Transformers War For Cybertron

I’m just about to head out the door to review the big Snow Patrol gig in Ward Park in Bangor, but before I do I thought I’d post up the trailer for the new Transformers game War For Cybertron. I’m not exactly what you would call a “gamer” and basically bought my (Professor) X Box at the start of the year for the Sky Player capabilities, but I gotta say …Cybertron looks amazing. Check it out. It’s available to buy from June 22 apparently.

Guns ‘N’ Roses For Ireland

Yes readers, Axl and friends are coming to Belfast and Dublin this summer (well, finger’s crossed anyway) and as it’s only a couple of days after my birthday I’m feeling rather smug. More details below

GUNS N’ ROSES
ANNOUNCE DUBLIN AND BELFAST CONCERT DATES

Tickets On Sale Friday 11 June at 9.00am

Guns N’ Roses have confirmed concert dates at The Odyssey Arena, Belfast on 31 August and The O2, Dublin on 01 September, 2010.  Tickets for both concerts will go on sale Friday 11 June at 9.00am.
 
The worldwide tour promotes the band’s current album, Chinese Democracy, which debuted at #1 on the charts in thirteen countries including Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Finland, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, as well as the European Top 100 Albums survey.
 
Chinese Democracy was released on Black Frog/Geffen Records in November 2008 and reached 3 times Platinum in Canada, Platinum in Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Poland, Romania, Switzerland, UK, Argentina, New Zealand and South Africa. The album is Gold in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Hungary, Holland, Sweden, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Brazil and Colombia. In the U.S., the album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on February 3, 2009.
 
Guns N’ Roses – Axl Rose, Frank Ferrer, Tommy Stinson, Richard Fortus, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Dizzy Reed, Chris Pitman and welcomed guitarist Dj Ashba -last toured the world in 2006 – 2007, performing 60 concerts in 26 countries playing for over a million fans.
 
Produced by Axl Rose and Caram Costanzo, Chinese Democracy includes 14 tracks.
 
Guns N’Roses
The Odyssey Arena, Belfast
31 August, 2010
 
The O2, Dublin
01 September, 2010
Tickets on sale Friday 11 July at 9.00am

The Odyssey Arena, Belfast
Odyssey Arena Box Office: Tel. 02890 739074
Book On Line: www.odysseyarena.com

Ticketmaster
In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By Telephone (24 Hour):  
ROI – 0818 719 300, Northern Ireland – 0844 277 44 55
Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

Decade Of Aggression Review In This Month’s Metal Hammer

As the headline tells you (I couldn’t be fucked beating round the bush) this month I’ve reviewed the Decade of Aggression mega-bash for Metal Hammer. I’m chuffed to bits with how it turned out and you should all pick it up if you see it (if only for the sweet Maiden stickers). I’ve a few more things coming up in the magazine over the next few issues too, which is all good. I’m still writing for NME, Hot Press et al, but now I get to indulge my inner Thorrier as well. Up the Irons.

Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders NME Review

Here’s a reprint of my review of the Taylor Hawkins record that ran in NME a few weeks ago.

Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders

Red Light Fever

5/10

(Sony)

Boasting performances from Queen and Dave Grohl, Foo Fighters tub thumper Taylor Hawkins’ second solo effort is more of a work in progress than a complete and finished article. Comprising of classic rock riffs that will probably appeal to viewers of Top Gear, the record is a raspy, glam rock tinged effort that comes off as half-cocked as John Wayne Bobbitt. While the likes of ‘Way Down’ and ‘James Gang’ are solid enough, this is one time warp we don’t want to do again. Edwin McFee

DOWNLOAD: ‘WAY DOWN’