PREVIEW - JA JA JA
Kvelertak / Thunderstone / Solstafir
16 September 2010
The Lexington, London
Having been blown away by Kvelertak on the Sunday at Sonisphere, Dave was delighted to discover the Norwegians were soon to be back in England. Better still for Johan, the evening celebrates the Nordic region – though he’ll have let it go that on this occasion that there’s no Swedish bands!
The evening is Ja Ja Ja, a monthly event at the Lexington in London, championing Nordic bands of various styles.However, for September it’s a metal night, curated by Metal Hammer’s Alexander Milas.
THE BANDS
They say: First up are legendary Icelandic Viking/black metal band Solstafir, whose name means “crepuscular rays”, and whose music has been described as “like the sounds from the bedroom as Darkthrone rapes The Doors while fingerbanging Bathory”. You get the idea!
Dave adds: Kold & Masterpiece Of Biterness are excellent albums of gloomy atmospherics. Whilst there is a black metal background to Solstafir they’ve moved a long way and on some of their instrumental pieces sound more like Fields Of The Nephilim than the current line-up of Fields Of The Nephilim. Pained vocals move the band away from sounding overtly gothic.
They say: Next up will be veteran Finnish speed metal outfit Thunderstone, who formed in 2000 and have been slaying audiences ever since with albums like 2002’s Thunderstone, 2004’s and their recent (2009) Dirt Metal.
Dave adds: On paper an odd fit between the other band’s on this bill but their inclusion makes for an intriguing mix of styles. Whilst Thunderstone started off in a more traditional melodic power metal style, they’ve taken on more progressive metal influences and last year’s Dirt Metal is a meaty recording where new vocalist Rick Altzi carries a weighty prescence.
They say: Last but not least come Norway’s Kvelertak, described as “brutally catchy punkrock/metal with a taste of groovy darkness”. Their debut album has gone down a storm and the band are well known for their furious live energy.
Dave adds: My band of the weekend at Sonisphere. Like Dark Throne jamming with The Hellacopters, Kvelertak have broken the mould with their debut full length and their live show was chaotic whilst remaining tight to their material. Not to be missed!
Not for the faint-hearted then, September’s Ja Ja Ja is sure to be a formidable event. Come and let your hair down!
MORE ABOUT JA JA JA
The Nordic region has a long tradition of punching way above its weight on the international music scene, fostering a wealth of innovative musical talent and thrusting it toward great international recognition and acclaim. Ja Ja Ja shines a spotlight on this hotbed of talent on a monthly basis, and with a high concentration of industry professionals and international media, London is the perfect location.
Held at The Lexington - a highly respected central London venue with an excellent reputation and PA / backline - the night aims to grow a strong independent platform where new "export ready" artists are able to showcase their music to key British music industry professionals, media, tastemakers and audiences.
Each night is programmed by specially invited British curators who decide on the final line-up, selecting his or her favourite three artists from the shortlist. Previous curators have included Steve Lamacq (BBC 6 Music), Simon Raymonde (Bella Union), Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Stuart Clarke (Music Week), Sean Adams (Drowned in Sound) and John Kennedy (XFM). The final line-up for each night will be announced on Ja Ja Ja's website. Keep up with Ja Ja Ja on Myspace, Facebook and Twitter to read the latest news and announcements.
The initiative is supported by the Nordic Export Offices (NoMEX) represented by: Export Music Sweden, Music Export Denmark / ROSA - The Danish Rock Council, Music Export Finland, Icelandic Music Export and Music Export Norway.
LINKS:
http://www.jajajamusic.com
http://www.thelexington.co.uk
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