Gama Bomb - The Terror Tapes (CD Review)

 01.The Wrong Stuff
02.Legend Of Speed
03.Backwards Bible
04.Beverly Hills Robocop
05.Smoke The Blow With Willem Dafoe
06.We Started The Fire
07.Terrorscope
08.The Cannibals Are in The Streets (Therefore) All Flesh Must Be Eaten
09.Shitting Yourself To Live
10.Matrioshka Brain
11.Metal Idiot
12.Wrecking Ball

Philly Byrne (Vocals)
Joe McGuigan (Bass)
John Roche (Guitar)
Domo Dixon (Lead Guitar)
Paul Caffrey (Drums)

For a decade now, the Irish five-piece have mixed vintage thrash metal with absurd, acid-tongued lyrics, keeping it strictly old school even as they break very modern music industry taboos.
Adhering to self-imposed commandments that prohibit ballads, acoustic intros and the meat-headed tendencies of modern metal, GAMA BOMB went from a quiet corner of Ireland to global cult status in short order, and show no signs of letting up now.
With a string of three critically-lauded albums and a confrontational pro-file sharing stance that saw them go toe-to-toe with everyone from their contemporaries to rock’s old guard, they never lost sight of their goal: to make killer, neck-wrecking thrash metal.


Their fourth album The Terror Tapes, released in April on AFM Records, tears the old speed metal formula a new asshole, and then buys it a pint.
The Terror Tapes is a battery of sing-along anthems that never let the needle drop out of the red, melding a very modern geek’s-eye view of the world with classic metal song writing.
They’re songs that are inspired by midnight movies, hard touring and a comprehensive knowledge of near-forgotten thrash demos, now tempered by a year of hard struggle for the band.
Following 2009’s Tales from the Grave in Space, one of the first albums to be released as a free download by a signed band, GAMA BOMB changed labels, welcomed a new guitarist and dealt with injury, therapy and surgery all in twelve short months.
Now, as they return with nothing less than the most striking thrash album in 20 years under their belts, it’s clear the Geeks shall inherit the Earth.

Nothing short of brilliant this is thrash how it should be!!!
Great use of Love Sculpture's 'sabre Dance' rifferey on the song 'Terrascope' (Cheers Ross for that i thought it was Prowler!!!)

A touch of Lawnmower Death on 'Shitting Yourself To Live' brings a huge smile, everything else just makes you jump around like an idiot!!!

Rating 10/10

For fans Of : Lawnmower Death, Municiple Waste, Evile, Anthrax.

MOSS - HORRIBLE NIGHT (Cd Review)

01.Horrible Night
02.Bleeding Years
03.Dark Lady
04.Dreams From The Depths
05.Coral Of Chaos
06.I Saw Them That Night

Olly Pearson (vocals)
Dominic Finbow (Guitars)
Chris Chantler (Drums)

"In dreams I hear him calling out from the restless slumber in these mindless towers.." - 'The Coral of Chaos'

First gathered together in Southampton in the year 2000 - with the formative ambition of
being slower and heavier than the slowest, heaviest band you can think of - MOSS is known
for unleashing true audial darkness and claustrophobia upon their listeners.

The crypt-crushing, drug-crazed occult horror sound of 2005's Cthonic Rites, 2008's Sub Templum,
2009's Tombs Of The Blind Drugged 10" and the Eternal Return 12" gradually refined and redefined their suffocating underground doom with impenetrable esoteric themes, and gained them a fearsome reputation as one of the worlds foremost purveyors of what is unequivocally heavy. After 13 years, where does such a band go from there? How can they push the envelope any further than it has already been pushed? Enter 2013's Horrible Night…

"we wanted to write something that would stand up over time...no disrespect to our earlier recordings - we feel the essence and atmosphere of those is still very much with us, but they were of a time and place that we're no longer part of..."

Recorded during the summer and autumn of 2012 at Hampshire's Earth Terminal and London's
Earthworks studios, Horrible Night is the sound of MOSS emerging from its cocoon a much more savage, intelligent and all the more terrifying beast. While no longer obsessed with extremity for its own sake - with weirdly infectious riffs, eccentric vocal melodies and no song over 12 minutes - MOSS remain heavier-than-thou, broadening their horror beyond any imposed 'scene' expectations.

Kicking off with 'Horrible Nights' their mastery of the craft is evident, written back in 2010 it sets the course for the album, taking their twisting death-crawl and administering a lethal dose of addictive melody, laden with colossal riffs leaving tracks like 'The Coral of Chaos' and 'Dark Lady' to simply expand further upon this potent formula.

With just six tracks, MOSS proves more than ever why this English cult band is regarded exactly as such. While still no easy pill to swallow for the uninitiated, over its duration Horrible Night will demand complete mind control blending its heady mix of horror and the unknown with pure Doom Metal.

Although traditionally a reluctant live act, in 2013 MOSS are set to embark on their first European headline tour, as well as a return trip to Holland's Roadburn Festival, playing Jus Oborn's Electric Acid Orgy with Electric Wizard, Psychic TV and the Pretty Things.

Rating 10/10

For Fans Of : Witchsorrow, Electric Wizard, Cathedral, Serpent Venom

INFERNAL SEA - CALL OF THE AUGUR (Cd Review)

01.A Prayer For Cleansing
02.Malevolence Of Our Lord
03.Sermon Of The Augur
04.Catastrophic Reprisals
05.Condemned To Psychosis
06.The Gathering
07.Ritual Incantation

Dean Lettice (Vocals)
Geoff Taha (Bass)
Jonathan Egmore (Guitar)
James Burke (Drums)

The Infernal Sea formed in East Anglia in early 2010 from the ashes of UK acts such as The Argent Dawn,Raise the Dead and Middenhelm. They combine black metal melodies with old school death metal brutality to create some uncompromising metal music.
Having often been compared to bands such as Belphegor, At the Gates, Behemoth and Thorns
(to name a few), the band clearly wear their influences on their sleeves.

Having already shared the stage with bands such as Napalm Death, 1349, Annal Nathrakh, Vreid, Abgott, Martyr Defiled and Romeo Must Die the band are rapidly gaining a dedicated
fan base worldwide.
They released thier debut album ‘Call of the Augur‘ to an overwhelming response and the album is already on its second print run.
The future looks bright for the band with a handful of upcoming tours in the UK and Europe. The Infernal Sea are
currently writing/demoing material for the next release with the intentions to record the follow up album in late 2013 and have just released a limited edition cassette tape of older demos.

First 2 songs come in with a Darkthrone/Mayhem vibe, fast drums, heavy riffing and gutteral vocals, in fact so old school black metal that im surprised the band look so  normal and are not dressed in leather, studs and corpse paint!

'Sermon Of The Augur' is an atmospheric acoustic interlude with some good sampling in the background and leads perfectly into the brutality that is 'Catastrophic Reprisals'.

More atmospheric weirdness with 'The Gathering' seems to be 3 minutes of very low growling  with some drums, but it leads into the albums finest track 'Ritual Incantation' coming in at 14 minutes, this one is stunning!
Starts off in a fairly traditional way with triggered bass drums at high speed over a simple riff with that screaming vocal, but then the song takes an intresting turn as it slows down.
Mixing a downbeat almost spoken backing vocal attempting to create some incantation from evil monks over some nice acoustic guitar, which later gives way to sound effects created on a synthersizer that sounds like water, very reminiscent of late 60's occult rock band "Jacula".

All in all a very good debut album, staying away from the symphonic style of Black Metal created by Dimmu and Cradle and sticking to a more (Im)Pure influence.

Rating 9/10

For Fans Of : Darkthrone, Mayhem, Abgott, Hellhammer, Blut Aus Nord

FACEBOOK : http://www.facebook.com/theinfernalsea?fref=ts

AUDREY HORNE, BROKEN CHORDS Live The Garage, London 27.02.13 (Gig Review)

AUDREY HORNE

BROKEN CHORDS

THE GARAGE, LONDON  27^th FEBRUARY

BROKEN CHORDS

Tonight’s only support band at Upstairs At The Garage were a 3 piece called The Broken Chords, hailing from Hertfordshire and Essex, playing a set of self described rock 'n' roll.

As is often the case for support bands, there wasn’t many people here, about 30 or so mainly hanging around the bar, leaving the first half of the venue completely empty. However this did not stop the lads from throwing everything they had at the crowd, with singer Joe Finnigan playing energetically and acting as if he was headlining the night. The band come across as well rehearsed and pretty tight.

Musically however, there were some catchy riffs and there’s no denying Joe has power in his voice, sounding at times a bit like Andrew Stockdale from Wolfmother, but overall they didn’t particularly engage my interests.

They will be on the cover mount CD of the new Rock Sound magazine if you wish to check them out, or check their links below for updates and music.

AUDREY HORNE

Noticeably, as soon as the band left the stage, a few people ran straight up to the front of the stage to take their positions for the headliners tonight, Audrey Horne. I hadn’t seen this band before, nor had really heard much of their stuff before, so I didn’t know what to expect, all I knew was that they were from Norway.

The venue was now looking healthier with more people arriving, the lights dim and the band’s intro hits while the smoke machine fills the room, the band take to the stage kicking straight into opening track ‘Redemption Blues’, which is also their latest music video (watch below), instantly making an impact with their loud hard rock and attitude whilst smiling and quite obviously enjoying themselves.

After a few songs, lead singer, Toschie, announces the next song is about a lady, to which bassist Espen Lien points out he’s introducing the wrong song, and that’s the next one. After they played ‘Cards With The Devil’ Espen says that NOW you can introduce ‘There Goes A Lady’ to which Toschie replies ‘It’s good to have my teacher, mother and father rolled into one person with me today…‘ showing that the band don’t take themselves too seriously, but they mean business when it comes to the music.

I thought the vocals sounded familiar throughout the set, after a while it dawned on me that the singer doesn’t sound unlike R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe (which is a good thing).

 As the set progresses, it becomes obvious that this is party music, with a ‘feel good’ atmosphere to match, with the vocalist constantly posing for pictures for all photographers, and even high five-ing one of them.

After playing slow and down beat number ‘The King Is Dead’, Toschie says that now that he has made the audience depressed, we need cheering up and kicks straight into ‘This Ends Here’, with it’s big chorus instantly making everyone jump up and down, head bang, and smile. The vocalist also Jumps down into the audience to sing to them, taking someone’s camera phone in the process and filming himself singing, making one fan very happy!

Overall a great set with lots of energy, awesome riffs with some that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Judas Priest album, most noticeably on ‘Straight Into Your Grave’ and closing track ‘Blaze Of Ashes’. Lots of crowd participation when instructed to clap along show that the band can hold an audience well.

They announced that they will be playing at London’s Camden Underworld on May 2^nd, so check them out!

Most of the tracks played tonight were from new album ‘Youngblood’, which is out now!

BROKEN CHORDS

AUDREY HORNE

PROMO VIDEO 

BROKEN CHORDS FACEBOOK : https://www.facebook.com/brokenchordsofficial
OFFICIAL SITE : http://www.thebrokenchords.com/

AUDREY HORNE FACEBOOK : http://www.facebook.com/AudreyHorneOfficial Official
OFFICIAL SITE : http://www.audreyhornemusic.com

Wildside Riot - No Second Take (Cd Review)

01.All Hail The Wasted
02.Wildside Riot
03.Broken Toys
04.Fukk Em
05.Candiis Gone Bad
06.That’s What Sunday Mornings Are For
07.Babe I Gotta Go
08.Angel On My Back
09.My Paradise
10.Glitter-Tramps
11.Wasted Lust
12.My Woman
13.There Is A Bullet For Each Of You

Rocky Shades (Vocals)
Joss Riot (Guitar)
Jimmy Gunn (Guitar)
Gaz Wilde (Drums)
James Crofts (Bass)

Back before the days of American influenced galm/sleaze rock, Wrathchild (formed in 1980) were one of the leaders of traditional british glam rock.
Fronted by the larger than life Rocky Shades they tore up the uk till 1989 when the onset of grunge took its toll on the home market.

In 2006 Rocky reformed Wrathchild known as "RSW" whilst the other members reformed their own version, seemingly beset by various problems Rocky regrouped as Wildside Riot in december 2010 and officially returned to the music scene in july 2011.

Throughout last year they recorded an album, shot a promotional video and started to gig to ever increasing popularity.

Kicking off with a slow drum beat 'All Hail The Wasted' hails the return of a very british sounding band, which to my ears is a great relief!
Its simple, anthemic and has a great riff running through it.

"what are you afraid of? Its only rock and roll" asks the opening sample to the self titled song, and it is indeed rock and roll, hitting all the right chords without tring to be clever.

'Broken Toys' is a drum driven rocker with almost rockabilly style timing and guitar.Cracking guitar solo at the end!

Now i would have expected 'Fukk Em' to have that old Wrathchild feel due to the spelling, however this rocker reminds me of classic Zodiac Mindwarp due to that 'Prime Mover' riff.

Sleazy guitar opens 'Candiis Gone Bad', this is another song that has that 50's rock n roll feel, it really bounces along and Rocky's vocal is bang on.

There i was banging my head gently to the rockin sounds of 'Thats What Sunday Mornings Are For' then it went all slow with moody vocals, dammit this is one of those rock ballad love song type things Arggghhh!

Oh no not again this time it's 'Babe I Gotta Go' not quite a love song but one of those bitter sweet goodbye songs!!
Its got great harmony on the backing vocals and some nice acoustic guitar running through but couldnt listen to this one again.

So far we have had rock, then ballad type songs and now we have a funky little tune called 'Angel On My Back' definatley a touch of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers with a slightly gospel sounding backing vocal.
This song is so different from everything else on the album that it sticks out - But in a good way, this one is fucking awesome!

Another slowish, bouncy tune with a 50's tinge, 'My Paradise' is an uplifting song delivered in a downbeat style.

'Glitter Tramps' gets us back on track with the no shit heads down rock, anthemic and punchy.

This one, 'Wasted Lust' sounds like an outtake from Van Halen's 1984 album, i was expecting more just by the songs title, it's okay but i was dissapointed.

'My Woman' is a mid paced rocker that would be perfect for radio play.

Finally 'There Is A Bullet For Each Of You' ends the album on a high, slightly tounge-in-cheek lyrics and solid instrumentation and a sing a long chorus, destined to be a crowd pleaser.

To sum up, i am pleased to say that Rocky and his cohorts have produced a great album that has (on the whole) avoided that Motley Crue/Guns N Roses sound that has come to define this genre these days.
Rocky's vocals remain his own and with the exception of 'Wasted Lust' has remained true to the sound he became known for 30 years ago!

Rating 9/10

For Fans Of: Mercy House, Zodiac Mindwarp, King Lizard, Wasted Sinners, Ace Mafia





FACEBOOK
http://www.facebook.com/Wildsideriot?fref=ts

Pure Negative - Insert Twist Pull (CD Review)

01.Overture
02.Insert Twist Pull
03.7th Empire
04.The Return
05.I Work For Dick Jones
06.Cider Complex
07.World Falls Down
08.Your Misery

Cletus Van Damme (Vocals)
Hillion (Bass)
Stevil (Guitar)
Faraz (Guitar)
Hellhog (Drums)

Described as "The bastard child" of ex-Ted Maul drummer Hellhog (Dripback) and former Labrat axe grinder Stevil formed in June 2007.

An EP release, and several line-up changes later, Pure Negative; now with ex- 50 Calibre bass monster Hillion, vocal terrorist Cleatus Van Damme (Affluenza), and ex-Damnas six string abuser F-Bomb (River Freshney) on board, are taking over!

Following their blistering performace at the 2011 Bloodstock festival their lethal brand of technical prog/metal madness was taken into the studio with producer Dan Foorde (Sikth) and mastered by none other than Russ Russell.

So aside from the weird orchestral 'Overture' the rest of the album is full on in your face metal performed at a very high standard.

Brutal in every way, yet skillfully pieced together, every instrument mixed to perfection to allow clarity delivered with a sledgehammer!

Some stunning Bass guitar in '7th Empire' and all held together with screaming vocals and quality rifferey!!!!

Rating 10/10

For Fans Of : Damnas, Ted Maul, Affluenza, Mastodon, Meshuggah

FACEBOOK :
http://www.facebook.com/purenegative666

Ancient VVisdom - Deathlike (Cd Review)

01.The Beginning
02.Let The End Begin
03.Life On Earth
04.Deathlike
05.Far Beyond Good & Evil
06.Rebirth
07.Look Alive
08.Waiting To Die
09.Death Or Victory
11.Never Live Again
12.Here Is The Grave


From the dark corners of Austin, Texas, singer/songwriter Nathan Opposition, his brother Michael Jochum (electric guitar) and acoustic guitarist Justin "Ribs" Mason have been annihilating the underground rock scene under the moniker of ANCIENT VVISDOM.

Utilizing unusual instrumentation including a bowed stand-up bass, synths, and machete/bamboo percussion over their acoustic guitars, the band set out to develop an enticing yet macabre sound -- which Opposition describes as "the root of rock n' roll and blues" -- on their 2011 debut release "A Godlike Inferno," which garnered the band a strong cult following. Classic Rock called the album a "dark and brooding beast," comparing it to "the dirty glam swagger of Ziggy-era Bowie," while Kerrang! praised its "hypnotic tone and rich soundscapes."

Determined to spread their infectious sound to the masses, the band took on an opening spot for Ghost's inaugural U.S. headlining tour in 2012, as well as a performance at the Scion-sponsored Death Comes Ripping showcase at that year's South By Southwest festival that left concertgoers begging for mercy. Buoyed by nominations for "Best Underground Band" at Metal Hammer's Golden Gods Awards and for "Best New Band" at Classic Rock's annual awards, the band then headed overseas, a jaunt that included performances at Norway's Inferno Festival and the prestigous Roadburn Festival as well as a live broadcast on BBC Radio, where they premiered a new track (the fittingly titled "The Last Man on Earth").

ANCIENT VVISDOM have been further honing in on their archaic sound ever since, producing a mesmerizing follow-up to "A Godlike Inferno" at Diamond Factory Studios in Austin. Their new album, "Deathlike," holds true to its moniker, putting the listener into a state of repose.Their only hope lies in Opposition's vocals -- which, combined with the impassioned acoustic instrumentation, leaves listeners at the edge of their seat as they try to comprehend the depth of his haunting lyrics. Once again mixed and mastered by "A Godlike Inferno" engineer/co-producer Jason Buntz, who this time partnered with Enormous Door founder Jack Control (Jet, The Darkness, ...Trail Of Dead), "Deathlike"s sound remains true to the band with it's rich acoustic tones and heavy electric guitars chugging through an apocalyptic world. "Deathlike" will be released by Prosthetic Records on Feb. 5, 2013 in the U.S.

If you like Doomy acoustic goth with dark country and folk undertones then this may well be the perfect album for you.
Laden with ambience and occult influence's.

Rating 8/10

For Fans Of : Nick Cave, Joy Division, Earth, Sunn O))), The Doors, Boyd Rice