It rained, it poured but inside one of the country’s worst venues the music was equally as savage as the howling storms outside. Yes, Hard Rock Hell Metal in Birmingham’s 02 Academy. Three stages, god awful beer and a shortage of the fabled Viking Ale, utterly lacking in food options unless you wanted a pizza (seriously?) which was a bit of a shot in the foot as metal fans do like a bit of ale and decent grub. This would explain why for several parts of each day the venue was only partially full as people braved the elements to head into the City centre for better beers and grub. Regardless of this, the two days were a fantastic success, and there were some quite brilliant performances. Old and new alike, there is always something to discover at this event and with a great atmosphere and camaraderie amongst the fans, thoroughly enjoyable.
Day 1
Entering the venue to pick up the press passes early, we headed to the bowels of the venue to watch opening band Lullaby For A Unicorn (5) start proceedings with their ‘fun’ rum inspired metal. Slightly confused by their attire, the band’s bassist Baxter was uncomfortably dressed in a unicorn onesie, but the rest of the band played it straight with jeans and tee-shirts. Musically the band were entertaining enough, but the North Wales lads had a bigger mountain to conquer a few hours later.
The melodic death metal of Essen’s Nailed To Obscurity (7) kicked off proceedings on the main stage. 45 minutes of melancholic miserable and totally crushing music, and a better showing than their last appearance in the daylight at Bloodstock 2018. Back on stage 3 Eagles Vs Drones (6) from Burton-on-Trent gave a solid showing with their melodic metal style going down well. If you want classic muscular heavy metal, then Portsmouth’s Dendera (7) are your band. Solid, polished and pumping full of steel, the five-piece are never anything other than enjoyable, with frontman Ashley Edison a total showman and fine vocalist too. There is promise of some new material later this year.
As 4.00pm arrived, it was time for Stage Two to open and it was almost moved across the venue by the bone-crunching death metal from London five-piece Karybdis (6), whose severe attack had the venue wobbling. Vocalist Rich O’Donnell was the centre of the action, his roar raging above the pulsating blend of death metal and metal core. Teeside old school punk and metal hardcore crossovers Dogsflesh (7) decided to match Karybdis with a powerful display on the main stage, their gnarly songs dating back as far as 1982 when they first formed. Age was no barrier as Rob, Tim, Craig lead guitarist Dave put in one of the highest energised sets of the weekend.
London’s Helgrind (7) brought the first offering of fiery thrash metal to a hungry crowd, and two decades together was evident with their powerful assault back on stage two. If it wasn’t for Metallica then many metal fans wouldn’t have a clue who Blitzkrieg (6) are, but the NWOBHM outfit are favourites of HRH and pounded the main stage with their classic British heavy metal. Brian Ross flanked by son Alan on guitar and new recruits Nick Jennison (guitar) and Liam Ferguson (bass) can still hit those notes and when ‘that’ song completed the set, there was a lot of love once more.
With Lord Of The Lost forced to withdraw due to Chris Harms loss of voice, it was Lullaby for a Unicorn who drew the plum card of a main stage afternoon slot, much to the annoyance of four fifths of King Kraken who could have flexed their muscles. Elsewhere confusion reigned as Forgotten Remains apparently forgot to turn up whilst Stage Three also had a no show from Bristol death metallers Seprevation. A good time to head across the road for a tray of chips! Hardly had the tasty fried potato goods settled than it was into a rammed second stage to catch some crazy grindcore from nutters Raised By Owls (6) who were making many people very happy. As it was clearly parody o’ clock, it was no surprise to see the main hall filled with excited punters as Nottingham’s Evil Scarecrow (6) pulled the biggest crowd of the day. Having seen this band play tiny venues in the not so distant past, I’m still amazed at quite why they have mushroomed into the venue filling band that they have. Musically average, it’s their silliness that gets the punters laughing and I suppose these days everyone needs a bit of mindless idiocy in their lives. For me, Scarecrow are a little tired and their show predictable. Still, the punters loved them.
Unsurprisingly far fewer people were present for a real treat on Stage Two as the progressive rock of London trio Kyrbgrinder (8) was much more to my tastes. Three talented musicians playing original music. Johanne James is a frontman stuck behind a drum kit, but he’s also a fantastic drummer. Joined by Dave Lugay and guitarist Ben Glover Kyrbgrinder brought much needed quality to the proceedings. On stage three it was Bradford’s Valafar (7) who rocked the very intestines of the 02 with their pulverising death metal. Frontman Wayne Jackson was imposing, whilst guitarist Neil Blanchett took time away from My Dying Bride to shred mercilessly with fellow guitarist Wayne Jackson. Plenty from 2018’s excellent Wolfenkind made this a set to enjoy
The punishment to the knees showed no signs of stopping as the main stage trembled under the intense onslaught of Germanic epic metal from Germans Equilibrium (8) who were intent on bringing the party to the second city. The band made light of the absence of guitarist Dom R Cray with pneumonia with several guests including guitarists from Lord Of The Lost. 2019’s Renegades dominated the set list, whilst the anthemic of Born To Be Epic and Blut Im Auge proved to be massive highlights. One final trip to the basement allowed a viewing of Leicester stoners Mage (7) whose Sabbath heavy riffage provided a welcome contrast. Mage are a powerful outfit and live are heavy as hell. Great stuff. Final band of the day was Rhapsody Of Fire (7) who may look anything like they did back in 2006 but the Italians remain able to deliver fine power metal. A gargantuan 17-song set list saw the bulk of it drawn from 2019’s The Eighth Mountain. Closing with The Emerald Sword, Rhapsody Of Fire concluded an exhausting but excellent day.
Day 2
With our thoughts with our fellow metal heads in South Wales as heartbreaking pictures of floods in Pontypridd and surrounding areas filtered through on our social media (Climate change kids, this is reality – start to badger your politicians now) it was back to the metal with Black Country heroes Skull Fox (6) whose highly enthusiastic set was ideal lunchtime fare. Opening the main stage was three-piece thrash outfit Vice (7) from Manchester impressed greatly. Vocalist and guitarist Tom Atkinson could be a superb frontman in time whilst the band’s music is addictively good thrash. Meanwhile on stage three it was Stourbridge’s sludgy three King Corpse (6) crushing heads with their majestically slow riffs.
Possibly the best discovery of the weekend came in the shape of Japanese black metal six-piece Ethereal Sin (9) who were on tour in the UK with Skiltron. For those who made the effort, Ethereal Sin were simply superb. Pagan black metal delivered at ferocious speed, intense but with a real joy at being in the UK. The band were clad in corpse paint and ceremonial robes and they delivered a captivating set that was so absorbing that we missed Ashborn who were on the ‘must see’ list (sorry!)
As the little hand headed toward 4, it was suddenly time. Wading through the packed second stage to the front, it was evident that our friends in King Kraken (9) have created something of a stir in the water. Boom! Our heroes entered the stage following a personal introduction from one of the HRH bosses (something only two other bands that I saw received) and as the riff to War Machine cranked out and for the next 40 minutes the band delivered the best set I’ve ever seen from them. Tighter than a duck’s arse, full of thick, heavy riffs, Kraken were imperious. Confident without a hint of arrogance, all we had to do was sing along to those tracks we know so well now, as the Kraken simply levelled the room. Beaming faces, fists and horns aloft, the crowd provided the perfect response. I will be amazed if we don’t see these boys on a main stage very soon.
Re-entering the main venue, the Sabbath-infused doom filled the air. WitchSorrow (7) don’t mess about, they just batter you. Whilst Witchsorrow slowed the pace, there was only one thing guaranteed with the next band. Movement. Northampton extreme metallers Krysthla (9) excelled in 2019 with the superb Worldwide Negative and that set at Bloodstock and indoors with a decent sized stage they continued in the same vein. Two new tracks, My White Castles and The Gift both sounded immense. On stage, the constant flailing of bassist Carl Davies’ hair as he rocks back and fore maybe masks just what a superb bassist he is, his string plucking giving the band that gritty undercurrent which combines with Liam Turland’s powerful drumming. Meanwhile vocalist Adi Mayes rarely stops moving, cajoling the crowd who at times looked a bit stunned by the power of the band. Neil Hudson and Noel Davies on guitar complete the line-up and bring the riffing thunder, which is always so good. As they closed with Luminosity the crowd had woken up and the head banging towards the end meant job done.
Back to the second stage for a quick shot of Death Valley Knights (6) whose solid heavy metal was gaining decent applause, before the bagpipe curse of Argentinian’s Skiltron (7). A high energy show was hugely welcomed, the band’s folk metal hitting the right notes despite those bloody bagpipes. Final visit to the third stage saw the brash punk rock of West Midlands’ Face Up (6) metaphorically punching those brave enough to get into the face of vocalist Roxx and her band. Metal core has never been my bag and heading back to the second stage a few minutes of Blackpool ‘core outfit Avarus (5) failed to impress, despite the glam rock image of Lucas Fletcher and Jay Wagner. And so, the final band before our journey home and it was the pummelling thrash of Preston’s Xentrix (7) which concluded our visit. Xentrix play it like you want it, and as a unit are now as tight and impressive as I’ve ever seen. Jay Walsh is a dominant front man and with tracks from 2019’s Bury The Pain in the list, this was a strong showing. With the weather still dominating, we decided to make an early retreat and headed out into the wind to drive home. An excellent weekend, some great bands and an ‘I was there moment’ for those fine Kraken boys. We shall return for more next time.
The melodic death metal of Essen’s Nailed To Obscurity (7) kicked off proceedings on the main stage. 45 minutes of melancholic miserable and totally crushing music, and a better showing than their last appearance in the daylight at Bloodstock 2018. Back on stage 3 Eagles Vs Drones (6) from Burton-on-Trent gave a solid showing with their melodic metal style going down well. If you want classic muscular heavy metal, then Portsmouth’s Dendera (7) are your band. Solid, polished and pumping full of steel, the five-piece are never anything other than enjoyable, with frontman Ashley Edison a total showman and fine vocalist too. There is promise of some new material later this year.
As 4.00pm arrived, it was time for Stage Two to open and it was almost moved across the venue by the bone-crunching death metal from London five-piece Karybdis (6), whose severe attack had the venue wobbling. Vocalist Rich O’Donnell was the centre of the action, his roar raging above the pulsating blend of death metal and metal core. Teeside old school punk and metal hardcore crossovers Dogsflesh (7) decided to match Karybdis with a powerful display on the main stage, their gnarly songs dating back as far as 1982 when they first formed. Age was no barrier as Rob, Tim, Craig lead guitarist Dave put in one of the highest energised sets of the weekend.
London’s Helgrind (7) brought the first offering of fiery thrash metal to a hungry crowd, and two decades together was evident with their powerful assault back on stage two. If it wasn’t for Metallica then many metal fans wouldn’t have a clue who Blitzkrieg (6) are, but the NWOBHM outfit are favourites of HRH and pounded the main stage with their classic British heavy metal. Brian Ross flanked by son Alan on guitar and new recruits Nick Jennison (guitar) and Liam Ferguson (bass) can still hit those notes and when ‘that’ song completed the set, there was a lot of love once more.
With Lord Of The Lost forced to withdraw due to Chris Harms loss of voice, it was Lullaby for a Unicorn who drew the plum card of a main stage afternoon slot, much to the annoyance of four fifths of King Kraken who could have flexed their muscles. Elsewhere confusion reigned as Forgotten Remains apparently forgot to turn up whilst Stage Three also had a no show from Bristol death metallers Seprevation. A good time to head across the road for a tray of chips! Hardly had the tasty fried potato goods settled than it was into a rammed second stage to catch some crazy grindcore from nutters Raised By Owls (6) who were making many people very happy. As it was clearly parody o’ clock, it was no surprise to see the main hall filled with excited punters as Nottingham’s Evil Scarecrow (6) pulled the biggest crowd of the day. Having seen this band play tiny venues in the not so distant past, I’m still amazed at quite why they have mushroomed into the venue filling band that they have. Musically average, it’s their silliness that gets the punters laughing and I suppose these days everyone needs a bit of mindless idiocy in their lives. For me, Scarecrow are a little tired and their show predictable. Still, the punters loved them.
Unsurprisingly far fewer people were present for a real treat on Stage Two as the progressive rock of London trio Kyrbgrinder (8) was much more to my tastes. Three talented musicians playing original music. Johanne James is a frontman stuck behind a drum kit, but he’s also a fantastic drummer. Joined by Dave Lugay and guitarist Ben Glover Kyrbgrinder brought much needed quality to the proceedings. On stage three it was Bradford’s Valafar (7) who rocked the very intestines of the 02 with their pulverising death metal. Frontman Wayne Jackson was imposing, whilst guitarist Neil Blanchett took time away from My Dying Bride to shred mercilessly with fellow guitarist Wayne Jackson. Plenty from 2018’s excellent Wolfenkind made this a set to enjoy
The punishment to the knees showed no signs of stopping as the main stage trembled under the intense onslaught of Germanic epic metal from Germans Equilibrium (8) who were intent on bringing the party to the second city. The band made light of the absence of guitarist Dom R Cray with pneumonia with several guests including guitarists from Lord Of The Lost. 2019’s Renegades dominated the set list, whilst the anthemic of Born To Be Epic and Blut Im Auge proved to be massive highlights. One final trip to the basement allowed a viewing of Leicester stoners Mage (7) whose Sabbath heavy riffage provided a welcome contrast. Mage are a powerful outfit and live are heavy as hell. Great stuff. Final band of the day was Rhapsody Of Fire (7) who may look anything like they did back in 2006 but the Italians remain able to deliver fine power metal. A gargantuan 17-song set list saw the bulk of it drawn from 2019’s The Eighth Mountain. Closing with The Emerald Sword, Rhapsody Of Fire concluded an exhausting but excellent day.
Day 2
With our thoughts with our fellow metal heads in South Wales as heartbreaking pictures of floods in Pontypridd and surrounding areas filtered through on our social media (Climate change kids, this is reality – start to badger your politicians now) it was back to the metal with Black Country heroes Skull Fox (6) whose highly enthusiastic set was ideal lunchtime fare. Opening the main stage was three-piece thrash outfit Vice (7) from Manchester impressed greatly. Vocalist and guitarist Tom Atkinson could be a superb frontman in time whilst the band’s music is addictively good thrash. Meanwhile on stage three it was Stourbridge’s sludgy three King Corpse (6) crushing heads with their majestically slow riffs.
Possibly the best discovery of the weekend came in the shape of Japanese black metal six-piece Ethereal Sin (9) who were on tour in the UK with Skiltron. For those who made the effort, Ethereal Sin were simply superb. Pagan black metal delivered at ferocious speed, intense but with a real joy at being in the UK. The band were clad in corpse paint and ceremonial robes and they delivered a captivating set that was so absorbing that we missed Ashborn who were on the ‘must see’ list (sorry!)
As the little hand headed toward 4, it was suddenly time. Wading through the packed second stage to the front, it was evident that our friends in King Kraken (9) have created something of a stir in the water. Boom! Our heroes entered the stage following a personal introduction from one of the HRH bosses (something only two other bands that I saw received) and as the riff to War Machine cranked out and for the next 40 minutes the band delivered the best set I’ve ever seen from them. Tighter than a duck’s arse, full of thick, heavy riffs, Kraken were imperious. Confident without a hint of arrogance, all we had to do was sing along to those tracks we know so well now, as the Kraken simply levelled the room. Beaming faces, fists and horns aloft, the crowd provided the perfect response. I will be amazed if we don’t see these boys on a main stage very soon.
Re-entering the main venue, the Sabbath-infused doom filled the air. WitchSorrow (7) don’t mess about, they just batter you. Whilst Witchsorrow slowed the pace, there was only one thing guaranteed with the next band. Movement. Northampton extreme metallers Krysthla (9) excelled in 2019 with the superb Worldwide Negative and that set at Bloodstock and indoors with a decent sized stage they continued in the same vein. Two new tracks, My White Castles and The Gift both sounded immense. On stage, the constant flailing of bassist Carl Davies’ hair as he rocks back and fore maybe masks just what a superb bassist he is, his string plucking giving the band that gritty undercurrent which combines with Liam Turland’s powerful drumming. Meanwhile vocalist Adi Mayes rarely stops moving, cajoling the crowd who at times looked a bit stunned by the power of the band. Neil Hudson and Noel Davies on guitar complete the line-up and bring the riffing thunder, which is always so good. As they closed with Luminosity the crowd had woken up and the head banging towards the end meant job done.
Back to the second stage for a quick shot of Death Valley Knights (6) whose solid heavy metal was gaining decent applause, before the bagpipe curse of Argentinian’s Skiltron (7). A high energy show was hugely welcomed, the band’s folk metal hitting the right notes despite those bloody bagpipes. Final visit to the third stage saw the brash punk rock of West Midlands’ Face Up (6) metaphorically punching those brave enough to get into the face of vocalist Roxx and her band. Metal core has never been my bag and heading back to the second stage a few minutes of Blackpool ‘core outfit Avarus (5) failed to impress, despite the glam rock image of Lucas Fletcher and Jay Wagner. And so, the final band before our journey home and it was the pummelling thrash of Preston’s Xentrix (7) which concluded our visit. Xentrix play it like you want it, and as a unit are now as tight and impressive as I’ve ever seen. Jay Walsh is a dominant front man and with tracks from 2019’s Bury The Pain in the list, this was a strong showing. With the weather still dominating, we decided to make an early retreat and headed out into the wind to drive home. An excellent weekend, some great bands and an ‘I was there moment’ for those fine Kraken boys. We shall return for more next time.
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