ALBUM REVIEW: Diablo Swing Orchestra – Swagger and Stroll Down The Rabbit Hole


I’m sure none of you will take too much umbrage if I begin this by noting that, as a collective, rock and metal fans have not always been traditionally recognised as being open-minded or welcoming of acts that embrace fun as a way of life. And that’s even with ‘No Mosh No Core No Fun’ not become a genre-wide approach. That isn’t to say that there aren’t successes – Devin has always been indulged his gastric and wacky fascinations, Mr Bungle have always defied any and everything, and others have long-since smashed down the irony door.Continue reading


Between The Buried & Me – Automata II


Forever moving to the beat of their own drum, progressive metallers Between The Buried & Me have very rarely done anything in a conventional manner. Always renowned for their madcap blend of contrasting styles and structures, a previous announcement this year saw them choose to release their latest effort, Automata (Sumerian) as a double, split album individually released throughout the year. With Automata I seeing the light of day back in March, it was expected to have set the tone for its companion piece, Automata II; but once again, BTBAM do things their own way.Continue reading