by Chris Wheeler | Nov 17, 2014 | Critiques, Critiques de Shows
With evening headliner, YOUR LAST WISH‘s last minute cancellation, tension and worry may have permeated the air for event organizer, Krystal Koffin as fans sporadically entered Coop Katacombes later than planned, resulting in a sparse open space beyond the stage at 9:15 pm. The night’s celebration and grand opening of Koffin‘s Metal Boutique, La Bête Noire Emporium de musique, was to feature three outstanding local Montreal acts but with circumstances beyond anyone’s control (Dave, guitarist of the band had a out of the blue surgery for an appendisectomy), the lineup would have to undergo small changes. However, as first act SHERKHAN BAKRA emerged, the flood gates miraculously opened and the growing attendees soon reveled in Melodic Death Metal bliss making for a fantastic start to a highly successful evening, finally!
Montreal’s SHERKHAN BAKHRA have been in existence for five years and as last night proved, the act has really come into their own. Vocalist Julien, admitting later the band played better than ever before, performing a tight, determined set – nothing could be further than the truth. From the outset, “Blindness” opened with lush keys that resonated well and continued to pierce through the wall of guitars throughout the performance. Equal parts intense and equal parts serene and majestic, SHERKHAN BAKHRA’s sound combines symphonic elements with an unexpected Middle Eastern feel. Being a sextet, the band didn’t have too much space to move on stage, but that certainly didn’t detract them from offering onlookers a satisfying musical voyage! “Vengeance and Agony” and closer, “Preaching to the Perverted” both proved that there’s much more going on than a simple Melodic Death Metal act trying to carve a niche for themselves. If certain films may be considered “sleeper hits”, than SHERKHAN BAKHRA’s performance was the musical equivalent!
Taking the stage almost immediately, CHILDREN OF BODOM tribute act, BASTARDS OF BODOM made no bones about their affinity for the Finnish troupe! Storming through BODOM hits spanning the band’s illustrious career, “Hate Me”, “Bed of Razors”, “Hatebreeder”, “Six Pounder”, “Lake Bodom” and “Silent Night, Bodom Night”, the group solidified the evening’s “party-like” vibe with cheers and applause running wild! Once more the sound was impeccable with keyboards and bass cutting through the P.A. while guitars raged and executed near flawless renditions of the songs! Included in the set, “Thrashed, Lost and Strungout” met with malicious grins as even CHILDREN OF BODOM themselves rarely perform the song! As the continuous pit came to a grinding holt, BASTARDS OF BODOM ended the set with many chagrins resulting in a quick band meeting before satiating fans with “Living Dead Beat”, a song they haven’t practiced in some time. Granted, nobody could perfectly pull off playing CHILDREN OF BODOM songs, except themselves, but this night proved that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and if Alexi Laiho was in the audience, he’d be honoured….
Special thanks to Krystal Koffin for putting this event together in such short time!
Chris
by Chris Wheeler | Nov 13, 2014 | Critiques, Critiques de Shows
Fans of ‘80’s Thrash legends ARTILLERY and ONSLAUGHT were certainly in for a treat this evening as the two cult acts raised the roof with memorable performances, characterized by high energy and tons of exuberance! However, with a rather slow start to open the festivities, fans trickled in sporadically making any abundance of applause slightly lacking.
Montreal’s ECLIPSE PROPHECY gave their all with a strong set punctuated by huge grins and enthusiastic abandon. Singer, David McGregor encouraged the audience to move up front and even went so far as to jump off stage to sing in the crowd! Leaving the spotlight from center stage to highlight the player’s ability, McGregor periodically often remained at the back of the stage as members jumped from side to side jubilantly; guitarist, Pierre-Olivier Mérizzi captivating many with stunning fret work and finger tapping! “Through the Storm”, “Labyrinth of Sanity”, “Inferno” and “Days of Judgement”, all went down rather well with the few audience members in attendance cheering their efforts. Despite empty spaces on the venue floor, those present were not disappointed.
With Ontario’s STRIKER not being able to play, California’s VX36 were more than happy to fill in instead and it showed! Immediate and jarring, their brand of Thrash was more akin to riff ideas, à la Jeff Henneman, than perhaps ECLIPSE PROPHECY and also adding elements of groove for good measure, made the set an enjoyable one to experience. Spastic and manic, the trio raged through “Blood War”, “Looking through the Eyes of the Dead”, “Darkness” and “The Storm” culminating in a set focused on their latest album, “A Violent Existence”. Too bad the crowd didn’t seem to be enthralled as perhaps they should’ve been -merely nodding their heads in approval. Still, VX36 gave a tight performance that deserved more.
Flooding the venue’s floor and rushing to the stage, fans got up close and personal to Denmark’s ARTILLERY who exuded a calm, collective professionalism in their playing as newcomer to the center stage, singer Michael Bastholm Dahl, raised the roof with a searing delivery that hit all the rights notes! Stone-faced but charismatic nonetheless, guitarist Michael Stutzer, showcased his ability to shred and solo in the faces of those in the front row and who remained dazzled! Running the gamut of material through their career, such as “Eternal War”, “Khomaniac”, “By Inheritance”, “Let There be Sin”, and “Legions” sent fans headbanging to Thrash heaven!
To end the evening on a similar note, the U.K.’s ONSLAUGHT picked up right where ARTILLERY left off, blasting the audience with Thrash-tastic frenzy, as fans quickly established a circle pit that didn’t quit until the cult act left the stage. Beginning with a dramatic Wagner-esque classical intro, the band mounted the stage with cult singer Neil Turbin (DEATHRIDERS, ex-singer for ANTHRAX) in tow, looking ominous with dark glasses and imposing frame. The stops were clearly removed as the Englishmen brazenly rolled through “The Sound of Violence”, “Rest in Pieces”, “66Fuckin6”, and “Power from Hell”, among others. Although the set was a bona fide triumph sonically, Turbin‘s vocals could have been made louder during some numbers and during introductions of each member. Due to high-pitched humming of feedback, presenting each member was done twice! Nonetheless, Turbin became increasingly comfortable on stage, fist pumping the air, hitting drum cymbals with his fist and generally relaxing and having fun and before anyone knew it, the set was over….much too soon.
Special thanks to 13 Media Concerts for allowing me exclusive access to the event!
Chris
by Chris Wheeler | Nov 5, 2014 | Critiques, Critiques d'Albums
AlgomA
« Reclaimed by the Forest«
Deadbeat Media
2014
Imposing, Vulgar Mass of Canadian Sludge!
With the release of a new EYEHATEGOD album this year, Stoner fans will be chomping at the bit for other slower, syrupy dirges to misery and personal torment. Enter ALGOMA, an Ontario band that certainly plays “slow and furious” with Stoner Doom determination. Being the first album for the trio, “Reclaimed by the Forest” is set to compete with the “big boys”!
“Bedsores” opens the record with an excerpt from the film “Requiem for a Dream” before cascading into headbanging, agony-ridden minimalist doom that will keep fans gyrating in syncopated motion! “Fell Down a Well” continues the momentum as Kevin Campbell’s vocals are articulate but wracked with shouted pain. “Tertiary Syphilis” is a strong number starting with a bout of feedback and drum pattern only to be cut by the wall of sound. Here, Campbell’s voice takes a more tortured and twisted approach than usual which suits the music well and makes for a highlight!
What ALGOMA excel at are the “memorable riffs” that are heard on cuts, “Reclaimed by the Forest” and “Go On, Git” (beginning with a film excerpt from Tom Hanks classic, “The Burbs”). When strong chords and crashing drums are at the fore, the band sound “big”, but it’s the hummable notes and “faster” rhythms that really set ALGOMA apart. Finisher, “Extinct Volcanoes” takes a little while to get going, for example, repeating the same guitar arrangement but when those strained vocals come through, one takes immediate notice. The syrup continues to drip until from out of nowhere the song takes a left turn towards a real foot-stompin’ energy that slowly fades back to a slow crawl.
Ontario’s ALGOMA make a noticeable impression with their debut, “Reclaimed by the Forest” with aural strength and a heaping of Sludge. Although, what really stands out are the riff ideas that take the listener away from conventional Doom and drop them squarely into areas a bit more illuminating.
Standout Tracks: “Tertiary Syphilis”, “Go On, Git”
7/10
Chris
by Chris Wheeler | Oct 30, 2014 | Chroniques, Entrevue
The Return of THE Voice – An Interview with David Ingram
Avid Death Metal fans who no doubt are familiar with BENEDICTION and BOLT THROWER will be thrilled to hear the return of David Ingram who`s latest incarnation, DOWN AMONG THE DEAD MEN has already impressed many! Audibly different from his previous exploits, I had the opportunity to ask the frontman about where the idea to form a Death Crust/Punk act came from and where the band lies in 2014’s extreme Metal pantheon… Chris
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Chrismetalreviews Wheeler: What was the impetus for starting DOWN AMONG THE DEAD MEN and collaborating with Dennis Blomberg (Paganizer) and Rogga Johansson (Paganizer, Bone Gnawer, The Grotesquery)?
David Ingram: Rogga contacted me to ask if I was interested in performing on one track of his MEGASCAVENGER project – which I did and it’s out now. The entire album sounds killer! – and I began thinking about making a full album and continuing project with him. I suggested this, he agreed and DOWN AMONG THE DEAD MEN was born. 9 months later the debut album was released…and that makes us sound like proud parents, doesn’t it?
Wheeler: The self-titled debut record was released last year in 2013. What has been the reaction thus far from fans and critics? Are the opinions synonymous with each other?
Ingram: The only negative words I’ve seen about it are that the album isn’t long enough! It’s harder for bands these days, what with the internet and the user-friendly technology out there, so having all positive reviews is quite an achievement. I’m sure there’s somebody out there not happy with it, but I’ve yet to see anything like that.
Wheeler: How have you been involved in music since being in DOWNLORD in 2007 and how has the time led you to DOWN AMONG THE DEAD MEN?
Ingram: My closest friend Donovan and I decided to do an internet radio show once we had finished Downlord. Metal Breakfast Radio began, and on it we make a commentary over the music and critique it in real time. We are both heavily experienced in this genre, as people will know, so we are more than qualified to give our opinions. Sometimes we are very harsh…mostly we’re having a few drinks, and it’s just a bit of fun and not to be taken too seriously. We enjoy it immensely, and have been doing it weekly for the last 6 and a half years. There’s also been the odd guest vocal spot with bands such as Necrodemon, Anton, Just Before Dawn and most recently for Kam Lee and his Bone Gnawer project.
Wheeler: The sound of DOWN AMONG THE DEAD MEN is very much inspired by crust and punk. Have these genres been styles you have always been interested in or have they gradually become so?
Ingram: I’ve always been into those styles, even before I got into the more extreme Metal believe it or not. That type of music has been around for a long time, and has been a part of my life since I first learned to use a stereo.
Wheeler: Often Punk has been synonymous with political or social issues lyrically. Does DOWN AMONG THE DEAD MEN subscribe to this type of lyric as well or have you chosen to tackle other content/subject matter?
Ingram: The subject matter for the album comes from the most unlikely of places. I am a big fan of the TV series Doctor Who, and I have been all my life. One of the characters in books and audio adventures is a Professor of Archaeology named Bernice Summerfield. Her character wrote a book on archaeology called “Down Among The Dead Men” …so now you can see where I got the band name from. All but one of the song titles are titles of stories her character has appeared in (with a slim link to them too.) I have written to the actress who plays the character and sent her a copy of the album. Not her cup of tea, but she enjoyed the connection.
*interview continues below this nice artwork
Wheeler: Have you had the chance to tour the album? Any chance fans will be able to see you in North America?
Ingram: No, we had to curtail all touring plans when my wife was diagnosed with cancer last year. She has been victorious over the disease and is 100% well now, so we can get back to planning live shows. Unfortunately there have been some member problems but we are getting through that and have begun working on new material – something we would need anyway were we to tour (the album is only 31 minutes long).
Wheeler: Cyclone Empire is a label whose roster includes a vast array of bands and styles. How has it been to work with them compared to Metal Blade Records who released it earlier this year in North America?
Ingram: Both labels are totally fucking outstanding ones! I’m not saying that to kiss ass…these guys know their Metal and their history, and it’s a pleasure to work with them.
Wheeler: You have been well known for being the vocalist in BENEDICTION since its inception and offering vocals in BOLT THROWER as well. Is there a noticeable difference in being in DOWN AMONG THE DEAD MEN, either in the studio or with the writing process?
Ingram: Indeed! This is the 21st century so we don’t need to be in the same room…building….country!! Do you know…I have never met the rest of the guys in the band. We work across the ‘net and it makes for a stress free environment, especially for me. I can work at my own pace and take breaks when I want. I love it that way.
Wheeler: Are you still recognized or idolized for being in such “classic acts”? Is it difficult for you to distance yourself from older bands and be recognized for the “here and now” or do you consider the reference a privilege?
Ingram: It’s a definite privilege and something that I am proud to have been a part of. I mean, why would I want to hide my past like that? As much as I love to be “ever forward” and moving to something new, I will still remember where I was, what I was doing, and all the good times I had. Let me tell you…being a member of Bolt Thrower for almost 6 years was an honour and a pleasure. I will carry that with me always, as will I the time spent in Benediction & Downlord. Good days. The same will be said for Down Among The Dead Men.
Wheeler: What is the next step for DOWN AMONG THE DEAD MEN?
Ingram: There’ll be more releases coming, that’s for certain. I’ve got a couple of new tracks on the go, though due to my wife’s recovery and my own projects (work, family, home, guest vocals) I haven’t actually worked on them too much for a while, though things are looking positive in that respect so I’ll get back to writing shortly. We’re going to be looking for some shows and tours to get out on as well, but I have a feeling we’ll do another album before that. Plus we need to sort out the drummer situation once and for all. I know 3 people who could fill that spot easily. Just how much is a plane ticket from Scotland?
Thanks so much for the interview! Here’s my current top 5 albums and a few links of possible interest:
Fever Ray – Fever Ray
Bolt Thrower – Those Once Loyal
Paganizer – On A Gurney To Hell
Bonesaw – The Illicit Revue
Queens of the Stone Age – Era Vulgaris
Links of interest:
DOWNLORD back-catalogue, free download
Dark Sentinel Productions
Dark Sentinel/DATDM.html
Ingram’s metal radio show, Metal Breakfast Radio on Instagram
Metal Breakfast Radio on Facebook
David Ingram/Metal Breakfast Radio on Facebook
Twitter: @MetalBreakfast
Ingram’s other radio show, Lambert’s Basement on Facebook
Radio Free Satan
Radio Villains
With DOWN AMONG THE DEAD MEN, fans will be able to nostalgically enjoy Ingram’s vocals while at the same time bang their collective heads to new music in the self-titled debut out now through Cyclone Empire and Metal Blade Records!
by Chris Wheeler | Oct 30, 2014 | Critiques, Critiques d'Albums
Trail of Ash
« Embers », EP
Self-Released/Independent
2014
There is Beauty in Fire
Hailing from Vancouver, Canada, one-man musical endeavor, TRAIL OF ASH is the brainchild of one, “Bobby Destroy Her”. Having guitar duties in DEVOUR THE UNDEAD he has since taken a self-reflective pause to focus on deep seeding emotion in this three song ep, “Embers”. The result is a very eclectic and often disheartening array of anguished Doom and experimental Metal.
First number, “Embers” takes a while to “get going” in its ambient intro before “jumping right into the fire”. Blasting and wildly cascading into a slow dirge, the song features Damon from OVERLORD and remembers old NOVEMBER’S DOOM with tortured clean singing intertwined with a ferocious growl. Quiet moments are included which include a soft whisper and jarring shots of distortion which are heard on other songs as well. “Heroes”, features a slightly more up tempo pace but is no less imposing and melancholic. Here, sharing the spotlight with guest guitarist, Exikye Cote (also from OVERLORD), the sparse moments leave room for TOOL comparisons with a reflective, pensive aura about loss and regret. Finally, “Trials” begins with a guitar intro that sounds out of tune before being bulldozed by thick distortion and crushing drums. Disjointed, uncomfortable and yet ultimately satisfying, the song offers something fresh and unexpected. Back once again are the monstrous growls and clean whispers, although this time with a vocal effect added.
Bobby Destroy Her has recorded what many may consider uneasy listening and it may require added moments spent in the dark processing TRAIL OF ASH’s “Embers”. However, what sets this EP apart from so many are the chances and liberties taken disregarding convention and throwing the “rule book” completely out the window! Not masterfully recorded, (the guitars sound a bit too high in the mix compared to the drums, especially on “Embers”) although with this style, the focus usually is on feeling not on how many notes are played a second. To hear more from TRAIL OF ASH, fans will have to wait until April of next year for that one!
Standout Tracks: “Trial”
8.5/10
Chris
