Rebellion Festival 2024 Books The Stranglers, Sham 69, Cock Sparrer, Stiff Little Fingers, Gogol Bordello, The Chisel, The Meffs, Grade 2, Bar Stool Preachers, HotWax, Meryl Streek, and More


Returning this summer over four days from the 1st to the 4th of August at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, Rebellion Festival has once again pulled together a line-up that runs the full length and breadth of worldwide alternative and punk rock culture. From the four iconic, genre-defining headline artists of The Stranglers, Sham 69, Cock Sparrer and Stiff Little Fingers to the young upstarts kicking up a racket in 2024 like The Chisel, The Meffs, Grade 2, Bar Stool Preachers, HotWax, and Meryl Streek, Rebellion Festival displays an ageless and timeless event annually that demonstrates just how big and welcoming our punk rock family continues to grow. Tickets and other info can be found at the links below. Continue reading


Heavy Psych Sounds Festival, London UK


Another trip to London for four bands from a label very quickly becoming a favourite of mine, Heavy Psych Sounds, with Dead Witches launching their new album, The Final Exorcism, with more than adequate support from Deadsmoke, Giobia and Black Rainbows. Will a 500 mile trip down and home for an evening of crushing riffs be worth the almost inevitable whiplash and exhaustion? There’s only one way to find out! Continue reading


Psycroptic – Aversions Crown – Within Destruction: Live at The Dome, London


Tonight is a busy day for Metal in the Capital, with the dreaded evening of multiple gig clashes, within a few stops of the Northern Line alone. One stop down from tonight’s proceedings in Tufnell Park sees the Cerberus-like bill of Behemoth, At The Gates and Wolves In The Throne Room, whilst Camden Town sees Toundra for those seeking something more mellow, and Obscura for some who, well, aren’t. This goes someway to explaining why The Dome looks tonight to be, at best, around half capacity for much of the night. Not that this seems to dampen anyone’s mood, as all night the crowd are on fine form, showing the bands plenty of love and movement as well as respect to one another. Continue reading


The Subhumans – Knock Off – You: Live at The 100 Club, London


A first gig of the year after a couple of abortive attempts were blocked by train strikes and I finally get to take in The Subhumans in the annual Punk festival in The 100 Club – the scene of a number of good gigs I’ve enjoyed before. A long trip beckoned, but a hopefully worthwhile one nonetheless to finally see a band I’ve quite liked for a number of years now, complete with You and Knock Off in support duty.Continue reading


Wolves In The Throne Room – Wode: Live At The Garage


Only a couple of years ago it seemed like the presence of American Black Metal legends Wolves In The Throne Room on UK shores would become a fleeting experience, if indeed it occurred again. Following a UK tour in 2011 and then an All The Party’s appearance the following year, it would then be five years until the band would eventually return in support of latest album Thrice Woven (Artemisia) with a much anticipated UK tour. With this in mind, a second UK tour in 2 years on the back of Thrice Woven seemed a surprise, but a very much welcome one.Continue reading


Piratefest: Alestorm – Rumahoy – Dread Crew Of Oddwood At The O2 Kentish Town Forum


On a bitterly cold Thursday night, you generally don’t expect to see a crowd of Pirates in central London. But Piratefest is in town, and the sold-out O2 Kentish Town Forum was descended upon by more eye-patches and plastic swords than you can shake a peg leg at. Luckily the venue had stocked up with enough Kraken and Coke to keep everyone happy.Continue reading


Royal Thunder – Red Fire Empress: Live at Boston Music Rooms (London)


There must be something in the water in Georgia. Baroness, Black Tusk, Mastodon, Kylesa (Editor’s note: RIP), and Whores. all hail from the Peach State. As do tonight’s headliners, Royal Thunder, who are playing the Boston Music Rooms in London. And like fellow Atlantans, Mastodon, they’re a band that should be a on a major label and breaking through into mainstream consciousness.Continue reading


Metallica Releases Official Video Of “Spit Out The Bone” Live Debut


 

Metallica finally gave the incredible closing track of Hardwired…To Self-Destruct its live debut this past Tuesday night, and it did not disappoint. Continue reading


Watch Metallica Perform “Spit Out The Bone” Live For The First Time Ever


Ever since Hardwired…To Self-Destruct hit stores back in November, fans have been patiently waiting for Metallica to perform ‘Spit Out the Bone’ live. Well the wait is officially over. The heavy metal icons kicked off the encore of tonight’s show at The O2 Arena in London with the powerful closing track, and fan footage of the songs live debut is now online. Continue reading