Music / Previews
Metal/Prog picks of the month: July 2015
Fleece, Bristol, July 7
is needed now More than ever
Formed in 1987, veteran Brooklyn bruisers Biohazard are credited with being one of the first bands to weld metal and hip-hop, reaching their commercial peak with 1994’s million-selling State of the World Address. Co-founder Evan Seinfeld left in 2011 and now spends his time acting and producing pornography with his ex-wife Tera Patrick. But they’re still fronted by Billy Graziadei and boast original guitarist Bobby Hambel. There’s been no new album since 2012’s Reborn in Defiance, so a “Hope you like our new direction!” shock is unlikely.
Forum, Bath, July 7
Who’d have predicted that in 2015 Camel would be on the cover of a glossy magazine that comfortably outsells the ever-ailing NME? Yep, the recent Prog cover stars are enjoying something of an unexpected career boost and attracting a younger audience thanks to the enthusiasm of the likes of Steven Wilson and Mikael Akerfelt of Opeth. Alas, keyboardist Peter Bardens died in 2002 and founding guitarist/songwriter Andy Latimer is still recovering from a period of ill-health. But after their sell-out Retirement Sucks tour of 2013, which included a full performance of The Snow Goose at London’s Barbican, they’re back for another bunch of dates, culminating in a headline show on the prog stage at the Ramblin’ Man fair. Better grab those tickets fast if you want to see them at Bath’s nicest music venue, as there are only a handful left. Meanwhile, enjoy this wonderful video of them playing excerpts from The Snow Goose on The Old Grey Whistle Test back in 1975.
Exchange, July 8
All the way from Richmond, Virginia, this splendidly named side-project from Municipal Waste chaps Tony Foresta and Phil Hall (who also plays with the equally splendidly named Cannabis Corpse) adds a hardcore punk sensibility to their usual rollicking brand of thrash metal. New album Tyranny of Will has a strong political flavour, leavened by splattery fun such as Eyeball Gore and Rat Shit (a song about being eaten by rats, fact fans). It’s all served up with much humour. Check the video for Miserable Failure.
Fleece, July 12
Yep, him – the beardy bassist who proved too wild for Queens of the Stone Age. It’s not exactly clear what he’s up to this time as this isn’t billed as a gig with his band Mondo Generator so may well be a solo Death Acoustic show. In which case, expect covers of QOTSA, Dwarves, Misfits and Kyuss songs. Oh, and if it’s a hot July evening, be warned that Mr. Oliveri has a propensity for playing naked, so you may wish to cast your gaze/avert your eyes according to taste/sexuality.
Tunnels, July 15
Hard-working, hard-rockin’ Leicester three-piece Skam were out on the road most recently with Airbourne and now headline their own tour with fellow Off Yer Rocka act The Texas Flood (who are, needless to say, from South Wales). With tickets pegged at a very reasonable fiver, it’s something of a bargain opportunity to catch these two promising young acts at Bristol’s friendliest live music venue.
Bierkeller, Bristol, July 30
Some people play music in the hope of earning shitloads of money. For others, the shitloads of money are a pleasant reward but don’t negate the urge to rock. Which is why we occasionally get zillionaires pitching up to play club gigs. Bernie Marsden (who co-wrote Whitesnake’s US number one Here I Go Again) used to arrive at the Fleece in his Jag. J.D. Souther, who wrote many of the Eagles biggest hits, once played a tiny solo acoustic show at St. Bons. Earlier this year, Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott brought his Mott the Hoople tribute act the Down n’ Outz to the Bierkeller. And now Iron Maiden founder Steve Harris, who’s not short of a bob or two (he recently put his Essex mansion on the market for £7 million), has chosen to spend July and August slogging round the clubs with his side project before Maiden’s next burst of activity in September. It’s fair to say that British Lion is exactly what you’d expect of a Harris solo album, minus the prog. That is, ’70s-style hard rock in the UFO/Lizzy vein. Keeping it in the family, support act The Raven Age are Harris’s son George’s band.
Further Ahead
Frustratingly, many gigs sell out well in advance. So if you’re planning ahead, here’s our definitive guide to the best classic rock, metal and prog shows on the horizon (including some annoying clashes). We’ll keep this updated every month.
Queensryche/Death Angel, Marble Factory, Aug 5
Syd Arthur, Exchange, Aug 20
Tim Bowness, Louisiana, Aug 25
The Sword, Thekla, Sept 19
Enslaved/Grand Magus, Marble Factory, Sept 23
The Wildhearts, Academy, Sept 24
Biters, Thekla, Sept 28
Riverside, Marble Factory, Oct 21
Carcass/Obituary/Voivod, Marble Factory, Oct 27
Focus, Tunnels, Oct 27
Dan Baird + Homemade Sin, Thunderbolt, Oct 28
Steve Hackett, Colston Hall, Oct 28
Leaves Eyes, Marble factory, Nov 4
Joe Satriani, Colston Hall, Nov 8
Epica/Eluveitie, Academy, Nov 11
Skindred, Academy, Nov 12
Kadavar, Marble Factory, Nov 12
Crobot/Scorpion Child, Exchange, Nov 15
Cherrie Currie, Bierkeller, Nov 16
Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats, Fleece, Nov 18
Sepultura, Marble Factory, Nov 19
Clutch, Academy, Nov 25
Apocalyptica, Academy, Nov 29
Fish, Academy, Dec 3
Orange Goblin, Bierkeller, Dec 4
The Darkness, Academy, Dec 13
The Aristocrats, Bierkeller, Dec 17
Steve Wilson, Colston Hall, Jan 26
Sabaton/Alestorm, Marble Factory, March 8
Yes, Colston Hall, May 4
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