Friday 26 June 2009

Michael Jackson - Who's Bad?!



Oh come on, every else is so we thought it best to add a few words to the Michael Jackson saga!! We're pretty devastated here at EBTM as the man the legend has gone & joined forces with Elvis, Kurt Cobain & Jim Morrison on the great old rock stage in the sky (what a sound these guys could make together!) .

Sadly there'll be no MJ gigs later this year, but undoubtedly we'll be immersed with unheard albums (check your TuPac history on this one) , a musical & without fail you know Elton John's going to bring out a "Thriller in the Wind" tribute song. Rest in Peace MJ.

Friday 19 June 2009

The Voluntary Butler Scheme - Gig Review

So, last night EBTM went out to see The Voluntary Butler Scheme at Start The Bus in Bristol. Once again we were blown away. Rob Jones is not only the most loveable person we have ever met but the most technically gifted musician and writer of heartwarming, real life lyrics that we have experienced. Shy and unassuming as Rob is, The Voluntary Butler Scheme is the biggest noise you will ever hear from one man.
For anyone who hasn't experienced VBS here's how it goes. Rob, combined with sequencer and every other instrument available to man, creates a sound akin to Arcade Fire. On his own. But with better lyrics.
We recommend you check out The Voluntary Butler Scheme. Just don't stay out past bedtime and come to work feeling really, really rubbish…………..


Words By Whiney Crackhouse.

Tuesday 16 June 2009

Macbeth Eliot Giveaway!

We have just landed our new range of Macbeth shoes and to celebrate the fact, Tom DeLonge and the rest of our friends at Macbeth have chucked in 12 FREE pairs of Eliots to give away to you lucky, lucky people.

We love this vegan friendly shoe and we love you lot too, so, if you want to be part of this big old love parade, just email the link below with the word MACBETH. No questions, no tie-breaker, you've just gotta be in it to win it, good luck!

Click here to enter.

Download Festival - Review



Download Festival 09' - What an absolute blinder of a w'end!! EBTM were down in full force with our guys "The Whispering Eye" and "Murr Man", covering as many angles for you as possible. You were there right? So what were the highlights of your weekend, any bands blow you away, or fail to rise to the occassion? Did you see EBTM throwing out free T-Shirts? Add your comments to the bottom of this blog & let us know about your Download experience! x


Day 1 - Whispering Eye:
The sun is blistering hot when we arrive on the download site, which is nice as we were told it was going to rain all weekend.
First up is a trip to the Red Bull stage to see our friends in Young Guns, who put in a great performance to a busy tent. The sound was a bit hit or miss, but singer Gus doesn't let that deter him as he throws himself into a crowd to get people moving.
Next up we head to the mainstage to catch Billy Talent. Having seen them last week at the Underworld, it's great to see them playing just as an exciting set on the massive stage.

We catch two or three songs of Killswitch as we head over to see Bring Me The Horizon. Killswitch are on great form - their songs are massive and they always entertain.

Bring Me The Horizon are equally as exciting. The crowd love it as Sam from Architects joins them for a song. Horizons last album saw them silence a lot of the haters and their set today further enforces this. Top stuff.

We head to the Red Bull stage to catch new UK band Don Broco next. They put in a great performance, sounding similar to a more yobby Enter Shikari. Ones to watch!
So, next is the much anticipated return of Limp Bizkit. I was expecting it to either be terrible or amazing, but actually found it to be neither, just pretty average. There are some forms of music you can't play as you get older and watching a 40 year old Fred Durst bounce round the stage like a 16 year old poser, suggests that Nu Metal is one such genre.


We forgo half of Faith No More's reunion set to catch Blackhole and it's a damn good thing we did. Massive riffs and singer Rick's incredible voice and awesome stage presence makes then Band of the day in our eyes. We catch the second half of Faith No More's set on our way back to the guest bar and it is awesome. The entire stage is draped in red curtains and it looks amazing, but the band sound even better playing a set of hits alongside fan favourites, it really is a joy to watch. Perfect way to end day 1.




Day 2: Murr Man -
Arriving a day later after watching You Love Her Cos Shes Dead play Bristol the night before, (see previous blog, check this band out!!) I was instantly hit by the atmosphere of the place, the crowds still buzzing off Friday's sets and the parties across the campsites. I take time out to wander around the festival, the place is buzzing pure happiness & the vibe is great, even the queues for the beer tents this year were kind to us!
Down take to the main stage and tear the place up. Great set & the mosh pits feed off of Phil Anselmo's every word. I head over to the 2nd stage to witness Thunder, a fairly tepid set reduces the spirits a little after Down, but these guys are legendary so we can forgive them, can't we?



We arise hot and tired on Saturday. The sun is already beating down hard as we head to the Red Bull stage to see Exeter boys The Computers set. We miss the beginning where apparently there were some technical issues. By the time we get there however, they are firing on all cylinders and stomp their way through a set of Bronx-esque angry punk rock ditties.
Our next port of call is our pals in Fightstar. They pile through a huge set that sees them lean slightly towards their heavier material. They go down an absolute storm and have a crowd bigger than any other we see at the second stage the whole weekend. It would appear that the band have finally earned their spurs from the metal crowd as not a bottle is thrown and some of the biggest circle pits of the day are opened.


You Me At Six are also a band predicted for a hard time this festival, but as the band bound on stage, it appears that they are not going to let these worries affect them. The worries turn out to be unfounded after all as they put on a great show . Highlights include latest single Finders Keepers and an inspired cover of Lady GaGa'sPoker Face. (I have to agree here, the Lady GaGa tune was inspired, but busting out a Rage Against The Machine cover was ill advised!)

Pendulum are sounding massive as we make our way in front of the mainstage. After a bite to eat, it's time to check out Architects. The Brighton metallers are one of the most anticipated bands of the festival, and they don't disappoint, unleashing a tirelessly heavy tirade of riffs. Brilliant stuff!
The Blackout who are filling in for a sadly missing The Ghost Of A Thousand on the Red Bull stage. As much as I am gutted that TGOAT pulled out. The Blackout pull out all the stops. Banter is great and the songs are even better. They sound massive as they drown out the unrelenting barrage of Slipknot. We manage to catch the last 5 or 6 songs of Slipknot and they are massive. Revolving drum risers, getting the whole crowd to crouch down and jump up at the same time through to closing song "Spit It Out", they really are unstoppable. Absolutely awe-inspiring!

There's no doubting Pendulum's abilities, great set & the sound is huge but it just doesn't compete with past masters The Prodigy, so, after a few tunes I head to the second stage to see Liam, Keith & the unstoppable Maxim bring the house down.

Ripping into Komanchi, a gabba beat laden tune before launching into the classics of Firestarter & Smack My Bitch Up I can't bring myself to stop dancing and as the crowds carry the party on into the night & the echoes of Maxim's MC'ing ring through my ears there's only one place left for us to go, the Jager tent backstage :)


Day 3:
First up today is the brutal onslaught of Suicide Silence. I am picky of my extreme metal, but these guys are definitely on my list of loves. They are brilliant and as the sun bakes down once more, I am simply left wishing I had long hair so I could windmill it. New album is going to be a belter! Jett Black are the next band for us. These High Wycombe boys are always entertaining, and it's a crime that songs such as "When It Comes To Loving, I Have No Friends" have not seen them grow in stature more than they have. Still, if todays rammed tent and the bands ultra tight set are anything to go by- good times are ahead!


Taking to the stage at 11am on the 3rd day is never ideal, but brighton band Brides get things off to a great start in the Tuborg tent, expect big things from these boys. Constant between song banter with the crowd goes down well and they hit us with the tune Frank West before we say goodbye & wander back across the fields to take in the rest of the day. Despite all the weather warnings we're truly blessed with the sun this w'end.

Journey sound awesome -

(Epic set, easily the highlight of my w'end. No denying the crowd love Journey and in turn Journey love each and every one of us. Not a dull moment in this set, thanks guys!) as we make our way over to see stoner rocklegends Clutch. In a weekend with so many strong bands and incredible sets, it is testament to the might of Clutch that they seem to effortlessly drop one of the sets of the festival! New songs sound great and old faves are dropped with a heavy groove that no other band can come close to matching. If you do not know this band, go buy their albums. They are incredible!

Brief glimpses of Whitesnake (awesome, despite Radio 2 esque between song banter)

and Therapy? (sadly marred by terrible sound and also not quite pulling enough from the old albums for my liking!) lead us up to the Red Bull Stage where we catch the last 4 songs of Flood Of Red's set. The Scottish guys put in a great performance, and it would appear that the rumours of a massive leap forward on their imminent debut album is true. It does sound incredibly like Circa Survive however, which is a little bit worrying, but time will tell as to whether they can carve their own niche. Our lift home sadly calls two songs into We Are The Ocean's set which is sad as we were genuinely excited to watch the band close the RedBull stage. Still a promising start and a busy tent suggest they will have no trouble closing the weekend on a high.
We watch Def Leppard play one of the most boring and insipid sets on our way to meet our lift home. Shame it wasn't Slipknot closing as Def Leppard leave the weekend ending on a bit of a geriatric bum note!

Oh well, everything else has been incredible!

You Love Her Coz Shes Dead - Competition!!!






Two piece electro group You Love Her Coz Shes Deadfeatured on Episode 7, Series 3 of the programme Skins. This first went out Oct' 08' & is due to be aired again next month, so if you missed it first time around check them out...these guys are hot stuff!

With their recent self-release of "Me Versus You" (on limited white 7") YLHCSD invited EBTM to to the Louisianna, Bristol to see what all the hype was about...we weren't disappointed. The club was rammed & the crowd were loving every moment of it dancing our way through standout songs Young Tender Hearts Beat Fast & Me Versus You. With the guys heading to Paris to play a show the next day & with yours truly hitting Download Festival a few hours later, this was the perfect way to launch into the w'end. I can't wait to see YLHCSD at the Barfly, Camden next month...so watch this space, we'll have more updates on the guys at that show!

YLHCSD were kind enough to offer EBTM fans a signed T'shirt & ltd' ed' white 7". All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning, is click the comps' link below & leave the bands name YLHCSD followed by your full name/age/contact telephone number.

mailto:competitions@ebtm.co.uk

- Please note, by entering this competition you are agreeing to enter our email newsletter.
- Please be assured, all information given will be safeguarded.

Friday 12 June 2009

Ghost of a Thousand - Tour Dates



The Ghost of a Thousand take to the stage July 1st for a UK tour. With them this time will be The Computers & Sharks. Be sure not to miss these guys!

Bouncing Souls - Win Tickets!!!



You can count the number of bands who've stayed together for 20 years on two hands, and you can use just one to count those who've consistently released quality material for two decades. This year, The Bouncing Souls enter that esteemed category, and in keeping with their D.I.Y. roots, they've done it without major labels, corporate radio, MTV, or teen magazine pinups.

Like any young band with energy to burn and original songs under their belt, the boys took to the road in order to share their music and spirit with any crowd that would listen. While there were aspirations to find audiences across the globe, even college parties and basements were enough to keep hope alive in the early days. As bassist Kienlen puts it, "We never spent too much time worrying about the future. The point of the band was always celebrating the here and now, trying to make the best of whatever was in front of us at the time."

Doing it for the sake of the music, the fans, and their own inspiration for twenty years, the group – and their White Castle – are going pedal to the metal on a full tank of gas. According to their frontman, "The shared driving force is part of the mechanics that keeps the beast truckin' down the next highway. We were - and still are - a few passionate, rebellious, creative, idealistic, party loving punks looking for a good time, for something to believe in, and for something meaningful to live for."

Bouncing Souls are about to embark on a major European tour starting with dates across the UK. If you want to be a part of this, and you damn well should be...these guys have been consistantly on form for 20yrs, then you can be in with a chance of winning free tickets to see them courtesy of our friends at the 02 Academy Group at one of the three venues below...

London 02 Academy - June 17th
Birmingham 02 Academy - June 18th
Liverpool 02 Academy - June 19th

No question this time, just send us an email to the comps' link below, please include your full name/age/contact telephone number & the name of 02 venue you'd like to see the band.

competitions@ebtm.co.uk

- Please note by entering this competition you are agreeing to enter our email newsletter
- Please be assured all information supplied will be safegaurded.

Thursday 11 June 2009

Young Guns - Competition!!!



These are great times for Young Guns! We witnessed the guys tear it up at SlamDunk Festival recently & with the release of their debut EP 'Mirrors' on June 22nd produced by Wellerhill Productions (Johnny Truant, Haunts, Malefice) they're about to embark on a UK headlining tour (see dates below)



To coincide with this, Young Guns have kindly offered EBTM fans these great prizes - One winner will take home A signed EP, two tees, tote bag, stickers + pins + pair of tickets to any date on the July tour. 5x runners up will also get signed EP's.

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is tell us the name of their debut EP! Follow the comps link below, leave your answer/full name/age/contact number & most importantly the name of the venue you'd like to see the Young Guns play.

competitions@ebtm.co.uk



* EP launch show- Purple Turtle, Camden, June 19th.

* Full Tour in July...
18 Jul - The Star GILLINGHAM
21 Jul - Sticky Fungus STAINES
22 Jul - Roadmenders NORTHAMPTON
23 Jul - 12 Bar SWINDON
24 Jul - Bar Sumo MIDDLESBOROUGH
25 Jul - The Cockpit LEEDS
27 Jul - Harry’s Bar STOKE
28 Jul - Barfly CARDIFF
29 Jul - Sin City SWANSEA
30 Jul - The Cavern EXETER
5 Aug - Engine Rooms BRIGHTON
6 Aug - The Twist COLCHESTER
7 Aug - Man On The Moon CAMBRIDGE
8 Aug - The Boileroom GUILDFORD
9 Aug - Rock City NOTTINGHAM
10 Aug - GRV EDINBURGH
11 Aug - Ivory Blacks GLASGOW
12 Aug - Dexters DUNDEE
13 Aug - Tunnels ABERDEEN
15 Aug - Viewfields ARBROATH
16 Aug - Barfly LIVERPOOL

- Please note by entering this competition you are agreeing to be entered into our email newsletter.
- Please be assured all information provided will be safeguarded.

Download - We'll See You There!

The time has come, finally! This w'end EBTM will be heading to Download Festival, so expect a full review next week. One thing's for sure, this years bill is so much stronger than last years. Offspring headlining?! Bad news! - but this time around It's looking strong. Ok, so the weather is debatable, but with returning sets from Faith No More and a certain nu metal band alongside a bill that really does give a nod to the metal roots of the festival, it's set to be an absolute stormer.

Who will we be watching? Well, the UK new school is well represented in Bring Me The Horizon, The Blackout, You Me At Six, Architects, Blackhole, We Are The Ocean, Twin Atlantic, Young Guns and Outcry Collective. We're also expecting some classic sets from Journey, ZZ Top, Whitesnake and Def Leppard. Who will be the best of the 90's metal act- our money is on Bizkit getting the best response, but Slipknot beating them, Korn and Manson as the best of the bunch. Oh, and of course there is that Faith No More reunion set?! Good, good times! Can't wait!

We'll see you all there. x

Billy Talent - Gig Review

So tonight is a busy old week- All American Rejects, Steadlur, Alexisonfire and Billy Talent are all in town doing shows. We opt for Billy Talent in the end, and it appears we've made a good choice.


Fresh from playing to 12,000 people in Europe, the band find themselves squeezed into the sweaty confines of the Underworld to thrash it out to a meagre 600 kids. Small numbers don't deter them however as they launch into a set of crowd favourites and songs from the soon to be released third album, cunningly titled III. New songs blend seamlessly into a set that includes classic tracks such as Red Flag and Try Honesty. The sound is perfect- loud but crisp, and the band are tight as anything, proving that 15 years in the game has paid off.

Just like any Billy Talent song on it's own, the whole set is a relentlessy energetic spectacle that hits you like a wall. The simple fact is they don't play bad shows. Tonight is proof of that. As sweaty kids spill out of the venue, we are left excited for the new album and their sure to be great set at Download.


Bring it on!


Words by Whispering Eye.

Monday 8 June 2009

Valient Thorr - Free Show




VALIENT THORR LIVE AT THE CROBAR, LONDON 10TH OF JUNE

Our friends at the Crobar in Soho set up this one-off show with Valient Thorr
Be sure not to miss it!

Soulfly - Win Tickets!!!



The Soulfly tribe is once again on the warpath!

Soulfly's sixth offering for Roadrunner Records, Conquer, channels raw, unbridled rage through a cacophony of thrash guitars, infectious grooves, tribal polyrhythms and Max Cavalera’s unmistakable, thunderous roar. On this record, Soulfly unleash a metallic mayhem unlike anything they’ve done previously. Conquer shifts from unrelenting, precise speed metal to slow, brooding doom. Marc Rizzo’s lead guitar rips with the precision of a smart bomb, while Bobby Burns grinds out volatile, chest-caving bass lines. Drummer Joe Nunez crushes behind the kit, forging a rhythmic background for all-out sonic war. Once again, it’s the legendary Max Cavalera who stands at the eye of the storm, uniting the musical tribe and acting as its unofficial leader. His voice and guitar command the tribe into battle with each line and riff. Grab your war paint and prepare for the onslaught.

This will be epic, and what better way to witness the fury than to see them live courtesy of EBTM & our friends at The Academy Group, we're offering 2 tickets to see Soulfly tear it up at 02 Academy Islington, London June 16th.

Ok guys, the competiton is now closed. Our winner is Paula Rocha, enjoy the show!

- Please note, by entering this competition you are agreeing to be entered into our email newsletter.
Please be assured we will safeguard all information provided.
Competition open to UK residents only.