Reminiscing 2013

5 key aspects of 2013?

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!

If ya need help it can be purchased here:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wretched-divine-story-wild/id572718496 

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!

What is engraved into your mind from 2013?

Reading Line Up

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!

Reading Lineup official announced at 7pm tonight:

 

http://www.readingfestival.com/line-up

"Welcome to the Family"

Avenged Sevenfold

1st December 2013 - Wembley Arena 

(Sold out show)

Support: Avatar & Five Finger Death Punch 

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?

Avenged Sevenfold Wembley Arena Live

Photos taken by Rebel Yell

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 23^rd.  But today, October 20^th, 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

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

Trick or Treat?

So the title of this blog suggests a Halloween themed post...I know it's only September! So hold your horses! This is more of an update than anything, as next month there will be not one...but TWO...reviews up for you to read!
Firstly, a review of the Alterbridge show at London Wembley Arena on the 18th of October (please try to contain your excitement a little longer!)
And then Madina Lake's Farewell Tour taken from the Boiler Room Guildford on the 20th of October!

So this little update is more for the purpose to you Rebels posted on the upcoming gigs! 

As for now keep your head tall, your heart open and the music loud!

~ Rebel Yell

October 18th 2013
Wembley Arena, London

October 20th 2013
Boiler Room, Guildford

New Year's Day - "Victims to Villains" Review

New Year's Day

One day, casually searching the deepest, darkest areas of twitter I stumbled across a little band called New Year’s Day. If you’re anything like me, the Black Veil Brides’ song is now lodged in your head playing at full volume, but lets minimise the distractions and detours for today? Agreed? This quintet (I know all my posts so far have all been bands with 5 members…but trust me this is purely coincidence…that or musical voodoo!). Naturally on finding this unique vampiric band I had to look more into them, and their third album “Victims to Villains” (released June 11^th 2013) had me gripped.

A sinister melody begins the album, with intrusion of the guitar and drums, before all hell breaks loose with Do Your Worst.  Costello’s vocals dominate as the other instruments drop out for the first few lines; her vocals are pushed into a heavier, grittier style compared to their previous punk rock sound, think Haley William (Paramore) meets Amy Lee (Evanescence). It’s safe to say that this genre works for the group, enhancing each member’s talents perfectly.

Ashley Costello
Vocals

Moving on to their captivating I’m No Good, their punk rock background can be heard clearly through their authoritative, addicting chord progression. This song alone motivates it audience is multiple ways, one being just to let go and not give a damn about anything or anyone. In contrast, their slower, almost softer breakdown is interesting, Costello’s voice sounding almost mesmerising (in a creepy child from a horror moving kind of way) before hitting straight back into the powerful chorus leaving the listener on a high before the sudden end.

Bloody Mary is a fascinating song in its own right - a unique move from the band - something they haven’t ever touched upon before. Varying from sung lyrics in the first verse and chorus to antagonistic speech, in which Costello’s power and assertiveness is driven strongly by Dixon’s inspiring double bass rhythm. Nevertheless, Mr. Misery and Jones steal the spotlight with their earth shattering solos – bring out the air guitars!

Carrying their new metal sound onwards, Victim is definitely a song that will give people headaches from the amount of head banging you can’t help but do. Their lyrics, like the rest of the album, can be compared to Halestorm, both bands leaded by rock goddesses whom hold the control over their guys in the band, although it is obvious that both bands are built as families, more than individuals whom simply play together.

Nikki Misery
Guitar

I could say that Hello Darkness is the quintets quietest songs, but that would be a lie. Don’t let the hushed first verse fool you; instead it is a crescendo creeping into the explosion of which is the chorus. Misery’s, Jones and Barro’s rhythm strengthens the foundations of the song, however it is the chorus that quenches the audience’s thirst, a thirst that each verse worsens…in a pleasurable pain kinda way; it heightens the anticipation and excitement for the choruses.

New Year’s Day use further experimentation within the album “Victim to Villain” in the song Death of the Party. Despite the darker lyrics this is contradicted by the almost electronic sound, nonetheless this works for this specific song; although, the band returns to their metal sound in the chorus. Yet, the most curious part of the entire song is the bridge/breakdown, beginning with Costello’s own attempted version of screaming, immediately followed by the electronic, bridging on dance, backing beat. However, through following this with the memorable “we are the death of the party” and thick rhythm, New Year’s Day reinforces their darker side; finishing the song with one last ‘scream’ ties the song off appropriately. 

Jake Jones
Guitar

Costello’s voice carries the haunting melody of The Arsonist through the entire song, with the rest of the band picking up the emotion gradually in the second part of each verse, before reaching its crescendo in the chorus.  Personally, I find the melody haunting yet mesmerising to the extent you cannot simply just pause the song, but HAVE to listen to it in its entirety. Misery’s and Jones’ fills and solos complete the ensemble nicely, protracting the sinister tune.

Angel Eyes (feat. Chris Motionless) is the first song off the album that got me hooked on the band, the endearing lyrics are presented in a more aggressive nature than we’re used to with New Year’s Day, whether this is the obvious influence of Chris Motionless or the band simply trying something new, either way it fits more perfectly than two puzzle pieces. Chris Motionless’ screaming maybe the antithesis to Costello’s voice but you know what they say…opposite attract…and in this case these two distinctions strengthen each other. And let’s not forget the powerful rhythms and fills by Dixon, without these specific segments the song would not have the effect it was designed to have, but instead would be sunken and meaningless. Now Barro…his bass line to remarkable, enhancing the rhythm of the drums and the melodies of both the voice and guitars…no song is complete without a suitable bass line…it can either make or break a song…here is definitely makes the song. Last, but not least, once again Misery and Jones know exactly what to do to take a song from good to amazing!

Anthony Barro
Bass

By far one of my favourites by the band, Any Last Words reminds me of an early My Chemical Romance influence, however with a future punk rock influence. The lyrics follow the traditional melody of punk rock, although the words themselves are far more sinister, this combination don’t conventionally match, but once again New Year’s Day make it possible. Dixon begins the song, in very few cases does a drum solo work when opening a song but here it works like a charm, followed by Barro’s punching bass and Misery and Jones’ interesting chord progression and flicks. The characteristic that makes this song shine brighter than the rest on the album? Personally, the group interaction during the first verse, as well as Costello’s ‘speech’ of “It’s your funeral party ladies and gentlemen, so lets have some fuuuuuuuun” is the icing on the   cake as the saying goes.

The penultimate song Tombstone is something that sounds different to the rest of the songs on the album, majority of the song is carried with the voice and single guitar melody, with Dixon’s cymbals making a subtle input. The song is by far the shortest too, only being approximately 1 minute 45 seconds. But the thing that fascinates me most about the song is that it is a haunting romance that Costello’s siren voice makes sound like the most perfect thing in the world, although the romance seemingly revolves around death itself, linking perfectly with their dark, vampiric look.

Russell Dixon
Drums

Last Great Love Story…the name itself is enchanting, combined with Misery’s, Jones’, Barro’s and Dixon’s introduction suggests the band planned all along for their album to end on a high…especially through following the calming melodies of Tombstone. Costello uses her voice with all its might in order to give the listeners a well deserved sending off to the end of the album, as well as an epic solo ripping through the middle eight. The collective control of a power voice, drums, bass and guitars, the band conclude the album how it begun.

Their lyrics’ mirroring nicely their vampiric attire, and their music is catchy and vibrant with a gothic edge.

First punk rock to Goth?! The bands change in genre has suited them effectively…but what is next for New Year’s Day now?