NEWS: Bloodstock rolls out six more bands

BLOODSTOCK is racing towards the weekend with some heavy metal Easter treats.

Six more bands have been added to August’s best heavy weekenderand the annual Easter Egg hunt on the Bloodstock website, kicking off Friday 30th March! Check out www.bloodstock.uk.com from 8am Friday for details on how to hunt for Easter eggs and win a pair of festival tickets.

Joining the line up in a Friday Ronnie James Dio main stage slot are British thrash icons ONSLAUGHT.

The band are working on their new studio album set for release later this year via AFM Records, so expect the world premiere of a brand new song at Bloodstock. The band said:

"ONSLAUGHT have always loved playing at Bloodstock, the UK’s finest metal festival and this year the show is going to be something special indeed! We’ll see you maniacs at the front!” Get warmed up by watching the video for ‘The Sound of Violence’.

Also nabbing a Friday slot opening the main stage are British metal crew, Feed the Rhino. The quintet’s latest album, ‘The Silence’ landed last month via Century Media with lead track, ‘Heedless’ landing its premiere via Daniel P. Carter on the BBC Radio 1 Rock Show. Have a listen!

The band said “We are beyond honoured to be performing at this years BLOODSTOCK Festival. See you in the Pit!"

Japanese power metal ladies, LOVEBITES join us for a slot on Friday’s Sophie Lancaster stage. The five piece release a new mini-album, ‘Battle Against Damnation’ on 6th June, but if you’re not up to speed on the band, make sure you investigate this video for ‘Shadowmaker’ and additional news info over at their Facebook page.

London death metallers, DE PROFUNDIS join us in a Sophie stage slot on Friday. The band are readying the release in May of new album, ‘The Blinding Light of Faith’. Get a load of this new track ‘Bastard Sons of Abraham’ and then view the array of purchase options (digital, physical and special bundles) over on their Bandcamp page.

Transcending Obscurity Brit thrash outfit REPRISAL also land a Friday Sophie slot. Their new album, ‘None Survive The Sun’ lands this Friday 30th March via Hostile Media. Feast your eyes on the video for ‘Nephila’ and head over to pick up a copy of the album at
http://reprisal.bigcartel.com. 

Progressive death metal New Yorkers UNCURED land a slot on Sunday’s Sophie stage. Having just wrapped a 28-date US run with Soulfly, the four piece come to Europe this Summer to play shows with their friends in JASTA. Check out their video for ‘Stygian Valley’ below and if you're curious for more, get further info on the band over on their Facebook page .

Come join us in August! Standard weekend tickets are on sale now, priced at £145 for four days of metal fun. Grab yours at https://bloodstock.seetickets.com. If you already know you can only attend for one day, sign up for an email reminder so you don’t miss out when single day tickets go on sale at the end of June. Register your interest here - https://www.seetickets.com/register/bloodstock.
With Friday night headliners JUDAS PRIEST, Saturday headliners GOJIRA and Sunday’s bill toppers NIGHTWISH announced, as well as EMPEROR, AT THE GATES, DEVILDRIVER, WATAIN, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, WEDNESDAY 13, JASTA & FRIENDS, FOZZY, COMBICHRIST, BLOODBATH, VENOM INC., MR BIG, ORPHANED LAND, KAMELOT, DORO, ORDEN OGAN, SEPTICFLESH, EXHORDER, PALLBEARER, MEMORIAM and many more, we’re more excited than ever for BLOODSTOCK 2018!

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

LIVE REVIEW: Feeling 'The Force' with Onslaught, Beholder, Annihilated and Scimitar

When people talk about the so-called 'Big Four' of thrash metal, you'll often hear “but I think it should be Big Five, because (insert their favourite thrash band here) should be included”

Often, the band in question is just as talented as those in that top four are, they just inexplicably never hit the same lofty heights of fame.

All of which brings us neatly to Sunday night's Limelight gig, which saw thrash legends Onslaught hit Belfast again, this time to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of their classic album The Force, ably supported by a plethora of both local and national acts.

First up it was time for local thrashers Scimitar to strut their stuff, and they stepped up to the plate in confident and polished fashion. Beginning with the immediate and sizzlingly fast 'Behead the Beast', they fill their set with no-frills, balls out thrash, to the delight of the crowd. Tight and forceful, their hefty set leaves everyone warmed up and thirsty for more.

Speaking of thrash legends...next up it's Suffolk's own recently reformed Anihilated, whose return to the metal fold sees them filled with renewed vigour and enthusiasm.

Tight as their well-pounded snare drum, they fire out hit after hit with roaring thrashy power. “I heard you were a bunch of badass metal motherfuckers, and it seems they were right!” frontman Si Cob yells approvingly following the crowd's response to 'They Lie, We Die'. Definitely a band from the 'play as fast as you can' Slayer end of the thrash spectrum, they set heads banging all over the room; final track 'We Are Legion' is a particular highlight.

A band at the proggier end of metal is up next: it's Coventry's Beholder. Fronted by Bloodstock man Simon Hall, who bellows “good evening Belfast? Are you ready for this?!” prior to their opening number, they have always been a metal band with a strong social conscience, fundraising for the Sophie Lancaster Foundation and writing issues close to their heart.

They also – if you'll pardon the pun – are a sight to behold onstage, pouring all their energy into their performance. Hall in particular wrings every last ounce of effort from himself as he roars, growls and hollers throughout their powerful 45 minute set.

Tonight, we hear songs both old and new, including 'Razorline (On the Edge of Insanity)' from their first album (“something faster for you thrashheads” grins Hall) and pacy and atmospheric newie 'My Revolution'.

It's always a pleasure to witness this charismatic and dynamic band.

A siren intro and classical music heralds the arrival of the band that everyone is here to see: as Onslaught file onstage they receive a rowdy heroes' welcome from the crowded room, which only gets louder as they launch into track one of The Force, 'Let There Be Death'.

It becomes immediately clear that, despite the passing of time, there has been no dimming of their enthusiasm – they're like excited young pups onstage – or of frontman Sy Keeler's vocals, which show an astonishing strength and range. “It's a fucking pleasure and honour to bring The Force to this wonderful city!”, he enthuses. Briefly mentioning their legendary Mandela Hall gig, they continue on with a frantically energetic 'Fight the Beast', followed by an even faster 'Demoniac'.

With little pause between tracks, they fire through the album like a rocket launcher. And by the gods does it sound good: epic, majestic and rowdy, it's as fresh and exciting as if it had been recorded this week. The thunderous and atmospheric 'Flame of the Antichrist', the masterful 'Contract In Blood',
the blistering 'Thrash Til the Death'...all simply outstanding.

The album completed, they spend the remainder of their set treating the crowd to a mini tour through the rest of their back catalogue. 'Killing Peace' gets an airing, as does a ferocious 'The Sound of Violence', a furious 'Destroyer of Worlds' and of course '66Fucking 6', which sends the room into paroxysms of delight.

They finish up with the 'one-two punch' of 'Power from Hell' and 'Thermonuclear Devastation', before Keeler announces “thank you Belfast, you've been fucking awesome!” and they all depart the darkened stage.

But of course, it's not over yet...to roars of approval, and because Belfast is so fucking awesome (and despite the house lights already being on) we are treated to one last song: a rabid 'Angels of Death'. Perfect.

'The Big Four', 'The Big Five', 'The Big However Many' – the debate will no doubt continue to rage as to who are the best thrash bands in the world. Based on tonight's damn near flawless  performance, Onslaught are definitely up there with the big boys. Keep on thrashing, lads!

Review by Melanie Brehaut
Pics by Darren McVeigh
Reproduction by written permission only

GIG REVIEW: Elemental forces flay Belfast when the thrash invasion of Donum Dei, Artillery and Onslaught

THRASH is dead, long live thrash! When the NWOBHM met punk and classic rock in a dark alleyway the bastard child of this unholy threesome was born, kicking and screaming and was dubbed thrash metal.

Ebbing and flowing throughout decades, thrash has always been there since, and Belfast was battered by the Thrash Invasion of Onslaught and Artillery in a joyous cacophony of thrash in Limelighgt2 on Monday (July 14th).

Thomas growls for
audience thrashing

With Hatriot dropping out of the line-up earlier in the year local pretenders Donum Dei picked up the mantle, and threw it into the face of the audience.

Each and every time Donum Dei have demonstrated improvements and composure that belies their age.

Thomas is growing as a commanding front man, his vocal range developing and his guitar work melding with Stuart's lead work, as more and more harmony playing and riffs brought old and young down to the front as the venue filled.

Despite their nervousness beforehand and a small stage to work with Donum Dei impressed, in particular with the anthemic Justice Fails just one of the highlights. Dean and Alistair anchored the whole sound, which makes the sound all the more forceful.

Donum Dei live at the Limelight

Artillery have been knocking around for years across different line-ups (interview with Michael Stutzer ahead of the tour can be found here), but they have emerged from the shadows to take their place in the pantheon of thrash.

With latest album Legions earning plaudits tracks played live have an urgency and a potency with Michael Bastholm Dahl looking relaxed as he bellowed out the album opener Chill My Bones (Burn My Flesh) and the title track.

Michael strikes a thrash pose

However, this was a showcase of Artillery's arsenal of tracks. Michael and Morten have a telepathic understanding across their guitar work, while Madsen and Thorslund seem to be having a great time, in particular on By Inheritance and Terror Squad.

Never past it to thrash

What cannot be doubted is that Artillery have earned the right to have more recognition and more widespread listenership, and their début performance in Belfast was an extravaganza of musical force.

Onslaught have brought their own type of thrash force to Belfast from the 80s, and always try (and often manage) to ink the city into their schedules.

This show was part of the VI tour cycle, and it was a tour de force of thrash metal -  in fact a masterclass in playing any type of  metal on a stage.

Six-stinger plus
photographer = this!

Sy might have protested at being tired beforehand as he got back into the touring rhythm, but he indulged every request for an autograph or picture with fans, young and old, and fronting the Onslaught attack there was no sign of weariness as he launched into Killing Peace and Chaos is King.

This show was thrash brought to relevance, brought with the dichotomy of ferocity and friendliness. Nice guys each and every one of them, the band is a clenched fist smashing the audience into submission, followed by a smile and a bit of banter.

Nige and Leigh traded licks, while Jeff played a blinder on bass and Mic kept the whole thing from flying into musical orbit. Destroyer of Worlds, yep Onslaught manage to do Born for War.
that, as if they were really

Have hair, have guitar - time to thrash!

From VI the track 66 Fucking 6 has all the makings of a favourite for years to come, as was evidenced through the audience reaction to the chorus - band and fans bonded as 'chaos legions'.

The experience and musicianship of Onslaught has never been in doubt, and with a balanced back catalogue they are the most under rated of British metal bands. Screw what the magazines or TV channels might tell you is 'cool' or 'hip' because they by-pass what all present on Monday witnessed a band at its peak, Metal Forces that truly bring the musical Power from Hell.

Sy sights thrashing
audience through the gloom

Onslaught - Belfast salutes you!

What the audience saw were three bands with metal in their hearts and a love of playing burning throughout their bodies: Young pretenders Donum Dei proving that potential can be realised; Artillery delivering on past promise with sheer power; and, Onslaught simply awesome as one of the true inheritors of the thrash crown. Time to make way on the Iron Throne for the Bristolians.

Review by Jonny

Photos courtesy of MetalPlanet

Interview with Nige will be published later this week

Thanks to James Loveday's Distortion Project and all those backing these bands!

 

 

 

 

INTERVIEW: A full battery of Artillery coming to Belfast, we caught up with the Dansh thrashers Michael Stützer ahead of Monday night

COMING our way on Monday (14^th June) is a thrash feast when Onslaught, Artillery and local up and coming stars Donum Dei land with a thud at Limelight2.

Coming so soon after Soulfy, Anthrax and Slayer the Summer of Metal is well underway.

Onslaught will deliver their usual full-on thrash attack, and for those who haven’t heard Artillery all we can say is that you are in for a treat.

The Danish outfit has been through line-up changes and breaks since their genesis in the 80s, but with their latest album – Legions they have hit the proverbial nail on the head.

Packed with treats, and unafraid to deploy melody as well as crushing riffs the album has highlight after highlight: from the Arabic drums of opener Chill My Bones (Burn My Flesh); through the title track; the full-speed Wardrum Hearbeat; the Euro-thrash of Doctor Evil; the slowed down part acoustic of Enslaved to the Nether; and, closer Ethos of Wrath it is a masterclass in how to deliver clean thrash without sacrificing pace and heaviness.

In anticipation of the Belfast date we caught up with guitarist Michael Stützer, who revealed that there are some people he wants to catch up with in Belfast

“Yeah,” he said “we’re really looking forward to come over for the first time and to say hello from our friends from Gama Bomb!”

The tour itself was one meant to be happening earlier in the year.

“As some of you readers might know the first part of the tour in Germany etc was moved to March as Hatriot was forced to pull out because of Steve was rejoining Exodus,” said Michael.

Given the strength of the album and the growth of the band’s sound we wanted to know what made a difference on this release.

“We really have a strong line-up now with five dedicated guys and we all have a great time really diggin´playing together and i think the fans can hear that!”

And the new songs in a live setting?

“Really great,” said Michael. “The fans really like the new songs like Chill My Bones and Legions. We will play three or four of the new songs on this tour!

 With thrash undergoing a resurgence (as mentioned Slayer and Anthrax have just been to Belfast, Michaell explained why it continues to be successful.

“Because it’s very honest and loyal to its fans and the best bands have some great and catchy tunes,” he said. “More and more young bands are keeping the style going on as well!”

Reflecting on the current line-up after the revolving door of yesteryear Michael promised a dedicated team ready to hit the Limelight2 stage.

“First of all we really like to be together and play and, as I said five dedicated musicians who love to do things together both on the road and in the studio!”

“Cheers” Michael Stützer!

If Artillery had been touring and come to Belfast maybe five or six years ago there would have been a lukewarm response and maybe a band re-treading riffs. But now, in 2014 Artillery are a potent force, with an album they can be proud of, and by all accounts so far, delivering stunning live performances.

Artillery’s album Legions is out now on Metal Blade Records

Artillery play with Onslaught and Donum Dei on 14^th June at Limelight2: Some tickets are still available

Interview by Jonny

Summer of metal rolls on - gear up for Soulfly....and much more

RIGHT, buckle on your bullet belts, pick out an appropriate t-shirt and get set for the next stage of the Summer of Metal.

On Thursday Max Cavalera - the man with more side projects than hours in the day - lands with his merry band of metal mayhem men in Belfast's Limelight2 for a Thursday night of grooves, fury and rhythms from across the globe.

There can be no doubt that Cavelara has produced more extreme metal, from his Sepultura days, right up to this years Killer Be Killed and the recent release of Soulfy's Savages.

Backed by his son Zylon on drums, and Marc Rizzo (lead guitar) and Tony Campos (bass) Soufly's music encompassed a range of visions, a range of topics, and a clear rage against the dystopian 21st Century earth. All of which makes this return to Belfast something special.

See you on Thursday (July 10th).

And, then we have a Public Holiday on Monday and Tuesday (14th and 15th July), which of course means more metal...

Monday sees Onslaught, Artillery and Donum Dei blast a path to Limelight2. If y'all are still standing Inquisition, Malthusian and Zion are in the Voodoo.

And...well the rest of the year is packed, with everything from Tim 'Ripper' Owens, Eric Martin, Prong, Amon Amarth, Mordred & Furyon, Carcass, Dragonforce, Orange Goblin & St Vitus, Y&T, New  Found Glory, Saxon...

Shine, the Limelight1, Limelight2, Voodoo, The Distortion Project, Diamond Rock Club are offering you a smorgasbord, a horn of plenty, a cornucopia of hard rock and heavy metal.

And, that's without even mentioning the plethora of local bands who will be at RockD on a Saturday, at the Voodoo, The Diamond Rock Club et al.

Anyone who complains about not enough shows, or nothing to do, should just take a moment of their precious and check out the local listings...you'll shit yourself when you see all that's on offer.

See y'all at Soulfly.

Just why Onslaught will welcome under 18s into soundcheck

COME July 14th The Distortion Project will present Onslaught, Artillery and Hatriot in Limelight2 in a veritable feast of thrash - so much so the tour has been dubbed the Thrash Invasion 2014....

Onslaught have been regular visitors to Northern Ireland, and as they continue the tour in support of their album IV (review is here) Nige Rockett spoke to us about the gargantuan tour so far, the enduring attraction of thrash and because it is an over 18 event they're prepared to let younger fans into the sound check.

He also explains that he's working on the 'skeleton' for the new album but with touring commitments there's going to be a wait for the follow up to IV.

Click the link below to hear the interview on an at times crackly phone line.

Nige Onslaught

Tickets for The Distortion Project presentation of Onslaught, Artillery and Hatriot on July 14th are available from Ticketmaster and all usual outlets (details here). Onslaught's IV is available on AFM records now.

Onslaught VI's aural onslaught of thrash

THIS is thrash metal. And this is only thrash metal. If you do not like thrash metal this is not for you, and frankly this is your problem.

This is an onslaught on your aural senses delivered by thrash heroes Onslaught, who on this album prove that you don't need to teach an old dog new tracks when they do what they do so well. No faux posing, no 'epic' songs through a false need to 'prove' oneself.

On this album - entitled VI - Onslaught are an elemental force. Onslaught have not changed with this album; they have instead gotten better.

They have taken the thrash template and sharpened it to a stake through mediocrity. Sy Keeler remains a front man who delivers as if his life depended upon it; Nige Rockett and Andy Rosser-Davies guitar retains the tone you'd expect from Onslaught's guitar attack, but seem infused by a spirit of Onslaught's past and a vision of a future as thrash geniuses.

From opener Chaos is King to closer Enemy of My Enemy this is unrelenting. And it has as Nige Rockett a series of contemporary themes in the lyrical diatribes.

“Children Of The Sand” is Onslaught’s biggest experiment to date without question," he explains "Lyrically it reflects the fragile situation in the Middle East, which is inherently caused by religion and the indoctrination it breeds.

"The music paints a very dark, eastern sounding backdrop for the lyrics and we’ve actually incorporated a 'real string section' and 'female vocals’ to enhance the whole theme!”

It is one of the album's stand-out tracks, sitting comfortably beside the straightforward heads-down Dead Man Walking and the immense 66'fucking'6 and Cruci-Fiction.

Amidst all the lyrical themes Onslaught paint a dystopian vision of a world falling apart; and the pound from Jeff Williams bass and new sticksman Mic Hourihan drive it forward.

In many ways this does harken back to the first incarnation of Onslaught which began in the heady days of the 80s, but in other ways it refreshes the sound, refine it and enhance the brutality of 2011's Sounds of Violence.

Even the cover art by Par Oloffson reinforces the vibe.

Overall Onlaught have delivered. On VI they have delivered a thrash masterpiece, earned the hard way through years of experience and a willingness to keep believing in their art; and it is an art of destructive, titanic thrash metal.

VI is released on AFM Records in the UK on September 23rd.

It gets better all the time...

THREE Bristolians and I forgot to ask them whether they supported Bristol City or Bristol Rovers...but given how down-to-earth and friendly Onslaught where on their recent visit to Belfast they would not have shied away from the potentially awkward football question.

Remember this is one of the few bands not just content to meet fans after a gig, but to stand shoulder to shoulder with them at the bar too. This is one of the few bands outside the big five or six metal bands to span continents gigging – thanks to budget flights and not deluxe personalised planes and corporate jets.

And being on the carousel of concert venues seems not to bother them at all.

As one Nige Rockett, Sy Keeler and Andy Rosser-Davis agree “It gets better all the time” when asked was the lengthy journey from 1983 to rocking out venues as diverse as the Spring and Airbrake, Italian festivals and south American gigs all worth it.

From personnel changes through to breaks in the band’s career, Onslaught are happy to reflect on the journey with positivity.

Nige declares for the rest of his band mates: “I’m enjoying it more than ever”; his colleagues chipping in their agreement.

And there hinges a lot of what Onslaught are about: a unit, operating at one on stage, at peace with the journey that takes them on a lengthy tour in 2011 and beyond.

Given that the rock and metal news rags and TV stations seem to concentrate all too readily on the latest US release and publicity hyped acts, at the expense of UK and Irish outfits, Onslaught are – perhaps surprisingly – relaxed about the situation. Many in their shoes would reach all too readily for the default grumble button.

“It’s always been the case,” said Andy on the lack of exposure to many homegrown heavy acts.” First time around we had a reasonably good crack of the whip.

“But they [the magazines] were always very trend orientated, especially Kerrang. But it’s a little different for us in Europe, the press isn’t as easily led by trends.”

Nige joining in, points out that many of the “hyped” bands don’t go out and do the touring legwork: a charge that could not be levelled against Onslaught.

Standing corrected as to the many times the band has played Belfast Sy tells that they were the first English band to play “at the height of the Troubles” in 1987, which we had to confess was what we used to tell all the bands that at the time to make sure they came back!

At a time when there was no Odyssey complex and few medium size venues Onslaught ventured to Northern Ireland. At that time only punk and metal bands played gigs in Northern Ireland.

“It was certainly memorable,” says Sy of their first appearance in Belfast in 87, “and for all the right reasons. It was awesome, absolutely awesome. The gig itself was crazy, certainly memorable. I remember looking across the stage for my fellow band members and I couldn’t see them for the stage invasion.

“I remember after the show doing our usual meet and greet and being literally whisked off my feet! There was a real thanks for us coming.”

As to the current resurgence of Thrash, Nige chooses not to namecheck the big four, but notes that the other forerunners of 80s are coming back, like Onslaught, stronger than ever.

“Everyone’s still here!”he says. “Testament are still here, Exodus, Overkill are all still here.” And as Andy points out: “They’re all still making good records!”

It is not too often that bands acknowledge the scene around them, offering praise for contemporaries: “Kreator are making some great records,” says Andy.

And that sort of sums up Onslaught: they’ve been around the block, they know the score. From adulation at massive Italian festivals (“The fans all dress like we all would have in the 80s with cut off denims, motorbike jackets and tight jeans,” says Sy.)

They know that as band they have stretched further musically than ever before both on stage and with the release of ‘Sounds of Violence’ earlier this year. But they recognise that the re-emergence of the thrash scene over the past four or five years it takes a collective success to ensure each band gets their fair crack of the (neck?) whip.

From headlining in Japan to, as I write this, touring Brazil, Onslaught are moving forward. As Andy notes technological developments “over the last 30 years” have helped bands to record without the impediments. “As musicians you can get quicker and heavier without trying to work around the studio.”

But equally, as Nige says, the shredders and dial it in rockers, lay down their licks, “at the expense of songwriting. New thrash and some of the new metal seems to be complex for the sake of being complex.”

“We pushed ourselves as far as we could on the album [Sounds of Violence] technically and in terms of music,” says Andy, “But it is all in the context of the song. The song is the most important thing.”

On stage in Belfast that is clear. The songs are clarion calls, mixed metaphors for middle aged and teens alike; political commentary comfortable with the old black metal-inspired lyrics of the 80s.

Chatting about style changes, when challenged about the changeover from the trend for cookie monster vocals to more clean styles band mates are quick to note the maturing of Sy’s style. He himself says that while he still retains that “chest based growly voice” he prefers clarity, even with his, as he admits “very growly” clean vocal style.

In many ways that speaks to the honesty of Onslaught again: not only are they prepared to stick together, and acknowledge their place in the thrash scene, but to analyse their sound, their individual influences. They are an exemplar for many bands growing through the ranks

Onslaught have grown up gracefully in a scene that has seen so many fade to the blackness of bickering and disillusion.

“When we quit,” says Nige, “we said that was it, and never, never again. But you should never say never. I, and we, could never imagined that we could be doing what we are doing and doing it much better than before.”

Doing it better than before. That’s honesty. And with Onslaught, they have proved it really does get better every time: even if I don't know whether they are City or Rovers fans...

Thrash? It hasn't gone away you know...

WHILE they were moaning and whinging a mile away about some over-hyped R&B singer – now known for baring all in a field rather than her banal music – being an hour-and-half late, an unseasonably hot Spring and Airbrake was toasting a Thrash-tacular Thursday night as Fallen Fate, Gama Bomb and Onslaught laid it down like the fallow years of the 90s had never existed.

The morning news this Firiday, paying more attention to Rhianna’s breasts than is healthy, was filled with teeny terrors and chaperone's complaining about a 90 minute delay – they’ve obviously never experienced the real marathon delays of Guns ‘n’ Roses! In contrast the stage times at the Spring and Airbrake were spot on, nailed as tight as the riffs.

Fallen Fate, hailed by Onslaught’s Sy Keeler as the “future”, laid down a tasty set of tight riffage and some nice solos in a slew of tracks from the album ‘The Virus Has Spread’. Origin of Sin and Descendancy stood out.

For Gama Bomb it would have been easy to kick back and enjoy the homecoming banter of band coming back to its roots. Not so. Aside from the ‘raking’ about and the ease of relating to the crowd, Gama Bomb kept the 80s firmly in their sights, with humour and verve.

Three Witches, OCP and Bullet Belt showed the ability of Gama Bomb to keep it tight and sharp as well as explore their heritage. Philly’s range, allied to tight lead and rhythm work from Joe and Domo was under-pinned by Paul and Joe keeping it tight and focussed. There are those – thankfully few – who see the jokey sci-fi, horror and film themes of Gama Bomb and forget that this is one excellent metal band, who deliver one excellent show live.

Onslaught are top blokes. Full stop, end of story. Having had the opportunity to interview, Andy, Nige and Sy before the show it was not just an 'impression', but the sheer simple fact that they’ve been round the block, round the streets, earned their stripes and grown up as men in a field were too many boys try to tread. Men know that you get respect when you give respect: simple respect for the fans (and a forty-something interviewer/reviewer too) does not come easily for many bands; those bands should learn from Onslaught.

With the air of seasoned headliners and festival favourites Onslaught know how to build the anticipation before ripping into a set spanning almost the entirety of their 28 year career. Metal Forces, to coin a phrase, were ready to join the thrash as Belfast raised the horns in adulation.

‘The Sound of Violence’, ‘Planting the Seeds of Hate’, ‘Killing Peace’...there’s no point in trooping out the songs, if you’re fans you know them, and if you were there you’re still remembering them. Sy’s “let’s see  how loud” chat with the crowd was a wee bit of fun that could tire with repetition, but in the context of the night it worked; too many bands use this tactic making it seem a little clichéd at times. Given the vocal desterity the man maintained throughout, from sinister growls to the high end, it is a minor offence.

Having asked Andy earlier about technology and music he talked comfortably about how the band was stretching themselves. And, dominating his axe Andy was easily showing how the solos are getting ever more fluid, while Nige’s counter-foil and musical ripostes were pushing the sound tighter and tighter to what Thrash should be – controlled fury, great sound and the ancient art of headbanging in much evidence in response..

The encore was led-off by what Sy claiming that their cover of Motorhead classic was at the behest of the label, which, whether it was the case or not, was delivered with alacrity; taking the well-worn track and raising the bar yet higher.

Onslaught kicked round the block in the 80s and came back stronger after their temporary break; a break that Nige said earlier had him saying “never again”. Belfast was glad he, and his compadrés , came back. There is a purity about bands like Onslaught – given the second crack of the whip they have taken it from the hands of poseur ringmaster and the thrash lion now roars mightier than ever. If there is justice and not just us Onslaught will be in the vanguard.

Thrash-tacular Onslaught on yer senses...

AT the time of writing it is Thursday (just about!) - a day that augurs the weekend, yet is not quite full on relaxation and chilled out just yet...a day when anticipation conjurs an allure for those precious work-free hours that many enjoy and are called 'Friday to Sunday' in our diaries.

But screw all that waiting! Tonight (still Thursday - concentrate people!) will be a Thrash-tacular Thursday when Onslaught descend upon Ormeau Avenue to rip apart the Spring and Airbrake.

Backed by the speedy rabscallions of Gama Bomb and Fallen Fate, Onslaught will be making (and I think this is correct, but at my age you never know!) their fourth visit to Belfast.

The Bristolian metal crew have persisted through line-up changes and a hiatius to emerge stronger in the 21st Century, and their latest release Sounds of Violence manages the difficult trick of being both nostalgic and fresh at the same time.

The message is, of course, get yer hairy arses down to the Spring and Airbrake! Stage times:

• Fallen Fate: 8.45pm - 9.15pm
• Gama Bomb: 9.35pm - 10.25pm
• Onslaught. 10.45pm - Midnight

If you see me there, say hello...oh wait, you may not recognise me, but that's okay because after a pint or three I won't recognise me either, after all it'll be thrash time!

Onslaught on Belfast!

THRASH slaughter's coming to Belfast in September with Onslaught, Gamma Bomb and Fallen Fate play the Spring and Airbrake.

The date for this Distorition Project coup is 29th September.

Tickets will cost you £16.50, plus fees, and are now on sale from 22 Ticketmaster outlets province wide, Eason’s Belfast. 24hr hotlines

Erre three days of hard rockin' mayhem!

Hold tight if you have the cash and liver tolerance...cuz over the next three days there's a veritable feast of hardcore, hard rock and thrash - though not necessarily in that order!.

Kicking off on Thursday is RSJ at the Limelight with By Any Means leading the supporting charge!

Recover from that and you can limber up the neck muscles when classic Brit thrashers Onslaught get set to slay the Spring & Airbrake on Friday night, ably supported by Devil Makes Three, Overoth and Cursed Sun.

For those of you still fixated with the new wave of thrashers - excellent though the likes of Municipal Waste, Evile et al are - Onslaught still kill the old way. Despite wallowing through disbandment, reformation and line-up changes they have re-emerged revitalised in recent years.

Old codgers alert! Zimmer frames at the ready for grandad rock on Saturday...Status Quo play at Carrick Castle, which is only marginally older than the Quo. Sorry, but it is really easy to have a pop at the Quo, but fair is fair they have kept their 12-bar blues boogie rock going for an eternity and deserve plaudits a plenty.

Here at metal mansions we first experienced the Quo live in '82 on what was titled the 'End of the Road Tour'. Then came some years later, the 'In The Army Now Tour' etc etc etc.

No matter what their collective ages and infirmity they always get heads a nodding and entertain!

Also with the Quo on Saturday at the Castle are Hayseed Dixie with their sawgrass take on rock. And, Speedo would not forgive me if I didn't mention Tinn Lizzy!

Low End 09

Quick note on an event to wrap up the summer - The Low End festival 09...and why are we listing an event in Waterford's Forum...well it's because to compliment the headliners are a shedload of local (i.e. Norn Iron) acts. Here's the full line-up for August 28th and 29th...

Napalm Death
Primordial
Onslaught
Five Will Die
Stand-Up Guy
Overoth
Sirocco
Mourning Beloveth
Ghost of Medina
Spearhead
Residual Effect
Two Tales of Woe
Drainland
Orpheus
Red Enemy

Been away a while...but back with a vengeance...

For various (boring reasons) and not least owing to dangerous levels of blood in my alcohol stream, Belfastmetalheadsreuited has been down for a while...now it's back, and back with a vengeance.

Over the next few days there's much to catch up on...here's a flavour:
Countervela, Triggerman and Gacys Threads. Auntie Annies on Thursday (tomorrow!)
The Metal Blade Assault tour lands in Belfast on April 4th with The Rotted, Malefice and Anterior in the Limelight;
Charity metal with Residual Effect and others on April 7th at The Black Box (in aid of the Haematology Unit at the RVH);
Cancer Bats/Rolo Tomassi/Psychic Kids at the Spring & Airbrake on 23rd April;
Paradise Lost, Grim Reaper and a host of others ripping apart the Mandella Hall for an all ages Full Metal Racket at the Mandella Hall on April 25th;
Saxon and Sweet Savage...the next night!
The new A Little Bitter album (New Dawn Evolution) launched on May 2nd at The Limelight
Firebirds/Gentlemen's Pistols/Skypilot descending on Belfast on 5th June;
Prong playing the Spring & Airbrake on 14th June; and...and....

Therapy? in Derry (May 14th), The Answer in Belfast (20th April), Tesla (June 11th), UFO (June 12th), the possibility of a November Deep Purple Belfast show (keep that one to yourself...), Nine Inch Nails and Jane's Addiction playing Oxygen in July...Onslaught coming to Belfast on August 28th

Damn there's so much more to catch up on, so much more to share we're off to share a shandy, batter a brandy and intimidate a Jagermeister (though not necessarily in that order!)

More and more posts coming your way...thanks to everyone who commented, emailed, complained, nagged, whined and gave off that the blogs were not coming as think and fast as y'all wanted!