SKREAMER
with Driven, Bong Goblin.

Bedford Esquires Lev 2 Friday 15th February 2013.

Bravo! Amazingly we have a metal gig at Esquires. Despite the continued and sterling efforts of BAM, who have and always will champion and support this genre of music, metal seems to get very limited exposure here. Considering the potential fanbase and the festivals that always draw big support, it may be seen as a bit of an oversight at Bedford's premier music venue. Sadly, because of this irregularity, tonight doesn't attract a huge turnout here in Holy Moly's. Those who are here seem to enjoy it totally. This is a night of metal mayhem. It's not for the faint hearted as, courtesy of the brilliant sound from Mash, there is an ear bruising full on feel throughout.
Headlining are SKREAMER . They are a four piece who are based in North London. Keen, energetic and genuinely nice people. They are a total credit and tell of enjoying the challenge to just get on the road and play. They are very proud to be playing at Esquires. They more than prove it, literally bursting at the seams with and aggressive potency. Classy and confident, taut and tight throughout. "Victim" encourages a fearsome and repetitive singalong of "we Are The Victim", a chorus which bombards incessantly. Skreamer exude a pit bull snarl and a constant intensity that fuels an edge to the band's dynamic. Variation does occur with Opia, guest female vocals offering something so different and it works well with the rest of the set. Also helping Skreamer out is Adam from Driven as "Stop Your Bitchin'" roars out from the stge. A ballistic intro gets our immediate attention to the instrumental "Flesh And Blood". Skreamer ooze and pour us a metallic thumpathon. Although not packed, the Londoners pitch their view of the proceedings, telling it straight. We are thus: "a small audience with a lot of bollox" (in a good way)! The band teases us that there is to be a "surprise" amongst the latter part of the set. Nothing materialises unless you count a cheesy and shameless cover of The Power Rangers theme tune, which proves that humour is a big part of our visitors make up. At the end of February, Skreamer release their debut album "Blackened Earth". They are so excited about this imminent arrival. As they voice their goodbyes, I feel that they are actually surprised to be greeted with so many loud shouts of "more, more". Their reply is to go out in a blaze of glory with a cover of Pantera's "Domination".

Supporting Skreamer on their current touring dates are DRIVEN . They hail from Harrow and are led by the larger than life, shaven headed Adam. A warmness soon emanates. Seeing that the dance area is too small for his liking, he sets about rectifying the situation, defiantly stating "We ain't playing till I see some heads on here"! One by one people follow his command. Close contact with the locals has been made. Heavy, brutal and melodic in equal measure, "Uproar" is "about the world and how shit it is, even December 21st didn't happen"! "In search of" hints at identity, what is our life's aim; "Who or whatever you wanna be, a dustman maybe?"! Driven do "love life", but sometimes they can pen compositions about "wanting to kill their enemies". They mix and match their set and include songs from their recent "Driven EP". They also feature "Part 2" from their forthcoming album. With a mischievous grin, Adam explains that being in a band gives you the chance to "misbehave". This includes cajoling the crowd into performing a snakey metal conga dance on "Asylum". Everybody takes it in good spirits. Driven made plenty of friends here tonight with most people soaking in sweat at the close.

BONG GOBLIN (great name) are a trio who offer extreme punk with some frenetic and attitude laden hardcore. An exuberant drummer, a cool, laid back guitarist and a savagely screaming vocalist who explores various parts of the room. He is constantly on the move and very much the focal point of the band. With no silly time wasting nonsense, they confidently focus on the job in hand in a much admired way. Concentrating on a short sharp and spiky set, they impressed me from start to finish. A top night and if you happen to be driving the UK motorways, keep a keen lookout for a large white van with the distinctive name of Skreamer emblazoned on the side. This hirsute quartet will no doubt be heading to yet another gig!