» Canadian ABORT Magazine™ - Canadian Counter-Culture

Album Review: Nephelium – Coils of Entropy

February 5th, 2012 Filed under: Reviews - Music by Editor in Chief

CD Review: Nephelium
Coils of Entropy
Unsigned

Listening to Nephelium’s Coils of Entropy for the first time is like stumbling upon a diamond hidden in plain sight. This relatively unknown death metal band based out of Toronto has surprisingly been ripping it up since the late 1990s but is only now releasing their debut album. Originally formed in Dubai, founding members Alex Zubair (guitars) and Alan Madhavan relocated the band to Toronto in order to expand their fan base and spread their “insidious gospel” to the masses. This decision has proven wise as Nephelium has already received considerable buzz for Coils of Entropy. Not too shabby considering the album hasn’t even dropped yet.

The first noticeable characteristic, besides the captivating cover artwork is the fact that this album’s run-time is 41 minutes. Might not seem out of the ordinary, but considering there’s only 6 tracks, it’s a bit intriguing for a death metal band. The first song, “Burial Ground”, foretells the impeccable drum work with an intro that features an off-kilter rhythm that’s sure to throw you for a bit of a loop. The rest of the song oscillates between moments of daring technicality and straight-forward, blast-beat driven, old school death. The nine minute juggernaut “Malediction” summarizes the album with brutal gutturals, tight rhythm guitar work, ethereal solos, meticulous stops and a progressively changing tempo. The incoherent growling at the end is a nice touch too.

With such an impressive debut, Nephelium is sure to become a fixture in the global metal scene. Grab a copy of Coils of Entropy and keep your eyes peeled on this up-and-coming band as it continues to shred faces and make a name for itself.

Nephelium

By Alxs Ness

WANT MORE ALBUM REVIEWS? CLICK HERE

Copyright © 2004-2012 ABORT Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, in any form or medium without express written permission from Abort Media Publishing Corporation (AMP Corp.) is prohibited. All use is subject to our Terms of Use.

1 Comment

MADE IN CANADA: Today I Caught The Plague – The ABORT Interview

October 29th, 2011 Filed under: Exclusive!, Made In Canada by Editor in Chief

(CLICK TO ENLARGE | Photo – Chris McKibbin)

ABOVE: TICTP frontman Dave Journeaux contemplates holding hands with Ninjaspy’s Joel Parent, during a booze-fueled bonding session

Formed in 2007, this six-piece band based out of Ottawa, Ontario, has been creating quite the buzz in bandland as one of the more notable contenders on the hardcore scene. Fresh off a string of dates with Protest The Hero, Ninjaspy and Threat Signal, we caught up with the groups vocalist Dave Journeaux and plunked him down for a one-on-one with ABORT Magazine’s moonlighting journalist, Ninjaspy’s Joel Parent.

Joel Parent: You guys are on the road, just finished a short tour with Protest The Hero, can you give us some highlights from that?

DAVE: Sure, it was actually a southern Ontario and Quebec tour, so a little more central. Every night we were playing to really big crowds for our style of music. That was obviously great in terms of giving us more exposure. The Montreal show that we played was definitely the best show for all of us that we’ve ever played in our lives. It was great to play Club Soda, which is a venue that a lot of us have always gone to, to see some of our favourite bands play. It was kind of like a dream come true situation. The (Protest) guys were really nice so making better relationships with them was a good thing.

ABORT: It’s all about bro’ing down. What are your thoughts on the Canadian Metal Scene in general?

DAVE: It’s strange actually. It depends on where you are in terms of how much it’s thriving. I’d say that out in the west coast we’ve had better scenes than we’ve had in the east coast. There seems to be a lot more support for the music scene in general out here. Which is funny because the last time we came out a couple years ago it was the exact reverse. So I guess it’s just a cyclical thing. It’s nice to see that while some places may be going down other places are on the rise.

ABORT: What’s it like being in a singular van with seven guys?

DAVE: Seven guys! It’s actually not as bad as you may think, we had eight people on the Protest portion of the tour because we had a professional photographer come along. We all have a place to sleep, it’s pretty good. We have a queen size bed in the back of the van and two benches. There’s really only one person who gets kind of put out.

ABORT: Like sleeping in the driver seat?

DAVE: Or underneath the bed.

ABORT: Out of the band who likes to cuddle the most?

DAVE: (Laughs) I gotta think about that. As much as there used to be cuddling up, it’s usually some of the merch people we bring along will inevitably buddy up because they haven’t been on tour with the other guys for so long and want their space so much.

ABORT: Once you’ve been on the road for with the same guys for a long time you start to just cherish quiet and space.

DAVE: It’s a family. It’s like being around your brothers 24/7.

ABORT: If somebody in your band were to catch the plague for real, who do you think would get it first?

DAVE: I’m gonna go ahead and say Eric Stone.

ABORT: Why is he the most likely person to get dirty and get the plague?

DAVE: You’re trying to get me in trouble here, that’s what you’re doing. (Laughs) He just gets himself into certain situations that aren’t always the cleanest. I remember when we were going over to Newfoundland on the ferry there was a pretty funny hives experience. I’ll leave it at that.

ABORT: When we went to Newfoundland one of us got shingles! Maybe it’s something to do with that boat? Maybe it’s the drinks?

DAVE: Maybe! Did you know we got stuck in the ice for fifteen hours on that boat? We went to sleep and when we woke up we were still in the same location.

ABORT: What did that feel like? Were you afraid?

DAVE: No, we weren’t afraid. But apparently the ice breaker that came around also got stuck in the ice. We luckily made it to the show, it was the same day. Fifteen hour setback but we were alright.

ABORT: You have a new album out called Lore. It’s very epic from the sounds of it.

DAVE: It’s based both in fact and fiction. Fiction in the sense that all the subject matter for the songs are mythology and legends from around the world. Fact in the fact that they are real life legends and myths from history. So basically we did a bunch of research on everything, every major region of the world.

ABORT: How many different regions?

DAVE: There’s ten, actually it worked out perfectly to the length of the album. and each song has a different region. So we did that research and put the subject matter to the songs. It turned out really well.

ABORT: Did you write the lyrics or did you guys do it together?

DAVE: I wrote the lyrics.

ABORT: But the research and all that you guys did together?

DAVE: I did the research as well.

ABORT: Oh, you did all the research. So when you say “we” you mean “you”?

DAVE: (Laughs) Yeah, I mean me, my part in the band.

ABORT: What do you guys listen to mostly?

DAVE: It’s all over the map. It comes out a lot heavier because some of the guys have more metal influences. I myself don’t even really listen to metal. Although my favorite bands are like Dillinger Escape Plan and stuff like that. But it’s very few and far between, the heavier bands that I listen to. It’s usually a lot of folk stuff. Iron & Wine I really love. Dallas Greene, City & Color, Bright Eyes, stuff like that. I may be wrong in calling it folk. I don’t really classify music, it’s lighter.

ABORT: You don’t actually scream very much on Lore. Was that a choice based on a vocal preference or did it suit the music more to not scream?

DAVE: It was a vocal preference thing. But as we got further along into the musical writing process we felt that it also suited it better for what we were doing at the time.

Lore is available at todayicaughttheplague.bigcartel.com and on iTunes.

todayicaughttheplague.com

Copyright © 2004-2011 ABORT Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, in any form or medium without express written permission from Abort Media Publishing Corporation (AMP Corp.) is prohibited. All use is subject to our Terms of Use.

Comments Off

Album Review: Kittie – I’ve Failed You

October 6th, 2011 Filed under: Reviews - Music by Editor in Chief

Album Review – Kittie
I’ve Failed You
eOne Metal

Women who love to play heavy metal, no one ever complains about that; especially when the name Kittie is thrown around. Since starting their musical careers in 1996, the Canadian-based band from London, Ontario has come back to release their 6th studio album I’ve Failed You.

Starting this album off with the title track, Kittie show that heavy is in their nature, with Mercedes Lander on drums, the start of the album is rich in heavy steady beats with a consistency that carry’s throughout the whole song. Moving further into the album with songs like “Whisper of Death”, “What Have I Done” and “Ugly” one will hear an excellent contrast from front woman Morgan Lander, who has been the singer of Kittie from the beginning. Morgan is well known for her ability to do clean melodic vocals and switch back to her metal growls that kept Kittie growing in popularity.

About half way through the album Kittie slows things down with a simple instrumental song “Empires Part I” this leads into its heavier counterpart “Empires Part II”. Both songs highlight guitarist’s Tara McLeod and Morgan Lander especially in “Empires Part I’ where things are kept slow and simple with easy build up into the next song. Kittie’s current line-up has the chemistry they needed to release what could be their most musically complex album yet. Never taking long gaps between releasing albums this is band that is always writing new material and coming up with new ideas and it shows in this album, listeners are constantly greeted with jazzy guitar solos and heavy break downs especially in songs like ”Come Undone” and the final track “Time Never Heals”.

For any fan of Kittie I’ve Failed You is an excellent addition to the collection. Keeping in tune with an already established sound Kittie have set themselves up for another large amount of success with this album.

kittierocks.com

eonemetal.com

By Taylor Ell

WANT MORE ALBUM REVIEWS? CLICK HERE

Comments Off

Album Review: The Birthday Massacre – Imaginary Monsters

September 12th, 2011 Filed under: Reviews - Music by Editor in Chief

Album Review: The Birthday Massacre
Imaginary Monsters
Metropolis Records

The newest EP from Canadian synth-rock outfit The Birthday Massacre, features three new tracks as well as remixes by some of the most famous names in industrial/electronic music. “Imaginary Monsters” gives an idea of what to expect from the new album but at the same time captivates with a different sound and feel of the familiar songs.

“Forever” and “Burn Away” are TBM at their core but they don’t stand out. This doesn’t apply to “Left Behind” though, as it is one of the deepest and most touching tracks they ever released. The profound and engulfing synths with simple, yet non-medicore solos is what gets The Birthday Massacre into your head and most importantly into your soul.

When “Left Behind” is actually left behind (only to come back, review and enjoy later), we immediately get into remixes to the roaring hits of their previous album, “Pins and Needles”. Dave Oglivie (Jakalope) not only produced this album, but also delivered a remix to “Pale” with ABORT Magazine’s own Kevvy Mental (Fake Shark – Real Zombie!). An unusual choice for a remix, but certainly a success: the track is turned on its head with a different guitar texture added: pleasant sonic rubber. “Control” could as well have been the original, not worth mentioning… A compensation to that is the “Shallow Grave”, which got the attention of the big guns: Combichrist and Assemblage 23. Both made fantastic remixes, while the latter’s superior combination of synth-rock and synth-pop stole the first place. To top it all off, SKOLD took “Pins and Needles” and gave it a boost, enough to shake your ceiling.

Get it, double check that there are no monsters under your bed (they are imaginary you know) and enjoy!

thebirthdaymassacre.com

By arceon

WANT MORE ALBUM REVIEWS? CLICK HERE

Comments Off

Live Review: Infernal Majesty feat. Corpsegrinder and guests Tyrants Blood and Sinned, August 20th, 2011, Vancouver

August 24th, 2011 Filed under: Reviews - Live by Editor in Chief

(Photo – Charlene Tupper of MetalTitans.com)

Live Review: Infernal Majesty w/ Corpsegrinder and guests Tyrants Blood and Sinned
Saturday, August 20th, 2011
The Rickshaw Theatre, Vancouver, B.C

Much anticipation surrounded this once-in-a-lifetime unification between one of death metal’s most legendary frontmen, George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher and Canadian thrash metal icons Infernal Majesty. Set at the Rickshaw Theatre and open to all ages, this show was predicted to be one of the biggest Vancouver metal events of the year. Certainly not a match up that anyone is liable to see again (though hopefully that proves not to be the case), if you weren’t there, you seriously missed out.

Vancouver’s own extreme death metal band Sinned kicked off the night. A long-time favorite in the local scene, these guys did not disappoint. Considering it’s been a while since they’ve played live, the crowd was streaming in by the time they hit the stage. Vocalist David London, armed with a mickey of Canadian Club, was in top form, assaulting the audience with his signature inhuman vocal stylings. Steve Shaw (drums) was a man possessed, never missing a beat, while Dennis Leong, Jordan Vandetti (guitars) and Kyle Hagen (bass) maintained their technical competence while delivering an impressive stage show.

Another local favorite Tyrants Blood graced the stage next. Along with Sinned, Tyrants Blood made it clear that Vancouver, despite our No-Fun City status, has a bevy of local metal talent. Fronted by Brian Langley (Infernal Majesty) with Vinnie Borden (bass/vocals), Marco Banco (guitar/ex-Blasphemy) and Matt Modder (drums/ex-Abuse), Tyrants Blood is a special breed of death/black/thrash metal that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into a time machine. Brutal, raw and intense as fuck, they are a larger than life act that must be seen live to be truly appreciated.

Finally, the performance everyone had been waiting for, Infernal Majesty fronted by Corpsegrinder. If this combination wasn’t enough, throw in the fact that their set included their cult classic album None Shall Defy (1987) in its entirety. Surprisingly Brian Langley took over vocal duties for the first couple tracks before Corpsegrinder made an appearance. Most likely this was an effort to build the anticipation while show-casing the band in its current formation. Unfortunately, the wait felt like an eternity. Luckily however, our patience was soon rewarded.

Not knowing what to expect was half the appeal of this show. The second Infernal Majesty kicked into their first track with Corpsegrinder, it was clear that we were in for the best of both worlds: trademark vocal brutality and faster then light head spins coupled with old school Canadian thrash metal. There was absolutely no compromise from either side, making the performance truly unique and exciting to watch. It’s hard to say what’s in store for fans of Infernal Majesty following such an epic night of metal. One thing’s for sure, it’s going to be pretty tough to top themselves after this one.

By Alxs Ness

WANT MORE LIVE REVIEWS? CLICK HERE

Comments Off

Album Review: Friends with The Help – S/T

July 11th, 2011 Filed under: Made In Canada, Reviews - Music by Editor in Chief

Album Review: Friends with The Help
S/T
Stoop Fam Prod.

Canadian pride has been taken to a whole new level with the Vancouver-based rap group Friends with the Help. Mix in two friends from East Vancouver, one solid DJ producer (K-REC) (of the 5-man clique Stoop Family: FWTH, DJ K-Rec, Corvid and Joose Justis from Killawatt) and a whole life time of smoking weed and you have the perfect recipe for the birth of their newest self-titled mixtape Friends with The Help.

Fortunately as a listener it is not required to be completely stoned off your rocker to enjoy the carefree rhymes of these two emcees (which is free to download off the internet). Musically this partnership is fronted by emcees Young Nige and Low Lux, two individuals who visually scream East Vancouver but for better or worse lack the rough & tumble vibe of some
Vancouver rappers.

Their styles are extremely different with Young Nige having a smoother flow with cadences that run back and forth in waves while Low Lux is adorably grating with a high
nasally acoustic that is distinctive and otherwise enjoyable. The blend of their voices over the almost too long whooping seventeen track album is a cross between early Outkast and Dose 1.
It is a refreshing situation when you can throw on a mixtape from an unknown artist and find a summer groove almost immediately.

The second track of the tape is titled “East Van Shit“and its laid back melodies mixed with tongue-in-cheek references recognizable by any Vancouver resident is perfect for the kick back nature of summer times This tends to be the theme throughout the entire mixtape: good times, just cutting the superficial surface of hard-time realities with the perfect beat backbone to bop your head to.

It almost makes me one to light up for a job well done for Friends with The Help.

friendswiththehelp.com

By Fierce “Reppin’ NYC Now” Kitty

WANT MORE ALBUM REVIEWS? CLICK HERE

Comments Off

Duck Down Music is opening a Canadian Branch

July 2nd, 2011 Filed under: News/Calendar/Industry, Uncategorized by Editor in Chief

(HipHopGalaxy) – Duck Down Music is opening a Canadian Branch as a breeding ground for new & exciting artists in the Canadian Territories. Duck Down will provide consulting, marketing & distribution to emerging Canadian talent (both producers & MCs) that the label feels has strong potential and represents the labels tributes for authentic, original music. Duck Down has always had a genuine Canadian fan-base, consistently selling out shows in Toronto and Montreal, and working closely with standout Canadian producers such as Marco Polo and Moss.

Leading the charge under the new Canadian-Division is Toronto-based rapper, Promise.

duckdown.com

Canadian HMV Stores Sold to Restructuring Firm

June 27th, 2011 Filed under: News/Calendar/Industry by Editor in Chief

(HMV) – HMV Group, the parent company of all HMV stores around the world, has been going through some very tough times over the last year. VERY tough times.
According to an impeccable source I have in the UK, the final straw was the bad weather in Britain leading up to Christmas, the most important time of the year for any retailer. Because of blizzards and piles of snow, the last Christmas shopping season in Britain was a bust. That sent HMV Group over the edge, forcing them to issue four profit warnings so far.
Canadian HMV outlets–who operate separately from but are still, obviously, affected by what happens to the Mother Ship–have been trying to reduce their reliance on selling music, moving deeper into DVD, books, accessories and other non-CD products. If you’ve been in a store recently, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

R.I.P. – Legendary Canadian Producer Jack Richardson passes at 82

May 15th, 2011 Filed under: News/Calendar/Industry, R.I.P. by Editor in Chief

(London Free Press) – The Canadian music industry is mourning the loss of legendary producer Jack Richardson.

Richardson produced hit records for stars such as The Guess Who, Alice Cooper and Bob Seger before coming to London to teach in the Music Industry Arts program at Fanshawe College.

To folks in the Canadian music scene he was “Jack the Bear,” a commanding presence in the studio.

“Jack found the very best and brought them together to work. He single-handedly raised the bar for the Canadian music industry,”

said Bob Ezrin, another legendary. Canadian producer for groups such as Kiss and Pink Floyd.

Richardson had been in frail health for some time and had been living at the Amica retirement residence in London. He died at University Hospital on Friday night. He was 82.

His son Garth went on to become a famed music producers in his own right and is based in Vancouver.

Along with Ezrin he produced the hit version of K’naan’s “Wavin’ Flag” by Young Artists for Haiti.

The Junos and CARAS recognized his leading role in Canadian music by naming the producer of the year award The Jack Richardson Producer of the Year award in 2002.

In 1986 the CARAS/Juno, Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award was presented to him. Richardson is a member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the London Music Hall of Fame. SOCAN presented Richardson with its Special Achievement Award in 1988. In 2003, Richardson was awarded the Order of Canada.

In London, Richardson is recognized by the Jack Richardson Music Awards, the city’s only not-for-profit celebration of its musical excellence. Richardson agreed to let organizers use his name and encouraged their education programming. He appeared at several JRMA events over the years. Richardson attended the 2011 JRMA gala at the London Music Hall on April 10. He was greeted with a standing ovation and honoured by performers and fans all evening. Richardson signed autographs and chatted with a new generation of London music scenesters that night after the formal ceremonies had ended.

A memorial service is being organized and will likely be held on Thursday.

Along with his wife Shirley and his son Garth he is survived by son Kelly and daughters Tracy and Brooke. He was predeceased by his son Craig who died in 2009.

ALICE IN CHAINS TO HEADLINE 3RD ANNUAL MTS ROCK ON THE RANGE CANADA, AUGUST 20, WINNIPEG

April 11th, 2011 Filed under: News/Calendar/Industry by Editor in Chief

LINEUP INCLUDES ALICE IN CHAINS, EVANESCENCE, SUM 41,
FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, VOLBEAT, HINDER, ANBERLIN AND MORE
The 3rd Annual MTS Rock On The Range Canada is set for Saturday, August 20 at Canad Inns Stadium in Winnipeg, Manitoba, centrally located in the heart of Canada. Canada’s “Biggest Day of Rock” will feature a stellar lineup, including headliners Alice In Chains (marking their first headlining appearance in the province of Manitoba), Evanescence (first live performance of the year), Sum 41, Five Finger Death Punch, Volbeat, Hinder, Anberlin and more.

MTS Rock On The Range Canada–presented by Right Arm Entertainment, Inc. and True North Sports & Entertainment Limited–will include 14 bands on two stages: the Monster Energy Main Stage and the Jägermeister Stage. The full lineup will be announced in the coming months. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 15 at 10am CST at all Ticketmaster.ca outlets. A limited number of “Early Bird Special” tickets will be available for only $29. For full details, visit: www.mtsrockontherange.ca.
“It’s always extra special when we can headline in a city where we’ve never been,” says Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains. “I’m pretty sure this will be our first gig ever in Winnipeg, and MTS Rock On The Range Canada is the perfect show for us play. We can’t wait.”

“MTS Rock On The Range is Canada’s premier Rock festival, with a great lineup at an incredibly low ticket price,” says event co-producer Del Williams of Los Angeles based Right Arm Entertainment, Inc. “All the bands have made an earnest pledge to deliver unforgettable performances for the Canadian ‘Rangers.’ It is going to be personal. The objective is to make August 20 the best day of Rock that Winnipeg has ever had.”

MTS Rock On The Rangelaunched in 2009, following the success of the U.S. installment of Rock On The Range, the renowned festival which has annually drawn crowds in excess of 30,000 per day since its inception in 2007. MTS Rock On The Range continues to grow, with more than 15,000 in attendance in 2010. Britt Harvey with Winnipeg Free Press summed up last year’s event: “…the elated crowd at Rock on the Range was quite the sight…in Winnipeg, rock lives [August 8, 2010].” Previous performers include: Stone Temple Pilots, Godsmack, Rise Against, Rancid, Three Days Grace, Billy Talent, Theory of a Deadman, Buckcherry and Finger Eleven.

mtsrockontherange.ca
facebook.com/rockontherangecanada
twitter.com/MTSrotrcanada

Comments Off

ABORT Is Proud To Sponsor: ANVIL – Live In Concert, May 30, 2011, The Biltmore, Vancouver

April 8th, 2011 Filed under: ABORT Presents..., News/Calendar/Industry by Editor in Chief

Union Events Presents: ANVIL – Live In Concert!

MONDAY MAY 30, 2011
THE BILTMORE CABARET
395 KINGSWAY, VANCOUVER BC – BILTMORECABARET.COM

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY MARCH 18 AT 10 AM
ADVANCE TICKETS $20.00 + S/C, AVAILABLE AT UNIONEVENTS.COM, TICKETMASTER.CA,  ALL TICKETMASTER OUTLETS, SCRAPE RECORDS – DOORS 8 PM – 19+ ID

BUY TICKETS HERE

The legendary metal band ANVIL will be crossing Canada this spring on a special club tour in celebration of their new album Juggernaut of Justice, being released May 10 on The End Records.

Widely acknowledged as a major influence on bands such as Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax, the Canadian band ANVIL toiled in relative obscurity in the music industry until the documentary Anvil: The Story of Anvil hit theatres in 2008. Immediately a sensation and hailed as one of the best rock docs ever made after its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, The Story of Anvil repositioned the band in its rightful place in music, and gave founders Steve “Lips” Kudlow and Robb Reiner the recognition they deserved.

Now in 2011, ANVIL are out to prove they are still a rock force to be reckoned with. Set for release on May 10th through Brooklyn label The End Records, Juggernaut of Justice is pure ANVIL – shredding guitars and relentless rhythm performed to perfection by pioneers of the craft!

LISTEN TO OUR EXCLUSIVE PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH ANVIL HERE

anvilmetal.com

Comments Off

Live Review: Tiffini Truth w/ Magnus Rising, April 6th, 2011 – The Red Room, Vancouver, B.C.

April 8th, 2011 Filed under: Made In Canada, Reviews - Live by Editor in Chief

CLICK TO ENLARGE | Photos – Jamie Sands)
(Top: Tiffini Truth, Bottom: Magnus Rising)

Live Review – Tiffini Truth w/ Magnus Rising
Wednesday, April 6th, 2011
The Red Room, Vancouver, B.C.

April 6th is a very special day for many reasons. The beginning of the warm months in Vancouver perhaps. As well as the commemorative anniversary for the death of punk rock goddess icon Wendy O. Williams 13 years ago. Tiffini Truth decided to dedicate her “Grinding Towards a Better Mankind” performance to the late great rocker. It appeared that not many people in the audience had ever been to a grinding show nor had they ever even heard of Wendy O. Williams. Everyone had to sign a waiver form before even entering the club. This was a show of firsts for many.

Tiffini Truth is a stunning punk rock goddess and a force to reckoned with; at least while she’s wielding some power tools. Head to toe in nothing more than a shiny body suit, this performance artist obviously knew what she was doing. Her show started off with some set dancing around a clothed television set which she promptly smashed to bits as the music built upon its crescendo. This was a direct nod to Wendy, a long time hero of Tiffini’s. The show proceeded to the next possible hardcore level available: Tiffini grinding the metal plates attached to her body with power tools. With sparks flying into hair, face and crotch, this lady knew how to keep poised in the shower of fire, often throwing a middle finger to the air, giving the official ABORT Magazine salute to the crowd. Her show was polished and devilishly dangerous. It sure was a grind to a better mankind. (Plus she donates half of her proceeds to charity!)

With a small intermission contest that consisted of pitting headbangers against headbangers it was like an tremendous effort to give yourself whiplash. But these guys are professional and they pulled off their participation in the contest effortlessly. This slight pause in the night also gave our host Tita Suicide stage time to look like a cute darling from glittery outer-space and to clean up the smashed television bits and pieces.

Closing the night was a performance by Newf-Vancouverites Magnus Rising. When their instruments starting humming, the crowd really got into it. First impressions of a ‘stereotypical’ metal band aside, Magnus Rising is a tightly woven group of musicians who understand the strengths of each of their performance aspects. Whether it was the intricately placed solos of guitarist Roger Cranford, the ringing double bass of the barefooted drummer Nick James, the beating slap of the one and only Matt Snow on bass or the amazing wailing voice of lead singer Aaron Hawkins. Each song was well-placed on the very broad spectrum of the metal musical genre. Aaron has an undeniably distinct vocal presence that is closely related to Robert Plant. Very refreshing with a metal backdrop. Treating the fans to many songs from their upcoming album ‘Whatever It Takes’ the band stayed solid throughout their amazing set.

The beautiful marriage of these two performances was the diverse representation of artists that can be classified into the metal genre. Both Tiffini Truth and Magnus Rising fulfilled their quota of ass-kicking for the night despite leaving the audience wanting more sparks. This was Tiffini’s first Vancouver performance and here’s to hoping for more. Many more.

By Fierce Kitty

WANT MORE LIVE REVIEWS? CLICK HERE

Comments Off

Film Review: Hobo With A Shotgun – Directed by Jason Eisener

March 25th, 2011 Filed under: Reviews - Film by Editor in Chief

Film Review – Hobo With A Shotgun
Directed by Jason Eisener
Magnet/Alliance Films

When approaching a studio looking to get funding for such a ridiculous (even by grindhouse standards) concept for a movie, it’s always best to have at least two of the oddest and most successful directors behind you. Hobo with a Shotgun was originally only slated to be a fake trailer for the 2007 Tarantino/Rodriguez double feature Grindhouse, but like its fellow fake trailer-turned-feature film predecessor Machete, there was no denying Eisener already had an interested market for a movie that didn’t exist.

Casting ‘The Dutch Paul Newman’ Rutger Hauer, for the title role of Hobo, was a home run for Eisener. Allowing the veteran actor to show his versatility and dedication to his perfected craft. Perhaps best known for his brilliant portrayal as Blade Runner’s sociopath Nexus-6 replicant leader Roy Batty, Rutgers’ forty-plus years in the business have allowed him to seamlessly portray in realistic B-movie acting fashion, an over the top hero, intent on cleaning up the city with an inexhaustible supply of shells and a 20-gauge shotgun.

Our Hobo-hero dreams of a better life as he hops off a freight car at the end of the line ‘Scum town.’ A vicious place, run-down and lorded over by the Drake and his two adolescent and violent sons Ivan and Slick. After a confrontation with the latter and a young street-walking damsel in distress named Abby (Molly Dunsworth), Hobo learns the hard way, that in a city swimming in blood, the cops are bound to be as dirty as the rest, hanging him out to dry with the letters S C U M carved into his chest.

As the devastation continues, the hardheaded Hobo heads to the streets. It soon becomes clear that his dream of a care free life with a nice used lawnmower and a landscaping business are only going to be found at the end of a bargain shotgun. With the young Abby in tow, vengeance is brought down upon the corrupt, lecherous, pedophile Santas’ like a blow from Thor’s mighty hammer. As the bodies pile up around Drake and his boys, they are left with no choice but to call in The Plague and Grinder, timeless metal-encased assassins capable of neither fear, or mercy. The fate of the city comes down to just one thing.

A Hobo with a Shotgun (presented in technicolor). Opens Today Nationwide

magnetreleasing.com/hobowithashotgun

By Scott Alexander

WANT MORE FILM REVIEWS? CLICK HERE

Comments Off

Live Review: Kataklysm w/ guests March 4th, Vancouver, B.C.

March 5th, 2011 Filed under: Reviews - Live by Editor in Chief

(CLICK TO ENLARGE | Photo – Chris McKibbin)

Live Review – Kataklysm, All Shall Perish, Conducting from the Grave and Galgamex
Friday, March 4th, 2011
The Rickshaw Theater, Vancouver, B.C.

Dark times were upon us. The mighty ‘Galagmex’ had begun ‘Conducting From the Grave’ chanting that ‘All Shall Perish’ in a bloody writhing terrifying ‘Kataklysm.’

The end of days as we know it? Or was it another face-melting metal show at the Rickshaw? Turns out, lucky for all of us, it was the latter. It may not have been the apocalypse that night, but the earth shaking performances and beautiful brutality of the mosh pit minions brought the raw energy to a level of epic proportions. It was a memorable night of Death Metal indeed.

Two Death core bands hailing from California framed by two Canadian acts. It was a night of guttural roars and double kick. Not just double kick pedals, we’re talking two bass drums for each kit of the night. That’s a lot of big skins and low mesmerizing palpitation. The “core” of Deathcore. Like the rapid collective heartbeat of the writhing pit of demons before me, the drums set the rhythm. All obliged, in a pulsating mass of metal.

We awoke to the heavy sounds of Vancouver’s own Galgamex. Heavily armed with their mighty axes, they set the tone of the night. A great band to warm up a crowd with no shortage of pent up energy to release. The loose but brutal mosh pit instantly sprang to life, like a demonic orgy.

Rising to the stage from six feet under, Conducting From The Grave grabbed at the souls of an already captivated audience. Their beats commanded the rhythmic pulsation of heads and fists and they were determined to not let the energy in the room die down. They came prepared, too. Their light show mirrored the deathly sound emanating from the impressive system at the rickshaw, casting ominous shadows on the ceiling of the theatre. The stage was filled with a hazy manifestation and the music tore its way through it like a beast.
All Shall Perish hit the stage and the hair went flying. The atmosphere above the crowd was all whirling hair and pounding fists, an impossibly mesmerizing scene. A heavy pulse and a six string bass guitar tend to do that.

Just when it seemed the crowd couldn’t take any more, the proud Canadian band Kataklysm took to the stage. If revenge is a dish best served cold, Kataklysm is a band best served loud. A group of astonishing musicians, especially the drummer. A kick so rapid, not even the flash could keep up with his foot tapping. The flawless percussionist was watched in awe, no doubt the whole crowd wondering how he can maintain a facial expression as if it were effortless. These guys were tight. The aptly named band finished off the night in an explosion of energy.

We came, we conquered, we thrashed. When all was said and done, the theatre took on the post-apocalyptic feel of a death metal aftermath. The bodies of hundreds of beer cans lay mutilated on the battleground and the buzzing silence hummed like smoke in the air.

By Cat Ashbee

WANT MORE LIVE REVIEWS? CLICK HERE

Comments Off

Make Some Noise: Andrew Munger’s 1994 documentary about Toronto Hip Hop available online

February 17th, 2011 Filed under: News/Calendar/Industry by Editor in Chief

Almost 17 years after it’s TIFF premier, Andrew Munger’s golden-era Toronto hip hop documentary Make Some Noise is finally being made available online at makesomenoisemovie.tumblr.com.

The 1994 film follows then up-and-coming Toronto rap groups like Ghetto Concept, Nu Black Nation and MVP, creating what now stands as a wonderful time-capsule peek into Toronto’s 90′s hip hop community. The film also features interviews with some of the big players in Toronto’s rap scene like Johnbronski, DJX, a pre-Canadian Idol Farley Flex and a whole bunch more.

Despite being a big success at the 1994 Toronto International Film Festival (the film was awarded Best Canadian Short), Make Some Noise never received major distribution and until now, remained buried in Canadian rap history. With Kardinal Offishall’s Toronto Anthem blowing up Canadian urban radio, the recent ‘happenings’ over at CKLN (the campus radio station is prominently featured in the film) and it being Black history month, this is a great time to blow the dust off this Toronto hip hop classic.

Check the entire film here and check the interview (with archival pics and scans) here

Comments Off

Live Review: Das Racist, February 7th, Vancouver, B.C.

February 9th, 2011 Filed under: Reviews - Live by Editor in Chief

(Photo – Kris Krüg)

Live Review – Das Racist
Monday, February 7th, 2011
Fortune Sound Club, Vancouver, B.C.

Third time was obviously a charm for the Brooklyn-based hip-hop group Das Racist. With an unsettling record of rescheduling the same show three times (from the original November show to January reschedule to its final February date) this hype-worthy stage show was definitely worth waiting around with bated breath. Playing to a sold out house at Fortune this past Monday, Das Racist killed it. No pun intended.

Vancouver rap group Hot Sex and High Finance got the crowd warmed up nice and hot with their sex & drugs infused rhymes. MC Popsicle Pete is like a Canadian-bred version of horror-core MC Necro, with his hard bullet-style and his prolific overuse of the words cocaine and tits. Covering most of their hit tracks, including ‘Push It’ and ‘Cake Mix’, off their album XXX & $$$, this Vancouver duo have their stage presence dialed in just right. All they were missing were some girls dancing on brass poles behind them.

After a short intermission, the Brooklyn boys were ready to take the stage. Das Racist, a sweet musical recipe of MCs Heems, Kool A.D and hype-man Dap, have been blowing up multiple music scenes by storm. Whether it is indie or rap, who really cares because Das Racist brings it to the stage when called upon. Looking like they tumbled out of the depths of a Value Village, they opened up with their banger ‘Who’s that Brown?’ followed by ‘Shorty Said’. With only two mixtapes, “Shut Up, Dude” and “Sit Down, Man”, but no official album on the line, these boys keep their flow rolling by simply having fun.

With slight of hand references Das Racist threw out to the audience some controversy in small digestible bite-sized bits. Whether it was stating that they were denied access to Canada because of their beliefs or making the audience chant “Hockey is part of the white supremacy agenda”, they fed us what we could not believe wrapped in the guise of hip hop rhymes. Their intended encore was a fierce rendition of ‘Rainbow in the Dark’. A wise descriptor for most of their songs: intelligently poignant lyrics that drove to the essence of the mass depleting nature of all collectively assumed natures which they keenly self-described as “panic attack rap”.

Most blown away by their overall exuberance to be on stage, Das Racist had some quirks that were slightly more off-beat than the rest. These included hype-man Dap’s irrational love for a remote control he brought on stage and the boys collective acapella belting of Usher’s ‘You Make Me Wanna’ three different times during their set. They claimed they were having the time of their lives and apologized profusely.

Never apologize for a job well done.

dasracist.net

By Fiercekitty

WANT MORE LIVE REVIEWS? CLICK HERE

1 Comment

TONIGHT! Dec. 11th, 2010, ABORT Is Proud To Sponsor: The “HUNGRY FOR METAL” Concert to benefit The Greater Vancouver Food Bank, The Rickshaw, Vancouver

December 11th, 2010 Filed under: KauseZ, Made In Canada, News/Calendar/Industry by Editor in Chief

Temple Entertainment, The Invisible Orange and Lovely Entertainment are proud to present:

HUNGRY FOR METAL:
A benefit for The Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society (GVFBS)

www.foodbank.bc.ca

Featuring:

Fallen Decade
Without Mercy
Theocide
Until Dawn – From Fort McMurray, AB
My New Enemy

Hosted by Danger from CFOX

*** ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO THE GREATER VANCOUVER FOOD BANK ***

Tickets $10 with any of the hosts and at Scrape Records.
Metalheads of 15 years of age and under can enter by donating two non-perishable food items (cans, peanut butter, baby food, etc).

There will be donation boxes for your non-perishable food items. Some of the items that the food bank needs the most are:
Canned meat/fish, Peanut butter, Bags of whole wheat pasta/rice, Pasta sauce, Canned fruit/vegetables, Cereal, Baby formula, Baby food.

At the event there will be:
* A silent auction for a beginner guitar and stand courtesy of Sound of Music
* Giveaway of oil changes courtesy of the Great Canadian Oil Change
* Giveaway of free music lessons courtesy of Long and McQuade

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

Copyright © 2004-2010 ABORT Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, in any form or medium without express written permission from Abort Media Publishing Corporation (AMP Corp.) is prohibited. All use is subject to our Terms of Use.

Comments Off

BIFFY CLYRO ANNOUNCE US HEADLINING TOUR, CANADIAN DATES INCLUDED

December 6th, 2010 Filed under: News/Calendar/Industry by Editor in Chief

(Photo – Tom Oxley)

Breakthrough UK band biffy clyro will be kicking off a US headlining tour, presented by Alternative Press magazine on February 10, 2011. The trio are returning to the states after a highly successful summer small-club tour, which included sold-out New York and Los Angeles shows. Their latest album, Only Revolutions, which was nominated for the coveted 2010 Mercury Prize, is out now.

Produced by Canadian Garth Richardson (Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers), mixed by Andy Wallace (Coldplay, Nirvana, Faith No More), and featuring the orchestration of multi Grammy-winning composer David Campbell, Only Revolutions is the fifth release from biffy clyro. The follow-up to 2007’s break through release Puzzle, Only Revolutions was released in the UK on November 9, 2009 to chart success and critical acclaim. It is certified platinum in the UK, and the Sunday Times, Kerrang and Q each gave it four stars, with The Guardian declaring, “ their songs pack a punch, but are full of light, shade and sophistication.” The album has also spawned five singles in the UK, including the Top 5 radio hit “Mountains,” and “Bubbles,” which features Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age.

The Scottish trio formed in 1995 and quickly began honing their unique sound, a mind-boggling mix of off-kilter tempos, itchy, unpredictable guitars, soulful choruses and feral screams. Years of relentless touring built a dedicated army of followers and turned biffy clyro into one of the most celebrated live bands in the UK– they’ve shared the stage with Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Rolling Stones, The Who and Linkin Park, filled Wembley Stadium on a recent headlining run and became the first band ever to play in the Houses of Parliament. In January biffy clyro will tour Australia with Muse.

biffy clyro US headlining tour dates are below. Tickets go onsale tomorrow, December 4th. For more information please visit www.biffyclyro.com.

2/10 – Rock and Roll Hotel – Washington, DC

2/11 – North Star Bar – Philadelphia, PA

2/12 – Blender Theater – New York, NY

2/13 – TT The Bear’s – Cambridge, MA

2/15 – La Sala Rossa – Montreal, QB

2/16 – Garrison – Toronto, ON

2/18 – The Basement – Columbus, OH

2/19 – Double Door – Chicago, IL

2/20 – 7th Street Entry – Minneapolis, MN

2/24 – Doug Fir Lounge – Portland, OR

2/25 – Venue – Vancouver, BC

2/26 – The Crocodile – Seattle, WA

2/28 – Rickshaw Stop – San Francisco, CA

3/1 – Troubadour – Los Angeles, CA

biffyclyro.com

Comments Off

ABORT Is Proud To Sponsor: “HUNGRY FOR METAL” Concert to benefit The Greater Vancouver Food Bank Dec. 11th, The Rickshaw, Vancouver

October 26th, 2010 Filed under: ABORT Presents..., KauseZ, News/Calendar/Industry by Editor in Chief

Temple Entertainment, The Invisible Orange and Lovely Entertainment are proud to present:

HUNGRY FOR METAL:
A benefit for The Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society (GVFBS)

www.foodbank.bc.ca

Featuring:

Fallen Decade
Without Mercy
Theocide
Until Dawn – From Fort McMurray, AB
My New Enemy

Hosted by Danger from CFOX

*** ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO THE GREATER VANCOUVER FOOD BANK ***

Tickets $10 with any of the hosts and at Scrape Records.
Metalheads of 15 years of age and under can enter by donating two non-perishable food items (cans, peanut butter, baby food, etc).

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

Comments Off

MADE IN CANADA: CD Review: ENTROPIA – Electric Chaos

October 26th, 2010 Filed under: Made In Canada, Reviews - Music by Editor in Chief

CD Review – Entropia
Electric Chaos
Indie

Vancouver, B.C., has long had a reputation for ‘death-grind’. This traces all the way back to the first time Brutal Truth played here, at the New York Theatre warming up for Cathedral, Carcass, and Napalm Death. After that show, every band in the city suddenly wanted blast beats and high-shriek/low guttural vocals. Only recently has other forms of metal started to break that mould, which brings us to the subject of this missive- ‘Electric Chaos’, the second full length album by local thrash artists Entropia. No death-grind here, just finely crafted metal in the classic bay-area vein.

Let’s just state for the record, before getting any further into this, that Entropia wear their influences on their sleeves. Or perhaps as a patch on a denim vest over biker leathers? To be totally blunt, these guys really like Testament, Pantera, and Slayer. The riffing is classic Testament, the vocals are torn straight from the Phil Anselmo handbook, and every lead is a frantic tribute to Kerry King. This should give you a solid idea of what to expect when you slam ‘Electric Chaos’ into your media device of choice.

There is absolutely no denying the proficiency behind the instruments in this band. The sprays of fretwork during the breakdowns of ‘Nothing Shall Stand’ are stunning, and every track on the album has its share of flawlessly executed pinched harmonics and blistering solos. That said, just because one can elicit falsetto wailing from ones guitar doesn’t always mean one should. Regardless, this album has freight-train riffing all over every track, and one can overlook a little overzealous lead work so long as the foundation is solid and heavy. For the record, the overall tonal quality of the guitars is excellent- there’s a dry, hollow distortion used here that to a certain extent recalls the mixing on the last good Morgoth album, ‘Odium’.

The drumming is also exceptional- sadly, it’s brought down by the production. The snare has a uniformly boomy tone that is, quite frankly, distracting. Much like ‘The Ones I Condemn’ by Canadian thrash-legends Sacrifice, the ‘building a shed really, really quickly’ tonal quality just gets in the way.

To his credit, producer ‘LoudChris’ DeMarcus has managed to seriously elevate the overall quality of ‘Electric Chaos’ far above and beyond what we’ve come to expect from unsigned indie metal bands. That said, his skill at a mixing board shows a bias to vocals and guitars. We’ve covered the drums, but the bass… The bass just doesn’t exist in this mix, with one lonely exception- a solo on the 9th track, ‘Nowhere to Hide’.
The weakest elements of this album come from the attempts to break out of what they know.

‘Temple of Solomon’ tries its best to be introspective and spiteful, but it lacks the class required to pull it off. ‘Tears of Blood’ is just terrible- there’s no other way to describe this horrid throwback to thrash power ballads. Those songs sucked in the 80’s, they sucked in the 90’s, and they suck now.
Aside from those two lapses in songwriting judgment however, ‘Electric Chaos’ is a solid example of modern thrash metal. From the gang-vocal anthems such as ‘Disciples of Aggression’ to the shrieking energy of ‘InstruMETAL’, there’s little filler. At the same time, there isn’t much here that die-hard metalheads haven’t heard before- but the passion, conviction, and skillful execution of this material will go a long way to generating a powerful legacy for Entropia.

myspace.com/entropiametal

By Keith Durocher

WANT MORE CD REVIEWS? CLICK HERE

Comments Off