From the Bogs of Aughiska’s debut album was an homage-in-sound to the man’s native West of Ireland, building soundscapes of harsh wind and crashing waves over a foundation of tense electronics. Now it’s time for his new one – and Andy Cunningham dons his best Aran sweater to investigate.

Kreator have just played a capacity show in Dublin to much appreciation from the punters. But this is a bit strange – because it wasnt that long ago that the tumbleweed was quite literally blowing across the floors of their last gigs here. What gives? MI caught up with promoter Fergal ‘H’ Holmes to ponder the imponderables of why some gigs flunk and some succeed – even when they’re the same band.

Alright everyone – competition time again. Reliable metallers Saxon will be hitting Dublin on May 1st at The Academy. Tickets go on sale on Friday 19th April at €24, but Metalireland has a pair of them to give away. The last time I saw Saxon they blew Motorhead off the stage, so this one should be worth it. We’ll announce the winners on Monday. Read on….

The world limbers up for the new Ghost album – and a whole constellation of occult rock hopefuls follow in their wake. This one may be more of a curiosity than most. A two piece band taking the music of Katatonia and adding the vocals of Paul Chain, even their name suggests homage. But what’s it worth? Earl Grey dons ceremonial robes to consult the tarot cards.

Screamo, blastbeats and a violin? Yup, it’s high fallutin’ stuff all the way. The name may be bizarre, but this band are certainly interesting – and they’re hitting Ireland for a string of dates this week. . They’ve got everything in their sound from Orchid to Alcest. Matty Moore gives them the once over in advance of their Irish shows.