ALBUM REVIEW: Selene push on to the next level on The Ravages of Time

WHEN you hear the term 'symphonic metal' sometimes there is a tendency to go back to the progenitors of the genre and compare it with newer acts, which is both unfair and unjust.

The depth and the breadth of the genre belies the fact that with an ear there is more to be heard, but more than that it is a demanding type of metal to tackle.

With just a few years under their belt Selene have managed to make a name for themselves with their début release 'The Forgotten' and a couple of eps. Faced with the challenge of a second album the band have knuckled down and produced a solid set of 11-songs.

But 'The Ravages of Time' is not just a solid set of tracks. It is a powerful statement that Selene have cemented their reputation as a force to be reckoned with.

Within are the operatic -with a Celtic twist - heartfelt vocals of Shonagh Lyons, urging each emotion whether it be on the stomp of 'The Great Heart' and 'Ashes' or the plaintive 'This Life'.

The strength of the arrangements are evident throughout, with flourishes and riffs not crowding each other out. At no point does the listener ever feel overwhelmed as, despite some outstanding playing, there is sufficient separation to allow tracks to breathe.

John Connor's work on guitar is, as always stunning, with some of the sweep playing and runs eye-wateringly good. Allied to his keyboard work and Thomas Alford's bass work it is a potent combination.

What keeps it above many contenders is there is still enough 'metal' there for it not be lost amongst the sounds that could have become clichéd. No clichés are in evidence, just a band comfortable in their groove and willing to extend their reach.

Maverick's David Balfour joins Shonagh on 'Burning Bridges', which opens with a neck snapping intro and solo before settling into a rampant track that sees Balfour extend himself.

That's not to say there are not minor points where improvement could be made as on one or two tracks the drumming sounds a little metronomic against John and Thomas' rhythm work. Thankfully it is just an occasional dip, which is easily rectified live and on future releases.

The real statement on here is the closer 'The End of Time', with its atmospherics, a doff of the cap to others and stamping the Northern Ireland band's own mark firmly on it. Within its 10-minutes the sense of epic storytelling, married with moments of delicacy married with power at the right moments.

'Ravages of Time' is a release that will have many sitting up an noticing what Selene are, and more importantly where they are going.

Review by Jonathan Traynor

LIVE REVIEW: Triumphant album launch show as Conjuring Fate tear into the Valley of Shadows

THE much anticipated new Conjuring Fate album was unleashed in the Limelight2 on Saturday (10th December)...and what an event it turned out to be: celebratory, raucous, joyous and wondrous.

It was the last show of the year presented by The Distortion Project and a significant crowd of fans and local stars were there ready to be sated with their fill of Fate.

The vagaries of a public transport this close to Christmas meant there was no chance to catch A Little Bitter, who by all accounts wowed those seeing these talented rockers for the first time. With writing underway for their next release more 'Bitter shows will be forthcoming soon.

With confidence and composure Selene brought their symphonic metal with style and substance. Singer Shonagh has a tremendous range, and works the stage with stadium like grace.

What Selene have done so well on this Saturday is balance their set as they emerge as an ever stronger act. Their ability to switch tempos and still remain faithful to the symphonic roots is impressive.

John's guitar antics add a progressive flourish at times, but whether it is runs along the fret board or solid riffing he keeps the songs moving along. Equally Thomas (bass) and Cameron (drums) remain solid when needed but add delicate touches as exemplified on songs such as 'Memories'.

As Selene concluded their set there were still punters coming through the doors for Conjuring Fate - and when Tommy and co hit the stage none were disappointed.

There is an engaging quality with Conjuring Fate. The music and the way they conduct themselves on and off stage is always professional, but once they ascend the steps on to the stage they take on an almost otherworldly presence.

Panache and power combine as they weave musical patterns that beguile and leave all beaming from front to back of Limelight2.

The new album is revealed in all of its finery - and each tune, even the new ones unveiled is greeted with an almost rapturous welcome.

The strength of each song is further enhanced by the entire band enjoying themselves on stage. Each time they take to the stage Conjuring Fate elevate themselves, but on Saturday evening each and every member seems to be immensely proud of what they have achieved with 'Valley of Shadows'.

Karl and Phil joust on guitars, exchanging solos and mock rivalry as songs such as the first single from the album 'Dr Frankenstein' are played with precision.

Tommy, Steve (bass), Phil and Karl play all the metal tropes, that in lesser hands would be clichéd, but such is the enthusiasm and energy it is a celebration of every taut note, every meaty metal note is a joy to listen to and watch.

Nailing each beat Bogdan batters himself and the audience into submission as the band raise themselves to quite incredible heights. Tunes like 'Trust No One' are roared out by all and all enjoy each line, intonation and piece of stagecraft as 'Mirror, Mirror', Backwoods Witch and many more were aired.

Whether it was Phil roaming the venue, Tommy pushing the microphone into audience member's gobs to allow them to join in on choruses, or the rest of the band switching places on stage the energy was contagious.

Conjuring Fate have always been consummate performers, but on the event of this launch they took it to what - to coin a phrase - was another level.

Review by Jonathan Traynor
Photos by Darren McVeigh, MetalplanetBelfast

LIVE REVIEW: The Maverick asylum rocks the Diamond Rock Club with Selene

MAVERICK sing about it being "In Our Blood" and for those that make the pilgrimage to the Diamond Rock Club from far and wide, rockin' out in Ahoghill really is in our blood.

The venue sees many an act from across the world grace its stage, but it is a spiritual home for many, many Northern Ireland based acts, where they seem to relax, push themselves and allow themselves to enliven the spirits of every rock 'n' roll soul.

When Maverick played on Saturday (15th October) those souls once again soared in delight.

Before the Maverick lads soaked our blood once again in hard rock Selene took the audience by the scruff of the neck with an accomplished set of symphonic metal.

Shonagh has always had a superb voice, but the live experience over the past year has seen her stage presence grow and she now commands the front.

John's playing has an underlying and sophisticated melody hiding in the riffing and smooth solos, with Thomas complex bass runs complimenting Cameron's smooth drum fills.

Overall Selene are on the cusp  of greater things and should attract attention from labels soon.

Maverick have earned a deserved reputation as a mighty force live, and they approach every gig with the same attitude; something all bands should do, approaching each set as if playing Wembley Arena or Madison Square Gardens.

It does not matter whether playing to a few dozen or a

few thousand or headlining Download, bands play not for the crowd, but for each individual in that crowd no matter what. And, Maverick deliver that attitude in bucketloads.

This was a high energy set of songs, drawn from their début and 'Big Red'. As always David leads from the front, a ball of energy, interacting with band mates and the Diamond crowd. By the time third song 'Beyond The Gates' lands he and his four amigos have the assembled in the palm of their hands.

Terry now seems such an integral part of the band that even though he is isolated at the side of the relatively cramped stage he trades licks and is the perfect foil to allow Ryan to solo as if his life depended on it.

Too many times reviewers fall into the trap of calling a set "crowd-pleasing" as shorthand for saying that a band played just what was expected, but Maverick always mix things up, and throwing in a Tyketto cover shows that they are never complacent.

Recently released single 'Whiskey Lover' is greeted like an old friend and by the time the set concludes with the tongue in cheek 'Top Heavy' the band and crowd have poured sweat from every pore.

With the ecstasy still high there came a shock announcement. Drummer, Mike, is leaving the band, as he is moving on to foreign shores. Given his integral relationship with the band, and in particular with Ritchie on bass he will be a tough act to follow.

But Saturday night was not a wake, it was a celebration, a toast raised for all that is good in rock, what a weekend is for, why we move heaven and earth to attend hard rock and metal shows.

Maverick's ever improving shows conjure some of the best shows possible.

A few years back they could (unfairly) be labelled as aping the 80s, but that has never been the case for Maverick. Their influences have always been there, but it has always been about hard rock and classic metal in the 21st Century, and yet again they showed that they are capable of. With so many acts from history peddling their greatest hits on tours that resemble sets to earn a pension Maverick are a breath of fresh air...well, beer-soaked, sweaty air; which is exactly what good rock should be!

Review by Jonathan Traynor
Photos by Lizzie Torbitt
Reproduction by written permission only

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