Black Slayer Head

It seems that more and more legendary bands are kicking their members out, one by one. From Black Sabbath to Machine Head and most recently Slayer, with the replacement of Dave Lombardo by Paul Bostaph, it seems that the original members, or most established members, of a band are becoming too expensive. Looking back at most of these stories, it seems that it all comes down to a salary issue. Is this the result of downloading and reduced sales of music, or is it just musicians getting greedier day by day. Roger Waters once said that once you start making money, there is this dilemma that gets created on whether you become a capitalist, or stay a socialist. In the cases of Slayer, Sabbath and all the others, it seems that this question probably wasn’t asked enough. Let’s just hope that the music won’t suffer from it too much.

Posted by Nick

R.I.P. Roadrunner Records?

So after Devildriver quitting Roadrunner, now Machine Head are also on the way out! Or at least it seems so. Thing which is not surprising after the recent events that happened in the labels grounds, where all the international offices were closed down by the Big Cheese, Warner Music! With some info that some other bands might be quitting Roadrunner and notably Hatebreed, just a rumour at the moment, is this the end of the greatest metal label up to date? Is it time for the coyote to finally catch that damn bird? Whatever it may be, thanks for giving the world some of the best metal bands in the world. Somewhere, at some point, you went wrong and it’s a shame, but we’ll always respect you for the music you shared!

Pirates of the Majors

First of all read this. Now think about this: Adele sold almost 9 million copies of "21" worldwide. No one can argue that "21" is not a great album because it just is. Maybe not your style, but still, you've heard the majority of tracks and you probably enjoy them. At the same time, we are being spoon fed and brainwashed that the music industry is having troubles, that CD sales are dropping and that the main reason for all of these is piracy. So, the UK government recently invaded people’s freedom and blocked thepiratebay.se from all UK ISPs, since that should solve the problem. 

I have always thought that whoever said that piracy was the reason for the demise of the music industry was either a fool or just didn’t understand the music industry. Funnily enough, last week was full of remarks blaming piracy for the closure of Roadrunner’s international offices and frankly, that annoyed the hell out of me, especially when these remarks came from artists. Sure enough, piracy is not helping with the sales of albums and honestly, thank god it’s not!

Why am I saying this? Because it feels as if artists, guided by their labels, are every year releasing shit ,after shit, after shit. Yes, SHIT! You’re wondering how I know it? I know it because you told me so. Or because you’ve showed me so! Adele sold 9 million copies of "21" and has been in the charts for 65 weeks. It is now the 5^th best-selling album of all times, in the UK! And that’s because it is a great album, because it’s not SHIT! See, if every artist released great albums, like "21", then you would had bought it, therefore creating more revenue for the music industry. So, have you bought the latest Nicki Minaj? No! Why? Because it's shit. And for those of you who downloaded it, why did you do so? Because it's not worth the money! (Those of you who bought it, you clicked on the wrong link and get the hell out of here!) With the labels focusing on shitty artists that they will drop after their 2nd album, it’s no wonder that nobody wants to buy albums anymore. Why the hell would I want to give £10 or $20 to buy a shitty album that has been placed under my nose by the majors? Give me something good and I’ll buy it. But keep on throwing shit at consumers, and they'll keep on downloading your shit. The music industry’s slow and painful death is not due to piracy, it's mostly due to shit music. It's due to the fact that the majors are trying to force you to buy whatever turd they try to polish. Good music sells and Adele is the proof.

Posted by Nick

Roadrunner Records- The Beginning of the End?

So, if you are following some metal acts and a bunch of metal music industry people on Twitter or Facebook, you couldn’t possibly have missed the story about Roadrunner which has been going around the net today (26^th April 2012). Originally started as a rumour in the early morning hours, and eventually being confirmed by a vast amount of Roadrunner workers via Twitter, Roadrunner Records is shutting down its European and Canadian offices.  For some this may not seem like a big deal but honestly it is a pretty big deal for anyone involved in metal. First of all, think of all the people that are losing their jobs. People who have devoted their lives to metal and to getting you the best acts that, they thought, deserved to be on stage. People who have made metal what it is today and who have worked their asses off, just because they love metal. So our initial thoughts go to all of them and we wish them only the best. Secondly, this is a very sad day for metal and for metal fans regardless of whether they like Roadrunner or not. Roadrunner has been one of the leading metal labels out there, and it has been responsible for the fact that many of us are metalheads today. 

So what happened? In 2010 Warner Music Group (WMG) bought Roadrunner Records in an attempt to get its foot in the heavy metal door. Today 2 years later, WMG seems to be unhappy with the ways things are going at Roadrunner and therefore are closing down its international offices and firing another 16 people in the US. Why? Well, WMG could be doing this for a variety of reasons with the most dominant being that they just want to reduce RR’s budget.

Whatever the case may be, the sheer fact that the metal label is the one that gets hit should be very worrying to all of us. If the majors start to disregard metal like this, it can only mean that we’re not  progressing very well, despite the fact that metal has been one of the most stable genres in the world. Metal Blade Records founder Brian Slagel very rightly twitted today that “What happened today to Roadrunner is one of the biggest reasons I never sold to a major” while Chimaira’s lead guitarist Emil Werstler wondered:  “[…] why people are so concerned about RR. It's 2012. It sucks for our pals there, but did we not see this coming?”.  Well, Emil is right and so is Brian. Did we not see this coming? Probably not, but it makes sense. When Roadrunner got bought by WMG in 2010 it could only go towards a very limited amount of directions. Unfortunately it went towards the direction we would had wished it never went, and this was a gamble that Roadrunner took when they signed the deal with WMG.

For the RR bands this is very bad news too. If this is indeed a reduction of budget, then a bunch of them will be dropped and many bands will have to look for new homes. The big ones obviously don’t have much to worry, but the smaller RR bands should be considering some other labels right now. This could also potentially mean the end of Signmeto which has been recruiting young bands and signed them to Roadrunner for a few years now. It could also mean that the remaining RR bands will get a smaller advance for their next album, which could lead to smaller tours, less products and limited reach. So this automatically takes us to a very limited quantity of metal being released and with one less label, it makes it harder for every band to get signed anywhere else, since competition will be tougher.

For the fans, I think it’s pretty obvious what will happen. Less metal, less gigs, less ways to express yourself, less freedom. Might sound a bit dramatic, but don’t tell me that you don’t feel free and relieved after listening to metal.

So from all points of view we are in deep shit. Who is to blame? Well, first of all, I get very annoyed with all the people tweeting that piracy is to blame. This is bullshit! Although piracy might have something to do with it, it is definitely not the reason why this happened, so stop mentioning piracy as the reason for this. In my opinion, the main reason for this situation, is corporate greed. WMG doesn’t really care if what they do, means anything to anybody or if it will affect thousands of people.  We are in a changing industry where the future is uncertain and definitely very exciting. The majors are struggling to retain control and as they are losing money they are becoming greedier. As long as something saves them money, they’ll go for it and they’ll be happy about it! And by reducing the RR offices and incorporating all the Roadrunner activities within their own offices, well let me tell you that they will save money.

Concluding this blog post I just hope that this will be the end of this story and that the whole label won’t get absorbed into WMG and become history. Roadrunner is a historic label, and maybe in the last few years they haven’t been what they used to, but nevertheless we should honour and respect the label for what it has done and for bringing us some of the heaviest, craziest and best metal acts that ever walked on stage.

“Money should not dictate art. Art should dictate money.” - Shawn Crahan (Slipknot)

Posted by Nick

"Festival season is officially open!" by Nick Azinas

I recently bought my first plane tickets for this summer's festival season and I just thought I might ease it up for some of you who are considering going to a festival this summer. Every year it’s the same story over and over again. Getting in that awkward and oh so familiar position of deciding whether “to festival or not to festival”? This extremely rhetoric question immediately triggers an intensive search on the interweb in order to find the festival which could potentially be our home, and our life for a weekend. The choice is obviously great with many bands doing a bunch of festivals and with many line-ups looking pretty much the same, so the real decision comes down to the festival organisation and the place where it’ll take place! The most obvious choices are of course Download, with the only European date of Black Sabbath along with Metallica playing the entire Black album, and the Sonispheres festivals who's UK version went the classic rock/metal way this time by booking Kiss, Faith No More and Queen! Nevertheless many prefer the slightly non-commercial fests such as Hellfest and Graspop. Hellfest managed to gather a stunning line-up with headliners Ozzy and Friends, Guns’n Roses, Megadeth and Lynyrd Skynyrd. It is also pretty cool that King Diamond will be there since he is not a act you see very often. Graspop on the other hand booked Limb Bizkit as their 3^rd headliner who will be joining Ozzy and Guns’n Roses on the top of the bill, which is ok I guess but I have to admit personally it feels slightly disappointing. For those of you who like tall, blond, blue eyed metalheads then Tuska Open Air could be an option  with bands such as Megadeth, Lamb of God and Sonata Arctica, while if you rather spend a weekend enjoying the Mediterranean climate then you might want to take a look at Gods of Metal or Hard Rock Hell Ibiza. Gods of Metal managed to book Manowar, Motley Crue, Guns’s Roses and Ozzy as headliners and it clashes with Graspop, so if you were thinking of doing both then bad luck. Ibiza on the other hand is the opener of the festival season, at least to me, from the end of May till the first days of June. Headlining the festival so far is Marky Ramones from the Ramones while other bands such as Irish prog metalers Shattered Skies and Attica Rage will also be present. Of course the ultimate metal fest has always been Wacken but good luck finding tickets on that one! If on the other hand you are not really the true metal fan there is always an option for you too! What about Rock am Ring/Rock im Park? A little bit of good heavy metal such as Metallica and Killswitch Engage, and also a bit of Tinie Tempah! Nice mix huh? On the other, other hand you might be one of those who can only tolerate metal in small doses. Well in that case you do have your Reading and Leeds fest in the UK but you also have a variety of choices in mainland Europe with most dominant, I believe, being either Pukkelpop or Rock Werchter in Belgium. Pukkelpop still hasn't announced anything up to today, while Werchter are projecting a line-up including the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Snow Patrol and Florence and the Machine along with Mastodon and Wolfmother. Ultimately, if staying in a tent for your summer holidays is not really your thing then you can always wait up till October and attend the Euroblast festival in Cologne, Germany. Last year’s edition was a complete success and with a bigger venue this year it looks as if it is going to be one hell of a festival again! Whatever your decision may be, have a great summer and stay safe!

Posted by Nick

Welcome to the Blog!

Dear friends of metal!

Welcome to Peek from the Pit's blog. Here, we are giving you the opportunity to write and express yourselves about anything that you want. Write about your favourite artists, your own album reviews or comment on the matters which concern you within the metal community. Email us your articles at info@peekfromthepit.com and if they are good enough we will post them here! This is your opportunity to get some exposure and some writing experience. We are eagerly awaiting for your work!

Peek from the Pit Team

Pianomation - Shattered Skies (2012)

EP REVIEW

Well it’s almost Valentine’s day, so I bet many of you metalheads are actually pondering on what to get for your girlfriend/boyfriend. Of course, I'm only kidding just because it's a stupid celebration, but if you are one of those who do celebrate it then your quest ends right here. Pianomation is the new EP from Irish prog metalers Shattered Skies, due to be released on the 13th of February, which features three tracks from the Reanimation EP, in a very smooth and well executed piano & vocals format. Additionally, as a little bonus, the brand new track As The Sea Divides will also be available for download, along with the EP, in a fully instrumented version. As the Sea Divides is really a great track with a very powerful intro riff and very good dynamics. Sean Murphy delivers some really good vocals while Ian Rockett really blasts the roof off with some very skilled guitar work. As the Sea Divides is an instant favourite just because it has everything you could ask from a song: energy, raw power, feeling and some fucking awesome riffs! First on the EP is Beneath the Waves ,the first track out of Reanimation, which is also the first track to undergo the piano & vocals treatment. The original, fully instrumented version of Beneath the Waves is a very powerful and energetic track which, on Pianomation, surprisingly transforms itself into an elegant display of fine composition and musicianship. Following up, is Attrition which is one of those tracks that creates a superb mood on an EP. Just like it’s title suggests this track has a very dark and gloomy feel and the duet between Ian(Piano) and Sean(Vocals)  is absolutely magnificent and really works out very well, just as it does on the entire EP. Finally, last track on the EP is Chasing After Time which ends the EP in a very pleasant and slightly oriental way. Once again some great piano work from Ian who has proven himself to be a very good multi-instrumentalist. To end this review, Pianomation is a very good piece of work and a very nice touch from the band which is definitely worth checking out, while it is also a very strong proof that Shattered Skies are one of those bands to keep an eye on!

Pianomation: 4,5/5

Posted by Nick

All Roads Lead Here - Chimp Spanner (2012)

EP REVIEW

The Chimp is back with a heavy as fuck EP! All Roads Lead Here is the brand new EP from UK based prog-metal/tech/djent band Chimp Spanner, due to be released on February 6^th via Basick Records. This EP is actually quite phenomenal. The technical degree has risen to a brand new level and the heaviness is just colossal! The EP starts with a couple of “relaxed” songs (relaxed in a chimpy way) but it really doesn’t take long for it to grasp you by the balls and force you to head bang violently against your desk. The atmospheres are nicely present and create a very haunting surround which is topped by the amazing guitar and drums work. With some extremely catchy riffs and melodies this is the best piece of music I’ve stumbled upon since the beginning of the year and god, it’s going to be hard to top that! Additionally, the passages from absolute calmness to killer heaviness are just face-melting!! With some great solos and majestic riffs this has become an instant favourite! The EP is consisted of 6 tracks which, in combination with a very good production, makes it really easy to listen to again, and again, and again…..and again!

  
Favourite track out of this EP is probably Mӧbius Pt III. Although the whole Mӧbius collection is quite amazing, this song is just too damn good! The riffs are superb and the alternations between passages are executed perfectly while the ending riff is so powerful my grandma would probably start rocking out to it if she heard it! Another really enjoyable song, is the last track: Cloud City. For some reason this song reminds of my youth and in particular a video game I used to play. Sonic the Hedgehog Mr Ortiz?? I don't know, but how awesome would it be to play Sonic with this in the background??? Anyhow, to end up this review I just need to say: voila! New Chimp Spanner EP is a must! Go get it!

All Roads Lead Here: 5/5

Posted by Nick 

The Black Dahlia Murder - 11 Jan 2012 (The Underworld)

First gig of 2012, for the majority of the metal community in London, with a very interesting line-up. Headlining the show and 21 dates UK tour, the American death-metalers: The Black Dahlia Murder supported by Skeletonwitch and Fleshgod Apocalypse. The now familiar to the UK scene Fleshgod Apocalypse were first on stage and delivered a very entertaining show which definitely gave out a very spooky and horror-like atmosphere, which was very enjoyable. The band was very, very tight and it’s not surprising considering the genre they play. On the other hand however, I’ve constantly moaned about the sound of the Underworld and I will do so again! Fleshgod Apocalypse had a sound which was equally “terrifying” as was their show. I never blame the bands who play the at the Underworld for their sound and I will not do so this time, but the fact that the band uses many backing tracks with strings and other orchestral instruments definitely didn’t help to make things better. On a positive note though, the tuxedo touch was really, really good and it definitely added to the whole image that the band wants to create. Up next were Skeletonwitch, who came on stage with a better sound than Fleshgod Apocalypse and with a very good energy which warmed up the crowd really nicely. Combining the aggressiveness and  bulkiness of their sound, Skeletonwitch are really a great band to watch live and their songs have the exact amount of heaviness which is needed to bring down a venue. But the real heaviness was just about to start with The Black Dahlia Murder. The Americans had an impressive sound, for the Underworld, and really blasted the roof off from song number one. They managed to create an awesome atmosphere and the stage-divers started to flow real quick while “decapitating” more than a few in the front rows. Trevor Strnad (Vocals) gave out a really good show and has proven that he knows how to be a frontman, which is a breed of people that we are starting to miss in the metal scene.  Overall an interesting gig which will hopefully mean that there are many more of those to come in 2012. Happy new year!

The Black Dahlia Murder: 19/20

Sound: 4/5

Ambience: 5/5

Presentation: 5/5

Performance: 5/5

Skeletonwitch: 18/20

Sound: 4/5

Ambience: 5/5

Presentation: 4/5

Performance: 5/5

Fleshgod Apocalypse: 16/20

Sound: 2/5

Ambience: 4/5

Presentation: 5/5

Performance: 5/5

Posted by Nick 

Iced Earth - 15 Dec 2011 (Pavilion, CY)

Iced Earth and Greece has always been a well-known duet in the world of heavy metal. But what about Iced Earth and Cyprus? Well, it was finally time to find out. The American heavy metal legends, were in Cyprus for the first time of their careers for the final gig of the European leg of the Dystopia tour. However, in the fully packed Pavilion, first on stage were Cypriots death/thrash metalers Sonik Death Monkey. The Cypriots came on stage with a good energy and seemed slightly overwhelmed by the size of the crowd which definitely surpassed the crowds from any previous metal gigs held in Cyprus. Nevertheless, Sonik Death Monkey managed to overcome the situation and get on top of it by delivering a set composed from original tracks. Additionally, by being well known within the Cypriot scene, the crowd seemed to enjoy the set and really got warmed up for what was to become a memorable show. Iced Earth came on stage, with an outstanding energy despite the tiredness that follows a tour. This was not only the first time that most of the Cypriots in the crowd witnessed Iced Earth, but it was also the first time for many of those who did witness the band in the past, to hear Stu Block(Vocals) live for the first time. And what a great impression he left. With an amazing sound and the amazing range of Stu, Iced Earth drove the Cypriot crowd to be one of the loudest the band had witnessed in a while, and tracks such as Watching Over Me were sang so loudly by the public, that Stu’s voice was almost unhearable. The band performed a variety of tracks from the majority of their albums and surprised everyone when they came back for a second encore at the end of the show. The other nice surprise for the crowd, was when Stu came out holding a big Cypriot flag and started waving it around towards the end. Jon Schaffer(Guitar) was so impressed by the Cypriots that he stated the possibility that the next Iced Earth live album, could possibly be recorded in Cyprus which made the crowd go wild. All of this however isn’t planned to happen for another couple of years, so Cyprus will just have to wait and see if they get this massive honour. Until then, however, I believe that the sweet memory of the gig will reign in the minds of many.

Iced Earth: 19/20

Sound: 5/5

Ambience: 5/5

Presentation: 4/5

Performance: 5/5

Sonik Death Monkey: 17/20

Sound: 4/5

Ambience: 4/5

Presentation: 4/5

Performance: 5/5

Posted by Nick

Erevos Aenaon - Meden Agan (2011)

ALBUM REVIEW

Meden Agan, and their new album Erevos Aenaon released in September 2011, are the new symphonic progressive metal band to come out of Greece. Well known for its extreme metal bands such as Septicflesh and Rotting Christ as well as power metalers Firewind, this new addition to the roster of Greek metal bands is one that shouldn’t go unnoticed. Meden Agan is a band which combines the beauty and passion of female operatic vocals with a musical virtuosity which expands the sound of the band to new limits. Erevos Aenaon, as an album, combines many different elements from different metal genres which makes it suprisingly unique. If we try to quantify the sound of the album we could say that it is a crossbreed between early Nightwish or Epica and for some reason musically it gives me a feeling of early Lacrimas Profundere (in better quality obviously). Production wise the album is very good. However, there are some points where the sound lacks the bulkiness that it needs to really give out the epicness desired. It also seems that the album gets better as it progresses, since the first tracks are not generating any particular good or bad impressions, but once the listener gets into the mood of the album the situation changes drastically by engaging the listener in the journey. On a general note a very good first album from Meden Agan, which makes their future looking promising!
Our favourite track out of the album is Dissolve Into Grey. This track has a very Amorphis-like intro which then erupts in a combination of heaviness and melody. It also features some good guitar and drum work proving once again that the Greeks know how to play!

Erevos Aenaon: 8/10 

Posted by Nick 

Solaris - Midnight Realm (2011)

SINGLE REVIEW

Solaris by Midnight Realm is an impressive demonstration of how metal has to sound in the future! The mix of melody and imposing heaviness will force you to engage in some ruthless headbanging. A great teaser for the album which we're really looking forward to hear now!

Posted by Nick

Textures - 25 Nov 2011 (The Garage)

It was a highly anticipated gig for us, since witnessing Textures, with their new members, for the first time at the Euroblast festival in Cologne, Germany back in October. This time they were accompanied by the Swiss-German quintet The Ocean and Manchester’s Aliases. Aliases were up on stage first, but due to our interview with Robin Staps(Guitar) from The Ocean we didn’t catch their set. We got in the venue just in time for The Ocean for which we were very looking forward to. The post-metal band delivered a stunning set which really grasped the predominant Textures crowd. It was actually amazing to see how the energy was flowing from the band to the crowd. The Ocean is a band which can be enigmatic and aggressive at the same time, creating a very mysterious atmosphere which travels the listener. An almost perfect set from them. And right after that, it was time for Textures to headline their show. The band seems to be at its best shape, with their catchy melodies and heavy riffs, which makes them an instant crowd pleaser. They just have this ability to create an immense sound which makes every single song to be heavy as fuck! Of course the highlights were songs such as Awake and Laments of an Icarus which defined the sound of Textures and sent the crowd into some intensive moshing. On the overall, an amazing gig which deserved a bigger audience, so next time Textures or The Ocean are in town, make sure you are there too.

Textures: 20/20 
Sound: 5/5
Ambience: 5/5
Presentation: 5/5
Performance: 5/5

The Ocean: 19/20

Sound: 5/5

Ambience: 5/5

Presentation: 5/5

Performance: 4/5

Aliases: N/A

Sound: N/A

Ambience: N/A

Presentation: N/A

Performance: N/A

Posted by Nick

Dimmu Borgir - 23 Nov 2011 (Islington Academy)

It has been a while since the lords of symphonic black metal had visited the UK for a full tour. And what a better way to come back than performing, in its entirety, an album which has been a milestone for a whole genre: Enthrone Darkness Triumphant. EDT is the 3^rd album of black metal legends Dimmu Borgir, which was released in 1997 via Nuclear Blast Records, and it was finally time for the London crowd to witness this historic album at a virtually sold out Islington Academy. Dimmu Borgir performed two sets on the night with the first one being the album. With an exquisite sound, which is rarely heard in the Islington Academy, Dimmu Borgir performed the album with an amazing precision which was definitely impressive. Black metal classics such as Mourning Palace and Spellbound were welcomed very warmly by the fans which moved the academy from left to right. The second set was introduced with a drum solo by Daray (Drums), who proved once again why he is behind the kit for Dimmu Borgir, before presenting some of Dimmu’s hits such as Kings of the Carnival Creation, Puritania, as well as some tracks from their latest album: Abrahadabra. However, there was a slight disappointment, on my part, by the atmosphere which reigned over the academy. I was expecting a bit more of atmospheric "darkness" from Dimmu Borgir, especially with the vast arsenal of atmospheric sounds that they use in their songs. Anyhow, on a general note the gig was the absolute gig for any Dimmu Borgir fan and even if Dimmu is not your cup of tea, when it comes down to black or symphonic black metal, it was still a gig which you shouldn’t had missed. On the other hand, if you don’t like black metal, then I really don’t know why you are reading this review, but I guess that's the magic of the Dark Castle (Dimmu Borgir)!

Dimmu Borgir: 19/20

Sound: 5/5
Ambience: 4/5
Presentation: 5/5
Performance: 5/5

Posted by Nick

Arthemis - 18 Nov 2011 (The Underworld)

 The Italian metalers are back, and thank god this time they’re not wearing skirts! Arthemis, the Italian power metalers, were in London to start their first ever UK tour along with Neonfly and Freedom Call at the Underworld in Camden, London.  The heavy metal quartet delivered a very energetic set and rocked the house. By playing a selection of their best compositions, the band filled the support slot for Freedom Call in a great way. With a very Maiden-like sound, Arthemis have a sound which is familiar to many and which never disappoints. In conjunction with the amazing technicality that the Arthemis members have on their instruments, they definitely made it clear that they are a band which came here to stay and they won’t stop till they get to the top.  On the night, Arthemis also performed an excellent cover of Deep Purple’s Burn which fitted really nicely with their own compositions. Sound wise however it wasn’t great, and this wasn’t because the band didn’t have a nice sound but because as usual, the Underworld is not a great venue when it comes down to sound. Unfortunately the sound is a very important factor to create the atmosphere needed to make a great gig and the atmosphere of the gig was affected by the sound. Nevertheless a great set by Arthemis which made a very promising tour debut on the London stage!

Arthemis: 18/20

Sound: 4/5
Ambience: 4/5
Presentation: 5/5
Performance: 5/5

Posted by Nick 

Opeth - 13 Nov 2011 (Brixton Academy)

 

Sunday night was a night of prog-metal at the Brixton Academy in London, UK. Two massive bands came together to rock London and promote their new albums; Opeth with Heritage and Pain of Salvation with Road Salt Two. First on stage were Pain of Salvation who delivered a good set but unfortunately didn’t impress. The sound was not at its best and this really affected how the band came out. It seemed as if the ambience was hard to establish in the academy and, despite the good show and set that Pain of Salvation delivered, it felt as if the crowd didn’t really adhere. Of course the audience was predominantly an Opeth audience so I believe it was something that could had been foretold. Pain of Salvation played songs from their new album, Road Salt Two, as well as tracks from their previous albums. While talking with the band’s front man Daniel Gildenlow, he announced to us that the band would most probably be back sometime around February for a headline tour in the UK and it will definitely be interesting to see how the band performs in front of its own crowd. Time for the headliners of the show. After a somehow controversial new album by Opeth, I assume that most of the fans where looking forward to see how the setlist would be arranged. Well surprisingly, for some, Opeth performed songs which included only clean vocals, just like on the new album. The gig was slightly disappointing and failed to entertain to the degree which Opeth gigs usually do, despite the jokes made by Akerfeldt and a quite embarrassing version of George Michael’s Faith played by Akerfeldt and sang by the public. Just like with Pain of Salvation, the atmosphere was quite disapointing. However, we got the chance to hear some tracks which we don’t normally hear while it is fair to mention the drum solo of Martin Axenrot during Hessian Peel which showcased a nice technical ability. We also got to witness a small acoustic set by Opeth who performed the God of War III track The Throat of Winter, among others, on acoustic guitars. Regarding the matter of Akerfeldt's vocals, it is creating an uncertainty since during the gig, it was quite visible that Akerfeldt has lost weight, and this made us wonder if there is actually something physically wrong with him. On the other hand if there was, he probably wouldn’t be on tour. So, let’s hope that all is good and that this is just the era of the quiet Opeth which after all, is not that bad!

Opeth:  18/20

Sound: 4/5
Ambience: 4/5
Presentation: 5/5
Performance: 5/5

Pain of Salvation: 16/20

Sound: 3/5
Ambience: 3/5
Presentation: 5/5
Performance: 5/5

Posted by Nick