Grohl’s project is being recorded on the theme of the documentary – the notorious mixing board that used to reside at Sound City Studios, which was used by artists such as the legendary Johnny Cash, Metallica and Rage Against The Machine. It was also the home for the recordings of Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’ and Slipknot’s ‘Iowa’, so it is a residence of great memory for the pair.

We are still left in the dark about the project, but one thing Dave has hinted at is that we can “expect some epic jam sessions.” In an interview with Artisan News Service, Taylor stated, “Dave is doing a documentary about the legendary board from Sound City that everybody and their mom recorded on and he’s slowly but surely gotten all these people together to make music on that board again.”

He continued, “He called me. He was like, ‘Would you like to do a tune?’ I was like, ‘Are you serious? I’m on a plane right now.’ And it’s really cool, because it’s me, Dave and Rick Nielsen [Cheap Trick] on one tune. And I’m like, ‘Ahh…. Excuse me?!’ It’s just a huge check mark on my bucket list, let’s put it that way. And I’m really ecstatic. It’s a really good tune.”

With the combined talents of both artists we can only expect only good things. There is no news yet on when everything is going to be revealed, so we will have to wait and see.

Words: Amy Chessman

If you’re already a fan, this is a great collectors item. Highlights of the DVD: the insane performances of Sabertooth Tiger and Indy Kidz, the cover of the Talking Heads’ Pyscho Killer, and my personal favorite Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked. They close the show with a riveting (and increasingly rare) performance of Shiver/Right Before My Eyes with just Matt on stage, strumming on a guitar.

Other highlights: Shake Me Down, Aberdeen, and Lotus.

You can purchase the DVD here and it is accompanied with an audio CD as well. Oh, yeah, if you’ve got a couple extra to spare, get it on Blu-Ray. Matt’s windmill dance in all that clarity: Ace.

Words: Nay

Chasing Skylines (https://www.facebook.com/chasingskylinesuk)

An alternative rock quartet from the west midlands, Chasing Skylines showcases some really solid stuff. Check out “When Love & Hate Collide”—we were instantly hooked. We’re not gonna pretend we haven’t felt like breaking things after splitting up with a sweetheart, and clearly the vocalist is not afraid to show us his darker side. Blame us if you’re listening to them and your head starts nodding unconsciously, because we told you so.

The Orchard (http://theorchardband.bandcamp.com/)

Apparently hometowns make for good writing material. These five blokes from Staffordshire have pieced together a doom-filled track by the name of “Dead Town” which elicits some fairly pissed off vibes, to say the least. Andy McQueen (on vocals) doesn’t hold anything back with his raw, venomous lyrics. We love the sleazy metal/punk sound they’ve got and want more more MORE.

Bleeding Oath (https://www.facebook.com/BleedingOath)

This absolutely mental progressive metal four-piece band from London brings insanity to your ears. For those that appreciate a sound that’s all over the place (in a good way), look no further than the underground music scene where these guys have been making their way since 2009. Bands like this are usually overlooked or underappreciated; don’t be put off immediately by the experimental nature of their music. Just check out their live performance of “Oceans”. We guarantee you’ll at least be impressed.

Silent Jack (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Silent-Jack/160754414857)

Here’s one of those throwback bands that actually deliver—not just the attitude, but also the sound, pretty spot-on (and hopefully the hair to complete the formula). You’d think they were bringing a dead era back to life with “Love Bite” which sounds as sleazy and rock-like as they intended it to (obviously influenced by bands like Motley Crue and Guns N’ Roses). We wouldn’t miss out on a chance to see these guys perform, as we’re sure one of them will be sporting a denim jacket and a sneer. Groupies at the ready…

Our Final Hour (https://www.facebook.com/ourfinalhour)

Sextet hardcore band from the Isle of Man, Our Final Hour have a very distinctive sound—heavy on guitar, obviously focused on their screaming lyrics and excellent melodies. Reminiscent of bands such at The Devil Wears Prada and A Day To Remember, they have grabbed the attention of crowds from all over the country with their insane shows and intense energy onstage. Our favourite track we recommend you check out is “Time Well Spent” which really makes them stand out from a sea of abundant hardcore bands.

Odessa (http://www.myspace.com/ukodessa)

These guys bring a massive amount of power to their music and sound like something that would scare your gran, seriously. Odessa is a five-piece band from the west midlands that fit into the genre of hardcore but deliver a killer sound that’s hard to forget. “All I Have” is an epic example of how to do it all the right way. The vocalist is haunting and resilient, and the guitarists deliver power full-blast with insanely good riffs alongside brilliantly tight drumming. Don’t miss an opportunity to go see them as they are known for unforgettable gigs.

The Hotel Ambush (http://www.myspace.com/thehotelambush)

Since 2008, five-piece metal band The Hotel Ambush have made themselves clear about their intentions—they’re going to make it to the top and impress every crowd and every listener’s ears with their solid, aggressive, hardcore sound and passionate delivery. Heavy on melody, high on energy and with finely tuned riffs, there are few metal bands today that can compare to their impressive sound. And of course, “Bury Tomorrow” is the one for you to check out by them that’s sure to put any doubt to rest. Festival band, anyone?

We Caught The Castle (http://www.wecaughtthecastle.com/)

And how about a little girl action in the mix—front woman Hollie Elizabeth sings like a beauty but delivers quite an edge to the boy-dominated band. “Your Future” by far their catchiest song, and the thing we most like about them are their consistently good melodies and their ability to cross into lots of different musical territory. Hollie’s probably got the pipes for a bit of screaming, but she gets her point across without getting red in the face.

Red Kites (http://www.redkitesmusic.com/Red_Kites/Home.html)

Here’s something a bit out of left field—a band who describe themselves as making music that’s passionate, honest, and interesting… Pretty bold description for a band who formed a little over a year ago, but these boys really do have a sound that’s refreshing. They’re planning for an April release of their first EP, which we’re looking forward to checking out although we were already impressed by “Beat In Time”. Their collective tastes seem quite diverse and their chemistry appears to be incredible, and we’re basing this off of just two songs we’ve heard by them!

Sunflower Tuesdays (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunflower-Tuesdays/176395372390635)

They’re probably the only band so far who don’t take themselves seriously—otherwise, how else are you going to do rock comedy? These five Scotsman joined forces at college, threw on some dodgy costumes, painted their faces, and made music. It seems more than likely that they write their songs in full makeup as well, otherwise how could you have that much fun NOT dressed up? Keep an eye out for these boys—we think the party will extend beyond “Graveyard” (by far their best song) which proves this band aren’t just show.

Down The Machine (http://www.downthemachine.com/)

Formed in 2009 in Leeds, this four-piece alternative rock group have managed to instantly hook most of its listeners, especially those who appreciate the more melancholy side of sound. They’ve got the industrial sound and feel of Nine Inch Nails fused with the goodness of early 90s alternative with a knack for excellent melodies. Down The Machine is an anomaly amongst so many bands today that sound alike and are absolutely one to remember. They’ll be the one that gets caught in your mind’s playlist in the middle of the day.

A lot of the energy from these bands is going to be best received from a live performance—don’t hesitate to check them out if they’re playing near you. And here’s to another year of refreshing new talent to keep us chugging along through life…

Words: Lauren Eubanks

The headline band tonight is ‘Black Mass’ from Leeds but it’s the 3 local Metal Hardcore bands playing the bill that have swelled the crowd. Tonight’s opening band ‘Iced Out’ from Durham play a set that is raw, aggressive and stays true to New York’s finest Hardcore. Each track is delivered with intense precision and sets the scene nicely for tonight’s blazing onslaught. ‘Iced Out’ complete an impressive set with power and passion and should be headlining venues within months.

Next up are Newcastle band ‘Hades’: a full on sonic attack with dual guitars that surge aggressively at the audience. Lead singer Ian Hunter demands attention from the opening riffs and leaves the stage to join the now thrashing mob at the front of the crowd. “Fuck this horseshoe divide” he screams at the crowd to join him and be part of the show which they willingly oblige. Ian comfortably controls the crowd and builds up the frenzy with every track. His vocal range is strong and aggressive and the band deliver a thunderous set that surely establishes them as one of the most exciting new Hardcore bands around. The break finds ‘Hades’ mingling with the crowd and handing out bourbon biscuits. What more could you ask for! J

There is a distinct and subtle difference between these bands and the current wave of new metal bands. This is true Hardcore purveying gritty power with disgruntled meaningful lyrics and not at all about how cool your fringe or jeans are. Take Note!

With the crowd now hungry for further relentless hardcore they are rewarded with local band ‘40OZ’ (pronounced Forty Ounce). Fresh from recording their debut demo e.p ‘Pig Iron’ 40OZ open up their set with a brutality that fires up the crowd to boiling point. Tonight is not about going through the motions at all; there is a steely determination in the band to thrash and test the new material live.

As with ‘Iced Out’ & ‘Hades’, ‘40OZ’ have a unique Hardcore style. Powerful drumming from Michael Warnaby and a Bass pounder in Matty ‘fucking’ Reid that gives 40OZ a pile driver effect on every track in pure Hardcore tradition. Aaron Bertram on guitar pours out some seriously dark and aggressive riffs that Trash Talk would be proud of and yet influences of Iommi meets Kerry King creep into the style.

As 40OZ belt out 1st track ‘Bulldozer’, vocalist Mark Ward roars with serious brutality at the crowd in almost a hybrid mix of Frank Carter and Phil Anselmo. His sheer intimidating presence in the centre of the bedlam incites the crowd into a crazed mass that further fuels the barrage of oncoming tracks. The songs are strong and raging and would make the ‘Napalm Death’ proud with an average time of 2 minutes.

The lyrics are seething with anger to match the ferocity of the sound and next track ‘True’ challenges bands and fans alike that follow the ever changing metal trends.

When 40OZ reach the point in the set where they unleash ‘Pig Iron’ they are at full throttle with this scathing attack on modern society. The chorus of ‘You’re going to need a warrant to check my shit’ is chanted loud and proud by all the converts.

The set includes a cover of Trash Talk’s ‘Lepers to feed the Lepers’ but followed by the bands own ‘Tortured’ , ‘Blame’ , ‘No Heart No Soul’ it actually highlights how strong the set of original 40OZ track’s are.

The band end their night with the intensity of ‘Hypocrite’ and from the reaction around WHQ it certainly is ‘job done’. Hypocrite echoes the values of 40OZ, Hades and Iced Out alike in that with true Hardcore, integrity is the key and that’s what you have with this collective new breed in the North East.

Tonight is a triumph for 3 bands forging a new direction in Hardcore. Time to sit up & listen!

Words: Graham Ward

Words: Amy Chessman

After releasing their seventh studio album, Meshuggah, the kings of annihilating metal, are set to return to the UK for a 8 day tour which kicks off in mid April.

12 April – Bristol, O2 Academy
13 April – Wolverhampton, Slade Rooms
14 April – Nottingham, Rock City
15 April – Glasgow, Garage
17 April – Manchester, Academy
18 April – Norwich, Waterfront
19 April – Brighton, Concorde 2
20 April – London, Electric Ballroom

You can watch the entire 43 minute interview session below.

Words: Amy Chessman 

Living Breathing Films.

In a statement, Taylor described the company’s first unreleased project as “very psychological,” adding, “It’s a study in ‘Did my eyes see what I think they saw?’ It’s definitely going to stir the pot and get the world talking.”
Well… being as Corey and Shawn walk around in the short film with potato sacks on their heads, we can definitely expect the weird and wonderful.

The short film, ”Thy Shalt I” can be seen below.

Words: Amy Chessman