Author: UberAdmin

Thobbe Englund – ‘Hail To The Priest’ (Metalville)

Thobbe Englund – ‘Hail To The Priest’ (Metalville)

Posted by | Aug 9, 2019 | ,

We have a cardinal rule here at Über Rock, which has remained unbroken for the decade we have been kickin’ rock ‘n’ roll ass… and that is that we do not – no, make that do NOT – do tribute acts. NO. NEVER. EVER. Now, Thobbe Englund is not a tribute act – he is, after all, a former guitarist with Swedish metal gods (and that’s a hint of what is to come) Sabaton, sensationally quitting the band between the recording and release of their 2016 album ‘The Last Stand’ to pursue a solo career. Now, however, he has released an album of Judas Priest covers…

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The SoapGirls/Belwood – Belfast, Voodoo – 4 August 2019

The SoapGirls/Belwood – Belfast, Voodoo – 4 August 2019

Posted by | Aug 8, 2019 | ,

It’s hard to know where to start with reflecting on this particular gig, which came in the middle of a run of Irish dates by the French-born South African-raised feminist punk duo by the name of The SoapGirls. But we’ll leave aside the (perceived) confrontationalist attitude of the headliners and start with the promotion of the show – or rather, the distinct lack of it! From what I could see, outside of a few posters in the venue itself, and a Facebook event page which was merely posted when the gig was announced, with the scantest of information, and then never updated, zero effort had been putting into attracting a crowd. Perhaps it should have come as no surprise, therefore, that the numbers who did turn up were distinctly on the equally sparse side, with only a handful more than a dozen paying punters making the effort on this otherwise balmy Sunday evening.

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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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