Slidhr’s progress from vicious demo material to the monstrous split with Rebirth of Nefast, and on to the imminent debut full-length, ‘Deluge’, has been a fascinating journey. Having made a name for himself as guitarist for Sol Axis and then sinking underground with the ultra-obscure Myrkr, JD’s output has maintained a sickeningly high standard, setting him quite apart. Andy Cunningham obtains an audience.

Heard of Black Star Riders? Maybe not yet. But you’ll certainly have heard of Thin Lizzy – and BSR is what they’ve now become. Last original member Scott Gorham has filled out his team with Ricky Warwick formerly of The Almighty to continue the twin guitar lineage of Ireland’s greatest rock band. They’re about to release their new album, so we’ve got a short vid of Scott and the new song here.

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….