Spring is finally upon us, so how about some awesome rock to go with it?

Walking Papers

 After their first successful uk stint last November, Walking Papers are returning for a one off show in London this weekend ahead of their appearance at this years Download Festival. Their bluesy licks are not to be missed! Grab a ticket here.

Whitesnake, Journey & Thunder

Three 80s giants are joining together to deliver a night of big riffs, belting choruses and even bigger hair. With plenty of epic ballads to sing your heart out too, join the party and find your nearest date for tickets here.
 

Enuff Z’Nuff

Bringing their brand of hard rock back to UK soil, a night with Enuff Z’Nuff is always a fun one. Don’t miss out and bag a ticket here.

The Temperance Movement

One of the hottest new bands on the rock scene, The Temperance Movements irresistible blues grooves are not ones you want to miss out. Find out what all the fuss is about and get your ticket here!

It is approaching that time of year again, in a few months festival season will be upon us, and once again hundreds and thousands of people will be descending on many a field ready for a chaotic camping experience, but where will you be?

Well, thousands of Brits seem to be turning their back on UK festivals in search for nicer weather and heading overseas for their festival of choice. As great as the Download line up looks this year, not many of us fancy another weekend potentially up to our eyes in mud right? Right. So, let us tell what we reckon is the place to be this Summer, Hellfest! 

Hellfest is located in Clisson, close to Nantes in France and is increasingly becoming more and more popular with rock and metal fans all over the world. It has been a well established festival for over a decade and continues to grow and grow each year. It relocated in 2012 meaning it could house even more music fans and ore stages and more bands than ever before!

2013 looks set to be one of its greatest line ups yet with hundreds of bands across many genres making an appearance. American giants KISS will headline, alongside Brit-pioneers Def Leppard and the super cool ZZ Top, i mean that in itself is pretty fantastic. Well, they will also be joined by the likes of Twisted Sister, Whitesnake, Korn, NOFX, Saxon, Hardcore Superstar, Down, Danzig, Volbeat….the list is endless, truly something for everyone. 

This years event takes place on 21-23 June and promises to be a killer time to be had by all. So what do you think? Will you be making a trip to Hellfest this year? We certainly will be!

You can find all the info you need on tickets, travel and the full line up over at www.hellfest.fr and special travel packages are available for us Brits at www.argon.co.uk. See you down the front!

Song of the day!

Whitesnake - Fool For Your Loving

Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor, Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain and Whitesnake guitarist Doug Aldrich are amongst the stars set to perform at a special one off show for Marshall Amps 50th anniversary. 

The show, which is titled ‘Marshall Amps – 50 Years Of Loud’, will take place at London’s Wembley Arena on September 22. 

Also on the bill for the show are Black Label Society’s Zakk Wylde, Mr Big’s Paul Gilbert, The Cult’s Billy Diffy, Yngwie Malmsteen and guitar legend Joe Satriani.

McBrain will also act as compere for the event and said of the show: “This is truly a celebration of a British Icon - Marshall. Beyond doubt, Jim Marshall and the team have shaped the sound of rock music for eternity. I feel more than privileged to be involved in this event. We’re bringing together beyond-legendary artists for a moment in history. Expect pure rock ‘n’ roll madness amplified to the max by Marshall!”

It definitely looks set to be a fantastic night!

Tickets go on sale Fri 9th March at 9am. 

Song of the day

Whitesnake - Fool For Your Loving

A belated happy birthday to David Coverdale who turned 60 a few days ago! The guys are playing a few shows in December, make sure you check them out!

So a week passed since Download Festival, I had just about recovered when it was time to head to Belgium for the 16th annual Graspop Metal Meeting. My first non- UK festival, excited and nervous, we boarded the plane and away we went. 

Upon arriving, the differences were already extremely apparent. The size for one, crazy small, and the camping area was hectic, but we were there and we were ready to rock! 

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Its thats time again where we look at the best of the gigs June has to offer, and there are loads!

Anvil

First up, Canadian metallers Anvil are touring the UK, playing some of the tiniest venues possible! Promoting the release of their new album ‘Juggernaut of Justice’ they are not to be missed. All info on dates and tickets can be found here!

Whitesnake

Their latest album ‘Forevermore’ has been extremely well received since its release earlier this year, and now the band are playing a handful of dates around the UK. One of the greatest bands Britain has offered up, so go and show you’re support while Coverdale and co show you they still got it! Tickets and info here!

Kasabian

The Leicester four piece are set to release their fourth album later this year but are hitting the road now for a few dates before playing the festivals! Always a great band live, i really recommend them to anyone! Always a great show! All info here.

The Horrors

The goth pioneers from Southend are back again, this time with a completely new sound. They again release their new album later this year but are playing a couple of shows to preview new material. Always guaranteed a crazy show with these guys so check em out!

Aswell as all this there is much more going on this month in the shape of Bon Jovi back in the UK, 80s rockers Cinderella playing a one off show in London, Kerrang magazines 30th anniversary shows (including a special one from Ozzy!) and the start of the festival season with Isle of Wight, Download and Wireless Festival, which will also see the return of Britpop legends Pulp!

Like i said, June is a busy and exciting month! Get involved! 

Caris Smith

Are you a big fan of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal? Firmly into Classic Rock and everything that comes with it? Then you may want to give Edinburgh-based 4 piece Vantage Point a listen.

Forming in 2008 and listing Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Deep Purple, Anthrax, AC/DC, Rainbow and Whitesnake amongst their influences, Vantage Point are the perfect band for Classic Rock lovers!

Recently added to the Mayhem Underground roster and seemingly doing at least one gig a month, Vantage Point are sure to get themselves at least an underground following and I am looking forward to watching this band grow.

Check out their Facebook http://www.facebook.com/vantagepointrocks for music and news!

For fans of

• Motörhead
• Megadeth
• Saxon

Sarah-Louise Kelly

After the pressure of Whitesnake’s tenth release ‘Good or Bad’, three years later, ‘Forevermore’ more returns to the bands more distincitve, successful sound that wasn’t continuous in their previous effort. Containing blues swing mixed with some gritty rock and the usual dose of power ballads, it is typical Whitesnake.

‘Steal Your Heart Away’ is a great opening track, the riff immediately grabs your attention. With a blues undercurrent and the inclusion of a harmonica, it sets the bar for the rest of the album.

At age 59, David Coverdale’s voice is still as powerful as ever with slower tracks such as ‘Fare The Well’ displaying a captivating, emotional performance.

Whilst first single ‘Love Will Set You Free’ isn’t the best on the record, it is still catchy and contains one of the best guitar solo’s on the album.

If you’re a Whitesnake fan it is definitely worth a listen.

Recommended tracks: Steal Your Heart Away, Love and Treat Me Right, Whipping Boy Blues.

Laura Woodhead