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It’s that time where Epica begin a new cycle of symphonic dominance with the unleashing of a brand new album. It was their previous effort of ‘The Quantum Enigma‘ that solidified the bands status as one of the best in their genre, but the band want bigger, and they want better. ‘The Holographic Principle‘ might just be the opus to that statement, and we ask some questions about the driving force behind it.
Fortune favours the bold as the saying goes. Daring to do something different Insomnium bring an idea not previously tackled in their career. Returning to the studio after Shadows Of A Dying Sun the band were somewhat non plus send as to how they might tread their next steps. After thorough consideration the band opted for the decision to record a one track album. Encompassing all of the band’s strengths the track moves in waves. Moving back to the likes of Prog Rock classics the Finnish Metallers wanted to echo the ideas presented by the greats of our time. Birthing a living breathing map of music brought together in their patented sound. Based on the novel created by the band’s own Niilo Sevanen of the same title Winter’s Gate sees a band take on the elements and win. Triumphing over the endless pitfalls that come with undertaking a task as daunting as a one track album, the band surpass these boundaries to give one of their most engaging listens yet.
One of the many beauties that is found within music is its bountiful, ever expanding canvas of genre. Despite performing at what is one of the biggest Metal festivals in England, Zoax are not quite the classic definition of heavy. Owing to their various members ever changing taste in music gives the band a rich palette of differentiation within music. Allowing for not only musical creativity to be rife within the band but the art of expression within music to be one that is unique. Making waves throughout the London scene, Zoax have slowly but surely been crafting their own niche. With premiere’s over at Radio One courtesy of Mr Dan Carter and the like the band return for their third appearance at Download Festival this year climbing ever higher on the bill. Speaking to the delightly Joe Copcutt we were able to get an idea into what life was like in the cycle of Zoax or is it ZO-AX or Zoox? Ask Joe…
Sound has always been a fickle mistress in the realm of Metal. At once praised for its clean tonalities the more modern production styles are often slightly too clean, too devoid of grit. Understanding the ways of the Old School bands are slowly but surely moving back to the likes of analogue where things were a lot simpler. Not having room for retracting and layering the analogue truly separates the men from the boys. Headlining the Sophie Lancaster Stage this year at Bloodstock 2016 we were lucky enough to speak to Sammy Duet the man behind the wall of chainsaws that is Goatwhore’s sound. Speaking in depth ant the new album, when it can be expected and where it will be recorded we got the full low down all things Goatwhore.
The idea of Rock ‘n’ Roll has been around long before my time. The classics we all know and love formed in the foundations of what was the beginnings of a movement that would continue on far into the future. As a result of its fierce staying power Rock ‘n’ Roll has had somewhat of a revival of late. One particular band flying the flag for the genre are the Texan madmen Scorpion Child. Releasing their brand new album Acid Roulette this year the band unveil the idea of the concept album revolving around prison and a favourite past time of the rockers of old, acid. Speaking to drumer Jon Rice we were able to get behind the story of the brand new album along with the bands appearance at Download Festival.
Cementing their reputation in the world of contemporary Heavy Metal this May with their ironclad new effort Sword Songs JB and his cohorts once again put on their metaphorical armour to ride into the battlefield of the stage. Bringing together quintessential elements of what makes up Grand Magus, thematically revolving around tales of the valiant and brave put together with their Maiden worthy choruses Grand Magus are beginning to become in a league totally of their own.
Rebirth is one of music’s bountiful qualities, able to be reborn in any number of ways bands are able to shape themselves into whatever they may want to be or have been. Formed from elements of bands in the surrounding area From Ashes To New have begun to forge their own path. Making their debut Download appearance at this year’s Download 2016 we were lucky enough to be able to speak to vocalist Chris Musser about not only the new album but how the band operate as a unit and how, as someone suffering from anxiety works in a public environment and just what message the band are trying to get across to their fans.
A return can often be somewhat of a nerve wracking instance, marking their comeback with the release of their brand new album Long Live last September, Atreyu are very much back in the game. Performing at this year’s Download Festival we saw the band bring out the big guns in the form of old material and new bangers at their set. Fortunately we were able to catch up with long time member and guitarist extraordinaire Travis Miguel after the band’s set to speak to the man about Long Live, the band’s return and what the future might hold now.