zaterdag 26 september 2009

Viking Skull - Doom, Gloom, Heartache and Whiskey


Brawling, ugly biker, art rock-metal might be an oxymoron in some universes but not, thankfully, in ours. And if the description might be a bit flowery it's still fairly accurate for Viking Skull, who on their third album, Doom Gloom Heartache & Whisky, are clearly dedicated to that most noble of goals: riffs that collapse skulls and hooks that roar with swagger. (Given the title, this is truly a stellar example of truth in advertising.) Not to mention solos, because that's what this kind of music best requires, thus the excellent break on "Start a War" -- not merely in the heroic mode but the everything-drops-out-except-for-a-dying-burst follow-through. While the template established doesn't really change much at all for the rest of the album -- a notable exception being the acoustic guitar start on "Shot Down" a handy break for breath -- it's a formula handled well and the band collectively know how to deliver the material. The lead singer's ear for good shout-alongs intriguingly tempered by a tendency to disappear into the mix a bit -- he's not commanding the vocals, more urging the music on with them. Any number of subtle nods to classic hard rock and metal abound (and sometimes unsubtle nods, as with the wink-and-nudge reworking of "Iron Man" on "In Hell," but Viking Skull are a band that knows its history and is out to have a lot of fun with it -- which they do.

  1. "Start a War" - 3:15
  2. "Doom, Gloom, Heartache & Whiskey" - 4:47
  3. "In Hell" - 4:25
  4. "Hair of the Dog" - 2:52
  5. "Shot Down" - 4:06
  6. "Double or Quits" - 3:14
  7. "In for the Kill" - 3:01
  8. "19 Swords" - 4:51
  9. "Drink" - 6:41

dinsdag 1 september 2009

Faith No More Live @ Download Festival


After their blistering Pukkelpop show last month I feel compelled to share this recent live show with you guys.

Great audio this one.

They haven't lost it at all!

I will let you discover the setlist! ;-)


Orange Goblin / Alabama Thunderpussy Split


Some time ago everybody! Sorry for that...

Here's a good one to get started again with anyway! Bob those heads!

01 Orange Goblin - Freelance Fiend (Leaf Hound Cover)
02 Alabama Thunderpussy - Can't Feel Nothing (Captain Beyond Cover)