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Wednesday, 22 August 2012

Hymn for the Fallen - Coronach - Ensorrowed - Set upon Invasion - Lomax, Liverpool - 21.8.12


Hymn for the Fallen, Coronach, Ensorrowed, and Set upon Invasion

Lomax, Liverpool
21.8.12

It is always good seeing a new band for the first time but here was the chance to see two new bands – What Lies Within and Hymn for the Fallen as well as seeing Ensorrowed who I witnessed live at the Zanzibar at the Surface Festival 30th July 2011 and not to mention seeing relatively new band Coronach and old favourites Set upon Invasion again.

What Lies Within – Liverpool



Links:

Genre: Metal Core

Was to be their first ever gig!

But gigs are not without set-backs on occasions and sadly this was one of those times. What Lies Within was sound checking as I walked into the Lomax and to say I was blown away with the bands passion and musicianship was an under-statement. I found out that the guys had indeed brought the most people to the gig (must have been around 25 outside wanting to see them play) only to be told as they were under 18 they weren’t allowed to – which was gutting for the band after taking the time and trouble to sound check but also to the people who wanted to see them live too!

It was a tough call though as I could understand things from The Lomax’s point of view – if they lost their license then that would mean everyone would lose out as it is a real gem for gigs, and it was stated on the events page by Carl that it was an 18 plus gig, but on the other hand seeing the very disappointed faces on these guys – it really left everyone feeling deflated.

The band had clearly practised hard, got a great set list together and just wanted to play their first ever show – which is always nerve wracking at the best of times but to be psyched up and then be told “No sorry you can’t play!” was a devastating blow to all concerned.

Out of respect for the band I am including some information about them so people can go and check them out and maybe the band could get a Matinee spot at the Zanzibar at some time in the future. So do be sure to go and support them as bands like this are our future.

Members:
James Langton - Vocals
Anthony Longworth - Drums
Callum Cavanagh - Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals
Lewis Sanderson - Rhythm Guitar

Setlist:
Intro - our own
We shall fight.
I am your god
Starting over by Killswitch Engage cover
Torn apart
The bleeding - Five Finger Death Punch cover
No fucks     

*************

Hymn for the Fallen – Winsford, Cheshire



Links:

Genre: Melodic Death/Hardcore/Metal

Founded 2010 these five guys really set the pace and it was their first Liverpool show ever!

The thunderous growls and melodic content these guys brought forth as they opened the gig were stunning!

For a first showing in Liverpool I can safely say that this was an amazingly tight set that lacked nothing. It was fiery, punchy and incredible to watch.  I am quite surprised that not many think that going out on a Tuesday night is worth finding out about local talent or indeed talent from the surrounding areas of Liverpool. What I witnessed last night was just superb.  The camaraderie as ever was great with each band supporting and watching each-others sets it was epic!

For all who didn’t attend again you missed an incredible array of talent and a really great night – discounting the unusual fracas at the beginning and half way through the gig.

Hymn for the Fallen really were worth going out and seeing live – so glad I did! I really hope they can come back again and slaughter the place.

The guys have a 5 track EP out soon but currently in production so no date set for release as yet but check out the teasers here: http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/14255044
They will be sure to blow your mind!

5/5

Members:
Vocals - Saul Ennett
Guitar/Vocals - Jack Bradshaw
Guitar - Gary McNeil
Drums - Ben Quinlivan
Bass - Adam Wheeler

Saul, Jack and Adam
Hymn for the Fallen


Saul's immense locks!

Set List:
Intro
Surpassing Brutality
Facebreaker
Times have changed
Disconnected
Risen
Tear the World Down

******

Coronach – Wirral - Liverpool



Links:

Genre: Technical Death Metal

Second time seeing Coronach and I have to say not as together first time round at the Zanzi but none the less good to watch and very entertaining!

Benn the bands fast fingered guitarist appeared in some lovely fluorescent flowery shorts with a white T shirt begging you to believe that he is well over endowed.  :D  Chris the bands vocalist appeared in some equally eye catching apparel bantered with the crowd. 

At one point CJ from Ensorrowed roared and Benn said “Now he won’t get raped he makes noise!” immediately the crowd went quiet and Benn busied himself in doing what he does best and started the onslaught on his guitar.

Trying to get a set list from the band was like trying to squeeze blood from a stone, as none of them seemed to know what they were going to play until it happened – or so they would have us believe!

The heat on stage wasn’t helping as sweat just dripped from the bands faces and at one point Benn started playing the wrong song much to Liam’s annoyance/amusement but this all added to the flavour of the gig and brought a rapturous applause from the select few in the crowd.

Chris who always does a great job vocally – (As in the days of Acts of Sorrow) and this gig was no exception he growled and roared like the best of them and the words penis and dick featured heavily in their repertoire as on the track Hobo with a Shotgun – really great track too!

Catch the band live at the Zanzibar on the 24th August 2012 for the Fringe Festival and also Set upon Invasion along with Oceanis, Scare Tactics, Bury the Conscious Until We Die and Ramraid – this looks to be an awesome line up with probably plenty of surprises along the way. Check out the events page for more details:

4½/5

Members 
Vocals – Chris Furlong
Guitar – Benn Freeman
Drums – Liam Edwards
Bass- John Costello

 Benn, Liam and Chris 
Coronach


Benn shows off his redeeming qualities

Set List:
Plague
Built for War
Disfigured
Genocide
Vengeful God
Hobo with a Shotgun
Forever Abused
Army of the Dead

**********

Ensorrowed – St. Helens - Liverpool



Links:

Genre: Metal Core/Thrash

Founded early 2010 and hailing from my neck of the woods St. Helens – Ensorrowed just nailed the gig last night! Although in the sound check CJ made a comment to Phil Peers the sound tech about never having used the equipment as it belonged to Benn of Coronach and an angry member of staff came hurtling towards to the stage all guns blazing saying “Don’t give the sound tech shit!” This took everyone by surprise as it was totally unprovoked.

CJ tried to explain he had never used this particular set up and Phil was explaining that he could do no better with the sound for them and both were trying to sort things out when this idiot chipped in his two penny worth! It clearly threw CJ and left the crowd somewhat bewildered. As things started to get a little more heated I thought it best to go and seek out Frank the owner who put a swift end to the melee.

As Ensorrowed started playing it was clear that CJ’s mind was elsewhere and he looked awkward and uneasy on stage – and who could blame him! At the end of the track CJ took the Microphone and openly apologised to Phil and this member of staff – even though I don’t think he had any reason to be sorry – but this proved to me that CJ was the bigger man here but saying that kudos to the member of staff as he approached the stage and they shook hands, but this should never have happened in the first instance! In my opinion that staff member should have acted in a more professional manner.

After that the rest of the set just flowed and CJ and the rest of the band got into their stride and really did a mean kick ass set.

Vocally Lee sounded fantastic and together as a band none of them disappointed – the atmosphere resumed its playful banter and the select few that attended clearly enjoyed what was played.

I am so looking forward to seeing these guys again – it is clear they have upped their game and ready to take on whatever the metal scene can throw at them!

5/5

Members 
Danny Kelly - Drums
John Roughley - Bass
Conor CJ Whitfield - Guitar
Lee Soady - Vocals

 CJ, Danny and Lee
Ensorrowed


John on Bass


CJ

Set List:
Instigation
Retribution
Testify
The Rebirth of Liberation
Rose of Sharyn (Killswitch Engage Cover)
Inscribed Destiny

**********

Set upon Invasion - Liverpool



Links:

Genre: Melodic Metal

Well what can I say about this band and about this set?? This is the strongest I have seen Set upon Invasion play.  They nailed it! It was a joy to watch.  Joe’s vocals were not off at all as previous – probably due to not hearing the others on stage - but he hit the notes with precision and looked a lot more at ease – despite all that had gone on in the evening.

Nick’s guitar was blinding although after the last gig when he got a little carried away he didn’t go to the extreme this time as in banging his head on his guitar but the playing was just superb!

Sean said half way through the set that he couldn’t hear anything and it was mentioned that the speaker was not working but despite this they pulled off the set with flying colours and truly remarkable watching!

The Disease the bands last track has always been a favourite of mine and still remains so with it's catchy beat and singable lyrics - was executed superbly last night!

Really great set guys looking forward to catching you at the Zanzibar on Friday at the Fringe Fest! Check above link for details of the event.

5/5

Members 
Joe Speak - Vocals
Sean Carson - Drums
Dan Smith - Bass
Nick Harris – Guitar

 Nick, Sean, Joe and Dan
Set upon Invasion


Joe Speak in action

Set List:
Groove Zero
Oceans of Sleep
Give Up the Ghost
Unholy Confessions (Avenged Sevenfold cover)
The Diseased!

******

Ø  It is worth mentioning that Phil Peers – Lomax – Sound Tech has just a small desk on which to work with and from the crowd point of view the sound was pretty good.  I found Phil to be approachable and worked well with all the bands that played, wanting to do the best he could with the equipment he had – so well done Phil!

Phil - Sound tech

Ø  Special thanks to Frank, and Carl – the perfect hosts, and Lauren in the bar for their friendly and welcoming approach.