The Bedford Athletic Rugby Club Wentworth drive, Putnoe Bedford. Friday 1st December 2006.
Firetype, Helminthian, Unclassified, Attika, Dryad.
Second Semi Final Heat
Well done to ALL the bands that have come this far, the first of our five bands FIRETYPE from Milton Keynes and doing well in their home BOTB, genre hoppers of the first degree, predominantly straight rock with a detection of indy thrown in.
There was a burst of action right from the start with Firetype producing their such a 'together' sound, their singer seeming to enjoy his front man roll on stage with his vocals that are just so smooth and flowing making you easily able to warm to this band.
They undeniably utilize a good range of movement with a musical break for a barbershop style 'vocal only' section on one song.
Its good when a band that gets through don't just re hash their previous set, so it was pleasing that they gave us 3 actual new songs for their set, which included a vote with the crowd for song to go out on This band were one of my favourites for winning this round. They have great potential.
HELMINTHIAN were so with it this time, opening with an atmospheric start with keyboards. Their origional singer/guitarist seemed to have a good share on vocals this time round for a well sung more melodic early song.
they have a very technical, melodic and heavy sound, with lots of subtle sounds coming through and it was good to see the band and crowd putting everything in to it; there was such a difference from their last performance.
If they had played the same as their previous gig then the other bands would have sailed over them performance wise , having got this far the bands seem to realise that it has now got to be taken up a notch. This they did, although I can never find fault in the uncompromisingly consistent professional drumming skill level with its own unique individual flare.
After the breathtaking performance of the previous band there was a bit of a break in floor crowd for UNCLASSIFIED, perhaps still finding their own identity, with even some of their ex players watching in the crowd.
They use a barking hard-core vocal style, with just those arm flaying windmilling moshers to complete their image.
They have some noticeably tight drumming to their thunderously heavy sound, with a lot of jumping around on stage and loads of poses, movements and good use of the stage. Their cap and hoody wearing ex 'Ex-Nihilo' front man giving his all to what was perhaps not the best crowd reaction. I'm sure this will all come together with more experience of playing together, once their line-up is established. A special mention to a few members of this band who have throughout the competition come to show their support at many of the Bedford Metal gigs at the Ath. ATTIKA are such a fun band to watch on stage and always, such a good crowd interaction from the welcome Luton massive.
They employ a good range and use of sound from the guitars and are able to pull out great lil riffs, producing their sleazy RnR, thrash sound.
There are some jiggy skippy lil beats to some of the songs, underpinned with some quite stunning and well played drumming. Towards the end of their set the band turned a bit 50's rock n roll, rounding things off well and creating a good get on down party vibe. Speaking of which
Happy birthday to the drummer Adam's mum.
DRYAD drawing the longest straw to play last and waiting all this while from winning their first heat back on the BOTB opening show in August when it all kicked off demonstrated their well-oiled precision timed tight sound. Arena rock metal complete with some 'old school' - fucking hate that term, lets say traditional style metal with extremely well done vocals in a 'scream for me' style added operatic screams.
They are a band that formed in college and influences range from Maiden, Metallica, Lost Horizon, Power Quest and Primal Fear. Undeniably quite Judas Priest in style and all totally top musicians, providing non-stop movement and thrown devil horns up front.
Keith www.bedfordmetal.co.uk