Contrary to the advice offered by BOC, it would appear that the reaper should indeed be feared at the moment!
Following the passing of the legendary Lemmy in late December of last year, the first month of 2016 also saw the sad demise of several other rock musicians – Jimmy Bain (Rainbow, Dio), David Bowie, Glenn Frey of The Eagles, Dale Griffin of Mott The Hoople and Paul Kantner of Jefferson Airplane / Starship fame. The reaper has indeed been way too busy!
Moving on to much happier subjects though, January has seen some great releases and gig announcements that have helped pass the time during the cold, dark months of Winter.
Three releases in particular have really caught my attention and got the blood pumping through my body a bit quicker (or slower maybe in the case of Conan and Garganjua!):
First up is “A Voyage In Solitude”, the excellent debut full length release from Leicestershire doomsters Garganjua. Whilst these 4 tracks that clock in at just over 40 minutes long have a modern doom feel to them in the vein of Yob and Pallbearer, they also nod to the classics from time to time with hints of both Candlemass and Iron Maiden being heard. There are some superbly heavy riffs on this release and the dual vocal styles of Scott and Gaz compliment each other well all the way through. I really dig this album and cannot wait to see the Garganjua guys live later in the year.
http://www.hibernacularecords.com/product/a-voyage-in-solitude-by-garganjua
Next up is the latest release from Latitudes “Old Sunlight”. Latitudes are a band that I’ve seen live a few times and always enjoyed their releases to date. They blew me away last year when I saw them play with Pallbearer and Bast at the 100 Club in Oxford Street so I was looking forward to see how they would progress on their next album. Quite frankly this album is stunning and really should propel Latitudes towards the top of the “post rock/metal” league. Whilst there are shades of Chicago’s finest Pelican and Russian Circles, this album offers so much more from huge intense riffing frenzies to atmospheric melodic passages. The use of Adam’s haunting vocals (first heard on previous release “Individuation” ) on a few of the tracks continues to add texture to their sound and keeps the listener fully memorised. I know that it’s only just February but this will definitely be a contender for album of the year. It goes without saying that I’m looking forward to their album release show at The Black Heart in Camden on Friday 5th February.
http://www.debemur-morti.com/fr/content/artist/45-latitudes
Last and by no means least are the doom metal titans that are Conan. Following previous album “Blood Eagle” was never going to be an easy feat but in “Revengeance” Conan have once again delivered the goods in huge spades of fuzzed out heavy glory. This is a monolithic slab of hulking metal that definitely builds on their previous releases and introduces more diversity in style. We still get the tar thick brutally slow passages (such as the end to Thuderhoof and start of Wrath Gauntlet) but these are interspersed with moments of brutal speed such as the start of the tile track where new(ish!) drummer Rich proves that he can drum at pace with the best of them. Final track Earthenguard is the icing on the top of this magnificent doom cake. Its 11 minutes 44 seconds encapsulate all that is great about Conan. From the punishingly slow and heavy riffs, pummelling drums, awesome tone and distorted guitar this is metal nirvana.
Another contender for album of the year? You bet it is! Hail Conan!
http://shop.napalmrecords.com/conan
I’ve just realised that there is a common denominator to the 3 great releases mentioned above. All were recorded at the superb Skyhammer Studios (created and run by Jon and Chris from Conan) and all were produced by the most excellent Mr Chris Fielding. Great work all round guys!
http://www.skyhammerstudio.com/
During the last month or so myself and my good friend of nigh on 30 years Colin Tyler have organised a charity metal gig at Leo’s Red Lion in Gravesend on Saturday 23rd April. Colin recently underwent surgery for soft tissue cancer (Sarcoma) and we had the idea to organise the gig whilst chatting at the Slayer show at Brixton Academy in November. All proceeds raised will go to Sarcoma UK, which is a very worthy cause and the only charity dedicated to sarcoma research in the UK.
The line-up we’ve managed to pull together is superb and covers a number of metal styles from thrash to doom and sleaze rock. Headlining are UK thrash legends Anihilated, with Death Before Mourning, Bast, Spyder Byte, ((OHHMS)) and Wretched Soul also appearing on the night.
This promises to be an excellent night and as tickets are only a fiver also provides superb value for money. Check out the awesome flyer below pulled together by the great guys at Branca Studios in Barcelona for more details and come along and join in the fun!
Please either check out the event Facebook page (link below) or drop me a message if you want any further details on the Sarcoma Charity Gig.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1703935589884136/
Cheers.
Jules Throne 