Bit late again with this… especially since November’s almost over… but I’m sure I’ll get December’s one up late too so it’ll all work out 
In case you’re not familiar with the idea, Metalhead of the Month is a short and sweet interview with a different metalhead… every month. Simple really. If you would like to be interviewed in the future, please let a comment below.
Metalhead of the Month: Blissfulviolet
1. Which band first got you into metal?
Guns N Roses. I remember watching the “Welcome to the Jungle” video on MTV when it first aired. I must have been 6 or 7 years old at the time but it made me aware that there was more heavier music out there than what my parents listened to around me… The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin etc. After that I discovered Iron Maiden, Metallica and the rest is history.
2. What was the first metal gig you ever went to?
I snuck out to a few local punk, metal shows in my area but the actual first metal concert experience I recall was checking out Megadeth and Corrosion of Conformity back in 1995.
3. What are your Top 5 albums of all time?
Iron Maiden – Piece of Mind/Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, Bathory – Hammerheart, Death – Symbolic, Dissection – Reinkaos, Black Sabbath – Paranoid
4. What are your Top 5 albums of 2011 so far?
The new Goreaphobia album “Apocalyptic Necromancy” is extremely killer. Saxon’s “Call to Arms” was a great listen. Satan’s Host “By the Hands of the Devil” is also worth checking out, it features the return of original vocalist Harry Conklin-which gives the album that primitive back to roots feel! And you can’t go wrong with “Abzu” from Absu. Nightbringer also upped the ante with “Hierophany of the Open Grave.”
5. What has been the most disappointing album of 2011 so far?
I haven’t really ran across one.
6. What is the most embarrassing CD / MP3 in your music collection?
Embarrassing? Well aside from cds, I have a HUGE collection of vinyl from everything like Judas Priest, Motley Cure, Bob Seger to The Cure, Depeche Mode, The Turtles, Neil Young and even Joan Baez. I love 60’s/70’s rock/folk music and 80’s wave… which might surprise a few but there should be no shame or boundaries when you simply love music.
7. Do you prefer CDs, MP3s or vinyl?
Vinyl, I need to start collecting again.
8. Can you play an instrument? If so, what?
Not anymore. As a child, my father taught me how to read music, play acoustic guitar and the organ/keyboards but I never bothered to stick with anything. I was more interested in writing and the vocal aspect of music. As time went on, I stuck with writing but if time provides, I would like to pick up from where I left off.
9. Are you in a band?
No but my husband Steve (Ancient Malus) and I are in the beginning stages of working on a studio project called Serpents Woe, where I plan on putting some of my poetry/lyrics to music. We’ll see how that goes, at the moment most of our time is spent running an online/print metal publication called Beyond the Dark Horizon. We also book events and tours for local, regional, national bands when the opportunity presents itself.
10. What’s the ‘metal scene’ like in your area? Where are you from?
Texas in general has always had a great scene for metal. Locally in San Antonio it’s another story. Folks tend to come out to shows featuring mainstream acts and show little support for the underground events. And like any scene, everyone has their own little “click” of friends who support their own cause. Bands come and go, people relocate, have kids and settle down. In the end only the strong survive. On the upside, San Antonio has several great promoters who continue to put Texas back on the map. Unlike other rural cities in Texas, San Antonio always has a metal show going on- its just a matter of getting everyone out there.
11. Which bands should we all be listening to? Please feel free to provide links!
If you like your metal black, thrashy and meaningful, check out Maiestas from Dallas, TX.
They are truly one of Texas’ hidden gems. I was floored after seeing their live performance. Cool genuine, talented guys who are in this business strictly for the metal-the way it should be.
Also my husband’s band Ancient Malus from San Antonio, TX, aside from their DIY attitude, the work these guys do (booking events, providing exposure for bands through interviews and promotion) should not go unnoticed.
Benatnash, Ophian, Adumus, Obeisance, Kult ov Azazel , Ceremonial Castings, Nokturnel, Vektor, Thornspawn, Nodens, Labei Ritual, Humut Tabal, Butchered Saint, Immolith, HOD and Emperial Massacre are some of the many hard working bands that continue to keep the extreme metal flame burning!
12. Which metal track should replace the national anthem (well, the national anthem of whichever country you happen to be in!)?
“Metal Gods” from Judas Priest, hands down!
13. Who is the best band on the planet?
Iron Maiden. And don’t try to argue with me because I’ll win!
14. Who is the worst band on the planet?
Band or bands? Haha, not sure where to begin. HIM, Slipknot and all the crap bands that invented the term emo.
15. What was the last gig you went to?
Gathering of Bestial Vengeance Fest II in Dallas, TX which featured some great black, death metal bands from around Texas. Wild night! Dallas knows how to have a great time.
16. What gig are you planning to go to next?
Mayhem December 3rd in San Antonio, TX
17. Can you tell us a random fact about yourself?
I’m a proud devoted mother, wife, music enthusiast, poet, journalist and photographer who loves a new challenging adventure.
18. What will bring about the zombie apocalypse?
Aren’t we already the living dead?
19. Will they be fast zombies or slow zombies?
Hopefully fast, none of this Hollywood cinema BS.
20. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Hails to Loucifer Speaks for featuring me! Please be sure to stop by Beyond the Dark Horizon at beyondthedarkhorizon.com to check out what we do. For those interested, my photography work can be found at violetsistinephotography.com and artistic/writing endeavors at violet-fire.net.
~ Blissfulviolet
Thanks!
What with Freebie of the Week and now this, Loucifer Speaks seems to be spawning new features left, right and centre at the moment. This can only be a good thing, surely!
Metalhead of the Month is exactly what it says on the tin – each month, Loucifer Speaks will feature a short, yet sweet interview with a different metalhead. The questions will remain more or less the same, but I have the feeling that we will find ourselves with some supremely diverse answers. I will be choosing Metalheads via the Loucifer Speaks forum, our Facebook page, our Twitter page and our Google+ page. Basically, if I’ve had a little chat with you and I think you’re interesting, I will ask you if you want to take part in this.
Below you will find our first Metalhead of the Month. Why is Simon the first? Well, he helped me to come up with the idea. So, credit where credit’s due! THANKS DUDE!!!
Metalhead of the Month: The Simon Interview
1. Which band first got you into metal?
Was a mix of Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC and Metallica.
2. What was the first metal gig you ever went to?
A Few unsigned bands but first main gig I went to was Iron Maiden!!!!
3. What are your Top 5 albums of all time?
So far…
Nine Inch Nails: “Beside You in Time”
Metallica: “S&M”
Nine Days Down: “A Sign of Things to Come”
Downthesun: “Medicated”
Slayer: “Seasons in the Abyss”
4. What are your Top 5 albums of 2011 so far?
Due to health reasons not bought much music this year.
5. What is the most embarrassing CD / MP3 in your music collection?
None off the top of my head…..
6. Do you prefer CDs, MP3s or vinyl?
CDs
7. Can you play an instrument? If so, what?
No… No musical talent whatsoever!
8. Are you in a band?
No.
9. What’s the ‘metal scene’ like in your area? Where are you from? (Just a rough area will do… don’t need your full address, unless you want some new stalkers!)
Tonbridge, Non-existent….
10. Which bands should we all be listening to? Please feel free to provide links! 
Gravil: gravilmetal.com
Near Death Experiment: facebook.com/pages/NEAR-DEATH-EXPERIMENT/7297912655
Gregorian: facebook.com/groups/84036344374
Hollow Demise: facebook.com/pages/Hollow-Demise/189727174410770
Unnatural Selection: facebook.com/pages/Unnatural-Selection/117125891659199
11. Which metal track should replace the national anthem?
“Genius” by Pitchshifter
12. Who is the best band on the planet?
Static X atm… Just Awesome!!!!
13. Who is the worst band on the planet?
Where to start…. most so called ‘pop’ music…and so-called hip-hop….
14. What was the last gig you went to?
Gregorian and other bands at a venue in London.
15. What gig are you planning to go to next?
Ideally, Rammstein and/or Machine Head!
16. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I’m awesome… prepare for our masters the Penguins to take there rightful place as masters of the universe.
Thanks Simon!
If you would like to take part in this feature, just get chatting to us on the forum, Facebook, Twitter and / or Google+.
I can’t believe I’m actually writing about Lady Gaga on Loucifer Speaks, but we live in strange times.
Admittedly, this particular story has fallen into my lap via a modern form of Chinese Whispers – someone posted a link to it on someone else’s Facebook status, the link went to Blabbermouth and Blabbermouth got the story from The Mirror (of all places!). So, I really can’t verify the authenticity of it, but – for the sake of this article – I’m going to treat it as fact. Also, I am aware that I’m about a month late to this particular party… but hey, I only just found out about it!
The story goes (please click here to visit the article on Blabbermouth) that Lady Gaga is such a big fan of Iron Maiden that she volunteered herself to be their unofficial and unpaid roadie during a date or two in Florida. Apparently she catered to their every need – fetching drinks, getting food… all that kinda stuff. Below you can see a photo of her with Nicko McBrain (photo from Blabbermouth).
Personally, I’ve never really paid a large amount of attention to Lady Gaga. To me, she is that crazy lady who sings those annoying songs. I have nothing against the craziness, but the songs really grate on me (sorry if any Lady Gaga fans are reading this). But I do think that she is incredibly intelligent and has marketed herself fantastically well. So well, in fact, that she has found herself legions and legions of fans within a relatively short amount of time.
“Why should we care about that?” I hear you cry. Well, we shouldn’t. Not really. But, it may end up working in Metal’s favour a little bit. Due to this little incident, a whole new set of kids (who may, otherwise, just be listening to whatever the charts happen to throw at them) could decide to check out Iron Maiden. Hell, Lady Gaga also talked about Black Sabbath there – maybe they’ll check out them too and realise that Ozzy is more than a reality TV star. Who knows?
Yes, their journey into Metal maybe slightly unorthodox. It’s gonna be odd to ask people how they first got into the genre and have them answer “Because of Lady Gaga”, but does the point of entry really matter? We’ve all gotta start somewhere, right? And, if these kids then find that they have a true passion for it, then that can’t be a bad thing!
I never thought I’d say this, but…. I salute you Lady Gaga!
Wanna comment on this / discuss it further? Use the sexy comment box below! Or, if forum’s are more your kind thing – click here to visit the relevant post on our forum. As always, there’s also Facebook and Twitter.
It’s time to see what you voted as the best (and worst) of 2010!
Winner: Iron Maiden
Honorable mentions:
Godsized
Halcyon Way
Dimmu Borgir
Obituary
Lou’s Note: Iron Maiden probably wouldn’t have been my first choice for band of the year (you should all know by now who my vote went to! ). but no-one can deny that they are deserving of this title. Plus, “The Final Frontier” is an awesome album.
Winner: Iron Maiden – “The Final Frontier”
Honorable mentions:
ZORORMR – “Kval”
Black Label Society – “Order of the Black”
Avenged Sevenfold – “Nightmare”
Halcyon Way – “Building The Towers”
Dimmu Borgir – “Abrahadabra”
God Dethroned – “Under The Sign of the Iron Cross”
Lou’s Note: You guys must really like Iron Maiden! But, as I said before, “The Final Frontier” is a great album. Also, I’m pleased to see ZORORMR and God Dethroned in that list too 
…oh, and Dimmu Borgir… and Halcyon Way… and BLS…
Winner: Live Evil Festival
Honorable mentions:
High Voltage
Lamb of God @ Brixton
Bloodstock
Wacken Open Air
Download
Lou’s Note: Well, I can’t argue with that. I managed to get along to the Saturday of Live Evil (thanks to Dave & Jo!) and it was awesome!
Winner: Black Label Society – “Overlord”
Honorable mentions:
Dimmu Borgir – “Gateways”
Iron Maiden – “Final Frontier”
Abgott – “Lustmord”
Lou’s Note: “Overlord” is a fantastic video and is definitely worthy of your votes 
Winner: Halcyon Way – “Building The Towers”
Iron Maiden – “The Final Frontier”
Dimmu Borgir – “Abrahadabra”
Lou’s Note: A brilliant cover for a brilliant album!
Winner (or should that be “Loser”?): Avenged Sevenfold – “Nightmare”
Lou’s Note: “Nightmare” seems to be 2010′s Marmite album – some of you love it, others hate it
Winner: Corey Taylor – “X-M@$”
Lou’s Note: A fine choice! Although I did also like this suggestion: “Lou singing “merry x-mas””
And there you have it! If you don’t like the results and you didn’t vote… well, that’s just tough!
Maybe next year, eh?
Ok, so I’m a bit late in reporting this… but it’s definitely still worth mentioning!
Info taken from Iron Maiden’s Official Website:
“UK Fans! We promised you’d be next and true to our word…here’s the full list of Maiden’s UK Tour dates 2011:
JULY
Wed 20 Scotland, Glasgow SECC
Thu 21 Scotland, Aberdeen AECC P&J Arena
Sat 23 England, Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
Sun 24 England, Sheffield Motorpoint Arena
Wed 27 England, Nottingham Trent FM Arena
Thu 28 England, Manchester MEN Arena
Sun 31 England, Birmingham NIA
AUGUST
Mon 1 Wales, Cardiff CIA Arena
Wed 3 Northern Ireland, Belfast Odyssey
Fri 5 England, London 02 ArenaThis will be an extensive 10 city arena tour for the final run of dates on their FINAL FRONTIER WORLD TOUR 2010/11. For the first time in many years, the band will be playing shows across the full length and breadth of the UK, including places they’ve not visited for up to three decades!
Steve Harris comments; “Everything in the Maiden camp has been so full on these last five years or so that we haven’t travelled around the UK to play for our home fans for almost that long. These fans supported us by coming to Twickenham Stadium, Reading and Leeds Festivals, Download and more recently Sonisphere so we thought we should get off our backsides and do the travelling this time and get round the country to see them all. We very much look forward to playing all four home countries and a couple of places we haven’t been for a very long time, Aberdeen and Belfast! And playing the O2 gets us as close to the East End of London where Maiden started off than we have been for many a year, probably since the Ruskin Arms! All in all l think this is going to be a very special series of shows and a wonderful way to end this whole world tour.
“We intend to take the full stadium show into the UK arenas and fit everything we possibly can into each venue. The set list will be different to this year’s tour. Of course we will play more songs from the new album and some other recent material, but we intend to include a healthy dose of older fan favourites too for those who haven’t seen us before, plus a spectacular light show and stage set, not forgetting, of course, …Eddie!”
The UK shows will be the culmination of The Final Frontier World Tour, which began in June 2010 with a hugely successful 25 date tour throughout North America, followed by selected European stadium and festival shows, including Knebworth Sonisphere in the UK. As recently announced, early next year Ed Force One will fly the band, crew and equipment 50,000 miles around the World visiting thirteen countries before the band take a short break prior to the extensive European Tour (more announcements soon) of which the UK is the final leg.
As always we hope to facilitate “First To The Barrier” for our fan club members at as many shows as possible, details of these will be announced nearer the time on this website.
There will be an exclusive first ticket pre-sale for Iron Maiden Fan club members, before tickets go on sale to the general public on Saturday November 20th. Please keep checking this website for updates about ticket sales and further information about the special fan club pre-sale.”
So… Who’s goin’?? Personally, I’m tempted to raid my piggy bank so that I can buy a ticket before pay day!
