STACK #168 Oct 2018

MUSIC

REVIEWS

Revocation The Outer Ones

Korpiklaani Kulkija

Having one foot in the death metal scene and the other in thrash metal has served Revocation well over the years. Their seventh studio album, The Outer Ones , finds the four-piece in fine form once again. The band has always been known for their technical ability, and while it can sometimes get in the way of a catchy groove, the hooks are present and are made known with repeated listens. Revocation continue to grow from strength to strength, and that confidence is easily heard on The Outer Ones . Fans of the band have

There are many who hold fast to the belief that heavy metal hasn’t changed over its 50- year existence, and that the genre refuses to evolve. Well, they certainly haven’t been listening! With well over 30 subgenres, metal is arguably the most diverse genre of all, and folk metal is a big part of it. Finland’s Korpiklaani are leaders in their field, and after 15 years as a band they definitely know a jig or two. Sung in their native language, Kulkija isn’t as upbeat as their past efforts, but it still retains their melodic nature and mystic vibes. (Nuclear Blast/Caroline) Simon Lukic

Hellions Rue A genre-defying album isn’t new territory for Hellions, with the theatrics that built the core of 2014’s Opera Oblivia ramped up on their introspective fourth album, Rue . Opening pair ( Blueberry ) and Odyssey combine for the strongest piece of music the band have ever written – grandiose and all-consuming musically, a

voyeuristic think-piece lyrically. That theme continues through the record with the battling dualism between how Hellions sound, and what they’re actually saying. On Smile , the band look inward: “You know you've got to build the house before you let any guests in/ You need shelter, need a home in your own skin,” belts vocalist Dre Faivre in the opening verse, before looking outward at society’s pessimistic and outspoken social media landscape. The group adopt recklessness over looming hopelessness on the effortlessly catchy X (Mwah) , while The Lotus ups the theatrical side again. Closing track 26 , meanwhile, is the light at the end of Rue ’s long- winding tunnel – a cascading climax in Hellions’ quest for enlightenment. (UNFD)Tim Lambert

a lot to look forward to. (Metal Blade/Rocket) Simon Lukic

CHER Dancing Queen | Greatest Hits (1965 - 1992)

TOUR DATES: Sep 26 - Oct 20, 2018 NSW 26/9, 16, 18, 20/10 | QLD 28, 29/9 | VIC 3, 5, 6/10 | SA 9/10 | WA 12/10

CALLUM SCOTT Only Human

TAYLOR SWIFT Reputation

TOUR DATES:

TOUR DATES:

Oct 25 - Oct 27, 2018 Brisbane 25/10 | Sydney 26/10 | Melbourne 27/10

Oct 19 - Nov 6, 2018 Perth 19/10 | Melbourne 26/10 | Sydney 2/11 | Brisbane 6/11

Albums available at