Mike Patton - The Solitude of Prime Numbers

Mike Patton
The Solitude of Prime Numbers
Ipecac

The ever unpredictable Mike Patton throws yet another curveball at us with the release of 'The Solitude of Prime Numbers', a musical score to the film of the same name (2010's La Solitudine dei Numeri Primi). The film (based on the book of the same name) applied the theory of twin primes - numbers that differ from another prime number by two. Having not seen the film yet, I'm not in a position to judge how well it applies to the silver screen, but Patton makes the theory work well here in a musical sense.

Each musical track is sequenced by Patton according to prime numbers - so therefore, only 2, 3, 5, 7...all the way to 53 feature musical content, the remaining tracks between filled with four seconds of silence or a slight overrun from the previous track. Patton himself is largely absent vocally, only bookending the album with some 'la la la la's' to open and conclude. Instead, its down to the musical arrangement to carry the album's concept and the lonely listener on a distant journey. The general mood of the songs runs anywhere from ominous and unsettling ('11 - Cicatrix' being one example) to dream state ('19 - Radius of Convergence') and simply beautiful ('29 - The Snow Angel'). Ultimately though, the music shouldn't be dissected - the album must be listened to all the way through as a whole, to ensure you capture every mood and emotion going through the music.

Conventional rock or metal fans probably won't buy into this due to its abstract nature and admittedly it will appeal more to the art masses. But Patton has scored this film incredibly well, much likes his previous work on 'A Perfect Place' and on 'Crank 2: High Voltage'. It's an excellent slab of modern classical music from the man of many guises. Needless to say, I found this an excellent diversion from the daily shredding, blasting and growling of metal, and indeed of the daily grind, as I made my daily, long commute home. An excellent companion, particularly within the loneliness of nightfall.

Peter Clegg

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The trial of Conrad Murray - a musical analysis

As Dr. Conrad Murray awaits his sentencing for the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson, We Must Obey implements a musical analysis at three other elements in this court case: money, the media, and those who gathered outside the courts on a daily basis. Needless to say, there's going to be some true words, and some harsh ones too - PC

Many of us will never know exactly what went down at the time of the death of Michael Jackson and the guilty verdict delivered to his doctor, Conrad Murray, with only the accounts of what was stated in the courtroom and on the newswires as word.

One thing is certain. America, don't take this the wrong way, but I hope you're happy you've got your scapegoat.

Visions: Immortal - Call of the Wintermoon

I checked out this video the other night whilst browsing other Immortal videos. After watching it, my only thought was this:

Is this shit for real?!

Seriously, watch the video and tell me this is straight up serious. 'Cos I don't think it is. Fire breathing, corpse paint, uber metal poses, pointy wizard hats and more! It is gleefully over the top in the way only Immortal could be, however cheesy or shite it may be. I just can't believe I haven't seen it before.

Peter Clegg

Revocation - Chaos of Forms

Revocation

Chaos of Forms

Relapse

Despite accumulating a cavalcade of plaudits for their previous albums, swallowing up top positions in year-end lists like Sebastien Vettel snatching pole positions, Revocation can consider themselves unlucky not to have risen to the cream of the crop unlike recent metal success stories such as Mastodon, Kylesa, The Black Dahlia Murder, The Dillinger Escape Plan, etc. Their music is certainly on a par with those bands at least, possessing a care-free swagger fuelled by main man and guitarist David Davidson's style and sheer confidence that most rock 'n' roll bands would give their right arm for, never mind heavy metal bands.

Ghoul - Transmission Zero

Ghoul
Transmission Zero
Tankcrimes

Before we get into the skinny on Ghoul's fourth album, 'Transmission Zero' - their members are or were part of other groups such as Impaled and Exhumed, and keen inherit their gory themes across from those bands. This is known despite their efforts to keep their identities secret, performing in executioner-style masks and going by the monikers of guitarists Destructor and Digestor, bassist Cremator and drummer Fermentor. Oh, and all their songs revolve around happenings in their 'hometown' of Creepsylvania (aka Oakland, California), which I assure you is as welcoming as a bout of voodoo-induced insanity.

Hammers of Misfortune - 17th Street

Hammers of Misfortune

17th Street

Metal Blade

If John Cobbett had been around about the time when heavy metal ruled the airwaves, he could well have been a metal god by now. Steadfastly remaining dedicated to true heavy metal through his time served in The Lord Weird Slough Feg, and more recently, he was one of the driving forces in now defunct, but critically acclaimed US black metallers Ludicra. Inbetween, he's also the main visionary for progressive heavy metallers Hammers of Misfortune, who've made a name for themselves in the States among critics in particular for their third three albums, all of which received high praise.

Pelican returning to the UK in April 2012!

The flyer speaks for itself. Personally, I'm completely stoked for this. Massive, massive Pelican fan and never got round to seeing them. Monday April 9th, 2012 will change that. Nice.

Yes, the post-metal uber-dudes return to the UK for the first time in three years, stopping at seven venues along the way. No supports announced yet, but already is a tasty looking treat for 2012.

Peter Clegg

Savage Messiah giving 'Plague of Conscience' away for free from tomorrow!

Yes, you read that right - Dave Silver of UK heavy/thrash metallers Savage Messiah announced on YouTube yesterday that the band's new album, 'Plague of Conscience', will be available as a free download via the Earache Records website from tomorrow (Wednesday November 23rd)! The album is not scheduled for a physical release until Monday January 23rd, 2012, but the band have offered fans the chance to get in there before the journalists get hold of it.

Once again, Earache and their roster prove to be ahead of the curve, with Savage Messiah following the recent free album giveaways by label mates Gama Bomb and Wormrot. All you need to do is to head to http://www.earache.com/savagemessiah and prove your e-mail address - and the album will be yours.

See frontman Silver's announcement below. Be sure to pick it up and spread the word!

Peter Clegg

Megadeth - Th1rt3en

Megadeth
Th1rt3en
Roadrunner

Dave Mustaine might have turned 50, and might have found God, but he's not reaching for the pipe and slippers yet. After he and Megadeth were suddenly rejuvenated by the masterclass in thrash that was 2009's 'Endgame', they return, with Dave still angry as ever, with a cunningly-titled 13th album that proves that Megadeth still reign supreme above the majority of metal bands, even if 'Th1rt3een', as I'm about to describe, is a little hit and miss at times.

'Kin Hell Fest preview: Part 3

 
Well, this is it. The 'Kin Hell Fest is now less than 24 hours away! So without further ado, We Must Obey completes its in-depth preview of Leeds' newest all-dayer and takes a look at the final four bands:

Anthrax - Worship Music

Anthrax
Worship Music
Nuclear Blast

The last few years in Anthrax history are ones to forget. The original reunion with Joey Belladonna that left John Bush out in the cold eventually left Anthrax without a vocalist. Cue the shambles that was Dan Nelson, and the binned version of 'Worship Music' which may never see the light of day, and yet more flip flopping between Bush and Belladonna probably lost them a lot of fans and integrity. But having finally settled on the man who sang for them during their evolution into one of the Big 4 in the 80's and 90's, 'Worship Music' has been rerecorded and finally released, and thankfully, its not a steaming turd and actually manages to hold its own for the majority.

'Kin Hell Fest preview: Part 2

Thanks to everyone for the positive comments on the social networks and the like yesterday. I don't mind offering free promotion if its worthwhile and it kicks arse, and the 'Kin Hell Fest and UK extreme metal falls into both camps. Right now, we've got part 2 of our 'Kin Hell Fest preview ready to go. Five more bands ready to shatter your bones into a million pieces this Saturday. Enjoy!

Opeth - Heritage

Opeth
Heritage
Roadrunner

Some people may well have been alarmed at Opeth's decision to move away from the progressive death metal which they originated, in favour of exploring even folkier and more traditional proggier influences. Vocalist Mikael Åkerfeldt had long stated previously that 'Heritage' would be far removed from Opeth's previous works, stating a boredom with extreme metal and that he felt the band had outgrown its roots. He's certainly not wrong there - 'Heritage' is a progressive rock album, with none of Åkerfeldt's trademark death growls to be found anywhere.

'Kin Hell Fest preview: Part 1

Further in support of the first ever 'Kin Hell Fest, taking place this coming Saturday at The Well in Leeds, we've compiled a few clips to show you what to expect from each of the thirteen bands performing at the fest. Here goes!

Wừu - 888

Wừu

888
Grindcore Karaoke

The so-called 'Wormrot Effect' is in full swing. Their explosion in the Western world has led to an increased focus on the subcontinent and on South East Asia, and one beneficiary of this appears to be

Wừu, hailing from Vietnam. Even five years ago, you'd be hard pressed to believe the Vietnamese had any sort of an alternative scene, let alone a grind band capable of caving your head in with as much if not more intensity than their Western counterparts.

Retox UK Tour

Recent Ipecac signees, hardcore punk mob Retox, are heading to the UK for a short tour. Featuring members of gonzoid mathcore crew The Locust among others, this four-piece are getting plaudits everywhere for their abrasive and energetic performances on record and on stage. Here's your chance to catch them and have yourself a rowdy night in the pit, as they play songs from their blistering debut, 'Ugly Animals'. Tour dates as follows:

Tuesday 22nd: Flapper, Birmingham
Wednesday 23rd: The Croft, Bristol
Thursday 24th: The Well, Leeds
Friday 25th: Camp Basement, London

If you're after a taster of what's to come, check out the videos after the jump. Make sure your belongings are at a safe distance.

Peter Clegg

Trash Talk - Awake EP

Trash Talk

Awake EP

True Panther Sounds

In just a few short years, Trash Talk have quickly made a name for themselves with their blend of hardcore punk and powerviolence-style aggression, and an explosive live show to boot. Their new five-track EP, 'Awake', sees them just a little more expansive, but still packing immeasurable rage and power in its eight and a half minutes.

'Kin Hell Fest set to destroy - full press release

 

The year is coming to a close, and the live music schedule is absolutely racked up with cracking gigs. One of the standout ones for sure is the inaugural 'Kin Hell Fest, due to take place a week on Saturday (the 19th of November) at Leeds' premier gig venue, The Well. Below we have the press release from fest organiser Paul Priest:

'kin Hell Fest is an all day event happening in Leeds in November that aims to bring the metal festival spirit to Yorkshire the darker months of the year. Some of the best bands currently on the UK metal circuit have been assembled all in one place, and there will be tons of giveaways and free stuff to everyone who buys a ticket / pays on the door, brought to you from various awesome sources.

Today is the Day - Pain is a Warning

Today Is The Day

Pain Is A Warning

Black Market Activities

What is certain about Today is the Day supremo Steve Austin is that he can't be accused of ever resting on his laurels. Over the last 20 years he has provided some of underground metal's most influential, uncompromising and in-your face releases, either through their abrasive nature or through the band's ability to morph with every release, through noise rock/metal, grindcore and more in the process.

Live Review: Melvins @ The Irish Centre, Leeds, 02/11/2011

 
At around 9 o'clock in Leeds at the Irish Centre, the stage, which the crowd have been loitering around drinking for a fair while now due to lack of support bands, is invaded by 4 weird looking fuckers. The one with a guitar appears to have a neck-warmer on below a huge fuzz of hair, and an odd throw with multi-coloured horses under a black silk robe of some sort. Next to him are two drum kits which are now occupied, one of the percussionists sporting what looks like half a gimp suit, his fellow stick wielder, the only one that wouldn’t stand out in a crowd. To the right of the kits, more spherical hair nearly makes the stage look like a mirror image.

Skeletonwitch - Forever Abomination

Skeletonwitch

Forever Abomination

Prosthetic

Without question Skeletonwitch were one of the best things to come out of the thrash renaissance. Though never truly a thrash band, they successfully rode the hellcart to prominence with a blend of thrash, black metal funnelled through an 80's NWOBHM lens, delivering killer slabs of vehemence with 'Beyond The Permafrost' and the blistering 2009 release 'Breathing The Fire'.

Visions: Megadeth - Public Enemy No. 1

A video featuring car chases, card games & Wild West style shootouts sounds like a great idea for a music video. What if all those scenes were perpetrated by chimps? Yes, that sentence is true. Megadeth have here not only delivered a fantastic cut from their new album 'Th1rt3een', but have actually given to the world a superb new video featuring all those aforementioned things! For those four minutes, I was happy as a pig in shit. Worthy for repeated viewing, fo' sho'.

Peter Clegg

Wiht - The Harrowing of the North

Wiht

The Harrowing of the North

Doomanoid

To the majority of you, Wiht will be an unfamiliar name. But to those of you among the UK stoner/sludge/doom underground, the Leeds three-piece are a burgeoning force. Having had the pleasure of sharing a bill or two alongside them, I can vouch for their vast potential and incredible live performances that are starting to get them noticed. 'The Harrowing of the North'.

'The Harrowing of the North' comprises only two tracks, but over a running time of roughly 33 minutes. It's a concept EP, as the bands puts it:

"Taking influence thematically from the subjugation of the North of England by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it tells the troubled history of doomsday-era Yorkshire- the king massacred it's people and destroyed the land to ensure it held no economic or cultural worth and would remain under his subservient rule."

The title track, which opens proceedings, weighs in at a hefty 20:46 on the clock, but isn't weighed down by it at all. It takes a good three and a half minutes before there's any sign of the drums, preceded by a tolling and ominous intro, but soon rolls into action with a storming riff. The song twists and turns through numerous different passages, ranging from thunderously heavy to psychedelic and even minimal. The S/T EP was good but this is a major step up, incorporating all kinds of influences and melding together for one satisfyingly heavy jam.

Track two, 'Orderic Vitalis', gets on the front foot a little quicker, a bass intro soon leading into a mighty big riff. It soon heads back to the prominent bass riff with some psychedelic guitar and ambience effects, and minimalistic drums. This continues on this route for some time, taking you on a journey through a chasmous place, eventually building back up at about the 4:25 mark. The riff that soon follows is huge, backed up by bass and thunderous drums. Psychedelia filters back in around six minutes in and there's a huge astral riff around 6:50 to get your head around. The remainder of the song continues down this path, mixing heavy stoner rhythms and echoey guitars frequently as the song heads for the sky, fading to synth at the very end.

'The Harrowing Of The North' is a masterclass from start to finish, and despite the huge song lengths, it's entirely attention-keeping throughout, thanks to plethora of ideas placed on show. Fans of bands such as Neurosis, ISIS, Pelican, etc. would be far worse off for not checking out this band. And as a pay-what-you-like download, you owe it to the band to go check them out and discover one of Yorkshire's best-kept secrets - which surely won't remain that way for too much longer.

Peter Clegg

Download 'The Harrowing of the North' here (name your price)

Or, buy a physical copy here

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Lou Reed & Metallica - Lulu

Lou Reed & Metallica

Lulu

Warner Bros/Vertigo


Before I start, it should be noted that 'Lulu', the much discussed Lou Reed and Metallica collaboration, is that its not a Lou Reed record, or a Metallica record - its a collaboration. A team effort. Expect it to be different. A lot of people can't get their head round that little fact, spouting outrage on par with the daily affront from the Daily Mail. With that in mind, I made sure I went into this with a blank slate. Yes, I'm a Metallica fan. No, I'm not a massive Lou Reed fan. But I'm open to change and I really wanted to give this record a chance to see if 'Lulu' was the furore. If you're genuinely interested, then give it a spin and see if it floats your boat. Just don't expect 'Ride The Lightning'.