Manchester Evening News

Following a week of three brutal exams, I was rewarded with a week -- well three days -- of work experience at the Manchester Evening News (MEN) on the sports desk. I would end up with a few bylines in various weekly newspapers, my name being spelled correctly.

The scenarios I got myself in will sound typical Allen. Context: the MEN is located all the way out in Hollinwood, which is just inside the M60 ring road around Manchester. I'm sure that means little, but it was an hour journey via a tram change. The second tram will become important to the narrative on day two.

On day one, I arrived into Hollinwood tram station 30 minutes before I was supposed to. Fair enough right? Well I somehow turned that 30 minutes into being 15 minutes late because I happened upon the wrong turnstile to gain entrance into the premises. There are apparently three. Even after calling into the switchboard, I couldn't figure out why security wasn't letting me in, but a few workers finally pointed me in the right direction.

When I finally did get into the building, I was put right to work producing a match report for League 2 team Accrington Stanley, who had lost to AFC Wimbledon, as well as a quotes piece for the back page.

To be fair, I was put to work by 11a.m. as no one could remember the password for the computer.

Day two was far more exciting. Or frustrating (depends on how you look at it).

To get to Hollinwood, I catch the tram from Eccles into city centre. From there, I walk to the Market Street tram stop where trams leave for Bury and Rochdale. I get on a tram to Rochdale which spits me out right outside the MEN offices.

I had no issues on Monday but Tuesday... On Tuesday, a car got in an accident with an Altrincham-Bury tram. Thankfully, I wasn't on that tram but I would once again be late -- a great way to impress potential employers.

So on one of the coldest mornings I had to wait 30 minutes for a tram to arrive.

Once I did arrive, I had plenty to do. There was a rugby report and a few football reports to take care of and it goes without saying, I know nowt about rugby. I made use of some online rugby glossary but even that wasn't enough. Oh, how lost I was.

All week, I was under the supervision of Richard (surname withheld), who was very informative about the industry and answered any questions I had. I learnt the politics of a newsroom and how big editorial changes can be.

Richard decided for Wednesday my time would be best served NOT trying to chance the trams and to work from home.

Live: Crash involving tram and car in Manchester city centre (pic @jason1jones46) http://t.co/VfGWPkiHMD pic.twitter.com/W8mC5RhSXB
— Manchester News MEN (@MENnewsdesk) January 27, 2015

Smart. On Wednesday, I was assigned a 1p.m. deadline to complete a match report for Accy's 1-0 loss to Bury the night before. The process to write a match report is simple: in my own words, combine what Accy and their opponent wrote about the match. But for Stanley, also known as "the club that wouldn't die", their website sure did since someone didn't pay the bill.

It made it difficult but I was able to piece together a somewhat coherent report.

Overall, the quotes pieces were my favourite thing to do: watch a video of either the manager or player speaking and then write a 400 word article with an angle of my choice. It felt like journalism.

And because these pieces were to go to into the Accrington Observer, I was told not to slate the team even if they weren't playing well, which they weren't.

I remember reading articles other course mates had done whilst on placement. Unlike mine, some had theirs posted online and the comments were brilliant. Not word for word, but comments ranged from positive discussion to, "can't believe the rubbish journalists bring out these days". I would've hoped for the latter!

I couldn't get my hands on the Accrington Observer until the following Wednesday but when I did my name was on three of the four stories on the inside page of the sports section. How cool.

Manchester United v. Southampton

As far as matches go… it sure wasn’t the prettiest on Sunday, but it was an awesome feeling to be a part of Southampton’s first victory at Old Trafford since 1988 – the “winning” smirk I had scribbled across my face should’ve gotten me battered outside the ground.

Last May, I watched Southampton draw on the final day of the season against Manchester United. That day, the likes of David de Gea, Nemanja Vidic, Juan Mata, Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck were in the blue of United.

This past summer they brought in Angel di Maria, a world-class talent, who played 124 times for Real Madrid and was recently named in FIFA’s FIFPro World XI. Although his performance on Sunday was lacking, he is going to be up there as one of the best footballers I’ll see. Add Sergio Aguero, Wilfred Bony (apparently worth £28m to City) and others.

Some pretty cool names  -- on this day, a front four for United that totaled £150m.

Now, with all the pleasantries out of the way…

Chants of, “Race you back to Hampshire” and, “Is there a fire drill”, rang out from the corner where us Southampton lot were, mocking United supporters who flocked towards the exits early.

It was a perfect setting for a Facebook status that had comments of, “Southampton lol” and, “Have fun losing” posted on it earlier in the day.

Prior to kickoff, Ken MacKinnon said: “I have a good feeling about today… but that can only it’s going to be crushed.”

The match itself was about as entertaining as seven hours on a plane. The only shot on target came in the 69th-minute when substitute Dusan Tadic slotted home from a rebound. A cliché of bedlam. I shared the most awkward hi-five with a stranger in front of me. It was a cross between hi-five and hold. And then there was a brief “omg” moment with a Mr Andrew MacKinnon.

“DUSANNNNNNNN TADIC, OHHH OH, OHHH OH!”

The Serbian went all Mario Balotelli, but struggled to rip of his shirt before flexing his muscles at the corner flag where we were sat.

Old Trafford is a library except for one section of the ground: N2401 and N2402. It was the first league game since May 2009 where United didn’t record a shot on target at home.

The win was important for Southampton, who jumped their hosts in the table and into third place with 21 games played.

New Christmas rule: no sweatshirts

Whilst in queue for security at the airport, I was roughly in earshot of a young girl who seemed to be leaving home properly for the first time. She was in tears and on her way to study in Barcelona. It makes you wonder, with the fantastic weather in Barcelona why would one be in tears?

My parents insist I return home for Christmas holiday and, if they can steal me, for a bit of the summer, which is something they don’t need to twist my arm about for either. I enjoy everything about being home.

Over the last calendar year, I have spent a total of six weeks at home. That’s not a lot… just enough to taste a routine. SportsCenter first thing in the morning with a bagel from Bruegger's ; pointless trips to North Lake Mall ; I forgot to eat Jimmy John's this time... 

I like seeing my aunties and uncles and my cousins. I don’t say much at  our gatherings. I interact sparingly. Grin and observe. When the moment’s gone, I remember events like when Uncle Chip would firmly squeeze my shoulder with his hand on his way out and say: “I miss you – I wish we had more time to talk.”

My friend, Tom Revesz, made the family photo and I’m glad he could share in our big family dinner. He’s family.

A special trip: My mother, he [Revesz], and I spent a long day on the 29th travelling to Raleigh, NC to see the Carolina Hurricanes play. The Canes lost 3-1 to Montreal, if you bother. Along the way we turned his already City blue blood into Carolina blue blood by visiting the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He had the full experience: eating on Franklin Street, visiting the Old Well, seeing Carmichael and the Smith Center, and finally, buying new swag from Johnny Tshirt.

Some might say it's the wrong Carolina. I like both Carolinas and I know which to wear to my uncle's.

Unfortunately/fortunately for Revesz, most of our time was dedicated to watching the college football bowl games. For him, we felt it must’ve gotten old quick, but by the end he was interested in his game picks. For the record he came in second, behind the winner: me. Not bad for a rookie.

There were several first with Revesz about. I was present for the purchase of a Michael Kors handbag and for lipstick. It was the first time I’d ever been in a Michael Kors store as well.

Here's to my favourite dogs at the condo: Heidi, TJ, Angus and Lexie.

Suicide Silence Tour

Hernan "Eddie" Hermida of SUICIDE SILENCE and Chris McMahon of THY ART IS MURDER are leagues above other vocalists in the present day metal scene. Both have exceptional range and Eddie's ability to go from the lowest of lows to a beautiful pig squeal would bring tears to anyone's ears.

SUICIDE SILENCE was out on tour with Australian band, THY ART IS MURDER, the Americans, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, and Hull's BLACK TONGUE (UK only). The package was making its Manchester stop at Academy 2.

BLACK TONGUE opened the show and had a strong presence in the crowd. Although, the presence on stage was lacking energy. They played a decent set that was rewarded kindly.

New Jersey's FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY were next and the crowd once again showed their muscle in the pit. They were technically a tight band with drummer showing of monster skills on the set.

The opening two acts had solid vocalists, but both were nowhere near the level of Hermida or McMahon.

The Australians were one of the the highlights of the night. Like FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, THY ART IS MURDER are technically gifted. Their guitars are erratic, but satisfying. McMahon came out wearing a Manchester City scarf and proceeded to profess his love for the football club. But by playing The Purest Strain of Hate from Hate, all was forgiven. Their presence on stage drove the energy level through the roof.

SUICIDE SILENCE headlined the show, and likewise, the crowd responded accordingly. Although, it was tough watching a band that lost its face just two years ago. It was hard to stomach. Eddie's influence offers the band a lot of promise for the future, which the foundations of can be heard on their most recent release You Can't Stop Me.

Review: Aversions Crown - "Tyrant"

Tyrant (2014, Nuclear Blast)

AVERSIONS CROWN has produced some of the sludgiest metal in recent times: they are aggressive, tactical, and at times, border on incoherent, but they are beautiful in the most horrific way. The Australian death machine invades planet earth with their latest album “Tyrant” set for release on 24th November via NUCLEAR BLAST. It is the follow-up to 2011 debut of "Servitude".

The opening track Hollow Planet is merely a warning of what listeners can expect to hear throughout the ten-song track list. The new Hollow Planet outdoes the self-released stand-alone single by giving the lead lines a more ominous sound in the mix. They have also retained the perfectly placed reverse snare in the final breakdown. Lyrically, the themes found in Hollow Planet carry on throughout the rest of the album.

Drummer Jayden Mason continues to make use of blast beats and erratic snare patterns that listeners of the Australian outfit have become accustomed to hearing. The three guitarists once again demonstrate the depth in which eight-string guitars can be utilised – several tracks experiment with unique rhythm guitar parts.

Tracks Conqueror and Vectors have very different feels in comparison to previous AVERSIONS CROWN songs due to slower tempos and more melodic leads as opposed to eerie, but both are just as heavy. Conqueror is one of the strongest songs on “Tyrant”, alongside Xenoforms and Faith Collapsing.

If the world is heading towards its demise anytime soon then there is no better soundtrack than “Tyrant”.

Streaming of “Tryant” in its entirety is currently available through BLABBERMOUTH.NET and SOUNDCLOUND. The band will be on tour in the United Kingdom in January 2015 with I DECLARE WAR and WITHIN THE RUINS. You can follow AVERSIONS CROWN on Twitter @Aversions_Crown.

Asking Alexandria Tour 2014

ASKING ALEXANDRIA played Manchester Academy this past Friday night and were easily upstaged by Los Angeles act, THE GHOST INSIDE, who are continuing to show that they are the real deal. Being ASKING ALEXANDRIA comes with a tremendous expectation, especially when touring across their home country.  And whilst their set sounded tight and fully energised on Halloween night, their vie and apparent love for macho-sarcasm and rockstarisms hindered the  overall performance. 

Dallas, TX based band CROWN THE EMPIRE also made an appearance at the show.

THE GHOST INSIDE played tracks from across all their releases to date include Engine 45, Between the Lines, and Dark Horse. They also played the title track of their upcoming album Dear Youth, which is set to be released 17th November on Epitaph Records. Jonathan Vigil engaged with the audience throughout the band's performance with Engine 45 being a major highlight of the night as they crowd emphatically sang back the last chorus.

The headliners ASKING ALEXANDRIA played a hefty set with most songs coming from 2013's From Death to Destiny. For such a dramatic build up that included Europe's The Final Countdown in its entirety, there was little to back it up. It's been stated the band wants to backup their image as the bad boys of current rock n' roll and that was showcased by vocalist Danny Worsnop who spoke of living the "rockstar" life. Whilst seen as tongue-in-cheek since they are embracing a label, it's really not an attractive trait. There is having fun and then there is overdoing it.

Although the audience was memorised and pro-AA, THE GHOST INSIDE stole the night from a musical standpoint.

Manchester Metros announce team

Unanswered questions: Manchester Metros A season begins in disarray after losing one of its top players from last season to injury in exhibition game this past Friday night.

Manchester A retained their place in BUHIA's north division and will be facing the likes of Edinburgh Eagles, Hull Ice Hogs, Northumbria Kings, Nottingham Mavericks, and Sheffield Bears. Edinburgh were champions of the north division in 2013/14. Northumbria Kings are the only newcomers to the division.

Seven players return from last season's team that miracuously finished middle of the pack -- Max Drakely, Tom Wilson, Mike Di Paoli, Matt Lowry, Allen Gunn, Callum Notman, and goalie Phil Pearson. It has lost Tyler Schock, Topi Jylha, and Patrick Thomson to graduation and has further lost Shayne Langlois and Gino Poulin who are on indefinite leave from the sport.

Additions from last year's B team include defensemen Matt Crouch and Dean Smith and forwards Jamie Bower, Ste Chorlton, and Jack Walker. Matt Crouch and Jamie Bower played Division 1 Nationals last year, while Jack Walker saw action in a few A team Cup games.

The team holds onto its top scorers from last year, Gunn and Lowry, but the pair lose their centre, Wilson. The centre from Glossop will be sidelined for a considerable amount of time after suffering a broken wrist in an exhibition game against Widnes Wildcats a week and a day before the team was set to Nottingham for the first Cup game.

The loss of several quality players over the last few years will require new additions to Metros A to fall into gigantic roles from the get-go or the team could suffer the drop. The year-to-year changing of personnel in university ice hockey means no one can predict the strength of other teams until after a few games, but it is expected that Edinburgh, Nottingham, and Sheffield will simply retool and not skip a beat. Northumbria proved last year that they were a tough opponent, gaining Div 1 North status through promotion. 

Metros home games will continue to be played on Friday nights at Deeside Leisure Centre with face-offs at 2230. For all Manchester Metros information and to be kept up to date about the North West Varsity versus LJMU Leopards follow @MancMetros on Twitter.

Manchester Metros 2014/15 Roster: Jamie Bower, Ste Chorlton, Matt Crouch, Mike Di Paoli, Bryce Dorin, Max Drakeley, Allen Gunn, Matt Lowry, Callum Notman, Phil Pearson (G), Max Phillips, Lee Pollit, Dean Smith, Brad Valentine, Jack Walker, Tom Wilson (inj.), Mike Zyczkowski.

Division 1 North Schedule:

1 Nov - @ Nottingham

7 Nov - vs. Edinburgh

15 Nov - @ Northumbria

21 Nov - vs. Sheffield

5 Dec - vs. Hull

24 Jan - @ Sheffield

6 Feb - vs. Nottingham

19 Feb - @ Hull

22 Feb - @ Edinburgh

27 Feb - vs. Northumbria

For full BUIHA information,  updates, and schedules check their website at www.buiha.org.uk.

Within the Ruins return to Europe

Within the Ruins announce European Winter Tour for 2015 with Seattle deathcore band I DECLARE WAR and Aussies AVERSIONS CROWN, presented by Avocado Booking and Impericon.com.

The 2015 Euro Tour will be Within the Ruins second time to continent. The last time they were here was in 2012 on the Bonecrusher Fest with CARNIFEX, BENEATH THE MASSACRE, MOLOTOV SOLUTION, and  BETRAYING YOUR MARTYRS.

The boys from Westfield, MA will make stops in Germany, Belgium, and France beginning on 16 January before making their way to the United Kingdom for four shows in London, Glasgow, Leeds, and Cardiff. They will then return to mainland Europe and visit the likes of Poland, Hungry, Italy, Switzerland, Russia, and Belarus. The final show is in Kiev on 11 February.

Within the Ruins will be out in support of their most recent release "Phenomena", which includes titles like Gods Amongst Men, Calling Card, Clockwork, and another instrumental in the Ataxia series, Ataxia III. All songs are related to comic books in one way or another, as stated by vocalist Tim Goergen.

2006's "Driven by Fear" will always be my favourite WTR release, but "Phenomena" is the perfect workout album to get swole with.