NEWS: Geoff Tate's Operation Mindcrime set for Belfast return

FORMER Queensryche front man Geoff Tate’s Operation Mindcrime band have announced a return to The Belfast Empire on Wednesday, 20th February 2019. Tickets go on sale tomorrow from all usual Ticketmaster outlets.

Earlier this year, Geoff and his band undertook an extensive tour of the UK including a packed out show at The Empire to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the classic Queensryche album ‘Operation Mindcrime’, with several dates completely sold out. 

After leaving Queensrÿche in 2012, Geoff started a project called ‘Operation: Mindcrime, named for his critically acclaimed concept album, and re-invented himself with his Operation Mindcrime band mates, going on to produce three inter-connected albums, ‘The Key’ in 2015 followed by ‘Resurrection’ in 2016 and the final piece of the puzzle, ‘The New Reality’, being released in 2017.

All three albums are part of a concept album trilogy involving virtual currencies, internet banking and stock trading, which were met with largely positive reviews - as they say capturing the zeitgeist.

Tickets priced £20 + B/F for Geoff Tate’s Operation: Mindcrime at The Belfast Empire on Wednesday 20th February 2019 go on sale tomorrow at 9am. Tickets available from The Belfast Empire Bar and all usual Ticketmaster outlets including www.ticketmaster.ie

NEWS: Mr Big's Eric Martin teams up with David Cotterill for Belfast acoustic date

THE voice of Mr Big, Eric Martin is playing Belfast with David Cotterill this coming October with an acoustic show of Mr Big hits and Eric's solo material.

As part of the UK tour the Belfast Empire date is confirmed as October 26th.

The dates follow on from Mr Big's recent tour and after their much heralded appearance at leading metal festival, Bloodstock.

Tickets are on sale now.

NEWS: Pat McManus to headline Belfast City Blues fundraiser at Belfast's Empire

WITH the success of the Belfast City Blues Festival 2017 still ringing in fans’ ears next year’s thrust begins next month with a star-studded fundraiser headlined by six-string slinging Pat McManus.

The fundraising show is at Belfast’s Empire on September 16, with proceeds going to support next year’s city wide festival.

The full line-up sees Blackwood deliver their ‘Taste of Rory’ tribute to the late, great Rory Gallagher, the usual stunning set from The Willie Byrne Band and the always mesmerizing guitar histrionics of The Pat McManus Band.

Festival Director Seamus O’Neill said: “This is a special show, not just because of these three great acts, but because this is about making sure the Belfast Blues Festival in 2018 will be bigger and better than ever.

“Anyone who saw Pat, Willie and Blackwood at this year’s festival knows they deliver songs that will knock you over!”

The Belfast City Blues Festival is an annual event held in multiple venues across the city. 2018 will mark the 10th anniversary of the festival and Seamus says blues fans can be sure it’s going to make a big impression.

He added: “After a decade of festivals we’re really excited about putting our 2018 10th Anniversary programme together.

“We’re looking forward to working with all our festival partners and artists once again as well as developing new relationships as we see the festival grow bigger and better than ever before.”

At the 2018 Belfast City Blues Festival homegrown Northern Ireland acts will be joined by national and international bands and musicians exploring the rich heritage of the blues across the country and further afield.

Tickets for the fundraising show are on sale now, priced £12.50 (+ booking fee) from all Ticketmaster outlets.

LIVE REVIEW: Alien Ant Farm 15 Year ANThology Album Anniversary at Belfast Empire

Witnessing the live performance of the AAF Anthology Album 15 years after its original release in 2001 was a truly magical experience

I have always loved the band; I recall first hearing their cover of ‘smooth criminal’ back in my early teens when I first started getting into music and have admired the band ever since. I was overjoyed and jumped at the opportunity when I was asked to review their show

The World class nu-metal band kicked off their UK tour at Warehouse 23 on October 18th in Wakefield and made their way to the Empire on Friday October 21st for their first ever show in Belfast

Supporting AAF was Punk and Rasta/Soul influenced Rock band ‘(hed) p.e.’, Sumo Cyco; a four-piece female hard rock and dance hall rhythm infused band from Toronto, Ontario joined by Female fronted Detroit Rock band Kaleido.

I was very impressed with The Empire as the choice of venue and look forward to seeing similar events held here, the evening was very intimate as well as being very personally nostalgic for myself and many other fans who attended

The doors opened at 8.30 and the show opened with a performance from Kaleido, the band was young and cool and the music was very catchy, Christina Chriss on Vocals took to the stage and set a brilliant atmosphere within the crowd for the rest of the night to follow. I had never heard this band before and was quite impressed by them.

Next to take the stage was Sumo Cyco, the show was completely sold out and by this stage the venue was packed. The electric female vocals and the fast paced heavy punk music that accompanied them completely blew me away; the vibe from the entire crowd really began to pick up.

I saw many familiar faces and friends from within the Metal and Punk Rock scene that I’ve grown to know over the past decade from different shows I’ve been to. Each person I saw throughout the night was cheery and very excited as for many people this was their first chance to ever see AAF, It was definitely a night that will be remembered by all

“Alien Ant Farm were as good as ever, I seen them at download 2016 too for the first time. They really rocked the Empire and I hope they'll come back in the future” – said fan lyndsay Nicole

Hed(PE) came on to play around 10.30 and the room lit up with excitement, Frontman Jared Gomez jumped into the crowd with his mic in hand and walked around greeting everyone while he was performing. Despite never personally hearing this band before I was taken by their sound straight away – they played Punk and Metal riffs with hints of reggae and ska and some hip hop vocals over the top for good measure

“Hed PE were absolutely fantastic, they have an unusual style which I never thought I'd like but I actually do” – said one of the attendees of the event

Their chosen sound of punk and gangsta rap infused mash ups that the bands refers to as ‘G-Punk’ was definitely a first for many who attended, I loved them instantly and would definitely go see them again if they ever return to Belfast

As Hed(PE) finished their set an uplifting sensation swept across the crowd in anticipation for the grand finale of the night and everyone began to flee to the front to get closer to the stage, shortly afterwards Californian rock legends Alien Ant Farm took to the stage and began to play the Anthology album in its entirety

The tour itself was a celebration for the 15th anniversary of the Anthology album and the crowd jumped with excitement and sang along word for word throughout each song, it seemed like a very special night for all who attended - I felt as though I was reliving my teenage years

I was really impressed with the performance itself, after all this time since first releasing the album they played each song to an exceptional standard and made for a memorable evening.

Frontman Dryden Mitchell was very endearing and brought such a magical presence to the stage, he
gave it his all and he was quite funny and really engaging with the crowd, guitarist Terry Corso and drummer Mike Cosgrove also played all of the music to a standard of total perfection and made the performance truly great. I was also impressed by new bassist Tim Peugh who joined the band back in 2014, he was spot on throughout the show and played everything perfectly, the sound was just as brilliant as their original studio recording

They closed the show with ‘These Days’ and ‘Smooth Criminal’ making for a truly unforgettable experience, the crowd was ecstatic and buzzing, everyone dancing and full of excitement after the evening they’d been witness to.

This was one of the best shows I’ve been to in recent years, there was something very unique within the atmosphere throughout the entire evening and I was very happy to have been a part of it

Review By Sinead Hardy

Pictures by Liam Kielt

Reproduction by written permission only

LIVE REVIEW: The Power of Rock and Metal multiplied by eight raises thousands at Blazefest

"OKAY, I just want to announce that last night's Blazefest raised a staggering £3145.21 for the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. Thank you to all the bands and everyone who came and made it such a special night.
Those are the words of Darren Shields-Pettitt, who along with wife Dawn, once again brought the power of the rock and metal community together to support the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.


And, for Blazefest V on March 21st there were assembled together eight bands, ready to rock the shit out of Belfast's Empire Music Hall.


At the unfeasibly early hour of 5:15 Selene took to the stage to open proceedings - and this seemed a completely different band to the one that struggled at Heat One of Bloodstock Metal2TheMasses.


Shonagh looked confident, easy banter between songs, and using her vocal prowess to its maximum, devastating effect as John flowed freely across his axe, ably flanked by Thomas and Cameron.


With the gathering crowd still reeling from the symphonic metal rock took centre stage as The Irontown Diehards brought down their well-dressed rock mayhem


Dressed like refugees from a 1980s ska gig, there was no way they would be playing ska - instead a tight set of blasting hard rock blistered all those present.


Phil's vocals were only matched by Andrew's fret work. This was a set with attitude in abundance.


The rock solid Mark and Gordy kept it nailed down and tight...a superb performance by the four-piece.


Thrash was in the air next as the young men making up Donum Dei brought the 80s genre firmly into the 21st Century, stomping and snarling - literally.

Thomas grows more confident on stage with each gig and his mind meld with Stuart's lead work, riffing and melody lines grows ever tighter. Hyperactive Dean on bass adds yet more flourishes to the sound, with Alastair rocking his set.


'Gravelands' was one of the highlights, and a nice touch they bring to their set is allowing Alastair a short drum solo to allow the tuning of the six-strings.


We'd already had one female fronted act with Selene, but the Empire was about to face an onslaught from Dublin's Xerosun. Producing vocal lines that ranged from growls, roars and sweet melodies Martyna scared the sweet shit out of some of the more tender-hearted present. The rest just basked in the brilliance.

As a package this is a well-balanced band, with Fiachra and Jeff's guitar work giving the right amount of breath to each track to avoid the pitfall of sameness. And, that variety worked throughout the set with Damien and Marcin working hard to create a solid platform throughout.


And, thence the spirit of the NWOBHM entered the room, with the style and flair that only Tommy Daly and his cohort of chaos that is Conjuring Fate can deliver. Not for them the re-treads of the past, instead a vision of dark places in the soul where metal lives.


On top form 'Mirror' and 'Backwood Witch' came alive with the strange alchemy that has a gothic narrative delivered to a welcoming, beaming audience.


As usual Phil had a walk around the crowd and the dualing between him and Karl was as high a quality as always - only equalled by their melody work.


Conjuring Fate always give the impression of loving every minute of their time on stage, with even Steve and Bodgan wearing smiles.


The bar had been set consistently high with each set, but with the gauntlet laid down the Screaming Eagles...well they screamed on to the Empire's stage with a high octane blaze...

Currently working on their second album the Sc'reagles came on to the stage full of hard rockin' piss and vinegar; Chris pounding out the words, bellowing out the likes of 'Fight The Fire' and 'Rock 'n' Roll Soul' as if his life depended on it.

Adrian picked his way through solo after solo with the clear intent to rock the foundations already shaken by Ryan (bass) and Kyle (drums).

The standard of this live show bodes well for the next release

With their ep, 'No Gods, No Masters Vol2' out Sinocence have fire in their bellies and are hungry for fresh meat when they stride on. And, as the chorus of 'Long Way Down' is chanted back at them it is clear that their recent run of live shows has them in vicious form.

Moro almost crouches like a metal beast over the mic, his guitar rolling out the rhythms as Anto shreds in an almost maniacal fashion.

'Ascension Code' from the new release shines as do all the tracks, new and old. As if this was not enough the band brought Chris from Sc'reagles on to pound out a metalized version of Pearl Jam's 'Evenflow'.

If you closed your eyes, Chris has every intonation of Vedder's voice that it was almost like the PJ frontman was there - except for the fact that Sinocence had given the track added metal, with Jim's bass rolling across the track and Davy's drums adding extra flourishes.

Headliners Maverick were greeted like conquering heroes, still riding on a high from the ongoing support the 'Quid Pro Quo' release has been given in many quarters.

That they have been working hard on stage across Northern Ireland tells, as the ten-legged beast's show unfolds to the delight of the crowd ready to end the party on a high.

'Paint By Numbers', 'In Our Blood' and the infectious 'Got It Bad' are already familiar to all, and David cajoles and caresses the crowd to join in the raucous rock 'n roll circus.

Ryan, Ric, Richie and Mike are clearly enjoying the night as David gets the band moving and the crowd bouncing.

And, with the likes of 'Top Heavy' from their début ep to top it all off it was a fine way to wrap up the evening.

Rock and metal had proved that it is more than just a bunch of long-hairs (there were a few balding pates on evidence) but that it is generous too.

The victory of the evening lay not in the performances above, but in the £3,000 raised for the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.

No Gods No Masters

Review by Jonny

Pictures by Darren McVeigh (MetalplanetBelfast)

 

http://www.blazesappeal.co.uk/

GIG REVIEW: SONI Rocks The Empire as Million$Reload and Maverick rip through storming sets

TO paraphrase Elton - Saturday night's all right for rocking. And, the SONI four act bill at the Empire on Saturday night (19th July) saw hard rocking of the finest type as Villanova Junction, Midnight Transmission, Maverick and Million$Reload roared through a hot and sweaty sets on Belfast's Botanic Avenue.

It was also a night that saw fans travel from far and wide to see local heroes, new and old...

Those who made it for the start time were in for a surprising treat in the shape of Bangor power trio Villanova Junction. With raw down and dirty blues rocking with a smidgeon of country and folk the band were a revelation.

While Josh (bass) and Corey (drums) kept the rhythm steady Joel roamed over the fretboard of his Strat as if possessed by the late, great Johnny Winters, coaxing every note and flourish from the six-string. What is more he has a voice with just the right amount of gravel and melody. Villanova Junction are one to watch out for in the future.

Midnight Transmission came on stage at first seeming ill-at-ease, and it quickly transpired that Mark on vocals was having trouble with the monitors, although hands in pocket is not perhaps the best way to enthuse the growing audience.

It wasn't until the final three songs that the sound and band seemed to have relaxed into the set, with Mark's vocals coming more alive and with more than a little Chris Cornell to his range his power eventually shone through.

Midnight Transmission have a power and potential that is oh, so close, but needs to be refined; not least through the onstage image that sees the impressive playing at times at odds with the demeanour and looks. A little more time to sort that out and their grunge/alt rock could come good.

As to coming good, there is no doubt that Maverick are on the cusp of great things. With their new album on the verge of release, nuances such as music videos and scheduling mattered not a bit as the ten-legged hard rocking, metallic Maverick declared as statement of intent right from the get go with their eponymous introduction as a full-tilt, unashamed contract with the audience that "We are Maverick".

It is clear from the band's on and off-stage conduct that they enjoy each other's company. They have the easy banter between themselves and the moves that would shame many of the pretenders to the LA hard rock crown.

Dave is the ring leader of the gang, inspired; with the right amount of 'daft' but never inane interplay with the crowd to let everyone know that this is hard rock, not fucking brain science.

But that is not to say that there is not 'smarts' behind Maverick. Arrangements are tight, song structures are solid and the sound is a wall of rock joy.

Ryan played superb lead solos and when Richie took to the front his impassioned playing was a complement to the sound. Ric and Mike kept it all solid as they ran through a set of songs that are already crowd favourites before the album is released...

Cat Got Your Tongue, Electric, Got it Bad - all known and loved and seemingly everyone is salivating at the forthcoming release.

It is fair to say that Million$Reload have had recent trials and tribulations to go through, but there is a such a thing as attitude and despite what may have happened Phil and his fellow troubadours proved that they have endurance, great tracks and a smooth sound that can ease woes and raise voices in a heartbeat.

After the fury of Maverick it was a bold move to open with the mid-paced Waiting on Hollywood, and even bolder move to début new tracks, when it could have been easier to roll out past glories.

Now handling guitar as well as vocals Phil now seems more rooted and comfortable rather than trying to be the manic musical leader. It is a role that suits his easy style.

As always BAM was laying out searing solos, while Kie and Finn were relaxed together despite pounding through every song.

New tracks Truth Could Kill You, Penny for Your Dirty Mind and Under Your Skin amongst them had an immediacy and feeling of freshness that marked them out as sure fire hits given the right airing and breaks.

But that is not to say that Million$Reload are throwing away past glories. Bullets in the Sky and Goodnight New York were stunning as always, with Bullets in particular apt at this time of global tension and a powerful ode to sheer rock glory.

However, Phil announced, in particular to RockradioNI DJ, Nikki Jackson that the anthemic Tattoos and Dirty Girls was having its last ever airing. We hope not and hope that it can still be dusted down and giving a play for fans who have been there for the last eight years.

What is apparent is that Million$Reload are not quitting, their getting stronger, and after the first song had that swagger and justifiable confidence that will surely see them rise another tier.

Overall SONI laid on four hours of hard rocking, heavy tunes that only made us feel sorry for those who could not be there.

Review by Jonny 

Motley comp winner and a mad Saturday of rock and metal

CONGRATULATIONS to Darren who was the first drawn for the Belfastmetalheadsreunited/Rockradioni competition for a pair of tickets to see Screaming Eagles and Motley Crew UK at The Empire tomorrow night (September 14t)

Thanks to all who entered and some tickets are still available on the door.

What a mad, bad and great Saturday it looks like being. Kicking off at the Stiff Kitten with The Distortion Project presenting a four-band line up. For a small fee you can see '84, Bakken, Mair and Sinocence.

With that appetiser it is a short stagger to the Empire for the Eagles and some remininsence of the 80s glory of the Crue.

All in all a night that come Sunday will require us all to KickStart Our Hearts to recover...

Suondgarden winners and another ticket competition to see Motley Crew UK

THE winners of tickets to see Soundgarden play Dublin's O2 have been drawn. Congratulations to Leah and Ryan.

If you haven't received an email you weren't lucky this time in this Belfastmetalheadsreunited, Rockradioni competition.

And thanks to MCD for supplying tickets to see this fantastic band on September 16th. If you didn't win then you can still head over to buy tickets here.

And don't say we're not good to you lot out there - we've another competition for you this week and more to come.

This week you can win tickets to see Motley Crew UK with the tremendous Screaming Eagles at Belfast's Empire on September 14th.

Just tell us the name of Motley Crue's second album.

Email your entries here before September 12th. Usual terms and conditions apply - the main one being if you're not in you can't win!!

And look out for another competition coming soon!

Gama radiation bombs through Belfast's Empire

LIKE returning prophets the mighty Gama Bomb exploded into action in Belfast leaving all in their wake irradiated by their power and presence atop a mighty four-band line up on Saturday (August 17th).

Backing their album The Terror tapes on a brief Irish, Gama Bomb were back to prove that thrash metal was alive and well, and still speeding through humour and riffs, seeming at times re-born as the mixed their usual frenetic pace with more measured swipes of assault.

And, openers Sentient proved they had a measure of their own power on their first live show, with a varied range of melodic death, growls and harmonies demonstrating massive potential.

At times they showed the need refinement, but the standard of playing was always high. What they could do with is an element of learning in terms of stagecraft, something all bands at this stage need to develop.

Such concerns were not ones that afflict Zombified. They are a band who are comfortable in their genre, with heavy death sounds, tones that grind and the tradition of circle headbanging. Newer and older songs alike were played with aplomb, despite a minor technical problem during the set. The track Human Cull stood out amongst a positive set.

As to the mystery that is Mental Deficiency...masked men, rubber-limbed front man, easy banter, infectious riffs and melodies; all were present and correct.

Seeming to be a joke band on the surface it is easy to miss the point: Mental Deficiency have a superb sense of timing and have notably improved both arrangements and song structures since we last saw them. The overt sexism is there to provoke a response and they duly received a positive response, from all genders that were present...

But Gama Bomb are at different level, no doubt through experience, touring and an ongoing recording career.

The drama of a Gama Bomb performance is often missed, their sense of irony in their songs can be overlooked, and their humour can sometimes shade the talent on stage and on record.

Over-simplified comparisons with the first wave of speed and thrash metal belie the stage in their development. Gama Bomb's woes over the past 12 months are put aside on stage. Philly's charisma as a front man, with Joe as a vocal/banter foil are obvious. Poking fun at themselves and the genre in general (Philly wearing a Michael Jackson t-shirt a case in point) any airs and graces that some bands assume are thrust aside in a compact, powerful performance.

Drawing songs from this year's The Terror Tapes (available on AFM Records now) Backwards Bible and single Terrorscope stood out amid a blur of tracks drawing back catalogue favourites such as Zombie Brew and OCP together in a musical mosaic coloured with tracks such as Smoke The Blow with William Defoe.

There is a poise about Gama Bomb in 2013, which sees them on the cusp of yet greater strides: looking back is now not an option on the strength of this performance and without sacrificing their basic sound it now honed into a fine cutting instrument surely ready to cut a swathe through the metal scene.

Look out for a Gama Bomb special show coming soon on RockRadioNI - featuring interviews and insight into what makes the band tick.