Release The Bats - Nighty Night EP

This band were recommended by drummer Matt Oliver from Jettblack and had been meaning to listen to their EP for a while. Finding some time in my busy uni life I bought it today; first off I have to say the name of the EP is brilliant, original and no other band has used it before. They give off a very dark vibe through their music and with it getting closer to Halloween I believe this music will fit in perfectly. I personally think these guys did a fantastic job with their debut EP, definitely gives us the jist of what this band are all about.

For fans of The 69 Eyes and Dommin

Tuomaslotte Rates:  TTTT

Find Release The Bats on Facebook and Twitter

Reckless Love - Animal Attraction

I had only heard about these glam metallers from Finland, also known as Reckless Love, just this year but I have really grown to love their catchy, upbeat feel good rock. Looking at their feathery hair, leather outfits and bandanas I can immediately see a modern day version of Poison. To be honest I wasn't sure what to expect on this album after the single Hot was released; I thought the whole album was going to sound a bit like that song. Opening with the song Animal Attraction was definitely a well thought out move on the bands part as it introduces the album perfectly and it gives you the jist of what the album is all about; this song is a personal favourite of mine on this album and I think I've played it for the fourth time today. I also like how the album doesn't sound too much like their first self titled album; not that I didn't like their first album it's great seeing a band experiment with different song layouts and structures. A fantastic example of this is the song Coconuts; such an original concept and the jungle like drums make me smile. I did not expect the sounds from elephants and monkeys on the song either; only Reckless Love. I also notice vocalist Olli Herman sounds very much like Jon Bon Jovi on this album, it makes me wonder how I missed that on their first album.

Overall a fantastic second album from the Finnish glam metallers; a feel good happy go lucky achievement and I think I could listen to this album over and over again!

Stand Out Tracks:  Animal Attraction, Fantasy and Coconuts

Tuomaslotte Rating:  TTTTT

Find Reckless Love on Facebook, Twitter and their official website

Evanescence - Evanescence

It has been a long time since American goth rockers Evanescence had made an appearance since The Open Door that was released back in 2006 I believe; when I heard the band were making a comeback this year I was astonished. I really love Amy Lee's beautifully haunting voice and the dark vibe Evanescence give off in their music. I wasn't sure what their new album was going to bring; having had some changes in the band line up over the past few years and not being particularly too fond of The Open Door. This album shows the growth of Evanescence; I really think this album may be one of their best so far along side Fallen that sold worldwide. The songs are magic to the ears; their single release What You Want is a fantastic opener, a bit different to what they have released in the past but I like it a lot. Evanescence are very well know for producing a versatile sound and that shines through on this album.

Overall a great comeback from Evanescence, possibly their best album to date; be sure to catch them on tour next month.

Stand out tracks:  What You Want ,The Change and Lost In Paradise

Tuomaslotte rate: TTTT

Find Evanescence on Facebook, Twitter and their official website

I also thought I would introduce a new Tuomaslotte rating system on the reviews; so here it is.

TTTTT = A masterpiece
TTTT   = Pretty amazing

TTT    = Average

TT    = Could be better

T   = Appalling

Black Veil Brides @ Southampton University 6/10/2011

Well after a long long summer my uni gig action began last night in the form of one of the most successful new rock bands today; they are all over Kerrang!, appeared on TV and Radio. I went to see in fact Black Veil Brides.

Getting there at around 8 with a friend we both people were still waiting to get in; hearing about others who had been waiting there since 4pm that afternoon goes to show how many hearts this band touches and it is lovely to see. So after waiting for ages unintentionally in the under 18s queue we got in and managed to catch the last two songs from My Passion's set. I had only caught the last few songs but I really liked how they engaged the crowd by their energetic stage presence and melodic music. I was surprised since I wasn't too fond of their new album but I may have to listen to them again. 

Find My Passion on Facebook, Twitter and their official website

Yashin were up next to play; had only heard their stuff briefly before but I was intrigued by what they had to offer. After watching their set I now have a new favourite band; I just loved how they interacted with the fans and their energy was incredible. Their cover of the Britney Spears song Everytime I was not expecting; I recognised the opening immediately and thought it sounded a bit better than the original. I met the guys afterwards and bought an album which you may see a review about on here soon.

Find Yashin on Facebook and Twitter

Headliners Black Veil Brides had only come into my life a few months ago; I loved their album Set The World On Fire and I think a few of their songs would definitely become stadium anthems one day. 'BLACK VEIL BRIDES! BLACK VEIL BRIDES!' were the chants you could hear all over the venue and they made a mysterious stage presence with lots of smoke. Opening with the song Love Isn't Always Fair got the crowd pumping and singing, from that I could tell Black Veil Brides were well under way. However after their song Set The World On Fire I felt quite uncomfortable; like I didn't belong where I was. The band were very energetic and showed a lot of passion in their performance but I couldn't really hear Andy's vocals a lot of the time, might have been the microphone I don't know and the atmosphere made me feel a bit out of place. So out of place I left early and that's a first for me. Very disappointed that happened but these things do, the show wasn't what I expecting. Although I did find their cover of Billy Idol's Rebel Yell rather good.

Find Black Veil Brides on Facebook and Twitter

Theory Of A Deadman - Bitch Came Back video

Hello everyone; it has been a while. I have finally moved to my new house for university and I am settling in well; I am much closer to the action in Southampton and it is such a relief. I found the link on my Facebook wall today promoting the brand new video from Theory Of A Deadman; it's for my personal favourite song off the album Bitch Came Back. I find the song incredibly amusing; I love how the lyrics describe how guys see the girls sometimes. The video I found to be hilarious since it shows in a comical way how far fans can go when their band does something that doesn't please them (i.e. posting negative comments on YouTube and hatemail) in this video this particular fan goes as far as killing the band. I like how the woman crosses of each band member on her arm when she kills each member and how lead singer Tyler finds body bags with his band members names on them. A perfect video to reflect the title of the song. You can watch the video now by clicking here.

Find Theory Of A Deadman on Facebook, Twitter and their official website

Van Canto - Break The Silence and New Nickelback

Well this is a first in Tuomaslotte's Music Journal history; two reviews in one post. I shall explain why; not only is Van Canto's new album out for release but today Nickelback have released two brand new tracks from their upcoming album that will be released November 21st. 

I'll first explain about acapella group's brand new album Break The Silence; it has a fantastic opening, very smooth sound that then transforms into a heavier vocals after Sly's roar. I have noticed a guest appearance from Sabaton's frontman Joakim Broden and coincidently covering the song Primo Victoria (originally by Sabaton) which I must say I love how they have made it sound like one of their own. If it isn't the front man of swedish power metal band then Sly does a great impression of his voice. One of the things I love about Van Canto is that they have a pagan sort of appearance that most of their original songs seem to reflect. Some of the songs on this album show this through songs like Black Wings Of Hate and Spelled In Waters; they both sound very different to each other but both of them remind of an enchanted forest setting and the first people.

A truly fantastic album; an varied collection of sound and melodies that make Van Canto stand out highly. Shame they won't be doing a UK tour anytime soon; I hope they do.

Stand Out Tracks:  Bed Of Nails, Spelled In Waters and The Seller Of Souls

Find Van Canto on Facebook, YouTube and their official website

Now Nickelback have been out of the limelight for a while; they are one of my favourite bands and when I heard about a new album from them this year I jumped in the air for joy (not literally of course). Today they released two new tracks from the album; listening to When We Stand Together and Bottom's Up for the first time I was not let down at all. When We Stand Together is a very happy go lucky song that will cheer you up when you feel like hiding from the world around you; it makes me smile. Bottom's Up shows the band's dark side; it's more rocky and grungy, sounding more like Something In Your Mouth or Never Again. One of the things I love about Nickelback is their versatile collection of songs and these two brand new songs that very different to each other prove this statement.

Here's my personal favourite out of the two; When We Stand Together.

Find Nickelback on Facebook, Twitter and their official website where you can listen to the tracks

Top 10 Live Shows of 2011: 10-6

I did go and see a lot of bands this year all over the south of England (mainly Southampton). Here is my first part of the top ten; click the title to read the full gig review.

10. In Darklight EP launch @ The Clapham Grand; London 19/8/2011

This was possibly the biggest event for Andover three piece alternative/experimental rock band In Darklight; I remember them telling this was their biggest venue they have played at so far and they did a fantastic job. Their new EP was being released too so I think this was a fantastic way to promote it; it was my first time visiting The Clapham Grand so it was a very exciting experience for me. 

Find In Darklight on Facebook, Twitter and their official website

9. Open Mic night @ The Royal Oak; Southampton 30/10/2011

This was a fantastic opportunity to see just in store what Southampton had to offer in terms of new talent; this particular day was fantastic since it was the first time I got to see this in action. Seeing new talent from the likes of acoustic four piece Simon Says with their happy go lucky tunes that make the world want to join together in song to some hilarious antics from hosts Neil and Mario dressed as two very good looking ladies The Royal has it all. It is described as the ultimate student local and I can definitely see why.

Find The Royal Oak on Facebook and their official website
Find Simon Says on Facebook and Twitter

8. Die So Fluid @ The Talking Heads; Southampton 5/3/2011

I will definitely describe this show as a night of industrial metal madness; I also became a fan of two new bands that really just blew me away. Dreams Divide providing something original and fresh, Killing For Company giving us something that is easy on the ears and Die So Fluid giving a show stopping performance as the headlining act. That night enforced my love for industrial metal.

Find Die So Fluid on Facebook and their official website

7. Daniel Leigh Solo @ The Cellar; Southampton 28/1/2011

Daniel Leigh's beautiful acoustic set was part of an Angry Badger showcase along with other great acts featuring Kodiak Jack and We Caught The Castle. This was the first time me watching Dan without his band New Device and it really emphasised his unique voice. It was also fantastic to hear some new material from him too.

Find Daniel Leigh on Facebook, Twitter and his official website



6. Sonata Arctica @ Sub89; Reading 24/3/2011

Sonata Arctica have been in my musical heart for about two years now ever since I listened to Finnish power metal; I really love how their lyrics are very poetic and they add some guitars to the mix to make a fantastic show. Their live performance showed their passion for their music and I love how they interacted with their fans. Performing a selection of songs from Replica to Flag In The Ground the Finnish metallers really know how to get a crowd going. I do hope to see them perform live again very soon.

Find Sonata Arctica on Facebook, Twitter and their official website

Well here is my first half of the top ten live shows; be sure to look out for the next half.