Celestial Ruin - Pandora - 5 Track EP - To be self released 20th May 2016

Celestial Ruin

Pandora

5 Track EP

To be Self-Released 20^th May 2016

Written for RAMzine

Celestial Ruin – Vancouver, BC

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/celestialruincanada

Genre: Symphonic Hard Rock

Biography:

“The Canadian band Celestial Ruin is styled after European Symphonic Rock/Metal but executed with a decidedly North American flavour. Celestial Ruin's sound combines heavy rock rhythms and riffs with catchy, sing-able melodies, and rich symphonic textures, the likes of which have never been heard before. The combination is "epic" by all accounts. Lyrical themes are drawn from fantasy and horror, sometimes implying deeper meanings, sometimes just celebrating the subject matter.

Based out of Vancouver, Celestial Ruin started taking the scene by storm with their debut album “The Awakening”. Receiving favourable reviews in publications such as Rock-star Weekly Magazine professing a 4/5 star rating declaring, “If the Awakening is only the beginning of things to come, you’d best get on board now while the getting's good.”

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‘Murder of Crows’ Starts off really gathering pace and momentum, grazing the ears with a symphonic belt of power and intrigue, not to mention some superb keyboards. Larrissa’s vocals have a formidable lilt that suit the music down to the ground, without sounding ‘shrieky’ which is a great start to this EP. The clout from this track alone literally paves the way for what is to come!

‘Sense of Exile’ Once again the brooding slices of rhythms come at the ears in a feisty manner and are filled with fire and brimstone type of emotion that is raw and dangerous. The beautifully levelled melodies are impacting and raise the bar. There is a familiar haunting Evanescence sound that makes this all the more interesting.

‘No Quarter’ Nothing to do with Led Zeppelin I can assure you apart from a familiar track name. This is an imaginative piece of music that delves into a serious and passionate affair of inflamed potency that wreaks havoc with the raw emotion that it radiates.

‘Nevermore’ focusing in on a slower pace with building inspiration. It edges forward boldly and stirs up emotion like a sandstorm. The powerful blend of music and words come together like a fine recipe and the full flavour is recognised as the weave explodes into captivating encounter. The vocal range is unnerving and has that ‘gasp’ moment attached to it.

‘Firestorm’ holding a marching rhythm this track proudly steps out into the limelight and seizes the moment in all its glory! It is a game changer as the beats take on a faster and more energetic pace and sonically seduces with a barbed breath.

This is one powerful EP that goes all out to shock and scintillate! It doesn’t have to try too hard either! All the signs point to ‘Celestial Ruin’ being very successful in their endeavours.

The melody, the unabated power, vocals and musicianship combined are such a strong and unwavering force. It has the potential to be anything it wants to be, from cold and imposing to warm and radiating – the balance has been reached!

The gripping tracks play out like a grand scene from a reputable film that draws you into it and has you sitting on the edge of your seat waiting for what is about to unfold.

For some intense and beautiful passages ‘Celestial Ruin’ are definitively the only ones to watch out for!

9.5/10

Track List:

Murder of Crows

Sense of Exile

No Quarter

Nevermore

Firestorm

Members:

Larissa Dawn -Vocals,

Eriz Crux - Guitars

Mike "Dikk" Dagenais- Bass

Adam Todd- Drums

Black Absynthe - Early signs of Denial - 6 Track EP - To be released 13th May 2016

Black Absinthe

Early Signs of Denial

6 Track EP

To be released 13^th May 2016

Written for RAMzine

Black Absinthe – Toronto, Canada

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/blackabsintheband

Genre: Heavy Metal

Early Signs of Denial is set for release on the 13^th May 2016 and produced by Dave Baksh out of the Gentleman’s Den studio in Pickering, Ontario and mixed and mastered by Frank Gryner.

‘The Wild’ Kick starts the E.P with a tumultuous rumble that really gets under the skin and infects like a rabid disease. It’s a real rebel rouser that engages on a strong level and motivated by a reinforced sound. Weaving a compelling and textured rhythm it clearly is catchy and kind of bewitching.

‘Is this Life’ is another wholesome track incorporating hearty strides and a very heartfelt vocal lure that awakens a climatic drama unfolding with some rewarding results. The very track holds so much and is increasingly imaginative and creative with plentiful rhythm holding compelling encounters along the way.

‘Berj Khalifa’ is extremely uplifting, this track goes into overdrive with brooding rhythmic patterns and spicy swagger! The catchiness creates mischief, creeps up and hones in on the senses.

As this track title would suggest is that the band are singing about “Burj Khalifa, known as Burj Dubai before its inauguration and is a mega-tall skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the tallest structure in the world, standing at 829.8 m!” Although the band have used a slightly different spelling.

‘Pigs’ is not a shy track and has a superb swagger of infectious rhythm attached to it. It sort of pulls you up short and begs for attention throwing out melodies from all angles and is quite raw in delivery.

‘Now’ doesn’t beat around the bush either! It slaps an overwhelming catchiness around the audial, brutalising with a strong vocal screech and lyrically appealing. The attitude says it all and finds the track giving on all levels with a stirring quality.

The final track entitles ‘winter’ hones in on some fiery strings and superb drumming that accompanies an edgy vocal lure, and like Piranhas, Black Absinthe make use of their talent offering biting chords and a drilling of hyper activity that digs a deep hole into the psyche that manifests as temptingly refreshing.

It is one quite impressive EP that goes all out to impress. It is hard to imagine that just three guys could make such an impact, but they do! Quite a robust six tracker that is distinct and captivating!

There is a good warmth and depth to Black Absinthe! Go enjoy!

9/10

Track List:

The Wild

Is this Life

Berj Khalifa

Pigs

Now

Winter

Members:

Jack - Guitar/Vocals,

Kyle - Bass,

Austin - Drums

Bedowyn - Blood of the Fall - 11 Track Album - Nocturna Records - To be released 27th May 2016

Bedowyn

Blood of the fall

11 Track Album

Nocturna Records

To be released 27^th May 2016

Written for RAMzine

Bedowyn – Raleigh NC

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/Bedowyn

Genre: Heavy

As this album begins its harrowing journey into a world of bedlam I can clearly see I have made the right decision to review this. It snakes and veers in a twisted motion that although is only an introductory track lasting one minute seventeen seconds it really does make its mark!

The next installment ‘Rite to Kill’ is a good five minutes fifty three so there’s plenty to engage in and what a tremendous vocal slurry! This is really serious to the audial as it cloaks the perceptions with a finely tuned encounter adding in that melodic haze – superb!

‘Blood of the fall’ has a very acute sound that keeps you grounded and focused as it sweeps with a tremendous overwhelming sound. Thundering with alluring appeal and quite unique although they hold a lot of vigour the melodies compliment on a generously grand scale.

‘Cotard’s Blade’ with a very strong title this track exceeds expectations and another fusion of complex strings and untethered beats that weave an unusual drama, with a melodic core that goes a long way to scintillate.

‘Leave the Living for Dead’ Unveils a hard hitting edge that literally stalks with predatory power and allegiance to its main cause. Flourishing it goes into overdrive as the guitar licks your lobes with a feisty melody.

‘For a fleeting moment’ the sound of thunder mixed with rain sparks to life as a hazy melodic sprint builds towards its goal. The strings are full bodied absorbing a rich tapestry that grows as the mood quickens, however it does sound slightly off kilter at times.

‘Where wings will burn’ this track has the connotations of euphoric in every sense of the word! Its dream-like complexities throw you into turmoil as the chords build to such amazing levels.

‘I am the flood’ is another controlled power trip that gathers energy through a tirade of punchy madness and melodic intent.

‘Half hand’ is a beautiful track flourishing with extreme immensity and melodic duress that encapsulates with surging harmonies and intense thickening textures.

‘Lord of the Suffering’ a strong track that belts out a victorious vibe, driven with molten metal. Nobody could deny that this is heavy in every sense of the word.

‘The Horde Exodus’ is like a mind bending drug that is exaggerated with a resonating punch to the throat, quickly going in for the kill with blinding groove and solid momentum!

9.5/10

Track List:

The Horde

Rite to Kill

Blood of the fall

Cotard’s Blade

Leave the Living for Dead

For a fleeting moment

Where wings will burn

I am the flood

Half hand

Lord of the Suffering

The Horde Exodus

Members:

Todd Parham-Bass

Marc Campbell-Drums

Alex Traboulsi-Vocals and Guitar

Mark Peters-Lead and Rhythm Guitar

Bait - Sunburst - 5 Track EP - Sell your Soul Records - To be released 20th June 2016

Bait

Sunburst

5 Track EP

Sell your Soul Records

To be released 20^th June 2016

Written for RAMzine

Bait – Würzburg / Germany

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/baitofficial/

Genre: Blackened Hardcore

Biography:

Bait - formed in September 2013 in the Würzburg area of Germany. SUNBURST will be released on limited edition 12" vinyl soon.

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Kicking off this trailblazer EP is a harsh track called ‘Nihil’ with the added bonuses of being blackened to the core! It certainly doesn’t beat around the bush and gets stuck into its paces, relinquishing a parasitic scourge on the ear drums, taking the pledge to be forthright with its own convictions.

It has an almost barren wasteland strapped to its side as the dull thuds manifest with an equal amount of darkness. It is a slow amble but with some keen strings, that highlight the urgency be it in a modern lack lustre kind of way, not to say that it’s bad, but more a far cry from hard core bringing it to a meandering and melancholic stance.

The title track ‘Sunburst’ edges forward with mind bending strings and dark laced emotion, almost enslaving the malice in its gait as it explodes with an array of feisty and rapturous beats. The vocal entourage ensues and immediately has me turning the volume up to engage in its show of gnarly teeth!

‘In the absence of light’ is another hardy track that soon dances to the tune of ever growing inhospitable malice, although it doesn’t forget its toxic evilness as it prowls which is a good touch.

The final track of the EP ‘Laviathan II’ possesses more of the same dark confrontation that is quite disturbing as it twists sneakily around some uplifting frets and scything grim reaper rhythms that will indeed cut you down in an instant. Flowing with a lurid blackness although its acidity levels stay firmly grounded, none the less baring the terrifying traits of the word ‘blackened’ keeps it focused and maintained to a serious and intimidating swamp that harbours with chronic evil intent.

Personally, I would like to see a bit more diversity etched into the bones of these tracks with uplifting aggression that would really catapult Bait into the limelight with unmeasurable ease, as too many similar sounding tracks tend to breed complacency, and I feel the band have much more to offer than what is excreted on this 5 track E.P.

It feels as if Bait have just scratched the surface and not gone all out to conquer which is a shame as you can clearly see the potential that lies buried beneath the exterior, however, the first track does hold clues to say this will no doubt happen hopefully on their next outing.

8/10

Track List:

Nihil

Inner War

Sunburst

In the absence of light

Leviathan II

Members:

David,

Alex,

Nico,

Björn

Bikers & Trikes RC Rock Night, Railway Club, Southport, 7th May 2016

Bikes & Trikes RC Rock Night

Railway Club

Southport

7^th May 2016

From as soon as we arrived to the finish of this event everything just rocked! Seeing so many friendly faces in one place was just fantastic! Not only a good way to catch up but also to get down and dirty with some great music too!

 Shezza & Oggy

 Shezza & Myself (Pagan)

Uncle Ron, Oggy, Melanie and Steve

DJ John did us proud keeping us entertained with some great tunes of the past which prompted a lot of people up on the dance floor and shaking their booty amid an array of dry ice and lasers and of course a colourful mirror ball.

Lynn Khan surprised me with a beautiful necklace and said “I was on holiday and saw this necklace and thought of you, I love hearts, and you are always smiling so I want to give you this!” I was so touched by her warmth and kindness and want to thank her again.

My beautiful gift from Lynn

 Alison, Shezz and Tracey

 Lynn & Alison

 Oggy and Nicky

More and more people arrived to support this good cause for ‘Parkinson’s Disease’ Tracey Oc and Amy Longworth, plus Steve Barfoot – no night would be the same without him there. Plus Mr Ron Knight and Melanie Davies among others great seeing everyone together again!

It was also good to finally meet Alison Dixon, Tracey Racey Elliot and Christine Cole too!

The smell of a tasty hotpot loomed large and it wasn’t long before everyone had a small white cardboard bowl in front of them and I swear the talking died down while everyone savoured the contents!

People came round offering balm cakes and sausage rolls so you couldn’t go hungry at this venue! Everything was just so delicious!

The mighty Trollbangers set up and started to sound check, Chris vocalist with the Trollbangers placed the legendary troll high on one of the speakers and wearing a kilt with all the trimmings looked relaxed and happy to play.

The Trollbangers!

Once the band started people were snapping photos although it was quite dark so getting good snaps was pretty fruitless.

Chris had a good command of the audience and ripped out some familiar tunes that was appreciated by their followers.  The band also looked happy and pleased to adorn the small stage at the club.

As their first set was finishing the attention turned back to DJ John and more tunes were forthcoming.

The ale and chatter was rife until it was time for the raffle. I just love raffles and as it was a good cause bought 20 tickets (as usual) much to the amusement of everyone around me. As it happens I did win a prize which were mostly spirit and ale related, not that I am a drinker, but I knew who I would give the prize to and not a million miles from Oggy, as sadly the Whisky had gone, so got a bottle of red to give to his Dad instead!

The Trollbangers led the way back on stage for their second set and it wasn’t long before they started up with ‘Warpigs’ a Sabbath classic, and Oggy knew Chris was coming for him and he did! They both happily skipped off toward the stage.

 Oggy with the Trollbangers

Chris & Oggy having a free for all!

Oggy gave it his all amid the lights, smoke, flailing bodies and flash lights from mobiles and cameras that surrounded him before making his way back to his seat.

 Graham Roadking & Graham Roadhog

 Jan, Trace and Shezz

 John Triker, Chris and Jan getting into the moment!

 Amy and Trace wearing their shoes out!

Trace enjoying the night!

It was a superb night, with lots of money raised, good friends, witty banter, good music and loads of laughs!

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A Big thanks to the BaTS for putting together a superb night of merriment! The amazing Sheryl Medussa Appleton for her good company. Lynn Khan for her lovely gift, Tracey Racey Elliot and Alison Dixon for their conversation. Tracey Oc, Amy Longworth, Steve Barfoot, Uncle Ron Knight, Melanie Jane Davies, Graham Roadking, Christine Cole, Hana Doyle, Ian Med, Jeanette France, Kev Croft, Kev Bleackley, Emma Noone, Ibby Khan, The lovely Lynne Linaker, Alison Kerr, Dave Parr, Paul Huntley, Derek Warnock, Pete Mozzer Moran, Lynda Biggins, Janette Bloomfield Tracey May, Nicky and Bill Watt, Debbie Adams and of course to the superb Trollbangers! And a special hug to my Oggy for getting me and Sheryl to the venue and home again plus singing with the Trollbangers! Well done Oggy! x (Sorry for anyone I may have missed)

Roadhog - Cheshire Cheese, Frodsham, 16.4.16

Roadhog

Cheshire Cheese,

Frodsham

16.4.16

Roadhog – North West

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/Roadhog-Classic-Rock-Band

Genre: Classic Rock Band

Once again Roadhog found themselves playing at the homely pub the Cheshire Cheese, where the atmosphere is always welcoming and the people very friendly. But sadly due to a large festival being held in Helsby, there wasn’t as many people at the Cheese as usual, however, the people who were in attendance had a good night and enjoyed what was on offer.

 Advertising Roadhog at the Cheshire Cheese

 Kev and Graham

 Graham and Neil

 Neil

 Kev

 Neil

 Kev and Neil

Kev and Graham during the last moments of Born to be Wild!

The Cheshire Cheese is now under new management and Roadhog pulled out all the stops, delivering a solid two hour set with even an extra track thrown in at the end.

What you get with Roadhog is the full package, as Graham the band’s vocalists stated to the lively crowd, “What you get with us is abuse, swearing and a lot more besides!” The ‘more besides’ is offered in the shape of some classic rock tracks from the past.

The band started off with a less heavy set first and then progressed to a heavier set in the second half, which incorporated War Pigs, Cold Sweat and Ace of Spades.

The guys haven’t had much chance to fit in a practice within the four weeks since their last gig, due to two of the members Neil and Baz being in other bands, but nobody would have guessed as they dished out some superb entertainment and really rocked the crowd not only with their music but with their quirky banter too! As people couldn’t contain themselves and headed for the dance floor, (not that it is a large one) and proceeded to throw some shapes like sardines in a can!

Roadhog always include the crowd and get them fired up. Everyone gets caught up in the moment, even the band members don’t get off lightly, and especially poor Kev, and not to mention Neil - but it is all done in a light hearted vein and now expected, from anyone who has seen the band on previous occasions.

Roadhog brought the past back to life last night and touched on some superb tracks that piqued the interest of the small crowd that had gathered to see them and nailed the set superbly!

For anyone who hasn’t seen Roadhog live, it is recommended for not only some superb sounds of the 70’s through to the 80’s although when the banter ensues, everyone gets involved, pushing the entertainment value to new levels and last night was no exception!

The band delivered Mistreated and War Pigs to perfection. Exploring a good array of mixed tracks with raw emotion and atmosphere. There is something for everyone to get involved in and enjoy! From the skittish Word up! To the more serious and arresting tracks such as The Green Manalishi, Paranoid and the tumultuous Forever.

Roadhog are veterans of the stage and proved it once again as they weaved their tapestry of magic and hypnotic swagger to a small but well responsive audience.

Members:

Graham Lee – Vocals

Kev McGinn – Guitar

Neil Humphrey – Bass

Barry Lowe - Drums

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Special Thanks to:

Thanks to Jane Craig for the company, Cathy for her valued input, the friendly Cheshire Cheese staff and to the dedicated friends of the band who added to the input to a thoroughly entertaining evening, and of course to the guys themselves - Roadhog - Graham, Kev, Neil and Barry who brought together a stunning set.

Oggy (Graham) showing the effects of being in a well established rock band!