We're Making a Comeback...

Or at least trying to anyway. And what better way to make a comeback than to post about bands who've made comebacks...

Bullet For My Valentine

2015 has been a roller coaster year for Bullet. Original bassist Jay James left, being replaced with Jamie Mathias (vocals/guitar for Revoker). August saw the release of fifth studio album 'Venom,' followed by the on going European tour. Venom is not so much of a reinvention of the band, more of a evolved return to the beginning. It's safe to say that Bullet is back. 

While critics slammed previous album 'Temper Temper' I personally don't see the problem they have with it. Fair enough it is far from being their best work, but it's not completely shit. 'Venom' has taken them back to the highest level though, reaching number 3 in the UK charts making it their highest (Poison - 21, Scream, Aim, Fire - 5, Fever - 5 and Temper Temper - 11) chart position. The aforementioned tour was epic. Gone are the arean venues previously sold out by Bullet, in favour of smaller (and often neglected) venues. I was in attendence at the Aberdeen Music Hall gig, and it was amazing. And can we please take a moment to appreciate how hot Matt Tuck has got?

Venom is out now via RCA.

Bullet For My Valentine is currently touring Europe and will be hitting the US next year.

EP 'Live From Kingston' is available free now on GooglePlay.

Aiden

Anyone that has read my blog before (and if you haven't I feel like you should) will know I love Aiden, and I love William Control. For those who haven't (most of the population), I love Aiden and William Control.... Now that we've cleared that one up, let's talk about Aiden. With the exception of front man Wil Francis (William Control) all the original members have left. Jake Wombold in 2008, Jake Davidson in 2011, Angel Ibarra in 2012 and finally Nick Wiggins at some point during Aiden's hiatus. In 2013 Aiden finally announced a final album. So really, not only is this a comeback for the band, it is the final farewell. Wil Francis auctioned off various band memorabilia to fund the project (yes I bought something..) and is making the album available for free to download. A limited run of pysical cd's was released, which is no longer available (again yes I pre-ordered this....). As of right now the new line up is touring the US, aptly titled 'The Last Sunrise Tour,' which fingers crossed will be hitting the UK sometime soon. I've already told my gig buddy that we are going, regardless of whether he wants to or not.....

Download 'Aiden' from October 30th 2015.

Also, follow Wil Francis on Twitter and Instagram, 'cause his post are great. And gives an amazing insight and behind the scenes of his music. And just 'cause he's amazing and hot as hell...

Escape The Fate

I am aware it has only been two years since ETF's last album, but I feel like with Ungrateful coming out on Friday, and a post about comebacks they deserve a wee mention. They have made the ultimate comeback, from Ronnie Radke being locked up, they came back as strong as ever with a new vocalist. Again, I'm aware I've posted about this before, read the whole story here, and I feel like the line up changes is going to be an on going saga for the band. But at least they've buried the hatchet with Radke and his band Falling In Reverse. You never know, they might just say fuck it and all join together for a huge super group one day. Stranger things have happened.... Anyone listened to Hollywood Vampires yet?!

Hate Me is released on the 30th October 2015 via Eleven Seven Records. (I'm eagerly awaiting my pre-ordered copy. Yes I am that person.)

Ahead of the release date the full album is available to stream from Kerrang!'s website right now (I'm resisting temptation and waiting for the CD, cause I am that person.)

Escape The Fate are touring Europe at the start of next year. (So Fucking Excited!)

I've Done You Favours That You Don't Even Know - New Music

I love discovering new bands to listen to and obsess over. Let's be fair who doesn't? These are my latest discoveries that have been stuck on repeat.

1. Seven Circle Sunrise

I found Seven Circle Sunrise through Spotify. Regardless of peoples opinion on Spotify and it's effect on the music industry it has become another platform for bands to get their music out there to be discovered by new fans, and it is one that has allowed me to find, listen to and fall in love with a plethora of new bands. With a somewhat unique combination of grungey feels and metaly riffs, Seven Circle Sunrise are a must listen to. The closest comparison I can think of for them would be to Seether, but really they are pretty individual. Their album, "Beauty In Being Alone" was written by Veno Xavier about his troubled upbringing, and the personal emotion can be heard in every lyric. It's hard to pick a favourite from the album, every song has got me hooked. Go find them on Spotify or YouTube or buy the album in iTunes.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/scsrock

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sevencirclesunrise

Website: http://venoville.wix.com/sevencirclesunrise

2. Memories of a Melody

Another Spotify find, Memories of a Melody (MOAM) are a hard rock/metal combinations that you need to sit up and listen too. They have the potential to make it all the way, and be the next biggest name in rock music. Seriously. They've already played shows headlined by the likes of Guns 'n' Roses (not that they even matter any more in my opinion but that doesn't really matter right now). The intro to song "Break Away" reminds me a lot of the intro to Bullet for my Valentines hit "Tears Don't Fall," before going off to be it's own song. One that has become a fast favourite song. It speaks out to everyone who's gone through a break up, lost friends over situations, "I won't be the one to break, won't be the one to save you, From all of your mistakes and so I break away." Go find them on Spotify or buy the album. You will not regret it.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/memoryofamelody

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/memoryofamelody

Website: http://memoryofamelody.com/

3. Falling With Style

Falling With Style isn't that recent of a discovery of mine, but every time I listen to them it feels like the first time all over again. The name caught my eye on Twitter and I decided to check them out. For anyone who has been living under a rock for the last 20 years "falling with style" is the famous line uttered by Woody to Buzz in the Disney film "Toy Story" But aside from the epic name, Falling With Style are a band not to be missed. "Hold Your Hope" is an addictive track that I could literally spend the whole day listening to on repeat. This something I have actually done. The five track EP, "This Hell You Call Home," is brilliant from to start to finish, and I am eagerly waiting the release of "Lost and Found" at the end of this month. If the two songs already released on their YouTube channel are anything to go by then it'll be a huge one. Falling With Style are touring the UK right, and although I am gutted I can't make the Dundee gig tomorrow I am sure it'll be one worth not missing.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fwsofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fallingwithstyleband/timeline

Hanging Over From Another Good Time - Papa Roach @ Barrowlands, Glasgow

Words literally can not describe how amazing Papa Roach were on Saturday night. The set list was brilliant, the crowd was decent and the atmosphere was just something else. I may be biased seen as how I am pretty obsessed with the band but fuck me, it was just something else.

The whole night was just incredible, from the opening of "Face Everything and Rise", to the encore featuring "Last Resort", "Scars" and "...To Be Loved." And since I feel like if I keep attempting to use actual words it will just end up being a repeat of "Papa Roach are amazing," and "they are so beautiful," or "I am in love with Jacoby Shaddix," I will stop talking and just post some pictures, some I took at the gig (I am a shit photographer and these pictures show this) and some from Papa Roach's social media. 

Jacoby with a Scotland flag

How beautiful is he....

I feel like it is blatantly obvious which photo's I took and which ones are from social media. But how beautiful is the whole band? It is obvious from their live performances and from the content on their social media they are so grateful and appreciative of their fans. And the Scottish flag Jacoby was carrying about and the Celtic football top (which may have pissed off some people) shows just how much love they have.

So thanks for one of the best nights of my life, can't wait for the next time!

All Apologies

"What else should I be, all apologies. What else could I say, everyone is gay. What else could I write, I don't have the right. What else should I be, all apologies."

It has been far too long again. Four months is a long time. It might actually only be three month, I'm not great with anything to do with numbers and counting. I wish I had a genuine excuse for not blogging, but really I don't. December was caught up in the dreaded hospitality rush, along with too many drunken nights to de stress. January and February have been just as brutal with how short staffed my work is right now. And then there was the virus on my laptop, but it's finally fixed, I should (hopefully, fingers crossed) have slightly more time away from work and I can get back into the swing of things. I wish I could have a regular update schedule, or any kind of regularity in my life, but unfortunately I can't. So bare with me, if anyone is even still reading my random ramblings and rants.

I have a couple of posts in mind to write, some of which might be a bit out of date now. The first will hopefully be up tonight if I don't have too late a finish from work, if not it will be up tomorrow.

So see you soon!

All In The Mind

I've posted about Welsh band Red Room Therapy before. I sill think that they are fucking brilliant, I still think they have the talent to go somewhere, and I still think if they get the right exposure they will be the next big thing.

A couple week ago I was lucky enough to get a message from them on Twitter, I had been selected for a give away, then got an email, they were sending out a limited edition copy of their first single 'All In The Mind,' ahead of their album being release. Thank guys :)

                                

Début album, also titled 'All In The Mind' is great. It is well worth a listen to any one look fro some decent music. 'Cold, Pt. 2' has fast become one of my favourites, they guitar riffs are catchy, and the drawn out vocals are top notch. It reminds me a lot of another band and I can't quite put my finger on who, which will probably annoy the hell out of me for the rest of the day.

Of course previously released songs 'All In The Mind,' and 'Sailing Stone,' respectively open and close the album. Sailing Stone is a chilled out no stress song that will be stuck with you for days. All In The Mind, the title track, amps you up from the start, and leaves you desperate for more of the album.

'Leave Me Alone' is the perfect song for every teenagers angst, or just anyone who is pissed off at work... 'Leave me the fuck alone..' 

All in all the album is fantastic, expecially for an unsigned band who've done it all themselves. Well done lads!

'All In The Mind' is available on Spotify now. Go check it out, you will not be disappointed.

Back In Black (And White Stripes...)

AC/DC drummer (former drummer?) Phil Rudd will be wearing the black and white stripes soon if the recent allegations against him are proved to be true. Rudd joined the legendary band in 1975, before leaving in '83, with the band stating 'personal problems' and conflict with rhythm guitarist and founding member Malcolm Young, who tragically has also had to leave the band in recent months. However Rudd rejoined the band in 1993, and has been with them until the recent legal troubles he faces.

On November 5th Rudd was arrested and charged with attempting to procure murder (ie hire a hit man...) threatening to kill the arresting officers and possession of methamphetamine and cannabis. Rudd has previously been convicted for drug offences in 2010, however the charges were dropped so he could still tour with AC/DC. Although the procuring murder charge has been dropped for there not being enough evidence I highly doubt he'll get off with it so easily this time. Rudd faces up to 7 years in prison if he gets found guilty.

But let's be fair, when it comes to rock stars, or famous people in general, they don't exactly get the prison sentences they normally deserve... Stay tuned for my next post on rock star arrests.

The only statement the rest of AC/DC have released so far is via their Facebook page, "We've only become aware of Phil's arrest as the news was breaking. We have no further comment. Phil’s absence will not affect the release of our new album Rock or Bust and upcoming tour next year." And with the release of the new video for 'Play Ball,' the first single to be released from up coming 17th studio album 'Rock or Bust,' where Rudd has been replaced with drummer Bob Richards. Nothing has been confirmed by the either AC/DC or any other involved party as to whether Rudd is out for good, but it's looking likely.

'Rock or Bust' is released 2nd December 2014.
Rudd is due in court over the allegations November 27th.

All Aboard....

I have mixed opinions on MTV. What started as a major boost to the music industry has now  become a commercialised home for the drivel of pop music that plagues us now. And has gave the world crap reality TV that was otherwise unnecessary. No one needs to watch 16 years olds who've been knocked up FYI. 

But congrats MTV, with Sundays EMA's you've done something right. Black Sabbath frontman, and all around fucking legend Ozzy Osbourne was honoured with the Global Icon award. A very well deserved award for a man who has dedicated his debauchee life to music. The Prince of Darkness has sold over 100 million albums, both with Sabbath and with his solo stuff, the man is a living, breathing rock god. And can still give it shit live! Seeing Sabbath at Hyde Park in July is one of the highlights of my life, and I'd highly recommend any who gets the opportunity to go see them to seize it. I know I will. 

And with Ozzy's Global Icon award it was only fitting to have a tribute to him. Long time friend and past collaborator, and an icon in his own right, Slash performed Ozzy's 1980 hit "Crazy Train" with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators and Biffy Cylro frontman Simon Neil. And of course the performance was no Ozzy Osbourne, but no one can be, it was brilliant. And of course in true Biffy style Simon Neil performed topless, which is always a bonus. Because who doesn't want to see hot half naked rockstars?!

http://www.mtv.co.uk/slash/videos/crazy-train-slash-ft-myles-kennedy-the-consiprators-plus-simon-from-biffy-clyro-live-2014-mtv-ema#!/play/slash/videos/crazy-train-slash-ft-myles-kennedy-the-consiprators-plus-simon-from-biffy-clyro-live-2014-mtv-ema