ALBUM REVIEW: Stormzone on searing form on the luscious Lucifer's Factory

IF you think Stormzone are just an ordinary heavy metal band you are about to be handed your ass on a sling with the release of Lucifer's Factory -powerful, story driven, searing metal with real heart.

And, with lyrical content that delves deep into Northern Ireland's mystical and dark past it elevates the band to heights that is a true evolution for them.

As 'Dark Hedges' opens it is immediately apparent that this an album with added nitro. No longer with the band Gordy's recording sees the drums propels the opener to a frenzied start.

Hold on to your ball sack as this is a ferocious start, all wrapped around the area made famous by Game of Thrones, but delving into the dancing ghost of the dark lady...'ware the tourists on June nights.

That is just a hint of what the band achieve on this release...There are no dud tracks, there are no 'fillers'. The playing from all is impressive, the composition and arrangements are flawless.

While it is easy to see Northern Ireland band's through rose (green?) tinted glasses, and to be overly effusive, had this landed in the inbox knowing nothing about the band it would get still get a great review.

The tragedy of the title track, driven along by some tasty bass work from Graham merges into the tale of the infamous highwayman 'Cushy Glen' that manages that delicate trick of keeping it metallic with just enough of a Celtic twist.

The furious riffing of Steve and Junior is better than the band have ever managed; someone slipped them the secret elixir to give them the patterns to merge the rhythm section blow for blow. And, as for the soloing - tempered in places, off the proverbial scale in other sections, but always perfectly matching the lyrical subject matter. The roving solo for 'Last Night In Hell' is a case in point.

As history buffs the lyrical themes, whilst well known to us, explore the netherworld that helped create the nation we occupy, back in the mists of time.

Bram Stoker may have penned 'Dracula' but there is considerable evidence that his inspiration was from the North West vampire 'Albhartach'. In the recounting of this tale the band move forward as if fleeing the devil, racing before the gates of hell close.

'We Are Strong' is probably the closest to what one would normally expect from Stormzone - and given that would be great in itself it has all the elements as Harv narrates defiance before the chorus primes everyone to join in when this beast is played.

On 'Broken Window' the insistent opening gives way to a mid-paced prowling panther of a song, menace dripping off every note as the County Antrim opening to Satan's lair, the doorway to the Inferno is recounted.

The darkness that Harv explores in the words is more than just the typical metal poses and pretences. For example, fuck your trick and treat twats, firework obsessed, dickhead commercialism - listen to one of the real sources on 'Hallow's Eve' and when October 31st just check the footprints around the hearth.

It is not just, however. the mythos of Ulster that is explored. 'The Last Goodbye' has all its roots - literally' in the shipwreck of the Spanish Armada ship, The Girona (worth a visit to the Ulster Museum with this track on the headphones...).

As for 'In For The Kill'...just listen and marvel. No more need to wax lyrical about this muscular behemoth of metal.

As the final chords of the plaintive closer 'Time To Go' fade (there is a bonus track on the physical version) what is clear is that Stormzone have taken a massive risk. Heavier than before, ample helpings of heft and exploring themes that each could be a concept album in their own right.

The risk paid off.

This is an essential purchase - simple as that.

Review by Jonathan Traynor

Lucifer's Factory is launched at the Diamond Rock Club on Saturday, February 24th in a joint show that will also see A Little Bitter launch Arrows

LIVE REVIEW: Diamond Head and Stormzone hit the Voodoo with heavy metal thunder and lightning

ON a cold Friday night in Belfast in the intimate venue of Voodoo, two sets of rock legends strode onto stage and gave everyone a night to remember. Local heavy rock stalwarts, Stormzone, and the heavy metal godfathers that are Diamond Head.

Stormzone filled the stage with their full on hard and heavy rock with a perfectly placed first song, ‘Where we belong’.

And that said it all…

A tour de force of pure enthusiastic energy they stormed on through ‘Another rainy night’, the anthemic ‘Three Kings’ and on into ‘The Pass Loning’.

Each song was a perfect delivery of the band’s heavy style of thrumming, chugging riffage tied together by Harv’s fearless vocals. All the while the floor bounced to the wrathful beat of the drums,

delivered expertly by Jonathan Millar of Maverick.

The set continued with ‘You’re not the same’ and into ‘Deathdealer’.

It came to a close with probably the most perfect song for the night with ‘The Legend Carries On’. It certainly does. Even with a heavy cold and a sore throat Harv delivered on the vocals.

Then stepped on stage the mighty Diamond Head. From the very get go it was plain to see something was wrong. Ras, the compelling lead singer, was in difficulties.

While Harv had the dreaded lurgy, Ras had full on flu and his throat was in a bad way. Diamond Head could have easily cancelled the gig or even after the first song Ras could have rightfully called it quits.

But no, he kept going through the whole set, much to the delight and utter respect of the crowd. Many a modern pop band should take note.

With complete disregard to his throat, Ras, along with Brian Tatler and the band blasted off with ‘Play It Loud’ before going on into ‘Borrowed Time’, ‘Bones’ and the fast and furious ‘Lightning to the Nations’.

The Voodoo did not know what hit it.

Brain exhibited his absolute mastery of his guitar, delivering heavy metal as it should be. It was powerful raw energy that flowed out from the stage. Nobody could stand still, these were hefty melody laden tunes that were emotionally and physically rousing.

The crowd was pumped and Ras expertly deployed ‘interactive audience mode’ encouraging the now passionately reactive crowd to sing along. Really he didn’t need to, as everyone was singing along anyway. But his connecting with the metallers there did not go unnoticed and that placed him in high esteem from everyone there.

On into ‘The Prince’, Heat of the Night’ and the hypnotic ‘Sucking my love’. ‘Shoot Out The Lights’, ‘Sweet and Innocent’ and ‘Diamonds’ continued the masterwork of this legendary band.

It was a thing of beauty to behold, seeing this band deliver metal in its purest, rawest form.

‘It's Electric’ and ‘Helpless’ continued the heavy metal headbanging heaven that the night had turned into.

And of course, Diamond Head finished off the set with the iconic ‘Am I Evil?’. That could well have been it, but Ras valiantly pushed on through the encore song ‘Streets of Gold’, much to the delight of everyone.

All in all, it was a fantastic night of heavy metal and rock as it should be, experienced up close and personal. Literally inches away from the bands.

It emphasised that in the right place at the right time with the right bands, you will have almost a spiritual experience of euphoric proportions. This gig was one of those times. 

Review by Ivor Whitten
Pictures by Darren McVeigh

LIVE REVIEW: The Glory that is Inglorious live

ON an autumnal Tuesday evening the bright light in our lives that bears the label classic rock breathed life into Belfast's Ormeau Avenue Limelight in the shape of Inglorious.

Though foreshortened by the usual student disco shit happening later in the night, Inglorious grasped an adoring crowd by the scruff of the neck - in the nicest possible way of way of course.

Before that tender rock choking local metal heroes Stormzone surmounted an albeit cramped stage to assault the unwary with a set crackling with songs oozing with their typical energy.

Harv as the deadly vocal jester cajoled the crowd along as songs such as 'Death Dealer' and 'Where We Belong' rattled the rafters.

Junior and Steve kept the guitar histrionics at max, and pulled all the appropriate shape with Harv and Graham. But the real highlight was seeing Davy Bates back behind the kit and the rattle to the intro 'The Pass Loning'.

With the stage cleared for Inglorious it was clear that this act was intent on making the best of their set despite the time restrictions. Looking cooly assured Nathan was a picture of calm as he led the band through the highlights of their first two albums.

What they have is an arsenal of songs that engage with that era of classic rock, but are refreshing in their current edge. True 'Taking The Blame' has echoes of Deep Purple, but it is still definitely an Inglorious song, rooted in the 70s and living in 2017.

Andreas Eriksson is a true guitar wizard, and it seems that the return of Drew Lowe has given them that edge needed to boost them ever onwards.

'Read All About It' and the tremendous 'I Don't Need Your Loving' were highlights, but the drum and bass solo from the energetic Phil Beaver and Colin Parkinson seemed an unnecessary indulgence given another song could have been slotted in.

What was a special moment was the acoustic covers of Linkin Park's Numb and Soundgarden's 'Black Hole Sun' as tributes to those musicians that have passed recently. Nathan's ability to give his own stamp to Chester Bennington and Chris Cornell's vocals was one of those spine-tingling moments.

With plans to tour 'II' further with more shows and festival dates this is a base many a band would yearn for as they begin plotting their third album.

Whatever the future plans are now Inglorious are deservedly riding high on the crest of the proverbial wave, and we think they'll be riding on many more on the evidence of the Belfast show.

Review by Jonathan Traynor
Pictures by Darren McVeigh

LIVE REVIEW: Stormzone and Triggerman roar with power in Ahoghill's DRC

THERE are some nights when it is all about the rock, all about the metal, and all about the fun. Such was Saturday (January 28th) night when Stormzone and Triggerman brought the groove, the metal and an absolute sense of fun.

Truth be told, if you haven't seen these two bands before then either make sure you do soon, or hang up your rock spurs and spend Saturday evenings watching some dumb ass reality show...

As usual Derwin, Paul and Tony had the Diamond Rock Club prepped and ready for visitors from near and far - there are people who travel from England and Dublin for these shows and for 'Storm - Trigger' we had visitors from Enger-land...

But all the prep in the world, the welcome for visitors or the amount of beer quaffed matters not if the bands come up short.

No fear of that with Triggerman and Stormzone are concerned...

Triggerman have more groove than a dozen vinyl albums stacked on another dozen...and then some...

From the off, the groove was infectious, but was notable was the way that newer songs, such as the opener 'The Drift' sat so well with established tracks such as 'I Got The Lurgy' and 'Worms'.

The sheer immensity of the riffs  - which of course held sway - at times overwhelmed Bap's vocals, but amidst the intensity the band know how to keep the roll and the sway of each song going.

From 'Atomic Rock Number 79' the track 'Big John' has the most impressive narrative - but that's the real secret to Triggerman: within each heavy riff laden song there is character and tales. Whether it is 'Rage of the Goddess' or 'Hail to the River Gods' the storytelling matches the might.

While Bap might proclaim his ailments as a result of the fact that he has 'The Lurgy' if this the rock lurgy all in attendance will gladly get this rock infection.

With the audience taking a breather it seemed a short time before exuberance bounded on to the stage in the shape of the 10-legged bounce of Stormzone.

Proclaiming that the stage is 'Where We Belong' Harv and his metal accomplices where on fire from the off - and when they closed there was no doubt that 'The Legend Carries On'.

With each note calling us to remember just exactly why we got into metal, why the sounds and notes resonate deep down, this was, as we should expect from Stormzone, a celebration of what can save our pitiful souls from despair.

Graham and Steve kept all the moves going, with Harv as the ringmaster, while Junior was not to be left out - stage right and right on the money whether it was 'Three Kings' or 'Death Dealer'.

New man behind the kit, Gordy, had perhaps the biggest and most infectious grin in all of County Antrim - clearly enjoying every second and ripping up each fill and run across the toms. When it came to 'The Pass Loning' his sticks were on fire.

All the fun was to be had from the theatrics on the like of 'Fear Hotel' (is the exit stage right, or audience right?) and the synchronised guitar movements were a joy for all.

There is no real reason or rationale behind why Triggerman and Stormzone aren't much, much more regarded and listened to, but by the powers of all that is great and good they should be - and must be.

Review by Jonathan Traynor
Photos by Lizzie Torbitt

ALBUM REVIEW: Flame burns bright for Fireland on third release

GIVEN that six years have passed since Fireland last released any recorded material, and guitarist and founder Steve Moore has been on Stormzone duties, you could be forgiven for thinking the fire had burned out into fading embers.

But, when earlier this year the first two albums were re-released there were smoke signals that more was to come, once more the flame was ignited and this month it is burning bright with 'Fireland III - Believe Or Die' out for metalheads delectation.

Ten tracks of classic metal are there for all to behold, but with a slight tweak to the Fireland sound, a more powerful overall vibe and more than a nod to developments across the UK and Europe, without losing the essence of Fireland.

Melodious guitar lines, riffs, choruses to delight and Moore wrangling his six-string into submission to wrench every last possible tone, this is nothing more than pure metal distilled down to its core.

True, there is nothing really ground-breaking, but that's not the point. This is what fans of classic metal want, no fuss, just great songs played well.

Drafting in David Brown of Chaos Frame, all the way from Delaware gives it an extra dimension to the sound and allows more room for Moore and drummer Chris Mawhinney to explore the dynamics.

Opening with a nod to 'Tallica on 'John Rock' the sense throughout the rest is a romp that will have everyone who cherishes metal of the early 80s beaming from ear-to-ear.

It is also refreshing to note that there are no abbreviated songs here., all well over four minutes in duration. However, it is on Fallen II - the sequel to the track from their 2008 release - that the band stretches its legs. Nine minutes plus of epic song writing and playing.

That said it is probably not the strongest lyrically, slipping into cliché at times, compared to the deeper and more exploratory words throughout the rest of the album, but that doesn't mean it isn't enjoyable.

Overall most tracks are strong - the only one that doesn't hit the highs of the rest of the album is perhaps 'Burning Scarecrow'. Having said that many a band would be happy to have that on their output and is only noticeable because of the strength of the rest of the tracks.

Songs like 'Hate Lives On' and 'Ironclad' make this a metal album that on first listen you let wash over you...on second listen you are sitting up and paying attention...on third listen your mouth will be aching as you smile and smile again.

Engineered , mixed and mastered by Moore at FireMachine Studio the sound has clear separation and a resonance that is needed for this type of record.

What is pleasing about this album is that Fireland show that there is much more to be explored in this variety of metal' - it's not about repeating the past, it's about bringing it back to life and showcasing it for 2016 and hopefully beyond.

This is an album deserving of gaining a wide listenership, and when they hear it heads will be a-nodding.

Review by Jonathan Traynor

More information and lyric videos are available on www.fireland.tv  

LIVE REVIEW: A dozen bands toast DistortionFest '16 across two venues for The Distortion Project's birthday bash

NINE hours, 12 bands, dozens of metallers and multiple pints. DistortionFest '16 was an endurance test as well as a marathon of metal decadence, but every painful foot, aching neck and hangover was a mere travail on a glorious afternoon and evening.

An international toast to metal, fans were treated to acts from the USA, Netherlands, Germany and Romania, plus aa visit from some Scottish cousins. None of the overseas acts and none of the Northern Ireland bands put a single foot wrong. There was even a breakfast of Corn Flakes and Buckfast tonic wine on offer...

A mild October Saturday (29th) heralded the early start, for

what was to be a feast of a festival, and a general mood of celebratory joy for The Distortion Project's 16th Birthday Bash.

Opening the proceedings were Erosion, who have been steadily working their way up the gigging ladder over the past year.

Given they were starting off with the autumn sunshine beaming through Katy's windows and it was an accomplished performance that set the tone for the day, and it was notable that several of the foreign bands were at the back of the venue nodding appreciatively at their prog tinged stoner groove.

The only flaw was that Mark introduced a new song...and tell the crowd what the title was.

To show that variety is the spice of metal the hurried transfer to Limelight2 immediately slowed the pace to sludge, with War Iron cranking the volume and bringing doom.

It is hard to perform this type of set with panache but amidst atmospheric lighting and a set that was, as always from War Iron. James from Terminus joined them for a song, while Baggy offered up the cereal and tonic wine - breakfast of champions.

Romania's Bloodway saw a trickle of fans become a few hurried walk for as their set of well constructed songs drew wavers into Katy's. A lot of the power came from the dynamic of the songs that displayed that rare ability to balance loud segments with more delicate playing.

Even though the day was still young there was a sense of the night as Drakonis brought the blackness to Limelight2 - Halloween revellers might don corpse paint, but for Drakonis this is their normal gig attire.

Featuring tracks off their new EP (review coming soon) they have managed to echo the classic black metal with their own sense of drama. A misbehaving mic stand did not dent their confident delivery.

Bloodthread were determined to get the mid afternoon crowd energised and flatten any visible flagging in Katy's. The rowdy Glaswegians have an anger and attitude that is both admirable and well executed.

When Zlatanera first emerged from the ashes of other acts, their Sabbath, stoner groove was immediately engaging, but some doubted whether it was wit or irony in their lyrical content.

Within two shows there was no doubt that this was an act who used metaphor and humour in the words to match the real potency of their music. Sure, we all love the Satanic trio, but on Saturday they once again pound a collection of songs that might doff the cap to Cathedral and Corrosion, but with their own distinct stamp. The follow-up to Legerdemain is eagerly awaited!

Once again moving between venues Germany's Valborg brought the doom theme back, but with more than a hint of prog metal. Most of the set was mid-tempo doom, but with the shouty vocals a perfect contrast with some of the shifting elements of their sound.

With exhaustion not too far off for many (or was it the consumption of beer?) any sense of the show suffering early evening blues was quickly dispelled as Rabid Bitch of the North getting the Limelight2 baying for classic metal shapes and soundly delivered hell.

Their anthemic choruses could overshadow the accomplished nature of a set that is littered with gems. Their recent run of continental dates have further enabled Rabid Bitch to measure out a set of meaty metal. As the 'other' revellers were donning their fancy dress for their rubbish disco the onstage declaration "Us Against Them" was a clear message of defiance welcomed by all in Limelight2.

Closing proceedings in Katy's in a half hour slot from 5:15 Sinocence eked every second from those 30 minutes. Their back catalogue, the two ' No Gods, No Masters' EPs so far from the trilogy means that they can choose from a plethora of tracks. As always, they choose well, with headbanging coming as the response.

Sinocence have a tight sound on the night, with poise, presence and power. It might be a 'Long Way Down' but they left all rising up in delight.

Dutch power metallers, Lord Volture, may have been unknown to most, but quickly impressed. They produce a well balanced set, with plenty of stagecraft and some excellent melodic lines in the mix of Euro Metal.

Their three quarters of an hour went by in a blur that stirred up many and teetered on the edge of tipping over into parody of the likes of Helloween, but stayed just on the right side of having their own identity.

One of the real strengths of metal is, for example, the diversity on show at DistortionFest. From doom and sludge to thrash and old school metal. If we were all able to push aside the genre boundaries that bedevil modern metal maybe more people would turn out for every show from The Distortion Project.

And, with a real sense of the 80s beginning to permeate the air Stormzone arrived with the usual confidence and purpose. The first show with Gordy behind the drum kit it was a seamless transition.

It has been a time since Stormzone graced a Northern Ireland stage, but there is no doubt that they are still a well prepped metal machine, with melodies, twin guitar lines and a set list of all the familiar fan favourites.

Time for the guys to get back recording and get back playing for all their devotees here and further afield.

Headliners Warrior Soul have almost achieved legendary status for all sorts of reasons, but the Kory Clarke crew have survived for a touch short of 30 years playing their politically charged American metal.

Opening up with the duo of 'Shock Em Down' and 'Punk and Belligerent' they are clearly five-piece that still feels they have a point to prove.

Unfortunately, diabetic needs of the review team (of one) allied with tiredness and more than the allotted safe pint level meant we bowed out after four songs, but from what was in evidence - and feedback from the hardy that stayed to the end - Warrior Sould have maintained the potency and anger that many acts of a similar vintage have lost.

With the dying embers of pre-Halloween parties almost upon the gig goers there were other shows to go to, and more opportunities to swallow what came to hand. Settling in after the show, with blood sugar levels okay, reflecting on what DistortionFest meant is not an easy task.

Yes, all the bands were impressive. Yes, all in attendance left with more than a smidgeon of a smile upon their face. Yes, it had a celebratory under-current. But, what also should be said is that we need the devotion of promoter such as 'Sir' James Loveday for taking the risk to bring a sensational line-up to Belfast. The faithful gather, as required, but tell your friends, nag your acquaintances, badger your workmates if they even have a hint of metal in their veins to get out and see the magical maelstrom of metal on their doorstep.

Review by Jonny
Pictures by Darren McVeigh
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