Metrofest - Day Two - Featuring Metro Manila Aide, Jazzhands, Fantasist, Elephantom, CDX, Damp Old Man and Seven Days of Night - Lomax - 30.11.13

Metrofest

Day Two: Featuring Metro Manila Aide, Jazzhands, Fantasist, Elephantom, Crush Depth Experiment, Damp Old Man, and Seven Days of Night

The Lomax

30.11.13

Overview

With a no show from ‘Marooned’ ‘Seven Days of Night’ opened up around 8.00pm for day two of Metrofest and in getting there pretty handy I saw them sound check – and well what can I say? ‘On Leather Wings’ was one of the most stupendous tracks I have heard and my out and out favourite genre too! – heavy electronica. ‘Finger Licking’ and ‘High n Dry’ were also just as memorable. As soon as that backing track started I was hooked like an unsuspecting fish on a line!  The band not only got into their stride but looked the part too! Very interesting and enjoyable set indeed! Looking forward to catching them again soon! Also worth noting that ‘Seven Days of Night’ have supported the amazing Aesthetic Perfection back in July of this year.

 Seven Days of Night

Jonny Seven

Well this was a bitter moment seeing the demise of Damp Old Man as it was their last gig ever - but the sweet moment knowing they are working on new stuff - two tracks of which were expertly played at Metrofest and will be going under the new name of Surprise Bear Attack! But whatever they choose to call themselves it will always be a pleasure to see them live as they just ooze gut wrenching rawness and power all the way! Great set!

 Damp old Man

 Damp Old Man

Damp Old Man

Bringing a really classy touch to the evening’s events was Jason Thomas Richardson – a man of many, many, words and all of them totally spot on! Especially the poem about Birkenhead. Maybe one of the bands could put Jason’s poems to music – now there’s a thing! I am pretty sure Saul could do it! But a very enjoyable set indeed.  Perhaps Jason should have got up on stage in between all the bands changeovers though, as I am sure he had enough material in his bible, whilst giving the audience something memorable to feast upon other than just a play list.

Jason - Poetry in Motion!

Crush Depth Experiment or CDX for short were up next – and for those who don’t know are two of the members from Seven days of Night - Keith and Jason. The music is again powerfully raw and ‘shouty’ - right up my street! Another band to watch out for and who simply lifted the atmosphere to far reaching decibels of pure magic!

 CDX

CDX

Around 9.30 saw the amazing Elephantom grace the Lomax stage and again such a stunning performance these guys are pure liquid gold and ones to watch as they have already gained their momentum now and really set the pace for better things to come – Roll on their next performance so I can proudly wear my new Elephantom T Shirt!

 Elephantom - the men behind the masks

Elephantom

On the last leg of their energetic set, Mike from Shabhoc arrived and commented he was liking what he was witnessing but after seeing ‘Fantasist’ at the SOS Fest in 2011 I can honestly say that they didn’t move me at all, but on seeing them last night at Metrofest they just blew me away! Giving a really captivating performance that was clearly enjoyed by everyone there and I will now be seeking out some music from them for sure.

 Fantasist

Fantasist

‘Jazzhands’ were I’m afraid, my Achilles Heel – never liked Jazz, never likely to like Jazz and just not my bag at all.  All those different time changes just confuse the hell out of me as it is like watching several bands perform together on stage but I suppose you have to be a musician to appreciate it, so I am told!  (Despite someone in the audience thinking I was a vocalist) definitely NOT! However the ripple in the audience as bodies threw themselves around said otherwise - but I am sticking to my guns! Jazz is NOT for me! On a positive note: At least they all matched in orange!

 Jazzhands

Jazzhands

Another raffle took place next and Saul took to the stage to give out more prizes – which thankfully last night everyone was there to receive their prizes unlike the night before... ‘tumbleweed’ along with more Metro v Food as two large pizza boxes were waiting for two hungry mouths, the smell drifting under the noses of the hungry horde and the two lucky guys receiving them and (different from day one of Metrofest) got stuck in as soon as MMA started playing, but again a lot of cheating going on as a small crowd gathered around the boxes and were ‘lifting’ a few slices – I could have joined them as by then I was pretty ravenous, but I declined!

 and the winner is........

 mmm Pizza

Oh no not again!

MMA were absolutely fantastic last night, much better than the night before although still good! Things flowed a lot more smoothly. Saul wore a beautiful little silver number that showed his chest off superbly, a grin never far from his lips, as he plied everyone with Jaegermeister and then sung his heart out on stage, with the crowd doing a lot of mental stuff at the front, although this is all part of the plan, as you couldn’t fail to be moved by the words or the music that MMA produce – it’s just as addictive as a class A drug but with no side effects!

 Saul

 John

 Ropey

 Pretty fetching in silver!

Bodies... 

A lot of familiar faces in the crowd for day two including Hunter – still in his sexy red number slurping Jaeger but at the end of the night when he changed into his ‘normal’ attire was hardly recognisable!

Last night the time whizzed by and I just couldn’t believe that I had witnessed 7 bands – Seven seemed to be the number of the evening, so maybe I should buy a raffle ticket this evening for round three of Metrofest with the number 7 in it? Roll on night three of Metrofest!

Metrofest - Day 1 - Featuring: Metro Manila Aide, RamRaid, 69 Watts, Midnight Playground, Sugarking, Smoking Ink and The Visitors - Lomax - 29.11.13

Metrofest

Day One - Featuring: Metro Manila Aide, RamRaid, 69 Watts, Midnight Playground, Sugarking, Smoking Ink and The Visitors

The Lomax

29.11.13

Overview:

If I had to sum up in three words I would say confusing, lacklustre and brilliant... I shall explain...

It was slightly confusing not knowing if the bands were going on or just line checking at the start of the gig. The crowd seemed a little bemused as they were unsure what was going on around them and the sound tech had disappeared.

Saul had kept secret who was playing right up till the last minute, which, yes was a tad frustrating, but on the other hand I thought, a good idea, as people do come to see the bands they like – obviously, but don’t give other bands a chance.

Saul had told me beforehand that day one of Metrofest was probably the least heaviest of the three, but I wanted to see MMA play and besides Ramraid were playing so that was two good reasons to stay.

As the first band hit the stage at 8.00 – slightly off schedule called ‘The Visitors’ and right on cue – this lacklustre feeling crept over me, Cuz and Chris Simpson from Mersey Metal Madness their faces looked as if they were suffering with toothache although I joined them with that feeling and although the band were good musicians they just didn’t produce anything memorable whatsoever.

The Visitors

Todd from Shabhoc on the other hand was here to check out some acoustic acts and he reported back that downstairs they were having a few technical hitches, plus the sound from upstairs was leaking through and made it difficult for the acts to play.

The bands did a 20 minute set with 10 minute change over so at 8.30pm the next band ‘Smoking Ink’ appeared and although they were a lot livelier than ‘The Visitors’ put me off when the vocalist said “I want you all to enjoy this like my penis!” That sort of killed things for me slightly and so nipped outside for a break.

Smoking Ink

On at 9.00pm were the amazing ‘Sugarking’ who really ticked all the boxes for me and were a welcome sight as they really put a lot into their fiery set and produced some superb tracks. Greg the band’s drummer reminded me a bit of a young Coverdale of Whitesnake fame, whilst the vocalist looked more like Jason King – perhaps that’s how they got their name! But good set indeed!

Sugarking

9.30 saw the Lomax play host to ‘Midnight Playground’ and again nothing to do with playing or sound but just didn’t cut the mustard at all, each track sounding like the last and all three of the people who were with me at the start had disappeared by that time for one reason or another.

Midnight Playground

10.00 It was time for ‘69 Watts’ to take the stage and I have to say that I haven’t seen slide guitar like that for a long time or played with such feeling and emotion. It was an enthralling performance – everyone around me was tapping a foot or nodding their head and some were absolutely going wild, and who could blame them as the trio just filled the atmosphere with this amazing rock and blues and most definitely deserve some further investigation.

69 Watts

10.30 ‘RamRaid’ a gig would not be the same if it was thrashless! Last time I caught the band live they were not as vibrant and on talking to Rich beforehand, informed me that Ben had not been well, which explained a lot, however, RamRaid were back on form tonight and played a thrashtastic set that was thoroughly enjoyed by all who had crammed themselves into the venue with Into Annihilation and Systematic Genocide eating the crowd alive! As there was a bit of a deranged mosh pit at the front of the stage I ventured to the side and found some refuge there – it was like the band were playing just for me as there was no pushing or shoving – the sound was euphoric! Although with the combined lighting and dry ice machine it was not good for pics.

RamRaid

11.00 Time for a raffle and Saul got to work getting various people to pick winning tickets – however a lot of people must have left before the point of call so Saul got other people to pick tickets and finally all prizes were won! The prize that made everyone giggle was ‘the bong’ and was won by a female as was the Metro Manila Aide T Shirt and Saul had two rather large boxes of Pizza for two guys to sit and munch on whilst they opened their set – one of which wore a lovely red dress and sat on stage munching two pieces at a time... is that not cheating? No apparently not – all is fair in love and eating pizza!

 Saul picking a winning ticket

Metro v Food

Saul himself wore a grass skirt and a pink bra top which went so nicely with his long blond hair :D There was also a plate of Vodka Jelly although I resisted the temptation I must say it looked really delicious and was polished off by man in said red dress.

 Fetching - Saul

Dom introducing Metro Manila Aide

Dom Hignett – I am informed is the fifth member of MMA also came on stage to introduce the band and they do say the quiet ones are the worst... and blimey I was blown away with his thunderous roars as he was as insulting as he could be to Saul and the guys... but with good reason... he was asked by Saul himself who beamed a smile that said he was lapping up every minute of it, as were we!

So glad I was there to witness MMA as I had heard so much about the band and never seen them live until now and I had no idea that Pete Roper from Elephantom (Who are incidentally playing at the Metrofest at some point) played drums for them either – win win! The sound of the sax was quite unusual but was only played on the opening track from MMA and then the stage belonged to Saul, Pete and Jon.

 Pure 'sax' on legs

Pete doing what comes naturally!

MMA are full of surprises and not just in dressing for the occasion but their over the top banter couldn't help but put a smile on your face, along with the unusual shall we say, brand of metal, with its cleverly crafted lyrics, and clearly adored by all who watched them as they brought the house down and that was just Saul’s infectious smile but more importantly I was so jealous of his tight abs and must find out his secret on day 2 of Metrofest tonight! Brilliant!

I believe smelling Saul's arm pits were order of the day - sadly no prizes for that though!

Fallen Sons - MMXIII - 6 Track E.P - Released 25th September 2013

Fallen Sons

MMXIII

6 Track E.P

 Released 25th September 2013

Out Now!

Fallen Sons - Liverpool

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/FallenSonsUk

Genre: Groove Metal/Technical Metal

Additional Info:

Recorded mixed and Mastered by Dan Woodward at Whitewood Studios in May 2013

Fallen Sons who debuted at the Zanzi Fest 23.8.13 have now released their 6 track E.P entitled MMXIII.  Inside the E.P cover you will find lyrics and photos, all in all a very tasteful E.P to own.

Feast for Crows

A classic moment opens this track that then bursts into an addictive chasm of beats to once more return to its primal lust. The sinewy riffs possess a caustic charm with bulbous beats and fiery energy that all fuse together around a very sparse vocal thus creating a lot of atmosphere.

Ride

A thunderous start for the next track as it greedily wraps venom around its listener. Harsher vocal pulls us into a sizzling fascination which chews on the aural and inspires throughout, with blistering riffs that give it a mind bending ambiance.

As I Fall

Quite a doom laden track at least at the beginning until it simply explodes into an angry backlash of striking rhythm. The caustic breath melts into a meandering river of steely riffs that plunge the listener into a hypnotic wall of sound that further captures a myriad of fiery frenzy.

Fallen Sons

Switchblade

Superb chug fires up and engulfs you with its open jaws. Vocally stupendous as it switches from clean to gristle in seconds. Enthralling and emotional this track will leave a lasting imprint. One of my favourites on the E.P for sure!

Gone

Sounding like a weak track until the mighty vocals rip into the heart of it and beckoning with a gnarled finger at the compelling weaves and rhythms that suddenly gush from nowhere. Powerfully strong and enticing – this is not weak at all but sure gives that surprise element.

Fallen Sun

Edgy and ambient this track merges into the light with a marching drum beat and again a thunderous mighty vocal that will simply rip the ears from the head in one fell swoop!

To Sum up:

This E.P impacts in places you don’t expect it to, driven with a dark passion eager to entice and satisfy. Its melancholic moments are short lived but present throughout the E.P and offers clear diversity. Spiteful rawness pervades in the shadows and there is nowhere to hide when it comes into the light! Some of the tracks engage straight away whilst others you may have to listen a couple of times, but after seeing the band live, I realise that the E.P does not fully, do the guys justice.

Live they are criminally phenomenal and are fuelled live wires that have no limits. Yes seeing is believing! However, this E.P in places is also richly inspiring and bound to bring rewards that the band so truly deserves.

9/10

Track List:

Feast for Crows

Ride

As I Fall

Switchblade

Gone

Fallen Sun

Members:

Callum Hughes – Vocals

Sam Cooper - Rhythm Guitar

Tony Mcloughlin – Bass

Lee Mulvaney - Lead Guitar

Alex Ashton - Drums

Killaflaw - EP Launch Night - Zanzibar - 22.11.13

Killaflaw

EP Launch Night

Zanzibar

22.11.13

Killaflaw - Liverpool

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/killaflaw

Official Killaflaw Website:

http://www.killaflaw.com/

Killaflaw's ‘Broken Idol EP’ is out now, released 4.11.13. The video, made by Will Hutchinson and Leo Whetter, with costumes by Chloe Brucie Willis is linked below.  "We are the Furry Furballs - come and dance with us!"

Watch here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEMu2ntm2Lw

Listen here:

http://www.reverbnation.com/killaflaw/song/2423478-set-me-on-fire

Genre: Electro/Bass/Rock/Blues

Liverpool duo Benn and Andy otherwise known as Killaflaw are now signed to ‘Wall of Sound’ and with tensions mounting high, (and that was just me!) Killaflaw prepared to do battle with the Zanzi once again.

To describe Killaflaw I would say raw rock with crossover rave and a dash of blues. Their more sombre tracks portray the blues vibe nicely, but mainly Killaflaw just explode with bouncy killa electro beats that are just too ‘in your face’ to ignore!

Howling Wolf produced a track called ‘Killing Floor’ which is where Killaflaw’s name derived from and also worth noting is that Killaflaw have done their own interpretation of Killing Floor in their own unusual style, certainly making it unique.

Killaflaw are catchy, bouncy and everything in between. They capture the imagination superbly well, and relive their music live on stage with sublime energy.

Killaflaw have just returned from Camden and Reading and soon off to Manchester to promote their highly delicious ‘Broken Idol EP’ but last night was Liverpool’s turn to get a dose of Killa love and Andy commented just before the gig “We are rough and ready!” I think he was meaning Benn’s unfortunate throat infection, however, the set was as dynamic as it was on first seeing them live and it made me wonder just where they get their energy from.

Andy sliced the atmosphere with his hand in time to some chunky beats as the sound fell on the hungry horde of people crammed into the place, whilst Benn danced around the stage, hair flying to some infused beats and mighty rock driven anthems. It is clear to see that Killaflaw are at home on stage and enjoy producing some of the most unique sounds you are ever likely to hear.

It is hard to know which part of the body to move in time to the strenuous rhythms and classy beats that in the end, you just have to move the whole of your body and frustration certainly sets in when you are trying to take pics! - Although I think I got a few good ones!

Forty-Five minutes of sheer bliss exhumed everyone last night.  Looking around the Zanzibar the faces of the people were exuberant and made even better with the Zanzi atmos and tremendous sound from Pat.

‘Holy Funk’ was absolutely riveting in all sense of the word as the rhythms fused together with thunderous beats – the crowd all moving in time to the raucous frenzy – it was fantastic to be a part of that special night!

Best I have ever seen Killaflaw play! They put over 100% into their unique performance and made a lot of people very sweaty indeed!

I get chills running down my spine when I hear the start of ‘Set me on Fire’ and immediately succumb to the crazy beats that reign down, body spasming at the ready! The concentration from Andy told a story as he was surrounded by a bank of knobs and dials, his expertly executed keys were struck savagely to produce a wall of sound like no other!

Oh the concentration Andy!

By the end of their set both band and audience were thoroughly spent but well satisfied – although I could have listened to another 45 minutes no problem!! Killaflaw is just that good!!!!

It has been worth the blisters on my feet and burst tonsils as I sang along religiously to their tracks, despite my own battle with a severe throat infection, but at least Benn only coughed up one lung!!

Outstanding set! Roll on the next one! Check them out and get Killafucked!!!!!

20/10

Set List:

Already Dead

Revolution

Broken Idol

Milk and Whiskey

Public Love

Happy Daze

Glass of Water

Holy Funk

Dr Faustus

Set me on Fire

Members:

Benn Helm – Vocals, Guitar

Andy Paton – Synths, samples, drum machine and trumpet

Benn - Goodnight Zanzibar!

**Special mentions to: Tony, Totty and Paul. Pat for tremendous sound. Anneka for her dance moves, Chris for his excellent company and to Benn and Andy of Killaflaw for such an amazing night’s entertainment – Thank you for the Killa love all of you!!