NEWS: Evil Scarecrow road appeal; Thundermother get Road Fever and Gus G's Revolution

Evil Scarecrow van appeal

BANDS are always on seeking fans to pledge to release albums...but Evil Scarecrow want fans to pledge so they can get a new van! Maybe it's the sense of guilt they feel for pulling their Belfast date earlier this year when their previous van broke down...


Anyway they're promising pledgers who contribute will get some goodies. Here's what the band said


"A New Pledge campaign to keep us on the road! A chance to get our old out-of-print back catalogue. That’s right, we’re repressing all of our old CDs!", the band said speaking collectively with one spooky voice..


"We need a new van to keep the Evil Scarecrow live show rolling, help us stay on the road! The Evil Scarecrow live show is the best representation of the band. We want to keep touring and getting our live show to fans old and new around the UK and beyond!


"Touring and equipment are expensive, more expensive than most bands let on, and over the years it has bled our bank accounts dry leaving us with a bit of a conundrum, we need a new van before ours completely falls to pieces and we would like to buy one that will last us for a long time and house us for longer journeys so that we can reach our fans far and wide. With your support we can raise enough cash through Pledge sales to buy a decent van and keep this show on the road!

T"o achieve this we’re releasing some exclusive goodies: our acoustic shows and reprinting our out-of-stock back catalogue. So, get pledging at the link below and help us make sure we can keep touring.
http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/evilscarecrowvan

Thundermother second album release date revealed

THE few who managed to see the ferociously joyous rock of Thundermother's Belfast performance in Belfast know that this five-piece deliver straightforward hard rockin'.


The band are now set to release their second abum 'Road Fever' on September 4th.


For those of you not in the loop so far Thundermother was born in 2010 when guitarist and southern Swede Filippa Nässil wanted to play rock 'n' roll and moved to Stockholm to pursue her dream.
 
 She found her first partner in crime, guitarist Giorgia Carteri in Stockholm who also followed her own dreams of playing music, coming all the way from Italy.


After numerous ordeals with other musicians they have finally found the right group of people with right motives and Rock'N'Roll in their heart. Tilda Stenqvist on drums, Linda Ström at the bass and the singer Clare Cunningham born and raised in Ireland.
 
 They're having fun and it's noticeable on-stage. Pure enjoyment and Rock'N'Roll deep from their bones. Hardrock-girls from around the world now united to do one sole thing, to play together and travel on the roads.

Gus G album released

The sophomore solo album by Ozzy Osbourne / Firewind guitarist GUS G. entitled “Brand New Revolution” is out today via Century Media Records in Europe, Australia and South America, Dismanic / eOne in North America and King Records in Japan.

“Brand New Revolution” is available Digipak CD or as 180gr. LP version (On either black or limited coloured vinyl in light-blue (300 copies) or silver (200 copies).

The album’s first promotional video-clip for the record’s title track, “Brand New Revolution”, shot by longtime visual design partner and director Patric Ullaeus (In Flames, Arch Enemy, Within Temptation, etc.), is also out today. The track features vocals by Jacob Bunton (Adler, Lynam) check it out here:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/QBM4ghcjlEY
http://smarturl.it/bnrvideo


The album’s opening track and only instrumental, “The Quest”, was also made available for streaming here: https://soundcloud.com/centurymedia/gus-g-the-quest-album-track/


And the song “Burn”, which also features vocals by Jacob Bunton (Adler, Lynam), was launched online via a lyric-video here: https://youtu.be/bDf8UwihJlY
“Brand New Revolution” was recorded with Jay Ruston (Stone Sour, Anthrax, Steel Panther, etc.) and mixed by Mike Fraser (Metallica, AC/DC, Van Halen, Aerosmith, etc.). Just as on “I Am The Fire”, the core of GUS G.’s recording group consisted of drummer Jo Nunez (Firewind) and Lita Ford bassist Marty O' Brien.
 

NEWS: Raging Speedhorn live ep for Pledgers; Between the Buried and Me chart

Pledgers to get RS live ep

NOW when it comes down to it there are some bands that attract devotion, on the strength of what they do...and how they do it. One such band is Raging Speedhorn.

Like (too) many others the band have turned to Pledge Music to fund their next album release - but they plan to give something back having recently announced that fans participating in the Pledge will received a free live EP as a thank you.

Fans wanting to contribute to the Pledge can do so here - pledgemusic.com/projects/raging-speedhorn

Between the Buried and Me chart worldwide

Progressive metal band Between the Buried and Me have debuted at #1 on the Hard Music Billboard Chart, as well as the iTunes Metal Chart, Vinyl Chart, Amazon Hard Rock Chart, and Amazon Metal Chart, with their latest release Coma Ecliptic. In addition, the album charted on the iTunes Rock chart (#2), Canada Hard Music Chart (#3), UK Rock/Metal chart (#4), UK Independent Chart (#10), Canada Top 200 Chart (#17), Canada Top 200 Digital (#22), Germany Top 100 (#53) and UK Album chart (#74).

The album was released on Friday, July 10th via Metal Blade Records. Fans can purchase the album, which Rolling Stone called a 68-minute cosmic opera" on iTunes here:http://apple.co/1KU1C66, or purchase a physical copy here: metalblade.com/btbam. Coma Ecliptic is one of the first albums to drop on the new worldwide Friday release day.

 

ALBUM REVIEW: Cattle Decapitation ready the release of dystopian tales on The Anthropocene Extinction

THERE was a time when the only music forms tackling political issues (small-p) were the hippies of the sixties and the punks of the late seventies. With all but a few exceptions they have fallen off their pedestals or become too old to rattle the establishment any longer.


With a few notable exceptions - Stiff Little Fingers for example - the mantle of having a swipe at the establishment, and challenging the norm has been handed to some of the more extreme forms of metal and hardcore.


But there has been one metal band that challenge the norm, the accepted wisdom and the scabrous nature of the political classes it is Cattle Decapitation. They have consistently tackled the tough issues: environmental destruction at humanity's hand; animal testing; genocide and many other issues.


The environmental calumnies that are causing climate change were a focus of 'Monolith of Humanity' in 2012/13 and now Travis and company have looked forward to the consequences of not addressing environmental concerns on their new release 'The Anthropocene Extinction'.


Before you go hunting on the 'Tinterweb trying to find out the definition of 'Anthropocene' it is the accepted term for the geological period from the Industrial Revolution to the present day when man's impact on the "lithosphere" has become evident. Some climate scientists say the point when the damage will become irreversible is near at hand.


In the dystopian world envisaged by Cattle Decapitation on 'The Anthropocene Extinction' humanity has all but destroyed the ecosphere of our home planet, as foretold on 'Monolith of Inhumanity': but if you think CD are some sort of navel-gazing eco-twats wandering around like crustie protestors you are dead wrong. Death Metal dead wrong!

As usual the band bring the full force of their message in a musical tapestry that is dense, violent and filled with all the diverse range of death metal.

Like 'Monolith of Inhumanity' they show a growth in what they are prepared to attempt, and the flashes of melody they use are appropriate punctuation amidst the pummeling.

Of course when reviewing an album like this 'pummeling' is somewhat a cliché, but from opener 'Manufactured Extinct' this is a battering of your senses.

'Plagueborne' stands out with its ominous intro through to a varied attack that showcases all of Dave McGraw's varied drumming talent and Travis' utilizing his skills with subtle tones and melodies.

No review of a Cattle Decapitation album would be complete without mentioning the synchronous relationship between Josh Elmore's guitars and Derek Engemann's bass, which leads the way on the breakdown on 'Clandestine Ways (Krokodil Rot)' - a scathing indictment of vivisection.

The process of coming up with the album is revealed by Travis:
"We've never  actively  said 'let's do a black metal part' or 'let's  do  a  brutal blastbeat part!'We base everything on feeling, but we definitely focused much more on fluidity within the songs and making the record flow much more than on some of our earlier releases."

There is indeed a lot of variety on this album, yet that fluidity manages to manifest itself, even on the slow tragic tale told on 'Ave Exitium' and the instrumental 'The Burden of Seven Billion'.

The Anthropocene Extinction also features contributions from some notable guests, with Tristan Shone (AKA Author & Punisher) contributing to 'Plagueborne', Bethlehem's Jürgen Bartsch providing a spoken word part - in German - for 'Pacific Grim, and Phil Anselmo on 'The Prophets Of Loss'.

"We originally didn't plan on having any guest appearances, but when the opportunities presented themselves while we were in the studio, they just seemed to fit perfectly and it was great we were able to actually get them involved," said Travis.

"We had played the Housecore Horror Film Fest in Austin and we shot the shit with Phil,who is a very cool guy, but it was our friend John Jarvis (Pig Destroyer, Fulgora) who reached out to him - without telling us - and then told us he wanted to be on the record!"

"The part you hear him do on that song is exactly what popped into my head as soon as we learned he was going to do something with us, and really all of those guys contributed something so cool to the finished product."

Put all the quotations aside, put aside the Cattle Decapitation oeuvre, and really listen to this album; and that's not having it on in the car or playing as you tweet - really listen to it.

Here is a band that refuse to pigeon-holed, and display a level of maturity many others should learn from. On display is a band that embraces the death metal tag, that allows grind and black metal to sit comfortably on this album together with flashes of melody.

'The Anthropocene Extinction' is a stormer - worth many repeated listens!


Review by Jonny

NEWS: More bands added to Bloodstock line-up

WE know y'all are just heading to Bloodstock just to see Norn Iron's By Any Means and Overoth, but to make sure you keep yourselves occupied throughout the event the good people at Bloodstock HQ have added more bands to the already packed line-up.


Savage Messiah have been added to the Ronnie James Dio main stage slot on Saturday - and Foul Body Autopsy are amongst another crowd of bands added to the Jagermeister stage


With everything else going on over the weekend remember that Bloodstock also has a nominated charity, recently announcing its partnership with TEENAGE CANCER TRUST for the fifth year in a row.


Since kicking off a relationship in 2011, over £21,000 has been raised for the charity, with the money going to help the UK’s teenagers & young adults with cancer.


A BOA spokesperson explained: "To celebrate hitting the £20k mark and this special anniversary, this year we’ve set a fundraising target of £12,500 so we need your help to shatter that!


"Once again the charity will have a stall in the market area, where you can purchase Teenage Cancer Trust merchandise and join in the popular ‘T-Shirt Amnesty’ (clear some drawer space and bring your unwanted band t-shirts to donate or swap).  There are also three very special raffle prizes up for grabs.


"On Friday, you could meet headliners Trivium and watch their first three songs side of stage, while on Saturday, Within Temptation offer the same prize.


"On Sunday, one lucky winner could be taking home a black gloss BC Rich Warlock Edge guitar, signed by 2014 Bloodstock headliners, Down. To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is purchase a raffle ticket for £1 at the charity stand, so stop by, pick up a ticket and be in with a chance of winning."


You see us metallers really can make a difference!

EP REVIEW: Buck and Evans rip it up on new release

ONE of the delights of festivals is that you get the chance to check out bands you wouldn't normally see live - and thus in preparation for this weekend's Ramblin' Man Fair we had a wee listen to Cardiff four-piece Buck & Evans to see whether they would be on our hit list...


With their latest release 'Live at Rockfield' on our to-do list of listens we clamped the headphones and settled back for some damn fine power-house blues...at least that's what the PR blurb promised.


Were we disappointed after the hype surrounding this Cardiff four-piece? No. This is a set of three tracks that really is damn fine power-house blues, and encapsulation of the essence of blues and rock melded together.


Chris Buck brandishes his guitar with real passion, only matched by the soulful singing of Sally-Ann Evans as the pair pick up tattered dreams and romances mixed up with the kind of heartfelt hues that many acts can only dream of.


Opener 'Impossible' sees Sally-Ann's keyboards roll along as Chris wends and weaves along his fretboard with apparent ease despite the obvious difficulty many players would have with this type of phraseology on the axe.


Bassist Dominic Hill nails it down tight with Bob Richards drum work with, again deceptively simply, but complicated rhythms [NB - some might recognize Richards as he sat on the drum stool for AC/DC's videos 'Play Ball' and 'Rock Or Bust.]


'Ain't No Moonlight' brackets the three tracks with some neat interplays before Chris, Sally-Ann and Bob combine vocal talents on blues rocker 'Screamin'


These three tracks are enough to make sure that Buck & Evans will win over a lot of new fans when they hit the Outlaw Country Stage at Ramblin' Man Fair on Saturday around 4:30.

COMPETITION: Win tickets to see Megadeth, Lamb of God, Children of Bodom and Sylosis on the same bill on the same night

BELFASTMETALHEADSREUNITED and RockRadioNI have teamed up with those generous folks at MCD to offer you the chance to win one of two sets of double tickets to see one of the most metal shows in 2015.


Yes we have two pairs of tickets up for grabs to see Megadeth, Lamb of God, Children of Bodom and Sylosis at Dublin's 3Arena on November 9th as this four-band collective of fearsome metal kick off the UK and Ireland leg of the tour. Simply answer the question at the end of this article!


It's a co-headliner, between 'Deth and LoG, but inevitably will see Mustaine's band closing the night - after all it is the 30th Anniversary of their début release 'Killing is My Business...And Business is Good'.


As they prepare to release their 15th studio album here's what Mustaine had to say: “Having just finished an amazing record full of high-energy heavy metal with Chris Adler, Kiko Loureiro and David Ellefson, I am excited to announce this tour and see all of the metal fans come out for this one. I literally can’t wait to hit the stage again!”

 

After headlining the second stage at the Download Festival last month, Virginian metal titans LAMB OF GOD are delighted to return to the UK as co-headliners backing new album VII: Sturm und Drang (released July 24 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment).  And long time drummer Chris Adler recently joined the Megadeth ranks as well, so will perform with both bands each show.

 

"I have to say that it's definitely exciting to be announcing this one! I'm more than pleased to let the world know that Lamb Of God will be sharing the bill with thrash metal legends, Megadeth, for five shows in the UK and Ireland, from November 9th-15th!

"It's been almost a decade since we've had the opportunity to tour with Megadeth, and we're absolutely thrilled to be teaming up with them once again for these very special UK dates. Also appearing will be our good friends and long time co-conspirators Children Of Bodom and Sylosis. This lineup is unstoppable! If you're not stoked about this bill, then you very simply do not like heavy metal! Take a plane, take a boat, hitch a ride, take the tube, bring your Wellies…see you there!" – Mark Morton, Lamb Of God.

 

To win tickets to see this line-up in Dublin on November 9th answer this question:


Dave Mustaine collected which award in June of this year?


Send you answer and contact details here.


Competition closes on August 2nd

ALBUM REVIEW: Bloody Christian tales from Powerwolf on Blessed and Possessed

FOR some time Powerwolf have had the 'power metal' title bestowed upon them, with perhaps their German roots contributing to what really is lazy reporting, because strip down their sound and it's just heavy metal, something the band have always been willing to point out.


And, given the pains some reporters go to trying to pigeon-hole bands it is refreshing to strip away the plethora of labels and review a heavy metal album.


That's not to say that their latest release 'Blessed and Possessed' is a straightforward piece of work, mainly because of its lyrical content.


Putting that aside for the moment, this is perhaps a more coherent piece of work than 'Preachers of the Night', which was a pretty solid release.

Gone are a lot of the frills and fancy tricks they have used in the past. This time round the Wolves (that's what they dub themselves) have produced a fine, well arranged and balanced metal album - check out the likes of 'Sacramental Sister' for evidence of sound construction of a song with excellent riffing and solos that are well pitched without drowning out the song.


Throughout the pacing of the tracks and a clear production, with excellent separation.


There are issues here. The Christian-inspired lyrics are overbearing, and some might find them off-putting, even thought the band are always keen to stress they are telling stories rather than preaching.


Kerry King always put forward a similar argument when asked about Angel of Death or Unit 731, but this is one-dimensional and the Latin lyrics on 'Sanctus Dominus' sound like a Sunday service/Mass set to a metal soundtrack...


That's not to say there is anything inherently wrong with telling a Christian themed story, but a lot of this Old Testament blood and gore....still at least there is some blood and gore.


The other niggle is that Attila Dorn's excellent performance once and a while verges a little close to Joakim of Sabaton's style to such an extent that on an initial listen we had to check the notes to make sure Joakim wasn't guesting.

Leaving these aside Blessed and Possessed is a fine piece of heavy metal. Shlegel's keyboards give an orchestral feel in places, without dominating the mix, while Mathew and Charles Greywolf give it the full axe attack, bolstered by van Helden's frantic drum lines.


Sure, in the past people have looked askance at Powerwolf, but rest assured for all their previous success this could be the album to elevate them to the next level - and it's not fucking power metal, it's heavy fucking metal! and the special edition comes with a selection of songs covered by Powerwolf from classic metal acts -enough said!

Blessed and Possessed is out now on Napalm Records

Review by Jonny

ALBUM REVIEW: What the hell is Polka Metal - Russkaja bop along with 'Peace, Love and Russian Roll'

THERE are times when you receive details of an album to review and it is just impossible not to click the link; no matter how much we love classic metal, all forms of extreme metal et cetera when you see a band described as 'polka metal' in the blurb there is no way that the link can go unclicked...


Thus, with a certain amount of glee we downloaded the link to Russkaja and their latest album Peace, Love and Russian Roll' beginning a journey through a weird and eclectic mish mash of polka, punk, ska and only the occasional metal reference point.


Is it any good? Well, if you are stuck in loving only one genre and have had your sense of humour gland removed stay away. Otherwise, forget about the tag given to Russkaja by the label ("kings of turbo polka metal") and sit back with some 'wodka' and prepare to party.


There is something distinctly engaging about tracks such as 'Hometown Polka' -  it's not metal in any shape or form but it will bring a smile to any jaded hack or bored metalhead in need of a lift.


Georgij Makazaria's vocal style is somewhere between a balladeer and the gruff clean growls of a classic metaller.


That's not to pretend that every track on this shows off his voice to its best extent. Even though 'El Pueblo Unido' has a nice metallish (in the loosest sense) breakdown, his best style is at times lost.


Now, there's no point in pretending that these Viennese rabscallions are in any familiar to us previously, though we had heard murmurs about their output (this will be their fourth album release).


Not only is this genre hopping - 'Lovergod' crosses between ska and Russian disco - but it does have the sense of a mad party where metallers, punks, a brass band and a violinist have all had too much wodka.


There's poignant tracks - well smoochie tracks that sound like Mediterranean Euro-pop - such as 'Parachute' - that sit uncomfortably with some of the rest of the contents, but as still enjoyable in a specifically non-metal way.


And, despite what the label may claim this is in no way a metal album, polka or not. Sure, there are metal sounding tracks such as the punk-ish rampage of 'You Are The Revolution', but that's the exception rather than the rule.


But, there should be no barriers to listening to genre busting bands. One can envisage stumbling upon Russkaja at a festival and polkaing across some muddy field with a shit-eating grin on your face...


And, 'Radio Song' is just fucking outstandingly daft -  a love song that defies convention and in his devotion Georgij promises that the "toilet seat is now down, not up".


But is the album closer and title track that sums up the whole feel. 'Peace, Love and Russian Roll' rolls along like a party and a distinctly classic rock/metal chorus.


We're away off to the off licence for some wodka and put this album on repeat - to paraphrase McCoy from Star Trek, "It's metal, Jim, but not as we know it!"

'Peace, Love and Russian Roll' is out on 24th July on Napalm Records

Review by Jonny

NEWS: Buckcherry, Vintage Trouble, Cattle Decipitation, and The Black Dahlia Murder release news

+++NEWS+++ 

Buckcherry Bring It On Back

WHEN they played Belfast some time ago Buckcherry were pretty much run hard by support act Hardcore Superstar, but it seems that the LA rockers have re-grouped from a tour that saw them plugging what was in essence a 'best of set'.

The band are readying the release of their seventh studio album, 'Rock 'n' Roll' on August 21st on F-Bomb Records/Caroline/

To - err - tease y'all the band have released the first video for the song 'Bring It On Back'. What do you think? Is it a return to form?

Vintage Trouble ready release

SOME of you were fortunate to see Vintage Trouble supporting AC/DC in Dublin - and a few even seemed even to enjoy the performance.


Now the band are set to release 1 Hopeful Rd. their first album for Blue Note Records – on August 14th.


The album pre-order is underway now at http://vintagetrouble.lnk.to/HihG4. Fans who pre-order 1 Hopeful Rd. digitally will instantly receive the album opener “Run Like The River,” a rhythm and blues stomper. 

Extinction warning from death's finest

As the official deployment of 'The Anthropocene Extinction', the impending new full-length from San Diego's, Cattle Decapitation, draws ever closer, today Vice Magazine's mega music portal, Noisey, premieres the official "making of" documentary.


Tracked by Dave Otero (Allegaeon, Cephalic Carnage) at Flatline Audio in Denver, Colorado, The Anthropocene Extinction serves as Cattle Decapitation's "most sonically and thematically engrossing record to date".


On The Anthropocene Extinction we are transported forward to man's last gasps in the band's trademark "turning the tables" approach that mirrors what is happening in the Pacific Ocean: The birds and aquatic wildlife are mistaking the vast amounts of man-made plastic items for food, ingesting it and are dying in large numbers, rotting where they fall and exposing to the world what is happening to the ecosystems of the earth's oceans the most unknown and unexplored part of our planet - and the domino effect that will result… The Anthropocene Extinction.


The making of The Anthropocene Extinction mini documentary brings fans up close and personal with the band and the intricacies involved in following up their critically-lauded Monolith Of Inhumanity full-length.


Issues Noisey of the fifteen-plus minute clip, "It's an interesting look on how the band has changed their approach over the years, especially when gearing up for the new record. From Homovore to now, the band has refined their grindy sound into something dark yet crisp. This record is going to be an absolute monster, and you can even hear a little bit of it in the documentary."


Delve deep into the soul of The Anthropocene Extinction, courtesy of Noisey, here. THIS LOCATION.
And if you missed it, sample seventh track and second single, "Mammals In Babylon," still available for communal consumption at Revolver here, at THIS LOCATION.

The Black Dahlia Murder  new album out 18th September

THE Black Dahlia Murder are set to release their latest dark tome , 'Abysmal', on September 18th via Metal Blade Records


Abysmal is said to be "a vicious slab of unrelenting aggression" which "showcases TBDM at their very finest with a meticulous, pin-point precise rhythmic assault mixed with ferocious speed and dynamic hooks". The band also re-enlisted the services of renowned producer Mark Lewis (Cannibal Corpse, Whitechapel) and former bass player Ryan Williams, who also produced Everblack, with the sole intent to get away from the overt sonic sterility affecting far too many contemporary metal albums.


The world's first look into Abysmal is via the track, "Vlad, Son of The Dragon," which is streaming now in its entirety at metalblade.com/tbdm.

INTERVIEW: Stormzone talk Seven Sins and the evolution of the 'Dealer'

THERE is a time when a band has to step forward;  not rest upon their laurels and move on to the next level - and Stormzone certainly did that when they recorded 'Seven Sins' an absolute 'stormer' of an album.

We sat down with Harv (vocals), Graham (bass) and Steve (guitarist and album producer) to hear how 'Seven Sins' came about. [Review here]

Investigating the recording process, how the concept relates to the 'Dealer', new man on the axe, Junior and their plans for the coming months.

Oh, and before Raheem Sterling left Liverpool we started by asking the 'Pool fan what he thought about Sterling...

Listen here:


Photo credit: Darren McVeigh - MetalplanetBelfast

NEWS: The Amorettes, more Blodstock bands, Backyard Babies video and Failure

+++News+++

THE Amorettes to return for third time to NI

Scottish Rockers, The Amorettes, are delighted to announce they will be hitting the road again as special guests to Canadian rockers, Danko Jones on their UK and Ireland tour. They play Belfast's Limelight on September 19th

“We can’t wait to hit the road again.”’ Says Guitarist/Vocalist, Gill Montgomery.  “We’ve been spending some time in the studio working up some new song ideas for the next album, but we’re getting a bit stir crazy. So to be out on tour with Danko Jones is gonna be perfect. There’s gonna be some great hard rockin’ every night”

This will be the band's third show in Northern Ireland, having previously played the Diamond Rock Club, and supported Europe and the Black Star Riders in the Ulster Hall.

More bands announced for BOA

More and more acts have been announced for Bloodstock, but we'll be definitely checking out Pig Iron, City of Thieves and Hanowar...well maybe having a giggle with Hanowar
 

We'll also be bracing ourselves for the Battle of the Nations UK historical fighting team as they do battle with broadswords, maces etc - proper metal entertainment!

Backyard Babies are back...

Backyard Babies are back with a brand new album "Four By Four", out on 28th August via GAIN Music Entertainment.

The band have releases a new video, for the single "Th1rt3en Or Nothing". Here it is.

The band that inspired the bands you like...Failure

Some bands shine very bright very briefly, but stick in the memories of many true music fans. So it is with Failure. The LA based threepiece released three albums in the early 1990’s before splitting up. Their massive influence on the sound and songwriting of so many bands since is remarkable.

After splitting the individual members went on to various projects – Greg Andrews forming Autolux and Ken Andrews working on the producer/ mixer side with the likes of Chris Cornell, Beck and Nine Inch Nails. But the rumblings of many a fan finally got through and Failure returned after a 17-year hiatus in early 2014 with a single Los Angeles date. The show sold out in seconds, which led to a North American tour, including a run of dates with Tool, and eventually back to the studio. The resultant album ‘The Heart Is A Monster’ was initially launched via D2C platform Pledge. The pickup was extraordinary.

The album shows why Ken Andrews, Greg Edwards and Kellii Scott remain such a powerful musical force.

The band played their first UK/European show in 20 years at a sold out London’s Garage in May 2015 to a rapturous reception.

Failure formed in Los Angeles in the early ‘90s, releasing Comfort, their debut album, in 1992 via Slash Records. Magnified followed in the spring of 1994 with the band’s final offering, Fantastic Planet, released in 1996. Fantastic Planet earned a perfect 5-star score from Alternative Press with the magazine saying the album was able “to breathe life into the corpse of contemporary, guitar-driven rock,” adding that the band was “willing to stretch the definition of both their instruments and their songs.” The 17-track album is considered one of the era’s most influential and enduring rock records.

Over the years, Failure has become known as a “band’s band” whose songs have been covered by such diverse artists as A Perfect Circle (“The Nurse Who Loved Me”) and Paramore (“Stuck On You).

Well we were okay with all that until Paramore were mentioned....

+++ENDS+++

NEWS: X Japan look forward to March 2016 event

IT'S still a way off but X Japan will release the band’s first new studio album in 20 years...

Now, we do confess to not remembering too much of X Japan's releases having only listened to 'Jealousy' they are now set to release their latest album on March 11th, 2016 in conjunction with #XDAY, a special album release concert and worldwide film premiere event at London’s The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday, March 12, 2016.

X Japan founder and drummer Yoshiki made personal appearance at Paris’s Japan Expo at Paris-Nord Vilepinte Exhibition Center, one of Europe’s premiere Japanese Expo events, to share further details about this announcement with fans. Tickets for #XDAY, the London concert event are available now via Live Nation at http://www.livenation.co.uk/artist/x-japan-tickets. 

Yoshiki will be joined by X Japan’s lead vocalist Toshi at a rare live appearance together in the UK this Saturday, July 11^th at London’s very own Hyper Japan at the O2.  The duo will debut a song from the new album at a special unplugged performance.  In addition, they will premiere the first teaser for the band’s highly anticipated documentary film to London fans. Yoshiki and Toshi will be live on stage at Hyper Japan at 15:30. Tickets are here http://hyperjapan.co.uk/tickets/.

The much talked about return to the studio comes after decades of highs and lows in the band’s tumultuous and legendary timeline. Through triumph and tragedy, X Japan has remained resolute about reuniting in the studio to produce a follow up to their 1996 studio album Dahlia, their fifth studio release that went platinum in Japan. Dahlia preceded the band’s break up in 1997 following their fifth consecutive sold out New Year’s Eve concert at Japan’s famed 55,000 seat Tokyo Dome.

In addition to the long-awaited studio album release, X Japan will premiere its untitled film on March 12^th at the #XDAY event prior to the band’s performance.  The film chronicles the evolution and groundbreaking history of Japan’s most iconic rock band, from their start to their current projects - including 2014’s magnificent Madison Square Garden concert, the band’s first US show in 4 years. The film is produced by (UK-based) Passion Pictures’ John Battsek, critically-acclaimed producer of the 2013 BAFTA and Academy Award-winning feature documentary Searching For Sugar Man. The documentary is directed by Stephen Kijak who was commissioned by The Rolling Stones to direct their 2010 documentary Stones in Exile chronicling the making of their 1972 album Exile on Main St. which premiered in Cannes and on BBC1.

 X Japan’s decision to celebrate their record release in London with an epic, arena-sized multi-media album release experience at The SSE Arena, Wembley suits the globally renowned rockers, who are known for doing everything in a big way. X Japan is regarded as the visionary force that founded the Visual Kei genre of music expression and have long been celebrated by some of the most devoted and ardent fans in the J-Rock, Heavy Metal, Glam Rock and Anime worlds.

As we don't remember too much them here's the background...

ABOUT X JAPAN
X Japan is the most successful rock band in Japanese history, and that is not a statement made lightly. The band has sold more than 30 million albums; singles and videos combined, sold out Japan’s 55,000-seat Tokyo Dome 18 times – so far – and have played to tens of thousands of fans outside of Japan. In the band’s early days their look and sound sparked a global interest in entertainment, especially with the Japanese cultural rock phenomenon, “Visual-Kei,” a movement X Japan pioneered that spread globally.

X Japan formed in 1982 (calling themselves X) by Yoshiki and Toshi while they were still teenagers. Over the next 13 years, the band released five studio albums – Vanishing Vision (1988), Blue Blood (1989), Jealousy (1991), Art of Life (1993) and Dahlia (1996), as well as six live albums, ten best hits albums and 20 DVD releases.  X Japan was the first Japanese band to achieve mainstream success while signed to an independent label. The band was so popular they became a cultural phenomenon.

 In the fall of 1997, at the height of their success, the band broke up. Four months later, Hide, X Japan’s original lead guitarist, was found dead in his Tokyo apartment. At his funeral, more than 50,000 fans came to mourn his passing.  In early 2007 Yoshiki and Toshi resumed communication and later that year X Japan officially reformed. The band launched its reunion in 2008 with 3 nights at the Tokyo Dome. 2 years later, X Japan filmed a music video on the rooftop of Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre with a throng of some 8,000 U.S. fans taking part in the shoot on Hollywood Blvd. But it was on August 8, 2010 that X Japan performed in front of a mainstream American crowd for the first time at Lollapalooza. Immediately following the festival, X Japan played the biggest concert in its history, selling out two consecutive shows at Japan’s Nissan Stadium, filling 140,000 seats. The band’s first North American tour wrapped with a monumental New York date selling out The Roseland Ballroom on Oct. 11, 2010.

In June 2011, X Japan kicked off a European Tour at London’s Shepherd’s Bush (selling -out the venue in 30 minutes). The tour continued to Paris and Utrecht wrapping in Berlin before the band traveled back to Japan to play the famed Summer Sonic Festival. That same year the world tour took them to South America where they sold out shows playing to massive crowds in Santiago, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Lima and Mexico City. X Japan then returned to Asia playing arena shows in Seoul, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taipei and Bangkok.  In 2012 X Japan was the first Japanese band to take home the prize for “Best International Band” at the Golden Gods Awards held in the U.S.
 In 2014 X Japan headlined a colossal show at New York’s famed Madison Square Garden in the U.S.

The Current line up of X Japan is Yoshiki/drums, piano; Toshi/vocals; Pata/guitars; Heath/bass; and Sugizo/guitars, violin

ALBUM REVIEW: Crade of Filth bring fresh metal blows on Hammer of The Witches

CRADLE of Filth -  remember them? Scary band back in the day? Something of a joke at times? More line-up changes than Deep Purple? No longer 'black' enough for some? Well some of that may be half-true but believe us they are back with a bang, and the doubters will flee or convert.

While recent albums have been good, they haven't been great. But 'Hammer of The Witches' is a storm of pure Filth.

Something you get the feeling Mr Filth himself knows...

“I think this album will definitely surprise a lot of people,” Dani said. “It’s really very intense. There’s always that argument, ‘CRADLE haven’t been black metal since the Dusk days!’ and all that utter crap. These are just tags that people impose on you, rather than the other way round. We’ve always been a heavy metal band that’s been excited, involved with and espoused the occult and the dark side.

Chock full of mature interpretations of the CoF sound, new guitar duo Richard Shaw and Ashok have brought new life to the band's sound. The tracks 'Deflowering the Maidenhead, Displeasuring the Goddess' and 'Blackest Magick in Practice' showcase some of the best riffing and soloing heard for some time out of Cradle of Filth...and will demonstrate to many acts how it should be done.

Daniel Firth's  bass is locked tight and solid to Martin Skaroupka's explosive drums adding to the soundscape of what has fearsome tracks by the bucketload. The keyboard work and vocals from Lindsay Schoolcraft bring the added dimension to the sound that makes up the backdrop for what is one of Dani Filth's best performance for some time since 'Cruelty & The Beast'.

Perhaps it was the subject matter that brought the best out of the singer's performance. 'Hammer of The Witches' harkens back to the vicious witch hunts in 16th and 17th Century Europe, only this time the covens have the upper hand, something explained in the sonically thrilling title track.

 

“This is perfect subject matter for us,” said Dani. “That dreadful book, the ‘Malleus Maleficarum’… it’s about the torture and persecution of witches and how to legally punish them.

 

 

That was the church's militant hammer against the witches.

 

"Our interpretation is a hammer for the witches, so the album title is about payback for decades of torment. The album is lavishly and beautifully illustrated by Latvian artist, Artūrs Berzinsh, and it’s probably the best artwork undertaken for COF and that’s saying something.

 

"I worked really closely to alleviate him of some really beautiful but horrifying images, done in a neo-classical, pre-Renaissance style, but with the subject matter set and what’s actually emerged from Artūrs.. well, it’s all a bit rum! So the artwork encompasses the whole record and lacquers that crepuscular theme, that medieval vibe.”

Somehow you know Dani has more than a mischievous twinkle in his eye when he was dictating that quotation to the record label...

But the blurb and the hype that resonates around any Cradle of Filth release is more than justified. There are elements to this release that just explode. On 'Right Wing of The Garden Triptych' a brief 70's synth sound gives way to gentle piano and Lindsay's intro lines before it soars - weaving from full on speed to mid-paced roller-coaster, keys and guitars offering aural attacks in equal measure with Dani sounding pained and angry in equal measure to Linday's spoken counterpoints before the whole thing pauses for breath for a brief second before exploding again.

Almost every track on display here deserves the same analysis in each review, but best to let the listener undertake that for themselves. It will be an exercise in pure metal pleasure; an exercise that allows each person to wallow in the delightful excess.

In the quotation at the top Dani talked about being a metal band that was "...excited, involved with and espoused the occult and the dark side". What is evident on 'Hammer of The Witches' is a band that has brought excitement back to Cradle of Filth and produces a release that is Cradle of Filth back to its nastiest best. And that is really fun place to be!

Review by Jonny
 

NEWS: Between the Buried and Me Premiere Full Stream of Upcoming Album, 'Coma Ecliptic,' on Spin

PROG metal act Between the Buried and Me are streaming their highly anticipated upcoming album Coma Ecliptic on SPIN today! Fans can listen to the album in full now HERE. Coma Ecliptic is set to drop via Metal Blade Records on Friday, July 10th worldwide.
  Listen Now HERE

Pre-Order Coma Ecliptic Now Here: metalblade.com/btbam

Today , July 7th, Between The Buried And Me will celebrate the release of Coma Ecliptic by kicking off a headlining tour (no NI dates) with support from Animals as Leaders and The Contortionist!
Between The Buried and Me are vocalist/keyboardist Tommy Rogers, guitarist Paul Waggoner, guitarist Dustie Waring, bassist Dan Briggs and drummer Blake Richardson.

NEWS: 40 years on and Motorhead are still releasing albums as Bad Magic set for August release

IT's 40 years since Lemmy took blues based rock 'n' roll, melded it with punk and metal and unleashed Motörhead unto an unsuspecting world and re-defined the path metal would take - true harbingers of what was to become the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal.


To celebrate the anniversary Motörhead are preparing for the August 28th release of their 22nd studio album 'Bad Magic'. And, whilst recent live shows have earned mixed reviews at best, the band are preparing for a 40th Anniversary European tour.


'Bad Magic' is amongst the few Motörhead albums where Lemmy, Phil and Mickey have recorded together in the studio at the same time. As Lemmy gleefully admitted in the past, previously he would leave Phil and Mickey to lay down some tracks and he would arrive, write some lyrics and lay down the bass parts.

Phil has marveled in the past at Mr Kilmister's ability to do this, but it seems to have been a much more organic process this time.

It's a 13-track release and includes a cover of the Rolling Stones 'Sympathy For The Devil' and a guest appearance from Brian May on 'The Devil'

With track titles like 'Choking On Your Screams' and 'Teach 'Em How to Bleed' you know that this is another Motörhead that is not compromising in any way.

What many fairweather fans may have forgotten is that this Motörhead line-up is the most stable in the band's 40 years, and have been consistently putting out good albums, not least last outing 'Aftershock'.

Produced at NRG Studios with long-time producer Cameron Webb, Bad Magic came together after a couple of years which saw Motörhead enjoy their most successful international era in over two decades.

Lemmy has also finally decided to face the fact he is flesh, blood and mortal like all of us, adjusting his lifestyle to kick the ass of health-issues.

Motörhead’s 40th Anniversary European Winter tour will start on November 15^th 2015 at Le Zenith in Paris, ending on December 6^th at the Hartwell Arena in Helsinki, Finland.


More dates will be announced soon, so keep checking the band’s official website www.imotorhead.com as well as the following social media platforms for details.

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMotorhead

Twitter: @MyMotorhead

ALBUM REVIEW: Veronica Freeman attracts star-studded line-up for her release as The V

SOMETIMES as an old relic of a reviewer something new (to you) gets sent your way and piques your interest.

Going by the name of 'The V' there's an instant flashback to the 90's TV show and fond memories of hot aliens but instead this the debut solo album from Benedictum lead chanter Veronica Freeman.

Featuring such luminaries from the world of metal including Pete Wells, Aric Avina and Rikard Stjernquist of BENEDICTUM, Michael Sweet (STRYPER), Garry Bordonaro (THE RODS), Jeff Pilson (DOKKEN, FOREIGNER), Mike Lepond (SYMPHONY X), Tony Martin (BLACK SABBATH), Leather Leone (CHASTAIN), Jerry Dixon (WARRANT), Jimmy Durkin (DARK ANGEL), Mick Tucker (TANK). Jordan Ziff (AGE OF EVIL), Derek Kerswill (UNEARTH. KINGDOM OF SORROW), Peter Tentindo (VENUS MARS PROJECT), John Herrera, Ryan Greene, Kenny Lewis, Meliesa McDonell, Michael Harris, Mel Brown and John O'Boyle this promised to be something pretty special.

So, armed with a picture of 'The V' on the laptop as inspiration we dive in.

The first thing to note on this album is obviously Veronica's distinctive voice. Think Dale Krantz (Rossington/Collins band) on steroids and thats probably right on the money. A bit more soulfull in places on this album than on her Benedictum work which is very much welcomed.

Album opener 'Again' is a strong rockin' start to the album but second track 'Now or Never' with its slightly Led Zep opening is an absolute belter. A guitar line that continues throughout the song with vocals layered over it is fantastic. It erupts into a blazing solo before seeking refuge behind the vocals again.

'Rollercoaster' is another flat out rocker with a Def Leppard sounding riff and great vocals again by The V.

'L.O.V.E' is a modern day song about, err, love! Lyrically it's very contemporary but is firmly in the 80's anthemic ballad mode. Bit different in style from the openers but still a good song highlighted by the layered vocal harmonies.

Following the classic eighties rock formula of big hook filled songs with sing-a-long choruses comes 'Line in the Sand'. A mid tempo number that hits the mark.

The darker sounding 'Love Should be to Blame' showcases Freemans' different vocal approach on this album. The vocal being more subdued and suitable to the subject matter. Great song.

'Kiss my Lips', the duet with Leather Leone, just oozes sexuality and almost sounds like an order. And orders should be obeyed!!

Another hard rock song with a great groove to it is 'Spellbound'. Maybe not quite as good as what went before it but its a personal taste thing and is certainly not a song to skip over.

Track 9, 'Starshine', is the most easy going, commercial song on the album. Probably aimed at classic rock radio play where it should get some decent rotation.

'Below Zero' rocks things up a bit again and Develops into a nice riffy number.

Just when you think the album might be dying off a bit along comes 'Ready To Run'. An up tempo song with a driving rhythm section which is a real 80's throwback.

'Now or Never' finishes with the heavy, moody 'King for a Day' featuring Tony Martin. Given Martin's past outings with Iommi et al it has, as expected a definite Sabbath feel to it; this may be the best song on the album and has some blistering guitar work on it, as well as a very good turn by Martin.

All in all this is a classic hard rock album and if you love the 80's vibe being given a new lease of life then this album is a must buy.

Given the number of guest appearances on this it's only fair we list the "Now Or Never" recording lineup:

* Veronica Freeman - Lead vocals

* Leather Leone - Duet vocals on "Kiss My Lips"

* Tony Martin - Duet vocals on "King For A Day"

* Meliesa McDonell - additional vocals on "Star Shine" and acoustic guitar

* Derek Kerswill - drums

* Jeff Pilson, Mel Brown, Garry Bordonaro, Aric Avina, John O'Boyle and Mike LePond - Bass

* Pete Wells, Michael Sweet, Peter Tentindo, Jim Durkin, Mick Tucker, Jordan Ziff, Michael Harris - Guitar

"Now Or Never" was produced by John Herrera except for the song "King For A Day", which was produced by Kenny Lewis, and "Love Should Be To Blame" and "Again", which were produced by Michael Sweet.

 Review  by Andy Gillen

 

ALBUM REVIEW: Stormzone and dark tales from the 18th Century on Seven Sins

THERE can be no doubt about the consistency of Stormzone's output to date; the question is could they maintain that level on new release 'Seven Sins'...


The answer is they have not only matched it, they've exceeded it on an ambitious concept album replete with dark tales.


From the almost Arabic intro strains of opener 'Bethsheba' this is a glorious old school metal with the right of amount of 21st Century pizzazz. There are no weak tracks here, there are no fillers - just wall-to-wall riffs they way they should be played.

This is the fifth outing from the team and it is by far their most mature release, and by far their best: a true evolution in the sound and fury of Stormzone.


The album concept can be seen as allegorical; set in the 18th Century...through our extensive research (Google) we identified the musical weight of Johann Sebastian Bach was the metal equivalent in music. But the concept of this album is not about the music scene in the 1700s.


This is a morbid glimpse inside the Seven Sins Emporium, run by the shadowy Dr Dealer (Stormzone, of course have an album with the title 'Death Dealer'). Dr Dealer and his motley crew of fellow misfits tempt men to test their strength and resolve inside the Emporium.


That the band pull this off is a tribute in itself, with the glorious 'Special Brew' amongst the best examples on the album with its rolling riffery matched only by a chorus sequence to delight lovers of metal melodies.

Pulling all the elements together was a challenge as vocalist, lyricist and founding member John ‘Harv’ Harbinson explained:


“It's hard to describe Seven Sins in one paragraph… the story-line is so complex. It's a very dark subject. It’s touch and go at times with regards to how far you can go with it, but at the end of it all there's hope.”


The line "nothing is what it seems" from 'You're Not The Same' sums up the layers, both lyrically and musically on 'Seven Sins'.


Capturing the sound at the production helm guitarist Steve Moore showcases a lot of tasty solos amid the riffs - the balance in his playing working well throughout. However, the rhythm section of Graham McNulty (bass) and Davy 'Basher' Bates keep the whole album locked down, preventing it from running away from itself.


While 'Special Brew' is the stand-out track the headlong speed of 'Abandoned Souls' runs it a close second: but more importantly while these emerged as personal favourites there really is not a weak track amongst the 12 on display

And if 12 songs aren't enough for you there is more...


The physical CD booklet includes a code within its pages and fans will have the opportunity to enter it into the official Stormzone website and if they get the order correct there is a download a further four brand new songs not available on the album.


Now, that's a good deal on top of what is a top notch release -  heavy metal as it should be, intelligent, loud, proud and ripe for multiple listens!

Review by Jonny

Seven Sins is released on Metal Nation Records on August 3rd

COMIN' ATCHA: LA GUNS' TRACII GUNS blaze into Belfast in September

LA GUNS' TRACII GUNS opens its UK September tour in Belfast's Voodoo on Sunday 6th September.


Tracii has assembled a true all-star band, featuring himself (LA Guns, Brides Of Destruction) on guitars, Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Quiet Riot) on bass, Keith St. John (Montrose, Burning Rain) on vocals and drummer Shane Fitzgibbons.


They will be performing an all hits set consisting of the very best from all the superstar bands each member has been part of!

COMIN' ATCHA: Nothing to do? Bored? Well you won't be this week!

HOW many keyboard warriors does it take to change a lightbulb? Answer: None, they'd rather stay in the dark. By the same measurement we always hear from the key clicking bunch about there being nothing to do, no gigs etc etc etc.


How wrong they are. Take the next five days as an example...


Tonight NOLA stalwarts and stoner maestros EyeHateGod play Limelight2 with support from the mighty War Iron and Burden  of the Noose.


Come on! It's hump day so you can get a break from the drudge of the office with some righteous noise.


Thursday, however, is when the weekend unofficially starts...who works that hard on Friday anyway? So on Thursday night you can wend your way to Paradise City's 30th Birthday show in the Voodoo. Helping Paradise City blow out the candles will be Sinocence, St Hellfire and the last ever gig from Worldsend.


Last chance to see 'em folks so get along and raise a glass to them!


Friday....ahh the joy of walking out the door of the office/factory/coal mine (apologies to weekend workers...call in sick say you're suffering from metal deficiency!).


Not normally the preserve of rock venues, McHugh's Bar is hosting Pat 'The Professor' McManus. If you have ever seen Pat play you know he is an entertainer and the real deal when it comes to guitar heroes.


Speaking of heroes, 'Tallica always hailed NWOBHM act Diamond Head as their heroes. The question of whether we can ask 'Am I Evil' remains moot, but Diamond Head play Limelight2 on Saturday, with support from Rabid Bitch of the North and Conjuring Fate. Tasty!


When it comes to taste, your delicate taste buds should be wet with drooling saliva at the prospect of Mastodon playing in the Ulster Hall. Anyone who saw them last time knows just how good - no great they are live.


And, the fact that they were all 'killed' by White Walkers in Game of Thrones adds ever more to their kudos score.


Support from Bad Breeding.


And, if the prospect of Mastodon seems too much (get thee behind me!) there's always Lo Mejor at the Hudson.


Tickets for all these shows are available at the various doors.


Nothing to do? Bored? No shows in town? No gigs? These are five days when you can experience the varied delights of rock and metal in Belfast, where, as Mr Daly of CJ might say the eagles fly.


See y'all there!

COMIN' ATCHA: Norway in Autumn? Well if you're talking Sabaton why not?

IF you didn't know it already, The Distortion Project in the shape of Mr Loveday, has booked Sabaton to play with Alestorm in March, but if you can't wait until then do you fancy going to Norway?

Because between the 1st and 3rd October in Trondheim Sabaton headline a festival jam packed with metallic delights.

They're joined with power Finnish metal legends Stratovarius...along with a host of others.

And, in terms if others...Primordial, Korpilanni, Between The Buried And Me, and quite a few others...

US progressive metal legends Between The Buried And Me, the absolutely fantastic Skálmöld, the hugely entertaining doomsters Sahg, Norwegian black metal crew Iskald, their fellow countrymen, doomsters Tombstones as well as a host of others. No serious, a host of others that we haven't the time to list!

To make matters even more tempting the sixth Trondheim metal fest is being held in the Scandic Lerkendal Hotel - the biggest conference hotel in Norway - and for Trondheim Metal Fest there will be three stages, a metal market area, meet and greets, quizzes, etc etc.

Oh, and did we mention Sabaton? And, Stratovrious? Or Skálmöld?

And, feck all that because Promordial are going to tear the hotel apart.