Bedford Alternative Music Presents: Ex-Nihilo (Last Show), Ascension, Aghast, The Prophecy True.

Bedford Esquires Lev 2 Friday 19th February 2010.

Photos and Videos (c)Bedford Alternative Music 2010.

It was THE PROPHECY TRUE who kicked off the night of metal behemoths in battle tonight, from Bourne in Peterborough The undiscovered country whose bourn no traveller returns. I remember a few years ago Friday nights were full of this style of band taking you in to the weekend. Giving a younger band a chance on this night of brutal metal, with more guests than paying fans it was still an enjoyable band and good to get them from their home base. Vocal duties were shared between main vocalist and singer guitarist. There was also a guest singer at one point to help on vocals.
Their style has screamo styled singing with other ranged vocals in addition, adding harmonies to the heaviness. Their bassist moved around in style with flowing hair swaying with a true metal band style. Both melodic and heavy combined a youthful talent of energetic flair.

Guaranteed a great live show AGHAST blasted some heavyweight songs at full pelt hitting the ground running. Party balloons left over from the previous weeks 60th Birthday event were soon demolished. I think the other bands on after were looking forward to doing that themselves!
Dont ask me what their songs are about I couldnt distinguish a fucking word, instead - relying on the vocal sounds to form the bands hardcore hard hitting noise. Admittedly perhaps a bit too heavy for my tastes, they do however take the people in the building and swirl them in to activity. Good to see them enjoying them selves on stage while playing hard, their bassist seems to smile throughout between brutal poses on stage, while their drummer excels a brilliant pace, defiantly music to strangle dogs to!

ASCENSION next with their C.D. un launch not quite organised as a band to have them ready for their big night. Live though, is the place to nab them. Faultless drumming throughout, he even came out to take on some vocals at one point where the band seemed to take on a supergroup mode with Phil from Ex-Nihilo adding shared vocals (both reading the words Karaoke style). Ascension have come on leaps and bounds. Their drums and guitars always being spot on with their late addition bassist now noticeably well in full stride, climbing blocks, adding shapes and metal star poses throughout and definitely looking the part. Their singer had evolved in to a consummate front man also, not necessarily my favourite vocal style which garishly clashes in some songs but exudes energetic levels of performance throughout.

The last ever EX-NIHILO show, a band already split to go their separate ways (all the best chaps, fine fellows all of you). They wanted to make their last ever show a Bedford Alternative Music one and end it in style. Their first lead singer was also in attendance to see the nostalgic final show. A drunken blur of guitar, atmospheric bass, intense and intelligent drumming adding to the anthem like tunes and well honed vocals adding an amazing range and singing quality. They had a guest drummer at one point and they now have a replacement bassist who I know from previous bands and was glad to see on the night, playing particularly well. Hard to believe my favourite song Save My World was being played for the last time. A great band to end a top night of metal. Staying in and pressing the attending button on face book is no match from actually attending, even the if were not playing we are not staying brigade of Elements Of Refusal originally booked missed a great show.