published June 2010

From the Archives: Bloodstock '02

As festival fever appears to have us all in its grip, our regular columnist Scott Adams had a root about in his attic and found this review of the second Bloodstock festival, held at the Derby Assembly rooms in the late summer of 2002. Enjoy!

Ora Nombro - Between Man and Machine (Independent)

I understand that a lot of people like prog metal, or at least the idea of prog metal. But at least two thirds of them are quick to follow that up with "but not that soulless wanky Dream Theater crap where they can play really well but can't write songs". And despite that being an inaccurate assessment of the band, I can understand why so many people hate them and everything they stand for. With that in mind, how shit would an album which is just "everything they stand for" be?

That's what we've got here - and the answer is "unlistenably shit". 

Lamb of God's Chris Adler talks Metallica and $999 box sets

Whether musing on the future of Lamb of God or ranting about greatest hits compilations, Chris Adler shows he's one very smart and well-grounded dude.

Of bands that fall into the so-called New Wave of American Heavy Metal grouping, there’s not many that are bigger or more successful than Lamb of God – yet this is one

Parkway Drive - Deep Blue (Resist/Shock)

Byron Bay's biggest contribution to the musical world release their latest album Deep Blue which encapsulates their well established sound alongside some elements that will surprise you.

I know what most of you are thinking. Why is a band like Parkway Drive being reviewed on this site?

ReVamp - ReVamp (Nuclear Blast/Riot)

Is there life After Forever? Angelic-voiced front-woman Floor Jansen tries her hand at new project ReVamp. It has a very similar sound.

When it comes to a group disbanding, some members tend to fade out into the sunset and others tend to continue on their musical journeys with new projects.

Cog - Culling (Tower of Doom)

This is the kind of album you’ll keep coming back to. It is immense.

The six guys in Cog are loathe to call themselves progressive or even technical, but words truly fail Culling; it’s the kind of oddball

Blood Duster @ Adelaide Uni Bar (Adelaide, Australia), June 2010

Good times were had.... by some.

It having been several years since Blood Duster has been

Istapp - Blekinge (Metal Blade/Riot)

Theatrical Swedes bring a mashup of metal genres with this epic release

Rarely are the press releases surrounding new albums anything other than overly fellatory gibberish about uniqueness and bold direction.

Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy (Century Media)

Doesn’t exactly live up to the hype, but it’s still a magnificent offering from the Godly quartet.