The Metal Column – July 2011

The origins of metal belong to one of those long-contested legends that people have fought over in pubs for decades, probably since before metal even existed, but no matter what point of view you take it’s hard to argue the fact that there were two bands who turned more kids to the side of ol’ Lucifer than any others: Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, Satan bless their mighty souls.

As luck would have it, the SECC will be hosting both of these titans of metal in the space of two nights, with Judas Priest taking the stage on 19 Jul and Maiden following suit the next night before treating Aberdeen to a show at the AECC (21 Jul).

Speaking of legends, Bad Religion (12 Jul) take to the ABC for an evening of punk spirit, political polemic and fuck-the-system anthems, as well as gothic stalwarts Sisters of Mercy (7 Jul). Eyeliner, ‘midnight black’ hair dye and a glass-half-empty-and-shattered outlook on life will not be provided, so make sure to bring your own.

Italian jazz/grind/miscellaneous unidentifiables Zu pay a rare visit to Scotland as part of this year’s Glasgow International Jazz Festival with a one-off performance at Platform (1 Jul) but if that’s all a bit brain-melty then the Classic Grand will host Scandinavian aggro-industrialists Combichrist that same night. It’s only been a year since they last graced that same stage, nevertheless you should expect devastation.

Dreadlocked tribal-metal hero Max Cavalera proves that no-one can keep his reunion with sibling Iggor down, as they both show off a second LP by their Cavalera Conspiracy at the Garage (7 July). Rumour has it that there’ll even be a sneaky Sepultura tune or two in there, but you didn’t read that here.

If you should choose to refuse/resist the charms of the brothers Cavalera, there’s always an evening of power-violence shit-kickery at 13th Note (8 July) with Wheelchair Wheelchair Wheelchair Wheelchair, Sufferinfuck and another four volleys of brutality, all for just £4.

For those further eastwards, Bannerman’s make their own salute to anarchy, with sets from NY’s mohawk’n’studs punks The Casualties (19 Jul) and hard rockers Eye For An Eye on 1 Jul.

Heavier-than-a-lead-balloon bruisers By My Hands will be tearing the roof, floor and most of the light fittings up at Dundee’s Kage Dee Day (31 Jul), with the help of the never-ending Geordie touring machine that is Lavotchkin, Lords and a ton of other top-quality bands. Dig in.