MORBID ANGEL : ILLUD DIVINUM INSANUS WORLD TOUR 2011 : D'MARQUEE - SINGAPORE : 25/05/2011

It took most of us more that 20 years after 'Altar of Madness' (1989) to finally catch Floridian cult MORBID ANGEL on stage. Salute to the mighty CYNICAL SOUNDS for bringing this Death Metal legend to our part of the world. Though sadly without PETE SANDOVAL (drum), the classic duo of TREY AZAGTHOTH (guitar) and DAVID VINCENT (vocal/bass) will be there to raise hell in Singapore. They will have DESTRUCTHOR (guitar) and TIM YEOUNG (drum) for the tour.

Simply, those who missed the show for whatever reasons should get their head banged on the wall. This is MORBID ANGEL for hell sake ! Schedully tight as hell, we still managed to get the ticket at the very last hours (thanks to Fadhil of MUZIK BOX PRODUCTION). Onward to 'Illud Divinum Insanus World Tour 2011'.

With the album 'Abominations Of Desolation' close to heart, we were definitely ready to be part of this new made history - 'Abominations Of Desolation' is the band's earlier 1986 demo that was only released later in 1991 to strike out the bootleg of the said recording. It was the works of only TREY AZAGTHOTH (guitar) and MIKE BROWNING (drum/vocal) with DAVID VINCENT producing it (who later joined the band with PETE SANDOVAL and RICHARD BRUNELLE and the rest was history).

The stage was brimming in blood red light, promoting the new album. There should be about 700 who turned out for the show and based on our ticket that night, we were numbered 646. We purposely take our stand at TREY's side, with intention to get a perfect close up on this legendary axeman. The wait was too long to just simply stand at the back and looking at the band from a distance, no way ! No opening band as well, which was brilliant as we don't think that the crowds still have the patience to wait. Some even have started chanting the band's name.

Then it started ! "Immortal Rites" being the first track bringing the crowds back to 'Altar Of Madness' era, which was an instant chaos. From the same album, we also got "Maze Of Torment" and "Blasphemy" as well as all time classics from 'Abomination of Desolation - "Lord Of All Fevers" and "Chapel Of Ghouls". We just can't hold ourselves when "Angel Of Disease" shaked the Singapore ground. Definitely priceless ! The setlist was simply incredible - mostly from their first 3 historical albums - 'Altar Of Madness' (1989), "Blessed Are The Sick" (1991) and 'Covenant' (1993), which appears to celebrate the older fans who never dreamt of getting to see the band live on stage. Truly a legendary show !

Setlist

1) Immortal Rites (Altar Of Madness)

2) Fall From Grace (Blessed Are The Sick)

3) Rapture (Covenant)

4) Pain Divine (Covenant)

5) Maze Of Torment (Altar Of Madness)

6) Sworn To The Black (Covenant)

7) Existo Vulgore (Illud Divinum Insanus)

8) Nevermore (Illud Divinum Insanus)

9) Angel Of Disease (Abomination Of Desolation)

10) Lord Of All Fevers (Abomination Of Desolation)

11) Day Of Suffering (Blessed Are The Sick)

12) Blasphemy (Altar Of Madness)

13) Chapel Of Ghouls (Abomination Of Desolation)

Encore

14) God Of Emptiness (Covenant)

15) World Of Shit (Covenant)

For PETE 'Commando' SANDOVAL ! Get the t-shirt when the band comes to your place (July 12th onward) !

Personal photos :-

TREY on fire

" ... angle of disease, the one who shun the light ..."

Official Tour Shirt :-

Front

Back

WINGS : OPERA HIDUP ROCKESTRA : ISTANA BUDAYA - MALAYSIA : 29/04/2011

L - R : Joe (guitar), Black (drum), Awie (vocal) and Eddie (bass)

2.00 pm : Highway To Heaven

It took us more than a 3 hours drive from Down South to the capital city of Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur. Tonight, WINGS will take the stage at the prestigious ISTANA BUDAYA for their OPERA HIDUP CONCERT (3 days event : 29th April - 1st May). Its a biggest recognition for a rock band to play there and to be accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra (Okestra Simfoni Kebangsaan). This proved that their 25 long years was never a waste. To be there at the first show was always killer. No expectation, only adrenaline rush ! Excited ? Yes we are ! To witness the songs we grew up listening to transformed into orchestral monster, that's bloody exciting !

The venue was sold out ! It's goin' to be an intimate show in a sense, able to house about 7,000 fans at one time. We will take our seat an the centre of Grand Circle.

5.30 pm : Lay Down Your Soul To The God of Rock 'N' Roll

We checked in somewhere in Bukit Bintang (translated as Star Hill) and refreshed ourselves. The show will only start at 8.30 pm. 

8.00 pm : Entering Istana Budaya 

After having a light dinner nearby, we entered into Istana Budaya and went straight to the merchandise stand as always, checking out shirts and other goodies. The show need to be remembered and at least we need to have something that are able to bring us back to that magical moment.

Entering Istana Budaya was never easy. No round necks, no camera (though we are able to sneak it in and later found out that there will be light pointed out to you whenever you tried to snap photo, and there came the security).

8.30 pm - 10.45 pm : Rock You Like A Hurricane

WINGS was excellent as always (great sound system by the way), belting numbers from their debut album - 'Belenggu Irama' (1987) up to the period where the band survived with guest vocals - MUS (of the legendary MAY) and MEL. We also got special appearance from SHAM (original guitarist, who only appeared in the band's debut) and JOJET - original drummer who never appeared in the earlier albums until the band's 4th - 'Jerangkung Dalam Almari' (1991). There were MUS, MEL and AWIE all together on stage for few songs.

After the instrumental opening of 'Watari', WINGS rock the night with "Opera Hidup" which was perfect since its Opera Hidup Rockestra. When the band hit "Inspirasi Taming Sari" and later "Peronda Jaket Biru, we maniacally sang our heart out, and we believed, so did the rest. The set list was a good blend (great to finally hear those underrated ones like "Jerangkung Dalam Almari" and "Romania" for example), but it will be killer should we also get "Harapan", "Bujang Senang" and "Midnight Blues". Its not an easy task, the band need to select the right tracks and find tune with the orchestra, to be able to nail it. We are more than happy though the orchestra sounds bigger than the band itself in some songs.

The crowds were encouraging, but what more can you expect from them, watching a rock show in seats ?I  JOE (guitar) was full of persona, wrapped mysteriously in hoody and sunglass. While, EDDIE (bass) and BLACK (drum) were simply fantastic. AWIE (vocal) on the other hand was too comical, cranking too much jokes on stage, though his vocal prowness was still one of the best after all these long. It was a great show indeed.

Setlist

  1) Watari (Jerangkung Dalam Almari)

  2) Opera Hidup (Hukum Karma)

  3) Hukum Karma (Hukum Karma)

  4) Ranggi Metropolis (Naga Kramat)

  5) Di Ambang Wati (Bazooka Penaka)

  6) Inspirasi Taming Sari (Belenggu Irama)

  7) Romania (Teori Domino)

  8) Bernafas Dalam Lumpur (Bazooka Penaka)

  9) Samar Nan Terang (Mr. Barbarik)

10) Blues Ular Sawa (Double Trouble 2)

11) Suara Kita (Bazooka Penaka)

12) Lena Di Ulit Intan (Orang Asing)

13) Biru Mata Hitam Ku (Biru Mata Hitam Ku)

14) Jerangkung Dalam Almari (Jerangkung Dalam Almari)

15) Semalam Yang Hangat (Orang Asing)

16) Biarkan Berlalu (Belenggu Irama)

17) RnR Lu Punya Suka (Jerangkung Dalam Almari)

18) Sejati (Teori Domino)

19) Belenggu Irama (Belenggu Irama)

20) Taman Rashidah Utama (Hukum Karma)

Encore

21) Peronda Jaket Biru (Belenggu Irama)

 

Merchandises :-

NECRONOCLAST (Scot) - 'Ashes'

NECRONOCLAST (Scot)

'Ashes'

MORIBUND RECORDS

Release Date : 22/02/2011

The cult is alive up on the Scottish highlands !? We really look forward to this - a rare Scots Black Metal band. The fact is, NECRONOCLAST already has 3 releases under MORIBUND RECORDS - 'The Plague' (2007), 'Monument' (2008 re-release) and 'Haven' (2008). As well as a couple of demo/EP earlier in 2004/2005.

One man band normally has its limitation, and we are a bit taken back as always. Since with have also experienced somes suprises earlier (especially those one-man assault under MORIBUND RECORDS) we would like to keep the expectation clearly open this time.

So, what did GREG EDWARDS (all) offered here ? The album centred on fast melodic Black Metal with depressive element. A bit complex structure-wise and cold & epic in some parts that would bring us closer to HELLVETO despite the Polish one man band is structurally more majestic, dynamic and heavy synth/keyboard oriented. But we find NECRONOCLAST is walking the simliar path (apparently in the tracks "Ashes" and "Kajicnicke Saty").

Credit need to be given to GREG EDWARDS nevertheless ! The album will appeal well to listeners who appreciate something innovative, more than just a straight forward Black Metal assault. Old goat bangers however would be dissapointed, they have to crawl back to the cave and headbang to the mighty PERVERSOR (Chi).

website : http://necronoclast.com/
myspace : http://www.myspace.com/necronoclast
order : http://www.moribundcult.com/

NADIWRATH (Gre) - 'Nihilistic Stench'

NADIWRATH (Gre)

'Nihilistic Stench'

MORIBUND RECORDS

Release Date : 25/01/2011

Greece used to take centre stage when it comes to extreme metal, standing proud with ROTTING CHRIST ('Thy Mighty Contract' still fuckin' rule !), VARATHRON, NECROMANTIA, THOU ART LORD etc. We haven't heard anything impressive since then. Was it us who were too ignorant to discover new potential Greek bands ? Or there were really none actually ?

So, let us answer that - Fuck You ! Here is NADIWRATH !

WRATH of DODSFERD returned with this fuckin' heavy bad ass Black Metal outfit. DODSFERD was his one man band, and NADIWRATH is with a complete line up. The band is not interested to be original or whatever fuck, simply, they just wanted to break every necks possible with their hell-speeding riffs.

NADIWRATH is genious in churning killer fuckin' fretworks. Clearly, that cannot be denied ! That is also important for the band to run amok on stage and get the mosh pit soaked in blood. We have no problem with their long track (more than 5 minutes in most occasions) and repetitiveness as clearly this is what NADIWRATH stands for. We still can't stand a long fuckin' title track like DODSFERD did though.

There are 8 tracks here with highlights like "Darkness Has Lost Its Meaning" (part of LEMMY is still trapped in WRATH), "Two Face Shit Fuckers", "There Is No Light" and "Memories Are Dead" - the later two are fuckin' brilliant ! Recommended ! Having said all, we leave you with one important message however - Fuck You !

myspace : http://www.myspace.com/nadiwrath

order : http://www.moribundcult.com/

ACID WITCH (USA) - 'Stoned'

ACID WITCH (USA)

'Stoned'

HELLS HEADBANGERS RECORDS

Release Date : 18/01/2011

The year 2011 opened quite brilliantly for HELLS HEADBANGERS RECORDS. We have in hand killer 2nd full length of this original USA Stoner Metal - ACID WITCH.

The title 'Stoned' described ACID WITCH well musically. Imagine a perfect blend of Doom Metal/Psychedelic/Acid Rock ("Metal Movie Marijuana Massacre Meltdown" anyone ?) comes crushing with those heavy, infectious and addictive riffs stamped all over the album. Fuckin killer ! The raw sound sealed the package as 'a must have' !

Formed in 2007, the band has earlier released 'Witchtanic Hellucinations' debut full length (2008) and two 7'EPs 'Witch House' (2009) and 'Midnight Mass' (2010). While, this album featured 10 top notch tracks of head-'bong'-ing extravagenza.

For those who has no fuckin' idea of ACID WITCH, just have a taste of "Live Forever" and take a trip back to the 70's. Groove on and please do watch out for the organ solo along the way ...

Highly recommended ! Highly fuckin' recommended !

By the way, did the track "If Hell Exists" ripped "Live Forever"s riffs ?! It heard so ...

myspace : http://www.myspace.com/acidwitch
order : http://www.shop-hellsheadbangers.com/

2010 : END WITH A HEADBANGED !

An interesting year 2010 was ! After more than 5 years of silence, we have finally started working for the new ISSUE # 6 (we wonder, do people care ?! we don't give a damn either !). Based on the positive pace that we've made, the new issue is goin' to crush the readers tentatively by the last quarter of 2010. This is the commitment that we have given to the bands.

Albeit it is goin' to take us about 12 months of adrenalin rush and bloody hell putting everything together, it looks that we were on track to meet the dateline (if there was any ?!). However, we have re-scheduled the release to a later date due to major technical setbacks that we were unable to solve. At least, this provided us with suffice time to bring in more killer bands that we have recently came across. 

Gladly to say, we have continued working with those few but dedicated labels like PAGAN RECORDS (Pol), MORIBUND RECORDS (USA), HELLS HEADBANGERS RECORDS (USA) etc. We greatly appreciated their trust despite some delay in our part in getting the review out on time due to our tight commitments, our apology. 

To our suprise, none of the many local labels were brave enough to work with us. Keep up the good works anyway !

So, let 2011 come ! Metal Reigns Supreme !

BLAZE OF PERDITION (Pol) - 'The Burning Will Of Expansion'

BLAZE OF PERDITION (Pol)

'The Burning Will Of Expansion'

PAGAN RECORDS

Release Date : 15/12/2010

PAGAN RECORDS has always been significant, uncompromised, offering only finest Polish extreme metal and served as the initial platform for new bands. Take BEHEMOTH for example - they started with PAGAN RECORDS and released two demos - 'The Return Of The Northern Moon' (1993) and 'From The Pagan Vastlands' (1994), as well as their debut album - Sventevith' (1995) before took off to be the band that you all knew today.

And those two early demos that led us to set a mail interview with BEHEMOTH back in 1995, which was answered by BAAL RAVENLOCK (drum). It was our first overseas interview and we were definitely on fire to receive his reply in just 1 month time. The questions were interesting, and that statement came from BAAL RAVENLOCK. These are some of the things that inspired us to spill blood on every issues before we finally felt abrupt in 2000 (Issue # 4 was scheduled to be out in 2000 but was delayed until Jan '2005).

Coming back to the release, what we have here is a 2-tracks EP from Polish Black Metal band - BLAZE OF PERDITION. The band has earlier unleashed 'Deus Rex Nihilium Est' EP (materials taken from the split with Russian PSEUDOGOD) and 'Towards The Blaze Of Perdition' debut album.

BLAZE OF PERDITION is impressive with their power pack display of Black Metal, fast and tight plus the usual mid paced melodic break. Excellent sound as well. We have no problem with that but musically, it was something that has been done by many before. No harm to own a copy by the way. 

website : http://www.blazeofpredition.pl/

order : http://www.pagan-records.home.pl/webshop

MASSEMORD (Pol) - 'The Madness Tongue Devouring Juices At Livid Hope'

MASSEMORD (Pol)

'The Madness Tongue Devouring Juices At Livid Hope'

PAGAN RECORDS

Release Date : 20/11/2010

This is fuckin' madness ! Polish supremo - MASSEMORD returned with their 3rd album - comprised of a single track mesmerising for 35 minutes long. This album (if we can called it one) proved that MASSEMORD is the best in taking Black Metal into a far reach dimension. It opened with this heavy punishing riff, a simple one though, playing on and on (Drone ?) until the synth/effect creep in and shaped everything like one transcedental journey into utter darkness. Brilliant ! Their music is far from static, changing direction later with some fast parts in between and touches of experimental/industrial felt - its like a different phase all together. NAMTAR's vocal is really at his best.

This album is a big 'fuck off' to those same lame Black Metal bands that we are getting too tired with. Both FURIA and MASSEMORD basically consist of the same members. But as what NAMTAR (vocal) put it to us - FURIA and MASSEMORD are like two fantastic girls, of which one sucks as hell and the other is not afraid to experiment with her rectum. Fuckin' brilliant ! Highly recommended !

link : http://let-the-world-burn.org
order : http://www.pagan-records.home.pl/webshop

HAERESIARCHS OF DIS (USA) - 'Denuntiatus Cihis'

HAERESIARCHS OF DIS (USA)

'Denuntiatus Cihis'

MORIBUND RECORDS

Release Date : 12/10/2010

Frankly, a one-man band doesn't really impressed us, though we do acknowledge that a few did stand out however. HEARESIARCHS OF DIS doesn't really moved us either at first. Then again, we trust that MORIBUND RECORDS is one of those long dedicated extreme label that will never wimped out.

Musicwise, it's basically Pagan Black Metal allright, primitive and fast ("Median Existere" & "Ad Baculum" are outstanding !) with blackish screaming. There are also some symphonic background vocal that sounded more like those Viking bands, string showcase ("The Respite"), touches of ambient ("Nine Days They Fell"), experimental ("Intent Concupicense") etc. Avant Garde perhaps ? Norwegian Black Metal with elements of FLUERTY & ISENGARD ? Better said, it's a kind of 'Yin' and 'Yang' in Black Metal, an opposite contrast yet they supplement each other sufficely and put everything into balance - equilibrium. There are 13 tracks that will keep your ear intact to the music till end.

The most suprising is the track "Bemoan The Fallen". What the fuck ?! Accoustic pagan/folk ?! Awesome ! (we thought it was Jack Black & Kyle Gass -  TENACIOUS D). We find those instrumental tracks however are taking too much spaces in the album - perhaps it might represent something important to CERNUNNOS, but we don't think listeners would care. The drumming sounded mechanical by the way (drum machine ?).

Yet, the album is extraordinary interesting for listeners to check out.

myspace : http://www.myspace.com/heresiarchsofdis

DENOUNCEMENT PYRE (Aus) - 'World Cremation'

DENOUNCEMENT PYRE (Aus)

'World Cremation'

HELLS HEADBANGERS RECORDS

Release Date : 31/08/2010

DENOUNCEMENT PYRE is finally here to claim the throne ! This is the band long awaited debut album after 7 years in existence with only demos & EPs under their bullet belt. It is worth the long wait !

This album is predictably very much straight forward with thrash drive, a bit repetitive but effectively delivered. We don't think that excessive technicality or complexity is needed here, no, not with this genre, but their cutthroat riffings are too excellent to ignore. Hellish riffs that were meant to conquer heaven. Those who seek for a perfect blend of extremity, darkness, chaos and power, well, 'World Cremation' will give you that ! There are 8 tracks here with fuckin' killer raw sound ! 

The 1st track "Black Womb Of Magdalene" really set the flame with its intensity, dark surrounding and speeding at full throttle. We thought we heard some moment from our Malaysian own BRAINDEAD's "Unholy Sin" in the 2nd track "The Flesh Of Thy Master". Yet, they loose out some speed in the mid-part of the album - take "Salvation, The Fading Light" for example, is very Greek-sounding (circa early VARATHRON/ROTTING CHRIST) with its doomy approach and melodic riffing. They then closed the album with one of their finest here "Invination Of Poison" (fuckin' killer !). This is definitely one of the best album in 2010. Get this one at any cost ! Highly recommended !

By the way, the first 100 copies of the LP come in white vinyl.

link : http://www.hellsheadbangers.com/denouncementpyre/

myspace : http://www.myspace.com/denouncementpyre/

order : http://www.shop-hellsheadbangers.com/