Author: UberAdmin

Ian Gillan – ‘Contractual Obligation #2 Live in Warsaw’ (earMUSIC)

Ian Gillan – ‘Contractual Obligation #2 Live in Warsaw’ (earMUSIC)

Posted by | Aug 8, 2019 | ,

Normally, our man John B not a big fan of live albums. Due to the non-ideal situation for recording, he finds that many of them tend to have harsh highs and a mix that allows some performers to be overpowered by others. Not to mention how the audience can be loud enough to overpower the band, taking away from the performance. We have none of that here. Not only is everything recorded well and mixed well but there is also no sound of a struggle in the performance from the band getting tired. From start to finish everyone sounds very relaxed and comfortable.

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5Rand – ‘Dark Mother’ (Time to Kill Records)

5Rand – ‘Dark Mother’ (Time to Kill Records)

Posted by | Aug 8, 2019 | ,

Hailing from Rome, four-piece 5Rand formed in the latter part of 2015. Having made an immediate impression with their modern twist on heavy metal combining crushing riffs, powerful guttural vocals courtesy of Julia Elenoir mixed with driving melodies. Their darkly rich atmospheric sound was first heard on the debut recording ‘Sacred/Scared’ alongside this they’ve toured with numerous bands including Cradle of Filth, Behemoth and Dark Tranquillity. Since their initial release and hard work touring, 5Rand have gained popular attention. Now 2019 sees their second album brought forward, how have 5rand developed and what do they have to offer with ‘Dark Mother’?

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Sworn Amongst/Ketos/Cursed Sun/Victim Royal – Belfast, Limelight 2 – 3 August 2019

Sworn Amongst/Ketos/Cursed Sun/Victim Royal – Belfast, Limelight 2 – 3 August 2019

Posted by | Aug 7, 2019 | ,

It was the gig clash from hell, presenting us with an equally damnable choice… a band who have been true stalwarts of the Belfast metal scene for the past decade, Death Of A Salesman, were paying their farewells at the city centre bar where I had spent the previous evening, while Hull heavyweights Sworn Amongst were making their Belfast debut just ‘round the corner from ÜRHQ, supported by a truly stellar local supporting cast… there was only one way to make the final decision, and that was to toss a coin!

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Acres – ‘Lonely World’ (A Wolf at Your Door Records)

Acres – ‘Lonely World’ (A Wolf at Your Door Records)

Posted by | Aug 6, 2019 | ,

Portsmouth based four-piece Acres have been pushing their brand of metal since 2015. They’ve been honing and developing their sound since the release of 2017’s EP ‘In Sickness & Health’. Regarding this release, by the band’s own admission it was a slightly haphazard operation. With enough written material equating to nearly an album, the then new singer was required to adapt his style to the sound and style of Acres and simultaneously make his own impression. ‘Lonely World’ now sees a unified sound and style come forward. Over the course of ten tracks what can be expected from the latest offering?

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Hundred Year Old Man/Skypilot/Elder Druid – Belfast, Voodoo – 2 August 2019

Hundred Year Old Man/Skypilot/Elder Druid – Belfast, Voodoo – 2 August 2019

Posted by | Aug 6, 2019 | ,

Belfast was a riot of colour as the city prepared for its annual Pride celebrations the following day, but I was heading into the blackness of my favourite venue for a dose of solid gloominess at what would prove to be the first of four back-to-back gigs over the course of the weekend and the first visit to UR’s home city by Leeds post metallers Hundred Year Old Man and this Bloodstock-themed gig.

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