INTERVIEW: Raveneye arrive to be interrogated...

WHEN in Belfast expect to be interrogated...no nothing to do with the police, just we send our intrepid team off to ask the awkward questions...

So when Raveneye touched down in the Belfast Empire Ivor cornered them for a few questions about the three-pieces work since they were last in Northern Ireland and their continued upward rise...

Here is what they said:

LIVE REVIEW: Raveneye, Skam and Mosmo Strange. Three rock bands walk into a bar ….

ON a rather cold Friday night the Belfast Empire played host to a full on rock performance of epic proportions. As the crowd milled in anticipating a good show, little did they know what a fantastic night it was to be - minds, as they say blown...

Setting the scene was local band Mosmo Strange, a four piece band of Gavin Scott, Nolan Donnelly, Eamonn Doherty and Conor Bradley. Kicking in with ‘L'Etrange’, Clipper and ‘Fumar Mata’, they grabbed people’s attention straight away with an eclectic alt rock energy.

These guys were not the usual looking rock outfit many would expect and their tight set, banter and stage presence really hit the tone.

Hitting the crowd next with ‘Vince the Pince’ and finishing off with ‘She’s away’, they have an almost indifferent rock like attitude, playing for their own enjoyment, and if others want to listen, then that’s all good. They had an enjoyable Zappa jazz rock feel about them with a touch of musical experimentation about their set list. A great set to warm up the Empire Hall.

Leicester three-piece Skam, consisting of Steve Hill, Matt Gilmore, and Neal Hill, were back in Nelfast six years since their last apppearance in the city.

There were a few hardened fans in the hall and were beyond excited Skam were back. One attendee specifically there for Skam was one Cormac Neeson, lead singer of The Answer. So this promised to be an interesting affair.

Well, it wasn’t interesting. It was a hard rocking, mind blowing experience. Coming on stage, they suddenly owned it.

Firing off the Rolls Royce engines of their spitfire hard rocking set they took to the skies with ‘Between the Eyes’, ‘Iron Cross’ and ‘No Lies’. With pounding drums, rumbling bass lines, melodic hard rocking guitar riffs and superb vocals, they completely kicked ass from the first notes.

‘Fading before the Sun’, ‘Holy City’, and ‘Take it or Leave it’ entrenched their outstanding style of hard rocking with the Belfast crowd, before delivering their coup de gras with ‘’Massacre’. Each one had their own distinguishable personality with Steve on lead vocals and guitar connecting beautifully with the audience, Matt on bass strutting around like a turkey cock having a whale of a time and Neal energetically smashing the hell out of the drums.

As a singular rock unit they were supremely tight. They had a real banter and connection with the throng.

While most of the people there were awaiting Raveneye, there was a palpable disappointment Skam’s set was over. Definitely a band to catch if the opportunity ever arises. Hopefully it won’t be another six years before they are back again.

Then, almost unnoticed three unassuming likely lads nonchalantly took to the stage. For a few moments checked the equipment, and then proceeded to utterly blow the place apart with a foot stomping, uproarious gungy blues rock that had everyone’s undivided attention.

Clouting everyone round the head the night’s tour de force smashed in with ‘Hate’, ‘Come with Me’, and ‘Inside’, Raveneye just defy expectations every time they perform as they keep upping their game just when you think they did an outstanding job the last time.

Crowd favourite ‘Hey Hey Yeah’ with Oli and Aaron’s shoulder riding antics did not fail to make the hairs rise and heads bang. The crowd loved how both stalked through hall faultlessly pumping out the tuneage all the while. Next was ‘You’re a Lie’, ‘Supernova’, ‘Madeline’ and ‘Oh my Love’ continuing the amazing onslaught of superb rock that was perfectly delivered.

The interaction of Oli, Aaron and Andy showed a natural self confidence that was humble and joyful was the rock cup that spilled over into the crowd. Oli is a remarkable front man with an incredible skill as he both playfully toyed with his guitar and the audience.

‘Out of the Rain’ and ‘Breaking Out’ kept the audience on a high as they just continued the pounding beats, graceful bluesy rocked out riffs and thrumming bass before taking it down a notch to deliver ‘Eternity’, a beautifully conveyed acoustic performance.

Then, with pure and well deserved confidence, Oli just came out straight that at this time the band goes off stage only to come back on for an encore, so sod that, they would just do the extra three songs now. This led into ‘Hero’, ‘Turn the lights down’ and then to completely shake the foundations of the Empire they ended on ‘You get it’.

Overall, all the bands delivered more than was anyone could have expected. Mosmo Strange were a great warm up and Skam were utterly superb rockers. Raveneye, the absolute stars of the night, came, saw and conquered the hell out the Belfast Empire.

All the bands had an undiluted self-effacing and unpretentious attitude, even though they all had the talent to get away with being overbearingly up their own holes. They took the time with the audience on and off the stage which made the night a very special night for everyone who stayed to the end.

They got a chance to meet a number of bands that will be hitting the world recognition level in the not too distant future.

If you have an opportunity to see any of these three bands, do yourself a massive favour and do it. You will be blown away.

Review by Ivor Whitten
Pictures by Darren McVeigh

LIVE REVIEW: Combustible class from Raveneye's Diamond performance with emerging quality from Safire

THE music is always at the heart of everything in rock and metal but on stage too many acts forgo the art of the performance. It is a show, the music and the visuals combining to make evenings special. No-one could accuse Raveneye of forgoing the performance...

When they once again descended on Ahoghill's Diamond Rock Club on Saturday, November 26th Oli and Co proved that even when only adorned with a check shirt the performance is almost as entertaining as the music.

Opening for the band were Northern Ireland rockers Safire, who are riding high since the release of their EP 'Under My Skin'. Saffron is a confident singer with an impressive range, and it is the totality of the band's show that makes it a set that elevates their time on stage.

Title track of the EP is an impressive opener, and there wasn't any fillers in the 11-song set. Tim tears his way through the set with fluid playing, however it is the tight bond between Dean (bass) and Cozy (drums) that means there is a solidity to what they do.

'Sunshine', 'Fallen Angel' and closer 'Heartbreaker' are among the songs that shine in the live environment and a sign that Safire will continue their rise.

With Raveneye, you know what to expect, but their recent tour slots across continents and the release of 'Nova' seem to have taken the band to a place where their set feels ever more composed and balanced despite the usual antics of Oli.

His manic energy could be a distraction from the music, but this is a three-piece that are tight, with a tautness to their songs that only comes from three-musicians who sweat through every pore to make sure that the audience leaves a venue exhausted and happy.

'Come With Me' is an astonishing opener in their hard rockin' blues storm. Adam on drums plays with an energy that makes it seem as if he wants to bouncing around the stage with Oli and Aaron.

But make no mistake - Aaron and Adam are not just backing musicians to Oli's tremendous guitar work. This is, in every sense a band performance. With the songs from 'Nova' now well road-tested now they ooze quality with every note, every bass run and every drum fill.

Fan favourite such as 'Wanna Feel You' and closer 'Hey Hea Yeah' litter a set and songs such as 'No Bodies Soul' have an inspired purpose in delivering the music on a platter for the audience to aurally dine upon.

The entire time the band are on stage the 'performance' is executed with music and visuals combined offering an evening of delight that takes what is well trodden path and supercharges the journey along that path.

Yes, as expected Oli mounts the bass drum, yes, he goes into the crowd, and yes, we've seen all it before. And, there was no-one who cared that they had seen Oli do this before. As evidenced on the sizeable Stage Two at Download they are the trimmings to the rock meal; they are welcome trimmings to the musical main course.

Raveneye understand that when you part with your hard-earned admittance money and beer tokens you are there to be entertained on all possible levels.

Review by Jonathan Traynor
Pictures by Lizzie Torbitt

VIDEO: Raveneye - Hero performance vid for y'all

We know there's a lot of love for Raveneye here in Northern Ireland, and we can't wait to see the energetic three-piece back here.

So until then here's the performance video for Hero, of which Oli said:

Hero,' ironically, is inspired by the idea of complacency and how it can lull one into feeling bigger than who one really is and for all the wrong reasons. RavenEye is driven by the idea of pushing harder everyday, rather than taking a backseat to other people’s efforts. Believing you’re the hero, while others are left to pick up the pieces and fix the ‘wreckage left behind’.” 

LIVE REVIEW(S): Saturday night's all right for...rockin' as eight of the best play Northern Ireland

SOME Saturday's are just special. Sure every weekend can be great but when you have the opportunity to revel in two special shows and see eight bands you know it is a Saturday (February 13th) to remember.

The main focus was The Distortion Project fundraiser at Limelight2 from three o'clock before a dash to The Diamond to round up the night.

The DP fundraiser was an important event as it was an opportunity for the rock and metal community celebrate the 15 years plus that James Loveday has been supporting metal in Northern Ireland and help secure the future of more local, national and international acts playing here.

During that time the initial promise grew small shows in Katy Daly's to regular slots giving new and emerging rock and metal stage time, through to attracting the likes of WASP, Sabaton, and many, many more to Belfast.

But Saturday's celebration was a fundraiser and about the music that was about to be laid down.

First up in proceedings were Molarbear who delivered a heavy opening, with three guitars, mixing between dense rhythms and tight melody sections. They also had one song that had the crowd gleefully chanting 'fuck' - we think it was called 'Swearwolf' but we were too busy shouting "fuck" and laughing.

That aside Molarbear are dripping with promise and potential. For the inherent silliness of shouting "fuck" the rest of the set had enough strength in depth to ensure we have them tipped for the future.

When it comes to the southern metal scene in the USA, the likes of Down, Corrostion of Conformity are synonymous with NOLA grooves. Baleful Creed take that sound, add layers of Sabbath and pound it down.

Airing new song 'Memento Mori' and playing fan favourites such as (our editor's favourite) 'Autumn Leaves' recent months have seen Baleful Creed grow into not only a tighter unit, but also with added layers of heaviness. They take the conventions of their influences and add a Northern Ireland metal take, with dark humour and dark intent.

There is doubt of the unity of the vast majority of the metal community, something on display when By Any Means take the stage. Gacy Threads stick man Stephen Currie took over drum duties as usual drummer Gavin was otherwise engaged. Sinocence's Anto McCaughley was adding a second guitar and before the show was over Andy from Overoth was on stage with Wayne Donaldson ex of Defyed joining Paul Docs on all sorts of vocal contortions.

And, contortions are something that Paul committed himself to with his usual leap into the crowd and hyperactivity. For those that didn't know the other Paul in BAM was playing despite a heavy cold and 'flu-like symptoms'. Manflu can be fatal but the lurgy was not going to stop Paul donning his axe. A cover of Motorhead's 'The Hammer' added to the sense of occasion.

'Built on Respect' maybe a song, but it also expresses the attitude of By Any Means, and the respect those at Limelight2 showed for each other, each band and for James Loveday.

But at times we must always harken back to our roots, as Altus did when they covered Sabbath's 'Children of the Grave'. But as a band Altus must be taken note of. A few years back their sound was a pick-a-mix of influences that sometimes left you scratching your head as to where they would go.

In 2016 Altus - with a few line-up changes - are a very more focussed act, brimming with dark metal intent; a ritualistic sense of evil, added to by Sleeve on vocals donning a druidic cowl. Altus's new(ish) interpretation of death metal has seen many take note of where their next chapter will lead to.

Up from Dublin to pay their respects to Mr Loveday and The Distortion Project were Two Tales of Woe, who brought the groove to the evening with a set filled with rampant rhythm, searing riffs and melody so intricately woven into the songs that it was almost on a sub-conscious level that you found yourself caught by TTOW, and by then it was too late - you were hooked, humming along and headbanging.

Fellow Dublin band Xerosun were the penultimate act, and for those who hadn't seen this act before they were immediately taken by the vocals of Martyna, who can deliver the sweetest of melody lines and death growls that would have Dani Filth cowering.

But Xerosun are more than vocal gymnastics. They have songs that are complex and driven by a tight sense of metal drama, with death metal and more traditional metal. Familiar to many across the Irish scene Xerosun are growing as a band that deserve a bigger stage.

Unfortunately with time tight both Xerosun and Two Tales of Woe had to cut their sets, but it did perhaps give everyone a few moments to prepare before the depths of Hades open and Overoth unleash their unique version of metal pestilence upon the unwary.

Last year's Northern Ireland winners of Metal2TheMasses, Overoth took the Bloodstock New Blood by storm and just why was apparent to all. They are commanding in their look, sound and vision, no more so than the towering Andy on bass.

All the band are majestic musicians, all the while leering with a jaundice eye at a world gone awry.

As the final applause died out, there was one thing sure - that there is nothing awry with a scene that can come together to help the DP foundation upon which so many have grown from.

Snatched cigarettes and a last gulp of beer then we and some like-minded chancers boarded the BAM Battle Bus for the journey from the heart of Belfast to Ahoghill Rock City, where the Diamond Rock Club was hosting another couple of bands for our delectation and delight.

Tumbling from the bus and into the heat of the Diamond where Derwin and crew were on hand to welcome one and all, symphonic metal act Selene were already on stage. Thankfully the Belfast refugees hadn't missed much in the dash up through County Antrim.

Just a year ago Selene seemed to be strugglers as the band and singer Shonagh Lyons crumbled at a Metal2TheMasses show. What a difference a year makes. They have now harnessed the sweep and technicality of symphonic metal, have real confidence and project their songs and sound in a really inspiring way.

Never mind all the 'from adversity...' crap, Selene are the real deal now. At a time when so many labels are picking up mediocre symphonic metal acts Selene show just how it should be delivered - technical, tight and dramatic.

If you were to give a teenager with ADHD a massive dose of amphetamines and load them with all the energy drinks you might get something of an idea of the level of energy that Oli Brown brings to the stage with RavenEye, but no chemical enhancements were needed for this three-piece.

The road weary who had travelled from Belfast were instantly given their second wind, as Aaron Spiers, Kev Hickman and Brown took the Diamond by the scruff of the neck and shook it the audience into smiling submission.

This is hard rock at its most celebratory. Sure Brown is one of the great guitar exponents of his generation, but the RavenEye show is not about guitar wankery (even if does it extremely well!), it is about a show - the sheer enjoyment coming from the band engendering enjoyment from the audience.

For all the live japes of Oli leaping off the bass drum, and jumping on Aaron's shoulders for a romp around the room, it is the songs that anchor everything. New tune 'Hate' shows yet again that RavenEye have much more in the tank. Even tunes already known by some such as 'Hey, Hey, Yeah' still sound fresh.

With new tracks and this sort of stage presence Oli and co are sure to be playing to bigger and bigger audiences. As long as they remember to come back to Northern Ireland as regularly as they have done over the past 12 months or so we have no problem with that.

Saturday 13th February, 2016, one of the days set to live long in the memory - a day to support The Distortion Project, to witness six bands pay homage to DP and to enjoy another night of rock in Ahoghill.

Review by Jonny
[Amateur] Pictures by Jonny