Monday 21 October 2013

Madina Diary


Sunday…the Sabbath day…a day originally set aside for reflection and religion. However, as people go about their weekly Sunday rituals, I am visiting my own church…celebrate my own faith…a faith where music dominates and guides.

As usual the British weather never fails to surprise me…it may have been pouring down with rain, but nothing will dampen that day.

The Boiler Room
Madina Lake gradually cross off the days on their calendar leading up to their last show in England, which will take place in “The Garage”, London, October 23rd.  But today, October 20th, will be amazing; Guildford’s “The Boiler Room” can fit in 100 people at most, that’s with the crowd becoming more like a tin of sardines. Immediately everyone knows that tonight will be more of an intimate farewell between friends, rather a crazy, unknown night between strangers; thus adding to the emotion and strengthening their ties with their fans.


I had the privilege of meeting the Leone twins, Nathan and Matthew, hours before their show commenced. To say that I was excited to see them would be an understatement, but I made sure to save my “fan girling” until after they left…I didn’t want to get the ”crazy girl” reputation immediately! (And let’s get this clear…I wasn’t stalking them I promise! It was complete coincidence! Who wouldn’t go and say hello one of their biggest idols?!) The boys were friendly and genuinely happy to see a fan already…and compared to same bands…were willing to talk and take photographs etc. During our little chat, both Nathan and Matthew talked about how they will miss the UK and how the tour is coming to an end too fast…as well as being involved in their brotherly banter.

After parting ways the heavens decided to open once again, attempting to wash away my now permanently fixed smile…a task which was pretty much impossible! Roaming around the high street in search for food and a hot drink soon became a dull task, and once achieved I bee lined for the venue…after all…queuing for hours is part of the experience…something that always pays off in the end. In which it started to pay off instantly, upon arriving I was lucky to meet Kier Kemp (lead vocals and guitarist for Fearless Vampire Killers); there is a definite difference between the English front man compared to American…the English being more reserved …which is neither a better nor worse trait…but then again he might have just been surprised to see a fan so early! Either way, he was still as gracious and took the time to speak with me.

The Super Happy Fun Club
Photo from: Contactmusic.com
Okay…fast-forwarding past the ease dropping on sound check and Mateo’s continuous popping up at the window to the gig itself…The Super Happy Fun Club opened the night…seeing as they tour with Madina almost every time it made sense for them to be part of the grand sending off. Their set definitely woke up the crowd, who had been standing for hours in the cold and wet weather…well…some of them…their pop rock sound definitely created the right ambiance to get the crowds hearts racing and ready for the penultimate band – Fearless Vampire Killers. 



Although the band experienced numerous technical difficulties during their set, they were never once fazed! Even when Laurence and Drew had to share a microphone, they still managed to make a game out of it, making the crowd enjoy the show even more. As each song progressed into each other the crowd
Fearless Vampire Killers
Photo Taken From: downloadfestival.co.uk
 
became more and more involved, becoming completely helpless to the music itself. Each member of the band took their role on stage very seriously, these roles are what make Fearless Vampire Killers that slight more unique; for instance as I previously stated Kier was very humble and more reserved upon meeting him before, however when he came on stage he instantly stole the role of the front man, easily influencing the crowd he was in front of. Similarly, Drew was kind enough to have a small conversation with a couple of us at the barrier whilst he set up, but as soon as the lights went up and the music started playing all hell broke loose…essentially. Personally, I found this amazing as the band became performers, not simply musicians, you could clearly see that their goal was not only to have good time themselves, but make it a memorable, remarkable night for their audience.
Left to Right: Fearless Vampire Killers Set List, Madina Lake's Set List
Fearless Vampire Killers left a buzz in the audience that refused to vacate; excitement escalated ten-fold. The crowd was forced to wait in anticipation for the band that most had come to see…Madina Lake. After what seemed like hours, the lights went out and “The Auspice” began to play…causing the crowd to become silent. Here Madina Lake take their places for the first and last time under this roof. Instantly the crowd is electrified by their idols, causing a current to pass through every member of the audience. I can safely say that this is oneof the best gigs I have been to! As within the opening half an hour Matthew handed me his bass pick, whether he recognised me from earlier or not, it was definitely the best thing that happened to me! Through the entire set Nathan, Matthew and Mateo would cast smiles to their fans. As usual, Nathan literally becomes one with the crowd, with a series of stage dives and breaking a speaker in the process! At one point the crowd was covered in water as Nathan’s water bottles are tossed back and forth. Before leaving the stage for the first time, Nathan gave a heartfelt speech that reminds the crowd this is a farewell tour…that Madina will not be returning…yet the encores makes the night a party once again…although it seems the crowd had the power of influence at one point as Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” becomes an added song to their set.

Live images taken by: Rebel Yell

There’s so much to say about this one night,  it is either difficult to put into words or reminiscing makes me excited enough that I accidently brush over, or lightly dwell on detail.

I came away from that night bruised and battered…but it was completely worth it!

Every fan hopes that this isn’t a farewell to Madina Lake…simply just BRB.

~ Rebel Yell

Saturday 19 October 2013

Halestorm/Shinedown/Alter Bridge Review

England...home to some of the most inspirational musicians in the world...from the 1960's 'The Beatles', to the punk rebellion of the Sex Pistols and The Clash. 

This story takes place in one of the greatest cities that music flourishes...London. And what awaits the evening of October 18th? A gig that should more be regarded as a mini festival that simply "support acts followed by the main"- Halestorm...Shinedown...Alterbridge prepare to play their sold out show at Wembley Arena.
Taken From: Metal Hanger
Left to Right: Joe Hottinger, Josh Smith,
Lzzy Hale, Arejay Hale

Halestorm kick start the night with "Love Bites", already Lzzy Hale is show casing her extraordinary voice, as her powerful vocals wake the dozing crowd. Despite her chose of footwear, Hale does not let her heels stop her rocking hard with Joe Hottinger, Josh Smith, and her brother Arejay. Halestorm's continuous energy projected onto the crowd throughout their entire set, however ended their night with their new single "Here's To Us". Although not their most lively song, it still had the audience captivated with a buzz that remained long after they left.

Their setlist consisted of:

  1. Love Bites
  2. Mz Hyde
  3. Freak Like Me
  4. Dissident Aggressor (Judas Priest Cover)
  5. Miss The Misery
  6. Here's To Us
Arejay's own drum interlude did not fail to impress the crowd he was entertaining. From insane drumming, combined with his own little work out session, to audience interaction. This is one drummer that refuses to sit quietly at the back, instead possesses the correct qualities that give him that slight edge - and definitely has all the energy every great drummer has in order to create that rock personality needed!

The band certainly came across as a connected unit that suggests that their future is a strong one. As well being musically gifted, the band will soon return to the UK...this time filling that Arena on a headlining tour!

Left to Right: Zach Myrers, Brent Smith, Eric Bass
and Barry Kerch
Just fifteen minutes later Shinedown dominate the stage like it's their rightful home; however their choice of attire and continuous supply of roses suggested the evening was more like an intimate gathering that a rock show - although still managed to get the audience on their feet within the first few minutes. Brent Smith's equally as powerful voice subjected the crowd into a series of united voices and radical mosh pits. Once again the band moved as a unit, playing off each others strengths and energy to create the show of a life time. Unlike most bands, Brent Smith reminded his crowd...his people...that they are not alone in this world, that "rock and roll is not a genre...but a way of life" His moving speech definitely made the crowd listen and think about the place they were, think about the meaning behind the music they were listening to...and how the bands we idolise are just as human as we are.

Setlist:
  1. Devour
  2. Sound of Madness
  3. Enemies
  4. Unity
  5. I'll Follow You
  6. Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay Boom-Lay Boom)
  7. If You Only Knew
  8. Second Chance
  9. Simple Man (Lynyrd Skynyrd Cover)
  10. Bully
Left to Right: Scott Phillips, Mark Tremonti,
Myles Kennedy and Brian Marshall


Now...time for the main act...following Shinedown's hour long set Alter Bridge take the stage. This is who the crowd have been waiting for.
I'll admit, seeing Alter Bridge for the first time I had my expectations...in which towards the end of their set they met nicely. Despite their slow start, the band began to feed off the crowd's energy...weaving it into their own set. 
Their main goal tonight was to show the world how epic their new album "Fortress" is...however managed to slip in enough classic songs to keep their long term fans satisfied.
Just 30 minutes after Shinedown, Alter Bridge took their stage and didn't leave their fans disappointed...instead hungry for more. Personally, I found through breaking their set up with "Watch Over You", Alter Bridge both allowed the crowd to recuperate from their exhausting moshing sessions, as well as indulge on the delights of an acoustic guitar. 

Setlist:
  1. Addicted to Pain
  2. White Knuckles
  3. Come to Life
  4. Before Tomorrow Comes
  5. Farther Than the Sun
  6. Brand New Start
  7. Cry of Achilles
  8. Ghost of Days Gone By
  9. The Uninvited
  10. Ties That Bind
  11. Broken wings
  12. Metalingus
  13. Blackbird
  14. Watch Over You (acoustic)
  15. Rise Today
  16. Open Your Eyes
Encore:
  1. Slip to the Void
  2. Isolation