Millennium Of Blood Halloween Gig – The Bear Tavern – Saturday 31st October 2009

A combination of a lack of a baby-sitter and Chop and Pink trying to recover from aggressive chest infections meant that the jolly woman ran things single handedly for the early part of the evening. I'm reliably informed that both Alunah and Skullfox put in quality performances but as my arrival wasn't until 10pm I missed them I'm afraid. However, thanks to Star and Stu, and a particularly patient third band, I did get to see the last two bands' sets in full.

 

Bastard Of The Skies were tonight's travellers having come down from Blackburn for the gig. I'm hugely grateful that they waited for my arrival before launching into their set. This was only their second gig in their current line-up, and I believe their first gig in Birmingham. Suitably attired for the occasion they were visually, as well as musically, impressive. Matt and Rob have gelled well and their twin guitar assault was chunky to put it mildly. The rhythm section of Claire and Matt were also well in tune with each other (despite one slight blip towards the end of their stint, but at least they both went with it!) and the band as a whole were tight. Tune after tune of concussive doom was unleashed with some of the slower sections being particularly brutal and malicious in their intent. Rumour has it there's another full length album in the pipeline – can't wait to hear it, naturally you know where to send a copy! Stunning – thank you! Setlist; “Deputy Lou Ford”, “You, Foe”, “(18 ½ Stone) Parts Unknown”, “(Tree Of) Woe”, “Just A Horse”, “Can You Fly Bobby?”, “Skies Of The Bastard”, “Cowards! Cowards!”, “Evensong”.

Which left Grimpen Mire to complete the carnage and they didn't disappoint. Since I first saw them at The Flapper they've improved dramatically, although they were good in the first place! Ian hit the kit phenomenally hard whilst Paul on bass and Jim on guitar completed the wall of doom laden sound. Vocals were from the more extreme end of doom yet they fitted well with the musical onslaught. For the most part they played all manner of doom, from traditional Black Sabbath or Trouble inspired sections, monolithic and funeral doom to Dream Death-style sludge, and also had a stoner element on occasion too. Guitar work was suitably distorted and there were lengthy solos unleashed throughout. MoB also witnessed its first stage diver, as a more than slightly hammered Slovakian decided to undertake a solo effort. Good job he was anaesthetised! An impressive set and a fine way to round off the evening's entertainment. Setlist; “Grimpen Mire – Part Two”, “The Rats In The Walls”, “Cross The Rubicon”, “Void”, “Grimpen Mire – Part One”, “Crawl To Cold Earth”, “Foredoomed”.

Thanks as ever to all who attended – appreciate your support. To Pink who went above and beyond the call of duty as she was far from well. Our ever friendly – yet stern! - custodian of the door Melissa (great outfit too!) and soundman par excellence Jim – great sound fella, definitely the best yet. Last but not least thanks again to Star and Stu for taking over babysitting duties and enabling me to see the last two bands.

The next gig is at the Actress And Bishop where Seregon, Flayed Disciple (great name – hope you've got XXL T shirts!) and Forlorn will be laying waste to all comers. Hope to see you there!!!

For more pics please see here