Tasting Notes - With Bryn and Jaff

After a slight delay due to an incredibly retro virus, Bryn and Jaff are back with another couple of bottles of Lidl's finest, and this time it's French week....can you get a decent bottle of French wine for less than £8?

Kirk Hammett shows off his charisma, pervert glasses (yay or nay), it's the time to pick the brain of Nicko McBrain....and (unfortunately) Bryn ends up in a maids outfit whilst Jaff tastes some underpants....

There's also been some absolute belters on the music front! A brace of avant-garde black metal albums, s...

Damnation festival is less than three weeks away so Bryn and Jaff decided to take the opportunity to give you their recommendations of must-see bands over the weekend! It's also the first time they've ever tried a non-alcoholic wine....let's just say, it performed exactly as expected....with the unexpected addition of pork.

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After a few weeks of aimless meandering through the vineyards of the world, Bryn and Jaff are back with a new plan...sampling the offerings that can be found on the shelves of Lidl. Is this a public service...or possibly a public nuisance?

This week Jaff gets a new catchphrase, the beverage thieves strike Scotland and Italy, Tony Tommi's fingers cause some confusion....and it turns out the word "sausage" vastly improves any band name.

There's new music from Deafheaven, everyone's favourite vikings Amon Amarth, and Power Trip...as well as some...

After a brief moment (and some international meandering), Bryn and Jaff are back for Season 4! They're kicking off proceedings with an organic, Argentinian Malbec...will it be any better than their previous forays into organic wines?

There's discussions about Devin Townsend's flatulence, Nicko hosts a big welsh curry night, it's Metal Hammer's 40th birthday, Slipknot continue to be Slipknot...and Jaff appears to have returned from Oz with a comprehensive knowledge of Neighbours...

And on the music front, Anthrax have a new album, there's some bimbo-violence from New Orleans, a rather interesting slowcore...

Well...it''s a bit of a strange edition...Jaff is off barreling his way around Australia so in an act of solidarity, Bryn has chosen an Australian Chardonnay to sip on during this weeks episode.

There's some questionable tour choices, an upcoming solo album from the one and only Pepper Keenan, a jobby in a moshpit....and that Slipknot single...

And that's without mentioning the twelve incredible records that Bryn brings to the table...punk, death/doom, noise-rock...there's an absolute gold mine of new releases!!

This Weeks Releases

It's the end of the Chardonnay journey, and the end of Season Three! But, fear not, as Bryn and Jaff have a rather fine bottle of Chablis to round off the season!

There's an ArcTangent roundup, discussions about 'smoke taint', a man forgets how to wear sunglasses, Jaff joins Poison and Bryn ponders the return of MySpace and our old chum Tom...

A whole host of musical delights are provided as usual...from classical, to death grind, to jazz, post-metal and even a bit of drone thrown in for good measure!

Bryn and Jaff are back with another episode and this time they've got a Chardonnay from California...it seems that they actually enjoy Chardonnay far more than they initially expected!

Jaff gives his rundown of Bloodstock, Sid is still not in Slipknot (we think), Paul McCartney shares a gem of wisdom....and there's rather a long discussion about spaff. And, of course, they both give their recommendations of must-see bands at ArcTangent later this week!

This week there's been horror soundtracks, black metal, Canadian hardcore....and much much more! Plenty for you to...

Bryn and Jaff leave the winery's of South America behind them, which means it's time to get Jake back...and this time he comes armed with a bottle of Chardonnay from somewhere a lot closer to home!

It's 'bye-bye' to Sid, Five Finger Death Punch continue to subject the world to the absolute dregs of the musical barrel, Bryn gets awfully cross about a TV remote, Jaff does unusual things to his lawn.....oh, and always remember to wash your bell tents in the bathtub!!

Continuing on the recent trend of absolutely phenomenal...

Bryn and Jaff have been having such a jolly time on their South American journey that they've decided to throw an extra week in and sample something neither of them have tried before....a Tannat from Uruguay!

Jaff decides wine should be worn not drunk, there are some rather questionable pub guests and Bryn concludes that now is the time to buy a vineyard.

There's been an absolute mountain of brilliant releases over the past two weeks, including (potentially) the best post-metal album of the year, some devastatingly unsettling black(ish) metal....and...

After acclimatising to the new two-weekly break between episodes, Bryn and Jaff are back as they continue on their South American Journey. This week they wet the old whistle with an Argentinian Malbec and a Chilean Syrah....cheers Don David!

Devin Townsend leaves a surprise in a guitar case, the world's largest aeroplane flies directly over Jaff's house, the winner of this months vinyl and wine giveaway is revealed (from a shoe), and plans are revealed for this weekend's special episode from The Woods!

With two weeks of releases to choose from, there's...

Continuing on their South American journey, Bryn and Jaff pick a Chilean Viognier to quench their thirst in the inferno that is the UK this week...

Bruce Dickinson shares some wisdom, KISS waste $200 million, Gwar continue their mission to dismember every public figure on the planet....and there's rather a lot of interruptions by passing planes...

On the release front, from D12 to Mork...there's guaranteed to be some releases to pique your interest this week!

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D12 - D12 Forever (Vol. 1) (00:30:17)<...

The sunny coasts of Portugal are a distant memory as Jake returns to set Bryn and Jaff off on their new journey to South America, kicking off with a trip to Chile and Argentina!

A man makes money selling CD's, the summer has arrived and brought a veritable feast of Doctor Dave's with it, Jaff talks about a rather large swimming pool and Bryn gives the low down on Download....

Due to Bryn's festival exploits, there are a few less albums to chat about this week....but Jaff has brought some absolute rippers...

As they approach the end of their Portuguese journey, Bryn and Jaff find themselves on a distinctly fishy submarine...

Ginger Wildheart shows off his eloquent way with words, Jaff uses fashion to solve the international haulage problem, Bruce Dickinson takes joy in the machinery of war, and Bryn mourns his 26 year old rucksack.

Converge are back again with their second album this year, Oh Hiroshima have created something quite incredible with their latest release, and Jaff has stumbled upon an incredible blackgaze record from Swedish outfit Together To The Stars.

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The Portuguese journey continues as Bryn and Jaff return to the world of red wine with an Alicante Bouchet...and Jaff provides some interesting facts about prohibition.

Cult Of Luna get naked, Jaff falls into a verbal diarrhoea wormhole, Bryn plays with Butterflies, Steven Bartlett annoys everyone and Mark Morton has a wholesome new hobby!

There's a new album from the wonderful mind of Devin Townsend, Jaff raves about the new Elder record and Bryn may have found his album of the year.....

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Devin...

As Bryn battles the inferno of British weather, Jaff comes to his aid with some Portuguese white wine...but does it stand up to the recent track record of high scoring bottles....

Should Ozzy be turning in his grave? Iron Maiden blow the dust off an old classic, A notorious alcoholic headlines an alcohol free festival....and Jaff shows off his love of cheese...

We have French black metal, Swiss post-metal, some rather good death metal from Ireland...and Tommy Lee desperately tries to polish a steamer from 2005.

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As they stroll through northwestern Portugal, Bryn and Jaff grab a bottle of Vinho Verde and realise they've been missing out something quite remarkable!!

Federico is back at the keys, a 70 year old man goes bald, Geezer Butler wins the award for 'most heart-warming story' and Jaff encourages a pensioner to get into a Cannibal Corpse pit...

Bryn has a plethora of incredible EP's this week and Jaff has come armed with some experimental black metal and possibly the best funeral doom album of the year!

This Weeks Releases

Bryn and Jaff are left to their own devices as they begin their Portuguese journey...and they seem to have stumbled upon something really quite special!!

Nicko gets a bit camp, David Ellefson draws the usual gold comments from the internet, Bryn's children eat a shed and Jaff learns all about a port called muff....just a normal week at Tasting Notes HQ...

And, on the musical front, the one and only Social Distortion are back after 15 years, Darkthrone continue whatever it is that they're doing, there's two releases that really push the...

It's "Au Revoir" France and "Olá" Portugal, as Jake (our resident wine expert) returns to set Bryn and Jaff off on their new journey. Between the blue wine and the monstrously large Portuguese bottle, there's a lot to dive in to!!

Aquatic French bus drivers, David Attenborough's Lego woes, mismatched touring partners, Jaff gives his Incineration breakdown, Bryn smells Devin Townsend's ears....and Tom Araya bellows at some drivers...

From Slovakia to Germany, with a few stops off in Ireland and Los Angeles....it's a veritable whirlwind of new music this week! Plenty f...

As their journey through France draws to a close, it's time for Bryn and Jaff to crack open a bottle of Rosé....and where better to find one than in the southern-most reaches of the country!

Is pope Leo XIV the coolest pope in history? Does anyone actually listen to Yngwie Malmsteen? Richie Faulkner treads very close to a Doctor Dave...oh, and Dave Grohl's genitalia seem to be the topic of the week...

There are two exceptional post-hardcore records from France, At The Gates have released their stunning swansong, and Jaff may w...

This week Bryn and Jaff indulge their more flamboyant side with a fruity bottle of Beaujolais...and (much to their surprise) it ain't half bad!

Bryn picks a bone with Gnod, Jaff grabs his own body parts, Joe Duplantier gets compared to The Eiffel Tower and Iron Maiden manage to wriggle their way out of commitments.

Crippled Black Phoenix return with an album of the year contender, Glasgow noise-mongers Gout release their debut EP and knock Bryn's socks off....and Jaff brings some truly astounding music from Austria....

When in France, it's time to drink French wine, and this week it's a Bordeaux and there's definitely a lot to talk about!

Ritchie Blackmore makes some quite judgmental comments, Iron Maiden finally make the leap, Jack White gets a bit political....and Jaff finds a new career as poet!

In a slight change of format, this week it's Hip-Hop week...but there's also a hefty offering of death metal...and even a smattering of drum and bass!!

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Snoop Dogg - 10...

Bryn and Jaff make a triumphant return to Poitiers as they continue their journey through France. It's a Sauvignon Blanc this week...ominously produced with grapes from from "the year of of many challenges".

There's black metal Super Bowl, Varg's semen, Kanye getting sent back West, Jaff reminiscing about his time in the cubs....and Bryn presents Jaff with a gift from a mythical creature.

It's been one hell of a week for releases with everything from Corrosion of Conformity to The Shits....and a certain Canadian duo who appear to be making...

This week Jake has returned to set Bryn and Jaff off on a new journey through the vineyards of France...and they're kicking their trip off in style with a bottle of Cotes-Du-Rhone as well as a (rather pricey) bottle of the highly regarded Chateauneuf-Du-Pape....is it as good as everyone says?!

M Shadows sells insurance, Paul Mcartney falls foul of his own rules, somebody defecates down a drainpipe and Jaff hosts the inaugural round of "Bus or Cuss".

Musically, there's a pair of atmospheric black metal records, some of the most soul-shaking...

As their Primitivo / Zinfandel journey draws to a close, Bryn and Jaff ponder on what they've discovered over the previous few weeks...and it appears that they have actually learnt some interesting facts!

Alice Cooper sells some fetching golf trousers, Flea has a run-in with a glass door, there's wimples, habits and a slanderous rumour started about Slipknot....what a week!

And it doesn't stop there! This week sees some of the biggest releases of the year so far with new albums from Neurosis, Exodus and Gaerea...

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Normal service has resumed this week as Bryn returns from his travels and the guys continue their Primitivo journey....where they may well have found their favourite wine so far!!

Snoop Dogg turns his hand to winemaking, Bryn takes a pop at Morrissey, Jaff's musical idol comes crashing to the earth in a soggy mess...and there's some genuinely sad news to be discussed.

There's also 14 strong releases to be talked about....from northern black metal punks all the way to Australian piano compositions....where else can you get this kind of variety!?<...

This week Jaff finds himself tottering around Italy whilst Bryn is nowhere to be seen...luckily he has a reliable bottle of Montepulciano to keep him company.

Nikki Sixx makes some comments about genitals, Metallica get spherical and Jaff summons the spirirt of Oz Clark to keep him company...

There's twelve releases this week for you to get your teeth into...including some questionable 'big' release...plenty to keep you occupied!

This Weeks Releases

Black Stone Cherry - Celebrate (00:16:56)

Mascot Records

https://blackstonecherry...

It's long overdue, but we've finally got our friendly resident wine expert back! This week Jake leads us on a carefully curated journey into the history of Primitivo and Zinfandel....and you may actually learn something for a change!

Bryn talks about his embarrassing faux pas, Jaff scours the internet comments sections for more comedy gold and Jaff goes head to head with Jake in a round of 'Band or Booze'

There's an album of the year contender, some questionable pop music and a progressive death metal album that will make your brain...

Bryn and Jaff step outside their comfort zone this week and try a bottle of UK produced mead (courtesy of Bryn's father-in-law) that also happens to be a collaboration from welsh noise-mongers Bullet For My Valentine (....ball-bag). It turns out that mead has an interesting effect on Jaff's linguistic abilities...

Jaff puts Bryn's knowledge of the Highway Code to the test, Download festival have ruined everyone's day (splits), there's an Ozzy themed Mardi Gras parade and Bryn has concocted a new fact-based game.....Vino Extremo!!

There's also a whopping sixteen albums to get...

G'day folks! Bryn and Jaff return to Southern Australia to try out a bottle of Pepperbox Shiraz...and they humbly apologise for the appallingly bad attempts at Australian accents.

Bryn's crack gets a shout out, there's a game of Kiss My Trump, David Ellefson rears his big head (sorry) and Jaff tests Bryn's knowledge of Australian hard-rock bands...oh, and we raise a glass for Dr Dre's birthday!

From gypsy punk to ambient classical, death metal to deathcore with a quick amble through Mariachi and crust-punk....it's an eclectic week!!

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This week Bryn and Jaff return to the delights of white wine! They've picked a slightly more obscure grape from Valencia in Spain....and it hasn't been made in a mental asylum or the worlds thinnest house...

Slipknot are looking outside their window, Steven Wilson has made Bryn very happy, and Kid Rock gains a whole new meaning after his anti-SuperBowl show....

After wading through the musical pond, there's been some absolute beauties that have risen to the surface!! I you're looking for modern NWOBHM bands or aggressive post-rock then fill up your...

South Africa is the destination of choice this week! Bryn and Jaff try a Shiraz from the Franschoek region...and the reviews are mixed...

There's been announcements from ArcTangent and Damnation, Grammy's snubs, Donald Trump's aversion to Green Day, and there's another round of 'Red, White or Black'...if Bryn can keep his eyes of Jean's sugar bush....

New releases cover a wide range of genres this week, including a British black metal band, some Swedish prog and a Belarusian technical death metal band with a name longer than Gandalfs beard....plenty to...

Another week, another wine! And this time it's back to California for a Zinfandel courtesy of Three Finger Jack (prospecting not required).

This week Vigljos are touring Botswana, there's drunken children stumbling around France in 1981, Bryn and Jaff have an uncharacteristically serious conversation about the challenges facing music venues across the UK......and Jaff goes full Bruce Forsyth as he brings a game for Bryn to try his hand at!

It's been another stellar week for music releases, including two solo French projects that are contenders for album of the month!!

This week Jaff has pulled an absolute blinder with his wine choice, opting for a Cabernet Sauvignon from Verona in northern Italy.

Gimp suits, Megadeth, James Hetfield's tricky guitar playing and the best Doctor Dave you could ever ask for.....there's all this and plenty more in store for you this week.

On the release front, Jaff brings all the heavy this week, whilst Bryn basks in crust....January is throwing some absolute gems!

This Weeks Releases

Kreator - Krushers Of The World (00:36:07)

After a shaky, snowy start to the year, Bryn and Jaff are back!! They're kicking off 2026 with a truly artistic bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon from California....and Bryn brings a fancy new piece of wine tech to elevate their drinking experience!!

You'll hear about Mozart's love of arses, Ozzy's new autobiography, the first Damnation announcement of 2026.....and there's a throwback to the infamous Italy episode!

And on top of all that, there's been some exceptional releases already this year......especially for the black metal fans out there!!

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And here it is.....after 49 episodes, 53 bottles of wine and 300 albums.....it's time for Bryn and Jaff to share their TOP TEN ALBUMS OF THE YEAR!!

Jaff puts Bryn's wine knowledge to the test once again, there's the return of a certain infamous Chilean cowboy and there's even a festive whisky to finish off the year in style.....sorry about the slurring...

It's now time for Bryn and Jaff to eat, drink and be merry, but they'll be back in the new year to do it all again....CHEERS!!

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And, here it is! The first of a two-part episode where Bryn and Jaff give you the rundown of their top 20 albums from 2025.....

In this episode they'll share each of their #20 - #11 albums, whilst sipping one of the most unapologetically glamorous drinks they've tried this year....and Jaff has devised a little game to test how much they've learnt about wine!

Expect some obvious choices, some less-obvious.....and some absolute wildcards as we race ever closer to the end of the year!!

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In the midst of a UK tour promoting their new record, titled 'Rot' (Church Road Records), the UK blackened sludge/noise band Believe In Nothing called in for a chat. Bryn and Jaff discuss the band's journey to this point, the themes behind 'Rot', future plans for the band, and wider music with Caine Hemmingway (vocals). In a break from form, and due to the fact that it wasn't even 10am, there was no wine to be found anywhere, preferring a good old cuppa and some chuckles along the way.

Link to Bandcamp

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As the year draws to a close, Bryn and Jaff finish off their wine journey by heading to Sicily to try a Nero D'avola, a grape they haven't yet experienced....

There's also some fake news, Biffy Clyro's visa cock-up, the announcement of the new Bristol Extreme Fest......and an unusual outburst about potties.....all perfectly normal occurrences here at Tasting Notes HQ...

Bringing the grand total of albums reviewed this year to 300 (which is quite an achievement) there's a flurry of solo black metal projects, another post-punk album and many more!!

Spanish Garnacha is the order of the day this week! Bryn and Jaff dust off their cowboy hats and take a trip to North-East Spain to rub shoulders with some gunslingers...

Grown men chuckling at the word 'windy', a lady with a garden in her face, Sue Pollard getting 'earthy', Croatian parking tickets, Thom Yorke busting some funky moves and another wave of ArcTangent band announcements.....this episode has it all!!

Unbelievably for this time of year, there's still some really fantastic releases crossing our paths and we've got another nine for you...

South Africa is the location of the week, where Bryn and Jaff find themselves drinking a Syrah from a small winemaker in the Bovlei Valley.

There's more pointless facts from Doctor Dave, Metallica's transition into a family friendly 'party band', Bryn's mother-in-law gets a mention.....and Jaff has some interesting facts about mines!

And there's still some great albums being released, from jazzy oud compositions to groovy black-metal.....there's plenty to get stuck in to!!

This Weeks Releases

Ghold - Bludgeoning Simulations (00:29:30)

https://ghold.bandcamp...