A LONG time ago - or so it seemed - the journey began to select the Northern Ireland band to stand on the unsigned stage at Bloodstock in August. And, the days and nights of effort culminated on Friday, May 8th in a packed Voodoo for the final.

Five bands, one judge and a packed crowd created a perfect recipe for a metal feast.

While for us it was a night of celebration and to raise a glass to the quality of the music in Northern Ireland, for the night's judge, Simon

_{When I saw Ralf Scheepers was listed as the vocalist on this album it immediately raised my expectations and I wasn’t to be disappointed. Blackwelder is a new collaboration of artists and “Survival of the Fittest” is their debut album. It was released through GoldenCore Records / ZYX Music on 24th April. Primal Fear frontman Scheepers is recognised as one of the best voices in power metal, which is why he was selected by Blackwelder’s founder Andrew Szucs for this project.}

ART OF ANARCHY, the ‘Mega Group’ featuring legendary vocalist, Scott Weiland, along with lead guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (Guns N’ Roses), bassist John Moyer (Disturbed) and introducing twin brothers Jon (guitar) and Vince Votta (drums) have signed a worldwide deal with Century Media imprint, Another Century. Their debut self-titled album will be in stores and ...