Firebrand After Dark Issue 14 - August by Firebrand's Rock&Metal Express

Issue 14 - August 2014

PLUS 1349 Crimson Shadows Goatwhore Dictated Misfits Monsterworks Stallion Grifter Wovenwar

08 12 14 24 28 30 36

20 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56

- 1349 - Goatwhore - Cannibal Corpse - Dictated - Bloodsoaked - Steak - Crimson Shadows

- Misfits Live Review - Monsterworks - Wovenwar - Stallion - Autumnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dawn - Keitzer - Brimstone Coven - Vardan - Ending Quest - Bloodstrike - Manor <? - Slaughterday - ONHEIL

04 19 33 42 64 68

- News - Top 5 Videos - Top 5 Album Covers - Games Dungeon - Top 20 Chart - Gig Listing

57 - Edge Of Haze - Ancient Altar 58 - Cenacle 60 - Shadow Of The Torturer - Stryvigor 61 - Blackwitch Pudding - Bolzer 62 - Darkest Era - Kurnugia 63 - Grifter

*All content and layout are copyright of Firebrand Magazine. Any attempt to distribute Firebrand Magazine to another site for purposes of download is strictly prohibited. All Firebrand Magazines are property of Firebrand. *

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Meet The Team! Editor In Chief Rick Palin

Well it’s been a funny old month, much kudos to Bloodstock putting on a live stream for the Senior Media Consultant people who sadly could not make it this year. It has Rachel Whiston to be said there are some epic performances captured by Dailymotion which I dare say will be Editor doing the rounds by now. Lee Walker The main surprise though came by the last minute cancellation of Alt-Fest. On paper, this fledgling festival had all the ability to change the face of the UK festival scene forever, but sadly due to financial reasons this event had to be cancelled. My thoughts go out to both the organizers as well as the people who are struggling to get their money back.

Reviews Team Aaron Price Anthony Clegg Gavin Griffiths Graham Pritchard Joey Lowebins Phil Kane Rob Birtley Stephen Brophy Stoodge McNulty

As this magazine goes to ‘print’, we are hearing that Rick Parashar who is best known for his production work with Pearl Jam and Alice In Chains has sadly passed away at the age of 50. Love or Download Content Team hate, the grunge explosion, which he helped create, Rick Palin his work will forever live on. Judith Fisher

Content Download sales@firebrandrr.co.uk Advertising Enquiries sales@firebrandrr.co.uk Review Requests afterdark@firebrandrr.co.uk

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NEWS

Evil Scarecrow Pledge Music campaign for Galactic Hunt

Along with releasing the first look at their fabulous new artwork for the album, 'Galactic Hunt', Evil Scarecrow are now embarking on their Pledge campaign to get their 3rd album released, with CDs, Fan Packs and some fairly mad exclusives available.

collective unconscious, the wellspring of symbols, archetypes and the imagination. Herein also lies the conceptual alignment of Sunset In The 12th House, which is about different implementations of oriental and occidental esotericism. We are very happy to announce the conclusion of a long-term contract with Sunset In The 12th House and that these two musicians once more put their trust in Prophecy! This is what Edmond has to say about the new cooperation: "We're very pleased to have this new project ready to be sent out into the wide world though Prophecy Productions. We already received a lot of trust and support from the label and I'm sure they'll do a great work for us. Sunset In The 12th House represents a significant part of our feeling and thoughts which are differently expressed musically and conceptually in comparison with Dordeduh, but which are somehow the other side of the same coin. I hope that some people will find a common resonance with our new work and looking forward to hear the feedbacks." The debut album of Sunset In The 12th House will be entitled "Mosaic", and its recordings have already been completed and are tentatively scheduled for a release in early 2015. http://en.prophecy.de/news/sunset-in-the-12thhouse-sign-with-prophecy-productions.html

Evil Scarecrow: "It's been a long time in the making but we are finally ready to unleash our 3rd album on the world! We have been lucky enough to work with legendary record producer Russ Russell for the last few months getting it ready for you. Russ has worked his magic to help us get this album recorded, mixed and mastered. Galactic Hunt has been long and eagerly awaited but it is now waiting in the wings to be unveiled and we need your help with coaxing it out. Please help us cover the costs of producing the finished article by Pledging here: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/ evilscarecrowgalactichunt? utm_campaign=project9941&utm_medium=activity &utm_source=facebook Not only can you pledge for the CD and limited edition fan packs, but we'll have lots of other ridiculous exclusives available throughout the campaign to feed your Scarecrow apetite. Once we've hit our goal we will be donating 5% of any https://www.facebook.com/sunsetinthe12thhouse further proceeds to the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, please go and read about it on their official website: http:// Darkher signs with Prophecy Productions www.sophielancasterfoundation.com/ and help to stamp out prejudice, hatred and Without exaggeration: in our eyes, Darkher is one of intolerance everywhere." the biggest contemporary talents in the field of dark and atmospheric guitar-based music! Darkher is the alias of Jayn H. Wissenberg, a charismatic West Sunset In The 12th House sign with Prophecy Yorkshire-based singer-songwriter behind whose Productions fragile elegance lies the creator of a powerfully Sunset In The 12th House is a new band founded by emotive work. Her captivating music is characterized by slowly building storm clouds of guitars and even the Dordeduh masterminds Edmond Karban (aka more Jayn's haunting, spine-tinglingly evocative voice. Hupogrammos) and Sol Faur. Acting mainly as an instrumental band, the quartet, which is completed It is unprecedented dark music full of contrasts, at once powerful and fragile, wracked and serene, by Dordeduh drummer Sergio Ponti and the bass combining a feel of both chilling loneliness and the player Mihai Moldoveanu, performs a unique style that can be best described as a blend of Post Rock warmth of hope, and it is veined by an atmosphere of esoteric splendor and a deep spiritual confidence. and traditional oriental music. The enigmatic band Darkher just inked a long-term contract with name refers to the astrological array in which the Prophecy Productions, and we are exited about this 12th house is the house of subconsciousness and upcoming cooperation! A first outcome of it will be unconsciousness, of intuition, compassion and the release of an EP later this year, before Darkher's spiritual transcendence. It is the residence of the debut album will be out in 2015. For those who

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can't wait to listen, check out the Soundcloud profile of Darkher https://soundcloud.com/darkher http://en.prophecy.de/news/darkher-signs-withprophecy-productions.html https://www.facebook.com/DARKHERMUSIC

New Teaser From 1349! Norway´s masters of blackened sonic evil 1349 release the first out of 5 teaser videos for the upcoming full-length "Massive Cauldron of Chaos" today! Click HERE or on the picture to see the video on YouTube. Four years after the release of the great “Demonoir” and 1349 return with a deadly vengeance. On the 29th of September “Massive Cauldron of Chaos” is set to be released through Indie Recordings worldwide, except for North America, where Season of Mist will be handling the album. Order your copy HERE! Here is a comment from the band: "We entered the studio with an idea of putting everything that 1349 has ever been about into a cauldron, stir it well, and pour in some fresh ingredients - as well as some strange old ones - and come up with our most potent elixir ever. And we brought the spirit to match the ambitious attempt. Boil, boil, toil and trouble...Behold! We have made the most delightfully intoxicating and dangerous potion you can dream of. FEEL THE FIRE! And Hail Hell." And Joathan Selzer of Metal Hammer UK wrote this about the new album: “Ravn, Archaon, Seidemann and legendary drummer Frost have gone for an all-out assault this time around, full of rampaging whorls, militaristic blasts and even moments of speed metal amongst the supreme necrotic carnage.” This spring 1349 toured The US supporting Behemoth and played for sold out venues, and this spring the band shall return to the States again! Europe will also be granted a visit this fall; make sure not to miss the Aural Hellfire as it blaze through your neighborhood! Coal Chamber Announces Signing With Napalm Records Napalm Records is pleased to announce the signing of Los Angeles, California's Coal Chamber, a band that stood as leaders at the forefront of new genres, constantly reinventing their sound and not fitting any mold except their own. With sold out tours, and millions of records sold, Coal Chamber owned the Scene from the mid nineties until their tumultuous breakup in May of 2002. Now they have returned to

take their place at the top where they once were and intend to be there for years to come. Call it what you want, "The Return", "The Second Coming of", but no matter what you call it, be prepared Coal Chamber to rule again. Following a 12-plus year breakup the band reunited in 2011 and 2013 for Festival shows as well as an extensive North American tour. Now all four members of Coal Chamber (Dez Fafara, Nadja Peulen, Mikey Cox, Meegs) have decided the time was right to begin work on a new Coal Chamber album. The band is currently working on the new material that they hope to release next year. Coal Chamber spoke about their new record and signing with Napalm Records: "How many times do you get a second chance at anything in life? We toured the world, it was insane and crowds came out in force and we had a blast! For this I'm so appreciative! Now..... It's time to release a New Coal Chamber Record! The Vibe between us all is positive AND we've assembled a killer team around us! "Now with Napalm Records on board get ready for a heavy, explosion from Coal Chamber! We've evolved and so has the music, from the demo music I've heard you're gonna sink your TEETH into this! Stay tuned!" Dez Fafara "It's been a long time coming but the wait is over! There are no words to describe how excited I am to be working on the new Coal Chamber record!!! I can't wait to see all your faces when we rock this album out! Stay tuned!!!" XO, Nadja "This is the first time in a long time that writing and recording a record feels right. Extremely grateful and excited for this new chapter in the world of Coal Chamber!! New music from CC is something we can't wait to share with the many loyal fans that have stuck it out through everything!!! The evolution of Coal Chamber has begun!" Mikey Cox "I'm so excited to be making music with my brothers and sister, and to the loyal fans who've been waiting for this! It's been a long time coming, but the pieces of the puzzle are finally aligned right. The friendship, the camaraderie, the vibe of the band is perfect now. Can't wait to unleash on the world!" MEEGS Napalm Records Vice President Thomas Caser on the signing of Coal Chamber: "Rarely you get the chance to work with a band that has been a pioneer of a whole genre. We are thrilled and proud to get this chance with Coal Chamber! A new chapter of the band's history is being written and Napalm Records is committed to make it the most successful!"

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Liv Kristine Unveils Details For Upcoming Album! Available November 4th in North America on Napalm Records The woman with an extremely successful world-wide career, Grammy Award nominations, sold-out tours and consistently chart successes with Leaves 'Eyes and Theatre Of Tragedy is now back with her fifth solo album. Liv Kristine has unveiled the title, artwork, release date & tour dates for her upcoming sensational album. Vervain will be released on November 4th in North America and October, 27th in the UK via Napalm Records and promises lots of great melodies, haunting song structures and of course her world-class voice. Vervain presents itself as a spectacular piece of musical art: A rock masterpiece in an incomparable sound, multi-faceted and in every song in another shape between light and darkness. Fall 2014 is going to be place of a tour, which has never been previously given:Liv Kristine will go on an extensive tour together with Kari Ruslåtten and Anneke van Giersbergen! "The Sirens in concert 2014" will be presented by Orkus & take place in mid-October and December 2014! To experience the three Power Ladies live, check out the tour dates near you! Tickets are now available!

Godsmack hit the road in the US on August 15th, headlining the Rockstar Energy Uproar Festival, with European dates being discussed. Sos Festival Announces 5 More Bands, As Knock Out Kaine, Fireforce, Garagedays, The Amorettes & Steel Threads Join The 2015 Line-Up

SOS Festival, in Radcliffe, North Manchester, adds a further international influence with Fireforce (Belgium) and Garagedays (Austria) added to the 2015 schedule for the Dean Hocking Stage (main), whilst British bands Knock Out Kaine and The Amorettes are also added to the Dean Hocking Stage, and Steel Threads play the Metal Nation Radio Acoustic Stage. Fireforce have just recently been rewarded with a glorious 9/10 album review in Powerplay magazine.. "every song kills.. an absolute storm of an album". Garagedays signed to Rocksector Records for the release earlier this year of their hell-raising "Passion Of Dirt" album produced by Ralf Scheepers of Primal Fear and mixed/mastered by Andy LaRocque of King Diamond. Knock Out Kaine are currently causing a serious stir with their latest music video "Set The Night On Fire" which features a cameo appearance by Iron Maiden's Bruce Godsmack Roar Back With #1 Rock Album In Dickinson. Awarded Kerrang!'s Best Unsigned Act of America! 2008, the band toured widely with Adler's Appetite & Multi-platinum rockers Godsmack have the #1 Rock also Chris Holmes of W.A.S.P. before releasing a debut album "House Of Sins". Album in America with ‘1000HP’, which crashed All-female trio The Amorettes have just played straight in at #3 on the Billboard Top 200 – the a barnstorming set at Bloodstock Open Air with a Boston band’s sixth Top 10 album debut in the US. great crowd watching them on the Jagermeister ‘1000HP’, released in the UK by Spinefarm Stage and a fantastic response to their no-nonsense Records on September 1st, is also the title of the current single, which launched to #1 at Rock Radio. rock n roll. Finally, we're delighted to welcome Steel Threads back to SOS Festival, Metal Nation Radio The brand new music video for ‘1000hp’ is now live; the clip documents the group’s rise to fame Acoustic stage - although now independent, this via previously unseen behind-the-scenes and concert band released their debut album on Rocksector Records and their folk-influenced acoustic guitar, footage of the early years, and shows the vocals and fiddle have always been a hit with our ever-increasing weight of the live performance. audiences. Watch ‘1000HP’ here: http:// The above bands join the previously announced www.vevo.com/watch/godsmack/1000hp/ headliner - former Iron Maiden vocalist Blaze Bayley USUV71401621 who plays an exclusive "Silicon Messiah" 15th ‘1000HP’ (the album) is available for pre-order at Anniversay show, plus Avenger, Black Whiskey, Die the following links:No More, Motherload, Ten By Ten & Wizz Acoustic. Amazon: http://po.st/nyKFtW Many more bands are yet to be chosen and iTunes: http://po.st/D0lzsk announced. Last week, Boston’s Mayor Martin J. Walsh – SOS is presented by independent record label sporting a Godsmack tour jacket! – proRocksector Records & 2015 will be the 8th such claimed August 6th as official ‘Godsmack Day’ in event. Previous headliners include I Am I, Gun, Black recognition of the band’s links with the city plus Spiders, Heavens Basement, Absolva and Beholder. longstanding and continued music industry success, In 2015, the event takes place on 17th - 19th with 20 million records sold worldwide alongside four July, and tickets which are already on-sale, represent Grammy nominations; he presented each member outstanding value once again at £15 for a weekend with an official proclamation honouring this unique & £10 for Saturday or Sunday single tickets. Friday occasion, which included a chance for fans to meet night is charged separately at £5 or for weekend the musicians at Newbury Comics – the first store ticket purchasers it's included in the price. to carry Godsmack’s debut album (1998).

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Archaon Speaks to Stoodge Mc Nulty

Having left us with a rumbling interlude of four years since their last record, 29th September harbours the release of 'Massive Cauldron of Chaos', the brand new album from Norway's black metal luminary 1349. The band's guitarist Archaon tells Stoodge all about the new album and talks about some misconceptions about black metal from within itsAfter throng. Firebrand Dark

'Massive Cauldron of Chaos' is released on 29th September. It's an album that has been anticipated for four years now. Is that why you chose such a title? The title was a result of our eminent drummer Frost and his mindwork, as he came up with this brilliant suggestion. When that is said- we all embraced it as soon as it was presented to us; it has a certain 1349'ish vibe to it and pretty much sums up both the band as well as our newest album, 'Massive Cauldron of Chaos'. As an equation, the title basically gives a good description of the band's nature (although it obviously is somewhat chaos under our control) and also the musical contents of ours in their wildest nature, captured on tape. All wrapped up in a 1349'esque, artistic total that is exactly what we promise in the mentioned album-title.

uncompromisingly bringing the harshness of the basics: Guitars, vocals, drums and bass- no frills, just harsh, raw metal executed with extreme brutality- the way that we felt was right at the time. From there on and out, there's naturally been evolution happening- both musically as well as conceptually. But we still stand behind our earlier efforts with pride, and up until now, yes; 'Demonoir' definitely shows us perfectionizing what we do at the same time as bringing in new elements. But as you understand: There's no need or desire for us to repeat something that we've already done, so for us to swift "back" to a more classic album structure and sound, was something that we felt was in its place this time around.

How far would be have to venture back in time to find the beginnings of what would become 'Massive Cauldron of Chaos'? How hellish can we expect the record to be? Like almost always, there are traces of something MCoC spans over a broader specter than ever left behind from each time an album is finished. I before- although within a more traditional have a tradition of leaving behind something to start metal-orientated musical landscape, so to speak. It off with, but often this theme lies waiting until we're holds everything from gloomy, dark passages to sheer demolition, but through several elements that far into the new material... But when it comes to MCoC, I know exactly when & which song that was we figured would suit the particular song. There's the first one: 'Exorcism', dated back to February more groove here than ever before, but I definitely feel that we succeeded in doing that, without falling 2011. I have a demo version from back then, so I can safely say that the first step was initiated around in any one-directioned trap. We emphasize the use that time. I still remember being very satisfied when of whatever elements needed to alter the state of the particular work-in-question, and for that matter writing that piece- knowing that we had something we seek to tread untraditional ways at times. It is our good in store. choice of challenge, to evolve the take on the art of black metal, to lead away from generic, narrow-minded paths and onto new ones- keeping the trustworthiness and legitimacy intact. I definitely think we've succeeded in that with MCoC. As I've said before, it has been four years since 'Demonoir' your last studio expulsion. Is 'Massive Cauldron...' a perpetuation of the last record in any way, or does it bring a brand new genesis into the domain? All the albums that we've made up until this very day is of crucial importance, as without one, we wouldn't have had the other. The sharp-edged blade that is 'Liberation' was highly necessary at its time, as the trend back in 2001 (when we recorded it) showed an oversaturation of melodic black metal bands, as well as some heading completely into outer space... We were

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The record comes with some pretty interesting artwork. Who is behind the design and what was the thinking behind the graphics? The cover artwork was drawn by an artist named Johannes Hoie, whom Ravn was fascinated by and introduced his works to us. Apart from that, Frost had the essential idea of "our white album", as far as design/lay out goes. So, besides the artist himself, the album cover was the idea of Frost and Ravn. What is your opinion on those people out there that fully believe that the only way you can advocate Black Metal is by recording material on a dusty old 4-track in a derelict building somewhere? I'll let them get on with that, not interested in wasting theirs nor my time with such nonsense. It's really the greatest of misunderstandings, that the recording equipment plays an essential role in terms of creating what is considered 'true', 'cult' and so on. Some of the demos from legendary acts obviously were recorded with the resources at hand, at the time- but some of the greatest albums from these same artists has benefitted from the increasing popularity that led them into access to greater recording facilities- which in turn has helped the genre evolve. At least, that is my opinion. Traditionalists may praise the "magic" from the early stages of black metal, but to claim that this is what makes it black metal- that's a bit far-fetched.

thinks Black Metal isn't 'True' or 'Orthodox' if it isn't from Norway. Now, being from Norway yourself, what's your thoughts on this? Again, to draw the line with some rigid condition like that, just tells me that 1: The person in question has a minimal frame of reference, and 2: That the person most probably won't be anyone contributing constructively to the art dimension anyway. One thing is that Norway holds a legacy for all the great bands hailing from there, and quite likely, that might have something to it that correlates, f.inst. the nature's surroundings, history, political issues etc. But to say that only Norway is the country with spawning great black metal bands is something easily proven wrong- take f. inst. Sweden and Finland, which both have some seriously grim black metal acts. And most likely, there's several that we haven't heard yet. Which member is the most fussy and problematic when it comes to cladding on the corpsepaint before a show? As the corpsepaint is an important ingredient in our show and in our concept, the answer to your question is: None. It's something that- if anything, puts you in the right mindset for putting on a great performance as well as alter oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own character, and which provides the visual effect that we desire to portrait through our black labour

I had a conversation recently with a dude that

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Joey Lowebins chats with

Zack Simmons Currently on the road in North America as part of The Summer Slaughter Tour, Louisiana's Goatwhore have recently released their sixth album â&#x20AC;&#x153;Constricting Rage of The Mercilessâ&#x20AC;?, and it's mighty good! Our man Joey Lowebins got speaking to the band's drummer Zack Simmons about all things Goatwhore!

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Album 6 guys! How did you approach the new album? Was there a different process this time or did you go for the tried and tested way? As far as writing goes, we went about it pretty much the same way we always have. It all starts with getting into a room and throwing ideas around. Sammy has an abundance of riffs and I have his riff library on my computer. That enables us to exchange ideas when we are away from each other since I live in Arizona. All in all, the writing process was very smooth and there was no lack of ideas or inspiration. As far as the recording, we recorded analog to two inch tape. It really gives the record a lot more vibe and an overall punchier, gutsy sound. What can we expect from the new album? It's ten tracks of aggressive, pissed off heavy metal, man. We've never been a band that's tried to reinvent the wheel or anything. We come from the old school way of thinking and those older heavy metal influences come out in our music big time. This album is a sort of "fuck you" to the current trends in metal music. Tell us about the reason behind the name of the new album? The title really sums up the idea of the band itself. The drive and determination to keep working hard no matter what might set us back. We've had a few unfortunate set backs in our history but we've always done our best to persevere and continue on. It's all for the love of playing heavy metal. This is what we do. How much of an impact does Brian Slagel have on the band? I see him tweeting and supporting all bands on the Metal Blade label but just how much does it affect you guys? Brian and the whole Metal Blade team have always been really supportive. It's great to have a team like that behind you that helps you thrive and execute your vision. Slagel is the ultimate metal head, man. He's a walking encyclopedia of metal. What/ who are your biggest influences? Bands like Celtic Frost, Bathory, and Venom were a huge reason for the band starting. There are so many more as well like a lot of the classic metal bands we grew up on; Judas Priest, Motorhead, et cetera. The list goes on and on.. Touring, just how strenuous is it on the band and you as individuals? Like do you all need a bit of me time? It can be grueling at times but we are pretty used to the routine of things by now. People get sick, exhausted, and hungover but once you hit the stage something else takes over and none of that matters. The show is really the easiest part and the other 23 hours are the hardest. There's a lot of down time so

it's good to find other constructive things to do to occupy that time. We are all respectful of each other's space and that's pretty essential to keep the peace when you're on tour. On the same subject, who is the coolest band you have toured with and why? There are so many, honestly. It's very rare that you run into a band that are total dicks but it has happened. Touring a lot sort of humbles you in a way that every band sort of understands each other. Normally, everyone hangs out and is super friendly but there have been a few occasions where the "rock star" attitude has been apparent. To each, their own. We are all there to do the same thing. I must admit I'm looking forward to seeing you play with Dying Fetus in November in Dublin, but whats your opinion on crowds in the UK/ Ireland compared to crowds in the US? Its pretty similar actually. Moreso than mainland Europe where there are obviously more language and cultural differences. Shows in the UK and Ireland have always been great for us, even on our first times playing there. I'm very much looking forward to coming back in November! What if any would be your ultimate venue to play in and who would you pick to be on the bill, say 2 support acts? That's a tough question! I'm going to go with the new Emo's in Austin, TX. I really dig that place. Easy load in, killer sound, and there's a liquor store right next to it. For the support bands I'd pick Abysmal Lord and Gasmiasma from New Orleans since they're good friends of ours. Sounds like a fun night! Have to ask this, how supportive are you parents in what you do, are they mad against metal or do they support you a lot? It's pretty safe to say that without my parents' support, I wouldn't be here talking to you. For a parent to support their child's decision to start playing drums takes some love! Those early years must have been hell with all that racket going on in the house. Luckily, things fell into place and I was able to join this band over ten years ago. My parents still come out to every show we play in Phoenix. Finally, anything you want to say to the fans over here in the UK/ Ireland? Study up on these new songs and we'll see you all in November with Dying Fetus!

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Stoodge catches up with

Alex Webster 14

Cannibal Corpse are without a doubt one of the most notorious bands on the planet. And have been for twenty five years now. Their 13th album â&#x20AC;&#x153;Skeletal Remainsâ&#x20AC;? is out on the 15th September through Metal Blade Records. Stoodge caught up with legendary member and bass player Alex Webster to discuss the album and what's next for the band after over two decades of infamy within the death metal circuit.

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So, the Rockstar Mayhem Festival has just begun its long voyage across the States. How is it to be the most brutal band on the line up? Well, whether or not we’re the most brutal is certainly debatable since there are bunch of killer bands on the bill, but we’re probably the only one that people would consider to be an old school death metal band. So, we’re really happy to be able to represent our genre on North America’s biggest and best heavy metal festival tour. There are a lot of different genres of metal on this tour, but the fans seem to be really open minded- all of the bands have been getting great responses. It's not your first time on the festival either. Is there a different mentality needed to get fired up for the festival shows than to those of your own? Not really. It’s a shorter set- usually 8 songs rather than the 16 to 20 that we do when we headline- so it’s actually little easier. For a shorter set like that we can go completely ballistic for the entire set- for a headliner we have to pace ourselves a bit so that we have enough energy for the full 75 - 90 minutes. We also know that many of the fans in attendance will be seeing us for the first time, so we put songs in the set that are easy to latch onto on the first listen. The Mayhem set is a short set that features some of our catchiest material. If someone wants to hear the “deep cuts” they’ll need to come see our headlining tour.

to tones in the studio. Those are better heard than described though, so take a listen to the new album! Last year was your 25th anniversary year. With 'Skeletal Domain' can we expect a new era of Cannibal Corpse? I think it’s really a continuation of what we’ve always been doing. We’ve tried to improve with each album, and with “A Skeletal Domain” (ASD) we feel we’ve made our best effort to date. But, as long as we continue making albums, we’ll keep trying to improve. So our best effort will go into making the follow up to “ASD” an even stronger release- better songs, better musicianship, and heavier. With only three line up changes in all those years, what has been the driving force behind the institution that is Cannibal Corpse? In the beginning we wanted to make the heaviest gore-oriented death metal band we could, and that goal has never changed. So our consistency has probably been one of the keys to our success. We’re also aware of how lucky we are- there are many bands that we felt were just as good as us or better that didn’t have nearly the success that we did, simply because they weren’t in the right place at the right time like we were. I think the best way to appreciate good fortune is to not squander it. We were given an opportunity so we tried to make the most of it by touring like crazy, working hard to improve, and staying consistent on all levels.

Your new album 'Skeletal Domain' is launched on 15th September. It's the bands 13th studio album. How ruthless is it? It’s as ruthless as possible! We always try to make our albums as heavy and brutal as we can. Each song we write is an attempt at making our best song, so each album is full of songs that are the result of a full effort. There is no filler- I never understood why anyone would write a song that they weren’t truly enthusiastic about. As far as the songs go for this particular album, I think you’ll find a lot of variety between them- they are all heavy, but all different. We think variety is an important part of making an album that’s exciting to listen to from start to finish. The album was produced by Mark Lewis at Audiohammer. How was it to work with Mark and to bring a new producer into the fold? Mark was great to work with. He can get a really smooth workflow going in the studio- we did a lot of hard work but he’s so laid back that we didn’t really realize how hard we were working. Mark also brought some different ideas in regard

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Metal seems a lot more accommodating these days to genres and different sounding bands. It appears that every week there's a new "this is them" big-time band. Thankfully though, the majority of society has a minute attention span and a lot of these bands are quickly forgotten about. Is there anything about today's scene that you think wouldn't last if it was about fifteen-twenty years ago? It’s really hard to say. Over the years we’ve seen bands come and go, we’ve seen the hot new band go out of style quickly only to be replaced by another….this sort of thing has always been happening with popular music. One thing that always seems to happen is that for each “next big thing” genre, when the hype wears off only 4 or 5 bands remain successful, the rest sort of fade away. It’s a pattern we’ve seen repeat itself a half dozen times, and I’m sure it’ll keep happening. Has technological advances affected Death Metal in a positive or negative way? Both. The positives are that it’s cheaper and easier to record a great sounding album, and the Internet makes it easier for a band to publicize itself. The negatives are that it’s extremely easy to edit a inhumanly perfect performance in the studio, thereby diminishing the work of musicians who didn’t take the same technological short cut, and also giving the album a sterile, inhuman vibe. Another negative of course is that if you want to steal an album online it’s pretty easy to do so. So there are pros and cons, for sure. Better to focus on the pros than to lament the cons, I guess.

music these days not permit such basement gatherings? I’m sure there are still plenty of underground shows and the like. If anything, modern technology might help facilitate that by making it easier to find out about new bands and the the shows they play. You'll be over in Europe for an extensive tour in October and November, it's a tour I'm looking very much forward too. As are a lot of European Cannibal-heads, or is it Corpse-heads? Either way, you guys are always welcome over here. Before finishing up here, what has been your strangest experience whilst on the road in Europe, and something you'll not be wanting to happen again? I can never think of a good answer for these tour-story questions. We’ve done so much touring, and really most of the day to day activity is pretty mundane. The exciting part is the show itself. Sometimes during the shows you see some pretty interesting stuff. We’ve seen all sorts of crazy stage dives, there was even a naked stage diver once up in Sweden. If things get wild, it’s usually during the show.

Is there still an underground movement within Metal, or does the likes of social media and the manner in which people distribute and acquire

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Metal vids to sink your teeth into

1 2 3 4 5

Knock Out Kaine Set The Night On Fire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sp3ap3j3X-c

Maxdmyz Grieve https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzDkAVEcf1E

Northern Oak Nerthus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePHKizm1gGs

Anathema Anathema https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-80LdBCDXc

Finch Two Guns To The Temple https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Slg7wPisB08

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Live Rooms, Chester 26 June 2014 Support From - JD& The FDCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Review and Photos by -

Reg Richardson 20

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This was my second gig on the UK tour having seen the bands the previous evening at Leamington Spa. That gig saw the inclusion of some new stage kit which took the form of a pair of glassfibre sarcophagi half inched from the Leamington Assembly Rooms storage area. These new additions to the stage kit were to tour with the band for the remaining few gigs.

had been extended you'd have had no arguments from me. As usual the band looked for, and got, plenty of audience participation with their now trademark finale, 'Stupid Music Played by Idiots'.

To pave the way for Jerry Only and his band of Misfits we had a short set from Midlands favourites JD & The FDC's who injected plenty of life into the crowds on both nights. Jamie Delerict and cohorts certainly managed to whip up the crowd with their infectious style of punk-infused rock. With songs from the band's 2012 album 'Recognise' and earlier EP's it was a highly entertaining set, and if the set

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This Misfits tour was in support of their most recent album 'Dead Alive!', a live album released last year and the set was, by their terms, quite substantial with a total of 42 songs being played during the 90 minute set. Songs ranged from the rock-oriented 'Devil's Rain' album right back to the earliest punk-inspired songs from the 1970's such as 'Horror Business' , 'Teenagers from Mars' and 'Attitude'. The two new stage props looked resplendent at either end of the stage. So, 42 songs, ready.....steady.....go!

finished with 'Die, Die my Darling'. Throughout the set Jerry Caiafa Jr appeared on stage to do some of Dez Cadena's vocals since he was unwell on both nights and Jamie Delerict also came back on stage to do some vocals, all of which went down extremely well. As usual Jerry Snr mingled with the crowd at the end, signing every scrap of paper put in front of him, posing for every photograph asked of him and generally just chattingd to anyone that stayed around...that went on for well over an hour. Postscript: Following the final gig of the tour the band had the van, trailer and all the contents stolen from North London - if you're offered a fibreglass sarcophagus or cheap Misfits merch let me know through the magazine.

'Devil's Rain', 'Vivid Red' & 'Land of the Dead', all from the 'Devil's Rain' album, got us started before we were carried right back to the early days of the band for 'Scream', 'Hybrid Moments', 'Teenagers from Mars', 'Attitude' and 'Some Kinda Hate'. Back up to date for 'Curse of the Mummy's Hand', 'Dark Shadows', 'Father' and 'Jack the Ripper' then the band tore up to the half-way mark with a non-stop barrage; 'Halloween', 'Astro Zombies', 'Static Age', TV Casualty', 'She', 'Dr. Phibes' , '20 Eyes', 'Angelfuck', 'Vampira' and finally 'Horror Business'. After a short pause to catch breath the band moved up a gear and ripped off a list of vintage Misfits tunes with a spattering of the remaining 'Devil's Rain' songs then

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Stoodge chats to

Jessica With their eagerly anticipated album 'The Deceived' just released via Metal Blade Records, Stoodge got speaking to Jessica from the Dutch death metal monster that is Dictated 24

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Hey Jessica, tell us about the beginning of the band. Didn't it originally involve a sales pitch from Henri? Hahahaha ya have a minute? We have quite a long history. The sales pitch from Henri you’re referring to is in it indeed! It all started in 2006 when Sonja wanted to start a new death metal band. Sonja and I just met and we decided that we would go for it. Members were soon found and the first tracks of ‘’Suppressing all who refuse’’ were (home) recorded. Seems like the beginning of every other band. I’m not gonna bore you with every band member we had, but in 2012, Dictated parted ways with all members. Sonja and I were the only original core members left. Don’t think we’re hard to work with, but it just happened! We had to face the hard decision about continuing the band. During this time of trying to figure out if it’s all worth it and setting new goals, Henri came along. We knew Henri from a couple of God Dethroned shows we did together and he came up to us after a Dictated show in the Netherlands. He just created his own guitar brand called ‘Serpent King Guitars’ and wanted us to try them out. Somehow we had some drinks together and started talking about Dictated and the new album process. Michiel vd Plicht helped us out with drums and York became a solid member right after that. During and after the recordings, the collaboration between all of us was so good, that we decided to keep working together. How did the material come together after that. Was there a sound you all had in mind prior to writing and recording, or was it more a case of "lets get together and see what happens"? It was definitely not a case of ‘see what happens’. We tried it that way and we know that doesn’t work out for the best. No, we were very well prepared. Most of the songs were already written but somehow not finished. Henri helped us arranging and perfecting the songs one by one. Every riff and every drum part (of course Michiel put his own touch & sound in it) were carefully thought through. We took our time to pre-record every song and work out every detail. This way, the real recordings in studio Soundlodge were quickly done. We knew how Soundlodge worked and what kind of productions Jorg (Soundlodge) could deliver. We tried to keep the sound on ‘The Deceived’ close to the sound of our live performances by using the same amps and drumsounds.

At what stage did Dictated become a serious endeavor? Dictated has always been serious about the band and the music. We love to write and we love to be on stage and share the music with others. Unfortunately, you don’t always have band members who want the same things. We never intended Dictated to become or stay as a hobby or something that is just ‘fun to do’. We always took things very seriously. Because of this, we learned so much over the past few years about the music business, promotion, recordings and all other things that can go wrong hahaha! I think many people will see Dictated as a serious endeavor since we signed Metal Blade Records in May but to us, we always gave a 100%. The resulting album 'The Deceived' is out pretty soon. What can you tell us about the record and the title? First of all, there are major differences when we you compare “The Deceived” to previous recordings like for example “Summary of Retribution” & “Suppressing all who refused”. Those were home recorded and released. We did it all on our own, from marketing to recording. Because we did everything ourselves, we learned so much about the process of album-recordings. This time, we were well prepared. Everything was carefully pre-recorded and we had to make sure that every song was album worthy. We took most of the old songs and threw them out. We even wrote one new song 2 days before entering the studio, because we wanted it to be perfect.

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piece together our artwork, but also making it match/fit perfectly with the music and the lyrics. It must be great also to have Metal Blade Records on your side for the album? We are honored to be part of the Metal Blade family and have them by our sides for this album. We could not have done all of this without them. Our last CD “Summary of Retribution” was home recorded and we learned a lot from this process (read: made mistakes). We decided that we would not go through that again for the ‘The Deceived’’. We wanted to give this album the exposure and attention it deserved and luckily Metal Blade thought the same way. The music, the artwork and everything around it is aligns with each other. On “The Deceived” We have very different kind of situations described whom differ within the lyrics, but all have in common that they can’t be read from one perspective. It’s never seen from the eyes of one person. The subjects differ but the main theme for “The Deceived” refers to the group of people who are about to cross the edge of sanity and are surrounded by their own demons.The cover is a reference to that group of people, which is running as a thread through the whole album. We took our time to not only create

Any major tours in the pipeline post release of 'The Deceived'? Everything got a little crazy over the last few weeks and with that, we found ourselves a new booking agency. They are focusing on the new festival season of 2015 and I’m pretty sure we will tour very soon again! For now, we are focusing on the release shows of ‘The Deceived’ and some awesome clubshows/minitours in 2014. Next year we will be crushing the stages on tours again for sure!

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Stoodge Speaks to Steve Maher om

Stoodge chats with

Peter Hasselbrack With a new album 'Religious Apocalypse' out on 2nd September through Comatose Music, Stoodge got speaking to Peter Hasselbrack, the man behind North Carolina's Bloodsoaked. Firebrand After Dark 28

Hey Peter, how have things been buddy? I don't think much will change if religion remains and Doing great. New album is about to come out, got a more than likely it will and unfortunately more wars new endorsement from Aracnid Cabs and working and bigotry will remain from it as well. on 2015 Europe tour at the moment. Back to the music now. You've got a European Your new album 'Religious Apocalypse' officially tour scheduled for April 2015 and you're on the enters the World on the 2nd September. It's far lookout for support acts right? from a conventional album release. Can you tell us Correct. I'm in the process of finalizing the first few support bands for the April 2015 tour. I've done about the whole package? three of these ten day Europe tours over the past The new album has 3 brand new original songs, 2 couple of years and this will be my forth. It's always special cover songs and 4 live songs. I wanted to put something out and I had 3 solid songs written, I a success and a great time is had by all bands. It's wanted to do a album full of cover songs and along the one tour I look forward to all year. with 2-3 new originals but Comatose didn't want to release it so we went the direction that the album is As Bloodsoaked is a one-man band, do you have a now. fixed line up assembled for gigs and tours? Yes, at this time I'm back to a One-Man Band. I had How about the Ratt and Cinderella covers. You a second guitarist/vocals (Joseph Darling) for the past 2 1/2 years but we recently parted ways. So I trying to break into the Glam scene now also? will be going back to doing it all One-Man style on all I grew up listening to Glam, Thrash and Death Metal. I would go to a Motley Crue or Poison show upcoming shows/tours, back to how things started with Bloodsoaked. Joseph added a lot to the live one night and the next see Carcass and Napalm shows so it will be hard to replicate it but I have a Death. As I said I wanted to do an all Glam cover few ideas I'm working on to make the live shows album but Comatose didn't want to release it. I great. chose some of the heavier Glam songs for the album and I am more than happy with the results. You'll be hitting it up in North America this Judging by the title of the record, it's a common November also right? conclusion that you don't care much for deities or The November tour is looking like it's going to happen, the booking agent is in the process of angels. Is this anti-theist rhetoric the only booking and working things out for a nice headlining fundamental aim of your song writing? act. Should be a good time. No. I write about Anti-Religion and well as the normal gore style lyrics. The anti-religious style is what I like the most but I just go with what I'm feeling or what pops into my head when I'm writing. How does the World we live in right now cleanse itself of religion without taking a Global Stalinist approach? Religion will always exist and in some aspect I think religion is good. If people took all the good things about religion and actually followed them I believe the world would be a better place for it. But too many wars have been started due to religion, people put to much emphasis on prayer and don't do enough for themselves. People can sin all week, go to confession on Sunday and all is good, that is not religion, it's bullshit. Where can you see us in a few hundred years if religion remains?

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Stoodge Mc Nulty Catches up with

Reece Bringing us rifftastic tales of the evil alien overlord Lazarus, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Slab Cityâ&#x20AC;? the debuting album from London Stoners Steak will soon be unleashed. Stoodge caught up with the band's axe wielder Reece to converse about the upcoming release and discuss the goings on in Slab City. Firebrand After Dark 30

Hey Reece, you been busy recently preparing for the album release? Yes indeed. There so much work that goes into a release like this, from creating something you feel of a high enough standard to be released and then working on the promo, but no complaints from us we love it! 'Slab City' is out 1st of September here in the UK. Can fans expect a continuation from your EP releases? Yes for sure. We have continued the comic book story of ‘Steak’ and used comic artist Eduardo Ferigato again, so visually it will look like like part of the family. The cd will have a little comic booklet inside and the vinyl will have the comic spread across the gatefold. They look rad. Sonically it's part of the evolution of our sound. We have re recorded songs ‘Liquid Gold’ and “Machine’ from the 1st 2 ep’s and they sound great, along with new tracks that sound like us for sure but also showing some growth in our song writing I think. The record is out on Napalm Records too. That must be a honour having such a label on your side? Yes it was an amazing thing to get the call from Napalm. They saw us play the UK edition of Desertfest and we had an email the next day. We thought it was a scam to start with!! They have been so supportive and when we need something they are there to help but also let us get on with the creative process which is nice. it’s been a total pleasure working with them hopefully it’s the start of a long and successful partnership. When you look at the list of bands that are signed to them it’s a total honour to be there with them. What was the biggest difference when approached the album compared to recording your Eps? Having time has been the most enjoyable part. With the EP’s budget and time was restrictive and although we have been happy with the way they both turned out at the time, recording ‘Slab City’ gave us the chance to be a little more creative with sounds and overdubs. Letting some of our personality come through the record is really important and is what give this release some real character.

and understanding when to ease off and let us relax into it. We wanted a authentic desert rock album and feel that was achieved with slab city. Having John Garcia (kyuss, unida, vista chino) sing on one of the tracks was just the icing on the cake. Can you tell us about The Evil Lazarus and the comic concept behind the band's music and artwork? Lazarus is just your standard alien dictator on a mission to crush the human race. He is a real person actually but I can’t say anymore about that! The band love comic book art so it it seemed fitting when discussing artwork that we should get a comic artist involved, then it developed into us becoming badass superheroes. I had a rough story worked out but as we didn’t really know how the 1st ep would go down so there was no long term plans. As the band developed so did the comic story and now we work with Eduardo the artist on working out the stories too. We have an overall story but he’s really good at getting everything into small amount of space we have. We plan a full comic on the future and an animated video on the next album. To those that are living in another realm of the Multiverse and are still yet to hear you guys. What are they missing out on? They are missing out on a hard working, hard drinking rock n roll band who loves desert and stoner rock, a badass live show like everyone is our last. It’s all about riffs and we win scared to use em… Any major tours planned to bring the rifftastic tales of 'Slab City' to the masses? We are supporting John Garcia on a 5 week euro tour in November so that along with a handful of festivals in the autumn then we should be hitting large parts of Europe. Bookings for summer festivals are coming on so we expect a busy year ahead playing this shit live

And how exactly was the experience of recording over at Thunder Underground Studios? It was an amazing time. We stopped off at Las Vegas for 2 nights first and by the time we hit Thunder Underground we was a little fragile to say the least! Harper Hug produced the album, he’s awesome and works with John Garcia and Brant Bjork to name a few and co produced by Arthur Seay (unida) and Trevor Whatever who worked on QOTSA 'songs for the deaf'. We had time to relax into it and Harper was great at getting the best take out of us

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One of the things that we at Firebrand After Dark have noticed is that we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always give credit where it is due to the artwork which accompanies the albums. We would like to address by bringin to you, what the team feel are the best 5 covers of the material which we have reviewed this month. If you have any comments about them please feel free to tweet us @fbadmag, comment on Facebook /FirebrandAfterDark or email us at afterdark@firebrandrr.co.uk

Grifter

Return Of The Bearded Brethren

Brimstone Coven Brimstone Coven

Ending Quest The Summoning Stallion Rise And Ride

Blackwitch Coven Covered In Pudding Vol.1 Firebrand After Dark

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Stoodge speaks with

Jimi Maltais 2014 has been quite a year already for Crimson Shadows. Furthering the band's impact this year will be the release of their debut full length â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kings Among Menâ&#x20AC;? on Napalm Records. Stoodge got speaking to vocalist Jimi Maltais from Toronto's Crimson Shadows about the upcoming release and Canadian metal in general. Firebrand After Dark 36

So Jimi, how the hell are ya? We are all doing really well. We're really looking forward to the release of our new album on Napalm Records and really excited to playing it live to people all over the world

the band have augmented in any way? Ever since the very beginning of this band, practice has been a religion to us. At the bare minimum we will practice twice a week at two hour sets. When we have some shows coming up, we may up that to three times if we're not as tight as we'd like to be. We play to a click track live so even though we may Your new album and first on Napalm Records be rocking out as hard as possible, the music will 'Kings Among Men' drops on the 29th August sound as close to album quality as it can. This also here in Europe. How much of a pandemic of doesn't include the time that we focus to writing broken ones should we anticipate? There are definitely going to be some broken necks new music every week as well as band meetings to when this album comes out. It is pure head banging discuss issues and ideas. Being in this band is definitely like working a second job. from beginning to end. People might also break Since our signing to Napalm, everything has their hands from air guitaring or drumming to quickly. It might be a good idea to have paramedics increased exponentially. We are constantly blowing waiting outside of the local record stores when this up each others phones and email accounts every day and with being on Velda Garcia's roster at Fayz album drops. This album is what the definitive Management and with how involved she is sound of Crimson Shadows should be. Ryan and with carrying out a strategy for building the band, Greg put an incredible amount of effort into their we have never been busier. The daily tasks have writing and solos this album and I think people will definitely been augmented, as it's running a be pleasantly surprised at the musicianship we business, but Its a great feeling to be working brought to the table for this album. Cory hits towards living our dreams. harder and faster than ever before and Morgans six string bass playing is truly a sight to behold. We With your past records all being independently have also incorporated the use of orchestral backing tracks. The addition of working with strings, released, was there any pressure with 'Kings brass, choirs and orchestral percussion as well as Among Men' to keep the great folks over at the harmonized vocals of Ryan, Greg and Morgan Napalm Records happy? really help bring the energy of the songs to a whole We always treated every album that we released new level. independently as if it was to be going to be on a label with global distribution. Before a song is ever What is there to know about Crimson Shadows? heard live, it's probably been dissected and rearranged 30 times. When you sign to an We're five guys based out of Toronto Ontario Canada who love playing metal and who want to do international label, there is always this internal pressure that you want to put out the best product it for the rest of our lives. We started this band eight years ago because we wanted to listen to as possible. Every member practiced for weeks on music that we couldn't find in Canada, let alone any end to do the best that we could when we got into of the stores we were buying music from. It the studio in Montreal. We tracked with the guys at originally started as an amalgamation of two bands Silverwings Studios. We spent two weeks there in the local scene that were breaking up around the tirelessly recording and averaging 16+ hour days. After that, the album was sent to Eyal Levi at same time. Myself and the original bass player Sean McCaw played in a band called Intensify while Audiohammer Studios in Florida to be mixed. The Ryan, Cory, and Greg played in a band called Swords artwork was something immediate that required a of Scorn. Both bands had done their circuits of the change from Napalm and we needed to step it up. local scenes and towns but could never really gain They suggested amazing Hungarian artist Peter ground after years of work. When Crimson Sallai, who created amazing and epic artwork for this album. Other than that, the process for Shadows was formed, we were all focused and determined to put out something that was original. releasing a record for a label has been quite different with all of press, timelines for artwork and Through many lineup changes and hardships, we finally found Morgan who rounded us out perfectly videos, the formality of a manager and a booking agent, and we were very unfamiliar with the with his musicianship and live performance structure and all, but our management handled abilities. Our lineup has been solid for a couple much of it so we could concentrate on the music years now and we've never been more focused or and guided us through the rest of what needed our dedicated to our craft as we are right now. We really look forward to coming to Europe in a couple attention. As a result of a great team, we've put together what we felt were our best songs and with months and introducing ourselves to hundreds of new fans every night. the help of everyone involved, we were very pleased to learn that the entire staff of Napalm Records were very happy with what they heard. We can't Since signing with Napalm Records have you found that your practice time and fidelity toward wait to show you all what we've written. Every day is

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a new adventure in our band and we learn something new to help better ourselves.

cheaper and cheaper by the day, any band who hasn't even played a show can upload their material to YouTube or Soundcloud and it's available to millions of people instantly. For a while, it appeared if You'll be touring in Europe with Alestorm, there was a trend to come up with the most Brainstorm and Troldhaugen throughout obscene or just overtly ridiculous phrases and September and early October. You guys already called that the name of their band. They garner a have some great memories from playing over few laughs but at the end of the day, most are here, so how good will it be to be back on forgotten. There are some bands that can get away European soil with a brand new album in tow? Europe has definitely been very nice to us. Playing at with having ridiculous names but in the end, it's all Wacken Open Air last year was a dream come true. about the quality of music that you write. I think that's what most of those other bands forget. A We never could have expected that we could've name is just your name. People are there for your walked away with the championship for the Metal music. Battle Canada let alone winning the entire competition globally against winners from 29 other You guys of course hail from Toronto in Canada. countries. We were also able to hang around and What is you opinion on the current Canadian chat with many of our musical idols and metal scene? inspirations. Metal in Europe is such a beautiful thing and we feel that our music will do very well in The Canadian metal scene gets bigger and better with each passing year. We have had the privilege that market. to tour the country from coast to coast and every Being back in Europe supporting Alestorm new act that we see in a new city is always a and Brainstorm is the definition of a dream come true. We feel that our music will mix perfectly with pleasure. The only problem with it is the fact that country is so big and the distance between shows is theirs and anybody that comes to the show is incredible. There is a lot of land in Canada and a lot definitely in for a real treat. Many years ago, we of it is not populated so it can be very taxing on a would drink around campfires listening to both of touring band to drive very long distances between those bands on a boombox or maybe even music shows. from somebody's cell phone so it's pretty surreal that we'll be touring with them very soon. It will also What's your top Canadian metal albums of all be our first experience being on a bus for tour which is both incredible and terrifying. We are used time? to driving to each show ourselves and sacrificing Woods 5: Grey Skies & Electric Light hours of sleep every night in order to get us to the We played a couple shows with Woods of Ypres next venue. Alestorm and Brainstorm are HUGE in back in the day before they got signed to Earache. I Europe and playing to their crowds is going to give didn't really know David that well but he was a cool guy when I talked to him. We chatted about some us the opportunity to play to hundreds of new of the bands on the bill but we were both busy with people every night that may not of heard of us merch so it never went too deep. I didn't get a otherwise. chance to listen to this album before his death but when I did, it changed something in me. It is one of When I first heard the name Crimson Shadows my first thought was DOOM METAL! How wrong I the best albums I have ever heard and it reminded me of the sorrow I had when my father passed was. Is that something you get often and is the away. It is a fantastic album and a perfect send off name of a band even that important anymore? to the legacy that he left behind. That's a first for us but now that you mention it, I could see how you could come to that conclusion. If Into Eternity - Buried in Oblivion you slowed down our material to a quarter of the speed then maybe we could be DOOM. We do have Ryan and Cory showed me this band over five years some long songs but that's about all that we have in ago and I still play them on the regular. In my opinion, it is one of the best mixes of clean and common. harsh vocals and I think you can definitely tell that Our name actually comes from the main we took a couple notes from them in our own character of a fantasy series written by R.A. material. The vocal work is simply out of control on Salvatore. He is one of our favourite authors and the name is just bad ass. We are all really big into this album and the band is just as talented. fantasy culture so it seemed like a good fit for us. Dream Quest - The Release Morgan, Ryan and I always have a thick fantasy I caught this band with Ryan and Cory in Quebec book on the go and it is definitely reflected in City back in 2005 i believe. They're a three piece our imagery and lyrical content. A band name is important because it serves Christian power metal band that is just absolutely as your branding but it's not the same way now like incredible. We also got to hang out with them and Dragonforce that night to which I have a tattoo it used to be. With home recording becoming

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to commemorate on my leg. It's the hotel room number in case you were wondering. I haven't heard much of them in a long time but their performance was incredible and we still listen to their album in the van all the time. Unleash the Archers - Demons of the Astrowaste Some of our best friends that live on the other side of the country. We play shows with them every summer when our paths cross due to us both touring this massive country. Brittney's vocals are top notch and every song has a part that'll get you drumming or shredding along on your steering wheel. If memory serves me correctly, they're due to drop a new album very soon which I'm guaranteed to buy. Some of the best Canadian power metal that I've ever heard. Blackguard - Profugus Mortis

Our history with these guys (and gal) goes back pretty far. We looked up to these guys when we first started as the standard that we wanted to accomplish. They still have one of the best live performances out there and I definitely took some influence from Paul in what it takes to be a front man. They had the an amazing mix of keyboards and heavy thrashy riffs with crazy solos. I have easily listened to this album a hundred times and I'm very happy to call them my friends. We even got Paul to sing on our new album on a track called "Braving the Storm". How many members of Crimson Shadows does it take to change a lightbulb? One ... and it better be done quickly otherwise someone else will do it before you even turned around. We're a very efficient and hard working band.

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WORLD OF WARCRAFT®: WARLORDS OF DRAENOR TM LAUNCHES NOVEMBER 13

matter what kind of content you enjoy, your legend is waiting to be forged on Draenor. Warlords of Draenor is available for Opening cinematic for new World of pre-purchase now at www.warlords.com. Those who Warcraft®expansion and premiere episode of new pre-purchase either the digital Standard Edition animated lore miniseries Lords of War™now live (SRP: £34.99) or Digital Deluxe Edition (SRP: at www.worldofwarcraft.com £49.99) will be able to immediately† boost one character to level 90, allowing them to experience Beyond the Dark Portal, the clash of iron echoes as the latest World of Warcraft content alongside their two worlds brace for war. At a live event in Los friends.†† Angeles and simulcast at the gamescom trade fair Warlords of Draenor will also be available in a and around the world, Blizzard Entertainment retail-exclusive Collector’s Edition (SRP: £64.99), announced that Warlords of Draenor™, the fifth which comes equipped with the digital bonus items expansion to its acclaimed massively multiplayer from the Digital Deluxe Edition as well as a full-color online role-playing game World of Warcraft®, will be hardcover art book, a behind-the-scenes two-disc Blu unleashed on November 13, 2014. On that day, -ray/DVD set, a CD soundtrack, and a Warlords of players worldwide will begin their march into the Draenor mouse pad. Players should check their local perilous wilds of Draenor to face the fury of retailer for details and availability and be sure to lock Grommash Hellscream’s merciless Iron Horde. in their preorder, as supplies are limited. During today’s event, Blizzard also unveiled With multiple games in development, Blizzard the opening cinematic for the expansion, which Entertainment has numerous positions currently depicts a pivotal moment in Warcraft history and available—visit http://jobs.blizzard.com for more sets the stage for the coming war. In addition, the information and to learn how to apply. company premiered the first episode of Lords of War, a new animated lore miniseries that introduces players to characters central to the expansion’s Planet Explorers Now Over 150,000 Copies on story—starting with the twisted tale of Kargath Steam Early Access Bladefist, legendary leader of the Shattered Hand Planet Explorers, the indie adventure RPG by Pathea orc clan. Both videos are available to view now Games for PC, has reached over 150,000 in sales at www.worldofwarcraft.com, and new Lords of since releasing on Steam Early Access in March War episodes will debut there in the weeks ahead. 2014. Planet Explorers is now at Alpha version 0.831. The game is an open world voxel based adventure RPG set on a distant planet. It uses an OpenCL system based on the Unity3D engine to allow players to change the terrain in any way, create new objects in any form, and do it anywhere. Pathea Games plans to include the first version of a custom world editor starting in Alpha 0.9 by the end of the year. The game retails for $24.99 on Steam. In Planet Explorers, it is the year 2287, one of the first colony ships sent out by humans arrives at the planet Maria, in the Epsilon Indi Star System. During its landing sequence, something appears in “Players will encounter an epic cast of legendary characters and a huge amount of content to explore front of the massive ship that causes it to lose in Warlords of Draenor,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO control and crash onto the planet. Some of the colonists survive in lifeboats, but what they find is an and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “The unforgiving land filled with creatures ready to outlast countdown to the arrival of one of the greatest the visitors from the Solar System. Now the threats in Warcraft history has begun. We can’t survivors must explorer, gather, build, create, fight, wait to send everyone through the Dark Portal this and ultimately, build a new home. November.” The gameplay is in 3rd and 1st person Warlords of Draenor adds a world’s worth of exciting new content for World of Warcraft players perspectives. Players are able to customize their character, combine and create swords, guns, to discover. As Azeroth’s displaced heroes venture vehicles, objects, and buildings. At the same time, across Draenor, they’ll build and manage a mighty players will have to defeat multitudes of enemies of Garrison, a customizable fortress that grows with varying intelligence and defend the remnants of the them on their journey; delve into otherworldly draenei temples and clash in the heart of hostile orc colonists. The game currently features over 25 clans’ territory; fight the opposing faction for control hours of gameplay for its RPG storyline. Planet of Ashran, a huge and dynamic PvP zone featuring a Explorers comes in single and multiplayer. In single player, there are the story, adventure, and build variety of personal and cooperative objectives; and modes; while in multiplayer features coop and pvp take on a wide array of Dungeons, Raids, seed based maps. Battlegrounds, Challenge Modes, and more. No

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Risen 3: Titan Lords Now Available in Europe, Launch good times and epic moments to our game. We look forward to watching our players take on the onslaught of Trailer Showcases Incredible Risen Universe! dragons in Neverwinter: Tyranny of Dragons.” Risen 3: Titan Lords launches in Europe today and we're Watch the Official Gameplay Walkthrough Trailer celebrating with an incredible launch trailer! The world of Risen 3 is abandoned by all gods and suffers from the Titan Wars when a new threat rises from the soil. A young warrior is attacked from the shadows and deprived of his soul. He sets off to reclaim what is lost amidst the darkness that is spreading throughout the world. The banned Mages could be powerful allies on his quest. To get their help, he needs to find the Mage sanctuary on Taranis, also known as the Island of Thunder. Protected by the Guardians, the Mages search the mines of Taranis for crystals loaded with magic energy. Will the player join the Guardians to get in contact with the Mages? Or will he choose one of Neverwinter is an action MMORPG that features fast-paced combat and epic dungeons. Players explore the other guilds in Risen 3 to reach his goals? the vast city of Neverwinter and its surrounding countryside, learning the vivid history of the iconic city Cult Of The Dragon Invade Faerûn With Neverwinter: and battling its many enemies. Tyranny of Dragons is the fourth module for the widely-acclaimed free-to-play Tyranny Of Dragons action MMORPG Neverwinter, set in the Dungeons & New Expansion Brings Scourge Warlock; Dragonborn to DragonsForgotten Realms universe from Wizards of the Epic Encounters with Dragons Coast. Perfect World Entertainment Inc., a leading For more information about Neverwinter, and to publisher of widely-acclaimed free-to-play MMORPGs, play now for free, visit the official website announced that Neverwinter’s newest content update – at: www.PlayNeverwinter.com Tyranny of Dragons – has officially launched in North America and Europe.Neverwinter: Tyranny of Dragons brings forth one of the largest content updates Mega Audino revealed to gamescom visitors for the Dungeon & Dragons MMORPG, including a new playable class, a new playable race, new heroic The Pokémon Company International showcased encounters and a new dungeon and skirmish for the Mega-Evolved form of Audino in a new trailer made adventurers to explore. especially for the crowds at gamescom, taking place this Starting today, players can play as the Scourge week in Cologne, Germany. Warlock class. Offered as part of the free update, the Scourge Warlock focuses on ranged damage and curse mechanics, making it an excellent support role for parties. The new Scourge Warlock adds unique options for teams of players as they battle through regions overrun with the Cult of the Dragon, culminating in new heroic encounters with several dragons from Dungeons & Dragons lore. Neverwinter: Tyranny of Dragons also brings a new skirmish and dungeon that puts the teamwork skills of Neverwinter players to the test. These new instances take players on a journey through unfamiliar environments including Lostmouth and Tuern as they uncover storylines from Dungeons & Dragonsfiction. Also available is the new Dragonborn premium race, Audino was not known to evolve from or to any allowing players to step into the role of the dangerous other form, so this is an interesting twist in the and powerful Dragonborn. mysterious story of Mega Evolution. “As fans of the series, we are constantly looking at Before Mega Evolving, Audino is known to use the ways to build on our players’ Neverwinter experiences, feelers on its ears to tell how others are feeling or when and ensuring that they live up to the lore of Dungeons & a Pokémon Egg might hatch. It may have either the Dragons and the core D&D experience we all love,” says Healer Ability or the Regenerator Ability. After Mega Rob Overmeyer, Executive Producer of Neverwinter. “It’s Evolving, Mega Audino adds Fairy type to its Normal not possible to have too many dragons in Neverwinter type, automatically gaining all the advantages of Fairy and our team has heard the calls from our community. type. Mega Audino always has the Healer Ability. We work tirelessly to continue to bring great gameplay,

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Thanks to its improved Defense and Special Defense stats, Mega Audino can be a great support in Double Battles. It emits a powerful, soothing pulse from its body that reduces hostility in others and calms any opponent within range. Pokémon should avoid contact with Mega Audino’s new secondary feelers lest they fall into a deep sleep and become easy prey to an opponent’s attacks! Fighters From All Around The World, Shenron Summons You! The latest Dragon Ball Game Will Offer A Supreme Experience to Gamers! Bandai Namco Games Europe S.A.S today announced new details for Dragon Ball Xenoverse. As previously unveiled,; the latest instalment based on the successful Dragon Ball saga will be coming to the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, the all-in-one entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and the Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft. Developed by the famed Japanese studio Dimps, the team behind Dragon Ball Z: Budokai games, Dragon Ball Xenoverse is confidently on the right path to become a massive success! After revealing a new mysterious character joining the massive Dragon Ball universe; Bandai Namco Games is proud to officially announce his identity…This new fighter will be YOU! It all starts when Trunks summons the hero to enquire him about a secretive mission! All of the major Dragon Ball’s species will be available as a basis for the players’ avatars, among them we can already count: Earthling, Majin and Namekian (more to come). For the first time ever in Dragon Ball’s history, our beloved fans (and beyond!)will be intervening within Goku’s and his friends breath-taking bouts! After Trunks summons the player’s Avatar, he will have to go through a series of tests! Is Trunks checking if the hero is worthy enough fulfil his quest? Whether the Hero succeeds or not in this deadly test, he will be able to gather with other online players in the futuristic hub: Toki Toki City! The upcoming months will be thrilling for all Dragon Ball X Enoverse fans as Bandai Namco Games will be holding a Closed Beta Test! More details on this Closed Beta test and the game will be revealed within the next weeks! Dragon Ball Xenoverse will be available in EMEA for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, the all-in-one entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and the Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft. For the latest Dragon Ball Xenoverse updates please go to: www.DBZ-VideoGames.com. For more

information about Bandai Namco Games’ entire line up, go to www.BandaiNamcoGames.eu. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor Fact Sheet Product Overview: Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor delivers a dynamic game environment where the player orchestrates their personal plan of vengeance as they bend Mordor to their will. The game begins on the night of Sauron’s return to Mordor, as his Black Captains brutally execute the Rangers of the Black Gate. Players become Talion, a ranger who loses his family and everything he holds dear, only to be returned from death by a mysterious Spirit of vengeance. As Talion’s personal vendetta unfolds, players uncover the mystery of the Spirit that compels him, discover the origin of the Rings of Power and confront the ultimate nemesis. A new story set between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings,Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor delivers a vibrant next-gen game world through its Nemesis System. Every enemy players face is a unique individual, differentiated by their personality, strengths and weaknesses. These enemies are shaped by their encounters with the player to create personal archenemies who are unique to every gameplay session. Players must outthink each distinctively different enemy they encounter to infiltrate the ranks and dominate within the dynamic world that remembers and adapts to their actions and choices. Product Features: · Unleash the Power of the Wraith – Players command Wraith Powers to orchestrate and execute their vengeance in brutal melee, ruthless stealth and intuitive ranged combat. · Dominate Your Enemies – See the world through Wraith Powers and uncover details about each unique enemy to aid Talion’s revenge; each foe has their own exploitable personality, memory and traits for players to study and manipulate. · Bend Mordor to Your Will – Gamers turn enemies against each other by forcing them to Assassinate, Terrorize, Sacrifice or Spy. Based on the player’s actions with the Nemesis System, every enemy encountered is distinct and can evolve to become a personal archenemy through the course of the game. · New Story in Middle-earth – Taking place in the time between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Trilogies, players discover the origin of the Rings of Power and become the most feared warrior in Mordor. · Grow Your Skills As You Kill – Advance skills and abilities, and upgrade weapons to become legendary through a system of rune rewards that are crafted according to the player’s strategy and their unique enemies.

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Monsterworks - Overhaul Label: Eat Lead And Die Music Reviewer: Rob Birtley Website: http://www.supermetal.net/

I’m always on the lookout for something or someone new and the name Monsterworks have to say had not been on my radar. Overhaul is their 13 studio album since the debut album in 1998 so hands up on this one the band and its back catalogue has slipped through my net. Originating from Wellington New Zealand they are now London based and the current line-up is Kiwis Jon: Vocals/Guitars, Hugo: Bass, and Englishmen James: Drums, Marcus: Lead Guitar. The genre well that’s the tricky bit yes it’s Metal but it spans elements of Prog, Space, Thrash, Death and Black Metal with an element of Old School as well. Imagine some Psycho Scientist with a grudge has thrown elements of Pantera, Hawkwind, and Pink Floyd from the album Meddle era, Black Sabbath before Dio , Judas Priest and Iron Maiden into a huge blender then cell cultured the outcome in a Petri dish and you will have some kind of an idea where they are coming from.

Released: 26 August 2014 Highlight: Penultimate

early Floyd in a strange way mixed in with the pre Dio chunky guitar sound of Iommi. This guitar signature is replicated throughout the album. Penultimate as the name say is the track last but one and adds to the suspicion that it’s tongue in cheek. It’s a more straight forward metal track like the slower ones from Ozzie era Sabbath and has a similar enveloping density of sound. There are twisted riffs reminiscent of Pantera alongside Prog stylings of Floyd and touches of Hawkwind Space Rocking. Vocals range from Screeching and Growling passing through classical Metal the likes of Halford and Dickenson (not as accomplished of course but good none the less) to the choral aspects of Floyd diverse to say the least. All powered along by a solid Sabbath line rhythm section. Yes it’s all well done but I suggest you read the lyrics before you listen to it and afterwards and then try to make up your own mind.

The question I have to answer for the sake of my own sanity with Monsterworks is their music a real attempt The album opens with Educating the Masses. All the to push the envelope and forge a new route or is it just songs on this album are lyrically dense more like slabs clever self-indulgent plagiarism of a number of styles of philosophical tracts than words of songs and this one each element instantly recognisable. I do have to say I is no exception. Building from a Prog Rock Space like get suspicious when Metal bands stake out the opening the track kicks on the after burners via a intellectual high ground but that doesn’t mean to say Sabbath like burst of Drums and Bass accompanied this band doesn’t have a place there. For me the jury is with screeching vocal that seems to be coming from a still out and I know I will have to listen to their back distance. There are a number of changes in tempo catalogue and this album several times more to make a climaxing in a vocal chorus with Floyd like echo central final judgement. My final point is you do have to listen to to the track. Track 3 Overhaul begins with a vocal this album yourself as I’m sure it will stir a number of sounding like it was recorded in a Cambridge Chapel reactions for and against. before the true Metal Growling starts. The effect is very

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Wovenwar - Wovenwar Label: Metal Blade Records Reviewer: Stephen Brophy Website: http://wovenwar.com/

We could spend the whole of this review going into the past for this band, the madness that forced them to move on as they have, but all that needs to be said is that Wovenwar is the new project from the musicians formerly As I Lay Dying, with a new lead singer. So we know we are getting a band of seasoned professionals that have achieved a lot of success a Top 10 Album in the US, a Grammy Nomination, multiple awards, but what will happen when you form a new band with a new singer. It's a ballsy move, it doesn't matter who you are a band with a new name and singer has to pretty much start again from scratch.

Released: 5 August 2014 Highlight: Profane

someone that has stepped into some pretty big shoes as a frontman and I've got to say he has done an excellent job her on their debut outing together.

Kicking off with "All Rise" the standard is set high, very strong opening track, and it's not a slumbering one paced giant, there's some nice changes here in pace and song style, versatility seems to be the key, even on the tracks that may seem a little bit lighter like "Moving Up" and "Sight Of Shore" have heavy riff's driving them, and there is a great balance for me at least, there are differences here vocally that maybe they could not previously employ and that's the last comparison to the So Wovenwar are a new project, adding Shane Blay as past I'm going to make these guys have created their the vocalist, to be fair they were unlikely to try and own identity on this album, just listen to "Father/Son" continue as AILD anyway, the previous singer having for example, damn it's different, maybe my personal founded the band. So new name, new start, have we lost leanings towards different musical styles brings it into anything that will cause these guys problems. On first focus more, but wow I wasn't expecting it. The stand out listen the self titled Wovenwar album has a lot of the track for me is "Profane" which builds up as it goes familiar sound of before, but with the addition of Blay a along and has an almost catchy and Anthemic that little of the aggression is gone out of the vocals, to some sticks in the head. It's the not the only track here that this may be an issue, but honestly in many ways this "Archers" or "Matter Of Time" have that same kind of gives the band a refreshing addition of a little more tempo running through them. melody. More often than not Metalcore bands tend to overdo screaming just for the sake of it rather than Yes this is not quite as aggressive at times vocally as using it as a part of the song and it having the desired some people may have expected, but this album should effect. Wovenwar is a thirteen track album (with a not be dismissed and has more than enough promise Foreward and Onward for good measure), almost an and quality to lead at least me to believe there is life in hour full of very high quality modern Metal, there really is these old dogs yet. Wovenwar may not be a name you pretty much everything you could ask for in here, there recognise, but I think this album will grab a whole new are guitar overlays left right and centre, top notch audience of fans. Hipa, Sgrosso, Gilbert and Mancino drumming and bass is exactly where it should be, not have got themselves a very talented vocalist and this dominating anything, but working away so solidly behind bunch have become very tight very quick, look out for the fireworks of the solos. In Shane Blay they have got them on Tour with In Flames in Europe in November.

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Stallion - Rise And Ride Label: High Roller Records Released: 12 September 2014 Reviewer: Stephen Brophy Highlight: Canadian Steel Website: https://www.facebook.com/heavymetalstallion

First came across Stallion late last year when a number of friends were telling me how good their EP was, and it was. These German metal merchants are definitely a throwback to a classic Metal sound with some speed thrown in for good measure.

What I love about this band is that they don't pretend to be anything but what they, a Metal band. There is plenty to admire here, from "Streets Of Sins" and "Watch Out" to the excellent "Bill To Pay" another interesting thing about this band is that you would never thing they were German, their influences are many and they have And while the band have been building up a really good blended some of these in with their own style, I'd be reputation across Europe with some excellent live shocked if the guys hadn't listened to a bit of Exciter performances on the Festival circuit, their first full along the way, and on "Bill To Pay" they do sound length album has been in the works, Rise And Ride positively Canadian. But we shouldn't dwell on how they contains 10 songs which fall right into the recent got here too much, lets just enjoy what we are getting, upsurge in bands producing straight ahead Metal, not and if this is a band that brings some of a new over produced, not looking to create a new style, but it's generation into listening to Metal that's all bloody good at this stage still refreshing to hear and brings back in my book. fond memories. There are eight new songs and re-recordings of both "The Right One" and "Canadian How their style develops over the coming years only Steele" which is still the stand out track here for me. time will tell, but the if classic Metal is your thing get out The albums title track kicks us off nicely here "Rise And there and grab this, I really don't think it will disappoint Ride" has elements of Metallica to my ears in there, you, guitars a plenty, vocals may be a little high for some certainly on "Stigmatized" which could fit right into one tastes, but this is a fine, fine debut album, personally I of the Metal Massacre or Speed Kills compilations of have to see these guys live to see if they can bring their the 1980's, cracking track. obvious energy to a show. If they can this could be one special band to keep your eyes on.

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Autumn’s Dawn - Gone Label: Eisenwald Released: 3 September 2014 Reviewer: Gavin Griffiths Highlight: The Ashes Of Life Website: https://www.facebook.com/autumnsdawnband

Not to be confused with the all-female classical bluegrass gospel group of the same name, Australian rock/black metal duo Autumn’s Dawn hope to see out the Summer with the release of their debut album; ‘Gone’, and in all fairness, it’s an impressive first foray!

‘Grace Of The Grave’ is of a similar structure, combining indie-rock radio friendly riff-age with the occasional almost mournful scream, while ‘Through The Rusted Gates Of Time’ slows things down almost completely to a slightly doom-metal inspired, dark and dreary crawl. What Autumn’s Dawn have done here is get away with Kicking off with ‘The Ashes Of A Life’, we’re initially something seemingly impossible. They’ve taken two subject to an infectious dose of catchy indie-rock. It’s all completely different aspects of rock music that are very easy on the ears, shades of Hell Is For Heroes in its rarely if ever associated under the same breath, style; melodious guitar tones filtering through your ears, combined them, and not only have they succeeded, it’s a great start…until that is we shift gears completely they’ve made a legitimately enjoyable album. The and head into next track ‘Until My Heart Corrodes With contrast in styles might put some off, but for what it’s Rust’. All of a sudden the black metal influence is in full worth this debut effort needs to be applauded. It may be swing; the style of play has shifted only slightly, but that gone, but here’s to hoping they come back! dark vibe is there, and the vocals? Well…no one saw that coming! They snarl their way through the track, fleeting briefly back and forth between the softer notes and it’s an interesting mix in all fairness.

Keitzer - The Last Defence Label: FDA Rekotz Reviewer: Stoodge Mc Nulty Website: http://keitzer.bandcamp.com/

Returning with their fifth studio album, Germany's belligerent horde Keitzer present to the World another thoroughly endued commotion. Having been on the circuit for fifteen years now, the band have accumulated themselves a bastion of endowment and hardcore literacy. And on 'The Last Defence', the band become scholars.

Released: 18 July 2014 Highlight: We Are The Serpents Of Doom

With fourteen bone shattering tracks crashing home in thirty-seven minutes, the energy and velocity of the bands crushing rhetoric is entirely and perfectly delivered.

Sure, this release wont be on any 'Unique record of the year' polls at the end of 2014, but if you've got an unlimited supply of ballistic missiles then you're not going to go sniping are you. This album is a riot. Whether you're an activist, protester or just a rebel without a cause, blast 'The Last Defence' from your congregation and your party will have to withstand an onslaught of rubber bullets and tear gas. The police would absolutely hate this music.

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Brimstone Coven - Brimstone Coven Label: Metal Blade Records Released: 5 August 2014 Reviewer: Phil Kane Highlight: The Ancients Website: http://brimstonecoven.bandcamp.com/

West Virginia (or more precisely, Wheeling, West Virginia) isn't exactly known for its heavy duty musical output. John Denver perhaps, Olivia Newton John even, but bonged up stoner outfits? Na, at least not until now, that is. Brimstone Coven channel tiresome retro witchipoo occult psychedelic waffle with a doomy stoner engine shoved right up its ass, a dreamy vox trying to capture the tripped out spacey wackiness of '68, plundering a seam that was mined out decades ago. Brimstone Coven do do a pretty good job of resurrecting a sound of yore, desperate for authenticity, but youth getting in the way. Just like a lot of other bands at the moment, they try to hide questionable creativity by regurgitating stuff that they hope no one no longer remembers, but I do and it wasn't that particularly inspiring the first time round. Brimstone Coven have a droning riff heavy groove that they have smoothed out a little, removing anything that might jangle the reefer induced meditative vibe. It's easy on the ear, undemanding, happy to throb away in the background as you go about refining the details of that little spell you're working on to conjure up some demon or other. I suppose we can be thankful that there are no gurgle vocals, and the Sabbath references aren't so heavily leaned upon, though you will pick up

Blue Cheer, Iron Butterfly, and The Doors. Yet the bong shouts loud, the waft of reefer lingers long after the record has finished, leaving you desperately craving for something, anything, to lift the weight of mystical bollocks. There is a sparing garnish of some rather good rock ‘n’ roll lead work, but it’s like putting fancy alloys on an old 2CV. This album is actually a remastered re-release of the band's second album, ‘II’, from 2013, with their 2012 debut tacked on the end. Which is a bit unfortunate as it is the debut that has the edge. It has drive, funk, desire. Where the first ten tracks from ‘II’ bump along wistfully oblivious to their pedestrian two dimensional structure, the final seven bonus tracks of BC’s debut bluster and snap at yer heels, demanding you take notice, ‘Son Of The Morning’ and ‘The Ancients’ particularly having a zip that the newer material lacks, almost as if the boys had lost interest the moment the debut had been cut. This is an inoffensive re-release that taps into a late 60s vibe that at the time was seen as dangerous, subversive even, especially when you were prone to episodes of deep narcotic induced psychosis. Yet it comes nowhere near the vintage stuff that is still, by and large, freely available.

Vardan - Enjoy Of Deep Sadness EP Label: Moribund Records Released: 8 May 2014 Reviewer: Joey Lowebins Highlight: A Broken Existence Website: https://www.facebook.com/vardanmetal

You wait for a good Black Metal album then two come at once (see Stryvigor review in this issue)!

The album just 36 minutes, with three tracks is cold, dark and majestic. At times you will feel as if you have been trapped in a dark dimension just by how disturbingly brilliant the tracks are, almost in a trance.

As Black Metal solo artists go the first one you think of is Burzum. Having started off their early career as old school BM typically sounded and progressing into, lets say lighter tones. On the other hand Vardan has stayed This is suicidal/depressive BM at its best. true to his roots. The 12th album release, the title ‘Does exactly what is says on the tin’. Its depressive BM at its The only downfall is the album isn’t long enough best. Slow paced drum and guitar riffs and deep haunting vocals. Hail Vardan!

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Ending Quest - The Summoning Label: FDA Recootz Released: 20 June 2014 Reviewer: Gavin Griffiths Highlight: Eradicate Website: https://www.facebook.com/EndingQuestOfficial

Take just one look at the cover of ‘The Summoning’; the new album from Stockholm’s Ending Quest, and it comes as no surprise that we’re in for a seriously heavy session on the stereo. Influenced by a who’s who of brutal death metal, including the likes of Morbid Angel and Autopsy, this Swedish trio pull absolutely no punches. Diving in at the deep end with opening track ‘Black Death’, there are riffs aplenty from the minute you press play, with Gustav Gunnarsson and Stefan Nordström’s crunching guitars as relentless as the plague itself, Stefan’s vocals too are equally unforgiving and at six minutes plus, it’s a hell of an opener. ‘Eradicate’ maintains all of the aforementioned in sheer force, but picks up the pace and gives the track more of a thrash metal sound at its core, definitely one for fans of Municipal Waste.

title would suggest, well, as catchy as brutal death metal can be at the very least. A real head banger of a track and very well executed, while the album’s title track, in stark comparison, is actually no more than a short instrumental. It’s a very chilling piece of music, very atmospheric, and it gives you just a moment to compose yourself ready for final track; ‘The Lament Configuration’. With an album such as this, one can only assume that whatever Ending Quest were trying to summon was far from friendly, but given the quality of the eleven tracks on offer here, you can throw any ounce of moral fibre in your conscience out of the window, this sort of thing should be encouraged, regardless of how deep into the bowels of hell you need to go to get it.

‘Grotesque Abolishment’ is actually far catchier than its

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Bloodstrike - Necrobirth Label: Self Release Released: 16 June 2014 Reviewer: Stoodge Mc Nulty Highlight: In Death We Rot Website: https://www.facebook.com/bloodstrikemetal

Violently crashing in with what could be described as music to carry out tank warfare by, Denver's Bloodstrike have produced a victorious debut demo release with 'Necrobirth'. 'In Death We Rot', 'Skeletal Remains' & 'Serpent Son' are the three tracks on offer here. Each inclusion is blasted out with decimating magnitude and a discourteous finesse. The bombproof tones of frontwoman Holly Wedel, the inveterate guitar howls, and ceaseless drum pulverising make for one hell of a modus operandi. Yes, this is only a demo, although demolition would probably be a more opportune terminology. In 'Necrobirth', the pin has been pulled, with their next release (hopefully a full length) wreaking the full consequences of the band's forbidding agenda. Boom!

Manor <? - The Story Of A Downward Spiral EP Label: Self Release Released: 30 August 2014 Reviewer: Joey Lowebins Highlight: Ripper Website: https://www.facebook.com/ukmanor?ref=stream&hc_location=stream&filter=1

In 2009 Luci H Manor started a band called Luci Hades someone just shouting a phrase every 10 seconds, and Manor & The Subjects. In 2011 they were no more. But as the track is almost five minutes long it does get Luci has now reformed the band under the name annoying. Manor. If you want to check them out they are holding an EP The six track EP features older tracks Ripper & launch on the 30th August in Catham, if you are around, Schizophrenic as well as 4 brand spankers. Clearly the check them out, if not, don’t worry about going out of band are inspired by industrial acts such as Rob Zombie your way. which is evident on ‘Kill or Be Killed’ which I would imagine would gain good crowd participation live, doing the I sing a line you sing a line routine. Opening track ‘Ripper’ is the best track on the album with the music jumping in and out of techno style to typical industrial style metal and to an extent Randy Bylthe style vocals. Overall the album has too much going on In terms of not knowing which route musically they want to take. Take for example the song ‘Savior’, it strays too far from the opening track to this weird slow techno track with

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Slaughterday - Ravenous EP Label: FDA Rekotz Released: 8 August 2014 Reviewer: Stoodge Mc Nulty Highlight: Crawling In Secrecy Website: https://www.facebook.com/slaughterdayofficial

Proceeding on from their brutal as fuck â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nightmare Vortexâ&#x20AC;? debuting explosion from last year, the German death metal machine that is Slaughterday are back to confabulate your memory.

warfare and it takes ponderous pride in the practice of necrology.

The feisty little EP offers up three brand new tracks and a cover of Acheron's 'Ave Satanas'. The three original contributions, 'Ravenous', 'Crawling In Secrecy' & 'Abyss Of A Nameless Fear' provide a sultry introduction to the band and is something that will have Slaughterday virgins aroused and eager for more. With their very own formula of old-school death metal, Slaughterday have used these twenty minutes to again cement their place high on the pulpit of death metal mastery. 'Ravenous' isn't only an autocratically contrived piece of Swedish death metal, it's is an EP redolent of trench

ONHEIL - Storm is Coming Label: Cyclone Empire Reviewer: Stephen Brophy Website: http://www.onheil.com/GOAT.html

Released: 5 September 2014 Highlight: Self-Destruction Mode

ONHEIL are a Dutch heavy Thrash band that have been on the scene since 1999, when they released their first Demo, although in those days much more of a Black Metal style. They have now been added to what seems to be a list of growing bands from the turn of the century that I just completely bypassed, for this band that is definitely going to change. Although there isn't anything ground breaking on this album, it's bloody quality, I can pick out bits and pieces of bands that may have influenced them, you can pick up elements of Melodic Death Metal (at times they remind me a little of At The Gates) in here, it's mostly heavy thrash, and it's really well executed.

head moving. The title track "The Storm Is Coming" along with "The Omega Legions" and "Wings Of Death" are all real good riff laden monsters and when you put then alongside a track like "Self-Destruction Mode" which rips your face off as it builds through the layers of guitar and blasting drums just keep coming at you, with a mixture of pace and power, great stuff. For a band that have gone through line up problems over the years and have had other issues that don't need to be gone into again here, this is a hugely impressive album, they've just gotten their heads down and put out the highest quality release they could and that's more than enough for me.

Storm Is Coming is the follow up to 2009's Razor, they have moved well and truly away from their original roots, but for a band that's now always a bad thing, I have a feeling that this Storm Is Coming is going to help them gain a wider fan base, it's crisp, clear and at the same time has more than enough aggression to keep your

Give this album a chance, I really hope I get to see these guys on the road around Europe, these songs deserve to be heard to as wide an audience as possible, quality work.

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Edge Of Haze - Illumine Label: Self Release Released: 21 August 2014 Reviewer: Gavin Griffiths Highlight: A Storm At The River Website: https://www.facebook.com/edgeofhaze

In recent years, Finland has properly established itself as one of THE countries to call home to heavy, alternative music. Whether you’re talking about Sentenced, Lordi, Apocalyptica, Poisonblack or whoever…Finland exports some of the finest bands to grace the stage, and some of most exciting musicians to ever pick up instruments; so really, it’s no surprise that we often find ourselves admiring a new band, only to discover they too have emerged from within the blue and white of Finland’s borders. One such band, hailing from Espoo, are unsigned, atmospheric alt-rockers Edge Of Haze, and this month sees them releasing their brand new album; “Illumine”.

best part, but he’s more than capable of a decent growl too adding that extra bit of depth to the track here and there.

‘Crushed’ has somewhat more of the heavier Scandinavian influence of artists such as Scar Symmetry, and musically a touch of In Flames in places. It works very well and its one of the albums highlights, whilst ‘A Storm At The River’, despite its title is an absolutely beautifully written song, delicate piano enhancing the tender, soft-rock ballad feel of the track, before we then finish up on the ten minute long prog-rock epic that is ‘The Newfound Horizon’. It starts off like a continuation of the bands softer side, but soon Opening track ‘Drawn’ is a slow starter, but soon picks finds its feet. Double kick drums, intense growls, back to up with a combination of melodic, gently plucked guitar guitar driven melody; it’s perfectly blended and despite and crunching riffs, a nod to the influence of artists such its length, holds your attention with ease. Edge Of Haze as Katatonia and Opeth, it’s brooding without being maybe little fish in a VERY big Finnish pond, but I believe bleak and is a decent start. ‘The Pyre’ follows on right they have the quality and ability to make a name for away, almost merging into track one, but soon comes to themselves within an already thriving alternative music life as a far heavier metal driven piece in its own right. culture in northern Eu rope. Markus Hentunen’s vocals soft and harmonious for the

Ancient Altar - Ancient Altar Label: Midnite Collective Released: 22 July 2014 Reviewer: Stoodge Mc Nulty Highlight: Pulled Out Website: https://www.facebook.com/ancientaltar

From a swampy marshland somewhere within the borderlines of Los Angeles, slithers the menacing and inexorable Ancient Altar. At times this self released album can be akin to Spirit Caravan being dragged through a cacophonous hedgerow, and at times it sounds like Kyuss have finally landed on the Red Sun, either way, the refractory arachnid from California has the ornate ability of coercing a reverberating mountain of absolute noise onto its recipients. Think of a mammoth slab of Post-Rock getting sliced into pieces by an Angle-Grinder and thrown to the Wolves. Dwelling within this four track debut release from the noisy quartet is “Tidal”, “Ek Balam”, “Feed” & “Pulled Out”. All tremendous and gigantic in delineation and conveyance. The day I get the opportunity to careen around Olympus Mons on a dirt buggy is the day this record takes cosmic flight.

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Cenacle - The New Today Label: Nameless/Faceless Records Reviewer: Rob Birtley Website: http://www.cenaclemusic.com/

Released: 15 March 2014 Highlight: Encountering

I think one of the reasons I found a musical home with Firebrand was the depth and breadth of genres the station and the Mags cover. Nothing was untouchable as long as it Rocked and that pretty much mirrored my philosophy. So in the FBRR spirit of bringing something different to your attention I undertook this review a look at the work of an up and coming Christian Metal Band.

remain clever, thought provoking and engaging. “Holding On” comes next. Drummer Danny Parr has so much control over his playing, tight fills, fast double bass patterns give the track its power. Once again the vocal and vocal harmonies are spot on and broaden the track out added with a growling echo giving a grunge feel with menace. This is followed by “Encounter” Si Consiglio roars in with a low, heavy riff, playing is phenomenal, his Cenacle is a four piece hailing from just outside my emotion is shown through his playing, he’s not a neck of the woods St. Helens. They consist of Si shredder who thinks the faster you can play the better, Consiglio (Vocals/Guitar), Ben Houghton (Guitar), he’s just a very good guitarist. It is my stand out track Benjah Ryan (Bass) and Danny Parr (Vocals/Drums). among a star studded set. The EP closes with “One They list their likes as Malokai, Breaking Benjamin, Linkin With You” the most overtly Christian song on the album. Park, Thrice, Skindred, RED, Nine Lashes, Karnivool a It takes the form of a slower ballad and is easily open to mix of Christian bands and Nu Metal and that is firmly the interpretation of a song about Boy/Girl relationships were their sound is based. They neither Preach at you as Boy/God but doesn’t lose anything for that. It also nor do they Apologies for what they believe and at the recapitulates the opening instrumental at the end to same time Cenacle let you know where they stand and draw the EP full circle and to a satisfying close. All the how they Rock. tracks on this EP work on a multitude of levels and draw you in at each level. Cenacle well they aren’t trying to do The EP opens up with a brief instrumental “The a cross over or anything that crass just make fine Awakening” which paraphrases the first song “Rise Up” music. and flows directly into it. Cenacle has a number of videos of “Rise Up” on Youtube and I suggest you check them Check out the Youtube official video of “The Awakening” out. The bond the band has with Linkin Park is really and if it’s your vibe I think I would ask and do I did listen apparent with this song. The drum and bass back beat to this EP with open ears and forget about the band and chunky guitar lead build a solid foundation to drive being tagged “Christian” and I know you will be pleasantly the track along. The vocal from Si is right in the centre surprised because I was. Would I recommend “The New of the mix. Lyrics well just like all the songs on the EP are Today” to you? “Heaven Yeah”. capable of a number of interpretations but always

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Shadow Of The Torturer - Dronestown Label: Momento Mori Released: 31 July 2014 Reviewer: Stoodge Mc Nulty Highlight: Indianapolis-Ukiah Website: http://shadowofthetorturer1.bandcamp.com/

Engendered especially for fans of doom, the grotesque and cyanide, 'Dronestown' is a marvelling presentment. Oozing out of Seattle, Washington is the tetravalent of Shadow of The Torturer.

Musically swerving through a gradual, protracting and unhurried disposition, the record pervades in constantly plaguing and tormenting the listener.

Conformity is a mere pipe-dream which inhabits a dusty moon in another galaxy when it comes to these guys bearing their tools of mass murder and annihilation. Providing an endless ocean of nauseating riffs and gruesome density, the horrors of the Jonestown massacre are all but summarised within the confines of the three apportioned tracks. Don't even let the notion of only three tracks put you off. The magnificence of this record is brutally insistent throughout. It also lasts for fifty-six minutes. You don't just listen to 'Dronestown', you behold it. It becomes an indelible memory whether you permit it or not.

Stryvigor - Forgotten By Ages Label: Svarga Music Reviewer: Joey Lowebins Website: https://www.facebook.com/Stryvigor

Wow, wow, wow. What a fucking debut album! Ukrainian Black Metal band Srtvigor take their name from a mountain river that flows through the Carpathians. Likewise the eight tracks on this album flow perfectly. From one track to the next the songs progressively get better. Yours truly wanted to write this review as follows; ‘If you like Black Metal then you will love this album’ and end it there but allow me to elaborate:

Released: 13 September 2014 Highlight: To Heroes

early Burzum which may seem like a bold statement but this is how good this album is. Musically it is exactly how a BM album should sound, aggressive, energetic and miserable (in a good way) . The stand out track’s on this album are ‘To Heroes’ and the title track ‘Forgotten by Ages’ which closes the album perfectly. You would have thought it was the same song they blend so well, both song’s are wonderfully balanced with fast paced blast beats to start followed by subtle keyboards and mid paced riffs to end.

The band were only formed in 2012 in Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine and describe themselves as atmospheric Black Metal, which pretty much hits the nail on the head, their As debut albums go, this is an absolute cracker. If you main lyrical inspiration is of nature, wintry landscapes are into BM then get this album, buy it, steal it or and woody twilights according to the band. download it (legally please) just make sure you get a copy of this as you will not regret it. Next steps for the The opening track ‘In the Icy Embrace of North’ is a band are recording their second album (which is already synth piece with an eerie sound of Enslaved’s prepared) and tour the release of this debut. The future masterpiece ‘Frost’ which gives a gentle intro to the though is bright, or should I say black! album. What follows is an epic BM album, raw production sound, vocals on par with; if not better than

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Blackwitch Pudding - Covered In Pudding Vol.1 Label: Self Release Reviewer: Phil Kane Website: http://www.blackwitchpudding.com/

This bunch of bong abusing wizards (the variety of which you can decide) claim to have been around for 600 years or so, are incredibly lazy (just one album, the Spinal Tap entitled 'Taste The Pudding', and this EP to their name), and are now claiming their riffs have been nicked by mortal metal bands, and, er, Joan Baez. Raised from a stagnant puddle of used Ergot (that's a fungal disease of grasses, so make of that what you will), the band has returned to retrieve what’s rightfully theirs, and inflict a retribution of sorts on us all by releasing this EP of covers.

Released: 12 August 2014 Highlight: Toke ‘N Man

fisted collection of lyrically adjusted (though it's hard to tell) versions of Roky Erickson‘s 'Night of the Vampire' ('Night of the Blackwitch'), a rough approximation of Rush's 'Working Man' ('Toke 'n Man', the nature of the original making it perfect for this EP), Kiss' 'Gods Of Thunder' ('Gods Of Grungus') and Judas Priest’s, er, sorry, Joan Baez's 'Diamonds and Rust' ('Bong Hits and Lust'). Yes, quite; time, it seems, to put the bongs away, d’yer think, lads?

'Covered In Pudding Vol. 1' is being released as a limited run of 200 hard copy cassettes as well as a digital What we get is a trio of comedians dressed as black download, but for how much is any one's guess. Its monks playing other peoples stuff in a veeeerrrryyyy value, I suppose, rests on whether you feel the need for sllooooowww, dooooommmmyyyy stoooonnnneeeeerrrr another questionably comic metal record in your life. At style, with honey monster vox to match. It's as heavy a best, it will prove another one trick pony to be thrown in lead, the listening experience not dissimilar to wading a dusty corner and forgotten about after one listen, or through molasses. It's been tagged as stoner, but its at worst, 'Covered In Pudding Vol. 1' could be seen as stoner that's about as low as you can get without another example of how low and mundane extreme actually entering the ninth gate of hell itself. Which, I metal has become; drifting even further away from its suppose, is strangely apt if you want revenge on those once pioneering cutting edge. who have sinned against you, but Joan Baez? That's really sticking it to The Man, boys. The EP is a tight, ham

Bolzer - Soma EP Label: Invictus Productions Reviewer: Stoodge Mc Nulty Website: http://www.bolzer.ch/

Released: 5 August 2014 Highlight: Labyrinthian Graves

Bolzer, the brainchild of both KzR & HzB has already claimed cult status with its 'Aura' record of last year. That was only a mere germination of the diabolical seed, 'Soma' is the malignant ontogenesis. One of the major driving forces of the inferno summoning genus from Zurich, is the divergent edifice of their evil compositions. Not afraid to traverse through the spectrum from black to death metal, 'Soma' vigorously emits a fiendish brisance. The opening track “Steppes” is a haunting piece of ritualistic erotica. Whilst second and final track “Labyrinthian Graves” is a near thirteen minute Satanophany. Abundant in preponderance, deficient in frailties, Bolzer is a persisting, disturbing and absorbing entity.

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Darkest Era - Severance Label: Cruz Del Sur Music Reviewer: Stephen Brophy Website: http://darkestera.net/

Darkest Era are a band from Fermanagh in Northern Ireland that first came to my attention around 2007/8 as they built up a solid following and reputation both in Ireland, Europe and also in the US. After releasing a couple of EP's between 2007 and 2010 the debut album The Last Caress Of Light followed in 2011. This was very well received and their particular brand of Celtic/Pagan Metal looked like it was going to make them a big name in that genre. So three years later they are back with the follow up album Severance, and it's excellent. Eight tracks of powerful and emotional songs are delivered on Severance, there are definite signs here of a band that is continuing to grow and develop, tracks like "Songs Of Gods And Men" and the excellent lead track "Beyond The Grey Veil" are just high quality, and everything is delivered to the same high standards, there's plenty of variation in the structure of the songs and this is one of those albums you can just throw on

Released: 13 June 2014 Highlight: Bood, Sand And Stone

and escape into. For me the standout track here is the closer "Blood, Sand And Stone" which at just over eight minutes is a bit of an epic, and rumbles along nicely. There's still elements of the classic twin guitar work in "The Scavenger" and the pace changes significantly with "Trapped In The Hourglass" which rips along with a lot of power and aggression, much heavier drums and the riffing is spot on. Overall this is a really nice piece of work and I'm already looking forward to hearing the third album, Darkest Era are one of those bands that will continue to bring impressive work to an expanding genre, they will be supporting Amon Amarth on their Irish shows in August, with their own UK Tour supported by Ancient Ascendent, Farseer and Hundred in October. So check this album out and see them live, hopefully these guys are on their way up the ladder.

Kurnugia - Tribulations Of The Abyss 7” EP Label: Blood Harvest Reviewer: Stoodge Mc Nulty Website: http://www.kurnugia.com/

Kurnugia, apparently pronounced (kur-noo-jee-uh), hail from the buckeye state Ohio. Featuring scene veterans Duane Morris (ex-Manticore, Embalmer, Nunslaughter, Decrepit) & Chris Dora (ex-Integrity, Ringworm, Bloodsick), and with the addition of Larry Kozumplik & Brian Bergeron, the Kurnugia creation is one that augments the catastrophic butchery you hope to only have nightmares about.

Released: 8 September 2014 Highlight: Diseased Angels

blood from its arteries and causing complete devastation. Bring on their first full length album!

As an ensemble, it's their first release together. And it's quite possibly the best ten minutes of new death metal this year. Belligerent in nature, ruthless in substance, the two tracks, “Plague Winds” & “Diseased Angels” have both been rendered with unrelenting callous and power. The duo of tracks sound like they've been arranged and structured from the remnants of a necropolis. The release may only be ten minutes long, but 'Tribulations Of The Abyss' wastes no time in forcing

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Grifter - The Return Of The Bearded Brethren Label: Ripple Music Reviewer: Phil Kane Website: http://www.grifterrock.co.uk/

There's things going on in the SW of England at the moment, they must be putting something in the water (apart from 20 tonnes of aluminium sulphate, that is) because there is a bit of a musical revolution bubbling away that has still to have its lid lifted. And to prove the point, we have Grifter with ‘The Return Of The Bearded Brethren’. This second outing calls on the same sort of gritty bluster rock that the likes of The Answer are peddling, a Clutch groove that rattles along like there's no tomorrow, motoring, but maybe not quite so frenetic. Think Ausie boogie done the riff heavy Maryland blues way with just a smidge of funky Boston sleaze, all done SW Brit style which, to be fair, isn’t that far removed from anyone else’s. The slide intro to ‘Paranoiac Blues’ cries out for an old Aerosmith lyric and ‘She Mountain’ will slay you as you try to remember where you first heard the opening riff, the brace of ‘It’s Not Me It’s You’ and ‘Braggards Boast’ shoving a ‘DC engine onto a hot ZZ Top groove. Overall, it’s a bit of a melting pot of styles from heavy metallic blues to chunky boogie riffola,

Released: 8 September 2014 Highlight: It’s Not Me, It’s You

peppered with electric bottle neck, which works remarkably well, the band’s tentative steps away from their stoner roots paying off quite handsomely. But wait, what’s this? For the last track, when all the hard work’s been done, the band shoots itself in its collective foot by giving us a practically note perfect rendition of Sabbath's ‘Fairies Wear Boots’; another original would’ve been better, because all the cover does is hold a mirror up to the album, whispering "close, but not close enough, fucker" in its ear. ‘The Return Of The Bearded Brethren’ is a good, heavy duty, hip swinging album with bollocks the size of mangos. It does retread paths already worn through by others admittedly, but it also tries on other styles to see if they fit, and they do. So, perhaps the time has come for the Grifter boys to take a deep breath, grit their teeth, and take that extra step into the unknown. They might just surprise themselves, and us. Yep, good it is, but there's a fiver here saying there is far better still to come.

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Airbourne August 26 Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms 28 London The Garage October 26 The SSE Hydro 27 Sheffield Motorpoint Arena 28 Cardiff Motorpoint Arena 30 Birmingham LG Arena 31 Manchester Phones 4U Arena Alestorm October 09 Birmingham O2 Academy 14 Liverpool O2 Academy 15 Dublin Voodoo Lounge 16 Cork Cyprus Avenue 17 Belfast Mandela Hall 18 Aberdeen The Garage 19 Glasgow The Arches 21 Manchester Academy 2 24 London Electric Ballroom 26 Cardiff Globe Anathema September 18 Belfast The Limelight 2 19 Dublin The Button Factory Arch Enemy December 16 Birmingham The Institute 18 London The Forum Bernie Torme October 17 York Fibbers Black Star Riders March 2015 05 Glasgow O2 ABC 06 Glasgow O2 ABC 07 Newcastle O2 Academy 10 Nottingham Rock City 11 Cambridge Corn Exchange 14 Wolverhampton Civic Hall Carcass September 19 Belfast The Limelight

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