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Magazine

Full Pelt Magazine

Vol. 14

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The latest issue of the Full Pelt Magazine is here, and you can download your copy for free below!

Volume 14 features cover stars Don Broco as they conclude their ‘Amazing Things’ era. We also catch Halestorm play their biggest headline show to date and The Darkness as they celebrate 20 years of ‘Permission to Land’!

We have our News Report rounding up new releases from Green Day, IDLES, Dream State, While She Sleeps, Architects, Marisa and the Moths, TheCityIsOurs, DragonForce, Scott Stapp, South of Salem, Royal Tusk, Casey, Bad Touch and I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME!

Plus new live announcements from Victorious Festival, Steelhouse Festival, Radar Festival, Maid of Stone, All Points East, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Dream State, Rituals, Scorpions, Creeper, The Cadillac Three, Limp Bizkit, Bloc Party, Twin Atlantic, Knocked Loose, The Almighty, Sepultura, Orbit Culture, Deaf Havana, Kasabian, Millie Manders and the Shutup and The Zutons!

Finally, we round up the latest additions to our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist with SAVE USThe Gems and Interlaker!

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Live Reviews

Download Festival

Donington Park, Castle Donington

Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th June 2023

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DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL 2023 REVIEW

This weekend is a celebration of twenty years of Download Festival. Stepping into the void left by Monsters of Rock not just at the hyped spiritual home of rock Donington Park but to the whole UK rock/metal scene, Download has become its own monster.

This year is truly monstrous as the event is fully sold out with record breaking numbers of attendees coming to partake in the celebration. Those celebrations get off to a rough start though with unprecedented traffic problems souring the event for many before it even properly begins.

📸 Live Nation UK PR

Once the music starts though a lot if not all of those problems subside. There is a stacked bill for the anniversary party including two nights of Metallica, a closing set from Download icons Slipknot but most vitally a new headline act Bring Me The Horizon.

The gap between Monsters of Rock and Download caused a vacuum in ability for bands to hit headline status with many acts from that era missing out on that status, Korn being one such act often thought of as passed over. Think about it, if they’d headlined at Donington Park in the late nineties, they’d no doubt still be that rank higher than they are now.

In the early years of Download, a number of bands had an opportunity to cement themselves at the top level, think Audioslave, Linkin Park, System of a Down and My Chemical Romance.

Playing alongside stalwarts like Iron Maiden, Metallica, Black Sabbath and Kiss gives bands credibility and elevates their stock. 2009’s Slipknot set is still heralded as the best example of the ‘bump’!

The problem is since then only Avenged Sevenfold in 2014 have really been given that opportunity and Download has become a bit of a clichéd round robin of the likes of Def Leppard, Rammstein, Aerosmith and other favourites already mentioned.

Perhaps then the most important booking in a celebration of the past is the look to the future with Bring Me The Horizon finally getting the top spot. Whilst Download probably should’ve got in before Reading and Leeds, it’s hopefully a sign of a subtle change of tact from the festival.

That’s because the line-up is also graced this year by the likes of Hot Milk, Nova Twins and Bob Vylan in prominent slots. Mixing this with the likes of classic Download bands Disturbed, Alter Bridge, Halestorm and Skindred gives the line-up a fresh but familiar feel.

Sadly beyond the bookings of Metallica and Slipknot plus the additional day there isn’t much done to make this year feel special for those who have made Download Festival part of their lives.

Whilst the organisers could have done more both in terms of that something special and in certain ways just the very basics, they have provided a top tier line-up, so let’s take a look at the highlights!

THURSDAY

Cancer Bats get the ball rolling on day one for us over at the second stage (now dubbed the Opus stage). The band get those that have made it into the arena pumped up with a early set packed full of ragers that ultimately ends prematurely when the sound is cut during ‘Hail Destroyer’!

Soon thereafter, Mammoth WVH get proceedings underway on the main stage (or Apex as it’s now called!). In some ways it’s fitting having the Van Halen name on this stage, in others it’s very ironic as the legendary band are often referred to by lead booker Andy Copping as one that got away.

Wolfgang and co show that with or without the last name, they have the talent needed to conquer stages like these. From start to finish it’s an excellent showing that places the band on the potential list for future festival stars.

Next up on the Opus stage are Hundred Reasons who are riding the wave of their stunning return album, ‘Glorious Sunset’. The band open with the title-track before running through a series of classic tracks much to the delight of those gathered. Hopefully this isn’t a victory lap for the band as creatively and onstage they are as good as they’ve ever been!

As we focus on the future of the festival, two names often linked to future headline status are Halestorm and Alter Bridge. It’s fine booking then to see the bands back to back next on the Apex stage.

Halestorm deliver another flawless set that seems to finish before it begins given their short allocated slot. That’s not necessarily a bad thing though given the old saying of leave the fans wanting more. Halestorm certainly do that and with a headline date pencilled in at Wembley Arena this December, the next time the band grace Donington you’d hope to see them in the sub-headline spot.

That’s the spot filled by Alter Bridge who have played in this position multiple times before; a sense perhaps then of always the bridesmaid and never the bride! Today though the band give it their all to show what they have to offer.

Watching the crowd, the set seems to be really well received which is a good sign. The band after all are always technically superb, so if enhancing that audience connection is the missing piece to progression then today’s set will have gone a long way to creating that link!

All that’s left on this special Thursday then is the first of two headline performances from the biggest metal band on the planet, Metallica. The two sets will be completely unique, giving fans the chance to see far more than a standard Metallica set list.

Night one has a good mix of hits like ‘Creeping Death’, ‘Fade To Black’, ‘Nothing Else Matters’, ‘Sad but True’ and ‘Master of Puppets’, deep cuts such as ‘Leper Messiah’, ‘King Nothing’ and ‘Orion’ plus new material from ’72 Seasons’.

FRIDAY

Friday is a huge day for the future of heavy music with a number of hotly tipped bands performing on the main stage including headliners Bring Me The Horizon.

We start on the Opus stage though with a debut UK festival appearance from Mexicans The Warning. The sister trio deliver an assured performance which belies their position on the bill. The set is another case of leaving the audience wanting more and you have to imagine that they’ll be back very soon.

Nova Twins take to the Apex stage soon after and absolutely own the stage. The duo are able to show just why they have so much hype with a performance that should be talked about as one of the best of the weekend.

Hot Milk have the unenviable task of following the pure energy that was Nova Twins, and thankfully for the band and the crowd they are up to the task. With a debut album on the way the band are on the cusp of something special and this set will again not doubt be one of those “I was there” moments.

The effortless cool of Demob Happy delights the Avalanche stage next as they showcase their stunning new album, ‘Divine Machines’.

Back on the Apex stage with the run of younger bands, next up for us are Neck Deep who are perennial contenders for bigger things. Today they have tens of thousands of people singing back the likes of ‘December’ and you have to consider Neck Deep’s set another victory for the new breed of Download band.

It’s a short and sharp blast from the past next as we pop to the Avalanche stage for the return of The Blackout. The band perform like they’ve not been away and receive a hero’s return from the audience. With the tease of more live dates to follow, it looks like The Blackout are back and back with a bang today!

It’s a quick bolt over to the Opus stage next for Within Temptation who are clearly playing a slot below their stature. The performance the band give is headline worthy not just of this stage but of the main stage. The band has a wealth of experience and use all their tricks to deliver a masterful set full of their best crowd pleasing hits.

By the time Evanescence grace the stage, the mass of humanity in attendance is a clear indication that the band should have been on the main stage. Viewing points are few and far between but wherever you are stood the band sonically deliver. A mixture of old and new is greeted well regardless but it’s mega hit ‘Bring Me to Life’ that has the entire place singing their hearts out.

It’s then time for that set. Bring Me The Horizon take over the main stage and prove any remaining doubters wrong. Making Metallica appear average, the band give their all both aesthetically and musically and produce possibly the greatest headline performance in the twenty years of the festival.

As we said earlier, the band should have been given this slot years ago, but if they had then this moment wouldn’t have existed. Their show tonight is the proof needed that the next wave are ready now and the gatekeepers need to move aside.

This set is historic not just for the theme of the weekend or for the stature of Bring Me The Horizon, it’s historic as a watershed moment for this festival. New headliners of the future should personally thank Bring Me The Horizon for breaking through that proverbial ceiling!

SATURDAY

On to Saturday now and nobody mention the weather! A celebration of twenty years of Download would have fittingly seem some rain and mud, and from this point on the festival is so hot that many would probably have willing traded the sun for some rain.

After last night it almost feels an anti-climax for the festival to continue, but another Metallica set should never be scoffed at. Thankfully there are still some fresh new bands breaking through lower down the bill today, and first up we catch Static Dress who seemingly channel the energy of Bring Me The Horizon with the fantastic opening Opus stage set.

One of the best bits of a festival for a publication passionate about new music is stumbling across a surprise gem on one of the side stages. This year that is ANTISAINT who simply storm the small Dogtooth stage with a ferocious set and definitely leave with more fans than they had going in.

The new look FEVER 333 then take to the main stage and deliver another memorable moment with Jason Aalon Butler scaling one of the massive towers erected in the main arena. That moment though shouldn’t take away from the already phenomenal set the band had delivered.

Lake Malice are next for us back in the Avalanche stage who are able to continue the run of top tier performances we’ve caught thus far. Whilst some of the organisational elements of the festival have been lacking, the music has been of the highest calibre and Lake Malice are another band you suspect will be back in a bigger spot sooner rather than later.

Next on the Apex stage are Ice Nine Kills, whose theatrics create a spectacle on the main stage, but musically they feel a little flat, perhaps being the first underwhelming set of the weekend.

Clutch who follow then also suffer both through technical difficulties and the energy sapping heat which probably negatively impacted Ice Nine Kills as well. The lack of enthusiasm from the crowd doesn’t help and it’s probably a good thing we are headed to a tent next.

We are set now for another one-two punch, this time in the Avalanche tent with Kid Kapichi and Bob Vylan on tap. It’s Kid Kapichi up first and they instantly raise the intensity levels with opener ‘Sardines’. Each song that follows is just as rewarding and by the time the band finish with ‘Smash the Gaff’ they’ve done just that!

One of the most exiting acts on the bill this weekend are Bob Vylan. The mention of ceilings earlier is relevant because this duo haven’t just smashed ceilings they’ve proceeded to stamp the shards into dust. Their performance to a packed crowd today is further evidence that new acts can make Download their home. That’s exactly what Bob Vylan do here as to repeat another cliché they completely own the stage.

It was always going to be hard to follow that suckerpunch and next on the main stage with the intense heat still sapping all energy, Disturbed deliver a plodding set. The set list is fine, the performance is far from phoned-in but with the audience struggling and the band following the ferocity of Bob Vylan, Disturbed feel distinctly average today.

We then head to the Opus stage expecting Placebo to also struggle to engage the tired and weary crowd. After all this is the third day which would traditionally be the home straight, and Placebo are not known for their crowd pleasing set list choices.

Pleasantly though those making the effort are surprisingly rewarded not just with an energised performance from the band but also a excellent set of songs including a very rare outing for the superb ‘Nancy Boy’. On their day Placebo can be an incredible live act and today they are at the peak of their powers which re-energises the previously zombified crowd.

It’s then time for night two of Metallica’s no repeat weekend. There are some great choice cuts in the set tonight such as a tour debut for ‘Whiplash’ plus ‘Until It Sleeps’, ‘Wherever I May Roam’ and Thin Lizzy cover ‘Whiskey in the Jar’! The finale of ‘One’ and ‘Enter Sandman’ ensures that the hits are accounted for as well as Metallica deliver another slick and graceful set.

SUNDAY

The final day feels like a step too far, most definitely compounded by the unrelenting heat, but once again when lost in the music all those issues somehow disappear – the power of music!

Bloodywood start the day off with an engaging performance on the Apex stage, before our recent Podcast guests Blind Channel deliver on their promise to bring the energy to Download. The sight of many metalheads singing along to a rendition of Anastacia’s ‘Left Outside Alone’ is a real sight to behold and set closer ‘Dark Side’ has everybody with their middle finger in the air.

Lorna Shore then suffer again from a lack of enthusiasm from the crowd and their sound getting swallowed up by the enormous space. Joey Valence & Brae though have neither issue in the Avalanche tent with a rambunctious and fun-filled slot.

As the heat and the excesses of the weekend catch up on the crowd it’s telling that for this afternoon outdoor sets like The Amity Affliction and Avatar whilst technically great feel like a struggle. Whereas tented sets from Joey Valence and Brae and the brilliant The Meffs are able to revive the crowd and thrive on their rejuvenation.

Thankfully things start to cool as clouds begin to take over the sky as we get ready for Dinosaur Pile-Up on the Opus stage. Sadly technical difficulties shorten their set to just five songs, but those five songs sound fantastic!

I Prevail have a huge slot on the main stage and make a good impression although you do again feel something is just lacking today. Not to flog a dead horse any further but it may be the low energy levels today or the enormity of the stage swallowing the heavier sound but it’s hard to truly get into their set today.

Thankfully the smaller outdoor Opus stage seems to have a lot of energy and Bad Religion are able to take advantage of that next with a typically slick run of punk rock anthems. Opening with ‘American Jesus’ the band able to hold your attention throughout before finishing with a rousing rendition of ’21st Century (Digital Boy)’.

Next up on this stage are Ghost who really should be headlining the main stage at this point. Musically and theatrically they are on another level and you have a sense of the Bring Me The Horizons about then. Hopefully Download Festival will strike while the iron is hot because everything about their performance today is perfect.

Ghost are so good that you also feel it unnecessary to watch Slipknot, but as soon as the band hit the stage you are glad that you stayed. The history between the band and festival is huge and it’s great that they are one of the few acts that seem to properly acknowledge that this weekend.

A standard (which is great) Slipknot set follows with some sentimental set choices and an enthralling stage show. It’s really fitting for Slipknot to close out what has been an intense weekend of celebration.

Download Festival
📸 Live Nation UK PR

The busiest and longest ever Download Festival will last long in the memory for reasons both good and bad. As we said at the start, this festival is a true monster now and has enough dedicated customers to ensure that it will never go down as its predecessor did. It has however become rather soulless and corporate and it feels like the identity it created over the first decade or so could be lost.

Hopefully the event will use this success to both maintain its heritage but also to now really push for the future headliners and top acts to come through. So, congratulations Download on twenty phenomenal years, and here’s to many many more to come!

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Read our review of Slam Dunk Festival

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Magazine

News Report

Every week we roundup the best music news from the past week!

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News Report

Halestorm set for Wembley Arena

Welcome everyone to another edition of our weekly music News Report!

This week we are starting by rounding up the best live announcements from the past week and we begin with Halestorm.

Ahead of their performance at Download Festival the band have already revealed that they will return to the UK for a special one-off show at Wembley Arena.

Support will come from Black Veil Brides.

Grab your tickets here.

Read our review of ‘Back From The Dead’ from Halestorm

Sleep Token also set to take over Wembley Arena

News Report

Another band taking over the world famous Wembley Arena in December will be Sleep Token.

The groups meteoric rise continues and tickets to the event sold out very quickly this week.

More here.

Read our review of ‘Take Me Back to Eden’ from Sleep Token

Bowling For Soup announce new UK Tour

Following appearances at Slam Dunk Festival, Bowling For Soup and Less Than Jake have announced a new UK Tour set for next February.

Support will comes from Vandoliers.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘Pop Drunk Snot Bread’ from Bowling For Soup

Kids In Glass Houses are back with new tour dates!

Another band making waves at Slam Dunk Festival were the reuniting Kids In Glass Houses.

The band have now announced a UK Tour celebrating the 15th Anniversary of ‘Smart Casual’.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Slam Dunk Festival

Bob Vylan reveal UK Tour

Continuing the tour announcements in our News Report is Bob Vylan. The duo will be heading out for a UK Tour in November.

Special guests for the shows will be Kid Bookie and Panic Shack.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Bob Vylan live in London

Static Dress unveil UK Tour

Also fresh from conquering Slam Dunk Festival are Static Dress and they’ll also be hitting the road this November for a UK Tour.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘Toxic Positivity’ from The Used

Massive Wagons announce new tour dates

Massive Wagons are next up in our News Report as they extend their ‘Triggered’ tour.

Part 2 of their UK Tour will take place in November.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of The Pearl Harts live in Norwich

The Murder Capital unveil new live dates

The Murder Capital have also revealed new UK live dates for this November as part of ‘The Clown’s Reflection’ tour.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘Gigi’s Recovery’ from The Murder Capital

Skinny Lister announce new UK Tour

It was a big week this week for Skinny Lister who had both new music and new tour dates to share.

Alongside a full UK tour later this year, the band debuted new single, ‘Down On The Barrier’, which you can check out below!

Skinny Lister – ‘Down On The Barrier’

Speaking about the message behind their euphoric, enlightening new track frontman Dan Heptinstall says: 

“Music is a kind of religion to many gig-goers, and in “Down On The Barrier” we’ve tried to capture that feeling. The church in this case is the venue, the sermon is the song and the preacher the artist. It’s a nod to those almost spiritual moments when we gather to enjoy some communal rock’n’roll worship, as well as a healthy dose of support, release and camaraderie. See you down on the barrier!”

Tickets are here.

Watch Episode 6 of The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guests Skinny Lister

The Full Pelt Music Podcast – Episode 6 – Skinny Lister

Read our review of Skinny Lister live in Norwich

Lottery Winners set new UK Tour

Another hot ticket later this year will be the ‘This Is How It Feels’ tour from Lottery Winners.

Announcing the tour the band said “We’re going to be throwing everything at this, with special guests and special production and doing our best to make it a special experience. So, please come. Bring a friend. Let’s spread the word and get these venues bouncing. We love you all so much! X”

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘Anxiety Replacement Therapy’ from Lottery Winners

Pet Needs will be back out on the road

The final tour announcement in our News Report this week comes from Pet Needs!

The band will be continuing their never ending tour later this year with support from Glitchers.

Tickets are here.

Watch Episode 11 of The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guests Pet Needs

The Full Pelt Music Podcast – Episode 11 – Pet Needs

Read our review of Pet Needs live in Norwich

News Report

Foo Fighters share ‘The Teacher’

Foo Fighters – ‘The Teacher’

We move our News Report on now to the best new releases from the past week and start proceedings with Foo Fighters.

The band released new album, ‘But Here We Are’, this week but prior to that they shared new single, ‘The Teacher’, which you can check out above.

More here.

Read our review of ‘But Here We Are’ from Foo Fighters

Queens of the Stone Age share ‘Carnavoyeur’

Queens of the Stone Age – ‘Carnavoyuer’

Queens of the Stone Age also had new music on offer this week. The band shared their latest single, ‘Carnavoyuer’, which you can check out above!

The track comes ahead of brand new album, ‘In Times New Roman’, which is out on June 16th.

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘Carnavoyuer’ on our Spotify Hot List!

Bring Me The Horizon debut ‘AmEN!’

Bring Me The Horizon – ‘AmEN!’ feat. Lil Uzi Vert, Daryl Palumbo, Glassjaw

Bring Me The Horizon continue to drop new music sporadically and this week saw the band share ‘AmEN!’.

You can check out the track featuring Lil Uzi Vert and Daryl Palumbo of Glassjaw above.

More here.

Listen to ‘AmEN!’ on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist!

Pendulum x Bullet For My Valentine debut ‘Halo’

Pendulum & Bullet For My Valentine – ‘Halo’

Pendulum this week shared their new collaboration with Matt Tuck of Bullet For My Valentine.

You can check out ‘Halo’ above!

More here.

Yellowcard share ‘Childhood Eyes’

Yellowcard – ‘Childhood Eyes’

After their appearance at Slam Dunk Festival, Yellowcard have revealed details of a new EP, ‘Childhood Eyes’ which will be released on July 7th.

Ahead of the release the band have shared the title-track, which you can check out above!

About the new single, William Ryan Key said: “I woke up in the middle of the night with the chorus ringing in my head. I grabbed my phone off of the night stand and started typing away, squinting in the dark. This was months before we even started demoing the EP. When we started writing I threw the idea in the hat at the last minute, picked up a guitar to try and put music to the melody in my head for the first time, and Childhood Eyes was born. This is a song about being defeating, let down, and deceived time and again, but still managing to find your creative soul and carry on. I think it captures the spirit of Yellowcard, both old and new.”

Pre-save here.

Listen to ‘Childhood Eyes’ on our Spotify Hot List!

FEVER 333 debut ‘$wing’

FEVER 333 – ‘$wing’

FEVER 333 returned this week with a new look line-up and brand new single, ‘$wing’, which you can check out above!

More here.

Listen to ‘$wing’ on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist!

Trophy Eyes share ‘Life In Slow Motion’

Trophy Eyes – ‘Life In Slow Motion’

Another band with new music following their appearances at Slam Dunk Festival was Trophy Eyes.

The band shared their new single, ‘Life In Slow Motion’, which you can check out above!

“‘Life in Slow Motion’ is my assessment of life itself, and the way we as humans navigate life and time here on Earth.” says John Floreani. “Searching for meaning in chaos, I found myself seeing signs in number patterns and small examples of beauty in ordinary life; a hug at the bar exchanged between friends, a crinkled photo of a loved one kept close, a kindness or a smile. What they mean, I can’t say, but sometimes if you look hard enough and sit quietly enough, life reaches out and speaks to you.”

The release comes ahead of new album, ‘Suicide and Sunshine’, which is out on June 23rd.

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘Life In Slow Motion’ on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist!

The Mysterines share ‘Begin Again’

The Mysterines – ‘Begin Again’

Currently touring stadiums with Arctic Monkeys, this week also saw The Mysterines share their latest new track, ‘Begin Again’, which you can check out above.

More here.

Listen to ‘Begin Again’ on our Spotify Hot List!

Grian Chatten shares ‘Last Time Every Time Forever’

Grian Chatten – ‘Last Time Every Time Forever’

Grian Chatten had more new music to share this week as he debuted new single, ‘Last Time Every Time Forever’, which you can check out above!

Chatten says: “’Last Time Every Time Forever’ is a weak knee’d 99th lap around a hellscape town of your own making. It’s haunted by seagulls and hoarse-throated slot machines from the 1980s and it breaks its own promise on every listen.

The track comes from upcoming debut solo album, ‘Chaos For The Fly’, which is out June 30th.

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘Last Time Every Time Forever’ on our Spotify Hot List!

Empire State Bastard debut ‘Stutter’

Empire State Bastard – ‘Stutter’

Another track from Empire State Bastard emerged this week as the band shared ‘Stutter’, which you can check out above!

The band have also shared news that their debut album, ‘Rivers of Heresy’, will be out on September 1st.

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘Stutter’ on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist!

Lacuna Coil debut ‘Never Dawn’

Lacuna Coil – ‘Never Dawn’

Our News Report continues with Lacuna Coil, who shared new single ‘Never Dawn’ this week, and you can of course check it out above.

More here.

Listen to ‘Never Dawn’ on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist!

As December Falls debut ‘Little By Little’

As December Falls – ‘Little By Little’

It really is a packed News Report this week, and next up are As December Falls.

The band this week shared their new single, ‘Little By Little’, which you can check out above!

Pre-order ‘Join the Club’ here.

Listen to ‘Little By Little’ on our Spotify Hot List!

ANGER PARTY debut ‘Save Myself’

ANGER PARTY – ‘Save Myself’

‘Discover’ New Music Podcast alumni ANGER PARTY shared their latest new single this week.

Bringing this section of our News Report to a close is, ‘Save Myself’, which you can check out above!

“No matter how many times our intuition tells us to leave, no matter how much ourindiscretion speaks for itself, sometimes we’re inexplicably drawn to people that never fail todisappoint and betray us. ‘Save Myself’ tells a story of inner turmoil, treading the fine linebetween yearning for somebody that will never earn our affections, and having the selfrespect to realize that we’re better off alone.” – Guitar / Vocals – Owen Claxton.

More here.

Watch Episode 42 of our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast with guests ANGER PARTY

‘Discover’ New Music Podcast – Episode 42 – ANGER PARTY

Listen to ‘Save Myself’ on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist!

As always we conclude our News Report with the latest additions to our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist!

News Report
Fixation – ‘Flat Earth’

Norwegians Fixation share new single, ‘Flat Earth’.

The band states, “Flat Earth is a track that delves into the minds of people who persuade themselves into believing conspiracy theories. People that are so centered around their own perception of the truth that they refuse to see it any other way. The lyrics sums it up: «Even if they see it, they probably won’t believe it.”

Kings County – ‘Holding On’

US band Kings County share new single, ‘Holding On’.

Singer Rob Dexter says, “’Holding On” was the song we needed to write. After our last release in 2022, we were constantly performing live for months and knew we had to get back to writing or we would become complacent. You are as good as your last song and “Holding On” was a pivotal moment for us. We needed to raise the bar and that’s exactly what we did with “Holding On”.”

News Report
News Report
Martiné – ‘Oxytocin’

Copenhagen’s Martiné shares debut single, ‘Oxytocin’.

“My inspiration for this song was the very powerful hormone Oxytocin, which is also released when falling in love or by physical touch. The lyrics reflect how to embrace the power of one’s femininity and learn how to use that to set boundaries. It is definitely a song about being in control and not getting blinded by Oxytocin” – Martiné

Listen, Follow and Discover your new favourite act now with our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist

Then find out the stories behind the songs on our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast!

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Read our review of ‘DARKFIGHTER’ from Rival Sons

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Magazine

News Report

Every week we roundup the best music news from the past week!

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News Report

Download Festival adds another 40+ bands

Welcome everyone to another edition of our weekly music News Report!

We start this week with the 20th Anniversary of Download Festival which just got a whole load bigger! Yes 40+ new acts have now joined headliners Metallica (x2), Bring Me The Horizon and Slipknot across the special four day event.

Newly announced acts include Alter Bridge, Halestorm, Neck Deep, Bob Vylan, Jinjer, Hot Milk, The Amity Affliction, Empire State Bastard, Dinosaur Pile-Up, Deaf Havana and more!

Also on tap will be the likes of Architects, Evanescence, Within Temptation, Pendulum, The Blackout, Nova Twins, Disturbed, Placebo, Ghost and so many more!

Final tickets are here.

Read our review of Download Festival 2022

News Report

Trivium announce UK Tour

Sticking with the live (and heavy!) side of the business next we move our News Report on to the best tour announcements from the past week!

Getting us started are metal titans Trivium who will return to the UK in late Summer for an intimate tour of some often forgotten towns and cities!

The ‘Goblins and Wizards’ tour will commence in Cambridge, conclude in Southampton and feature support from Bleed From Within and Orbit Culture!

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘In the Court of the Dragon’ from Trivium

You Me At Six reveal intimate warm-up dates

Ahead of their appearances at this August’s Reading & Leeds Festivals, You Me At Six will perform two intimate warm-up shows in Leicester and Bournemouth.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘Truth Decay’ from You Me At Six

Miss Vincent & The Nightmares reveal co-headline tour

Fans of Miss Vincent and The Nightmares are in for a treat as the two bands team up for a special co-headline UK Tour this April!

Tickets are here.

Watch Episode 7 of our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast with guests Miss Vincent!

‘Discover’ New Music Podcast – Episode 7 – Miss Vincent

Read our review of ‘A Funeral for Youth’ from Miss Vincent

News Report

Bury Tomorrow debut ‘Heretic’

Bury Tomorrow – ‘Heretic’ feat. Loz Taylor

Our News Report moves now to the best new releases from the past week and we get things started with the latest single from Bury Tomorrow!

‘Heretic’ featuring While She Sleeps frontman Loz Taylor debuted this week and you can check it out above. It was also revealed that Bury Tomorrow will join WSS at their huge Alexandra Palace show in September.

The track comes from upcoming new album, ‘The Seventh Sun’, which is out March 31st!.

Speaking on Heretic, lead-singer Dani Winter-Bates states “Heretic is here, and we knew from day one of recording that this song was something we wanted the world to hear immediately. It’s right up there with the most aggressive and visceral tracks on the album, with an inherently dark feel, both lyrically and musically, which allowed us to delve into some of the more brutal elements of The Seventh Sun. All in all, we’re extremely proud to showcase this track and can’t wait to see what people think.”

Dani continues “from the off, we knew this song merited a guest vocal spot, and Loz Taylor of While She Sleeps sprang to our minds straightaway. Already an absolute legend in our eyes, working with him on this track has only confirmed that status further. His voice incorporated perfectly and has undoubtedly taken the song to the next level – we couldn’t be happier.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of Bury Tomorrow live in Norwich

The Raven Age share ‘Parasite’

The Raven Age – ‘Parasite’

The Raven Age have announced that their third studio album, ‘Blood Omen’, will be released on July 7th. To coincide with that announcement, the band unveiled their new single, ‘Parasite’, which you can check out above!

‘Parasite’ is bolstered by a blistering solo from guest guitarist Andy James of Five Finger Death Punch. “I’ve known the lads in The Raven Age for years now,” says Andy. “I really like the direction they are heading with this third record and enjoyed doing a guest solo for ‘Parasite’. It’s a heavy but memorable track that hits you right between the eyes.”

For the Essex quintet’s “all-important third album”, as George Harris puts it, they have expanded on every level. 

This motivation is written into the album’s concept. Following the theme of its two predecessors, the raven motif looms large, this time centering on the overthrowing of old masters, with the band’s Raven King character coming to prominence. Even in the artwork, things are bolder, a close up of The Raven King, says George, “taking his rightful place on the throne.”

The theme weaves itself throughout ‘Blood Omen’, kicking off with ‘Parasite’ as MJ explains, “There’s the legend about the ravens in the Tower Of London, that if they were ever to leave, the monarchy falls. Without being too political, ‘Parasite’ is hinting at these dark notes of the hierarchy, the bottom feeders that tend to run everything and then screw everything up. Our Raven King, he’s basically ascending to the throne to bring down the monarchy, bring down the establishment, weed out the parasites, as it were.”

“It’s a heavy track,” MJ continues, “We knew we wanted to come back with a real punch between the eyes. It’s the full introduction to our Raven King, and it touches on elements of everything to come. It really shows where we’re going on this album.”

The album also sees the recorded debut of new guitarist Tommy Gentry, the prodigiously talented axeman – whose previous work includes stints with Marco Mendoza and former Judas Priest six-stringer KK Downing.

“Tommy was in our sights from day one,” says George. “He’s, without doubt, the most talented musician I know. Not only is he an amazing guitarist, he’s a grade eight pianist, he can score orchestral music, and all that brings something to the table.”

Pre-order your copy here.

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The Hold Steady share new single ‘Sixers’

The Hold Steady – ‘Sixers’

‘The Price of Progress’, the latest album from The Hold Steady is out on March 31st. This week the band continued to preview the record with new single, ‘Sixers’, which you can check out above.

‘Sixers’ was written in the first days of the pandemic,” says frontman Craig Finn. “It’s basically a song about knowing your neighbors. Two young professionals meet up in their building late on a Friday night and spend the weekend partying together. They try to find a love connection, but it’s not quite there. It’s hard to make friends when your job is so demanding. Tad and Steve chime in with some beautiful guitar harmonies.

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to our two Podcasts

The View return with ‘Feels Like’

The View – ‘Feels Like’

This week saw The View return with news of their first new album in eight years! ‘Exorcism of Youth’ will be released on June 9th and was preceded this week by the single, ‘Feels Like’, which you can check out above!

Frontman Kyle Falconer says, “Working with Youth on our third album ‘Bread and Circuses’ was one of the best experiences of my career so we jumped at the chance to revisit the opportunity with him in Spain. To be able to go into the studio again as a band with added experience was just magical.” 

On the single Falconer adds, “This one felt anthemic from the get go. Even though under the surface it’s about somewhere everyone’s been in their life before: regret of losing someone amazing due to your inner demons and seeing them moving on with their life, when you’re stuck in a ‘nightmare not a dream.’ When I first sat down to write it I had Holden Caulfield from ‘Catcher in the Rye’ in mind. It’s playing out in his mind and it’s his own paranoia destroying him from the inside out when in reality she’s the perfect woman.” 

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of ‘Uncertain Joys’ from The Subways

Ryan Hamilton unveils “Asshole”

Ryan Hamilton – ‘Asshole’

Texan singer-songwriter Ryan Hamilton has shared his latest single, ‘Asshole’, which you can check out above. The track comes from upcoming album, ‘Haunted by the Holy Ghost’, which is out March 10th.

A music video for the track features World Champion Barrel Racer, Ryann Pedone & Conor the badger. Ryan says, “It’s not everyday you shoot a music video with a badger! Why a badger? Because badgers are assholes. They’re adorable assholes. Haha. So proud of this song. The self sabotaging title will keep it off most radio stations… which is a shame, because it deserves to be a big hit.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Watch Episode 15 of The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guest Ryan Hamilton

The Full Pelt Music Podcast – Episode 15 – Ryan Hamilton

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The Dollyrots share ‘Still Holding On’

The Dollyrots – ‘Still Holding On’

The Dollyrots have released a brand new UK single titled ‘Still Holding On’ to kick off their first ever UK co-headline tour with Don’t Panic and special guest Royals.

You can listen to the track above!

““Still Holding On” is the first song we’re releasing off our newest recordings, from the first full album sessions since 2019! It’s a hint of a flavor for the next LP to be released later this year. Since we’ll be touring the UK this month we thought we’d give our friends here a treat and release it exclusive to the United Kingdom.”” says singer Kelly Ogden.

More here.

Read our review of ‘Pop Drunk Snot Bread’ from Bowling For Soup

Millie Manders and the Shutup share ‘Rebound’

Millie Manders and the Shutup – ‘Rebound’

This week saw Millie Manders and the Shutup share their new single, ‘Rebound’, on Valentine’s Day! You can of course listen to the track above!

An ode to toxic online dating, as Millie explains: “Rebound reflects my experience with online dating, but most people I have spoken to have had similar and worse experiences with it. I wanted to write a song that was in solidarity with those on the receiving end of a rebound relationship and let them know they were never the problem.”

The comes ahead of the bands upcoming UK Tour in April.

Tickets are here.

Listen to on our Spotify Hot List!

Chris Shiflett shares ‘Black Top White Lines’

Chris Shiflett – ‘Black Top White Lines’

The steady stream of fantastic new music in our News Report continues to flow from iconic Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett. You can check out his latest solo effort, ‘Black Top White Lines’, above now!

More here.

Listen on out Spotify Hot List!

REWS debut ‘Misery’

REWS – ‘Misery’

Our News Report continues to run through the best new releases of the week with the excellent new single from REWS!

You can check out ‘Misery’ above which comes ahead of new album, ‘Meridians’, which is due November 3rd!

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen on our Spotify Hot List!

Lottery Winners share new single ‘Money’

Lottery Winners – ‘Money’ feat. Shaun Ryder

The fantastic Lottery Winners continue to prepare for their upcoming album, ‘Anxiety Replacement Therapy’, which is out April 26th!

This week the group shared new single, ‘Money’, which features non-other than Shaun Ryder! Check out the video above.

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of Neck of the Woods Festival

Pet Needs share video for ‘Ibiza in Winter’

Pet Needs – ‘Ibiza in Winter’

This week also saw Pet Needs revealed as the special guests on Lottery Winners upcoming UK Tour. That wasn’t the only news for Pet Needs this week however, as they also debuted their video for ‘Ibiza in Winter’, which you can check out above!

New album ‘Primetime Entertainment’ available here.

Watch Episode 11 of The Full Pelt Music Podcast with guests Pet Needs!

The Full Pelt Music Podcast – ‘Episode 11’ – Pet Needs

Read our review of Pet Needs live in Norwich

Sean McGowan shares ‘Man Up’

Sean McGowan – ‘Man Up’

Also with new music on offer this week was Sean McGowan who shared his latest single, ‘Man Up’! Listen to the track above.

More here.

Read our review of Xtra Mile Recordings 20th Anniversary in London

News Report

As always we conclude our News Report with the latest additions to our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist!

News Report
Spyres – ‘Sleep Forever’

Glasgow four-piece Spyres return with their new single, ‘Sleep Forever’.

Vocalist/guitarist Keira McGuire explains:

“Sleep Forever is a song about blocking out the realities of life and living in your own world, not wanting to grow up, becoming an adult which puts an end to teenage daydreams and fantasies.”

FUDGE.- ‘Y.F.F.G.’

FUDGE. release their new single, ‘YOUR FALL FROM GRACE’, taken from their forthcoming ‘THAT’S JUST IT, THIS IS NOW’ EP!

Commenting about ‘Y.F.F.G.’ singer Cam says: “It’s different to our usual songs but it’s a fan favourite and shows a very atmospheric, abstract vibe and I see it as a rebellious love song. The feeling I get from this song is the same as the almost surreal sensation you get when you’re on your own late at night or early morning. That may sound strange but some of you might get what I mean.”

Guitarist Otto expands: “I call this our quiet song. I wrote it whilst someone was sleeping in the same room as me, so I picked something sweet sounding and played it with compassion. Luckily, the outcome was one of our most palatable songs for the listener and, honestly, one that I never meant to write but am grateful that I did.”

Drummer Angus adds: “You get to hear Cam’s sensitive side on this song, which is usually hidden behind his radginess. It’s a lot smoother in its ebbs and flows and playing drums to this is actually quite a relaxing experience because, for once, I can sit back and let the song do the work. For that reason, it’s bigger than its constituent parts. A bit of a banger in other words.

News Report
News Report
IKONIK – ‘Wall of Stone

‘Wall of Stone’ is the debut single from IKONIK, the brainchild of Copenhagen’s Katrine Wachmann.

“‘Wall of Stone’ is a song about commitment issues and being stuck in a relationship that is going nowhere, though knowing that vulnerability might be the only way to make a relationship work. Whatever the listeners get from this song I’m just truly humble, amazed and excited that IKONIK is off on its wings and ready to fly out into the world”.

Listen, Follow and Discover your new favourite act now with our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist

Then find out the stories behind the songs on our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast!

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Read our review of Black Star Riders live in Ipswich

Categories
Features

The Year In Review 2022

Full Pelt Music looks back on 2022 for our Year In Review

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It’s been another big revival year for the music industry following the pandemic years, and it’s been another year of growth for us at Full Pelt Music! We’ve reviewed 67 albums, 7 EP’s, 6 festivals and 38 gigs in 2022 as some level of normality or even stability has returned to our industry.

That said, there are still many issues facing the industry with livelihoods, venues and organisations at risk for a plethora of reasons. Whilst government action is required in many places, what we as fans can do is support the industry with our money. Times are tough for us all, but purchasing an album, buying a t-shirt, nabbing a ticket and grabbing a drink whilst at a gig does so much to support the industry that we love.

Our two great Podcasts have continued to grow and highlights this year came from guests such as Blood Red Shoes, The Treatment, Skinny Lister, Daytime TV, Pet Needs, The Ninth Wave, Sunflower Bean, James and the Cold Gun, Guise, October Drift, BERRIES, Asylums, As Sirens Fall and Jamie Lenman! We’ve already got some fantastic guests lined up for 2023, so ensure you subscribe and follow us across Social Media!

In our now annual end of year awards we’ll be giving out seven hotly contested awards looking at both the recorded and live sides of the industry. Adding to our well established Album of the Year award this year will be the new EP of the Year award. We’ll also once again be revealing our Single of the Year. All awards have seen fierce competition, as once again it’s been a high quality year for new releases.

On the live side of things, we’ll announce both our Gig and Festival of the Year awards. This year of course provided our first full calendar of music since 2019! We were able to witness many great performances this year and we can’t wait to share with you are favourites.

Lastly we’ll look at the artists who’ve had special years as we award our Artist and ‘Discover’ New Artist of the Year awards. So without further ado, let’s work through those award catagories!

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

It has been a truly magnificent year for album releases and getting a spot anywhere in our Top 50 was hard enough but in particular the Top 10 was incredibly tightly fought. You can read the full list here.

‘IMPERA’ from Ghost was able to take the crown this year but any of the top 10 could’ve taken that spot. ‘Reeling’ from The Mysterines in particular would likely have won in any other year, but the majesty and magnificence of ‘IMPERA’ proved unbeatable.

Winner:

‘Impera’ by Ghost

The contenders:

‘Reeling’ by The Mysterines, ‘FTHC’ by Frank Turner, ‘Skinty Fia’ by Fontaines D.C. & ‘The Price of Life’ by Bob Vylan

Previous Winners:

2021 – ‘Blue Weekend’ by Wolf Alice
2020 – ‘Ultra Mono’ by IDLES

EP OF THE YEAR

For the first time this year, we are separating EP’s out of our main award and giving them their own pedestal. That alone is the truest compliment to the quality of EP’s on offer this year.

Again, all EP’s in our top 5 are worthy of the number one spot, but it’s ‘coming of (r)age’ from As Sirens Fall that pips it. Catchy as hell single, ‘heaven (spat us back out)’, helps elevate the release to be crowed our first ever EP of the Year.

Winner:

‘coming of (r)age’ by As Sirens Fall

The contenders:

‘False Start’ by James and the Cold Gun, ‘SCP’ by Oakman, ‘Tyrants’ by IOTA and ‘BLACKGOLD’ by BLACKGOLD

SINGLE OF THE YEAR

We look now at our Single or Song of the Year. In considering the award this year we’ve considered the ear worms that have stayed with us after live performances. We’ve also pondered which songs instantly struck a chord and created a buzz of excitement for the albums and live shows that would follow.

Songs which fell into both of these considerations competed for the award and it was again a tight decision, but ultimately for us this year ‘Dangerous’ from The Mysterines has not just ticked both boxes but also remained on heavy rotation throughout the year despite being an early arrival in 2022. That’s why that track is our 2022 Single of the Year!

Check out the winning single below:

The Mysterines – ‘Dangerous’
Winner:

‘Dangerous’ by The Mysterines

The contenders:

‘Talk Hard’ by Jamie Lenman, ‘Compliance’ by Muse, ‘Wicked Ways’ by Halestorm, ‘Spillways’ by Ghost

Previous Winners:

2021 – ‘Test of our Resolve’ from Press To MECO
2020 – ‘Obey’ by Bring Me The Horizon feat. Yungblud

FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR

2022 was the first full festival season since 2019 and what a return it was. All eyes were on Glastonbury once again, British Summer Time curated a stunning line-up, Download Festival breathed fire and 2000trees was able to remind everyone what’s so great about smaller festivals.

Our winner this year though is Reading & Leeds who went big, sold out and delivered an action packed weekend even with the huge loss of Rage Against The Machine amongst others. Always a perennial contender for this award, 2022 felt like the year the event reclaimed its identity.

Read our review of Reading Festival Saturday

Winner:

Reading & Leeds

The contenders:

Glastonbury Festival, British Summer Time, Download Festival, 2000trees Festival

Previous Winners:

2021 – Download Pilot Festival
2020 – Wild Fields Festival

GIG OF THE YEAR

We’ve reviewed many gigs this year but in reality there could only ever be one winner. Rammstein’s tour is less of a concert and more of an experience; one that everyone, fan of the band or not, should experience at least once.

Beyond that there was still some incredible, top tier gigs in 2022 and our contenders are all worthy of glory, but Rammstein are currently on a whole different level.

Read our review of Rammstein live in Coventry

Winner:

Rammstein @ Coventry Arena

The contenders:

Royal Blood @ O2 Arena, London, Ghost @ Resorts World Arena, Birmingham, Muse @ Eventim Apollo Hammersmith, London, The Killers @ Carrow Road, Norwich, The Hella Mega Tour @ London Stadium, London, Creeper @ Roundhouse, London, Idlewild @ O2 Kentish Town Forum, London

Previous Winners:

2021 – Bring Me The Horizon @ O2 Arena, London
2020 – Frank Turner @ Arboretum, Nottingham

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Artist of the Year now and for this award we look for somebody who has had a huge, perhaps even career-defining year. Previous winners Frank Turner and Biffy Clyro have done so by delivering incredible feats, far above the norm.

This year was a big year for many acts, but we’ve gone for Bring Me The Horizon as a band that have had a career-defining twelve months. Long tipped as festival headliners at a major event, many felt that the time would never come for one of the best live bands on the planet. Big releases, sold-out tours, no matter what the group did they never seemed to be given that torch, that is until this year!

Watching Bring Me The Horizon step up and headline at Reading & Leeds this summer felt like a real moment, not just for the band but for the whole scene. For any metal band, let alone one once considered so unfashionable to headline the biggest festivals in the UK is massive.

Already announced to finally headline Download Festival in 2023, 2022 will forever be linked for Bring Me The Horizon to taking that final career-defining set. Throw in their genre-defying collaboration with Ed Sheeran, 2022’s Artist of the Year had to be Bring Me The Horizon.

Winner:

Bring Me The Horizon

The contenders:

Ghost, Rammstein, Biffy Clyro, Muse

Previous Winners:

2021 – Biffy Clyro
2020 – Frank Turner

‘DISCOVER’ NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

As a publication we always want to put new music at the heart of what we do, and that’s why our final award is perhaps our most important! Our ‘Discover’ New Artist of the Year is awarded to the act we’ve chosen to highlight on our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist and Podcast who we feel has made the biggest impact this year.

At the beginning of 2022 we put the spotlight on new Colchester act PET NEEDS as they continued to promote their debut album, ‘Fractured Party Music’. From that point on the band never looked back with a world tour, a second album (‘Primtime Entertainment’) and a sold out hometown show all under their belts.

They even found the time to become the first (and only at the time of writing) band to progress from our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast and appear on The Full Pelt Music Podcast! Yes, fighting off some stiff competition for the ‘Discover’ New Artist of the Year award in 2022 is PET NEEDS!

Winners:

PET NEEDS

The Contenders:

BERRIES, As Sirens Fall, Oakman, James and the Cold Gun, Daytime TV, MOSKITO

Previous Winners:

2020 – Miss Vincent

So, that’s it! Another year in the record books, it’s been another difficult year and it has again been particularly tough on the music industry. That said, we’ve had a full year of live music for the first time since 2019 and the creative juices remain flowing with some absolutely stunning new releases over the past twelve months.

Below you can enjoy some of our favourite gig photos of the year courtesy of our wonderful photographer Denis!

All 📸 (c) Denis Gorbatov / Full Pelt Music

We hope you’ve enjoyed our The Year in Review 2022 and we wish you a very Happy New Year. Here’s hoping 2023 is a good one!

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Categories
Live Reviews

Alter Bridge

O2 Arena, London

Monday 12th December 2022

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ALTER BRIDGE – LONDON – LIVE REVIEW

As the year draws to a close, music publications such as us turn our attention to our end of year lists. There will be nods to the best albums, singles, festivals and gigs as December progresses towards it festive finale. The only problem is that 2022 isn’t quite done yet!

Tonight for example the O2 Arena in London welcomes a fantastic package tour with three incredible acts set to grace the stage. Perhaps then those engravers should hold fire on etching the award winner’s names just yet!

This evening is the final night of a tour that has hit five other UK and Irish arenas already this month having first made its way around Europe, and there’s an end of tour / end of year atmosphere in the venue.

WATCH ‘EPIPHANY’ FROm MAMMOTH WVH ON YOTUBE
Mammoth WVH – ‘Epiphany’

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The first band up is Mammoth WVH led by Wolfgang Van Halen who showcases his natural talent and feels right at home on this massive stage. Playing a blistering set of material from their self-titled debut release, the band finish with ‘Don’t Back Down’ and leave the stage with many more fans than when they arrived.

WATCH ‘THE STEEPLE’ FROM HALESTORM ON YOUTUBE
Halestorm – ‘The Steeple’

Read our review of ‘Back From The Dead’ from Halestorm

Next up are a band who debatably should be headlining arenas themselves these days, as the screams of Lzzy Hale welcome Halestorm to the stage. Opener, ‘The Steeple’, sets the theme with new album, ‘Back From The Dead’ taking centre stage. That’s no bad thing though as it’s a fantastic album as demonstrated by the likes of ‘Wicked Ways’, ‘Mine’ and the title track.

All the usual Halestorm fun is packed into an abridged set where we still get crowd interaction, over-sized drumsticks and massive rock songs such as ‘Love Bites (So Do I)’ and ‘Familiar Taste of Poison’. ‘I Miss The Misery’ closes out the short but sweet set and leaves you thinking surely a Halestorm arena headline tour must be next on the cards.

WATCH ‘SILVER TONGUE’ FROM ALTER BRIDGE ON YOUTUBE
Alter Bridge – ‘Silver Tongue’

A band very familiar with headlining arenas at this point though is our headline act tonight, Alter Bridge. Another band with a new album to show off, the huge ‘Silver Tongue’ gets the ball rolling as the group once again demonstrate their obscene talents.

A musically sublime performance features their debut album more than recent tours with ‘Shed My Skin’, ‘Burn It Down’ and ‘In Loving Memory’ all highlights. The set list weaves between albums and highlights the musical dexterity of the band along with the commitment of their fans that stand in awe through hits and deep cuts alike.

‘This Is War’ and title track ‘Pawns & Kings’ show that the band remain very much on form as far as new material goes, but naturally it’s favourites such as ‘Metalingus’ and ‘Blackbird’ that elicit the best audience responses tonight.

An encore of ‘Rise Today’ and ‘Open Your Eyes’ seals the deal and sends the crowd into the wintery embers of 2022 happy and thoroughly entertained. It’s tours like this that remind us what we’ve been missing in the past couple of years, and serve as grounds to hold back on those end of year awards until all the entries have made their case!

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Read our review of ‘Pawns & Kings’ from Alter Bridge

Categories
Album Reviews

Halestorm

Back From The Dead

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HALESTORM – BACK FROM THE DEAD – ALBUM REVIEW

Halestorm sing “…In my redemption, I’m my own redemption…” on their new track, ‘My Redemption’.

The band may not be in need of redemption but their upwards trajectory has appeared to be stalling recently. Let’s not talk about flattening curves however as we’ve heard enough of that over the past two years! But certainly momentum has been slowing for the band.

The band has built a solid and very dedicated fanbase over the past decade or so, but have they hit their peak? Well, they certainly never died, but with their fifth studio album, the band are ‘Back From The Dead’ as it were!

WATCH ‘BACK FROM THE DEAD’ ON YOUTUBE
Halestorm – ‘Back From The Dead’

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Yes, living up to the name of the album, new life now breathes through the band as they deliver some of their best work to date.

The album starts out strong with the title track, ‘Wicked Ways’ and ‘Strange Girl’; and the quality never really drops. Whether rocking hard on the likes of ‘The Steeple’ or captivating on ballads such as ‘Terrible Things’ or album closer ‘Raise Your Horns’, this is Halestorm on top form.

It has obviously been an appalling couple of years and many bands have struggled or seen their momentum hit during this time, but with ‘Back From The Dead’, you feel that Halestorm have caught the ball rather than dropping it!

The band will be returning to the UK for an Arena tour with Alter Bridge this December and you feel , with the reset button pushed, that the band are ready to live up to their potential and sit atop the throne sooner rather than later.

Rock most definitely isn’t dead (sorry Gene), and neither are Halestorm!

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Read our review of Ghost live in Birmingham

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Magazine

News Report

Every week we roundup the best music news from the past week

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News Report

Don Broco announce UK Arena Tour

News Report

Welcome to another edition of our weekly music News Report! We start this week with our tour news section and with the one and only Don Broco.

This past week saw the band announce a huge arena tour set for March next year. Support on the shows will come from Papa Roach and Dance Gavin Dance.

Regarding the tour frontman Rob Damiani says, “Beyond pumped to announce the Amazing Things arena tour featuring a line up only the sweetest dreams are made of. There’s no two ways about it, we wouldn’t be the band we are today if it wasn’t for the legends that are Papa Roach so as you can imagine we’re super excited to have the guys out with us as well as our ridiculously talented friends Dance Gavin Dance. See you next year!”.

Tickets are here.

The band also released a new single this week and you can listen to ‘Fingernails’ below.

Don Broco – ‘Fingernails’

Read our review of Don Broco live in Norwich

Alter Bridge reveal return to the UK

News Report

This week also saw Alter Bridge announce their return to the UK this December. As part of a bigger European Tour the band will be hitting arenas across the UK finishing up at the O2 Arena in London.

Joining the tour are very special guests Halestorm and Mammoth WVH!

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘Marching In Time’ from Tremonti

A Day To Remember announce UK Shows

News Report

A Day To Remember also had some shows to announce this week as they revealed a couple of UK dates around their appearance at Download Festival.

The band will be playing intimate shows in London and Glasgow this June.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of ‘You’re Welcome’ from A Day To Remember

Hard-Fi announce special London show

News Report

Hard-Fi this week revealed they’ll be returning on Saturday October 1st to play the O2 Forum Kentish Town.

The show was an instant sell out, for more from the band head here.

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The Mysterines announce new London show

Another band heading to London for a one off show at the O2 Forum Kentish Town is The Mysterines. The band will play the venue on Friday December 9th.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of The Mysterines live in London

Latitude Festival updates line-up

Festival news now as our News Report continues, and Suffolk’s Latitude Festival have updated their line-up this week with 60+ acts being added from across the arts.

Joining the music line-up were the likes of Courting, m(h)aol, Matt Maltese, Nova Twins and TV Priest.

Tickets here.

Read our review of Wolf Alice live in Norwich

The Foolhardy Folk Festival returns

Beans On Toast has announced he will be hosting a second edition of his Foolhardy Folk Festival.

Taking place at Nottingham Arboretum, the event will also feature She Drew The Gun, Will Varley, Holy Moly & The Crackers, Gaz Brookfield, Kitty Liv, Jack Flanagan and Georgie!

Tickets are here.

Watch Beans On Toast on The Full Pelt Music Podcast

The Full Pelt Music Podcast – Episode 3 – Beans On Toast

Read our review of Beans On Toast live in Colchester

Journey debut new single ‘You Got The Best of Me’

Journey – ‘You Got The Best Of Me’

On to new music release now as our News Report continues. First up is ‘You Got The Best Of Me’, the new single from icons Journey.

Listen to the track above, which will feature on a new album called, ‘Freedom’ which will arrive July 8th.

“I wanted kind of a punky rendition of ‘Any Way You Want It’”, says the group’s founding member, guitarist, songwriter, and producer Neal Schon about the single. “I usually don’t go in saying I’m going to look for something like that, but then it just came to me, like “Wheel in the Sky” did years ago. It just kind of flew out of my mouth.”

While the forthcoming album was made with visions of arena and stadium stages, it started from humble beginnings. In 2020, as COVID swept the globe, Schon was stuck at home like the rest of us. “During the pandemic, there wasn’t much to do,” he says. “I spent a lot of time in my little studio at home, learning how to play keyboards and looping. Some of those ideas ended up being songs. So it kind of came out of nowhere.”

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of The Treatment live in Cambridge

Deaf Havana debut ‘On The Wire’

Deaf Havana – ‘On The Wire’

Another band releasing new music this week was Deaf Havana. The band are gearing up for the release of their new album, ‘The Present is a Foreign Land’, on July 15th.

This week they debuted the latest single from the album, ‘On The Wire’, which you can check out above.

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of October Drift live in Norwich

MAN WITH A MISSION share new single ‘More Than Words’

MAN WITH A MISSION – ‘More Than Words’

Japanese superstars MAN WITH A MISSION have released their brand new single, ‘More Than Words’, the latest song to be taken from their forthcoming album ‘Break and Cross the Walls II’ out May 25th. You can check out the song above.

Bassist and songwriter Kamikaze Boy has a special connection with the song and says, “It’s about people sharing thoughts and feelings, even though they have a hard time exchanging words.“.

More here.

Read our review of ‘Ego Trip’ from Papa Roach

Nothing More debut ‘Tired of Winning’

Nothing More – ‘Tired of Winning’

We continue our News Report with Nothing More who this week debuted their new single, ‘Tired of Winning’, which you can listen to above.

The track will feature on the band’s upcoming new album.

More here.

Listen to ‘Tired of Winning’ on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Spotify Playlist

Classless Act debut new track ‘Time To Bleed’

Classless Act – ‘Time To Bleed’

Rising Los Angeles rock band Classless Act this week debuted their latest track, ‘Time To Bleed’, which you can check out above.

The song will feature on their debut album, ‘Welcome To The Show’, which is released on June 24th.

Bass player Franco Gravante, who produced, mixed, and cowrote the track, explained the origins of the song, “It’s one of the first riffs I wrote for the record a couple years back. But I couldn’t finish the song. We got some magic dust sprinkled on it by Justin Hawkins and that gave me the confidence to know THIS song belonged on the record. But the record was already done and delivered. So we called the label and said, HOLD UP! Then we called Keith (Nelson), he booked a studio and 37 hours later, it was on the record and it’s coming out now! It was so fast. I think they’re still cleaning up the mess we made.  It takes what it takes, ya know?” 

After working on the song with the band during quarantine, Hawkins commented, “I had the pleasure of writing with these young men at the beginning of the Covidian era. It quickly became apparent that I had underestimated their musicality and talent. They make really sleazy good time rock and roll music with smiles on their handsome faces and I am proud to have contributed. Good luck boys!”.

Read our review of The Darkness live in Cambridge

TV Priest share ‘Limehouse Cut’

TV Priest – ‘Limehouse Cut’

Bringing our new releases section of the News Report to a close this week are TV Priest. The band shared new track, ‘Limehouse Cut’ this week and you can listen above.

The track will feature on upcoming album, ‘My Other People’, which arrives June 17th.

Vocalist Charlie Drinkwater says of the track, “The song is about a feeling dislocated and displaced in an urban space you once felt you knew and ‘understood’, however it’s also a coming to terms with an idea that you never really ‘own‘ somewhere as infinitely regenerative as a city. It’s a bit of a psycho-geographical study, a little bit of pathos at my own mortality and smallness in the great tide of history. We loved the idea of something quite abstract, something that references landscape, feels mesmeric, melancholic, a little sinister but also quite beautiful.”

Listen to The Full Pelt Music Podcast

As always we finish our News Report with the latest additions to our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist! Featured this week are:

‘Harlequin’ – Dissonants

A new look Dissonants return with new single, ‘Harlequin’.

“It’s been a tough year or so for us with the instability in the line-up, and at several points myself, Ben and Aaron wondered if the band would cease to exist, as it just felt like setback after setback was crippling us. Cuba and Harvey coming into the fold has been a massive breathe of fresh air, and has totally reinvigorated us with the ideas they’ve bought to the table. On this new track, Harlequin, I believe we’ve never sounded better as a band”, explains bassist Mike Barton.

‘Decay’ – Trashed

Bristol-based emo punk-rockers Trashed share new single, ‘Decay’, ahead of their debut album ‘Happy In Hindsight’.

Speaking about the single, the band state: “Decay was the first song written for the album. It’s like a journal entry about being trapped between existential apathy and a desire to overcome it. We wrote the lyrics to be deep and relatable without being overwhelming or uncomfortable. It’s also a transitional song for us. We’re ready to move on from what we’ve done before, which is symbolised in the artwork. This track lays the foundation for what’s to come, perfectly.”

‘The Moon’ – The Shipbuilders

Surf-Rock scousers The Shipbuilders ready debut album, ‘Spring Tide’ with the single, ‘The Moon’.

Speaking of the track, singer Matty Loughlin-Day explains: “I’ve long been fascinated and drawn towards the concept of ‘Cante Jondo’, the folk music of Andalusia that literally translates to ‘deep song’. Moon’ came from a contemplation of all of this. It’s a song written from the perspective of a soldier in the Spanish Civil War who, while standing underneath a haloed moon, can hear “the wailing of this life and the next collide” while lamenting his love’s death and pondering if the same fate will fall on him…”

Listen, Follow and Discover your new favourite act now with our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist

Then find our the stories behind the songs on our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast!

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Read our review of ‘False Start’ from James and the Cold Gun

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Standon Calling announces line-up

Welcome to another edition of our weekly music News Report! We start this week with a run through of this weeks festival line-up announcements, and there has been plenty!

First up is the above announcement from Standon Calling. This year the event will feature four days of music including headline sets from the likes of Madness and Primal Scream.

Also performing across the weekend will be acts such as Self Esteem, The Cribs, Yard Act, Pigs x7, The Subways, Billy Nomates, Lynks, The Skints, Bob Vylan and Bessie Turner.

Tickets and info here.

Read our review of The Subways live in Norwich

Neighbourhood Weekender adds new acts

News Report

Neighbourhood Weekender grew bigger this week with a second wave of acts revealed for the event.

New acts announced this week include Manic Street Preachers, Razorlight, James Bay, Scouting For Girls and more!

They join the likes of Courteeners, Kasabian, Blossoms, The Snuts, The Fratellis, Wet Leg, Noisy, Pale Waves, The Amazons and Inhaler.

Tickets and info here.

Read our review of Manic Street Preachers live in Cambridge

More acts revealed for Truck Festival

News Report

Truck Festival also gain a slew of new acts over the past week. Already announced for the event were the likes of Kasabian, The Kooks, Sports Team, Shame, The Subways, Dinosaur Pile Up, Yard Act, Black Honey, Vistas, Lauran Hibberd and Gender Roles.

They’ll now be joined by acts including Sea Girls, The Murder Capital, Pulled Apart By Horses, Noisy, The Hara and Grandmas House.

Tickets and info here.

Read our review of ‘The Overload’ from Yard Act

Boardmasters reveal new acts

News Report

The festival announcements continue in our News Report with the above from Boardmasters.

The event will be graced with performances from the likes of IDLES, Self Esteem, Bastille, Kings Of Leon, The Wombats and more.

Tickets and info here.

Read our review of IDLES live in London

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes join Bearded Theory lineup

The fantastic looking Bearded Theory festival now looks even better following the addition of Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes this past week.

They join a bill including Placebo, Yonaka, Nova Twins, Lauran Hibberd, Frank Turner, Shame, Ferocious Dog, The Hives, Bob Vylan, The Ninth Wave, October Drift and many more!

Tickets and info here.

Read our review of Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes live in Norwich

LeeStock announce full line-up

LeeStock Festival in Suffolk this week revealed their full 2022 line-up featuring headline performances from Ash and Scouting For Girls.

They’ll be joined by the likes of Electric Six, Toploader, Space, Ryan Hamilton and The Foundations.

Tickets and info here.

Check out The Full Pelt Music Podcast on Youtube

Red Hot Chili Peppers reveal new album details

Red Hot Chili Peppers – ‘Black Summer’

We move now onto the past weeks new music releases, and where better to start than with the news that Red Hot Chili Peppers have a new album on the way?

Yes, ‘Unlimited Love’ will arrive on April 1st. The band also debuted new single ‘Black Summer’ which you can check out above.

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘Black Summer’ on our Spotify Hot List!

Liam Gallagher debuts ‘Everything’s Electric’

Liam Gallagher – ‘Everything’s Electric’

There was also new music this week from Liam Gallagher as he debuted his latest single ‘Everything’s Electric’, which you can listen to above!

The track comes ahead of his new album, ‘C’MON YOU KNOW’, which arrives on May 27th.

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to The Full Pelt Music Podcast

Halestorm return with ‘The Steeple’

Halestorm – ‘The Steeple’

Halestorm returned this week with their new single, ‘The Steeple’, which you can listen to above.

The track will feature on upcoming album, ‘Back From The Dead’ which will arrive on May 6th.

Pre-order your copy here.

Listen to ‘Back From The Dead’ from Halestorm on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist

Nova Twins announce new album

Nova Twins – ‘K.M.B.’

This week saw Nova Twins debut their latest track, ‘K.M.B.’, which you can listen to above.

This track precedes their second album, ‘Supernova’ which will arrive on June 17th!

Pre-order your copy here.

Read our review of Bring Me The Horizon live in London

Skinny Lister debut video for ‘Bonny’s Eyes’

Skinny Lister – ‘Bonny’s Eyes’

This week also saw Skinny Lister debut the video for new single ‘Bonny’s Eyes’, and you can watch the video above.

The song features on the groups latest album, ‘A Matter Of Life & Love’, which is available now.

Pick up your copy here.

Read our review of ‘A Matter Of Life & Love’

Puppy return with ‘…and watched it glow’

Puppy – ‘and watched it glow’

We close out our News Report this week with the latest from Puppy. This week the band revealed their latest single, ‘and watched it glow’, which you can listen to above.

The track will feature on their newly announced upcoming album, ‘Pure Evil’!

The album will be arriving on May 6th and you can pre-order here.

Watch our ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast with guests MOSKITO

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Read our review of ‘Requiem’ from Korn

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Every week we roundup the best music news from the past week in our News Report. To stay up to date with the biggest news be sure to follow us on our social channels:

Foo Fighters announce UK return

Foo Fighters News Report

Welcome to another edition of our weekly News Report. We start this week with the latest tour announcements including the return of Foo Fighters!

Yes, Dave Grohl and co will return to the UK next summer for four massive shows in Manchester, Birmingham and London.

Support variously comes from St. Vincent, Courtney Barnett, Loose Articles, Hot Milk and Shame!

For tickets you’ll want to look here.

Read our review of ‘Medicine At Midnight’ from Foo Fighters

Myles Kennedy set for UK Tour

Myles Kennedy News Report

Another act heading across the pond is Myles Kennedy. The frontman for Alter Bridge and Slash will arrive for a run of UK dates this December in support of his latest solo album.

Tickets to these full band shows can be found here.

Read our review of ‘The Ides of March’ from Myles Kennedy

Anthrax to celebrate 40th Anniversary with European Tour

Anthrax News Report

American metal icons Anthrax will be celebrating their 40th anniversary in style with a huge European tour in 2022.

This trek will include 8 UK dates including at Brixton Academy. Support for the tour comes from Municipal Waste.

Tickets are here.

Read our review of Download Pilot Festival

The Wombats to play all the hits on Arena Tour

The Wombats News Report

Next spring will see The Wombats hit the road for six huge shows across the UK. Playing huge venues such at The O2 in London, the band has promised to play all the hits!

Tickets can be found here.

Check out the ‘Discover’ New Music Podcast

Wide Awake Festival gets a little bigger

The first ever Wide Awake Festival will take place at Brockwell Park in London on September 3rd. With the event just happening in just a couple of weeks the organisers have added a handful of additional acts.

Joining the fun will be the likes of Porridge Radio, Self Esteem, Yard Act, and Regressive Left. They join the already announced IDLES, Crows, Dream Wife, Lazarus Kane, The Murder Capital, SCALPING, Shame and Squid.

Last tickets are here.

Listen to our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist

Swn Festival unveil line-up

Swn Festival have unveiled their line-up for the 2021 edition of the multi-venue event this October. Featured are many young acts to recently feature on our ‘Discover’ New Music Playlist.

Playing the event will be Lynks, MarthaGunn, Hamish Hawk, Lady Bird, The Goa Express and Wooze.

Tickets and information here.

Read our review of ‘Into the Blue’ from The Joy Formidable

Iron Maiden debut ‘Stratego’

Iron Maiden – ‘Stratego’

Onto the latest new releases now in our News Report. The legendary Iron Maiden continue to build towards their upcoming new album, ‘Senjutsu’ which arrives September 3rd.

This week they debuted the latest single from the album, ‘Stratego’, which you can check out here.

You can also pre-order the album here.

Listen to ‘The Writing On The Wall’ from Iron Maiden on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist

Halestorm are ‘Back From The Dead’

Halestorm – ‘Back From The Dead’

Halestorm are back and this week debuted their brand new single ‘Back From The Dead’!

Find out more here.

Listen to ‘Back From The Dead’ from Halestorm on our ‘Hard & Heavy’ Playlist

Wargasm debut ‘Salma Hayek’

Wargasm – ‘Salma Hayek’

Finally, we finish our News Report this week with the latest track to come from Wargasm. One of the hottest new bands around this week released their new single ‘Salma Hayek’.

More here.

Listen to ‘Your Patron Saints’ from Wargasm on our Spotify Hot List!

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Read our review of ‘Transmute’ from Press To MECO