#to s*rew up so close to the finale

[rainworldroompoll]

UM guys i accidently set the timer out of habit for 1 day on this poll instend of 1 week

Do I just repeat the poll with the correct time? I dont wanna lose rbs, votes and stuff on it. On the other hand idk if this would get more votes

Pick Your Favorite Rain World Room, Day 312 Semifinals

There is a hidden slugcat in one of the rooms (they can be in any color). If u can see it comment or reblog with where they are and if u are first, u get a cookie!

Credit for game screenshots goes to: Rain World Interactive Map, Rain World Wiki and me

Congratulations for day 311 winners!

[unfcrtunatescul]

continued from here // gcllantry

His body stiffened at being called a coward. If any one word could grab one of his nerves and threaten to tear it, it was coward. Being called one severed the tightly grasped nerve and even threatened to tear many more.

It’s as if his body was on autopilot because his fist were clenched so tight, they trembled. Being called a coward by Dean got to him more than he would like to admit. Usually, he would keep his aggression tied to the ring and only in situations that benefited him, but right now, he wanted to let it all out.

His body turned so he could face Dean fully. His legs moved so he could fill the gap between them. “ I will let you get away with calling me a COWARD. ” The words came out in a low tone. A dangerous tone. If words were venomous, Drew’s would be able to kill a herd of elephants. Ambrose probably wouldn’t be affected by it, he knew that, but it wasn’t going to change his deadly tone.

Then, he did something on his own. The autopilot on his body stopped, and he lashed out. His extremely clenched fists were finally put to use. He set out one punch, then another punch, followed by a few more punches until he felt like he could stop. It was hard to stop though. Being called a coward was the most offensive thing a person could do, and it was said by D/ean A/mbrose. A person that’s been under Drew’s skin ever since he came back to help Rollins. Everything about this situation was infuriating. And Drew hated every second.

Drew then reached out his hand and grabbed a fistful of Dean’s shirt. Soon pulling so that the other was close enough to him. “ I will teach you a bloody lesson in calling me a coward, Ambrose! I’ll make you REGRET it. ”

Angry couldn’t fully describe how the recently returned lunatic felt, having been sidelined and made to sit back while watching one of his best friends take countless beating upon beatings against all sorts of opponents. He wasn’t used to it. He had been able to let out frustrations daily, but there he was; spectator. He hated it. And finally the one image that struck a nerve with him most was when D/olph Z/iggler and his partner, D/rew M/cIntyre seemed to prey on the youngest of the S/hield. It was the simple fact that it was an unfair fight, the numbers weighing in their favor every time. And all he could do was sit back and watch while it happened. If it hadn’t been for S/amoa Joe, he would have been by Seth’s side and he would be able to even the odds. Seth might have still been champion, too. But fate had another plan. He waited, biding his time until finally the call had been given and he was seated on the next flight out to show support in his rightful place.

But something had changed. Suddenly, they were not in control any more. Losses began to be all they knew. Distractions and pent up feelings of aggression had caused the opposing wrestlers to get the upper hand. Not to mention that a monster had been added to the mix. And Dean wasn’t allowed to lay hands on anyone one-on-one, so it only made the rage burn through his insides that much more. He was livid. And he needed to hit something. Anything. It finally came. The moment. The look. All it had been was one smirk, knowing that he had bested the dirty blonde. It drove the other mad. To be beaten, knocked out from behind. Kicked and punched until he couldn’t even stand without feeling the sting of defeat. And all he could remember was that slap.. when he was down. He’d seen the face and heard the words spat at him in vulnerable state. He would get his pay back. And soon.

Blue eyes trailed off after the taller male as he made his way back through the black curtains that covered their entry to the ring, keeping his distance until finally he could get the other alone and away from all distractions and meddling cronies.

His words hadn’t been thought out, rage coursing through already stressed out veins and he spewed the hateful words without care of how they were received. And naturally, he had struck the right cord.  A wicked smirk followed as reaction had been given, prepared for the worst, but he had underestimated the outcome tenfold. Fists flew and his arms went up in defense, but it hadn’t saved him. The Scotsman was simply too fast for his unpreparedness. Grimacing when the blows connected, the blond took a step back only to save him from further embarrassment, but he went on the offensive soon as the moment was given. Cold, calculated fist of his own aiming for whatever part of the taller male’s body they would contact. “You think I’m scared of you?!” Another shot thrown at strong facial features, desire to whip the smugness from them. “C’mon! Your boy ain’t here. it’s just you and me.”  

[chaletnz]

Düsseldorf and Cologne Carnival

The carnival was in town to celebrate the end of winter or something (although I suspect it’s actually just an excuse to dress up and get drunk in the streets). I woke up at 4.30am - even earlier than I do for work - had a quick shower and then nipped over to the central station past all the junkies and on to my Flixbus bound for Düsseldorf. I slept relatively comfortably the whole way to make up for the early morning.Once I arrived I needed to make my way to the hotel to meet Michael, Vik & co so I headed for the S bahn. Since it was around 9am on a weekday morning I decided to risk it and buy the cheaper kurzstrecke ticket - a ticket valid for a short trip of 4 stops or less. I was travelling 8 and looked around nervously in case a controller boarded but I was safe! After a walk around some carparks and backstreets I found my way into the hotel where Michael and Vik had a table for all of us to have breakfast. I was starving and ordered myself some French toast, it took 45 minutes to arrive and when it did everyone else had already finished at least two courses. We briefly visited the room to pack Vik’s day bag and grab all of our warmest clothes, then we headed off on the tram (sneaking on without paying…) back to the central station and then onwards to Cologne. As we approached Cologne, with each stop closer came more and more drunk people in interesting costumes and I was cursing Michael for telling me noone would be dressed up and I shouldn’t either. Our first stop in Cologne Hauptbahnhof was the Rewe supermarket to stock up on a few wee drinkies for the road like everyone else clawing each other over the coldest beers. We followed the crowds towards the Dom for our sober tourist photos and then tried to find the best spot on the street to watch the parade and be close enough to catch all the bags of wafers, chocolate, sweets and other goodies being thrown into the masses from the floats. We stood here for a while and caught as many flying treats as we could, taking toilet breaks in turns so we wouldn’t lose our position. It was getting very cold and windy so we thought it would be best to get some lunch at around 3pm and of course Michael and Vik were craving German food so we found a suitable pub and sat down for a drink and a currywurst each. We sat laughing watching the little girl (around 4 or 5) at the table beside us drinking what looked like the local beverage - a beer/lemonade mix. It was extremely busy inside but it didn’t impact on how quickly we all had our meals in front of us, and much to our delight it began to snow once we were served. Vik ran outside in it while the rest of us watched him through the window. It was when I tried to pay that I realised my card had been blocked and canceled by my bank on suspicion of fraud - I guess it was using a Dutch card in Germany all this time… So I was stuck without any means of payment except transferring money via online banking to Michael who would then withdraw cash and give it to me. We tried to enjoy the rest of the carnival parade and festivities but it had become bitterly cold and windy and it was difficult to stay outside in the elements. Soon enough we were back at the hotel for a quick rest and recharge before heading back out to go bowling. Michael hated every second of it but the rest of us enjoyed it, especially the Italian girls who knocked a glass off the table and smashed it all over the floor celebrating a strike! Our one game turned into three and we were arriving wearily back at our hotel at 11pm just to sit in the lobby over drinks and nachos until 12.30am when we finally retired upstairs.

The following day we began with our big breakfast again, although this time it was much quieter and instead of having another guest coming up to our table and demanding us to identify our pancakes we had the chef personally delivering all of our portions of French toast. Michael booked us a car2go and we drove to the Dritan Alsela Cafe although the parking options left us quite far away. Nevertheless after a walk around the block we were all sitting around a table excitedly watching Dritan make our coffees! It was perfect again as I had expected! Before we left to catch the tram I forced Michael to take a photo of Dritan and I with the coffee machine in the background. Together we all rode into the centre of Düsseldorf to walk around and see the aftermath of the carnival on the streets and in the river. After some more selfies we headed to the foodcourt for our last bite together; the girls went for Thai noodle bowls, Vik had a baked potato, Michael a cheesecake and I chose a quesadilla. We walked the streets a little more and dropped Michael and Vik at the bus station to catch their ride home to Amsterdam. I browsed the bookshop for half an hour then discovered my bus was delayed for two hours so I walked back into the central city to enjoy a hot chocolate and a burger while I waited until eventually I was in the warm on the bus headed back to Frankfurt.

[severegladiatorcrusade]

Mixing it up; Woodgrain, Leather, Digital, Analog, DSP, and more.

  It has been a great pleasure learning about Heavenly Soundworks from the founders Kevin and Jonathan Couch, a father and son team of music lovers.  The passion and attention to detail that both of these gentlemen have moved them from lifetime music lovers to DIY speaker construction and finally to their creation of Heavenly Soundworks.  Bootstrapping themselves into this business is a testament to their innate skills, love of music, and tenacity.

  Kevin and Jonathan started with passive speakers and the meticulous process of passive crossover design and driver selection.  Across a decade and many designs and iterations, they recognized that passive techniques would not meet their desire for their goal of  "Perfect Sound."    The journey to active speaker design had begun.  

  Active speaker design brings new challenges.  Yes, the passive crossover goes away, but we add so much more to consider.

  What do you design, buy, build?  Do you jump on, say, the WiSA bandwagon?  Each system has different DSP programming methods.  The mechanical considerations of fitment, heat, serviceability, and quality require new skills! In the end, Kevin and Jonathan selected Hypex and their NCORE system. 

  One of the next big problems is driver selection.  During the early years of their work, they found multiple issues with bad drivers that did not meet specifications and worse.  It is a constant battle to keep the suppliers on track and validate each driver received!  In the FIVE17 speaker, there are three drivers and two side-firing passive radiators.  Sourcing, matching and, testing drivers could be a whole department!  Avoiding the hype requires another department.

  But, wait, there is more:

  The Hypex DSP system is a blank slate.  From the factory, it will not make any sounds.  Fire up the HFD software on your PC, and you have a screen full of decisions, filters to design, and much more.  There are many edges and limitations.  Now the speaker designer must program, listen, iterate, and, at some point, stop and SHIP!

  Do not forget the knowledge and skills needed to design and manufacture speaker cabinets.  These speakers are hand-crafted at two US locations; they have a leather inlay and woodgrain veneer. The stands reflect the same esthetic.  

  I want to take to heart that all of the above have multiple vectors of influence.  From the slide rule to software, from material and component selection to the brand look and feel, these two founders have accomplished something extraordinary!

    __________

    ** Perfect Sound **

  "First off, 'perfect sound’ to us at Heavenly Soundworks means that you can't tell the difference between the original music or instruments, and the recording of the same played back through our speakers. There are times listeners will have to relearn, so to speak, what sounds right. The reason being that we all adapt to the speakers that we listen to all the time. We may believe that is what an artist or instrument sounds like, until we hear it live in person. This is one of the biggest reasons we offer a 30-day in-home trial. I would also suggest (though it may be difficult in the time we're living to do so) that during the trial period, our customers would go somewhere and hear a live performance for comparison to our speakers, or anybody's for that matter. 

   In other words, you should not be able to perceive the difference between that trumpet, vocal, or drum to the same sounds coming out of our speakers. We aim never to have a sound signature, just pure reproduction. "  

  - Kevin Couch

      __________

          Now comes the hard part of a speaker review.  Translating what I and those around me observe, feel and hear into something coherent, so you, the reader, grock the experience!

  I have tried to articulate the goal of simplifying my music system.  I am pretty close to that goal. The media side is 90% digital.  Roon is my music player of choice, giving me access to Tidal and Qobuz streaming, my local library of about 70,000 tracks, and Internet radio. 

The two main variables I am still solving for are the DAC and Speakers for my living room.  

Late last year, I spent three months on the Buchardt A500 system.  I also have the Dutch and Dutch 8C speakers in the mix.

  I am unfair if I do not point out that the A500 system is less than half of the price of the FIVE17's.  Those extra dollars spent are only part of the equation.  The other comparisons are the Dutch and Dutch 8C speakers at about 50% more retail cost over the FIVE17's.

  During this review, I have transitioned to the new server, and I have been evaluating DACs.  The FIVE17 speakers came fully broken in, so I was able to get right down to listening.   I started using the AURALiC Altair G1 DAC and my previous Roon server with an XLR Audioquest Water cable set.  The same Sound Anchor adjustable stands individually supported the speakers.  

        Before I talk about sound quality, I want to talk about design. 

  The FIVE17 is my automatic switching  A/D/pre-amp/amp/speaker. The DAC connects to the XLR analog input.  The turntable to the RCA analog input.  The Mutec MC-3+USB  DDC connects via AES, and finally, the Bluesound Node 2i connects to SPDIF/Coax.  Switching inputs is simple, pause what is playing, wait 15 seconds for the speaker to go back into input scanning, then press play on whatever you want! 

  Oh, I also added a Chromecast Audio to the TOSlink input just for Soundcloud!

  With the DAC and the DDC  having a USB connection to the Roon server, it is easy to swap zones and compare the differences.  I want to see if there is a flavor difference between the digital and analog inputs on the FIVE17.  

          The first comparisons

  The A500 is a three-way design and the smallest of the three with two inputs, WiSA and XLR analog. The WiSA hub provides additional inputs and features.  The amplifiers in the speakers and the Hub are a standard WiSA platform design. The Hansong Hub is the weak point for me.  Multiple software components did not fit my needs.  The electronics in the A500’s get hotter than I would like.

  The Dutch and Dutch 8c speakers are a more elaborate design, with  AES and XLR analog inputs. The front of the speaker is a large waveguide.  There is an open baffle design where the main woofer chamber's rear is open to the room. Finally, there are two rear-firing drivers to create a cardioid dispersion pattern.  I do not know what the amplification and processing platform is.  The speakers have a small fan and vents on the bottom to cool the electronics.  Finally, they are the largest of the three speakers and weigh in at close to 60 lbs. each.  They overwhelmed the front of my living room.

  The 8c provides a web-app for operation.  They currently do not use the network interface for digital input.  They have AES and balanced XLR inputs.  Recently the firmware has been updated to work with REW to help correct some room acoustics.

      __________ 

        The FIVE17 three-way design is a bit larger than the A500.  The left speaker is the master for digital inputs, and it controls the right speaker using SPDIF and transmitting the right channel data over that link.  They have AES, XLR, RCA, TOSlink, SPDIF inputs along with  XLR and AES pass-through.  There is an IR remote control for volume and DSP control, and a bit more.  

Jonathan Couch brought the speakers up to me, and the first afternoon that the FIVE17 speakers were in-house, we did an extended listening session moving between all the speakers to get each's flavor.  Following that, I have spent a couple of days with each speaker to improve my memory.  A three way A/B/C of speakers is a lot of work.  For this comparison I have been using XLR and the Hugo 2 DAC.  My family has spent time, and one of my trusted listeners spent an afternoon. 

  The FIVE17's like to have a bit more air around them, needing more space behind them than the others.  Getting the toe-in just right locks in the soundstage.  The A500s sit in the same place very nicely and have a bit less need for precise placement. The 8c's like to be closer to the wall, and their DSP setting compensates for location.

  The mid-bass on the 8c does not have the presence and the detail of the FIVE17.   The A500s fall in the upper registers.  There are essential missing details in the music—the 8c's exhibit much of that detail but not the layer separation that the FIVE17 have.

  I wrote about how much I liked the vocals in my A500 review.  The FIVE17 is a different beast with vocals.  JUST WOW!    I do not get any of the same feelings from voices with the 8c's. NOTE others have suggested I try the AES inputs on the 8C's. They are gone, so that will not happen.

  The A500 speakers have automated correction at lower volume levels to compensate for human hearing.  The FIVE17 speakers take a different tack; they have three DSP settings for different sound pressure levels.  The FIVE17 has the most natural presentation I have ever had in my home.  Sitting in the living room reading with music at the background level is extremely pleasant.  There is a natural organic presence I love.

  Many of the speakers I  have listened to provide an “Impressionist Painting” view of the music.  The FIVE17 speakers present a high resolution photograph.

  All three of these speakers have attractive response curves in the lower registers.  They each work very hard to reach down.  The larger drivers in the 8c's can move a lot of air, and their dispersion pattern produces a robust lower register.  The tiny little A500 with the dual front and rear-facing drivers tick this box pretty darn well.  My room may be a bit large for them, but still, they have a comfortable presence there. 

  I am still trying to find the right descriptive language to express what I feel from the FIVE17 low registers.  There is a depth there you have to hear to understand.  By the end of this review, I hope to work out the right words to describe my amazement at what I hear.

      __________ 

      During the second phase, I have been using my Hugo 2 as the DAC in the system.  The Hugo 2 output is singled-ended, so I use  RCA-XLR cables to an isolation transformer and then through the Audioquest cables to the speakers XLR input.  This was not ideal, but workable.

  I listened to see if I could hear sound quality anomalies between the digital and analog inputs.  There are subtle differences, but I cannot attribute this to double-DACing or the like.  The audio/digital paths external to the speakers vary. The Hypex NCORE system performs very well.  I cannot wait till I get balanced output DAC to try in the system. 

    __________ 

      Phase Three 

  I have just now been able to finish up my listening sessions comparing the Kii Three speakers and the FIVE17s.  The Kii Threes have been in my living room for a while.  I had set them aside for the second part of my listening.  Three speakers in a test are almost too much, and four would be impossible.  Also, note that I did not have the BXT modules available in the final part of this test.  

  The Kii Threes' retail cost plus the Kii Control is about 60% higher than the FIVE17. There is a functional difference between the Kii Three and the FIVE17.  The Kii speakers require manual operation to change inputs.  You cannot have both AES and XLR Analog as you have to go into the settings and change the input type. 

  The setup is the same.  The Sound Anchor stands for support. My new music server and the Mutec DDC to the AES inputs on both systems.

  I started with the Kii Threes playing to refresh my memory.  Next, I ran through a subset of my "test tracks."   I swapped in the FIVE17s and let them play for a bit, and re-ran through the "test tracks."    I have been switching back and forth between the speakers to firm up my observations.

  The Kii Threes present a very clean and open soundstage.  There is a lot of detail in the music, and they have a useful bass extension.   In comparing them to the FIVE17, the Kii Threes are dry and somewhat analytical.   The FIVE17 speakers are more "organic," have more PRAT, and a more comfortable listening experience.  The bass extension is significantly lower. 

  The Album "Live in Paris and Toronto" by Loreena McKennitt demonstrates this rather dramatically.  The Kii Threes reproduce the music in great detail; the FIVE17 covey the experience, the instruments, the audience, the rooms, and Loreena's voice.  It is fun to listen to her later recordings to hear how her voice and style have progressed.    Listen to her album: "Nights from the Alhambra," to give you a taste of the changes about a decade can make.

  I have only had the FIVE17 speakers for about three weeks, and I am still learning what they have to teach me.  Some days I feel like a slow learner.

One of the initial findings with FIVE17 speakers is that they need careful placement for the best staging.   For this, I set out 2ft x 2ft MDF on the floor.  Using Herbie's Audio Lab gliders under the spikes  I can move the speakers around till I find just the right spot!  I then remove the MDF and plop the stands down in the "right" place. I could never get away with the MDF long term!

            __________ 

      In my experience, speakers in my living room benefit from mechanical isolation.  I have used Isoacoustics isolators in most designs.  For floor standing speakers, I use the GAIA bases, on  the tabletop, the ISO-Pucks.  I have tried the GAIA bases on speaker stands with less than stellar results.  Over the last three months, I have been listening to the OREA Series under the speakers.  I have been delighted with the results by placing the OREA's under the FIVE17s improved sound stage, clarity, and more.  I will re-test when I get the factory stands for them.

          I use the OREA isolators under the electronics in my cabinets.  The OREA isolators are very specific on their load range, so choose wisely.

            __________ 

        In my living room, we listen to music in three different fashions.  One is filling the first floor with MUSIC! The second is background while reading and relaxing.  The third and most important to me is sitting down and listening to my choice of musical performances!  The FIVE17 speakers fill all three roles with great aplomb! I am delighted with the DSP setting for different sound levels.

  I am trying very hard not to overemphasize my feelings here. The puzzle pieces are fitting together for me, fifty years on with this avocation!  

  The sound quality fits what my ears want to hear.  The simple remote for the Hypex module works nicely.    Looking for downsides, the only one that I see is providing room correction for all the inputs.  I can use Roon for that side, but not for the Turntable, etc.

  I am looking forward to seeing what comes next while happily listening to the FIVE17!

  I am still at a loss to describe what I hear in the low end of the FIVE17 speakers.  Do they move the room?  Design, DSP engineering, and driver selection magic? 

  I am in the process of purchasing the review samples and ordering the matching stands.  I have settled on two of the three needed items for my system.  DAC next!

[bbygrae1x1]

SweetSexySavage Inspired Plots

Keep On

But every time I come crawlin’ on my knees, you’re there

Muse A and Muse B have been in the “talking” stage for years. They’ve made met each others’ families, spent holidays together, post each other on social media, the whole shebang. Surprisingly it’s not his fault it’s hers. Every time they get close to putting a title on their relationship, Muse A freaks out or stirs up trouble for no reason. This always makes them separate but as soon as Muse A sees that Muse B is even close to moving on she somehow gets her act together putting them back in square one. It’s a terrible cycle but somehow some way it works, or does it?

Distraction

Do me a favor, pick me up, take me out later Don’t worry about no paper ‘Cause I got much stacked up for nights like this

Muse A meets Muse B at an industry event. (their jobs are up to you). Muse A is the more outgoing and charming type while Muse B is known for being to themselves and secretive about anything. While at this event Muse A spills their drink on Muse B, causing their shirt to go completely see through, embarrassing them in front of everyone. When Muse A finally finds Muse B to apologize they insist on taking them out, hesitantly Muse B agrees. While on this date night, Muse B finally sees the “destroyed” individual that Muse A actually is. Just small mannerisms along with outrageous requests throughout the night shows that there is something deeper than what meets the eye. Muse A needs a distraction from the fast cars, fast money, and even faster women, will Muse B be it?

Piece of Mind (fxf plot)

Tryna get back to all my old ways Tryna get back to all the hobbies From my old days (gettin’ back)

Muse A and Muse B grew up together, were the closest of friends, and even began to experiment and date each other. While Muse A was more open with her sexuality, Muse B kept it to herself and Muse A’s relationship. When it came time for college Muse A gave Muse B the ultimatum of coming out to her family or not talking to her anymore. Muse B naturally couldn’t have given up the life she knew or bare her parent’s judgment. Like that, the two of them went off to college without speaking to each other and living their lives. Until one day Muse B decides to come home from years of traveling and meets up with her family at a restaurant only to find that Muse A and her girlfriend are the ones that own it.

Undercover 

They don't wanna see it happen—but we say, "Fuck it"

Muse A comes from your typical middle-class family, is of course pro black, and even owns their own black business. Muse B, on the other hand, grew up in a family where being black didn’t cut it, especially since they are half white. When the two of them meet Muse B’s eyes are open to so many different opportunities and the struggles that they didn’t have to go through growing up because their parents kept them in a suburban bubble their entire life. Muse A and Muse B end up dating and their first real event as a couple together is Muse B’s family 4th of July BBQ, filled with friends and family who are all against Muse A and people like them. 

CRZY (group plot)

Live for the challenge, only make me stronger One more reason to turn up on 'em

These (4-5) young, black millennials are all on their road to college graduation as Communications majors of different sorts. They all come from different walks of life but get along just great. Ever since freshman year of college, they found each other and became great friends. Muse A has taken up a Radio course during their last semester and for the course, they have to come up with a new radio segment that the school has never seen before. They have the idea of engaging all of their friends in a podcast, where they will come in each week and discuss issues in the community, on campus, give advice to underclassmen, and really find out who their true selves are. The podcast is full of transparency so when it comes time to give advice and relay stories, some members of the podcast get into more trouble than others. (Feel free to mix guys & girls, you develop your characters how you want) 

Personal

I got good heart, good soul, good sex No stress, next for me is best

Muse A and Muse B have been in an open relationship for almost two years now. The only reason it’s open is because Muse A can’t control their wandering eyes and hands, while Muse B is a sucker for them. When Muse B has had enough of it, Muse A tries to buckle down and only have a relationship with Muse B and Muse C. Muse C is used to being the other person but since Muse B knows about them, they feel ten times better. Once or twice they would have three somes, but Muse B would always end up feeling left out, noticing the chemistry that Muse A and Muse C have in the bedroom. Muse B finally has had enough and breaks off all ties to the situation, but when they leave Muse A realizes that Muse B is what keeps them functioning in every other way. 

[devils-gatemedia]

Proving that hard work (along with killer tunes) does actually pay off, Halestorm have the “sold out” signs posted outside the largest venues that they have headlined in the UK. The current tour takes in some impressive venues, including Brixton Academy in London, which will shoehorn in nearly 5,000 punters. Tonight’s show is in the 2,500 capacity O2 Academy, and like the other dates, has been sold out for months. 2,500 punters witnessing not only one of the hardest working bands around today, but also one of the most eclectic bills that you are likely to encounter on the busy live rock circuit.

Opening the show are London/Belfast based alt-rock duo – Rews. The duo comprise of guitarist/vocalist Shauna Tohill with drummer/vocalist Collette Williams, and like most duos out there, what they lack in numbers, they more than make up for in spirit and energy. Debut album, ‘Pyro’, has (rightly) been praised by outlets as varied as BBC6 Music and Kerrang Radio, and after the first few songs from their short and well received set, it’s easy to see why. ‘Shine’ and the foot-stomping joy that is ‘Miss You In The Dark’ give the rapidly filling hall a shot of adrenaline, and people can be seen dancing… actual, real dancing, especially on the aforementioned hypnotic ‘Miss You In The Dark’. With a lot of the crowd checking them out for the first time, Rews can afford to chuck in a brand new track. ‘Can You Feel It’ is a little belter that features the ethos that everyone should live by..“Let’s dance like no one’s watching, sing like no one’s listening”. Couple that thought with a hugely infectious chorus, and you have three minutes of sheer delight. A band worthy of further investigating.

And now for something completely different… Avatar.

What a show! From the minute Rews left the stage, Big Top music was piped into the venue. A massive sign with ‘Avatar’ spelt out in white light bulbs was raised into place, as Avatar crew, dressed in smart uniforms, readied the stage for the arrival of his majesty, the King. Avatar file onto the stage one at a time, with The Greatest Showman (up yours, Jackman!) Johannes making his grand appearance last. The King himself, guitarist Kungen, sets the evening in motion with some fine windmilling and we are off on the crazy train! Did you ever watch Batman Returns and wonder what happened to The Penguin’s circus performers/gang members once he croaked? Well, four of them are here in Avatar (Five if you count bassist Henrik Sandelin, who is on a leave of absence due to family matters). “The resident stage ghost will play invisible bass for the time being.”

Jaws drop amongst the crowd as those unfamiliar with the Swedes wonder what the hell they are witnessing. Johannes himself points out the faces that those watching Avatar for the first time are making. What they are witnessing is Vaudeville meets Hammer Horror at a party over at Tim Burton’s house, where Johnny Depp has cracked open the Absinthe. Couple that with fast, melodic death metal playing at full volume, and sweet baby Jesus, what a full on assault of the senses!

An Avatar show works best in the dark. As good a festival band they are, as soon as you put them in a darkened theatre, the show takes on new meanings. Everything is gloriously over the top, right down to the choreographed role of the uniformed crew member who carefully waits on the King as he changes his tunic before launching into ‘The King Welcomes You To Avatar Country’… or when he brings on a solitary effects pedal for fellow guitarist Tim Öhrström, places it down like he was placing Cinderella’s glass slipper for her to try, stands to attention as Öhrström pulls off a face-melting solo, then carefully picks it up and retreats to his post in the wings. An incredible show, and one that provided a hot topic of conversation afterwards in the bastion of thought-provoking debate… the gent’s lav.

Oh Halestorm, how the UK has missed thee. Unless my maths are wrong, it’s been three years since Halestorm last played a headlining tour in the UK. Sure there have been festival slots, the “Carnival Of Madness” dates, and the astonishing “Evening With Halestorm” shows, but this is the first run of headlining dates since March 2015, and the place is heaving!

With the incredible new album ‘Vicious’ making waves everywhere, Halestorm are on fire right now. After what seems like an eternity since Avatar left the stage, the house lights drop and the noise level rises considerably. Halestorm have been mixing up the set on these dates, so much so that they could open with anything. It is funny, however, when the guy in front of me closes the page on his phone that is set to Setlist FM. Yep, it’s a totally different opener from the previous night. Here, the band crash into the title track of the new album, and we’re off and running.

Lzzy Hale will always get the loudest screams no matter what, and when she appears front and centre, the screams are deafening. Male, female, young, old, Mz Hyde herself has that instant appeal to all demographics. Wearing a fuzzy red jacket that oozes Marc Bolan, she begins to unleash the almighty voice that his her trademark.

The new material sounds killer and, as you would expect, the vast majority of the set is culled from ‘Vicious’. ‘Black Vultures’, ‘Skulls’ and the “controversial” ‘Do Not Disturb’ are all greeted with loud approval. The vinyl version of the album finally gets released later this week, and as Hale points out, it has four extra tracks on it. As they are mixing up the setlist each night, tonight we get treated to the first live performance of ‘Golden’, and what do you know, cellphones are lighting up the room with people going live on Facebook. The guy in front of me started off the evening on Setlist FM and has now progressed to Facebook live. Me? I’m watching bassist Josh Smith and thinking that if only he was wearing a red scarf, we all would be Negan.

Mixed in with the new material, are what you could call Halestorm staples. ‘Love Bites (So Do I)’, ‘Amen’, ‘Mz Hyde’, ‘Freak Like Me’, and an incredible version of ‘I Am The Fire’. Nothing from the debut album, but to be honest, airing ‘Familiar Taste Of Poison’ might have caused the intensity to drop down a notch or two. Arejay Hale still manages to make a drum solo fun and interesting. No golf umbrellas this time, just the oversized drum sticks.

Then there is the guitar work from Joe Hottinger and Lzzy Hale. Halestorm are a guitar band first and foremost, and this pair treat the crowd to some fretboard fireworks. When they get together and go for some improvisation and spread out the songs, the results are real standout moments. The solo that Hottinger unleashes on the highlight of the evening, ‘Killing Ourselves To Live’, further cements his reputation as a guitarist who grows in stature by the day. The pair appear on the edge of the stage for the encore, with Hottinger clasping an acoustic guitar. Hale sits down next to him as they peel off a stunning rendition of ‘The Silence’ from the new album. Stripped back and bare, it proves that sometimes the best moments are the quietest.

With the clock quickly ticking towards the dreaded 11pm curfew, the rest of the band come back on for ‘I Miss The Misery’ and the traditional set closer; ‘Here’s To Us’. The latter features tour manager Detroit coming on with four cups with what looks like Jägermeister, and in true Halestorm fashion, the band toast the crowd and neck the booze. This one time in Glasgow, they used Buckfast for the toast… I use that to clean my drains!

Halestorm, meet the big league. Big league, meet Halestorm. You two will be seeing a great deal of each other.

Halestorm finish up this UK run in Bristol on September 29th before heading over for European dates throughout October. All dates can be found here.

Review: Dave S

Images: Dave J

  Review: Halestorm – O2 Academy, Glasgow Proving that hard work (along with killer tunes) does actually pay off, Halestorm have the “sold out” signs posted outside the largest venues that they have headlined in the UK.