Simon Crampton

MACHINE HEAD – ØF KINGDØM AND CRØWN

MACHINE HEAD is a fascinating band. A band that has generational appeal, who shot to prominence during the heyday of Roadrunner Records. They are arguably one of the most respected bands in heavy music. With that said, they have never been ones to make things easy for themselves. Their catalogue is littered with examples of…

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Soulfly – Totem

25 years ago when Soulfly started, I don’t think anyone could have predicted the band they would become. Originally more of a nu metal band, they have amassed a diverse rich catalogue, featuring death metal, thrash, grind and punk influences across the board.  It cannot be understated how creative and interesting Max Cavalera is as…

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Anthrax – XL

It seems unfathomable to think that Anthrax are now a band into their 41st year. It’s even crazier to think that they have seemingly not lost any of their edge over such an extensive passage of time. XL was recorded last summer to commemorate the band’s 40th birthday and was presented as a global live…

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Municipal Waste – Electrified Brain

Municipal Waste are somewhat of a Ronseal band, in that they do exactly what it says on the tin. Brash aggro thrash played at the speed of light purpose built to crush skulls and kill brain cells. Electrified Brain starts aptly enough with the title track. After the sound of electricity fizzles out the track…

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Shinedown – Planet Zero

Platinum selling rockers SHINEDOWN have always made music that felt autobiographical. Armies of fans have pledged their allegiance to the band due to the heartfelt journal-like nature of their lyrics. In writing album number seven, they have decided to adjust the formula with Planet Zero owing just as much to the works of Aldous Huxley…

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Alexisonfire – Otherness

Romance films feature a well worn trope where the lovers are torn apart by life, only to be reunited over time. They wonder if the old feelings will still be there, have they changed, are they still the same people, so on and so forth. It’s a feeling that often comes along when a band…

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