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Under-the-Lights

Stormbringer

Recently a couple of groups have come to my attention, one from the Rock Fortress of the world, the United Kingdom, and one from a country that we don’t usually associate with rock Artists, let alone—Progressive Metal groups: Greece.  We’ll start with the twin guitar attack of the UK’s “Stormbringer”:

Out of the Northampton area, a relatively new group “Stormbringer” are about to unleash their second album.  Available worldwide in October, hard rockers will be able to enjoy “Blood And Rust”.  A five-piece, ‘Stormbringer’ create some very tasty guitar driven heavy rock.  The group consists of Darren McCullagh on bass, with Dom Wallace and Ash Smith on guitars.  The vocals are handled very well by Jimi Brown and keeping everything solid and punchy is drummer Jon Paul Quantrill.  Seems like a traditional set-up , and yes it is—but the way these guys play puts an edge to their music.  Young and brash, “Stormbringer” are dedicated to the tried and true foundations of Heavy Rock—and combine some modern attributes to the mix that result in a very energetic sound.  Listening to the material on this second release will belie the group’s age.  They sound and perform like they are veterans of the 1970’s—mind you-not copying anyone in particular—but the influences are definitely there!  Not only are they committed to this pure form of rock, but performing live is a huge part of their existence.  As time goes on, they may just be thought of as this decade’s hardest working band!  Oh!-just one more thing—another familiar 70’s name crops up…this second effort will be released through Attic Records!  So, start looking for it at the end of October!

Now, on to “Diviner”, a brand new Progressive Metal group that hails from Greece.  Another five piece, this group leans heavily on the progressive side of Heavy Metal.  With song titles like, “Kingdom Come”, “Riders From The East”, and “Seven Gates”…they compose from a slightly dark side of the mystical story telling plateau.  The music follows, and we hear a majestic and masterful set of music performances.  The lead vocalist sounds similar to a young Ronnie James Dio, pre-Sabbath days.  Again, a driving twin guitar attack ensures each musical journey is a full spectrum statement, and one that will excite.  Heavy yes, however “Diviner” do not get too immersed in the bottom layers of the sound spectrum.  Each creation flows and there is even some soaring flourishes that will brighten up what we are listening too.  This release is the group’s debut…entitled “Fallen Empires”, and will be available in North America during the latter part of November—but it will be worth the wait.  The guitar work within this group is par excellent, and they get in to some very interesting Eastern influences…another treasure to look out for.


Under The Lights
Upcoming Club/Concert Highlights:

The Blue Gator: Zamboni Brothers:  Sept. 24th & 25th 26th

Doc Willoughby’s:   Andrew Judah:  Sept. 25th   Open Air:  Sept. 26th

 Dream Café:  Ron Sexsmith:   Sept. 24th

Fernando’s Pub:  The Karpinka Brothers:  Sept. 24th   The Decoys:  Sept. 25th

O’Flannigan’s Pub:   (every Tuesday it’s a Local Talent Night!)  Linus:  Sept. 25th & 26th

Whiski-Jack’s:   Rumble 100:  Sept. 25th &  26th

Notable Concerts:   

Prospera  Place:  Dean Brody/Paul Brandt:  September 26th  Bare Naked Ladies:  October 25th  Shania Twain:  October 27th   Three Days Grace:  November 24th

South Okanagan Events Centre:   The Tenors:   October 3rd  Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band-(featuring Todd Rundgren, Steve Lukather, Gregg Rolie plus others!!)   October 10th 

Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre:  The Tea Party:   September 29th

   …if you have a musical story or news and would like me to write something… drop me a line at:  [email protected]  and let’s celebrate Kelowna’s rich and varied music community together!!.....

 

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.



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About the Author

We call him the Professor of Rock: With a career in music, television and media arts spanning 30 years, Atkinson knows music. He's traveled as a professional musician and he loves Rock 'N Roll. He is a music journalist who writes internationally for Frontier Records' Melodic Rock magazine and he owns FBA International a multifaceted management, consulting, promotional entity.



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The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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