BEDFORD METAL BATTLE OF THE BANDS 07

 

The Bedford Athletic Rugby Club (The Ath.) Bedford. Friday 2nd November 2007.

Deviance, The Ramblers, Streetsleeper, Slave To Nature.

Semi Final 1. Winnes - Streetsleeper and Slave To Nature.

Semi Final 1

It was supposed to be a four band heat but with too many bands needing the second date, it left an imbalance of 5 bands for heat two and only three for heat one. The choice therefore was to resurrect two bands that came very close to getting through on previous heats and we thought deserved to be in with a second chance; - even so, one of those bands (Black Reverence) pulled out at even shorter notice. The bands on this semi final were mainly from the surrounding areas of Bedford, but there was a good to see crowd of our hardcore Ath. venue regulars rather than individual band supporters.

DEVIANCE from Biggleswade was our choice return, giving us a great opening act of class rock. Their AC/DC cover is really well performed and they have an original sound of traditional metal band vocals. I'm guessing the singer and drummer are brothers (same sir name). These guys are really cool people and deserve more gigs in Bedford to facilitate their professional approach to their band.

From Ampthil/Flitwick way and no strangers to Bedford THE RAMBLERS were up next and have gained a Bedford following which I predicted after first seeing them at one of their early home turf gigs. The Ramblers can put on a cracking performance when they have a good crowd to play to but tend to bomb a bit when they don't; fortunately this particular gig gave them a warm responsive audience and because they pulled out all the stops (and accordions and tin whistles) they gave us one of their best gigs. Their last song with the use of the tin whistle I thought was superb and full of Gaelic charm. You have to admit - not every band is doing what they are doing, making them the most original bands on the night.

STREETSLEEPER are a band that I would not bat an eyelid of surprise if I was to hear they were going to be signed. They are a band that's so tight and rolls along to a great professional sound instantly enjoyable to anyone in the same room and that would go for anyone who had not seen them before also.
I agreed and appreciated the singers talk to the crowd about appreciating the venue and what this town has for live music in Bedford. Quite a few people commented that they really liked this band.

A gig for the bus bringers next and a pure slice of heavy metal with SLAVE TO NATURE who have been playing The Bedford Metal stage since we started putting on gigs. They have developed quite a bit over the years with new members and a widely increasing gig schedule. Their fans were certainly up for this band and there were a few sing along parts to their songs also. A cover of 'Beat It' which was famously covered my Michael Jackson was belted out. The new guitarist was doing some great finger gymnastics on his guitar making me feel as though I was missing their acrobatic guitar work duets they used to do as part of their gigs. - A great metal performance. Each band got a token prize for getting this far (bet other BOTB's don't do that!) and two bands go through to the final - Slaves and Streetsleeper so well done to them.

Deviance

The Ramblers

Streetsleeper

Slave To Nature


For more photos of this gig see 'Gig photos' button at top.

Keith www.bedfordmetal.co.uk