NEWS: BLOODSTOCK adds Doro, Flozzy, Bloodbath, and Septicflesh

GERMAN metal legend, Doro will be Bloodstock's Friday night Sophie Lancaster stage headliner. as the festival announces yet more bands to the 2018 line-up.

With a career spanning over 30 years and 17 studio albums under her belt (including 4 with Warlock), Doro’s current label Nuclear Blast recently celebrated her 30 year anniversary with a 3 DVD box set, ‘Strong & Proud’; a great place to start if you’re not clued up on the Metal Queen.

WWE wrestling star Chris Jericho’s band, Fozzy join Sunday’s Ronnie James Dio main stage line-up.  Currently rampaging across Europe, the Century Media outfit dropped their seventh album ‘Judas’ last month.

Swedish death metal outfit, Bloodbath plan to lay waste to the main stage on Friday.

Guitarist Anders Nyström said: “After eight years, our time has come to put the Blood back in Bloodstock!”  Not familiar with this supergroup featuring members of Paradise Lost, Katatonia Opeth?
Investigate their video for ‘Church of Vestitas’, taken from 2014’s ‘Grand Morbid Funeral’ opus at https://youtu.be/whjf6LKmFYQ and ready yourself for their long-awaited return!

Landing a Saturday spot on the main stage are Greek symphonic death metal squad, Septicflesh.  First formed back in 1990, the pioneers unveiled their tenth record, ‘Codex Omega’ in September. 

Record label, Season Of Mist are streaming the whole beast including a 360° video for ‘Dante’s Inferno’ over at https://youtu.be/gSE0UPuiVnM.

With Friday night headliners, JUDAS PRIEST, Saturday night headliners, GOJIRA and Sunday headliners, NIGHTWISH already announced, along with EMPEROR, DEVILDRIVER, WATAIN, COMBICHRIST, NAILS, ORDEN OGAN and MEMORIAM so far, 2018 is shaping up to be another stellar year for BLOODSTOCK.

Bloodstock's first wave of Serpents Lair VIP tickets are now SOLD OUT!  The final allocation, the last batch of VIP deluxe packages and a limited amount of VIP upgrades priced at £145 (for those who’ve already bought ‘early bird’ tickets) will become available at 9.00am on 16th December in the ticket store.  Mark your calendars and don't delay if you want to join us in 2018’s VIP Serpents Lair, as they’re moving faster than ever before!

Weekend tickets are still available in very limited numbers at an ‘early bird’ price (just £125 for four days of metal fun) so grab yours now at the ticket store if you want to save £20!  To keep up with inflation and increased costs in 2018, standard weekend tickets with camping will increase from last year's £139 to £145 once the ‘early bird’ allocation sells out. Camper van pitches are also available now.

If you already know you can only attend for a single day, sign up for a day ticket reminder email as day tickets do not go on sale until next summer.  Register your day ticket interest here - https://www.seetickets.com/register/bloodstock. 

Bloodstock takes place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 9th-12th August 2018.  Get additional information over at www.bloodstock.uk.com. 

NEWS: Gojira debut new video for The Shooting Star from acclaimed Magma album

GOJIRA have debuted their official music video for ‘The Shooting Star.’

Taken from their chart topping new album Magma, ‘The Shooting Star’ video is streaming now on Gojira’s official YouTube channel. The mind-bending video was directed and animated by Markus Hofko (www.bowbowbow.co). View it below.

This summer Gojira Magma took the number one spot on Billboard’s ‘Hard Rock Albums’ chart making them the first French band to hold the top slot on the chart in its nine year existence.  Magma marked the highest chart debuts of Gojira’s career across the world.

Later this month Gojira embark on a massive North American headline tour which continues through late October. Following that run, the band jet across the ocean for European dates with Alter Bridge, Volbeat, and Like A Storm in November/December.

Magma has been heralded by two stunning visuals pieces for album tracks “Silvera” and “Stranded.” “Silvera” is accompanied by a Drew Cox directed music video shot in New York City, which has received over 1.5 Million views on Gojira’s official YouTube channel while the official video for “Stranded,” directed by Vincent Caldoni, has already garnered 2.1 Million views and charted in the Top 25 on Spotify’s US Viral 50 chart.
For more information, visit www.Gojira-Music.com.

NEWS: Gojira release new video ahead of BOA date and autumn tour

AHEAD of their Bloodstock appearance on August 13th Gojira have debuted their official music video for ‘Low Lands.’ (See it below)

Taken from their chart topping new album ‘Magma’, ‘Low Lands’ and its music video are streaming now on the Gojira’s official YouTube channel. The captivating video – directed by band members Joe and Mario Duplantier’s cousin, Alain Duplantier – was shot at the brothers’ family home in Ondres, France.

Joe Duplantier said: “It is an intimate and poetic piece directed by our dear cousin and friend Alain Duplantier. One of the ‘characters’ featured in this film is ‘Gayeres’ the family house where Mario and I grew up.

“We jammed to our first songs, started Gojira, and recorded most of our albums there. Our sister Gabrielle also contributed to the making of this video. We want to thank all the wonderful people who worked hard to make this happen and all our fans for supporting us with so much passion and respect.

“We hope you'll enjoy the trip as much as we do.”

Last month Gojira returned with their widely acclaimed new LP MAGMA to take the #1 spot on Billboard’s ‘Hard Rock Albums’ chart making them the first French band to hold the #1 spot on the chart in its nine year existence. 

The release of MAGMA marked the highest chart debuts of Gojira’s career around the globe.

This autumn, after their 13^th August Bloodstock slot Gojira embark on an extensive North American headline tour with Tesseract. The band returns to the UK from November 23rd, in support of Alter Bridge. Volbeat and Like A Storm also perform. Tickets are on sale now for the arena shows, which don’t include any Irish dates.

MAGMA has been heralded by two stunning visuals pieces for album tracks “Silvera” and “Stranded.” “Silvera” is accompanied by a Drew Cox directed music video shot in New York City, which has received over 1.5 Million views on Gojira’s official YouTube channel while the official video for “Stranded,” directed by Vincent Caldoni, has already garnered 2.1 Million views and charted in the Top 25 on Spotify’s US Viral 50 chart. 

VIDEOS - Cheer yourself up with these offerings from Gojira and Cattle Decapitation

MONDAY -blah, boring, weekend so far away.

Well here are a couple of videos that are sure to blow the cobwebs off. First up is Gojira with the official video for 'Silvera'. [Don't forget they will be on Bloodstock's Ronnie James Dio stage on Saturday, 13th August].



Next we have Cattle Decapitation with 'Clandistine Ways'.



There -I bet you feel better alreadY

NEWS: Anthrax, Gojira and Satyricon join burgeoning Bloodstock bill

AS the festive season looms, Bloodstock comes bearing early gifts with hree more bands for 2016!

French heavyweights GOJIRA are set to bring their whale-sized riffs to Catton Park as Saturday’s special guests!  A crowd favourite every time they play, and with a brand new album on the way, being recorded in their own studio, their Bloodstock set is sure to be a sight to behold.

Frontman Joe Duplantier said: “Bloodstock is one of our favourite festivals in the UK!  The quality of the bands playing is always a high standard and we love the passion of the people who come to rock out!  It’s an honour to be a part of it again.” Look out for updates from the studio at www.facebook.com/GojiraMusic.

Axe legend Scott Ian said: “On the most metal of days we will once again have the privilege to rage with you crazy fuckers!  Bloodstock !!!  A festival fit for all kings!!!  See what I did there?  See ya soon, my friends.”  Get excited by checking out their latest single ‘Evil Twin’, released last month, at: http://youtu.be/xPmLkF3e6Fc.

Playing their only UK show for 2016 are Norwegian trailblazers SATYRICON, performing their classic ‘Nemesis Devina’ album in full on Sunday.

“Next year it’s 20 years since Satyricon made its live debut as a band, and 20 years since we released Nemesis Divina,” frontman and visionary Satyr said.

“There's a nemesis walking through life, for all to face.  And there's a Divine Nemesis, for all to face that come to see Satyricon at BLOODSTOCK 2016.  Let us celebrate the 20th anniversary of a milestone album like only Norsemen and Brits can!"  Learn more at www.facebook.com/SatyriconOfficial.

They will be joining the acts already announced: Mastodon, Twisted Sister, Behemoth, Venom, Dragonforce, Paradise Lost and Rotting Christ.

A further headliner is yet to be announced

Early bird weekend tickets with camping are available now, priced £120 (+ booking fee) from http://bloodstock.seetickets.com/event/bloodstock-2016/catton-park/902838.  BLOODSTOCK is family-friendly and welcomes rockers of all ages!  A weekend ticket with camping for kids aged 4 - 11 is just £35 (+booking fee) and if your little mosher is under 4, they can join you for free (Note: all children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian over the age of 18)!  Campervan pitches are already on sale and these move very quickly, so pick yours up ASAP to avoid disappointment. Rock Society passes are already sold out.

Another monster week of gigs...

IT'S Bank Holiday Monday, the day when we are - if you believe the mainstream media and its advertising support - meant to be in the garden or scouring the shelves of the DIY emporium.  Are we? Like hell we are!

Tonight (August 26th) we're making a beeline for Belsonic to see the festival come to its conclusion when Bullet for My Valentine and Bring Me The Horizon play with opening act, the mighty, earth-shatteringly heavy Gojira.

Taking a pause for all of 24 hours we'll then be hitting Alkaline Trio, those Illionois dark punk masters of catchy tunes with sinister overtones. The Matt Skiba lead act are one of those creative bands that don't come along too often; for every chart bothering song there is a melancholic tale of murder, betrayal, lust and wasted love. There are still a few tickets left for this Limelight1 show - and don't forget their afternoon acoustic set at Head Records.

Then there's guitar maestro Stevie Vai on Thursday in the Mandella Hall and Altus and Astralnaut...more information when we get a chance and see what way the land lies after tonight and tomorrow....

See y'all there

[PS don't forget our Soundgarden competition]

Sounding the bells for Belsonic's metal conclusion

BELFAST'S Belsonic festival is under way this week, and will roll on to its conclusion when Bullet for My Valentine, Bring Me The Horizon and Gojira take the Custom House Square on Monday, 26th August.

And while attention has been focussed for many rock fans on Nine Inch Nails Belsonic appearance on 21st August (this coming Wednesday), the Bank Holiday triple bill is one worth making the time for amongst rock and metal fans.

Some regular readers of this blog have certain set views of Bullet for My Valentine, while nearly one and all are massive fans of the French eco-metallers Gojira.

Before jumping to any conclusions it is worth taking the time to consider what Bullet for My Valentine has achieved, and set aside any pre-conceived notions about the Welsh for four-piece; a particular form of metal snobbery can come into play with any band not 'cool' enough, as can be witnessed on some national and international forums.

What cannot be denied is the success of Bullet for My Valentine in terms of sales, crowds and coverage, without essentially changing their contemporary metal sound.

Four albums under their wings the Bridgend band has become such a headlining act that they play arena dates on both sides of the Atlantic as headliners; not so long ago they were appearing at the Limelight complex (which again shows what a springboard that venue can be!).

The latest album from BFMV. Temper, Temper is already achieving chart success across the globe - without any airplay on mainstream.

While Bring Me the Horizon will bring its own set of fans Gojira will attract those who wish to push their metal tastes that little bit further. Touring across European festivals the French metallers have been gaining new fans and even seen a dedicated troupe of fellow countrymen journey far and wide at attend festival dates such as Bloodstock.

Backing their quite awesome 2012 Roadrunner release - L'Enfant Sauvage - fans can expect a set list which will include tracks such as The Heaviest Matter in the Universe, Explosia and maybe even Toxic Garbage Island and Wisdom Comes - we just can't wait!

Tickets are still available from Ticketmaster and all usual outlets.

Nailed to the Belsonic Mast

NINE Inch Nails are the latest act to be added to the Belsonic line-up with an appearance from Trent Raznor and crew on Wednesday 21st August.

Support comes from local technical noisenicks And So I Watch You from Afar.

And, with the Bullet for My Valentine/Bring Me The Horizon are Gojira, the heavy as hell French Enviro-metallers on Bank Holiday Monday, August 26th.

With Lamb of God on in August this could be a neck snapping month...

Gojira Support slots

Supports for Gojira's 15th March show at The Limelight are officially confirmed as Pilgrimz (first on) and The Eyes of A Traitor...gonna be loud night.

Official Gojira notification

Although it has been widely known and commented here and on various bulletin boards, the official Gojira notification (which was revealed here earlier in the week) came through today from CDC Leisure.

"The group play The Limelight on Sunday 15th March during there 3 month headlining European tour. Tickets are priced £11.00 subject to booking fee are available at all usual outlets. No Booking Fee applied at Katy Dalys.

Venue: The Limelight
Date: Sunday 15th March
Ticket Price: £11.00 (Subject to booking fee)
Doors: 9:00pm"

Updated confirmed gig listings

This post comes under the HOLY SHIT category....I mean, be serious, just how much rock and metal can be crammed into the first few months of the year. There is something here for everyone, from extreme metal madness to glammed up campness. There's even something for the more elderly fans.

But it all goes to prove that Northern Ireland's scene is vibrant with local action and as a destination.

Overoth/Shadow's Far/Razor Sentry/Cursed Sun - Spring & Airbrake - 23/01/09
Soulfly - Spring & Airbrake - 05/02/09
The Datsuns - Spring & Airbrake - 06/02/09
Status Quo - Waterfront Hall - 04/02/09
Lamb Of God / Five Finger Death Punch/ Mass Extinction - Mandela Hall - 08/02/09
Judas Priest/Megadeth/Testament - Odyssey Arena - 11/02/09
Hot Leg - The Limelight - 26/02/09
Residual Effect/Sinnocence/Razor Sentry - Auntie Annies - 26/02/09
Nazareth - Spring & Airbrake - 27/02/09
Triggerman/Stand-up Guy/TTOW/Bad Boat - Auntie Annies - 05/03/09
Gojira - The Limelight - 15/03/09
Stiff Little Fingers/The Beat/Blood and Whiskey - Ulster Hall - 16/03/09
Eagles Of Death Metal - Spring & Airbrake - 01/04/09
Blaze Bayley - The Rosetta - 09/04/09
H2O/Death Before Dishonour - The Limelight - 13/04/09
AC/DC / The Answer - The O2 Point, Dublin - 18/4/09
The Answer - Mandella Hall - 20/04/09
Supersuckers / Nashville Pussy - The Limelight - 20/04/09
In Flames / Cancer Bats - Mandela Hall - 23/04/09
Full Metal Racket (Paradise Lost/Rotting Christ + more) -Mandella Hall -25/04/09
NOFX - Spring & Airbrake - 26/04/2009
Saxon / Sweet Savage - Mandela Hall - 26/04/09
Gallows/Everytime I Die- Limelight - 25/05/09
AC/DC - Punchestown - 28/04/09

Gojira bring French metal attitude to Belfast

Eco-metallers with attitude by the bucketful, Gojira, bring their unique brand of Gallic noise to Belfast on March 15th, according to totalrock.com.

Official confirmation expected this week.