Name: James, aka "James Paterson"
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Web Site: http://www.necromag.co.uk/
Bio: Girrable, better known as James Paterson. One of the main masterminds behind Necromag. Gonzo Journalist and beast of a few descriptions. I can be found at MySpace if you truly wish to peek at me.
Posts by James Paterson:
Building And The Battling In Brick-Force.
February 8th, 2012
Building is only half the battle in Brick-Force.
Brick-Force brings together brutality and blocks, which personally takes me back to my halcyon days of Lego and action figures locked in eternal elaborate combat. Brick Force builds on the many blocky shooters that have gone before to give us a cube filled cross platform sand-box gaming environment like no other. I say “no other”, but it would be easy to throw around phrases like Minecraft meets Modern Warfare with players constructing their own unique worlds to conquer. Berlin based games publisher Infernum Games have created a title that combines the free roaming combat of traditional FPS titles and a community construction spirit, loaded with as much charm as it has violence. What also sets this free-to-play title apart is its cross platform credentials, with plans currently under-way for the title to run across desktop, tablet, smartphone and social network platforms. Built via the Unity 3D engine players can access the comic visuals through a variety of browsers, making it what’s sure to be one of the most accessible madcap mobile multi-player FPS’. The current in game trailer shows a range of various game modes such as the classic ‘Capture the Flag’ and ‘Deathmatch’ styles or the ‘Defusion’ mode. ‘Defusion’ is a spin on a ‘King of the Hill’ mode in which bombs are planted, defused, and defended bringing explosive entertainment into the user-generated maps.
Even before release there is a concerted effort to build Brick Force as a community focused build, share and destroy title where one player can go it alone or build and dominate as part of a team in frantic battles across a colourful world of unique levels. “Brick-Force will provide gamers with a varied and comprehensive game experience across multiple platforms such as PCs, tablets and smart-phones” CEO and Founder of Infernum Games, Andreas Weidenhaupt explains “We are building a strong community ahead of the closed beta launch – and we can’t wait for the beta to start and to see the first maps of the fans.” If you consider yourself enticed already, you can register for a chance to play the online beta by signing up at Brick-force.com. Those who register early can look forward to unlocking a free and exclusive in-game item, credited to their account when the beta begins. Avid fans who recommend over 3 friends will also receive the “B Hammer” game item. The online beta is set to become available on the 28th of February.
Big Bad Med Featuring Climate Of Fear: 1st February, Bad Medicine Rock Club, Middlesbrough.
February 8th, 2012
BIG BAD MED featuring Climate Of Fear, Heavy Lies The Crown, All At Sea and Taller Than Trees.
Some would say hardcore rules the roost in the Teesside club gig circuit. As a result there’s plenty of savage competition to stand at the peak. Tonight’s four band bill at Bad Medicine Rock Club of Climate Of Fear, Heavy Lies The Crown, All At Sea and Taller Than Trees is loaded with rabid, heavier than heavy hardcore bands. The newest of the four and first up, Taller Than Trees make their début with a set of six songs that are for all intents and purposes brand new. Opener ‘Six Feet Chunder’ pounds and pummels with brutal vocals from singer Paul Gent getting the band off to a tight start, immediately followed by the intense ’40 Sex’, a song that truly lives up to its name and is exceptionally raw. ’Launch Pad’ slows down to showcase the powerful grooves of bassist Ben Leighton and brutal drumming of James Spence. ‘You Best Play Dead’ sets off again at full pelt with the pacey riffage from Johnny Reardon and Craig Brudenell in a track that also boast a brilliantly executed and thoroughly evil bass solo. ‘Rule One: Cardio’ really hammers down the the bands rhythmic skill before closing on ‘The Wet Heat’ a song more focused on a rolling filthy groove with what can only be described as a spot on solo. A blistering but short set leaves All At Sea with a tall act to follow.
From the first haunting guitar wail it’s apparent All At Sea subscribe to a different flavour of hardcore; still as abrasive, but spiced with doom and melody in place of aggression. The dark and stormy heaviness of All At Sea make it the perfect fit for the hellish roars of singer Jordan Paterson. ‘Equalizer’ throws some dancey grooves against the thorny drums of Jamie Walker for a rather ferocious throw-down. A vein of Killswitch Engage mellodies run through their penultimate song to awesome but curious effect before switching back into more of a black metal gear in their closer.
Heavy Lies The Crown’s groove laden, black metal influenced hardcore cracks their set open with a gravely chaotic track that drips with bluesy charm amid the savage noise. Heavy Lies The Crown manage to deftly mix beatdowns and the thrash sensibilities of the likes of Pantera into a wall of consistently aggressive music that chugs with deep grooves and delicious dirtiness. In ‘The Family Demise’ the melodic twang of Heavy Lies The Crown’s guitars side steps this otherwise consistent deep south sound from the North Eastern boys, but it’s by no means a foul or unwelcome move. A melodic section flexes some more versatile muscles for guitarists Graham Sanderson and Dan Williams, that is still firmly in keeping with the band’s hardcore edge. This is a performance practically mirrored later in their set with guitar work that verges on the progressive. ‘Stepping Stones’ returns to the core black metal hardcore sound, bringing with it a firm metal strut that not only closes their set but cements their immense swagger.
Headliners Climate Of Fear are commonly known as “Teesside’s angriest band”. Tonight’s performance for the ‘Boro murder crew makes them fight hard for that title by matter of circumstance. These have been some hardcore bands that have swung their weight around and shown a considerable amount of balls and skill while doing so. Taking to the stage with a far more to-the-point take on hardcore, Climate of Fear do it with all the brutality and flair of their set mates. With arguably the best projected vocals of the evening making vocalist Rae’s style far more apparent, Climate Of Fear firmly grasp their role as head of the bill and throttle every last breath they can out of it. Seemingly less heavy in their clarity, Climate Of Fear are exceptionally well put together live almost to the point of disbelief. ‘Ghosts’ smacks of Raging Speedhorn in its tense chug before truly kicking in to retake the heavy crown. Performing track after track full of grooves and catchy hooks, Climate Of Fear neatly round off their set with the appropriately titled ‘Fuck Off’. ‘Fuck Off’ is easily one of the sets more aggressive numbers. All the way through, from the guttural screams of vocalist Rae to the riffs of Woody and Hodge, everything from Climate Of Fear is delivered with a sense of vigour and intent that is taken to a whole new level in their final beat-down. Climate Of Fear conquer both record levels of quality and brutal walls of noise to more than deserve their reputation. These guys are angry and want us to know about it.
Javelynn – Chimaera At Heart.
February 7th, 2012
Javelynn - Chimaera At Heart.
Javelynn‘s debut release ‘Chimaera At Heart’ makes glorious use of frontwoman and former Ashbury Heights singer Yaz’s vocals which smoothly change gears from track to track. Moving from melodic and soulful, to bubblegum electro pop and even adding a bit more of a rock bite at times her voice is easily the most lasting impression to come from this album. That being said, the subtle and effective use of guitar gives tracks like ‘This song is not about you’ an attitude that synth alone could not convey. I would like to stress this is definitely what I’d call EBM without the coarse cross-over sound industrial implies. There is plenty of drive on ‘Wannabe’ with its brilliantly paced, catchy rhythm and some strong lyrics that are regretfully pushed out of place by the chorus which grates by its sheer repetition. It’s not that fair really, because I want to love this song but “I don’t wannabe a wannabe wannabe, I Just wannabe, wannabe me” is the kind of writing that makes my nerves twitch despite being a rather spirited song on the whole. ‘Beat You’ has a similar rhythm but contrasts its bassy surging rhythm with some candy coated keys and distorted vocals. The pogoing drums of ‘Crisis’ conjure in equal measure images of fist pumping heaviness but hardstyle Scooter-esque dance appeal. Rescued again by the sultry “priceless” vocals of Yaz ‘Crisis’ is the kind of song you can shimmy along to as much as thrash. ‘Die Young’ is whammy drenched riffage from its opening met with equally hard keys that has all of the infectiousness of ‘Wannabe’ but none of the drawbacks. ‘La Fin Absolue Du Monde’ has some attractive guitar driven sway again blending bubblegum, stompalong rhythms and aggressive synth to create a captivating track. Easily the most overtly poppy song on the the record ‘Morphine’ is bolstered with a chunky bass backbone against the bouncy synth and tick-tock drums. It’s hook of “you never call me when you’re sober” does add the catchiness that it so sorely needed, taking a bold stride away from the more accessible and powerful sound of its companions. ‘Oh Dear’ hits many of the same notes as ‘Wannabe’ with hooks that surpass it, a synth back bone and guitar based spikes that give it considerably more bite. ‘Skip A Heartbeat’ quivers with emotion that bristles at the tip of snapping back giving it plenty of broody charm.
All in all, Javelynn’s debut is a poppy and catchy album with some neatly placed guitar flourishes, bolstering the power of the release. The unassuming title ‘A Chimaera At Heart’ has proved to be rather appropriate, though Javelynn doesn’t push the boundaries too far or perhaps far at all with no truely astounding moments of experimentation. ‘Chimaera’ is a balanced mix that will delight many and disappoint only the most demanding of fans.
Javelynn – Chimaera At Heart is available now via Out Of Line Music.
14 More For Download.
February 1st, 2012
Download Festival 2012.
Download are now one short of the big four as 14 new bands are added to their 2012 bill. Megadeth immediately leaped out of their latest release, joining fellow thrash heroes Metallica and metal gods Anthrax on what’s shaping up to be quite a stellar line up across the June 8-10th weekend. Joining Mustaine’s metal mongers in the latest 14 are Slash featuring Miles Kennedy, Rise Against, Steel Panther and many more.
The legendary riff lord and ‘Vunter Slaush’ himself, Slash returns to the Download stage for the third time, bringing with him Alter Bridge frontman Miles Kennedy for whats sure to be another astonishing solo set. Melodic hardcore punk group Rise Against, glam rockers Steel Panther, punk four-piece Billy Talent and US heavy metallers Black Label Society are all announced, with the desert rock giants Kyuss Lives! reincarnating the legendary and highly influential stoner rock band Kyuss. Five Finger Death Punch bring their own brand of unrelenting melodic aggression, followed by industrial metal 4-piece Fear Factory and progressive djent metallers Periphery. Yorkshire rockers Terrorvision and Ginger Wildheart also join the grammy nominated metalcore group As I Lay Dying and Finnish glam metal band Reckless Love on what’s certain to be one of the biggest weekends on 2012′s rock calendar.
The other big news in this midweek announcement is the extension of the deadline for weekend arena ticket sales at 2011 prices. Originally scheduled to closed on Monday 30th January, fans will be pleased to discover that prices will remain the same until midday tomorrow at which point all ticket types will go off sale, returning at 5pm and increasing to 2012 prices at £155 plus fees.
Tickets are available now from Downloadfestival.co.uk
Retrofuturists With Decidedly Modern Problems.
January 31st, 2012
The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing - The Steampunk Album! That Cannot Be Named For Legal Reasons.
Prominent steampunks The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing have found themselves up against record label Goliaths EMI in a trademark battle over the title of their 2010 debut ‘Now That’s What I Call Steam Punk! Volume 1′. As owners of the compilation franchise ‘Now That’s What I Call Music’ EMI are pressuring the act to rebrand their early release. Given just three working days to alter the name or face legal proceedings vocalist and “occult comedian” Andrew O’Neill (seen on the stages of Download, Sonisphere, Golden Gods and more) set about canvassing their fans for alternative titles resulting in a wealth of suggestions spanning from the sublime to the ridiculous. As a result of the allegations, which fly in the face of the bands Neo-Victorian time travel indentity, the champions of (18)77 punk have ceded to the wishes of both fans and EMI to rename the album formerly known as ‘Now That’s What I Call Steam Punk! Volume 1′ as ‘The Steampunk Album That Cannot Be Named For Legal Reasons’.
The slow reaction of EMI could arguably have not come at a better time as the band gear up for the release of their second album. Though the legal pressure has meant an unexpected effort to alter the second pressing of the release, the album is due to return to iTunes and other digital retailers this week under the revised title with a run of hard copies to follow. Less than 20 copies of the original pressing are left, it’s the last chance for fans to get their hands on the offending article. Remaining copies are available through the bands official webstore while stocks last.
The second album from The Men Who Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing, ‘This May Be The Reason Why The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing Cannot Be Killed By Conventional Weapons’ is due to be released on March 12th via Leather Apron records, and it’s a fair bet that no one other than The Men’ could come up with such a title.
Mastodon Release ‘Dry Bone Valley’ Music Video.
January 27th, 2012
Mastodon - Dry Bone Valley.
Sludge metal monsters Mastodon have just released their brand new animated video, and let us say, it’s one hell of a trip. The newly premiered video for the Atlanta based bands track ‘Dry Bone Valley’ is a mix of live action and animated footage directed by fine artist Tim Biskup, that dazzles and confuses. You could quite honestly call this video a psychedelic rainbow nightmare and not be too far from the truth.
Mastodon are on tour next month with dates including:
February 5th, O2 Academy, Bristol.
February 6th, Manchester Academy.
February 7th, Barrowlands, Glasgow.
February 9th, UEA, Norwich.
February 10th, HMV Institute, Birmingham.
February 11th, O2 Academy, Brixton.
Junkie Kut – Pixel Picture.
January 27th, 2012
Junkie Kut - Pixel Picture.
Techno-punks Junkie Kut dropped their début single ‘Pixel Picture’ on the 25th November. Under the heavy beat of their high bpm rain, the band blend coarse electronic noise with guitars to create something brutal and strewn together in keeping with a sort of post apocalyptic cyberpunk attitude.
Despite a clunky name ‘Pixel Picture’ has sticking power and manages to carve something distinctive out of its rhythmic noise. Backed at its official launch party by Irish noise mongers Drugzilla and their buckfast drenched speedcore, it’s fair to say both bands are tastier to one with a pallet that can stomach their unrelenting drum machine backing. Though Junkie Kut, almost unbelievably for the genre, also evoke a far more emotive sound through their lyrical lamentations.
The act has recently announced intentions for an extensive European tour running from March to August where they will debut material from the upcoming album ‘The Hierarchy Enslaving You (T.H.E.Y)’ which is due for release later this year. If you want to see Junkie Kut play in your town Unrepresented Music invite you to drop them a line at info@unrepresented-music.com and let them know. Ahead of this tour, Unrepresented Music are hosting an event at Nottingham venue The Navigation Inn on February 24th. Headlined By Junkie Kut, the bill also features sets from Knifecutter, Needle Fac†ory, Vinolent and DJ Jack Schmaltz. Attendees will recieve a free Unrepresented Music record label sampler CD, with a whole heap more merchandise and music on sale during the event.
Junkie Kut – Pixel Picture is available to purchase now via a range of digital download platforms including Bandcamp, iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and 7Digital.
Once More Into The Breach, Bats!
January 26th, 2012
Gotham City Impostors.
Once again the beta gates open for the console testing of Gotham City Impostors. While the public were plenty impressed by their last peek at the DC Comics franchise inspired street skirmish title, the studio has set about tweaking, fine tuning and balancing the madcap mechanics of this unconventional multi-player game. Any patched alterations aside, the game offers up to twelve players to go head to head in team based combat, as they attempt to save or destroy the city of Gotham in equal measure by emulating their idols. Players are split into teams of either Bats or the Jokerz who then take to the streets to fight and unlock a wide range of costume, movement and weapon customisation options. Today Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment announced that the Gotham City Impostors public console beta is now available in the Xbox LIVE Marketplace and on the Playstation Network. This eagerly awaited download only title is once again available for fans to try the multitudes of weaponry and character customisation options at hand. Players wishing to try their hand at the Xbox version can request a code by signing up at GothamCityImpostors.com/beta while Playstation users can access the title via PSN without the need for a code. There are no further details regarding the full release of the game, though this current beta test runs from January 26th to February 6th. So get your skates on, grab a grappling hook and set the city aflame as a copycat killer or wannabe superhero today.
