Welcome

Welcome to this new blog of mine based around music. For those who know me about just over a year ago I got my degree in Music Journalism and then pretty much walked away from the music industry to get a job in another field of work. To tell you the truth, I haven't done any reviewing since. So why go back to it? Well, I miss spouting off about my favourite bands or completely slating the things that I really don't get on with.

Over the past few weeks I have been to a a few shows that have made me think, "blooming heck that was awesome! I need to tell the world about that band!" So that is why I am back - to let you all know what's caught my attention, what I'm into and who I have been/am going to see! This is purely a part time thing and I will update it as and when I can. If you want to suggest things to me then by all means do so! If you want to meet up at gigs I am down for that too. I will also be putting up my "Notable mentions" Spotify playlist which you can subscribe to.

I hope to give a very brief explanation as to why each song has made it into the playlist too so here goes:
The Hunger - Rendezvous Point: I saw these guys support Leprous the other week and they are a pretty solid group. If you are into your 8 stringed progressive metal like Haken and Leprous then check these guys out. Debut album Solar Storm just dropped.
Open Car - Porcupine Tree: Seeing Steven Wilson play at the Royal Albert Hall a few weeks ago was simply the best show I have ever been to. Honestly. He played this at the show and it wont stop going round in my head!
Elevator - Ihsahn: I wanted to check out Ihsahn's album Angl before catching him at The Underworld in a couple of weeks and this song leapt out at me. That descending riff had me reaching for my guitar in an instant! Looking forward to seeing the master playing - my first time seeing him.
A Gift To Afterthought - Caligula's Horse: You can probably tell the music I listen to now ... These guys popped up on facebook and the artwork for their new album Bloom caught my eye so thought I would check them out. I love the guitar work on this song ... it's like Guthrie Govan meets Haken meets Karnivool.
Moon - Leprous: Ok, I have a serious love for this band. The Congregation is not as good as Coal BUT Moon is just a phenomenal track. Vocalist Einar Solberg blows my mind every time I listen to it. I know it's very much an Acquired Taste (cheeky Leprous pun there) but if you dig it check this song out.
Fem Soler - Ørkenkjøtt: Anyone good with Norwegian? I know I have OD'd on Norway in this playlist this time round but another cracking band from Norway. If I remember correctly Ihsahn tutored these guys and helped to record this album. Another proggy Norwegian band ... the lyrics are all in Norwegian but hey the music is top notch.
Liquid Memories - The Moor: NOT A NORWEGIAN BAND - These guys are from Venice and to be honest I don't know a great deal about them! This song from their album Year Of Hunger is a cracker, it's not totally 100% there but if the guys can build on it for future releases watch out for them!

So that's all from this first blog post! I hope you enjoy it and I will do my best to keep it updated with all my musical adventures in the future!
Cheers,
Charlie

Leprous putting on an amazing show in London!