War paint, battle-axes,
mosh pits and metal could only mean one thing...Turisas fought and conquered
the last battle of their UK tour at Southampton’s Talking Heads.
Chicago metal heads Starkill got the final battle off to an
exhilarating start. Their highly infectious energy circulated around the venue
that I think encouraged massive audience participation. The musicians
themselves are incredibly talented and very passionate particularly guitarist
Tony Keathley; his originally slick solos and riffs were a crucial highlight of
their set. They were most certainly the right band to start off the night of
metal and I hope they come back to the UK very soon.
I had seen Finnish battle metallers Turisas a few years ago
when they played Southampton University and I remember being impressed with
their live show. Last night was no exception. Anticipation and excitement were
already travelling around the venue as the band entered onto the stage. Turisas
entered with such liveliness and drive, dramatically opening with Ten More Miles. There was a song on the
setlist for everyone last night; from the triumphal gallant RexRegi
Rebellis to the classic disco cover Rasputin
this eclectic setlist of songs went down very well with crowds at this sold
out show. Nothing was going to stop Turisas, even when either their impressive
stage smoke or the temperature in the room triggered the heat sensors twice and
like true warriors they battled on to make sure their fans got the best show.
Since this happened, my respect for the Finnish metallers has gone through the
roof.
The experience was truly enthralling; everything from the
general atmosphere of the venue to the fantastic music was just perfect. So far
the best live show of 2014.
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
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
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.
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.
Eccentric Finnish folk metallers Turisas brought and fought the battle with the metal heads of Southampton.
Getting myself ready to go to Southampton Univeristy that consisted of dressing in a black and red combo, covering my face with black and red facepaint. I can tell you the reason for this; I was getting ready to see Finnish folk metal band Turisas for the first time and their colours are black and red. As soon as I got to the venue I got kitted out in my Turisas t-shirt I had just bought and was ready to take part in the night of heavy metal that was to be sprung onto me.
First band to play were fellow Finnish metallers Kiuas; I had only heard them briefly and liked their sound so I was looking forward to see what they brought to the stage. They certainly were a great opening act for this night of metal; their charismatic stage prescence and passion was definitely a highlight for me. Kiuas are usually a five piece; their frontman was stuck in Finland so instead of cancelling their shows they carried on like true showmen and that was what I really admired about them. In the words of the very wise Freddie Mercury 'The show must go on'.
Taiwanese metallers Chtonic were up next to play; now not being the biggest fan of extreme metal I found these guys to be hypnotically incredible, bringing in oriental influences in the lyrics and music it gave Chtonic the mysteriously haunting vibe. It was amazing to see frontman Freddy Lim start to play a hena violin that arose a fantastic reaction; he also made a valid point that stuck with me for the rest of the night and that was no matter where you come from in the world that night was the night that metalheads unite together.
The build up to the entrance of headliners Turisas was unbelievable; all over the venue fans started the call and response anthem Battle Metal whilst awaiting for them to conquer the stage. All of a sudden the lights went down; an intro piece of music was heard on the speakers and as the band members made their way onto to the stage the cheers got louder. Opening up with The March Of The Varangian Guard and performing it to the utmost perfection I could tell Turisas were well under way. I loved how they performed a mixture of material from Holmguard and Beyond to my personal favourite, Hunting Pirates, from the new album Stand Up and Fight. The violin solo half way through the set was so beautifully performed; with soft drums and piano in the background it was lovely to have a little break from the heavy music for a couple of minutes. Ending with Boney M cover of Rasputin and show stopper Battle Metal those were a clear indication Turisas gave us [the fans] exactly the show we had been asking for. From start to finish Turisas showed so much intensity, charisma, energy and passion in their performance; it spread amongst their fans as they showed the same kind of dedication for the band. That night with Turisas was one of the most fantastic experiences of my life and it has to be one of the best live shows I have seen so far.
Well guys another year gone; it is now time to tell about my ten top albums that have really highlighted my year.
10. Black Veil Brides - Set The World On Fire
Despite their dissapointing live show in October I am going to give Hollywood rockers Black Veil Brides some credit for producing a fantastic album and starting a new revolution to music fans everywhere. I do love how the speak for outsiders in society and a lot of their music does very much speak to outsiders; it has a great mixture of songs such as the anthemic Fallen Angels and the heartfelt Saviour. Andy Biersack enticing vocals draws you in like a moth to the flame. You either love them or you hate them; either way their iconic Set The World On Fire has made it to number 10 of my albums of 2011.
Finnish glam rockers Reckless Love's second album has really worked wonders in my music findings this year; very much liking the fact they remind me of a modern day version Poison. Catchy songs and old school guitar riffs are what really pushed my buttons; following a successful debut I think Reckless Love really deliver here.
I love the whole concept of this album produced by Scottish pirate rockers Alestorm; they write and perform songs that are related to pirate related matters and that is what I love. Most of the songs have a special place in my heart such as Scrapin the Barrell and The Sunk'n Norwegian. I definitely hope to see and hear more from them when I see them live in the new year.
Eccentric Finnish metal heads Turisas have been a huge highlight of 2011 and this album is one of the reasons; I love their folk approach to metal and add an accordian and violin into the mix. My personal favourites on this album being The March of the Varangian Guard and Hunting Pirates this album really stood out for me this year. The key album that converted me to a Turisas fan for good.
6. Black Stone Cherry - Between The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea
To be honest; after hearing Blame It On The Boom Boom I was doubting what Black Stone Cherry's new album would sound like since I wasn't too keen on the song. However my hopes were lifted again after hearing the song White Trash Millionaire; the hopes were also confirmed. They still had their usual kick ass sound with catchy riffs and excellent vocal skills from Chris Robertson; a friend of mine mentioned the number of ballads on the album and I found he is right. Black Stone Cherry can produce a wide range of tunes and this album is proof.
Finnish battle metalheads Turisas, who made black and red facepaint look cool, released their fifth studio album Stand Up and Fight in the UK today so of course downloaded the pre-ordered copy from iTunes this morning to listen to on the train ride to university. I have to have beome a battle metal convert, I have never listened to anything like it before and I was amazed.
The March of the Varangian Guard - Having heard a snippet of this track on the trailer for this album I was deeply intriguied, I loved the dramatic orchestral work and choirs. This was definately a great opening for an outstanding album. 10/10
Take the Day! - This song started of with the same dramatic orchestral work, this song reminded me of Northern King's rendition of We Don't Need Another Hero. I also loved the growls in this song too, it could represent the battle cries. The bass rhythm is heard clearly too. 10/10
Hunting Pirates - This song may have just become a new favourite of mine; the piratey theme grabbed me here, I love the accordian and the piratey lyrics. The rhythm is very bouncy, memorable melody are the reasons this song just made me smile, I think this is the 6th time I have listened to this song today. It may just make it as Tuomaslotte's song of the week on Facebook. 10/10
Venetoil - Prasinoi - I really love the royal instrumental opening which then turns into a battle like situation. This often happens in epic fantasy films as it tells the story of a hero fighting a battle...I could be wrong but this is what I think, really liked it. 9/10
Stand Up and Fight - This song confused me slightly, the epic battle instrumental at the beginning which then leads to slow heartfelt singing. I loved the chourus in this song, making you feel part of an epic battle. 9/10
The Great Escape - The beginning of this song did at first remind me of Sweet classic Ballroom Blitz but then it turned all battly and was reassured. There is a very marchy rhythm to the song that I liked a lot, it's one of those songs that it would be impossible to sit still too. 10/10
Fear the Fear - This song was OK. Maybe the fact it was quite long put me off slightly, the vocalist sounds like Roy Khan here. Clear bass melody, I think this song may grow on me. 8/10
End of an Empire - I like the melody of this song, I think it marks the end of an epic battle that these crazy Finnish metal warriors fought and conquered. 9/10
The Bosphorus Freezes Over - A soft sad beginning of this track did touch me, it marks the aftermath of the battle. It shows a softer side to this band and I really liked this track. 10/10
Broadsword (Bonus track) - There is usually a hidden song from a band somewhere, on this album it is the bonus track. This song was pretty good, reminding of an adventurer on a quest with his mighty weapon the sword.
Overall this album is truly one sucessful battle that these metallers fought and conquered. Truly remarkable album and possibly the best one of 2011 so far. You can buy your copy now or it's availiable to listen to on MySpace.
Stand out tracks: The March of the Varangian Guard, Hunting Pirates and The Great Metal
Chicago metal heads Starkill got the final battle off to an
exhilarating start. Their highly infectious energy circulated around the venue
that I think encouraged massive audience participation. The musicians
themselves are incredibly talented and very passionate particularly guitarist
Tony Keathley; his originally slick solos and riffs were a crucial highlight of
their set. They were most certainly the right band to start off the night of
metal and I hope they come back to the UK very soon.
I had seen Finnish battle metallers Turisas a few years ago
when they played Southampton University and I remember being impressed with
their live show. Last night was no exception. Anticipation and excitement were
already travelling around the venue as the band entered onto the stage. Turisas
entered with such liveliness and drive, dramatically opening with Ten More Miles. There was a song on the
setlist for everyone last night; from the triumphal gallant Rex Regi
Rebellis to the classic disco cover Rasputin
this eclectic setlist of songs went down very well with crowds at this sold
out show. Nothing was going to stop Turisas, even when either their impressive
stage smoke or the temperature in the room triggered the heat sensors twice and
like true warriors they battled on to make sure their fans got the best show.
Since this happened, my respect for the Finnish metallers has gone through the
roof.
