ALTERICA
Friday 28th February 2003, Bedford Liz n Ed's Music Venue.


Probably one of the heaviest bands to hit this venue on their Friday rock nights 'Alterica' blasted their sound to a small-subdued audience. It was free to get in, no age/dress restrictions or bouncers on the door for these Friday gigs, it was a relaxed atmosphere, I think Bedford people haven't got used to the venue yet. You certainly couldn't blame the band who thrashed out a good performance. They have a kind of Sepultura/ Pantera/Metallica feel, with slight nu-metal tones also - but sounding unique with their own sound blended in.
Their set included quite a few early Metallica covers. I heard the first few bars of Pulling Teeth from Kill em All, and I was hoping it wasn't just going to be a few fun chords between songs, so I was happy when they played a fair cover of the whole song.
A lot of the bands that have played this venues rock nights have been cover bands, so Alterica's approach to the gig fitted in quite well. They also have a lot of their own stuff, which they played in their recent set at Club 85, supporting Skindred, who's lead singer you could tell appreciated this band also and asked for Alterica's singer to return to the stage for one of the songs backing vocals.
The Liz n Ed gig had quite a few breaks between the set, reminding me of advert breaks, as if the gig was being transmitted on satellite T.V.
There were a few 'metal' cliqhes in the act - a foot resting on the amps and the guitarist showcasing his solo skills in true 'metal' tradition.
Although their front man played with his back to the audience, some of the time, they still put in an energetic effort despite their not being a mosh pit or large crowd capacity.

Review by Keith Pickering - www.bedfordmetal.co.uk