The Bedford Athletic Rugby Club Wentworth drive, Putnoe Bedford. Friday 4th November 2005.
HeKz, Necrosis, Tinitus, Machinate.
Heat 7
HEKZ With a 13 to 15 age range and with classic metal influences like Maiden, Priest and Helloween, I had an idea that these guys would be good. It no longer surprises me that young bands can demonstrate a huge amount of talent, but I have to admit I still didn't know that they would be 'That' good. They had a vocalist that chatted with the crowd, which showed he was confident and received good crowd participation and was a really good front man. I couldn't hear the vocals sometimes but for the main part they were delivered in an operatic metal style somewhat similar to Bruce Dickinson or the band Falconer. The crowd were going for it from the very start of the gig. They gave us an Iron Maiden cover with 'Fear Of The Dark' - now you have to be good if you can cover Maiden! I noticed the guitarist wiggling his finger slightly on the fretboard and making a fantastic sound while he played and it seemed that there were a lot of people in the air during this gig, including the bass player, who was held aloft, at some point during their set.
NECROSIS - This band were formed 2003. From their local pub in Rushden, with brutally heavy influences from Carcass, Fear Factory, and Pantera. They had extremely good confident deep vocals, with a lot of growling, sounding at times like Satan's coffey percolator. The crowd were not exactly standing still either. The floor was a vibrant pit of movement from all fans from the bands on tonight. The stage had two vocals pacing around it to lend some vocal range and diversity slightly, although the growling heaviness was the mainstay. It seemed that a lot of people were being carried in the air during this gig also, which added to a great atmosphere.
The band also have a gig coming up at the Attic (216 Wellingborough Rd. Rushden) on the 26th Nov 05.
No strangers to Bedford or indeed to the Rugby Club venue TINITUS , were up next. They have an explosive drummer who hits those skins with gritted teeth ferocity while thrashing out their set comprising their influences of Megadeth, Metallica, Mercifull Fete, and perhaps a touch of Children Of Bodem. Its like a no nonsense sound of well played aggression with their obligatory Diamondhead cover 'Am I Evil' done with the usual well played flair.
Formally Desolate from MK MACHINATE are a death metal Aggressive modern thrash /brutecore outfit, with melodic edges in to the mix. They displayed some amazing guitar work from their early Metallica T -shirt clad rather tall guitarist. They had some confident barking vocals with a good range as well from their singer that just seemed to ooze a certain charm while taking over the stage, I noticed that between the growling there was some pretty good singing on the not so growling parts, which if it is going to sound that good then I think it should be used just a bit more in order to add some variation without compromising their sound. I quite liked this band and would make the effort to go and see them live again.
After the bands and before the judges score was announced the audience were ushered out the back and on to the outside veranda where on the rugby pitch a massive box was lit and a firework display added to the entertainment. - 'Now you don't get that at other venues'!
Review by Keith www.bedfordmetal.co.uk