The Hellacopters – ‘Eyes Of Oblivion’ (Nuclear Blast)

The Hellacopters – ‘Eyes Of Oblivion’ (Nuclear Blast)

It’s been a while since The Hellacopters put out a new album and in some quarters the anticipation has reached fever pitch. Sure they’re not the band that got down to business all those years ago with the sonic headfuck of ‘Super Shitty To The Max’ Christ that was ’96 they’re a lot older and as for wiser? Fuck knows I do know a lot of water has gone under the bridge since then and not all of it has been good. ISE had their moments but the sound had evolved for sure like a lot of bands where the lineup has changed and careers moved left and right nobody would want them to stand still so trying to avoid the hype train and the fanboys can be an impossible task in the 21st century but here we are. April 2022 and it has arrived.

I find giving the records of Nicke Andersson time to breathe is best for me and dipping in or having them in a mix tends to grab me and the same has to be said about modern Hellacopters. I like that there are ten tracks and each one is almost perfect single in length and it didn’t become something of a ‘Chinese Democracy’ and whilst I wasn’t expecting ‘Action Now’ to rip out of my speakers I was pleasantly surprised with the howls of feedback ringing out of my speakers as the band kick out the jams with a strong opener. Big dirty riffs thumping low end and the Stooges piano tonking away in the background.

Andersson has a very distinctive vocal style and layers of vocals ring out on ‘Can It Wait’ and so many guitars scream out of the speakers in all directions courtesy of Dregen and Anders Lindstrom as well as Andersson Platow. It conjures up an image in my mind of a pirate galleon with Nicke in the crow’s nest moving through choppy waters with his pirate crew blasting out below him as they own the seas. It’s confident and punchy so far.

I was worried that this record was going to be Sweden’s answer to 38 Special but so far I’m delighted with what I’m hearing. The final dramatic refrain of the bluesy Ballad that is ‘So Sorry I Could Die’ which has an excellent performance from the frontman.

The title track is what I would say is comfortable Hellacopters territory and a track that brings up the bands arena Rock side. It’s a little like ‘Sonic Temple’ era Cult – One I’m hoping is a grower. I do however love the old school sleeve and with 180gm vinyl being the choice of the day the card sleeve must be at least 180gms as well which is nice.

Now ‘Plow And A Doctor’ is something I connected with right away. Reminds me of the modern Alice Cooper garage rock rather than the Stooges Garage that can be so alluring. the Piano is great and the overall production from Chips Kiesbye is spot on and just enough Kiss-like polish but a decent dose of rough assed distorted guitars n grit which really suits these songs none more so than this one.

‘Tin Foil Soldier’ veers into a bit of glam stomping territory and some Sweet (Pun intended) Slade like stomping. The breakdown is showaddy waddy on steroids and no filter cigarettes – I like it. ‘Beguiled’ is another 70s inspired rocker with hints of Lizzy in the lick and that’s always a winner.

As we race into the home straight I’m happy with what I’ve heard thus far and not having had a great deal of time to familiarise myself with these songs I’m impressed, and the acoustic rocker that is ‘The PRessures On’ is certainly not a ballad but more a late balmy night rolling through deserted streets in a big fat Cadillac with the top down and the stereo on loving life, it’s been that sort of journey. Leaving just ‘Try Me Tonight’ to take this bad boy home. With a cool lick the song stutters and jerks to life and hits that chorus in the sweet spot and we all join in on the chorus. Great song to close this off. I’m heading back to the beginning and going in again I think this might just be a grower. Get on it now and fill yer ears with ‘Eyes Of Oblivion’ it’s a bit tasty!

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Author: Dom Daley

Amyl and The Sniffers ‘Comfort To Me’ expanded release

Amyl and The Sniffers ‘Comfort To Me’ expanded release

G’DAY: introducing ‘Comfort To Me’ Expanded Edition, a double-disc vinyl 

DISC 1: ‘COMFORT TO ME’ 

DISC 2: The audio from Live at Williamstown, a concert film recorded in September 2021 by PHC Films, featuring a live performance of ‘Comfort To Me’ played start to finish on the Williamstown Docks, with a bonus track ‘Crave’.

‘Comfort To Me’ Expanded Edition is out on 13th May all over the world but you can buy here

We have also released the footage from the live performance of ‘Maggot’ at said Dock, which has not been seen since September 2021.

These Arms Are Snakes – ‘Duct Tape & Shivering Crows’ (Suicide Squeeze Records)

These Arms Are Snakes – ‘Duct Tape & Shivering Crows’ (Suicide Squeeze Records)

When you get an album to review that describes the band behind it as being; “a combination of synth-infused noise rock, bad-trip psychedelia, flamboyant proto-metal boogie, and unhinged basement-show hardcore.” I will challenge anyone not to have their interest immediately piqued.

I mean, what the hell did These Arms Are Snakes actually sound like when their spark burned brightly, albeit briefly, back in the noughties?

Well, ‘Duct Tape & Shivering Crows’, a thirteen track retrospective of the Seattle band’s seven year career, is certainly as good a place as any to find out.

With a tracklisting that runs in reverse order and kicks off with one of the last tracks the band recorded in the shape of the spikey ‘Meet Your Mayor’, These Arms Are Snakes immediately have me thinking of bands like Drive Like Jehu, Burning Airlines and Wales’s very own Midasuno.  This is music that is never going to get played on mainstream radio, but then again what music worth writing about actually does?

For me, it’s when the keyboards kick in during the Snakes’ take on Lost Sounds’ ‘Energy Drink And The Long Walk Home’ and the shadows of the grossly overlooked The (International) Noise Conspiracy are cast long over proceedings that the band fully ignite adding their own unique stamp to the song, something they then proceed to do with their almost Fall-esque take on Nirvana’s ‘Heart Shaped Box’. Interesting stuff indeed.

For the slightly more adventurous of you out there, it’s the likes of ‘Old Paradise’ with it’s almost Voivod like time changes and the mosh pit adrenaline rush of ‘Payday Loans’ that literally explodes from the speakers after an initial semi-ambient intro, that should get you grinning from ear to ear.

Finishing the set off with four songs from the band’s very first demo, ‘Duct Tape & Shivering Crows’ is only missing an overpriced can of beer, a perma-sticky dancefloor and the stench from the toilets to make it feel like the perfect night out at Newport’s Legendary TJ’s back in the early noughties, and as ‘The Blue Rose’ delivers the album’s watermelon Bubblicious influenced final notes, I can close my eyes and almost feel like I’m right back there.

You can sample the magic for yourselves (and maybe even recreate your very own favourite long lost music venue too) when ‘Duct Tape & Shivering Crows’ is released via Suicide Squeeze Records on CD, cassette, digital formats, and 2xLP on April 15th 2022.

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Author: Johnny Hayward

FRANK BLACK AND THE CATHOLICS – THE COMPLETE STUDIO ALBUMS vinyl boxset for July release

FRANK BLACK AND THE CATHOLICS – THE COMPLETE STUDIO ALBUMS vinyl boxset for July release

FRANK BLACK AND THE CATHOLICS

THE COMPLETE STUDIO ALBUMS

vinyl box set  

released 8th July 2022 

On 8th July Demon release Frank Black and The Catholics – The Complete Studio Albums box set. This superb box set includes 3 albums never before available on vinyl. Between 1998 and 2003, Frank Black and co. released six albums under the ‘Frank Black And The Catholics’ moniker. All recorded live and direct to two-track tape, the albums are some of the most energised, raw, and essential of Frank Black’s career.

 
For almost two decades, the Catholics’ studio albums have been out of print or unavailable on vinyl. Now, Demon Records is proud to present ‘The Complete Studio Albums’ boxset featuring all six original releases expertly remastered from the original studio tapes and pressed on heavyweight 180g clear vinyl. 

Includes all six studio albums –

‘Frank Black And The Catholics’ (1998), ‘Pistolero’ (1999), ‘Dog In The Sand’ (2001) [first time on vinyl], ‘Black Letter Days’ (2002) [2LP, first time on vinyl] ‘Devil’s Workshop’ (2002) [first time on vinyl], and ‘Show Me Your Tears’ (2003). 

Each album is pressed on 180g clear vinyl and housed in printed inner sleeves along with outer sleeves featuring spot gloss detailing. All 80 tracks have been newly remastered from the original studio tapes by Phil Kinrade at Alchemy Mastering at AIR.

 
The albums are housed together in a rigid outer sleeve and accompanied by a 32-page booklet featuring new liner notes by Catholics producer/engineer Ben Mumphrey plus unseen and rare photographs by Steve Gullick. 

Pre Order Here

The Mysterines – ‘Reeling’ (Fiction Records)

The Mysterines – ‘Reeling’ (Fiction Records)

The long awaited debut album from Merseyside titans in the making, The Mysterines! ‘Reeling’ is an apt title for the group, as anyone who has seen the band will know how effortlessly these guys reel off stellar material.


Kicking us all off with stomper ‘life is a bitch(but I like it so much)’ and followed up with the pummelling blow that is ‘Hung Up’. Already it’s clear that they have managed to recreate their live sound on this record, showcasing the power and intensity and losing nothing with any of the studio sheen.


Things slow down with the title track ‘reeling’ but with no loss of the intensity with the killer bass-led track. By the time we get to the previous single ‘Dangerous’, it’s practically a feeding frenzy for the listener, hitting Southern Gothic levels in terms of murder ballads, the delivery akin to PJ Harvey fronting Qotsa when they still sounded good.


My only criticism is at 13 tracks the record can seem a little bit long, but on the whole, the stronger material gives brooding shade and depth to the whole record making the whole event an experience to guarantee repeat listening.


Playling to packed out crowds on tour, big American festival dates in the diary, a top ten placing on the album charts (at time of writing), things are certainly looking up for the Mysterines and the future is very bright. 

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Author: Dan Kasm

Singles Club – April – Easter Eggs

Singles Club – April – Easter Eggs

Black Bombers – ‘Last Bite’ (Easy Action) there is an air of confidence and an overwhelming sense of quality when the guitar chimes in on this new single from Birmingham’s finest. Channeling the spirit of Stivs Lords and the cool of Killing Joke with its howling guitars and haunting rhythm it’s a smoldering smokestack of a tune and as it reaches the guitar solo, it gives you goosebumps as the band reaches the climax before dropping back into the groove on what is a most excellent single. It’s taken a while to reach your turntables due to covid but this one has had a couple of years to ferment into this beast of noise. Flip it over and you get treated to a rather splendid version of ‘Take My Money’ from the Damned criminally overlooked second album ‘Music For Pleasure’. What a killer tune ‘Last Bite’ is and thats why its the pick of the pops for the month no question about it! Cool tunes and cool artwork – if only all 7″ singles were this good. Buy Here

Buzzcocks – ‘Senses Out Of Control’ (Cherry Red Records) The songs to emerge from the post-Shelley Buzzcocks are creeping out after the covid hibernation and ‘Senses Out Of Control’ is a lovely slice of Diggle fire and brimstone. Uptempo and out of control as Diggle fires up the telecaster and smashes the chords out of the speakers for what is your typical Diggle Buzzers tune (effectively) I’m not going to debate the should it be released under the Buzzcocks banner or not but I will say it pretty bloody decent to be fair. Live it will sound punchy and brutal but there is a huge Shelley-shaped hole happening. The B sides to this lovely 10″ record also feature the tracks ‘Carnival Of Illusion’ that tackles cancel culture in a more measured track. But the diamond in the rough here is the excellent ‘Hope Heaven Loves You’ with a great meandering guitar line. Sure to become a collector’s piece these two tracks won’t be on the album when it’s released this summer so fill yer boots. Buy Here

Suzi Moon – ‘Animal’ (Pirates Press Records) Hot on the heels of her debut EP Suzi Moon unleashes ‘Animal’ her latest EP on Pirates PRess and this time it rips out of the blocks with the super turbocharged ‘Sonic Attraction’. Her debut album ‘Dumb & In Luv’ is due this summer and if this trio of tunes is anything to go by then it’s going to be an absolute blast. the title track is a brooding, twisting, rhythm meandering along before the guitars crash in on the chorus when Moon declares she’s a fucking animal you better believe it. To wrap up this EP Moon indulges some power pop tinged punk rock on ‘Gold Record Autograph’ its another string to her bow. With a vibrant melody, the chorus is fuckin’ excellent and like a bubble gummed chorus Moon knows shes is onto something, and surely it’s only a matter of time before she sells out venues globally and she’ll have her very own Gold Record. Get it here

Flickertail – ‘Don’t You Let Me (Let You Down)‘ (Golden Robot Records) Irish Aussie rockers FLICKERTAIL release new single ‘Don’t You Let Me (Let You Down’ on 29th March, out on Golden Robot Records. lifted from the upcoming live EP ‘Afterlife‘, which is slated for release mid-year. The track features sizzling guitars, high-paced lyrics about parties and poor decisions and a balls-to-the-wall drum solo that could make John Bonham blush.Pre-order/add/save ‘Don’t You Let Me (Let You Down)’ HERE

Chuck Norris Experiment – ‘Where Eagles Dare’ (Self Release) By no means a new tune but a new version from the mighty CNE as they lay into the Misfits classic. CNE gets the tempo and rawness of the song and capture it perfectly. Free Rock n Fucking Roll – yes please. Fill yer boots and if you already haven’t got yourself on board this is the perfect opportunity. Get it Here

WolfWolf & The Tuzemak Orchestra – ‘Monster’ (Lux Noise Records) For fans of the Bop n stroll Blues rock n roll of Urban Voodoo Machine, Wolf Wolf make an impressive mind-bending noise on this new single ‘Monster’ where they team up with The Tuzemak Orchestra: https://www.wolfwolfband.com

J Prozac – ‘Building Blocks’ (Rum Bar Records) Another band rolls off the Rum Bar conveyer belt and onto our stereos. This time its heart-worn sleeve heartland punk & garage rock from J Prozac. while still keeping the big hearted ‘whoa ohs’, snotty vocals and powerful punk rock guitar riffs of his former bands in check. It’s a memoir, diary, and photo book of lost but not forgotten moments, anthemic pop-punk lifted from the new album ‘Building Blocks’ is punk rock with a smile. Get the album Here

The Brokendolls – ‘The Only’ (Lux Noise Records) Lifted from the bands upcoming album ‘Snakecharmer’ Hard Rocking Punk N Roll sees the Brokendolls impress and march to the top of the pile giving the likes of Backyard Babies a run for their money with this new track. If the rest of the album can live up to these expectations then it promises to be a belter!

These Arms Are Snakes – ‘Camera Shy’ (Suicide Squeeze Records) US hardcore gents These Arms Are Snakes have announced a new rarities album called ‘Duct Tape & Shivering Crows’ which will be released April 15th so they have this video for the first single.

Ultrabomb – ‘Star’ (Ultrabomb Records) Greg Norton, once the driving force behind one of the most influential bands to emerge from the American punk scene, Hüsker Dü, alongside Finny McConnell, a name you’ll recognise from thirty years as the frontman of the Canadian Irish folk-punk sensation The Mahones. Completing the trio is the drumming powerhouse Jamie Oliver, having served well over fifteen years in the seminal British punk band UK Subs, as well as shorter stints with the likes of SNFU among others. Written for the singer’s daughter this is quality alternative punk rock. this second single has hints of Early Buffalo Tom and The Replacements which is always a good thing. With an album out soon the future looks written for Ultrabomb. Buy Here

Rough Gutts – ‘Control’ (Boss Tunage) From the ashes of Rotten Foxes Rough Gutts have only gone and made a record and if this video is anything to go by the Brighton rockers are gonna blow away everyone in 2022. Tour dates and a record out of control punk rock n fuckin roll is back in business and Rough Gutts are gonna rule – get on it kids before they’re all gone.

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The Lickerish Quartet – ‘ Fortunately’ (Stranger Danger Records) The first song from Threesome Vol. 3, ‘Fortunately’ is Set for release May 20 on Stranger Danger Records and Tapes, distributed by Burnside and the Orchard in the U.S. and by Lojinx in the U.K. and Europe.  Sony Japan recently partnered with THE LICKERISH QUARTET to release all three EPs on June 29, as a collection entitled ‘FABLES FROM FEARLESS HEIGHTS’, which will include two previously unheard cover songs, as well as a special “best of” vinyl LP in that region. Pre-orders can be found Here

The SoapGirls – ‘Breathe’ The SoapGirls consist of French-born, South African-raised sisters Noemie Debray (Mie) (guitar, vocals) & Camille Debray (Mille) (bass guitar, vocals) The fearless siblings began their music career as child street performers at ages 8 and 9, roaming the streets of Cape Town singing whilst selling handmade soap for charity, earning the name ‘The SoapGirls’. ‘Breathe’ is the first single from soon to be released 4th album ‘In My Skin’. It’s a load of energy with the uncompromising style and attitude & all the excessive, debauched live shows have paid dividends. The pair have gained quite a reputation through their live shows such as Rebellion & Camden Rocks.

You can catch the pair as Their Don’t Give A Damn tour kicks off in the UK in April at Nambucca on the 15th before heading to Europe, followed by the US in July & Japan in August. 

Swami John Reis – ‘Ride The Wild Night’ (Swami Records)

Swami John Reis – ‘Ride The Wild Night’ (Swami Records)

It was only the other day that I was listening to Rocket From The Crypt in the car. Shortly after, who should recommend the new solo album by Speedo/John Reis but our very own Mr Hayward. After listening on Spotify, I duly ordered the vinyl (no CD yet). It’s a no-brainer to any RFTC fans that this is a worthy purchase. From the first song, I was hooked. There’s a Liamesque delivery to the title track, but Mr Gallagher can’t hold a candle to these tunes. And, believe me, this album is packed with tunes.

‘I Ain’t Your Pawn’ struts like Jim Jones with guitar and piano hammering out the riff. It would be a shame if Reis didn’t play some gigs to support this release. ‘Do You Still Wanna Make Out?’, with its “shoo-wop” backing vocals and insistent rhythm would give Giuda a run for their money.

‘When I Kicked Him In The Face’ starts with a picked riff reminiscent of Elliott Smith, before launching into more familiar territory. ‘Days Of Auld Lang Syne’ ends side one with a breezy piano led tune with a reflective lyric.

‘I Hate My Neighbours In The Yellow House’ starts with a synth before the guitars kick in. While there’s a variety of songs here, it always sounds reassuringly like John Reis. ‘Vape In The Dark Alone’ is more akin to ‘Group Sounds’ with its sinister melody.

‘Rip From The Bone’ is killer, it makes you want to pick up the guitar and play along, head nodding. Simple and devastatingly effective. “We don’t see eye to eye, said the spider to the fly”. ‘We Broke The News’ is equally addictive, and ‘Keeper Of The Plains’ is a classy note to end on. As you’d expect. And it’s on transparent, mouthwash green vinyl. What are you waiting for?

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Author: Martin Chamarette

The Good, The Bad & The Zugly – ‘Research And Destroy’ (Fysisk Format)

The Good, The Bad & The Zugly – ‘Research And Destroy’ (Fysisk Format)

The one and only time I saw GBZ was in a London pub basement a touch over six years ago and they blew the place a part. Then they were pushing their second and possibly finest album Hadeland Hardcore and as fantastic as they were that night, no one in that room would ever have thought that the press release for album number five, Research And Destroy would begin –

“The NEW ALBUM from the Kings of Scandipunk! Fronted by singer Ivar Nikolaisen from KVELERTAK!! “

It’s just bonkers!!!

These Norwegian punk rock terrors’ sound snuggles somewhere in the same ball park as fellow country men Turbonegro (both bands feature ex-members of Norwegian glamsters Silver) but with a far more aggressive and abrasive edge. Perhaps with album number five some of this jagged, raw hate has been polished away to appeal to the Kvelertak fan base, it’s still hard and heavy but maybe not as raw and hungry as the aforementioned  Hadeland Hardcore or even it’s follow up Misanthropical House but it’s still a fine12” slab of plastic that’ll sit deservedly in your top ten of 2022.

First up ‘What’s My Rage Again?’ Spends a good minute building up and up and up in full metal guitar grandeur before launching into a spite-filled bombastic banger. Maybe it gets a bit Maiden-esque in places but it’s a great place to start.


Hot on its heels comes ‘Song For A Prepper’, another great tune with another long intro. Less aggressive than previous stuff and maybe a nod to the expanded Kvelertak audience

Third up, ‘Bridge and Tunnel Guy’ gets its own video and is a fine balance of aggression and hooks.


‘The PKA Took My Money Away’ is far less metal than its predecessors and is by far my favourite tune so far. This feels like the most GBZ-like song so far.

‘Nostradumbass’ carries on the mid-album hump for me, a fine mid-paced tune not a million miles from Ivar’s previous band Silver. There’s a video for this bad boy too.


While ‘Diet 1-2-3′, may lean a little to Backyard Babies territory (not a bad thing at all), ‘The Power of Beer’ is the kind of GBZ banger that ‘Research And Destroy’ has been a little light on.


‘One-Dimensional Man’ is a nasty pop song and boasts one of the strongest choruses on offer. I guess Fysisk Format agrees too because there’s a video for it.


The penultimate track ‘The Original Incel’ is another banger. GBZ to the max, while closer ‘Here Come The Waterworks’ is a far more sedate affair. Decent enough, but like several of the tracks that have gone before it, maybe a bit too much of an offering to their expanding metal audience. But hey, good luck to them.

So there you have it. Ten tracks in just over half an hour, long enough to love but not quite enough to blow you away.

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Author: Fraser Munro

CHEMICIDE – ‘Common Sense’ (PRC Music)

CHEMICIDE – ‘Common Sense’ (PRC Music)

Costa Rica based thrashers Chemicide have been around since 2011 and have released three albums and an EP. Their latest release ‘Common Sense’ has the sound and feel of an old-school thrash album. Echoes of early Sepultura, Kreator, Death Angel, Exodus, Forbidden, Nuclear Assault, with a bit of Morbid Angel thrown in. Not bad eh?

If, like me, you’re a fan of the bands I’ve mentioned above, then you could much worse than check out Chemicide. This really is like stepping back to 1989. All I need is my Cosmic drainpipe (black, of course) jeans, Hi-Tec basketball boots, and a baseball cap worn backward to complete the picture! Big riffs, fast parts, mosh parts, breakneck double bass drumming, shouty vocals and song titles like; ‘Self Destruct’, ‘Barred Existence’, and ‘Strike as One’ just add to the nostalgic charm of the album.

The production from Juan Pablo Calvo has that classic Scott Burns feel to it, very raw and punchy. It really is a thrasher’s delight and it’s very comforting to know that thrash metal is alive and well thanks to bands like Chemicide. Great job guys! Mosh it up!!

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Author: Kenny Kendrick