Stream ‘Thornstar’ the new album from Lord of the Lost
Yesterday the new Lord of the Lost album ‘Thornstar’ was released – you can stream the album here.
Don’t forget, LotL kick off their UK tour at the Cluny on November 21st – tickets from www.seetickets.com
Heat 3, already?
We’re half way through the heats? This is flying over.
A horribly close evening where every judge carried a different opinion. Chucking in the crowd reactions and applying to the calculations and formula (there is a process to this, honest. It’s probably more straight forward than I make out).
So, first up we have Creature.
I’ve a lot of time for Creature, they’re a fun grunge band and very enjoyable. I kinda hate thinking of stuff like this in any way retro. It certainly feels fresh and relevant.
They were one of my pre-contest tips to do well, especially as they made the play offs last year – but the opening slot in a tough heat works against them a bit.
Dead River Kings are a surprise package. They’ve got their blues driven hard rock thing down to a tee. More than a few nods to Black Stone Cherry. There’s a lot of experience and they’re pretty darn tight. The crowd seems to like them too and that just helps them pinch a place in the semis in the end.
Mechanical were added into the competition following the late withdrawal of Ellen Moss. They’d originally meant to be in Heat 1, but pulled out on health. But, they’re back now and it’s enjoyable minimal rock. George was in solo last year and, similarly, you can kinda watch and know in your heart that tonight they’re not going through, but enjoy them anway.
Anti-Bastard divide a little opinion, they’re very loud and very punk. They whistle through an 11 song set list without going over the 25 minute set length. That gives you an idea of the type of punk they are, crusty fast… loud… fun. Opinion splitting.
Well *I* enjoyed them.
Actually, I do always find it hard to sound sincere but I genuinely enjoy every band.
Some in different ways to others, mind.
But, I dunno – it feels like it’s been a while since I enjoyed a band quite like Skyryder.
Skyryder for me… they’re overblown fantasy hair metal. You know all those cheese laiden Maiden sound-a-like bands? Yeah. Hellowe’en, Blind Guardian and about a zillion others.
And some of those bands are good and some are just cheese guff.
Well, Skyryder intentionally lay on the cheese but they do it in such a way you can appreciate it.
They don’t take the piss out of the genre, they poke friendly fun at it – and it’s almost impossible not to smile.
Imagine Steel Panther except (a) good (b) funny.
So, well, nothing like steel Panther then.
They do… however… go into a tough Semi…
Right… does it get any easier on Thursday *checks line up*
Oh God….
Love/Hate ? Jizzy Pearl previews more music ahead of tour
With the UK tour due to begin in just a matter of days, Jizzy Pearl has been previewing more material from the forthcoming album ‘All You Need is Soul’.
Recently, an audio for ‘High for an Eye’ was released – you can hear that here (clicky).
There was also recently a video for ‘You’re Going to Miss Me When I’m Gone’. A link to that is at the bottom of this post.
Fans and critics alike have been very impressed by these tracks. There’s a very solid traditional vibe about them. But, let’s be honest – they’re just damn fine tracks!
As mentioned, the tour is imminently due to kick off. The local date is at Think Tank on May 3rd. Support comes from Emperors of the Wasteland and Doomsday Outlaw.
Tickets are available online from www.seetickets.com
It’s always a pleasure to have Jizzy and co up here, always special nights. Don’t miss out!
M2TM – Heat 1 – Write Up
It feels strange starting M2TM so late.
Normally we’re about half way through the comp by now – but we opted for a later start with weekly, rather than fortnightly, heats.
Mind – with the recent grotty weather we thought an April start may be more pleasant…
And yet it STILL snowed.
However – that didn’t stop the bands, nor a respectable crowd.
Sadly, we are down to 4 bands. The first heat suffered two drop outs and we were able to replace one, but a little too short notice for the second.
So, it’s pushing 8pm when electro-metal trip THIS HOLY VIRUS open the 2018 competition.
Pretty decent mix of styles and ideas, like an angry Gary Numan. Fairly well received and a good way to prise the competition open.
Really looking forward to seeing more from these guys in the coming months, there’s a lot of potential.
DESOLATION stepped in following the withdrawal of Rossi Noise. While this may have felt it would boost chances, an experienced band with a strong following replaced by a relatively young and unknown band.
This is actually their first time gigging in Newcastle.
The band are groove metal with a few hints of 90s grunge and nu-metal, but a passionate performance impresses many. Enough to see them through to the semis.
I’ve a lot of love for PRETTY LIVID IMPS – they’ve a lovely set of punky rock and roll, with lots of fast and uplifting anthems. They should be a lot bigger. But, maybe I’m just bias.
They’re well received but have two tough bands to follow and it doesn’t quite get them over the line this time.
The beast to beat was always going to be KRAKEN WAKER.
They made it to the semi finals last time with their nautical sludge. They’re previewing a couple of tracks from their new EP and you know – they’re going to be a challenge to get passed in the semis this year as well.
They’re simple but effective – riffs, riffs, beards, riffs, beards, riffs.
Phwoar.
It’s been an interesting start to the competition… for sure.
Photos by Newcastle Live Bands
Eureka Machines – September Tour
Can you believe it’s been 3 years since Eureka Machines last played Newcastle? I know. That’s ages.
But… good news everyone, they’re coming back!
This is a strictly limited run of dates, so we’re thrilled they’re coming to Cluny 2 on September 14th.
Couple of things to help make this show special…
First off, they’ve a new album out – ‘Victories’ and it’s canny good and that. You should check it out. I’ve stuck a video from it on the bottom of this post.
Secondly, it’s their 10th anniversary tour – so expect tracks from, well, all of the albums. Which is nice cos they’ve lots of cracking songs.
Supports will be announced in good time, for sure.
New Jizzy Pearl album – All you need is Soul
The unmistakable voice from one of the most loved hard rock bands of the early 1990s is returning this spring. Jizzy Pearl of LOVE/HATE is back with his new solo album, “All You Need Is Soul”. This highly anticipated studio release will be made available May 11 via Frontiers Music Srl.
“In my opinion, this is the best record I’ve done since ‘Blackout In The Red Room’,” says Jizzy. “It captures all the energy and power of that album with great songs, high-energy vocals, big drums courtesy of Dave Moreno (PUDDLE OF MUDD) and amazing guitars from LOVE/HATE guitarist Darren Housholder.”
From the opening vocals of blistering first song “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone” to the effortlessly cool album closer “Mr Jimmy”, Jizzy’s new record is brimming with fresh new music that’s easily recognizable whilst contemporary in its delivery. Listen closer and you’ll discover the hard-rocking groove of “High For An Eye”, the funk rock of album title track “All You Need Is Soul” and many more new favorites. Make no mistake, Jizzy Pearl has returned and he’s better than ever.
Although released on May 11, we’re told Jizzy will have copies with him on the UK tour, which cuts Think Tank in Newcastle on May 3rd. As always, tickets are doing well – you can secure yours here (click)
Jizzy Pearl and LOVE/HATE burst onto the scene in 1990 with the debut album “Blackout In The Red Room” and proceeded to take the U.K. by storm with “Best Album Of The Year” from Kerrang! and Metal Hammer magazines. Playing sold-out shows and opening for SKID ROW, AC/DC and DIO put LOVE/HATE on the map. MTV hits “Why Do You Think They Call It Dope”, “She’s An Angel” and the band’s follow-up album, “Wasted In America”, have ensured a loyal following to this day.
“All You Need Is Soul” track listing:
01. You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone
02. Comin’ Home To The Bone
03. High For An Eye
04. All You Need Is Soul
05. House Of Sin
06. Mortified
07. Frustrated
08. When The Devil Comes
09. You Don’t Know What It’s Like
10. It Doesn’t Matter
11. Little Treasures
12. Mr Jimmy
