Legendary punk band Subhumans announced a United States with support from Cop/Out and Upchuck on select dates!

This tour comes after a reissue of Subhumans’ first 6 LPs which were all remastered from the original tapes. These records were pressed on several different versions with fans from around the globe quickly snatching up copies. Additionally, a limited edition box set featuring all six records plus an exclusive 10”, slipmat, and 52 page book was released and sold out in a matter of hours.

Subhumans have more surprises and plans throughout the rest of 2023 and beyond so fans will be waiting with anticipation for subsequent announces from Dick Lucas and the rest of the band.

Catch Subhumans live:

May 26 – Minneapolis, MN – Uptown VFW (w/ War//Plague, Cop/Out, Surrogates)

May 27 – Milwaukee, WI – Cactus Club +

May 28 – Chicago, IL – Cobra Lounge +

May 29 – St Louis, MO – Off Broadway +

May 30 – Indianapolis, IN – Black Circle +

May 31 – Cincinnati, OH – Legends +

June 01 – Cleveland, OH – Grog Shop +

June 02 – Millersville, PA – Phantom Power +

June 03 – Washington, DC – Black Cat #

June 04 – Richmond, VA – Richmond Music Hall #

June 05 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle #

June 06 – Columbia, SC – New Brookland Tavern #

June 07 – Atlanta, GA – The Earl

June 08 – Jacksonville, FL – Jack Rabbits #

June 09 – Orlando, FL – Will’s Pub #

June 10 – Tampa, FL – Brass Mug #

+ – w/ Cop/Out
# – w/ Upchuck

It’s been a few years since Tyla has graced us with his presence here at The Fulford Arms, what with lockdowns, ill health and all that jazz. Still, here we are celebrating 40 years of The Dogs D’amour with a few low-key shows at independent venues across the country. The first weekender is a couple of ‘spiritual home’ gigs for the band, and following last night’s tour opener at Bannerman’s in Edinburgh, Tyla and the gang roll into York for a sold-out show that will probably be tinged with sadness following the announcement of Quireboys original guitarist Guy Bailey’s passing just the day before.

Up first we have local troubadour Daniel Lucas aka Boss Caine. The last time I saw him live was probably supporting The Dogs here actually. Covid times don’t seem to have changed the man too much, the hair is shorter and the cowboy hat has been replaced by a flat cap, but the song remains the same.

Opening with ‘Ghosts And Drunks’ sets the scene nicely with mournful chords and sandpaper vocals that sit somewhere on the nicer side of Tom Waits. His storytelling and observations of life, whether his or those around him are captivating, and he has a way of drawing you in and paying attention. Just a man and his acoustic guitar with a bunch of tales of love, loss and addiction seems quite a fitting match for the main attraction and the growing crowd seem to think so too by the response. 

I’m sure most live reviews of The Dogs D’amour could start with the sentence “Tyla looks like he has a had a few bevvies already as he takes to the stage”, and tonight is one of those nights. Dressed in an oversized suit, sporting a big, shaggy beard and his dyed black hair longer than I can ever remember him wearing it, the Wolverhampton Wanderer looks like Lemmy meets Fagin and he is in good spirits tonight, or should I say is full of good spirits tonight!

You cannot dislike the gloriously ramshackle sound that The Dogs D’amour create in any guise, and they are always entertaining live. Tyla has written many songs that soundtrack my youth, from those very early days up until the early 2000’s anyway. And as the band are celebrating 40 years of The Dogs D’amour, they are doing things a bit differently tonight. Not only is it a set of just classic songs, but it is also played chronologically, with stories and anecdotes in-between each song from the main man and songwriter himself. Whether half of these stories are true, only one man knows, but its comedy gold all the same.

As Tyla picks the opening notes to ‘Heroine’ those who are witnessing things for the first time may wonder whether he’ll make it through the first song without fucking it up, of course he does! Between songs Tyla explains the origin of each song he is about to play, usually with the words “anyway, and so the next day…” or something similar. And what transpires is possibly a dream set list for any fan of classic Dogs material. None are actually introduced by name, but he doesn’t need to do that, we know them all anyway. From early obscurities like ‘The State I’m In’ and ‘How Do You Fall In Love Again’ to chart bothering singles (“we were on Top Of The Pops you know!”) such as ‘How Come It Never Rains’ and ‘Satellite Kid’, to personal favourites such as ‘Last Bandit’ (dedicated to Guy), ‘Firework Girl’ and ‘Billy Two Rivers’ it is all delivered with passion.

Backed as ever by guitarist Gaz Pennick and fellow Balladmongrel Matty James Cassidy on bass, the band are suitably ramshackle, yet never on the verge of falling apart. Props to drummer Dave Cumming who stood in for the much-missed Simon Hanson for these shows.

Tyla sips from a pint of Guinness between songs and performs several songs sat on a chair. His banter is comedy gold and the stories are informative. Who ever knew that ‘Angel’ was inspired by a guy in a bowler hat who narrowly missed getting squashed by a falling fridge freezer, but Tyla changed it to a piano as it sounded cooler? Did Bukowski have such inspiration to draw from I wonder?

When Gaz informs Tyla they only have time for 3 more songs, he calls Matty over to take lead vocals for the latest Balladmongrels single ‘How The Beautiful Fall’ before ending the set with a killer singalong of ‘Drunk Like Me’.

Armed with the most sentimental of melodies and the most poetic lyrics, The Dogs D’amour came to celebrate 40 years of debauchery and York came with their loudest voices to sing every chorus back to them. A good time, no a great time.

Author: Ben Hughes

Website

Jesse Malin – ‘Wendy (Tail Lights Fade)’ (One Little Indian Records) A re-recorded version of the original album song ‘Wendy’ and the first of three to be issued in the coming months that have not already been included on a bonus LP of new versions with the reissue. Reimagined and re-recorded with his longtime band, the material was produced by Derek Cruz and engineered by Geoff Sanoff, who worked on Malin’s recent ‘Sunset Kids’ and ‘Sad And Beautiful World albums. Whatever Malin does is fine by me the guy has never put a foot wrong from his D Gen days through Bellvue, The Finger and beyond, his solo records are a breath of fresh air and this reimagined version of a classic is another day for Malin but a lifetime of memories for us fans. Brilliant! Bring on those live uk tour dates.

Baby Schillaci – ‘So Bad’ (Lavender Sweep Records) Dark, brooding, restrained, punchy ‘So Bad’ is a monster of a tune lying in the darkened corners of your mind before kicking off as the throb gets more and more intense. A really impressive single and video to perfectly accompany it. Baby Schillaci are building momentum before they release their EP this summer. Get in on the ground floor as these boys climb and climb. Great stuff.

Jim Jones Allstars – ‘Gimme The Grease’ (Ako-Lite Records) It’s been a long time coming but having new music from Jim Jones is always a welcome blessed place to be. ‘Gimme the Grease’ is a horn honking, snare shuffling, hip shaking howling good time. when the horns honk in over that shuffle and phat bassline it’s musical manna from the Rock and Roll Gods. Single of the month? Fuckin right it is, Hallalulia Sweet baby Jesus. This is the sound of the summer coming and I can’t wait for the live shows that are about to hit us. Greased hair, Memphis hip shaking and Dirty Horns all topped off with the unmistakable bark of Jim Jones. These All-Stars have absolutely nailed it like you ever doubted them. Get on these live dates Here

The Shunkos – ‘EP’ (Lavender Sweep Records) Being the little hipsters that they are this cassette-only release of their first five tracks has been long overdue. Of course, it’s fast, loud, a little bit dirty and a lot of fun The Shunkos have been skating around the South Wales scene now for a while and grabbing plenty of admirers with their hectic live shows in some unique venues (how about an off license?) Sure these songs were written and recorded before they’d even played a single show so it’s fair to say they’ve evolved already and whilst the core of their repertoire is inspired from down under these boyos have shread some of that skin and developed their own punk rock noise and they’re reeling in more and more admirers with ever show.

The EP kicks off with the Chubby & The Gang style ‘Uni Mate’ it’s not big or clever but the Uni Mate is real and your introduction is short sharp and to the point. Now finish your beer and get on the dance floor. ‘Meal Deal’ is inspired by the Tesco special and rides in on a surf lick and rollicking chorus that will have you bopping along. there are five tunes involved on this tape and to be fair there are some belters on offer like ‘Bepop Dan’ who sounds like a right cu next Tuesday but his tribute from these Shunkos is fitting and punching. Picking a favourite tune is a tough one but ’83’ is a tasty number with plenty of bites. Get these boys on tour with the Chats or Cosmic Psychos, it would be messy but a whole heap of fun and ‘Beer & Gear’ would sound great alongside ‘Nice Day To Go To The Pub’ so much so they should be twinned (if that’s such a thing anymore) Port Talbot has never had it so good. Get one of these powder blue tapes sharpish if you want to be hip.

Killer Kin – ‘Mr Dynamite’ (Dead Beat Records) Killer cut from their debut album is just enough of a peek under the curtain of the awesome Killer Kin. Part Stooges (ok big part) some Alice Cooper and a generous heap of Dictators and a sprinkling of The Cavemen should see you in the right ballpark. Unhinged reckless Rock n Fuckin Roll! pounding rhythm with that fuzzed-up garage lead being fired around the speakers indiscriminately hitting anything and everything and if you’re asking if this single is an indication of how damn good the album is gonna sound, then I can confirm you better hold on to your pants, this one a motherfuckin ripper! Only a couple of weeks to go and you can own the record.

Steve Adamyk Band – ‘Do You Wanna Know’ (Drunk Dial Records) These songs were never meant to be on an official release. Rather, they are the spontaneous recordings of longtime bandmates after splitting a case of Costco Coronas. Recorded in the summer of 2021 in Mayo, Quebec. Power Poppers Steve Adamyk Band do a sterling job of hammering out top-notch power pop punk rock and these covers are part of their DNA and how they sound like they do. Fantastic cover, hang on, two fantastic covers. I’m not sure which I prefer but the whiney keys on the Sedatives ‘Slip Away’ might just grab it for me. either way a cool 45 and I’m glad it has seen the light of day. check them out. Also, I love Drunk Dials’ premise for their Single releases it’s such a cool thing to do from getting bands you love inebriated to releasing 45s of what comes as a result of the drinking and rockin’.

Nosebleed – ‘All I Know’ (TNS Records) Lifted from the bands album that was reviewed on these here pages to much applause ‘All I Know’ is a cool cut drifting from dreamy garage rock to a solo that lifts the hairs on the back of your neck. Nosebleed nail it.

Midtempo homage to surf rock is just about right and with an easy singalong even the most inebriated gig goer could manage to sing along to. Hit the link and check ’em out, Top stuff.

The Hip Priests – ‘Pissed On Power’ (The Sign Records) Short sharp and to the point our favourite UK reprobates of all things noisy Garage/punk/rock have a new album about to drop in the coming weeks and have been releasing videos to accompany some of the tunes from the album and ‘Pissed On Power’ is the latest. Ferocious and fucked up the band have stepped up the energy and this earworm will testify that. From the pounding rhythm to the flashing blades vying for your ears through the relentles solos. This one has everything you want from the East Midlands based misfits. Let there be Rock and some more loud guitars for good measure. Filmed at various venues and a van that smells like the inside of Colin Grigsons jockstrap stuck to Vim Fuegos leather strides – We Love it!

Jim Bob – ‘Thanks For Reaching Out’ (Cherry Red Records) known for being the frontman of Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine this first offering from his new album of the same name. It’s a ray of sunshine in dark times from the acoustic guitar and its beautiful big chords to the semi-deadpan vocal delivery it’s a smartly constructed slice of alternative post-punk. It is the sound of a bottle being uncorked and all the fizz goes everywhere spilling out pop, punk rock Buzzcocks style, and some smart kinks melody it really is a fantastic song and if the rest of his twelfth solo studio album is half as good as this then I can’t wait it’ll be a belter.

Stevie R. Pearce and the Hooligans – ‘Out Go The Lights’ (Self Release) Stevie and his merry band of new Hooligans are back swinging their hard n heavy sounds and this time they’re getting punchy. Inspired by a near altercation Stevie R Pearce is raring to go. Taking his new hooligans out on the road for some selective dates. ‘Out Go The Lights’ is hard, heavy and in your face. Pearce & his Hooligans are locked and loaded and pounding away along their heavy path with mega riffage and screaming solos its got the fuckin’ lot and my moneys on them winning this fight. Punchy fuckers.

OFF! – ‘Keep Your Mouth Shut’ (Fat Possum Records) As if Hardcore suergroup OFF! needed to fuck with our heads anymore than they already do they go and add extra headfuckery for RSD 2023. ‘Keep YOur Mouth Shut’ is the unmistakable yelp of Morris and co kicking ass and rockin out. If thats not enough the footage for the video is cut from the OFF! movie Here Off! havent put a single foot out of place since their first four and this is just more of that magical Hardcore, get on itkids its what RSD was made for.

Loose Sutures – ‘Highway Shooter’ (Electric Valley Records) Heavy on the ride and turn that fuckin fuzz up and when you think you have enough fuzz turn it up some more. Heavy psych fuzzed garage rock from Italy are back swinging with their heavy as-hell fuzzed-up rock n roll howling good tune to showcase their new long player. Features  Nick Oliveri and Alain Johannes so what finer endorsement of what’s coming do you need? Get on this record kids it’ll give you a thousand cool credits. Absolute Banger!

The Mistakes – Heathens (Time And Mater Records) Punk rock from the streets of Poole sees The Mistakes embrace the spirit of punk rock on ‘Heathens’, the second single to be taken from the forthcoming LP ‘A GOOD HILL TO DIE ON’, scheduled for release late summer (TBC) 2023 on Time & Matter Records.

‘Heathens’ is a punchy affair from The Mistakes, It’s fist-pumping Street punk singing about the very essence of what we write about and what they play and perform for. It’s either in yer blood or it isn’t. Don’t fake it, embrace it and get the job done properly with heart and soul. The Mistakes take no nonsense and deliver the goods of street punk at its finest. Hit them up on Facebook and tell them RPM Onlinne sent you.

Band pic courtesy of Mark Weiss

4-CD And 4-LP Sets Feature Original Album Remastered

Plus a New Mix of the Full Album

Available 2nd June 2023 Pre order Here

The Newly Remastered Version of “The Mob Rules (Live)” is Available 

Black Sabbath’s first official live album, Live Evil, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year with a new Super Deluxe Edition that introduces newly remixed and remastered versions of the acclaimed double album.

LIVE EVIL (40th ANNIVERSARY SUPER DELUXE EDITION) will be released on 2nd June as a 4-CD set, a 4-LP set and digitally. The collections feature two versions of the legendary album: a newly remastered version by Andy Pearce along with a new mix created from the original analog multi-tracks by longtime band associate Wyn Davis. The physical versions also come with illustrated hardback books that include new liner notes and replicas of the concert book and poster from the Mob Rules tour. The newly remastered version of “The Mob Rules” is available digitally, today. Listen now.

A new era of Black Sabbath began in 1979 when singer Ronnie James Dio joined the band, along with founding members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, to launch a new incarnation of the iconic heavy metal band.

The newly minted quartet debuted in 1980 with Heaven and Hell, a platinum-certified smash that won over fans of the original lineup. Halfway through the album’s tour, Ward left and was replaced by Vinny Appice. When the tour ended in 1981, the group decamped to Los Angeles and quickly recorded Sabbath’s 10th studio album, Mob Rules. Released in November 1981, the album would be certified gold. While touring for the album, the band announced plans to record several shows for what would become its first official concert album.

In the extensive liner notes that accompany LIVE EVIL (40th ANNIVERSARY SUPER DELUXE EDITION), Hugh Gilmour writes: “The ten-month Mob Rules tour was certainly a very successful one, resurrecting their reputation not only as a band that could fill major venues, but one that could sell plenty of vinyl and cassettes too. Black Sabbath Mk 2 had given their record label two best-selling LPs and were about to present a third.”

When Live Evil arrived in 1983, the double album was a commercial and critical triumph, reaching #13 in the U.K. and #37 on the Billboard Top 200. Reviews were overwhelmingly positive, including one from influential heavy metal magazine Kerrang! that hailed it as “one of the greatest live albums of all time.”

The recordings capture the ferocious chemistry and dark magic that defined this incarnation of Black Sabbath with thrilling live versions of recent tracks like “Neon Knights,” “The Sign Of The Southern Cross,” “Voodoo,” and “Children Of The Sea.” The album also honored the band’s original lineup with Dio-led versions of Sabbath classics like “Paranoid,” “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” and “N.I.B.”

Alas, the lineup split before the album was released. Iommi and Butler continued as Black Sabbath, while Dio and Appice left to record Dio’s solo debut, Holy Diver. Still, it wasn’t the final chapter for the band.

The story continued over a decade later when Dio and Appice rejoined Iommi and Butler to record 1992’s Dehumanizer. They went their separate ways yet again, only to reconvene in 2006 – under the moniker Heaven and Hell – to record three new songs. After a hugely successful world tour, the quartet released what would be its final studio album, 2009’s The Devil You Know, which entered Billboard’s Top 200 chart at #8. Shortly after the album’s debut, Dio was diagnosed with cancer, a disease that led to his passing in 2010.

LIVE EVIL (40th ANNIVERSARY SUPER DELUXE EDITION)

CD Track Listing

1.   “E5150”

2.   “Neon Knights”

3.   “N.I.B.”

4.   “Children of the Sea”

5.   “Voodoo”

6.   “Black Sabbath”

7.   “War Pigs”

8.   “Iron Man”

1.   “The Mob Rules”

2.   “Heaven and Hell”

3.   “The Sign of the Southern Cross”

4.   “Heaven and Hell” (Reprise)

5.   “Paranoid”

6.   “Children of the Grave”

7.   “Fluff”

40th Anniversary Remaster (CDs 1-2)

40th Anniversary New Mix (CDs 3-4)

LIVE EVIL (40th ANNIVERSARY SUPER DELUXE EDITION)

LP Track Listing

Side One

1.      “E5150”

2.      “Neon Knights”

3.      “N.I.B.”

4.      “Children of the Sea”

5.      “Voodoo”

Side Two

1.      “Black Sabbath”

2.      “War Pigs”

3.      “Iron Man”

Side Three

1.      “The Mob Rules”

2.      “Heaven and Hell”

Side Four

1.      “The Sign of the Southern Cross”

2.      “Heaven and Hell” (Reprise)

3.      “Paranoid”

4.      “Children of the Grave”

5.      “Fluff”

40th Anniversary Remaster (LPs 1-2)

40th Anniversary New Mix (LPs 3-4)

Somethigns happenign in the underground and all across south Wales there seems to be new exciting bands kicking up a shitstorm. From the East to the West its happening and the good people of South Wales need to get on board and maybe it will catch fire. Last weekend I went to the wonderful venue that is the Elyseum on the salubrious High Street to catch the impressive Baby Schillaci who have impressed me with their first two singles. So, it seemed only fair that I should go catch them live and see if this fire needs fanning and to be fair it didn’t dissapoint.

We arrived to see a healthy crowd in early for the performance of noisy alt punks Hong Kong Handover who seemed to be enjoying their time making a noise and thrashing about. Maybe a sweaty dark pub would be more suited and not having heard anything by them before it kinda washed over me but I did like their energy. As for HWDU i’ve seen them before in a squalid local pub where they were harvesting the wuhan bats for any future pandemic better known to locals as The Duke in nearby Neath. The first thing I noticed was singer/guitar player was sporting a Dead Moon shirt which isn’t somethign I was expecting on this Saturday night in Swansea and the band have some strong songs in the mix of their grungy post punk noise and along with their enthusiasm this evening eas shaping up rather nicely.

By the time the headliners took to the floor, there was a decent expectant audience in attendance as the band ripped open their set with some strong material in their brief but to-the-point set. Having two guitars and two vocalists is a good move for their post-punk offerings and a set that blended well through the darker more alternative style songs in the set (mixing up some of the darker britpop with the punk grunge of ‘Bleach’ through the pre ‘Bla Bla Bla’ era that Iggy had going on.

I was impressed with the quality of the songs and the style, but the ones that worked best were the all-out noise they brought to the room and it was with great energy. I want to hear more and see them play again an impressive performance from these boys on first impressions and no doubt they could be onto something with songs like ‘Radical’ and ‘Dead Wrestler’. As the songs will be more familiar and with each performance I’ve no doubt they will get better and better. They did save the best til last and finished off their short but sweet set with the new single ‘So Bad’, it was perfect as the pit was whipped up and we were left wanting more. Excellent night out and it was Free entry, bonkers!

Remember the name and if they hit your town get out there and get involved ‘Baby Schillaci’, Yeah! total Schillaci. Impressive first impressions.

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Author: Dom Daley

A mere 23 years after its release, the debut album by Rachel Stamp gets a souped-up reissue. Given their “should have been huge” status, and the current, prolific solo career of main man David Ryder Prangley, it’s about time. Released on CD and pink vinyl, there’s 17 tracks to please both ardent fans and newcomers. I’m somewhere in the middle, owning all but this album, so it’s a treat to hear the songs that don’t feature on the ‘Now I’m Nailed To Your Bedroom Wall…’ compilation.

Such as ‘Brand New Toy’, which has all the requisite sleaze you’d expect, as well as hiding an Alice Cooper album title in it’s lyrics. Both ‘Ladies And Gents’ and ‘Spank’ tip a slight nod of the head towards Mr Stuart Goddard, while ‘Pink Skab’ is a more in-yer-face tribute. I remember the live review of him joining the band onstage for ‘Beat My Guest’ and kicking myself for not being there. So, it’s no wonder that David and Will have both been part of the Ant family, and rightly so.

However, Rachel Stamp were impossible to categorise, which I imagine gave the record labels a headache, as they do like an easy time. After being dropped by WEA in 1997, it took the band a while to find their footing. Originally recorded in two weeks, this sounds surprisingly fresh, partly from the mix and partly because they’re great songs. Because they never fitted into a neat box, they haven’t aged.

In spite of the ‘glam’ tag, there are some monster riffs here, from ‘Girl, You’re Just A Slave To Your Man’ to the downright filthy ‘Dirty Bone’, which dares to rhyme ‘sinner’ with ‘Pinner’. Thankfully, they have no shame. But there’s also the acoustic, Hispanic-tinged ‘Carmelita’ and ‘Take A Hold Of Yourself’ could almost be the Manics at their most appealing. Add to that the classics ‘Monsters Of The New Wave’, ‘Black Tambourine’ and ‘My Sweet Rose’, plus two savage live versions of ‘I Got The Worm’ and ‘Please Don’t Touch’, and what you have is a fine example of their unique sound.

Living in France meant that it was always unlikely that I would make the London gig, but at least this album is available now for all of us strange children.

Buy Here

Author: Martin Chamarette

Metallica have had a busy time recently; they have picked up a legion of younger Metallifans due to the TV show Stranger Things using the epic Master Of Puppets in a pivotal scene. This thrusted the metal titans into the consciousness of the masses and threw the spotlight onto what we longtime fans have known since the Eighties, that Metallica are the undisputed kings of heavy metal. They have also been busy recording a new opus that finally lands in our sweaty hands today.

A new Metallica album isn’t just a release, it’s an event. The juggernaut that is the Metallica marketing machine does a fantastic job of drip feeding just enough new material in advance of the album release to keep us rabid Metallifans happy until release day. The four tracks that we are now already more than familiar with; Lux Eterna, Screaming Suicide, If Darkness Had a Son, and the title track 72 Seasons are now ingrained into our brains.

The album’s title is explained by James Hetfield as; ‘The first 18 years of our lives that form our true or false selves. The concept that we were told ‘who we are’ by our parents. A possible pigeonholing around what kind of personality we are’. The album consists of twelve tracks and clocks in at 1 hr 17 min. It isn’t an easy listen by any means.  Hetfield’s demons have been well documented with his recent addiction relapse and divorce from his long-time wife feeding into the lyrical content of the album. Musically it’s everything you could possibly want from a Metallica album in 2023. Hetfield sounds amazing, he seems to get better with age. He spits out the lyrics with ferocity, and you know he means every word.

The whole band are pushing themselves here, Kirk Hammett brings back some Kill ‘Em All era soloing which put a smile on this scribe’s face. Lars Ulrich always has his critics, but he does a fine job here grooving, stabbing, and accenting Hetfield’s huge riffs as only he knows how. Forever the new boy, Robert Trujillo (he’s been in Metallica for twenty years) plays a blinder here. His solid groove holding everything together with Ulrich’s kick drum is highlighted beautifully on Sleepwalk My Life Away. You Must Burn chugs along nicely with another monstrous riff. Crown of Barbed Wire has a Sabbath fused riff that has you nodding along from the start. Another highlight is Chasing Light, Hammett using his trademark Wah – Wah to colour the intro before the band kicks in with a pummeling riff. Hetfield really has stretched himself vocally on this album, he sounds fantastic. The album closes with the epic eleven-minute Inamorata.

2023 Metallica is as relevant and important as ever. Thank you for continuing to inspire us, your ever-growing legion of Metallifans.

Buy Here

Author: Kenny Kendrick

Canadian sci-fi metal innovators VOIVOD are celebrating 40 eventful years of existence in 2023 and are pleased to announce a special Anniversary studio album entitled Morgöth Tales, to be released on July 21st, 2023 via Century Media Records.

Once more recorded and mixed by Francis Perron at RadicArt Studio, mastered by Maor Appelbaum and produced by VOIVOD, Morgöth Tales includes fresh studio (re-)recordings by the band’s current line-up of 9 especially selected, not-so-obvious picks from the band’s hyper-classy and extremely diverse back catalogue (between 1984 and 2003) as well as a brand-new song in the album’s title-track, “Morgöth Tales”.

VOIVOD drummer Michel “Away” Langevin commented about Morgöth Tales as follows: “’Morgöth Tales’ covers 40 years of space exploration. It was really exciting for us to revisit a more obscure part of the Voïvod catalogue, from thrash-punk to prog-metal to…? The title track is a new song, which we started writing in the tour bus and hotels during the Opeth European tour in November/December 2022. It has the vibe of the experimental music we are doing nowadays, with a new twist I think. We also had the great thrill of getting E-Force and Jasonic involved on this album. I hope you’ll dig it, Chewy, Rocky, Snake and I certainly had a blast recording it. All aboard and ready for take off!“

The Ltd. CD Jewelcase in O-Card and Digital Album formats will also come with a cover version of the Public Image Ltd. track “Home” as bonus.
 
The LP format will come on 180g vinyl and with a 4page LP-Booklet in the following variants:

  • Black LP – Unlimited
  • White LP – Ltd. 800x copies (Canada & www.cmdistro.de)
  • Transparent Green LP – Ltd. 300x copies (www.cmdistro.de)
  • Red LP – Ltd. 300x copies (VOIVOD outlets)

>>> Attention: The pre-order for Morgöth Tales in its various formats will begin on May 19th, 2023.

VOIVOD – Europe & UK Tour:
Apr. 16, 2023 – Eindhoven (The Netherlands) – Prognosis Festival
Apr. 18, 2023 – Bristol (UK) – The Fleece + Cryptic Shift
Apr. 19, 2023 – Glasgow (UK) – Slay + Cryptic Shift
Apr. 20, 2023 – Manchester (UK) – Rebellion + Cryptic Shift
Apr. 21, 2023 – Southampton (UK) – The 1865 + Cryptic Shift
Apr. 22, 2023 – London (UK) – Prognosis Festival
 
VOIVOD – USA Tour w/ Imperial Triumphant:
May 9, 2023 – Asheville, NC – Orange Peel * no Imperial Triumphant
May 10, 2023 – Virginia Beach, VA – Elevation 27 * no Imperial Triumphant
May 11, 2023 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts
May 12, 2023 – New York, NY – The Bowery
May 13, 2023 – Baltimore, MD – Soundstage
May 14, 2023 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground
May 16, 2023 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Revolution Live
May 17, 2023 – Tampa, FL – Floridian
May 18, 2023 – Atlanta, GA – Center Stage
May 19, 2023 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues
May 20, 2023 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall
May 21, 2023 – Austin, TX – Come and Take It
May 23, 2023 – Pensacola, FL – The Vinyl Music Hall * no Imperial Triumphant

VOIVOD – Europe Tour:
May 26, 2023 – Wiesbaden (Germany) – Schlachthof w/ Testament, Exodus
May 27, 2023 – Ulm (Germany) – Roxy
May 28, 2023 – Munich (Germany) – Backstage w/ Testament, Exodus
May 30, 2023 – Lyon (France) – Transbordeur w/ Testament, Exodus
May 31, 2023 – Pratteln (Switzerland) – Z7 w/ Testament, Exodus
June 1, 2023 – Trezzo sull’Adda / Milano (Italy) – Live Club w/ Testament, Exodus
June 2, 2023 – Ljubljana (Slovenia) – Kino Siska w/ Testament, Exodus
June 3, 2023 – Stuttgart (Germany) – Im Wizemann w/ Testament, Exodus
June 5, 2023 – Berlin (Germany) – Columbia Theater w/ Testament, Exodus
June 7, 2023 – Budapest (Hungary) – Durer Kert
June 8, 2023 – Salzburg (Austria) – Rockouse Bar
June 9, 2023 – Prague (Czech Republic) – Futurum
June 10, 2023 – Gdansk (Poland) – Mystic Festival
June 13, 2023 – Hamburg (Germany) – Markthalle w/ Testament, Exodus
June 14, 2023 – Amersfoort (The Netherlands) – Flour
June 15, 2023 – Wasquehal / Lille (France) – The Black Lab
June 17, 2023 – Clisson (France) – Hellfest
June 18, 2023 – Dessel (Belgium) – Graspop Metal Meeting
June 22-24, 2023 – Oslo (Norway) – Tons of Rock Festival
Aug. 3-5, 2023 – Wacken (Germany) – Wacken Open Air
Aug. 11-12, 2023 – Helsinki (Finland) – Helsinki Metal Festival
And more international dates to be announced soon…

Morgöth Tales succeeds VOIVOD’s 15th (!) much acclaimed and Juno Awards winning studio album “Synchro Anarchy”, which entered sales charts upon release in early 2022 as follows: Germany # 7 (!), Switzerland # 64, Austria # 67, The Netherlands # 88, Belgium # 129, UK (Rock & Metal) # 7, Canada (Hard Music) # 2, USA Current Hard Music # 8, USA Top New Artist # 11, USA Heatseekers # 56 and USA Current Album # 67. VOIVOD also released the special “Ultraman – EP” in late 2022, which contains a highly original tribute to the “Ultraman” TV series theme.

Check out VOIVOD’s “Synchro Anarchy” album via the previously released videos here:
“Planet Eaters”: https://youtu.be/lvHjNcjMqvU
“Paranormalium”: https://youtu.be/sIgY8LNK8H4
“Synchro Anarchy”: https://youtu.be/hryt9k8Zql8
“Sleeves Off”: https://youtu.be/-4hDSNieOnA
“Quest For Nothing”: https://youtu.be/vjPVLpCFF08

You can still order “Synchro Anarchy” here: https://voivodband.lnk.to/SynchroAnarchy
The “Ultraman – EP” is also still available here: https://voivodband.lnk.to/Ultraman-EP

And stay connected for further details on “Morgöth Tales” and more VOIVOD news coming soon…

VOIVOD line-up:
Dominic “Rocky” Laroche – Bass
Michel “Away” Langevin – Drums
Denis “Snake” Bélanger – Vocals
Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain – Guitar

VOIVOD online:
http://voivod.com
http://www.facebook.com/Voivod
http://www.instagram.com/voivodofficial
https://twitter.com/voivoddotnet


 

Its fair to say that the LA Guns have struck a rich seam of form and are knocking out cock rock Diamonds left right and centre from ‘Checkered Past’ through ‘The Devil You Know’ and the last offering ‘The Missing Peace’. The main players of Guns and Lewis seemingly on the same page and the music is all the better for that. However having the likes of Johnny Martin in the engine room laying down the rhythm is a big part of this sound.

With Production handled by Tracii Guns, ‘Black Diamonds’ is indeed a tour-de-force of rock ‘n roll and right from the off the groove heavy ‘You Betray’ offers up a swagger and cool lick courtecy of Guns dirty guitar but its Lewis who steals the show with a huge display of vocal talent soaring over the last three albums with a spine tingling performance.

Written and recorded over the course of 2022, ‘Black Diamonds’ offers eleven songs of LA Guns gold. Sure there are loads of impressive licks that fall from Guns fretboard but he can’t carry a whole album with riffs he needs the engine room being stoked by a rhythm section of exceptional quality who have the groove none better displayed than on ‘Wrong About You’.

You also have a band that can slow it down and display a softer, gentler, and warmer like they do perfectly on ‘Diamonds’. A song that ebbs and flows like all good power balads should, the band have done throughout their career to be fair.

If you’re in the mood for some 70s-inspired Rock then look no further than ‘Babylon’ dipping its toe in the Bowie-inspired hard rock but its got that sleazy swagger that is pure LA Guns and the world is a better place for it. ‘Shame’ is a laid-back honkin’ song Aerosmith used to do so why wouldn’t the Guns fill that void? Some nice harmonica and again Lewis works those pipes out to great effect.

I remember when the band hit the ground running back in the late 80s offering something different and not afraid to mix their hard rock roots with their punk rock roots and the no-brainer of 70s Glam dropping their glittery bombs all over their catalogue. This record has elements of all of the above running throughout it, ‘Shattered Glass’ is a cool example of a very good song not relying on style over substance, the chorus has a good gang vocal punching in unison with Lewis’ lead vocal and then a dirty solo to tidy things up, on what is a great song that gets better the more you play it (the louder it gets also helps).

‘Gonna Lose’ heads back to the porch for some acoustic navel-gazing but the song doesn’t hang around wallowing because they turn it up a notch for a dirty verse before settling back down a really good song that showcases exactly what the band does best big dirty riffs and tender moments where the two main players showcase their unique talents that work so well together.

The album isn’t front-loaded with the best songs if anything the latter half is where the gold is or should that be the diamonds? ‘Got It Wrong’ is exceptional, a cool groove with a banging tempo and Lewis on top form drawing you in to hear exactly what he’s got to say. Punky, raw yet uptempo and absolutely rockin.

The band’s creative energy is on disp[lay for the world to see and the quality has been continuing unabated over the course of, now, four studio albums.

“Black Diamonds” shows no signs of L.A. Guns hanging up their guitars and on this form they should never contemplate it either. Still kickin’ it unlike so many of their peers this band is up for the fight and they’re coming out swinging. Songs like ‘Lowlife’ will testify that and if you’ve had enough throwing yourself around then sit back and pour yourself a large glass and get into the cool swaggering ‘Crying’ as the band gets its collective hips shaking on one that Bolan would have been proud to have penned.

It only leaves ‘Like A Drug’ to finish this album off in style L.A. Guns style. when you know what you do best and write songs to suite yourself in that style then you are on to a winner and this album might just top the last few over time. Join the gang and get involved. L.A Guns are in da house and they’re kickin ass big time. Buy It!

Buy Here

Social Media:
https://www.lagunsmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/L.A.GunsOfficial/
https://www.instagram.com/laguns/
https://twitter.com/laguns

Ah, the good old New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). It conjures up such names as Saxon, Motorhead, Iron Maiden, Def Leppard (Yes, them as well), Angel Witch, Diamond Head, Samson, Tygers of Pan Tang, Demon etc. How many of you remember Trespass though? I vaguely remember them being name checked by Lars Ulrich of Metallica a few times (love him or hate him, Lars has helped a lot of those bands out over the years).

Trespass were formed back in 1979 in Sudbury, Suffolk by Mark Sutcliffe (guitar, vocals) and his brother Paul on drums. They only released a few singles and an EP which were critically acclaimed at the time and after a live session on the Friday Rock Show with Tommy Vance the band were included on a BBC compilation Metal Explosion, and they had two tracks featured on the second volume of the Metal For Muthas compilation series.

The band split and reformed in the 90s and finally released a debut album Head. It wasn’t until 2015 that a second album was released and Footprints In The Rock marked a turning point for the band. Their traditional metal sound arching back to the twin lead guitar antics of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Thin Lizzy ensured that Trespass found new (and old) fans who were ready to embrace the new revitalised line up.

Jump forward to 2023 and Trespass are ready to let the world hear their latest long player Wolf At The Door. The album features eleven brand new tracks and production was overseen by Nigel Palmer (Raging Speedhorn). The album deals with a plethora of lyrical themes including environmental issues and world affairs and the production is crisp and clear.

Album opener Blackthorn (no its not about cider) is extremely catchy with some quality guitar playing from Mark Sutcliffe and Joe Fawcett. Daggers Drawn is another ear worm with more of that warm sounding twin lead guitar work. Force Of Nature has a Rush like intro that rolls into a riff which has more than a passing resemblance to Rainbow’s Stargazer. Other Worlds has a more melodic feel in the vein of later Maiden. Ghost Pilot is a straight-ahead rocker with a nod along riff and more fantastic playing from the entire band, Sutcliffe has a more than capable voice and sings well here. Back To The Woods has more of a Wishbone Ash vibe to it with a dreamlike quality that really holds the listeners attention. Crooked Cross is another head banger with some tasteful drumming from Jason Roberts.

The album concludes in style with the title track that has a touch of Kings X about it. Trespass have done themselves proud here, this really is a quality slab of traditional metal that will hopefully open more doors for them. The album artwork by Mark Wilkinson (Marillion, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden) is exceptional too.

Wolf At The Door’ will be released on LP (black vinyl, limited to 500), CD and digital formats via From The Vaults on May 26th, 2023.

Buy Here

Author: Kenny Kendrick