Music News & Reviews from the Rock, Metal, Blues, Prog, Punk & Jazz Genres as well as stage and festival shows
TROY REDFERN – NEW SINGLE – “GASOLINE” RELEASED AUGUST 19, 2022 BUY & STREAM SINGLE | WATCH MUSIC VIDEO FROM THE UPCOMING STUDIO ALBUM “THE WINGS OF SALVATION” RELEASED SEPTEMBER 23, 2022PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM AVAILABLE ON LIMITED EDITION YELLOW AND RED SPLATTER VINYL “Backlit with […]
NewsCheck out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgc8T_PvbDI This melancholic piece from the hugely talented Hong Faux harmonizes childhood trauma through the filter of the classic book ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ by J.D Salinger and was frequently played on European radio stations as well as music television shows and […]
NewsListen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkvanQYJsqI Seething Akira Fights Their ‘Internal Agonist’Out Now Via FiXT Defiant six-piece nu-metal rockers Seething Akira turn introspective with their punishing new nu-metal single “Internal Antagonist.” The aggressive single pushes the hardcore group into even more turbulent wavelengths featuring thrashing guitars waylaid into frenetic and […]
NewsTROY REDFERN – NEW SINGLE – “GASOLINE” RELEASED AUGUST 19, 2022 BUY & STREAM SINGLE | WATCH MUSIC VIDEO FROM THE UPCOMING STUDIO ALBUM “THE WINGS OF SALVATION” RELEASED SEPTEMBER 23, 2022PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM AVAILABLE ON LIMITED EDITION YELLOW AND RED SPLATTER VINYL “Backlit with […]
NewsTROY REDFERN – NEW SINGLE – “GASOLINE” RELEASED AUGUST 19, 2022
BUY & STREAM SINGLE | WATCH MUSIC VIDEO FROM THE UPCOMING STUDIO ALBUM “THE WINGS OF SALVATION” RELEASED SEPTEMBER 23, 2022
PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM AVAILABLE ON LIMITED EDITION YELLOW AND RED SPLATTER VINYL
“Backlit with blazing white light; dressed like a member of Fields of the Nephilim,
Troy both sounds like one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse.” – Sonic Abuse
“Troy’s guitar playing is on another level, and slide guitar purists are
drooling as he peels off one incredible lick after another.” – Devils Gate Music
“Dressed in his flared leather pants with his long hair and hat, Redfern looks every bit the rock star. He performs with incredible passion and love for his craft.” – Rock ‘N’ Load
Following hot on the heels of his single Come On, Troy Redfern is set to release the epic slide guitar blues rock anthem Gasoline, the second single from his upcoming highly anticipated album The Wings of Salvation.
The official music video for Gasoline premieres on YouTube on Wednesday August 17th. Watch the video HERE.
The Gasoline single, released Friday August 19th, is available to stream and buy HERE.
Featuring ten infectious slide guitar savvy tracks, The Wings of Salvation album is released Friday September 23rd. The album is available to pre-order from www.troyredfern.com/shop.
“With Gasoline I wanted to write a positive, uplifting, good-time rock ’n’ roll tune,” says Troy.
“Right now, we’re bombarded with a lot of negative news in the media. Lyrically, I wanted to put something out there that was the opposite to that. The groove of this tune is in 7/8, which isn’t a typical rock ’n’ roll rhythm, but I really love the flow and feel of riffing in this time signature, especially playing slide using the National resonator in a low tuning. The combination sounds huge.”
Produced by Dave Marks (Hans Zimmer) at the UK’s Dulcitone Studios, The Wings of Salvation is an exciting new chapter in Redfern’s trajectory, not only as a slide guitarist, but as a creative force in the recording studio.
“My goal was to make a record that was a true representation of where I am right now as an artist,” says Redfern. “I wanted to create something in the spirit of the old school classic rock albums that I grew up listening to.”
After releasing an unprecedented six albums in just under two years, Troy’s new album The Wings of Salvation, is his most compelling work to date. The album highlights Redfern’s powerfully edgy vocal delivery, condensed song writing skills, tight arrangements, complimented by his trademark “firebrand” slide guitar playing.
“I felt like the time was right to head back into the studio as the creative juices were flowing,” says Redfern. “On the new album, I wanted to approach the recording process by starting with a completely clean slate.”
I wrote the new album from scratch in just under five weeks, in the same way that the bands that I grew up listening to use to do. It makes everything fresh and immediate. It’s an accurate snapshot of where you are as an artist at that moment.”
Says Troy, “Dave Marks, my producer, and I also decided early on we wanted an old school aesthetic for this album, in that we wanted no studio fixes, no autotune, no drum editing or samples. It had to be real, with only complete takes, no chopping up parts in post-production to make them sound perfect. We wanted an album that authentically captured my sound. I feel satisfied in knowing that we achieved what we set out to accomplish, and I couldn’t be prouder of this album.”
“My 1935 Dobro resonator features heavily on the new album along with my Magnatone Twilighter amplifier,” reflects Redfern. “I found this to be a killer combination. It’s such a huge tone without the need for layers and layers of guitar tracks.”
For drum duties Dave enlisted the skills of Paul Stewart, the drummer from chart toppers The Feeling. Troy says, “Dave felt that Paul was the perfect fit to play drums on this album. He connected with my new material and took it to another level.”
“It was important for me to get the right drum sound for this album as that’s the foundation everything else is built on,” recalls Redfern. “I wanted a more three-dimensional, ‘open’ sound for this record.”
We used Lee Russell’s Dulcitone Studios in Kettering to track the drums, which is a beautifully converted church, and it has the most amazing natural reverb sound. The results are astounding. On the new album we’ve managed to take the production to the next level.”
“Mastering is an important part of making a great sounding record” explains Troy. “Abbey Road Studios was the only option. It has the gold-standard reputation for the best mastering facilities in the world. I decided that Sean Magee would be the perfect choice to master the new album. His credentials include the Beatles, Deep Purple, John Lennon, the Ramones, Tina Turner, Sex Pistols, Rush, and Iron Maiden. He turned out to be an excellent choice. He gave the album that gorgeous shine Abbey Road is renowned for.”
Album Track Listing
1. Gasoline (3:53)
2. Sweet Carolina (3:54)
3. Come On (3:50)
4. Navajo (3:24)
5. Mercy (4:06)
6. Can’t Let Go (4:21)
7. Dark Religion (3:20)
8. Profane (3:00)
9. Down (3:30)
10. Heart & Soul (3:47)
Production Credits
Troy Redfern: Lead vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, backing vocals
Dave Marks: Bass guitar, piano, keyboards, percussion, banjo, additional guitars, backing vocals
Paul Stewart: Drums
Produced by Dave Marks at Two Wolves Studios
Engineered by Dave Marks and Troy Redfern
Drums recorded by Lee Russell at Dulcitone Studios
Mixed by Jo Webb at XXX Studios
Mastered by Sean Magee at Abbey Road Studios
Check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgc8T_PvbDI This melancholic piece from the hugely talented Hong Faux harmonizes childhood trauma through the filter of the classic book ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ by J.D Salinger and was frequently played on European radio stations as well as music television shows and […]
NewsCheck out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgc8T_PvbDI
This melancholic piece from the hugely talented Hong Faux harmonizes childhood trauma through the filter of the classic book ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ by J.D Salinger and was frequently played on European radio stations as well as music television shows and became one of the band’s biggest hits.
‘Coming Through The Rye‘ is available now on all digital platforms via Golden Robot Records.
Stream/buy: https://bfan.link/HongFaux-coming-through-the-rye
The self-titled compilation album Hong Faux summarizes alternative rock band Hong Faux’s best work to date, from their debut ‘The Crown That Wears the Head’ via the mini-album Hello Neptune to A Message from Dystopia. It’s the perfect introduction to the band, ranging from high octane, heavy and catchy alternative rock anthems, full of hooks galore and riffs that will make you want to jump up and punch your fist through the roof, to mellower, introspective and slow-moving tracks of a more evocative nature, both musically and lyrically.
ABOUT HONG FAUX
Ever since Hong Faux’s very first recorded notes that started their journey from blog, to magazines, to radio and MTV, people have tried to label the music and try to figure out the meaning of the band’s name. A London promoter called it “Old school super sludgy riffology with blues wailin’ vox”. Listening to the songs ‘Present Tense-Less’ and ‘Bad City Blues’ on their debut album, it would be foolish to argue against such a statement. On the other hand, you’ll find the sound that brought together four guys with very diverse musical tastes and backgrounds.
One of the things the band members all dig on the same level is the harder bands that came out of Seattle in the early nineties. So, all put together, with a few added ingredients, you get heavy stoner riff galore with strong melodic vocals that honour the harmonic complexity of the grunge era.
“Our ambition is to combine the guitar riffs from the 70’s, the grunge scenes more melodic arts from the 90’s with modern rock. We have always enjoyed pop choruses and were convinced that the harder rock crew would think we were wimpy. But we were wrong… I guess even the cool dudes like to be tickled on the thighs every once and a while.” – lead singer Nik Serén.
The four-piece has done shows all over Europe, sharing stages with such diverse bands as D-A-D, Clutch, Graveyard, Danko Jones, Coheed and Cambria and Babyshambles. 2022 will see the release of new material, developed sound and live shows. You can count on Hong Faux delivering both weight and melody, just like they always do.
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Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkvanQYJsqI Seething Akira Fights Their ‘Internal Agonist’Out Now Via FiXT Defiant six-piece nu-metal rockers Seething Akira turn introspective with their punishing new nu-metal single “Internal Antagonist.” The aggressive single pushes the hardcore group into even more turbulent wavelengths featuring thrashing guitars waylaid into frenetic and […]
NewsListen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkvanQYJsqI
Seething Akira Fights Their ‘Internal Agonist’
Out Now Via FiXT
Defiant six-piece nu-metal rockers Seething Akira turn introspective with their punishing new nu-metal single “Internal Antagonist.” The aggressive single pushes the hardcore group into even more turbulent wavelengths featuring thrashing guitars waylaid into frenetic and at times outright chaotic synthesizers. Heavy rhythms push the single along at a furious pace; thoughtful and provocative lyrics showcased through an explosive rap/rock vocal performance illustrate further a mental war of the wills when you feel like an imposter in the midst of your own success. The track is a perfect illustration of Imposter Syndrome, where you feel that you don’t deserve where you have managed to get, even though you have worked extremely hard to achieve it.
“‘Internal Antagonist’ is a documented case of imposter syndrome,” states Seething Akira. “The feeling we’re an imposter in our own skin, and the environment we have earned to exist in.”
Explosive. Bombastic. Defiant. Intense. Seething Akira continues to rock on with their gloriously turbulent nu-metal sound towards their next album, Nozomi. Hot off the editorial success of their last album Dysfunctional Wonderland and with recent appearances at the Heavy Music Awards 2022, TECH-FEST, the Hammerdown Festival, UK TechFest, Amplified Festival 2022, an upcoming appearance at the Hairy Dog, in Derby, UK headlining their free Road to Derby event, an appearance at Apocalypse Summer Bash at Bristol, headlining at Southampton, and a recently featured single on the hit Meta Quest VR game Smash Drums with “The Fallen”. With the announcement that they are joining Confession Of A Traitor on selected dates for their UK tour, Seething Akira is not slowing down any time soon.
“Internal Antagonist” is out now from independent multi-genre music label FiXT.
Purchase/Stream: https://found.ee/InternalAntag
Tour dates:
Aug 26th, The Hairy Dog, Derby – Headline
Aug 27th – Apocalypse – The Hobbit, Southampton – Headline
Aug 28th – Apocalypse – Exchange, Bristol – Main support to Death Blooms
Oct 2nd – Ket Club, Leeds – Main support to Confessions Of A Traitor
Oct 7th – Cobblestones, Bridgwater – Main support to Confessions Of A Traitor
Oct 9th – Green Door Store, Brighton – Main support to Confessions Of A Traitor
Oct 22nd – Boston Music Rooms, London – Main support to Confessions Of A Traitor
Explosive. Bombastic. Defiant. Intense. Seething Akira have developed a gloriously turbulent sound that is uniquely their own. Founded by vocalists Charlie Bowes and Kit Conrad, Seething Akira are a 6-piece electronic nu-core band hailing from the seafront city of Portsmouth, UK that have been tearing venues apart across Europe with their powerful fusion of genres since 2012.
The band’s first full-length album, Sleepy Skeletor, dropped in 2018 and made it clear that Seething Akira would be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come. In late 2020, the band launched a series of new singles leading up to their second album, the highly anticipated Dysfunctional Wonderland. With the strength of the band’s music and their popularity with fans rocketing skyward, they connected with electronic rock label FiXT and forged a partnership for their future releases.
Seething Akira has been featured on the Rock Hard Spotify editorial list, while their single “Firepower” landed on Kerrang Radio and Scuzz. “I Am The Devil” and “The Islander”
were both featured on BBC Introducing, and “The Islander” premiered on Soundsphere Magazine.
At home and on the road, Seething Akira have also put their stamp on staple festivals such as Bloodstock, Victorious, Camden Rocks, and many more while touring with bands like The Qemists and The Algorithm. The band dropped the latest album Dysfunctional Wonderland in late 2021 and are now releasing new singles in mid 2022 in the build up to their new album.
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THE STRUTS ARE BACK! The much-loved British rock band who have shaken up America – and beyond – with a much-needed shot of personality and attitude, return this week with the new dance-rocker ‘Fallin’ With Me.’ The band’s first new music since signing with Big Machine […]
NewsTHE STRUTS ARE BACK! The much-loved British rock band who have shaken up America – and beyond – with a much-needed shot of personality and attitude, return this week with the new dance-rocker ‘Fallin’ With Me.’
The band’s first new music since signing with Big Machine Label Group in March, ‘Fallin’ With Me’ finds The Struts’ magnetic frontman Luke Spiller commanding listeners to join him in the wonderland that is L.A.’s Sunset Strip. “Meet at the Rainbow, nine forty-five,” he sings. “Wear something trashy, that’s what I like.”
A Dance-Rock Anthem Inspired by L.A.’s Legendary Sunset Strip.
THE STRUTS, the much-loved British rock band who have shaken up America – and beyond – with a much-needed shot of personality and attitude, return this week with the new dance-rocker ‘Fallin’ With Me.’
The band’s first new music since signing with Big Machine Label Group in March, ‘Fallin’ With Me’ finds The Struts’ magnetic frontman Luke Spiller commanding listeners to join him in the wonderland that is L.A.’s Sunset Strip. “Meet at the Rainbow, nine forty-five,” he sings. “Wear something trashy, that’s what I like.”
Produced by Jayson DeZuzio (Imagine Dragons) and written by Spiller with The Struts guitarist Adam Slack, Joshua Karp, Jesse Thomas, and DeZuzio, ‘Fallin’ With Me’ was inspired by seemingly endless evenings spent on the Strip.
“The song’s lyrics were written down whilst on numerous nights out with someone that I was seeing at the time,” Spiller says. “We always kept meeting at the same place on the Sunset Strip and after a while I had a collection of phrases and lines that all had a certain feel to them.”
The most evocative is the chorus lyric: “Are you fa-fa-fa-fallin’ with me?” Spiller sings, dramatically delivering the query with a staccato flourish as Slack, drummer Gethin Davies, and bassist Jed Elliot help turn it into a decadent come-on.
“The chorus was intended to be a really heartfelt ballad, but once the music had been recorded it took the vocal delivery to another place entirely,” Spiller says. “Fa-fa-fa-fallin’ was just me joking around and having a laugh, but it quickly became a crucial part of setting the tone of the song.”
Formed in Derby, England, in 2012, The Struts have earned a reputation as a must-see live band. They’ve opened for the Rolling Stones and Foo Fighters, played festivals like Lollapalooza and Governors Ball, and headlined their own globe-spanning tours, mesmerizing fans with their onstage swagger and musicianship and Spiller’s unbridled energy. In 2020, the group released their third album Strange Days, featuring collabs with Robbie Williams, Tom Morello, and Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott and Phil Collen.
And this summer The Struts, have just completed another triumphant U.K. tour where they debuted ‘Fallin’ With Me’ for sold-out audiences.
“Fallin’ With Me’ is something that The Struts have never done before. We’ve done a lot of straight-up rock, but this feels different,” Spiller says. “The response we have been getting while performing it live has been electric, so I’m excited for everyone to hear the studio version!”
Golden Robot Records is proud to announce the signing of the eclectic trio, Melody Brothers. The band are no strangers to the industry with the band comprising of Brett Scallions the original lead singer of Fuel, Eddie Wohl who is a five time Emmy Award winning songwriter, composer, producer & […]
NewsGolden Robot Records is proud to announce the signing of the eclectic trio, Melody Brothers.
The band are no strangers to the industry with the band comprising of Brett Scallions the original lead singer of Fuel, Eddie Wohl who is a five time Emmy Award winning songwriter, composer, producer & mixer, whose projects have sold over 6 million units and Billy Harvey completing the trio, producing records for artists like Crystal Bowersox (finalist on season nine of American Idol), Bob Schneider, Pat Byrne (winner of the first series of The Voice of Ireland), Charlie Mars, and Steve Poltz.
Melody Brothers first got together in 2016, when Eddie invited Brett and Billy to his studio for a writing session. Though Brett and Billy had just met, Eddie’s suspicions were spot-on: after just a few days in a room, the trio had three new songs to share. Conflicting commitments saw the band put their project on hold until the world shut down in 2020.
The band refused to let anything get in their way this time. The project was revving up again, and even distance proved a surmountable hurdle. With Billy in Nashville and Eddie and Brett both in California, the group decided to pursue the project virtually, via Zoom and FaceTime calls. Their mentality: “never let anyone tell you that you have to be in a room together to write or record an album.” They started writing, and before you know it, they had written—and recorded—18 songs.
Having already gone through their individual trials and tribulations in the entertainment industry, the band knew exactly what they were looking for when entrusting a label with this project with Scallions commenting “Melody Brothers couldn’t be more excited and proud to be part of the Golden Robot family. As an artist, you are always searching for a team thriving on passion and love for what they do as well as for the music you provide. We have definitely found such traits in the Golden Robot team. The future certainly looks bright for Melody Brothers. Here…we…come.”
The excitement of Melody Brothers joining the Golden Robot Records umbrella can be traced straight into the office of Golden Robot Global Entertainment Group CEO and President Mark Alexander-Erber saying, “From the moment I met Brett in Los Angeles I understood why he is known as one of the nicest guys in rock n roll and I wanted to work with him, so signing him and the band to Golden Robot Records is wonderful and being a fan of each members accomplishments will also make this journey even more exciting. We cant wait for the world to hear what the Melody Brothers has to share with them.”
The band is being overseen by well-established manager Paul Geary who is also excited by the blossoming relationship between Golden Robot Records and Melody Brothers stating “I am thrilled that Melody Brothers have signed a deal with Golden Robot Records. These days it is very difficult to find a record label willing to dig in on the ground level with a new act; and GRR are one of those rare labels. With A-level song writing, performances and an aggressive visionary label leader in Mark Alexander-Erber, the possibilities are endless.”
Melody Brothers are expected to release their first single via Golden Robot Records before the end of 2022.
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ALTER BRIDGE Announce New Album Pawns & Kings Scheduled for Worldwide Release on October 14 via Napalm Records Seventh Studio Album Now Available for Pre-Order HERE Lyric Video For Epic Title Track “Pawns & Kings” Now Available to View HERE [Photo Credit: Chuck Brueckmann] Since 2004, acclaimed rockers […]
NewsALTER BRIDGE Announce New Album Pawns & Kings Scheduled for Worldwide Release on October 14 via Napalm Records
Seventh Studio Album Now Available for Pre-Order HERE
Lyric Video For Epic Title Track “Pawns & Kings” Now Available to View HERE
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[Photo Credit: Chuck Brueckmann] |
Since 2004, acclaimed rockers ALTER BRIDGE have been known for their memorable riffs, infectious vocal melodies and dueling guitar attack that has garnered them critical and fan acclaim around the globe. Now the quartet comprised of Myles Kennedy on vocals/guitars, Mark Tremonti on guitars/vocals, Brian Marshall on bass and Scott Phillips on drums are back with their most-aggressive collection of songs to date. The band’s seventh album Pawns & Kings is scheduled for worldwide release on October 14 via Napalm Records.
Pawns & Kings is comprised of 10 all-new epic tracks that are sure to garner the band new fans around the globe while satiating their fervent supporters that have been patiently waiting for new music from the band. Pawns & Kings found ALTER BRIDGE reuniting with longtime collaborator and producer Michael “Elvis” Baskette to create a collection of memorable new additions to band’s impressive catalog.
From the opening riffs of “This Is War” to the title track album closer “Pawns & Kings,” ALTER BRIDGE returns with an album of intense tracks that were born after the cycle for their last album was cut short by the global pandemic. Songs like “Dead Among The Living,” “Silver Tongue” and “Holiday” showcase the signature songwriting the band is known for. The album offers numerous epic adventures, with three songs clocking in over six minutes each. The opus “Fable Of The Silent Son” clocks in 8:29 and is the longest recorded song in the band’s catalog – a distinction held by “Blackbird” until now. Mark Tremonti steps out of his backing vocal role to take the lead on “Stay,” an introspective ballad that is sure to become a fan favorite live.
The epic closing title track “Pawns & Kings” is now available via all digital service providers around the globe and a lyric video for the song can be found here: https://youtu.be/aTqN0nh7Avk.
Watch the lyric video for the epic title track “Pawns & Kings” HERE: |
The track listing for Pawns & Kings is:
1. This Is War
2. Dead Among The Living
3. Silver Tongue
4. Sin After Sin
5. Stay
6. Holiday
7. Fable Of The Silent Son
8. Season Of Promise
9. Last Man Standing
10. Pawns & Kings
Pawns & Kings is now available for pre-order in the following configurations here:
-CD Digisleeve
-1 LP Gatefold BLACK Vinyl
-1 LP Gatefold INKSPOT BLACK/GOLD Vinyl w/Slipmat and Record Butler (Napalm mail order only, limited to 500 worldwide)
-1 LP Gatefold MARBLED WHITE/CRYSTAL CLEAR Vinyl (Napalm mail order only, limited to 400 worldwide)
-1 LP Gatefold MARBLED ORANGE/BLACK Vinyl (Band Shop only)
-1 LP Gatefold MARBLED WHITE/BLACK Vinyl (Band Shop only)
-1 LP Gatefold CRYSTAL CLEAR Vinyl (Band Shop only, limited to 300 only)
-Deluxe Box Set w/ CD Digisleeve, Pendant, Tote Bag, Guitar Pick tin (Napalm mail order only, limited to 700 worldwide)
-Music Cassette BROWN TRANSPARENT (Napalm mail order only, limited to 150 worldwide)
-Digital Album
Alter Bridge will be touring extensively in support of Pawns & Kings. The band has already announced a tour of Europe for November and December that will make 25 stops over the course of six weeks. The tour kicks off November 1 in Germany and will make stops in Denmark, Sweden, Spain and others before it wraps on December 12 at O2 Arena in the United Kingdom. Longtime friends Halestorm and Mammoth WVH will lend their support on the upcoming European tour. More information on all tour dates and links to tickets can be found at www.alterbridge.com.
Nov 1 – HAMBURG, GERMANY – Sporthalle
Nov 2 – COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – Falconer
Nov 4 – PARTILLE, SWEDEN – Partille Arena
Nov 5 – OSLO, NORWAY – Sentrum Scene
Nov 7 – KATOWICE, POLAND – MCK
Nov 9 – ESCH-SUR-ALZETTE, LUXEMBOURG – Rockhal
Nov 11 – BERLIN, GERMANY – Columbiahalle
Nov 12 – HLAVNÍ MĚSTO PRAHA, CZECH REPUBLIC – O2 Universum
Nov 14 – BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – Budapest Arena
Nov 16 – PARIS, FRANCE – Palais Des Sports
Nov 18 – MADRID, SPAIN – Vistalegre
Nov 20 – BARCELONA, SPAIN – Razzmataz1
Nov 22 – MUNICH, GERMANY – Zenith
Nov 23 – ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND – Samsung Hall
Nov 25 – ASSAGO, ITALY – Mediolanum Forum
Nov 26 – ZAGREB, CROATIA – Dom Sportova
Nov 28 – VIENNA, AUSTRIA – Wiener Stadthalle
Nov 30 – KÖLN, GERMANY – Palladium
Dec 1 – AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – Ziggo Dome
Dec 5 – NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – Motorpoint Arena
Dec 6 – GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – OVO Hydro Arena
Dec 8 – DUBLIN, IRELAND – 3 Arena
Dec 9 – MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AO Arena
Dec 11 – BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – Resorts World Arena
Dec 12 – LONDON, ENGLAND – O2 Arena
ALTER BRIDGE have steadily climbed to the forefront of hard rock worldwide. They’ve exceeded all expectations and benchmarks with over a billion streams, millions of units sold, glowing critical acclaim, real estate on the covers of Classic Rock Magazine and Guitar World, and storied sets at Royal Albert Hall, the O2 Arena and Download Festival. On this journey, 2004’s debut LP One Day Remains bowed in the Top 5 of the Billboard Top 200 and went gold. In 2007, Blackbird’s title track took flight on the wings of the “Greatest Guitar Solo of All Time,” as voted in Guitarist Magazine, while countless fans etched its lyrics and logo onto their bodies. That album also recently went gold in the United Kingdom. Critical plaudits surrounded the 2013 opus Fortress with “5-out-of-5 stars” from KERRANG! and Total Guitar, as well as Eddie Trunk’s declaration of, “A Top 10 album of the last 10 years.” 2016’s The Last Hero saw them return to the Top 10 on the Top 200. Maintaining this momentum, Walk The Sky made impressions around the globe when it reached #1 on the US Billboard Top Albums, Top 200 Alternative Albums, Top 200 Hard Rock Albums and Top 200 Rock Albums charts, as well as #1 on Canada’s Top Hard Music Albums chart. The album also hit #1 on the Swiss Album charts, landed in the Top 5 on the Canada, UK, Germany, Austria, Scotland and Switzerland charts and closed out the year on Loudwire’s “The 50 Best Rock Albums of 2019.” These musicians have unassumingly done all of this with a quiet dedication to writing meaningful songs and performing unforgettable shows (and they’ve delivered both with almost alarming consistency). Still, the influential quartet—Myles Kennedy [vocals, guitar], Mark Tremonti [guitar, vocals], Brian Marshall [bass], and Scott Phillips [drums]—ascend to yet another level on 2022’s Pawns & Kings [Napalm Records]. It is the culmination of almost two decades together soaked in blood, sweat, tears, and the triumph earned through never giving up. It represents the bandmates’ dedication to one another and their collective devotion to a devout fanbase.
Find Alter Bridge Online:
Website: www.alterbridge.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alterbridge
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialalterbridge/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/alterbridge
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/alterbridgeofficial/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialalterbridge
Spotify: Alter Bridge
Apple Music: Alter Bridge
Video: Watch HERE Sweet Poison to be Released October 21, 2022 via Napalm Records | Pre-Order NOW! [photo credit: Vera Friederich Fasten your seatbelts – THE NEW ROSES are back with their fifth studio album Sweet Poison, to be released on October 21, 2022 via […]
NewsVideo: Watch HERE
Sweet Poison to be Released October 21, 2022 via Napalm Records | Pre-Order NOW!
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Fasten your seatbelts – THE NEW ROSES are back with their fifth studio album Sweet Poison, to be released on October 21, 2022 via Napalm Records! After their previous record, Nothing But Wild, hit the Top 10 on the German album charts, the quartet went on to share stages with rock legends like the Scorpions, Saxon and Accept. This summer, they even had the chance to tour with genre giants KISS and were the first German band invited to KISS Kruise! Sweet Poison bottles this potent energy on record, convincing with authentic hard rock and enormous hit density. THE NEW ROSES are on the way to the top of rock!
Get a taste of Sweet Poison with the first single “The Usual Suspects”, straight off the new album. Let the catchy chorus take you on an unforgettable ride on the highway of rock, while frontman Timmy Rough’s voice catapults you to new spheres. The amazing live performance shown in the official music video is just a glimpse of their latest touring experience – convince yourself and dive into the world of THE NEW ROSES.
THE NEW ROSES on the new single:
“’The Usual Suspects’ was one of the first songs we recorded for Sweet Poison and kind of paved the way for all the songs that came after that. We all realized that we don’t wanna write about the disappointments and struggles we had to deal with during all these lockdowns and being banned from the stage. No, ‘The Usual Suspects’ made us look ahead, It helped not to forget what and who we are: A damn Rock’n’Roll band! The title says it all: We’re the usual suspects and our fans are the usual suspects. We haven’t changed, we’re not bitter. We’ll be back on the road and we keep on rocking right where we had to stop…“
Watch the video for “The Usual Suspects” HERE! |
Their latest effort, Sweet Poison, opens with the guitar-driven anthem “My Kinda Crazy,” which kicks off the album in a worthy manner. In addition to rousing anthems, Sweet Poison features authentically rocking Americana tracks like “Playing With Fire” and “Sweet Gloria.” “Warpaint” is undoubtedly a massive track in which the band unleashes its intangible energy with hard guitar riffs and powerful drums, while “The Usual Suspects” and “1st Time For Everything” impress with their catchy choruses. Tracks like “Dead Of Night” build on a distinct melody and develop into strong stadium rock anthems. With songs like “All I Ever Needed”, THE NEW ROSES also show their softer side. The strong mid-tempo rock ballad revives the atmosphere of Guns N’ Roses’ moving ballads, while front man Timmy Rough passionately presents the full range of his voice, which can also be heard impressively on the touching acoustic track “True Love“.
Sweet Poison is an outstanding rock album with an impressive hit density, seeing the band outdo themselves again and again, reviving true 80s rock. Hold on tight, because THE NEW ROSES shift up a gear and take you on a journey to the horizon of American rock grandeur!
Timmy Rough on the new album:
“When we recorded Sweet Poison, we took all the bad vibes, all our struggle and disappointments of the last two years and turned them into this incredibly positive, high energy Rock n’ Roll album. We don’t bitch at all, we wanna move forward and take our audience along with us. We stayed on our musical path, in fact I’d say we even went back closer to our roots and added some more of our Blues and Southern spirit while still keeping the catchy melodies of our last records. But hey, talk is cheap, so turn it up and have some fun!“
Pre-Order Sweet Poison NOW!
Sweet Poison tracklist:
1. My Kinda Crazy
2. Playing With Fire
3. All I Ever Needed
4. The Usual Suspects
5. Warpaint
6. Dead Of Night
7. True Love
8. 1st Time for Everything
9. Sweet Gloria
10. The Lion In You
11. Veins Of This Town
Sweet Poison is available to pre-order in these formats:
1 LP Gatefold Black Vinyl
1 LP Gatefold Marbled Red Black (limited to 300 copies)
CD Digipak + Wristband
CD Digipak
Digital Album
THE NEW ROSES live:
20.10.22 GE – Bochum/Zeche
21.10.22 GE – Osnabrück/Rosenhof
22.10.22 GE – Aschaffenburg/ Colos-Saal
27.10.22 GE – Nürnberg/ Hirsch
28.10.22 GE – Berlin/Hole44
29.10.22 GE – Leipzig/ Hellraiser
04.11.22 GE – Stuttgart/ Im Wizemann
05.11.22 GE – Munich/ Backstage Werk
11.11.22 AT – Vienna /Szene
12.11.22 AT – Wörgl/Komma
18.11.22 GE – Cologne/ Kantine
19.11.22 GE – Wiesbaden/Schlachthof
25.11.22 GE – Hannover/Musikzentrum
26.11.22 GE – Hamburg/ Markthalle
THE NEW ROSES are:
Timmy Rough – vocals, guitar
Dizzy Daniels – guitar
Hardy – bass
Urban Berz – drums
THE NEW ROSES online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER
NAPALM RECORDS
Saturday. An intervention of fate meant we sadly had to miss the first day of Steelhouse Festival and by all accounts it was a cracking day on all fronts, so we arrive nice and early on Saturday to make sure we don’t miss any of […]
Gig reviewsSaturday.
An intervention of fate meant we sadly had to miss the first day of Steelhouse Festival and by all accounts it was a cracking day on all fronts, so we arrive nice and early on Saturday to make sure we don’t miss any of the action.
If you ever needed an example of how to open a festival and fire up the audience to get a party started then you’d have to look no further than Mother Vulture’s set at Steelhouse. Right from Planet Rock’s Ian Danter’s introduction the Bristol based quartet proceed to whip up a frenzy as guitarist Brodie Maguire and bassist Chris Simpson franticly cover every inch of the stage; jumping, spinning and rolling it’s as intense to watch as the music is punkishly heavy. New single ‘Honey’ gets an airing but the stage it seems is still not big enough to contain them with singer Georgi Valentine jumping into the pit and an incredible move from Maguire that sees him leap the pit into the crowd and roll around on the floor all still while playing guitar.
These actions have endeared themselves to Steelhouse and will be all the more memorable for it. As they conclude their half hour Valentine asks “who’d see us again?” the crowd’s affirmative response confirms they’ve picked up a good new number of followers today.
Glasweigian trio Anchor Lane are next up and keep the pace with a more traditional hard rock slant. Frontman Conor Gaffney works the stage well in a more considered manner and switches to second guitar when needed. ‘Blood And Irony’ has a distinctly groovy riff courtesy of guitarist Lawrence O’Brien and their take on reality TV in ‘Fame Shame’ also suitably impresses. It was my first time catching the band and won’t be the last. They are on tour later in the year with The Virginmarys.
A change of pace beckons for locals Cardinal Black. Having recently caught them on their tour supporting The Struts, this was a set I was keen to catch. Frontman Tom Hollister is keen to remind us that under the guise of TH3 they played the very first Steelhouse Festival in 2011. The trio reconvened during lockdown adding Sam Williams on bass and changing the name. It’s a joy to get up close and watch Chris Buck, and especially his right hand as he moves between plectrum and fingerpicking on ‘Tell Me How It Feels’. Similarly impressive is Tom Hollister’s soulful vocals throughout although ‘Jump In’ was a stand out moment.
This really was a case of letting the music do the talking with no fancy lights or stage antics, and while Tom had earlier joked about leaving the ramp to the rockers, by the end of their set he couldn’t resist walking out and rolling along it at the end in one of the day’s funnier moments.
The Von Hertzen Brothers then put in another style into the mix with a full on prog set through one of the wetter parts of the day. Some focus is given to their new album ‘Red Alert In The Blue Forest’ but fan favourites such as ‘Flowers And Rust’ and ‘New Day Rising’ are well received.
With original frontman Kenny Leckremo returning to the fold and a new album (Force Majeure) due for imminent release H.E.A.T. come across as a band rejuvenated and put in a dynamic performance. With their new singles released ahead of the album, there’s already a familiarity with ‘Back To The Rhythm’ and ‘Hollywood’, and the catchy choruses has the crowd singing along just as much as older favourites like ‘Rock Your Body’ and ‘Come Clean’. Leckremo in particular puts in an energetic performance and seems to be enjoying himself as much as anyone and their enthusiasm through the rain is infectious. He relishes his moments on the ramp being in and amongst the fans and comments “This is great. We need to have one of these at all our shows”. They close out with a raucous ‘A Shot At Redemption’.
Rainbow’s ‘Down To Earth’ album was released 43 years ago, almost to the day and Graham Bonnet’s appearance at Steelhouse is part of several UK dates celebrating the album. Choosing to select the best tracks from it and mix them in amongst other career highlights and current songs is a much more preferable option than just running through the album in its entirety. ‘Eyes Of The World’ makes for a powerful opener with its keyboard intro and Conrado Pesinato nailing the guitar solo. ‘All Night Long’ and ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’ guarantee good participation from the Steelhouse choir, and Graham seems to relish singing ‘Making Love’. His biggest hit, ‘Night Games’, sounds exceptional and Bonnet is in fine form. So good in fact that the following day there were people convinced he was miming. Clearly they hadn’t picked up on his ad libs, my favourite being changing a line in the lyrics of ‘Eyes Of The World’ about not wanting to go out on the wet ramp. Graham and the rest of the band put in a brilliant performance and a fantastic closing ‘Lost In Hollywood’ was the icing on the cake.
A late change to the line up saw Ace Frehley being replaced by Saxon,making it their third appearance at the festival. Although Biff’s revelation later in the show that three of the band had only just recovered from Covid in time to play is a reminder how difficult it must still be in putting on shows with potential last minute cancellations. Thankfully there was none of that. Biff and the boys were in fine fettle and delivered a greatest hits set that commenced with a blistering ‘Motorcycle Man’ setting the pace. As is now customary at Saxon gigs is that Biff will take a fan’s denim ‘battlejacket’ and wear it for part of the show. The irony of picking one that had a huge KISS patch across the back was not lost on him. With Nigel Glocker powering things along from the back its relentless classic after classic; ‘Strong Arm Of The Law’, ‘Solid Ball Of Rock’ and the more recent tribute to Lemmy ‘They Played Rock And Roll’ fill the night air. As the drizzle turns into a heavy mist it makes for an eerily atmospheric ‘The Eagle Has Landed’.
Toby Jepson, who has been involved in the production of recent Saxon albums, joined the band for ‘And The Bands Played On’. The encore of ‘Strangers In The Night’ and ‘Princess Of The Night’ may be predictable, but that doesn’t make these timeless classics any less enjoyable. A superb set and end to a wonderful day with an eclectic mix of music.
Sunday.
In contrast to the previous day, Sunday starts with a liberal application of sun tan lotion and we arrive in the arena as Darren Reddick is introducing Ashen Reach explaining that the opening set on the final day of any festival is the hardest slot to play. Well the Liverpudlians didn’t seem to have any problem attracting a decent crowd to the front, or getting them involved during their energetic set. The bass high in the mix for ‘Heir To The Throne’ helps in encouraging those down the front to jump up and down to the riff heavy song. ‘Prey’ sees a more melodic side while still retaining a heaviness that plays out in somewhat of an epic with Kyle Stanley’s tortured vocals matching the dark subject matter of the lyrics.
With a stage set with colourful fractal drapes over the amps and lamp shades that your gran would be proud of you’d guess that These Wicked Rivers are going to be playing something a little more laid back. Suited, booted with a penchant for hats and sporting some rather impressive facial hair the Derby based band unleash a mix of heavy blues and Southern rock with a modern edge. ‘Shine On’ moves along with a swagger and ‘Evergreen’ kicks along at a fair pace with a crunching riff. Their short set closes with ‘Don’t Pray For Me’; a dynamic anthem that segues into a briefly into Neil Young’s ‘Hey Hey My My’ before reaching its conclusion. Impressive stuff all round and I regret our paths not crossing earlier.
King Herd are a fine band with a solid pedigree. Dave Taylor previously came to my attention when he fronted Raven Vandelle and Karl Spain has sat on the drum stool as a session man for countless bands from Feeder, Jon Lord, Joss Stone to James Blunt and Gary Barlow. They are joined by Ray Loverock and Tom Longworth on bass and guitar respectively.
They are in the process of recording their debut album but the singles ‘Medicine’ and ‘Remedy’ have both had a fair amount of airplay on Planet Rock. Both tracks are played today and get a good reaction, as does new song ‘Halo’. In fact all the songs are strong and I reckon the album is going to be pretty special. However, while the band are clearly enjoying themselves, aside from a handful of “alroight me babbies” comments from Taylor, there isn’t a great deal of engagement with the crowd and none of the band move a great deal on the stage. It feels that a little more activity and engagement would have tipped the balance into making it a much more memorable set.
Green Lung are introduced as “possibly the most interesting band of the festival, with their mix of folk and metal”. The introduction is a little misleading as musically there is little folk influence, and more of a stoner prog sound to their music. Their subject matter on the other hand seems steeped in folklore and the occult; ‘The Ritual Tree’ and ‘Call Of The Coven’ are suitably doomy meanderings which bring to mind Cathedral, while ‘Bear The Mark’ ventures into more traditional metal territory. While undoubtedly more suited to playing dark venues with billowing dry ice, their set in the sunshine translated well with a favourable response.
Blue skies and sunshine greet NWOBHM stalwarts Diamond Head as they take to the stage for a full on assault with ‘Play It Loud’ followed swiftly with ‘The Messenger’, one of many highlights from 2019’s Coffin Train album. Newer songs ‘Bones’ and ‘Set My Soul On Fire’ sound glorious and are received as well as the classics of ‘It’s Electric’ ‘Lightning To The Nations’ and ‘Heat Of The Night’ by an enthusiastic crowd. Earlier in the year at Hammersmith Apollo a fan handing his prosthetic leg to the band made it into national newspapers. He’s here again and the leg makes another appearance. Holding it aloft Ras makes an endearing speech explaining that the leg represents the rock community where we look after one another and if one should fall we help them backup. This rightly receives a heartfelt cheer. Of course, their set could only end one way and Brian Tatler takes centre stage to crank out the riff to ‘Am I Evil?’ and It’s nice that the Steelhouse crowd, who are usually such a friendly bunch, managed to be evil if only for seven minutes.
In recent years Michael Schenker seems to have enjoyed working with a huge variety of musicians both live and on record which seems to fire his creativity. His recent UK tour had Ronnie Romero fronting the band, and as fine a singer that he is, the news that Robin Macaulay would be singing the full set at Steelhouse was something I was really looking forward to. A sublime ‘Into The Arena’ gets things underway and Macaulay joins for ‘Cry For The Nations’ which sees Schenker at his mercurial best. Add in a jaw dropping ‘Doctor Doctor’ and there’s nowhere better to be than standing on a mountain in the sunshine merely feet away from one our generations finest guitarists.
It’s great to see ‘Looking For Love’ in the set which features one of Schenker’s best melodies. It is also hugely satisfying to see how much Schenker is genuinely enjoying himself. From the new album, the Ronnie James Dio tribute ‘A King Is Gone’ goes down well, as does the other new one, ‘Sail The Darkness’. Interestingly none of the songs Macaulay sang on either recently or from his MSG days is played. Instead, the set develops into a UFO special, with the second half of the set solely made up of songs from his early years with the band. It all makes more sense when at one point Schenker takes the mic and explains that 50 years ago he was getting on a plane to the UK to join UFO so this is kind of a celebration of that time.
‘Rock Bottom’ sounds glorious and his solo, which never seems to be exactly the same, genuinely sends a shiver down the spine. ‘Lights Out’, ‘Shoot Shoot’ and ‘Too Hot to Handle’ all hit the spot and ‘Only You Can Rock Me’ concludes a masterclass performance which stole the day for me.
Europe were originally billed to headline Steelhouse 2020 and we all know happened to that. With 2021’s festival just scraping in after lockdown restrictions, there was no way they were going to make it, so two years later here we are. Technical issues delay the start of their set a little and Joey Tempest fills in time chatting to the crowd and asking them their favourite Europe songs. The reply is a sadly predictable “The Final Countdown”.
A few moments later, switches are flicked, John Norum appears and we’re in business with ‘Walk The Earth’. It may only be a couple of months since they were last in the UK playing with Foreigner and Whitesnake, but it’s good to catch a full set taking in some of the deeper cuts. ‘Scream In Anger’ hails back to the Wings Of Tomorrow album when keyboards were less dominant and ‘Hole In My Pocket’ isn’t a million miles away from that with Norum’s wah-wah solo, but the big hitters aren’t far away and ‘Carrie’ and ‘Rock The Night’ come thick and fast. A mid set ‘Open Your Heart’ takes thing down a notch or two and sees Tempest swapping his mic stand swinging for acoustic guitar.
As the set begins to draw to a close ‘Superstitious’ has an excerpt of Whitesnake’s ‘Here I Go Again’ tastefully included during the middle for a huge Steelhouse sing along. But there was only ever one way this was going and Mic Michaeli’s instantly recognisable keyboard intro ushers in ‘The Final Countdown’ and brings their set to its bombastic conclusion, and the fireworks signify the end of Steelhouse for another year.
Hats off to Mikey, Max and all those involved in putting on another splendid festival, especially in the current climate. It was a resounding success and so good to see a diverse selection of bands that offered plenty for everyone and also the opportunity to watch something you may not have come across otherwise. The dates have been set for 2023 (28th – 30th July). You’d be a fool to miss it.
Words & images: Rich Ward
You know you have been to a great gig when people still sing in the venue, and on the streets, once the show is finished. This was the case for Doyle’s performance at The Underworld. Last Tuesday, The Underworld stage gave its way to horror […]
Gig reviewsYou know you have been to a great gig when people still sing in the venue, and on the streets, once the show is finished. This was the case for Doyle’s performance at The Underworld.
Last Tuesday, The Underworld stage gave its way to horror punk-rock band Doyle supported by 6am Saint and So Long Until The Séance (S.L.U.T.S.). Outside of Doyle, I didn’t know much about the others, so it was a real pleasure getting to experience something new.
6am Saint were the first to go, formed in 2018 by frontman Nathan Fire Jackson. Nathan shared his story of how years before he managed to grab one of Doyle’s guitar picks and the luck it gave to his band – maybe the real ‘Pick of Destiny’ that Tenacious D was looking for. It was clear the band was well chuffed to be there as they delivered a performance with a good stage presence and some serious drumming skills. I think, given a chance, they will go somewhere. They played a mix of old and new tracks, including ‘Poppin’ Indigo’ – probably one of my favourites from this band – ‘We Out’, ‘East Street’ and ‘Spino’. This is one of those bands that is best experienced live.
Next were S.L.U.T.S. a quintet from Ireland who looked very crammed on a stage that had 2 drum kits on it, but still managed to find a way to move about and cross each other during the show. Opening their set was ‘Carol Anne’, a song on the slowish side, with a very catchy chorus which I thought would have been better-suited midway, once they had a warmed-up audience that could have sang along. The tunes that followed were ‘Dead Boys’ and ‘Necrophiliac, both tracks from their B-Movies Superstars album released in 2021, a cross between 69 Eyes and Cradle of Filth. ‘Prom Night’, ‘Suspiria’ and ‘The Hex’ came next. The set ended with their latest single ‘These Ghouls’. The highlight of this band? in true horror style, mid-way through the gig, frontman Mike Van D ‘strangling’ one of his guitar players with his mic’s cable – of course, a nice farce which was fun to watch.
Now to the meaty part of the night, Doyle entered the stage with the ever imposing figure of white and black painted Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein, followed by bondage masked Alex Wolfman Story, bass player Brandon Strate and drummer Wade Murff. The energy of the band and the crowd were to the roof, with the band kicking off with ‘Abominator’ – a nice warm-up setting the pace of the night – followed by ‘Beast Like Me’ and ‘Cemetery Sexxx’.
To those new to the band, Doyle doesn’t just offer amazing music, they also offer a dramatic performance, this time led by Alex singing and jumping so much to the point he had to give up his mask during ‘Show No Mercy’, followed by a series of water showers and body floor dragging which blew to full-on sexual references to the sound of ‘Witchcraft’.
Song after song, the pace was kept fast and unstoppable, with Doyle’s angry guitar slapping and chewing gum balloon popping – I wouldn’t be in between his hand and guitars, I was only a couple of inches from him and that was thrilling and scary at the same time – with an audience getting hotter and crazier by the minute, pushing to the front trying to reach out to the members and even throwing a glass of whiskey to Alex’s face- let’s just say he was not happy about it. The only quiet moments were those in between songs, with Alex presumably catching his breath and telling the people in the room “you can dance to it if you want to” and the time he left the stage to reach the middle of the room during ‘Witchcraft’. Among the other tracks played through the night there were ‘Dreaming Dead Girls’, ‘Valley of Shadows’, ‘We Belong Dead’ closing with ‘Where Hell Is Warm’.
The night ended with the ladies, coming out from the restroom, singing ‘Cemetery Sexxx’ out loud.
Words & images: Anna Marchesani (Nocturna Photography)
Welcome to Amplified 2022, this is the third, and final, day of the three-day event; the first two day’s events took place in London before moving up North to the not-so-leafy suburbs of Central Manchester. Nine bands on the menu tonight, starting with Overthrone and […]
Gig reviewsWelcome to Amplified 2022, this is the third, and final, day of the three-day event; the first two day’s events took place in London before moving up North to the not-so-leafy suburbs of Central Manchester.
Nine bands on the menu tonight, starting with Overthrone and ending with Saint Agnes.
Band 1: Overthrone
Overthrone kicked off the show with a welcome to the crowd, the band cheered back before they jumped into their first song of the day. With a mix of heavy deep vocals and soft it’s the perfect blend. They personally give a While She Sleeps and Parkway Drive vibe to the festival. Their vocalist goes deep with his heavy vocals. Their Bassist creates the perfect combination with his soft vocals. The second guitarist runs around the stage, spinning around with his guitar as he plays and kicks his legs so high in the air.
They encourage the crowd to get hyped and create some energy, the crowd headbands to the bass and before you know it, it may be 12:55pm but a pit is already beginning to form.
“Are you ready to pick up the pass again?” Before jumping into one of their heavier tracks. The crowd growls, screams matching the intensity of the bass perfectly. This is truly a band that’s going up! The headbands are slow, they’re deep, and they’re dirty in a good way.
They thank the crowd before the slow intense backing track begins. All in sync they end with their most intense song of the night. The high kick to end all high kicks is brought in. For a band to kick off a day festival. They sure know how to amp up the crowd and the volume!
Band 2: Throne of Icarus
Very different vibe to the first band. These guys are giving me every bit of Viking that they could. The long hair, the long beards, the deep aggressive vocals.
Before they even begin during set up they’re interacting with the crowd.
I can already tell this one will be a lot more intense. There’s no clean vocals for this one, it’s all growls, it’s all screams. It’s all heavy! It’s deep, it’s fast, it’s everything a metal head ordered!
It’s getting hot, a slow backing track is played, the vocalist pours water over his head. He knows how hard he’s going for the next song. An incredible riff kicks off with their guitarist. Then a pure 15 second no drop in its scream begins. Not one vocal drop during the entire 15 seconds. I’m getting older slayer vibes mixed in with the vocalist sounding like a blend of Suicide Silence and Cannibal Corpse.
Even the staff are loving the show at the back of the crowd making their own miniature pit as they overlook the show!
I really hope the guitarist gives his neck a rest later on after the amount of times he’s swung his hair around during this set.
If the crowd didn’t know this band before they definitely do now!
He may be intimidating but their frontman doesn’t hide the smile on his face when he looks into the crowd and sees staff and punters head banging along to every song and every single one of them has kept their spot.
Only fault of the show was the ending which just seemed very dry, their final song ended and the crowd stood there awkwardly waiting for another or possibly their final song of the set. To only see the band clearing their gear away and hear the playlist of Rebellion.
Band 3: Defects
2:30pm Defects take to the stage, the lights are orange and green. Vocalist Tony connects with the crowd getting on his knees being at eye level as he belts out lyrics about life over the past 2 years as well as ten! He changes from intense deep growls to soft vocals in the space of seconds, you could say they have two frontmen but nope it’s all him and him alone.
Bassist David, someone who has so much passion has he plays! He has such an intense amount of concentration and love in his eyes as he plays. The happiness playing these tracks is obvious.
“How the fuck are we feeling?! Alive?! Alive?” The song slows down before the crowd gathers together to sway their hands!
Last song: Recurring.
Tony does not hold back as he jumps into the crowd running around the floor to every member of the crowd getting hyped, fans running with him as he belts out lyric after lyric. Screaming is an intense skill to learn but running at that pace and keeping the vocals perfect is another thing which he nailed perfectly! Guitarists and backing vocals take the middle of the stage to keep the attention in both areas! Smoke comes out of his mouth and he shreds the riff. Before the song ends with Tony at eye level with the crowd. And a healthy welcome to meet the band around the festival and at the merch stands.
Band 4: Asleep At The Helm
Manchester based band back in their hometown!
When people say the Manchester metal scene is dying or it’s gone. They’re wrong, it’s back and it’s big!
Have you ever had a band that’s so down to earth and so incredibly intense? That’s the best way to describe these guys! Before coming on you see this soft and wholesome persona, but the second they play you can hear how heavy they can really go! Manchester’s IPrevail in a nutshell, the perfect combination of scream and soft brought by vocalists Dylan and Adam. Showing the pride of their hometown with every intro to each song, the ballad mixed with scream. The band shows their closeness and how they can’t be apart with how close each member is even on stage.
The lights change on stage to match the emotion of each song, blue when the emotions come in and red the second the bass drops! Flashing lights for the drop of the screams!
Band 5: Seething Akira
Oh God how do you describe these guys?
Beastie boys mixed with Electric Callboy with insane drops and breakdowns. With two frontmen, one who is so unpredictable you just have to watch him constantly.
You have to really listen to see him at first, as he’s probably running around the crowd merging in. While the rest of the band is on the stage, their own bright RGB lights on both sides of the drummer. They light up the stage with an electronic backing track.
Front man 1: wearing a shirt that says IceCream in bright neon colors, front man two wearing baggy black shirt, cap, and shorts. While the guitarist looks every bit of a metal main guitarist doting all black and black skinny jeans. The bassist wears black eyeliner, an Emo version of a Hawaiian shirt and black skinny jeans.
They’re very much a mix. There’s humor all around the place as front man 1 watches front man 2 run around and cause chaos in the crowd. If you don’t want to run into him I would recommend standing back. Despite their electronic backing tracks, they have breakdowns just like any metal band, high jumps and heavy head breaking strong enough to break a neck.
Band 6: Monasteries
If you want deathly growls and full cannibal corpses without the disturbing song titles. There’s a band for you! Full death metal has taken Manchester with these guys. And once again the voice does not match looks, a shock in the best way!
High and low grows take over Rebellion, heavy bass and a lot of long curly hair too!
Wholesome song dedications, with vocals if you weren’t a metal fan this would baffle you. But the crowd isn’t upset with showing how the community binds together. Who knew a band could go so hard they send a small piece of equipment flying 😂
Band 7: ChuggaBoom
We all know slipknot we’re used to bands in masks. How about a band in masks but going full Phantom of the opera?!
Every member dresses differently, a suit? Sure, denim jackets and skinny jeans? Yeah also a black long cardigan too. All with phantom of the opera masks to go with.
They have a kind of heavier day to remember with their soft vocals but hard screams mixed in. Full metal core!
Weirdly it always feels good for bands to remind us of the Emo phase we *definitely* grew out of. Yeah we definitely did.
Starting off with a lyric “when I was a young boy” but going on to talk about step dads hating his skinny jeans. Threw me off for a second.
You know it’s a good show when the photographer aka me can’t get to the front of the stage for pictures because the crowd covers it!
Vocalist Levi jumps into the crowd for the slow part of their song with fans crowded around him, their head banging in sync.
Of course a metal version of Bohemian Rhapsody had to be done! In full form and for a man who does deep growls he hits Freddie’s high notes too!
The band features Guitarist Leo Carter, Vocalist Levi Taurus, Lead Guitarist John Virgo, Bassist Avira Caprica and Drummer Caster Holland. If you think you will find much on them, you will be sadly wrong, their individual instagrams aren’t known or known if they have one and their website is short an simple, social links and merch link. But they do have the great website url of www.chuggaboom.wtf
Band 8: Vexed
Vexed came on as the second to last band of the night. The first female fronted band of the night, all doting black with the only color being their vocalist’s platinum blonde hair.
There’s no softness here though, it’s all deep it’s all heavy it’s all dark and badass!
The band from Hertfordshire combine aggressive groove mixed with threads of progressive atmosphere into their performance. The strobe lights that hit the stage amplify the lyrics she screams, the bass and the lights combine and shakes the room to its core, with vocals no one was expecting, you could be a fan of this band and you could have been waiting to see them and when you finally do in this room, the depth that her vocals go and the combination of the three other members go hard, that would shock any major fan and new comer.
Band 9: Saint Agnes
Last but not least Saint Agnes takes the stage, the lights go out and the backing track begins, they exit the dressing room and take to the stage, with lead vocalist Kitty jumping to life almost instantly, with sinister siren eyes she looks over the crowd.
The guitar, bass and drums kick in and they are in full force, the smoke machine covers the stage and the mic stand is knocked down in the first minute and then goes to the guitar.
The sound seemed incredibly low compared to previous bands that had been on during the day which was a shame to me Kitty’s vocals couldn’t be heard too much over the sound of her bandmates, if she was aware of this it didn’t show, the look in her eyes never changed and she never broke.
She picked up the guitar and went for it, regardless of the setbacks she might have had at the beginning of the set. The band ended the festival on a high in the true style it was meant to go in.
At this festival today I saw people arrive on their own. After a couple of bands you saw them come together, run in the pits together and each other as they went fucking nuts!
I saw some of the best bands to crowd interactions. Bigger shows can be incredible all they want, but nothing beats the energy of smaller shows, the pits are insane, the crowd just hits differently. The Amplified Festival really showed that today in Manchester!
Words & images: Lauren Allard