Titans and Kings ‘Freedom’ Single Review

Titans & Kings are a rock band from London, who formed in 2005. Their latest single, ‘Freedom’, opens with a fast-paced riff and an impressively deep bass line. Lead singer Tor has melodic vocals, which form a fantastic fusion of rock and alternative music. Hard-hitting lyrics make ‘Freedom’ full of angst and passion. The breakdown is very impressive, and Titans & Kings manage to make a strong impact, without being too heavy. The video also highlights how energetic and passionate that Titans & Kings are about their music. All in all, it’s a rock song which sticks to the conventions, yet still manages to sound fresh and interesting to listen to. A great song from a great upcoming rock band.

Check out Titans & Kings here: http://www.facebook.com/titansandkings
Check out the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=XJQe5aGRTF0

Hitchcock Blonde ‘Five Pounds’ EP Review

Hitchcock Blonde are a four piece alternative rock band from London. Formed in 2009, they are inspired by Skunk Anansie and Band of Skulls. Their latest EP, ‘Five Pounds’, is a mix of female-fronted punk and indie rock. The first track on the EP is ‘Animal’, which has an incredibly catchy riff and fresh, raw vocals from lead singer Ella Grace. ‘Baby Knows Best’ has a mellower vibe and displays how versatile Ella’s voice is. The third track, ‘Buzz Kill’ is fresh and unique, with an almost grunge-sounding chorus. ‘Cutglass’ opens with an impressive bass line and delicate guitaring, progressing onto an angst-filled chorus with powerful lyrics. ‘Let It Go’ is a very alternative song, which sounds very post-nineties grunge. The last track on this unique EP is ‘Sexy Like You’, which could easily become a massive hit. Possibly the best song on the EP, it is exciting, fresh and it will make you want to press repeat over and over again. If you fancy something new and enjoy strong female vocals, then ‘Five Pounds’ is the EP for you.  

Check out Hitchcock Blonde here: http://www.facebook.com/hitchcockblonde

Killswitch Engage ‘In Due Time’ Single Review

After Killswitch Engage announced last February that they were reuniting with their original lead singer Jesse Leach, fans have been eagerly awaiting their new material. ‘In Due Time’ is the first single to be released, and Killswitch Engage are definitely on to a winner. Opening with a killer riff and Jesse Leach’s harsh vocals, it’s instantly apparent that Killswitch aren’t swaying from their metal roots. However, during the chorus Jesse uses clean vocals, which are equally as impressive as his screams. The guitar solo is particularly striking, and it has all of the elements needed to create a great-sounding metal song.  All in all, ‘In Due Time’ is fresh and exciting, and it was definitely worth the wait. Their new album, ‘Disarm The Descent’, will be released in April.

Check out the song here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsXi4C1KkrE
Check out Killswitch Engage here: http://www.facebook.com/killswitchengage

Vault Rugby Show Announcements

It’s definitely a big year for music fans in Rugby. Vault, Rugby’s home for live music, have announced many amazing shows for 2013, with more to come. Opening in 2010, Vault has been the host for many major acts, including Skindred, Yashin and Walking Papers.

Shows announced so far are as follows:
2nd February - You Cried Wolf
5th February – Heaven’s Basement
8th February - Mentallica
15th February - Sonic Boom Six and We Are Fiction
22nd February - INME
23rd February - Continents and The Catharsis
1st March – Odessa and Despite My Deepest Fear
22nd March - Shadows Chasing Ghosts and Hildamay
29th March - IDIOM
30th March - Chronographs and The Shallow
4th April - The Ataris
6th April - Love/Hate
17th April - Drowning Pool, Fozzy and Revoker
20th April - V8 and Whole Lotta DC
26th April - Jilted Generation
3rd May - The Eureka Machines
29th May - Scott Ian (Anthrax)

If you're in the midlands, support local venues and see some amazing bands at Vault Rugby!

Check out Vault here: http://www.facebook.com/vaultrugby/
Buy your tickets here: http://vault.ticketleap.com/

‘House of Gold and Bones Part 2’ Stone Sour Album Track List Revealed

Stone Sour have revealed the artwork and track listing to their upcoming album release, ‘House of Gold and Bones Part 2’. The album is due to be released in April, and follows on from ‘House and Gold and Bones’, which was released in October last year.

The track listing is as follows:

12. Red City
13. Black John
14. Sadist
15. Peckinpah
16. Stalemate
17. Gravesend
18. ‘82
19. The Uncanny Valley
20. Blue Smoke
21. Do Me A Favor
22. The Conflagration
23. The House Of Gold & Bones

Stone Sour are playing Download Festival in Donington in June.

Check out Stone Sour here: http://www.facebook.com/stonesour

Interview with Gehtika 25/1/13

On the 25^th January, Gehtika played a show alongside Red Button Exit, Sinuism and KaiDeka at The Firehouse in Southampton. Ted and I interviewed them. Read on to find out about their view of Southampton, their plans for 2013 and why they are fans of Andrew WK.

Julia: How would you describe your music to those who haven’t heard it before?
Gehtika:  It’s quite spiffing, to be honest! Our music is a blend of heavy, melodic, gentlemanly metal.

Ted: How would you describe your image in relation to your sound?
Gehtika: Gentlemanly!

Ted: You've got a little bit black metal going on, maybe?
Gehtika: Yes, it’s all part of the disguise. The escape from the asylum. We felt we had to blend in with society, so we see what the kids are wearing and a lot of kids were wearing black.

Ted: Do you think you’d be as successful without blending in though?
Gehtika: No, we’d be arrested! I’d rather be captured and killed.

Julia: What is your favourite song that you’ve written and why?
Gehtika: ‘Bedlam’, which is a spiffing song, mainly because it’s quite fast. I know Paganini would be quite happy with what we’ve written and also it’s a party song! A bit of a dance and a spot of croquet afterwards is splendid, I say!

Ted: Is that why it’s your favourite song, because of the crowd momentum?
Gehtika: Yes. Everyone likes to party and get tipsy. I mean, look at Andrew WK. He likes to party hard! And we couldn’t have put it any bloody better!

Ted: So where are you guys from, near Birmingham?
Gehtika: Near that area. Shakespeare’s county.

Ted: How’s the metal scene in Birmingham?
Gehtika: Terrible. Well, it’s not too bad.

Ted: What do you reckon of Southampton then? Is this the first time you’ve played here?
Gehtika: It’s bloody spiffing! Yes. You travel such a long way to some places, via horse and cart, and there’s nobody there, just a couple of minors.

Ted: Compared to other places you’ve played, how does Southampton compare?
Gehtika: Again, rather spiffing! Very responsive, very good! Our first time down here and it’s marvelous!

Ted: How do you know KaiDeka?
Gehtika: We played with them in Birmingham and they are on, or was on, the same record label we, unfortunately were on.

Ted: Do you want to tell us about that?
Gehtika: The record label, well, he was an interesting chap and it was interesting.

Ted: How do you feel about the opinion that a lot of promoters, especially in the South, treat music as a business, rather than that they actually like the music?
Gehtika: I don’t think that’s just in the South. That’s across the whole country. When we went for our brief venture across the seas we have known that the hospitality that they provide is marvelous compared to the UK. You kind of arrive and they go ‘marvelous, you’re from Great Britain and we love you, and you’re going to leave now.’ With exception to Scotland. But then they ought to be independent anyway. Scotland was great. They offered us a meal, which we declined, and a fridge to sleep in! Well, it felt like a fridge.

Julia: Have you got much planned for 2013?
Gehtika: Yes, we have plenty planned. Many things. We’ve just finished our new EP with Mr Hill, of the band Sikth, and it’s rather spiffing! We are very, very, very pleased with it, compared to previous work that we have done, again mentioning no names
.

Ted: In London?
Gehtika: In London, yes. The Fortress Studios.

Ted: Do you connect with any other bands who are sort of your style?
Gehtika: Urm… No.

Ted: It’s good to be unique in a way.
Gehtika: I think we are, and one thing we try to do is that we try to base our music onour appearance and our stage appearance. Our disguises.

Ted: Do you ever feel like you’ve been messed around whilst playing in London?
Gehtika: Yes, it was dire. There was no air conditioning, as there should be in this day and age. I got too hot… and I died (laughs).

Ted: Have you got any releases coming up?
Gehtika: Yes, our EP, which I believe is going to be called ‘IQ’.

Ted: Does ‘IQ’ stand for anything?
Gehtika: The impossible question and also it has a double barrel meaning, also meaning IQ as a measure of intelligence. It also has a track called ‘Check Mate’.

Check out Gehtika here: http://www.facebook.com/gehtika

Red Button Exit, Sinuism, Gehtika and KaiDeka at the Firehouse Southampton 25/1/13

The first band on stage was Red Button Exit, a metalcore band from London. They were extremely energetic and lead singer Joe James had strong vocals which filled up the venue. With hard-hitting riffs and fresh-sounding metalcore music, they were an impressive live band and a great start to an evening of live metal music.

Sinuism, a metal band formed in 2009, were next on stage. Their heavy vocals and even heavier riffs were greeted by the Southampton crowd with lots of headbanging and movement. ‘Asphyxiate’, an apparent crowd favourite, was described by lead singer Chris as ‘about being strangled whilst you sleep’. The crowd reacted well and they definitely gained a lot of fans from their show tonight.

Midland metal band Gehtika were next on stage, opening their set with dramatic music to get the crowd going. Wearing heavy face paint they definitely looked the part, and they seemed genuinely happy to be performing tonight in Southampton. The guitaring was particularly impressive and they are definitely an amazing live band.

The final band to take the stage was KaiDeka, a metal/nu thrash band from Falmouth. Due to their incredibly heavy riffs they sounded inspired by Lamb of God, and I’d definitely recommend them if you are a fan of that style of music. KaiDeka were also very energetic, and the Southampton crowd seemed to love them. Metal music at its finest.

Check out Red Button Exit here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Button-Exit/
Check out Sinuism here: https://www.facebook.com/Sinuism
Check out Gehtika here: http://www.facebook.com/gehtika
Check out KaiDeka here: http://www.facebook.com/KaiDekA

Funeral For A Friend ‘Conduit’ Album Review

Funeral For A Friend have been making post-hardcore/rock music since 2001, and many dedicated fans have been eagerly anticipating their latest release. The first track, ‘Spine’, opens with unique guitaring, and Matthew Davies’ vocals are definitely on top form. ‘Conduit’ is a heavier song, with harsh vocals and fast-paced riffs.  The album as a whole has a heavier feel to it than their previous work, but this definitely isn't a bad thing. ‘Death Comes To Us All’ is one song that really stood out on the album, and the heavy riffs are very impressive. 'Travelled' is a slightly more mellow song, but it's still fast-paced and full of angst. The band's progression throughout the years is evident throughout the whole album, and there isn't one disappointing song on 'Conduit'. The album ends with ‘High Castles’, which is a great track to end a great album. All in all, Funeral For A Friend are back and better than ever. Melodic hardcore at its finest. 

Check out Funeral For A Friend here: http://www.facebook.com/funeralforafriend

The Morning Chorus ‘Sunshine Breaks’ Single Review

The Morning Chorus are a pop-rock band from Northampton. Opening with upbeat guitaring and melodic vocals, ‘Sunshine Breaks’ is off to a great start. Inspired by bands such as Jimmy Eat World and Death Cab For Cutie, The Morning Chorus bring a fresh outlook on the often unappreciated softer side of rock. Catchy lyrics and impressive drumming play a big part in this song. It’s always great to see new unique bands arise from the Midlands, and The Morning Chorus are a pleasant band to listen to. With a new EP out in March, they’re one to look out for if you enjoy pop-rock.

Check out the song here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UV70ZRRcApA&feature=plcp
Check out the band here: http://www.facebook.com/themorningchorus

Black Flag Announced For Hevy Fest 2013

Black Flag have been the first band announced to play Hevy Fest this year. The legendary punk band, who have hits such as ‘Nervous Breakdown’ and ‘Rise Above’ have reformed and are being fronted by Ron Reyes. This will be their only UK performance in 2013. Hevy Fest runs from the 2^nd to the 4^th of August at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park in Kent, and there are many more bands to be announced soon.

Get your tickets here: http://www.hevy.co.uk/
Check out Black Flag here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Flag/

The Chapman Family ‘Adult’ Single Review

The Chapman Family are an alternative/indie rock band from Stockton-on-Tees. Their latest single, ‘Adult’, is a powerful rock song with incredibly raw vocals from lead singer Kingsley. Powerful lyrics are a main feature of this song, alongside indie guitaring and unique keyboarding. With a group of extremely talented musicians and passionate lyrics, The Chapman Family are definitely one to watch. ‘Adult’ is an enjoyable song to listen to, and with indie rock becoming more popular recently hopefully The Chapman Family will soon gain the mass of fans that they deserve.

Check out The Chapman Family here: http://www.facebook.com/TheChapmanFamily/
Check out the single here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLK5Eo_m0aI&feature=youtu.be

Thirteen Shots, Trioxin Cherry and Raizing Hell ‘Chainsaw Ballads’ EP Review

‘Chainsaw Ballads’ is an split EP which features Thirteen Shots, Trioxin Cherry and Raizing Hell. The first two songs on the EP are by Thirteen Shots, a horrorbilly band from Birmingham. ‘Zombies From The USSR’ has an old-school punk sound, similar to bands such as The Misfits. Lead singer John has the perfect horrorbilly voice, and the guitar riffs will make you want to dance around your living room. The second and last track from Thirteen Shots is ‘Get In My Crypt’, which features fantastic horror-filled lyrics and impressive drumming. The next band featured on this great horror-punk EP are Trioxin Cherry, a female-fronted band from Nottingham. ‘Wrong Turn’ demonstrates how powerful Rebecca Campbell’s voice is, and it’s an enjoyable song to listen to. ‘Not Scared’ features impressive guitaring and a strong bass line. Raizing Hell are the final band on the EP, who formed in 2010 in Bucharest. ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll For The Dead’ has an amazingly catchy chorus, and Liv Decay’s vocals are unique. ‘Thing For Murder’ is the final song on the EP, and it’s a great end to an amazing collection of horrorbilly/horror-punk music.

Check out Thirteen Shots here: http://www.facebook.com/thirteenshotsband
Check out Trioxin Cherry here: http://www.facebook.com/trioxincherry
Check out Raizing Hell here: http://www.facebook.com/Raizing.Hell
Download the EP for free here: http://thirteenshots.bandcamp.com/releases

Big Casino ‘Carry Me In’ EP Review

Big Casino are a three piece alternative rock band from the Wirral, formed in 2012. ‘Carry Me In’ is their debut EP, which has received national radio play on Absolute Radio. The opening track, ‘In My Head’, sounds like a fusion of Foo Fighters and Thrice, but with softer vocals and more technical guitar. It’s an extremely strong opening track, and definitely made me want to listen to more of Big Casino’s work. ‘Hit The Brakes’ is the next song on the EP, and it has a fresh and unique sound due to Jay Roberts’ impressive vocals. ‘Carry Me In’ starts off softer than the other songs, and progresses into an amazing rock song. The guitaring on ‘A Hundred Strong’ is remarkable and it’s a very catchy track, especially the hard-hitting chorus. The final track ‘Safe’ is a bit heavier and a great end to a great EP. I was very impressed with Big Casino, and they definitely deserve to get more well-known. If you’re a fan of alternative rock, or even rock in general, then I’d strongly suggest that you check them out! It’s an EP that I’ll definitely be listening to over and over again.

Check out Big Casino here: http://www.facebook.com/BigCasinoUK
Download the EP for free here: http://bigcasino.bandcamp.com/

More Bands Added to the Download Festival Line-up

Music fans were amazed when a few months ago it was announced that Slipknot, Iron Maiden and Rammstein are headlining the legendary Download Festival at Donington Park in June. With an already strong line-up, most fans are very pleased at the announcement today. The bands announced today were: Korn, Enter Shikari, Down, Parkway Drive, Asking Alexandria, Young Guns, Five Finger Death Punch, UFO, Cancer Bats, Jimmy Eat World, 3 Doors Down, Airbourne, Motionless In White, The Hives, Amon Amarth, Converge, Walking Papers, Vision of Disorder, Hellyeah, Hardcore Superstar, In This Moment, The Sword, Heaven’s Basement, Earthtone 9, I Am I, Hacktivist, Last Witness, Goldsboro, Buffalo Summer, Huntress and Black Dogs. Tickets are sure to sell out soon, so get yours now!

Check out Download Festival here: http://www.facebook.com/downloadfest
Buy tickets here: http://www.downloadfestival.co.uk/tickets

‘From Can To Can’t’ Sound City Single Review

‘From Can To Can’t’ is a song featuring Corey Taylor, Dave Grohl, Rick Nielsen and Scott Reeder, exclusively first played on Zane Lowe's show on Radio One. Opening with Corey Taylor’s mesmerising singing, the song is off to a good start. With a fusion between grunge and slow guitaring, it sounds slightly similar to Corey’s work with Stone Sour, which definitely isn’t a bad thing. The guitar solo is impressive, but what more do you expect from so many talented rock artists working together? All in all, the song is successful and enjoyable to listen to.  A powerful song from powerful artists.

Drowning Pool, Fozzy and Revoker announce UK Tour

Drowning Pool and Fozzy have been announced to play a co-headlining tour around the UK during April. The support band for these shows will come from Revoker.

Tour dates:

Thursday 11th April – The Cellar in Southampton
Friday 12th April – White Rabbit in Plymouth
Saturday 13th April – Concorde 2 in Brighton
Sunday 14th April – Waterfront in Norwich
Tuesday 16th April – Rescue Rooms in Nottingham
Wednesday 17th April – The Vault in Rugby 
Thursday 18th April – Underground in Stoke
Friday 19th April – Fibbers in York
Saturday 20th April – NQ Live in Manchester
Sunday 21st April – Central Station in Wrexham
Tuesday 23rd April – The Fleece in Bristol
Wednesday 24th April – Electric Ballroom in London

Get your tickets quickly, these shows are sure to sell out soon!

Check out Drowning Pool here: http://www.facebook.com/drowningpool
Check out Fozzy here: http://www.facebook.com/FozzyRock
Check out Revoker here: http://www.facebook.com/revokeruk

Bring Me The Horizon ‘Shadow Moses’ Single Review

Love them or hate them, Bring Me The Horizon are back with their new album ‘Sempiternal’, which will be released in April. ‘Shadow Moses’ is the latest single from that album, and it was premiered on the BBC Radio 1 Rock Show. The beginning of the song is very ambient, and it then leads into heavy guitaring and Oli Sykes’ trademark angry vocals. There is a prominent fast drum beat, and the guitaring sounds a lot more technical than their previous work. It’s a strong track and if the rest of the album shapes up to be as good as this song, then Bring Me The Horizon are onto a winner.

Check out the single here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_OHvffAOmA
Check out Bring Me The Horizon here: http://www.facebook.com/bmthofficial

Alice in Chains ‘Hollow’ Single Review

Rock legends Alice in Chains are back, and they’re still going strong. They have a new album out this summer, and they’re also going to make an appearance at Download Festival in June. ‘Hollow’ is the first song to be released from their upcoming album, and with their trademark grunge guitaring, an impressive guitar solo and ambient vocals, Alice in Chains haven’t strayed much from their roots.  However, ‘Hollow’ is still a fresh new song, which will hopefully bring them a new generation of fans.

Check out the single here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmSeWqmlqYs
Check out Alice in Chains here: http://www.facebook.com/aliceinchains?fref=ts

Fort Hope ‘Control’ Single Review

As many of you may know, My Passion decided to call it a day after seven years together in December. However, fans will be pleased that four of the former members, Jon Gaskin, Simon Rowlands, Andé D’Mello and Jamie Nicholls, have decided to continue making music, this time as Fort Hope. Fort Hope are a different style to My Passion: they’re less alternative and more chart-friendly rock, however, the vocals are strong and ‘Control’ is a harmless yet enjoyable song. The chorus is catchy and ‘Control’ could easily make its way up the charts. It will be interesting to hear more from them and what direction the rest of their music will be in, but it’s positive to hear the ex-My Passion members continuing to make good music.

Check out the single here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s20-bdYxCxw
Check out Fort Hope here: www.facebook.com/forthopemusic

Stuart Newman ‘Bored of Idiot Chatter’ EP

Stuart Newman is an Indie Rock singer from Brighton. On his EP ‘Bored of Idiot Chatter’ he displays raw vocals alongside mellow music, which is relaxing and enjoyable to listen to. The first track, titled ‘(We’re Living In) Another Dimension’ has a relaxed vibe and is a great start to the EP. ‘Cry Wolf’ is a more upbeat song, with a catchy melody and despite only being just over one minute long, it really stands out. With vocals similar to Thom Yorke from Radiohead, Stuart Newman is a strong singer who writes impressive lyrics and if you’re into Alternative/Experimental Rock then I’d recommend that you listen to this EP.

Check out Stuart Newman here: http://www.facebook.com/stuartnewmanmusic
Download the EP for free here: http://www.stuartnewmanmusic.com/home.cfm

Black Shapes ‘In The Mourning Light’ EP Review

Black Shapes were formed in 2011 in London, and they describe their genre on Facebook as ‘heavy, fast and noisy’, which, from listening to their EP ‘In The Mourning Light’ is definitely true. However, their music is well-structured and full of energy, making it enjoyable to listen to for punk and hardcore music fans. Fast-paced riffs dominate their songs, which sounds great alongside the angry vocals.  Despite only being a four track EP, their style is unique and passionate. If you enjoy listening to loud and aggressive music, I’d definitely recommend that you check out Black Shapes.

Check out Black Shapes here: http://www.facebook.com/blackshapes
Download the EP for free here: http://blackshapes.bandcamp.com/

Twin Planets ‘Empires’ Single Review

Twin Planets are an Alternative/New Wave band from Ormskirk. Their latest single ‘Empires’ starts off slow, and progresses into a catchy, up-beat New Wave song, with unique vocals from lead singer James Rookyard. There’s a strong bass line running throughout the song, and the guitaring is equally as impressive. The lyrics are easy to pick up and it’s hard to resist singing along to this enjoyable single. Twin Planets are a great band and they definitely deserve to be more well-known, so give them a listen if you’re into Alternative music!

Check out Twin Planets here: http://www.facebook.com/twinplanetsmusic
Listen to the single here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSk2pkuKhYY&feature=plcp

Whipping Princess ‘Hello Hey, How Are You’ Single Review

Formed in 2010 in Malmö, Sweden, Whipping Princess are a heavy rock band with extremely powerful female vocals. It’s great to hear another strong female vocalist in the rock scene, as they’re pretty hard to come by. With mellow yet impressive guitaring, ‘Hello Hey, How Are You’ is a catchy rock song which will have you pressing the repeat button over and over again. As the video is of them live it instantly proves they’re all very talented musicians with a real passion for music.  Their latest single, ‘Child In Vain’ will be released on the 25^th January, and if it’s anything like their previous material then you’re definitely in for a treat.

Check out the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=gu2tRuDSOxI
Check out their blog here: http://whippingprincess.blogspot.se/

Rob Lynch ‘No Blood’ EP Review

Rob Lynch is an acoustic pop singer based in London. The first song on the three track EP ‘No Blood’ is called ‘Brother’, and it has a very mellow and relaxing vibe to it. Rob Lynch has a great voice, which works perfectly with an acoustic guitar. ‘We Do This For…’ is the second track, which has beautiful lyrics and is more upbeat than the first track. The final song on this impressive EP is a cover of Portland’s ‘We Are Nihilists, Lebowski’, which perfectly demonstrates how good Rob Lynch is at both guitar and singing. This EP is a definite must-download for those who are fans of acoustic music.

Check out Rob Lynch here: http://www.facebook.com/roblynchmusic
Download the EP for free here: http://roblynch.bandcamp.com/

Beatastic ‘This Lazer Life’ Album Review

Beatastic, also known as Nico, is an unsigned acoustic/electronica performer from Brighton. ‘Bbycks’ is a catchy electronica song, whereas ‘Blank Colouring Book’ is a simple yet beautiful acoustic song. It is apparent from the beginning that ‘This Lazer Life’ is going to be a fusion of dance, electronica and acoustic music, and it can appeal to many different music fans. Beatastic has a unique voice, which matches the different styles of his songs. ‘Get High, Get Low’ is a dance song which features strong rapping from xSUICIDEx and Global Graffiti. ‘Body Positive’ features Kirby, and promotes the positive message of being yourself and being proud of who you are. ‘Nerd Swag’ is one of the most enjoyable songs to listen to, and features a wide range of guest artists. All in all, Beatastic is a talented musician who is able to create many different styles of music, and if you want to listen to something different that the stereotypical chart music, then this album is for you.

Check out Beatastic here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BEATASTIC/

Interview with Benji Webbe from Skindred 17/12/12

Benji Webbe is the lead singer of the alternative metal band Skindred. He agreed to an interview on the day of their show at Vault Rugby on the 17^th December 2012.

Julia: How would you describe your music?
Benji: Interesting, toe-tapping, toe-curling, energetic music.

Julia: Who are your major influences?
Benji: I come from all walks of music, but I’d say my main influence is life.

Julia: What have been the highlights of 2012?

Benji: We did Brixton this year, headlining Brixton Academy definitely.

Julia: What have you got planned for 2013?
Benji: We’re writing a new record and recording a new record.

Julia: Tickets for this show sold out in less than twenty four hours, how do you feel about that?
Benji: I’m honoured, man. I know people come here and they’re going to see a great live show. It’s not the size of the venue, it’s not what the venue looks like, it’s about the energy and the people.

Julia: What should people expect from a Skindred show?
Benji: To be challenged, to be motivated, to be encouraged. To have a feeling of unity amongst the crowd. We’re all in the same room for the same purpose.

Julia: How is the tour going so far?
Benji: Every night has been sold-out, it’s incredible. One fight I’ve had with my band, and it was over before it started.

Julia: How did it feel to play at Download Festival earlier this year, as it had many positive reviews.
Benji: If it wasn’t for You Me At Six I would have had a great show. The fucking bastards took up all the stage, just because they wanted a fair ground behind them. And then they ripped off my Newport helicopter. And the fucking mud on my ass. So Download, as much as a highlight, it was quite… ‘bleugh’ to be honest. So what pissed me off was You Me At Six with the fair ground.

Julia: Are you hoping for a Newport helicopter tonight?
Benji: It’s not up to me, it’s up to the people if they bring the petrol. I’m just the guy who goes ‘right, up!’ It’s up to the people, I’m just the traffic controller.

Julia: Thank you for your time.
Benji: Thank you. 

Huron, Idiom and Skindred at Vault Rugby 17/12/12

Opening this extraordinary evening of metal was Huron, who formed in 2007. They instantly got the crowd warmed up, with huge riffs and energetic band members. Sean Palmer has a heavy sounding voice which was enjoyable to listen to and he was eager to get the crowd involved with their performance. Every song they played sounded unique, and they definitely impressed the crowd in Rugby. Expect big things from Huron soon.

Next up was Idiom, an alternative metal band from Devon. Matt Sharland has a unique vocal style which made Idiom interesting to watch perform live. They played their latest single, ‘Braindead’, which has a slight nu metal feel to it, and is available for free via their website. They were also an extremely energetic band and if you want to listen to something new and fresh then I recommend that you check them out.

Skindred were last on stage, but by no means least. Being one of the biggest bands to ever play in Rugby there were extremely high expectations from both the audience and critics, but Skindred were even more incredible than anyone ever expected. Benji Webbe has an amazing stage presence and it’s almost impossible to keep your eyes off him. They played classic hits, such as ‘Pressure’ and ‘Nobody’, which the crowd loved, and also many songs from their latest album, ‘Union Black’, such as ‘Doom Riff’ and ‘Cut Dem’. Skindred are known as one of the best live bands in the metal scene, and tonight at Vault in Rugby they proved exactly why they are. With passionate riffs, incredible vocals and catchy songs, they’re a band any metal fan needs to see before they die.

Check out Huron here: http://www.facebook.com/Huronofficial
Check out Idiom here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/IDIOM/
Check out Skindred here: http://www.facebook.com/skindredofficial