Phil Allely Reviews

Sheamus Talks Title matches at Mania

2012-02-03T02:18:00.001-08:00

2012 WWE Royal Rumble winner Sheamus spoke with Sky Sports in the UK this week. Sheamus says he will reveal which title he challenges for after the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. Here are some highlights:

The Royal Rumble is one of the most prestigious events in professional wrestling. How did it feel to throw Chris Jericho over the top rope and win the match?

SHEAMUS: To be honest with you, when Jericho hit the deck I can't really explain how I felt. This is something I've wanted my entire life, it's a dream of mine that I've had ever since I was a kid and it still hasn't really sunk in. There were a lot of emotions running through me.

Everyone wants to know who you'll be facing at WrestleMania. Can you give us a clue?

SHEAMUS: Ha! Not a chance. There's no way I'm letting that one out of the bag. I've got plenty of time between now and WrestleMania to decide which title I want to go after. There's also a huge pay-per-view coming up called the Elimination Chamber and both Daniel Bryan and CM Punk are going to be in there with their titles. They may not be champions by the time WrestleMania rolls around, so I'm going to wait and see. Take it to the wire and keep everyone guessing. That's another thing that will make me happy.

Which belt holds more prestige in your eyes, the World Heavyweight Championship or the WWE Championship?

SHEAMUS: To be honest with you, I think both titles are huge. The World Heavyweight Championship holds the prestige that goes back to the days of people like Ric Flair and the WWE Championship is something special and I've held that twice. To hold either Championship would be a huge honour for me and a huge achievement and, to be honest with you, I've no preference between one and the other. To me there is no second-class championship and both of them are equal. Both have prestige, both have a wealth of legends behind them. I know you're asking me the question to try and get me to tell you which title I'm going after, but I'm not telling you! I'm not giving anything away!

Terminator Star coming to Belfast

2012-02-03T02:13:00.000-08:00

Terminator Star coming to Belfast
By Phil Allely

Award-Winning Actor Michael Biehn (Terminator, Aliens) will attend a special event at Movie House Dublin Road.
The Heroes and Legends Premiere event will be held on Friday, 17th February and will include a screening of The Victim and a q&a session with the actor and his wife Jennifer Blanc Biehn (Bad Ass, Dark Angel) who also stars in the movie.
The event kicks off the Heroes & Legends Convention which includes all aspects of Sci-Fi & Fantasy, from Star Wars, Star Trek and Lord of the Ring to Spiderman, Ghostbusters and Doctor Who.
“Jennifer and I are really looking forward to meeting fans in Belfast. The Heroes & Legends Convention looks set to be a huge event and it’s fantastic that we can get the party started with a screening of our new film.”
The Victim is about good time girls Annie (Jennifer Blanc) and Mary (Danielle Harris) who find themselves in a life and death situation. Annie’s life is put in jeopardy when she is witness to a violent act at the hands of two Sheriff’s Deputies. Fleeing from attackers (Ryan Honey, Denny Kirkwood), she stumbles across Kyle (Michael Biehn), a recluse living in the middle of the woods.
The ruggedly handsome loner stays far from civilization – that is – until a single knock on his door throws his solitary life into chaos. Two worlds collide in this psychological thriller that will make you question your trust in mankind. Who is the victim?
The red carpet will be rolled out at Movie House Dublin Road to welcome Michael and Jennifer to Belfast.
“It’s great to have a bit of Hollywood glamour in Belfast and to hear Michael and Jennifer talk about their movie careers,” said Michael McAdam, Movie House Managing Director.

To find out more about this event go to www.moviehouse.co.uk or www.heroesandlegendscon.com

CD Single Review: Atom Eye - Trilogy 120 Part 1

2012-02-02T04:06:00.001-08:00

CD Single Review: Atom Eye - ‘Trilogy 120 Part 1’
By Phil Allely

London purveyors of quirky noir-ish tunes Phantom have been a bewitching collective to monitor over recent years, fans of their particular brand of music will be pleased to hear that there are some distinct links between their work and this new release.

Atom Eye is a new solo project by Phantom front woman Elsie Martins and it is a remarkable adventure into the realms of experimental music. Genuinely offbeat and out there at times Atom Eye’s first part of their Trilogy offers up a view into Martins’ own musical landscape of sound art style structure.

Trilogy Part 1 is not simply a standalone piece (as it will weave itself into the overall sound of all three pieces when they are released to create a whole musical entity/vision), but it does have its own style and substance (influenced in part by guest percussionist Pete Lockett), the dark and rich elements of experimentation combined with analogue tapes, looping and reel-to-reel systems all work to build up the vision of a musical adventure, that has style and creativity in abundance.

Atom Eye’s works are a great introduction into a musical genre that whilst specialist in its nature, can be a fun one to explore. This offering from Miss Martins may just tick all of the boxes in letting new listeners gain access to the world of experimental music. The fact that these singles will be free to download make it all the more reason to give them a shot.

Part I will be released on La Nausee Records on 6th February 2012. Part II and III of the Trilogy 120 EP will be released on 12th March and 30th April respectively. They will be available as free download singles from Atom Eye’s official website.

CD Review - Nitrogods

2012-02-01T15:30:00.000-08:00

CD Review: Nitrogods – Nitrogods
By Phil Allely
Ever wondered what you do when you have been going through there motions work wise and have that feeling that you are not getting what you want from your chosen profession anymore? Well this trio of veteran German rockers did just that, they took things into their own hands and opted to make the kind of music they enjoy and want to listen to, rather than the sort that felt they had to.
Nitrogods was born from that very notion, the band , members may not be household names across the globe, but they do have the necessary skills and experience to justify such a leap of faith as this self-title CD.
Singer/bassist Oimel Larcher’s growling vocals shine through each track here, from the hard and heavy efforts to tamer middle of the road fare, he never fails to deliver the goods. Band mates Henny Wolter and Klaus Sperling round of the outfit perfectly, each bringing the desired level of commitment and this new and exciting project deserves.
Nitrogods are taking a gamble here with their unrestricted approach to song writing. However the twelve tracks here are a testimony to the way in which this lyrically sound and well-honed unit write, perform and work together.
If you like you music loud, honest, dirty, aggressive and with just a touch of melancholy then this is right up your street.
Nitrogods is released on February 27 2012 in Europe and February 24 2012 in their native Germany, a US/Canada release date is TBC.
Released via Steamhammer/SPV
www.spv.de
www.nitrogods.de

EMI’S ‘NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL MUSIC!’ SERIES OPENS TRADEMARK DISPUTE WITH STEAMPUNK BAND THE MEN THE WILL NOT BE BLAMED FOR NOTHING!

2012-01-30T02:05:00.001-08:00

EMI’S ‘NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL MUSIC!’ SERIES OPENS TRADEMARK DISPUTE WITH STEAMPUNK BAND THE MEN THE WILL NOT BE BLAMED FOR NOTHING!
Friday afternoon saw London steampunks THE MEN THAT WILL NOT BE BLAMED FOR NOTHING accused of trademark infringement by the people behind the ‘Now That’s What I Call Music!’ series of chart compilations.

With disputed debut album ‘Now That’s What I Call Steampunk! Volume 1’ being released back in 2010., trademark owners EMI have been somewhat slow to catch-up to the time-travelling neo-Victorian band‘s antics. Now that they’re on the case however, the disputable arbiters of all things current ‘n’ cutting edge in contemporary music have called on the meddlesome merchants of (18)77 punk rock to take action immediately.

Given just three working days to either change the album’s name or face legal action the band, who are fronted by ‘occult comedian’ seen on the stages of Download, Sonisphere etc Andrew O’Neill, have spent the weekend canvassing their fans for alternative titles. After sifting through suggestions spanning the sublime to ridiculous, they have now picked a winner.

The record formerly known as ‘Now That’s What I Call Steampunk! Volume 1’ will be made available on iTunes et al again later this week, and also go to a second CD pressing, under new title ‘THE STEAMPUNK ALBUM THAT CANNOT BE NAMED FOR LEGAL REASONS’. In the meantime, there are less than 50 copies of the original CD remaining, for fans to snap up while they can!

The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing also due release the follow-up to their debut on March 12th via Leather Apron records. It seems fairly safe to assume that no other great mind could come up with the title; ‘THIS MAY BE THE REASON WHY THE MEN THAT WILL NOT BE BLAMED FOR NOTHING CANNOT BE KILLED BY CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS’.

www.facebook.com/blamedfornothing / www.myspace.com/blamedfornothing

EP Review: Rebels By Nature - Blood & Whiskey

2012-01-24T19:19:00.001-08:00

EP Review: Rebels By Nature – Blood & Whiskey
By Phil Allely
It’s nice sometimes to stumble upon a band you have always wanted to see and hear and yet due to circumstances beyond your control you have missed. For this reviewer Northern Irish rockers Rebels By Nature were one such band until not so long ago.
These guys (and girl) were on my radar (since they hooked up in 2007), but I was never in the right place at the right time to see what everyone else was raving about. Fortunately I resolved that recently and picked up a copy of the band’s debut EP along the way too.
This debut EP Blood & Whiskey (single malt edition) is a very good stab at giving us the listener an insight into a typical short set from this energetic five-piece rock act. The good news a live set will feature these songs and much more in the same vein.
Rebels By Nature are a dirty, raw and adulterated rock act, taking the basic influence of the genre and spinning it in their own fun and inventive direction.
The four evenly balanced tracks on offer her in this release are fun and reasonably well delivered ones (the band recorded, mixed and produced the EP). Each one has a unique feel, tone and style, portraying the bands persona well indeed.
Blood & Whiskey features the trademark raspy rock vocals of lead man Phil, which wouldn’t work as well without the solid guitar backing and formidable rhythm section which this act possesses. This CD shows RBN as a band who can perform fast/hard rock as easy as they can ballad style tunes.
If you are lucky enough to see this collective live you’ll appreciate just why they deserve more credit than they receive at present, hopefully 2012 will be the year RBN push themselves into the fore as much as their fans want to.
4 out of 5
www.rebelsbynature.co.uk

EP Review: Voodoo Dogg - Strictly Business

2012-01-24T17:55:00.000-08:00

EP Review: Voodoo Dogg – Strictly Business
By Phil Allely

Up and coming band Voodoo Dogg are a young quartet of die hard rock fans hailing from Northern Ireland, they obviously enjoy the genre they perform (as evident when seen live), they work hard at honing their craft and they play hard also. This debut EP highlights just how far this regularly gigging collective have progressed since their formation in early 2011.
Strictly Business is a nice introduction to the hard and heavy rock influenced style on offer when you see the Dogg’s play live. The groups’ emphasis on solid drum beats, lead guitar solos, rhythm section and evenly pitched vocals, pigeon holes them nicely as a band that fit into most rock gig bills with ease. This perhaps explains why they are gaining a well-deserved reputation as a go-to live act and have subsequently snared themselves a much wanted slot as part of the support to former Iron Maiden singer and Wolfsbane front man Blaze Bayley for his upcoming gig in Dublin.
The five tracks here on this debut release are on average lengthy affairs (four minutes plus in general) which in their course allow each band member to strut their stuff. There may some slight sound issues here, but overall this is far overshadowed by the talent and enthusiasm on display, and the sound they produce.
Voodoo Dogg will hopefully continue in their pursuit of the rock and roll dream for a considerable length of time and we will soon be seeing an album review here to accompany this EP one.
Watch out for these guys on a gig bill near you and if there are any left why not grab yourself a copy of the Strictly Business EP too.
3 and ½ out of 5
www.voodoodogguk.weebly.com
facebook voodoodogg

CD Review: Inferno - The Lion's Den

2012-01-18T17:12:00.000-08:00

CD Review: Inferno – Welcome to the Lion’s Den
By Phil Allely
One thing I enjoy about freelance reviewing is that I can not only pick and choose who or what I review, but I can also make a trip to a gig and pick up a cd that this fine website (TBFM) will allow myself to review. This is a great way for not only me and potentially our DJs, but you the loyal listener/reader to get to know about the existence of band outside of our usual realms of interest, geographical area or preferred genre.
This past October (whilst hooking up with the TBFM crew) at the Highway to Hell competition I was able to catch my first live set from young welsh rockers Inferno and I was suitably impressed. On this occasion the trio were on fine form and their performance on the night netted them a spot at the 2012 Hammerfest festival.
This CD was very smartly distributed around a few key people during the gig and what a nice PR move that was. There was no hard sell needed, we had all seen the band rock the joint and impress the judges on hand too.
So what can you expect from Welcome to the Lion’s Den? Well this is a god honest collection of no-nonsense rock influenced tracks. There are no hidden agendas here, there guys offer up a series of unadulterated and honest songs, each one taking an honest approach to the rock genre. Lyrically these all work well, sound wise we have no real issues to speak of and the end product disc is a damn fine snapshot of what you’ll get an Inferno Live show.
Opening salvo The Lion’s Den is a great introduction to the band’s sound and this ten track album utilises that starting point as a perfectly placed centrepiece to their style, sound and musical ability. For a young band on the rise this is a great CD for them to shop around and to peddle at live events. Keep an eye on these guys.
4 out of 5
WWW.infernoband.co.uk

CD Review: Vintage Trouble – The Bomb Shelter Sessions (Limited Edition)

2012-01-16T16:35:00.001-08:00

CD Review: Vintage Trouble – The Bomb Shelter Sessions (Limited Edition)
By Phil Allely
Award-winning Los Angeles blues and rock’n’roll inspired band Vintage Trouble have a nice vintage 60s sound that perfectly suits singer Ty Taylor’s vocal range. This first album from the enthusiastic outfit acts as a double edge sword for them though, whilst it perfectly encapsulates his voice, the music, the driven guitar work and rhythm section of the group, it does too highlight the undeniable fact that this is a band best savoured live. That’s not to say the works on offer here are sub-standard, they are far from it and they are enjoyable to listen too.
Lead track ‘Blues Hand Me Down’ is a nice opener sets the pace well for the rest of the disc. Vintage Trouble’s style of songwriting offers up a nice mix of infectious lyrics, gospel-influenced tones and an overall feeling of fun and confidence in their work. Two highlights for this reviewer are the smooth sounding ‘Gracefully’ and the politically charged ‘Not Alright By Me’, both of which make Taylor work hard and they showcase just what this group can achieve if they really want to.
The Bomb Shelter Sessions may not push the genre as far as we know Vintage Trouble could do, it does however offer up ten decent to superb tracks of inspired rock’n’roll tunes.
The bonus disc included in this Limited Edition release highlights exactly what I mean by saying these guys are better live. Of the five unreleased songs features two of them are live recordings and they sound very good indeed when compared to their studio based brethren.
www.vintagetrouble.com
3 and a half out of 5 stars.

Gig Review: Voodoo Dogg, Rebels By Nature, Cross Eyed Mary, Maddie Mew

2012-01-16T14:59:00.000-08:00

Gig Review: Voodoo Dogg, Rebels By Nature, Cross Eyed Mary, Maddie Mew
Saturday January 14th 2012 @ Ma Nelsons, Belfast

By Phil Allely

It can be a gamble to promote gigs post-Christmas, when everyone’s strapped for cash and awaiting that first pay packet of the year. However the promoter of this gig (Chris Shaw) did his homework and put together such a strong line-up for this early (6pm-9pm) show that he pretty much guaranteed himself a healthy mid-January rock crowd.
Ma’s Rock and Sport bar in Belfast is fast-becoming a mecca for up and coming NI rock talent in need of somewhere to showcase their wares. The fact its owners love the genre and appreciate the need to encourage young/new and established bands in equal measures helps of course.
Young singer/songwriter Maddie Mew was up first with an acoustic set, the growing crowd on hand enjoying her performance thoroughly. This is a girl who definitely improves and hones her act with each performance.
Next on stage were the tight as ever unit of Cross Eyed Mary, with frontman Kevin on fine form as always they showcased their laid back fusion of sleaze, metal and blues influenced rock with a blistering set. I for one can’t wait to get my hands on CEM’s eagerly anticipated CD.
Penultimate act Rebels By Nature are an exciting band to witness live. They hit the ground running with their dirty rock sound and the five-piece act strive to outdo everyone else on the bill. Singer Phill even took things off the stage and into the enthused crowd on a few occasions, head banging along with fans mid song. The entire band relished the opportunity to fire off a salvo of hard-hitting tunes including those from their well-received Blood & Whiskey EP.
Headliners Voodoo Dogg (featuring promoter Chris on drums) had a tough act to follow, but pulled it off with ease. Initially formed in early 2011 and gigging hard around Ireland since, Ma’s however is a venue close to this bands heart and one that they obviously enjoy playing in. With recent EP Strictly Business forming the core of their set Voodo Dogg put forth a nice classic rock style set with blues and heavy influences.
Voodoo Dogg plus guests was an energetic and enthusiastic evening of rock, the bands worked well together sound wise and having an acoustic act start proceedings made the build up all the sweeter too.
Voodoo Dogg http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002476231730
Rebels By Nature http://www.facebook.com/#!/rebelsbynature
Cross Eyed Mary http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=10000199419778
Maddie Mew http://www.facebook.com/#!/PONCES.PANTSS
Ma Nelsons http://www.facebook.com/#!/masrockbar

CD Review: The Decline of Western Civilisation Part II

2012-01-08T10:12:00.001-08:00

CD Review: The Decline of Western Civilisation Part II
By Phil Allely
Director Penelope Spheeris’ documentary about the Los Angeles heavy metal scene during 1986-1988 may not be a very well know one, but it is the chapter of her Decline of Western Civilisation trilogy that rock fans will savour the most.
Whilst the film itself featured concert footage and interviews with the likes of Motorhead, Aerosmith, Kiss, Ozzy Osbourne, Megadeth, Alice Cooper and WASP amongst other leaders of the genre at the time. It is the soundtrack being reviewed here that many will enjoy even more.
Over these ten tracks (featuring a mix of live and studio recordings) we get some damn fine songs. Opening track Under My Wheels features Alice Cooper on lead vocals, which is exciting enough, but when you factor in guest spots by Axl Rose, Slash and Izzy (of Gus N Roses fame) it certainly ups that a tad to a must hear one. Throw in the wonderfully eccentric Lizzy Borden tackling rock classic Born to be Wild and you have something special indeed.
Padding out the soundtrack and making it an essential purchase are Motorhead (Cradle to the Grave), Faster Pussycat (The Bathroom Wall), Armoured Saint (You Can Run But You Can’t Hide), Megadeth (In My Darkest Hour), Queensryche (The Prophecy), Metal Church (The Brave), Rigor Mortis (Foaming at the Mouth) and Seduce (Colleen).
The Decline of Modern Civilisation Part II is a CD that is worth tracking down for various reasons, it offers up a nice highlight reel of the boom period for heavy metal (mid-late 1980s), it also features a number of tracks that you’ll not find on other CD compilations and last but not least it showcases the fact that even twenty plus years down the line heavy metal is still as appealing and important now as it was then.

CD Review: Psycho Kiss - Monkeying Around

2012-01-08T09:45:00.001-08:00

CD Review: Psycho Kiss – Monkeying Around
By Phil Allely
They always say don’t judge a book by its cover, in the music industry that can be adapted to don’t judge a band by its name. Psycho Kiss may sound like an all-out heavy metal style outfit, but when you look at their album cover (and song titles) for Monkeying Around you start to see the underlying humour that this popular South Wales four-piece bring to their music.
Psycho Kiss are a nicely balanced collective, their particular classic rock sound is one that takes in every aspect of the genre. Vocalist Helen has a range that can easily adapt to softer ballad styles and yet seamlessly has the ability to burst into some pretty heavy lyrics. The rest of the band work well together to assist her, bass(Jason ) and lead guitar (Paul) building the songs nicely to allow Helen the space to do her thing. Drummer Penfold is perhaps the key here as he thunders his way through the ten tracks on offer. I’m assured new bassist Marv has settled in well, so don’t fear any sound issues when you see these guys live.
For a debut release Monkeying Around is a good tool to showcase this well-practiced band, they have already garnered plenty of radio airplay and some high profile gigs (including 2011’s Highway to Hell 2). As a front woman Helen ticks all the lead singer/rock chick boxes, she’s energetic, feisty and alluring in her approach, which is a remarkable feat and one that lives shows attest to.
One underlying feature of the Psycho Kiss repertoire is the aforementioned sense of humour they interject into their lyrics and performance. This is a band who are most certainly there to entertain the crowd/listener, but they also haven’t lost the ability to enjoy themselves too (something some bands neglect when they hit the studio/stage). I for one really enjoyed this release and welcomed the way each song told a story, roll on its follow up.
3.5 out of 5

CD Review : Black Stone Cherry - Between the Devil & the Deep Blue Sea

2012-01-05T17:18:00.001-08:00

CD Review: Black Stone Cherry – Between The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea
By Phil Allely
With their chart-bothering hit song White Trash Millionaire rocking venues across the globe, US rockers Black Stone Cherry’s latest album Between The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea is a real treat for those who think of the band as a one-hit wonder.
Hailing from Edmonton, Kentucky this quartet perform at levels that defy their young age. Having witnessed them live this reviewer cannot find fault with the enthusiasm and professionalism these guys possess.
The fact that they are more than happy to pass on their good fortune to support bands and other up and comers also takes acts like this even higher in your estimations. (as an example BSC not only gave Northern Irish rockers Trucker Diablo a high profile spot as their support act during their last UK/Ireland tour, but also a band member decided to plug that very band by sporting a tee shirt at this year’s hard Rock Hell Festival, a few free high profile PR moments I am sure you will agree)
Between the Devil & The Deep Blue Sea is a damn fine release and even though BSC have been together since 2001 this is the album that has finally got them to the big time. This is rock at its best, from the moment opening track White Trash Millionaire kicks off you know that this is a CD that will be rarely off your IPod playlist or CD player.
Watch out for equally as intense and invigorating songs Like I Roll and Blame it on the Boom Boom too. This Roadrunner Records release offers up twelve tracks of top notch US rock, with a gritty edge and well- written lyrics.
4 out of 5
www.blackstonecherry.com

CD Review: Baleful Creed - Buried Beneath

2012-01-04T18:26:00.001-08:00

CD Review: Baleful Creed – Buried Beneath

By Phil Allely

Hailing from Northern Ireland Baleful Creed are a classic rock influenced four-piece that also take a nod at the stoner rock section of the genre.

With a growing number of well-received gigs and guest spots under their belts Baleful Creed are now finding themselves in what is undoubtedly their zone musically.

So to the matter at hand what does Buried Beneath offer us?

This five track release by the hard-working outfit (founded by John Allen & Fin Finlay) acts as a perfect introduction to the boys Southern Rock influenced double guitar –based doom tinged sound. Each track taking a slightly different tack, yet remaining a distinct part of Baleful Creed’s own persona/style.

It’s easy to see why this outfit are rapidly gaining momentum in their career when you listen to each track.
This CD salvo offers up a very reasonable highlight reel of the band at that time (recent offerings have shown them to grow even more as a unit, something for another review I think).
Here we get to see the stoner rock roots, the classic rock influenced guitar hooks and of course there is the fist-punching attitude, which along with those twin guitars, let Baleful Creed strut their collective stuff very well indeed.

Buried Beneath is a great introduction to a band with an awful lot to offer the world of rock. They take their art seriously, adapting and working on their sound as they grow.

I’m sure they’d be a welcome addition to the TBFM playlist somewhere down the line too.

3 & 3/4 out of 5

www.myspace.com/balefulcreed

Live Show Review: Ireland Maiden, Stormzone @ The Limelight, Belfast, December 28th 2011.

2012-01-04T03:46:00.001-08:00

Live Show Review: Ireland Maiden, Stormzone @ The Limelight, Belfast, December 28th 2011.
By Phil Allely

Now I for one love tribute bands and often have found them to be better than the original bands they try to emulate. The reason for this of course is that these acts have honed their performances to be the best as they can at portraying another series of characters and their music style/mannerisms. Whereas the real McCoy often have evolved beyond that era and perhaps even lost some of their live performance lustre.
Whilst it is nice to see our heroes in action, a tribute band is usually the next best thing. They are also somewhat easier on the pocket.
It is not often we reviewers cover shows by such bands, but every so often one comes along that you simply need to put pen to paper about. The support act on offer here also helped with this decision.
So what did a night headlined by an Irish Iron maiden tribute have in store for the lively post-Christmas Northern Irish crowd?
Kicking things off and bookending the live performances were classic rock DJs The Rev and Monk (I’ll not dwell too much on this rocking set or three, as I am The Rev in question and don’t want to sound too one-sided in my review). Suffice to say they kept things moving along in between/after the bands and warmed things up nicely before Stormzone hit the stage to kick things off.
Stormzone are Northern Irish metallers of the highest order, their popularity has seen them take to the stage across the UK and Europe, taking in festivals such as Firefest, Sweden Rock and Lorca Rock amongst others. Not bad for a band formed in 2005 by lead singer John ‘Harv’ Harbinson with only three Albums under their belts.
Harv and his fellow NI natives’ rollercoaster ride through their back catalogue was an intense and fun introduction to one of the country’s finest live bands currently active.
Check out their upcoming latest album ‘Zero to Rage’ (available via SPV/Steamhammer) if you can.
Headliners Ireland Maiden had an awful lot to deliver to best their support act. Fortunately the Irish lads did just that in this their NI debut. Showing great enthusiasm, showmanship and well-rehearsed guitar licks the guys were indeed a nice snapshot of classic maiden of old. Their 90 minute plus set took in every era of ‘The Iron’s’ career to date.
This was a superb debut up North for a band that has been actively gigging their way around the Republic of Ireland and grown in stature and confidence since their 2007/208/08 formation. Surely a UK tour and maybe further afield will be on their horizon in 2012.
Why not visit www.irelandmaiden.com for more information on upcoming gigs etc.

CD Review: Tric - Rock Road

2012-01-02T19:12:00.001-08:00

If there’s one thing you can guarantee in the wide world of rock music it is the fact that someone somewhere will try their best to form a band that they feel emulates a musical hero of theirs. Of course most of these bands never even get to the live performance stage of procedures, often grinding to a halt at the small practice studio or bedroom stage (if not that point where they hear a family member belittle them and they leave their guitar to gather dust for decades, or is that just me?). Fortunately many others do make the grade and end up not only mimicking their rock gods, but proceeding to create their own path in the music world.

One such young band are Belfast based trio Tric. They have a sound that gives you an idea of their musical influences within the first chorus. From the off this six track EP offers forth hints of classic AC/DC, vintage Thin Lizzy and some throwbacks to such classics as Free and Rush.

I for one love the sound of Tric and enjoy their energetic sound, enthusiastic style and uber confidence whilst on stage and off. But the quality of the sound on this EP will hamper this for the casual fan, who has yet to see them in action live. Which is such a shame because if you see them live these guys are as charismatic as anyone else you will see on stage and they also can back that up with talent too.

That (sound issue) is one minor chink in some pretty strong armour though. The Tric boys are certainly a very well-oiled machine. Frontman Dale Hunter (also lead guitar) has a nice stage presence and plays the crowd well, keeping things rattling at a fair old pace throughout each and every tune. This CD features probably Tric’s best songs to date, each one featuring a mix of infectious rock sounds that you’d expect from a group with this background.

Overall the only thing against this release is its sound quality, which when pumped up to eleven (as it should be) does let it down. If you can overcome this then you have a nice little CD on your hands.

On the up and coming bands front his is an act that will grow and grow if given the chance. Maybe we’ll see them progress from NI-based shows to the UK mainland too.

Tric’s ‘Rock Road’ gets a three out of five (if its sound had have been better it was hitting a 3 ½-4

CD Review: Motley Crue - Greatest Hits

2012-01-02T17:51:00.001-08:00

CD Review: Motley Crue Greatest Hits

By Phil Allely

Motley Crue are one of a few elite bands that have rarely if ever gone out of fashion, their music appeals to every breed of rock fan and like their UK counterparts Def Leppard, the Crue boys have done their bit for strip clubs across the globe too (for which we all are very thankful). Crue of course gave us all time classic Girls, Girls, Girls (whilst Shefield’s finest offered up Pour Some Sugar On Me) and as this collective release attests many other timeless rock classics.
This 19 track CD and DVD set is perhaps the best introduction to messr’s Sixx, Neil, Lee and Mars as you will get. Taken from each section of their career, this is a nice way to follow the bands history, you can almost smell the drug/girls laden mayhem and yet you still feel all that the success brought with it also.
The main CD here gives a very broad overview of the boys output since their 1980s debut, taking in such legendary tracks as Smokin’ In the Boys Room, Wild Side, Dr. Feelgood and others alongside some more recent offerings and a few retro classics.
As a bonus this set features a DVD of footage from the very successful Cruefest 1 event held in 2008. This DVD is by far one of the best extras I have seen on a recent mainstream CD release and is a welcome addition to this set. If you have never been fortunate enough to see this band in action this is your chance.
Motley Crue are currently riding high in fans minds (not that they have ever been too far away to be honest), their recent UK tour with Def Leppard and Steel Panther has shown that this is a band with a huge amount to still offer. Live show reviews have been favourable and those rumours of a Crue split seem ill-founded, odds are that the UK and maybe even Ireland will see the boys strut their stuff on these shores very soon indeed.
Until then however, thankfully we have this new CD/DVD set (which is available in other formats too), to savour and indulge our inner rock child with.
4 and a half out of 5
www.motley.com

DVD Review: The Steve Austin Collection

2012-01-01T11:16:00.000-08:00

Pro wrestling legend Steve Austin has made a very impressive mark on the movie/TV industry and has forged himself a nice career in it since he hung up his wrestling boots.
This triple disc boxset is a very good introduction to Austin's movie output and a testament to his acting prowess.
With his recent return to WWE TV and a wonderful performance as host of the wrestling company's Tough Enough TV show it is now highly likely that Austin will work between his acting committments and his big screen ones.

Stone Cold as he is most well known in wrestling circles is one of the few fomer grapplers that has done well for himself outside of the ring. I have even had the priviledge of interviewing him on multiple occasions and found him to be a very nice man indeed.

The films on offer here include Austin's breakthrough hit The Stranger, a bu the numbers action romp, Hunt to Kill (featuring Eric Roberts) which heads down a more rugged ass-kicking route and the feel-good tale Born to Fight, which sees Austin strut his acting chops to the best of his ability.

With huge hit action flick The Expendables under his belt Austin's career is now going to the next level, he can indeed pick and choose his films, he can also jump genres too.

This boxset is a great way to introduce yourself to Steve Austin the actor and you know what you will be very pleasently pleased too.

The Steve Austin Collection is on release now from all good retailers.

Payola CD Review Optimism Will Destroy Me

2011-12-22T17:18:00.000-08:00

CD Review: Pay*ola – Optimism Will Destroy Me
By Phil Allely

Having already reviewed this Northern Irish rock bands recent live shows I thought perhaps I’d do something no other journalist has done for this hard working quartet and let Pay*ola see someone review their recent album ‘Optimism Will Destroy Me’ instead of a live show once again.
This is Pay*ola’s second venture into album land and it perhaps showcases their particular brand of rock music better than its predecessors (both album and EPs) could.

It’s hard to fault this ten track assault on the senses, which collects tracks from previous EP releases and includes a few new tracks too. Optimism does indeed highlight just how good a unit some local (yes I’ll say it again) veteran acts can be. These guys are like so many across the UK, they know what they do, they do it well and we the fans know exactly what to expect from their live shows and CDs. Which is why we make the effort to attend their gigs and gig them our support, whether they like it or not.

With a sound as equally in the realms of the mighty AC/DC or such luminaries as you can think of, this is a band that skirt that fine line between hard rock and metal and they do it with ease.

Front man Philip McCarroll is every bit as happy belting out his atypical raspy vocals as he is performing (Michael Monroe style) mic stand related stances and stunts. Both of which he does with gusto and with an enthusiasm that many bands neglect.
Of the tracks on offer here stand-outs to this reviewer are CD opener ‘Blindside’, the lyrically catchy ‘Everybody Talks’, the fun ‘77 Miles’ and the awesome live ‘The Colour Red’ .
If this intrigues you and you want to learn more or grab a CD and why not visit www.payolarock.com

4 out of 5

CD Review: The Amorettes - Haulin' Ass

2011-12-13T16:46:00.001-08:00

CD Review - The Amorettes : Haulin’ Ass
By Phil Allely
Girls in rock bands are always a welcome sight to see. The majority of rock fans may be male (although that may be debatable when you factor in the male/female breakdown at some of 2011’s rock festivals) but that doesn’t mean the vast proportion of guys don’t want to see a rock chick strutting herself on stage.
The Amorette’s are a feisty all-female three-piece rock band based in Scotland that they certainly tick all of the boxes when it comes to not only their lives shows, but their recorded work. Debut album Haulin’ Ass is a nice ten track trip through the bands psyche (I.E. these are fun loving young ladies with rock in their hearts and it shows in their musical output). Since their formation in 2009 The Amorette’s, Gillian, Hannah and Heather have gigged their way around the UK and played support spots for such luminaries as W.A.S.P. and LA Guns, their recent spots at Highway to Hell in Glasgow and Hard Rock Hell in Wales haven’t harmed their street cred either.
So what can you expect from this lively band’s debut release? These songs are perfectly formed short bursts of enthusiastic rock, each one hitting the spot nicely. It of course also helps that the girls are a highly approachable trio, having seen them live twice so far I know they love meeting their fans, signing CDs (assuming they haven’t sold out, which also shows the popularity of this act) and they set the stage alight when they kick of their sets.
Haulin’ Ass is a perfect CD for classic rock fans (old and new, it traipses the always tricky light to heavy border with ease), it should also be noted that the publication bearing that monicker (Classic Rock) has already given it an 8 out of 10 score. The songs presented are well-paced affairs, each one makes its mark and the recording quality doesn’t let them down at all.
Yes I may be a loyal fan, but I must admit it’s hard to fault this opening salvo from The Amorette’s.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
www.theamorettes.co.uk

Savage Outlaw - EP Review

2011-12-08T16:46:00.001-08:00

EP Review – Savage Outlaw
By Phil Allely
Us entertainment reviewers are lucky guys and girls you know, after all we quite often get to attend gigs for free, we receive countless promo CDs and merchandise items, and if we are very lucky we even get to meet some of our heroes along the way.
Whilst these perks of the job are indeed nice ones to get, I myself enjoy the fact that this job allows me the opportunity to help musicians, promoters and individuals pursue their dreams.
That is why I respect artist’s music whether it is in a genre I enjoy or not. Sometimes those things we fear we’ll dislike can be surprise hits. However I digress slightly, the other thing I like to see are bands who grab the bull by horn and track individuals like myself down to peddle their wares.
One such band are the UK’s own Savage Outlaw. They may be already well on their to bigger and better things after receiving the nod to become a part of 2012’s Hammerfest festival, but they still wish to raise their profile with a review on TotalBiker FM’s website and since they made all the effort to track me down I can’t let that go unmentioned.
Hailing from the North West of the England this five-piece hard rock outfit have been working their way up the bill across the land for a while now and in timely fashion they seem set to reap what they have sown. With some pretty impressive gigs under their belts this year already, the Hammerfest gig will surely see Savage Outlaw’s popularity and demand grow.
This five track EP showcases the classic rock influenced ensembles perfectly, highlighting their catchy and guitar heavy sound. Each track has a nice energetic vibe to it, with a lyrically sound vocal to accompany the well strung together hooks and beats that one would expect form a heavy-type rock act these days.
Of the songs presented the readily available for download Twisted Romeo is perhaps the standout one, balancing perfectly the creativity, enthusiasm and solid performance that this up and coming band possess.
4 out of 5

Steel Panther - Balls Out CD Review

2011-12-08T16:41:00.001-08:00

CD Review – Steel Panther: Balls Out
By Phil Allely
Second albums are tough for most bands at the best of times, they are the ones where you either prove you are not a one hit wonder and surpass yourself, or you begin that slow slide down the slippery slope to obscurity and inevitable reality TV career rebirth.
Steel Panther are a quarter that many thought were a one-time deal, their initial assault on the music scene was met with mixed reception (in some more hardcore rock areas), but they overcame that to become an act offering a wonderful step back in time to a place in sleaze rock that many of us long to revisit.
Balls Out is perhaps the perfect way to bounce back and show that the cheeky four-some are not one of those fly-by-night groups we see each and every year.
The thing most people liked about the SP debut (Feel The Steel) was its openness to approach sexual innuendo and other equally off centre references full on, the music sounded like vintage Crue, Jovi, Leppard et al and it worked so well. I for one have DJ’d panther tracks and had people singing along like they were normal run of the mill tunes. Which is the wonderful thing about this band, they may be a homage/pastiche to a genre that we long to return to (if secretly), but they are also all talented and dedicated musicians.
Steel Panther know exactly what they are and in this day and age that is something very special indeed. The fact that the boys are currently on tour with their heroes Motley Crue and Def Leppard goes to show the kind of respect the industry is paying to these guys.
Balls Out is a no-nonsense, raunchy and short song assault on the sense that it will become a guilty pleasure for even the most hardened rock fan. Let’s hope the guys UK tour in 2012 gets extended and we all get to relive the era we all secretly love.
4 out of 5

Hard Rock Hell V - Rock Festival Review

2011-12-05T14:37:00.000-08:00

Hard Rock Hell – Village of the Damned (Rock Festival Review) Dec 1-3 2011.
By Phil Allely
Don’t let the name of this music festival fool you, Hard Rock Hell is quite simply a three day homage to the genre of rock that takes place in early December and it is nothing like hell to experience. Now in its fifth year HRH is firmly entrenched in its base at Pontins Holiday Camp in Prestatyn, Wales (also the setting for its heavier sibling Hammerfest). The setting is ideal as everything is under one roof and the chalets are perfect homes for the more cultured rock fan who wishes to forgo the usual festival sleeping arrangements of tents and dodgy facilities. This year thousands of like-minded souls descended on Pontins to hear some of the best new and veteran rock acts to ever grace a stage. With headliner (former Kiss guitarist) Ace Frehley forced to cancel at late notice it was interesting to see how the crowds took the news, as expected they simply accepted the situation and lapped up such performers as Michael Monroe, The Quireboys, Girlschool, Black Stone Cherry, Lizzy Borden, Magnum and even a stage of newcomers, including stand-outs The Amorettes, amongst 60-odd others across three stages. Highlights too were Northern Irish flag flyers Pat (Mamas Boys) McManus, Million Dollar Reload, Therapy? (who racked up the loudest set of the festival) and recent Highway To Hell prize-winners Sweet Taste, all of which found themselves on the receiving ends of rapturous applause. HRH is a true rocker’s dream come true, where else could you find such a cross section of rock music all under one roof. This is an event that is very open and honest about its presence and meaning, it is a collection of rock fans putting on an event for rock fans, which is as it should be. Visit www.hardrockhell.com for news on HRH VI in 2012.

SO: NI Presents November 2011

2011-11-22T09:07:00.000-08:00

SO:NI ROCKS! A NOISY NIGHT IN NOVEMBER -

PAY*OLA, Trucker Diablo, High Output, The Unprotected
The Empire Music Hall, Belfast, November 17th 2011.
By Phil Allely

If you ever get the chance to visit it you’ll see why Belfast’s Empire Music Hall is the perfect venue for a rock band to perform in. The venue itself is steeped in history and has a unique look and feel to it, it’s stage layout/style demands your attention and any bands who perform there seem to up their game to suit the setting. It is difficult to get a bad vantage point to view proceedings and acoustically its high ceilings and spacious interior aid things well for pretty much every possible performance on offer.

This slightly damp November night I was there to see the long-awaited hometown headline slot of well-respected (dare we say veteran?) rockers Pay*ola. Fronted by Phil McCarroll (SO:NI promoter) this four-piece are an energetic mainstay of the NI rock scene, always striving to make their performance the highlight of the night and send everyone home happy.

The Empire has been host to many key events in Pay*ola’s existence such as EP and CD launches. This gig was no different, as they had some brand new songs to unleash (prior to their official EP launch). Crowd pleasers Blindside, 77 Miles, The Colour Red et al were there too, as well as a few older classics that we never usually hear at a live show. Recent album Optimism Will Destroy Me got a good look in too, with no pause for breath they rattled through what was essentially a greatest hits mix with gusto.

Known for their enthusiastic singer’s penchant for swinging his mic stand and other such high spirited moves, fans know that they are in for a real in-your-face treat when the outfit perform, but as this was a special night we even got some pyrotechnics thrown in too.

It was nice to see the band back in fine headline attraction form. After only playing a few sporadic (but well-received) shows in 2011 (due to their lead guitarist Nick being injured and the band deciding to take things easy until all was well), the sound, chemistry (between Nicky bass, Adam drums, Nick (ead Guitar, Phil,vocals, guitar) and catchy songs were all still there and waiting to be set loose, the Empire has never rocked so well.

McCarroll of course made sure he catered his support acts to suit Pay*ola’s sound and style. This was not a night for genre jumping and confusion.

First up were up and coming in-your-face shock rockers The Unprotected. Whose singer is a man who pretty much ensures you know he is there. His demeanour, attire (pretty much performing in his underpants this time around) and performance all raise the game of a band that whilst embracing the sex, drugs and rock’n’roll gimmick can write some damn good songs too.

Attempting to follow the inspired lunacy were the equally enthusiastic High Output, who rock a more country tinged vibe, they were more subdued in their tunes, but they still hit home with every track and no doubt found some new fans along the way as well.

The penultimate act were Trucker Diablo (currently on a roll with a spot at Hammerfest in 2012, upcoming gigs at the O2 London and some big support slots all under their belts this year alone). The 'Big Truck' rolled into the Empire and did what their popular anthem says. They did indeed Drink Beer, Destroy. The Trucker Boys left us wanting more and of course Pay*ola were up for the task.

A Noisy Night in November lived up to it's name, Pay*ola (as a tighter unit than ever) returned to the Empire in fine style and highlighted why they are held in such high esteem amongst the local rock fraternity. The Unprotected showed themselevs to be a band that will go far and that like Steel Panther have proved there are still gaps in the market if you look for them. High Output strutted their stuff with aplomb and held their own against the formidable level of talent on offer. Trucker Diablo did their thing as always and rocked the venue to its foundations with their hard-hitting rock sound. All in all this was one of SO:NI's most well planned events of the year, the acts all worked well together, the crowd lapped up the sensory offering presented and one things for certain no one left the gig without feeling they had seen something special.

CD Review: Chickenfoot III

2011-11-15T18:14:00.003-08:00

CD Review: Chickenfoot III
By Phil Allely
You’ve got to love super groups, they are the ones that can go out and make whatever recordings they want and not care if they sell or not. These acts can simply enjoy themselves and do what they do best, play good music and have fun doing it. Usually they have no restrictions and no label bosses breathing down their necks, which must be a nice thing for them. The reality of course is that these couplings can often make hugely popular CDs that will sell by the shed load and make everyone a fortune.
Chickenfoot is one such group, featuring Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Chad Smith and Michael Anthony, this is a band that are together for all of the right reasons, they love to play music and as a unit they work very well indeed.
The first release by Chickenfoot went down a storm with rock fans across the globe and we all eagerly anticipated the next offering, of course with the band members all occupied with other projects/bands it is amazing that the curiously monickered III (why have a 2 when you can jump straight to 3 eh?) has come to light so quick.
This time around the guys have gone for a nice mix of speeds to their song writing and went down the short and punchy route. These songs are right on the money every time and will most likely garner more airtime than its predecessors.
Chickenfoot III has it all, all out rock n roll tunes, ballads, Led Zep influenced (and sounding) tracks and some of the tightest playing you’ll see in some time.
Hagar too is in fine form vocally and in fact the whole band seem to be having the most fun they can here. Whilst there are the odd splashes of melancholy, this is indeed an upbeat offering and one that even the most hardened rock fan will enjoy.
I purchased the Classic Rock Magazine Special Edition (with pick pack, special magazine), this included exclusive live tracks Down the Drain and Oh Yeah, both of those are nice additions to the album.
You can of course also purchase the album in its entirety from all good retailers too.
4.5 out of 5