Firebrand's Rock & Metal Express Issue 3

Firebrand Rock & Metal Express

The Picturebooks Ethan Carter III Rockstar spud The Answer Placebo The Quireboys Danny Vaughn & Dan Reed Issue 2 - Price = Free

2

The past month has been hectic behind the scenes for Firebrand to say the least.

interesting time ahead for team Firebrand.

In terms of the new magazine we have A lot of you would have hopefully heard that included a new trail section on pro wrestling, our illustrious Tasselled leader is bringing the it’s too early to predict if it will be an ongoing radio side of Firebrand back with a date feature yet but we thought that we would kick scheduled of May 1st for its re-invention. things off in style and to launch the feature we have interviews with TNA superstars Why bring the radio back? Well only the Ethen Carter 3 and Rock Star Spud.

Tasslled one can truly answer that but to say that we have been overwhelmed by the We also have our usual scattering of amount of requests for it to come back is an interviews, live reviews and much more that understatement to say the least , and you have came to expect from us. rumour has it that some of the original djs that made Firebrand Rock Radio what it was Enjoy might be making reappearances. With backing from Videscape its going to be an

Editor In Chief Rick Palin Magazine Editor Lee Walker Senior Media Consultant Rachel Whiston Contributors Paul Charlton Reg Richardson Download Contents Team Judith Fisher Rick Palin Reviewers Aaron Price Graham Pritchard Gavin Griffiths Joey Lowebins Phil Kane Rob Birtley Stephen Brophy

Telephone +44(0)207 0978556 Review Submissions reviews@firebrandrr.co.uk Advertising Enquiries sales@firebrandrr.co.uk News Submissions News@firebrandrr.co.uk Editor Contact lee@firebrandrr.co.uk Gig Submissions reviews@firebrandrr.co.uk

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

3

Page 44 Jettblack Plain White T’s Page 45 Kyle Gass Band Von Hertzen Brothers Page 46 Mother’s Finest Page 47 Kamelot Whiskydick Page 48 Zodiac Page 49 Serious Black Peterik & Scherer Page 50 Kiske & Sommerville Page 51 Joe Bonamassa Page 52 Moxy Page 53 Chris Bevington Page 54 Awoilnation Prong Page 56 Santa Cruz Signum Regis Page 57 Within silence DSG (David Shankle Group) Page 58 Civil War Page 59 Moonspell Orden Ogan

Page 10 Page 18 Page 20 Page 24 Page 32 Page 34

The Answer The Answer Placebo The Quireboys Lordi Danny Vaughn & Dan Reed

Page 05 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 60 Page 64

News Top 5 Videos Top 5 Covers Ringside Roulette Games Dungeon Gig Listing

Page 18

Page 38

Page 14 Page 40 4

Delain On European Headlining-Tour In Autumn 2015!

After an intensive European tour with Sabaton and Battlebeast earlier this year and while the band are currently on tour in the US with Nightwish, Dutch Symphonic Metal sensation Delain has confirmed a headlining-tour in autumn with stops in the European hot-spots of France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary. This special European tour will start at the end of October and wind up in early November. Delain are definitely ready to take over!

As special guest on this run, two of Holland's finest musicians Ayreon mastermind Arjen Lucassen and vocalist Anneke van Giersbergen have united for a new project dubbed The Gentle Storm!

Anneke will take The Gentle Storm including their new album on the road backed by well known Dutch talents. Arjen, however, will not be part of the live production.

This tour will not only enthral Symphonic Metal fans, but also listeners new to the genre!

Extremely catchy refrains, bewitching hooks and melodies, symphonic bombast and of course a good dose of Metal – that’s Delain and that’s how Symphonic Metal will sound in 2015!

Find all upcoming Delain headlining-tour dates below and make sure to get your tickets fast!

For More Info Visit: www.delain.nl www.facebook.com/delainmusic www.napalmrecords.com

www.facebook.com/ napalmrecords Conan announce UK headline tour in June!

Conan have announced an eleven date UK tour that kicks off in Edinburgh on June 5, 2015.

The band comment: As we gear up to record the follow up to Blood Eagle, we welcome you to join us on our only run of UK shows in 2015. See you at the front. - Jon - Chris - Rich Conan have quickly built a reputation as being one of the heaviest bands in the blossoming UK sludge scene today, and with good reason. Their live shows have become infamous for their bowel rupturing volume and supreme heaviosity, so if you’ve never had the chance to have your eardrums pulped by the band’s monolithic riffs in the flesh, then this is one tour you certainly won’t want to miss out on!

BUY ‘Blood Eagle’ here!

Freedom Call - New Album 666 Weeks Beyond Eternity Released April 27th On SPV Freedom Call, Germany’s premier Melodic Metal band, are set to re-release their landmark album ‘Eternity’ as a very special edition double DigiPak CD, on April 27th on Steamhammer / SPV, 666

5

weeks after its original genesis in 2002. In celebration of this ‘hellish’ anniversary, ‘Eternity’ has been completely re-mastered, and comes with a host of bonus material, including nine different versions of songs on ‘Eternity’, a brand new studio track ‘666 Weeks Beyond Eternity’, plus a 16 page booklet. Furthermore, the album has been repackaged in a brand new cover and artwork, created by Jens Reinhold (Evergrey, Virgin Steele, Kingdom Come), based on the original sleeve design by Paul A. Gregory (Saxon).

Immediately following the release, Freedom Call embark on a European tour as special guests of Sonata Arctica, calling in to the UK to play London 02 Islington Academy on May 1st.

After unleashing their highly rated studio album ‘Beyond’ in February 2014, Freedom Call set off on their ‘Light Over The Beyond’ tour round Europe, dropping in to the UK to headline London’s Barfly on March 22nd. Record Collector’s Joe Geesin reviewed the gig in the June 2014 issue, stating that “The Barfly was heaving to the rafters for Germany’s Freedom Call, more used to playing major venues. The new line-up fronted by guitarist vocalist Chris Bray still offer power metal at its most uplifting, opener ‘Union Of The Strong’ (from the new ‘Beyond’, embodying their trademark vocal harmonies and twin guitars. After 15 years, it’s hard to believe that they aren’t better known, tracks from their debut ‘Stairway to Fairyland’ (notably ‘We Are One’) mixing perfectly with the latest opus, its title track standing out. Other

highlights included ‘Farewell’ and the epic ‘The Quest’, complete with piano intro. The 75 minute set entertained from start to finish, warranting much greater exposure.”

‘Beyond’, which marked the return of founding member, bassist Ilker Ersin, and the addition of drum wizard Ramy Ali, was awarded 8/10 by Powerplay’s Sam Khaneka, who stated in the March 2014 issue that “In the way that only Freedom Call can manage, the entirety of their latest, ‘Beyond’, exudes joy like nothing else, with elation essentially being the theme of every song. Sure, there are a couple of moments where the band delve into a slightly heavier mindset, not least on the storming ‘Heart Of A Warrior’, but then ‘heavy’ by the Call’s standards is still ridiculously upbeat…Of particular note is the fact that Freedom Call have attempted to move out of their comfort zone with a title track stretching close to eight minutes in length, there’s just enough stylistic variation to the arrangement to keep it interesting – even if it’s not quite as immediately captivating as the rest of the album. On the other hand, ‘Dance Of The Devil’ shows the band channeling a slightly culturally-infused rhythm, with the result being a track that sounds like a heavy metal version of The Lion King. It’s a real highlight, and both songs add a slightly different element to an album of solid and unabashedly upbeat power metal.”

666 Weeks Beyond Eternity Steamhammer / SPV 27 April 2015 *Steamhammer / Spv- New Cd Release* Release date Scandinavia: April 22nd, 2015 Release Date Germany April 24th , 2015 Release Date Europe: April 27th , 2015 Release Date USA/Canada: April 28th , 2015

The Crinn Announce Release Date For 'Shadowbreather'‫‏‬ Minnesota’s experimental tech-metal extremists, The Crinn, have confirmed the official release date for their forthcoming full length album, Shadowbreather!

The long awaited follow up to 2010's Dreaming Saturn, Shadowbreather will finally be released to fans on April 28, 2015 via The Crinn‘s official Bandcamp!

The Crinn had the following to say about finally being able to release Shadowbreather to their longtime diehard fans: "Hello friends and fans! We couldn’t possibly be any happier to announce the release of our new album, Shadowbreather, which is confirmed and set to be released via Bandcamp at midnight on April 28th, 2015! Our sole purpose with this album was to create a kick-ass heavy Crinn record for you all to enjoy, and we definitely believe that Shadowbreather will fulfill that objective. This album was mostly self-recorded by Cole at his personal studio and also recorded, mixed, and mastered with our good friend Adam Tucker at Signature Tone Recordings, which makes this his 4th with us. Also, the plan for now is for this to be a digital only self release, although if we can raise enough money from album sales, we would really like to do a limited vinyl run for all you collectors and vinyl junkies! So please save the date and help us out by picking up the album on April 28th! A massive thanks to everyone who has supported us throughout the years, as this release will celebrate a decade of The Crinn! Cheers!"

Over the last several months, The Crinn have reinstated their presence on the web and social media, releasing 2 brand new tracks back to back last October, kicking things off with the release of 'Silent Betrayer' and immediately following that up with 'Endless,' which premiered via No Clean Singing. The third track, 'Burn The Widow,' was exclusively

6

released on December 25, 2014 as part of Heavy Blog is Heavy's Heavy Comp is Heavy Vol. 2, which can be downloaded for Free at this location.

All 3 tracks are now available for streaming via The Crinn's official Bandcamp page, and 'Silent Betrayer' and 'Endless' can also be streamed via the band's Official YouTube Channel.

Stay tuned to The Crinn's Facebook page for more updates and details over the next few weeks including a Free full album stream of Shadowbreather, leading up to the album's official release on April 28, 2015.

2014 marks a decade of existence for The Crinn, having formed during August of 2004 in St. Paul, MN. From it's inception, the band decided to use an explorative writing style, without concern for genre exclusivity due to their frustration with the average and mundane, breakdown oriented metal scene.

Their mixture of technical riffs, off-time grooves and jarring transitions has led to the band being labeled as mathcore, techmetal, techgrind, jazzmetal and even noodlegrind. Fans of The Dillinger Escape Plan and Psyopus owe it to themselves to give The Crinn a listen!

For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/ thecrinn http://thecrinn.bandcamp.com/ https://twitter.com/TheCrinn The Crinn YouTube

Spinefarm Finland announces signing of Danish rockers Essence‫‏‬ Essence are a Danish metal band with roots in thrash metal, formed in 2005. The band consists of four young guys Lasse, Nikolaj, Mark Mark & Rasmus. Their debut album, ‘Lost in Violence’ (produced

by Søren Andersen), was released in 2011, and their second album,

‘Last Night Of Solace’ (produced by Peter Tägtgren), came out in 2013.

The band have shared the stage with acts such as Entombed, In Flames & Megadeth, touring heavily throughout Europe.

Blessed & Possessed at Studio Fredman, with Fredrik Nordström and Henrik Udd at the helm of the desk. These days Jens Bogren laid final touches to the song, mastering the album at Fascination Street.

"We have just had the Their 2013 album was nominated pleasure to listen to the mastered for a Metal Hammer Award and album for the very first won the Rock The Nation Award; time" reports Matthew Greywolf. they were also honoured with a "We're more than proud and Culture Award from the Danish satisfied with the result, and yet government, presented by the can hardly believe to have finished mayor. this intense production. Both Their 3rd album, the first Fredrik Nordström and Jens for Spinefarm, is currently being mixed, and signals the beginning of Bogren did killer jobs giving these songs exactly the sound they a new era… need."

"We are extremely proud to Blessed & Possessed will be be part of the Spinefarm family! released in July via Napalm We have seen Spinefarm as an Records. inspiration ever since we started Powerwolf will playing, dreaming of what it would present Blessed & Possessed live be like to work with them one day. at their "Wolfsnächte Tour 2015": It truly felt like that dream had For More Info Visit: come true when we signed the deal! They are hardworking music www.powerwolf.net www.facebook.com/ lovers who believe that quality powerwolfmetal beats quantity any day. We are honoured to share our songs and www.napalmrecords.com www.facebook.com/ visions with the single most napalmrecords Awe-Fukn-Some label ever!" – Essence Head of A&R for Spinefarm Finland/Universal Finland, Euge Sirenia Unleash First Single and Valovirta, also commented: “The Music Video From Upcoming album is sounding f**ing amazing.

Album The Seventh Life Path!

Really fresh with great songs, great hooks, great playing etc. God damn, I’m excited!”

Essence are: Lasse Skov – lead vocals, rhythm guitar Mark Drastrup – lead guitar Rasmus Kalke – bass Nikolaj Kjaergaard – drums For more info visit: When Sirenia mastermind Morten https://www.facebook.com/ Veland starts composing, one EssenceMetal https://www.youtube.com/user/ thing is for sure: the Norwegian pours his heart and soul into a OfficialEssenceMetal www.essencemetal.bigcartel.com brand new escapist masterpiece!

Sirenia invite the listener on a cinematic journey with their new Powerwolf – Have Finished Mix album The Seventh Life Path. This Of Upcoming Album Blessed & amazing new album is comfortably nestled between gothic metal and Possessed! symphonic grandeur.

Powerwolf have just finished the Today Sirenia presents the mix of their upcoming album

7

first single and video from the album “Once My Light”. View the video here!

The Seventh Life Path is a must-have for all lovers of the female fronted symphonic metal genre – and for everyone looking to leave their gray daily routine behind with remarkable and unforgettable melodies. Available from May 11th in the UK & May 12th US/CAN on Napalm Records!

For More Info Visit: www.sirenia.no www.facebook.com/sirenia www.napalmrecords.com www.facebook.com/ napalmrecords Civil War Release Music Video For Track “Bay Of Pigs”!

The finest Swedish Heavy Metal that’s what Civil War stands for!

This breathtaking six-piece features former members of Sabaton and Astral Doors. Their forthcoming release Gods And Generals is the band’s latest masterpiece following their successful debut Killer Angels in 2013. Gods And Generals features galloping heavy metal riffs that melt into epically sweeping melody lines, which serve as an opus magnum filled to the brim with anthems.

Civil War has released the brand new music video for the track

“Bay Of Pigs” from the new album Gods And Generals (11th in the UK & May 12th US/CAN on Napalm Records)!

Get ready and be prepared for a Civil War in 2015 with a new masterpiece full of catchy melodies & heavy metal arrangements!

of Product Of Hate tour dates together with Alleagaeonand The Agonist! Product Of Hate has also been confirmed as direct support for the 20th Anniversary Hatebreed concert set for May 7th in Milwaukee, WI. For More Info Visit: www.productofhate.com www.facebook.com/ productofhateofficial www.napalmrecords.com www.facebook.com/ napalmrecords

Known for being a member of Manowar between 1988 and 1994, David Shankle remains a world renowned super shred guitarist and instructor for all true metal fans - as heard by the upcoming third full-length offering by his band, DSG, titled 'Still A Warrior.’ To be released on April 24th in Germany and April 28th For More Info Visit: worldwide via Pure Steel Records, www.civilwar.se the ten-track album is sure to www.facebook.com/ please long-time fans of the Civilwarsweden fleet-fingered talents of Shankle. www.napalmrecords.com "I'm very happy to say that I www.facebook.com/ feel this is the best DSG record to napalmrecords My Sleeping Karma – Release date," says Shankle. "I also feel this First Snippets Of Upcoming is the best DSG band out of all Album Moksha! three of them so far. I'm very Product Of Hate – Premiere New Lyric Video For “As Your Be It One Of Their Live Shows, Be It proud of everyone of these guys Kingdom Falls”!

One Of Their Albums: Germans My great job they did on the record."

Joining Shankle in DSG are vocalist Sleeping Karma Never Fail To Warren Halvarson, bassist Mike Create A Unique Streicher, and drummer Gabriel And Hypnotic Score Of Epic Anthony. "With new singer Proportions That Is Bound To Warren Halvarson, new bass Send The Listener On Deep player Mike Streicher, and our new Mental Journeys. On Their Fifth Album Moksha, The Instrumental drummer Gabriel Anthony, this is by far the Best line up to date."

Groove Rockers Show Us Their For 13 years, Shankle has Most Varied Side: Blusterous been enjoying a solo career, as Waves Of Riffs Embrace Fragile evidenced by the two alMelody Lines, While Eastern Hailing from the Kenosha, bums, 'Ashes To Ashes' (2003) Mysticism Has Its Own Distinct Wisconsin area, Product Of and 'Hellborn' (2007). And 'Still A Place Alongside Ghostly Sound Hate have been crafting their Warrior' does not disappoint, as it Shivers That Lead Eternal vicious blend of groove, thrash, features both metallic anthems Rhythms To New Horizons. and new-wave metal for the past (the title track) and instrumentals First Tasty Snippets Of The few years. Their upcoming studio ("The Hitman") with such guest album will be released via Napalm Upcoming Album Moksha Can Be artists as Michael Angelo Batio, Records later this year! For now, Found In The Napalm Records Joe Stump, and Parker Lundgren Online Store. check out the premiere of their from Queensryche. Also, the Moksha Is Set To Be lyric video for the song “As Your Released Via Napalm Records On "Demonic Solo” (from the movie Kingdom Falls.

'Jezebeth') is being hailed as one of June 1st In The Uk & June 6th the fastest guitar solos in the Us/Can! Before The Album world.

Release My Sleeping Karma Are Hitting The Road Near You. Check Out Their Tour Dates Here: For More Info Visit: www.mysleepingkarma.com www.facebook.com/ mysleepingkarma Sharing the stage with some www.napalmrecords.com www.facebook.com/ of the biggest bands in metal including Testament, Lamb Of God, napalmrecords Gwar, Chimaira, Unearth, Meshuggah, Job For A Cowboy & Former Manowar Guitarist David Lazarus A.D., Product Of Hate is Shankle Returns With DSG And now set to take on the world.

New Album‫‏‬ Below is the current list

8

Shankle: "I think the new DSG record, 'Still A Warrior,' is a combination of the best from the 'Ashes to Ashes' and 'Hellborn' CD's. A lot of great melodic vocals and full neo-classical shred guitar in your face. .” 'Still A Warrior' confirms: friends of US metal with a classical shred guitar influences will completely be satisfied by their old hero again! www.davidshankle.com www.facebook.com/dave.shankle www.twitter.com/ DavidShankleDSG www.reverbnation.com/ dsgdavidshanklegroup www.myspace.com/ dsgdavidshanklegroup

New Welcome To Bone City Album Released April 20th on SPV “Mixing in rock, punk and metal with their rock’n’fuckin roll hearts, Spitfire bring it on full steam with raw whiskey vocals, addictive crooning harmonies and guitars that have so much soul they could break the heart of an angel on highly catchy songs like ‘City Of The Sinners’, ‘Take My Throne’ and ‘King Kerosin’. Spitfire take the best of the Misfits, Reverend Horton Heat and The Meteors and mix it into a fireball mixture that could shoot a hot rod to Mars!”

(Shan Siva, battlehelm.com, reviewing Spitfire’s debut album ‘Devil’s Dance’, April 2013.)

New young German 100% pure rock ‘n’ roll trio Spitfire, who burst out of the starting blocks with their visceral debut, ‘Devil’s Dance’ album in 2013, are now set to unleash the even more impressive follow up, ‘Welcome To Bone City’, on SPV’s Rookies and Kings label on April 20th.

‘Welcome To Bone City’, packed with 15 new groove-laden, dirty, hard driving kick-ass rockers, effortlessly picks up from where ‘Devil’s Dance’ left off, leaping and bounding even higher, both musically and lyrically, than its predecessor.

Once again melding Punk Rock, Metal, Rockabilly and Southern Rock into their own unique, irresistible musical concoction, Spitfire take their listeners on an eventful journey through the sinister streets and dirty alleys of ‘Bone City’, a once thriving metropolis. Long gone are the times of blooming casinos and glittering high class hotels, and wealth, glory and glamour have been replaced by the search for a better home amidst the chaos of tough guys, easy girls, unarmoured heroes and the queen of the night.

Spitfire instinctively invoked the loud, wild, primal spirit of Rock’N’Roll, channeling it straight from their hearts, when they created ‘Welcome To Bone City’, an irresistible collection of full throttle, asphalt kicking, utterly uplifting anthems.

FISH announces 30th anniversary tour of Misplaced Childhood‫‏‬ Scottish singer, songwriter and ex-Marillion frontman FISH has announced a run of UK headline shows in December where he will play Marillion’s 1985 chart-topping albumMisplaced Childhood in full for the very last time, ahead of releasing his final-ever album next year.

The ‘Farewell To Childhood’ tour starts in Sweden in June and takes in a huge array of shows and festivals across Europe and even further afield, with a very special performance in Marrakech planned, before coming to the UK for two festivals – the legendary Cropredy in Cambridge on 14th August and the inaugural Midstock in Fish’s hometown of Dalkeith on 12th September.

These two shows will be the only chance to catch Fish playing outdoor festivals in the UK, ahead of the more intimate theatrical shows in December.

The eight British headline dates will begin at Bristol’s O2 Academy on December 3rdand

9

will finish with a triumphant show at the O2 ABC, Glasgow on December 13th. Full details of the UK dates are listed below.

The ‘Farewell To Childhood’ tour marks the 30th anniversary of Marillion’s career-defining, multi-platinum selling third album, which spawned the hit singles ‘Kayleigh’, ‘Lavender’ and ‘Heart Of Lothian’, and follows the release of the most recent solo album from FISH - A Feast Of Consequences. was hugely acclaimed by critics and prompted FISH to reflect on his greatly influential time in music during the sold-out headline tour that surrounded its release. He came to the conclusion that he would retire from music to pursue other projects – but not without revisiting his most famous work, and creating one final album, which will be released in 2016 before FISH finally hangs up his microphone.

“I started to consider my future and I came to the decision it was time for a major change in my life,” says FISH. “A plan was required that fulfilled all my needs and desires and gave me an exit strategy where I could have fun and give the fans of my music a celebration rather than a wake.”

“The first part of the plan begins this year with my last performances of the 1985 album ‘Misplaced Childhood’ that catapulted Marillion and me to fame. It holds a lot of memories

from a period that was very exciting and crammed with experiences both dark and magical. The lyrics on that album hold a very special meaning to me as they were written by a young man on the cusp of fame and dealt with a lot of personal issues. It was not only a breakthrough album for the band but also for me as an artist because I was finally discovering my own individual style as a lyricist and singer. To be performing it on its 30th anniversary has a lovely resonance.”

FISH has also announced the release of seven re-mastered and repackaged solo albums. The first four – Sunsets On Empire (1996), Raingods With Zippos (1998), Fellini Days (2001) and Field Of Crows (2004) – will be available for pre-order in May and released in July. Internal Exile (1991), Songs From The Mirror (1993) and Suits (1994) will follow at the end of 2015.

Each release of these albums will be the definitive 3CD versions containing demos, live recordings and rare exclusive material. Each album will be housed in a unique hardback book with 48 pages of sleeve notes, lyrics, artwork and photographs – packaging designed by the award winning Mark Wilkinson.

With a musical history that spans over 30 years, and a live show that is hugely acclaimed and respected by critics, the ‘Farewell To Childhood’ tour will be one of the most un-missable episodes of FISH’s long and remarkable career.

Seven more bands for Bloodstock’s Sophie Stage!‫‏‬

Can you feel the festival season creeping up?! Soon, very soon it will be time to pack up your tent and your Viking drinking horn, then you and your mates will be thrashing your way to Catton Park for Bloodstock 2015! With 17 weeks to go, here’s another 7 head-banging additions to the Sophie Lancaster stage.

Crash landing into Friday’s Sophie line-up are London-based metallers, I AM I. Fronted by ZP Theart (formerly of Dragonforce), I AM I are currently hard at work on their new album and follow up to their ‘Event Horizon’ debut. Check out their website at http:// www.iamiofficial.com/ for video updates! Also rocking up the bill are Hang The Bastard, the stoner groove road dogs who recently released second album, ‘Sex In the Seventh Circle’ via Century Media and opened for Corrosion of Conformity on their UK tour. Check out the ‘Sex In The Seventh Circle’ video at: https:// www.youtube.com/watch? v=zvYvGo2CBxw. British thrash Stalwarts Re-Anumatorgrab themselves a slot too, after reforming in 2013 after a 20-year break. Wrap your ears round ‘Low Life’ from their ‘Condemned To Eternity’ album here: https:// www.youtube.com/watch? v=TTDUUHTkcyo. Hard rock riff-monsters, Fire Red Empress also land a spot. You can listen to their recent ‘Paint Me The Devil’ EP over at http:// fireredempress.bandcamp.com/ album/paint-me-the-devil-ep. Last (for this announcement), but not least, Denmark’s HEXIS also bring their unique blend of hardcore and black metal doom to Friday’s line up. Friday is topped out by previously announced headliners, Delain!

Rock n’ roll tearaways Jettblack will be Saturday night’s main support to Sophie stage headliners, Fleshgod Apocalypse. With their brand new album, ‘Disguises’ out this week, Jettblack are coming out all guns blazing with a bunch of fresh tunes! Check out some album

10

clips over at http:// www.jettblackuk.com/.

Irish metal three-piece, Dead Label also join Sunday’s bill on the Sophie stage. Their new album, ‘Throne of Bones’ is set for release soon. Follow their news over at https://www.facebook.com/ DeadLabel.

Tickets for Bloodstock 2015 are available via the 24hr ticketline at 0871 230 5584 or online at http:// bloodstock.seetickets.com/event/ bloodstock-2015/cattonpark/809956, priced at the very reasonable £135 (plus booking fee) for a four-day Thursday through Sunday weekend ticket with camping. VIP packages and upgrades are also available, plus pre-booked car parking pitches. Camper van pitches are now all Sold Out! All these killer bands are already announced! Friday’s headliner Trivium and special guests Sabaton, Saturday’s headliner Within Temptation and special guests OPETH, Sunday’s headliner Rob Zombie and special guests Black Label Society, Plus Cannibal Corpse, Ihsahn, Sepultura, Orange Goblin, Death T.A, Nuclear Assault, 1349, Napalm Death, Dark Angel, Armored Saint, Belphegor, Overkill, Ensiferum, Agalloch, Korpiklaani, Pro-Pain, Enslaved, Raging Speedhorn, Xerath And Wolf. Plus over on the Sophie Lancaster stage, there’s headliners Delain, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Godflesh And Arnocorps, Lawnmower Deth, Mordred, Ethereal, Onslaught, Oaf, Conan, Planet Of Zeus, Godsized, plus many more and, there’s even more bands to be announced in the coming weeks!

Bloodstock will be held at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 6th-9th August 2015. Keep up to date with the very latest info on Bloodstock’s official sites at www.facebook.com/ bloodstock and www.bloodstock.uk.com.

11

OX from

Interviewed by Lee Walker So I'm here with Ox from fiendish played in the contest?

Finnish shock rockers Lordi on No I don't think so, it was a big shock, and that was one of the their scare force one tour.

How’s the tour been so far?

It's going very well. It's a long tour that we've had so far but it's been very good.

As a member of Lordi, I believe you were a member of the bands back in the Eurovision Song Contest days, what was it like bringing Lordi's shock rock style to the Eurovision masses at the time? Because Eurovision don't associate hard rock or theatrical Alice Cooper styles.

I think it's really cool, because we played the exact same way that we always do and it seemed to work pretty well. So maybe it needed something like that at the time.

Were the judges surprised by the style of music that you played, or were they expecting it? Do you reasons why it worked. think that people were prepare People seemed to like it. for that style of music being

12

Do you think they have ever recovered from your performance?

I don't know, I hope not!

When you joined the Lordi Horde in 2005, how did you become a part of the monster collective?

I knew the drummer before, because I was playing in a cover band at the time and then we had a gig at Nightwish's drummers wedding and he wanted to join and come with us and be the driver for us and stuff like that, so we went there and we played. We were both Motley Crue fans so we talked about if we should start a Motley Crue cover band and then bla bla bla and a couple of months later I got a call from him saying forget the Motley Crue cover band and asking me ‘Do you want to play bass in Lordi ?’ and of course I'm like fuck yes.

Maybe it needed something like that at the time Has the time you've been with the band been how you expected it would be or has it been a different experience?

It's pretty much what I thought. Everything was new as I had never been at this level before, especially after Eurovision. We were not known at the time so it was really weird for me that all of a sudden, I joined the band October 2005 and my first actual gig was at Eurovision Finnish Semi-Finals so yeah it was really different to what I had done before, but everything else was pretty much what I expected - the playing, the busses, the travelling.

songs as much as possible. I think Yeah. at least half of the album is in the live set.

How have the fans taken to the new material?

Fans have taken it really well and that's the main thing.

That’s the most important thing.

I know it's a massive tour that you are on but once the tour has finished what has the band got planned next?

We have a couple of summer festivals planned and then we don't know about the fall yet.

We're trying to get something, arranged but we don't know what just yet, but I guess when the year changes it's time to start writing songs again for the new album.

The chaos Yeah, very cool!

Obviously your current tour is mainly to support the recent ‘Scare Force One’ album, has there been much material from this album put into your setlist?

I can't think of exactly how many songs but I think many songs from the album have made it to the set and I think that's really, really cool as I like to play the new

It's always a tricky one for the band because your fans expect certain songs, so it's trying to get that balance.

13

Have you got any messages you'd like to pass onto the Lordi army?

Lordi Army? (Laughs) A million thanks for being there for us and this army they make it huge difference, they are demanding we come to certain towns and we are really thankful for the Lordi army, thank you very much for everything.

launched on March 9th you can pretty much take this as the Launch show, and where better to do that.

Initially we were expected to get Aaron Keylock as support, but something changed a couple of weeks before the show and what we end up with is an artist called Michael Mormecha stepped into the breach and along with his band played an alt/indie kind of set that just didn't really do too much for me I'm afraid.

One thing that that was pretty sure from the off with The Answer tonight was that they were going to air a lot of the tracks from the new album, and The Answer (Cormac Neeson also that having seen the guys on Vocals, Paul McMahon - Guitar, many occasions that this would be Micky Waters - Bass and James an excellent show. It hasn't all been Hartley - Drums) kick off their plain sailing for this Irish Rock 'n' Raise A Little Hell Tour on home soil as the crowd in Belfast eagerly Roll quartet, but they have always await a band that always delivers been very hard working, have the goods in the Live arena. With produced some fine albums and from the buzz around the venue the new album officially being and the scene in general the new

14

album is a bit special, there was certainly a busy looking Merch Area all night. When the lights dim and excitement in the crowd surges James, Micky and Paul hit the stage and the noise levels increase, as the guys get to work Cormac is just behind them and they get us up and running with ‘Long Live The Renegades’ which is just a cracking driving anthem for what's to come, Cormacs voice is in fine shape and a great start is pumped up another level with ‘Spectacular’. At this point nobody in the venue is in any doubt that we are in for a serious night out, a band that has grown and grown over the years and is very very comfortable in their own skin, they seem to be able to just push and push at the right times in the set, Cormac's crowd interaction allowing the guys just enough respite between tracks to catch their breath, ‘Spectacular’ has become a fan favourite, but in fairness the crowd provide good backing vocals on a lot of the songs tonight, the atmosphere is always good.

Overall we are being treated to half of the Raise A Little Hell live tonight, which can be a bit risky for a band, but they are clearly very happy and proud of what they have created and ‘Red’ is the second new track on offer, it's gobbled up quite happily, it takes on a new persona live, Paul is allowed to just cut loose on guitar, his playing just seems to be getting better and better as he matures, it's not a fast track, but as mentioned the solos are really cutting and powerful bass/drum combo just make such a cool groove, there's a lot more people moving in the crowd now and you can just feel things building nicely. It's off to the Everyday Demons album for a couple of tracks ‘Demon Eyes’ which I always find has an almost Southern US Gospel feeling live and always goes down well and ‘Why'd Ya Change Your Mind’ before pumping out one of the nights highlights a rousing version of ‘Into The Gutter’ which hadn't been seen in a set for three years and made a very welcome return tonight, it's a perfect mid set track to kick things up a gear again, and it has the desired effect.

thundering along, this is definitely one I can see being a firm favourite in the set for a long time to come, the heat has definitely risen all over the Limelight.

Cormac introduces ‘Last Days Of Summer’ by letting everyone know that each time they've played the song to date it's gotten a little bit longer and a little bit more fun, and tonight is no exception, it's a big brooding rolling ball of rock, I this point in time I can safely say I'm going to love this album on the evidence of the tracks so far I have now heard live, but we're not done yet, they guys are flying at this stage, but that just seems to be their general speed, there's not a whole lot of fancy stuff surrounding what The Answer do, they have a strong work ethic, an ability to write excellent rock songs and translate that so well on a stage and manage to keep everything interesting by incorporating a great bluesy rock sound on top of their biggest strength - this is one tight unit that do what they enjoy. Cormac drops the bomb that they are about to do something that The Answer doing normally do, I've seen an acoustic guitar produced (and I With a set well mixed and automatically thing this is going to balanced we get a really good idea be a different version of Nowhere of what the new album is all about Freeway) but no, another track with a trio of new songs ‘I Am from the new album and this is my What I Am’ is a monster rocker personal favourite of what we've and it really keeps everyone heard tonight, James is brought

15

out from behind the kit and the guys play the first half of the track acoustically, and it's absolute quality, stripped back and just classy with some nice playing again from Paul it kicks up a gear or five as midway through they plug it in and I'm just blown away, what seems like such a simple tune is executed to the highest standards, love it, Cormac actually stays pretty still while singing the acoustic part, but he's back to his normal bouncing soul, his energy is always infectious, just like the band on this form. I'm really hoping that this song stays in the set going forward, it's a keeper and it looks like the guys really enjoyed playing it too.

of the here it comes moments of recent years, Cormac mid song takes a trip into the crowd, has everyone get down to their knees and then ‘Raise A Little Hell’. The band have never really been ones to leave the stage for long to come back for an encore, and they are only just through the side doors when they are back out on stage to try something else for the first time, the band got fans to vote for a track they wanted to hear and I must admit, I wanted to hear the full electric version of ‘Nowhere Freeway’, and it won, but then Cormac invites four ladies to the stage to help them with the song, the song itself sounded great, but to me the additional help kind of detracted from the song itself, This set is just whizzing past, and nothing to do with the ladies I just as we move towards the last think the song focus was lost a bit. section there's no let up, the title Sadly this leads to the set closer, track from the last album ‘New returning once again to Everyday Horizon’ which tonight, as always, Demons for ‘Evilman’ which is a is a powerful anthem, you know suitable finale to what has been a that the volume hasn't been terrific night that passed by all to turned up at the sound desk, but quickly, only thirteen songs, but a the whole room just sounds hell of a lot more content than that louder, and it is, having seen this sounds, of course everyone would band play in a number of places have been happy if they played until across the UK and Ireland there is midnight, but venue curfews rarely always something a bit special accommodate lengthy club sets about their home shows. We go these days. from title track of the last album to title track of the new release As with every time I see them I'm ‘Raise A Little Hell’, and this would always drawn to the four appear to have taken the mantle individuals on the stage, they play of ‘Preachin’ which has been one as one, but James powerful

16

drums, Ricky's on the money bass, Paul's excellent guitar sections and of course Cormacs top notch vocal delivery are all spot on tonight, an audience left wanting more and the memory or new songs fresh in your head, what more could you want. Cormac has the crowd eating out of his hands all night. It still amazes me that a band this good are not playing larger venues at this stage in their career, hopefully the new music will spread the word, one of the better bands on the live scene, if you can't get to see them on this first leg of the Tour make sure you don't miss out next time they are near you, always a pleasure to see them play.

Bringing you our new monthly magazine Combining the best of Firebrand After Dark and Firebrand Magazine Tune in next month for more of your favourite interviews, reviews and much, much more 17

Support - The Picturebooks, Bad Touch independent venues The Liverpool Arts Academy, a place which was home to a lot of fond memories for me going back to its days when it was known as The Masque and the time I spent cutting my teeth in the photo pit back then.

What better place to be in England on St Patricks Day than in Liverpool at a gig by one of Irelands best exports The Answer.

Catching the band on this day alone is nostalgic enough but to add to the nostalgia on a purely personal level this marked the first time that I had returned to what is arguably one of Liverpool’s best

different path, moving away from the prog start to the night and down the out and out rock route with a highly polished array of old school rock, displaying a level of swagger, showmanship and songs far above what you would expect from the relatively young band.

Opening up the nights Simply put if you are a fan of proceedings were classic rock you really need to Desert/Stoner rockers The check these guys out as they are Picturebooks bringing there something special and if this unique mix of desert rock to night’s performance is anything to the UK. go buy you can expect great things from them in years to come.

Comprised of Fynn Claus Grabke (vocals and guitar) First stumbling upon The Answer with Philipp Mirtschink when they supported AC/DC on (drums) The Picturebooks create that never ending tour back in a great start to the night with their 2009, it’s been an interesting ride progressive, atmospheric, almost watching how the band develop psychedelic 60s style Desert rock into the rock n roll machine that capturing the imagination with a they are today, littered with a mix true prog sound that would fit well of album releases that seemed to with fans of the likes of Hawkwind, suffer from the same issue which Focus etc, as they unveil songs dogged iconic rockers Motorhead from the recent ’Imaginary Horse’ – consistency, with the albums release to the gathering masses genially having a couple of great creating a great start to the night. tracks hinting at the brilliance that they can produce saving them Norfolk rockers Bad Touch took a and in a similar vain to Motorhead

18

when The Answer pull one of those songs off its pretty much a timeless classic.

One of the main plus sides of live gigs is that not only do you get to see the band performing live, which is what a lot of them do best, but that you also get to witness essentially ‘best of’ sets from them so all the gems gleaned from there albums are experienced in one go, add that factor to a national feel good celebration such as St Patricks Day and you are pretty much guaranteed a great night and this night was no expectation with Cormac and the guys in full on party mode, kicking back and enjoying the set, littered with timeless classic rock anthems such as ‘Spectacular’ and ‘New Horizon’ as well as introducing some of the new material from the recently released ‘Raise A Little Hell’ album while throwing in the cheeky solo here and there and you have all the hallmarks of a great ending for a great night.

19

Support - Mirror Trap energy quickly winning over the crowd as they play a selection of songs, the quality of which punches well above the weight that you would expect of this young fledgling band, with ‘Statues’ and ‘Piranhas’ getting great responses from the crowd.

Placebo was one of the many bands which came to prominence in the 90s with a sound neither fitting in with the rising Grunge scene at the time or the existing rock and metal scene.

Labelled as ‘alternative’ monsiors Starting with a one woman protest Brian Molko, shouting about how we should be Stefan Olsdal et al quickly became a pillar visiting our “Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” while filming herself of the alt scene so via a selfie stick you know that you when the opportunity arose to finally catch are in for an interesting night. them live after all those years it had to Alt Scottish rockers The Mirror be firmly grasped with Trap start the gig off well, with both hands. their mix of enthusiasm and

20

Despite still not being fashionable or having a sound similar to the latest rising ‘trend’ Placebo still manage to sell out venues left, right and centre on this tour which is as much as a testament to the addictive quality of their songs as it is for people who feel like they don’t quite fit in and associate themselves with the band.

Playing a set merging a lot of the newer material with a scattering of Placebo ‘classics’ Brian Molko et al could do no wrong as they seemingly effortlessly had the crowd eating out of the palm of their hand throughout the show with the set peaking at the ageless classic ‘Special K’. If I had to find a fault with the show I would say it would be the omission of ‘Pure Morning’ from the live set but when you have a collection of songs as strong as they have got behind them you can easily forgive this.

21

22

23

Support - Peacemaker Die celebrate than to go on tour? This isn’t your usual chaotic, rock ‘n’ roll tour however, no, instead, the band have opted to take the opportunity to do a run of intimate acoustic shows around the UK, allowing fans to get up close with the band and really soak in the nostalgia. Tonight we find them reach Fuel; Cardiff’s premier rock and metal bar. A very warm and welcoming venue run by a top team of staff, it makes for the perfect setting, and where it may lack in general capacity, it more than makes up for it in character.

In today’s industry, longevity is something you simply have to admire, and when an artist announces a special anniversary tour, it genuinely is a real cause for celebration, especially when we’re talking thirty years in the business!

Yes, London based classic rockers The Quireboys have spent the past three decades ploughing their trade, and what better way to

Tonight’s support band are local rockers Peacemaker Die (formerly known as Blackbyrd) who themselves offer up a stripped-down acoustic performance of their own to get he night underway, in keeping with tonight’s theme.

24

and the mood is already set for what is to be a great night’s entertainment, before they waste little time treating the crowd to a charming set-list spanning everything from early albums like ‘A Bit Of What You Fancy’, to ‘Bitter, Sweet & Twisted’...all the way up to brand new material form the yet to be released new album ‘St. Cecilia And The Gypsy Souls’. Hit’s such as ‘7 O’Clock’ , ‘Hey You’ and ‘Mona Lisa Smiled’ all getting great crowd reaction and there’s not a single person in the room who’s not having a good time. Front man Spike is on top form too, joking that the band did have some copies of the new album to sell but they’d forgotten Opening up with ‘Time’ from their them all, and at one point recent ‘Chapter 1’ EP, front man forgetting they were playing an Phil Lye and co deliver a relaxed acoustic set altogether, asking yet powerfully emotive perforwhere his drummer had gone, mance from start to finish, and resulting in jeers and friendly what’s impressive is what relative laught er from the crowd. All in all, ease the band have adapted their tonight has indeed been about entire set-up to suit the acoustic celebration, but not just for a set, having switched from upmeasurement of time, but for the tempo hard rock, they’ve changed sheer joy of music. The connection key, tone; basically and loyalty between band and completely restructuring audience, and the celebration of everything and it sounds great. good music bringing people Elsewhere tracks such as ‘Walk together itself. As the song goes; Towards The Sun’ and ‘Last Man ‘…have a drink with me, pour a Standing’ all being well received, glass and open up your heart’, and and they surely win over some new that’s exactly what we did, it fans. wasn’t a gig watched, it was a gig shared, and what a privilege it was.

The Quireboys themselves then make their way on to the stage

25

Interviewed by Lee Walker I'm here with Finn and Phil from The Picture Books. Hows the tour going so far?

Finn – It's going really good, it's our very first tour in the UK, we played London last year for the first time which turned out to be one of our favourite shows we've ever played and it's going really good. We're really enjoying every bit of it, and going all the way north to Aberdeen was a great experience and one we've always wanted to have. England is treating us well.

touring line-up for this one?

Finn – We were looking for a tour in the UK because the the United States and Europe have been really good for us at the moment and we kinda realised that we hadn't been to the UK and The Answer were going on tour and they asked us if we wanted to hop on the tour with them and we were like yeah sure.

Finn – Well Phillip and I met in the local skate park where we were from, it is a very small town called Gütersloh which is actually funny because it's got the biggest British Airforce airport so we grew up with Brits, Phillip is actually from East Germany and he's been living there since forever. So we met in the skate park and we kinda became best friends and we tried to find something we could do Reading through your biography I besides skateboarding so we started a band. We weren't noticed that skateboards seem to be a a very big part of who you musicians or anything, I didn't are and your music how did that know how to play a chord and still don't to this day and for him it was How did you become a part of the all come about?

26

I didn’t know how to play a chord and still don’t to this day just like learning by doing, and the music we were listening to at the time which is why we connected so well, was like David Bowie,The Cure, Velvet Underground, all that kinda stuff which the other kids in our town weren't listening to so we connected really good to each other and we kind of figured that these were the kind of bands, but we didn't want to do something like that so we kind of invented something.

Where did the name come from for the band?

Finn – That's a funny story actually. We were offered our very first gig, a small gig in our home town but actually a very well known club in Germany, it's called Die Weberei I think it means The Weavery in English, and they asked us if we wanted to play and we said yes of course, and then a couple of days later they called us and said what's the name of the band and we were like oops hey what’s the name of our band dude and we had a list of names that we liked and I saw Picture Books or The Picture Books so I said we're The Picture Books. At first we were like let's see and said we'd probably change it, but the gig turned out to be really good and we had more gigs coming in all of a sudden and

we kind of stuck to that name, we feel very connected to it and it's almost like our last name now, like our family name.

sound and a lot of risk to do something like that and the album was recorded in a motorcycle garage co that’s what we do, we build choppers and it was recorded with just two Now you've just brought out a microphones just twelve feet away new allbum called Imaginery from us.

Horse, why Imaginary Horse?

So it was all just going for it Finn – Well, when I was a really, really small kid I had an imaginary in a way but it was risky, instead of friend, an Imaginary Horse called following a safe route doing it like everyone else is doing it we were Pon Pon and that’s actually what trying to really find our own sound it's about. and risking not being noticed at all Have you had any feedback from as we weren't really following everyone else's lead, but it turned the album at all? out that everyone world wide Finn – Alot yeah either loves it or hates it, and I do think a lot of bands out there kind And has it been good? of go the safe route, especially Finn – From press wise all over from countries like Germany they the world which is crazy going are often just a German version of international, especially for a something that's already out there German band doing something and they make a year when they like we do, it's pretty unique. It's are successful on tour, but after not like a metal band that could play every festival around the world that nobody cares about them anymore and we don't want to do and nobody would even care where they are from, not against that, we wanted to do the Kraftwerk route which is a lot of metal or anything, but I think you work and we want to be here for a get the point. But the feedbacks long time. been really good, especially live, we've been touring so much lately it's crazy and we haven't really got How would you describe your sound? the time to stay at home and everyone is so nice about it we are Finn – We're not the kind of people that love to name some shocked that people love it so genres or anything and bands much. It took a while to get the

27

create funky words about their genre (laughter) I've seen descriptions that vary widely. From Native American to progressive.

Finn – Well you know some words we often hear from people after the shows or people that listen to the album are words like tribal, heavy blues stuff like that and to be honest for this album we forbid ourselves to listen to music for two years so we don't get influenced by all the stuff that’s out there and it happens so fast – you hear something like a new band and all of a sudden you find yourself in the practice room sounding exactly like you just heard on the way to the studio. So we forbid ourselves to do that, it was just two years of listening to Lady Gaga and Katy Perry So torture (Laughter) Finn – I kinda fell in love with that kind of music to be honest (more laughter). And then we hung out in the States a lot and that point we were filming and stuff which turned out to be Your Kisses Burn Like Fire video and PCH Diamond, and we were just hanging out there and riding motorcycles, going to the desert. It was the best time ever and that inspired us a lot, without listening to music, the inspiration came from a completely different angle. Then not listening to music, not being inspired by the music and having a good time stuff like that, which was the moment we kind of had the

rawest result, what was us getting UK til the end of this month, we're something from out there. doing a bit of Portugal in between and we're following The Answer on Now, you mentioned motorbikes the European route. We're playing some festivals like the Roadburn there, and I have to ask what's festival in Holland, we're playing your favourite motorbike? the Desert Fest in Berlin. Then we Finn – It's hard to say you know.

There's a lot of people who would go onto Sweden with Turbo Negro, then it's back to the UK in May as go Harley Davidson, and I love the album will officially be released Harley Davidson and I have a Harley Davidson, but I started out in May, then brighton, and then a few headline shows including with a Vesper and I still have my Vesper. It's the most reliable bike Wales, Plymouth and London with more dates to be added. Then it's I've had to this day., festivals, in June it's a tour for one Phillip – I've got an old Yamaha and a half months, then we come and Finn started out with back for festivals and stuff until Yamaha's to.

September and then it's three Finn – Yeah I can't really say months of America. That's the what’s the best one, but I guess official statement (Laughter) for me it's my old Shovel Hat Finn – People ask me like where Chopper is my favourite bike.

Phillip – And my Yamaha Xs400 are you going to tour and I'm like, I gotta check on Facebook and to be for me Finn - It's not about the bike or the honest if you can do this yourself it would be great as I can't name of the company, it's about remember shit, coz I'm lost what you make out of it coz all of (laughter). I'm happy when I wake our bikes are custom made and up and I know here I am (more not original anymore, basically laughter) every screw is changed.

What do you have planned after this tour?

Finn – More touring, for the rest of the year it's basically touring – Europe, UK, USA, Canada, South America, we're talking about that right now and there were other countries the other day whose names are now dropped.

Phillip– We have 14 days off for the rest of this year, and those 14 days are now shattered by adding 5 more dates. We are doing the

28

Do you have any messages you'd like to pass onto your fans?

Finn – Yeah, it would be cool if you guys could come over to the shows and we promise you, you won't regret coming. This isn't the last time we are here, we are deffinately coming back and hope to see you guys there.

29

30

31

Support - Dirty Passion, Hollywood Groupies raising the bank holiday dead from there graves.

Hollywood Groupies bring a distinctive riot girl meets punk type power packed punch to the night.

Hailing from Italy this feisty five piece pull out all the stops as front woman Foxy pushes herself to the limits as she leaps around the stage like a woman possessed setting up the scene for the nights finale Lordi.

‘Scareforce One’ finally touches down at Chester’s Live Rooms unleashing Mr Lordi’s fiendish undead hoard. Kicking off the nights proceedings Swedish rockers Dirty Passion who waste no time bringing there sleeze driven rock to bare as they let their music do the talking as they set about the unenviable task of

With all the theatrics and makeup it’s easy to overlook the one thing which makes Lordi stand out from their peers the fact that they create highly addictive, totally unashameable all out rock and roll.

Touring on the back of the ‘Scareforce One’ album Mr Lordi and his fiendish hoard bring their ‘A’ game with them as the plough through a

32

mix of classic Lordi anthems as well as selection from the new album. Opening up a hole in the space and time continuum allowing the dark forces to possess our larger than life monsterman bringing his stories about. well about everything and nothing really as the Lordi collective are all about making music fun with a mix of Kiss inspired theatrics and a tonne of addictive songs complete with tongue in cheek totally over the top lyrics which all adds to the charm of the band and is the main reason behind their success and led to their Eurovision success a few years back (granted I don’t think that the Eurovision judges have recovered from it yet!).

Highlights? is more a case of where to begin really? Having the crowd shouting along to a chorus of ‘Fuck you arsehole”, the cannon finale though to the ‘Blood Red Sandman’, ‘Would You Love A Monsterman’ and ‘Devil Is A Loser’ anthems immediately spring to mind with the main surprise being the Lordi signature track ‘Hard Rock Hallelujah’ being used within the set itself and not held back for the encore. For those not in attendance, you missed out on what will arguably be the most fun filled rock gig of the year.

33

Danny Vaughn & Dan Reed Support - Ajenda than Mr. Dan Reed and you have pretty much a Dream Team for an acoustic show, and that's what we got last Saturday night. As if things couldn't get any better this particular show is in possibly my favourite venue in the UK and it's the last date of the Tour, all of the stars have aligned.

legends, but with another legend (Joe Lynn Turner) playing in Belfast on the same night it was always going to be difficult not to lose numbers from either or both of the shows. Not that it matters too much, the fans at the venue are chomping at the bit for this special evening to kick off, and everyone knows that both of these Just to throw added spice to artists will give it everything they proceedings we are treated have, with Dan early on thanking to a high class support act, everyone for showing up knowing with Gav and Jen from that the other show was clashing.

Ajenda giving us an When the guys do take the stage excellent acoustic set, with the assembled fans let them know some added funny banter, they are home, and the two main but Jen's vocals are just protagonists are on top top form, blinding tonight, she was on fire, both in terms of vocals and crowd playing some of the best Ajenda banter, Dan jokingly quipping that Some nights you just have to stand songs ("Tattoo" and "Heaven's he's playing a sad song followed by back and applaud the artists on Tears") and throwing in a nice Danny always playing a happy the stage and hold back a tear or surprise with Halestorm's song. Of all the musicians I go to two, tonight was one of those "Familiar Taste Of Poison" - again see live, both Danny and Dan are nights. Danny Vaughn has always Jen handling the vocals on this one probably the most appreciative of been one of my favourite singers, perfectly. their audience and of being able to going back to his days in Waysted do what they do and play music to in the later half of the 1980's.

And onto the main act, it is a little their fans.

When you add another one of the disappointing that the venue isn't best singers on circuit, none other absolutely rammed for these The setlist is a best of both their

34

Solo works and the best of the bands they have worked with over the years, but not just necessarily played straight as they were, for example the Tyketto standard "Standing Alone" was started with Dan singing, which was something different, but that worked very well.

Danny also reminded all in attendance about his crazy idea to allow the fans to choose requests for the Tour, which ended up with him having to have a catalog of some 50 songs, which was madness. For tonight's show I was eagerly waiting to see what requests were going to be played as I had submitted one myself, but to be honest I really couldn't see it getting played as I knew it would be a difficult one the translate acoustically, but low and behold Danny points me out as causing him a bit of a problem, the track in question was a Waysted song called "Heroes Die Young" and Danny infoms us all that he had never attempted to play it in an acoustic setting and if it didn't work out it was definitely my fault, so all pressure on me ;-) But wow, I was stunned when he said it was going to be played, but when he went at it with his usual gusto and smashed it out of the park I will be honest there was a tear or two in my eyes as it was played, I'm sure there were many in the room that didn't know the song at all, but for me it was a moment I will never forget, I mean this with all of my

heart, thank you Danny Vaughn, you do make dreams come through.

There were other requests on the list, and again some were of songs that you would not normally hear live, which is always a bonus, but everything sounded perfect tonight, be it a Danny/Vaughn/ Tyketto song or a Dan Reed/Dan Reed Network song, or a cover that they could both play in their sleep, add to this a lot of fun (where the hell did the "I Wanna Be Like You" from the Jungle Book come out of, or some of the other funny improv's that occurred along the way). As a paring these two work so well together, you can feel the mutual respect between them and visibly see it when they are playing, I think for both of them this has been an eye opening Tour where a partnership as very rapidly developed, and I for one cannot wait for them to get back on the road again. Having been informed by friends attending other dates I already knew it was going to be special, but maybe I didn't quite believe just how amazing they were going to be together and how much fun it would be to be in their presence. It was very sad when the chimes of the last song finished, but I think we were all left sound in the knowledge that this would not be the last we would see of this particular pairing playing live

35

together. You could just feel the energy they create, two rare talents that are also very classy guys. Once again, thank you Messrs Vaughn & Reed, for everything, now back to work guys.

I was going to try and add the setlist here, but it was very long a varied, and they didn't stick to it anyway, we had everything from "Forever Young" and "Wings" to "Rainbow Child" and '"Tamin The Wild Nights", everything in between and a bit more on top, brilliant brilliant night and I have yet to hear of anyone that didn't think the same, even those that had a little trepidation about how the two would work together.

Klogr Breaking Down

1

Everlit A Phoenix Will Rise

2

Venom Smoke

3

Tarja NEver Enough

4

Nightblade Crisis Has No Prejudice

5

36

Kiske & Sommerville City Of HEroes

1

DSG (David Shankle Group) Still A Warrior

2

Signum Regis Through The Storm

3

Civil War Gods And Generals

4

Kamelot Haven

5 37

Lee Walker Speaks to

Over the years you have had several stage names ranging from ‘The Baby Jesus Of wrestling’, ‘Spud’, Rockstar Spud’ the list goes on. How do you go about choosing those stage names?

Originally I was given the first one from a movie called Train Spotting and the promoter wanted to financially resonate from something small. Then from there

I was the underdog across the UK scene for most of my career until I turned into a bad guy and became the villainous Rockstar who was a self entitled little jerk who had little man syndrome who would shout his mouth off and was always getting in trouble and have stereotypical rock star traits like he would have big hair and be completely obnoxious but once you got him on his own he would

38

be a big wussy. That was it. The Baby Jesus of Wrestling was because all these people would go around saying that “Im a wrestling God” or “ I’m the God of pro wrestling” so I was like I can’t call myself God so I was like the little baby Jesus in a manger so I decided to call myself the Baby Jesus of Wrestling because of my diminutive stature.

Once you have settled upon a persona who do you go about developing it?

I always tell people that if anyone ever ask my opinion on it. You are not just a wrestler – you are a performer and you are researching a role just like an actor would so I tell people to watch everything, you watch movies, you watch people and watch the character traits in the people that make you feel an emotion and whatever that emotion is that you felt you need to project that to the audience to make them feel exactly the same way because you are researching a role, because you are a television character on a weekly television show. Once you perfect getting people to feel that emotion you are half way there. The rest of it is just backing it up in the ring.

professional wrestler coming from the UK? I always loved it. I can’t tell you why I do it I just know I have to and there is no other reason I can give you for it. I fell in love with it as a child, I also fell in love with football, rugby, motorsports I was told that I was too small for all of them but I was so passionate about wrestling that I decided I was not going to be told that I’m too small for it this is what I love. Watching others like Rey Mysterio, Spike Dudley and other dominative sized wrestlers I was like if they can do

This is your first time since 2013 that you are wrestling as a ‘face’ so to speak. Will you be looking to carry this route forward?

I don’t believe in face or heals, good guy or bad guy. I believe that I am just Rockstar Spud and if I am put in a situation which makes you adhere towards me then fine. If I’m put in a situation that makes you not agree with me and detest me then that’s fine but I am just the same character at all times its just situations that make me a good person and situations that make me a bad person, just like human beings really so I will always be the same guy, I will always look the same I will always be the same, nothing will change I am just Rockstar Spud and I cant be anything else.

blessing that I will never disrespect.

Over the years you have wrestled the indie circuits both in the UK and the US and even as far as field as Japan. What’s been your favourite one to work?

I don’t have a favourite I just loved it. No matter where I am I love this industry I love what I’m doing I love all the people in it I love the crazy characters you meet, I love the fans. Most people just go “oh look at them “ but the people that you meet at these shows see something in you. You get the ability anywhere around the world to change someone’s day or make someone smile or make someone unhappy you have that ability as a pro wrestler and thats what the beauty of it all as a performer. So no matter where in the world this is an amazing industry and amazing job to have there is no favourite because no matter where I go I just try to entertain and have fun and give people the best night out that I can.

What do you have planned for the future?

Future? I want to be the heavyweight of champion of the world *laughter* and people can laugh at that but as I said people laughed when I said that I wanted to be a wrestler, ok what do you want to do know?

I want to have a good it I can do it so I am not going to reputation.

So you build a good stop until I have proved that. If reputation. So what do you want there is something that people can take away from following me to do now? Oh I want to get in wrestling is that you don’t have signed by a major company. Ahh that’s never going to happen. Oh to be the biggest guy, you don’t have to have the biggest muscles. wait that did so I said I want to be If you want it you can get it and if the heavyweight champion of the you really really push, you can do it world. I’m 5ft 4, 150 lb me has just main evented in impact your way .A lot of people give up wrestling at Wembley arena in on that but I hope that people front of 8000 people who’s to say Traditionally American don’t give up on there dreams Wrestling has a much wider because I know that dreams can that I can’t be world heavy weight champion. You tell me I can’t do it base in the United States. What happen It’s a miracle that it and I’ll just keep doing it . made you decide to become a happened to me and it’s a

39

Lee Walker Speaks to

Over the years you have been a part of both the WWE and TNA. Are there many differences in the way the two organisations work?

There are a lot of differences between two companies but at the end of the day there is only one thing that is important and that is when that red light is on you have to deliver the goods, you entertain, you do the best job that you possibly can and that’s what I look at. I look at TNA as a place that has given me a home, and an opportunity, and I reciprocated those feelings as this is my home and I am a TNA guy and I work for them and at those people behind it.

A lot has been made online that a lot of organisation’s are sticking to the old “tried and tested” wrestlers , the ones who have already built themselves up over the years, as opposed to really developing the new talent there. I know that both organisations have there own “developmental” territory’s if you want to call it that. Do you

think that these could be improved upon or is there a shortage of wrestlers who could take pro wrestling into the next

guys did?

I think that’s the plan for it if I’m speaking for a younger generation WWE has a developmental system in place with NXT and that show has been very good and it a lot different than the show was when I was there. Not so much for the effort but due to the company has gotten behind it and it is making it good.

TNA I think should benefit from more developmental kind of system where we can see prospects that are not quite t.v established ready yet and build them up to be.

It is also a different climate over here, we have to use the tools that we have. We have a locker room full of young and hungry guys ready to make a mark and I think that this shift has been going that way for over a year now.

I was fortunate enough to be brought in with a great opportunity and I think other people can see what I have done with that opportunity and hopefully do what they can to get that opportunity and build up our locker room and chapter and leave a legacy like a take this over themselves . lot of the guys who were massive in the 80s and 90s

40

Are there any particular wrestlers that we should be keeping an eye on out of that crowd?

Within Impact you should keep a very close eye on the newest addition Drew Galloway I think it was a coup for us as a company to be able to pick him up I also think he is coming in hot and strong and I thought it was a very intriguing match with me.

He is definitely someone to keep your eyes on.

Over the years wrestling has gone through several distinct eras and changes from the kids friendly 80s though to the Attitude era through to the ECW type of stuff. How do you see it progressing in the future?

I think what the wrestling industry needs to do in the future is to produce conducive storytelling coupled with exciting action and dynamic characters . Each era has its own niche and I think this era needs to kind of reflect where t.v itself is going in the broader aspects of hour long drams or even comedy shows with full

character development and stories that don’t insult our viewers intelligence. Something people can be proud to watch and enjoy watching without feeling

that they are being made fun of.

Over the years you have wrestled with some seriously big

41

names with Sting and Kurt Angle immediately springing to mind. Who has been you favourite person to wrestle against?

Norv Ferman All of the legends that I have faced have been great and really respected in the locker room but personally though I think the feature with Bully Ray really helped me and put me on the map the involvement of his hardcore brethren and my ants unfortunate demise with her going though a table being able to hang with those guys especially when I took our t.v up to New York stair was probably my favourite experience.

If you could wrestle anyone who would it be and why?

It would be whomever the champion is of the company that I work for and right now after I take care of Rockstar Spud that title hangs in the balance as the champion Bobby Lashley taking on Kurt Angle so that match will have my full attention.

42

Due to Firebrand’s Rock & Metal Express expanding at an alarming rate, we now have vacancies for

Reviewers | Interviewers | Contributing Writers So if rock and metal is in your blood and writing is your passion - apply today to be part of something BIG! For more information or to apply please email

reviews@firebrandrr.co.uk

43

Jettblack

Disguises

Record Label

Cherry Red Records

Release Date

6 April 2015

Reviewer

Rob Birtley

Highlight

Kick in The Teeth

London based Jettblack hail from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, formed in 2007, Disguises is their third full-length album. The line-up is Will Stapleton - Vocals/Guitar, Jon Dow - Vocals/Guitar, Matt Oliver – Drums and Tom Wright Bass/vocals. Their influences stem from eighties and early 90’s glam, rock and metal.

‘Disguises’ has a heavier, more progressive sound than their first two albums. Maybe because Dow and Stapleton split song-writing duties on them whilst on ‘Disguises’ everything apart from ‘Kick In The Teeth’ was written by Stapleton. From the first note of ‘Slaves’ with its thudding beat and chunky guitar you get a vibe of

Rush meets Priest progressively heavy. ‘Explode’ takes another road its Heavy Blues. Driven by blocked/distorted guitar and a rhythm section that is relentless.

It’s also available on free down from the band. ‘Poison’ opens with a quiet harmony and a detached Prog-guitar line. The pace picks up in a Dream Theater style flowing into a Zeppelin guitar flourish that reminds of Kashmir. Title track ‘Disguises’ has a bass line running through it reminiscent of Sabbath’s slower moments, more Metallic than the earlier tracks mixed in is a distinct ‘A7-fold’ vibe and is one of the albums better tracks. ‘Broken Bones’ leaps out of the blocks and is obvious single material. More of a head-on

Plain White T’s

Rocker than most of the other tracks, at times it reminds me of other Brit Rockers Voodoo Six and the much lamented Stone Gods.

‘Kick In The Teeth’ is a tight structured Blues-Rocker showing the stigmata of Bad Co. and Free with really good guitar solo and is also my standout track.

This isn’t the follow-up album I was expecting after Raining Rock. It’s got a harsher/darker tone all together, not as immediately accessible either. In some senses it’s an anti-climax and needs a number of listening’s to get into.

This will not help an album in short term which is worthy of a second listen.

American Night’s

Record Label

Proud Bird Records/Red Jacket Records

Release Date

31 March 2015

Reviewer

Gavin Griffiths

Highlight

Pause

As derogatory as it may appear, it’s sometimes unavoidable (even if you’re a fan) to honestly describe some artists as one-hit-wonders.

Despite having a potentially consistent career, plodding along years after their initial moment in the spotlight, some bands simply fade into obscurity…and one such band is Plain White T’s. The alternative pop-rock quintet from Illinois were the darlings of mainstream radio back in 2005/2006 with their massive acoustic hit ‘Hey There Delilah’, with huge chart success and Grammy nominations, but, as is the case, have failed to follow it up with anything substantial. Can they return to the top with their brand

new album ‘American Nights’?

The album kicks off with the title track and, immediately we see, or rather hear, that, little has changed. Tom Higgenson’s vocals are as jovially sweet as ever, backed by more of the positive up-beat soft acoustic lead pop-rock we’ve come to expect. ‘Pause’, ‘Dance Off Time’ and ‘Time To Move On’ too are all equally blissful in their delivery, very much covering the whole teenage rom-com soundtrack market… that’s the kind of thing these songs are tailor made for which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it’s simply a niche market, while elsewhere, the more ballad-based

44

offerings such as ‘Someday You’re Gonna Love Me’ are pleasant enough in their own right.

As a whole, the album is ok, some easy on the ears, melodic, indie based pop never hurt anybody, but, the bands Facebook profile section reads like this; “At last…its official… we have a new album! We’ve been talking about this thing forever, and we are finally ready to put it out!” and, It’s the kind of statement that makes you think, what took them so long? Not in an eagerly anticipated way, just, literally, how did this take them so long? ‘American Nights’? Chicago must have a riveting night life…

Kyle Gass Band

Kyle Gass Band

Record Label

Steamhammer/SPV

Release Date

20 April 2015

Reviewer

Rob Birtley

Highlight

Tremendous

Formed in 2011 by Tenacious D acoustic guitarist and vocalist Kyle Gass, the band is fronted by Mike Bray guitar/vocals, John Konesky guitar/vocals (also of Tenacious D), Jason Keene bass, and Tim Spier drums. The band's website describes the group's sound as "good-time-rock-and-roll done right, with incredible harmonies, hugenormous guitars, and just the slightest dusting of flute." So you may want to take this release tongue in cheek.

a sideswipe at the Rebel/Macho culture synonymous with this genre. ‘Dying Day’ has a touch of Bad Company going on, the lyrics well they flatline with the eponymous unknown female sex object thrown in. I can only assume the inclusion of a flute is meant to be ironic. ‘Bro Ho’ may be homage to latter day Kid Rock.

The lyric well lionising a tomboy girlfriend just about sums it up.

‘Our Job To Rock’ reminds me of ‘Stinkin Up The Great Outdoors’ without the Tap’s panache or The album opens with ‘Manchild’ being able to turn it up to 11. diving straight into a ‘Southern ‘Tremendous’ embraces the Boogie’ parody ala Lynyrd Skynyrd. classic-rock solo the lyric a slightly The lyric well childish is a kind cleverer pastiche than the others. description and it attempts to take ‘Ram Damn Bunctious’ is a take on

Von Hertzen Brothers

AC/DC meets Status Quo as far as I can tell the words are nonsensical.

I find myself asking the question just who would buy this album and when would they play it which isn’t good. No denying the playing and vocals that remind a bit of Chris Cornell are ably done. The humour well not as good as Kyle’s other band and is rather like what a bunch of intoxicated Sixth Formers might come up with. Just passed infantile but you wouldn’t want to listen again unless the thought of women breaking wind cracks you up.

New Day Rising

Record Label

Spinefam Records

Release Date

23 March 2015

Reviewer

Stephen Brophy

Highlight

New Day Rising

New Day Rising is the sixth album from Finland's Progressive Rock sledgehammer Von Hertzen Brothers, Prog seems to be a bit of a trendy word these days with all sorts of artists pinning their name to the genre, but these guys are most definitely Prog Rock, but maybe with a slightly different spin, and they deliver it so well. Was a little late to the party myself only discovering them with 2011's excellent Stars Aligned release.

the clean crisp guitar intro runs headfirst into some pounding drums, some crazy hooks and rocking vocals with melodies flying all over the place, what a way to open an album. There really aren't many bands out there playing this particular brand of music, certainly not with this well. There is brilliance in this band, so tightly knit as a unit "You Don't Know My Name" is another truly rocking tune.

There is nothing slow or drudging about their music though, the deliver is often fast paced, riff laden and powerful, and nothing changes here. Opening up with a killer title track is the way to start,

This certainly isn't your average or predictable album, there are so many changes in style throughout and I'm certain it may lose some listeners along the way, but if you can hang in there and allow this to

45

sink in the unorthodox approach just washes over you and is actually such a breath of fresh air, just listen to "Dreams" a few times and it becomes almost hypnotic.

Even with a lot of different types of songs this album flows beautifully, and ends with the very classy "Hibernating Heart", for me this band just keeps getting better and this album deserves to be heard by a large audience.

Goody 2 Shoes & The Filthy Beasts

Mother’s Finest Record Label

Steamhammer/SPV

Release Date

30 March 2015

Reviewer

Phil Kane

Highlight

Cling To The Cross

Mother's Finest came out of Atlanta, Georgia after vocal duo Joyce Kennedy and Glenn Murdock met up with guitarist Gary Moore and bassist Jerry Seay in 1970 creating a pioneering outfit that soaked a hard rock heart with funk and a soul ‘n’ blues vocal. Their first album emerged in '72, their last, ‘Meta-Funk'n Physical’, in 2003, in between which Mother’s Finest got themselves a reputation as the most dangerous opening act in rock, blowing away the likes of The Who, Sabbath, Aerosmith, Frank Marino and Ted Nugent. A '78 Rockpalast broadcast won the band a massive cult following in Europe which survives to this day, their albums regularly pestering the charts, the band finally inducted into the Georgia Music Hall Of Fame in 2011. Over the years they have experimented, toning things down as they dabbled in soul, hip hop, electronic beat pop and 80s dance music, beefing things up with more success on 'Iron Age' and the prophetic 'Black Radio Won't Play This Record'. It's safe to say that without these funk rock titans, the likes of Dan Reed, RHCP, Living Colour and Electric Boys wouldn't

have existed at all.

‘Goody 2 Shoes & The Filthy Beasts’ is the result of Mother's Finest deciding to return some way to their roots, and what a tub thumping, hip swinging return its turned out to be. Mixing some mean riffing guitar work with a funk driven engine room and the powerful vocals of 'Doc' Murdock and especially 'Baby Jean' Kennedy, they've popped off a great dance rock album. More rocked up funk than funked up rock, ‘Goody 2 Shoes & The Filthy Beasts’ is an amalgam of funk, soul and blues that uses the rock guitar and vocal credo to great effect, eschewing the soul food softness of Shaft, instead grinding those hips to a more industrial beat, but sweet sweet southern soul all the same. For all the talk of going back to roots, however, it remains quite experimental. 'Cling To The Cross' has an almost swampy swagger, 'My Badd' has a grumbling guitar and off kilter grace that takes the song just a little further into the darker corners of Euro dance rock. 'I Don't Mind' throws in a bit of Latino, 'Shut Up' a great big sassy attitudinal rock vocal from Joyce

46

Kennedy. 'Take Control' adds some nice electro pop to the mix, though 'Tears Of Stone' introduces an unneeded rap. Where the Teutons took rock and shoved a disco engine up its arse, Mother's Finest take funk and give a damn good rock flogging. It's a varied album, but underneath it all bubbles a nice thick layer of hip grinding funk rock that will have you bopping about the place after a hard day dancing for The Man. You rock 'n' roll dudes and dudettes may not remember Anastacia's big hitting eponymous 3rd album, but this is what it really, deep down, wanted to be; rocked up southern soul with a heart as big as a car.

Unfortunately, the bubble bursts with the below par live bonus track, a nine minute hard rock medley, including a damn drum solo, that should've been left where it was found, on stage; would’ve much preferred to hear some of the studio stuff that didn't make the final cut, of which you can bet yer bottom dollar there's a wealth to be had. It's at direct odds with the rest of this excellent dance album.

Kamelot

Haven

Record Label

Napalm Records

Release Date

8 may 2015

Reviewer

Rob Birtley

Highlight

Lair Lair

It’s always the big question how do you follow up a critically acclaimed chart topping album? Symphonic Power Metallers Kamelot has returned after 2 years touring the world and a year of writing and recording with Haven. The line-up is Tommy Karevik Vocals, Thomas Youngblood Guitars, Sean Tibbetts Bass, Oliver Palotai Keyboards, and Casey Grillo Drums supplemented this time with guests Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy) and Charlotte Wessels (Delain) Vocals and Troy Donockley (Nightwish) Uilleann pipes.

realm of Kamelot’s creation invoking the shade of Seventh Wonder’s magnum opus Mercy Falls. A heightened sense of Gothic Doom shrouds the song and Youngblood’s guitar cuts like a switchblade. ‘Insomnia’ with a great intro and chorus is invested with a relentless rhythmic paranoid/ nightmare feel, disturbing and intriguing yet totally melodic that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

‘Under Grey Skies’ features dulcet tones of Delain’s Charlotte Wessels and must be rated as one of the band’s best ballads to date. ‘Lair Lair’ is another duet but this time As soon as ‘Fallen Stars’ begins you Alissa White-Gluz is the protagonist are instantly enveloped by a adding some pristine crystal clear cinematographic, monumental and vocals to her distinctive growl emotionally engaging otherworldly producing an exquisite contrast.

WhiskeyDick

‘Revolution’ is probably the most Metal song Kamelot has ever recorded and it Rocks Heavy from the get go.

This is a darker and more aggressive affair than Silverthorn.

Haven depicts a world going insane.

It’s a sinister asylum that has you bound. Still there are chinks of light that breach the gloom. It is both dark and melancholic at times yet is still enriching and has a vice like grip that holds you entranced.

Haven carries on Kamelot’s progression and will be seen as the album when the vocal performance of Tommy Karevik reached a new dimension. Without doubt it is a Masterclass in its genre.

Welcome To YeeHaw County

Record Label

Rusty Knuckles

Release Date

27 April 2015

Reviewer

Gavin Griffiths

Highlight

Murder Love Song

If you’re a little bit fed up of the norm, then look no further than Fort Worth based Texan’s WhiskeyDick, who when asked to describe themselves, need say no more than "We're just a train robbin', gun totin', dope smokin', guitar pickin' muthafuckin' good time band….”. The duo, consisting of Fritz and Reverend Johnson offer up what they simply describe as ‘YEEHAW’ – Acoustic Hillbilly Country Metal – and have released their brand new album; ‘Welcome To Yeehaw County’.

Pass the bourbon…this could get messy…

journey through the Wild West and the old country; wailing harmonicas and relentless acoustic riffs, it could of easily found itself on the soundtrack to cult horror movie Tremors (if you know the film you’ll understand) and it’s a very upbeat introduction, but it’s over far too quickly.

‘YEEHAW!’ is a slightly slower, slightly darker offering, utilizing that infamously sinister banjo sound for the most part and very bluesy, before ‘Help’ delves into mournful ballad territory, but beautifully done; an album highlight.

Opening up with ‘Redemption’, Elsewhere, tracks like ’18 Wheels we’re instantly taken on a sensory Of Hell’, ‘Drunk As Hell’ and

47

‘Murder Love Song’ keep things ticking over smoothly, the whole opus sounding like a mixture of Seasick Steve and Johnny Cash, with the occasional glimmer of Black Label Society in its tone, it’s delivery and it’s storytelling, resulting in a highly enjoyable listen all round. Ultimately, if you’re a fan of country/rockabilly you’ll love this by default, if you’re looking to broaden your tastes and dabble in the genre, you’ll be pushed to find a better starting block that this. I suggest you open up another bottle and hit replay! Yeehaw!

Zodiac

Road Tapes Vol.1

Record Label

Napalm Records

Release Date

17 April 2015

Reviewer

Phil Kane

Highlight

A Penny And A Dead Horse

Seems extreme metal has got itself a bit of a problem. Oh yes, a lot of musicians from the more ultra heavy end of the metal spectrum seem to be jumping ship and ploughing furrows in other directions, some going into prog, others preferring more accessible melody, even folk; doin’ a good job too. Then there are those who are trying to get their blues mojo working, which is just what Zodiac have chosen to do, having evolved initially out of the ashes of melodic death metal band Misery Speaks and post rockers Long Distance Calling. Still, what is extreme metal’s loss is our gain. There's a lot to be said for metal’s muscle men trying their hand at other genres, not least that they give these old styles a damn good kick up the back side that's sometimes needed, badly. Yep, it’s got itself a world of worry.

around about the time Neil Young’s 'Cortez The Killer' wades into the fray. From there on in, Zodiac sound like they are having a blast. 'Diamond Shoes' is a proper slide infused road eating southern blues boogie. 'A Bit Of A Devil' tipping a hat to the grunt of their collective heritage. It's not all bludgeon, underneath the heft beats a discrete heart of blues and soul, especially in Nick van Delft's vocal, 'Rock Bottom Blues' segueing from Floydian ambience into a rip snorting slow burning blues, a fantastic sun drenched Gibbons style slide intro to the western Gothic of 'A Penny And A Dead Horse' will give you 3rd degree sun burns and a hanging organ gives the fifteen minute ‘Coming Home’ an almost otherworldly ambience to its early seventies jamming blues rock feel, ‘Free’ could’ve been a Climax Blues Band left over. Where the studio Recorded during a headlining tour stuff liked to play with the in the autumn of 2014, ‘Road psychedelic a bit, here the band Tapes Vol 1’ is Zodiac's first strip it back to the point where it proper foray into live album could almost be a long lost territory. The first bit of the album recording from the heady days of sounds like a band that's just the dawning of rock's glory years, revving up until it hits its stride even the front cover looks like an

48

old bootleg album sleeve.

Heavy blues picked out with the odd fleeting moment of signature spaced out psychedelia, 'Road Tapes Vol 1' isn't just yer usual blues rock live album. Nowhere will you hear that generic SRV guitar sound, the structures slightly off kilter, the presentation rawer than a lot of this sort of retro stuff.

What the band lack in grace, it more than makes up for with enthusiasm and feel. The guitar playing especially has subtleties, but is still ragged enough to suggest Zodiac are still evolving, still finding their way. There’s an inventiveness that simmers, patiently waiting until the band decides to utilize it a bit more, an edge that is still waiting to be honed just that little bit more. It's raw, gritty, unrefined, sometimes even ham-fisted (‘Moonshine’ for instance), but though Zodiac may be a work in progress they have still managed to produce a live document that easily stands favourable comparison to anything a lot of the older hands have done recently.

Serious Black

As Daylight Breaks

Record Label

AFM Records

Release Date

12 January 2015

Reviewer

Rob Birtley

Highlight

Listen To The Storm

If you were plotting a Super-group of Melodic Metal you might end up with Serious Black. The line-up consists of Roland Grapow (Masterplan, ex-Helloween) + Dominik Sebastian (Edenbridge) guitars, Thomen Stauch (Savage Circus, ex-Blind Guardian) drums, Mario Lochert (Emergency Gate, ex-Visions of Atlantis) bass, Jan Vacik (ex-Dreamscape) keyboards and vocalist Urban Breed (Trail of Murder, ex-Tad Morose, exBloodbound).

vocals. No shock to say this reminds me of Masterplan. Vacik’s keyboard carries the melody of “High and Low” while Breed goes stratospheric in the chorus. The whole effect is like Royal Hunt in their pomp. Solo piano and gentle vocals open ‘Sealing My Fate’ starting off as a ballad it quickly builds and has layered harmonies and more involving solos with kick-ass drums. Curtain raiser ‘Temple of the Sun’ is an instrumental with an ancient Egyptian flair that leads into next ‘I Seek No Other Life’ quickly sets song ‘Akhenaten’. The chains are on the scene for the rest of the with this one rekindling themes from album and features the first of Blue Murders ‘Valley Of The Kings’ many rapid-fire guitar solos, and Vacik’s solo enhances the tune thunderous drumming from Stauch perfectly. Title-track ‘As Daylight and Breed’s powerful soaring Breaks’ slows the pace, depending

Peterik & Scherer

on symphonic orchestration and vocals to carry the track, building up the emotion and unfurls into a fine power ballad. ‘Setting Fire To The Earth’ hits you like a Pretty Maids apocalypse at full-speed. ‘Listen to the Storm’ begins in a darker vein, it’s a bit more brooding, but at no cost the melody, which is overwhelming especially over the final minutes which are downright transcendent.

Cliché time I’m afraid. It’s almost impossible to single out songs when the whole album is this good. If you’re a fan of melodic and power metal, bands like Masterplan, Avantasia, Allen-Lande and Stratovarius, As Daylight Breaks is your first must-have album of 2015.

Risk Everything

Record Label

Frontiers Records

Release Date

17 April 2015

Reviewer

Stephen Brophy

Highlight

Cold Blooded

Ok, yes this is another project album from Frontiers, but hell it's got Jim Peterik on it, and if you are not familiar with the vocalist Marc Scherer don't worry, you soon will be, stunning voice, that in tone reminds me a little at times of the late great Fergie Frederiksen, but Scherer's really got such a golden smoothness it's wonderful to listen to. This is AOR of the highest quality, Peterik takes charge of Guitar and Keyboards throughout and as expected if sounds classy, with some fine fretboard action right that's just so crisp and sharp.

been by some of these tracks, but the songwriting, the music and that wonderful voice are all more than enough for me to be happy.

There's plenty of variation in the tracks here too, the ballads are well placed, the rocking tracks like "Cold Blooded" pick the pace up nicely, it's a very well rounded piece of work.

are unquestionable after first listen, and if this is just a showcase for him to a wider audience then all well and good, but the guys work really well together on this album, and if would be nice to hear some more. If you are an AOR fan I would strongly urge you not to pass this album by in the current rush of great releases, as it places well, Peterik and Scherer can be Being 100% honest I was looking very proud of this release and I forward to hearing what this have no doubt that it will get many album would sound like, but I really more plays on my stereo. wasn't expecting it to be this bloody good, killer tracks like "Chance Of A Lifetime", "Cold As with all music I'm sure that Blooded" and the excellent ballad there will be people that just are "Broken Home" show this is top not hit in the same way that I have class AOR, the talents of Scherer

49

Kiske & Sommerville

Kiske & Sommerville

Record Label

Frontiers Records

Release Date

17 April 2015

Reviewer

Stephen Brophy

Highlight

City Of Heroes

City Of Heroes, the second Kiske/ Sommerville album, following 2010's self titled debut, the band is again made of very talented musicians, Mat Sinner - Bass (Primal Fear), Magnus Karlsson Guitar (Primal Fear), and of course the dual vocal attack of Michael Kiske (Unisonic, Helloween) and Amanda Sommerville (Trillium) with the addition of Veronika Lukesova on Drums. After quite liking the first album I was looking forward to hearing the new material, and it's good, nothing that I wasn't really expecting to hear, but certainly worth checking out.

anthemic, nice guitar breaks and an solid drums, great way to start the album with Michael and Amanda both on fine form. Tracks on this one that really resonate being the upbeat pacy songs, like the title track, "Rising Up" or "Last Goodbye", the slower paced tracks here are good too, but just didn't stay in my mind the way the others did. That's not to say there isn't plenty of quality elsewhere, tracks like "Breaking Neptune" which is a really classy track, the overlayed keyboards add a different dimension, and the guitar while not being heavy and crunchy is really cool and draws you in. A couple of ballad/ballad like tracks here too, We kick into life with the title track the best for me being "After The "City Of Heroes", melodic, Night Is Over", both voices

Last Autumn’s Dream

blending beautifully all the way through and although it's not too upbeat I like that, some classical guitar in the middle of the track adds to it's feel.

Overall you can't ignore the quality of the singers and assembled musicians, not to mention some bloody good songs on this album, if you are looking for something very different from them, then this may not be for you, but why would you want different when there's a top notch album like this. This pairing have really clicked and we should look forward to more releases from Kiske/Sommerville, nice work here.

Level Eleven

Record Label

AOR Heaven

Release Date

9 March 2015

Reviewer

Rob Birtley

Highlight

Made Of Stone

Last Autumn's Dream is a melodic hard rock band formed in 2002 by vocalist and keyboardist Mikael Erlandsson (Sweden) and guitarist Andy Malecek from the German hard rock band Fair Warning.

Level Eleven is their 11th studio album and the line-up is Mikael Erlandsson - Lead Vocals, Keyboards, Jamie Borger - Drums, Backing Vocals, Nalley Pahlsson Bass, Backing Vocals and Peter Söderström - Guitars, Backing Vocals.

trademark of the band. I suppose that’s why it reminded of Lover Under Cover another band Erlandsson fronts. ‘Follow Your Heart’ is a prime cut of 80’s Poppy AOR and is a real earworm.

‘Fight The World’ is the out and out ballad complete with orchestration to match. At times it sounds like slow tracks of Unruly Child. The vocal does have that Marci Free intensity. 'I'll B There 4 U’ is a cover of a Talisman track off the album Truth. The band manages to make the song their ‘Kiss Me’ opens proceedings at own song and do it justice. 'Losing breakneck speed with a Foreigner you' is another masterclass of type vibe. Erlandsson is one of song-writing and monumental Sweden’s most distinctive singers riffing powered with a neat bass and his sultry vocal rasp the line literally pumping classic AOR

50

through its heart! Pahlsson really lays down a polished bass grove and its right to the fore on ‘Delirious’ and ‘Made Of Stone’ which also contain outstanding solos from Söderström in Brian May fashion complete with that fat and lush sound. The album draws to a close with ‘PLZ’ another finely crafted ballad and a fitting end.

This album starts strongly then in the middle distance really stretches its legs and just gets better like Moe Farah running the 5000 metres. The outcome is just as certain the band is going all out for AOR gold and pulling out all the stops to get it.

Joe Bonamassa

Muddy Wolf At Red Rocks

Record Label

Provogue Records

Release Date

23 March 2015

Reviewer

Phil kane

Highlight

The Ballard Of John Henry

Backing BB king at twelve, Joe Bonamassa has rarely been off the road or out of the studio since, headlining the Albert Hall before the polish had dried on his big man's shoes. Hell, he's almost a legend in his own session break.

Over the last fifteen years he's popped off eleven studio albums, supplemented by God knows how many live albums and collaborations. Best of all, he can walk in anywhere, pick up any old beat up acoustic and knock out a set just like that; which makes Joe Bonamassa my kinda guy.

This gig was a one-off performed and recorded at Red Rocks Amphitheatre over the Labour Day weekend of 2014. Not only has Bonamassa used it to pay homage to his roots, it also fits in perfectly with his work as founder and overseer of Keeping The Blues Alive (KTBA), a none profit organisation promoting the heritage of the blues, funding music scholarships and supplementing music education programs in public schools.

The two disc set is split between the material of Muddy Waters (disc 1) and Howlin' Wolf (disc 2), capped off with half a dozen of his own songs. The covers you'll know, if not by name then certainly the riffs, hearing where the Stones, Zepp and the rest did their pillaging. Bonamassa must've had a hell of a time deciding what to play, the omissions saying more about his coolness than any number of versions of 'Smoke Stack Lightning' or 'Baby Please Don't Go'; though Water's 'Howlin' Wolf' itself would've made a nice touch considering the theme. I'll not go over the set list, you can do that, it's enough that you know this is great hip shaking stuff.

Of the covers, the band pretty much remove a lot of the city grit and country hick of the original material and replace it with a new swinging sleazy, funky spirit, boosting the fuck out of it with horns, the keys brilliantly capturing Wolf's shambolically loose groove of 'How Many More Years'. It defies anyone not to shake their tush somewhere along the line.

Blues is a genre that can sound just as good given a big electrical treatment as it is picked out on an old beat up 3/4 acoustic and bottleneck. In the wrong hands, it can be pretty pedestrian, but here Bonamassa and his chums give it the big band treatment it revels in when done right, injects its Chicago and delta roots with some soulful swing. The sound is modern, the execution slick, perhaps too slick, Kevin Shirley's big brassy production making Smokin' Joe sound like he's got himself a full blown swing band behind him (God knows how good he would’ve sounded with Bublé’s ensemble. The word massive springs to mind). It sounds great, but there are moments when you'll miss the stripped out fire of Gallagher, the whipping grace runs of Rea. At the beginning of each disc there’s a sound bite of Water's and Wolf talking and playing, highlighting how close this sometimes comes to being too polished, his band saving the day.

Bonamassa gives the usual modern blues man's virtuoso pyrotechnic performance, but unlike a lot of his contemporaries, he knows when to just shut the fuck up and let his band do their stuff; the keyboards channelling gospel or barroom honky tonk at the drop of a hat, the horns blasting righteous to the heavens, the harp player just having a blast.

Some would reckon you can't top the originals, the blues don't sound

51

right without a .38 special tucked in its sock, and they’d be right, yet Bonamassa doesn't need no weapon, he has a shit hot band instead. Bonamassa's own stuff scrubs up well too; out goes the swing, in comes the rock, sending the groove into more jammed out stomping blues rock territory; the bruising ‘Ballad Of John Henry’ a tour de force. 'Love Ain't A Love Song' deliciously funky.

There is no doubting the blues soak Bonamassa's soul, he is the best of today’s generation of blues six stringers with a band to match, yet by sticking to an all electric format he's missed a trick. The true greats, Gallagher for instance, would've capitalised on the material’s country roots and thrown in a few off the cuff acoustic recitals. On saying that, given the setting and audience, an evening of horn driven jump blues wasn't such a bad idea anyway.

'Muddy Wolf At Red Rocks' is an absolute gold mine. You'll hear stuff here that's been nicked and bent to rock's will, casting a light on a musical heritage that's so rich it’s still being plundered today.

Enjoy, then go get yourself an old Howlin' Wolf or Muddy Waters anthology, that's where you'll find the really good stuff.

Moxy

1974 To 2014—40 Years Still Riding High

Record Label

Escape Music

Release Date

22 May 2015

Reviewer

Phil Kane

Highlight

Riding HIgh

What is disappointing about this is that it’s just a compilation of recent rerecordings of Moxy's early stuff. It's not even a greatest hits package, just a collection of Earl Johnson's favourite cuts from the bands first three albums, the band's best. However, the material has benefitted greatly from being given the rerecording treatment, rather than just being remastered, highlighting how good the original song writing was. This redux is as good as anything today’s melodic hard rock bands are putting out these days, and it keeps the road guzzling boogie groove of the originals to boot; no mean feat considering there's only one remaining original member from the band's glory days (that's lead guitarist Earl Johnson himself).

Buzz Shearman got himself killed in a bike accident, subsequent albums, suffering the onslaught of changing fads, hum drum at best or just repackaged and ‘Best Of…’ affairs.

High' gets the nod purely because it retains the frantic road fever atmospheric even better. Y&T must've spent hours following Moxy around the States. That the material isn't crushed under the weight of today's technology and '40 Years And Still Riding High' techniques is an achievement in works best as a great introduction itself, one that many of today’s to a largely forgotten outfit. The bands fail to pull off. It goes against band has used these songs to the grain to say this about such great effect, recapturing the big re-recording projects as this, but blues rock groove of those '40 Years And Still Riding High' is a legendary 70s road bands, cracking jolt to the memory of the modern production techniques more mature rockers amongst us taking nothing away from the feel and better still, there’s a second, of a bygone age. These old tracks live disc too (not available to review benefit hugely from being redone at the time of writing, sadly). with the harder, tougher, modern mindset; 'Midnight Flight', 'Can’t '40 Years And Still Riding High' You See I’m A Star' and 'Moon isn’t just a Moxy redux, it’s a rip Rider' open proceedings with a snorting homage to the great knockout salvo to the ear that bands of America’s arena circuit, Moxy started pounding the glory never lets up until tail end Charlie the outfits that always seemed just road in Canada around 1974.

'Riding High' fades into the run off out of touch to us farties over here With three great albums and a groove. 'Still I Wonder' is a classic in good ol' Blighty, their albums pretty rigorous touring schedule, plodder, 'Trouble' should've been snuggled teasingly in the import the band waded through the mid an A side in its own right and God bins of our local record seventies creating a fan base that knows how many fledgling Brit emporiums, prices out of range of stretched from the North outfits of the late seventies nicked our meagre wallets and pocket American continent into Europe, the opening riff from 'Rock Baby'.’ money pouches. One of the great being especially favoured in the Sail On Sail Away’ is just a great names of 70s arena rock scene, southern U.S. states. breezy Cali rocker. ‘Nothing now wouldn't be a bad time to get Unfortunately, things began to go Comes Easy’ very nearly sums it all hold of Moxy's first three albums; wrong, the relentless sex, drugs up on its own; the sort of great they are still out there. and rock ‘n’ roll touring lifestyle rock n roll celebration that Foghat started to take its toll, band made their own, Kiss turned into a In the mean time, how's about members came and went, singer fire eating juggernaut, but 'Riding some new stuff, boys?

52

Chris Bevington

Chris Bevington & Friends

Record Label

Self Release

Release Date

23 February 2015

Reviewer

Phil Kane

Highlight

Was

Originally released last February 2014, ‘Chris Bevington & Friends’ has already made its mark on the top 40 download blues chart and you can hear why. It’s a varied, accomplished album straight out of the old territories of The Blues Band, Box Of Frogs and Climax Blues Band. Session man Chris Bevington, has basically come up smelling of roses with this debut. A prolonged labour of love, Chris roped in some pretty big pals, George Glover, Paul Burgess from 10cc, Scott Ralph and FM's Jim Kirkpatrick among them, producing an absolute corker of a blues album.

There Somewhere' gets a right old beefing up and the Billy Powel keyboards of Texan barroom boogie 'Party Right Here' turn up the southern groove. The motoring Dobro enhanced 'Was' (the pick of the crop) begs for a truck, a chick and an open road, 'Let Me Know' gives you a clue as to where those big AOR bands get their ballad ideas, and 'Heart Of Blues' grows from a country blues picker to a soaring slide spiced rocker. 'I Don't Need No Doctor' gets a righteous injection of soul (those backing vox, man!) and the band gives 'Crossroads' a good swampy JJ Cale style reworking, the righteous horns of opener 'Dark Side Of The songs are all basically covers Love' giving it poke. Throughout, (including ditties by Walter Trout the harp honks away like its life and Jude Cole, Kenny Wayne depends on it, the keyboards are Sheppard and Albert Cummings just restrained bliss, there's some as well as a few reworkings of great sax playing too. The blues more traditional staples), which for here effortlessly weaves their way a blues album is pretty much par from the southern swing of New for the course and which by rights Orleans up to the smooth stomp shouldn't get the licking of a dog of Chicago, stopping off at the odd here. Yet played with such skill and Texan roadhouse along the way. enthusiasm; no mere imitations Thankfully, Bevington hasn't these, you cannot help but get allowed his enthusiasm to get the sucked into the good time groove, better of him, keeping his ideas on the exhilaration almost palpable. a tight rein, scratching that 'Blue On Black' pins down a hell of obvious itch just enough. Producer a sundrenched Doobies Cali and engineer Daniel Rowley has groove. Buddy Guy's 'She’s Out done a great job in making it all

53

sound cohesive, like a real band, despite the piece meal recording process. In the hands of lesser mortals '...& Friends' would’ve been a bland blues run out, but here, with its peppering of soul, gospel and country, it's a delight; the touch light as a summers breeze on a sultry Georgia evening, as weighty as your favourite chick sat on yer face.

In the wrong hands, da blues can be rendered as conservative as traditional C&W, but not here, oh, no no no sweet Lord, not here.

There are no trite, over reverential SRVisms, no faux maudlin pretentions, just great songs packed with good old fashioned soul and a heart as big as a kick drum. There's apparently an album of original material in the offing and if it is anywhere near as good as this, then count me in. Those who like their blues rugged and crunchy may find '...& Friends' a little undernourished, but there should be enough going on here to keep most enthusiasts happy, accessible enough for the uninitiated, and definitely an album for those who were happily singing 'Couldn't Get It Right' in the face of punk as it hysterically gobbed itself into the local infirmary.

Awolnation

Run

Record Label

Red Bull Records

Release Date

17 March 2015

Reviewer

Gavin Griffiths

Highlight

Dreamers

Los Angeles based electronic Indie-rockers Awolnation hit the big time back in 2011, after ‘Megalithic Symphony’ and its massive single ‘Sail’, helped them achieve multi-platinum status and commercial success many bands can only dream of. This year, the group, formed by vocalist Aaron Bruno hopes to emulate their initial achievement with album number two; ‘Run’…suppose we should hurry up and check it out!

We start off with the title track and it’s really quite the contradiction in terms; it’s quite a repetitive track and basically just

drags along. There are periods of doom inspired guitar work, a simple yet crushing riff that wakes the track up, but doesn’t save it from its own mediocrity. This is a theme that we find strewn throughout the album as a whole really, with ‘Fat Face’, ‘Jailbreak’ and ‘Holy Roller’ coming across as quite…well, boring. ‘Hollow Moon (Bad Wolf)’ does lift things up somewhat, but suffers from being rather annoying by the time you’re done with it, such an awful chorus here it really is. The album isn’t entirely without its highlights however, with ‘KOOKSEVERYWHERE!!!’ and

Prong

‘Dreamers’ being particularly enjoyable listens, especially the latter, but other than that, genuine notable moments are very few and far between here. Given the possibi lities you get from combining industrial inspired electronica with mainstream indie rock, there should be an abundance of huge tunes on offer here, but the LA quartet appear lifeless, or simply uninspired. They tried to run…but they stumbled.

Songs From The Black Hole

Record Label

Steamhammer/SPV

Release Date

30 March 2015

Reviewer

Stephen Brophy

Highlight

Don’t Want To Know If You Are Lonely

Since the days of Beg To Differ, Prove You Wrong and the mighty Cleansing album I've always loved the basics of Prong, aggressive and powerful music, as a three or four piece band or moving between Thrash Metal, Industrial with some Hardcore Roots they have always been worth checking out, and more often than not have managed to get my head moving. Last years excellent Ruining Lives being a case in point.

Fugazi and then swinging through Goth like Sisters Of Mercy and even Neil Young gets a look in, it's a very interesting blend and mix, which on most levels works very well.

influenced them in the first place, "Vision Thing" for example is easily recognisable as the Sisters Of Mercy track, but there are subtle differences that just give it a nice bouncy feel. The Bad Brains classic Prong have really managed a good "Banned In D.C." allows the guys to job, highlights being excellent just let loose, and it just sounds opener (Discharge's "Doomsday") great, maybe it's because it has a which rattles along nicely, Tommy's little bit of a cleaner vibe to it (yes delivery is pretty much perfect, it's supposed to sound dirty) but it's Black Flag's "Bars" and Husker Dü's a more tidy version. It is perhaps on "Don't Want To Know If You Are the closing track, Neil Young's Lonely" is a cracking song anyway, "Cortez The Killer" that they stray So a year later the guys return with but it's amazing how well Tommy's furthest from their own sound, but an all covers album Songs From The voice suits these tracks, there is they make it work well, and again Black Hole. Covering artists and essentially underlying relationships offer something very different, a songs that have influenced the guys between genre's but it's great to nice insight into where the guys over their formative years, not hear different types of songs have come from. Congratulations unusual in this day and age, but as reworked and coming out so Prong, never easy to rework with most of their work to date, well. They have definitely put their influences without making it sound Prong have attacked this project own stamp on them, not just either awful or contrived but you with gusto. Offerings from Bad straightforward copies, at the same have pulled it off, a very Brains, Black Flag, Husker Dü, time not straying too far from what enjoyable listen start to finish.

54

55

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz

Record Label

Spinefarm Records

Release Date

9 March 2015

Reviewer

Stephen Brophy

Highlight

Bonafide Heroes

Finland's glam/sleaze upstarts Santa Cruz are back with their self titled follow up to 2013's Screaming For Adrenaline, and wow does it kick in hard from the start. There's no messing around here, no pretentions, just a hard rockin' frenzy, loud and screaming guitars all over, but at the same time there's subtlety when required. With a support slot on Amaranthe's US dates to come and this album under their belt, this is a big year for the band.

pretty heavy in places. This is not a light and fluffy album, this is full on Rock 'n' Roll. "Bonafide Heroes" is a stomping monster of a track, which reminds me a little of the energy of Hardcore Superstar, this is great stuff and along with "We Are The Ones To Fall", "Let Them Burn" and "Vagabonds (Sing With Me) these are the stand out tracks. For me this album is a step forward for Santa Cruz and can see some of these tracks sounding stunning live. Another band that looks like they have what Somehow I'd made myself believe it takes to keep pushing forward, that Santa Cruz were a much this is a really good album and I lighter outfit, and I don't know how look forward with interest to what that had gotten into my head to be comes next. honest, because they are actually

Signum Regis

Through The Storm

Record Label

Ulterium Records

Release Date

8 May 2015

Reviewer

Rob Birtley

Highlight

Vengeance/Liar

Slovak Melodic Neoclassical Power Metallers Signum Regis are unleashing a new EP in May. Through The Storm will be their fourth release and features a line-up of Mayo Petranin – Vocals, Ronnie König – Bass, Filip Koluš – Guitars, Ján Tupý – Keyboard, backing vocals and Jaro Jancula – Drums.

charge like Klaus Meine fronting the Scorpions. Whilst in ‘Through the Storm’ and ‘My Guide in the Night’ I hear more of a Robin McAuley tone from the album Grand Prix in the singing, these tracks also have that N.W.O.B.H.M energy as well coupled with guitar flourishes a kin to Malmsteen.

‘Come and Take It’ opens up with a funky bass line and bass drum. It’s the most straightforward Rocker This album that covers all the on the album. Almost Pretty Maids bases. Driving/Tight rhythm section sets the pace, just enough at times with the kind of meaty vocal Ronny Atkins would be of keyboards to add depth and texture, guitars provide great riffs proud. Soaring choruses abound and intricate solos, and vocals that on the album and the backing vocals work very well. sear and soar in equal measure, all in all textbook for the milieu. In ‘Vengeance/Liar’ is a cover of a ‘Living Well’ Mayo’s vocal lead the Malmsteen song which bursts into

56

life with an intricate guitar riff that entwines into the dynamic beat of the song. As you’d expect, the guitar is at the centre of this song and rightly so. The band song picked this cover well as it showcases not only the guitars but also a drumming tour de force powering the track in the background and contains a vocal of outstanding grace and effortless power.

To close this is how Power Metal should be done. The band is bringing out a full album later this year and for me it can’t come soon enough.

Within Silence

Gallery Of Life

Record Label

Ulterium Records

Release Date

8 May 2015

Reviewer

Rob Birtley

Highlight

The Last Drop Of Blood

Within Silence are Martin Klein Lead/Backing Vocals, Richard Germanus lead Guitars/Growls/ Backing Vocals, Martin Cico rhythm Guitars, Filip Andel Bass/ Backing Vocals and Peter Gacik Drums. Founded in 2008 by Klein and Germanus as Rightdoor, after a line-up change, changed their name to Within Silence and recorded Gallery Of Life (their debut album) in 2014. They are another one of the Melodic Power Metal bands recently to emerge from Slovakia.

melodic guitar and pounding drums. Then Klein’s voice burst in and things really take off. The chorus huge and anthemic a power metal must listen.

‘Emptiness Of Night’ once again fires from the hip with fast paced guitar and rapid drumming.

Keyboards paint the backdrop and the interplay of rhythm and lead guitar is Maiden like at times. It’s rapidly apparent when the chorus kicks in why this band is likened to Theocracy. ‘Elegy Of Doom’ is were events take a darker and heavier turn. Drum and guitar opening The album starts the symphonic/ could have been borrowed from a instrumental/choral Elgar-like number of Maiden tracks. Subtle ‘Intro’ right away you know you are use of Keys heightens the effect heading into something special. leading into the appearance of ‘Silent Desire’ starts with powerful, Germanus’s growl reply to Klein’s

DSG (David Shankle Group)

virtuoso vocal. The opening to ‘The Last Drop Of Blood’ is every bit as theatrical as its title complete with a shriek high note that Halford would be proud to hit. The guitar solo borrows from the ‘Rhyme Of The Ancient Mariner’ before it goes stratospheric. It’s also storytelling Of epic proportions and Klein’s singing is of the same scale.

Cliché time I’m afraid. I could wax lyrical about very track on this album but column inches won’t allow. From the first note it’s obvious this album has been a while in the making. Great playing and singing, fine songs it’s just is far to complete for a first outing but I’m not complain and neither should you just buy it.

Still A Warrior

Record Label

Pure Steel Records

Release Date

28 April 2015

Reviewer

Rob Birtley

Highlight

Cross The Line

Following the dictatorial style of a number of virtuoso axe-men I could list DSG is the exclusive vehicle of X-Manowar shredder David Shankle. This is his third DSG album and the rest of the crew is Warren Halvarson (Damien Thorne) – Lead Vocals, Gabriel Anthony – Drums and Michael Streicher – Bass. The sound is Progressive Power Metal with in your face shredding guitars, expanded solos, fast double pedal drumming and hyper high-pitched vocals.

The title track/opener ‘Still A Warrior’ echo’s a vibe of N.W.O.B.H.M hero’s Diamond Head especially in the vocal, this song has late 80’s Metal etched

all over it. One thing is for sure and the solo proves it Shankle shows no sign of slowing down.

‘Resurrection’ has the grove of Dio -Sabbath with even more testosterone in the drumming.

Halvarson sounding like a young Dio may be not surprising seeing Shankle found him in a Sabbath/ Dio tribute band. At the centre of this Shred Fest the axe-master wields his weapon precisely with extreme speed in the blistering ‘Demonic Solo’ (taken from the horror movie Jezebeth) and the insane instrumental, ‘The Hitman’ but of course machinegun solos are shot through the whole release. ‘Suffer In Silence’ hits the mark in both playing and as a song. Again it reminds me of

57

Diamond Head, not a bad thing in my book, the speed of light soloing is finely controlled and the whole piece Rocks. ‘Cross The Line’ is the best track on the album.

Halvarson rips out the vocal and the rest of the band go ballistic with some purpose reminiscent of Classic Dio. Shankle ‘The Shred Demon’ lives up to every syllable of his nickname on this album, guitar playing is faultless and the band well drilled, the songs get stronger towards the close. But you can’t escape the feeling some songs are just vehicles for guitar pyrotechnics and like with Malmsteen that can be wearisome.

Civil War

Gods And Generals

Record Label

Napalm Records

Release Date

11 May 2015

Reviewer

Phil Kane

Highlight

The Mad Piper

Mongol warlord: “Hao! Dai ye! We won again! This is good, but what is best in life?”

Mongol general: “The open steppe, fleet horse, falcons at your wrist, and the wind in your hair.”

Mongol warlord: “Wrong! Conan!

What is best in life?”

Conan: “Crush your enemies. See them driven before you. Hear the lamentations of their women.”

Mongol General: “That is good!

That is good.”

centre honed to a crack metallic machine, sounding like a medieval cavalry unit at a pre-charge canter, the title track finally signalling the dipping of the lances as they spur on to full tilt. Lyrically meandering through history the band does not mess about with a formula that works, though they do gild the lily a little, throwing in Bagpipes (‘The Mad Piper’), subtle eastern promise (‘Bay Of Pigs’), restrained tinkling keys (‘Schindler's Ark’), a harp to precede the opening of hostilities.

That quote (from the original The simple piano motif of Conan The Barbarian movie) ‘Braveheart’ offers an air of ironic pretty much sums ‘Gods And humour, the hay nonny nonny Generals’ up. To say it’s a bracing vocal melody of ‘Tears From The listen is like saying the engine North’ an air of the pastoral, but mounted 20 mm MG 151/20 the album’s grace is in the straight cannon of the Bf109 was a fair down the line no nonsense pea shooter. approach, the arrangements uncluttered, the power This Swedish outfit wears its remorseless. It’s where cannon immediate heritage so proudly on volley double kick drumming its collective sleeve it must weigh a belongs, thundering cavalry fucking tonne. If you're into yer charge guitars can run amok, Sabatons and Astral Doors (from where the ersatz vocal operatic whose loins Civil War sprang) then can vent its spleen, dressed with this album will sear yer ears; you'll the Gothic drama of long boat love it. Throw in Edguy's lug for a chanting that betrays a Norse strong hook, U.D.O.s skill with the longing for fire hearth tales of war, precision built dual guitar harmony heroism and tragedy; epic. This and martial stomp, Helloweens’s album is exuberant and joyous comic book irony and there you stuff that revels in its power metal have it, ‘Gods And Generals’ is an ancestry, touches of flamboyance absolute Teutonic metal monster. bringing an air of the theatrical.

There isn't a bad track here, Proper, balls to the wall melodic whether you like the Teutonic power metal, ‘Generals Panzerkampfwagen power of And Gods’ has the lot; battle line Teutonic power metal or a more choruses and angelic choirs, folk infused melodic Euro metal, ersatz operatic vocals, drama, there's something here for massive galloping guitars, a everyone, but personally speaking, thundering solid engine room, it’s the ‘The Mad Piper’ that keeps chest beating bravado and above pulling at these old heart strings all catchy, pummelling songs that (it’s an old Celt thing). drive this album on to victory; it’s all here. Imagine an army on the ‘Generals And Gods’ could've been march, that's what this album a more polished piece, but that sounds like; vaguely ragged arsed would've just destroyed the clout. around the edges, but with the There has obviously been some

58

money spent and attention taken over this album, so why they opted to use a nasty electronic 'orchestral' intro to the otherwise splendid belting opener 'War Of The world' is a bit confounding, a full on orchestra would've been far more appropriate but hey, when the album is this good, that's just nit picking. So many bands who dabble in this stuff try to make it interesting by messing about, throwing in spleen rupturing time changes etc… but Civil War get the balance just right.

Moonspell

Extinct

Record Label

Napalm Records

Release Date

6 march 2015

Reviewer

Stephen Brophy

Highlight

The Last Of Us

Portugal's Moonspell have been producing their Gothic infused blend of Metal for more than twenty years now and despite having some ups and downs along they way they have always produced consistently good output. Extinct is their eleventh studio release, coming as the follow up to 2013's Alpha Noir, and it's very good.

pass between a more guttural growl and a more straightforward gothic style, where "Medusalem" is a much more goth inspired vocal but again there's a lot more to the band and their music with Middle Eastern influences throughout.

"The Last Of Us" is the stand out track for me, just excellent, although being a lighter song in sound, it's on the money for me.

Add in the likes of "Domina" with For me Moonspell are one of the some hypnotic guitar, and the two few bands that fuse Metal/Goth in tracks that run close for top spot a truly successful way, and there "Funeral Bloom" and "The Future Is are changes and transitions Dark" once again utilising dual through songs that blend perfectly, vocals blended to perfection. "La the title track "Extinct" is a fine Baphomette" does little for me as example of this, the music is a closing track and certainly for crunchy and driving, and the vocals me doesn't hold up to the quality of

Orden Ogan

the rest of the album.

There aren't a huge amount of surprises on Extinct, but then again you don't need lots of surprises when the music is of a very high quality, and this is.

Moonspell continue to make albums that are fresh, easily accessible for people outside of simply a Metal genre and also relevant musically. Passion drips from each track and long may it continue, they are still weaving musical journeys, and I'll jump onboard for more of like this, quality album.

Ravenhead

Record Label

AFM Records

Release Date

16 January 2015

Reviewer

Stephen Brophy

Highlight

F.E.V.E.R

Powermetal of the highest order, the name is Orden Ogan.

Ravenhead is their fifth album and they show maturity and ability to present a lot more than just galloping guitar runs. We are given here terrific variety of excellent German Powermetal with tinges of folk, also they can switch from beautiful arrangements straight back to some very speedy riffing effortlessly.

to bringing the listener a different perspective, so this is great to hear. The title track itself is powerful and speedy affair, that rumbles and builds as it goes along, and as with much of the album the additional backing vocals are very much an element of the track and it's a really good start, For me though it's "F.E.V.E.R." that is the albums stand out track, rifling drums, speedy aggressive riffs and a really upbeat tempo that gets the foot tapping from the off, vocals are excellent almost a chanting choir backing them up.

After a brief Intro the title track leads into ten tracks of very interesting music, over the years far too many bands in this genre just power through everything and Good stuff keeps coming with bulldoze albums will little thought tracks like "Evil Lies In Every Man",

59

"Deaf Among The Blind" and the excellent "Here At The End Of The World" with a thrashy opening but develops in a different way, harmonies are vital to what makes this album sound so good, when it swings from dark to light it's seamless, then something like "A Reason To Give" sits you up, this is different but damn I like it, a hint of Crimson Glory vocally, another cracking track. Nice and well played, the instrumental "In Grief And Chains" is, but can't help feeling greedy and want an extra full track there instead, but a very minor gripe, I'm off to check their back catalogue, listening to this album is highly recommended.

Hearthstone: Heroes Of have full access to their existing qualitative superiority - outfitting Warcraft Goes Fully Mobile card collection when they log in to vessels with as many guns as Calling all mobile duelists, it’s time to take your decks on the go Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft is now playable on iOS and Android mobile phones.

This version features an all-new interface specially crafted for smaller screens, making it easier than ever to keep the fun of Hearthstone at your fingertips.

“We’re excited to welcome mobile gamers to the Hearthstone community,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “Hearthstone’ s quick, super-accessible gameplay is perfect for gaming on the go , and with the mobile versions it’s incredibly easy to jump into a match and have some fun.”

Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft is a fast-paced, easy-to-learn digital card game for players of every skill level. Hearthstone offers a wide variety of ways to play, whether you want to prove your prowess in ranked matches, test your chops as a deck-builder in the Arena, battle crafty A.I. opponents to win new cards in the Solo Adventures, or challenge your friends to a duel.

The mobile version of Hearthstone brings all of the exciting features and content available in the Windows, Mac, and tablet versions of the game, including Goblins vs Gnomes, Curse of Naxxramas, and the newly released Blackrock Mountain. As with the other versions of the game, players will

the game on their mobile phones.

In celebration of Hearthstone now being more portable than ever, anyone who completes one game in any mode on their mobile phone will receive one free Classic card pack from the original Hearthstone set.

(Players who download Hearthstone on their iPad or Android tablet and finish a game for the first time also receive a free Classic card pack.) Win or lose, that free card pack is yours just by playing a game in Play, Arena, or Practice mode.

Visit playhearthstone.com to learn more about Hearthstone, then head to the Google Play™ store or Amazon Appstore for Android, or Apple App Store for iOS, to download the game for free and start dueling!

Japanese Fleet Making Waves Take to the high seas with World of Warships Developer Diaries #5: Japanese warships. In the latest instalment, viewers can discover the history of the deadly and versatile Japanese warships stalking the oceans during the game’s Closed Beta.

The new dev diaries will check out the Japanese fleet, discovering what this nation’s Tech Tree has to offer and exploring how these vessels stacked up against the might of the U.S. Navy. Viewers can get to grips with Japan’s concept of

60

possible—and the design ethos that made their warships perfect for aggressive naval warfare.

The devs will also be analyzing iconic Japanese vessels such as the Mogami cruiser, which was equipped with lethal Long Lance torpedoes—enough firepower to blow anything out of the water. There’s also the most famous of all Japanese battleships: Yamato. The pride of the Imperial Japanese Navy, Yamato was one of the heaviest and most powerfully armed battleships ever constructed, a true terror lurking in the deep.

All this great intel is capped off with tips and tactics from the developers themselves, ensuring that anyone at the helm of these legendary vessels utilizes them to the fullest.

To watch World of Warships Developer Diaries #5, just visit: To learn more about World of Warships, visit: http:// worldofwarships.com (North America) http:// worldofwarships.eu (Europe) http:// worldofwarships.asia (Asia)

Titan Souls Available Now, Unleashes Torment Upon Your Thumbs Masochistic indie developer Acid Nerve and raucous game label Devolver Digital are set to put you and your confidence in its

place with the release of Titan Souls, available now on PC and Mac, and tomorrow on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita.

Following the adventures of a lone archer in a barren world, players are given one arrow and single hit point to take down the mythical titans hidden throughout the land. Players must explore the ancient world and awaken each titan to uncover and exploit their weakness to bring them down and harvest their soul. Mysterious secrets, hidden areas, and unlockable challenges await those who overcome the punishing titans and come to understand the myths and legends of this world.

“While I couldn’t be more proud of Titan Souls I can’t help thinking that it would have been more profitable as a free-to-play game,” said Devolver Digital CFO Fork Parker. “If we simply charged one dollar per life I would be a rich man. Well, a richer man. The point is – I’m rich.”

Titan Souls and the Titan Souls: Digital Special Edition can be purchased via Steam, Humble, and GOG for PC and Mac while the PlayStation 4 and Vita versions will be 10% off as a part of the PlayStation Spring Fever promotion. The Titan Souls: Digital Special Edition includes the full original soundtrack, a digital artbook and world map, and a collection of high-resolution desktop backgrounds.

For more information and updates on Titan Souls follow @AcidNerve and @DevolverDigital on Twitter. And don’t submit a support request because you keep dying on a specific titan. It’s just you. Get better at video games.

Grand Theft Auto V Is Now the game’s score. Completed videos can be uploaded directly Available for PC Grand Theft Auto V is now available for PC at retail stores and via digital download.

Grand Theft Auto V for PC offers players the option to explore the massive world of Los Santos and Blaine County in resolutions of up to 4k and beyond, as well as the chance to experience the game running at 60 frames per second.

GTAV for PC offers players a huge range of PC-specific customization options, including over 25 separate configurable settings for texture quality, shaders, tessellation, anti-aliasing and more, as well as extensive support and customization for mouse and keyboard controls.

Additional options include a population density slider to control car and pedestrian traffic, as well as dual and triple monitor support, 3D compatibility, and plug-and-play controller support.

Grand Theft Auto V for PC also includes Grand Theft Auto Online, with support for 30 players and two spectators. Grand Theft Auto Online for PC includes all existing gameplay upgrades and Rockstar-created content released since the launch of Grand Theft Auto Online, including the recently released Heists and Adversary Modes available on day one.

Grand Theft Auto V for PC also brings the debut of the Rockstar Editor, a powerful suite of creative tools to quickly and easily capture, edit and share game footage from within Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online. The Rockstar Editor’s Director Mode allows players the ability to stage their own scenes using prominent story characters, pedestrians, and even animals to bring their vision to life. Along with advanced camera manipulation and editing effects including fast and slow motion, and an array of camera filters, players can add their own music using songs from GTAV radio stations, or dynamically control the intensity of

61

from the Rockstar Editor to YouTube or the Rockstar Games Social Club for easy sharing.

Soundtrack artists The Alchemist and Oh No return as hosts of the new radio station, The Lab FM. The station features new and exclusive music from the production duo based on and inspired by the game’s original soundtrack. Collaborating guest artists include Earl Sweatshirt, Freddie Gibbs, Little Dragon, Killer Mike, Sam Herring from Future Islands, and more. Players can also discover Los Santos and Blaine County while enjoying their own music through Self Radio, a new radio station that will host player-created custom soundtracks.

Existing players can transfer their Grand Theft Auto Online characters and progression to the PC from any current platform.

For more information about Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online for the PC, including minimum and recommended system specifications, please visit www.rockstargames.com/V/pc

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on Xbox One available for pre-order from Xbox Games Store Cd Projekt Red, creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the next-generation, open world fantasy RPG hitting stores May 19th, 2015, announce the launch of digital pre-orders, available from today through the Xbox Games Store for Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a story-driven, next-generation open world role-playing game set in a visually stunning fantasy universe full of meaningful choices and impactful consequences. In The Witcher, you play as the professional monster hunter Geralt of Rivia, tasked with finding a child of prophecy.

Starting today, pre-orders for the game can be placed world-wide.

More information about buying The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt can be obtained on buy.thewitcher.com Watch the Official Gameplay Video HERE Additionally, two new exclusive Xbox One bundles will launch in select EMEA markets* timed to the game’s release on May 19.

The Xbox One The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Bundle and Xbox One The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Bundle with Kinect both include a digital download code for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and more. Fans in EMEA markets should check with their local retailers for more details on availability.

The Xbox One “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” Bundle will be available in AT, BE, CZ, DK, ES, FR, DE, GR, HU, IE, IE, IL, IT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RU, SA, SK, TU, ZA, UK, UAE. The Xbox One “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” Bundle with Kinect will be available in CZ, GR, HU, PL, RU, SK, SA, ZA, TU, UAE.

A Host Of New Features Arrive In Mordheim: City Of The Damned Rogue Factor's turn based tactical RPG adaptation of Games Workshop's tabletop game has already received a huge amount of content since its release on Early Access, but as things shape up towards launch, Rogue Factor is back with more in Early Access Phase 5.

Major changes come to The Cult of the Possessed as they are now receiving random mutation when leveling up, thus changing their physical appearance as well as modifying their statistics. This is what today's screenshots illustrate! For example, the "thousand eyes" mutation not only gives a uniquely ocular aesthetic to the unit, but you'll get +10 for initiative as well.

The long awaited Rune System is coming to the game, allowing players to enchant their

weapons and equipment. You'll be able to test the multiple possibilities offered by these enchantments alongside the previously introduced high end gear. Talking about cool gear, you'll now see visual representation of the different armor sets of all units, thus making it easier to see their level of defense on the battlefield.

You'll also find new features such as the in-game chat system, the combat log and many more tweaks and options coming straight from the open communication between Rogue Factor and the players.

On top of that, there's one new unique map available and another procedural map from the merchant district to sink your teeth (or fangs) into.

Mordheim: City of the Damned will be 33% off starting from now, lasting until Monday.

More features will be added in the future, such as customisation, consumable items, and Warband levelling. Be sure to check our Steam Page for more details about what’s coming next!

Watch the latest video Visit the official website

game so incredibly special! The game has just launched on iTunes and will launch on PC via Steam June 1st.

Dungeon Crawlers HD (DCHD) is a hysterical take on who the Ghostbusterswould have been in the medieval times with action and gameplay inspired by some of the best Tactical RPGs. DCHD is a smart, streamlined Turn-based RPG that is easily accessible for new players while offering a deadly challenge to hard-core veterans of this genre. DCHD has the combat to keep you captivated, the loot to satiate even the most covetous treasure addicts, and the laughs that will keep you coming back for more.

Josh Chudnovsky, a long time video game and movie buff and stand-up comedian is the creator of DCHD. Chudnovsky put his heart into making a game that will not only speak to SRPG fans but will enchant anyone who love classic films and games as well.

What makes Dungeon Crawlers HD so special is that this game is a celebration of the movies and video games we've grown up loving. Players will find themselves teaming up with familiar ghost bustin' personalities, cracking up at satirical banter, and even facing off against characters like Who Ya Gonna Crawl? the twisted D. Knight Shaymalan Hilarity Ensues In The (or Death Knight Shaymalan) in a Tactical RPG, Dungeon battle of repartee, swords, and Crawlers HD magic. Whether your heroes are battling a slimy, green, ravenous "When someone asks you if you ghost, or being trolled by The are a God you say YES!" Today, Goblin King who has stolen indie developer Drowning Monsomeone's princess and locked keys has announced it is bringher in "another tower," this game ing Dungeon Crawlers HD to keeps the puns, parodies, and Steam (PC) on June 1st, 2015.

Along with the announcement, the jokes rolling as you battle your way through its treacherous developer has also released a new trailer to get fans pumped for dungeons.

When there's something this sidesplitting Tactical strange in your PC or Mobile Turn-based RPG. Join Payter, Aegon, Roy and Failston on their device… WHO Ya GONNA CRAWL?! Not the I.T. whacky "Ghostbusters" inspired adventure through a dungeon full department… of ghosts, goblins and traps. The Dungeon Crawlers Hd! new trailer highlights the strategic Drowning Monkeys Website Drowning Monkeys Twitter gameplay, the vivid world, the Dungeon Crawlers HD Steam unique characters, and the Greenlight charming humor that make this

62

63

Armored Saint June 08 London Ballroom July 08 Derby Bloodstock Festival Baby Chaos April 18 Glasgow Stereo Cafe Bad Manners June 13 Manchester Academy 14 Coventry The Copper Rooms 19 Leeds Brundenell Social Club 20 Wolverhampton Robin 2 21 Middlesbrough The Longlands Club July 10 Leicester New Parks Social Club 31 Poole Mr Kyps August 02 Bristol The Fleece 06 Derby The Venue 08 Gloucester Guildhall 09 Chester Live Rooms 14 Lowestoft The Aquarium 15 Lincoln The Engine Shed 21 Southampton Engine Rooms 22 Chepstow Castle September 18 Looe Music Festival October 08 Newcastle O2 Academy 09 Stonehaven Town Hall 10 Stonehaven Town Hall December 18 London Under The Bridge 21 Cardiff The Globe 27 Holmfirth Picturedrome January 2016 01 Aberdeen The Tunnels 03 Dumfries The Venue Cancer Bats April 22 Birmingham Insititue 23 Manchester The Ritz 24 Norwich UEA

28 Newcastle University 29 Glasgow O2 ABC 30 London Forum Conan June 05 Edinburgh Bannermans 06 Birmingham Oobleck 07 Cardiff the Moon 08 Plymouth Tiki Bar 09 Bristol The Exchange 10 Brighton Green Door 11 Colchester Arts Centre 12 Ramsgate The Music Hall 13 Leeds Brudenell 14 Manchester Roadhouse 15 Glasgow Audio Curved Air April 19 Wolverhampton Robin 2 Dan Patlansky April 27 London The Boarderline 28 Sheffield Greystones 30 York Fibbers May 07 Poole Mr Kyps

Echosmith April 22 Birmingham O2 Academy 3 23 London Dingwalls 25 Manchester Deaf Institute 26 Glasgow King Tuts FISH August 14 Cambridge Cropredy Festival September 12 Dalkeith Midstock Festival December 03 Bristol O2 Academy 04 London Islington Assembly Hall 05 London Islington Assembly Hall 07 Cambridge Junction 09 Birmingham Town Hall 10 Sheffield City Hall 11 Manchester Academy 2 13 Glasgow O2 ABC

Fleetwood Mac May 27 London The O2 28 London The O2 June 08 Birmingham Genting Arena Def Leppard 09 Birmingham Genting Arena December 12 Manchester Arena 06 Dublin 3 Arena 16 Glasgow SSE Hydro 07 Belfast Odyssey Arena 17 Glasgow SSE Hydro 09 Newcastle Metro Radio Arena 22 London The O2 10 Glasgow SSE Hydro 24 London The O2 12 Birmingham Genting Arena 26 London The O2 13 Nottingham The Capital FM 27 London O2 Arena Arena 30 Leeds First Direct Arena 15 Manchester Arena July 16 Cardiff Motorpoint Arena 01 Manchester Arena 18 London SSE Hydro 04 Birmingham Genting Arena 19 Sheffiled Motorpoint Arena 05 Leeds First Direct Arena 08 Glasgow SSE hydro Delain October Foo Fighters 22 Bristol Marble Factory May 23 Birmingham Institute 25 Sunderland Stadium Of Light 24 Mancher Academy 2 27 Manchester Emirates Old 25 London O2 Academy Islington

64

Trafford Cricket Ground 30 Belfast Coaches To Concerts June 19 London Wembley Stadium Freedom Call May 01 London O2 Academy Islington Fun Lovin’ Criminals February 2016 04 Leeds O2 Academy & Underground 05 Newcastle O2 Academy 06 Nottingham Rock City 11 Oxford O2 Academy 12 Worthing Pavillion Theatre 13 Norwich UEA 18 Cardiff University SU 19 Exeter The Great Hall 20 London O2 Shepherds Bush 25 Birmingham The Institute 26 Manchester Cathedral 27 Glasgow Barrowland Hayseed Dixie April 25 Cardiff The Globe 26 Bath Komedia October 02 Manchester Academy 03 Warrington Pyramid 05 Scunthorpe Baths Hall 06 York The Duchess 08 Chester The Live Rooms 09 Holmfirth Picturedrome 10 Sheffield O2 Academy 12 Stoke On Trent The Sugarmill 16 Glasgow ABC 17 Edinburgh The Queens Hall 18 Dundee Club Tropicana & Vogue 19 Newcastle University Student Union 23 London Brooklyn Bowl 25 Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall Theatre Joe Satriani November 01 Manchester O2 Apollo 02 Birmingham Symphony Hall 03 Glasgow Royal Concert Hall 04 Sheffield City Hall 05 Cardiff Saint David’s Hall 07 Southend Cliffs Pavillion 08 Bristol Colston Hall 09 Portsmouth Guildhall 10 London Eventim Apollo Kaiser Chiefs

June 25 Bristol Amphitheatre & Waterfront July 31 Newmarket Racecourse August 06 Esher Sandown Park Racecourse 07 Newton Le Willow Haydock Park L7 June 16 London Electric Ballroom Lynyrd Skynard April 21 Glasgow Clyde Auditorium 22 Manchester O2 Apollo 23 London Eventim Apollo Madness May 29 Lincoln Sincil Bank Stadium 30 Gloucester Kingsholm Stadium June 03 Chelmsford City Racecourse 06 Portsmouth Fratton Park 26 Newmarket Racecourse 27 Doncaster Racecourse July 02 Northampton Silverstone Circuit 03 Newton Le Willows Haydock Park 04 Carlisle Racecourse 05 Montrose East Links 09 Epsom Racecourse 10 Chepstow Racecourse 11 Rhyl Events Arena September 11 Canterbury The Spitfire Ground 12 Bristol The County Ground 18 Leeds Headingley Carnegie Stadium 25 Wolverhampton Racecourse 26 Chester Le Street Emirates Durham Monument April 16 Cardiff Fuel 17 London Barfly Nickleback November 16 Newcastle Metro Radio Arena 17 Manchester Arena 19 Liverpool Echo Arena 21 Birmingham Genting Arena 22 Nottingham Capital FM Arena

65

24 London The SSE Arena Wembley Powerwolf September 09 London O2 Academy Islington Prong April 21 Birmingham O2 Academy 22 Liverpool O2 Academy 23 Islington O2 Academy Randy Newman October 26 London Royal Festival Hall 30 Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Simple Minds April 15 Portsmouth Guildhall 17 Plymouth Pavillions 18 Cardiff Motorpoint Arena 19 Bournemouth O2 Academy 21 Cambridge Corn Exchange 22 Norwich Nick Rayns LCR UEA Status Quo April 20 Glasgow Royal Concert House 21 Sheffield City Hall 23 Wolverhampton Civic Hall 24 Portsmouth Guildhall 26 London Eventim System Of A Down April 10 London SSE Arena Texas April 18 Brighton Dome 19 Birmingham Symphony Hall 20 Salford The Lowry 22 Glasgow Royal Concert Hall 24 Dunfermline Alhambra 25 Edinburgh Queen’s Hall 27 Gateshead The Sage 28 Hull City Hall 29 Nottingham Royal Concert Hall May 01 Bath Forum 02 London Palladium 03 Margate Winter Gardens 05 Cardiff St David’s Hall 06 Reading Hexagon The Damned April 23 Holmfirth Picturedrome 24 SSunderland North Shore

66

June 02 Gloucester Guildhall 03 Southampton Brook 04 Exeter Phoenix 05 Frome Cheese And Grain 06 London Roundhouse 07 Northampton New Roadmender August Weymouth Pavillion 15 Hastings SSt Mary In The Castle Arts September 24 Edinburgh Liquid Rooms The Exploited May 16 Manchester The Ritz June 06 Bristol O2 Academy The Human League May 16 Doncaster Racecourse The Moody Blues June 06 Plymouth Pavillions 07 Cardiff St Davids Hall 08 Brighton Centre 09 Bristol Colston Hall 11 Bournemouth BIC 12 London Eventim Apollo 13 Ipswich Regent Theatre 14 Oxford New Theatre 16 Manchester O2 Apollo 17 Nottingham RCH 18 Sheffield City Hall 20 Birmingham LG 21 Liverpool Philharmonic 22 Newcastle City Hall The Prodigy May 04 Newcastle O2 Academy 05 Bridlington Spa 07 Birmingham O2 academy 08 Cardiff Motorpoint Arena 09 Blackpool Winter Gardens 11 Reading Rivermead Leisure Complex 12 Brighton Centre 14 Bournemouth The BIC 15 London Alexandra Palace 16 London Alexandra Palace The Stranglers July 10 Worthing Assembley Hall & Richmond Room 11 Hampton Open Air Swimming

Pool 13 York Fibbers 14 Middlesbrough The Venue 15 Holmfirth Picturedrome 16 Blackburn King George’s Hall August 15 Coventry The Copper Rooms

16 Norwich Waterfront 17 Cambridge Junction 18 Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall 19 Manchester The Ritz 22 Belfast The Limelight 24 Glasgow ABC 25 Newcastle O2 Academy 26 Leeds O2 Academy 28 Nottingham Rock City 30 Bristol O2 Academy May 01 Falmouth Princess Pavillion 02 Exeter Phoenix 03 Salisbury City Hall 05 Brighton Concorde 06 Oxford O2 Academy 07 London The Forum July 25 Ebbw Vale Steelhouse Festival

The Waterboys August 28 Edinburgh Ross Bandstand October Belfast Ulster Hall November 09 Aberdeen Music Hall 10 Glasgow Royal Concert Hall 11 Glasgow Barrowland 14 Portsmouth Guildhall 16 Bexhill On Sea De La Warr Pavillion

UK Subs May 09 Cardiff Clwb Ifor Bach 14 Wolverhampton Robin 2 16 Manchester The Ritz November 27 Doncaster Leoart 28 Blackburn King George’s Hall

Therapy?

April 16 Birmingham Rainbow Warehouse 17 Nottingham The Rescue Rooms 18 Manchester Academy 2 19 Leeds Brudenell Society Club

Uriah Heep April 25 Holmfirth The Picturedrome 26 Leamington Spa The Assembly 28 York Fibbers 29 Newcastle Riverside May 05 Southampton Engine Rooms 06 Bristol Marble Factory 08 Brighton Old Market

Toto May 21 Glasgow Royal Concert Hall 25 Manchester O2 Apollo 26 London Eventim Apollo U2 October 25 London The O2 26 London The O2 29 London The O2 30 London The O2 November 06 Glasgow The SSE Hydro 07 Glasgow The SSE Hydro

While She Sleeps April 22 Birmingham Insititue 23 Manchester The Ritz 24 Norwich UEA 28 Newcastle University 29 Glasgow O2 ABC 30 London Forum

UB40 April 15 Cardiff St David’s Hall 17 Birmingham The Barclaycard Arena 18 London O2 Academy Brixton 20 Sheffield Memorial & City Hall July 11 Richmond Kew Gardens August 02 Bedford Park 14 Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Wilko Johnson April 26 London O2 Shephers Bush Empire Whitechapel May 05 Manchester GB Academy

UFO April

67

68