The Zanzibar Mash Up - Featuring: Black Capital, Leap of Faith, Exiled, Stampede, Inhabit & Last Rites, Liverpool 24.7.15

The Zanzibar Mash Up

Featuring: Black Capital, Leap of Faith,

Exiled, Stampede, Inhabit &

Last Rites

Liverpool

24^th July 2015

Mash Up poster courtesy of Rockart

Black Capital – Liverpool    8.00pm

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/BlackCapitalBand

Genre: Grunge/Hard Rock

 Ben Wall

 Black Capital

Danny Jones

Have to say that for an opening slot these guys were excellent. It was only their second gig to date and the drummer was all but a mere 16. All around the Zanzi people were saying what an amazing drummer this kid was and they weren’t wrong! Their set was ferocious and well executed and drew a number of people around the stage. It was clear to see they were enjoying their set by the smile on their faces and the Zanzi lavished in their superb sound. They certainly engaged the crowd well and had a good stage presence.

Members:

Danny Jones - Vocalist/Guitarist

Dylan Edwards - Guitar/Backing Vocals

Josh Thorley - Bass Guitar

Ben Wall - Drums

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Leap of Faith - Liverpool    8.40

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leap-Of-Faith

Genre: Rock

 Leap of Faith

Matt Sloan

As Matt said “We are probably not the heaviest of bands here tonight!” but Leap of Faith gave a solid and hearty performance last night, with tracks that were compelling and engaging and the catchy choruses were phenomenal to witness, allowing the audience to sing a long! It was a fascinating set that made you wish it was on longer than a mere 30 minutes but was sadly over in the blink of an eye!

Members:

Matt Sloan - Guitar/Lead Vocals

Alex Cain - Drums/Backing Vocals

Aidan Clews - Bass/Backing Vocals

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Exiled – Liverpool    9.20

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/exiledliverpool

Genre: Thrash

Sadly I didn’t get to see much of Exiled’s set and couldn’t get near the stage for flailing bodies in the crudely formed mosh pit, but on all accounts they produced a wild set.

Members:

Sam Robinson-Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar

Joe Bradley-Lead Guitar & Backing Vocals

John Riley-Bass Guitar & Backing vocals

James McDermott - Drums

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Stampede – Liverpool    10.00

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stampede

Genre: Groove/Thrash

 Mike & Mayzey

 Mike & Mayzey

 Brandon

 Mayzey

 Mike

Corbyn

Stampede – what can I say except “Great seeing these down to earth guys play on a familiar stage, their music was raw and cutting to the bone. The power that exuded from the stage was nothing short of potent and the nagging riffs exploded with sheer vehemence! The band have pushed their set up another notch and now hammer out something that resembles a blacksmiths forge! Groove after groove was carved deliciously into people’s minds last night and enjoyed by everyone who managed to stay the course!

Members:

Mayzey Mayes- Guitar/ Vocals

Mike Owen-Young - Guitar

Corbyn Gaw- Bass

Brandon Lee Daley- Drums

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Inhabit – Liverpool/Latvia    10.40

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/inhabituk

Genre: Metal Hard Core

 Chopz

 Inhabit

The intensity was there from the off as Karlis or (Chop Chopz as he is affectionately known) climbed on stage. The power that welled up from deep within his throat was savagely pushed out and instantly grabbed the attention of the unwitting crowd as small as it was! Each track went into overdrive and literally pummelled the audience to death, and was certainly one of the most vicious sets formed last night with Karlis jumping around like a crazed lunatic to some forthright riffs and crushing beats. Definitely one of the most potent sets I have seen them do in a long time.

Members:

Chop Chopz - Vocals

Andy Bailey - Electronics/Guitars

Ben Tweedie - Guitars

Sergio Zasada - Drums

Alex Cottrell - Bass

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Last Rites – Widnes, Liverpool    11.20

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/lastritesofficial

Genre: Metal

 Craig

 Sam & Joe

 Jim & Dave

 Jim

 Joe

 Sam

 Sam & Craig

 Sam

Last Rights

Having heard a few tracks on the band’s Soundcloud beforehand I thought I knew what to expect, however, this performance seemed a lot tighter and predominantly rabid. The scourge of riffs were hungry for eager ears despite the Zanzi looking rather bare. The few that were left made their way to the front of the stage where they were welcomed by the band who force fed them their tirade of crushing metal.

Members:

Craig Middlehurst - Vocals

Jim Pierce – Lead/Rhythm Guitar

Joe O’Sullivan – Lead/Rhythm Guitar

Dave Phelps – Drums/Percussion

Sam Stanley – Bass

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Graham & Cuz enjoying da metulz!

Grace giving it some!

A big thanks to Tony, Pat for the sound, Paul for the chat – you are looking great mate! Vinnie and the bar staff, Cuzzy for being Cuzzy! Grace for getting so involved and utilising some great moves. Amy for her memorable entrance! Louie & Pal Brian for their friendly chat! And Zanda who takes some unforgettable photo’s not forgetting my other half Graham for putting up with me and my love of extreme metal and a big thanks to all the bands who played last night at the Zanzi and (s)mashed it up! Black Capital, Leap of Faith, Exiled, Stampede, Inhabit and Last Rites.

All Photo's by Pagan Hel

Wilson - Right to Rise - Razor & Tie - Released 29th June 2015

Wilson

Right to Rise

Razor & Tie

Released 29^th June 2015

Written for Ramzine

Wilson – Detroit, USA

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/wilsonparties

Genre: Full Blast Fuckery!

Right to Rise is an even tempered track with plenty of grit and determination! Its textures are gruelling and bold, holding a catchy chorus that has sing-a-long value.  Guilty is a plucky little track that sneaks up and then explodes into a mesmerizing weave of crunching riffs that ignite the interest. Again it boasts a catchy chorus and will appeal too many. Crave ignites on impact as soon as it plays. The vocals are gritty and will no doubt have you singing along once you learn the lyrics which won’t take long as its addictive ability is ever prevalent. Window’s down holds a sample at the beginning done in the form of a radio show and then goes into bludgeoning mode. It is a very American sound not that I am complaining! The rhythmic pulses are moreish and the fact once again of a catchy chorus makes it thoroughly enjoyable! All my Friends is a pulsing rhythmical confrontation that will weave its craft to make you succumb to its wily ways.  Satisfy Me in true metal form this track boasts immediately that full bodied sound that is hard to ignore and will serenade with a deep rooted passion. The Flood is a hand clapping chant of rhythmic goodness that is raw and to the bone. The catchiness knows no bounds. Hang with the Devil is another metal rouser that grips with aggressive riffs and a brutal pounding of beats. It showers the senses with a sweeping motion and never stops. I am the fly houses some beautiful acoustic strings and then turns a corner into a wall of bristling intensity with great lyrics. Give ‘em Hell is a vat of all-consuming riffs that infect the ears to the maximum. The chanting chorus is really memorable and raw. Waiting for the World burns with a deep passion of brooding that infects on a grand scale. The erratic rhythms are magnified by the grit and spit vocals that intensify through-out the track. Before I burn takes its time to get started with a muffled vocal and a sparse stringed plinking, however, don’t get too despondent it soon roars into the limelight and obliterates with a muscular stride, its torrential toxicity sizzles and burns with an eager passion.

Summary:

This is one hell of an album that is filled to the brim with catchy chorus lines and bristling energetic riffs.  It also holds some very beautiful poignant moments as on the final track.  Wilson is a name that nobody should forget. Its moreish tones are blighted with a savage vein of metal but done the American way it is bound to take off and get the band noticed.

Full Blast Fuckery is the only way to describe this band.  The rebellious riffs are dangerously addictive and likely to cause serious brain damage! The lively tracks are just outrageous to the point it is seriously orgasmic!

I think I am going to take the afternoon off and blast this album to fuckery... Hell yeah!

Track List:

Right to Rise

Guilty

Crave

Window’s down

All my Friends

Satisfy Me

The Flood

Hang with the Devil

I am the fly

Give ‘em Hell

Waiting for the World

Before I burn

Members:

Jason Spencer 

Kyle Landry 

James Lascu 

Strains - Redfefined - 5 Track Debut E.P - Famined Records - Released 29th June 2015

Strains

Redefined

5 Track Debut E.P

Famined Records

Released 29^th June 2015

Written for Ramzine

Strains – Opglabbeek, Belgium

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/wearestrains

Genre: Metalcore

The Great Disconnect is a progressive menagerie of vibrant riffs that expand the mind and disorientate the senses. The vocal scathing is torrential in an outpouring of utter hatred and festers eagerly under the skin waiting to pounce. Its gruesome rhythms know no bounds and continues to pulse through-out the entirety of the track. 13_04 is a rather grizzly toxic run of malignance as it gains momentum and runs with it.  Vocally damming and brutal as real metal core allows. It seethes with a toxic battering that is mesmerising as it is delicious to the point you don’t want it to stop! White Chains holds a stark riff that is soon penetrated by brutal rhythms and hits the ground running. It has a raw energy that pulses unmercifully through-out its structure and rich in thick textures that are easy to get caught up in. Infinite can boast voracious rhythms and caustic riffs that dig gouges into the flesh upon listening – there is nothing as brutal as this. Acceptance is a crazed outrage that washes over the senses and tramples the audial cavities with utter abandon.

Summary:

You wouldn’t think that five tracks could leave such a lasting impression but music of this strong calibre is hard to shake off as it implants it malignant virus into your head and works on it so you can’t think straight!

The raw intensity just grows and grows until it leaves its mark and is a great audial predator that knows when to pounce and will shock even the most crazed metal heads out there!

It’s a great rampant E.P that will find its way into blackened hearts everywhere no doubt, providing you enjoy the rawness of metal core, which I know isn’t everyone’s Jack Daniels, but for the ones who do, it is an amazing treat for the ears and goes out of its way to satisfy!

Track List:

The Great Disconnect

13_04

White Chains

Infinite

Acceptance

Members:

Maarten Janssen – Vocals

Fréderic Roekens – Guitar

Stef Oosterbos – Guitar

Lieven Casters – Bass

Simon Janssen - Drums

Midwayer - Thresholds - 6 Track E.P - Imminence Records - Released 5th July 2015

Midwayer

Thresholds

6 Track E.P

Imminence Records

Released 5^th July 2015

Written for Ramzine

Midwayer – St. Simon's Island, Ga

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/MidwayerGA

Genre: Progressive/Melodic Hard Core/Punk

“St Simon’s Island must be ablaze with this quintet of hardcore bruisers at the helm. Although they have had nearly two good years to get used to the idea with the band being spawned in August 2013. Forging ahead ‘Midwayer’ have produced an amazing 6 track E.P that provides attention grabbing and satisfying moments of pure undiluted pleasure, capturing that steely melodic presence, it comes out literally brawling with the senses. Its punk essences spice up the proceedings while the progressive traits are truly uncompromising!”

Track List:

The Golden Flower

Thresholds

Gaia

Babel

Shutters

Before the Flood

Members:

Brandon Priest – Vocals

Gary Pounds - Guitar/Vocals/Half-Beard

Miles Atanasu-Teeters - Guitar/Beard

Robbie McCall - Bass/Beard

Patrick Taylor - Percussion/Beard

F.O.E.S - Antecedence - 5 Track E.P - Crooked Noise Records - Released 10th July 2015

F.O.E.S

Antecedence

5 Track E.P

Crooked Noise Records

Released 10^th July 2015

Written for Ramzine

F.O.E.S – aka Fall of Every Sparrow - Liverpool

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/fallofeverysparrow

Genre: Post Rock

Well as this band is from my hometown of Liverpool I had to review them didn’t I? The first track called ‘Rival Thrones’ is a very progressive track that still has a lot of emotion attached to it although not my usual listening it is nice to deviate and listen to something that is out of the comfort zone at times and F.O.E.S are one such band.

Going for the more alternative side of rock these guys are really kicking up dust in the Liverpool area and gaining some good feedback.

The second track ‘Crown Antler’ a rather strange title continues with a more brutish sound that pulses with atmospheric grandeur. Its soft vocals suddenly turn into a conglomerate of gnarly and nasty along the lines of metal core and doesn’t go all out to reach those goals, however it is a very diverse listen indeed.

‘El Penumbra’ is a rather sombre opening and glides with tempered drumming and a soft vocal ambling at its own pace it isn’t a track that really gets me saying yes I shall have to press repeat but it is very haunting and atmospheric.

‘This is Kingdom Come’ can boast some crippling riffs that taunt and tease, although for me the vocals don’t do it justice but saying that the melodic core and scathing highs are pure and unadulterated.

‘No Sleepers Verse’ is another soft track that lingers with a haunting sparseness although is nothing new it could grow on you I suppose if you can listen long enough.

Summary:

Although played and presented well F.O.E.S isn’t really my cup of tea it has to be said – it is far too alternative for me to fully engage with as I like my music with a bit of meat on its bones, but it is a very diverse album that can boast plenty of atmospheric moments and therefore worth a listen.

The band have already released another E.P Ophir (10th Feb 2014) (although not having listened to it I cannot comment further) after forming in 2013 and it gained a lot of recognition from various big named magazines – so we shall see what happens from here on in.

The E.P it can be said, is an emotional journey that will appeal no doubt to the mainstream element, but vocally I need something to get under my skin and aggressively remove it from its lodgings and this E.P just doesn’t even get a quarter of the way there as it has a tendency to drag its heels and be far too chilled for my liking but I did enjoy listening to ‘Crown Antler’

Track List:

Rival Thrones

Crown Antler

El Penumbra

This is Kingdom Come

No Sleepers Verse

Members:

James – Drums

Josh – Bass

Joe – Guitar

Chris – Vocals/Guitar

Dying Humanity - Deadened - 10 Track Album - Bastardized Recordings - Released 12th June 2015

Dying Humanity

Deadened

10 Track Album

Bastardized Recordings

Released 12^th June 2015

Written for Ramzine

Dying Humanity – Chemnitz, Germany

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/dyinghumanity

Listen Here:

https://dyinghumanity.bandcamp.com

Discography:

The Origin of Dying Humanity             Demo 2006 

Fallen Paradise                                      Full-length   2007 

Fragments of an Incomplete Puzzle      Full-length   2009 

Living on the Razor’s Edge                  Full-length   2011 

Deadened                                              Full-length   2015 

Genre: Melodic Death Thrash Metal

Biography:

From 2006 to present day Dying Humanity have literally been breeding contempt and punishing the metal community with their own brand of melodic death thrash. With four full length albums behind them it is onward and upward for this quintet of krauts!

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The title track of the album houses some very eastern sounding riffs that scorn and finally explode into a malignant chaos! Very vocally engaging it strides into the limelight and steals the show. Delusion is a melodic battering of vibrant riffs and tempestuous beats that congeal into a tempered aggression, however the clean vocal struggles to reach top notes.

Beyond Redemption can boast some ‘closed eye’ moments when everything paints a landscape you want to be part of. Its flanks of melodic grandeur are well-rounded and very appealing. I am King relentlessly offers attention grabbing moments with throaty guttural growling and quickening riffs that weave from within a beating rhythm. Psychotic Illusion is an ambient track that broods with an underlying intrigue that is attached to quickening drum beats, frenzied guitar and uncompromising bass hooks.

Feed him to the Lions is a mesmerizing track that sweeps over the audial with a melodic hand and feisty vocal surge. It gallops at speed to an appealing barrage of riffs that never loosen their grip through-out the tracks muscular structure. Oblivion is a slow paced track that sounds like it has Spanish origins – played acoustically and beautifully showcasing the bands diversity as being from one end of the scale to the next. Ashes of Destiny returns to a brain shaking and wild rampage of pure driven aggression that is constantly evolving through its gigantic soundscape and delivers a pulverizing blow.

Devious Greed again offers no let up from its frantic speed fuelled hatred and provides many twists and turns that will pull you from limb to limb.

Bloodshot Eyes is sadly the final track on the album, I say sadly as this album has been a good solid listen of rugged and rigorous! The savagery contained within the track boasts a beauty known only to melo-death fans and runs away with first prize for being a damn good listen.

Summary:

No doubt about it Dying Humanity have a well-oiled and mature sound that is instantly pleasing to the ears. Mainly the album is an aggression soaked and hearty run through barbed wire with a blind fold on – truth is you are going to get snagged on it somewhere along the line.

This album is increasingly powerful and yet melodic with beautiful moments to savour no matter what your mood.

9/10

Track List:

Deadened

Delusion

Beyond Redemption

I am King

Psychotic Illusion

Feed him to the Lions

Oblivion

Ashes of Destiny

Devious Greed

Bloodshot Eyes

Members:

Marcus Friedrich: Vocals

Kai Seidel: Guitar

Simeon Keller: Guitar

Maximilian von Müller: Bass

Danny Vanis: Drums

Dominic Kaden: Merch