Adust – The Old Wharf – Sunday 13th September 2009

Steph's birthday gig saw four bands all raring to go and put on a good show..

Eyes Of The Skyrise were on first and for one reason and another I only managed to catch the last song of their set, which it has to be said sounded more than slightly ragged. Reserve judgement time...

Dakesis had impressed me at their recent Madhouse gig, and tonight's set was equally as enjoyable if less party based. They started off with a new song, a lengthy instrumental, curiously more in the modern prog area, before returning to more familiar power metal ground. Another new song, “Into The Light” had a heavier, faster feel, and they closed with a cover of Steel Panther's “Death To All But Metal”. Their stage presence is enviable, and you can't fault their enthusiasm – few bands I've seen this year can match their fun factor. I'd love to see what they'd be like on a bigger stage, but surely this is only a matter of time? Setlist; “Shield Of Achilles”, “Trial By Fire”, “Liar”, “Valhalla”, “Broken”, “Into The Light”, “After The Storm”, “440”, “Death To All But Metal”.

Beyond Redemption had only been playing as their current lineup for the last three weeks. Monitor issues and general sound problems early on didn't help, but after a shaky start they recovered well and their energetic fans were responsible for the most violent pit activity of the night – a wall of death in the 'Wharf? Whatever next... “Malicious” was their standout track by some way, but once they got into their stride in the second half of the set they sounded like a different band. Time in the rehearsal room and more gigs should ensure they are playing consistently reliable sets soon. Setlist; “Intro”, “The Reckoning”, “I Am The Voiceless”, “Sick Of You”, “Burning Sin”, “Malicious”, “Assault The Masses”, “Psychosocial”.

Adust's confidence and slickness have been growing with each performance and this was another enjoyable display. Not flawless, but still very good. The new EP has just been released– if they can couple it with the right tours who knows how far they can go? The new material is darker and more complex, with “The Evil That Dwells Within” looking to be a cornerstone of their live displays for years to come. There appeared to be issues with the monitors again early on, Dave got carried away and caught his headstock causing him to be out of tune during the set closer (although this was quickly remedied) otherwise it was another show of style and finesse. Setlist; “Enmity”, “Fall Of Man”, “The Evil That Dwells Within”, “Prinzessin”, “Blinded By Ignorance”, “The Damaged”, “The Inner Struggle”, “Forevermore”.