RMP Magazine #9 by RMP Magazine

CONTENT INTERVIEWS

RMP MAGAZINE breaks trough in 2013 Hello again! Welcome back dear grooving ghouls of the underground music scene. Halloween has just left us and everyone is getting ready for the festive season. Hell, even Bad Religion is about to release a Christmas album! While the days are getting darker and colder, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about time for us at RMP to provide you with some warm enlightening interviews, reviews and other insights on for example your finest local Belgian talent such as Musth, Amenra, Psychonaut,... we also cross the border for a thorough investigation of the Vans Warped Tour coming to The Netherlands soon. A big warm shootout to all our readers, contributors and supporters for creating this magazine. And if you feel like becoming a part of our ever growing community of music lovers then give as a visit at our many social media or become a volunteer at RMP and help create the magazine together with us.

David Marote

Managing editor RMP magazine

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4 6 9 10 12 16 18 20

Atlas Amenra Teen Creeps Musth Psychonaut Set Things Right Oathbreaker Vans Warped Tour 2013

ALBUM REVIEWS From page

until page 47.

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A tlas is a Post-Hardcore band balancing on the

edge of “mainstream” and at the same time something which is hard to define.We had a blast talking with them about their experiences and other interesting subjects. Check out their answers!

Hello guys! you’re a pretty new band, so i was wondering if this is your first interview...? No, we did our first interview last year live on air for Radio BENELUX after our performance on the Moulin rock festival

What is the meaning behind the name of the band? In the first place It just sounded right. Also the name Atlas has multiple meanings and they all seem to fit about the way we feel about certain things in life.

I know that Atlas had a turbolent past with members that joined and then left. Is there a reason why this all happened? When we first started this band it was really hard finding a decent singer, someone who fitted with the rest of the band. So it took us a while to get everything in the right place. the reason some people left is because it simply just took to long. But I’m happy that Jens and I (Jan) had the patience and I’m happy with the setup right now, which is more solid than ever before.

Legend tells that is hard for bands of your genre to ‘break out’ worldwide. Do you think you can make It happen in the future? It is hard but not impossible. For us It’s not about making money, I think we just want to see the world and meet new people. If that’s possible with what we’re doing now, it would be a dream coming true. We hope we can make it out there, but time will tell I guess.

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Atlas partecipated to some important music festivals like

“Rampscenario” Did you learn something from the more experienced bands that you met from the various festivals? I think we did. Every show we learn more and more and every show feels like another milestone. The fun part about it is meeting new interesting people, like the guys from Midnight Souls who helped us out a lot. New music incoming! What can you tell us about your upcoming EP called ‘For you, forever’ ? The first single was awesome, but what can we expect from the full EP? I think every song on the EP stands on it’s own and has its own character. We also think it’s a good mix between hard and soft, rhythmic and melodic parts. The EP reflects parts of our lives,

Interview - Atlas

"if that’s possible with what we’re doing now, it would be a dream coming true."

especially from the last five years, the point we started this band. Any plan for an album in the near future? There’re no concrete plans but we’re writing new songs at this point so hopefully you can expect a new album next year or so. Dark and intense ceremonies are the things that makes you and your songs ‘unique’. Do you think is something you will change in the future? I don’t think we’re going to change that. Just like you said: the dark scene on stage is something that makes our performances different that those from other bands. It also creates the perfect atmosphere for the audience to experience our music.

Do you have any pre-show rituals? Aside from warming up, we throw salt on stage and burn a specific kind of wood as incense. The wood is used in South-America in purification rituals. Salt is widely used in occult rituals to cleanse the ground where the ritual takes place. While doing this our vocalist recites a sort of prayer or a mantra. So we actually cleanse the stage from all other forms of energy except our own. We actually see our live shows as one large ceremony/ritual. What are your inspirations? We all come from different backgrounds and different parts of Belgium. So to name other bands as inspirations is hard to do. I think our main inspirations are our feelings and the things we’ve been

through. Anything that you’d like to say to our readers? Yeah we just want to thank RMP for the interview and the readers for taking the time to read this. Keep doing this. Keep supporting everything what makes this musicscene better. by Nazaria D’angelis

facebook.com/atlasbe Next album : “For You, Forever”

Out soon!

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Through the years we became a group of artists with the same goal in mind: lifting each other up instead of bringing each other down.

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Interview - Amenra

What is the Church of Ra? Colin:”It´s a collective idea. It´s the church of life, we value our life and how we spend it. We oblige ourselves to get the best out of ourselves and we push ourselves to the limit. We sing about everything we love and curse everything that threatens what we love. We take care of our friends and family. We want our music to heal people. Through the years we became a group of artists with the same goal in mind: lifting each other up instead of bringing each other down. Mathieu: “It´s a huge collaboration. Not just music but also ´Smoke and Dust´ who does artwork. Photographers, people who take care of visuals. The connections that we have with other artists, like Oathbreaker and Hessian for example. We really support each other from the Church of Ra spirit. We´re on the same page. It´s not a joke, we all know what we´re doing.” Lennart: “Amenra loves to do things for other bands. We exist for more than 10 years now and we know how hard it is to achieve something. We want to help other people when we can.” This summer you played a lot of festivals that were quite mainstream. Most of the time you were the most heavy band

of the bill. Do you want to reach a larger crowd? Mathieu: “The more fans you can make, the better. We want to spread our message to a lot of people. We also didn´t expect to play so many festivals.”

Our van was also very dilapidated, but our experience was great.”

Lennart: “Sometimes we´re surprised that we´re asked to play some festivals. It´s not that we contact the festivals, they contact us. It´s nice to see that our music is also appreciated there too.”

Billy Anderson recorded a couple of tracks on Mass V, he´s an excellent producer who worked together with a lot of great bands already. How did this collaboration happen? Mathieu: “As a band we had to decide who to work with when we wanted to release our new album. We invited him over and spent time with him in an old church in the most wooded area of Belgium (De Ardennen) and locked ourselves up there for 10 days. He really brought us to the next level when it comes to recording.”

How was your experience with Russia? Mathieu: “The first time we went to Russia everyone told us it would be dangerous and there would be mafia. I have to say we kept an eye open, just to be sure. SaintPetersburg and Moscow were really great places to visit, nice architecture and great museums. We did a bit of sightseeing too, visited orthodox churches. There was a ceremony going on and it was great to see. When you left the big cities the poverty was more visible. For example gas lines were upper ground and were connected from one house to another and the quality of the roads was horrible. Lennart: “We all had the assumption that Russia was a cold country but it was 30° C, so all we brought were very warm clothes. No one checked the weather forecast before we left.

Mathieu: “We had no idea what to expect from our crowd when we played live but they were very into us.”

Lennart: “Our expectations of Billy Anderson were huge, also because he worked together with so many great bands. In general it was a very spontaneous way of recording. Mathieu and I played some guitar parts just one time. That´s very extraordinary, he didn´t force us to play the same part over and over again. For him it was important that everything sounded real. He values the imperfections in songs. That was different than what we expected.” Mathieu: “He was also very stoked about being in De Ardennen. His

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Interview - Amenra

grandfather used to fight there during WWII and we visited a museum about the war with him. We saw a picture of the division his grandfather was in and he was really moved by it. That was nice to see.” What will Amenra look like in about 10 years? Mathieu: I don´t really know. Amenra is a very big part of our life and I´m sure it still will be in about 10 years. We also focus on art, not just music. We also play in other bands and that´s good for Amenra too. Lennart: I´m sure Amenra still will exist but maybe it will be a bit different. We did a lot of other stuff too, for example the acoustic sessions. That proves that we can reinvent ourselves again and

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again. I´m not sure if it will be like that with the other bands that we play in. What´s the message of Church of Ra? Mathieu: “We just want to be normal guys, we don´t want to be rock stars. That´s also why Colin, our singer, doesn´t always perform with his face towards the crowd, he doesn´t want to be the face of the band. It´s not a show, we want to create an experience. When we experience something negative and we focus on making music it really makes us feel better. It´s like we just had a conversation with each other, but with instruments. That´s also why we focus really hard when we play live, we´re very serious about it. We focus and play the best we

can. More and more people also understand our performances. Sometimes people come up to us after a show and they tell us that they had to cry. It´s strange that you can do that with feelings and instruments.” by David Marote

Photo credits - Stefaan Temmerman and Jeroen Mylle facebook.com/churchofra New Dvd : “01.06 ”

Out now!

Next Belgian shows : 24/11 - Trix (Antwerpen)

Interview - Teen Creeps

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Musth has a very original sound created by five creative bandmembers. Isis meets Red Sparowes meets Cult of Luna. They chat with RMP about how much they ended up singing Funtime Records and how it´s like to have one female in the band.

For the readers who don’t know Musth yet, please introduce Musth and what you stand for. We are Musth from Belgium. Ben and Jens play guitar, Shana plays the bass, Bram is the drummer and Tim does vocals. We play a mixture of postrock, metal, sludge and other genres we like. You’re about to release your second full length “Ebb&Flow”. What can we expect? Are there huge differences/similarities with “Padjelanta”? Ebb&Flow is the next step after Padjelanta. So there are similarities as well as differences. We think it’s more mature and also darker. But we still have that melancholy that was typical for Padjelanta. How did you get the album title “Ebb&Flow”? I saw that the song titles are also “water-related”, is this a coincidence? The vibe of the album reminded us of the tides. Calm and soothing, but also rough and destructive. The song titles were found by listening to the instrumental tracks and by writing down what the song brought up. So it is not a coincidence, since the songs gave us that vibe. Padjelanta got you on some

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nice bills: AB Club with Steak Number Eight, Ieperfest and Ieperfest Winter Edition, VK with Kylesa and many more. How was that? What are your expectations with Ebb&Flow? It was amazing to get the opportunity to play those gigs. It helped us getting confident on stage, and got us some good feedback. We hope we get to play more of those gigs, as well as play all over Europe. That’s something that hasn’t happened yet because of different reasons. But we’re ready now to play everywhere! You have 2 guest vocalists on Ebb&Flow, Brent Vanneste from Steak Number Eight and Matthijs Vanstaen from Grown Below. How did you find them? And how was the cooperation? We met Brent when we played with Steak Number Eight. He’s an amazing artist, and a nice guy. I (Tim) asked him if he wanted to contribute to the new album and he was up for it. Matthijs and Grown Below are guys we already know quite some time. I always thought he had an amazing voice, so I also wanted him on the album. We think both contributions are mind blowing. We couldn’t be happier!

Belgium has a rich postmetal/ postrock/sludge-scene with off course Amenra as biggest name. What distincts you from them? Well, Amenra is Amenra and Musth is Musth. We tend to have more melody where Amenra is darker and ‘sludgier’. Off course we think Amenra is an amazing band. However we are more inspired by bands like Cult Of Luna, Baroness and Isis.

“That’s something that hasn different reasons. But w everyw

Interview - Musth

You are signed to Funtime Records and bookings are done via Ruffstuff Music. How do you like working together with Johan (FuntimeRecs) and Jan (Ruffstuff)? Johan has always been there for us. Funtime has always been there, as long as we can remember. Johan always gave a chance to young and local bands. It’s great to have his support! Jan

n’t happened yet because of we’re ready now to play where!”

has some amazing bands on his roster, and does a great job with all of them! He does one hell of a job, even in difficult times! So we’re ultrasiked to be on his roster!

can be ultrasoothing as well as ear-crushing, a must-see!!!! And we off course will be presenting the new album. We’re so siked to be finally able to play the new songs live. It’ll be massive!!! Final question: what is the ultimate dream gig for you? What stage would you like to play on and who with? Pukkelpop, Dour or another big festival would be awesome. A European tour with a cool band like Cult Of Luna or The Ocean is also on the wish list. There’s so much we would want to do, so hook us up! by Kenny Leys

facebook.com/Musth 30/11/2013 is the release show @ De Klinker in Aarschot. What can we expect? Well, we have asked some friends to come over. Tung sten is a local band, with members of PN (RIP) and Sludge Phenomenon (RIP) which is Tim’s old band. Psychonaut is a young and promising band from Mechelen. 3 guys playing sludgy psychedelic music, awesome stuff (an interview with Psychonaut can be found in this magazine on page 12). Grown Below will bring their amazing music to De Klinker as well. They

Next CD : “EBB & Flow ”

30 November

Next Belgian shows :

30/11 - JC De Klinker (Aarschot)

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Psychonaut: Psychonaut is a band from Mechelen. The three bandmembers each left their band to start all over again. The result is the heavy but psychedelic post-stoner/sludge band Psychonaut.

Your Facebook page says that your band was created on the first of January 2013? Was forming the band some kind of New Year’s resolution, a fresh start after closing the books on your band Generation! ? You could say that. We actually had already made the decision mid-December but we thought it would be nice to have the 1st of January as our official starting point. “Psychonaut: a sailor of the soul.” Quite a unique meaning for a band name? Do you see yourself as soul searchers? Sure, I think everyone is. Finding yourself is a big part of modern life and the soul is by far the most mysterious part of the search. Our guitarist Stefan read the name on a forum somewhere, looked up the definitions and first just named a song ‘Psychonaut.’ Afterwards we realized that it was the best name we could give our new band. It kind of defines what we are trying to accomplish with this kind of music, which is to create

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an atmosphere that can have an impact on your emotions. Your influences are bands such as Pink Floyd, Mastodon and Isis, all bands with a very different sound. What do you draw from those bands that inspires you to make music? What we’ve learned from them is that each of them has their specific vision of what music should be. Pink Floyd really gave birth to a new genre of music that is not only relaxing, but also stimulating to listen to. Songs like “Welcome to the Machine” and “Time” can really open your mind and make you relate to the spirit of their time. And if you take the messages of those songs and accompany them with beautiful psychedelic guitar sounds and synthesizers, the impact is amazing. Bands like Isis, Amenra (an interview with Amenra can be found in this magazine on page 6) and Tool seem to give us the same effect, but in a completely different manifestation. Whereas Pink Floyd has the ‘feel

good-vibe,’ those bands have a more cynical, anger-driven vibe. So what we try to do with Psychonaut is kind of juggle those two paradoxical energies and again try to create something new. On that list of musical influences, you also mention Steak Number Eight. You recently got to perform as their opening act. What was that like? It was great! We had a lot of fun. We already knew the guys because they played a private show in our rehearsal studio once and went drinking with us afterwards. They are definitely another example of that energy-driven music so it was really cool to open for them. And after the show they told us they really liked it. They even proposed to share the stage again in the future, which would be awesome. The visuals you use on stage are sometimes provided by Visual Circus. When and how did that come about? About the same time we started

Interview - Psychonaut

â&#x20AC;&#x153; The idea to work together just came up one night and so we made it happen.â&#x20AC;?

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this band. Visual Circus is a nonprofit organization led by two guys. One of them is Ignace, who had been a close friend of Thomas for a few years already. The connection with the rest of the band came immediately. The idea to work together just came up one night and so we made it happen. It adds a new element to the live experience of our music. The guys of Visual Circus really know what a psychedelic concert should be like. They even sat down with us and made us explain all of our songs and lyrics in detail so they could create the most suiting visuals. They love what they do and you can definitely see it in their work. Unfortunately they are taking a small break at the moment since Ignace moved to Letland to work in a casino. Actually, by telling you this; it sounds like he’s living his life like a musician already. Now it’s up to us to follow. You’ve also competed in several musical concourses, but never got first place. Do second and third place sit okay with you? Or do you think you have more in store? It’s a strange concept of course, there’s never one band that’s objectively better than the others; it’s all taste. One time in Bruges (we ended 2nd), there was an older member of the jury, who came up to us with tears in his eyes. He told us he had just seen an intense gig and called us a good band with a lot of potential. He was baffled by the fact we hadn’t won the rally. The strength of meetings like this makes you keep doing this.

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Besides competing and opening for Steak Number Eight, you also recorded your very first demo. What was that experience like? What can you tell us about it? Did it turn out the way you wanted it to? It was fun but really time-consuming since we did everything ourselves. We recorded, mixed and mastered everything in Stefan’s bedroom over a period of 3-4 weeks. We got help from a few friends as well: Chiaran Verheyden helped with finetuning the mix and master the tracks, Michael Claessens came in to play mouth harp etc. In the end, it’s not 100% CD quality but it serves its purpose which is to have something that we can send in to rallies, contests, venues etc. We could have immediately done a professional EP but we didn’t really see the point as we had only played together for 7-8 months at that time. You try to use themes such as religion and faith when writing your lyrics. Are you religious people? Religious is maybe not the best word, but we definitely believe in something bigger than ourselves and that we all are part of a collective consciousness. Our idea of God is not the same, though there are a lot of similarities. But all three of us are spiritual. Fun fact: Thomas is a religion teacher. You also try to incorporate society-related issues. What is the number one thing that is wrong with society according

to you? Stefan: The rapidly expanding way of only looking at performance and numbers instead of individuals. The fact that the society we’ve built ourselves is now trying to turn us all into computers in order to be able to follow the progress. Thomas: Saying ‘hello’ to a stranger on the street makes you an odd person these days; how stupid is that? Peter: Useless violence… I simply can’t understand why people are doing this. It’s highly disturbing. You’ve been performing around Flanders for the past few months now. What has been your favourite gig so far? I think we can all agree on Vulturefest. It was a local festival organized by our friends from Black Vulture – also a great band from Mechelen. On 28th May 2013, they rented out our local youth club, Kamikazeclub, and put together an entire day of shows by bands from Mechelen and around. The reason it was so great is because everyone who was there, was there for the music. We knew almost everyone and the atmosphere was spot on. We always say a show was successful if we could hear a pin drop during the quieter parts, and that was definitely the case. And during the heavier parts everyone was moving and doing silly stuff so it was perfect. Also the comments afterwards were breathtaking. What country, city or even specific venue would you like to

Interview - Psychonaut

perform in, if you could pick any place all over the world? Belgian festivals are among the greatest on this entire planet so festivals like Dour, Pukkelpop or Graspop Metal Meeting would be awesome one day. We’ve been visiting them since we were 15 years old so it would be a dream come true. Later on we’d love to tour all over Europe with the United Kingdom and Germany on top of our list because the heavy music scene over there is very much alive. What are your hopes and dreams for the band’s future? Our biggest hope right now is getting signed by a label and a booker. We appreciate the small things in life and so our desires as a band are adapted to our level of existing. Of course we would like

to play Madison Square Garden one day but we take it bit by bit. The first stages of being in a band are equally as important as the point where you break through and later on the point where you are accepted by the big audience. Right now we’re in a position where we can compensate our main costs with the gages we receive from venues. Being able to do this after a period of only 10 months makes us feel really comfortable. We can’t complain! What should people remember about you after reading this interview? Besides our unique genre of music, our drummer Peter looks like Asterix! Stefan is a monstrously good guitar player & Thomas…, well every band needs a bass player.

Thomas: ‘And a chick magnet!’ (all laughing). by Rani Coppens

Photo credits - Michael Lombarts and Sam Coussens facebook.com/psychonautband New CD : “PSYCHONAUT ”

Out now!

Next Belgian shows :

30/11 - JC De Klinker (Aarschot)

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Belgium local band Set Things Right hailing from Diamond City are on the rise to become a big band in whole of the European countryside. We as a Belgian/Dutch rock e-zine are more than thrilled to ask them how the new album is coming along, how the situation of their vocalist is at the moment, and what their ambitious plans for the future will be! Let’s start with the most important question, how is Tom Weslau, your vocalist doing right now? He’s feeling okay. He has to go to the hospital frequently, he’s trying to live healthy, he’s trying to take things easy and he’s taking every opportunity to heal. No one knows how it’s going to develop, but the most important thing is that he stays optimistic. He has a lot of friends that he can count on, and that’s pulling his head above the water. He still has a long way to go, and hopefully he’s going in the right direction. Let’s see, let’s hope, let’s pray. What’s the story behind your band name ‘Set Things Right’? I’m sure a lot of people want to know that! Maarten and Jos started the band with Tom. Before that the ‘De

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Roeck’ – brothers already shared the stage for about 6 years. As they went through a lot of member changes and difficulties through the years, they had enough with it. It was clearly the time to set things right and work with people with the same ambitions. These boys have big dreams, and it was time to make them come true. And oh yeah, the name ‘Set Things Right’ sounded as smooth as cupcakes. How is it being one of the better and more recognized local bands in Belgium? Of course it’s really cool and we’re extremely thankful to all our fans for all their support. It’s always fun to play shows, and see the crowd screaming your words and going nuts to your music. It puts a big smile on our faces talking to people who believe in our music

and to hear that our music helped them in life. Through all the difficulties we’ve had in the band, and believe me, we had a lot (Tom, members who left, …), these fans brought us back on top. What do you guys think about the local Belgian scene at the moment? Honestly, we hate the word ‘scene’. What is a ‘scene’? We have never made music for a ‘scene’. That’s what I like about our fans. Our fans are so varied. At a STR show there are all kinds of people. And that’s cool, because music is for everyone. We need to stop talking about a ‘scene’. We like to play shows with bands of all kinds of genres and watch the crowd amuse themselves watching every band. We see a lot of people laughing at us because we use clean vocals,

Interview - Set Things Right

or because we use screams, or fans of ours laughing with other bands because they don’t make the same music as us. Well, fuck those people. They are just showing they know nothing about music. But apart from that, there are some great bands in Belgium. We think if we look back to five years ago, there were only a few decent bands. So we’ve taken a big step forward and we hope it will keep going this way. It’s always fun to play with great bands. Does this scene affect you guys in any sort of way? There are more and more great bands, and that motivates us to get better. But like I said, I think we need to think out of the box, out of the scene. We always try when we meet people who are totally not into metal music, to present our music to them. We give it a chance. And we’re astonished how many people actually like this kind of music. This ‘scene’, however you call it, could be a lot bigger if we actually stop talking about a scene, where no one from the outside is welcome. Your single ‘Don’t Close Your Eyes’ was recorded in the same studio where bigger bands like Architects and Your Demise did their recordings. What was it like to work in a studio with such great past releases and how did it affect you guys? We chose to record two songs in the best studio we could find instead of making a whole album that sounded mediocre, and we’re happy we made that choice. We are so satisfied about the quality of our songs. It was a very nice experience, but everything had to go so fast. We only had four days. So it’s not that we pre-recorded in the studio like some bands tend to do. The songs were 100% finished and ready to record before we

were in the UK. But we knew in advance these songs would be in good hands, and they would make it a blast. We had such a great time. What do you guys think about the upcoming beatdown scene, does this ‘genre’ affect your gigs? We also recognized that beatdown is getting more popular and more and more people are disliking softer metal-oriented music. But so be it. We want to write music where our heart is. You see some lads raising their eyebrows during our shows, or mockingly dancing. But that says more about themselves than about our music. And actually, some of us like beatdown, from before it was a hype. For our music genre our breakdowns are actually a lot heavier than from those bands we are compared to. Expect more heaviness in our new songs! In which countries have you guys already performed? Not a lot actually. Belgium and the Netherlands are the only countries where we’ve hit the stage. We want to play all over the world, but we think it’s better to first focus on these two countries.

When are you guys planning to play a local show again? We’re playing in Kontich at Halloween Hardcore on the 31st of October and we’ll be playing in Roeselare at Dedication Fest on the 2nd of November. Thanks for this interview guys, is there anything you want to say to your fans and the people who love the music? As a part of this interview was about the scene, we can just suggest: BE YOURSELF! Not only in music, in everything. In what you wear, in what you eat, in what you believe, in how you act, even in how you fucking dance. Fuck hypes, fuck being the same, just be rock ‘n’ roll! by Stefan van Den Broek

facebook.com/setthings rightofficial New single : “Don’t Close Your Eyes ”

Out now!

RMP- Magazine November

Interview - Oathbreaker

And Stefaan Temmerman

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Good things com Warped Tourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fir hard core and al minute? I know I one day in Lond

Almost twenty y treme sports wit and the sponsor

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Article - Vans Warped tour 2013

of a short visit to the UK, this is The Vans me to those who wait. Despite an exception you were slowly getting into punk and rst trip to Europe. Remember those days when ns and discovering new bands every pilatio Com Tour ll you did was checking out Warped again and watch all your favourite bands in I do! This autumn you can relive those days don, Eindhoven, Bern, Berlin and Vienna.

to combine skate ramps and other exyears ago Kevin Lyman came up with the idea ed from a popular short-lived magazine, th an outdoor music festival. With a name deriv , the Warped Tour hits like a bomb. there ring of one of the biggest skate brands out a perfect opportunity for music lovers to walk mes were present on ten stages which was s a connection between skating and punk, up new genres and bands. There was alway early days that’s all there was really, punk and mes to its own in this concept. Back in the big fish and Sublime were there when the a lifestyle for many. Bands like Goldfinger, Reel me’s own Eric Wilson is still featuring the conand they’re still pioneers in this genre. Subli . In the following years more famous names Rome ater with his new project Sublime with ill, which resulted into more publicity and and The Descendents were added to the playb s like metal core and hard core joined the he Warped Tour. But as time passed by, genre took and is still taking place every year e place for a more diverse fan base. This feast g forward to every single year. This event by a compilation album where everyone is lookin at the time, they expanded and gave other beyond the borders of the US and one step re. After Canada and Australia, it was Asia’s chance to get a taste of this skate-punk cultu it, uering the world, you just can’t get around Europe’s following. With this Tour slowly conq has Tour ed Warp Vans the s, with all your friend nd discover bands, go nostalgic and mosh

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Neck Deep is a pop punk band from the UK since mid-2012. With their motto “We write songs that we like, and talk about things that mean something to us” they are traveling the World and living their dream. If you like deep lyrics and rough guitars, Neck Deep is a perfect band to stalk. I discovered them by their softer songs but they surprised me with their violent and colossal sound. This 5-headed band is one to remember.

One of the Headliners for the Vans Warped Tour in Eindhoven.Started as Pezz in the past, but changed their name to Billy Talent shortly after their first successful release. As for now they are one of the most renowned punk rock bands in the scene, and with already 5 albums released, they are here to stay.

Current line up Ben Barlow - Vocals Lloyd Roberts - Guitar Matt West - Guitar Fil Thorpe-Evans - Bass Dani Washington - Drums Popular song Over and over – Rain in July A Part of me (ft. Laura Whiteside) – Rain in July Tables turned – Rain in July Expectations for VWT? Emotional lyrics with a rough sound that will break the stage in two. If you are a pop punk fan, it would be a shame if you would skip them.

Current line-up: Benjamin Kowalewicz – lead vocals Ian D’Sa – guitar, vocals Jonathan Gallant – bass guitar, backing vocals Aaron Solowoniuk – drums, percussion Favourite songs: Fallen Leaves – Billy Talent II Cure for the Enemy – Dead Silence Nothing to Lose – Billy Talent Expectations for VWT? I’ve seen them live several times already, and they were solid as rock, delivering a top-notch performance and stage play. I know for sure that they’ll deliver an even good or maybe than ever performance this time!

RMP- Magazine November

Article - Vans Warped tour 2013

We Came As Romans, for some an emo band, for others a definite lifesaver. Let’s be honest, after four solid releases they still know how to please their fans, with their catchy songs and hard-knocks positive lyrics. Call me crazy, but I personally love these guys, and I love the changes they have put through during their releases and I’m really sure that I’m not the only one who thinks this way about them!

Australian metal core legends Parkway Drive are back again to jam your eardrums with their hard riffs and crushing bass lines. Add some nasty breakdowns, put them in a blender, and you got yourself a tasty band that isn’t going to disappoint you. Those guys were my ticket to the harder regions of music, and that’s why they will always have that special place in my heart, and I’m sure that many think the same way as I do!

Current line-up: Kyle Pavone - clean vocals, unclean vocals, keyboards, synthesizer David Stephens - rhythm guitar, unclean vocals, clean vocals Joshua Moore - lead guitar Lou Cotton - rhythm guitar Eric Choi - drums Andy Glass - bass Favourite songs: Fade Away – Tracing Back Roots Hope – Understanding What We’ve Grown to Be (Mis) understanding – Understanding What What We’ve Grown to Be Expectations for VWT? I already had the privilege to see them several times, and they were more than amazing. Also they headlined the shelter on Pukkelpop, hearing only positive comments about their performance over there. Still, I haven’t heard some of my favourite songs yet, mostly coming from their latest effort ‘Tracing Back Roots’. So for me it’s again a sceptical gig, and I hope they will nail it, like they always did.

Current line-up: • Winston McCall – lead vocals • Jeff Ling – guitar • Luke Kilpatrick – guitar • Jia O’Connor – bass guitar • Ben Gordon – drums Favourite Songs: Boneyards – Horizons Carrion – Horizons Guns for Show, Knives for a Pro – Killing with A Smile Expectations for VWT? It will be the seventh time I’ll see them, and they always deliver a stable performance. Winston and co. really love the Benelux, and they always announce this more than once during their gigs. I guess they really mean it! Therefore, I’m sure they will give us a hell of show on Warped!

RMP- Magazine November

Sometimes, you have songs that touch your heart, but still have a vast amount of roughness in them. That’s how you can describe the songs of The Color Morale. In the past, they were like a kind of playful post-hard core band, with hilarious song names but they’ve evolved in a wellformed band with meaningful and emotional lyrics intermingled with solid guitar craftsmanship and some fine breakdowns. The Color Morale, a band that grabs you!

Some years ago, I had my list of favourite bands, and guess which one popped up in the top 5? It was Chiodos and this was mostly because of their diverse songs and melodies, but in the first place because the amazing vocalist of this band: Jonny Craig. This multi-talented guy plays and has played in more than one band, including a solo-project, and that’s all because of his vocal range. But of course, it’s not the only reason, this band brings back memories and I guess they will keep doing that until they call it a quit, which will hopefully be in the far future!

RMP- Magazine November

Current Line-up: • Steve Carey – drums • Garret Rapp – lead vocals • Justin Hieser – bass, backing vocals • Devin King – lead guitar • Aaron Saunders – rhythm guitar • Ramon Mendoza - lead guitar (no longer touring but still writes and records for the band) Favourite Songs: Demon Teeth – My Devil in Your Eyes Learned Behavior – Know Hope Strange Comfort – Know Hope Expectations for VWT? This band is one of the reasons I’m going to the tour, I really love them since the day they’ve started to be honest. I really hope they will rock my socks off when they’re playing some of my favourite songs live.But after seeing some footage, I’m sure they can bring the emotions from their songs to the public,I can’t wait!

Current line-up: Craig Owens – lead vocals Pat McManaman – rhythm guitar Matt Goddard – bass guitar Bradley Bell – keyboards, synthesizers, piano, backing vocals Derrick Frost – drums Thomas Erak – lead guitar Favourite songs: Caves – Illuminaudio Stratovolcano Mouth – Illuminaudio Lexington (Joey Pea-Pot with a Monkey Face) – Bone Palace Ballet Expectations for VWT? I’m privileged to see them for the first time, I hope Craig Owens really pulls off everything he has, because for me he is the driving force of this band. But I guess they will do a great job, because they are in the scene for so long already. Pray with me folks!

Article - Vans Warped tour 2013

You like some hard post hard core with terrifying hard breakdowns? Then Like Moths to Flames is the band for you. Bone-crushing breakdowns will find their way to your head and let the soft vocals touch your heart like a soft feather. I really like this band because of the electrifying mix of soft and hard, it’s in my opinion how post-hard core needs to be!

This band had their ups and their downs, mainly with member changes, but they are still going strong. The Las Vegas based band which houses various emo and post hard core influences already released 7 records to date, and aren’t planning to stop anytime soon. Mixing solos and raw screams along with the clean melodies make this band one of the best in the genre, so don’t dare to miss these guys if you want straight-forward emo core!

Current line-up: Chris Roetter – Lead Vocals Aaron Evans – Bass, Backing vocals & Rhythm Guitar Zach Huston – Lead Guitar, Backing vocals & Rhythm Guitar Eli Ford – Lead Guitar Greg Diamond – Drums Favourite songs Something to live for – When we don’t exist I, Solemnly Swear – An Eye for an Eye Learn Your Place – When we don’t exist Expectations for VWT? I think they will be one of those bands that not everybody knows how to begin with, but nevertheless will drive them wild. They’ve got so many heavy parts in their songs and that makes them suitable for normal post-hard core listeners but also for the guys and gals who like heavier stuff. I haven’t seen them live yet, but I’m really looking forward to this one.

Current line-up: Craig Mabbitt - lead vocals Bryan “Monte” Money - lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals Michael Money - rhythm guitar Thomas “TJ” Bell - bass guitar, rhythm guitar Robert Ortiz - drums, percussion, backing vocals Favourite songs: Situations – Dying is Your Latest Fashion The Guillotine – Dying is Your Latest Fashion The Flood – This War is ours Expectations for VWT? I really hope that they will play a bunch of their old classics, because they are like an emotional sentiment for me. I’ve seen them before, and they were really decent, with good stage performance coming from Craig Mabitt and the bunch. But still, I really think they can do so much more, and I hope they can show this on the Warped Tour!

RMP- Magazine November

Hacktivist all started with the departure of two band members (ex-heart of a coward) and an idea: combining rap with metal core. And the result was something to think about, because in most of those cases it turned out to be a bad idea. But for Hacktivist, it’s like the total opposite, refreshing beats accompanied with solid rap makes it a unique sound to listen to, and I’m sure you guys and gals will think the same.

This band needs no introduction, because for the most of us, this is one of the more famous bands on the bill. They are known for songs which contain such strong subjects that really matter for a lot of people, f.ex. top songs like ‘Hero of War’ which is telling a story about a dad of a child who was sent to war, or ‘Savoir’ which tells a story about two past lovers and their difficulties. I mean, that really isn’t light stuff to talk about, but still Rise Against tries answer or soften these questions and situations, and that’s what makes this band one hell of a strong punk rock band, with an enormous fan base that doesn’t even think about stopping with supporting these guys!

RMP- Magazine November

Current line-up: • Timfy James - guitars, programming, clean vocals • J Hurley - rapped vocals • Ben Marvin - rapped vocals • Josh Gurner - bass guitar • Richard Hawking – drums Favourite songs: Niggas in Paris – Unreleased single Cold Shoulders – Elevate EP Elevate – Elevate EP Expectations for VWT? They are a fairly new band to begin with, so they really need to show what they’re capable of. I haven’t seen them yet, but the mash-up between the genres sounds really interesting. I know however that not everyone will think the way like I think about this.So they really have to step up their game to gain fame!

Current line-up: • Tim McIlrath – Vocals and Lead Guitar • Joe Principe - Bassist • Brandon Barnes - Drums • Zach Blair – Rhythm Guitar Favourite songs: Hero of War – Appeal to Reason Ready To Fall – The Sufferer and The Witness Savoir – Appeal To Reason Expectations for VWT? Too bad they don’t play in Eindhoven, because I was really thrilled to see them again. Luckily for the other countries to have such a great band headlining the tour. But you can’t have everything, can you?

Article - Vans Warped tour 2013

One of the pioneers of the Dutch hard core scene and nowadays even in the list of inspirational hard core bands. Yes, I’m talking about No Turning Back, and guess what? They’re back for us on the upcoming tour with an arsenal of songs to choose from, and their crazy and great stage performance! Want to know more? They’ve already pushed out over 8 albums at date, and they played around the globe with many great other hard core bands. So, are you ready for the hard work? Are you ready for No Turning Back?!

UK post hard core legends We Are The Ocean will also be on the tour and I’m really glad they are, because I heard fairly little about them the last year, which maybe is caused by the departure of original vocalist. They seem to have built some cult status within the UK post hard core scene, which pairs along with the bands like Bring Me The Horizon, Architects and many others. But will the loss of their former vocalist be any good for their fame they’ve gained in the years before?

Current Line-up: Martijn - Vocals • Emiel - Guitar • André - Bass • Michiel - Guitar • Joel – Drums Favourite Songs: Do You Care?! – Take Control Nothing Remains – Stronger! Expectations for VWT? I love to hear some good old hard core, and NTB is one of those bands who deliver a fierce 90’s hard core sound.I already know them for a very long time, but I really can’t really remember their stage performance anymore. I just hope they will get the attention from the audience because they are the only ‘really’ hard band in my opinion, but we will see! I’m happy to see them back on the stage after such a long time!

Current line-up: • Liam Cromby – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, piano • Alfie Scully – lead guitar, vocals • Jack Spence – bass guitar, backing vocals • Tom Whittaker – drums, percussion, backing vocals Favourite Songs: Cutting our Teeth – Look Alive EP Confessions – Cutting our Teeth Expectations for VWT? I’ve never heard them without their former vocalist Dan Brown, so it’s going be something to keep an eye on. Especially because I haven’t listened to the new vocalist’s voice yet, will it surprise? Or downright disappoint? We’ll find out on the upcoming Warped Tour!

RMP- Magazine November

The 6-headed band started in 2005 as some thing of a joke first. Their popularity grew and people began to like them and their music. Now they are well-known in the pop punk scene. They are touring, spreading their music and having fun. If you like Basement and Iron Chic, you will definitely like The Wonder Years.

Current line-up • Matt Brasch – guitar, backing vocals • Dan “Soupy” Campbell – lead vocals, acoustic guitar • Casey Cavaliere – guitar, backing vocals • Mike Kennedy – drums, percussion • Josh Martin – bass guitar, backing vocals • Nick Steinborn – guitars, keyboards, piano, vocals Favourite songs Passing through a screen door – The greatest generation Came out swinging – Suburbia I’ve given you all and now I’m nothing My last semester – The upsides Expectations for VWT? If you ask me, I would expect a strong set with transmissions that will give you goose bumps. And Dan Campbell’s voice will go through skin and bone.

Who had pop punk in their veins as a teenager, definitely heard about Yellowcard. If you haven’t heard about them, now is the time! As a headliner on the Vans Warped Tour, it’s the perfect time to check them out live. I saw them in March 2013 in Antwerp and they blew my mind. This 5-headed band is popular for their melodic guitar sounds, kittenish drum solos and the perfect pop punk sound.

Current line up • Ryan Key – vocals, guitar • Sean Mackin – violin, vocals • Ryan Mendez – guitar, vocals • Longineu Parsons III – drums • Josh Portman – bass Favourite songs Ocean Avenue – Ocean Avenue Always summer – Southern Air Only One – Ocean Avenue Expectations for VWT? A big and experienced band like Yellowcard will bring a strong and clean set. A mix of old and brand new songs who will take over your body in no time.

RMP- Magazine November

Article - Vans Warped tour 2013

Present on each and every stop of the first European Vans Warped tour and how couldn’t they be? They’ve been working on their road to fame since 2003 and brought out three full albums and a ton of singles, bootlegs and re-mastered songs. The reason of their success? A working project based a post – hard core sound with a lot of Drum ‘n Bass and Dubstep moments. Be sure to check them out so you can shout the next words back at them: “I’m in the zone!”

A couple of years ago no one really knew that Japan had a serious metal core scene. But since 2012 you can see these guys almost everywhere in the world. Their hyperactive metal core sound, with electronic influences, isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Nevertheless, it is really cool to see that you can really hear that what they play is something different from your standard American or European metal core. It is really fascinating how a scene can be the same but yet so different.

Current line-up: • Roughton “Rou” Reynolds: Vocals / Electronics • Liam “Rory” Clewlow: Guitars / Vocals • Chris Batten: Bass / Vocals • Rob Rolfe: Drums Favourite songs: Jonny Sniper – Take it to the Skies Destabalise – Single Sssnakepit – A Flash Flood Of Colors Expectations for VWT? Fans seem to have mixed thoughts about Enter Shikari, because of the fact that their music evolved so much during their growth, you have a divided fan base. Nevertheless it is known that Enter Shikari plays shows with loads of positive and hyperactive energy, which translates in an equal reaction of the audience. No matter if you’re an old time fan or a newbie; they will have you eat out of their hands.

Current line-up: • Koie Kenta: Vocals • Takemura Kazuki: Guitars • Ikegawa Hiroki: Bass • Amano Tatsuya: Drums • Tamano Terufumi: Electronics / Screams Favourite songs: Monolith – Zion EP Omen (Prodigy cover) – The Dream, The Space Eclipse – Apocalyze Expectations for VWT? Vibrant energy, hoarse screaming, throw in a couple of science-fiction sounds and you have a perfect cocktail of what a Crossfaith show has to offer. Get ready to bounce when the singer commands you to!

RMP- Magazine November

It might be a little harsh to say it like this, but the Texan metal core band reminds of a brothel: a lot of people coming and going. Only the lead guitarist is a founding member. No doubt about that, the rather technical beatdowns are his trademark. These heavy sounds have to make way for melancholic vocals, which are very popular with the upcoming stars of metal core.

Strange name, but it is pronounced as RED GOLD GREEN, just giving you guys a heads up. It might be a stranger in the group, but a nice switch of style is always welcome. Their music is hard to label, but you can describe it as Indie with some Funk influences. The threesome is active since 2011 and has just brought out their debut album. They seem eager to show it off at the Vans Warped Tour.

RMP- Magazine November

Current line-up: • Matty Mullins: Vocals • Kellen McGregor: Lead Guitars / Vocals / Keyboards • Anthony Sepe: Rhythm Guitars • Cory Elder: Bass • Jake Garland: Drums Favourite songs: The Sinner – The Hollow Prove Me Right – Challenger Vices – Challenger Expectations for VWT? If we can get the same quality of Memphis May Fire as on the American Vans Warped Tour, we are in for one rollercoaster ride of bouncing, moshing and shouting! One thing we are worried about might be the clean vocals. Will Matty Mullins be up for the part? You can only know by checking them out.

Current line-up: • Red (Marcus Parham): Guitars • Gold (Andrei Busuioceanu): Bass / Vocals • Green (Pierre Desrosiers): Guitars / Vocals Favourite songs: Lootin in London – RDGLDGRN debut album Hey-O – Red Gold Green EP Expectations for VWT? It will be a nice change to all the violence and noise that spreads over the European Vans Warped Tour. So be ready to chill out and enjoy the balance of peace and music.

Article - Vans Warped tour 2013

Coheed & Cambria does not show their faces very often in Europe, that’s because their success is much greater in the States. Their alternative rock gives us some harder danceable moments, combined with dreamy pieces of music. “Hey, is that singer a dude? I had no idea.” was only said a couple of thousand times with this band. Yeah the guy has a nice voice but give it a rest, okay?

Current line-up: • Claudio Sanchez – Vocals / Guitars • Travis Stever – Guitars / Vocals • Josh Eppard – Drums / Vocals / keyboards • Zach Cooper – Bass / Vocals Favourite songs: Feathers – Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV, Vol 2 Devil In Jersey City – The Second Stage Turning Blade Domino The Destitute - Key Entity Extraction I: Domino the Destitute Expectations for VWT? It’s cool to have Coheed & Cambria back in Europe. If you want to see a decent show with a high rock attitude you should go to London, Bern or Vienna. Sadly they are not in for the whole ride.

The mighty Hatebreed, what is there more to say about this hard core/crossover band? These legends have roots in the whole hard core scene and were there to witness hard core at its best. The key to their success? Their crossover to metal!

Current line-up: • Jamey Jasta – Vocals • Wayne Lozinak – Guitars • Frank Novinec – Guitars • Chris Beattie – bass guitar • Matt Byrne – drums Favourite songs: Perseverance – Perseverance Doomsayer – The Rise Of Brutality Defeatist – Supremacy Expectations for VWT? We think it is fair to say that a Hatebreed show will never let you down. Of course it gets a little messy, Jamey Jasta has to reach for a breath and an error with guitars or drums isn’t unique. But it is the vibe and the energy, with these kind of shows, that makes it worthwhile. Too bad London is their only stop on this Warped Tour.

RMP- Magazine November

The Charm The Fury is really booming since last year. They are literally popping up in several music magazines, festivals and a lot of indoor show in the Netherlands and Belgium. This Dutchbased metal core/hard core band has a special feature: a chick as vocalist. Don’t get me wrong, this girl has some serious balls and should not be underestimated!

Present on every date, these guys are one of the bands that will represent the Vans Warped Tour on its first trip to Europe. Former Sublime bassist Eric Wilson decided to expand his longlasting carreer in music and teamed up with Rome Ramirez, which created this reggae rockband with the appropriate name Sublime with Rome

RMP- Magazine November

Current line-up: • Caroline Westendorp - Vocals • Mathijs Parent - Guitar • Rolf Perdok - Guitar • Lucas Arnoldussen - Bass • Mathijs Tieken - Drums Favourite songs: The Virtue Of Leadership – A Shade Of My Former Self The Enemy – A Shade Of My Former Self Expectations for VWT? I think it is safe to say that this band does not have to prove their talent no more. It is a hard-ass decent band which will get you moving in no time. Be sure to check them out and give Caroline a high five while you’re at it.

Current line-up: • Rome Ramirez – lead vocals, guitar • Eric Wilson – bass • Josh Freese – drums, percussion Favourite Songs: Panic – Yours Truly Take it or Leave it – Yours Truly Expectations for VWT? My expectations are high given these guys have been around for a long time and definitely know how to pull off a great show. For anyone who wants to take a break from all the violence and put up a little dance.

Article - Vans Warped tour 2013

A couple years ago five Swedish highschool boys formed YOU ATE MY DOG. Seven years and some insights in proper bandnaming later they started ‘Like Torches’, an alternative rockband with some pop punk influences. With their new buddy Ryan Key they released their debut ‘Keep your Head High’, a light and fresh record that will address to everyone who likes danceable and catchy, but also very well executed rock.

The sweet melodies of The Maine can make you feel like you’re in a 90’s video running in the streets with your arms wide open with your friends or sitting in the back of a convertible screaming. These guys from Arizona just released their fourth record ‘Forever Halloween’, which is a more mature version of their own rock sound they carry along since 2008.

Current line-up: • Jonathan Kärn – Vocals • Daniel Kärn – Vocals & Guitar • Adam Jonsson – Guitar • Zakarias Faleij – Bass • Jimmy Brunkvist – Drums Favourite songs: Missing it all (Ft. Ryan Key) – Keep you Head high Fight you off – Keep you Head high Expectations for VWT? Given my lack of experience with the guys I don’t know how well they manage to get the audience on the bandwagon and their ability to pull off a great show. But when you have the support of a name like Ryan Key from Yellowcard, we expect and hope they will stand their ground on stage and perform their music well. A visit from Ryan will also be a nice ‘surprise’!

Current line-up: • John O’Callaghan - vocals, guitar, piano • Kennedy Brock – rhythm guitar, backing vocals • Jared Monaco – lead guitar • Patrick Kirch – drums, percussion • Garrett Nickelsen - bass Favorite songs: Inside of you ¬– Black & White Misery – Pioneer & the good Love Blood red – Forever Halloween Right Girl – Black & White Expecations for VWT? Actually I expect pretty much from these guys. If they manage to find a balance between promoting their new album and the old stuff, this gig could really be something. I think they have a better energy than most bands in this genre apart from the fact that I’m in kind of in love with John’s voice. For the ones that think it’s cheesy and not deep enough, please check them out, you’re not ging to regret it.

RMP- Magazine November

Current line-up: • Wax – Rapper • Watsky – Rapper

Something you don’t see everyday: two rappers booked for every date of the Vans Warped Tour. Watsky and Wax both are Californian Boys with some poetic skills and decided to pass by in Eindhoven, London and more cities on their Hug a Hater tour. This is a mix of pretty melodies, humour and strong lyrics that are mixed some more by doing it together. Wax & Watsky just released their individual albums called respetively Continue and Carboard Castles.

Favourite songs: Waking Hour – Watsky (Wastsky) Sloppy Seconds – Carboard Castles (Watsky) Toothbrush – Toothbrush (Wax) Expectations: Unexpected name for this tour but this could work! Where Watksy is more pure hiphop beats mixed with some dance, Wax is more danceable with sweeter melodies. I could see this turn into a proper party in Eindhoven!

Written by : • jesse mrt • Paulien Verfaillie • Aranka van Dongen •Stefan van Den Broek

http://vanswarpedtoureurope.com

RMP- Magazine November

Article - Vans Warped tour 2013

OUTRO After all those bands, you might forget this tour also stands for extreme sporting! Names like Danny Wrainwright and Ross McGouran will amaze you with their skateboards and Markus Brauman will stop your breath with his tricks on the BMX. Thus, entertainment guaranteed. The expectations of this tour are high for everyone. After waiting for 20 years, one of the largest events in this genre has finally crossed the ocean so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d better be good! Unlike other years the festivities take place indoors, so the summer festival feeling the Warped Tour always had, is gone. But instead of that, you get a cosy, autumn festival with all your friends and favourite music. For the extra feeling you can always take a blankie and a pot of tea with you. How that will end in the mosh pit? Probably very hot.

RMP- Magazine November

Reviews New Found Glory Kill It Live

Release 08/10

Score:: 95/100

Hailed representatives of the American rock scene New Found Glory have released their first live album. Right from the intro track, it is apparent how much these guys love doing what they do. The entire album packs a punch and truly embodies the spirit of all-American rock. Energetic, adored by their fans and icons of the genre, New Found Glory have produced an album that I for once can honestly describe as ‘brilliant’. Every track echoes with the undertone of the audience, which is exactly what should be happening in a live album. ‘Don’t Let Her Pull You Down’ makes a statement with an edgy and rebellious punk rock guitar and is complimented with crashing cymbals and proud snare smacks. ‘Anthem For The Unwanted’ envelops the listener into their world of freedom and shouts out a cry of hope for the misunderstood and broken – beautifully crafted. ‘Truth Of My Mouth’ is a sweet melody of truth, compassion and retribution which blends the traditional elements of punk rock with a perfectly balanced rhythm and beat. The finale, “First Bite” encompassing hard-core harmonies - is the perfect end to the rock show of the year.

By Cameron Smith

Second East Therapy/Remedy

Release Out now!

Score:: 65/100

Second East is ‘the next big thing’ according to themselves. We’ll forgive them for that bold quote since they’re Dutch and we all know that modesty really isn’t a value held high in the Netherlands. Next to that they claim to have unique, dynamic tracks. I’ll agree on the part of being dynamic but I wouldn’t call this release unique. Two voices -one screaming the other singing-, add some heavy guitar sounds, a few breaks and the occasional guitar solo here and there and you have a recipe that we’ve witnessed a lot over the years. Tasty, fulfilling and good but in the end just another generic recipe that doesn’t leave you baffled or longing for more. As they name their inspirations with bands such as Letlive, Bring Me The Horizon and Underoath we already know which ‘cuisine’ Second East prefers. They know how to cook up a great recipe like their chefs would but after all I still miss that extra touch, that one ingredient that can make or break your dish. But for now I would suggest they keep on brewing up those sounds and then I dare to predict that a new chef is in the making.

By David Marote

RMP- Magazine November

Modern Life Is War Fever Hunting

Release 03/08

Score:: 85/100

The story of Modern Life Is War isn’t a fairytale. Their split five years ago left a hole in the hard core scene as one of the most loved HxC bands left us. With ‘Fever Hunting’ they reenter this scene with an album as strong as never before.’Old Fears/New Frontiers’ hands you the emotions behind this comeback. It isn’t easy coming back after 5 years of absence. So MLIW just decides to break the silence with a sledgehammer. The words “Accepting myself, accepting my condition. Avoiding attachment & following my vision.” still ring into my head after hearing ‘Health, Wealth, & Peace’. To me it gives the essential message behind this album. MLIW had his rocky period but their mind is set on taking the next step and they want the world to know it. Yet, there is time for a personal note. With ‘Brothers In Arms Forever’ they tribute a friend who’s illness took a turn for the worst. Yet another sign that this album is about emotions. Although it isn’t the brightest of albums, I believe to hear a slight undertone of hope for the future. Hope for many more years of MLIW and hopefully many more albums to come. By Arne Vangheluwe

Balance And Composure The Things We Think We’re

Release 10/09

Score:: 70/100

Balance and Composure is a five-headed band from Doylestown, USA. The average age of the band members is 19 years, which made quite an impression on me. ‘The Things We Think We’re Missing’ is their second full length album, after ‘Separation’ (2011). Fans will know B&C from the song ‘I Tear You Apart In My Head’ and ‘Quake’. They are on tour with Title Fight, Cruel Hand and Slingshot Dakota.This album is much louder and darker than the first one. This is their best work yet, if you ask me. ‘Parachutes’ is an excellent song to start with. It possesses a bright guitar sound during the whole song. A part of the lyrics that really got me is “I found you inside of a dream, spinning in circles magically. Took a picture of your eyes so I could die.” ‘Back of Your Head’ is in the same atmosphere. It starts off with a soft intro but evolves in a darker and louder rhythm. One of the best songs on this album is ‘Tiny Raindrop’. It has a recognizable refrain and a clear drum sound. ‘When I Come Undone’ is a song that’s below the level of this record. On 3.23 minutes you expect a better transition but then the song ends abruptly. For the people who like softer music, ‘Dirty Head’ will fulfil your expectations. It’s dark and sad like a song on a rainy day or in a dark and smoky pub. Last but not least, ‘Enemy’ is a nice outro of the album. Not convinced yet? Check the whole album and their first album and then come back to me.

By Paulien Verfaillie

RMP- Magazine November

Reviews The Dangerous Summer Golden Record Album

Release 06/08

Score:: 80/100

Emo/Indie Rock band from Maryland, The Dangerous Summer are back with their brand new single, released 6th August 2013. ‘Golden Record’ is a rather personal album, which is a big difference to their previous releases. The opening song ‘Catholic Girls’ is a fresh and emotionally charged anthem with substantial guitar riffs. It sets the tone for the rest of the album with lyrics about where the band came from and how it was for them growing up in such a place.As the album plays through, you hear the band revealing their soul with every track conjuring up feelings of wistfulness which alters with our own experiences in identical positions. ‘Drowning’ has a memorable melody and features harmonising by band members. This track is full of apprehension and is all about the being the person you truly are because it makes you feel great. The fourth track ‘Knives’ which is my personal favourite, is a questioning song about acceptance that uses dominant symbolism. You can really connect with the commanding longing to understand while AJ sings ‘And I will always return to you.Cause in a way I belong to you’. Well, that’s what I call powerful stuff! ‘Golden Record’ holds a brand new journey for the band, they have told their stories throughout this album so you feel connected to every band member through the whole album. This album will definitely impress fans and bring new fans to life.

By Holly Reijs

Humanity's Last Breath Humanity’s Last Breath

Release 24/09

Score:: 92/100

Humanity’s Last Breath is a deathcore band from Sweden. Since 2009 they’ve put out two EP’s so it was time for their first, self-titled, full-length album. The mood’s been set and I’m only the first minute in. The drums kick in with a controlled aggressive flow and as soon as the guitars enter the fray I can’t get rid of my smile. I know this is going to be one monstrous load to swallow. I’m ready. Heavy but easy-to-follow grooves in the first two songs ‘Bellua Pt. 1 & 2’ ensure a somewhat safe introduction to this release. Along the way it became more and more clear that this mean machine mindlessly wants to erase me which it does in the most fantastic way with tracks like ‘Vultus’, ‘Anti’ and my personal favourite ‘Shoals’. With an ending that literally sounds like humanity’s last breath this release is album my favourite deathcore release this year. Visit them at Euroblast (Germany) in October!

By Keith Dick

RMP- Magazine November

Salute The Exiled Continuous Regurgitation

Release 06/09

Score:: 85/100

The Netherlands and deathcore, a combination you don’t see nor hear every day and if you find a band doing it, then it’s mostly bad and not well-produced. Salute the Exiled just launched their E.P. called Continuous Regurgitation and is here to break this rule! Want to know why? Just read on and you will find out! Not being a native English speaker is one thing to start with, it makes the progress of making and writing such music a tad more difficult, but Salute the Exiled doesn’t seem to have any problems on this area, the lyrics are well-placed and the vocalist launches them like it’s something he does every single day! Also, the vocal range is quite impressive to start with, taking influences from King Conquer, Emmure and Suicide Silence, then blend together in a fearsome mix, and there you go, a good fundamental base of vocals served right at you! But can the instruments keep up with those impressive vocals? Yes, but I have to say, they are decent at best, the drums are like every other deathcore band, fast and ferocious and the guitars are hidden behind the harsh drums and bass lines.nBut still, there are some tasty riffs to be found here and there along with some very hard and well launched ‘moshable’ breakdowns, especially the one found in the song ‘The Destroyer’. So all these things combined together with the unexpected great production value of the cd, makes this E.P. a solid choice to listen to!

By Stefan Van den Broek

Avenged Sevenfold Hail To The King

Release 23/08

Score:: 85/100

US metal titans Avenged Sevenfold return back to their old-school roots with the release of their 7th studio effort. The anticipated album and the first without creative input from late drummer James “The Rev” Sullivan, was worth the wait. Avenged Sevenfold have always followed their own path; from the hard core influence on Sounding The Seventh Trumpet too the ultra-fast paced shredding on ‘City Of Evil’. But I have to admit that this album took me by surprise. It has an old-school metal vibe while it still retains its own identity. The songs are straightforward, and the new drummer Arin Ilejay does a pretty good job without including the numerous drum fills the band is known for. Opening track ‘Shepard Of Fire’ sets the tone for the entire album. Bells tolling, a menacing sounding guitar riff, a beat you can’t help but stomping your foot too, a killer chorus and the incredible guitar work of the axe-wielding duo Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengance make it a standout track. Granted, a few of the songs seem like they could have been on Metallica’s ‘Black Album’ (especially ‘This Means War’); however this is still a good effort trying to bring back metal to the masses. The album clocks in at 53 minutes, and while it may not be an instant classic it’s well worth a listen.

By Nathan Mussche

RMP- Magazine November

Reviews Touché Amoré Is Survived By

Release 26/08

Score:: 99/100

Touché Amoré don’t need an introduction anymore. With the releases of ‘Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me’ they’ve made their stand. Is survived By not only acknowledges the talent of TA but takes it to a whole new level. Right from the start with ‘Just Exist’ you know this record is going to be dead on. It’s only after hearing ‘Harbor’ it get the sense that there is something more different to this album. There are slightly more melodic guitars, but evenly aggressive and emotional lyrics. It’s like they’ve put that little difference into their sound to give it that something extra. Biggest proof of this must be ‘Non Fiction’, an instrumental postrock start that turns into a blazing inferno of words at the end (‘Every love can’t always stay and the dead will soon decay. With time we’ll all be gone but how you lived can live on.’) We do hope TA will live on!

By Arne Vangheluwe

Rain Excerpt

Score:: 80/100

Rain is the perfect backdrop when listening to this limited cassette release (out of 40) by Belgian post hard core sludge outfit Rain. Five tracks will make your spine shiver with slow hypnotizing riffs that will guide you through that cold, dark, lonely rainy night.

Release Out now!

Grinding metallic riffs penetrate your brain and settle in. A desolate voice guides you through soundscapes of matriculate drum parts and thundering bass lines. The tempo crawls through with a few small drops here and there to almost taking a pause. Overall this release is for all those aficionados of sludge and heavily distorted down tempo chaos. With titles ranging from ‘Zeta’, ‘Tera’, ‘Atto’, ‘Exa’ to ‘Yotta’ you can’t get more esoteric occult crammed into one tape. So grab you walkman, put on those massive headphones and nod your head to Rain.

By David Marote

RMP- Magazine November

Reviews Revenir Exiled From Bear Country

Release 01/10

Score:: 80/100

Revinir has made a bold entry into the heavy rock scene with their debut album ‘Exiled From Bear Country’. The tracks are, in their entirety, very well-produced and expertly-recorded. The band infuses powerful and dominating vocals – executed proficiently by Keith Burton – with guitars masterfully played in the mid-range EQ which produces a hard core twangy and fuzzy sound which brings to mind the work of Avenged Sevenfold. Matt Pelissier deserves recognition for his well-rounded skills set on the drums. ‘Secret Cowboy’ incorporates a mind-blowing lead guitar solo and is a ‘must-listen-to’ track on the album. ‘There’s A Way Out Of Hell’ blends a beautiful acoustic interlude with eerie backing SFX which could be said to symbolize the aftermath of calamity. ‘I Contend’ struck the humour chord with me in the last 10 seconds of the song – Risky, but it paid off well. Congratulations Revenir for a triumphant first step into world of professional metal.

By Cameron Smith

Beast Dead or Alive

Release 24/10

Score:: 80/100

Rock ’N Roll isn’t dead. Not by a long shot. We’ve got the proof right here! ‘Dead or Alive’, the fourth release by the Swedish band Beast is one energetic slab of adrenaline-fueled hard rock. The thing that makes this band stand out is that it’s fronted by a female singer, a rare gem, but one that really proves to work. The album has a raw demeanour resembling acts like The Hives and The Ghost of a Thousand but without the hard core grunts. Opener ‘Save Me’ sets the tone with a straight-up shot of pure rock. Rumbling bass, check. Catchy guitar riffs, check. Great chorus, check. Frantic ending with a screaming solo, check. Great song, double check. ‘Dead or Alive’ maintains this great vibe until the very last second and they keep the momentum going. If you’re looking for the cheesy mid-tempo ballad, you won’t find it here.Overall this is a solid rock album with a nice unpolished vibe, fronted by great vocals and riffs to boot. While it may not be a milestone it’s definitely worth adding to your collection.

By Nathan Mussche

RMP- Magazine November

Black Tusk Tend No Wounds

Release 19/07

Score:: 75/100

Hailing from Savannah, Georgia, and starting in 2005, Black Tusk were a band trying to recreate that taste of old school thrash/heavy metal that many bands seem to have drifted away from in the recent years. However in their latest EP, ‘Tend No Wounds’, the band decided to merge their older heavy sound with their newer rock tone, creating something, at times, very much reminiscent of Mastodon, and – weirdly enough – Marilyn Manson, the latter particularly apparent in ‘The Weak and the Wise’, but I digress, the weird combination of inspirations certainly mix well enough in this EP. Black Tusk manage to merge elements of old school thrash metal with punk rock in a very successful way, yet the combination itself suffers from certain inconsistencies. While long term Black Tusk fans will certainly adjust to the sound, newcomers won’t find it as attractive, but it does start to sink in after a few listen sessions.

By Pierre Iskandar

Dobermann Cult Lions Share Of The Dog

Release 25/11

Score:: 95/100

Dobermann Cult are back with their fourth record, and they won’t betray your expectations! The sound is their typical hard core/punk style, but it has gotten much better than their past records. Only thing we can complain about is maybe the similarity of the songs. I didn’t even notice the ending of a song, because the tracks are very similar to each other. It may be boring for some people but this is a fast-paced record, so is pretty hard to get bored off. And yes, group vocals are back for your happiness! Lyrically, it’s the same stuff as we’ve been used to from Dobermann Cult, commentaries on the scene, society, politics, etc. They produce criticism with a respect for the listener’s intelligence. I am non-political and right-winged at the same time, I support no particular political party, but have general conservative values and I like this, despite it being more to the left than to the right. So if I can enjoy it, so can you. The album will be available worldwide, on all music platforms on November 25th. What I really like about this particular record is that most songs have a section perfectly fit for moshing. If you’re a fan of hard core/punk music, you must get this album. You won’t regret it.

By Nazaria D’angelis

RMP- Magazine November

Reviews Dead Letter Box #2

Release OUT NOW!

Score:: 70/100

Dead Letter Box is a postrock/posthard core band from Mechelen. In a previous life they were known as Bruised not Broken, and were quite popular. Their 2nd album, with the creative name ‘#2’, consists of 3 songs in which the vocals seemed to be pushed more to the background, focussing on the music instead. Thus making you love it or hate it, there’s not really something in between in this case. But it might take you a while and more than 3 songs to make up your mind. I, for one, am still trying to figure it out. But for the time being, I’ll be keeping an eye out for them. Hoping they can convince all the way. By Roel Vanobbergen

Red Fang Whales and Leeches

Release 15/10

Score:: 75/100

Stoner metal band Red Fang returns with their third album. The magnificent album cover gives you a little taste of what this album will be like: heavy, messy in a good way and a little bit dangerous. With scorching guitar riffs, crazy drums and distorted singing Red Fang shows us that they can’t be overlooked. This may not be an album for people who like songs that are ‘ease to listen’, but heavy metal fans will almost certainly be ecstatic. So, if you´re a diehard metalhead this album is a try! By Renske Gommer

Dead Church Faction Disaster

Release Out now!

Score:: 65/100

These rampaging bards have come a long way from recording in a dark and dingy basement somewhere in Detroit. The bands compiled an A-side and B-side EP which will be wellappreciated by the hardcore fans of thrash metal. The A-side by Dead Church is intensely powerful and leaps straight into a constant barrage of heavy guitar stabs and low frequency grunts which was somewhat refreshing as we do not see that form of bravery too much in the industry anymore. The B-side compilation of Faction Disaster is sadly lacking creative enthusiasm and sounds very similar to the chosen few that made the flip side. However, a fine effort was made to ensure a consistency of beautiful brutality – which in no way was lacking of heart nor soul. By Cameron Smith

RMP- Magazine November

Through Colour Somnium

Release 30/09

Score:: 90/100

Through Colour are back with their brand new E.P ‘Somnium’ and with a brand new band member, Kieran Joyce. And boy have they arrived with a bang! ‘Somnium’ is the first part of a two-part E.P and it covers the band’s quest to a whole new dazzling future. ‘Day Dream’ is the opening track, and it grabs your attention in an instant. The upbeat opening bars grab you by the ears and make you carry on listening right until the end. It pulls you in in a split second as the guitars are played like they have their own pulse. The second song ‘Lost’ is more of a mellow song following in the footsteps of the first upbeat track. The chorus is a very strong concept of the whole song, you can hear it in the singer’s voice that he really means what he’s singing. The drums stand out positively throughout, keeping your attention the whole way through. “Show me where, show me, show me where to go!” are the main lyrics that stand out throughout the entire E.P. ‘Ink’ holds a very emotive tone on the whole track list and seems to have a personal aspect to it. Steve White does sound very American in this song; it hides who he truly is. The lyrics are also very intense; they make you want to carry on listening to see what is going to happen in the story behind the song. Overall, this part of the E.P is very solid. Not all of the songs are the same, which keeps the listener open-minded and listening to it all the way through to see what these guys produce in the second part to these five tracks.

By Holly Reijs

EF Ceremonies

Release Out now!

Score:: 95/100

EF is a Swedish postrock band, that released their first album in 2006. Now, 7 years later, they have released their 5th album ‘Ceremonies’. The first song of the album, called ‘Bells, Bleed & Bloom’, is such a wonderful song. It’s a great postrock song where they’ve added a singing voice as an instrument. It fits in really well and however it is postrock, it doesn’t bother me at all! The rest of this 7-song album sounds great too. There’s not a single song that I dislike. But still I have a favourite song. That’s ‘Three Barren Soil Of Messaure’, also the last song of the album. It sounds very dark and sad and gives you that feeling. It’s a song that touches you while listening. With ‘Ceremonies’ EF brings a wonderful album that everyone should listen too.

By Jonas Hoflack

RMP- Magazine November

Reviews Chixdiggit! Double Digits

Release 23/07

Score:: 77/100

This Canadian rock band started from the idea of making T-shirts for their, back then, fictitious band. According to the band the name Chixdiggit! is “the Heavy Metal way of writing ‘Chicks dig it’.” And ever since, they’re recording songs with light-hearted lyrics, often about girls and relationships. Now, 17 years after their debut album, they’ve come out with a reissue of two of their previous albums, ‘Born on the First of July’ (1998) and ‘From Scene to Shining Scene’ (2000). Next to these older ‘songs’ Double Digits also includes 8 bonus tracks. Chixdiggit! is classic punk like it needs to be! Light-hearted lyrics, music that reminds you of the Ramones, it has it all. But there’s a downside to making an album with 32 tracks. After a while you might start to think a lot of songs are very much alike. That’s the risk you take when making an album in this genre. Nevertheless, we should remember the upsides of this great album. You can listen to it any time of the day, it’ll always get you excited and your foot tapping. At least it did with me.

By Roel Vanobbergen

Vices The Great Escape

Release Out now!

Score:: 90/100

Vices are one of those bands that seem to slip under the radar, until one day you catch up on them by accident and it turns out that they play the kind of music you wanted to hear more but didn’t succeed to find lately. My introduction to these Florida based punk rockers was only recently when I had the pleasure to get acquainted with their frontman Carl during his work as a roadie on a European festival. Vices play old school punk rock with some surf rock influences and blend it into an energetic ball that just keeps on rolling. Dick Dale meets Agent Orange, Descendents, etc. Even Cash comes to mind! Seven high-octane songs race by your ears while listening to ‘The Great escape’, ranging from rockabilly to more surf oriented. Your body will be compelled to move to the tunes provided by Vices. When handed this album by Carl he joked about the ‘crappy’ production of the drum sounds (“They sounded like farts.”) Although this is not entirely true according to yours truly, the toms during the first song have a rather thumping sound that could be better. But in the end such technical flaws are hugely outnumbered by the passionate and intense energy of the band. Even my wife was chanting along with “Not Givin’ Up” during a recent car ride with “The Great Escape” in the background.

By David Marote

RMP- Magazine November

Arctic Monkeys AM

Release 09/09

Score:: 88/100

Indie-rock band Arctic Monkeys are back! With their fifth studio album, Alex Turner & co. still know how to be interesting to listen to, but also to reach many people. With singles like “Do I Wanna Know” and “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High”, they really grabbed my full attention. Not only do they have Alex’ great voice, but also the drum and bass in all of the songs fit in just fine. I would love to say something bad about this album, but it’s not that easy. Maybe not all the songs are equally good, but can you name one album with not even one song that’s not as good as the rest? It has been a long time since I last was so excited for a new release. And I actually got what I hoped for this time! Definitely worth your time!

By Jeroen Guilliams

We Came as Romans Tracing Back Roots

Release 26/07

Score:: 80/100

We Came as Romans, known as WCAR for the fans, made a magnificent debut with their ‘To Plant a Seed’, an album that grabbed post-hard core lovers by their emotion-filled hearts to never let them go again. Full of positive messages and with a nice mixture of scream and clean vocals, they created a decent but very loyal fan base, but will they stay loyal after listening to their latest record? Let’s find out! To start with the instrumentals, they aren’t that special to be honest, and that’s mainly because of the fact that WCAR emphasizes their songs on the vocals, which makes it difficult to set themselves apart from other bands in the genre. Still, they are decent at best, and they won’t disappoint you at all when listening to the record in a swing. Something that’s maybe a bit of a downside is that they went a bit softer on the breakdowns, but still the guitarists made up for this to put in some fine riffs and crazy tunes which are nice to listen to. Then about the vocals, they put through one big change in the line-up for this records, and that’s the fact that the screamer and the clean vocalist, both sing and scream this time.This maybe is something that not everyone might appreciate, but I have to say that I was slightly impressed by this wage they’ve made. Songs like ‘Fade Away’ and ‘I Survive’ are really catchy and they are welcome additions to the arsenal of good songs WCAR already has.Therefore said, it’s a good album, but it doesn’t come near the excellence of their debut. Which isn’t a bad thing, because every band goes through progression and needs to fight some wits they have to sacrifice for changing. But for the fans, I really recommend listening to this new album; you won’t be disappointed for a single second.

By Stefan Van den Broek

RMP- Magazine November

Thanks to . . . Directors Kenny Leys CEO - @KennyLeys Lisa Leysen Head Editor - @LisaLeysen David Marote Managing Editor - @DavidMaroteBE

Design Jolien Krijnen Chief designer - @JolienKrijnen Ray Slavenburg @rayslavenburg Lena Stahl

Editors Frederik Geuvens Krystal Cole @krystalccole

photography Daria Colaes @DariaColaes Stefaan Temmerman

RMP- Magazine November

AurĂŠlie Geurts Marie-Charlotte Heirman

Writers Cameron Smith @CamRuSmith Jonas Hoflack Paulien Verfaillie @PaulienVrf Stefan van Den Broek @UnderOurOath Aranka van Dongen @ArankavanDongen Nazaria Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;angelis @NazTheGuitarist jesse mrt Arne Vangheluwe Nathan Mussche Keith Dick Holly Reijs Pierre Iskandar Roel Vanobbergen @RoelVanobbergen Renske Gommer Jeroen Guilliams Rani Coppens

RMP- Magazine November