Fallenfate - The Virus has spread - 2011

Fallen Fate

The Virus has spread 12 Track CD 2011

Website: www.fallenfate.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fallenfateband

Fallenfate – Darlington – North East, UK

Genre: Thrash, Speed, Technical

Fallenfate is a 4-piece band, formed in 2005 and in late 2007 early 2008 started work on their first EP which was self-produced, released and entitled “Revengence” Everything about this band screams professionalism – literally!

The band have since then been kicking up a storm collecting fans far and wide have been picking up some really positive feedback, for all their hard work and rightly so!

Being featured on Bruce Dickinson’s BBC 6 show as well as playing to over 1500 fans at the Download Festival amongst other things, Fallenfate are hardly fallen, but are now rising to a very high rung on the ladder.  Their work is very professional and creative. Influenced by early thrash, speed and technical metal the band have still managed to find a niche to be unique in.

The cover and overall presentation of this CD is superb! I was tempted to try and make it over to Darlington for the promo shoot for fans to be included on the CD on the middle pages of the enclosed booklet, but sadly was unable to make it, but so glad the fans have been included on this masterpiece. Despite everything being in black and white with no lyrics, it still unleashes that pick me up and play me attitude that never diminishes as soon as you just look at the front cover!

“Insurrection”

Slow beginning opens insurrection which builds up nicely to some really chunky guitars, very serious drumming and evil screams. That tempo really kicks ass, as the drums literally kick in! Vocals are tremendous. There is a sneaky keyboard in there I am sure. A very melodic and technical sounding track; which boast a really great ending of screeching guitars.

“Downfall”

Thunderous drumming the intensity is rising! Those, screams enough to curdle milk! The band, pour out everything into this track it has to be said. Shame there are no lyrics to sing along with L but can’t have everything, but the way this CD grabs your attention it won’t be long before the lyrics stay in your head forever!

“Origin of Sin”

Hardly a pause passes before the next track just assaults your ears. This track has an intensity that burns and leaves your ears bleeding! Piers guitar just cries out with some amazing riffs.  The vocals proclaim “your nightmare begins” in such an evil tone – better believe it! Pete’s bass rhythmically thumps out to some really shrill and technical chords by Piers and Lee whilst the drumming by John just grows to an amazing height and really gives some awesome listening!

“In Ruins”

Opens with some faint background vocals and then with a mighty hit the guitar comes into being. It almost moans in pain as the chords are struck. No let-up in vocals from Lee, and amazing how someone can sing with that intensity for long. The rhythm guitar keeps the track on par as it melts in with the bass.  A real tapestry of precision and musicianship! Lee screams “Ohhhhh!” and you know he means business! The only thing “in ruins” after listening to this track are your ears!

“Liberation”

Opens: with some thunder and an eerie whispering of “If there is a god” The chills run up your spine as the guitar gently creeps in with the serenading of the strings just ladled with extreme professionalism you cannot fault this at all.

The overall sound of this track is just tremendous. Finally with a crescendo the track finishes but not without leaving its mark. Fantastic!

“Descendency”

Some absolutely! Incredible! Guitar: on the opening to this track.  The beat is consistent and powerful. Vocals descend into a vicious frenzy of screams. My heart beat is trying to keep up with the drumming and sadly failing.  Not even my head can keep up with the rhythm that is being frantically pumped out of the speakers! The onslaught is now well and truly underway.  “This is your time to die!” Lee savagely proclaims and then the shrill melodic guitar starts up again to some great drumming.  A very complex piece of writing but expertly executed by the band.

“Asphyxihate”

Is the track I have heard the most from this CD.  Its melodic tempo and creative lyrics unmistakably belong to Fallenfate. Played several times on Infernal Rock Radio by resident DJ Chaos, on one of his brutal four hour specials. Its powerful rhythmic sound just captures the listener with awe, as the chords come thrashing out of the speakers with intricate intensity loud and clear and in your face bringing with it awesome brutality second to none.

“Sacred Suicide”

A savage opening: with some brutal drum beats and nasty vocals screaming out with passionate vibrancy.  A melody that just swings the body into action as the track unfolds. Guitars that will put you in metal heaven forcing you to close your eyes and really listen! I think the lyrics mean “Look at the blood!” (It is coming from your ears man!) I so love this track it is very addictive listening, with its sweeping melody and catchy guitars.  When it ends you have to press the repeat button – just one more time!

“The Virus has spread”

This is just an epic track! It grabs the listener by the throat and throttles them with a power and aggression like no other! The vocals are just brilliant.  That guitar seems to have a life of its own as it pulverises and mesmerizes, it is just thrash metal at its most and uncompromising best! And: fast becoming my favourite track on the CD. Some nice Classical guitar comes in at the end – awesome, giving this track plenty of diversity.

“Pendulum”

Another track played by DJ Chaos on his show Chaos Reigns. The vocals just screech into action to a murderous drum beat. The guitar reaches a new intensity on the scale and runs up and then down again with a rhythmic passion. The melodic riffs just keep on coming with the most brutal splendour. The bass plunders harshly in time to the rawkus drum beat and held together with the evil vocals of Lee who can manipulate his vocals chords every which way possible I think. The track stops and slightly falters then ploughs into another set of frenzied beats, I bet John’s feet hurt keeping up the intensity to such a tremendous level.

  

“Victims aren’t we all”

With no let up at all the frenzy and aggressiveness continues to pound the senses. Hard to type when your head won’t stop moving! The onslaught continues pausing slightly before the next stage of violent beats. Lee’s vocals turn into a whisper briefly before carrying on in the shrill scream style that is the voice of fallenfate. The guitars still carry an intensity of sheer brilliance and just leave you awe-struck! Incredible track!

“The end is over...”  L

The track slows momentarily and the build-up begins with some classic music in the background and a distant bell, the atmosphere to this track is one of extreme intensity.  Absolutely awesome production – nothing to complain about (apart from it being the end of the CD and it leaves you just needing to press the repeat button to listen all over again) - it’s just a definite ten!

I urge you to buy this CD if you haven’t already! Its aggressiveness just keeps on coming with only a brief let-up before it pulverises you again! Highly addictive and leaves you wanting more!  I just cannot fault this CD in any way shape or form. Each track is a special delicacy and should be savoured, no additives!

Track-List:

Insurrection

Downfall

Origin of Sin

In Ruins

Liberation

Descendency

Asphyxihate

Sacred Suicide

The Virus has spread

Pendulum

Victims aren’t we all

The end is over...

Members:

Lee Skinner - Guitars & Vocals

Piers Donno-Fuller - Guitars

John Wright - Drums

Peter Hodgson - Bass

Huron

Mary Celeste CD

Released May 30^th 2011

Casket Records

www.huronuk.com

www.myspace.com/huronuk

       http://www.reverbnation.com/huronuk

HURON – Plymouth, UK

Genre: Metal

Formed in late 2007 and described as Riotous, Beautiful, Infectious and Savage. This four piece metal band (Now a five piece metal band but Rohan James and Rimmy Sinclair do not feature on this CD) take their influences from bands such as Down, COC, Pantera and Metallica.

Their first release “Cheyne Stoking” was released in June 2009 and featured on Bruce Dickinson’s BBC show.

Huron are obviously going places and gigged extensively throughout the UK and can boast playing at Hammerfest II along with the Hellfire fest at the NEC.

And, as if that wasn’t enough to boast about: the band have now released their second album “Mary Celeste” in May of this year.

The cover in keeping with the title depicts a deserted ship. The inlay offers lyrics to each track featured on the CD as well as a black and white picture of the band on the inside pages. And, very well presented: as you would expect from a band that is now signed to none other than Casket Records.

“Branded”

And with two bangs of the gong, some slow “sabbathy” riffs burst forward with some thunderous vocals and then all hell really breaks loose!! There are some great harmonies on this track.  Very riotous paced drumming you can’t help but move to as you listen. This track incorporates everything from awesome shredding, man handling of the drums, evil vocals, catchy bass line, gongs, harmonies, you name it.  Awesome track will have to listen to that again!

“Mary Celeste”

This is a bit of a strange one, and totally different from the above first mentioned track.  This has a rap kind of feel about it.  The harmonies are not as strong either but the shredding and drumming are really powerful and blend with some awesome vocals from Sean.  The clean vocals in the back ground tend to spoil this track for me though.

“Disperse or we Fire”

Some really thunderous drumming opens this track!  Great gutsy vocals just burst through the speakers.  Real head-banger of a track! Thrash at its best. This track goes on and on delivering. The only thing about this track was the title, hard to actually read the text on the CD.

“Blood in Blood out”

Another brilliant opening: to yet another great sounding track. That drummer Rory should be given an award. That constant beat is so hypnotic. The vocals by Sean really come into its own, and are very catchy indeed, but again sadly, the harmonies in the background sort of don’t work for me the same as on the track Mary Celeste.

“All my Gods”

Great infectious rhythm to this one! That just gets my attention straight away! Rory kicks in with some powerful drumming that never loses its intensity and Neil’s guitar shrill and packs a sweet punch.  The harmonies on this track are really immense and really add to an all-round piece of music. Great track!

“Serpentswine”

You can read the above two ways: Serpent Swine, or Serpents Wine, but either way the track kicks ass!  Fast and furious, savage and raw, take your pick! This track is fantastic! It incorporates a lot into it. Nice rhythm and great vocals. Would love to see them play this track live. I bet there isn’t a still head in the house.  I can’t keep still!

“Eternal Sea Pt. 1”

This track is totally different to all of the above tracks.  Clean vocals over some very beautiful acoustic strings from James. It seems slightly out of place on the CD. But at the same time it means that these guys can play a diverse of styles, which is really in their favour. A nice medieval sounding track, but still with a lot of bite!

“Suffer”

Back to some nice guitar crunching again with fantastic drumming! Again: a very catchy and interesting track.  Love the vocal arrangement! It really gives it that edge – But Huron love to do their harmonies and in some of the songs they work extremely well, as on this track - but sadly not all the time.

“Black Harvest”

Evil opening, and some atmospheric drumming, giving a doom feel, until the guitar starts up that is, then it becomes a monster!  There’s a cheeky little bass line in it and clean vocals, with great harmonies really pull this track into something special. Love it!!

“Eternal Sea Pt. 2”

Totally, in-fact: amazingly different from Eternal Sea Pt. 1. This time gutsy guitar and rawkus drumming – you would never know it was the second part to the first! Vocals raw and powerful this is a really great track and I think my favourite on the CD.

This album although has some dodgy harmonies within it at times, it also, to be fair, gives the listener plenty to listen to. You don’t know what is going to hit you next! Doom, thrash, rap, groove, seems to be all in there. I don’t think I would get sick of listening to this CD as there are so many interesting factors about it, with regards to the harmonies they do work in places – but not on “Mary Celeste” and “Blood in Blood out” for me anyhow as previously mentioned, but this is the only slightly negative comment I found whilst listening to this CD. Everything else considered it is a creative master-piece in its own right.

I bet Huron are an extremely great live act – never having witnessed the “Huron” experience myself, except on CD.  But some great tracks on this disc and well worth a listen or three!

I can definitely agree with the person who described the band as riotous, beautiful, Infectious and savage, all in one breath, this band does what it says on the label and delivers a lot more besides! With more twists than a rollercoaster! Be sure to check them out – you will be glad you did!!

Track List:

Branded

Mary Celeste

Disperse or we fire

Blood in Blood out

All my Gods

Serpent-swine

Eternal Sea Pt. 1

Suffer

Black Harvest

Eternal Sea Pt. 2

Members:

Sean Palmer - Vocals

Rory Conroy – Drums & Vocals

Neil Sims      - Guitar & Vocals

Phil Griffin    - Bass & Vocals

Not playing on the CD are new members Rohan James on Bass and Rimmy Sinclair as the bands new second guitarist.

Ninkharsag - 3 track E.P. Destroyed by Design - April 2011

Ninkharsag

Destroyed by Design 3 track EP

April 2011

http://www.ninkharsag.com

http://ninkharsag.bigcartel.com/

http://www.myspace.com/ninkharsaguk

NINKHARSAG - Liverpool

Genre: Black Metal

Ninkharsag is a four piece black metal band formed in early part of 2011 making them relatively new on the scene.  They take their influences from the likes of Darkthrone, Mayhem and Emperor to name but three.

The E.P. cover depicts monks either side of the devil under the evil looking logo that is Ninkharsag and take on the usual black and white design now associated with the black metal genre.

The titles, in my opinion, don’t somehow seem to fit with the black metal genre though.  No mention of 666 or devils anywhere, although there’s one on the front cover. But I must point out that Annunaki means something along the lines of (“Those of royal blood”) Ninkharsag seem to be pointing more to the ancient gods/goddesses and destruction than following the number of the beast! But no doubt! Still very black in their musical style and with the tell-tale logo embellishment it just screams out “We are a black metal band!”

Ninkharsag - Is the white stone statue of the Lady Ninkharsag (mama in Accadian) in the guise of the goddess of irrigation, found during excavations at Mari on the Upper Euphrates in Syria, and now on display in the Aleppo museum.

Although it could mean something totally different in black metal terms.

“Intro (The Annunaki)”

A great ambient beginning to this EP - dark voices and evil bird sounds incorporating lots of atmospherics and distortion that captures the moment and warms you up for what is about to come...

“The Dawn of the Age of Aquarius”

Just love the vocals by Kyle, really blackened and evil growls give it that raw black metal twist.  Some amazing drumming from Jay the bands skins-man that keeps constant and rhythmic beats through-out the track with a powerful bass line running through it and riffs a plenty from Paul.

“Destroyed by Design”

Is my favourite track on the E.P. as it has a lot more melody than the previous track?  It is full bodied in the sense it seems to have more going on in it. Great bass line from Steve and some nasty riffs from Paul, which blend in fantastically with the eerie black sounding vocals of Kyle’s that penetrate deep into the soul of the innocent listener. 

But sadly the E.P. just doesn’t last long enough: to really get into which is a shame as I would love to hear more from this band.

Check them out on the above links to get you in the mood for some old school black metal.  Definitely worth checking out!

Track List:

Intro (The Annunaki)

The Dawn of the Age of Aquarius

Destroyed by Design

Members:

Paul Armistead:     Lead Guitar

Kyle Nesbitt:         Vocals/Rhythm Guitar

Jay Pipprell:           Drums

Steve Churchill:      Bass

Dr Aids - Drive me to kill you - Fred Westlife Inc

Dr Aids

Drive me to kill you – CD

Fred Westlife Inc.

http://agzdaredz.blogspot.com

http://www.reverbnation.com/draids

http://www.myspace.com/draidsx4

http://www.punkrockers.com

Dr Aids – Liverpool/Wallasey/Formby

Genre: Hard-core Punk, Early Grind, D-Beat, NecroQuegCuntCore

Dr Aids a nice and nasty five piece punk and early grind group hailing from Liverpool, just magically appeared one day, on a face-book link and have been abusing me ever since in the audible sense!  Their music has to bring a smile to even the most prudish of people – well maybe not! But there’s no getting away from the outlandish behaviour and disgusting titles that are indeed Dr Aids. They are in your face punk and grind-core and not for the faint hearted.  Dr Aids make the Sex Pistols look like angelic faced little cherubs who sing nursery rhymes to the under-fives! Which goes a long way to saying Dr Aids is nasty shit! But with a great tongue in cheek (if that’s the right word) feel about it. You may notice the reference to certain drinks after their names below... strange that Joe is only up for anal, or maybe not!

“Shit Eating Freak”

Real punky overtones to this track, that open with a woman verbally abusing a guy (no change there then) with some great lyrics such as “Excellent excrement there’s nothing finer, smeared in shit and licking vagina” Conjures up all sorts of nasty images but try not to smile when you listen I bet you can’t!

“Drive me to kill you”

Sounds like the evil dead on speed! Immense listening! With lyrics like “You fuckin’ little prick, you look like a gnome, when you used to sing, it was in a girly tone!” Agz and Piggy really work well on this track and bring you into the very fires of hell as they take turns to scream out the lyrics in all their finest “Gory”

“Simply Cunt”

The message is simple, the music is not! In the fact it incorporates the punk and grind element with very immense power and aggression in a most complex pattern! (Well I would say that not being a musician!) :D Really great bass line from H to open with grinding guitars from Petch and hard hitting drum beat that slams you up against a wall and anally assaults the senses. But there are some awesome blasting riffs and lyrics that you will either find delicious or be totally horror struck with.  If you are one of the latter, you can fuck off and die!

“Fellate my Phallus”

Short and sweet! In-fact too short!

“Stiff and blue screw”

Nasty evil vocals – with the punk roots ever audible! :D Fast and absolutely furious this track goes on delivering and I misheard the lyrics at the end I thought it said “I like to shoot dead rabbits” in-fact it is “I like to shag dead rabbits” although the cover says “I like to shag dead bodies!” but whatever the message comes across loud and clear! Or does it? I am confused now!

“That’s why dad’s gone to Iceland”

Such a great rhythm to open on this track.  I can feel a mosh pit forming in my head! But it doesn’t last long enough to really get into the flow!! But nice and catchy all the same!

“Katie Price fuck off to Jordan”

Heavy and doomy sounding opening until Petch kicks in and then all hell breaks loose! Great track! Sound awesome drumming from Joe, who comes into his own on this track. Agz and Piggy also really let rip here.  The more I hear this track the more I love it! I certainly hope Dr Aids don’t drop this from their set, as it really is a kick ass track and sung with so much venom... anyone would think they hated Katie Price!! :D  My fave track on the album without a doubt! Now on the ninth play!

No-one can ignore Dr Aids! They are a law unto themselves! Looking forward to seeing them play LIVE again on the 27^th October at Basement 20 in Liverpool.   Be there or be a cunt! But whatever you do make sure you get aids. The Dr. Variety though as it is much more deadly! Let mayhem commence...

Thanks to Dr. Aids for signing my copy and my apologies - sorry this review is long overdue!

Track Listing:

Shit Eating Freak

Simply Cunt

Drive me to kill you

Fellate my Phallus

Stiff and blue screw

That’s why dad’s gone to Iceland

Katie Price fuck off to Jordan

       

Members:

Agz-Vocals & Stella Drinking

Piggy-Vocals & German Beers

Petch-Guitar & Any Fucking Drink!

H-Bass & Strong bow

Joe-Drums & Anal!

Rozetta Stone & Bring the Rain - Zanzibar - Liverpool 6.10.11

Rozetta Stone and Bring the Rain

Zanzibar, Liverpool

6.10.11

https://www.facebook.com/rozettastoneuk?ref=ts

Rozetta Stone - Liverpool

Genre: Rock

Rozetta Stone (Spelled with a “Z” - very important this information) a 5-piece rock band from Liverpool, who just send you back to the 80’s scene burst into life at the Zanzibar. It is worth noting that after speaking to Dil on numerous occasions at Zanzi gigs.  I was really excited to hear they had this gig and finally had my chance to see Dil and Rozetta Stone play live. This was the type of music I was weaned on so it has a special place in my heart, despite liking my metal a bit more brutal these days, you just can’t beat good old rock music it has to be said.

“Give me more”

Brilliant track as it captures the energy and feel of music from the past in such an addictive way! That guitar is so cheeky and you can feel your head nod in time to it. Real bluesy stuff so great for cleansing the soul... Dil and Chris really show their true worth on this track. Louis’s vocals were really powerful and raunchy and had me singing along... Ashley pounded those drums under the ever changing Zanzi lights with blonde hair covering his entire face and bandana in tow!

“Primal”

Had some great guitar on it but it wasn’t as catchy as the previous track the band played but still has a nice raunchy rock feel about it.

“Day by Day”

Started off with some very mellow bluesy guitars.  The crowd swayed as Louis started to sing with that lilt to his voice deeming it a very ambient track. The build-up was immense as the drums flood into action and the guitar springs into life delivering some awesome sounds. The bass line constant and rhythmic and moulding the track together. I could see Free or Bad Company playing this track it is quite epic in its own way!

“Raging Sun”

This track was quite slow and sort of faded into the background.  I just didn’t think it could compete with “Give me more” or “Girl of my dreams” but maybe after a few more listens it will grow on me.

“Girl of my dreams”

Great catchy bass and guitar riffs that just keep on coming attcha.  Real old school rock feel and bluesy vocals. A definite favourite of mine.  Absolutely wonderful riffs just poured from Dil and Chris’s guitars. It was a Shame that some of the vocals were a bit feint in places but none the less the guys really blew up a storm at the Zanzibar.  The run up to the finish on this track was just immense great beat. Didn’t want this track to end!

Watch out for Rozetta Stone, they may not be able to teach you how to speak French, but they can really speak the language of rock and blues!!!

Playing at Helrazer III on the 28^th October – Catch Rozetta Stone live!!! – Great experience! And don’t forget the “Z”

Set-List:

Give Me More

Primal

Day by Day

Raging Sun

Girl of my Dreams

Members: 

Louis Jackson-Payne: Vocals

Chris Dixon: Guitars

Dil: Guitars

J. 'Juan Can' Lashbrooke: Bass

Ashley Janes: Drums

************

https://www.facebook.com/Official.BringTheRain?sk=wall

Bring the Rain - Liverpool

Genre: Scouse Metalcore

Bring the Rain have so much come into their own since first seeing them at the Zanzibar not so long ago. Their rap/funk/metal style roots are an acquired taste but I have finally succumbed and really enjoyed the set the other night.

Always love seeing Alex playing drums. He has this certain style and this time round he actually looked as if he was more relaxed behind his kit at the Zanzi and pulled a few faces as he pounded the skins.

My only gripe is not being able to hear what song is being introduced as Callum tends to hold his hand over the mic and things become muffled somewhat and also the time it takes in between songs to start the next seem to take too long, but for a relatively new band, they do not do too bad at all.

I now love that funky feel the band have captured plus it does have its mental brutal side. “Colman’s Mustard Gas” is an epic fave, plus “10lb baby” Both have their memorable flavours.

The band seemed a lot more confident on stage and really worked the crowd this time. Phil the band’s rhythm guitarist really smashed it, with his bantering’s and was solely responsible for inciting a mosh pit.  Things got quite brutal at one point as glasses and bottles went flying. I retreated to a safer spot and watched as two guys hurled themselves into the crowd... no doubt they will have some prize bruises to show off in the next few days.

So onwards and upwards, for Bring the Rain.  Who knows what they will be doing a year from now? Catch them live and check out their face-book page for more information. But be warned it’s addictive!

Set-List:

The Messenger

FCG

Madhouse

Colman’s Mustard Gas

10lb Baby

D’ya want half Gary?

Clouded by Slaughter

3^rd Generation

Members:

Callum Hughes - Vocals

Josh (Batwing) Jones - Lead Guitar

Phil Belta - Bass

Phil McCullough - Rhythm Guitar

Alex (A-Funk) Ashton - Drums