'XXXVII' Deference EP Review

Release Date: 17^th March 2015

Bandcamp can be a brilliant way to find new and exciting bands to listen to, and one of its best features is the ‘name your price’ option, where you can either download music for free or contribute your own desired amount towards the band. Southampton-based metal band Deference have chosen to release their debut EP ‘XXXVII’ this way, so there really is no excuse not to give it a listen!

Opening track ‘I, Creator’ instantly shows exactly what Deference are all about: brutal riffs, heavy breakdowns and intense screaming vocals. Despite managing to completely nail all key elements of the metal genre in a song that is less than two minutes long there is nothing generic about the Hampshire five piece: their pure energy and talent shines through perfectly like a breath of fresh air to an often monotonous music scene.

One of the most impressive songs on the EP is ‘The Weathering’, a fast-paced and hard-hitting metalcore track. The heavy riffs blow you away from the first second and the melodic chorus fuses perfectly. If you had to compare Deference to any other band then it would definitely have to be Architects due to the slight similarity in song structure and vocals.

Final song ‘The Tribunal’ is the perfect way to end such an impressive debut EP: Rob Lea’s vocals are fierce, powerful and unforgettable. The energetic and hard-hitting drumbeats and technical guitar riffs prove that all five members of Deference are extremely talented. If you are one of those people who complain that the UK metal scene is boring then you definitely have not checked out ‘XXXVII’.

Rating: 8.5/10

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Download the EP: www.deference.bandcamp.com/releases

‘The Imperial Skies’ Chapters Album Review

London-based progressive metal band Chapters began their journey in 2009, and since then they have been making a name for themselves in the UK metal scene. Their unique blend of heavy metal and progressive rock has gained them thousands of fans across the world so far, and their latest album ‘The Imperial Skies’ is definitely one of the hottest metal albums around.

Opening track ‘I Will Reign Forever’ opens with an incredible technical guitar solo, which instantly proves how Chapters are not just another metal band: their musical skills are both impressive and enjoyable to listen to. Lead vocalist Joseph Nally’s screams are undeniably heavy and brutal, instantly making an impact on your brain.

The disjointed and fast-paced riffs in ‘March Of The Puritan’ are full of energy, making you imagine what Chapters would be like at a live show. Despite constantly changing pace and tempo, the four-piece band have managed to master the art of technical metal songs, making them sound effortless and exciting.

Final track ‘Chapters’ is the perfect end to an exhilarating album: the heavy riffs and vocals merge seamlessly together. Full of breakdowns and spine-chilling screams, Chapters have truly managed to create an album which will stand the test of time.

If you are a fan of bands such as Sylosis and Malefice, then you definitely need to check out Chapters. 

Rating: 8/10

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'As I Walk With Fire' Opheon EP Review

Release Date: 4^th April 2015

There are thousands of teenage metal bands across the world, so it is safe to say that just being young musician is not enough to cut it anymore. However, the members of Opheon have an average age of nineteen and they have already received praise from Robb Flynn and Corey Beaulieu, so it is safe to say that they are definitely doing something right. ‘As I Walk With Fire’ is the latest release from the Birmingham-based four-piece and it is definitely an EP to watch out for.

Opening track ‘As I Walk With Fire’ gives an instant glimpse into what Opheon are about: heavy riffs, harsh vocals and hard-hitting lyrics. The fusion of fast-paced guitar solos and melodic vocals prove that despite being young, Opheon really know how to create a professional-sounding metal anthem.

If you have never listened to Opheon before then ‘The Distance’ would definitely be a great place to start: the melodic yet heavy song is not only catchy, but it is also one of the most impressive metal songs of this year so far. Liam and Josh’s vocals merge beautifully, and combined with unique riffs and thoughtful lyrics, it is almost impossible to ignore Opheon’s talent.

Final song ‘Lost In Undertow’ is full of energy and pure passion, making it the perfect end to such a hard-hitting EP. The crushing guitar riffs and heavy vocals leave you constantly wanting to hear more from the Birmingham youngsters and you will find yourself having this song stuck in your head, whether you like it or not.

‘As I Walk With Fire’ will be released on Saturday 4^th April. The official album release show will be on Thursday 9^th April at The Flapper in Birmingham, with support from The Final Chapter, Vexxen and This Memory.

Rating: 8/10

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'.5: The Gray Chapter' Slipknot Album Review

Label: Roadrunner Records
Release Date: 20th October 2014

After six years, Slipknot are finally back with their new album. Throughout their career Slipknot have changed their musical style quite a few times, with many saying that their music is becoming more like rock music, especially when compared with the heaviness of their first album in 1999. So is this more like a Stone Sour album, or are the mighty Iowa group back with a vengeance?

Opening track ‘XIX’ instantly draws focus to the dark and ominous tone of the album, which is emphasised further by lead singer Corey’s harrowing vocals. After years of mourning Paul Gray’s death, line up changes and scandals, it’s clear that ‘The Gray Chapter’ is a source of catharsis for both the members and fans.

‘Sarcastrophe’ is a sophisticated blur of brooding guitar riffs, heavy drum tracks and angry lyrics. One of the main things that is clear on this album is that DJ Sid Wilson has both progressed and had much more of an impact on the songs, using various samples and techniques to set Slipknot apart from other metal bands.

One of the most confusing songs is ‘AOV’, which features almost rap-like vocals, melodic singing and shouting. Surprisingly enough it works, which proves that whether you love them or hate them, Slipknot aren’t afraid to merge different styles and genres.

Despite being played multiple times in the promotion of the album, ‘The Devil In I’ remains one of the best songs on the album, full of anger and ever-changing riffs. If you want a snapshot of what the album will be like, then this is the track you need to listen to.

Frantic, unique and crazy: that describes both Slipknot as a band and the song ‘Skeptic’. It’s refreshing to hear songs which sound fresh and different, rather than the same old metal songs which are rehearsed over and over again by bands worldwide. Although Slipknot get criticised for some songs not being ‘heavy’ enough, at least every track has a different vibe and they aren’t repetitive at all.

If there’s one song that you should be excited to hear live from this new album, then it should be ‘Custer’. It’s exciting, it’s fast-paced and it makes you want to move. A lot. Corey’s vocals are at his best: his angry screaming and pissed-off lyrics bring Slipknot back to their finest hour.

If you want to hear that every song on ‘The Gray Chapter’ is heavy and similar to ‘Iowa’, then this album isn’t for you. Likewise, if you’re expecting a Stone Sour album, then you won’t like this. However, if you can listen to this album with an open mind and enjoy both heavy metal and rock, then this is definitely for you. Slipknot have progressed so much throughout their career, and the success of this album just goes to show that they can overcome anything.

Rating: 9/10

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Why metal elitism needs to stop – now!

As a female metal music fan, I’m often quizzed about what bands I like. Understandably it’s a harmless question, however, many people don’t just want to know who you like: they want you to prove that you actually like them by naming albums and members, as if you’re a poser wearing a band shirt from Primark. Although pretending to like bands is ridiculous, many metal fans are too sceptical of others’ music tastes and act as though what other people like affect them.

As well as being sceptical, many metal fans also don’t believe that if you like metal you should listen to other genres. Personally, as someone who listens to lots of different genres of music, I’m often criticised for listening to things that ‘aren’t metal’. This new wave of criticism is something which is giving metal fans a bad name and becoming too judgemental. If someone who listens to Slayer also listens to Rihanna will the world explode? No - which for a fact is definitely true as that someone is me. Only listening to one genre of music is fine if it is your own personal choice, but judging someone for experimenting and having an open mind is not.

Making those who listen to the so-called ‘weaker’ or ‘less heavy’ genres of metal feel insignificant is something which people should feel ashamed about. One key example of this is metalcore: many metalcore fans are insulted because of the music they listen to, which makes no sense. If someone is happy listening to something then why should it concern anyone else? They aren’t forcing you listen to it or like it, so what is the problem? Not agreeing with what people like because it’s ‘not metal’ is a ridiculous concept and should not exist.

Music is something which is meant to unite people and make them feel better, and judging people for their music taste is something that needs to stop. Bullying people in any way, shape or form is unacceptable and is part of the reason why the younger generation receives so much hate in the press. If you’re one of the few metal fans or even just music fans who insult people on the basis of what they listen to then you need to re-evaluate your priorities in life. Maybe even try turning that hate into a song…