LIVE REVIEW: Conjuring dragons with fateful force in Belfast - energised Conjuring Fate and powerful Dragonforce

THERE are those who write off Power Metal. They do so at their peril. For all the sneers, all the wee digs, power metal keeps going, and power metal masters Dragonforce are not the 'Dragonfarce' the metal snobs dub them: they are an outfit that keeps on going, and keeps on selling shows and albums.

The elaborate showmanship and extremes of virtuosity are showboating indeed, but part of metal can also be the show. On Saturday (September 20th) in a Shine/Limelight promotion it was clear that Dragonforce and Conjuring Fate were determined to lay down a show packed with poise and showing the right measure of exuberance.

Conjuring Fate have risen up with each of their recent shows, and now sharing a stage with Dragonforce they came out with a purpose, to show that they are worthy of being on the same bill.

The preponderance of Fate t-shirts showed the extent of the growth of the fanbase; and judging by the reaction of others in a packed Limelight2 they have gained many new fans.

Tommy was assured running point for the band; vocals coming through clear, bantering between songs and headbanging in all the right places.

Interchanging solos from Karl and Phil rolled the sound across the stage - with Phil so enthused he want for a walkabout through the crowd, his flying V almost literally cutting a path.

The half hour set flew by, 'House On Haunted Hill', 'Backwoods Witch' and 'Apocalypse' standing out.


The band are on  a roll at the minute, and on Saturday as Boggy (drums) and Steve (bass) kept the set steady the glorious metal madness Conjuring Fate lay down a challenge to the headliners with Tommy even deliberately pulling a 'Force trick by pointing out the trade off solos from Phil and Karl.

Dragonforce billed this tour as 'This Time It's Personal' and Marc Hudson declared they wanted to be as close to the audience as possible, but in such an intimate setting as the Limelight2 the very stage can be a hindrance for a band used to running around and usually packing props and risers.

They managed; and tracks from Maximum Overload were familiar to many in attendance as was the codology in the band's show between Herman and Sam. Totman in particular seems a trimmer, more content player than in the past, while Frédéric must have cramp of the face given the grin glued to his gub.

Vadim - despite seemingly have some problems in his sound when on 'keytar'  (finger straying to his ear monitor several times) - is often the unsung hero in the band; his textures are as important as his finger flaying keyboard runs.

As usual the stage set-up saw the drums to the right , but this time a new face was behind the kit as Gee Anzalone harnessed himself in for the high tempo rhythms  - especially for the furious 'The Game'.

Crowd sing-alongs and spontaneous headbanging and mini-pits broke out as favourites such as 'Fury Of The Storm' and 'Cry Thunder' were welcomed as old friends, but 'Seasons' -  the first song Freddy wrote for the band -  stood out as something unique in the set. The harmonising guitars matched by vocal dexterity across the band makes this track a singular, enjoyable performance.

The encore brought what was a novelty track on the album to life as the crowd rose at one to 'The Ring of Fire' . The earth's tilt moved slightly as Johnny Cash spun in his grave to match the speed of the cover. All we lacked were scarves to twirl above our heads á la football fans.

Closer, 'Through The Fire and Flames' has all the usual trade offs between Herman and Sam, but what shone was how much Hudson is now a fixture, placing his own stamp at the front. This, his third appearance on a Belfast stage, showed he is the right person for the right band at the right time.

But, the measurement has to be made. The assurance, musicianship, the happy-go-lucky appearance, the rehearsed solo match-ups - do they deserve the adulation of the many there; or is this power metal by numbers.

It's a hard equation to solve. At the heart of it is the suspicion some have that it is all too rehearsed. But those same people must surely realise that every band in every genre and sub-culture rehearse or fail in the live arena.

The reality is that despite the cheesiness and despite the practiced moves Dragonforce are a hugely enjoyable band to watch; that cheesiness - and infuriatingly catchy songs and song structures -  mean that unlike some other po-faced metal acts there is no need for a suspension of disbelief. There's just the need to enjoy the show.

A super night in a sweaty swathe of metal that saw Conjuring Fate caress the crowd into near ecstasy and Dragonforce help us all Cry Thunder in a climax of metallic mental madness. As to the haters - fuck off.

Review (and hyperbole) by Jonny

Pictures by MetalPlanet Belfast

NEWS - Triple dose of metal for Indian Summer - Anathema, Carcass and Dragonforce. Neck snapping time!

REGULAR readers will know that earlier this year we dubbed it the "Summer of Metal" given the plethora of appearances in Norn Iron by international and national acts - a big debt of appreciation owed by fans to all the promoters is due.


But as temperatures reach unfeasibly high levels for mid-September the 'Summer of Metal' rolls on...


Tonight [Thursday, 19th September] Anathema and Mother's Cake descend upon Limelight2 in a Distortion Project show sure to intrigue and batter at the same time. Unfortunately, owing to circumstances beyond our control we can't be there....but that doesn't stop you shipping your sorry metal asses to this gig!"


Tomorrow night prepare to be pummeled. Carcass return to these shores for the first time. Following reports from our reporters Zakk & Nadz at Sonisphere it's set to be one hell of a show with a nice balance of Carcass classics and newer works. Tracks of Surgical Steel fit right into the set.


Some weeks ago we saw support act Coldwar at the excellent Monsters of Rot....broken wrists aside, suffice to say they were great and you have to check out their excellent Pantheist album.


Now, after all that things change pace on Saturday night as the metal gears are shifted into hyperdrive as Dragonforce bring their Maximum Overload tour to town. Dear metallic gods this is one band that are loyal to this town - they keep coming back. Something in the water we think...


Their Limelight2 appearance is notable for a few reasons, not just their loyalty to Belfast. They are one of the few bands that have survived a disastrous tour and re-emerged energized and a little more 'daring.'


Yes, Dragonforce daring? What we hear you cry! Thin on this...the first trance of Dragonforce releases were all about fast as fuck solos, big choruses and strange Nintendo sounds.


With Marc Hudson now handling vocal duties they seem to have emerged re-born as a pure Power Metal act - albeit with the back catalogue still on show for guitar histrionics.


On Maximum Overload they have reined back some of their excesses with a couple of mid-tempo tracks, and a better balance overall.


Of course we'll see the usual solo trade offs between Tottman and Li, but we are most pleased to get to see them up close and personal.


Support comes from the totally excellent Conjuring Fate. Be warned that the Fate are on stage at 7.30. Do not miss them!


A few tickets still remain for all the above shows...just a few.

NEWS: Three months to shake 2014

THE Summer of Metal has passed and now we enter the aural assault of autumn, when metal, punk and hard rock ravage the passing days until we toast Saturnalia and bid goodbye to one of the heaviest years in Belfast.

Already autumn has had a metallic welcome with Karma to Burn, Desert Storm and the might of Armagh - Astralnaut levelling the first day of September.

It would be impossible to list all that is happening (well it isn't impossible but we can't be arsed...) over the next three months, but suffice to say it will be loud!

You can always kick things off at the Menagerie on Thursday with Thee Dreadfuls, Tusks and THVA, before heading to the Voodoo on Friday for Maverick.

Nicely warmed up by then Saturday has a plethora of choices...

Mike Tramp is up at the Diamond Rock Bar with Matt Fitzsimons in support, and Stop, Stop, Start Again are playing with The Lee Harveys and Mohican Jack in The Pavilion.

It's also a day of celebrations as Sinocence have a 13th Birthday party...helping them with this anniversary are English band Collapse, By Any Means, Cutter and Donum Dei. Who's bringing the birthday cake?

Oh we could go on about Freebase, By Any Means, Defyed playing the Voodoo, Steamroller at the Diamond and many, many more, but we think you should DO YOUR OWN research!

You can check out gig listings here and here.

But there are some essential things you need to know....

Anathema and Mothers Cake are at Limelight2 on the 18th September, on Friday 19th September Carcass and Coldwar are at Limelight1 and Dragonforce are at Limelight1 on 20th September - the same night Million$Reload are at the Diamond.

We also are keeping diary dates free for Tim 'Ripper' Owens, Sandstone and Rabid Bitch of the North on Thursday 25th September in the Voodoo and Overoth and Ceaseless Blight on the following night at Limelight2.

Fresh from their support slots with Amon Amarth Darkest Era are at Limelight2 on 4th October...

Oh there are also gigs from Alestorm, Ricky Warwick, Gallus Cooper, Black Stone Cherry, Asking Alexandria and many more.

But Hallowe'en night looks to be a messy one...Focus are at the Empire, Orange Goblin and St Vitus have an early show in Limelight2, and you can then run up to QUBSU to see Gama Bomb headline a four-band show.

There's many, many more shows coming up to like Black Sherriff, Gilby Clarke, Y&T, Tyketto, War Iron, Eluvite, Mastodon, Therapy?, The Quireboys, Dan Baird and Homemade Sin, Saxon, the Cockney Rejects, Sabaton, Joe Elliott's Down N Outz, The Answer, The Pat McManus Band, and already many announcements being made for 2015...

We, your editorial team have placed orders for new livers, a Lottery win, beer tokens and pit passes!

Went to a party and a gig broke out….

THE last time Dragonforce played the Mandella Hall, they were shambolic: the ZP era about to end and the tensions meant that Turisas stole the show. Could the Marc Hudson era resurrect their fortunes, or would the Scottish pirate metallers, Alestorm steal the show…

First up were The Defiled. Post-glam, metal, thrash, groove, industrial metal, it was difficult to put a finger on what they were, but as far as the line-up on the 27th September was concerned they were ill-matched with the following acts. Genuine no doubt, but perhaps better seen on a different billing. Potential, yes, but the bar called; after all we had to prepare for Alestorm…

Comedy? Yes. Musicianship? Yes. Stagecraft? Yes. Fun? Most definitely so!

Alestorm, on the surface, are a joke. A bunch of Scots, with one token Northern Ireland member, singing hyper speed sea shanties, two keytars and not exactly verging on the safe side of sobriety.

But the joke on record elevates itself to the very finest vaudevillian levels. The crowd are in on the joke. This is a band who are poised on the precipice of disaster, pulling the crowd with them perilously close to the rocks.

Captain Morgan didn’t have this much fun before he endorsed rum. But above all Alestorm showed that they can balance a set. After ripping through the opening few songs the speed was cranked further with Buckfast Power Smash. And then the crowd was taken to Nancy’s Tavern for some, errr, comfort. Whores and Mead were definitely available…ironic given the number of under-18s. Still, pirates did start young in the 17^th century.

Keelhauled, Captain Morgan’s Revenge, and take a bow Alestorm; because as a far as support slots go this was as good as it gets.

Were Dragonforce to disappoint? Much mutterings in the smoking area and bar before about whether they could top Alestorm.

A thinking rocker, would have taken the time to consider the similarities between the bands. Ridiculous posturing, marginally insane lyrics and superb musicianship.

This time Dragonforce hit the stage with a point to prove. No beer bottles littering the place; no stumbling and fumbling. They brought the force.

Hudson has relaxed comfortably into the role, roving the stage, engaging with the crowd and delivering a vocal performance par excellence: although some of the higher notes on Heart of a Dragon were beyond his range.

Sam Tottman was contained, using his riffing and harmony solos to counterpoint Herman Li’s exuberant shredding. Predictably they did the 'who is better than who' routine...

Opening with Holding On, they shifted Hero of Our Time impressively, before second track of their most recent album Power Within, the subtle song Seasons.

Mini-pits were breaking out all over the middle of the hall, before they dug deep into the back catalogue for Heart of the Dragon. Through the Fire and the Flame was reborn with Hudson’s delivery, while Cry Thunder was an immense closer.

With encore Valley of the Damned Dragonforce laid any doubts redundant and proved, perhaps to themselves most of all, that they are a potent force.

Hudson took the time to say that Belfast was special to his memories as the support slot with Maiden at the Odyssey had been his first ‘proper’ set with the band. Here’s hoping they’ll be back soon.

Overall, gigs can have their own dynamic, when the package is mixed right. The Defiled seem good enough in their own right, but the party roared into top gear with Alestorm, before Dragonforce laid waste. Bowling for Soup once opined that rock is funny when it tries to be serious. Alestorm and Dragonforce proved that the show, the party, the beer and the damn good music means that heavy metal has alternatives to the earnest bands, with prominent power, laughs and a good time.

Footnote: as this was an over-14s gig admission to the bar was for those with wrist bands only. Which meant that the under18s had no access to refreshments. If they did not have a parent or family friend with them there was no way that they could access water. QUB SU needs to closely examine the implications of this. Given the energy some of the young people expended the was a risk of dehydration for some of the young people. Hopefully QUB SU can resolve this, as many of the young people will be future students and gig goers at the Mandella and the SU should protect their future and the young people’s health.

Aleforce party hard...

WELL when it comes to heavy metal parties, the line-up this Thursday is hard to beat – some might even say it’s an Ultra Beatdown to release the Power Within but that would be a horrible play on the album titles of Dragonforce, destined to end up with us all in the Valley of the Damned, undergoing an Inhuman Rampage brought on by a Sonic Firestorm…. Ooops did it again!

Right – down to business: Thursday night, Mandella Hall – Dragonforce and Alestorm. Hard drinking power metallers and hard drinking Scottish pirate metallers. There is of course other bands on the bill (we’re looking forward to The Defiled, but we’re not really sure why) but let’s face it, we’ll be going along to see how shit-faced one needs to be to (a) really enjoy the sets and (b) the bands can be and still perform.

The last time Dragonforce played the Mandella Hall it would be fair to say that it was a bit of a shabby set, cliché ridden and blown off by Turisas.

But, when they played at the Odyssey, supporting Iron Maiden, there was more potency, with new singer Marc Hudson seemingly injecting new vigour into the set.

This show is the second date of their UK and Ireland tour, part of a world tour that takes in 40 countries. The assessment will be whether they can maintain the head of steam, and will the teaser as openers for Maiden live up to an appetising full-set main course. With second single from The Power Within out now, a healthy dose of that album is expected: and the chance to see how Hudson has adapted the old favourites to his own vocal style.

Oh and the usual diet of widdly guitar solos please…

As for Alestorm…well behind the fácade of silly lyrics, onstage antics and copious amounts of rum there is some nice, tight musicianship. Listen closely to Alestorm’s output and the arrangements and delivery are surprisingly good. Whether sobriety will be close enough for us to appreciate it…well who can tell.

And believe it or not there be some of ye olde party tickets are stll for sale on the door on Thursday should you not have laid your scurvy ravaged, rum-addled bodily parts on your pass to the party...

See ya all there – and remember, party hard, be good and be careful and remember to plan your Friday morning hangover cure project…

When did Norn Iron become a metal mecca?

YOU just got to wonder when Norn Iron became a rock and metal mecca - was it something that someone said; did Rob Flynn's praise go on to some secret booking agent's hotline; did Lemmy say "Belfast? Nice town"; did someone notice that UFO keep coming back again and again; or is it just the fact that we produce so many shit hot bands that acts want to check us out.

Of course the cynical amongst you may argue that bands will look for a few extra quid either side of festival dates or UK tours, but to hell with you! We should just glory in the fact that so many bands are coming here.

Announced this week is a visit by Sepultura on August 12th just after their Bloodstock appearance. And don't forget this Tuesday, Lamb of God will be recovering from a soggy Download in the dry and sweaty environs of the Mandella Hall.

Unfortunately owing to circumstances beyond my control I can't be at Download but daughter is helping make up the Belfast metal numbers.

But if Lamb of God is a wee bit on the heavy side for ya, then Tuesday also sees Stormzone at the Limelight with a personage who goes by the name of Sebastian Bach, you may have heard of him in some wee act called Skid Row...

Ahh the summer, where blossoms bloom, where cold glasses of wine [Editor's Note: surely not wine? Beer or nothing!] sit awaiting imbibing and where Iced Earth will, somewhat ironically raise the temperature in August.

Oh I ncould witter on for years about this stuff, but with several albums and singles to review, is it enough to mention that Anthrax are playing hetre, so are Dragonforce, Alestorm, Y&T, Bowling for Soup and there are dozens of local gigs coming up too! Check out RockRadioni's gig guide for a pretty comprehensive listing!

Widdly guitar bits, swigging beer and ample rum in support!

THEY play guitar epics in the manner of Euro power metal, they are fond of widdly, long solos and even longer songs, and they are no strangers to Belfast!

Yep, Dragonforce are making a return visit to the city as they tour backing their fifth album, "The Power Within"

Also on the bill for September 27th at the Mandella Hall are Alestorm, The Defiled and Cavorts...and all for the measly sum of £19.50 (+booking fee).

Last time the 'Force were in Belfast it was backing Iron Maiden, the first time we had a look at new singer Marc Hudson. And if you want to see this line-up then get in early!  With the October 2008 show selling out well in advance fans are advised to get tickets early for Dragonforce’s eagerly anticipated return! Tickets go on sale Wednesday 4th April from www.shine.net, online at Ticketmaster and Ticketmaster Outlets and The Kitten Bar! [NB this is an over 14s show]
DragonForce guitarist Herman Li said,“The last two years have been the most fun we ever had making an album. Through writing, jamming and touring together, we have built this incredible energy and it has been fully captured on the new album.This time around we’ve really brought our metal side to the surface and made some of the best music of our career. From the fastest song we’ve ever recorded to the slower songs, and some things you would never expect from us, this is by far the most diverse DragonForce album yet.”
“The Power Within” will be released on April 15th 2012 via the band’s own Electric Generation Recordings, distributed by Essential Music (UK), Roadrunner Records (North America), 3Wise (Australia) and JVC Victor (Japan).

Li added, “This is an exciting new era for DragonForce with Marc joining the band, so we figured this was an ideal time to take full control of our own destiny and establish our own record label for Europe. It’s all hands on deck running it, but a great buzz!”

Looks like another bonkers night. In 2008 the band looked tired and a little bit jaded, perhaps through lengthy touring or the usual personality issues that crop up; however, we have a feeling that they now have something to prove and with a healthy support bill including Alestorm they will be at the top of their game!

Top 10 CDs of 2008

IT’S that time of year when it is time to look back – that is the end of the year – at what the past 12 months provided. And in metal terms it was a bumper 2008. A host of fantastic gigs, a bumper crop of songs and a superb basketful of albums.

It would be a tough task to gather all the highlights, but rather than bore all the constant readers, better to focus on one – our take here on the top 10 albums of the year. After all, every magazine, TV channel and radio station picks their top 10.

So below is our choice of Top 10 albums of 2008. We’re sure to have left one or two out, maybe left out your favourite platter of the year. Or you might think we’ve gotten it all wrong. Anyway, enjoy the choice and leave your comments.

Number One: Metallica – Death Magnetic.
After years of seeming wilderness twiddling the kings retook their throne at the top of the global metal tree. Only Iron Maiden are on a par. Death Magnetic was both a return to the progressive thrash roots and an evolution. Complex changes and simple riffing sit side by side, but above all it is simply a damn fine metal album.

Number Two: Amon Amarth – Twilight of the Thunder God.
Amon Amarth promised much in the past, but inconsistent albums hindered them. Twilight is a different proposition. If Vikings sounded like this then no wonder they kicked medieval ass: a surging triumph of battle metal that knows its thrash heritage – fearless and victorious.

Number Three: Airbourne – Runnin Wild.
Hell – small Australians, the Young brothers, Angry Anderson, and now the O’Keefe led Airbourne show that small Aussie rockers know how to provide a soundtrack for a good time. Runnin Wild is a soundtrack to a good time.

Number Four: Slipknot – All Hope is Gone.
The Nine aren’t the most optimistic bunch of extreme metallers. All Hope is Gone is a slavering beast of noise. Intermittent melody mixed with brutality. Simply superb.

Number Five: Cancer Bats – Hail Destroyer.
Swinging, angry, humorous, demons flying – Cancer Bats delivered a hilarious and nasty album, replete with anthems and irate tirades. But above all it was a chant-a-long party of metal.

Number Six: Trivium – Shogun.
Okay – it has been fashionable to slag off the Floridian crew, but Shogun finally saw Trivium throw off the training wheels. Approach this album with an open mind and you’ll find melody and aggression coupled with musicianship of the highest quality.

Number Seven: Dragonforce – Ultra Beatdown.
Only included here because it always makes us smile: yeah it isn’t much different from any other Dragonforce but it is fun as hell to listen to

Number Eight: Cavalera Conspiracy – Inflikted.
When the Cavalera’s got together they delivered a brutal, back to basics sound storm of riffs and primal beats. Not easy on the ear, but damn fine metal listening.

Number Nine: Alice Cooper – Along Came A Spider.
Vincent Furnier’s alter ego delivered a tasteful tale of murder and slaughter, all with his usual poignancy and evil take on life – who said the son of a preacher man couldn’t rock out.

Number Ten: AC/DC – Black Ice.
Much overdue DC provided us with a reminder as to what straight forward hard rockin’ is supposed to sound like. And this was it. More bluesier in some parts, and even with a singalong anthem in Anything Goes.

Turisas vs Dragonforce

A review I did of Saturdays Dargonforce/Turisas double bill has been picked up by a few Scandanavian/Finnish fanzine, which should be published next month, but the comments I have been hearing from local fans are split.

Many are saying that Dargonforce were blown off the stage by Turisas, while others were saying to me that Dragonforce were, unlike their last tired Mandella Hall appearance, seemed re-invogorated by playing new songs.

Taking off the dispassionate reviewer's hat I'll put my cards down and say I 'totally' enjoyed both bands, but will leave the final word to the Belfastmetalheads junior editor (a.k.a my son). His considered, thoughtful comment..."HOLY SHIT!"

I think he liked it.

What a Saturday!

Saturday, October 11th...If you're a fan of hard rock and heavy metal it's a helluva day!

Kicking matters off at Katy Daly's is the RockD gig with Thunderchild and Rabid Bitch of the North. Doors open at 3.30pm and the gig is priced at a very reasonable £2.50.

Then Mandella Hall will be strewn with Battle and Power Metal warriors Turisas and Dragonforce. A few tickets remain - a very, very few!

Also tomorrow night, Whitesnake UK - a tribute to Mr Coverdale's troubadours - are at the Empire Music Hall.

So tomorrow's itinerary for those that dare...Wake up...head to Katy Daly's, leave Katy Daly's at 8.00pm, with ears ringing... grab plastic sword and storm the Mandella Hall...come 11.00 race to the Empire for a chill out to Whitesnake classic rock vibes...collapse in a bloodied heap with neck aching and ears ringing, knowing that the damage to your liver, wallet and pancreas may not be permanent yet, but all three are imminent danger but it was all worth it!

Forceful night aheads

Tomorrow night sees the Dragonforce Turisas roadshow hit town. The power metal/battle metal duo has already been ripping up dates across the UK - even this week's Kerrang! gives an emphtatic thumbs up. On Turisas, reviewer Steve Beebee at the Rock City they say: "From start to finish, the war paint daubed, fur-wearing warriorss hold this packed house in thrall..." On Dragonforce they say: "Who else combines these big rock finishes with iridescent soloing and so much sheer, unrepentant shred."

Wise words indeed. After all Dragonforce are a band that number Zakk Wylde and Kirk Hammet as fans...and they know a thing or two about guitars...Hammet describes them their guitar work as "Yngwie Malmsteen on steroids!"

This will be a return visit to the Mandella Hall for Dragonforce, and when they last played they really rocked a house that had a diverse range of ages and fans. Dragonforce's over-the-top may not be to everyone's taste, but they lay down metal party power songs to die for. That combined with Turisas's folk battle metal ethos is sure to bring the house down. Altogether for Turisas's cover of Rasputin!

A last few tickets (£19.50) are available from Katy Daly's and Ticketmaster today, but very, very few are left...get moving!

Gigs, Beer tokens, merch money - busy autumn & winter schedule

UPDATED:
Was just adding the My Ruin Belfast date (26th October, see below) when it dawned on this cash-strapped writer just how many gigs were coming up this autumn and winter...tickets, beer tokens and merch money can be sent to the usual postbox -used, unmarked, non-sequential notes in a brown envelope as normal...

Here's the list. If there's any I missed, let me know and I'll add them:
Sorrowfall Saturday 13th September – Katy Daly’s
Deft Leppard Saturday 13th September – The Empire Music Hall
Duff McKagan’s LOADED Thursday 25th September – Spring & Airbrake
Sweet Savage - Friday, 3rd October – Spring and Airbrake
Blaze Bayley/A Little Bitter/Fireland/Darkest Era – Thursday 9th October
Dragonforce/Turisas (Over 14’s) Saturday 11th October - Mandella Hall
Whitesnake UK – Saturday 11th October – Empire Music Hall
Funeral For A Friend/Cancer Bats/In Case Of Fire/Attack Attack - Wednesday 15th October, Spring & Airbrake
Kill Hannah (Over 14’s show)/My Passion/Gyndogs/Serpico Sunday 26th October S&A
My Ruin – Sunday, 26th October – The Limelight
Grand Magus/Serpent Cult/Honey for Christ – Monday 27th October – Auntie Annies
Sorrowfall/Darkest Era/others TBC – Saturday 8th November – Black Box
Extreme - Sunday 9th November – Spring & Airbrake
Airbourne / Stone Gods Tuesday 11th November – Mandella Hall
Feeder - Friday 21st November – Mandella Hall
Paul Gilbert - Friday 21st November - Spring & Airbrake
Gorgoroth/Averse Sefirah/Zebediah Crowe – Sunday 23rd November - Limelight
Mastodon – 4th December – Spring and Airbrane
Trivium – 4th December – Nerve Centre
Trivium - 5th December - Mandella Hall
Black Stone Cherry - Wednesday 17th December - Limelight
Spitknot - Sunday 28th December - Spring & Airbrake

Time to raid the piggy banks!

There is quiite literally a shed load of albums coming out in coming weeks and months that could bankrupt the serious metalhead or hard rocker; or at least seriously drain the supply of beer tokens...

Already on the shelves this week is the Black Stone Cherry new platter, and next week Slipknot and Dragonforce have their latest offerings upon us. Then Metallica's Death Magnetic hits the racks on September 12th. [And despite the naysayers the evidence from first single 'The Day that Never Comes' shows Metallica are only rivalled by Maiden as the biggest cult band in the world].

Ten days later Amon Amarth release 'Twilight of the Thunder God'. Terrorizer readers will already have some of the comic strip preview to enthrall them with tales of Viking derring-do!

As if all this, and the dozens of recent CDs piling up in the "I want" list wasn't enough AC/DC have finally gotten around to recording their new album and set a release date. Black Ice will arrive on Columbia Records on October 20th, with debut single 'Rock 'n' Roll Train' out on August 28th....what price for the much rumoured Slane date now?

Then there's Master's of Reality's new album late in October; the new Satyricon album 'Age of Nero' in November, plus a host of others.

Right now the piggy bank is glancing nervously at the hammer in my hand...

'Force video

If you didn't know by now Dragonforce are coming back to Belfast in October with the mighty Turisas. As a taster here's the 'Force's latest video, for 'Heroes of Our Time' off their forthcoming August release platter...

Been away - but we're back

Been a long time since we all rock 'n' rolled with y'all - but we're back!

Short story, long story, in mini-version - sponsors were almost secured for the site; they asked us to hold posting for a few weeks to help get details sorted, examine proposal...two weeks went by, three weeks went by...finally after an exchange of emails...

"We're sorry, but after consideration, while the reach of your site is impressive your core demographic does not match our target audience."

Well, I'll not name them, but what did they expect with a site called Belfast Metalheads Reunited!!!!

Anyhows, anyway we're back! Plenty of posts and gig information to come up...keep reading...short info burst now:

• Airbourne's Wednesday night's gig is sold-out - but fear not the Aussie party train will be back in Belfast for a Mandella Hall appearance on 11th November - review on Thursday
• Residual Effect are back in gear with new sticksman - feature to follow
• Fucked Up play in August - feature on why the Canadian mentalists have a confrontational name and an anarchist background to come
• Don't forget Dragonforce and Turisas's October gig - new 'Force album out on August 25th - at last!

Stay tuned and keep it metal \m/

Power/battle metal in October

Dragonforce are coming back to town in October - and in a power/battle coup they're bringing Finnish mentalists Turisas to boomtow at the same time.

October 11th will see the acts blast the Mandella Hall. Expect the usual drunken madness of Dragonforce and the mental warpaint battle posing of Turisas - to Holmgard and Beyond etc....

And as a footnote...rumours mount that Motorhead will be coming this way soon in November, with Saxon and Danko Jones in tow. No official word yet though...