We take a look at
As I Lay Dying’s
Awakened
Plus
fashion reviews and more!
Cultimate Edition
Halloween special
The Lost Boys 25 years on
Meet the talented nail artist, Nancy MC, and her spooky creations
Georgi Bomb Editor Michael Long Designer Andrew Neary Staff Manager & Film Writer Greorge Dickson Film Writer
Rob Bayley Film Writer
Steffan Chandler Music Writer
Contents 05 Editors Letter 05 Online teaser
Music
09 As I Lay Dying 11 Music Reviews
Film
14 Cultimate Edition The Evil Dead 15 Film Reviews 18 The Lost Boys, 25 Years On
Features
23 Nancy MC, Nail Art
Street Fashion
28 Street Fashion and Art from the heart of Madrid
04 Culture Bomb
Hello Everyone!
I
t’s getting far too cold now so hopefully the stunning photos from our cover feature will warm your cockles. Nancy MC is an extremely talented artist and I wish her all the best. We have plenty of live shows, new features coming up soon so subscribe to the magazine, bookmark the website and we always love to hear what you think.
Don’t forget to like the Facebook page and follow us on Twitter(culturebombnews)! At the moment, it’s all about the ridiculously photogenic metal guy so please post your favourites onto the page. Plus, if you want to join the team then please get in touch. We’re always keen to hear from new talent. Email the staff manager at andrewneary89@yahoo.com. It can’t go unmentioned that this month has been the Goth’s Christmas that is otherwise known as Halloween! Send us photos of your fancy dress costumes so we can make a gallery on the website! The more inventive your outfits are, the better. Hope it’s been a good October for you all. Speak soon!
Georgi B
See you next month!
Editor
Culture Bomb 05
There’s plenty happening online this month! We have a highly detailed review of the new movie, Looper., featuring the gorgeous Bruce Willis. And who here remembers Terrorvision? Well check out the review of Hellbound Hearts, featuring their former bassist. If you’re into metal then you’re in for a treat as we have some fantastic reviews coming up, such as Pathology’s new album, Sicadiss’ debut and plenty more. If beauty is your thing, then look out for new writer, Rudi, who has plenty of tutorials and features surrounding all things fashionable and pretty! We can’t wait for those! Also make sure to swatch the rather vibrant interview with Jonny Davy, otherwise as the cheeky front man in death metal act, Job For A Cowboy. Not only that, but there’s been some rather entertaining Youtube videos cropping up so get on over and have a gander!
06 Culture Bomb
Music
As I Lay Dying by Steffan Chandler
Culture Bomb 09
Music The band’s sixth release on Metal Blade Records, Awakened is an exercise in concise song writing and polished delivery. The songs are direct, to the point and the production is suitably punchy. As I Lay Dying have approached this album with real focus, and as a result have upped their game once again. Cauterize (the first single to be released online) is a burst of pure energy; the breakneck speed of Jordan Macino’s drumming coupled with the dual guitar attack of Phil Sgrosso and Nick Hippa make for a potent concoction. Tim Lambesis’ vocals are stronger than ever, his performance conveying greater feeling and conviction this time round. Bassist/backing vocalist Josh Gilbert also shines, in particular during tracks such as ‘Resilience’ and ‘No Lungs to Breathe’. Much like their fellow countrymen, Unearth and Shadows Fall, As I Lay Dying have remained true to their roots. Each album has seen incremental improvements, and although the same can definitely be said for Awakened, the truth is that the album never manages to completely escape the shadow of The Powerless Rise or An Ocean Between Us. The good news, however, is that if you liked both of those albums, you’ll almost definitely love Awakened. By far the most accomplished and solid offering to date, As I Lay Dying show no signs of letting up anytime soon.
10 Culture Bomb
Music Reviews The breakneck speed of Jordan Macino’s drumming coupled with the dual guitar attack of Phil Sgrosso and Nick Hippa make for a potent concoction
Orden Ogan, To The End, AFM Records
Monsterworks, Man Intrinsic, Mortal Music
Abraham, The Serpent, The Prophet and The Whore, Pelagic Records
The third release from German melodic power metallers really encompasses their talents. The opening track, The Frozen Few, just builds and builds, growing bigger as more is added into it, and this is just the intro track! When the title track starts, the vocals are clean and crisp and the harmonies are warming. The drums carry the melody through with superb tightness and guitar solos are perfectly dramatic. Although there is a heavy American power metal vibe here, the light sprinkling of folk really gives it a new identity. What we have is an innovative new twist on an old sound.
The second of a three part series from this eclectic London band. The vocals and music don’t seem to gel naturally but it works in an innovative way. The guitars are full of groove with a progressive but thrashy quality. This is topped off with a vocal range of epic proportions, as it leaps up and down in an almost, alien way. There are some big shapes within these tracks. Very big shapes. Each track has a completely different sound, starting with huge chunky riffs to chew on and then turning to sludge-like doom number, closing with a tranquil, melodic tune. This three-track EP really shows off the bands diverse range and it definitely stands out from the crowd.
Starting assertively, The Serpent, The Prophet and The Whore means business. Creating a huge sound with chunky guitars, gruff vocals and a compelling groove. Reaching haunting moments and bordering on a sludgy edge. Each track starts off patiently slow, escalating gradually and sucking the listener in, gripping hold and refusing to let go as it takes them on a journey of destruction. The movements into slight melodies rather than allowing an entire album of crushing noise is a good move and it provides an atmosphere that very few bands can achieve.
Culture Bomb 11
Music Reviews Unknown Component, Blood v. Electricity, Self Released
Khoma,
All Erodes, Pelagic Records Self Released
The Projectionist Meat Parade
12 Culture Bomb
A haunting intro that melts into a bright, bubbly tune, accompanied by the folky vocals of Keith Lynch. There is something dry about the album, it builds but doesn’t reach a big finish, but isn’t a negative. Layering vocals and bringing in an almost industrial feel. With a sound that will never date, full of emotion and a definite change in sound from The Infinite Definite. It’s more eerie and fragile. With vocals drawling like Bob Dillon over an electronic beat is vastly innovative and creates an excitement to each track over its direction. This is beauty at its best.
Starting soft and slowly, All Erode builds gradually, almost fragile as it lifts confidently into what can only be described as a massive ocean. Lyrics are poetic and deep, creating a beautiful picture and the grace of the musicianship is outstanding. Bordering on if the Manic Street Preachers had gone metal, but still maintains a masculine edge. Featuring two members of Cult of Luna, Khoma’s fourth release doesn’t fall flat from start to finish, and with a European tour due out soon, one can only hope this album transpires into a live environment with as much beauty as what’s captured here.
It’s clear that hardcore act, The Projectionist wanted to set a high bar for themselves with their first EP, Meat Parade. It totally slays from the get go. Sounding like Converge’s offspring, The Projectionist has a lot to offer. What’s quite exciting is that the only consistency is the punk rock element. Everything is unpredictable; there’s melody, angst, grind, breakdowns, violence and strong builds. Seriously now, is there anything else you could possibly want? The strength is impressive, more so from the vocals, who remain poised at one level for the most part. If you’re looking for something challenging and interesting, then this is it.
Film
Film Reviews
Cultimate Edition
Halloween
Resident Evil: Retribution The fifth installment of the gaming franchise has several references to the original film and also pays homage to the continuing games. This film, in fact, has more characters from the games than ever before so big fans of both mediums will love this. If you’re not, you probably won’t like this film. The acting is atrocious, the script is painful and the plot is practically non-existent. The shining light is that Milla looks great as ever! Some of the effects are pretty good, the action is relentless and, as always, the soundtrack is great. Don’t shell out a few quid extra for the 3D; it’s not worth it.
Friday 13th, My Bloody Valentine, Happy Birthday to Me, Slumber Party Massacre, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer. It’s a fair bet that plenty of the horror films you’ve seen have been 80s and 90s slashers, and the reason for them is this. It’s arguable that John Carpenter’s 1978 Halloween is the most influential cult movie of all. One reason is obvious; if a filmmaker followed the Halloween template then they’d be making a film that cost a small amount of money that would, if done correctly, translate into megabucks at the box-office. Made for $320,000, Halloween grossed $47 million in the United States alone, making it one of the most profitable, indie movies ever made. But it wasn’t just the finance model that inspired a so-far ceaseless string of imitators. Aside from the likes of Psycho, the American horror
14 Culture Bomb
film had been the domain of the grand and the gothic. No one’s arguing The Exorcist and Rosmary’s Baby aren’t masterpieces of cinema, but they were hardly relatable to the average teen. Halloween arrived like a brick through a window into the homes of teenagers across America. Out with the spells and demons and in with the brutal simplicity of 21 year old Michael Myers escaping his psychiatric hospital, returning to the home taken from him and taking it back. And if that meant murdering everyone inside, so be it. The concept and Myers himself are raw, pure concepts. Nothing gimmicky, just a madman in a mask and teenagers standing in his way on the scariest night of the year. Many an imitator has come in Halloween’s wake, but when it comes to straight, undiluted terror, nothing compares to the tale of Michael Myers and the night he came home!
Frankenweenie Tim Burton has been notoriously off the boil for over a decade, with his last really brilliant film being Sleepy Hollow. After a long wait, he’s finally delivered a truly wonderful film in Frankenweenie. Based heavily on Frankenstein (the classic movie, not the book) the story still manages to throw up surprises despite the overly familiar narrative. In crisp black and white, the character designs, both human and animal, are as gorgeous as their fluid animation. No doubt you’ll get a lot more from this if you’re a classic horror fan but this is, regardless, not to be missed.
Culture Bomb 15
Film Reviews
Quantum of Solace
Skyfall is nearly upon us, so now’s the time to go back to its critic-misdirecting predecessor. Upon release, Quantum of Solace was lambasted for being Bond in name only, but if you re-watch with some context, you’ll see something slightly different. Containing definite links to its historic past, it forges its own way while having a distinctly Connery-esque flavour. Plot is sound but unspectacular and Olga Kurylenko is uninspired. Craig pulls it through however, bringing increased whimsy and charm to the role, recalling Moore and Brosnan at their finest. Woefully underrated, this is a misunderstood cracker.
“Yes, we know, now what else have you got?” is the sentence that will ring through the viewers head when watching Marc Webb’s shot at brining Spider-Man to the big screen. Sadly the film is hamstrung from the beginning by having to be sufficiently different to Sam Raimi’s trilogy but not so much that it isn’t Spider-Man anymore. Thus decisions to differentiate seem to be arbitrarily done for only that reason. Spider-Man himself doesn’t appear for what seems like an hour and we’re left hanging with a teenage drama when we were sold a superhero movie.
Sunshine
While he tackled elements of sci-fi in the great 28 Days Later, this is Danny Boyle’s first foray into deep space. Tension is delicately sown into the opening stages of Sunshine, as small accidents and character traits escalate into a thrilling psychological horror. Cillian Murphy and Chris Evans give particularly gripping performances as two of the astronauts on a long-term mission to reignite the sun. Boyle gives camera and editing decisions a reallife meaning and the music is wonderfully overpowering. With well rounded characters and a realistic approach to space practicalities, this is an enthralling visit to sol’s edge.
16 Culture Bomb
The Amazing Spider-Man
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter It was possible that the best thing about Timur Bekmambetov’s Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter would be its title. Thankfully that isn’t true and we’ve been delivered possibly the most unconventional blockbuster of the year. Charting the president’s early life and encounters with the undead through to his presidency, the film has scope reminiscent of historical epics. Juxtaposing this is a thoroughly modern attitude to action and camera work which, while initially jarring, soon gives way to a greatly enjoyable mashup of not only reality and fiction, but cinematic styling’s. Cinematic broccoli ice-cream.
Culture Bomb 17
Film
The Lost Boys: 25
Andrew Neary takes a look at Schumacher’s glam rock vampire flick The Lost Boys 25 years on from its release in 1987.
Years On
by Andrew Neary
by Andrew Neary
Film
essence of bad boy rock ‘n’ roll, which made For the horror genre, the 1980s was very the youth want to become a vampire as much much a decade which belonged to the youth. as it made them want to be rock stars. The Vampire films such as Near Dark and Fright forgotten youth were soon going to want to Night, as well as classic horrors Friday the sleep all day, party all night, never grow old 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street, ruled and never die young. cinema screens and The Lost Boys’ The plot follows the helped create the teen Emerson family, who horror phenomenon. glam vampires move to Santa Carla, Often, these films provided an a town deemed the were set in mundane ‘murder capital of the suburbia and the wideessence of bad boy world’. The town is eyed teen protagonists had no distinguishable rock ‘n’ roll, which oozing with sex appeal, overrun with punkcharacteristics, fittingly made the youth rockers and generally reflecting the disillusioned youth at a time of rightwant to become a seems to be a haven for misfits – surely a wing politics. vampire as much as teenager’s dream It was not unusual for location. the vampires within it made them want Brothers Michael these films to be seen as to be rock stars. Emerson (Jason Patric) rebellious. However, it and Sam Emerson was Joel Schumacher’s incarnation of the vampire in his 1987 cult (Corey Haim) travel down two separate classic which would give them their most bad- paths in the story, with Sam meeting the Frog Brothers who teach him how to deal ass makeover to date. with vampires. Meanwhile, Michael becomes The Lost Boys’ glam vampires provided an
20 Culture Bomb
entranced by a mysterious girl named Star TV shows and films to realise how loved the (Jami Gertz) and subsequently tries to integrate character has become over the past 20-30 himself within her group of friends. However, years. this proves to be his downfall as David (Kiefer It has to be said that The Lost Boys is Sutherland) tricks Michael into drinking his Schumacher’s defining piece of cinema, blood thus turning him into a vampire. After although he has maintained a constant seeing vampire traits within his brother, Sam presence within Hollywood since its release enlists the help of the Frog Brothers (Cory with films such as Phone Booth and Number Feldman and Jamison Newlander) and sets his 23. Most of the cast can also plug The Lost sights on killing the head vampire in order to Boys as the biggest moment of their careers. free Michael. Jami Gertz has had an extensive list of guest Originally, Warner Bros. had an idea for a parts in different American drama series. coming-of-age, Goonies style adventure film, Jason Patric has failed to really make it big on which featured child vampires. Rightfully so, screen again and has since turned his talents Schumacher changed The Lost Boys into a to Broadway. The biggest breakaway from sexually charged, rock ‘n’ roll party. In fact, the the cast is undoubtedly Kiefer Sutherland who modern day cinematic has had an incredibly vampire has to pay a successful career, most Spike from Buffy the large amount of credit notably for his role to the film and, indeed, Vampire Slayer is a as Jack Bauer in Fox Schumacher himself. Network’s series 24. prime example of a Corey Historically, the vampire Feldman had character would be a defiant and sexually a flourishing career loner who would lock within the 80s with charged vampire, himself away in some roles in Stand by Me, cobweb infested castle, The Goonies and The who even keeps in usually in Eastern Lost Boys, although tone with the punk has since failed to Europe, and dress like it was the 17th retain the same level rock style set by Century. In short, they of fame. Feldman has The Lost Boys. were never the most also starred in the two loveable or desirable sequels to The Lost Boys. of characters. However, However, neither film Schumacher turned them into rock stars, far managed to make an impact even a fraction more integrated within society (even if society the size of their predecessor. Corey Haim had would like to brand them with an ASBO) and starred alongside Feldman in the first of the fuelled them with sexuality and defiance. two sequels to The Lost Boys, although was Fast-forward 25 years and we can see that troubled by drug addiction through his life. vampire characters have decided to cling onto Sadly, Haim passed away from pneumonia on these images set by Schumacher. Spike from March 10, 2010. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a prime example of Although the film was never going to achieve a defiant and sexually charged vampire, who The Godfather levels of prestige, it managed even keeps in tone with the punk rock style set to provide a generation with a fresh take on by The Lost Boys. the vampire sub-genre. It is a camp, comical Schumacher is also a helping hand in making and defiant film which has set the bar in terms vampires one of the coolest fantasy/horror of teen horror flicks. 25 years on and it is still characters of the 21st Century. You only need fun to be a vampire. to look at the abundance of vampire related
Culture Bomb 21
Features
Nancy Mc Nail Art by Georgi Bomb
Wanting to add a little spookiness to the issue, self-taught nail technician, Nancy MC was more than keen to show off her designs that simply ooze wow factor. She tells Georgi Bomb how it all came about.
26 Culture Bomb
Culture Bomb 23
Features Nail art is so versatile, it can say so much about who you are. It gives you a chance to express yourself.
contain any animal products. Spa Ritual is one brand that encompasses these values. Working with nail art pens and a fine brush on occasion, she makes a doodle of her design before transferring it onto the nail. “My advice for other nail artists would be - don’t look at other nail art for inspiration, look elsewhere and you will develop your own style without even knowing it.” So where does Nancy gain her inspiration from? “I can find inspiration in almost anything and everywhere. I have almost 3000 photos on my phone of just random stuff I see and think ‘Oh that would look good on a nail’ Whether it’s from street art, a pattern from a dress, a painting in a gallery, a picture in a book, places that I have visited…you name it!” Her designs are intricate and have a wondrous amount of detail, the elaborate sugar skulls are bursting with colour and her Halloween
that nail art would end up taking over my life.” From as far back as she can recall, Nancy has When asked what excites Nancy about nails, always thrived on creativity. Currently studying her passion is evident, “nail art is so versatile, towards a degree in 3D design, she decided it can say so much about who you are. It gives to embark on a nail course that would lead you a chance to express yourself. The whole her into a side career in nail art. “My love for process from nail art began I can find inspiration having a new idea fairly young,” she to completing a reveals, “on my in almost anything and manicure is really 6th birthday my everywhere. I have almost enjoyable, and mum painted neon pink 3000 photos on my phone often relaxing for me, as it is a little strawberries on of just random stuff I see bit of escapism my nails, with a nail varnish set and think ‘Oh that would too, when you are solely that I had been look good on a nail’ given as a gift. concentrating on making a straight line or building up a tiny image on a nail you “More recently, about 3 years ago I trained don’t really have time to think about anything myself to be ambidextrous and started painting else.” my own nails with various designs, purely as a hobby and another little way of accessorizing, it wasn’t until my friends would comment on them As a vegan, Nancy will only use products and ask if I could paint theirs too, did I realize and polishes that are not tested or animals or
24 Culture Bomb
Culture Bomb 25
Features collection, pictured below, are indescribably cute. One outstanding design is her cartoon style nails, also pictured below. “My new and current favorite and also proving to be my most popular yet, would be my cartoon/pop art nails which make the nails look like they have been drawn on, a super fun and quirky play on the idea of ‘false nails’”. Viewing her designs, they seem so complex and almost impossible to master, is there one design that is really complex? “Gosh this is a tough one, as creating intricate pictures on nails is what I enjoy doing. Recently I was asked to paint the ‘cat bus’ from a studio ghibli film, ‘My neighbor Totoro’ on a nail. All I kept thinking was how on earth is that going to fit. But I just went for it, and it ended up pretty good.” Looking through her portfolio, her art oozes professionalism and beauty, so much so that praise is a common thing for Nancy. “I often receive a lot of messages online via my blog or email, all of which are positive and usually people declaring their love for my work, which is awesome and makes it worth while, because sometimes there are days when you are painting nails for 8-9 hours straight and you begin to wonder if there is more to life than painting nails? “A lot of people will message me, telling me that I have inspired them one way or another – which is always super lovely to read and know. I do get a little freaked out though, when some people go crazy if I start following them on social networks, like It’s a really big deal – and I’m like whoa, I’m just a girl painting nails.” So what can we hope to see in the future? A salon, a range of nail designs in the shops? World domination? Nancy replies modestly, “For now, it is just to successfully graduate and to be able to have more time to do what I love.” And you can’t say fairer than that.
ON EUROPEAN TOUR IN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER WITH LUCA TURILLI’S RHAPSODY!
´TO THE END`
A POWER METAL MONUMENT! “TO THE END” TAKES TRADITIONAL GERMAN METAL TO THE YEAR 2012! EXPECT HEAVY RIFFS, EPIC MELODIES & A MODERN PRODUCTION!
OUT ON OCTOBER 26TH AS CD, LTD. DIGIPAK (INCL. BONUS TRACKS & BONUS DVD), LTD. SPECIAL EDITION WOODEN BOX & LTD. VINYL (250 IN BLACK, 250 IN CLEAR ICE VINYL)
Strong, characteristic songs in best ILL NIÑO tradition!
The Latin Metal pioneers return with their outstanding new album!
Out on October 26th first edition comes as digipak!
Mixed and mastered by Markus Teske (Vanden Plas, Saga)
as CD, ltd. digipak and ltd. vinyl
a high-class, rich and varied album that will appeal to music lovers from Power Metal to Classic Rock!
Out on October 26th
Melodic Metal meets enchanting female vocals. For fans of old Nightwish, Kamelot & Epica
26 Culture Bomb
Center Of The Great Unknown
Photography by Michael Long
Street Fashion and Art from the Heart of Madrid
Fashion/ Art
30 Culture Bomb
Culture Bomb 31
Fashion/ Art
32 Culture Bomb
To advertise or contribute to Culture Bomb or CultureBomb.net please email: georgi@culturebomb.net