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MUSIC
Gig Reviews, Club & Gig Listings And USA Discoveries!
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Thursday evening was busy in Kentish Town, an hour before the doors open and all the pubs were bursting at the seams with Slayer fans. A few police officers patrolled the entrance to the venue in case of any trouble as everyone joined the ever-increasing queue!
Once the doors opened the venue began to fill pretty fast, the venue wasn’t even half full before the first band of the night took to the stage.
The Haunted were the opening act for the night and hit the stage to a hungry crowd, ready for whatever they can throw at them. From the opening song to their last song of their set, The Haunted were relentless in their assault on the crowd.
Every member of The Haunted looked like they gave it their all and the crowd were definitely feeding off of them, as pits broke out all through their set.
This was certainly the kind of warm up the crowd needed and a brilliantly played set by The Haunted.
The stage then filled with smoke from all directions and the lights turned a deep red, as SLAYER appeared on the titration at the back of the stage. The crowd erupted into frenzy as Slayer appeared through the smoke and exploded into ‘World Painted Blood, and didn’t stop once as they tore through tracks spanning their amazing 29 year career!
During the fourth song into their set, Tom Araya stopped the gig and started shouting at one of the security guards whilst pointing into the crowd. The security was soon made aware of an incident involving one of the fans who had managed to badly injure himself in one of the Pits.
The paramedics arrived twenty minutes later and stretchered the injured fan out of the venue. With all the commotion dying down Slayer retook to the stage and Tom Araya thanked everyone for remaining calm and being patient.
Slayer then carried on through their set, undeterred by what had happened, blasting out hit after hit while keeping the same pace and energy throughout.
This has definitely been one amazing night and certainly an eventful one at that. Slayer, still letting us know they are here to stay and as angry and powerful as the day they started many years ago, with no sign of hanging up their guitars just yet!
A fantastic gig, and not one to have been missed!
On arrival at the O2 Islington Academy, the queue outside was filling up pretty quick and looked busy as the opening time was drawing closer.
‘Cauldron’ being the very first band on stage, were firing out the 80’s sound of thrash metal and getting people into the atmosphere that you need to kick a good night off.
With songs ‘Axe Cross’ and ‘Torture's Too Kind’ they proved that they are a band to be reckoned with and can open for big bands in big venues.
The second band on were ‘Death Angel’ starting the night off with a song that has the calm before the thrash metal storm’ known as’ Lord or Hate’ After a speech by vocalist Mark Osegueda on the death of Ronnie Dio and a few Jaeger shots going around, he introduced the band then they started ‘Dethroned’. The stage was filled with smoke and Mark then got his hair caught up in Ted Aguilar’s guitar while throwing his dreads around the stage to the amusement of everyone, but this did not stop Ted playing an amazing solo.
Death Angel finished the night off with ‘ River of Rapture ’ and with an atmosphere that only few bands can achieve.
For all the people that missed ‘Death Angel’ due to it being on a Tuesday night should be kicking themselves, as I have not seen them play this good in a few years and it was well worth seeing.
Finally it was time for the headlining band ‘Nevermore’.
I wasn’t expecting them to start the night off with ‘Beyond Within’ but it worked! Everyone rushed to the front of the stage to throw themselves around and soon start a mosh pit!
Jeff Loomis played his solo for the people towards the two circle pits that were literally making the venue shake.
Just before they played ‘Emptiness Unobstructed’, Warrel Dane announced that this was being filmed for their new DVD, which started a wave of people jumping around and going crazy.
During this song I did notice that the mic kept cutting out, but never the less a great performance with some of the best guitar riffs of the night.
Nevermore finished the night with ‘The Heart Collector’, a song that makes everyone link arms and sing to take the roof off the building.
Just before the drums set the song off ‘Warrel Dane’ stated that this song makes even the biggest Deicide fans cry, then gave one of his grins before the drums started.
After the song finished Nevermore said their goodbyes and then went off stage, but the crowd awaited their encore. When returning to the stage, the applause was massive and even I started running around and swinging my hair in people’s faces! ‘Enemies of Reality’ was the perfect song to end with to make this one amazing Tuesday night at the O2.
Nevermore helped kick off an amazing start to the week and are an amazing band to see live!
Reviewer: Steve Sedit
Photography: James G – Altercarnated Photography
Wave Gotik Treffen – Leipzig 2010
For the last five years, I’ve been making an annual pilgrimage to eastern Germany for The World’s Biggest ‘dark culture’ festival and the 2010 Treffen was a bit of a mixed bag for me. The first thing which stood out about this year's WGT was the number of people attending; down noticeably from past years, when it’s usually been around the 30,000 mark. I don't know how many festival wristbands got officially issued in the end, but the global recession seems to have really taken a chunk out of the visitors, not to mention the ash-spewing Iceland volcano, which probably also put people off flying.
It didn’t stop everyone though; I’m glad to say I had some British friends attending for the first time. Others I know were sorely missed however, and many of us were only able to go because we tightened the purse strings a bit. I was far less of a drunken, embarrassing mess than I normally am. Which is a terrible thing.
Pre-festival
We spent one short but enjoyable night in Berlin. We went for a drink in 'my old local' in Prenzlauer Berg – I used to live in Germany - before meeting several other Londoners in the fabulous “horror rock bar,” the Last Cathedral, for a warm-up drink (www.lastcathedral.com).
The next day, an ever-growing London mob caught the intercity express down to Leipzig, where we checked into our hotel, queued up to collect our wrist bands and had more warm-up drinks – you can never be too warmed up - at Morisson's (Irish bar) and Sixtina (absintherie), followed by the amazing Moritzbastei; possibly the best venue in the world, it’s built in the underground remnants of Leipzig’s 14th century city defences! And they do good cocktails.
Friday
The festival officially began, although most of the bands on this first night were ones I’d not heard of. I knew Zeromancer though, of course, who were the opening act at the main Agra hall. They were bloody excellent, in a sweaty, jumping-up-and-down sort of way. After they finished, I followed some friends down to the festival’s Pagan/Viking-themed ‘village’ and watched the sunset from the smoky interior of a Turkish cafe tent.
Saturday
The band schedule got a bit challenging today, and everybody I knew split up into small factions. I sided with the people watching mostly bleepy bands and eventually managed to watch the following:
Raum 41 (at Work II); I’d not heard of this German band before, but they reminded me of All About Eve. A very strong performance!
Luxury Stranger (at Werk II); a British band who’ve been around for while, but whom I’d never watched live. Quite an eccentric stage presence (in a bizarrely-painted-face sort of way) but very strong musically.
Rotersand (at the main Agra hall); absolutely amazing. One of the biggest industrial/electronic bands on the circuit right now and a great performance. Half-way through, a familiar-looking bald Irish fella got up on the stage – it was Ronan Harris from VNV Nation! Awesome. He duetted with Gunther for a couple of songs, then mysteriously vanished again.
X Marks the Pedwalk (in the main Agra hall); another German band I didn’t know too well. More industrial/electro, but it didn’t work quite as well for me. Needed more energy!
Punish Yourself (Agra 4.2); I’d heard of these French electro-punk nutters, but had never watched them live before. Wow!! Very strong stuff, very entertaining. An unexpected festival highlight!
Leæther Strip (in the Agra main hall); good music, but I’m not so sure on the live performance. Claus Larsen was obviously working hard at it, but one man alone on the stage singing to a backing track seemed… not quite enough for an audience of thousands. Or so I think. One for listening to at home perhaps, but not live.
Sunday
Another bit of chaotic scheduling meant some acts inevitably got missed, but I still managed to watch:
Vigilante (at Parkbühne); another new discovery, this Combichrist-style aggrotech/EBM band come from chile of all places. And I loved them! Look out for these guys!
S.I.T.D. (at Parkbühne); not a bad performance, but it seemed to lack… oomph. Maybe they just weren’t aggressive enough, or maybe performing outdoors in the daytime didn’t create the right atmosphere for them. Suicide Commando (at Parkbühne); the sun was starting to go down when this old Belgian favourite came on stage. I’ve always found it a bit annoying that Johan Van Roy likes to talk through an electronic voice changer even between songs, but he does make some damned good tunes, and there were plenty of new ones to listen to this time, off the Implements of Hell album. It was all good fun!
Welle:Erdball (at the Kohlrabizirkus); I’d heard a lot about this German electronic quartet, but I’d never seen them live. Wow, what a show!! The two men were dressed in identical suits, with round sunglasses, floppy fringes and leather gloves, and moved around the stage mechanically, while the women looked like the communist equivalent of girlscouts, waving flags and holding up placards. And the music’s pretty unique too, as they built their own synthesizers – oh and they threw a Commodore 64 off the stage at the audience. For some reason. Apparently it’s a tradition of theirs. Looked pretty dangerous to me.
Monday
The Golden Apes (at Parkbühne); good old traditional goth rock, with a vocalist whose style of delivery sounded a bit like Nick Cave. Good stuff!
Voices of Masada (at Parkbühne); the last ever show for this UK trio, but people braved the torrential rain to come and watch them.
We might have got in for In Strict Confidence that evening, but the hall had already filled to capacity by the time we arrived, and security were turning people away... so we instead began the traditional Final Night At The Moritzbastei. Oh yes, more cocktails!
It always sucks coming away from this perfect little holiday and readjusting to everyday life, and the day job and all. Ehhh. Oh well, M’era Luna’s only a couple of months away!!!
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Tue 24 Aug Eels O2 Academy Glasgow
Thu 26 Aug Eels O2 Academy Birmingham
Fri 27 Aug
Infest 2010 (Bradford, West Yorkshire)
Wed 01 Sep Eels O2 Academy Brixton, London
Sat 04 Sep Muse Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester
Sat 04 Sep Eels Manchester Academy 1
Mon 06 Sep Mumford and Sons + Lissie + Andrew Davie Festival Marquee, Belfast
Tue 07 Sep White Lies + Panama Kings + ExLovers Festival Marquee, Belfast
Wed 08 Sep Gorillaz Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, Glasgow
Thu 09 Sep Jonsi O2 Academy Birmingham
Fri 10 Sep Bestival 10 Robin Hill Countryside Adventure Park, Arreton
Fri 10 Sep Gorillaz The NIA Birmingham
Sat 11 Sep Gorillaz Metro Radio Arena Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne
Sun 12 Sep Gorillaz Manchester Evening News Arena (MEN Arena)
Thu 23 Sep Maximo Park + Metronomy + Chapel Club + Now Wave DJs The Warehouse Project, Manchester
Tue 28 Sep Bring Me the Horizon + Cancer Bats + Tek One Colchester Arts Centre
Sat 27 Nov Suede Wembley Arena
Tue 7 Dec A-Ha The O2
WFKU.org - Homegrown online radio at its finest!
A couple of years ago, my good friend and fellow darkling Jacob Bouchard, aka "Whiskey Jake" decided he wanted to give something back to the scene. He thought that if more people heard what we do they might come check out our events. In that spirit he set up an online radio station to broadcast live from his favourite venues.
He expanded this idea and is now online 24/7 with rotating broadcasts and DJ's who care enough to submit sets to him. He's gone over the top to make things easy for us to get ourselves out there and online, and he's doing a damn fine job of it. You will often see him scurrying around a club looking for signal bars so he can broadcast live.
One thing about Jacob is that he is a very kind and tenacious. Although he sells premium memberships and the occasional ad, he mostly pays for the station out of his own pocket while treating it as if its the most important corporation in the world. He even suffered a robbery and still found a way to stay online.
I asked Jacob his thoughts on the station. He told me the following: "WFKU is in its second year of broadcast. We continually broadcast from a good number of bars and clubs around NYC, and we might be the only station capable of doing so.
Our DJ's are some of the best in the modern world. They are a testament to talent and taste. They are Psychic Musical Powerhouses capable of reading a room or dancefloor in seconds. When we go live you don't have to request songs, the DJ's read your minds and play what you really wanted to hear.
There is no other station like this in the world, it’s like a Dark Chocolate Cake with bats and candles on top. NYC has some low life's, but we're lower - six feet under even! Its a scene that cannot be killed, except maybe with garlic soy chicken."
Its awesome to know that there are people out there that do such generous things simply for the love of doing them. Jacob has our back, he loves what we do, so go check him out:
you can listen directly from your browser or get a .pls file for your streaming client.
-Ian FFord
DJ Jason, New York City
DJ Jason holds the award for being my Most Gothic Friend, now that's saying alot! I've known him since about 1996, and in all this time he's been basically just himself, a true goth. He also loves sushi and is one of the two best chess players I've ever met. He has a keen ear for super-underground dark music, and with that I give Jason a great deal of credit for a good bit of NYC's underground musical diversity. He has a history that's too long to list here, but I can give some highlights. In his own words, here's how he started:
"I've been a music enthusiast and serious collector since I was a kid. I started DJing in college. I had my first DJ mixer and Cerwin-Vega speakers in 88 or 89. I loved and still love sound equipment, lighting & of course, fog-machines! I organized parties in college. I regularly made mix tapes, organized and DJed music at dorm-house theme parties (300 to 500 people). Later in graduate school, I had my own radio show called Necrophiliac Relationship (named after a Rozz Williams lyric)."
Jason attends pretty much every Goth party and concert within his reach. He has spun at all of NYC's most legendary venues, including The Bank, The Limelight, Mother, Coney Island High, Downtime (Albion), and had his own night at CBGB's every Monday for over nine years. In fact, Alchemy at CBGB's holds the record for longest Goth party in New York City, and it was a common meeting ground in NYC's underground community.
His other past parties include: Facade @ Z-Bar, Shadowplay @ Acme Underground, Long Black Veil (with me!) @ Mother, Wasteland @ Coney Island High - and more. He produced and spun the annual Miss Gothic NYC Pageant and created The Goth Awards when the community needed some love.
Jason's "Absolution" party is legendary these days as he gives pretty much every scene DJ a chance to spin. Its fun because everyone gets an hour to do whatever they want musically, so the DJ's really open up and rock the room!
So when next in NYC, drop in on Jason and get your dark on!
The Dogbones @ Dublin Castle London - 28th June 2010
Having seen The Dogbones 3 times already, im just getting used to the craziness of this band.
There is hardly anything like them lately, not that I’ve heard of. Playing at the Dublin Castle tonight.
The Dogbones members signed with 51 records (Japan) are Nomi Leonard on vocals ,Crispin Gray on guitar and back vocals, Vince Johnson and Bambi who team up on drums ,and Mikalis Vakalis on bass.
Their grunge punk rock sound wakes you up weather you like it or not!
Nomi’s loud angry yell is very energetic and quite impressive for someone of her tiny size
and you wouldn’t want to mess with this love-to-dress-up messy young woman!
The comparison to a famous female grunge singer could be easy the first time you see her, but there is something more about Nomi, she managed to sound like herself instead of a copy. The band, have been or are currently members of Queen Adreena, Selfish C*nt, Wendykirk, Dizzy Q Viper, Daisy Chainsaw, and they play very tight together.
They are performing regularly in the capital & playing songs like Stitch, Lie, Never Gonna Get Us (sang by Johnny Orion), The Whole World Is Weird which are enjoyable and catchy which make their mad fans really lose it in the crowd, pushing everyone out of their way making it a a night of intense moshing with an intense & fantastic atmosphere!
Words & Photos by Sabrina Dersel
The Fox and Firkin, Ladywell
South Of Heaven
23/4/2010
Though a large and fantastic venue, which offers a lot of opportunity for bands, it can be a bit hit or miss. Usually depending on the night or DJ, there could be a long line up metal band playing but the DJ could end up playing pop, which inevitably upsets the crowd who came for a metal night out.
Although, this particular night was a Friday and it was dead, almost empty in fact. Unfortunately for the bands they each did not have a big crowd response; the response was mainly from their friends.
Thunderbird 13
Dirty, gritty, groove driven southern rock.
Bringing smiles to the crowd all round, this is a troupe of very individual styled people. The singer sporting a leopard print jacket, a snakeskin cowboy hat and even a snake skin amp cover. This is a loveable band who don’t take themselves too seriously, not over complicated but dynamically competent three piece with a big sound. While playing heavy southern rock solos the female bass player fills all the spaces. Sabbath grooves with White Zombie vocals. I would listen to this band all day. If they weren’t giving away cd’s, I would buy one. 9/10
Profane and the Sacred
A very promising band featuring the likes of Luke Alleeson from the epic and iconic Tears of Aske - sadly a band that are no more, and Rob Taylor ex Shy of Silence.
An instrumental trio musically focused on stoner, and bluesy southern rock this trio are a collection of talented competent musicians. But without a singer it’s like watching a rehearsal. Without anyone bringing any charisma to the stage it became very boring to watch very quickly, especially with the band strutting with blank faces and on occasion both bassist and guitarist face the drummer with their backs to the crowd.
It has become blatantly clear that they need a focal point before they can go any further, which this band has the potential to do.
Despite being the middle act this evening this band seemed to have the most supporters, communicating with each other and the crowd and cheerily requesting cider.
This band look and feel like a tank, powered by pitbulls brainwashed by being force-fed Down, Corrosion of Conformity and Crowbar and a sh*tload of Jagermeister.
One a whole this band could go far but need a vocalist, the members show talent but lack the charisma needed to draw in the crowds. 6/10
Monsters in the Attic
Consisting of four members, their confusing style merged and eventually ploughed through every style from punk rock to stoner to hardcore to rock. Mixing sounds inspired by At The Drive In with The Datsuns with touches of Iron maiden and Slayer thrown in. Their energetic happy go lucky stage presence possessed a little too much ego but that’d be the cock rock in there. Despite their ever changing style their overall sound was a little too predictable, whether that is their song writing or just their attitude that brings this across, a little less cheesy pop-punk and a little more rock and roll stoner could make their performance go from bouncy chav-emo to down-right cool. 7/10
Review: Lucinda Dunn
Photos: James G - Altercarnated Photography
Purple Turtle 20/5/10
Reaping Havoc, Broken Links, Ventenner, The Unkindness of Angels.
The Purple Turtle is usually a great venue for bands to play, with a great atmosphere and vibe. It seems though that no one knew about tonight as the venue seemed empty, even searching online for the event I came back empty handed I think the night needed a bit more promotion as these bands were pretty impressive.
Reaping Havoc – A young black metal band that have a great melodic sound, this is a very talented band as they blast through their set that with great ease. Their songs have great structure and doesn’t sound like the young band you see in front of you. It’s a great shame that the venue is empty tonight as this band definitely played a great set and would have had the crowd in a frenzy with their melodic black metal set. 8/10
Broken Links – An alternative act from Eastleigh, Southampton . These guys just looked utterly professional tonight as they made their way through their set, playing their instruments beautifully and professionally. With tracks that could have had you chilling out in your seats to others that had you rocking out in front of the stage each track was different but all of them with great composure. this is one band that could go really far in the future. 7/10
Ventenner – This Electronica/Industrial/Rock solo artist took to the stage with nothing more than a laptop to his side with his backing tracks playing on it. His set compromised of a fairly mellow selection of tracks which had you tapping your feet along to the beat. The end of his set was quite abrupt as the track ended and he just walked off stage leaving the crowd wondering if there was more or not. 5.5/10
The Unkindness of Ravens – A two piece Alternative/Rock band compromising of just a vocalist and a bass player with a backing track. The vocalist was very theatrical on stage with her movement and had some great harmonies with the bass player on backing vocals. They made their way through their set, which seemed tight and well rehearsed. 7.5/10
Review/Photos: James G – Altercarnated Photography
Senser Saturday 19th June
London O2 Academy2 Islington
First time I have visited Islington O2 Academy2 and all I can say is it's intimate, which was scary to start with as so few people there at the beginning, in fact most seemed to turn up just in time to see headliners Senser take to the stage.
From that very moment I can tell this going to be an intense gig heavier than anything they have put down on their albums, Heitham Al Sayed is spitting venom tonight, this is someone that believes in all he sings about, Kerstin Haigh provides the perfect counterbalance to all this anger but hammering home the message.
This is the reason for all the Rage Against The Machine comparisons, but it suddenly hits me this is so much more to them than just that. This is a band that were doing the rap metal and DJ scratching well before all those American bands flooded the market. They were well ahead of the game but with that intense political slant, the very fact self destruction was always on the cards for them, but also this time around this raises them above the 'has been' pack left over from the mid nineties.
This show was for a band less interested in the music and the message than the image which is a very English thing, from the balance of songs on offer tonight spanning their whole career this is not some sort of greatest hits affair.
They are here to prove they have more to offer than just living off past glories, showing they can succeed with new songs which seemed to slot in so well with older material, oh of coarse we have Switch, Age of Panic etc which of have the desired effect to ignite the crowd that bit more which just goes to show the strength of the new material.
Only one thing missing from tonight that was they should have been on a bigger stage!
Support Act was: Starseed
What can you say about a band you know are good at what they do, but just not your cup of tea?
The thing is, most are here to see the headline band which is a shame really because this band can rock out with the best of them. Plenty of nods towards Incubus and Our Lady Peace, which makes me think this band would do really well in the USA.
Maybe not my most positive review but hey not my thing, which probably means others will love this and should check them out!
Reviewer: Alan Chapman
Photography: James Blackened, Altercarnated Photography
CHINWAGS
Interviews With Bands, Performers, Artists and Generally interesting People! Scroll down to read through all articles or select one of the links below to jump to another section
Ghost in Mirrors are four piece alternative progressive rock band that formed in 2008. They are fronted by their enigmatic French vocalist France Amann and are appreciated for their prolific approach to live gigs and their ability to connect deeply with their audience on a musical and spiritual level.
Over the past year, the band has achieved nothing but rave reviews and a growing fan base, playing over 50 live gigs, releasing their first studio album and supporting bands like Ghostwood from Australia and The Automatic. They work hard, filling bigger venues, & hope to play festivals while developing their unique sound and expressively exiting music.
The bands line up comprising of vocals, synth and glockenspiel by France Amann, with Phill Short, Blake Brett and Tim Hall also having an occasional backing singer to their live sets.
In June 2009, Ghost in Mirrors won a popularity contest and was chosen to play a 30 minute set on the main stage at Kent ’s music festival "Lounge On The Farm" which took place on the 10-12th July in Canterbury.
The band played alongside Prog Rock Legends "Gong", "Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip", "Son of Dave" or "The Horror" and was thrilled to have made its mark on the festival going crowd and being interviewed live on Canterbury CSR radio.
In February 2010 the band has been nominee for the Emerging Talent Awards in both Best Band and Best Live Act Categories.
I managed an interview with vocalist France to ask her opinion of what’s been happening with the bands progress so far;
So band wise, what are you guys up to now? Are you working on anything EP/Album wise, or just gigging?
We released one self produced studio album and are working on the second one. We're half way through song writing wise...then we'll have to go back In the studio possibly around October/November time – budget allowing. We have done a UK tour in April with Belladonna and will tour again in July with them, all across Britain. It's all very exciting. We also have a few open-air festivals and conventions to play to this summer. We recorded our headliner show at the royal Victoria hall and will release it as a DVD in a few weeks as a promotional tool.
What are your current plans for 2010?
To step up a notch, working towards a more professional approach image/presentation/strategy wise.
What are your ambitions for the future in general?
That any one who potentially likes our music gets a chance to hear about it and hear/see our music. Then it's down to them if they like it or not, you can't force people to like it and we don't want to change it drastically so a lot of people like it. It is going to be a long process, but we'll have to appear as much as we possibly can in national/local magazines/festivals/radios...There's no shortcut for it, but we're determined.
What has the highest point been for Ghost in Mirrors so far?
Our album release in July 2009, the Dvd recording at the Royal Victoria Hall in May 2010, our first tour in April 2010 and our first festivals in summer 2009.
What are your musical influences?
Tool, Perfect Circle, Opeth, Deftones, Porcupine Tree, Bjork, Portishead, Dream Theatre, Muse, Genesis, King Crimson,
What inspires you most as a band?
Other bands and their music, everyday life and other kind of art, specially writers, film directors and painters.
The band name suggests a dark and mysterious element to your music, are there any themes or concepts you try to blend into your music? Not really, we just try to organise and trim what comes out when the 4 of us get together and share ideas. The dark and mysterious element is subjective and you allow it to be there or want to see it there. I personally don't think it is dark at all, but I can understand where you're coming from.
What led you all to music?
We all have an individual drive that tells us we all belong where music happens, be it studios, stages or rehearsal rooms. We're just lucky to have found each other I think.
What other bands were you all in before finding your path within Ghost In Mirrors?
Tim and Phill were in Lunar prospect with Luke. Blake was in metal bands and I was in a all female punk band that didn't existed long enough to see its first gig!
How did you come together to form Ghost in Mirrors?
France started with a different drummer, and guitarist, they needed a bassist and she asked Luke from college. Then the former guitarist left with his mate and France got Tim and Phill who were previously with luke, We ended up being lunar prospect with a singer! Recently Luke left for variosu reasons and we asked Blake to join us and luckily, he wanted to!
Is there any particular song that you are most proud of?
The next one we will be writing!
Is there any one song that represents the band as a whole?
I think they all do, the songwriting is a common shared process that you can hear all through the songs.
What are your favourite venues to have played to date?
The Purple Turtle and the barfly in London (we had our own dressing rooms!) the Royal Victoria Hall in Tunbridge Wells. There is a little cafe in St leonards on sea that is really lovely to play at called The Rooms Near The Warrior Square.
You have recently gone through to the Band Quest Finals battling for a place at this years Bloodstock, you have come a long way, how has your journey been?
It's been tough! We were battling in London and we live quite far. We have great local fans, but I must admit, there can be really hard to move around, and they failed giving us the support we wished to have had. but nevertheless, we still managed to get through with a hand full of dedicated fans and the votes from the jury.
Sadly, I learnt only recently that, as a band classified as alternative and not metal, our final doesn't include a price to play at bloodstock. We have been told that we are not “metal” enough to be considered for bloodstock anyway. It is a shame, because I really think that the BOA crowd would have appreciated our live shows, be it pure metal or not. But we have to accept that decision and move on to the next step: sending our awesome live DVD to all the other festivals!
Interviewer: Lucinda Dunn
Photos: Altercarnated Photography
FEATURES
Articles we think will interest you from past and present events to the history of burlesque! Scroll down to read through all articles or select one of the links below to jump to another section
Ahhh, Download festival. A time when it seems perfectly acceptable to not shower for days, use the ground as a litter bin and crack open your first drink of the day at the tender time of 8am. That is if you even went to bed that night. You have to love it.
With a left-right-left punch combination of three heavyweights; AC/DC, Rage Against The Machine and Aerosmith, Download 2010 looks set not just to knock you out, but to rub your face in the dirt after.
Friday 11th June 2010
Being first to step up to the plate at a festival like Download can’t be the most comfortable of places to be. After all you’re facing the full force of pent-up excitement and two days of drinking. Despite this metalcore maestros Unearth play a furious thirty minutes. Killswitch Engage, a late addition after Wolfmother were forced to pull out, stir up circle pits with their powerful blend of melodic vocals and bristling riffs. Their cover of “Holy Diver” is the first of many tributes to the much-loved, late, Ronnie James Dio. Them Crooked Vultures show their deep and dirty side with more kick than a field of pissed off donkeys; courtesy of one Dave Grohl.
But it’s AC/DC that so many are here to see. They’ve even come bearing their own stage, a first for Download, and also unusually there are no other bands playing at the same time. Looks like all eyes are on the Aussie legends as a runaway train crashes onto stage to a volley of fireworks. This can only be the start of “Rock ‘n’ Roll Train”. Brian Johnson is all trademark sleazy wiggle and high-toned screech and Angus Young rips his way through solo after solo.
Blow-up Rosie, the giant Hell’s Bell, the cannon salute – they’re all present and correct. AC/DC are like Mary Poppins, pulling stage show gems out of a never ending bag – although they’re a little less sugary. “Back In Black”, “Highway To Hell”, and a finale of “For Those About To Rock (We Salute You),” AC/DC more than hit the ball out of the park – they smash it into orbit. And all with just a flash of Angus’s boxers.
Saturday 12th June 2010
Metal, dust, crowd-surfers to the head and mosh pits. Oh, and bruises, lots of bruises. It’s a dirty combination. Some of those bruises come courtesy of Five Finger Death Punch who spit loud angry shards of metal, despite frontman Ivan Moody trying, and failing, to be Phil Anselmo. Even with occasional microphone difficulties, Lamb of God re-define how throat-tearing pit-punching metal should be done. Megadeth, lead by Dave Mustaine, pump gallons of cold hard thrash whilst Deftones heat up brutal melodies which spark like a fork in a microwave.
Wailing sirens and a rising black banner branded with a red star signals the, somewhat late, arrival of rap-metal Rage Against The Machine. “Arm The Homeless” adorns Tom Morello’s guitar – clearly their political ideals are still firmly intact. Yes they may be angry at the world but RATM clearly care. On hearing fans are being crushed at the front they stop slap bang in an intro to make sure everyone is ok before carrying on.
Favourites like “Know Your Enemy”, and “Sleep Now In The Fire” hit home between short political rants about the government. Well it was expected. The bizarre Christmas number one “Killing In The Name” delights and riles the crowd; it’s a good thing it’s not Sunday night or the riots would be worse than a pack of starving dogs in a bacon factory.
Sunday 13th June 2010
Last day syndrome kicks in with people making the most of drinking all day and dressing in a bizarre fashion. Personal favourite moment; Monty Python style knights riding by complete with coconut shells. Musically there’s an old-school vibe with a sprinkling of sleaze as Saxon and Cinderella both mount the main stage. Slash shreds and slams his way through classics such as “Nightrain” and “Sweet Child Of Mine” resplendent in classic top hat and shades. Motorhead’s Lemmy even pops up to help grate his way through “Doctor Alibi.”
When it comes to technical metal it doesn’t get much better than Dillinger Escape Plan. Wrong in a way that works – jazz interludes anyone – Dillinger sadly took the full brunt of the apocalyptic rain that turned the fields into a sludge even mud-wrestlers would avoid. Steel Panther indulged themselves with their dirty glam-styled rock. Innuendo isn’t the word – these guys are as subtle as a punch to the bollocks. Aussie rockers Airbourne continue with tradition, as singer Joel O’Keeffe gets a bit climby and scales the second stage to play from the very top. Excellent!
Recent speculation suggests that Steven Tyler’s future as singer of American hard rock legends Aerosmith seems uncertain but as they take to the stage there seems no sign of any friction. In fact Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry seem extra cuddly and close; possibly to try and dispel such rumours.
What is certain is that Aerosmith know how to tear up the stage, silk scarves and all. Tyler is on extra fine form vocally – singing the start of “What It Takes” unaccompanied. “Love In An Elevator,” ”Livin’ On The Edge” and of course “Walk This Way” smear giant grins across the faces of the crowd. With a bluesy groove injection from the likes of “Baby Please Don’t Go” Aerosmith prove they’re still damn cool, even with a vintage label.
And it’s all over – almost faster than you can piss away your money on the over-priced food. With an exceptionally strong line-up this year, the major frustration was not being able to be at all stages at once. From the number of tributes it’s clear that the recent deaths of Ronnie James Dio and Paul Gray amongst others have genuinely left a hole that no other peg will quite fit. In the words of Paul Isola from Breed 77, “fashion is not metal”; Download spits in the face of those who think otherwise.
Neck-snapping, voice-destroying and one hell of a rock n roll circus; let’s keep the horns held high for Download 2011.
After twenty four years you would think a band would run out of things to say but not Front Line Assembly, they constantly reinvent their music but also staying true to that original sound, from the very moment you put this on you know who it is, but as always Front Line Assembly do not rest pushing onwards to produce another fresh sounding album that goes again beyond just die hard fans. Maybe, so like many times before this, you will hear this outings influence in newer bands output because this moves the industrial scene forward again.
LIFESTYLE
Like sex in the city, with a nuclear power strap on!
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Well having looked at the joys you can find in making lots of small holes in your lovers gullible flesh, I think it’s time to play with the big boys.
When I was 6 my dear mother bought me a bunch of ladybird history books including the ladybird books of Incans, Aztecs and Red Indians. In the book of Red Indians there was a picture of the sundance ritual being performed and as a 6 year old my first thought was “I want to do that!!” For those of you who still dwell in ignorance the sundance ritual involves being hung from a tree branch by sticks inserted through the flesh of your chest.
Recently I was lucky enough to be invited to join in a suspension meeting by my darling ex flatmate Captain Howdy, and it is vital to ensure that you do this with people who know what they’re doing same as any kind of body mod. I’m sure we all had fun at school with a safety pin sterilised in a lighter flame but I really advise against it.
The first task facing you if you decide to try suspending is to choose which type of suspension you are going to try. The easiest one is commonly known as a suicide and involves 2 or 4 hooks through your shoulders, this also allows you to move around more and even pick other people up. Another commonplace to suspend from is your knees, although you can’t hang for as long with that as the blood tends to rush to your head increasing the already intense endorphine rush.
There are also the Coma or Superman suspensions that involve many hooks and leave you lying in midair either face down or face up depending on which you go for, if you can’t work out which is which then either go and read some books or watch some films until it becomes clear.
Suspension is often a spiritual thing and should be approached with a certain amount of respect, although if you do want to try it for the rush I wish you good luck and would advise having some food on standby for when you come down. Remember that your body can take a large amount of punishment but it will need fuel to cope.
If anybody wants to try receiving a spanking while they are suspending feel free to let me know and we will see what can be arranged. Be warned I have retrieved my favourite toy recently which many people find scary….
More details next month
Mistress Bea
ARTS
Books, Fashion, Theatre, Music and Comedy from around the Globe! Scroll down to read through all articles or select one of the links below to jump to another section
Last Exit To Brooklyn
by Hubert Selby Last Exit to Brooklyn is a f*cked up book. Written in the ‘50s, Selby’s novel was the subject of a huge obscebity trial in the UK and got popular again in the ‘80s when the movie based on the novel came out. The bleakest of portraits about life in Brooklyn post-World War 2, it’s horrible and awful because unlike, say, American Psycho, the violence is very real. But, like witnessing a bloody accident, the reader can’t look away. I grew up in the neighborhood he sets Last Exit in and knowing how much it hadn’t changed did not make it any easier for me to digest.
While it’s impossible not to wonder how the characters could have ended up the way they did when Selby writes about them, it’s apparent that none of them have a choice in the lives they lead. Getting out is not an option. In this world, made up of a series of short stories, there are no happy endings— not for the drag queen in “The Queen Is Dead” or the naïve prostitute in “Tralala”. The most heartbreaking though, is probably “Strike”, where a blue collar worker finally comes to terms with his sexuality and is punished for it.
With its lack of punctuation and train-of-thought style, reading the text took some getting used to but shouldn’t be an issue for anyone who’s picked up Naked Lunch or even Hunter S. Thompson.
Kimberly Warner-Cohen
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A chat with Moonmaiden By Sarah Willoughby
The year was 2004 and I had just entered my teens.
Around that age when you ditch the polo tees and innocent denim skirts with that pink flower logo for some individuality.
And I was no exception..
My eyes were exposed to the fresh sound of Nu-metal such as Evanescence and Linkin Park as I grew highly influenced by the Goth culture- which at the time meant tight laced Basques, big leather boots and flared Ra-Ra skirts to take on the appearance of a Celtic fairy or a long flowing dress inspired by Wicca.
I remember my gothic years very well and I reflect on many of the small designers that I was obsessed with, for example MoonMaiden.
Based in the UK, Moonmaiden Design and hand make all of their clothes from fabrics including crushed velvet, PVC, lace, cotton and many more to create some mystical creations.
They showcase a variety of items on their official website (http://www.moonmaiden-gothic-clothing.co.uk/), from medieval gowns and pagan dressed to fairy outfits and black metal wear- there’s something for everyone who dares to explore the Goth in them.
And it was a true honour to actually get an interview with one of the creators Sarah, from Moonmaiden for the Independent Voice.
MoonMaiden have been active for so many years now and still going strong, tell me how did Moonmaiden gothic clothing actually begin?
Moonmaiden started when I quit my job, as I was desperate to do something for myself. I've always wanted to be a designer and was lucky/unlucky enough to work for a few years in a clothing factory. There I did time study and QC and pattern making, so that gave me a complete picture of what making a garment entails.
So I started with the medieval maiden top, then put it on EBay and that was the first sale and it all took off from there. It grew and grew and then after about 6 months Michael was able to leave his job, and now it keeps us both very busy all year round.
2) What inspired you to become a designer? What or who was your inspiration?
There was no particular person, it sounds odd, but I always wanted to do it. My passion for design was always there and when I was 16 I tried to get on a course in fashion design but they didn't do them back then LOL! They offered me a job in a fabric shop, it was so dull and I had to clean the loo LOL!! Nothing wrong with loo cleaning but selling fabric is not the same as design!
Loads of stuff inspires me, everything and anything. I think if you love something it just comes easy. Dreams, old films, books and a lot of the time it's what I'd like to wear. My wardrobe is full LOL! So say I fancy a cotton and PVC ruffle mini skirt, I make the pattern, make it and then wear it. That easy! If it works it goes on the site. I made it a few weeks back and it's looking fab, very sexy but a bit naughty.
3) So, has there been any famous people wearing your gear? Like bands, actors etc.
Yeah we've had our fair share of famous folk, but we don't name them. We're pretty popular on the Wiccan scene and a few big names wear our stuff and a few bands of course.
4) What makes you stand out from most designers within the alternative culture?
I think it's because we deliberately don't go looking at other clothing sites, and I try and make it as individual as possible. Also, because everything is made to order, it can be made to the customer’s requirements, that's height, measurements, colour way, anything they like really- have a sleeve from one gown and a neck line from another- so they end up with a complete one off and very happy they are too Our customers range from age 0 to age 70, size 0 to size 40, so I guess you could say there's an all round appeal.
5) Do we see MoonMaiden branching out and opening a store in Camden (London), maybe?
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! We love Cornwall too much. Scary London LOL! We need our walks on moors and around stone circles too much to move
6) You also have a magazine now called Fae, what’s that all about? It looks amazing
The Fae magazine is something we just sell on our site. They have faery festivals down here every year, and we have sponsored them a couple of times, and done some fashion shows.
7) So what does 2010 hold for MoonMaiden gothic clothing?
Loads of lovely new designs, which I've started already, we just need some decent weather and then we can do a photo shoot. We're fancying somewhere castle-ish this year. Lots of hard work, modelling, photography, sweat, velvet and maybe a few tears LOL! We were really lucky and won designer of the year, so we're still on a bit of a high from that. We had our first REALLY famous customer this year- again can't say - So we're hopeful this will be another good year for us and our customers. The year normally flies by, and before we know it, it's Halloween and then nonstop till Christmas. I think I'm exhausted already LOL!!! But it's something I love, and loads of fun, so I'm not complaining.
Again I would personally like to thank MoonMaiden for this once in a lifetime Opportunity for a fun, informative interview. I suggest that if you are looking for some formal wear for a special occasion or need a tailored made outfit for a reasonable price then check out their official website, http://www.moonmaiden-gothic-clothing.co.uk/ and with upcoming, fresh designs for 2010 you’ll be sure to have fun browsing through their catalogue!
The Little Dog Laughed - Theatre Review, Jacques Two Tone
Not the section you expected to see me in, is it? Being all cultural and stuff. Alas, due to unforseen circumstances, I have had to jump in here and deliver you from a lack of theatrical reviews. I know, I'm just too good to you.
Typically, I'd like to stick a review of a musical in here. But as I've just covered Hair previously, I might just have to discuss the most recent performance I've seen. Luckily, it happened to be fantastic and covering a subject that happens to be close to my heart - No, I'm not. This statement will make sense once I get started.
The Little Dog Laughed is, quite frankly, genius. It's a well written, satirical masterwork. The subject matter is dealt with in such a scathing way that it's not always immediately clear about which way the director intended the work to be taken. The satire is clear, certainly. However, the stark contrast between the attitudes of the main characters leads you to believe there are very many contrasting viewpoints coming across within the work itself.
The emphasis of the play is on sexuality in the media. Specifically, those of the supposedly alternative persuasion - Gay people, if you will. The lead character is an actor on the brink of becoming a household name dealing with the inner conflict of homosexuality and coming to terms with it. Despite the way people act about the issue, it's still not fully accepted when someone in the spotlight reveals themselves to have adopted this particular lifestyle choice. The lead role - as I considered it, at least - is played superbly by Tamsin Grieg, with her fantastic comic timing reveling in such a well written character, given the opportunity to entertain with a little audience interaction, is of the stars' agent, who attempts to dissuade him from revealing his secret of enjoying the more penis-based aspects of love making. She is simply flawless, not for a moment breaking character, despite such genius moments coming across.
The male love interest and his girlfriend - played by Gemma Arterton and Harry Lloyd, although not necessarily in that order - providing a much needed subplot, all leading up to the finale and the big revelation. All of this action is centered around the attempts to convince a writer to allow his play to be turned into a motion picture and with the star - Rupert Friend, for all those who will recognise the name (both of you) - in the lead role as the gallant homosexual man. The script gets altered and twisted and becomes a mere shadow of it's former self, all in a way to prevent the star from coming out before he makes it to the big time.
It plays upon typical theatre tropes quite nicely, leading the audience along towards the ending that they're all expecting that never comes. The ending is actually quite bittersweet in its own way, the happy ending that you see coming never actually arriving, instead leaving us with a stark reminder of the way the world works and perceives such acts. That it is indeed to be such a way inclined, as long as you keep it in private when you're in the public eye.
The play lacked a few bits of pacing, there being a few lulls in the action. However, the dialogue and chemistry between all the characters is absolutely fantastic and needs to be witnessed by all.
Which makes it all the more of a shame that it only had a limited run in the Garrick in London which ended in April. Should this ever see the light of day again, I couldn't recommend it more. It just might make you look at things a little differently too.
Stewart Francis
This month, I've decided to go with someone who's a little more famous than other people I've previously reviewed. He's been on several panel shows that most people seem to watch and enjoy - I won't name names. You'll know him if you do and if you don't, you're probably not going to watch them anyway.
"I want to dedicate my performance to my father who was a roofer, so, Dad, if you're up there..."
He's a fantastic deadpan one-liner comedian. He's like a more light-hearted Jimmy Carr with less jokes about rape and paedophilia. But don't let that put you off him! He can still hold his own even without the offensive edge.
"Did I already do my Deja Vu joke?"
He has fantastic comic timing with the delivery of punchlines and has nearly perfect pacing, just allowing you to recover from the previous joke before catching the next and repeating the cycle. A lot of other one-liner comedians have got this wrong, most prominently Tim Vine - While I do enjoy the whimsical styling’s of Mr. Vine, I can't help but feel that his world record has run over into his act slightly, whereas he's actually a funny comic in his own right, being the master of the pun. Stewart, however, does not have this problem, delivering line after line at a great rate with no real discernable downtime, apart from when the damn audience don't get the joke. But that's their fault and not his. You're not stupid enough to not get a simple joke, are you? No? Excellent, then you'll have no problems with this man at all.
"My dad has a weird hobby, he collects empty bottles. Which sounds so much better than alcoholic, doesn't it?"
He also has a great way with the running joke. Not so much like other acts who will continue a joke on for a few gags more after the immediate telling, but he'll come back to a joke that was made a long time before and just bring it back up, almost without you realising until it hits you and you're doubled over with laughter for a second time
"I want to write a mystery novel... Or do I?!"
Stewart Francis was touring with Ricky Gervais. He's also doing shows later on this year. You should probably go check him out. But you won't. So I don't know why I'm telling you this
This is the Voice of Australia … an introduction to the wealth of music and culture that the Australian scene has to offer. Each month I will be writing about what’s new, what’s up-and-coming and what’s hot right now. Enjoy! Miss Black
FASHION
For 15 years Sydney designer Debstar Designs has been creating handmade goth, rockabilly and punk jewelry which has only been available through stores in Australia. Debra from Debstar Designs announced the recent launch of her website which means that people from all around the world can enjoy her original, hand-crafted creations. www.debstardesigns.com.au
Gallery Serpentine celebrated all things Steampunk in April by holding an afternoon showcasing their crafted devices, artefacts, curiousities and jewellery in the Enmore store. Special guests included ‘Urandon’, the creator of steampunk contraptionary and Dij Dijor. Gallery Serpentine also unveiled their new line of ‘steamstyle’ corsetry. www.galleryserpentine.com.au
The Red Rattler Theatre in Marrickville, Sydney hosted a steampunk extravaganza on April 30th. The night included performances by Venus Vamp, Madame Flayburn and Cybridian, as well as fashion shows by In Visible Light, Matt Bylett Designs and Reactor Rubber. The Red Rattler Theatre recently celebrated one year of being a legal warehouse space that supports the Sydney arts. www.redrattler.org
CLUBS
After years of great clubs and packed dancefloors, DJ and club promoter Metavirus has decided to hang up his gloves and retire. He is looking to spend more time with his loved ones and to not have to constantly be involved in work. Metavirus is responsible for the rise and rise of the alternative scene in Canberra, while still making time for guest DJ spots around Australia. Thank you Metavirus … there have been plenty of fabulously memorable nights thanks to you.
Melbourne club Golgotha celebrated it 8th birthday at the Wha Wha Lounge in Melbourne on the Queen’s Birthday Eve, Sunday June 13th. The new venue has two floors, two dance floors, chandeliers, comfy couches and a courtyard.
Adelaide-based Fright Club ha opened a Melbourne franchise at DV8 once a month. Music includes psychobilly, horror punk, punk ‘n’ roll and deathrock. Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Adelaide-Australia/FRIGHT-CLUB/74924939561.
The first Sydney Fetish Ball was held at the Gaelic Club on April 25th and was a huge success. Latex-clad guests danced to dark-electro band Shiv-R before Gen-xx from the Genitorturers strutted her stuff.
April’s Shallow Nation was the last for DJ Metavirus. Shallow Nation’s new resident DJ is Virul3nt (from Shiv-R) who was joined in May by hard dance Duo Studio-X from Adelaide. Shallow Nation is a month event held at the Underground, in Sydney once a month. www.shallownation.net
The last Black Cherry event was held at the Factory Theatre on July 24, and was sold out. Burlesque performers included Briana Bluebell, Lux St Sin and Lauren LaRouge aswell as bands including The Rumjacks and The Snowdroppers. www.myspace.com/blackcherryclub
BANDS
Hard trance/electro band Studio-X was formed in 1998 by Adelaide duo Lawrie Baylon and Matthew Martin. They have recently been signed to the Alfa-Matrix label and are in the process of producing a debut full-length LP. They will be visiting various Australian cities over the next few months as guest DJs, for tour information and to have a listen to their tunes go to www.myspace.com/officialstudiox
The Christian Death Necro Sexual Tour arrives in Australia in mid-August. Valor's incarnation of Christian Death sallies forth to Australia for the first time. Shrouded amidst Deathrock nostalgia and fake red roses, dates have been lined up at select venues around the country. If you have an ardor for grave dirt and fake cobwebs this is the event you should risk sun exposure for. www.christiandeath.com
ART
Photographer Brent Leideritz and his team shot ‘It’s Burlesque’ in Brisbane on June 27. Brent along with fashion stylist Jade Sardon, hair stylist Lyndall Vile and makeup artist Mishka perform makeovers in a burlesque style and shoot in a boudoir setting. www.twentyfourb.com
The master of macarbe, Voltaire will be performing at the Vanguard in Newtown, Sydney on August 6th. Voltaire is a singer/performer plus the creator of comic books, animation and toys; his shows are highly theatrical. Seated and standing tickets will be available. Voltaire will also be performing in Brisbane and Melbourne, but venues are yet to be announced. www.rivettingpromotions.com
The first edition of the revamped Burlesque Magazine is now available online for free. It includes interviews with sexy favourites including Catherine D’Lish, Kitten DeVille and Roxi Dlite. www.burlesquemag.com
This month, once again it is stuff form the a to z but, I am coming close to having the chance to do some different ones soon, I am going to be reviewing ELP and Iron Maiden. Two very different bands but two pieces of amazing artwork!
First off, I start with ELP:
‘Brain Salad Surgery’ - Emerson, Lake, and Palmer - Manticore Records - 1973:
The ‘Brain Salad Surgery’ is considered to be one of the most memorable of its time. The artwork is the distinctive monochromatic biomechanical work of Giger, which integrates an industrial mechanism with a human skull. Giger also created the ELP logo seen on the cover.
The lower half of the skull is covered with a circular screen showing the lower face in its flesh covered state. The original LP release of the album’s cover was split in half through the middle, apart from the circular screen section, the opened halves revealed a painting of a woman’s face with alien hair and multiple scars, including the symbol of infinity and a scar from a frontal lobotomy. Giger modelled the woman after his wife. Nice huh!
On most CD releases of the album, the front cover is just a flat image and the face is used as the back cover.
In 1993, Victory Music reissued the album in a special Digipak format, with the original split cover art. Both paintings were created in pure shades of grey airbrush to make them appear metallic and mechanical, although on some releases, the cover was printed with too much red. Giger’s ELP logo went on to be used in many albums afterwards.
I chose to put this in my a to z due to its technicality, I like the metal work , how it works with and around the skull.
“To this day H.R. Giger’s work remains distinctive in every sense. He’s frighteningly unique.” - Keith Emerson
“The work of H.R. Giger is immensely powerful. Giger’s amazing cover for Emerson, Lake and Palmer’s album ‘Brain Salad Surgery’ portrays a Gothic touch that could fit any heavy metal band at any time. Giger’s cover for ‘Koo Koo’, for Debbie Harry is tremendously sensual, building on the image she developed as a rock ‘n’ roll Marilyn Monroe long before anyone else tried it. Debbie Harry’s sexuality was hidden rather than blatant and that’s continued here with a fabulous extension of her image.” - Jimmy Page (1990)
This probably wont be the only Maiden album cover that I erview, I love Derek Riggs’ artwork and not just the stuff he did for Maiden…
Some of Riggs’ Maiden images are more intricate than others, and I find this to be one of the more intricate ones, and it is one that stands out.
If you look closely at an old LP version of the album ( just for record, I don’t have an LP of Powerslave, I’m afraid I wiki’d this), and look to the bottom right corner, just below the first lion are the words “Indiana Jones was here 1941”. Next to that is a drawing of Mickey Mouse. Above that, past the heads of the statues re the words “Wot a load of crap”. On the bottom left of the cover, below the right foot of the large seated lion, is drawing a bloke named Chad, peering over the wall with the words “Wot? No Guiness”. Also on this side, above the statues heads, the word “Bollocks” appears and at the Pyramid entrance, Riggs’ signature logo appears where Eddie’s crotch should be!
I really wish I had an LP version to look these up it sounds hilarious! You cant see anything on the CD cover, I tried that already!!
Well until next time,
Keep rockin
UNSIGNED STAGE
Here you will find our reviews of the best Unsigned Talent! Scroll down to read through all articles or select one of the links below to jump to another section
Ok, M.B.T. sounds like a dodgy government agency, but the name actually comes from an American murder case back in the sixties. Kind of sets a certain tone and warm-hearted it ain’t.
M.B.T. serve up buckets of Southern-style groove metal, desert-baked to perfection. Ok, so they’re actually five guys from Wakefield, and not some sun-soaked southern state, but who cares when they sound this good.
They may eat at the same table as Down, Black Label Society and Crowbar but M.B.T aren't part of some high school clique, managing the rare feat of serving up their own spicy blend of riff, rock and roar. Much better than anything you’d get in the school canteen.
Earlier this year saw M.B.T. hit the studio to record their E.P. “Hanging Tree” with three tracks available to hear on their Myspace. This includes title track “Hanging Tree,” a dirty grit-fest, spraying sweat and stuttering guitar solos. Brilliant. “6 Feet Ain’t Deep Enough” swaggers, whilst “On The Banks” is the audio equivalent of a slow spit-roast. And by that I mean the meat variety, before your minds run off down some filthy track.
M.B.T. are better than they should be - a finger lickin’, head bangin’ kind of good, just like mama used to hate.
Hailing from my home town of Catford , I have seen these lads live once when they went under the name “Motorbreath” and they were amazing. This EP just epitomizes their growth. Home Sweet Hell opens up with a drum roll and a flurry of guitars, building into a brutal verse. The bands sound has a Black/Death metal vibe about it but fused with originality, with the drums sitting back and leading the way on several parts.
“Principles” begins with some ethereal keys and some of the heaviest guitars I’ve heard in a while. There are some nice angular riffs and some good chugging sections, with each instrument having its chance to shine in this piece. Beginning with rain, Epiphany leads into a bass and drums intro followed by some truly great and original harmonies, then it launches into a tirade of riffing and lead lines, the vocals on this EP are outstanding and well recorded throughout.
The solo work on this album is original as it is interesting, it doesn’t bore and it doesn’t outstay its welcome. This is a band, who knows how to build a song and get the most out of themselves and their music.
The sound of the band is very diverse and I can see them taking their sound to the next stage.
If you like your metal and you like it loud, check out Brutai!
They’re defiantly a band you should be listening to!
ALBUM REVIEWS
Past and Present Albums under the Spotlight! Scroll down to read through all articles or select one of the links below to jump to another section
There are times when an album just catches your attention for no over reason than it's just so good you can't ignore it, this is to clever to be really be called pop punk but then again doesn't push any boundaries either, this just an album of catchy grown up songs that will bring a smile to your face and sometimes that's all you need from music, must admit this does stand head and shoulders above most of the albums of this gene being released at the moment looks like someone’s been using quality control when it came to releasing this.
Coming from a clutch of British bands who have all achieved so much and this carries on that tradition with a prog rock sound that Anathema have, over a few years, drifted towards and this the result, a startling outing of real depth and beauty which puts them in the same league as Porcupine Tree, Radiohead and Muse. We should be proud, as the British we seem to be to able produce bands of this calibre. From the opening bars you know you stumbled over classic, don't be put of by the prog tag because this album is more about the songs than how clever the musicians can be. Just put this on sit back and be seduced by the sounds coming from your speakers.
So few dance outfits can claim the pedigree that The Chemical Brothers have, to still be producing class tunes this far into their career just show how good they are, unlike We Are the Night there are no guests on this album it just rests on the strength of the music, which is the usual mash up blend of sounds, ok not ground breaking but who cares when what they produce oozes class. An album of club tunes made to fill a stadium. Oh and each song has it's own short film.
Another Soulfly album and even more brutal than all before from the opening crusty punk track this is relentless in its onslaught, you’re left wondering if someone has a point to prove but far from it, this is too natural for that, this is just where Max and Soulfly right are now a band at the top of their game, confident enough to produce what they want. So here you have an album that doesn't compromise in anyway so in that it's a complete masterpiece, maybe this is what they have got so close to so many times before but never quite delivered. A must for all metal collections.
Scorn are an outfit that always makes uncomfortable listening, pushing a mix of dub industrial crossover, but this old school industrial is far removed from what it is today, pulling in big distorted machine like soundscapes, the strange thing is how well it works mixed with dub. This will not appeal to all in fact it's an acquired taste. For those who don't know this is Mick Harris's on going solo project and you might ask who that is well he's a drummer who played for the likes of Napalm Death, Extreme Noise Terror, Doom etc and holds the record for writing the shortest song ever. This is nothing like his early grindcore outings but its holds the same ethos, just a hell of a lot slower, born of a time when pushing nasty boundaries was the norm. Dare you to play this at night with the lights out.
It's always good to find a band that can't be pinned to any one sub gene of a music style, even better when it's a fluid transition between these styles, Nevermore do this with no effort what so ever it's like it's the most natural thing ever to them. This album should appeal to most into metal as long as you can accept the constant shifting. This their seventh album and there seems to be no stopping them in their ability to produce music that grabs your attention, but that has to be down to the above, I wish more bands could go beyond what’s popular at any given time.
A band that passed me by in the nineties now on hearing this I now know that was a mistake on my part, for those who don't know them, they are a post hardcore band who toured with the likes of Deftones and Incubus, releasing 4 albums, with the last one Water & Solutions giving them a sort of legendary status, but they split up a year after it's release. Now back after ten years apart and none of the magic has waned because this is one hell of a follow up with, even if did take some time to get here. From the swagger of the opening track “Deafening” to the last “Pony” there is not a single filler, each song a gem, all the bands who cite them as a influence now have new heights to aim for. This is for people who want more than just an album all sounding the same for this will keep you excited/interested and coming back for more.
Ok a little late with this review but this has been on my player for few weeks now and to my ears it has to be the best album they have produced so far, for all those who might of given up on them or have never really listened to a Deftones long player then this is the invite you have been waiting for. The depth each track has is just amazing, always just leaving you breathless, don't expect any happy tunes this is the Deftones, but then again you are never truly sure what the lyrics are about but that is just another part of the package that makes this band special. Don't you just love it when a band just keeps getting better wish more would/could do it.
Right, I should just come clean, shouldn't I? I am clearly f*cking with you guys with this one. I'm definitely one to put out some odd choices for classic albums, but this one is a step too far, surely?
Probably, but at the end of the day, I own two different cast recordings of this as well as the movie soundtrack, so I personally think it's damn well in need of a review. There's an argument that this is less of a classic album and more of a classic musical, but I'll let that slide in favor of the fact that I damn well want to write this review and I'm going. Anyone that has any objections can skip forward to whichever articles they desire to read, no ill will will be harbored.
Are those guys gone? Good. F*CK those guys.
So, let us begin the review proper, shall we?
Hair is a so-called "rock musical". It is called rock musicals by two distincts types of people. There is the group that have never heard Hair before and then there are the group that haven't heard rock before. If I were to describe it as anything, it would be "awesome". However, if I were to describe it by a genre, I would probably have to go with funk. Because that's what it is. I have a habit of calling things what they are, I do.
I suppose I should give a little background on it, shouldn't I? This is where my good friend Wikipedia comes in handy. On a side note, I really want a friend called Vicky Pedia. The preceeding sentence bears no relevance to this article.
Hair covers a multitude of subjects. War, peace, drugs, freedom, sexuality, liberation, racism, environmentalism. Everything that needs to be discussed is in here. The scariest thing about Hair is that despite being over 40 years old, it has still remained so totally relevant to the world we live in. Every issue that is talked about within Hair could be easily transposed to modern day life and you'd barely bat an eyelid - The only main difference being that the war discussed in Hair - Vietnam - used a draft, whereas currently the altercations we're involved in are all voluntary. Outside of that, everything remains relevant. Which is more than can be said of other relics from the sixties. Isn't that right Rex?
I should probably get talking about the music, really. Just look at how much it has impacted on modern society for a start. Run DMC have sampled it. It was covered on Sesame Street. It was responsible for what was easily the funniest moment of the 40 Year Old Virgin. That same song was voted into the top 100 songs in cinematic history. Essentially, it is everywhere. Party Music is one of the greatest pieces of incidental music ever written that everybody has heard at least once. Anyone that claims that they haven't is lying and simply should not be trusted - Especially not alone with your partner/children/pets.
Remember it –
The titular song on the movie soundtrack also has one of the best basslines ever put to record, quite frankly.
Without Hair, the face of musicals today would be significantly different. It pushed boundaries that had not been pushed before and haven't really been pushed at since, at least not in a successful show and certainly nothing as successful as this. You'd have no Rent - Could you imagine a world where Rent didn't exist? You'd have never heard "Everyone Has AIDS" in your life. That is not a world I want to live in.
It also had an influence amongst the punk scene, according to Rex. However, I can only really speculate about that as there seems to be very little actual written evidence to support this claim. I have discovered this, of course, after a single web search which, as far as I'm concerned, is gospel. But of course, it would be influential, just down to the sheer amount of politics it deals with and the way it gets a point across within the music. Obviously the actual music itself hadn't been influenced by it - that would be a ridiculous claim - but the motivation behind it is the same. You see, punks and hippies are all the same really. Just with varying degrees of idiotic hairstyles
All in all, everybody should go and buy the DVD - it's only a few quid - or, even better, go out to the theatre and see it. You'll understand exactly what I'm going on about when you do. It's a fantastic, touching piece that you should witness at least once in your life. It's at the Gielgud in London at the moment with the Tony Award-winning cast from Broadway. Well worth your pennies.
CLUB FOCUS
All the latest from the UK and USA Alternative Club Scene!
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For 20 years the so-called freaks, the industrialists, the goths, and the punks of New Jerseys dark subculture have had a club to call their own. QXT's is NJ's longest running alternative dance club, and may possibly be the longest running alternative venue in the United States.
2 floors and 3 rooms provide a mixture of 80's, New Wave, EBM, and Industrial to suit almost every taste. For 12 of those 20 years the main floor has been DJ'd by resident Ron Medina. A guest spot in 1993 led him to a permanent placing in 1998 and Medina has been there since, spinning the music to make you move. That is fitting as Medina has stated the best part of DJing is making people dance. "I want you to have a great time while you're here".
The main floor of QXT's not only provides you with a dance floor but a large bar where you will find well priced drinks. On almost every night all well drinks are just 3 dollars if you arrive before 11.
In addition to the bar and dance floor there is a small stage where bands such as Life Cried, Nachtmahr, and Cenotype have performed. When a band isn't in attendance to play there are couches and comfy chairs for patrons to rest, relax, or just chat with friends.
Once midnight arrives the downstairs rooms are opened. The 2 basement rooms have come to be known as Area 51 and The Crypt respectively, and each has their own flavour.
Area 51 is known for having heavy beats and DJs who favour Industrial and EBM. DJs Aengel and Dysfunction trade nights yet each gives stellar performances. The Crypt has it own bar and Dj's Cub and Q spinning a blend of New Wave, Goth, and Alternative.
All 3 rooms provide music, atmosphere, and a plethora of personalities. This being QXT's 20th year in business a new promoter has stepped to the plate in order to make sure QXT's stays in business for many more years to come. In late 2009 the owners approached long time patron LJ with an offer to promote the club. After some careful consideration LJ agreed to give it three months and see how it went. Six months later attendance is back up and the vibes are great.
Improvements to the club are commencing soon as well, the murals that have graced the walls for years will be repainted, improvements and upgrades in the lighting and sound have been undertaken. Those attending QXTs in the coming months should expect to see more themed parties, more up and coming bands, and of course more music.
So whether you have been going for years, haven't been there in awhile, or are looking for a new place to call your own QXTs is your venue of choice for late night outings in New Jersey.
Dirty Dicks is a cosy little cellar venue of bare brick and polished dark wood giving the atmosphere a very warm and comfortable theme right from the moment you step through the door. The nights entertainment is compared by comedian Paul Duncan McGarrity who was a very lively comic who rather than tell jokes or stories just interacted well with the audience and the performers. The evening seemed to be divided in to two sections of Music and then Burlesque rather than alternate between which is what i am used to but i imagine that as a small venue it made more sense to remove all the band equipment before having the burlesque performers on. However this did not stop the flow of the evening and no one seemed to mind or lose interest.
The first performance of the night is Adam Clark who unfortunately had all the misfortunes of being the first act as the sound was pretty awful and made it quite difficult to make out what seemed to be some very emotional music. You could hear that he had a very soothing voice and it is a shame that the guitar sounded too loud. An enjoyable start to the evening regardless.
Paul introduces the next act Manifesto. It seems that the sound technicalities had been resolved in-between acts as this band sounded very good. A bluesy rock feel with slight indie elements and post rock coupled with some deep dark vocals reminiscent of bands like Joy Division. The musicianship was excellent especially the drums and bass guitar which locked in tightly.
After a quick introduction we have Beau and the Arrows, A very young band still in their teens. Unfortunately it seems that the band didn’t get much of a sound check and the levels were a bit uneven. This did not hinder their performance which was truly impressive for a group of young musicians. With a slightly punk and Alternative feel, this band blends a number of instruments including a ukulele to create quite a unique sound
Half way through the night and we have Comedian Michael Grobleny to bridge the gap between the live music and the burlesque performances. I am afraid that i can not say too much in Michaels favor as early in to his act he insulted a member of the audience quite harshly who then left. After that Michael had completely lost the audience and Paul McGarity had to return to the stage to swiftly introduce the next act and keep things moving.
Cherry Stone came to the stage wearing a cherry covered dress and dancing to the 50’s song sweet cherry pie, it all looked very sweet and innocent until she changes the radio station to something a bit more up tempo which is when the real performance starts. Cherry is quite a tall and attractive girl with porcelain skin, a very exciting example of what is yet to come latter.
Misty Moors dance routine mimed a story of loss. Dressed in a marine uniform it appears she is looking for her lost husband while clutching his portrait. To console herself she downs a bottle of Gin and forgets her worries, with every swig of gin another layer of clothing came off. This to me is a true example of burlesque, with thought and plot as apposed to just choreographed dance. The night is just getting better.
The next act had a biker/mechanic theme. Honey Schnapps dances about brandishing a monkey wrench to the surf guitar music of Dick Dale only to uncover a blood soaked top beneath her overalls giving her dance a bit of a horror twist.
The curvaceous Duchess Divine took to the stage in an RAF uniform lip sinking to patriotic music and proudly removing her clothes to reveal a very busty beauty completing the performance with a salut.
Miss Bubbles is a very attractive young girl who’s act impersonating Shelock Holms is quite the stereo type including the brandy glass, Pipe and Hat. Then the jacket comes off and a slender figure is revealed, much more eye catching. So far I have watched a long nights worth of performances and my last train is due but i am having so much fun and i know there are three more performances before the end of the night and I would not want to miss the headline act of which i have heard so much about.
Cherry Stone glides on stage for her second performance with the classic burlesque feather dance. This is a slow performance giving you plenty of time to admire her stature.
In the same format as her earlier performance, Misty Moors plays Joyce the Librarian with an almost spinsterish look slyly reading the Joy of Sex. The idea that a prude secretly longs to discover the taboo subject of eroticism always makes for good entertainment.
Agent Lynch is a bit of legend when it comes to burlesque. Her act and evening finale was very traditional and 70’s style. Lip sinking to the Marilynn Monroe “ Happy Birthday Mr President” climbs out of a sparkly box and starts to unwrap herself then moves on to become a secret agent with a gun. Its all very retro and very smoothly performed, quite obvious that she is a professional and has been dancing for a while.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself as did the rest of the audience.
All the Bands and Performers were well received tonight, perhaps with the exception of Mr Grobleny but i am sure everything had been forgotten about by the end of the night, Six gorgeous ladies revealing their curves can have that effect on you.
This set to me a successful monthly event in London.
Written by James Dunn
Photography by Lucinda Dunn [Altercarnated Photography]
TURBULENT SOUNDSCAPE, PHOENIX, & SCHISM NEWS
Turbulent Soundscape (DJ Rex)
The usual crazy times at TS Towers!! :) We even opened a tattoo store called Eccentric Ink
Fright Nite and Equilibrium are the only 2 nites we’re leaving under the Turbulent Soundscape banner, but there are many many things happening under the Phoenix Music Promotions flag at the moment, the website for that is - www.phoenixmusicpromotions.co.uk the site features, a calander, videos, club news, gig info, a forum and SO much entertaining stuff!!
Equilibrium returns to the Sound Circus in Bournemouth the 3rd Friday every month and of course, Fright Nite is still going on Wednesday nites in Staines, 19 and a half years now! J
Of course, Turbulent Soundscape might have your picture in our archive section, head to
On to our Sister company, Phoenix Music Promotions.
Phoenix Music
A new nite "Heresy”, a Dj free for all, the last Friday each Month in Egham, held at the Working Mens Club next to the Fire Station, CHEAP drinks and a huge space to dance, park, smoke and drink!! £4 entry, 2 for the price of 1 if you’re signed up to our Facebook group or to www.phoenixmusicpromotions.co.uk
Then Brighton with "Hidden Generation”, held in the Hydrant, aka the Hare and Hounds, a Rock n Roll extravaganza, Live bands opening the nite, followed by a full on club nite with performers and all sorts of crazy stuff!!! :) Another coming one day!! We tried one with just Djs recently, but we plan to hit that harder with just bands soon.
And nowwww, Schism (Tom Wavre)
Double The Schism
Summer is usually a busy time for us at Schism and this year is no different. Ten tickets to Sonisphere have been given away and enjoyed by the winners. We’ve had the hugely successful Videogames Vs Superheroes night and now in August we will be bringing you twice as many Schisms as normal.
On Fri 6th, which I believe will be in the past by the time you read this but is still very much in the future as I write it, we will be bringing back our old favourite the Schism Beach Party. Either go and get drunk there or go check out the pictures on facebook depending on when you read this!
On Fri 20th we will return with our second offering of the month. No gimmicky themes just pure and simple rock goodness. Same drinks deals, scratchcards and the like.
Fri 3rd Sept is the annual Back 2 School night, this has been going strong since the start of Schism and is always one of the best atmospheres of the year.
Via our website, sign up to our text service to be kept up to date with the latest happenings at Schism and as ever check out facebook for more details: www.clubschism.com
The Pit, Hounslow
The pit in Hounslow, well, currently in Hounslow anyway, actually it started life many years ago at the John Bull in Chiswick. This event has been a home from home for many a rock fan for many years now.
What is the Pit, is it a club nite? Is it a social hang out with good mates? Is it a family outing for an extended alternative family? The Pit is all of the above.
A safe, warm and friendly atmosphere, but then the people involved should know how to provide the perfect night out, Nick London (the main dj) has been a feature on the rock club scene of London since anyone can remember, dating back the what a lot of people remember as the “good old days” of the Astoria on a Friday night.
You can even catch him doing the Monday night rock show on Hayes FM http://www.hayesfm.org.uk/
Some quotes form the regulars -
I asked regular Terry why do you go?? He replied with “coz there’s a good mix of people and music”
Other people made some comments as well, occasional regular Faith told me - “The fist time I went there, they were playing Metallica as i walked in...so I automatically liked the place.”
Then Andrew said “The majority of the people there are friendly so if you don't know anyone when you arrive, you will by the time you leave. The music is varied, so there's always something you'll either enjoy or be annoyed by”
Julia said “I have been going to the pit since it was at The John Bull in Chiswick. It is by far the friendlist, least cliquey rock club I've ever been to. Even though the music is not always my cup of tea, I usually always enjoy a night out there.”
But the most epic comment was from Fritz, a man who it could be said is one of the fixtures and fittings at the Pit, “prof. Bernard Quatermass enjoyed his experience there so much that he made a film about it &? [interrropun]”
Another who hardly misses a single Pit Louis summed it up this way – “The nAsTy piT was always known as "The friendliest rock club in London" which it is, though thats probably a little modest, it might be the entire universe. You're always guaranteed to have a good night there even if the music isn't doing it. Really good value for money, not a rip off at the door or at the bar.”
Even other Djs go there when off duty, Dj Epicenter once remarked, “You just don’t expect to have a club that good in Hounslow” and one time Full Tilt Dj Darren commented, “I think Nick London is one of the best Djs out there, I’ve never had a bad nite at the Pit”
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