Black Tongue, Upon Those Dying, Sentry, Shallow Graves, Hobos, Bridgend
Sentry
From the first note strummed, chaos ensued and the crowd were uncontrollable. The next thirty minutes were a pounding Metalcore fantasy of barbaric proportions. The band provide a meaty slab of headbanging and mosh pit inducing waves of anarchy from the Metal hungry crowd. Half way through the set, vocalist Danny Rees commands the crowd for a wall of death. And the crowd obliges to his command. Just before the battle cry to bombard either side is called, there’s a man with his friend on his shoulders, spinning him like a windmill, which pleases the band and crowd alike. This will then be a recurring thing that happens with the next two bands. There's no shortage of carnage from either the crowd nor the band. One of the underground Metal scenes best kept secret, they're one to keep an eye on. 7/10
Upon Those Dying
Slam upon slam. Raw energy upon raw energy that is unparalleled to anyone in the South Wales Metalcore scene to date. For the entire set there's no breaks. No time to recuperate. And no chance that you're standing still. Everyone in the room, front to back, side to side, is either in the pit, headbanging or moving in their own groove. Having seen the band before I was already familiar with their sound and style, but they have improved so much from that first time. With more crowd control and confidence in themselves and the music, they're on top of the world during their occupation on the stage. It's only when the last note hits you realize that this band are due a massive headline tour of their own. And they are more than capable and ready for it. 9/10
Black Tongue
There are no words to describe what happened when Black Tongue took the stage in Hobos. From the first guitar note. The first drum hit. And the first monstrous gurgle from vocalist Alex Tayen, the band have arrived to cause complete and utter deviation. With their combination of earth-shattering breakdowns, stomach churning gutturals and atmospheric feeling that the next song will be more violent than the last. Formed six years ago, the down-tempo doom band have come a long way, with the vile ear-splitting noise they've created being one of the most original and sought after sounds in the scene today. The show tonight has proved a number of things. Mainly that the band have the stage presence and artistry to rule the stage.
Shallow Graves
In twenty minutes, Shallow Grave proved they have the sound, the riffs and the songs to go far. But the only thing they're lacking in, in onstage presence and energy. The only member with any kind of energy was the guitarist, who pretty much took on all duties of the band. Getting the audience hyped, talking and actually moving rather than standing in place like the bassist and vocalist. If they can muster up the energy to move, they'll make it. But now, not so much. 4/10
In twenty minutes, Shallow Grave proved they have the sound, the riffs and the songs to go far. But the only thing they're lacking in, in onstage presence and energy. The only member with any kind of energy was the guitarist, who pretty much took on all duties of the band. Getting the audience hyped, talking and actually moving rather than standing in place like the bassist and vocalist. If they can muster up the energy to move, they'll make it. But now, not so much. 4/10
Sentry
From the first note strummed, chaos ensued and the crowd were uncontrollable. The next thirty minutes were a pounding Metalcore fantasy of barbaric proportions. The band provide a meaty slab of headbanging and mosh pit inducing waves of anarchy from the Metal hungry crowd. Half way through the set, vocalist Danny Rees commands the crowd for a wall of death. And the crowd obliges to his command. Just before the battle cry to bombard either side is called, there’s a man with his friend on his shoulders, spinning him like a windmill, which pleases the band and crowd alike. This will then be a recurring thing that happens with the next two bands. There's no shortage of carnage from either the crowd nor the band. One of the underground Metal scenes best kept secret, they're one to keep an eye on. 7/10
Upon Those Dying
Slam upon slam. Raw energy upon raw energy that is unparalleled to anyone in the South Wales Metalcore scene to date. For the entire set there's no breaks. No time to recuperate. And no chance that you're standing still. Everyone in the room, front to back, side to side, is either in the pit, headbanging or moving in their own groove. Having seen the band before I was already familiar with their sound and style, but they have improved so much from that first time. With more crowd control and confidence in themselves and the music, they're on top of the world during their occupation on the stage. It's only when the last note hits you realize that this band are due a massive headline tour of their own. And they are more than capable and ready for it. 9/10
Black Tongue
There are no words to describe what happened when Black Tongue took the stage in Hobos. From the first guitar note. The first drum hit. And the first monstrous gurgle from vocalist Alex Tayen, the band have arrived to cause complete and utter deviation. With their combination of earth-shattering breakdowns, stomach churning gutturals and atmospheric feeling that the next song will be more violent than the last. Formed six years ago, the down-tempo doom band have come a long way, with the vile ear-splitting noise they've created being one of the most original and sought after sounds in the scene today. The show tonight has proved a number of things. Mainly that the band have the stage presence and artistry to rule the stage.
During the set Teyen proclaims ‘Everyone Is A Fucking Target!’ while then pounds the microphone into his own skull before the most evil sounding drop of the night shatters the speakers and ear drums alike. And with the octopus like drum king that is Aaron Kitcher, the guitar wielding maniacs that are James Harrison & Eddie Pickard, fronted by none other than the monstrosity, putrid voice and demonic possessive stage controller that is Alex Teyen, the band have not only proved their worth. They're unstoppable. 10/10