IN REMISSION.

ARCANE. They have rapidly made strides, or should I say that the vocalist has because their last visit was his first appearance with the band. Stoked up for a party, they instantly demand that the crowd move much closer by crudely shouting "come here you little f**kers"! A charming greeting, but it does bring an instant smile to my face. With everyone now rearranged perfectly, these modern punksters begin with "Mama, I Saw A Murder". This five piece also reveal that from tonight they are changing the band name to Yellowknife Bay. It doesn't roll off the tongue so swiftly though. Technical issues dog parts of the set and sometimes they are "just waiting for Callum". Arcane pour plenty of energy into their set. They slam dunk "The Other Side" and add a deft caress to "So Safe". A slight shimmy occurs on "Where You Going", but they do have a seismic explosion with "Deadly American Blues". It's a new song and my favourite of the set.

IN ARCHIVES offer up some brutal cyclical rhythms. It's vibrant metalcore and both band and crowd unite and feed off each other. A mosh pit gathers pace early on and IA are truly humble to see it assemble, adding "Thanks for your energy Bedford, you're great!". IA hollered and pummelled to their hearts' content in their inimitably abrasive style. They all flexed their sinewy sonic muscles, levering out some awesome tunes along the way. In fact, it's rather difficult to take your eyes off the frontman as he throws histrionic word bombs out with all the grace of a man possessed. There is no doubt that what is in his head needs to be brought out. He's the supercharged 'star player' of the night and I think that all the moshers might just agree.

Metal of a calmer nature occurs when

BROKEN CONSCIENCE take their places. They are a four piece and the frontman is proudly wearing an In Archives vest. His voice is very melodic but is at odds with the backing vocals provided by a colleague. They enjoy themselves immeasurably when covering Linkin Park's "One Step Closer". Their next song invokes a comment of "this one makes you want to mosh!". Really? I think it is possibly a tad slow to exercise one's limbs to, unlike "Creature Of Hate" which is going to be the title track of their new record. Broken Conscience are so confident that this is a real 'banger' that they don't even bother asking for a circle pit, they just make the relevant gesture. Their last song sums up the evening perfectly for about fifty percent of the crowd as it's "Together We Stand, Together We Fall". Well, moshing is sometimes a hazardous activity and some do take a tumble.

Headlining are the most experienced band on show,

IN REMISSION. They are a progressive hard rocking ensemble. I know it's a hoary old chestnut, but I still find their name slightly unsettling. The most technically adept and assured band, their choreographed moves make for good visual stage presence. The vocalist has all the appropriate posturings and poses, while on "Fractions" he ventures further from the stage. "Hindsight" is also worthy of mention. It's all ruthless and precise and is allied to some jittery dynamics, all executed with such single minded intelligence. In Remission inform us that they are going into the studio in May to "lay down some tracks". A well deserved encore sees our magnificent and whole-hearted crowd raise their arms in triumph. I must also make mention of the kindred spirit between all the bands tonight. It was so evident to witness as they all thoroughly contributed to this bone rattling night.

Arcane Vid

In Archives Vid

Broken Conscience 1 Vid

Broken Conscience 2 Vid

In Remission Vid