Warlock A.D. - Book II: The Valley Of Vâgené (Rockshots Records)
Epic fantasy metal? It's all a bit silly isn't it? Especially bands such as Rhapsody (whichever one you want), the massive concepts, dragons, goblins, warriors and journeys are all overblown and pompous but it's supposed to be. So while Warlock A.D have written an album about their journey to The Valley Of Vâgené, the follow up to Book I: The Reserrection, that is full of innuendo and genitalia jokes but the music is serious.
Orchestrally dense, synth-laden power metal that is epic and anthemic. Inspired by Angus McSix, Beast In Black, Devin Townsend/Ziltoid and any of the storyline bands you can name, Warlock A.D. are the real deal musically, power metal of the most epic variety.
Be it the bouncy title track, the more extreme notions on Nanum Imperium or the full on EDM of Ancient Dragon Of Storms Flüffir Mighty Guardian Of Valley, there's a lot of variation but build around a solid foundation of epic, folky power metal such as Rothgar Warsong and As One, We Stand!
As well as a talented band there's a host of guest who lend their voices to the extra characters in this open world musical adventure. As they continue their quest towards the Valley Of Vâgené, they will surely encounter more weird and wonderful characters and lots more innuendo too, for now though you'll just have to take Warlock A.D's. long hard metal shaft into your virgin ears. 8/10
Penny Rich - EP (Self Released)
For fans of Metz, Tunic, Big Black, Dead Kennedys, Penny Rich are a hardcore/punk/noise band from Cardiff. Apeing the Sub-Pop bands from the 1990's this EP tries to distil their live show onto a disc, it's brash, bold and latches on to fear, insecurity and just not really knowing what to do with yourself.
A thick bass riff opens Fundamentals, the brain mushing psychedelics of the Chris Hampson's bass throb a lead instrument here as Tobias O'Reilly's drums are distorted and have that garage sound in the mix. With this rhythm section taking their cues from the early garage/grunge/noise bands Anthony Birdseye's guitars contain plenty of feedback and aggressive atmospherics.
Taking about aggressive Chris and Anthony trade vocals shouts, most effectively with the surf rock meets alt punk track On And On, clean sneers and angry shouts counteracting each other. Written directly after their debut full length, this EP takes more of a potpourri of influences writing tracks that still have very personal lyrics but may shift them slightly away from what they established with their debut.
Penny Rich's new EP keeps it raw and ready but also more progressive as they move further into the Sub-Pop discography. 7/10
Saur - EPs Are A Dead Format (Self Released)
Midlands punx Saur have a tongue in cheek attitude to releasing materials but their songs do carry a message as all good punk rock tracks should. Be it Incel behaviour on Never Ever (Gonna Fuck You) or unwanted attention on Dicks Picks (Unsolicited) they are aimed very specifically at the knobheads in society.
As it's punk it's pretty simple four on the floor riffs, though they put a solo in Never Ever. It's a four track EP (a dead format) with three speedy originals and one cover, Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah given a Ramones-esque revamp and a "Hail Satan" refrain. I suggest you listen to EP's Are A Dead Format if you like your punk fast, furious and funny, put away the cream as it won't leave you Saur (Get It?). 7/10
Matt Finucane - Bang Bang Exorcism EP (Eyeless Records)
Inspired by Lou Reed, Mark E Smith and anyone who makes a weird set of noises, Bang Bang Exorcism is his new record from Matt Finucane and artist who has been trawling the dark and dingy baseman circuit ls for a while now, primarily an acoustic player this is an electric album with Matt on vocals and grimy guitar riffs and Barney Guy on drums.
It's pretty primal, with themes about isolation there's a deliberate attempt to make it weird and strange. Unfortunately it does nothing for me at all, I was bored when it began and I stayed bored throughout it. Shame as I'm sure there are people that will love it but not for me. 5/10
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