The Metal Column – June 2010

Satan Rules. Both literally and figuratively. He just does, like it or not. And if you’re reading this column, you’re most likely already well aware of this fact. If not, there’s really no need to take our word for it. Just check out some of this month’s malevolent musical desecrations. There’s buttloads of pure evil, as well as some less-unusual chugga-chugga that the everlasting angel of light would no doubt smile upon in approval.

Come all ye diabolical blasphemers, mediaeval hangmen and graveyard sluts for a slay-tanic second round of sadomasochistic bloodlust when Black Metal Ritual II disseminates its putrid filth across the entirety of the central belt. The first night of suffering goes down at Bannerman’s in Edinburgh (11 Jun) with Nordic swordsmen Haar, Bonesaw and Assynt, while onlookers on the previous evening in Glasgow at Pivo Pivo (10 Jun) can relish in the demonic atonement of Valrog. Both gigs feature idolatrous sacrilege from Valpurga, Moonrape, Daemonolith and Kathaarsys (Spain), who’ll be making their only stop in the UK. Go ahead, step onto the altar of sacrifice. Don’t be afraid: a fear-kissed world of burning darkness awaits you.

Decades ago, metal and prog evolved alongside one another, so it’s no surprise that a slew of current bands have chosen to explore the instrumental possibilities of complex structures and crushing heaviness. One such act is Dysrhythmia, who’ll blow away Bannerman’s (11 Jun) with shapechanging support from locals Secta Rouge. Comprised of members from Krallice, Behold…The Arctopus and Gorguts, this New York trio combine stunning musicianship, jazz-influenced weirdness and death metal savagery to great effect. Check ‘em oot.

In Glasgow, progressive pop-metallers Coheed And Cambria galvanise the O2 ABC (22 Jun), and metalcore crooners Vanna inspire mosh madness at Ivory Blacks (9 Jun). Old-school industrial goth oddballs Attrition descend via batwings into the Classic Grand (19 Jun) and new-skool wildcats Rise To Remain get mega-angry at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut (10 Jun) with help from thrash revisionists Holy Grail. Lastly, indie filmstars Anvil bring their time-tested guitar calisthenics to the Cathouse (16 Jun). Stock up on plenty of hairspray if you wanna blend in with the rest of the crowd.

Now let us bow our heads to DIO.