Hacktivist, The Algorithm, The Projectionist.

Bedford Esquires Lev 2 Sunday 8th December 2013.

Sunday is traditionally meant to be the day of rest, but tonight is something most definitely not the norm. Promoters The Pad Presents dip their ever so delicate indie toes into the shark-infested waters of metal. A good sized turnout are showing their support for HACKTIVIST and it does look as though many have travelled a few miles for this gig. These visiting hordes turn, what many may perceive as a mere gig, into a genuine sense of occasion. Metal in Bedford needs this welcome shot in its fist pumping arm. Touring bands of this stature create real interest are are sorely needed.

From Milton Keynes, Hacktivist were formed when vocalist Ben Marvin and Timfy James (guitar, vocals, electronics) split from MK groove metallers Heart Of A Coward. They were further enhanced when grimester J Hurley did a dubstep version of a HOAC song. The rest, as they say, is history. The trio were then joined by Josh Gurner (a familiar face at Esquires with his other band Sacred Mother Tongue) and sticksman Rich. Hacktivist have had a busy and eventful 2013. Indeed they arrive here fresh from the recent Warped tour. Rap and metal have of course been unlikely bedfellows since the eighties. This band try to go one step further with the varied addition of djent and grime. Kerrang magazine, I feel, have invented the proper handle for this project by calling it 'proghop'. Much like Enter Shikari, Hacktivist are fiercely pro-political in their lyrical output. They are supporters of Anonymous (demonstrators who wear V For Vendetta masks and were at last year's Occupy Wall St). It's heartening to know that some bands are still using their influential position to champion the underdogs and disadvantaged in our society.

The five piece hyperactively attack the stage and immediately tell us what they want us to do; "Bedford put your hands in the air". Everyone does before we are given our second, more brutal, command with "Bedford tear this f**kin' room apart right now!". Thankfully everyone does, metaphorically I may add. The band are so loyal to their own huge local fan base and ask for a "big up" to everyone who has travelled from MK. They strike hard from the off. "Blades" is an instant jackhammer blow with searing words "never give up, we're not gonna stop". It features on the band's self-titled and self-released debut EP album which, now re-released, received a commendable KKKK in Kerrang. The first of two new songs, "False idols", is then showcased. Hacktivist demand a circle pit for this particular song.

Judging by this, my first sighting of these lively individuals, they cannot be accused of lacking progressive thinking. OK, so they haven't reinvented the (metal) wheel, but it is refreshing to see and hear something just a teensy weensy bit different as far as this genre is concerned. Traditionalists will obviously scoff and raise some eyebrows. That is their problem and they will get over it. Hacktivist have done a cover of "N****s in paradise" (by Kanye West and Jay Z), which the crowd take an immediate liking to. I'm sure even those two much revered rap stars would say "Yeezus" to this version. The band preach to their disciples at this former chapel. "Bounce to the ceiling" they shout and hands are raised skywards. Hacktivist seize their opportunity. They know they are winning and mock the crowd (in a nice way) with "OK Bedford are you still alive?". They save their best for last with "Unlike us". This standout track from their album is full of spleen-venting venom from our "bad boy lyricist". "There is no hit and miss". Thankfully there are no scuffles or rucks tonight, because when this lot perform "fights break out because of us". Peace rules tonight, along with Hacktivist's qualities, namely belligerance, brawn and plenty of brains.

Of our two support bands on show, it is the performance of Peterborough's THE PROJECTIONIST that garners my interest the most. Their tall and angular frontman Lee cuts an imposing stance as he viciously unleashes each song with unrelenting intensity. Their resulting sound harks back to the late eighties hardcore scene, reminding some of us of bands such as Extreme Noise Terror. Some of the more dramatic and slower parts sound like slightly speeded up doom. Is that possible? The bad appear confident and happy to be here, admitting quite openly that "this is the biggest crowd we have ever played to"! They also use their humour to dismantle the feeble efforts of a half-hearted covers band who hurt the ears of this reviewer in Danny's Bar just a few hours earlier. Two songs do stand out. Firstly, "Irrevocable sense of repulsion" and then "Meat parade" which features a video on YouTube. The Projectionist currently have an EP out and they perform a track from it called "Now you have lost them all". A harrowing true story that is the highlight of "Now It's Time To Carve The Pigs" (their bacon slicing EP). What a title lads. Good stuff.

Following are the much vaunted THE ALGORITHM . Electronica is fused dramatically with a French vocal guitarist and a whirlwind drummer. I do seem to be in the minority because the crowd reaction is somewhat amazing with camera phones flashing constantly. Most people's attention is taken by the sticksman who, I admit, did offer a technical masterclass! However, for this ageing and slightly grumpy reviewer, this is as about as predictable as the common cold that I think I am developing. These are for the skilled musical operators only. I'm not.