Will Haven, The Miramar Disaster, Scar My Eyes, Vs Akira.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 17th November 2007.

The dying embers of Bedford's once thriving metal scene was sadly witnessed this evening as American rock legends WILL HAVEN played in front of a passionless and near deserted Level 2 audience. The question is, where has it gone wrong? If a band of this huge stature can't fill the place, what do the local metal fans essentially want? I concede that London is very close and we are so near other major towns and cities, but only £8 a ticket for Will Haven in your own backyard! In fact, very few people here tonight appear to be locally based.

First band are Vs AKIRA. Oh dear. What can I say about this appalling 'shouty' racket?! A set of broken strings and a vocalist who, whenever he comes to Esquires, seems to be suffering from some sort of ailment. Tonight it's a sore throat. Thankfully the end soon arrives!

SCAR MY EYES, also like Vs Akira employ a mosh pit vocalist (well there is plenty of room!) which rather grates on my nerves. Lads, what is wrong with the stage? This band are in the studio during January to record their new EP, which they announce tonight. While of the set, it had to be "Contradiction" that hold my attention the most.

THE MIRAMAR DISASTER are a band full of bearded gentlemen who provide us with huge powerful instrumental metal. This being the final night of the tour the band are in party mode and they royally entertain.

As mentioned, it's a poor attendance, but WILL HAVEN are awesome. All the way from Sacramento USA, this is a band who thrive on their indomitable live shows. A legendary quartet who made their comeback last year, still perhaps existing on their "El Diablo" album. Their decibel power exceeds ear-bursting level. It's raucous rock with a punk edge, but it desperately need a heaving sweaty mosh pit to fuel their all out aggression, and unfortunately the tepid turn out do not measure up. Will Haven try so hard, but ultimately it's not a night to remember.