“It was after our 2009 tour to Europe,” Sean told us, “When Nazar and I decided that it was time to seriously consider a move. We thought of the tour as ‘testing the waters’ and we had our hearts set on it.” To the horror of the South African metal community, Nazar was killed in a car accident in October of 2010 and with the loss of Sean’s strongest ally in driving the move, plans fell silent in the months following.
“We had many member changes, but would not give up working toward a goal. I see this move as a step towards not just fulfilling my own dream, but Nazar’s dream too.”

Sean describes the current line-up of the band as primarily session members: George (guitar), Brandon (bass) and Gavin (drums).
“These guys have been amazing, but right now it is just myself taking the Warthane name and material over. A new European-based line-up has been in the cards, but I will not hesitate to call on my South African bandmates if and when a great opportunity arises.” Naturally, it will take some time – likely a number of months at best – for Sean to find his feet and re-establish the band, but he is driven and hints towards some big surprises to come. He went on to describe the excellent feedback received from European contacts since releasing the Black Divine album in December of 2011, and says that now is the time to consider offers. His initial focus, however, will be to set up a highly professional live line-up who are gig-ready and up to par with the bands new surroundings.

We asked Sean for a closing statement, or any message he would like to offer his soon-to-be former local community:

“Warthane has been given six great years in South Africa; I have many memories that will be always held dear to me. For now, Europe is my main concern, but once Warthane has built up a following in Europe, some home tours would be great!”

“None of this would have been possible without the burning fury of our South African metal scene and our fans. When we return, we want to bring nothing but our A-game and hopefully something big and spectacular. This is an exciting time and it finally feels like the hard work and sacrifice is paying off. It is not always easy to wave your home country goodbye and it is certainly no easy task feeling like you are leaving the SA family behind, but we hope that everyone will appreciate out efforts and desire to progress as far as we can. We only have one life; make things happen!”

“I would also like to thank everybody for being so positive about the move and wishing us well on our journey. I could never live with myself knowing that I never tried chasing my dreams and those of my dearly missed friend. Warthane is a work horse and will always be. Just when you think it’s down, it comes back stonger!”

From the team at Metal4africa.com, we wish Sean and Warthane all the best in his European endeavors, and we will keep a close tab on progress. Good luck, and may the spirit of Odin be with you!

As it turned out, Cape Town and surrounding provinces do indeed sport a small contingent of survivors from the 90s era doom scene. I arrived at ROAR to discover that not only had this convention of long-time metallers birthed between 1965 – 1980 arrived, but rather a diverse crowd sporting anybody between eighteen years and fifty! Although not a huge number of people by any means, the venue had been well chosen because the shadowy entities contained therein had it comfortably filled. It was absolutely fantastic to actually attend a show where there seemed a stronger emphasis on the social aspect than just filling the night with noisy bands, and I offer full kudos to them for keeping the atmosphere true to the key focus of the night. A masterfully selected playlist filled our ears whilst in anticipation of the show.

The performance began with no announcement, and I suspect that most people thought it was another track on the playlist. During the first few notes of “Your River” (tribute to My Dying Bride,) the curtains were opened to reveal the stage, occupied at this time by a performance act comprised of members from band such as Axxon, A Walk With The Wicked, Ashes At My Grave, and even members from Cape Town’s 90s doom sensation, Grämlich. Within just a few seconds, the audience was transfixed. This particular track was delivered at a high level of excellence and the passion that the musicians feel for this artist was clear in their performance. Following a very quick trade of instruments by members and the addition of a fresh recruit on vocals, they went on to deliver “And When He Falleth” (originally by Theatre Of Tragedy), and so the evening progressed.

By the end of the performance we had seen no less than ten musicians rotating responsibilities on the stage, with backgrounds from almost as many current and past South African bands. With such an ensemble and with so many instruments and different tunings trading hands, there were a few minor slips – but none of which the audience would not have forgiven considering the overall quality and complexity of the production, and the effort which had gone into it. The evening revealed other members affiliated with The League Of Doom from even more bands such as Crow Black Sky, Terminatryx and Mind Assault, and even one of the key performers experiencing his very first live experience.

What this night represented to a lot of the people involved was not only a celebration of a great sub-genre of metal, but also the fact that it is enjoyed by a diverse composition of people where virtually the only common ground between them is that love which they all share for the dark and dramatic. I think it is safe to say that everybody came away from the night feeling culturally enriched and eager to hear when The League will be doing a follow-up presentation. Maybe it will be six months, or maybe a year or possibly more. However, if there is one thing that is certain, it is that doom metal is alive and well.

Homeward Tracklisting:

Initiation
Niflheim
Elder Bliss
Old Man Maiden
Land Van ‘n Duisend Mere
Valhalla
Witches’ Betrayal
Autumn Moon
Earth Reborn
Homeward
Enter Euphoria
Conclusion

According to the band, the first single, entitled “Niflheim”, will be released as a teaser about a month prior to the album’s release.

The artwork has just been unveiled, along with the track listing, and album release date is expected to be announced for sometime in September. With bands such as Balyios and the somewhat more seasoned Haggis and Bong, it is becoming apparent that the folk metal scene in South Africa is on the up-rise. Enthusiasts for the sub-genre might also take an interest in bands such as Riddare Av Koden and Strident, who both exhibit some influences – albeit more subtle – from the folk scene.

Visit Balyios on Facebook here

“We’ve all worked really hard on this recording and are quite proud of it”, Alex Wiese (Messiah Complex frontman) told us. The band is still reasonably new in the Cape Town scene, and Alex went on to tell us how each new song the band writes is harder for each member to cope with, but the result is that Messiah Complex is constantly driven towards streamlining their sound, which is now available for all to hear and salivate over. “I think a lot of people will be quite surprised as to how we’ve developed over the years,” he concluded, and we at M4A most certainly were. Go and check them out here: https://www.facebook.com/messiahcomplexsa

After seeing that our writer for this event would not make it, I wolfed down my supper and set out into the night. Close to an hour and some 70km later, I found myself doing a slow drive-by through an eerie industrial park with my head out of the window, listening for any hint of this rumoured venue. By the third pass, some ADT Security guys started to regard me with suspicion. Luckily, I caught sight of a bare-chested, tattooed guy missioning with his girlfriend (one can assume) down an alley. He looked like the headbanging sort so I followed. Needless to say, the venue was not easy to find, tucked away in the furthest reaches of Montague Gardens, near Milnerton. But the first impression was good. Once I’d passed through the alley, people and cars were suddenly visible everywhere.

The venue is not spacious, but seems comfortable enough. Indoors is split into two. On the one side, you find yourself in a large room not too unlike Cape Town’s beloved ROAR venue. On the other side, there is a similar sized room sporting a bar and some sit-down-and-chill facilities. By this time, it was clear that I’d already missed the first band, Sonnet For A Dead Countess. The best anybody could describe them to me as was “Ya, they were pretty tight, hey.” and not a word more. Disappointed, I took a moment to visit the bar and observe the sort of people I was surrounded by. I definitely had the longest beard in the place – and, admittedly, was relieved when I saw that there were at least a few other bearded blokes around, poking out here and there amongst the many teens who were in attendance. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for all-ages shows, but when youngsters outnumber adults 5-to-1, I begin feeling a little pedophobic – like as if it’s wrong that I’m there.

Fortunately, the next band was ready to begin and I quickly forgot my dawdling. I was actually genuinely impressed by Messiah Complex, a band fairly fresh off the starting block. Their facebook page describes them as metalcore, which is evident in their occasional use of breakdowns, and clearly in the vocal style.  However, a far cry from many young metalcore bands who have come and gone over the years, their vocalist actually uses his voice in an artful and mature manner which I quite liked, and the breakdowns were not the star of the show, as is often the case with bands who describe themselves under this sub-genre. In fact, as I was listening to them, I got a much greater impression of what In Flames sounded like when they first started playing way back in the 90s. The drummer’s timing was intense. I also liked what the guitarists were doing, and although the lead guitarist pulled some tricks, I really cannot wait to see what the songs will sound like once he’s got another year or two of development to his credit. There is great potential there.

Next up was The Impalement Theory, lovingly called upon by their more loyal fans as “TIT!”. This was the first time I’ve got to see them perform, although they have been knocking about the scene for a while already. I cannot comment too much on their music because the bar was moving so slowly that it took me the full changeover time as well as half of their set to get a beer, but I got back just in time to see champagne spewing from the stage. These guys (and gal) definitely have a strong stage character. You can see that they’re very comfortable performing and enjoying themselves and I think that becomes contagious to their crowd as well, but I must confess that I enjoyed the music of the band before just a little bit more. I think it boils down to vocals and that I’m an “ou toppie” and appreciate more artfulness, where The Impalement Theory are more about “brutality”, as the name of the event so aptly described the night. So, I cannot really fault them on that.

By the time The Impalement Theory were finished, I was relieved to find a lot more of an older crowd filling the place in anticipation of Megalodon. This was Megalodon’s second public performance, but after their electrifying debut at the recent M4A SummerFest’12, I think a lot of people were expecting great things from this performance. And so they delivered! At the Double D’s Night of Brutality, they proved again why they are the exception rather than the rule. These guys are just five tons of pure “mannekrag”; bearded and ugly and heavy, heavy, heavy, the way metal exists in my dreams.  They had the crowd up in a frenzy and held them there for every minute of the show.

Unfortunately, the venue seemed to empty out quite a bit after Megalodon as the next newbie band took to the stage. I felt a bit sorry for Blind & Deaf Jesse, but even so, I also soon had to begin the long journey back home. Truth is, although the band was kind of cool, they do not yet measure up to the three bands preceding them and the audience perceives and dwindles. But it’s early days still. I’ll be watching with interest at where these young men end up in another year or so. Keep it up, lads!

All in all, it was quite a lekker night out. Nice venue (once you find it,) great sound (with MacAudio Company supplying,) and nice enough people. I only hope that the venue has learned a bit from this first Night Of Brutality to be slightly better prepared for the next one – as I would easily have spent twice as much money had the bar been more efficient.

With only weeks to go and tickets selling fast, do you feel the buzz yet? For those who are still confused about what is going on: RAMfest is hitting multiple cities this year, but offering only a single-days entertainment at each stop. Fear not! If you’re in Jo’burg or Cape Town, there is still the option to enjoy the camping experience. You can even camp for two nights if you’re that enthusiastic about it! Of course, the big news is more about what has got a tone of metalheads excited about a dream come true: In Flames!

To sweeten the pot, RAMfest have granted us four single tickets (2 in JHB and 2 in CT) to give away. We’re giving you only till Monday to do your part which might win you your free entry. All you have to do is comment on this post, saying just exactly HOW excited you are to be seeing In Flames in your city (please ensure that it appears in your comment which city you are seeing In Flames). Easy! Please use a legitimate email address so we can contact our winners who will be selected by our panel based on which comments make us smile the most. If you already have a ticket, you may still enter. We cannot refund you, but maybe you can win a ticket for your friend! In fact, to improve on those chances, we’d suggest you get your friends to enter as well (so feel free to share this competition on Twitter and Facebook).

If you have not been contacted by us on Monday 27 Feb, we suggest your waste not another minute and go to purchase your ticket online via http://www.ticketbreak.co.za at R350 for a festival pass (JHB & CT). If you are planning to camp, there is a separate pass for one night only (night of the festival) costing R30, or if you want to get in super early, you can buy a two night pass for R50 (night before and the night of the festival).

Cape Town’s leg of the tour will also include a Hard Rock & Metal bar in the camp area hosted by yours truly, Metal4Africa.com, running both nights and all through the day – so those of you who are most passionate about your metal wont have to endure more than a heartbeat without it. Prepare for some heavy InFlammation!

NB: Remember to put your city in your comment! You aren’t be eligible for a prize otherwise!

It is in that spirit where we now focus our attention on the promising up-and-coming Black Apple Productions.  This Johannesburg-based operation is the making of two sisters sharing a passion for all things alternative.  They advertise services such as photography for band portfolios (live pics, press pics, etc), press kits, website building and maintenance, along with every manner of other creative thing.  We’ve already had the pleasure of seeing some photographic work from owner, Samantha Williams, contributed towards articles on this website – so our expectations are high that Black Apple Productions are fully able to deliver on what they promise.

On that note, we wish Black Apple all the best of luck with their launch party near Johannesburg.  They’ve rounded up an arsenal of wicked bands well known to the Joburg scene and plan to knock-up The Black Dahlia Music Venue on 30 March.  For those of you who are local to that city, doors open at 6pm with a R50 entry fee, and R60 after 9pm.  Live entertainment includes Warthane, Of One Design, The Hammer Of Redemption, Tranquil and State Dependency.

For full event details and updates, see facebook event here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/158904427554645/

For full details on Black Apple Productions, see facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/B.Apple.Productions

4 Heavy Metal guys are needed for an advert to be made by a big brand in the automotive industry.  If you are aged between 17 and 30 years, and can make yourselves available for casting tomorrow (Thursday 16 Feb), then you might stand to earn R10,000 for the work, if selected.

The theme will be headbanging inside the car (like in Wayne’s World).  Look and dress must be like metal heads of the present.  Think away from the traditional metal ”pretty-boy” look – more about facial hair, belts & chains, earings & tatoos, etc.  Make it happen, Cape Town!

THE CASTING STUDIO

73 Loop Street, Cape Town

Casting on Thursday 16 Feb between 18h00 and 20h00

The result of which was that I was not as surprised once I finally heard the music as I might have been, after being cornered by some zombies at M4A’s SummerFest ’12 and having a disc thrust into my clammy grubbers. The production is totally top notch. I’m guessing this is the work of Burning Tone Studio? I don’t know, but I’m guessing – considering that Mr. Louis Henn himself is also in the band. For those who don’t know, Louis is responsible for the outstanding work previously celebrated on this website with the release of Recursive by The Broken Result. On this disc from Zombies Ate My Girlfriend, there were two songs not intended for release, but more of a promo of what is to come. The music is actually pretty weird! Not as in “kak” weird, but more like “very interesting” weird. The songs are performed with absolute brains-against-the-wall heaviness, and the kind of precision which requires no double-tap (Motherfucker!).

The mix is immaculate, allowing the listener to hear every detail of every instrument, including the weird buzzes and blinks programmed into the tracks. The songs do maybe go on a bit long for the level of intensity that they reach within the first few seconds – although there are plenty of breaks and changes to keep it interesting. Ultimately, I can imagine these songs to be part of a high octane soundtrack to some kind of zombie apocalypse-styled arcade game, filled with carnage – like Need For Speed, but driving bullets and chainsaws instead of cars.

Personally, I’m rather looking forward to hearing whatever Zombies Ate My Girlfriend have planned for us. They seem to me to have taken a now overdone genre and given it a fresh spin with their unique interpretation and adding a fun (albeit with serious undertones) component. Lets see what the future brings… if not the demise of all!

Stream “Deathworm” by Zombies ate my Girlfriend below:

Sindulgence has begun on recording for their debut album Recollections, and are doing so at the studio of Dean Hammond (guitarist in Moment Of Clarity) in the Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs.  The release will also be paired with a DVD featuring lots of fun “behind-the-scenes” stuff from the band, and will be sold for discount at the launch party, bundled with the album.

The band has described the album theme as a look at how things have changed through the centuries and yet how certain things stay the same. Lyrics focus on topics such as natural order, philosophy, and how things are more beautiful when they have history and significance attached to them.

There are seven bands scheduled to play and the show kicks off early in the evening. Forgive Us Not are a new band on the scene, and have just increased their mark on it by delivering a crushing set at SummerFest’12. They will be kicking off the party at 17h30. Thereafter will be Suiderbees, one of Cape Town’s fast risers in the death metal scene, followed by the long-standing thrash act, Infanteria. Punters who are foolish enough not to have arrived early will also miss The Thunder Gods, a tribute band (featuring members of Mind Assault) who have received rave reviews on their rendition of songs by Amon Amarth. There will be a taste of the dark when Rigormortem take the stage following The Thunder Gods, and then some lighter-hearted power metal by Strident.

Sindulgence will take the stage at 22h00 to perform the first of two sets whch they have planned for the night – so from that time onwards, it’ll just be pure sin until the strength is drained from all. Make sure you have this date marked in your diary: Saturday 23 June @ ROAR. 

Full event information can be found on the official event page on facebook – : here.