Having missed the Saxon gig in Shepherds Bush for various reasons, my triumvirate of gigs was completed by Graham Bonnet Band at the Tufnell Park venue. Unfortunately for Graham and co only about 50-60 people bothered to turn up. Much less than the last time he played at the Islington Academy 2.
Two support bands played. One called Void from Wales who were actually not bad at all. They played standard rock with some decent melody here and there. I'll have to check more of them someday.
First support were Chrome Molly. A bunch of old guys doing 80s pub rock. I've heard their music before and it never grasped me. It's catchy in a sense that the choruses are quite big and memorable but nothing is really great at all. They were ok but not my cuppa really.
Finally Graham and his band took to the stage and I think their disappointment showed in the piss poor turn out. Luckily they still play good and Graham sings ok. I say only ok because he still has plenty of shaky moments and difficulty with the higher notes. He also sweats up a storm and drinks profusely. Can't blame the man he is nearly 70! Anyway the band sounds really good and Graham sings the songs well, but there's a slight air of going through the motions about things.
They play a couple of new tunes which are actually rather good as is the whole of the new CD. Graham sounds fine on recorded output but live singing brings more difficulties but I don't think he should retire completely. Maybe he needs to sing the songs in a slightly lower register so it sounds a bit more comfortable for him and the listener. The band played for around 80 minutes with plenty of classics from throughout his career. The band left and though there were half hearted cheers for an encore they didn't return and I don't blame them. It's always sad to see a semi-legend and former well known rock singer performing to 50-60 people in a pub but Graham tried his best and was still jovial if not doubt disappointed. As he pointed out "There must be something on the telly tonight!"
Till the next time Graham, we'll enjoy the new album, The Book, it's good!
Saturday, 12 November 2016
Amon Amarth with Testament and Grand Magus @ the Roundhouse
Not often you get a bill with only great bands so this was a night to be savoured. Walking into the Roundhouse you're immediately impressed with the massive dome and the great looking venue and stage. It was only a quarter full for Grand Magus as they took to the stage but slowly filled out more by the end of their set. GM are a great band in their own right and have great battle anthems in their own right and got a great response from those who left the bar to see them. The volume was a bi loud and the sound a bit too drum heavy for my liking but my ears soon adjusted to their sound and I started enjoying their Manowaresque battle hymns. Varangian Way especially from the new album got my fist raised! A very good opening slot by the Swedish warriors.
Next up were thrash legends Testament whom I had seen a few months back at the Brooklyn Bowl. They were even better on this night although the sound was again a little unclear for my ears but I soon adjusted. the new songs from Brotherhood of the Snake especially sounded very good but the pits start up for the classics, The New Order, Disciples and the self explanatory Into The Pit. You can't beat Testament for killer classic thrash and with Chuck Billy in roaring form, he had the crowd worked up to a frenzy, ready for the Vikings to follow.
I have seen AA a few times now and I was toying with the idea of missing this gig but that would've turned out to be a massive mistake. They sounded on their absolute best form! It was definitely not to be missed indeed as the band turned in a superb performance. This band is a melodic, neck breaking riff machine I tell ya. People just love the fist pumping melodic grooves. Yo can set your watch by the next magical riff as surely the occur on a regular basis. It's hard to pick out best songs as the whole set was excellent and the stage was epic too. AA are one of those bands that appeal to literally all types of metalheads be they a power or black or thrash fan. Anyone can get into AA pure and simple and they aced it on this particular night!
Next up were thrash legends Testament whom I had seen a few months back at the Brooklyn Bowl. They were even better on this night although the sound was again a little unclear for my ears but I soon adjusted. the new songs from Brotherhood of the Snake especially sounded very good but the pits start up for the classics, The New Order, Disciples and the self explanatory Into The Pit. You can't beat Testament for killer classic thrash and with Chuck Billy in roaring form, he had the crowd worked up to a frenzy, ready for the Vikings to follow.
I have seen AA a few times now and I was toying with the idea of missing this gig but that would've turned out to be a massive mistake. They sounded on their absolute best form! It was definitely not to be missed indeed as the band turned in a superb performance. This band is a melodic, neck breaking riff machine I tell ya. People just love the fist pumping melodic grooves. Yo can set your watch by the next magical riff as surely the occur on a regular basis. It's hard to pick out best songs as the whole set was excellent and the stage was epic too. AA are one of those bands that appeal to literally all types of metalheads be they a power or black or thrash fan. Anyone can get into AA pure and simple and they aced it on this particular night!
Annihilator - Live at the Islington Academy
The first of 3 gigs in a few days. A good start to a good few days of live music. First up were Aussies Mason and their ripping thrash. They were good but I think I enjoyed them more when I heard their previous CD than live. Still look forward to the new album, should rip. A good warm up for Annihilator.
Saw them not long ago in the same venue, but unfortunately the turn out was a little less than before. Still there were a lot of gigs as Jeff himself remarked from the stage. We had the Amon Amarth/Testament gig and the Saxon the day after. Saw Annihilator started it all off with some sleek thrash. I'm still not sold on Jeff's live vocals. They sound a bit weak but I guess it's not that big a deal. Musically his multinational band are very tight. They play a mix of songs as usual. The best will always be Alison Hell. It's just awesome hehe and never fails to illicit a reaction from the die hard fans. A good but not great gig.
Saw them not long ago in the same venue, but unfortunately the turn out was a little less than before. Still there were a lot of gigs as Jeff himself remarked from the stage. We had the Amon Amarth/Testament gig and the Saxon the day after. Saw Annihilator started it all off with some sleek thrash. I'm still not sold on Jeff's live vocals. They sound a bit weak but I guess it's not that big a deal. Musically his multinational band are very tight. They play a mix of songs as usual. The best will always be Alison Hell. It's just awesome hehe and never fails to illicit a reaction from the die hard fans. A good but not great gig.
Wednesday, 2 November 2016
Raveneye - Live at Islington Academy 2
I wasn't expecting to like Raveneye not being a fan of blues based rock and metal but by Jove the album is rather listenable. It has a good sense of melody and front man Oli sounds very energised. When I saw they were playing a headline show I thought I'd give them a shot to see how they sounded live.
Two support bands were in the offing before hand. One was a local band Rough Justice who I've never heard of. They were a suitable warm up act but I couldn't say I was blown away by them. They played regular modern heavy rock similar to Raveneye in many ways. Some decent grooving here and there but nothing that overly impressed me but they were ok.
Next up were Americans Cairo Son. I think I've actually heard their songs before but they obviously never made a strong impression on me at that time as I had no recollection of their tunes. The sound was really heavy and groovy with decent vocals from the amiable front man. It was all a bit too heavy going for me and lacked the melody and bounce that I require. They were still better than Rough Justice and I'm sure there's a place for them in the modern rock market.
Finally it was time for the Raveneyed ones to take to the tiny stage in the Academy 2 and strut their stuff. For a three piece they have a big groove thing going on and they know all about how to make a song work by adding oodles of melody to that groove. The crowd was loving the band too and it was actually quite surprising to me how well attended the show was with about 200 people there at a guess.
The band sounds tight and has a very engaging front man in Oli who whilst singing also rips out his blues solos and riffs like there's no tomorrow. The band is on a long UK tour at the moment and it seems they've honed their songs to perfection. Like I said those slow blues sections send me to sleep so I was less interested in those but when I heard the cool tunes like Hero and Inside I was a happy camper. Raveneye will never be a total fave of mine but I look forward to see how they progress from here and maybe to a bigger venue next time as they slowly build their fan base. They don't lack, energy and confidence that's for sure and they can only get better as they become better songwriters and musicians.
Two support bands were in the offing before hand. One was a local band Rough Justice who I've never heard of. They were a suitable warm up act but I couldn't say I was blown away by them. They played regular modern heavy rock similar to Raveneye in many ways. Some decent grooving here and there but nothing that overly impressed me but they were ok.
Next up were Americans Cairo Son. I think I've actually heard their songs before but they obviously never made a strong impression on me at that time as I had no recollection of their tunes. The sound was really heavy and groovy with decent vocals from the amiable front man. It was all a bit too heavy going for me and lacked the melody and bounce that I require. They were still better than Rough Justice and I'm sure there's a place for them in the modern rock market.
Finally it was time for the Raveneyed ones to take to the tiny stage in the Academy 2 and strut their stuff. For a three piece they have a big groove thing going on and they know all about how to make a song work by adding oodles of melody to that groove. The crowd was loving the band too and it was actually quite surprising to me how well attended the show was with about 200 people there at a guess.
The band sounds tight and has a very engaging front man in Oli who whilst singing also rips out his blues solos and riffs like there's no tomorrow. The band is on a long UK tour at the moment and it seems they've honed their songs to perfection. Like I said those slow blues sections send me to sleep so I was less interested in those but when I heard the cool tunes like Hero and Inside I was a happy camper. Raveneye will never be a total fave of mine but I look forward to see how they progress from here and maybe to a bigger venue next time as they slowly build their fan base. They don't lack, energy and confidence that's for sure and they can only get better as they become better songwriters and musicians.
Friday, 14 October 2016
Destruction Live Report
Friday night and another four band bill of thrash. The Underworld was pretty rammed all the way to the back. Destruction always draws big. Their new album kills so all the old school thrash heads turned out. Also helps when the support is decent.
Brazillian chicks Nervosa were up first and got a good response from the early crowd. I must admit I've never liked them on record but they sound pretty potent live and are of course a bit easier on the eye compared to old codger Schmier! Not a bad warm up!
Swedes Enforcer were up next. They are always full on and it was no different this time. Energy levels go through the roof. Very similar to Evil Invaders from the previous gig playing a Maidensque take on metal but at three times the speed! Full Metal Racket!
Main support were Flotsam and Jetsam and they were bloody awesome. They stole the night as far as I was concerned. I love the new album and the new songs sound immense live. Eric AK sounded good though a little low in the mix and I couldn't hear him that well at time. The guitars were absolutely blazing with thunderous riff after thunderous riff executed to perfection. Great performance
Finally the crowd was getting excited for the Teutonic German thrashers and they didn't disappoint. They may only be a trio but they make a perfect triangle of metal as far as I'm concerned. Schmier's vocals are as raspy and acid drenched as ever and the new album songs sounds killer live. People still wanna hear the old classics and they do sound super tight and good. Every one leaves happy and with smiles on their faces at the end. Thrash wins!
Brazillian chicks Nervosa were up first and got a good response from the early crowd. I must admit I've never liked them on record but they sound pretty potent live and are of course a bit easier on the eye compared to old codger Schmier! Not a bad warm up!
Swedes Enforcer were up next. They are always full on and it was no different this time. Energy levels go through the roof. Very similar to Evil Invaders from the previous gig playing a Maidensque take on metal but at three times the speed! Full Metal Racket!
Main support were Flotsam and Jetsam and they were bloody awesome. They stole the night as far as I was concerned. I love the new album and the new songs sound immense live. Eric AK sounded good though a little low in the mix and I couldn't hear him that well at time. The guitars were absolutely blazing with thunderous riff after thunderous riff executed to perfection. Great performance
Finally the crowd was getting excited for the Teutonic German thrashers and they didn't disappoint. They may only be a trio but they make a perfect triangle of metal as far as I'm concerned. Schmier's vocals are as raspy and acid drenched as ever and the new album songs sounds killer live. People still wanna hear the old classics and they do sound super tight and good. Every one leaves happy and with smiles on their faces at the end. Thrash wins!
Suicidal Angels Live Report
Just a few short words about the gig. Four bands were on the bill. Spaniards Crisix were up first and they were pretty bloody awesome. Jumping mental thrash. Great stage moves by the front man and guitarists and neck ripping thrash. Crowd warmed.
Evil Invaders were manic and crazy! Fast as a bullet Maiden on acid! Very very energetic!
Skull Fist were not as good. The singer had a problem with his voice so some other dude was singing and his voice wasn't so great. A bit disappointing but still fun.
Suicidal Angels were tight beyond belief. They played the new songs at absolute maximum breakneck speed and the moshers work themselves up into a frenzy in front of the stage. They concentrated manly on Division of Blood but also of course some great old songs ending with two of their best in Moshing Crew and Apokathilosis, basically their Reign in Blood. Great night of thrashy, classic old metal!
Evil Invaders were manic and crazy! Fast as a bullet Maiden on acid! Very very energetic!
Skull Fist were not as good. The singer had a problem with his voice so some other dude was singing and his voice wasn't so great. A bit disappointing but still fun.
Suicidal Angels were tight beyond belief. They played the new songs at absolute maximum breakneck speed and the moshers work themselves up into a frenzy in front of the stage. They concentrated manly on Division of Blood but also of course some great old songs ending with two of their best in Moshing Crew and Apokathilosis, basically their Reign in Blood. Great night of thrashy, classic old metal!
Sunday, 18 September 2016
Power Quest Live at the Underworld
The return of the mighty Power Quest to the live arena was an event I was never gonna miss that's for bloody certain folks! When I heard that Steve Williams was resurrecting PQ after becoming disillusioned with the scene and the lack of support, I felt pretty happy since I have always enjoyed PQ albums a lot. Steve has a sense for melody that few song writers in power metal possess and I was glad he had gained enough momentum and will in the three years since the demise of the band to resurrect and rise like phoenix from the flames.
When I heard that the new singer would be Ashley Edison from Dendera I was even more happy to be honest. I have been following Dendera for quite a few years now and they kick unholy ass both in their recorded output and live too, so I had no doubts Steve had made the right call in hiring Ashley to sing. PQ has always had a number of singers in the past but I feel Ashley could be the best of the lot and so it proved with his superb performance of the songs, but more on that in a moment.
First support band were Reading trad metallers and of course my big faves, Primitai. The last two albums have seen them knock it out of the park twice in a row. They are fast becoming a live band to be reckoned with and in Guy Miller, they have a front man with the moves and powerful voice to keep up with the best in trad metal circles across Europe. The fact that the band is not bigger across Europe is criminal really. I don't know if that's by choice for the band, or that they just don't get the breaks, but there's bands who are much bigger but have half the talent and song writing ability. They played a short set mainly comprised of those muscular new tunes and a couple of older classics finished off with their set closing anthem Scream When You See Us. As usual they deliver live and then some and a great way to start the night off.
Next up were Norwich thrashers Shrapnel. I've actually been hoping to catch these guys live before but never made it for one reason or another. They have a strong technical bent in their songs and the rage is strong but the overly aggressive screaming vocals tend to draw back from the songs. They also had quite an average sound mix and every song pretty much sounded the same. I am looking forward to hearing their new record, but in the live setting it was a bit disappointing or at least ill-fitting compared to PQ and Primitai even if the singer did have a Rhapsody of Fire shirt on! A better middle support slot would have been the amazing Monument from London or even Savage Messiah but they were in America doing the ProgPower festival.
Finally after quite a long intro it was time for the all new Power Quest to take to the stage for a home coming show having thrown off the cobwebs the previous night in Derby. The Underworld was surprisingly well attended with a crowd of I would guess around 300 although it was a Saturday night. The sound was immediately much better and it turns out that Steve had flown in their own sound man for the gig. Steve's keys were particularly loud as you would expect, but all instruments were mixed pretty cleanly. The band launched into the one-two attack of Find My Heaven and Temple of Fire, two of their most well known and melodic songs which allowed the quite excited crowd to fist pump and sing along to the choruses.
In Ashley Edison, Williams has basically found the perfect vocalist for the latest PQ line up. The guy has a very clear pronunciation of lyrics and sings the songs with his own slant on things giving the songs a fresher flavour. In fact the band sounds better than ever and this was only their second comeback show and they have basically taken off from where they left off. One thing clearly noticeable was the camaraderie in the band with all members, the twins on guitars, feeding off one another making for a great live spectacle.
The awesome new track Face The Raven was of course played and sounded majestic live and bodes so well for when they finish the new album. They continued with further songs from their back catalogue which were all played with aplomb and perfectly executed. Steve Williams took the mic at one point and spoke at length about the comeback and how pleased he was with the return and honoured that the fans had turned out in good numbers to welcome them back. People from around the world had turned up it seems and even from Japan. Imagine coming all that way for a tiny band from England!
The band finally ended proceedings and were cheered to the rafters. I should point out that the Italian ex members in the band were out in full force and joined the band on stage for various duets and and solos including Alessio the original singer and Andrea the guitarist. Even Ashley's brother and band mate in Dendera, joined him on stage for a song and he actually has a really cool voice oddly enough.
All in all, a great night was had by all and it was a great welcome back for Power Quest. Now get on with the album guys we're waiting impatiently!
When I heard that the new singer would be Ashley Edison from Dendera I was even more happy to be honest. I have been following Dendera for quite a few years now and they kick unholy ass both in their recorded output and live too, so I had no doubts Steve had made the right call in hiring Ashley to sing. PQ has always had a number of singers in the past but I feel Ashley could be the best of the lot and so it proved with his superb performance of the songs, but more on that in a moment.
First support band were Reading trad metallers and of course my big faves, Primitai. The last two albums have seen them knock it out of the park twice in a row. They are fast becoming a live band to be reckoned with and in Guy Miller, they have a front man with the moves and powerful voice to keep up with the best in trad metal circles across Europe. The fact that the band is not bigger across Europe is criminal really. I don't know if that's by choice for the band, or that they just don't get the breaks, but there's bands who are much bigger but have half the talent and song writing ability. They played a short set mainly comprised of those muscular new tunes and a couple of older classics finished off with their set closing anthem Scream When You See Us. As usual they deliver live and then some and a great way to start the night off.
Next up were Norwich thrashers Shrapnel. I've actually been hoping to catch these guys live before but never made it for one reason or another. They have a strong technical bent in their songs and the rage is strong but the overly aggressive screaming vocals tend to draw back from the songs. They also had quite an average sound mix and every song pretty much sounded the same. I am looking forward to hearing their new record, but in the live setting it was a bit disappointing or at least ill-fitting compared to PQ and Primitai even if the singer did have a Rhapsody of Fire shirt on! A better middle support slot would have been the amazing Monument from London or even Savage Messiah but they were in America doing the ProgPower festival.
Finally after quite a long intro it was time for the all new Power Quest to take to the stage for a home coming show having thrown off the cobwebs the previous night in Derby. The Underworld was surprisingly well attended with a crowd of I would guess around 300 although it was a Saturday night. The sound was immediately much better and it turns out that Steve had flown in their own sound man for the gig. Steve's keys were particularly loud as you would expect, but all instruments were mixed pretty cleanly. The band launched into the one-two attack of Find My Heaven and Temple of Fire, two of their most well known and melodic songs which allowed the quite excited crowd to fist pump and sing along to the choruses.
In Ashley Edison, Williams has basically found the perfect vocalist for the latest PQ line up. The guy has a very clear pronunciation of lyrics and sings the songs with his own slant on things giving the songs a fresher flavour. In fact the band sounds better than ever and this was only their second comeback show and they have basically taken off from where they left off. One thing clearly noticeable was the camaraderie in the band with all members, the twins on guitars, feeding off one another making for a great live spectacle.
The awesome new track Face The Raven was of course played and sounded majestic live and bodes so well for when they finish the new album. They continued with further songs from their back catalogue which were all played with aplomb and perfectly executed. Steve Williams took the mic at one point and spoke at length about the comeback and how pleased he was with the return and honoured that the fans had turned out in good numbers to welcome them back. People from around the world had turned up it seems and even from Japan. Imagine coming all that way for a tiny band from England!
The band finally ended proceedings and were cheered to the rafters. I should point out that the Italian ex members in the band were out in full force and joined the band on stage for various duets and and solos including Alessio the original singer and Andrea the guitarist. Even Ashley's brother and band mate in Dendera, joined him on stage for a song and he actually has a really cool voice oddly enough.
All in all, a great night was had by all and it was a great welcome back for Power Quest. Now get on with the album guys we're waiting impatiently!
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