Distorted sound issue 2

Distorted Sound

Issue 2

Coal chamber Crossfaith Ingested & More!

wovenwar

“We’re starting something new!”

Tremonti

Born of Osiris

fallujah

helloween

Welcome

james@disortedsoundmag.com

meet the team Katie Needham

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Jessica Howkins

I’m Katie, I’m the social media manager and gig photographer/ photo editor for Distorted Sound!

I’m Jessica. I’m the magazines live review editor and writer, I’m also the one who brings all the sass to Distorted Sound.

The most interesting parts of my life are music, McDonald’s milkshakes and staying behind the camera rather than being in front of it. I’m so short I could pass as a hobbit in Lord of The Rings

My music taste is pretty all over the place. I’m also an enthusiast for two things in my life, Iron Maiden and Jack Daniels.

I Hope you enjoy reading all of our material! Stay Metal!

Jack Fermor-Worrell As Album Reviews Editor, I’m the person you’ll likely be sending Facebook abuse to if we end up slating your favourite band for some reason.

You’ll probably find me at a metal gig in Manchester, arguing why my favourite band is better than yours (even if they aren’t).

Contents 7-8. Introducing

Choice Cuts JAMES WEAVER

10-13 Nuclear News 15-17. Coal Chamber We catch up wtih Dez Fafara to talk about the band’s new record, touring, and future plans with DevilDriver

Coal Chamber: p.15-17

18-29. Download Fest Preview 20-21. Ingested

(Nuclear Blast)

KATIE NEEDHAM

Jay Evans sits down with Distorted Sound and proudly explains why the British metal scene is the best it has ever been.

23-25. Crossfaith

Ingested: p.20-21

Kenta Koie and Hiroki Ikegawa reveal to Distorted Sound their inspiration to their unique sound

Architects Lost Forever // Lost Together

26-31. Wovenwar

Wovenwar grace our cover. Phil Sgrosso reveals Wovenwar’s hopes and dreams, the challenges of leaving As I Lay Dying behind and the band’s sound!

Unleashed Dawn of the Nine

Crossfaith: p.23-25

(Epitaph Records) JESSICA HOWKINS

34-37. Record Reviews

Korpiklaani, Helloween, Coal Chamber, Entrails, Tremonti, Faith No More, Six Feet Under and more!

38-41. Live Reviews

Live reviews of Transmission, Wovenwar in Manchester, Funeral For A Friend in Stoke and Architects at Slam Dunk Festival

Wovenwar: p.26-31

(Century Media) JACK FERMORWORRELL

45. People’s Perspective

Jess Howkins addresses the rising issue of people constantly using their smartphone cameras at gigs.

Deez Nuts Word is Bond

Megadeth: p.46-49

46-49. Through The Ages Katie Needham takes a walk through the chaotic history of one of metal’s biggest bands. Megadeth!

Stone Sour Meanwhile In Burbank

(Roadrunner) 5

Introducing: Fallujah

Named after the Iraqi city, atmospheric death metallers Fallujah have crafted a sensational sound over their eight year career.

Through two studio records and two EPs the band have crafted a sound that fuses the style of technical death metal with atmospheric elements resulting in a unique listening experience.

2011’s The Harvest Wombs fuses beauty with brutality with songs performed at breakneck speed whilst backed with atmospheric elements that provide an alarmingly relaxing listening experience. Last year’s The Flesh Prevails expanded

Fallujah’s sound to new levels with the musicianship of the five piece showcasing absolute professionalism.

yet calming. Two qualities that shouldn’t co-operate yet in this instance, do so in outstanding fashion.

With such a strong second record the band have enjoyed successful tours across North America and Europe; opening for Dying Fetus on last year’s European tour opened the band to new territories which will only expand their already stellar reputation. Signing for Nuclear Blast Records in January this year only reinforces this.

The Flesh Prevails is out now via Unique Leader

With stronger production, The Flesh Prevails is testament to what Fallujah are striving to create; a sound that is heavy 7

Introducing: Sertraline

Formed less than a year ago in August 2014, Stoke-on-Trent alt-rock outfit Sertraline have definitely been making waves within their local scene and around the UK. Led by charismatic vocalist Lizzie Parry, the band have spent much of their time touring up and down the country with the likes of Die No More and Forever Still.

Their debut mini-album ‘Bury The Ghosts’, released back in February, is a great snapshot of exactly what Sertraline are about – with a twin-guitar attack of powerful riffs underpinning genuinely melodic vocals.

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It’s a fairly diverse record too – from the metallic stomp of ‘Dead Set’, to the anthemic ‘Set The World Alight’ and the beautiful balladry of ‘Colours’, BTG really covers a lot of different bases and does so extremely well.

We’ve yet to find out what’s next for Sertraline, however the band have announced that they will be opening for Canadian metal outfit Kobra And The Lotus when they return to play The Sugarmill in Stoke at the end of June.

Sertraline’s mini-album ‘Bury The Ghosts’ is available now via iTunes, Spotify and BigCartel.

The band play The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent as support to Kobra And The Lotus on 24th June.

WORDS: Jack Fermor-Worrell

Nuclear News

Five finger death punch on stage meltdown!

American metallers Five Finger Death Punch caused a huge stir recently when they seemingly appeared to break-up onstage – halfway through a gig.

our new monitor engineer Paul Weber... And to the haters... wipe that smirk off The rest of the band your face ...We are not going returned and departed anywhere ... This “ain’t my several times, playing out of last dance!” time with each other and out We GOT YOUR SIX” According to reports from of tune, before eventually Blabbermouth, the band’s leaving for good.

Footage of the incident can show at Tennessee’s Beale be viewed at our website: Street Music Festival took Moody later issued a www.distortedsoundmag. a turn for the strange, as a statement via Facebook, com visible argument seemed to blaming the incident on break out between frontman technical problems and Five Finger Death Punch play Ivan Moody and drummer stressing that the band had Download Festival on June Jeremy Spencer, eventually not broken up, finishing 12 2015 resulting in the band leaving with: the stage after just six songs.

WORDS: Jack Fermor-Worrell “To some of our crew, Moody then attempted to good luck in your future entertain the crowd on his endeavours we wish you own, trying to lead them the best - we also welcome 10

through a song on Spencer’s drumkit with little success.

Download festival goes cashless!

Download Festival, the UK’s premier rock and metal festival has announced its 2015 edition will utilise a new ‘cashless’ system to allow customers to pay for drinks, merchandise and more.

In a statement on their website, the festival revealed plans that would see attendees pre-load their festival wristbands, now named ‘Dog Tags’, after the festival’s canine mascot, with cash before arrival – eliminating the need for cash and supposedly speeding up service.

These Dog Tags can supposedly be topped up

during the festival via onsite machines or a mobile app via new on-site Wi-Fi internet, so there’s no need to worry too much about pre-budgeting. Any leftover cash can then be refunded to a bank account at the end of the festival via the same machines.

Removing “the faff of cash” from Download is an interesting prospect.

However, it remains to see how well the new system will work, and whether it will be able to withstand tens of thousands of drunken metalheads over the entire weekend.

Some fans have already expressed worry via Twitter, believing that this new system has too much potential to break down, however, Download bosses are insistent it will only benefit both organisers and the punters.

WORDS: Jack Fermor-Worrell

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Ghostfest Announce Born of Osiris and more!

Ghostfest have announced another six bands for this year’s edition of the festival. Making their Ghostfest debut, Born of Osiris, join the likes of Emmure, Hatebreed and Despised Icon on the main stage.

Long-time friends of the festival, The Eyes of a Traitor, return to play Ghostfest on what will be a bittersweet performance due to the performances acting as the band’s farewell shows.

Another new and exciting addition to Ghostfest 2015 is the debut of having acoustic artists perform at the festival; current Slaves and former Emarosa / Dance Gavin Dance vocalist Jonny Craig and the UK’s own Seafoal are set to make history by being the first acoustic bands to play a festival that has always catered for the heavier side of music.

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Also announced is rising deathcore stars, Marty Defiled, and Continents who perform in support of their highly anticipated new record.

completely sold out for both Bristol and Leeds but you can still grab Second release tickets for either City from the Ghostfest website:

These newly announced bands join the likes of Hatebreed, Emmure, Despised Icon, Rise of the Northstar, Slaughter To Prevail, Desolated, Nasty and others to make Ghostfest’s 10 year anniversary an event that surely cannot be missed.

http://ghostfest.seetickets.com/ tour/ghostfest

Unlike previous editions of Ghostfest, this year’s festival will run as a one day event instead of a two day event and will take place on two dates; September 5th at the University Union in Leeds and September 6th at the Motion in Bristol.

Super Earlybird / Earlybird and First Release tickets are now

WORDS: James Weaver

Nile reveal information for album no. 8 Egypt-themed death metallers Nile have unveiled the cover art for their upcoming eighth studio album “What Should Not Be Unearthed”. Released on August 28th via Nuclear Blast Records, the album will again feature artwork created by Michal “Xaay” Loranc.

Speaking about the new album, vocalist and creative mastermind Karl Sanders had this to say: “All of us in Nile are happy to announce our upcoming newest album ;What Should not be Unearthed’. It’s our 8th official album, and this time we believe we have a truly crushing disc to bring to metal fans. The focus this time around is on brutally heavy metal riffing and songwriting; kind of like of an AOTW approach but very streamlined to achieve maximum

destructive impact.”

“Our last record, ‘At the Gates of Sethu’ was super surgically clean and very ‘musicianship oriented’ whereas the new disc is a polar opposite; Unearthed is aimed straight at utter metal heaviness and memorable songwriting.

Although Unearthed is still full of the kind of undeniable musicianship people have come to expect from Nile over the years, it’s the songs themselves that will hit listeners over the head this time around.”

label mates Suffocation. The UK leg consists of four dates: 6th Sept – Plymouth, The Hub 7th Sept – Manchester, Sound Control 8th Sept – London, The Dome 9th Sept – Bristol, The Marble Factory WORDS: Jack Fermor-Worrell

“These songs will be a blast to play live, and we are stoked at the opportunity to bring these songs to metal fans everywhere. See you on tour!”

The band have also announced a mammoth European tour from August to September, alongside 13

Photo Credit: Dan Santoni

It’s been 13 years since their last album was released, but now in 2015, Coal Chamber are back looking to re-ignite the spark of nu-metal.

With the band reforming back in 2011 and their fourth studio record released this year, Coal Chamber are back with a vengeance.

“Nu-metal never went away!”

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“this is a fresh sound built by us!”

In the nine year gap from 2003 to 2011, frontman Dez Fafara had rose to

the top of the pile with DevilDriver, so once Coal Chamber reformed, it was clear that Dez now had to balance two globally popular metal bands which had the potential to upset one set of fans.

Dez seems relaxed however, ensuring that he is in the best state of mind leading the vocal duties for the two bands, “after 12 years and 6 records with DevilDriver, I needed to take a much needed break and on that break I’m doing Coal Chamber!”

So with DevilDriver taking a backseat in Dez’s musical priorities and with Coal Chamber being at the forefront.

would the record stand up tall in comparison to the band’s previous work?

Dez remains confident In Dez’s mind, the and explains how Rivals band’s latest record is purely just a growth in Rivals was of utmost Coal Chamber’s musical importance, for both careers. “It’s a growth, it the fans and band is a giant leap forward!” members themselves.

Dez explains. “It truly The difficulty, however, doesn’t compare as is after such a long break those records were over 16

15 years ago and this is a fresh sound built by us once again.”

With a fresh sound and a brand new record, Coal Chamber is aiming high and hopes to re-ignite the flame of nu-metal which was so popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Yet Dez belives that numetal never went away

“I needed to take a much needed break” and Coal Chamber are just as relevant in the metal world as they once were, “Nu-metal never went away. Slipknot, Korn, System of a Down and Deftones are all still around, they are active and larger than life so what resurgence?”

as “Fucking insanity”.

Yet one large question remains, what will become of DevilDriver?

Rivals is out now via Napalm Records Words: James Weaver

Dez remains calm and reassures fans that DevilDriver will be back in force in 2016, “Touring will keep on going with With the record released Coal Chamber until the in May this year, the fall when I record a new band have embarked on DevilDriver record set for a large European tour in release in 2016!” support of that record to which Dez can only describe the live shows 17

Sneak Peek: Download Festival Team Choices James Weaver Lamb of God, Carcass, Cavalera Conspiracy, Enter Shikari, Madball, The Ghost Inside, Testament, Parkway Drive, Tremonti, Judas Priest

Jessica Howkins Mötley Crue, Faith No More, Testament, Carcass, Suicidal Tendencies, Lamb of God, Black Stone Cherry, Andrew W.K, In Flames, Heart of a Coward

Katie Needham Andrew W.K, A Day To Remember, Enter Shikari, Lamb of God, Slipknot, Carcass, Parkway Drive, Insomnium, In Flames, Tremonti

Jack FermorWorrell Slipknot, Muse, Mötley Crüe, Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, Dragonforce, Tremonti, Krokodil, Carcass, Testament, Pop Evil 18

The full lowdown of Britain’s biggest rock festival!

With just a few short weeks until Download Festival, we here at Distorted Sound want to give you the lowdown on what to expect at the UK’s favourite rock festival.

Iowan titans Slipknot return to headline the Friday, where they’ll be joined by metal gods Judas Priest and Vegas crew Five Finger Death Punch. Over on the Second Stage there’s performances from Black Stone Cherry (who return following their secret set in 2014), Thunder and Corrosion of Conformity.

Charlie Simpson’s Fightstar headline the third stage alongside Krokodil, Beartooth, Sylosis and epic power metallers Dragonforce. Suffolk altrockers A top the bill over on the fourth stage, along with acts like E Of E, Blood Youth and Decade.

Saturday looks set to be highly divisive as Teignmouth rockers Muse make their Download debut headlining the Main Stage. They’ll be joined by alt-metal heroes Faith No More, A Day To Remember, political punks Rise Against and loads more. Looking to redeem himself after a shambolic performance in 2009, shock-rocker Marilyn Manson headlines the Zippo Encore Stage, where he’ll be joined by the likes of Black Veil Brides, Black Star Riders, Motionless In White, Carcass and Testament.

Elsewhere there’s performances from party-rock hero Andrew W.K., rap-rockers Body Count and New Yorkers Every Time I Die on the third

Slipknot: Set to Headline Friday

ADTR: Bringing the party to Download!

Lamb of God: Unleashing wrath

stage. Ginger Wildheart’s poprock outfit Hey! Hello! bring the party over on the fourth stage, where they’ll play alongside The Pink Slips, Dolomite Minor, Insomnium and others.

Closing out the weekend on Sunday night are the everreliable showmen KISS, who headline the festival for the second time, following their 2008 performance. Perhaps most notably though, this day will mark the final UK festival

performance of glam legends Mötley Crüe, who retire from touring for good. at the end of this year. If that’s not your thing though, don’t worry – you can always catch performances from Enter Shikari, Lamb of God, In Flames and Godsmack over on the Second Stage. Yellowcard are set to headline the third stage alongside acts such as The Ghost Inside, Madball and Three Days Grace. Closing things out over on the fourth stage will be Suicidal Tendencies, who’ll be joined

by Fidlar, Chelsea Grin, Butcher Babies and more.

With that many amazing acts, plus a whole host of other cool activites to discover, you’d be a fool to miss out, so get your tickets while you still can.

Download Festival takes place from 12th-14th June. For more information see www. downloadfestival.co.uk WORDS: Jack Fermor-Worrell 19

Ingested

“I think metal is the stro T

he British metal scene has seen a surge in popularity since the turn of the century.

Manchester’s Ingested have been at the forefront of Britain’s extreme metal scene for a number of years now. We speak to vocalist Jay Evans about why the metal scene today is stronger than ever.

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getting bigger and bigger and gaining more momentum!” Jay’s words rings truth, Ingested are amongst several bands (Bury Tomorrow, Bring Me The Horizon, While She Sleeps etc) that have experienced a surge in popularity in recent years.

2015’s third studio record, The Architect of Extinction, led to appearances at Impericon and Incineration festival and a surge in popularity for the death metal five piece. “I think metal is the strongest it has ever been.” A bold statement.

For Ingested however, it may appear surprising to some, that a band whose musical style fits the characteristics of extreme metal is enjoying such success. Ingested’s musical style can be described as brutal death metal in short; their sound is crushing with blast beats, guttural growls and rapid riffs.

Jay Evans is practically oozing with enthusiasm for the current state of metal, “I hope it continues this snow ball effect, it’s

Yet Jay Evans insists that Ingested aim to incorporate varying styles of the alternative movement to appeal to everyone, “I think at

ongest it has ever been!” the moment we are in a really good position because we are heavy and brutal as fuck for all the heavy death heads but we are catchy enough for all the deathcore and even hardcore fans.”

Whilst Ingested are bathing in the success of the modern metal scene, it doesn’t come without its pitfalls. One of the largest issues with the modern metal scene is the sheer number and sheer frequency of bands performing.

This can be a limitation to a band’s success insists Jay, “One of the problems with the scene today, especially in the big cities in the UK, everyone is spoilt because there are shows all the time. People are too spoilt for choice!”

Regardless of the difficulties of the music industry today, Ingested are committed to a full-throttle assault to expand on their already stellar reputation and Jay hopes the next generation can follow in their footsteps to ultimately increase metal’s global popularity.

“And the thing is, you’re getting better and younger bands coming out all the time. You get musicians at 17 years old and they are ridiculous!

It’s incredible! That shows you that metal is becoming more popular.”

The Architect of Extinction is out now via Century Media Records WORDS: James Weaver

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Frontman Kenta Koie and bassist Hiroki Ikegawa reveal to Distorted Sound the insider knowledge behind Crossfaith and what inspires them to craft their unique sound...

“we need to express what we love!�

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Through their fusion of electronica and metal, Japanese outfit Crossfaith have been causing quite a stir in the metal scene in recent years.

listening experience. “Everyone has different interests, like Hiro has so many friends from punkrock, whereas my musical roots is Aerosmith” Kenta explains.

With successful performances at last year’s Download Festival and this year’s Slam Dunk Festival under their belt, the Japanese five piece are leading the charge for metal. Frontman Kenta Koie and bassist Hiroki Ikegawa reveal to Distorted Sound the insider knowledge behind Crossfaith and what inspires them to craft their unique sound.

“Basically we have two ways to writing songs. One is like writing riffs, the same as other metal bands and one is from our DJ. He would make a track, and then we add it all together” says Hiro.

It’s difficult to categorise Crossfaith into one genre within metal, the band pride themselves on incorporating varying styles to make on truly bizarrely brilliant

With a sound that combines electronica and metal, Crossfaith have been enjoying a large amount of success in Europe.

What only bolstered the band’s ever increasing popularity was the release of a cover of The Prodigy’s Omen in 2010 which demonstrated the band’s talent of being able to release

“we love metal like Lamb of God!”

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a metal based cover of what stereotypically is an electronic song.

Yet despite the success the cover brought to the band, Kenta reveals that this cover goes against the norm of Crossfaith’s musical agenda.

“We got offered from our Japanese record label they asked me if we could make a cover song but really, we don’t do cover songs. Like if we have the time to write a cover song then we would rather write our songs” explains Kenta.

“But at the time, we were like “okay if we have to choose the one song then it would have to be The Prodigy”, because they

have the same energy as us and they are the pioneers of mixing the metal and rock music with the electronic music. I think it was the best choice for a song to cover.”

With such an energetic sound, a large factor behind Crossfaith’s success in modern metal is high octane and adrenaline driven live performances. With a party themed atmosphere where riffs are played at thunderous speed before unfolding into an electronic euphoria, Crossfaith certainly know how to get a crowd moving.

This all combines to give Crossfaith a name of their own, a trait that is certainly hard to achieve in a rather over-saturated market of metalcore. “Yesterday I was thinking, and I don’t want to sound offensive, but there doesn’t seem to be a lot of originality” reveals Hiro. “Yknow we love metal like Lamb of God and we love stuff like The Prodigy so we need to express what we love!” Kenta sums up Crossfaith’s musical identity in perfect fashion, “We are not a typical metalcore band.”

WORDS: James Weaver

“We are not a typical metalcore band”

PHOTO CREDIT: Ed Mason

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“This is not As I Lay Dyi Photo Credit: Ty Watkins

Since the start of Wovenwar in 2013, American Heavy Metal band Wovenwar made the tough decision to walk away from previous band As I Lay Dying and start afresh. With a new sound and a headline tour in support of the band’s debut record, we spoke to guitarist Phil Sgrosso on touring, fans and As I Lay Dying.

After the release of their self-titled debut album, Wovenwar are determined 26

to do everything in their power to keep growing. With the success of the album, Wovenwar have gained fans all over the world and will jump over any obstacle that gets in their way, including the past of As I Lay Dying.

With the extreme fall of their previous band, Phil Sgrosso has thanked fans that have followed over to Wovenwar but feels like others should start seeing them now for

their new band and not as As I Lay Dying, “We’re starting something new and I think people just need to realise this is not As I Lay Dying, this is a new band.”

“It definitely seemed like a new chapter everyone sort of needed, we had been doing the same sort of thing for so long and people get burnt out but success kind of makes you still, you know, feel like you can’t leave it but at the same

ing, this is a new band!” time you’re compromising too much of what makes you happy.” Phil says. “so I think it was time for at least a break and then with how everything went down with how extreme it was, there was no way we wanted to take a break or to leave the band or just totally leave it in the past but as we move on we’re just grateful to be where we’re at now.”

As Phil speaks, it is clear as day that Wovenwar are a

band that just want to keep pushing forward. Last year’s performances at Reading and Leeds festival last August, the band are thrilled to be given the opportunity as it will open up more doors for them as a band.

to offer.”

Wovenwar are a band that want to be at the very top of the game, they want to work their way up from playing in the middle of the day at festivals to headlining and gaining the biggest crowds For a young band, they want to they hope to achieve. progress and be the best they can be, “We want the biggest They’re a band with crowds out there, we just want determination and to keep to have as many fans coming on top of the scene, Phil out and enjoying what we have expresses his thoughts on 27

putting out records and having to be a matured musician in order to understand there will be downfalls, there will be bands out there who get better opportunities and people who will try and put them down.

“With how many bands are coming out these days, if you go away for a year and you’re not fully established, you could be a big band, like a big trendy band but if you go away for a year, there’s loads of other trendy bands working their way up and wanting to take your position in the scene.”

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With their first headline tour in the UK and Europe underway and only one record, it is apparent to see that Wovenwar are sticking to the plan of going out and making a name for themselves however they can and staying on top of the game.

music scene and how with the past experiences the members of Wovenwar have had, it is the maturing and realising that bands need to help each other in what he calls a ‘saturated’ music scene. That is exactly what they are doing to help them grow.

“I used to be angry and just unhappy with how I viewed things but now as I’ve matured and people get older, you just realise you could have a positive outlook on things or keep being negative and that won’t get me anywhere.” Phil talks about being how he used to be competitive within the

With the attitude that Phil Sgrosso expresses it is right to say that Wovenwar are on an incredible journey to be up there with the greats in Rock and Metal and with that in mind, there is no doubt that they will. They have all had to move forward, mature as people and as musicians to do

Nuclear Blast Releases

Thy Art Is Murder - Holy War June 26th 2015

“We want the biggest crowds”

Cradle of Filth - Hammer of the Witches

July 10th 2015

Lamb of God - VII - Sturm Und Drang July 24th 2015

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“We’re excited to get back out onto the road!” what they had to do and start Wovenwar, they know exactly what they have to do to make it work.

With the excitement brewing for the upcoming tour and album hopefully set for next year, we can only expect great things from Wovenwar.

“We’re excited to get back out onto the road, we’ve been home for almost a month so we’re ready to get back out and play some new songs and have a good time.”

Wovenwar is available now via Metal Blade Records.

Wovenwar play Reading & Leeds Festival on WORDS: Jessica Howkins 30

RecordReviews

Korpiklaani Noita

Nuclear Blast Records

7/10

Everyone’s favourite Finnish folk metal band Korpiklaani are back with their ninth studio album and as expected from the cheery sextet, Noita keeps to the roots of what all fans of the band love.​ Korpiklaani are notorious for the use of their native language, something many bands avoid, but in this case, it just wouldn’t sound right any other way.

Don’t worry though. Why? Because the only thing that you need to worry about when listening to Korpiklaani is spilling your beer when you’re doing your little jig.​ Viinamäen Mies immediately 34

kicks in and shows immense greatness. Giving plenty of room to violinist Tuomas Rounakari and new accordionist Sami Perttula to have a good old fiddle and build up the sound that is much loved by fans is just one of the many great factors to Korpiklaani’s sound. ​ Lempo is slightly less cheery.

The change in mood and how it has been executed is sheer brilliance, it displays the talent of the band by being able to switch so smoothly. Despite being a slower, perhaps darker track, Lempo makes for a very intriguing piece, especially how the use of the violin has been elegantly played to create the solo instead of the usual guitars you’d expect in metal.​ With hints of so many genres across the album, especially

power metal, there’s a great amount of flavour to the record. It’s an especially brilliant moment when Jouni Jouni kicks in, a cover of Mony Mony, a Tommy James & the Shondells track made most famous by Billy Idol. It reeks of absolute cheese, and yet, is strangely one of the tracks that will probably stick out more prominently on the record. ​ Korpiklaani have released an absolutely stunning record with Noita, yet with many upsides to the record it is a shame that when it ends, there is nothing that stands out, nothing to make you want to put it straight back on again. It is a record of absolute beauty but one lacking the killer moment it deserves.

WORDS: Jessica Howkins

Phto Credit: Martin Häusler

helloween My God-Given Right

Nuclear Blast Records

8/10

Having just hit their 30th anniversary, you’d perhaps be forgiven for thinking German power-metallers Helloween might be slowing down some time soon.

Luckily though, you’d be wrong.

Now into their tenth year with the current lineup, the band have rejoined legendary metal label Nuclear Blast after 12 years and delivered their fifteenth studio album “My God-Given Right”.

“Just good old classic heavy metal the way it’s supposed to be”. That’s how guitarist Michael Weikath described the album,

and he certainly isn’t wrong there. Kicking straight off with a thrashy riff that wouldn’t have sounded out of place on their earlier work, Heroes is certainly one hell of an introduction.

It’s heavy but there’s still that signature Helloween melody underneath all the heaviness.

Of course, it wouldn’t really be a power-metal album without at least one over-the-top ballad, and luckily Like Everybody Else is exactly that. Underpinned by gloriously melodic guitars and a powerful drum beat, it’s a track that’s truly elevated by Andi Deris’ glorious vocals.

First single Battle’s Won is a triumphant call-to-arms, sounding every inch a classic in the making – its war-torn lyrics twinned with some masterful guitar work and a machine-gun drum beat.

Helloween might not have changed much on their latest album, but honestly, they didn’t really need to. “My God-Given Right” is a great release, and one that can easily stand alongside their classic works.

There’s a couple of surprises in store for fans though – Russian Roulé opens with a funky wahpedal driven lick that’s strangely reminiscent of Hendrix, before kicking back into the usual heavy riffing. It’s also one of the album’s strongest tracks,

WORDS: Jack Fermor-Worrell

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Defy all reason

The Road Ahead

8

The Road Ahead is, put simply, a near-perfect realisation of a band that knows exactly where they want to go. It is the sort of album you’d expect from a band already deep into its career, minus a couple of small missteps. The fact it serves as Defy All Reason’s debut is nothing short of remarkable.

Jack FW

Corpsegarden Entheogen

Crypt of the Devil 3 Six Feet Under are probably one of the most marmite bands in the Metal scene. Track titles such as Open Coffin Orgy and Broken Bottle Rape, are probably one of the only exciting things on the album. with ten violent tracks, it never seems to give justice as to what the album could be.

Jessica Howkins

Cut Up

8 Forensic Nightmares 8

Entheogen is an album built on complexity, weaving together all of the pieces that make a great Death Metal album effortlessly and flawlessly. A stunning collection of mindblowing riffs, beautifully executed solos and vocals that will make your Grandmothers cry.

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six feet under

Jessica Howkins

Cut Up haven’t reinvented the wheel on Forensic Nightmare.

But the production on this record is crushingly heavy, the lyrics deal with death and horror and the artwork is a colourful gory mess. The eleven tracks on offer here are all your traditional death metal offerings.

Tim Redman

Faith no more Sol Invictus

9

Sol Invictus is more than just a comeback record. With excellent experimentation, superb vocals, beautiful music and incredible production, Sol Invictus is the perfect way to walk back into a room and remember that some things, we should not let go of and Faith No More is one of them.

Jessica Howkins

We are tyrants We Can Rise

We Can Rise is an excellent introductory to the Nottingham metallers.

It is more than refreshing to see a new, upcoming band take the bull by the horns and control it as well as this band have with We Can Rise. Start to finish, the EP is beautifully crafted. We Are Tyrants are definitely a band that need to be looked out for.

Jessica Howkins

Entrails

Obliteration

8

Obliteration is a solid death metal record from the Swedes. Keeping to the traditional style of Swedish death metal Entrails have crafted a ten track record of brutality. Whilst there are times where it drags, there is more than enough quality for fans of Entombed to lap up in delight.

James Weaver

Coal Chamber Rivals

7

After so many years it would be expected that a new album would stand out and be different from old material, but overall Rivals shows that Coal Chamber did not want to stray far from their classic sound. Without a doubt it has incredible nu-metal influence subject matter and is consistently good.

Katie Needham

Nuclear Assault Pounder

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The band did state this EP would serve as an oldschool thrash taster until the new record is released yet it effectively just builds anticipation. Make no mistake, Pounder is an absolute gem of an EP, it perfectly demonstrates that old-school thrash is just as enjoyable today as it was back in the 1980s.

James Weaver

Tremonti Cauterize FRET12

10

Despite known for his work in Alter Bridge and Creed, Mark Tremonti has always craved to make a record that replicates his musical interests. Under solo project Tremonti, he has prepared an album of real quality with Cauterize.

With a fusion of his signature vocal style and heavy backing

music the record is consistently heavy yet intriciate. The chorus is instantly mesmerising whilst the slow pounding riff on Flying Monkeys replicates the metal influence that is clearly evident within Mark Tremonti.

Musically, the record is superb.

With consistent drumming from Garrett Whitlock, Wolfgang Van

Halen providing a solid bass tone and Eric Friedman adds depth to the vocal and guitar work.

Cauterize is an absolute gem of a record, showcasing true musical quality and is a clear example of Mark Tremonti’s excellent musicianship WORDS: James Weaver 37

Live Reviews

Funeral for a friend

The Hiding Place and Billy Zero Venue: The Sugarmill With summer vastly approaching, pop-punk and post-hardcore inevitably becomes vastly popular amongst the alternative scene.

The Sugarmill played host to a thio of bands aiming to capture the summer feeling.

Billy Zero (3) never looked quite up to the challenge of winning over the crowd. Opening with a Green Day cover surely turned some heads but other than that, the three piece from Stokeon-Trent fell flat to a crowd that never gave them any 38

appreciation.

Yet it was The Hiding Place (9) that made a lasting impression.

The five piece from Stoke were on fine form from start to finish.

With mesmerising guitar play and consistent drumming, The Hiding Place demonstarted sheer class in their musicianship.

Yet it was through frontman Dominic Webber that ensured The Hiding Place will be remembered. Through a brilliant vocal delivery and energetic stage presence, he led the charge for The Hiding Place and showcased why they are such an exciting prospect.

Funeral For A Friend (7) served, to many in attendance, a nostalgia trip. With a setlist comprised of both new and classic material the band’s performance was mixed to say the least. Whilst classics like ‘Juneau’, ‘Streetcar’ and ‘Roses For The Dead’ were lapped up in appreciation, the new material ultimately fell flat.

Despite a energetic and tight performance from the Welsh four piece, they ultimately remain a band that delivers nostalgia and not much else.

WORDS: James Weaver PHOTOS: Katie Louise Needham

Wovenwar As Lions Venue: Sound Control Ex-Rise To Remain vocalist Austin Dickinson took to the stage of Manchester’s Sound Control with his new band, As Lions (7). With an immediate great atmosphere between the members, it quickly drew away from the fact the audience was very small.

With an energetic stage presence, meaning at some points the stage was in fact too small for the band to run around on as much as they had liked and thunderous music, the band was able to fill up the room with just a brilliant atmosphere.

On their very first headline tour, Wovenwar open up to a disappointingly small audience despite being a consistently growing band, creating a fantastic name for themselves.

The American heavy metallers kicked off the night with a mighty bang. They are a band who have had to shake off their past and start afresh and with the live performance that they delivered at Sound Control, it is being done with ultimate power.

With the odds not being in favour of Wovenwar with not only audience size but also sound problems, they fantastically

carried on, making the show as intimate as possible. Engaging with audience members and making it feel as though they was playing to a group of friends, not strangers was something that made the concert just that little bit more special.

The sound may have fallen at some points but WOVENWAR powered through, showing they are a studio quality band live.

Wovenwar did not fall at the hurdles, they jumped higher every time.

WORDS: Jessica Howkins PHOTOS: Jack Fermor-Worrell

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transmission Brains For Breakfast, Call Me Unique, Nia Ekanem,Alex Piercy

Venue: Verve

As the last Transmission event of the year, it’s brilliant to see the best of acts taking to the stage to deliver some pleasant acoustic music that the audience have loved the most over the previous events.

Kicking off to a strong start, Alex Piercy (7) takes to the stage.

With solid guitar work and strong yet unique vocal abilities, he has raised the bar high for the rest of the acts for the night.

Up next, Nia Ekanem (8), starting off his set with a cover of Ben E King’s Stand by Me, a week after the artist passed away. With a soft, elegant guitar tone and soft vocals to accompany, Nia displays strong talent, especially with his own track Take Me Back.

After a late start, Call Me Unique (9) begins her set. With elements in her music from Jazz, Scat, Soul and RnB, Call Me Unique fuses them together effortlessly. Her confidence goes unnoticed as she plays with strength and uses an excellent amount of audience interaction to keep everyone entertained and indulge in the beauty of her music.

Showcasing a lot of talent, solo artist Brains For Breakfast (8) has elements of so many artists infused into his music, such as Oasis. With the ability to change the feel and dynamics of his music smoothly, Brains For Breakfast has obviously worked hard for the sound he has wanted to create. Excellent guitar work and stunning vocals are the reasons why the audience are captivated by this particular performer.

WORDS: Jessica Howkins PHOTO CREDIT: Katie Louise Needham

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photo Credit: Ian Collins

Architects Performance reviewed at Slam Dunk Midlands Wolverhampton On a dull Monday evening in Wolverhampton, the end of the hectic Slam Dunk weekend is drawing to a close and what better way to end it than with metalcore southerners Architects? Taking to the stage for their last UK show supporting Lost Forever//Lost Together, Architects (10) bring the windy night in with a bang.

Following on from the absolutely insane While She Sleeps could’ve proved to be a difficult task, but Architects seemed to wipe the floor with the Sheffield bunch. Kicking off their set with the incredibly popular Gravedigger, the crowd immediately begin to scream

with pure excitement, loud enough to cause goosebumps on every attendee. Frontman Sam Carter is full of charisma, bouncing around the stage with energy and enthusiasm, interacting with the crowd at every chance - he is the epitome of the perfect frontman that any band needs.

Many fans tried to be as close as possible to the band, some even resorting to climbing trees or the nearby wall in a bid to be noticed, proving just how diehard these fans really can be.

The majority of this set seems to mostly be made up off songs from Lost Forever// Lost Together, such as Broken Cross, Naysayer and Youth is Wasted on the Young, but that does not seem to be a problem among the crowd – who don’t ever seem to skip a lyric while singing along. The only problem

that Architects encountered was a blown speaker, earlier caused by Japanese metal mob Crossfaith, playing havoc with the sound of Tom Searle’s guitar.

Rounding off an energetic set with These Colours Don’t Run, Architects bring a slower, more melodic end to the night, showing just how talented and passionate the five piece really are. It appears to have been an emotional journey for the majority of fans, with some tearing up and some leaving with beaming smiles on their faces but it is clear that Architects have made a lasting impression to all and fans can expect big things to come in the next few years.

WORDS: Katie Needham

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People’s Perspective Thoughts and opinions about the current state of the music industry Over the years, technology has developed in ways we would have never imagined.

We’ve gone from Snake, texts and calls to phones that do everything for us, including taking some pretty great high quality photos and videos.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s absolutely brilliant, especially from a journalist’s point of view but here’s a message to you all, you don’t need it all of the time.

Sure, take your phone and tell your mum or dad to come and pick you up, use it to arrange where to meet friends, take one or two photos but for the love of Gordon, don’t watch the entire thing through a screen.

There’s a reason why there are photo pits at concerts and why you need a photography press pass to get in there. Gig photographers are people who have been working their backsides off to get where they are.

Why on earth should they bother when they could just stand in the crowd and take photos of the entire gig on

their brand new iPhones?

Everybody else seems to do it and try to pass it off as ‘photography’. It’s not photography, it is taking 500 pictures or filming the entire concert of a band you have paid to see and annoying the other people around you.

Think about the short people too, it’s hard to see as it is.

Don’t make it any harder by waving your arms in the air trying to get the best shot of the bum of the guitarist you fancy.

It is beyond infuriating for everyone behind, to just only be able to see the band they paid to see through your screen. Another thing, it’s alright to send a Snapchat to your friends to show them where you are or give them a snippet of the band if they couldn’t make it but please don’t Snapchat the entire concert.

I can guarantee 300 Snapchat videos to your story will help you remember the night of ‘Came to see my favourite band omg <3 <3’ – putting your phone down and actually watching the band will.

If you’re one of the people

“Leave the photo taking to the people with the passes!”

who do the above, please for the sake of all of the people who pay to watch the band in person, stop. again, stop.

Leave the photo taking to the people with the passes, if you want to watch it through a screen, stay at home and watch it on YouTube WORDS: Jessica Howkins

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through the ages: Megadeth

With Megadeth set to release their 15th album, Distorted Sound takes a look back over the hectic years of one of the most successful metal bands of all time…

Shortly after Dave Mustaine’s departure from Metallica, 1983 was the year that saw the formation of thrash gods Megadeth.

After meeting a baby faced bassist David Ellefson in the LA apartment complex where he loved, Mustaine decided to take the first steps into creating one of thrash metal’s biggest exports. Although finding it difficult to find members to fill out the line-up, Megadeth eventually found the final two in drummer Gar Samuelson and guitarist Chris Poland. These would be the missing cogs in the machine that would take them over the threshold to their debut album.

To hit back at former band Metallica, 1985 saw Mustaine & co release ‘Killing is my business… And business is good!’

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On a budget of $8,000 to record with Combat Records – half of which was spent on drugs and alcohol – Killing is my business, despite its primitive sound, became a relatively successful record. This album also saw the debut of mascot Vic Rattlehead.

In 1986, on a higher budget of $25,000, Megadeth began writing their second album on Combat Records. With Mustaine taking a lead on composition and lyrical content while the others took to musical arrangement, the band felt pressured to deliver another successful album. After much consideration and unhappy with limitations, Megadeth retired from Combat Records and signed to Capitol Records. With clearer production and heavy political commentary, the band released ‘Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?’ in late 1986. Due to Mustaine’s socially conscious lyrics, the release of Peace Sells would expand Megadeth’s fanbase massively.

By 1987, Megadeth would be opening for Alice Cooper on the ‘Constrictor’ tour and heading off on their own headline tour around the United Kingdom with Overkill. While still touring, Chris Poland and Gar Samuelson’s drug abuse became too much to handle, causing Mustaine to ask the pair to leave the band.

After the unfortunate departure of Poland and Samuelson, Megadeth began recording ‘So Far, So Good...

So What!’ with Paul Lani as producer, Chuck Behler on drums and Jeff Young on guitar.

Problems began to arise when Mustaine and Lani clashed over opinions about instrumental arrangement and unusual ways of recording drum parts. Eventually Lani was replaced by Michael Wagener and in 1988, the album was finally released.

‘So Far, So Good... So What?’ received such impressive reception that Megadeth began a world tour in support – which saw them opening

for the likes of Dio and Iron Maiden – however, their appearance on the Monsters of Rock tour would be cut short due to Ellefsons drug issues and need for immediate treatment. Shortly after, Megadeth would cancel their Australian tour after issues arose with the band mates.

Mustaine began to suspect Jeff Young of having an affair with his girlfriend and noticed problems with Chuck Behler. This resulted in drum technician Nick Menza taking Behler’s place, however, Megadeth were unable to quickly find a replacement for Young. While searching for a new lead guitarist, Mustaine was arrested for driving while intoxicated and the possession of drugs and for the first time in 10 years, he became drug free after entering rehab.

In early 1990, Megadeth joined Slayer, Testament and Suicidal Tendencies on the European Clash Of The Titans tour – the American tour came the following year, this time dropping Testament and Suicidal Tendencies and bringing Anthrax and Alice in Chains into the mix.

September that year saw the release of Rust In Peace and a newly sober Mustaine. Eventually, after searching through a large number of guitarists, including Pantera’s own Dimebag Darrell, Megadeth settled on guitarist Marty Friedman. To fans, this became the most definitive Megadeth lineup. Mike Clink of Rumbo studios was chosen to produce Rust In Peace and became the first producer to complete a Megadeth album without being fired – this was also the first time in all of Megadeth’s career that the whole band were sober while in studio.

Rust In Peace debuted at 23 in the US and 8 in the UK, as well as receiving a grammy nomination in 1991 for Best Metal Performance and was Megadeth’s third album to go platinum.

Megadeth’s fifth studio album, Countdown To Extinction, was released July 1992 and was certified double platinum in the US. Megadeth received another nomination for Best Metal Performance, as well as winning a Genesis Award for the title track for raising awareness for animal rights issues. The albums incredible success helped Megadeth gain an even larger following, this time outside of the US. In late 1992, Megadeth, along with White Zombie and Pantera, set off on a world tour in support of the album. Unfortunately, one month into the tour, Mustaine relapsed with alcohol and drugs, sending him into rehab for seven weeks and cancelling the remaining dates for the tour.

After 8 months of studio work, Countdown To Extinctions follow-up, Youthanasia was released in November 1994 – being certified gold in Canada

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the same day it was released and certified platinum two months later in the US. Reuniting with Max Norman and at his request, the band built their own recording studio in Phoenix, eliminating problems with band members living away from the original studio and making it easier for the band to write and arrange the entire thing themselves. Taking on suggestions from Norman, Youthanasia had a slower tempo, stronger vocal melodies and radio friendly arrangements. It debuted at 4 on the Billboard 200 and managed to chart in a number of European countries.

Megadeth played a halloween show ‘Night of the Living Megadeth’ to promote Youthanasia, which was broadcast live on MTV and in 1995 they took to Europe and North America alongside Corrosion of Conformity, Fear Factory and Korn.

After the world tour, Megadeth would take some time off.

In 1996, Megadeth started work on songs for the next album in London with new manager, Bud Prager. The

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album was recorded in Nashville in collaboration with country producer, Dann Huff and in June 1997, Cryptic Writings was released. Once again, Megadeth was nominated for Best Metal Performance at the 1998 Grammy’s and four singles from the album entered the the top 20 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks Chart.

In July 1998, Megadeth took part in Ozzfest, however, part way through the tour Nick Menza discovered a tumour on his knee and had to leave to have surgery. Jimmy Degrasso took the place of Menza for the remaining tour and eventually became a permanent member.

Megadeth once again took to writing a new album, Risk, in January 1999 and releasing it the following August with Dann Huff. Risk, compared to Megadeth’s previous releases, was a failure, both among fans and critics. The band began a world tour in support of Risk, but three months in, Friedman decided to quit Megadeth to persue his own musical career. Al Pitrelli became Friedman’s replacement in January 2000.

Mustaine was hospitalised in January 2002 for the removal of a kidney stone and the pain medication he

was prescribed sent him back into a relapse with drugs. He checked into a rehabilitation centre in Texas to overcome his problems but while there he caused severe nerve injury to his arm. He was diagnosed with radial neuropathy – rendering it useless to play guitar. On April the same year, Mustaine released a statement to explain that he was disbanding Megadeth and why.

In 2004, Mustaine decided to reform Megadeth using the Rust In Peace line-up, but tension between the band meant that Friendman and Ellefson would not be participating.

Nick Menza, however, had agreed to return but was turned away shortly after a Mustaine believed he was ‘insufficiently prepared’. Chris Poland was hired as a session guitarist. The System Has Failed was released the same year and received great reactions from fans and critics alike, but Mustaine announced that this album would be Megadeth’s last and a farewell tour in support of the album would take place later in the year.

After the success of the The System Has Failed farewell tour in 2004,

The Essential Listening Guide

Must Hear

Breakthrough Record

One To Avoid

Fan Favourite

•Classic songs such as ‘Sweating Bullets’ and ‘Symphony of Destruction’ •Certified double platinum in the US •Lyrically targets very real issues – extinction •Each song features songwriting contributions from the whole band •Megadeth’s most commercially successful album

•Helped Megadeth’s fan base grow

•Critical and commercial failure

•Very political, better songwriting

•High expectations, low reception

•Clearer production

•Backlash from longtime Megadeth fans

•The first album where the whole band have stayed entirely sober during recording •Megadeth’s most critically acclaimed album to date •Some of Marty Friedman’s best work •Classic thrash metal •Fans’ most favourite line-up

Countdown to Extinction

Peace Sells...

•Title track was regularly played on MTV

Mustaine announced that Megadeth would continue to record and tour – they would play Gigantour, where they would be supported by Dream Theater, Nevermore, Anthrax and Fear Factory. Early in 2006, bassist James MacDonough announced his departure from the band due to ‘personal differences’ and would be replaced by James LoMenzo.

Megadeth announced the near completion of United Abominations in May 2006, but postponed it until May 2007, claiming that ‘finishing touches’ were needed. Having grown tired of touring and wanting to spend more time with his family, Glen Drover departed from Megadeth in January 2009 and was replaced by Chris Broderick.

In May 2009, Megadeth announced that they had finished recording album number 12, Endgame and began touring in support of the album from October through to December. Mustaine then decided

Risk

•Producer, Dann Huff, had most of the control over Risk – Something Dave Mustaine regrets

to start up a Rust in Peace 20th anniversary tour in March 2010, in which Megadeth would play Rust in Peace in it’s entirety. Before the tour began, David Ellefson rejoined Megadeth after spending 8 years away. Through 2010, Megadeth played Sonisphere festival alongside Metallica, Anthrax and Slayer and continued to tour through the United States for the following year.

November 2011 saw the release of Thirteen and soon after, Mustaine stated that there would be a new Gigantour tour in 2012, of which the lineup consisted of Motorhead, Volbeat and Lacuna Coil. This would be followed by a co-headlining tour in May 2012 with Rob Zombie across the US. Megadeth announced they were recording album number 14 in August 2012, and finally released it in June 2013. SuperCollider received mostly negative reactions from critics and fans alike, however, the

Rust In Peace

album charted at number 6 on the Billboard 200, making it Megadeth’s highest position since 1994.

In November 2014, Shawn Drover announced that he was leaving Megadeth and guitartist Chris Broderick announced his departure a quick 12 hours after. David Ellefson pushed away rumours that Megadeth were breaking up and said that Dave Mustaine and himself were going to continue writing new music. Kiko Loureiro became Broderick’s permanent replacement while rumours sprung up about who could possibly be replacing Drover. After many teasers, it was soon announced that Lamb of God’s Chris Adler would take the place of Shawn Drover, but only as a session musician.

Megadeth are set to release their 15th studio album towards the end of 2015 or early 2016.

WORDS: Katie Needham

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The highly anticipated new record July 24th 2015