The Metal Column – February 2012
When you think about it, it's a pretty exciting time for metal: the Scottish scene's in rude health and 'hip' blogs are wisening to the fact that the term is no dirty word, while bands like Mastodon and Machine Head are climbing the charts higher than ever. Hell, you don't even need to wear corpsepaint to be in a black metal band anymore; just ask Liturgy's Hunter-Hunt Hendrix. Dare we suggest the old myth – the one which assumes that metal's core audience consists of hairy, overweight leather-clad men – can finally be put to rest?
Speaking of Mastodon, Atlanta's finest are set to play the Barrowlands (7 Feb), touring off the back of recent dazzler The Hunter, but they'd best bring their A-game if they want to outdo their support act: none other than spazzed-out chaos-mongers The Dillinger Escape Plan. If that doesn't satisfy your inner craving for ridiculously complex time signatures and keyboard battery (fuck is wrong with you?), then Dream Theater are down the street playing Clyde Auditorium the next evening (8 Feb). Just try not to nerd out too much, eh?
If you fancy something truly tongue-in-cheek, head on down to see Alestorm at the Garage (10 Feb), sure to entertain metal casuals and die-hards alike. Edinburgh folk can get serious with some heart-wrenching hardcore from down south on behalf of Veils at the Banshee Labyrinth, with support from the likes of End Reign, Catharsis and Hush on the same night.
The third week in February sees a couple of younger (and very different) bands take the stage: Pulled Apart by Horses are bringing their agit-punk to King Tut's Wah Wah Hut (13 Feb), and Brand New are guaranteed to ride the sweet spot between blistering hardcore and anthemic melancholia the next night at the O2 Academy (14 Feb). Spoilt for choice, so yeez are.
If it's infectiously hooky yet viscously danceable punk you seek, take note: The Recovery! headline the O2 ABC2 (17 Feb). This is a big deal for the Glasgow boys and an invitation not to be turned down lightly.
If you can only pick one gig to go to this month, let it be dreamy black-gazers Alcest at Stereo (20 Feb). Touring off the back of brand new album Les Voyages de L'Âme along with fellow Frenchmen, post-rockers Les Discrets and gothic/coldwave act Soror Dolorosa, it's a strong and varied lineup well worthy of your hard-earned notes.
Those of a sin-ridden conscience can seek absolution (while still rocking to the Devil's tunes) towards the tail-end of the month as Christian metalcore act Norma Jean play the O2 ABC (28 Feb) with a generously packed supporting cast including The Chariot, Dead and Divine and Admirals Arms.