ALBUM REVIEW: Vader's release The Empire a fitting 2016 deathly release

IT'S hard to think that Piotr 'Pete' Wiwczarek has been guiding the Vader empire since the early 1990s, when death metal was just a name thrown about at random. Those early iterations of the band owed more to thrash than what the band became, but in 2016 they are truly death.

'The Empire' is a testament to the band's journey, with some echoes of the past and a contemporary take on their sound.

It is an album of 10 short sharp punches to the ears, but within each there are subtleties that are only revealed upon the second or third listen...indeed only after a listen on headphones did some of these become clear.

Driven along by James frenetic and furious drumming throughout this is an album that will stand the test of time. The first three tracks are a headlong rush, with 'Prayer To The God Of War' a stand-out.

But this is not a monochromatic release, all played in the one style. 'Iron Reign' has more dynamics in its mid-paced structural elements, as well as having an arrangement that shouts "classic" in the Vader live repertoire including some stunning guitar work by Marek.

This may be the 13th album released by the Polish veterans, but it is worth recalling that apart from founder Peter, the rest of the current line-up have only been under the Vader name since 2011. But in those five years they have melded into a potent force.

The EP release earlier in the year of 'Iron Times' was but a taster for this. What was good about the songs there have been elevated to a collection of great death metal songs.

The sheer relentless pace of 'No Gravity' takes the template from some of the songs on 2014's 'Tibi et Igni' and adds more flourishes and a compact yet searing solo.

Across the release the lyrical content is pretty much what you'd expect from Vader, but there are some moments, such as on 'The Army-Geddon' when little twists are thrown in to the mix, as well as an almost trippy solo.

It is the overall production, mixing and mastering that gives a 'fresh' sound. Wojtek and Slawek Wiesawski are to be complimented on extracting this while sequestered with the band in Hertz Studios.

But what stands out most on this is the cohesiveness of each track. Sometimes an album almost has a 'tell' about who is the star, and what the supporting cast is, by some of the ways songs are laid out, arranged and, indeed mixed. Not here. Peter, Marek, Hal and James sound like a single unit, a group devoted to their own nefarious plans.

Closer 'Send Me Back To Hell' is the perfect example of this, mid-paced roll, while James adds the type of fills and blasts that are more than just for effect, but add to the song.

'The Empire' of Vader's metal has always been set within confined boundaries of genre-restrictions and those too prejudiced to listen a little outside the proverbial box but this is one release that should stretch its audience beyond the gates, and expand their empire of followers.

Review by Jonathan Traynor
The Empire is released via Nuclear Blast on November 4th

COMIN' ATCHA - Gama Bomb set to blast The Empire

THERE are a lot of gigs coming up in the days, weeks and months ahead. Enough to bankrupt your average rocker and metalhead...

Before you plunge headlong into your savings accounts and divest yourself of any investments that you have collect your coppers and 5p pieces and count them all out for Saturday night.

The venerable Belfast Empire is hosting a thrash-fest on the 16th July...

Headlining are those Newry thrashers, Gama Bomb. If you have never seen Philly and co live then don't hang your head in shame - just rack up to the Botanic Avenue venue to see the thrash trope given a huge intravenous injection of humour.

And, you'll learn more about Robocop than you could ever wish for...You'll understand when you see 'em live as well as the (alleged) William Defoe's drug habits.

Also on the bill are Rabid Bitch of the North. Joe and his merry metal compadres are preparing for their appearance at Bloodstock in less than four weeks.

They bring the classic metal sound bang up to date with a fast and furious flourish. Did we mention they're playing Bloodstock?

The thrash-tastcic Scimitar will be bringing their monstrous visions of medieval conflict and modern injustices to a soundtrack of the apocalypse.

Opening the evening are Wardomized. Just two years after their début release come see how these maniacs have evolved.

Tickets, priced at the very reasonable price of £12, that works out at £3 per band... See ya there.

Gama Bomb

COMIN' ATCHA: Clashes, gigs and more: Beholder, Ricky Warwick, Bullet for My Valentine, Paradise Lost and much more

THERE are those that bemoan the fact that many tours bypass Northern Ireland; for example the Hardcore Superstar/Michael Monroe UK and Europe tour announced yesterday. However, with such a feast of acts already penciling in Belfast dates there are rich delights for rock and metal fans.


And we say that with total confidence after The Distortion Project confirmed Overkill's Belfast date on April 9th.


But ahead of that we have a week ahead packed with much fun and frolics for fans. Look no further than Thursday when the mighty Beholder roll into town. Their Limelight2 show will see Simon and co rock the foundations in Ormeau Avenue after Sinocence and By Any Means shake your fillings loose.
On the same night Heart of a Coward are playing the Voodoo with support from By Conquest of Consent.


If you want to mellow out and relive a guilty pleasure, on Friday Wheatus' show has been upgraded from Limelight2 to Limelight1. They'll be playing all that album in full; you know the one about Iron Maiden tickets (although we refute the idea that it is only teenage dirtbags who have the issues referred to in the song).


Saturday, it's always a good bet you'll wend your way up to the Diamond Rock Club a fair amount of Saturdays in a year: this coming Saturday Ricky Warwick and Damon Johnson will be returning for more rock, supported by the Acoustic Outlaws (that is the Gasoline Outlaws without amps).


Sunday sees Rich Robinson - ex of the Black Crowes - play The Empire Music Hall with a selection of solo tunes and BC standards.


Mondays are crap, right? Wrong! This coming Monday is the second of the big gig clashes of the autumn. In the red corner, weighing in at an impressive mighty dose of doom we have Paradise Lost and Lucifer in Limelight1. In the blue corner, weighing in with contemporary metal fandom we have Bullet for My Valentine in the Ulster Hall.


Who will win out? Well we hope it is a draw with equally packed venues. Tickets are still available for both shows, but if you're under 18 the Bullet show is your only option. [BTW - if you caught the Editor's show on Belfast Underground TV on Saturday past you'll know that Lucifer are going to blow your ears off...]


Now is that enough to wrap up September?

Fill yer weekend with rock and metal

PLEASE place your liver in the overhead locker, a neck brace is provided underneath in case of passengers need to abandon headbanging. In the event of alcohol decompression please grab the glass and place it to your lips because this is one helluva weekend to board the rock and metal flight to chaos - you're all spoilt for choice!

Departures on Friday night will be to the Stiff Kitten and the Diamond Rock Club. Arrival at the Stiff Kitten is scheduled for 8pm where your courier in the shape of Mr James Loveday will ensure you are safe and calm before Donum Dei, By Conquest or Consent, Little Miss Stakes and Hammerfest bound Sinocence will blow any travel cobwebs off your denim and leather...

Others will arrive in Ahoghill Rock City where arrival at the Diamond Rock Club will see travellers face-to-face with Maverick and Jizzy Pearl's Love/Hate.

Should seasoned travellers wish to return for more on Saturday then buckle your belts, remove sharp objects and assume the brace position.

There are three - yes three - destinations of choice.

Simultaneously flights will be arriving at 5pm at The Empire and Limelight2.

At 5pm on Ormeau Avenue there is the Owlcrusher, Okus and War Iron...foundations shall shake and tectonic plates will shift; hopefully after a safe landing for all.

Meanwhile on Botanic arrival at gate Empire is all in a good cause. BlazefestIV is in aid of the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, which sees the likes of Altus, Baleful Creed, Worldsend and Stormzone pack the joint.

However, for those with a penchant for tales of zombies and robotic cops Gama Bomb will be at the Voodoo, with early arrivals set to experience the likes of Acid Age, Scimitar and Defyed open the duty free....

Now, if that isn't enough for you of a weekend then may we kindly suggest that you take Beige Airlines to Vanilla Central and watch some shit on TV...

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...

40 years on Sylvain Sylvain hits Belfast all Dolled up and ready for NYC rocking

Guest columnist Mark Ashby interviews Sylvain Sylvain of The New York Dolls

There is no doubt about it - The New York Dolls are one of THE seminal bands who helped to influence not one, not two but several generations of rock ‘n’ rollers.

Since they swaggered out of the back alleys of the city from which they take their name in the early ‘70s - fusing the sound of vintage rhythm and blues, protopunk and glam rock in a way which the renowned contemporary critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine described as “hard rock with a self-conscious wit, a celebration of camp and kitsch that retains a menacing, malevolent edge” - they have been credited with shaping the face of not just both the punk and glam/sleaze rock movements, influencing bands as diverse as The Ramones, The Cramps, The Sex Pistols (Steve Jones modelled his stage style on Johnny Thunders), Kiss, Motley Crüe, Guns ‘N Roses, Hanoi Rocks, Blondie, Television and legions of others.

After the band split in 1975, founder member Sylvain Sylvain went on to pursue a solo career, as well as collaborate with fellow Doll David Johanson on a number of albums.  Almost 30 years later, Smiths frontman Morrissey – a lifelong fan, so much so that as a teenager he was president of the band’s UK fan club, and later wrote a book about them – persuaded the Dolls to re-unite for 2004’s Meltdown Festival (at which another fan, REM’s Michael Stipe guested on ‘One Day’).

This Saturday (July 13th), Sylvain Sylvain returns to Belfast to play a ‘solo’ show, at the Empire Music Hall. I tracked down the man born in Cairo as Sylvain Mizrahi to fire a few questions his way – and then spent several sleepless nights deciphering, translating and getting my head around his answers… and I still don’t have a clue what he’s on about half the time!

So first off was he looking forward to returning to Belfast for the first time since the Dolls supported The White Stripes in Botanic Gardens back in 2004?
Yes and I just wish that it wouldn't have taken this long because I love Ireland… I'm married to an O’Kelly…

Who else is in the band for this visit?
This time, Gary Powell is going be playing the drums.  Gary played with The Libertines - and he also played for [re-united] New York Dolls at the [Morrissey-curated] Meltdown Festival in London in 2004.  Kenny Aaronson [formerly of Dust, Stories, HSAS and Blue Oyster Cult, among many others] is on bass: an incredible musician… and he's a New Yorker - we hung out together when we were kids and grew up out of the whole music scene in New York.  Also, Aaron Lee Tasjan [ex-Semi Precious Weapons and Alberta Cross] is playing the guitar.  I'm so happy to be playing with these incredible musicians:  we've already done it in New York and other places, and stuff, and [been] very, very well received - and we’re having such a great time thank you…

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the release of the Dolls’ first album:  looking back to those heady days of the early 70s, did you ever think that you’d be celebrating such a significant landmark in your career?
Well, it's always great to be loved for what you've done and what you're about to do!  It's great, yes:  I never thought [I’d still be doing this] 40 years [later], but the time keeps on clickin’ in – [but] the stopwatch hasn't stopped yet, so thank God for that!  Hence the reason why I'm coming over to play for you crazy kids - I love you…

Are there any plans for something special to mark the anniversary (which actually falls exactly two weeks after your Belfast show)?
Unfortunately no…

If the Sylvain Sylvain I’m talking to now could travel back to the formative years of his career, is there any advice you would give to your younger self, or anything you would change?
The only good advice I think I can give anybody at this point my career is… always depend on the blues: learn the blues, play the blues, have fun with the blues:  you can travel musically anywhere once you master that...

The influence of the New York Dolls has crossed multiple genres, with the band being regarded as one of the seminal punk bands, but also cited as a major influence on the ‘hair metal’ movement of the 1980s (which many would regard as the antithesis of punk):  does it surprise you that the band’s influence has stretched, and continues to stretch across such a broad musical spectrum?
[It] doesn't surprise me at all, because, again, I rely on the blues and the blues is forever.  I'm still enjoying having brand new people discovering the New York Dolls today, and [doesn’t seem to] stop… thank God for that…

One band on whom you were a big influence was Hanoi Rocks (still a favourite band of mine), and in 2005 their former bassist, Sam Yaffa, joined the Dolls:  was it a strange experience to have a member of a band who at one time were seen as successors to the Dolls, and someone who had even paid his own tribute to the band by naming one his projects Jet Boy, as an integral member of the group? 
Actually, I was the one who had suggested his name to David in 2004, after we lost Porot 13 [founding bassist Arthur Kane, who died of leukaemia that year] - the reason [was because] his influences were all New York Dolls; he also has that quality [about him]… when you see the guy walking across the street, he's a manic, cabin easy, New York doll…

As we mentioned, the Dolls have influenced not one, but two, maybe even three generations of bands:  do you pay much attention to bands who cite you as an influence, and if so are there any acts that make you think “mmm, they’ve maybe got it right…”?
Yes.  I love to be loved and to be appreciated for what I do:  [music is] what I think I do best in my life - and, yes I think some of the [the bands that have been influenced by that music are] really, really great actually.  I love that I've influenced almost three generations.  [With the internet] now, even more people keep finding something about the New York Dolls that speaks to them in a profound way - and [hopefully that will] last forever… it's beautiful:  you can never plan anything like that - it's always something that will only happen naturally…

Are there any plans for a new Dolls album?
No, there are no plans for New York Dolls album, but I have a new [solo] album that's coming out, hopefully by the end of this year. It's called ‘The Monkey Never Dies’, and I have a new single out that's called ‘Leaving New York’ that's available on iTunes and all your favourite downloads stores.  I hope [the album will be available] on all the other formats, including vinyl, so look out for that…

Finally, as we talked about earlier, the first New York Dolls album is 40 years old, and you yourself recently turned 62:  are you “never too old to rock ‘n’ roll” or do you see a time when you’ll hang up your guitar?
I know I don't see any kind of retirement as far as rock 'n roll is concerned - especially now that I'm coughing up such a fever for the love of rock 'n roll… and that's all I could ever do:  that's all I do!  I just try to stay as creative as possible, and then I hope as long as people want to come out, check it out, and see me and hear my new songs on recordings and stuff… But, I'll do it forever - to my last drop…


Sylvain Sylvain plays the Empire Music Hall on Saturday July 13. Support comes from Million $ Reload and The Sabrejets. Tickets are on sale now, priced £17.50 plus booking fee, from www.ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets – and also be available at the door.

Saintly sinners on the Million dollar march

NORTHERN Ireland hard rock and heavy metal is riding high on the crest of the proverbial wave at the present, with bands slotted in for top support slots at Tenents Vital and at last count three finalists in the Total Biker FM talent contests, soon to be joined by at least another act.

And on Thursday one of the leading acts takes to the stage at Belfast's Empire on Thursday, 9th August, (for the Belfast launch of their album, A Sinner's Saint. [Review here.] [SEE BOTTOM FOR GIG LINE-UP UPDATE!]

A Million$Reload have been working their way steadily and surely to become real contenders, chock full of attitude and with just the right blend of Northern Ireland snarl and melod.

We caught up with  vocalist Phil Conlane as they prepared for their headline slot in this SO:NI backed event as he reflected on what seems the inexorable march of the Northern Ireland rock scene.

"I don't know what the reason is," he said, "but long may it continue. There are so many great bands from Northern Ireland it's only a matter of time before we take over the world!"

And for Million$Reload it's been a year with many highlights, not least the release of A Sinner's Saint, and good reviews in the national media (Metal Hammer accorded them a credible 'seven').

Amongst those highlights for Phil: "Finally getting the album out because it took so long to get a good deal done with the label, and it was a highlight to play Dowload."

With that in mind the band are in high spirits going into Thursday's launch.

"We're looking forward to the Belfast gug," said Phil. "The SO:NI gigs are always good and it's been a while since we've played in Belfast. And we're all looking forward to playing the new songs [from A Sinner's Saint] to the city's audience.

And, after that, Phil says the band's plans can be encompassed in three words: "Touring, Touring, Touring!"

Joining Million$Reload on stage will be the début set from Matt Fitzsimon fronted Rival Saints. Sweet Taste's new line-up complete the warm up before Million$Reload and in the midnight slot are Fermanagh's Filthy Angels: A night of Sins, Saints, Angels and damn fine hard rock. Doors are 8:30pm and pay yer dues of a measly £5 to gain entry!

A Sinner's Saint from Million$Reload is out now on Frontiers, and it's available in all good record stores - here's evidence of a few still available on HMV if you want to stock up in advance!

[And don't forget people to vote for Northern Ireland acts By Any Means and Warcrux in the latest Total Biker FM talent contests with Double Wide, Sinocence and Swanee River already through to the finals!]

GIG LINE-UP UPDATE:

Rival Saints will not now be appearing and their slot will be taken by The Screaming Eagles

Some people just don't get it - or I'm just weird

EITHER I am one seriously messed up, split personality - or some people just don't get the ethos of those who love hard rock and heavy metal.

[Cautionary note: a rant follows - those who want to enjoy easier reading step away now and read Kerrang! Cosmo or Women's Weekly.]

Earlier today I was talking to a colleague of sorts and happened to mention that I was going to see Deft Leppard at The Empire. Their comment in response was: "I thought you were a metalhead".

They were right (partly) in that I love me heavy fuggin' metal, but as I write this and I prepare for Leppard - I am listening to a selection of recent purchases that includes: Stone Sour, Neil Young, David Bowie, Cradle of Filth, Motorhead, Rob Zombie and a Saxon triple disc best of collection.

Put simply just because metal is my first musical love (bless Sabbath's little cotton satanic socks!) does not mean that I sit all night with a bottle of absinthe, cutting pentagrams into virgin's bodies - well not on weekdays anyway.

Metal for me has always been about those that step away from the 'scene', take what they like and discard what they don't like: as long as the musicians can play, there is a modicum of talent, and the guitars are at the right level in the mix!

Def Leppard were a band, that for me helped define the 80s (yep I am old!). And, looking back to that Pyromania gig in the Ulster Hall, and the Hysteria gigs at the same venue, I didn't see many scenesters there - just a lot of people in denim and leather (see how I slipped a Saxon NWOBHM quote in there!).

Just as AC/DC would never be considered metal, nor would Lemmy ever say Motorhead were metal, hard rockin' heavy music for me has never been about labels. I even like REO Speedwagon!

And - since I am in confession mode children - I also like Rush, My Chemical Romance, Pink Floyd, Leonard Cohen, Journey, Marilyn Manson, as well as bucket loads of Anthrax, shovel fulls of Slayer, acres of Iron Maiden and any given amount of Metallica you can suggest! I also like some of the weirder Faith No More and Mike Patton tracks.

But I will not, nor will I ever, betray the songs and acts that I grew up with - from the snarl of Stiff Little Fingers through to the vocal histrionics of Gillan, and...well in the early 80s Def Leppard, Marillion, WASP and a host of others.

Leppard's musical journey was one that defied definition to the music hacks. When they débuted they were lumped in with the NWOBHM crowd, and to some extent they had an early sound to match. With Pyromania the musical curve involved high end, shiny arena production that was to dominate their sound for years. But listen closely to each and every one of their tracks; you'll not find the guitars relegated to fatuous rhythm parts, or buried in the mix. Leppard are, and I hope, always will be a great band. Not metal, but damn fine hard rock.

That's why I'll be at The Empire on Saturday night, raising a glass, raising a cheer and raising my applause with Mark, Sylv, Phil and many, many others as Deft Leppard play their final ever gig in my hometown.

Why not come along, and actually listen. And given that Leppard are on some sort of extended holiday, Deft Leppard are your best chance of hearing the songs as they were meant to be played, to people who actually enjoy the music, who know the lyrics, and who know how to rock.

Which brings me back to those that question, those that doubt, those that have a half hidden sneer. Hard rock and heavy metal are - in my very humble and verbose opinion - about musical freedom layered around a six-string assault, whether it be Satyricon or UFO.

I have not yet persuaded my erstwhile colleague to come along and sample Deft's delights (I was going to add a clichéd line about he wouldn't be out of hospital in time, but those that know me know that even flies are safe in my presence!) but should you perchance happen to come along, say hello! I'll be down the front under the affluence of incohol!

What a Saturday!

Saturday, October 11th...If you're a fan of hard rock and heavy metal it's a helluva day!

Kicking matters off at Katy Daly's is the RockD gig with Thunderchild and Rabid Bitch of the North. Doors open at 3.30pm and the gig is priced at a very reasonable £2.50.

Then Mandella Hall will be strewn with Battle and Power Metal warriors Turisas and Dragonforce. A few tickets remain - a very, very few!

Also tomorrow night, Whitesnake UK - a tribute to Mr Coverdale's troubadours - are at the Empire Music Hall.

So tomorrow's itinerary for those that dare...Wake up...head to Katy Daly's, leave Katy Daly's at 8.00pm, with ears ringing... grab plastic sword and storm the Mandella Hall...come 11.00 race to the Empire for a chill out to Whitesnake classic rock vibes...collapse in a bloodied heap with neck aching and ears ringing, knowing that the damage to your liver, wallet and pancreas may not be permanent yet, but all three are imminent danger but it was all worth it!

Let's Get Rocked...Again!

Top Def Leppard tribute act back in town

Lepps tribute - maybe not enough metal for some, but just right for us 'older' metalheads :) - play The Empire on Saturday (okay, if you really want some heavy metal head to Sorrowfall at Katy Daly's in the afternoon!). Here's the Lepps press release...

AS if there wasn’t enough Def Leppard at the Odyssey in June the Sheffield acts top tribute band – Deft Leppard are back to get Belfast rocked again.

Deft Leppard are back for their seventh Belfast gig – and they can’t wait to return to the hallowed stage of The Empire on September 13th to hear the crowd ‘Rock Till It Drops’.

Frontman Ashley Cooper, a.k.a. Joe Elliot on stage, has no doubt about the reception the Botanic Avenue venue will give the band – no different to any other time that they’ve displayed ‘Hysteria’ for Leppard tracks.

“Belfast always gives us a rabble-rousing response,” he said. “We’ve never been less than stunned by the enthusiasm of The Empire crowd!”

Bassist Mike Thomas (Rick Savage) can’t wait to hit boards in Belfast.

“When we play in Belfast it isn’t a night’s work – it’s playing for and meeting up with old friends – even those we haven’t met yet! The audience is always ready for a Leppard party and we always try to lay the soundtrack down for that party.”

Ashley won’t be drawn on what songs will be on the set list, but fans can be assured Leppard faves old and new will be delivered with aplomb and a fire that few tribute bands can deliver.

“We’re coming to rock the place – we’re going to have a helluva lot of fun playing Leppard’s greatest hits and delivering some Leppard surprises,” he said.

Tickets for Deft Leppard’s Empire show are available from The Empire at the door for the amazing value of £10 – A great chance for those who missed out on the gig of the year at the largest millenium project out of London, these Lepps rock, which as all aficionados know is a Rock of Ages!