WHEN one hears the word gothic in a modern popular culture sense the image comes of a pasty skinned obsessive who spends too much time considering the whys and wherefores of vampiric lore.
But, of course gothic goes well beyond that, in terms of history and literature. But in terms of architecture gothic is always associated with a certain type of building...which brings us to a very, very tortuous way of reminding y'all that Cathedral are playing at The Limelight tomorrow night.
Backed by Church of Misery and The Gates of Slumber, you also need to remember that the door time here is 8pm, and there are a very few tickets left at the reasonable and downright wonderful price of £18.50.
Last time Cathedral's Sabbathy take on dark gothic metal doom (and I mean gothic in terms of literate, aware and ever so slightly 'knowing' wit) brought their rif-laden groove to Belfast was supporting HIM. Then the fairy-winged teens simpy didn't get Cathedral. A small few of us amongst the crowd did 'get' Cathedral including one hilarious moment when a lone metaller scattered kiddies to the wings with an impressive extended circle headbanging flailing away to 'Wytchfynder...'
Cathedral gigs come with a health warning...do not under any circumstances try to match your metal knowledge with Lee Dorrian! A friendly guy, yes, but he does know his rock, punk and metal in almost encyclopaedic depth.
He also, for me sums up an attitude that reflects what metal should be all about. The more journos and ignorant fans try to pigeonhole Cathedral into a genre or sub-genre Dorrian declares "We're a metal band. That's all - a metal band". Not just any metal band though!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Be afraid - Fear comes to Belfast
FEAR Factory will be bringing their unique blend of metal and industrial cyber grooves to Belfast's Spring and Airbrake on August 3rd.
Nevermind the hyperbole and rantings of many an over-egged press release about so-called influential bands, Fear Factory carved a path that set the agenda for many of today's acts.
Whether it was Herrera's drums, Burton C. Bell's vocal dynamics or Cazares' guitar lines Fear Factory took what went before and re-moulded it. In turn others borrowed from the FF sound to build yet further on the metal musical mythos.
True, their recorded output was at times patchy, but live they always delivered; and while some have disparaged newer material it does stand up well.
For me Invisible Wounds (Dark Bodies) from Digimortal - not by any means the best FF release - sums up the band's depth: broody and atmospheric. There are better and heavier FF songs out there, many of which will be aired on August 3rd, but Invisible Wounds represents their essence. I am still hoping, however, that large chunks of Demanufacture is on the set list!
Fear Factory play the Spring and Airbrake on August 3rd. Tickets, priced fifiteen precious notes are available from the usual outlets.
Monday, April 26, 2010
We're back - with usual mix of views, news, reviews and outlandish opinions
FIRST an apology. Today I was admonished by someone I didn't recognise (apologies for that whoever you were!) that there had been no posts for almost two weeks. There was I hiding in the work suit, short hair and sucking on a lunchtime ciggie when a voice called: "Oi! Belfastmetalheads! What's happened to you. No posts in ages."
My initial response was bitten back, that was: "FFS mate it's not like I get paid for this shit".
Being a generally courteous type I instead said: "I'll see what I can do". Hurrying back to work, increasingly paranoid that I'm being stalked by various long-haired types I reflected that some of you actually might enjoy my ramblings (you fools! :) ) and might even rely on the news contained herein when there are better and more frequent sources out there.
So, with that in mind I pledge to make sure that the alcohol content is maintained at a sufficiently high level that the blog will be frequenltly updated with ever reliable inane ramblings and random news...and stuff!
My initial response was bitten back, that was: "FFS mate it's not like I get paid for this shit".
Being a generally courteous type I instead said: "I'll see what I can do". Hurrying back to work, increasingly paranoid that I'm being stalked by various long-haired types I reflected that some of you actually might enjoy my ramblings (you fools! :) ) and might even rely on the news contained herein when there are better and more frequent sources out there.
So, with that in mind I pledge to make sure that the alcohol content is maintained at a sufficiently high level that the blog will be frequenltly updated with ever reliable inane ramblings and random news...and stuff!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Ratty time at the Spring & Airbrake
VETERAN LA rockers Ratt are to make a return to the Spring & Airbrake on June 16th. Tickets are priced £19 +booking fee.
Here's the blurb from the promoter:
"Ratt helped pioneer Hollywood’s legendary Sunset Strip sound and scene and the band has returned sounding fired up and better than ever. Ratt’s first studio album in 11 years, Infestation, is a return to their heavy, riff driven roots. The band has reinvented their sound by rediscovering their strengths, shuttling listeners to a time when metal ruled the earth and real musicians wore eyeliner like a badge of honor.
"They have also added guitarist Carlos Cavazo to their lineup and ready to let the world hear their new collection of songs. Right out of the box, Infestation ignites like gasoline to an open flame, bursting with an energy and attitude absent from metal for years, unheard, perhaps, since before the dawn of DVDs, grunge and Facebook.
"Album opener “Eat Me Up Alive” slaps you in the face with attitude and a timeless riff that has been a staple in Ratt’s music and has set them apart from the pack. From the strip pole gyrations of “Look Out Below” to the keg party anthem “Take a Big Bite,” Infestation rages with a life and energy that Ratt is famous for. "
Here's the blurb from the promoter:
"Ratt helped pioneer Hollywood’s legendary Sunset Strip sound and scene and the band has returned sounding fired up and better than ever. Ratt’s first studio album in 11 years, Infestation, is a return to their heavy, riff driven roots. The band has reinvented their sound by rediscovering their strengths, shuttling listeners to a time when metal ruled the earth and real musicians wore eyeliner like a badge of honor.
"They have also added guitarist Carlos Cavazo to their lineup and ready to let the world hear their new collection of songs. Right out of the box, Infestation ignites like gasoline to an open flame, bursting with an energy and attitude absent from metal for years, unheard, perhaps, since before the dawn of DVDs, grunge and Facebook.
"Album opener “Eat Me Up Alive” slaps you in the face with attitude and a timeless riff that has been a staple in Ratt’s music and has set them apart from the pack. From the strip pole gyrations of “Look Out Below” to the keg party anthem “Take a Big Bite,” Infestation rages with a life and energy that Ratt is famous for. "
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Propheting at the Mandella
THEY'RE not the usual fare of most visitors here (though I know a few who will not admit it), but the Lost Prophets can be credited with introducing a few into the world of heavy guitar orientated rock (and then we captured their souls, sold them to Satan to hook them into metal forever...).
Thus I mention it here that Lost Prophets are playing at the Mandella Hall on May 19th.
Personally I haven't listened to any of their recent work, as they swayed from early day poppy nu-metal towards more classic style AOR before becoming all 'scenester'. Or maybe they just began to believe the sycophantic Radio 1 and MTV clown DJs.
Hopefully they'll return to more rock AOR work and become Wales' answer to REO Speedwagon :)
Thus I mention it here that Lost Prophets are playing at the Mandella Hall on May 19th.
Personally I haven't listened to any of their recent work, as they swayed from early day poppy nu-metal towards more classic style AOR before becoming all 'scenester'. Or maybe they just began to believe the sycophantic Radio 1 and MTV clown DJs.
Hopefully they'll return to more rock AOR work and become Wales' answer to REO Speedwagon :)
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Busy days ahead...
SATURDAY'S a busy day...what with Ocean, Rising and Neifenbach set to see if the Limelight can survive another pounding. And then two doors down local legends Ashanti hit the Spring and Airbrake with Pay*ola backing them.
For those far out from the Limelight's delights Gama Bomb seem intent to make sure no metallic stone is left unturned: as part of their Irish tour they hit Warrenpoint's Square Peg on Saturday. (And fans can also see them at QUB's Speakeasy on 17th)
And the Diamond Rock Club in Ahoghill will be hosting Jaded Sun and Ajenda, also on Saturday night.
And with Airbourne on Tuesday surely that's enough to be going on with!
For those far out from the Limelight's delights Gama Bomb seem intent to make sure no metallic stone is left unturned: as part of their Irish tour they hit Warrenpoint's Square Peg on Saturday. (And fans can also see them at QUB's Speakeasy on 17th)
And the Diamond Rock Club in Ahoghill will be hosting Jaded Sun and Ajenda, also on Saturday night.
And with Airbourne on Tuesday surely that's enough to be going on with!
Friday, April 09, 2010
Iron Maiden and Heaven & Hell to play Dublin
IRON maiden are kicking off their European Tour in Dublin's O2 Arena with special guests Heaven & Hell a.k.a. Dio era Sabbath.
Date is 30th July...
Tickets on sale next Friday, with pre-sale for Fan Club members on Tuesday, priced 67.50 euros incl/ booking fee.
Official MCD release here.
More later!
Date is 30th July...
Tickets on sale next Friday, with pre-sale for Fan Club members on Tuesday, priced 67.50 euros incl/ booking fee.
Official MCD release here.
More later!
Thursday, April 08, 2010
"We will never do a power ballad. Ever"
NEXT Tuesday (April 13th) one of the most uncompromising hard rockin' ass kickin' bands in the world land in Belfast for their third visit to the city.
Airbourne - if you didn't already know - are the embodiment of blue collar, working class rock 'n' roll: birthed as the bastard sons of AC/DC and Rose Tattoo, conceived in pub where the 'guitar man got famous' and where 'Rock 'n' Roll Outlaws' pounded out tunes to stun.
Belfastmetalheadsreunited caught up with the band, and spokesman in chief Joel O'Keefe as their UK tour progessed towards Belfast to hear how things are sitting as Airbourne's ascendancy towards legendary status continues apace.
With their second 'proper' album out, and three years of a roundabout of touring, punctuated with recording 'No Guts, No Glory', we wanted to know have things caught up with the fearsome foursome?
"It does get tiring but if we get time off we get bored and can't wait to get back on the road," he said. "We live to tour and we tour to live, so bring it on!"
And, with that commitment comes a statement of intent whether it be playing in Belfast or Melbourne for the band.
"We believe that anything worth having is worth working hard for. We are determined to never let any one down, ever. That is what we are all about."
Hard work has paid off for the band. Not least as evidenced from their Belfast debut in The Limelight. Since then their star has been on the rise. From pub venues, through to the festival circuit there is a connection with fans who may be latter day metalheads raised on the excesses of the NWOBHM, or diehard rockers and even thrashers.
As the band has grown we wanted to know the difference between the intimate shows packed into pubs in comparison to the bigger venues and the festivals.
"We love the crowd to be right in our faces but there is also such a great energy playing to a bigger audience," said Joel
All of which bodes well for the Mandella Hall gig - which is big enough to accommodate eager throngs, while still enabling almost all present to connect with the band.
And, connections are all-important to Airbourne: with the audience and with their roots. When it came to writing No Guts, No Glory they headed back to the now almost derelict Criterion Hotel in their hometown Warnambool, Australia.
"It was the perfect place for us. It was close to where we were staying, it had plenty of space for all our equipment and the best burger joint in town was across the road," said Joel. "It was ironic, we played our first ever shows there and the last thing that place ever did was have us in there writing. It almost burnt down a few of months later."
In recent interviews the band have joked that they are just re-arranging the chords for the new songs, but they undertook a rigorous selection process whittling down almost 40 tracks to the ones that hit the streets a few short weeks ago. From their debut releaseRunnin' Wild, No Guts, No Glory retains a winning formula with rabble rousing pub rock to the fore, but with slow burners like Bottom of the Well and the mid-paced White Line Fever showing that the band are prepared to explore the very limits of so-called Aussie pub rock. But where they ever tempted to pander to the pundits and throw in a power ballad?
Let's just say that Joel is emphatic on that point: "We know our sound and what we love and we never want to go away from that. We will NEVER do a power ballad. Ever."
But, the band are no luddites, looking over their shoulder to the past. They have freshened what could have been a jaded hard rock sound, and are prepared to look at other ways to expose audiences to their rockin' antics, including computer and console games, with the likes of Girls in Black from Runnin' Wild appearing on the Need for Speed console game.
"The computer game industry is massive right now, it is almost like the radio was 20 years ago," said Joel. "Millions of people play these games, it's really good to reach this audience that might not hear of us otherwise.
But with kids getting hooked on Airbourne's sounds, too many venues remain out-of-bounds to under-18s.
Joel is apologetic, but not without a nod to what almost every reader of this blog did, or attempted to do when younger: "Unfortunately the agent is the one that books the shows. However, hopefully in the future there will be more all ages shows. In the mean time sneak in and grab a beer!!!"
Airbourne started from humble roots, and through hard work they rose from early 2003 gigs. For many Runnin' Wild was a sudden, but welcome, shock, none less so than when the esteemed organ Classic Rock awarded the band 'Best New Band' in 2008.
It speaks to the bands own modesty their reaction when they received the honour.
"We had no idea, we were just sitting there drinking, then all of a sudden we were getting pushed onto the stage!!"
And therein lies the roots of success. Work hard, expect nothing, but toil to achieve everything. Airbourne play hard, Airbourne are an antidote to sugary sweet, pop pap, and posing bands more concerned with being part of a nebulous scene rather than sticking to what they believe in. There might be No Way But The Hard Way but for fans of all ages Airbourne's route to the top is one we all can enjoy come hell or highwater.
But don't expect any power ballads!
Airbourne play the Mandella Hall on April 13th. There are very, very few tickets left, if any. If you can's get along...your loss!
Airbourne - if you didn't already know - are the embodiment of blue collar, working class rock 'n' roll: birthed as the bastard sons of AC/DC and Rose Tattoo, conceived in pub where the 'guitar man got famous' and where 'Rock 'n' Roll Outlaws' pounded out tunes to stun.
Belfastmetalheadsreunited caught up with the band, and spokesman in chief Joel O'Keefe as their UK tour progessed towards Belfast to hear how things are sitting as Airbourne's ascendancy towards legendary status continues apace.
With their second 'proper' album out, and three years of a roundabout of touring, punctuated with recording 'No Guts, No Glory', we wanted to know have things caught up with the fearsome foursome?
"It does get tiring but if we get time off we get bored and can't wait to get back on the road," he said. "We live to tour and we tour to live, so bring it on!"
And, with that commitment comes a statement of intent whether it be playing in Belfast or Melbourne for the band.
"We believe that anything worth having is worth working hard for. We are determined to never let any one down, ever. That is what we are all about."
Hard work has paid off for the band. Not least as evidenced from their Belfast debut in The Limelight. Since then their star has been on the rise. From pub venues, through to the festival circuit there is a connection with fans who may be latter day metalheads raised on the excesses of the NWOBHM, or diehard rockers and even thrashers.
As the band has grown we wanted to know the difference between the intimate shows packed into pubs in comparison to the bigger venues and the festivals.
"We love the crowd to be right in our faces but there is also such a great energy playing to a bigger audience," said Joel
All of which bodes well for the Mandella Hall gig - which is big enough to accommodate eager throngs, while still enabling almost all present to connect with the band.
And, connections are all-important to Airbourne: with the audience and with their roots. When it came to writing No Guts, No Glory they headed back to the now almost derelict Criterion Hotel in their hometown Warnambool, Australia.
"It was the perfect place for us. It was close to where we were staying, it had plenty of space for all our equipment and the best burger joint in town was across the road," said Joel. "It was ironic, we played our first ever shows there and the last thing that place ever did was have us in there writing. It almost burnt down a few of months later."
In recent interviews the band have joked that they are just re-arranging the chords for the new songs, but they undertook a rigorous selection process whittling down almost 40 tracks to the ones that hit the streets a few short weeks ago. From their debut releaseRunnin' Wild, No Guts, No Glory retains a winning formula with rabble rousing pub rock to the fore, but with slow burners like Bottom of the Well and the mid-paced White Line Fever showing that the band are prepared to explore the very limits of so-called Aussie pub rock. But where they ever tempted to pander to the pundits and throw in a power ballad?
Let's just say that Joel is emphatic on that point: "We know our sound and what we love and we never want to go away from that. We will NEVER do a power ballad. Ever."
But, the band are no luddites, looking over their shoulder to the past. They have freshened what could have been a jaded hard rock sound, and are prepared to look at other ways to expose audiences to their rockin' antics, including computer and console games, with the likes of Girls in Black from Runnin' Wild appearing on the Need for Speed console game.
"The computer game industry is massive right now, it is almost like the radio was 20 years ago," said Joel. "Millions of people play these games, it's really good to reach this audience that might not hear of us otherwise.
But with kids getting hooked on Airbourne's sounds, too many venues remain out-of-bounds to under-18s.
Joel is apologetic, but not without a nod to what almost every reader of this blog did, or attempted to do when younger: "Unfortunately the agent is the one that books the shows. However, hopefully in the future there will be more all ages shows. In the mean time sneak in and grab a beer!!!"
Airbourne started from humble roots, and through hard work they rose from early 2003 gigs. For many Runnin' Wild was a sudden, but welcome, shock, none less so than when the esteemed organ Classic Rock awarded the band 'Best New Band' in 2008.
It speaks to the bands own modesty their reaction when they received the honour.
"We had no idea, we were just sitting there drinking, then all of a sudden we were getting pushed onto the stage!!"
And therein lies the roots of success. Work hard, expect nothing, but toil to achieve everything. Airbourne play hard, Airbourne are an antidote to sugary sweet, pop pap, and posing bands more concerned with being part of a nebulous scene rather than sticking to what they believe in. There might be No Way But The Hard Way but for fans of all ages Airbourne's route to the top is one we all can enjoy come hell or highwater.
But don't expect any power ballads!
Airbourne play the Mandella Hall on April 13th. There are very, very few tickets left, if any. If you can's get along...your loss!
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Alterz is murmuring
REGULAR reader Alterz has been developing a web resource for metal through the site Belfast's Murmur.
Check it out and support those that back the rock and metal scene here in good ol' Norn Iron! Another worthy addition to the blogosphere of metal.
Check it out and support those that back the rock and metal scene here in good ol' Norn Iron! Another worthy addition to the blogosphere of metal.
Better than The Pogues
THE Pogues always had a wee whiff of being faux folk punk (someday I'll tell you my Shane Magowan story...) and had political views that seemed designed to alienate a lot of their potential audience.
On the other side of the Atlantic the Dropkick Murphys always seemed a wee bit more ready to party with their ShamRock, ShamPunk...well you know what we mean! Their not exactly the usual fodder for this site, but the 'Murphys' come across more as a party band to be enjoyed rather than that sense of worthiness that Magowan and co came out with. And, one can disregard their American naivety, but we would advise them to listen to SLF's 'Every Dollar A Bullet' lest they commit a Mustaine-size gaffe.
The Dropkick Murphys play St George's Market on April 13th for what is sure to be a gig with a lot of bouncing going on!
On the other side of the Atlantic the Dropkick Murphys always seemed a wee bit more ready to party with their ShamRock, ShamPunk...well you know what we mean! Their not exactly the usual fodder for this site, but the 'Murphys' come across more as a party band to be enjoyed rather than that sense of worthiness that Magowan and co came out with. And, one can disregard their American naivety, but we would advise them to listen to SLF's 'Every Dollar A Bullet' lest they commit a Mustaine-size gaffe.
The Dropkick Murphys play St George's Market on April 13th for what is sure to be a gig with a lot of bouncing going on!
New Bolt Thrower door time
Quick note to say that the door time for the Bolt Thrower gig on May 3rd at The Limelight has changed to 8pm.
Also on the bill with Bolt Thrower are: Rotting Christ, Overoth and Devil Makes Three. Tickets 12 paltry notes.
Also on the bill with Bolt Thrower are: Rotting Christ, Overoth and Devil Makes Three. Tickets 12 paltry notes.
Act now for Airbourne
IF you haven't yet got your Airbourne tickets for April 13th's re-arranged Mandella Hall gig you need to act quickly - spoke to the promoter earlier and there are only about 30 left and almost certainly none on sale at the door!
Have to say looking forward to this...and intrigued to see The Black Spiders again (they supported The Answer in December) as they looked like they didn't sound and sounded bigger than they actually were...if you see what I mean when I'm confusing myself!
Have to say looking forward to this...and intrigued to see The Black Spiders again (they supported The Answer in December) as they looked like they didn't sound and sounded bigger than they actually were...if you see what I mean when I'm confusing myself!
AXIS OF get pre-election night single launch
SO Gordon Brown confirmed what we all knew anyway, that May 6th was to be the date of the General Election. As the polling booths close and the pundits ponder exit polls, get some groove on in The Limelight with the Axis Of single launch. Kicking off at 8.30 Axis Of will be supported by Robyn G Shiels, Pocket Billiards, and Visceral Attack.
As you prepare to find out who will form the next Government the door tax is a measly £4 or for one pound mmore you get the CD too! Now which political party can top that...well the Monster Raving Loony Party might have, but since Screaming Lord Sutch passed away it hasn't been the same.
Haven't heard of Axis Of. Here's some of the press comment:
'They have no gimmicks to get bored of. They are just pure punk rock goodness! My Single of the Year'
-Panic Dots
'Outstanding'
- Stephen McAuley, BBC Radio 1
'Conjuring up images of At The Drive In and Sikth - 9/10'
- Giggingni.com
And here's the blurb:
"After an extremely promising 2009 Axis Of start the new year with a bang. After two successful UK tours and a bunch of excellent Irish shows, Axis Of played their first Belfast headlining gig of the year in Auntie Annie’s Porterhouse. With the success of this, they are back in May with the release of a new single, “Port Na Spaniagh” in The Limelight. With airplay all over Ireland, coverage in all sorts of press, this is a live show not to be missed and a song not to be ignored.
Check out Axis Of and the rest of the line up - Axis Of and Robyn G. Shiels and Pocket Billiards and Visceral Attack
Not sure which half of you lot will like these acts...the schizophrenics like me who'll give anything a shot, or the ones with the demented stare in their eyes....oh that's me too!
As you prepare to find out who will form the next Government the door tax is a measly £4 or for one pound mmore you get the CD too! Now which political party can top that...well the Monster Raving Loony Party might have, but since Screaming Lord Sutch passed away it hasn't been the same.
Haven't heard of Axis Of. Here's some of the press comment:
'They have no gimmicks to get bored of. They are just pure punk rock goodness! My Single of the Year'
-Panic Dots
'Outstanding'
- Stephen McAuley, BBC Radio 1
'Conjuring up images of At The Drive In and Sikth - 9/10'
- Giggingni.com
And here's the blurb:
"After an extremely promising 2009 Axis Of start the new year with a bang. After two successful UK tours and a bunch of excellent Irish shows, Axis Of played their first Belfast headlining gig of the year in Auntie Annie’s Porterhouse. With the success of this, they are back in May with the release of a new single, “Port Na Spaniagh” in The Limelight. With airplay all over Ireland, coverage in all sorts of press, this is a live show not to be missed and a song not to be ignored.
Check out Axis Of and the rest of the line up - Axis Of and Robyn G. Shiels and Pocket Billiards and Visceral Attack
Not sure which half of you lot will like these acts...the schizophrenics like me who'll give anything a shot, or the ones with the demented stare in their eyes....oh that's me too!
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Anal surgery required for The Limelight
NO - you didn't read that headline wrong! According to James (of Distortion Project fame!) Eyehategod ripped a new ass for The Limelight on Sunday night. As too often is the case through illness/resposibilities/lack of beer tokens we didn't have a presence there. If you were there and want to send a review email here. And the same applies to any other reviews you may want to send me (Ozzmium in Omagh anyone?).
But as it is now almost 3am there are a few things that need to said...
No, it's not another rant: but suffice to say there are some things that need to be said.
First off - Cathedral are playing The Limelight on 28th April. The simple instruction is: get along to this; Lee Dorrian knows more about rock/metal than most other living mortals...give your homage gratefully!
Next - A Decade of Aggression: If you need to know more and are into heavy music we don't know where to start...
Thirdly - thanks to everyone....readers/commenters/emailers; somehow it makes it all worthwhile
Lastly (well for now!) - what are we missing? Let us know!
To conclude - this blog would not be anything more than the rantings of a 40+ metalhead without your active involvement. Thanks! Now, what more do you want included? More gig info? More reviews? More videos? More general news? (Ian Gillan and Tony Iommi are to record a couple of tracks and I believe I'm one of the few people on the planet that thinks Born Again is an under-rated album!)
But the real purpose of this post is to sort of hark back to the 'Quiet Rant' post last week. The Guardian (and other members of the so-called intelligentsia) has poured scorn on the campaign to have people register their religion in the 2011 census recorded as 'Heavy Metal'.
Last time out I registered as a Jedi, and according to the statistics Jedi was the 4th biggest 'religion' in the UK. I was going to register this time as a Pastafarian (member of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster) but have decided that when the census forms come out I will register my religion as 'Heavy Metal'.
Of course, it is a wee bit stupid. Of course, it denegrates the whole census system. Of course, it plays into the hands of the smarmy, wordy Sunday supplement columnists.
But it is also a chance to have a laugh, snub the nose at the Simon Cowell-led 'pop' culture, and offend as many people as possible. I'll do the Newsnight interview and the Distorion Project can provide the bands for a backdrop when Heavy Metal becomes one of the Top 10 'religions' in the UK....
Most of all - the biggest underground scene in the UK will continue to encourage rock and metal acts worldwide to keep on playing no matter what happens in 2011.
Here in the UK and Ireland we can pick and choose when we go to a gig. In parts of the world - especially where fundamentalist religion dominates - listening to metal, wearing a metal/rock t-shirt, playing in a band can lead to jail time, persecution, and persistent observation from the so-called authorities.
Rock and metal is a freedom that should not be taken for granted, and as we approach the General Election should all candidates be asked what their views are on heavy metal? Go on! When a candidate or their representatives lands on you doorsteps ask them for their party policy on heavy metal! Let us never take for granted the scene we ALL have. And let's see if we can cause a few uncomfortable moments for DUP, Sinn Fein, UUP/Tory, SDLP, Alliance, TUV, Green Party candidates and all others who want our votes!
But as it is now almost 3am there are a few things that need to said...
No, it's not another rant: but suffice to say there are some things that need to be said.
First off - Cathedral are playing The Limelight on 28th April. The simple instruction is: get along to this; Lee Dorrian knows more about rock/metal than most other living mortals...give your homage gratefully!
Next - A Decade of Aggression: If you need to know more and are into heavy music we don't know where to start...
Thirdly - thanks to everyone....readers/commenters/emailers; somehow it makes it all worthwhile
Lastly (well for now!) - what are we missing? Let us know!
To conclude - this blog would not be anything more than the rantings of a 40+ metalhead without your active involvement. Thanks! Now, what more do you want included? More gig info? More reviews? More videos? More general news? (Ian Gillan and Tony Iommi are to record a couple of tracks and I believe I'm one of the few people on the planet that thinks Born Again is an under-rated album!)
But the real purpose of this post is to sort of hark back to the 'Quiet Rant' post last week. The Guardian (and other members of the so-called intelligentsia) has poured scorn on the campaign to have people register their religion in the 2011 census recorded as 'Heavy Metal'.
Last time out I registered as a Jedi, and according to the statistics Jedi was the 4th biggest 'religion' in the UK. I was going to register this time as a Pastafarian (member of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster) but have decided that when the census forms come out I will register my religion as 'Heavy Metal'.
Of course, it is a wee bit stupid. Of course, it denegrates the whole census system. Of course, it plays into the hands of the smarmy, wordy Sunday supplement columnists.
But it is also a chance to have a laugh, snub the nose at the Simon Cowell-led 'pop' culture, and offend as many people as possible. I'll do the Newsnight interview and the Distorion Project can provide the bands for a backdrop when Heavy Metal becomes one of the Top 10 'religions' in the UK....
Most of all - the biggest underground scene in the UK will continue to encourage rock and metal acts worldwide to keep on playing no matter what happens in 2011.
Here in the UK and Ireland we can pick and choose when we go to a gig. In parts of the world - especially where fundamentalist religion dominates - listening to metal, wearing a metal/rock t-shirt, playing in a band can lead to jail time, persecution, and persistent observation from the so-called authorities.
Rock and metal is a freedom that should not be taken for granted, and as we approach the General Election should all candidates be asked what their views are on heavy metal? Go on! When a candidate or their representatives lands on you doorsteps ask them for their party policy on heavy metal! Let us never take for granted the scene we ALL have. And let's see if we can cause a few uncomfortable moments for DUP, Sinn Fein, UUP/Tory, SDLP, Alliance, TUV, Green Party candidates and all others who want our votes!
Diamond Head in November
APPARENTLY Diamond Head are playing at the Spring & Airbrake on November 20th! Tasty!
For younger readers - who may have only heard of Diamond Head via a couple of Metallica cover versions - Diamond Head emerged during the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM - and if you've not heard of that use Wikipedia). They were never the most commercially successful of the NWOBHM acts, but with their interpretation of song structure and use of intelligent time changes they were highly influencial.
At the very least you should check them out via Spotify or iTunes and prepare to be pleasantly surprised!
For younger readers - who may have only heard of Diamond Head via a couple of Metallica cover versions - Diamond Head emerged during the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM - and if you've not heard of that use Wikipedia). They were never the most commercially successful of the NWOBHM acts, but with their interpretation of song structure and use of intelligent time changes they were highly influencial.
At the very least you should check them out via Spotify or iTunes and prepare to be pleasantly surprised!
FM show details and ticket prices etc
LAST week we announced that 80s melodic rockers FM were to play Belfast's Spring & Airbrake - and promised details. So here they are with the blurb...
FM -Spring & Airbrake: Saturday 22nd May 2010
£16.50 + booking fee: Doors at 8pm
And now for the official blub...
"15 years since the release of any new material, FM’s hugely anticipated album METROPOLIS, was released in March 2010. An album packed full of brand new, soon to be classic FM songs will see them propelled back to their rightful place as the darlings of the British melodic rock scene. METROPOLIS is a masterful showcase of this band's considerable talent. With 13 classic tracks and a running time of over 60 minutes the boys are definitely back."
If you know sod all about FM, but are intrigued you can find out more about FM - FM Official Band Website.
As to our views here - haven't heard any FM since...well a long time ago. If you like Gun, Little Angels style melodic/classic rock then FM are worth checking out. If you're expecting anything heavier...well there's Decade of Aggression and Metallica also in May :)
FM -Spring & Airbrake: Saturday 22nd May 2010
£16.50 + booking fee: Doors at 8pm
"15 years since the release of any new material, FM’s hugely anticipated album METROPOLIS, was released in March 2010. An album packed full of brand new, soon to be classic FM songs will see them propelled back to their rightful place as the darlings of the British melodic rock scene. METROPOLIS is a masterful showcase of this band's considerable talent. With 13 classic tracks and a running time of over 60 minutes the boys are definitely back."
If you know sod all about FM, but are intrigued you can find out more about FM - FM Official Band Website.
As to our views here - haven't heard any FM since...well a long time ago. If you like Gun, Little Angels style melodic/classic rock then FM are worth checking out. If you're expecting anything heavier...well there's Decade of Aggression and Metallica also in May :)
Saturday, April 03, 2010
By the way...By Any Means
If you absolutely stuck for something to do on Easter Saturday and need to kill time before Easter Sunday's Eyehategod Limelight appearance then check out Enochian Theory (ENG), By Any Means and Cursed Sun at Lavery's Bunker on Saturday night from seven bells.
Apologies to Mr Higgins for not posting this earlier...despite all the Facebook reminders!
Apologies to Mr Higgins for not posting this earlier...despite all the Facebook reminders!
Reviews wanted
We'll be definitely heading to see Airbourne, Cathedral and Metallica. Maybe we'll also be catching Trucker Diablo/Soundstone, GMT and Glamour of the Kill/Escape Fails. If you aren't catching at least some of these gigs then you're not really tryingg!
But with so many gigs in the coming weeks it would be impossible for us to cover them all. Therefore, if you want to review a gig then email us here and should (most) of the spelling be correct and the grammar at least close to Belfast's version of English, it'll appear here with your byline.
No payment on offer - as yet - but give it time...and at least you'll be able to embellish your CV by saying you are a published writer :)
But with so many gigs in the coming weeks it would be impossible for us to cover them all. Therefore, if you want to review a gig then email us here and should (most) of the spelling be correct and the grammar at least close to Belfast's version of English, it'll appear here with your byline.
No payment on offer - as yet - but give it time...and at least you'll be able to embellish your CV by saying you are a published writer :)
A word on the visual arts
Carrie has snapped local, national and international acts and her work has been used by many outlets ranging from Kerrang! through to local mag Alternative Ulster.
And, the ultimate accolade she's even had snaps used here (shurely shome mishtake there...this blog being used in a sentence including words like ultimate and accolade!).
Any hows, it should be worth taking a few moments to see more of Carrie's work.
(PS - there are other rock photographers working here, but Carrie always replies to emails and Tweets)
And now for a quiet rant....
For those hoping for gig info and reviews, or perhaps even a mention of a CD you can tune out now. There follows a quiet wee rant about the way the outside world views metal.
Inspired by the very positive reaction to reader involvement in the blog we ventured forth to see if there was sponsorship available. The aim: get a few quid to re-design the very, very dated look, market the blog and perhaps even get a few pennies distributed to people who wanted to post reviews etc. The longer game plan to provide a hub that would complement existing sites such as Metal Ireland and perhaps even provide an outlet for local acts to sell CDs and merch.
Thus with high hopes we sat down with a marketeer from a respected local firm. We thought that with the visitor numbers, age range, number of comments (on the blog and via email) that it was a viable prospect. Indeed we know of other sites with puny (sorry that almost was a Manowar-style comment!) visitor numbers that achieve significant sponsorship. In pure business terms we were looking at sponsorship as seed funding for longer term development.
The marketing man then asked the killer question: "So what's the site's target demographic?" It was with admirable restraint that no punches were thrown...
It was explained that at recent gigs (Machine Head for one) we had stood in a group that included a 13-year-old, three 15-year-olds, four 20-somethings, a 42-year-old and three people in their 50s, amongst almost one thousand others and this was an admirable range for any marketeer to reach out to as they encompassed the teen market, the 'no-children, large disposable income bracket' as well as parents and grandparents... It was also explain that past contributors ranged from uni students through to business people and that the site was run by an award winning professional...we ran out of steam...and had no pretty PowerPoint graphs at hand!
His response was "that's not a very specific market, is it?"
Being polite sort of people (well most of the time!) we finished the drink, avoided pushing the pint glass into his face thereby avoidin spilling liquid on his very impressive Top Man suit and left it at that.
Another chance to spread the wealth amongst the community of rock and the brotherhood of metal slipped away...
But, on reflection, it did highlight a quandry.
This thing we all love, hard and heavy music, is a difficult beast to grapple with for outsiders. There are the hardcore metalheads, there are the thrashers, there are the hard/classic rock fans, there are the devotees who never miss a Distortion Project gig (all hail James and crew!), there are those who avidly attend the rock tribute acts, there are the many thousands who will flock to Metallica, there are the the couple of dozen in the Rosetta or Auntie Annies headbanging away, there are rural outposts like the Diamond in Ahoghill where the flame is kept alight outside Belfast - in other words there are many faces to this beast.
There are a helluva lot of us!
Psycholgists and social anthropologists would have a field day: but too often the cliched comments focus on the stereotypes. They'll happily rant about Norwegian church burning and murders (see last month's Metal Hammer for a controversial interview!) or will glaze over as we rant about 'last night's gig'. Then there are the rabid opponents who cast biblical quotations like confetti. Worse still are the divisions within the 'scene'. Who else has read a post on a blog or a forum slagging off a local act and thought to themselves "if you can't be positive then don't bother wasting typing time!"
But where does this leave things?
As to this blog, it will continue as regularly as possible. Contributions from readers, information from bands and promoters will be posted. The idea of reader involvement will be encouraged (design comps and other ideas to be developed further!) and perhaps even getting some 'stuff' together to reward readers and potential sponsors alike.
But more important than anything else...thank you all for reading our rambling rants, listening out for news whether it is a breaking story or old news you heard elsewhere, and for being what Stephen King refers to as our 'Constant Reader'.
There - rant over, now it's JAGER TIME! :)
Inspired by the very positive reaction to reader involvement in the blog we ventured forth to see if there was sponsorship available. The aim: get a few quid to re-design the very, very dated look, market the blog and perhaps even get a few pennies distributed to people who wanted to post reviews etc. The longer game plan to provide a hub that would complement existing sites such as Metal Ireland and perhaps even provide an outlet for local acts to sell CDs and merch.
Thus with high hopes we sat down with a marketeer from a respected local firm. We thought that with the visitor numbers, age range, number of comments (on the blog and via email) that it was a viable prospect. Indeed we know of other sites with puny (sorry that almost was a Manowar-style comment!) visitor numbers that achieve significant sponsorship. In pure business terms we were looking at sponsorship as seed funding for longer term development.
The marketing man then asked the killer question: "So what's the site's target demographic?" It was with admirable restraint that no punches were thrown...
It was explained that at recent gigs (Machine Head for one) we had stood in a group that included a 13-year-old, three 15-year-olds, four 20-somethings, a 42-year-old and three people in their 50s, amongst almost one thousand others and this was an admirable range for any marketeer to reach out to as they encompassed the teen market, the 'no-children, large disposable income bracket' as well as parents and grandparents... It was also explain that past contributors ranged from uni students through to business people and that the site was run by an award winning professional...we ran out of steam...and had no pretty PowerPoint graphs at hand!
His response was "that's not a very specific market, is it?"
Being polite sort of people (well most of the time!) we finished the drink, avoided pushing the pint glass into his face thereby avoidin spilling liquid on his very impressive Top Man suit and left it at that.
Another chance to spread the wealth amongst the community of rock and the brotherhood of metal slipped away...
But, on reflection, it did highlight a quandry.
This thing we all love, hard and heavy music, is a difficult beast to grapple with for outsiders. There are the hardcore metalheads, there are the thrashers, there are the hard/classic rock fans, there are the devotees who never miss a Distortion Project gig (all hail James and crew!), there are those who avidly attend the rock tribute acts, there are the many thousands who will flock to Metallica, there are the the couple of dozen in the Rosetta or Auntie Annies headbanging away, there are rural outposts like the Diamond in Ahoghill where the flame is kept alight outside Belfast - in other words there are many faces to this beast.
There are a helluva lot of us!
Psycholgists and social anthropologists would have a field day: but too often the cliched comments focus on the stereotypes. They'll happily rant about Norwegian church burning and murders (see last month's Metal Hammer for a controversial interview!) or will glaze over as we rant about 'last night's gig'. Then there are the rabid opponents who cast biblical quotations like confetti. Worse still are the divisions within the 'scene'. Who else has read a post on a blog or a forum slagging off a local act and thought to themselves "if you can't be positive then don't bother wasting typing time!"
But where does this leave things?
As to this blog, it will continue as regularly as possible. Contributions from readers, information from bands and promoters will be posted. The idea of reader involvement will be encouraged (design comps and other ideas to be developed further!) and perhaps even getting some 'stuff' together to reward readers and potential sponsors alike.
But more important than anything else...thank you all for reading our rambling rants, listening out for news whether it is a breaking story or old news you heard elsewhere, and for being what Stephen King refers to as our 'Constant Reader'.
There - rant over, now it's JAGER TIME! :)
Quick mention?
Got a few we things to quickly mention: Eyehategod playing on Easter Sunday at the Limelight (ahh the irony almost as good as BBC following a morning show about Good Friday with 'Homes Under the Hammer').
Also - I had listed the Glamour of the Kill (incl Escape Fails on the suport) gig at Auntie Annie's as the 24th: CDC's official press listing has this as the 23rd. Which coincidentally is the date when Last Known Addiction and Swanee River play in the Spring & Airbrake (with the Beat Poets...) A dilemma - fine hard classic rock versus Escape Fails and GOTK! Can one be in two places at once!
Finally - anyone with gig reviews to submit, ya know where to find me!
Also - I had listed the Glamour of the Kill (incl Escape Fails on the suport) gig at Auntie Annie's as the 24th: CDC's official press listing has this as the 23rd. Which coincidentally is the date when Last Known Addiction and Swanee River play in the Spring & Airbrake (with the Beat Poets...) A dilemma - fine hard classic rock versus Escape Fails and GOTK! Can one be in two places at once!
Finally - anyone with gig reviews to submit, ya know where to find me!
Metallica support slots
You take some time off work..planning to get some proper work done, like updating this blog; instead you end up doing more 'work'.
Okay - quick catch-ups coming, but for now, confirmation that High On Fire have been added to the support slots for Metallica's Odyssey Arena gigs on May 11th and 12th, joing Volbeat on the bill.
For more information, and a view of High On Fire's new video for Frost Hammer visit Blabbermouth here.
Okay - quick catch-ups coming, but for now, confirmation that High On Fire have been added to the support slots for Metallica's Odyssey Arena gigs on May 11th and 12th, joing Volbeat on the bill.
For more information, and a view of High On Fire's new video for Frost Hammer visit Blabbermouth here.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Ozzmium are Worse Than Ever!
Ozzmium...Worse Than Ever? NO WE ARE NOT dissing Ozzmium!
We're simply giving you the chance to have a wee gander at the official video for their track Worse Than Ever!
Enjoy and let us all know what you think!
We're simply giving you the chance to have a wee gander at the official video for their track Worse Than Ever!
Enjoy and let us all know what you think!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Stand-Up Guy for Download!
Wanna help local act Stand-Up Guy get a slot at this year's Download.
It's simple, just visit this link and signup, then rate/comment on the rather nice video!
C'Mon, ya know you want to!
It's simple, just visit this link and signup, then rate/comment on the rather nice video!
C'Mon, ya know you want to!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Using articles from this site
AFTER the super response to the idea of reader reviews etc, thought I would offer up a few things from this side.
If you want to use an article from this site (review, interview etc) please feel free to use it for non-commercial ends. Only condition is that you credit it to the site with a link to the site. If the article is marked as by-lined by an individual you'll have to contact us to get the nod. Otherwise fire away!
If it is for commercial use, then email us here.
Now, those reader reviews etc...where are they :) \m/
If you want to use an article from this site (review, interview etc) please feel free to use it for non-commercial ends. Only condition is that you credit it to the site with a link to the site. If the article is marked as by-lined by an individual you'll have to contact us to get the nod. Otherwise fire away!
If it is for commercial use, then email us here.
Now, those reader reviews etc...where are they :) \m/
Volbeat to support 'Tallica
Seems that Danish act Volbeat are to support Metallica at the Odyssey on 11th and 12th May.
Described by that venerable organ Metal Hammer as Danish Rockabilly rockers...well everything has to have a label...they're a humorous bunch, which might serve to lossen up us old metalheads before the intensity of 'Tallica!
The source of the story is the Odyssey Arena's Twitter feed, re-posted by Metal Hammer. Hat tip to Redskull for the Facebook tip off.
Described by that venerable organ Metal Hammer as Danish Rockabilly rockers...well everything has to have a label...they're a humorous bunch, which might serve to lossen up us old metalheads before the intensity of 'Tallica!
The source of the story is the Odyssey Arena's Twitter feed, re-posted by Metal Hammer. Hat tip to Redskull for the Facebook tip off.
Tune into FM in May
BACK the 80s once again - pop rockers FM are set to play the Spring and Airbrake on 22nd May - more details to follow.
WELCOME TO WINGER!
KIP Winger, led his band to more than seven years of hard rockin’ glory at the tail end of the 80s, before rock and metal’s fortunes dipped as the fashionistas and scenester label bosses cuddled up to grunge and the dubious world of rap and hip hop.
Now Kip is bringing his band and their brand of uniquely skilled hard rock to Belfast.
In advance of the Spring & Airbrake date on March 27th, Kip took time out to speak to Belfastmetalheadsreunited.
Looking back at the Winger’s heady chart domination, and wrongly being labelled as a ‘hair metal’ band Kip spoke about the days when MTV led off shows with hits such Headed for a Heartbreak and Seventeen.
“The videos where done 20 years ago.. no big deal. We had a great time making them and have fun playing the music now.”
For some the videos were the big deal. But Kip is clear that the few that paid too much attention to the set pieces were missing the point about the band’s skills and the ‘look’ foisted on so many acts that looks a little bit ‘old’ from today’s perspective.
“Of course every genre can tend to look dated after 20 years, and anyone who is stupid enough to think you actually play your instruments in a video needs their head examined! It's SHOWBIZ baby...”
And that showbiz laid the groundwork for many, many highs for Winger, both personally and for the band
“Getting the gig playing with Alice Cooper.. for Winger the first gold record. Playing Wembley arena.. etc etc, so many!”
At the height of their early career, awards, multi platinum sales and fan adoration, there was some unjustified criticism of Winger. From the 80s to the present day Kip has been outspoken. His words painted him as a fierce defender of the band, and now he has the chance to let the music do the talking.
“A fierce defender... hmmm... well, I'd say that I always tried to point out where people might be accepting what the media is feeding them they’d be better actually listening to our music.
“Regardless of that, Touring with the band is very fun, actually that's the only reason I do it anymore. We have a great time! Other than that, I'm working on other musical projects and staying busy.”
Since re-uniting in 2001 Winger have issued several platters, the latest Promise Land, [Erratum - should be Karma] of which he promises to let Belfast hear “three or four tracks, no telling”.
But of the hits of the past, what ones still feel fresh and which ones are on the set list?
“All of them feel fresh.. come and see for yourself which ones we play”!
Kip comes across as someone content to back playing with Winger, and with a “symphonic” side project to keep the man personally interested.
Winger are band whose legacy will be seen as proving that the schlock tales of sordid hair metal biographies too often masked the real talent in the music at the time. But then again while the west coast of USA hair metal was built upon image as much as anything else, Winger were an east coast of the US band; where the blue collar work ethic and the real deal in terms of songwriting and making sure rock melodies really mattered proved that there was depth and passion aplenty.
When Winger hits the stage at the Spring & Airbrake make sure you’re there. Kip and co straddle the years that have seen so much glory for those with a passion for hard rock and heavy metal (in the broadest sense!).
In the 80s, as today, the groundswell of support bubbled under the radar, while occasionally, breaching the boundaries of the mainstream. When the fickle flare of fashion dips for a moment it is the music that keeps going.
Rock on Winger!
Now Kip is bringing his band and their brand of uniquely skilled hard rock to Belfast.
In advance of the Spring & Airbrake date on March 27th, Kip took time out to speak to Belfastmetalheadsreunited.
Looking back at the Winger’s heady chart domination, and wrongly being labelled as a ‘hair metal’ band Kip spoke about the days when MTV led off shows with hits such Headed for a Heartbreak and Seventeen.
“The videos where done 20 years ago.. no big deal. We had a great time making them and have fun playing the music now.”
For some the videos were the big deal. But Kip is clear that the few that paid too much attention to the set pieces were missing the point about the band’s skills and the ‘look’ foisted on so many acts that looks a little bit ‘old’ from today’s perspective.
“Of course every genre can tend to look dated after 20 years, and anyone who is stupid enough to think you actually play your instruments in a video needs their head examined! It's SHOWBIZ baby...”
And that showbiz laid the groundwork for many, many highs for Winger, both personally and for the band
“Getting the gig playing with Alice Cooper.. for Winger the first gold record. Playing Wembley arena.. etc etc, so many!”
At the height of their early career, awards, multi platinum sales and fan adoration, there was some unjustified criticism of Winger. From the 80s to the present day Kip has been outspoken. His words painted him as a fierce defender of the band, and now he has the chance to let the music do the talking.
“A fierce defender... hmmm... well, I'd say that I always tried to point out where people might be accepting what the media is feeding them they’d be better actually listening to our music.
“Regardless of that, Touring with the band is very fun, actually that's the only reason I do it anymore. We have a great time! Other than that, I'm working on other musical projects and staying busy.”
Since re-uniting in 2001 Winger have issued several platters, the latest Promise Land, [Erratum - should be Karma] of which he promises to let Belfast hear “three or four tracks, no telling”.
But of the hits of the past, what ones still feel fresh and which ones are on the set list?
“All of them feel fresh.. come and see for yourself which ones we play”!
Kip comes across as someone content to back playing with Winger, and with a “symphonic” side project to keep the man personally interested.
Winger are band whose legacy will be seen as proving that the schlock tales of sordid hair metal biographies too often masked the real talent in the music at the time. But then again while the west coast of USA hair metal was built upon image as much as anything else, Winger were an east coast of the US band; where the blue collar work ethic and the real deal in terms of songwriting and making sure rock melodies really mattered proved that there was depth and passion aplenty.
When Winger hits the stage at the Spring & Airbrake make sure you’re there. Kip and co straddle the years that have seen so much glory for those with a passion for hard rock and heavy metal (in the broadest sense!).
In the 80s, as today, the groundswell of support bubbled under the radar, while occasionally, breaching the boundaries of the mainstream. When the fickle flare of fashion dips for a moment it is the music that keeps going.
Rock on Winger!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Quick catch up
I don't know, you take a wee break of a day and what happens! ZP Theart leaves Dragonforce, Skindred's Spring & Airbrake show on March 21st is made all ages (don't worry you can still grab a pint in Katy Day's, but not carrying it through) and more and more gigs have been listed in the comments section of the earlier post about kidneys!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Soundstone's forthcoming dates
After the exhaustive gig listing last night Wayne reminded me that Rage Against the Machine, supported by media darling refusniks Gallows play the O2, Dublin, while Adrian of Soundstone sent me a listing of their forthcoming gigs:
11/3/10 - The Pavillion, Belfast - headline show with support from Sister Marko and The Dead Presidents.
26/3/10 - The Terrace Bar, Omagh - supporting Jaded Sun
17/4/10- RockD @ The Limelight with Trucker Diablo
23/4/10 - Banbridge Football Club - Gacys Threads headliner with support from Soundstone, Dwell in Sun and B.O.Y
26/6/10 - The Black Boat, Bangor - Soundstone with support from Kobi, Third Harvest
Now, is there anything else I missed :)
11/3/10 - The Pavillion, Belfast - headline show with support from Sister Marko and The Dead Presidents.
26/3/10 - The Terrace Bar, Omagh - supporting Jaded Sun
17/4/10- RockD @ The Limelight with Trucker Diablo
23/4/10 - Banbridge Football Club - Gacys Threads headliner with support from Soundstone, Dwell in Sun and B.O.Y
26/6/10 - The Black Boat, Bangor - Soundstone with support from Kobi, Third Harvest
Now, is there anything else I missed :)
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Dan Reed Interview
There's an interview with Dan Reed, before last weekend's return to Ahoghill on the Belfast Telegraph's website. Find it here - hat tip to Bel Tele video journo Gary Grattan.
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
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
Friday, March 05, 2010
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....
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
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.
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/
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/
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, March 01, 2010
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!
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!
Friday, February 26, 2010
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
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
Thursday, February 25, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
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 :)
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 :)
Friday, February 19, 2010
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/
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/
Monday, February 15, 2010
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:
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!
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.
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.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
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!
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: InfoAdd 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."
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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...
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...
Thursday, January 21, 2010
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
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
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
Monday, January 11, 2010
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.
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
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
Saturday, January 02, 2010
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!
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!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
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!
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!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
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 :)
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!
"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!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, December 11, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
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!
'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!
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Monday, December 07, 2009
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.
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!
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
2010 gonna be a busy year :)
Deepest June date for Purple
Tickets are 38 notes, more details to follow as soon as we get them!
Thursday, December 03, 2009
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!
A double dose of Metallica! Hell Yeah!
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, November 30, 2009
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
Tickets 49 notes and rumours are that if it sells out there is the capacity for a second date
Thursday, November 26, 2009
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
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.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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
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
Friday, November 20, 2009
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
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
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.
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.
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