Beartooth @ The Borderline 16/09/14

Beartooth @ The Borderline 16/09/14

 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.

Album Review (Doom Philosophy - Sorrows Path)

Doom Philosophy - Sorrows Path

 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)

Classic Album Retrospect (Peace Sells... But Who's Buying - Megadeth)

Peace Sells... But Who's Buying? - Megadeth

 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)

Band Review (King 810)

King 810

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)

Album Review (Nyemba - Skinflint)

Nyemba - Skinflint

 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. 

Classic Album Retrospect (The Black Album - Metallica)

The Black Album - Metallica

 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)

 

 

Band Review (Twelve Foot Ninja)

Twelve Foot Ninja

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)