Concert Reviews – Page 2

Artists / Bands, Concert Reviews, Music Reviews

Cauldron and Primitai live in London

I was lucky to get two for one tonight, with two amazing heavy metal bands playing at the Black Heart, which is one of my favourite venues in Camden. Both fall into the broad heavy, power and thrash metal genres, but each take their own influences, styles and give it a unique twist.

This heavy metal band orientated in the sleepy Berkshire town of Sandhurst. So not the sort of place you’d expect to give birth to a heavy and thrash metal band! Primitai have combined influences from the 80s Glam Metal revival and classic hard rock and metal bands, such as Iron Maiden, AC/DC and Motley Crue. Creating melodic, rhythmic and powerful heavy metal. Whilst giving it a unique, modern twist to give them a unique edge in the resurgence of 80s Glam and Heavy Metal.

Primitai are a treat to watch, their energy is undeniable and instantly infectious, spreading through that dark crowded room. With their electric fast riffs pumping out into the night, creating to true thrash metal experience. I simply adored their whole style.

They’re high energy, hard-core, and die hard metal-heads. With a heavy yet fast beat, getting the crowd moving. Then the heavy crash of the drums layered with the psychedelic riffs created a mind-blowing experience.

As they announced their next song, someone shouted “YEAH” at the top of their voice, I had never seen such die-hard fans before. They interacted with the crowd, as Guy on vocals was belted out the lyrics, he turned to the audience and shouted “it’s your turn now!” and got them all singing and screaming along.

I noticed the drummer t-shirt read “Thrash is King” and I think that perfectly shows these guys dedication to keeping thrash metal alive, for which I personally am very thankful for! They certainly proved themselves to be the kings of thrash tonight.

The hues of blues and purples carved through the smoke created the perfect mystical and psychedelic back drop.

Primitai are fast and high energy, yet deep and powerful. You could feel the power surging through the crowd. They cleverly layer vocal and musical elements, with other bands members backing up Guy on vocals. And, it was amazing to see the incredible passion from their die-hard fans.

Cauldron is a seriously melodic heavy metal Canadian band. Rising like a phoenix from the ashes of Goat Horn. Cauldron have joined the traditional-sounding heavy metal revolution. Even taking inspiration for their name from other bands in the genre, such as White Wizard and Angel Witch. So they are now fully immersed and driving the revolution to new heights.

I briefly met the band outside as I arrived, luckily our smoke breaks coincided! They were chatting about their plans post tour back in Toronto. I was particularly interested for Cauldron as I know someone who has just moved to Toronto and is exploring the metal scene out there. Coincidences are funny eh?!

Wolf whistles called out into the night even when they were just on stage to tune the guitars! Shows their anticipation and pure excitement for Cauldron. The place was absolutely slammed, way before the scheduled start time, as people wrestled for the best spots.

They were an interesting change in pace from Primitai, always good to mix it up. They started slow and deep, picking up the pace and heaviness as they played through the smoke billowing out into the crowd.

The only problem was the lack of vocals on the tech side, Jason did shout out for more vocals, but alas we got no vocals! Ian, on guitar, added a twist of humour out of it and turned to the crowd and shouted out “he was talking to you, we want more vocals from you!” The crowd chanted: “We are Cauldron, We are Cauldron…”

You should have seen the wave of excitement that passed through the room when they announced they were going to play songs from their fantastic new album “New Gods”.

Of course in the excitement and power metal resurgence, moss pits appeared despite the size of the room nestled above the metal pub. There were so many shout out requests for songs, Jason gave in and shouted out “so what do you guys wanna hear?!” and played a couple of requested songs.

In the lull between songs, the crowd started chanting “we love you Cauldron, we do! We love you, Cauldron, we do” Ian responded with a sarcastic but genuinely heartfelt “I’m going to have to go backstage to cry now” and clasped his hands against his heart. It was impossible not to get swept up in the wave of passion and excitement that filled that room from both the band and the die-hard fans.

The love from their adoring fans is a true testament to these guys. Their heavy and fast songs created a truly power metal experience, with pounding drums electric riffs and rough and raw vocals. Especially with their epically styled power poses at the end of each song.

This gig was an incredible experience, the small dark room above one our beloved metal bars in Camden, was turned into Wembley Stadium. The room was absolutely packed to rafters, with die-fans shouting and jumping up. It was impossible not to get swept up in the excitement. The clever user of lighting and smoke show melded with the atmosphere perfectly. It’s a shame Canada gets to keep Cauldron for themselves, but next time they do a UK tour, I’d definitely recommend you check them out!

Aaron Buchanan and The Cult Classics, Artists / Bands, Concert Reviews, Music Reviews

The Quireboys live in London

Formed over three decades ago, The Quireboys have become an iconic British rock band. They have dabbled with various genres, progressing from hard rock to gypsy styled folk rock, and most recently have delved into the blues. Their latest album brings with it a refreshing yet emotive change of pace and style. Combining slow and deep ballads with bouncy blues classics. Spike’s sultry, raspy voice perfectly melds the blues influences into their classic rock style. Few bands could play different genres with such authentic conviction, passion and confidence. A true testament to their skills as musicians and love for their music.

The mix of ages and styles in the audiences proves their skill in being able to both keep the spirit and sound of classic rock & roll and blues, whilst dragging it kicking and screaming in to the 21st century, with their unique Quireboys twist.

The suspense was palpable as we waited for them to enter the stage. Everyone immediately erupted into cheering and wolf whistling when they first caught a glimpse.

Spike looked amazing in his deep red velvet, pirate-esque appearance. With his flowing scarfs twirling around him as he danced about the stage. And he gave them the perfect introduction: “We are The Quireboys, and this, is rock and roll”…

The Quireboys played a varied set, including their first single “There She Goes Again” and got the crowd to sing along. Mixing it up with a bit of country rock, interacting with the crowd, he said “give me a, Ye-Har!” and of course, their fans responded with a chorus of Ye-Hars ringing out about the room. The catchy and bouncy tune injected a shot of energy into the room.

The combination of their music, look and attitude really brought you back to the hay-day of rock and roll. A great personal reminder to me of my teenage years, as this was the type of music I was brought up on. Over the last few years I have delved ever deeper into heavy metal, so it was refreshing change of pace to hear the classic rock of my roots and entry into the music world. And get the opportunity to witness one of the original classic rock bands, and they were as good as ever. Spike ended on the simple but perfect closing line; “thank you for keeping rock and roll alive with The Quireboys!”…

Those Damn Crows kicked off the show with a high energy, top showman performance. The lead singer ran out on to the stage and jumped up on a podium and screamed out their name in a thick, rough voice. His voice was a beacon throughout the show, ringing out load even about the booming drums and roaring riffs.

They played a great mixture between their old and new songs, which gave their show more depth as they switched between different styles. One of my favourite new songs they played was “Behind These Walls”, which brought with it a more relaxed pace in a ballad style.

I strongly believe that a show is won or lost, depending upon how they perform. Crowd interaction and use of the space can turn any concert from good to mind-blowing. The Crows got the crowd singing and dancing along, with the applause and cheers dragging the stragglers out of the wood work to join the show.

Despite the size of the stage, Aaron Buchanan & The Cult Classics owned the space, wildly dancing and leaping about with ferocious energy. Their clever mix of styles brought a unique sound and performance experience. His howling, screeching vocals rang out, calling all rockers to the stage. Combined with the flashing strobe lighting and the deep heavy beat created a trans-like atmosphere (although did make taking photographs a lot more challenging! But resulted in some great shots).

Aaron really brought the show to life, chatting with crowd and even joining Paul on the drums at one point, smashing the cymbal. He even took crowd surfing to a new level, turning the rules on their head, literally! As he performed an amazing acrobatic headstand on the crowd!

Hailing all the way from Sweden, H.E.A.T. are single handily keeping punk alive and kicking, literally! The heavy beat was only outdone by their rockin’ attitude. The lead singer runs out and shouts to the crowd “we are tonight’s entertainment!” and they certainly did entertain us all. Gyrating on stage and getting the crowd to clap along to their classics, leading the crowd through their show. They transitioned effortlessly between hard hitters and acoustic guitar ballads.

Spike definitely has a unique and admiral voice and style, the red velvet pirate of rock &’ roll! Their look and attitude accompanied their music perfectly. Spike swung the mic stand around above his head, in true pirate swagger fashion. They definitely keep the spirit of rock and roll alive! They are true performers till the end, you can instantly tell they live and breathe rock, and this is where their true passion lies.

Their new album is an iconic turning point for the evolution and modernisation of blues, The Quireboys successfully played an honest and heartfelt tribute to some of the best blues classics, doing them proud, whilst dragging them into the 21st century with their own unique twist.

PS: A massive thank you to Kriz-P for his amazing photos! They really captured the atmosphere of the night and passion of the performers. Check out the rest of his collection here.

Artists / Bands, Concert Reviews, JoanovArc, Music Reviews

JoanovArc “Girls Wanna Rock” single launch show in London 2018

JoanovArc are a hard-hitting all girl rock band. They are an influential and powerful example of women in the music industry; they have even now been proclaimed the “New Queens of Rock” by Gil Norton. Their hard-work and commitment is paying off, as they were nominated for the “Angels of Rock Hell Award” last year. I was able to attend their launch show for their new single “Girls Wanna Rock” at the Big Red, a usual hangout of mine.

Their new single “Girls Wanna Rock” is a lot more powerful and in your face than a lot of their previous work. And sends a powerful message about the inclusion of women in the music industry. Check out the official video below… the music video is an awesome Viking battle scene! Even include battle drums made from recycled construction materials, like Stomp. I arrived early, and found a booth near the front. It was an interesting hearing them sound check, whilst I was waiting to interview them afterwards. After watching their new single’s official music video, I was struck by how her voice sounded even better in real life.

Flowerpot is another great example of women in the Rock industry. I loved Steph’s, lead singer, style; grunge clothes, including ripped tights and undone combat boots, with an adorable cat tail! She also stared in JoanovArc’s new official video-single. And even features in pride of place on the CD cover.

Steph calls out “So it’s a Friday, what a time for a celebration”! Then she launches straight back into full on rock mode, complete with plenty of head-banging and screaming. Morgan, on bass, joins her center stage half way through. They made good use of the stage space, with Steph often down the runway. They mixed in old and new songs, as well as some classic rock covers.

Steph addresses the crowd again “I’m aware some of you won’t know us. But I want to play something a little more well-known, since it’s a Friday, don’t you know? School’s out!”. They drop a heavy beat and launched into the classic “School’s out for Summer”.

Steph announced that the next song was written with someone who has now passed away. You could feel the raw emotions behind it. They even played their new song “Dragon Fire” that will be released next year. It had an electric start, with a deep, slow and heavy beat. Steph got everyone clapping to a heavy drum beat. Then fell to her knees and her fellow band members joined. She let out a rocking scream as laid back flat on the ground. It was really interesting to see a female rendition of the classic “Ace of Spades” and they totally smashed it.

Steph calls out “You’ve been one of the best crowds we’ve played to! Are you all warmed up for JoanovArc yet?”… their last song had a faster beat with rough, gritty vocals, with a few of Steph’s classic screams thrown in. As they exited the stage, the cheers and wolf whistles rang out.

John Altman, the director of the music video, introduced the single launch. JoanovArchad the lovely idea to use their single launch as a fundraiser for breast cancer charities. They filmed the video in one or two days on Bodenham Moor. It was a labour of love and really hard work, given the heat, but everyone came together and we really enjoyed it. They then played the video on the projector, as it ended there was a raucous round of applause.

Then all attention turned to the band on stage. “I wanna see your hands in the air”! They launched into a full power live rendition of their new hit single. They owned the space, switching around the lead. It was great to finally hear the song live! They then played one rock anthem one after another. They even treated us to a song from the new album “Down by the River”.

They dedicated a song to Steph, from Flowerpot and the star of their music video. “I want to see you mosh to this one”. They picked up the pace with upbeat pounding drums calling the warriors to the battle field. They got everyone moving and dancing! They invited Steph up on stage, as their music video’s leading lady “thank you Flowerpot for being so awesome” and together they smashed a “Zombie” cover. Together they made an epic line-up and a formidable force to be reckoned with. The energy spread through the crowd and got everyone dancing. The leading girls stepped aside to put the full attention on the drummer. The pummelling drum beat builds up into an epic drum solo.

As well as plenty of standout rockers, they also played a ballad piece, taking a slower and more soulful approach. “Put your arm around the person next to you and remember when you were young”. They got everyone dancing or swaying with lighters. Then in contrast they crashed straight into a classic hard rocker, fast and more upbeat. They got fans of all ages dancing together. You can see they are really having fun with this one. After each song ended, they erupted into applause.

They invited John, the director, on stage to join them for “Wild One”. And the energy only intensified as John danced and sang along. Ending on a smashing drum solo. “In America we met a few cowboys, and I see a few here tonight”! I could feel the floor vibrating beneath my feet as people danced, jumped and stomped along. The crowd cheers and claps throughout the ending drum solo and exploded into deafening cheers, clapping and whistling afterwards. They ended on a reprise of their new single “Girls Wanna Rock” and Steph joined them onstage, thanking everyone at the end.

I was honoured to meet JoanovArc, as amazing examples of women in the rock industry. Which is definitely something we need to see more often! I have never seen so much energy in such a small space. It really was infectious and spread through the audience. People danced, jumped and sang along, you could they really loved the music and were having an amazing time! And it was a great idea from the girls to use the single launch as a fundraiser for such a worthy cause. I can’t wait to hear what their new album, being released in February 2019, has in store!

Artists / Bands, Concert Reviews, Music Reviews

Visigoth live in London 2018

Visigoth’s fantasy battle and mythological themes seep through their epic power metal songs to bring their namesake nomadic tribe to life. You can imagine it being played as the battle music when the Visigoths invaded the Roman Empire. Fitting as it was the band’s first UK tour invasion, and they are going on to conquer Holland and Germany after, reclaiming their Germanic heritage.

Visigoth are an epic combination of heavy and power metal. With similarities to the likes of fellow American heavy metal bands Eternal Champion and Manilla Road. With the added twist of power metal elements coming through reminiscent of Omen, Twisted Tower Dire and Medieval Steel.

Their second full-length album, “Conqueror’s Oath”, bringing a faster pace and kick-ass attitude. This release sees them taking a different turn, with a larger focus on the wild, loud heavy metal influences rather than the slower, melodically power ballads. Jake Rogers’ piercing yet melodic vocals still ring out loud despite the electric fast guitar riffs and metallic battle drums. Leading the listener through the story of the Visigoths Invasion.

When I first got there the room was relatively quiet, filling out a bit more during the warm-up acts. In the break before Visigoth started, I went out for smoke to cool down. When I came back in the room was packed, with people and tentative excitement. I struggled to sneak through to be able to take photographs! As I moved through the crowd I spotted a lot of Visigoth t-shirts, showing despite it being their first UK tour, they already had many firm fans.
After the first few notes rang out, the crowd erupted. The crowd chants “Visigoth, Visigoth, Visigoth…” Jake responds “Thank you for joining us on our first show of our first UK tour”! Despite probably still suffering from jetlag, they performed with amazing skill and energy. They played a combination of old and new songs. The second song was one of their classics, and a favourite of mine, “Dungeon Master”. Jake’s strong voice nails the heavy chants of “he’s the dungeon master”. As skilfully as the light and beautiful bridge power ballad solo. Their music is tied together with a consistent beating rhythm; it gets your blood pumping, as if on the march to battle. The clean picking guitar riff sets “Salt City” off to an epic start, reminiscent of Van Halen’s David Lee Roth. It’s one of their more playful tracks, which definitely gets you dancing.

My personal favourite song from the new album is “Warrior Queen”, as it epitomises the glamour and glory of warrior queens like Boudicca and the Viking shield maidens. It also showcases their musical talent across the two ends of power metal, transitioning with ease from a raucous battle charge beginning to a mystical power metal ballad highlight. So, I was very happy that I got to witness it in all its glory live tonight.

As they left the stage, the whole crowd chanting for an encore, as they stepped back onto the stage they were met with raucous cheering. As they played their final song, the whole crowd sang along and danced. The electric energy never left the room, from start to end.

I was honoured to be at their first ever gig in the UK, the atmosphere in the room reflected their fans excitement at finally seeing them live for the first time. You could tell by the number of crowd surfers alone! Visigoth’s new album “Conqueror’s Oath” and this UK tour have rocketed them to becoming a pivotal band in the American heavy and power metal revival.

Artists / Bands, Concert Reviews, Music Reviews, Seven Sisters

Seven Sisters live in London 2018

Read the full article at grande-rock.com

Born in our very own city, here in London, performing a stone’s throw away from Seven Sister road. They’re a heavy metal band with strong influences from early Iron Maiden with a hint of Metallica. Bringing to life the NWOBHM movement of the 70s and 80s. With their new album released just a few months ago, the excitement for the fans was at fever pitch.

As I walked up to this pub, surrounded by townhouses in the backstreets of Camden, I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of groups of metal heads on the picnic benches outside. As I stepped through the door, the place seemed relatively quiet. Then as I headed toward the bar, of course, I could hear a low rumble from the next room. As soon as I opened the door the music hit me and had me grinning. Then after just a last winding corridor I discovered an amazing little back room, with the energy and sound of any big concert hall.

Seven Sisters cleverly combined influences from the past and the present. They encapsulated the emotional resonance of NWOBHM and brought the 80s metal scene to Camden. The 80s influences in their music was mimicked in the almost 80s style of their clothes and hair, completing the transition. Although their main influence Iron Maiden, they are also reminiscent of 80s thrash metal and early Metallica, especially Hetfield. Seven Sisters combine not only elements across the 80s and 90s metal NWOBHM movement, but also with a modern twist. Which was reflected in the varied fan base attending.

The galloping rhythms are reminiscent of Maiden, building up tension and excitement from the crowd. The powerful lyrics and vocals create strong imagery of riding into battle. When the guitar riffs hit you’re taken straight into the battlefield, completing their epic Viking saga. Their obvious passion and love for their music coupled with their bouncing about stage created an infectious energy. That filled every inch of the room and every person in it. They really brought that little backstage room to life.

The crowd erupted when they announced they were about to play “The Cauldron and the Cross”, the main song, and namesake, of their new album. They started facing with their backs to us, playing the slow and light beginning facing the drummer. Building the tension and anticipation. As they turned around and launched fully into their 16 minute epic Viking “power ballad”, you could feel the excitement in the room.

The structure and harmonies carried the Iron Maiden influences through their music. The powerful vocals assembled the crowd into a roaring mass, ready for battle, who fed off their energy and attitude. The chorus was backed with melodic guitar solos, accompanied with rampant arpeggios. A hint of progressive rock sneaks in with the occasional time signature change. The solo was in a similar style to Maiden with melodic harmonies reminiscent to neoclassical metal. Despite the range of influences, their music culminates in a harmonious ensemble.

They played with real attitude and showmanship, that really made the show. They cleverly used the space on the stage and their choreography to compliment and accentuate the music. Their long hair made for epic headbanging, completing the Viking-esque imagery. The crowd roared and headbanged in response… (It was hard to get photos without hair flying everywhere!)

Seven Sisters are reminiscent of early Maiden, with hints of power metal, neoclassical, early thrash and progressive rock. They carried the sound of the 80s heavy metal into the modern era, shown by the varied audience. All who were singing, jumping and head banging along with the band, caught up in their infectious energy and passion for the music. Set to push forward to reignite the scene and to put Britain back to the forefront of heavy metal.

Artists / Bands, Concert Reviews, God is an Astronaut, Music Reviews

God Is An Astronaut

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God Is An Astronaut is a talented instrumental post-rock band. All the way from the beautiful Glen of the Downs in Ireland, which I personally am very jealous about. This was a great introduction to a new style of music for me. It’s one of the reasons I love doing this, offers me the opportunity to discover new bands and genres. Most of the music I listen to is more lyric heavy, but melding the vocals into the music gave the songs a new focus and depth. I didn’t expect instrumental music to be so emotive, but I was genuinely captivated and moved by this sensational album.

God Is An Astronaut played a mixture of old favourites, which the crowd erupted for, of course. Combined with some of the most moving songs from their new album. They said they wanted to bring it back to their first song, the “end of the beginning” and judging by the crowds raucous response, I think they achieved it.

The overall style is similar to sound-scaping techniques used by prog-rock bands, and reminiscent of parts of Evanescence and Radiohead. They effortlessly flow between light mystical tones, to trancy electronic, and hard rock. They cleverly use vocals in a way it melts into the instrumental tones, flows effortlessly and becomes one with the music. They start with a light and mystical first half, creating a very ethereal atmosphere. Developing into their more techno-rock style, with crashing drums and guitars.

It is no easy feat to create such a diverse, powerful and emotive instrumental album. But somehow they managed it, a true testament to their skill and passion for music. Their slow and quiet sections were just as, if not more so, moving and intense. The lighting paled and slowed to match the music change. The layers of instruments build up a rich tapestry of sounds that really tell a story. There is something hauntingly beautiful about their songs; it pulls you into a whirlwind of music and emotions.

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Act of Defiance, Artists / Bands, Concert Reviews

Act Of Defiance – Concert Review

Act Of Defiance is a metal band, hailing all the way from California. Act Of Defiance follows in the footsteps of fellow American thrash metal bands such as Nevermore, Metal Allegiance and Testament. In 2014 Act Of Defiance rose like a phoenix from the ashes of Megadeth, after guitarist Chris Broderick and drummer Shawn Drover quit the band.

Although they’ve only been performing since 2015, they’ve already cemented their place in the halls of metal. I was excited to witness Act Of Defiance’s first ever European tour, celebrating their newly released album “Old Scars, New Wounds”. Their epic follow up album to their 2015 hit “Birth and the Burial”.

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This was one definitely one of my favourite gig reviews to date, growing up listening to his music in Megadeth, I have always admired and been insanely jealous of his legendary guitar skills. Being able to meet and actually talk to him, on top of finally seeing his guitar work close-up was an incredible experience I won’t forget, and one of my best birthday presents! You always worry that famous musicians from world renown supergroups would be, justifiably, arrogant. But he was open and friendly, it was just like chatting to a mate down the pub. They say don’t meet your heroes, but I was not disappointed. And you could tell by crowd’s reaction, that they were all as excited as me to see them play their first gig of their first ever European tour! The dance floor was packed despite the heat and humidity. And when he stepped out onto that stage, there were shouts and cries, and many fists raised into the air, reaching desperately up toward them.

One of the most unique and captivating elements to their songs, is the constantly varying pitch and tone, keeping the listener on their toes. The mix of high powered, high energy thrash metal contrasts, yet also compliments, the slow and melodic elements. There are elements of slow and dramatic power ballads mixed in with the heavy and fast paced instrumentals. This mix of genres spreads throughout their new album, “The Talisman” gives the it a new twist, bringing in different tempos and themes.

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