We’re taking things big with this week’s metal and alternative column. Bigger than big – we’re talking colossal. This week has seen some major releases from the biggest bands, and we’ve packed them into one digestable nugget (but not the chicken kind). Not only that, we also have the world’s smallest (but most banging) preview of the UK’s biggest alternative festival, Reading and Leeds. Prepare to have your ears blown off.
Back and Bigger than Ever Before: Papa Roach – Still Swingin’
Papa Roach have fallen off the radar in recent years, but the release of some brand new music is sure to see that change. “Still Swingin'” is the lead single from their forthcoming sixth studio album, and if it’s anything to go by, the P-Roach that we all knew during our teens are back! Combining the rap-style verses of “Infest” with the big singalong choruses from “Getting Away With Murder”, Jacoby Shaddix and co. may have finally found the formula to please all their fans and regain their place in rock stardom.
Album of the Week: Memphis May Fire – Challenger
Bringing their fusion of post hardcore and metalcore to the masses this week is America’s Memphis May Fire. Although it has been available to buy for a good few weeks now, “Challenger” has not been widely received here in Blighty, and we think that needs to change! Vocalist Matty Mullins combines screamed and melodic vocals effortlessly, merging them with the guitars to produce an album of outstanding talent. Not only that, but with guest vocals from Kellin Quinn (Sleeping With Sirens) and Danny Worsnop (Asking Alexandria) on ‘Miles Away’ and ‘Losing Sight’ respectively, Memphis May Fire are a band doing everything right to get themselves noticed by the masses soon.
New Video Central: We Are The Ocean – The Road (Run For Miles)
This week’s new video feature is a double whammy for Essex group We Are The Ocean. Not only is it their lead single from upcoming third album “Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow”, but it’s also their first as a four piece after former vocalist Dan Brown was ousted at the beginning of the summer. No pressure then lads. The video for ‘The Road (Run For Miles)’ is a fairly basic affair: a simple black and white video of the band playing together. They’re letting the music speak for itself, and it speaks volumes. We Are The Ocean have mastered the art of writing solid rock tunes, and may just be on the road to stardom. Only time will tell.
Reading & Leeds 2012: The Metal and Alternative Preview
Got tickets for this year’s Reading & Leeds festival? Want to check out some metal and alternative, but not sure who to see? Fear now, we are here to help. Here are our top 7 bands to check out, in a nutshell. For fun and frolics backed up by good, solid rock songs, check out The Blackout. For the liveliest and most exciting live band in alternative at the moment, as well as the set of the festival, Enter Shikari are who you want to see. If you like your metal loud with epic guitar solos then make sure Wales’ finest Bullet For My Valentine are high on your list. Soaring acoustic songs more your game? Then Deaf Havana are the band for you. For guilty pop-rock pleasures, You Me At Six are the answer to your demands. Finally, for the best in British rock at the moment, make sure you catch Young Guns and Lower Than Atlantis. Most importantly, enjoy yourself!
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