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James Birtles

James Birtles


Feature: No More “Bring Me the Hair-straighteners”

“It is great that a band I supported through thick and thin and argued their musical credibility are on the rise. Just don’t forget those older fans”

Feature: The Black Parade Is Dead!

James Birtles considers the reasons behind the split of the emo giants

Album: Bring Me the Horizon – Sempiternal

The divisive metalcore group return to form in incendiary style

From the vault: The Rolling Stones – Let It Bleed

The Stones closed out the Sixties with one of their strongest efforts – James Birtles investigates why Let It Bleed occupies such a vital place in rock history

5 songs in the field of: Russia

Five efforts from our Eastern European comrades, straight from our man in the field

From the vault: Metallica – Kill ‘Em All

Thirty years on, Metallica’s incendiary debut continues to occupy a crucial place in metal history

The Take Over, The Break’s Over

Fall Out Boy become the latest band to join in the reunion fever, James Birtles investigates their motives

Review: No Doubt – Push and Shove

Interscope records; 2012 7/10

Preview: Vans Warped Tour 2012

With the hype of a Vans Warped Tour date being so high, the tickets, on sale now, are bound to be like gold dust.

Classic album: Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On

Marvin Gaye is more than ‘Sexual Healing’ and ‘Let’s Get It On’, as this classic album demonstrates.

Classic album: Sex Pistols – Never Mind The Bollocks…

Widely recognised and the most influential punk album of all time.

Classic album: The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Electric Ladyland

Helped to prove that Hendrix, while an amazing songwriter, was simply a genius.

Album: Enter Shikari – A Flash Flood of Colour

Those who prefer the older Enter Shikari and dislike political lyrics may be left disappointed.

Live: Skrillex @ Warehouse Project

Skrillex may have been dubbed the most hated man in dubstep, but there are nearly 2000 people in Manchester alone who’d disagree following this performance.

Album: The Wombles – The W Factor

Pointy-nose, furry creatures return with their very own recycled rubbish.

Live: Evanescence @ Apollo

Evanescence more than make up for a 7 year absence from the UK.

Interview: Staind

James Birtles talks to Staind frontman, Aaron Lewis, about the new album, fans and Staind’s greatest career moment.

Live: Funeral for a Friend @ Academy 1

Vocal problems hinder FFAF’s overall performance, making for a less than average set.

Live: The Blackout @ Academy 1

The Blackout’s underground days seem to have come to an end and with performances like this, it’s not difficult to see why.

Album: Youmeatsix – Sinners Never Sleep

This year’s Kerrang! Award winners for Best British Band release average 3rd studio album.