I was going to write a long post about this, but I realised that so few people really read these post, even fewer are actually going to Bloodstock and those that are already know who they are going to be watching...so here are the bands that I'll be watching. Maybe I'll see some of you at the left hand side of the stage.
Thursday:
Sophie Stage: Gurt
Friday:
Sophie Stage: Dendera, Black Moth, Inquisition.
Ronnie Stage: Devilment, Soilwork, Decapitated, Testament, Amon Amarth.
Saturday:
Hobgoblin Stage: Ba'al
Sophie Stage: Kroh, Red Rum, Xentrix
Ronnie Stage: Fallujah, Winterfylleth, Annihilator, Municipal Waste, Hatebreed, Kreator, Ghost.
Sunday:
Sophie Stage: GraVil, Wretched Soul, Wolfheart, Wintersun
Ronnie Stage: Broken Teeth, Possessed, Obituary, Brujeria, Hell, Skindred, Arch Enemy, Megadeth.
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Sunday, 6 August 2017
Saturday, 5 August 2017
New Release Highlights: 4th August 2017
Band: Accept
Album: The Rise of Chaos
Genre: Trad Metal
German veterans, Accept have actually managed to pull of the (almost) impossible by reforming in 2009 without vocalist Udo Dirkschneider who had been in the band since 1976 and doing so successfully. Actually, the band are more successful now than they have ever been, with the three albums released since the reformation actually being their best selling albums to date. That brings us neatly to new album, The Rise of Chaos. Don't expect any new tricks from these old dogs, however. This is still very much the balls to the wall Metal that Accept are so damn good at. That a band can still be releasing albums this good after over 40 years is astonishing. Another solid Accept release.
Track: The Rise of Chaos
Band: Shade Empire
Album: Poetry of the Ill-minded
Genre: Symphonic Melodic Death / Black
Inevitable comparisons have been made to Greek Symphonic Death Metal masters, Septic Flesh, but although there are definitely similarities, Shade Empire bring a little Finnish flair to the party, along with a horn section (a la Sear Bliss), which lends the album a lot of atmosphere. There is some blinding musicianship to be found here, with the band really utilising some beautiful keyboards, subtle soft guitars and spoken word samples to offset the thundering brutality of the rhythm section and the harsh vocals. If you're a fan of the genre then chances are that you are already familiar with Shade Empire, but if not, Poetry of the Ill-minded isn't a bad place to start.
Track: Anti Life Saviour
Band: Thor
Album: Beyond the Pain Barrier
Genre: Heavy Metal
Ok, so this isn't exactly a highlight, but it deserves a place on this list for being so ludicrous! Beyond the Pain Barrier is, unbelievably, the 18th album from Canadian buffoon, (Jon) Thor, a former body builder who has been recording terrible Heavy Metal since 1977, which is actually an achievement in itself. If you want an idea of the how the band sounds, imagine an even more ridiculous Manowar, just without the musical or vocal talent. To be fair, there are some half decent song ideas on here, but unfortunately that's all they are as the pedestrian playing, sub-par singing and dated production scupper any chance of them being fully realised. Despite it being on this blog post, this is actually probably best avoided.
Track: The Calling
Album: The Rise of Chaos
Genre: Trad Metal
German veterans, Accept have actually managed to pull of the (almost) impossible by reforming in 2009 without vocalist Udo Dirkschneider who had been in the band since 1976 and doing so successfully. Actually, the band are more successful now than they have ever been, with the three albums released since the reformation actually being their best selling albums to date. That brings us neatly to new album, The Rise of Chaos. Don't expect any new tricks from these old dogs, however. This is still very much the balls to the wall Metal that Accept are so damn good at. That a band can still be releasing albums this good after over 40 years is astonishing. Another solid Accept release.
Track: The Rise of Chaos
Band: Shade Empire
Album: Poetry of the Ill-minded
Genre: Symphonic Melodic Death / Black
Inevitable comparisons have been made to Greek Symphonic Death Metal masters, Septic Flesh, but although there are definitely similarities, Shade Empire bring a little Finnish flair to the party, along with a horn section (a la Sear Bliss), which lends the album a lot of atmosphere. There is some blinding musicianship to be found here, with the band really utilising some beautiful keyboards, subtle soft guitars and spoken word samples to offset the thundering brutality of the rhythm section and the harsh vocals. If you're a fan of the genre then chances are that you are already familiar with Shade Empire, but if not, Poetry of the Ill-minded isn't a bad place to start.
Track: Anti Life Saviour
Band: Thor
Album: Beyond the Pain Barrier
Genre: Heavy Metal
Ok, so this isn't exactly a highlight, but it deserves a place on this list for being so ludicrous! Beyond the Pain Barrier is, unbelievably, the 18th album from Canadian buffoon, (Jon) Thor, a former body builder who has been recording terrible Heavy Metal since 1977, which is actually an achievement in itself. If you want an idea of the how the band sounds, imagine an even more ridiculous Manowar, just without the musical or vocal talent. To be fair, there are some half decent song ideas on here, but unfortunately that's all they are as the pedestrian playing, sub-par singing and dated production scupper any chance of them being fully realised. Despite it being on this blog post, this is actually probably best avoided.
Track: The Calling
Friday, 4 August 2017
New Release Highlights: 28th July 2017
Band: Prong
Album: Zero Days
Genre: Groove / Hardcore / Crossover)
Prong are one of the most infuriatingly inconsistent bands in the Metal world. There have always been sparks of greatness and we all know Tommy Victor has it in him to pen a belter when he really wants to. Sadly though, the band's career has been mired by average albums and only the very occasional gem. Probably best known for mid-90s, Beavis & Butt-head endorsed Industrial stomper, Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck, Prong struggled to find their place as the years rolled by. On Zero Days however, they have come as close to filling their obvious potential as they ever have. With a crushing Groove Metal / Thrash crossover sound bolstered by Victor's Punk-like vocal delivery, chugging Hardcore riffing and some catchy-as-herpes choruses. The best album Prong have put their name too? Very possibly.
Track: Divide and Conquer
Band: Byzantine
Album: The Cicada Tree
Genre: Groove Metal
Byzantine have had a tempestuous career, having split and reformed on more than one occasion. Maybe this is the reason that they haven't really made a real mark on the scene. Either way, they are back again with album number 6, The Cicada Tree, and while it isn't likely to ever be deemed essential, it is a decent Groove Metal album. Recommended for fans of Chimera, Lamb of God, Soilwork and The Kandidate.
Track: Vile Maxim
Band: Dvne
Album: Asheran
Genre: Prog Sludge / Stoner
Sci-Fi themed Progressive Stoner / Sludge anyone? This is actually a blinder of a debut album. It's always nice to hear a new band and to have no pre-concieved ideas or expectations as it gives you chance to listen to new music with a completely open mind. Scotland's Dvne (pronounced Dune, apparently) are a rather interesting band, taking the bog standard Sludge / Stoner / Doom sound and then then mixing things up with some nice Psych / Prog Rock influences.
Track: Thirst
Album: Zero Days
Genre: Groove / Hardcore / Crossover)
Prong are one of the most infuriatingly inconsistent bands in the Metal world. There have always been sparks of greatness and we all know Tommy Victor has it in him to pen a belter when he really wants to. Sadly though, the band's career has been mired by average albums and only the very occasional gem. Probably best known for mid-90s, Beavis & Butt-head endorsed Industrial stomper, Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck, Prong struggled to find their place as the years rolled by. On Zero Days however, they have come as close to filling their obvious potential as they ever have. With a crushing Groove Metal / Thrash crossover sound bolstered by Victor's Punk-like vocal delivery, chugging Hardcore riffing and some catchy-as-herpes choruses. The best album Prong have put their name too? Very possibly.
Track: Divide and Conquer
Album: The Cicada Tree
Genre: Groove Metal
Byzantine have had a tempestuous career, having split and reformed on more than one occasion. Maybe this is the reason that they haven't really made a real mark on the scene. Either way, they are back again with album number 6, The Cicada Tree, and while it isn't likely to ever be deemed essential, it is a decent Groove Metal album. Recommended for fans of Chimera, Lamb of God, Soilwork and The Kandidate.
Track: Vile Maxim
Band: Dvne
Album: Asheran
Genre: Prog Sludge / Stoner
Sci-Fi themed Progressive Stoner / Sludge anyone? This is actually a blinder of a debut album. It's always nice to hear a new band and to have no pre-concieved ideas or expectations as it gives you chance to listen to new music with a completely open mind. Scotland's Dvne (pronounced Dune, apparently) are a rather interesting band, taking the bog standard Sludge / Stoner / Doom sound and then then mixing things up with some nice Psych / Prog Rock influences.
Track: Thirst
Saturday, 22 July 2017
New Release Highlights: 21st July 2017
Band: Shattered Sun
Album: The Evolution of Anger
Genre: American Melodic Death Metal
Shattered Sun's first album, 2015's Hope Within Hatred was a more than respectable debut offering, but the Texan sextet have really found their feet on their sophomore release, The Evolution of Anger. With a sound based firmly in the American Melodic Death Metal camp and which is reminiscent of bands like Shadow's Fall, All That Remains, Trivium, Wovenwar and God Forbid, Shattered Sun have the potential to reach a substantial audience and luckily for them, they have the songs to match. I recommended these guys strongly a couple of years ago and I am doing the same again now. If you are a fan of any of the bands mentioned above, this album is an essential addition to your collection. One of the highlights of the year for me. It's hard to pick a song to recommend, but I'll go with Out For Justice.
Track: Out For Justice
Band: Tau Cross
Album: Pillar of Fire
Genre: Thrash / Crossover / Crust / Punk / Metal
Another sophomore album, this time in the form of Pillars of Fire by the criminally underrated Tau Cross. Featuring members and ex-members of Amebix and Voivod, you already know that this is going to deliver. Although their sound has its roots in the Crust Punk of Amebix, there are also elements of Goth Rock, Thrash Crossover and even the primitive Heavy Metal of Motörhead. Raw, stripped down and fucking brilliant! Tau Cross have done it again.
Track: Killing The King
Band: Wintersun
Album: The Forest Seasons
Genre: Symphonic Melodic Death Metal
The much-maligned and ridiculed Wintersun, the vehicle for Finnish multi-instrumentalist, Jari Mäenpää (formerly of Ensiferum), have finally released their third album after 5 years of public spats with record labels, almost comical displays of arrogance by Jari and finally a ludicrous (yet ultimately successful) crowd-funding campaign. For those of you who still care about Wintersun, a band which has spent 13 years squandering the success and praise earmed for its 2004 debut, the questions I'm sure you want answered are, is it worth the wait and does it live up the hype? Well, yes. Yes it does! This is multi-layered and complex. In other words, exactly what you want from Wintersun. All is (almost) forgiven.
Track: Awaken From the Dark Slumber
Album: The Evolution of Anger
Genre: American Melodic Death Metal
Shattered Sun's first album, 2015's Hope Within Hatred was a more than respectable debut offering, but the Texan sextet have really found their feet on their sophomore release, The Evolution of Anger. With a sound based firmly in the American Melodic Death Metal camp and which is reminiscent of bands like Shadow's Fall, All That Remains, Trivium, Wovenwar and God Forbid, Shattered Sun have the potential to reach a substantial audience and luckily for them, they have the songs to match. I recommended these guys strongly a couple of years ago and I am doing the same again now. If you are a fan of any of the bands mentioned above, this album is an essential addition to your collection. One of the highlights of the year for me. It's hard to pick a song to recommend, but I'll go with Out For Justice.
Track: Out For Justice
Band: Tau Cross
Album: Pillar of Fire
Genre: Thrash / Crossover / Crust / Punk / Metal
Another sophomore album, this time in the form of Pillars of Fire by the criminally underrated Tau Cross. Featuring members and ex-members of Amebix and Voivod, you already know that this is going to deliver. Although their sound has its roots in the Crust Punk of Amebix, there are also elements of Goth Rock, Thrash Crossover and even the primitive Heavy Metal of Motörhead. Raw, stripped down and fucking brilliant! Tau Cross have done it again.
Track: Killing The King
Band: Wintersun
Album: The Forest Seasons
Genre: Symphonic Melodic Death Metal
The much-maligned and ridiculed Wintersun, the vehicle for Finnish multi-instrumentalist, Jari Mäenpää (formerly of Ensiferum), have finally released their third album after 5 years of public spats with record labels, almost comical displays of arrogance by Jari and finally a ludicrous (yet ultimately successful) crowd-funding campaign. For those of you who still care about Wintersun, a band which has spent 13 years squandering the success and praise earmed for its 2004 debut, the questions I'm sure you want answered are, is it worth the wait and does it live up the hype? Well, yes. Yes it does! This is multi-layered and complex. In other words, exactly what you want from Wintersun. All is (almost) forgiven.
Track: Awaken From the Dark Slumber
Saturday, 8 July 2017
Folk Metal: Introduction
Like all genres of music, Folk Metal falls afoul of the dreaded over-saturation issue. There are so many half-arsed Metal bands out there who think sticking a flute, violin or – heaven forbid – a synthesizer over their poorly played, badly written songs will hide their flaws and make them Folk Metal as opposed to just another forgettable pub band. In my estimation I’d say that for every good band, there are 8 or 9 bad ones, which can be daunting for fans of the sub-genre looking for new music to listen to. Luckily for those people, and I think there a few in this group, I have made the somewhat stupid decision to take on the monumental challenge of trawling through every single band I can find (so far it sits at well over 1000, but I know there are more out there waiting to be discovered) to compile a top 40 album list, a best bands list, a best songs list and underrated bands list, much as I did with Grunge, although that being as it is, a pretty much dead 25 year old genre, was relatively easy, yet it still took me around two months to do.
What complicates things a little more is where to draw the line of what is considered to be Folk Metal. Is it the use of traditional folk instruments, is it the lyrical themes, is it using “Folk” melodies or is it something more difficult to put your finger on, like an idea or an attitude. Can bands without an overtly Folk sound be considered to be Folk Metal if they themselves identify with the scene?
As it stands, Folk Metal can already be broken down into a number of recognisable sub (sub) genres including Celtic, Medieval, Viking, Pagan and so forth, so after considering this little quandary for a while, I decided to base my lists on how the bands sound. Simply put, if they “sound” like they are using Folk instruments and melodies, they are in. As always, there were a number of bands that were a little difficult to categorise, such as Moonsorrow, Vreid and Enslaved, so I will, time permitting, be compiling a separate Pagan Metal list at a later date which will include the aforementioned bands and their ilk as well as harsher Pagan Black Metal acts which may not have such an obvious Folk sound, but identify themselves as part of the wider scene. Some bands, including Thyrfing, will make both lists as their earlier material was definitely Folk / Viking Metal, but their recent releases are more Pagan Black Metal.
I hope this is something that is of interest to at least a few of you, but I suppose the bottom line is that it is something I am very interesting in doing for myself, so it's really a labour of love. If only a couple of you find it useful then I will be happy with that.
I think I've rambled on quite long enough now, so I'll wrap it up by saying that this project may take a little time, but I will posting as and when I have something ready.
Friday, 7 July 2017
New Release Highlights: 7th July
Band: Ereb Altor
Album: Ulfven
Genre: Viking / Pagan / Folk Metal
With a sound akin to fellow countymen Bathory, Thyrfing, Månegarm, Vintersorg and occasionally Candlemass, Sweden's Ereb Altor follow a long line of quality Viking / Folk / Pagan Metal bands and are themselves, well established scene veterans. That said, they have always failed to make a real impression on me. Until now. The band's new (and 7th) album Ulfven is a superb release and has not only earned a defiinte spot on my year end list, but has also already become a firm favourite of mine in the Folk Metal sub-genre of which I am a huge fan. After 14 years Ereb Altor have finally made their mark.
Track: En Synd Svart Som Sot
Band: Decapitated
Album: Anticult
Genre: Death / Groove Metal
The Polish veterans are back and are continuing to evolve, with the old-school Vader-worshipping of old being stripped back more and more with each subsequent release, giving way to a modern and polished Groove Metal sound. I may in the minority, but in my opinion they are a better band for it.
Track: Kill The Cult
Band: Melvins
Album: A Walk With Love and Death
Genre: Alt-Rock
Ever-reliable Alt-Rock oddballs, Melvins are as prolific as ever, with AWWLAD being the band's third album in just over 12 months (and that's without taking side projects into account). They may well have been key in the formation of the Grunge scene of the late 80s / early 90s (as well as Stoner Metal), but their quirky style ensured that they never quite fit into any specific niche, which makes them all the more wonderful. Cherish them.
Track: What's Wrong With You
Band: River Black
Album: River Black
Genre: Modern Metal / Groove Metal
With a sound probably best described as Modern Metal (you already know if it's for you), River Black aren't breaking any new ground, but I've definitely heard far worse. There are some really good songs on here and it's a solid release, but I can't help feeling there is lost potential. There are tantalising tastes of the beast it could have been and while River Black falls a little short of the expectations I had for former members of Burnt By The Sun and Revocation it is still, a respectable debut. Here's hoping album number two knocks the world off its Axis!
Track: Low
Album: Ulfven
Genre: Viking / Pagan / Folk Metal
With a sound akin to fellow countymen Bathory, Thyrfing, Månegarm, Vintersorg and occasionally Candlemass, Sweden's Ereb Altor follow a long line of quality Viking / Folk / Pagan Metal bands and are themselves, well established scene veterans. That said, they have always failed to make a real impression on me. Until now. The band's new (and 7th) album Ulfven is a superb release and has not only earned a defiinte spot on my year end list, but has also already become a firm favourite of mine in the Folk Metal sub-genre of which I am a huge fan. After 14 years Ereb Altor have finally made their mark.
Track: En Synd Svart Som Sot
Band: Decapitated
Album: Anticult
Genre: Death / Groove Metal
The Polish veterans are back and are continuing to evolve, with the old-school Vader-worshipping of old being stripped back more and more with each subsequent release, giving way to a modern and polished Groove Metal sound. I may in the minority, but in my opinion they are a better band for it.
Track: Kill The Cult
Band: Melvins
Album: A Walk With Love and Death
Genre: Alt-Rock
Ever-reliable Alt-Rock oddballs, Melvins are as prolific as ever, with AWWLAD being the band's third album in just over 12 months (and that's without taking side projects into account). They may well have been key in the formation of the Grunge scene of the late 80s / early 90s (as well as Stoner Metal), but their quirky style ensured that they never quite fit into any specific niche, which makes them all the more wonderful. Cherish them.
Track: What's Wrong With You
Band: River Black
Album: River Black
Genre: Modern Metal / Groove Metal
With a sound probably best described as Modern Metal (you already know if it's for you), River Black aren't breaking any new ground, but I've definitely heard far worse. There are some really good songs on here and it's a solid release, but I can't help feeling there is lost potential. There are tantalising tastes of the beast it could have been and while River Black falls a little short of the expectations I had for former members of Burnt By The Sun and Revocation it is still, a respectable debut. Here's hoping album number two knocks the world off its Axis!
Track: Low
Saturday, 1 July 2017
New Release Highlights: 30th June 2017
This week was a bit thin on the decent new release front and the ones I have listened to are a mixed bag of styles. Nonetheless, these might well be worth your while.
Band: Cellar Darling
Album: This is the Sound
Genre: Rock
I had high hopes and expectations for Cellar Darling - formed by a trio of ex-Eluveitie musicians - and I am very pleased to report that this album was definitely worth the wait. I suppose it would be classified as Folk Rock, but that doesn't really do this album justice. The unique sound of the Hurdy Gurdy looms over the entire album earning it originality points from the off and when you add Anna Murphy's sublime voice and some solid songs to the mix, This is the Sound is a solid debut offering from one of the genres more interesting bands. That said, the album is a little too long and sometimes seems to meander, but I can forgive that.
Track: Avalanche
Band: Stone Sour
Album: Hydrograd
Genre: Rock / Modern Metal
Whatever your thoughts on Stone Sour it's hard to deny that the band can pen a damn fine tune. It's just a shame that they don't have better quality control as that one great album you just know they have in them remains tantalisingly out of reach. As with previous releases, Hydrograd has some great tracks, some decent tracks and a lot of filler. Fans of the band are unlikely to be disappointed, but for the rest of you, maybe wait for a best of.
Track:Song #3
Band: Vintersorg
Album: Till Fjälls del II
Genre: Folk / Prog Metal
Vintersorg have declared this album to be a return to their roots and have even called it Till Fjälls del II. Releasing a follow up to an established classic is fraught with risks, but Vintersorg have pulled it off with aplomb. Yes, their contemporary sound is probably more akin to Prog than the icy Black Metal of old, but Till Fjälls del II is a triumph and a benchmark album for the genre.
Track: Fjällets Mäktiga Mur
Band: Ye Banished Privateers
Album: First Night Back in Port
Genre: Pirate Folk / Punk
On first hearing Ye Banished Privateers, I doubt that the Swedish city of Umeå would be the first place to spring to mind. This rather odd band play a Punk-tinged take on Irish Folk and pirate-themed shanties and while they are undoubtably a lot of fun, you probably won't make it past the first 3 or 4 songs. YBP are little more than a novelty act, but hey, in a small pub somewhere, with the ale and rum flowing, I can imagine that they would be just the ticket.
Track: I Dream of You
Band: Cellar Darling
Album: This is the Sound
Genre: Rock
I had high hopes and expectations for Cellar Darling - formed by a trio of ex-Eluveitie musicians - and I am very pleased to report that this album was definitely worth the wait. I suppose it would be classified as Folk Rock, but that doesn't really do this album justice. The unique sound of the Hurdy Gurdy looms over the entire album earning it originality points from the off and when you add Anna Murphy's sublime voice and some solid songs to the mix, This is the Sound is a solid debut offering from one of the genres more interesting bands. That said, the album is a little too long and sometimes seems to meander, but I can forgive that.
Track: Avalanche
Band: Stone Sour
Album: Hydrograd
Genre: Rock / Modern Metal
Whatever your thoughts on Stone Sour it's hard to deny that the band can pen a damn fine tune. It's just a shame that they don't have better quality control as that one great album you just know they have in them remains tantalisingly out of reach. As with previous releases, Hydrograd has some great tracks, some decent tracks and a lot of filler. Fans of the band are unlikely to be disappointed, but for the rest of you, maybe wait for a best of.
Track:Song #3
Band: Vintersorg
Album: Till Fjälls del II
Genre: Folk / Prog Metal
Vintersorg have declared this album to be a return to their roots and have even called it Till Fjälls del II. Releasing a follow up to an established classic is fraught with risks, but Vintersorg have pulled it off with aplomb. Yes, their contemporary sound is probably more akin to Prog than the icy Black Metal of old, but Till Fjälls del II is a triumph and a benchmark album for the genre.
Track: Fjällets Mäktiga Mur
Band: Ye Banished Privateers
Album: First Night Back in Port
Genre: Pirate Folk / Punk
On first hearing Ye Banished Privateers, I doubt that the Swedish city of Umeå would be the first place to spring to mind. This rather odd band play a Punk-tinged take on Irish Folk and pirate-themed shanties and while they are undoubtably a lot of fun, you probably won't make it past the first 3 or 4 songs. YBP are little more than a novelty act, but hey, in a small pub somewhere, with the ale and rum flowing, I can imagine that they would be just the ticket.
Track: I Dream of You
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