Bands To Watch: The Odious - Joint Ventures (2012)

So I finally got round to doing another "bands to watch" segment before the end of the year. Any of you progressive/death metal fans out there should enjoy this...

1. Nuchal Cord
2. Ancestral Perplexities
3. The Gynecic Curse
4. Combaticus
5. Minutia
6. A Sheep In Wolf's Clothing
7. Mer/ka/ba
8. Fail Science!
9. Charlie Guiteau
10. Joint Ventures
11. Houses Of Stone

Deftones - Koi No Yokan (2012)

1. Swerve City
2. Romantic Dreams
3. Leathers
4. Poltergeist
5. Entombed
6. Graphic Nature
7. Tempest
8. Gauze
9. Rosemary
10. Goon Squad
11. What Happened To You?

Fear Factory + Textures - London KOKO - 18th December 2012

After several things keeping me off the radar for nearly two weeks I must offer my sincerest apologies to those of you out there that are regular readers. With the apocalypse being a complete fucking joke and Christmas nearly upon us I will be leaving you with a couple of reviews to day and a possibly a couple more by Christmas, when I shall be starting to compile my top 20 albums of this year as well as a best 3 or perhaps 5 for each sub-genre, because as we all know this year has been monumentally fantastic in terms of metal releases. Aaron will also be giving us a top 20 to my knowledge, but for now though I leave you with my review of Fear Factory's stellar London gig last Tuesday. Enjoy...

Obituary: Rotting Slow In Europe - London The Garage - 5th December 2012

 Obituary were one of the first death metal bands I was ever introduced to, and after being told that they were a must see band I knew this would be the tour to see them on, a tour treating the fans to a set filled with tracks from their first three albums, three undeniable death metal classics.

Braving the train to London for the second time in 3 days (after a spectacular night at Alexisonfire on Monday, see previous review) I finally got to Highbury, the site of The Garage, found my friend and holed up in the nearest pub, the hilariously titled "The Famous Cock".

This was my first time ever attending a gig at the garage and I must say while it seemed to be a fairly cool venue, being unable to move due to the gig being sold out was not a good feeling. Plus due to the designated smoking are being outside the front door, which was a single set of double doors, while people were still coming in, meaning a queue quickly formed, locking down the entire hallway. The lack of space was fairly discomforting, but that was a small negative on an overall fantastic evening.

The Amenta (7) a band who bill themselves as industrial death metal, but in reality come off as an Australian version of Behemoth with the occasional industrial part thrown in. Nothing outstanding but a good start to the evening. Psycroptic (9) change that completely however. The Tasmanian tech-death mob are on fine form tonight and tear through their set with the intensity and ferocity of their homelands famous devil. Frontman Jason Peppiatt is on top form, but looks odd with a full head of hair.

Everything is still going strong when Macabre (7) take the stage. A band I've heard of from numerous sources but never checked out, they seem to be a fairly standard death metal affair but with a lyrical focus entirely on famous serial killers, a subject so often used in death metal it borders on cliché. However the Britney Spears style ear mic the singer uses was amusing and musically the band was fairly enjoyable.

When Obituary (10) take to the stage, all hell breaks loose. Fans are clearly ecstatic to see the band return to our shores, and hearing every member of the crowd growl along with John Tardy is absolutely brilliant. Crowd favourites in particular are "Turned Inside Out", "Chopped In Half", "The End Complete" and the ever popular "Slowly We Rot". This is a band that has never lost a step and is still on top form live after nearly 25 years. Obituary have blown me away tonight and are clearly still among death metal royalty. And long may they reign.

Obituary Setlist:

1. Stinkupuss
2. Intoxicated
3. Bloodsoaked
4. Immortal Visions
5. Gates To Hell
6. Infected
7. Cause Of Death
8. Chopped In Half
9. Turned Inside Out
10. Body Bag
11. Back To One
12. Killing Time
13. The End Complete
14. Dead Silence
15. I'm In Pain
16. Slowly We Rot

Slowly We Rot, Cause Of Death & The End Complete are all available on Roadrunner Records

Alexisonfire - London Brixton Academy - 3rd December 2012

So here we have it, one of my favourite bands playing their farewell tour across the world. Within seconds of seeing the announcement I was ordering tickets, not giving a single fuck if I was going alone. This was something I knew I had to see. And see I did...

It was a cold Monday night in Brixton when I arrived at the venue, and despite a second date being added the night before due to immense demand, the line circle the block twice. I heard accents and languages from all over Europe as I found my place in line, it was apparent many had travelled far and many had also bought tickets for both nights. These were clearly the most hardcore of fans. After what seemed like an eternity, the doors opened and we filed in to what would undoubtedly be a night to treasure for a long time to come.

I was personally not a fan of opening act Ghost Of A Thousand (6), but the fact that they had reformed after a years absence just to support their friends in Alexisonfire for their final UK shows was admirable. This did not sway me into enjoying their music however, which I found to be loud and slightly abrasive. No matter, because nothing was going to spoil this evening for me.

At 9pm the lights went down and Alexisonfire (10) ambled onstage. Wasting no time, they break into fan favourite "Young Cardinals", it becomes apparent instantly that they have been missed greatly and every single person in attendance is singing as if their lives depend on it. After a short speech from the band they tear into "Boiled Frogs" and it's as if they've never been away. The band shows why they have always been a sight to witness live by tearing through hit after hit, all the while the entire venue singing along and hanging on their every word.

This was a particularly special night for me as I never believed I would have this chance to see them live, and they have been responsible for two of my favourite albums. "This Could Be Anywhere In The World" is particularly important as this song introduced me to the band that I have now loved and waited for 6 years to see. The set is a wonderful mix of old and more recent favourites, each song getting a spectacular crowd reaction. The only song which I had hoped for that wasn't played was "Mailbox Arson", which saddened me slightly, but I was uplifted by the high quality of the setlist regardless.

After titanic closer "Happiness By The Kilowatt" the crowd begins to thin, and here and there I see tears and signs of deep upset at the end of an era. I too feel some of this pain, but my joy at seeing something I never thought I would be privileged enough to see far outweighs my sorrow.

All in all this was a night I will treasure for the rest of my life and am very happy I was able to share with you.


Alexisonfire Setlist:

1. Young Cardinals
2. Boiled Frogs
3. Heading For The Sun
4. Pulmonary Archery
5. Drunks, Lovers, Sinners & Saints
6. No Transitory
7. Get Fighted
8. Born & Raised
9. Waterwings
10. Control
11. Rough Hands
12. Midnight Regulations
13. Hey, It's Your Funeral Mama
14. Old Crows
15. We Are The Sound
16. Accept Crime
17. To A Friend
18. 44 Caliber Love Letter
19. This Could Be Anywhere In The World
20. Accidents
21. The Northern
22. Dog's Blood
23. Happiness By The Kilowatt

Old Crows/Young Cardinals is out now on Dine Alone Records

P.S. the reason I've not uploaded any pictures for this review is due to me being in the seats upstairs at Brixton Academy and not getting any decent clear shots of the bands due to the distance and constantly changing lights. Ah well.

Stone Sour - House Of Gold & Bones Part 1 (2012)

After a busy week gigging and finishing coursework I can finally bring you a new review from Aaron and later a gig review or two from me. This time Aaron's keeping it short and sweet with his review of part 1 of Stone Sour's double album House Of Gold & Bones. Enjoy :)

1. Gone Sovereign
2. Absolute Zero
3. A Rumour Of Skin
4. The Travellers (Part 1)
5. Tired
6. RU486
7. My Name Is Allen
8. Taciturn
9. Influence Of A Drowsy God
10. The Travellers (Part 2)
11. Last Of The Real

Lynyrd Skynyrd - Norwich UEA - 14th November 2012

In all honesty, I'd completely forgotten I hadn't written this yet. So with my sincerest apologies I will bring you a new gig review while I relax to my traditional Sunday regime of soothing post-metal.

Bands To Watch: Thy Art Is Murder - Hate (2012)

After having a rather irritating case of writer's block for the last two weeks and not knowing what the fuck to say anymore I've manage to motivate my sorry ass into finally writing a new review for y'all. Enjoy...

1. Reign Of Darkness
2. The Purest Strain Of Hate
3. Vile Creations
4. Shadow Of Eternal Sin
5. Immolation
6. Infinite Forms
7. Dead Sun
8. Gates Of Misery
9. Defective Breed
10. Doomed From Birth

Parkway Drive + Emmure & The Word Alive - London Roundhouse 17th November 2012

Before I start let me just state that while the rest of the gig went absolutely fucking horribly as I will explain below, I plan to stay as unbiased and professional as possible when discussing the bands and their performances. Please be aware that I am not attacking anyone in my article below, I am merely relaying my experiences from the other night in an attempt to inform and educate.

And now, to business...

Hey Guys

Just to say that if you like what you read here and want to get updates then please like/subscribe to our Facebook page here

Cheers

ParaLegend

Parkway Drive - Atlas (2012)

After a few days of quiet writing, we have Aaron's review of Parkway Drive's latest, the simply titled "Atlas". But first, as a big Suicide Silence fan, Aaron would like to leave his own personal message regarding Mitch Lucker's passing from this world.

Before I get started I’d like to offer my condolences to the friends and family of Mitch Lucker, the late vocalist of Suicide Silence. Mitch was cruelly taken from us at 28 when he lost his life in a tragic motorcycle accident. I’ve always been a huge fan of Suicide Silence and one of my greatest regrets was that I never had the privilege of seeing them live. His vocals were among the best in the business, with a screaming range that was particularly impressive and made Suicide Silence a standout band in their genre. The Metal community will forever remember and miss you and it breaks my heart that his daughter Kenadee will grow up without her Father. R.I.P Mitch.

And now without further ado, the main reason you're all here.

1. Sparks 2:18
2. Old Ghosts/New Regrets 2:50
3. Dream Run 4:09
4. Wild Eyes 4:19
5. Dark Days 4:05
6. The River 5:27
7. Swing 3:32
8. The Slow Surrender 4:14
9. Atlas 4:09
10. Sleight Of Hand 4:27
11. Snake Oil & Holy Water 2:49
12. Blue & The Grey 5:47
Total Time: 48:06

Trash Talk - 119 (2012)

And after another absence we finally have some new reviews coming your way. Here's Aaron's review for Sacramento Hardcore mob Trash Talk's latest album 119. Enjoy...

1. Eat The Cycle 2:19
2. Exile On Broadway 1:12
3. My Rules 1:03
4. F.E.B.N. 1:37
5. Uncivil Disobedience 1:17
6. Blossom & Burn (Feat. Tyler, The Creator & Hodgy Beats) 2:31
7. Reasons 2:14
8. Fuck Nostalgia 1:51
9. Apathy 1:48
10. Thanks, But No Thanks 1:22
11. Bad Habits 1:08
12. Swinging To Pieces 0:53
13. For The Lesser Good 0:28
14. Dogman 2:21
Total Time: 21:57

Evile + Wolf - Norwich OPEN - 27th October 2012

So, after a week or so of inactivity (otherwise known as uni work) I've come back today with a new gig review and a couple of album reviews, from now on I will also be trying to write a couple of new segments: "Sound Of The Underground" where I review an album that may not have shown up on most people's radars but I feel shows a lot of promise, and "From the vault" where I review a "classic" album and offer a new perspective.

So without further pissing around, here is my review for Evile and Wolf's co-headlining gig in Norwich. Enjoy...

R.I.P. Mitch Lucker

Just thought I'd take this time to say how gutted I am to hear about the death of Suicide Silence's Mitch Lucker. I only became a Suicide Silence fan in recent months but I was definitely saddened by this news. He was a very skilled vocalist and a talented performer. His last album, "The Black Crown" helped propel SS to the peak of their success, and it's such a damn shame that a fine young musician is taken at the peak of his career so far. My condolences to his bandmates and his friends and family worldwide, the greatest tragedy of all is that his daughter will now grow up not knowing her father.

R.I.P. Mitch, you won't be forgotten.

Sinister - The Carnage Ending (2012)

1. Gates Of Bloodshed 1:23
2. Unheavenly Domain 3:27
3. Transylvania (City Of The Damned) 5:13
4. My Casual Enemy 5:01
5. Crown Of Thorns 5:17
6. The Carnage Ending 5:27
7. Oath Of Rebirth 4:07
8. Regarding The Imagery 3:42
9. Blood Ecstasy 4:42
10. Defamatory Content 4:34
11. The Final Destroyer 5:23
Total Time:48:09

Architects - Daybreaker (2012)

And now comes Aaron's review of English metalcore mob Architects' latest album, "Daybreaker". Enjoy...

1. The Bitter End 2:55
2. Alpha Omega 3:55
3. These Colours Don't Run 4:01
4. Daybreak 3:32
5. Truth, Be Told 4:31
6. Even If You Win, You're Still A Rat 3:12
7. Outsider Heart 3:27
8. Behind The Throne 4:08
9. Devil's Island 4:06
10. Feather Of Lead 2:50
11. Unbeliever 4:44
Total Time: 41:21

Madball - Rebellion E.P. (2012)

1. You Reap What You Sow 3:09
2. The Beast 2:09
3. Rebellion 2:36
4. My Blood 2:24
5. Get Out 0:54
6. It's My Life 0:57
Total Time: 12:07

Enslaved - Riitiir (2012)

After being incredibly lazy and trying to put off reviewing this album for over 2 weeks to make sure I had everything together when started writing about this album, I have finally decided to write the review. This album, just like the band, is an interesting beast to tackle so this has probably taken the longest out of any of my reviews to write so far. Anyway, here I go...

1. Thoughts Like Hammers 9:30
2. Death In The Eyes Of Dawn 8:17
3. Veilburner 6:46
4. Roots Of The Mountain 9:17
5. Riitiir 5:26
6. Materal 7:48
7. Storm Of Memories 8:58
8. Forsaken 11:15
Total Time: 67:13

Down - The Purple E.P. (2012)

Now for another review by my friend Aaron Anarchy who as of tomorrow is going to become a full time contributor and co-author on this blog. Here's his review of Down's "Purple E.P."...

1. Levitation 5:00
2. Witchtripper 3:49
3. Open Coffins 5:44
4. The Curse Is A Lie 6:01
5.This Work Is Timeless 3:43
6. Misfortune Teller 9:05
Total Time: 33:19

Axewound - Vultures (2012)

This review was written by someone, who I hope in time will become a permanent contributor to the blog. My good friend Aaron Anarchy has written an article (slightly edited by me) for the site reviewing English/Canadian supergroup Axewound's debut album Vultures. Enjoy and leave feedback below in the comments box.

1. Vultures 3:46
2. Post Apocalyptic Part 4:47
3. Victim Of The System 2:41
4. Cold 4:10
5. Burn Alive 4:32
6. Exorchrist 3:48
7. Collide 5:56
8. Destroy 3:34
9. Blood, Money & Lies 3:35
10. Church Of Nothing 4:46
Total Time: 41:35

Napalm Death - Colchester Arts Centre - 6th October 2012

Bands To Watch: Vext - Impermanence E.P. (2012)

01. In The End 4:19
02. Crush 4:04
03. Hourglass 3:50
04. Exit Wounds 4:19
Total Time: 16:30

Aborted - Global Flatline (2012)

1. Omega Mortis 0:59
2. Global Flatline 3:12
3. Источник Болезни (The Origin Of Disease) 3:04
4. Coronary Reconstruction 4:28
5. Fecal Forgery 2:45
6. Of Scabs & Boils 2:53
7. Vermicular, Obscene, Obese 2:51
8. Expurgation Euphoria 3:43
9. From A Tepid Whiff 3:04
10. The Kallinger Theory 3:44
11. Our Father, Who Art Of Feces 2:43
12. Grime 3:48
13. Endstille 6:29
14. Eructations Of Carnal Artistry (Bonus) 3:27
15: Nailed Through Her Cunt (Bonus) 4:12
Total Time: 51:17

While I realise that this album has been out for a long time, I knew when I started this blog that a review of this was a must, as this is one of my favourite death metal albums ever, not just of the year. This album and band will hold a special place in my heart for a long time.

Belgian death metal band Aborted have not had the most stable existence. Frontman Sven de Caluwé is the one constant the bands career and after releasing a couple of albums that while being good were questionable in parts (2005's The Archaic Abbatoir & 2008's Strychnine.213) the band were in need of a very strong record to be their saving grace.

 Aborted make up for it by having several exceptional death metal albums (Engineering The Dead, Goremageddon: The Saw & The Carnage Done, Slaughter & Apparatus: A Methodical Overture), but it is this album that makes it clear to everyone that this is an outstanding band. From start to finish this album covers nearly every base in the death metal spectrum and it does so spectacularly.




From the ominous introduction of "Omega Mortis", which conjures the atmosphere of a world on the brink of destruction via plague, alluding of course to the (Fucking cool) album artwork you see in the top corner.

"Global Flatline" with a slow chugging riff before building to breakneck speed. Vocalist Sven really shows of his skills, ranging from a guttural growl to mid-pitch shriek reminiscent of grindcore. After proclaiming the fantastic lyric "THIS IS THE END OF ALL FLESH!!!" the song slows to a crawl and introduces a marvelous melodic solo, showcasing a fantastic melodic side to an otherwise crushingly heavy song.

The next track "Источник Болезни (The Origin Of Disease)" shows the first instance of a guest vocalist on this album, not a common occurrence in death metal, but a wise move that complements Sven's vocal style. He is joined on this track by French vocalist Julien Truchan, a member of another favourite band of mine, Benighted. This song again shows a perfect mixture of speed, brutality and melody.

"Coronary Reconstruction" and "Fecal Forgery" continue in a very similar fashion, adding gruesome samples and gory lyrics to create a perfect death metal package. "Of Scabs & Boils" is a completely different beast altogether, starting off with some off kilter, almost hard rock like riffing which quickly descends once again into madness, occasionally punctuated with some slightly metalcore flavoured riffs.

"Vermicular, Obscene, Obese" features another guest vocalist, Trevor Strnad of the Black Dahlia Murder, who I respect as a vocalist but I have never been a fan of the band. However he lends his quite capable talents to this excellent song. This song features one of my favourite sections on the whole album, a breakdown that features the "woosh" pick slide sound used to great effect by Gojira (if you don't know what I mean then watch the video below).

A haunting piano piece opens "Expurgation Euphoria" before being engulfed by another heavy as fuck riff while a sample plays in the background. Alternating between a style similar to Gojira's groovy, spine-crushing heaviness and a slightly melodic death metal styled bridge riff, this song is very ominous sounding and another amazing tune.

"From A Tepid Whiff" wastes no time unlike the previous, it kicks straight in at full speed and doesn't let up.

"The Kallinger Theory" named for serial killer Joseph Kallinger, contains a killer groove present throughout and a fantastic melodic outro.

"Our Father, Who Art Of Feces", which features guest vocals from Keijo Niinimaa aka G of Finnish grindcore group Rotten Sound, is a scathing attack at religion which is hateful and aggressive until the last second.

"Grime" features Jason Netherton of Misery Index on guest vocals, and this song is easily one of my favourites, with possibly the best solo on the album.

But nothing prepares you for the beast that is "Endstille" featuring multiple solos, crushing grooves and monologues concerning the end of the world it truly instills a feeling of dread and hopelessness in the wake of the apocalypse, ending the album in magnificent style.

On the deluxe edition there are two bonus tracks, re-recordings of tracks from Aborted's first major album "Engineering The Dead". The tracks chosen are two song which are still part of the band's live set today, "Eructations Of Carnal Artistry" and one my favourites, "Nailed Through Her Cunt", which possesses the absolutely brilliant opening sample "Your suffering will be legendary, even in HELL!!!!" These tracks are no different than the originals although it is nice to hear them re-recorded with proper production.

Me with Sven from Aborted in Feb 2012

Overall I love this greatly and it will be one of my favourites for a long time. Although I have liked death metal for a long time, I have not had the opportunity to go to any death metal gigs until very recently, and it was Aborted and Decapitated who I saw for my first death metal gig. Seeing them in a cramped pub basement in London I was really able to see the energy Aborted put into their live show, and although I love Decapitated there was no doubt Aborted stole the show that evening, and my friend and I even got to meet Sven from Aborted. I then saw them again at Hellfest this year were I was shown that they can perform flawlessly to any size of crowd, whether it be 300 or 3000. Aborted have created a modern masterpiece here, and I look forward to seeing them again as soon as possible.

9.8/10

Check this out if: You like death metal of any kind, you enjoy gory as fuck lyrics mixed with brutal riffs and melodic solos, you have a sick sense of humour and love music that does too.

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For fans of: Benighted, Dying Fetus, Carcass
Global Flatline is out now on Century Media Records

Dying Fetus - Reign Supreme (2012)

1. Invert The Idols 2:05
2. Subjected To A Beating 4:53
3. Second Skin 4:42
4. From Womb To Waste 4:56
5. Dissidence 3:27
6. In The Trenches 3:44
7. Devout Atrocity 4:28
8. Revisionist Past 3:57
9. The Blood Of Power 5:27
10. Dead Whores Love To Fuck (Deluxe Edition Bonus) 0:50
Total Time: 38:22

Bands To Watch: Dawn Of Dementia - Residuum E.P. (2012)

Dying Fetus + Revocation & Cerebral Bore - Norwich Waterfront - 17th September 2012

First of all I would like to apologise for taking so long to: A. put up another review, and B. review this gig which happened about 2 weeks ago. I've had plenty of work to deal with and was away with family all weekend, more reviews will follow in the next day or so.

Now, onto the main event...

Revocation - Teratogenesis E.P. (2012)

01. The Grip Tightens 4:11
02. Spurn The Outstretched Hand 4:01
03. Maniacally Unleashed 3:41
04. Teratogenesis 4:06
05. Bound By Desire 5:35
Total Time: 21:38

Rival Sons - Head Down (2012)

1. Keep On Swinging 4:00
2. Wild Animal 3:27
3. You Want To 4:16
4. Until The Sun Comes 2:59
5. Run From Revelation 4:14
6. Jordan 6:18
7. All The Way 5:10
8. The Heist 3:14
9. Three Fingers 3:17
10. Nava 2:02
11. Manifest Destiny (Pt. 1) 8:20
12. Manifest Destiny (Pt. 2) 4:25
13. True 4:46
Total Time: 56:23

Ophidian I - Solvet Saeclum (2012)

1. Mark Of An Obsidian 5:05
2. Shedyet 5:24
3. Solvet Saeclum 4:13
4. Zone Of Alienation 4:45
5. Tectonic Collapse 2:59
6. Eclipse 4:02
7. Nadir 7:20
8. Ethereal Abyss 4:05
9. The Discontinuity Of A Fundamental Element 5:03

Total Time: 42:53

Welcome

Welcome to this, my new blog. From here I shall be posting reviews of reviews of different rock & metal music, gigs, and through the help of friends, hopefully reviews of new video games as they are released. I will be trying to post a couple of reviews every day or two. If you like what you read then feel free to comment and/or favourite my blog. And feel free to share this site all over, I would love to have plenty of people read my reviews.

ParaLegend