Genre specific limitations can often leave a band confined, boxed into a particular sound. Leaders in the Deathcore movement, Whitechapel have now shed their adolescent skin to become an altogether completely different entity. Growing both musically and emotionally with each release, the band continue to refine their sound. Releasing their latest and most experimental effort yet, Mark Of The Blade this week we were able to speak to Phil Bozeman regarding the current state of Whitechapel, ins and outs of recording the brand new album and what it means to still be here celebrating all the band’s achievements ten years on.
Album Review : Nails – You Will Never Be One Of Us
A visceral look at the honest truth behind being part of the Grindcore scene, known for its sheer ferocity the genre employs an acidic approach to the normal alkali Metal model. Embodying all that the genre stand for Nails are anger personified. Releasing their follow up to the ferocious Abandon All Life the band set their sights this time on the genre itself with You Will Never Be One of Us.
Download Festival 2016 : Live Review
The sense of anticipation seen for England’s Download Festival from its fans is something that many will never truly understand unless you were there to witness it first hand. The master of the “you just had to be there” quote. Formerly the host to the gargantuan Monsters of Rock has since become hallowed ground in the realm of the Metal world. Barricading ourselves away from the modern world for yet another three days Download 2016 might not have had the kindest of weather but with a spirit as tenacious as that of a Metal head it’s no matter. Across three days varying with four stages we were treated to some of the pedigree acts of both the modern and timeless classics creating a beautiful tapestry of classic influences to the likes of the forward thinking band’s leading the charge on modern Metal. Welcome to Download 2016.
Album Review : Gojira – Magma
Used as a vehicle for creativity as devastating an effect as death can have on a person I can also become a vessel for inspiration. Four years since the release of the critically acclaimed L’Enfant Sauvage, the band resolved to set about creating their next masterstroke. Unexpectedly brothers Duplantier lost their mother during the process owing for a total overhaul on the entire blueprint of the album. Cherry picking ten songs, each with their own unique attributes Gojira have opened an exploration in death that we are all thankfully privileged to be a part of.
An Interview With : Ashmedi (Melechesh)
Glorified to the masses life as a touring band can be deceptively misleading. Portrayed as a life of leisure and luxury the harsh truth is a far cry from the romanticised ideal. With record sales slowly on the rise, avenues for revenue need to be gained in other areas hence the eclectic touring packages of late. Coming out of their five year hibernation Melechesh unleashed their latest Mesopotamian opus Enki last year. Following a brilliant year, it was abruptly halted when Ashmedi was involved in an altercation which has understandably put a strain on him and the band. Personally feeling the man could do no harm unless it was truly warranted, from when we spoke he unveiled sage like wisdom. Regarding the recent matters in Jerusalem and asking why the bassist decided to verbalise quitting than being let go. This is a harsh look at what it truly is to be in control of your band and just how much work goes into keeping an entity like Melechesh alive. Take it away Ashmedi!
Ten Bands You Have To Check Out At Download Festival 2016
The arrival of June signals the imminent release of summer, at last the sun has come to sparingly greet our British Isles and though the forecast might be slightly murkier than perhaps we wanted, I for one am in high spirits that the fields in Donington this weekend will weather the storm. For anyone heading down to the eponymous festival this weekend we have picked ten band’s that among the Demi God status of our headliners truly demand your attention. Whether in a tent or on main stage these bands are the ones to watch.
Album Review : Dark Funeral – Where Shadows Forever Reign
Inescapable, omnipresent, ubiquitous death manifests itself in many ways. The subject of innumerable stories and Dark Funeral’s morbid guiding light. Using death as a figurehead the band begin their latest foray into the underworld as we enter a land where light is a distant memory, where cold governs all, a land Where Shadows Forever Reign.
Album Review: Rage – The Devil Strikes Again
Rage are finally making a comeback after a year full of drama with their first studio album in 4 years. It’s a passionate revival for the band that sits in the name, ‘The Devil Strikes Again‘.