Featuring:
Leap of Faith, Furian, Socio, Stampede, Reperium, Reaper and Exiled
h I j k
The
Zanzibar
A 31.10.14 A
Overview:
Well life certainly does have its surprises as last night’s gig at
the Zanzi took off. The people of Liverpool (and Wirral) were simply amazing!
The effort that had gone into some of the costumes were ingenious, like the
slant on ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ and the mention of ‘cupcakes!’ And then seeing someone dressed as a Wolf and
a very convincing one too, was just so funny, but entirely coincidental.
Little Red Riding Hood (beware the cupcakes!) and Gracie
It wasn’t just the punters who made a solid effort either. A lot of
the bands had gone that extra mile and produced some great make up and costumes
combined – and don’t forget that Zanzi stage is a hot place to be when playing
so hat’s off to all of them! - Dan Goss –
Reperium. I salute you for wearing a thick robe with hood and gloves
and underneath some monumental make-up! Even the Reaper would have been scared! c
Nothing quite as funny though when seeing a band member use a pen
knife to slash tears into a girls costume though – highly amusing! The things
you see taking place outside the Zanzibar eh!
One band member found himself in a tight spot when he was accosted and
had someone write obscenities on his back which were very risque – so well
before the gig started, I spent time erasing them for him with toilet paper in
the girl’s loo’s – the things ya do for bands these days!!
Exiled – Liverpool 7:45
Links:
Genre: Thrash Metal
Biography:
“We are a thrash metal band from Liverpool, England. We are
constantly practising and writing new material to share with the good people of
Liverpool and soon, hopefully, the rest of the world!”
Exiled have
come a long way since their first gig (also at the Zanzi) they are much more
confident now without being ‘pushy or flash’ and always deliver a fantastic
set, this one was no exception, but they did exceed expectations – because the
crowds were responsive and the band fed off that enthusiastically.
John Riley (Bass/Backing Vocals) told me before the set that they
were going to do some covers as they were working on some new tracks which
weren’t quite finished and I remarked it would be a good idea for them to play
some early Exiled rather than
covers, but the covers they played really fuelled the crowd to near on frenzy –
these guys really know how to draw an audience and play them, and soon after
the band started the crowd could not contain their enthusiasm for the bands
feisty thrashing madness any longer and formed a pit adding a highly charged and
rampant fuel to the proceedings.
This was the best I had seen Exiled
play – all the ingredients came into being – the crowd participation, the sound
and the bands skillful playing, it had far reached expectations – certainly a
great way to get everyone in the mood to start the Halloween merriment! g
Set List:
Exiled
Piranha
Mind
Games
Nuclear
Assault
Agent
Orange
Lobotomised
Members:
Sam
Robinson-Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar
Joe
Bradley-Lead Guitar & Backing Vocals
John
Riley-Bass Guitar & Backing vocals
James
McDermott - Drums
******
Reaper (Band) – Liverpool 8:25
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/RipRawReaper
Genre: Thrash Metal
Biography:
“Reaper are
a Thrash Metal band in Liverpool and formed in early 2011 by co-founders
Anthony Dalton (Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals) and Daniel Moran (Rhythm
Guitar/Vocals). The two set out in search of a bassist and a drummer and
resulted in finding Matthew Pruden as bassist and Adam Toumi as drummer. The
band had rehearsed for a month learning covers. After that it was decided that
the band was to begin writing their own material. From this the band created
four tracks but during the process there were difficulties along the way and
they felt that it was Adam affecting the band moving forward so thought it best
to let him go. With this in mind the band set out searching for a new drummer and
found Peter Cattle. They felt he really
solidified his place in the band. With line-up complete again they started
writing and continue to bring Thrash Metal to Liverpool!”
Like with Exiled – Reaper are all-out thrash metal. They
never miss an opportunity to thrill and thrash when on stage. In their amazing
costumes (although I thought they might all dress up as Reapers for Halloween but maybe that would have been too
predictable!) and with tensions running well over boiling point the crowd
lapped up the bands impressive and well executed set.
Danny knew how to engage an audience with banter to which the crowd
responded wildly and ‘no fucks given!’ here. Reaper churned
out some amazing tracks and finally when they covered Slayer’s Reign in Blood,
asked would a few people get on stage with them – the response was – EVERYONE
got on stage with them!
It was truly a Reaper moment
and one that will reverberate around the metal community for a long time to
come!
Reaper finished
their set with ‘Sixth Circle of Hell’ a track written by the legendary Anthony
Dalton, Mr Kimono himself and the crowd couldn’t wait to get back in that pit
and mosh the fuck out! k
Set List:
Wings
of Darkness
Area
51
The
Crypt
Possessor
of Evil
Reign
in Blood
Sixth
Circle of Hell
Members:
Daniel
Moran - Rhythm Guitar/Vocals
Anthony
Dalton - Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals
Peter
Cattle - Drums
Matthew
‘Titch’ Pruden - Bass
******
Reperium – Liverpool 9:05
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/reperium
Genre: Djent/Metalcore/Deathcore/Ambient
Biography:
“A Scouse blend of Ambient and Groovy Metalcore!”
Reperium it
has to be said has morphed through a lot of stages and I don’t think I am wrong
in saying they have emerged finally as that colourful butterfly.
It is sad they have lost Mike, Ant and Tom, BUT in doing so it has
allowed Dan Goss (Vocals) Ex Shatter the Skies and Jacob Walsh (Bass) Ex Bury
the Fallen a chance to shine.
The music was deeply rewarding as it always has been in the past, but
this time with the change in vocal it added a mesmerising lilt and vivacity.
They worked to perfection, each of their faces showing real concentration and finesse. No intensity was lost – in fact it just got
more interesting and extreme.
The penultimate track ‘Deterioration’ one of my personal favourites
was expelled with imagination and defined by intimidation and formidable
musicianship as the first few electronically produced notes rung out!
Before Dan and Jacob arrived I had never even given a thought to
seeing them play with Reperium before but since it has happened I can’t
imagine them playing in any other band now and was definitely a good move on
all parts for it to have come together so well.
Maybe Dan should have added his cello to the proceedings – now that
would have been fun to see – The Reaper
playing the cello!
Reperium played
their theme tune ‘Kenny Lad Chronicles’ to finish their lavish set, which was
mimed out perfectly by Jacob and brought a smile to the many faces in the
audience, myself included.
I had my brush with ‘death’ as Dan leaped off stage and proceeded to ‘whirl
me about’ front of stage – but believe me my feet were already moving! – Reperium are back with a vengeance! b
Set List:
Live
intro
Eldunari
New
California Republic
Galaxies
Moment
of Inertia
Kintsukuroi
Deterioration
Kenny
Lad Chronicles
Members:
Dan
Goss - Vocals
Lee
Francis Carmichael - Guitar
Danny
"Charles" Skarratts - Guitar
Jacob
Walsh - Bass Guitar
Danny
Barnes - Drums
******
Stampede – Liverpool 9:45
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stampede
Genre: Groove Thrash
Biography:
“Stampede formerly
known as Demanta changed their name on the 3rd May 2014 this band formed in early
2014 and is a rebirth of ‘Betray the Blessed’ with three of the previous
members involved. Stampede are a
groove metal band from Liverpool with some of "The crunchiest fucking
riffs" going for them. Stampede
are serious about a few things which include the music they make, having a good
time but mainly just having a laugh along the way!”
Stampede do
exactly what is written on the label and that is have a good time playing their
blend of groove metal – this time they played to Mayzey’s harem who were ensconced
at the front of the stage, their eyes open widely, taken in with every riff
expelled and more importantly hanging onto Mayzey’s every word!
The screams of delight from these young girls was deafening and the
chanting was just what the band needed to recharge the batteries. Grace just
has metal running through her veins and got really excitable during the
performance which was matched with Gemma’s and both head-banging like their
lives depended on it!
Although Stampede do have
a large female following they also have their male followers
who formed a raucous pit behind the girls and it seemed they were trying to
coax the girls into joining them – of course a few responded and then the guys wished
they hadn’t LOL!
Brandon dressed as (The Crow) really put a lot of effort into his
drumming as did all the guys this evening.
Stampede were
the only band to recognise Pat’s endeavours – Mike saying “without him they
would sound shit!” this caused a ripple of shouts and clapping and rightly so!
Never piss off the sound guy right?
The Zanzi awash with flailing bodies and an atmosphere you could get
high on, Stampede showed their true
colours by playing one of the strongest sets to date and a lot remarked it was
the best they had ever played – not that they have had any bad gigs so far, but
audience participation is the key to a successful gig!
“Shout out for Nat!” anyone?? b
Set List:
Saw
theme (intro)
Beast
in me,
Re-education
through Labour (Rise Against Cover)
Stampede,
Bezerker,
Faith
is your weapon,
Drink,
Gateway
to Hell/Hollow,
Got
the time (Finale)
Members:
Mayzey
Mayes- Guitar/ Vocals
Mike
Owen-Young - Guitar
Corbyn
Gaw- Bass
Brandon
Lee Daley- Drums
******
Socio – Liverpool 10:30
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/SocioUK
Genre: Alternative Rock
Another surprise of the evening was Socio. Ash Janes (Black Cat Bones) and James Collins (Gods of War) had
made the trip down to the Zanzi in support of them and with good reason.
As soon as they started playing the hooks just grabbed you, there
was no getting away from that what so ever. The impact of the drums and bass
were compelling. The soft clean vocals and guitars blended superbly to create a
capturing presence which was executed with a contagious rhythm.
The pull was magnetic and people stood transfixed around the stage
in an arc formation. It wasn’t all slow compositions either! They have got the
balance right for sure – the hooks were enthralling and definitely something to
latch on to and your body just had to follow the rules of the music being
played.
The drumming was just out of this world Tom was a maniac, it was
just great to witness that, although the band were on the same page and
executed a magical, and deeply rewarding set that was enjoyed by all. Why did
this set have to end?
I shall treasure that drumstick always – cheers Tom! f
1st Nov @ The Brink
5th Nov @ Trauma Liverpool
Set List:
Last
Words
Save
Me
Dead
on the outside
Crusade
Fade
away
Until
you're here
Members:
Cass
Phoenix - Lead Vocals / Lead Guitar
Niall
McGarry - Bass
Frankii
Lynx - Rhythm Guitar
Tom
Griffin - Drums
******
Furian – Birkenhead/Bradford 11:15
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/furianmusic f
Genre: Hard Rock/Post Hardcore
Biography:
“Furian are
a British born rock band with a post-hardcore edge. Every member of the band
has a real passion for writing, recording and playing music. They have worked
hard to build their own studio and are dedicated to putting music out there for
all their fans to enjoy. It is a new age for music. Bands come and go, but it's
the incredible songs that burrow deep into people's minds and go down in
history, that is the real draw. After realising a common goal to write songs
they felt people can really feel and relate to, Furian set to work on their vision of what they felt music should
be, as in something that would bring people together in thoughts and turn a
room full of strangers into a room full of friends, or turn a sad, lonely
person's heartache into a feeling that they're not alone. Inspired by such
bands as ‘Letlive’ ‘The Deftones’ and ‘Reuben’ their music is noticeably honest
and true. It is music that will last and captivate. They write with meaning and
have real depth both audibly and emotionally. They want their fans to be able
to connect and form a personal relationship with the lyrics, as well as being
able to relish in riffs and clever song construction. The band have many
musical influences and each member brings something new to the table. They are
unlike any project out there and anything that has been done before. The music
is fresh, and it needs to be heard!”
And yet another shocking surprise for this Halloween extravaganza
were Furian – the point made even
more shocking was the fact it was only the bands second gig :O to date. This I
found really overwhelming as they oozed professionalism with every riff they
played, and certainly no sign of nerves anywhere!
Their guitarist/vocalist Dan and his accomplices were dressed in
shirt and ties and bore wigs, although Dan resembled Paul McCartney’s twin so I
was unsure what was about to transpire, but I needn’t have worried... I like
quirky and these guys have it by the bucket load!
The crazy, wacky hooks and rhythms just poured from the band and
wrapped themselves greedily around the ears, enthralling and capturing an ‘open
mouth’ moment!
Dan’s vocals were clean at times and then took on components of
scathingly raw which immediately took my breath away! From start to finish this
band held on to an unrestrained pull on the proceedings, creating a riveting
magnitude of interesting and well nurtured tracks that you just didn’t want to
end.
For the final track Dan asked his equally tall brother to lend a
hand on guitar to finish the set – Those hooks and vocals were just too good to
let go and worth shouting from the roof tops!
The words from the band’s lengthy biography “that their music would perhaps
bring people together in thoughts and turn a room full of strangers into a room
full of friends!” certainly rings true – definitely a band to watch out for in
the future!
Set List:
I
Told You So
Highly
Strung
Gone
Alexisonfire
- This could be anywhere in the world (cover)
Now
I Know
Nowhere
Beastie
Boys – Sabotage
Members:
Dan
Martin Hall – Guitar/Vocals
Joe
Strode -
Abhi
Tee -
Damien
Campbell – Drums
******
Leap of Faith – Liverpool – 12.00
Links:
Genre: Rock
Biography:
“Leap of Faith
are a young new band from Liverpool hoping to do what they love most play music
and entertain people!”
Leap of Faith were
headlining and not advertised on the poster, but Tony likes to cram in as much rock/metal
as he can and so I believe added them as an after-thought.
The tracks were put out in a commercial vein and not as easy to
nestle into although the band are talented musicians, no getting away from the
fact, but the ‘pull’ sadly wasn’t there for me, mainly because it felt too safe
and I don’t listen to the likes of Blink 182 or Jimmy Eat World, for that
reason. But this band are just starting out so plenty of time for them to have
their moment!
The bands own tracks were a mish mash of various sounds mainly
holding a rock flavour with some catchy hooks! But still a little too safe for
my altogether liking and listening pleasure, I prefer a more quirky and or all
out battering of the senses to be fully wowed, but this is just my sole
opinion.
Their crowd was dominated by scantily clad females who clearly loved
to dance to the sounds around them, although for this band to headline I was
not sure it was a good move.
The main bulk of the crowd had by then all but diminished and
although the atmosphere was still in ‘party mode’ no doubt was a big blow to
the band who had had to wait near on five hours to play, but still enjoyed by
the marauding females that dominated the Zanzibar at the end of the evening.
Set List:
Intro
into the Middle (Jimmy Eat World)
No
Diggity by Blackstreet mash up (Thrift Shop, My Eyes are Red, Shake That)
Fire
with Fire (Own Song)
All
the Small Things (Blink 182)
Renegade
(Own Song)
Let
It Burn (Own Song)
Members:
Matt
Sloan - Guitar/Lead Vocals
Alex
Cain - Drums/Backing Vocals
Aidan
Clews - Bass/Backing Vocals
Aisha
Benkahla - FOH Engineer
d o A b c d e f g
**Special
thanks goes to Tony, Paul and all
the Zanzi staff for the hospitality.
Pat for providing the intense and
impressive sound as ever! Ash Janes
and James Collins for supporting the
bands. Sean Duffy – the feathers
looked divine on you! And Ben Midd –
that wig suited you immensely!! Grace
and Gemma for livening up the event
with their feisty senses of humour and of course to seven bands who provided
the entertainment with riveting performances – Exiled, Reaper, Reperium, Stampede, Socio, Furian and Leap of Faith. Apart from the memorable
evening’s events the only thing left in physical form is the little faded stamp
on my right hand and the traces of make-up I didn’t quite manage to remove from
last night - Happy Halloween everyone!
l
