Pagan Hel Reviews..: 2011-05-15

Sunday, 15 May 2011

Apollyon - The Krazy House - 13.5.2011

Apollyon

The Krazy House – Krossfire Event, Liverpool 13.5.2011

www.myspace.com/apollyonsteel

I saw APOLLYON in action first at the Zanzibar on the 2.7.2010. Their blend of thrash with melodic death riffs is second to none and a welcome addition to the metal scene. Now with one guitarist down saying goodbye to Jamie Ruddock who left the band last year to embark on his own project, Apollyon unperturbed, are still as strong as ever!

On speaking to Glen before the set, he was a little nervous as to how they would sound at the K (as we all know it isn’t the Zanzi, where sound resonates as clear as a bell, thanks to Pat the sound tech) but Glen need not have worried unduly as they appeared on stage amidst the glare of an array of lights above them and a plume of choking dry ice, which emanated around the hall at intermittent bursts, they burst forth with “Harsh Reality” and there in the metal feast began and the sound was good!

A few small technical hitches in between a couple of the songs were quickly erased as the band launched into their second song of a 7 track set with “Intoxicating Rainfall” just as powerful and brutal as the last track.

Funny how the band have a track called “I stand alone” whilst Entropy have a track entitled “Walk alone” but it is very clear that both bands are NOT alone when it comes to producing great material that gives a raw edge!

Gaz and Glen gave it their all. Glen moved to the forefront of the stage and stared out into the crowd, the metal balustrade moved in time with the force of the people who stood behind it. James the more silent of the band despite being the force behind Apollyon sits behind his kit with slamming brutality. Gaz the communicator reached out to the crowd with his sense of humour but still regained the composure of a professional.

All too soon the band bulldozed their way into their final track “Victory” which built up to a fantastic finish, but all too soon in my opinion!

Apollyon are without a doubt a fantastic brutal trio that will leave you in no doubt that they have what it takes to move further up the metal ladder. Amen to that!!

Catch the guys at The Rake Hall in Chester on Friday June 17^th 7.30 until midnight with Severenth and Into Abyss

Members

Gareth Owens – Bass/Vocals

Glen Brazier – Guitar

James Roberts - Drums

Set-List

Harsh Reality

Intoxicating Rainfall

Life’s Conclusion

Prolapse

Pissed on power

I stand alone

Victory

Entropy - The Krazy House - 13.5.2011

ENTROPY

The Krazy House – Krossfire Event, Liverpool 13.5.2011

http://www.reverbnation.com/entropyuk

Entropy launched onto the stage with chants of “En-tro-py” ringing in their ears. Daz the bands front man and spidery fingered rhythm guitarist seemed slightly embarrassed, I felt, as well as pleased that Entropy are finally getting the recognition they so well deserve.

They did a 5 track set starting with their usual track Gulf of Misery. This is Entropy in their full glory… Ian, Daz and Rob playing sadistically to a frenzied crowd, whilst Karl looks as if he is pondering what to have for his tea! But all composed in their own way and focused on bringing together an awesome set.

Great to see three members of Gods of War supporting the band as Entropy have supported them and others, but Entropy like so many other bands are down to earth and have a no nonsense approach to their music, commanding the stage and making it their own.

The new track “Walk Alone” was a welcome addition, cleverly thrown into the middle of their set. It has power and ferocity and will no doubt over time become as well sung as the other tracks the band have produced.

Entropy is compelling on stage. You cannot fail to be impressed with their stage presence which is nothing less than brutal, fiery and above all thrashy! It really awakens the beast and as the band launch like an express train into their last number “Overload” it sparked a wave of front row hysteria! A great finish to what was an awesome set at this Krossfire Event.

Check them out on the above link. If you are one of the unfortunate ones who have not yet seen Entropy live… then keep your eyes open for them playing at a venue near you… you will not be disappointed!

Members

Darran Cooper – Rhythm Guitar-Lead Vocals

Rob Boyd – Drums

Karl Rigby – Lead Guitar

Ian McCormack – Bass/Backing vocals

Set-List

Gulf of Misery

Attrition

Walk Alone

Weapons of War

Overload

Fallen Agenda - The Krazy House - 13.5.2011

Fallen Agenda

The Krazy House, Krossfire Event, Liverpool

13.5.2011

http://www.myspace.com/fallenagenda

It has been exactly a month to the day since I witnessed FALLEN AGENDA at the Head of Steam pub, and although the sound was dodgy due to the pubs layout, it was clear to see that FALLEN AGENDA were well on their musical journey!

Formed in September 2010 and from Liverpool, this band has in the past month clearly come into their own.

Naomi’s vocals were amazing, crisp and clear, Gary’s bass really catchy, Issy’s guitar flawless and Shan’s drumming superb. The feeling of a total connection with band and followers alike was at the heart of this Krossfire event.

Everyone really enjoyed the set and Issy’s little mishap with the mic was clearly forgotten as they launched into their powerful set of 7 great songs, starting with “The Other Side” which paved the way for the whole set, as the crowd got up close and personal draping themselves over the metal barrier and giving rapturous applause to each song Fallen Agenda launched into.

The stage came alive as Naomi took charge. Naomi doesn’t just sing, she brings each song alive with feeling, whilst Shan delivered some awesome beats, which compelled you to move in time to. Gary gave out some mean bass lines which reverberated through-out the K, and Issy, the bands other female member worked that guitar to perfection.

Even for the most brutal of us metal heads; you could not fail to be moved by this energetic display of rockers that are Fallen Agenda!

The set although the same as when they played at the Head of Steam were in slightly different order, playing 2 covers, “Zombie” and “SOS”, but this time they came across as tighter. The band were indeed more in control of their surroundings

Each song was executed perfectly and with raw precision. They all gave 110%.

It is clear to me that Fallen Agenda are clearly ON the agenda and not as their name suggests falling anywhere. In fact the (AOB) Any other business clearly sees them at the top of the agenda!!

Watch out for this band as they are well on their way to becoming a highly successful act.

Catch the band at the Surface Festival at Bad Format, Trueman Street, Liverpool on Friday 27^th May Tickets 7.00 - Tickets from the band. With 6 other bands competing at this Battle for the bands gig.

Members: