BeatRoute Magazine Alberta print e-edition - Feb. 2016

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MEGADETH Dave Mustaine dissects the entrails of Dystopia Megadeth has recaptured their sonic glory days with their 15th studio album. Few bands can boast such a colossal legacy as Megadeth. With an extensive discography fuelled with political allegories, speed-driven guitar riffs, intricate solos and a powerfully aggressive vocals, there is no doubt that Megadeth, and by direct extension their hugely influential guitarist Dave Mustaine, were integral to the founding of thrash metal. Adored not only by nostalgic metal fans, Megadeth has an unusual and spotty history that has recently rebounded to the glory days with their 15th studio album Dystopia, which was released via Tradecraft on January 22nd. With the addition of Lamb of God’s Chris Adler on drums and Kiko Loureiro on guitars, the chemistry between the members is reminiscent of the classic Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying? (1986) era of the band. The influence of Megadeth’s premier studio drummer, Gar Samuelson, is abundantly clear in Adler’s own style; Dystopia’s “Fatal Illusion” sounding strikingly similar to Peace Sells’ hit “Black Friday.” Luoreiro lives up to the vast history of guitar prodigies before him, displaying his seemingly effortless virtuosity throughout. Band mastermind, guitarist, vocalist, and media bad boy Mustaine speaks of the anti-tyrannical nature displayed throughout the album. “The name of the record was supposed to be Tyrannicide, but a couple of people were asking me if it was a dinosaur or not and it was just like, ‘No, it’s not, it has to do with killing tyrants.’” He laughs. “You know, and the funny thing is that people who are heavy metal fans, a lot of them think that a lot of the crazy concepts I come up with, you know, are my own. Rob Halford in Judas Priest was singing about tyrants in the song “Tyrant” on Sad Wings Of Destiny [1976], so these are the things that influenced my life and stuff that I believe in… So if it is good enough for Rob, it’s good enough for Dave!” Alluding to inspiration drawn from his earlier years, he speaks of the by Breanna Whipple sci-fi oriented artwork displayed on the album cover in which a robotic Vic holds the severed head of a cyborg in the midst of a fallen wasteland. “You know, it’s funny, that whole thing with the album cover, the artwork, dystopia, the concept behind the song... I used to watch a lot of movies when I was a kid, and probably stuff that was inappropriate for my age. I remember watching Planet Of The Apes [1968] when I was really young and it made a huge impression on me, especially the scene at the end with the statue of liberty buried in the sand… I saw, of course I was an adult now, I saw [dystopian film] 12 Monkeys [1995] with Brad Pitt and I thought that was great too, but there are so many kinds of movies, like [airborne virus film] Outbreak [1995], and all these different things like [alien invasion film] Independence Day [1996], crazy movies about just a world just getting fubar’d, you know what I mean? And it makes me think that, you know, if we don’t pay attention there is a good possibility some of this stuff may happen.” Allegorically, the dystopian theme resounded throughout the conversation, particularly when we asked about his spotty relationship with the media (and many metal heads). Mustaine was not oblivious to the response to his well-publicized controversial politics or the anger of the failure of Megadeth’s classic lineup reunion. Despite everything, he maintains an optimistic attitude and is thankful for Megadeth’s longevity. “I think, you know, if you were going to sum things up with me there are so many things that people say that are mean-spirited, there are so many people that really love me that say nice things... I think if you go right up the middle... what you see is what you get,” he says. “I try and be loyal and honest with my friends, I try not to hurt people when it’s unnecessary... I love what I do, I never give up.” Megadeth performs in Calgary, Alberta on March 6th at the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino; in Edmonton, Alberta on March 9th at the Rexall Place; and in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on March 10th at the Mosaic Place. All dates will also feature Suicidal Tendencies, Children of Bodom, and Havok. TRIVIUM conjuring a soulstorm for the ages No strangers to the cyclical nature of the music industry, Floridian heavy metal band Trivium have successfully weathered a decade and a half of outrageous fortune, but not without gaining a few battle scars along the way. The fact that the quartet’s latest album, Silence in the Snow, debuted at 19 on The Billboard 200 charts demonstrates not only their ability to resonate with audiences across the heavy metal spectrum, but their resolve to achieve ever greater heights. According to bassist and backing vocalist Paolo Gregoletto, the powerfully melodic seventh studio album marks a high point in Trivium’s artistic and technical trajectory. “Every time you go into making a new record you’re always trying to find new angle on your band and your music,” says Gregoletto, who joined in 2004 (the same year they were signed to Roadrunner Records). “It’s funny how one song can change everything. We broke new ground on this record because of the path that ‘Silence in the Snow,’ a song we had had in our books for about eight years, sent us down. It opened up doors to what would gradually become something different. For example, on the tracks ‘Dead and Gone’ and ‘Beneath the Sun’ we used seven-string guitars, which is something we haven’t done for the two previous albums, so it was refreshing to get back to it.” The already daunting task of following up their wrathful previous release, Vengeance Falls (2013), took serious turn when Trivium’s lead vocalist-guitarist Matt Heafy damaged his vocal chords while on tour and found himself at a critical crossroads in his career as a thrash-throated singer. “We were lucky it wasn’t anything serious. It was a culmination of the stress of performing in Canada at Rock on the Range and then enduring a border crossing 12 hours later. The general strain led to him having vocal issues, which were resolved when Matt was turned onto new vocal coach Ron Anderson by Matt [Shadows] from Avenged Sevenfold. Sometimes going through a crisis turns out to be a blessing in disguise. Going into this latest record we were all realizing it was going to be a heavy singing challenge, but having been through that earlier in the year helped strengthen his voice and he learned to scream in a new way that benefited us. Thankfully this record is an accurate reflection of how we are live.” The atmosphere of discovery on Silence in the Snow was conveyed thanks in part to the production values of Michael “Elvis” Baskette (Slash, The Amity Affliction, Alter Bridge) and master mixer Josh Wilbur (Lamb of God, Gojira), who facilitated their transition to a more sustainable albeit classic metalcore sound. “It’s cool to see how quickly the new songs have caught on with people after only a few months. I think Shogun (2008) needed time to sit with people, you don’t take it all in on the first listen, yet it became a fan favourite. Silence in the Snow is also very metallic and progressive, but we also made sure there are lot of big hooks and distinctive vocal and drum parts, as on the tracks ‘Until the World Goes Cold,’ ‘Silence in the Snow’ and ‘Blind Leading the Blind.’” Trivium’s seventh album Silence in the Snow is “very metallic and progressive” Another contributing factor to Trivium’s ever-shifting tempos has been the turnover of drummers including the departure of Travis Smith (Eternal Exile), Nick Augusto (Maruta), and most recently Matt Madiro. Breaking in the “the new guy,” Paul Wandtke, together with Heafy and long-time guitarist/backing vocalist Corey Beaulieu, gave Gregoletto pause to appreciate his band mates’ resilience and desire to continue their artistic evolution. Reflecting on a platinum-plated past, the recharged Trivium seems primed to engage whatever surprises the future holds in store. “The best way for us to honour Trivium’s legacy is by playing the back-catalogue perfectly and by Christine Leonard giving the people what they want to hear. It’s been cool for us to perform songs we haven’t played live in years and we’re having fun pairing up old songs to help introduce the new ones. We’re at the peak of our abilities and we’ve got a pretty big selection of songs. It’s exciting again and it feels like a real breath of fresh air.” Trivium are performing at the Starlite Room in Edmonton on February 10th, the Marquee in Calgary on February 11th (Every Hour Kills and Shark Infested Daughters are opening), O’Brians in Saskatoon on February 12th, and the Pyramid Cabaret in Winnipeg on February 13th. 44 | FEBRUARY 2016 • BEATROUTE SHRAPNEL
This Month In METAL There are an unusually high number of metal related events going down this February in Calgary. First up: not music, but definitely awesome. Telus Spark is hosting the BODY WORLDS Vital exhibit until May 31st. What’s more fascinating than looking at dismembered, plasticized, peeled and posed human bodies? Nothing, that’s what. On Monday, February 1st the progenitors of metal are touching down at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary. Given god guitarist Tony Iommi’s recent fight with lymphoma, this is very likely Black Sabbath’s final tour. To help usher your metal idols into a hopefully lengthy and healthy retirement, head down and undercut that asshole scalper as best you can. A handful of bands are releasing albums on February 12th, so head to Bandcamp and take a listen then buy! First up is Portugese classic metallers Ravensire, who will unveil The Cycle Never Ends via Cruz del Sur. Check the reviews section for Shawn Vincent’s thoughts on that gem. If you like your metal more extreme, check out the long awaited album II by powerviolence/grindcore band Magrudergrind (unless you get your knickers in a twist over sponsorships, because you’re whiny like that). Distortion will be hosting a Happy Holiday Party!! on Saturday, February 13th, presumably for Single’s Awareness Day. Head there to see Pervcore, Stab.Twist.Pull, Pillowfight, and James and the Shades. The next morning on February 14th, head over to the Hillhurst-Sunnyside Flea Market in Calgary for the grand debut of Midnight Records, a “small pop-up distro/record shop run by a very small team of Calgary punks.” Focusing on hardcore, d-beat, crust, anarcho-punk, and more, selling LPs, tapes, CDs, mags and patches, the shop will stock titles from Havoc Records, Ebullition, Active Distribution (U.K.),and Pioneers Press, alongside acts like ISKRA, Brocrusher, Narkotta, and more. Lift your filthy dollars like antennas to hell and get your ass down there. You can also visit https://midnightrecordscalgary.wordpress.com for more information. The album releases on February 26th are excellent. Season of Mist will release Wildfire, the fifth full-length by Australian black thrashers Deströyer 666; 20 Buck Spin/Svart will unleash Oranssi Pazuzu’s Värähtelijä (read the review section for James Barager’s thoughts). Finally, Canada’s own space thrashers Voivod will see their EP Post Society released via Century Media. Don’t miss out on the best local show of the month, which will go down at the Palomino Smokehouse in Calgary on Saturday, February 27th. There, Edmonton hardcore punk No Problem will release a new EP. Their Calgary buds PMMA, Ultra Gash, and Teledrome will also perform. Start your March off right with some great tunes at a show whose proceeds go to an excellent cause. On Friday, March 4th, Vern’s will host A Very Rob Fundraiser featuring performances by Licorice, If I Look Strong; You Look Strong, Trip and Stumble, and Mandible Klaw. All proceeds for the gig will help out Copsickle vocalist Rob Morrissette, who was diagnosed with a rare and painful form of rheumatoid arthritis called Spondyloarthritis in September 2015. “I am in an experimental phase with drugs, they have been aggressively trying to treat it,” says Morrissette, who was a self-employed drywaller with no medical benefits at the time of diagnosis, resulting in a difficult and expensive situation that is being treated with multiple prescriptions. “Basically I’m just waiting it out, trying to learn more about this disease and trying my best to stay positive through the crappy times.” If you’d like to hear some kick ass music and help out a member of the scene, attend the gig, or head over to https://www.gofundme.com/5ghxd858 to donate. • Sarah Kitteringham “A Very Rob Fundraiser” is organized by Mike Stumble (left) for Copsickle vocalist Rob Morrissette (right). photo: Andrea Cantana SHRAPNEL BEATROUTE • FEBRUARY 2016 | 45
Page 1: Propagandhi • Parquet Courts •
Page 4: pulse BAMBOO BASS FEST Western Cana
Page 9 and 10: CITY THE SMALLS: Forever Is A Long
Page 11 and 12: SMUTTY STORY CIRCLE not your grandm
Page 13 and 14: ISOLDE an experiment in adultery Ex
Page 17 and 18: FILM OSCARS 2016: WHO WILL WIN? (sp
Page 19: THE VIDIOT rewind to the future by
Page 22 and 23: THE BRIGHT LIGHT SOCIAL HOUR after
Page 24 and 25: FRANK TURNER & THE SLEEPING SOULS c
Page 26 and 27: BARNABY BENNETT a bard of perpetual
Page 28 and 29: THE CJS scrapping their way into yo
Page 30 and 31: EDMONTON EXTRA PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
Page 32: letters from winnipeg LOVE, LAKE WI
Page 36: TREASURE FINGERS jack of all trades
Page 40 and 41: BLOCK HEATER ALEJANDRO ESCAVEDO ico
Page 43: SHRAPNEL LOVE ME LIKE A REPTILE cel
Page 48 and 49: Animal Collective Abbath Abbath Sea
Page 50 and 51: Jordan Klassen and guarded personal
Page 52 and 53: their self-titled debut in 2011, Ca
Page 54 and 55: Midway through “Dance All Night
Page 56: livereviews Calgary Songs Project #

BeatRoute Magazine Alberta print e-edition - Feb. 2016

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