Bloodstock 2014 Review: Part 2

I was up and about early on Saturday morning as I wanted to catch Evil Scarecrow (10) opening on the main stage. I have missed them playing on the smaller stages before, so this time I was determined to see what all the fuss was about. As it turns out I wasn't the only one. Expecting a relatively moderate turnout of 5000 or so, I was pleasantly surprised to be met by a huge crowd which was easily equal to that of Friday night headliners, Down. These people had clearly seen the band before or, like me, had heard about their apparently all-conquering show at Bloodstock 2013. Either way, the show was without a doubt the single best festival performance I have ever seen. I mean, any band that can get an early morning crowd of hungover metalheads scuttling back and forth like crabs has definitely got something special going for them. Even charismatic frontman, Dr. Hell was a little overwhelmed by the frankly massive crowd that has turned out to greet his unsigned band. Think about that for a moment. An unsigned band that can pull a headliner-worthy crowd. If you see the name Evil Scarecrow on a bill in the future, do whatever is necessary to go and see them.

Saturday was shaping up to be the strongest day of the festival and it was already off to a fine start. After that, it was up to Norway's Shining (6) to carry the torch, and despite putting on a respectable performance, the band's saxophone-fueled Industrial Metal fell a little flat after Evil Scarecrow. I'm sure that, in a dark club somewhere, Shining would go down a storm, but here on a sunny Saturday morning, it just wasn't their time. Time to amble over to the second stage now for the UK's own folklore-obsessed Black Metal masters, Old Corpse Road (8). Far from being a generic example of the genre, they  enraptured the medium-sized crowd with a unique performance where all 6 people members of the band took it in turns to deliver shrieks, rasps and growls. After a brief wander over to the main stage to watch Decapitated play a single song, it was back to the S.O.P.H.I.E. stage for up and coming British Grunge-infused Hard Rockers, The Mercy House (8) and despite a disappointingly sparse crowd, the band played their hearts out - their 90's stylings and posturing going down well with those who had turned up to see them. Think Alice In Chains meets Skid Row with elements of The Almighty and you will be somewhere close to the band's nigglingly familiar yet oddly distinctive sound.

Israel's Orphaned Land (7) put on an impassioned performance next on the main stage, with their uniquely eastern take on Symphonic Metal being bolstered by some System Of A Down-esque quirkiness. They might not be the most interesting band on record, but they come alive on stage. Time for a short beer break before allowing myself to succumb to the crushing heaviness of Crowbar (7). Although similar in sound to the previous night's headliners, Down (frontman Kirk was in Down for a time), they are an infinitely more interesting live prospect. Sadly, the show fails to really get going as the band's Sludge Metal is more suited to a sweaty indoor venue than it is to broad daylight in the middle of the afternoon. That said, it was an enjoyable 40 minutes of heavyweight riffs and very manly beards. Italy's Goth Metal veterans Lacuna Coil (5) on the other hand, fall completely flat. For a band with a near-20 year history and a back catalogue filled with exactly the sort of songs that should go down well with a festival audience, they spectacularly fail to get the crowd on their side. It didn't help that the sound was feeble and the entire performance seemed somewhat forced. Christina's annoying faux-American accent didn't help things either. Shame.

With Children Of Bodom (Boredom as Aaron would say) up next on the main stage, it was time to take a walk over to the S.O.P.H.I.E. stage for the next two bands. Both bands delivered the goods to respectable crowds, although the relentless Thrash / Death Metal brutality of Norway's, Blood Red Throne (7) couldn't have been more at odds with the quaint old school NWOBHM of Sunderland's, Battleaxe (5). Thankfully, after a hard day of standing in a field drinking beer and watching bands, I now had a 90 minute gap in the itinerary to get a short rest before the mighty Carcass (9) hit the main stage. The reformed and reignited Grind / Death Metal maestros delivered a superb set made up of both old and new material - although such is the strength of the new songs, you would be hard pressed to tell them apart from the classic early 90's period masterworks. The set was only marred by the collapse of a fan in the crowd which caused the band to stop playing until the situation was resolved. Jeff was on typically dry-humoured form too, keeping the crowd entertained between songs. Not that there was a chance of anyone losing interest in a set like this.

Of course, nothing could compare to the buzz that was building for headliners, Emperor (10). Recently reformed (again) for a short run of festival shows to promote / celebrate the 20th anniversary of the greatest Black Metal album ever released, In The Nightside Eclipse, this show was a near-religious experience for this field of rabid, and now slightly damp, Metalheads. This was a faultless and truly life-affiriming performance which not only ended the day on the same high as which it started, but also emphasised the timelessness of the band's first couple of albums (and the essential demos). Truly stunning.

Bloodstock 2014 Review: Part 1

After arriving bright and early (around 12pm) on the Thursday and erecting the tents and sinking some beers, it's 10pm and it's finally time for the first band of the weekend (for me) and what better start than the brilliantly silly, Jaldaboath (8). After setting the tone by making his entrance on to the stage wearing an over-sized cardboard (?) knight's helmet, Jaldaboath (and his band) proceeded to play a faultless and pretty standard 45 minute festival setlist, comprising of the best the band has to offer from their 2 full-length albums. By the time they leave the stage, there isn't a straight face in the house (marquee) which is exactly as it should be. A triumphant start to the weekend's festivities.

It's 11am on Friday morning, the first "proper" day of the festival and it's up to UK's Thrash Metal hopefuls, Bloodshot Dawn (8) to kick of proceedings. And kick it off they do. Playing to a sizable crowd - considering the hour and that they are relative newcomers - The band's brand of neck-wrecking Metal seems to connect with the early risers. After a short break, which was just long enough to grab a real ale from the VIP bar, it's back to the main stage for Swedish legends, Entombed A.D. (7) who entertain the assembled faithful with a (mainly) greatest hits set, with a couple of new songs thrown in for good measure. It was a decent, if not mind-blowing performance from this veteran act. Following another short break (and another ale), it's back to the left-hand side of the stage for the inimitable and always awe-inspiring Primordial (9) and Ireland's finest deliver a masterful set, which is mainly focused on the latter-day albums. Pagan Black(ened) Metal doesn't get any better or more impassioned than this. When Primordial leave the stage, it is time for a break as there is 90 minutes to kill before the next band I want to see. I can't remember what I did in this time, but that is completely irrelevant.

Prong (6) hit the stage next, informing us that they are from New York in the United States (in case anyone was unsure) and plough their way through a slightly lacklustre and uninspiring set, before finishing off with the ubiquitous - you guessed it - Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck. Switzerland's Triptykon (9), fronted by none other than metal icon, Tom G. Warrior are next up and as expected, they don't disappoint. This is 45 minutes of Avante-garde Doom Metal mastery and Tom is, as always, a mesmerising and commanding frontman. If you are aware of the utter fuckwittery that erupted on the Bloodstock forums a couple of years ago when Hatebreed (8) last graced this very stage, then you might have been surprised to see them welcomed as conquering heroes (which I suppose they are). If you're not aware, there was a small, but vocal minority (isn't that always the case?!) who said that Hatebreed are "not Metal" and shouldn't be playing Bloodstock. Needless to say, the band silenced the doubters in 2012 and effortlessly did the same today with their ferocious and untouchable live show.

Next up for me was a short trip to the second (S.O.P.H.I.E.) stage for my all-time favourite band and the originators of Folk Metal, Skyclad (9). The set started off in real semi-acoustic Levellers territory, before exploding mid-way into full on Folk Thrash Metal (complete with former guitarist Dave Pugh taking on extra guitar duties). This was a perfect crowd-pleasing set from the veteran band, which avoided playing the "obvious" songs in favour of some gems from the first couple of albums. Skyclad were the band of the day for me....for half an hour. Then came Greek Black Metallers, Rotting Christ (10). Playing to a packed second stage, Rotting Christ finished off the day with a mesmerising and awe-inspring set comprising songs from every era of their 20+ year career. Easily the best band of the day and a definite festival highlight.

New Music Round-Up: 22nd July 2014

Dog Fashion Disco

I don't even know where or how to start to describe DFD to somebody who is completely unfamiliar with them, but I am going to avoid the inevitable and frankly lazy Mr Bungle comparisons. Yes, Mike Patton has been a clear influence on Todd Smith's vocals and to a lesser degree, song writing, but there is so much to this talented band than that. DFD really are a unique and ever-changing beast whose style changes so much on each song (and often within one song) that is is almost impossible to pin them down or to categorise them in one particular genre. If pushed, maybe I would go with Experimental Alt-Rock, but that doesn't even begin to do them justice. With obvious influences ranging from the likes of Gwar to Stevie Wonder, and Fantomas to Leonard Cohen and with the band veering erratically between almost any musical style you care to mention, making an appearance somewhere, they blend these myriad styles into one unique and exhilarating package that is all Dog Fashion Disco. Sweet Nothings is the band's first release since 2006 and is business as (un)usual. Nothing short of brilliant.

Cantabile Wind

Despite sounding, initially, almost yawn-inducingly generic and bereft of personality, Cantabile Wind actually turn out to be quite a decent Melodic Death Metal band (think a rather potent blend of The Duskfall,  Be'lakor, At The Gates and Heaven Shall Burn) and what they lack in originality, they certainly make up for in energy. While the band does have a tendency to adhere strictly to the 'rules', rarely stepping outside the parameters of the genre, this is nonetheless a good, solid record, which belies its predictability by delivering a strong and consistent clutch of technical Melodic Death Metal anthems.

Overkill

Ah, Overkill. The ever reliable and faithful old Thrash warhorses. This single is business as usual for the New Jersey veterans and finds them on exactly the sort of killer form you might expect if you heard the previous album, 2012’s ‘The Electric Age’. With a lot of of bands who have been plying their trade for 30 years, you get the impression that they are just churning out records out of habit and not because they still care. It becomes a cycle. With Overkill, although they are not reinventing the wheel, there is a genuine sense of vitality and an almost youthful exuberance that many bands half their age would struggle to muster. Whenever I see the name Overkill, I know that I will not be disappointed. At a sprightly 55 years of age, Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth still delivers the goods and his band of merry Thrash bastards still love what they are doing (as anyone who has seen them live will attest) and you can really hear it.

The Dagger

Sweden's The Dagger can't be accused of being particularly original and they wear their hearts (and influences) clearly on their sleeves for all to see (hear?). On my initial listen I picked out a whole range of obvious influences including, but by no means limited to, Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, Dio, Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest, Blue Oyster Cult, Magnum, Kiss and AC/DC. This, the band's debut, is a superbly crafted album that is more than a mere tribute - instead it pays respectful homage to their heroes and to all things Classic Rock (there is even a song involving a gypsy woman). You know you are listening to something a little special when the album appears to end abruptly leaving you wanting more and then, when you put it on again, you find yourself singing along to the songs as if you've known them all your life. I'm no huge fan of Classic Rock, but this is a real gem. 

King Of Asgard

First off I'd like to point out that, although the band's name and lyrical themes mean that they fit neatly into the Viking Metal category, this is not a Folk Metal album - at least not in the hey nonny nonny sense. I suppose you could say that it is Folk-influenced in the same way as bands such as Bathory, Thyrfing, Kampfar, Mithotyn and so on, inasmuch as the guitar melodies are decidedly catchy and, well, Folky. Personally, I would class Kings Of Asgard and their ilk as Pagan Metal as I actually loathe the term Viking Metal. If you consider yourself a fan of any of the aforementioned bands, KOA are well worth checking out. 

  

Essential Folk Metal Albums: Part 3: 5 - 1

So, here it is the third and final part of my top 20 essential Folk Metal albums list. As with all lists of this type, any and possibly even all of the albums listed are subject to change positions at any time...such is the nature of the beast. But as it stands now, these are the albums that I consider to be the very cream of the Folk Metal crop. If you've heard them, then you know what I'm talking about and if you haven't...well, it's about time you did.

5. Svartsot (Denmark)

Album: Ravnene's Saga (2007)

Recommended Track: Nidvisen

4. Falkenbach (Germany)          

Album: Heralding: The Fireblade (2005)

Recommended Track: Heathen Foray

 

3. Finntroll (Finland)

Album: Jaktens Tid (2001)

Recommended Track: Skogens Hämnd

2. Thyrfing (Sweden)

Album: De Ödeslösa (2013)
Recommended Track: Veners Förfall

1. Eluveitie (Switzerland)

Album: Helvetios (2012)

Recommended Track: Neverland

Essential Folk Metal Albums: Part 2: 10 - 6

Following on from yesterday's post where I laid out my idea and then shared numbers 20 - 11 in my list of what I consider to be the essential 20 Folk Metal albums that all fans of the genre should own / hear. Here I give to you numbers 10 - 6. There are some formidable albums here, but the best is yet to come. Any guesses as to what might have made the top 5?

10. Månegarm (Sweden)

Album: Vredens Tid (2005)

Recommended track: Sigrblot

9. Waylander (Ireland)

Album: Kindred Spirits (2012)

Recommended Track: Echoes Of The Sidhe

8. Forefather (England)

Album: Ours Is The Kingdom (2004)

Recommended track: Ours Is The Kingdom

7.  Windir (Norway)

Album: Arntor (1999)

Recommended Track: Arntor, Ein Windir

6. Skyclad (UK)

Album: Irrational Anthems (2006)

Recommended Track: History Lessens

Essential Folk Metal Albums: Part 1: 20 - 11

Following on from the previous couple of pieces I have written on Folk/Pagan Metal (quite a while ago, now), I belatedly give you a list of what I consider to be the 20 essential albums the scene has produced in its 20+ year existence.

These are the albums that I think any self-respecting fan of the scene should own (or have at least heard). As I said previously, I have been into this sub-genre for the past 2 decades and have embraced it passionately, so you can be sure that this list comes from both a knowledge of and love for the scene and some of the truly great music it has produced. Even though I, and others, lump these bands together due to some tenuous folk-ish link, they are often wildly different in sound, presentation and style. There are the "Viking" influenced bands, the Slavic bands, the "drinking" bands and anything and everything in between. The only true link between these acts is the "Pagan" and/or "traditional" slant the music takes and the recurring atavistic attitudes and references to a real or imagined time gone by. This is especially notable with the Slavic bands, but in most cases, should not be construed as being NS, although sometimes bands within the genre do lean towards this way of "thinking". You won't find those bands (knowingly, at least) on this list. So, raise those horns (fingers or drinking) and prepare for a musical journey into the mists of time and into a world where violins, hurdy-gurdys, accordions and their ilk are not only acceptable, but almost mandatory.

The process of elimination for this list was a labour of love / really difficult for me, as was the positioning in the top 20, so if your personal favourite didn't make the cut, feel free to tell me why you think it should have. I have listed the albums in reverse order, starting at 20 and going to 1. Click on the links provided for a taster from each album. Below are the first 10. Enjoy!

20. Cnoc An Tursa (Scotland)

Album: The Giants Of Auld (2013)

Recommended track: The Lion Of Scotland

19. Týr (Faroe Islands)

Album: By The Light Of The Northern Star (2009)

Recommended track: Hold The Heathen Hammer High

18. Solefald (Norway)

Album: Red For Fire: An Icelandic Odyssey Part 1 (2005)

Recommended Track: Sun I Call

17. Skyforger (Latvia)

Album: Thunder Forge (2003)

Recommended track: When Usins Rides

16. Equilibrium (Germany)

Album: Sagas (2008)

Recommended track: Blut Im Auge

15. Heidevolk (Netherlands)

Album: Walhalla Wacht (2008)

Recommended track: Saksenland

14.. Korpiklaani (Finland)

Album: Manala (2012)

Recommended Track: Ruumiinmultaa

13. Bran Barr (France)

Album: Les Chroniques De Naerg (2000)

Recommended Track: Righ'beern

 12. Cruachan (Ireland)

Album: Blood On The Black Robe

Recommended Track: I Am Warrior

11. Bifröst (Austria)

Album: Heidenmetal (2010)

Recommended Track: Die Wilde Jagd

Weekly Round-up: 10th July 2014

I have lost my way somewhat with the original idea behind these weekly updates. They are supposed to be for posting the best of the new music I have heard during the week, but as I still have a huge backlog of new music to listen to and haven't written a lot for a few weeks, I think it is OK to include some older songs here anyway. It will be this way for the next couple of weeks until I manage to catch up on said backlog.

Anti-Mortem

Southern Rock-infused Metal with more than a little bit of a Black Label Society meets SOiL vibe. There is nothing cutting edge about this, but if you like your Metal instilled with a bit of a groove, then you could do worse than Anti-Mortem.

Trap Them

While not quite as all-out vicious as previous release "Darker Handcraft", Trap Them's new album "Blissfucker" is nonetheless still a nasty, spiteful and nihilistic little bastard. Trap Them go straight for the jugular with high velocity riffing and harrowing shrieks, occasionally slowing the pace to lure you in,before spitting in your gullible face. This is not one for the faint of heart and I wouldn't recommend it if you want to start your day with some positive thoughts. If you like your music extreme, then Trap Them might just be for you.

Bury Tomorrow

Fairly straight forward and by the book Metalcore of the Swedish Melodeath-influenced variety, complete with elements of first generation American Metalcore bands such as Killswitch Engage and Enforsaken as well as European acts like Heaven Shall Burn. It's very unlikely to change your life, but if you a fan of the aforementioned bands with their (vaguely predictable) aggressive verse / melodic chorus style, then there may well be something for you to sink your teeth into here.  

Syconaut

Hailing from my hometown of Skövde, Swedens unsung heroes, Syconaut are poised to make their long-awaited return after a (frankly too long) break of 5 years and it's great to have them back. Noticeably heavier than previous releases, the band's Hardcore / Melodic Death Metal roots are still there, but this time are bolstered by an even more varied approach, with the slower, more brooding parts being balanced out perfectly with some Lamb Of God style groove and heaviness. I've only heard 2 songs from the new album, but it is already shaping up to be a monster and a definite contender for a place in my year-end best of list. I've been following these chaps since I saw them live at a local club way back in 2006 and have been a dedicated fan ever since. Here is a link to a couple of new songs from the album which is due to drop on July 14th.

https://soundcloud.com/syconautstream

Pre-order your digital copy here:

http://www.7digital.com/artist/syconaut/release/in-ruins

Vampire

Here we have another Swedish band, this time in the shape of  Gothenburg Death / Thrashers Vampire. For a debut, the band's self-titled album is a very confident and respectable release. Style wise, they have opted for a retro 'Bonded in Blood' meets 'Scream Bloody Gore' hybrid which is certain to please the older crowd / younger wannabes. While this album if far from being a classic, given a few more years to hone their craft and to gain all-important confidence and experience, Vampire really could be something very special indeed.