RECORD REVIEWS
"CHECKMATE"
“Clawing out of the speakers with thunderous track ‘Broken Jaws’, this female fronted Leeds group have a fairly impressive touring past… Singer [Tank] is no prissy girl either and gives it her all, ranging from the soft dulcet tones to wailing rock goddess alongside driving riffs and cacophonous drums in ‘Throw Down Your King’… For those that love a little blues-touched hard rock with some female attitude, this will please you indeed.”
"...it's full of chunky, coursing rhythms and excellent vocals courtesy of Tank. She looks like a youthful Joan Jett with tatts, but sounds more like Maria Brink and Lzzy Hale... fans of that genre will enjoy "Checkmate". 'For The Sake Of Murder' chugs along while Tank venomously spits above it all. 'That's Not Love' is the best offering with its snarling riff and inventive rhythm piece, and 'The Last Defense' is a beautiful ballad that demonstrates Tank's remarkable abilities. 'Throw Down Your King' has Avenged Sevenfold in it's grooves, but remains original nonetheless. Ditto with 'Broken Jaws', which has a cool duet... "Checkmate" exudes passion, class and conviction. 8/10"
Powerplay Magazine
“I wanted to use an expletive myself here but I won't, Holy Smoke, this band is good… there may be elements of their music that you have heard before but they are seamlessly sewn together in an individual style… I cannot imagine how hard the band had to work to produce an EP of this quality, the musicianship is spot on, the vocals are mind blowing and the production is without flaw.This is the easiest score I've given to an EP yet, no messing… 10/10”
Black Phoenix Rising
“Every now and then you listen to a piece of music that makes you sit up and take note, and that's exactly what happened when I got my first taste of 'For the Sake of Murder', from Leeds-based Chasing Dragons' new album Checkmate… ’Throw Down Your King' the perfect example of her [Tank’s] aggressive approach to vocals… Katie Bullock on drums, who is easily the most kick-ass female drummer I've ever heard. As for the two boys of the band, Mitch Sadler on guitars and Ant Varenne on bass, they are of an equally high musical standard - Chasing Dragons are quite a quartet indeed. “
11 Is Louder Than 10
“From front to back Checkmate is a hard rock and metal exhibition… I genuinely believe it is one of the best records out right now, full stop. I have had the absolute privilege to review some incredible music since I started doing this and this record is right up there with the very best. If Checkmate isn’t vying for top spot on your record of the year lists come December pack up and go home because frankly you’re doing it wrong. “
The Musical Outcast
“… the impeccable quality of the recording will be sure to satisfy, as you can hear every scratch, every hit and every breath exactly the way they want you to. Listen to this EP countless times and you will always hear something new… Checkmate gives the band the opportunity to sink their poisonous fangs deep within your very soul, leaving you with a craving that only chasing the dragon can satisfy. This record should come with a warning other than parental guidance. Chasing Dragons have arrived. Belt up.”
Hit The Scene
“'Checkmate' is their latest record and despite being only six tracks long, this is well on its way to becoming one of my favourite EPs of 2014… there is no filler material here and all these tracks are really good.”
Metal Talk
“Chasing Dragons, a Leeds rock band, are on the road to stardom. If you don’t believe me, take a listen to their new record Checkmate… It is a flawlessly constructed rock album. Crushing guitars, pumping drums and vocals that will literally shake you from head to toe.”
Yorkshire Reporter
“Brewing a striking fusion of fiery hard rock and ravenous melodic metal, UK ’s Chasing Dragons are one of those emerging propositions which you can only see going in one direction. Taking new EP Checkmate as evidence, the quartet from Leeds is on a potent ascent pushing an already strong reputation into a new spotlight. Consisting of six tracks which are as rigorously captivating as they are creatively potent, the new release is a striking marker on the progress of the band… you can only feel the band is well on the way to finding that distinction and thus further recognition… Checkmate is an exciting and impressive offering which keeps Chasing Dragons on course for a richly rewarding career, for them and us so a recommendation to check them out could not be fuller.”
Ringmaster Reviews
“Chasing Dragons understand the raw and beautiful spirit of metal and seek to harness it in an exciting new way… They combine some tried and true ideas into something fresh, giving us a tasty little 22 minute EP to keep fans into the band. These guys have a clear passion for their art, knowing what they want to do and how to do, what more can you ask for? Come on in, feel the groove, Chasing Dragons bring the party, and they bring it hard!”
Two Guys Metal Reviews
“Everyone of the six songs is very versatile and shows another musical side of the band. The work on the music is both traditional and modern… there are many surprises in the songs that keep them from becoming one of the many out there.”
Metal Underdogs
“Checkmate is a record which is technical and accomplished, mixing heavy instrumentals and sections of melody well, switching from Iron Maiden-esque riffs to orchestrals and climbing vocals courtesy of Laurie ‘Tank’ Carnan who is brilliant throughout and lives up to her alias. “
Craig Reviews Music
“A fine marriage of melody and power, Chasing Dragons have something for everyone.”
Rock United
“Clawing out of the speakers with thunderous track ‘Broken Jaws’, this female fronted Leeds group have a fairly impressive touring past… Singer [Tank] is no prissy girl either and gives it her all, ranging from the soft dulcet tones to wailing rock goddess alongside driving riffs and cacophonous drums in ‘Throw Down Your King’… For those that love a little blues-touched hard rock with some female attitude, this will please you indeed.”
Big Cheese Magazine
"...it's full of chunky, coursing rhythms and excellent vocals courtesy of Tank. She looks like a youthful Joan Jett with tatts, but sounds more like Maria Brink and Lzzy Hale... fans of that genre will enjoy "Checkmate". 'For The Sake Of Murder' chugs along while Tank venomously spits above it all. 'That's Not Love' is the best offering with its snarling riff and inventive rhythm piece, and 'The Last Defense' is a beautiful ballad that demonstrates Tank's remarkable abilities. 'Throw Down Your King' has Avenged Sevenfold in it's grooves, but remains original nonetheless. Ditto with 'Broken Jaws', which has a cool duet... "Checkmate" exudes passion, class and conviction. 8/10"
Powerplay Magazine
“I wanted to use an expletive myself here but I won't, Holy Smoke, this band is good… there may be elements of their music that you have heard before but they are seamlessly sewn together in an individual style… I cannot imagine how hard the band had to work to produce an EP of this quality, the musicianship is spot on, the vocals are mind blowing and the production is without flaw.This is the easiest score I've given to an EP yet, no messing… 10/10”
Black Phoenix Rising
“Every now and then you listen to a piece of music that makes you sit up and take note, and that's exactly what happened when I got my first taste of 'For the Sake of Murder', from Leeds-based Chasing Dragons' new album Checkmate… ’Throw Down Your King' the perfect example of her [Tank’s] aggressive approach to vocals… Katie Bullock on drums, who is easily the most kick-ass female drummer I've ever heard. As for the two boys of the band, Mitch Sadler on guitars and Ant Varenne on bass, they are of an equally high musical standard - Chasing Dragons are quite a quartet indeed. “
11 Is Louder Than 10
“From front to back Checkmate is a hard rock and metal exhibition… I genuinely believe it is one of the best records out right now, full stop. I have had the absolute privilege to review some incredible music since I started doing this and this record is right up there with the very best. If Checkmate isn’t vying for top spot on your record of the year lists come December pack up and go home because frankly you’re doing it wrong. “
The Musical Outcast
“… the impeccable quality of the recording will be sure to satisfy, as you can hear every scratch, every hit and every breath exactly the way they want you to. Listen to this EP countless times and you will always hear something new… Checkmate gives the band the opportunity to sink their poisonous fangs deep within your very soul, leaving you with a craving that only chasing the dragon can satisfy. This record should come with a warning other than parental guidance. Chasing Dragons have arrived. Belt up.”
Hit The Scene
“'Checkmate' is their latest record and despite being only six tracks long, this is well on its way to becoming one of my favourite EPs of 2014… there is no filler material here and all these tracks are really good.”
Metal Talk
“Chasing Dragons, a Leeds rock band, are on the road to stardom. If you don’t believe me, take a listen to their new record Checkmate… It is a flawlessly constructed rock album. Crushing guitars, pumping drums and vocals that will literally shake you from head to toe.”
Yorkshire Reporter
“Brewing a striking fusion of fiery hard rock and ravenous melodic metal, UK ’s Chasing Dragons are one of those emerging propositions which you can only see going in one direction. Taking new EP Checkmate as evidence, the quartet from Leeds is on a potent ascent pushing an already strong reputation into a new spotlight. Consisting of six tracks which are as rigorously captivating as they are creatively potent, the new release is a striking marker on the progress of the band… you can only feel the band is well on the way to finding that distinction and thus further recognition… Checkmate is an exciting and impressive offering which keeps Chasing Dragons on course for a richly rewarding career, for them and us so a recommendation to check them out could not be fuller.”
Ringmaster Reviews
“Chasing Dragons understand the raw and beautiful spirit of metal and seek to harness it in an exciting new way… They combine some tried and true ideas into something fresh, giving us a tasty little 22 minute EP to keep fans into the band. These guys have a clear passion for their art, knowing what they want to do and how to do, what more can you ask for? Come on in, feel the groove, Chasing Dragons bring the party, and they bring it hard!”
Two Guys Metal Reviews
“Everyone of the six songs is very versatile and shows another musical side of the band. The work on the music is both traditional and modern… there are many surprises in the songs that keep them from becoming one of the many out there.”
Metal Underdogs
“Checkmate is a record which is technical and accomplished, mixing heavy instrumentals and sections of melody well, switching from Iron Maiden-esque riffs to orchestrals and climbing vocals courtesy of Laurie ‘Tank’ Carnan who is brilliant throughout and lives up to her alias. “
Craig Reviews Music
“A fine marriage of melody and power, Chasing Dragons have something for everyone.”
Rock United
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"TAKE FLIGHT FOR A FIREFIGHT"
"So, after hearing the whole thing, I now have to round it up… with an EP like Take Flight For A Firefight I can only think of one word, AWESOME! Considering you can get your hands on the EP for a fiver, you can’t go wrong! There’s ways to announce yourself to the world, then there’s Take Flight For A Firefight! People like to put a number on things, I’d give it a 9.5/10 – but by giving it a number you’re not understanding the big picture, it’s not about whose percentage is higher, it’s the quality of the music and the message it sends…the quality of this 9 track EP is outstanding and the message it sends is, “look out world, here there be Chasing Dragons!" [9.5/10]"
~ Yorkshire Underground Band Show (Phoenix FM)
"£5….. That’s all this musical masterpiece costs. Nine tracks, jammed full of pounding guitar riffs, powerful vocal lines and some of the catchiest choruses in female fronted rock….. Screw the likes of Paramore, Halestorm and Flyleaf. Chasing Dragons are the future of this amazing genre, and they are entering the scene with full force! [9/10]"
~ PlanetMosh
"When I first hit play on this album from Chasing Dragons I thought I was going to be in for a selection of generic rock tracks, unimaginative songs based on what the masses want – but I’ve never been so wrong. At every turn they’ve managed to surprise me, added in moments which will make you reconsider what you thought you knew, moments which make you sit down, moments which make you want to dance, and moments which simply work on a level which doesn’t need words. This is one hell of an album that’s for sure – and I can’t wait to see what people think of it."
~ Loud-stuff.com
"...Overall, Take Flight for a Firefight did not have the sound I expected from the first track, the rest of the record taking on a lighter tone but still with that hard rock edge they do so well. Tank’s voice fits this genre perfectly, and it’s good to see more and more women finding a home in this genre. With this amount of energy on their debut EP, Chasing Dragons could go far. [8/10]"
~ We Are Unseen Webzine.
~ Leeds Music Scene.
"..The album (Take Flight For A Firefight) was produced by Graeme Atkinson (Take The Seven) and Carl Bown (While She Sleeps, Fightstar) and offers nine tracks which capture the bands sound perfectly.
From catchy rock-pop tunes, to acoustic tracks and a cover of ‘Black Velvet’, the band have crafted a pretty decent debut.."
From catchy rock-pop tunes, to acoustic tracks and a cover of ‘Black Velvet’, the band have crafted a pretty decent debut.."
~ Hit The Floor Magazine
"Chasing Dragons is a hard-rocking heavy metal band which combines the oldschool and the modern, their latest release featuring impressive guitar playing and a great female vocalist... Let me confess – this type of melodic metal is not usually my thing nowadays, but the material here is so energetic and focused it just grabbed me. Take note that this is only Chasing Dragons‘ first release ; their future looks burning bright, and if you happen to be a melodic metal fan, this gem of an album is definitely worth your time!"
~ Underrated
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PERFORMANCE REVIEWS
“Honestly, she [Tank], like the group, is a bit of a hidden gem. She’s a born performer, stomping, moving with every beat… Combine this with her fellow musicians, Mitch and Ant on guitar and bass respectively and Katie (‘the stick figure’) on Drums, and the line up becomes a very tight knit group of friends providing, above all else, a fantastic soundtrack to any sort of situation where you just need some badass goddamn noise. Saying that, this ‘noise’ does not lack technical prowess or complexity, and the rather impressive set up that Kate commands at the drums, acts as authority. Incidentally, I have to say, Kate must be one of, if not the best drummers I’ve heard live to date… it would be fair to say that the entire group rank pretty damn highly in my favourite performances. Mitch and Ant are both very talented musicians capable of both the twiddly stuff and very catchy, strong, thunderous riffs, deep in tone and making a little paper sign tacked to the right hand camp billow and float… This is a seriously talented group of people. Funny, entertaining and impeccably musical.”
~ Cat On The Wall
“From tonight’s performance what I can say without fear of contradiction is that Chasing Dragons are all about fun, and the crowd at Metal Fringe were treated to a set that was as enjoyable as anything I have seen recently. Channeling too much energy for the cramped confines of the Empire’s stage, Tank took the phrase “music to the people” to a whole other level, getting down off the stage and up close and personal with the audience.
Yep, really enjoyed this one. Chasing Dragons are an excellent live band and were, for me, the high point of MF2012...”
~ Cack Blabbath
"Chasing Dragons were the highlight of the evening, performing songs from the EP including the punchy ‘Spawn of the Succubus‘, the debut of ‘Hindsights a Bitch‘ as well as a very good rock cover of Lady Gaga’s ‘Marry The Night‘ and not a meat dress in sight! All this, plus a poet and pole and burlesque dancers made for a great evening which culminated in a friendly stage invasion during their last number.
‘Take Flight For A Firefight‘ is their.. debut EP including a full 8-page glossy booklet, 3 bonus tracks and special edition artwork. It won’t be reprinted and only 100 exist so grab one before they’re all gone from www.chasingdragons.co.uk. ..now where can I get zebra spandex pants in XL?!"
~ TBFM
"Next band to play was the newly formed Chasing Dragons who have only been playing together since January this year. Following their performance we were amazed that the band haven't been playing together longer, as they have such great chemistry and an overall sound that seems like it's been perfected over many years. On stage they had a positive attitude toward everyone there and constantly interacted with the crowd. Lead vocalist Tank left the stage to mingle with the crowd during the set, despite recovering from recent knee surgery! Their band influences were different to the other bands that we'd talked to so far as they had more modern influences like Trivium and Avenged Sevenfold. They're recording their EP in October, which is due to be out early next year. They aspire to play at Download like many other bands and also mentioned that it would be good to play out of England, possibly in Japan. As we were intrigued by their name, we asked them where they got their inspiration. 'Playing video games, since most of us spend a lot of time playing dragon based games' Chasing Dragons were fantastic and we should expect more from them in the future! Their success at Metal Fringe indicates they will be successful in the music business while having fun doing what they love! We do hope so!"
~ Phoenix.fm
"Finally, headline act Chasing Dragons emerged from their nest and took to the stage, armed with skin tight leopard print pants and several cases of hairspray. Queen bee come vocalist Tank led the foursome of followers, delivering some crunchy sounds, including an awesome finger breaking solo. I shared a few words with Tank in between acts that night, and her good nature showed on and off the stage. She informed me that her family were here to see her for the first time that night, and she couldn't look happier... It's that sense of family that made Chasing Dragons special; seeing them play reminded me of a band back home consisting of several of my friends, and how much they enjoyed simply being on stage together and doing what they love."
~ Leeds Music Scene
"Chasing Dragons, the last minute band that were hastily hustled from Bradford Rios. The 5-piece Leeds band reminded me of a mixture of Guns ‘n’ Roses and Avenged Sevenfold, with the female lead singer, ‘Tank’, looking very much like Brody Dalle from The Distillers. They were definitely one of my highlights of the night, creating a really old school heavy rock vibe. The guys were really approachable, and Tank was all smiles."
~ Croon
“Chasing Dragons take audiences through a mix of screaming guitar solos, expressive vocals and music to jump about to, all wrapped up in a nice tight, engaging package. Chasing Dragons are Tank (Vocals), Joe (Bass), Mitch (Guitar), Zebs (Guitar) and Tom (Drums); a Leeds based 5-piece hard rock band. They showcase all their own material with a couple of well-known covers thrown in here and there to add to the performance. Fully formed for less than a year, they are already involved in Surface Festival 2011 and Live & Unsigned Festival 2011 and have been taking the venues by storm, progressing up through the rounds. With a combination of strong female hard rock vocals and melodious metal-like guitar harmonies, Chasing Dragons are hard to explain without giving them a listen.”
~ Sheffield Pride
"I went along to a battle of the bands, in the first instance, to see a friends band play. After they had finished i went outside, i wasn't interested in anything else. I ventured back inside to catch the last 2 numbers by Chasing Dragons. Maybe i should have stayed for the full set. What i saw and heard was one of the tightest and most professional sets i've seen in a long time... What i am going to say is this, if you get a chance, where ever you are, get to see Chasing Dragons and buy their CD.
They're destined to go a long way i reckon.
Keep it up folks and reel them gigs in,hard work pays off..."
~ SoundAwesome