DESTRUCTION : RECKONING 2011 - ASIA & AUSTRALIA TOUR : THE PAVILION - SINGAPORE : 30/10/2011

Finally, German Thrash legend - DESTRUCTION hits ASIA - started with TAIWAN (27/10), then THAILAND (29/10), SINGAPORE (30/10) and INDONESIA (01/11). They will invade AUSTRALIA next for another 4 dates, before heading to Thrashfest Classic European Tour.

Frankly, though we still look forward to see them on stage - to throw a big welcome to the legendary SCHMIER (vocal/bass) and MIKE (guitar) plus the new drummer - VAAVER, the volcanic excitement however has long melted down. Imagine - how things will be different to all the Thrash Metal diehards (especially the older generations) if they were here during their prime years : 'Sentence of Death' (1984) - 'Infernal Overkill' (1985) - 'Eternal Devastation' (1986) - 'Mad Butcher' (1987) - 'Release From Agony' (1988). On second thought, it is probably impossible at that point of time. Perhaps 11 years earlier when the band first reformed with SCHMIER and released 'All Hell Breaks Loose' (2000). That sounds good enough ! Nevertheless, a big thank to CYNICAL SOUNDS for this rare experience.

Unfortunately, we've already succumbed into metal hibernation when the band unleashed 'The Antichrist' (2001), 'Metal Discharge' (2003), 'Inventor Of Evil' (2005), 'D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N' (2008) and 'Day Of Reckoning' (2011).

Approximately 27 fuckin' long years after 'Sentence Of Death' plus another 1-1/2 hours more, the onslaught began at nearly 9.00 pm (schedully - 7.30 pm, probably due to technical setbacks), thrashing the crowds with "Curse The Gods" (from 'Eternal Devastation').  Unbelievable - it was DESTRUCTION on stage - thrashing madness ! We wore the biggest smile probably at that point of time.

"Finally, DESTRUCTION in SINGAPORE. We know you guys waited for a long time and so did we. We know there are people from MALAYSIA are here too ... welcome " - and this is what SCHMIER said in return to the maniacal crowds.

From their best album - 'Infernal Overkill', they gave us classics like "Tormentor" and "Death Trap" (yeargh). While, "Bestial Invasion" came out as the last song (before they came back later for encore) and earlier, SCHMIER was saying that many of you waited for this one song ... Bestial Invasion Singapore ! It was total chaos - "hell storms, rush over the earth ... Bestial Invasion !".
 

Definitely the right choice from 'Eternal Devastation' when they also nailed "Eternal Ban" and "Life Without Sense" - nostalgic.

We expected that they will do "Release From Agony", but unfortunely no. To those who still have this big picture of DESTRUCTION with bullet belts that run across their chest  ('Sentence Of Death') must be happy with "Mad Butcher" and "Total Desaster". 

They also delivered tracks from those latest albums - 'All Hell Breaks Loose' to 'Days Of Reckoning', which we are not that fimiliar with.

But the sound suffered for the the first few sets, especially the standing mic at far left, pissing SCHMIER off that he just can't continue like that. Things eventually came out excellently.

The band ended this one crazy night, speaking about bringing along SODOM and KREATOR to SINGAPORE next time as well as MALAYSIA and PHILIPINNES. Sounds killer ! SCHMIER was notably friendly, shaking hands will all the killer fans at the front, perhaps thanking them for the gigantic response. Even during their set, there were 3 standing mics located at the left, right and center stage, giving the surrounding crowds equal chances to connect with SCHMIER. We respect that ! While, MIKE was outstanding.

It will be more memorable if there was a tour shirt available (then again, it was quite rare to track tour shirts from DESTRUCTION - possibily they are not really into it). We also wonder what happen to the Meet & Greet Session (schedully after the show), does it took place ? Most of the fans who waited outside the venue finally make their way home. So did us.

Though  the show collides with WHITESNAKE in KUALA LUMPUR, we never had to choose. It was DESTRUCTION all the way from the start. Sorry COVERDALE ...

Setlist

1) Curse The Gods (Eternal Devastation)

2) Mad Butcher (Sentence Of Death)

3) Armageddonizer (Day Of Reckoning)

4) Hate Is My Fuel (Day of Reckoning)

5) Eternal Ban (Eternal Devastation)

6) Life Without Sense (Eternal Devastation)
7) D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N (Devolution)

8) Thrash Till Death (The Antichrist)

9) Nailed To The Cross (The Antichrist)

10) Metal Discharge (Metal Discharge)

11) Tormentor/Invicible Force (Infernal Overkill)

12) Death Trap (Infernal Overkill)

13) Tears Of Blood (All Hell Breaks Loose)

14) Bestial Invasion (Infernal Overkill)

Encore

15) Total Desaster (Sentence Of Death)

16) The Butcher Strikes Back (All Hell Breaks Loose)

Personal photos :- 

Some of DESTRUCTION shirts for Reckoning 2011 World Tour

(shirt photo courtesy of tshirtslayer.com)

DESTRUCTION : European Killfest Tour 2011

DESTRUCTION : North American Reckoning 2011

DESTRUCTION : Day of Reckoning - Live In Bangkok 2011

(no back print)

LOUDNESS : 30TH ANNIVERSARY - KING OF PAIN WORLD TOUR 2011 : KL LIVE - MALAYSIA : 24/07/2011

The crowds was fuckin' wild last night. From the look of his face, MINORU NIIHARA was satisfied with how Kuala Lumpur responded towards LOUDNESS. "We should have been here earlier" and this is what he did said in regret.

The venue - KL LIVE was fully packed with about 3,000 maniacs turned out to celebrate the classic LOUDNESS line-up of MINORU NIIHARA (vocal), AKIRA TAKASAKI (guitar) and MASAYOSHI YAMASHITA (bass), as well as MASAYUKI SUZUKI (new drummer). The atmosphere was magical when the crowds started to sing along to old classic especially "Crazy Nights", "Heavy Chains" and "So Lonely" (from another older album 'Hurricane Eyes'). After taking the band photo on stage with the cheering crowds at the back, MINORU asked "Do you wanna go crazy ?" and a big yes came soaring. "Crazy Nights" was a nostalgic trip back as the album - 'Thunder In The East' was the first album we started with LOUDNESS ("Crazy Nights" was the 1st track in the album apparently). From where we stand, we've already started jumping when the riffs exploded and then came the screaming "Rock & Roll Crazy Night. You are the heroes tonight ...". There was also this earth shaking "Hey Hey Hey" from all the crowds.

All jaws dropped when guitar wizard - AKIRA showcased his magical fretworks in "Exploder". In friendly manner, also tossing his guitar pick to the crowds, as well as to where we stand at the right corner of the stage (AKIRA side). While, those who fortunately got the drumstick from MASAYUKI will surely have a sleepless night. Good catch !

The KL show must be special as LOUDNESS ended the show with 2 sets of encore after the crowds demanded for more. Another blown out trip back to the 80's, first with "Let It Go" and "Like Hell", and finally wrapped it with "S.D.I.". 

Earlier, opening bands like the all-grrl band SHEWOLVES and rock veterans SATIRA and SOFEA managed to get the adrenalin pumping before LOUDNESS came out and brake all necks. An amazing show !

Setlist

1) Fire Of Spirit - instrumental (Metal Mad)

2) Hit The Rails (The Everlasting)

3) Crazy Nights (Thunder In The East)

4) Heavy Chains (Thunder In The East)

5) In The Mirror (The Law Of Devil's Land)

6) So Lonely (Hurricane Eyes)

7) Exploder - instrumental (Disillusion)

8) Shadows Of War (Lightning Strikes)

9) Get Away (Thunder In The East)

10) Black Star Oblivion (Lightning Strikes)

11) Requiem - instrumental / The King Of Pain (King Of Pain)

12) Crazy Doctor (Disillusion)

Encore

13) Let It Go (Lightning Strikes)

14) Like Hell (Thunder In The East)

15) S.D.I. (Hurricane Eyes)

Some personal photos taken from our old camera :-

"Kuala Lumpur ??!!"

MINORU, AKIRA & AMY (SEARCH)

MINORU screaming at the top of his lung

gorgeous SHEWOLVES bassist

MAN RANI of SOFEA

Official tour shirts :-



Thanks AKIRA !

FURIA (Pol) - 'Martwa Polska Jesien'

FURIA (Pol)

'Martwa Polska Jesien'

PAGAN RECORDS

Release Date : 14/08/2011

Anyone who missed this album back in 2007 (released under DEATH SOLUTION PRODUCTIONS) should make sure you don't repeat the same mistake. Why ? This is the debut album of the mighty FURIA that was known to put to shame to so many metal albums. The album title 'Martwa Polska Jesien' means 'The Dead Polish Autumn'.

For those who are fimiliar with the hell that FURIA brings in each of its releases, then get this one at any cost as this is where the madness begins. Though we already have the album intact in our collection, these 6 tracks really deserved a must have digipack release.

Musically, we do not want to go into any details this time. However, these are our answers (in the same style if FURIA is answering it, cheers NAMTAR !) if somehow, someone might asked ...

How do FURIA sounds like ?

Simple answer - metal orgasm extravaganza.

Why does the cover album looks simple ? 

Straight forward answer - Fuck-off !

Is this Black Metal ?

Black what ? Are you referring to all those shitty ones ?

If I don't buy it now, will it go out of print again ?

It has been out of print for 5 years ! Don't you get it ?  Everybody is accumulating this digipack now as demand is 10 times the actual prize at ebay. So, why do you have to wait ?

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

MORDHELL (Pol) - 'Suffer In Hell'

MORDHELL (Pol)

'Suffer In Hell'

PAGAN RECORDS

Release Date : 25/06/2011

Strange, never heard the name MORDHELL before ? But the band already has a firm footing in the scene, started with 'Sadistic Pleasure' demo (2003). This was followed by 'Cut Yourself And Die' EP (2004) and 'Suicide Blood' MCD (2006) as well as a 3-way split album (2007). They later released their debut album 'Grim, Old And Evil' (2008) under FALLEN ANGEL 666 with 13 tracks. The number 13 continues to play an important role with 'Suffer In Hell' later

MORDHELL is ugly, raw and heavy Black Heavy Metal with strong Punk riffs - giving you the dose of Black 'N' Roll (the term 'Black 'N' Roll' is getting trendy so as to speak). What do you expect from a band that worsipped sex and alcohol and came with killer psoudname like NEKROPHILIAC (vocal), BLOODWHIP (guitar), DEFEKATOR (guitar), GRAVE (bass) and DIABOLIZER (drum) ? Total destruction off course ! The riffs are simple yet effective, and MORDHELL nailed it right by playing it short most of the times (8 tracks are less that 3-minutes) as to avoid getting caught with the repetitiveness.  The drumming was superb. Musical wise, the band reminds us strongly of DODSFERD/NADIWRATH though (without the slower part & guitar solo). Again, there are 13 tracks here (as we told you earlier).

The album opened with "Smelling Of Burning Skin" and we immediately knew that that we really gonna' like this. It got crazy every minutes, and you get "Alcoholic Titfuckblast", "You Are My Fucking Pornostar" and "Graveyard Fuck" later. It then ended brilliantly with "Possessed By Alcohol". Fantastic !

order : http://www.pagan-records.home.pl/webshop
website : http://www.mordhell.metal.pl/
myspace : http://www.myspace.com/mordhell

PANDEMONIUM (Pol) - 'Promo 2010'

PANDEMONIUM (Pol)

'Promo 2010'

PAGAN RECORDS

Release Date : 01/01/2011

Despite our terrible time constraint, it is always excited to receive new promos from Tomasz and PAGAN RECORDS. We are not sure how many of you remember the mighty PANDEMONIUM, one of Poland's oldest might.  The mainman - the duo of Paul (guitar) and Peter (drum) spawned the band back in 1989 and back then, they were a force to be reckoned with.

On the back of immense pressures - musically, the duo later collided and hurt PANDEMONIUM beyond healing. What to follow next was a sad written history. We are not aware of what happened to the band then onward. Until later in 1998, when Jaro Slav of LUX OCCULTA (Polish finest Occult Death Metal band, and yes, signed under PAGAN RECORDS) told us that Peter died of cancer.

We received this promo quite late but its great to hear that PAUL has ressurected PANDEMONIUM. There are 2-tracks here - "A Black Forest" and "A God Delusion", giving us the hint on what to expect from their new album 'Misanthropy'. Musically, PANDEMONIUM is throat cutting, killer majestic Death/Black Metal. The tracks, especially "A Black Forest" was brilliantly structured with killer mesmerising riffs. Strangely, we felt vibe of MONUMENTUM presence. They are fuckin' back ! It's PANDEMONIUM !

website : http://pandemonium.metal.pl/

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/