ALBUM REVIEW: Amon Amarth – The Great Heathen Army


It’s been thirty years since beard and battleaxe aficionados Amon Amarth began their quest for world domination. Armed with swords, shields, and drinking horns, the hairy horde has journeyed far and wide, going on to become one of the most popular bands in Swedish metal history. Rarely deviating from their tried and tested formula, each successive album is a reliably thunderous collection of ancient history, myths, and legends told in the loudest, catchiest ways possibleContinue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Saxon – Carpe Diem


With the heart attack suffered by frontman Biff Byford back in September 2019 and the global pandemic which followed shortly after, NWOBHM legends Saxon have had a rough old ride the last couple of years. Therefore, Carpe Diem (Silver Lining Music) – translated from Latin into English as “sieze the day” – stands not only as an album title but as a clear and heartfelt message to all.

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Saxon Books “Seize The Day” Headline Tour with Diamond Head


NWOBHM greats Saxon are thrilled to announce a full UK headline tour in November 2022. General sale will go live on Friday 10:00 AM GMT on all main platforms at the links below. The tour will see the band supporting their forthcoming album Carpe Diem acorss 14 cities throughout the country, with Diamond Head starring as special guest. Carpe Diem will be released on 4th February via Silver Lining Music and is now available for pre-order.Continue reading


Heavy Water (Saxon) ShareS New Single and Lyric Video for “Tree In The Wind”  


Father/son Heavy Rock band Heavy Water has shared the new single “Tree In The Wind”  which is taken from their debut album, Red Brick City, out now via Silver Lining Music. It also comes with a lyric video you can watch now! 

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ALBUM REVIEW: Black Sabbath – Technical Ecstasy Super Deluxe Box Set


Although 1976’s Technical Ecstasy (Vertigo/BMG) is unlikely to ever be viewed as a top tier release among most Black Sabbath fans, the fact that it exists at all goes to demonstrate the Birmingham foursome’s resilience and determination in those early days, if not the focus. 

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FESTIVAL REVIEW: Bloodstock Open Air 2021 Part III


Having shown resounding and unequivocal support for every single band so far, the Bloodstock faithful are still raring to go after four full days of partying. As battle commences one final time, highlights on the Sophie Stage include the hard hitting Midlands retro-fuzz of Wolf Jaw, Brighton doomsters Grave Lines, the angry sounding double punch of Vexed and Pist, a debut performance from symphonic death metallers Ghosts of Atlantis, and Manchester black metal mob Necronautical.

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FESTIVAL REVIEW: Bloodstock Open Air 2021 Part 2


 

FRIDAY

With energy levels and festival excitement still high, quality acts such as Welsh black metallers Agrona, Norfolk thrashers Shrapnel, Liverpool doom/sludge merchants Conan, and a reinvigorated and retooled Evile invade the Sophie Lancaster Stage, decimating all before them. Birmingham grindcore legends Napalm Death complete the day’s entertainment with a reliably devastating set, the crowd gathered outside the tent almost as huge as the one inside.

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FESTIVAL REVIEW: Bloodstock Open Air 2021 Part 1



We’re back!

Sure, we might be having to follow a series of new Coronavirus safety protocols which may or not become a regular thing for live shows, but we’re back. And judging by the size of the opening day crowds spilling out from the main entrance, car parks and campsites, not a moment too soon. Since its inception Bloodstock Open Air has always attracted early birds who like nothing more than to arrive long before the gates even open, but this time feels different. Everyone seems to be here early. Coiled springs desperate for release. The festival’s twentieth anniversary isn’t just a celebration of metal this year, it’s a genuine escape

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FESTIVAL PREVIEW: Bloodstock Open Air 2021 Kicks Off Today


 

Bloodstock Open Air (BOA) 2021 here! The festival kicks off today after much planning with sdafety and security in mind, considering the current state of the world. With weekend passes selling out, there might still be a few day tickets left, but check in advance before heading there. Starting today, August 11th -15th at Catton Park, the main stage headliners are Devin Townsend (Friday), Kreator (Saturday), and Judas Priest (Sunday). The festival will also feature sets from Skindred, Paradise Lost, Bury Tomorrow, Diamond Head, Therapy?, Jinjer, Vio-lence, Saxon, The Wildhearts, Gloryhammer, Dark Tranquillity, Bleed From Within, Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons, Memoriam, Ramage Inc., Green Lung, Conjurer, Orange Goblin, The Night Flight Orchestra, Raging Speedhorn, Unleash The Archers, Sylosis, Winterfylleth, Hacktivist, The Crawling, Raised By Owls, Acid Reign, Svalbard, Soen, Blasphemer, Pist, Sharks In Your Mouth, Seidrblot, Noctem, Mother Vulture, Bloodshot Dawn, Evile, and many more. Get your tickets at the link below!

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