A View From The Quest: Quest Fest 2026 (Matt Bladen)

Quest Fest, KKs Steel Mill, Wolverhampton, 10.10.26



There are certain events that you look forward to, certain ones that you want to go to and then there are events that totally consume you, representing everything you first loved about music when you discovered your own taste and not the ones inherited from parents and family members. 

I've mentioned before about my love of stoner and doom but in the flip side of that I discovered power metal in my early teens and bands like Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, Hammerfall, Dragonforce and many other were given regular rotation, and they still do today.

There's nothing quite like the feeling of a galloping beat, intricate basslines, shreddy guitars, histrionic vocals and songs about fantasy, mythology and sci-fi, it's music for fun. 

No overt politics (not that there's anything wrong with that), just for escapist enjoyment, through the things we love as children, be it witches and warlocks, knights, vikings and even dinosaurs, there's something for everyone.

It's also the genre that is perhaps most overlooked in the UK. Go to continental Europe, there's power metal bands touring every country and major city. In the UK? London, if we're lucky!

Thank whatever deity you want for Quest Fest, formerly known as Power Metal Quest Fest, the UK's premier showcase of power/prog/symphonic metal, nearing its tenth anniversary.

Amie and her dedicated team have put together a totally inclusive, slickly run, celebration of this genre which has been growing in stature and impact since its early days in Birmingham's Asylum to its current home in KK's Steel Mill. 

It doesn't matter who you are, what you are dealing with outside these hallowed halls, once you get your wristband, you're questing collectively with every other enthusiast in the room. 

Whether you're there for the music or the countless other side quests available, such as Guitar Hero Tournaments, Table Top Gaming, Magic The Gathering, Crafting or just enjoying the vibe, catching the wandering bard and soaking up being in place where everyone is united by what they love, then you will love every moment of your Quest.

I do. 2026 is my fifth year attending and I always have a massive smile on my face the counting down the days until the festival before it begins and then for the entire day. 

While I'm not a gamer, or a crafter, Quest Fest has exactly what I want in a festival, a collection of bands performing sets between 30 minutes and an hour, a lot of whom I have never seen before and who I never thought I would see.

This is what makes Quest Fest special for me, it's being able to finally watch Masterplan or Myrath or Serious Black live while also witnessing some of the UK's best flaunt their skills and even getting a few surprises throughout the day. It's given me some of my favourite bands (Hello Tiberius) and ticked off a tonne from my 'must see' list.

I unfortunately missed the pre-show at The Giffard Arms this year, but I know all three bands smashed it, I hope this becomes a regular thing as starting the party early is always a good idea.

However I was there bright and early for doors, into the new layout configuration for KK's this year which saw the second stage as an actual stage, the main stage more enclosed for a bit more intimacy with the bands and host of stalls, bars and food outside that in the main concourse. I can't say enough about KKs as a venue as I think it's one of the best in the UK.

Anyway to the band's and getting us started were Crown Solace (8) who are a unique prospect in the world of power metal as they feature soaring clean and harsh vocals, but unlike their influences such as Epica and Nightwish their mixture of symphonic and modern metal moves away from the norm with both male screams and male soprano vocals, which as a tenor myself impressed the hell out of me.

Weaving classical training with modern metal crunch, the Scots took a lot of the crowd by suprise, still relatively but I'm expecting them to have gained a tonne of new fans with this performance, myself being one of them.

Next it was Fortune Teller (8) a relatively new band but with some experienced musicians of the British metal scene within its ranks. Most notably former Metaprism vocalist Theresa Smith who's vocals have always been mate for this style rather than in a modern metal act in my opinion. So it was brilliant to hear her unleash those pipes on the Quest Fest stage.

The band delivered some mighty symphonic metal as keyboard player Meyrick De La Fuente brings the orchestrations and some co-lead and backing vocals to the stage but it's the twin guitars of band founder Ross McLennan and Ian Rockett, that manages to pair melodic metal with proggy modernity.

This group of veterans have momentum behind them and clutch of muscular power metal, you will see more of them soon, however after it was two newbies brought into the family, we had the return of a band that last took to the Quest Fest stage at The Asylum.

There it was leather and chains, here the neon glow of 80's retroism as Battle Born (8) stormed the stage with some classic Euro power metal. Widdly guitars, macho posturing and huge vocals, Battle Born lead everyone through some Elder Scrolls inspired heavy metal with might and magic along with a storming cover of Electric Eye by Judas Priest.

The irony of playing a Priest cover co-writen by the founder of the venue was not lost on me or anyone else probably as this is an educated, refined crowd. It was also quite numerous early on so Battle Born they took the chance of the state of the art surroundings of KK's to record a music video for their new single which got the right response ensuring that horns, fists, inflatable swords and at least one plush shark was in the air.

Battle Born start a party right and from here it was into two German bands founded by the same person but only one actually featured that person. Let me explain as the first band Serious Black (8) took to the stage. Co-founded by bassist Mario Lochert and ex-Helloween guitarist Roland Grapow in downtime from his other projects.

Since then they've had many changes in members as Grapow moved on to other projects (more later) but with they're still led by Mario who has ecently recovered from a stoke, meaning that they take to the stage as four piece of two guitarists Dominik Sebastian and Maurus Mayer, drummer Christian Schictl and vocalist Nikola Mijic who British audiences may know as the vocalist of Eden's Curse.

Serious Black play very straightforward style of Teutonic metal with some emotive lyrics and some balladry that got lighters aloft. Now relegated to sound desk, but absolutely killing it Mario, came on stage for three songs (as many as his doctor allowed) and played with his band.

This made for lovely moments but a slightly disjoined set from Serious Black, though seeing them for the first time was a great experience for someone like me that has followed them from their debut album.

Next though it was Mr Grapow himself, with another band he founded and another tick off the list from me as I FINALLY was able to see Masterplan (9) live!

Formed when Roland Grapow dropped from Helloween Masterplan too has been through line up changes, with former singer Jorn Lande now more at home with the Midlands own Tony Iommi, the current line up, since 2012, features Rick Altzi on vocals along with a who's who of the European metal scene as members have featured in At Vance, Stratovarius, Almanac and Gamma Ray.

At Quest Fest there was a sense of reverence as they took to the stage, they're bonafide legends, from some of the most influential acts in power metal and leaving most of their progressive tendencies at the door they treated Wolverhampton to a power metal masterclass.

Melding tracks from their recent record and some older nuggets of gold, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who didn't have their fist/sword/shark in the air during their set of Teutonic heavy metal (despite only two members being German).

A rapturous applause for Masterplan, the presents from this year's Quest Fest better than any Christmas and they just kept coming as next it was a band who I've followed from their debut and thought I'd never get the chance to see after the issues they had at Bloodstock 2016 where they had to pull from the bill due to outside factors.

No such shenanigans at Quest Fest and to a packed house Myrath (10) took to the stage with the Middle Eastern influenced melodic metal that is both incrediblly slick and emotionally powerful. Myrath have it all, the songs, the performance, the style, shout out to their feathered keyboard player, it's no wonder that there's always been such a buzz about this band.

The set, quite rightly was taken from their most recent release Wilderness Of Mirrors including Les Enfants Du Soleil, with a few such as Dance from Shehili and even throwing back to Legacy with Believer, it was mainly the last three records that were played but the crowd didn't mind, these are the ones that have opened up Myrath to a wider audience and performed live they feel almost exactly like the record.

A virtuoso performance from the entire band I will of course highlight, the incredible vocals of their front man Zaher Zorgati as Myrath brought "blazing desert metal" to a dreary Wolverhampton. Well worth the wait and I already want some more.

Ther fun didn't stop there though, we had one more act to go and while Myrath offered all the poise and precision of a headliner, the last band of the day brought it all back to how much of the power metal scene started, muscular blokes singing about battle. Be it Manowar, Virgin Steel, Hammerfall or Heavy Load, if you get a load of dudes in leather singing about heavy metal it's going to go down a storm at a power metal festival.

Amie and the team know this so All For Metal (9) closed the day out perfectly. Another band I'd not seen and one that I'll admit I wasn't particularly looking forward too as I thought it might be a bit of joke. However I was very wrong as from the first notes this was macho heavy metal with it's tongue in cheek but a mighty fistful of fantasy metal anthems.

Delivered by a masked rhythm section, a statuesque guitarist (Dawid Wieczorek) and two burly frontmen who trade off low booms and shrieking highs, All For Metal's current form (they've had a few) seems to be the closest to the likes of Manowar, they even have bass solo section that built into frenzy just shy of ripping out the strings.

The vocals are shared by Tim Schmidt of Asenblut (low) and Amerigo Vitiello (high) and these are the focal point of the band, leading the Epic Fest choir in sing-alongs, call and response and more, treating their headline set like this was an arena and they were the invading Vikings, ready to pillage the town with pure heavy metal machismo!

With the last growl and the shriek it was over another Quest Fest complete, the audience exhausted but elated, gathering their coins and trophies as they look forward to the next chapter of this special festival, built by fans for fans and curated brilliantly every single time.

The next chapter promises to be even more special. 

A 10th Anniversary party that already has Rattlesnakes, Power Paladin, Frozen Crowd and Firewind (From Greece!) confirmed to join the Quest. Prepare yourself for more might, majesty and metal in 2027 as Quest Fest continues to be the most inclusive heavy metal celebration of the year!

Reviews: Iapetus, Defects, Master, Sidus (Keith Boswell, Matt Bladen, Mark Young & Mateusz Stefanow)

Iapetus – The Mother Void (Willowtip Records) [Keith Boswell]

Iapetus release the third and final instalment of their conceptual trilogy with the album The Mother Void. It seeks to follow up on the 2017 Long Road Home and the 2019 The Body Cosmic albums, both of which have received rave reviews ensuring that this album is hotly anticipated from those in the melodic death metal world and beyond.

One thing I can say from the off is that the anticipation is not misplaced in the least as The Mother Void is a fantastic album and is easily in my top five for the year! One could describe this offering as atmospheric, melodic, intense and most importantly for me, it provides a considerable amount of variety throughout being it vocal, instrumental or atmospherical.

Iapetus, founded in 2010, originate from Long Island New York and comprise only two full-time permanent band members Matthew Cerami and Jordan Nevarro, who are supported by collaborators invited in to contribute to the project. This in my opinion sort of makes sense with the main direction provided by the permanent members and the variety of approach supplied and delivered assisted by the invitees.

The Mother Void starts its journey with an introductory melodic piece entitled Parturition, evident in this song are the angelic vocals of Fabienne Erni (Eluviation) which I positively love, such vocals are a continuing presence and intermingled throughout.

This brief opening offering is soon interrupted by an intense avalanche of very melodic but aggressive guitar riffs, guttural death metal vocals and softer supporting vocals setting the tone for more to come in the form of the track The Mother Void. This song catches hold of the listener and does not let go for the nearly 13 minutes duration. In the first two songs the scene for the record is set. With its quality apparent, its tempo changes, variety in heavy guitar riffs, melodic undertones, vocal variations and an atmosphere in which the band deliver a melodic masterpiece in Aniara.

Using similar ingredients only mixed and presented in another fantastic arrangement the album progresses on with the equally as powerful Red Giant. Once again, a tempo change is noted and enjoyed throughout the excellent song Emolument which, in my opinion, is almost operatic in nature and similarly leads into TON and the final tempo change of The World Be Undone.

Wow! I cannot praise this album enough, what a great piece of work, such a complete journey from start to finish. Make sure you give this a listen; you won’t be sorry! 10/10

Defects - Artificial Icons (Mascot Records) [Matt Bladen]

It's probably not too much of a stretch to say that without Trivium a band such as Defects wouldn't exist, so it's only natural then that Matt Heafy completes another side quest by adding vocals to Signs, the precursor single to the new album from Defects.

A band who never shy away from having an opinion, unlike some other metal legends recently. Signs is about war, the current conflicts across the world that are leading to countless people dying for basically no reason. The collaboration between Heafy and Tony Maue, manages to balance the anger and search for hope this song conveys through both of them giving a great performance.

Not that Defects need guest singers, Maue has a brilliant vocal, anthemic cleans come through on massive electronically-tinged groove numbers such as Where Did I Go Wrong, while his snarl is right up there in the deathcore steaks on the crushing Critic.

Their previous album Modern Error was about Maue's history in the care system, the trauma that caused still present in the lyrics of Artificial Icons but now the aggression is pushed outwards towards the world at large, it's about "the balance of survival" with topics such as war, addiction and societal systems all put under a microscope and delivered with the bristling modern metal sound of Defects.

Production from Jim Pinder (Sleep Token, Bring Me The Horizon), allows the album to feel distinctly modern but never too clinical, the electronics bleep and oscillate, the riffs are filled with groove, the vocals passionate and there's also some great lead/solos on State Of Mind and Hollow.

Maue and guitarist James Threadwell are the only two remaing from the line up that recorded Modern Error, as Rowan Jack (drums) and Orlando Morris-Winmill (guitar) join the ranks for this intense and emotional second record, that has profundity throughout.

Closing with its most heartfelt moment on Afterglow, Defects are more than just a modern metal/metalcore band, they take a lot inspiration from that early NWOAHM sound favoured by Trivium, Killswitch Engage (The Other Side) and other but make it their own and push their style forward with album number two. 8/10

Master - Among The Seeds Of Death (Hammerheart Records) [Mark Young]

There is a note at the bottom of the accompanying press sheet for Among The Seeds Of Death which makes sure you are aware that Master is one of the original Death Metal bands and that this is a release for fans of (Old) Death, Massacre, Venom, Autopsy amongst others. In a way, it is setting the scene for any new listener about to jump on. 

Like those bands? Well you should like this too is the argument being pushed here but I’m not sure that it works. My experience of Master is that I think I saw them on tour with Obituary at the Bradford Rios, back in 2004 and from memory (which isn’t the best) I didn’t then go out and find more of their music. It seemed fine, but I was there for Obituary.

Anyway, that’s not really important here, except that as Twas Always A Plan unspools I’m reminded that it kind of sits in a no-mans land. Its not death, its not quite thrash so what the hell is it? Well, its fast, aggressive that is decidedly old school in its execution, which given the direction that bassist and leader Paul Speckman has taken (I’m reliant on online sources and the exceptional Choosing Death by Albert Mudrian) where he ploughs a singular field that remains true to his vision. 

Its not overly technical, yes there are lead breaks present and the death growls are definitely more aligned with Venom as an example. Each track doesn’t move from that lane, the variations found are in tempo as some do charge at top speed, others happy to occupy a more medium pace where a lot of the heavy lifting is done by the drummer Peter Bajči who propels each song along (Unsettled Loss is a great example of this). 

The issue I have is that they don’t land with me and 20 years on from that live show, there is nothing here to change my mind and make me dive into their back catalogue. I don’t find myself hating or loving it, just ambivalent to it. I’m pretty sure that there are fans out there, there has to be considering that this is album number 16 which is an incredible achievement (no, I’m not being snarky) so let’s celebrate that and leave it there. 6/10

Sidus - Lotus (Dunk! Records/A Thousand Arms/Black Box Records) [Mateusz Stefanow]

Having never come across post-metal before, Sidus’ Lotus is a unique experience, and a very interesting listen. Bearing this in mind, this review may not be my most educated one, but a lot more vibe-based.

Immediately the most striking aspect is the album cover, a melancholic image of a drowning lotus flower, which we can experience aurally through the slow strumming upon the start of Origins Beneath. The drummers use of cymbals contrasts nicely against the slight distortion effect on the guitar, which has a fuzzy, soft sound to it, pairing with the gentle background vocals. Over time the drummer moves towards the toms more for a thicker sound, which gives the song an organic evolution.

Chasmal in contrast sounds a little harsher, if the first track was someone floating downstream, then this track is them fighting to break out of the water but losing strength. Embrace The Void feels like the middle ground between the last two songs, it’s slow with some quicker sections, but most distinct are the vocals, as we have growls breaking through the guitar and drums, once again feeling like this imaginary person of ours is fighting for breath.

Awaken is slow, melancholic and strangely meditative, calling back to the peace of the first track and tying wonderfully to the album cover again. Awaken bleeds into Soul Gazing, a track that is strangely reminiscent of modern Gojira, with funky guitarwork over a steady and prominent drumbeat. Around halfway into the song we get a space-like melody, which gives way to chugging riffs, before fading out to that similar melody again.

Divine Paradox follows the same scheme as Awaken- Soul Gazing, where the beginning continues the previous song before morphing into it’s own unique sound. This album is interesting, in that it is sonically different to any other albums I’ve heard before, but personally I find it a little repetitive at times, but it is absolutely worth a listen. 6/10

Reviews: Carnation, Throes, UnTeachers, Sundowner (Will Bond, Mateusz Stefanow, Jordan Griffiths & Mark Young)

Carnation - Symphony In Flesh (Self Released) [Will Bond]

Symphony In Flesh is the fourth studio album from Belgian death metallers Carnation. Nine blood soaked tracks overflowing with thundering double kicks, power saw riffs and bone breaking guttural vocals.

Blackmouth opens ferociously, with razor sharp riffs and a lot of groove in the verses. Flesh-Eating Frenzy follows with screaming feedback bursting into full mosh out death metal. The guitar tone is filthy, the vocals are strong and intelligible, but no less brutal for it.

Symphony In Flesh, brings the pace down into a rotting death waltz, the tempo change signifying the variety on offer from this album. The production is clear, with a heavy low end, double kicks thundering in that space. With the guitar occupying the high mid area it leaves space for the pummelling vocals to cut through. The guitar solos feel well thought out, instead of just shredding for the sake of shredding. The record has an analogue feel, taking me back to rustling through cassettes, looking for the brutal gems hidden within.

Labyrinth Of Silence begins with a clean guitar, offering a short palette cleanser, followed by a fantastic high register riff as the track gathers pace and power. Towards Death then throws a bucket of gore in your face, with a frenzied fast intro moving into a head banging groove, and even leaning towards blackened death.

The deeper I went into the album, the more I was blown away by the quality of the song writing. No section outstays it’s welcome, and each part hits you just when you need it to. Not that it’s predictable music by any stretch, it’s just incredibly well written death metal.

Legacy Of The Forefathers is a magnum opus of a track at over ten minutes, with hailstorms of blast beats, chugging verses and wide open chorus parts. Evoking a horror soundtrack aesthetic at times, it evolves and keeps surprising the listener.

Symphony In Flesh is a glorious gore splattered joyride. It moves seamlessly from pummelling blasts, to neck breaking grooves and soaring euphoric horror. Fire up the chainsaw and get stuck in. 9/10

Throes - The Colorless Light Of Emptiness (Church Road Records) [Mateusz Stefanow]

Coming in like a sledgehammer in slow motion, Western Violence crushes us under it’s heavy drums, fuzzy riffs and growls, leaving us too soon, for Revenge Death is awaiting it’s turn in the spotlight.

Revenge Death could be taken off a death-doom album without anyone batting an eye, it has a heavy, oppressive atmosphere, similar to the greats of sludge metal like Grief, Sludge or Buzz*Oven, and the drumming being slower during sections without vocals, then speeding up when the vocals kick in is an awesome touch.

Joy is the third track, and once again the Grief parallels are clear. The song has static effects, a pounding chunkiness to the sound that makes you feel like you’re drowning in liquid concrete and the faster segments add frenzy and desperation without weakening the sludge metal crawl. Eat Glass is quick and pummelling, a track that takes no prisoners and shows that Throes are a band who know what makes up the heart and soul of sludge and retain that while garnishing it with their own unique spin.

Coming in with punk-esque fury is ApePersonAnimalHuman, a track full of violence, rage, groovy riffs and thundering drums and a thick bassline that adds a feeling of oppression. Spiritual Debt is nearly completely melodic, showcasing the technical skills of the guitarists and drummer, just pure gravelly sludgey goodness for 2 minutes and 31 seconds.

Over the trio of Pain, Beg and Basura we see the variety of styles that sludge metal can take, from the quicker paced pain, to the uber-slow and crushing Beg and the mixed, fuzz-led Basura these three songs bookend the album by showing that experimentation brings you exciting new albums like this one to listen to.

Overall this album was fantastic, showcasing depth and range in one of my personal favourite subgenres. 8/10

UnTeachers - Under Bright Sadness (Rottweiler Records) [Jordan Griffiths]

Once again, I am back, with another album from a band that I have not heard of before!

The first track of this 11-track stretch was extremely repetitive, utilising the same guitar riff for the entire 6:52 that the track runs for, with the first clearly understandable lyrics coming in at the 3:06 mark. While I definitely appreciate the atmosphere and tension in this drawn-out composition, I found myself, overall struggling to keep engaged with a track that seemed to go nowhere for much of its runtime.

Psalmnambulist, picks things up instrumentally, with much more variation than the first track, however, despite the change in tempo and sound, I still found myself struggling with the overall repetitive nature of the album as a whole. Don’t get me wrong, there are progressions in the songs, however I found myself ever wanting for more from the compositions, specifically in their ability to build and maintain momentum.

However, onto the good things! The vocals themselves, really set the overall tone and vibe for the album, often feeling strained, expressive and vulnerable at times, adding a quite emotional undertone throughout the entire album, while not my cup of tea, I can really appreciate the intent and process behind this artistic direction.

Under Bright Sadness feels like an experimental prog metal project, instead of the more conventionally structured and compositionally intricate progressive metal that I am accustomed to, and enjoy. This album seems to largely avoid any sort of immediate hook or memorable choruses. But I feel that this is the intention of the album itself. Opting for a more expansive, unconventional approach to the prog mental genre.

Overall, while I can really appreciate the balls it takes to really put yourself out there, and experiment with music in the way that Unteachers have done here, I really do feel that I am not the intended audience for this album, as such, while I can respect the artistic direction and ambition behind Under Bright Sadness, I don’t see myself returning beyond this review. 6/10

Sundowner - Cesspool (Disdain Records) [Mark Young]

Well, as we try to find new and wholly inappropriate adjectives, todays stab is ‘Cavernous’. Probably the not-quite-right way to describe Sundowner’s sound, but I like it so I’m running with it. This is their third full length release, touted by them as an album of ‘poisoned blues and sludge-soaked hostility’ which just about writes the review for me. What it also shows is that Australia’s metal scene is doing some of the lord’s work when it comes to extreme music and its great to see it making its way over here.

The Deep is their opening shot and well its glorious. A great set of proper riffs, pounding drums and harsh vocals delivered with a swing. If I say that the guitar has a tone on this that you could chew on, that should give you an indication of how thick this sounds. They blast through and the bit I love is that its straight into Golden Skinned Gods with no pause, barely a touch of feedback and then bang, we are off. 

A trick they repeat into Grave Wax which pulls in from eastern influences but doesn’t miss with their riff choices. Absolutely killer in how they have put these together, because I suppose if you held these up against some technical metal (I don’t know why you would do that) yes there is an argument for it being ‘relatively simple’ but there is a load more expression and life here, its not cold or sterile.

If you take the start of Bleach Sniffer, there is moment where its feeding back then they kick it in the guts and let the bass and Pagey’s vocals take the lead. If this is the blues, this is for people who are truly suffering with their lot. When they kick it up a notch, it doesn’t lose any of its impact for the tempo shift and live this will cause carnage, that marrying of the sludge with hardcore gives it that violent edge, and the step back into that slower pace, whilst expected doesn’t mean it loses any momentum. 

That is one of the key things you pick up from this album, is that it is in a state constant movement, always pushing forward and there isn’t a moment where that is arrested in any way. Another strength is their approach. I mentioned simplicity earlier; they make it so that each track doesn’t overcomplicate anything. Patterns are built so the riff takes centre stage, and with a tone like they have here, why not? 

The sub 2 minute Complete And Utter Ruin is a great example of this and its difficult to pick out a highlight when you have 10 tracks that are consistently abrasive and heavy from start to finish. Ultimately, if you lean towards super thick guitars, memorable riffs then this should be right up your street. If you are into fleet-fingered virtuosity and guitar solos that approach the speed of sound without saying anything then avoid. 7/10

Review: Thrakian - The Way (Matt Bladen)

Thrakian - The Way (Aonair Records)



I first heard, saw, felt Thrakian when they played alongside Pantheïst at a gig in Cardiff. They share a membership and an ethos for creating music that is forward thinking and devastating in it's heaviness and its intelligent lyrical content.

Though reformatted in Wales, Thrakian's beginnings are in Bulgaria, the birthplace of three of its members, their music is directly inspired by their immigrant experience with themes of displacement and identity, forged with ancient Thracian mythology which speaks of loss and resilience.

Thrakian in a live setting are a force of nature, from their dominating run at M2TM through almost constant gigging, playing with the likes of Pantheïst, Warcrab, My Silent Wake, Ba'al and Ofnus. Thrakian have become a live beast with some imposing, megalith flattening, post metal that creates a crushing union of heaviness and introspection.

I hoped that when the time came for recorded output it would reflect who they are on stage so now with The Way, their debut album we can put that to the test, as things begin with the kind of ferocity I want from them on Labours Of Insanity, at just over 6 minutes the shortest cut here but it welcomes you into the world of Thrakian with a slow burning beginning.

The melodic lead guitar lines of Kristiyan Peshev are evocative, before the rhythmic chug of Atanas Kyurkchiev (guitar) and Matt Strangis (bass) begins the song properly, the blasting of Svetoslav Simeonov irrepressible even under this slower riffage, as Atanas' pained growls bring a a passionate veracity but also sense of clarity where you can hear what he's shouting.

It's a skill many bands struggle with but even when the pace quickens into blackend blasts at the end you can still feel the introspection and emotion in the vocals as you're drawn into the mesmeric riffs of the band with only song one, proving that they can mirror their live assault on record.

Following Labours Of Insanity is the epic of the record, the 12 minute plus Ancient Glory, a track that has all the monolithic density of modern Rotting Christ, layered with ritualistic guitar riffs, intricate and constantly shifting drumming, it moves between time signatures and styles with the ease of serpent, the full intensity and melodic beauty here showcasing the skills of engineer Timothy Vincent who I've waxed lyrical over before.

Ancient Glory lives for the instrumental sections, elongated moments of that insistent riff, punctuated by ambient parts as the pace quickens and slows for devastating effect, arguing into the blasting beginning of The Way itself, another slab of post metal/sludge sound shifting that showcases Matt's bass work and how the band merge extremity and melody, through atmospherics that always keep the potent drumming. 

It dictates its own unravelling, the counteracting soundscapes leading you on an auditory journey through classical antiquity, punctuating every triumphal and hubristic moment with more intense musicality, similar in many ways to bands such as Neurosis, where multiple genres are all used at once, wrapped in distortion and volume. 

Oddly The Way (the song) is Thrakian at probably their most direct, even with 7 minutes behind it and little vocals, it powers along ready for you to bang your head. I don't want to call it mainstream but it showcases that Thrakian don't have to do, layered complexity to be effective. The mainly instrumental cut has a propulsion to it, its post metal meets a more classic metal output and, like the best post/sludge bands around, the ever shifting momentum means that there's never a moment to ease into but rather you get caught in a swirling vortex of heavy rhythms, where all you can do is just to let go.

Similarly In The Grips Of Illusion, takes things further the other way, cleaner spoken word vocals, textured ambience and a clarity at the beginning, takes them into some progressive textures, that are edffective although shortlived because it's not long before the heavy comes back in with modern metal groove that again is built around repetition and an insistence, that I can only liken to Rotting Christ, when they are locked in, heads down and taking an audinece with them. It's a closer where there feels like there's both finality but also a opening to the next chapter, as if there's plenty more to come but a unknonwing about what form it will take. 

At 35 minutes across 4 tracks, Thrakian showcase why they are one of the bands to keep an eye on in the South Wales/UK scene, capturing their live power on record brilliantly, The Way highlights their dedication to their craft and how extreme heaviness can also be atmospheric and full of melody. 10/10

Reviews: Frozen Crown, Tungsten, Smoulder, Crimson Steel (Matt Bladen)

Frozen Crown - The Legend Of The Six Kings (Napalm Records)

Italian power metal act Frozen Crown return with their six album The Legend Of The Six Kings, giving us another ten tracks of bold, power metal that sits on the heavier end of the scale.

This record takes things further with an album that's darker in its sound, using more of a narrative style to these songs so vocalist Giada “Jade” Etro is able to mix up her vocal style a bit as guitarist Federico Mondelli adds growls and cleans to the Title Track, advancing Frozen Crowd towards melodeath than anywhere else.

It's like everything is permitted on this new album, there's Tolkien influences everywhere, especially on The One, while theres stories of resilience on Reborn, radio bothering melodic cuts such as River Of Time and even a cover of Iris by Goo Goo Dolls that gets a Euro power metal overhaul.

Every song showcases the musical skill of the band from the galloping rhythms of Niso Tomasini (drums) and Francesco Zof (bass), through the triple guitar interplay between Mondelli, Alessia Lanzone and Aleksandra Stamenkovic, all of whom are credited as lead guitar and prove that they all are with every virtuoso solo/harmonic melody on this record.

Power metal with more muscle, Frozen Crown still reign supreme in their own kingdom with album number six. 8/10

Tungsten - Ashes (Perception)

Ever wanted some modern power metal with yodelling then play Joker, the first track on the fifth album from Swedish band Tungsten. Guitarist Nick Johansson is the one singing to the milking cows here, as Mike Andersson provides the main vocals, his voice we'll suited to the melodic power style here, going from gritty lows to high screams.

Mike is joined by screams from bassist Karl "Kalle" Johansson on Bite My Tongue, Nick and Karl laying down the riffage while the changes of pace of is dictated by Niklas and Kalle's father Anders Johansson behind the kit, keeping the rudder in a strut for Supernova and a speed for Happy.

With so many power metal bands these days it's symphonic keys that's are the most important element to Tungsten's overall style, adding a bit of countrymen Ghost here, with Fuego Del Sol they add some throbbing Europop that would work well in Eurovision, industrial throb for Ted The Exorcist and folkisms on For Thee.

Tungsten are almost a jukebox if power metal styles, all linked by the synths shifting between the genre changes, Tungsten have a humours side that reminds me of Edguy, while when they really want to showcase their chops they do so with a track like The North Shall Rise which is a blitz of double kicks, chuggy riffs and a special vocal appearance from Tony Kakko of Sonata Arctica.

Tungsten don't do anything radical on album six but they still deliver anthemic power metal. 7/10

Smoulder - Witch Wife In An Alien World (Cruz Del Sur Music)

Smoulder return with their third record of epic doom metal and with vocalist Sarah Ann's move to Finland, Witch Wife In An Alien World contains more black metal influences than on previous releases.

Having recorded a cover of Bathory before, the black metal influence of this record is not actually from the Scandinavian style but more so from the Hellenic scene where death and black combine for a more intense and muscular style of extreme metal that is perfect for the powerhouse sound of Smoulder, see both Crush The Neophytes and Empathy's Wrath.

It means that album three is a much more diverse release, with Sarah Ann's vocals on tracks such as Noitien Loitsu (sung in both English and Finnish) and Shadow Of The Vulture, adopting styles that you may not expect but fit brilliantly into this experimental approach to the album.

She has always been a brilliant singer, one of the best in the epic doom genre but here she shows that she can do much more than just that while the band; guitarists Collin Wolf and Shon Vincent, bassist Adam Blake and drummer Kevin Heste, take these changes to style in their stride, the studio band differing from the live one, though live guitarist Bootleg Henkka (Havukruunu), drops in for a solo

The spirit of epic doom remains on Water Wars and Their Name Lives On but Witch Wife In An Alien World, takes Smoulder further into the blackness, the inspiration of the black metal scene tightening its grip upon the band to make their third album an overall more menacing record. 8/10

Crimson Steel - Show No Fear (Heaven And Hell Records)

Heavy metal from Raleigh, North Carolina now with Show No Fear the new record from Crimson Steel. The intro As Above, So Below, lets you know what you're getting into with the sound of a battlefield, horses charging and the triumphal parp of trumpets, before we kick off properly with Dark Rider.

Dark Rider, features distorted guitars from David Ryan, galloping lead bass from band founder Joel McGee, who gives himself a solo before the six string widdling, but don't worry he gets to show off on Final Phase too. All the while the drums of Will Adkins has a measured power, which lends itself to the more epic and progressive arrangements Crimson Steel have here.

Influences such as Savage, Crimson Glory and Manowar can all be felt through these songs, the latter in the vocals of Tina Langevin who can shriek with the best of them as they tune into some Judas Priest on No Absolution, from the vocals right down to the dirty guitar sound it's pre-British Steel Priest for sure as there's definitely an old school ethos from Crimson Steel.

The instrumentals are all full of that classic metal power with a technically that may go overlooked by I really enjoyed. Vocally too McGee joins for Purifier while on the atmospheric Bleed Into One, James Rivera (Helstar/Vicious Rumors etc) duet with Tina for extra theatrics.

Crimson Steel, Show No Fear with album number two. Classic heavy metal that's a little bit cleverer than normal. 7/10

Reviews: Witchthroat Serpent, Pegzilla, Travo, Doctor Nez (Matt Bladen)

Witchthroat Serpent - Demons Left To Roam (Heavy Psych Sounds)

In praise of Satan and all his works, occult French band Witchthroat Serpent look to corrupt the children of Jehovah into their service if their Satanic majesty with new album Demons Left To Roam.

Hypnotic doom that leans heavily on fuzz, spectral vocals and slow repeating rhythms, each song will ring inside your brain for days after, slowly taking over your body like the black oil from X-Files until you need to throw the recor down again to pledge your allegiance to Lucifer.

Formed way back in 2011, the quartet have been walking in the footsteps of Electric Wizard and Monolord with both feet firmly set in the concrete tones of horror, the occult and all things that come with it, the horror driven lyrics, the long instrumentals, the fuzz, the volume, everything you could want from evil psych rock.

Whether you've heard their albums before or on their splits with bands such as Dead Witches, the Toulouse band always give their best showings on their own albums, through the thick as tar doom of Silver Bell Of Ritual, the screaming lead guitars and spatial awareness on the glacial The Screaming Magpie while the end comes with Sabbath worship of The Zany Magician.

Witchthroat Serpent present The Demons Left To Roam, and they will corrupt you with their sinful, hazy, heft. 8/10

Pegzilla – Disobedience (Ripple Music)

L.A rock trio Pegzilla don’t hide their ideals with their name. This is “witchy stoner rock” with female first agenda, an assertiveness, that often spills over into aggression as frontwoman Olivia Saperstein writes lyrics to criticize the patriarch, by advocating for more women enter and flourish in the heavy music scene, forcing the male dominated labels and festivals to be more inclusive in their signing and booking strategy.

With Disobedience the band have provided their mission statement, following an EP and singles with Ripple Music backed debut record, this trio are set to take the stoner metal scene by storm. The fuzzy guitars and haunted vocals of Olivia add those witchy elements while the thick grooves from Juan Barsse (bass) and open drumming of Ryan Swain move them between thick metal stoner and floaty desert rock.

The kick off being the Troll On Speed, a fat riff and clever lyricism “I get so hard when you turn we down” and “who else is going to gatekeep” particularly effective, the anger just at boiling point as they shift from the doomy tones of Pistola into the occult murder rock of Chelsea before slowing into the tribal rhythms of Virginia Werewolf which worships Sabbath through Feminine rage, perfectly showcasing Pegzilla at their gargantuan best, spectral, feminist and slightly murderous with some killer riffs holding it all together on tracks such as Bootlicker especially.

There’s a retro feel to Disobedience, but it’s never a main focal point like it is with some bands, Pegzilla’s sound encapsulates a lot of stoner/doom/desert style, the latter on Hell Ya Brother and with Troll Reprise they play that opening riff to close out the album as if the circle is complete. Female empowerment through fat riffs and packs with the dark beings, Pegzilla are coming, bend over and take it! 8/10

Travo - Wasteland (Fuzz Club)

Portugal quartet Travo are a band who blend music and literature on this new record with each song inspired by a section of T.S Eliot's The Waste Land, if only loosely the themes of that poem can be felt more strongly these days and Travo channel the themes through this new record in a swirling mass of psychedelic intensity.

These hit you like a trip gone wrong through walls of noisy riffs, ambient textures, mind bending vocals and a nagging insistence that draws you in never lets you go. The insistence is a deliberate move on the band's part as they recorded it in break from touring, bottling that live lighting and adrenaline as they wrote this record in the studio with an urgency to get new material out on the road.

Wasteland combines psych rock experimenting with garage rock ferocity as they break out with Burial, then get angular with Decipher, allowing the atmospheres to increase on Silenced Soul which bleeds into the full stems ahead garage punk of Sleeper. Travo are a band that hit you hard and fast, allowing for some rest time, the beginning of this record is full of fire and fury.

The second half though has the woozy Way Down on it which takes you in the other direction towards the spatial sparsity. Though the Title Track manages to get the primal power moving again with it's huge drum intro, squealing feedback and screamed vocals that lead into Rapture, the final song on this record, a throbbing, tenacious, instrumental which builds into a closing crescendo.

Travo create music as a force of nature, psychedelic but unnerving with an aggression of Altamont it’s a bad trip made real, dive in headfirst and embrace chaos. 8/10

Doctor Nez – Nothing Short Of Silver (Self Released)

Doctor Nez is a one man show with the titular Doctor performing/recording/engineering everything on this third EP, Nothing Short Of Silver.

The first part of what will be an ongoing set of conceptual releases that bleed the myths of creatures that go bump in the night with some D&D like table top gaming, through fuzz occult stoner doom inspired by Sabbath, Goblin and Uncle Acid.

Driven by guitars that have never not had a fuzz pedal used with them and vocals that feature some reverb, it’s got a tone so familiar that it could be called Renfield, but there's also some classic rock sounds that arrive too with more clean voices and some big choruses on the title track.

Dusk sets the cinematic tone while Last gets things going properly, the lycanthropy continuing through Pale Full Moon as Find Familiar add those D&D inspirations as the EP closes out with Perfectly Human where the likes of Green Lung can be heard.

Nothing Short Of Silver is a decent stoner EP from Doctor Nez, if the occult, hard rock style is up your street go check it out. 7/10

Reviews: Left To Suffer, Leper Colony, Steak, Hell-Born (Jordan Griffiths, Mark Young, Joe Guatieri & Yasmin Mason)

Left To Suffer - Unwelcome Guest (Hopeless Records) [Jordan Griffiths]

This marks the third band in a row for which this review serves as my first listening experience. 

I am a big fan of heavy music that gets your head going, and this album does not disappoint, from the first second of the very first track, on this 11-track album, simply named Track One, just HITS you. Deep, rhythmic chugs, accompanied by the squeal of a guitar that kicks you into the main depth of the song.

STFU, starts off with a snippet from a reviewer stating how Left to Suffer is too much and takes away from their enjoyment of music, before the band promptly responds with the title itself. 

What follows is essentially a diss track aimed at their critics, and the band’s lack of care, they will do what they want to do, and it works remarkably well, turning the outside criticism into fuel for one of the album's most confrontational moments.

While the album itself is very chug and breakdown heavy, it utilises very well timed melodic sections in a few of the songs, which really helps you take a step back and think “Oh okay.” These moments really do add the much-needed separation between the heavier sections, preventing the album becoming overly repetitive

I feel that Taylor Barber's vocals need proper attention too, they're incredibly strong, and come with a hell of a lot of range, shifting almost flawlessly between deep, guttural lows and the higher fry screams, with almost effortless consistency.

One of the largest issues with an album this heavily rooted in breakdowns and chugs, is how quickly it can devolve in repetitiveness, however, unwelcome guest, in my opinion, avoids this trap. 

While the core sound remains heavy, and chuggified, the changes in pace, melody, and overall approach in the songs, gives it enough of its own identity to keep you interested all the way through.

For a band that I had never listened to before this, Unwelcome Guest has honestly made an impression. There is enough going on underneath the top layer of heavy brutality, that makes me want to return, again and again, in which, I am going to! 

This was truly a great listening experience. 8/10

Leper Colony - Back To Primal Sludge (Testimony Records) [Mark Young]

I love that some bands just cannot help having their influences front and centre in their sound. I think it shows that, at heart, they are fans like the rest of us, only a little more motivated to do something mental like form a band.

Leper Colony are that kind of band, delighting in building a hybrid American/Scandinavian sound that borrows proudly from the old-school classics they are attempting to usurp. 

In their favour is a healthy approach to the form: discordant lead breaks, tempos that shift to suit the moment, and a razor-sharp production where nothing is missed. It also works against them in some respects, but we will get to that.

Madness Is A Kingdom sets the table nicely, serving up that hybrid approach straight away. What follows is a track that motors along, changing pace and direction as required, particularly during the chorus. 

There is a strong At The Gates presence throughout, although that is hardly unusual in melodic death metal, and it is certainly no bad thing. 

What it does suggest, however, is that the band may lean a little too heavily into that sphere, to the point where their own identity occasionally fades into the background. Even so, it contains a crushing section that tees up the final minute perfectly.

Any band that samples Zombie Flesh Eaters gets a thumbs up from me. Possibly they missed a trick by not having a song called Ocular Trauma, but still, These Blades follows and delivers a short, rough burst of aggression that brings a touch of punk to proceedings. 

One thing that becomes increasingly apparent as Dead Soul Consortium kicks off is that they have a preferred set of tricks and moments that they return to repeatedly. It is not that they are not very good at what they do, or that they are not heavy, because they absolutely are. It is just that I do not find it especially exciting.

If you read our reviews with any regularity, and you are unfortunate enough to encounter one of mine, you may have noticed I occasionally mention my commute being the time when I review music. If an album does not sustain that journey, it gets relegated to the "OK" pile. That is what happens here. 

Each track arrives feeling like a variation on a limited formula. From Thrown To The Pigs, which mixes melody with something slightly off kilter, through to Flesh Grater, the songs are perfectly serviceable. There is nothing wrong with them at all, but I struggle to think of them as being anything more than workmanlike.

Beneath The Fat And Gristle closes things out and sees the album finish much the same way it started. It moves with a swagger, changing speed whenever necessary and delivering exactly what it promises. Again, it is fine at what it does, which is something that can be applied to the album as a whole.

In all honesty, I am probably being a bit harsh on it. There is an energy running through these songs, one fuelled by the fact that the band are obviously massive fans of the style themselves.  That enthusiasm is infectious, even if the album never quite breaks free of the influences that define it. And possibly for some that will be just what they want.

After all there is no messing on here with stretched out beginnings or overlong songs. They just do what they need to do and then on to the next one. 7/10

Steak - Steak (Stickman Records) [Joe Guatieri]

Steak are a long-running Stoner Rock band from London, England, forming back in 2010. The band have a storied discography of plenty of EPs and records to their name, including a well-regarded joint-single with famed Swedish band Greenleaf, being released as part of the DesertFest series in 2017.

I have known about Steak for a good while now, my first exposure to them was in 2023 when I saw them open up for Slomosa and Elder at The Fleece. They really impressed me that night with their heavy driving grooves, taking their songs to interesting places. Now after that it seems fitting for me to review their latest self-titled effort in 2026.

The record opens with Cometh, a song that feels oddly familiar to me upon first listen with its fuzzy guitars which try to cover up the sky, drawing an image of a car driving through a desert at a high speed, forming a big sandstorm behind it which is definitive to Stoner Rock as a genre. It keeps heaviness as a constant with an atmospheric approach, it doesn’t try to bury you in its groove, more so float things in patiently until they sit with you comfortably.

Track two, presents us with Luxury Junk, starting with a spacey touch of guitar, searching for a known mystery, being reminiscent of Odyssey by Kyuss. You don’t find anything as of yet but you’re still sure that there was something around, you keep that thought with you as you return to your car and rev it up again. Luxury Junk provides excitement throughout for me, the instrumental accentuates this bubbling up before stretching out its hand. The best bass playing across the entire album is also provided here as its rumbling tone sticks out like a sore thumb, leading the charge with thumping drums.

The song then moves to another level as after reflection, by 4:01 there is a fabulous drum break as the world starts to dance, everything comes back together and we are left with our face melted going into the sunset. Steak takes a page out of the Slomosa book Luxury Junk and channels a sense of victoriousness into a lovely song, definitely my favourite from the LP.

Later on we go into track six with Infinite which is the poster child of the album as a whole. It takes the vocalist and places them front and centre, crafting the tune around them, prioritising melody. It leads to an effect where Infinite washes over me, it leaves me in a place where I think to myself, it’s alright for a head band when interesting patterns and riffs pass by but it doesn’t capture me or put me into its own world, it’s just there.

Again, a lot of this record I have similar feelings to this where it's uniquely misplaced, a lot of the more progressive Stoner Rock bands out there play with my expectations where I can’t wait to see what’s next, where as with Steak here, I find myself tapping my foot and looking at my watch. It appears to me that they are big fans of Alice In Chains, especially in the vocals where they join together but it doesn’t exercise an emotional depth to me. It comes across as being more for show then something that is needed in order to bring the exclamation point to a high point, it’s like climbing up a diving board and refusing to dive off of it.

Overall, this Steak album hasn’t spoilt the band for me. There is still a lot that I like about them, they know how to bring out enjoyment in me and there is no doubt in my mind that they are fabulous musicians. I just wanted more grit here and above all else, for Steak to be loud and proud. 6/10

Hell-Born - VII (Deformeathing Production) [Yasmin Mason]

VII is the latest offering from Poland's Hell-Born who are led by ex-Behemoth drummer Baal.

The album opens with Therion Calls, an ode to the apocalypse. "Apocolypse is here!" shouts Baal over ferocious drums and guitars. His vocals are giving vibes of something I can't quite place - but there's a definite old school feel to them. Chaotic Entities continues the ferocity with an excellent guitar solo providing a melodic reprieve towards the end of the track.

In Scarlet And Death brings the tempo down a little while continuing to showcase those melodic guitar riffs, while Blood In Stone hits us with blast beats from the start. The remaining three tracks continue in the same vein with a smattering of keyboards adding extra atmosphere to Funeral Of All.

My main critique of this album is that - for me - there isn't enough variety. Each song is structured similarly (atmospheric intro, in your face riffs, melodic guitar solo, repeat) and part way through the album I find my attention starting to wander. While I enjoy Baal's vocals, it would be nice to hear him experiment with something a little different at times.

However, if you enjoy old school melodic black/death metal, this album is certainly worth a listen. 6/10

A View From The Back Of The Room: Amon Amarth

Amon Amarth, Orbit Culture & Soilwork, Eventim Apollo, London, 10.10.26



Evetim Apollo,also known as the Hammersmith Apollo or back then the Hammersmith Odeon, a venue most known for its music and comedy performances notably also used for Motorhead's live album No Sleep Till Hammersmith. Tonight though it's the London stop for the Allfather Awakens tour named after their new album. Bringing fellow Swedish bands Soilwork and Orbit Culture, with them, 

Soilwork (5) kick things off you hear the sounds of a music box as a baby would hear while resting in their cradle, then the band approaches the stage, shouts hello to London audience gets them to raise there fists and cheer before even the first song starts. 

A few songs later, blood red light shines on the front set of the audience, playing a few more hits here and there while keeping the audience in communication, a good fair opening act for the gigs London show. 

Next up Orbit Culture (9) relentlessly with their non stop touring over the world and also a year in for their last album Death Above Life. Fast raw and of course the savage vocalisation gives a very powerful performance.

You can see why Amon Amarth picked them, aura, pure, raw, aura and their songs? Well they're pure Orbit Culture. You can tell which element, sub genre it leans to each song examples Tales Of War and Hydra sounds like it came fresh from the doom game soundtrack. 

Alienated has got that black metal nostalgia like you hear from behemoth and of course Red Fog is full of thrash, all these lovely mixes from this one band playing hopefully on headline UK tours in the future.

Now even if you're not into Viking history/culture/mythology or theatrics, but you like their music that's absolutely fine, but if you enjoy all of that just mentioned then you're in for a treat when Amon Amarth (10)

When the band does a headline performance obviously they go in full Berserker for visual spectacle full of display models, moving pictures, renactors, even the Norse trickster god Loki himself. 

An introduction backing track which is course Iron Maiden's Run To The Hills, yes of course they're gonna play, Raise Your Horns, Shield Wall, Guardians Of Asgard, as well as stuff from the Great Heathen Army album.

However with new album the Allfather Awakens, comes new songs such as the title track, Eight Legs Of Thunder and of course We Rule The Waves. Jonah passionately calls the audience fellow Vikings and a enjoyable campfire acoustic set of Upphaf which was so ambient and soothing a nice calm break from all the headbanging. 

Hammersmith was blessed by the gods cause a song they don't play live much Saxons And Viking with Biff from Saxon on the video screen singing his part of the song.

Finishing up with their hammer hitting hit (literally) Twilight Of The Thundergods and as the hammer goes down, the stage goes boom and the music roars like cracks of thunder. 

In the smoke and light Amon Amarth show thankfulness and gratitude towards the fans which is strongly reciprocated by the London audience.

A View From The Back Of The Room: Fear Factory (Paul Hutchings)

Fear Factory, Crystal Lake, Hate, The Nocturnal Affair Prospect Building Bristol, 08.10.26

They have become regular visitors to the city of Bristol in recent years, with tonight’s show their third appearance in three years. The Cybernetic Domination tour is an eclectic package with four differing genres. It’s also a punishing schedule; one glance at the dates on this run confirms that being on the road is gruelling, with the bands have traversed other parts of England, Ireland and Scotland ahead of this show. No breaks, no rest days, just relentless shows. Kudos to all four for bringing such energy.

There are few hands in the air when lead singer Brendan Shane asks who has seen The Nocturnal Affair (7) before. It’s a surprise to me that there are any, but the band have been reasonably active in the UK since 2024 with performances across the country. This appears from what I can see to be their first show in Bristol, and they certainly bring the energy early doors despite a slowly growing audience.

They are a curious bunch. Dressed in casual suits or jackets with what appeared to be lounge loafers, they drench the audience with backlight and abuse them aurally with a set that weighs heavily on emotional content. I’ve seen influences including Type O Negative, HIM and NIN cited, and I don’t think I can add much to that. 

They have a short set, but Shane in particular, is keen to get a reaction. Energy wise, the band match their touring buddies; musically I struggle a little. They open with Cross Me Out which is high tempo, and finish with a bouncing cover of Haddaway’s What is Love. Make of that what you will! It works though, for metal fans love a pop singalong and tonight is no exception.

No question what Polish blackened death masters Hate (8) have had for tea as they absolutely crush the venue with a display of impressive power. Most recently seen in Bristol at the Fleece in April 2025, they relish the larger stage. It’s set up in true demonic manner, skulls, cauldrons and a huge backdrop, all bathed in blood red that doesn’t change throughout their blistering 40-minutes.

Intimidating in many ways, this is a wall of abuse that slams into you and knocks you over. The pit slowly wakes as Hate rage into opener Bellum Regiis. From here on it’s time to hold onto something solid as everything not nailed down begins to move. Only Adam "ATF Sinner" Buszko remains these days from the original line-up that tore across the lands all those years ago. That doesn’t seem to matter as there is limited interplay with the audience. Instead, it’s explosive song after explosive song that is as punishing as it is intense and as they leave the stage after six songs, the reception is impressive.

It appears that Tokyo’s Crystal Lake (8) carry no original members. Formed in 2002, I’m blown away with their sheer aggression, if not their music. Thumping breakdowns, massive riffs, and the ferocity of the diminutive frontman PK, it’s a huge switch of style for the second time. And the crowd responds with some intense pit action and a couple of crowd surfers. PK is particualry impressive given the short length of time that he’s been with the band.

There’s something in the band’s firepower that makes them quite mesmerising, and although metalcore isn’t my bag, they have groove and enough visceral energy to keep the attention. Six Feet Under is massive, whilst penultimate song The Weight Of Sound sees them switch to a sound more akin with Linkin Park before a savage finale of Apollo crushes one final time. For me, the surprise package of the evening.

The setting is appropriate for the industrial sounds of Fear Factory (8). Bare girders and steel beams create the coldness that is needed for Dino Cazares’ world-famous riffs. But there is nothing but heat as Cazares, bassist Tony Campos, drummer Pete Webber and vocalist Milo Silvestro generate over the next hour.

This is a band with a box full of classic tracks and they oblige with a set that stands the test of time. Acres Of Skin builds the intensity after a hero’s welcome, and by the time they’ve hit Edgecrusher, complete with PK’s return to add his voice to Silvestro’s, the hardcore fans are in heaven.

Silvestro is improving on every viewing, and even though he is still using some tools for vocal enhancements, he’s generally on point. When Buszko joins him for Martyr, the contrast is startling. He’s handling everything well, and I don’t think his presence is even an issue for those enjoying the likes of Zero Signal and Demanufacture. New song Roboticist is promising, and Dino looks like a man still happy in work.

As they roll into the finale of Replica, Resurrection and a reintroduced Cars, it’s impossible not to think about how seminal this band remain. Sure, they are never going to be as dominant as they were three decades ago, but whilst they can still fill a venue of this size, I think it is reasonable to anticipate them visiting a few more times yet.

A View From The Back Of The Room: Creeper (Misfit Jax)

Creeper, Calva Louise & Starbenders, Tramshed, Cardiff, 08.10.26

The Tramshed a venue near Cardiff City center it has been used for many different types of music and many different artists and bands, it's even been used for a wedding receptions, raves, sometimes comedy acts or talks but tonight it is for the band from Southampton with their off with their heads tour kicking off in Cardiff to start their UK tour.

Before the openers, the inside the stage set alluringly haunting, the audience full of people top and bottom while still people approaching to get a good spot. The crowd looking at their absolute best dress or their most casual, some get their hands on merch, all priced to suit all budgets, and queue when waiting to come here and enjoy a band they are all fond of. Bless their black hearts waiting in the rain and cold of this gig while hoping some people attending don't loose the face paint they put on to go with the bands motif.

The opening band, Starbenders (8) come all the way from across the pond specifically Atlanta, Georgia, Requiem Overture Of O Forutna plays as their intro, lights go black, hype builds up band approaches the stage the look of the band very nostalgic like a band you saw playing in the background of a club scene in an 80s/90s movie, the stage lights move and flash on the band classically with colours changing primarily but to for the mood of the songs. 

Kimi Shelter looking very Cher's Witches Of Eastwick meets Hearts Ann Wilson gives her performance in both vocalist and guitarists and uses the stage to her advantage. The songs for example like Tokyo and Summon My Heart, give that hard rock flow and cadence with the music vibe, similar to bands like Joan Jett, Heart, with the rest of the band in the moment with such a dark setting, a win over performance with cheers and applause.

Next up Calva Louise (7) who brings a multinational band and focusing more on a gothic/synth John Carpenter esq intro, which is followed by modern synth with narrative heard in the background that for me unfortunately cannot not be made out due to the drums starting off. 

Calva Louise are a different style, a different type of performance than Starbenders, with metal being main concept with elements of salsa, samba, synth, industrial even edges classical music from hundreds of years ago. It's music that just wants to pull you in rather than feel the flow, using the keyboard draw in and out when needed in use for the songs and performance and also the music being bilingual tracks bringing power passion and statement while closing and leaving the show with a track of old Latin salsa being played.

Now of course the main event, while leading up to the main event, the band put on their fictional radio station and played some 80s hits closing with Meatloaf's Bat Out Of Hell. Then as the white sheet was up a shadowy figure appears behind it pretending to be a certain figure of censor authority. Saying that the show will now be more PG than what is his known by its reputation. Mistress Of Death aka the Axe Lady of the band, then came out and behind the white sheet and starts chopping, slashing and killing the bossy bureaucrat as the sheet drop reveals Creeper (10).

Starting with Blood Magic (It's A Ritual) the aura, intensity and such passionate enthusiasm make it a must watch fromt he opening moments. Musically the band definitely bring and embrace the gothic element visually. The songs have either or both Master Gould and Mistress Greenwood singing as we enjoy new and old  tracks they fill their set with. They put on a theatrical show the stage filled with a throne of skulls, a guillotine, a jet black casket and of course a phone call from Garcia there Vampire Familiar. 

Between all the theatrics, giving us song's such as Parasite, Prey For The Night, More Than Death, all to an audience filled with passion and face paint, hanging on every word, when the band stops playing and the audience sing with the band. Behind their facepaint and black hearts Creeper seem completely touched by such support and devotion of the Cardiff crowd making for a thrilling start to their UK tour!