Armed with fierce new vocalist Jolene Tempest, NZ metal band Bulletbelt are a force to be reckoned with! The Wellington-based five-piece comprises respected members of the local metal community and brings together a unique sound that draws inspiration from black metal, and encompasses elements from traditional metal, thrash and punk. Evolving from 2012’s Down in the Cold of the Grave, these diverse influences are all unleashed in the band’s recently released second full-length album Rise of the Banshee. 2014 has seen Bulletbelt digress from their earlier black metal roots and develop an encompassing sound that pushes boundaries and welcomes a broader audience.

A relentless NZ/Australian tour included support slots for an impressive range of international acts like Sepultura and has concluded with the Wellington Album Release Show at Valhalla on Sunday with support from local bands Fallen Order and Insidious Wretch. Good guys (and gal!) that Bulletbelt are, entry fee for the gig included Rise of the Banshee CD, a complementary crate bottle of Ale of the Banshee and a Hells Pizza voucher!!!   The band also made headlines recently after their set at the New Plymouth Tattoo Festival coincided with a performance by pop-folk band The Seekers, playing at a near-by concert.  And they’re a commanding live act indeed!  Be sure to check Bulletbelt out when they play Wellington metal fest Strike of the Beast in the new year, and later in April when they support US band Midnight on their No Mercy Down Under tour.

Rise of the Banshee and Down in the Cold of the Grave are available to borrow from the Wellington City Libraries CD collection or you can support some local metal and purchase copies from Bulletbelt’s bandcamp page.