lyrics from: ‘The Dead Flag Blues” – Godspeed! You Black Emperor
http://www.theguardian.com/profile/david-squires
GAME TWO: ALBANIA vs SWITZERLAND
NIHIL vs DYSRIDER
Nihil are an Albanian black metal band who have a pretty decent ep out (video below). Mixing COF-keyboards and 2nd-wave BM riffs to produce
http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Nihil/3540325402
Previously known as Trophallaxy, Swiss quintet Dysrider play symphonic death metal with lots of low growls from co-vocalist Johnathon mixed with Joelle’s operatic vocal parts, flashy guitar solos and beefy riffs. A lot more enjoyable than most of the ‘Napalm Records, female-fronted-cleavage-core’ that’s out there.
https://dysrider.bandcamp.com/
http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Dysrider/3540393079
PREDICTION: This is Albania’s first ever Euro Championship tournament and although they aren’t going to be the whipping boys many think they will be, they aren’t going to win against an experienced Swiss team.
Musically, I’m siding with Dysrider on this one. Their use of brass, cello and violin elevate their songs above the usual female-fronted-symphonic bands.
GAME THREE: WALES vs SLOVAKIA
A VULGAR PICTURE vs ABSTRACT
Wales: it’s not just filled with huge gangs of tough sinewy men roam the valleys terrorising people with their close-harmony singing or mushroomed-addled stoner bands (see previous Welsh posts); and you don’t need half a pint of phlegm in your throat just to pronounce the placenames. Hailing from Swansea (see? not that difficult!) A Vulgar Picture play pretty damn fine progressive death metal. Chunky riffs, cool time signatures and killer drumming add up to a damn fine band from the valleys.
http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/A_Vulgar_Picture/3540371952
https://avulgarpicture.bandcamp.com/
Representing Slovakia are an instrumental, atmospheric, progressive metal act called Abstract. Three full albums to their name and the musicianship is outstanding, the riffs melodic and the guitar solos pretty damn good. A good variety of songs and melodies without getting too ‘muso’ in places.
http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Abstract/21123
PREDICTION: This will probably end in a draw. Wales are in their first tournament since the ’50’s and this is Slovakia’s first Euro tournament as an independent country (they did have 8 Slovakian players in the Czechoslovakian team that won the Euros in 1976). A draw but a high-scoring draw.
Musically, it’s another draw. Both bands have a lot going for them and both bands hit the right spot when the time is needed.
GAME FOUR: ENGLAND vs RUSSIA
WODE vs GRIMA
Manchester has given us some pretty good music in the past (Smiths, Joy Division/New Order, A Certain Ratio, Buzzcocks) but I’m struggling to recall a great, or even good, metal act from Manchester……until now. Wode are a quartet who have just delivered one of the best BM albums this year. Ferocious riffs, raspy vocals pretty sweet solos and a grimey production all add up to make this intense slab of black metal one of the best things you’ll hear all year.
http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Wode/3540338474
Russia’s Grima are an atmospheric black metal act, who’s debut album, ‘Devotion To Lord’ was a big hit in my household last year. Intense riffing, blastbeats and some tasty soloing all adds to their praise of Mother Nature in this superb album.
http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Grima/3540404377
https://naturmachtproductions.bandcamp.com/album/devotion-to-lord
PREDICTION: Another tournament for England and another disappointment for them. They should get out of their group, just like they should have gotten out of their World Cup group, but it will all depend on this first game, which I can see the Russians winning 2-1 (last minute own goal by Smalling) leading to fights, a smashed bar and tear gas all round.
Musically, this is a draw. Both bands are superb and both debut albums are essential listening. Very, very excited to hear from Grima and Wode in the future.
Pish and Mince 