The Metal Column – November 2012
Oh yes, there's an abundance of catastrophic live acts to be savoured in the flesh this November. First up are Anti-Nowhere League – don't miss them knock out the same kind of bratty British punk they helped pioneer back in the eighties at Ivory Blacks (2 Nov). Massively influential doom metal outfit Pentagram make an appearance at the same venue a couple of days later (4 Nov), supported by suitably psychedelic Leeds quartet Gentlemans Pistols. Next, French tech-metal outfit Gojira are heading back to Glasgow off the back of their best album yet. Check them out at the Garage (6 Nov), particularly if you missed them back in June.
If you're up for a tongue-in-cheek take on the glam rock genre (but also secretly enjoy the music), your impending excuse to go balls out is approaching: Steel Panther are rolling into the Edinburgh Corn Exchange (9 Nov). Expect horrendous outfits both on and off-stage, as well as plenty of dudes who look like ladies. However, if you like your excess dramatic and space-themed (and prefer dudes who sound like ladies), you're better off heading to the O2 ABC to see Coheed and Cambria's latest prog odyssey unfold on the same night.
Next up is an unfortunate clash: hardcore vets Madball are set to tear up Ivory Blacks (11 Nov), but post-metal group Devil Sold His Soul are also playing the Cathouse on the same night. Your choice hinges on whether you're after no-frills shredding or a night of introspective headbanging.
It's no wonder death metal titans Opeth are pairing up with ethereal rockers Anathema on their European tour; both parties are sounding lusher (and proggier) than ever on their latest albums. If that's your bag, don't miss this chance to see them together at the O2 ABC (13 Nov).
After an unfortunate quiet spell, Liverpool riffmasters Conan save the day at the 13th Note along with local doom acts Sunsmasher and Headless Kross (22 Nov). Hold onto yer hats, 'cause it's gonna get heavy. If you're Edinburgh-based, British death metal outfit Burial's your ticket. What's more, Auld Reekie's finest black metal act Haar are supporting. That's at Bannerman's on the same night. You'll want to be back at the 13th Note a couple of days later for a psych-punk attack courtesy of Lancaster bands Three Dimensional Tanx and Rapid Pig (24 Nov). Supporting is Galoshins, who will ease you in gently with some schizo art-pop.
Get a load of this one: metalcore heroes Converge are playing at the Classic Grand (28 Nov), and they're bringing their hardcore disciples – the stellar Touché Amoré – along for the ride. It gets better: U.S. sludge champs A Storm of Light and chaotic Italian hardcore band The Secret are also on the bill. If you don't have a valid reason for not attending this one, you'll be getting a personal slap from yours truly. Last are respected Irish legends Therapy?, who'll be bringing the month to a satisfying end with their deranged and occasionally anthemic alt-rock; that's at the Garage (31 Nov).