Interlock, Ex-Nihilo, Unclassified, Centre of Eruption.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2. 17th November 2006.

It's a pity there are not more people here tonight to witness the awesome cyber-metal sounds of Interlock. This band are part of the underground industrial metal scene but it seems to me they are obviously just a bit too extreme and heavy for the gentle souls of Bedford who troll round town in their long black leather coats.

The sexual chemistry of INTERLOCK revolves around the male and female vocalists, creating an almost 'Operatic Metal' courtship such is their interplay. This together with the added elements of an electronica backdrop adds up to quite a fearsome combination. In fact, what more could the metal connoisseur want!
'Skinless' is warmly received and of course comes from Interlocks rather daring remixes album for early this year, whilst 'Rest' is performed at an utterly breakneck speed and aggression.
Here on Level 2 it has been a good few months since my teeth fillings have felt this vulnerable. Given the intensity of sound we experienced tonight, this was certainly not for the faint hearted.

Supporting Interlock were three bands, all products and the showcase Thursday slots. Openers 'CENTRE OF ERUPTION' were a little out of their depth not quite ready for the big stage I felt. Apart from a good instrumental towards the end of their set, it was all a bit disjointed.

No such worries afforded UNCLASSIFIED who put in a most stupendous set. A change of personnel has reinvigorated this alternative metal band and they thrived here tonight. The marvellous 'Through your Words' enraptured my ears and is closely followed by 'Still Alive' and 'Hide and Seek', both excellently performed.

A local band to look out for in 2006 has to be EX NIHILO, a fascinating band name (apparently it's Latin, meaning 'Out of Nothing') and all members appear confident and assured. 'Go Out Screaming' possess the utmost power and although it's a song Ex Nihilo like to open with, tonight it has a mid-table position. New song 'Epistemic Distance' causes a few self-confessed problems for vocalist Jake Bolland (don't worry, we didn't notice!) whilst the stoner metal shout of 'Outta my Head' seems to be a real fans favourite. Only a broken drum pedal during the latter part of the set holds up an excellent performance by Ex Nihilo.