CONTENTS

TRIVIUM Hail!
PAGE
Welcome to another jam-packed edition
05 of Slaughterama! In this issue, not only do
we have four great international interviews
ranging from the classics through to today’s
!
GUN hottest bands, but we also represent what’s
SHO
happening locally with our regular Kiwi Metal
interview (this time around it’s Christchurch
sickos Sacrament).
URIAH HEEP
PAGE We also have a wicked Progressive Metal
piece and a bunch of other great stuff to keep
09 you entertained.

Thanks for purchasing the zine; we are

THE proud to be NZ’s only dedicated Heavy Metal
KE
WA EPER! publication, and whether you’re from our great
SLE country or are one of our many overseas
readers, we look forward to your continued
THOR support as we continually work towards
PAGE bringing you as much exclusive, interesting
and goddamn METAL material as possible!
14 Until next time... PLAY IT LOUD, MUTHA!

HE Brendon Williams
w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m

OT
INT ISE! -Editor
NO

DRAGONFORCE TT PLUS TT
PAGE 03 - NEWS
22 19 - MUSIC REVIEWS
21 - DVD REVIEW
22 - PROGRESSIVE
RA
ULT OWN! 25 - SACRAMENT
T D
BEA

2008 SLAUGHTERHOUSE NZ. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

ALL ENQUIRIES TO: BRENDON WILLIAMS. PHONE +64 21 146 6477
EMAIL- SLAUGHTERMAIL@GMAIL.COM


 NEWS

JUDAS PRIEST fans are screaming for

vengeance at the recent annoucement
that the Metal Gods will no longer be
playing in New Zealand on their current
tour. Purchased tickets were refunded,
along with a discount offer for people who
wanted to instead go along to... wait for
it... Stevie Wonder’s concert! Yeah right,
promoters... you’ve got another thing
coming.

METALLICA’s brand new album is set to come out

w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m
on September 12th. After a string of crap albums,
Death Magnetic is the band’s big chance to redeem
themselves, and prove that they are indeed the
metal militia, not simply disposable heroes.

NEW ZEALAND Heavy Metal fans have begun

to unite their efforts in an attempt to nurture and
encourage the future of Metal music in this country.
See pages 8, 12 and 18 for more information on
how you can be a part of this promising movement.


 w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m


T
RIVIUM are one of the biggest and best
examples of the New Wave of American
Heavy Metal. They are enjoying
massive popularity right now, both overseas
and here in New Zealand. If you don’t own
an album yourself, you have probably at
least seen someone in your neighbourhood
walking around around wearing a Trivium t-
shirt. With their modernized Thrash sound,
both young and old fans of Metal are paying
attention to what the band is doing.
With the release of Shogun happening later this
month, we caught up with drummer Travis Smith
to find out more...
back home and starting the US tour.
Do you play any new tracks from the new
album, ‘Shogun’ and what’s the reaction like
from the audience?
In Japan we played 3 tracks from the new album
and it was amazing! The first night in Japan
there were about 10,000 people and when the
intro kicked in, the place just erupted! We put
up a new song for download and a few hours
after it became available the fans were posting
videos on Youtube covering the song! It’s crazy,
it’s only been online for a few hours! We got
some killer fans!

So you’re happy with the new album?

What’s the latest news there, Trav? You know, we can’t ask for a happier time right
now! There’s so much positivity going around!
Well, we’re in Sydney right now, getting ready We love this record and what we’ve done with it,
to do a show. We just flew in from Japan, which the record label is so, so happy with what we’ve
was killer! delivered and the press around the world
was really killer! Everyone’s enjoying what
So you’re going to Australia, but they’ve heard so far! It’s really
not New Zealand? awesome.

Yeah, man, You’ve

w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m
there’s not been
enough time to
go everywhere, touring
it’s crazy! We w i t h
fly home our mates
from here Dragonforce
and going on your
straight to ‘ B l a c k
London for a Crusade’
week. Then tour. How
we’re did that
going go?

That
w e n t
really well!


 We hang out a lot
and those guys are
really out there in
a good way. Their
antics are some
of the craziest
I’ve ever seen.
Sam [Totman,
Dragonforce
guitarist - editor] is
one of a kind guy.
The stuff he says,
it’s like, how the
hell did you think of
it? He should be a
fucking comedian,
he should be on
stand-up comedy
shows.

Let’s get back

to Trivium. It’s
been said in
some interviews
that ‘Shogun’ will
have more Thrash
influences and
that you’re
w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m

also bringing
back a bit of
screaming...

Honestly, this
will definitely be
the heaviest record we’ve ever written and
the screaming is definitely back in action.
When we made ‘The Crusade’ [2006] – we
made it intentionally not to be anything like
‘Ascendancy’ [2005]. A lot of people wanted us
to repeat ‘Ascendancy’ but we wanted to do our
own thing. ‘The Crusade’ did very well for us,
and now ‘Shogun’ is definitely another step in
the evolution of Trivium.
It must be a very satisfying feeling when
you’ve got the finished CD in your hands
and you thing, ‘Yeah, I’ve made it out of
nothing!’
It’s definitely the great feeling of accomplishment.
The four of us are involved in the process every
step of the way from creating the songs to the
paintings that are going to be inside the booklet.
And it feels really great when you finish the
album and get on the road to play the songs


live. what I’ve done on ‘Shogun’.

How much effort do you put in the CD To wind up the interview, when are we gonna
booklet? see you in New Zealand?

You know actually it’s kinda funny that you bring You know, we got a lot of e-mails from Australia
it up. This time we don’t put any lyrics inside the and New Zealand asking this question. We
booklet. Every song has its’ own art segment basically don’t have time to go everywhere we
which sort of explains what song is about, but want right now. Of course we’d love to do much
what we want people to do is interpret the song more shows, because we love being on stage.
for themselves. We want people to use their I just want to say to our fans in New Zealand,
imagination and apply the material to their lives. thank you very much for your support. When
The booklet just got finished last night actually, we played Big Day Out there you guys were
and it’s off to press right now as we speak. amazing and we can’t wait to go back there with
‘Shogun’ and really Metal it up! t
Now, how
extravagant
is your drum
s e t - u p ?
How do you
choose your
equipment
and what sort
of gear do you
use?

I had 5 drum
kits in the studio

w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m
and basically
we took best
drums from
each of those
5 kits and built
a Frankenstein
kit. I’m really-
really happy
with the drum
sound on the
album, I put a
lot of effort into
getting my parts
as perfect as I
could and I’m
really proud of


 HEAVY METAL INC
The Society of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock Incorporated
35 Scarborough Terrace
Parnell
Auckland

09 366 7392
0211 383 752

Dear Slaughterama readers,

We at SocHMHRinc. have recently set up and incorporated N e w Zealand’s First

National Heavy Metal and Hard Rock Society.

The main focuses of the society are:

1) to raise awareness about Metal and Rock in the eyes of the wider public,
2) to create national and regional infrastructures that will aid in promoting Metal and Rock,
3) to attain public and private funding for our initiatives.
w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m

The Society has nine chapters through out NZ and is constantly growing. If you are interested in
becoming a member please fill out the form on page 12. If you want a copy of our charter please
email: heavymetalincorporated@hotmail.com

Hailz,

Joel Thompson
National Secretary
The Society of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock Incorporated


W
hen you think about classic rock,
URIAH HEEP is really the secret
option number 4, right after Deep
Purple, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath.
Almost 40 years since their formation, they
are still going strong with guitarist Mick Box
being the only original member left in the
band.
We caught up with Mick right after the
release of Uriah Heep’s “Wake the Sleeper’
album, and had an awesome conversation!
Mick is a really cool dude, and you could talk
to him for ages. So here’s only a few of the
questions we asked.
So, Mick, what have you been doing with
yourself lately?
Well, we’re doing what we do best – we just
finished the new album, ‘Wake the Sleeper’,
and now we’re in the early stages of promoting
it. We’re also getting ready to start the tour and
then hopefully we’ll come out to see you guys.
Actually, I’ve got some good friends in Auckland
and I’ve had some good holidays there too! I
believe your Prime Minister Helen Clark likes
us too! (laughs) I believe she phoned a radio
station there once, requesting “Easy Livin’’!
Let’s talk about the new album. It’s been a
while since your last studio record ‘Sonic
Origami’, about 10 years or so...
w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m
CLASSIC HEEP

 Yes, that album was critically acclaimed by fans day. You know we go to the studio and spend
and media alike, but the record company [Eagle thousands trying to get the optimum sound and
Records – editor] failed to support it properly. So then people put it on mp3’s and you don’t get the
we were touring for the album and were getting full value of it. That’s why we released ‘Wake the
really disillusioned with the whole thing, Sleeper’ on vinyl. We’re trying to make a point
since the label didn’t put any money here, you know. (laughs)
into promoting it. So we ripped
up our contract and then Uriah Heep is undoubtedly one of the most
the whole industry went into important influences for today’s Power
free fall because of the whole Metal. How do you feel about that?
Internet thing. And because
of that we couldn’t find a home It’s the highest form of flattery really, isn’t
anywhere, because the record it? People thinking that your music is good
companies were closing d o w n enough to try and emulate. I think we brought
and the industry didn’t know a new dimension to music, because we used
what it was going to do next. harmonies as another instrument. And it could
So it took us all this time to get b e very powerful too, so I think
back on track. that’s what influenced all
these bands. There’s a
You’ve obviously been funny story about that
around for nearly 40 actually. We were in
years now. How has your America in the early
recording process changed 80’s doing an interview
since you started? on the radio. And the
guy said, ‘Hey I love
You know, we’re actually taking your new single!’ I
it back to analog recording. We thought, well that’s
wanted to take the power of great, since we
w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m

what’s happening in the rehearsal haven’t had

room onto the CD, so we found one for a
a converted church in the English while.
countryside, with a studio named ‘The
Chapel’ of course... (laughs) And we
put all the equipment into that big
room, and miked-up and played as
a band.
S o
There’s been a lot of talk about h e
the difference between the p u t
sound on a vinyl record it on...
and that on CDs. Which it was
one do you prefer? ‘Run
to the
Give me vinyl any Hills’

10
by Iron Maiden! (laughs) I had to tell Steve
Harris about it – we had a good laugh. Probably
because of [the harmonies] we got branded with
the nickname ‘The Beach Boys of Heavy Metal’.
(laughs)
Gene Simmons [Kiss] and Blackie Lawless
[W.A.S.P.] who we talked to recently both said
that there’s not many real rock stars left, and
the classic rock bands are disappearing and
not being replaced by any new ones. What
do you think about that?
I think there’s no real character anymore.
There’s no David Bowie to come out anymore
with the Spiders from Mars, y’know. These
people have disappeared and it became a little
bit generic. People go out there and strum the
guitar. So I can see what they’re saying. A lot of
the entertainment side has disappeared. Quite
often people leave guitar schools playing some
fantastic guitar, but the thing that’s missing is
character. The greatest thing I find as a guitarist
is when people say ‘I only heard three notes
on the radio and I knew it was you’. A
part of success is finding something that’s
instantly recognizable.
it when I was on the toilet one day. (laughs)
Did you ever spray-painted ‘Uriah Heep’ on
the side of the van?
(laughs) Absolutely! It was a part of the
cause, you had to do it! Gave you some sort
of importance! (laughs) We did it all. You had
to do it all yourself: posters, fliers, stickers
– everything. On the cover of ‘Very ‘eavy, Very
‘umble’, that face of David Byron [the original
vocalist] – it was me with a glue gun. The record
company wanted to do this set with a girl and
David in a top hat, and I thought, ‘Man, this is
really boring.’ So I got that glue gun, tapped
David on the shoulder and sprayed him in the
face. Luckily the camera man was very smart
and took the pictures and that [shot] became an
album cover. Of course later the glue wouldn’t
come out of David’s hair and mustache. So me,
David and glue didn’t really go together. (laughs)
We got an album cover out of that though. Don’t
let me near any glue! t

w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m
How did you come up with the name,
Uriah Heep?

Well, everybody was looking for that strong

identity back then and our manager went
to see the film ‘David Copperfield’ in which
Uriah Heep is a character, and he came
back and suggested that. It happened to be
the 100th birthday of Charles Dickens and
all over London there were book clubs, and
films and TV [programs]. So we thought,
it looks good in print and it’s different
from the others like Deep Purple or Black
Sabbath. Plus it gives you something to
talk about when people ask you about your
name. You don’t say, yeah, I thought about

11
 HEAVY METAL INC
The Society of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock Incorporated
Membership Application
Address for Registered Office and Postal Address: 35 Scarborough Terrace Parnell, Auckland.
Email Address for Communication: heavymetalincorporated@hotmail.com

The following application must be filled out truthfully and in full:

Members Details:

NAME: ………………………………………………………………………………………………

ADDRESS: …………………………………………………………………………………………

TELEPHONE: ………………………………………………………………………………………

EMAIL: ……………………………………………………………………………………………….

Witnesses Details: (must be non member)

NAME: ……………………………………………………………………………………………...

ADDRESS: …………………………………………………………………………………………
w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m

Name of Incorporated Society: The Society of HeavyMetal and Hard Rock Incorporated.

I, the person whose name is subscribed hereto, being a member of the above-mentioned society,
hereby make application for the incorporation of the society under the forgoing rules, in
accordance with the Incorporated Societies Act 1908.

Dated:

Member Signature:

Witness Signature:

12
B
EFORE Bathory, Enslaved, Manowar
and all of the other Viking inspired Metal
bands (and in the infancy of Heavy
Metal itself), ‘Jon Mikl’ THOR was mixing Norse
mythology with Rock and muscle. And he’s still
doing it four decades later!!! With sounds ranging
from glitter rock to full-on chest pounding Heavy
Metal, THOR has done it all. Now the classic
eighties line-up is back, and working harder
than ever before! We checked in recently with
the underground legend and little known King of
Viking Rock, THOR himself.
Scepter of Power.
Just like warriors of another time and era, its
storytelling before and during the battle and
journey. Picture the Vikings around a campfire
with the minstrel playing an instrumental and
then the bearded ones belting out a song of
legend and a tale of great battle and adventures
into the unknown. We tried to capture this in
a more futuristic method on “Into The Noise”.
There are instrumentals featuring Steve Price
and Mike Kischnick and then there are songs
that I sing.

What’s it like having Steve Price back? And

as a result, does the latest THOR record
What can THOR fans expect from the new have a similar sound to classic albums like
album, “Into The Noise”? “Only The Strong”?

I feel this album is one of Steve Price is one of the greatest guitarists
our best works. Its a concept in history. That includes Jimmy Page, Randy
album where THOR Rhodes and more. He’s an unsung hero that
and his men travel has not properly been honored in history. Just
“Into The Noise”, look at some of the great live moments of THOR
through dimensions and Steve Price on youtube. Can anyone out
and time in a quest to there defeat him? When I introduced him in San
find the ancient Francisco, Seattle, Portland and Eugene just
recently on tour, The crowds went bererk! Yes,
there are similarities to “Only The Strong” and

w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m
“Into The Noise”.

What is the secret behind putting

on a memorable, theatric
rock show, and why do you
think

13
 there are so few bands doing a theatric Thanks for the interview THOR!!!! Your
show? message for the NZ fans?

I want to give the crowd their money’s worth.
You can hear the songs on the CD or downloads
but when you see the band they shouldn’t just
stand there. If the fans pay their dollar down,
“GIVE THEM A SHOW”. They MUST BE
ENTERTAINED. I would say that currently we
have the “Greatest Show On Earth”. Its not easy
to put on a theatrical performance. Not just any
band can do it. I have broken ribs and other
injuries because what I do is real. I will give my
all to the fans.
To all the fans and fellow warriors in New
Zealand watch out for “STEAM CLOCK” a
new digital album coming soon. I look forward
to seeing you all on the “THOR-THUNDER IN
DOWN UNDER” Tour.
Contact us at www.thorcentral.com
www.myspace.com/thorrockwarrior
www.myspace.com/thethorkorr t

Are there any forms of media you have

yet to make use of? There has been music
and movies, but do you think that a THOR
book of some sort, or anything else may be
released in the future?

I’m working on a book of my career and life.

“LIVE IN DETROIT” has been re-released on
Ektro Records in Europe. We are releasing a
new album on Scratch Records called “STEAM
CLOCK”. I am currently producing a new band
from Britain called “THE GREEN ELOS” which
is a whole new style of music altogether.A new
w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m

biographical movie will be coming out called

“Thunder On The Tundra” which is all about my
four decades of ROCK. Also I will be starring
in a new THOR movie “THOR-The Legend”.
It’s based on the comic book by Mike Hoffman
and Amryl Entertainment called THOR vs. The
BeastWomen From The Center Of The Earth.

What are the chances that you will tour NZ

in the future?

In 2007 and 2008,we have been touring quite

a bit for “Into The Noise” in North America. We
hope to play Australia and New Zealand next
year.

14
w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m

15
 D
RAGONFORCE have a new album out
called ULTRA BEATDOWN. It came
out only a few days ago (August 26 to
be precise). We spoke with keyboard player
Vadim Pruzhanov just prior to the release...
How’s it going down there in the DragonForce
camp?
Awesome, man, awesome! It’s been over a year
since we played in New Zealand, and after that
w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m
16
we had like eight months solid off the road, so
we’ve been rehearsing and recording a new
album, and now we’ve finally finished it! We’re
110% happy with it, it came out even better than
we expected! Can’t wait for people to hear it! It’s
called “Ultra Beatdown”.
Interesting title...
Yeah, we thought it would be a good name, ‘cuz
it’s such a cool mix of songs, futuristic in a way,
so we thought this name would suit the music,
the songs and the cover.
Is it still the DragonForce the
fans expect?
Yes and no. It’s still got our own
sound, but if you listen to the
whole album, you’ll see that it’s
a bit more balanced out than
the previous one [“Inhuman
Rampage”; 2006 – editor]. It
had so much going on and
it was really chaotic and full-
on; some people found it hard
to listen to. But you’ll have to
listen to the new one to see
what I mean.
Tell us how you came to
begin playing the keyboard
in the first place.
I started playing guitar when I
was a kid and then switched to
keyboards, because I realized
that you can do so much with
this instrument. I guess I
thought that playing a keyboard
would be less of a cliché for a
Metal musician. When you play
a guitar, it will always be a guitar
sound, but with a keyboard you
can be really creative!
What bands were you into when you got into
Heavy Metal? What influenced you?
My father used to spin Helloween’s “Keeper
of the Seven Keys” all the time. Also Black
Sabbath, Yngwie Malmsteen, Bryan Adams – he
had a pretty good mixture of music, so I listened
to whatever he had. I used to be a big fan of
Yngwie, ‘cuz I liked the neo-classical stuff.
DragonForce is obviously a Power Metal
band, very melodic and ‘singable’, and a lot
of fans of heavier genres, like Death Metal or
Grindcore, often see Power Metal as “pussy
music”. What do you have to say about
that?
Yeah that’s correct. (laughs) But people have
different opinions about everything, and at the
end of the day it’s just music. You see a lot of
people who are trying to be all
tough a n d
‘br00tal’, but then you could say, ‘Look at that,
full-grown man trying to do a cookie monster
impression on stage!’ There will always be
critics and people who dislike our music, but
that’s absolutely fine.
So to wind it up, are we gonna see
DragonForce in New Zealand on the
upcoming tour?
I think we are going there later this year. So
yeah, definitely come down and hang out with
us!
Anything else you like to add before we
finish?
I just wanna thank all the fans who stuck with
us through the years and I hope you enjoy the
new album! Also keep an eye on the tour dates.
Come down to the show and raise some HELL!
g
w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m
17
 HMHR SHOWS
The SocHMHR has organised the following shows for your entertainment in September:

Venue: Oblivion Auckland Venue: Shadows Auckland

Date: 27th of September Date: 29th of September
Event Lifestyle Features: Event Lifestyle Features:

6pm Guest Speaker: Sam Sheppard Auckland 5pm - 6:30: Feature Film: Metalocalypse.
Regional Co-President will be talking about
his career to date and be giving a drum clinic /
demonstration.
7pm Mixology: a demonstration on how to mix 5pm – 11pm: Poker and Pool Competition
cocktails using commonly accessable spirits
and in aid of our responsible drinking campaign
Oblivion will also teach punters how to make
“mocktails”. These feature drinks will be “on
special” throughout the evening. 9:15 – Bar tab drawn
8pm Bogan BBQ: As part of message about
responsible hosting / drinking we will be
supplying a free BBQ to the punters from 8pm.

Band Entertainment: Band Entertainment:

Reverence 8pm - 8:30 6:30 – 7:00: Initial

Initial 8:45 - 9:15 7:15 – 7:45: Kulus
Kulus 9:30 - 10pm 8:00 – 8:30: Set on End
w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m

BloodLetting 10:15 -10: 45 8:45 – 9:30: Slipping Tongue

Never Repent 11 - 11:30 9:15 – 10:00: Blood Letting
Slipping Tongue 11: 45 - 12: 15
Subtract 12:30 - 1pm

Guest DJs from 1pm include: Guest DJ:

Dale - Hard Fast and Heavy, Dale from Hard Fast and Heavy to play between
Chris - Rockzilla, sets and after ten til close.
Gareth - RW Entertainment.

See you in the pit at the next SocHMHRinc Show!

Hailz,
Joel Thompson
National Secretary
The Society of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock Incorporated

18
 MUSIC REVIEWS

SACRAMENT EL SCHLONG VARIOUS RED DESCENDING

Self Titled EP The Baddies Are Coming Something Wicked Where Dreams
2008 2008 This Way Comes Come To Die
N/A N/A 2008 2008
Creepshow Productions Red Empire Media
These nasty buggers Here is an album
from Christchurch which champions This CD impressed The debut album
have unleashed a musical diversity and the hell out of me. I from Australia’s Red
sick EP full of vulgar experimentation. ‘The never thought that Descending was
depravity. The cover Baddies Are Coming’ New Zealand talent difficult to review,
alone is enough to pummels the listener was capable of a mainly because I don’t
make anyone of with so many strange compilation album listen to a lot of Melodic
weak stomach lose and unique twists, of dark music so Death Metal. But here
their lunch. I turned that some people will polished, professional, goes. The symphonic
my CD insert inside undoubtedly turn it catchy, and just down- accompaniments
out so I didn’t have off quickly and run to right excellent. on the CD are
to look at the middle mummy. very original and
aged retarded man in The packaging and well done, and the
lingerie making love But those who listen music production is the overall production

w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m
to a 4x4’s tailpipe. long enough to best I have ever seen is very good for an
The vocals range learn the value of from a New Zealand independent release.
from long belching convention turned release, no contest.
sounds right through on its head should Congratulations The downsides for
to that of a squealing find this release C r e e p s h o w me were that I wasn’t
pig mid-slaughter. noteworthy. Productions! A brilliant partial to the vocals,
compilation. and the songs didn’t
Overall a top effort, I recommend listening hook me in. Hopefully
and did I mention that in a dark room. The If your music on the next release
the boys are willing to lack of visual input collection extends the band will play
send anyone in the should even out the beyond Heavy Metal, some catchier tunes
world a free copy of overdose of audio then definitely check with the same strong
this madness? input. this out. atmosphere.

mmmmmmmmww mmmmmmmmww mmmmmmmmmw mmmmmmmwww

Brendon Williams Brendon Williams Brendon Williams Brendon Williams

19
 MUSIC REVIEWS
MOTLEY CRUE
Saints of Los Angeles
2008
Motley Records
Great stuff from the
world’s baddest
rock’n’roll band! Crue’s
first studio album to
feature the original
line-up since 1997’s
“Generation Swine”.
Kick-ass Motley
Metal with massive
choruses, power riffs
and everything else
you come to expect
from these guys.
Admittedly, I do hear
w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m
a couple of filler tracks
here, but the rest of the
stuff, like ‘Face Down
in the Dirt’, ‘Saints of
Los Angeles’ or ‘MF
of the Year’ is still up
there. The Crue got a
bit battered over the
years (and Mick Mars
looks like Death itself)
but there’s still fire left
in ‘em!
mmmmmmmmww
Max Thrasher
20
JUDAS PRIEST DRAGONFORCE
Nostradamus Ultra Beatdown
2008 2008
Sony BMG Roadrunner
Enter Judas Priest I don’t know why but
with the first concept Dragonforce always
album in their career. put a smile on my face.
There’s undeniably They’re incredibly fast
some great and complex, but
songwriting on this there’s always some
double-CD, but a few sing-alongs and funny
things surprised me. sounds they chuck
The record consists in. The new album is
mostly of mid-tempo in the same key as
stuff (so no ‘Painkiller’ previous ones – ultra
here), and is loaded fast Power/Speed
with an enormous metal with massive
symphonic sound and choruses and positive
countless interludes. attitude. Once again,
Also Halford doesn’t everybody here is at
do much of his their best, delivering a
famous high-pitch flawless performance.
screaming, which was I hear a little more
a bit disappointing. It’s experimentation with
very well made, but the synthesizers, but it
somehow it reminds only makes the music
me of every Grave more interesting. Yet
Digger album since another great album
1996. Hear it for from one of the world’s
yourself and make up most promising
your own mind. bands.
mmmmmmmwww mmmmmmmmmm
Max Thrasher Max Thrasher
ALICE COOPER
Along Came a Spider
2008
SPV / Steamhammer
My partner in crime,
Brendon described
this album as ‘all filler
no killer’. Although I
wouldn’t go as far as
to say that, Alice is
obviously having a bit
of trouble in the hits
department. Besides
three or four tracks,
like ‘Killed by Love’,
‘The One that Got
Away’ and ‘Wrapped
in Silk’ the material
sounds like something
which didn’t make it to
the last two albums.
I suppose that this
impression could be
somehow enhanced
by Alice’s usually
very high standard
of songwriting.
Personally I find
the ‘Spider’ to be
somehow weaker
than I expected.
mmmmmmwwww
Max Thrasher
IRON MAIDEN
“Live After Death” (2008) (DVD)
by Max Thrasher
O
h, this is a beauty of a purchase!
Every dollar you’ll pay for it will be
worth it! Maiden finally release their
legendary ‘Live After Death’ footage on DVD! A
lot of people have seen it on VHS, I suppose,
but there has never been
such a package for the fans!
The original video contained
simply the performance at
Long Beach Arena. On DVD
however you get to see how it
was all done.
The first disk of the double
DVD is the original concert
released on VHS, but the
second disc, packed with
over 3 hours of footage, is
what you’re really paying your
money for. It starts off with a
documentary on the making
of the ‘Powerslave’ album,
the following promotion and
the 193-date ‘World Slavery
Tour’ around the world. The
documentary is obviously made as a feature
programme, like the ones you see on TV. It has
loads of in-depth stuff – interviews with band
members, managers, producers, technicians,
stage crew and basically everyone who had any
connection to Maiden during this period of time
(even the nerdy-looking member of the official
Iron Maiden fan club). It gives you an amazing
amount of information you most likely never
knew, and really adds to the whole experience.
For example you get to know where Bruce
Dickinson got that feathery mask he’s wearing
during the performance of ‘Powerslave’, what
happened to Eddie on the road, how (and where)
the famous ‘Powerslave’ photo-shoot was done
and a whole pile of other absolutely incredible
little things. As a matter of fact, I’d recommend
watching the documentary first, before viewing
the actual ‘Live After Death’ video, since it gives
you a whole new perspective on the concert.
The DVD continues with another documentary,
which personally I’ve never seen in its entirety
– the famous ‘Behind the Iron
Curtain’ film, documenting
Maiden’s journey to the then
Communist Eastern Bloc.
This is yet another collection
of amazing footage, such as
Maiden’s performance at a
Polish wedding with a drunken
version of ‘Smoke on the
Water’. But wait, there’s more!
For the next hour or so you will
witness the legendary ‘Rock
in Rio’ festival in 1985 and
the ‘’Ello Texas’ doco from the
American leg of the tour with
a performance in San Antonio
and further interviews at the
w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m
Alamo.
And if that’s not enough, you’re also getting an
artwork gallery, tour programme, photos and
two official videos for ‘2 Minutes to Midnight’
and ‘Aces High’.
All in all, there’s never been a better time to get
this legendary film. The sheer amount and the
quality of stuff you get for your buck makes it
worth every cent.
Absolutely essential for everybody! t
mmmmmmmmmm
21
 PROGRESSIVE
10 ESSENTIAL PROGRESSIVE METAL ALBUMS
By Max Thrasher

P
rogressive Metal, or simply Prog as it’s often called, is one of those ‘phantom’ genres,
like Speed Metal or Viking Metal. Many bands toy with it, mixing Prog with everything
from Hard Rock (like Royal Hunt or Legion) to Thrash (Watchtower, Savatage), Death
Metal (Atheist, Cynic) and even Alternative (Tool, Opeth). Consequentially it can be broken
down to many sub-genres and traces of it can be found in many albums from many renowned
bands. It’s there, and it’s well-established, but it’s hard to pin-point too many bands that
work exclusively within the borders of the genre. That’s what we’re doing here.

The following is in no way a list of the best Prog-Metal albums. I’m sure everyone will find
something I’ve missed out. But here’s a few records you should definitely listen to if you
want to find out what it’s all about...
w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m

1.Dream Theater - 2.Queensryche - 3.Mekong Delta -

“Images and Words” (1992) “Operation: Mindcrime” (1988) “The Music of Erich Zann” (1988)

Stand out track: Stand out track: Stand out track:

‘Pull Me Under’ ‘Suite Sister Mary’ ‘Age of Agony’

This is the definition of
Progressive Metal. ‘Images...’
has put Dream Theater on the
map and established the sound
and the structural scheme of
the genre. Pretty much Prog in
its’ pure form.
One of the very first ‘Metal
operas’, this is the definitive
Queensryche record every
Metal fan must hear! This
album is widely considered a
corner stone of Progressive
Metal.
Although this German band
features some of the best
instrumentalists in the land,
the identities of the members
were not disclosed until late in
their career. Heavier version of
Prog mixed with Thrash.

22
 PROGRESSIVE

4.Shadow Gallery - 6. Psychotic Waltz - 8.Symphony X - 10.Fates Warning -

“Carved in Stone” “A Social Grace” “TheDivineWingsofTragedy” “Parallels”
(1995) (1990) (1996) (1991)

Stand out track: Stand out track: Stand out track: Stand out track:
‘Don’t Ever Cry (Just Remember)’ ‘A Psychotic Waltz’ ‘Out of the Ashes’ ‘TheRoadGoesonForever’

A very strange record,
filled with unexpected
instruments line flute,
saxophone and cello.
Very catchy and easy
to listen to album.
This is a version of The definitive version This is one of the
Prog which is beyond of what they call original Prog bands.
conventional music. ‘Prog/Power’. Fast Although the earlier
‘Psychotic’ is a very Power Metal tracks works are much
good way to describe are split here with long more complex and
it. Progressive numbers. unpredictable,
‘Parallels’ is a very
cool example of the
‘winter-in-big-city’
Progressive.

w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m
5.Conception – 7. Crimson Glory - 9.Royal Hunt -
“Parallel Minds” “Transcendence” “Moving Target”
(1993) (1988) (1995)

Stand out track: Stand out track: Stand out track:

‘Water Confines’ ‘Painted Skies’ ‘1348’

A brilliant example One of the most Although the rest of the

of more melodic and influential Prog band’s discography is
measured Prog. Metal bands, making mostly classic hard CRIMSON
their name by using rock, ‘Moving Target’ GLORY -
stainless steel masks. is a great, complex
“INFLENTIAL”
listen.

23
 w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m

24
W
HEN bands use controversy as Your use of imagery and song titles/lyrics
a tool, they often still have some are very extreme. Why do you concentrate
limits. Sacrament, on the other on the controversial subjects such as
hand, have pushed everything as far as their pedophilia and violence?
imagination can take it, and as a result have
known both the positive and negative sides We have calmed down a bit since the free EP we
of artistic expression without consideration give out, we now choose not to focus so much
for society’s etiquette. on those subjects. To be honest all it did was
get us into a lot of trouble, which isn’t always
Check out our interview with New Zealand’s bad, but some people got really offended and
most daring band. well, all I’ll say is threats from the public aren’t
always real cool haha. But it was a big learning
curve; we love to push the boundries about shit
like that, but sometimes things get blown out of
Please give us some general information on the water.
Sacrament for people discovering the band
for the first time Do you think that your songs could be seen
as glorifying or encouraging the subjects
Basically we are a 3 piece Death Metal band you cover, and if so, does that affect you?
from Christchurch, New Zealand. We
have been together around 3 We in no way condone the sorts of
years, been through a couple of behavior we sing about,
bassists but n o n e but I guess with the
that really extreme music that
suited us, so is being made
we decided to around the world
tune real low you’ve really
and ditch gotta push it to

w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m
the bass get attention.
all together. If you read our
We love lyrics they are
to get drunk, writen with a lot of
do stupid shit, humor and not
and have a always offensive
good time We for the sake of
honestly don’t being offensive.
care what It has affected
other people us in ways,
have to say and I think
about us, thats why we
as long as are heading
we are in a slightly
laughing! d i ff e r e n t
direction

25
 with our lyrical content these days.
What is happening with the Metal scene in
Christchurch these days?
There’s always heaps of young bands coming
up around here. It’s great to see. Not so many
gigs have been going down over the winter but
hopefully it’ll pick up over the summer. The main
problem here is a lot of venues aren’t staying
open for long, and seem to have a lack of funds
and things like that which sucks because there
are a lot of really talented bands around here.
Its always good to see bands travelling here and
playing some brutal shows.
Looking at the photos on your myspace
page (www.myspace.com/sacramentnz),
in between playing with dead animals
and taking great photos of attractive girls
bending over, you appear to drink copious
amounts of Harringtons Vodka. Do you have
any recent booze-fueled stories to share?
Haha we always have booze fueled stories to
share. We have been drinking every weekend
‘til the point of passing out for the last
few years and it’s great. We love our
w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m
time it pays off with the amount of people who
end up with your material. We have had some
crazy addresses from places I never knew ex-
sisted so it’s working out to be a good geogra-
phy lesson as well. Thanks google earth! We are
currently working on some home recordings to
throw up on the sites to show what we’ve been
up to lately; we have a whole new set and are
really excited to get the songs up. We are also
looking at recording a full length album late this
year or early next year.
What’s the best way to stay up to date with
Sacrament?
I’d say our myspace page, we don’t have a
website at the moment but maybe one day we’ll
get one.
Thanks for the interview. Anything else
you’d like to add?
Leave us your address and we’ll send you a free
EP! you won’t be disappointed with the cover.
Ball, play me some! t

Harringtons, it’s cheap and extremely

nasty! Haha. If myspace allowed nudity I
think our albums would be a lot more full!
I could be here all night telling you stories
about what we get up to, but I don’t
wanna offend the readers haha. However
I invite anyone to come drink with us and
become a part of our crazy weekends.

You’re currently offering your EP to

anyone in the world free of charge!
How’s that going for you, and how
is recording going for your next
release?

Well it’s expensive for us, but at the same

26
100% commercial free

FRIDAY NIGHTS FROM 10:40PM w w w. h o u s e o f n o i z z . c o m

on Auckland’s 104.6 Planet FM

global streaming coming late 2008 / early 2009

27