The Chopmeister spreads his wings and turns
promoter to launch the first of a series of extreme metal
nights in Birmingham.
I Hate You More took to the stage first
and bludgeoned their way through their set in customary
style. These songs are sounding crunchier and more menacing
with each performance. Crossed The Line was a murderous
opener, the band maintained this level of ferocity throughout
the rest of their time on stage. Very tight musically, they
all looked as if they were having a ball and started the
night off in fine fashion. Retrospect, Shame Will Be
My Forgiveness, Decide, Shattered Existence, Bloodshed,
Chokehold, and Unlock The Hatred completed
a professional and thoroughly entertaining display. Great
start to the night.
Hellfire. Unleashed their usual onslaught.
Same set as witnessed on numerous occasions, delivered in
trademark punishing fashion. The band featured three brothers
tonight - Jay on vocals and Roy on guitar being joined by
"our kid" Greg on bass, who was filling in for
usual bass player (also) Greg who is still recovering from
a painful back condition. Get well soon fella! Greg you
played a blinder and you genuinely wouldn't have known you
weren't a regular member of the band. Slick performance
all round, Big Al was his usual mad self behind the drumkit,
and Jay prowled around the front of the stage and gave his
all. Roy I'm not going to leave you out! Solid as ever fella.
Another quality set.
Slab. I'm running out of superlatives to
sum these guys up. Every time I play their album it gets
better (and I notice something different) and much the same
can be said of their live performances. Yet another stunning
set. Brave enough to start with a new song The Bite
and good enough musicians to make it sound like an old classic
they oozed quality throughout. Seriously if you haven't
seen them yet check them out - Friday at the Giffard or
Saturday at Costers, no excuses go!! Rest of the set was
Devilwalk, Vines, Conspiracy, Facebreak, a devastating
Chaos Bastard, Shot In The Street, Yi Zi Er Shi, a
rare outing for Cogumelo Blue - wow!! and closer
Tetradon. Quality end to a cracking evening.
At the risk of sounding like an Oscar acceptance speech
I'm going to do a few thank yous. To the three bands first
and foremost - great sets and thank you for your continued
support. All the crew, especially Stu for providing a sonic
wall of incredible clarity. My long suffering wife and "gig
widow" Em aka Pink, thanks for putting up with my obsession!
To all those who attended thank you for your support and
hope to see you at the next one. And of course The Bear
for their hospitality and supply of cold beer. Great night,
onwards and upwards now to Millennium of Blood 2 - Saturday
2nd August, Adrenaline, Forlorn and
Overproof - this will be a belter. Come on support
local metal!!! Hope to see you soon.....
