HELMINTHIAN, with PAROXYSM, SLAVE TO NATURE and UNCLASSIFIED.

The Beds Ath. Wentworth Drive Putnoe Bedford.

Friday 24th February 2006.

I was quite proud of this line-up, which was the first, all to be chosen by myself for Bedford Metal, apart from when it was my birthday last year and showcased two relatively new young bands to give them a chance on the scene (without feeling the need to listen to any demos . 'Lets see what they are like live') along with a more practiced and established act from M.K. and Bedford, making a good formula I think, for a Bedford Metal gig line-up.

The first of the young bands was 'UNCLASSIFIED' who are due to play a Bedford Metal Showcase gig at Lev.1 Esquires 6th Apr 06.
Not easy to open and nervous at first, they started to get in to their stride as the set wore on. Obvious S.O.A.D. fans sporting System T-shirts and some covers as well. The second System cover was from the more recent album, which was a good and a rarer choice to see and seemed to be done better than the first. The vocals were a little out of tune in places and couldn't quite carry it off in some areas. I suppose the trouble with covers is that you know how it is supposed to sound!
Their own material sounded much more practiced in certain areas, especially the vocals, where everything was put in to it and making a real good effort, just needing tightening up and keeping in tune and with a bit more, may I recommend, 'movement on stage' would also be welcome to make them appear less static. They had some good material, and well played instrumentation and with a bit more practice and gig opportunities, there would be even more improvement to their already enjoyable set.

Quite an amazing start to this next band 'SLAVE TO NATURE'. They certainly got a large cheer when it was announced they were on next! They continued with their well-honed sound throughout the set and had a very metal sound. One of the youngest players on our stage so far was the bassist of this band, well he was just amazing, not only playing extremely well but putting on a performance as well, by walking to various areas of the stage, playing a bass pose, then walking to another part of the set.
The 'Slipknot' hoody clad singer didn't put a great deal of power in to the vocals but there was an over all origional sound with slight S.O.A.D. overtones to some of their tracks like 'When Eternity Dies'.
There was a driving beat from their 'Trivium' clad drummer and some cheering interaction to the crowd. For a new young band that I haven't seen before I was very impressed and totally enjoyed their gig. Their merchandise sold well also, with help from a band member's lil bro, who also helped out on the stage smoke effects. (A band to bring back I think!).

The night seemed to change pace with the crowd stirring more to the next band 'PAROXYSM' an enthusiastic band with some new songs written and demonstrated here at the Ath. I thought there was a 'Slayer' like opening to one of the first songs. It was good to see their singer was able to enjoy the stage performance with out having to be incumberated with an instrument to play, meaning he could put more in to it. Looking the part in his cool 'Opeth' T-shirt, but white trainers? More volume on vocals needed at times but a solid act and good to see him interacting with the crowd as well. The death growly vocals were sung with confidence, to this, their third Beds. Ath. gig and not a BOTB gig this time so seeming to enjoy their set more.
The mosh pit intensified for this band, who were one of two bands doing the same 'Machine Head' cover on the night. It was a good rendition and helped to break up their no let up, no compromise, no mercy hardened sound.
I'm quite proud of this band I'm surprised they don't have more supporters, having first seen them in their native Milton Keynes city I got them introduced to the Bedford scene and are now supporting Mendeed at Esquires April 1st 2006.

Here's the one we have all been waiting for 'HELMINTHIAN' unless you caught them at The Paddington on their jam/practice sessions, this was their first proper gig with the new line-up at the Beds. Ath.
They took advantage of the headlining slot well and got a good crowd reaction and gave a good crowd interaction and banter in return. The singer just went for it, got in to his stride in no time and put in a good performance, moving well and taking advantage of the stage space well. Employing a style of growled vocals, death style but Helminthian have a melodic side as well, with well-played bass work and good tunes to work with, infused with delicate drumming and mixed with thunderous beats showing skill.
I think my only complaint would be the unusual glaring gaps which appeared in between some of the songs, perhaps just a bit of tightening up there? One of their songs was announced as "The fastest song ever" and shot off like a bar room brawl aboard a derailed down hill train.

Keith www.bedfordmetal.co.uk