BEDFORD METAL PRESENTS:
HeKz, Fell Silent, Self Inflicted, Aortic Dissection.
FRIDAY 26th January 2007.
The Ath. (Beds Ath. Rugby Club) Wentworth drive Putnoe Bedford.
Links To Gig Photos (c)Nikki Ryan. / AorticDissection1 / AorticDissection2 / AorticDissection3 / AorticDissection4 / AorticDissection5
I'm hotly tipping AORTIC DISSECTION for being more well known on the local scene, they have a responsible attitude and now up to their third name change from Stillborn, Severance (Lamb Of God if you include our Stars In Their Eyes fun cover gig we did) and now to a new name that doesn't share with many other same named bands which was their reason for the changes. They now have a new lead singer in the capable hands of Slave To Natures guitarist adding a versatile addition to the band.
Their main guitarist always looks so peaceful when playing, while concentrating on the precision to the heavy melodic skilful sound. They certainly deserve more gig offers.
Links To Gig Photos (c)Nikki Ryan. / SelfInflicted1 / SelfInflicted2 / SelfInflicted3 / SelfInflicted4
First time to The Ath. and I can honestly say SELF INFLICTED went down a storm, they were loved by the crowd and the band admitted afterwards that they had enjoyed playing for such a responsive up for it crowd. Their lovely female lead singer putting everything in to it. A band with a full-on energy sound, well practiced and experienced in putting on a seriously good show.
Links To Gig Photos (c)Nikki Ryan. / FellSilent1 / FellSilent2 / FellSilent3 / FellSilent4 / FellSilent5 / FellSilent6 / FellSilent7
With a much bigger crowd and cheer for HeKz when the bands on the bill were called out, it was decided to let them headline, giving the fans what they want, with the next band happy to oblige. Next up was the long awaited return of FELL SILENT winners of the first Bedford Metal Battle Of The Bands. They appeared to have improved even more this time round and like the first band, also had a competent guitarist in another band just doing the vocals in the added line-up. It would be difficult to do anything to improve the great guitar sound they have, which is accompanied by the trademark raucous barking like vocals and you can always expect a heavy mosh pit at their shows as indeed we did have here.
Links To Gig Photos (c)Nikki Ryan. / HeKz1 / HeKz2 / HeKz3 / HeKz4
Before HEKZ leapt to the stage their front man had to rush back to the equipment room for something he'd forgotten. I swayed the crowd and held the door, expecting something big like an amp to pass through. Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be a pair of bright pink fluffy leggings to be worn on stage. Well we have seen their drummer with a floral garland and youngest guitarist in colourful boxer shorts before now. Just waiting for the other guitarist's turn to sport something wacky at a next gig? Great crowd interaction, tunes, skilful playing, movement on stage (and off), everything you expect at a HeKz gig, back at their home 'The Beds Ath' for another amazing gig. Always incorporating something new in the song writing dept. I was intrigued to find out what on the set list 'Danny's Song' would be, you probably wouldn't believe it if you were not there and you missed a great night if you were not, but the surprise new song out of the hat was Deep Purples 'Smoke On The Water' with (and I kid you not) their young guitarist on guitar and. Wait for it Kazoo also.
At one point during the set the gig was interupted by a taxi driver asking for his fare! I guess that was planned by HeKz right? as part of their set, - well he was well rehearsed, I think he will have to come back as part of the set on their next gig (on second thoughts)
'Sword Of Damocles', 'Exodus' and other classics were enjoyed, sung to and moshed to during a memorable hugely enjoyed set. HeKz HeKz HeKz HeKz
The evening was nicely rounded off with a buzy rave on the dance floor which worked really well and so much more preferable than having a club bouncer come up to you asking you to leave as soon as the gig is over!
Keith www.bedfordmetal.co.uk