Irish metal act Roper, from Limerick City, released their debut album ‘Gallow’s Hill’ last year. “Not for the faint hearted, Gallows Hill marks the next chapter in the maelstrom that is Roper. They still have the passion of a newly formed band but play with the savvy and confidence of rock veterans.†So said Mike Knightson, PPI Irish Music Broadcaster of the Year 2007.
Currently working on new material, Roper are busy scoping out new audiences who have yet to witness the powerful energy of what music journo Alan Jacques called “one of Ireland’s most exciting new acts... Limerick’s high kings of hardcore metalâ€.
Roper, which first appeared on the scene in 2002, are twins Brian O’Brien (guitar/vox) and Conor O’Brien (bass), Brian Meaney (drums) and Bryan Griffin (guitar). The band won the Miller Strat Band of the Year competition in 2005 and were finalists in the Whelan’s Brave New Stage 05. They were also considered by many to be the most entertaining act in the final of the 2006 National Student Music Awards.
Roper, whose sound is rooted in metal but has traces of funk and groove, opened the first ever Irish date for Mudvayne with American Headcharge in June 2005 where guitarist Greg Tribett commented on how refreshing it was to have a good opening act for a change! Roper have produced a unique sound, described by HOTPRESS as "a whirlwind of sonic delights", winning fans in eventhe most unlikely audiences with their distinctive style of high energy potent melodic metal.
Gallow’s Hill is available from all good download sites including iTunes, and the CD can be bought from many Irish record stores or online from cdbaby.com .
Further information on the band can be found at the following websites:
www.roper.ie
www.bebo.com/roper-IRL
What people have said about Roper:
"Not for the faint hearted, Gallows Hill marks the next chapter in the maelstrom that is Roper. They still have the passion of a newly formed band but play with the savvy and confidence of rock veterans. Like your first horror film, you won’t forget the shiver down your spine when you first hear them."
Mike Knightson, PPI Irish Music Broadcaster of the Year 2007
"one of Ireland's most exciting new acts...
Limerick's high kings of hardcore metal"
Alan Jacques, Green & Live, Limerick's Live 95FM
"…everything from the taut instrumentation to O'Brien's lethal vocal delivery pinpoint Roper as one of the finer metal outfits doing the rounds."
Ciarán Ryan, Limerick Indpendent
"If it's noise you're looking for, look no further than Roper ...a whirlwind of sonic delights, roaring guitars, stupid vocals and much mayhem"
Jackie Hayden, Hot Press
"roaring riffs, screaming vocals then pure calmness;
you're gonna be roped in by them!"
Karen McGrath, Green & Live, Limerick's Live 95fm
"...it's not all speed-wobblin' metal mayhem, it's got more substance than that! Good songs, good structure and played as tight as a natt's whatzit", "the sound of the Xtreme Sports generation", "Let's give it up for the collective of electric assassins that is Roper!"
Shane Foley, Ents Ed. Limerick Leader