Kiuas,
first band of the night, there a melodic metal
band. The pace of the songs are quite mid paced
nothing too speedy here. The Bass seems to have
been turned up somewhat as its quite interrupting
at times. The guitar work isn’t too bad,
the songs allow for the guitarist to show off
a bit on the solos, his plying ain't too bad,
his vocals are pretty decent. The keys player
just seems to fill in the gaps. The talking. In
between songs seems a bit forced, seems fake and
just silly. The songs are overly lengthy and just
seem to go nowhere at times and then just end,
no real climax to the songs. There an average
metal band getting the basics right but nothing
to exciting here.
 The turn out tonight is disappointing to say the
least, about 300 people in here, and the widest
photo pit I've seen, not sure why it's that big
maybe to fill some space in the room, there's
also tables and chairs at the back.
Chthonic are the main support with the lovely
Doris on bass. There a melodic death metal band
from Taiwan, not normally my cup of tea admittedly
but tonight they are on top form and much better
than the last time I saw them. Jesse the lead
guitarist is on absolutely fantastic form some
of the solos he played we're outstanding, as was
Doris, but for me Jesses guitar playing really
stole the show for me. Freddie's vocals are not
my cup of tea but they certainly grew on me as
the set progressed, which is odd as it pretty
hard for things to grow on me once I’ve
made up my mind about something. The drumming
again spot on. All the elements tonight working
in perfect metal harmony and was much enjoyed
by myself and the crowd.
 Time for some battle metal with Turisas, they
must be disappointed with the turn out tonight
due to a local bonfire. I've never listened to
this band before, I have to say there more battle
than metal in the metal stakes, it's not an insult
but just how I hear it. The violin was quite surprising
as was the smell coming from the band, fresh to
say the least. Turisas are a pretty tight band,
there music is something you can imagine leading
some army into a battle, it's really catchy stuff,
songs like set opener The March of the Varangian
Guard, battle metal, Rasputin, great escape, one
more, sahti, fields, all great catchy songs. The
guitar work is pretty damn decent, there stage
show is pretty awesome it's good to watch and
a joy to photograph, the drumming, bass playing
all habitats certain rhythm that gives it that
battle metal feel. It all works so well but as
the set wore on, I just wanted to hear an out
and out metal song, just drop the battle for a
song or two and just thrash out, it would be a
refreshing change but other than that niggle,
I enjoyed the show.
Kiuas 2.5/5
Chtohonic 4/5
Turisas 4/5
Review By Robert Lawrence |
