by RAF KATIGBAK

Maiden rules. Not just because they are one of the most influential metal bands of all time (Chuck D even admitted that Public Enemy’s concept albums were inspired by Maiden releases like Seventh Son of a Seventh Son), or the fact that as a teen, Iron Maiden gave fantasy geeks like me an outlet for expelling some pent-up angst in a mosh pit, but more that, even now, Maiden seem to have a song that perfectly encapsulates every mood I’m in.

Feeling confused and angry about the horror of war and America’s global military hegemony? Try “Two Minutes to Midnight” off the Powerslave album. Feeling particularly saucy? Drop the 13-minute, Samuel Taylor Coleridge-inspired “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” for a musical journey of epic proportions.

Right now, with Montreal ramping up to the year’s-end blowout, the Maiden track that really hits home is perhaps their catchiest cut of all time: “Run to the Hills.” While this may have been originally written about the plight of the American Indian, I can’t help but feel like this year’s New Year’s celebration is all about heading into the country, renting a cabin with some good friends and getting right mashed for the weekend. But with so many awesome things to do and rumours of super secret special guests and New Year’s surprises swirling around town, I’m torn... but all things in due time. Let’s focus on the now.

Tonight the only place to be is the Hardsteppers live show at Saphir’s Mixed Thursdays. For anyone not familiar with this Montreal crew of live multi-instrumentalists, DJs, producers and vocalists, their Revolution album dropped a mad blend of breaks, dancehall and dub on unsuspecting ears this year. Main producer Sase One is a veteran of the Montreal scene and knows how to rock a crowd, and I expect no less at this live event. Also on the bill is So Called, who is the local musician, photographer, magician and writer who plays the accordion and has rocked it with Killah Priest—’nuff said.

Saturday night, Beat Concierge Productions are out to prove the rumours of drum & bass’s demise in Montreal have been greatly exaggerated, as their monthly KO La Drum N Bass returns to Café Chaos. For a mere $5, treat yourself to a tag team of Galaksy and Axionfigga, as well as Golgo13, on the wheels of steel. Black Market (who wants to make it known that he is not the drum & bass answer to Larry David) is itching to drop a live laptop set. Need more incentive? How about two-fer-$6 on Boréale beers all night long? Happy now?!

Sunday, the recently renovated and re-poshed le Swimming (now dubbed Balroom Bar) is hosting a pre-launch for their new weekly No Excuses night. “We kinda think two days isn’t enough for the weekend,” explains DJ Sean Kosa, who partnered up with Stereobar’s Bender for the musically across-the-board new weekly. “You need one more day to get drunk. What else are you doing on Sunday? Really, there’s no excuse not to get wasted.”

RIDING THROUGH DUST CLOUDS AND BARREN WASTES… Diskoakimbo@sympatico.ca

>> Music Listings