Running on stage vocalist Jason Wood and Co. exploded into their first track, with the pit starting seconds after it was beginning to look like KITTIE would have some work to outdo the New Yorkers.

Next song up ‘Thankyou for Drinking’ sounds like it could be a KORPIKLAANI song! At all times the songs are heavy and relentless in their composition and delivery, with Chris Cappelli and Mike Hatalak completing the human assault of Nick Mirusso rapid fire double kits. Unfortunately for me after a few tracks in it all starts to sound bit monotonous, sorry guys!

Thankfully before being mentally written off as yet another Metalcore band, they pull ‘Miss October’ out the bag (not literally). With attitude to spare, Jason and co. gel as a band with this song, it is technically light years ahead of the majority of the set with a guitar solo to make you willie twitch.

Back on the subject of things that make your willie twitch the lights drop for the lovely, if not a bit scary, ladies of KITTIE. Maybe someone should have checked if they were actually ready to go on stage first, after a bit of a damp squid of an entrance KITTIE got down to business opening with the brutal ‘My Plague’ of their latest album ‘In the Black’.

It seemed to take a bit of time for the crowd to get into or maybe it was shell shock! With the moshers spent from IT DIES TODAY their wasn’t a total lack of atmosphere, in between each song calls of “I Love You (Insert favorite KITTIE here)!” seemed to have the Canadian bunch a bit bemused, this was definitely not a hostile crowd!

With a taste of the new album, set staples ‘Never Again’ and ‘What I Always Wanted’ took the atmosphere up a noch. In comparison to the last time I saw them in 2008 bassist Ivy Vujic looks like she’s been in the band from the beginning, a tight performance all round.

It was a surprise that nothing from their debut album ‘Spit’ was played, even their most famous song ‘Brackish’ was left out of the set (again) which might have left anyone seeing them for the first time disappointed, but that is a small gripe in what was another fine performance.

Rating:

IT DIES TODAY 3.1/5.0

Review and Photography by Alex Shaw

(It Dies Today Photo’s)

(Kittie Photo’s)

CHTHONIC have five albums under their belt, and have been in existence since 1995. Their on stage appearance is very much akin to the black metal standard, with all band members sporting black and white make-up, and the drummer and keyboard player both wearing scary masks. Frontman Freddy Lim is the linchpin of the band, and his howling screams instantly give the band a striking and obvious resemblance to the UK’s very own CRADLE OF FILTH.

CHTHONIC’s music is fast and powerful, and it is performed very well by a band who appear at first glance as being quite young. Female bass player Doris Yeh chugs out a fantastic rhythm, and it’s hard to believe she can produce such power given she has a similar frame to that of a stick insect. Guitarist Jesse Liu is an excellent player, and his riffs are good enough to ensure the band still sound the part with only the one guitar.

The vast majority of the set came from latest album ‘Mirror of Retribution’, and all the material sounded very impressive on first listen. Particular stand outs were the pummelling opener ‘Rise of the Shadows’, and the equally brutal ‘Forty-Nine Theurgy Chains’. Although extreme metal in nature, these songs are good examples of CHTHONIC’s ability to mix melody with awesome power.

CHTHONIC are a great band, and on the basis of tonight’s performance, they are sure to keep winning more fans in Europe. Few bands can pull off black metal without looking completely stupid, and one of those bands is certainly CHTHONIC. Recognition for such bands is usually in the form of festival invites, and I’m sure that Wacken won’t be the last European festival which is glad to showcase such a talented act.

Setlist: Rise of the Shadows / Bloody Gaya Fulfilled / Forty-Nine Theurgy Chains / Hearts Condemned / Blooming Blades / Relentless Recurrence / Spell of Setting Sun: Mirror of Retribution / Sing-Ling Temple / Grab the Soul to Hell / Venom in My Veins / Quasi Putrefaction

Photography by Alexander Shaw (Photo Gallery)

Next up, two old favourites: ‘Lego’ and ‘X-ray’ were played with true tenacity provoking a colossal response from the audience. One thing’s for sure, THE MACCABEES don’t worsen with age, instead, they mature into something beautiful; this gap between debut album Colour It In and Wall of Arms has seen the band evolve into a big pillar supporting the music scene.

The evidence is in the new songs they played, ‘Young lions’ is a lyrical masterpiece with a chirping melody to get anyone dancing and a song which I’m sure will be huge once released. ‘The pound is strong’ is an audacious attempt towards diversity with Orlando stepping back from the microphone to play an accordion with Felix taking up the vocals. ’17 Hands’ is the perfect summer anthem with a slow opening building up to a climatic finish with Orlando’s magnificently unique vocals holding together three different guitar riffs to lead your ears to ecstasy. ‘Can you give it’ is more of a simple affair with a chorus of “can you give it” repeated, however it is in no way a boring song, with a strong bass line and high pitched guitars, it shows what THE MACCABEES are all about. Final song of the night was ‘Love you better’, the best sounding of the new songs. It shows that a brilliant song can come out of the bare minimum, the entire band playing to their best and the lyrics speaking for themselves.

Other appearances within the set from Colour It In include ‘Toothpaste kisses’, ‘Mary’, and ‘Precious time’ which were all typically brilliant and just show that in no way will the old material be forgotten. Some people argue that the album could have been released a long time ago, especially considering that most of the new songs heard were played at the same venue about a year ago, however I believe that now the new material has been perfected properly, Wall of Arms is going to be a strong contender for album of 2009. In the end, after their tantalising performance, I only have kind words to say.

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Review by Alex Duncalf

The old MURDERDOLLS tune ‘Die My Bride’ was good to hear mid set, but it’s the more horror flick songs like ‘American Werewolves’ and ‘Happily Ever Cadaver’ that really do the trick for the crowd. As well as the odd illegal substance, WEDNESDAY 13 does have a love for his b-movie horror, and such an addiction inspires the lyrics for many of his songs. Such songs have created a niche in the market for WEDNESDAY 13, with the ‘horror metal’ genre almost single handidly created, after of course, a little direction from ALICE COOPER and KISS.

With a set comfortably covering over an hour, WEDNESDAY 13 had once again proved his worth as a good frontman. OK, his songs are hardly grammy winning material, but they are simple and easy to sing a long to, hence, they work really well in the live environment. This is a band that always play a good set, and will always be regarded as the ultimate hallowe’en partry band.

WEDNESDAY 13 Setlist: I Want You…Dead / My Home Sweet Homicide / House By The Cemetery / American Werewolves / Die My Bride / Happily Ever Cadaver / God Is A Lie / Graverobbing USA / Faith In The Devil / Rambo / 197666 / Curse Of Me / Haunt Me / Mr Motherfucker / Buried By Christmas / Dawn Of The Dead / Bad Things / I Walked With A Zombie / I Love To Say Fuck

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Review by James Allman

Photography by Alexander Shaw(click here)

With the crowd suitably warmed up thanks to THE EYES OF A TRAITOR, GOJIRA took to the, now much more spacious, stage. The first time I saw them was supporting INFLAMES last year and I was impressed with their sound and frantic onstage performance. With no sign of a stripy shirt or baguette in sight GOJIRA are a serious band with a fairly apocalyptic view of mankind’s impact on the world today. Not that much of it comes across live as Joe Duplantier’s death metal growling vocals are pretty hard to make out.

What you are left with is some truly epic songs. From the great set opener that is ‘Oroborus’ straight into the appropriately named ‘Heaviest matter of the Universe’ which got the mosh pit into full swing. Then it was down tempo for the eerie intro of ‘Love’, blasted away a minute later by Mario Duplantier’s double bass pedal thunder. Other set highlights were ‘Toxic Garbage Island’ and the set closer ‘Vacuity’ which is a master class of brutality onto itself!

So if you yearn for bit more out of your death metal bands check out GOJIRA live or sink your teeth into their latest album ‘The Way of All Flesh’.

Rating:

Review and Photography by Alexander Shaw(Photo Gallery)

Next up was BAD ATTITUDE, another Local band, Heavier than NEMO with a sound that can only be descirbed as a mix of 80′s Metal meets modern day alternative, and an image that is neither one… A good energetic show from a very young band.

With a decent turn out of 200 strong, the Headliners took to the stage showcasing newest member Kramer on drums for the first time. With other relatively new members Ian Lynan and Greeni fitting in as though they had always been in the band with Chris Khosa and Andy Law.

HEADRUSH kicked in with ‘A Thousand Pictures’ from the yet to be released debut album ‘Just Bring It On’ with a screaming Andy Law asking the crowd ‘Are You Ready?!’ judging by the strong crowd reaction they were! After blistering solo’s by both Lynan and Khosa the crowd had barely anytime to cheer as the band kicked straight into ‘Prisoner To The Night’ an epic track that has elements of Iron Maiden, Dio and Ozzy Osbourne all rolled into one! New drummer Kramer not dropping a beat throughout..

Next came the title track ‘Just Bring It On’ with Andy Law dedicating the song to ‘all the people who put you down and piss you off’ Perhaps HEADRUSH’s heaviest and most direct track with an AEROSMITH groove and huge chugging riff, Andy Law’s vocals scream through this track with a great attitude. New Track ‘Sacrifice (Your Life)’ carried on the heavy theme with awesome backing vocals on the hook laden chorus from Lynan and Khosa. A slicing solo full of shredding and high bends from Khosa followed and the song comes crashing to an abrupt end.

The HEADRUSH anthem then follwed up the heavy part of the set, Andy Law asks the crowd to get out their lighters and the respectable mid-week crowd lights the place up as the opening chords to ‘Saviour’ ring out. A commercial ballad that could surely be a hit, a sing-a-long chrous and soft ending seagues into the more metal driven ‘Consumed’ which is a another strong track that could be a single for the band.

‘Who wants a Party?’ asks Law as HEADRUSH rip into the crashing opening riff of ‘Perty Tonight’ a 70′s style KISS/SWEET style party anthem that gets the crowd going once again.

Then a surprise rendition of the Kinks ‘You Really Got Me’ done more in the vein of the VAN HALEN cover version gets the crowd singing along, Law’s vocals really suit this track. After Khosa handles most of the lead guitar work, the equally talented Ian Lynan then gets a chance to show off his skills with a short solo spot that has the crowd cheering at every stop. The band then launch into their 2007 single ‘Livin In A Fantasy’ and bring the set to a crashing end.

For a band that has had its fair share of line-up changes, HEADRUSH now look back on track, with a solid new line-up.

HEADRUSH Setlist: A Thousand Pictures / Prisoner To The Night / Just Bring It On / Sacrifice (Your Life) / Saviour / Consumed / Party Tonight / You Really Got Me / Livin’ In A Fantasy

HEADRUSH – 3.8/5.0

Review and Photography by Alexander Shaw

HEADRUSH gallery

Around a hundred hardy souls gathered in Stoke tonight to see what Hawkins had been musically up to over the past few years. Let's make one thing clear, tonight was not about reflection and past glories, with Hawkins happily ignoring any reference to THE DARKNESS. Those who had come to hear the likes of 'Growing on Me' and 'I Believe in a Thing Called Love' were destined to go home disappointed. The entire set was made up of songs that will presumably appear on HOT LEG's debut album, due to be released in January. The material was very enjoyable, of course, with Hawkins vocals, it does sound somewhat like THE DARKNESS – but there are some musical differences. The THIN LIZZY style guitar harmonies are gone, and the songs are a little more punchy, with some quite aggressive riffing, courtesy of impressive guitarist Pete Rinaldi.

The free download singles 'Trojan Guitar' and 'Heroes' were highlights as Hawkins pranced around the stage with his usual swagger. You can't help but have a smile on your face when you watch this guy strut his stuff. As a girl on the front row threw her shiny knickers at him, only Justin Hawkins would proceed to pick them up and wear them for the rest of the show. Hilarious stuff. Forthcoming Christmas single 'I've Met Jesus' is one to look out for, even if it's not likely to rival the past success of 'Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End)'.

If you were a fan of Justin Hawkins in THE DARKNESS, then HOT LEG will be right up your street. The hour set was nothing if not entertaining, even if it is a little frustrating to see a band whose material is unfamiliar to you. I couldn't help but crave a rendition of 'Get Your Hands Off My Woman' - but as yet another new songs 'Chickens' rounded things off, I had to give respect to Justin Hawkins for well and truly moving on. The best of luck to him…

HOT LEG Setlist: Cocktails / You Can't Hurt Me / Trojan Guitar / Gay In The 80's / Heroes / Whichever Way / Xtraordinarywoman / Prima Donna / Come Into My Arms / Do In The Dark / I've Met Jesus / Theme From Hot Leg / Chickens

HOT LEG Rating: 4.3/5.0

 
Review by James Allman

Photography by Alexander Shaw

It was SLAVES TO GRAVITY, a band who rose from the ashes of what were THE GA GA'S, who were up next and they proceeded to put in a memorable performance. The band's strong grunge influence shows though in their material, which sounds like a rocked-up ALICE IN CHAINS, with a modern twist. Energetic frontman Tommy Gleeson literally spit's out his vocals, his saliva raining down on the front row as the band ripped through songs from their impressive 2007 debut album 'Scatter the Crow'.

Unfortunately, Mark Verney's lead guitar was far too flow in the sound mix, and as a result, all of his flashy solos were wasted. Still, this only slightly hindered the enjoyment of the show, as SLAVES TO GRAVITY motored on with hit songs like 'Meantime' and 'Big Red'. After a 30 minute showcase, the band left the stage to a warm reception, and they had certainly left their mark on the Stoke audience.

That scary word 'emo' is rightly or wrongly attached to any number of bands these days, but one band who are unmistakably 'emo' are American post-hardcore foursome AIDEN. As tattooed frontman Wil Francis walked out to the front of the stage, he was grabbed all over by a bunch of rabid 13 year old girls, all dressed in those bizarre colourful hoodies, and some even having 'I love you Will' written on their arms in permanent marker pen. If ever I felt out of place at a gig, it was now.

AIDEN are a pretty entertaining live band, and do like to get around the stage. However, after about 40 minutes of their set, I became tired of their samey material. There are some decent songs like 'Die Romantic' for example, but most of the other stuff is quite forgettable, particularly to anyone who's teenage years are behind them. AIDEN were OK and certainly did a good job of getting the crowd worked up – but for me, the night belonged to SLAVES TO GRAVITY – a very promising band who made this night out worthwhile.

Ratings:

AIDEN: 2.9/5.0

SLAVES TO GRAVITY: 4.2/5.0

Review by James Allman

Photography by Alexander Shaw

SLAVES TO GRAVITY

AIDEN

ALESANA proved to be the best choice to start the night, allowing the crowd to warm up for the madness ahead. Each of their tracks evoked different responses. There is no doubt though that these lads from Raleigh in the States are a good band, it’s just that the incredible bands following after them happened to be better and managed to completely blow them out of the water. Best song “This Conversation Is Over” managed to convey the true potential of the band. If ALESANA were headlining their own tour, then Stoke would have given them a night they would have seriously remembered.

Next up was THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, during their set it appeared  that most of the crowd had come to see this Christian metal band. Coming onto the stage with true style, dramatic music accompanied the darkness, then as the band stepped on stage to a chorus of whistles and cheers, their opening note acted as the spark to ignite the potential madness that lay ahead.

The early appearance of “Texas Is South” proved to be one of the highlights of the entire night, as the opening lyrics were screamed back at the band “Good Evening, Good Evening. Good Evening, MISS!”, this was the one song that everyone had come to hear, by the end hearts were pounding, sweat was dripping from each and every hair, to sum the performance up in a word would be: epic. Other huge appearances in the set include “this song is called” and “HTML rulez d00d” however both were blown away by the finale, “Dogs Can Grow Beards All Over” which in my eyes was the pick of the night out of all the bands.

People complain that with bands like TDWP you can’t understand what the hell they’re saying or that everything sounds exactly the same, well with a strong middle finger towards these stains on society, everyone managed to know the words and were scrambling to the front to get a hold of the microphone and screech them out. THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA played to perfection with immense beatdowns and huge crowd participation. Mike on vocals managed to be very polite and concluded each and every song with a kind “thank-you”, and to finish the night off gave an exclamation to our saviour, Jesus Christ, which just shows that these lads still know where the band’s roots are at.

“Pick up your feet!” a simple order given by A DAY TO REMEMBER in the opening track “Fast Forward To 2012” was quickly obeyed by everyone, this was showmanship at its best. My earlier assumption that it was a “Prada” crowd here tonight was wrong, very wrong.

Midway into the set there was a very surprising guest appearance by Kelly Clarkson, well that’s not entirely true, more a cover of her hugely popular track “Since U Been Gone” was fed to the audience and met with huge applause. However, who knows whether its ADTR’s version or Kelly Clarkson’s version that everyone knew the lyrics to. The band urged on crowd-surfing, circle-pits, head-banging, the whole lot and the result was a night that was unforgettable.

“Monument”, old favourite “You Should Have Killed Me When You Had The Chance” and “Show ‘Em The Ropes” made it seem that the crowd had been given the rage virus from “28 days later” as everything went up yet another gear. And then before you knew it the night was over, ADTR had left the stage and said their thanks for coming along and seeing them, but obviously this wasn’t the last of them. The fact that “The Plot To Bomb The Panhandle” was missing from the entire set meant only one thing and one thing only, an encore to beat all encores. The Florida lads came back out and played their hearts out. It was truly memorable. So now you’ll understand why I stand by my earlier vow that download-goers are to be in for one serious treat.

Ratings:

A DAY TO REMEMBER: 4.8/5.0
 

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA: 4.8/5.0
  

ALESANA: 4.0/5.0

Review by Alex Duncalf

Photography by Alexander Shaw

A DAY TO REMEMBER

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA

ALESANA