Week's worth of punch on 7 Days Dead ep

Ahh we love a wee taste of heaviness, and we love it when it comes with swaggering like a metallic groove monster marching from our speakers and pumelling our ears into gleeful submission. And that's why we're loving the forthcoming debut ep from 7 Days Dead.

Tracks 'Broken' 'By Any Means', 'Come Undone' and 'Haunted' have been rocking our wee cotton socks off and by themsleves forcing the volume level to 11.

For those of you who may not have come across 7 Days Dead before here's the brief synopsis. When Interrogate folded in 2011 guitarist Mark Johnston and drummer Stephen Brown dusted themselves down, grabbed hold of bassist Chris Cassidy for bass duties and Ryan McManus, swore them into the 7 Days Dead covenant of heaviness and rose phoenix-like with a mission to pummel the unwitting into conversion to their vision.

The result is four tracks that meld honest hard rocking with a metal vibe. Brown's addiction to double bass runs doesn't overpower like so many pseudo feet tappers, but rather provides a backbeat with Cassidy's bass to anchor the sound. The fills on 'By Any Means' are well-balanced like a scaffold for Johnston and McManus to build the architecture of the song.

Indeed this is a common strength for all of the songs: hard and heavy and no frightened of melody alongside the metal riffing and rhythm section pounding.

Put simply - another damn fine selection of sings from a damn fine local band. Hell, Norn Iron rocker and metallers prove once again that we are the region demographically with more talent that any other patch of earth.

Check out the week's worth of punch from 7 Days Dead yourself and make sure to head along on February 16th when the Distortion Project hosts the ep launch at Limelight2.

Sad news of a split

SAD news comes our way that the mighty Interrogate has split-up.

Following on from rumours on social media I confirmed with former member Stephen Brown that the band is no more.

Now's not the time or place to go into the whys and wherefores, and no word as yet of future plans for the members.

From myself and on behalf of the readers here who were fans of the band, thanks for some great music. Tonight I shall wear my Interrogate 'Tear the Place Down' t-shirt and tip a beer down my neck to toast the great music the band has produced for more than half a dozen years and stick Silence the Fallen on ye olde iPod

'Eavy fuggin' Norn Iron metal...and then some

INTERROGATE have proved to be one of the ambitious bands in the healthy panoply of Northern Ireland heavy music acts, delivering consistently rowdy but tight live sets, and surprisingly excellent recorded output.

It should then come as no surprise then that the new five track EP, Silence the Fallen, delivers a hard-hitting slab of metal.

But from the ferocity of opener Let Me Breathe, through to title track and EP closer Silence the Fallen, Inetrrogate demostrate that being a common or garden riff machine has never been enough when committing their tracks to the studio tape machine.

Like the 2009 release, 'Scarred for Life melody lurks within the monster riffs, like a cold assassin who gets you to sing along before plunging the knife while you are still humming along.

Affliction is an excellent example of how Interrogate can lure the unexpecting into their music.

Darren Brown's take on vocals has developed through gigging, and seems more tuned into the vibe, despite maintaining bass duties, ably supported by Stephen Brown's vocal and drum contributions, while Mark Johnston's guitar tones and skills grow with each release and each new set of touring commitments.

Stand out track is Silence the Fallen itself. Intransigence, defiance and pride stand out lyrically amongst the at times bile filled, but eloquent in their own way, words on the rest of the EP. To add a chorister-style voice - credited to Sabie Campbell - adds to the track rather than jarring. Once upon a time, long ago Interrogate could have been compared to a mix of Cancer Bats and Screamo-style Killswitch. No longer: they can stand proud as their own heavy fuggin' Norn Iron metal beast with an identity of their own and a sound that is growing and developing all the time.

Interrogate are back on the roads of Norn Iron after a short tour sojourn State-side (and a recent birth). When they do return shortly to the gigging circuitthere is likely to be little silence, but many fallen metal warriors may awaken

Adair takes over Interrogate vocal duties

Ryan Adair, former Escape Fails frontman, has been appointed as Interrogate's new singer. The announcement has been made official on the band's Myspace site.

After the summer break comes...METAL

ROCKD's line-up after the...ahem...'summer break' will see Interrogate backed by Skypilot, Sinocence and Countervela. Usual 5pm doors music til 9pm.

When potential is realised - Interrogate deliver on early promise

Interrogate have been a band knocking around the local scene for a few years, promising much and oozing with potential.

With the release of new CD 'Scarred for Life' potential has transformed into the proverbial real metal deal.

The raw fury of debut EP Unbroken has been honed into a subtle rage. The fury has not gone - merely sharpened, focussed on a blend of targetted hostility.

From the opening words of 'Tear This Place Down' on Victim to the final incantation on This Bruise Interrogate have hit on a potent mix that absorbs infleunces and turns them into a metal maelstrom.

Andy's vocals explore a hitheto undiscovered range, mixing the harder edge with a clean, emotional, and at times melodic delivery. This range is on show in particular on Losing it All, already a firm live favourite.

On Choda in particular Mark's guitar moves from the riffage live followers know so well to produce more studied lead playing.

Throughout the rhythm section of Darren and Stephen nail the songs' intent down, also both lending backing to Andy's vocals.

Interrogate have perservered and been through more trials than many could have coped with. Those stories are too personal for a blog or a review. That they have endured and emerged.

The sheer depth of album closers Sorrow Remains and This Bruise more than anything demonstrate that this is more than a debut album; this is a statement.

Producer Neal Calderwood has helped Interrogate develop, but this is a band ready to take on much more than before. This is a band standing ready. This is another testament to the sheer talent on the Northern Ireland scene.

But most of all this is an album that sits comfortably alongside any so-called major label release in your CD collection.

Intense interrogation

Heavy metal is in rude good health; groove, intensity and an awesome display of power were on display from a trio of bands gathered in solemn dedication to the genre and to toast the launch of Interrogate's new platter at The Limelight on Saturday.

Scarred for Life is the band's new offering (review to follow...and pin back your ears if you haven't heard it already: subtlelty and brutality make a heady mix!).

Opening proceedings at rockD in The Limelight were No Grace Given, delivering a riff packed set, with Steve Rice commanding proceedings, dominating the stage with presence rather than histrionics.

Triggerman are all about grooving with Bap leading a beer-soaked preacher metal revival meeting through the halls of Valhalla via hard rockin' heaven.

And then there were the Pole dancers...yes pole dancers, and we're not talking about Polish folk dances. Three lythe ladies kept a largely male audience in rapt attention. Much kudos for facing the audience with humour and some quite frankly unbelievable machinations for an increasingly testosterone fuelled crowd.

But Saturday night was all about Interrogate. Although facing some challenging circumstances coming into the show, this was an important gig for the crew. Despite a slightly truncated set Andy, Darren, Mark and Steve took to the stage eager to deliver an intense interrogation for any doubters.

New material off Scarred for Life merged seamlessly with more familiar tracks off the Unbroken EP.

Kicking off with the invitation to 'Tear this place down' from new CD opener Victim the pace never relented. Andy is increasingly confident in using the entire range of his vocals, supported by Darren's growls.

By the time the groove of Panteral Grey was trotted out Darren and Steve's rhythm pieces has become increasingly tight. What was secure before, now is so airtight that you couldn't slide a slip of paper between them.

Andy's foil in Mark's guitar played tempo against weight - and an increasingly involved crowd nodded, headbanged and generally had a helluva good time.

Interrogate are maturing into a band deserving of more exposure. Triggerman continue to defy conventions that say that metal is one dimensional, and No Grace Given stare out with potential to flay.

These three acts are proof that the local scene is alive, kicking and screw the mainstream pop world that's populated by that cunt Cowell and his non-entities.

The band may not be metal, but it is worth recalling the words of Belfast's Stiff Little Fingers:

"I believe in the power of guitar and drum

I believe in the hope held in a song

I believe that the music makes you strong

I believe in the power of guitar and drum"

Interrogate, Triggerman and No Grace Given make that belief worthwhile.

Time for Interrogation!

Tomorrow, Saturday 30th May, Interrogate unleash their new album - Scarred for Life - at RockD in The Limelight.

The culmination of a year's hard work the album builds upon the trade mark Interrogate sound many of us have come to appreciate over the past few years.

After a brief hiatus from the live scene to record and polish the tracks they have had a few gigs to shake off the dust and their mixture of hard rock, hardcore and metal will no doubt be laid down with the usual aural assault on Saturday.

Scarred For Life is the culmination of years of hard work from Interrogate. Review to follow naturally!

Originally formed in the late 90s, the Castledawson band have endured their fair share of hardships, but have come out the other side unscathed and invigorated.

A near fatal accident, line-up changes and flammable practice rooms have failed to dampen the spirits of the metal band who have gone from strength to strength while working towards their album release.

Scarred For Life aims to build upon Interrogate’s reputation as Northern Ireland ’s premier metal band and with plans afoot for a European tour, their future is looking very bright indeed.

Now in case this hasn't swayed you enough to head on down to The Limelight ponder on this. There will be support from the excellent Triggerman and No Grace Given...and there will be the Jagerettes...and there will be pole dancers (I kid you not!)...and it all costs a measly £5 to get your asses into The Limelight.

Apathetic bloody planet...

Quick rant before moderate tone returns...

A Little Bitter kicked off the RockD summer programme on Saturday past. Ably assisted by Niyah Sky and Arcane, A Little Bitter opened the Limelight's metal doors with a bang. New tracks meled with old favourites in a cacophony of melted musical mayhem of the best type.

The only problem was there were barely a smattering of people who bothered there arses to show up. Now c'mon people - £5 in for three bands is damn fine value in these financially straitened times.

Now pay attention - the following RockD events are scheduled for The Limelight. A roll call will be taken and metal head status may be revoked if 50% attendance at the following gigs is not recorded :)

Saturday May 9th. Sinocence + Residual Effect + Rebels by Nature + Trucker Diablo. **Sinocence album (re)launch** Doors 5pm, £5.00
Saturday May 16th. Pagan Altar + Devilmakesthree + 2 TBC. Doors 5pm, £8.00
Saturday May 23rd. Fireland + Black Freeway + Death Warrent. £3.50
Saturday May 30th. Interrogate + Triggerman + No Grace Given. **Interrogate album launch** Doors 5pm, £5.00

Now to recap - loads of bands playing on Saturday early evening; the doors opening at 5pm...

If you missed out on A Little Bitter's album launch gig, you can still catch them in May 8th at the Northern Bar, Armagh. If you decide to see them at the Cellar Bar in Draperstown on Saturday 9th you can send in your RockD absence slip at the door next time...

Bonus points for those that spot where the headline quotation comes from...

Antrim Rockfest cancelled

Seems that local residents have put the mockers on the Antrim Rockfest on May 30th. The event was scheduled to see several top line local acts (Sorrowfall, Residual Effect), plus Dublin hard rockers, Glyder appear.

Means that there's an opportunity to head along to Interrogate's album launch at The Limelight.

Important Distortion Project News

Important announcement from James of the The Distortion Project...

"As part of our continuing involvement in the metal scene, and our dedication to both local bands and international touring bands, as well as our desire to offer bands a better type of Distortion Project show, we are pleased and proud to announce the following:

"From the Saturday 2nd of May onwards, all rocKD shows will take place in the Limelight. This will allow us to do a number of things.

"Firstly, there will be 3 bands every week, as opposed to two and there will be a new (later) door time of 5.00pm.

"There are plans afoot to knock through the Kitchen in the Limelight to create a smoking area, and a place where people may set up stalls to sell their wares - a kind of "metal-market" type thing similar to what you get at festivals. (interested parties drop me a line about this).

"There are also plans to extend the curtain where the small bar is, to make the venue smaller on less busy days, so it wont feel as if the bands are playing to nobody in a big empty hall.

"I'm particularly pleased about this upgrade, as it will now give the bands full use of the Limelight, a bigger stage and a better gig overall. The new curfew is now 9pm All bands that I have booked to play after May 2nd for a Saturday show will now be in The Limelight.

"May is the month of album launches it seems, so here is the full rundown for that month.
Saturday May 2nd. A Little Bitter + Tapasia + Arcane. **A Little Bitter Album Launch.** Doors 5pm, £5.00

Saturday May 9th. Sinocence + Residual Effect + Rebels by Nature + Trucker Diablo. **Sinocence album (re)launch** Doors 5pm, £5.00

Saturday May 16th. Pagan Altar + Grimpine Mire + 2 TBC. Doors 5pm, £8.00 Saturday May 23rd. TBC.

Saturday May 30th. Interrogate + Triggerman + No Grace Given. **Interrogate album launch** Doors 5pm, £5.00

Warm up for Gorgoroth on Saturday

If you want to warm yourself up for Sunday's Gorgoroth gig the Distortion Project's regular RockD slot tomorrow (Saturday) sees Arcane and Niyah Sky play at Katy Daly's.

Priced £2.50...excellent value!

The following Saturday RockD sees Interrogate, No Grace Given, and Razor Sentry - same venue, same price!

New shit, old shit - it's all good shit..

The future is bright - the future is metal...ok, hands up; that's a pretty tired attempt to flog an ad cliché in a manner designed to raise familiarity of phrase. But familiarity of phrase came to the fore when the Distortion Project's latest Saturday show brought new heights of familiarity - in the best sense of the word. Not in terms of familiarity breeding contempt - rather the familiarity of seeing two local acts primed for new releases and the return of the awesome Panic Cell for their first headling show in the city.

Interrogate have been through a variety of phases in their time. On stage first tonight, their hardcore shaped metal sound presented both a challenge and an invitation to the patrons of The Limelight. Arriving with their usual stomp attack, the band unveiled two tracks from their soon-to-be-released new CD.

Despite occassionally muddy sound for the guitar parts Interrogate delivered an invigorating set. New tracks Victim and Losing it All swaggered forth with precision. Further live outings will strengethen these yet further.

Andy also chose to tonight to demonstrate a versatility in his vocals that has in the past been too often hidden. With the rest of the guys he proved that Interrogate have groove as well as balls.

Sinocence are also gearing up for an album release, and their thrash tinged metallic assault was peppered with new twists to their ever reliable sound.

Alongside old faves, new riffage was unveiled- it doffed a cap to Bay Area influences without being slavish to an eighties vibe. At times Morro's voice flagged under the strain, but with being away from the boards for a while it was a forgivable flaw, which didn't detract from the impressive attack. Like Interrogate some of the more detailed guitar parts were occassionally lost in the otherwise fine sound mix.

Restricted to an hour-long set, this was Panic Cell's first headlining appearance in Belfast, although with previous gigs on the Ormeau Road they are all familiar and welcome faces.

Catching up with Luke shortly before the show he expressed his pleasure of being back in boomtown (interview to follow later). But for all the band's amiability and all-round niceness off stage, once on the boards all bets are off...quite simply they produced a blistering set of ferocity and feral brilliance.

Smattered with favourites from the soon to be re-issued 'Bitter Part of Me' and a healthy dose of anthemic tracks from last year's follow-up 'What Doesn't Kill Us...' the truncated set was delivered with aplomb and stagecraft that many wannabes could do well to learn from.

As always Luke's presence dominated, with walkabouts into the crowd, singalong Belfast moments and joining a brief, if small pit.

Feature moments included the rousing 'Calm', the tuneful but heavy Fallen, and crowd fave Save Me.

Of course, Panic Cell have an assurity and deploy their craft well that only comes from constant touring. But this was not a set by numbers. Forced to whittle down, they blitzed with the deciptively melodic thrash of Stare into Oblivion and the power of Shallow.

Dead to Me proved to be even more impressive this time around - as an album closer it has epitomised the Cell's ethos of classic metal with a twist. Live it is an aural assault few could equal.
But what impressed most was that depite the clichéd, but welcome moments (share the Jager anyone?) this wasn't a set that drew on familiar shapes and well-worn chant and clapalongs. Instead it was five people on stage having a great time - which meant the crowd fed off Panic Cell's vibe, who in turn fed off the crowd, creating a virtuous circle that contributed to a great early evening entertainment.

Panic Cell, as noted previously, are vastly under-rated. They deserve a much bigger break, not because of hard work, or a reward for persistence. Not even for persuading a jaded old hack like me down to the front to headbang. No, they deserve to have greater exposure and a major break simply because of what they do - deliver damn fine music, bang on the money every time.

So, in lazy hack style summary...

Interrogate and Sinocence warmed up the crowd by proving potential can translate into power, before the punters received a pumelling by Panic Cell...ah the future is metal; old shit, new shit, it's all good shit!