NOVACAINE, with SON OF A GUN, SCAR MY EYES, and PERFEST CRIME.

The Beds Ath. Wentworth Drive Putnoe Bedford.

Friday 05th May 2006.

by Matt.

Despite being plagued by technical problems, Bedford Metal once again managed to deliver a night of solid and varied rock. A PERFECT CRIME took to the stage to open the night. The band, who label themselves as Progressive Emo, sound like the kind of bands that seem to be dominating the pages of Kerrang at the minute, so fans of Aiden, Hawthorne Heights and God Forbid can't go wrong here!
The frontman demonstrated not only his remarkable prowess on the guitar, but also his vocal ability, belting out melodic, yet at times aggressive vocals. A tight performance by each member of the band, one I wouldn't mind seeing again.
(A Perfect Crime).

Those of you who can still remember as far back as last December may recognize the name of this next band, who were scheduled to play the New Bands Final but were unable to perform. Coming all the way from Royston (don't pretend you haven't heard of it ;P) are SCAR MY EYES. I'd heard this band before through My Space and was more than impressed by their performance! Sounding like the bastard offspring of Pantera and Atreyu, these guys delivered a mix of intense groove thrash and racing modern metalcore. Sporting the greatest mike stand ever conceived by man, vocalist Mark Lewis' screams make Linda Blair sound like a nursery rhyme!
I was extremely happy that "Prayer" was included in the band's set, a personal favorite of mine. A solid band, be sure to check them out if you're headed to the Rhythms of the World festival in July!
(Scar My Eyes).

MK big-shots SON OF A GUN storm are the next to storm the stage. Somewhat of a super group, featuring former members of MK bands Machinate and Desperate Cycle. With riffs that hit you like a (primal) concrete sledge and choruses more infectious than H5N1, SOAG bridge the gap between classic and modern rock, sounding like an AC/DC for a new millennium. Jason Craig's vocals are slightly reminiscent of Scott Weiland's, gritty yet melodic at the same time. The expertly crafted riff's of Simon Paul are giving the perfect backing in the form of Will James' pulsating bass lines and Bobby "Beef" Raymond's jackhammer drumming. On stage the band certainly show no fear, as Jason leaps around like a possessed crack addict and Simon shows why he IS the next Slash. Fans of AC/DC, Guns 'n' Roses and Velvet Revolver - you must hear this band now!
(Son Of A Gun).

NOVACAINE take to the stage to bring the night to a close. This band is similar in style to the opening band, but with less focus on being heavy and fast, demonstrating their maturity with intricate guitar passages, tasty bass work and precise drumming. Singer Mark shows off an impressive range, being able to go from melodic singing to vicious, scathing screaming. To understate the other members would be a crime, as each member shows confident mastery of their chosen instrument. Unfortunately, by the time Novacaine came to play many people had left, but nonetheless they made the most of the crowd who remained, who were small but appreciative. All in all, another great night at the Ath, and I'm sure those who came would agree.
(Novacaine)

Review by Matt Young (from HeKz). www.bedfordmetal.co.uk