INTERVIEW: Johan Söderberg from Amon Amarth

On the final night of Amon Amarth's UK tour, I spoke to guitarist Johan Söderberg about what it is like to tour in England, covers and the possibility of a new album.

How has the tour been going so far?
Good! It has been sold out almost every show.

How does it feel to be playing in Southampton tonight?
I'm sure it is going to be good! But it's cold in here, I hope it warms up when the people come.

How would you say that crowds in England compare to other countries that you have played in?
I would say that it's not a huge difference. Everywhere that we play is all the same, except for maybe South America. People are a little more crazy over there!

How would you describe your music to someone who has not heard it before?
It is kind of like traditional heavy metal, but it's more dorky-sounding and a little more aggressive.

What should people expect from a live show from Amon Amarth?
It's just a well-played, tight band with lots of power.

What inspires you to continue to write music and keep performing?
I'd say it's my biggest interest. From the beginning it was like a hobby and now it has turned into work but it's still one of my biggest, like, what I do in my spare time as well.

Have you hear the cover that Sabaton did of 'Twilight of the Thunder God' and what are your thoughts on it? Would you ever think of covering one of their songs in return?
I thought they did a good cover of it, but we are not going to do any covers. I also heard they play it live when we had them as an opening band in the US.

What made you want to become a musician?
I guess it was when I was a kid and I saw Iron Maiden and bands like that play. It felt like something that I wanted to do.

What are your favourite and least favourite things about touring?
I mean, the least favourite thing is that you can never really be by yourself. You are always surrounded by people. The good thing is that you get to see lots of places in the world that you would never see otherwise.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Just play the kind of music that you like to listen to yourself and keep on doing what you like to do. I guess that is the best recipe for success.

Do you have much planned for the rest of this year?

This is the last tour for this album, so after this we are going to go back home and start working on new material.

Have you already got the new material planned out or are you waiting until you have finished the tour?
Not really! Just some small, small ideas.

Listen to the interview here: https://soundcloud.com/juliaconopo/interview-johan-soderberg-from-amon-amarth

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'Chapter 1: A Long Time Coming' Profane And The Sacred Album Review

Record Label: Cargo Records
Release Date: 23 February 2015

It is not often that the opening track from a stoner metal band leaves you hooked, but Profane And The Sacred have managed to hit the nail on the head with 'Bench'. The acoustic introduction is unlike anything that you have heard before: the beautiful yet ominous melody contrasts perfectly with the following coarse and hard-hitting riffs. Although it takes over three minutes before the singing begins, the London-based metalheads are able to keep your attention with their impressive musical skills.

'Bleed That Stone' is undeniably a fast-paced metal anthem. Lead singer Luke Alleeson's vocals are powerful and full of emotion, allowing the listener to become fully-immersed in the band's musical talents. One of the reasons that Profane And The Sacred sound so appealing is that they have managed to incorporate all of the passion that is featured in old-school metal songs, along with their own unique and fresh ideas.

One of the most impressive songs on the album is 'From The Top'. The band have been able to combine features from genres all across the metal genre and fuse them together in a new and exciting way. It is easy to forget that this is a debut album as all aspects of the songs are polished to perfection.

'All For None' is a gritty and doom-riff laden track that will keep making you want to come back for more. The guitar solos are not only technical, but they will also allow those who have given up hope for the metal music industry to take back their words.

If you want fast-paced and nostalgic-sounding riffs, then you need to listen to penultimate track 'Words'. The seven minute song is constantly changing pace, allowing you to stay fully focussed and excited about what could happen next.

It is often thought of that stoner metal has a niche market, however, 'Chapter 1: A Long Time Coming' has definitely challenged this view. Profane And The Sacred are one of the few bands around that are able to bring something new and fresh to the metal music scene. They are undeniably extremely talented musicians with the potential to become your new favourite band.

Rating: 9/10

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'Soft' Rathborne Album Review

Release Date: 16^th February 2015

Record Label: True Believer

Rathborne are an indie pop/garage rock band from New York, fronted by Luke Rathborne. After releasing 'After Dark' and 'I Can Be One E.P./Dog Years E.P. ' on his own, he decided to try his hand at creating music alongside three of his friends, resulting in their new album 'Soft'.

Opening track 'Last Forgiven' gives you an instant insight into the theme of the album: fast-paced, catchy indie music. Luke Rathborne's vocals are similar to those of Luke Pritchard's from The Kooks, with a garage-sounding twist.

One of the most memorable songs on the album is 'Deal'. Although the lyrical content leaves something to be desired, the ambient chords and harsh vocals prove that Rathborne are halfway towards becoming a memorable indie pop band.

The electrifying guitar riffs in title track 'Soft' allow the listener to almost be transported to a dingy venue in the middle of nowhere: the effortless and atmospheric music includes everything that a strong indie track needs. Luke Rathborne is able to use his voice as more than just a way to make money, he uses his unique and emotion-filled vocals to their full potential. If you only get a chance to listen to one song by Rathborne, then this should be it.

Electronic song 'Eno' is one of the least impressive songs on the album. Despite only lasting for just under two minutes, the constant wailing and overlapping vocals are enough to give the biggest indie pop fan a headache. It's hard to understand why this song was included on the album, especially as out of context it sounds like a children's television show theme song.

It's hard to judge Rathborne's debut album as either good or bad: there are certainly some memorable indie songs, however, mixed amongst them are some mediocre and even quite boring songs. One thing that is definitely certain is that there is something missing from every song on the album. Whether it's passion, unique riffs or lyrical content, it's hard to imagine this album bringing any new fans to the indie pop genre.

Rating: 5/10

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'The Great Brand New' The Inside Is Live Album Review

Release Date: 1st August 2014
Label: AJM Management

The Inside Is Live are an alternative rock back from Nottingham. The five-piece formed in 2006, releasing their debut self-titled EP in February 2013. The band have managed to gain fans quickly due to their strong online presence and now that they have released their latest album, ‘The Great Brand New’, they are a fresh new addition to the UK alternative rock scene.

The first song on ‘The Great Brand New’ is ‘MMXII’, a short introduction of disjointed guitars and feedback, not entirely dissimilar to the introduction track from Panic At The Disco’s first album. It merges with the second track ‘Brittle Bones’, which is an anthemic and uplifting rock song.

‘Decadence’ is a slower paced and more melodic track, which is emphasised by the harmonising backing vocals and an impressive guitar solo before the breakdown. Lead singer Michael Denby’s is very talented; his voice is easy to listen to and stands out well against the attitude-filled guitar melodies.

The raw passion and emotion of The Inside Is Live is demonstrated perfectly through ‘Hopeless Youth’. The chorus is easily memorable and almost impossible not to sing along to. The bass solo is impressive and it’s easy to imagine how this song would song live.

Acoustic track ‘The Moment’ is everything that you would want in a slow rock song: twangy guitars , powerful vocals and deep lyrics. This is one of the best tracks on the album and proves that the band know the winning formula for rock music. What is an alternative rock album without at least one slow and romantic number, anyway?

As you get further and further through the album, it becomes clear that The Inside Is Live have a true talent for catchy choruses and simple yet effective guitar riffs. It is easy to see why they could appeal to the masses: the lyrics aren’t offensive, there is no heavy screaming and the band members are young. However, there is nothing boring about this album, and it’s positive to see a band that can become popular through their talent, rather than resorting to tacky gimmicks or obscenity.

To put it in blunt terms, they sound like a non-crap version of Black Veil Brides. If you like your music easy to sing along to, yet still enjoy a slightly-rocky anthem, then you’re onto a winner with ‘The Great Brand New’. The Inside Is Live are embarking on a short UK tour in December this year, check out their Facebook page for details.

Rating: 7/10

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'Mend, Move On' Trophy Eyes Album Review

Record label: Hopeless Records
Release date: 4^th November 2014

Trophy Eyes are a pop punk/melodic hardcore band from Newcastle. Despite only forming in February 2013, the five-piece are currently touring Australia, before coming back to the UK early next year to join Neck Deep on the road. The band recently found success after releasing their debut EP 'Everything Goes Away' in April, and now they're back again to prove exactly why they're so popular with their new album 'Mend, Move On'.

Trophy Eyes waste no time getting into the party spirit: first track 'My Name On Paper' is full of energy and traditional pop-punk riffs. There is something almost nostalgic about the lyrics that John Floreani is screaming, which is no surprise as he has been quoted in Alternative Press saying that their debut album is about “made up of the stories and memories that I think defined my life so far and acted as lessons through out my transition from adolescence to adulthood.”

'Come Clean' has a haunting vibe, which is emphasised by the unpredictable rhythm of the song. Yet again, the lyrics are particularly striking, which may be one of the reasons that Trophy Eyes are gaining fans across the world so quickly. The themes of broken relationships and yearning for the past are similar features all across the pop punk genre, however, there is something different about Trophy Eyes. The sophistication and talent of the musicians is apparent in every song on the album; they do not sound like a new band that needs to rehearse more, but their music still sounds fresh and exciting.

The first song to be released from 'Mend, Move On' is 'In Return', a catchy and riff-filled punk song. The screaming and singing vocals merge beautifully, making it one of the best songs on the album. 'Choke' is another song that stands out; despite only being one minute long, it breaks up the album nicely and proves that Trophy Eyes are just as good at writing slow songs as they are at writing fast-paced punk bangers.

The easiest comparison for similar bands to Trophy Eyes would be Neck Deep, so it's pretty handy that they will be touring together in January. From the vibe of their songs, they should hopefully be an impressive live band too. All in all, 'Mend, Move On' is a brilliant first album from Trophy Eyes. If you're a fan of pop-punk and want a fresh and exciting new band to listen to, then this album is definitely for you.

Rating: 8/10

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'Racecar Is Racecar Backwards' Reuben Album Review

Release date: 3rd November 2014
Label: Xtra Mile Recordings 

It’s frustrating when talented bands don’t get the full recognition that they deserve, and Reuben are definitely one of the bands that this applies to. With their unique fusion of metal, alternative rock and everything in-between, Reuben rocked the underground music scene. Six years after the band’s demise and ten years after ‘Racecar Is Racecar Backwards’ was first released, the band have decided to re-release their debut album, along with an extra disc full of demos, live tracks and unreleased material. Their decision to do this has not only ignited dedicated fans with hopes of a reunion, but also to bring this incredible album to those who missed it the first time round.

Disc one is the original album in all its glory: the emotions, lyrics and riffs all remain untouched. In an industry where music is often revamped and altered, it’s impressive that after a decade it still sounds as compelling as it did back in 2004. One of the most emotionally powerful songs is ‘Tonight My Wife Is Your Wife’; the meaning of the lyrics is debatable, but what is true is that Jamie Lenman’s vocals are both haunting yet beautiful. In fact, one of the most unique features of Reuben is Jamie’s vocal range, which varies from shouting, singing and whispers. ‘Freddy Kreuger’ demonstrates the band’s playful nature, whereas ‘Moving To Blackwater’ has a more melodic theme.

The second disc is where the excitement continues. Reuben are regarded highly for their live performances, and even just listening to one of the live tracks demonstrates why. ‘No One Wins The War (Live At The BBC)’ is full of harsh guitar riffs, and the lyrics before the breakdown are so catchy that it’s almost impossible not to sing along. The demo of ‘Stuck In My Throat’ is even heavier than the original, yet the harmonies are even more poignant. ‘Eating Only Apples (Live At The BBC)’ opens with a simple yet effective bass line, leading into an almost thrash-like guitar riff. The live songs demonstrate what talented musicians Jamie, Jon and Guy are, as they aren’t afraid to experiment with their performances. There is an impressive twenty-one tracks on the bonus disc, which includes the fun-filled jam ‘Fuzz’s Birthday Song’ and finishes with an interview from the band on XFM.

If you enjoy listening to alternative music from any side of the rock or metal spectrum then this album is definitely for you. Reuben songs are so unique that you can listen to their albums over and over again without getting bored. The re-release of ‘Racecar Is Racecar Backwards’ manages to impress both old and new fans, due to the vast amount of original songs, demos and live tracks. The only thing missing now is a reunion… *Hint hint*

Rating: 10/10

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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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