You know Wolfbastard are in town when the stage is littered with cans of Tyskie. Those cheeky Northern types are about as subtle as a bull elephant in heat but underneath their chaotic carnage, they are a seasoned trio and bring a pleasing gnarly blend of punk, hardcore, death, black and thrash with a crusted edge. Tonight, a pleasingly full Fuel sees the Mancunians supported by some hefty sludge from Bristol’s Betrayers and the death metal rage of Cardiff’s Virology. It’s a stacked bill and proves to be the perfect blast for those winter blues.
They only have a short set, but the trio of James, Bunny and Fan who make up Virology (8) don’t intend on giving the early crowd an easy time. Their EP Programming Sentiency arrived a mere six months ago, but the band are certainly ramping things up with their blistering aural assault. It’s tracks from said EP that make up the set, and over the 25 minutes they certainly demonstrate their potential with a visceral attack that throws a relentless barrage over a hidden yet infectious groove.
It’s blistering work, with the chainsaw guitars that switch style, patterns and tempo, gut turning bass and James’ hideous range of vocals (everything from pig squeals to the most barbaric death growls) all a deadly cocktail. It’s short, but I’m already exhausted from the energy on stage.
Things don’t get any lighter with Bristolians Betrayers (7) who bring their hardcore sludge with an intensity right in keeping with the evening’s proceedings. Lee Baggott’s disturbing roars are the focal point, as he rages on his knees – it’s a potentially disturbing sight to those who don’t know what to expect, but this is a band whose last release was called Weapons For Killing Cattle.
Things don’t get any lighter with Bristolians Betrayers (7) who bring their hardcore sludge with an intensity right in keeping with the evening’s proceedings. Lee Baggott’s disturbing roars are the focal point, as he rages on his knees – it’s a potentially disturbing sight to those who don’t know what to expect, but this is a band whose last release was called Weapons For Killing Cattle.
I didn’t find that EP quite to my tastes, but live they bring an extra dimension, and their set is compelling from start to finish. Baggott’s vocals are unintelligible, but that’s part of the deal here, and as they race through Cut the Head Off The Snake and the magically titled Angela Landsbury vs Nicolas Cage it’s evident that the walls of the venue are starting to wobble. Pit action is relentless, and whilst its only a small number, the vibrancy is impressive. It’s time for another lie down after an intense set which once more holds nothing in reserve.
Underneath their laisse faire appearance, Wolfbastard (9) are one of the most entertaining bands around. These lads are as home on the Sophie Stage at Bloodstock as they are in smaller venues like Fuel, bringing their own style and carnage. It’s clear that those in the pit are warmed up as the pushing starts from the opening track Lupine Blasphemies and rarely eases until the glorious finale of Graveyard Slag 50 minutes later.
Their blend of crust-edged metal appeals to many and combined with their wicked sense of humour proves to be a headline set which will be hard to beat in 2024. They throw Hammer The Bastards in early, causing mayhem in the room, whilst Whiskey Militia, Fear Exxxecutioner and Sick In The Bath all invoke smiles as well as serious bouts of head banging and more moshing. Switching vocals between Dez and Si Fox always works well, the interplay between them always entertaining. As is their total irreverence to everyone and everything.
Underneath their laisse faire appearance, Wolfbastard (9) are one of the most entertaining bands around. These lads are as home on the Sophie Stage at Bloodstock as they are in smaller venues like Fuel, bringing their own style and carnage. It’s clear that those in the pit are warmed up as the pushing starts from the opening track Lupine Blasphemies and rarely eases until the glorious finale of Graveyard Slag 50 minutes later.
Their blend of crust-edged metal appeals to many and combined with their wicked sense of humour proves to be a headline set which will be hard to beat in 2024. They throw Hammer The Bastards in early, causing mayhem in the room, whilst Whiskey Militia, Fear Exxxecutioner and Sick In The Bath all invoke smiles as well as serious bouts of head banging and more moshing. Switching vocals between Dez and Si Fox always works well, the interplay between them always entertaining. As is their total irreverence to everyone and everything.
It makes it a fine and fun evening which climaxes with huge cheers to Buckfast Blasphemies and Graveyard Slag. It’s the first gig of 2024 for many in the room and judging by the smiles all round at the end, it’s going to take something special to top an excellent evening all round.
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