Forhekset: Stage Smoke And Inferno Mirrors

After talking about corpse paint and death for the previous editions of Forhekset, it acted as a precursor on what to expect here and to put it succinctly: Unorthodox pleasantries. Giving my 2 cents worth on what my ears and occasionally the eyes pick up from the grapevine, this month takes a look into the seemingly huge issue of stage theatrics and how it has destroyed the reputation of extreme music



It all started with a performance from death metal band Zaganoth during Now Suffer and the mixed reactions from the crowd and internet anonytrolls alike when vocalist Jaar Vis decided to go onstage with his briefs and a stocking adorning his head throughout their setlist. While some were appalled by the shock antics and derided it as a tactic to climb up the metal hierarchy, others applauded the said vocalist for his ability to get the attention of the crowd while backing up with an impressive performance to complement the rest of the line up for the night. It definitely caught my eye no doubt but never did it raise an eyebrow since the likes of scum rockers The Dwarves and G.G Ailin have gone that route before so it is not unusual to see a performer onstage in his innerwear and showcasing his inner Manowar tendencies. What I could not comprehend however, was the blind negativity directed towards Jaar Vis and his band that had nothing to do with the quality of the music churned out but for the minor fact that his theatrics left a sour taste in their mouths. An irony of sorts given that part of the reason why these critics probably got into metal is due to the fact that their favourite band was appealing to their and to a subliminal extent, the image portrayed by them



From Eddie to pyromania at concerts, theatrics and image have become part and parcel of a band aside from their music which fundamentally forms the basis of their varied career lifespans. Metal purists will attempt to put down the notion and quickly insist that image is nothing more but a minor criteria in order to make it in the music industry and forming a fanbase but even the likes of Slayer resorted to corpse paint in the early years of their music career back when Kerry King had hair to rival Dave Mustaine. The black metal genre made the two tone death mask an iconic feature with the likes of Immortal and 1349 wearing the corpse paint until today whereas death metal prefers to say it with blood as evidenced in Carcass' album artworks and the regalia of Polish knights Behemoth. Let us not forget the pioneers of extreme metal as well, for it was the head of a goat featured prominently on Venom's Black Metal album (which also attributed to giving the grim genre its name)that pushed the envelope and gave bands the opportunity to use gimmicks as a tool to launch their material instead of being confined to watching Stryper delivering gifts of goodwill. Since then, masked men in overalls (Slipknot) Vic Rattlesnake (Megadeth) and skinned pigs onstage (Mayhem) are just one of the many ways bands are trying to get the attention of the download generation to skip the mouse and head to the record store instead

Back to the context of the local metal scene, the idea of having stage theatrics are being frowned upon by certain sections of the crowd who wholly reckons that it should be all about the music and nothing else. I beg to differ, having the element of surprise has become a powerful tool that does not exist online in order for a band to get ahead to the rest. The music should never be compromised but it doesn't hurt to make an impression on the crowd visually as well

Dalsix Joins Madness Magazine - Dalsix Visser's MySpace Blog |

Dalsix has recently joined the ranks of Madness Magazine as their music columnist and giving readers a glimpse of what to expect from releases both new and the yesteryear and to break the ice, the Danzing album was put under scrutiny. Read more about it at the link provided below:

Dalsix Joins Madness Magazine - Dalsix Visser's MySpace Blog |

The Misfit Ramones Playing In Toxic Toy

Its a non stop rampage from the Proost! featured artiste The Misfit Ramones as they are part of the line up for Malaysian punk rockers Toxic Toy at J3 Studios on 31 July 2010 along with Dropbeat Heartbeat, Frostymug (who also played at The Misfit Ramones showcase), Random Arrival, Morphrunt, Murder By Ska and Shoe Size Nine. Located at Jalan Sultan, tickets for Toxic Toy are going for just $3 and merchandise will be sold on that day as punk music is in revolt and The Misfit Ramones will not be bothered to go to work the next day. More updates to appear on The Misfit Ramones right here including a new track for your listening pleasure on Soundcloud this week after Your Breasts Are Big (I'm Gonna Sue You)

For more information about the gig, go to: http://www.myspace.com/toxictoypiyol

Thambi K Seaow at The Strip Show

Southern style Singapore rockers Thambi K Seaow will be performing at The Strip Show held on 31 July 2010 at the open field located in Merchant Loop just opposite Clarke Quay. Despite the initial postponement of the event, it looks set to go ahead as planned as promises to give both artistes and revellers alike the ability to express their emotions and passion with the likes of stand up comedian Kumar, Mark Bonafide and Wicked Aura making an appearance onstage. Tickets are available at www.tdc.sg and tickets.com outlets at all NTUC Malls for only $15 (inclusive of one free drink) and let the articles of restriction be removed by the madcap Thambi K Seaow!

Stillborn & Zaganoth To Perform At Causeway Chaos

Its a full on war at Blackhole as 4 bands from Malaysia go head to head with 4 bands to defend local shores as Causeway Chaos prepares for a royal rumble unlike no other! Alongside Deus Ex Machina and Metalgunz are the meteoric death metal band Stillborn and the sadistic ballsy act Zaganoth as they pit their horns against Wynken Delirium, Controlled Issues, Predicate Not Defined and Maddame from Malaysia in a no holds barred contest and a crowd baying for metal ferocity. Organised by Jaar Vis from Lights Out, tickets are available at $10 (presale) and $12 (at the door) so do not hesitate and get your ringside tickets to see the main event before its sold out

(Contact Jaar Vis at 91443884 for details / ticket bookings)

Savvia Lenore (Age Of Sinfonia) Performing At Stand Up And Shout!

With Age Of Sinfonia preparing the finishing touches to their upcoming EP, vocalist Savvia Lenore has taken some time off to lend her sultry pipes for the Stand Up And Shout! tribute gig for the late Ronnie James Dio (Black Sabbath, Rainbow) on 24th July 2010 at Blackhole 212. Starting at 5pm, the line up consists of Steel Damage, Maelstrom, Rocket Kingz, Aural Vibes, The Burning Shield, Greensleeves, Endless and Merrapes with Savvia slated to perform at 7pm with tickets going for $6 (presale) and $9 (at the door) For more information and RSVP, click on the poster above and get a glimpse of the steel lunged chateuse