Until We Die – Set upon Invasion – Coronach – Bury
the Conscious – Scare Tactics - Oceanis and Ramraid
Fringe Festival
The Zanzibar
24.08.12
For people who
don’t know what The Fringe Festival is about it is a popular music/arts event
held over the August Bank Holiday and most of the venues take part offering
free gigs so local bands can showcase their work.
The Zanzibar
certainly excelled with this mighty line-up! There was something for
everyone! From Metal Core to Technical Metal, Thrash to Melodic Metal, and what an
amazing night! Seven awesome bands one of which I hadn’t seen before and six others I have witnessed previously but enjoyed seeing live!
The atmosphere
was buzzing as the evening got underway. The Zanzi filled up quickly and the
bands that played were far more special than any signed band - So what if I am
biased!
The work these bands put into making this event was something special and mind blowing to say
the least not to mention the work Tony, Pat and Paul put into making this event
what it was and simply excelled in doing what they do best making it a night
to remember.
Until We Die – Liverpool (on stage 7.15pm)
Links:
Genre: Metal Core
A great start
to the evening as Until We Die took
to the stage. A band I had not seen live before and always good to see new
talent. These guys really got off to a
brilliant start.
As with a lot of
bands who face line-up changes Until we
Die were not without their fair share of changes and their rhythm guitarist
decided three weeks ago to leave the band sending out massive shock waves. They worked
hard to find a replacement and he too backed out last second, but it was Ryan Birch
who came to the band’s rescue and kindly filled in on rhythm guitar for the guys at Fridays gig.
Although four
out of their six song repertoire were covers their last two songs shone. I
think this was a clever little ploy by the band as their set got underway and
some mediocre songs ushered forth but on hearing the bands own material
realised just what lay beneath the surface and they gave us a small insight
into what they were all about.
The band
ploughed their way through the set and I was thinking they were more rock
orientated until they played a track of their own entitled Desolation and then
the atmosphere changed. The
crowd became a bit more interested as I did myself and it got more interesting
as the rhythms and beats suddenly became a lot heavier and vocally more
intense.
I was informed it was the band's first gig and yet
I detected no nerves at all – amazing how bands do that and Until we Die were no exception despite
the stress the band must have felt having members drop out so close to the gig. So kudos to them all.
Declan played
extremely well as did the rest of the band and Shaun’s vocals were superb even
more so when he sang the bands original material.
It will be
quite interesting to see the band live again and make comparisons as to where
they are gaining strength and what their next line of assault is and also to see if Ryan stays with the band on a permanent basis or will they find someone else? Personally I think he should stay with the band.
Now currently
working on their new EP which hopefully will contain the bands last two tracks
– I am sure it will and no doubt make people sit up and listen.
Until we Die
3½/5
Members:
Declan Power -
Drums
Kevin Nash -
Bass
Michael Winter
- Lead Guitar
Shaun Seels -
Vocals
Ryan Birch - Rhythm Guitar
Set list:
Plot to Bomb
The Pandhandle
The Darkest
Nights
I'm not a
vampire
Desolation
Determined to the
End
**********
Set upon
Invasion – Liverpool (on stage
8.00pm)
Links:
Genre: Melodic
Metal
Always good to
see Set upon Invasion they nailed
the set at The Lomax last Tuesday 21st August but sadly vocally Joe
was a bit flat in places again which makes me wonder if the band shouldn’t
draft in another vocalist to do the singing whilst Joe does what he does best
and do the growling.
Musically the
band was tight and uncompromisingly good.
Nick the band’s guitarist extraordinaire again proved he is a wild axe
man and shone on stage whilst Sean’s drumming not only set the pace but had a
few members of the crowd talking and a few people asked Nick if he would like
to jam with them at some point which goes to show Nick is clearly a talented
guitarist.
SUI really
teased me as they always keep my favourite track “The Disease” until the end of
the set – and this was no exception. I
simply adore that track as it has really beefy rhythm and is a very anthemic
track with no holds barred. Joe came to
life and vocally nailed it, but then again he always does on this particular track.
I remember when
Joe put it up on Facebook and I didn’t listen to anything else for a week – it
was constantly being played.
I think if Set upon Invasion were to write more
anthemic tracks like the Disease and cut out the Avenge Sevenfold cover it
would be in their favour – for me there is nothing that can beat a band’s own
material – hearing something new for the first time and then hearing it again
and getting to know that specific track for me is always interesting.
But no matter I
still enjoy seeing Set upon Invasion
live with Nick doing his wild antics on stage it’s always exciting to watch.
Sean
Dan
Nick, Sean and Joe
4/5
Members
Joe Speak - Vocals
Sean Carson - Drums
Dan Smith - Bass
Nick Harris – Guitar
Set List:
Groove Zero
Oceans of Sleep
Give Up the Ghost
Unholy Confessions (Avenged Sevenfold cover)
The Diseased!
**********
Coronach –
Wirral – Liverpool (on stage 8.45pm)
Links:
http://www.facebook.com/CoronachUK
Genre:
Technical Death Metal
Although last
night’s performance was tight and unrelenting the band’s failure to get on with
the set let them down a bit. Too much time in between the songs left the
audience restless which was a shame as when they get together on stage they
really do blow you away.
Benn’s fancy
finger work on the frets awesomely brought the tracks together and gave them a
specific depth, whilst Chris’s vocals insanely ravaged the brain cells but
despite the bands delay in getting on with the set they did however put on a
tremendous show – there aren’t many Death Metal bands around Liverpool and Coronach certainly know how to deliver.
Coronach tend to write tracks quickly and no doubt
could play a full hour set which is quite some feat considering they are
new as a band to the scene but there is always a slight hint of tongue in cheek
with this group of death metal heads.
Coronach seem to be trendsetters and wear a lot
of eye catching apparel usually fluorescent flowery shorts but this time round
they had toned down the shorts for jeans (and handed the rights over to Andy of Scare Tactics and Mike from Bury the Conscious who all supported the flowery apparel) So it seems you never really know
what to expect with these guys and maybe that is how they like it.
They played my
favourite track Hobo with a Shotgun later on in the set - a particularly grisly track that was
delivered and received well by band and audience alike.
They were the
only band to get a small mosh pit going headed by James Yeardsley (Or Yeardo to
his mates) and whose antics at Basement 20 are still being talked about today.
I am looking forward at least to hearing an E.P. if not a full length album from the band soon.
Benn and Chris
Benn
4/5
Members
Vocals – Chris Furlong
Guitar – Benn Freeman
Drums – Liam Edwards
Bass - John Sandifer
Set List:
Plague
Built for War
Disfigured
Genocide
Vengeful God
Forever Abused
Hobo with a Shotgun
Army of the Dead
**********
Bury the
Conscious – Wirral (on stage 9.30pm)
Links:
Genre: Metal
Four guys and a
chaos pad - Bury the Conscious never
disappoint. They brought the Zanzibar alive with their extreme tempos and
elegant rhythms which delighted the crowd me included – but they always do.
Sadly though
the Chaos Pad lost its voice on some of the tracks which was a first but these
guys were not phased in the slightest although a little disappointed but
nothing really could take away from the immense performance Bury the Conscious give each time they perform live.
Mike with Chaos Pad
I will always
go and see them – watching the band last year and seeing how far they have
grown in confidence and strength alone since losing Dan on guitar and becoming
an act to be reckoned with - nobody could get tired of watching Bury the Conscious they take their
unusual blend of metal to another dimension and clearly grabbed the audience’s
attention as soon as they hit the stage.
You cannot miss
Mike’s flaming red locks and under the glowing red lights of the Zanzibar he
seemed to just melt into the surroundings.
The bands faces were full of concentration and Luke is one who is always
great to see on stage – he thoroughly gets into every riff and beat that is
played and now I personally watch for his prowess each time he picks up his
bass guitar.
Luke the bassist with prowess!
Matt’s drumming
was intensely executed whilst Matt O the guitarist poured out some amazing
riffs closing his eyes and holding his head up to the throbbing lights of the
Zanzi stage – these guys know just how to hit the spot and make you feel there
is nobody else in the room – just them.
Luke, Mike, Matt C and Matt O
4½/5
Members:
Mike Roberts: Lead Vocals
Matt Clynch: Drums
Matt O'Donnell: Guitar/Vocals
Luke Crowther: Bass/Vocals
Set List:
Reclaim
Epicentre
Unknown
Ready the Machine
Crossing
**********
Scare Tactics –
Liverpool (on stage 10.15pm)
Links:
Genre: Groove
Metal
If you like
grooves, be sure to catch Scare Tactics
(Or Scary Tictacs as they have affectionately become labelled) Winners of M2M’s
and appeared on the New Blood Stage at Bloodstock recently and rightly so.
Their
performance last night was nothing less than epic! Speaking to Danny the bands
lively bassist told me that they enjoyed playing the set as they could just
relax and be themselves - as the last time I saw them at the Lomax for Sal’s
M2M’s final they did appear more tense and nervous but were concentrating on
the set as they were being judged and it paid off!
Andy and Danny
For me it was
clear that the band enjoyed their set last night as the banter was rife, the
playing however was tighter than a ducks backside and just as fiery.
Their groove
ridden metal was easy to lose yourself in and they made you a big part of their
set which I particularly loved. Drowning in the intensity of each beat and each
riff leaves one awestruck.
I have loved
the band since seeing them about two years ago again at the Zanzibar. Their unusual blend of grooves just filled
the stage and then gave me the impression that these guys were not going to
fade into oblivion any time soon – and I was right.
It was superb
witnessing them at the Fringe Fest the other night clearly enjoying themselves
on stage and doing what comes so naturally to them. They use the stage to their advantage and
make the audience part of their repertoire and it was apparent to each and
every one who saw them perform at Fringe that these guys are simply growing in
stature and now one of Liverpool’s top bands.
Stu
Andy and Danny
Paul
5/5
After Scare Tactics brilliant performance
Andy gave out a Birthday mention to Pat O’Shaughnessy
the man behind the sound desk at the Zanzi. Sadly Pat didn’t get up on stage,
but a large birthday cake was presented to him behind the desk and a card which
I had done my best to get signed by all the bands was given to him by none
other than Geoff Barker – Scare Tactics
mentor and driver. I don’t think Pat will forget this birthday in a hurry.
Pat and Geoff
Pat
Members
Danny Williams – Bass
Stu Barker – Drums
Andy Barker – Vocals/Guitar
Paul Charnock - Guitar
Set List:
Right Hand Man
False Power
Someone Else
Wrong but Righteous
We Live
Drunk Fuck
**********
Oceanis –
Liverpool (on stage
11.00pm)
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/oceanisuk?sk=wall
Genre: Tech
Metal/Post Hardcore
I knew what was
coming but did anyone else? For the ones that had yet to witness Oceanis Live I knew they were going to
be left open mouthed as the vicious onslaught began.
Joe was already
psyching himself up in a dark corner and morphing into Satan and as the first
chord struck and low and behold Satan was amongst us. Joe must be at least 6
foot 5 and he uses this to his advantage.
The barbaric
growls and the fiendish look in Joe’s eyes said it all to me. The crowd gathered in a semi-circle around
the stage – not venturing too close for what was about to be thrust upon them
perhaps a lot more people had witnessed the ferociousness of Oceanis beforehand?
I felt sorry for the rest of the band as they were fiendishly slogging their guts out
on stage and bringing forth the musical element of Oceanis and yet all eyes were fixed on Joe the band’s frontman but
with good reason.
Although a big shout out for drummer Dave Waite as he played the entire set with a broken rib - and that is NOT easy! But nobody noticed as he slammed his way through the set – the power
of Satan compelled him!
Joe launched
himself into the semi-circle and the most thunderous of vocals burst from the
speakers, his face morphing into an evil glare and I wondered who would be his
first victim.
It wasn’t long
before he grabbed and pushed a member of the audience but not like at The Lomax
where the onlookers just stood open mouthed this time the audience hit back
much to Joe’s surprise!
Ganikah Brown
happened to be in the audience and she is not to be messed with despite her
small 4 feet something frame she ran up to Joe and smacked his backside
prompting him to do his worst! Joe towered over her screaming vengeance into
the Microphone as Gani stared him full on in the face it was an amazing battle
of wills. Several more times this happened and at one point Gani threw half her
ale at him prompting a crackle from the Microphone as the liquid hit it.
The Possession!
Joe mingled
within the receptive crowd and removed a girl’s glasses and ran back on stage
to wear them but always giving back what he had taken – it is like the music
possesses him and he becomes this evil figure of wickedness and as soon as the
music stops the spell is broken and he becomes himself again.
Joe said to me
afterwards and I quote “I hope I didn’t upset too many people in the audience
tonight!” The evil glare had all but disappeared and a smile appeared on his
face once more.
Oceanis are just incredible to watch and so it
is worth noting that if they are playing near you to go and see for yourself
that Satan lives amongst us in the shape of Joe Maryanji it brings a new
meaning to the term “Horns high”
The evil one!
Oceanis casting their magic
The finger of death!
5/5
Members:
Joe Maryanji - Vocals
Stu Donachie - Guitars & backing vocals
Dave Waite - Drums
Craig Miles - Bass
Phil Dyer – Guitars
Set List:
Prevalence
Rise from Ruin
Destroyer
Of Flesh
Ethereal
Brotherhood
Collision
**********
Ramraid –
Liverpool (on stage
11.45pm)
Links:
Genre: Old
School Thrash Metal
Relatively new
to the scene as Ramraid these
thrashers gave a stunning performance.
Seen before at Basement 20 (now called Format in Liverpool) at one of
Dr. Aids gigs their old school thrash really is immense.
Sadly Joe couldn’t
remember the words to Bred for Death – he tried at the beginning but then it
turned into a fast instrumental but I don’t think anyone minded too much as the
music was superb.
I particularly like the bands logo design for originality and colour it has to be one of the best I have seen around.
The Zanzi was
still quite packed despite Ramraid
going on at 11.45pm and Joe thanked the audience appreciatively as did he say
and I quote “It’s hard going on after Oceanis
and Scare Tactics as they are such
good bands, and we are shit!” I don’t see it that way at all. In fact all of the bands that had played
before were different genres so how Joe came to that conclusion I have no idea
plus Ramraid are still very new to
the scene as a band and I particularly like the old school thrash sound despite
not being a fan of it when it was first introduced in the 80’s.
I think Ramraid are following in the likes of Bludvera and Entropy two fantastic thrash bands that deliver quality music and
of which Scott from Bludvera and Rob
from Entropy attended to support the
bands which I thought was fantastic.
The time just
disintegrated and I couldn’t believe it was 12.30am I could have stayed a bit
longer despite my sore feet as I had such an amazing night. The camaraderie was
rife and the support for these bands held no boundaries – it was so good to
witness that.
For me the
local scene is the scene to be seen in – there’s so much talent around and so
many genres to choose from although I have never witnessed a “bad” gig at the
Zanzibar and I know I never will.
Ben, Dom and Joe
Dom
4/5
Members:
Joe Bromiley - Rhythm guitar, lead vocals
Ben Gannon - Lead guitar
Paul Hutton - Bass
Dominic Williams – Drums
Set List:
Into Annihilation
RamRaid
Bred for Death
Murder in the Embassy
Deathlands
Special mentions to Ian Laver, Danny, Jake and Rich, Izzy Johnson, Cat Jones, Mandy
Hamill, Gani Brown, Mike Hardy, David Dixon, Dave Purcell, Rob Boyd, Scott
Clayton, Matty Hughes, James Collins, Lee Soady and James Yeardsley – good seeing you all
at the event!
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
