Frozen Mist - The Tenalach Prophecy - 10 Track Album - Capcoma Studios - To be released 2nd April 2016

Frozen Mist

The Tenalach Prophecy

10 Track Album

Capcoma Studios

To be released 2^nd April 2016

Frozen Mist – Montoursville, PA USA

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/frozenmist666

Genre: Pagan Black Metal

Biography:

“Hailing from the underground of Montoursville, Pennsylvania, Frozen Mist started as a solo project by Darkj in mid-February 2004. The name Frozen Mist came about from smoking a cigarette in the cold, grim, snowy weather. Throughout the years, Darkj has been changing the sound of his music with very unique extreme dark, death and pagan black metal attributes. To this day, Frozen Mist remains as the ONLY extreme metal band in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania!”

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The Echoes of Folklore is quite far reaching as the stringed accompaniment and pan pipes seem to struggle against the tide so to speak, with the strings drowning them out, whether or not intentional is anyone’s guess, however manifesting into a tumultuous frenzy of vocal slurry a bit later on, it sends one further into a deep void of extreme metal bleakness. Its presence is littered with a kind of devilry that holds an insatiable appetite for rebellious imagination.

BPHSP This track finds its comfort zone very easily and forges ahead with a rousing guitar riff that collide with a solid drum beat, turning into an irresistible swagger. The rasping vocals continue to steam through the aural with a roar of emotion.

Ancestral Heritage with dark black angst and ambiance this track sounds perpetually menacing throwing out anger in a vocal barrage of stirring madness.

Triquetra again plums for pan pipes that sound off kilter while the rest of the track ambles slowly through its dark paces. Its brooding temperament is quite infectious as it reveals a dreamy melodic caress of awareness.

The Tenalach Prophecy the title track sees an upbeat and aggressive electric arrangement that is accentuated with bristling and startling stamina. Vocally tenacious and chilling once more. Definitely my favourite track!

Psithurism starts with a solid drum beat and goes on to form a hypnotic rhythmic swagger. Its predatory stance is quite addictive and hosts a slither of pan pipes once more. As the vocals kick in the track sits nestled back in its comfort zone.

Visions of Trepidation Holds a sultry atmosphere that is contained within its striking notes and lures you into another dream-like state. The emotional involvement is captivating and once again introduces off kilter pan pipes that add to the mystery of the track.

Valkyrie is attention grabbing as it sows its seeds of aggression and increasingly gathers momentum. It simply snares the ears and beats them to death.

Passage to Valhalla shows a melodic start to proceedings and lights the way to something a little different with well-balanced strings, however it isn’t long before the menacing vocals kick in and intimidate the aural with a blistering hunger.

Viking Funeral simply meanders and possesses a serene landscape of seduction. It is also melancholic as the title would suggest but also gives out a strong message.

Summary:

The Pagan attributes are well and truly stamped all over this album, as well as its black metal drama. It can change direction quite easily which shows good diversity although mainly it prefers to stay in its comfort zone, which isn’t a bad thing at all.

Pagan Black Metal is quite a new breed with its raw production giving off the cold and primitive vibes one would associate with the genre. The themes are mystical and cover darkness, despair, death, horror and Pagan Ancestry.

9/10

Track List:

Echoes of Folklore

BPHSP

Ancestral Heritage

Triquetra

The Tenalach Prophecy

Psithurism

Visions of Trepidation

Valkyrie

Passage to Valhalla

Viking Funeral

Members:

Darkj - Lead Vocals, Drums, Rhythm Guitar, Bass, Pagan Instruments - 2004-2014, 2014-present

Salmar - Rhythm Guitar, Back Vocals - 2015-present

Originally formed on February 14, 2004 and split up on March 1, 2014 after the release of "Paganwinds", then after 7 months, reformed on October 1, 2014.

Amon Amarth - Jomsviking - 11 Track Album - To be released 25th March 2016

Amon Amarth

Jomsviking

11 Track Album

To be released 25^th March 2016

Written for Ramzine

Amon Amarth – Stockholm, Sweden

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialAmonAmarth

Genre: Melodic Death Metal

Amon Amarth really do not need an introduction, everyone in the metal community should know this band as well as further afield.  Their sound is unique and reeks of Viking plundering and vengeance.

The whirling hair and the deep vehement sound exuberated by Amon Amarth is absolute legendary! The growling dulcet tones of Hegg are just phenomenal, although not sure why they have added a female vocalist on Dream that cannot be as for me it spoils the severity of the track. At Dawns First Light is a rabble rouser that speeds its way through an articulate vocal endeavour and courses through the veins like a deadly disease. Back on Northern Shores begins with a tirade of bubbling riffs sitting well on the audial, breaking like a rolling tide. Slower paced but none the less dramatic and invigorating. First Kill Unleashing a tyranny of riffs and magical beats, portraying the Viking way. On a Sea of Blood A real heavy metal track that’s exuberant and forthright with catchy melodies, certainly ticks all the right boxes for a good head banging session.  One against all is a thunderously thumping track that takes no prisoners. Enforcing its prowess, capturing the element of imagination. One Thousand burning Arrows Slightly more indulgent than the previous tracks giving rise to a sharp stringed arrangement, lavishing the ears with sophistication and contains a superb melodic flavour. Raise your Horns a very apt title - can mean the normal metal signal or if you are a Viking, raise your drinking horns! Clever! The Way of Vikings is a very dark track that’s filled with intense ambient leanings toward a severe bruising tirade of rhythms, Hegg doesn’t disappoint on this track either!  Vengeance is my Name another rabble rouser with a fast pace tumultuous riffs and pounding rhythms, seething with amazing Viking virulence! Wanderer sending the listener into a dream state although it is not a fairytale dream. This is one emotionally gripping melodic piece of writing that sets a superb backdrop for Viking groove and intensity!

This album without sounding too tongue in cheek, really kicks ass! It’s very creatively inspiring, painting pictures of a forgotten past that Amon Amarth keep very much in the present. With intense ferocity mixed into the groove Amon Amarth have proved once again they are the masters of Melodic Death Metal and are ready to fight further with their Scandinavian endeavours.

10/10

Track List:

Dream that cannot be

At Dawn’s first Light

Back on Northern Shores

First Kill

On a Sea of Blood

One against All

One Thousand burning Arrows

Raise your Horns

The Way of Vikings

Vengeance is my Name

Wanderer

Members:

Johan Hegg - Vocals

Ted Lundström - Bass

Johan Söderberg - Guitar

Olavi Mikkonen - Guitar

The Bendal Interlude - Reign of the Unblinking Eye - 9 Track Album - Black Bow Records - Released April 2016

The Bendal Interlude

Reign of the Unblinking Eye

9 Track Album

Black Bow Records

Released April 2016

Written for Ramzine

Bendal Interlude – Liverpool

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/THEBENDALINTERLUDE

Genre: Stoner/Metal/Thrash

They say it is quality not quantity, don’t they? Well with The Bendal Interlude you get that and more!

I can honestly say that I was filled with excitement at the prospect of listening to these guys again after seeing them perform at the Zanzibar August 2011, as they are such a ‘live’ experience.

Kicking off this beastly nine tracker is Buckfast for Breakfast, already played it four times over and probably will a few more times as its rhythms are so thick and extremely comfortable it’s so easy to nestle into and enjoy.

The melodies are still prevalent and play a big part in making the tracks interesting along with a seething heavy vocal that scrapes over the ears, which is superb, if like me you like a heavy vocal and thumping rhythmic prowess.

It is no wonder that the band have been snapped up by Black Bow Records – none at all. This band have got what it takes to go the full distance and more.

The title track The Unblinking Eye has that feel of urgency and angst attached to it, so much so you can feel the thud in your stomach as the notes hit along with a melodic catchy rhythm that has your head bouncing to.

Efframs Hands gives rise to a sizzling bass hooks and tempestuous rhythms that suck you in hook, line and sinker and rips you limb from limb. But this is Bendal Interlude territory after all, which makes it powerfully melodic and forthright!

Pint of Bodies will rip you a new one! Make no mistake! The devilish strides of metal are brash and appealing and a superb proposition to indulge in the Bendal antics. It cools off toward the end but offers great diversity.

Creeks Gigantic again uncompromising and fascinating with equal amounts of thunderously potent riffs that show off emotive discord wrapping itself around the lobes.

Triumph of Fortitude possesses a magnetic encounter of seething beats and edgy riffs, along with harsh melodic content that lure you into the fold.

The Block is edgy and anxious. Its tendrils reach out and instantly grab with a very persuasive and lingering impression and vocally pleasing, giving out feisty enjoyment.

R.I.P Introduces the keyboard, lashing out a stoner haze of pure magic that lingers in an endless haze of awesome.

It is true once you hear The Bendal Interlude the want for more continues

10/10

Track List:

Buckfast for Breakfast

Losing Things

The Unblinking Eye

Eframs Hands

Pint of Bodies

Creeks Gigantic

Triumph of Fortitude

The Block

R.I.P

Members:

Tommy-Bass

Stu-Guitar

Nat-Vocals

Dave-Drums

Killus - Ultrazombies - 13 Track Album - Art Gates Records - To be released 28th March 2016

Killus

Ultrazombies

13 Track Album

Art Gates Records

To be Released 28^th March 2016

Written for Ramzine

Killus – Vila Real, Spain

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/Killusband

Genre: Metal / Industrial / Gótica

Biography:

This explosive 4 pieced combo formed 10 years ago in the Spanish city of Vila-Real has managed to reflect an attitude and unique sound. Under influences from bands such as Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson or White Zombie, sharing stage with well-known acts such as Guns n’ Roses, Nightwish, In Flames, DeathStars, Avatar or Marilyn Manson themselves. The staging of the band if one of their strongest points, equipped with a powerful sound and a striking image, which turns Killus into a whirlwind live.

After three albums (God Bless Us - 2007 Extinction - 2009, Never Something Was So Real - 2011) in the market with those who obtained great reviews both nationally and internationally. In 2012 the band signed by the international label Art Gates Records for launch his latest work to date, "Feel the Monster" which features the collaboration of guitarist Ashes from Static- X on "Bastards". Produced completely by the band and mastered by producer Daniel Cardoso (Angelus Apatrida, Noctem, Anahtema)

In 2014, Killus has done two tours (April, November & December) in Europe and UK presenting his latest work “Feel the Monster” with the Swedish band Avatar and the British ‘The Defiled’

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I don’t know about you but for me the word ‘electronica’ fills me with excitement! You can feel the tension as you listen and a whole new world comes to light.

That heavy pumping rhythm, lurches forward, possessing the soul in such a way it can’t be ignored. Add in harsh vocal, you know the one that singes the ears leaving them bleeding, for me is pleasure.

Killus have bags of appeal that just oozes out of their tracks with never ending proposition. Grabbing the bull by the horns and launching into a tirade of magnetic rhythms that truly captivates.

Starting with a sample that quickly turns into Ultrazombies the world turns into a rich landscape of harsh electronica and never stops, but Killus have adopted a brutal regime that keeps on brutalising as Welcome to my Madness plunges you into a free for all, it’s every man for himself.

White Lines has an urgency attached to it, releasing a purely antagonistic flair to the proceedings along with a very hard core melodic haze, flanked by a strong catchy rhythm. The Witches Pact starts off slower and more deliberate, growling with unabated captivation, seething under its own weight with devilish drum beats and jangling keyboards.  Satanchia holds a stunted rhythm that jerks into a rampaging madness – it’s really disturbing! Motherfuckingstein is a mad mix of sounds that drape a sharp keyboard rhythm and hard vocal encounter in your face. To show diversity they attach a sneaky whispering vocal, lulling you into a false sense of security.

Mr Jack Goes back to that sneakiness of sound, changing quickly, morphing into a bubbling nastiness. The solid rhythms literally buckle under the bruising of rapturous riffs. The Last Passenger introduces amazing sounds as they rip you a new one with equal vigour!

Crazy Trip on the Road holds some crazy keyboard notes that in true Killus style get de-railed by the pure madness of a thunderous beat that is so catchy there’s no return! Know your Enemy possessing a rampant torrent of abuse to the aural, it scorns its victims with pure malice.  3 Seconds is simply inspirational, gathering momentum, breathing its scornful poison directly into a vein.

The Ghost under my Bed reaching out quite timidly compared to the last twelve tracks, giving off angst that surfaces slowly. Capturing that ghostly element terrifically well, with haunting melodic keyboard and gravelly vocal edge.

10/10

Track List:

The Dead Walkers invade the Village

Ultrazombies

Welcome to my Madness

White Lines

The Witches Pact

Satanchia

Motherfuckingstein

Mr Jack

The Last Passenger

Crazy Trip on the Road

Know your Enemy

Seconds

The Ghost under my Bed

Members:

Supersixx - Vocals

Ruk - Guitars & programming

Premutoxx - Bass

Nano - Drums

Roadhog - Charlie & Tomo's Birthday Bash - The Falstaff, Southport - 19.3.16

Roadhog

Charlie and Tomo’s Birthday Bash

The Falstaff, Southport

19.3.16

From start to finish this event was just simply filled with wall to wall friends, friends whom I personally class as family.

Getting around everyone to say Hi to was a marathon in itself and of course the obligatory photo’s that begged to be taken just had to be done, took longer but well worth it!

Charlie Brown the Chairman of the Original Cruisers gave a sly grin as he opened his card and Tomo the Vice-Chairman of the Original Cruisers was taken aback by his card and the evening was then only just beginning.

The Birthday Boys Charlie

and below Tomo

As Roadhog got their gear set up, everyone was spotting friends at the bar, friends sitting at tables, friends standing, it was more like a family reunion as this event unfolded.

The surprises of the evening started when I saw Terry Natteroy and Phil Shackleton from Caligula. I had seen the guys play a few years back at the Lomax and Head of Steam and was shocked to see them both along with Frankie, Phil’s Girlfriend such an amazing surprise! Just hope they can start up and get some gigs again.

Phil and Terry

It was also lovely to see that Lynne Linaker had arrived despite Matty’s infection, but being such a good mum she had managed to calm his temperature and still manage to get out for the evening – always good seeing you Lynne!

The amazing Lynne 

Nick Hodgeson provided the sounds for the night and despite him not having any ‘Disturbed’ did a good set of tunes for the evening that kept the crowd entertained.

DJ Nick

More and more people turned up adding to the memorable evening with their banter and wit as what usually happens.

Another surprise was when the lovely Emma produced a heart shaped Easter egg for me – totally unexpected but really appreciated with my love of chocolate! Thanks again Emma!

Emma & her sister

The atmosphere was just phenomenal. The cake for Charlie and Tomo was perfect – bike orientated of course as that was the common goal that soldered everyone together – although pity the guys didn’t cut it – it looked absolutely delicious!

The amazing Cake

 Blowing out 84 candles is hard work! (Sorry Charlie :P )

More Birthday moments!

As the band fired up their first set everyone got into position and all eyes were on them. The room packed to the rafters and the fun and frivolity commenced.

 Kev the strings!

 Baz the sticks!

 Neil the bass

 Oggy the voice!

 Kev and Oggy

 Oggy, Baz and Neil

 Oggy

 Oggy

 Kev

 Baz

Even Mr Ron got up and strummed on his inflatable guitar – prompting Oggy to shout out “Ron likes his women the same as his guitars – blown up!”

The lovely Mr Ron!

No Mr Ron there is no escaping the camera!

A rare moment when Mr Ron got up to joins Neil

Some people who had not seen the band perform previously were in awe and passed on some lovely complements to the guys which was lovely.

For me I couldn’t keep still having to take advantage of taking some close up shots and the odd mad moments of dancing with friends mainly Princess Whitney who was out there and up to her old tricks lol and of course singing along to the tracks being played by the band – it all added up to a fantastic evening that was enjoyed by everyone there.

Me & the Princess

Going mad at a Roadhog gig is expected, here are Whitney, Trace and Amy doing their stuff!

At half time, the band took a breather and the crowd dispersed back to their seats and the music continued in CD form courtesy of Nick DJ in the Hat.

Lovely seeing Jane and her fella Brian who travelled from the Isle of Man – always good seeing them both but to travel all that way for one night – is a lovely tribute to their loyalty to the band and to their friends.

The very quirky Jane!

It was great to be part of such a lovely event and being among friends, which took things once again to a new level.

 Loraine & Jackie

Charlie with Graham Roadking!

Yes he rides a Harley :D

As the band prepared to start their second set of the night, Nick got a bit carried away as did the people who were up dancing to ‘Crazy Bitch’ so Roadhog were about 5 minutes late starting.

 Oggy and Neil

 Oggy

 Kev, Oggy and Neil

 Neil

 Baz

 Kev

 Neil

Kev & Neil's solo

The very distinguished Kev Unwin arrived for the second set and good to see him although sad Mel had to stay at home to babysit.

Kev & Charlie

As per usual the second set was a little bit more on the heavy side and gave the crowd a reason to go absolutely ape-shit – mainly to Motorhead – Ace of Spades, very hard not to go wild when it’s heard, and also Y&T which had a lot of people singing along, including Nick the Hat, despite it not being a track that is heard frequently, more’s the pity, but such a phenomenal song all the same and one that is sung with energy by Graham and played with precision from Baz, Neil and Kev.

Nick all guns blazing singing Forever by Y&T

A funny moment was had when Oggy said “I do apologise for the ropey voice, sorry if I sound a bit like Arthur Mullard!” and Neil’s reply was “Yes you do!” to which Oggy retorted “I may sound like him but at least I don’t look like him!” Neil’s face was a picture - nobody can out run Oggy on the retort scale and survive!

Neil - What was that Oggy?

Cold Sweat by Thin Lizzy is one of my favourite tracks sung by Roadhog and always gets a good response and this time was no different, as the crowd sung a long and immersed themselves into one of the all-time greats!

Baz had a lot of admirers for his fantastic array of drums which sat proudly dominating the stage as well as his expertise playing them, although when he is with The Scopyons he actually plays guitar and takes on the role of legend Rudi Schenker – I still can’t get my head around seeing him with a guitar, and want to shout “Get back behind the kit Baz!” Although his guitar expertise is just as good as his drumming expertise! Baz is an all-round multi-talented artist has to be said.

The Multi-Talented Baz

Of course the banter was rife, with crowd and band dishing out the wise cracks, but done in such a way that no-one could take offence to and just produced further laughter on a grand scale from each side and all adding to the evening fun.

I don’t think Charlie and Tomo will forget this Birthday Bash in a long time – it rawked for sure.

As the night came to a close the band removed their gear from the stage and there was that tinge of sadness as once again an event was at an end, but no doubt a lot of bikers will have heavy heads after this event, it goes without saying, but also each and every one of the people attending will have very special memories to take away with them, which is what these events are about.

Mention for Jane Craig who despite going to the gig and it being a late finish still managed to do a 4 mile run next morning! Well done!

Jane

~~~~~~

Special thanks to: to Roadhog - Graham Lee Kevin McGinn, Neil Humphrey and Barry Lowe for the entertainment - Jane Craig for her valued company, also a special thank you to the very thoughtful and lovely Emma Douglass for the Easter egg - really kind of you to think about me. Thanks to Charlie Brown OC Jan Brown Adam Brown Andy Brown Erika Day, Kevin Unwin OC Graham Road King OC Tracey OC, Amy Longworth Oc Princess Whitney Dean Paula Boyd OC, Ron Knight - a Knight indeed! Melanie Jane Davies, Lynne Linaker - a beautiful selfless woman! Jackie Meadows OC and Loraine Latham, Lee J Ward-Kelly, Steve Barfoot - all is well when you arrive! Emma's Sister, Sue Aindow OC, Nick Hodgson OC, Terry Natteroy, Phill Shackleton and Frankie Large for being the surprise of the evening lovely seeing you both after so long. Gully Panther and Jane, Jane Quirk and her fella Brian for travelling from the dark recesses of the Isle of Man and for lovely IoM badge cheers Jane x - Love you girl! Neil Hastie Gaz Wilson, Alison Kerr, Steven Gracie, Tracey May and Tomo Walmsley Soc. And of course to the hard working bar staff at The Falstaff.. Thank you so much for an amazing evening.

 Mr Ron and Melanie

 Erika, Andy and Paula

 Sue and Adam

 Jane and Gully

 Sue and Charlie

 Charlie and Jan

 Emma, Lee, Whitney and Ste

 Neil, Neil and Baz

 Gaz, me and Oggy

 Kev, Oggy, Me, Whitney, Neil and Baz

 Me, Trace and Whitney

 Steve

Alison

Andy, Gaz, Whitney and Oggy

Also a special thank you to all the people who have supported me through my cancer journey – it has been tough at times, but with the support you have all shown me it makes things a whole lot easier. Love you all for that! xx