Mad About Rock

Performing at MCM Fringe Festival (taken by me)  J-Rockers Band-Maid make first European performance at huge MCM Comic Con Band-Maid, one of Japan’s up-and-coming all-girl rock acts, made their live debut to UK/Europe at MCM London Comic Con, which took place from 27-29th May 2016 at ExCel London, hosting the UK's biggest Modern Pop Culture Event. The Tokyo quintet who formed in 2013, consisting of Miku (guitar/vocals), Saiki (vocals), Kanami (guitar), Akane (drums) and bassist Misa – have been building quite a reputation and fan-base all over with their blend of cute yet deadly rock music and stand out imagery (appropriately dressing as maids) whilst they unleash and deliver their seriously skilled and striking sounds. The concept of the maid outfit aesthetic stems from founder Miku’s experiences in the maid cafes of Akihabara – the Tokyo district known for otaku (‘geek’) culture and passion for rock music. Through their music videos they have been reaping suc...

So this was a big issue for me! I got to interview Arejay from Halestorm and Barry from Shinedown, which was massive as a big fan of both bands, be sure to check out as make for great reads! Halestorm is here:   https://issuu.com/stencilmag/docs/issue37/95 Shinedown here:  https://issuu.com/stencilmag/docs/issue37/133 I reviewed a hell of a lot of albums too! See below direct links!  Deftones, Saosin, Goo Goo Dolls & Armonite -  https://issuu.com/stencilmag/docs/issue37/183 All Hail The Yeti, Magnolia, Martyr, Dead By Wednesday -  https://issuu.com/stencilmag/docs/issue37/185  My Native Spell, Actual Villians & Franklins Dealers -  https://issuu.com/stencilmag/docs/issue37/191 Kath and the Kicks -  https://issuu.com/stencilmag/docs/issue37/222 Elessar & Grand Rezerva -  https://issuu.com/stencilmag/docs/issue37/223 I also done my first ever book review of the essential guide for musicians of If It Was My Band by E...

Masters of Metal, Metallica have released nine records over two decades, cementing them as one of the big four metal bands. In that time, they have released their classic and most popular singles that helped make them one of the biggest well know metal acts today, and with each single comes a video to do the song ‘justice’! Let's take a look at some of the best visual offerings that you might have somehow forgotten and look at why they are so awesome. So here are six examples of Metallica at their finest and strangest: The Unforgiven  Released in 1991, this was their third official video. This is one of their most epic and intense. It has a classic and serious feel to it too, being all in black and white too. The theme is about a boy born in captivity, and as the video progresses, he turns into an old man...and no, this isn't a pun about the theatrical cut being 11 and a half minutes long! The unfortunate character featured spends his life carving into stone to c...

The Theodolites are a pretty unique concept band who formed in Derbyshire, UK in February 2016. The band consists of multi-instrumentalist Nicky, lyricist Bereek Tha Capricorn, singer/songwriter Marie Red and vocalist Shine. They are a virtual band, who are free of musical constraints and are able to provide a platform for music, graphics and artists for a broad range of genres and audiences. The three songs they have released, demonstrate this perfectly, with each song having the video and visuals matching the tone and feel of the music  in a wonderful and powerful way.  Artwork for single, Code Purple Their latest and hardest hitting single is, Code Purple which acts as a tribute to hard rock heroes, AC/DC, influenced by their classic hit, Thunderstruck. The video depicts various cityscapes, which is beautifully constructed; the imagery that unfolds in the lively cities flows in harmony with melodic bouncy licks and riffs, which have an obvious AC/DC sou...

Strange & Hilarious Post Alert! Bernie Clifton on left and Abhorrent Decimation Album Artwork for Miasmic Mutation on right Veteran British comedian and entertainer Bernie Clifton was recently left "fuming" when his new album To Dream the Impossible Dream  went to press with the track listing for Abhorrent Decimation's  Miasmic Mutation. Inspired by the public reaction to his recent performance on BBC’s The Voice, where he sang a moving rendition of ‘The Impossible Dream’, the impossible to extinguish Bernie Clifton has released a collection of his favourite songs. But it was only when the singer was packing orders that he noticed the printing bungle. “What a cock-up. It has been a nightmare to sort out and has cost me a fortune to reprint the 1,000 CDs. My act has never been described as an Abhorrent Decimation and I’m too scared to even listen to their songs." However, despite his initial reaction Bernie has taken it light he...

So earlier this week, Brighton based metal festival, Mammothfest announced their final full line-up. See the mighty poster above! It includes a special exclusive reunion show from metalcore thrashers, Here There Be Monsters who Join the stampede to get to Brighton for Mammothfest which takes place 30 September - 2 May 2016! Here is the complete festival line up and venue details: FRIDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER THE HAUNT £20.00 Textures | Heart Of A Coward | Krysthla | The Five Hundred FRIDAY 30TH SEPETMBER THE GREEN DOOR STORE £10.00 EASTERN FRONT | Necro Ritual | The Infernal Sea | Premature Birth | Vehement SATURDAY 1ST OCTOBER CONCORDE 2 £25.00 Venom Inc | Entrails | Liquid Graveyard | One Machine - official | Sworn Amongst | DIVINE CHAOS | King Leviathan | HeLL PuPPeTs | MORTISHEAD SUNDAY 2ND OCTOBER THE GREEN DOOR STORE £20.00 Conan | Black Moth | Serpent Venom | Bast | Opium Lord | Conjurer | King Goat | BongCauldron | PIST | Garganjua | Boss...

Thrice are back...and it's sweet as hell! American Rockers Thrice have premiered new song, Black Honey. The band have releashed a new song from their upcoming highly anticipated comeback album, To Be Everywhere Nowhere. This is first album in 5 years, which is due out May 27 via Vagrant. Check out the new song below and let me know your thoughts!