Loucifer Speaks » Tension Head

Tension Head – Street Team – England

Loucifer — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:48:30 +0000

Since I interviewed and reviewed Tension Head, I’ve developed a little bit of an obsession with them… and today I started the English Street Team for the band. Wanna check it out? Here’s the link:

http://www.myspace.com/tensionheadengland

If you’d like to become our friend and support us, I’d really appreciate it!

Official Tension Head MySpace: myspace.com/tensionhead

…and here’s a link to a Tension Head thread on the new Loucifer Speaks forum!

Tension Head – “Do or Die”

Loucifer — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:15:42 +0000

I interviewed Tension Head a little while ago (click here to read it) and I’ve been meaning to review this album ever since. Rather annoyingly I keep getting distracted by shiny things, so the review hasn’t happened… until now!

Tension Head play, what I would describe as, very groove orientated metal. This is metal that makes you want to fuckin’ move (“In Search Of…” is especially having this effect on me at the moment!). Anyway, it’s time for the track by track… cos that’s always fun…

“Brawler” – Tension Head welcome to the album with a fist to the face… and apparently they’re going to whoop your ass just like Bruce Lee. If this song wasn’t made for a moshpit then I don’t know what is. High energy and high octane. Marvellous!

“So I Say” – The groove I mentioned earlier really kicks in with this track. For the verses “So I Say” is slower in tempo than “Brawler”, but Tension Head definitely haven’t gone soft. The riff really makes me want to headbang – love it!

“In Search Of…” – One of my personal favourites from the album (the others are coming up soon ). An ideal track to sink a few beers to.

“The Bear” – OK, so lyrically the band aren’t talking about world peace or anything (“I like that dress you wear / I’d like to get up under there”), but don’t let that take away from the fact that this is a damn good song… and since when did everyone think about world peace all of the time anyway? Sex on the other hand…

“Don’t Worry” – I fuckin’ love this track! Seriously, I can’t get enough of it! Great tempo, great groove and the vocals are the icing on the cake.

“Repossession” – Tension Head certainly know how to write a damn good riff… and “Repossession” is no exception!

“Do or Die” – An incredibly hard-hitting track and it’s easy to see why this became the title for the album.

“Never Enough” – This is another track that makes me want to move around the room like a lunatic. This is a good thing.

“Mr. Bigshot” – This track follows on from “Never Enough” perfectly (and, by that, I mean that I can continue to move around the room like a maniac!). Fast-paced and takes no prisoners – this is what we like to hear!

“Clean Break” – There’s some great lyrics in this track – “You act as though you never went my back / everybody knows, bitch / these are the facts”. Fantastic!

Overall, this is a brilliant album and Tension Head are quite possibly the bastard love child of Pantera, Playboy and a shitload of beer.

myspace.com/tensionhead

More bands announced for Download + Lou gets excited about a Fantasy Festival…

Loucifer — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:12:52 +0000

I mentioned yesterday that more bands would be announced for Download last night… and, unsurprisingly, they were! AC/DC and co will now be joined by Aerosmith (I’ve read that they will be fronted by Steven Tyler), Rage Against The Machine, Lamb of God, Five Finger Death Punch and Stone Sour. It looks like an amazing line-up so far, but I can’t help but feel a little disappointed. Why? Simply because I’d built my hopes up and convinced myself that Guns N’ Roses would be announced too. I guess there’s still time, but now that all of the headline slots have been filled, it kinda looks unlikely.

Anyway… Yesterday (a few hours before the announcement), I discussed with people (pretty much anyone who would listen) which bands I would like to play at Download this year. Once I’d finished it was helpfully pointed out that the festival was called Download and not LouFest. I must admit that the idea of LouFest is very appealing… so I started to think about who would play at LouFest… and this is what I came up with…

(Judging by this list, it may have to be several days long! …and this list isn’t really in order… although GN’R would probably be headlining)

Guns N’ Roses – Well, GN’R had to be there really, didn’t they? Since this is MY festival I get to pick which line-up of GN’R plays (it’s nice to play God at times)… Perhaps surprisingly, I’d like to see the current line-up. The YouTube videos and the bootlegs of the shows I’ve seen from Asia and Canada (and the surprise shows in New York) look and sound AMAZING! I’d have to be an idiot to not want to witness that firsthand! Also, since this would be MY festival, I’d like to suggest one or two songs for their set list – “Prostitute”, “This I Love”, “I.R.S”, “Estranged”, “Coma”, “Back Off Bitch”, “My Michelle”, “You’re Crazy”, “Shackler’s Revenge”, “Better”, “There Was a Time”, “Scraped”, “Madagascar”, “Street of Dreams”… well, you get the idea…

Black Ritual – There’s a chance that not everyone reading this will know who Black Ritual are. Well, I’ll bring you up to speed… they’re awesome! “1000 Yard Stare” was a crazily superb album and I’m really looking forward to the follow up. I’d be over the moon if they played “War Within”, “Terrified”, “These Pills” and “Below Zero”.

Lamb of God – Here’s another band that HAD to be there. Astoundingly good both live and on CD, it would be stupid not to include them on the bill. Songs I’d like to hear: “Reclamation”, “A Devil in God’s Country”, “Bootscraper”, “Now You’ve Got Something to Die For”, “Grace”, “Walk With Me in Hell”, “Redneck”, “Choke Sermon”… etc…

Omnium Gatherum – I love Omnium Gatherum. Really, really love them! And yet, I’m still not sure how to describe them… perhaps melodeath with a progressive edge? Whatever they are, they’re bloody brilliant! I would list songs I’d want to hear… but anything will do …especially “Just Signs”.

Devilish Impressions – I’ve had a bit of an obsession with Devilish Impressions since I first heard “Plurima Mortis Imago”. As far as I’m concerned, that album was (and still is) a masterpiece! Also, they’re bloody good live!

Vesperian Sorrow – Lou likes Vesperian Sorrow. A lot. The band can do no wrong!

Winterthrall – An awesome band that’s not afraid to work in different styles. I don’t care what they played so long as they did play! But, if they were up for taking requests, “Autumn Caskets” wouldn’t go amiss

Enfold Darkness – I’ve got so into this band recently. They are AMAZING!

Michael Monroe – Singer from Hanoi Rocks and solo stuff. Damn good… and he could always do a duet with Axl for “Dead, Jail or Rock ‘n’ Roll”.

Hate Ammo – Brilliant band! I can’t wait for their album to be released on CD (in the meantime you can listen to tracks on their MySpace). Definitely more than worthy of a spot here!

December Flower – This is a band that I discovered through the wonders of MySpace. Damn good.

Ozzy Osbourne – No explanation needed.

Sebastian Bach – I’ve really got into his “Angel Down” album recently (it’s amazingly good – if you haven’t listened to it yet, you should). A couple of duets with Axl would go down rather well too.

Tension Head – Another ‘MySpace’ band with a great sound! I’d love to hear “The Bear” and “Don’t Worry” live!

Metallica – I never used to be that into Metallica… but “Death Magnetic” changed all of that.

Finntroll – If you have not witnessed the majesty of Finntroll (either on album or live), then you have missed out.

Five Finger Death Punch – 5FDP are amazing live! I have to admit that I haven’t got into “War is the Answer” as much as “The Way of the Fist”, but if they played LouFest it would give them the opportunity to ‘sell’ those songs to me… as I’m sure they’ve all lost a lot of sleep over the fact that I didn’t like that album quite as much… That seems likely.

Aerosmith – Again, no explanation needed. However, Steven Tyler would HAVE to be there!

Thunder – I’d make Thunder reform for LouFest… If I smiled sweetly I’m sure they’d say ‘yes’.

Motorhead – No reason needed.

Alice Cooper – He’s a legend. He must play.

Meat Loaf – The first album I ever bought (on cassette!) was Meat Loaf’s “Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell” when I was 9. I’ve been a fan ever since.

Autumnal Reaper – Autumnal Reaper are one of those bands that I’d been meaning to listen to for ages… I recently got their latest album and was blown away.

Stigma – Love, love, love these guys! Can’t wait to hear the new stuff!

Crionics – Quazarre (Devilish Impressions) might find himself getting a bit tired, but Lou likes Crionics.

The Defiled – They’re bat-shit crazy, but in a truly wonderful way. And, well, they rock. So there.

Megadeth – It had to be done

Cor Scorpii – Listen to “Monument”. I don’t need to say anymore than that.

Bon Jovi – I know, I know… Jovi. I’ve lost interest in them for the past few albums, but if they played LouFest I would insist that they only play stuff from “New Jersey”, “Slippery When Wet”, “These Days” and “Keep The Faith”. I’m in charge, so I get to do things like that.

Terrorvision – Tequila, it makes me happy…

Skunk Anansie – Do I really need a reason? They’re brilliant!

Slipknot – I’m not a mega-fan of Slipknot, but I do like a lot of their stuff… and I’d love to see ‘em live… so that’s why they’re on the list!

Danko Jones – They recently toured Canada with Guns N’ Roses and Sebastian Bach and I read quite a few good things about them in relation to that tour… so I decided to check them out… and they rocked.

Sixx A.M. – DJ Ashba’s gonna be a bit busy, but I’ve really got into Sixx A.M.’s album.

A Road Eternal – A brutally awesome band. Everyone should worship them… Loucifer has spoken.

My Undoing – Another band from the same part of the world as Black Ritual and A Road Eternal. I think there’s something in the water there…

Buckcherry – They were fantastic at Sonisphere last year. I’m sure they’d be equally fantastic at LouFest.

Black Label Society – Zakk fuckin’ Wylde. I’ll say no more.

Arch Enemy – Brilliant vocals, brilliant guitar work… brilliantness…

Machine Men – Fantastic band… if you have not checked them out yet, you should do so… now!

Edguy – Great band! And, I want them to play “Trinidad”.

Balfor – Astounding Barbaric Black Metal.

Black Lotus – I’d imagine Black Lotus would be cool to chill out to.

Cancer Bats – Recently got into these guys – gotta catch ‘em live!

Ok… I gotta admit… I’m getting a bit tired of writing explanations now… so I’m just gonna give you a nice list!

Ironside
Swingshot
Destruction
Thin Lizzy *
Egypt Central
Winds of Plague
Ektomorf
Fragments of Unbecoming
H.I.M
Hell Within
Hexagram
I.C.O.N
Ignominious Incarceration
Nervecell
Powerwolf
Reverend Kill
Rumpelstiltskin Grinder
Secrets She Kept
Secrets of the Moon
Sammath
Slowtorch
Thirty 2 Life
Corrupted Truth
Queen *
Pantera *
Soilwork
Stemm
Stuka Squadron
Brother Grey
The Foreshadowing
Twisted Sister
Ugly Kid Joe
Extreme O.D.
Bite The Kerb
Sons of Beaches

…and that’s enough for now… perhaps…
(* I’m using my powers to bring people back from the dead for these ones)

I wish this was real

I’ve provided links where it was possible to do so… but where I haven’t, Google (or your prefered Search Engine) is your friend!

So… any thoughts on this? Wanna post your own Fantasy Festival line-up? Drop us a comment

Tension Head Interview

Loucifer — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:09:00 +0000

Tension Head are an awesome metal band from Michigan, US. I found them randomly on MySpace and I’ve been hooked ever since. Feel like starting a new obsession? Here’s an interview to get you started… then head over to their MySpace for more TH goodies!

Tension Head

Lou – How’s things goin’ in the world of Tension Head today?

Chuck – not bad at all Lou, I do believe things will be very busy for us this year, many tours are being planned as we speak!

Lou – How long has the band been together?

Chuck – 7 years now…

Lou – Where does the name Tension Head come from?

Chuck – Tony/Bass is a huge Fan of Queens of the Stone Age and got the idea from a title of one of their songs, “TENSION HEAD!”

Lou – When I listen to your tracks on MySpace I’m reminded of Pantera and Motorhead (especially in “Brawler”). Would you say those bands have influenced you? Which other bands have influenced you?

Chuck – me for sure, Pantera is a big influence in my life, but I think many people would be very surprised to hear the other members influences, we like all like different music, but that’s why this shit is working!

Lou – Other than music, what else inspires you?

Chuck – Movies, I’m a huge movie buff, take both of these things away from me and you mind as well just bury me now, lol!

Lou – You’ve shared the stage with some pretty big names. Which band was your favourite to play alongside?

Chuck – by far HELLYEAH! (next would be DAMAGEPLAN and ANTHRAX!)

Lou – Are there any bands that you would like to gig with, but haven’t yet?

Chuck – Static-X and Mudvayne…

Lou – How would you describe a TH show?

Chuck – Full on Hard Rock Energy right in your face, you won’t forget it, I promise!

Lou – Which TH song really gets the crowd going at gigs?

Chuck – Well, to be honest, theres a couple that the crowds usually “Freak Out” on, “The Bear” and “Never Enough”, but for the most part, everybody is at least eyes forward and heads bobbin like a bobble head, lol, that was once my nickname, it slowly went away…

Lou – Do you have any plans to play some shows in Europe? A couple of shows in England would go down a treat!

Chuck – nothing in England just yet (we do have a shitload of Fans just from online from England and can’t wait to visit) but we are supposed to come and tour Italy/Switzerland this March, this info has not Officially been released and or confirmed, but the deal is very close to being locked in, so stay tuned!

Lou – What’s the funniest / most embarrassing thing to happen to you onstage?

Chuck – Well by far, is falling on or off the stage…it has happened to me at least twice, lol, once I put my boot up on a monitor and it gave way leaving me dashing forward right off the stage…the other one I just happened to trip of Sean’s guitar cable.

Lou – Which TH song is your favourite and why?

Chuck – I think “Brawler” is, Live anyway (I can’t stand listening to our music on any kind of playback, cd, live recording, videos, etc…) Ii’s just one of them songs that gets me moving, heart a pumpin, plus it’s about fighting for sport, which I a Huge Fan of, so is JoJo/drums!

Lou – The vocals in “Don’t Worry” are awesome. Do you have any tips for people wanting to sing in this style?

Chuck – Wow, thank you, it’s also one of my best friend’s Steve favorite T.H. tunes, we don’t add it to our normal set list very often, but whenever he’s around, he’ll bust my balls allnight I we don’t play it! As far as tips on how to sing like I do, it’s pretty simple, but I’d be lying to you if I told you that it comes with a price, the price being that since I sing from my throat and not my diaphragm, it can be very painful sometimes, and always irritating, like a constant sore throat, but if you do it all the time like I do, ya just get used to it…but heres the kicker, most people who try to sing like I do from the throat, normally you can’t make out a word their sayin, It took me at least 5 years to figure out how to mix clearity with grasp, but I got it down now, I think, lol!

Lou – And, on a similar subject… Do you have any tabs available so that we can attempt to play along to your stuff from the comfort of our own homes?

Chuck – Unfortunately not yet, but we have seen some young musicans on youtube figuring the tunes out on their own, soon, very soon!

Lou – I’ve noticed that your 2006 album “Fire in the Hole” is now sold out on your MySpace, is there anywhere else that fans can buy this from?

Chuck – just go to http://www.myspace.com/therevolutionmusicllc and ask our label, maybe they will release it if enough T.H. Fans really want it!

Lou – “Do Or Die” was released year (I think!) – what has the reaction for it been like from the press and your fans?

Chuck – Well, we know that everyone that has it, is enjoying the hell out of it, most tell me that they never take it out of their cd player and or it’s the main thing that they listen to on their i-pods, plus, I just hear a rumor the other day, that Japan thinks we’re the next PANTERA after listening to it, no bullshit! I think our time is coming, the time to move forward is soon, to play for a much wider audience, it is time! It’s TENSION HEAD time…

Lou – What has the highlight of 2009 been for TH?

Chuck – …going out on our 1st National Tour on our own!

Lou – What are your top 5 albums from 2009?

Chuck – Rammstein, Lamb of God, Devildriver, Mastodon, and TENSION HEAD of course, lol!

Lou – What’s in store for Tension Head in 2010?

Chuck – like I said, there are some pretty big tour being planned right now, 1 I can’t say anything about, but if it happens, you’ll all know what I was referring to if and when it drops, it’s fuckin huge!

Lou – The last words are yours! Feel free to promote any merchandise, CDs, gigs, etc Thanks again!

Chuck – I (we) can’t wait to see you all! Oh Yeah!!!