David West

David West

After starting his writing career covering the unforgiving world of MMA, David moved into music journalism at Rhythm magazine, interviewing legends of the drum kit including Ginger Baker and Neil Peart. A regular contributor to Prog, he’s written for Metal Hammer, The Blues, Country Music Magazine and more. The author of Chasing Dragons: An Introduction To The Martial Arts Film, David shares his thoughts on kung fu movies in essays and videos for 88 Films, Arrow Films, and Eureka Entertainment. He firmly believes Steely Dan’s Reelin’ In The Years is the tuniest tune ever tuned.

Articles by: David West

a portrait of kobi garhi holding his tattooed arm up to the camera

Orphaned Land: "Only the good die young. That's the meaning of this album"

By David West published

As frontman for Israeli proggers Orphaned Land, Kobi Farhi passionately wants people to question the world around them. He talks about life, Plato and turning down money from Steve Hackett

a press shot of Lovebites

Lovebites: "We're not here to be cute, we're here to be heavy"

By David West published

The Japanese metal scene is being turned inside out by a generation of women playing faster, harder and heavier. We talk to the movement’s leaders, Lovebites, about a rising phenomenon

O.R.K live on stage in Camden

O.R.K at The Underworld, London - live review

By David West published

Not yet rated

A strong performance from prog supergroup featuring members of King Crimson and Porcupine Tree

jerry ewing

Jerry Ewing – Wonderous Stories book review

By David West published

Not yet rated

Everything you ever wanted to know about prog but were afraid to ask.

steve hackett

Steve Hackett – Wuthering Nights: Live In Birmingham DVD review

By David West published

Not yet rated

One foot in the past, one in the future.

therion

Therion – Beloved Antichrist album review

By David West published

Not yet rated

A Night At The Rock Opera.

we could build an empire

We Could Build An Empire – In This Place album review

By David West published

Not yet rated

Gloom and grunge from Swedes expanding their kingdom.

live shot

Simon Phillips Protocol at Ronnie Scott's, London – live review

By David West published

Not yet rated

Drumming ace Simon Phillips at Ronnie Scott’s, London.

VUUR

VUUR at The Dome, London – live review

By David West published

Not yet rated

Even for an artist as prolific and musically adventurous as Anneke van Giersbergen, launching a new project to shift your already successful career into a new, heavier direction can be a risk.

a portrait of godsticks' Darran Charles

Fuelled by rage: how Godsticks made their ferocious new album

By David West published

With a new line-up, their first record deal and the heaviest album of their career, Wales’ Godsticks are shaking things up with new album Faced With Rage – Darran Charles tells us all

Spock's Beard - Snow Live album artwork

Spock's Beard - Snow Live album review

By David West published

Not yet rated

Time to get the band back together…

live shot

Solstafir at Heaven, London - live review

By David West published

Not yet rated

Icelandic gloom merchants team up with Myrkur for their only UK show

The Dark Element - The Dark Element album artwork

The Dark Element - The Dark Element album review

By David West published

Not yet rated

Pop meets metal as Anette Olzon and Jani Liimatainen join forces

Hawkwind - At The Roundhouse DVD artwork

Hawkwind - At The Roundhouse live CD/DVD review

By David West published

Not yet rated

No rust on Hawkwind’s glistening machine

Simon Phillips - Protocol 4 album artwork

Simon Phillips - Protocol 4 album review

By David West published

Not yet rated

Phillips and his new friends add some heavy funk to their fusion

Dave Kerzner - Static album artwork

Dave Kerzner - Static album review

By David West published

Not yet rated

Wish You Were On The Dark Side Of The Wall

Cairo - Say album artwork

Cairo - Say album review

By David West published

Not yet rated

Rob Cottingham’s new crew blast off for prog stardom

Wetton Downes - Icon Zero album artwork

Wetton Downes - Icon Zero album review

By David West published

Not yet rated

Nothing says progressive like an ABBA guest appearance

Richard McPhail - My Book Of Genesis book cover

Richard McPhail - My Book Of Genesis book review

By David West published

Not yet rated

Not quite the untold story of Genesis from their former manager

Panic Room - Screens: Live In London DVD artwork

Panic Room - Screens: Live In London DVD review

By David West published

Not yet rated

Masterful live set from prog legends in waiting

crowd at a prog gig

Kaprekar’s Constant at the Water Rats, London - live review

By David West published

Not yet rated

From studio to stage, roll out the Kaprekar’s Constant live show with multi-instrumentalist David Jackson

Il Cerchio D’oro - Il Fuoco Sotto La Cenere album artwork

Il Cerchio D’oro - Il Fuoco Sotto La Cenere album review

By David West published

Not yet rated

Il Cerchio D’oro's fire nearly sputters out

Bruford 1977-1980: Seems Like A Lifetime Ago album artwork

Bruford - Bruford 1977-1980: Seems Like A Lifetime Ago album review

By David West published

Not yet rated

Lavish box set from Bill Bruford

Kansas - Leftoverture Live & Beyond album artwork

Kansas - Leftoverture Live & Beyond album review

By David West published

Not yet rated

Keep calm and carry on, wayward son

Justin Hayward playing guitar on stage

Justin Hayward at Cliffs Pavilion, Southend - live review

By David West published

Not yet rated

The Moody Blues frontman earns a standing ovation for his solo show