The Bedford Athletic Rugby Club Wentworth drive, Putnoe Bedford. Friday 2nd December 2005.
HeKz, Paroxysm, Fell Silent, The Enigma.
Second Semi
Tonight was only my second visit to the Bedford Metal Battle Of The Bands competition. The last time was on August Bank Holiday Monday, when the competition was in its infancy, however I have been keeping close tabs on the contest from numerous sources. It has only been Esquires commitments that has prevented me from attending more. However, tonight I'm here! A forty-five minute walk and I arrive to catch the short and precise sound check. A brilliant innovation is the big T.V. screen by the stage, which gives me the chance to catch up on last week's first semi final heat. The crowd builds up steadily and we await the first band HEKZ - (Heat 7 Winners), who have brought a sizable contingent from Milton Keynes/Barton. Although hindered by an early technical mishap (a broken drum pedal) The lead singer fills the gap by doing a bit of Peter Kay like stand up comedy, I'm sure he must of opened his Christmas crackers a few weeks early. The set has the mosh pit heaving, as firstly the HeKz guitarist is carried backwards off the stage by their adoring fans and then hoisted head high all the time still playing! I got vertigo just watching it! The final act was for the lead singer to remove his clothes and just continue to play in his boxer shorts! The set had both modern and classic rock in its infantry and witnessing HeKz, I was very impressed by this very young band.
On my last visit here I caught PAROXYSM - (Heat 2 Winners), set and due to heat winners Summerfall not taking their place in the semi final, on points scored Paroxysm came in at the last minute. I found their Trivium influenced set exceptional and with the added bonus of watching every angle covered on the big screen, was mightily impressed.
FELL SILENT - (Heat 5 Winners),are a band that I have seen on numerous occasions this year and I am still in awe as to how powerful and hammering they are! The lead singer has such a mesmerising stage demeanour and his constant swigging from his water bottle is richly deserved. With their God Forbid sound, the chill-out room gets used by the crowd for a few seconds before the moshers get active again!
Before final band THE ENIGMA - (Heat 2 Winners),enter the stage. I thought to myself 'What organisation and planning has gone into the running of this event. I look around to see no little Hitler's with their Day-Glo Bed-Safe jackets on!
Everything is so nice and relaxed and even little Will who has come to support the Enigma is treated with respect instead of contempt. (Esq. the week before).
The Enigma have some hard acts to follow, but with 'Bullet For My Valentine' sound, they certainly do the business, although tonight it's HeKz and Fell Silent who are the two bands who qualify for next weeks Grand Final. The whole evening has been a real pleasure and I look forward to being here for the Final.
The only thing I would complain about is the red stamp that was put on my hand at the start of the evening, it's a bloody nightmare to remove!
Review by Martin Stapleton www.bedfordmetal.co.uk