Completely passed by, by Skate culture in my youth, which I was never a part of due to having the motor skills of a drunken pelican (which did not help), I was never intrigued by CKY (Camp Kill Yourself) as I had always assumed their Logo was some skater brand or whatnot. But here I am in my late-30s, finally listening to the music that goes with the logo I’d seen everywhere. Also, since one of the offshoot/continuation bands is playing locally (Deron Miller‘s 96 Bitter Beings), it was time for me to investigate.
The instantly recognizable opener, with its infectious, bouncy riff, is uniquely theirs. If this is the only song you ever hear by CKY, then you would be well pleased. There’s a good reason it dwarfs their other songs in terms of play counts. A Magnificent slab of rock that set the album off on the right foot.
The rest of the album is a mixed (grab) bag of rock, that slides up and down from alternative, hard, to stoner and back again, occasionally jumping to the weird. Spacey vibes of “Disengage” quickly shift lanes to the disco funk of “Human Drive” before climbing back to the groovy doom sound of “Knee Deep.” Feeling a touch troubled and disturbed at times, like the fucked up lyrics of “My Promiscuous Daughter” that have not aged well. While the stoner vibes of the tune are a fine wine.
There is a lot to like in this album. A lot more than what my pre-subpotitions excused. The members’ reputation and celebrity led me to draw incorrect conclusions about what to expect. I’d assumed that the insanity of the Jackass and Vive La Bam days’ antics would have rubbed off more attitude and aggression onto the music. Leading me to expect a ballzyer rock experience with a lot more character and beef. Nonetheless, it’s a short album that leaves a mark, and I’m glad I went on this brief investigation.[7/10]
Now this one is a throwback. Nu Metals, much-maligned Hed (Planet Earth) or (Hed)PE, is one of the genre’s most overlooked and dismissed acts. However, since I recently saw them live and kicking supporting Spineshank/Drowning Pool. Now is the time to have a relisten.
It certainly doesn’t feel like it’s been so long since this was the predominant sound of metal, and nothing makes you think “fuck I’m getting old” more than the nostalgia cycle coming back around in the 30-year cycle and adolescent sounds turning into legacy acts. Their entertaining set was admittedly not who I came to see, but they were surprisingly entertaining. With a surplus of “Jumpdafuckup” riffs that are all about the bounce and hip-hop jives and pops.
This album follows in the same vein and energy. The vocal hype emphasizes the “rap” in rap metal that is from the Durst side of nu. With a broad range of hip hop-ism and samples that creep towards cringe. “Crazy legs” apeing Biggie’s “Hypnotize” interpolation and a few less than stellar brags. One true highlight is the appearance of Serj Tankian on “Feel Good” whose distinct vocals add lots to an otherwise forgettable track. All the swagger and bravado of the rapping wears thin quickly, while the diminishing returns on thumping basic breakdowns become tiresome. This record is 25 years old now, and it feels it, a relic that is quickly fading from memory. There is some value in the earlier tracks, but most melt together and verge on annoying by the ending third. [5/10]
Bands: Devastator, Necrot, Deadguy, Brodequin, Panzerfaust, Wormrot, Castle Rat, Messa, High on Fire, Deafheaven, Pertubator, Corrosion of Conformity
It’s migration time again. For the first time since 2021’s Bloodstock, I have gathered the courage to cover once again a multi-day, mammoth festival. For years, the formidable Damnation Festival has caught my eye with its striking line-ups and brutal reputation. This year, they are celebrating their 20th year, so there was no better chance to finally witness the carnage. After a gruelling journey, mediocre hotel s̵̢͑l̶̹͋ȇ̸͎ep, and a slight pre-game on the way to the tram. I was, before I knew it, entering the huge hall of the Bowlers Exhibition Centre, right in the middle of some industrial estate in the heart of Manchest̵̐͜e̷̖͊r̶̡͂.
Divided into three stages, the second medium-sized “Holy Goat Brewing Stage” was the first to make some noise, as blackened thrash lords Devastator quickly unleashed their furious blend of ravenous r̸̠̐i̷͉͗f̵̯̂f̶̖́s̵̩̒, direct drumming, and grim growling vocals. With black grooves in excess, thirsty thrashing throes, the crowd was nearly instantly warmed by their hellfire. As the opening band, Devastator welcomed in the m̶̤̄a̵̗͛y̷̩̿h̵͉̐ě̴̢m̴͖̒]̷̙̆ to come with a concise and gratifying set. [8/10] https://www.facebook.com/devastatoruk/ `
After exploring my surroundings and getting some essential pints in, I saw Necrot again on the second stage. This American death metal t̵̲̚r̷̪͝ī̷͎ọ̶͆ ̸̻̎ wasted no time in delivering top-tier Swedish-flavored brutality. With intricate buzzing riffs and unstoppable battery, they pounded out a straightforward set that continued the slaughter. [7/10] https://www.facebook.com/cyclesofpain
For the first band I caught ö̶̞͇́͠͝n̵̳̗̯͂̆̄ ̴̧̞̺̍̀ the main “Pins & Knuckles” stage, was the marvelous and majestic Castle Rat. A true festival highlight, their theatrical take on traditional doom made it clear why they are a rising star of the global scene. With strong direct riffs, bountiful atmospherics, and dramatic vocals, there was a lot to enjoy from their set from the music alone. However, their onstage sword and sandal antics, featuring the unsettlingly sexy Rat Reaperess, in mock battle with the singer/guitarist Rat Queen/RileyPinkerton, added an extra spice to their show that will be hard to forget. Brilliant! [9/10] https://www.facebook.com/castleratband
Next, I saw back on stage 2 (after a few distractions/drinks), were metalcore/mathcore legends Deadguy. Their reputation from the chaotic set at “Night of Salvation” the day before preceded them with a palpable hype in the hall. This was answered by a sturdy set of high-octane mosh-centric numbers. Combining the technical and discordant mathematical riffs with chunky and crushing breakdowns made the mosh pit something to b̵e̵h̴o̵l̸d̷ ̵f̶o̶r̸ ̶i̶t̶s̴ ̶i̵n̸t̸e̶n̴s̷i̴t̶y̵.̷ ̶However, beyond the mayhem in front of me, there was not much left to sink my teeth into or stick around in my memories. [6/10] https://deadguy666.bandcamp.com/
Returning to the main stage, saw my experience take a gentler turn as I slithered to the far back of the crowd. Orchestrated by the musings of female-fronted doom outfit Messa, headed by the soulful singing of Sara. With a vibe that reminded me strongly of The Gathering, fused uniquely with the Opeth-like guitarwork, intricate and stylish solos, backed by heavy heaps of atmospherics and moody melodies in slow creeping throngs, had me gently swaying and nodding d̶̞̊ę̶͝ś̷̭ṕ̸͈ȉ̵̬ṭ̵̇e̷͈̔ ̶̼̃t̶͋͜h̵͖͌e̴̮̐ ̵̮̋ḍ̶̀ĩ̶̧s̵̘͌t̴̫͆ȧ̸͔n̸̫͝c̴̣͋e̴͉̽, and kept me more than entertained, just in time for lunch. A splendid aperitif.[7/10] https://www.facebook.com/MESSAproject
A̷̼͗f̶̰͝t̶͓̊e̷̛͍r̷͙̎ ̶̹͒l̷͔͛u̷̜̔n̶̯͋c̵̺͝h̴̻͒ ̶͍̃ǎ̵̺n̶̡͛d̶̹̿ ̷̛͔s̸̤͒o̵̰̚m̷͔̏ë̴̬ ̶̡͊o̵̹̐t̴̪̓h̵̙̔ë̴͕́r̴̩͋ ̶̭́d̸̰̿ì̸̥ś̵͖t̶̡͝r̴̝̂á̸̭c̵̮͊t̶́ͅi̸͓͑o̵̠͋n̸̩͝ṣ̵͗,̵͍̍ ̵̩͐i̷̘͠t̷̥̊ ̷̡̍w̵̭̓ả̸̘s̶̝̆ ̸͕͗t̸̼̆i̸̜͆ṃ̸̿ę̵̋ ̶͂͜t̴̫̄o̸̪͗ ̶̠̅g̴̥͗ẻ̵͚t̵̨̎ ̸̙̀s̴̘̿t̴̟̏ù̸͉c̷̨̀ḱ̷̫ ̶͉̐w̸̘͐i̵̫͊ẗ̴͚́h̷̭͋ ̷̟̀ś̵̻o̸͕͌m̵̜̋e̴̞͌ ̶͚̅á̵̢ṃ̵̄e̷͋ͅr̶͉̈́į̶̕c̸̝̅a̵̪͐n̸͈̈́ ̶̹̅b̵̹͝r̶̲̃u̶̯̕t̸͉̉ä̸̗́l̴͉̔i̶̱̿l̵̻͠i̷̹͂t̷͚͗y̶̫̅ ̵̩̓ȍ̴̫f̴̼̈́ ̷̤̍B̴̢͗r̴̫̄ŏ̴͈d̵̻͋ẹ̷̚q̴͒ͅŭ̴̙į̴̛ṋ̸͒.̸̰̅ ̷̩͝T̶͈̋h̵̭̿i̴͉͛s̷̜̾Nequam reprehende omnisi u000t labo. Nemo enim ipsum dolor sit enim ipsum fugit, quam a00ccusantium, qui rationem aliqui dolor si78645aliquam nihil modigfjf quis error sit laudantium, eaque00m0000ullam consecto beatae vel illo in eaque ipsum 0 iste natur, velit, conseque labore reprehender5637it la000dantium, nisi architecto beatae ab i0000000 incidunt exercitae conse000que pora incidunt. Nemo e ̶̥̃
[CONNECTION LOST]
Well this is embarrassing…. Not sure whats gone wrong. I better leave off gig reviews while I fix this.
Bands: Solar Sons, Volcano X, Atlantic Rift, Spreading The Disease
As my small project grows, I anticipate receiving a lot more contact from prospective bands seeking my valued opinion on their output. Sometimes, though, the band in question only has a single or minimal material to send me. Not really enough to sink my teeth into, but still worthy of merit and of (however brief) some slight exposure. So here, on a now-and-again basis, I shall be posting short, sweet, and to-the-point thoughts on what I’ve been sent.
Solar Sons – “Altitude“. Newly signed to Argonauta Records, Dundee prog legends Solar Sons aim high with the title track from their very soon-to-be-released 6th album. Making Solar Sons the most prolific Dundee metal band in terms of LPs. The track and its straightforward video are more quintessential Solar Sons material! A track that easily slots into their already extensive catalog. Here they provide the well-tested formula: Gravely vocals, bluesy licks, and dynamic drum grooves that even your mum can dance to. Can’t wait for more.[8/10]https://www.facebook.com/solarsonsofficial
Volcano X – “Wastelands”. Yes, blog-favoriteVolcano X may have hung up their boots and spikes since I have been away, but they still had a few songs in the bank that they wanted to release. This particular song has been on my personal wish list as this sees Volcano X going successfully thrash. This furious track goes in hard with magmatic fury and speed. A violent thrash attack that is quick and to the point, with razor-sharp high vocals that enhance the sound that it’s such a shame they have called it quits. With the members gone on to other bands: Robi now bassist for Catalysis, JP doing his own positive punky thing in Chin Up!, and Gav drumming for underground legends Evil Blood, and rumor has it that this is not the last we will hear from Johnny Steel.Volcano X will never be too far away from me or my heart. RIP. [8/10]https://www.facebook.com/volcanoxmetal
Spreading The Disease – “Warblade”. Not as “local” as other acts, so far, but definitely providing a “hot single”, Kent bruisers Spreading The Disease‘ssnazzy new lyric video caught my eye. The videos’ violent, comic book art style, which blends The Punisher with Mad Max imagery, easily complements their brutish style and heavy sound. The excellent 50/50 spread of robust riffs and melodic grooves makes for a satisfying peak for their upcoming EP. [8/10] https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559949899538
Atlantic Rift – “Lucid Thoughts”. After witnessing an impressive set at this year’s Hordes festival, including this new cut. Atlantic Riftdefinitely lingered in my mind afterward, so I had to include it here. In this track, the extremely glossy production shows off Atlantic Rift’s full range. Instinctively merging ear-catching hooks through their clean vocals, pounding djent tonnage in heavy passages, gravelly growls, intricate basslines, progressive and technical tapping solo melodies. There is a lot to be gained from this small slice of this rising act. [8/10]https://www.facebook.com/atlanticrift
As my small project grows, I anticipate receiving a lot more contact from prospective bands seeking my valued opinion on their output. Sometimes, though, the band in question only has a single or minimal material to send me. Not really enough to sink my teeth into, but still worthy of merit and of (however brief) some slight exposure. So here, on a now-and-again basis, I shall be posting short, sweet, and to-the-point thoughts on what I’ve been sent.
Luxera – “Into the Spirals“. For the first edition of this new series, there is a distinct local flavour as I cover some of the latest additions to the scene that have emerged since my hibernation. The first band and single inspired the localness (and title) of this edition when I heard this single by newbie thrashers, Luxera. This Edinburgh 4-piece has already carved an interesting space in the rebudding thrash scene with some throwback late-eighties Testament worship on full display on this mid-length headbanger. Evidently furious, yet melodic riffing paving the way for the pits to become spirals. The track is not all “thrash and bash” as the mid-section and taunting vocals, and keenly produced bass tones show an expertise in its composition. While the ripping solos sweep into a dramatic finish! Overall, another great track to add to their already impressive setlist. [7/10]https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556723923104
Chin Up! – “That’s a paddlin’“. Now for something less grim and angry. The positive vibes of Chin Up!‘s cheeky pop punk are instantly infectious with its energy and immediate charm. Featuring the JP of the much-missed blog-favoriteVolcano X, this new project is far removed from the metal of before, but still enjoyable nonetheless. Kicking off with a The Simpsons sound clip that suits well with their yellow aesthetic before blitzing through into the standard pop-punk norms in quick succession. Sounding like about 4 other well-known tracks from the Kerrang days, this speedy song quickly wraps up the genre’s points with ease. The snotty-nose vocals, the nostalgic tones, and lyrics of youthful glory are bound to make any fan of the style happy as Larry! [7/10] https://www.facebook.com/chinupmusic
Permacrisis – “Quite Frankly“. The youngest act in this article is Permacrisis, whose prowess on this, their first recording, has the vibes of a band with many more years under their belt. This top-notch banger is solid in its production, marketing, and quality. The three-quarter thrash/traditional metal track “quite frankly” brilliantly brings the energy of a youthful crusade-era Matt Heafy with its catchy vocal patterns and tones and voice, while the hooking riffs draw in the listener further to the masterful solo and mosh-tastic finale. Overall, this track is fantastic from front to back, and I look forward to many more from this young team. [8/10]https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555047760243
Volupta – “Sex Choreomaniac”. Getting the 18+ rating is the sexy Volupta, whose choreographed heavy metal adds a sensual feel to this page, fitting the title. This melodic metal treat effortlessly grooves and sways to a satisfying beat, and with an intense melodeath riff that swirls and flows with ease. With sharp singing from Simona, weaving black magic through her tones and sexy witchly fashion that certainly entices the listener to their sound. This is hot! [7/10] https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555762194114
Russia has been on many people’s minds lately (I wonder why?), much like it was for former members of Sentenced, and a few other Finnish musicians who formed this bizarre project. Staying mostly away from current geo-politics, this suomeksi group Kypck seems to distill the misery of the gulag-era into doom metal Рационы for your consumption.
Starting with extremely fittingly depressing soviet atmospherics, this distinctly down-beat and dour plodding pace explores the sentiments of desolation through rough baritone Slavic scrolls and dragging drones. Slow grooves provided the guitar riffs are not the most melodic, with the focus on rhythm and seberian atmospherics rather than intricate melodies or bombastic solos. While the percussion pounds like stone hammers on granite, the drums complete the lengthy sentence with an ashen proficiency.
The misery provoked by this record, despite being entirely sung in Russian (neither the bands nor my native language), radiates the stunning agony of exile through its deep tone and dreary poetic syllables, and mournful choruses. While the sludge-tinged riffs scrape terrifying depths with ease. This is as lengthy a record as a spell in the gulag would feel; this epic descent to penal record is not for everyone. This LP was definitely more a grower than other doom metal albums I have heard, but those who are suckers for punishment of the soviet variety will not be disappointed. [7/10]
The Mole resurfaces! During my long “hibernation”, it seems that there have been quite a few changes in the air. From multiple line-up changes, to new bands emerging, to others splitting up entirely. I have a lot to catch up on in the local scene. One of the new breed of bands to arrive is mid-fife’s Feral Ghoul. With their first recording only being a month or so old, I have not seen anyone else talking about this new band. So in I step.
Featuring some former members of the Old School black thrashing act Evil Blood in its ranks, this new band, as well as featuring the Father-Son duo from the “deceased?” Deceased Society, are already chainsaw already has an impressive pedigree for butchery. Old school death metal is the blend here with ripping and thrashing riffs, skull rattling bass, and relentless drums. Just as the doctor ordered.
Some less-than-serious song titles (“Chainsaw Roomba Dismemberment”) do not distract from some serious talent behind the music, and it shows from the very first beats and blasts. The riffs and demeanor of the opening track set the tone for the rest of the EP, hitting an awkward balance between the earliest death metal influences through scratchy riffs and decidedly devilish growls and grumbles. The demonic vocals from Ryan MacMaster erupt with monstrous tones that perhaps reach for some cookies in places, but overall are as menacing as needed to leave an impact.
The “Rehearsal room” style of production does hinder some of the clarity, but adds a raw component to the mix, having the vibes of a well-worn tape from the tape-trading days of death metal, completely in keeping with the OSDM target audience. Overall, this band is sure to expand in the future and make their mark on the death metal market, and this brief teaser is more than enough to engage those seeking a path back to the old ways. Feral Ghoul is another welcome addition to Scotland’s scene, and I look forward to what they bring next.
Bands: Hellripper, Dog Tired, Catalysis, Iron Altar, Nassau, Hellfekted, War Grave, Haint, Medusa Touch, Necrocracy, Bastyon, Hyperstasis, Sol Noctis
It’s great to be back at the one and only Hordes X, even though the market for all-day shows may be more competitive now in Dundee with Cadaver Concerts stepping up earlier this year. Slow Dragon music’s panache for selecting some of the hottest extreme metal acts has stayed in their sights. Having missed the previous year’s installment, the distance has only made the heart grow fonder of this mental day of metal; this is how it all turned out.
Opening the night on its trademark extreme footing, was the highly progressive noise of the American-led Sol Noctis. Providing a hyper-flash blend of styles the death-focused sound and soul of this act were stellar in their presentation as they dished a dazzling display of genre-mashing technical melodic skills with disturbing brutality in a crisp clarity of today’s metal signatures. Free-spirited in terms of influences I preserved a wide pallet of structural design to even the widest curves and choices. The vocals stretching from the modest growls and shrieks through to operatic baritone wails added substantial memorability to their progressive death metal patterns, notably ending on an upward slope with a quickly blurted Napalm Death/Kennedys cover before their final slick stanzas played them out to a warm reception. This is what Horde’s Opening acts are all about, strong and always memorable [7/10]solnoctis.bandcamp.com
Next and on the smaller bar-room stage was a Dundee favorite but with notable change: Hyperstasis for the 3rd time has gotten a new vocalist after a lengthy hunt. Having been an instru-metal for so long it was jarring for this skillful guitar wizardry-led band to finally compete for space with an already tiny stage area. Losing none of their usual style, confidence, and skills instrumentally this was Hyperstasis at their normal high-value best with a singer plopped in front of them. Despite this, they were not quite clicking with me like they normally do. Their visibly pained singer, who is recovering from the agony of a torn Achilles he received in an onstage accident with his other band Trauma Bonds. Primary a guitar player, it would seem that vocals might be a recent passion as there sounded like there was room to develop further in his hardcore/nu-metal-styled screaming growls and Deftoned singing. His impaired mobility probably was not helping and I feel some of his internal frustration might of seeped through into his demeaner and comments. They indeed were the lightest in terms of heaviness on the bill but that has not stopped them from succeeding before. It just wasn’t Hyperstasis’s night/afternoon. [6/10] fb.com/hyperstasisband
Next on the larger stage, the heavily classic metal-influenced Bastyon were there to rock everyone’s socks off in the traditional way. This “no school but the old school” band speedily produced solid metal foot-tappers by the pound in an easy-going set of head-bopping numbers. Keeping the pace slower than you would imagine, their asthmatic maiden-type tracks were full of seamless skilled playing and hyper-melodic hooks you would expect. However, they were missing a certain magic that I think, only a boisterous loud frontman can provide. Much like their recorded material, the vocal production seems to be mixed too low as if lacking confidence, the live vocal sound does mostly correct this volume issue but is still lagging behind their stylish riffs and hooking old-school nods. Overall Bastyon’s substantial set was still delightful in its glorious single purpose. One’s socks were definitely removed. [7/10]fb.com/bastyon.metal
Having now replaced my missing socks with some fetching bloodstained white stockings (that I had won in the Hordes lucky dip), it was time for the true bloody brutality to begin with war metal horde Necrocracy. However instead of immediately releasing demons in their bestial fury, another demon seemed to be messing with their guitarist’s equipment causing a stuttering noise. This sadly seems to take an age to fix with a few gear swaps and tinkering needed finally to exorcist the ghoul. Once they were firing on all cylinders, Necrocracy’s uncompromising brutality quickly flowed in long chaotic waves of blast-beat incendiary assaults and buzzsaw blitzkrieg. Similar to their set supporting Darvazaearlier this year, the deep cavernous growling vocals distinguish their sound strictly to the deathly edge of black metal, with an unmatched savagery so far this was where windmilling induced neck pain was due to start biting. [7/10]fb.com/NecrocracyOfficial
With an overlap now present between each of the stages and bands, it was the sound of NWOBHM revivalists Medusa Touch that was filling the other room with joyful old-school thrills. This band is a part of the very movement they appear to emulate having formed in 1982 but having only recently been resurrected. From this set alone, it appears that MT is very close to that golden touch they need to properly reclaim their historically much-forgotten place. With an instant comparison between the last band on this stage: Bastyon was formed it felt like Medusa Touch is Bastyon on speed. With almost all of their elements cranked up to 10! Here we had a speedier style, more melodic hooks, catchier riffs, and stronger vocals. All this captured the audience’s attention and refused to loosen its grip. Fantastic! [8/10] fb.com/medusatouch
Making a return to these shores the Northern Irish 3-peice Haint had brought much more than the wooden spoon they had on their last visit to Hordes. Packing an extra load of atmospherics and dynamic charm to their already impressive repertoire. This dour and dreich doom-filled trio dispensed a dismal downpour of deeply dismantling dirges. A supremely sludgy affair from start to finish their damn right damaging volume and inescapable presence quickly became a star attraction in the line-up. With post-metal scarcity, their keen repetitions of magnetic yet evolving riffs evoked an emotional turmoil within that few sludge metal acts truly capture at these depths! Unskipable! [8/10] fb.com/Haint.UK
In a growing pattern, every band on “Stage 1” seemed to expand upon the previous acts’ work, this time with was the turn of the deceptively named War Grave from London. Appearing to channel the styling of old-guard Medusa Touch instantly but injected with youthful vigor and an unhealthy dose of thrash and power metal it was undeniable what WG’s intentions were: to kick ass! With the fastest playing speed and the highest vocal range so far, War Grave quickly pushed the envelope far into power metal territory and beyond. Vocalist Roman (who has done some NWOBHM work with More) funneled the glory days of Geof Tate at his finest with relative ease, swiftly becoming a focal point of the group. While their top-tier, wild, and at times over-the-top thrash riffs seem to spur on the first true pit action of the day, and emit nothing but energy and vibrant responses from the crowd. Butts was most certainly kicked! Superb! [8/10] fb.com/wargraveofficial
The weirdness began in earnest with the avant-garde bunch Nassau whose fruity and fragrant blend of extremes quickly captured the attention of the room. With magnetic cohesion, the super-skilled songs drive the listener through a rollercoaster of progressive licks, distinct thunderous roars, and wacky genre sidesteps all carried by superb musicianship and talented personality. Their bonkers trademark mash-up styles and their off-genre moments came across as compelling and captivating in their implementation. Another strong highlight of Hordes! [7/10]fb.com/bandnassau
Through in the over room, Hellfekted from Stoke were swift to unleash the fury. Providing the effortless thrills of straightforward thrash metal that quickly infected the crowd. Playing to and with some home connections on stage (guitarist Rebecca originating from Dundee) provided comfort in the warm welcome they received. Perhaps too early in their set, Hellfekted spurring on a huge circle pit going around Rebecca in the middle of the pit to mixed results.Mine and a few others’ enthusiasm for this may have shot too high as the huge area of opened space never reclosed during their set. It seemed like it was still too early to get properly moshing yet. With Hellfekted keeping me too occupied to capture proper video footage, I was in no doubt to place them high on my ranking, only just behind fellows War Grave. Simply brilliant! [8/10]fb.com/Hellfekted
Returning for more Scottish talents, Iron Altar‘s blistering sludge-thrash was already a promising prospect in brutality. After a monumental year of upward momentum from releasing their latest album “Promethean” it was soon evident why this act is a rising star of the scene. With effortless execution their full-blast sonic shock wave riffs quickly made waves, while the tormented growls, groanes, and gasps splashed forth pain in excess. With devastating barrages of slow-pounding riffs, direct and decisive drumming, and bulldozing bass, anyone would unlikely forget this set of bangers! [8/10]fb.com/IronAltarBand
Another closer-to-home rising stars in Catalysis wasted no time ingetting down to business, unleashing their now easily pro-level skills in metal entertainment. Their super-tight and effortlessly engaging sound seems now to be fully formed in its instantly memorable and energetic capacity. With the most pit action seen all day, their customary blend of thrashy deathcore and groovy metalcore keeps the momentum high and the thrills coming. Always willing to shake things up on stage and champion talents, the random appearance of ex-To Kill Achilles vocalist-turned-photographer Stepie to lend a few screams to one of their songs was an interesting turn in their highly memorable set! [8/10] fb.com/catalysismetal
The penultimate band, the always mighty and always dependable Dog Tired was sure to keep the mosh level high. In that they certainly did, their strong and groove-tastic riffage is custom-made for mosh. However, performing this time as a 3-piece, was an unusual experience this time. Without vocalist Chris on stage it was odd to see a less mobile performance from the stage, with guitarist Luke now taking on the lead vocal role as well as guitar, limiting his movements from being too far from the mics making a less visual encounter. This is probably the first time I have ever seen DT make a slightly uneasy step in an unblemished career in raising hell. Despite this, it was another great set of headbangers that kept their reputation intact with impeccable grace and grit. Dog Tired still setting the standard high. [8/10]fb.com/dogtiredmetal
The final act of the night, the legendary Hellripper knew exactly how to end on high and complete the festival in the way it deserves. Unleashing extremely potent hellfire, the sawblade’s excess of blackened thrash quickly sheered through to the brain and excited and entrenched in equal measure in addictive waves of blasting black-n-roll vibes. Inescapable energy surged and swept through the room as if eruptions of lava were surging from the stage through their members. The Mastermind of Hellripper conducts his talented minions to spread fiery riffs and blazing solos on the crowd awaiting grasps, through showers of ripping punk and Slayer beating drums. With speed metal precision the acidic black words and shrieks of Hellripper outlined beer-soaked debauchery in its lines completing a dramatic sound that was as savage as it was delicious to consume. Black metal has never sounded this fresh and vital in what seems like years, as this band (and their followers) blaze a decimating path for extreme metal to pursue. Unmissable! [9/10]fb.com/Hellripper1
It can be easily argued that Machine Head’s appearance last September was the largest band to Play Dundee in recent memory, but I would say not the most influential. That title would easily go to the central act of this gig: the gruesome and legendary Carcass. Being brought to Dundee for the first time in their long and influential career, the busiest promoter in Scotland: Hamilton Hunter has once again delivered a full-house crowd-pleaser to TheChurch and I for one was more than exstatic to get stuck into another fearsome fun night of extreme metal!
Starting off with the band geographically closest to the venue, the disgustingly named Coffin Mulch from Glasgow brought an unmistakable goregrind-era Carcass-inspired deathly sound. In a slimy and grossly moist style that was seeped in innards and decay this death metal act quickly brought an uncompromising brutality to the still-gathering ears. With crusty/grindcore style of vocals and quick showers of blasts captured many extreme tastes at once but was no swift oneshot massacre.
With a devastating down-tuned bass tone and Autopsy-style riffing, the bloody punishment brought by the 4-piece in Coffin Mulch was designed to prolong and poison in equal measure. There death-doom passages throttled and tortured out long Asphyx-iations that were as brutal and provoking as their squishier, groovier buzzsaw grinding sections were. Leaving a stunning impression the opening salvo of extreme metal provided by CM was a decisively very high bar to overcome, especially with such a memorable residue remaining [8/10] fb.com/coffinmulch
Rugby’s Conjurer was next to bring the mayhem at threatening volume as they unleashed an undeniable onslaught of sound. Their extreme sound quickly made them the heaviest band of the night, possibly by some large margin. Their decapitating deathly strokes of full-blast sludge quickly surprised many by its sheer force and magnitude. Creating almost chaotic walls of noise their somewhat captivating and relentless pursuit of the heaviest heaves seems to smother the room with each passing wave of their monstrous doom-laden cascades.
Playing in a ceaseless flow, each track melted into the next other in one tiringly brutal attack it was quick work to become lost in its maelstrom. Making for an extreme experience but a less memorable setlist. The Conjurer’s dive into the abyss seemed as ill-fated as its destination was possibly too dark for many to truly comprehend. [7/10]
With the semi-mythical status of Carcass, it is hard to understate their importance to extreme music, but I can safely from their performance displayed in Church they stamped their distinctive mark on my hometown as they dispensed a career-summing set. Beginning with the obvious and obligatory newer material (they are currently selling) pointing towards their latest albums “Torn Arteries” and still freshly rotten “Surgical Steel” which quickly raised the temperature but it was the classic material that I and most others were the most excited to see. So it was soon off to a tour of the discography.
This is where their undoubted influence on so many sub-genres quickly picked out fans of each era. Although they were never going to touch the primitive early gory days material of the first record, homage was paid to this slimiest pallet with a late exhumation of a very consumable cut from “Reek ..” Their death metal mastery quickly took hold as their “Necrotism” age tunes and sickening symphonies pushed at the technical edges of the genre. While the later Melo-death seeding hard/Heart work breeds death metal’s most accessible stepping stone. It seems though that Carcass quickly settled into their most comfortably rocking period, with many tracks coming from their Death n Roll Swansong, that easily made for the cleanest and most captivating tunes. Interspersed with extreme metal mosh pit madness the back and forth between their influential avenues seemed to swing comfortably in a carefully crafted setlist that kept the crowd in a frenzy of moshing mayhem. Energetic and commanding Carcass left most wholly satisfied to tick another legendary band off the “Must see” list. What a phenomenal show! [9/10]
Bands: Ramage Inc., Catalysis, Viction, Volcano X, We Make Mammoths, Blackfyre Rising, Extort, Bloodsun
It’s an infrequent treat to have the opportunity to follow a band’s fortunes through all the stages of a grueling competition but that is what was afforded to me as I jumped aboard the Volcano X bus bound for Edinburgh and the M2TM Scotland Grand Final. The concluding chapter of the Slow Dragon Music hosted events, (held in La Belle Angele) was to crown Scotland’s champions of metal was happening on the very day of another auspicious crowning. Still, I doubt anyone here gave two shits about the clashing events but only the clashing bands on stage. This is how the battle commenced…
The randomly selected running order brought the moment of truth for Volcano X’s fortunes to come much sooner than they would have liked. The unenviable task of kicking off this grand event is delicate and complicated. The pressure was on to bring that winning performance and not be lost in the shuffle of all the other acts to follow. This is where I hoped, fingers crossed and eyes peeled, that my continual championing of these home-grown heroes has finally paid off. Erupting with their well-rehearsed vigor and dauntless energy the volcanic champions quickly pulled out their strong string of songs and anthems that seemed to instantly loosen the tension in the room.
As their speed metal specialties turned heads and engaged many into party mode their tried and tested method of metal was as impeccable as always. Sharp high vocals led the way through catchy choruses as galvanizing galloping speed and old-school aesthetics riffs worked their usual magic. Once again it was another near-flawless set, that was possibly their tightest performance yet, This was a strong display of what VX is all about fun, majestic metal with a heart that beats for larger crowds, and hopefully this set was their ticket to that goal. [8/10] fb.com/volcanoxmetal/
Without much of a delay, the following contenders We Make Mammoths were next to bring heck to the stage. But what sort of noises would they be making? With a name that evoked heavy beasts of possibly a stoner or doom variety? It came as a surprise to me when this fearsome foursome unleashed some furious deathcore dynamite with an impressive weight behind it. Just like the Mammoths in their name, the heaviness of their sound was more than comparable in weight and thickness.
Dynamically flowing and evolving their sense for groove, speed, and mosh-hyping breakdowns brought the energy level to the latest high point with the first of many pits opening and swirling. Taking massive strides upward in the heaviness scale it was hard to deny the easy appeal of their no-frills mosh combined with melodic thrash technicalities and groove metal bashes and smashed it felt like a high score for WMM was inevitable. [8/10] fb.com/WeMakeMammoths/
The next band Blackfyre Rising brought the competition towards an accessible rock n roll direction with a much mellower and less intense brand of heavy metal. With a forest fire of oomph, showmanship, and presence the 4-piece quickly carved their niche through an eager yet well-crafted song list. Quickly giving me the vibe of previous contenderLate Landing with their top-notch musicianship and melodic flavor. Although creating a strange system shock from what came before them the steep jump down in terms of heavy may have sadly lost few who were keen to continue to the mosh-mayhem. However, to those more open to calmer waters, Blackfyre Rising was more than satisfying in their balanced influences and pro-level skills in entertaining tunes.
Combining excellent presence and confidence the skilled combination of alternative, hard-to-heavy rocking tunes, melodic riffs, and grungy vocal flares quickly gave the impression of a band with a strong future ahead. Setting their own goals and with their own agenda to entertain at their own pace, the image is that this act will no doubt get the crowd they deserve but perhaps not on Bloodstocks stages, but who knows.[7/10] fb.com/blackfyre.rising
I had an uneasy feeling that the band, Extort, may have had their hand slightly on the scales by also choosing this gig to launch their debut physical release, the EP “Reset”. However, despite this and a home-crowd advantage, it seems that the hype and meteoric rise of this band easily made them quick favorites. And it was easy to see why.
From their striking appearances that capture the eye to their straight confidence in their craft, it was another near-instant energy boost to the room. Strong and beefy slabs of groove-grilled thrash metal collided with healthy doses of modern metalcore and alternative stylings were issued in a very efficient fashion. Although not the most flashy in construction, their breed of bruising metal was more than effective in reigniting the pit into another frenzy of colliding bodies. With an already rapidly rising reputation for excellence, this was surely another victory for this soon-to-be stellar act. [8/10]extort.bandcamp.com
With the competition all but over, the final band, Bloodsun was next to bring the heavy. And that’s precisely what the Inverness mob brought in magnificent tonnage. Straight to the point and uncompromising thin their purpose Bloodsun provided the heaviest sounds of the competition with a mosh-centric deathcore approach that kept the energy high and tuning low.
This fusion of hardcore ethics of sound and determined brutality made serious waves amongst the still-vibrant audience. With steady constant pit maneuvers now hard to avoid their effective energy in front of seizure-bating lighting was an extremely polished sight. However the formulaic nature of their sound made for a heavy yet less-than-special compared with what they had followed [7/10]fb/BloodsunOfficial
With the competition battles out of the way, it was time for the party to begin. Kicking this off was Norwegian champions Viction whose gruff and grisly take on melodic death metal had a distinct flavour. Pulling subtle blackened touches along with technical leads the seasoned quartet furnished the room with a tasteful blend of extreme styles that entertained strongly amongst the celebrations and continual jovial mosh.
With a clean step up in confidence compared to some of the nervousness of the competitive acts, Viction quickly made themselves comfortable while blasting out consistently strong headbang-worthy material. Keeping the metal vibes going in a smooth fashion, their backdrop of current metal seems to effortlessly engage and amuse the masses. [8/10]fb.com/VictionBand
Reigning Scottish Champions and hometown favorites Catalysis was next and seemed to take huge strides upward again on the heaviness scales as well as bolder confrontational presence. Every time I see this act they seem to inch stronger and stronger in terms of confidence and stagecraft.
This was another prime example of the mighty 5-piece carving another memorable set of modern metal’s best cuts and cultivated hooks. Brilliantly dispensing their signature style combining deathcore’s staunch aesthetics, brutal breakdowns, and dynamic decimation with tasteful thrasher rips, ghoulish groove metal riffage and all cooked up an irresistible package. Catalysis continues to do Scottish metal proud in a way only they know how. [8/10]fb.com/catalysismetal
The final band of the night was the Titanic-preportioned Ramage Inc. who blasted us with an oceanic-scale heaviness that pummeled the room in monstrous waves of chugging and throbbing riffage. Combining mountainous atmospherics with extreme wall-of-sound destructive barrages it was impossible to escape their decimating range. Chthulu‘s favorite metal band once again left many in disarray.
With emotional vocal growls and wails, dream/nightmare-like soundscrapes, and dynamic drumming, the technical combinations produced by this band may not be to everyone’s taste, but they lack in coverage the smother in their distinctive onslaught. [8/10] fb/RamageInc
Metal Mole Reviews 