As far as metal-based subgenres are concerned, folk metal is often overlooked. While Skyclad are often viewed as that particular niche’s favourite sons (they have arguably been the most commercially successful), dozens of other bands have worked hard to make a place for themselves within the scene. Sheffield’s Northern Oak built a cult following after releasing their debut EP in 2008, eventually gaining critical acclaim from Terrorizer Magazine for their subsequently released albums. After releasing their second full-length album ‘Monuments’ in 2010, the band appeared at the Bloodstock Festival and concentrated on live work. Breaking a four year studio silence, ‘Of Roots and Flesh’ (recorded with Electric Wizard producer Chris Fielding and again self-released) is a very accomplished work, its dozen tracks creating a sprawling musical landscape; often dense, but always with just enough atmosphere to ensure nothing ever feels too overwhelming.
New video from The Minx – ‘No Friends’
Earlier this summer, Mancunian alt-rock/pop-punk outfit The Minx shared their video clip for ‘Jesus and The Mary Chain’ (the full clip of which can still be watched here).
As promised, they’re back with a garish clip for that track’s A-side, ‘No Friends’, a bouncy tune worked around a meaty bassline and organ part recalling garage rock classic ’96 Tears’. Watch the new clip below.
BlackWolf, Fire Red Empress & The Brew together on Planet Rock tour
This September, three of the UK’s finest underground bands are touring together.
BlackWolf – currently promoting their first full-length release and fresh from touring with Winger – are joined by The Brew and Fire Red Empress on a tour sponsored by Planet Rock.
BLACK MOTH – Condemned To Hope
In 2011 Leeds-based stoner metal merchants Black Moth unveiled their debut album ‘The Killing Jar’, an excellent riff-based affair that impressed on first listen and thrilled on each subsequent play. The result was one of the year’s best metal releases. With their US equivalent Ruby The Hatchet releasing a strong and similarly themed debut the following year and Earthless releasing a giant, sprawling double set ‘From The Ages’ in 2013, the standard for doom and stoner grooves remained at an impressive high, thus giving Black Moth much to live up to upon their return.
New project from Jack Blades and Doug Aldrich in the works
Hard rock legends Jack Blades (Night Ranger) and Doug Aldrich (Burning Rain/Whitesnake) have teamed up with Journey drummer Deen Castronovo to form a supergroup.
Aldrich stepped down from his role as Whitesnake guitarist in May.