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Tuesday, 5 July 2011

Entropy - Metal Assault - Zanzibar - 2.7.2011

Entropy

Metal Assault 2.7.2011

Zanzibar – Liverpool


Well ENTROPY did it again with another great night under the heading of METAL ASSAULT!!!  What a great night we all had!

Entropy is a 4 piece thrash outfit from Liverpool and been together for quite a number of years! 

I have now seen ENTROPY about 10 times and each time I see them they just blow the roof off!  Daz the mighty front man of the band just has the crowd eating out of his hand.

Glad I got to hear ‘Walk Alone’ again for the second time.  First being at the K on the 13th May when it got an airing!

The band dived straight into their first number with the awesome ‘Gulf of Misery’ a really fast and brutal track.  Its thunderous melody and catchy hook lines are brilliant!

‘Attrition’ the second track from the band has a slower opening but none the less still brutal in its own right with some great breakdowns!

‘Reclamation’ is a powerful track with no let up! It thunders into a wall of sound that just melts the brain.  Karl’s guitar blisters into action, although in Karl’s usual cool style he remains composed at ALL times, while all around him just turns to chaos!

Rob played most of the set with his eyes closed as he got well and truly into his stride, hitting that kit with totally ferocity, was awesome to see!

‘Weapons of war’ is another blisteringly fast track and now a clear fave.  It really kick ass to the highest level and with Ian’s pounding bass comes into its own!  You can’t even head bang in time to it. Not without your brains flying out of your ears anyway!

As the end of the set approaches Daz starts to play the crowd and asks them to participate by saying “This was the first track I learned, it needs no introduction and I am NOT going to sing on this one, it is up to you!” he proceeds to play ‘Enter Sandman’ by Metallica and the mics were shown to the crowd and everyone joined in the singing.

Just before the last track Daz also says “I am sure you all know what to do now?” and looked into the crowd, with sweat pouring from him, and a big grin on his face…. I immediately knew what to do and as the guitar started up I went into overdrive (or should that be overload?) fist in the air and started chanting “Oi Oi Oi” to which the rest of the crowd followed.  Daz replied with “She knows what to do!” Oh indeed Daz after ten times of seeing you live, I know exactly what to do!  :D and did it!

Great show yet again guys…. And here’s to the eleventh time.  I could never get enough ENTROPY!!!!

Not sure what happened after the bands had finished playing but the Zanzi apparently caught fire…… REALLY!

A big thanks to Pat, Paul, Max, and Zack at the Zanzi you guys are awesome!

Also thanks to all the bands playing Metal Assault you gave us all a night to remember!!!
And to the bands that came and supported the bands playing on the night! ) Stu – Scare Tactics, Sick Circus, Gaz – Apollyon – Good to see such support!

Last but not least a big thanks to Carmel (Sis) and John Beeson from coming up from down South – Great having you both here!

Members:
Darran Cooper – Vocals and Rhythm Guitar
Robert Boyd - Drums
Karl Rigby  - Guitar
Ian McCormack - Bass

Set-List:
Gulf of Misery
Attrition
The eyes have it
As screaming ascends
Reclamation
Walk Alone
Weapons of war
Overload



Gods of War - Metal Assault - Zanzibar - 2.7.2011

Gods of War

Metal Assault 2.7.2011

Zanzibar – Liverpool


Gods of War is a 5 piece metal band and hail from Liverpool.  They brought to you a nice Pagan/Viking feel to the evening of Metal Assault.

Danny, the bands front man whom I have dubbed a ‘firecracker’ because he just exploded into life on stage jumped around and wind-milled to his heart’s content as the band launched into ‘The Butcher’ awesome track with some great drumming and guitar.

The band played an impressive 8 track set list and each song was delivered with ferocity and aggression. Although the tracks are not overly long, but just whet the appetite.

Danny set the stage on fire with his leaping about to each and every track, that made me exhausted just watching him.

Gods of War are a great live experience.  ‘Mourning the Departed’ had a great Pagan/Viking feeling to it coupled with some mighty riffs.  Danny’s vocals and Kristian’s drumming just gave the track some clout!

‘Apocalypse’ had a great catchy hook line and some awesome riffs.  A great head- banging skull crusher of a track.  With some more evil sounding growls from Danny!

‘Termination Program’ is another heavy track with some really fast guitar work and a real pleasure to witness live.  The track slows considerably only for Danny to growl more in his unique style!  Great track!

These guys know how to rock the feck out on stage, awesome guys too! Always love watching their antics on stage

Always a pleasure to see you guys on or off stage you are just as crazy either way!!!

Members:
Danny Hell (Vocals)
Daz Hammer (Lead guitar)
Rich Halestorm (Bass co vocals)
Kristian Dobson (Drums)

Set-List:
The Butcher
Ignite
Odin’s Chariot
Foes who oppose me
Mourning the departed
Arrival
Apocalypse
Termination Program



Incidium - Metal Assault - Zanzibar - 2.7.2011

Incidium - Manchester

Metal Assault 2.7.2011

Zanzibar – Liverpool


From start to finish INCIDIUM were spellbinding, power driven, brutal, and amazing to see ‘live’.

They had fantastic stage presence and some awesome guitars.  The brutality just washed over you in waves of sheer pleasure!  The crowd were just dumb-struck as the band slaughtered the Zanzibar with extreme aggression and delivered a very professional set.

Incidium is a 4 piece infectious melodic thrash metal band hailing from the Manchester area. They are brutal to the extreme and will indeed melt the faces off anyone who has the honour of seeing them play ‘live’

The band has a 3 track EP out – released in 2010 the 3 tracks being The Prophecy, Intoxicated Serenity, and Divide & Conquer. On sale for just 3 quid… a total bargain!

The Prophecy was just an amazing track. A real power house of awe inspiring brutality that left you open mouthed.  The drumming was immense.  Great melodic guitar and constant bass kept you hooked from start to finish, and I defy anyone not to bang their brains out to this track or indeed any of the other tracks INCIDIUM play ‘live’ Totally impossible not to do so!

They were hailed as ‘band of the night’ by many at Metal Assault.  With ripples of ‘Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck!!!!’ and ‘Whoaaaaaaaaaaaa!’ as the band just blasted rhythmically with Hair wind-milling to a very contented audience!

Not every day you see such power and ferocity from a band but INCIDIUM is the name on everyone’s lips right now and with good reason!

Strange that the band played the track *the End’ at the beginning….. Or was that to fool everyone? 

Aggressive vocals from Gabe with some thunderous immense drumming from Chris, Joe’s bass gets under the flesh and eats you alive from the inside, whilst Rick’s lead guitar will just burn your brains out! Not to be missed this band will ravage you and leave you for dead!!!! Guaranteed!

Once you witness INCIDIUM live you will be dumb-struck, spellbound and your blood pressure will have shot through the roof!

Absolutely awesome set guys just get yourselves back to Liverpool and soon….

Members:
Chris – Drums
Gabe Rhythm & Vocals
Joe – Bass
Rick – Lead & Backing Vocals


Set-List:
Intro
The End
Prophecy
Biskwits
Strong
Betrayal



Arkaidence - Metal Assault - Zanzibar - 2.7.2011

Arkaidence

Metal Assault 2.7.2011

Zanzibar – Liverpool



Arkaidence is a 5 piece progressive band hailing from the Liverpool area. Their influences are Queensryche and Dream Theatre to name but two.

Not having heard ARKAIDENCE before I was expecting some gruff vocals and was a little deflated when Alex sung in the sound check, but they surprised me on their set and I feel now that Alex’s vocals really compliment the sound that the guys have got together.

Of the four tracks the band played at Metal Assault ‘Erosion’ and T.W.A.T. were my two favourites.

‘Erosion’ on hearing at the sound check sounded a little weaker than on the set. 

But this track has to be my favourite as it was given a lot more ‘balls’ on the performance and came across with some amazing strings just a beautiful sound that had me spellbound.  Reminded me a little of ‘Spires’ but with clean vocals! Fantastic track loved it!

T.W.A.T. had some great bass lines and Alex came into his own on vocals.  The track just unfolded into an amazing track! Dark and atmospheric was really great to witness the guys play it live!

Pete don’t get the hair cut…. It was nice to stroke that mane! :D

The guys gave an ‘all out’ performance at Metal Assault and looking forward to seeing what else they come up with in the next few months. Great set guys you kick ass!

Members:
Alex Nolan - Lead Vocals
Michael Threlfall - Vocals/Guitar
David Williams - Guitar/Vocals
Richard "Jonesey" Jones - Bass
Peter "Ropes" Roper - Drums
  
Set-List:
Erosion
Descent
Twat
Needles (Cover)



Dark Colossus - Metal Assault - Zanzibar - 2.7.2011

Dark Colossus

Metal Assault 2.7.2011

Zanzibar – Liverpool



Second up at the Metal Assault was DARK COLLOSSUS.  A really powerful sound, with some great vocals.

Hailing from Liverpool and formed in 2009 started their career under the name of Trial by Fire. Their influences being Metallica and Pantera.

Paul although slight in figure sung like a metal monster!!  Some great guitar from Matt who really knew how to make that guitar of his sing…

Delivered with professionalism and were extremely great to watch for that ‘LIVE’ experience.

Bloodlust the band’s third track was just blinding from start to finish for me anyway! That thunderous bass line just reverbed through the Zanzibar, and the drumming was intense!

The band did a couple of covers on the set and both were expertly delivered ‘Walk’ was just amazing and for me not being a lover of cover numbers that says something!

‘No More’ started with some fantastic drumming and awesome guitar and packed a real punch! Although the band didn’t really move about a lot on stage, they still managed to create a great vibe… the vocals again were tremendous! Sounding dark and evil and backed up by some thunderous bass.  A great track! And clearly my favourite from the band on the night.

Great catchy hook line in ‘Fear Me’ which left me in no doubt that this band can deliver the goods with all guns blazing!  Great set!

Hope to catch you guys again soon!

Members:
Paul Hamilton - Singer & Rhythm Guitar
Matt Hetherington - Lead Guitar
Gary Hummerston - Bass Guitar
Steven Taylor – Drums

Set-List:
Drum Intro
No More
Bloodlust
For whom the bell tolls (Cover)
Fear Me
Walk (Cover)
Regression to Aggression



Bring The Rain - Metal Assault - Zanzibar 2.7.11

Bring the Rain

Metal Assault 2.7.2011

Zanzibar – Liverpool


And round for a second time the Metal Assault kicked off with BRING THE RAIN.  Shame they don’t have any music up on Facebook or My Space, but a relatively new band to hit the scene and played their debut gig at the Zanzibar 2.6.2011.

Bring The Rain is a 5 piece band hailing from Liverpool and brand themselves as ‘scouse metal’

Can’t help but feel there is a bit of “tongue in cheek” to these guys, with such titles as ‘Ten Pound Baby’ and ‘Coleman’s Mustard Gas’ I think they live up to that name, however, the second time around there was a more ordered feel to their set, and once you get into these guys unusual brand of metal it does take a hold pretty quick, but it did take two listens for me…. Sad old bat that I am!

Their unusual brand of rap vocals with a twist (courtesy of Callum) is certainly eye opening!  Alex their drummer (it has to be said) was absolutely awesome, there’s that word again, but seeing is believing. He can really pound the skins, great playing!

Each song has energy and drive and certainly the guys were not as nervous I feel this time around after playing the Zanzi previously, so no awkward moments this time!

They had a very good following for a new band, and clearly everyone buzzed as the band launched into their set. Launched being the operative word…. Nothing calm about these guys at all.  Not one of them lacked confidence and just got up and gave it their all.

Sick Circus all turned up to support them which was fantastic and it is always great to see support for new unsigned bands and is always encouraged where possible.

But check out BRING THE RAIN on the 22nd July at the Zanzibar for the HELRAZER event.  BRING THE RAIN are the third act on the bill and well worth seeing live just for the added twist of their unusual style of metal!! Well done guys on a great set!

Hope to see you all there!

Members:
Callum Hughes - Vocals
Josh (Batwing) Jones - Lead Guitar
Phil Belta - Bass
Phil McCullough - Rhythm Guitar
Alex (A-Funk) Ashton - Drums


Set-list:
Ten Pound Baby
FCC
Colman’s Mustard Gas
Skinage
3rd Generation