The penultimate gig on the Indian death metal legends Davashtar II UK tour. A tour that has seen the band bash across the UK, from Warhorns to Manchester, Newcastle to Plymouth on a run of nine dates which has seen small but enthusiastic crowds roar their support.
This was a first visit to the Bunkhouse, and I was impressed. With the live room spacious and not challenged by ill placed toilets or elongated shape, a decent sound throughout the evening, and a separate bar, seating area and pool table, the Bunkhouse is another to add to the solid number of venues growing in the South West.
Port Talbot’s Harbour Way (5) were first up. Opening on a night with a small crowd is always hard and the trio handled it well. A little loose, they played an entertaining enough 30 minutes. Their sludgy stoner sound was an odd choice for an evening of death metal, but the band have some promise if they can sort a few things out. Guitarist and lead vocalist Morgan Davies is limited vocally, the demands of the vocals seemingly impacting on the level of attention he can give his guitar playing. Drummer Toby Powell is enthusiastic and with time will be able to hone his craft to the levels of those that followed him. The mix of clean and roaring vocals between Davies and Morgan John (bass) also didn’t always quite work but these are things that can be ironed out. With original material, there is potential.
Sodomised Cadaver (7) need no introduction on these pages. A traditionally chaotic set saw some of the most ridiculous pits seen for ages, as the death metal outfit bludgeoned their way through their set. As usual, banter remains high on the agenda, the Welsh lads mocking each other and the crowd in a playful way throughout. Ryan Howes and Charlie Rogers handling vocals with their typical gurning visages set at maximum whilst drummer Gavin Davies pounded on the drums like he’d just caught it in bed with his missus. Sodo can be ropey at times, and having conquered parts of Europe during the summer, there were a few slips along the way, not to mention Charlie’s minor trip during the set which he laughed off. He almost ended up sat on Gav’s lap and no one wants to pay to see that! A shambolic ending summed up their set, as Gav finished and strolled off stage, leaving Ryan and Charlie still up there and much heckling from the audience. It was fun.
Demonic Resurrection (9) are one of the metal world’s treasures. Rolling into their third decade in 2020, the Mumbai band led by the lovable Demonstealer (Sahil Makhija) are a must see for me whenever they arrive on these shores. They love the UK (in-joke there) and it shows. Demonstealer and lead guitarist Nishith Hegde were ably assisted by two stunning musicians, Formicarius bassist Simon McAuliffe who played a blinder and powerhouse drummer Rodion Belshevits who was simply stunning with his blast beats and overall delivery. A set that was similar to their brilliant Bloodstock 2018 show flew by, with the riffing intense, the drumming ferocious and Demonstealer’s confident and easy ability to switch between growls and the cleaner vocals as always impressive.
Despite the attentions of one of the more inebriated members of the audience being right in the face, Demonstealer cracked joke after joke about the current Brexit situation as Demonic Resurrection delivered a powerful masterclass in melodic death metal. The Unrelenting Surge Of Vengeance, Krishna: The Cowherd and The Demon King were all devoured by the enthusiastic audience. I’ve written before that few can appreciate how much this band struggles with issues that we take from granted. There was a time when Demonic Resurrection were due to disappear. For now, the band remains on the scene, and our global metal world is a much better place for it.
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