ROCK & METAL
ISSUE #3 WWW.RAMZINE.CO.UK
! S O T O H P D N A W IE V E R L A IV PLUS! BREAKING BANDS FEST
Interview with Atreyu
Brandon Saller & Porter McKnight P10 “NOBODY KNOWS WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS, BUT IT LOOKS DAMN BRIGHT“
New album 'Long Live' set for release September 2015!
Contents Featured
WELCOME
R
AMzine has been a great journey so far. It’s been tough at times, but it has also been very exciting. We are still very much in our early days as I see it - however support from readers and the music industry at times has been overwhelming. We have been very fortunate to cover some great bands and we strive to bring great content each year. Some years it seems that venues have become emptier and that people are less willing to part ways with some dosh for music. TThis year feels different, it feels like we are about to embark on a really exciting future in music. I write this sat in my tent at Breaking Bands Festival in Stoke. The festival is in it’s very first year, and has sold out weeks in advance. I have seen some extremely good new talent this weekend, and even had the privilege of interviewing some new bands for the first time. This festival is the start of hopefully many more small festivals, to support the masses of local talent that is on offer. There is lots of great new music out there waiting for you to discover, if you check out even one of the bands mentioned in this issue, then that is a job well done for us here at RAMzine. This month we will cover the very contrasting in comparison, Download Festival. Look out for coverage in our July issue! We are heading down on the Wednesday to make the most of the atmosphere, and in the hope that we meet lots of new fellow Rock and Metal fans! See you there!
Victoria Purcell, Editor In Chief
04 Breaking Bands
We travelled to sunny Stoke to check out some new bands and make new friends at Breaking Bands Festival, headlined by Breed 77 and Monument.
06 Reading & Leeds
We take a quick look at Reading and Leeds Festival, headlined by Metallica!
07 2000trees
Described by previous headliner Frank Turner as his “Favourite UK festival”, we look into it further!
08 Metalocalypse
Looking for a new series to watch online, or already a fan of Deathlok!? We discuss our favourite episodes!
Interview 10 Atreyu
We catch up with Brandon Saller & Porter McKnight about the return of Atreyu and their new album ‘Long Live’.
Reviews 13 Release Reviews
-Immension - In Vain -Faces Of Eve - The Story So Far -Going Away Party - Self-titled -Palace Of Kings - White Bird / Burn The Sky -The Graveltones - Dead Transmission -Deep Purple - Long Beach 1971 -Eskimo Callboy- Crystals -Thunder - Wonder Days -The Loved & Lost- Into A Dream -Far Beyond The Sunrise - Self-titled -Golers - South Mountain Style -The Great Discord - Duende -Coal Chamber- Rivals -Torous- Dried Bones
Contributors MARCUS WHEELER PAGAN HEL ANDREW DOWLING STUART IVERSEN NEALE MCGEEVER LISA BILLINGHAM Proofreaders: Neale McGeever & Sam Rohde Cover by Ryan Stanikk www.ryanstanikk.co.uk
Dane Pavitt Top 10 Metalocalypse Episodes
Milly Youngman 2000trees - Festival Preview
Sam Rohde Reading & Leeds Festival Preview
Adam Hemmings Photograher at Breaking Bands
3
Festival Review Breaking Bands
www.breakingbandsfestival.com
Victoria Purcell & Adam Hemmings
May 2015, Stoke
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festival in it’s first year can be risky, you certainly don’t expect them to have sold out weeks before the event. However Muka Jay and the rest of the TBFM team did a great job in constructing a brand new small festival that not only showcased new bands, but also created a welcoming community for a fun weekend out of the normality of the standard working life. The magic of a small festival is that you really get to know everyone over the weekend, and form friendships with like-minded people be them young or old. Bands and fans all hang out together, there is no separate backstage area. Everyone goes to watch every band- it was a very positive festival, full of support for new and underground artists. A lot of people said that didn’t know many of the bands on the line-up before they came. They just paid the £25 for a weekend ticket, for a bit of a break, to be in that festival atmosphere. Whilst in my tent I overheard a group of friends talking about how this was the first time they heard of The Herectic Order (a new especially evil band, based in London). The group of friends said that they had bought a t-shirt and will look out for future tour dates (which I am sure we shall soon see). That’s already a job well done for Breaking Bands Festival, on the very first night of entertainment. We were pleasantly surprised at the talented bands on offer at this extremely good value for money festival (just £30 for the weekend including camping). There wasn’t one band that we didn’t think were great. So, props to Mucha Jay and co. for picking a great selection from Death Metal, Hard Rock, Thrash, even a bit of Post-Hardcore, and what sounded to me as a Rock Space Oddesy. Thrash band Obzidian were one of the first we arrived for on the Saturday, and one that we simply could not ignore, they pretty much grab you like a tornado as they perform a set of very strong tracks. Alt rockers Ronin consist of four lads from Worcester. Lead singer Kit Kinrade has a bit of a arrogant presence about him, but that’s his
style and most certainly not a dig. It’s passionate sexy Rock and Roll and he has a belter of a voice. Breaking Bands Festival had the main stage, and also the Get Your Rock Out Buskers Stage, which was based outside. It’s here that we saw an acoustic set by The Idol Dead. These Punk Rockers from Leeds show their experience on the stage, and promote a punk reality that we haven’t seen in a while. I particular like their green and black colour theme, which can also be seen in their video for ‘Bones Of You’. The Idol Dead were a great band to be watching out in the sunshine with a pint in hand. The atmosphere was light, uplifting, and pretty relaxing. Death Valley Knights bring the fury with their Hard Rock Metal performance. There is something very king-like about vocalist\ guitarist’ Jake Thorsen, as he stands with his flowing blonde hair. It’s rare that you find a band who can emulate traditional Metal, however this is a band that do a great job of that. Headlining the Saturday was Monument who turned up the heavy during their Metal show. These talented musicians from London took us back to that potentially cheesy time in metal, but a great time was had by all. Monument remind me of the glory days, ‘Iron Miaden-esque’ - this is a sound that we at RAMzine often crave. After a heavy night in all possible ways, we emerged for Sunday catching Black State Highway’s acoustic set outside on the busking stage. We were blessed with great weather this weekend as again the sun was shining, and reasonably priced cider in hand
(£2.80 a pint). Female vocalist Liva Steinberga sung with her loud and proud voice -that can belt out a range of notes. The band deliver what they call ‘The Pong’ ‘‘filthy stinkin’, bluesy riffage delivered in a down to earth jeans and t-shirt kind of way’’, as they call it. We saw this band back in November at HRH, and they are always a crowd pleaser. We recommend heading to a show! Word of warning: if you have a drink with them things might get a little crazy. But all in the spirit of Rock ‘n’ Roll! The Loved and Lost are one of the bands that impressed us the most. Female vocalist Jordan Quinn blasting out on the microphone from the first second. This is a young band who are a bit rough around the edges, however extremely spirited. The Loved and Lost may be new, but it won’t being until they are snapped up and before long will be huge stars. They play a mix of genres around the Hard Rock spectrum. Kyrbgrinder are another that took us by surprise. It’s not often you get a drummer who is also the lead vocalist. Their set made us stop in our tracks to watch in fascination of their awesomeness. I would recommend Kyrbginder track ‘My Heart Bleeds’ on YouTube. Morgue Orgi gave us a mixture of Death, Thrash, Metal and 80’s computer games - all mixed up into a sweet cup of awesome. Breed 77 headlined the festival showcasing tracks from their backcatalogue. The crowd were extremely enthusiastic! We grew up listening to Breed, they are a band we shall always have on our playlist. Whilst the crowd seemed the annoy lead vocalist Paul Isola at times (with the constant shouting-out) he did mention that he was glad they made it over to headline the festival. It’s important to support new and undeground bands! At this festival we did just that, whilst having a brilliant time! Breaking Bands will return to Bromsgrove on the bank holiday weekend of 27th to 29th May 2016! Acts announced include: Reign of Fury, Evil Masquerade & Blaze Bayley.
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Festival preview
Reading & Leeds
www.readingfestival.com 28th-30th August 2015, Reading / Leeds As well as being the home town of our wonderful editor Vicky, Reading is also the cohost of what is probably the most diverse rock music festival in the U.K. Reading & Leeds share the same line-up - with the days of performance rotating to make it humanly possible. The festival has an amazing history, which is nostalgically displayed on the festi-
Sam Rohde val web pages, all the way back to Reading Festival 1989 and Leeds Festival 1999. Even a quick glance at these shows us that the festival has showcased some of the world’s finest and most iconic Rock and Metal acts. This years festival headliners are Metal veterans Metallica, Folk-Rockers Mumford & Sons and Indie icons, The Libertines. The three dif-
fering headline artists are evidence enough of the aforementioned diversity. Despite being one of the greatest rock festivals around, in recent years we have also seen the introduction of new stages to showcase Dance, Grime, Rap, Hip-Hop and so on. There’s a lot of awesome things going on this year. If you’re a fan of early Gallows and haven’t heard Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes yet, this new incarnation is not to be missed. Hardcore band Feed The Rhino will be bringing carnage upon the main stage, which has seen performances in the past from Bring Me The Horizon for example, who will be re-visiting this year. You’ll find that occasionally bands will play the main stage almost unexpectedly - most of your Hardcore, Metal and Punk can be found at The Lock-Up Stage/The Pit. If you do fancy getting to the main stage early and have yet to discover JPop and Metal hybrid Babymetal, this might be worth a watch. Another glorious tradition is the mix of breakthrough artists playing and ‘legacy’ artists, both of which practically guaranteed to thrown down memorable sets. Two-piece artists such as Royal Blood and Slaves have attracted great popularity recently, female fronted Marmozets will be returning to the festival, amongst many other bands breaking through in their respective musical arenas. Turbowolf will be ready to showcase their new album, as will Cancer Bats, even Atreyu - who are amongst experienced bands playing like New Found Glory, Alexisonfire, Limp Bizkit, Mastodon, and Refused, to name a few.
Festival preview 2000 Trees Festival
www.twothousandtreesfestival.co.uk 9th - 11th July 2015, Upcote Fram, Cheltenham
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escribed by previous headliner Frank Turner as his “favourite UK festival”, 2000 Trees is on a mission to showcase some of the best new and underground rock and indie acts around. Set in the Gloucestershire countryside, more well-established performers headline the two-and-ahalf days alongside a host of up-and-coming talent. If you’re all about sharing muchloved bands and new discoveries in the alternative music scene with around 5000 like-minded souls, it’s definitely the festival for you. East Anglia’s Deaf Havana headline on the Friday, bringing together Springsteen-inspired Americana with a distinctly British feel in their songwriting and delivery. On the Saturday, cultfandom inspiring punk rockers Alkaline Trio bring the festival to a close – expect plenty of singalongs to their best known hits. Elsewhere on the lineup, We Are The Ocean bring their ever-developing sound to the mix and The Subways offer up some highly danceable rock and roll fun. For those looking for something on the heavier side, Bury Tomorrow bring melodic metalcore to the table, Feed The Rhino will certainly shake the Cotswolds ground, and Defeater are also an absolute must-see. There are plenty of lesser-known bands worth checking out across the weekend – if you like ska-infused punk, pay GHOULS a Friday main stage visit, and we also highly recommend you don’t miss out on Nai Harvest, who mix in a 90s feel to their energetic indie-punk tunes. Pop punk fan? Pay a visit to The Cave on Saturday to catch Boston
Milly Youngman Manor for a sound that rivals the US heavyweights. And when you’re in need of a rest after all the excitement, chill out with some of the incredibly talented singer-songwriter types across the bill, including Sam Russo, Jake Isaac and Rebecca Clements. Within a booming UK festival scene, 2000 Trees stands out for its genuine apprecia-
tion of music - something shared by the attendees that flock from across the UK for a lovingly curated weekend of fantastic performances. The early entry tickets for Thursday have already sold out, but you can still grab tickets for the Friday and Saturday (or individual day tickets) for the best music-packed weekend of the summer!
tures ls the animated mis-adven rdist tel e ps aly oc tal Me , all Sm and musician Brendan its blend of dark, absu The brainchild of comedian sful and incompetent metal band, Dethklok. With s has become a tremendous of the worlds most succesce and genuine musical talent, the Adult Swim seriebeen an absolutely torturous humour, outrageous violen world over. Making a list of just ten episodes has ck to just ten) I have had to now, sti hit with heavy metal fans the from every season (and, y’k s de iso ep e lud inc to t or process. In an eff tting entries. exclude some truly sidespli t of Never, ever try to make a lis B) d an lf, se ur yo for ow ting yourself. is, A) Watch the whole sh The best advice I can give des of your favourite TV show. You’ll only end up ha Dane Pavitt your top ten favourite episo
10. Season 2 Episode 5: Dethfashion Dethklok launch their own clothing line, but when they struggle to fit into the prototypes, they attempt to go on a diet. Of course it’s a poorly thought out and impractical diet. Choice quote: “Oh my God! What a horrible – you’re fired by the way!”.
8. Season 1, Episode 6: Dethfam
9. Season 1 Episode 16: Dethkids Toki is sick of being the sweet, kid-appeal member of the band, so he embraces extreme brutality. Meanwhile, Nathan lends his voice to Shakespeare, and Murderface launches his grindcore side-project, Planet Piss. Choice quote: “I totally forgot to press record. But here’s the good news; I’m sorry.”
A talk show host reunites Dethklok with their estranged families, and they are forced to endure a horrific week of domestic meals, shopping trips and mini golf.
7. Season 2, Episode 15: Deth
dad
Choice quote: “I’d rather die than go to heaven.”
6. Season 4, Episode 2: Diversityklo
k
Dethklok have been accused of racism, so they open a community outreach center. Toki starts a special person’s invites club, and Murderface must come to terms with the possibility that his new moustache looks stupid. Choice quote: “How comes you tricked me into dressing up as a banana at the zoo?”
Toki gets the news that his father is and flies to Norway to visit him. Whdying from cancer, ile the band is excited to explore the black metal scene, to terms with his unpleasant upbring Toki has to come ing. Choice quote: “You mean the murder rate in than Norway? Oh my god, that’s Canada is higher lame.”
5. Season 3, Episode 8: Rehabklok Pickles’ drinking has gotten out of control and is shipped of to rehab. While he is away, an autonomous drum machine covers Pickles’ drum duties, but its advanced artificial intelligence causes some unforeseen issues. Choice quote: “VO-MIT.”
4. Season 1, Episode 4: Dethtroll After unleashing a malevolent troll on Finland, Dethklok must sacrifice their brutality and play acoustic ‘grandpa’s guitars’ to send the beast back to sleep, or never again access their high speed phone line. Choice quote: “There’s no such thing as trolls.” “Then how do you explain the dead unicorns?”
2. Season 4, Episode 11: Breakup
3. Season 3, Episode 1: Renovationklok With the looming threat of being cut from their record label for expensive interior design, Dethklok pledge to put on the most expensive concert of all time in the hopes of making their money back on ticket sales.
An outburst from Pickles has lead to the dissolution of Dethklok. The band try their hand at new careers, but fail miserably. The mastermind behind the Tribunal chooses this, their weakest moment, to strike. Choice quote: “I want to thank you all for making my life better with your music.”
Choice quote: “Do you know what goes into making a house a home? F---ing badass concert lighting!”
1. Season 3, Epis
ode 10: Double-
Bookedklok
Careless decision-making concerts in Israel and Sy sees the band double-booked for of war, and Dethklok areria. The rivaling nations are on the brink manager to save the wo forced to reconcile with their furious rld. Choice quote: “This could be the st art of world war 3, wh record sales.” ich will hurt
9
interview
I
Atreyu
Victoria Purcell
Brandon Saller & Porter McKnight
t’s been 6 years since Atreyu were on the tell you what it means. He wants you to figure UK music scene, and now they are back it out for yourself, and the way I see those lywith a killer new single ‘So Others May’ rics, (well the same way Brandon just said, but and are gearing up to release new album also), I see them talking about hospital wor‘Long Live’ in September 2015 via Spinefarm kers, or police men, or anyone who is there to Records and Search and Destroy. help people. We need to be thankful. The band have been off taking some time for VP: They are good lyrics, as people can almost themselves to accomplish other goals they relate to the lyrics with their own things that had in life, and seem to have done a very they have got going on as well, people may good job at it. Read more online at - www. find their own meaning. RAMzine.co.uk. Porter: Yeah you would be surprised how Editor, Victoria Purcell (VP) sat down with many people have a brother or an uncle or Brandon Saller (Drums/Vocals) and Porter a friend that’s been not only served, but has McKnight (Bass) at Search and Destroy HQ to been insanely affected. find out more. VP: Does the album continue with a theme, or VP: Talk us through ‘So others May’? is every song very much individual? Brandon: Well the concept came from a friend Brandon: It’s kind of individual, there is no of Alex’s (lead vocals) who was a coast guard, running theme - although the one thing part of a special dive team. He is a snarly dude! that runs through the album constantly, is He has jumped out of helicopters to save just pure f*cking honesty. Alex has always people that are drowning been a very poetic writer, in the ocean - it’s insane. not vague at all, but very But on the broader spec- “SO OTHERS MAY IS poetic with the way he says trum it caters to our things. There are still those armed forces in general, OUR MOMENT OF JUST elements on this album, but just essentially touching that lyrically this album PAYING RESPECTS“ Iisfeel on the fact that people so much more blunt. It’s a sacrifice their lives, and very real album. their families to go and fight for our country. Porter: Lyrically as a whole, this record is the Not even just in the states everywhere in the best Alex has ever written. He types them world. They literally give up everything to do out, and they kind of just spew out onto an this, and they get hurt and lot of them get tat- ipad as an artist does. I had to go through the tered for life and have life altering things hap- lyrics and make sure everything was right, pen to them. Then they come home and kind and listen to the songs, and write they lyrics of get treated like sh*t. as maybe a fan would. I was shocked, I mean Aside from Alex’s friend I have met tons of I have heard these songs hundreds of times, people like this. There is a great bar in Hun- but when you sit there and you read these lytington Beach called Johnny’s Saloon, it’s a rics, it’s like he fucking nailed it. It’s so impresvery veteran friendly place, and I have met so sive how good he is. many veterans in that bar. There have been Brandon: He touches on stuff in this record, people that have told me they got sent home, like there is a song on the new record called been discharged as their leg got blown off. ‘Moments Before Dawn’ and it is the darkest, They tell me their payments are late every most gut wrenching song I have ever listened month and they can barely afford rent. to. People shine a light on that now and then, There is another song called ‘Live To Labour’ but I don’t think you can shine a light and which is the working man’s F*ck You. You show respect enough. ‘So Others May’ is our listen to it, and it’s just so f*cking real. He is moment of just paying respects to these not trying to beat around the bush, he is just people. laying it out there. I think that people will grab VP: That’s a great meaning and it raises awa- onto that because there is a lot of hit the nail reness. on the head moments with the lyrics. Porter: In Alex’s lyrics he doesn’t really want to VP: It’s great when songs have real solid mea-
nings. It’s great when people can relate. Brandon: Yeah, Alex has always been a writer open to interpretation. He will never tell you what songs are about in interviews, he likes to leave it open. It’s very rare that he would tell you what a song is about. The song can be whatever it needs to be for you, I feel like people will listen to this album and say “I know exactly what you are talking about”. VP: Do you have a favourite track on ‘Long Live’? Brandon: Moments Before Dawn, Live To Labour, and Do You Know Who You Are. Porter: I like 1 though to 12. It’s like choosing a child. They are all brilliant. Although I think ‘Long Live’, is one of my favourites and ‘Reckless’. So the bookends are my favourites 1 and 12. Brandon: ‘Long Live’ is a cool song for us, because we have never written a song for us before. I felt like it was an appropriate time for us to have that. VP: When I think of Atreyu it reminds me of being… well a teen I guess, festival campsites.. Porter: Wellies! Brandon: Snakebites! VP: Yeah! Being at rock clubs and ‘Bleeding Mascara’ being one of the songs you must dance too. The good times! There are so many fans out there - when you first decided that you were going to come back, did you realise how much of a fan base was still out there? Porter: I forgot man, I really forgot. Brandon: That was one of the random things that Dan brought up. Social media is hilariously important these days. When our band stopped touring our Facebook was at about 500 thousand. We stopped touring and after a few years of doing nothing it got to 1.4 million, and we were like “What the f*ck is going on!?” What you don’t realise, well I didn’t realise is that we stopped touring and there might have been people that just started getting into our band as we stopped. Some of them were too young to go to shows and now they are a bit older and starting to go to shows. Their older brothers and sisters are just starting to show them heavy music and they are starting to acquire a taste for an opinion on music. All of those elements bring a mass of people that have never seen us before.
“LYRICALLY AS A WHOLE, THIS RECORD IS THE BEST ALEX HAS EVER WRITTEN“
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Porter: I have seen at least 20 people who back then it was just about like ‘‘oh have said to me “I loved your band and then maybe we could play in Nevada or you stopped, I couldn’t see you then, so I’m Arizona, the next state over’’. Then just so thankful you came back”. we got signed and it was funny beBrandon: The crazy thing is, we did this 10 cause when Atreyu started people year anniversary show and people were like f*cking hated us, we sat at the dork “You guys are this nostalgic thing” and I say table. We weren’t cool at all. that’s very true, but I also just met this 16 year We released multiple EP’s and got old kid who is a newer fan. It’s kinda crazy that signed but it just wasn’t happethe insurgence from both sides has been sur- ning. Then it happened, and out of prising. nowhere it just contented to hapPorter: That’s honestly the ultimate goal for pen. I could never have dreamed any artist ever, to write something that can that I would have accomplished effect someone who is say 10, and someone anything close to what I have, but who is 70. Maybe we aren’t reaching full up to I’m super fortunate for it. Now I just want to 70 yet, it might be a few years before that. But continue to grow and grow and grow, and acthe gambit of our fan base is impressive. complish all these others things that I would Brandon: It’s validating too, because for me have never dreamed of. There is still a bunch we are in a hardcore, punk, metal band. As of sh*t that I won’t even say we want to do, history goes we are not in the timeless genre we will do. of music. It’s not rock, it’s not those simple VP: I have no doubts. What’s the best part things that have been around already, be- about being in Atreyu? cause it hasn’t been around that long, it’s not Brandon: All the chicks man ... just kidding that old. Even metal is not that old. haha. People care about a record we wrote 11 years Porter: I love to travel, and I love to meet ago and that’s really cool and validating. people on those travels. As a photographer When we came back we were surprised and and artist, there is nothing more inspiring pleased, it makes us feel good. for me then doing that whole thing. Playing Porter: It makes me feel two things, very gra- shows and being with my best friends is teful for one - that people still give a f*ck, I f*cking phenomenal, but as a by-product of thank those people. Secondly it makes me that I get to see rad cities like London, and exfeel stoked for the future – whilst people plore. After this I’m going to stay in Edinburgh still care then we are just for 3 weeks, and then Amsgoing to keep writing reand then Brussels, “I WAS ALWAYS JUST terdam cords, and we will all just and then I go home. have fun together. AN IDIOT HARDCORE VP: Do you take your camera Brandon: We have been along with you? KID“ saying this a lot live too, Porter: Yeah everywhere, I just in appreciation of fans that are coming have it right here. out to shows, it’s very simple but it’s like - the Brandon: He is doing all the artwork for the only reason we are here is because your hear new album ‘Long Live’. (the fans). If we didn’t have that we wouldn’t VP: Is it going to be photography? have any reason to come back. We might have Porter: Yeah, digital photography. There is an been like “we should write music together” or image for each member of the band. whatever, but then nobody cared. So it’s nice There was this day, I was working for about 5 to know lots of people still care. or 6 hours on this one image for a certain part VP: There is this whole new generation of of the album art. I was working for so long, people that haven’t even found you yet, and and I tried all these things, and it just wasn’t with playing Reading and Leeds later this year working, the perspective was all wrong. I - more and more people are going to discover was like “Why the f*ck didn’t I just step 3 feet you. over, or turn this way a little bit”. I was so mad, Brandon: Absolutely. Nobody knows what I was like “f*ck this”. I took a break, and then the future holds, but it looks damn bright. 30 minutes later I just start laughing, because VP: When you first started out as a band, sel- I’m going to be back in the exact same spot. I ling EPs did you ever envisage you would be have my computer and my camera, and I will a signed band? go have a pint in the pub, and I will make sure Brandon: I was always just an idiot hardcore it works. It’s done now! kid… After Soundwave, I went to New Zealand by Porter: (whispers) He still is… myself for fun, and I wondered around and I Brandon: Yeah I’m just not a kid, although I am took a sh*t ton of pictures. I climbed a mounvery much a child on the inside. But I feel like tain, and various other bits, and that has en-
ded up now being on the album cover. But I had no idea at the time, I had no goal. I just wanted to take pictures of cool sh*t. All that stuff is now ending up in this album artwork, and stuff from when we like toured in ‘05. You’ll see - its fun. That’s my favourite part of being in Atreyu. Brandon: My favourite part about being a musician in general, but a great part about being in Atreyu is, and this sounds confusing, the moments of completion. I love the moment we finish a song, the moment we record that last guitar in the studio, and I can listen and go “yeah this is what we just did”. I love that last hit on that last song, when you have exhausted every ounce of energy that you have, and you realise what just happened. When we write a song and we realise what we just did, that has been one of the most validating parts of my whole life. Being able to continue to do that. VP: Describe the new album in 3 words. Brandon: We - Can – Not. I don’t want to put a perceived picture of this album in anyone’s head, because the only way for people to understand the album is for them to listen to it and come up with their own conclusion to what this album is. You will know after song 12. Porter: This album is for us, obviously we wanted to make it, but this album is for our fans. I don’t want to tell them that its anything other than what they are going to think it is, as that’s all that really matters. I encourage people to just listen. Download it from the internet, burn it from your friend, buy it in the store, buy it on iTunes - whatever the hell you want, listen to it in your friend’s car. Just let us know what you think. Whatever it is to you, that’s what it’s meant to be. Brandon: Yeah! Let us know what you think! But if I did have to pick 3 words it would be Bad-F*cking-Ass haha. Read more online at www.RAMzine.co.uk
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Reviews
Metal - Prog Metal - Emo - Rock ‘n’ Roll - Rock
Immension
Faces Of Eve
Going Away Party
Palace Of The King
The Graveltones
In Vain
The Story So Far
Going Away Party
White Bird/Burn The Sky
Love Lays Dying
Adam Hemmings Unsigned Immension are a trio from Sheffield England, formed in 2008 with one thing in mind - to rock faces and melt brains, and they do just that. With some meaty riffs that have been well honed and complimented by the impressive drum and air particle destroying bass lines, Immension are exactly as described on the tin. If you’re a fan of In Flames and or Trivium you’re going to have an eargasum. The band sound so refined and tight it’s hard to believe that these guys aren’t already touring the world and taking over festivals. In Vain starts with an aggressively energetic feel. As the first and title track gets going it’s clear that these lads don’t mess around. The production on the album is second to none, the depth and clarity from start to end is mind blowing. The vocals range from great but young to mature and full of experience as can be heard on ‘All that Remains’. Immension will really make you feel like you’re listening to an ‘early’ Metallica / In Flames / Trivium collaboration but with all new material. ‘In The Dead Of Winter’ builds into a rock anthem that will most definitely give a few black eyes in the mosh pit! ‘Love Never Dies’ slows down the tempo but keeps the energy going with a beautiful ballad that is emotional and motivational. Closing the album is ‘The Father You Will Never Be’ and feels very personal, reaching into some dark thoughts with an awesome blend of chorus and gain on the guitars complimented by incredibly brilliant and atmospheric drums. Even though Immension don’t bring anything new to our souls In Vain is commendable, fresh and absolutely worth buying. So go buy it or hide under your stone.
Marcus Wheeler Unsigned Faces of Eve are a four-piece powerhouse of what could be described as - some kind of technical dub-djent, perhaps experimental dubcore; however, within the constraints of real genres, these guys have carved out a nook for themselves by developing their own flavour within the progressive metal genre. There is something about their sound that hints at Porcupine Tree and Panic! At The Disco, these guys really bring something that works extremely well and to run too deeply into comparisons would do them an injustice. I put The Story So Far on for the first time not really knowing what to expect. Three minutes into this EP and I was hooked. I absolutely love their sound, it is tidy, it is crisp , it is punchy and crunchy - this says as much about the production as it does about their sound. They have found a perfect blend between beautifully melodic and face-punch heavy; between balancing simplicity with technical prowess; they artistically blend brutal and dirty elements with soft, delicate and harmonious vocals; and by the Gods, it works so well. The compositions are constructed so well, and the sound & style that runs through each track is so well embedded, that it really is hard to believe that this is a debut release; the EP has been expertly crafted even down to the order of tracks. Try as I might, I cannot fault this release in any way and there is nothing I would change. If I had to pick highlights, I would say that the opener, ‘For My Fallen Heroes’ really sets up the listener for what is to come and the closing track. ‘Dwellers’ left me on a high and desperately wanting more. The Story So Far is a truly excellent release and I promise you will not regret it.
Pagan Hel Disconnect Disconnect Records Hailing from Slough, UK, Going Away Party are set for the release of their debut, self titled album. I must confess, I don’t usually choose Emo but sometimes you have to move out of your comfort zone to see what dangers lurk outside. I am not quite sure what to expect, so this will be a ride and a half, but one must never assume anything where music is concerned. The vocals I have to say are not in my usual style but the band do have a great rhythm attached to their sound on ‘Punk Rock Rick’. However, this is not a punk track what so ever! The next track ‘It Goes On’ again possesses a good fastidious rhythm that wouldn’t sound too out of place on mainstream radio. ‘Stitches’ is no laughing matter as its slower toned structures amble dismally and don’t quite come to any fruition that is worth mentioning. ‘Knocks and Bruises’ sees a harmony between Perry and Jake and isn’t a bad track as the melodies are quite swift and spiced with a little edginess. ‘Quiet Weekend’ contains a good up tempo beat that I have to admit my feet like the sound of. ‘Stay’ is rather a soulless track that drifts aimlessly with uninteresting lyrics and nothing but a few melodies to give it some backbone. ‘Pining’ starts off with new hope that quickly diminishes as it slows to a dirge and doesn’t offer anything to get your teeth into, even when the tempos change it still remains deadly. ‘Paper Planes’ is more of the same. No diversity or anything attention grabbing. Nothing against emo’s but I feel rather disillusioned and disappointed. Nobody can say I didn’t give it a go but it’s not working for me.
Released June 15th 2015
Released 29th June 2015
Released 8th June 2015
Marcus Wheeler Listenable Records. Aussie rock ‘n’ rollers, Palace Of The King, came into being towards the end of 2012; now, in middle of 2015, they bring us their debut album White Bird/Burn The Sky. This remarkably short timescale immediately highlights that there is some serious talent. The album opens with a well executed intro, slowly introducing each element that comprises their overall sound to form the groove of ‘Take Your Medicine’. You very quickly learn that these guys are all about the groove, and, boy, do they groove! They step up the rhythm with ‘No Chance In Hell’ but stay very much within their bluesy, rock ‘n’ roll delivering a track that feels a bit like one of the weaker Deep Purple b-sides - not at all bad, but not one of those track you will actively come back to. We are then draw back down a touch by ‘Another Thing Coming’, which brings the first real hook of the album and delivers another great sing along chorus. From there it’s straight into another catchy groove in the form of ‘Burn My Bridges’, the lyrics of which, I’m sure, most people will be able to relate to and heartily sing along. The next few tracks continue to deliver the same feel good factor and groove that runs throughout the album, each being unique in its own right but sitting very close in terms of feel. There is a cheeky, upbeat aspect to the lyrics - a happy-go-lucky attitude that really comes through and infects the listener. The album finishes up with stonking bluesy number ‘Get Back Up (Burn The Sky)’ being followed by ‘If It Ain’t Broke’ which ties up the album nicely with a classic rock ‘n’ roll ending. This album brings some serious swagger to the table and evokes the same sense of fun-filled listenability that bands like Deep Purple and Aerosmith brought us; definitely one for the collection. Released 2nd June 2015
Andrew Dowling Lagoon Dog Records The Graveltones are back with their third studio offering Love Lays Dying. The band are originally from Australia but upped sticks and moved half way around the planet to London, since then they have rocked Download and toured with the likes of Rival Sons & Monster Truck. The Graveltones have already had their music featured on a well known lipstick commercial and the Irish lottery. Now you know a little more about the Graveltones past here’s what the guys have been up to more recently. This is a 13 track grove laden monster awakens with the world on a string setting. The tone for the album with a bit of the Black Keys thrown in to fool you into thinking that your listing to a different band. ‘This Loves Gonna Break You’ shows of some the bands older influences such as Howling Wolf start to come through in the guitar riffs. ‘Running To You’ gives you a Led Zeppelin feeling with a nice modern Jack White style solo and break down although it might get loud if anyone has watched that music documentary. ‘Never Gonna Let You Go’ is much QOTSA stoner rock feel to it with both guitar and drums repeatedly punching the speakers. ‘Cant Tell A Man’ keeps driving the riffs at a great pace with a bit of white Stripes flavour ending With another great crescendo. ‘In throes’ plays more with space and sound giving you an point to breath for the moment, rolling into a more punky surf influenced ‘I’m a Ghost’ proving that Jimmy can do more than put out dirty riffing. If you happen to be into the Black Keys, QUOSTA, Led Zeppelin, Howling Wolf I would strongly recommend you check out the gravel tones back catalogue and Love Lays Dying. If I say any more, it will kill the point of you listing to it. Released 31st May 2015
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Reviews
Deep Purple
Eskimo Callboy
Thunder
The Loved & Lost
Far Beyond the Sunrise
Long Beach 1971
Crystals
Wonder Days
Into A Dream
Far Beyond the Sunrise
Pagan Hel Ear Music It’s eons ago that DP were in the public eye, well it was nearly 40 years since Purple split, but good to think they are not totally forgotten with this reissue from Ear Music. Some of the artists that were once universally appreciated are gradually slipping from memory, while others are having difficulty keeping up with newer generations, however Purple will always have their loyal followers and remain relevant in today’s society being one of the most influential and successful bands of the 70’s.
Marcus Wheeler Spinefarm Records German Electonicore outfit Eskimo Callboy bring us their third studio album. They expertly intertwine gripping and punchy metalcore elements with melodic posthardcore and electronica; they even throw in some cheeky dubstep elements. They get struck straight in with ‘Pitch Blease’ and maintain the same levels of ferocity and fun that make this album so listenable. Their general theme of drink, party and screw carries though the material which contrasts the brutality of the metalcore.
Stuart Iversen Ear Music Whether it’s the galloping riffs of ‘The Prophet’ or the arms in the air ballad ‘Broken’, Thunder prove time after time on Wonder Days that they still have it. They may no longer be as cool as they once were, but they are still one hell of a rock and roll band. What some people might dismiss as age, instead comes out as experience. This Thunder line up have been together, minus the occasional break, since 1996 and you can feel how tight they are on this album.
Adam Hemmings Unsigned Upon a first listen after hearing them live I could tell that within the two years post recording, they have ironed out the nerves and become almost militant with song structure. Jordan (Vocals) has some incredibly powerful lungs for such a small girl! Able to hit notes and sustain for an impressive bombardment of pure excitement in every song. The band have an average age of about 20 and already show signs of a more experienced group of very talented musicians.
Pagan Hel Famined Records These five guys are pure geniuses as well as being serious musicians who have produced an amazing hardy 5-Track E.P that is rhythmically addictive. The softer moments allow us to catch a glimpse into the other side of the bands varying nature and prove they are not all screechy and gruff for the sake of being screechy and gruff - they do hold a sweeter side and have thrown these little off shoots into the mix in a very subtle way. Each one holds its own tell-tale adventure.
Golers South Mountain Style
Pagan Hel
Unrest Records It’s typical for a metal band with punk edged blends to want to choose a name that shocks and Golers are no exception to the rule. (see RAMzine.co.uk) Their particular brand of crossover thrash and punk works equally well by creating a shocking barrage of extreme madness. Each track boasts its own theme of descriptive ‘tongue in cheek’ muses that scream of vengeful aggression. It is no surprise that the track titles will cause you to smirk especially at the title ‘Slippin’ on Urine’ that conjures up a really funny image in the mind, although the song itself is quite scarring with its evil fast and lurid tones. The music embraces its punk theme and exploits it to the full. Together they breed stupendously rousing rhythms that fuse with constant beats and flavoured emotions. The energy they exude is typical and so not covering any new ground but despite that the band have produced a core of powerful tracks that reach boiling point in an instant. The track ‘Golers’ starts off in a hillbilly style straight from the South and soon turns into a mutantion of scarring rhythms that fascinate and hold an extremely aggressive streak. If you love crossover thrash with punk edge then ‘Golers’ are the way forward!
The Great Discord Duende
Pagan Hel
Metal Blade Records The Aging Man is rather a mournful track, opening with a feint heartbeat that guides it through its amble, however, it certainly bucks up a bit further on and Fia’s fascinating vocal takes over. Deus Ex Homine is the next track on the album, it lingers with twisted rhythms of seduction. Eigengrau a flavoursome track that boasts a fast confrontation and urgent vocal edge with plenty of melodic teasing. L’homme Mauvais this hosts a captivating charm that brews a potent rhythm and is continually appealing that slows gently and drifts mesmerically. Selfæta is one of those tracks that immediately sends chills down the spine and smacks with poignant lures. Its dark presence is sinister and edgy. A Discordant Call underlining this track is a horrifying voice that is incoherent but none the less quite scary. The track itself broods a malevolent chaos that chills. Woes produces some whispers that are unsettling and unusual. It pulsates with dark and emotional ambiance. Angra Mainyu starts off with an ambient one note keyboard rhythm that sounds haunting and then it turns into a loaded gun that fires dramatically. The urgent vocal appears once more and takes the track to newer levels that are a swirl of challenging and sweet sophistication. Illuminate starts off with a beautiful keyboard array and then bursts into a powerful and unexpected melodic scenario. Ephemeral has a laid back approach that is spurred on by seductive frets, giving a glimpse of intrigue and immersive consumption that swamps with keen anticipation. This is one powerfully adept album that creeps up and totally mesmerizes with awe inspiring rhythms that haunt and tease. Fia’s voice is captivating and has that pull that draws you closer into her world, reinforcing the dark dynamics of the band as a whole. I wasn’t overly enamoured at the beginning but now I am a true believer!
14
Reviews
Neale McGeever
Coal Chamber
sounding pretty similar by track Rivals including the spoken word break (‘Orion’). And we’re not even Napalm Records halfway through the album. It’s been 13 years since the Californian nu-metal What follows is ‘Another Nail band’s last album ‘Dark Days’ and the rock industry is In The Coffin’ again a solid an entirely different ball game to what it was in 2002. performance, in the vein of Are Coal Chamber still relevant in 2015 or would fans Soulfly. All tracks so far are on prefer to hear another DevilDriver album from vocalist par with each other. Even the Dez Fafara? most passionate fan of Dez Fafara The intro track ‘IOU Nothing’ is like something from a and co. would agree this album 2001 WWE PPV -which isn’t a bad thing when nu-metal wasn’t worth taking a break from is concerned. It’s almost a cross between Motorhead DevilDriver for. ‘Over My Head’ and Alice Cooper via Rob Zombie. A great set-up for wins the award for most energetic the rest of the album. ‘Bad Blood Between Us’ drops a track on the album. Something gear and is like a slow plod of a Machine Head-lite track we we expect when listening to a and really shouldn’t have been the second track on the Coal Chamber album. album. When all is said and done: This ‘Light In The Shadows’ is more what we expect from is a Coal Chamber album. What Coal Chamber and could easily be something Maria did we expect? So what if the Brink could cover. This is the highlight of the album tracks are all same-y and a little so far. Although I have been calling Coal Chamber a tiresome. They are still the same ‘nu metal’ band here, there and everywhere: a lot of Coal Chamber who disbanded fans might disagree with this label as this means they in 2003 and re-united in 2011. are under the same umbrella as Korn and Limp Bizkit. Life-long fans will love this album, Some have called them ‘spookycore’ (your guess is but like other nu-metal bands of good as mine) or ‘industrial’ which makes more sense the day - casual listeners may get especially as Ministry front-man Al Jorgensen appears bored easily. on the track ‘Suffer in Silence’ which is another return to form and is nearest to the band’s heyday of ‘Me Loco’ Released: 22nd May 2015 et al. Even so, Jorgensen doesn’t need to be here. The unexpected instrumental ‘Dumpster Dive’ certainly stands out, even if it isn’t necessary to the album. Yet it serves as a break between the many tracks which start
Torous Dried Bones
Unsigned After a fairly constant gigging regime, and some really great singles including ‘Crow Road’ and more recently ‘Sovereign Son’, Torous felt it was time to create a body of work. Their debut EP Dried Bones is according to Lead Singer/Guitar Player Marc Malone, “the music we have been building towards since before we even started the band”. The 5 tracks in total, led by the title track ‘Dried Bones’, will be released worldwide on June 27th and until then, it can be heard on various radio stations and on the band’s website. Whilst we were doing a few promo shots for the Dried Bones EP, Marc explained that the band has been gaining good exposure (for an unsigned band) on radio in the US and Canada. ‘Dried Bones’ was inspired by the Bible believe it or not. I was going by a Church and saw the ‘Proverb 17:22 - A
Lisa Billingham cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones’. I was inspired largely because I have been struggling with my own emotional and spiritual issues I guess and it reminded me that ultimately Joy is the best gift we are given and when we are crushed by the outside world or our warped perception of ourselves, it feels like we’ve ‘caught dried bones’ as the chorus goes. Like we have caught a disease but one we can’t quite put our finger on. The EP artwork, courtesy of Marc’s good friend and Artist extraordinaire Peter Tinkler [www.Petertinkler. com], embodies the concept of the Single/EP fantastically says the band. Having watched Marc and the band progress over the past few years, it is evident that their music has become more robust, holding on to strong Celtic Hard Rock and Hard Rock traditions with a melodic and heavier touch. Dried Bones is certainly a work to be proud of and
as mentioned earlier you can certainly hear the progression Marc, Tom and GMT have made. All self-penned and full of guts and determination… something to be very proud of. First single off Dried Bones is self-titled ‘Dried Bones’ and due out on 27 May with the EP launch show scheduled for 27 June at the O2 Academy 3 in Birmingham.
Issue 4 ly u J t u o 2015!