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BLOODSTOCK 2010
Bloodstock Festival Special
Introduction
Splintered Soul
Zocalo
Echoes Fall
Silas
Snakebite
Darkstore
Play Bloodstock 2011?
Bloodstock stage times
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From February to May bands in Kent and Essex took part in Band Quest which incorporates the Bloodstock Metal 2 The Masses. Two bands from each area won places at the festival, and now the festival is apon us!
Splintered Soul, Zocalo, Echoes Fall and Silas beat off competition from the best bands in Kent and Essex to join Snakebite at Bloodstock 2010.
Snakebite of course had won the Kent Metal 2 The Masses in 2009, going on to play Bloodstock the same year. They were then picked for Wacken 2010, which they have just recently destroyed. Now they are back at Bloodstock again, but this time on the main stage!
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Qualified: Kent Metal 2 The Masses winners
Bio: Formed in 2009, Splintered Soul fuse the sounds of progressive metal with epic classical score. Expect crushing riffs and sweeping solos, combined with the soaring vocals of classically-trained soprano Mandi Bailey; their live show is not to be missed!
Review: "If any band on the day smashed the sound barrier it was self proclaimed progressive film-score metallers SPLINTERED SOUL. Mandi Bailey's operatic vocal style set them apart from the other bands, with the likes of 'The epic' crashing around the venue in all its pomp and majesty. It was a performance which will see them grace Bloodstock this summer." - Alan Hicks, Komodo Rock
Link: www.myspace.com/splinteredsoul
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Qualified: Kent Band Quest winners (2nd Bloodstock slot)
Bio: Zocalo are a Southern-Fried, groovey, stripped-down, beer-fuelled Metal band from south London. 6 years in the making we are now at our strongest, with our best songs and an excellent fan base. We take all the best bits of blues, groove and Metal, strip them down to their barebones and soak it in beer, add fun and a good show.
Review: "ZOCALO are a different beast this year though. The addition of a second guitarist in the form of INNER FIRE man Nik Sampson means the rhythms of Pete Humphries can remain at the forefront of the bands sound, taking the crowd on a ride through groove city. Hardly anyone in the rammed venue could stand still as ZOCALO moved into the semi-finals." - Alan Hicks, Komodo Rock
Link: www.myspace.com/zocalorocks
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Qualified: Essex Metal 2 The Masses winners (+ Band Quest winners)
Bio: Forged in the cesspool known as Ipswich, Echoes Fall roared onto the metal scene in the bitter winter of 2008. Initial tracks like 'Ignite The Fury' set the stage for the boys and opened a world of local and national gigs with many high profile bands including Criminal, Forever Never and Fei Comodo.
Review: "Musically, this band are on top of their game, with wild runs and riffs only seconds away, as complimentary pinch harmonics are thrown in for good measure. Bass and drum work is technical and work in unison, to create the background force holding the band steady whilst riotous vocals tear the airwaves apart. I am certainly looking forward to further work by 'Echoes Fall' and their exploration of this genre." - UltimateReviewer.com
Link: www.myspace.com/echoesfall
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Qualified: Essex Band Quest runners-up (2nd Bloodstock slot)
Bio: Deep in the suburbs of South East London, an awesome force known as Silas has been mesmerising the audiences of bars, clubs and home stereos in every direction, building a legion of fans with which to take over the world of rock music as we know it. Their style is primarily rock and metal, but uniquely incorporates many other styles such as jazz, reggae, blues and funk.
Review: "Second on were Silas, this band definitely know how to mix things up, throwing in blues to jazz to reggae, mixed with a huge dose of metal to tie it all up. There were some great guitar solos thrown in throughout the set which were truly awesome, the vocal harmonies between leading vocals and backing were great too. They're a band you definitely want to see live, they just rocked the place to the core." - James Griffiths, Metal Rules
Link: www.myspace.com/silasworld
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Qualified: N/A - Picked for main stage as so damn good!
Bio: Snakebite are a four piece heavy metal band from South-East London, offering up a heart-stopping cocktail of classic rock groove, hell-for-leather thrash and a seemingly endless torrent of gargantuan riffs. Armed with an obstreperous BEAST of a live show and a sound that rocks like a rampant rhinocerous, Snakebite pound out the kind of booze-fuelled, uncompromising and unapologetically GOOD TIME racket that will never be buffetted by the fickle winds of fashion.
Review: "No such problems for SNAKEBITE though, who are one of the highlights of the night. With a hellacious mix of classic rock riffs, pantera-esque groove and a little thrash influence thrown in for good measure, the london boys quickly whip up the crowd into a frenzy. They've played bloodstock and the experience tells in a tight set." - Metal Hammer
Link: www.myspace.com/snakebiteuk
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Come and visit the Unified Sounds stall at Bloodstock called 'Darkstore'. We will be selling cds, patches, t-shirts, hoodies etc etc and you get a free goodie bag with every purchase (until they run out)!
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You can register your interest now so you will be among the first bands we contact!
Click on the image above to go to the 'Band Quest 2011 Interest' form.
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THURSDAY
17:00 - 18:00 DJ's
18:00 - 19:45 Comedy Hour
19:20 - 20:00 Hospital Of Death
20:20 - 21:00 Desecration
21:20 - 23:00 Metal Karaoke
23:00 - 02:00 DJ's
FRIDAY MAINSTAGE
10:30 - 10:50 Snakebite
11:10 - 11:40 Black Spiders
12:00 - 12:40 Ross The Boss
13:05 - 13:45 Rage
14:10 - 14:55 Ensiferum
15:25 - 16:10 Cathedral
16:40 - 17:25 Gorgoroth
18:00 - 19:00 Sonata Artica
19:35 - 20:35 Meshuggah
21:15 - 22:45 Opeth
SOPHIE STAGE
13:00 - 15:00 'Suck' The Movie
17:00 - 17:40 Collapse
18:00 - 18:40 Steelwing
19:00 - 19:40 Enforcer
20:00 - 21:00 Powerwolf
NEW BLOOD
10:30 - 11:00 Under Blackened Skies
11:15 - 11:45 Lordaeron
12:00 - 12:30 Betraeus
12:45 - 13:15 Grieve
13:30 - 14:00 Morgue Orgy
14:15 - 14:45 Tempestora
15:00 - 15:30 Senturia
15:45 - 16:15 Splintered Soul
16:30 - 17:00 Shrapnel
17:15 - 17:45 Credit To Demetia
18:00 - 18:30 Arceye
SATURDAY MAINSTAGE
10:30 - 11:00 Andromeda
11:20 - 11:50 Leaves' Eyes
12:10 - 12:40 Evile
13:00 - 13:40 Onslaught
14:10 - 14:55 Edguy
15:25 - 16:10 Obituary
16:40 - 17:25 Amorphis
18:00 - 19:00 Devin Townsend Band
19:35 - 20:50 Fear Factory
21:30 - 22:45 Children Of Bodom
SOPHIE STAGE
13:00 - 15:00 Movie
17:00 - 17:40 Mordecai
18:00 - 18:40 Regardless Of Me
19:00 - 19:40 Benediction
20:00 - 21:00 Sylosis
NEW BLOOD
10:30 - 11:00 Burn The Hives
11:15 - 11:45 Echoes Fall
12:00 - 12:30 Archren
12:45 - 13:15 Zocalo
13:30 - 14:00 Lithurgy
14:15 - 14:45 Aghast
15:00 - 15:30 Flayed Disciple
15:45 - 16:15 Silas
16:30 - 17:00 Chaos Asylum
17:15 - 17:45 Reism
18:00 - 18:30 The Whores
SUNDAY MAINSTAGE
10:30 - 10:50 Bonded By Blood
11:10 - 11:40 Suffocation
12:00 - 12:40 Holy Moses
13:05 - 13:45 Doro
14:10 - 14:55 Korpiklaani
15:25 - 16:10 Gwar
16:40 - 17:25 Gojira
18:00 - 19:00 Bloodbath
19:35 - 20:45 Cannibal Corpse
21:15 - 22:45 Twisted Sister
SOPHIE STAGE
17:00 - 17:40 Purified In Blood
18:00 - 18:40 The Prophecy
19:00 - 19:40 Witchsorrow
20:00 - 21:00 Winterfylleth
NEW BLOOD
10:30 - 11:00 Old Corpse Road
11:15 - 11:45 Neonfly
12:00 - 12:30 Hekz
12:45 - 13:15 Traces
13:30 - 14:00 Ishmael
14:15 - 14:45 Extreme OD
15:00 - 15:30 Mutant
15:45 - 16:15 Stone Circle
16:30 - 17:00 Orestea
17:15 - 17:45 Core Project
18:00 - 18:30 Furyon
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Well that is about it - see you down the front!
MONDAY 09 AUGUST and BEYOND
UNIFIED SOUNDS EVENTS
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09/08/10 - The Monday Hate Club
Acts playing: ABANDON THE FAITH, ZOCALO, WRETCHED SOUL, WHIFF THE WOLF
Venue: Bull n Vic, Dartford, Kent
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17/08/10 - Trashy Tuesday
Acts playing: EVERYONE'S STRAIGHT BUT KATE, WHERE'S BILLY, THE DIRTY LOWS, MARTIN KINGSMILL
Venue: Bull n Vic, Dartford, Kent
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02/09/10 - METABOLIC - Student Send Off Party
Acts playing: DJs TBC
The students are back to college or university - we say bye using the power of ROCK!
Venue: Ivory Lounge, Bexleyheath
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For those with no access to Facebook all the above events and more can be seen in the eventmatrix gig guide.
MONDAY 09 AUGUST and BEYOND
SELECTED EVENTS BY OTHERS
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13/08/10 to 15/08/10 - Bloodstock Open Air
Acts playing: SPLINTERED SOUL (Kent Metal 2 The Masses winners 2010, ZOCALO (Kent unsigned slot winners 2010), ECHOES FALL (Essex Metal 2 The Masses winners 2010), SILAS (Essex unsigned slot winners 2010), SNAKEBITE (Kent Metal 2 The Masses winners 2009), TWISTED SISTER, CHILDREN OF BODOM, FEAR FACTORY, BLOODBATH, DEVIN TOWNSEND, CANNIBAL CORPSE, CATHEDRAL, OBITUARY, KORPIKLANNI, DORO, GOJIRA, SONATA ARCTICA, EDGUY, GWAR, GORGOROTH, LEAVES EYES, SUFFOCATION, ROSS THE BOSS + many many more!
Venue: Catton Hall, Derby
If you attended or know any of the bands who played in the Kent or Essex Bloodstock Metal 2 The Masses please also look at this event, which details all the bands playing from the Kent and Essex areas:
Link to Facebook Kent/Essex Bloodstock M2TM event page
You can purchase your Bloodstock tickets from us:
PURCHASE BLOODSTOCK TICKETS HERE
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20/08/10 - Unholy Club (includes new CARNAGE club)
Acts playing: DJ 69, THE FUEL GIRLS
Venue: Scala, Kings Cross, London
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BAND SERVICES
Want to be in a band or play a gig?
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Band: SILENT DESCENT
Need: DRUMMER
Details: You must have your own form of transport, have your own kit / breakables, - be very competant at playing our tracks, including being able to play them to a metronome live, be prepared for regular practicing / gigging as we're set to take this to the next level. Also, it is preferable if you have examples of you playing live (YouTube video) or if not then please send us past examples of your playing.
Contact: sd@silentdescent.com
Link: Silent Descent myspace page
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Band: DIVA SUICIDE
Need: DRUMMER
Details: Looking for a replacement / permanent drummer. Gigs booked for UK/Sweden in the autumn. Album already released.
Contact: Band on Diva Suicide myspace page
Link: Diva Suicide myspace page
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Musician available: KEVIN EARDLEY
Plays: SINGER
Details: Classic rock singer looking to work with like minded musicians. Influences include everyone from Rush, AC/DC, Deep Purple to Mastodon, Alice In Chains and Dokken.
Contact: 07891584862
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Band: DESIGNS OF CHAOS
Need: VOCALIST
Details: Looking for a brutal new vocalist to front the band. No screamo's please. Music all wriitten, recordings and gigs pending. Let us know if your interested.
Contact: Richie on 07852 413591
Link: Designs of Chaos myspace page
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Band: AGENLAND
Need: DRUMMER + 2 GUITARISTS
Details: Melodic Death Metal Band featuring 2 ex-Storm The Gates members. Must have a good level of musicianship. Previous stage experience preferable, but not required. Influences include: At The Gates, Dethklok, Amon Amarth, Kataklysm, Bodom, Megadeth, Sabbath.
Contact: James on adrenachrome_69@hotmail.com
Link: Agenland gumtree page
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Band: BAND NAME TBC
Need: VOCALIST
Details: Needs to be able to sing both clean vocals and some dirty metal growls! The band is based in Gravesend.
Contact: ryan_sedge@hotmail.co.uk or ring 07773240833
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Band: COMETH OF SOLACE
Need: DRUMMER
Contact: andylittlebritain@msn.com or ring 07941865704
Link: Cometh of Solace Rock Matrix profile
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Musician available: TOM FITZGERALD
Plays: MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST / SONGWRITER
Details: Based in Dartford with own equipment and studio, looking for others. Influences: A Perfect Circle, Soundgarden, Tool, Muse, Radiohead etc.
Contact: ring 01322 284 009
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Musician available: DARREN HOLMES
Plays: SINGER
Contact: dareneholmes@hotmail.co.uk
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GIG REVIEW
Orphaned Land @ Underworld - 27/06/10
Orphaned Land have put themselves into prime situaton. Having seen them at ProgPowerUK I about four years ago I did not know what to make of them although I was impressed with what I saw. Since then they have become the poster boys of Israeli metal and become their biggest export since the three monolithic religions (thats Christianity, Judaism and Islam for those who dont know). That then is big pressure. Can they cope with it? Has it affected them in any way? Has it had an effect on the music?
JuroJin (7/10) opened the night and from the off I was very impressed with what I saw. They set the tone beautifully for what was to come. How do I describe them? A mellow Sepultera with progressive museing. Introducing indian rhythems to their sounded added an extra exocitism to their already sumptous sound. What I loved was that they realised the importance of less is more.
They had a cheeky ardacity about them. This being highlighted I feel in what I thought was their best song of the night, an 18th Century Folk track entitled 'Black Key Minor'. This band have masses of potential, their EP is one inspiring listen and I say to check them out when you can.
In my intro I had questions I wanted seek out at this gig and they where answered in emphatic style! They only got 30 minutes on their UK debut so had to make up for lost ground. Kicking off with 'Birth of the Three' from the Mabool album Orphaned Land (10) came steaming out of the blocks and got an already pumped crowd into a frenzy, id say close to some kind of religious epiphony. They experimented, they jammed, played them straight. They done things the proper prog rock way. Kobi's voice at times sound like the voice of god other times like the devil himself. Truely this was 'the tango between god and satan'!
I sensed that they grew bolder as the night went on upon realising what sort of fan base had developed in the UK and it must be a wonderful sight to see people of different faiths, a different language, different backgrounds sing along with you in English, Latin, Arabic and Hebrew. I must also add that I had a sneaking suspicion that tonight was not just a gig on a world tour but a test show to see if it was worth returning to these shores again.
They mixed their set nicely between old and new material, the new single 'Sapari' going down the best. I personally would have liked to have heard older songs but the new album is why they are here tonight. The sound men must be commended as they brought brilliant sounds for both bands, working with varied musicians and instruments. All was clear and concise with the slight exception of Jurojins vocals. Even a glitch with Matti's amp couldnt stop the musical treat and especially OL's continued onslaught.
Tonight hightlighted OL's song writing ability as well as their ability as showmen to give the crowd what they wanted (and after the football that afternoon I suspect for some what they needed!). Their skill of being able to take a large crowd and make it feel like 20 people is a true testiment not only to them but of any solid band.
Im not a very religious man but tonight I think I saw the power of God/Allah/YHWH and what music can do to touch the soul, I now understand why the flattened fith was classed as the 'diablos in musica' for centuries, I also fully understand why Orphaned Land want to bring all three religions together in harmony. So to end I will sum up like this: The bible says that God created the world in 7 days and on the 7th day (Sunday) he rested, well I will say to you know that is piffle; because God wasn't resting on that 7th day. On that day he was creating Orphaned Land.
Review by Warren Holmes
GIG REVIEW
Tigertailz @ Legends, Newcastle - 02/07/10
Its been a long time coming for Tigertailz who are celebrating 20 years since Bezerk was realeased to play a headline show in "The Toon" Newcastle as the last appearance was a re-union show at the Telewest Arena about 5 years ago for Demolition Ball.
1st band up Citizen Charlie from Norway and a few people in Legends music venue are here to see them, not quite fitting with the line-up for tonights show in my opinion but never the less entertaining.
Falling Red are up next and hit the stage like glam idols and as the set kicks in the crowd start to rock out and move to the front of the venue towards the stage. This band create a feel for what is to become great crowd interaction and video cameras rollin to record for a future single. Hard Edged glam with that new twist.
New Generation Superstars from Nottingham are main support for tonights show and they seem to have a quite a few fans in Newcastle and they certainly do get the sudience going. Although the singer is injured they soldier on and make tonights crowd move to their sleezy hard edged rock n roll. Definately a band to see if you have not experienced them live....coming to a stage near you very soon.
Finally its the time that the crowd some of which were not old enough to remember is here. TAILZ hit the stage.
Intro to "Sicksex" kicks in and everybody is moving towards the stage, action lights camera lets go its time to go Bezerk 2010. Tonight is about celebrating 20 years sonce Bezerk was released and Newcastle wont forget this for a long time. The whole Bezerk cd being played tonight as promised - highlights for the set include Love Bomb Baby where the whole audience sing along to the chorus.
Heaven gets a few tears in my eye and i'm sure that was true for a few more people in the venue as everybody inc me remembers that force that was Pepsi Tate. I have to say on that note that Sarah is a great replacement for Pepsi and is a great musician and gives Tigertailz 2010 that new edge, the 1st female to be in Tigertailz.
As the closing song of Bezerk "Call of The Wild" is finished and the band leave the stage the audience dont take to long to chant for the band to come back on stage. The Enchores commence and they kick off with "Animal" followed by "Wazbones" and finally the sonG where the audience go nuts as "Ace of Spades" a cover of Motorhead is kicked out leaving Newcastle very happy that the band have ventured to Newcastle again after so long. Cue outro of Heaven and a the band bow and leave the stage.
Having travelled to Newcastle for the show i would say welcome back and dont leave it too long before you visit Newcastle again!!
Good night and go Bezerk!
6/5
Review by Darren Law
GIG REVIEW
Looks Dirty @ Dirty South - 21/07/10
Click on band or DJ links below for info:
It's not the best of starts when two of the most local bands on the bill pull out on the day of the gig. These things can usually turn the night into a disaster or mean the event is cancelled. Fortunately the bands remaining managed to make the night into something of a success with a series of impressive performances.
Essex rockers KILLING WITH STYLE (7/10) are always enthusiastic about playing and this can been seen in the live environment. While the drums and bass provide a consistent backing for lead guitar man Nile to unleash his lead and rhythm riff-age Beka Pritchards is the main focal point, dealing with both bass and vocal duties. The likes of 'Blue boy' really drives home what the band are about, while the Lady Gaga cover once again works well, ensuring the whole venue is taking notice.
Next up were THE ELECTRIC WASTED (8) whose professionalism shines through in this half hour display. The band are as tight as you would wish for, with dual guitar players Charlie Rood and Mark acting as the bands power generators, blasting out one sleazy riff after another. 'Dirty land' is the perfect platform to allow vocalist Dani Midnite to showcase his powerful and melodic voice. The Guns N Roses influences can be heard in some of the vocal turns and riffs but this enhances a fine set which grabs hold of a difficult crowd and refuses to let go.
Headliners GENERATION GRAVEYARD (7.5) operate in a different space to the first two bands. One of the reasons they were on the bill was to shake the night up and that is exactly what they do. Their punk-metal hybrid clatters off the stage like Kory Clarke dragging Darkthrone and Casey Chaos through a rose bush, face first. At times the crowd don't know whether to dance or head bang which makes this set even more captivating. The band get away with a certain amount of looseness tonight due to the style of music they play but when they do hit top form the riffs hit you like well aimed strikes to the face, leaving you dizzy after their metallic impact. Max's vocals dart from death metal to sleaze-punk while Jonny hits the drums like a bulldozer, leaving you glad you are nowhere near his swing. Highlight of the whole night is 'All hail the plague' which acts as an envoy for dirty underground noise, the chorus providing a blackened knockout punch to the world of contrived kiddie metal.
The first Looks Dirty may have sat unsteady on the edge of a cliff but the three bands tonight can be commended on dragging it back to safety and kicking arse in the process.
Review by Alan Hicks
FESTIVAL REVIEW
Sonisphere @ Knebworth Park - 30/07/10-01/08/10
With it being only 2 years old Sonisphere is one of the younger festivals in existence. Last years 2 day affair featuring Metallica and Linkin Park as headliners was enough to lodge this festival into people’s hearts and minds. Extended to 2 and half days Sonisphere returned this year with a strong line-up of bands, albeit mainly acts that have played the other big rock festivals over the past few years.
Friday:
With the weather having trouble deciding to be overcast or just sunny the Sonisphere site on the first day was rather a darker affair than the rest of the weekend. With the Apollo (main) stage not seeing any action until the second day it was the Saturn stage which was the main focal point for the initial stages of the festival. First act DELAIN (7.5/10) pressed play on the musical proceedings with an enjoyable set of gothic metal. Even the annoying cross wind didn't prevent front woman Charlotte Wessels' vocals cutting through on the likes of 'April rain'. It’s hard being the first band on at any festival but Delain impressed today. The world record attempt of having the most people doing the 'time warp' turned into a bit of a damp squib, with more people standing still, waiting for the next band. No mention of it was made after so it can be safely assumed the previous record still stands!
Anyone who has witnessed TURISAS (7) before knows to expect a virtual attack from the Finnish sextet. The Saturn stage was the setting for the biggest pillaging act of the weekend as the likes of 'One more' and 'Supernaut' whipped the crowd into a half-frenzied beast, with the accordion working surprisingly well on the Black Sabbath cover. Not as essential as last years Bloodstock performance but Turisas had well and truly woken Knebworth.
The last 2 weeks in the UK may end up being a career defining period for BIGELF (8). They followed up their extraordinary High Voltage set with another marvellous display of well sculptured warp-prog under the cover of the Bohemia tent. Back on the Saturn stage EUROPE (6) led the crowd through a rather wearisome forty-five minutes. Last years Bloodstock display ended the festival in style but this time even the likes of 'Rock the night' failed to ignite an impassive gathering, although the addition of a mini Dio tribute in the form of ‘Heaven and hell’ was a nice touch. The inevitable climax of 'The final countdown' lifted the mood but the overall performance failed to convince a largely uninitiated crowd that the band really have more than just 'that song' which is a shame. Expect them to go down much better on their next UK tour. BLACK SPIDERS (7.5) seem to be everywhere at the moment, but that is a good thing when they keep rocking out as well as this. The sound in the Bohemia tent was far from perfect for most of the weekend but Black Spiders seemed to punch their way through. GARY NUMAN (6) followed Europe with a set packed full of mid-paced electro rockers which didn't really translate to an open air environment. There was a danger that the rise of Reading metallers SYLOSIS (7.5) would be halted after the loss of their front man. Fortunately guitarist Josh Middleton has stepped up and today they play a storming set to a packed Bohemia tent.
There was time to catch a little of WINNEBAGO DEAL (6.5) burn up the Jagermeister stage with their abrasive 2 man rock before ALICE COOPER (7.5) closed out the Saturn stage for the evening. The stage show wasn't the horror absorbed setting that a lot of people expected but with a set exploding to life with 'Schools out', 'No more mr nice guy' and 'I'm eighteen' nobody was complaining. The customary hanging, beheading and the like was all present, as was the evil nurse in a set which was similar to the Hammersmith show late last year. Things dipped a little mid-way but the heavier 'Vengeance is mine' fits agreeably into a set made up of mainly 70s-tinged hard rock, the likes of 'Dirty diamonds' and 'Billion dollar babies' sounding fresh and crisp on a nippy Friday night. 'Poison' and 'Feed my frankenstein' draw the biggest yelps of delight before 'Schools out', played a customary second time sends some people back to their tents with a happy, if confused expression.
The music wasn't over as Sonisphere like to push things into the next day and the Bohemia stage was the place to go. The anticipation for TERRORVISION (7) in a bursting tent is somewhat short-lived thanks to an awful sound but the band battle on with a clattering version of 'My house'. Teams of people continue to swell outside as security block off the entrances, although with 'Tequila' sounding like a shaken bag of old bolts you wonder why they want to get in here in the first place. 'Discotheque wreck' restores some order before some of us depart to prepare for the second day.
Saturday:
The second day started with the disappointment of missing Enforcer but a certain Swedish six-piece was about to give Knebworth a good hard kick up the backside from the Saturn stage. SABATON (8) have conquered British audiences over the last few years in their bid to liberate the UK from its somewhat frosty relationship with cheesy European power metal. The early rising hordes are transfixed by 'Ghost division', Sabaton seemingly pumped full of steroids as singer Joakim Broden races from one side of the stage to the other. 'Primo victoria' raises the stakes higher, the stomping riff uniting the whole of Sonisphere in a celebration of vigorous pomp.
A lot of bands would have struggled to follow this but LACUNA COIL (7.5) are veterans of playing festivals all over the world. This short but efficient set on the main stage sees the sultry Christina Scabbia belt out the likes of 'Fragile' and 'Spellbound' alongside Andrea Ferro, who as always adds that essential coarse slant to the sound. Not a set to please old school fans but effective all the same.
Despite Max Cavalera being happy with SOULFLY (7.5) a lot of fans can't help but feel teased by his brief flirtation with The Cavalera Conspiracy a few years ago. Today on the Saturn stage 'Back to the primitive' sounds immense with all it's tribal heaviness but the covers of 'Refuse/resist' and 'Roots bloody roots' leave you wondering what the differences between Soulfly and TCC really are. A mass session of head banging leaves any such thoughts on the backburner though.
One of the defining moments of last years Sonisphere festival was a John Bush fronted Anthrax taking over the main stage. Surely it would have been a tall order to expect anything near that performance this time from a band who seem to swap singers on a yearly basis? This is Anthrax we are talking about though and they have proved time and time again that nothing can stop the thrash. Therefore, it was of no surprise that they came back to Knebworth and did it again! ANTHRAX (8.5), now fronted by Joey Belladonna (again) ignite the main stage crowd at the absurdly early time of 1.35pm. 'Caught in a mosh' flicks the festival switch up to 11 before the band unleash 'Got the time' to the delight of a fanatical following. This combined with the neck snapping riff from 'Madhouse' confirms Scott Ian and co's triumph for the second year running. 'I am the law' finishes things off, leaving a shattered collection of festival goers to trudge back to the Saturn stage for FEAR FACTORY (8), who succeed in blasting the remnants of energy from anyone left standing. Their most recent album, the superb 'Mechanize' revitalised not only their career but their live performances and today they pummel the crowd with the likes of 'Edgecrusher' and 'Fear campaign'. The headlining performance at Bloodstock in a few weeks can't come soon enough.
The sound problems continued in the Bohemia tent with prog-metallers KATATONIA (7) sounding a little flat, the guitars a distant oasis in a desert of drums and vocals. The main stage suffered no such inconvenience for PAPA ROACH (7) who have weathered the mass cull of bands from the nu-metal years by tweaking their sound in a more hard rock direction. It was still 'Between angels and insects' and 'Last resort', both from 2000's gargantuan 'Infest' album, that sent forty thousand people wild though.
They returned to life with two shows at the Water Rats in Kings Cross in 2009 and have been up and down the country since, subjecting the British crowds to a string of impressive live performances. Today SKUNK ANANSIE (8) bring their harsh British 90s sound to the Saturn stage, kicking off with the belligerent 'Selling jesus'. The band have always united indie, alternative and metal crowds so it was no surprise to see people in Opeth and Cannibal Corpse t-shirts head banging to the likes of 'Charlie big potato', while a healthy amount of the throng sang along to 'Weak' as if they wrote it themselves. Skin wasted no time in joining the thousands in front of her for a spot of crowd surfing, somehow remaining radiant despite being pulled in multiple directions by the pack of animated fans. 'Because of you', complete with its RATM-esque riff is one of the best songs of the day and 'Little baby swastikkka' still sounds like as raw and dirty as a drug deal gone wrong on any UK sink estate. Skunk Anansie sound like a band who are in top form, comfortable with life and ready to move onto their next chapter in style.
Back on the main stage PLACEBO (7.5) mix the set well, including more high energy tracks such as the classic 'Nancy boy' with the slower 'Meds'. Their aren't many bands who can pull off a Nirvana cover but Placebo turn 'All apologies' into a mid-set highlight and 'Taste in men' brings things to a close.
LA rockers MOTLEY CRUE (8) explode onto the Saturn stage with the sleaze-ridden discharge of 'Kickstart my heart' and 'Dr feelgood', turning Knebworth into a sordid downtown bar in the process. Vocalist Vince Neil's raspy delivery gives the songs an even dirtier edge than usual, making them the perfect bedfellows for copious amounts of alcohol on a sunny Saturday evening. With the glorious threesome of 'Wild side', 'Shout at the devil' and 'Girls, girls, girls' completing a rip-roaring set Motley Crue depart, making any calls for the CrueFest to come to the UK even louder.
For a lot of people Saturday was always going to be about one band and that band were German industrial giants RAMMSTEIN (8.5). Always known for their explosive live shows they did not disappoint with a true headlining spectacle. They captivated the crowd for ninety minutes, opening with 'Rammlied', the mechanical beats driving a sinister reverberation into the heart of the crowd. With flames a central part of the show 'Feuer Frei' lends itself to such extremities, with the explosions greeting drum beats like missile fire in a war zone. It was nice to hear 'Du Riechst So Gut', dragged from the bands 1995 'Herzeleid' album, its bouncy keyboards unleashing a series of obligatory movements from those ahead. In contrast 'Benzin' is from Rammstein's more recent metal history, its heaviness adding extra heat to any fire escaping from the stage. More explosions followed, as did a trip around the crowd on a rubber dingy from the keyboardist. A devastating run through of 'Links' and 'Du Hast' confirm their headlining excellence, while 'Pussy' incites the biggest sing-along of any festival so far this summer. The encore containing both 'Sonne' and 'Ich Will' just about finish off most of the crowd. Well, except those who have squeezed into the Bohemia tent to witness the whole of seminal album 'Troublegum' being played in its entirety by Irish rockers THERAPY? (7.5). In truth the sound problems including a power cut (twice) affect the performance, but after a third attempt 'Knives' is finally played from start to finish. Most of the rabid swarm edging towards the stage know every track as they probably own the album. 'Screamager' belts through the atmosphere and with Andy Kairns’ spitting into the microphone as if it was still 1994 the night looked to be a good one. The album contains so many catchy choruses it's impossible to forget how many of these songs were actual hits in the 90s, 'Nowhere' and 'Trigger inside' just two examples. Not quite the historic or chaotic recital one was expecting but thrilling all the same.
Sunday:
With Saturday night ending only hours before the buzzing and thumping feeling accompanying us to the site on Sunday meant RISE TO REMAIN (7.5) in the Bohemia tent were the first band to grace our attention. Their metalcore assault on the senses isn't totally unique but lead singer Austin Dickinson has a strange ability to make the fans hold onto he's every word, almost controlling them like a puppeteer. The songs are to the point and stick to your brain. Rockers VOODOO SIX (7) follow but the sound once again dampens the impact a band has in the tent, where as THE UNION (7) seem to fare better but one of the biggest non-headlining crowds at the weekend are already gathering at the main stage for a certain group of thrash legends.
As we all know SLAYER (8) do what they say on the tin; they slay. As the opening riff to 'South of heaven' sends goose bumps down our collective spines Slayer unleash a forty-five minute thrash master class over Knebworth. No other band over the weekend can boast such a head banging return as the likes of relative new songs 'World painted blood' and 'Hate worldwide' trigger as much violent celebration as classic 'War ensemble'. For a man who has been pestered by continuous back problems front man Tom Araya spends most of the set smiling despite, like Anthrax the day before, the lack of time given to them today, a point he mentions on more than one occasion. But Slayer don't let little things like this upset a ferocious set, with 'Dead skin mask' acting as an ominous introduction to a cataclysmic finale of 'Raining blood', 'Mandatory suicide' and a world crushing 'Angel of death'.
Attention moves from the established kings of thrash to relative newcomers KVELERTAK (7.5) on the Stongbow stage. You can immediately hear why they were chosen to support the likes of Converge and Kylesa as their discordant racket forces its way into your ears. Once there the pulsating grooves assault your senses leading to a kind of aural convulsion. The fact they sing in their native Norwegian adds another dimension to their already boiling mix of punk rock harassing blackcore metal.
Back on the main stage ALICE IN CHAINS (8) bring a perfectly packed set of classics and songs from their last album to impress an ever-growing crowd. The voices of William DuVall and Jerry Cantrell now have their own combined uniqueness which has come after an a few years of extensive touring. 'Man in a box' and 'Check my brain' sound magnificent in the afternoon sun, the former swaying the mass into another sing-along. There is always a danger of slowing a set down too much but Alice In Chains do it perfectly on 'Your decision'. The intro to 'Would?' sounds as menacing as ever before 'Rooster' blasts the crowd back towards the Saturn stage for THE CULT (8).
There can't be many bands who have spread their wings from the likes of goth to American hard rock to metal and even slight electronically enhanced acid rock and remained a success. Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy have managed to do this with The Cult, albeit after several breaks and tours with other bands. Today it's the hard rocking 'Lil' devil' which shows the band still have that sleazy 80s swagger while 'Sweet soul sister' has a chorus that was made for and rocked many a stadium and arena. Ian Astbury marches around the stage with that air of stardom only a true rock star can carry well, before 'Rain' collects all the wishes of every goth at Sonisphere and plays them out on stage in front of the assembled mass. 'Rise' adds a metal crunch to proceedings before 'She sells sanctuary' brings Knebworth to its knees.
It seems strange a band such as SWEET SAVAGE (7) are playing on the Jagermeister stage, having once had Vivian Campbell (Def Leppard, Whitesnake, Dio) on guitar and their most famous track 'Killing time' covered by the almighty Metallica. The advantage of this though is being able to see them up close and they surely must be one of the tightest bands of the day, their NWOBHM attack shining bright from the orange stage. French hardcore metallers HEADCHARGER (6.5) weren't so lucky in the Red Bull tent with most people choosing to check out other stages ahead of this one.
In a strange contrast of styles IGGY AND THE STOOGES (7.5) followed Pendulum, although from the Saturn stage, 'Raw power' still hitting big in all its garage rock glory after all these years. In a customary fashion Iggy Pop writhed across the stage, wrapping his body around invisible poles while crying out the lyrics to the likes of 'Search and destroy'. The mass stage invasion didn't happen to the degree of when they played Download but it is always a pleasure seeing Mr Pop clashing with security in a single finger salute to ordinariness. A quick look back on the Red Bull stage gives us enough time to witness the sheer majesty of KYLESA (7.5) at full belt, grinding out 'Scapegoat' to anyone who hasn't bothered getting into position for the main festival headliners on the main stage.
What else can be said about IRON MAIDEN (8.5)? Even now after over thirty years in existence they continue to produce quality music, tour the world and headline festivals with ease. Their reluctance to churn out the usual hits over and over again can be frustrating to those who are witnessing Maiden for the first time but it is also the reason they are still looked upon as a 'current' band rather than a mere flashback to 80s metal. Their current tour has integrated material from their last three studio albums and this is how their Sonisphere headlining performance was set out.
If anything the songs from 'Brave New World' sound even better after ten years and the opening duo of 'The wicker man' and 'Ghost of the navigator' are as essential as any classic in the Maiden back catalogue. 'Wrathchild' follows swinging the set back into the early 80s before new song 'El Dorado' brings us bang up to date. Bruce Dickinson seems to have more energy than most modern day singers as he does countless laps of the stage, weaving between Adrian Smith and Janick Gers on the way. There is no question of their class but the combination of the likes of 'Dance of death', 'The reincarnation of benjamin breeg' and 'These colours don't run' seems to be a little samey and mid-paced for some people, before 'Blood brothers', dedicated to Ronnie James Dio unites the crowd for a thrilling climax, headed by 'Fear of the dark'. The bands seventh member ‘Eddie’ makes his traditional appearance during 'Iron maiden', Dave Murray using his guitar to beat the beast back to his new cosmic home. As if time has been stolen from us the encore arrives with the timeless 'The number of the beast', the voiced intro from Vincent Price sending jolts of fear into another generation of Iron Maiden fans. As 'Hallowed be thy name', complete with galloping bass lines from Steve Harris and 'Running free' rounds off another Iron Maiden set you only have to look around to see Iron Maiden have once again united every kind of metal fan, from young to old, to extreme to light. Yes they overlooked their whole classic 80s period tonight but they have spent the whole of the last 'Somewhere back in time' tour playing those songs. Tonight Iron Maiden not only closed the second Sonisphere festival in style but also showcased their extensive catalogue of classic music, some of which may never be played again.
As people depart Knebworth Park or shuffle off to one of many bars and musical distractions the second Sonisphere comes to a successful end. See you next year and the year after, and...
Review by Alan Hicks
METAL BLADE NEWS
Metal Blade Records teams up with Alan Averill 'Nemtheanga' of Primordial for distribution of his label POISON TONGUE RECORDS
Click on image above to go to the Metal Blade myspace page
Become a fan of Metal Blade on Facebook
Click on band links below for info:
Alan Averill 'Nemtheanga' works with Metal Blade Records' A&R department; first bands signed are Sweden's PORTRAIT and Ireland's DARKEST ERA!
Metal Blade Records is pleased to announce it has inked an imprint deal with Alan Averill 'Nemtheanga' of Primordial to handle distribution of his label POISON TONGUE RECORDS. Alan's POISON TONGUE RECORDS has already begun to gain notice as a promising label in the underground scene in Europe and now with distribution being handled by Metal Blade Records in North America, the label will be able to further expand its reach into States.
Alan Averill 'Nemtheanga' elaborates; "so after twenty years experience in the music industry I am starting my own imprint label called Poison Tongue Records through Metal Blade Records, working in conjunction with Darragh at Invictus Productions and Cyclone Empire. The reasons are many fold and despite the confused state the industry itself is in I felt it was time to step up and make a few things happen. Poison Tongue will be underground, make no bones about it and will concentrate on a couple of releases a year together with Invictus dealing with the underground traders, Cyclone hitting the middle ground and Metal Blade taking care of the shops, main mail-orders and bigger advertisements. Attack on all fronts!
The first release is the BLOOD REVOLT Indoctrine album. Poison Tongue is responsible for the limited digi version available right now through Metal Blade (listen to the track 'Year Zero' on the website) in conjunction with Profound Lore in the States and Invictus here in Europe taking care of the jewel edition.
Next up is a joint collaboration on a new DESTROYER 666 7" together with Invictus Productions. Something I'm very proud to be connected with having long connections with the DESTRÖYER 666 boys, this should be out to coincide with their tour with Watain in the fall. Then we are going to begin working with fellow Aussies, and one-time DESTROYER 666 members, Berserker and ASSAULTER on their new album, having recruited new members this is going to crush, plain and simple. A demo track is now up on the Poison Tongue site so be sure to check it out. More news will follow about releases to follow."
In other news; Alan Averill 'Nemtheanga' works with Metal Blade Records' A&R department and has already picked up two new bands. The first is PORTRAIT from Sweden and the second is DARKEST ERA hailing from Ireland. Metal Blade Records chairmen and CEO, Brian Slagel, comments on teaming up with Alan to assist the label in finding new metal acts: "We are very excited to work with Alan on this project. He has great ears and is really embedded in the underground."
Alan adds; "I'll be working A&R for Metal Blade, bringing some new angles and ideas. The first of which is Swedish old school contenders PORTRAIT. When this NWOBHM 80's magma finally spews to the surface these guys are going to be there. The second is young Irish band DARKEST ERA who will release their debut later in the year. A heady and vibrant mix of sweeping Irish melancholy imbued with Iron Maiden, Thin Lizzy, Omen and Slough Feg. Earth pagan power? Sound about right?
There will be more to follow believe me! If you are interested in getting in touch because your band might be what I'm looking for, email: alan.averill@gmail.com."
"We take pride in signing to a label with a legacy like that of Metal Blade," comments Portrait guitarist Richard Lagergren. "And in a way I'd like to say this will be our first 'real' album... You ain't seen nothing yet! Hell awaits!"
Ade Mulgrew, guitarist of Darkest Era, comments; "this is a big step for us and gives us a great opportunity to get our music out to a lot more people. We've got a new album written that we are really excited about and can't wait to get it recorded. Metal Blade has put out some of our favorite records over the years and we're looking forward to working with them as we embark on this journey of conquest!"
Check them both at www.myspace.corm/darkestera and www.myspace.com/portraitmetal.
LOCAL BAND NEWS
Snakebite to give away CDs at Bloodstock
Having just rocked Wacken to the core Bromley metallers Snakebite will now be giving out an exclusive Bloodstock cd in the signing tent (Friday) shortly after they lay waste to the main stage at Bloodstock. It will be the only place you can hear 'YOUR TRIGGER, MY FINGER' and also have the tracks '60units' and 'Destroy the seed' all for FREE!
Check the band out here:
www.facebook.com/snakebiteuk
www.myspace.com/snakebiteuk
BAND QUEST NEWS
Band Quest 2011 gets closer
With Bloodstock happening this weekend attention towards Band Quest 2011 will increase due to there being 5 local bands on this years bill.
Are you in a band and want to be the next Splintered Soul, Silas, Zocalo, Snakebite or Echoes Fall?
You cannot register to enter Band Quest 2011 yet BUT you can register your interest by completing the form (click on the image below):
You will be among the first bands we contact for Band Quest 2011.
We want to continue to provide Bloodstock with quality unsigned bands and we want YOU to be involved.
LOCAL BAND NEWS
Voting has ended - Will Denounce support Dark Tranquillity?
In order for local death metallers Denounce to play the Underworld with Dark Tranquillity and Insomnium they needed votes from YOU!
The voting has now finished and we are waiting on the results from Century Media.
LISTEN
Radio and Podcasts
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ONLINE RADIO:
Phoenix Radio:
You can listen now by using the:
Phoenix Radio Player
Some Phoenix Radio shows you should listen out for this week:
Monday to Friday 2pm-4pm: Breakfast in America Show - Snake Eyes bassist Dave de la Haye spins everything old and new in the world of metal every weekday.
TotalRock:
Need a station that plays the best in old AND new rock, metal, punk, goth etc etc music? Then TotalRock is for you. You can listen now by using the:
TotalRock Radio Player
Some TotalRock shows you should listen out for this week:
Wednesday 6pm-9pm: Talita Twoshoes - Two live hours of fun, craziness and music from Talita. Weekly updates from Feebz in Luxembourg, Axeman of Wolf in Sweden and Philly from Gama Bomb in Ireland. Surprise guests and the usual eclectic selection of great music.
Thursday 9am-12pm: Nix's Breakfast Bomb - Rock n' Metal n' Glam n' Punk to explode your eardrums and start the day.
Friday 6pm-9pm: Sex To 9 with Maria - Sensual metal and exotic latin passion.
Email your requests here: studio@totalrock.com
Request line: 0871 2500 777 (National Rate)
Rock Radio:
You can listen now by using the:
Rock Radio Player
Some Rock Radio shows you should listen out for this week:
Monday 10pm-1am: Metal Hammer Magazine Show - Metal Hammer Editor Alexander Milas fills you with metal every Monday.
Wednesday 10pm-1am: Classic Rock Magazine Show - Legendary journalist and author brings you some classic rock along with interviews and more.
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PODCASTS:
Bloodstock:
Each week keep up-to-date with the build up to Bloodstock.
Click here for Bloodstock Podcast
Amped Rock:
At Amped Rock Sky London and Tazz Stander source the world to bring you the best of the best, in rock and metal. If you want to know before everyone else, or just keen to open your mind to new music be sure to listen every month. From the biggest bands to the best of unsigned it's all here.
On the 1st of each month we will release the next episode, so don't miss out on the podcast that the bands themselves listen to. Subscribe, follow, facebook and more importantly listen!
www.ampedrock.com
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VIDEOS
Latest video releases, interviews + more
Each newsletter we bring you a set of different videos ranging from the new releases from signed acts, band interviews, live videos, unsigned bands to older videos which have been plucked from the golden vault that is YouTube.
Bloodstock videos special
CHILDREN OF BODOM - Follow The Reaper live video
FEAR FACTORY - Fear Campaign video
TWISTED SISTER - I wanna rock video
DEVIN TOWNSEND - Christeen video
BLOODBATH - Hades Rising video
EDGUY - Ministry Of Saints video
Other videos:
CONTACT
Links and Emails
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EMAILS:
Gig booking: annika@unifiedsounds.co.uk
Newsletter queries: alan@rockmatrix.co.uk
Reviews: alan@rockmatrix.co.uk
General: adam@unifiedsounds.co.uk
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LINKS:
Facebook group - Band Quest/Unified Sounds
www.myspace.com/rockmatrixpromotions
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