Biffy Clyro review - vital return for the Renaissance men of rock
Back on the road with a new album, the Scottish trio are packing their stadium-sized rock into smaller venues, to thrilling effect.
A bit like that feeling when you leave the cinema. Writing should inspire, inform and tap into our emotions. That applies whether you're selling traffic islands, advertising student accommodation, or interviewing rock stars and Golden Globe winners. And I've done the lot.
Over the past 5 years, I've written for national news outlets, regional magazines and a growing number of companies - both B2B & B2C. As a result, I've developed a truly versatile writing style that can be adapted for just about any purpose or audience. When I'm not writing for work, I'm writing for leisure, simply because it's what makes me tick.
When you work with me, you can be certain that I approach every brief with the same passion and enthusiasm that you have for your project or business. I've gathered some of my favourite pieces of writing below to demonstrate what I can do. Feel free to have a flick through my CV for a clearer picture of my skills and experience, too. Like what you've seen so far? Great, I'd love to hear from you! Contact me at: [email protected]
Back on the road with a new album, the Scottish trio are packing their stadium-sized rock into smaller venues, to thrilling effect.
It's exactly 6 o'clock in the evening when my phone begins to ring. Calling from his home in Seal Beach, California, is Bill Ward. Bill Ward the drummer from Black Sabbath, the most influential heavy metal band of all time.
With Cybermen cheerleaders, hazmat suits and gigantic mosh pits, there's a gloriously daft energy to the pop-metallers' emotional, earth-shaking return.
Rock has a chequered relationship with cinema. For better or worse, the romance and mythology that surrounds rock'n'roll lore seldom translates to the silver screen. Whether it's rockumentaries, biopics or concert films, there's just no substitute for the real thing. Inspired by the story of Tim 'Ripper' Owens, Rock Star featured Hollywood A-listers and a stellar cast of supporting musicians. So why was it so crushingly banal?
To better understand the magnitude of former Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison's death at the age of 46 requires us to first recall the loss of another drummer. Praised universally for his technical wizardry and powerhouse style, Rush's legendary Neil Peart died in January 2020 - a watershed moment for rock drumming. Eighteen months later, we now face the heavy metal equivalent.
Interviews
How does a band formerly known as the Sex Maggots end up penning one of the most successful love songs in modern music history? 23 years on from the release of Iris and it's unclear if even its chief architect knows. But speaking to the Goo Goo Dolls' frontman and principal songwriter, John Rzeznik, from his home in New Jersey, you get the sense that he's all about the journey, not the destination.
In the age of streaming and social media, 10 years is a lifetime. But that's how long it's been since Evanescence's last album of new music. In that time, frontwoman Amy Lee has experienced life, love, loss and everything in between. So it's no wonder that the band's new album, The Bitter Truth, might just be their best yet. There's been a lot to talk about.
The band's sixth and latest album, 2019's Easter Is Cancelled, has taken on new and ominously prophetic meaning, in light of April's national coronavirus lockdown. It's typical, then, that EIC has also been The Darkness' best-received record since their reformation in 2011. They just haven't been able to tour it. A fact that has had a 'devastating effect' on the band.
Having played the guitar professionally since the age of 12 - opening for B.B. King in 1989 - it's something of a disservice to consider Bonamassa's musical endeavours a career. The blues is woven into every fibre of his being. And as he admits to this writer, this is the only life he really knows.
'The shit that Mötley pulled off on tour buses, airplanes, in hotel rooms... Honestly, we got away with fucking murder'.
Kiefer's right. There is a stigma attached to actors who get involved with the music business. But it takes all of 90 seconds in conversation with the Golden Globe winner to establish that his reasons for swapping the set for the stage are sincere.
With bombast, barmy stylistic mash-ups and plenty of the daft, tongue-in-cheek humour that they're known for, Easter Is Cancelled is an album that only The Darkness could have pulled off.
Gear4music
Allow us to indulge in a little metaphor. If the bass drum is a drum kit's engine, then you might say the snare drum is its battery. While the bass thuds away, preserving that all-important rhythmic spine, the snare crackles and ignites. Sparks flying with every strike.
Like a fine, tailored suit, Pearl's Masterworks Series allows you to realise your ultimate drum kit vision. A completely personal statement that reflects your drumming identity - the drum kit should fit the drummer, not the other way around.
The diamond standard. It's one thing to run a successful enterprise for 75 years, but it's another thing entirely to continually set standards for nearly a century. Founded by Katsumi Yanagisawa in Japan in April 1946, Pearl Drums is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
Electronic drum kits offer a true drumming experience with the added convenience of low volume and a headphone output. Here are our top 5 electronic kits for beginners.
Most musical prodigies start early. Give your child the gift of drumming with the Digital Drums 200 Junior Electronic Drum Kit. The JDD200 is a high-quality instrument for young beginners to learn the drums from an early age.
You never forget your first. In years to come, you'll look back fondly at where it all started. DDrum's D2 22" 5-piece Drum Kit is an exemplary drum set designed for beginners and learners. It's everything you need and more.
Endorsed by one of the finest players in the game. Designed for serious drumming warfare. The Mapex 'Warbird' 12" x 5.5" Signature Snare Drum is a superb snare drum collaboration between Mapex and Chris Adler. Best known for his time behind the kit in American heavy metal giants Lamb of God, Chris Adler needs his snare of choice to stand up to the most rigorous demands.
Evolution is an understatement. This is the latest extraordinary addition to Mapex's sonic system. The Mapex Saturn Evolution Maple/Walnut 22" 5-piece Shell Pack epitomises transformation in the pursuit of perfection. First and foremost, the Saturn Evolution's new Halo mounting system takes intriguing metaphor and turns it into tangible reality.
Dominate the mix. Lively sounds and aggressive response perfect for rock. The WHD Elite 4 Piece Rock Custom Shell Pack is an excellent choice for heavy hitters looking to upgrade their gear.
Live
Exposed Magazine
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