Just how many kidneys do you need?

Just how many kidneys do you really need? How much will your granny (alive or deceased) sell for on eBay? Can you cut down on alcohol consumption from 100 units per week to the government recommended maximum of 20-odd units?

Okay, scrub that last one - there some things self-respecting metalheads and rockers should not be expected to give up.

The point is that already 2010 is proving to be a bumper year for all things noisy, but with all the ear-ringing delight comes the monetary cost (doubly so when you take your kid to Machine Head: we have all the MH back catalogue, but now he wants all the Hatebreed and Bleeding Through back catalogue too!).

So we thought it opportune to list what's in store to leave piggy banks broken and empty and the journey to the ATM a soul-destoying trek to see what you can't afford. Here goes:

Ozzmium/Murdock/Circadian/Last Known Addiction - March 11th, Auntie Annies (Ozzmium video launch)
(HED) P.E./Threat Signal/Attila - March 12th, Spring & Airbrake
Honey for Christ/Darkest Era/Death Warrant - March 13th, The Limelight
Tinn Lizzy - March 17th, St Patrick's Day at the Spring & Airbrake
Devil Makes Three/Sirocco/Hybris - March 20th, The Limelight
A Little Bitter/Inch High/Black Freeway - March 20th, Diamond Rock Bar
Skindred - March 21st, Spring & Airbrake
Winger/Stormzone/World's End - March 27th, Spring & Airbrake
Eyehategod/Black Cobra - April 4th, The Limelight
Ricky Warwick - April 5th, Diamond Rock Club, Ahoghill
Ashanti/Pay*ola - April 10th, Spring & Airbrake
Airbourne/Black Spiders - April 13th, Mandella Hall
Glamour of the Kill/Yashin/Escape Fails - April 24th, Auntie Annies (GOTK UK tour closer)
GMT - April 24th, Diamond Rock Club, Ahoghill
Cathedral/Church of Misery/Gates of Slumber - April 28th, The Limelight (Cathedral currently streaming new song 'Edwige's Eyes' at www.myspace.com/cathedral from the album 'The Guessing Game', due out on March 26)
Negura Bunget/Fen/The Way ofPurity - April 29th, The Limelight
Bolt Thrower/Rotting Page/Overoth - May 3rd, The Limelight
Kiss - May 7th, O2 Dublin
Decade of Aggression - Distortion Project 20th Birthday (Primordial,Orange Goblin +19 other bands, stalls and all solrts of good shit) - all over Ormeau Avenue!
Metallica - 11th & 12th May Odyssey [HELL YEAH!]
Tygers of Pan Tang - 15th May, Diamond Rock Club, Ahoghill
Megadeth - 14th June, Live at the Marquee, Cork
Pearl Jam - 23rd June Odyssey
Deep Purple - 28th June Custom House Square

I'm sure I've missed some, and some details may need corrected: and if there are gigs beyond Belfast let me know too! If so, y'all know what to do.
Deicide - 28th June, Spring & Airbrake

Where do we go from here?

THE Machine Head gig at the Ulster Hall represents something of a watershed for this blog. All involved have been touched and pleased by the response from readers contributing their thoughts, views and reviews.

But it leaves tbe question, as posed in the coda of Sweet Child O' Mine, where do we go from here?

Certainly the idea of readers posting reviews seems to be popular. It would be presumptious of me to say that my reviews were more worthy than those of readers. Equally it is clear that I cannot go to all the gigs I want to. With way too many years of professional writing I have the awards etc to prove I can waffle with the best of them, but I also have the experience to sub-edit appropriately the same said reviews.

Would readers be willing to submit reviews via email that I would sub-edit? And would they be willing to review gigs that I, or one of the contributors, could not attend? And, should their reviews prove consistently coherent, would they want to be able to post directly?

Since this blog started I have wanted to develop it to further the cause of 'eavy fuggin' metal. As such the community has meant more to me than the statistics on the visitor charts.

But what if it was to be taken further?

What if it was to become more than a source of information?

Could it be a vehicle that local bands use to sell merch and CDs?

Could it be a vehicle for fans of hard rock and metal to show off their talents in other ways such as graphic design, or web design - a sort of hard rockin; marketplace.

I really don't know  - but I do know I think that it could be a resource for local fans and bands - as well as being a place to reflect and rumminate over gigs.

For example what if bands were to sell merch via the site? Or even run a competition, via the site, to design a t-shirt or album cover, with the winner getting a cut of the eventual sales?

I want to be very clear here that I do NOT want to tread on the toes of existing sites such as the wonderful Metal Ireland: indeed if other sites want to develop these ideas and it benefits the metal community I'll not be shedding any tears.

But I believe that readers of this site can forge ahead to come up with ideas to develop the rock and metal scene using this medium. For example: If someone has web design skills could they develop a site with a shop that they get a cut of sales from t-shirts shifted? Could a t-shirt designer and band get a cut from sales on the site?

Even, should there be any money generated from what is essentially a fan site (yes I am a sad 42-year-old metal fanatic, who with two kids - one shortly off to uni - that should know better!) that was created by a fan - that would be me - for fans.

Ultimately, this blog will go on no matter what (well if there is a nuclear attack on Belfast we may have to shorten the posts!) but I want to make sure that I hear your views on development.

Until then, thanks to y'all for reading, thanks for commenting and reviewing, but most of all thanks for your faith in all things loud and feckin' proud!

Now, gotta think of questions for Winger and Airbourne interviews....

Video launch

Quick note to note a video launch...Ozzmium launch their new video at Auntie Annie's next Thursday with a gig that will see them backed by Murdock, Circadian and Last Known Addiction.

Doors are at 9pm with the first band on stage within half an hour of you rushing up the stairs and racing to the bar.

A video launch, a gig and beer....mmm wonder if the Oscars could organise a metal night for their flicks? Avatar with Hatebreed for the battle scenes? Hurt Locker with Pink Floyd as a backdrop? The Educator with Metallica playing Welcome Home (Sanitorium)?

Or just any James Carey movie with a Motley Crue soundtrack?

Ozzmium video will be live here shortly after the launch. 

Your Machine Head Black Procession reviews

MACHINE Head open reviews was the first attempt by this site to 'crowd source' - that is to see if the wider community could 'source' content from our faithful readers in the form of reviews. Much thanks to the ever popular Anonymous, Bill 'Redskull', Wayne and Tara posting comments on the page that contained the request for the crowd sourcing reviews. You can read them here.

Before reading them what do y'all think about the idea of allowing more people to provide reviews to this blogs? We're not talking about just plain comments and discussions - the likes of the Metal Ireland gig discussion pages are better suited to that, and we'd never want to usurp that wonderful resource and source of views, news and opinions.

What we're talking about is opening up the potential for readers to review gigs. We've had some guest reviewers before and their posts have proven popular. Basically the idea would be to email the review and we'll post it, with byline to the blog?

Views please...

In the meantime below are two other reviews from Matthew and Conor.


By Conor McCormick:

GOT in just in time for Bleeding Through, absolutely raging that I missed Man Must Die, doors at 7? Dont think so!


Bleeding Through were really powerful, sound for them was immense! Even though the keyboards weren't that high in the mix (Possibly a good thing!) Played a blinder of a set, although I may be slightly biased as a bleeding through fan.

Hatebreed were awesome. Not really a thinking man's band, but I think thats a big reason as to why there so good live. You can switch off your brain and just mosh. Suprised Jasta took getting hit with a bottle so calmly, was good to see though, any further attention to it may have antagonised the situation. Also suprised by the lack of bro-dudes present, last two times I've seen Hatebreed its been full of macho brodudery. The energy that band create is fantastic. Perfect opening band for a headliner in a venue such as the Ulster Hall.

Finally there was Machine Head Must admit im not their biggest fan and after the fiasco at the Kings Hall a few years back I wasnt overly keen on seeing them again. In saying that, the sound in the Nugent Hall was a key factor in the muddiness of their sound, they would have sounded clearer playing a cave!

The Ulster Hall is a good venue and the sound for the support bands was tight and cohesive which is why I know it can't be blamed on the venue or the PA they had with them.

It was simply too loud, they sacraficed clarity for volume. From what could be made out it did sound like the on stage sound was good but that was hard to make out. Stood everywhere, from front of stage, to the sides to the middle of the venue, even beside the sound desk and for a few minutes upstairs we managed to sneak up onto the balcony. Pretty much everywhere it was uncomfortably loud. Worst gig for that I've ever been to. Will be investing in a set of plugs incase this happens again. Machine Head's sound man has been with them for many years so he knows what he's doing, he looked to be pissed off at times. Not sure whether this was to do with the sheer volume or for alternate reason. Sound issues aside they did appear to be playing a sweet set and I know those up the front had no issues as the fans were going mad. Although it did them no favours in gaining myself as a new fan, it didn't seem to do any harm to current fans.

All round it was a pretty good show by all bands and maybe now people will refer to Machine Head as the loudest band to play Ireland as opposed to the messiest.

ENDS
 
By Matt Dougherty



THE Ulster Hall is a venue renowned for its great sound across Ireland, but on Monday night Machine Head weren’t quite so clear. Indeed, it’d be easy to argue the support bands benefited more from the acoustics than the headliners.

Unfortunately, we missed all but the last two songs of Man Must Die, but the two songs left a lasting impression. The first was that they were heavy as fuck. The second was, somewhat ironically in hindsight, that the sound was pretty good. Unfortunately the latter would not join the first to become a recurring theme through the night.

Bleeding Through had a relatively short time slot, and were much like the first group to perform in that they were brutally heavy. For many, the female keyboardist was a memorable highlight, even if her input on songs was questionable, if present at all. Certainly, with their death metal stylings, keyboards wouldn’t be the first instrument to jump to mind, but towards the end of their set she proved her presence was more than one purely for aesthetics.

Not long after Hatebreed took to the stage, a stray cup filled with water landed on frontman Jamey Jasta’s head, who didn’t react to it at all. This seemed to echo the attitude of the band – if you don’t like it, that’s your problem. Meanwhile, Hatebreed were here to perform for both dedicated fans and curious newcomers alike, and boy were they were out to impress. Their impressive setlist comprised of 15 songs – albeit short ones – won them many fans, with a particular highlight being the anthem In Ashes They Shall Reap. Simple lyrics which are no doubt relevant to everyone meant most of the crowd could appreciate them, even some of the more sceptical punters towards the back, with a great deal of headbanging and moshing happening throughout the hall. Thanks from the stage were genuinely heartfelt, and it was apparent that the band were enjoying themselves as much as the near capacity crowd in the Hall.

And then came Machine Fuckin’ Head. Opening with Clenching the Fists of Dissent from the new album before taking things back with older tracks like Imperium and Ten Ton Hammer, it was clear that if the Machine Head boys have learned anything from their support of Metallica, it’s that the crowd wants to hear a mixture of material old and new. Five tracks from the new album were played, including the tribute to Dimebag Aesthetics of Hate and the nine minute masterpiece Halo, with a mixture of many older songs, including Exhale The Vile and the recently premiered Vim padding out the setlist. Indeed, Machine Head played a great mixture of material that both dedicated fans and new recruits could enjoy. The operative word being could. By this time, the sound had unfortunately decayed to a muddy, murky mess, with any sound from the guitars or the vocals being drowned out by the thunderous drums and the rumbling bass. It’s a pity too, because somewhere under the sound it was evident the band were on top form, performing their songs flawlessly and genuinely thankful for the support of the people gathered to see them. It’s pretty clear why they’ve cemented a reputation as being immense live – but in Belfast it just didn’t go their way.

Vader, Blaze Bayley, Dan Reed, Cathedral, Deicide etc etc

THANKS to everyone who has posted/sent their views on Machine Head - I'll be amalgamating these for an opinion piece tomorrow, but in the meantime there's Vader tonight, Blaze Bayley on Thursday, Dan Reed on Saturday (still tickets available for the bus from Belfast). Again, as part of the experiement email me details.

And look out for further details about the Cathedral and Deicide gigs and other gig news.

Right off to see if the ringing in my ears has eased any \m/

We want YOUR Machine Head review

SOUND problems aside (see comments on previous post) last night's Black Procession tour closer in Belfast's Ulster Hall was a brutal exposition of how metal should be delivered.

Usually at this point we sit down and compose a carefully worded review. But, this time out we're going to have an experiment. We want YOU to review the gig!

Was the band line-up balanced? Was it a triumphant tour closer for Machine Head after three years touring The Blackening? Were Bleeding Through a good match? Did Hatebreed's passiom come across?How good was the lighting rig compared to the at times ropey sound? And was the stand-in opener a suitable way to get things underway?

How to post a review:
1: Comment on this post, as per normal
2. Email us here with longer pieces.

No prizes (sorry) apart from bylines for your review.

If this works wse may throw the doors open to a wider net of contributors.

Looking forward to reading your views - our review will come within 48 hours.

Machine Head after-show party

After yer ears have been blasted, and yer senses are over-loaded by the aural assault of Machine Head, Hatebreed, Bleeding Through and All Shall Perish there is a chance to chill to some more metal.

The Distortion Project's own James Loveday will be spinning some heavy vibes at the Limelight for an after-show party. A sound way to relax after Machine Head and plan the week ahead...y'know the week with Blaze Bayley, Vader and Dan Reed!

Bus to Dan Reed

Afore ye landlubbers read about the joys of an upcoming Cathedral gig, slither with anticipation at Skindred or even whoop at Winger's gig there's the wee matter of Dan Reed. With ears a ringing from Machine Head and wide smiles after Blaze Bayley, Dan is putting in one of his regular appearances at the Diamond Bar, Ahoghill.

There are a few (very few) spaces available on a mini-bus from Belfast to the Diamond Bar. Leaving Frames in Belfast at 6:45 and returns whenever. Cost is 25 notes for bus and ticket...beer tokens are at your own expense.

Contact me here if you are interested

Overoth album launch

Stuck for things to do on another boring Thursday? Late night shopping not enough to retain your attention longer than 30 minutes?

Head along to Ye Old Limelight for the launch of Overoth's new album 'Kingdom of Shadows'. Helping Overoth with the night's festivities are Condemned and By Any Means.

At a measly five of yer pounds and fifty of yer pence it is fine value to be queued at the doors for when they open at nine bells.

Machine Head switch to Ulster Hall

The Machine Head, Hatebreed, Bleeding Through, All Shall Perish gig on March 1st has been switched to the Ulster Hall "due to technical and production reasons".

Whatever the reasons the Ulster Hall is a more intimate venue for the gig...

And thanks to everyone who texted, called, emailed, commented and phoned us in case we missed this...much as I appreciate it but a 3am text isn't going to make me rush to fire up the PC, log into the interweb and post an item.

Having said that, with very few tickets left for this heaviest of the heavy gigs, perhaps there was some urgency...but 3am? You know who you are - so next time, make it before 2am :)

Machine Head competition winners

Congratulations to to Tara, Wayne and Gavin who won a pair of tickets to see Machine Head, Hatebreed, Bleeding Through and All Shall Perish on March 1st at St George's Market.

Thanks to all who entered...and if you didn't win get yer proverbial arses along and buy a ticket for what is set to be one of the heaviest nights in a long, long time.

And look out for an exclusive interview with Machine Head next week? Where do you look for it? Right here of course, where there's a little Halo birghtening the Blackening of yer dark metallic hearts \m/

Machine Head ticket competition

TICKETS are selling fast for Machine Head's 1st March date at St George's Market, Belfast. After all with a line up headed by the Bay Area's hardest men of metal since Hetfield and co started playing Sweet Savage covers and which includes Hatebreed, Bleeding Through and All Shall Perish why wouldn't they be selling damn quick?

Those kind folks at CDC have donated three pairs of tickets for an exclusive Belfastmetalheadsreunited competition.

To win one of these pairs of tickets just answer this simple question:

What Metallica song did Machine Head cover on the special edition of Blackening and a Kerrang! covermount 'Tallica trib CD?

The competition closes on Wednesday 18th February at midnight. Send your answers here. Usual competition rules apply...which are - if you're not in ya can/t feckin' win!

Been awhile

IT'S been awhile since we posted here...but someone else not on the approved list of contributors has been trying to post to the blog on items not even remotely related to hard rock and metal.

It's taken a few weeks but the problem has now been solved. Apologies to promoters whose gigs weren't mentioned and to anyone trying to track upcoming gigs.

Thanks to all then followers and look out for more gig information coming up soon.

Lithuanian Sunday

COME Sunday evening, as Douglas Adams once said, we are all faced with the 'Long, Dark Teatime of the Soul' when the TV is rubbish, and you have had 'as many baths as you can usefully endure'.

Fear not, for Lithuania to the rescue! Ehh! says you...Lithuania?

For on Sunday, Lithuanian pagan metallers Obtest hit The Limelight, with Overoth and Brigantia. For a measly eight of yer pounds and fifty of your pennies the long, dark teatime of your soul will be bansished by dark reveries of sonic oblivion...and a few pints are available to purchase too!

Yet another Distortion Project success methinks!

Get rockin' for Haiti!

acts No Egos. Do your part


From: Info Add to Contacts

To:



6 Files Download All
BELOW is the CDC note on the forthcoming Belfast4Haiti gig on 31st January. Get along if you can - donate if you can't. Not a great many bands here for regular readers, but if you can then the delights of The Answer and Swanee River will get heads 'a' nodding and feet 'a' tapping - not to mention surreptitious air guitarin'.

"It has been over a week since the tragic earthquake struck the Caribbean island of Haiti. Even as we write aftershocks are still hitting the country and people are still, miraculously being pulled alive from the rubble of their former homes. The death toll, which some fear could reach as high as 200000 beggars belief, while tens of thousands of children have been orphaned.
"The day the news broke musicians and local music scene supporters wondered about the possibility of running a small benefit gig or fundraiser – anything to help the massive charity programme that Haiti will need to rebuild its shattered infrastructure.
"Within a week this grew, to take in The Spring and Airbrake, Katy Dalys and The Limelight. 50 acts, the cream of local talent, have agreed to play for free. Sound engineers, Djs and anyone willing just to provide a spare pair of hands have offered their time. Local businesses have offered their services as raffle prizes. All we need is you to come down and give as much as you can – starting with the very, very reasonable £10.00 ticket (though best think of that as a minimum donation…) www.ticketmaster.ie with no booking fee at all.

"For your tenner the Belfast4Haiti people can offer more than 30 live bands (‘which live bands?’ you might ask. Well (deep breath) …The Answer, General Fiasco,
"In Case Of Fire, Joe Echo, Panama Kings, Ben Glover, Brian Houston,Olympic Lifts, Mojo Fury, Dutch Schultz, Pocket Billiards, Cashier No 9, A Plastic Rose, Cutaways, Not Squares, Colenso Parade, Queer Giraffes, Ten Gallon Hat, Escape Act, Kowalski, Team Laser Explosive, Yakuza, Uber Glitterati, The Rupture Dogs, Tin Pot Operation, Black Bear Saloon, Axis Of,Swanee River,The Good Fight, The Beat Poets, Comply or Die, The Lobotomies, Suicide Dolphin Bombers. (yes, the rumours are true, the Suicide Dolphin Bombers will be playing. Can’t wait.
"Given the fact that both the Answer and General Fiasco headlined the Ulster Hall last year this bill represents amazing value for money even before you take into account the wealth of up and coming bands. That’s before you take into account the Djs, the raffles and the fact that Sunday 31st’s gig runs from 3pm-1pm.

"There’ll be plenty of opportunities to donate to this great cause on the day, but tickets are going very, very fast – available from Katy Dalys and Ticketmaster. There’s no booking fee so 100% of the ticket proceeds go towards the Disasters Event Committee. A similar concert was organised in the wake of the 2004 tsunami which raised £18084.64. Let’s beat that.

"Check out http://belfast4haiti.com/ for updates and join http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=253887616903&ref=ts On facebook."

Gettin' better with A Little Bitter

OKAY, time to confess...A Little Bitter are probably one of the favourite local bands we have reviewed and seen. There are many great, great local acts out there, but A Little Bitter seem to have both a charm and intensity that few are able to match.

If you haven't caught them live yet now here's your chance:

12 Feb The Rosetta Belfast

27 Feb The Black Boat Bangor
6 March The Nerve Centre Derry
20 March The Diamond Ahoghill

www.myspace.com/alittlebittermusic

Will see you at least at one or more of these dates...we're the ones who know all the words to Jebus, Angel and Battle Cry...

Rock for Haiti

FOR those of you occassionaly switch yer telly from music and sports channels you can't have helped to be moved by the horrific scenes emerging from Haiti.

On Sunday 31st January there will be a gig - Belfast4Haiti taking place to raise funds for the population of this tiny, deprived nation.

Many of the acts and DJs will not interest readers of this site but here are four reasons why you should make the effort:
1) It's in a good cause
2) The Answer are headlining
3) Swanee River are playing
4) It's in a good cause

Below are the details from the organisers and the full list of acts....and remember that this is a gig associated with DEC - in other words it's official and the money will help those suffering the dreadful after effects of the earthquake.

BELFAST 4 HAITI  50 ACTS – ONE CAUSE
THE LIMELIGHT / SPRING & AIRBRAKE / KATY DALYS

SUNDAY 31ST JANUARY 2010

£10
3pm – 1am

Haiti's strongest earthquake in more than two centuries rocked the Caribbean nation on Tuesday 12th January, The Haitian government reported that nearly 70,000 bodies had been recovered by official crews. So far, official estimates have placed the death toll at 200,000, with 250,000 injured and 1.5 million homeless. Experts caution that any final death toll will be a "guesstimate" as the scale of the disaster makes an accurate tally impossible. Many countries have responded to the appeals and launched fund-raising efforts, as well as sending search and rescue teams. The top names in the Northern Ireland music industry are pulling together for a massive one day event on Sunday January 31st with 50 acts including live bands and DJ's. Back in 2005 a similar event was held raising a total of £18,084.64 for the Tsunami appeal. All proceeds will be donated to the Haiti fund. Belfast 4 Haiti will take place in The Limelight, Spring & Airbrake and Katy Dalys on January 31st 2010, tickets are priced £10 and are available in Katy Dalys bar or Ticketmaster.

LIVE BANDS

The Answer
General Fiasco
In Case Of Fire
Joe Echo
Panama Kings
Ben Glover
Olympic Lifts
Mojo Fury
Dutch Schultz
Pocket Billiards
Cashier No 9
A Plastic Rose
Cutaways
Not Squares
Colenso Parade
Queer Giraffes
Ten Gallon Hat
Escape Act
Kowalski
Team Laser Explosive
Yakuza
Uber Glitterati
The Rupture Dogs
Tin Pot Operation
Black Bear Saloon
Axis Of
Swanee River
The Good Fight
The Beat Poets
Comply or Die
The Lobotomies
Suicide Dolphin Bombers

DJ’s

Stuart Baile
Nakatomi Towers DJs
Jane Bradford DJs
Panic Dots DJs
FAUX DJs
Shag DJs
Helter Skelter DJs
Chalkman
Ed Zealous DJs
Factotum DJs
Sketchy DJs
Josh Mc Cann

Please be advised this event is being run by the DEC – Disasters Event Committee
Charity No: 106263
DEC HAITI EARTHQUAKE, PO BOX 999,
LONDON,
EC3A 3AA.

Venue: The Limelight / Spring & Airbrake / Katy Dalys

Date: Sunday 31st January

Ticket Price. £10 no booking fee

Doors: 3pm

Distortion Project listings January/February

Book yer Saturdays - here's the Distortion Project listings for coming weeks. Add these to your metal diary and the gig list elsewhere on the blog

Saturday 30th January. Waylander + Natan + Burial, £9.00
Saturday 6th February. Anger Management (ex. Murder One/Medula Nocte) + By Any Means + TBC, £7.00
Saturday 13th February. Altus Astrum + TBC + Languished.
Saturday 20th February. Sweet Savage + Sinners Fall + Valkaine
Saturday 27th February. Interrogate (first gig as a 3 piece) + Mental Deficiency + Guilty by Association.

Calling Newry metalheads

QUICK call to the metal community in Newry. Tara commented on an earlier post about coaches/buses that are travelling up to the big smoke to the Machine Head/Hatebreed/Bleeding Through/All Shall Perish St George's Market metal meltdown on March 1st.

We hear are not aware of any planned buses up from Newry. but if you do let me know by commenting, or if you have a car travelling up with an extra seat email me and I'll pass the details on

So 2010...what's happening

'SO here I am once more, in the playground of the broken hearts; one more experience, one more entry in a diary self-penned...'

When Derek Wilson Dick (a.k.a. Fish) penned those words for Script for a Jester's Tear it was a song that was the emotional heartbeat before the chart success of Kayleigh.  In the same sense the fantastic year that was 2009 is but a prelude, nay a warm up for what is to come. With, but a few short days passed IN 2010, it seems that the coming 12 months are set to be a truly vintage year.

New albums are scheduled from the likes of Airbourne (March 8th), Coheed (April), Stone Sour, Down, Bullet for My Valentine, HIM, Cancer Bats, Avenged Sevenfold [tragic news about The Rev's death; hopefully new platter will be an appropriate swansong], Trivium [feck off the music snobs, they're still a good metal act!], Anthrax [Will Bush be back?...and truly we don't care who has vocal duties as despite those that slabber Anthrax were amongst the best of the 80s...and Bush was even better!] and, and, and, and, and, IRON FECKIN' MAIDEN's latest release is set to hit the stacks towards the end of 2010

Below are the confirmed gigs at the time of going to press [which is fancy way of saying we are too pissed to have more comprehensive listings!].  Any other gigs you know of, let us know!

Sweet Savage/September Cross/Soundstone - January 9th - Pavillion, Belfast
Million Dollar Reload/Bandwagon - January 16th - Diamond Rock Club Ahoghill
Waylander/Natan/Burial - January 30th - The Limelight
Glyder - January 30th - Diamond Rock Club Ahoghill
Marduk/Anaal Narthrakh - 3rd February - The Limelight
Airrace (feat.Jason Bonham) Feb TBC - Diamond Rock Club Ahoghill
Deft Leppard - February 20th - The Empire
Hayseed Dixie - February 22nd - Spring and Airbrak
Machine Head/Hatebreed/Bleeding Through/All Shall Perish - March 1st St George's Market
Blaze Bayley - March 4th - The Limelight
Hed(pe) - March 12th - Spring and Airbrake
Skindred - March 21st - Spring and Airbrake
Winger/Stormzone - March 27th - Spring and Airbrake
Eyehategod/Black Cobra - April 4th - The Limelight
Airbourne - April 13th - Mandella Hall
Dropkick Murphys - 20th April - St George's Market
GMT - April 24th - Diamond Rock Club Ahoghill
Bolt Thrower - May 3rd - The Limelight
Kiss - May 7th - O2 Dublin
Distortion Project 20th Birthday (Orange Goblin +19 other bands!!!) - all over Ormeau Avenue!
Metallica - 11th & 12th May Odyssey [HELL YEAH!]
Pearl Jam - 23rd June Odyssey
Deep Purple - 28th June Custom House Square

2010 -  one rockin' year!

First you play Carrick....

Carrick Castle...Status Quo appear there and then they Rossi and Parfitt get OBEs in the New Year's Honours list. A coincidence?

That was the metal year that was...2009

THE triumphant seizure of the Christmas Number One by Rage Against the Machine was, for many, a fine way to round up what we here on this blog predicted would be a vintage year for metal. For once, in several years the sub-Butlins talent show that is the X-Factor did not have a vacuous so-called singer, claim their predicted 15 minutes of fame while everyone talked about Cowell and not the phone-in friends failure to have a serious success later on.

But that clouds the fact that X-Factor will be back next year with another range of numpties with no talent. However, we do hope that the campaign to get a Cannibal Corpse track to number one next Chrimbo...

So, with 2009 ending with a small victory for the loud, unapologetically guitar orientated, beer swilling masses (yeah, there are more of us than they suspect mwuhahah!) what was notable in the hard rock, heavy metal world over the last 12 months here in Norn Iron? What was the best album? What was the best gig?

As philosophers of many a bar note opinions are like arseholes...everyone has one so whatever we commend or condemn there will be those that disagree, those that laugh out loud with incredulity and those that murmur and agree. Please feel free to slag off this review of the year, disgree with the selections and point out glaring errors - just make sure to post the comments!

2009, also ended with a triumphant homecoming gig for the fine gentlemen of The Answer, storming the Ulster Hall, just as they had laid waste to the Mandella Hall a bare six months earlier. Fantastic gigs apart (and a tour with AC/DC to boot!) it saw Everyday Demons hit the shops, an album with more darkness than predecessor Rise, and deservedly picking up plaudits and sales. The question for The Answer is the timing of the next platter. Just as Rise tracks have reduced in favour of '...Demons' songs, how long before the band need the fresh flourish of new tracks to keep themselves and the audiences interested? However it comes out one can be sure that the 12 months have been one that has consolidated the band in all our hearts and provided real hope for every other act here. The gigs and Everyday Demons are our first honourable mention for the year about to pass into history.

Now, for a wee swing away from that...extreme metal. While metal and hard rock has clawed its way back to the mainstream's attention (Iron Maiden's victory at The Brits) extreme metal has had a year worthy of note. While 2008 ended with Slipknot bothering the charts (and ending 2009 with the release of the brilliant Sulfur video) the year's outstanding extreme metal album was Slayer's 'World Painted Blood';  a true return to form, building on Christ Illusion to deliver a dystopian, defiant diatribe to a cacophony of ire and satire.

Honourable mention to Lamb of God for Wrath and a reportedly brutal Mandalla Hall gig. Also, one of the favourite platters of the year was Devildriver's Pray for Villains. The doubters that Dez would always struggle to shed the albatross of Coal Chamber off his back are the cantankerous minority who refuse to revel in the sheer metallic magnificence of Pray for Villains.

And, when it comes to putting extreme metal (and other forms) to the fore the work of James and the Distortion Project this year (and for the past decade!) must be mentioned. Everyone who has spent a Saturday afternoon losing hearing and destroying a liver at the Limer knows how much recognition the Distortion Project deserves for keeping the metal flame burning bright, notwithstanding the many other achievements such as bringing the likes of Amon Amarth to town.

On the subject of the Limer, the Spring and Airbrake and Katy Dalys were honoured as the best live venue in Northern Ireland. A worthy honour, especially from those of us who have enjoyed far too many nights in one of the three. Congratulations to CDC for not only this, but for the bravery at booking so many hard rock and metal acts into the venue.

And hard rock has been a theme for 2009. In the 80s Def Leppard, Whitesnake, UFO, Tesla et al were regarded as metal, together with DC and many others that today's genre splitters would disparage such titling.

But young and old alike took to hard rock with gusto at many of the gigs of 2009, whether it wasWhitesnake, Lepps and Tesla in Dublin, the Download headliner sets, AC/DC wet in Punchestown or the Tesla/UFO two night blast at the Spring and Airbrake.

UFO was certainly a stand-out night, with aged band and audience members managing to rock Ormeau Avenue to the core...yeah I hear Tesla the night before was even better, but hey can't get to as many gigs as we wish what with advancing years :)

UFO's The Visitor was a stand-out release of the year combining British blues with good old fashioned hard rock. Unfortunately it won't get the airplay or sales that it richly deserves.

And nor will many of the wonderful albums that emerged in 2009. For CDs are on their way out, as decreed by a record indstry that now sees the ease of plugging empty headed pop downloads over the effort of supporting a band to musical maturity. Not for the first time we have heard bands bemoaning the fact that gigs are populated by a minority who have either downloaded just one track or heard a song on a cover-mount sampler...and then talk through the rest of the set. While we can do the grumpy old men whine about this can we also humbly and with consideration ask those who natter while the band are playing to shut the fuck up. Other paying customers might want to actually listen to the whole set. We writers are generally peacable people, but others are not and we are led to believe that a smack in the mouth really can hurt...whether it does or not some pissed off fan of music battering teeth into a bleeding pulp will generally shut yer mouth.

And a smack in the mouth is a risk we may have to take in mentioning two non-metallic gigs that are worthy of real note. First Biffy Clyro roasting St George's Market. Yes they are darlings of some indie media and have yet to darken the pages of Terrorizer or Metal Hammer, but the Scottish threesome are no shoe-gazing freaks. From widdly wankers they have grown to have a stage presence echoed by a live sound akin to a sledgehammer being weilded with melody and angst...and if you don't get that over-stretched metaphor only being at a Biffy gig can explain it.

Also non-metallic was SLF at The Ulster Hall in March. Stiff Little Fingers may be casually labelled as punk (and they were, musically, in the late 70s and early 80s) but their sound is as much about loud hard rock than some teeny pop ten-minute sensation from the USA. When one magazine said Green Day were SLF 2.0 the writer missed the point. Without SLF, Jake Burns beloveed Clash (and their ilk here in Northern Ireland) the sound of Green Day and others would be empty, and the sociological rants of Billy Joe will never ever be as insightful as Jake. The Ulster Hall gig in March was a celebration, capped by Jake dedicating 'Guitar and Drum' to that cunt Cowell for destroying music.

And that is about where we came in, with Cowell as a pseudo hate figure for a mainstream and radio programming thought police who trot out metal once in a while to poke fun at, or nod with post-modernist wisdom at Anvil's film.

What they will never get is that Anvil's tragi-comedy documentary is not a Spinal Tap 'rockumentary' but rather a summation of the spirit that pervades all really great music, not just metal, rock or punk. Rather it is the sheer love that the band members bring and the audiences lap up.

By all accounts the career of an 80s bassist from a disbanded supergroup and latterly a noughties supergroup should be one now marked by caberet slots and bitter interviews with magazines. Not such Mr Duff McKagan who brought his 'Loaded' crew back to Belfast earlier in the year. On the back of the magnificent 'Sick' album Duff McKagan proved that it is that perverse attititude exemplified by Anvil as much as Guns 'n' Roses that sums up everything we love. Love the music - nothing else matters...

There ends the sermon....

But afore ye go to Hogmany hijinx a few honourable mentions...
Mastodon for delivering Crack the Skye - haven't got a clue what the lyrics are a metaphor for, but it was one of the best releases of the year
The return of prog - Bigelf to be the acceptable face of the resurgence, and Dream Theatre getting more of the acceptance and adulation they deserve in 2009, complex chord structures and time signatures back in style!
Alice in Chains - a super album, and here's hoping they can mantain the momentum next year
Heaven and Hell - not as good as we hoped the album would be, but still head and shoulders above others: now we can all just hope that little Ronnie recovers from his stomach cancer to deliver more magnificence
Steel Panther - cringeworthy porn lyrics and a real homage to big hair absurdity combined with actual musicianship
Back to reality with Dan Reed soulful brilliance in Ahoghill of all places
On that note kudos to Derwin and the Diamond Rock Club for keeping the metal dream alive beyond the Belfast boundary
And speaking of porn...Rammstein's video for Pussy just ain't for the kiddies. No really, it's not!
But most of all the honourable mention must go to each and every single reader of this site. Writing about anything can be a long boring stare into a computer screen, self delusion that your views count. That so many have taken the time to email, phone, comment, text, reply etc means that people care not about what we write, but about the music.

Yeah, fuck you Cowell, we won't do what you tell us! We're still here, metal lives on and my black atheist heart is ready and stoked with hard rockin' fire for 2010. Happy New Year to y'all!

Rage Against The Machine's Morello praises chart race

Morello backs download battle against x-Factor....

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8415750.stm

Is it worth 79p (cheaper on some sites) to piss off Simon Cowell...value for money methinks :)

Is it a stupid thing...yeah, it's probably that too, but how will the radio stations cope :)

MSG gig cancelled

Just had confirmation that Saturday's Michael Schenker Group Belfast appearance has been cancelled. Quote from the promoters below:

"Due to unforeseen circumstances this weekend’s Michael Schenker Group performance in the Ulster Hall has been cancelled. Refunds can be attained from point of purchase."

BUMMER!

Shine like gold

GATHER together 1,4000 of your closest friends and you know a good time is to be had - and last night the Ulster Hall rocked with a homecoming festive gig from County Down's finest, The Answer.

The band had been looking forward to gracing the veneerable Ulster Hall stage, and made no secret of how much a privilege it was to mount the steps in front of fans who were prepared to simply bask in the an unadultered and pure hard rock that Cormac and co deliver.

Opening proceedings were the Black Spiders, who took the stage brim filled with attitude. To play at the bottom of the bill would daunt many a band faced with a hall yet to fill up. Triple guitar attack to the fore the Black Spiders took up the challenge with the furious set, all hair and intricate metal ablaze.

Derry classic rock crew took time to warm-up - perhaps daunted by the venue. By halfway through they eased into the groove and by the time they played Take Me Away off their new EP the band settled and broad grins shone as they left the stage.

But when it comes to The Answer hard touring for many years has honed their performance to such an extent that they have achieved a standard that many aspire to, but few achieve: that is to be both tight as the proverbial duck's ass but have a genuine feel for when it is necessary to loosen up both songs and performance.

When the band last played in Belfast, at the Mandella Hall, there was no lessening of intensity, but the toil of touring was apparent at a couple of points. On this December night there was a genuine feel that the band were relieved to be drawing the year to and end; and quite frankly ready for whatever challenges 2010 may hold.

When the band emerged for the encore Cormac stood above the drum riser, arms aloft. It was partly a salute to the crowd, but also what was sure to be a personal note of satisfaction - a vindication of what the band has achieved and no doubt a sense of achievement to be on stage at the Ulster Hall.

The setlist is almost an irrelevancy now when The Answer play Belfast. Most of Everyday Demons was aired. What a year ago might have been unfamiliar songs are now greeted as old favourites. On and On, Cry Out, Evil Man and Dead of the Night prompted mass singalongs.

Slower numbers, What Made You Change Your Mind and new single Comfort Zone were delivered with aplomb. Paul's solo was not only technically wonderful, but was evidently fun for him to play, with more than a nod to guitar idols he grew up with. James and Mickey nailed down the rhythm - and even Cormac's banter about the Belfast Giants trying to sign James didn't jar,  but was a joke shared not delivered.

The 'Belfast Blues-Off' could have been a clichéd chant, but amongst friends it had a sense of shared fun.

The Answer have worked hard. The Answer have proved their worth on album and on stage. The Answer have more hard work ahead to cement the success.

Every CD sold; every ticket bought and every grin from the band proves that Northern Ireland's top hard rockers are ready to move up to the next level.

Congrats and gig notes

Congratulations to Paul and Jason who won a pair of tickets each for Monday's The Answer gig. Commiserations to those not fortunate enough to win - there are a few tickets left for the Ulster Hall show, so make sure not to miss the homecoming concert!

On other gig news (HED) P.E. are playing the Spring and Airbrake on Friday, 12th March, and for a wee bit of Celtic punk mentalism Dropkick Murphy's are at St George's Market on Tuesday, 20th April.

Apologies

Apologies, but I just had to post this

'A friend told me to buy Rage Against the Machine's "Killing In The Name" after December 13th in protest against the X-Factor always getting the Christmas No. 1.


'I said: "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me".'
 
 
Still...if RATM did make No 1 it would really be a laugh listening to the radio clones trying to explain it!

Ulster Hall homecoming just The Answer before Chrimbo

Unless you've been living in a bunker, or hardened yer ears against news on the hard rock front, you cannot help but notice the slow, steady and certain rise of The Answer.

While wannabes wail and the X-Factor waste of oxygen acts pout awaiting vacuous fame The Answer have been working towards greatness the old-fashioned and certain way - writing great songs and playing them in front of real audiences.

After a year that has seen them perform on a global scale backing AC/DC and selling out their own headline shows The Answer are ready to storm the Ulster Hall on 14th December. As front man Cormac Neeson explains the band can't wait for this special homecoming.

"We are now counting the days until we headline the Ulster Hall.

"Having watched many great bands, local and otherwise, play there and grace that stage over the last 15 years it will be an honour to finally get the chance to do so ourselves, it will be a very special night and the best way to end a momentous year for us."

The Ticketmaster allocation has already sold out with balcony tickets also gone. There are a few left at the Ulster Hall and Waterfront Hall box offices (and there may be a few left on the door).

If you want to score one of two pairs of tickets in an exclusive BelfastMetalHeadsReuntied competition click here.

Dan back in Ahoghill

DAN REED for one night only (Friday 11th December) returns to the returns to The Diamond Rock Club to perform a solo and acoustic show.

Dan last played The Diamond in May for two nights, Thursday 21st May and Friday 22nd.

The Thursday night was a complete sell out and the Friday night was a very hastily arranged gig (less than 24 hours) following the sudden cancellation of his show in Dublin.  On this trip, there will definitely be only one gig, anywhere in Ireland.

Ticket details will follow.

The Diamond Rock Club is in the village of Ahoghill, just 4 miles from Ballymena and 9 miles from Antrim.

Tenuous link to Douglas Adams

Douglas Adams epic stories under the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy stories featured the loudest band in the history of the universe Disaster Area...a band so big on a galatic scale that their guitarist had to spend a year dead for tax reasons.

But they had a problem with their drummer...

Which is a very roundabout way to say that one of Norn Iron's finest, Residual Effect is looking for a new man/woman to slot in behind the kit and lay down heavy as hell beats, double bass mania and battering any skins living or dead that falls within the range of his sticks.

Auditions will be getting underway soon, so if you want to try out for Residual be ready for some heavy, technically challenging hitting. Send your details via the band's myspace site, or email us and we'll pass on the details.

Win tickets to The Answer

Want to score tickets for The Answer's pre-Christmas homecoming date on 14th December at The Ulster Hall?

Yep, thanks to the good people of CDC Leisure we have two sets of two tickets up for grabs in an exclusive online competition right here at Belfastmetalheadsreunited.

Already the Ticketmaster allocation is sold out, but while there are some still on sale at the Ulster Hall and Waterfront Hall box offices and some may be available at the door.

Later this week we'll have a few words from the band themselves, but in the meantime to enter the competition answer this simple question...name The Answer's debut album.

Send your entries here.

Competition closes at midnight on 10th December, winners will be notified by return email. Usual rules apply....which are if you're not in ya can't win!

Jamming at the Odyssey Arena...with Pearl Jam

Hot on the heels of the announcement of Deep Purple playing Custom House Square, which was hot on the heels of Metallica announcing two dates at the Odyssey, which was hot on the heels of Machine Head announcing a Market date in Belfast comes the news that Pearl Jam are to play the Odyssey on 23rd June...

2010 gonna be a busy year :)

Deepest June date for Purple

June 28th...Deep Purple, Belfast's Custom House Square....happy days!

Tickets are 38 notes, more details to follow as soon as we get them!

Metallica - again!

As Wayne has just commented Metallica's 11th May date standing tickets are all but sold out so....they've added a 2nd date on 12th May at the Odyssey!

A double dose of Metallica! Hell Yeah!

Sweet week of rock

Right, you've maxed out booking yer Metallica tickets and still counting the shakels after buying the Machine Head entry passes...so what to do in the meantime...

Well Thursday night sees Sweet Savage play an 'intimate' show at Auntie Annie's with Exit and Red Returned for three of your finest pounds

On Friday hard blues rockers the Quireboys touch down in the Spring & Airbrake...fun, fun, fun being the order of the day!

Saturday evening...you could do worse than heading along to the Limer for Fleshgod Apocalypse, Hades Lab, Less Help and Sadisture.

Sunday, for the geetar widdlers Joe Bonomassa will be showing up the teeny shredders at the Waterfront Hall.

Take a breath then you got The Answer on the 14th and MSG on the 19th! 

Metallica set for Belfast!

May 11th, Odyssey Arena - METALLICA

Tickets 49 notes and rumours are that if it sells out there is the capacity for a second date

Best wishes to the wee man with the big voice

Ronnie James Dio has been diagnosed with cancer – but it appears he is recovering.

In a statement, a spokesman of his management said:

"Ronnie has been diagnosed with the early stages of stomach cancer. We are starting treatment immediately at the Mayo Clinic.

"After he kills this dragon, Ronnie will be back on stage, where he belongs, doing what he loves best, performing for his fans.

"Thanks to all the friends and fans around the world that have sent well wishes. This has really helped to keep his spirit up. Long Live Rock and Roll, Long Live Ronnie James Dio"

All the best from us here Ronnie!

Source: Totalrock.com

Skindred march on Belfast

WITH March kicking off with Machine Head and co hitting the city, the month now also includes Skindred playing The Limelight on March 21st.

The official notification from CDC...

MACHINEHEAD

+ support from HATEBREED / BLEEDING THROUGH / ALL SHALL PERISH
ST GEORGES MARKET
MONDAY 1st MARCH 2010
"Grammy-nominated Bay Area metal titans, MACHINE HEAD have added 5 more dates to their UK headline run in support of their now silver-certified album (60,000 UK units sold), ‘The Blackening’. The tour, dubbed ‘The Black Procession’ will now includes a show in Belfast’s St Georges Market on Monday 1st March 2010. Tickets are on sale this Friday from www.cdcleisure.com and from 0844 277 4455. Tickets priced £29 including booking fee."
Doors: 7:00pm

March to Machine Head

March 1st - Machine Head, St George's Market...let the moshing commence

Airebourne re-schedule

Looking forward to Airbourne's return to Belfast? You'll have to wait a little longer as the Aussie rockers have re-scheduled their February appearance. They will now play the Mandella Hall on April 13th. Scheduling issues - plus the need to have a new CD to promo on the tour - are the reasons given for the change of dates

Blaze Belfast return

The official notification from James of the Blaze Bayley Belfast date below (got date wrong in earlier post, ooops!

The Distortion Project presents:

BLAZE BAYLEY.

http://www.myspace.com/blazebayley
SINOCENCE.

http://www.myspace.com/sinocence

+ 1 TBC
Thursday 4th March

The Limelight, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast.

Doors 9pm.

Ticket info shortly, but expect the usual.

www.thedistortionproject.com

www.myspace.com/distortionproject

www.twitter.com/dpmetal

BLAZE BIO

Blaze Bayley, former vocalist for Wolfsbane and Iron Maiden, has had a long and distinguished musical career thus far. After embarking on a solo career that spawned four successful and critically acclaimed albums under the band name BLAZE, a new line-up of experienced musicians from England, Colombia and New Zealand joined ranks with Blaze. In 2007 the band now known as Blaze Bayley was born. This, his strongest line-up of musicians, features Nico Bermudez (Underthreat) and Jay Walsh (Four Way Kill) on guitars, David Bermudez (Underthreat) on bass and Lawrence Paterson (Chokehold) on drums.

The band’s debut album ‘The Man Who Would Not Die’ was released worldwide in July 2008. The accompanying ‘Tour That Will Not Die’ visited over 20 countries throughout Western and Eastern Europe, The Balkans, South America and Scandinavia during 2009. The final quarter of 2009 sees the band writing and recording their second studio album, a first visit to Greece and a return to Z7, Switzerland for the last gig of the year.

What makes a rocker/metalhead?

We are legion, spread across the globe, dedicated to loud, proud and at times obnoxious music. But what makes a rocker? What is the essential attribute that sets a metal head apart from the clones that walk through their lives obsessed by X-Factor and mundanity?

Is it the CD collection filled with obscure tracks from long passed acts? Is it the ability to list the tracks, and their order of every Sabbath/Maiden/Metllica album ever released? Is it an encyclopaedic knowledge of Norwegian Black Metal? Is it the ability to attend every gig? Is it the most tour t-shirts secreted in the cupboard? Is it a cultural choice? We might need the money to pay the mortgage, but that doesn't mean we've sold our soul to X-Factor?

Or...is it the statutory long hair? If that is the case then like Samson I shall be denuded of metal strength on 17th November....

On that date I will be having beard and head shaved off. Will I suddenly have the urge to watch the X-Factor? Will I suddenly listen to Slow Patrol songs and muse on their deeper meanings...

Not likely!

What makes a rocker/metalhead is that tingle when a track by Slayer makes you shiver with cathartic pleasure; it is when the intro of Fade to Black makes you feel stronger, but with empathy towards the emotions; it is when despite common sense you not only want to, but need to play air guitar; it is is when at a gig you just gotta raise your hands, mouth the lyrics and hope that the singer catches your eye for a fleeting moment.

In other words it is the sheer pleasure of the music.

But does long hair mark the hard rock fan or metalhead?

I hope it does not, because on 17th November I am having these lovingly grown locks shorn to total Scott Ian and Baal baldiness.

All in aid of Children in Need.

Yep, the shoulder length, chewing on, burning when lighing a ciggie hair is to be gone: shaved to the bone.

It is happening at 3pm at the NICCY offices in Gt Victoria St, Belfast. Come along and laugh yer wee metal asses off (and maybe part with some sponsorship money too!).

One thing is sure..afterwards I'll still be metal to the core, rocking til I die etc...
Not a totally random event...though truth be told after years of comment about needing 'a wee trim' the nuclear option means the likelihood of moving to the mainstream has been negated again \m/

Blazing a trail

Congrats to Sinocence who have landed the support slot for the Blaze Bayley 2010 tour which touches down in Belfast on March 5th, venue TBC.

Booking agents and Deep Purple

The rumours, innuendo and supposition about Deep Purple's much talked about Northern Ireland gig has been flying about. To recap: the Daily Mirror had a story on the fly (info also on here from a 'source' that same day); Lynyrd Skynyrd and Alice in Chains were also reputed to be on the bill. It was allegedly to be at Portstewart Strand or an outdoor venue close to, or in Belfast.

Since then DP have confirmed the 30th June date at The Marquee in Cork, which is usually a one-date in Ireland affair (Slayer, The Who etc in previous years).

At the same time rumours have appeared on posts that the DP bill was to have Journey and Europe included.

Promoters have been (totally understandably) tight-lipped about whether these were just the usual wish-fulfilment on the part of fans. Such wish fulfilment has so far seen 36,000 unique visitors drop in on the posts here on the rumours.

All was much as it seemed - we live in hope, expect the worst and hope for the best gigs here on the isolated limb of western Europe. And, on consideration, we thought that the booking fees for bringing DP etc would put the gig out of the real world of gig economics.

And then we received an email from a booking agent in the US wanting to know why this, 'otherwise credible' site was running this information before an official announcement could be made.

Which left us in one part elated (as in it could happen) and in an other feeling concerned that they were 'not in a position' to 'confirm any further dates at this time' (as in it may not happen).

We make no bones about it - we've been wrong in the past (very few times mind you!) - but we all would love to see this line-up (DP, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Alice in Chains  - plus latest rumours Journey and Europe play here [Satyricon too \m/] ) but, there are economic barriers.

The main one is making sure that the crowd is between 5,000 and 10,000 whereever it is staged. If The Marquee in Cork and a Northern Ireland date were in the same month a solid support line-up would make sure DP attracted enough numbers...get the right venue too and the DP hard rock behemoth might hit a town near you :)

Deep Purple summer date....

WITH confirmation that Deep Purple will be playing the Marquee in Cork on June 30th coming today, news as to whether the Northern Ireland date trailed in the Daily Mirror a couple of weeks ago will actually happen is expected over next few days. There are still plenty of unfilled slots in the tour calendar with only a couple of dates in Russia confirmed in May prior to the Cork gig.

If it does happen it will be an outdoor date, much like the summer Quo gig at Carrick Castle, only on a larger scale. For those who may not have seen the Daily Mirror story or the reports here, it is being put out there that DP may be putting in appearance at either Portstewart Strand or an outdoor venue close to/in Belfast with Lynyrd Skynrd and Alice in Chains.

We can only but wait...fingers crossed etc. As soon as confirmation arrives I'll post here.

MSG tour line-up announced

The Michael Schenker Group has brought in former AC/DC drummer Chris Slade and returning bassist Chris Glen for the December tour which sees the Teutonic axeman return to Belfast's Ulster Hall on the 19th.

They join Michael Schenker himself, plus vocalist Gary Barden and rhythm guitarist/keyboard player Wayne Findlay.

Adair takes over Interrogate vocal duties

Ryan Adair, former Escape Fails frontman, has been appointed as Interrogate's new singer. The announcement has been made official on the band's Myspace site.

Blood soaked autumn

SLAYER and Bon Jovi both today released their new albums. Bon Jovi, on the evidence of the local HMV may well top next week’s charts.


Circle represents a return to top form for Jon and his amigos, but after their appearance on X-Factor we are not really sure that we can as yet comment…praising Simon Cowell means listening to the music with a certain amount of cynicism. No doubt the strength of the material means that favourable comments will be made by me and others in due course, but for now...

Instead it is time to turn to Slayer. When all else fails, and the world is crowding you, Slayer are the constant. Simon Cowell and his cronies are never going to invite Slayer on to X-Factor.

Not for Slayer the vagaries of fashion, nor the pleading to the critics nor the attention-deficit disorder phone polls of the weak minded.

And, with World Painted Blood Slayer have returned with a visceral vision of a dystopian 21st Century, dripping with newly spilled blood, senses curdled with the cries of the dying and the revelation of rotten cultures and serial killers…oh and they have the usual attacks on religion too.

Although their most recent releases, such as Christ Illusion, were good, World Painted Blood feels like the most coherent CD from the Californian thrashers for a long time.

Whether it stands the test of time remains to be seen, but track by track Slayer have laid down a sermon for the disaffected, disenfranchised: which by any definition is what the muse of metal should deliver each and every time.

Opening with the title track the quartet’s intention is clear: bludgeoning all in their path. At almost six minutes it verges towards classic metal while retaining Slayer’s edge of monster riffage and atonal soloing.

Hate Worldwide is an ominous ode to Slayer’s atheistic leanings – the lyric ‘I’m a godless heretic, not a god-fearing lunatic’ sets out their stall clearly and without the equivocation of some of their peers on religiosity.

There has been much comment about the ‘clean’ Araya vocals at the start of Playing with Dolls, but put simply it works: as does almost everything else on this album when seen in the context of the world of Slayer.
Araya, Lombardo, Hanneman and King have laid out 11 songs that paint a world smeared with the blood of illegal warlords, the victims of killers, and the slaughter of innocent and guilty alike. Take the time to read the world headlines and dare to disagree.

But at the same time there is a cathartic joy in exploring such dreadful depths of humanity with Slayer. Here there are no qualms about discussing Japanese death camp experimentation, nor America’s modern oil wars. Here there is pressing need to understand the motivation behind ‘Snuff’ movies. Here there is a challenge, here there is a cry of anger, and here is a band maturing to even blacker visions.

Slayer don’t ever veer too far off the path of a formula that has worked for decades. Slayer are Slayer. And as they emerge into venerable years as middle-aged thrashers they are not going to suddenly decide to suck up to the mainstream, or change their outlook.
Slayer, on World Painted Blood, are back to being awesomely dark. They are back to being fucking brutal. Brutal joy to all in the festive season to come!

Escape Fails withdraw from Kerrang comp

In the wake of the split with vocalist Ryan Adair Escape Fails have withdrawn from the Kerrang competition in which they were shortlisted finalists. The band's blog comment can be found here: http://blogs.myspace.com/escapefails

Gunning for Belfast

FOR some time the re-emergence of classic rock acts has been building. Sales of the magazine Classic Rock have been growing at an alarming rate for the pop pickers on radio stations; and while rest of the music business is in a panic about piratical downloads the hard rock scene has been proving that live is still best.

Indeed the hard rock resurgence has been led by many acts that have earned their stripes throughout the years. Such has been the journey of Gun.

They reformed a while back with Toby Jepson, of Little Angels, fulfilling vocal duties. But Gun are not about looking to the past.

“We don’t want to be a nostalgia band and certainly feel we have something still to say,” Jepson told Belfasmetalheadsreunited. “Our challenge is to convince the traditional Gun fans that the new music measures up to the old and that the band has a new lease of life that can keep the audience wanting more.”

Certainly Gun provided a twist in the early 90s to a rock scene still reeling from the pundits proclaiming that grunge was ‘new’ and the rest had to step aside. The sensibilities and panache of albums, ‘Gallus’ for example, displayed a dynamic interpretation that merged riffs and solos with uplifting choruses

New mini-album ‘Pop Killer’ has already been going down well with audiences, not least the storming swagger of ‘Let Your Hair Down’ which merges the traditional Gun sound with a contemporary twist.

“We were determined to do something different, and not simply retread old steps, and so when Dante, Joolz and I started writing, our challenge was to think a little outside the box and try to bring all our favourite elements to the music that we all love without it being to obvious,” said Jepson.

“We felt compelled to use current technology and sounds to augment our collective love of traditional rock and I think we have achieved that. I think that once the music sinks in it will become apparent that everything Gun stood for in the past - pop inflected, passionate, emotional rock - is still there in abundance!”

When Gun touch down in Belfast for their 8th November date it will be after a gig in Portugal and several in Spain. It is also the start of a UK tour which provides challenges for the band.

“Obviously, it’s our home territory and we have a lot to prove, mainly to ourselves,” said Jepson. “We are hungry for it again, and despite being away for such a long time we feel the new band rocks harder and is more ready than ever before. It will be great fun playing the new songs.”

And, if the reaction in Spain is anything to go by Belfast fans are in for a treat.

”The band hadn’t been there for 10 years, and obviously not with me, but the reaction was fantastic and most encouraging of all towards the new songs that are on our mini album 'POP KILLER'.”

With so many rock acts re-emerging with stronger than ever material Jepson took a moment to reflect on the rock landscape:

”I think that we are in an unprecedented period of change in the music business; bands we all grew up with are getting older and the ability to choose what you listen to has exploded. The internet has allowed us all to side step the force-feeding of music that used to happen back in the day, and as a result the audience has the power now; deciding who and what to listen to and so all the bands that were written off by a very cynical business can survive playing live and creating and releasing music on their own terms.

”The challenge is to take this music and create something that truly stands up and can crossover into the mainstream and allow not just the traditional rock fan to appreciate it but anyone.

“I hate the labels, never understood the need to pigeon hole music, I’ve always believed that there are only two types of music; GOOD and BAD! I hope Gun can be considered a GOOD band!”

Here at Belfastmetalheadsreunited we’ve always dismissed the idea of musical genre stereotyping…and while Jepson may hope that Gun are a good band, we know they are!

But what can fans expect on the setlist?

”We are hoping to play most of the mini album,” said Jepson. “In Spain we were playing two new songs with another nearly ready. I suspect we will play three, maybe four, of the songs.

”We are playing what we consider the 'best' tracks from all the albums, and not necessarily the hits. We have our favourites and some of the tunes work best live even though they were perhaps not big songs from the records. We are about to retire a couple of the songs as we have new music to play, and that is what we are really about now; playing the future not the past!

”Gun always made great records and had hits despite the change in the scene. The danger is to be too concerned about 'what’s happening'. The fans don’t believe that stuff, they just like what they like!

“We have some great new music that we feel delivers a future for us and we hope the audience can feel our commitment and determination coming from the stage.”

GUN PLAY THE LIMELIGHT ON 8th NOVEMBER. DOORS AT 8pm, SUPPORT FROM INCH HIGH. TICKETS A PALTRY FIFTEEN STERLING.

Gun interview almost typed up and no Slayer Irish date...

Just finishing typing up interview with GUN (they're at The Limelight on 8th November). It'll be posted here in next 24 hours. Thanks to Toby Jepson for taking the time to answer the Q's.

Also in the news...no Slayer Irish date? Could it be they are saving that for next year's Big Four Thrash Tour? That is if the egos concerned ever get that together!

Crescendo kids Clyro rock the mart

THE cavernous interior of St George’s Market, packed with scene kids, fashionistas, a smattering of metalheads and a dash of rockers is testimony to the journey Biffy Clyro have made in recent years.


From club alt rockers to potential stadium busters the ‘Biffy’ are progressing the old-fashioned way – evolving their sound on albums and then honing it to a keen edge through touring. Not for them the hollow half minute of fame on shit factor or other such tawdry Saturday night numpty tv.

That evolution still awaits Atlanta’s Manchester Orchestra. Their proto-metal, mixed with Weezer-style geekiness and the post-grunge Soundgarden guitar sound still needs refining. Having said that, those not distracted by burger stands and bar tabs, gave them a warm enough welcome.

The welcome for the Biffy was that usually only afforded to hometown acts. It is a strange kind of devotion that can bond such a diverse audience .

The set owed much to ‘Puzzle’ – not a surprise given that new platter ‘Only Revolutions’ has yet to hit the racks.

Morose lyrics from Puzzle are translated live into life-affirming anthems. 'Living is a Problem Because Everything Dies' has become in two years a defiant chant against fatalism, while ‘Who’s Got A Match’ becomes a shout in the face of cliché.

New tracks Bubbles and The Captain have yet to settle fully into the set, but they potentially display a new style of dynamism from the band.

Simon Neill’s manic guitar work, crouched over his highly hung Fender and highly strung vocals, is ever more tightly woven into James and Ben’s backing. At times in the past there was a tendency of crowds to fixate on Simon’s antics, but in Belfast the band’s internal workings were displayed as fierce unit. Three vocalists, one rhythm, one purpose.

But, their real skill lies in knowing how to use crescendos. Within each song there are moments when pace fades, only to be quickly picked up again; when orchestration gives way to heavy, blustering guitar.

Equally the impressive stage set was used to build the sense of occasion. What appeared at first as semi-industrial struts echoing Scottish heavy industry glowed as the set progressed with subtlety and intensity in balanced doses.

By the time 'Mountain' closed the set Biffy Clyro had raised the temperature and the pitch of audience devotion. The burger stand and the bar were forgotten fixtures; hands were raised, voices strained and the Scottish minstrels of mayhem closed in a crescendo of musical majesty.

‘Mon the Biffy!

Photos by Carrie Davenport
www.carriedavenport.com
More of Carrie's Biffy snaps at:
http://blog.carriedavenport.com
Follow Carrie on
www.twitter.com/carriedavenport

A savage night on Thursday

This Thursday the Distortion Project's monthly High Voltage gigs take a savage turn...yes Sweet Savage warm up for their 9th November Motorhead support slot with a Limelight appearance.

Support from Black Freeway, The Suspended Congress, and Mental Deficiency.

Doors 9pm and a palrty five pounds to gain admittance.

Ryan and Escape Fails part company

Escape Fails and singer Ryan Adair have parted company. More details soon about future plans for both parties.

2010 Belfast date for Bolt Thrower

Bolt Thrower are set for a Belfast gig at The Limelight on May 3rd 2010...another Distortion Project coup! Ticket prices and full details to follow later

Warrior Soul gig not on

Despite much talk and the valiant efforts of James the Warrior Soul November gig will not be going ahead after the band spiked all its European dates...bummer!

Mad Axeman back to rock

Mad genius, Teutonic master of shredding and melody, bonkers and brilliant: the one, the only Michael Schenker! Yes, as previously noted MSG will be touching down in Belfast again on 19th December (yes Monk I got the date right this time!) for a return to the Ulster Hall with Sweet Savage supporting.

Tickets are 18 notes standing and another two notes for the seats up the apple and pears....now how will I persuade daughter to return my Built To Destroy Tour shirt for the gig!

Wednesday's in February? What to do?

With spring still months away and dank dark days alternating with the promise of ice and snow flurries February can be a strange month...but rest assured the first Wednesday in February is gonna be a loud one.

Bow down to another Distortion Project coup with the announcement that Marduk and Anaal Nathrakh will be playing The Limelight on the 3rd February. Noise destroys, fun be had, etc etc

Michael Schenker for pre-Xmas gig

Many, many moons ago I saw the Michael Schemker Group rock the Ulster Hall. Now the blonde axeman is set to play the Ulster Hall again on 18th December, with Sweet Savage in support. Tickets at a very reasonable 18 notes...more details later

Deep Purple, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Alice in Chains for Portstewart?

TODAY'S Daily Mirror (NI Edition) claims that Deep Purple, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Alice in Chains are being lined up for a rock gods concert next year. Among the touted venues is Portstewart Strand.

Purple and Skynyrd toured together six years ago, and Alice in Chains first record since the death of Layne Staley has received much critical acclaim.

There have been at least two abortive attempts to bring Purple to NI over the past couple of years. The full story of which may come out in due course, but a DP appearance is long overdue, and has to happen before they become incapable of touring ever again.

Despite all of Ian Gillan's flaws (ask Ritchie Blackmore) his solo work pre and post the magnificent Bernie Tormé years) were the door into hard rock for me in the early 80s, so if this comes to pass it will be suitable to raise a glass to Gillan by the seaside!

No official word yet, but hopefully an announcement will come in due course!

Through the lens

Quick word on one of Belfast's leading rock photographers...click on http://www.carriedavenport.com/ to see some fan-dabby-dosey rock pix...and to see the list of magazines and artists who have used Carrie's work.

Ya gotta wonder...

Ironing school shirts tonight for junior members of metalheadsreunited (a.k.a. the children) and a shirt for work tomorrow the hard crashing sound of responibility was almost drowning out the Anthrax album....on Sunday night caring duties were holding me back from Black Stone Cherry; that damnable sound of responsibility once again coursing unwelcome through eardrums that only wanted to listen to BSC pounding out Lonely Train.

When did I sign the form marked 'Responsible Adult'? I don't remember putting my scrawl on the dotted line, but I must have...probably around the time that the doctor said 'Diabetes Type 2....drink will do that!'

And for missing BSC I received some justifiable criticism from Sylv for not so long ago having a pop at those that don't turn out to gigs...

With that consideration in mind it is with some trepidation that I outline some coming gigs...I won't be able to get to them all, but I will manage at least one or two (and Amon Amarth will definitely be one of those!).

First up is Trouble...doom rockers with a Christian/spiritual bent. Presented by James and the Distortion Project, afficianados could do worse than turn up to the Ormeau Road on Thursday night.

On Saturday (17th) the Fool Fighters take on the Spring and Airbrake with their entertaining take on Dave Grohl's act...which unfortunately clashes with the SO:NI night at the Pavillion with Trucker Diablo/Nasa Assassin/Black Freeway/Sister Marko.

Then...things get a wee bit madder. On the 23rd the aforementioned Amon Amarth join with Entombed (Evile are off the set owing to the previously mentioned tragedy) to slay all in their path and pillage in a manner that Belfast hasn't seen since longships last sailed up the Lagan.

The next night things get a wee bit tricky. I am working that Saturday. I will be presenting my respectable self at a party political conference...suited and booted, being professional and schmoozing with politicos. How the hell am I going to get changed from the suit and into party mode while trying to decide between Sorrowfall's return to the Limer and Isis at the Black Box?

And for a bit of fun the following week there's a veritable horde of metal at the Rosie on Hallowe'en night and Hotter than Hell at The Empire (anyone willing to spend the time adding the 'Gene' make-up to me ugly mug?)

Ahh to hell with this...need a serious re-think of career direction...can someone fork out for mortgage payments so I can become full-time metal hack? Anyone?

Til then work beckons with its skeletal hand...

Any other gigs I should mention in the meantime?

Don't stay still!

Quick word on our southern brethren...if you're into classic rock check out Stillroom! While Glyder have been receiving deserved plaudits from the pundits Stillroom have been slowly and surely building up fanbase and experience though gigging and the studio.

James and co dropped their latest EP (Lickin' A Promise) through the postbox here at metal mansion and it's been blasting through the speakers on he hi-fi, PC and car stereo ever since.

From the DC inspired Alright, to the singalong Addicted to Sin, to the uptempo Your Love it's a three track marvel.

Check them out, rock out!

Black Stone Cherry

Black Stone Cherry to review tomorrow...CDs/Demos from Kilraith and For Christ's Sake to review, listening to Stillroom EP...busy but happy! See ya at BSC, can't make it to Opeth on Monday :(

Nice guys do play rock 'n' roll after all

In 1988 Guns 'n' Roses released the album 'Lies'. Half of the album was from the Live: ?!*@ Like A Suicide 1986 EP. The band covered the Rose Tattoo classic Nice Boys (Don't Play Rock 'n' Roll) for the EP. It was a defining moment for the Gunners. It had the edge of Appetite, hard rock sensibilities and a street punk snarl before the bloated excess of '...Illusion' 1&2 came along.

Spaghetti Incident's haphazard list of cover versions showed where the punk attitude of Guns 'n' Roses beat strongest - and Duff McKagan was at the heart of that attitude.

Duff McKagan is, let's face it, one of the most iconic figures in hard rock. While the albatrosses of Gunners and Velvet Revolver would have pulled down lesser men...not to mention the much repeated pancreas incident...Duff has shrugged all this off to prove that he just wants to play music and he wants to play it for people who appreciate it.

And, when Duff and his accomplices in Loaded hit the Spring and Airbrake stage, he proved that for all his straight edge, columnist for leading newspapers and websites career lifestyle, his heart beats with a passion for his beloved musical background.

There is no better city to dedicate a song to Stiff Little Fingers than Belfast; and Duff compared favourably to the trite waffle that many bands spout from the stage: he sounded genuine when saying that just over 12 months ago Belfast "hoisted us on your shoulders" after a long tour.

It's hard to credit that Loaded landed from LA just 48 hours before this Wednesday gig, did a Dublin show and then slammed on to the stage in Belfast with the title track of their latest CD, Sick played with a snarling delight.

Despite a back catalogue of hundreds of classic tunes to fall back on, it was the tracks off Sick that stood out, with their swagger, rock sensibilities and, at times, classic punk/metal crossover sneer.

'No Shame', 'Iou', 'I See Though You' and the superb 'Translucent' were ripped through, delivering a tenuous balance between classic rock and punk, mixed in a heady cocktail with metal.

Yes, it was not perfect. At times ragged, and at time loose, Duff and his willing Loaded accomplices proved that how you perform is not always as important as the attitude on stage.

Of course, 'It's So Easy' was a rousing finale to the evening, but it was equally important for all to note that Loaded is not a side project for a fading star. This is a rock icon who could retire to a comfortable ranch, raking in royalties, eyeing his investments. Instead he is recording vibrant songs and delivering live sets flled with a passion for music.

Yeah, Nice Boys do play rock 'n' fucking roll!

Evile bassist dies

From Total Rock.com
Evile bassist Mike Alexander has passed away, after suddenly being taken ill while the band were on the road in Sweden with Amon Amarth. Evile members Matt Drake, Ol Drake and Ben Carter have released the following statement: "This is so hard to find the words to express fully how we feel. We can't believe or accept what's happened. One minute we're talking to our buddy, Mike, the next minute we can never speak to him again. "There's so many things rushing through our heads that we want to say, do and feel. We half expect him to come round the corner and call us 'dickheads'. We can't get our heads around it. "It upsets us so much that he was away from his family when this happened, although knowing Mike, we're at least glad he was on tour doing what he loves. "We're lost for words. We all miss him so much already. He was such a headstrong, genuinely nice guy who loved music and his family. We've got so many brilliant memories with him. "Our hearts go out to his daughter, family and friends at this tragic, difficult time. "Mike is much loved and is sorely missed. "Rest in peace, brother."

Support Escape Fails in Kerrang!

ESCAPE Fails have been shortlisted as one of only four finalists in the Kerrang! magazine Black XS UK Livesound Competition - a tremendous achievement given that more than 600 bands from across the nation entered the competition.

Escape Fails have long been a favourite here, with their crossover post-hardcore metal groove. Ryan takes up what shortlisting has meant for the band so far.

"We were in London on the 17th and 18th September and had a makeover by a professional stylist for a photo shoot by rock photographer Paul Harries.

"We also visited Gibson Studios where we were able to meet and question Charlie Simpson from Fightstar about his experiences in the music industry."

The Live Final will also be held at Gibson Studios, London on the 16th November where we will be performing in front of an audience of industry experts and Kerrang! ticket winners.
 
"The grand prize is a record deal with Search & Destroy Records, (home of Fightstar & local boys In Case of Fire,) a feature in Kerrang! Magazine and an Epiphone Guitar."
 
So, it's up to us to keep the ball rolling by buying (or borrowing) this week's Kerrang!, going to the Kerrang! website, emailing pictures and views and keeping all our fingers crossed for an Escape Fails victory.

URGENT! Wanna be an extra in a rock video

The Answer want you! Yes you! The band are filming a video at the Oh Yeah Music Centre in Belfast today from noon until 5pm. If you can make your way along they need faces old and new to turn up.

So, if unlike me you're not stuck in work head down and you could see yer bake plastered on Scuzz and Kerrang TV alongside Cormac and crew.

UPDATE: if you can only get along for a while they are auditioning for future filming

Tragedy averted

Tragedy has been averted...the demise of Triggerman has not taken place. Instead the 'Derry's best are to take a break before returning in the new year. All hail, may the attendants at Valhalla raise a glass etc!

Wolfsbane appeal

Quick appeal! Lensman Simon is looking to get hold of Wolfsbane (pre-Blaze Maiden) CDs. Any ideas where he can get hold of them without paying extortionate prices on ebay?

Hard rocking progressive blues space rock

The first time Belfastmetalheadsreunited caught Hunger's Mother live we unfairly compared them to what was then a burgeoning hard blues/classic rock scene (that was four plus years ago, when Classic Rock magazine's sales were just beginning to rise). Guitarist Neill McIlfatrick rightly upbraided us, pointing out that the band aimed for much, much more.

With the release of the long awaited 'Spies of Torr' album it is clear that Hunger's Mother are deploying a varied and innovative take in a sea of sameness. Regular readers know we despise the genre labels lazy music hacks bestow on bands - but for one we can apply a label: Hunger's Mother fall firmly within the genre 'Hard rocking progressive blues space rock'.

Spies of Torr opens up with the celtic tinged Killing Sphere, doffing a cap to the legacy of Lizzy and Horslips. It concludes with Time Travel Volunteers, a sprawling nine minute progtastic journey through relativity (yep, that would be the theory of relativity and Stephen Hawking's assertion that while you cannot travel at the speed of light, theoretically you can travel faster using worm holes....shit, almost forgot it was a metal blog not a physics paper!).

And therein lies the joy within Spies of Torr. Classic rock vibes and Rush style prog merge seamlessly. Neal Calderwood's production lends a space to the production, allowing drums, bass, guitar and vocals to breathe.

Some may see it all as a touch retro, but they forget the roots that forged the hard rock and metal of today. Hunger's Mother provide a bang up-to-date take on the late 60s proto metal scene that saw Iron Butterfly and Cream blaze a trail. They are the north Irish bastard sons of the Woodstock generation - the Woodstock that saw Alvin Lee, Joe Cocker, The Who and Hendrix share a blissed out blitzed out stage with hippies, rockers and too much LSD.

After the celtic blitz of Killing Sphere, Spies of Torr manages to capture that road trip vibe from the US that we can never enjoy on this small isle through the strains and twists of Empty Love.

Outta Control kicks off with a riff classic rockers across the land would die for, with political lyrics and a chilled out mid-section that revvs up again with a bass sound reminiscent of Geezer Butler's NIB intro.

Mama Told Me's plaintive strains are harmony dredged from the Bayou with more than a splash of irony and humour amidst the minor key.

Hunger's Mother have had a long road to see this platter given the airing it deserves. Some might be put off by the weird celtic imagery that pervades their cover art and liner material. Heathens!

Spies of Torr is a diverse recording in the best sense of the word, with excellent muscianship backing up ever stronger songs.

www.msypace.com/hungersmother

Aussie rock back for more!

Airbourne are set to make their third visit to Belfast when they play the Mandella Hall on 12th February next year....hell yeah!

September's RockD listings

Below are the rocKD September listings. All gigs take place in The Limelight, Doors for all shows are 5pm, and admission is £3.50.

• Saturday 5th September. Niyah Sky + Nasa Assassin + Stoned Messiah
• Saturday 12th September. September Cross + Trucker Diablo + Common Bred Trigger
• Saturday 19th September. Gacys Threads + By Any Means + Hero In Error
• Saturday 26th September. Stand-Up Guy + Shardborne + Cursed Sun

And...September 19th is International Talk Like A Pirate Day...arrr, be any of ye scurvy dogs ready to cover an Alestorm song and swig a grog of ye old rum? Errr, perhaps not!

Time for a little GMT

No, you didn't read that wrong - it's not a G 'n' T like the drink that metal should avoid...rather it's GMT, Robin Guy, John McCoy and Bernie Torme.

GMT's only Irish date is at the Diamond Rock Club on 28th November.

Torme is one of the men that stand guilty of  trapping me into this glorious and unfeasibly wonderful world of rock and metal.

The Irish guitarist captured me on his three albums with Ian Gillan. Glory Road, Mr Universe and Future Shock - some slagged off his use of feedback as being Hendrix clone like but in truth his histrionics propelled Gillan's trad rock to a new level.

Had the pleasure of seeing Bernie Torme's Electric Gypsies at the Ulster Hall (supporting Budgie!) and Bernie played like a demon.

His career has seen him swing the axe with the likes of Dee Snider, Clive Burr and - famously - he played with Ozzy in the dark days after Randy Rhoads tragic death.

GMT have laid down two fantastic platters since the trio got together, and maximum credit to the Diamond Rock club for snagging this date...

Ahh bugger! More expense in October...it's Opeth this time!

Ahh bugger - it can be overwhelming how much good hard rock and metal is coming to Belfast...the latest joyous news is that Opeth will be playing the Spring and Airbrake on 12th October. Tickets are on sale now, for the paltry sum of twenty five pounds...

October already boasts....
Residual Effect/Gacy's Threads/The Lobotomies - 2nd - Spring and Airbrake
Y&T/Stormzone - 5th - Spring & Airbrake
Duff McKagan's Loaded - 7th - Spring & Airbrake
Black Stone Cherry - 11th - Spring & Airbrake
Insect Warfare 12th - The Menagerie
Anal C*nt (sans the terminally ill Chopper Read) - 15th - The Limelight
Tigertailz - 17th - Diamond Bar
Amon Amarth/Evile/Entombed - 23rd - Spring & Airbrake
Isis - 24th - Black Box
Biffy Clyro - 28th - St George's Market
Mael Mordhu (plus 11 other acts - 31st - Rosetta


Bloody hell!!!