ALBUM REVIEW: Satan's Wrath get down with Lucifer on Die Evil

THERE'S a part of all of us metalheads that can't resist a bit of Venom, in its purest form. But, when self-avowed fans of the Geordie based three-piece take up arms - as do Satan's Wrath - does the very term 'black metal' become something to be parodied and sniggered about?

With previous releases 'Galloping Blasphemy' and 'Aeons of Satan's Reign' there was a point when the bridge between fanboy and entertainment could have been crossed.

In the end the devotion to the primal black metal template salvages the release for these Greek underground heroes.

Step forward to 2015 and Satan's Wrath have finally delivered their own 'true' identity as a band. 'Die Evil' as the latest offering from Taz Danazoglou and his cohorts sees them step away from their origins to find their own 'voice' in the pantheon of acts who prostrate themselves at the altar of Venom.

While 'Coffinlust' still has the influence firmly on their sleeves, title track 'Die Evil' and 'At The Strike of 12' are much more 21st Century rather than harkening back to some rose-tinted black metal past.

While Satan's Wrath has always been Danazoglou's vision, the guitar work of Stamos and V keeps 'Die Evil' from slipping into the hell that is cliché city.

Closer 'Castle Of Torment' is the real example that defines where Satan's Wrath are in 2015. The pure black metal of their musical roots, a plethora of tight riffing, some solo excellence and an 'old school'  fade-out.

Satan's Wrath has pursued their own journey from fandom to black metal principles: and Die Evil is an almost perfect waypoint on that jouney...

Review by Jonny

Die Evil is released by Metal Blade on 5th May,  but if you can't wait...

 

 

COMIN' ATCHA: UFO - still rockin' and back in Belfast...

THERE are a few bands that are enduring - musically and personally. Of those that survived the excesses of the 70s and 80s few can match the consistence of UFO.

They have been pounding the boards and keeping the hard rock flame alive for a long time - actually from 1969 (two years after your editor was born!).

In that time they have produced seminal albums  - none more so than the 1979 live album 'Strangers In The Night' which defined how twin guitar attacks should be delivered.

One thing that can be said about UFO is that they are - and always have been  - loyal to all arts and parts of the UK, including Belfast.

From 1979 - when the Troubles blazed across Northern Ireland - the band have kept on coming back to Belfast.

This coming Wednesday (April 22nd) UFO are playing Limelight1 on the tour backing their 'Conspiracy of Stars' album release.

Vinnie Moore - who wowed Belfast on his last couple of visits - penned the vast majority of the music on 'Conspiracy...' and Phil Mogg as usual provides his usual complex emotive lyrics.

If the last release 'Seven Deadly' entrenched the modern incarnation of UFO, 'Conspiracy of Stars' take the formula of classic composition and echoes of the past to a new level.

That Mogg and (drummer) Andy Parker have been in the band since 1969, and Paul Raymond (keyboards/rhythm guitar) from 1976, shows the endurance of UFO; equally Vinne Moore stepped into the large shoes left my Michael Schenker and made guitar duties his own from 2003.

The line-up is completed by bassist Rob De Luca, who has been on the UFO books since 2012, who this time out contributed two songs on 'Conspiracy...'. (Raymond also wrote one of the tracks.)

Despite the age of some of the members UFO are still working hard. In February and March they toured Germany, Poland, The Czech Republic, Lithuania and Switzerland, before embarking on this current run of dates. By the time they hit Belfast on Wednesday they will already have played five dates with another 11 to come before they hit the festival circuit.

Some tickets may still be available for Limelight1 - see ya down there!

LIVE REVIEW: Darrenfest raised the money and the metal banner, with Bad Boat, Zlatanera and Rabid Bitch of the North

IT is a fact of life that when a community believes a cause is worthy they rally around, pull together all parts of that community and try to make a difference. Earlier this year Blazefest V saw thousansd raised for the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, and on Friday (17th April), Darrenfest rallied the rock and metal troops once more.

Gathered in the hallowed hall of the Voodoo in Belfast's Fountain Street the long hairs, the scruffs and the associated masses reached into pockets, wallets handbags to pay in, buy ballots and...beer plus other assorted beverages.

Roaring out the Bad Boat rhythms

Opening proceedings were Bad Boat. Aboard that ship of the metallic seas there has been a voyage that Odysseus would be proud of. Years of effort, line-up changes and a couple of breaks all seem worthwhile when they roar on to the stage.

Oars dug into the metallic oceans, each in a groove that rolled with the waves as towering Tom directed proceedings. With songs from the forthcoming 'Drown The Phoenix' as well as some old favourites Bad Boat proved that they are still a massive force to be reckoned with.



Hey Satan - Bring it on!

After rolling on the metal seas we were then brought all the Satans as Zlatanera slayed the demons and brought them back to life in a dark diabolical mass.

What sets Andy and his manic crew of crazy worshipers at the altar of metal set themselves apart from others by, not only being blindingly proficient, but having a sense of humour.

Yes, a sense of humour. Despite the elegant perfection of what they undertake Zlatanera have a poise and their gigging has produced a sleek and shiny performance that would have the dark lord himself nodding in appreciation.

Focussing on the rock

Rabid Bitch of the North have told the dark lord to get down the front or fuck away off.

Fresh from pillaging the west of Ireland in the Siege of Limerick RBOTN stormed on stage with their usual swagger (and a new visual). Joe, Gerry and Chris have evolved from 'just another band on the scene'  to a real force, capturing the energy that was around the NWOBHM with a fresh edge.

'Defending Two Castles', '...1999' all sounded epic, and the brute defiance of 'Us Against Them' is still the perfect antidote to the pop culture plaguing today's world.

But Darrenfest was more than just another gig in the Big Smoke. It was about raising money for a good cause. There were a raft of raffle prizes that punters willingly threw their pounds towards, less concerned with the prizes than contributing.

And, should you have been one of the unfortunates that missed Darrenfest you can still contribute via this link.

 

Review by Jonny

Photos by Carolyn McGimpsey

Many thanks to Carolyn from Planet Mosh for the pix

On the Bad Boat

Happy with all the Satans

 

Riff-tastic

 

RECORD store day (tomorrow 18th April) - let's be honest, if you need an excuse to go to a record shop, then you're not really fascinated by the marvellous metal world - but it is an excuse to get down to a shop (preferably an independent one!).

And, the world of metal has risen to the challenge. Slayer have released - to mixed reviews - 'When  Stillness Come' on a variety of vinyl formats.

Metallica in a bold move have released, on cassette, the seven-track demo, 'No Life To Leather', the release that propelled them to success.

But what has the punters flocking back to older formats - especially vinyl. Lee Barron Principal Lecturer in Media and Communication Design at Northumbria University, Newcastle, has some answers.

"...the highest-selling albums of 2015 so far do reflect a distinctive fusion of nostalgia, with classic albums by bands such as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Bob Dylan mixing with modern acts," he said.

"So, if nostalgia is not the sole driver for vinyl’s significant commercial comeback, what is?

"A major technological characteristic cited in the comeback of vinyl is its distinctive lack of audio cleanness and perfection – what fans call the “warmth” of the vinyl sound. This apparent audio feature is produced by the flaws inherent within analogue sound production, due to – as sound engineer Andreas Lubich explains – “distortion, and in the best case, harmonic distortion”.

And Parcel Hero have this nice wee graphic to illustrate the rise of vinyl...

Created by ParcelHero®

INTERVIEW: Korpiklanni speak about what comes next...and more

PARTNER site to Belfast Metal Heads Reunited is Devils Gate Media - where our copy is sometimes carried. In return they've provided us with some copy - this time Cassandra Irving takes on Korpiklanni. Over to you Cassandra......

Finnish folk-metallers, Korpiklaani are very much an established and respected name in the genre. With eight albums already under their belt, and the ninth, ‘Noita’ poised for release, now is as good a time as any to catch up with bassist, Jarkko Aaltonen...

So, Noita is to be released on the 1^st of May. How would you describe the album compared to Manala?

“The thing that we have, with this album, is the introduction of the new accordion player. I think we've perfected the balance between the metal part and the folk music part. Speaking about the actual songs and the composition, I think that it's pretty much in the same lines as Manala but the thing that we call the ‘folk department’, A.K.A the violin/accordion thing, it's way more prominent now… way better melodies, really nice harmonies, lots of solos from both of those guys so that's what people will first hear like 'Woah..this is a bit different than the previous one!”.

 Yeah, because Tuomas, with the violin, has taken some sort of lead guitar place in 'Noita'.

“Yeah, we've never had um... I think there's one guitar solo on the first album..or something like that and then maybe one on the second album and then, since then, since 2006 we have had no guitar solos on any of our other albums so.... we haven't had that much like solos anyway but now on this album there's a lot more of that folk accordion and violin. I think people would have been complaining that we've lost our folk music roots, they should be at least happy with this, this one.”

Yeah, I think it’s definitely found that nice balance, especially since listening to 'Lempo'. It's a nice balance between the metal side of things and also folk music, of which is fantastic.

Previously you had Juha Jyrkäs writing the Finnish lyrics, and in 2011 Korpiklaani started working with Tuomas Keskimäki. Has that changed or affected the band musically and lyrically?

“Um..musically no, because we had at least 90% of our songs written. Like, music first and then which text can I fit into this melody. So, lyrically um.. I think, in the beginning with Juha, was like really traditional in the topics and style, and then he moved to different styles towards the end of his era with us, and then Tuomas is also a really traditional writer, but also in the same way uses rather modern themes every now and then as well so....I don't see a big difference there between the texts...now that I think of it I don't even prefer either of them over the other. I've never really thought about it in that way.”

 So basically, it's still kept the same theme standard...

“Yeah...yeah. I think this is the first album... that we have some texts that are more personal, in the sense that they are about not really one particular person, but they're about an individual, trying to find his path maybe. That's a bit different on this album...with a couple of songs so...not a major change in it.”

 What is the connection between the lyrics in 'Noita' and the artwork?

“The previous artwork had a theme with the underworld, and now, with this album, we have two songs that could actually be connected to the album title. One of the songs is called 'Ämmänhauta'... is like witches grave, witches tomb, and the story is taken directly from an old legend...from the area were myself and Jonne were born. That legend has a part were the witch, the dead witch, is being carried through the forest at night, so this is the connection to the album title and to the artwork as well. We already had a different idea for the album cover, and then I just, e-mailed Jonne that I really see this as an album art, this story, this legend, and these people carrying the witch through the forest at night. I said that to Jonne and I even said that and the colour scheme should be like King Diamond’s 'Abigail' album cover, so....that's pretty much what it is now.”

 I was just about to ask you about the two theme cover songs in the album, as I know that one of them is 'Viinamäën Mies' which is an autobiography of the band, and describes your fun side, touring around the world.

“Yeah, that is what it is. It is one of the very few...in fact for the only text, that is not by Tuomas, but it's written by Jonne. So, the style is different. The topic is different, but as you said, it is an autobiography of the band, that is just basically travelling around the world and drinking other peoples’ alcohol!”

 It's a good fun way of doing it, saves you money as well (chuckles)

“Yeah.”

 Aside from everyone, of course, contributing to writing the music etc, I read that you also contributed before by writing one or two songs for the albums? Have you done the same thing for 'Noita'?

“No I haven't. I haven't done a single thing. I haven't finished a song...I have finished a single song in like...two years. I haven't done anything....I've been awfully unproductive!”

 Fair enough. So when it comes to videos, then... we currently have a lyric video for 'Lempo'. Once the album is released are we going to be blessed with a band video for another song on the album?

“Right now, the plan is to release two more videos...like actual videos. There will be an animated video which I hope will be better than the one that we did few years ago! That should be released pretty much at the same time as the album and then..the other one, having the actual band in it, should be released later this year. September, October… but not quite sure yet.”

 So you guys have already decided as to which songs you'll be doing the videos for?

 “Yes.. that has been decided, but then I am not sure if that is public information so…”

 Yeah, understandable. For 'Noita' you've also done a Finnish cover version of Billy Idol's 'Mony, Mony'. How did that come about in conversation?

“Jonne sent us a demo 'How about this one?'  and everyone was like...'hmm..okay..'. Really it’s like everybody knows the song, and wherever we travel, when we tour, we always carry a speaker set with us and we play our favourite music, and Billy Idol is quite often on the playlist so... everybody of course, knows the song. It is rather well known in Finland, not just Billy Idol’s version but also...at least two other Finnish versions of that...and ours, the next one.”

 Brilliant...When it comes to 'Noita', what is it that you personally would want fans to take away with them, once they listened to it? Is there anything in particular that you think might get stuck in their head?

“It's a difficult question, because we don't really think about that kind of thing we just do the albums the way we want, and then, if that stuff we do moves someone, some way, whether its musically or lyrically, or whatever, then we can all be happy about it. As much as I know...about my own way of listening to music and feeling those things, always very personal...like the reasons why you enjoy something are very different, even though they are the same song, but can compare to different things to different people, so I can't really say anything that I would expect people to get out of it.”

 Yeah, definitely. It always varies.

Korpiklaani, has just finished this years European Paganfest tour. What are your memorable moments from it?

“Well… nothing particular. I mean It was a nice tour. Half of the bands were Finnish anyway, so everybody knew each other anyway. I thought about this. People ask for any funny memories on the tour, or any funny stories, and I always say the same thing… When you're on tour you are basically surrounded by similar minded idiots, and you only play an hour and a half in the evening, and the rest of the day you move around with whatever, and there are many, many cases were you are laughing your asses off there, but then when you come home and start saying things to someone else, they just look at you with a blank face and ask 'What was funny about that?' On tour, there's like always something going on. I think its hilarious...and then afterwards when someone asks a question 'what's so funny about it?' and then you start asking the same question from yourself after that like.. ‘Yeah..I actually don't know what was so funny about it, but I remember laughing like an idiot!’ I think that when you have a tour like Paganfest....with 40 plus people touring...there's always someone being an idiot somewhere. It is constant fun.

 Korpiklaani is hitting quite a lot of festivals this year, one of which is Bloodstock festival. Are there any plans for touring the UK in the near future?

“We just toured the UK with Sabaton.”

Yeah, at the end of last year.

“Yeah, It was really nice actually..with Sabaton. I really liked that. I've been to places in the UK that I'd never been before. It was really interesting.”

I saw you play last year in Plymouth with Sabaton and Tyr.

“Yeah one of the places I would have never gone to without that tour. We were playing, in my opinion, too small venues. Sabaton would have filled bigger halls as well...most of those venues were sold out… but it was nice too.”

Understandable. Okay, onto a less serious subject. If Korpiklaani were to feature in a movie, what would be the storyline?

“Hmm...ah...crap...you are difficult...”

(Laughs)

“I have no idea… I think, if you think about how we've always done things... I don't think there would be a story line. There would be just a two hour movie, and every 3 minutes, it would change one scene to another one and they wouldn't be related at all!”   

Just a lot of variety and confusion then?

“Yes exactly. People would just leave the theatre thinking if that was the greatest piece of art they ever saw or just a huge pile stinking of crap!”

If that's the case then it surely would make a lot of people laugh as well.

“Yeah, and cry!”

 

Haha! Who would you say has the worst habits on tour, and what are they?

“Worst habits...Tuomas, the violinist, who doesn't drink, who is a family man, perfectly fine person… never cleans after his shit on the table always leaves...even if the trash can is right next to the table the fucking empty yoghurt can is right there on the table, with the fucking dirty spoon sticking out!”

(laughs)

I'm assuming he does it pretty often then?

“Well... I mean… just one of the things you start wondering on the tour 'Do these people live their lives like this at home as well?' Everything that you've finished or half-finished, you just leave there on the table and expect someone else to clean it away!”

(Laughs)

Haha. Sadly, we’ve run out of time. This has been an very interesting, I've loved it.

“Yeah, perfect. You are happy with us?”

It's been fantastic. I shall leave you to it. Thank you very much.

“Okay, you're welcome. Bye-bye.”

 Interview by Cassandra Irving

This interview was first carried on www.devilsgatemedia.com

And this weekend brings y'all rock and metal in abundance

RIGHT people if you want some hard rock and heavy metal you are spoiled for choice - and are going to have to make some tough choices about what to see and what to sacrifice.

The clashes start on Friday (April 17th) when fundraising event 'Darrenfest' brings together three ass-kicking bands to bring metalheads together in a good cause in the Voodoo, in Fountain Street.

Rabid Bitch of the North, fresh from besieging Limerick (at the Siege of Limerick...) will be headlining. Support comes from one of Satan's favourite bands, Zlatanera, and the doomy stylings of Bad Boat.

Tickets are a mere £5, and there is a raffle with some fantastic prizes.

At the same time in 'The Bar With No Name' on Dublin Road Hexxed will be launching their 'Hidden Graphics' ep with support coming from Continuous Battle of Order. Admission £6.

Now, come Saturday there are more clashes, but before deciding where to go at 21:00 get yourselves along to Limelight2.

Why? Because it is the last heat in the Bloodstock 'Metal 2 The Masses' - your last chance to vote for a band to reach the semi-finals of Northern Ireland heat.

Taking to the stage are four bands: Cursed Sun, Dead Addiction, A Little Bitter and Shrouded. The whole shebang kicks off at 5pm, and for five pounds sterling you get the chance to help decide who goes through to the semi-final. Come along and get voting!

Fresh from exercising your heavy metal franchise (well it is more fun than the General Election!) you are faced with another choice...

In the Pavilion the hard rockin' bluesy act Lo Mejor launch their début CD. Given past live performances it is sure to be a stormer...

But in terms of storms...Skinned will be arriving from the good ol' USofA to bring the noise to the Warzone Centre. Death metal terror will be in support in the shape of Zombified, with Wardomized and The Crawling also on the bill. £10 gets you in - and it's BYO.

Also on Saturday Lower Than Atlantis appear in the Bar Sub, QUBSU, with We Are The Ocean and PVRIS in support. £6 gets you through the door.

Now, by any stretch of the imagination that is one helluva weekend of rock and metal!

LIVE REVIEW: Sweden's Void Moon surprise set earns plaudits with Baleful Creed and Terminus as awesome suupport

SOMETIMES you head along to a gig with expectations held in check; your awareness of the headlining band a little sketchy and wondering what they will deliver. And then you find yourself immersed in the sound, raising a pint and bellowing approval.

Swedish act Void Moon arrived on stage to a little scepticism in Limelight2 on Saturday 11th April, but before that two Northern Ireland acts powered through two great sets.

Southern groove and Sabbath stylings are trademarks of Baleful Creed, and they didn't disappoint. 'Illuminati' caught the mood, but show-stopper 'Autumn Leaves' has a real sense of darkness and catchiness.

The also débuted a new song in the shape of 'God's Fear', which showed the potential for new material. The only downside was that the lack of on-stage interaction among the band on stage. Develop a little more and Baleful Creed can deliver themselves to the next level.

On the other hand Terminus NI have the advantage of James Beattie's focal point on vocals. The sci-fi infused NWOBHM has a smooth, slick feel, but retain an energy and deliver for an audience that is familiar to many in attendance - even if all wonder how bassist Dave McCallum remembers which band he is playing in this week....

Concluding with 'Centaurean', a track that has many singing along - a sure sign that Terminus NI local fanbase is determined to support the band in attending and vocally.

After a strong local showing Void Moon could have been forgiven for being a little bit phased, but with Jonas and Peter looking every part the Viking invaders they clearly are intent on winning over the Belfast audience.

Despite being labelled as a doom act they have a dynamism in their playing, with loads of variety in the sound and approach.

Erika's lead work varied between under-stated excellence and sheer audacity in delivery. Marcus adds fills and thrust behind the kit to keep the whole thing moving along.

Within three songs they had won over the audience - many of whom will be looking forward to their return.

Furthermore they proved to be decent people, appreciative of those who turned out and what more can we ask for, good music, good people and another good night presented by James Loveday's Distortion Project.

Review by Jonny

Pictures by Darren McVeigh (MetalplanetBelfast)

 

 

 

ALBUM REVIEW: Swedish rockers Hardcore Superstar on top form on HCSS

SWEDEN: the birthplace of sexual Liberalism in the 60's and 70's, the home of boiled crayfish and, lest we forget, the country that gave us ABBA.

We love you, Sweden. In fact, we've loved you since '94 when a band of sleazy Swedish rockers started a little outfit known as Hardcore Superstar.

These guys are the Scandinavian champagne of the sleaze-rock scene, always one for the big occasion.

 

Their latest release, HCSS, is a self-confessed return to their roots, with the guys having recently claimed: "What we found out is that the very things that got us together in the first place are the same things that still get us going. So this is nothing less than Hardcore Superstar coming full circle by showing our fans where we come from and what we still believe in!”

The album kicks off with the provocative 'Don't Mean Shit' which undoubtedly has the makings of a very successful live track batting in the big leagues with previous gems such as 'Above the Law' , 'Last Call For Alcohol' and, of course, 'We Don't Celebrate Sundays'.

 

With powerful riffage and a jumping chorus, this song is sure to get some pints fucked in the air.

Contrasting, then, is a unique number titled 'The Cemetary'. Starting with an odd little drumbeat, this song literally screams into an infectious, upbeat punk tune. The feel of the song is very reminiscent of something the Ramones or The Misfits may have come up with, albeit a good bit heavier. The soft whispering in the song's middle provides an effective contrast to the booming backing vocals in the final chorus. Another one meant for the live audience and definitely the album's best for me.

If this record really is a return to roots for Hardcore Superstar then you can almost guarantee they were listening to a little bit of Ozzy Osbourne in the summer of '94. 'Touch the Sky' has very glaring similarities to a certain 'No More Tears'. Opening with a marriage of steady drums and distorted, raunchy bass, the Ozzy-style vocals are there for all to hear. This song really is awesome, though, and does retain an originality that pertains to classic Hardcore Superstar as well as solo Ozzy.

 

The band's range is evident throughout this album with juxtaposition of 'softer' tracks such as 'The Ocean' with your Saturday night staples like 'Party Til I'm Gone'.

This album, after the very first listen, is synonymous with everything we associate with Hardcore Superstar. Sandvik and Andreasson remain the power couple where that driving rhythm is concerned.

Zino's dirty, sleazy lead guitar licks are as prevalent as ever on this album while Berg's trademark vocals remain undiminished, yet demonstrative of a range we may not have previously been aware of.

HCSS is, without any shadow of doubt, a must-own for any Hardcore Superstar fan or, indeed, the more adventurous fan of the hard rock genre.

 

This album merely confirms what we all already knew: Sweden, and Hardcore Superstar, Rocks.

 

Review by Phil Bailie

 

ALBUM REVIEW: Nightrage fail to live up to expectations on The Puritan

When Nightrage released their first album 'Sweet Vengenge' I fell in love with the album. Then Toman Lindburg was on vocals, but since his departure, after 'Descent Into Chaos', I stopped listening to them.

Since then the band have struggled to maintain a stable lineup, none more so than in the vocal department. I was excited at the thought of the new album, but sadly was disappointed.

It's just not the same and not as good. Latest to step up to the mic (their fourth), on this their sixth album, is Ronnie Nyman and, while he does a perfectly decent job, much like the band as a whole, decent is all it is.

Gone is anything that truly made Nightrage standout and as such they have become nothing more than an average band, hard to separate from the rest of the pack.

'The Puritan' does have some moments of real quality with "When Gold Turns To Rust" being the most obvious, and in truth, there is nothing really wrong with 'The Puritan', it is a good album, but not one you would ever say was memorable.

Nightrage used to be a very good band, but with several lineup changes it's hard to maintain that quality.

'The Puritan' is a good album and worth listening to, it's just not as good as could be expected.

Review by Rebecca Livingstone

 

 

LIVE REVIEW: Hateful violence that was such fun with Stand With Heretics, Basement Torture Killings and Abaddon Incarnate

SOMETIMES the most deathly of deathly things are funny as fuck. But it only works if the performers play their odes of gore with a straight face. And, they are serious about what they are doing...

Which is a prelude to our ruminations and reflections of a night of pure unadulterated metal delivered courtesy of Grindscene Records in Belfast's Warzone Centre.

Opening up proceedings, Stand With Heretics brought the ferocity to the event with an almost unique blending of early Pantera and death metal.

While the influences of Dimebage and Alsemo were clear the more deathly elements of the likes of early Decapitated edging in amongst the groove to the edginess. Nice opening to the evening from Downpatrick's Stand With Heretics.

There is such a thing as putting on a show...yes, we know a lot of bands tend to forget that. Not so Basement Torture Killings.

From down-to-earth guys beforehand to ominous-looking serial killer looks BTK came on with attitude. Styling a Butcher's smock? Check. Evil doctor? Check. Blood soaked shirt? Check.

On one level the band could be seen as a dark comedy act with the outfits and songs such as 'Severed Head Fellatio' it could be seen that their brand of murder metal is a pastiche of silliness.

It would all fall apart if the music was shit; but it isn't. It's as precise as a scalpel cutting into flesh; from the rhythm through to searing leads and growls that would have Satan cowering in the corner in fear.

Dublin's Abaddon Incarnate rounded up the evening with a ferocious set that shows not only their experience but their ongoing development and poise.

The twin guitars work with delicious deathly attack, full of fight and filled with some delicious riffage and solos.

There was a real sense of purpose about Abaddon Incarnate. No matter the setting they seem to the rises up to any challenge. We really are now looking forward to their set at Monsters of Rot V in August.

Grindscene and Pete are to be congratulated for bringing the Pessimist Tour to Belfast - it was enjoyable in the darkest of senses!

Review by Jonny

 

ALBUM REVIEW: Heroic return by Kiske/Somerville on City of Heroes

WHEN the first Kiske/Somerville album was released in 2010, the album received critical acclaim and massive fan support.

 

Five years later 'City Of Heroes' appears, and it blows the previous album away.

 

Mat Sinner produced the first record and produced the 'City Of Heroes' album. Magnus Karlsson is back as well, with amazing songwriting and guitar skills.

The tracks are mostly Melodic Metal with some symphonic elements. Think 'Nightwish' with a

classical twist.

The songs are catchy and full of energy, especially opening track 'City Of Heroes'.

The two vocalists harmonise beautifully and work perfectly together. Amanda has an

outstanding and warm voice and she is always present on this album. Michael Kiske's voice is epic and an amazing vocal range throughout. There is way more of Amanda's voice,

especially in the chorus's.

The record is full of catchy tunes. Like the title track 'City Of Heroes'.: it is an amazing opening song; you'll find yourself singing along by the time the second chorus hits.

 

'Rising Up' is a bit heavier, but still just as good with an 80s feel, while 'Open Your Eyes' is a beautiful song and is sure to be a hit, with melodic guitar work as well as the vocals. 'Right Now' is the final track on the album, and what a song to end with. It's beautifully perfect in every way.

Production wise, the album was perfectly arranged. Keyboards are more present this time,

which gives the album a more melodic classical feel. This is one hell of an outstanding album
with great work from everyone involved.

It is an album that was well worth the wait, although hopefully we don't have to wait as long for the

next one.

Review by Rebecca Livingstone

 

Four days of fear, loathing and loudness...

FOR those tender souls who sit in their houses consumed by the mind-numbing outpourings on television...all of us should take a moment to reflect on their blighted existence, an existence cursed by brains befogged by the puss oozing from the maggot-ridden so-called entertainers' and the zombie-like pronouncements of politicians peddling their pre-election promises.


We shall pity them as we get set for four days of the best extreme metal and hard rock can throw in our willing faces and aural tracts - there's even a double-header of tribute acts included .


Now, when you think tweed and wooly jumpers the word association with death metal, even less so murder metal does not immediately spring to mind. But should you meander your way along to the Warzone Centre tonight (Thursday 9th April) you could find that word association fits.


Playing alongside headliners Abaddon Incarnate are Basement Torture Killings, a band not renowned for power ballads - unless it is a power tool being brought down on human flesh and the ballad is played at 100mph.

With song titles like 'Gore Bukkake' and 'Severed Head Fellatio' you can imagine that One Direction will not be bidding to do a cover version of a BTK track - although they could try 'Cut, Drained and Disposed'...


Abaddon Incarnate are headlining the show making it a perfect chance to check out the Dublin grindcore crew before their appearance at Monsters of Rot V.


Opening the proceedings for this Grindscene Records presentation are Stand With Heretics. Oh Daith,  who were originally scheduled to play have withdrawn, and at the time of writing no replacement had been announced. But with three bands of this caliber for a measly five of your pounds sterling what else are you going to do on a Thursday night?


If Thursday night is the unofficial start to the weekend, then Friday night is when it properly kicks off.


And in the middle of a three-band line-up is another act not averse to horror, the tribute act Alike Cooper, who will be bringing Vincent Furnier's alter ego's nightmares to Limelight1.


Opening the proceedings will be Maverick, fresh from taking on the metal at Siege of Limerick and winning!


Headliners, Hotter Than Hell will be bringing their fire and brimstone take on Kiss to the stage - a worthy way to end Friday. Tickets are £12 and available at the door for this Distortion Project presentation.


James' Distortion Project never sits still. On Saturday there will once more be a convening of the loyal at Limelight2 for Mr Loveday's regular 5-9 slot. This time Swedish doomsters Void Moon are topping the bill.


Support comes with added groove in the shape of Baleful Creed and NWOBHM stylings courtesy of Terminus (NI). Part with £6 and entry shall be permitted...


If by the end of Saturday night you feel exhausted you may get well rested for Sunday at the Voodoo.


Because you better be ready to perform the 'Crabulon'! Yes in another Distortion Project presentation Evil Scarecrow will be bringing their own flavor or metal madness to Belfast. And, we should all remember that no matter what flavor of rock/metal it is, you do not need permission to have fun.


Opening proceedings are thrashers Wardomized and dark metal from Katabolisis. To enter this feast of fun you'll have to part with £10.

ALBUM REVIEW: Falconer go back in time to refresh their self-titled début

WHEN you are not in the premier league of metal the thorny issue of re-releases can seem like an indulgence, something to be avoided. However, Swedish act Falconer have managed to avoid the trap and achieve something of a coup with the forthcoming re-issue of their first release.

Given that the band are supposedly about to quit the live circuit it is timely that they re-visit the album - and add in loads of bonuses so at least by the time they arrive in Atlanta for their allegedly final show fans will be able to claim to have the definitive collection.

Last year's release of 'Black Moon Rising' was a considerable step up for the band - and this re-release is definitely a risk.

However, having Andy LaRoque in charge of remastering breathes new life into tracks such as 'MindTraveller', Wings of Serenity' and 'Royal Galley'. Now they have the 'brightness' and separation to make them leap from the speakers..

However, the song 'Per Tyrssons Do╠êttrar I Va╠ênge' really showcases the band's merging of power metal, pagan metal and traditional folk. Excellent.

The bonus tracks are were this release comes into its own. The acoustic versions of 'Royal Galley' and 'Wings of Serenity' pop from the speakers with real vigour. Even the demo versions of 'Lord of the Blacksmiths' and 'Entering Eternity' seem justified additions.

Metal Blade are badging this as the 'Ultimate Edition' and while we argue that no band can produce an 'UItimate Edition' this is a luscious package.

The "Ultimate Edition" will be available as a double CD Digibook. Disc 2 is a bonus CD that features seven previously unreleased versions and demos of tracks from the album. The album will also be released on vinyl (Europe ONLY!) for the first time ever.

Guitarist Stefan Weinerhall explained some of the rationale:

"Re-releasing our debut album in a remastered version is a great kind of interlude while we do our last gigs as a live band", he said. "On top of that we offer our fans to finally hear the demo we did back in 1999, something very few people have heard.

"We also decided to re-record three songs from the debut in acoustic, very scaled down versions. It really got the songs to shine in a new kind of way. So about 35 minutes of unheard Falconer music in both exclusive CD and vinyl versions!"

Is it a good thing to re-twiddle and fuck about with tracks that have been firmly embedded in the psyche of Falconer fans? Ultimately they will be the ones to make up their minds, but the only we can explain our view is to say that we've been listening to the acoustic version of 'Mindtraveller' on repeat for some time now...

Falconer - Ultimate Edition is released on Metal Blade on 21st April 2015

Review by Jonny