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

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.

 




This is my line, this is eternal

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?!




They’re back!

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!




Sacramento, where you at?

MiddleClassRut

Monday sees the release of the second album from Middle Class Rut ‘Pick Up Your Head’.

Their last album, the explosive, but perhaps one-dimensional, No Name Out Colour, came out two and a half years ago, and it’s good to see they’ve spent that time honing their craft and really moving into new, uncharted territories. There’s much more depth, they’re much tighter as a band and the idea that just two people are making such a racket, frankly, is unbelievable.

They’re from Sacramento and frankly there’s traces of everything from fellow Sacromentans Deftones, to Rage Against The Machine and Jane’s Addiction in the mix. To my mind, they also compare to a early 00s Brit hopefuls The Music (man, what a great, great band) albeit much angrier and heavier.

It’s been knocking around for a while, but if you’ve missed the first single from the album, check it out!

Oh, and whilst we’re talking about Californian rock bands upping their game…the new letlive track is amazing.. hold tight for the album in July!




A NEW TRANSMISSION’S CALLING

I am delighted to announce that I am joining Kerrang! Radio to present the weekly rock chart.

The show starts this Saturday 22nd June at 10am and will feature tracks from Biffy Clyro, Lower Than Atlantis, Paramore and my favourite metal track of the year so far, this absolute banger…

You can listen to Kerrang! Radio on DAB, freeview TV channel 717, online at kerrangradio.co.uk or with our free mobile apps.

Nice one,

Dan