My Metal Musings

I love music and more specifically I love different types of music.  I am not ashamed to admit to having days where a little pop or indie rock can perfectly quench my thirst for musical gratification.  My musical tastes have been developing over a number of years and, as with many things, the people you spend the most time with are the people who influence you greatly.  I admitted defeat some time ago and started to listen to Doozr's music collection.  It was always a long standing joke within our circle of friends about the weird and obscure bands that he went to see, when no one really took the time to find out anything about them.  Let me tell you though, there are some really amazing artists on his iPod and I have been happily experiencing those and branching out to find my own too.

So yes, you could say I am a metal newbie.  I wouldn't say that I didn't like metal before, but I only listened to those 'commercial' metal bands that made it into the popular charts (in the UK that is very limited).  The likes of Linkin Park, Evanescence, Def Leppard, Metallica and so on.  Discovering a host of metal sub-genres and finding out how utterly amazing they are has been a voyage of discovery and I have no intention of stopping any time soon.

Lunatica

I spent some time today reading up on the various sub-genres that exist under the metal umbrella and was amazed and surprised at how many bands I like that fall into so many of them.  Gothic Metal is without a doubt my favourite it seems with numerous bands such as Epica, Within Temptation, Delain, Lacuna Coil, Nightwish, Theatre of Tragedy, Lunatica, Unsun and ReVamp featuring heavily in my most played lists.

I even have to admit to liking a bit of Metal Core apparently; Bullet For My Valentine's recent album Fever has been heavily played and very much enjoyed.

Arch Enemy

What has surprised me more than the Metal Core though is the fact that I also like bands in sub-genres such as Death Metal (Arch Enemy, Dark Tranquility and Opeth for example).  I like a lot of Folk Metal (Agalloch and Sheffield's own Northern Oak).  I like some Progressive Metal (Devin Townsend Band and Wolverine) and of course the traditional Heavy Metal bands (Avenged Sevenfold, Iron Maiden and Def Leppard).  Three years ago I had no idea so many sub-genres existed let alone taken a listen.

In some ways it feels a shame that so many of these bands will never make it into the mainstream and will continue to be an underground phenomenon.  I wish I had come across these bands years ago though and wonder how I would have discovered them without a guiding hand from someone who had already discovered them himself.

Avenged Sevenfold

Saying that though, mainstream success would probably ruin what makes metal so undeniably awesome.  The knowledge that the artists are performing and recording because of their love of music and not for the fame and fortune that appears to be the driving force behind so many 'popular' artists these days.  I think some bands who happen to make it into the mainstream can sometimes be ridiculed by more hardcore metal heads but I have no qualms in listening to and enjoying a bands music no matter where they fit into the hierarchy of musical popularity.  If I like it, I like it.  End of story.

The metal culture appeals to me because of the level of tolerance and acceptance I feel within it.  Gigs are the most civilised I have ever been to and although I was a little apprehensive at the first metal gig I went to, I had no reason to be.  Everyone is there for the music.  Not to throw beer, push people about or keep pushing past you while they pop to the toilet.  They are just there to listen to the band and soak it all up.  Some are there to jump about in the mosh pit, but they do that 'in' the mosh pit and not at random intervals throughout the rest of the crowd.

Evil Scarecrow

Life is pretty hectic a lot of the time but I do try to go to at least one metal gig a month.  This month is a bit of a metalfest for us.  We are seeing Delain in Manchester and Northern Oak, Sanctorum and Evil Scarecrow in Worksop.  August will see me heading to not only my first metal festival, but my first festival ever.  I have wanted to go to Bloodstock for about 2 years now and this year we are finally heading down there for what is shaping up to be an awesome lineup.

Metal has become such a big part of my life it is hard to remember a time when I didn't listen to it.  I am constantly thinking about where I can find new bands, where I can find news and updates on new releases or upcoming gigs or I'm busy finding topics to write about for here or for the wonderful TheMixEclectic.  I've found where I belong and here is where I intend to remain.

To Cast A Shadow

I recently came across this band and have finally had time to give them a listen.  To Cast A Shadow are a Norwegian gothic metal band.  If you've not heard of them before here is a track from their 'In Memory of' album called Oceans Apart.  There are moments where it sounds a little like Lacuna Coil but it has plenty of unique qualities and a little more grunt than some of the recent offerings from other gothic metal bands.

Epica & ReVamp - Corporation March 12th 2011

March has been packed with so many good gigs that there have been far too many for us to go to.  Sadly, 'day jobs', children and other commitments, mean that it isn't always possible to go to as many gigs as we'd really like.  After looking at the various gigs we might fancy in March Doozr and I finally settled on 3 in succession.   The Levellers supported by The Wonder Stuff for some old school reminising, The Decemberists supported by Blind Pilot for some American folk and Epica supported by ReVamp for some femetal awesomeness.

Epica are one of my favourite symphonic metal bands at the moment.  This fact combined with a support band such as Floor Jansen's ReVamp and a venue such as Corporation meant the night was much anticipated.

I wasn't sure what to expect with ReVamp.  I had had a quick listen to their album and to be honest I wasn't that blown away.  When the band walked onto the stage that night though the place went mental.  I have never been in such an electrifying crowd before.  Floor has the most powerful of voices mixing operatic styles with a deeper growl.  The band were energetic, enthusiastic and above all else awesome.

Floor has had a long career in metal performing previously with After Forever, Ayreon and Star One.  Her presence on stage was captivating and her voice was stunning.  Sadly, this seemed wasted on the chumps standing to my left who decided that her performance required something a little extra.  Soon after the band came on stage they started shouting 'Get em out' continuously for the rest of the performance demonstrating a complete lack of respect for both Floor and the band's performance.  

When Epica took to the stage, the place went wild.  The voice, the guitars, the rotating keyboard, the drums it was a non-stop barrage of complete awesomeness.  I can't even begin to articulate how amazing it felt to stand in a crowd and feel the excitement and the energy quite so vividly. Simone wore a stunning black dress with interesting detailing around the neck.  She looked like a beautiful porcelain doll, that was of course until she started windmilling like a loon.

For Epica's encore, Floor returned to the stage and her and Simone sang, windmilled and generally rocked together.   It was a truly stunning sight.

The gig was a non-stop roller coaster and I left Corporation covered in sweat, heart pounding and proudly sporting a massive grin.

Floor recently posted a Tour Report online which you can view below.  If you look closely (and know what Doozr and I look like) you should see us at about 2 minutes 30 seconds.  :D

The Classic Rock Society Best of The Year Awards with Tinyfish & Pallas - 5th March 2011

On Saturday 5th March myself and Tanzeelat headed to Wath Upon Dearne for the annual Classic Rock Society Best of The Year (BOTY) 2010 Awards.  Headliners this year were Pallas, supported by Tinyfish.  Sadly Doozr had to miss the event due to being double booked.

After taking yet another route from Sheffield to Wath we finally arrived part way through Tinyfish's acoustic set.  Tinyfish bill themselves as the worlds smallest progressive rock band but there was something about their music that had us hooked.  It could have been the fabulous latin inspired percussion or it could have just been the love and passion this band clearly have for their music.  Either way it was a beautiful set filled with exquisite progressive rock qualities and laced heavily with humour and fun.  Tanzeelat was straight to the merc stand for a copy of their debut self titled album once their set was over.

The next part of the evening was the presentation of the CRS BOTY Awards.  The special guest presenter was Sonja Kristina of Curved Air fame.  The evenings categories included Best Track, Best Live Act, Best Band, Best Album, Best Female Vocalist and Best Male Vocalist, plus a new award for Best Personality of the Year,

Anne-Marie Helder was up and down all evening for various awards for her work with Mostly Autumn, Panic Room and Parade.  Mostly Autumn were flavour of the year with numerous awards including Best Live Act, Best Band and Best Album.  Olivia Sparnenn won Best Female Vocalist which must have been a real boost for her having stepped into the massive boots of Heather Findlay last year.

The winners were:

Best Male Vocalist: Peter Nicholls
Best Female Vocalist: Olivia Sparnenn
Best Bass Player: John Jowitt
Best Drummer: Gavin Griffiths
Best Keyboard Player: Clive Nolan
Best Guitarist: Bryan Josh
Best Album: Go Well Diamond Heart - Mostly Autumn
Best Track: Satellite - Panic Room
Best Band: Mostly Autumn
Best New Band: Parade
Best CRS Live Act: Mostly Autumn
CRS Personality: Anne Marie Helder

With the presentations and photographs over and with our unsuccessful raffle tickets thrown in the bin, the main act took to the stage.

Both Doozr and Tanzeelat are big fans of Pallas and have told me on a number of occasions that I should take a listen to their stuff.  When I heard that they would be headlining I decided to opt for a 'surprise' and resisted a sneaky listen to their existing albums or the free download of new material from their website.

The gig was much anticipated for many reasons but mainly because it was the first time Tanzeelat had seen the band perform with their new lead singer Paul Mackie after long serving lead singer Alan Reed left the band in January 2010. The other reason was of course to hear their new material.

They played a fair mix of old and new tracks with Paul even admitting at times that he didn't even know which album the song he was about to sing was from.  The new material seems to have a much edgier sound to it than previous releases and even feels somewhat prog metal at times.  We both approved and I was soon bopping along with what was an exceptional stage performance from the old hands and their new front man.

Thanks to the power of the Internet here is a video taken from that evening of Pallas performing 'Sanctuary'.



The tracks that really stood out for me on the night were new tracks Monster, XXV Part 1 and Violet Sky.  Paul's stage costume change to perform The Alien Messiah was an unexpected event with him vanishing for a short while before coming back on stage wearing an alien mask.

Pallas performed for 2 hours including their encore.  I couldn't even begin to give you a full set list because I was too busy lost in the moment to take notes.  It was a spectacular evening and a real contender for my best gig of 2011.

One slight disappointment for us was the running out of beer!  Montgomery Hall usually stock a host of local Wentworth Brewery real ales but ran out half way through the evening.  This left poor Tanzeelat to drink Newcastle Brown!  Still, it was an awesome night! ;)

If you want to get involved with CRS they are always looking for new members.  Visit their site and have a look at what they do, how important their work is and what gigs and events they have coming up.

http://www.classicrocksociety.co.uk/

Plinky prompts some 'Lunatica'

Struggling for inspiration today I had a look at the topics Plinky were suggesting. One of today's prompts was: 'What songs must you always sing the lyrics out loud to?'. As I read this prompt I was singing my lungs out to one my my favourite songs and decided that this had to be fate.

The song I was singing was Lunatica's 'Farewell My Love'. When I first heard this track on their 2009 album 'New Shores', I had to do a double take. It reminds me so much of a big love song in a Disney Princess movie. This song is bittersweet and beautiful. The male/female vocals are perfectly balanced and the lyrics really touch you. This song is one I always love listening to in the car on a long trip or when I am feeling really down and lonely. There is something I can relate to in there. Something I think everyone can relate to. It is without a doubt the song I must always sing the lyrics out loud to.

Lunatica - Farewell My Love

I've been feeling so uncertain

Since the day you left my life

Now I'm standing at the crossroads

No direction left to go

I've been thinking 'bout the good times

And I've cried a lake of tears

If losing you is just a nightmare

I hope I wake up by your side

Farewell my love

Forgive the things I've done to you

May your days be warm and bright

May your journey lead you to the light

So many words been left unspoken

And some words were far too much

Maybe sometimes love is hurting

But it's the sweetest pain I know

Farewell my love

Forgive the things I've done to you

May your days be warm and bright

May your journey lead you to the light

Farewell my love

Forgive the things I've done to you

May your days be warm and bright

May your journey lead you to the light

Ooh, farewell my love

(my love/goodbye)

Forgive the things I've done to you

May your days be warm and bright

May your journey lead you to the light

(to the light)

How to Look Like a Hot Metal Chick

During a research and fact finding expedition around the Internet this morning for ideas for this blog, I came across a video called ‘How to Look Like a Hot Metal Chick’.

On further investigation it looks as though this video has been around since 2009 and both MetalSucks and Metal Injection have already mentioned the content on their sites.  Feeling equally as baffled, I felt I had to throw in my two cents on the subject, for what they are worth.

The ‘How to Look Like a Hot Metal Chick’ video suggests that to look like a hot metal chick:

• Hair should be brunette or blonde only or colour can be ‘fun too’
• Hair should be messy and dirty looking
• Particular attention should be paid to eye make up so that it looks dark and dramatic
• Have a dramatic and defined eyebrow because that will make you look little bit more aggressive and intense
• Wear band t shirts (of bands you know and like only)
• Wear a nice pair of black boots
• Nails short and painted a dark colour

These are all valid observations and as a general rule, dressing in the way she suggests would indeed help you look like a stereotypical metal chick for sure.  All the well known mainstream women’s magazines offer similar advice on what is currently fashionable, how to make your make up look better and what hair styles might suit you and so the idea behind this video really isn’t anything new or groundbreaking.  The resulting look feels very fake though.  Calling a metal gig a ‘metal concert thing’ and admitting that you prefer silver metal on your boots because it looks more ‘metal’ than any other colour of metal really doesn’t sell the content as valid or authoritative advice.

The insinuation that taking these measures will make you ‘hot’ also suggests that this look is about attracting a ‘metal head’ boyfriend rather than actually embracing the metal culture and community.

The real issue for me though is that the way we dress is an extension of our personality.  It communicates to those around us a great deal about who we are, what we stand for and what we like.  There is absolutely nothing wrong in taking advice about or pride in your appearance as long as the results are a true representation of you as an individual.  Making an effort with your clothing, hair and makeup should be because you want to feel confident in and good about yourself and not just so you fit into a specific niche or clique.

Being ‘metal’ isn’t about getting dressed in a fancy dress costume; it is a way of life, an attitude, an emotion that just can’t be authentic when forced or manipulated in the way this video suggests.  If you are ‘fancy dressing’ rather than ‘dressing’ then there is a real issue to consider with your own self image and self worth.

So here are Femetalism’s 'How to Look Like a Hot Metal Chick' tips:

• Listen to, enjoy and fully appreciate metal music of whatever sub-genre you fancy
• Go to see bands you like and not just ones you think you should like
• Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in – you will only wear t shirts for bands you like automatically there is no forethought required
• Have your hair in whatever style or colour you feel like
• And remember - don’t give a toss about what people think you should look and act like … metal is about freedom of expression not conforming to socially acceptable norms.

If you are someone who still feels like you are struggling.  If you just don’t know how you are going to score that totally hot metal dude you really fancy.  Perhaps it is time to reconsider what you are looking for in a man?  Perhaps it is time to stop worrying about attracting a man so much? Perhaps it is time to just accept who you really are instead of trying to be something you clearly aren't - Now that is metal.  You never know … you might turn out to be his type after all?

Within Temptation Go Conceptual

As a big fan of Within Temptation the announcement that they would be releasing a new concept album in March 2011 was extremely exciting.  Tickets were bought for their UK tour date and anticipation and impatience ensued.

The Unforgiving is the bands fifth album release; a concept album based on a comic strip written by Steven O'Connell and illustrated by Romano Molenaar.  Although the band have previously been seen as gothic and symphonic metal, this new album will show the band taking a completely different approach to their music.  They have used the comic book concept to give them the courage and inspiration to change their sound and write what they believe are the best songs of their career.

Prequels for the comic book started to be released through the bands website in November 2010 and tell the story of a young woman called Sinead Harkin and the action she takes to protect her friend from a violent abuser. 

The album track 'Where is the Edge' was released on the 15th December 2010 and is not only the first release from the album but is also included on the soundtrack for the movie 'Me and Mr Jones'.  The track is particularly creepy and in conjunction with a video based on the movie, it leaves you with a distinct chill.  That said, I found the track to be a little softer and milder than I was expecting.  I really hope that this is more to do with the fact it was being used in a movie and that it doesn't represent the album as a whole.

In addition there are 3 short films which will provide further insight into the album concept.  The first of those films was released on January 31st entitled 'Mother Maiden'.  The film introduces Mother Maiden, a medium who recruits lost souls to be part of a task force for fighting evil.  Each recruit carries a specific guilt about something that they have done in their lives and Mother Maiden offers them the opportunity to redeem themselves.  She gives them missions to hunt down evil as penalty for their sins.   The film ends and goes straight into a band performance of the single 'Faster'.  A teaser after the band performance leaves you itching to view the next instalment.

'Faster' is a very catchy song that had my four year old dancing around the kitchen last night, singing along.  It is very easy listen to and has a very memorable repetitive chorus that will ensure this track's popularity and commercial success.

So, what do I make of all of this?  Well, I am not traditionally a graphic novel enthusiast and so some of the prequel hype has been a little wasted on me.  Updates have been provided by the band in many different forms using an impressive array of social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Spotify and their own website.  As a student of e-communications I can appreciate how effective these tools have been in generating the excitement it has amongst fans.

The story of 'The Unforgiving' is intriguing and this first short film is very cleverly put together.  Mother Maiden's voice is particularly blood-curdling and the dark scenes are quite chilling.   I am not sure about the sudden jump from this dark and terrifying setting to Within Temptation singing what sounds like another classic rock song however. There seems to be a sudden jump from the dark into the light. Perhaps that is the point?

I still can't put my finger on what the new musical style really is either.  So far it seems to sound like very classic pop rock which is particularly commercial.  I had hoped for a darker and harsher sound from their new material.  I feel the build up to the album's release so far has suggested that this is something we could expect.  I really hope we are being further led on by the band and that when the album is released they haven't sold out to commerciality completely.

'The Unforgiving' is released on the 25th March 2011.  The band have rescheduled their European tour now that Sharon is expecting her 3rd child and they have added some additional venues in the UK:

Tuesday 8th November - Birmingham O2 Academy
Wednesday 9th November - Manchester O2 Academy
Friday 11th November - London O2 Academy, Brixton

Musical direction concerns aside, I will be grabbing my copy of 'The Unforgiving' as soon as it is released and am heading for Manchester on the 9th November.  Within Temptation really have made incredible use of the Internet to create a massive buzz over their new material and I am very excited about what is to come from them this year.