A Rocksins & Metal Press Catchup

Things have been extremely busy lately, even more so than usual. I've been neglecting this site because I've been spending so much time on Rocksins, so I thought I'd post a bit of a recap on some of the stuff I've been writing for Rocksins lately (with links to each thing so if anyone wants to read it they are more than welcome):

Rise To Remain in Cambridge

Back in September, I was invited to review Rise To Remain's show at The Portland Arms in Cambridge, a venue comprising the backroom of The Portland Arms pub which is literally the size of an average living room that holds about 100 people. I've never been to a gig in such a small place before, and it was fantastic. In addition to reviewing the show, I was invited to catch up with Rise To Remain's guitarist Will Homer and bassist Joe Copcutt before the gig. Both very nice guys, we were able to talk about Rise To Remain's year so far, the progression of the band and plenty of other things. If you want to read the review or the interview, links are below:

Rocksins Interview with Rise To Remain's Will and Joe (September 2011)
Rise To Remain live review from The Portland Arms, Cambridge (September 2011)

Bowling For Soup

Continuing one of mine and Jaynes many traditions, we were at Bowling For Soups fantastic London show at the end of October at The Forum in Kentish Town for one of their best London shows ever. A brilliant night, definitely enhanced by the awesome Suburban Legends in the main support slot. The review is linked below for any interested parties.

Bowling For Soup & Suburban Legends review from The Forum, Kentish Town (October 2011)

Symphony X

Another amazing October gig (October was a great month for gigs) was Symphony X's only UK stop on their recent European tour as they came to Islington Academy. During the show they proceeded to play all but one song off the amazing most recent album Iconoclast, which being my favourite album of theirs made the gig one of my favourites for 2011. Symphony X were in great form and you can read more about it below if you so wish:

Symphony X live review from Islington Academy (October 2011)

Sylosis + Malefice + Anterior + Chapters

Arguably the best night of British metal all year long, early October saw Islington Academy host a sold out night of four of the best young British metal bands going get together to tear the house down, topped off by Sylosis giving arguably their best and most confident performance as a four piece to date. The review link is below:

Sylosis, Malefice, Anterior and Chapters live in Islington review

Malefice

As well as watching Malefice put on a great show with Sylosis and friends, I also got to have a chat with their singer Dale Butler, who is a very nice guy with some very interesting views on the world. If anyone wants to read that, or read about Malefices recent album, Awaken The Tides (which is rather good), links are below:

Interview with Malefice frontman Dale Butler (October 2011)
Malefice - Awaken The Tides

Album Reviews

Ive also done various album reviews over the last few months, some of which are linked up below:

Mike Patton - The Solitude Of Prime Numbers
Exit Ten - Give Me Infinity
Royal Republic - We Are The Royal