Six months on from their near miss, Evil Scarecrow finally unleashed their Galactic Hunt on Belfast. Was it worth the wait? You'd better effing believe it.

Review by Melanie Brehaut

Photos by Darren McVeigh

NEWS: Big Truck rolling into town; Metal2TheMasses; Nightrage; Bloodstock; diary clashes; and, so much more

 

THE Big Truck is back on the road...Yep, in case you haven't been keeping up-to-date with all things in the Trucker Diablo world, their Pledge Music campaign was successful, the album has been polished off, and now the sound of that powerful engine is ready to roar again.

 

Rabid fans are already clearing all obstacles on the road to Ahoghill for the launch of the album 'Rise Above The Noise' on March 7th at the Diamond Rock Club...

 

Support comes from the Gasoline Outlaws, who have been kicking up a storm in double quick time with barely a couple of gigs under their belts and songs chock full of riffs big sing-a-long choruses 

 

For the dedicated (your faithful editor included) warm up for the Big Truck will be down in Limelight2 from five bells, when Heat Two of Metal To The Masses takes place. The competition, in case you didn't know, has, for the winner, a slot at the massive, prestigious Bloodstock Festival in August.

 

The first heat saw Sorrowfall and Altus qualify for the semi-finals: and the four-band shoot-out on March 7th will see Zombified, Donum Dei, Rule of Six and Cavehill.

 

The two winners will be selected by votes, with 50% of them from the audience and 50% from the judges. And, judging by last week's turn-out you can be sure that every vote counts.

 

Careful planning means you can see both gigs. You can (a) drive to Ahoghill after Metal To The Masses or (b) get the 9:20 train to Ballymena and taxi to Ahoghill and enjoy a pint. Who is it to say which is the best option...

 

 

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Bloodstock's already jam-packed line-up has been boosted by an announcement today of five more acts to what is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated festivals of the year.

And, given that Lawnmower Deth, Oaf, Ethereal, Saille and the Dirty Sanchez lads, Pritchard Vs Dainton.

Add this to the already announced line-up...including Trivium, Sabaton, Within Temptation, Opeth, Rob Zombie, Black Label Society, Godflesh, Cannibal Corpse, Sepultura, Orange Goblin, 1349, Ensiferum, Nuclear Assault, Onslaught and many, many more.

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For those of you who enjoy some dirty, old-fashioned, gypsy-tinged rock 'n' roll, don't forget that the Quireboys are making a return visit to the Diamond, Ahoghill.


With a superb Belfast show in 2014 they also plied their acoustic set earlier to great acclaim.

Well, with a new album due out in March - 'St Cecilia And The Gypsy Soul' - the good time, rock 'n' roll experience of Quireboys unplugged is coming to Ahoghill Rock City on March 28th.

If you've never experienced Quireboys live then this is one for your diary. Choice cuts, classics in a new light and some surprises as always from Spike and co.

And, here's a wee thing to note...St Cecilia And The Gypsy Soul comes as a four-cd pack with 'Halfpenny Dancer' and two live CDs from the tour of the same name...

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Greek/Swedish metallers Nightrage are back on the metal scene with new release 'The Puritan'. It's been four years since they released 'Insidious' and they have a new label (Despotz Records) and a new singer in the shape of Ronnie Nyman (formerly of Always War).

The break and new shape sees the band re-take their melodic death metal roots and move to what they claim will be a "pure metal kick in the balls"

They've even managed to recruit Gus G to add solos to the song 'When Gold Turns To Rust...

It is fair to say that Nightrage could turn their potential into further international success with this release. And, here's a wee sample of what you can expect...

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Decisions, decisions....March is packed with gigs (Europe/BSR, The Answer, Blazefest etc etc) but Easter weekend is already looking to be a corker...but, there will be decisions to take.

Saturday April 4th sees Joe Lynn Turner (he of Rainbow fame) play the Voodoo. Around the same time Danny Vaughn and Dan Reed are joining forces in the Diamond to bring their Snake Oil to Ahoghill...

It'll be a new sound from these two distinctive performers, who collectively have years of experience and two mighty sets of vocal chords.

And, the same night sees, Death Of A Salesman, By Conquest Or Consent, Scimitar and Figurehead play the Bar With No Name.

Ach, by the power of Lemmy it's going to be a difficult choice for rockers and metallers, but a choice must be made, and let no-one argue that there's a shortage of shows here in Norn Iron....

What can be sure is that we'll up early the next morning to make the odyssey, the journey of a lifetime to the Siege of Limerick.

After all it's only right that we support Rabid Bitch of the North, Maverick, By Any Means, Altus, War Iron and Astralnaut as they mount an invasion across the border.

And, what's more, even though you have to pay to travel the Siege of Limerick is free entry!

Let the mayhem commence!

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Now, with all that ahead let's take a recap on what's taking place in March...

On March 3rd, as mentioned earlier Europe, Black Star Riders and The Amorettes play the Ulster Hall, and the next day Chris Jericho brings Fozzy to Limelight2, with support from The Dirty Youth.

With no chance of a break The Hornets play QUB Bar Sub on the 5th with The Answer in Limelight2 the next day. That Friday also sees Hibagon/TBVS/Molarbear/Berzerker Blood are at the Warzone Centre.

As mentioned before Saturday, March 7th sees Metal2TheMasses in Limelight2 and Trucker Diablo in the Diamond....Oh and Weed Priest, Astralnaut, Nomadic Rituals and Wardomized are in the Voodoo.

Royal Blood are playing a sold-out show in the Ulster Hall on Sunday March 8th.

NWOBHM legends Angel Witch play Limelight2 with the supporting cast including Darkest Era, Rabid Bitch of the North and Stereo Nasty.

If you haven't got a ticket for the sold-out Papa Roach then there is an alternative. Yes, the annual Blazefest takes place as once again Darren and Dawn Shields-Petit host Blazefest 5 in the Empire Music Hall with Screaming Eagles, Maverick, Sinocence, Conjuring Fate and The Irontown Diehards. All proceeds go to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children.

On March 28th Sinocence launch 'No Gods. No Masters Volume II' in Limelight2 with Conjuring Fate, Donum Dei and Gasoline Outlaws...and then a quick trip up to Ahoghill for the Quireboys...

And on Sunday, March 29th Coltsblood, Ninkharsag, War Iron, and Nomadic Rituals play the Voodoo, Belfast.

Nah, there's no gigs in Norn Iron!

 

 

 

 





ALBUM REVIEW: Tearing down the walls of Empires -By Conquest of Consent roar defiantly on début album

THERE are times in any reviewers life when words fail them -  thankfully it has never afflicted any of our review team yet, but we were damn close when sitting down to review Belfast's By Conquest Or Consent début release Empires.


To put it more plainly we were at one turn awestruck by the power, and at another mystified by where they were coming from musically and lyrically.


Having seen By Conquest Or Consent a few times live, we know what a force they can be, not least opening for Anthax on July 1st.


But Empires lulls you in slowly before bashing your brains in as if you'd been struck by the heaviest baseball bat in existence. All the while having your feet tickled. Yes, behind the ferocity there are subtleties that delight.


It is, however, an album that is clear in its intent - to take the best parts of modern and extreme metal, meld them with older versions of the genre and produce something unique.


Imagine Five Finger Death Punch meeting Death, Pantera and Kataklysm and deciding to jam together...that's as close as you'll come to even getting a hint of what Empires is all about. It is a unique interpretation of contemporary metal.


Opening with the obligatory delicate Intro and the mostly instrumental Self Exclusion the ideas and vision of the band are quickly into place in the ferocious Zodiac - a song about, we think, the notorious Zodiac Killer on the west coast of America.


Here the personal demons and terrifying pattern of a world disconnected from its humanism sets the tone for Pete as a narrator for those whose demons are never quiet, and a voice screaming out against the unjust and futile nature of the world.


Behind all that is the clear intent to thrust a middle finger up at the hidden hands of power and utter a defiant 'fuck you!'.


It wouldn't work against a monochromatic musical backdrop, but the clear muscle in By Conquest Or Consent is right there, driven by the varied but intensely exciting drumming of Andrew. Throughout he shows that the kit is as much an instrument as any other, using it to not only lay down a tempo, but top set a template for the rest of the band to build upon.


The only minor criticism is that a few times Dom's bass is lost in the mix, such as the otherwise excellent We Came to Bring the Fight.


Stand-out track on the album, The Truth Won't Set You Free has an intensity, with Jay and Michael weaving patterns of heavy riffing and melody, while Jay and Pete interplay on the chorus between clean vocals and guttural growls. Solos help make the sonic assault complete.


After contemplating the messages of 'The Truth...'  you're hit with heads down speed metal as Max Ammo blisters earlobes and smashes faces with mailed fists -  sure to be a cue in future live shows to 'hit the pit'.


Segueing from the impressive Last Emperor the album closes with delicate guitar work over riffs that tear the unwary limb from limb is album closer Revelations. More than six minutes of sheer metal delight, all the members producing stellar performances and riffs and guitar lines that, to coin a cliché literally flay


But it is all over too soon. Leaving aside 'Intro' and 'Self Exclusion' it is a seven-track album. Yes, they are on average lengthy tracks (Three is the only brief song, but it packs a lot into its three-minutes). After a few spins, and being stunned by 'The Truth...' and 'Revelations' - listen to the guitar work round five minutes into the track - we simply wanted to hear more.


With an album this good it leaves the listener on their knees begging for more.


Empires is a superb album, well worth investing in, and well worth spending some quality metal time with...

Empires is now availably directly from By Conquest Or Consent via Facebook or via their Bandcamp page.

Review by Jonny.

Stream the album below and then invest

Three fives roar as AeSect, By Conquest or Consent and Katabolisis level the Limelight

THE Distortion Project - in the safe hands of James Loveday - has the knack of picking just the right line-up, with just the right balance, for Saturday evenings. Gathered together last Saturday (May 24th) in a state of unholy metal for the launch of Katabolisis ep launch was just such a day.

Three acts took to the stage at Limelight2 for a feast of metal that was consistent, prescient and powerful - all-in-all another darkly delightful day.

While across Europe pundits played with numbers in the electoral battles, and in Northern Ireland the fate of council seats was being determined, the bands and those attending The Distortion Project for a few hours were the middle finger thrust into the besuited bores that promise all and deliver little; as the votes lurched towards ever more right-wing politics we, the disaffected, the disenfranchised and the discontented were dedicated to defy the conventional accepted pact of societal norms.

We were there for three five-piece metal acts who do not fit into neat political and cultural boxes. We were there for metal, nothing more and nothing less. And, it turned out we were to get more than we expected.

Opening were a band new to the editorial team; all the way from Dublin Aesect awed those present, and our extreme metal correspondent, Zakk, was quickly giving nods of approval as guttural growls and tight playing combined in AeSect's aural attack.

The five-piece have a precision about them that augurs well for their future. The selection of songs for their set was well chosen, both in terms of brutality and balance. Too often extreme metal acts of all shades can be monotonous, but the variations in tempo and tone justified their selection.

While a few refinements are still needed to some parts of the songs, AeSect are nevertheless a powerful band, with Shane Kiernan leading from the front as all members produced the sort of presence that only bands with the inclination to incite metal fury can achieve.

Presence is something that By Conquest or Consent have developed since they first arrived kicking and spitting out venomous anthems of anarchy; featuring a naked hatred for the illiterate electorate who chose numpties over intelligence,

Pete's invective is ably backed by band members who are tight and coherent, closely following a pattern of pure metal; powerful and pounding.

Jay's backing vocals are the perfect foil for Pete, especially when he occasionally varies his vocal style. Airing tracks from the forthcoming album Pete, Michael, Dom, Jay and Andrew are capturing sonic sophistication in their sinister songs from the darkside.

Headliners were Kataolisis - and it was healthy to see that they had brought along many of their fans from the mid-Ulster region of roundabouts that is Portadown, Lurgan and Craigavon.

Their ep, available now from the band, Atrocity, is a showcase of the band's chest beating bravura - battering their message into the aural tracts of those who care to venture down its dark alleyways.

Naturally the band were keen to get songs from Atrocity aired, and they used their time well on the Limelight2 stage. Mark is a strong frontman, while Matt (lead) and Derek (rhythm) ground out metallic guitar nirvana, wrestling melody and riffage from their instrunents.

However, like all the five-pieces on display the solid backing are an enabling influence - Sean and Timothy are the lead weights which can hold down the act's rampage.

And rampage was the order of the day all round; and encouraging to see members of other bands taking the time to attend to see these three five-piece acts.

As the audience and bands emerged into the Belfast air they emerged with smiles of satisfaction.

Next week (May 31st ) The Distortion Project presents A Sinister Occult Ritual In Three Parts as Zlantera, Cutter and Bad Boat descend on the unwary.

Written by Jonny with support from Zakk
Photos by Paul Wharton

Triple terror from Spittin' Teeth, Defyed and By Conquest or Consent

SATURDAY evening - that time when the beige and vanilla people settle down to get ready, don their glad rags, watch crap television and sup their pre-drinks. But on the Ormeau Avenue in the dark recesses of Limelight2 The Distortion Project unleashed a triple terror hardcore and metal attack.

And, the beige and vanilla people will never know the joy of the all-out, balls out musical assault from Spittin' Teeth, Defyed and By Conquest or Consent; all three of which produced an evening of deep passion and smiles all round.

Spittin' Teeth opened up proceedings like the bastard sons of Stormtroopers of Death, Hatebreed and DRI. They managed to be both loose and enjoyable.

Flinging riffs and anger to the audience each interlude produced laughter as Dom confessed to being under the influence. Despite that there is an attitude here well worth cultivating further. Of particular note was the rhythm section, with drumming that pounded and splashed to add aural colour to the set

Defyed have grown up as a band in a relatively short period of time and they appreciate the need to be professional in how they approach their music. From the intro through to the closer this is a tight unit, mixing hardcore aggression with a precise musical approach reminiscent of mid-period Soulfly.

Wayne poured real passion into his singing. He's mobile and stamps out each beat, sweat oozing and his soul bared as the likes of Parasites (dedicated to all politicians and Vladimir Putin in particular on this evening).

Steve and Trev are beginning to have the telepathic understanding of each other that comes with rehearsal and live performances, while Kerian locks it all down.

Spit the Lies and Stick Tight had a real resonance amidst the noise.

This was the first time we have encountered By Conquest or Consent and it was a joy to see such a mélange of hardcore and metal, with the metallic edge being the most prominent.

Pete is a compelling frontman, and Michael looks like a full on metal guitarist, locked on to his Jackson, but the tracksuit bottoms revealing other influences.

Dom on bass (after six-string duties earlier for Spittin' Death) has it tightly bound and is a foil for Pete to play upon, while Jay and Pete bolster the sound.

This is a band with loads of potential and are really enjoyable to watch and listen to.

This Distortion Project offering showed that hardcore with a metallic twist is proof of the diversity of music Northern Ireland is producing and producing well.

One day the beige and vanilla people will walk away from their mass-produced nonsense of The Voice, X-Factor and the rest of the drivel and enjoy the release of pure locally produced passionate music.

Parisian hardcore comes to Northern Ireland....

GIVEN that we've had some superb hardcore performances and releases in Northern Ireland of late, within a few weeks the local scene will get to see where France is in the hardcore stakes as Black Bomb A come to play Belfast.

We've seen stellar gigs from Gacy's Threads, By Any Means, and début artists Defyed so the ability to compare them with the Parisian hardcore artists on November 28th at the Voodoo.

Support will be from Nasa Assassin and By Conquest or Consent.

Black Bomb A, from the Parisian suburbs of Viroflay (is that a hardcore name or what!), have been knocking about since the mid-90s and have recorded five albums since first consigning their attack to a recording studio in 1999 with the ep Straight in the Vein.

Touring on the back of last year's Enemies of the State album the accompanying blurb to the announcement says that they sound like the "sharpened melodic edges of Faith No More meets Slayer".

With a Hellfast appearance (video below) and a UK and Ireland tour in November, Black Bomb A are Poun (vocals), Shauny D (vocals), Snake (guitar), Jacou (bass) and Hervé Coquerel (drums).

Videos:

Hellfast 2012, Clisson, France:

Fear, from Enemies of the State:

Hectic few days ahead

WHEN it comes to gigs it is fair to say that it is a busy busy time in Belfast. In recent weeks we have had Slayer, Lamb of God, Nine Inch Nails, Bullet for My Valentine, and Gojira to mention just a few...

This week is turning out no different. After Alkaline Trio's headliner at Limelight1 we have Stevie Vai at the Nerve Centre in Derry/Londonderry giving a guitar clinic and on Thursday night he will be bringing his show to the Mandella Hall.

The same night Shizznigh promotions have a stellar gig at Limelight2 with By Conquest or Consent, Death of a Salesman, By Any Means, Nasa Assassin and Sentient (who showed a lot of promise in their début gig opening for Gama Bomb).

Friday will see Maverick, Cross-Eyed Mary, Roco's Riot and the Unprotected at Comrades Rock Club.

Saturday there is a sell-out session with chat and music from Danny and Ben from Thunder at the Black Box, while RockD will be hosting Astralnaut, Midnight Transmission and Rabid Bitch of the North in the usual Distortion Project Limelight2 slot.

With a host of shows coming after that including Motley CrewUK playing with local stellar riffers Screaming Eagles; Bakken at Limelight2, Kip Winger at the Diamond, The Answer, Dark Star Riders and more, let no-one complain that there are not enough rock and metal to keep y'all entertained.