I have recently been pointed in the direction of American Thrash/Doom metallers Earthen Grave. They feature violinist Rachel Barton Pine, a child prodigy who started playing the violin at the age of 3.
They released their debut in April 2012 and as well as receiving an unprecedented level of media coverage for such an unknown band, have also opened for headliners such as Anvil, Megadeath and Pentagram.
I have to admit to finding this video absolutely hilarious. The band are not to my taste musically and their clear misogynist view of women is also distasteful. It is clearly a poor attempt to garner some media interest and cause some controversy in a bid to sell music; often the case with videos such as this. Whether this is meant to be irony, humour or simply a badly thought through video concept - the video offends and undermines every real 'metal woman' out there.
Of course, sharing the video and asking you to watch it is playing into the PR department's hands. However, the song is so appalling that I have every confidence that anyone who reads this blog won't be parting with their hard earned cash on anything this band produces least of all 'Metal Woman'.
I was just reading some band profiles on the Bloodstock website. Having a look at who was playing and checking out all of the lovely ladies that are due to play over the weekend and I came across an article about Taiwanese metal band, Chthonic.
I was pleased to hear that they are one of Taiwans most active metal bands, that they have received awards in Taiwan and appear in their popular music charts, that their female basist has advocated a women's rights organisation, that their drummer works in music education and that their lead vocalist is active in human rights and social justice . I was less impressed and slightly puzzled as to what merit the following paragraph has to the article or indeed the band itself?
"Meanwhile, Chthonic's bassist Doris -who was dubbed one of the sexiest female rockers by Revolver, and has been on magazines such as FHM and GQ- is a bonus for fans all over the world."
What exactly do they mean by 'a bonus'? Do they mean an unbelievable bassist who is so amazingly talented in playing bass that fans should be grateful she decided to grace the band with her presence?! Or do we think they mean she is just a bit of eye candy on stage and in videos to improve the aesthetics that accompany the bands music?! Do you think I really needed to ask that question? *sigh*
A little late this month I am afraid! Trying to get my Foundation Degree work finished up ... finally graduating this year all being well. Add into that the fact that I am currently sitting in a caravan in West Wales enjoying a family holiday in the good old British weather, it has been hard finding time to sit down and actually post something. Saying that I had to write something about this month as soon as I had a chance. Why is June so important you might ask? Two of my favourite bands are releasing albums this month - that's why! :)
Delain - We Are The Others Vocals - Charlotte Wessels
The release of We Are The Others has been held up considerably following the take over of Roadrunner records by Warner Music. Fans were relieved to hear that tracks they had been tempted with during Delain's 2011 tour were finally going to make it to release when the band announced the 1st June release date. I recently saw them touring in my own city and have had the album on pre-order from Play.com with apparently a limited signed edition on it's way to me. Sadly it will probably be sitting on my doormat waiting for me to get back from the holiday. Am looking forward to getting back just for that! :)
The Agonist - Prisoners Vocals - Alissa White-Gluz
The Agonist are a Canadian metal band formed in 2004. Prisoners is their 3rd studio album. The band stands out from the others thanks to lead singer Alissa White-Gluz's impressive ability to switch between clean and growl vocals. I would really like a chance to see the band perform live and have been looking forward to the new album release. It is also on pre-order and will probably also be waiting for me on the doormat when I get back from the holiday. Goddamnit!
Ephel Duath are also due to release an EP this month, On Death and Cosmos features new band members including vocals from Karyn Crisis. Ephel Duath are an Italian progressive metal band who have not only had a constantly changing line-up but also managed to fuse Jazz and metal effortlessly. Really looking forward to hearing the new line up on this EP.
May 2012 is another exciting month for femet releases in the UK. Here are four I have come across so far:
Dawn of Destiny - Praying To The World Vocals - Jeanette Scherff
Jeanette joined Dawn of Destiny in 2010, replacing founding member Tanja Maul on vocals. Dawn of Destiny are a German power metal band and were formed in 2005. Praying To The World is their fourth studio album release and the first to feature Jeanette on vocals.
Diablo Swing Orchestra are a Swedish Avant-Garde metal band who were formed in 2003 and who come complete with a tongue in cheek back story. Pandora's Pinata is their third album release and the first single from that album, Voodoo Mon Amour was released earlier in 2012. This is of the same kind of awesomeness as Van Canto. An utterly brilliant twist on traditional metal music and a really exciting find.
The Murder of My Sweet are a Swedish symphonic metal band formed in 2006. Bye Bye Lullaby is their third album. Follow The Rain is taken from their 2010 album Divanity and has made me really keen to hear their new material which they claim to have taken down a darker path.
So there is May - have you heard about or are you looking forward to any other femet releases in May? Get in touch and let me know so I can check them out! I am personally looking forward to the releases expected in June 2012 - Delain's release date was finally announced for June along with The Agonists new album!! Awesome.
After months of not knowing when or even if Delain's new album 'We Are The Others' would be released I am pleased and excited by the news that they have finally been able to give us a release date! The album will finally be available from June 4th with the single 'Get The Devil Out Of Me' being released on the 13th April.
I saw this track played live last year when I went to see Delain in Manchester and it was fantastic. I have been eagerly awaiting the new album since that night! I am pleased to say that this year they are playing my own city of Sheffield, at Corporation and I am very excited to be seeing them again.
Their tour starts on the 14th April and they arrive in the UK on 12th May in Birmingham.
Recently I missed the release of debut album Breaking the Stillness from finnish female-fronted metal band Shear. Having taken a listen to some of the previews on their website, this looks to have been a hugely successful debut! It came out on the 28th March in the UK and features Alexa Leroux on vocals.
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