lunedì 30 novembre 2015

Månegarm - "Månegarm" review

"MANEGARM"

Release date: on 20th november 2015


Genre: Viking/Pagan/Folk metal

Country: Sweden

Track List:
01. Blodörn
02. Tagen Av Daga 
03. Odin Owns Ye All 
04. Blot 
05. Vigverk – Del II 
06. Call Of The Runes 
07. Kraft 
08. Bärsärkarna Från Svitjod 
09. Nattramn 
10. Allfader 
11. Månljus – bonus track 
12. Mother Earth Father Thunder – bonus track (Bathory cover)



Un lupo ulula alla luna di cui si vede soltanto la luce riflessa in un paesaggio dominato da neve, buio e silenzio. Siamo nell’ormai lontano 1998, anno di pubblicazione del primo full-length di una band nata tre anni prima con il nome di Antikrist. Gli svedesi poi cambiano il proprio monicker dedicandolo al Mánagarmr, il lupo più forte di tutti che secondo l’Edda, vera e propria bibbia della mitologia norrena, divorerà la luna nel giorno della battaglia finale fra le potenze della luce e quelle delle tenebre (Ragnarök). 

Non a caso nel 2015 lo vediamo raffigurato con aria minacciosa al centro di una gigantesca luna piena, in un artwork non più dominato dal tranquillo blu bensì dal sanguigno rosso. Insomma, per celebrare il proprio ventesimo compleanno gli svedesi scelgono la strada dell’autoreferenzialità sia visiva che testuale, dato che l’album si intitola semplicemente Månegarm. E se lo possono permettere in virtù della crescente importanza guadagnata nello sterminato panorama pagan-viking-folk scandinavo, senza dimenticare la forte influenza black presente soprattutto nei primi lavori.

Il delicato arpeggio iniziale di Blodörn si trasforma in un vero e proprio grido di guerra, in cui growl e l’arpa a bocca si alternano sapientemente. In Tagen Av Daga domina la componente folk, soprattutto nell’intermezzo strumentale a metà del brano in cui la cornamusa di Kaspars Bārbals è la protagonista assoluta. Si cambia decisamente rotta con Blot, brano acustico cantato in clean su cui si innesta la voce femminile di Ellinor Videfors, presente anche nella successiva Vigverk – del II che va a completare l’omonima traccia dell’album precedente Legions of the north. Un altro repentino cambio si ha con Call of the runes, vera e propria cavalcata che si candida fra gli highlight del disco: chitarre, batteria e un growl via via più aggressivo ne decretano la potenza epica allo stato puro. Questo brano insieme alla marziale Odin Owns Ye All è anche un caso abbastanza anomalo nella discografia dei Månegarm a causa dell’utilizzo della lingua inglese, che aveva già fatto capolino in Legions Of The North sdoganando fra mille critiche l’utilizzo esclusivo dello svedese. Si tratta comunque di una parentesi: con Nattramm, unico frangente in cui tornano a farsi sentire le influenze black, l’atmosfera molto oscura viene resa benissimo anche grazie al cantato nella lingua madre della band che, diciamolo, ha sempre il suo perché. La successiva Allfader chiude il disco con la stessa dolcezza con cui si è aperto, avvalendosi ancora una volta della voce di Ellinor Videfors.

Questa nuova release nulla toglie e nulla aggiunge a quanto i Månegarm hanno espresso finora, attestandone l’ottimo livello e riassumendone al meglio una carriera di successo. Si tratta quindi di un acquisto obbligatorio per i fan di lunga data, che possono dilettarsi anche con la versione limitata contenente due tracce bonus: Månljus e la cover dei Bathory Mother Earth Father Thunder, omaggio all’indimenticato ed indimenticabile Quorthon.

8/10
Bene "the Sentinel"

Line-Up:
Jonas "Rune" Almqvist Guitars
Erik Grawsiö Vocals, Bass
Markus Andé Guitars
Jacob Hallegren Drums

Dead Soul + Ghost - Live Report

DEAD SOUL + GHOST
Trezzo sull'Adda 23.11.2015 


Live Report a cura di Michela
Foto di Michela 

Sfidando l’oscuro male che sta attanagliando il mondo nelle ultime settimane, decidiamo che per una notte ad averla vinta DEVE essere la musica.
Il Live Club di Trezzo, diventata ormai la nostra seconda casa, si riempie silenziosamente, e tra gli sguardi un po' smarriti dei primi arrivati, i Dead Souls fanno il loro ingresso. Vedere Anders Landelius e Niels Nielsen finalmente esibirsi su un vero palco, dopo la breve ma intensa serata che ci avevano regalato all'inizio dell'anno in un minuscolo pub alle porte di Milano, è un'esperienza davvero emozionante.
La loro bravura e la loro conoscenza artistica sono qualcosa che il mondo musicale deve essere in grado di conservare nel tempo. La profonda voce di Anders scalda subito l'ambiente, note blues danzano sopra le nostre teste come piccoli elfi goliardici, ed è come se la genialità di Trent Reznor si impossessasse per la seconda volta dell'uomo in nero Johnny Cash.  
Quella dei Dead Soul è una musica di confine, che varchi ogni volta che ti lasci andare. 
Se è vero che l'arte ha moltissimi significati, questi svedesi sono in grado di reinterpretarli tutti: sentimento, dolore e tristezza diventano tangibili ad ogni sussurro, un accordo dopo l'altro.
Le luci si spengono, l'aria inizia ad impregnarsi di incenso. Probabilmente quando Lucifero venne cacciato dal Paradiso, anziché scendere negli inferi si è incarnato nell’esile corpo del misterioso uomo celato dal volto di Papa Emeritus III, altrimenti una tale magnificenza non si spiegherebbe.
Uno ad uno i Nameless Ghouls prendono il loro posto, eleganti nei loro abiti talari, armonici nei movimenti, criptici i loro sguardi celati dietro maschere demoniache che niente hanno da spartire con tradizioni o rappresentazioni teatrali.
Le luci di accendono e le porte si sbarrano, il "nostro" conclave ha inizio. 
Miserere mei, Deus è un inno alla gioia, la cavalcata trionfale di sei uomini che sono scesi sulla terra per dimostrare la loro onnipotenza. 
Inutile dire che le hit dei "Meliora" sono tra le più attese, considerato da pubblico e critica tra i migliori album ad aver visto la luce in questo 2015.  
L'accoppiata Cirice - Year Zero lascia senza parole, le due canzoni hanno un approccio pop rock in grado di trasportarci nel bel mezzo di uno spettacolo di cabaret senza nemmeno accorgercene. Il cambio di abito su Spöksonat è il preludio all'apocalisse ed il poker viene calato con gli altri due assi: He Is ed Absolution, cosi dannatamente belle che siamo quasi sicuri di essere sotto l'effetto di qualche stupefacente inserito nel turibolo. 
La versione acustica di Jigolo Har Megiddo infine è solo un altro assaggio della versatilità tecnica dei Ghost e, mentre la notte volge al termine, Papa Emeritus III offre al suo pubblico If You Have Ghost ed il consueto epilogo di Monstrance Clock, affinché il mattino seguente possa vedere ancora la luce.

Set List:
Spirit
From the Pinnacle to the Pit
Ritual
Con Clavi Con Dio
Per Aspera ad Inferi
Majesty
Body and Blood
Devil Church
Cirice
Year Zero
Spöksonat
He Is
Absolution
Mummy Dust
Jigolo Har Megiddo (acoustic)
Ghuleh/Zombie Queen
If You Have Ghosts
Encore: Monstrance Clock


sabato 28 novembre 2015

MAMMOTH STORM - "Fornjot"

Fornjot

Release Date: 6 November 2015


Genre: Gothic/Doom

Country: Sweden

Track List:
1.  Augurs Echo
2.  Vultures Prey
3.  Sumerian Cry
4.  Fornjot
5.  Horns of Jura
6.  Hekla
7.  Ancient Apocalypse (Bonus Track)



Il “piccolo” Daniel Arvidsson ripercorre la strada già battuta dal padre molti anni prima (il chitarrista dei Draconian), pubblicando per la stessa etichetta il suo primo album con i Mammoth Storm.

Fornjot è il gigante impetuoso della mitologia norrena che torna a seminare tempesta nelle gelide acque del gothic doom svedese.

Senza rinunciare ai monomaniacali riff che si ripetono con costanza ad ogni traccia, questi giovani vichinghi dimostrano di destreggiarsi molto bene fra i bassi ovattati e chitarre opulente, distogliendo così l’attenzione dalle piccole imprecisioni tecniche, con fraseggi funeral doom di grande effetto.  

Se l’opener “Augurs Echo” è un monolite della tradizione metal scandinava; inaspettati intermezzi progressive, inseriti nelle bellissime “Horns Of Jura” ed “Hekla”, incendiano la parte finale del disco come piccole scintille di fuoco in mezzo alla polvere pirica.

La voce gutturale di Daniel si staglia possente dall’altare sacrificale, mentre la nave di Gokstad spiega le sue vele pronta a salpare verso l’ignoto.

Seppur l’unicità al momento sembra essere l’anello mancante di una catena quasi perfetta, i fan del genere sapranno valorizzare lo sforzo e rendere omaggio a questo debutto.

Che gli dei possano assisterli.

6,5/10
Michela 

Band Members:
Daniel Arvidsson - Bass, Vocals
Christer Ström - Guitars
Emil Ahlman - Drums, Organ



venerdì 27 novembre 2015

PHANTASMA - The Deviant Hearts Review

The Deviant Hearts

Release: 20 November 2015


Genere: Syphonic Rock Metal

Tracklist:
01. Incomplete
02. The Deviant Hearts
03. Runaway Grey
04. Try
05. Enter Dreamscape
06. Miserable Me
07. The Lotus And The Willow
08. Crimson Course
09. Carry Me Home
10. The Sound Of Fear
11. Novaturient
12. Let It Die


Prendete le voci di Charlotte Wessels dei Delain e Georg Neuhauser dei Serenity; aggiungeteci la creatività e la versatilità di un polistrumentista che è anche un compositore, un cantante e un produttore come Oliver Philipps (Everon); lasciatevi tentare da special guests che arrivano dalla Trans-Siberian Orchestra, dai Van Canto, dagli Evergrey e non solo; mettete il tutto al servizio di un progetto musicale che vuole essere un concept album che è una vera e propria storia in musica e avete dato vita ai Phantasma, un gruppo di musicisti che hanno investito cuore, anima ed energie per The Deviant Hearts, prima fatica di questa grandiosa famiglia che promette di fare scintille.

Dodici tracce che spaziano tra pezzi strumentali ed intimi, come Incomplete, brani più epici e sinfonici come Try o The Sound of Fears, fino ad arrivare anche a sonorità più power e grintose di Novaturient, costituiscono l'ossatura di questo progetto musicale che, per chi è amante delle edizioni speciali, sarà corredato anche da una novella letta proprio dalla Wessels, talentuosa e versatile cantante che non si risparmia e che ingaggia duetti mozzafiato con le voci maschili, creando atmosfere davvero sorprendenti e attimi di pura magia musicale che si susseguono dalla prima all'ultima nota.

L'impronta dei tre musicisti fondatori dei Phantasma si sentono e portano un certo pregio all'album, che suona in un modo quasi confortante, mantenendo le promesse create nell'ascoltatore e riuscendo perfino a superarle.

Sarebbe stato semplice mettere insieme dei brani, arrangiarli e spacciarli per un prodotto di metal sinfonico: i fan lo avrebbero gradito senza dubbio e non avrebbero protestato, chi invece non ha dimestichezza con il genere li avrebbe semplicemente ignorati, ma qui si fa molto di più. Qui si accetta una sfida, quella di creare un racconto, di piegare una storia al dominio della musica e della voce, di scrivere con chitarre, batteria, bassi e tastiere quelle che sarebbero rimaste solo parole se non avessero mai incontrato l'estro e la sensibilità di questi artisti.

Il nostro compito è solo quello di lasciarci sorprendere; di scivolare lentamente nel mondo che la band ha creato per noi facendoci cullare dalle morbide note di un pianoforte, da una voce potente, da una più delicata, da orchestrazioni di fattura pregevole e da quel cuore che batte per la musica e che qui riusciamo a sentire forte e chiaro.

7.5/10
Dora


PHANTASMA lineup:

Charlotte Wessels - Vocals
Georg Neuhauser - Vocals
Oliver Philipps - Guitars/Keys/Vocals

Album guests:

Tom S. Englund (EVERGREY) - Vocals
Dennis Schunke (VAN CANTO) - Vocals
Chloe Lowery (TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, CHAMELEON) - Vocals
Jason Gianni (DAREDEVIL SQUADRON/ NEAL MORSE BAND/ TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA) - Drums
Randy George (NEAL MORSE BAND, AJALON) - Bass
Tom Buchberger (ex-SERENITY) - Guitar



WOWS "AION" fuori oggi su Argonauta Records - streaming disponibile‏!

WOWS "AION" 
fuori oggi su Argonauta Records - streaming disponibile‏!



Gli Atmospheric Doom/Post Metallers italiani WOWS hanno appena pubblicato il nuovo album AION.
Influenzati da Pelican, Tool e Neurosis, i WOWS hanno creato un disco atmosferico e complesso, che può essere ascoltato QUI

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Argonauta Records

giovedì 26 novembre 2015

Sixx: A.M. interview


Sixx AM ready to get back on track: 

Interview by Margherita Realmonte (Meg)

The three rock aces are right on their way for a new special release: a double album, lots of amazing stories to be told to say something deep and meaningful

I don't know if you can imagine how does it feel to talk to your fave rockers on the phone, but let me tell you, it's a mindblowing experience. This time it was up to Sixx AM adorable singer and producer, James Michael, to answer our questions about their new work still in progress and he had a lot of inspiring things to say about future perspectives, meaningful lyrics, talent shows, social media and... Motley Crue.
Now I think it's time for you to enjoy this unforgettable interview:

JM: Hi Margherita! How are you?
LFdM: Hi James! I'm fine and so glad to hear from you! Thanks a lot for your time! I'm very pleased and honoured to welcome you to Les Fleurs Du Mal Webzine. I can't wait to know what's going on with Sixx AM new album?
JM: Well this is a very exciting time for us. After the last record we did, Modern Vintage, we really sat down and determined what we wanted the future of Sixx AM to be and it was unanimous that we all wanted to commit, we all wanted to put all of our efforts to make the band grow, which was really exciting, because for, you know, the last seven and a half years we've been making records but... it felt more like a labour of love and a kind of side project; we would have liked to tour like all the other bands do. Now that we've decided to move forward we'll be able to travel around the world as long as we want. We'll have the chance to meet new people, create new fans, create new music, so it's a very very exciting time for us...
We're in the process of making really two records, right now, which will be released next year in two different volumes, volume one and volume two which will be released at a different time during the year. It's just a lot of fun, the music that we're making will lead Sixx AM to a totally new level and we couldn't be happier.

LFdM: Wow, that's great news indeed! So, your new album is going to be released next year. Is there a more specific date already?
JM: Next year, yeah, that's correct. Actually we don't have a very specific date yet, but we are making very big plans, not only for the release of the record but for a lot of touring, a lot of live performances next year as well, so there's gonna be a lot of Sixx AM music coming in 2016, pairing with extensive touring for the band.

LFdM: Wow! That sounds really great! I was wondering if it can be considered somehow like a sort of concept album, what should we expect?
JM: Well, it is. You know, we've always pushed ourselves to have very strong messages in our songs, but also we want a whole.album to tell a story from the beginning to the end and I've always appreciated the fact that the three of us quite tell a story the same way. So this will be in line with what Sixx AM has done in the past, there will be a very strong underlying message throughout the record and I guess that's what we would consider a concept album...

LFdM: Of course...
JM: And what's exciting about the way that we're doing this records is because there are actually two records: each story gets to be continued from one album to the next, the work will be very cohesive. Then when we release volume one, it will be the first part of a much bigger, broader message and I think that the fans will experience that, based on how we're gonna be presenting it and what songs will be playing while we're touring...What we wanted to do is just create a lot of music, a lot of art that we can just constantly be sharing with our fans throughout the year, as opposed to, you know, making a record and then going out touring and then having to start the whole process. All that we wanted the creative process to happen from the beginning and just kind of continue on throughout the year.

LFdM: Yeah, you did it since the first release, actually: it was about Nikki's troublesome story of addiction. It was a sort of soundtrack to his Heroine Diaries. Is this album about something similar? I mean did you take inspiration from your own experiences or it's something that you saw, maybe touring around the world...
JM: Yeah, that's what we've always done. You know, we're all observers of life and when we we did Nikki's Heroine Diaries soundtrack, what we found was that our fans were able to find themselves in those songs, there were parts of those songs that they could relate to, on a very very deep level. So starting from Nikki's memories or from subject matters photographs, like we did in This Is Gonna Hurt, the core it's all about you and I, all of us what we are and how we deal with hardships of life and how we find a reason to go on, dealing with pain, dealing with loss, dealing with suffering, but also finding hope in that. And this is what you can find in all of our songs, especially in volume one and volume two we are working on now, on an even further level. I think people wil find themselves in this music and songs even more than they did in the past.

LFdM: Talking about this, I really want to take this incredible chance I have to thank you for one song that is very dear to me, which is Skin. I find it very moving, with very powerful lyrics. I find it particluarly meaningful since I work with kids with various kinds of physical and mental impairment as teacher's aid and I think those words are very touching and very true, unfortunately. Where did you find the inspiration to write it?
JM: Awe! Thank you, thank you very much, that means a lot to me. It's a very important song to us as well. We are all observers of life, not only musicians, songwriters or poets, and when we setp back we realize that every person's life is an amazing story, not just famous people, not just people we might be interested in just like celebrities or people we know everything about reading magazines, I mean every single person on this planet has an amazing story, and that's something that the three of us discovered very early on. I think that's why we enjoy writing lyrics about ourselves so much, because you never really write just about yourself, you know, as soon as you have a feeling about something and you share it, you will find some other people feeling the same way about that too and that's what excite us. So a song like Skin can mean one thing to one person and another completely different thing to somebody else...

LFdM: I also love a video of this song, made by a little girl with a sort of mental disorder which compelled her to tear off her hair to the point of looking completely bald...
JM: Clohe, yes!

LFdM: That was really touching and very meaningful. I made my kids watching it at school, so they could understand how wrong it is to judge people just on how they look.
JM: Yeah! That was really something special. We were so amazed when we watched it and actually we befriended Clohe, she's very well now, she is still a great Sixx AM fan and a really wonderful girl

LFdM: Yeah! She's amazing. Such a brave and smart little girl! It's really great you're actually friends with her! She has a good taste in music also! What I always appreciated about Sixx AM is the choice to deal with uneasy topics, that's another reason I can't wait to listen to your new double album. You must have written really a lot to decide to release 2 records one after the other...too many songs for just one album?
JM: Yeah, you're right, it's really true, I think the longer that we're doing this, the longer that we're creating music together, the more ideas we have, the more stories we wanna tell, you know, the more life we'd observe and experience, the more heartache we felt, the more joy we felt, then what happened is that it comes out in our music. We are in a very fortunate condition where the things that matters to us also matters to our fans and that's really what we can hope for.

LFdM: I always wondered how did the songwriting process work in your band, since all of you had other main projects, I mean, you are a producer, Nikki had Motley and DJ had Guns... what has changed now, with the new album still in progress?
JM: That's a good question. It always remained the same for us, it didn't change. We let it be very free. When we meet one of us picks up the guitar and then we would start talking about things that have been going on in our lives, about what matters to us. You know, it all starts from us loving to meet and hang out together as friends, having conversations, laughing, joking, sharing painful stories and then, eventually, something would strike us that seems like an important topic and from there we would just start exploring that process as deeply as we can. That can be also a very difficult process to go through, because, as you know from our lyrics, we are very clear, very direct, very honest, we like to tell things like they are, we don't candy corn things and sometimes that can be hard, forcing us to be more vulnerable, a bit more exposed. When you write songs you need to go deeper and deeper, you need to dare to go to places where it really hurts the most. We always try to go as deep as we can.

LFdM: So deep and yet so simple at the same time. Sorry, I was giggling because...you know, it's funny that right now, browsing on Facebook, I found out that Nikki just posted a video where he says “we're not gonna make some babe babe kind of songs here...”
JM: Yeah, that's very important to us, you know, but don't knock'em down, because sometimes songs just have to make you feeling good. There's plenty of really good entertaining songs, but with Sixx AM we want to be meaningful to the people listening to us, we want to become the soundtrack of your life. That's a different process, it's a little deeper and I think that's how we make our personal connection with you and it puts us all on the same level, as people, as human beings that have emotions, that have hard times, things that are painful, things that are hopeful, things that make us feel good, things that make us reflect and at that point we really become one with our audience, because we are all sharing emotions.

LFdM: This is very precious and not so common. That's something the audience appreciate a lot about their fave muscians. I think that it works so well also because of the chemistry that you share with the other bandmates. I mean you are very lucky to have found Nikki and DJ as they are very lucky to have found you, also as a producer...
JM: Yeah, indeed. You know what? With Nikki I was talking on the phone about this a few minutes ago, right before I got on the phone with you. We were talking about this very thing, about how lucky we are that we see things the same way. We were figuring what it is that makes us working so good together and I think it depends on seeing life the same way, even though we lived differet kind of lives. I don't know how it is, no one can really figure out why it is so, I think that we're just lucky that we do, that's what makes the chemistry of Sixx AM. I said it before, this band has its core in a true friendship we share.

LFdM: That's amazing, so true friendship is possible in music biz, you are the example...
JM: Yeah! It's essential within the music business, it is important to create meaningful music that can stand the test of time, I think it has to start from mutual understanding, a mutual love for music and a mutual love for art and expression

LFDM: I think you are a very talented and gifted singer, but you are also a successful producer. What gives you more satisfaction, singing or producing records?
JM: You know? That's a good question. If you asked it just one year ago, I would have said being in the studio producing and writing music but, after Sixx AM hit the road in April 2015 and did that short headlining tour, we all discovered something about ourselves and I would say now I actually get more satisfaction out of being the singer in Sixx AM and being in a tribe with my bandmates.

LFdM: Well, I'm glad your answer is this, I love your voice and I would have been really disappointed if you said you preferred remaining behind the mixer in the studio (laughs)
JM: Aw, thanks, you're very nice

LFdM: Is there any band or musician you would like to record or share the stage with?
JM: There are so many artists that I am excited by and impressed by...you know, it would be hard to name just one. I think that it's probably easier for me, as a producer, to talk about people I know how they work, how they operate...but the exciting thing of being in a band is that you're able to meet a lot of great musicians on the road, you can always see collegues performing, it's really such a great experience you share with brothers on the road, who love what they do, it's like we all speak a common language... I mean with buddies like Jakoby from Papa Roach... but, really, there are so many others too who've been good friends of us during the years...

LFdM: Now, you can chose not to answer this question but, as a producer of one of their latest albums, what do you think about this final tour by Motley Crue? Do you really think they'll never reunite again?
JM: Yes, I do and I think that this is very important to them, that they're not another wannabe band that says this is their final tour and then it's not. These guys take their career and their legacy very very seriously. They appreciate their fans and they don't wanna be like other bands that say they are never coming back and then reappear. So, knowing these guys very well, I think I can tell you that yes, definitely, when they'll leave the stage on December 31st, that will be their final show.

LFdM: So it would be disrespectful towards themselves if they came back in 2 years or more...
JM: Yes, think they feel it that way... It's like being honest with their fans, they wanted to do this in the right way, leaving the stage with a celebration of what we all know Motely Crue are. If you've ever seen their final tour, it's a phenomenal production, it's a beautiful, beautiful show and let me tell you, wether you're a Motley Crue fan or not, by the end of the show you'll be their fan too.

LFdM: Yeah, I saw them twice in the past, but these last gigs must be really something grandiose... Now James, we're approaching to end of this amazing chat and I would like to ask your point of view about talent shows. As a producer, would you ever accept to be part of the jury of X Factor or American Idol?
JM: Well, you know, I never really thought about that, to be honest. I think that talent shows, like the ones you mentioned, have done an amazing thing for the entartainment business, I don't like the idea of judging, if you're simply telling something is good or bad, I don't feel like anyone should have that kind of authority, but to make helpful suggestions, so that you show a bit of attention to someone that can improve their performance. That excites me, I would never say no to something like that. But it has to be contructive criticism.

LFdM: Do you think that the future of music is in talent shows?
JM: No, I don't. I think they'll fade, just like everything does, eventually some amazing new rock band will come along and shake things up.

LFdM: I love your optimism, really. Maybe in the USA rock is not dead yet, but here in Italy it's long time deceased, so I hope some great rock band from abroad will come to shake this scene up!
JM: It will, believe me!

LFdM: Aw, thank you. I would like to know what do you think about social networks and the way they can connect bands with their fanbase...
JM: Oh, we are very excited about what social media can do for art in general and the possibility to really share it with the entire world...

LFdM: There is also this important chance to get an immediate and direct feedback, but what about haters, they can reach you better too..
JM: That's undeniably true, sure. But I think that after all it's not such big deal, it happens in every field, not just music and art in general, but also in politics, for example. Haters have the right to express their opinion as well, so that's what we call social. But you can do something about that...

LFDM: Ignoring them?
JM: Yeah...

LFdM: Good point! Now, thank you so much James for your patience, your time and your kindness, it's been a long and really pleasant and inspiring interview I would like to end with your heartfelt advice to kids approaching to music biz
JM: Write songs, write songs and express yourself as much as you can and always try to be yourself, to be honest. If you are true artists you know where to find stories to tell.

LFdM: Bye James and I hope to see you soon performing, maybe here in Italy too?
JM: We are actually working on building the tour right now, so it's very likely you will see us there

LFdM: Wow! Can't wait!
JM: Thank you very much, we can't wait to share our new album with all of you. It's been a pleasure talking to you, have a nice day!

LFdM: You too James! Greet Nikki and DJ for us!


Black Cobra stream a first song and reveal details of forthcoming album

Season Of Mist presents: BLACK COBRA are now revealing details about their forthcoming album 'Imperium Simulacra', which has been slated for worldwide release on February 26th. See below for more information.

The hardcore-fuelled sludge metal act is furthermore premiering the first track taken from their new full-length. "Challenger Deep" is currently streaming at Lambgoat:


Regarding "Challenger Deep" the band comments: "The song refers to the deepest measured point in the ocean. It is loosely inspired by the film 'Warm Gods of the Deep' as well as our fascination with the extremes of the natural world. We are very excited to present you with the newest offering from our sonic bestiary. Enjoy!"

Artwork and track list for 'Imperium Simulacra' can be viewed below and may be published at any time. 
 BLACK COBRA album cover
1. Challenger Deep
2. Imperium Simulacra
3. Fathoms Below
4. Eye Among The Blind
5. The Messenger
6. Obsolete
7. Dark Shine
8. Sentinel (Infinite Observer)
9. Technical Demise
 BLACK COBRA picture

Listening to 'Imperium Simulacra' is like watching an experienced chef at work. His shimmering knives are honed to perfection. First a chunk of flesh is hacked with precision into just the right size. With a sharp blade all the excess fat and gristle are trimmed away in quick strokes until only the lean meat remains. The bloody piece is fried in a hot pan to keep it juicy. Each morsel will be succulent and tasty. 

The frying guitars, burning rhythms and rugged vocals on each of the nine new songs by BLACK COBRA are about as delicious. The band was formed in 2001 by guitarist and vocalist Jason Landrian (ex-CAVITY), who was joined by Rafael Martinez (ex-ACID KING, -16, GAMMERA). The duo exploded from the underground with their scathing take on hardcore fuelled sludge metal. 

After the release of 4 well-received full lengths, BLACK COBRA have levelled venues first across the United States and increasingly on international stages alongside such cult acts as HIGH ON FIRE, WEEDEATER, PELICAN, THE SWORD, YOB, SLEEP, TORCHE, KYUSS LIVES and many more.

Now BLACK COBRA are more than ready to take several big steps up the ladder of success and take the world by storm with 'Imperium Simulacra'. Crank up the volume, bang your head, and let this album shred!

Line-up 
Jason Landrian: guitar & vocals
Rafael Martinez: drums 


mercoledì 25 novembre 2015

Mötley Crüe + Alice Cooper LIVE REPORT

Mötley Crüe + Alice Cooper
10 Novembre @Mediolanum Forum Milano

Live Report by Bene "The Sentinel"

Alzi la mano chi non ha avuto neanche un secondo di esitazione prima di comprare il biglietto del fantomatico final tour di una band che ha ormai passato da tempo il suo periodo d’oro e si presenta con un hashtag beneaugurante come #ripmotleycrue. Ebbene, dopo una serata come quella dello scorso 10 novembre al Mediolanum Forum posso affermare con certezza che gli indecisi temerari saranno orgogliosi di poter dire: io c’ero… soprattutto fra qualche anno.  
Dopo la breve esibizione dei Saint Asonia, gruppo statunitense nato sulle ceneri dei Three Days Grace e fautore di un post-grunge senza particolari guizzi, si entra nel vivo della serata con lo show di Alice Cooper. Il micidiale esordio con The Black Widow non è nulla in confronto a ciò che accompagna l’esecuzione di due grandi classici come No More Mr Nice Guy e soprattutto Poison, cantata dalla prima all’ultima nota dall’intera platea del Forum. Ma non possono certo mancare l’eccesso e la spettacolarità che sono parte integrante della musica di Vincent fin dai suoi esordi: fra ghigliottinamenti, lanci di banconote, siparietti con un’infermiera più macabra che sexy e soprattutto la comparsa dell’immancabile pitone sulle note di Go To Hell, i pezzi si susseguono uno dietro l’altro senza alcun cedimento, da quelli  storici come Billion Dollar Babies, I’m Eighteen, I Love The Dead, Feed My Frankestein ad altri più “recenti” come Dirty Diamonds. Il gran finale spetta a School’s out con annesso omaggio ai Pink Floyd sulle note di Another brick in the wall. A quasi sessantotto anni Mr. Furnier è ancora in grado di far impallidire chiunque in quanto a presenza scenica e carisma, supportato a dovere da un’ottima band in cui spicca la grintosissima chitarrista Nita Strauss.  


Vincent Price Intro 
The Black Widow 
No More Mr. Nice Guy 
Under My Wheels 
I'm Eighteen 
BillionDollarBabies 
Poison 
Dirty Diamonds 
Go to Hell 
Feed My Frankenstein 
Ballad of Dwight Fry 
Killer 
I Love the Dead 
School's Out 
(with "Another Brick in the… moreWall Part 2" by Pink Floyd snippet) 



L’ora di pausa prima degli headliner aumenta febbrilmente l’attesa ma è anche vitale per riprendersi da uno spettacolo simile. Le luci si spengono intorno alle 21 e dopo l’intro So long, Farewell i Mötley Crüe irrompono sul palco con Girls, Girls, Girls, vero e proprio manifesto della vita a base di sesso, droga e rock n’ roll che hanno condotto per molto tempo. Di fronte ad un Vince Neil visibilmente imbolsito, ad un Tommy Lee quasi completamente nascosto dalla sua mastodontica batteria e ad un Mick Mars più simile ad un becchino che ad un chitarrista, solo Nikki Sixx sembra conservare lo spirito tamarro dei Mötley di un tempo, con la sua aria sbarazzina e i tatuaggi in bella vista. Ma ovviamente ciò che conta è la musica e i nostri sanno ancora fare benissimo il loro mestiere, dandone prova con una carrellata di vecchi successi che vanno da Primal Scream a Wild Side, passando per Same ol’ Situation e Looks That Kill. L’irriverenza dei quattro si manifesta ancora più apertamente in brani come Motherfucker Of The Year e l’ottima cover di Anarchy In The UK dei Sex Pistols, a cui segue l’accoppiata “diabolica” Shout At The Devil e Louder Than Hell con un palco letteralmente infuocato dalle luci rosse. Siamo già a metà della setlist ed ecco che arriva il momento topico della serata, introdotto solennemente da O Fortuna: Tommy Lee e la sua batteria diventano un tutt’uno con il rollercoaster che è stato montato appositamente sopra la platea del Forum per un drum solo acrobatico con tanto di sospensione a testa in giù. Molto meno eccentrico è il momento solista di Mick Mars, al termine del quale la band sul palco al completo per eseguire Saints of Los Angeles e Live Wire prima di sparare le cartucce finali con T.N.T, Dr. Feelgood e Kickstart My Heart, emblemi dell’album che ne ha consacrato la carriera. In questa seconda parte del concerto l’affaticamento di Vince dietro al microfono si comincia a sentire e lo sbilanciamento dei volumi copre a tratti sia il basso che la chitarra, ma il breve saluto di Nikki Sixx e le immagini proiettate sugli schermi creano un effetto-nostalgia tale da far passare questi piccoli inconvenienti in secondo piano. La grande coesione fra il pubblico e la band si percepisce anche sull’encore sorprendentemente intimista: Home Sweet Home viene eseguita su un palco più piccolo posto al centro del Forum abbinandovi la celeberrima My Way di Frank Sinatra. 
Il messaggio è subliminalmente chiaro: anche noi dobbiamo prendere la via di casa e lo realizziamo davvero solo quando sul Forum si riaccendono delle luci ben diverse da quelle degli effetti pirotecnici che ci hanno accompagnati per buona parte della serata. In fondo si sa che purtroppo…”all good things must come to an end”. 


So Long, Farewell (Rodgers&Hammerstein song)
Girls, Girls, Girls 
Wild Side 
Primal Scream 
Same Ol' Situation (S.O.S.) 
Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away) 
Smokin' in the Boys' Room 
(Brownsville Stationcover) (w/Gary Glitter "Rock N Roll pt.2 as intro/outro) 
Looks That Kill
Mutherfucker of the Year
Anarchy in the U.K. (Sex Pistols cover) 
In the Beginning 
Shoutat the Devil 
LouderThan Hell 
O Fortuna (Carl Orffsong)
Saints of Los Angeles 
Live Wire 
T.N.T. (Terror 'N Tinseltown) 
Dr.Feelgood 
Kick start My Heart 
Encore: 
Home Sweet Home
My Way