Louise Swift

I first went to a gig in 1981, Gillan at Leeds University. I've been a regular gig goer ever since. I haven't kept count of how many gigs I've been to over the intervening years, but it's a lot! My favourite bands are AC/DC then, in no particular order, Anti-Nowhere League, Slaughter and the Dogs, Towers of London and Dirt Box Disco. I tend to like Glam/Punk and rude offensive lyrics, not sure what that says about me but as Animal would say 'So What!' The question was recently put to me - did I write for any online publications? My reply - No, but I'd like to! Planetmosh was suggested and I found myself offering to review Aces High Festival. Easy peasy I thought! Well not quite, if a jobs worth doing it's worth doing well! I had sixteen bands to research. I found I actually enjoyed that and it kept me too busy to be making lunatic comments on Facebook! ;) Then I felt a bit inadequately qualified. I mean, who am I to comment on others, when my musical expertise extends to being able to play a mean Greensleeves on the recorder and a passable Annie's song on the flute! Haven't picked up either instrument for years! What I do have, however, is over 30 years of experience as a gig goer, so I can comment on what I like and what I don't! It's only my opinion and, if I don't like a band it doesn't mean they are bad, just not to my own liking. I admire anyone who has the guts to get up on that stage and have a go!

Vintage Trouble – 1 Hopeful Road

Los Angeles based blues rock band Vintage Trouble have just been out on tour as special guests to AC/DC see our review of the Dublin, Belfast and London shows here. They have also opened for other big names such as The Who and Paloma Faith. Their second album 1 Hopeful Rd. is due to be …

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Venom and Behemoth Announced for Bloodstock 2016

Venom and Behemoth Announced for Bloodstock 2016 As the sun comes down on BLOODSTOCK’s most successful year to date, the independent metal festival is excited to announce the first confirmed bands for 2016, which will take place 11th – 14th August at Catton Park, Derbyshire. In a UK festival exclusive, …

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Rich Robinson Announces Intimate Acoustic Tour Sept / Oct 2015

Rich Robinson Announces Intimate Acoustic Tour Sept / Oct 2015 ‘A lyrically spiritual, musically earthy balance of electric-blues bravado, psychedelic-country exploration and almost courtly vocal cool.’ – Rolling Stone Rich Robinson has just announced an intimate and (mostly) acoustic tour around the UK this September & October. Better known as …

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Biters: New album ‘Electric Blood’ out now worldwide

‘Electric Blood’, the brand new album from Atlanta rock ‘n’ roll punks BITERS, is out now worldwide on CD, vinyl and digital platforms. Described by Kerrang! magazine as “The best new rock ‘n’ roll band on the planet!”, BITERS bring an edginess back to today’s sterile, sanitised music scene which …

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Behemoth Announced to Play Bloodstock 2016

Behemoth Announced to Play Bloodstock 2016 Just announced on Bloodstock Festival’s Facebook page here “BEHEMOTH! Announced as 2016 special guests, playing ‘The Satanist’ in full. 2016 Early Bird tix available online from 9am Mon 10th Aug at www.bloodstock.uk.com” See the video announcement on Metal Hammer’s YouTube Channel below:- Behemoth are …

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Revocation Launches “The Blackest Reaches” Lyric Video

Revocation Launches “The Blackest Reaches” Lyric Video Revocation launches “The Blackest Reaches” lyric videoHeadline tour begins in one month!Revocation continue their series of lyric videos with fellow guitarist and director/animator Nick Hipa. The latest, “The Blackest Reaches“, is live now at metalblade.com/revocation. The previously released lyric videos, “Scorched Earth Policy,” “Madness Opus” …

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Nitrovolt – Dirty Wings

German Speed Rockers Nitrovolt released their third album Dirty Wings via Mausoleum Records earlier this year. Formed in 2004 by vocalist Tom “Voltage” Krämer and bass player Luciano “Louis” Vanini, they started out as a three piece called ‘Hi Octane Rockers’ with Micha on drums completing the threesome. In 2009 long …

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Demolition Train – Unleash The Hordes

Described as ‘Dirty Speed/Thrash Metal with Rock & Roll and NWOBHM influences’ Demolition Train formed in Athens Greece in 2009, making their first live appearance in 2010. They released their first EP ‘Kill Your Boss’ in 2011. When Vasilis and Michalis had to leave the band for a while, Witchkiller …

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Steve ‘N’ Seagulls Confirm UK Tour Dates for October 2015

Steve ‘N’ Seagulls Confirm UK Tour Dates for October 2015 Steve ‘N’ Seagulls have confirmed ‘The Seagull Has Landed’ UK tour for October following their sold out tour May UK tour.    Steve ’N’ Seagulls exclaimed their “Last UK tour was a blast. We were thrilled by the audience every night. It  over-exceeded our expectations. Next time …

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Iron Bastards Unleash Brand New Songs from ‘Boogie Woogie Violence’

Iron Bastards Unleash Brand New Songs from ‘Boogie Woogie Violence’ Too Fast Too Furious A few days after having unveiled the artwork of their debut full-length album, called ‘Boogie Woogie Violence’ and coming out on 11th September 2015 through BLACK’N’PURPLE Records (Evas Kiss Anger…). French Fast Rock’n’roll power trio Iron Bastards unleashed two audio extracts …

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Meltdown Release Début Album ‘Boobs are for Heroes’

Meltdown Release Début Full-Length Album ‘Boobs are for Heroes’ “Riffs as religion. Boobs as obsession. Cervical destruction. For a world domination !” -Four knights of sound. 4-piece metal band from Lausanne, Switzerland, Meltdown has just released its début full-length album called “Boobs are for Heroes”. On CD right now in local stores. In …

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Chris Norman Returns with New Album ‘Crossover’

Chris Norman returns with New Album – Crossover 40 years after launching his successful career with his former band Smokie, Chris Norman returns with a brand-new solo album: Covering an incredibly wide range of influences, genres and styles, Crossover will be released on September 18th 2015 through Solo Sound Records …

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Saxon Releases Official “Battering Ram” Music Video

Saxon Releases Official “Battering Ram” Music Video On October 16, 2015, legendary British heavy metal quintet SAXON will release their 21st studio album, Battering Ram, in North America via UDR Music. The new album boasts a clinically ‘heavy’ echo of SAXON’s glorious NWOBHM sound! Check out the official “Battering Ram” …

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