Fell Silent, Ride Inside, Heart of a Coward, Versus Akira, She Fell Victim.

Lev 1 and 2 Esquires Bedford. 24th October 2008.

During 2008, the local metal scene here on level 2 has been virtually non-existent. Except for the few sterling efforts of Bedford Metal, it's a genre of music that has been totally neglected. Tonight, however, that has all changed as new promoters Full Throttle launch what they hope could be a regular happening. Judging by the good attendance, it proves they have a viable market.

The first three bands are new to Esquires. Firstly, five piece SHE FELL VICTIM hit the stage. Showing energy and a youthful vigour in a twenty minute set. They include good interaction with the crowd, which does not get too boring. The songs are short, but the metal edge is sharp in many places.

RISE INSIDE follow a similar path. The young band excel in their visual projection as they seem to live out every facet of the song. A crowd that enjoyably appreciate what has been put on offer, mosh and move at all the right times. As well as their live performance, the band inform us that they have some recording work lined up shortly.

HEART OF A COWARD are supported by good travelling fans from Milton Keynes. The band feature Callum (vocals), Tim (guitar, vocals), Ross (guitar), Craig (bass) and Tom (drums). Their Esquires debut doesn't have the easiest of starts. After performing opening song ‘Collisions’, Craig experiences some severe 'technical malfunctions'! Desperately Callum shouts out an unusual request for an evening gig "Hey! Has anybody got a Philips screwdriver?"! Thankfully, sound engineer Emily comes to the rescue and provides the said item. The band can then resume with their heavy battery of songs. Their most recent composition ‘Only Time Will Tell’ impresses, while ‘Under Dying Skys’ seems to be the fans' favourite.

Luton's VERSUS AKIRA return to Esquires after a lengthy gap. In fact, the band reveal that they have taken a break from live performances to concentrate on putting together an album. This band have never been one of my favourites, and watching them again tonight doesn't really change my opinion. Every song rather continues in the same torturous vein. Variation is not an option. I ponder that as they are all young and each good musicians, that they may grow out of this passing phase and eventually write some proper tunes. Here again the vocalist is performing amongst the crowd while the rest of the band play on stage. If you are a top band it works well, otherwise it just looks stupid!

After last appearing here back in March 2006, vocalist Neema reflects thoughtfully "It's been a long time"’. One time Esquires regulars FELL SILENT reclaim the Bedford stage and blast back into our brains. Now featuring an additional vocalist, which does add so much more dimension to them. Phew, the pure MK metal fury shoots from all angles. That affection that Fell Silent hold over the venue is well known and when they ask the crowd "Who knows the song 'Double Negative'?" there is a collective roar of "Yes!!",. Don't the kids love it and the band seem slightly overcome by it all. The homecoming to their regular haunt has been a massive success. The sound is awesome as it reverberates to complement the always growly throats. Fell Silent continue to keep the metal flag flying high. Welcome back.