Make a date for old school this coming Sunday when classic NWOBHM comes to town, thanks to the Distortion Project team...Denim and Leather etc will be aired by Saxon founder member, Oliver Dawson...with support from A Little Bitter and Soloway. Hell, at least it's another chance to see ALB!
On a personal note the last time I saw Saxon I was still at school (doing 'O' Level Maths the same day...) and they played at the now closed Maysfield Leisure Centre. Missed 'Saxon' when they played here last (although after hearing what a dick Biff was to a friend not that sorry I did!)
Anyhows, here's the official blurb...
Oliver/Dawson Saxon will play The Spring and Airbrake, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast on Sunday 27th July. Support comes from A Little Bitter and Soloway. Doors on the day are at 7.30pm, and tickets (£12) are available from Ticketmaster.ie, www.geturticket.com, Katy Dalys and Zavvi (Virgin)
Saxon is one of the founders of the heavy rock/heavy metal genre. The band evolved in the early 1980,s from Son of a Bitch (SOB) – founded by Graham Oliver and Steve Dawson near Sheffield, UK. Now performing as OLIVER DAWSON SAXON (ODS) the original sound and perspective of the band has been developed further with the arrival of best mate of Guns n Roses’ Slash – ‘Wardi’ John Ward – on vocals. Saxon produced over 17 full albums in their career from which numerous hit singles were released. The original SOB song, Wheels of Steel, set down a marker from which much of the band’s song writing stemmed. Nowadays, ODS performs the newer and also the older classic compositions such as Denim & Leather, Dallas 1PM, Crusader, 747 (Strangers in the Night), Frozen Rainbows etc in a more contemporary heavy style.
http://www.thedistortionproject.com
http://www.myspace.com/distortionproject
http://www.oliver-dawson-saxon.com/
http://www.myspace.com/httpwwwmyspacecomods (Oliver Dawson Myspace site)
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
'Love, Blood, Family, You' amidst the shops
Somehow Belfast's flagship shopping centre didn't know what hit it on Friday, 18th July. Amidst the designer brands, fashionistas and chic shops a cacophony of hard edged rocking rattled the rafters of the architecture as Escape Fails ripped into an hour-long set to launch their début Cd.
All bar one track off Love, Blood, Family, You was aired for a crowd of family, friends, fans..and some stragglers who wandered unexpectedly to a congenially noisy set.
Banter about the price of the CD (in case anyone forgot...£6!) proved unnecessary as they fairly shifted off the shelves...helped no doubt by a confident airing.
Management asked, at one point, politely if EF could turn it down...well they did. A wee bit.
From album opener through to Wall the EF team may as well have been playing a stadium as they displayed a well-honed confidence in the limited space.
Played in CD running order (even if Ryan had to be reminded of the what song came where at least once!) the set may have been constrained by time and venue but EF maintained intensity.
Brighten the Blackest Sky, In the Arms of the Storm, Obsession and Wall particularly stood out when aired.
But overall, what was apparent was the album's running order made sense when played as a coherent entity.
Although CD closer Flarestar was left out - as explained by Ryan it's a personal, special song for the band - Love, Blood, Family, You's launch emphasised the heights EF can rise to, and judging from these beginnings they are starting to scale what could be heady heights.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Power and Angst on 'Love, Blood, Family, You'
AT this moment in time there is a burgeoning Northern Ireland rock and metal scene, with more and more bands maturing to a point where they are on the cusp of excellence.
Latest to enter the fray of CD releases is Escape Fails. On July 18th (Friday) they release their début ‘Love, Blood, Family, You’.
Escape Fails have already proven their fervour on the live front, but translating that intensity from a sweat-soaked stage to a platter you can listen to in the comfort of your own living room or to pin yer ears back in the car is always a challenge.
Thankfully EF have managed to largely meet that challenge with a consummate display of songwriting and performance.
At times EF steer a risky path between the metalcore of 36 Crazyfists and post- hardcore á la Fightstar. Throw in a healthy appreciation of power-pop sensibilities and it is a heady mix to try and distil on to a 10-track CD.
Opener ‘Bring Me Down’ is where EF show that they can match riffage with the subtlety. It kicks off with a guitar assault but segues into melody with poise.
‘First to Fall’s hook heavy guitar lines scream single, before ‘In the Arms of a Storm’ swaggers like Killswitch Engage and ‘Crazyfists’ in a drunken brawl about a failed romance outside a Belfast pub.
And here lies in the strength of the album. EF’s influences are clear and present for all to see. They neither hide them nor flaunt them. Rather they incorporate, assimilate those influences and produce a unique blend.
Sometimes that gets a little lost in the cacophony, such as in the all out assault of ‘Dancing in the Fallout’, which doffs a cap at too many other post-hardcore acts in an otherwise excellent work-out. It’s one of the few times the production and arrangement let the proverbial side down, but most newcomers to EF will neither know nor care!
What EF do well here is meld sounds, subtleties that have too often been lost on stage emerge stronger. From the well-arranged ‘Wall’ (familiar already to visitors to their Myspace site) through the poignant ‘Death of Jane Doe’ there is a better appreciation that by matching the arrangement with the lyrical story and the disparate musical parts you can produce a stronger song.
Nowhere is this more evident that on album-closer ‘Flarestar’. Here EF have managed to sum up the tale they tell.
Yes, there are some who will accuse them of singing of the angst of relationships and the hazards of the heart. There is no sense here of bleating, no sense of singing about problems amidst a background of cheery melodies and business-manufactured hairstyles.
As on ‘Brighten the Blackest Sky’s furious chorus scream, ‘Fallstar’ deploys the right tool at the right time. Power can be delivered in clean guitar picking as much as in distorted wailing axes and screamed lyrics.
The entire Escape Fails crew seem to have discovered the ability on ‘Love, Blood, Family and You’ to make sure that power can express angst and that sometimes the angst can best be exorcised with healthy dose of guitar.
Overall a damn fine first foray in the ‘proper’ recorded medium, but as this is after all primarily a metal site, one quick recommendation…more guitar solos please!
Remember – Escape Fails launch the CD at ZAVVI, Victoria Square, Belfast on July 18th at 6pm, with a live performance of tracks that will shake the rafters of the dome and shock more than a few of the permed and preened House of Fraser clientele. Should be a corker!
Latest to enter the fray of CD releases is Escape Fails. On July 18th (Friday) they release their début ‘Love, Blood, Family, You’.
Escape Fails have already proven their fervour on the live front, but translating that intensity from a sweat-soaked stage to a platter you can listen to in the comfort of your own living room or to pin yer ears back in the car is always a challenge.
Thankfully EF have managed to largely meet that challenge with a consummate display of songwriting and performance.
At times EF steer a risky path between the metalcore of 36 Crazyfists and post- hardcore á la Fightstar. Throw in a healthy appreciation of power-pop sensibilities and it is a heady mix to try and distil on to a 10-track CD.
Opener ‘Bring Me Down’ is where EF show that they can match riffage with the subtlety. It kicks off with a guitar assault but segues into melody with poise.
‘First to Fall’s hook heavy guitar lines scream single, before ‘In the Arms of a Storm’ swaggers like Killswitch Engage and ‘Crazyfists’ in a drunken brawl about a failed romance outside a Belfast pub.
And here lies in the strength of the album. EF’s influences are clear and present for all to see. They neither hide them nor flaunt them. Rather they incorporate, assimilate those influences and produce a unique blend.
Sometimes that gets a little lost in the cacophony, such as in the all out assault of ‘Dancing in the Fallout’, which doffs a cap at too many other post-hardcore acts in an otherwise excellent work-out. It’s one of the few times the production and arrangement let the proverbial side down, but most newcomers to EF will neither know nor care!
What EF do well here is meld sounds, subtleties that have too often been lost on stage emerge stronger. From the well-arranged ‘Wall’ (familiar already to visitors to their Myspace site) through the poignant ‘Death of Jane Doe’ there is a better appreciation that by matching the arrangement with the lyrical story and the disparate musical parts you can produce a stronger song.
Nowhere is this more evident that on album-closer ‘Flarestar’. Here EF have managed to sum up the tale they tell.
Yes, there are some who will accuse them of singing of the angst of relationships and the hazards of the heart. There is no sense here of bleating, no sense of singing about problems amidst a background of cheery melodies and business-manufactured hairstyles.
As on ‘Brighten the Blackest Sky’s furious chorus scream, ‘Fallstar’ deploys the right tool at the right time. Power can be delivered in clean guitar picking as much as in distorted wailing axes and screamed lyrics.
The entire Escape Fails crew seem to have discovered the ability on ‘Love, Blood, Family and You’ to make sure that power can express angst and that sometimes the angst can best be exorcised with healthy dose of guitar.
Overall a damn fine first foray in the ‘proper’ recorded medium, but as this is after all primarily a metal site, one quick recommendation…more guitar solos please!
Remember – Escape Fails launch the CD at ZAVVI, Victoria Square, Belfast on July 18th at 6pm, with a live performance of tracks that will shake the rafters of the dome and shock more than a few of the permed and preened House of Fraser clientele. Should be a corker!
'Force video
If you didn't know by now Dragonforce are coming back to Belfast in October with the mighty Turisas. As a taster here's the 'Force's latest video, for 'Heroes of Our Time' off their forthcoming August release platter...
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Two nights of RAWK 'N' Roll
Fasten yer seatbelts for two nights of rawk 'n' roll mayhem!
Tomorrow (Tuesday) Arnocorps touch down in the Black Box to lay down their Schwarzenegger inspired vibes (piss-take or genius...you decide). Support comes from highly rated thrashers Gama Bomb (their new album with Earache well worth a listen!), relaible noiseniks Hand of Death and Escape Fails. EF are about to launch their debut album...and from early listens it's set to be bring the EF guys to a new level.
Once you've recovered your breath from that...head off to the Spring and Airbrake on Wednesday night for the rock and blues geeeeetaaarrrr of Joe Bonamassa. Ok, it ain't exactly metal, but if you wannna learn the licks you gotta see where the tricks come from. Bonamassa has an unerring ear for combining the best of blues with the attitude of hard rock. While there are shredders by the dozen Bonamassa has a feel for mixing technique with style and a lyricism. With Kevin Shirley at the helm of his latest release Sloe Gin he has produced a landmark of rock and blues fusion. Check out his versions of John Martin's Jelly Roll and Paul Rogers' Seagull for evidence!
Tomorrow (Tuesday) Arnocorps touch down in the Black Box to lay down their Schwarzenegger inspired vibes (piss-take or genius...you decide). Support comes from highly rated thrashers Gama Bomb (their new album with Earache well worth a listen!), relaible noiseniks Hand of Death and Escape Fails. EF are about to launch their debut album...and from early listens it's set to be bring the EF guys to a new level.
Once you've recovered your breath from that...head off to the Spring and Airbrake on Wednesday night for the rock and blues geeeeetaaarrrr of Joe Bonamassa. Ok, it ain't exactly metal, but if you wannna learn the licks you gotta see where the tricks come from. Bonamassa has an unerring ear for combining the best of blues with the attitude of hard rock. While there are shredders by the dozen Bonamassa has a feel for mixing technique with style and a lyricism. With Kevin Shirley at the helm of his latest release Sloe Gin he has produced a landmark of rock and blues fusion. Check out his versions of John Martin's Jelly Roll and Paul Rogers' Seagull for evidence!
Friday, July 04, 2008
Landmines and Dixie
Hayseed Dixie - for those who have been living in a closet for the past decade - is a band described as "A Hillybilly tribute to AC/DC." The band performs cover versions of hard rock songs in a style that is a cross between bluegrass and rock, which some have termed rockgrass.
The band's name is a play on the name AC/DC. The band will play the Spring & Airbrake on Sunday 31st August - when they'll be bringing their own original material to the stage, along with their unique take on rock and metal through the years.
A quick word from their frontman...
Barley Scotch In His Own Words
"I’m Barley Scotch, singer and guitar player of Hayseed Dixie, and I’m here to tell you about our new record that we’re calling “No Covers” and that the record label is supposed to be releasing on February 18, 2008. If you don’t have one, you need to call up Joolz, our publicist person.
"The whole thing started when I was sitting on an airplane from somewhere to somewhere else (we fly around a LOT – see the previous “industry standard press release”). I was just finishing up a Mark Thomas book and I happened to have the interesting fortune of sitting beside a nice 60+ year old businessman-looking fellow who turned out to be an American arms dealer.
"We got to talking about guns and stuff and he whooped out his catalog. Somewhere around page 20-something I got to the M-16 Anti-Personnel Mine, nicknamed the Bouncing Betty. Hell, there was a studio picture of it backed by crushed velvet! It turns out there are thousands of these little honeys just waiting for the right man to come along scattered all around the nastier parts of the world.
"So I asked the fellow … was there a decent chance that if I had gotten off my motorcycle when I was riding through Bosnia and ignored the “Beware of Land Mines” signs everywhere and walked out into the field, and one of these Bettys bounced up and “rendered me nonviable” (the catalog’s words), it might have said “Made in Springfield, Missouri” on the bottom of it?
"He took the catalog back and quit talking to me and I ran into the airplane toilet and wrote the words to the song Bouncing Betty Boogie on a handful of toilet roll.
"And that’s how all the words to all of the songs came – personal experiences and talking to people during the 2007 world tour. When you travel every single day for months on end, you meet yourself some real characters.
"The music was inspired a lot by all the bands we played with at festivals and who supported us on our own gigs. Every one of them had drums and electric guitars, and we got to thinking that it would be a hell of a lot of fun to crank up a Les Paul and pound some drums on about half of the songs - we’ve always been a rock band, just using acoustic instruments.
"Why not get REALLY loud this time? We’re really excited about the record and we think we stayed true to our roots while also moving ahead and growing musically.
"And by the way, if you’re gonna sell the damn promo CD you got with this to a used record place, at least have the decency to wait until after it’s actually been released.
"You may think the record is crap, and I frankly don’t give a damn what your personal opinion is about it, but if you sandbag us at retail you’re just an asshole and if I find out about it I’ll give you an East Tennessee asswhooping.
John Wheeler (credited as Barley Scotch) –vocals, guitar, fiddle, founding member
Don Wayne Reno – Banjo
Dale Reno – mandolin
Jake Byers – bass
The band's name is a play on the name AC/DC. The band will play the Spring & Airbrake on Sunday 31st August - when they'll be bringing their own original material to the stage, along with their unique take on rock and metal through the years.
A quick word from their frontman...
Barley Scotch In His Own Words
"I’m Barley Scotch, singer and guitar player of Hayseed Dixie, and I’m here to tell you about our new record that we’re calling “No Covers” and that the record label is supposed to be releasing on February 18, 2008. If you don’t have one, you need to call up Joolz, our publicist person.
"The whole thing started when I was sitting on an airplane from somewhere to somewhere else (we fly around a LOT – see the previous “industry standard press release”). I was just finishing up a Mark Thomas book and I happened to have the interesting fortune of sitting beside a nice 60+ year old businessman-looking fellow who turned out to be an American arms dealer.
"We got to talking about guns and stuff and he whooped out his catalog. Somewhere around page 20-something I got to the M-16 Anti-Personnel Mine, nicknamed the Bouncing Betty. Hell, there was a studio picture of it backed by crushed velvet! It turns out there are thousands of these little honeys just waiting for the right man to come along scattered all around the nastier parts of the world.
"So I asked the fellow … was there a decent chance that if I had gotten off my motorcycle when I was riding through Bosnia and ignored the “Beware of Land Mines” signs everywhere and walked out into the field, and one of these Bettys bounced up and “rendered me nonviable” (the catalog’s words), it might have said “Made in Springfield, Missouri” on the bottom of it?
"He took the catalog back and quit talking to me and I ran into the airplane toilet and wrote the words to the song Bouncing Betty Boogie on a handful of toilet roll.
"And that’s how all the words to all of the songs came – personal experiences and talking to people during the 2007 world tour. When you travel every single day for months on end, you meet yourself some real characters.
"The music was inspired a lot by all the bands we played with at festivals and who supported us on our own gigs. Every one of them had drums and electric guitars, and we got to thinking that it would be a hell of a lot of fun to crank up a Les Paul and pound some drums on about half of the songs - we’ve always been a rock band, just using acoustic instruments.
"Why not get REALLY loud this time? We’re really excited about the record and we think we stayed true to our roots while also moving ahead and growing musically.
"And by the way, if you’re gonna sell the damn promo CD you got with this to a used record place, at least have the decency to wait until after it’s actually been released.
"You may think the record is crap, and I frankly don’t give a damn what your personal opinion is about it, but if you sandbag us at retail you’re just an asshole and if I find out about it I’ll give you an East Tennessee asswhooping.
John Wheeler (credited as Barley Scotch) –vocals, guitar, fiddle, founding member
Don Wayne Reno – Banjo
Dale Reno – mandolin
Jake Byers – bass
Funereal support
It won't be wake when Funeral for A Friend play Belfast in October...as well as local hopefuls In Case of Fire playing support Cancer Bats will be on the line-up. All together now...HAIL DESTROYER!
Thursday, July 03, 2008
FFAF at S&A
Funeral For A Friend have confirmed another visit to Belfast. The Welsh five piece play on October 15th at the Spring and Airbrake, tickets £15.
Here's the blurb courtesy of Dino and the team at CDC Leisure, which captures the mood of the band when they released their last album, and just before their last Belfast date, at which it has to be said they emerged from teeny emo, screamo widdliness into a proper hard rock act. Come October, hopefully that transition will be complete!
In any life, the end of adolescence and the coming to terms with adulthood is a cataclysmic time. But imagine vaulting that hurdle while a member of a rock n roll group skyrocketing their way to fame, living through and adjusting to these changes in the public spotlight.
Imagine trying to learn from your mistakes with an ever-growing army of rabid fans hanging on your every gesture, attempting to ride out both the emotional tsunami and some truly life-altering experiences.
Since their inception just three years ago, gale-force Welsh rockers Funeral For A Friend have experienced more extraordinary highs and lows than most people will go though in their entire existence.
In the UK, the band have been nothing less than a phenomenon, scoring three Top 20 singles, a gold-certified debut album, headlining the second stage of the world famous Reading/Leeds Festival and winning Kerrang!'s Best Newcomer award.
In the States, the band has received reams of critical praise while growing their ever-increasing fanbase via tours alongside such like-minded outfits as Linkin Park, Taking Back Sunday, Coheed & Cambria, From Autumn To Ashes and Atreyu.
All of which can be quite a headfuck, especially if you factor in the twenty-something tumult as well."HOURS," Funeral For A Friend's eagerly anticipated second Atlantic Records release, tells the story of that headfuck, passionately essaying the vulnerability of young adulthood via such potent tracks as the album's first single, "Streetcar."
Following on the heels of 2003's breakthrough label debut, "CASUALLY DRESSED & DEEP IN CONVERSATION," Funeral For A Friend have carefully cast a sound by turns heavier and softer than before, with the band's dual impulses for metallic riffage and melodic bloom no longer at odds with each other.
"We wanted to make a record that had no sense of compromise," adds guitarist Kris Coombs-Roberts. "Something people would either really love or hate, that no one would feel "wishy-washy" about. There's no middle ground."For this purpose, the band left their native South Wales for Seattle, Washington, where they lived for two months recording "HOURS" with renowned hard rock producer Terry Date (famed for his work with Soundgarden, Pantera and Deftones among others).
The two months of sessions working at both the legendary Bad Animals studio, and Pearl Jam's own, personally built studio was the longest the band had stayed in one place for as long as they could remember.
They put down roots as deep as they could, digging inside of themselves for the music that would make up "HOURS.""To be honest, we didn't see all that much of Seattle," drummer Ryan Richards notes.
"We were so excited about the process of making the record, we stayed in the studios most days and nights.""We knew we had to make a landmark record," adds bassist Gareth Davies.
"It had to be better than anything we'd done before."While the band was rightly proud of the acclaimed "CASUALLY DRESSED & DEEP IN CONVERSATION," they nonetheless viewed it as somewhat compromised, compiling previously released singles and only a handful of new tracks.
They were determined that "HOURS" would be a proper album of pace, structure, mood and sentiment. It would reflect the distance Funeral For A Friend had come as both musicians and as songwriters.
The bludgeoning hardcore assault was finessed, strengthened; the melodies were stronger, stickier, nagging and unforgettable. Matt Davies' lyric sheet rang the changes further: deeper, darker, more mature, his words navigating the same emotional icebergs he and the band had encountered over the past year.
"The album is all about the idea that nobody's perfect, "he reflects, "That perfection doesn't exist. That nothing is that well-built."
Though Funeral For A Friend is a true group, stronger than the sum of their parts, it was Matt in particular who felt the pressures of the preceding months. As the group's focal point, he became the fulcrum and sustained the deepest wounds, learned the hardest lessons, on behalf of the band.
There were points where his voice suffered, where his health as a whole suffered. There was a stay in the hospital."My body was shutting down," Davies recalls. "was skeletal, fucked up. I thought, "All this pain, should I just go away? Should I just croak it?" But then I realized I've got a lot of things to look forward to. I've got to get better, get my ass moving!"Those feelings inform "HOURS," from its deeply personal lyrics to its emotionally charged sonic power. While "Monster's Ball" and "At The End Of Nothing" are fraught with a ferocious ferocity that is, quite frankly, breathtaking in its force and fervor, songs like "Recovery" and "Hospitality" showcase the band's melodic depth and mounting maturity.
Working with the skilled Terry Date enabled FFAF to capture their gifts for multi-faceted songcraft while polishing the diamond-precise crunch of their pulverizing live performances.
"People are going that the emo-screamo tag that was put on us really doesn't fit," points out guitarist Darran Smith.
"That's not what we are. We're a rock band, and with the diversity of this album, we show that there are a lot more strings to our bow."The heartfelt noise of "HOURS" makes it plain that, for Funeral For A Friend, their hard won experiences has endowed the band with a strength and self-confidence that will see them through the triumphs and the trials of the rest of their lives. Funeral For A Friend has grown up, and it suits them fine.
www.ffaf.co.uk/
www.myspace.com/funeralforafriend
Here's the blurb courtesy of Dino and the team at CDC Leisure, which captures the mood of the band when they released their last album, and just before their last Belfast date, at which it has to be said they emerged from teeny emo, screamo widdliness into a proper hard rock act. Come October, hopefully that transition will be complete!
In any life, the end of adolescence and the coming to terms with adulthood is a cataclysmic time. But imagine vaulting that hurdle while a member of a rock n roll group skyrocketing their way to fame, living through and adjusting to these changes in the public spotlight.
Imagine trying to learn from your mistakes with an ever-growing army of rabid fans hanging on your every gesture, attempting to ride out both the emotional tsunami and some truly life-altering experiences.
Since their inception just three years ago, gale-force Welsh rockers Funeral For A Friend have experienced more extraordinary highs and lows than most people will go though in their entire existence.
In the UK, the band have been nothing less than a phenomenon, scoring three Top 20 singles, a gold-certified debut album, headlining the second stage of the world famous Reading/Leeds Festival and winning Kerrang!'s Best Newcomer award.
In the States, the band has received reams of critical praise while growing their ever-increasing fanbase via tours alongside such like-minded outfits as Linkin Park, Taking Back Sunday, Coheed & Cambria, From Autumn To Ashes and Atreyu.
All of which can be quite a headfuck, especially if you factor in the twenty-something tumult as well."HOURS," Funeral For A Friend's eagerly anticipated second Atlantic Records release, tells the story of that headfuck, passionately essaying the vulnerability of young adulthood via such potent tracks as the album's first single, "Streetcar."
Following on the heels of 2003's breakthrough label debut, "CASUALLY DRESSED & DEEP IN CONVERSATION," Funeral For A Friend have carefully cast a sound by turns heavier and softer than before, with the band's dual impulses for metallic riffage and melodic bloom no longer at odds with each other.
"We wanted to make a record that had no sense of compromise," adds guitarist Kris Coombs-Roberts. "Something people would either really love or hate, that no one would feel "wishy-washy" about. There's no middle ground."For this purpose, the band left their native South Wales for Seattle, Washington, where they lived for two months recording "HOURS" with renowned hard rock producer Terry Date (famed for his work with Soundgarden, Pantera and Deftones among others).
The two months of sessions working at both the legendary Bad Animals studio, and Pearl Jam's own, personally built studio was the longest the band had stayed in one place for as long as they could remember.
They put down roots as deep as they could, digging inside of themselves for the music that would make up "HOURS.""To be honest, we didn't see all that much of Seattle," drummer Ryan Richards notes.
"We were so excited about the process of making the record, we stayed in the studios most days and nights.""We knew we had to make a landmark record," adds bassist Gareth Davies.
"It had to be better than anything we'd done before."While the band was rightly proud of the acclaimed "CASUALLY DRESSED & DEEP IN CONVERSATION," they nonetheless viewed it as somewhat compromised, compiling previously released singles and only a handful of new tracks.
They were determined that "HOURS" would be a proper album of pace, structure, mood and sentiment. It would reflect the distance Funeral For A Friend had come as both musicians and as songwriters.
The bludgeoning hardcore assault was finessed, strengthened; the melodies were stronger, stickier, nagging and unforgettable. Matt Davies' lyric sheet rang the changes further: deeper, darker, more mature, his words navigating the same emotional icebergs he and the band had encountered over the past year.
"The album is all about the idea that nobody's perfect, "he reflects, "That perfection doesn't exist. That nothing is that well-built."
Though Funeral For A Friend is a true group, stronger than the sum of their parts, it was Matt in particular who felt the pressures of the preceding months. As the group's focal point, he became the fulcrum and sustained the deepest wounds, learned the hardest lessons, on behalf of the band.
There were points where his voice suffered, where his health as a whole suffered. There was a stay in the hospital."My body was shutting down," Davies recalls. "was skeletal, fucked up. I thought, "All this pain, should I just go away? Should I just croak it?" But then I realized I've got a lot of things to look forward to. I've got to get better, get my ass moving!"Those feelings inform "HOURS," from its deeply personal lyrics to its emotionally charged sonic power. While "Monster's Ball" and "At The End Of Nothing" are fraught with a ferocious ferocity that is, quite frankly, breathtaking in its force and fervor, songs like "Recovery" and "Hospitality" showcase the band's melodic depth and mounting maturity.
Working with the skilled Terry Date enabled FFAF to capture their gifts for multi-faceted songcraft while polishing the diamond-precise crunch of their pulverizing live performances.
"People are going that the emo-screamo tag that was put on us really doesn't fit," points out guitarist Darran Smith.
"That's not what we are. We're a rock band, and with the diversity of this album, we show that there are a lot more strings to our bow."The heartfelt noise of "HOURS" makes it plain that, for Funeral For A Friend, their hard won experiences has endowed the band with a strength and self-confidence that will see them through the triumphs and the trials of the rest of their lives. Funeral For A Friend has grown up, and it suits them fine.
www.ffaf.co.uk/
www.myspace.com/funeralforafriend
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Honour? Chaos? Folk Metal?Must Be Waylander
Irish folk metal warriors Waylander will be bringing their unique take on folk tales to the Darkened Halls of Metal (well The Limelight at least!) on 8th August.
While many wait for Turisas's appearance with Dragonforce in the month of Samhain (October that would be) Waylander give the Finnish Battle Trolls a serious run for their money on latest release (at least from the tracks posted to date on their My Space) Honour Amongst Chaos.
The platter touches down on 7th July according to their site...though why release it on a Sunday? But then again why not when Pagan tradition has Saturday the night of feasting etc, and modern tradition has Sunday the day for shopping...with the nice civilised time of opening at 1pm, when the hangover has abated somewhat!
While many wait for Turisas's appearance with Dragonforce in the month of Samhain (October that would be) Waylander give the Finnish Battle Trolls a serious run for their money on latest release (at least from the tracks posted to date on their My Space) Honour Amongst Chaos.
The platter touches down on 7th July according to their site...though why release it on a Sunday? But then again why not when Pagan tradition has Saturday the night of feasting etc, and modern tradition has Sunday the day for shopping...with the nice civilised time of opening at 1pm, when the hangover has abated somewhat!
Loyalties not divided
Amidst the rausous cacophony of Guns 'n' Roses sleae rock, Duff McKagan's punk influence kept the anarchy alive. Asides from the unfortunate Spaghetti Incident covers CD, it was apparent that he maintained his allegiance to the punk ethos on a couple of snappy tracks from Use Your Illusion I & II.
And while he's keeping true to the punk (anti)dream with Loaded, he's bringing one of the latest bunch of punk hopefuls, The Loyalties, with him when Duff's Loaded play at The Spring & Airbrake on 25th September. Find out more about The Loyalties Ramones/Black Flag swagger here.
And while he's keeping true to the punk (anti)dream with Loaded, he's bringing one of the latest bunch of punk hopefuls, The Loyalties, with him when Duff's Loaded play at The Spring & Airbrake on 25th September. Find out more about The Loyalties Ramones/Black Flag swagger here.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Oh dear Celine
The dubious honour of the worst cover version ever has gone to Celine Dion's awful live cover of AC/DCs You Shook Me All Night Long...36 seconds of the horror is available for the stout of heart on the BBC website here.
Guns 'N' Roses make it on to the 'worst covers' list for their version of Wings Live and Let Die...read the others and I dare you not to smile at the fact that a boy band managed to screw up Extreme's More than Words - a slushfest that didn't reflect half of what the inappropriately named Extreme could do!
Guns 'N' Roses make it on to the 'worst covers' list for their version of Wings Live and Let Die...read the others and I dare you not to smile at the fact that a boy band managed to screw up Extreme's More than Words - a slushfest that didn't reflect half of what the inappropriately named Extreme could do!
Sneak peak...
Escape Fails are a few short weeks away from releasing their debut CD...and BelfastMetalheadsreunited caught a sneak preview of one of the tracks, In the Arms of a Storm.
Keeping the well honed EF sound from the live sets, the tracks delves into EF's influences of hardcore and screamo, but this time with a clear nod to the likes of 36 Crazyfists and Killswitch Engage. The riffing is intense and vocals this time explore a wider range of both screams and clean contrast.
If this is a portant as to the rest of the album, roll on July 18th and the launch...(which regular readers will know takes place at Zavvi, Victoria Square).
Keeping the well honed EF sound from the live sets, the tracks delves into EF's influences of hardcore and screamo, but this time with a clear nod to the likes of 36 Crazyfists and Killswitch Engage. The riffing is intense and vocals this time explore a wider range of both screams and clean contrast.
If this is a portant as to the rest of the album, roll on July 18th and the launch...(which regular readers will know takes place at Zavvi, Victoria Square).
Twinning for metal the Fireland way
THE twin guitar assault of traditional metal has a long heritage – from Maiden to Metallica, with via the traditions of Lizzy, Scorpions, UFO, Priest, and Accept. Hard riffing, melodies and just plain straightforward heavy music.
For a brief period such classic metal fell from the headlines, but never from the hearts of fans, especially those that remembered, or yearned for, the days of cut-off denims atop motorbike jackets and beer-fuelled queues outside the Ulster Hall.
Coming from that heritage are Fireland, whose eponymous platter is now available in multiple formats – and well worth an investment from those who still love and respect heavy metal.
Of course, like any self respecting metal platters there are flaws, but thankfully few and far between.
Kicking of with the mid-paced brace of Servants of the Dark and Star Crossed Fireland’s intention is clear – laying down licks that are both mainstream metal (if there is such a thing!) and putting a Norn Iron stamp on it. Star Crossed in particular develops both a groove and melody supported by an arrangement that nods at the past and looks forward to how metal can develop.
In a world where speed is sometimes valued over composition (with the possible exception of Dragonforce, who Fireland have supported) solos can bleed into shredding for the sake of shredding, Fireland’s twin attack of Steve Moore and Jamie Johnston keep the licks in perspective, speeding up and slowing down as appropriate to the song, without interrupting the feel of the song and adding fills rather than leave a vacuum.
Gods of Love’s plaintive metalology serves as a warm-up for the pacier My Eternal, which explores the legacy of New Wave of British Heavy Metal, with structure reminiscent of early Diamond Head and White Spirit.
I Am Invisible’s chuggalong opening is the cue for a heads down romp, before In the Shadow of the Sun sees a return to the mid-paced ominous rhythms nailed by Chris Mawhinney on drums strive to deliver with much success throughout.
Fallen is the ‘Big Power Ballad’ of the album, and as scholars of the dark arts of metal know, no collection of riffage is complete without a power ballad! Fallen shows a depth of song writing Fireland can deliver. There are those that criticise the genre, in particular the propensity of even the hardest metal bans to show their sensitive sides (Nothing Else Matters anyone…) but in this track Fireland show their potential to reinterpret the cliché in an original way. And for the first time on the album Andy Baxter’s vocals are more prominent in the mix; matching both the solos and the riffage which completes all the best power ballads.
Betrayed to the Night starts gently before developing into what could have been an epic song – but it has possibly the only real flaw on the album. The inspired chorus and superb pacing are spoiled with a rap delved from nu-metal which should have been left on the cutting room floor as elsewhere on the track this is a simply superb song. This tendency reappears on album closer Widow By Morning
Fireland are on comfortable territory with Coming Home’s twin guitar attack, followed by In Her Strong Arms, which has the feel of Tesla after a night on Jack Daniels in its structure.
Little Pieces and the aforementioned Widow in the Making round off the album with intent, both keeping the structure of sound riffing, melodic choruses and balanced solos characterised on the rest of the album.
Overall, Fireland have strived to achieve something rare in Northern Ireland’s current metal scene: that is acknowledge what has gone before, reaching as far back as the seventies, plunder what works and discard the irrelevant to keep the sound fresh.
What is all the more remarkable is that they produced this themselves and created their own studio in the process. Perhaps therein lies the only real flaw. Sometimes Andy’s vocals are either restrained, or sometimes a little too low in the mix. As someone who can command a stage and belt it out with the best of them this ability is not always reflected in the recorded material.
However, this is a minor flaw in what otherwise is both crunching and thoughtful.
Fireland have created that rare beast – a metal album that stands aside heavy metal classics, but has a fresh Northern Ireland inspired twist. Bop along to the band’s websire, fireland.tv to find out more, download tracks and generally get into the metal mood!
For a brief period such classic metal fell from the headlines, but never from the hearts of fans, especially those that remembered, or yearned for, the days of cut-off denims atop motorbike jackets and beer-fuelled queues outside the Ulster Hall.
Coming from that heritage are Fireland, whose eponymous platter is now available in multiple formats – and well worth an investment from those who still love and respect heavy metal.
Of course, like any self respecting metal platters there are flaws, but thankfully few and far between.
Kicking of with the mid-paced brace of Servants of the Dark and Star Crossed Fireland’s intention is clear – laying down licks that are both mainstream metal (if there is such a thing!) and putting a Norn Iron stamp on it. Star Crossed in particular develops both a groove and melody supported by an arrangement that nods at the past and looks forward to how metal can develop.
In a world where speed is sometimes valued over composition (with the possible exception of Dragonforce, who Fireland have supported) solos can bleed into shredding for the sake of shredding, Fireland’s twin attack of Steve Moore and Jamie Johnston keep the licks in perspective, speeding up and slowing down as appropriate to the song, without interrupting the feel of the song and adding fills rather than leave a vacuum.
Gods of Love’s plaintive metalology serves as a warm-up for the pacier My Eternal, which explores the legacy of New Wave of British Heavy Metal, with structure reminiscent of early Diamond Head and White Spirit.
I Am Invisible’s chuggalong opening is the cue for a heads down romp, before In the Shadow of the Sun sees a return to the mid-paced ominous rhythms nailed by Chris Mawhinney on drums strive to deliver with much success throughout.
Fallen is the ‘Big Power Ballad’ of the album, and as scholars of the dark arts of metal know, no collection of riffage is complete without a power ballad! Fallen shows a depth of song writing Fireland can deliver. There are those that criticise the genre, in particular the propensity of even the hardest metal bans to show their sensitive sides (Nothing Else Matters anyone…) but in this track Fireland show their potential to reinterpret the cliché in an original way. And for the first time on the album Andy Baxter’s vocals are more prominent in the mix; matching both the solos and the riffage which completes all the best power ballads.
Betrayed to the Night starts gently before developing into what could have been an epic song – but it has possibly the only real flaw on the album. The inspired chorus and superb pacing are spoiled with a rap delved from nu-metal which should have been left on the cutting room floor as elsewhere on the track this is a simply superb song. This tendency reappears on album closer Widow By Morning
Fireland are on comfortable territory with Coming Home’s twin guitar attack, followed by In Her Strong Arms, which has the feel of Tesla after a night on Jack Daniels in its structure.
Little Pieces and the aforementioned Widow in the Making round off the album with intent, both keeping the structure of sound riffing, melodic choruses and balanced solos characterised on the rest of the album.
Overall, Fireland have strived to achieve something rare in Northern Ireland’s current metal scene: that is acknowledge what has gone before, reaching as far back as the seventies, plunder what works and discard the irrelevant to keep the sound fresh.
What is all the more remarkable is that they produced this themselves and created their own studio in the process. Perhaps therein lies the only real flaw. Sometimes Andy’s vocals are either restrained, or sometimes a little too low in the mix. As someone who can command a stage and belt it out with the best of them this ability is not always reflected in the recorded material.
However, this is a minor flaw in what otherwise is both crunching and thoughtful.
Fireland have created that rare beast – a metal album that stands aside heavy metal classics, but has a fresh Northern Ireland inspired twist. Bop along to the band’s websire, fireland.tv to find out more, download tracks and generally get into the metal mood!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Loaded Duff back in Belfast
Former Gunner Duff McKagan and current Velvet is taking time out from Revovler duties to tour with his side project Loaded. The skeletal bassist will be bringing the set to the Spring and Airbrake on September 25th
The end of cynicism?
AFTER you’ve seen hundreds of concerts, listened to thousands of hard rock and heavy metal tracks it is easy to be cynical. As that American soft rock singer John Cougar Mellancamp said: “It’s just the same few chords in a different order.”
And, it was with a certain amount of trepidation that a feeling lingered the same old chords would doom Aussie rockers Airbuorne to a cliché ridden set, when they debuted in Belfast last night.
Given that their album reeked of AC/DC and Rose Tattoo influences, sometimes so clear that occasionally it seemed that the ghosts of riffs gone past were haunting the chapel of Australian production suites when the O’Keefe brothers were conceiving their plans for hard rock domination, they could have easily slipped into parody.
But, what was always the essence of DC and the Tatts was their attitude; an attitude that at one railed against the injustice of a working class life, but celebrated the sheer joy if indulging in the fun and intensity of good old fashioned hard rock.
And Airbourne set a new definition of intensity last night. Quite literally few, if any, have ever shed so much sweat or energy on a Belfast stage. As lensman Colin marvelled outside, the quantity of calories they used is mind-boggling.
From the opener of Stand Up… Airbourne dispelled the lingering suspicion that they were just another set of hard rockers recycling blues riffs in a hard rock frame.
Despite occasional sound problems – including the loss of vocals from the PA at one point - the band shredded; not in the guitar widdling indulgent solo type of shredding, but rather in straightforward high energy playing.
The entire debut album was aired, with Running Wild closing a party set. Stand-outs were many. Diamond in the Rough and Blackjack ripped through the packed Limelight, while even the mid-tempo Cheap Wine donned a new dimension live.
Too Much Too Young was just one singalong highlight, but what separates the band from the ordinary is frontman Jason O’Keefe.
Wild-eyed stares and manic movements, topped off by a walkabout mid-song, concluded with a trip to the Limelight bar for a pint before returning to the stage.
O’Keefe’s constant name checking of Belfast was a bit clichéd, but that – and sound glitches - was the only thing that marred an otherwise perfect party hard rockin’ set.
For the devoted a clear sign of a healthy future for Airbourne is that tickets for their November 11th Mandella Hall set were selling healthily at the door of the Limelight even before the Aussie quartet took to the stage. (Snap them up while you can...it 's sure to sell-out!)
Airbourne are an abject lesson to all hard rock and heavy metal bands. They understand that it is a job being on a stage, but part of that job is delivering the goods for paying customers; part of that job is giving your all for the brief moments in the spotlight; part of that job is making sure you understand how to engage and relate to your audience; but most importantly that job is to make sure you and the fans have a shed load of fun.
Cynicism may not have ended last night, but it lies in shattered remnants for the audience that stumbled into an Ormeau Avenue night, each face adorned with a shit-eating grin.
Quick word for support act The Galvetrons...dump the 80's Eddie Van Halen keyboard sound, bring the guitars up in the miz, and re-write and re-arrange all your songs...the wave of indifference that greeted you will be what you find at all venues.
And, it was with a certain amount of trepidation that a feeling lingered the same old chords would doom Aussie rockers Airbuorne to a cliché ridden set, when they debuted in Belfast last night.
Given that their album reeked of AC/DC and Rose Tattoo influences, sometimes so clear that occasionally it seemed that the ghosts of riffs gone past were haunting the chapel of Australian production suites when the O’Keefe brothers were conceiving their plans for hard rock domination, they could have easily slipped into parody.
But, what was always the essence of DC and the Tatts was their attitude; an attitude that at one railed against the injustice of a working class life, but celebrated the sheer joy if indulging in the fun and intensity of good old fashioned hard rock.
And Airbourne set a new definition of intensity last night. Quite literally few, if any, have ever shed so much sweat or energy on a Belfast stage. As lensman Colin marvelled outside, the quantity of calories they used is mind-boggling.
From the opener of Stand Up… Airbourne dispelled the lingering suspicion that they were just another set of hard rockers recycling blues riffs in a hard rock frame.
Despite occasional sound problems – including the loss of vocals from the PA at one point - the band shredded; not in the guitar widdling indulgent solo type of shredding, but rather in straightforward high energy playing.
The entire debut album was aired, with Running Wild closing a party set. Stand-outs were many. Diamond in the Rough and Blackjack ripped through the packed Limelight, while even the mid-tempo Cheap Wine donned a new dimension live.
Too Much Too Young was just one singalong highlight, but what separates the band from the ordinary is frontman Jason O’Keefe.
Wild-eyed stares and manic movements, topped off by a walkabout mid-song, concluded with a trip to the Limelight bar for a pint before returning to the stage.
O’Keefe’s constant name checking of Belfast was a bit clichéd, but that – and sound glitches - was the only thing that marred an otherwise perfect party hard rockin’ set.
For the devoted a clear sign of a healthy future for Airbourne is that tickets for their November 11th Mandella Hall set were selling healthily at the door of the Limelight even before the Aussie quartet took to the stage. (Snap them up while you can...it 's sure to sell-out!)
Airbourne are an abject lesson to all hard rock and heavy metal bands. They understand that it is a job being on a stage, but part of that job is delivering the goods for paying customers; part of that job is giving your all for the brief moments in the spotlight; part of that job is making sure you understand how to engage and relate to your audience; but most importantly that job is to make sure you and the fans have a shed load of fun.
Cynicism may not have ended last night, but it lies in shattered remnants for the audience that stumbled into an Ormeau Avenue night, each face adorned with a shit-eating grin.
Quick word for support act The Galvetrons...dump the 80's Eddie Van Halen keyboard sound, bring the guitars up in the miz, and re-write and re-arrange all your songs...the wave of indifference that greeted you will be what you find at all venues.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Launch party for Escape Fails
ESCAPE Fails are bringing their album launch to the big city's top retail destination. On 18th July at 6pm the band will play a select set at the Zavvi store in the prestigious Belfast Victoria Square Shopping Centre. House of Fraser afficianados are in for a shock!
They'll be following that up with a gig for their Warrenpoint fans at the Square Peg in the town.
After that it's off to England for a short tour for the Escape Fails gang!
For those who want a sneak preview of some of the album tracks EF are supporting Arnocorps at Belfast's, Black Box on July 8th.
PS: Thanks to the Wayne for the quick heads-up from Rock Am Ring (see comments from previous post 'Been Away')
They'll be following that up with a gig for their Warrenpoint fans at the Square Peg in the town.
After that it's off to England for a short tour for the Escape Fails gang!
For those who want a sneak preview of some of the album tracks EF are supporting Arnocorps at Belfast's, Black Box on July 8th.
PS: Thanks to the Wayne for the quick heads-up from Rock Am Ring (see comments from previous post 'Been Away')
Sunday, June 15, 2008
F*cked Up - August 20th
Ok, most (sane) readers of this site will be heading to Dublin on 20th August to see the mighty Metallica lay waste to Marley Park, but should you be stranded in Belfast with nowt to do, Canadia mental punk act, Fucked Up will be playing The Limelight.
For many punk has lost it's way, but for the past seven years Fucked Up have kept the dream alive. Full feature to follow, but for now, here's the press release.
Fucked Up’s live extravaganzas generally strike a playful tone, their cuddly frontman disrobing among the audience and/or beating himself on the head with the microphone (“I have dents in my forehead”). The communal entertainment turned chaotic at this year’s SXSW festival in Austin, when the band played their annual small hours set on a pedestrian bridge. MOJO
All too often punk music is about getting it right, picking a particular subgenre and acing it the way you might a test. Toronto's Fucked Up has proven the antithesis of this approach since their inception.
Formed in early 2001, this five-piece has managed confrontation without cheap gimmicks or novelty, creativity without pointless noodling and intensity without predictable arrangements. Seamlessly plowing through punk's varied past, a Fucked Up song can invoke the melodic anthems of British Oi, the brawny directness of early ’80s American hardcore and the artistic autonomy of a band that doesn't care what its forebears have done before.
Gruff, raspy vocals reminiscent of Negative Approach's John Brannon topple over driving guitars, sometimes favoring melody, sometimes a chaotic, down-stroke frenzy. A trail of hard-to-find seven-inch EPs show a band not only perfectly at ease with the trade of vintage hardcore punk, but one constantly willing to push its music into new, original directions.
Fucked Up manipulates everything from its lyrics and artwork to song length and writing to make a distinct, singularly unique point.Threading the best elements of Killed By Death obscurities through the Undertones' melody, Black Flag's aggression and Minor Threat's Marshall-driven guitars, Fucked Up rarely makes for direct comparisons, arriving instead at something wholly intense and new ... and isn't that the point?
BAND MEMBERS:
· 10,000 Marbles (Mike Haliechuk)
· Father Damien aka Pink eyes (Damian Abraham)
· Slumpy aka Laundry aka Mustard Gas (sSandy Miranda)
· Concentration Camp aka Gulag (Josh Zucker)
· Guinea Beat aka Mr. Jo (Jonah Falco)
· Young Governor (Ben Cook)
For many punk has lost it's way, but for the past seven years Fucked Up have kept the dream alive. Full feature to follow, but for now, here's the press release.
Fucked Up’s live extravaganzas generally strike a playful tone, their cuddly frontman disrobing among the audience and/or beating himself on the head with the microphone (“I have dents in my forehead”). The communal entertainment turned chaotic at this year’s SXSW festival in Austin, when the band played their annual small hours set on a pedestrian bridge. MOJO
All too often punk music is about getting it right, picking a particular subgenre and acing it the way you might a test. Toronto's Fucked Up has proven the antithesis of this approach since their inception.
Formed in early 2001, this five-piece has managed confrontation without cheap gimmicks or novelty, creativity without pointless noodling and intensity without predictable arrangements. Seamlessly plowing through punk's varied past, a Fucked Up song can invoke the melodic anthems of British Oi, the brawny directness of early ’80s American hardcore and the artistic autonomy of a band that doesn't care what its forebears have done before.
Gruff, raspy vocals reminiscent of Negative Approach's John Brannon topple over driving guitars, sometimes favoring melody, sometimes a chaotic, down-stroke frenzy. A trail of hard-to-find seven-inch EPs show a band not only perfectly at ease with the trade of vintage hardcore punk, but one constantly willing to push its music into new, original directions.
Fucked Up manipulates everything from its lyrics and artwork to song length and writing to make a distinct, singularly unique point.Threading the best elements of Killed By Death obscurities through the Undertones' melody, Black Flag's aggression and Minor Threat's Marshall-driven guitars, Fucked Up rarely makes for direct comparisons, arriving instead at something wholly intense and new ... and isn't that the point?
BAND MEMBERS:
· 10,000 Marbles (Mike Haliechuk)
· Father Damien aka Pink eyes (Damian Abraham)
· Slumpy aka Laundry aka Mustard Gas (sSandy Miranda)
· Concentration Camp aka Gulag (Josh Zucker)
· Guinea Beat aka Mr. Jo (Jonah Falco)
· Young Governor (Ben Cook)
Been away - but we're back
Been a long time since we all rock 'n' rolled with y'all - but we're back!
Short story, long story, in mini-version - sponsors were almost secured for the site; they asked us to hold posting for a few weeks to help get details sorted, examine proposal...two weeks went by, three weeks went by...finally after an exchange of emails...
"We're sorry, but after consideration, while the reach of your site is impressive your core demographic does not match our target audience."
Well, I'll not name them, but what did they expect with a site called Belfast Metalheads Reunited!!!!
Anyhows, anyway we're back! Plenty of posts and gig information to come up...keep reading...short info burst now:
Short story, long story, in mini-version - sponsors were almost secured for the site; they asked us to hold posting for a few weeks to help get details sorted, examine proposal...two weeks went by, three weeks went by...finally after an exchange of emails...
"We're sorry, but after consideration, while the reach of your site is impressive your core demographic does not match our target audience."
Well, I'll not name them, but what did they expect with a site called Belfast Metalheads Reunited!!!!
Anyhows, anyway we're back! Plenty of posts and gig information to come up...keep reading...short info burst now:
- Airbourne's Wednesday night's gig is sold-out - but fear not the Aussie party train will be back in Belfast for a Mandella Hall appearance on 11th November - review on Thursday
- Residual Effect are back in gear with new sticksman - feature to follow
- Fucked Up play in August - feature on why the Canadian mentalists have a confrontational name and an anarchist background to come
- Don't forget Dragonforce and Turisas's October gig - new 'Force album out on August 25th - at last!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Updates on the way...
Been a week since I got a chance to update this...and there's plenty to update. Coming soon...review of Fireland's new album and mega gig listings...Ratt and SLF amongst them plus much, much more!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Power/battle metal in October
Dragonforce are coming back to town in October - and in a power/battle coup they're bringing Finnish mentalists Turisas to boomtow at the same time.
October 11th will see the acts blast the Mandella Hall. Expect the usual drunken madness of Dragonforce and the mental warpaint battle posing of Turisas - to Holmgard and Beyond etc....
And as a footnote...rumours mount that Motorhead will be coming this way soon in November, with Saxon and Danko Jones in tow. No official word yet though...
October 11th will see the acts blast the Mandella Hall. Expect the usual drunken madness of Dragonforce and the mental warpaint battle posing of Turisas - to Holmgard and Beyond etc....
And as a footnote...rumours mount that Motorhead will be coming this way soon in November, with Saxon and Danko Jones in tow. No official word yet though...
Friday, April 11, 2008
Not sure about Linkin Park
The Projekt Revolution tour will now hit Dublin on June 22, at the RDS Arena. Linkin Park will headline, with Queens Of The Stone Age and Coheed And Cambria also on the bill. Not sure about seeing Linkin Park, and would it be worth heading to see truncated sets from QOTSA and Coheed? Discuss :)
Thursday, April 10, 2008
'Tallica dublin date confirmed
After the endless speculation Metallica have confirmed their Irish date of the summer. They'll be playing Marlay Park, Dublin on August 20th, with Tenacious D the first announced support act...tickets go on sale on 18th April.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Jonathan Davis cancels June Belfast date
Korn singer Jonathan Davis has decided to shorten the European leg of his "Alone I Play Tour" due to "un-expected family commitments".
Belfast's June date has been cancelled as a result.
He has, however, pledged to come back "soon".
"I'm glad we are still going to bring the show to Europe", Jonathan said, "we had a lot of European fans asking us about the tour since last fall so we are excited for a chance to play.
"We look forward to coming back soon to do alonger run of dates overseas."
Tickets are refundable from point of purchase
Belfast's June date has been cancelled as a result.
He has, however, pledged to come back "soon".
"I'm glad we are still going to bring the show to Europe", Jonathan said, "we had a lot of European fans asking us about the tour since last fall so we are excited for a chance to play.
"We look forward to coming back soon to do alonger run of dates overseas."
Tickets are refundable from point of purchase
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Southern metal, hardcore, punk...must be the Cancer Bats!
Canada's Cancer Bats come to roost at the Spring & Airbrake on Saturday, May 24th in a CDC Leisure/Distortion Project collaboration that will shake the rafters of the venerable venue.
And now the official band blurb...
"The Cancer Bats have come to destroy. Fueled by a burning desire to rage harder, play louder and have more fun than any other band, Cancer Bats mix hardcore, southern metal, and punk rock into a lethal rock and roll explosion.
"‘Hail Destroyer’ is the Cancer Bats second 'proper' studio release. Co-produced by Eric Ratz (Big Sugar, Theory Of A Dead Man, Billy Talent), Kenny Loung (Billy Talent), and Greg Below (Alexisonfire) and recorded at Vespa Studios, the album features an edgier, much heavier, and finely tuned collection of songs.
"From the punchy opening riff of the title track “Hail Destroyer” right to the melodic outro of “Zed’s Dead, Baby,” the Cancer Bats do not disappoint.
"Integrating more Punk, Stoner Rock, Metal, and Hardcore into the mix and taking a much more introspective approach than its predecessor, ‘Hail Destroyer’ sees the Cancer Bats taking their musicianship to a whole new level. Lead singer Liam Cormier’s heated vocals and heavily personal lyrics keep the energy high throughout the album, while axe-wielding Scott Middleton’s electrifying solos and shredding riffs make you want to rock out like never before. Throw in Mike Peter’s rhythmic ferocity and you have an album that will leave you salivating for more. Featuring guest vocals by Cancer Bat bro’s Ben Kowalewicz (Billy Talent), Wade MacNeil (Alexisonfire), and Tim McIlrath, ‘Hail Destroyer’ will be in stores and online April 21 2008.
"The band originated in May of 2004 with singer Liam Cormier and guitarist Scott Middleton, former member of Toronto metal band At The Mercy Of Inspiration. The two wanted to form a project that combined their favorite parts of bands like Refused, Black Flag, Led Zeppelin and Down, among others. The line-up was rounded out with the addition of Andrew McCracken on bass and Mike Peters on drums.
"The four-piece wasted no time writing and recording songs for a self-released demo that saw light in January of 2005 (later reissued on Oct 31 2005 on vinyl by Tragicomedy Records). Determined to spread the gospel of rage and get its music heard, the Cancer Bats spent the next year touring extensively all over North America with bands such as Every Time I Die, Nora, Alexisonfire, Comeback Kid, A Life Once Lost, The Bled, and Misery Signals. Show after show, from coast to coast, the Cancer Bats, whose explosive live shows inspire floor punching, windmills, and arm spinning, had begun to establish their own devoted legion of fans.
"With the hellacious buzz about the Cancer Bats fuelling across North America, the band unleashed its highly anticipated debut album ‘Birthing the Giant’ on the most evil day in history 06/06/06. Produced by award winning Canadian producer Gavin Brown (Three Days Grace, Billy Talent) the album featured bold, infectious riffage that peaked the interest of audiences and press across the globe.
"With critical acclaim resonating from all sides of the planet, the year following the debut release saw the Cancer Bats fly to the top of the Hardcore Punk scene. From signing licensing deals with Hassle in the UK and Shock in Australia, to winning the Favourite Hardcore/Metal Group of the year at the 2007 Indie Awards and Best Independent Video at the 2007 MuchMusic Video Awards, the world had started to take notice of Canada’s favourite flying mammals."
Enough said from the blurb, we'll simply sum it all up by saying "We like 'em"
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Ambitious Scandanavians win over Belfast
For the past decade or more hard rock and heavy metal acts have been pouring out of Scandanavia like a guitar laden plague. Some have achieved worldwide acclaim, and some have carved out a niche in the underground. This is far removed from the days when the only rock stories from the lands of winter's permanent night were black metal murders and church burnings.
While the Scandanavian Black Metal scene still exerts a healthy influence on diverse acts, there has been a revival from these Viking lands of what some disparagingly call 'mainstream'. And, it was one of the leading exponents of Finnish mainstream metal, Nightwish who touched down in Belfast's Mandella Hall on Wednesday.
Thus was the challenge faced by Swedish act Pain...opening to a partisan headliner crowd Pain have more than a hint of other acts from the lands to the north. Energetic and with melody playing a key part in songs that could have been lost in the low end, they at times came across like a 'lite' version of Children of Bodom.
Their energy and willingness to try to engage the audience eventually paid off, though in terms of pacing the set they could learn from other Scandanvians. While Turisas have made Rasputin a rambunctious set closer, Pain's excellent cover of The Beatles' Eleanor Rigby was lost in the middle of their set.
Nightwish have no such problems in terms of pacing their set. Seasoned in arenas across Europe, the Finnish act know when to turn on the power, allow the crowd a breather, and mix the new with the old.
However, their very existence was called into question less than two years ago after their very public and acrimonious dismissal of Tarja Turunen. In May of last year Anette Olzen was announced as a replacement. Fans who worried that Anette could fill Tarja's shoes need not have worried.
Kicking off with the stomp of Bye Bye Beautiful Anette proved a worthy foil for the complex melodies and power of Tuomas Holopainen's wrting. Mixed with Marco Hietala's vocals any doubts over Anette's ability to match Tarja's range paled into insignificance.
Instead she brings a different dynamic to Nightwish, which whilst retaining the symphonic elements of the past, comes to the fore live.
Tracks off latest release Dark Passion Play are given a fire and energy live. And, Anette's treatment of older tracks such as Nemo and Wishmaster showed she can adapt her performance when necessary.
The smattering of older tracks were almost overwhelmed by the new material. Amaranth and Sahara stood out, with the Stephen King tribute track 7 Days of the Wolves raising the bar yet further.
But what stands out with Nightwish is their ambition. Tuomas - as founder, chief songwriter, and band leader - is not afraid to tackle live lengthy epics. Album opener The Poet and the Pendulum was unveiled in all of its 13 minute plus glory. Even such an ambitious live performance was pulled off with aplomb as far as the crowd was concerned.
The only niggles of the night were the occassional over-reliance on samples and Anette's absence from the stage during longer instrumental pieces.
However, for a band who play stadiums in Europe the fact that they are prepared to play, what for them, are smaller venues such as the Mandella Hall is worthy of praise, and a tribute to promoter Wonderland that they were able to snatch such an act.
The stadium work of Nightwish paid off for the Belfast punters, who saw an international act lay down a mighty, ambitious soundscape in a relatively intimate venue. There were few that walked out on to University Road without a smile on their faces.
While the Scandanavian Black Metal scene still exerts a healthy influence on diverse acts, there has been a revival from these Viking lands of what some disparagingly call 'mainstream'. And, it was one of the leading exponents of Finnish mainstream metal, Nightwish who touched down in Belfast's Mandella Hall on Wednesday.
Thus was the challenge faced by Swedish act Pain...opening to a partisan headliner crowd Pain have more than a hint of other acts from the lands to the north. Energetic and with melody playing a key part in songs that could have been lost in the low end, they at times came across like a 'lite' version of Children of Bodom.
Their energy and willingness to try to engage the audience eventually paid off, though in terms of pacing the set they could learn from other Scandanvians. While Turisas have made Rasputin a rambunctious set closer, Pain's excellent cover of The Beatles' Eleanor Rigby was lost in the middle of their set.
Nightwish have no such problems in terms of pacing their set. Seasoned in arenas across Europe, the Finnish act know when to turn on the power, allow the crowd a breather, and mix the new with the old.
However, their very existence was called into question less than two years ago after their very public and acrimonious dismissal of Tarja Turunen. In May of last year Anette Olzen was announced as a replacement. Fans who worried that Anette could fill Tarja's shoes need not have worried.
Kicking off with the stomp of Bye Bye Beautiful Anette proved a worthy foil for the complex melodies and power of Tuomas Holopainen's wrting. Mixed with Marco Hietala's vocals any doubts over Anette's ability to match Tarja's range paled into insignificance.
Instead she brings a different dynamic to Nightwish, which whilst retaining the symphonic elements of the past, comes to the fore live.
Tracks off latest release Dark Passion Play are given a fire and energy live. And, Anette's treatment of older tracks such as Nemo and Wishmaster showed she can adapt her performance when necessary.
The smattering of older tracks were almost overwhelmed by the new material. Amaranth and Sahara stood out, with the Stephen King tribute track 7 Days of the Wolves raising the bar yet further.
But what stands out with Nightwish is their ambition. Tuomas - as founder, chief songwriter, and band leader - is not afraid to tackle live lengthy epics. Album opener The Poet and the Pendulum was unveiled in all of its 13 minute plus glory. Even such an ambitious live performance was pulled off with aplomb as far as the crowd was concerned.
The only niggles of the night were the occassional over-reliance on samples and Anette's absence from the stage during longer instrumental pieces.
However, for a band who play stadiums in Europe the fact that they are prepared to play, what for them, are smaller venues such as the Mandella Hall is worthy of praise, and a tribute to promoter Wonderland that they were able to snatch such an act.
The stadium work of Nightwish paid off for the Belfast punters, who saw an international act lay down a mighty, ambitious soundscape in a relatively intimate venue. There were few that walked out on to University Road without a smile on their faces.
Pic courtesy of Nadia - Junior Editor, Belfastmetalheadsreunited
Scott off
It's official, Scott Weiland has left Velvet Revolver. Whether it's because of internal tensions with his recent alleged need for more rehab, or to rejoin Stone Temple Pilots. Slash has said that the band will continue no matter what, during a recent interview. So, any takers for vocalist for VR. I hear Axl is at a loose end...
Monday, March 31, 2008
Worst kept secret...
The worst kept festival secret of the summer has been confirmed - Metallica will headline the Reading and Leeds festivals...Leeds on August 22nd, and Reading on Sunday 24th...read the official announcement on the 'Tallica site here; and note the hint at further shows...let the 'where on the island of Ireland?' rumour mill resume!
UPDATE: Also confirmed on the Reading/Leeds bill are Rage Against the Machine, Slipknot, Queen's of the Stone Age, Serj Tankian, Tenacious D, Bullet for My Valentine (don't forget their June 2nd gig at the Spring & Airbrake), Avenged Sevenfold, Dropkick Murphys, Feeder and Manic Street Preachers
UPDATE: Also confirmed on the Reading/Leeds bill are Rage Against the Machine, Slipknot, Queen's of the Stone Age, Serj Tankian, Tenacious D, Bullet for My Valentine (don't forget their June 2nd gig at the Spring & Airbrake), Avenged Sevenfold, Dropkick Murphys, Feeder and Manic Street Preachers
Sunday, March 30, 2008
New shit, old shit - it's all good shit..
The future is bright - the future is metal...ok, hands up; that's a pretty tired attempt to flog an ad cliché in a manner designed to raise familiarity of phrase. But familiarity of phrase came to the fore when the Distortion Project's latest Saturday show brought new heights of familiarity - in the best sense of the word. Not in terms of familiarity breeding contempt - rather the familiarity of seeing two local acts primed for new releases and the return of the awesome Panic Cell for their first headling show in the city.
Interrogate have been through a variety of phases in their time. On stage first tonight, their hardcore shaped metal sound presented both a challenge and an invitation to the patrons of The Limelight. Arriving with their usual stomp attack, the band unveiled two tracks from their soon-to-be-released new CD.
Despite occassionally muddy sound for the guitar parts Interrogate delivered an invigorating set. New tracks Victim and Losing it All swaggered forth with precision. Further live outings will strengethen these yet further.
Andy also chose to tonight to demonstrate a versatility in his vocals that has in the past been too often hidden. With the rest of the guys he proved that Interrogate have groove as well as balls.
Sinocence are also gearing up for an album release, and their thrash tinged metallic assault was peppered with new twists to their ever reliable sound.
Alongside old faves, new riffage was unveiled- it doffed a cap to Bay Area influences without being slavish to an eighties vibe. At times Morro's voice flagged under the strain, but with being away from the boards for a while it was a forgivable flaw, which didn't detract from the impressive attack. Like Interrogate some of the more detailed guitar parts were occassionally lost in the otherwise fine sound mix.
Restricted to an hour-long set, this was Panic Cell's first headlining appearance in Belfast, although with previous gigs on the Ormeau Road they are all familiar and welcome faces.
Catching up with Luke shortly before the show he expressed his pleasure of being back in boomtown (interview to follow later). But for all the band's amiability and all-round niceness off stage, once on the boards all bets are off...quite simply they produced a blistering set of ferocity and feral brilliance.
Smattered with favourites from the soon to be re-issued 'Bitter Part of Me' and a healthy dose of anthemic tracks from last year's follow-up 'What Doesn't Kill Us...' the truncated set was delivered with aplomb and stagecraft that many wannabes could do well to learn from.
As always Luke's presence dominated, with walkabouts into the crowd, singalong Belfast moments and joining a brief, if small pit.
Feature moments included the rousing 'Calm', the tuneful but heavy Fallen, and crowd fave Save Me.
Of course, Panic Cell have an assurity and deploy their craft well that only comes from constant touring. But this was not a set by numbers. Forced to whittle down, they blitzed with the deciptively melodic thrash of Stare into Oblivion and the power of Shallow.
Dead to Me proved to be even more impressive this time around - as an album closer it has epitomised the Cell's ethos of classic metal with a twist. Live it is an aural assault few could equal.
But what impressed most was that depite the clichéd, but welcome moments (share the Jager anyone?) this wasn't a set that drew on familiar shapes and well-worn chant and clapalongs. Instead it was five people on stage having a great time - which meant the crowd fed off Panic Cell's vibe, who in turn fed off the crowd, creating a virtuous circle that contributed to a great early evening entertainment.
Panic Cell, as noted previously, are vastly under-rated. They deserve a much bigger break, not because of hard work, or a reward for persistence. Not even for persuading a jaded old hack like me down to the front to headbang. No, they deserve to have greater exposure and a major break simply because of what they do - deliver damn fine music, bang on the money every time.
So, in lazy hack style summary...
Interrogate and Sinocence warmed up the crowd by proving potential can translate into power, before the punters received a pumelling by Panic Cell...ah the future is metal; old shit, new shit, it's all good shit!
Interrogate have been through a variety of phases in their time. On stage first tonight, their hardcore shaped metal sound presented both a challenge and an invitation to the patrons of The Limelight. Arriving with their usual stomp attack, the band unveiled two tracks from their soon-to-be-released new CD.
Despite occassionally muddy sound for the guitar parts Interrogate delivered an invigorating set. New tracks Victim and Losing it All swaggered forth with precision. Further live outings will strengethen these yet further.
Andy also chose to tonight to demonstrate a versatility in his vocals that has in the past been too often hidden. With the rest of the guys he proved that Interrogate have groove as well as balls.
Sinocence are also gearing up for an album release, and their thrash tinged metallic assault was peppered with new twists to their ever reliable sound.
Alongside old faves, new riffage was unveiled- it doffed a cap to Bay Area influences without being slavish to an eighties vibe. At times Morro's voice flagged under the strain, but with being away from the boards for a while it was a forgivable flaw, which didn't detract from the impressive attack. Like Interrogate some of the more detailed guitar parts were occassionally lost in the otherwise fine sound mix.
Restricted to an hour-long set, this was Panic Cell's first headlining appearance in Belfast, although with previous gigs on the Ormeau Road they are all familiar and welcome faces.
Catching up with Luke shortly before the show he expressed his pleasure of being back in boomtown (interview to follow later). But for all the band's amiability and all-round niceness off stage, once on the boards all bets are off...quite simply they produced a blistering set of ferocity and feral brilliance.
Smattered with favourites from the soon to be re-issued 'Bitter Part of Me' and a healthy dose of anthemic tracks from last year's follow-up 'What Doesn't Kill Us...' the truncated set was delivered with aplomb and stagecraft that many wannabes could do well to learn from.
As always Luke's presence dominated, with walkabouts into the crowd, singalong Belfast moments and joining a brief, if small pit.
Feature moments included the rousing 'Calm', the tuneful but heavy Fallen, and crowd fave Save Me.
Of course, Panic Cell have an assurity and deploy their craft well that only comes from constant touring. But this was not a set by numbers. Forced to whittle down, they blitzed with the deciptively melodic thrash of Stare into Oblivion and the power of Shallow.
Dead to Me proved to be even more impressive this time around - as an album closer it has epitomised the Cell's ethos of classic metal with a twist. Live it is an aural assault few could equal.
But what impressed most was that depite the clichéd, but welcome moments (share the Jager anyone?) this wasn't a set that drew on familiar shapes and well-worn chant and clapalongs. Instead it was five people on stage having a great time - which meant the crowd fed off Panic Cell's vibe, who in turn fed off the crowd, creating a virtuous circle that contributed to a great early evening entertainment.
Panic Cell, as noted previously, are vastly under-rated. They deserve a much bigger break, not because of hard work, or a reward for persistence. Not even for persuading a jaded old hack like me down to the front to headbang. No, they deserve to have greater exposure and a major break simply because of what they do - deliver damn fine music, bang on the money every time.
So, in lazy hack style summary...
Interrogate and Sinocence warmed up the crowd by proving potential can translate into power, before the punters received a pumelling by Panic Cell...ah the future is metal; old shit, new shit, it's all good shit!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Don't Panic - it's almost here!
Don't Panic is emblazoned on the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy...and there's certainly no need to panic as the return of Panic Cell is almost upon us. Luke and Co will hit the stage at The Limelight on Saturday in a line-up ably propped up by Sinnocence and Interrogate.
Show your support by heading along and visiting the band's sites:
Panic Cell
Sinocence
Interrogate
To keep you going check out Panic Cell's Save Me and Fallen videos.
Show your support by heading along and visiting the band's sites:
Panic Cell
Sinocence
Interrogate
To keep you going check out Panic Cell's Save Me and Fallen videos.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Pepper's Democracy incentive
Dr Pepper could be stung to the tune of 260 million cans. The soft drink company has said they will give every citizen of the United States a free can of Dr Pepper if Guns 'n' Roses release Chines Democracy before the end of the year. Nice gimmick, but not much chance of them having to pay up!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Return for Fighting the Wire
They're much hyped as the saviours of Northern Ireland's rock scene, and now Fighting With Wire are coming home to Belfast to launch they're Man Vs Monster platter at the Spring & Airbrake on 31st May. Here's the official blur:
FIGHTING WITH WIRE
(HOMECOMING GIG!!)
SATURDAY 31st MAY
SPRING & AIRBRAKE
DOORS: 8pm TICKETS: £6.00
Tickets available from Katy Daly’s, Virgin & all usual Ticketmaster outlets. Credit card bookings & info: 0870 2434455. Book online at www.getURticket.com
Fighting With Wire are a fantastic success story from our very own shores. The 3 piece have recently signed a multiple album deal with Atlantic Records and will be touring with there new album MAN VS MONSTER, (released 3rd March 2008). They will be headlining in the Spring & Airbrake on Saturday 31st May to a more than likely rapturous crowd of
“An imminent debut album will seek to harness the onstage Hiroshima that the three-piece detonate each and every time they play live."
Alternative Ulster
"vicious and stinging in parts, but applied with dexterity and finesse"
Kerrang!
Fighting With Wire - ‘Man vs Monster’
Debut album from Derry trio. Forty-five minutes of razor sharp riffs colliding full force with huge melodies. Recommended for fans of Jimmy Eat World, Foo Fighters, Hüsker Dü and Biffy Clyro.
Fighting With Wire emerged from the ever creative Northern Ireland music scene in 2003, the brainchild of guitarist Cahir O’Doherty (Jetplane Landing / Clearshot) and drummer Craig McKean (Clearshot).
An idealistic bunch, they’ve since done what rock bands are meant to do: they wrote a bunch of songs, and took to the road. The last three years has seen them play shows with the likes of Reuben, Biffy Clyro, Million Dead, Seafood, YCNI:M and Future Of The Left, racking up hundreds of miles and honing their live show into a ferocious explosion in the process.
After putting out a number of limited edition DIY singles, they took a breather at the end of 2006 and finally started work on their long-awaited debut album. Recorded in Northern Ireland and finally completed in mid-2007, Man Vs Monster is a dynamic beast of a record – raging out of your speakers one moment yet gentle and intricate the next, and all without losing focus of what’s important: the song. What’s next for Fighting With Wire? More touring and more songs, we would expect.
"Do what you believe in, believe in what you do and don’t give a damn about anything or anybody else. That seems to be the philosophy of Fighting With Wire."
Rock Sound
www.myspace.com/fightingwithwire
Now on to the views of BelfastMetalheadsrenited...after catching them with Ash I was underwhelmed...but a week later when they supported Biffy Clyro I was forced to re-evaluate them. FTW are a force to be reckoned with.
Good luck to them! Now, hopefully the labels and A&R men will hover to sign up the likes of Escape Fails, Siundstone - and a hundred others worthy of similar accolades and opportunities!
FIGHTING WITH WIRE
(HOMECOMING GIG!!)
SATURDAY 31st MAY
SPRING & AIRBRAKE
DOORS: 8pm TICKETS: £6.00
Tickets available from Katy Daly’s, Virgin & all usual Ticketmaster outlets. Credit card bookings & info: 0870 2434455. Book online at www.getURticket.com
Fighting With Wire are a fantastic success story from our very own shores. The 3 piece have recently signed a multiple album deal with Atlantic Records and will be touring with there new album MAN VS MONSTER, (released 3rd March 2008). They will be headlining in the Spring & Airbrake on Saturday 31st May to a more than likely rapturous crowd of
“An imminent debut album will seek to harness the onstage Hiroshima that the three-piece detonate each and every time they play live."
Alternative Ulster
"vicious and stinging in parts, but applied with dexterity and finesse"
Kerrang!
Fighting With Wire - ‘Man vs Monster’
Debut album from Derry trio. Forty-five minutes of razor sharp riffs colliding full force with huge melodies. Recommended for fans of Jimmy Eat World, Foo Fighters, Hüsker Dü and Biffy Clyro.
Fighting With Wire emerged from the ever creative Northern Ireland music scene in 2003, the brainchild of guitarist Cahir O’Doherty (Jetplane Landing / Clearshot) and drummer Craig McKean (Clearshot).
An idealistic bunch, they’ve since done what rock bands are meant to do: they wrote a bunch of songs, and took to the road. The last three years has seen them play shows with the likes of Reuben, Biffy Clyro, Million Dead, Seafood, YCNI:M and Future Of The Left, racking up hundreds of miles and honing their live show into a ferocious explosion in the process.
After putting out a number of limited edition DIY singles, they took a breather at the end of 2006 and finally started work on their long-awaited debut album. Recorded in Northern Ireland and finally completed in mid-2007, Man Vs Monster is a dynamic beast of a record – raging out of your speakers one moment yet gentle and intricate the next, and all without losing focus of what’s important: the song. What’s next for Fighting With Wire? More touring and more songs, we would expect.
"Do what you believe in, believe in what you do and don’t give a damn about anything or anybody else. That seems to be the philosophy of Fighting With Wire."
Rock Sound
www.myspace.com/fightingwithwire
Now on to the views of BelfastMetalheadsrenited...after catching them with Ash I was underwhelmed...but a week later when they supported Biffy Clyro I was forced to re-evaluate them. FTW are a force to be reckoned with.
Good luck to them! Now, hopefully the labels and A&R men will hover to sign up the likes of Escape Fails, Siundstone - and a hundred others worthy of similar accolades and opportunities!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Gama Thrash...
It's a wee bit overdue but congrats and big up to Gama Bomb for signing with the Earache label...and they've even been mentioned by the non-metal NME in a feature on Thrash!
But most of all a big up to Philly and Luke for rating Among The Living as one of the top 5 Thrash albums, as it is a platter rarel off the Belfast Metalheads Reunited Decks of Doom. Nice to know the young 'uns have taste. :)
But most of all a big up to Philly and Luke for rating Among The Living as one of the top 5 Thrash albums, as it is a platter rarel off the Belfast Metalheads Reunited Decks of Doom. Nice to know the young 'uns have taste. :)
Sorrowfall added to Thurisaz tour
Sorrowfall have been added to the brief Thurisaz Irish tour in June. The dates and line up is:
Fri June 6th - Lavery's Belfast w/ Sorrowfall, Devilmakesthree, Overoth.
Sat June 7th - Fibbers, Dublin w/ Sorrowfall, Valediction, Ex Inferus.
Sun June 8th - An Cruiscin Lan, Cork. w/ Sorrowfall, Valediction, Ex Inferus.
Belgian's finest (apart from their beers!) Thurisaz will be playing a selection from their new platter 'Cricadian Rhythms' during the three date tour.
A Thurisaz vid to keep you in anticipation til June...
..and a brief Sorrowfall minute or so..
Fri June 6th - Lavery's Belfast w/ Sorrowfall, Devilmakesthree, Overoth.
Sat June 7th - Fibbers, Dublin w/ Sorrowfall, Valediction, Ex Inferus.
Sun June 8th - An Cruiscin Lan, Cork. w/ Sorrowfall, Valediction, Ex Inferus.
Belgian's finest (apart from their beers!) Thurisaz will be playing a selection from their new platter 'Cricadian Rhythms' during the three date tour.
A Thurisaz vid to keep you in anticipation til June...
..and a brief Sorrowfall minute or so..
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Why the court said long hair had to go...
Regular readers will remember the case of the pupils at County Antrim's Ballyclare High School who refused to have their hair cut, in contravention of the then shool policy.
The presiding judge in the Judicial Reiew - Jutice Weatherup has now made his judgement available online. In it he outlines his reason for saying the school policy was legal, the punishment was wrong and why the school council should be involved in revised uniform/appearance policy.
Hopefully the pupils concerned will be allowed to continue to complete their GCSE examinations and they can then fuck off to somewhere that respects their abilities rather than some 19th Century rose-tinted version of reality.
Should you be an insominiac you can read Justice Weatherup's judgement here.
The presiding judge in the Judicial Reiew - Jutice Weatherup has now made his judgement available online. In it he outlines his reason for saying the school policy was legal, the punishment was wrong and why the school council should be involved in revised uniform/appearance policy.
Hopefully the pupils concerned will be allowed to continue to complete their GCSE examinations and they can then fuck off to somewhere that respects their abilities rather than some 19th Century rose-tinted version of reality.
Should you be an insominiac you can read Justice Weatherup's judgement here.
So we all just wanna be big rock stars...
Nickleback are set to make their Belfast début on 12th September this year at the Odyssey Arena.
No doubt half the crowd will be made up of people who know three songs (Rock Star, Photograph and How You Remind Me) but there will, hopefully be a few others who actually have the albums rather than 3 iTunes downloads.
The last time Nickleback visited these isles, supporting Bon Jovi, they delievered - by all accounts - a rousing performance, so hopefully when they land at the Odyssey they can repeat the feat.
PS: Nickleback also earned one of the funniest review headlines ever in Kerrang! - "Nickleback in half-decent album shock!"
No doubt half the crowd will be made up of people who know three songs (Rock Star, Photograph and How You Remind Me) but there will, hopefully be a few others who actually have the albums rather than 3 iTunes downloads.
The last time Nickleback visited these isles, supporting Bon Jovi, they delievered - by all accounts - a rousing performance, so hopefully when they land at the Odyssey they can repeat the feat.
PS: Nickleback also earned one of the funniest review headlines ever in Kerrang! - "Nickleback in half-decent album shock!"
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The Rumour Mill continues
Ever hopeful metalheads have been stoking the rumour mill...ahh sure if all the bands we want to see were to sign up for Belfast dates we'd all be broke and going to gigs sober!
This week's instalment sees rumours abound over Dio...that the great-grandaddy of metal announced two UK May dates last month has seen speculation mount that Ronnie will return to Belfast. Well we can wish, but no signs just yet.
The 'Tallica rumour mill still continues with the Gods playing every hole in the hedge across Ireland according to some....again no signs!
But the ponces that book gigs for middle-class wine tipplers have managed to book The Police to play Stormont...they join Pavarotti, Eagles Rod Stewart in playing the grounds of Stormont. Methinks that despite the many thousands of hard rock and heavy metal fans in Northern Ireland we'll neve see a serious hard rock/metal act play Stormont. But then again, if you were a groundskeeper at Stormont would you let us go there?
This week's instalment sees rumours abound over Dio...that the great-grandaddy of metal announced two UK May dates last month has seen speculation mount that Ronnie will return to Belfast. Well we can wish, but no signs just yet.
The 'Tallica rumour mill still continues with the Gods playing every hole in the hedge across Ireland according to some....again no signs!
But the ponces that book gigs for middle-class wine tipplers have managed to book The Police to play Stormont...they join Pavarotti, Eagles Rod Stewart in playing the grounds of Stormont. Methinks that despite the many thousands of hard rock and heavy metal fans in Northern Ireland we'll neve see a serious hard rock/metal act play Stormont. But then again, if you were a groundskeeper at Stormont would you let us go there?
Monday, March 10, 2008
Bored on a Friday night?
Bored on Friday nights....
It's all change for Friday nights at Auntie Annie's, one of Belfast's best known alternative club venues and bars. After eight years of hosting a succession of indie and alternative music nights - the less said the better - the future emphasis will be firmly on rock music, covering the entire spectrum ranging from classic rock from Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Motorhead, to heavy metal, punk and modern alternative rock.
Resident DJ is Tony Wright, guitarist with the highly regarded local band And So I watch You From Afar. In his capacity as a DJ, Tony has played at Belfast's Limelight club, as well as appearing behind the decks several times at Lavery's.
Over the coming months, Tony will be joined by guest DJs including Cahir from the phenomenally successful local band Fighting With Wire and LaFaro's Johnny.
For the opening night and throughout the month of April, the first 25 customers will be entitled to a free bottle of beer, courtesy of Carlsberg, and there will be other amazing drinks promotions on offer running throughout the night.
For more details contact the venue on 028 9050 1660
It's all change for Friday nights at Auntie Annie's, one of Belfast's best known alternative club venues and bars. After eight years of hosting a succession of indie and alternative music nights - the less said the better - the future emphasis will be firmly on rock music, covering the entire spectrum ranging from classic rock from Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Motorhead, to heavy metal, punk and modern alternative rock.
Resident DJ is Tony Wright, guitarist with the highly regarded local band And So I watch You From Afar. In his capacity as a DJ, Tony has played at Belfast's Limelight club, as well as appearing behind the decks several times at Lavery's.
Over the coming months, Tony will be joined by guest DJs including Cahir from the phenomenally successful local band Fighting With Wire and LaFaro's Johnny.
For the opening night and throughout the month of April, the first 25 customers will be entitled to a free bottle of beer, courtesy of Carlsberg, and there will be other amazing drinks promotions on offer running throughout the night.
For more details contact the venue on 028 9050 1660
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Damn this!
Damn this being less than 100% fit and healthy! Regular readers will know that I've been recently diagnosed with diabetes type 2. Little did I know that as a result I'd miss a gig that I'd really being looking forward to!Without going in to too much detail I was 'not well' and didn't make it to see one of my rock idols, Fish.
Friends like Juno and Baal were there - worse still I left my phone in work so couldn't even apologise for not worshipping at the altar of the Mighty Scot!
From henceforth I decree that even if 'they' strap me to a hospital bed I'll not miss a gig that I want to see...blood pressure, well The Clash sang about Pressure Drop; heart fucked...well Nirvana sang about Heart Shaped Box; and even if yer privates are bleeding and you may need a leg or two amptated...
Moshing and stagediving might be a problem if short a limb or two, but what the hell!
Sorry to all for not being tere, and apologies to Fish...I briefly had the pleasure of meeting you in 1985 (Marillion, Maysfield Leisure Centre, hello Kyle!) and your music's impact has only been matched by Metallica, Sabbath, Maiden, Anthrax and Machine Head. For a prog rocker/folk rocker to stand on such equal terms for a wrinkly, diabetic such as I reveals the regard I have for you!
Again to all I hoped to be there with..sorry.
Friends like Juno and Baal were there - worse still I left my phone in work so couldn't even apologise for not worshipping at the altar of the Mighty Scot!
From henceforth I decree that even if 'they' strap me to a hospital bed I'll not miss a gig that I want to see...blood pressure, well The Clash sang about Pressure Drop; heart fucked...well Nirvana sang about Heart Shaped Box; and even if yer privates are bleeding and you may need a leg or two amptated...
Moshing and stagediving might be a problem if short a limb or two, but what the hell!
Sorry to all for not being tere, and apologies to Fish...I briefly had the pleasure of meeting you in 1985 (Marillion, Maysfield Leisure Centre, hello Kyle!) and your music's impact has only been matched by Metallica, Sabbath, Maiden, Anthrax and Machine Head. For a prog rocker/folk rocker to stand on such equal terms for a wrinkly, diabetic such as I reveals the regard I have for you!
Again to all I hoped to be there with..sorry.
Bad Company for Belfast
Seminal 70s classic rockers will be touching down in The Empire on Saturday May 3rd...thanks to Alli and Colin for flagging this up. In the words of Colin: "Bank holiday weekend as well !! Should be a crackin' show, really lookin' forward to this."
Focus on Belfast
Prog rock mentalists Focus are set to land in Belfast for an 18th April slot at the Spring & Airbrake.
With their unique progressive rock Focus manifested themselves at the start of the seventies as the most successful and the most appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports. The group released Moving Waves, which brought the band international acclaim and a hit on both sides of the Atlantic with the radio edit of the rock rondo Hocus Pocus. This rock classic consists of Akkerman's guitar chord sequence used as a recurring theme, with quirky and energetic interludes that include alto flute riffs, accordion, guitar, and drum solos, whistling, nonsensical vocals, falsetto singing, and yodeling.
The band were fronted by the much admired duo of Thijs van Leer on the Hammond organ/flute and Jan Akkerman on the guitar. Their hit potential came in the form of a couple of instrumentals, "Hocus Pocus", "House of the King", and "Sylvia", but we shouldn't forget their timeless albums "Moving Waves", "Focus 3" and "Hamburger Concerto". But like all good things, it couldn't last and internal wrangling ended this legendary group.
After an initial careful comeback which resulted in a well received album "Focus 8", the band are now back on the frontline, with a fantastic line-up! Of course the founder member and musical genius Thijs van Leer is still holding the fort. Also back in his old spot is Pierre van der Linden, the drummer who is internationally renowned for his rhythmic skills, and who was and still is a defining factor in the whole Focus sound. Together with Bobby Jacobs who stems from a well acclaimed Dutch jazz family, they are responsible for the rhythm section and that unmistakable Focus groove. The talented Niels van der Steenhoven, who without any shadow of a doubt can hit the mark when it comes to the guitar completes the band's line-up.
A new Focus era has arrived. There is a rejuvenated passion in the new compositions, that adorn the new album "Focus 9 / New Skin", which has been released on the famous Red Bullet label of Willem van Kooten. This album -and the following gigs- will surprise the loyal fans. They will hear once again all the classic Focus tunes and they will be surprised at the strength and depth of the new material. "Our music is evolution, not revolution", Thijs van Leer once said about the music of Focus. Well now, the evolution is at full pace.
Thijs van Leer - Hammond-orgel, flute and vocals
Niels van der Steenhoven - guitar
Bobby Jacobs - bass
Pierre van der Linden - drums
www.focustheband.com/
With their unique progressive rock Focus manifested themselves at the start of the seventies as the most successful and the most appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports. The group released Moving Waves, which brought the band international acclaim and a hit on both sides of the Atlantic with the radio edit of the rock rondo Hocus Pocus. This rock classic consists of Akkerman's guitar chord sequence used as a recurring theme, with quirky and energetic interludes that include alto flute riffs, accordion, guitar, and drum solos, whistling, nonsensical vocals, falsetto singing, and yodeling.
The band were fronted by the much admired duo of Thijs van Leer on the Hammond organ/flute and Jan Akkerman on the guitar. Their hit potential came in the form of a couple of instrumentals, "Hocus Pocus", "House of the King", and "Sylvia", but we shouldn't forget their timeless albums "Moving Waves", "Focus 3" and "Hamburger Concerto". But like all good things, it couldn't last and internal wrangling ended this legendary group.
After an initial careful comeback which resulted in a well received album "Focus 8", the band are now back on the frontline, with a fantastic line-up! Of course the founder member and musical genius Thijs van Leer is still holding the fort. Also back in his old spot is Pierre van der Linden, the drummer who is internationally renowned for his rhythmic skills, and who was and still is a defining factor in the whole Focus sound. Together with Bobby Jacobs who stems from a well acclaimed Dutch jazz family, they are responsible for the rhythm section and that unmistakable Focus groove. The talented Niels van der Steenhoven, who without any shadow of a doubt can hit the mark when it comes to the guitar completes the band's line-up.
A new Focus era has arrived. There is a rejuvenated passion in the new compositions, that adorn the new album "Focus 9 / New Skin", which has been released on the famous Red Bullet label of Willem van Kooten. This album -and the following gigs- will surprise the loyal fans. They will hear once again all the classic Focus tunes and they will be surprised at the strength and depth of the new material. "Our music is evolution, not revolution", Thijs van Leer once said about the music of Focus. Well now, the evolution is at full pace.
Thijs van Leer - Hammond-orgel, flute and vocals
Niels van der Steenhoven - guitar
Bobby Jacobs - bass
Pierre van der Linden - drums
www.focustheband.com/
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Aussie rockin' power
Aussie AC/DC soundalikes and general excellent party metal groovers Airbourne are set to his Belfast on 18th June.
Wildly over-the-top bad air guitar shapes are predicted - not least from Belfastmetalheadsreuntied editor!
If you are a fan of classic rock 'n' metal á la DC and haven't got a copy of Airbourne's album...why not. Ok, it ain't the most original platter to ever darken your CD collection, but damn it is a whole lotta fun despite the AC/DC soundalike sections!
Wildly over-the-top bad air guitar shapes are predicted - not least from Belfastmetalheadsreuntied editor!
If you are a fan of classic rock 'n' metal á la DC and haven't got a copy of Airbourne's album...why not. Ok, it ain't the most original platter to ever darken your CD collection, but damn it is a whole lotta fun despite the AC/DC soundalike sections!
Monday, March 03, 2008
Korn-free Davis
Kor's Jonathan Davis brings his solo tour to Northern Ireland when he plays the Spring and Airbrake in June 23rd...we'll all be able to see how many freaks are let off the leash that night!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
...to quote Lemmy
Was about to post a detailed analysis of forthcoming drugs when I decided to let you all know that the doctor told me on Friday that I have type two diabetes...and so to quote the immortal words of the Godfather of Metal, Lemmy, when he received the same diagnosis... "that'll be diet Coke in my Jack Daniels if you're buying..."
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Has Zach sold out?
Recently announced are two relatively close at hand Rage Against the Machine dates. They are at the Oxegen Festival in Punchestown and Scotland's 'T' on the Park.
RATM used to be radical tipping towards revolutionary in terms of lyrics and music; they only seemed to play festivals with some degree of credibilty. Oxegen and 'T' are festivals that will be populated by 'inde' and pop stuff, where tickets are bought by people wanting to attend an event rather than listening to good music.
So has Zach de La Rocha's agent sold the band out or is the once rebellious one looking to cash in for a pension plan.
The irony of Zach bellowing out '"Fuck You I won't Do What You Want" to be answered by people who will slide back to Radio One listening and guffawing to Chris Moyles inane humour will be lost on those whose only ambition is to get into a Sunday Life pic shot to prove they roughed it at a festival...
RATM used to be radical tipping towards revolutionary in terms of lyrics and music; they only seemed to play festivals with some degree of credibilty. Oxegen and 'T' are festivals that will be populated by 'inde' and pop stuff, where tickets are bought by people wanting to attend an event rather than listening to good music.
So has Zach de La Rocha's agent sold the band out or is the once rebellious one looking to cash in for a pension plan.
The irony of Zach bellowing out '"Fuck You I won't Do What You Want" to be answered by people who will slide back to Radio One listening and guffawing to Chris Moyles inane humour will be lost on those whose only ambition is to get into a Sunday Life pic shot to prove they roughed it at a festival...
Soft rock interlude...
For those who take the occassional break from the mosh pit...you can take a soft rock interlude in the RoI's National Stadium on 25th June when Journey hit the boards....altogether now "Wheel in the Sky keeps on turning..."*
However, who knows who'll be singing with the AoR band by June!
*That's an older Journey song for those that don't just have 'Escape'
However, who knows who'll be singing with the AoR band by June!
*That's an older Journey song for those that don't just have 'Escape'
Friday, February 22, 2008
Bullet in June
Bullet for My Valentine may have bailed from their January date, but the Welsh metallers have honoured a pledge made to return to Belfast. They'll be rocking the Spring & Airbrake on June 2nd in support of their 'Scream, Aim, Fire' platter.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
'T' anyone?
Rage Against the Machine are to headline Scotland's 'T' in the Park festival. While the rest of the line-up is crap (apart from Biffy Clyro...hi Baal!) one has to wonder what Rage will make of the tartan hordes. When they headlined the 1st 'T' festival 15 years little did thet know they'd be coming back...
The confirmed line-up so far:
The Verve, Rage Against the Machine, R.E.M, Kings of Leon, The Fratellis, Stereophonics, Kaiser Chiefs, Prodigy, Kooks, Primal Scream, Chemical Brothers, Interpol, Ian Brown, The Raconteurs, Biffy Clyro, Counting Crows, KT Tunstall, Feeder, Pigeon Detectives, The Enemy, The Feeling, Amy MacDonald, Panic At The Disco, Hot Chip, Aphex Twin, The Charlatans, The Pogues, Ben Folds, Wombats, Reverend and The Makers, Pendulum, Justice, DJ Hell, Erol Alkan, The National, Band of Horses, Seasick Steve, Eddy Grant, Alabama 3, Sons and Daughters, The Courteeners, Slam, Paul Heaton, Lightspeed Champion, Ting Tings, Black Kids, Sergeant, The Law, Gabriella Cilmi, Sons of Albion, The Script.
12th and 13th July are the dates....sure what else would ye be doing?
The confirmed line-up so far:
The Verve, Rage Against the Machine, R.E.M, Kings of Leon, The Fratellis, Stereophonics, Kaiser Chiefs, Prodigy, Kooks, Primal Scream, Chemical Brothers, Interpol, Ian Brown, The Raconteurs, Biffy Clyro, Counting Crows, KT Tunstall, Feeder, Pigeon Detectives, The Enemy, The Feeling, Amy MacDonald, Panic At The Disco, Hot Chip, Aphex Twin, The Charlatans, The Pogues, Ben Folds, Wombats, Reverend and The Makers, Pendulum, Justice, DJ Hell, Erol Alkan, The National, Band of Horses, Seasick Steve, Eddy Grant, Alabama 3, Sons and Daughters, The Courteeners, Slam, Paul Heaton, Lightspeed Champion, Ting Tings, Black Kids, Sergeant, The Law, Gabriella Cilmi, Sons of Albion, The Script.
12th and 13th July are the dates....sure what else would ye be doing?
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Download fall-out
The headliners may be strange for Download 2008 (Californian pop punk Offspring; once great now novelty act Kiss, and Welsh fashionistas Lost Prophets) but the undercard is strong. (Motorhead, Judas Priest, HIM, In Flames, Coheed & Cambria etc)
At this time of year promoters try and scoop bands on periphery of Download (remember MH, KSE etc last year?).
So far the 2008 fall-out has been Children of Bodom in Dublin on June 11th, but more will be announced soon...watch this space! [well somebody has to!]
At this time of year promoters try and scoop bands on periphery of Download (remember MH, KSE etc last year?).
So far the 2008 fall-out has been Children of Bodom in Dublin on June 11th, but more will be announced soon...watch this space! [well somebody has to!]
Metallica Ireland rumour mill...version 338
Metallica are playing in Ireland soon...at least if you were to believe some of the posts, rumours, waffles and general speculation on various boards, forums etc in recent weeks. So far the rumour mill has Metallica playing in...
Odyssey
RDS
Malahide Castle
Marley Park
Ormeau Park
Botanic
Some field
So far none are confirmed...but a wee birdie says they'll be playing on these isles at some point in 2008. And the Reading/Leeds festival headliners have yet to be announced...
Odyssey
RDS
Malahide Castle
Marley Park
Ormeau Park
Botanic
Some field
So far none are confirmed...but a wee birdie says they'll be playing on these isles at some point in 2008. And the Reading/Leeds festival headliners have yet to be announced...
Monday, February 18, 2008
Double 'D' rockin' weekend!
Two contrasting gigs hit Belfast this weekend past, with differing types of appeal, but both showing that live music is best!
On Saturday night a packed Empire warmed up for June's classic rock Odyssey mayhemof Def Leppard and Whitesnake, when Leppard-tribute act, Deft Leppard hit the Music Hall stage. The usual plethora of well-honed greatest hits were paraded, and it has now got to the point that Deft are carving their own stamp on the classics. Remember in the early and mid eighties the Lepps were considered at the forefront of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. At times the energy from the stage brought back those heady days when the hair-splitting of rock and metal's sub-genres wasn't important. It was the music that was, and always should be!
And if there is a band that rips up the genre rule-book it's Dillinger Escape Plan. For a variety of reasons I couldn't make it, but from well-informed sources (that is people who where there at the Spring and Airbrake on Sunday night!)
They have been labelled as mathcore, hardcore, metalcore amongst other things, but the reality is they're just a damn fine playing outfit. Reports from the front are that tracks off their newly released Ire Works platter of noise slotted well into the set. Any further reviews welcome!
Now I'm off to plug into the 80s again in preparation for Wednesday's Michael Schenker and Friends gig (support from Glyder) and, though I won't be able to catch Tygers of Pan Tang on Friday nigth (with Inch High backing them up) I might slip the odd Tygers track on to the Decks of Doom...
On Saturday night a packed Empire warmed up for June's classic rock Odyssey mayhemof Def Leppard and Whitesnake, when Leppard-tribute act, Deft Leppard hit the Music Hall stage. The usual plethora of well-honed greatest hits were paraded, and it has now got to the point that Deft are carving their own stamp on the classics. Remember in the early and mid eighties the Lepps were considered at the forefront of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. At times the energy from the stage brought back those heady days when the hair-splitting of rock and metal's sub-genres wasn't important. It was the music that was, and always should be!
And if there is a band that rips up the genre rule-book it's Dillinger Escape Plan. For a variety of reasons I couldn't make it, but from well-informed sources (that is people who where there at the Spring and Airbrake on Sunday night!)
They have been labelled as mathcore, hardcore, metalcore amongst other things, but the reality is they're just a damn fine playing outfit. Reports from the front are that tracks off their newly released Ire Works platter of noise slotted well into the set. Any further reviews welcome!
Now I'm off to plug into the 80s again in preparation for Wednesday's Michael Schenker and Friends gig (support from Glyder) and, though I won't be able to catch Tygers of Pan Tang on Friday nigth (with Inch High backing them up) I might slip the odd Tygers track on to the Decks of Doom...
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Deft touch at The Empire
Europe’s leading Def Leppard tribute band set for Empire return
DEFT Leppard – Europe’s leading Def Leppard tribute act - are set to return to their second home, the stage of Belfast’s Empire Musical Hall on Saturday 16th February.
The band will tread the boards of the Botanic Avenue venue for the fifth time in three years – and each time the reception gets better and better says frontman Ashley Cooper.
“Belfast really has become a second home for Deft Leppard,” he said. “The crowd loves Def Leppard, they sing along, they dance and many have become great friends to all of our band.”
With the ‘real’ Def Leppard set to return to Belfast in June after a 15+ year absence, Saturday’s show promises to whet the appetite of fans of the 80s and 90s rock monsters.
“Def Leppard are a band that appeal to all ages, and play supreme pop and majestic heavy rock,” said Ashely. “When we hit the stage on Saturday night there will be old Leppard favourites and rare tracks to make sure that fans are revved up for June.”
Tickets for Deft Leppard are available from all Ticketmaster outlets and The Empire for £8.50.
DEFT Leppard – Europe’s leading Def Leppard tribute act - are set to return to their second home, the stage of Belfast’s Empire Musical Hall on Saturday 16th February.
The band will tread the boards of the Botanic Avenue venue for the fifth time in three years – and each time the reception gets better and better says frontman Ashley Cooper.
“Belfast really has become a second home for Deft Leppard,” he said. “The crowd loves Def Leppard, they sing along, they dance and many have become great friends to all of our band.”
With the ‘real’ Def Leppard set to return to Belfast in June after a 15+ year absence, Saturday’s show promises to whet the appetite of fans of the 80s and 90s rock monsters.
“Def Leppard are a band that appeal to all ages, and play supreme pop and majestic heavy rock,” said Ashely. “When we hit the stage on Saturday night there will be old Leppard favourites and rare tracks to make sure that fans are revved up for June.”
Tickets for Deft Leppard are available from all Ticketmaster outlets and The Empire for £8.50.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Slade...weird eh?
Slade (without Noddy) play Belfast's Waterfront Hall on June 7th, with Mud and a T-Rex act of sorts...most sensible people will avoid this 70s glam rock cash-in aberration...but do remember that Slade once penned the line..."Headbangers don't buy no soul/all they wanna do is rock 'n' roll". Then again Mud had a hit with 'Tiger Feet'
Though you may be tempted...save your cash for White Lion at the Rosetta the next week...better venue, better band, andHarv's Stormzone warming up proceedings!
Though you may be tempted...save your cash for White Lion at the Rosetta the next week...better venue, better band, andHarv's Stormzone warming up proceedings!
Panic Cell return to Belfast
THE most under-rated, and potentially the saviours of good old-fashioned rockin' metal, Panic Cell are set for a return to Belfast.
On Saturday, 29th March the good folks of the Distortion Project will bring Luke and his Panic Cell cohorts to The Limelight.
The hard working, hard touring and all round nice guys will be supported by Sinnocence and Interrogate.
Doors open at 4pm and at just £5 admission it is damn good value for a fantastic line-up and a chance to see Panic Cell.
On a personal note Luke has never failed to be a gentleman, has made sure that Belfast has been on the tour itinerary when Bullet Proof Promotions brought Soil, Drowning Pool, Ill Nino etc to the city. For this, let alone the fantastic sounds these guys produce, get yer asses along, support the Distortion Project and have a great night!
As several noted rock journals have already noted...had Panic Cell been American they would have been on summer stadium tours across the globe...find out why on March 29th!
On Saturday, 29th March the good folks of the Distortion Project will bring Luke and his Panic Cell cohorts to The Limelight.
The hard working, hard touring and all round nice guys will be supported by Sinnocence and Interrogate.
Doors open at 4pm and at just £5 admission it is damn good value for a fantastic line-up and a chance to see Panic Cell.
On a personal note Luke has never failed to be a gentleman, has made sure that Belfast has been on the tour itinerary when Bullet Proof Promotions brought Soil, Drowning Pool, Ill Nino etc to the city. For this, let alone the fantastic sounds these guys produce, get yer asses along, support the Distortion Project and have a great night!
As several noted rock journals have already noted...had Panic Cell been American they would have been on summer stadium tours across the globe...find out why on March 29th!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
More gig dates
In case the already hectic schedule of gigs ain't enough for you...Saturday sees Stand-up Guy with Rest and Countervela play the Limelight (£4 from 4pm)...then on 7th February it's Queens of the Stone Age at the King's Hall...on the 8th you can walk down nostalgia's alleys when Nazareth play the Spring & Aibrake...then Triggerman's unique preacher metal touches down with No Grace Given at Katy Daly's (a snip at £2) on the 9th...the next night the Smashing Pumpkins are at the King's Hall...on the 13th Chrome Hoof play The Limelight...Deft Leppard rock out The Empire on the 16th February...a mere 24 hours later Dillinger Escape Plan play the Spring & Airbrake...MSG touch down on the 20th...Tygers of Pan Tang are in Derry on the 22nd and Spring & Airbrake on the 23rd...the same night when a few hours earlier Darkest Era launch their CD with support from Runecaster in Katy Daly's...Overoth, Devil Makes Three and Abbandon Incarnate make up a triumvirate of metal the next night at the Spring & Airbrake...Jimmy Eat World's got a sold-out show at St George's Market on the 26th...then March dawns...Fish and much more.
Now if there's not something to keep you rockin' in that lot you can officially declare yourself dead!
Now if there's not something to keep you rockin' in that lot you can officially declare yourself dead!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Rollins Empire date, Schenker back
Henry Rollins - that man-mountain of intellect is bringing his Spoken Word Tour to The Empire on March 30th, but be warned that there are only 250 tickets available as the gig is being filmed...
Also, legendary guitarist Michael Schenker (UFO, Scorpions, MSG) is bringing his 'Michael Schenker and Friends' tour to the Spring & Airbrake on 20th February...
Ricky Warwick, the legendary Almighty frontman, is playing at Lisburn's Island Arts centre on 2nd February...
Hell there many more coming up...will get updating soon!
Also, legendary guitarist Michael Schenker (UFO, Scorpions, MSG) is bringing his 'Michael Schenker and Friends' tour to the Spring & Airbrake on 20th February...
Ricky Warwick, the legendary Almighty frontman, is playing at Lisburn's Island Arts centre on 2nd February...
Hell there many more coming up...will get updating soon!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Kerrang! tour after show party
Heading to the Kerrang!tour on Wednesday night? And with Coheed and Cambria headlining, why wouldn't you! Well,after the four-band line-up why not head on to Bunker at Lavery's for the after-show party. Escape Fails will be providing the live entertainment, with Lavery's DJs spinning decks of doom to promote the Bradbury Place's new rock night.
And the price to paty at the door? A massive zip, zero, nada and nothing, but donations to help with costs will be appreciated. See you there!
And the price to paty at the door? A massive zip, zero, nada and nothing, but donations to help with costs will be appreciated. See you there!
Fishy night
March 6th. For fans of prog and classic rock put it in your diary - former Marillion front man, gentleman and giant, Fish will garce the boards of The Empire, Belfast!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
A not so brief rant on the 'long hair case'
In George Orwell’s novel, 1984, Winston Smith is tortured by the inquisitor O’Brien to agree that 2+2=5. The torture is so extreme that Smith eventually momentarily believes 2+2 does in fact equal five. Orwell’s concept of ‘thought crime’ paints a picture that jars with any concept of society that is pluralistic, a society were difference is celebrated, where the norm is a dangerous concept when framed by legislators and those in power.
Northern Ireland has traditionally been a ‘conservative’ culture (small ‘c’) where the norm is celebrated by both sides of the divide. It is a country where the dominant religions are monotheistic. Such monotheism drives towards totalitarianism, as to disagree is to reject the singular concept of abiding by set rules,dictated to the plebian masses by our betters and those who have access to divine revelation or well heeled barristers and PR consultants.
In court today a judge declared that one must agree to ‘rules’, however arbitrary they are. The rules in question are random. They decree that boys attending an Antrim Grammar School are not allowed to have hair that touches the collar of the school blazer or have a ‘number one’ cut.
Justice Weatherup, in an oral judgement, said that such rules are valid and do not sexually discriminate against boys. The legal decision he gave is that while the rules differentiate between boys and girls, the boys who were involved in the case which the school brought to school were not ‘treated less favourably’ as a result of being treated differently.
2+2=5
Justice Weatherup will provide a written précis of his judgement next week, with a full written judgement to follow later.
Both the précis and judgement will make interesting reading, not least to make sense of the logic, but to see if there are any grounds to appeal for the families involved.
With regards to long hair, Justice Weatherup, was clear that the school involved (Ballyclare High School) was correct to establish a uniform policy which clearly dealt with male pupils and female pupils differently.
For my sins I attended almost all of the court proceedings in Belfast High Court. Over the three days, I missed two and a half hours out of the 3.5 days of the judicial review hearing. My views, as expressed here, are mine alone, and do not relate to the views my employer may or may not have over this case. But still, my views were formed after a lengthy series of sessions listening to ‘learned’ barristers bat backwards and forwards arguments that were often repetitive and in many cases fatuous. That is, of course, my own opinion. As yet freedom of speech has not been declared illegal.
But what has this case to do with rock and metal fans?
Firstly, there is a lengthy (excuse the pun) tradition of people with long hair, whether they are fans of rock/metal or not. Even the monotheists have an image of Jesus with flowing locks. From the bohemian artists, through to classic artists, long hair was not an issue, until the relatively recent dawn of the culture of conformity that arose, especially, in the post-WWII years.
That too was quickly upset in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and the 1980s. Teddy boys, rockers, hippies, punks, metalheads all represented a change and a challenge to the conformist norm.
This was acknowledged by Justice Weatherup when he remarked that times change. He also acknowledged that change was ‘possible’ in school rules via school councils.
However, at present for rock and metal fans who wish to have long hair it is now likely that if you are at school you will have to have short hair. End of story. It matters not your views, lifestyle choice, your favourite music, the fact that you chose a challenging and diverse genre of music to listen to.
Justice Weatherup elucidated the fact that rules be rules and to hell with those that seek to challenge the vanilla norm.
To be fair to the learned Justice Weatherup he was asked to judge on a situation that should not have ever been a matter for the courts.
What he did clearly say was that rules, like fashion are subject to change. One way that change could happen was through school councils; though I fear that any proposals a school council may bring forth over hair length will be rejected by the forces that prefer the mediocrity of conformity over the dynamism of diversity.
What should be worrying fans of rock and metal are the comments made by the principal of Ballyclare High School, Mr Knox (no doubt advised and coached by his PR consultants), outside court.
He said: "This is an important decision not just for Ballyclare High School but for all other schools and organisation which operate a uniform code and will no doubt be of great interest and relief to them."
Implicit in his comments are the fact that despite your ability, your talent, your intelligence, your wit, your awards, your commendations, your achievements, and your lifestyle choices you can be told that long hair is wrong.
2+2=5
The fact that short hair is as much a ‘fashion’ statement as long hair, escapes the enforcers of the norm. Short hair, as mentioned above, is a relatively recent adherence in human development
Implicit in the comments by Mr Knox, is that any body of assumed authority, whether it be a school or an employer, can dictate a uniform/appearance policy which requires short hair.
The House of Lords, in the shape of the Law Lords, have already drawn a distinction between ephemeral appearance and permanent appearance. That is, ephemeral issues apply to things that can be changed easily, such as dress restrictions, and permanent features are those that cannot be changed between periods not in school/work such as tattoos and length/style of hair. In future such a difference cannot be taken into consideration if the judgement delivered in Belfast stands further tests.
If your school has a ridiculous restriction on your hair length, or your employer decrees that you should ‘get it cut’ then you will have little chance in Northern Ireland’s courts to challenge such a decision. It may be arbitrary, insane or directly infringing any given article of human rights legislation, but such stupid policies can be upheld.
2+2=5
I am a male with hair that isn’t overly long (nowhere near as long as Herman Lii of Dragonforce for example) but is well past the collar ‘test’. I accept that when circumstances demand, ripped jeans and black tour t-shirts are not appropriate when working in an environment that dictates certain styles of dress, for example when meeting barristers or politicians. Equally, when meeting children and young people in the course of my work, or suppliers, or during internal meetings I may, by making an informed choice, dress differently.
I do not accept that my hair length has any bearing on my ability to perform my job.
I believe that as an educated person, skilled in my chosen profession, I can make such choices over ‘dress’ as appropriate without interference or censure.
That the likes of Mr Knox would challenge such an interpretation perhaps says more about him than those of us who rely on our intellect and ability rather than arbitrary rules.
That he, and the forces of conservatism that are rampant in this new Northern Ireland, can take anything but the short view is, frankly, scary.
2+2=5
It is also part of a trend towards ignorance over intellect. The monotheistic obscenity that is the triad of school, church and government is now lumbering towards dumbing down and seeking a norm dictated by fundamentalist religiosity.
For those who haven’t been paying attention the DUP (yep, party of Government etc) has been campaigning to make sure that ‘Intelligent Design’ - also known as creationism - should be taught in our schools, It matters not to this fundamentalist coalition of ill-informed that 'Intelligent Design' is discredited by 99% of scientists, rejected by most philosophers and even rejected by courts in America.
The DUP, together with their fellow fundamentalists, also advocate (in an uncanny echo of Roman Catholic doctrine) that young people should just not do that messy sex thing at all before some Holy Man prays to the Sky Fairy and declares that a couple can now shag at will.
Research, evidence, peer reviewed studies, science, philosophy matters not at all to their views.
We are living in a Northern Ireland that is dangerously tottering towards an era whereby medievalists not only hold sway, but can begin to introduce laws and deliver precedent that curtail freedoms and paint all those who are not conforming to the received wisdom as deviants to be hated, despised and legislated against.
How long before rock and metal CDs are burned in the streets?
How long before 2+2=5?
Our schools should be where enquiry and creativity are fostered. Our schools should be where diversity is celebrated and encouraged.
In our monotheistic dominated culture rock and metal represents a challenge to the ill-advised quest towards conformity rather than encouragingn questioning.
Yet, there is hope. That hope was expressed, in some way, by Justice Weatherup when he acknowledged that times change and outdated rules and policies should change to reflect that.
He argued that young people should have a vehicle for change, and in school that should be the school council. By extrapolation such vehicles should be available in the workplace.
So, unless you wish to be a member of the pack, slavishly following the rules, doffing the cap to conventionality, it is incumbent to speak out. The courts may believe themselves to be the final arbiter, but they are not. Sufficient voices (or guitars and drums!) can be raised that the demand that we accede to 2+2=5 can be rejected in favour of rationality, diversity and a celebration of all who challenge the accepted wisdom of mediocrity.
But my cautionary note is this. Semi-literate rantings in text-speak will cut no ice. Bebo and the Stepen Nolan show have yet to be accorded equal status to the High Court.
Argue from logic and the developing continuum of a rights-based culture, not from blasé waffles. What is needed is clarity of mind, wit and a vision for a culture based on understanding that clones are just a repetition of past mistakes.
As Fish of Marillion wrote: “Where are the prophets, where are the visionaries, where are the poets?”
Where is the eloquence that does't talk down, but elevates debate.
We must not wallow in the norm if the music and culture beloved by many thousands in Northern Ireland is to be preserved and cherished. Northern Ireland rocks, let us never forget that.
Ok, rant over (for now) and no I’m not getting my hair cut unless it is my decision, not a decision forced on me. And to the young people concerned…I’m past 40 and the bastards haven’t ground me down yet!
Northern Ireland has traditionally been a ‘conservative’ culture (small ‘c’) where the norm is celebrated by both sides of the divide. It is a country where the dominant religions are monotheistic. Such monotheism drives towards totalitarianism, as to disagree is to reject the singular concept of abiding by set rules,dictated to the plebian masses by our betters and those who have access to divine revelation or well heeled barristers and PR consultants.
In court today a judge declared that one must agree to ‘rules’, however arbitrary they are. The rules in question are random. They decree that boys attending an Antrim Grammar School are not allowed to have hair that touches the collar of the school blazer or have a ‘number one’ cut.
Justice Weatherup, in an oral judgement, said that such rules are valid and do not sexually discriminate against boys. The legal decision he gave is that while the rules differentiate between boys and girls, the boys who were involved in the case which the school brought to school were not ‘treated less favourably’ as a result of being treated differently.
2+2=5
Justice Weatherup will provide a written précis of his judgement next week, with a full written judgement to follow later.
Both the précis and judgement will make interesting reading, not least to make sense of the logic, but to see if there are any grounds to appeal for the families involved.
With regards to long hair, Justice Weatherup, was clear that the school involved (Ballyclare High School) was correct to establish a uniform policy which clearly dealt with male pupils and female pupils differently.
For my sins I attended almost all of the court proceedings in Belfast High Court. Over the three days, I missed two and a half hours out of the 3.5 days of the judicial review hearing. My views, as expressed here, are mine alone, and do not relate to the views my employer may or may not have over this case. But still, my views were formed after a lengthy series of sessions listening to ‘learned’ barristers bat backwards and forwards arguments that were often repetitive and in many cases fatuous. That is, of course, my own opinion. As yet freedom of speech has not been declared illegal.
But what has this case to do with rock and metal fans?
Firstly, there is a lengthy (excuse the pun) tradition of people with long hair, whether they are fans of rock/metal or not. Even the monotheists have an image of Jesus with flowing locks. From the bohemian artists, through to classic artists, long hair was not an issue, until the relatively recent dawn of the culture of conformity that arose, especially, in the post-WWII years.
That too was quickly upset in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and the 1980s. Teddy boys, rockers, hippies, punks, metalheads all represented a change and a challenge to the conformist norm.
This was acknowledged by Justice Weatherup when he remarked that times change. He also acknowledged that change was ‘possible’ in school rules via school councils.
However, at present for rock and metal fans who wish to have long hair it is now likely that if you are at school you will have to have short hair. End of story. It matters not your views, lifestyle choice, your favourite music, the fact that you chose a challenging and diverse genre of music to listen to.
Justice Weatherup elucidated the fact that rules be rules and to hell with those that seek to challenge the vanilla norm.
To be fair to the learned Justice Weatherup he was asked to judge on a situation that should not have ever been a matter for the courts.
What he did clearly say was that rules, like fashion are subject to change. One way that change could happen was through school councils; though I fear that any proposals a school council may bring forth over hair length will be rejected by the forces that prefer the mediocrity of conformity over the dynamism of diversity.
What should be worrying fans of rock and metal are the comments made by the principal of Ballyclare High School, Mr Knox (no doubt advised and coached by his PR consultants), outside court.
He said: "This is an important decision not just for Ballyclare High School but for all other schools and organisation which operate a uniform code and will no doubt be of great interest and relief to them."
Implicit in his comments are the fact that despite your ability, your talent, your intelligence, your wit, your awards, your commendations, your achievements, and your lifestyle choices you can be told that long hair is wrong.
2+2=5
The fact that short hair is as much a ‘fashion’ statement as long hair, escapes the enforcers of the norm. Short hair, as mentioned above, is a relatively recent adherence in human development
Implicit in the comments by Mr Knox, is that any body of assumed authority, whether it be a school or an employer, can dictate a uniform/appearance policy which requires short hair.
The House of Lords, in the shape of the Law Lords, have already drawn a distinction between ephemeral appearance and permanent appearance. That is, ephemeral issues apply to things that can be changed easily, such as dress restrictions, and permanent features are those that cannot be changed between periods not in school/work such as tattoos and length/style of hair. In future such a difference cannot be taken into consideration if the judgement delivered in Belfast stands further tests.
If your school has a ridiculous restriction on your hair length, or your employer decrees that you should ‘get it cut’ then you will have little chance in Northern Ireland’s courts to challenge such a decision. It may be arbitrary, insane or directly infringing any given article of human rights legislation, but such stupid policies can be upheld.
2+2=5
I am a male with hair that isn’t overly long (nowhere near as long as Herman Lii of Dragonforce for example) but is well past the collar ‘test’. I accept that when circumstances demand, ripped jeans and black tour t-shirts are not appropriate when working in an environment that dictates certain styles of dress, for example when meeting barristers or politicians. Equally, when meeting children and young people in the course of my work, or suppliers, or during internal meetings I may, by making an informed choice, dress differently.
I do not accept that my hair length has any bearing on my ability to perform my job.
I believe that as an educated person, skilled in my chosen profession, I can make such choices over ‘dress’ as appropriate without interference or censure.
That the likes of Mr Knox would challenge such an interpretation perhaps says more about him than those of us who rely on our intellect and ability rather than arbitrary rules.
That he, and the forces of conservatism that are rampant in this new Northern Ireland, can take anything but the short view is, frankly, scary.
2+2=5
It is also part of a trend towards ignorance over intellect. The monotheistic obscenity that is the triad of school, church and government is now lumbering towards dumbing down and seeking a norm dictated by fundamentalist religiosity.
For those who haven’t been paying attention the DUP (yep, party of Government etc) has been campaigning to make sure that ‘Intelligent Design’ - also known as creationism - should be taught in our schools, It matters not to this fundamentalist coalition of ill-informed that 'Intelligent Design' is discredited by 99% of scientists, rejected by most philosophers and even rejected by courts in America.
The DUP, together with their fellow fundamentalists, also advocate (in an uncanny echo of Roman Catholic doctrine) that young people should just not do that messy sex thing at all before some Holy Man prays to the Sky Fairy and declares that a couple can now shag at will.
Research, evidence, peer reviewed studies, science, philosophy matters not at all to their views.
We are living in a Northern Ireland that is dangerously tottering towards an era whereby medievalists not only hold sway, but can begin to introduce laws and deliver precedent that curtail freedoms and paint all those who are not conforming to the received wisdom as deviants to be hated, despised and legislated against.
How long before rock and metal CDs are burned in the streets?
How long before 2+2=5?
Our schools should be where enquiry and creativity are fostered. Our schools should be where diversity is celebrated and encouraged.
In our monotheistic dominated culture rock and metal represents a challenge to the ill-advised quest towards conformity rather than encouragingn questioning.
Yet, there is hope. That hope was expressed, in some way, by Justice Weatherup when he acknowledged that times change and outdated rules and policies should change to reflect that.
He argued that young people should have a vehicle for change, and in school that should be the school council. By extrapolation such vehicles should be available in the workplace.
So, unless you wish to be a member of the pack, slavishly following the rules, doffing the cap to conventionality, it is incumbent to speak out. The courts may believe themselves to be the final arbiter, but they are not. Sufficient voices (or guitars and drums!) can be raised that the demand that we accede to 2+2=5 can be rejected in favour of rationality, diversity and a celebration of all who challenge the accepted wisdom of mediocrity.
But my cautionary note is this. Semi-literate rantings in text-speak will cut no ice. Bebo and the Stepen Nolan show have yet to be accorded equal status to the High Court.
Argue from logic and the developing continuum of a rights-based culture, not from blasé waffles. What is needed is clarity of mind, wit and a vision for a culture based on understanding that clones are just a repetition of past mistakes.
As Fish of Marillion wrote: “Where are the prophets, where are the visionaries, where are the poets?”
Where is the eloquence that does't talk down, but elevates debate.
We must not wallow in the norm if the music and culture beloved by many thousands in Northern Ireland is to be preserved and cherished. Northern Ireland rocks, let us never forget that.
Ok, rant over (for now) and no I’m not getting my hair cut unless it is my decision, not a decision forced on me. And to the young people concerned…I’m past 40 and the bastards haven’t ground me down yet!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Long hair...
In my other life I occassionally turn up for work with the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People...This past three 'working' days have been pre-occupied by the case of two pupils at Ballyclare High School who have 'defied' school uniform policy by having their hair touching their blazer collar...
Three long days in court so far, but Mr Justice Weatherup has promised a 'decision' on Friday...Once he has issued his decision, it will no doubt be widely covered by the media.
Whatever the result, one thing can be assured...very, very few of those present in court will be darkening the doors of The Empire on Saturday night for Limehouse Lizzy - apart from me that is!
Three long days in court so far, but Mr Justice Weatherup has promised a 'decision' on Friday...Once he has issued his decision, it will no doubt be widely covered by the media.
Whatever the result, one thing can be assured...very, very few of those present in court will be darkening the doors of The Empire on Saturday night for Limehouse Lizzy - apart from me that is!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Old time rock 'n' roll
Sorry that I've not been posting for a while...but I'm back...and there'll be a shedload being posted in coming weeks from the latest tour gossip, reviews of local acts, news from various local rock/metal camps (including an imminent announcement on positive developments from the Residual Effect and Escape Fails camps)...in the meantime the older rock and metal fans will be booking their tix for the Def Leppard/Whitesnake/Black Stone Cherry gig at the Odyssey on 21st June. Suffice to say this wrinkly rocker saw Snake and Lepps in the early 80s Belfast debuts, but am damn excited too that Black Stone Cherry are on the line up...more soon!
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Gaps in Maiden tour dates
For the observant amongst you there are gaps in the currently announced Iron Maiden tour itinerary. Namely, they play in Paris on 1st July, the in London on 5th July, and then on 16th July in Stockholm. Promoters across the island of Ireland have been, no doubt, taking note. I am willing to offer the band £1.50, a packet of Smarties and a collection of recently quaffed empty Carlsberg cans to play in my back garden (subject to local council consent) but may raise my offered fee to £3.25 if Maiden agree to play Rosetta. I await the call.
More realistically, one can 'hint' that negotiations are underway!
More realistically, one can 'hint' that negotiations are underway!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Counting the dates
Fed up with not knowing the date? Worried that Aunt Aggie will get you another calendar of cute doggie pics? Fear no more! The Sorrowfall 2008 calendar is now available.
For the (extremely) reasonable price of £7 you can have a Sorrowfall calendar (complete with RokPix's finest live frames adorning each page) to replace the tatty Bon Jovi 2007 calendar 'yer ma bought ye' because she knew you liked them 'hippy bands'.
Head your way over to www.sorrowfall.co.uk or www.myspace.com/sorrowfall to purchase your essential metal Chrimbo pressie for the(sorrow)fallen among you all!
For the (extremely) reasonable price of £7 you can have a Sorrowfall calendar (complete with RokPix's finest live frames adorning each page) to replace the tatty Bon Jovi 2007 calendar 'yer ma bought ye' because she knew you liked them 'hippy bands'.
Head your way over to www.sorrowfall.co.uk or www.myspace.com/sorrowfall to purchase your essential metal Chrimbo pressie for the(sorrow)fallen among you all!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Kevin bows out
Quiet Riot singer Kevin Du Brow passed away this weekend. More details here:
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=85583
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=85583
Saturday, November 24, 2007
and yet more gigs...
Dillinger Escape Plan...February 17th, Spring & Airbrake...Smashing Pumpkins...February 10th King's Hall...Joe Satriani...May 24th Mandella Hall...
Friday, November 23, 2007
more bands playing Belfast
Yet more bands playing Belfast (see below). Hayseed Dixies on 27th February at The Empire
Here there be Tygers
No sooner that one gig update appears (see below) than another set of dates need to be added..80's NWOBHM pioneers Tygers of Pan Tang play Derry's Nerve Centre on 22nd February and Spring and Airbrake on 23rd...
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Gig update
Updates...gigs, gigs, gigs...more gig news! This is a quick update of the previous list.
Avenged Sevenfold are playing the Ambassador on 1st February...British Sea Power are playing the Spring & Airbrake on 17th January...Bon Jovi play Punchestown Racecourse on 7th June...Joe Satriani plays Vicar St, Dublin on 23rd May...
Add that to the previous list and that's a damn load of playing by anyone's account
No doubt more to come, and let me know when your band is playing!
Avenged Sevenfold are playing the Ambassador on 1st February...British Sea Power are playing the Spring & Airbrake on 17th January...Bon Jovi play Punchestown Racecourse on 7th June...Joe Satriani plays Vicar St, Dublin on 23rd May...
Add that to the previous list and that's a damn load of playing by anyone's account
No doubt more to come, and let me know when your band is playing!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
QOTSA
In case you missed the Queens of the Stone Age update...here's the latest news onJosh 'Ginger' Homme's Belfast date...straight from Wonderland..
"Fans of Queens Of The Stone Age who were disappointed when their
concert date at the Balmoral Hall sold out within hours last week, will be
delighted to learn that due to phenomenal ticket demand, the band have
announced that their planned February show in the venue will now take
place in the Kings Hall - increasing the capacity to cope with the demand
from fans to see them live in Belfast."
"Fans of Queens Of The Stone Age who were disappointed when their
concert date at the Balmoral Hall sold out within hours last week, will be
delighted to learn that due to phenomenal ticket demand, the band have
announced that their planned February show in the venue will now take
place in the Kings Hall - increasing the capacity to cope with the demand
from fans to see them live in Belfast."
Saturday, November 10, 2007
There are a few gigs coming up....
Been a bit busy of late...hence lack of posts....suffice to say there are a few gigs coming up...check the list below!
14th November – A Little Bitter – The Empire
17th November – My Chemical Romance – King’s Hall, Belfast
18th November – Machine ‘Fucking’ Head – Ambassador, Dublin
23rd November – Soundstone – The Magnet Centre, Newry
23rd November – A Little Bitter – Bound for Boston, Derry
24th Novemver – Overoth – Katy Daly’s
24th November – A Little Bitter – Common Room, Dungannon
25th November – Adler’s Appetite/Million$Reload - Spring & Airbrake
30th November – Jeff Scott Soto – The Rosetta
1st December – Escape Fails – INF, Warrenpoint
7th December – Ash – Mandella Hall
8th December - The Bon Jovi Experience- The Empire
9th December - The Bon Jovi Experience- The Empire
15th December – Apocalyptica – Ambassador, Dublin
15th December - The Damned - The Empire
16th December – Thin Lizzy – Waterfront Hall
21st December – Biffy Clyro – Mandella Hall
21st December – Escape Fails – The Magnet Centre, Warrenpoint
23rd January (08) (Kerrang! Tour) – Coheed & Cambria, Fightstar, Madina Lake +
24th January – Bullet for My Valentine – Spring & Airbrake
7th February - Queens of the Stone Age - Balmoral Hall
8th February – Nazareth – Spring & Airbrake
16th February - Deft Leppard - The Empire
26th February – Jimmy Eat World – St George’s Market, Belfast
4th March – The Cult – The Olympia, Dublin
2nd April – Nightwish/Pain – Mandella Hall
In this semi-sober state I may have missed one or three! Let me know if I have and I'll revise list accordingly!
14th November – A Little Bitter – The Empire
17th November – My Chemical Romance – King’s Hall, Belfast
18th November – Machine ‘Fucking’ Head – Ambassador, Dublin
23rd November – Soundstone – The Magnet Centre, Newry
23rd November – A Little Bitter – Bound for Boston, Derry
24th Novemver – Overoth – Katy Daly’s
24th November – A Little Bitter – Common Room, Dungannon
25th November – Adler’s Appetite/Million$Reload - Spring & Airbrake
30th November – Jeff Scott Soto – The Rosetta
1st December – Escape Fails – INF, Warrenpoint
7th December – Ash – Mandella Hall
8th December - The Bon Jovi Experience- The Empire
9th December - The Bon Jovi Experience- The Empire
15th December – Apocalyptica – Ambassador, Dublin
15th December - The Damned - The Empire
16th December – Thin Lizzy – Waterfront Hall
21st December – Biffy Clyro – Mandella Hall
21st December – Escape Fails – The Magnet Centre, Warrenpoint
23rd January (08) (Kerrang! Tour) – Coheed & Cambria, Fightstar, Madina Lake +
24th January – Bullet for My Valentine – Spring & Airbrake
7th February - Queens of the Stone Age - Balmoral Hall
8th February – Nazareth – Spring & Airbrake
16th February - Deft Leppard - The Empire
26th February – Jimmy Eat World – St George’s Market, Belfast
4th March – The Cult – The Olympia, Dublin
2nd April – Nightwish/Pain – Mandella Hall
In this semi-sober state I may have missed one or three! Let me know if I have and I'll revise list accordingly!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Coheed & Cambria - Belfast date
Prog Metal arch priests Coheed and Cambria are to headline this year's Kerrang! tour which kicks off in Belfast on 23rd January at the Mandella Hall. Joining the New Jerse noise crew will be Fightstar, Madina Lake and Circa Survive..well at least Coheed and Cambria will be there!
Hallowe'en cancellation
Circumstances beyond the control of bands, promoter and venue has led to the cancellation of the Hallowe'en metal night at the Rosetta. Corrupt Absolute, Psyatica and the Rosetta Bar apoloigise for the cancellation of what promised to be fantastic Hallowe'en noise fest...this was a no-one to blame situation for everyone invovled.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Circadian demo available at No Fake ID Required gig
On the subject of the No Fake ID Required gig... Circadian's debut 5-track demo EP is out now...copies available at the October 27th gig for the stupid price of £5!!!
No Fake ID Required - October 27th
The next No Fake ID Required gig is on Saturday Oct 27th. Line up is:
- Escape Fails
- Sorrowfall
- Dead Zebra
- Interrogate
- Circadian
- Visceral Attack
Friday, October 19, 2007
Hawaiin Hallowe'en metal at the Rosetta
Hallowe'en night -it can be so clichéd - all those fancy dress costumes that cost a fortune...well to hell with that - head to the Rosetta on Wednesday 31st to witness the metallic majesty that is Hawaiin's Corrupt Absolute! And with Limerick's monstrous Psyatica backing them up.
And at £6 it's sure as hell cheaper than renting a costly fancy dress outfit that you'll only spill beer over while listening to the feckin' Time Warp for the third time!
And at £6 it's sure as hell cheaper than renting a costly fancy dress outfit that you'll only spill beer over while listening to the feckin' Time Warp for the third time!
Saturday, October 13, 2007
hallowe'en - check out Rosetta!
Hallowe'en night at the Rosetta (click here for details)...Hawaii, Limerick and Belfast in metal unity...check out the myspaces!
Corrupt Absolute
http://www.myspace.com/8mmoverdose
Psyatica
http://www.myspace.com/psyatica
Corrupt Absolute
http://www.myspace.com/8mmoverdose
Psyatica
http://www.myspace.com/psyatica
Biffy!
Their weird, Scottish and Baal hates them (my mate not the Mesoptamian diety)...and they're playing Belfast's Mandella Hall on 21st December.
Ok, they'll not appeal to many metal fans, but they rock hard, and their latest platter, Puzzle, is one of the finest hard rock albums of the year.
And, at a time when many acts are by-passing Belfast on their tour itinerary this will be Biffy's second visit this year...
Ok, they'll not appeal to many metal fans, but they rock hard, and their latest platter, Puzzle, is one of the finest hard rock albums of the year.
And, at a time when many acts are by-passing Belfast on their tour itinerary this will be Biffy's second visit this year...
Speed and RE
Stuck for something to do tomorrow nightt? Head along to the Spring & Airbrake...Raging Speedhorn are playing ably supported by local noiseniks (and all round great guys) Residual Effect. A metallic assault to clear the head!
Volcanic metal assault on Hallowe'en night
Hawaii is one of a series of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean. Corrupt Absolute are an old school thrash act from Honolulu, Hawaii – providing a volcanic metal soundtrack…a soundtrack that will descend on Ireland’s shores later this month.
Corrupt Absolute (formerly 8mm Overdose) are touring with Psyatica, a tour which culminates in Belfast at the Rosetta – on Hallowe’en night!
There has, of course, been a dearth of metal acts from Hawaii…name two apart Corrupt Absolute if you can!
And, left you think that Corrupt Absolute are new young things with no track record, the band has been going since the 90s, with their first CD out in 1997 (under the 8mm Overdose monicker).
Psyatica are currently midway what is an unlikely, but well deserved world tour (yep you read that right!) that has seen them tackle Hawaii, west coast USA, Ireland, Scotland and Scandanavian countries.
For anyone who has clocked the Limerick trio recently, you’ll know they’re worth the £6 entry fee to the Rosetta on Hallowe’en night alone. Throw in the Hawaiian metal assault...then get your metal asses along!
Corrupt Absolute (formerly 8mm Overdose) are touring with Psyatica, a tour which culminates in Belfast at the Rosetta – on Hallowe’en night!
There has, of course, been a dearth of metal acts from Hawaii…name two apart Corrupt Absolute if you can!
And, left you think that Corrupt Absolute are new young things with no track record, the band has been going since the 90s, with their first CD out in 1997 (under the 8mm Overdose monicker).
Psyatica are currently midway what is an unlikely, but well deserved world tour (yep you read that right!) that has seen them tackle Hawaii, west coast USA, Ireland, Scotland and Scandanavian countries.
For anyone who has clocked the Limerick trio recently, you’ll know they’re worth the £6 entry fee to the Rosetta on Hallowe’en night alone. Throw in the Hawaiian metal assault...then get your metal asses along!
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