Sounds> On tour with Battlelore

I've just changed my plans a bit. Jussi, from Battlelore called yesterday night and asked if I'd be Battlelore's Tour Manager* on their upcoming European Tour. Around Europe for a few weeks with a heavy metal band made up of old friends? Yes, please!

(*yes, this is the glorified title given to a roadie who's also resposible for making sure the merchandise doesn't get stolen)

I'll need to reschedule the Mauritius flight, and this could even mean that I'm cutting something from the African part of the trip. I still intend to go of course, but this opportunity is way too interesting to pass.

With my newfound freedom, I've found it's easier and more interesting to say 'yes' to things instead of 'no'. I've never been good at saying no anyway. Now I don't have to.

So, I just went out and bought their new album. Rock solid. Clearly their best album to date. The samples on the site (just click the song names) give you a good idea. Try out We Are the Legions, or Beneath the Waves. Generally my taste in metal is a bit faster/darker, or alternatively very progressive and experimental, but Battlelore have actually found a distinct sound for themselves and continued to develop in that sound. Evernight, the new album, is indeed heavier, tighter and more menacing than the previous albums, and quite removed from the almost flighty tunes of Sword's Song, which featured - to my ear - some odd synth sounds and mixing decisions (though it also included their best song to date, Khazad Dum, pt.2: Silent Caverns; the mp3 sample unfortunately doesn't include the raging beginning of the song).

But that's all for now. I'll be touring with Battlelore from later in April. Raise your swords!