Top 5 Albums of 2013

Well that time of year has come around again! Before we exit with a festive cheer I thought I would reveal my top five albums and singles of 2013! So without further ado here are my top albums of 2013!

5) Amaranthe – Nexus        

To kick off my top 5 albums is the album Nexus by Swedish/Danish metalcore group Amaranthe. Being well known for mixing melodic pop with death metal is the reason why this band are a personal favourite of mine. The album has a versatile collection of songs from the heartfelt Burn With Me to the upbeat Electroheart I think 2014 could possibly be their year. The album includes a beautiful acoustic rendition of their enchanting ballad Amaranthine.

4) Alter Bridge – Fortress   

At number four is the fourth studio album from the almighty Alter Bridge. This was one of the anticipated rock albums of the year; this masterpiece from the Florida rockers entices you within the first few seconds of opening track Cry Of Achillies and it invites you to listen on to some killer sounding tracks such as Addicted to Pain, Lover and Waters Rising. A spectacular arena tour featuring their friends from Shinedown and Halestorm accompanied this epic album.

3) Bad Pollyanna – Monstrous Child                     

I originally saw this band on a friend's Facebook page. After hearing Hollow for the first time I was blown away at first listen so my expectations of the album were high. Those expectations were exceeded as it opened with Hollow and Awake Now; the amazing melodies, unusual instrument arrangements and the spectacular vocals provided by Olivia Hyde give Bad Pollyanna’s Monstrous Child a fantastic package for a fantastic album.

2) New Device – Here We Stand    

Coming in at number two is the second studio album Here We Stand from New Device. Due to line up changes there was at least a three-year wait for this album from the London rockers but it was most certainly worth it. The album is great pick me up for when you are feeling down; this is demonstrated through songs such as singles Here We Stand and Save Your Life as well as my personal favourite song on the album End Of Hope. So if you like beautifully clear vocals, talented guitarists and rolling drums than this is the album for you.

 1) Heaven’s Basement – Filthy Empire     

At number 1 is Heaven’s Basement’s debut album Filthy Empire. 2013 has possibly been a great year for rockers Heaven’s Basement and this album is crucial evidence. From the profound acoustic ballad The Price We Pay to the high energy I Am Electric this album has innovative and genuinely brilliant rock songs to suit every mood under the sun. Everyone has an album in their collection that they can listen to from start to finish over and over again without growing bored; well Filthy Empire has become that album! Making it my number one album of 2013!

Heaven's Basement - Filthy Empire

Britain's newest gem, Filthy Empire, from the almighty Heaven's Basement has hit the shelves this week and is wowing audiences all over.

Heaven's Basement being a personal favourite band, I have been looking forward to the release of this album for quite some time after two successful EPs. I was not disappointed at all, opening track Welcome Home was a perfect choice to open the album with. The album consists of thunderous drums, sharp guitar riffs and powerful vocals. My personal favourite track is Lights Out In London, it's very heartfelt and shows off the vocal ability from Aaron Buchanan perfectly. This album has a versatile selection of songs to suit your mood, from the acoustic ballad The Price To Pay to the heavy upbeat Fire Fire this album contains the whole package. What I also love about this new album is that it contains material from previous EPs such as The Long Goodbye and the epic anthem Executioner's Day that had been remastered completely. It works so well.

Overall a truly brilliant debut album from one of Britain's best rising rock bands that I shall be seeing live later on this evening (Sunday 10th Feb).

Stand out tracks:  Lights Out In London, Jump Back and Executioner's Day

For fans of  Guns 'N' Roses and Jettblack

Find Heaven's Basement on Facebook, Twitter and their official website

Top 10 Live shows of 2011: 5-1

Here is my top five live shows of 2011;

5. Jenna's Revenge @ The Joiners; Southampton 13/11/2011

This particular gig marked the long awaited return from Gosport hard rockers Jenna's Revenge; after Simon 'Sic' McLaren left the band in March this year it took the rest of Jenna's months to find a new vocalist. However Sic decided he missed Jenna's so much that he decided to make a return; me and best friend Becca were so excited for this that she made them a welcome back cake that I carried. Although note to self; think about transportation of the cake before hand. It was a fantastic show none the less; Sic's energetic stage antics, some classic rock and a very tasty cake made the evening perfect for the return of one of the southern coasts greatest rock bands. 

Find Jenna's Revenge on Facebook, Twitter and their official website

4. Alter Bridge, Black Stone Cherry and Theory Of A Deadman @ Wembley Arena; London 29/11/2011

Three of the greatest grunge bands from across the pond playing under one roof for one night was one of the greatest gigs I have seen this year; all three of them performed fantastic sets. Will have to try and get the DVD of that gig; so many cameras were there to capture one of the most anticipated gigs of 2011. Unfortunately I lost mine at that gig but I will still have the fantastic memories of being part of the crowd.

Find Alter Bridge on Facebook, Twitter and their official website
Find Black Stone Cherry on Facebook, Twitter and their official website
Find Theory Of A Deadman on Facebook, Twitter and their official website

3. Heaven's Basement and Jettblack @ The Talking Heads; Southampton 19/5/2011

This for me was definitely one of the most anticipating local gigs I had been waiting since I bought the ticket a few months in advance; two of my new favourite bands of last year coming together to co-headline a UK tour. The venue was packed full of Southampton's rockers young and old, the bands all performing fantastic live sets and the general atmosphere was incredible. I would certainly say this was one of the best gigs of 2011.

Find Heaven's Basement on Facebook, Twitter and their official website
Find Jettblack on Facebook

2. Turisas @ Southampton University 15/11/2011

It was incredibly tricky to choose a top two gigs but I have placed Turisas second place; it was such an incredible experience to become one with all the metal heads of Southampton that very evening and Turisas performed a fantastic live set that got the crowd pumping with excitement. Support acts Kiaus and Chtonic also performed well; possibly the best night of metal took place in Southampton and I enjoyed every second of it.

Find Turisas on Facebook, Twitter and their official website

1. The Treatment @ The Joiners; Southampton 11/12/2011

The Treatment's performance at The Joiners easily had to be my best live show of 2011; purely because their presence on stage was full of energy and passion, the atmosphere was exciting and interviewing them was one of the most amazing experiences of my music journalling so far. The Treatment certainly know how to please the crowd and they sound incredible live. They were all so friendly and they made me laugh; cannot wait to see them live again next year with Jettblack and Reckless Love.

Find The Treatment on Facebook

Here's to more fantastic live shows in the new year; there you have my top ten shows of 2011.

Heaven's Basement - Unbreakable EP

I took the liberty of buying Heaven's Basement's brand new EP at a recent mindblowing show in Southampton; I loved their last EP so I was really looking forward to listening to this one and must say I was highly impressed. Opening with the groundbraking Unbreakable sent chills down my spine; some of the songs on the brand new EP I recognised from the gig and from their Facebook page. Heaven's Basement newly recruited singer Aaron Buchanan did a great job on the vocal pipes; after watching his outstanding performance on Thursday I am very confident about the future for these London hard rockers. My personal favourites on the EP are The Long Goodbye and Leeches; they are both really upbeat songs and always put a smile on my face when I listen to them. I also recognised Close Encounters from their setlist and remember stamping my feet to the rhythm of the slick intro; I love the guitar riff in that song. I also loved the heartfelt Let Me Out Of Here, I think I remember swaying along to it at the gig with my best friend.

Overall a great second EP and hope to hear more soon. This EP is proof that Heaven's Basement still go strong.

Stand out tracks:  The Long Goodbye, Let Me Out Of Here and Leeches

Find Heaven's Basement on their official website, Facebook, MySpace and Twitter

Heaven's Basement and Jettblack @ The Talking Heads; Southampton 19/5/2011

Hello people; it has been a while since I have posted. I have two exams next week so revision has been keeping me busy, but I was glad to take a break from it all last night. In the form of a trip to The Talking Heads in Southampton with my best friend Becca to see two of my new favourite rock bands Heaven's Basement and Jettblack co-headline. I had been looking forward to this gig for quite some time and was so glad I was going to be watching it with the nicest bunch of people ever. 

First up to play were Bournemouth rockers Western Sand; I had written a post about them recently saying how I loved their bluesy rock sound and it was amazing how they bought that to life during their live performance. They impressed me highly; the incredibly catchy melodies were enough to put a smile on my face and get the energy flowing through the crowd to start off a fantastic night of rock. A lovely bunch of guys too; very down to earth, I could have spoken to them for hours.


Find Western Sand on Facebook and MySpace

Counterpoint were next to play that very evening, I had only heard a sample of their music. I have to say their set made me wish I had listened to them a bit more; they performed a fantastic show, their songs were awesome and I bought an EP at the end. So you may see a post about that soon; they had a grungy, bluesy sound that I liked very much. Oh I also want to say I really love the colour of this guitar in the picture to your left, Jay Bartlett has a great taste. 


Find Counterpoint on their official website, Facebook, MySpace and Twitter


The first headliners Heaven's Basement were next to play; I was looking forward to seeing them last night as their music is incredible. My excitement built up as the roadies performed sound checks, then this weird sound was heard and the chants were heard from all over the venue 'BASEMENT BASEMENT BASEMENT'. A curtain was pulled back to reveal the members of Heaven's Basement as they opened with title track of their new EP Unbreakable that got the crowd absolutely pumping; from this I knew Heaven's Basement were well underway. 
Lead vocalist Aaron Buchanan's and guitarist Sid Glover's stage techniques were definitely crowd pleasers, my personal favourites being Sid putting the guitar behind his neck and playing and Aaron making a pathway across the crowd before breaking into my personal favourite Executioner's Day. Aaron recently joined the band and I think he did extremely well; giving a studio like performance of songs such as Tear Your Heart Out and Can't Let Go. I bought their brand new EP; which I did listen to a bit of whilst cooking dinner today, I shall listen to the whole thing and tell you what I think. They were very lovely guys when I chatted to them afterwards. Hope they come back to Southampton and blow me away like they did last night.


Find Heaven's Basement on their official website, Facebook, MySpace and Twitter

Last but by no means least Jettblack; I have seen Jettblack before back in December at The Joiners and was highly impressed by how they bought a stadium like presence to such a small venue. I am extremely happy to say they did that last night at The Talking Heads; they had a different setlist to December starting with show-stopper Two Hot Girls, it was actually great opening song. This new setlist definitely kept me on my toes as it was quite exciting when you didn't what song would be next; they performed my favourites from their debut album Get Your Hands Dirty such as the title track, Sleep and Not Even Love. They also threw in some new songs from their upcoming album that I am looking forward to very muchly. Their encore was incredible; ending with the 80s anthem Dangerzone and the song Holding as requested by their fans.
Where the almighty mosh pyramid was created once again but unfortunately my camera was in my bag at the front away from where I was standing. Luckily pictures of that pyramid where taken; I shall get a picture of that one day. I can honestly say that Jettblack impressed me once again, I hope they stop by in Southampton again and I look forward to the new album.


Find Jettblack on Facebook and Twitter


Overall a fantastic evening with top quality sets from each band; their interaction with the crowds was fantastic. I also loved the atmosphere in the room; so much love in the room and that definitely makes all the difference. A good atmosphere equals a fantastic time.

Heaven's Basment preview

I am loving posting updates from bands I love and respect. London rockers Heaven's Basement have posted a video previewing songs from their brand new album and promoting their UK joint headline tour with Jettblack in May, one of the venues is Southampton's Talking Heads so you can guess I'm going....can't wait. Ever since hiring a new singer their sound is a little bit different to their previous stuff but I think the new sound is pretty cool. Here is the video.

For tour date info click here

Tuomaslotte's bands of 2010

Here's a post dedicated to the bands that have become my favourites this year, in no particular order here they are:

New Device:  This year a friend told me these guys were to support Bon Jovi at the O2 so she sent me their video for the song Takin Over, which I loved. I decided to download the album from Amazon; I had seen reviews about these guys saying they sounded like Guns 'N' Roses, Van Halen etc and I thought 'Wow great influences there'. The album was so so good, unfortunately I missed them at The O2 but I got to see them twice this year locally in Southampton and Portsmouth. They put on a fantastic live performance, lots of energy and passion behind it; also they are possibly one of the nicest bunch of guys you could ever meet. Looking forward to the new album guys. 

Jettblack:  I was in my looking for new bands to listen to mode and came across these guys. I think it was via the video for Two Hot Girls; it made me feel awesome, the song is energetic, sexy.....basically so darn good. This song is on their debut album Get Your Hands Dirty; which is one of my albums of 2010. Their live performance at The Joiners was just incredible; most of the songs sounded amazing live, most of their stage moves reminded me a lot of a stadium rock band and finishing with Dangerzone was definately a great suprise. They are also a lovely bunch when I met them at the bar afterwards.

Poets Of The Fall:  My friend Charlotte (a.k.a Marcolotte) sent me the song Lift by this band via Facebook; liked it so so much that I downloaded the song. I listen to this song at least a few times every day; I downloaded the rest of the album which was also incredible. Marko's voice is truly wonderful, his voice emphasises with the emotions in the songs very well. My favourites by this band are Dreaming Wide Awake, Lift, Illusion and Dream and Carnival Of Rust. Carnival Of Rust particularly since it has influenced me greatly with the story I am writing for part of my course at university. The video is very surreal and powerful like a lot of their other videos.
 

In Darklight:  I first saw these guys at The Soul Cellar with New Device; they were the first band to play and was entirely impressed. So impressed that I immediately signed their mailing list after the show and pre-ordered their debut album; loved the album as I've mentioned in previous posts. Also sparking up a great friendship with these guys too; we've kept in touch and I have been to more of their shows ever since. I have seen them four times in the past few months (no I don't want a medal :P) Hope to see more of them next year and looking forward to the new EP.

Heaven's Basement:  I decided to give Can't Let You Go a listen, which I loved a lot so I downloaded the rest of their EP. The songs that stood out for me were Fear Of Getting Off, Executioner's Day and Graduation; these particular songs were incredibly catchy. Bit like 80s metal songs you hear a lot. Unfortunately missed these guys at The Joiners due to the fact I found these guys way after that hopefully they'll do a UK tour next year.

Dommin:  If I'm right Dommin were the first of my 2010 findings back in late January early February and have been a favourite of 2010 ever since. I started to look for this band's music when I heard they were to support HIM on their UK tour; the first thing I do when I find out the support band. It's straight to YouTube, type the name of the band in the 'Search' box and you click on the first link. This particular first link lead me to My Heart Your Hands; the first enticingly haunting song I listened to by this band. With that in mind I found more and more of their songs, all of which I really loved. They put on such a spell bindingly brilliant live performance too, in my opinion they were a bit better than HIM but I'm glad I walked out of Bournemouth O2 Academy a Dommin fan that night. I also had the opportunity to meet them too; they didn't mind me coming over more than once. All such lovely guys; hope to see them in the new year.

Uniklubi:  Another band from Finland that have stood out to me this year, they sing in their native lannguage that does not stop me listening to them. I love the melodies these guys produce; they are very very versatile whether it'd be a mellow acoustic track such as Kukka or a hauntingly heavy track such as Huomenna. Finland's metal heads are also well known for being incredibly gourgeous; in my eyes anyway but of course it's not about the appearances it's about the beautiful music they write.


We Are The Fallen:  I am always interested when there is a female fronted metal band on the scene, I can't stress how big my respect is for female musicians. Considering the music industry particularly rock is usually male dominated so it's brilliant to see female faces in the picture. Anyways this band popped up on Dommin radio on Last.FM and loved the song that played; I think it was called St John, immediately downloaded the album from iTunes. Carly Smitheson's voice has more beauty than a priceless diamond sitting on a velvet cushion behind glass in a jewellery shop, it complements well with the heavy distorted guitars and in the softer tracks an elegant piano. Hope they travel across the pond to the UK sometime.

Dear Superstar:  I saw that these guys were to play a gig at The Joiners so I listened to Brothers In Blood; to be honest I didn't really like it at first but after hearing the track a few times it grew on me. Heartless is a great album; Brink Of Destruction, Signposts to Bedpost and Live, Love Lie were few of many tracks that I loved on that album. Like Heaven's Basement and New Device these guys were influenced by 80s rock giants and I could hear the same kind of melodic guitar riffs and easy on the ears vocals. Their energetic live performance will also be something that will stick out in my mind definately and lovely lovely guys. Hope to see them in the new year and look forward to the new album.