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Separating identity can be an incredibly difficult task, in the modern day with production software being readily available band’s are able to not only create music but produce it themselves. Somewhat on the other foot is the other dilemma of a producer creating music. Legendary producer Dan Swano once again stakes his claim to the Prog throne with the unveiling of second album The Northern Sanctuary in Witherscape.
Ah the days of summer, the ability to be confident that leaving the house with a (black) t-shirt is a good idea, the (black) ice creams shared and of course the abundance of (black?) sunshine. Though nothing says Summer quite like Bloodstock, attending our first ever festival last year we are incredibly excited to be getting back to real matters here. Knocking together a truly phenomenal line up this year we’ve got full performances of The Satanist, last ever performances, Space age Thrash and Mastodon to enjoy. We’ve picked ten out of the plethora of bands that will get any Metalhead moshing for good reason. Come with us through the rabbit hole and check out the ten bands that we think are unmissable at this year’s Bloodstock 2016!
Seminal in Sci-Fi history, after being frozen in an encounter against potentially the most powerful enemy known to man, one Ellen Ripley is put into cryostasis following a succesful battle against her nemesis. Subdued and overcome with exhaustion until facing her biggest challenge yet LV-426. Similar to our bad ass Sci-Fi queen, Despised Icon decided to hang up the spacesuit, reuniting in one off shows soon had the band hungry for more, fast forward to July 22nd and the Beast has awoken.
Work ethic can be a band’s true secret weapon. A relentless touring schedule, bountiful ideas and a diligent approach can be just some of a band’s most essential tools. Harnessing the power of the modern day, innovators Periphery return once again a mere year after delivering their conceptual tour de force Juggernaut. Building on their understanding both within music itself and the band dynamic Periphery return with what could be arguably their most cohesive record to date, Select Difficulty.
Potential, like a beam of light can be seen in certain bands. From their infantile days of The Song Of The Crippled Bull, Black Crown Initiate have remained an experimental force to be reckoned with. Separating themselves from the nondescript eight string chugging of the modern Metal world the band have since instead grown into their own entity. Amassing a somewhat cult following after their debut The Wreckage Of Stars the band have returned with emir latest selections in excellence.
Metal problems are something that all of us face on a daily basis. From someone asking the perilous “What are you listening to?” to question, often resulting in what people might believe to be an elaborate way to dispatch someone, everyone thinking your Satan worshipping, goat sacrificing mentalist. Understanding our plight, after his not so subtle affiliations with the genre comedian Jim Breuer, known for his fantastic Rock ‘n’ Roll persona’s has at last been given the gift that all Rock ‘n’ Roll dads want, the ability to record his own album.
Returning after an absence is always somewhat of an interesting experience. Regardless of the background of the events, whether it be returning to an old home, seeing an old friend or arriving back to a creative situation the entire process can be somewhat unexpected. Welcomed home after their decision to reform in their native Canada Despised Icon began their first steps towards a new chapter the bands career. Ressurecting the band and all it stood for the group endeavoured to create a new album that was harder hitting, more brutal whilst also being exactly what Despised Icon stood for. After a seven year absence the band once more deliver unto us a brand new record. We were lucky enough to have a post set chat with Eric Jarrin the bands guitarist to talk Beast and the bands reawakening.
Speaking the same musical language can often be a simple idea that can be incredibly complex forging musicality into something truly spectacular. Releasing their brand new album Affinity earlier this year Haken began a new chapter in their progressive story. Focusing more on the hey day of the eighties the album has an overall nostalgic feeling to it echoing the likes of some of our favourites of the times. Enlisting new bassist who had more than proven himself on the EP Restoration Connor Green was a symbolism for the band’s musica affinity. A relative term that can span from our close relations to grander concepts the likes of humanity. Prior to their London appearance at The Garage we were invited on the band’s temporary space shuttle to speak with guitarist and resident guru Charlie Griffiths about the album, Transformers and the band’s faultless dialogue with their instruments.