With current financial times meaning these tours are somewhat downscaled, and crowds not as large as the past tours, this doesn’t stop a dedicated following from all over the UK travelling to Manchester and supporting a great line-up that have travelled from North America, the excellent New Orleans GOATWHORE opened with their brand of old school meets new Heavy Metal done as it was meant to be. With a set-list full of fans favorites, 3IOB don’t disappoint, ripping through 12 of their best they give the audience what they paid for and leave Manchester with ‘Goatrider’s Horde’ before promising to come back to the UK again, lets hope they do and that the fans continue to support them.

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Review by Alex Shaw

Returning to Catton Hall, WITCHSORROW threaten the British summer time with downtuned doom and gloom that echoes metal greats such as ST VITUS, CANDLEMASS and TROUBLE. Says mainman Necro Skull:

“We are truly honoured to be returning to cast a shadow over Bloodstock once more. We promise you total doom annihilation, a celebration for the damned as the end of the world looms at the end of this wretched annum. To be in the company of such excellent bands as WATAIN, ALICE COOPER, ORANGE GOBLIN, GRAND MAGUS and WINTERFYLLETH is a grand thing indeed. God curse us, every one!”

Returning for the second year in a row, London loud-louts DRIPBACK take a break from the studio to come back to the SOPHIE stage with their seething mix of hardcore and death metal.

“For us it’s all about being intense in tents, so this really is the perfect festival slot for DRIPBACK. We’re all so buzzing about playing with CROWBAR, HATEBREED, TESTAMENT and all the other awesome bands, this really is the best festival.”

Finally, Swiss thrashers BATTALION make their UK debut at BLOODSTOCK. The Thrash Maniacs check in to say:

“It’s the first time for us to play in England! What a fucking start! We’re looking forward to kick some ass there!!! See ya Bloodstock!!! Cheers from Zurich, the Battalion-Bastards”

With tickets selling fast and still a little over 3 months to go, a host of bands including our final headliner and some great late night entertainment still to be announced… Don’t miss out on the biggest METAL gathering of the year at the UK’s No.1 Metal festival!

May 2013

Wed 22nd – Manchester Arena
Fri 24th – London, O2 Arena
Sun 26th – Birmingham, LG Arena
Tues 28th – Sheffield, Motorpoint Arena
Thurs 30th – Glasgow, SECC

Tickets go on sale at 9am GMT Friday 18th May 2012 priced at £60/£75 (subject to booking fee) and will be available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk, www.livenation.co.uk or www.ticketline.co.uk

These are the first UK dates since the band brought their 3½ hour Time Machine Tour in May 2011 – the tour was met to widespread critical acclaim and included a sold out date at London’s O2 Arena. “RUSH are one of the last great bands standing” – Metal Hammer, “Canadian legends confirm their status as the world’s biggest and best cult band” – Kerrang, “It’s a blend of power, subtlety, soaring choruses and some of the most intelligent lyrics ever written.” – The Sun 5/5 live review.

This follows the band unveiling details of its highly anticipated, new album, ‘Clockwork Angels’. This is the renowned trio’s first new collection of original material in over five years and their first studio release via Anthem/Roadrunner Records. ‘Clockwork Angels’, the band’s 20th studio album, will be released in the UK on June 11th (see track listing below).

In the UK, the album will be released on June 11th in exclusive Classic Rock Fan Pack form – providing a unique collectible package containing the 12 track studio album alongside a specially created magazine with unseen behind-the-scenes content put together by Classic Rock. The Fan Pack cover will also feature brand new exclusive artwork from RUSH’s longtime collaborator Hugh Syme (who also designed the ‘Clockwork Angels’ artwork). The Fan Pack format will also come with free gifts including a ltd ed ‘Clockwork Angels’ keyring & artwork poster and will be available to buy via more than 2000 retail outlets on newsstands nationally as well as the traditional high street and online music retailer. The Fan Pack is available for pre-order now at www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/rush, where all early bird orders will receive a personalised RUSH poster. Roadrunner Records will simultaneously release the record digitally. The standard physical release of the RUSH album will follow through Roadrunner Records on July 9th 2012.

The recording of ‘Clockwork Angels’ began in April 2010 with Grammy Award winning producer Nick Raskulinecz (FOO FIGHTERS, DEFTONES) – who also collaborated with the band on their last studio album, 2007’s ‘Snakes & Arrows’. RUSH co-produced both records. The first two songs, ‘Caravan’ and ‘BU2B’, were completed during that first session at Nashville’s Blackbird studios and performed nightly during the wildly successful Time Machine Tour, which ran from June 2010 to June 2011. Work on ‘Clockwork Angels’ resumed in the fall of 2011 at Revolution Recording in Toronto after the tour’s finale, with additional strings (arranged by David Campbell) recorded at Hollywood’s Ocean Way Studios earlier this year. Lyrically, ‘Clockwork Angels’ chronicles a young man’s quest across a lavish and colorful world of steampunk and alchemy as he attempts to follow his dreams. The story features lost cities, pirates, anarchists, an exotic carnival, and a rigid Watchmaker who imposes precision on every aspect of daily life. The novelization of ‘Clockwork Angels’ is being written by science fiction writer Kevin J. Anderson in collaboration with RUSH drummer and lyricist Neil Peart.

RUSH heralded the release of ‘Clockwork Angels’ with a new single ‘Headlong Flight’. Landing at rock radio in mid April the song is already #1 at Classic Rock in the USA and A-Listed at the UK’s Planet Rock radio. Details of a full-scale North American tour to support the new album have also been announced – the tour runs throughout September, October, November and December 2012.

RUSH
‘CLOCKWORK ANGELS’
(ANTHEM/ROADRUNNER)
Available June 11th

1. Caravan
2. BU2B
3. Clockwork Angels
4. The Anarchist
5. Carnies
6. Halo Effect
7. Seven Cities Of Gold
8. The Wreckers
9. Headlong Flight
10. BU2B2
11. Wish Them Well
12. The Garden

With more than 40 million records sold worldwide and countless sold-out tours, RUSH – Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart – is not only one of the most inventive and compelling groups in rock history, but remains one of the most popular. The RIAA has certified RUSH for the third most consecutive gold/platinum studio albums by a rock band, topped only by THE BEATLES and THE ROLLING STONES. RUSH’s vast catalog includes such classics as 1974’s self-titled debut, 1976’s ’2112′, 1981’s ‘Moving Pictures’, 1996’s ‘Test For Echo’, and 2002’s ‘Vapor Trails’. RUSH’s most recent studio album, 2007’s ‘Snakes & Arrows’, debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200, marking the band’s highest chart debut since 1993, as well as their eleventh top 10 album in the U.S. The album’s first single, ‘Far Cry’, hit the top 5 at mainstream rock radio, with airplay on over 100 radio stations in the US. Additionally, the ‘Snakes & Arrows’ track ‘Malignant Narcissism’ was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Rock Instrumental Performance category. In addition to their commercial success, RUSH has also been recognized with a number of Juno Awards and multiple Grammy nominations, including one for the acclaimed documentary ‘Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage‘ at this year’s gala event. Enjoying a recent pop culture renaissance, RUSH made a rare television appearance – their first in over 30 years – on Comedy Central’s ‘The Colbert Report’ and a memorable cameo in the film ‘I Love You, Man’. A career-chronicling Rolling Stone feature summed up the renowned rock trio’s continuing artistic vitality by observing, “It’s true that RUSH doesn’t mean today what it did in ’76 or even ’96. It may mean more.”

After the Doom pioneers first ever UK show in London last year Bobby Leibling and the boys return for four shows with GENTLEMANS PISTOLS as support:

PENTAGRAM + GENTLEMANS PISTOLS

October 2012

31st – BRISTOL, The Fleece

November 2012

1st – LONDON, Garage
2nd – MANCHESTER, Academy 3
4th – GLASGOW, Ivory Black

Tickets are £15 and on sale now via www.ticketweb.co.uk

Within a few notes of opening track ‘Into the Arena’, it was quickly obvious that Schenker was on the ball. He looked happy, energetic, and his playing was spot on. Ladies and Gentleman, I confirm that we have a sober MICHAEL SCHENKER for this tour – so don’t hesitate to get yourself a ticket!

In the past, a SCORPIONS song in a MICHAEL SCHENKER set has been a rarity. Not on this tour though, as the pairing of Herman Rarebell (drums) and Francis Buchholz (bass) was the backbone of the SCORPIONS’ rhythm section throughout their golden period of the 1980′s and early 90′s.

With the current line up of the SCORPIONS cashing in with huge arena shows across Europe, you’ve got more chance of seeing the actual deadly creature in the UK at the moment than the band. Due to this, the crowd lapped up crunching renditions of ‘Coast to Cost’, ‘Another Piece of Meat’, and ‘Lovedrive’.

Scottish vocalist Doogie White, who is best known for his brief spell with the mid-90′s version of Ritchie Blackmore’s RAINBOW, did a fine job on vocals. His vast vocal range allows him to comfortably handle the highs of ‘Blackout’. He also did a good job keeping the crowd motivated.

Worthy of mention is Michael Schenker’s anchorman, the excellent Wayne Findlay. This is a guy who has stuck with Schenker through thick and thin. I remember seeing Findlay looking across the stage in despair at the vomiting, inebriated Michael Schenker at the infamous 2007 Rock and Blues gig. Now though he is loving every minute of playing alongside the rejuvenated guitar legend, and tonight he got his moment in the spotlight. To avoid the inevitable comparisons of Schenker to SCORPIONS lead axeman, Matthias Jabs, Findlay was given a rare chance to show off his lead guitar skills on the ‘Blackout’ and ‘Rock You Like a Hurricane’ solos – and boy could he play!

Tonight’s setlist was roughly split in thirds between MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, UFO and SCORPIONS, whilst the only new song played was the excellent ‘Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead’. The highlight of the encore was a crowd sing-a-long to the SCORPIONS classic ‘Holiday’, before the inevitable ‘Doctor, Doctor’ brought a fitting and rousing end to the show.

This tour is an absolute must see for any fan of MICHAEL SCHENKER, SCORPIONS or UFO. It is 100+ minutes of high octane rock music, with a super selection of songs and above all, great musicianship. Michael Schenker’s fan base is now being well and truly rewarded for their loyalty through the dark times. On this form, it is without doubt that Schenker can be described as one of the greatest.

Rating 4.9/5.0

View Setlist: http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/michael-schenker/2012/wulfrun-hall-wolverhampton-england-1bdfa918.html

Remaining Dates:
Tonight – Manchester HMV Ritz
May 11 – Glasgow O2 ABC
May 12 – London O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
Tickets are available from 0844 478 0898 and www.thegigcartel.com

MOONSORROW who describe their sound as ‘Epic Heathen Metal’ are extremely excited to be a part of this years line up. With the band residing in Helsinki Finland, their lyrics draw inspirations from Finnish mythology, legends and poetry. Drummer Marko Tarvonen expresses his delight for being added to this years line up;

“We are truly excited to take part in Bloodstock Festival 2012. It’s been way too long since we played on the British soil in 2008 and we know that lately there has been a huge demand for MOONSORROW to play in the UK. So, all our loyal fans in the UK, we want to see a massive crowd of insane berserks during our set. Don’t let us down because we promise we don’t let you down, cheers!”

FREEDOM CALL hailing from Nürnberg, Germany are ready to bring their mix of melodic power metal to the Bloodstock masses this year. Bloodstock founder Paul Raymond Gregory also designed album artwork for the band including ‘Stairway To Fairyland’ and ‘Crystal Empire’. Their latest album ‘Land Of The Crimson Dawn’ was released in February and was described as “..full of attraction, fascination and illusions.” by vocalist Chris Bay, who also expresses his anticipation to play at this years festival;

“The Bloodstock Festival is the pulsating heart of Heavy Metal…a great audience, which knows exactly to revel.”

Tickets are available from 0844 478 0898 and www.thegigcartel.com. Read the online press announcement and download photos here.

May 2012 UK Tour Dates

May 9 – Wolverhampton The Wulfren

May 10 – Manchester HMV Ritz

May 11 – Glasgow O2 ABC

May 12 – London O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire

The UK concerts will feature a plethora of hits spanning Michael Schenker’s colourful career. Songs to be performed by the “Temple of Rock” line-up include UFO’s “Rock Bottom” and “Doctor Doctor”, MSG’s “Armed and Ready” and “Into The Arena”, Scorpions classics “Another Piece of Meat” and “Rock You like a Hurricane”, plus new songs from the recently released “Temple of Rock” album “Miss Claustrophobia” and “Before the Devil Knows You´re Dead”.

Planet Rock will launch an exclusive 48-hour ticket pre-sale for ASIA’s UK-leg of the 30th Anniversary tour at 9am on Wednesday April 25th. Fans can order their tickets from www.planetrock.com. From Friday April 27th, tickets will go on sale to the general public from the 24 Hour Ticket Hotline: 0844 478 0898, www.thegigcartel.com.

ASIA will play the following UK concerts in December 2012:

Saturday 15th December – Tavistock The Wharf
Sunday 16th December – Holmfirth Picturedrome
Monday 17th December – Edinburgh Queen’s Hall
Wednesday 19th December – Salisbury City Hall
Thursday 20th December – Birmingham Town Hall
Friday 21st December – Manchester Royal Northern College of Music
Saturday 22nd December – London o2 Shepherds Bush Empire

Thirty years after its eponymous debut album, ASIA ascended to the top of the Billboard Top 100 chart (where the album remained No.1 for nine consecutive weeks). The new album, ‘XXX’, is produced by Mike Paxman, and features a stunning front cover illustration by the legendary Roger Dean. ‘XXX’ has been hailed as ASIA’s best album since their classic early 80s releases. The album will be released on CD, collector’s edition CD/DVD (featuring new music videos and behind the scenes footage), and on a limited edition vinyl.

The first single taken from the new album is entitled ‘Face On The Bridge’, will be released digitally worldwide on Monday May 14th. “We wanted to recapture the energy of the first album,” says ASIA’s guitarist, Steve Howe. “ASIA has always been about great songs, fantastic musicianship and I am sure fans of the first album, will fall in love with XXX.”

After the melodic death metal of Finish record label buddies INSOMNIUM had warmed up the crowd nicely, PARADISE LOST burst on to the stage with the terrific new showcase track ‘Honesty In Death’, before the clocks were quickly turned back nearly 20 years, with the ancient classic ‘Widow’ surprising the Stoke crowd.

Regarding the set list, the band have obviously decided to use this intimate tour as an opportunity not only to air some new album tracks, but also to dust off a few rarely heard songs from the PARADISE LOST archive. This of course meant that something had to give, and classics like ‘Say Just Words’, ‘Hallowed Land’, ‘Embers Fire’ and ‘The Last Time’ were all missing from the set. Still, perhaps the hardcore fans didn’t mind so much, as the likes of ‘Symbol of Life’ and ‘Praise Lamented Shade’ were greeted with unanimous approval.

I think tonight is my 13th time seeing PARADISE LOST live, and I can never remember being at a gig of theirs which has had perfect sound. Tonight, Nick Holmes, was very low in the mix, or at least that’s how it sounded from the front of stage left. From what I could see though, Holmes was singing his heart out, with the veins in his neck almost at bursting point. It’s just a shame I could hardly hear him! I think it might be time PARADISE LOST got a new sound guy!?

As for the new material, pretty much any of the songs from the new album would work live. The best of them is the title track ‘Tragic Idol’, which is a really fine example of PARADISE LOST at the top of their game. The crunching, heavy chorus of ‘Fear of Impending Hell’ also worked wonders and was a real highlight of the encore.

For me, PARADISE LOST remain the unsung heroes of the British metal scene. With the quality of material they have, it really is amazing that they are still playing venues the size of the Sugarmill. I would thoroughly recommend seeing them on this tour, picking up the new album, oh, and making sure you’re on the front row to see them at Bloodstock. PARADISE LOST = legends.

Rating: 4.8/5.0
Review by James Allman

View Setlist Here: http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/paradise-lost/2012/the-sugarmill-stoke-on-trent-england-13de61f5.html

As the intro tape of ‘Obsidian’ drew to a close, experimental metal titans MESHUGGAH took to the stage to roars of delight from the crowd, back in the UK after a stunning performance at 2010′s edition of Bloodstock Open Air. Opening up with excellent ‘Demiurge’, one of a handful of new material on show from superb new album, ‘Koloss’, the pit instantly came to life, and the haunting atmosphere this number portrays on record really shone through live, before blitzing through a couple of tracks from 2008′s ‘obZen’ in the form of soul crushing duo of ‘Pravus’ and ‘Combustion’.

The other new material on offer tonight were the likes of the groove laden style of ‘Do Not Look Down’, the chuggier and slower but heavy (not to mention mouthful) ‘Break Those Bones Whose Sinews Gave It Motion’, and the punishingly brutal ‘The Hurt That Finds You First’, all of which excelled live and really helped to build the atmosphere. A brief trip to ‘Catch Thirtythree’ was amongst the set, with interlude ‘Mind’s Mirror’ giving the band a break halfway through the set, before returning to deliver the epic pairing of ‘In Death – Is Life’ and ‘In Death – Is Death’.

Tomas Haake is one of the best drummers in the genre at present, and it was a privilege to see how precise and accurate he was along with guitarists Fredrik Thordendal and Mårten Hagström as they executed their time changes and polyrhythm’s to perfection. Taking a break from his customary face grimaces, and commandeering of the stage, frontman Jens Kidman took the opportunity to thank the fans for buying their music, as he said, “Without them, No MESHUGGAH!”.

A spinesplitting rendition on ‘Bleed’ pummeled its way into everyone’s heads, before the crowd went wild for ‘New Millenium Cyanide Christ’, which was a real standout number amongst a set full of quality, before ‘Rational Gaze’ wrapped up the main show. The ensuing encore delivered two final tracks for the fans to get their teeth into one last time. Tearing into ‘Future Breed Machine’ to start things off, the pit erupted into life, and continued into ‘Dancers To A Discordant System’ which rounded off an exceptional set and display superbly.

As outro and instrumental ‘The Last Vigil’ played, MESHUGGAH were given huge applause from the entire crowd for what was another outstanding performance that encapsulated why they are held in such high regard by fans and bands alike. MESHUGGAH manage to balance that fine line in their music between experimental and extreme that’s just about right, proving that whilst many try to emulate what they do, none do it better than MESHUGGAH!

Rating: 5.0/5.0

Photography By Alex Shaw (Meshuggah photos)