Despite the unwavering presence of founder member, composer, and keyboard player Tuomas Holopainen, the Nightwish of today is very different to the Nightwish which began in 1996. From a three-track demo to multi-million dollar selling albums featuring full orchestras and huge production values, the band has grown from three Finnish musicians to becoming a multinational enterprise.Continue reading
Tag Archives: Walter Hill
ALBUM REVIEW: Necropanther – Betrayal
Deviating slightly from the science fiction themes of their first three albums, magnificently named Colorado thrashers Necropanther base their latest record, Betrayal (Self-Released), on a combination of Walter Hill‘s 1979 seminal classic The Warriors and Xenophon‘s Anabasis, the ancient Greek story from which The Warriors was originally adapted.
Having previously chosen The Terminator, Dune, and Logan’s Run for inspiration, the science fiction element might have been pushed somewhat into the background on Betrayal but the dystopian landscape of cult cinema remains firmly in focus. A story about a small group having to fight their way across enemy territory to get home is prime pickings for thrash metal and Necropanther don’t let the opportunity slip.
ALBUM REVIEW: Slipknot – The End, So Far
From the sublime to the ridiculous, Slipknot have been criticised for many things over the years, but playing it safe is one accusation that rarely arises. While it’s true the Iowan nine-piece possess a patented, signature sound, it’s also clear they’ve never been afraid to take chances, pushing the envelope at every turn. Even on their 1996 full-length demo Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat. Slipknot were taking risks. Risks that led to the reward of a major label deal and a hugely successful career built on a foundation of unpredictability.