Into The Void - The Fleece - Ashton in Makerfield - 3rd July 2015

Into The Void

The Fleece

Ashton in Makerfield

3^rd July 2015

Into the Void – North West

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/INTO-THE-VOID-UK-The-Music-of-Black-Sabbath

Genre: The music of Black Sabbath

So who needs Black Sabbath then? In fact truth is we all do! I mean what is life without a bit of Sabbath? but ‘Into the Void’ have taken things a step further with their tribute to Sabbath and as their name suggests, decided to spread the Ozzy love around at the Fleece last night.

The band actually take on the members of Sabbath in such a way that although three quarters do not look like their idols Tony aka Ozzy at least supports long hair and with the aid of special effects actually sounds like the god Ozzy himself.

Starting with the heavy and sullen ‘War Pigs’ the night was truly underway and The Fleece started to fill up slowly and steadily. The band played one of the latest tracks ‘God is dead’ a particular favourite of mine from the album ‘13’ which received positive feedback when it came out in 2013 – hard to believe it was over 2 years ago since its release, but ‘Into the Void’ did a super rendition of it.

With Sabbath being out there since time immoral, it is hard to actually pick a favourite track as they all hold some sort of memory for the listener, and ‘I don’t know’ reminded me of the time I met Ozzy so that track especially holds plenty of smile moments for me!

Each track erupted with familiar Sabbath contempt although Tony aka Ozzy for me personally added a few too many ‘oi’s and ‘wells’ into the tracks which put me off the scent a bit and disrupted the flow of the songs somewhat.

Saying this though ‘Into the Void’ delivered each track with a gut wrenching attitude and backed up by four accomplished musicians who are all clearly Sabbath believers as we are Sabbath fanatics – the crowd all sung a long to their favourite tracks, but obviously some tracks were more ‘popular’ than others and one being ‘Sabbath Bloody Sabbath’ which was called for repeatedly, all though it didn’t appear in the set until the end of the second half.

Jason is an all-out no nonsense guitarist and I would go as far as to say a lot better than Iommi as at least Jason has a personality unlike Iommi who when I met him decided to take a verbal pot shot at Dio and nobody does that without getting a bit of verbal assault back – but don’t worry Iommi got my wrath – no-one slags off  Dio – NOBODY! Not in my earshot anyway!

The band finished the first set with ‘Dirty Women’ from Technical Ecstasy another spellbinding track that launched its magic and addictive lures with eager emotion and agitation to the onlookers who weren’t wandering around, looking for the loo or grabbing a pint at the bar!

Opening the second set with the voracious ‘Crazy Train’ everyone was singing along and a few decided to get up and strut their stuff on the dancefloor.

The layout of the Fleece would be good if it wasn’t for the restless souls that can’t sit down and watch a band perform to save their life. Three young guys kept walking around in circles like the three stooges – this really drove me to distraction it had to be said. It isn’t like ‘Into the Void’ were playing crap but perhaps the younger generation just didn’t get it! Shame on them!

The pub kept filling up and then dissipating although it grew fuller more than not as I had heard a rumour that ‘Madness’ were playing and some of the crowd had come into the pub after the Madness gig – one wearing a Fez would you believe and plonked it on Ozzy aka Tony’s head and thankfully he took it off and laid it on top of the PA and with the rich and unforgiving vibes of the Sabbath tracks it fell to the floor, but was sadly handed back to the owner before anyone could trample it! Pity!

Anyway less of a band that matters little and back to ‘Into the Void’ and their renditions of Sabbath... ‘Hole in the Sky’ ‘Symptom of the Universe’ and ‘Bark at the Moon’ were just mouth-watering and delivered with as much gusto as Sabbath themselves would deliver.  The rhythmic pull of the tracks and the fact people were singing along spurred the band on to go wild and sink into their set with eager enthusiasm.

The encores ‘Mr Crowley’ which experienced a few technical hitches at the beginning of the band’s sound check had all but diminished and delivered superbly along with the now classic track ‘Paranoid’ which had the crowd engrossed and of course shouting the lyrics back at the band.

I honestly never thought I would enjoy watching a tribute band so much but Sabbath are the Masters of Reality and ‘Into the Void’ certainly gave the sets their complete all. It was hard hearing the words that meant the set was over and we all had to return to our ‘normality’ whatever that is? – but that was two to three hours of pure unadulterated Sabbath that I personally would enjoy watching and hearing again, without a shadow of a doubt!

Special thanks to Graham Roadhog Lee for taking me to see the band and for being a laugh always! To Viv and Al for the madness that pursued after the gig, Ann and Jackie, and to the staff at the Fleece for their hospitality and to Into the Void for a superb set!

Jason will be filling in for Kev at the next Roadhog gig on the 22nd August Cruisers Bash Southport at the Fox and Goose! Over and out!

Set List:

War Pigs

Iron Man

God is dead

I don’t know

Snowblind

Into the Void

Black Sabbath

N.I.B

Dirty Women

Set two

Crazy Train

Fairies wear Boots

Electric Funeral

Hole in the Sky

Supernaut

Symptom of the Universe

Bark at the Moon

Sabbath Bloody Sabbath

Children of the Grave

Encore

Mr Crowley

Paranoid

Members:

Ozzy Osbourne performed by Tony (Sin after Sin/Scapegoat)

Tony Iommi performed by Jason (Stoneman/Scapegoat)

Geezer Butler performed by Mark (LA80)

Bill Ward performed by Rob (ex-Mothership-Led Zeppelin Tribute)

Fleshdoll - Blood Red District - 10 Track Album - Great Dane Records - Released 21st June 2015

Flesh Doll

Blood Red District

10 Track Album

Great Dane Records

Released 21^st June 2015

Flesh Doll – Toulouse France

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/fleshdolldeathmetal

Genre: Death Friggin Metal

Biography:

Founded in 2001 that’s an awful lot of death metal to be unleashed on the general public for sure and now the latest offing ‘Blood Red District’

The amazing Fleshdoll!

2084

Holds some quite complex technical moments and is indeed the heavier end of the scale.  It also boasts small samples of voice as well as some melodic rhythms amid its infested slurry of putridity.

I.A.M (in Articulo Mortis)

Is a caustic tirade of extreme battering’s and low key vocal that is like a stab with a rusty nail.  The braying guitar riffs also hold an uncompromising and unmerciful prowess.

World of Terror

Dark and powerful this rhythm is likely to impale your ears on its spiky groove and drive further into the psyche. The malignancy growing like a vile cancerous lump.

Soundtrack to Extinction

Is a hard edged flank of solid bass hooks and vehement riffs that are ripe and ready to infest the audial in an all-out seething, guided by a monstrous vocal that simply has no limitations!

Blood Red District

Plays havoc with the ears as it tosses its repugnance from one ear to the other and taunts with a never ending amount of vexation and agitation, with some extreme melodic riffs that warrant further investigation.

Blind Winter Light

Is an angular track that has a lot of dark corners and varying traits, one being a stark ambiance that lingers and is rather cold and heartless.

Dogs on Drugs

Shifts back to its comfort zone but still none the less heavy and defined by a rapacious beat and monstrous riffs all washed down with a strong vocal enterprise.

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“Its darker edged passages are forged with a deathly repugnance and bound to appeal with its alluring edginess – superb album!”

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Battle Royale

This track more than scratches the surface it annihilates it! Being a beast with more than two horns! Its rhythms are likely to cast you down where you stand.  Creative and energetic it offers a feast of metal and more besides!

The Cave

Can simply boast about its varying scales of rapture and intrigue as it flies off the handle and engages with a dark vibrant blow to the skull! The intimidation never far away it smacks with a bruising intensity that embellishes the ears.

Maelstrom

The final track is upon us and the band have closed their album with this creeping toxic composition that ambles with heavy laden feet. Spicing it up is a healthy slice of rhythm that is fast and furious with a melodic vein running through its dark core.

Summary:

From start to finish Fleshdoll engage and have produced a defining album of varying consistencies. In an attempt to intimidate they have created a maelstrom of madness that never stops until the album comes to a close.

Each track carries its own addictive qualities and swamps the audial with an expanding pleasure that grows and grows!

Its darker edged passages are forged with a deathly repugnance and bound to appeal with its alluring edginess – superb album!

10/10

Track List:

2084

I.A.M (in Articulo Mortis)

World of Terror

Soundtrack to Extinction

Blood Red District

Blind Winter Light

Dogs on Drugs

Battle Royale

The Cave

Maelstrom

Members:

Bastich - Vocals

Chili - Guitars

Billy - Guitars

Judas - Bass

Michaël Martin - Drums

Calcined - Tormenting Attractions - 9 Track Album - Great Dane Records - Released 24th January 2015

Calcined

Tormenting Attractions

9 Track Album

Great Dane Records

Released 24^th January 2015

Calcined – Bulle Friborg

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/Calcined

Genre: Death Metal

Biography:

“Raised in 2008, CALCINED, Death Metal band from Fribourg, Switzerland gathers some freaks devoted and passionate by the extreme Metal scene. Around Lionel (Drums) and Piffeux (Bass/Backing Vocals), quickly the band began to write some old school, chaotic and furious compositions that lead to the recording of an E.P "Thwarted", released in 2011 with Magnus, the new vocalist.

Calcined

Since spring 2013, the band have been working on some new tunes, more rabid but ever driven by pure anguish and dementia than during winter 2013-2014. They began the recording of all of these polymorphic creatures and released their first album "Tormenting Attractions" with 9 tracks more voracious than ever before!

Funeral Passage

The anticipation is almost too hard to bare as this track bulldozes its way into its own obscurity! The twisting rhythms fusing into a malignant tirade of angriness and addictive melodic swagger!

Inner Abyss (The Imperfect Birth)

A lot faster paced for this one – it expands its edge and produces a smouldering ember of viciousness onto the world. Heavier than a ton of lead its carnivorous tongue will eat you alive!

Gazoline and Smoked Bones

Is a razor sharp edged battle field of raging persistence that feels like glass has been embedded into the flesh just for good measure and because they can! So an intense adventure is on the cards with this one.

Led by Voices (All about Ron F)

Gives out a good all-round battering of caustic beats and unruly riffs that tighten round the audial and leaves its mark of raw, pure and unadulterated frenzy.

They wait in Silence

Brace yourselves for another uncompromising hefty grooving that slices through the jugular along with guttural vocals of extreme pleasure. 

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“It is a total mind fuck moment you can bask in it or die in it, either way it is a good way to go! So let your hair down and bathe in the beauty of the moment no matter how rancid it is!”

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Yggr, the Mountain

Over on the dark side this track catapults a malevolent leaning of extreme seething and ravenous riffs that smother the senses in an all-out brawl of twisting madness.

Neurotic Murder

The imposing madness continues as this track expands with its carnal lust of brooding. Magnified by the heavy secretions it doesn’t give one time to ponder on much as its grouchiness spreads like wildfire.

Roots above my Head

It is very much like being buried alive but with a dark scathing riff and bludgeoning crazed beats that there is no escape from as they prey on the soul from the deepest depths.

Powerless (The Imperfect Birth Part 2)

The final track of this cruel and heartless 9 track album it literally gasps for breath as it imposes its caustic frenzy on the aural cavities and leaves one in a state of riotous pleasure.

Summary:

This album was born to kill! Its unadulterated vivaciousness is untamed and wild. Far reaching and bold in delivery it pushes the boundaries to their limits.

Definitely to the more extreme end of the scale if indeed it does have an end?  The thrills for me personally lie with the gruff vocal edge that imposes its nauseous and repugnant, vile secretions directly to eager ears in order to wrap it in a futile and abhorrent swathe so there is no escape.

It is a total mind fuck moment you can bask in it or die in it, either way it is a good way to go! So let your hair down and bathe in the beauty of the moment no matter how rancid it is.

9/10

Track List:

Funeral Passage

Inner Abyss (The Imperfect Birth)

Gazoline and Smoked Bones

Led by Voices (All about Ron F)

They wait in Silence

Yggr, the Mountain

Neurotic Murder

Roots above my Head

Powerless (The Imperfect Birth Part 2)

Members:

Lionel - Drums

Jéjé - Guitar

Magnus - Vocals

Piffeux - Bass/Backing Vocals

Roadhog - Warrington MCC Rally - 27th June 2015

Roadhog

Warrington MCC Rally

27^th June 2015

Graham Roadhog Lee – Vocals

Kevin McGinn – Guitar

Neil Humphrey – Bass

Ed Lane - Drums

As Roadhog were the main band on for the evening Graham and I got down to the Rally early to soak up the atmosphere once again and to meet up with friends already at the site, bumping into Francis and John, Billy, Andy, Gully and Jane

The weather had turned into a glorious feast of sunshine and everyone was chilled and enjoying the ambience that surrounded everyone.

The friendliness and warmth from the Rally Members as well as punters was overwhelming and it made one feel very special to be part of something so out of this world.

One by one the rest of the band turned up Ed being the last one to appear due to work commitments, but it didn’t take them long before their gear was in place and we all sat in the large hall with a pint to catch the support act.

It was a young band – I wouldn’t be surprised if it was their first gig as it wasn’t one of the best sets I had heard, with amps sounding tinny, guitars out of tune and vocals off kilter, but as I have said many times it is hard to get up on stage and perform no matter how many times you do it.

They didn’t seem very comfortable on stage either, as it was only the bassists that smiled and seemed a lot more confident than the others.  Although they were a band it was the vocalist that pushed himself forward playing an acoustic guitar that went through the tinny Vox amp and it seemed as if he was on a mission just using the others as a set up for himself.

There was a lot of faffing around between tracks and I couldn’t hear what the vocalist was saying as he introduced the tracks to the audience. It was also a bit of a surprise moment when the band finished as I wasn’t expecting it, they never said “this is our final track of the evening!”– but it mattered little at least they gave it a shot!

******

Roadhog started with a sound check and as ever it was pitch perfect and they were itching to start the set.

As with Roadhog they temper their set leaving the more meatier tracks until the second half, but as packed as the building was nobody got up for the first half and I was feeling a little uncomfortable as the band played their set to an empty dance floor.

However, in true Roadhog style they never let it put them off and delivered a fantastic first set despite the mic cutting out several times – they were still lavished with warm applause from the crowd who by now were probably already pissed out of their minds!

“Battleship Chains” a really catchy number was sung and played superbly by Roadhog and now a track I listen out for.

In usual Graham style he changed a few of the lyrics to spice things up a bit although I actually try and listen to what he is singing for this purpose, but when he does you can bet that the next time you hear the track you will be singing his version and not the original.

 One of Graham's many fans of the evening in yellow - Andy and Mike

Can a woman really be that tall?

With shouts of ‘Insipid’ from Gully (an in-house joke) the first set drew to a close, giving the band a ten minute breather – the Rally members were sorting out the raffle for which there were some great prizes. – Sadly, I had number 175 and the number 176 was called – so close and yet so far and I so wanted this 3 D effect picture – however it wasn’t to be and next they were the dishing out of trophies for people who had traveled the furthest – I think this group of people traveled 800 miles who won it, and well deserved – as it showed true determination, plus best bike at the Rally and so on.

The last prize was award to Andy Peet for organising the event and another well-deserved prize as he and his son Mike provided their own brand of eye opening entertainment for both days!

On Roadhog’s second set the atmosphere changed from slight apathy from the crowds to “Fuck it and let’s get up and go completely mental!” Mike and his mates were all dressed as women – some looked scarily good too! – Especially the 6 foot 10 guy Daniel (or should I say Danielle?) with her long waist length red hair and enormous heels which made her stand feet above the crowd.

A lot of sparkly dresses were worn last night and like a true Scots Man wears nothing under his kilt neither did these guys and so there were a lot of bare assed guys in sparkly dresses also showing their tackle to a laughing audience last night!

Is that a nob I see before me? :P

The Rally Virgins of which there were three actually got away with being de-robed in the usual ceremony, although gawd knows what happened after the gig – is anyone’s guess.

As promised Roadhog pushed things up a few notches and began to launch the heavier tracks they were saving for the second half.

Half way through the second set a Hen Party arrived which actually started in the club house next door and spilled over into the hall. A woman by the name of Sarah who was carrying a blow up man appeared with her mates and they took to the dance floor – totally unperturbed by the bikers and just did their own thing and of course Graham wasn’t going to let the opportunity pass by without getting her up on the mic saying “We normally get good looking girls up on stage but this time we can make an exception!” Sarah just laughed in the true style in which it was meant as Graham retracted his statement and said he was ‘only kidding’ and then said “Well guys here is a lady who is still single until tomorrow so get nailing her! or words to that effect. Again Sarah stood and took all the abuse although be it of a very friendly nature and then just skipped off with her blow up man around her shoulders quite happily, back into the crowd.

Graham welcoming the bride to be Sarah

Show the love for a guy who has lost all his clothes

By now Andy the event organizer had decided to ditch his jeans and t shirt for a more glamorous pink dress and joined his son and his mates on the dance floor to lap up the heaviness being pumped out from the stage as Roadhog delivered ‘Highway to Hell’ Billy walked towards me and grabbed my hand for a dance so I thought sod it – let’s go for it and I joined the other punters for an epic sing – a - long and a quick stretch of the legs, which I found quite invigorating!

As it was nearing the end of Roadhog’s set as soon as the last track finished I started shouting for more and one of the other guys spoke to Graham mentioning I was asking for more and Graham said “Well she is paid to do so!” I wanna make one thing clear here – no I wasn’t paid to say it, I meant every word!

Graham announced the next track as being from his favourite band that being The Scorpions and launched into the track “The Zoo” and threw out a handful of party blow up guitars for the crowd which were eagerly accepted and more so put to good use – it certainly encouraged more to get up and pretend to play them, but nothing was funnier than seeing a guy dressed as a gal with fake large boobs and a wig playing a plastic guitar and then showing off his tackle!!

Last night Roadhog did ‘Nail’ the gig good and proper and finished with their usual track ‘Born to be Wild’ dedicated to all the bikers at the venue, which although a lot of people had left as the time was just after midnight, but still people wanted to strut their stuff on the dance floor and go extremely wild.

Frances getting into the swing of things

A big thanks to Andy for the organisation of the gig, Billy for being such a lovely guy who is a great dancer! Francis and John for adding their touch to the night, Nicky and Bill – nice meeting you both, Gully and Jane – the perfect couple and really interesting to talk to, - the stall holders for their unusual merchandise, the bikers for their unique bikes, Mike and the (ladies) and to all the bands for giving us a weekend we shall not forget in a hurry!

Just to name a few people who deserve a mention:

Billy Sherratt, Alison Sherratt, Andy Peet, Michael Lloyd, Mike Peet (Happy Birthday you legend) Bill Watt and Nicky Thornley - (who takes amazing photo's) Gully Panther (a bit insipid is this guy :D and his lovely lady Jane - enjoyed our chat! Frances Gypsy Judge and John lovely meeting you both! Kevin McGinn, Neil Humphrey, Ed, Mike, Mark Christopher, Andrew Wood, Shakeel Raza, Paul McGill, Kye Jones, Deborah Moss, Ozzy, Alison Fitchett Paul Williamson and Lee Parker and Graham Roadhog Lee for being the most awesome guy for looking after me - and to anyone I forgot to mention - you all made this gig spectacular!

It just goes to show that Bikes and Metal are a lifestyle and will no doubt remain so until the end of time!

Set List 1

RIVERBOAT SONG

BATTLESHIP CHAINS

SWEET HOME ALABAMA

GIMME THREE STEPS

SHARP DRESSED MAN

TUSH

I CAN'T EXPLAIN

EMERALD

HUSH

HOT BLOODED

LI'L' DEVIL

Set List 2

WE WILL ROCK YOU

THE GREEN MANALISHI

MISTREATED

THE ZOO

WAR PIGS

PARANOID

FOREVER

GIMME SHELTER

DON'T BELIEVE A WORD

HIGHWAY TO HELL

ALRIGHT NOW

ENCORES

WORD UP

ROCK'N'ROLL

FOX ON THE RUN

ACE OF SPADES

BORN TO BE WILD