There are so many things that have happened this year in the music industry, from Joey Jordison leaving Slipknot for "personal reasons" to Def Leppard suing One Direction!
So much drama for one year, let's reminisce shall we?
Black Veil Brides release their third studio album "Wretched and Divine: Story of the Wild Ones" in January. The album caused some major conflict amongst both fans and critics as some accused of BVB becoming far more commercial, and giving into the pressures of the music industry; whereas other believe it to be their greatest work yet. Personally I love the album, it clearly illustrates how the band have progressed as not only musicians but also as individuals and performers. Moreover it shows how they are maturing in a way that is benefitting their music. It is evident of glam metal influences in this album, as their theatrical looks have diminished somewhat it has instead been stained onto their work, which I believe works extremely well, following in the footsteps of their idols such as Motley Crue, KISS, even Alkaline Trio.
You haven't heard it yet?! Well I strongly suggest you do! Now! Go! Listen! Have it playing in the background as you continue reading!
And who can forget My Chemical Romances dramatic breakup in March?! Although tragic saying goodbye to a band that have left such a mark on the rock world, I wish them all they luck in all that they do! Their legacy will always remain, they will always have dedicated fans to return to, but for now we have to let them be and do everything they want to do! Mr Way made the point of assuring fans that this break up was not their fault - instead it was his change of heart towards performing.
One personal heartbreak of my music world was the farewell of Madina Lake. The band concluded their 7 year journey with a 'Farewell Tour' at the end of this year in order to celebrate the making of the trilogy of Madina Lake, along with Matthew Leone's book! Hopefully each member of the band will go on to do even greater things in both their personal lives and professional. Besides I can guaranty that the Leone twins will continue to cause havoc in the music world! Along with Dan and Mateo causing their own versions of mayhem too! Another thing that I have to say made me chuckle was Def Leppard pressing legal charges on to One Direction, as haven't you noticed but their track "Midnight Memories" sounds extremely like the 70's band hit "Pour Some Sugar on Me"? Go on look up the Directions song and in the chorus sing as loud as you can the chorus to Def Leppard's, go on try it! POUR SOME SUGAR ON ME! IN THE NAME OF LOVE! POUR SOME SUGAR ON ME! COME ON FIRE ME UP! See?
VS.
Unfortunately for 1D this track is the title of their new album, if that goes then they are in some serious trouble!
And lastly it was announced that KISS and Nirvana will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Exciting news aye? It's about time this legends were in the same room as The Beetles, The Rolling Stones, Guns 'N' Roses and AC/DC!
We all have our bittersweet teenage horror stories that haunt our existance. However, nine times out of ten these horror stories are the best times in our lives. This is certainly the case for majority of my friends who attended Reading Festival this year...three months later and it is all she can still talk about...And here it comes again!
Making their first headlining tour in the UK since the death of their former drummer, Jimmy"The Rev" Sullivan, Avenged Sevenfold showcase their determination to keep his legacy alive. I have to say that out of all the bands I have seen live, the song selection choice during the "intervals" between performances was by far the best yet! A constant loop of metal classics such as; AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and Alice Cooper. This playlist alone was enough to get the audience hyped for the upcoming event. Avatar; Avenges first opening act pleasantly took me by surprise, the Swedish quintet's set was exceedingly captivating. Immediately Johannes Eckerström's attire grasped my attention - his trench coat, make up, hat and marching band baton ensured that all eyes were on him. Moreover, Jonas Jarlsby (guitar), Tim Öhrström (guitars) and Henrik Sandelin's (bass) head banging windmill gave the impression that they were about to take off in flight! As well as John Alfredsson pounding his heart and soul into every song.Their music ability was not at all hindered by their theatrical appearance, this band ticks all the boxes and doesn't rely on an eccentric look to help cruise through the music industry - they definitely have talent too. I recommend them highly to anyone and everyone!
Following on from this,Five Finger Death Punch also stole the crowd with their diverse setlist. It's safe to say that, although a support band, they had a large entourage at this one gig, therefore added to their enthusiasm during their performance. This band complimented both Avenge Sevenfold and Avatar, acting as a suitable bridge between the two bands, making the whole line up work effectively well together as a unit, rather than three separate bands. Now...the time has come... Thick, black curtains slowly pull open to reveal...
Picture taken from their Amsterdam set also used in the UK tour
The sheer heat of the flames consumed the whole arena to the extent that the air conditioning had to be switched on to prevent half the crowd from fainting! The stage itself was bare, the skull being the only prop; however this was enough, anymore then the stage would have been too crowded, as well as lose that unique Avenged touch.
Shadows, Gates, Vengeance, Christ and Ilejay's stage presence was nothing but striking; the quintet were humble whilst still keeping to their 'rockstar' attributes nicely! Their performance didn't fail to impress both old and new fans, as their setlist selection covered their second album - Waking the Fallen 2003 to 2013's "Hail to the King"; in the words of M. Shadows "if I know the English, they like their old stuff" this couldn't be more true!
Furthermore, fans were allowed their moment to remember Mr. Jimmy Sullivan, whose last gig was Sonisphere 2009, with the band present; the poignant speech of M.Shadows about Jimmy lead to the dedication of "Fiction", in which a single spot light took the stage, representing their lost brother. The arena was lit up purely by phones and lighters, the sight couldn't have been more beautiful or memorable if it tried! The respect shown by all the fans was overwhelming.
However, the highlight I found was during "Buried Alive", in which Zacky Vengeance smashed his guitar on the stage, combined with Shadow's commentary after the song of the event. Although, Vengeance made a deal with one lucky fan to trade the wrecked guitar for his home-made poster - more of a steal then a deal!
From last nights show it is evident that the band have been able to form strong connections with Ilejay, especially through the band jamming session, in which Gates and Ilejay seemed to be having 'the time of their lives', with Vengeance, Shadows and Christ joining the party session later.
Setlist Wembley Arena 01/12/13
Next time Avenged Sevenfold are in the UK I won't fail to secure my tickets, will you?
