LIVE REVIEW: DP fundraiser fills the Belfast evening with METAL!

Saturday evening in Belfast  - the air filled with metal in Belfast's Limelight. And with a host of metal bands - you can't go wrong with. Top tier metal to be had and maybe a beer too.

The first band of the night was Ketos and their breed of melodic thrash metal started the night, and set the tone for the night. This was only their second gig together as well. Some really impressive stuff and incredible talent. Can't wait to see what these guys have planned for the future.

Next up to the chopping block was S.L.U.T.S with their first gig back since the last Metal2TheMasses. With a few line-up changes they managed to keep their sound intact and the same intensity they've had in previous shows.

At times though the vocals where slightly off but other than that a great set. Very good drumming and guitars as always.

Zlatanera played extremely well with some heavy satanic rock. Satan is our pal after all. Good  vocals, riffs, bass and drums. What else would you expect! As this was their first gig since Halloween they played a very good show.

What a way to lighten up the night with some extreme black metal with Drakonis who played an incredible set blasting us to hell. Some complex riffing with chilling vocals.

This was a great set from a great band. With their new EP out it seems that Drakonis are becoming bigger and better. The corpse paint and black metal seems to bring out the evil in people! Seems there hasn’t been a bad set tonight.

Now to the mighty Sinocence. They are as heavy as always. Haven't changed one bit. That isn't a bad thing though as they play with same intensity, same breed of metal that keeps them a staple of Belfast metal.

Good set and by this point the night was well underway and with Vol3 of No Gods, No Masters out soon, anticipation is high for the next move from the Sinners.

The final bad Two Tales of Woe round off a great night with some heavy raw metal that really impressed. Coming from Dublin and playing after Sinocence they played a killer set and brought us some heavy guitars and riffs. On the night of the mighty Black Sabbath’s last ever gig, Belfast was lighting its own fire and it burned bright. A great night all round and a great set of bands.

No better way to spend a Saturday night and as always a doff of the cap to James Loveday for keeping the metal dream alive in Northern Ireland

Review by Zakk Traynor

Photographs by Darren McVeigh

NEWS: The Raven Age sign to BMG, new album out soon ahead of tour and Hammerfest date

Hotly-tipped Brit crew The Raven Age are pleased to announce they have signed a record deal with renowned label BMG.

The band’s debut album ‘Darkness Will Rise’ is set for release March 17, 2017. Pre-order the digipack CD or digital release at: https://bmg.lnk.to/dfCwYEM. A double gatefold vinyl will also be available.

The group’s name is derived from the ravens of the Tower Of London. Historically, ravens were drawn to the tower because of the blood and carrion in which they consumed. They became the guardians of the tower, dwelling within the grounds. Legend has it that if the ravens ever leave or fly away, the tower and monarchy of Britain will fall...

Fred Casimir, BMG’s Executive Vice President Continental Europe states, "We're delighted to be able to sign such a promising new artist ahead of their debut album release.

"The Raven Age are already making their mark on the rock & metal world. There is a huge level of anticipation around 'Darkness Will Rise' and a lot of excitement around what's to come."

The Raven Age are celebrating by sharing brand new song ‘Salem’s Fate’, inspired by the infamous Salem witch trials in 1692.

Founding member/guitarist George Harris comments,"'Darkness Will Rise' entails a wide spectrum of The Raven Age's sound and influence. It's fast, heavy, soft, epic, dynamic and dramatic... All the things we love to hear as fans and take inspiration from. ‘Salem's Fate’ is one of our favourite tracks from the album and the video is a great representation of the dark imagery we enjoy creating."

The full track listing for ‘Darkness Will Rise’ is:

1. Darkness Will Rise

2. Promised Land  (video: https://youtu.be/wyaCCutW7OY)

3. Age Of The Raven

4. The Death March

5. Salem’s Fate

6. The Merciful One

7. Eye Among The Blind

8. Winds Of Change

9. Trapped Within The Shadows

10. My Revenge

11. The Dying Embers Of Life

12. Angel In Disgrace

13. Behind The Mask

The band’s self-titled debut EP has amassed over 2.3 million streams since its release in 2014, when it peaked at #1 on Amazon’s Hot New Release Chart. In 2016, The Raven Age racked up more than half a million Spotify listeners and toured 36 countries, winning over Iron Maiden’s fans in a challenging support slot. No strangers to the road, The Raven Age have also already toured with Mastodon, Gojira, Tremonti, Opeth, and Ghost. The five-piece will traverse Europe through Feb-Mar 2017, as special guests to metal legends Anthrax.  As well as a stream of UK dates those attending HRH Hammerfest will get a chance to check out the band.

NEWS: Sheffield's Regulus prepare for release of album Quadralith

WAY back last September, at HRH Stoner Vs Doom one of the impressive bands we caught were hometown heroes Regulus, who impressed us with their blend of blues and stoner groove, laid out with a heavy backdrop.

Now, the Off Yer Rocka four-piece are set to release their latest body of work, the 10-track 'Quadralith' to be released on 17th March.

The songs on the album are some of the catchiest, heaviest and most riff-fuelled songs from the band to date. The album was recorded at Playing Aloud Studios in Lincoln and produced by bassist Martyn Lucas-Bewick and guitarist Thomas “Oz” Osborne.

Oz: “Our greatest strength as a band since day one has always been our work-ethic and relentless desire to push forward both creatively and practically. Inevitably this brings with it a measure of sacrifice and pressure which can lead to turbulence. ‘Quadralith’ was written and recorded during the most difficult and highest pressure, yet most progressive and forward-looking phase of our existence as Regulus to date, which has led to it being not only our deepest and most honest body of work so far, but also the highest quality both musically and technically.”

NEWS: Hard Rock Hell XI add Dee Snider, Lynchmob and our very own The Answer

Hard Rock Hell unleash a US Invasion of quality bands plus more in their next wave of talent for HRH XI. And, Northern Ireland's The Answer join the line-up too!

Hard Rock Hell are loading up some serious talent and are proud to announce Dee Snider to this year’s already stunning line-up.

Dee Snider performed what band Twisted Sister said were its final shows last year whilst also releasing his solo album. The iconic frontman isn’t done with us yet! Dee is returning this Winter to headline the Thursday evening and unleash a torrent of creative fury at Camp HRH.

Also announced are Lynchmob. One of the most influential 80’s guitarists George Lynch developed a ground-breaking brand of guitar virtuoso, and HRH are proud to welcome this legendary band to the stage.

More talent to cross the Atlantic are HRH Favourites Tyketto and the reformed Femme Fatale.

Expect a big curve ball of anthems from Reef who will be joined by the incredible talents of The Answer, Von Hertzen Brothers and Australia's Black Aces. More stage 2 additions include: Burnt Out Wreck, Syron Vanes, KILLCODE, Florence Black, The Jokers, Fire Red Empress, Colour of Noise, The Kut and Louder Still.

These great bands join the festival's other already-announced bands Airbourne, Y&T, Gun, The New Roses and Syteria

To check out some of these great bands playing HRH XI,

Dee Snider

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-jhzr-bIXM

Lynch Mob

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_YyIa57nxk

Tyketto
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMneTtAf2Uo
Reef
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bihoNRc8GDQ

Line-up stands as

Dee Snider – Airbourne - REEF - Lynch Mob – Y&T - Femme Fatale - Tyketto – Gun - The Answer  – Von Hertzen Brothers - Burnt Out Wreck – Black Aces – Syron Vanes - The New Roses - KILLCODE – Syteria - Florence Black – Colour of Noise -The Jokers – Fire Red Empress - The Kut – Louder Still

HRH XI will take place between Thursday 9th and Sunday 12th Nov 2017, amidst the beautiful landscape of North Wales, at Camp HRH in Pwllheli. 
Further details, ongoing updates, and bookings can be found at:
www.hardrockhell.com

Ticket hotline: 0207 193 1307

NEWS: Trucker Diablo announce series of dates as Pledge campaign nears target

WITH 2016 in the rear view mirror the Trucker Diablo boys are ready to rock 2017.

It's just gone February and the band have secured touring dates with UK Rock Legends Thunder in March.  In addition Trucker will be making appearances on the festival circuit. 

First up will be the Amplified festival featuring the likes of Puddle of Mudd and Diamond Head, followed swiftly by the mighty Rambling Man festival, which features a host of huge names such as ZZ Top, Extreme, Saxon, label mates Screaming Eagles and a load of up and coming acts.

Pic of Trucker Tom

By Lizzie Torbitt

At the end of the year the TD will be hitting Wales for the Annual Rock N' Roll Circus Charity show.

Back at Trucker HQ the boys are in the final stages of their album pledgecampaign, almost 90% funded.

Over the coming months there will be some more live announcements and a surprise announcement so watch the skies for that..

Big Truck Keeps On Rolling....

The new album "Fighting For Everything" promises to be an all out riff monster with a meaty slab of melody, delivered in true Trucker fashion.

NEWS: Bloodstock announces four more bands for August 2017

As 2017 settles in, four more top notch bands have been added for August’s Bloodstock festival.

Swedish metal marauders, Soilwork are confirmed for a main stage slot at Catton Park.

Frontman Björn ‘Speed’ Strid said:  "We are really thrilled to return to UK soil after a killer mini-tour with Arch Enemy last year.  That ended with one of the most spectacular and sweatiest shows to date at The Underworld in London.  

“Bloodstock is always a riot and we cannot wait to hit the stage this summer.  Bring it England!"  Check out their ‘Death In General’ video, taken from 2015’s ‘The Ride Majestic’ album here - https://youtu.be/kme-sxY2pAQ.

‘Murder metal’ outfit, Macbre are set for a headline slot on the Sophie Lancaster stage.  The Chicago-based band blend elements of true crime, math rock, punk, thrash, folk melodies, death metal, jazz fusion, black metal and more.  Guitarist/vocalist, Corporate Death said: “We haven’t been back to the UK in several years but Bloodstock is exactly where Macbre should play if you know our music.” 

Metallic Finns Wintersun are also lined up to headline the Sophie Lancaster stage.  The band are hard at work on new album, ‘The Forest Seasons’ which is set for release this Summer via Nuclear Blast. 

The band said: “It’ll be great to come back to the atmospheric Bloodstock.  We had a blast in 2011, but this year is extra special since we’re going to play new music for you guys!  See ya in August!"  In the meantime, remind yourself of their epic sound with a clip of ‘Time’, taken from 2012’s ‘Time I’ album - https://youtu.be/alo7A0NLmxU.  

Keen to include bands from less obvious parts of the world too, Bloodstock is delighted to welcome back Egyptian death metallers, Scarab to the Sophie stage.  Warm up your neck with the title track for current album, ‘Serpents Of The Nile’ - https://youtu.be/uI6k2oAiGYM, and follow all their latest news at www.facebook.com/Scarabegypt.  The band are currently recording their new album, ‘Martyrs Of The Storm’ so expect some new material at Catton Park this August!

If you’re coming to BLOODSTOCK by coach, you might want to secure your spot now to ensure you’re not disappointed.  BIG GREEN COACH have 21 departure cities for coaches directly to BLOODSTOCK in 2017; Birkenhead, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cardiff, Chester, Glasgow, Gloucester, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Newport, Oxford, Preston, Sheffield, Southampton, Sunderland, Swansea, and Worcester.  BIG GREEN COACH will bring you, all your camping gear, & beer supplies and drop you hassle free right inside the festival grounds.  Check out the details and secure your seat for only a tenner (the rest is payable in July) over at http://www.biggreencoach.co.uk /events/bloodstock-festival-ti ckets-coach-travel.

Also available now is the very popular ticket deposit plan.  The payment scheme helps ease the pain of paying for your standard weekend ticket by breaking it up into five smaller, more manageable sums.  Sign up in the ticket store before 28th Feb with an initial payment of £34.80.  Thereafter, four additional instalments of £27.80 will debit your bank account on 1st April, May, June and July respectively.  Get full info over at http://bloodstock.seetickets.c om/content/ticket-options.

Already announced for 2017 are Friday’s headliners AMON AMARTH, Sunday’s headliners MEGADETH, plus BLIND GUARDIAN, HATEBREED, TESTAMENT, OBITUARY, BRUJERIA, WHITECHAPEL, SKINDRED, POSSESSED, ANNIHILATOR, MUNICIPAL WASTE, HELL and DECAPITATED.  Many more, including our Saturday headliner are still be announced!  Stay tuned to Bloodstock’s social media for the latest!

Bloodstock takes place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 10th-13th August 2017.  Standard weekend camping tix are on sale at £139 (plus booking fee), plus limited VIP packages/upgrades and car parking tickets (at a cheaper price than ‘on the day’ purchase) from http://bloodstock.seetickets.c om/content/ticket-options.  Children’s weekend tickets are also available, priced £35 (+ booking fee) and under 4’s go free!  Camper van pitches have now SOLD OUT.

ALBUM REVIEW: Virgin Steele's proposterous and grandiose theatrical metal brought back to CD

SOMETIMES you come across a band and really don't know whether to take them seriously or laugh - remember Manowar signing a contract in blood?

First time round in the late 90s and early noughties when Virgin Steele completed three 'metal operas' on theatrical stages one didn't know whether to take them with the proverbial pinch of salt or write it off as power/symphonic metal taken too far...they even were reviewed in Opera News magazine!

However, sitting down with the re-release of 'Visions of Eden' maybe it is time for a re-evaluation. After all, set aside the operative pomposity 'Visions of Eden' itself was the 11th Virgin Steele album and stands proud in the band's oeuvre.

This month Virgin Steele the album is out as a double CD - one featuring "Barbaric" re-mixes of 'Visions of Eden', the other "Romantic" re-mastering of the same album. Confused? Well, seems a little superfluous on the surface, but with a decent stereo or set of headphones you can notice the differences.

Having said that whether fans of Virgin Steele would want to shell out for another version of 'Visions of Eden' remains a moot point because for those who have maybe had Virgin Steele pass them by this could serve as a good introduction.

There is an excellent variety of styles on display, from the full on power metal ('Childslayer'), symphonic swoops and sweeps ('The Hidden God') and slowed down material ('When Dusk Fell', and ('God Above God') and enough to entertain and ponder.

Of course the 'vision' behind the album was never to re-count a biblical myth, rather a challenge to a belief system that left previous mythos such as paganism and others, especially the male dominated divinity rather than the goddesses of previous beliefs.

Indeed the full title of the album as presented was 'Visions of Eden - The Lilith Project: A Barbaric Romantic Movie Of the Mind'. Overblown? Well what other way would you want your power/symphonic metal?

This is somewhat a rather self-indulgent project (coming after several other Vigin Steele re-releases) to metal fans in the British Isles, but when you go back to this album, like many of Virgin Steele's releases, it stands the test of time, and marks a moment in time when you can at last admit you love all the grandiosity that comes along with it.

Not that we're going to sign anything in blood to that effect!

Review by Jonathan Traynor

Visions of Eden is released on Steamhammer/SPV on 17th February

NEWS: Y&T set for Belfast return in November for Limelight1 show

OAKLAND rock veterans Y&T are making a welcome return to Belfast on Wednesday, November 8th for a Limelight1 show.

If it seems that Y&T have been around forever, its because they have...well since the 1970s. But Dave Meniketti is dragging his crew around the world once again.

It is a tribute to the band's resilience that Meniketti has picked them all up after the death of original bassist to lung cancer that Y&T still continue, all be it with only the one original member at the helm.

With 18 albums and a run of hits that are rotation somewhere in the world as you read this with songs such as 'Summertime Girls', 'Forever' and 'Mean Streak' stuck in the minds of those who grew up as music videos became the norm and MTV still had music on.

Tickets, priced £16.50 (+bking fee) go on sale this Friday

ALBUM REVIEW: Stephen Pearcy hits it out of the park on Smash

With a career spanning over 40 years and legal battles over the ownership of the Ratt moniker seemingly put to bed Stephen Pearcy is back with his fourth solo album ‘Smash’ mixed and mastered by Pearcy himself and bassist Matt Horne.

Track one ‘I Know I’m Crazy’ opens with a strange synth sound before leading into a song with a strong heavy riff mixed with a 90’s sound that’s almost grunge in parts. The first noticeable thing is that although Pearcys’ voice has changed subtly over the years (he is nearly 61) it’s still unmistakably him and still very strong.

‘Ten Miles Wide’ is a straight out and out rocker and the first single off the album (or should that be youtube release) It’s old school Ratt with a retro flair with a modern twist and a cracking solo to go with it!

‘Shut Down Baby’ is the first surprise on the album as it’s got a bluesy Led Zeppelinesque groove to it, not just in composition but also in Pearcy’s lyrics and vocal delivery. Think along the lines of ‘Rock n’ Roll’ and you’ll get the general idea.

Fourth track, ‘Dead Roses’ is the first of two songs that are seemingly written about the aforementioned legal battle. Opening with screaming the word motherfucker is the first hint at the lyrical content and may well be aimed directly at Bobby Blotzer. It’s a suitably heavy song with a touch of venom to it.

‘Lollipop’ has an interesting subject matter, sex! It’s got a catchy riff to it and a nice solo again and could almost be an 80’s hair metal throwback if they bring out a video in the same style......

Next up is ‘Hit Me With A Bullet’, a hard rock old school style Ratt tune with all the elements that fans of that era will relate to and enjoy with it mid to fast tempo.

‘Rain’ has another mid tempo hard rock riff and is a story of life, the challenges it brings and the message of not letting life pass you by. The keyboard  middle section followed by a hard riff and orchestration almost acts as a musical metaphor for life as a whole.

Track eight ‘You Want Too Much’ has a great driving riff and could possibly be the second dig at the legal process over the ownership of the name Ratt. The solid rhythm section perfectly fits the riff which is quite heavy in places.

‘What Do You Think’ is another blues style song, again with a hint of Led Zeppelin thrown in. It’s a song with subtle tempo changes that works really well.

Track 10 ‘Jamie’ is a song with great hooks between the riffs and choruses and an up tempo beat that is hard to stop your head nodding to. Featuring possibly the best solo on the album as well it’s one of the stronger tracks on the album.

If the next song ‘I Can’t Take It’ reminds you of early Ratt then that’s probably because it was mixed and mastered by Beau Hill, the man behind Ratt’s first four albums. A lively song that’s a bit more mainstream and with softer isolated guitar parts similar to what Van Halen used to do. Another good tune.

‘Passion Infinity’ is a faster paced song with a nice bass intro and some melodic parts to it with good lead and background vocals. It’s a song that seems to be about mind control with a quite frantic solo and very strong drum and bass parts.

The album ends with the semi power ballad ‘Summers End’, a song about memories, loss and missing someone. It’s not quite the power ballad it could be and maybe would be better served elsewhere on the album rather than the final song. That being said it’s not a bad song, quite dramatic in parts but it just doesn’t quite the album the finish it deserves.

Overall ‘Smash’ is an album diverse enough that Pearcy can’t be accused of cashing in on the Ratt name but with just enough throwback to the earlier days to keep fans of the original band happy. It’s well written, mixed and has great performances from all the band members.

Very solid and very worth while adding to your collection.

Review by Andy Gillen

Stephen Pearcy – vocals

Erik Ferentinos – rhythm, lead guitars, bgv and co writer.

Greg D’Angelo (White Lion) – drums

Matt Thorne (Ratt, Rough Cutt) – bass

Chris Hager (Ratt, Rough Cutt) – guitar

ALBUM REVIEW: All turning great on The Grinding Wheel for Overkill's 18th outing

IT seems that the idea of thrash has gotten way far away from what it was when it was birthed into the unholy decade of the 80s. That's no bad thing, as everything can and must evolve. But one band have never truly deviated from the thrash origins - Overkill.

And, on 'The Grinding Wheel' the band have taken the original template, smashed it into a smelting pot of sheer thrash glory - you got your NWOBHM, classic metal, speed and punk influences rolled into 10 neck achingly good tracks.

Bracketed by 7:30 opener 'Mean Green Killing Machine' and the almost eight minute closer and title track this is chock full of songs that leave you smiling, and if driving while playing it you do run the risk of exceeding the speed limit.

Not that it adheres to anything other than Overkill, the mixture of fast, slow, well thought out time changes and arrangements.

There are some wonderfully exquisite guitar sections from Dave Linsk's lead work, such as at the close of 'Shine On' and on the intro to 'The Long Road' (spot the doff of the cap to Maiden here).

However, what allows this to be a truly exceptional piece of work is the furious rhythm pieces slotted in. DD Verni's bass, Derek Tailer's rhythm guitar and Ron Lipnicki's drumming.

Indeed it is Lipnicki's work that holds many of the tracks together, as well  as adding flourishes and fills that are almost lyrical.

But, of course it's Bobby 'Blitz' Ellsworth who provides the gel that holds their belief system together as a 'blue-collar' thrash band.

He explains many of the concepts behind the thoughts going into the album.

"One of the principles - if not characteristics - of the band is that it's been grinding through for long, long periods of time," said Ellsworth. " Decades to this point. And, not necessarily with huge gains with regards to popularity, but for sure with huge gains in as much as we can earn a living while doing the kind of music that we want.

"And, so the idea of grinding it out over the decades became a device for writing the album, whether it would be riffs or lyrics".

He may now be a self-confessed mature human at 57-years-old but his enthusiasm oozes from every word, whether they are metaphorical or casting a witty, cynical eye on this dystopian reality.

Whether it is the war cry to band as one people with common vision in metal or philosophy on the phenomenal 'Our Finest Hour', or the rigours and enjoyment of earning a living as a band on 'The Wheel' he still turns a phrase to delight.

However, one piece stands out amongst many great moments - the sensational 'Let's All Go To Hades'. "When all you want to do is fucking scream, when all the world has gone insane"

It's his reaction to the Bataclan massacre and Lemmy's death - it's a fuck it all, we're not going to back down, there are still those willing to play and journey across this troubled continent. Having fun this is a tongue-in-cheek' chunk of defiance - as DD says "It got a little bit of fun in it".

That's not to say he ignores the US' political landscape such as on 'Red White and Blue'.

Abstract or literal he nails it every time.

It's hard to think that Overkill first rose to prominence in '85 with the Megaforce release of 'Feel the Fire' and still sound so fresh, so angered, yet gathering humour and a tight sound.

Produced by Overkill themselves the mix by Andy Sneap makes it all 'pop' in just the right way.

From 'Ironbound' to 'White Devil Armory' this evolution, if you like, of the second incarnation of Overkill's success. It almost feels as if they have reached out and touched something magical and unleashed an album that has an alchemist's touch, an elixir composed of Maiden, Sabbath, Priest, thrash, old school punk and musical excellence to produce the rare element of great metal

Review by Jonathan Traynor

The Grinding Wheel is released via Nuclear Blast on 10th February, 2017

VIDEO: The Amorettes kick off a game of White Russian Roulette

THE Amorettes are coming back to Northern Ireland once more on March 5th as part of the support package for Black Star Riders, along with Gun.

The Limelight1 show will be their latest trip here, after previous dates with Europe, Danko Jones and a solo show.

Last year the three-piece released 'White Hot Heat' to much acclaim (read our review here).

As we all emerge at the end of the longest month (well it felt like it!) The Amorettes are treating us to a video for their track 'White Russian Roulette'.

Enjoy!

VIDEO: Opeth release stunning video for Era from the Sorceress release

WHILE the announcement of Opeth's forthcoming Belfast date in November had fans displaying justifiable excitement (Opeth. Belfast! Plus Enslaved!) many scrambling to break into their piggy banks, counting pennies and auctioning off spare kidneys they may have missed out on something.

At the same time as the tour dates were announced including Belfast and Dublin Opeth released their official video for Era.

Directed by Markus Hofko, it's well worth checking out...

ICYMI: Devin Towsend Project set for return to Belfast

CANUCK musician, songwriter and producer Devin Townsend will make a welcome return to Belfast for a Limelight date on Tuesday, June 13th.

The Devin Townsend Project has been wowing audiences for years, from the early days when he emerged with some like minded Vancouver musicians to stun the world with the Strapping Young Lad releases.

With the project and plus other many outings, his dry humour, and occasional weird 'alien' partner Ziltoid, Devin has been a breath of fresh air to an often predictable landscape.

The Devin Townsend Project is currently on tour across Europe to support the release last year of the seventh DTP album, 'Transendence'.

Tickets - priced £22.50 (+bking fee) go on sale later this week.

ALBUM REVIEW: Short sharp shock on Brian Blessed Are The Sick from Black Skies Burn and UK Hate Grind

AFTER much consideration we have decided it is Scott Ian's fault. Yep, the jury has delivered it's verdict and Mr Ian has been indicted along with co-conspirators Dan Lilker, Charlie Benante and Billy Milano.

The charges for which they have been found guilty is writing unfeasibly short songs, such as 'Diamonds and Rust (Extended Version) clocking in at two seconds, and the 'longest' song on 'Stormtroopers of Death' clocking in at an epic...two minutes and 32 seconds (it was 'Freddy Kreuger')

With this ethos firmly embedded and taken forth by early Carcass and Napalm Death we arrive at a place where extremities can be measured at times by the brevity of the tunes.

Thus in 2017 we sit to ponder the new split from Black Skies Burn and UK Hate Grind...and there are 20 tracks packed in, the longest being an almost prog length of two minutes and 22 seconds.

Yes, 'Brian Blessed Are The Sick' showcases two talented acts who firmly believe in the short, sharp shock effect and they are both, very, very good at it, if at first the album flies by.

But take a moment - and it only takes a moment - and you'll find depth amidst the fury.

For those who scan the gig listings, you'll have noticed that Black Skies Burn will support Napalm Death in Belfast on March 19th, along with Warpath and War Iron - should be a quiet night...

The four-piece hails from Oxfordshire, England and from opener 'Death By Association' Simon Manion's vocals rip through your aural tract amidst the wall of extremity produced by Chris Mark's guitar, Will Michlyk's roaring bass and Steve Butler's manic drumming.

Humour and social commentary sit side by side on this mix of death and grind, with the likes of 'Censorshit' and '10% of Fuck All'' showcasing the band's intensity. Sure, you can hear echoes of Dying Fetus, Wormrot and Brutal Truth, but Black Skies Burn have carved their own path on this Grindscene release.

And, make no mistake this is not a one-dimensional release, there is sufficient variety to entertain through their mixing of pace and hints of melodic runs.

The other act on the split UK Hate Grind also lay down the fast and furious tracks, as the Bristolian two-piece also batters their way through dark, dystopian and violent thematics. Their use of samples is perhaps more prevalent, but it adds to the atmospherics.

Occasionally clean guitar appears amidst the crust and grind onslaught.

True  - you can't help but giggle at some of the song titles: 'The Bloated Mass of Satan', 'Fisted By The Hand That Feeds' 'Creature Cumfarts' and 'Gastric Throat Gag' are on the surface nice plays on words, but throw that all together and there is real sense of metaphorical pokes at a society dominated by the creed of hyper-normalisation (watch the Adam Curtis documentary with the title).

The work rate of the band (and BSB) is clear throughout and it is the timing of the tracks as they appear that gives it a feeling of purpose throughout, rather than a headlong dash to the end.

With 20 tracks to feast upon - no matter their length - this is a smorgasbord of death, grind, crust and extremity. For a laugh play it to your mate's Bon Jovi loving wife.

Review by Jonathan Traynor

Brian Blessed Are The Sick is available to pre-order here, at a very reasonable price point!

NEWS: Opeth and Enslaved set for Belfast in November

LEGENDARY Swedish prog metallers Opeth are set to play Belfast on November 17th, with Enslaved in tow.

Mikael Åkerfeldt's crew's autumn tour lands in the Limelight1. Tickets, priced £29.50 (+bking fee) go on sale this Friday, Februiary3rd at 10AM.

The show is part of the band's support for their album 'Sorceress', their first for Nuclear Blast under the Moderbolaget Records imprint - an album that you can enjoy on many levels, even just playing spot the influences...

Åkerfeldt said it was “a fine little record. My favorite in our discography right now. Of course, that's how it should be, right? It's both fresh and old, both progressive and rehashed. Heavy and calm. Just the way we like it."

ALBUM REVIEW: Bloodbound go large on their War Of Dragons

THE new album from Bloodbound sees them go in combat in the ‘War Of Dragons’ a rock conflict that turns out to be an extremely strong album and with some powerful power metal.

The album starts of with ‘Battle in the Sky’, which is fast and powerful with some great vocals that really suit the song. This song is fast and hard-hitting and a great way to intro you to the album with it's superb symphonic nature.

Next up is 'Tears of a Dragonheart’, which takes it a bit slower but is one of the better tracks on the album. It’s nearly as if the song has no intention of stopping for anybody. 

The album then steam rolls into the title track ‘War of Dragons’  - a much darker solo than the ones previously and a kickass rhythm, with some very good vocals.

On ‘Silver Wings’ the album takes a shift and uses some great folk metal influences such as the use of a flute to expand their sound and add another great layer to the album which shows some great songwriting ability. This is one of, if not the best, songs on the album.

‘Stand and Fight’ is a good power metal anthem with some great segments put together to make a very good track. During the solo the tempo takes a quick shift and the song speeds up taking the song and adding another perspective to a song which is excellent.

‘King of Swords’ is like a tale of two stories, light and the dark. Going between the two makes the song very interesting, it takes a few listens but quickly it takes hold a very good song.

The album slows down with ‘Fallen Heroes’, which gives a good change to the album allowing a break from the previous much faster songs. Some very good vocals here.

The final song is ‘Dragons are Forever’ a great way to finish a great album. Gives the feel of winning a great battle - just what you need.

A great mix of some super vocals, talented guitar and bass playing and drumming! A very good listen and a very melodic album complete with good writing making it a great album to have for any metal fan. Definitely one to look out for!

By Zakk Traynor

The album is out on on AFM on February 24th

LIVE REVIEW: Stormzone and Triggerman roar with power in Ahoghill's DRC

THERE are some nights when it is all about the rock, all about the metal, and all about the fun. Such was Saturday (January 28th) night when Stormzone and Triggerman brought the groove, the metal and an absolute sense of fun.

Truth be told, if you haven't seen these two bands before then either make sure you do soon, or hang up your rock spurs and spend Saturday evenings watching some dumb ass reality show...

As usual Derwin, Paul and Tony had the Diamond Rock Club prepped and ready for visitors from near and far - there are people who travel from England and Dublin for these shows and for 'Storm - Trigger' we had visitors from Enger-land...

But all the prep in the world, the welcome for visitors or the amount of beer quaffed matters not if the bands come up short.

No fear of that with Triggerman and Stormzone are concerned...

Triggerman have more groove than a dozen vinyl albums stacked on another dozen...and then some...

From the off, the groove was infectious, but was notable was the way that newer songs, such as the opener 'The Drift' sat so well with established tracks such as 'I Got The Lurgy' and 'Worms'.

The sheer immensity of the riffs  - which of course held sway - at times overwhelmed Bap's vocals, but amidst the intensity the band know how to keep the roll and the sway of each song going.

From 'Atomic Rock Number 79' the track 'Big John' has the most impressive narrative - but that's the real secret to Triggerman: within each heavy riff laden song there is character and tales. Whether it is 'Rage of the Goddess' or 'Hail to the River Gods' the storytelling matches the might.

While Bap might proclaim his ailments as a result of the fact that he has 'The Lurgy' if this the rock lurgy all in attendance will gladly get this rock infection.

With the audience taking a breather it seemed a short time before exuberance bounded on to the stage in the shape of the 10-legged bounce of Stormzone.

Proclaiming that the stage is 'Where We Belong' Harv and his metal accomplices where on fire from the off - and when they closed there was no doubt that 'The Legend Carries On'.

With each note calling us to remember just exactly why we got into metal, why the sounds and notes resonate deep down, this was, as we should expect from Stormzone, a celebration of what can save our pitiful souls from despair.

Graham and Steve kept all the moves going, with Harv as the ringmaster, while Junior was not to be left out - stage right and right on the money whether it was 'Three Kings' or 'Death Dealer'.

New man behind the kit, Gordy, had perhaps the biggest and most infectious grin in all of County Antrim - clearly enjoying every second and ripping up each fill and run across the toms. When it came to 'The Pass Loning' his sticks were on fire.

All the fun was to be had from the theatrics on the like of 'Fear Hotel' (is the exit stage right, or audience right?) and the synchronised guitar movements were a joy for all.

There is no real reason or rationale behind why Triggerman and Stormzone aren't much, much more regarded and listened to, but by the powers of all that is great and good they should be - and must be.

Review by Jonathan Traynor
Photos by Lizzie Torbitt