To all of you: Thank You!

Today I received my A-Level results and have got into Staffordshire University to study Music Journalism and Broadcasting! I was told as part of applying that it would be advisable to start a blog, which obviously I did and you were all kind enough to look at it and support me. I am more than certain that without your support I would not have been accepted into University. I would like to thank you all so much for your support! I never imagined that i would have this amount of followers from all four corners of the globe! Thank You so much! I don't know how much of this I will be able to do at Uni but i will try my best to keep you all updated! Plus look out for me in the future on the airwaves or magazines haha back to being serious Thank you all so much!

Keep it Metal!

Peace

Charlie

Black Sabbath RETURN!

Heavy metal founders Black Sabbath are set to reunite and release a new album! Tony Iommi confirmed rumours that the band are to return stating that "We're really looking forward to it". The reunion will feature the original line up of Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler. Iommi and Osbourne have reportedly written new music during June for a new album to be released some time in 2012. The band also have plans to tour but depending on the condition of Bill Ward it is not yet certain whether he will continue to play.

More news as it comes!

In Waves - Trivium review!

So the wait is finally over! Its here! "In Waves" is the fifth studio album from Floridian metallers Trivium. This album has been long in the making and exciting in prospect with it being the first Trivium album to feature new drummer Nick Augusto. It has been said in many interviews with the band that Nick has revitalised the band and this album is proof of this exclamation.

Tension is built up through "Capsizing The Seas" an instrumental that leads directly into the title track "In Waves". "Inception of The End" is a must listen for any new Trivium fan as it incorporates everything the band stands for; huge melodic riffing and enormous break downs enough to get a circle pit going in your living room! The album goes from two extremes: brutally heavy on songs like "Dusk Dismantled" to hard rock on songs like "Of All These Yesterdays" and "Caustic Are The Ties That Bind" has elements of both of these! After the bands huge success on the "Ascendancy" album they wandered between different musical directions but with this line up change Augusto has brought back the flare and passion which is found on Ascendancy and has managed to keep some of the newer styles! New single "Built To Fall" is a prime example of this, it has a brilliant groove vibe as well as including some great harmonies. The album features meticulous guitar riffing from Corey Beaulieu and Matt Heafy who also fronts the band by singing and screaming as if his life depended on it. Paolo Gregoletto does his duty on the bass and as previously mentioned Nick Augusto pounds the drums!

In terms of production Colin Richardson and Martin "Ginge" Ford produced and mixed this audio assault. Everything is clear and pristine, just make sure you have a good set of speakers or headphones to enjoy it properly! The album is very diverse and there is something for every kind of metal head, if you are looking for one generic style then this is not for you. Just sit back and take in the atmosphere created by the album as it will take you on a ride and leave you feeling at the end of it "Wow where's the repeat button".

In Waves - Trivium 9/10

Iron Maiden 5+6th August 2011 Review

Wow where to start ... both nights were absolutely incredible, having seen Iron Maiden before i knew what to expect with visuals and top notch playing meaning their performance at these two shows in London would be incredible.

SUPPORT:

5th August: Dragonforce: DF hit the stage with a meagre crowd barely filling the first half of the O2. Give them their credit they put on a reasonable show but it was littered with mistakes, however it was a great opportunity for them to show off their new vocalist who did his best to get the crowd going. The set finished with the infamous "Through The Fire and The Flames" which got a warm response. Overall a decent performance from DF but, far too repetitive and irritating. 6/10

6th August: Trivium: Trying to do this review without being biased is very hard as i am very much a "Trivium fan boy" however bias aside the performance that they put on was incredible. Flying in from the States for Wacken Open Air and the O2 the day after then to rejoin the Mayhem tour back in the US for Tuesday 9th it was clear from meeting bassist Paolo earlier that they were all completely shattered! This was not the case when they took to the stage at the O2. Showing off new songs from "In Waves" (Out Now!!!), the band romped through their set playing classics (as well) such as "Pull Harder On The Strings Of Your Martyr" and "Like Light To The Flies". Trivium had a far bigger crowd than DF did the night before and their performance showed why, they were impeccable. Trivium are a band not to be missed if in your area so go and check them out! 9/10

Iron Maiden: The first night I was seated the second night I was at the barrier so I can give you both perspectives. Where I was sat you could see everything going on with out the need for screens so as the atmosphere built up during "Satelite 15" the crowd was on edge for the band to hit the stage and play "The Final Frontier"! As the crowd surged forward the band fed off their energy! Time flew by with hits like "2 Minutes To Midnight" and modern classic's such as "Dance of Death" and "The Wickerman". Visually the show was stunning a fantastic light show, awesome back drops and two appearances of Eddie. The shows slowed only for two brief moments while Bruce explained the tour and the dedication "Blood Brothers"to the victims of the Nowegian tragedy + to convert us all to Jedi. All in all the show was fantastic, the band were in harmony together and their unity reflected with a stunning performance! To end a tour like this only begs the question "Will they return?". Yes! Iron Maiden's gonna get all of you! 10/10