Archive for Maiden

Voodoo Six announced as support at Iron maiden’s O2 Arena show

Posted in News with tags , , , , , , on 16th July 2013 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

Voodoo Six have been announced as support to Iron Maiden at their sold-out O2 Arena show next month in London. The band are currently on the road with Iron Maiden, trekking throughout Europe as main support on the Maiden England Tour which kicked off in Spain back in May. Since then the tour has them to France, Italy, Germany, Poland and a whole load of other countries, as well a number of festivals including the UK’s Download Festival where Iron Maiden headlined and Voodoo Six took on the Red Bull Stage. The other festival shows included Belgium’s Graspop Metal Meeting, SeeRock in Austria and Spain’s, Italy’s and France’s Sonisphere Festivals.

Voodoo Six founding member, Tony Newton, commented:

It’s been such an amazing experience, the reception each night has been simply overwhelming. Maiden and their crew have treated us so well. This tour has become the best and most exciting time of our lives so far. We’re absolutely thrilled to be added to the London show, having been so busy constantly touring all of Europe, it’s a great feeling to give the UK a chance to see what we’ve been up to.

Having also penned a worldwide deal with Spinefarm Records, Voodoo Six are now touring in support of latest studio album, Songs To Invade Countries To, which consists of 11 tracks – including the current single Your Way – which was produced by Voodoo Six bassist Tony Newton and mixed by Tony Newton and Pedro Ferreira (The Darkness, Enter Shikari, Therapy?). It follows 2010’s Fluke? outing, released through Classic Rock’s Powerage label and mixed by renowned studio engineer Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Aerosmith, Metallica); Fluke will see an enhanced re-issue via Spinefarm later in the year.

Voodoo Six are planning a headline UK and Europe tour for later this year – stay tuned for dates.

Voodoo Six online:

http://www.voodoosix.com
http://www.facebook.com/VoodooSixBand

 

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Download 2014 dates announced

Posted in News with tags , , , , , , , on 17th June 2013 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

The biggest weekend in the UK rock calendar took place this weekend as 90,000 people rocked out in Donington Park to headliners Slipknot, Iron Maiden and Rammstein plus a host of other bands across the weekend, which included acts such as Amon Amarth, Huntress, Black Dogs, Heaven’s Basement and more. Crowds of rock, metal and hardcore fans packed out Donington Park as the opening day of Download saw Asking Alexandria, Papa Roach, Architects, Korn and Bullet for My Valentine all perform, what were described as, mind blowing sets throughout the day, while bands like Fearless Vampire Killers, Fidlar and The Algorithm ripped up the Red Bull Bedroom Jam Stage.

Download Festival promoter Andy Copping commented:

It’s been an amazing weekend. We’ve had over 150 bands across five stages and a trio of ground breaking, world class headliners. Having Iron Maiden back 25 years after they first headlined Donington was an incredible moment. Slipknot as usual delivered an unforgettable set, and Rammstein tonight will be the first time the band have played Donington.

Fans don’t need to be too down about the fact that the weekend is almost over, as the festival organisers have announce the dates for next year and a special early bird offer as a thank you to fans. Download Festival 2014 will take place 13th – 15th June, and as a thank you to fans for a limited time Download is offering £10 off the current 2013 prices for 5-day camping tickets, 3-day camping and weekend arena tickets. All tickets go on sale at 9am on 21st June with the offer closing on 1st July. There are only 5,000 available, so visit the official Download website to get yours.

 

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Voodoo Six set to release new album via Spinefarm and announced as main support for Iron Maiden

Posted in News with tags , , , , , , , on 24th April 2013 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

British modern hard rockers Voodoo Six are now set to release new studio album, Songs To Invade Countries To, having penned a worldwide deal with Spinefarm Records.

The much-anticipated release will be available from May 27th, coinciding with the first date of the band’s European tour with UK metal legends Iron Maiden. The tour will include major festival appearances, including Download Festival, Graspop, SeeRock and TopFest, plus several Sonispheres (Barcelona, Madrid, Milan and Amneville).

The new album consists of 11 studio tracks produced by Tony Newton, mixed by Tony Newton &Pedro Ferreira (The Darkness, Enter Shikari, Therapy?) and mastered by Ade Emsley (Iron Maiden, British Lion). It follows Voodoo Six’s 2010 Fluke? outing, which was released through Classic Rock’s Powerage label and mixed by renowned studio engineer Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Aerosmith, Metallica). At some point, Fluke? will see an enhanced re-issue via Spinefarm

Songs To Invade Countries To track list is as follows:

1.Falling Knives
2.All That Glitters
3.Lead Me On
4.Sink Or Swim
5.You Don’t Know
6.Your Way
7.Sharp Sand
8.Stop
9.Brick Wall
10.Waiting In Line
11.Higher Ground

The band have gained a loyal following from their impressive portfolio of live activity, which has included several performances at Download, Sonisphere and Bloodstock, as well as touring with Adrenaline Mob, Edguy, Extreme, Michael Monroe and the legendary UFO.

Voodoo Six guitarist Chris Jones comments:

The album title was something that came about ages ago, but took on another dimension when we heard the news that we’d be going out with Iron Maiden on the ‘Maiden England’ tour. It’s about taking our music further afield, and into new territories. We can’t wait to play to overseas audiences on this tour!

Iron Maiden founder and bassist Steve Harris adds:

I’ve been keeping an eye on Voodoo Six for a while now, and they’ve produced a cracking new album with real promise. It’s great to support true British up ‘n’ coming talent such as theirs, and it will be a pleasure to have them out with us on tour.

Steve Harris isn’t the only advocate of the band.  After touring with Adrenaline Mob last summer, V6 caught the attention of original Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy, who has stated:

Voodoo Six are a great band with a bright future – cool guys, great players!

Songs To Invade Countries To is released worldwide via Spinefarm Records on May 27.

Voodoo Six tour dates w/Iron Maiden

27 May Bilbao BEC Bilbao, Spain
29 May Atlantic Pavilion Lisbon, Portugal
31 May Sonisphere Madrid, Spain
01 Jun Sonisphere Barcelona, Spain
05 Jun The Bercy Paris, France
08 Jun Sonisphere Milan, Italy
09 Jun Sonisphere Amneville, France
11 Jun Frankfurt Festhalle, Germany
12 Jun Frankfurt Festhalle, Germany
15 Jun Download Festival Donington Park, UK
18 Jun Berlin O2 World, Germany
19 Jun Hamburg O2, Germany
21 Jun Graz Seerock Festival Graz, Austria
22 Jun Zurich Hallenstadion Zurich, Switzerland
25 Jun Ziggo Dome Amsterdam, Holland
29 Jun Singen-Aach Open Air Arena, Germany
30 Jun Graspop Festival Dessel, Belgium
03 Jul Atlas Arena Lodz, Poland
04 Jul Ergo Arena Gdansk, Poland
06 Jul Open Air an der KoPi-Arena Oberhausen, Germany
10 Jul Malmo Stadium, Sweden
13 Jul Friends Arena Stockholm, Sweden
24 Jul Piata Constitutiei Bucharest, Romania
26 Jul BJK Inonu Stadium Istanbul, Turkey
27 Jul Topfest Piestany, Slovakia
29 Jul Synot Tip Arena Prague, Czech Rep
31 Jul Zagreb Arena, Croatia

The band are also streaming a new taster track; Waiting In Line, at this location.

Voodoo Six online:

http://www.voodoosix.com
https://www.facebook.com/VoodooSixBand/

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Wolfbane’s October UK tour update

Posted in News with tags , , , , , on 20th September 2012 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

The reunited original line up of mighty British Heavy Metal band Wolfsbane, who reformed in 2011 to record their first studio album for 17 years, Wolfsbane Save The World, released in January 2012 to huge acclaim, have added 2 more dates to their previously announced October UK tour at Winchester’s Railway Club on October 22nd and Derby’s The Flowerpot on October 28th. The full itinerary is now:

Weds. Oct. 17th – The Musician, LEICESTER

Thurs. Oct. 18th – Bootleggers, KENDAL 

Fri. Oct. 19th – Eric’s, LIVERPOOL

Sat. Oct. 20th – The Attic, RUSHDEN

Sun. Oct. 21st – The Corporation, SHEFFIELD 

Mon 22nd Oct – The Railway Club, WINCHESTER (NEW!)

Weds. Oct. 24th – Fibbers, YORK 

Thurs. 25th – The Garage, LONDON 

Fri. Oct. 26th – The Cathouse, GLASGOW 

Sat. Oct 27th – Robin Hood 2, BILSTON 

Sun. Oct. 28th – The Flowerpot, DERBY (NEW!)

A very special, limited edition CD, The Lost Tapes (A Secret History), the only live studio recording of Wolfsbane ever made, will be exclusively available on the tour. Recorded in 1993, The Lost Tapes (A Secret History) contains an early, visceral version of Wolfsbane’s entire eponymous third album, PLUS all the extra tracks put down at the time, and two cover versions – For You and Born To Run – which were taped during the Massive Noise EP sessions.

Wolfsbane who were formed in 1984 and signed to Rick Rubin’s Def Jam label in 1989, had just recorded their Massive Noise Injection live album at a tumultuous sold out London Marquee gig in February 1993, when they went into the studio to record some covers to go on the Massive Noise EP. With their daring third studio album written and ready to record, the band were really fired up, let alone ‘as sharp as a knife’ in the wake of constant touring and following intensive live rehearsals for the Marquee show. Once they had the 2 covers in the bag, producer Simon Efemy suggested that they ‘throw up some mic’s’ and record what was to become the band’s third album in its entirety. So they geared up and stormed through the set in a way that became legend.

The subsequent album recording sessions went well enough but the band never captured that spiritin the way they set out to, and then Blaze was whisked away in the night to join Iron Maiden, before the group had finished mixing the album. Following the release of Wolfsbane in 1994 the band imploded and it wasn’t till later that they realized the recording from that special night had been lost. No one had a copy. It was gone, just a memory.

Fast forward 18 years to 2011, and following Wolfsbane’s reformation, guitarist and producer Jase Edwards recalls; ‘We’re looking through stuff in the loft de-cluttering and the pile of tapes in the corner hoves into view. All the unmarked ones are set to one side and a tape player is dug up (a what??? say all the young people) I listen through and see what they are. I can hardly believe my ears when third in, I hear what can only be our lost recording! I instantly stop the tape in shock!! Could it be!! Am I mistaking it for something less finished from the rehearsal room? But it sounds too good to be the rehearsal room?! The snare had that trademark crack to it that could only come from the hands of Simon Efemey… It’s clear, too good for a rehearsal… I restart the tape and listen through….. Yes, we’ve found it! The whole album and the extra tracks; WE FOUND IT!! So… Bearing in mind it’s from a cassette I set about mastering it and getting it ready for release!’

The Lost Tapes (A Secret History) will only be for sale in hard copy at the merchandise desk on the band’s October tour, and once it’s gone it’s gone. Jase states that ‘It’s a very special moment in Wolfsbane’s history. It’s thrilling to have found it again and it sounds even better than we remembered it!!! So come on down and grab yourself a piece of thrilling history’.

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Iron Maiden founder announces solo album

Posted in News with tags , , , , , on 18th July 2012 by Nico Solheim-Davidson, the North Sea Poet

EMI Music are proud to announce the release of Iron Maiden founder Steve Harris’ debut solo/side project album. Entitled ‘British Lion’ and comprising ten songs that Steve and his collaborators have been working on for the past few years between Iron Maiden tours and releases, it is an album that will surprise and delight music fans the world over.

With a decidedly heavy rock-vibe this roaring debut paints with a full palette of sounds; brooding, melancholic, righteously indignant and exuberantly heavy. With Kevin Shirley at the mixing helm – whose credits include Iron Maiden as well as Led Zeppelin, Journey and Rush among many others – this is an album to sink your teeth into.

From the growling riffage of opening salvo This Is My God to the heavy forlorn balladry of follow-up Lost Worlds which showcases Richard Taylor’s soaring vocals, it’s clear that ‘British Lion’ is an altogether different beast from Maiden.

Karma Killer, with its dirge-like muscularity, and Us Against The World, with its massive chorus, demonstrates just how far ‘British Lion’ has flexed Steve Harris’ considerable musical muscle. Dovetailed with guitarist David Hawkins’ positively gargantuan lyrical guitar melodies, it’s a mere hors d’oeuvre ahead of the epic, riffing-feast of The Chosen Ones, with its swaggering bravado.

A World Without Heaven, at a breathtaking seven minutes and infused with progressive elements without ever teetering into self-indulgence illustrates perfectly these songsmiths’ colossal abilities to create a mood and stay there. Supercharged by Steve Harris’ inimitable style, there’s an un-cynical vibe here that’s as refreshing as it is out of place in today’s all-too-categorised music industry.

And as far as the name ‘British Lion’; “I’ve always been proud to be British,” explains Steve, “I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t be. It’s a massive part of being me. It’s not like I’m flag-waving or trying to preach, this is not a political statement at all. It’s like supporting your football team, where you come from. I just think it lends itself to some really strong imagery too, and to me it fits in with the sound.”

With Iron Maiden, Steve Harris has become one of the most recognised and successful ambassadors for British music on the world stage. Having released 15 studio albums, sold over 85 million records worldwide and played more than two thousand gigs in 58 countries in the band’s thirty-five year career, his appeal is truly global.

And now with ‘British Lion’, Steve steps out from Iron Maiden’s illustrious shadow to present a different side of his musical visions.

The tracklisting for ‘British Lion’ is as follows:

1.This Is My God
2.Lost Worlds
3.Karma Killer
4.Us Against The World
5.The Chosen Ones
6.A World Without Heaven
7.Judas
8.Eyes Of The Young
9.These Are The Hands
10.The Lesson

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Primal Rock Rebellion – Awoken Broken

Posted in Review with tags , , , , , , , on 28th February 2012 by vmteam

Band – Primal Rock Rebellion
Album – Awoken Broken
Genre – Metal/Experimental
Release Date – 2012
Label – Spinefarm Records

Super group’s, an odd subject in the metal world, when they work, they’re great (I, Black county communion, Chickenfoot) when they fail, they crash hard (Rock star supernova). PRR consists of 2 men from totally different ends of the metal world scale.
On one side we have vocalist Mikee Goodman from experimental ‘Djent’ band SikTh along with SikTh drummer Dan ‘Loord’ Foord, and on the other we have the guitarist from one of if not THE most popular metal band of all time Iron Maiden, Adrian Smith. This combination alone is enough to make anyone scratch their heads in wonder, it’s like putting Rob Halford with Trent Reznor….oh hang on?!.

The album starts off with No Friendly Neighbour and it’s clear from the first riff Smith plays that this isn’t going to sound like Maiden in any
shape or form, an almost Nu-metal styled riff is played with Goodman doing some spoken word over the top. When the song kicks in its clear that the vocals of Goodman are what makes this band stand out, if you were a fan of his vocals in SikTh then you won’t be disappointed, if you’re looking for Bruce Dickinson, you’ll be looking for an eternity. The song is a great start to the album, while sounding new and fresh it adds some certain Smith influence on the old school side of things towards the end.

Next up is definitely where die hard fans of both bands are either going to smile or cry down to Goodman’s vocals on this maybe a little hard to stomach for some in places but i think they fit the song nicely if a little unconventional. Smith also lends his hand to some Dickinson style woooahh’s in the background and a nice Maiden-esque solo. Next up in the first single from the album ‘I See Lights‘ maybe not the most obvious choice to represent the album due to its repetitiveness of the riff, but the song does show off some nice vocal work from both men here, as we all know Smith did sing a Maiden B-Side and he is more than capable of belting out a good tune. If you listen to this song in depth you will really get a feel of how many vocal styles Goodman really has, and it is rather impressive, especially the lower toned snarls he does, really giving the songs a darker atmosphere.

Bright as a Fire is for me the track of the album, starting off in a
slow Maiden-esque way, the song at first seems like the ballad of the
album but just little over 90 seconds in the song kicks into a mid paced
beast. Probably one of the more commercial of the songs in regards to
structure and vocal deliverance, the songs really quality is the variation of riffs which Smith delivers, the chugging after the chorus really adds a nice heavy touch after the chorus. It must be said that the production of the album is of top quality too, which unfortunately can’t be said for the past few Maiden albums, but they really nailed it on this!

Savage World is definitely one for the SikTh fans, the vocals on this
are pretty crazy, but not enough for older metal fans to turn their nose
up at, which I think is another aspect of the writing they have done well, the balance between the two writing styles is pretty much spot on.

Tortured Tone is the ballad of the album and definitely one of the
better songs on the album, again without the mixed vocal styles, the song would be just your average ballad. Some nice guitar synth touches in the background too as well as Smith does some backing vocals too. The two guys compliment each other well on songs like this. The quality of songs continues throughout the rest of the album. White Sheet Robes is another mini epic song, which lodges itself in your brain once you’ve listened to it. As Tears Come Falling From the Sky is not a song, its 48 seconds of pure madness and an incite to the crazy thoughts of Goodman.

The title track Awoken Broken reminded me a little of System of a Down in the chorus parts, a little crazy, a lot of layers to the song, but
again the thing that makes the song is the basic riffs of Smith with the
craziness of the vocals, I really can’t praise the song writing formula
enough.

Search For Bliss is one of the lighter songs on the album and one where Goodman shows he really can sing in a more, shall we say ‘normal’ style, with that said the song still has its harsh moments halfway through. I can see it being the second single off of the album, not because it’s maybe one of the better of the songs, it just seems more TV and radio friendly compared to the other songs on the album, which is by no means a bad thing. Snake Ladders is a mini story in song form. The music itself reminds me of the Metallica song ‘The Outlaw Torn’ a slower, with heavier riffs which obviously were not used to hearing from Smith in Maiden. Vocally, again it could compare from anything from Metallica to Nick Cave, especially on the spoken word parts, but again delivered in such a great way.

The album ends in a lighter way with ‘Mirror on the Moon‘ a great way to end the album, a more softer side to the band which reminds me of
something off any V.A.S.T album, which is always a good thing. there’s
also a hint of David Bowie to the sing which is definitely unexpected!
All in all I think its pretty safe to say that this album kicks ass – A
lot of it at that! I really hope these 2 make more music in the future and it’s not just a one off project, if this is just the beginning then I for
one can’t wait for what could become of this band. I’m also going out on a limb here and saying this could very well be ‘Album of the Year’ Forget about comparing this to Maiden or SikTh, listen to the album for what it is, a more that excellent modern hard rock and metal album!

5/5

Paul Brady

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