maandag 30 november 2015

The Strayin' Sparrows – Skyship


The Strayin' Sparrows – Skyship
Tunsa Music – 2015
Rock, Blues, Psych, Garage, Stoner
Rated: ****

No need to beat around the bush here. The new album Skyship by the German quartet The Strayin' Sparrows is the best blues rock record with a sweet psychedelic touch released this year. Mixing it up with a garage edge and some definite spacy touches and stoner trucking these ten tracks just wow and transport you back in time towards an age when dirty sounding yet clean vocalized blues rock was all the rage. You know the era. When it was all happening. There’s something highly laidback and easy going about the entire album. You start feeling at ease as soon as the second track Pull The Trigger is running and grooving around your heart and bluesing up your soul. Just listen to those guitar colors, so warm and so swirling on occasion. And their youthful eagerness makes all of the traditional sounds highly up to date and authentic. The blues is definitely in good hands with the Strayin’ Sparrows!

(Written by JK)




With The Dead – With The Dead


With The Dead – With The Dead
Rise Above – 2015
Rock, Metal, Doom
Rated: ***

Back in 2013, when Lee Dorrian blew out the candles over Cathedral, it was only a question of time before he would re-surface in a new project. A musician like Dorrian can never sit still for too long, even though he professed his wish to focus most of his attention on his Rise Above Label. So when the rumors started circulating about a possible collaboration between dear old Dorrian and Tim Bagshaw and Mark Greening from Electric Wizard the excitement became a tangible buzz throughout the dark music caverns. On the self-titled debut-album of With The Dead we receive, completely in line with all expectations, ponderous metal mixed with thunderous rock and a multitude of dark and dusty tones and extremely malevolent sounding riffs. It is without a doubt a definite successor to all Cathedral ever was and Electric Wizard had slowly lost, at least for a lot of many Wizard fans. It is the sound of yore and of intense, powerful compulsion. Exorcism and resurrection and the birth of something wild and wonderful…

(Written by JK)


Fuzz – II


Fuzz – II
In The Red/Konkurrent – 2015
Rock, Psych, Garage
Rated: ****

On that first album we travelled back in time to 1969 or perhaps 1968 when the fuzz and heavy psychedelic waves sounded exactly this amazing. The perfect age and the perfect time of the year when Summertime heralded that massive sound from the boys from Blue Cheer. On their second album ‘II’ the San Francisco garagedelic threesome founded by Ty Segall continue their track through that heavy fatherland. Combining their bluesy, Sabbath-like guitar riffs with which they can level any crowd and those small touches of harmony that will have all you smile in disgust. Yes, indeed, you like it! You love it! Wild guitars and Ty drumming right alongside like a controlled maniac. This is high-energy hard edged garage rock and heavy psych that has a stoner edge thanks to wild antics of all players involved. Fuzz, a righteous name to live up to!  You’d better keep doing your damn best Mr. Segall!

(Written by JK)


Black Box Revelation – Highway Cruiser


Black Box Revelation – Highway Cruiser
Caroline – 2015
Rock, Blues, Garage
Rated: ****

There was a bit of silence surrounding the Belgian duo Black Box Revelation. The most recent album My Perception was recorded in Los Angeles in 2011 under the skillful guidance of Alain Johannes. Ofcourse it’s never really quiet, when it comes to making noise, cause they toured like crazies. But finally after four years we are treated to some new excellence for at home: Highway Cruiser. It is a ten track counting ode to throbbing blues and grating garage. This time around they went to New York to work with Thomas Brenneck of the Daptone Label. The guy that loves to work analog. And ofcourse one will be getting a more soulful edge on ones compositions when working with a guy like Brenneck. And especially when you not only make the lyrics more personal but also get vocal help from The Gospel Queens on tracks like War Horse and Highway Cruiser. But the best aspect of the new album is, without a doubt, the guitar playing. Which sounds much more melodic and with a definite hang towards the old grandfathers of the blues. Which will make you hear the musical freedom with every note played…

(Written by JK)



vrijdag 27 november 2015

Electric Priestess – Electric Priestess


Electric Priestess – Electric Priestess
Self released – 2015
Rock, Doom, Metal
Rated: ****

Electric Priestess’s self-titled demo is out for the masses to enjoy. The five-piece comes a rockin' to us from Grimsby, UK with their brand of doom rock. What's great about hearing something for the first time is the unknown. So I'm waiting for the vocals. Ok , there's Danny Vain singing his heart out on the self-titled cut. The dude rocks. I can only describe him as pure early seventies. Listen and you'll see what I mean. The rest of the band rocks hard on the song as well. There is plenty of fuzz and heavy drumming to go around. The final track A Grand Tyranny of Magnitude is a cut where the band really shines. It's a definite Sabbath feel but with nice meter changes. Hats off to the rhythm section on this one. Drummer Zoe Butters and bassist Luke Bullock are tight and creative. Don't worry guitarists, I haven't forgotten that you guys are killing it as well. Jordan Nicholas and Joe Peddie deliver the fuzz with what I would call a slight commercial viability. All in all I would call it a good listen. Demo? I guess. I really don't understand the difference anymore. What denotes a demo as opposed to a final cut? Recordings are so good today that I guess maybe it's the producing or editing that makes the difference. Back in the day what I can only describe as slight flubs were left on records and only a very discerning ear would notice. Either way you slice it, Electric Priestess is a fine piece of music that I thoroughly enjoyed. Check'em out for yourselves at the links below.

(Written by Charlie Tooth)




dinsdag 24 november 2015

Arrecho – Rock and Roll


Arrecho – Rock and Roll
Self released – 2015
Rock, Blues, Metal
Rated: ****

Bad ass rock ‘n roll, that's what Arrecho's album titled Rock and Roll is.  These cats reside in Venezuela and are a fine example of the music being so good I don't care what the singer is saying when I don't understand him. That's right! The shits in Spanish and it rules! At least that is my assumption. According to Wikipedia Venezuela also has at least another dozen indigenous languages. No matter, because I defy you to listen to the song Badao and not bang your head. I picture flames coming off the drummer and the rest of the band wading through the smoke and destruction. All the while a madman at the wheel of the group screaming, yelling and singing. The shit just plain rules, Period!!! Then there's a tune like Artichoke, slowed back, heavy as hell and later on hits a slightly more technical side into a killer guitar solo. The members of Arrecho are true players and keepers of the faith if I've ever heard, with a straight forward in your face approach; much like a Venezuelan AC/DC on a metal and blues binge. They also have an AC/DC cover which is sung in English. I kinda wish they would have translated it into Spanish. Again I don't speak or understand Spanish. But I believe that is what gives Arrecho their magic, besides the kick ass playing and writing. I'm still in awe of the music I receive to review here at the HiVe. Music fans who hover around the surface don't have a clue as to what they are missing. These bands do what they do for the music and passion, rage, happiness and any other emotion they are feeling at the time. They keep the dream alive by keeping it raw and real. Please support Arrecho and all the other fine acts that fly through the HiVe. Thank you Arrecho and the fans of such bands, which I am as well…

(Written by Charlie Tooth)




vrijdag 20 november 2015

Interview - Nick Oliveri


Interview – Nick Oliveri

“So if you ask me about the desert, the place I come from and all of my musical friends and what makes us so special, I say: nothing. But I’m glad you dig us!”


This interview was done way back. When the summer was settling and a lot of bad things in the world hadn’t happened yet. At that time it wasn’t even certain the Man and his band would return to Europe in the fall and play the Speedfest festival in Eindhoven tomorrow. But there was talk it would happen and he hoped it would…

We’re at De Pul in Uden. A lovely venue in the heart of one of the southern regions of that little country called the Netherlands. A lot of stoner and desert bands have found their way here, to De Pul in Uden. And today we find Mr. Nick Oliveri hanging at the bar with a beer in front of him. He was a bit late for the soundcheck. The shows he did before got out of hand perhaps? Or was it the tattoo he got earlier that day that messed up his schedule? Although we reckon a schedule never bothered, the bass player for the most important albums of Kyuss and Queens Of The Stone Age. He’s tired. Dog tired. And it takes some maneuvering to jog him awake and talk a bit about his latest album Uncontrollable and everything else that Nick Oliveri stands for…



A few minutes in. The man yawns. The man gives answers he’s give multiple times during all the interviews the past months and gives answers to questions that weren’t even asked. He sips his beer and is probably thinking about the acoustic show later on or about what happened last night. So instead of continuing on with this line of question; we halt. And start with silly questions about bunnies, his baldness, the SWAT team and what the best gift for him would be… Right now… “Right now? Shit man… A gram of speed? Sorry man, need to get my head on straight. Dog tired and foggy as hell!”

So why have you stopped performing naked most of the time?

Oliveri: “Actually. I finished a tour with The Dwarves recently and I played naked a couple of shows. But to be honest. It’s not very fun to watch anymore. You know. It’s like an old man in a sleeping back. Sagging. Old. Hairy. But I could also give you a corny answer and say that tonight on stage, I’ll be wearing my clothes but will be performing absolutely naked. It’s just me, my guitar and my stories. No band to hide behind. Nothing to hide behind. It’s just me. And it’s gonna be awesome. Or I’m gonna tank it. But it’s me.”



Why are you doing it solo? Isn’t it much more fun to tour as a band? Or is it because of financial stuff?

Oliveri: “Yeah man. Do you know what its costs to tour Europe for a month with a complete band? Besides that, the songs demand this kind of performance. And I like doing this man. Have always done this and will continue to do it this way. You know. Ofcourse it’s more fun to tour with friends. But it’s also much more hassle. This is much easier in a way but also much more demanding. Cause it’s just you. You have to do everything and you will be graded. But don’t worry, we’re coming back. In fact at the end of the year Mondo is coming to Europe. Full band. And we’ll play Speedfest in Eindhoven, which sounds like a righteous party. Psyched to play there! And after that we might have time to record something new… You know, back during the Songs For The Deaf tour when we had nights off, I would be walking into local bars asking if I could play acoustic there that night. For a couple of beers. Never asked for any money. It was just me. Sometimes Mark Lanegan would accompany me. But that’s where it’s at for me. Music is my life, my love and my drug. I gotta have it.” (The European Mondo Generator tour starts at Speedfest, tomorrow, 21-11-15, after which they will be joined by Komatsu; who toured with John Garcia last year. And who are about to release their new album.)

You never asked for any money to play? It seems you’re also the cat from the Kyuss line-up that made the least amount of dough at all?

Oliveri:  “Yeah, I fucked up a lot of things and a lot of times. But I was never in it for the money. Still ain’t. It’s my 'endless vacation' man. The Ramones sang it right. Haha. But seriously, I made some dough with Kyuss and Qotsa, but not that much. Never went back to ask for any money neither. When the boys couldn’t get the bass right for Vista Chino, they were working with some other guy before me, they called me in. I came in, did all the lines and at the end they handed me some money. I was just, thanks guys. Cool to have a couple of bucks. How was I supposed to know the dudes got a damn good amount for it? That’s what’s fucked up about the business man. As soon as business becomes involved, as soon as money becomes involved, it stops being about the music. Not sure if there will ever be another Vista Chino record, but I doubt they will invite me or Fevery to play on it. Although, if they do call, I’ll be ready.”


The Dutch magazine I write for did a poll about the most influential albums of the past 50 years. There were only three albums from the nineties that made the list. And the only record from the two-thousands that made it on the list was Songs For The Deaf. So you’re telling me you never made much money with a record that is equal to Dark Side Of The Moon, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Tommy, Led Zeppelin IV, Pet Sounds and all those other greats?

Oliveri: “Wow. Wow. Really? That’s so great. Wow. I’m really awed now man. (Silence) You know, that was really the best time of my life. When we recorded Songs For The Deaf, I was playing with a Josh Homme who was at the top of his game and the best drummer ever Dave Grohl. And then there was Mark Lanegan who came in and we had three different vocalists. And everything on that record just came together. We knew we made something good. We all knew it. And I was in my thirties. We couldn’t fuck anything up. We tried. We did all sorts of weird stuff. But everything we did was accepted or even awed and seen as something great and original. Wow man. It’s amazing to hear that the album is getting so much recognition. Like I said before, I wasn’t in it for the money, neither one of us were when we recorded it. We just went in and did what we wanted to do at the best of our capabilities.”


So how would you rate your Mondo Generator and solo albums compared to that one?

Oliveri: “As useless crap! Haha. Well, no. It doesn’t hold a candle to that record or to what we did with Kyuss. But there as some good songs on it man. You know. It’s like a diary for me.”

Well, the new Uncontrollable album is already recognized as being pretty personal. But how personal were Cocaine Rodeo or A Drug Problem That Never Existed?

Oliveri: “They all are in a way. I come in and sing. I got some taglines or chorus or sentences I always go back to. And then I enter what’s been going on in my life or head at that time. You know. I had a book of lyrics stolen from me once by an ex-girlfriend. And since then I never write shit down.”

That also happened to Alex Turner. O’ and ofcourse the new album by Kurt Cobain soon to be released could be seen as a similar kind of action.

Oliveri: “Yeah man. That pisses me of to no end. That fucking vindictive bitch. I bet Courtney is behind it all. Like all the documentaries. Fuck man. Don’t mess with the guy. He had issues. Problems. So do all of us. And now we need to read his journals? His journals man! His private thoughts. For all we know he wrote pages full about soup or how he wanted to dress up as Hitler. He might come across as a total idiot then. But have you never had silly or weird thoughts? Private thoughts! The same goes for his songs. Those were unfinished for a reason. Sure, there might be one or two that were done but never got recorded. But most of them were sketches. They were deemed not good enough. Keep your hands of them. Fuck. So I need to get rid of all my unfinished music quick. Cause if I don’t and I die some asshole will find them and release them as the Oliveri Recordings and make a ton of money because I died in a fucked up way. Not that I’m comparing myself to Cobain here! I’m just saying. My private thoughts are mine. And so is my music. The music I want you guys to hear is the music I send out into the world. Fuck man. It can really piss me off.”


I can see that. It really affects you. Are you that easily riled up and can you use that for your music?

Oliveri: “Yeah. Well. I have had a bit of anger problem. But for the most part I have everything under control. Now. And yes, it’s an emotion I can use. Both on stage and during the recording. I’ve been screaming my lungs out for the better part of my life. If I didn’t have that side, I would have given up already.”

Does it also work against you when it comes to music?

Oliveri: “Yeah, good idea to add ‘when it comes to music’ cause I sure as hell fucked up many things I my life. Haha. And well. When the final mixes come in than I usually go berserk. Cause normally it never sounds like I really wanted it to sound. But in the case of Uncontrollable, I was there every step of the way and ofcourse played most of everything myself. With a little help here and there from my friends. You know. Dean Ween, Stephen Haas, my man Bruno Fevery. But I debated everything Harper (Hug) and Trevor (Whatever) decided during the recoding at Thunder Underground. So when the final mixes came back, I was immediately, yeah I’m done. This is how I wanted it. That’s a great feeling man.”

So can you always record or can you sometimes come in like a Little Richard and shout: “The Lord doesn’t want to sing today!” And leave again?

Oliveri: “Haha. No man. I can’t afford to do it like that. I got two days, five days or two weeks in a studio and during that time, shit has to be done. And I don’t like wasting anyone’s time. So if I really feel like I am not hitting it, then I just say that. And try to do something else. But when something is going great, then we just keep at it. And sometimes you can slug out entire albums in one sitting. That’s fucking rad man. When that happens you got this crazy grin on your face for a week.”

So what recording, not counting your very own work or Kyuss or Qotsa are you most proud of?

Oliveri: “Fuck. That’s impossible to answer. I really dig the song I did with Slash. It’s on my phone. Will let you hear in a minute. It’s pretty badass. But don’t think it will be released any time soon. Cause there’s swearing on it and Slash doesn’t want any bad language on his records anymore because of his kids. (Rolls eyes) I always scream my lyrics, I like how I sound that way. But this producer really pushed me with my singing, I dig how it turned out. Sounds a bit foreign or something. Really cool.” (Chains & Shackles appeared on the Australian version of the 2010 Slash album only. And was re-recorded with the Avenged Sevenfold singer M.Shadows as Nothing To Say. And apparently Oliveri never got any notification of this.) 



I had thought you would come out with something recorded in the Rancho De La Luna studios. And something I always ask every artist that ever set foot in that place: what do you think the magical thing is about the Rancho?

Oliveri: “You can make everything magical man. You just have to believe in it. It’s just a studio and just a cool place. But if you want to build a legend around it or put more value on something that’s plain normal. Go right ahead. It just makes things easier for me. The same goes for the desert man. I’ve been to all kinds of deserts all across the world. They’re all shitty fucked up places. But if people want to drive into the desert, see a bunch of cactuses and think that’s magical. Be my guest. You know. But that’s the case with every fucked up place. Go to Norway. It’s fucking cold. It’s shitty that it’s that cold. But you can see a lot of snow and a bunch of stars and that’s magical. So if you ask me about the desert, the place I come from or all of my musical friends and what makes us so special, I say: nothing. But I’m glad you dig us!”

(Written by JK)


Speedfest - The tenth edition


Speedfest 10

Peter Pan Speedrock’s very own housparty is on to it’s tenth edition. Every edition of Speedfest has been topping the one before in sheer brilliance, exhuberance and wild times. This one will surely be memorable once again. Not only because of what happened in Paris and the highly understandable fact that Eagles of Death Metal cancelled their headlining gig. Also because it is, the tenth edition. And on the bill we do find an amazing array of great bands. Such as Danko Jones, Crobot, High On Fire, Vintage Caravan, Death Alley, Voivod, Refused, Napalm Death, Nick Oliveri’s Mondo Generator and many many more. With great food, great beer and great music added to the great crowd there is no other option than to have a great time. Our thoughts will definitely be with the victims everywhere around the world of all the senseless violence everywhere and our beloved lovelies from Eagles of Death Metal, and every beer we drink and every laugh we have will be in honor of them! There are only a few tickets left… Get on them… And let’s party like crazy!



donderdag 19 november 2015

Luna Sol - Death Mountain


 Luna Sol - Death Mountain

A batshit crazy, psychedelic and luscious video for Death Mountain from Luna Sol's debut album Blood Moon available on Cargo Records and Slush Fund Recordings. Featuring Greg Martin (KY Headhunters) on slide guitar. Produced by David Prasse and David Angstrom. 


Dollar Llama – Grand Union


Dollar Llama – Grand Union
Self released – 2015
Metal, Sludge, Stoner, Rock
Rated: ****

Looking to get your heard straight? Yearning for something that will level your hours, your hearth and your heart? Get on board the Dollar Llama sludge train! Next stop: Grand Union! Ten massive, horns out, head banging sludge metal tracks that steam over you with no holds barred! Where do these five Lisbon, Portugal freaks come from and why haven’t I been going crazy to their music before? Excellent vocals that have that grimy heavy edge, without become to guttural or grating. A drummer that pounds like a mammoth and a bass player that can just as easily lay down the line or go berserk with speed. The only air comes in the form of the guitars that sometimes ease up and show a bit of classic colorings. But they too, aim mostly for that sludge trucking fast trudge and razor sharp cutting riffs. Make no mistake, this is grade A stuff and with ending tracks like Alpha Blood and especially closer Noisecreep, where the vocalist shows he’s capable of so much more, they slow down a bit and guitars howl and wail like pure gold, they send you off with a huge bang and a definite imprint on your mind, body and soul. The Dollar Llama train has arrived!

(Written by JK)



woensdag 18 november 2015

Kirkbinsinek – Sis Pus Sus


Kirkbinsinek – Sis Pus Sus
World In Sound – 2015
Rock, Psych, World, Sixties, Seventies, Prog, Free
Rated: ****

Like a big sea of mellow waves, the psychedelic sound of Kirkbinsinek washes over you and calms your soul. On their new album Sis Pus Sus the Turkish outfit implore the use of 60’s and 70’s psychedelic rock with definite ventures into the proggy realm and ofcourse world or better yet Eastern influences. And on many occasion those Eastern influences take center stage, partially in debt to the instrumentation, the use of cello and the percussion. And ofcourse also because of the Turkish vocals. Which will undoubtedly deter some listeners from completely diving into these magical songs. The catchiest track, which reminds hugely of another band and song, is perhaps Derdim Dert. The staccato riffing, flowing vocal lines and almost polyphone like wails that reminds of Canta U Populu Corsu give this that extra boost towards being utterly mesmerizing. Don’t be fooled, even though the music sounds highly Eastern and intensely worldly, this is by no means the normal rock band from that region of the world. Kirkbinsinek is able to be hypnotic without charming snakes, is able to space out without using jet fuel and is able to make overwhelming rock with a whole range of inspirations in a similar way Masters Of Reality or Wovenhand incorporates those influences. Expertly done!

(Written by JK)





Agata – Horror Stories


Agata – Horror Stories
Self released – 22015
Punk, Hardcore, Rock
Rated: ****

Oh yeah!! Next up at the HiVe please welcome Agata from Oakland CA. The three piece has recently released their 2nd album called Horror Stories. I am so glad I received this. Horror Stories brings me back to my days of listening to such bands as D.R.I., The Dead Kennedys and the Misfits just to name a few. Agata is hardcore and punk at its best with a touch more than ever before. The vocal styling on the track History Repeated is killer, along with the rest of the band. The song is a great example of diversified playing within a hardcore context. The guitarist touches on doom and a softer side all the while keeping it hardcore/punk. And in typical punk fashion these pit dwellers deliver messages and rail against the system as in their track Used. Let's not forget the rhythm section. These two really show what they've got on the track Pull The Choke. Drums and bass are blazin' on the cut but at the same time they visit a slightly softer more technical side. And then there is Final Frontier, a track I would expect to hear on a Bruce Leitch a.k.a Hopalong Horus Heisenberg record. The shits ambient. Wow! Agata rules! Horror Stories is a fine example of everything I love in a record. They have a core sound but don't mind making their own rules by exploring other genres and shoving those genres in your face. This is what art and music is all about. Do what you feel at the moment. So many bands out there probably have tunes that they don't put on records because they feel it doesn't fit their style. I say screw that!!! Seems to me Agata agrees. Thank you Agata!

(Written by Charlie Tooth)




dinsdag 17 november 2015

Sergeant Thunderhoof – Ride of The Hoof


Sergeant Thunderhoof – Ride of The Hoof
Self released – 2015
Rock, Stoner, Hard, Psych, Doom, Proto
Rated: *****

What better way to not forget about what happened, and not to forget the tragedy and all the senseless loss, but to simply, go on, with everything... So, let's put on a record that moves and stuns and will definitely end up on my personal year list. In an attempt. Just that... Cause I still can't get my head around what happened... But... An album this good will definitely transport you away from all that. If only for a little while... Glad to see I’m not the only one still in love with the 2014 ‘Zigurat’ album by the Bath, Uk quartet Sergeant Thunderhoof. Cause judging from the votes cast by the Doom Chart contributors for their new record titled: Ride Of The Hoof we all can’t get enough of the stampeding Sergeant! And rightfully so. The beast is magnificent and even bigger than on that first adventure. The heavy grooves meander and pause and stampede and make this album the ride of a lifetime. There truly is not one note missing or a single tone too much. And then listen to those truly impressive vocals, and to the excellent way they seep into your soul while that luscious guitar sound booms through your heart. This combines every aspect of those genres we all love so dearly, but this is done to such a massive degree that you cannot do anything but sit back in awe and marvel at the universe that is being fabricated and conquered by Sergeant Thunderhoof. The magnificent one! Sheer brilliance and absolutely stunning! There is only one small problem… We now have to choose between the awe-inspiring Zigurat and the completely mesmerizing Ride Of The Hoof!

(Written by JK)



zaterdag 14 november 2015

Paris


Paris

I was there. In Paris. Two weeks ago. And have a date with Eagles of Death Metal next Saturday at Speedfest festival in Eindhoven. But even without that given, the events of last night are shocking, world shattering and bizarre. There is ofcourse no possible avenue to take to prevent anything like this happening ever again. And that is perhaps even worse. Why are there so many people in the world, who know, just like me, that we could all just live together, respect each other and bask in the glory of life. And a handful or perhaps large portion of others that seem to want to destroy that only thing that we all share. For there is no such thing as a God or Allah or Shiva or Vishnu or whatever weird creature you want to believe in… Or perhaps there is. Nobody knows and even if believing in it, is the most sacred part of your being and soul, there is no reason why you should not accept that somebody else has a different view. Just the fact that there are so many different believes should give you the notion that someone might be right and someone might be wrong, and that that simple fact, right or wrong doesn’t matter on any scheme in life. It’s not about right or wrong. It’s about life. The one thing we all have and the one thing we should all do our best to live, in a way we want. I do not press my believes and views upon anyone. Never. I simply state how I feel and how I see things. If somebody else sees things differently, I shake his hands and truly congratulate him with those views. And I am more than happy to discuss those views on any subject. But I will not sway for anyone and will only mildly try to influence other people. Cause yes, I love the Eagles Of Death Metal. If anyone should be my God, it would have to be Dave Catching and ofcourse Jesse ‘The Devil’ Hughes. And why anyone would have a different one, I fail to comprehend. But I will never judge you for it. It is your choice. As it is with everything…

My thoughts go out to everyone in the world. The ones that feel distraught, the ones that know and the ones that feel. My thoughts go out to all my Gods in the world, those great artists, writers and musicians that have brought me so much. To Eagles of Death Metal, their crew and all of their friends and families. To everyone present at Bataclan and to everyone in Paris…

I will not participate in a silent march or a march of screams or a march of music. But if anyone knows the answer to the end of violence; and if it would require anything from me. I would gladly participate and give everything for it. Yes. Everything…

I love you all.


vrijdag 13 november 2015

Silhouette – Die The Fire


Silhouette – Die The Fire
Self released – 2015
Rock, Classic, Metal, Prog
Rated: ****

I've said it before and must reiterate. I like different. Different is good. Die The Fire, Silhouettes new EP is just that. The influences are endless and so is their imagination. I shit you not! The EP is retro goodness through and through with originality. Tobie, bass and lead vocals, Tommie  on drums, Stefan on guitar and Eric at organ and guitar make up the four piece unit of Danes. All of these musicians bring it on record with top notch playing and writing that will take you through a diverse journey from 80's style metal to mellow Pink Floydish meandering. Then just when you think you've got these guys figured out, they'll throw in some other style or influence. I'm giving Die The Tire, the big thumbs up! This six song EP will definitely leave you wanting more from Silhouette. It did for me. Die The Fire drops on the 13th of November. Go check it out!

(Written by Charlie Tooth)



Skunk Rider – Smoke Serpent


Skunk Rider – Smoke Serpent
Self released – 2015
Rock, Stoner, Punk
Rated: ***

They hail from the grunge capital of the world and have indeed a no-nonsense-we-make-punky-rock-attitude. But because the love the herb, judging from their name and the name of the album; they turn their grungy take on punk into something stonerrefic. We are talking about the three-piece from Seattle going under the moniker Skunk Rider and debut record Smoke Serpent. Which looks definitely magnificent in your hands and at the right moment, when the lights flickers and bounces of the cover you can almost see that big green dragon come alive. And that’s exactly what the music does to you as well. At certain moments you just groove along and bop your head and think majestic things about Skunk Rider. But then there are those moments when the singer takes center stage, and you start imagining you’re listening to one of the first badly recorded Mudhoney basement tapes or a drunken demo by an eighties metal band. It seems like he tries to sound like something he once heard, but not like himself. The best vocal moments are the end ‘woo’ in the otherwise damn fine Medical Savior track and the weird almost funkdafied Kansas City Gloryhole. But almost everywhere you see a Jay And Silent Bob trying to sing or intentionally raping some Whitney Houston song. It is a shame, cause it distracts so much from the otherwise definitely truckin music!

(Written by JK)



Vhöl – Deeper Than Sky


Vhöl – Deeper Than Sky
Profound Lore Records – 2015
Metal, Black, Death, Punk, Core, Experimental
Rated: ***

We all love Yob and all the dark, gloom, doom and awesomeness they produce. So when vocalist and guitarist Mike Scheidt starts hobbying around again with his prog power buddies from Hammers Of Misfortune and doom metal freaks Agalloch, we pay attention. Cause with the Vhöl vehicle and the new release Deeper Than Sky it sounds there’s definite more fun to be had and the reigns are slackened. Even though they burst out of the gates with the cutting power metal opener The Desolate Damned and Scheidt’s growling voice from the grave. But after this we are treated to something much lighter and almost buoyant. Take the long weaving title track for instance or the 3AM track, where we can definitely hear trash, speed, hardcore and punk going for the gusto. And even though I’m usually not very keen on black and death metal screeches, the way it is used in Lightless Sun is definitely commendable. As is their search for new ground in the combination of punk, hardcore and all the metal scenes mentioned before. Although we are unsure where to fit the instrumental piano ditty Paino? Comedic intermission?

(Written by JK)



donderdag 12 november 2015

Mxrcxl – In Alarm


Mxrcxl – In Alarm
Self released – 2015
Metal, Rock, Alt, Grunge, Punk
Rated: ****

On the A Laughing Matter EP back in 2013 the four guys from Mxrcxl produced a grungy, metallic, punk sound most at home in dusty industrial halls and lusciously overgrown harbor facilities. Now, two years and a whole lot of shows later they return with a full-sized album titled: In Alarm. A continuation of their earlier sound on many a level, but so much better on every level! What growth! They combine every bit of alternative metal and alternative rock to such an amazing degree it’s insane. Among the definite influences one could name, we hear Therapy?, Faith No More, Nine Inch Nails, Jane’s Addiction and Melvins. But that doesn’t do any justice to the band itself, cause it’s so much more than an adding up of influences. They’ve turned into masters of seemingly controlled chaos, they turn their punky aggression into something that always immediately seems to capture your imagination and catches you off guard with its catchiness. Cause for some reason you reckon that this musical violence should not be this addictive. But it is. Alarmingly so. Just listen to those basslines pounce and weave and groove and wreck as the drums follow or leave the exact amount of room for the synths to excel! And then there’s the alarmingly angst ridden voice of lead mogul Marcel Janssen himself and his rumbling guitar sound. Both so excellently pronounced and striking. And with Okko Kokke from Mannheim on alt sax on the final track Happy Shooting, we have a righteous send off into the dark and twisted night. Why only four stars after so much praise and love you ask? I simply cannot get my head around the Roy Orbison cover You Got It. It raises so many questions and puts every fiber in your being on alert… Wait? Is that perhaps the goal? (You Got It!) But even then, it sort of falls out of bounce with the tight emotional rollercoaster that is Mxrcxl! Buy the ticket… Take the ride…

(Written by JK)




JC Autobody – Witches


JC Autobody – Witches
Young Tobacco – 2015
Blues, Rock
Rated: ****

Hmmmm, The release Witches by JC Autobody from Indiana is not the kind of recording I would normally receive from our fearless leader JK. I'm not saying that's bad. I do get tired of the same old drone sometimes. But this release is more reminiscent of IAMX meets Jack White meets a Nine Inch Nails backing track at times with some psych rolled in. All bands I like and appreciate but would not expect at the HiVe. Maybe we are expanding our taste? Having said that, let's get on with it! The song writing is familiar and catchy and does have an old school feel at times. On the other hand the producing seems polished for such a record. The blues guitar playing is awesome. This is the highlight of the record. I wish the lead dude Newby would release some further credits on the bandcamp site. If that's him on the lead guitar he rocks the shit out of the record. I really appreciated and enjoyed that craftsmanship. Much of the playing on the record is reminiscent of some old blues masters but with those other elements that remind me of the aforementioned acts. Witches is a 3 song ep but one can get a bonus track with download from bandcamp. JC Autobody and Mr. Newby seem to me like a really good crossover artist. Is it stoner, psych, doom or blues, I don't fuckin know! It seems anything rock or heavy that's new, and isn't commercial is thrown into a category like stoner rock. All I know is I like good music, and therefor enjoyed Witches. Apologies to Mr. Newby for the mini rant during your review. I've been somewhat disgruntled lately… Nice work!!

(Written by Charlie Tooth)



Mxrcxl - Shit for Brains


MXRCXL - Shit For Brains

New Mxrcxl video "Shit for Brains" of the forthcoming debut album "In Alarm"




woensdag 11 november 2015

Haoma – Haoma


Haoma – Haoma
Anville Eater Records – 22015
Doom, Heavy Psych
Rated: ***

Hey! Hey, what have we got here from Sweden? Answer? The doom duo Haoma, and they have just released their self-titled album on Anville Eater Records. These fellas know how to rock the drone right from the get-go. The first cut Stone Obelisk/99942 Apophis really caught my attention when I heard samples of that insane dude from the TV show Ancient Aliens come over the speakers. It was awesome. Their second tune Astrospliff also rocks hard but way more subtle; any cloud hanger should be able to latch onto it for sure. So far, so good. I’m really diggin' these guys. Let's see, hmm, next up is Grey Species. Wow, Grey Species is short but tripped out and scary. Ok here we go man; the final cut called Concrete Shaman. I enjoyed this one as well. The beginning of the song reminded me a bit of Weedeater, with the exception of a way different vocal styling. Overall I would give these guys the thumbs up. The album was well produced and solid...

(Written by Charlie Tooth)




The Shrine – Rare Breed


The Shrine – Rare Breed
Century Media – 2015
Rock, Punk, Hard, Stoner
Rated: ***

The Shrine operates somewhere on the cutting line between Black Flag and Black Sabbath. It’s punky and hardcore edge definitely goes big the way of the skateboard rock. While the druggy and heavy side has you thinking about laying down and shooting up. But we must concede, it’s the throbbing, the hard stomping, the barrel gunning edge of the Rare Breed album that convinces the most. Cause this is, without any doubt, a punk album. Stiffy, balls out, party hard punk! And yes, they do incorporate some stoner and hard rock along the way, but that’s not what this album is all about. It’s about enjoying a way too high ramp for your ability while being way to high and flattening your nose while trying to go down, laughing hard about all the blood and then jump on the board again. And on those tracks that display their hefty stoner side the best; they still retain that violent side. The Shrine is definitely a rare breed, one of those monsters created only once, and not even considered for mass production. A high-powered mutant…

(Written by JK)



vrijdag 6 november 2015

Craneium – Explore The Void


Craneium – Explore The Void
Self released – 22015
Rock, Stoner, Fuzz, Classic
Rate: ****

Explore The Void, released digitally for your approval by Craneium. These heavy rockers hail from Turku, Finland, their business is fuzz and business is good! Although, these guys are more than just a one trick pony. The cut Ceasing To Exist has some real, real nice clean bluesy guitar. I guess it's just one of my pet peeves; I like a good heavy record, but if you can mix in some other influences and styles, I'm hooked. Let's just say these guys have got me on the line and are reeling me in. Then there are tracks such as Imperial Duster, it has that more classic feel and lies somewhere between Sabbath, Monster Magnet and Maiden or even Priest. The guitarist has a good feel for classic but at the same time can catch you off guard by throwing in an influence that is not expected. That's what makes a band stand out and original. The rhythm section is also on point along with the vocalists being somewhat familiar but not too familiar as to say they sound just like someone else. They have three vocalists! As the album plays on I like it more and more. One of the vocalists even explores more of a punk style on Holy Oath. I could go on and on with the review. Explore The Void by Craneium is a great find for any music fan. Hey record companies!! These fellas are in search of a label to release Explore The Void on vinyl. I know of a couple labels that may want to jump on this. You know who you are. Listen to all nine tracks and you may agree.

(Written by Charlie Tooth)



Pauw – Macrocosm Microcosm


Pauw – Macrocosm Microcosm
Caroline – 2015
Rock, Psych
Rated: ***

Look at the print on their blouses come alive and all those gigantic flying creature in the air. What’s happening? Did the mescaline kick in? I remembered being in a barnyard in the outskirt of the Twente region of the Netherlands. Watching four young cats do something wonderful on their instruments. Pauw, (Dutch for Peacock) is able to produce some fine old fashioned psychedelic rock. As if we are transported to The Matrix club in San Francisco in the late sixties where these guys would have fit in nicely. Between slots by Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead and Moby Grape. Yes, on their debut album Macrocosm Microcosm the boys definitely know how to paint those kandy-kolored-kaleidoscopic pictures. And with songs like Shambhala and Visions they will surely also be able to get the rest of the rock loving world’s attention. Perhaps a little bit too sweet most of the time, but then again, Love was the operative word at that place and time in the world, whatever it meant. So, for better or worse, Pauw tries to re-ignite that spark. That universal sense of knowing that we are right…

(Written by JK)