Warpaint Ready For Battle!

Well, what can I say? Yesterday marked the day I've been waiting for for months - Warpaint's new release! I've been desperate for something new from these girls for ages, and when I heard they were preparing a new album, I couldn't wait!

A few characteristics that drew me to Warpaint's music from the start were the haunting lyrics from Emily Kokal, their distinctive, artistic sound and the calming qualities to their music. Thankfully, all these things are incorporated in their self-titled album, which make Warpaint, well, Warpaint!

The band described 'Warpaint' as an experimental album. This can be seen in tracks such as single 'Love is To Die' and 'Disco//very', where the classic Warpaint is subtly manipulated to some extent, but successfully all the same. 'Love is To Die', as I posted before, is a fantastic piece of work, which certainly deserves to be the album's first single! 'Disco//very' reminds me quite a lot of 'Bees' on 'The Fool', but the difference is evident as their style develops. I can't find the words to describe this change, but I'm sure you'll agree it's there!

The next track to be revealed was 'Biggy' on December 6th. This is certainly another beautiful Warpaint-with-a-twist track, haunting with an edited style that's indescribable, yet brilliant. This is one of my personal favourites of the lot, and I wonder if people feel the same... It compliments Kokal's lyrics perfectly!

In all, actually, I can't fault any of the tracks. The album is perfectly written with Warpaint's artistic beauty, and follows on 'The Fool' phenomenally. I can't compare these with anyone else because, although they are similar to some artists, they definitely can be distinguished from the crowd. What more can I say?

The girls should be proud, not many bands can be easily picked out as different, but I believe that they can be. What's more, their live shows have proved to be very well performed, and so I can't wait for their tour in February! (And yes, that will be followed up on here too. Stay tuned!!)

The Glitch Mob Are Coming

Electronic music has never been my scene, but I have to make an exception for The Glitch Mob. These guys don't go to extremes with their music, which makes them an easy listen, especially in debut album from 2010, 'Drink The Sea'.

Following this was their 2011 EP, 'We Can Make the World Stop', and next stop, in 2014, is going to be full record, 'Love Death Immortality'. Roll on next year for new music, I say!

The Glitch Mob have actually released their first single from the album as a taster, 'Can't Kill Us'. Check it out!

Five Finger Death Punch Hit Twice as Hard

So, earlier on this year, Five Finger Death Punch released their fourth album - part one of it!

'The Wrong Side Of Heaven and The Righteous Side Of Hell, Volume 1' hit the shelves in July, and success was to follow! When they supported Avenged Sevenfold, they had an extremely dedicated fanbase there, screaming and singing along to their 'Burn MF', and putting people who hadn't heard their penultimate release (like me) in their place. So, congratulations #1 for that!

And, so, when was 'Volume 2' out? Well, that was in November, and let me tell you, it follows on perfectly!

One of 5FDP's features I very much adore is their ever-changing mood in music. I've noticed, through their albums, they hold periods of angst, calmness, etc... But, they prove their ability to sing, and this I love so much! Ivan Moody's vocals are cool and husky, one of my many weaknesses in music, and I have to say, you can really hear it in closing cover track, 'House of the Rising Sun'. His voice suits the song too perfectly!

Back to the opening track... 'Here To Die' holds traditional 5FDP angst, and begins the album superbly. Who can deny a little anger and hate at the beginning of these guys' CD? I can't!

It all slows down (a little) in 'Battle Born'. Moody's vocals convey something different here, something calmer, and a break from the storm, until following 'Cradle to the Grave' brings back the anger. However, they do so in a way that crosses between singing and screaming. Some bands can't do this overly successfully, but I can safely say Five Finger Death Punch certainly do! If this song can't prove it, I don't know what will.

So, for overall sound, these guys continue with their angst. I can't wait to get my hands on these two albums, because they're definitely on my shopping list! If you, like me, are a huuuuuge Avenged Sevenfold fan, Five Finger Death Punch are really worth a shot at listening to if you haven't already. Believe me, you won't regret it!

Bullet Are Raising Hell.

So, Bullet For My Valentine have released a new song. (Oh, you lucky fans who are going to see them play, I envy!)

So, what is this piece of work, you ask? Well, it's called 'Raising Hell'. I have to say, it does exactly that!

Old Bullet fans will be so thankful to hear my next comment... They're old style is back! The screams, the angst, everything that made Bullet themselves can be seen in this. I have to admit, although I have a love for them and what they do, even I realised just how much they'd changed after hearing this! It's lovely to have normality, I didn't realise how much I'd missed it!

So, here it is, 'Raising Hell'. Thank you guys - classic Bullet!

Avenged Sevenfold Rock Manchester!

Last night, my life was made. All I've wanted to do for as long as I've known Avenged Sevenfold is see them live. I've told people I will go to the lengths of seeing them in America if I have to.

Well, I didn't. It feels like just yesterday when I was up one night in July, looking on the internet to see if the band had a tour. To my excitement, they did; playing in Manchester on a Saturday. SORTED!

Christmas came early. The show was absolutely phenomenal - and that's not me being biased!

The supporting acts were Avatar and Five Finger Death Punch. Admittedly, we got to the arena just as Avatar were finishing, which was a bit of a shame, but they did have a very good sound, and were generally a good live band.

Following were Five Finger Death Punch. I've had a good idea of their music, and really, really enjoy it, so to see these guys was a pleasant surprise. They were really enjoyable! They got the crowd going, and they were favoured by the audience. Their sound was fantastic, and the interaction was brilliant - a good start to a fantastic evening!

Then, it was what we were all waiting for - the lights went out, Avenged Sevenfold took to the stage, huge deathbat, pyrotechnics, and incredible opening song 'Shepherd of Fire'. I was sat at the back and could  feel the heat! And then there were the goosebumps - amazing start to the set!

Immediately, they went back in time to 'Critical Acclaim', then back to the present, 'Hail to the King'. Both... Amazing.

A little while after, we had a powerful performance of 'Fiction'... All I can say is, wow. The lyrics were beautiful and haunting as ever, the lighting effects were well suited, then something happened that I wasn't expecting at all... When the Rev's lyric came, they played it over the speaker, and a spotlight was shone on a blank space. I was left cold, and when the spotlight shone on M. Shadows, that feeling was still left with me. Even though there were a  few songs I was surprised they didn't play, this made up for every single one. It was the one that stuck out to me, without a doubt.

Overall, they played a fantastic selection of the Avenged catalogue. 'Afterlife', 'Bat Country', 'Nightmare', to name but a few.

Ever since I became an A7X fan, I've said, "If I were to see Chapter Four live, my life would be complete." Although, I knew all too well that wouldn't happen - it's part of their really old repertoire, I would be too lucky...

Luck came through. "Fuck it, let's play Chapter Four," said M. Well, what can I say? It. Was. Amazing.

'Waking the Fallen' has always been my favourite album, and, inevitably, the encore also featured 'Unholy Confessions'. This is what I saved my energy for - the last song of the night! What a way to end a phenomenal evening.

So, overall, Avenged Sevenfold exceeded my expectations. This was easily the best concert I've ever seen, and I wouldn't think twice about seeing these guys again. Arin Ilejay, the band's new drummer, was welcomed with open arms, Synyster, traditionally, did an incredible solo, M. Shadow's voice was on top form - I can't fault it! I think about three notes were missed, and that's it!

Well done guys, you really have done yourselves proud!

Warpaint - Soon To Be Enlightening Us Again

I found out earlier that Warpaint are soon to be releasing a new album in January. As I can connect to their music, I immediately got excited!

Such things have happened where I feel lost and homesick in my own room (long story). However, quite a few of Warpaint's songs have made me feel more at home, and make me imagine about where my true home is. For reasons like this one, they really do mean a lot to me.

Along with personal reasons, it's lovely to see a girl band showing off true talent. Their sound is unique, and with haunting vocals from Emily Kokal, it's hard for the Californian band not to get noticed.

In the build up to the release of their self-titled record, they have released what will be their first single, 'Love Is To Die', from the album online. The fans who pre-order their record, however, have the opportunity to get a free download of the single. (*Woo hoo!*)

After listening to it, I'm definitely ordering it! It's got all the Warpaint characteristics: it's unique, it's haunting, it's chilled, perfect! With the key changes on the track, the overall sound is bizarre, yet works so brilliantly! If this is a sign for things to come, I'm really looking forward!

So, Warpaint fans, you definitely have to check this one out. Certainly not to be missed, and if you have any sense, you'd put January 20th on the calendar. Guess what I've done already?

Glow And Behold! Yuck Are Back

I found these guys a while back, and, honestly, it took a few songs to get used to their sound. After that, I learned to appreciate them!

I saw on Facebook the day their album was released, and immediately I was really looking forward to checking it out! So, what was it like, you ask?

Personally, I really enjoyed it! In the style of music I love, how could I not like it?

'Sunrise In Maple Shade' opens 'Glow & Behold', and although it consists of literally one repetitive riff, it's a really chilled start to the album. It certainly works, beginning the record simply, but on a positive note.

So far, there are two singles from the album, which are 'Middle Sea' and 'Rebirth'. 'Middle Sea' is certainly one of the more up-tempo tracks, with bright riffs and an awesome tune. Following, conveniently, is 'Rebirth' (the free download on their site), which has a similar feel to 'Middle Sea', yet has a more artistic sound to it. Definitely two tracks that you must check out!

The second instrumental track, 'Twilight In Maple Shade', is second to last on the album. Sometimes these instrumental songs don't quite work right, but this, like the first, suits the mood perfectly. Artistic through music, what more could you want?

Admittedly, I thought it was going to end it, but no, I forgot about the title track, 'Glow & Behold'. This ends it perfectly on a light mood, and it's repetitive ending riff rounds off the style completely.

I have to say, as I was listening to the record, I couldn't come up with a favourite track. Every new song became my favourite, and now the CD is on my list of ones I must buy. It is a very uplifting piece of work (of course with a few contrasting sounds), and easily lovable!

It could be argued that, depending on the style you prefer, 'Glow & Behold' is an easier listen than their 2011 self-titled record. On the other hand, maybe their self-titled is more original? It's up to you what you prefer. All I will say is that, if you enjoy the indie/art rock scene, then Yuck are definitely worth a shot!