Exodus to headline Hammerfest VIII

US thrash titans Exodus have been confirmed as the first headline band for Hammerfest VIII, which takes place at Pwllheli in north Wales from March 10 -13 next year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6c69S3pD8qI They will be joined by Fleshgod Apocalypse, Lawnmower Deth,
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Ensiferum Interview, April 2015

A band composed of collaborative writers, excellent arrangers, and fantastic musicians, titan Finnish folk metal band Ensiferum recently treated the world to it's latest release, One Man Army. In 2015, the band celebrated 20 years together, partially with the release of One Man Army, their critically-acclaimed release for Metal Blade Records. After the band's European tour,A band composed of collaborative writers, excellent arrangers, and fantastic musicians, titan Finnish folk metal band Ensiferum recently treated the world to it's latest release, One Man Army. In 2015, the band celebrated 20 years together, partially with the release of One Man Army, their critically-acclaimed release for Metal Blade Records. After the band's European tour, Iris spoke briefly with Petri Lindroos about the band, their latest release, and their thoughts on music in general. (As a bonus, Petri educated Iris on the difference between Finnish "humppa" music and American "country" music, which gloriously opened a whole new genre-door for exploration!)   I see the terms "folk metal" and "pagan metal" being used to label Ensiferum. What do those labels mean to you, and are they accurate? What do you feel are the "core elements" of your sound? Well I think the term "Folk Metal" fits the best for us, since that's the thing that got Ensiferum started in the first place – a long time ago – and all those elements are still heard in our music. The core comes from our main songwriter Markus's hands, and we then all give our input on top of that, to make [...]

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Bloodstock Metal 2 The Masses Northern Ireland Semi-Final 1 - Belfast, Voodoo 24/04/2015

And so, after five intense heats spaced out over six weeks, we arrive at the business end of the inaugural Bloodstock Metal 2 The Masses competition here in Northern Ireland, with the first of the semi-finals.  Twenty bands had entered the fray back in mid-February, and now we are down to the ten who hadAnd so, after five intense heats spaced out over six weeks, we arrive at the business end of the inaugural Bloodstock Metal 2 The Masses competition here in Northern Ireland, with the first of the semi-finals.  Twenty bands had entered the fray back in mid-February, and now we are down to the ten who had successfully battled their way through the opening rounds, with the first five of these promising a contest more tightly fought than that currently being undertaken in the political arena. With the running order, as ever, having been decided by a draw just an hour or so earlier, the first act into the fray is A Little Bitter.  Opener 'Genghis' isn't quite as powerful as it had been during the previous weekend's heat:  but, that is down to the messy sound mix – and it is nevertheless a rousing opening.  Added into this week's set, erstwhile fan favourite 'Jebus' has an infuriatingly catchy chorus and harmony, while the trio weave dark melodies drawn from the deepest depths of human experience.  Their dense grooves mix with highly technical machinations, which come across with laconic ease, and the band are enjoying themselves much more this time around, seeming [...]

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Dan Patlansky premiers live video for Backbite

South African singer-songwriter and guitarist, Dan Patlansky, is set to release his new album "Dear Silence Thieves" in the UK on Monday April 27th. The album will coincide with a special London album launch showcase "concert" at London's Borderline venue on the same day. Tickets for the London Borderline show are available from thegigcartel.com and the 24 hourSouth African singer-songwriter and guitarist, Dan Patlansky, is set to release his new album "Dear Silence Thieves" in the UK on Monday April 27th. The album will coincide with a special London album launch showcase "concert" at London's Borderline venue on the same day. Tickets for the London Borderline show are available from thegigcartel.com and the 24 hour box office – 0844 478 0898. Dan also plays Sheffield Greystones on Tuesday 28th April, York Fibbers on Thursday 30th April, The Cellars in Portsmouth on Monday 4th May, Bristol Thunderbolt on Wednesday 6th May, plus a co-headline gig with Laurence Jones at Mr Kyps in Poole, Dorset on Thursday 7th May.  Dear Silence Thieves was recently voted the No.1 album in the world in Blues Rock Review's Top 20 Blues Albums of 2014. Check out the poll here – http://bit.ly/1CklMSP  Patlansky started 2014 off with a bang when he was chosen to open for Bruce Springsteen in front of 64.000 people at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg in February on his High Hopes tour. Personally approved by Springsteen as support act, this was the biggest audience Patlansky had ever played to.   DAN PATLANSKY APRIL/MAY UK TOUR DATES   LONDON BORDERLINE [...]

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Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes - Rotten EP

He made a name for himself with Gallows and followed it up with Pure Love, and now Frank Carter is heading back to his roots. The enigmatic frontman has returned with his new band the Rattlesnakes and, ahead of a UK tour, has recorded the Rotten EP, due out on the band's own International DeathHe made a name for himself with Gallows and followed it up with Pure Love, and now Frank Carter is heading back to his roots. The enigmatic frontman has returned with his new band the Rattlesnakes and, ahead of a UK tour, has recorded the Rotten EP, due out on the band's own International Death Cult label on May 4th. People who have followed the goings on of Carter will already be aware of 'Fangs' which debuted on Radio One late last month; two and a half minutes of raw, punk perfection that threatens to rip your windpipe out and shove it back down your throat, but it's the anarchy of the other two tracks that will have everyone grinning from ear to ear. Both show off Frank's superb lyrical prowess: 'Paradise' includes the chorus 'Your paradise does not exists; it's a doom that's full of emptiness' and a quite stunning breakdown that sees him scream 'You coward fucking scum!' whilst 'Primary Explosive' opens with the words' Are you burning in the blackened sky/acetone peroxide, bleached white eyes'. Musically menacing throughout, there's a genuine feeling that at any point two hands will reach out of your music player and throttle you good and proper. Best of all though is [...]

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Erja Lyytinen releases Live In London June 8, and announces October UK tour.

Critically acclaimed Finnish blues guitarist and vocalist Erja Lyytinen is pleased to announce the UK release of her new live album Live In London, via Tuohi Records on June 8th. Live in London is the follow up to her 2014 album, The Sky is Falling, which is a tribute to the legendary blues artist ElmoreCritically acclaimed Finnish blues guitarist and vocalist Erja Lyytinen is pleased to announce the UK release of her new live album Live In London, via Tuohi Records on June 8th. Live in London is the follow up to her 2014 album, The Sky is Falling, which is a tribute to the legendary blues artist Elmore James. On October 7th 2014, Erja Lyytinen rolled into London's iconic venue the 100 Club for an evening of live music. At her side, Erja was accompanied by a crack band featuring long-time musical partner Davide Floreno, bassist Roger Inniss and drummer Miri Miettinen. Live In London mixes high-spirited, technically brilliant covers and an impressive block of original material. Since first stepping foot in a recording studio nearly 15 years ago, Erja Lyytinen has become a bona fide star in her homeland and a celebrated fixture on the international music scene, earning the title "the Finnish slide goddess" from UK's The Blues Magazine. To dovetail the release of the new album, Erja will embark on a 12-date UK tour this October along with a string of UK festival appearances. 2015 UK Tour Dates LINTON FESTIVAL                                                             FRIDAY JUNE 19 DURHAM BLUES FESTIVAL                                           SATURDAY JUNE 20 CLEETHORPES [...]

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Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock announce January 2016 UK Tour

Award-winning, legendary guitarist Michael Schenker will embark on a 2016 nationwide UK tour at the starting at Bilston Robin on Wednesday January 20, 2016. A 48-hour ticket pre-sale starts at 9am on Wednesday April 29, 2015 at www.planetrock.com. Tickets are available to the general public on Friday May 1 from the 24-Hour box office on 0844 478 0898Award-winning, legendary guitarist Michael Schenker will embark on a 2016 nationwide UK tour at the starting at Bilston Robin on Wednesday January 20, 2016. A 48-hour ticket pre-sale starts at 9am on Wednesday April 29, 2015 at www.planetrock.com. Tickets are available to the general public on Friday May 1 from the 24-Hour box office on 0844 478 0898 and thegigcartel.com.  Schenker will perform tracks from his current studio album Spirit On A Mission which features the singles Vigilante Man and Live and Let Live plus all the MSG, UFO and Scorpions rock classics. The January 2016 UK tour will feature Schenker's "Temple of Rock" band, comprising ex-Scorpions Herman Rarebell (drums) and Francis Buchholz (bass), Wayne Findlay (guitar, keyboards), and ex-Rainbow vocalist Doogie White.   MICHAEL SCHENKER – JANUARY 2015 UK TOUR BILSTON ROBIN 2                               WEDNESDAY JANUARY 20 HOLMFIRTH PICTUREDROME     THURSDAY JANUARY 21 EDINBURGH QUEEN'S HALL        FRIDAY JANUARY 22 INVERNESS IRON WORKS             SATURDAY JANUARY 23 GATESHEAD SAGE                           MONDAY JANUARY 25 LIVEPOOL ACADEMY                      TUESDAY JANUARY 26 MANCHESTER ACADEMY 2          THURSDAY JANUARY 28 NOTTINGHAM ROCK CITY            FRIDAY JANUARY 29 ISLINGTON ASSEMBLY HALL       SATURDAY JANUARY 30

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The Gentle Storm - Garage, London - 23rd April 2015

Tonight's gig opened with Dutch band Stream of Passion, who are supporting Anneke van Giersbergen on this Gentle Storm tour, and two of the members also perform on stage as Anneke's band. Stream of Passion are a band I've seen several times and they always impress.  Singer Marcela Bovio has a superb and very versatile voice,Tonight's gig opened with Dutch band Stream of Passion, who are supporting Anneke van Giersbergen on this Gentle Storm tour, and two of the members also perform on stage as Anneke's band. Stream of Passion are a band I've seen several times and they always impress.  Singer Marcela Bovio has a superb and very versatile voice, while the band are not only highly proficient musicians, but also put in very energetic performances, headbanging like crazy and leaping into the air. Tonights set includes songs from their latest album and also from earlier albums as well as a cover version that regularly appears in their sets – their beautiful cover of the Radiohead song "Street spirit". As well as singing, Marcela also plays violin on one song – her Red Flying V violin has to be one of the coolest looking violins around, and she plays it beautifully. It's a great set, and judging by the number of people here tonight wearing Stream of Passion T-shirts they had a lot of fans in the crowd, and certainly the cheers and applause the band receive supports that.  An excellent set from a band that deserves to be headlining venues of this size. [...]

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Confess - Interview - 17th April 2015

Louise Swift caught up with Swedish, Hard Rock band Confess ahead of their show at Rebellion, Manchester (reviewed here), find out what they chatted about below! Band Members: John Elliot-Vocals Samael-Drums Lucky-Bass (On this tour Richie was standing in for Lucky) Denver-Guitar Blomman- Guitar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confessofsweden?fref=ts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XybBPOrGSAULouise Swift caught up with Swedish, Hard Rock band Confess ahead of their show at Rebellion, Manchester (reviewed here), find out what they chatted about below! Band Members: John Elliot-Vocals Samael-Drums Lucky-Bass (On this tour Richie was standing in for Lucky) Denver-Guitar Blomman- Guitar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confessofsweden?fref=ts

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Confess - Rebellion Bar, Manchester: 17th April 2015

Rebellion on Whitworth Street Manchester, near to Deansgate Rail Station and Deansgate locks and conveniently near to Manchester's tallest building Beetham Tower, some of, which houses The Hilton Hotel (should you wish to stay there for a rocking night out). Although having spotted the picture of the accomodation they stayed in when'Hotel' in Consett Rebellion on Whitworth Street Manchester, near to Deansgate Rail Station and Deansgate locks and conveniently near to Manchester's tallest building Beetham Tower, some of, which houses The Hilton Hotel (should you wish to stay there for a rocking night out). Although having spotted the picture of the accomodation they stayed in when they played Consett (see pic) I'm 100% certain that isn't where Raz White would have arranged for Swedish Rockers Confess to stay when they came to play Rebellion in Manchester. Holly Bank Caravan Park is more likely! Jacob – Bulletproof Rose Bulletproof Rose a four piece from Cumbria were the opening act and at 8ish the venue wasn't too busy, despite that these guys played their music 'Loud Hard and Fast' from the opening bar, although the first song was Strung Out and Jacob had his hair flung out all over the place. At the end of the song he announced 'Alright Manchester? We are Bulletproof Rose going to play some Rock n Roll for you!' and then came In the Gutter which ended with Jacob guitar aloft. They played all the songs from their début EP and a new song  Use it or Lose it [...]

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