Opinion

A selection of photographs from the Argus/ Rabid Bitch Of The North/ Terminus gig in Belfast’s Voodoo     All photographs by Paul Verner from LIVE:i photographic agency www.livei.co.uk

I’m going to lay my cards on the table right from the off and state, with supreme confidence, that this was one of the best – if not THE best – live performances by a local band in front of a local crowd that I have seen, certainly in a …

I spoke to both Darkest Era guitarists shortly before they played The Garage in London as part of their UK tour supporting Gloryhammer.        

I spoke to Finnish metal band Battle Beast shortly before they played their first ever UK gig at the Underworld in Camden as part of their European tour with Powerwolf.  Hear what they had to say with the player below..              

Deep into their 36 date European tour, Finntroll decended on the UK.  Ahead of their show in Bilston, I spoke to Vreth and Tundra about their current tour and their upcoming North American tour, unexploded bombs, gas explosions and Finntroll on ice. Apologies for the sound quality towards the end …

Bilston…yes I wasn’t sure where it was either as I headed towards Wolverhampton on the train.  Only a short journey away from both Wolverhampton and Birmingham, Bilston has a gem of a venue that you just don’t get in London – and for us living in London, that’s a bad …

On the second night of their UK tour, Turisas headlined the O2 Academy in Islington, London.  Ahead of the show I spoke to Jussi Wickström and briefly Olli Vanska about the reaction to their new album, the recording process, living in London and what’s next for Turisas.         …

For the penultimate night of their sixteen date UK tour Zico Chain came to Sound Control, Manchester. The venue has different rooms and today’s gig was taking place on the ground floor. A smallish venue with, on the minus side, pesky pillars but on the plus side, a bit of …

It’s Friday night and I am heading down to the Oh Yeah Centre to see The Devil Wears Prada on their 8:18 album tour, featuring Napoleon and Dead Harts for support acts. I am looking forward to this show because it has such a great line up AND it’s a …

I spoke to Europe singer Joey Tempest ahead of the release next week of the band’s new live DVD release – Live at Sweden Rock: 30th Anniversary show. Planetmosh:  In June you headlined Sweden Rock festival in front of 30,000 fans.  That performance is now being released on CD and …

Belfast’s Voodoo has had some great nights of Metal since its opening and tonight’s line-up promised to dish out yet more metal mastery. Eventually after getting tuned, relatively new local band All The Kings Ashes opened proceedings with an energetic performance with all but the drummer spending some time in the …

Satan’s Hollow established as a rock club in 2000, but formerly a shipping Warehouse, was the chosen venue for Sister Sin’s opening gig of their UK tour October 2013. The dance floor, which is in the centre, doubles as a stage for gigs. I have seen bands play ‘in the …

There is a chill in the air in our nation’s capital on this grim Thursday evening. The first real signs that the Indian Summer is coming to a close are evident. How fitting that Children Of Bodom, the Warriors of the Northern Ice wastelands have arrived to break the necks …

Tonight’s gig – unbeknownst in advance – turned out to be something of a victory for live music here in Belfast.  Despite its history as the premier rock venue in the city, the Limelight (now with the suffix ‘2’ to signify the fact that it is the smaller of the …

Tonight’s gig at the Garage was headlined by Gloryhammer, with supports coming from Dendera and Darkest era (who have been the supports on the whole UK tour) plus a local support band, Death Valley Knights. Death Valley Knights opened the night with a very good set.  When a 4 band …

The Diamond Rock Club, buried deep in the County Antrim hills, seems to be the venue of choice for Glaswegian troupe Attica Rage to end up their tours, as this is the second such occasion they’ve chosen the best li’l rock club on the island of Ireland to host their …

Just one month after the release of their third album – Spirit, Finnish Glam Rock band Reckless Love came over to the UK for a 9 date UK tour. The opening night conveniently (for me) being at Manchester Academy 3. Support came in the form of Australian born Laura Wilde …

I recently caught up with 3 members from the band Attica Rage at The Classic Grand in Glasgow, before their performance for their 88mph tour. The band discuss the tour, festivals, trying to get a copy of their 88mph album around the world within 88 days amongst other things. Attica …

The wolf pack head out on their Wolfsnächte European tour, establishing their dominant position within the power metal genre. Tonight is their only UK date at the famous Underworld venue in London. German band Majesty kicked the night off. Manowar style metal can be a bit cheesy (ok very cheesy at …

Tonight was a night I was really looking forward to. For Scottish grunge rock/metal band Afterlife showcasing new songs from their forthcoming debut album “Omega“. It would also be a night I was looking forward to see support act Christie Connor-Vernal perform with her new band, and not on her …