The Metal Column – April 2012

The arrival of spring comes as bad news for us metal fans, right? But then it's not like we ever emerge from the dark murky depths of our bedrooms except to do a Space Raiders run, get leathered on Diesel or go to a gig. Speaking of which...

 

'Post-metal' titans Pelican are also set to perform their trademark bowel-loosening instrumentals at Stereo (10 Apr). Expect a cinematic experience from the Chicago boys, touring with an expansive new EP of ambient awesome titled Ataraxia/Taraxis under their arm. Playing the Classic Grand on the same night, retro-flavoured stoner-doom kings Orange Goblin provide a suitably tongue-in-cheek alternative. Over in Auld Reekie a few days later, English metalcore group Architects pair up with electronica-tinged spazzcore kids Rolo Tomassi at The Liquid Room (13 Apr), playing alongside American hardcore crew Stray From the Path.

 

Brazilian extremists Vulcano celebrate 30 years as a band by playing their first ever Scottish show at the Classic Grand (19 Apr). They're joined by fellow South American thrashers Necroriser and our very own black-metallers Haar. Australian doom-merchants Inverloch (half of diSEMBOWLMENT) are due to flood Edinburgh's Bannerman's a day later (20 Apr) with their gloomy funeral aesthetics, also appearing under their d.USK moniker on a bill alongside Wraiths, Bonesaw and Sufferinfuck.

 

If last year's Empros sounded like a rocket hurtling through space on a collision course with Mars, you can imagine the damage instrumental three-piece Russian Circles will inflict on Stereo (25 Apr), but even they'll be hard-pressed to outdo support act Deafheaven, a band that has garnered plenty of attention for the intensity of its live show, masterfully combining the uneasy bedfellows of black metal, post-rock and shoegaze. No joke.

 

Ringing in the end of April, harsh sonic carnage arrives at the hands of the 13th Note's Cave ov Lights All-dayer (28 Apr) with appearances from the psych'n'doom disciples Bong, joined by Headless Kross, Skull Wizard, Troll Picnic and more. The chaos begins super-prompt at 2pm and will continue well into the night.