New blog - As Good As Dead

This is to let you know about a new blog that's been set up about Dead and Gone records. It's only just started but it's worth keeping an eye on.

Go to - http://deadandgonerecords.blogspot.com/.

The blog will show old videos, Interviews and other stuff from their vaults. If you're into hardcore, you could do a lot worse than check this out.

Introducing - Brides

Okay, so this band probably doesn't need introducing to those of you who have your ears to the ground, but I thought I would post a piece about them anyway, as they are pushing the UK scene forward.

The band are from Brighton and have so far released to records of progessive/hardcore noise. An EP called - High Charity and an album called - Ocular. Unveil. Brides are currently signed to Visible Noise here in the UK.

The band have just announced a January 2011 tour with The Perfect Crime and others. The flyer for the tour is below: -

You can check the band out at - http://www.myspace.com/bridesmusic and at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/bridesmusic.

Introducing - Acatalepsy

  
I just wanted to let you know about a cool new Death metal band from Edinburgh. I got in touch with the band recently, and they sent me a short introduction about them, which I've posted below for you:-

"The band was formed in October 2007 by Hamish and myself, but it took us until early 2010 to secure a full lineup and start playing live. Since then, we've had the pleasure of supporting quality acts such as Diamanthian and Neuroma. In late November we went into the studio to record 4 songs for our debut EP, which is due early next year. We hope to bring something different to the Scottish DM scene, both musically and lyrically. The only gig we have confirmed at the moment is the 'Slaughterhaus' on the 18th on February in Glasgow (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112228745510
467) but we hope to book a few more gigs soon."

The guys have posted some songs up on their Myspace profile, so you can check em out.

Visit them on Myspace at - http://www.myspace.com/acatalepsysounds and on Facebook at - http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Acatalepsy/136430469743921.

These guys are are another band who are proving that the Scottish Death metal scene is alive and kicking and long may it continue.

Dutch Metal scene - Antillectual

 

This next band are another band I've discovered during my look into the very fertile Dutch metal/hardcore scene.

Antillectual are a melodic punk/hardcore band from Nijmegen. The band have been around since 2005 and have released 2 EP's and 2 full lengths, as well as touring relentlessly around Europe and the US.

Their current release in called - Start from Scratch, which you can buy from the following link - http://www.antillectual.com/. The band are offering the album in various formats - including CD/LP and free/donation digital download.

The band are due to play in the UK in January. They are Playing in London on the 27th and Blackburn on the 29th. More shows can be found on the above link.

These guys are well worth checking out if you like melodic punk music and they are really refreshing in a time when more and more bands are choosing to go down the aggressive route.

For more info, go to - http://www.myspace.com/antillectual.

Scene Heads-up - Torn Apart

Torn Apart are another fine, local hardcore band from Leeds, West Yorkshire. They play in a very old school style, being influenced by bands like Voorhees and Sheer Terror.

They currently have a S/T 7" ep out via Grot Records and a 4 way split out with fellow Yorkshire bands Closure, Mouth and Bonestorm, who I recently featured.

To get hold of the bands S/T 7" ep, go to - http://www.myspace.com/grotrecords
To pick up their 4 way split, go to - http://www.hittimerecords.co.uk/home.html

The band have a myspace page where you can listen to a selection of their tracks.
Go to - http://www.myspace.com/tornapartuk.

Facebook

I while ago I said that I had started a facebook group so you could stay up to date with whats happening on my blog. Well, I finally got around to sorting out a proper facebook page.

Go to this link - http://www.facebook.com/stayaheadblog

I'll get a proper URL set up soon.

If you're already a reader of the blog and you have Facebook, please add me.

Thanks.

Dutch Metal Scene - Screw Houston Start Screaming

Screw Houston Start Screaming are hardcore band from Utrecht. They started in 2009 and shortly after the formed, they recorded a four track demo.

They have a hardcore/rock n roll sound that is kinda like Every Time I die and Comeback kid.

SHSS have been pretty regular members of the Dutch live scene and have played shows with loads of local bands, including Malfunction, who I featured on this blog a few weeks back. The band have shows organised for December and into January in Holland.

Go to http://www.myspace.com/screwhoustonhc for more information on their Dutch tour dates and to download their four track demo.

Scene Heads-Up - Bonestorm

I realise I haven't done one of my local scene posts for a while, so here's one.

Bonestorm area a band I came across in the "New/Cult bands" section of a Terrorizer magazine. They are a Simpson's obsessed hardcore band from Leeds.

They currently have a limited demo cassette available that can be purchased through their myspace site. They have also recorded some tracks for a split 7" with local bands - Mouth/Torn apart/Closure.

The band are playing a gig at Santiago's in Leeds on the 18th of December, with Diet pills/Goatspeed/Normal Man and Legion of Swine. They are also due to tour in March of next year.

To find out more about the band, go to - http://www.myspace.com/bonestormhc

Dutch Metal Scene - Human Demise

Human Demise are a hardcore band a discovered not so long ago. I chanced across a review of their most recent album, The Odditorium on Aversion online. To check that review out and the rest of the blog, go to - http://www.aversionline.com/blahg/2010/03/.

Anyway, Human Demise have been around since early 2004, and have been influenced by the mid-90s hardcore scene, witch is evidenced in their sound. They've shared stages with the likes of Sick of It All and and fellow countrymen No Turning Back.

They are currently working on a new record and have a gig booked for the 28th of December in Middelberg, Netherlands.

These guys are a bit of an institution in underground Dutch hardcore circles, and I think they need to be heard by more people from outside of the Netherlands. 

Go to - http://www.myspace.com/humandemise for more on the band and if you want to pick up their releases, go to their labels webshop - http://wtfdistro.eu/store/.

Noord-Brabant Scene - The Darkest Red

The Darkest red are a death metal I have recently come across. They are from Wallwijk in the Netherlands. They play awesome, death metal with technical guitar and a slight touch of modern metal thrown in for good measure.

They have an album out called - Destroy and Rebuild, which has been released by CrossFireCult Records.

The band released their first demo in 2006, called - Time has come to embrace. In 2007 they released a single track demo called - The reaping. They then performed with many bands across Europe, including Belgian hardcore band - Arkangel and the UK's own - Bleed from Within.

The band have two songs available for free download on their last FM site - http://www.last.fm/music/The+Darkest+Red. Both songs are from their album - Destroy and Rebuild.

They are writing a second album as we speak.

Go to http://www.myspace.com/thedarkestredofficial for news on the band and to listen to their tracks.

Australia attacks - The Fevered

This band got in touch we me as they wanted to let people know about their debut EP, which they've just recorded. The Ep is available for free or "sliding scale" download at this link - http://thefevered.bandcamp.com/.

The Fevered are a death metal band from Brisbane, Australia. I've recently listened to their EP, so have done a review that I've posted below.

Opening track, To Frailty starts off with what could be described as hardcore gang vocals over the top of buzzsaw riffs and speedy drumming. The song then moves into their take on Swedish melo-death, with vocals in the vein of Mikael Stanne from Dark Tranquility.

Second track, Sky Burial is a very black metal influenced song with dual screamed vocals. The song also includes bouncing riffs akin to Meshuggah.

Third song, Cascade Divide also employs Meshuggah style bouncing riffs. The song is again in the bands melo-death style and includes an awesome, but not ostentatious guitar solo.

Track four,  Cycles has a slight change of sound. It includes more buzzsaw riffing and almost punkish, grindcore style drumming with blastbeats not being overused. The band introduces a kind of anguished screaming to the middle of the track and the change in time signatures in the song is done to aplomb.

Fifth track, Vestige again shows a variation on the bands theme. The band this time employs something that resembles a death metal style breakdown in the middle if the song with more of their brand of gang/dual vocals, alongside their Swe-death inspired racket.

The final track, Sever the world is the longest track on their EP, coming it an just over eight minutes. They build up with slow almost doomy riffs before breaking into, very thrashy riffs. They employ twin guitar melodies and later on the track, a very introspective passage with more, almost spoken word style screaming. They employ string effects towards the end of the track to add atmosphere as the track and EP comes to an end.

Overall the EP shows a band who are not afraid to vary their style and improve upon a style of music that is very popular with up-and coming bands. The EP's sound is good and all the parts are clear and distinguishable. These guys have a bright future and need exposure. Go to their myspace page - http://www.myspace.com/thefevered to find our more. They have an interesting blog up about their recording sessions for the Vestige EP.

Remember you can also download the EP from Bandcamp, for free by typing in $0.00 when after clicking on "Buy it now", or contribute a little to the bands cause by paying a small donation to download it.

Thanks.

Jim.

Holy Roar Records

In one of my previous posts, I featured We'll die smiling, who have recently released an EP via Holy Roar Records. So, I've decided to do a special feature on the label so you can find out a bit about them and the bands that they work with.

Holy Roar Records are an independent record label operating out of London. They have worked in the past with more well known names in the underground, such as Gallows and Rolo Tomassi.

They are currently working with a number of bands, so I've put details about them below:-

Antares are a band who can't really be tied down to a particular genre. They are wildly technical and discordant. They feature one ex-member from the band - Chronicles of Adam West, who have previously worked with Holy Roar records, but who are sadly no longer active.

The band currently have release out through the label, called - L'esprit De L'escalier. You can download the release directly from the label at the link above.
http://www.myspace.com/antaresuk

Black Mass are a Leeds based hardcore/metal band. They are due to play a gig at The Old Blue Last in London on the 10th of December with label mates - Hang the Bastard.

They have a self titled EP available through Holy Roar. They have once free song available for download from the EP via the label's website, just click on the the link below for more information.
http://holyroarrecords.com/#/blackmass 

Brontide are an instrumental band, featuring ex-members of I Was a Cub Scout and Pictures. They have a self titled EP out via Holy Roar, and feature on a number of their label's compilations.

They have two gigs arranged for December. One is Birmingham on the 16th and one alongside Rolo Tomassi in London on the 19th. Go to their myspace page for more information and to listen to some of their tracks. http://www.myspace.com/brontidetheband

Brutality Will Prevail are a hard touring, UK hardcore band. The band have a number of European and UK dates booked with Mother of Mercy and Dead Swans at the end of November and through December. They are also playing in London on the 13th of January with Downpresser, Cornered and Pariso. Dates are available through the Holy Roar website and the band's myspace page.

They currently have an album available through Holy Roar, in various formats including 10" Vinyl, CD and Digital download. They also appear on one of Holy Roar's compilation cassettes.
http://www.myspace.com/brutalitywillprevail

Crocus are an awesome and original hardcore band from Cornwall. They have already released one EP through We Heart records and a split CD with fellow Brits, Lavotchking. They are hoping to release their debut album through Holy Roar in the near future. They also appear on one of Holy Roar's compilation cassettes.

The band have gigs booked in December, January, where they will be playing in Devon and London and have a gig booked for London in April, playing with Kerouac and Bastions.
http://www.myspace.com/crocusband

The Ergon Carousel are a UK grindcore band featuring ex-members of Carmen, Beecher and Narcosis. The band run their own blog, the address is - www.turninggravity.blogspot.com.

Their self titled EP is available through the label, alongside their special Kyuss covers split 7" with Throats. Go to http://holyroarrecords.com/#/theergoncarousel. The band also appear on a couple of Holy Roar compilation releases.
http://www.myspace.com/rocklikeergon 

Gallops are something a bit different, showing that the label is an eclectic stable of strong talent. They play rock with added electro and you can follow them on twitter at by clicking on this link - http://twitter.com/gallops. 

You can get their self titled CD via the label and they have a free song available for you to download off that record, called - Miami spider. Go to http://holyroarrecords.com/#/gallops for more!

Hang The Bastard are London Based hardcore band. Their current release - Hellfire Reign, is available in multiple vinyl versions, CD and via digital download from the Label. 

They have just recently finished a short run of dates in the UK with hardcore legends Knuckledust, and have a gig booked for February 19 at The Ringside in Hull.
http://www.myspace.com/hangthebastardlondon

Last Witness are another wicked hardcore band from the London area. They currently have their latest release - Give up, available through the label as various coloured vinyl and as a digital download.

The band have a gig booked to play Salisbury in January the 22nd. For more news on shows and to hear songs from their 7" - Give up, go to -
http://www.myspace.com/lastwitnessuk.

Livimorket is the ambient/black metal solo project of an unnamed member of one of the bands on Holy Roar's roster. The demo titled - Dark Totality, which is available as a digital download and features one 39 minutes track. There has also been a self titled demo and a split release with Deafest. 

You can find out more information in the projects releases by going to - http://holyroarrecords.com/#/livimorket.
http://www.myspace.com/livimorket

Maths are a UK based screamo band, but a very good one. They mold their screaming in with introspective musicianship, which has come to signify many British screamo acts in recent years. Their latest release - Descent is available through the label along with their split release with Throats. Go to - http://holyroarrecords.com/#/maths.


Pariso and others. For more info on the band, go to - 
http://www.myspace.com/mathsband

Run, Walk are a young UK duo from Winchester, playing good old, noisy off-kilter punk. The band appear on a couple of Holy Roar compilations and you can hear tracks by going to - http://holyroarrecords.com/#/runwalk.


They also have all of their releases to date, listed on their myspace page, including their long sold out, self titled EP which they are offering as a free download. 
http://www.myspace.com/runwalk

Finally, We'll Die Smiling are a local hardcore band from Leeds/Bradford. You may have already read about them on this blog, as I featured them not so long ago. I've recently bought their EP - Avant Garde, directly from the label. It's a great release and the whole package is well worth picking up from http://holyroarrecords.com/welldiesmiling.


The band are offering the song - Interdisciplinary, from their EP, as a free download through Holy Roar's website at the link above. They also have a split cassette with Betty Pariso and a free download of their self titled EP available through their myspace page.
http://www.myspace.com/welldiesmiling


Earlier in the month, I caught up with label co-founder Alex, who was kind enough to give me some insight into the label. Here's what he had to say.


Can you tell me a bit about how the label begun and how you decided on the direction you wanted to go?

The idea for the label was sown when me and Ellen lived in Birmingham. I formed a label with a couple of friends in Birmingham based around a webzine and we did 3 releases. Me and Ellen then moved to London and decided there was a bunch of bands we wanted to see pushed more in the UK! The first release came out around June/July 2006. As for deciding on a direction - well, essentially, this never happened! We just did, and always have, released exactly what we want. Anything we like that isn't cheesy is certainly up for consideration. We certainly never sat down and went 'lets release whatever is in fashion in the metal world and try and clean up on merch' or anything like that - a look at our catalogue should hopefully reveal that we always have, and always will support some bands that have no commercial prospects at all.

How has it been for you to see the label grow?

Amazing. The most satisfying feeling in the world. But it has certainly been very hard work - far more work than monetary return that is for sure! Which is sometimes hard to swallow when you do it full time, but I cant complain as it is better than working in a soulless office with personality-void drones.

You're the label that brought bands like Gallows, Rolo Tomassi to people's attention. What helps you decide on bands to work with?

I'm sure there are cynical people who think we released those bands to a) make money b) increase our profile, but that has never been the case. Rolo Tomassi we have been with since the start, and every other 'name' band we have worked with has come about organically through real friendships or mutual respect. Generally we just go with gut feeling on who to work with - sometimes we get it wrong, and sometimes with hindsight I'm like 'why did we do that?' - but if we ever got more calculated than that then I would hate myself. All we ask of our bands is that they be fucking amazing and work hard. Not much! Ha.

Do you still take pride in the DIY formula that the UK underground scene stands by?

I'm not sure to be honest. I've felt really burnt by a couple of situations recently that have left me more disillusioned with the complete lack of intelligence and logical thought of a bunch of people. But DIY to me is a personal thing - it stands for 'do it yourself' after all, and we certainly do EVERYTHING to do with Holy Roar ourselves. There is no outside funding, there is no one promoting our bands except us and fans!

What does the future hold for the label?

I'm determined not to becoming a merch company. I want to continue to release a lot of music and continue to try and push our music into new physical territories across the world. The future is trying to strengthen our position whilst remaining 100% independent, making ourselves better known around the world and releasing loads of good music!

To find out more about Holy Roar go to - http://holyroarrecords.com.

Dutch Metal Scene - Terzij de Horde

So far, I've been focusing on the Noord-Brabant Hardcore scene, but I thought I'd look at other bands from the Netherlands in general, as there's no shortage of quality bands out there.

Terzij de Horde are a black metal band from Utrecht, who play abrasive hardcore/black metal in the vein of Wolves in the Throne Room. They have toured around Europe, including the UK and Germany and have graced stages alongside the likes on Annal Nathrakh and Altar of Plagues.

The band currently have released two CD's. A demo titled - Exposed Barren and Windswept and an EP titled - A Rage of Rapture Against the Dying of the Light.You can buy their EP from their Big Cartel page - terzijdehorde.bigcartel.com, or you can e-mail the band at terzijdehorde@gmail.com.

The band have a myspace page - http://www.myspace.com/terzijdehorde and they are on Last FM, where they have a song available for free download, which is called - Non Timetis Messor.

I was lucky enough to ask Bass player - Johan a couple of questions about the band. Here's what he had to say:-

What has been like for you as a band playing live and in some of the places you've played?

Since most us come from the hardcore scene, playing live is what it's all about. The passion, the frenzy, the rage, it all falls into place when the songs are performed. We tend to have very intense live shows, where we try to convey all the emotions in the songs onto the audience.

So far, the reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. In the beginning, we played lots of hardcore and screamo shows, since that's where we came from, and they were great, but we really wanted to play more metal shows, people at those previous shows couldn't really fit us in.

This summer, we started playing more and more metal shows, did an amazing tour of the UK and Ireland, ended up in Germany a couple of times and started playing bigger venues with bands like Altar of Plagues, Year Of No Light, Anaal Nathrakh and Liturgy . So far, this path we've taken leads to bigger heights still. Amazing.

What does the future for hold for Terzij de Horde?

At this point, we're writing songs for a full-length, probably to be released next year's summer. We'd like to find a label for that, but the EP was done completely DIY and that worked out really well, so we'll see. Furthermore, we'll be touring Europe during summer, and perhaps even beyond.  That's the near future, as for the far future, it's all about making our time count. Meeting new people, playing new places, sharing our music with those who are willing to open themselves up for it.   

Jim.

 

Scene Heads-up - As Darkness Surrounds

As Darkness Surrounds are a metalcore band from Doncaster. They are a relatively new band and have three tracks posted on their myspace page for you to enjoy.

They have a show coming up,at The Priory in Doncaster on the 26th of November, so if your in that neck of the woods, go check em out.

Jim.

Interview - Pim (Vocalist, Said and Done)

Here is my interview with Pim, vocalist with Dutch hardcore band - Said and Done. It was really insightful to here from Pim and what he had to say about the Dutch scene.

How have you found playing in the UK? How does it compare to playing in mainland Europe?

We always love to play the UK. We've been there a couple of times now since 2007. First time we played the PLS MSH fest in Brighton, organised by the one and only Rob Boyce. He also introduced Guitar Hero and Anchorman to us. Something we're still grateful for haha. I think so far we went over there every year? Twice this year though. We played Le Pub in Newport (Wales) a couple of times, hooking up with Alex B. Alex and Caroline in Nottingham were always good to us. And then there's the boys from Carry The Weight / Never Again, who we did a weekend with in May. Great lads. They also released our "Weight Of The World" 7" and invited us to play Carry The Weight Fest two weeks ago. Which was a blast.

As for comparing the two? They're pretty much the same in a lot of ways. One difference is that in the Netherlands you more regularly get drinks and food at the shows you're playing. But it's probably because a lot of the promoters in the Netherlands don't have to pay for the venue etc while you guys in the UK have to come up with the cash yourselves. And it seems that shows getting cancelled / bands pulling out on a show happens more regularly in the UK in comparison with the Netherlands. I have no idea why that is though. That's all I can think of right now.

I've been doing a lot of research into bands from your scene recently. Where do you see the scene going in the future?

I think it will remain pretty much the same in the long run. We always had lots of cool bands from this area of the Netherlands. Pretty diverse bands too. At the moment it seems a bit less active though, less people coming to shows. But I think that's something that's happening in hardcore in general at the moment. For certain in all parts of the Netherlands. It's all going in waves. It always has, as far as I know. One of these days a (couple of) band(s) will stand up and will get more people excited again. Remember the Dead Stop / Justice / Restless Youth period? But yeah, I think it will just go on like it's now for some time. Bandwise we have a pretty strong scene and I don't think that will change anytime soon. Let's just hope more new kids will discover hardcore. More new blood would be welcome.

What was it like for Said and Done when you were starting out?

Exciting times! Said And Done was the follow-up to a band (with the same people) we were doing before, but the sound had changed, we changed and we wanted a fresh start. Enter Said And Done. I think within the first year or something with Said And Done we made our first trip through Europe, released a record on vinyl and played with some great bands we listened to a lot ourselves (Cro Mags for instance). So yeah that was a nice rollercoaster ride to say the least. Everything was new to us and it felt great. It totally showed how cool the hardcore scene can be. It's a small world and if you really want something, it can be achieved.

The scene seems to be a lot more DIY than say, the US scene, do you think that has helped to build the community spirit within the scene and across mainland Europe?

I've never been to the US and witnessed its scene so I can't really comment on that. I have no idea how it's over there exactly, you only know what you read on the internet etc. I can say that DIY is very important to me / us. It's the thing that, aside from the energy, attracted me to hardcore in the first place. With Said And Done I take care of the website, do the designs for our records (aside from the drawings that are done by proper artists, I can't draw myself), help the labels with promoting / releasing the stuff, we always have booked tours ourselves and never worked with tourmanagers or anything etc. etc. Being in control is important. You know how you want things to be, so why don't take care of it yourself too? You make a valid point though. While DIY is mostly about doing things yourself (uhuh), you need the help of others too. They have to let you play, offer you a place to sleep, they make that drawing for your record etc. You can't do this alone. So you're probably right and it did help to build a community. I never looked at it like that.

How have you seen your scene change as you guys have progressed?

Like I said, it goes in waves. When we started more people were into it I think. Or atleast it felt like that. That's one. Things were more about metalcore in the beginning, which was the first hardcore I got in touch with. But soon the whole oldschool explosion took over the scene. It seems that it's getting to be more about mosh / metalcore these days again. We'll see. There's plenty of stuff for everyone, whatever stuff you're into. Things got pretty diverse in time. For example, World Collapse combining stuff like Depeche Mode and the Cro Mags. Loved it. I guess that's good. No barriers. Just do whatever the fuck you want, if it feels right and you mean it, do it.

What are your plans for the coming year and beyond?

We're writing a new record. Should be out somewhere next year. No idea when yet, or who is going to release it. Early next year we're playing some shows with Supertouch in Germany. In March / April we're doing a tour in Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Germany. After that it's all open. We love to go places we haven't been before. So if anybody reading this wants us to come over, get in touch!

Scene Heads-up - With One Last Breath

With One Last Breath are a metal band from York. They formed in 2008 and have shared stages with many bands, including Asking Alexandria and Edguy.

They released a self titled EP earlier this year. You can get details of it from their myspace page. Unfortunately they don't have any songs posted on their page at the moment, but they do have videos you can watch.

Jim.

Scene Heads-up - While She Sleeps

While She Sleeps are a awesome metal/hardcore band from Sheffield.

They are about to embark on 3 UK shows with Rinao and a European tour with Shadows Chasing ghosts, which you can find out about on their myspace page.

The band have a record out called -  The North Stands for Nothing, which you can pick up from HMV, Play.co and their bigcartel store.

Check this band out and show them your support.

Jim.

Scene Heads-up - Fuck with Fire

This band is a local band from my town, Harrogate.

Fuck with Fire are a melodic hardcore band, who have a number of releases to their name, which are available through Dead end records.

They are a band that like to enjoy themselves and make sure their audiences are having a laugh as well.

Check em out!

Jim.

Scene Flashback - Cutting Class (2008 - 2010)

This is second band that I have done a flashback on. I'm doing flashbacks because I don't just want to focus on active bands, but all bands who have helped shape the Yorkshire scene.

Cutting Class were an awesome hardcore band from Leeds, in the vein of American bands like The Loved Ones.

The band have their entire recorded output available for free download via Mediafire. The link is on their myspace page.

Check them out, cause they are still relevant even if they aren't active!

Jim.

Scene Heads-Up - A Day for Heroes

A day for heroes are a young band from Leeds.

Their music is a bit more melodic than some stuff you'll find on this blog, but that's not a bad thing, especially when one of their influences is Funeral for a Friend.

The guys are trying to get votes to help them get to an event called - Eurodemo in Santander, Spain on the 2nd of December this year. So go to their myspace page, listen to their tracks and vote for them!

Cheers.

Jim.