LIVE REVIEW: Stormzone and A Little Bitter bust out new and old at the Diamond

SATURDAY nights are not, contrary to the mainstream, an evening for watching reality shows or Netflix and 'hugs'. They're nights for metal, beers and lovely mayhem.

In a sparsely populated Diamond Rock Club on Saturday (February 24th) A Little Bitter and Stormzone showed that no matter the circumstances, no matter what shit is on the gogglebox there is nothing better than a live show.

Being a double album launch made this show even more special as both bands had the chance to showcase their latest songs and parade their crowd pleasers.

Trio, A Little Bitter, were out to show off songs from 'Arrows' and barely put a foot wrong in kicking out their hard rock jams.

Whether it was the ball-busting title track off the new album, the heads down metal anthem 'Genghis' or the tender rendition of 'Twist Her' there was real poise and variety...and a bass instrumental, 'Diamonds' dedicated to DRC.

However, the renditions of 'Weekend Girl and 'Angel'' were simply outstanding - well observed and executed with aplomb.

Stormzone's tried and tested standards were for once, over-shadowed. While they had all in attendance singing along to the familiar it was the new tracks that smacked the place in the face, and battered the unsuspecting with a fresh, vibrant sound.

'Dark Hedges' is a wonderfully destructive song on the album, but live it has a vibrant, viciousness.

And, 'Cushy Glen' and the title track of the album 'Lucifer's Factory' forces the audience to attention.

Dare it be said, the new album's track will force many of the tried and trusted out of future Stormzone sets. 'In For The Kill' - the five piece declared they really at setting their metal phasers to not only kill but mutilate.

The two bands plying their trade on stage at the Diamond Rock Club have a verve and vitality that few can equal. Should they play anywhere near you go - just go and enjoy

Review by Jonathan Traynor
Pictures by Lizzie Torbitt

ALBUM REVIEW: A Little Bitter produce an album of tenderness and anger on the wonderful Arrows

GIVEN the lengthy gestation period for A Little Bitter's new album, 'Arrows', it is fair to say that this has been eagerly awaited by fans of the three-piece.

Has the wait been worth it? It has been worth every fucking second since 'New Dawn Evolution' was unleashed.

'Arrows' shows a band more mature, comfortable in what they produce, sure-footed in every note written and every lyric penned.

For example, if there is justice in the world, 'A Long Way Down' would be making the playlists of every rock radio station in the world, with its carefully crafted arrangement.

But, that's not to say that this album is without metallic muscle. Title track lulls listeners in with discordant harmonics before the band's inner DC is channelled and the bass line propels it into a full-scale classic roc assault with Jonathan Armstrong's spilling invective before a glorious ALB chorus.

This all makes this a difficult album to categorise. There are elements of hard rock, a touch of alt, a smattering of metal and balladic moments. And, that really is its strength, not stopping to consider fashion, trends or the bullshit around the music industry, just writing and playing from the heart, as on 'Caught In A Sorrow' sheer heartfelt beauty.

'Faith' is sure to be live-stalwart. The cynical words of other tracks are given over to hopes of better days, forgiveness and devotion. If Feeder ever hear this song they'll quit.

A Little Bitter have always exemplified musicianship, but on 'Arrows' they have taken it to the next level; balancing their playing, with clear separation. No instrument over-shadows another. Seamus Donnelly's bass lines roll along, adding the depth needed, while Darren Pilkington's drums have the right take between sensible playing and adding flourishes. Armstrong's playing is probably the best he has ever laid down on his six-string.

The tenderly tragic tale told in 'Weekend Girl' probably has the most poignant opening lines: "She gets dressed in a vodka haze, killing time just to waste her days til the weekend comes."

From the moment the opening harmonics leading up to verses that paint a downfall and tragedy, an onomatopoeic, restrained solo the pain is painted for those lost. Tears in the eyes stuff.

The child counting in 'Diamonds' bass propelled intro is the suitable jarring note after that, and its mighty meandering path of an instrumental that nod to heroes of the band. A suitable break from the emotional intensity that drips off the rest of the album, and a worthy tribute to the Diamond Rock Club.

This is a nearly flawless set of nine songs. The only flaw is that it leaves the listener wanting more and more.

Closer, 'Ghost' has such depth, a perfect counterpoint to the opening rage of 'Feathers', displaying a band that knows how to arrange their songs in set to allow anyone to wallow in its glory.

Arrows has set the benchmark high for 2018 and what's more it has the quality to endure for many a year - or at least until the next A Little Bitter album...

Review by Jonathan Traynor

Arrows will be launched at the Diamond Rock Club on February 24th, along with Stormzone's album launch

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...

NEWS: Get set for Wayward Sons return to Northern Ireland

THE hard rock 'supergroup' Wayward Sons have wowed crowds across the UK since they burst on to the scene last year after the release of their album 'Ghosts of Yet to Come'.

Following their stunning set supporting Steel Panther (read the review here and listen to Ivor's interview with Toby Jepson here) fans will be delighted that they have confirmed a return to Northern Ireland.

Wayward Sons will play the Diamond Rock Club on Friday 13th April (a venue Toby is familiar with).

Details can be found on the DRC FB page - www.facebook.com/thediamondrockclub.

INTERVIEW: Trucker Tom ready to get the Big Truck rolling into momentous months ahead of new songs and touring

IT'S an exciting few months ahead for the Big Truck as Trucker Diablo gears up for festival dates and the release of their latest set of soaring songs on 'Fighting for Everything'.

A series of slots at some of the most respected festivals in the UK will gather the legions of fans together once more and an acoustic show is set with the legendary Ginger Wildheart at the Diamond Rock Club.

We caught up with Tom Harte to chat about the next six exciting months, starting off with how the new album is coming along with just over three months until release.

"After being locked away for a few month recording our new album, it's time to fill the tank and cast some riffs to the wind," he said.

"We are nearly ready to mix the album and its gonna be a non stop riff monster with the usual trucker stamp on it.

"We will be releasing a new single and video shortly and we are excited to get things underway."

As to playing Trucker have a hectic schedule ahead.

"On the live front we will be starting off at the excellent Amplified festival, which we can't wait for, after that we are playing FUEL in Cardiff, so that kicks thing off nicely before we return to the mountain of rock and the much loved Steelhouse festival before rounded things off at the epic Ramblin' Man Fair."

And, come August there is a wee bit of unfinished business...

"Keeping the foot down, but distortion off we will be joining Ginger Wildheart at the Diamond Rock Club," said Tom. "He is a hero of ours and an honour for us to support him, we were offered a tour last summer but couldn't do it for family  reasons, so we're thrilled to help kick things off, and delighted to open what will be a memorable night."

The rest of the year promises to keep the Big Truck rollin'.

"After the gig with Ginger we will be concentrating on getting the album done followed by a UK tour and festival shows at Planet Rockstock and Rock n Roll Circus.

"After that we will be concentrating on getting the album done followed by a UK tour and festival shows at Planet Rockstock and Rock n Roll Circus at the end of the year. We are looking forward to getting the big truck rolling again!"

NEWS: Black Star Riders re-sign with Nuclear Blast ahead of Warwick/Johnson Diamond show and Ramblin Man slot

Well - as you should know by now Black Star Riders' duo Ricky Warwkick and Damon Johnson are playing the Diamond Rock Club in Ahoghill on July 5th, and BSR will then have a series of shows including a main stage slot at Ramblin Man Fair.

Seems that it is a busy time for the guys on and off stage as they have announced a new worldwide deal with Nuclear Blast Entertainment.
 Back in 2012, Black Star Riders signed their first contract with Nuclear Blast Entertainment in the same year. Under the banner of the independent label, the band released three critically acclaimed albums: “All Hell Breaks Loose”, “The Killer Instinct” and “Heavy Fire”. [We can say that as we liked 'em too.]

Black Star Riders latest album “Heavy Fire” gained worldwide success reaching: #6 UK in the National chart, #11 in the German National chart, #91 in the USA Current Top Albums.

The band had the following to say about re-signing to Nuclear Blast Entertainment:

“Nuclear Blast have been there since the inception of Black Star Riders...believing in the band and most importantly the songs...after three very successful albums it's a no brainer for the band to stay where we belong.” – Ricky Warwick

 “NBE are one of the best labels I have ever worked with.  I am thrilled to continue Black Star Riders relationship with this great group of people!” – Scott Gorham

"What a pleasure working with the entire team at Nuclear Blast over the past five years. We look forward to the next five and beyond." – Damon Johnson

"So thankful to be apart of the Nuclear Blast family! Looking forward to our future together." – Robert Crane

INTERVIEW: Welcome to the Massive Wagons world...

AS Massive Wagons prepared for their return to the Diamond Rock Club stage we grabbed a few minutes to chat about the band's progress and influences.

With their charity single tribute to Rick Parfitt coming out on Monday, we also managed to hear some of the reasons to buy 'Back to the Stack'.

Watch and listen below...

INTERVIEW: Last Great Dreamers chat as they settle down in the Diamond for their support slot with The Quireboys

ON the second evening of a two-date slot supporting The Quireboys we grabbed some time to catch up with the Last Great Dreamers as they prepare for the next stage in their ongoing revival.

This is what they had to say:

LIVE REVIEW: Too Much Of A Good Thing? Not when The Qurieboys play The Diamond Rock Club

AUDIENCE drunk, band half-cut, PA booming out - all boxes ticked for The Quireboys playing the Diamond Rock Club - 'This Is Rock 'n' Roll' and this was rock 'n' rill in its finest, glorious excess.

There is always a sense of occasion when Spike and co play, and the camaraderie between the band and the audience is no forced shenanigan, but is rather an intimacy that comes not from excessive adoration, but from a forged friendship rather than over familiarity.

Getting the party started were the Last Great Dreamers. Since the resurrection of the band three years ago there is a sense of reclaiming lost time, a determination to stun once more.

With their latest release 'Last Transmission From Oblivion' receiving acclaim their set on Saturday (8th April) captures their diverse soundscape.

Tracks such as 'Crash Landing in Teenage Heaven' and 'No 1 Wonderboy' receive a warm welcome from a crowd that isn't half as dapper looking as the Last Great Dreamers.

With this the second night of The Quireboys two night stand in the Diamond the band seem relaxed as they mingle beforehand and chat amiably.

But any sense that they were not going to rip it up on stage disappears the moment they mount the stage. 'Too Much Of A Good Thing'? Nah, never enough of the good things that The Quireboys provide.

Guy and Paul trade smooth licks as Keith provides the texture from the keys - and while the band could always rely on the hits from the 80s, the fact that they have released an album a year from 2013 to 2016 means they have as many new(ish) tracks to air.

'Twisted Love' and 'Mona Lisa Smiled' are among the many highlights as the vagabond gypsy rockers keep it all in the right mood.

The melancholia of  lost love is matched by the music of triumph, emerging from real heartbreak through to passion re-discovered.

Sure 'Hey You' is aired, but the newer tracks are those that capture the aural tracts, ensnare the senses and urge you to enjoy another quaff of alcohol bliss.

Being joined on stage Last Great Dreamers just adds to the sense of a party that could have went on all night.

Review by Jonathan Traynor
Pictures by Lizzie Torbitt

 

 

 

NEWS: Massive Wagons release charity single and video in memory of Rick Parfitt ahead of Diamond Rock Club date

CHRISTMAS Eve 2016. A day that should be remembered for all the good things in life, family, friends and good cheer…

However for many, including the guys in Massive Wagons it will also be remembered as the day Quo's Rick John Parfitt was no longer with us. ‘Back To The Stack’ is Massive Wagons way of saluting their hard rocking, heavy riffing hero and sending him off their way, and what better way could there be?

‘Back To The Stack’ is the first brand new track by the Lancashire five piece to be released as a single since their critically acclaimed album 'Welcome To The World' in April 2016 (our review is here), and the first new music to emerge from the writing sessions for album number four.

As well as writing the band continue to play heavily around the UK and into Europe during the run up to festival season – with a date in the Diamond Rock Club on 22^nd April as part of the run of dates.

The tribute to Rick was aired live for the first time to a sold out Manchester Ritz while touring in support of the rock legends The Wildhearts.

The packed theatre most certainly approved, chanting Ricks name and raising their glasses to the main man, such is the love for the heaviest right hand in rock.

‘Back To The Stack’ is set for worldwide release Monday 24th April, along with the accompanying HD Video.

Proceeds are going directly to The Teenage Cancer Trust. 

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