King 810 (band review here) are a relatively new band on the block and have consequentially have been bombarded with publicity. This tour, the first part of the Download Freezes Over string of tours, was the first time king 810 had played in the UK thus making the date at Islington the first London date. King 810 were accompanied by London based doom metal group Hang the Bastard and Welsh rap band Astroid Boys (correct spelling trust me)
First up were Astroid Boys, well at least i think so. While at the bar, the ambient sound track stops suddenly for a louder sound to take its place, with zero introduction, a man and his Mac start pumping out sounds in what I guess was a warm up DJ set from the band. After this the full band came on stage and introduced themselves and generally had a good time. Although not my musical preference, Astroid Boys' presence on stage was fun with maximum crowd interaction and general banter with band members and members of the crowd. Look out for their latest track, lovingly named by the crowd, Fuck her Right in the Pussy or for radio listeners F her Right in the P-juice.
After Astroid Boys came Hang the Bastard which I knew nothing about before they came on apart from the fact that they were going to be heavy as hell with a name like their's. Hang the Bastard waltz on stage played their set and left; albeit a good set with some crazy riffs. Hang the Bastard's lack of interaction baffled me as i was unsure if it was part of their persona or mystique but looking back through previous live footage (journalistic research and all that) they have engaged or at least spoke with the audience on more than one occasion. Other than that down, Hang the Bastard's set was great and was quite refreshing or at least palate cleansing from the rap endure previously.
Hang the Bastard left the stage and the King 810 gang prepped the stage with "Caution" tape (like that found in the War Outside video). After a short interval the band came on and made every mistake Hang the Bastard made, absolutely zero crowd interaction. That being said, the pit started without instruction and did get quite rowdy quite fast. King made sure to play a wide variety of tracks from their debut with both electric and acoustic tracks making an appearance. During the acoustic tracks, David Gunn sat down by the side of the stage making his hidden from anyone more than five feet away. In the spirit on variety, Gunn also performed a live version of an Anatomy track which, although a task to remember, felt out of place.
To sum the night up in one word, that word would be underwhelming. I was expecting a great vibe from the band and a lot of energy transfer but really all i got was a live album performance.
[Side Note] - I have noticed my camera's photo quality is deteriorating fast so expect better quality live photos in these posts before the end of the year.
Feed The Rhino (From L to R) Sam Colley, James Colley, Lee Tobin, Oz Craggs, Chris Kybert
Feed The Rhino are a hardcore five piece from Kent with punk rock influences. Since their formation, feed the rhino have released three studio albums as well as taken part in a compilation album. Feed The Rhino's style fuses intense harsh vocals with complimentary clean vocals, together this creates a very atmospheric tone. Feed The Rhino are currently signed with Century Media Records.
Feed The Rhino's unmistakable vocals are delivered by Lee Tobin, guitars are manned by Sam and James Colley alongside Oz Craggs on the bass. Keeping it coherent is Chris Kybert on the drums.
Since their formation, Feed The Rhino have gone from strength to strength due to the combined effects of amazing live reviews (Watch for a live review coming here soon) and album reviews of an equal caliber. Feed The Rhino have seen a lot of exposure due to consistent support slots for well known bands and due to their signing with large record label Century Media.
Feed The Rhino have announced a tour this year that will last throughout October with support bands being Baby Godzilla (Band Review here) and Night Verses. The tour is to promote the band's latest album; The Sorrow and the Sound.
Feed The Rhino are everywhere on the net but here are some handy links to know: Facebook here, Twitter here, Official site here and a Youtube channel here.
To wrap up, here is Feed The Rhino's latest music video for the song Deny and Offend from their latest album, The Sorrow and the Sound (video linked here for mobile users)
Language is the third studio album from The Contortionist but the first album to feature Michael Lessard (of Last Chance to Reason) as the vocalist. The Contortionist are a progressive metal band from Indianapolis, The Contortionist formed in '07 and have swiftly found recognition for their atmospheric and experimental sound. The Contortionist are currently signed with E1 records.
Notable Tracks
Language I: Intuition - Intuition is the first single released from the album and with good reason. Intuition opens with a soft guitar riff that builds steadily with added percussion and backing rhythm. At the 1:15 mark the track explodes into its full potential with vocals and more percussion. The vocal style used utilizes layers with a harsh background layer with a more melodic layer on top. Towards the 4:15 the track gets a lot heavier with a slow breakdown and harder riff, the tempo slowly increases from this point until the track ends and leads into the second part.
Language II: Conspire - Conspire is the second and heavier part of the Language two-piece. Conspire opens with some heavily palm muted notes and slowly builds into a deep melody. Conspire features a more prominent harsh vocal style throughout and overall just heavier approach towards the start. At the 2:45 mark the vocals mellow into a more melodic style that compliment the instrumentals well. Towards the end of the track the layers build and build until they dissipate for the finish.
Integration - Unlike the mathematical function, Integration is far from boring and tedious. Integration starts with a funky keyboard intro with a slowly build bass line. Guitars are added to the mix. At the minute mark the vocals kick in with a melodic tone, the vocals on this track are echoed at times adding immensely to the atmosphere of the track. The bass line from the intro continues throughout the track while the other instrumentals evolve around in. Towards 3:45 the track get a lot heavier with the volume being thrown up to max and the vocals getting a load more deeper.
Primordial Sound - Primordial Sound is the second single from the album. Primordial Sounds starts immediately vocals that soon stop and make way for a purely dynamic instrumental. After a minute vocals begin again for a short time before they stop again. The main riff for the track sounds more like a scale with an inquisitive tone to it. Towards 3:15 the vocals take a more death metal style that works surprisingly well, the vocals soon return back to a more melodic tone. Leading up to the finish of the track, it take a more sci-fi sound with cosmic like sounds until it slowly fades out.
Arise - Arise starts more like a rock take with vocals and audible lyrics, the main riff for this track is complex and sounds awesome and is impossible not to close your eyes to it for the first time it enters your ears. Arise takes an overall faster pace than previous tracks that adds to the diversity on the album. At 2:30 the track gets heavier with the harsher vocals on the album yet and a schizophrenic guitar riff to match. Arise is a relatively short track compared to the runtimes of other tracks on the album but still manages to squeeze in the familiar Contortionist complexity
After more than a few playthroughs, it is clear to see the Language is a contender for best album of the year. Language is immensely atmospheric but each track is unique enough to be told apart. Each track is incredibly detailed, so much so that every listen through a notice a different instrument in the mix. If you are thinking about buying this album then don't hesitate in doing so because this album is truly awesome or for more dramatic effect, inspires awe.
To round off, here is the video for the first single from the album, Language I: Intuition (video linked here for mobile users)
Body Count was the first album from Ice T's thrash metal band of the same name. Originally released in 1992, Body Count was the center of controversy due to the track Cop Killer and was subsequently removed in later releases. The album focuses on social issues but primarily the issue of police brutality. At release, Body Count received mixed reviews and peaked at #26 in the Billboard 200. Body Count was released through Warner Bros. records.
Notable Tracks
Body Count - Body Count starts off with a stripped down acoustic guitar with some spoken word about the depiction of the police in other media. After a minute the track explodes into a its full potential with alternating vocal and instruments sections. This track stands out because of its almost live tone; Ice T addresses other band members directly making for a fun listening experience.
Voodoo - Voodoo is featured towards the halfway mark of the album and depicts the (probably fictional) story of Ice T's encounter with a witch doctor in New Orleans. The track feature two main riffs that alternate between verses adding to the story telling element immensely. The story in Voodoo is continued in Body Counts latest album on the track Black Voodoo Sex.
The Winner Loses - The Winner Loses is a more serious track compared to the others on the album. The Winner Loses is a ballad about a friend that abuse drugs and his eventual demise. The Winner Loses feature two distinct riffs with different styles adding to the progression and narrative of the track. The Winner Loses also features backing vocals that compliment Ice T well and adds a more somber tone to the track.
There Goes The Neighborhood - There Goes The Neighborhood was the only single released from the album and represents Body Count's invasion of the rock scene. The track fights back at stereotyping in the music scene. TGTN features an awesome drum solo that showcases Body Count's skill.
Cop Killer - Cop Killer was the source of the album controversy at release mainly due to its themes. Cop Killer comes after a thirty second intro where Ice T says he shoots pigs in a parking lot. The actual record is quite good, The track feature samples of firing guns to add to the overall theme of the track as well as the use of named examples such as Rodney King. After a couple of playthroughs, Body Count is still quite a solid album and if anything quite avant-garde of the year it was released. In recent years, rap and metal have had quite the relationship and are sprouting love children left, right and center. With the inclusion of intermissions throughout the album, the album remains refreshing and immersive. (check out our review of Body Count's latest album Manslaughter here) To finish off, here is the video (that features the censored lyric) that accompanied the single from the album, There Goes The Neighborhood (Video linked here for mobile users)
Devastator (From TL to BR) Matthew Nekic, Adrian Tate, Alessandro Sabato, Matthew Youkhana, Andrew Stevens
Devastator (formerly under the name Adversary) are a rap djent metal band from Sydney, Australia. Devastator are a relatively new band as they formed in 2013. Devastator play loud and intense djent infused metal with hard driven rap vocals and aim to bring this sound to the main stage. Currently Devastator have released three individual singles but no EP as yet. Devastator are unsigned but are promoted by BeheadingTheTraitor.
Devastator's hard driven vocals are delievered by Matthew "AntiMatter" Youkhana with backing vocals by bass player Adrian Tate. Devastator's guitar work is supplied by Alessandro Sabato and Andrew Stevens and Devastator's smashing drums are from Matthew Nekic.
Since the formation of the band, they have received little publicity possibly due to the lack of an EP. The band have released three singles to good reception.
Devastator are yet to tour because they are so new but if they do release any new information you can check these links. Facebook page is here, and merch page here.
To finish up here is the video for the first single released, Unconscious (video linked here for mobile users)
Beartooth are a band formed by former vocalist of metalcore band Attack Attack!. Beartooth's debut album was released earlier this year to mostly good reviews. This tour was Beartooth's first appearance in Europe and this show was the first UK date and was sold out in a venue with a capacity of 300 max. Beartooth were supported by English hardcore band Dead Harts (Band Review here) and Metalcore group Climates.
First band up were Climates. I had heard only one track this band had released and found it too melodic for my taste but nevertheless I was open minded. Climates had a good stage presence and engaged with the crowd well. The venue suited the band well as it was intimate and cozy. Climates had a good following are a definitely not a support band to turn your nose up at.
After a short interval Dead Harts were up. Notice that there is no photo for this one, I mosh a bit too had and lost my specs so I was nigh on blind for the rest of the night. Dead Harts open up with pure ferocity and got the crowd going immediately. Band members engaged with the crowd immensely with the member surfing and moshing on more than one occasion. Dead Harts performance felt more like a co headline than a support act. I would recommend seeing this band live, but take off your glasses!
Beartooth rocked up onto the stage and instantaneously the crowd surged forward. Although not being a huge fan of Beartooth, I have to admit they put on a good show. Beartooth engaged with the crowd well by letting the crowd shout lyrics down the mic and more than encouraging the odd stage dive. Beartooth embraced the London vibe with open arms and the crowd loved it. With the like of the show they put on; I wouldn't be surprised if they return to play bigger venues.
Overall, Beartooth and co. made for an enjoyable night with a good atmosphere and surprisingly cheap tickets and merch.
A view from the back of the venue
[Side Note] - It's been a while since one of these have been posted but prepare yourself for a surge of live reviews coming your way in the coming months.
Sorrows Path are a doom metal band band from Greece. Sorrows Path formed back in '93 and have steadily released material throughout the 00s. Doom Philosophy is Sorrows Path's second full length album next to 2006's The Rough Path of Nihilism. Doom Philosophy was released through Iron Shield Records on the twelfth of September.
Notable Tracks
Tragedy - Tragedy stats off the album well with a power metal spin on the doom genre. Tragedy features a solo performed by Edgar Rivera from Solitude Aeturnus. Tragedy has more of a power metal vibe as Tragedy's tempo is not slow and also lacking in a dark atmosphere.
Everything Can Change - Eveything Can Change is the second track to feature a guest musician, this time Snowy Shaw from King Diamond and Merciful Fate sings a duet with Sorrows Path vocalist Angelos Loannidis. Everything Can Change makes up for the lack of atmosphere in Tragedy with a slower tempo and layered vocals.
The Venus and the Moon - The Venus and the Moon take a more power metal approach than previous tracks. TVATM feature echoed vocals in a high pitch blending both power and doom metal elements in equal parts. TVATM finishes how it starts with little progression
Epoasis - Epoasis is featured lower down the track listing but has a music video to boot. Epoasis is possibly the star track of the album featuring multiple vocal styles and a catchy riff. Vocals and instrumentals are mixed so that they are on the same level giving the track character and a nostalgic sound. Epoasis progresses extremely well creating a journey inside the music.
In conclusion, Doom Philosophy is best described as a game of Russian Roulette with one in the chamber; you expect to be blown away but more times than not you are left with just a click. The analogical bullet in this case is Epoasis, Epoasis carries the rest of the album's weight and saves the album from being unlistenable. If you were thinking about buying this album, I would reccomend buying Epoasis as a single and leaving it at that.
To wrap up, here is the music video for the savior track, Epoasis (video linked here for mobile users)
Peace Sells... is the second is the second studio album from classic thrash/heavy metal band Megadeth. The album was originally released in '86 but has since seen multiple re-releases and re-masterings by different producers. The album sold reasonably well and consequently has received a platinum rating in both the US and Canada and a silver rating in the UK. At release the album was met with average reviews with the average score received a three out of five.
Does peace still sell, lets find out.
Notable Tracks
Wake Up Dead - Wake up Dead is the first track from the album but is definitely not a throwaway track. Wake Up Dead progresses extremely well with its short runtime. Wake Up Dead features a good balance of solos and vocals to create a strong first track to start.
Peace Sells - Peace Sells is the title track of the album and was the second single from the album. Peace Sells features politically driven lyrics on top of a catchy as hell bassline. Peace Sells also evolves well as the vocal style changes as the song progresses from a spoken word to a hard driven aware thrash track.
Good Mourning / Black Friday - Good Mourning is the instrumental intro to Black Friday, Good Mourning is fast paced instrumental with a desert trek tone to it. Good Mourning leads into the track Black Friday which is equally as fast as the intro. Black Friday has a very distinct mix where vocals and instrumentals are on the same level making for a real thrash feel.
I Ain't Superstitious - I Ain't Superstitious is the penultimate track on the original track listing and takes a different tone entirely compared to the earlier tracks in the track list. I Ain't Superstitious was originally performed by Howlin' Wolf twenty years prior but still manages to keep the song alive by sounding very different to the original.
In Conclusion, Peace Sells... is still a solid album, although most thrash bands from the period have died out or evolved into different genres; Megadeth still try to create a good album. Peace Sells is still the most relevant track on the listing with politically driven lyrics but other tracks from the album are still a joy to listen to.
To finish, here is the music video for the second single from the album, Peace Sells (video linked here for mobile users)
King 810 (From L to R) Andrew Beal. Andrew Workman. David Gunn, Eugene Gill
King 810 (simply just KING) are a nu metal four man band from Flint, Michigan. King 810 have been around since the late 00s and have rocketed into the rocket scene with their signing to Roadrunner records. King 810 currently have an EP and an album to their name, both met with good reviews. King 810's sound is dark and foreboding but still retains meaning and conviction. King 810's dark vocals are from David Gunn supported by the heavy guitar work from Andrew Beal with Eugene Gill on bass. Andrew Workman keeps it in check on the drums
Since their formation, King 810 have risen to recognition exponentially through the media's portrayal of them. King 810 bring the connotation of violence with stories of baseball bats, lighter fluid and assault. Any press is good press and since King 810 secured a spot on 2014's Download festival lineup while not even having released their debut album. King 810 seem to be everywhere at the moment and are touring extensively, first King 810 will complete their portion of the Download freezes over tour (watch this space for a live review) and then they play a few date in mainland Europe and then Knotfest and then they support Slipknot alongside Korn for the Prepare For Hell tour in the US. For all the dates and info on upcoming gigs check this link here. King 810 are all over the internet but here are the most important places you need to know. Their Facebook page is here, twitter account here and an official website here. To finish up, here is the music video for King 810's latest single, Fat Around the Heart. (video linked here for mobile users)
Skinflint are quite the obscure band; hailing from Botswana, Skinflint are a three piece metal outfit offering a classic style of metal. The band has been around since 2006 and in that time they have released four full length albums including two singles with music videos to match. Nyemba is an independent release and was released on the sixth of September.
Notable Tracks
Veya - Veya is the first track from the album an showcases each instrument's style. Veya features an extremely high pitch solo from the lead guitar and throughout the drums and bass line shine through. Veya has quite a nostalgic feel to it (and most of the track from the album too) that can be compared to early maiden material, a major compliment.
Okove - Okove starts with a slower and more somber tone but builds with an alternating bass and lead intro. Okove also features plenty of solo guitar sections that help to progress the song well, defining a clear start and finish.
Abiku - Abiku takes what Okove did well and does is just as well. Abiku also starts with a complimenting bass and lead alternating intro that works its way into the main riff well. Being the shortest track on the album, Abiku surprisingly still manages to conjure up the time to feature a solid instrumental section.
Sinkinda - Sinkinda begins with an almost acoustic intro that makes for a calm resting place from the rest of the album. The intro builds well with a sweet lead guitar riff in the background. The intro soon dissipates and becomes more electric with a jumpy bass line. Sinkinda features very little vocal work and a lot of tight guitar and bass work which adds to the variety of the album.
Nyemba isn't a bad album by any stretch and features some really tight riffs and that use the bass and drums well but all in all Nyemba offers nothing new. Nyemba's song's have the tendency to blend into one due to similar vocal styles throughout each track. To summarize, Nyemba is worth a listen albeit just for the guitar work and for bragging rights that you have heard metal from Botswana.
The Black album (or sometimes known as just simply Metallica) is the fifth studio album from metal legends Metallica. The Black Album was released in the August of '91 and reached number one in eight weekly charts - including the UK and the US. The Black Album is the best selling Metallica album to date and is listed as one of the greatest albums of all time by Rolling Stone. The Black Album sees a change from the harsher thrash sound to a more metal/hard rock sound. The Black Album has sold over 30 million copies worldwide and is certified platinum or above in sixteen countries including a fourteen times Platinum rating in the US. But all those accolades were over twenty years ago. The true test is if thee album stands up today.
Notable Tracks
Enter Sandman - Enter Sandman starts off the record with a bang. Enter Sandman starts off with that unforgettable riff that builds for a whole minute. Enter Sandman features some fine guitar solos between verses as well as different vocal styles. Enter Sandman progresses well due to changes in tone. The track ends with a slow fade out with the repeated lyric "we're off to never never land" in a distorted voice that adds to the track personality immensely.
Sad But True - Sad But True takes a heavier approach than the previous with a down tuned riff that lasts the whole track. Sad But True makes good use of silence throughout the track adding to the suspense and tone of the track. The most important part of this track is the drums, the drums take a top spot in this track for the way they shine through the guitars. Sad But True was used as the backing track for Kid Rock's track American Badass.
The Unforgiven - The Unforgiven starts with a stripped down acoustic intro that is build upon with hard hitting drums and electric guitars. The track soon becomes fully electric and only returns to the acoustic style for the bridges and solos. The Unforgiven features the most powerful solos on the record switching between electric and acoustic styles. In later albums, The Unforgiven has seen a second and third part.
Wherever I May Roam - Wherever I May Roam starts with the most memorable intro with an almost Arabian feel. Wherever I May Roam features plenty of high pitched guitars throughout making the track a good medium between hard rock and metal.
Nothing Else Matters - Nothing Else Matters also starts with some beautiful acoustic guitar work that works its way into the backing throughout the track. Nothing Else Mattters is a stripped down ballad that offers some beautiful guitar work that appeals to both metal and hard rock fans.
After a few spins the conclusion is clear, The Black Album is still quite relevant. The album offers enough variety to stay fresh but is still fluid and fluent. The only point that reveals the album's age is the average runtime of each track at about five minutes. Other than this, the album is still fresh and I would and still do happily listen to this album on the regular.
To conclude, here is the music video for the first single from the album, Enter Sandman (video linked here for mobile users)
Twelve Foot Ninja (From L to R) Rohan Hayes, Shane Russell, Kin Etik, Damon McKinnon, Steve Mackay
Twelve Foot Ninja are an alternative five piece from Melbourne, Australia. Twelve Foot Ninja formed in '08 and have since gathered a dedicated fan base. The band has released one studio album and two EPs and are currently signed with Volkanik Records. Twelve Foot Ninja perform a mix of heavy riff driven rock to reggae funk influenced rock tracks.
Kin provides vocals for Twelve Foot Ninja with guitarists Steve and Rohan with bassist Damon and most imortantly Shane on the drums.
Since their formation in '08, Twelve Foot Ninja have risen to fame in Australia and are breaking through in Europe and the US. For their debut album, a track and matching comic was released on the twelve week run up to the release, this was known as "PROJECT 12", this added a lot of intrigue into the bands personality and style which undoubtedly drew in curiosity from listeners. Twelve Foot Ninja are known for their extensive fan interaction and appreciation.
Twelve Foot Ninja are not touring at present as they have just finished a spring time tour in the US. On the other hand, Twelve Foot Ninja are in the process of writing a new album for a release next year (just speculation) so that could entail a tour.
Twelve Foot Ninja can be found in a variety of places on the Internet but here are the links that you need to know. Facebook page is here, twitter page here, youtube channel here and finally an official site here.
To close, here is the director's cut music video for their latest single, Ain't That a Bitch. This video showcases Twelve Foot Ninja's skill at music video creation (Video linked here for mobile users)
Subculture EP is the debut release from rap/metalcore/grime/electronica quartet The One Hundred. The One Hundred have been playing gigs and teasing this release extensively for some time as well as an Iggy Azalea cover released this month. We at DotDownTheFront released a Band Review for these guys earlier this month so check that out here for more info and links to their social media. Subculture EP was released through UNFD.
Notable Tracks
Breed - Breed starts with a bass heavy metalcore intro and the electronic elements are added to the backing. Breed also features double layer vocals that give the track a complex and schizo tone. Instruments and electronics share the limelight as instruments and electronics alternate adding to the ferocity of the track. Live, this song will kick arse.
Kingsmen - Opening with some electronica straight from sci-fi show, Kingsmen builds from the start adding each genre subtly until it explodes into one. Kingsmen features harsh primary vocals and harmonized vocals in the backing that compliment each other well. Kingsmen is complex and shows the band's potential and paths for future releases.
Unleashed - Opening as if it was this summers dance anthem. Unleashed unleashes its energy with distorted clean and harsh vocals and an infectious rhythm. Unleashed progresses well with a clear start and finish. Unleashed is the perfect track for the tent at a festival.
Tale of Two Cities - Tale of Two Cities is a no holds barred track and jumps straight into the raw energy. Tale of Two Cities is the rap heaviest track from the EP but still manages to fit a small instrumental in. The track's chorus is by far the catchiest as the instruments drop for a group vocal on the hook.
Downfall - The final track from the EP will definitely leave a bruise. Downfall starts with a low pitched electronic section and builds to fast and catchy chorus that will literally leave you saying "downfall" out load for hours. Towards the end of the track, the electronica builds for an awesome and abrupt ending that adds ti the attitude of the EP. Buy this EP now! Subculture EP offers a taste of everything with each track having a clear and defined purpose and genre influence. The One Hundred take the best bit from each alternative genre and blends it together to create what can only be described as superior. At £3.99 for six tracks, this is a steal for music of this quality. Without a doubt 2014/2015 will be the year for The One Hundred. (Watch this space for a live review coming winter time) To wrap things up, here is the music video for The One Hundred's cover of Iggy Azalea's Black Widow (video linked here for mobile users)
