Carnivora - The Vision - 4 Track E.P - Manshark Entertainment - Released 23rd June 2015

Carnivora

The Vision

4 Track E.P

Manshark Entertainment

Released 23^rd June 2015

Written for Ramzine

Carnivora – Danvers MA

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/carnivoramass

Genre: Metal

Newly released ‘The Vision’ E.P from Carnivora has now been released and believe me when I say it will tear the linings out of your bleeding ears! ‘A Vision in Red’ simply pulverizes with a velocity that is fast and to the extreme. It never loses its grip and twists frantically into the psyche, dominating with excellent enterprise. It vocally batters along with grappling hooks of iron and melodic prowess. Being of raw content it will leave a trail of blood in its wake so aptly named, before impressively coming to its close.

‘Pessimist’s Tongue’ begins with a haunting and intriguing parallel of brutish malignance! The band use their music as a battering ram for the audial and it hurts so well! Bruising and coaxing it storms through its paces with a toxic riff that will have plenty of metal heads on their knees! Exploring a malevolent journey of shifting intensity it holds the attention with a rod of iron!

‘Razors and Rust’ is a gangrenous flurry of raw slurry – it is an energetic pounding of brutal festering that gets under the skin and infects with a rife and dangerous virus that will kill! The textures are profound and inspiring with a savage vocal offing igniting into a bristling confrontation.

‘The Reek of Defeat’ explores a passionate run of riffs, holdig an addictive melodic trait that takes the opportunity of exploiting it to its full capacity. It is a bold encounter that warrants further investigation as its full-on force cannot be ignored.

Summary:

Deserving all-round attention this band are very ‘carnivorous’ in approach, meaning it will unmercifully rip the flesh from your bones, make no mistake while pouring acid onto anything that remains.

It communicates by means of riffs and rhythmic beats that intensify and are ravenous to offer more to the proceedings so what you get is a molten lava flow of red hot slurry washed down with a perplexing vocal vehemence that literally obliterates!

Four tracks just aren’t enough to even whet the appetite! Probably a full albums worth wouldn’t either as this stuff is so addictive it should carry a warning!

Be prepared Carnivora are going to eat you alive and it won’t spit out any remains it will devour everything in its path! It is so confrontational that things may come to blows!

Track List:

A Vision in Red

Pessimist’s Tongue

Razors and Rust

The Reek of Defeat

Members:

M. Scott Lentine – Vocals

Cody Michaud - Guitar

Mike Meehan - Guitar

Cam Hunt - Bass

Dan DeLucia - Drums

Between the Buried & Me - Coma Eclyptic - 11 Track Album - Metal Blade - Released 30th June 2015

Between the Buried & Me

Coma Eclyptic

11 Track Album

Metal Blade

Released 30^th June 2015

Written for Ramzine

Between the Buried & Me – North Carolina, USA

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/BTBAMofficial

Genre: Metal Core (with a difference)

The first track on the album is cleverly produced, lulling the listener into a false sense of security with its captivating keyboards and harmonious vocals cleanly sung! and offers an unusual insight into a dream-like state. The Coma Machine turns it up a notch and can boast an epic track again cleanly sung but dominated by thunderous beats and haunting keys. Dim Ignition is a niggling rampage of keyboard that stalks its prey in a way that lingers and attacks, although the vocals are monotone and rather ugly. Famine Wolf turns itself on its head with a mad run of keyboards that attacks vehemently amid a lush scathing vocal accompaniment be it in the background. King Redeem – Queen Serene takes on a softer approach and totally unlike what a true metal core band would do. However, the melodic touch is alluring and appealing. Turn on the Darkness is an ambient haunting composition that comes alive further on and smothers the senses with the dual vocal edginess that gives it plenty of depth. The Ectopic Stroll has a slight comical value attached to it, but it is inflamed with a deviant passion that flirts constantly and offers a larger picture. – Great track!

Rapid Calm glides over the aural with a tempting and haunting vocal endeavour and rather dark and brooding. The melodies are rich and vibrant so it holds plenty of appeal for the listener. – Another blinding track with plenty of edge! Memory Palace pushes forth with an electric riff that tingles and beats the crap out of the ear drums.  Its journey is a colourful one that boasts plenty of angry aggressive tones and voracious melodic hues. The vocals are defiant and rebellious but don’t lose their harmonic values. Option Oblivion parades its keyboard offerings and scathing rapturous vocals to a level that perks the attention and establishes a close bond with the listener and can definitely can be called an epic track. Finally finishing this unusual album is Life in Velvet which is a slow tempered track with sparse but haunting keyboard and again clean vocals that outline the bands diversity. It is a thrilling forthright track that creeps up and kidnaps the senses.

Summary:

Not at all what I was expecting to be honest, this is metal core with epic melodic traits that are captivating and intimidating.  It simply stirs emotions with its unusual qualities and brings a whole lot more to the table. Although I prefer a more seething vocal offering, nothing can take away this bands sheer thirst for wanting to sound different!

Each chord and every breath is tailored to offer quirky and unusual, despite the clean vocals sung on all the tracks, in the background the scathing growls are very noticeable but do not dominate so it just dangles the carrot and thus keeps the attention going which I think is really clever.

Good album with attention to the smallest detail – rife melodies and good harmonies with plenty in between to get your teeth into.

Track List:

Node

The Coma Machine

Dim Ignition

Famine Wolf

King Redeem – Queen Serene

Turn on the Darkness

Rapid Calm

Memory Palace

Option Oblivion

Life in Velvet

Members:

Dan Briggs - Bass

Blake Richardson - Drums

Tommy Rogers - Vocals, Keyboards

Paul Waggoner - Guitar

Dustie Waring - Guitar

Archea - Catalyst - 10 Track Album - Self-Released - To be released 28th August 2015

Archea

Catalyst

10 Track Album

Self-Released

To be released 28^th August 2015

Written for Ramzine

Archea – Gothenberg, Sweden

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/Archaeaswe

Genre Melodic Death Metal

Biography:

“Catalyst is an album that showcases the current form of Archaea, as well as capturing material from throughout the band’s existence. Ranging from crushing darkness to brilliant melody, with sharp contrasts and fluently shifting dynamics, Catalyst constitutes an intense musical journey. Follow us through lyrical themes describing struggles on a personal and global scale, elusive antagonists and the unyielding indifferent elements. Yet through the hardship and agony depicted, mankind may yet see the distant light of a new day!”

“Starting with Omnicide the rather tinny beating of drums soon turns into a gargle fest as the vocals come into play. The track morphs into a malignant invasion attacking the senses with no mercy while Silhouette is a more epic affair but none the less seething and brutal. Vacuum reminds me of the music to a black and white silent movie at the beginning and in between becoming a lot more serious. Cryosphere is an artistic track that breathes fire into the equation and can boast a hypnotic lilt. Pyrochrysalis is again quite an epic track that has a lot of meat on its bones and is gripping as fascinating due to a feast of imposing textures that offer a considerably haunting presence as well as all-out madness. Salt is a beautiful romp of keys that are backed up by a catchy beat and scathing vocals – a beauty and the beast track – Superb! Quad Damage leads the way in a bid to pulverize, offers addictability and wins the race. Strange title, His wanted position, however, it’s epic, bold and forthright. Helios Ascend has softer tones running through its veins but doesn’t lose intensity. The final track on the album Sol is bitter sweet with its harmonious voices and offers a celestial drama of melody and a great track to finish on.

The album has a lot to offer and for those who love the gravelly vocal it is a real treat for the aural cavity! It’s not all wild and untamed either, what you get here is a feast of various riffs with real melodies attached and something solid to relate to. It holds power only the Swedes can produce with that added hint of epic!

The textures are not thin on the ground and its lavish keyboards hold the answer to the bands superb sound, although it’s a great mix of beauty and the beast with lots more besides.”

Track List:

Omnicide

Silhouette

Vacuum

Cryosphere

Pyrochrysalis

Salt

Quad Damage

His wanted position

Helios Ascend

Sol

Members:

Nils Bossius - Vocals,

Hannes Heidarsson - Keyboard,

Markus Heidarsson - Guitar,

Magnus Lindegård - Guitar,

Richard Mikulasi - Bass,

Alexander Molnar - Drums.

An Elegy - Embrace the Rain - 6 Track E.P - Self-Released - To be released 27th July 2015

An Elegy

Embrace the Rain

6 Track E.P

Self-Released

To be released 27^th July 2015

Written for Ramzine

An Elegy – Coventry/Birmingham

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/ANELEGY

Genre: Metalcore

Biography:

“Young and eager, An Elegy who formed last year are equipped with their instruments and a goal in mind. 5 piece metal core outfit AN ELEGY are ready to take the UK by storm and are certainly one to keep an eye on. Made up of five friends across Coventry and Birmingham and their love of all things heavy. The band have spent their time behind closed doors perfecting their craft and in turn have put their own stamp on their interpretation of the fusion of the metal and hard core genre!”

The pitfalls of having the volume turned up loud – ‘Chailleann Tu Me’ just skinned me alive! In true metal core colours, with clean and more scathing vocal entourage, it slashes like a serial killer’s knife and ravishes the senses in this opening track that holds nothing back. It shrill and ear piercing cymbals literally take the skin off your bones, helped along with melodic guitar and pumping rhythms. ‘Embrace the Rain’ hits the ground running and literally runs away with your audial canal. The vocal ranges are all-out heavy while the higher cleaner vocals clean your ears like a Brillo pad!! It also unveils a melodic rhythm with striking riffs and an untamed drum beat. ‘Ghost’ is an eerie track packed to the brim with distorted layered guitars and a bass that kicks like an angry mule. The vocal dexterity holds no bounds as they scrape the depths with an all-out bruising infusion that turns shrill and equally as brutal, not to mention the vibrant incidental vocal noises that adds in a band trademark to their perfect craft.  ‘Ghost Pt II’ with equal power and velocity the next track on the E.P springs forward and simply engages on all levels for a profound mix of melodic and brutal. ‘Hidebound’ with its stunted riffs and kick beats set the precedence for a well-balanced track that delivers – and then some! For young musicians they sure know how to pack a punch right to the gut! The whole track wallops and slams using a far reaching riff that electrifies and captures the senses perfectly! ‘VII’ When will I ever learn about volume control? This is another track that turns your ears inside out! It constantly endeavours to erupt and spreads its deadly venom through heavily intimidating rhythms.

Summary:

The swathe of healthy lures enthrall in abundance and leaves the listener invigorated with the aftermath it leaves as each track finishes and makes one hungry for more of the same.

Its deep seated roots are hardy and steadfast and continually captures an amazing essence of metal within its tendrils.

I love metal core because what you get is the sheer power and raw edge that finds a way to inject itself into your veins and leaves you pumped up long after the tracks have ended.

9.5/10

Track List:

Chailleann Tu Me

Embrace the Rain

Ghost

Ghost Pt II

Hidebound

VII

Members:

Sam Appleyard - Vocals,

Suraj Mann - Guitar,

Adam Walker - Bass,

Kieran Shaw – Guitar
Stephan Gardner - Bushell – Drums.

Akasava - Strange Aeons - 6 Track E.P - Released 26th May 2015

Akasava

Strange Aeons

6 Track E.P

Released 26^th May 2015

Written for Ramzine

Aksava – Le Havre - France

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/akasavaofficial

Genre: Heavy Psyche Occult Rock

Biography:

“The band Aksava was founded recently in July 2014 and deliver heavy psych sounds inspired by the dark side of the 60's and 70's, love-craftian madness, Jean Rollin and Jess Franco movies. They unleash the sounds from the depths made of raw guitars, vicious bass lines, pounding drums and possessed vocals!”

~~~~~

The heavy slow rhythms are sure to bring a smile to the faces of many on the first track of this E.P although it is just an introductory track that whet’s the appetite and doesn’t really give much away, although it does pave the way for what is about to be unleashed.

The second track on the E.P ‘The Deep’ can boast plenty of deep guitar and cavernous bass courtesy of Amélie Gavalda – yes she is female and does a superb job on this track, along with the gritty vocal by Louis Hauguel that in places does sound slightly off kilter, but it is done in a way that isn’t overly noticeable.

‘Sons of Bastet’ is a rocky track that is intriguing to the point you want to listen to more! The harmonies are excellent and the catchiness is vibrant and untamed, although similar bands have produced the same sounds it is just the deep melodic punch that hits you in the gut that is so delicious.

‘The Witch is rising’ slinks cautiously amid a whispered vocal that gives it an ambiance, displaying a hostile edge but none the less powerful, especially when it builds to its feisty climax and seizes the moment.  The throaty gritty vocals stamp their mark on the track amid a sold bass line and sharp drumming – it tends to play with the mind!

‘Black & White Lady’ starts off quite sparse and then a solid edgy rhythm kicks in and batters the senses to an inch of its life! Deep and meaningful it is a real body mover and hosts a real earthy sound that is pleasing to the ears.

‘And Die!’ being the final track on the E.P is quite sinister and broods consistently with keyboards dominating it and producing a fitting end to a good E.P.

Summary:

Considering the band haven’t been out there that long the music they have produced does possess a gripping endeavor – it isn’t way out wow! But the intrigue runs through its veins and captivates a good resourcefulness.

It is also quite raw and unpolished with its delicious bass hooks and deep seated edgy rock riffs, add in keyboards and it sets the scene for inescapable satisfaction!

Mainly the music is slow and precise but it does have its rockier moments and there is plenty of potential for the band to move in various circles, either getting heavier or staying on a more even keel, but the potential is there festering and ready to explode!

8/10

Track List:

Join the Ritual

The Deep

Sons of Bastet

The Witch is rising

Black & White Lady

And Die!

Members:

Louis Hauguel - Vocals, Lyrics

Arnold Lucas - Guitars, Organ

Amélie Gavalda - Bass Guitar

David Touroul - Drums

Original Cruisers Rock Night - Still Stones & Roadhog - Southport Railway Club - 18.7.15

Original Cruisers Rock Night

Roadhog and Still Stones

Southport Railway Club

18.7.15

From start to finish this was a great event. The atmosphere was that of laughter and good old fashioned banter! Graham and I were there just after 1 pm and probably would have been there sooner if we hadn’t been misguided by the stupid sat nav!

As soon as we got out of the car, we saw bikers everywhere and went over to say Hi, to a few of them and then went inside, where “Still Stones” (The Rolling Stones Tribute band were setting up and getting ready for their 3.pm afternoon slot.

We had seen them at The Fleece in Ashton a couple of weeks back without vocalist and they weren’t as tight then and Graham even got up for a couple of numbers with them to rapturous applause!

Bill - is this the original Peter Griffin?

This time round they were the opposite and gave a really hearty performance, playing all the favourite Stones tracks that really had the crowd eating out of their hand. Classic tracks such as ‘Brown Sugar’ ‘Angie’ and ‘Satisfaction’ to name but three, were expertly executed and powered out for a mammoth performance.

The atmosphere was that of one big family, kids and dogs thrown into the mix – it was just so enjoyable!

Still Stones

Lynn Linaker brought her kids in and one of her little lads, who is autistic was bouncing up and down in his chair and clearly loving every minute he was there. I went over to say hello and immediately fell head over heels for him – what an amazing child!

I spotted the table with raffle prizes and had my heart set on the skull tankard and decided to buy 10 strips at 1.00 each – I later went back and got another 5 strips because I wanted to be in with a chance of winning that tankard. However we were a long way off the Raffle as that was not being held until around 11 pm that evening.

We then made our way over to various people gawd knows how I will remember all of them.  Some I recognised from the previous bash in Warrington and it was great meeting up with them all again.

Oggy with Chris far right!

Time just seemed to be swallowed up as there was lots to do and see despite there being no stalls at this bash, but jokes and stories from every individual we met were being told and truly savoured.

Graham unloaded the gear from the car and started setting up and one by one the Roadhog members arrived and started sorting out the stage for their set.

DJ Cat with the Hat put on some old favourites in between and a few brave people got up on the dance floor to show their appreciation.

Ray and Jan arrived before the others and we made our way over to the table nearest the stage and got on immediately. Jan is an absolute nutter, which is probably the reason why we got on so well.

Raymondo and Jan

Kevo (Benny Hill's love child) & Craig

Roadhog had some issues with their last drummer Ed who decided to walk off set at the Fox & Goose, just as Graham had announced the last song ‘Born to be Wild’ but thankfully Raymondo Wong stepped up and filled the gap with only 1 rehearsal under his belt, and Neil the band’s bassist was gigging with his other band Krazy Knights up in Bury, so Craig was asked to dep for the band – both the newest members really gave a superb performance last night.

9.30 pm was fast approaching and Roadhog kicked off their set with ‘Sharp Dressed Man’ and then ‘Battleship Chains’ as well as a shed load of banter in between.

 Kev, Graham, Raymondo and Craig

 Ray and Craig

Oggy!

The band looked relaxed on stage and the crowd immediately engaged with them as they churned out track after track. A lot were getting up and strutting their stuff so much so it was difficult to get photos but it was great to see so many people out enjoying themselves.

As the third song finished Graham mentioned about it being Jane’s birthday and got her up on stage with the usual embarrassing ‘for the person’ banter as he mentioned a spit roast - but Jane took it in her stride and said to me later on “My birthday was last Thursday but I have not stopped celebrating since!”

 Bill aka Peter Griffin (In the green trousers)

Gully & Jane enjoying a tender moment through the track (I just wanna make love to you)

It was also Bill Watt’s stag night – he who looks like Peter Griffin (poor guy) and Graham got him up to wish him well for his forthcoming nuptials to Nicky Thornley although by now poor Billy was well worst for ale and probably won’t be able to remember pulling his trousers down and bending over the stage towards Graham – to which Graham’s reply was “If the police were here you would be arrested for having 50 tons of crack!” Talk about hilarious!!

The night just got more intense but on an exciting level as once the band broke for their respite it was time for the long awaited raffle. I laid out all 15 strips and crossed my fingers.

Jan even bought 3 strips and said that if she won she would get the Tankard for me, which was very nice of her, but I didn’t need it. Jane picked out one of my numbers (20) and I was chuffed to get that Tankard.  Graham was like “Hey it’s you, funny that!” and other comments besides.

Gottcha!

I went on to win another 3 times and got the other Tankard, plus Original Cruisers wrist bands for the bash in October and a bottle of Caribbean Twist, Strawberry Daquiri flavour – not bad at all.

Me going up to the table for the 4th time!

Ozzy was none too pleased with me and shouted “I hope you choke on your bath salts!” I was splitting my sides laughing!

Ozzy and Gully

The table was full of my winning items and it goes to show if you want something bad enough it is worth going for!

The night was far from over though as Roadhog started their second set and by now the dance floor was a sea of people – some very drunk people and some not so very drunk people, but all of them just enjoying themselves and having a good time.

 Kev and Oggy

 Roadhog

My Oggy

Kevo during just one of his great guitar solos!

Thirsty work being a vocalist!

Roadhog have now come through their set-back of losing drummer Ed and are once again a solid unit with Raymondo behind the kit – who Joker commented to me through the set – “He is a fantastic drummer!” Praise indeed considering only 1 rehearsal.

Roadhog were on form tonight – the sound was excellent, the tracks chosen all engaged the crowd and with Oggy’s new lyrics thrown in – such as “I bought my whisky with my giro!” Thin Lizzy - Whisky in the Jar and “I rubbed my nob all over her face!” Free - Alright Now adding to the smiles on the already happy crowd were priceless!

Jan was getting a numb bum and so both she and I decided to get up and join the fracas on the dance floor and I snapped this pic of Jan doing her sexiest dance moves so you can all appreciate it :D

Jan - during one of her mad moments captured on film forever!

The night ended on a total high but not without one more surprise along the way when a tall guy with long fair hair walked over to me and said “It’s Pagan right?” I nodded and then he introduced himself as ‘James’ from Head 13 that was. Who was out for Bill’s stag night and remembered me from a gig they never actually managed to play in Liverpool due to fuck ups, but it was great catching up with him again.

Joker after probably 10 bottles of vodka!

This was such a special night – the meeting of some great people was enough but topped with such good strong performances by the two bands was the icing on the cake.

Lovely moments among many was when Jane came up to receive a large bouquet of flowers from the Original Cruisers - these guys really look after everyone! The other being when Graham acknowledged their youngest fan with "Hello darling!" and then made a comment about - "This is how the world looks to everyone around Gully!" with reference to him being about 6 foot 7!

Charlie presenting Jane with flowers for her Birthday.

The kids who were funny, and the beautiful dogs that were so cute all mixed in with lots of bikers and good music with a tremendous atmosphere could only be a recipe for a memorable night and it certainly was that!

 Me with the beautiful Charlotte (Charley)

 Penny with one of Roadhog's youngest fans! Lexie

Charley, Carla and Lexie

A big thanks to... here goes! Charlie Brown OC for arranging the day and night, Kev with his amazing top hat and his wife Mel, Jilly ‘Wombat’ Lawson, Billy Sherratt, who seemed to vanish throughout the evening, Ozzy and his wife Debbie, well for just being themselves! Lynn Linaker and Sam Ackers (Smackers) Chris ‘Grizzler’ Adams for his jokes and voice through ‘Comfortably Numb’ Gully Panther and his lovely Mrs Jane, Graham Roadking, Penny and Joker for their crazy moves on the dance floor! Dave Valentine, Nick Hodgeson, Mike Lloyd, Raymondo and Jan, Ron Knight for his very kind words, and James Gordon from Ex-Head 13 and a special mention to Charlotte (possibly the youngest female biker ever – you are amazing) and to her lovely Mum Sheryl Appleton – catch up with you soon! Carla and the tiny tot  Lexie who clapped after each Roadhog track, the staff at the Railway Club and of course for the solid performances of Still Stones and Roadhog and to anyone I may have missed.

Thank you to all of you for making this a truly special night and for making me feel so welcome into the fold. Nice to know every single one of you! Can't wait for the next one!

All Photo's by Pagan Hel