Mad About Rock

Under Blackened Skies are a five piece metal band that hail from Birmingham, UK. The band have an impressive array of accolades behind them, including playing at Bloodstock 2010, headlining BasementFest 2011 (which they are playing again this year supporting big headlining acts!), featuring in an international magazine,  and playing the 02 Academy in Birmingham supporting Road Runner band, Baptized In Blood.  They will also be supporting Beholder on the 1st of March 2012, and lastly vocalist Manu Patel provided lead vocals for Daniel Lioneye (HIM's side project) on their 2011 tour of America, Canada and Finland, where they supported Cradle Of Filth (all I must say I'm a big fan of!). So I think it's fair to say this band means businesss and have alot to be proud of!!..You must be intrigued by now as to what the fuss is all about, so I think its time we get down to unveiling their new EP, "Faceless Devastation"... There are only four tracks on the EP, but f...

Darkest Era are a celtic metal band from Northern Ireland, although not just strictly celtic metal as they have other genres mixed in to create their epic sound. The band signed with the mighty Metal Blade Records back in 2010 and released their first full length debut through the label, the brilliant, "The Last Caress Of Light". This band is one to look out for! They have recently just finished a 14 date tour with 'pirate metal' band, Alestorm and Australian folk metal band, Claim The Throne on the "Useless Drunken Bastards" UK and Ireland tour in February 2012. I was lucky enough to witness all 3 bands in action on the 14th of February in Brighton at The Haunt. If you haven't seen Darkest Era or heard their music, you best do it now! I asked guitarist, Ade Mulgrew about touring with Alestorm, live shows, signing with Metal Blade Records and what the future holds... So I saw you at The Haunt in Brighton on the February 14 th , and th...

Left For Red are a four piece metal band from Dudley, UK. Their sound is a mix of punk, metal and rock. They have played many gigs with some of the best bands in West Midlands..and now they will be playing alongside the mighty Chimaira and Revoker on the 17th of March at the Slade Rooms in Wolverhampton. I put some questions to bassist, Daniel Carter about opening for Chimaira, lives shows and the new EP due to be released this year.. Firstly thanks for your time. You must be pretty hectic right now, promoting and rehearsing, especially with the impending massive gig coming up?! Yeah we have a really busy year coming up, we are working mainly on festival dates during the summer, so far we have been confirmed for Basement Fest 2012 which is going to be amazing with Blaze Bayley and Beholder headlining. We are also busy booking gigs hopefully for a UK tour during or at the end of the year. I hear your working on a new set for the Chimaira show. How much are you going to c...

US four piece deliver 'all metal, no bullshit'! Like your metal heavy as?!..then this is a band for you! "A Beautiful Demise" is nice and heavy from the off! Great fierce vocals, with audible shouting is always good! Very clear and effective topped off with good lyrics, bold and strong like their music! Add in some headbang worthy riffs and beats and this track shows pure metal is still alive! "Butterfly Effect" to sum up is fast, and fucking heavy! This is a great heart pounding, headbanging slab of metal! I always admire any metal vocalists that can scream like hell whilst still being meticulous! This band have a solid cuthroat sound that should go down a treat with the metal masses and will make you go mental in the mosh pits! Speaking of mosh pits be sure to check out the band if your fortunate enough to be in the area supporting the very awesome Straight Line Stitch (not for the first time either!) who I'm a massive fan of!..If you haven...

Avalanche are a four piece Post Hardcore act from the South East of England. They released their 4 track EP on the 6th October, and released it true style, launching it at a gig in Crawley at Bar Med supporting the band, Never Means Maybe who along with Fei Comodo are currently supporting Exit Ten ! The title of EP, " Inora " is named after the Goddess of Mountain Snow, which the artwork depicts. You could say its a good EP for the cold winter! Check it out now and be "snowed" under by " Avalanche ", and when your barricaded in your homes by the snow (which I'm sure will soon by on its way!) take this opportunity to listen to these 4 awesome tracks! " Problems With Talking " has quite a mainstream feel to it, so I'm sure it will be very popular! The song has great lyrics, like the other 3 tracks, and doesn't stray from this through out. The song seamlessly flows and is very coherent, something which can be ha...

This 6 piece band are from Central Valley, CA. They have a great and interesting sound which they refer to as Jivecore . They released " The Roman Candle " late 2011..is it burning bright, or looking dim?.. Opening with " Severance 2.0 " which has great guitar licks, beats and melodic riffs. A good introduction to the band. Coming in at just under 2 minutes, this track keeps it short but sweet! " The Trip " consists of synths sounds, great guitar work, with a mix of clean and scream vocals and lots of dynamic tempo changes. Nothing not to like really! I especially like the creepy piano bit at the end... Very unexpected! The strangely titled, " Pachinko " again shows some great guitar licks, as shown throughout. I'm really digging their tones and production. Quite unique in places. " Brought To You By Cinco " - really loving the main riff in this song!.. Very memorable! Lots of twists and turns, great structure ...

Article written by me. Originally printed in Ryan's Gig Guide magazine: http://www.ryansgigguide.com/ Carina