The Mercy House - A Broken State of Bliss - 23rd April 2012

The Mercy House

A Broken State of Bliss

TMH Records

23^rd April 2012

The Mercy House – London, UK

Links:

www.themercyhouse.net

Genre: Rock/Black Grunge

Five piece rockers from London who are gaining recognition across the UK with their unique brand of heavy rock that as it states on their Facebook page is now being quickly labelled “Black Grunge” and soon to be at Bloodstock in August - Bloodstock goers make sure you check these guys out!

Superb cover depicting broken glass with all the lyrics contained within and a colour photo of the band captured on the back page of the booklet – great start!

First impressions of track one, whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! This is HEAVY!!! I am so gonna love reviewing this eleven track skull crusher of a CD with all its melodic twists as Zep stated Lord have MERCY!

A Broken State of Bliss

A wonderful build up that captures and sends chills down the spine – now this is Metal!! A deep voice starts and then a melodic beat ushers forth like an express train, oh bring it on! The guitar is awe inspiring and shrill and the vocals possess that grit and sleaze. The drumming immense it has to be said. I am broken and this is bliss! The incidental noises add to the flavour of this track and I am enjoying every riff and every beat.

Greed

Heavy and plodding, compelling and shrill to the core! Great raw vocals rip through the trembling speakers as this track comes to life. Thunderous riffs usher forth with some superb melodic tones – this is intense and absorbing leaving the listener in no doubt these guys mean business with each crazed beat leaves you gripped and eager to hear more. Undeniably an enthralling track!

My Disease

This is an intense track with bite! Raw vocals with shrill overtones that is powerful and compelling. There is an awful lot going on here, it is so easy to just lose yourself in the array of musical content. That heavy chugging beat just smashes the senses with raw abandonment. Superb to the end.

Blind

An intriguing start to this track offers melodic vocals with ambient background. Beautiful harmonies that expose the underbelly of the track and almost make it vulnerable all but for the deftly superb guitar and powerful drum beats. Another superbly intense track that lacerates the ears.

Lead the Way

A mean bass line, and clean melodic vocals bring life to this track giving it a dark feeling. It starts off slow and then builds into a crescendo of shrill guitars and then falls back into slow and deliberate riffs and once again builds to epic proportions. A real roller coaster of a track that has no intention of letting the listener off unless they jump! I am staying for the ride!

The End

What a superb opening! Beautiful chords and softly sung vocals but don’t be fooled it then explodes into a musical carnival. The balance is extreme in such a beautiful way. The chords just glide through the track. Vocals have dexterity in abundance. Not the end but an amazing beginning! This is just a superb track that can deliver from beginning to the end!

Weight

Amazing vocals and a funky little bass line and then in true Mercy House style the track explodes into a powerful, head banging rhythm that indeed carries weight in abundance. Guitars shriek and give a new depth to the track! A phone rings... chugging kicks in and demolishes the senses. The intensity carries on – I need to breathe – I almost forgot to breathe.

Unclean

More incidental sounds and another chugging riff comes into play then a dark powerful beat sounds – must remember to breathe as the intensity continues at an alarming rate. Nice tempos and raw vocals that bring a wonderful subtlety to this first class track but despite being subtle will rip your face off!

Hayt

Feel the Hayt? Dark and ambient it kicks into life with slower tones yet carries intrigue and madness but sophisticated – it pulls you into a lot of various directions. An almost whispered vocal that builds to a shriek Drew – amazing!

Inversions

Sleazy vocals start this track and carried on a wave of melodic riffs and bludgeoning beats that take you to another level entirely. Spectacular shredding that does what it says on the label.

The Price of Dying

Is it the end already? L An almost psychedelic feel to this track, that then in turn develops into a dark, heavy and plodding musical array of slower beats and atmospheric chords with spacey vocals. Proving to me that this band is more than just a rock band combining elements of psychedelic, rock and grunge!  The intensity never leaves.

To sum up those eleven tracks just melted time – as well as my head! I love every track on this superbly executed CD – it has been a pleasure to indulge in every bass hook, riff and beat and those vocals are amazing!

I bet “live” these guys could mesmerize an audience with their truly amazing style it is stunning to say the very least and they should all be proud of their achievements.

Bring on the Black Grunge!

5/5

Track Listing:

A Broken State of Bliss

Greed

My Disease

Blind

Lead the Way

The End

Weight

Unclean

Hayt

Inversions

The Price of Dying

Members:

Drew Davies – Vocals
Daniel Edwards - Lead Guitar
Dany Serrano - Guitar
Nicholas Schlesinger - Drums
Tom Davies -  Bass

The Amazing MERCY HOUSE!

Roy Stone - 4 Track EP - 2012

Roy Stone

4 Track Demo

2012

Roy Stone - London

Links:

http://www.roystone.com

Genre: Melodic Rock/Metal

Now where do you start when reviewing a guy that claims to be the fastest lead guitar in the world?

Well there wasn’t a cover to describe just a plastic one so that was disappointing to begin with, but we shall see...

I Lurv Rock n Roll

The guitar is very 80’s orientated and wouldn’t be out of place on an MSG album although this doesn’t sound as crisp as it should be. The vocals again very 80’s influenced and sound somewhat muffled as the track continues. Saying that the beat is there and it is good old rock n roll.

Evil Empires

Sinister opening but the vocals are somewhat overshadowed with drum beats and the production is the same as on the previous track and typical of 80’s metal. Some really nice guitar riffs though spring into action but sadly overall it isn’t anything special to get worked up about.

Quantum Driver

A bit of a muffled mix of vocals and drums is what you get here. Quite disappointing and sounds like it is being recorded in a rehearsal room or basement I am sorry to say.

Ideal World

I think this is the redeeming track on the EP – it does pack a nice punch and has a nice chugging riff to it, but again slightly muffled. Superb guitar though has to be said and as Roy Stone suggests very fast and ferocious but nothing that hasn’t been done before with that 80’s feel about it – not that I am against the 80’s in any way shape or form but what is contained on the CD is mediocre.  I was expecting a whole lot more.

To sum up quite disappointing with sound quality not up to usual scratch, no cover and nothing that hasn’t been done before. I was expecting to be blown off my feet on all accounts but this sadly is just like a breeze in a park.

But to be fair to the man himself Roy can play guitar that is apparent even from this badly recorded CD so there is potential for him to polish up his act and produce some immense stuff but sadly on this CD nothing really seems to portray that “Wow Factor” it’s more like “Woe Factor”

I would like to hear more of the shredding and recorded in a professional studio as opposed to a flat rehearsal room, garage or basement which would indeed benefit and enhance Roy’s playing capabilities which he does possess but this recording does nothing to enhance those qualities. Surprisingly enough it does state that Roy possess a digital studio or at least has access to one so what went wrong on this recording I have no idea.

2/5

Track Listing:

I Lurv Rock n Roll

Evil Empires

Quantum Driver

Ideal World

Members:

Roy Stone – Vocals/Guitar – Plays BC Rich Guitars

Bury the Fallen - The Torn Prince - Bury the Conscious - Coronach - Lazarus Syndrome - Zanzibar - 26.07.12

Bury the Fallen – The Torn Prince – Bury the Conscious – Coronach – Lazarus Syndrome

Zanzibar

26.07.12

For a Thursday I expected there to be just a small crowd attending the gig but got the shock of my life when more and more people surged through the Zanzi doors.  Mike Hardy had taken over from Ben Gannon to produce this event as the date was changed from the 19^th July to the 26^th as Ramraid were unable to play that date, so the reins were passed to Mike who celebrated his birthday on the 23^rd July so it was like a sort of Birthday bash if you like – sadly Mike had to leave just as Lazarus Syndrome went on to catch the last train home, which was a real shame but never the less Mike did an amazing job getting this gig together.

Mike Hardy & Ian "Cuzzy" Laver

Bury the Fallen - Liverpool

Links:

http://www.twitter.com/BuryTheFallen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqDJQFDSzVw&feature=share

http://www.burytf.bigcartel.com/      (For the band’s Merch)

Genre: Metal

From when I was sent Bury the Fallen’s EP I was hooked and the chance of seeing the guys live for this gig proved too much too miss. I am just so pleased that I got a chance to meet them all and see them rip up notches at the Zanzibar.

Bury the Fallen really set the pace for the other bands as they began their onslaught on the unsuspecting crowd gatherers.

A really great performance which was compelling watching and knowing the tracks helped a lot! Jacob smacked out a really mean bass whilst Roj really gave his drums a life.  Ben and Sean’s guitars paved the way for some amazing riffs and coupled with Sean’s vocals really ripped out some brutal lyrics. Really superb set that I could see the guys really enjoyed playing as we did watching.

Through Shadow is one of the tracks that I personally have played a lot – I love that track to death and I just adore the new track Sever – really powerful and intense.

These four guys just know where to hit the spot for complete listening and watching pleasure and it will be fantastic to see them play live again.

Please do check these guys out on the link above and buy their T Shirt and EP bundle – it is just 7.00 top quality merch and if you grab the guys live performance listen out for Through Shadow it will rip your guts out!

Tremendous performance guys – well done!

5/5

Set List:

Through Shadow

My Last Serenade

Sever – New Song

Messages

Forever shall they Burn

Members:

Sean Duffy - Guitars & Screamed Vocals

Ben Midd - Guitars

Jacob Walsh - Bass Guitar

Sam Roj - Drums & Clean Vocals

******

The Torn Prince - Ormskirk

Links:

http://thetornprinceuk.tumblr.com/

Genre: Progressive/Thrash/Metalcore

These guys last seen at the Lomax 03.07.12 and what a performance they gave – this time round was no exception except to say I knew what to expect this time round but that did not take away from the guy’s performance in any way shape or form.

Deliver they did and the tracks that stood out for me on the night were Ice to Touch, Burnt Out and ...For her – three really astounding tracks that just have to be replayed over and over and have been since hearing them first time round.

Gripping and exciting from the word go – these four guys are amazing live! I went from just hearing them online to seeing them play live twice in just a few weeks and believe me I am looking forward to seeing them play live again and repeating the experience.

Check them out on the above link and definitely go and see them live for that all out gripping experience they will not let you down.

5/5

Set List:

A Man Apart

Se7en

This Thirst

Ice to Touch

Burnt Out

 ...for Her

Members:

Chris Moore - Vocals/Lead Guitar

Adam Gee - Rhythm Guitar

Joe "Thor" Barcas - Bass/Backing Vocals

Jakke Mawdsley - Drums

******

Bury the Conscious - Liverpool

Links:

http://www.burytheconscious.com

http://twitter.com/BuryTheCon

http://twitter.com/BuryTheCon

Genre: Metal

Wow just what can I say about Bury the Conscious? After having the guys play at my Helrazer nights last year – I can see how all the members of the band have grown in sheer confidence – tonight’s performance was to say the least incredible.

Formed in 2010 and the winners of the Metal to the Masses in 2011 which has indeed upped the band’s confidence.

Mike the bands front man extraordinaire now supporting a mass of red hair (and totally unrecognizable from previous gigs) looked extremely confident as he growled out the lyrics of the bands five strong set with absolute ease, whilst Matt’s drumming appeared more focused and strong. Luke’s facial expressions were tremendous as with each strike of the bass it was like he was living out the song and Matt O’s Guitar just struck a chord with me.

Each of them put in 100% at this performance and it showed with crystal clarity. Each track was executed with perfection and the added special effects box that Mike had in his hand on a couple of the tracks on stage was in keeping with the bands extreme musical content. Nobody could have asked for more than what they received from these guys on the night – it was awesome to behold.

I was quite taken aback by the rate in which Bury the Conscious have matured and grown on the scene in little over 8 months, and seeing them as a five piece was brilliant but as a four piece – I would have to say “incredible” would be an understatement!!  

The band had definite focus and determination that much was apparent as their set unfolded. After losing Dan on Guitar the band decided to carry on and further their musical step up the ladder as a four piece and it has made for a more structured sound.

Absolutely melted it guys! –  A very exciting, extreme and thrilling set that lacked nothing – can’t wait to see what you pull out of the bag next!!

Check out Bury the Conscious on the links above and get your brain restructured.

5/5

Set List:

The Crossing

Epicentre

Unknown Skies

Reclaim the Crown

Cell

Members:

Mike Roberts: Lead Vocals

Matt Clynch: Drums

Matt O'Donnell: Guitar/Vocals

Luke Crowther: Bass/Vocals

******

Coronach - Wallasey

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/CoronachUK?sk=wall

Genre: Death Metal

A relatively new band to hit the scene is Coronach. Formed in October last year and great to have another death metal band to add to the sparse genre around Liverpool.

Benn was fiendishly fingering the fret board on his guitar making it literally sing whilst I had already heard Chris’s vocals with the now defunct Acts of Sorrow his vocals had taken on an even more brutal twist and his confidence with Coronach has leapt leaps and bounds and Liam’s drumming was constant and raw.

Benn stood out from the other three with his long blonde hair flowing freely down his back and the sweat pouring down his face with each shred. Benn is the kind of no nonsense dude that just gets up and plays with no hearts and flowers and it is very rare to see him smile – although I did catch the odd grimace as members of the crowd threw out a few friendly insults.

But great performance all round – it will be good to see where the guys end up in a year – maybe playing Bloodstock and wooing the crowds with their awesome brand of no frills Death Metal – here’s hoping!

5/5

Set List:

Genocide

Built for War

Disfigured

Vengeful God

Bludgeoned

Plague

Army of the dead

Forever Abused

Members:

Vocals - Chris

Guitar - Benn

Drums - Liam

Bass- John

******

Lazarus Syndrome - Liverpool

Links:

http://www.reverbnation.com/lazarussyndrome

Genre: Melodic Metal

At last a chance to see Lazarus Syndrome perform and what a performance they gave. If the mosh pit had got any fiercer I doubt I would have got out alive! Pete the bands frontman knew how to work the crowd which was actually bit flat at the beginning with only a handful of people left at the end of the night but slowly the numbers grew back and the front of the stage became awash with pit goers... forcing me to take refuge by the PA my ears already ringing but this was ridiculous – I had an army of bell ringers in my ears after this performance.

A path less travelled was one of my favourite tracks for its awesome melodic quality. Lazarus Syndrome were knocked out of Metal to the Masses by Entropy and although (Entropy didn’t win on the night - that pleasure went to the amazing Scare Tactics) it is every bands dream to get through to the final but the guys only showed support for their fellow bands and did so by all wearing Scare Tactics T Shirts and only had praise for them.

As I have stated previously the camaraderie amongst bands in Liverpool has been tremendous and always good to see that happen.

A few guys from The Last Stand i.e. Bruce and Dunny turned up and really showed support for the other bands i.e. Torn Prince and Bury the Conscious – it is always humbling to see this brotherhood in action.

Lazarus Syndrome is an extremely powerful force Live and will indeed blow your mind.  I was literally thrown against the PA as I mentioned previously once the circle pit  ensued and it did get brutal but in a friendly way as when one went down another would help them up and the pit immediately stopped and when the Mosher was back up the pit started again – just incredible!

Now with T shirt bought I can wear the name Lazarus Syndrome with pride and looking forward to catching them live again but the band are taking some time out to record so it maybe some time before we see them around again.  But superb performance and enjoyed by all who attended.

When the guys do take to the stage again be sure to check them out because they are just an amazing live experience – if you like it brutal and extreme with a touch of melody then Lazarus Syndrome are the guys to watch out for.

Set List:

Age of Darkness

Devoured by Conflict

Born Again

Parasite

A Path less Travelled

Blameless Creator

Forsaken

Members:

Peter Ford - Vocals

Jamie Hall - Guitars

Mike Hollows - Guitars

Matt Gregson - Drums

Tom Parker – Bass

5/5

You may well be wondering why I have put 5/5 underneath each bands review – well that is because ALL the bands that played the Zanzi on the 26^th July 2012 were remarkable and really stepped up to the mark. I could seriously not fault any of them for performance and musical quality. This was just a superb night from start to finish and it was a downer when the night ended.

The adrenalin just pumped and reverbed around the place. Everyone was in high spirits and enjoyed it immensely.

Thanks to Ian “Cuzzy” Laver for being awesome, Dunny (grow ya hair back mate!) and Bruce for being crazy, Mike Hardy for organising the event, Mikey and Palbrian for being themselves, Danny Williams (and friend) for being supportive to other bands and a special thank you to all five bands, Bury the Fallen, The Torn Prince, Bury the Conscious, Coronach and Lazarus Syndrome for bringing the house down. Such a shame this night had to end!

A special mention for Pat O’Shaunessy the absolute man of the moment for the perfect sound that always emanates around the Zanzibar, Paul the Bouncer who looks after us all so well, and Zak and the bar staff for creating a safe and friendly environment. Well done to all!

 Bury the Fallen

 The Torn Prince

 Bury the Conscious

 Coronach

 Lazarus Syndrome

Jamie Hall, (Lazarus Syndrome) Pagan & Joe Barcass (Torn Prince)

Danny Williams  (Scare Tactics) & Friend

Final Curse - Way of the Accursed - 2012

Final Curse

Way of the Accursed

2012

Final Curse – Charlotte, North Carolina

Links:

http://www.Reverbnation.com/finalcurse

http://www.myspace.com/finalcurse

Genre: Thrash Metal

Label – Dark Harvest Records

Final Curse the four strong thrashers from Charlotte in North Carolina was born in the summer of 2006 and played their first show in January 2007. Now partnered up with Dark Harvest Records these guys are ready to take on the world. Their debut album was entitled Constructing the Destructive and out in 2007 and have now produced this 10 track CD entitled Way of the Accursed.

Brilliantly packaged and lyrics enclosed within the booklet awash with eye catching colour this CD is all it says and more.

The bands influences boast Metallica, Megadeth, Exodus and Slayer and say they aim to bring back the spirit of the 80’s thrash Metal scene, well I missed out back then so let me go back in time.

Corruptor of Innocence

A real good start to open this 10 track monster. Very heavy well-structured and solid. The level of power is something else it is fast and energetically executed as you would expect from a thrash outfit. Never getting into thrash at the beginning I have not been tainted by the bands influences and therefore able to review with an open mind and what the hell was I thinking back then not to be caught up in this amazing experience? Led Zep has a lot to answer for! (although I will always be a fan)

Replace God, Conceal the beast

Great melodic qualities and awesome blast beats making this track intense with all the qualities of individual elements – the guitar speaks volumes and the vocals nice and raw giving it a solid edge. This band couldn’t be anything but thrash if it tried.

Biltmore

A pleasant surprise of a beautiful acoustic guitar starts up and then melts into a more aggressive sound. The vocals a lot more hard edged with a chant and the drum beat constantly chugs – very interesting track indeed with endless melodic riffery that sets the pace for this creative and notably innovative track. So far my favourite!

Rage around your Neck

Nice drumming and guitar work on this track that carries a great melodic edge with superb vocal content. Definitely in keeping with thrash metal standards with a great kick ass feel to it that is satisfying, offers a good strong energy to it and possesses serious promise and another favourite.

Reaper of Justice

Catchy start with awesome kick beats – really powerful and compelling listening. I am glad I got into thrash maybe 20 years too late but never the less it is there now and Final Curse are definitely fuelling the love for it. That melodic riff and strong bass give this track focus and depth. A powerful head banging track with great output and ambition.

Consume

An agonizing moan bursts from the speakers and then the music powers into action. Un-compromising riffs and blast beats come into force consuming the listener with spellbinding melodic and awe inspiring promise! I can see every track on this CD becoming a favourite with each track holding that “something special” – this is no exception! Vocals are intriguing and compelling and I think I am going to listen to this track again.

Christianity

Chugging drum beat and awesome bass bring this track to life add a powerful riff to the mix and some gutsy vocals and Christianity is born. No not the religion the track! I would pray to these guys though – they do possess a certain something that Dark Harvest obviously spotted. Again another exceptional track.

Dethsemane

Sounds like someone digging something - before a skull crushing effective riff sounds and then another awesome chugging beat comes into action. Vocals are menacingly superb! No reason to complain here as this track just thunders as it does compel!

Ghostbones

The ghostly goings on of another beautifully executed track comes to life. This is exceptional with first class guitar. Melancholic and profound it digs deep into the subconscious and explores a more technical feel and deftly played. It does sound a little more aggressive a bit later on in the track but it possesses a raw quality that sings brilliance.  I absolutely adore this track! Now I can say this is my favourite track on the entire CD and will be getting replayed over and over again.

Is there no hope?

Back to the resounding and compelling thrash entourage of Final Curse. A classic chug with the fast finger work and footwork – this screams ultra-heavy with constant brutality! The vocals plough exceptionally through the track giving a perfect balance to the accompanying distinctive riffs. Is there no hope?? I would say there is more than hope for Final Curse – have faith, listen and enjoy.

To sum up these guys have put together a very enjoyable CD – the barrage of metal is without a doubt superb and then some! Quality tracks with the beautiful touch of Ghostbones proving that these guys are amazing musicians and deserve to make it big.

I cannot find fault with this album it is sheer perfection and a compelling listen – well done guys – I look forward to hearing more from you and maybe you will one day grace the UK with your formidable presence. It’s true you guys indeed are heavy through attitude and you have it in abundance. Does what it says on the cover 100% no bullshit thrash metal and I am hooked!

5/5

Track Listing:

Corruptor of Innocence

Replace God, Conceal the beast

Biltmore

Rage around your Neck

Reaper of Justice

Consume

Christianity

Dethsemane

Ghostbones

Is there no hope?

Members:

Mike Plowman – Guitar/Lead Vocals

Madison Stegall – Guitar/Backing Vocals

Stephen Moore – Bass Guitar

Brendon Blackwelder – Drums

A-Holy Choir – Gang Vocals