Monthly archives: July, 2013

Jul292013July 29, 2013July 31, 2013NoCommentby dan

‘You know how the saying goes… it’s the size of the fight in the dog…’

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Copy of Shindov_FFDP_0490_z-rev2

I’ve been a fan of Five Finger Death Punch ever since I interviewed them at Download in 2009. If you are wondering what they sound like, the clue is indeed in the title, although as a mate recently came out with ‘possibly not as heavy as you think they’d be’ . This is presumably testament to the melodic vocals employed by the group, however there’s no denying the sheer force of some of the riffs on the new album The Wrong Side Of Heaven and The Righteous Sound Of Hell Volume 1.

The album features an amazing cover of LL Cool J’s Mama Said Knock You Out. I’m not generally one for ‘novelty’ covers by rock bands but this really works, the lyrics sounding considerably more menacing, and, ahem, more likely to knock you out than Mr Cool J. It’s actually quite surprising that nobody thought to do it before! Across the album there’s also cameos from Soulfly’s Max Cavalera, Hatebreed’s Jamey Jasta, and this banger featuring Judas Priest’s Rob Halford.

Talking of Hatebreed, I’m excited about their upcoming tour which kicks off next week. Here in the South, they were originally set to be playing this year’s Hevy Fest in Folkestone which was then moved to Brixton Academy on account of problems with the site, and then ultimately cancelled. Luckily though, they’ve joined forces with headliners Killswitch Engage for a one-off date at London’s tiny Garage in Islington. It’s already sold out, but if you are lucky enough to have tickets, I’d get there early as they’re both playing headline length sets!


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Jul222013July 22, 2013July 22, 2013NoCommentby dan

’40 million records later, I’m still the man’

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limpbizkit-24-02-12

Whether you’re ‘down with the Bizkit’ or not, and it’s quite possible that you’re not, there’s no denying the fact that Limp Bizkit still being in existence is quite something. This is especially true when you consider that they haven’t really released anything half-decent since 2003, and the clue was in the title when it came to that particular record Results May Vary.

Regardless, their live performances, especially now with added nostalgia, are frankly incredible. Their gig at Brixton Academy in May last year was perhaps the best event of last year, and their mid-afternoon performances at Download and Sonisphere in 2009 provided two of the most fun, and believe it or not, diverse, moshpits I’ve ever had the privilege to run around inside.

This latest track features Lil’ Wayne and with its heavy riff, chest-beating lyrics and hip-hop swagger looks set to become the first moshpit staple since 2003’s Eat You Alive. Check out the video below to see Fred Durst rapping on the toilet.

 


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Jul192013July 19, 2013July 19, 2013NoCommentby dan

This is my line, this is eternal

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afi1_MO

In 2011, AFI split up. Or rather, they didn’t, it was a hoax. Nobody told me though, and so I’ve spent the last 2 years thinking I’d never get to see them again – or at all actually, as, criminally, I still haven’t seen them live.

On record though, they’re one of my favourite bands. Their 2003 album, Sing The Sorrow, is one of my all-time favourites and shows perfectly how to construct intelligent, dark, epic sounding gothic rock music that doesn’t resort to ridiculous lyrics, gimmicks or a carefully constructed image to get by.

Imagine my surprise then, to see this arrive on my Twitter feed yesterday – a link to a brand new AFI track ‘I Hope You Suffer’. There’s some interesting effects on this, the guitar sounds BIG and in places, Davey Havok’s vocals sound a tiny bit Trent Reznor. In short though, it sounds like they are back on form!

It’s out on July 23 through digital outlets, and there’s a new album to follow in September 2013. Let’s hope for some UK dates in 2014 then boys?!


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Jul082013July 8, 2013July 8, 2013NoCommentby dan

They’re back!

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Manic+Street+Preachers

So after the epic, epic set at the 02 in December 2011 all was quiet in the Manics camp for a short while. They announced a ‘2-year hiatus’, but recently announced an appearance at this year’s Festival No. 6 in Portmeirion, and  it seems they are planning on releasing TWO albums as part of their self–described ‘last great phase of the Manic Street Preachers’.

The first, acoustically led album is called ‘Rewind The Film’ and they’ve just posted up a link to the title track. It’s a radical departure from anything they’ve done in a while and features Richard Hawley on vocals. It’s an interesting arrangement, not least because most of the singing is done by Richard Hawley, and James Dean Bradfield does not appear until 3 minutes in! Presumably they tried a more ‘traditional’ vocal share but opted for this version – they are obviously two completely different voices. The video is touching and captures the romanticism of the Welsh valleys beautifully.

There will be tour dates too, in September, at considerably smaller venues than you may have seen them recently, certainly a step down from the enormous, epic ‘National Treasures’ show at London’s 02 in December. Here in London, they are playing the 2, 000 capacity Shepherd’s Bush Empire. Personally, (and speaking as a big fan) I haven’t seen them in such a small venue since the ‘Send Away The Tigers’ tour in 2007 so it promises to be something special. Can’t wait!


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