When corpse paint, fake blood and gruesome fancy-dress come up in conversation, two things spring to mind: the set of a Watain gig, or Halloween. But it’s the time of year for the latter, and horn-wielding giants Metal Hammer are throwing all this and more at a sonic carnival of celebration!
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If you’re a miserable human being, don’t go to see Ensiferum!

I worked that out during the 2011 Ugly World Tour, on which they were joined by fellow Scandinavians Amon Amarth and Children of Bodom, and tonight, I couldn’t wait to see if Ensiferum would slay the crowd again – this time, in leading role!
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Primordial @ O2 Islington Academy

5th May 2012

Review by Paul James

Photography by Andre Purvis

There’s a palpable air of excitement outside the Islington academy tonight and to be fair who couldn’t be excited by such a great line-up? Having heard very good things about Winterfylleth and Hell in previous weeks and being a long time Primordial fan even I’ll admit to being a little excited!

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Alestorm @ O2 Islington Academy

18th February 2012

Review by Katherine Tullett

Photography by Altercarnated Photography

Set sail for the high seas, raise the Jolly Roger, and let Alestorm take you on a voyage! Following the course first plotted by Running Wild, Alestorm writes heavy, power-metal-driven songs about wenches and mead (seriously, one of their songs is called "Wenches and Mead"), but this time, they’ve brought cannons. Lead vocalist and keytar captain Chris Bowes adds thick, symphonic backings to their music in the tradition of folk-metal bands like Turisas and Korpiklaani, two bands that Alestorm cites as influences.

Axe-man Gavin Harper also proves competent, shredding through the waves with a sweep solo on this song.



Raise up your pint of grog and take a swig to "Captain Morgan’s Revenge"!
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