When Mulder left the X-Files, it was barely watchable. Thus Ensiferum’s "Mulder" aka Jari Maenpaa departed after 2004's Iron, setting the band creatively adrift ever since. (Perhaps a decision borne by the band's tyrranical deadlines of...well, simply having deadlines.) Ensiferum employ Hollywood score-stages full of strings and angelic computer cloned robo-choirs in a desperate attempt to up their epic cred. Flickering acoustic leads, tired medieval inspired riffs and orchestral ostentation cohabit like a marriage at swordpoint. In lieu of a masters' guiding hand, they're only fit to ape them instead. For fans of Rhapsody, Korpiklaani and Nightwish. Out now through Spinefarm Records.
Articles: Hysteria Magazine #11 (August/September)
As part of my first contribution to Australian Hysteria's print edition I've snuck a few articles in: an interview with Corey Taylor of Slipknot, a preview of the upcoming Bastardfest and some CD reviews. There's also some great stuff on Baroness, Periphery, Converge and that so go on, buy a copy!
Article: Top 10 Accidents of Heavy Metal (TheVine)
Heavy metal seems to be a stage-managed place with scant room for spontaneity. Iron Maiden has its nine-foot tall mummy/zombie Eddie to accompany their ostentatious sets, Slipknot are more pyrotechnic acrobats than musicians and if you ever wanted a more obvious example of gimmickry sold at bargain basement prices, you need look no further than Cradle of Filth.
Though heavy metal hasn’t been from the “streets” for a very long time, the entire genre is dependent on probability and uncertainty and has been since right from the very beginning. In honour of today's Soundwave announcement, here are ten of the most powerful examples the fickle hand of fate has had on heavy metal.
Read the list at TheVine.