Black metal bands are plentiful but those that use the genre as an extension of expressing their own convictions and artistic aspirations without compromise or reliance on shock value are not quite so commonplace. One such band that both develops their sound and maintains a never wavering sense of determination is South American originating two piece band, Inquisition.
Sweden has churned out some exceptional metal bands amongst various genres that in some cases, really did set trends. For those into the traditional heavy metal sound with twin guitars, thematic vocals and thumping drum and bass power, Hammerfall certainly deliver the goods and have done so for around two decades, remaining sonically loyal to their ever growing fan base on each new release.
Guitar virtuosos are not unique however those who can write their own concertos, perform them and also make regular appearances at the top of guitarist polls for over three decades are extremely rare indeed. Swedish neoclassical guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen is one such rarity and may well be guilty of over the top theatrics as well as nearly endless improvisational explorations but his command of the instrument together with his great sense of melody is unquestionable to anyone with a musical ear.
Death metal has continued to change over decades and still has classic sounds that few can either imitate or replicate. Whether it is down to producers, studios or just songwriting techniques, it all depends on the talent driving it initially. Bloodbath is one such band given it consists of members of other established extreme metal bands using it as means to be more creative and pay homage to an old school sound.
Dream Theater – An Evening with Dream Theater Luna Park, Milsons Point NSWOctober 30th, 2014 American progressive metal band Dream Theater have a legion of loyal fans willing to undertake epic live performances that would require a packed lunch for the casual fan. Promising a three hour performance for an evening with the progressive heroes,
Supports: Cairo Knife Fight + High Tension Metro Theatre, Sydney NSWSaturday, October 25th, 2014 New Zealand band Shihad never disappoint on the live front. Their legacy of hard working, relentless touring and delivering no nonsense live shows is well known as is their bravery in documenting their rocky road in film. Their latest album FVEY
Not many bands are as immediately recognisable both sonically and visually as German industrial metal band Rammstein. Their reputation for over the top pyromania based live shows and pushing boundaries is well documented. But as with any collection of creatively successful people, individuals will naturally want to explore further opportunities for expression. So, it makes
Swedish melodic death metal band Arch Enemy have always done things their own way. Rising to prominence when powerful German singer Angela Gossow fronted the band, their melodic sound was able to compete in both the extreme metal scene and also crossover to a wider audience within metal circles, regularly providing them headlining status on the international touring circuit.
Achieving success independently is often bandied about by bands with bravado and untested optimism. To actually then do it well for decades whilst enduring the fickle nature of the music industry yet continuing to be both influential and remain a respected musical force is incredibly rare.
Supports: Dawn Heist + Graveyard Rockstars Manning Bar, Sydney NSWOctober 5, 2014 On a Sunday night during a long weekend with the NRL grand final drawing many around Sydney’s transport system, plenty of activity was going on. Also, it had been eleven years since Brazil’s metal legends Sepultura had been in town. Thus, a fairly