Sometimes, life throws you up conundrums. Like, what to tell your ex when she makes it clear she still wants to relive some of the good times when you hate her guts! Or, how to a review a CD by guys you’ve known, on and off, for about 20 years?
In the case of the former, no fucking chance babe – you blew it! As for the latter – well, I suppose you better just go for it… which is what I’m going to do in the case of the CD currently blasting out of the rather powerful stereo here at PC Tower.
The opus in question is the long awaited ‘Letters To A Lost Soul’ by the highly experienced quartet that go by the name of Worldsend.
I use the word experienced in the best possible sense: this is a band who have been around the block more than once – and it’s experience that shows, as this is a very polished performance all round.
Opener ‘Without A Trace’ sets the standard, with the rhythm section of Steve and Paul tight as fuck underneath J’s twisting, winding guitar work (he may be playing slower than the Comet of old but he’s still the best guitarist to come of Carrickfergus) while Eddie’s vocals soar majestically.
The high standard is maintained through the equally superb ‘The Enemy We See’ , before the pace – but not the standard - lessens for ‘Warning Sign’.
There is a word I used earlier: polished. And that sums up this eight track release. Very much so. I also used the word experienced. Again, this is a positive description. I’m going to add a few more words, all deserved: impressive, accomplished, well worth checking out, repeating.
The official release party is this coming Saturday (14 May) at Ma Nelson’s. Two more words: be there.
Thursday, 12 May 2011
Saturday, 7 May 2011
Celtic masters
Well, it took them fucking long enough... Play.fucking.com that is!
Two weeks before it's official release date, I ordered Cruachan's promised-to-be-awesome new offering 'Blood On The Black Robe'. It arrived exactly two weeks later. Two fucking weeks later than the official fucking release date, that fucking is!
So, anyway, it's finally blasting out of the towering speaker system here at PC headquarters, and, of course, yours truly has to ask... was it worth Play fucking me about and making me wait?
Of course it fucking was. I've said on this forum and elsewhere that 2011 could well be the year that celtic metal establishes itself as a major force, alongside the more successful Scandanavians, as a major force within the genre.
Certainly, 'Blood...' establishes the case with emphasis. Quite frankly, this is a brilliant album - epic and sweeping in its scope, beautiful yet brutal, just like the Irish mythology in which it is so deeply embedded, melodies swirling and amassing around like ancient warriors preparing to go into batttle, daubed in their tribal colours (something Cruachan also display with pride). This is an epic album in every sense of the word, mixing light and dark with the expertise only a band of this pedigree can manage.
Cruachan, quite rightly, argue that they are the progenitors of the whole 'folk metal' sensation, which subsequently has been hijacked by the invading Viking hordes from Norway, Sweden, and especially Finland (and even the fucking Faroe Islands). With 'Blood.. ' Keith Fay and his warriors drive back the Nordic hordes and reclaim the ancient path for their very own...
- 'Blood On The Black Robe' is out now on Candlelight.
Two weeks before it's official release date, I ordered Cruachan's promised-to-be-awesome new offering 'Blood On The Black Robe'. It arrived exactly two weeks later. Two fucking weeks later than the official fucking release date, that fucking is!
So, anyway, it's finally blasting out of the towering speaker system here at PC headquarters, and, of course, yours truly has to ask... was it worth Play fucking me about and making me wait?
Of course it fucking was. I've said on this forum and elsewhere that 2011 could well be the year that celtic metal establishes itself as a major force, alongside the more successful Scandanavians, as a major force within the genre.
Certainly, 'Blood...' establishes the case with emphasis. Quite frankly, this is a brilliant album - epic and sweeping in its scope, beautiful yet brutal, just like the Irish mythology in which it is so deeply embedded, melodies swirling and amassing around like ancient warriors preparing to go into batttle, daubed in their tribal colours (something Cruachan also display with pride). This is an epic album in every sense of the word, mixing light and dark with the expertise only a band of this pedigree can manage.
Cruachan, quite rightly, argue that they are the progenitors of the whole 'folk metal' sensation, which subsequently has been hijacked by the invading Viking hordes from Norway, Sweden, and especially Finland (and even the fucking Faroe Islands). With 'Blood.. ' Keith Fay and his warriors drive back the Nordic hordes and reclaim the ancient path for their very own...
- 'Blood On The Black Robe' is out now on Candlelight.
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Paradise City returns to action
Get those air guitars tuned up and get ready to get down and RAWK - 'cos the Paradise City crue are back in business.
The dynamic quartet that make up Belfast's best team of classic rock and metal DJs have just confirmed the dates for a whole raft of PC shows between now and the end of November.
All gigs will take place in the superb venue that is Upstairs @ Morrisons, on Belfast's Bedford Street, on the following dates: Friday 10 June, Friday 15 July, Friday 26 August, Friday 23 September, Friday 14 October and Friday 18 November.
Doors for all shows will be 9pm, and admission is £5. As Paradise City is the host clubhouse for Hard Rock Hell Northern Ireland, the usual members' discounted admission charge (£3) will apply on all nights.
Get those dates in your diaries folks, 'cos there's gonna be some rockin' in the heart of the city!
The dynamic quartet that make up Belfast's best team of classic rock and metal DJs have just confirmed the dates for a whole raft of PC shows between now and the end of November.
All gigs will take place in the superb venue that is Upstairs @ Morrisons, on Belfast's Bedford Street, on the following dates: Friday 10 June, Friday 15 July, Friday 26 August, Friday 23 September, Friday 14 October and Friday 18 November.
Doors for all shows will be 9pm, and admission is £5. As Paradise City is the host clubhouse for Hard Rock Hell Northern Ireland, the usual members' discounted admission charge (£3) will apply on all nights.
Get those dates in your diaries folks, 'cos there's gonna be some rockin' in the heart of the city!
Rory’s unfinished business…
In November/December 1977 and January 1978, Rory Gallagher recorded a complete new studio album in San Francisco.
There were a variety of reasons why the album wasn’t released at the time – though, in 1992, Rory did reveal that the main reason it didn’t come out (it would have fitted between ‘Photo Finish’ and ‘Top Priority’) was because “the mixing of it had become complicated” and, as a result, he “couldn’t get some of the songs to sound right”. He also said that with the passing of time, he now felt there was a good chance the album “could eventually come out in some form - remixed”.
Sadly, of course, Rory is no longer with us in person but his legacy has been lovingly maintained and nurtured by his brother and manager, Dónal. He, now along with his son Daniel, Rory’s nephew, have returned to these recordings and performed the extraordinary job of mixing the album with contemporary technology - and Rory would surely approve of the results.
To enhance what is already a 'holy grail' package for Rory’s fanbase, the Gallagher’s have also compiled and mixed a live album recorded over the four shows Rory performed at The Old Waldorf in San Francisco around the same period, in December, 1979. The result is a mouth-watering double CD package.
The title, ‘Notes From San Francisco’, is, of course, a play on words, with the notes referred to being both musical ones and written ones, as Rory used to send postcards back to Ireland from wherever his career took him. The sleeve is an original postcard he sent, and several others from the time have been sourced from the original US postcard company who produced them. This limited deluxe edition includes, amongst other things, a set of personalised Rory postcards complete with Rory ‘stamps’.
Rory’s hand-written lyrics for the studio album were in a notebook in the possession of the album’s original producer, Elliot Mazer (famous for his work with Neil Young, Janis Joplin, Linda Ronstadt and The Byrds, amongst many others), and these have also been reproduced in the new artwork.
‘Notes From San Francisco’ is released on the Capo label on 6 June.
There were a variety of reasons why the album wasn’t released at the time – though, in 1992, Rory did reveal that the main reason it didn’t come out (it would have fitted between ‘Photo Finish’ and ‘Top Priority’) was because “the mixing of it had become complicated” and, as a result, he “couldn’t get some of the songs to sound right”. He also said that with the passing of time, he now felt there was a good chance the album “could eventually come out in some form - remixed”.
Sadly, of course, Rory is no longer with us in person but his legacy has been lovingly maintained and nurtured by his brother and manager, Dónal. He, now along with his son Daniel, Rory’s nephew, have returned to these recordings and performed the extraordinary job of mixing the album with contemporary technology - and Rory would surely approve of the results.
To enhance what is already a 'holy grail' package for Rory’s fanbase, the Gallagher’s have also compiled and mixed a live album recorded over the four shows Rory performed at The Old Waldorf in San Francisco around the same period, in December, 1979. The result is a mouth-watering double CD package.
The title, ‘Notes From San Francisco’, is, of course, a play on words, with the notes referred to being both musical ones and written ones, as Rory used to send postcards back to Ireland from wherever his career took him. The sleeve is an original postcard he sent, and several others from the time have been sourced from the original US postcard company who produced them. This limited deluxe edition includes, amongst other things, a set of personalised Rory postcards complete with Rory ‘stamps’.
Rory’s hand-written lyrics for the studio album were in a notebook in the possession of the album’s original producer, Elliot Mazer (famous for his work with Neil Young, Janis Joplin, Linda Ronstadt and The Byrds, amongst many others), and these have also been reproduced in the new artwork.
‘Notes From San Francisco’ is released on the Capo label on 6 June.
Sunday, 24 April 2011
Pull the Trigger...
So, did everyone have as good a Saturday as I did? Lots to drink, lots of music and lots of gorgeous women? No? Tough fucking shit, then!
The drinking? Yep, check that box... Evidently, given the stinker of the hangover the Monk has this morning!
The music? Well... I suppose this where I have to get serious and do a review of the evening’s proceedings, which is supposed to be the purpose of this ‘ere blog thing...
It was the first time in too long that I had wandered into the Slimer on a Saturday afternoon, and one of Mr James Loveday’s excellent promotions therein – always a good time guaranteed, with booze and banter a plenty. Awk sure, what more could an ageing rocker ask for?
First up were Dubliners Lace Weeper, making their Belfast debut with a damn fine set of downtuned stoner rock, driven home by the charisma of Polish-born frontman Sebastian Florek, who is a damn fine vocalist. Not a genre I’m into, I admit, but the set was enjoyable and I wouldn’t be averse to catching them again.
I’m not going to say much about Skypilot, except they drove me and my mate Adam to the back wall, and nearly out the door. It’s not that they were bad – they are excellent musicians and a tight unit – it’s just that we didn’t like them.
But, the night was always going to be about Triggerman. No, make that TRIGGERMAN. This a band who deserve capital letters. They deserve to be shouted about. They are definitely one of THE best bands on the circuit, and this set proved their status. Bap – one of the politest frontmen you’ll ever come across – led his troops through a rollickingly rambunctious set which had every head in the place banging with a vengeance (yes, my neck hurts as bad as my head!), especially with old favourites such as ‘I Got The Lurgy’ (which probably would be completely lost on audiences outside li’l ol’ Norn Iron), ‘Road To Damascus’ and the always hellraising encore of ‘Horns’.
A perfect set up for a night of drunkenness and whatever else Walhalla decided to throw my way. Which reminds me, did I forget something? Drink? Check. Music? Check. Er, scroll back... ah, yes, women? Mmmm... let’s just say, she was gorgeous, a lot more sober than I was – and married!
Catch ya next time \m/
The drinking? Yep, check that box... Evidently, given the stinker of the hangover the Monk has this morning!
The music? Well... I suppose this where I have to get serious and do a review of the evening’s proceedings, which is supposed to be the purpose of this ‘ere blog thing...
It was the first time in too long that I had wandered into the Slimer on a Saturday afternoon, and one of Mr James Loveday’s excellent promotions therein – always a good time guaranteed, with booze and banter a plenty. Awk sure, what more could an ageing rocker ask for?
First up were Dubliners Lace Weeper, making their Belfast debut with a damn fine set of downtuned stoner rock, driven home by the charisma of Polish-born frontman Sebastian Florek, who is a damn fine vocalist. Not a genre I’m into, I admit, but the set was enjoyable and I wouldn’t be averse to catching them again.
I’m not going to say much about Skypilot, except they drove me and my mate Adam to the back wall, and nearly out the door. It’s not that they were bad – they are excellent musicians and a tight unit – it’s just that we didn’t like them.
But, the night was always going to be about Triggerman. No, make that TRIGGERMAN. This a band who deserve capital letters. They deserve to be shouted about. They are definitely one of THE best bands on the circuit, and this set proved their status. Bap – one of the politest frontmen you’ll ever come across – led his troops through a rollickingly rambunctious set which had every head in the place banging with a vengeance (yes, my neck hurts as bad as my head!), especially with old favourites such as ‘I Got The Lurgy’ (which probably would be completely lost on audiences outside li’l ol’ Norn Iron), ‘Road To Damascus’ and the always hellraising encore of ‘Horns’.
A perfect set up for a night of drunkenness and whatever else Walhalla decided to throw my way. Which reminds me, did I forget something? Drink? Check. Music? Check. Er, scroll back... ah, yes, women? Mmmm... let’s just say, she was gorgeous, a lot more sober than I was – and married!
Catch ya next time \m/
Sunday, 10 April 2011
Monk rambles on about some new releases...
OK, I’ll admit I’m a bit erratic when it comes to this blogging lark – too many other commitments? Or just sheer fucking laziness? – but I’m hoping to start a regular (which will probably turn out to be an extremely irregular) review of recent releases which have come to my attention. Some of them may not be ‘new’ releases, but stuff with which I’ve only just collided, but, what the fuck, it gives me an excuse to indulge in a wee bit of blogosphere rambling. (Is that the longest opening sentence I’ve ever written? Does anyone give a fuck?).
So, let’s start this little project rolling, with my thoughts on...
Within Temptation – ‘The Unforgiving’ (Roadrunner). After the distractions of the albeit brilliant ‘Black Symphony’ and acoustic projects, the Dutch quintet return to what they do best, with a concept album which is epic, sweepingly dramatic and bombastic (in the best sense). Stand out track: ‘Fire And Ice’.
Cavalera Conspiracy – ‘Blunt Force Trauma’ (Roadrunner). What else are you going to expect from Brazil’s most famous brothers? Lilting lullabies? Like fuck! BFT hits you with all the subtlety of – well, um – a blunt instrument. Brutally brilliant. The special edition features a fine cover of Sabbath’s ‘Electric Funeral’. Stand out track: ‘Genghis Khan’.
Darkest Era – ‘The Last Caress Of Light’ (Metal Blade). I’ve already said elsewhere that this could be the year in which celtic rock takes on its Scandinavian brethren at their own game – and, quite possibly, beat them! With new releases from Cruachan and Primordial looming large, Enniskillen’s Darkest Era have led the charge with fearless aplomb, with this delightful debut. Stand out track: ‘The Morrigan’.
Amon Amarth – ‘Surtur Rising’ (Metal Blade). Talking of Scandinavians, DE’s labelmates keep their flag flying proudly with their latest slab of Viking brutality. Quite frankly, AA always work better live (as their decimation of Dublin earlier this week proved), but the ten tracks offered (to Oden) here are nevertheless guaranteed to pillage even the finest stereo system and leave you a bleeding heap on the floor. Stand out track: ‘Destroyer Of The Universe’.
Artillery – ‘My Blood’ (Metal Mind). These Danes are doing their damndest to prove that EuroThrash is still very much a force to be reckoned with, while keeping the metal factor turned up to eleven. Very much from the Accept school of nailing your balls to the wall, but with a very traditional Bay Area influence, as evidenced on the likes of ‘Monster’ and ‘Ain’t Giving In’. Stand out track: ‘Thrasher’.
NeraNature – ‘Shattered’ (Metal Mind). This is the lead single of the forthcoming debut solo album by Polish chanteuse Nera. Apparently taking her influence from the earth, quite honestly, this one should be buried in it. It’s awful. It comes with a cover of ‘The World Is Not Enough’, which also is garbage (geddit?). See, I don’t write just nice things (although she is a bit of looker!).
Honey For Christ – ‘The Cruelty Of Great Expectations’ (Rundown). Well, it took them fucking long enough, didn’t it? I first came across HFC when I was working for the awful DV8 magazine (anyone remember it? No? Didn’t think so! Don’t blame you!), and that wasn’t yesterday! So, with such a wait, would the album live up to its monicker? Would the weight of expectation result in a cruel letdown? Thankfully, I have to say no. It has been worth the wait. The octet of tunes are carefully crafted, dynamically delivered, with beautifully balanced shades of light and dark, heaviness and subtlety, all coupled with a clear, precise production. I must admit to feeling a large Therapy? influence, especially in the instrumental sections of the likes of ‘Another Way Down’, but that is not a bad thing, and the trio do carve their own very clear creative path. Stand out track: ‘Liar Disciple’.
OK, folks, that’s yer little lot for the moment. I’ll be posting reviews of the new Cruachan and Primordial releases as soon I getting my mitts on ‘em, but hopefully this has given you something to think and talk about. As ever, I appreciate your feedback, either here or via the Paradise City Belfast / Hard Rock Hell NI Facebook pages.
Any bands / labels who want their stuff reviewed here, either pm me on Facebook or email paradisecitybelfast@hotmail.com and I’ll let you know where to send stuff.
Thanks for reading. Rock on. Monk out.
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