COMIN' ATCHA: Darkest Era back in Northern Ireland after a UK tour - and hitting Belfast on Saturday

THE past few months have been something of an upward trajectory for Darkest Era as they toasted the release of their latest album, completed a brief set of slots with Amon Amarth and are wrapping up a UK tour in what they say is their "adopted hometown".

Krum bellowing out
ancient tales

And, on Saturday October 4th at Limelight2 fans will have the chance to see how this has all come together with a headlining slot as part of The Distortion Project's regular RockD.

There is no doubt that Darkest Era have grown and developed - new album 'Severance' shows that there is even more depth to the band than on their super first full length, Last Caress of Light'.

Earlier in the year guitarist Ade Mulgrew spoke to us about the progress the band has been making. You can read it here for more details.

But the revelation for many was at Amon Amarth when they came on stage with real intent. [Review is here.]

Ade in full guitar hero pose

As they prepate for the Belfast show on Saturday Ade told us what it means to them:

"It's been almost 2 and a half years since our last headline show in Belfast," he said. "It's been a long time coming and we're thrilled to have such killer supports with us.

"Real heavy metal is truly alive and this bill shows it. And to finish our first headline tour in our adopted hometown is an honour."

Doors open at 5pm in the Limelight2. Support comes from Stereo Nasty and Terminus, so don't hang around, get down, hand your £8 to Mr Loveday and get set for three great sets.

Below is the official video for Beyond The Grey Veil, the lyric video for Sorrows Boundless Realm and the video from what is by now a classic DE track. The Morrigan.

Interview by Jonny

Severance is out now on Cruz Del Sur Records.

 

 

 

ALBUM REVIEW: Weaponized NWOBHM - Weapon (UK) Rise from the Ashes with classic smooth metal release

OKAY children, gather round the comfort of the fire, settle back and listen to a tale of way back; when denim and leather were the only fashion statement worth making, when bringing on the heartbreak was a source of joy and when we were running free to the sound of heavy metal.

As the winters of discontent and economic hardship merged into Thatcherite austerity for the poor and champagne lunches for the rich punk had become a statement rather than rebellious, and many of the originators of metal and hard rock were disappearing up their own arses with verbose shows that seemed to last decades.

But, before the fashionistas had even began to don frilly shirts and declare themselves as 'new wave' musicians, something stirred in the belly of the beast: punk attitude mind melded with the musicianship of rockers and metal heads.

Thus before it was even given a title, across the land the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), was born and spread like a musical plague across the globe, delivering millions of teenagers the music they wanted to hear. A middle finger was extended to the mainstream, and BBC1 and ITV were forced to include theses hairy type loud bands on to their shows.

However, while tapes were traded across the Atlantic to influence the birth of thrash here in the UK and Ireland the coveted hours were deep on a Friday night when the late, great Tommy Vance presented the Friday Rock Show, sharing classics and the new sounds of the NWOBHM.

If kiddies, you are expecting to check into the deep bowels of the NWOBHM cellar and find sounds that echo through to 'modern' metal and its scenes, you will disappointed. In 2014 many of the bands from those halcyon days seem 'lighter'.

But whether it was Sweet Savage, Praying Mantis, Tygers of Pan Tang, White Spirit, Girlschool and many more they provided something vibrant, something combining the visceral with tunefulness.

Among those knighted warriors of metal were Weapon, now named Weapon (UK) to avoid confusion with a US act, who recorded a double 'A' sided single, and toured extensively with Motorhead.

Alas, they faded away in the heady days of the 80s. But you can't keep a good band down [Even Hetfield adorns his cut-off with a Weapon patch...although whether that is payback for using sections of the Weapon song 'Set The Stage Alight' on 'Hit The Lights remains undetermined....] Earlier this year Weapon (UK) released their 'Rising From The Ashes' album.

Why are we taking you on this little musical history lesson, and reviewing the album?

For a start it is a great album. Secondly Weapon (UK) will be appearing at Limelight2 on November 8th in a line up that includes Donum Dei, Conjuring Fate, Midnight Transmission and Rabid Bitch of the North.

As you settle down to consider how great this line-up is we are more than a little excited to see Weapon (UK) play tracks from 'Rising From The Ashes'.

This is an album that includes great hard rock melodies such as on 'Bad Reputation' and 'Wonderland', classic NWOBHM riffing ('Ride the Moriah!' and Burning Skies') and considered, well structured rockers such as 'Warrior' and 'Alamein'.

But the question is always when a band returns, are they stuck in the past? As Black Sabbath proved on 13 (apart from Rick Rubin's production) you can still keep the 'soul' of the band without being stuck in yesteryear.

And Weapon (UK) have achieved that balancing act. There are a few moments when they disappear back into the past; but they are few and far between.

Keeping the intrinsic 'sound' of NWOBHM without sounding like a parody of the era Jeff Summers guitar work sounds fresh, while Ian Sweeting (drums) and PJ Philips (bass) play under-stated rhythms that belie the devilish patterns.

Dublin-born Danny Hynes vocals are sweet, ('Bad Reputation') and impassioned ('Bloodsoaked Rock'), but the whole essence of each element of the band is summed up on closer 'Killer Instinct', a super exemplar or how to make NWOBHM songs contemporary.

What is exciting about this release is that it is not just a re-tread of the NWOBHM sound, it is a fresh interpretation without the band trying to fit in with what is 'expected' of metal in 2014.

From the ashes arises a phoenix, spreading wings through re-birth: Weapon (UK) have not lost their roots...nor their edge.

Review by Jonny
Rise From The Ashes is available now

Weapon (UK)'s November 8th appearance is a Distortion Project promotion.

Tickets on the door, doors open at 4pm

NEWS: Prong, Slomatics, Ajenda in another busy week

AS hundreds prepare to venture from these isles to Bloodstock there is plenty still to be getting on with...

Before the mini-exodus tonight sees Sinocence support Prong at Limelight2 as part of Prong's Ruining Lives tour. And, Sinocence are promising a new song from the forthcoming No Gods, No Masters Vol2.

Sinocence getting down to work...

Could really be a night when you 'Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck'

Thursday sees SO:NI present Smoking Tongue plus support at the King's Head, while Friday brings another SO:NI gig as Crossfire Hurricane lead a four-band slot.

But Saturday is when it gets really busy....

Starting at three pm HMV and Limelight will host Flaws at the Donegall Place store's second floor. Flaws consist of members of the now defunct In Case of Fire, so you know what to expect.



Jenny from Ajenda

If you can catch your breath, doors open at 5pm at Limelight2 when James Loveday's Distortion Project's RockD presents a heavy, heavy evening.

Glaswegians Headless Cross top a bill which includes Slomatics, Wild Rocket and Tusks...earth trembling stuff.

As the riffs from Headless Cross shake your inner ear, it might be an opportune time to hop in the car and make the journey to Ahoghill for something to soothe battered ears.

The Diamond Rock Club will host Ajenda and Lomejor.

Got all that? Good. That's a nice wee warm-up for Amon Amarth and the mighty Darkest Era on the 12th August!

LIVE REVIEW: War, doom and thrash - Limelight caught in headlights by Wardomized, Owlcrusher and Scimitar

SATURDAY evening at Limelight2. RockD in the Limelight2. Beautiful noise in the Limelight2. All the ingredients for another fantastic metal presentation from James Loveday's Distortion Project as Wardomized, Owlcrusher and Scimitar took the stage.

Scimitar took over headlining duties as a result of illness forcing Bakken to withdraw. While they were missed by all, it was nevertheless a diverse, and highly entertaining triple dose of different forms of metal on Saturday (August 2nd)

Opening up the noise attack were Wardomized, a four-piece with a fearsome thrash, punk and hardcore mix to their sound. What them young 'uns call 'crossover'

Wardomized...and a squid atop
Josh....

With Luke (drums) and Josh (bass) the rhythm section was nailed on solid, but for the first few songs the guitar tone was very thin, with Eddie struggling with what seemed to be problems with his monitor and amp settings. It was only when 'Degenerate' came along did the pace pick up.



Eddie singing....

The more punky sound towards the end of the set complimented the overall effect of Wardomized, with singer Steve switching to guitar and Eddie taking over lead vocal duties. While enjoyable enough they need to refine their take on crossover thrash and perhaps think about a second guitarist to add another layer on the furious riffing.


Steve delivering ground
shaking bass

Fast, furious riffing is not something Owlcrusher have ever indulged in. Nope, it's more a case of slooooowww it right down, get the bottom end dropped through the floor and deliver a set that had many hidden layers within the doom, sludge wall of noise.

Damien produced deceptively straight drumming with in particular clever use of the cymbals as the only 'bright noise' against the wall of deathly racket.

Andrew - shouldn't have
been pissed off

Andrew's straight forward guitar gave way on occasion to intricacies amidst the sludge, while Steve's bass rumbled with ground shaking effect.

Comprising a couple of songs in their half hour set Andrew seemed pissed off as he left the stage, throwing his guitar down and declaring, "that was shit". Perhaps an overly critical slant to take in a set that clearly kept the doom fans in the venue happy.

Taking the stage on their second headliner for The Distortion Project's RockD Scimitar have obviously benefited from the experience of supporting Arnocorps the previous week

Launching into the set with the eponymous 'Scimitar' John's guitar work scythed, well like a scimitar made of Damascus Steel and honed to a deadly edge.

With one ep already behind them and work underway for their second release the pure thrash of the band is clear. Ryan (drums) and Chriz (bass) have grown as a powerhouse duo, driving the sound ever onward, notably on closer 'Beaten To Death' and 'We All Shall Burn'.

Ryan enjoying the thrash

Jonny's vocals are now complimented with better stagecraft and presence behind the mic.

It is always hard for bands to adapt their own take on thrash - do you  go down the more punky route, opt for the straightforward 'classic' thrash of the 80s, or do you develop a take that incorporate all that, as well as more contemporary thrash sound that has evolved throughout the first decade of this century.



Scything from John

Scimitar have worked hard on developing their own sound, especially notable on 'Innocent X' and 'Act of War' - the latter the title track on their first ep getting better as the band wrestle out tiny shifts from the original to make it a more lethal track.

Overall a band growing every time they take the stage, heading a show that many more could honestly enjoy. What better way to relax on a Saturday that get smashed to thrash and drink with doom.

 

Review by Jonny

Photographs courtesy of Metalplanet

Alcohol courtesy of Limelight

This is metal; this is Belfast, this was Donum Dei, September Cross, Astralnaut and Conjuring Fate

OKAY, let's get this straight, heavy metal comes in many flavours, many forms and many variations in quality: but put four bands such as Donum Dei, September Cross, Astranaut and Conjuring Fate on stage and you end up with the glorious mayhem that only pure metal can bring to an audience.

On Saturday (June 7th), gathered for The Distortion Project's majestic RockD presentation, the skies cleared as James Loveday welcomed growing numbers to the altar of metal in the Limelight2 to toast the launch Conjuring Fate's 'House on Haunted Hill' ep.

And, with the whiff of joy pulsing through the audience, Donum Dei ripped into their set, proving they have previously untapped resources of talent and songwriting in what was perhaps one of the tightest sets they have produced.

Donum Dei - a celebratory
collision of metal and youth

From the animated Dean Kane (bass) running around like an Energizer bunny on Red Bull and speed, to a masterful lesson in harmony guitar playing from Thomas Marshall (rhythm guitar and vocals) and Stuart McLoughlin (lead guitar) while Alastair Marshall (drums) weaved majestic patterns and threw in shrewd blastbeats to complement the intense set.

McLoughlin proved himself as a six-string master, while Marshall was commanding, taking the point as the Donum Dei patrol seared all in the room. Despite being relatively youthful, Donum Dei played what was probably the best opening set in the Limelight2 for some time. If Carlsberg did opening sets...


Eamon Killen leads
the Cross charge 

With Eamon Killen now taking over vocal duties September Cross have a new dynamic; from earlier NWOBHM influences, they now have a contemporary edge to their sound as Alex Mihail and Ricki Hewitt wove spellbinding patterns.

Again harmony guitars were to the fore, and no bad thing when played with such precision, while Jago (bass) and Boyce (drums) nailed down the rhythm.

The time spent rehearsing and playing more regularly has paid off for the Cross, as they more and more hone their sound and add an identity to their work.

As for Astralnaut...they are a beast on stage, a ten-limbed stalking doom groove from the depths of Armagh; their sound would waken the ancient kings and Cú Chullainn from their graves to once more stalk the hills and valleys with intent.

With the tracks from their recent ep, Thieves, Beggars and Swine merging seamlessly with earlier material they are maturing ever more on stage, and like all bands on display they were enjoying their slot.

Mallon's spiritual singing:
 the Astralnaut's groove

Mallon's vocals deep in resonance, while Gaz and Pearse proved that dynamics are key when playing their unique style of southern groove - and as such JonJoe and Todd proved that when it comes to laying it down, do it right and all will bow before the Astralnaut aural aura of maginifence.

Main attraction of the night was Conjuring Fate, making a long awaited return to the boards.

New members, Gibson (guitar), Legear (bass) and Walczak (drums) have boosted the depth of the sound, while Daly has managed to stretch his voice yet further, and Horner worked magic with Gibson.



Phil Horner - Fate conjuring
metal majesty 

You could easily say that this was a great performance from Conjuring Fate, but it was so much more than that. This was not a night of parochial chest beating, this was a world class set. Put it against the dross so many PR and label based acts are polluting the airwaves and TV 'metal' channels and Fate stand proud.

Tommy in the midst of a
rapturous crowd chants the
Conjuring Fate odes of metal

Focussing on some classic material and tracks from the new ep they produced a slick, but emotionally grounded performance, as grins on audience and band grew wider and heads once more banged, and horns were aloft as Stormzone's Steve Moore joined the band on stage for more axe delight.

Keep this type of gig going and Fate will reach further into the consciousness of wider listeners.

Never mind your genre splitting, never mind your typecasting of bands, never mind any metal snobbery, never mind the style police, June 7th was a triumphant invasion of metal. Nothing less than metal from four fantastic acts who ripped into their performances with gusto.

It was also good to see so many turn out for the evening's delights, from members of other bands through to fans both young and old.

Heavy metal - as TenaciousD said: "You cannot kill the metal", but no tongue in cheek codology is necessary when the pure heart of metal beats so strong in the hearts of Donum Dei, September Cross, Astalnaut and Conjuring Fate.

Review by Jonny

Additional contributions by Zakk

Photos courtesy of Paul Wharton.

Words and photos are exclusive copyright and retain intellectual property. The named bands and non-profit sites are free to use any or all of the above with attribution. All other uses are available with the written permission of the site owner and with appropriate recompense

Grinding, Bitter sweet joy with 7 Weeks, A Little Bitter and Organ Grinders

SATURDAY, March 15th - Limelight2, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast: timeline 5pm to 9pm. Schedule: punk, rock, alt and metal. All served with panache, passion and pride, and a pity that more were not there to revel in it all.

The Organ Grinders, A Little Bitter, and all the way from France, 7 Weeks, provided the entertainment at The Distortion Project's RockD.

And, apart from a sparse audience, this was a triple serving of joy, precision and musicianship.

Kicking off with a high energy version of The Ramones Blitzkrieg Bop the Organ Grinders proceeded with an old school punk energy. The Clash were featured heavily in the set, with covers of Complete Control, Should I Stay or Should I Go, White Man in the Palais and English Civil War among those on parade.

Apart from a slightly mangled version of Inflammable Material the highlights of the set were an Outcasts cover and their own composition, Mr Sheen. Playing more of their original material could see The Organ Grinders push their punk rock groove to further heights.

Saturday was the long overdue return of A Little Bitter to Belfast. Replete with song tweaks and slight re-arrangements this was a six-song tour de force: Genghis, Constantly Raining, Dark Tide, Further I Crawl are on record great songs; live they live and grow.

Song writing subtleties, sheer live excellence, and searing musicianship from Jonny, Seamus and Darren are the key to A Little Bitter and they are much under-rated given their excellent take on hard rock, metal and well-crafted music.

To be honest there were few in the audience who would be familiar with 7 Weeks, apart from some online listens and Youtube views most there didn't know what to expect. But what a set!

Power, progressive metal, alt metal and stoner moods wrapped it all up in a glorious set - which featured an impressive display of musicians exchanging instruments, and delivering an intense set.

Ostensibly, Julien Bernard is the bassist and lead vocalist, but for two songs he took over lead and rhythm guitar parts, while keyboardist Manu Costa took over bass roles, while still delivering programmed sounds and samples. Equally, Nicolas Airgot switched roles in the performance.

Only drummer Jeremy Cantin-Gaucher didn't switch instruments...

What 7 Weeks proved once again is that music transcends national borders and borders within genres that can restrict bands: there were songs to headbang to, and there was moods to brood with.

Despite the short duration of this set - and Irish tour - one would hope that 7 Weeks will return again.

The only dampener on the evening was the lack of audience: with Overkill playing in Dublin, several other events and the whole St Patrick's Day rigmarole may have had some role in this, but for £6 measly quid we would have hoped that more would have made the effort.

For those that did it was a superb evening of punk, hard rock and metal entertainment.

Where to start - six bands. one taking a hiatus, one with a new singer, another with a new release - and all rockin' hard

AS we head into another weekend of hard rockin' and heavy metal we took the time here to look back on last week in a review of our thoughts, notes and consider the real diversity of talent in this small land.

On Monday February 24th at Belfast's Voodoo we racked up, unfortunately missing out the fantastic By Any Means, who were opening proceedings.

However, we were in time to see the much improved Sentient. While Thomas's guitar was always a star of this band, in 2014 they are now a coherent, more balanced act, with the songs to match the range of excellent abilities on show from all quarters of the group.

With two high concept science fiction songs in their set - including the excellent Rocket Scientist - they also showcased the excellent Backhand with its powerful thrust.

However, while covering Pantera may seem to be a good crowd pleasing move it might be a better idea to hear more of their own original material, or give the Sentient treatment to a song no-one would expect.

Baleful Creed's sound has always had a real vibe and groove to it, with the likes of Double FS, Illuminati and Autumn Leaves giving an edge over many bands that attempt southern groove metal and Sabbathy riffs.

They are also insanely self-critical, and sometimes should worry less about getting it 100% right and make it 100% enjoyable.

Altus were showcasing their new line-up with singer, Matt Corden now in place. They are also planning to release their début album at Blazefest this coming Saturday (March 8th).

From what was on evidence on February 24th they will provide an enjoyable heavy set. But they are clearly a band in transition. From the early releases and ep Altus are now taking the next step.

Beast, Brand New Skies and Nail in the Coffin sit a little differently from newer offerings: it will take time to adapt these for Matt, as will he need time to carve his identity with the songs.

What is clear is that Altus are moving forward - and that is never a bad thing. What is a 'bad thing' is the on stage banter between band members and friends in the audience. While they may get away with it in front of a small crowd this is an indulgence they have to put aside and put the music to the fore.

With Monday at the Voodoo out of the way we took a brief break before it was on to the Stiff Kitten for RockD's presentation of Rabid Bitch of the North, Zlantanera and Cutter. Once again the vagaries of traffic and travel meant we missed out the opener, but we were assured by reliable sources it had been an enjoyable set.

Zlantanera are a sort of Norn Iron metal super group with various members of Interrogate, Residual Effect and Stand Up Guy and others making up the ranks.

What they all are combined are a powerful force, deeply groove driven, with solos and rhythm to complement a direct approach that should have heads-a-nodding and oozes potential. Hugely enjoyable!

Rabid Bitch of the North have transformed themselves over the past two years from likeable scene regulars to a potent force. While the three-track cassette that was due to be launched wasn't available on the night RBOTN still pounded a set of NWOBHM style tunes, masses of riffage aplenty.

Defending Two Castles really is a song to be adored, and overall Rabid have managed a neat trick in convincing all us older metalheads that we're still in the early 80s....

Missing out on the last couple of Rabid Bitch of the North songs for a quick dash to Comber Rec for another gig proved to be worth it, mainly to see the last (for the time being) Trucker Diablo gig; the fact of which only emerged on Monday.

Opening for Trucker were Baleful Creed, who despite having Fin a little 'under the weather' produced as always an enjoyable set; no matter what John might have said afterwards any flaws in the set went unnoticed to the majority of the crowd, many of which wore proudly their Baleful Creed shirts.

What was billed as Simon's last show with Trucker was a searing endorsement of why TD is one of the most widely listened to acts Northern Ireland has produced in recent years.

Explosive, fierce, catchy - throw any adjectives you like at their music they aren't enough to capture the sheer force of Trucker Diablo on this type of live form.

While - of course - family must come first and hence the hiatus, it is with regret that it may be a very long time before this good a set of hard rock is played. On this form there is not a band from these shores or further afield who would dare compete with Trucker.

From favourites such as Drink Beer, Destroy and Drive through to the pounding joy of Year of the Truck this was hard rock as it was meant to be: edging on a metallic assault, but with choruses that are catchy, solos that fit just right and riffs that you can hum along to.

A packed Comber Rec, rose in adulation: it was rightly deserved.

So, scanning over these three gigs there is no doubt of the diverse talent in Northern Ireland, of which this was only a sample. Sentient, Baleful Creed, Altus, Zlantanera, Rabid Bitch of the North and Trucker Diablo are all fine acts, all of which you should take delight in. 

Rockin' our RockD with a feast of thrash and down-laden deep groove

SATURDAY (14th December) was the last offering from The Distortion Project's RockD of 2013, and the Limelight2 reverberated with a feast of thrashing and some series groove.

As a result of work and personal commitments Sinocence were not able to land up for the show, but Donum Dei, Bakken and the awesome Astralnaut laid down tracks and attitudes to give 2013 a great send off for RockD.

Donum Dei are relatively new in terms of the metal gigging circuit, but they put on a fearsome set of straight forward thrash, with flurries and time changes. Stuart and Thomas stuck close on guitars with Stuart's lead work impressive and energetic.

As far as energy is concerned Dean on bass provided the stage presence of the night, bounding across the small stage - the band has the right attitude; play as if you were in front of an Odyssey audience.

The sound was nailed down Alastair in a set that nodded to early Metallica, with a dash of Testament and even at times a flavour of Tank - which no doubt given the age of the players is 'before their time'.

Bakken have added their own unique take on the thrash template with an album chockful of tracks that are given extra legs in the live setting.

Mystic Moghul and Sasquatch are especially impressive on stage, even though Simon suffered equipment problems with leads and sound drop outs. Still, as any band worth their salt knows, you just got to keep playing and Bakken are more than worth any amount of Sodium Chloride....

With Simon leading the line, Mark-Antony worked the sound textures in perfect synch as Niall and Adrian kept it all tight all of the time.

With this consistency and considerable talent we are thinking that album number two should be underway to capture that intensity imbued in the band with their live shows.

Astralnaut are awkward buggers at the best of the time when it comes to reviewers struggling with the setlist. Last time we saw them one of the songs was just called 'New Song'...

To make matters more complicated this time they débuted yet more tracks, which thankfully they later provided the titles of - with the proviso that these titles may change...if the music wasn't so good we could have got really frustrated.

But as said the music is really sound and really grounded. The new tracks have been soaked in the deep southern groove; given a dose of poteen and they're now an Armagh groove mash-up of southern US groove with a Norn Iron twist ofdelight; down-tuned and doomy glory amidst the twisting sounds of metaphorical lows and literal highs.

Opening with four-tracks that look set to make it on to a forthcoming e.p. Egocentric, Neopium, Mac Tire and Parasitic take the Astralnaut sound and add depth, at times slowed down and as heavy as a Coca Cola Christmas truck rolling over baskets of puppies...you know it's wrong, but somehow it works....not the puppy deaths of course, just the sheer weight of these new tracks.

With Emerald Lord of Pleasure and Back to The Bog rounding things off this was a perfect way to wrap up another year of RockD with Thomas roaring out, Gaz leading the guitar attack, backed up by Pearse's intense rhythm work, tight in time with Jon Joe's bass rumble and Stephen's pounding of the tubs - it all rocked the foundations of The Limelight.

Astralnaut continue to grow in live stature and with more recorded material due in 2014 should be a truly promising year for the band.

All in all the Saturday gig was a great closer to RockD 2013.

All the D's at RockD for a Hardcore, punked up dance around party

SATURDAY night (October 19th) at The Distortion Project was a hardcore, punked up, metal assault from three bands that were determined that you either get with the game plan or get the hell out of dodge.

Drawing a healthy early evening crowd of misfits and malcontents to Limelight2 the normal rock and metal crew stood aside for a change to see what mayhem the night could bring once the hardcore kids took to the stage... sometimes not a promising prospect, but as always Mr Loveday's project had nicely balanced out the night's throwdown.

Opening the line-up, for their first ever gig, were Defyed; and judging by friends and fans gathered there is a healthy future for the band. A constant stream of invective from Wayne - who picked out Edwin Poots (Northern Ireland's Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety)- for an attack and generally painted a bleak landscape.

Tight at the backline with Kieran and Steve anchoring the sound for the band, Gav and Trev laid down an incessant barrage of riffs. Where the band need to consider developing is a variation in the guitars - if you have two guitars there's no need to forever try to follow each other. Wayne, on the other hand needs to move more; get with the programme, develop stage presence to complement the rich growling vocals; and, dominate proceedings.

Having said all that, this was an impressive début; there is definite promise burbling away here once you strip away the aural overload.

The Steady Decline got off to a weird start, with one of the guitarists taking both mic stand, backing mic and himself down on to the 'dance floor'. Totally removing himself from the monitor speakers may seem like some sort of hardcore 'statement' but all it does is provide a disconnect with the rest of the band. [And what is it with hardcore bands that various members feel the need to get off the stage meaning half those present can't see them?]

The first 15 minutes also saw a disconnect between the rhythm section, with the bassist at times glancing at the drummer, who at times seemed more intent on double bass flourishes than coming in on one exactly.

The second half of the set saw this tighten up, and once it did the fluidity - from which the band's potential is clear - came through. This is band that has the chops, but need to spend more time in the rehearsal room; hone the skills as if each practice is a live set; analyse where there can be improvement, and it will come.

Then - ahh the halcyon days of punk! When Belfast was buzzing with the spirit of defiance; when Rufrex, Outcasts and SLF, to name but a few, cast a cynical eye upon the tired deficiencies of a society ripping itself apart.

There is no doubt that Divisions draw heavily on the punk of yesteryear, but also bring it bang up to date. At the age of this wizened reviewer there is a vague memory of all the earlier acts keeping melody lurking somewhere in the mix., but Divisions have brought the west Coast US influences together with some of the English punk bands that emerged in the early 80s.

Incorporating some hardcore and metal into the melting pot produced a varied and vicious vacuum of noise, somehow sucking listeners into the maelstrom.

By rounding up the set with increasing ferocity it shows that almost two years of preparation has paid off for Divisions; and with fans already knowing much of what was being played there is a healthy promise of more gigging for Divisions: all in all a fine way to round up what was - and you rarely will hear this - an enjoyable evening of hardcore...

Only niggle of the night was the draft beer all but ran out; buy the one one barman on duty managed to keep his cool juggling a multiplicity of demands upon his time. 

Hectic few days ahead

WHEN it comes to gigs it is fair to say that it is a busy busy time in Belfast. In recent weeks we have had Slayer, Lamb of God, Nine Inch Nails, Bullet for My Valentine, and Gojira to mention just a few...

This week is turning out no different. After Alkaline Trio's headliner at Limelight1 we have Stevie Vai at the Nerve Centre in Derry/Londonderry giving a guitar clinic and on Thursday night he will be bringing his show to the Mandella Hall.

The same night Shizznigh promotions have a stellar gig at Limelight2 with By Conquest or Consent, Death of a Salesman, By Any Means, Nasa Assassin and Sentient (who showed a lot of promise in their début gig opening for Gama Bomb).

Friday will see Maverick, Cross-Eyed Mary, Roco's Riot and the Unprotected at Comrades Rock Club.

Saturday there is a sell-out session with chat and music from Danny and Ben from Thunder at the Black Box, while RockD will be hosting Astralnaut, Midnight Transmission and Rabid Bitch of the North in the usual Distortion Project Limelight2 slot.

With a host of shows coming after that including Motley CrewUK playing with local stellar riffers Screaming Eagles; Bakken at Limelight2, Kip Winger at the Diamond, The Answer, Dark Star Riders and more, let no-one complain that there are not enough rock and metal to keep y'all entertained.

September's RockD listings

Below are the rocKD September listings. All gigs take place in The Limelight, Doors for all shows are 5pm, and admission is £3.50.

• Saturday 5th September. Niyah Sky + Nasa Assassin + Stoned Messiah
• Saturday 12th September. September Cross + Trucker Diablo + Common Bred Trigger
• Saturday 19th September. Gacys Threads + By Any Means + Hero In Error
• Saturday 26th September. Stand-Up Guy + Shardborne + Cursed Sun

And...September 19th is International Talk Like A Pirate Day...arrr, be any of ye scurvy dogs ready to cover an Alestorm song and swig a grog of ye old rum? Errr, perhaps not!

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.

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.